French family-owned business ventures into ophthalmic lens manufacturing.

LESA, a 42-year-old French family enterprise now led by its second generation, has made significant strides in the realm of visual aids. Originating with the production of magnifying glasses, lenses, and other optical instruments, the company expanded its horizons in 2020 by delving into ophthalmic lens manufacturing, all proudly produced in France.

Ophthalmic lenses designed for special purposes and made in France.

Nestled in the picturesque village of Milly-la-Forêt, approximately 60 km south of Paris, LESA France has been a stalwart in the industry for over four decades. Initially specializing in magnifying lenses, glasses, and specialized medical lamps, the company diversified its offerings to include spectacle lenses and optician sales aids over the past four years.

With a workforce of five, the company made a strategic decision in 2020 to internalize its lens production due to dissatisfaction with external suppliers in terms of delivery times and quality. "Initially, we outsourced our lens production, but were not content with the results," remarks Aurélien Pedler, the Managing Director of LESA.

Consequently, LESA embarked on producing its own lenses, opting for Satisloh machines – renowned for their quality and reliability in the optical industry. The decision to invest in Satisloh machines was made quickly.

LESA currently uses manual blocking and polishing machines, a VFT-orbit, an SCL dip coater and an MC-380-X.

Current challenges

In addition to broadening its customer base, LESA faces the challenge of catering to its niche market effectively. Apart from standard prescription lenses, the company specializes in high-prism lenses for congenital strabismus, lenses for computer use, and sporting applications such as mountaineering.

LESA distinguishes itself further by developing its own coating recipes, catering to various visual impairments such as color blindness, headaches, dyslexia, and epilepsy. The company's showroom presents an extensive array of colors and coatings, reflecting the founder's unwavering commitment to innovation. Aurélien Pedler continues to refine his recipes, viewing each challenge as an opportunity for growth.

Into The Future

With a customer base of approximately 6,000 in the vision aids sector, LESA is poised for expansion in the spectacle lens market. Equipped with state-of-the-art Satisloh machines, the company is confident in its technical capabilities.

Aurélien Pedler expresses satisfaction with the ongoing support from Satisloh, affirming that queries are addressed promptly, reflecting a commitment to customer satisfaction beyond the point of sale.