Alexandria, VA (July 28, 2026) – As the leading advocate and resource for the vision community, The Vision Council is helping members navigate yet another shift in U.S. trade policy. The existing Section 122 tariffs that had assessed a 10% duty on imports expired Friday, July 24, resulting in the Trump Administration imposing new tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 for 60 economies over alleged forced-labor violations. The affected countries include many of the optical industry's largest sourcing markets.

Alexandria, VA (June 4, 2026) – Following the U.S. Supreme Court's February decision limiting presidential authority under IEEPA, Section 122 duties have been in effect, but are set to expire July 24, 2026. Now, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has announced proposed new tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, citing forced labor concerns across more than 60 countries. For the optical industry, which sources frames, lenses, and components from many of the named countries, the impact could mean additional costs at every level of the supply chain. 

Alexandria, VA – May 6, 2026 – On May 5, The Vision Council, the national trade association for the optical industry, testified before the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) at a public hearing examining Section 301 investigations into structural excess capacity across 16 economies. The hearings are being held May 5–8 at the U.S. International Trade Commission in Washington, DC.

Omar Elkhatib, Director of Government Relations, testified on behalf of the association, urging USTR to exclude eyewear and optical products from any resulting tariff actions.

Alexandria, VA – March 6, 2026 – Today, The Vision Council announced the publication of its latest research report, Provider inSights Q3–Q4 2025. Findings show that eyecare providers experienced meaningful revenue improvements in the second half of 2025, even as tariffs, inflation, and staffing challenges continued to strain day-to-day operations. The report, based on a survey of more than 300 U.S.

Alexandria, VA – February 25, 2026 – In response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision limiting presidential authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), The Vision Council hosted a timely industry webinar to brief members on the implications of the ruling and the immediate shift in U.S. tariff policy. 

Optical leaders underscore the impact of tariffs on patients, independent eyecare practices, and access to essential vision care.

Alexandria, VA – November 19, 2025 — Last week, leaders from The Vision Council and representatives of U.S. eyewear manufacturers met with senior officials at the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to discuss how current tariffs on eyewear components and finished goods are affecting American manufacturers, increasing costs for patients, and challenging the overall competitiveness of the U.S. vision industry.

Alexandria, VA – October 29, 2025 – The Vision Council, the national trade association representing manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers in the optical industry, has submitted formal comments to the U.S. Department of Commerce in response to two ongoing Section 232 national security investigations that could lead to new tariffs on key products used by the optical industry.

Alexandria, VA – August 22, 2025 – The Vision Council announces the release of the Consumer inSights Canada Q1 and Q2 2025 report, offering a comprehensive overview of Canadian consumer behaviors and attitudes related to vision correction, eye exams, managed vision care, and eyewear purchasing.

Alexandria, VA — August 4, 2025 – The White House has issued formal notice that updated reciprocal tariffs for key trade partners will go into effect beginning August 7, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT, ending a temporary pause in enforcement first signaled in April 2025. These new measures pose a substantial challenge to the global sourcing, pricing and logistics strategies of businesses across the optical industry.