Milan is one of the biggest centres for the optics industry in Italy predominantly in its function as homebase for ANFAO (Associazione Nazionale Fabbricanti Articoli Ottici), which is the Italian Association of Optical Goods Manufacturers. In the decades since the association’s foundation in 1954, the city has cemented its position as a hub for innovation, craftsmanship, and international business in optics and the eyewear sector in particular. ANFAO played a critical role in unifying Italian optical companies and is responsible for promoting the “Made in Italy” label as a symbol of excellence worldwide. The Italian optics industry, guided by ANFAO, is all about pushing the envelope where creative innovation and technological advancement are concerned, and Milan is the ideal location for the association to attract buyers, investors and startups. A major force behind the industry's growth, ANFAO not only advocates for its member companies at national and international levels but also invests heavily in research and development. The association is a majority shareholder of CERTOTTICA, the National Institute for the Certification of Optical Products. One of ANFAO’s primary missions is to strengthen business relations with institutions. This synergy allows Italian eyewear manufacturers to maintain their competitive edge in global markets while protecting their interests within the European Union and beyond. A cornerstone of Milan’s optics industry is MIDO (Mostra Internazionale di Ottica, Optometria e Oftalmologia), the world’s premier eyewear trade fair. Organized by ANFAO, MIDO attracts thousands of industry professionals, from designers and manufacturers to retailers and distributors. Recognizing the importance of global reach, ANFAO actively supports the internationalization of Italian optical companies. By fostering relationships with key markets and participating in European sector federations such as Eurom1, ANFAO ensures that Italian eyewear remains a dominant force in the industry.