Pink October: Opticians and eyewear retailers committed to the cause

Every October, shop windows are adorned in pink: opticians' shops are no exception. It's not just a seasonal decoration, but a genuine act of solidarity within the industry… Here are the initiatives that stood out to us among those undertaken by eyewear professionals in 2026: we explore the campaigns currently underway, and the little-known link between breast cancer and eye health…

Pink October: the optics industry mobilized

Today, breast cancer accounts for 33% of cancers in women , with an estimated 61,214 new cases in 2023 and 12,757 deaths in 2022…

The organized screening program, free every two years for women aged 50 to 74 and offered by the national health insurance fund, sends an invitation to participate (by mail, email, or text message). Even today, early detection is key to reducing mortality from this cancer; however, many women do not attend.

Some brands are gradually taking up the cause: Atol, for example, became a sponsor of the Pink Ribbon campaign in 2023.

Pink October: Actions taken by opticians and retailers in 2026

Krys and Guess join forces and create a socially conscious capsule collection.

The collection consists of two exclusive frames, combining deep black and pink tortoiseshell, with a discreetly integrated pink ribbon.

Announced in stores from September 30, 2026, the partnership offers concrete financial measures: a donation of $10,000 will be made by Marcolin, Guess's eyewear partner, to the Get In Touch Foundation.

This organization's primary goal is to raise awareness and educate about breast health, and its flagship program, "Get In Touch & Daisy Wheel," aims to educate young girls about breast self-examination. Tools and kits are even provided to help them perform this self-examination throughout their lives.

Morel donates €2 per frame purchased to the Pink Ribbon association.

A selection of Morel frames dedicated to the Pink October event will be offered to customers of the online store between October 1st and 31st, 2026 in order to raise €2 per pair of glasses sold, in support of preventive actions led by the association.

A collector's key ring created for the occasion will also be included in the relevant packages, as a special thank you.

And as every year, several Morel employees also joined the Pink March in the town of Champagnole.

Fourth Pink October for Yalea by De Rigo France

Through its women's brand Yalea, De Rigo France is renewing its commitment to the Pink Ribbon campaign for the fourth consecutive year, donating 10% of its sales to the cause.

Two models are featured in this campaign: sunglasses and optical frames. Both display the pink ribbon on their temples.

Internationally, the parent company De Rigo also supports the Know Your Lemons Foundation, which works to raise awareness about breast cancer screening.

Anne Leroy: independent optician and committed to Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Support for breast cancer research, prevention and care is not reserved solely for large optical and eyewear chains…

Anne Leroy, optician of "Votre Opticienne" in Clamart, is showing her commitment again this year: throughout October, for every optical item purchased in her store, €5 will be donated to Gustave Roussy, the leading cancer center in Europe.

Pink October: what about previous initiatives in the sector?

Last year, the online optician Visiofactory donated €1 per pair of women's eyeglasses sold in October.

In 2024, pink sunglasses with tinted lenses and engraved with a pink ribbon were sold by Novacel during a charity sale to benefit the Godinot Institute (Reims) and the ANAT of Omois.

Breast cancer and visual health: a little-known link?

Did you know? Breast cancer treatments can also affect the eyes…

According to this ophthalmology report, conventional chemotherapies can lead to ocular complications, from simple tearing to, sometimes, vision loss due to optic neuropathy; dry eye remains the most benign and frequent effect of the treatments.

Radiotherapy, which is more targeted, does not exclude dryness or damage to the optic nerve, hence the importance of integrating the ophthalmologist into the care team.

For an optician, this is therefore a legitimate angle for providing advice, listening to a client's visual complaints during treatment and referring her to her ophthalmologist if necessary.

Pink October: the gesture that counts the most

Buying pink frames to support the cause: yes! But remember: this does not replace promoting early detection and mammograms.

If you are between 50 and 74 years old, have a family history of breast cancer, or have any doubt after self-examination, make an appointment with a certified radiologist at "I'm getting screened" .

Photo credit: Featured image by Tara Winstead