Founded in Lyon in 1995 by François Fort, the Opal company began its design and distribution business by focusing on the children’s frames market.
In 1999, Ophtal joined the Opal group. Its director Alain Lepetit brought his expertise in the own-brand market, notably with the Owlet range. This has since become the number one range in the French second-pair market.
In 2002 the launch of adult ranges led to even more rapid growth for the company.
In 2007 Opal moved its head office to a new building of 1,500 m2 on 3 floors in the avenue Joannès Masset (in Lyon’s 9th arrondissement).
In 2009 the company continued its development. External growth was made with the acquisition of three new licenses: Tartine et Chocolat, Oxbow and Catimini. This allowed Opal to become a leading European company in optical frames for children and teenagers. This acquisition marked a new stage in Opal’s commercial strategy.
In 2010 Opal acquired rights to the Disney licenses, Cars, Disney Princess and Winnie the Pooh. This further reinforced its dominant position in the children’s segment.
In 2011, Opal launched a new range of polarized sunglasses: POLABYOPAL. This new brand is part of the OPAL DIRECT department’s development strategy. 
