The Vision Council Discusses Tariffs with US Trade Representatives

Representative from The Vision Council and US eyewear manufacturers met with US Trade Representative (USTR) officials to discuss how tariffs on eyewear components and finished products are affecting American manufacturers, increasing costs for patients, and challenging the overall competitiveness of the US vision industry.

The USTR representatives included Marshall Stallings, director for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement, and Sarah Short, director for Industrial Trade Policy. Ashley Mills, CEO; Omar Elkhatib, senior manager of Government Relations, represented the Vision Council, with Ken and Paula Weissman, owners of Modern Optical; and Giulia Valmassoi, CEO of Thema Optical North America.

“Tariffs continue to challenge American optical businesses, suppressing market competitiveness and creating barriers to growth for wholesalers, manufacturers, optical laboratories and retailers,” said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. “We are committed to working with federal partners to create policies that strengthen domestic manufacturing, reduce costs for patients, and ensure that all Americans have access to high-quality vision care.”

The group discussed the ways in which the tariffs constrain domestic growth, limiting hiring, expansion, and research and development, while driving up consumer prices and putting pressure on small, family-owned manufacturers across the country.

The Vision Council emphasized the strong potential of U.S. eyewear manufacturing to drive job creation, expand export capacity, and support sustainable economic growth. They also advocated for a strengthened “Made in USA” labeling policy designed to reward companies that invest, hire, manufacture, and distribute domestically.

The meeting also included discussions on the rise in out-of-pocket eyewear expenses by roughly 10% this year; the growing needs of American patients, with more than 61% of Americans relying on prescription eyewear; the fact that seniors, children, and Medicaid beneficiaries are most affected; the need for consistent tariff treatment across low-risk Class I medical devices; and how tariff relief could accelerate onshoring and supply-chain resilience.

“I truly appreciated how open and receptive the USTR representatives were during our discussion,” said Giulia Valmassoi, CEO of Thema Optical North America. “I’m grateful to The Vision Council for organizing this important dialogue and for ensuring that the voices of American manufacturers are heard.”