In 2025, EssilorLuxottica began rolling out audiology services across its network of optometry practices. Initially offering hearing tests and hearing aids, the launch of Nuance Audio – eyewear that integrates directional hearing support – has broadened the company’s portfolio beyond vision correction into integrated hearing solutions. EssilorLuxottica now offers complete optical and audiology services. mivision spoke to Naomi Nicolinas, Director of Audiology Services for EssilorLuxottica ANZ, to find out more.
Q. Tell me about EssilorLuxottica’s audiology model: how does it fit into the eye care practice?
OPSM’s audiology model has been designed to integrate seamlessly within the existing eye care journey, creating a more holistic approach to sensory health.
Many customers visiting OPSM already fall within the demographic most likely to experience hearing difficulties, making audiology a natural extension of optometry services. Hearing conversations are introduced early, often during welcome calls or appointment confirmations, helping to set expectations ahead of the visit.
In store, customers attending an eye test are offered a complimentary hearing screening as part of their pre-test experience. Delivered by retail team members and taking just five minutes to complete, the screening creates a consistent, team-based patient journey.
If signs of hearing loss are identified, the customer is referred to an audiologist for a full diagnostic assessment. OPSM audiologists deliver hearing care for adults, including diagnostics and treatments such as hearing aids and rehabilitation. Built on a close collaboration with audiology, optometry, and retail teams, the model normalises hearing care within a familiar, trusted environment. By bringing vision and hearing services together under one roof, OPSM is making earlier intervention more accessible while delivering a more convenient, patient-centred healthcare experience.
Q. What training do your audiologists receive?
Degree-qualified audiologists who join OPSM receive comprehensive face-to-face training designed to equip them with the skills to work within a multidisciplinary environment. This includes clinical onboarding for audiologists across systems, workflows, and delivery of hearing care within the broader optical model.
Training also extends to optometry and retail teams, equipping them to conduct hearing screenings, support hearing health care, and confidently engage customers in conversations around hearing health and early detection.
Q. I understand that your optometrists can train in audiology – what does this entail?
Optometrists can be upskilled to support hearing care through audiometry training pathways. This typically involves completing a formal qualification, such as a Certificate IV in Audiometry, which provides the foundational skills to perform a hearing assessment, and to prescribe and fit hearing devices.
Q. Is there a particular target market for EssilorLuxottica/OPSM’s audiology service – i.e., from low hearing loss through to what stage?
Screenings are offered to all existing and new customers, with a particular focus on adults aged 45 years and over, where research shows hearing commonly begins to decline. Our audiology service supports customers across a full spectrum of hearing needs, from early- to severe-stage hearing loss.
Q. How has your audiology service been received by customers?
The customer response has been overwhelmingly positive. A lot of customers have been meaning to get their hearing checked but haven’t gotten around to it. The convenience of addressing both eye and ear health under one roof removes the barriers that often delay action. Being introduced within a familiar and trusted optometry environment also makes the transition feel natural and reassuring.
Q. Tell me about Nuance Audio eyewear – how have customers received this very new concept?
Nuance Audio is an invisible hearing solution built into a pair of glasses, combining vision and hearing support in one wearable solution. Designed for people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, the frames feature discreet directional microphones and open-ear speakers built seamlessly into the arms.
Customer response has been positive, particularly from customers who are interested in exploring options beyond traditional hearing aids.
Many customers appreciate the discretion of the design, which removes the stigma associated with traditional hearing aids and the convenience of addressing both hearing and vision together. In-store demos are available at all our stores, and customers often come in after seeing advertising or word of mouth.
Q. What frame shapes and brands is Nuance Audio available in, and are the options expanding?
Nuance Audio is available in 18 different options across styles, calibres, and colours. Customers can choose between our panthos (round) or square styles, available in three frame colours (shiny black, burgundy, and blue) and three calibres to suit different face shapes. All models are available in prescription or plano lenses, with standard plano also offered with Transitions Gen S in grey or emerald.
Q. What is the process to prescribe Nuance Audio?
As Nuance Audio is an over-the-counter hearing device, a hearing assessment is not a mandatory step, therefore the sale and the setup can be handled by the retail and optical teams.
However, for patients entering through the audiology pathway, a full diagnostic assessment is conducted. If Nuance is recommended as a suitable solution, the patient is then referred to the retail team to finalise their eyewear selection, including lenses and an optical prescription where required.
Q. Are there any limits to what Nuance Audio glasses can achieve for patient hearing?
Nuance Audio is designed for people with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Customers who present with more significant hearing loss are referred to our audiologists for further diagnostic testing.
Q. Along with Nuance Audio, what other audiology products does EssilorLuxottica prescribe?
Alongside Nuance Audio, OPSM’s audiologists also recommend and fit traditional hearing devices. For patients with more significant hearing loss, traditional hearing devices remain the clinically recommended approach. This ensures each patient receives a solution tailored to their hearing loss, lifestyle needs, and long-term hearing health outcomes.
Naomi Nicolinas, Director of Audiology Services for EssilorLuxottica ANZ.
Building the Foundations of a Service
Marissa Varrica graduated with a Master of Clinical Audiology from Macquarie University and completed a Certificate II in Auslan. She began her career at Bay Audio as a Clinical Audiologist across multiple clinics and, 18 months later, joined OPSM Castle Towers in Sydney.
“Starting at OPSM as the first audiologist in NSW was an exciting opportunity to contribute to the company’s foundations for client-focused hearing care. I was ready for a challenge and saw this move as a rare opportunity to build audiology from the ground up, while being a part of a trusted and well-established brand,” Ms Varrica told mivision.
“Having worked in an established clinical setting, my new environment has provided me with more independence and responsibility, managing and shaping patient care to achieve best outcomes.
“I’ve taken on more of a leadership role, helping to shape the way we deliver audiology services to patients. Day to day, I support and collaborate with multiple optometry and retail teams – each with its own rhythm and community – to integrate audiology alongside optometry to create a more holistic approach. There is never a dull moment.”
Making a Difference
 For Kim Hoang, practice manager and optometrist at EyeQ Camberwell, in Melbourne, the ability to prescribe Nuance Audio has made a profound difference to her role.
“We introduced Nuance Audio at EyeQ Camberwell to facilitate a more holistic approach to care for all of our patients. “As an optometrist, seeing how this technology has improved quality of life for so many has been professionally and personally rewarding. Consequently, where appropriate Nuance Audio has become part of my usual conversations with patients.” |
