The Association was founded in Milan in 1954 by a group of entrepreneurs who were determined to bring together companies in the sector in an association that was a member of Confindustria. 

ANFAO supports, promotes and looks after the interests of the eyewear industry in Italy and worldwide. The ultimate goal of all activities is the all-round growth of the sector. The mission promoted by the ANFAO System is implemented through diversified actions in different areas of activity.

All companies based in the national territory that manufacture spectacles, lenses, optical items and instruments of any kind, their components and accessories or companies that carry out at least 2 of the 3 typical activities of an industrial company: design, production, marketing can become members of ANFAO.