For over 40 years the Class Optical Group has been active in the manufacture importation and retailing of contact & prescription lenses as well as spectacles. Among the founders of Class (Contact Lens Association) were two of the current directors, Robert Tua and Cyril Gabarretta, who formed a consortium with other local opticians in 1983 to start manufacturing contact lenses and optical frames when the Malta government introduced import restrictions. 

Offices were acquired in the capital city - Valletta, and for several years the company supplied contact lenses and spectacles to the local market. In time all other shareholders were bought out so that the two family groups remained the sole shareholders.

Following the lift of the import restrictions Class started importing contact lenses and spectacle frames from large, multi-national suppliers into Malta, and in 1987 a trading department was opened. This enabled new lines of optical products to be distributed as well as other pharmaceutical products.

Class set up its own prescription lens manufacturing facility and an optical edging laboratory in Bulebel. Since the two founding family groups had multiple retail outlets, Class was already the largest buying group in its field in Malta. The next step was to expand into wholesale, supplying similar retailers with contact lenses and lens care products, including local pharmacies. Within five years Class was meeting most of Malta’s needs.

The nineties also saw the start of Class Optical Group’s very own chain of optical stores – the Vision Opticians retail outlets. This chain has since grown to include several outlets in various localities in Malta and Gozo. 

As the company approached its 30th anniversary in 2013, the two main directors, with the consent of the main shareholders, decided to gradually pass on leadership making way for a new phase in the company’s development. A non-family, non-executive Chairman was appointed and another non-family Chief Executive Officer has now taken over the company’s leadership and management operations.

Class Optical entered an exciting new chapter with a bond issue on the prospects market at 4.9% maturing in 2032. The issue was fully subscribed before its official launch. The funds are allocated for the expansion and completion of the new premises and the development of our export channels with the key focus on optical retailing and optical lens manufacturing for both the North African and European markets. 

Class Optical acquired the NAU! franchise for Malta, starting with an outlet in Sliema and expanding to three, including one in Gozo. This brand has expanded market targets while receiving strong support from Class's functional units. 

Finishing and fitting  of our new premises, with the most recent being completion of the lab and furnishing of our staff lunchroom and terrace.   

Encouraged by recent political stability in Libya, Class Optical has fully resumed  its onsite B2B business operations in the region and appointed a new General Manager on the ground. The focus is on reconnecting with clients from before 2011 and expanding the Vision Opticians retail chain. This initiative aims to tap into the regenerated market, providing high-quality optical products and services. The company's strategy includes opening new retail outlets, enhancing its market presence, and establishing long-term relationships with local partners and customers. This expansion reflects Class Optical’s commitment to growth and adaptability in dynamic environments.