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Alexandria, VA – January 9, 2026—Today, The Vision Council announces the revision of the ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 American National Standard for Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices. This standard sets criteria related to the general requirements, testing, permanent marking, selection, care, and use of eye and face protectors to minimize the occurrence and severity or prevention of injuries from such hazards as impact, non-ionizing radiation, and liquid splash exposures in occupational and educational environments including, but not limited to, machinery operations, material welding and cutting, chemical handling, and assembly operations.
ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2025 represents the sixth revision of this voluntary industry consensus standard for eye and face protection, which is also codified in regulatory text by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), obliging employers to provide employees with appropriate safety eyewear and face protection that conforms to the industry standard.
This edition continues to emphasize product performance and harmonization with global standards to support innovation and responsiveness to diverse workplace hazards. The updated standard can be purchased here.
The Z87 committee has also created an Eye and Face Protection Selection Tool to assist in choosing the proper protection based on the hazard. The guide is available for free download here.
The Vision Council has created an Overview Guide for its members that can be viewed and downloaded here.
Key updates in this version include:
The references to other standards in this document are intended to refer to the version of that standard that was current at the time this document was published. Users should verify they are using the most recent version of any referenced standard, as standards are subject to periodic revision.
About Technical Standards
Technical standards serve as the backbone of the optical industry, ensuring that products perform reliably, safely, and consistently across global markets. Standards enable accurate prescriptions, guide the durability of lenses and frames, and help establish best practices for emerging technologies, directly impacting the experiences of patients, providers, and manufacturers alike.
“These updates are the result of a comprehensive five-year revision process,” said Michael Vitale, Vice President of Membership, Government Relations & Technical Affairs at The Vision Council. “The Vision Council is proud to have worked alongside industry experts to revise these standards to emphasize product performance and to support innovation and responsiveness to diverse workplace hazards.”
Through its leadership in standards development, The Vision Council ensures that the optical industry remains responsive to emerging technologies, evolving safety requirements, and global harmonization efforts. The organization’s active involvement in both national and international committees is a testament to its long-standing commitment to technical excellence and to fostering a stronger, more connected optical community.
For more information on technical standards or to access industry resources, visit thevisioncouncil.org.
About The Vision Council
The Vision Council brings the power of sight to all through education, government relations, research, and technical standards. A leading advocate for the optical industry, the association positions its members to deliver the eyewear and eyecare people need to look and feel their best. Vital to health, independence, and safety, better vision leads to better lives.
About the ASC Z80
Accredited Standards Committee Z80 for Ophthalmic Optics develops and maintains American National Standards within its scope and develops U.S. positions at ISO. The Z80 Committee, established in 1956, is a U.S. national standards developer accredited by ANSI. Its current chair is Dr. Carl Tubbs of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The committee, made up of 20 voting organizations and more than 200 participants, meets twice a year.
ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2025 represents the sixth revision of this voluntary industry consensus standard for eye and face protection, which is also codified in regulatory text by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), obliging employers to provide employees with appropriate safety eyewear and face protection that conforms to the industry standard.
This edition continues to emphasize product performance and harmonization with global standards to support innovation and responsiveness to diverse workplace hazards. The updated standard can be purchased here.
The Z87 committee has also created an Eye and Face Protection Selection Tool to assist in choosing the proper protection based on the hazard. The guide is available for free download here.
The Vision Council has created an Overview Guide for its members that can be viewed and downloaded here.
Key updates in this version include:
- A cross-reference to ANSI/ISEA Z87.62-2021, addressing protection against sprays or spurts of blood and other potentially infectious materials.
- Expanded clarification and requirements for product markings, including specific guidance on prescription lens carriers and detailed examples in Annex L.
- Updated and clarified language in sections related to impact testing, lens haze, and minimum coverage requirements to promote consistent test execution.
- Editorial improvements throughout the document, including reorganized content in hazard-specific sections for easier comprehension.
The references to other standards in this document are intended to refer to the version of that standard that was current at the time this document was published. Users should verify they are using the most recent version of any referenced standard, as standards are subject to periodic revision.
About Technical Standards
Technical standards serve as the backbone of the optical industry, ensuring that products perform reliably, safely, and consistently across global markets. Standards enable accurate prescriptions, guide the durability of lenses and frames, and help establish best practices for emerging technologies, directly impacting the experiences of patients, providers, and manufacturers alike.
“These updates are the result of a comprehensive five-year revision process,” said Michael Vitale, Vice President of Membership, Government Relations & Technical Affairs at The Vision Council. “The Vision Council is proud to have worked alongside industry experts to revise these standards to emphasize product performance and to support innovation and responsiveness to diverse workplace hazards.”
Through its leadership in standards development, The Vision Council ensures that the optical industry remains responsive to emerging technologies, evolving safety requirements, and global harmonization efforts. The organization’s active involvement in both national and international committees is a testament to its long-standing commitment to technical excellence and to fostering a stronger, more connected optical community.
For more information on technical standards or to access industry resources, visit thevisioncouncil.org.
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About The Vision Council
The Vision Council brings the power of sight to all through education, government relations, research, and technical standards. A leading advocate for the optical industry, the association positions its members to deliver the eyewear and eyecare people need to look and feel their best. Vital to health, independence, and safety, better vision leads to better lives.
About the ASC Z80
Accredited Standards Committee Z80 for Ophthalmic Optics develops and maintains American National Standards within its scope and develops U.S. positions at ISO. The Z80 Committee, established in 1956, is a U.S. national standards developer accredited by ANSI. Its current chair is Dr. Carl Tubbs of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The committee, made up of 20 voting organizations and more than 200 participants, meets twice a year.
