SIST EN ISO 8980-4:2026
(Main)Ophthalmic optics - Uncut finished spectacle lenses - Part 4: Specifications and test methods for the properties of anti-reflective coatings and hydrophobic coating (ISO 8980-4:2026)
General Information
- Abstract
This document specifies optical and non-optical requirements and the test methods for anti-reflective and hydrophobic properties of coatings on spectacle lenses.
This document does not apply to the following topics:
requirements and test methods incorporated in other ISO 8980 series standards;
the colour of the reflected light.
- Status
- Published
- Public Enquiry End Date
- 29-Jun-2025
- Publication Date
- 20-Jul-2026
- Technical Committee
- VAZ - Healthcare
- Current Stage
- 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 17-Jul-2026
- Due Date
- 21-Sep-2026
- Completion Date
- 21-Jul-2026
Overview
SIST EN ISO 8980-4:2026 specifies requirements and test methods for the properties of anti-reflective coatings and hydrophobic coatings applied to uncut finished spectacle lenses. Developed by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST), this document outlines both optical and non-optical properties essential to lens coating performance, such as reflectance characteristics, water repellency, and durability. This part of the ISO 8980 series focuses exclusively on coatings, making it an important reference for manufacturers, laboratories, and quality assurance professionals in the ophthalmic optics industry.
The standard does not address requirements and test methods already covered in other parts of the ISO 8980 series, nor does it encompass the color of reflected light.
Key Topics
Optical and Non-Optical Requirements:
- Specifications for anti-reflective and hydrophobic coatings.
- Performance parameters including luminous and mean reflectance, contact angle, and durability.
Test Methods:
- Procedures for determining reflectance using spectrophotometric equipment.
- Methods for measuring water repellency via static contact angle.
- Durability evaluation with environmental and rubbing simulations.
Usable Coated Area:
- Requirements for the diameter of functional coating coverage on lenses.
Durability Assessment:
- Criteria for resistance to deterioration such as delamination or loss of coating adhesion in normal use.
Reporting and Compliance:
- Guidance on the information to be provided upon request, including reflectance values and compliance declarations.
Applications
SIST EN ISO 8980-4:2026 finds practical use throughout the ophthalmic optics sector:
Manufacturing:
- Ensures consistency and quality of anti-reflective and hydrophobic coatings during lens production.
- Supports product development by setting clear benchmarks for coating performance.
Quality Assurance:
- Provides standardized testing routines for verifying coating properties such as reflectance, water repellency, and robustness.
- Enables manufacturers and independent laboratories to demonstrate compliance with international standards.
Product Labeling & Market Access:
- Facilitates claims about anti-reflective or hydrophobic performance backed by recognized assessments.
- Supports regulatory conformity and global trade by aligning with the ISO 8980 series.
End-User Value:
- Helps ensure that finished spectacle lenses provide the functional benefits advertised, such as clearer vision and easier cleaning.
Related Standards
ISO 8980-4 is part of a broader family of standards in ophthalmic optics, addressing other key aspects of spectacle lens manufacturing and performance:
- ISO 8980-1: Specifications for single-vision and multifocal lenses.
- ISO 8980-2: Specifications for progressive power lenses.
- ISO 8980-3: Transmittance specifications and test methods.
- ISO 14889: Fundamental requirements for uncut finished lenses.
- ISO 13666: Vocabulary for spectacle lenses.
Other relevant standards referenced within ISO 8980-4 relate to test apparatus and substances:
- ISO 48: Hardness determination in rubber.
- ISO 3696: Specifications for laboratory water.
Practical Value
Adopting SIST EN ISO 8980-4:2026 supports a transparent, rigorous approach to quality assurance for spectacle lens coatings. This not only increases consumer trust but also streamlines international trade by providing clear and recognized criteria for coating performance. The standard is a valuable resource for anyone involved in the development, testing, or selection of finished spectacle lenses with advanced coatings, ensuring that products deliver reliable anti-reflective and hydrophobic benefits as expected in real-world use.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2026
Get Certified
Connect with accredited certification bodies for this standard

BSI Group
BSI (British Standards Institution) is the business standards company that helps organizations make excellence a habit.

TÜV Rheinland
TÜV Rheinland is a leading international provider of technical services.

TÜV SÜD
TÜV SÜD is a trusted partner of choice for safety, security and sustainability solutions.
Sponsored listings
Frequently Asked Questions
SIST EN ISO 8980-4:2026 is a standard published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Ophthalmic optics - Uncut finished spectacle lenses - Part 4: Specifications and test methods for the properties of anti-reflective coatings and hydrophobic coating (ISO 8980-4:2026)". This standard covers: This document specifies optical and non-optical requirements and the test methods for anti-reflective and hydrophobic properties of coatings on spectacle lenses. This document does not apply to the following topics: requirements and test methods incorporated in other ISO 8980 series standards; the colour of the reflected light.
This document specifies optical and non-optical requirements and the test methods for anti-reflective and hydrophobic properties of coatings on spectacle lenses. This document does not apply to the following topics: requirements and test methods incorporated in other ISO 8980 series standards; the colour of the reflected light.
SIST EN ISO 8980-4:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 11.040.70 - Ophthalmic equipment. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
SIST EN ISO 8980-4:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to SIST EN ISO 8980-4:2006. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
SIST EN ISO 8980-4:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2026
Nadomešča:
SIST EN ISO 8980-4:2006
Očesna optika - Nebrušena zglajena stekla očal - 4. del: Specifikacije in preskusne
metode za lastnosti antirefleksnih prevlek in hidrofobno prevleko (ISO 8980-
4:2026)
Ophthalmic optics - Uncut finished spectacle lenses - Part 4: Specifications and test
methods for the properties of anti-reflective coatings and hydrophobic coating (ISO 8980-
4:2026)
Augenoptik - Rohkantige fertige Brillengläser - Teil 4: Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren
für die Eigenschaften von reflexmindernde und hydrophobe Vergütungen (ISO 8980-
4:2026)
Optique ophtalmique - Verres de lunettes finis non détourés - Partie 4: Spécifications et
méthodes d'essai relatives aux propriétés des traitements antireflet et hydrophobe (ISO
8980-4:2026)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 8980-4:2026
ICS:
11.040.70 Oftalmološka oprema Ophthalmic equipment
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EN ISO 8980-4
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
July 2026
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 11.040.70 Supersedes EN ISO 8980-4:2006
English Version
Ophthalmic optics - Uncut finished spectacle lenses - Part
4: Specifications and test methods for the properties of
anti-reflective coatings and hydrophobic coating (ISO
8980-4:2026)
Optique ophtalmique - Verres de lunettes finis non Augenoptik - Rohkantige fertige Brillengläser - Teil 4:
détourés - Partie 4: Spécifications et méthodes d'essai Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren für die
relatives aux propriétés des traitements antireflet et Eigenschaften von reflexmindernde und hydrophobe
hydrophobe (ISO 8980-4:2026) Vergütungen (ISO 8980-4:2026)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 3 July 2026.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 8980-4:2026 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
European foreword
This document (EN ISO 8980-4:2026) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 172 "Optics
and photonics" in collaboration with Technical Committee CEN/TC 170 “Ophthalmic optics” the
secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by January 2027, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by January 2027.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN ISO 8980-4:2006.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards
body/national committee. A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the
United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 8980-4:2026 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 8980-4:2026 without any
modification.
International
Standard
ISO 8980-4
Third edition
Ophthalmic optics — Uncut finished
2026-06
spectacle lenses —
Part 4:
Specifications and test methods
for the properties of anti-reflective
coatings and hydrophobic coatings
Optique ophtalmique — Verres de lunettes finis non détourés —
Partie 4: Spécifications et méthodes d'essai relatives aux
propriétés des traitements antireflet et hydrophobes
Reference number
ISO 8980-4:2026(en) © ISO 2026
ISO 8980-4:2026(en)
© ISO 2026
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
ISO 8980-4:2026(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Requirements . 2
4.1 General requirements .2
4.2 Usable diameter of coated area .3
4.3 Luminous and mean reflectances . .3
4.4 Water repellency .3
4.5 Durability .3
5 Testing. 3
5.1 General .3
5.2 Anti-reflective coating .3
5.2.1 Method of determination of spectral reflectance .3
5.2.2 Determination of spectral reflectance values.4
5.2.3 Determination of luminous reflectance .4
5.2.4 Determination of mean reflectance .4
5.2.5 Information to be made available on request .4
5.3 Hydrophobic coating .5
5.3.1 Contact angle measurement apparatus .5
5.3.2 Water for testing . .5
5.3.3 Sample.5
5.3.4 Procedure .5
5.4 Determination of durability . .6
5.4.1 Equipment and consumables. .6
5.4.2 Test specimens .6
5.4.3 Test method: environmental cycling combined with rubbing sequences .6
5.4.4 Evaluation . .7
6 Reference to this document. 7
Annex A (informative) Significance of ρ and ρ in the description of anti-reflective coated
v M
lenses . 8
Annex B (normative) Environmental sequence . 9
Annex C (normative) Rubbing sequence procedure .11
Annex D (normative) Evaluation of surface quality .13
Annex E (informative) Examples of lenses passing and failing the visual evaluation .15
Annex F (informative) Examples of environmental sequence .16
Annex G (informative) Examples of a rubbing tool and components .18
Annex H (informative) Example of a contact angle test apparatus .20
Bibliography .22
iii
ISO 8980-4:2026(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 172, Optics and photonics, Subcommittee SC 7,
Ophthalmic optics and instruments, in collaboration with the European Committee for Standardization
(CEN) Technical Committee CEN/TC 170, Ophthalmic optics, in accordance with the Agreement on technical
cooperation between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 8980-4:2006), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— the title has been updated;
— the scope has been expanded to include properties of hydrophobic coatings;
— the scope has been defined to exclude requirements and test methods found in other standards within
the ISO 8980 series;
— normative references, terms and definitions relating to hydrophobic properties have been added in
Clause 2 and 3;
— test methods for properties of hydrophobic coatings have been added in Clause 5 and informative and
normative Annexes C, D and E.
A list of all parts in the ISO 8980 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
International Standard ISO 8980-4:2026(en)
Ophthalmic optics — Uncut finished spectacle lenses —
Part 4:
Specifications and test methods for the properties of anti-
reflective coatings and hydrophobic coatings
1 Scope
This document specifies optical and non-optical requirements and the test methods for anti-reflective and
hydrophobic properties of coatings on spectacle lenses.
This document does not apply to the following topics:
— requirements and test methods incorporated in other ISO 8980 series standards;
— the colour of the reflected light.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 48-2, Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic — Determination of hardness — Part 2: Hardness between 10
IRHD and 100 IRHD
ISO 8980-1, Ophthalmic optics — Uncut finished spectacle lenses — Part 1: Specifications for single-vision and
multifocal lenses
ISO 8980-2, Ophthalmic optics — Uncut finished spectacle lenses — Part 2: Specifications for power-variation
lenses
ISO 8980-3, Ophthalmic optics — Uncut finished spectacle lenses — Part 3: Transmittance specifications and
test methods
ISO 13666:2019, Ophthalmic optics — Spectacle lenses — Vocabulary
ISO 14889, Ophthalmic optics — Spectacle lenses — Fundamental requirements for uncut finished lenses
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions given in ISO 13666 and the following
apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
ISO 8980-4:2026(en)
3.1
durability
ability to resist deterioration of its reflectance characteristics, over time, in
intended use
Note 1 to entry: The major factors contributing to deterioration of an anti-reflective coating are rubbing, heat, UV
radiation and humidity.
Note 2 to entry: The main failure affecting the durability of anti-reflective properties is a loss of adhesion. Therefore,
requirements of this document are related to anti-reflective coating adhesion.
3.2
static contact angle
θ
angle in the vertical plane between the solid surface of the specimen and the tangent to the surface of a
droplet of liquid resting on the surface at the interface of air, liquid and the substrate under normal air
conditions
Note 1 to entry: The static contact angle is illustrated in Figure 1.
Key
1 surface of the droplet of liquid
2 surface of the lens
Figure 1 — Illustration of contact angle
3.3
hydrophobic coating
coating on the top of the lens surface or surface coating layers having water repellent properties
Note 1 to entry: A number of trade names, such as self-cleaning, hydrophobic, water repellent, waterproof are applied
to this type of coating.
Note 2 to entry: It is generally considered that a hydrophobic surface has a static water contact angle that is greater
than or equal to 90°.
Note 3 to entry: Hydrophobic coatings are frequently used to provide anti-fouling properties, i.e. ease of cleaning
4 Requirements
4.1 General requirements
Anti-reflective coated and hydrophobic coated lenses shall comply with the general requirements concerning
the finished spectacle lens specifications in ISO 8980-1, ISO 8980-3 and ISO 14889. This document applies to
lenses that are antireflective coated or hydrophobic coated, or a combination of both.
NOTE 1 For further information on the properties of anti-reflective coatings, see Annex A.
ISO 8980-4:2026(en)
NOTE 2 The reflectance characteristics of an anti-reflective coating should not significantly change due to
deterioration of the coating in intended use.
4.2 Usable diameter of coated area
The usable diameter of the coated area for uncut finished spectacle lenses shall be ≥(d -4) mm, where d is
n n
the nominal diameter of the lens, in millimetres, indicated by the manufacturer.
4.3 Luminous and mean reflectances
The luminous reflectance, ρ , and the mean reflectance, ρ , of an anti-reflective coated lens shall be
V M
determined by the method specified in 5.2.2.
If the manufacturer specifies values for luminous and mean reflectances, the measured values shall not
exceed the specified values by more than 20 %.
When determined as described in 5.2.3, the luminous reflectance, ρ , of any anti-reflective coated lens
V
surface shall be less than 2,5 %.
4.4 Water repellency
The static contact angle of water for the front surface of a lens with hydrophobic coating shall be determined
by the method specified in 5.3.
For lenses for which the hydrophobic property is claimed, the mean static contact angle of water shall be
greater than or equal to 90°.
4.5 Durability
Under the conditions described in the test method given in 5.4, five consecutively tested lenses shall be free
of significant loss of adhesion as defined in 5.4.4.
A product meets the durability requirements of this document if all five lenses tested satisfy this criterion.
5 Testing
5.1 General
This clause specifies type test methods for anti-reflective and hydrophobic coatings on spectacle lenses. At
least 24 h shall elapse after coating before any type test is carried out. Lenses shall be stored at a temperature
of 20 °C to 26 °C.
5.2 Anti-reflective coating
5.2.1 Method of determination of spectral reflectance
5.2.1.1 Apparatus
Use any dual-beam or single-beam spectrophotometer with an incident angle not larger than 17° and
with a measurement accuracy sufficient to give the value of the spectral reflectance at all wavelengths, λ,
between 380 nm and 780 nm with an uncertainty of less than 0,1 % (for example an anti-reflective coating
quoted as having 0,5 % reflectance may be measured as having 0,4 % to 0,6 % reflectance). The wavelength
increment of measurement shall not be more than 5 nm. The spectral bandwidth (full width at half maximum,
FWHM) shall not exceed 5 nm.
The calibration specimen shall have a surface curvature within 0,50 D of that of the spectacle lens to be
tested. The back surface of this specimen shall be designed such that unwanted reflections will be minimized
(e.g. both frosted and painted matt black). The calibration specimen shall be of known refractive index n(λ)
ISO 8980-4:2026(en)
(uncertainty Δn < 0,001) and have no coating (which could affect its surface reflective properties). The
surface shall be cleaned.
5.2.1.2 Spectacle lens preparation
The surface of the spectacle lens under test shall have a radius of curvature greater than 80 mm. The back
surface of the lens shall be designed such that no reflection will interfere with the measurement (e.g. both
frosted and painted matt black). The surface shall be cleaned.
5.2.1.3 Measurement
Insert the calibration specimen and calibrate the spectrophotometer to give a value of 100 %. Then insert
the spectacle lens. The spectrophotometer will give the value of the spectacle lens to calibration specimen
spectral reflectance ratio R (λ), in %. By using this technique, any error due to surface curvature will be
T
minimized.
Measure the spectacle lens to calibration specimen spectral reflectance ratio over the range 380 nm
to 780 nm. The step width shall not exceed 5 nm.
5.2.2 Determination of spectral reflectance values
The value of the calibration specimen surface spectral reflectance value R (λ) is calculated theoretically
C
from the refractive index, as given by Formula (1):
n 1
R (1)
C
n 1
where
R (λ) is the calibration specimen surface spectral reflectance;
C
n(λ) is refractive index
The value of the spectacle lens surface spectral reflectance is calculated by multiplying the calibration
specimen spectral reflectance value by the spectacle lens-to-calibration specimen spectral reflectance ratio,
as given by Formul
...



