NEW YORK—Eyecare professionals who want to better understand the business and clinical benefits of wearable technology and other new vision innovations can get a close-up look at some of the latest, most advanced products at Vision Monday’s Eye2 Zone , a special exhibit at International Vision Expo in New York.

“Vision Monday’s Eye2 Zone features groundbreaking wearable technologies that have the potential to revolutionize the eyewear industry and shape how patients view the world. International Vision Expo funds this program because we believe this investment is essential to provide eyecare professionals an opportunity to see, touch and test nontraditional eyewear technologies that are often only showcased at events such as International CES,” said Deborah Castor, vice president of shows and meetings for The Vision Council, which sponsors Vision Expo.

Andrew Karp, curator of the Eye2 Zone and editor of Vision Monday’s Eye2 newsletter, added, “Eyecare practitioners typically look at a patient’s lifestyle and then recommend eyewear that is designed to enhance the patient’s visual performance in various tasks. Now, manufacturers of wearable tech are doing the same thing by designing task-specific eyewear for activities such as sports, gaming, entertainment or work. Visitors to the Eye2 Zone can experience these technologies and talk with knowledgeable manufacturer’s reps.”

The market for wearables is growing rapidly. According to Juniper Research, global wearable “smart glasses” shipments will reach 10 million per year by 2018, compared to an estimated 87,000 in 2013. Sales of wearables are expected to triple by 2016, before reaching $53.2 billion by 2019, more than 10 times current levels, Juniper estimates.

The exhibitors in the Eye2 Zone are: 3-D Frame Solutions, AVIwear, EyeNetra, Gunnar Optiks, Kopin Corp., Pivothead, Rochester Optical, Six-15, SmartVision Labs, Total 3-D Solutions, VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies and Vuzix. Here’s a preview of what they’ll be showing.


3-D Frame Solutions uses proprietary software that transforms one of 18 basic styles to the patient’s dimensions. These dimensions are derived by measuring the patient with a pair of measurement frames, which also are printed on a 3D Printer. The dimensions are then entered into the company’s software. Once complete, the software outputs the frames to a standard STL file which can be printed on a 3D Printer. A step-by-step procedure lets users finish the frames and easily install hidden spring hinges.


AVIwear produces wearables that are designed around and incorporated in eye protection products such as glasses, sunglasses and goggles. The company’s products are styled to look like conventional eyewear and incorporate Bluetooth (communications and music streaming) WiFi (video streaming), MP3 (stereo music player) and HD Video Cameras (1080p, 720p and VGA). All these features are incorporated in various unisex models with emphasis on style, light weight, ease of operation.


EyeNetra is extending the reach of optometry by developing mobile tools for vision. The Netra and Netrometer both leverage the high-resolution display and powerful processing capabilities of modern-day smartphones. The portable and self-driven Netra features a simple interactive task that automatically outputs the patient’s full refractive error index within minutes (pd, sph., cyl., and axis). The Netrometer, another highly portable solution, allows for the rapid capture of optical powers directly from a patient’s existing glasses. The accuracy of EyeNetra’s patented technologies stem from intelligent algorithms embedded in mobile application and clever machine-learning. Eyenetra’s third product offering, the Netropter, replaces unwieldy phoropters with an elegant handheld design that integrates a full-range of lenses to help validate corrective measurements via visual acuity.


Gunnar Optiks has pioneered the development of digital performance eyewear. The company’s proprietary technologies include: i-Fi lens coatings that filter glare from artificial lighting, sunlight and the computer screen itself for a relaxed viewing experience; Fractyl lens geometry that pre-focuses the light rays prior to hitting the corneal lens, allowing the cilliary muscles to relax; Ionik lens tint that minimizes the adverse effects of artificial lighting that limits distracting blue light frequencies, only allowing light from an optimal spectrum to pass through; Diamix lens material that offers superior optics, but it also pushes the limits on frame and lens geometry without the restraints of off-the-shelf market solutions.


Kopin Corp. is a leading developer of wearable computing technologies and solutions. Kopin’s technology portfolio includes ultra-small displays, optics, speech enhancement technology, software, low-power ASICs, and ergonomically designed smart headset concept systems. Kopin recently announced the Pupil display module, which can be integrated into emerging wearable computing/communication devices. Integrating a transmissive LCD, efficient backlight and Pupil see-through optics, the Pupil display module provides a bright full-color image.



Pivothead makes sunglasses with built-in, high definition cameras. The company describes its newest product line, Smart, as “next generation smart eyewear that brings fashion, intuitive technology and live broadcasting capabilities to the consumer, for the first time.” Smart features a modular design that gets the viewfinder out of the way, thus allowing the wearer to remain immersed in an experience.




Rochester Optical is an independently owned and operated manufacturer and wholesaler of quality eyewear, with a full service optical lab. The company will display its proprietary Smart Solutions, the Smart GOLD prescription lenses and Smart Frames for smart glasses providing visual acuity and comfort to smart glasses wearers as well as other wearables such as the Epson Moverio BT-200, pictured here.





Six-15’s head mounted display and augmented reality device is designed specifically for heads-up data delivery and text messaging. The natural-looking glasses allow users to maintain situational awareness by eliminating the need to look down at their device, alleviating strain on the neck. Additionally, the heads-up data delivery improves safety for people on the job, walking or multi-tasking while retrieving data. The glasses connect wirelessly via Bluetooth.

With a built-in rechargeable battery, they can send and receive up to 1,500 text messages in one battery cycle. A built-in head tracker also enables augmented reality apps to work with the glasses. The glasses will be available with optional thermal and visible cameras for other business applications. Six-15 plans to introduce a series of expanded features built specifically for individual applications in the enterprise market, such as warehousing and health care, following the initial launch of the device.


Smart Vision Labs’ SVOne is an accurate, smartphone-based autorefractor. With a single click, the device determines a patient’s prescription by capturing a wavefront map of the eye. The device has an open-field design, is portable and space saving, and can increase patient workflow. Smart Vision Labs recommends it for doctors with multiple lanes or limited space who want to increase revenue per OD hour, in addition to those who perform exams outside of the office setting including nursing homes, schools, workplace and mission trips.




Total 3D Solutions The Zeiss VR One is a mobile Virtual Reality (VR) headset that works with smartphones featuring display sizes of between 4.7 and 5.2 inches. To experience fully immersive virtual reality, simply select the appropriate smartphone precision tray and slide the smartphone into the headset. Also, there is a tinted, semi-transparent visor on the front of the headset which allows for a smartphone camera to function with augmented reality apps, thus enabling the real and virtual worlds to intersect.






VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies has developed the first FDA-approved telescope prosthesis demonstrated to improve vision and quality of life in individuals with end-stage AMD. The telescope implant technology is based on wide-angle micro-optics that, in combination with the optics of the cornea, create a telephoto system that magnifies objects in view. The prosthesis is integral to the CentraSight treatment program which has been created to help patients follow the necessary steps for proper diagnosis, surgical evaluation and postoperative care.




Vuzix Corp.’s wearable display technology is focused on next generation optics and displays that have the potential to fit in fashion­based wearable glasses. The company will demonstrate its acclaimed M-100 smart glasses, which are designed to provide an augmented reality experience in the workplace.




The Eye2 Zone will be located in Booth #LP 7483 on Level 1 of New York’s Jacob Javits Center. Attendees can also attend “Tech Talks” presented by Eye2 Zone exhibitors from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on Sunday, March 22 at the Javits’ Tech Theater located in booth LP 7867 on Level 1. There is no registration fee for the Tech Talks. In addition, Andrew Karp will discuss “New Trends in Wearables” as part of Vision Expo’s education track on Saturday, March 21, at 2:45 pm.

akarp@jobson.com