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NEW YORK—The topics of the day at VM’s Global Leadership Summit were diverse, up-to-the-minute and on target ranging from the vision health benefits of 3D, to the allure of coupons, and the power of ODs. In this first part of an exclusive online series, we take an in-depth look at the explosive emergence of 3D technology.

The Third Dimension
What’s the opportunity for eyecare’s message in the emerging world of 3D?


The rapid proliferation of 3D entertainment on both large and small screens is creating a significant opportunity for eyewear suppliers. The market is split between active shutter 3D glasses, which are electronic and are typically used to watch television or play video games at home, and passive 3D glasses, which employ a circular polarizing filter and can be used for most home and theater applications.

Until recently, consumers who wanted 3D eyewear could either purchase an active shutter system from a consumer electronics retailer or e-tailer or get an inexpensive, passive pair when they went to a theater showing a 3D movie. However, a growing number of eyewear manufacturers have begun marketing 3D eyewear for both home and theater use. Although Toshiba and other consumer electronics companies are developing glasses-free 3D technology, industry observers believe it will be eight to 10 years before the technology is perfected.

Vision Monday invited two speakers, each from a different end of the 3D spectrum, to discuss the 3D boom and its implications for eyecare.

Chris Haws is an international film maker, media consultant, vision psychologist and advisor to 3DatHome Consortium. Barry J. Barresi, OD, PhD, executive director of the American Optometric Association, is a prominent health policy expert and educator. Each offered insights into the way consumers experience 3D entertainment, and discussed why stereopis is an important component of healthy vision.


Chris Haws:

“It’s important for children to develop more adequate stereopisis capability in a variety of activities, not just gaming.”

“We need to encourage the public to be stereo literate. It’s not just important for entertainment, but for a broad range of activities. For example, you won’t be able to get a certain types of jobs, such as being a surgeon, unless you are stereo-literate.”

“Five to 10 percent of the population can’t see in stereo. We need to nail that number more precisely.”


Barry Barresi, OD, PhD:

“We are clearly at the threshold of a disruptive technology, 3D, that will change the way people think about the quality of their eyecare and motivate them to get more frequent eye exams.”

“Vision screening has only a 27 percent sensitivity to risk factors. Kids that pass a vision screening test get a false assurance. The gold standard is a comprehensive eye exam.”

“The release of Nintendo 3D will create a teachable moment. That fits nicely with the overall mission of the AOA, which is to promote comprehensive eye exams.”


For videos, photos and full PDFs of the event’s complete sessions, please visit VisionMondaySummit.com.