By John Laposky
San Diego − Eyeglass World has become the first national chain to launch a retail collection of prescription lenses for smart glass technologies in the U.S.
The debut includes specially designed prescription lens options for wearable brands including Google Glass, Recon, Vuzix and Epson.
Eyeglass World’s prescription offerings use Smart Gold lenses, developed by Rochester Optical, optimized for devices using a heads-up display. The lenses provide specific adjustments for the upper corners where a heads-up display is located. In theory, this greater visual clarity helps minimize eyestrain and eye fatigue for smart glass wearers.
Eyeglass World claims to be “the first brick-and-mortar retailer in the world to offer Recon Jet, Vuzix M100 and Epson Moverio hardware all under one roof, along with the availability of prescription lenses.”
“Making prescription lens solutions readily available at retail for smart glass wearers helps overcome a critical hurdle in the future of eyewear,” said Bruce Steffey, president and COO of Eyeglass World parent National Vision. “Smart glass sales, for leisure and business uses, will be a major growth driver for the eyewear category in future years. We’re excited to be at the forefront of innovation in wearable technology by distributing prescription smart glass lenses and in-store hardware as a component of Eyeglass World’s West Coast expansion, and expect to roll out these offerings to all of our stores.”
Eyeglass World operates more than 800 retail locations in 44 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. National Vision’s retail divisions include Eyeglass World, America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, Vision Centers brought to you by Walmart, Vista Optical inside Fred Meyer, and Optical Centers on select military bases.
