Artificial Intelligence and Eyewear

Today you will struggle to find an industry or space that has not felt the influence of artificial intelligence (AI). Eyewear, glasses, and the healthcare industry is no exception.

The future of eyewear is being revolutionised by AI, enhancing vision correction and introducing smart glasses, whilst transforming user experiences and industry standards. AI isn’t here to replace opticians, it’s here to support them.

These new technologies range from smart glasses with augmented reality (AR) features to advanced prescription lenses that adapt to changing light conditions.

 

Smart Glasses

Smart glasses are blending standard eyewear with advanced technologies that allow users to access information and perform tasks as though on a smartphone. Companies like Google, Meta, and Apple are at the forefront of this innovation, developing smart glasses that integrate AR and AI technologies.

At Opticare, we now stock Ray-Ban x Meta Smart Glasses. You can read all about the features and technology used in these Smart Glasses in our blog here [LINK].

Smart Glasses are able to transform the ways we interact with our surroundings. AI Smart Glasses can recognise objects, analyse environments, and provide contextual information, creating a blend between the digital and physical worlds. Play music, translate signs in other languages, record your day – Smart Glasses can do it all.

 

Virtual Try-Ons

One of the most user-friendly applications of AI in the eyewear industry is virtual try-on technology.

Augmented reality (AR) software allows users to try on glasses virtually via smartphone or computer camera. By mapping a user’s facial features, AI can generate a realistic image of what a particular pair of glasses will look like on a customer.

AI-driven virtual try-ons open up nearly limitless choices, allowing customers to try hundreds of styles in a fraction of the time it would take to try on frames in store.

 

Personalised Prescription Lenses

Traditional lenses are designed based on static measurements, but advances in AI enable a more dynamic approach. Thanks to AI there is now the option for lenses that can automatically adjust their prescriptions based on environmental conditions, such as lighting changes, or the user’s visual needs. AI algorithms can analyse a user’s eye movements and focal patterns to determine the optimal prescription adjustments throughout the day.

On top of this, AI-driven lens technology can be used to help people with specific visual impairments, offering tailored solutions that address their unique needs.

 

Data Driven Insights

As Smart Glasses and AI-driven eyewear becomes more commonplace, the data collected from users will offer insights into eye health and wellness. AI software can then analyse this data to identify patterns and trends, allowing for early detection of potential eye conditions or changes in vision.

An example of this is Smart Glasses with sensors that can track a user’s screen time, lighting conditions, and eye strain levels. By combining and analysing this data, AI software can provide personalised recommendations for eye care, such as taking breaks, adjusting screen brightness, or suggestions it is time to book in for an eye appointment.

AI technology can also help opticians manage supply chains and predict trends, giving them insight into what frames are most popular in their areas and allowing them to stock accordingly. This strategic advantage will allow opticians to save money and also satisfy more customer requests.

 

Accessibility and Inclusivity

For people with visual impairments, AI-powered Smart Glasses can enhance their ability to navigate the world. Built-in features such as facial recognition, object recognition, and audio descriptions can provide real-time assistance.

 

Drawbacks

But how effectively can we rely on an algorithm in an environment steeped in human expertise and personal relationships? AI will never be able to replicate a personal, human touch, it cannot replace opticians fitting or adjusting glasses and contact lenses or calibrating optical devices. An optician’s trained eye and empathetic approach cannot be replaced by a robot.

 

The Future?

The eyecare and eyewear industry’s collaboration with AI technology is still in its early stages, but the technology is already rapidly evolving and growing.

AI is not here to take over, AI is here to enhance the customer experience and make optician’s jobs even more efficient and effective by giving them additional support to help more customers and offer further services where needed.

Let AI handle the small stuff, whilst humans can focus on what they do best, offering that personal touch, building relationships, and connecting with their customers.