THE POWER OF ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) has finally caught up to the promise of wearable technology. New smart glasses have AI integration to offer wireless connectivity, camera, headphones, and the ability to make calls, listen to music, answer messages, and use a voice assistant. Patients with advanced macular degeneration (AMD) or low vision can use these glasses to write texts, translate text, and locate objects by connecting to AI and using augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) display technologies on stylish frames for their unique needs. According to Sam Chen who works on Rx solutions for AR/VR glasses at Rochester Optical, smart glasses like Ray-Ban Meta are popular these days and, he added, “if you are looking for smart glasses with a display, XREAL Air 2 is the hottest on the market.”
Ocutrx
OcuLenz AR/XR Headset for patients with Advanced Macular Degeneration. It delivers advanced vision correction, enhancing vision by overlaying high-contrast, pixel-manipulated images onto the user’s remaining viable field of view.
(844) 970-0900 | ocutrxtech.com
Eyedaptic
Eye6 AR glasses for low vision patients use an AI Visual Assistant, Ivy. They feature interactive text and image analysis via OpenAI’s large language models. Ivy offers conversational assistance in 99 languages and can help with reading and locating objects.
(949) 209-9114 | eyedaptic.com
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EssilorLuxottica
Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses feature a 12MP camera and open-ear speakers. Meta AI on Ray-Ban Meta can help patients by writing captions to translate text and identify objects.
essilorluxottica.com
Rochester Optical
XReal Air 2 Pro prescription lenses in smart glasses. Rochester Optical is the exclusive optical partner of XREAL in the US and supplies Rx lenses to their customers directly.
(585) 254-0193 | rochesteroptical.com
OcuTech
SideSight Ultrasonic Device is a collision warning device that allows individuals who have experienced loss of side vision (Hemianopsia) to walk safely without concerns of bumping into obstacles or being startled by individuals walking into their path.
(800) 326-6460 | ocutech.com
Smart Ways to Sell Wearable Eyewear
Timothy Petito, OD Petito Eyecare
St. Petersburg, FL
Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are good for everyone including low vision patients. They are the first practical pair that has cashed in on the promise of wearables where previous attempts fell short. The patient pairs the glasses to their phone and can use the AI like they would with Siri or Alexa. They can say: “Meta, read the menu to me” or use the camera to identify a $5 bill. The Ray-Ban frame has a built-in camera and speakers that use AI to get information based on what the camera is seeing and then describes it to the wearer. I can put in Rx Transitions, a clear lens, a bifocal or a progressive. I also might use a Chemistrie clip. I send my low vision patients who don’t have other options to Bob Schrepfer at The Magnification Company, who is a dealer for Ray-Ban. He will set up the phone for them and teach them how to ask Meta questions. He trains the glasses and trains them how to interact with the glasses.
Carlos Grandela, OD
ViewFinder Low Vision Resource Center
Phoenix, AZ
In the past year, I’ve been excited to see Eyedaptic’s Eye6 pair with AI to offer magnification to my low vision patients who want a variety of distances. Patients are enjoying this slimmer, sleeker technology that is lighter and easier to demonstrate compared to heavier units. They particularly enjoy the Eye Switch mode, which is wired to a cell phone and can be used as a camera, leaving their hands free to manipulate reading materials. Some low vision patients prefer a handheld device to a digital headset. I talk to my patients about their goals and walk them through the various options. A digital system is superior because with new AI features it offers more functions.
