Aura Rx builds on Chamelo’s original Aura sunglasses, adding prescription capability to its instantly color-changing lenses. Wearers can tap their frames to cycle between four tints in just 0.1 seconds—1,800 times faster than traditional photochromic lenses, explains Chamelo COO Chase Larson.
INVISION: What inspired the development of Aura Rx, and how does it build on your earlier success with Aura sunglasses?
CHASE LARSON: The inspiration behind Aura Rx came directly from our community. After launching Aura sunglasses with our revolutionary Prismatic color-changing technology, we kept hearing the same question: “When can I get this in my prescription?”
Aura was a breakthrough in non-prescription eyewear, allowing wearers to tap and instantly switch between four different colors. With Aura Rx, we’re taking that same game-changing technology and making it accessible to prescription wearers who’ve traditionally been limited to static lenses.
Ultimately, Aura Rx represents our commitment to our core mission: empowering people to see the world on their terms, regardless of vision needs. It’s eyewear that adapts to your vision and your style—because we believe everyone deserves both clarity and choice.
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INVISION: Your touch-controlled Prismatic and Eclipse lens technologies offer something entirely new in prescription eyewear. What do you think sets this innovation apart from other “smart” lens solutions?
LARSON: What truly sets our technology apart is the balance of simplicity and sophistication. While many “smart” eyewear solutions focus on adding complicated features or connectivity that few people actually use, we’ve focused on solving a real problem with elegant simplicity: giving wearers control over their lenses with just a tap.
Two things make our approach unique:
First, instant transformation. Our lenses change color or tint in just 0.1 seconds—that’s 1,800 times faster than traditional photochromic lenses. When you tap to change your lens color or adjust your tint, the transformation is immediate and seamless.
Second, absolute control. Unlike photochromic lenses that react to UV light and often change when you don’t want them to, Aura Rx puts you in complete control. You decide when to switch colors or adjust your tint—not the environment around you.
While other smart eyewear often feels like tech for tech’s sake, Aura Rx delivers innovation that actually enhances the everyday experience of wearing glasses. It’s not about adding features; it’s about adding freedom.
And I’m glad you mentioned Eclipse… we’ll be launching Aura in our Eclipse Tint-Adjustable Lenses this summer. So keep an eye out for that one. Customers will soon be able to choose between our Prismatic color-changing lenses or our Eclipse tint-adjusting lenses—both controlled with a simple tap.
INVISION: Chamelo positions itself at the intersection of fashion and function. How do you balance high-tech features with wearability and style in a retail setting?
LARSON: For us, the balance of fashion and function isn’t a compromise—it’s the entire point. We believe eyewear should be as dynamic as the people who wear it, and our approach in retail reflects this philosophy.
In a retail setting, we focus on the experience first. Rather than leading with technical specs, we invite people to try the frames and actually feel what it’s like to tap and instantly change their lens color or tint. That moment of surprise and delight is powerful—it transforms a high-tech feature into an emotional connection.
This reaction is so genuine that it’s become central to our social media strategy. Those videos of people experiencing the instant color change for the first time consistently become our most engaging content. There’s something universally captivating about watching someone’s face light up when they realize they can control their glasses with a tap.
Our displays are designed to showcase both the technology and the style. We use intuitive demonstrations that allow customers to see the transformation in real-time, while also highlighting the premium materials and craftsmanship. The frames themselves feature a clean, timeless design that doesn’t scream “tech product,” because we don’t want people wearing gadgets—we want them wearing glasses they love that happen to do amazing things.
Ultimately, the real magic happens when customers realize they don’t have to choose between looking good and having innovative features. With Chamelo, they can have both—and that’s what makes us different from other “smart sunglasses” in the retail environment.
INVISION: How might independent optical retailers or optometric practices benefit from offering Chamelo products? Are there plans for partnerships, display kits, or retail programs?
LARSON: Independent optical retailers and optometric practices are absolutely crucial to our strategy, and we’ve designed our approach specifically with them in mind.
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For these partners, Chamelo offers three key benefits:
First, differentiation. In an increasingly competitive market, Aura Rx provides something truly unique that patients can’t find at big box retailers or online stores. It gives independent ECPs a conversation starter and a genuine wow factor that drives foot traffic and word-of-mouth.
Second, higher average sales. Aura Rx represents a premium product category that naturally increases transaction values while offering healthy margins for practice owners. And because these aren’t just ordinary frames, they help shift pricing conversations away from commoditization toward the value of innovation.
Third, they become technology destinations. By offering cutting-edge products like Aura Rx, independent practices position themselves as forward-thinking eyecare providers who bring the latest innovations to their community.
We’re rolling out comprehensive retail programs designed specifically for independent practices. Our partnership package includes custom display units that demonstrate the color-changing and tint-adjusting capabilities, hands-on training for staff, and marketing materials that help practices promote their unique offerings.
INVISION: What kind of patient or customer is Aura Rx designed for—and how can independent ECPs position it in their product mix to attract new interest or stand out from competitors?
LARSON: Aura Rx is designed for people that want precise vision correction, but they don’t want to sacrifice style or versatility. They’re often tech-savvy early adopters who appreciate innovation, but they’re equally concerned with how their eyewear looks and feels.
We’ve found our customers span demographics but share a mindset: they’re individuals who embrace personal expression and see their eyewear as an extension of their identity. They might be creative professionals who want different looks for different clients, active individuals who need versatility throughout their day, or simply people who appreciate having options without carrying multiple pairs of glasses.
For independent ECPs, Aura Rx offers several positioning strategies:
First, use it as a practice differentiator. Feature Aura Rx prominently in window displays and social media as something patients can’t find elsewhere. This creates curiosity and gives people a specific reason to choose your practice.
Second, position it as part of a premium experience. Aura Rx naturally complements high-end lens options, creating an opportunity to offer a complete premium package that stands apart from discount competitors.
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Third, leverage it to attract younger patients. The tech-forward, fashion-conscious nature of Aura Rx appeals strongly to millennials and Gen Z, demographics that many practices struggle to connect with.
Fourth, create events around the technology. “Tech and Trend” nights or “Future of Eyewear” showcases centered around Aura Rx can generate buzz and bring new faces into the practice.
Independent ECPs who embrace Aura Rx aren’t just selling another frame—they’re offering their patients a glimpse into the future of eyewear while positioning themselves as innovators in their community.
Note: Check out our profile of Aura Rx and other innovative people, places and products in the lead article of INVISION’s June issue.
