THE LOOK OF EYEWEAR IS CHANGING WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF SMART TECHNOLOGY INTO THE MAINSTREAM. EYEWEAR IS NO LONGER JUST ABOUT SEEING WHAT IS AROUND YOU, BUT HAS BECOME A PORTABLE OFFICE USED TO CHECK AND SEND EMAIL, WATCH VIDEO AND SURF THE INTERNET. ONE OF THE DRAWBACKS OF THIS TECHNOLOGY HAS BEEN THE LACK OF PRESCRIPTION OPTIONS FOR PEOPLE
WHO REQUIRE GLASSES FOR READING AND OTHER TASKS. UP UNTIL RECENTLY, USERS OF SMART GLASSES WOULD EXPERIENCE DISTORTED IMAGE AND LACK OF CLARITY WHEN USING DIGITAL EYEWEAR DEVICES. THIS IS ABOUT TO CHANGE WITH THE PARTNERSHIP OF TORONTO BASED PLASTIC PLUS AND ROCHESTER OPTICAL, LOCATED IN NEW YORK.

After purchasing a Google Glass device, buyers can get prescription lenses, which fit the Rochester Optical Smart Frames or can be added to other smart glasses frames. Rochester Optical holds the worldwide patents on Smart Frames for Google Glass and Smart GOLDTM lens technology that can be used for Google Glass, Vuzix M100, Epson Moverio BT-200, and other smart glasses.
People who purchase Google Glass smart technology are now able to get a prescription lens through Roch- ester Optical and Plastic Plus. Patrick Ho, president and CEO of Rochester Optical said that Plastic Plus is a natural partner to continue to bring prescriptive technology to the market.
“Plastic Plus has the latest technology and equipment. They produce a quality product in a good turn around time,” said Ho. The Smart GOLDTM (Glasses Optimized Lens Designs) Lenses are engineered for the unique visual demands of using smart glasses. Each lens is surfaced using the latest digital generators in our advance optical laboratory.
“The position of the display area in GoogleGlass is not designed for visual acuity,” Ho said. “Our technology ensures that wearers see the images presented to them with visual clarity.”
To adapt to the Smart GOLDTM Lenses, Rochester Optical offers Smart Frames, designed to optimize your viewing experience when wearing prescription lenses with your wearable technology device, like Google Glass, Vuzix M100, and Epson Moverio BT-200.
“This technology is computer and technologically driven, but there is little knowledge in the tech industry about prescription eyewear,” Patrick Ho said. Smart Frames provide the highest degree of technology built into the frame to ensure the best possible viewing experience.
The frames are sleek and lightweight. They are designed to work well with the highest prescription range, which often includes extra thick lenses. Paired with Smart GOLDTM Lenses, the combina- tion provides a superior front tilt, giving the wearer the proper angle for clear viewing.
Patrick Ho noted the solution to smart lenses that work for people with eye issues should come from within the eyewear industry. Utilizing two industry leaders in providing the right kind of lenses for this technology has allowed wearers to purchase their smart glasses with confidence.
By utilizing the expertise and technology at Plastic Plus, we will make this technology available in Canada for the first time. “We are excited to work with Rochester Optical on the partnership,” said PaulFaibish,presidentofPlasticPlus.
Plastic Plus is Canada’s leading independent optical lab and lens supplier. The production line utilizes 100 per cent digital, precision surfacing and processes all lenses to 1/1,000th of a diopter. Plastic Plus will be able to supply their ECP accounts in Canada and in the United States with this new technology. This type of accuracy is vital to having
a clear and accurate lens when viewing information through smart technology.
“We are proud to offer our clients this technology and help people see the world through new digital devices and applications,” said Faibish.
Smart GOLDTM is available in single vision, flat top 28 bifocals, and progressive styles and can accommodate the widest Rx range available -12.00D to a +8.00D Sph. with a -4.00D Cyl. The choice of standard plastic, Trivex, and High Index lens materials gives wearers an exceptional visual experience.
“This is the next step in wearable technology. It will become a greater part of our lives as we find new ways to adapt this kind of technology to eyewear,” said Faibish. To learn more visit www.rochesteroptical.com or www.plasticplus.ca