3D Printing Technolology Disrupts The World Of Optics

Technology continues to scale new heights with almost every nano-second and it continues to marvel us to the hilt. From commercial space travel, the internet, social media and hyper loops to AI and Sophia the most coveted robot, the surprises just don’t stop! Perhaps, one of the most fascinating innovations is personalization of online purchases; your time, your choices, your convenience and in your space; from fashion wear to eye wear, it is sheer delight. Fashion is an inherent part of human nature, be it a need or a fad. From clothes to shoes and even eyewear, everyone loves to emulate the latest and the best. Some folks love to wear spectacles for the simple notion it makes them look wise; others, because it gives them a more hip expression but for many it’s a need, a necessity especially when it comes to corrective vision. The Optical industry is perhaps, one of the trendiest industries with a gamut of shapes and sizes to suit one and all. From night glare and aviators to photochromatic, clip-ons and shutter shades; the style sets the trend which projects the brands and the rest is history!

‘Zyloware Eyewear’ was launched in 1923 by Joseph Shyer who introduced the first eyewear frame made of nylon! A family business, they were also the first to launch celebrity eyewear and are still in the business in America today! Liberty Optical (now Liberty Sport) launched Sports eyewear in 1929 and if you thought 3D movies and 3D printers are the zenith of technology, then you have not heard about the most revolutionary of all - 3D printed technology in eyewear!

The future of eyewear has become disruptive! Online optical wear is perhaps the most fascinating of it all. A well-known fact today is how augmented reality and its glasses facilitate almost everything online. 3D printed technology in eyewear was conceptualized almost 6 years ago and it is going to be ‘the’ game changer in the manufacturing of eyewear. The absolute personal customization catering to your distinct requirements will change the manner in which everyone purchases eyeglasses today. Innovation par excellence! Imagine being able to actually design the frame you have mentally designed and setting a trend for others to emulate.

So how actually will 3D printed technology change the dynamics of the optical industry?

To begin with, this technology will be unique by every standard. All earlier appendages of spectacles like nose pads, brackets, hinges and screws will be made redundant. 3D printed technology spectacles will have a niche production expertise, making spectacles highly durable and extremely light in weight. With this technology making a foray into the optical world, we will be able to design a spectacle frame befitting our personality.

Consumers today, choose to design their own persona be it health, preventive measures as well as eyewear and eye fashion. Preventive eye care is gaining ground, as much as the concept of enhanced vision among consumers with healthy vision.

The biggest benefits of 3D printing of lenses for spectacles include personalization, superior imaging quality, minimum processing activity, less inventory, speed and affordability. With virtual shopping, online purchase of customized eyewear via 3D printing is going to be biggest offering to optical audiences. The liberty of deciding your own product mix enhances not only your facial features but offers high quality lenses to enhance your vision is already gaining ground. Consumers will be able to choose from a range of frames, designs and colors to create the ideal product to suit their style.

There are a few unique 3D printing technologies waiting to take wings and the future is going to embrace them all. Once these step in, the entire activity of undergoing a vision test of our eyes, choosing our frames & designs and even deciding on the prescription lenses will be completed within just one day! Eyewear is going to be exciting in the years ahead. 3D Printing will set in an era of saying no to grinding of lenses. Consumers will be able to print prescriptions for their own lenses and will be able to have ultimate ease of producing the same at the point of sale! A cornucopia of optical services - could it get more inspiring?

Yogesh is an old hat at Sourcing Eyewear Frames for over a decade and has been on forefront of emerging trends in the business of eyewear.

Reach out to Yogesh (optistar.y@gmail.com) for exploring new opportunities in eyewear business.