CLINICAL

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Looking Through the Glass

A peek into the future landscape of the wearable technology.

OPTOMETRIC MANAGEMENT STAFF

Luxottica Group SpA and Google Inc. recently announced a strategic partnership for the design, development and distribution of a new collection of Google Glass.

Here, Holly Rush, president, Luxottica Wholesale North America, discusses the company’s collaboration with Google Glass and the effect wearable technology will have on the future of the eyecare industry.

Q Please tell us a little bit about the recent announcement between Luxottica and Glass. What will Luxottica be doing for its part of the partnership? How about Glass?

A: The partnership between Luxottica and Google is a very organic strategy. Between the two, we’re going to establish a team of experts devoted to working on the design, development, tooling and engineering of Glass products. At the core, this is the technology world coming together with the eyewear world to offer the latest technological trends in truly wearable styles.

Q How does Luxottica feel that this will impact the sales of Glass?

A: We are still assessing the potential of this emerging category and technology.

Q When will we start seeing the New Luxottica-branded Glass models?

A: Though I can’t talk specifics, the first collection will combine the high-end technology expected from Google with the latest designs from Luxottica.

Q When will this be available to sell in eyecare professional offices?

A: Though we are still evaluating the potential distribution strategy for Google Glass, what I can tell you is that the demand thus far from our clients to be the first in their local markets to offer this product has been overwhelmingly positive. Our customers want to offer the latest in eyewear trends to their patients.

Q What effect does Luxottica feel like this and other wearable technology will have on the eyecare market?

A: This is a major step forward in the development of wearable technology in the eyewear industry. Consumers’, Explorers’ actually, eyewear will be able to do so much more than improve vision or protect their eyes from the sun.

They will be able to search Google, get walking directions, translate languages — all totally hands free. In due time, they will be in style, wearing a pair of Ray-Bans or Oakley-designed frames.

The months ahead will be a time when a new generation of eyewear will be born that will offer a seamless technological experience. Consumers won’t be scrambling to check their smartphones, snap a photo, take a video or wear a clunky smartwatch. It will bring that technology into your field of vision.

For so long, fitness has been the entry point for wearable technology. It was useful and provided great information. But what if you weren’t at the gym or on the court? Maybe you could get away with wearing some of that technology, but it had limited style appeal.

Now, the design aspect of wearable technology will be elevated and sophisticated; it will be an aesthetic revolution. OM

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