3D Printers Take Eyewear Design to Unusual Level

"We have seen impressive applications of 3D printing technology in such realms as clothing fashion, jewelry, and footwear, and now, thanks to Iranian architect Nasim Sehat, 3D printing’s role in fashion and design is being extended into eyewear with her most recent design venture called Biz Eyes." That's the start of a post on 3ders. Read more.

3D Printing and Eyewear

"It follows suit that 3-D printing is a solid match for spectacles. But more specifically, 3-D printing is a boon to anyone who wants bespoke frames. It’s a niche market that designers like Tom Davies have cornered and profited handsomely on by charging somewhere in the thousands for a pair of custom frames, the extra cost attached to the extra time and labor that comes with the personalization," according to Fast Company Design. "But a 3-D printer, of course, can speed up manufacturing, which is exactly how Protos works. “We’re making an experience where instead of someone going into an eyewear specialist, you go online and take two pictures of yourself,” explains James Peo, one of the co-founders. Peo, who owns a chain of eyewear stores, can then style a pair of frames that best fits the customer’s unique arch, eyebrow, and bone structure." Read more.

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Are 3-D Glasses Safe?

MidwestLens asks, Are 3-D glasses dangerous? "According to a recent study commissioned by VSP Vision Care, a not-for-profit vision benefits and services company, 64% of parents worry that 3-D “will negatively impact visual development,” and 70% believe that 3-D “will negatively impact short-term or long-term vision.” Surprisingly, the medical establishment — usually the first to warn about the dangers of new technologies — has ridden to the rescue, suggesting that not only is 3-D safe, but that it may actually prove beneficial for some users....Oddly, the most damning testimony against 3-D — or “stereoscopic” — technologies hasn’t come from parents or watchdog groups, but from Sony (SNE) and Nintendo, both of which are poised to realize massive profit from 3-D sales." Read more.

Optical Practices Know Squat about 3D Glasses

That's the results of a study sponsored by Essilor. OpticianOnline reported that "awareness of 3D eyewear among optical practices is low and knowledge of the different types of 3D eyewear available patchy according to research carried out by Optician. These are among the findings of the Essilor-sponsored study carried out to assess the profession's understanding of eyewear, the availability of products and the intention for practitioners to get involved in the 3D eyewear market." Read more.

3D Eyewear an Opportunity?

That's the thought of one eyewear manufacturer. EyeCareBiz recently reported: "'There's a tremendous opportunity to bring another level of business to ECPs—selling 3D glasses,' says Marchon's vice president of new business development, Hannah Sarbin. 'It's a great marketing message, and it brings new sexiness and new life and a new story into the practice.'” Of course Marchon thinks so. It's already marketing a 3D spectacle line.