The world’s first composite ophthalmic lens company, PixelOptics, Inc. has begun limited and controlled wearer trials of its electronic eyeglasses with changeable dynamic focus. By combining chemistry, electricity, and optics, these electronic eyeglasses automatically focus without the use of any moving parts.
e-Vision, LLC began the development of electronic eyeglasses in the late 1990s and in 2005 licensed its intellectual property, trade secrets, and know-how exclusively and globally to Pixel. Then, with the help of ten other development partners from around the world, Pixel has been furthering the development of what it calls electro-active eyewear. The company now has over 300 patents and patent applications around the world.
Unveiling Planned for Vision Expo East Wearer trials are being conducted throughout the year, and a major launch is planned for 2010. The first public display of this technology will take place at The International Vision Expo East in New York, March 27-29 at booth #LP1672, where visitors will be able to experience an electronic lens. Once launched, the electronic lenses will be distributed through wholesale optical labs around the world.
Not only is the company introducing the new lens category of composite optics, but it is also introducing itself as a brand new lens company. The Roanoke, VA-based company is headed by seasoned industry veterans Dr. Ron Blum, chairman, president, and CEO and Bill Spies, COO.
Launched by Experienced Eyecare Experts With over 30 years in eyecare as a practicing optometrist, Blum is an inventor and founder and president of various vision-related businesses. He was past founder, president, and CEO of Innotech, which was acquired by Johnson & Johnson. He was also general manager of advanced technology at J&J Spectacle Lens Group and led the team that invented Johnson & Johnson’s DEFINITY® progressive lens. Blum practiced optometry in Roanoke for approximately 20 years and is co-inventor of the electro-active lens technology platform.
Spies is a past vice president of Essilor and directed sales and operations for one of the largest laboratory regions in the country with over 17 wholesale labs. He was past president of Hoya Lens of America and is a former executive vice president and general manager of Seiko Optical Products for North and South America. In that role, he led Seiko’s pioneer launch of the high index category and the introduction of Seiko frames. In addition, Spies is a former manager of Corning Optical’s export business as well as its PhotoGray® and SunSensors® lens consumer advertising campaigns. He has worked in the optical industry for over 20 years.
The nascent company is filled with plenty of other optical industry veterans as well.
Pixel already launched its first composite lens, the atLast!® Enhanced Multifocal static (fixed focus) lens in October 2008.
John Sailer is Senior Editor of First Vision Media Group. Contact feedback@visioncareventure.com with comments and/or suggestions for future topics.
