The bespoke potential of additive manufacturing has been realised in other medical sectors for several years, but only now are the optical benefits of the technology beginning to be leveraged in the eyewear sector.
A production method that did not need special tooling, development or minimum order quantities was always going to appeal to eyewear designers whose primary concern was aesthetics. But the individualised elements of 3D printing, combined with high resolution cameras and complex software, has brought the technology to a wider set of developers concerned with outright optical performance.
They may have taken a while to become a reality, but a little over two years ago, the first prototype facial scanning systems began to filter into the trade exhibition circuit. The concept was relatively simple: Patient image capture; avatar creation; frame overlaid on patient using data from the photo; bespoke frame delivered to patient.
While the theory behind the concept may sound simple, the execution for everyone in this niche sector has been incredibly difficult. Some of the systems that were first shown over two years are either still in testing with a limited number of practices or have been shelved indefinitely.
The first prototype of Hoya’s Yuniku platform was unveiled at Silmo last year, lagging slightly behind some other developers. But for good reason, it was a much more accomplished system, even at the launch. It also took a different approach, with vision-centric ethos. With the launch of Yuniku, there is now an alternative to the old model of lens parameters having to be adjusted and compromised to suit a frame.
‘Yuniku is an exciting step forward in custom eyewear. By capitalising on advances in 3D printing technology, we have removed the limitations posed by traditional spectacles,’ says Jon Warrick, vice president global marketing. ‘For the first time, wearers can enjoy the ultimate in optical performance, without compromising on style or fit.’
The process
The Yuniku set up does not look too intimidating to the patient or so technical that would look out of place in practice. Two cameras sit either side of a long mirror and two vertical racks of sample frames. The patient is asked to stand on a marker before the camera height is adjusted and a photo taken.
Bespoke software developed in conjunction with additive manufacturing specialist Materialise, then assesses the patient’s
visual needs and generates a 3D model of their face. Software calculates the ideal position of the lenses in relation to the eyes, and then decides the dimensions of the frame based on those parameters. Using the attached PC, the practitioner then confirms the location of pupil centres and the tops of the ears, allowing PD and length to bend measurements to be generated within the software. Prescription is also entered manually by the user.
Depending on the patient’s facial feature measurements, Yuniku will provide a selection of frame shapes that are suitable for the patient. Parameters such as eye size and B measurement can be adjusted within a set range.
Using the computer-generated scan, patients can see what the selected frame will look like once they have been tailored to fit. Different frames, colours and textures can also be loaded. It is here when systems such as Yuniku come into their own, allowing the patient to engage in a memorable practice experience of co-creating a bespoke pair of spectacles.
Patients are able to select frames from four designers: Hoet, Hoet Cabrio, We DDD and Orgreen. Each brand has its own distinctive design traits and the portfolio includes everything from avant-garde to every day wearables. As Yuniku is an open platform, it is expected that more designers will ‘plug-in’ to the system in the near future.
At present, delivery time for the complete spectacle with Hoya’s Yuniku premium lenses, is quoted at around three to four weeks, but this time is expected to come down over time. Three lens options are available progressive, single vision and indoor/office.
At £12,500, the cost of the Yuniku scanner is significant, but there are a number of financing options available with Hoya and its potential as a practice differentiator should not be underestimated.
Optician recently got a feel for the Yuniku patient journey, the results of which will be published in next month’s Lenses and Dispensing issue.