A week of news - Googled

Two developments by search engine giant Google have caught the imagination of the Optician news desk this week.

The first, a self-driving car, could enable a visually-impaired person to be navigated around without even having to steer or control the brakes, which does beg the question why a steering wheel and brakes were even built into the test car in the first place.

Using sensor and navigation technology, the car has potential to pull into drive-throughs and shopping centres, thus giving much independence back.

The second was announced today, when, after earlier rumours in Optician, Google went ahead with its augmented reality glasses 'Project Glass' idea, which enables wearers to access their mobile technology through a spectacle lens.

Complete with a camera, the product would basically be an in-your-face smartphone.

While both launches demonstrate the wonders of modern technology, their applications are some way off.

And threat not, because unless your practice is based in Beverley Hills then patients are likely to find visual correction or a taxi more affordable than a self-driving Toyota Prius. As for Project Glass, anything that encourages more people to wear glasses can only be a good thing for the profession.