Virtual reality technology is becoming increasingly popular within various industries and its uses seem limitless. Just last month, British technology start-up Improbable raised more than £390m in crowdfunding to develop its gaming virtual reality software which it says could power ‘previously unmakeable games’. Virtual reality has also been used as a form of immersive therapy for dementia patients, projecting calming environments that help bring relaxation for the user. Not only is it deeply engaging and entertaining, but it is also accessible: a smartphone and holder is all you need. Taking advantage of the trend is Hoya, which walked away with Lens Product of the Year at this year’s Optician Awards thanks to its Vision Simulator.
The Hoya Vision Simulator gives patients an accurate simulation of what to expect from their lenses both in virtual and augmented reality environments, allowing the patient to see how their vision could be improved. It is controlled by an application downloaded onto a smartphone or MP3 device which is placed into the headset. The patient is taken through four different virtual reality situations: the living room, office, restaurants and outdoor scenes which effectively demonstrate the areas of blurred vision.
The Vision Simulator comes with an iPod with built-in software app and a lightweight visor unit which the patient wears. Users will need to download the remote control app, which works both on iOS and Android devices, to a tablet and then sign in and connect via Bluetooth.
Hoya customer services manager Michelle Batho says the lens product was developed in line with consumer purchasing behaviour. ‘Changes are being heavily driven by digital devices such as tablets, smartphones and laptop computers. The patient is now considerably more tech savvy than 10 years ago, often researching their potential purchase online before going instore.’
One of the most important criteria in the product’s development was that simulation needed to be a true representation of how different lens types can perform. Various lens modules are available, ranging from single and progressive vision to tints and polarised lenses, meaning all patients’ prescriptions and wearing parameters are covered. The app can define the patient’s monocular distance centre, vertical height and frame parameters as well as demonstrate the benefits of premium lenses over industry standard lenses, all before a purchase is made. Patients are therefore given the chance to participate in a real world high tech experience rather than simple charts and pictures in order to make a consumer decision.
The Optician Awards’ expert panel of judges commented that the Vision Simulator was a ‘great demonstrator for patients, particularly if they are new to progressive lenses.’ The product was credited for its potential to progress the nature of dispensing and increase confidence in a patient’s purchase.
Batho adds: ‘Hoya is proud and privileged to receive the Optician Award which endorses the hard work and development of this new world product, indeed the accolade will appear on all communications related to the Hoya Vision Simulator and is seen as a seal of approval by the optical world.’
Now armed with an Optician Award, there seems no plans for Hoya to stop any time soon. The Vision Simulator’s technology is constantly being updated with new virtual reality settings as well as new simulations of coatings, including office and photochromic lenses.
The question now is whether more companies like Hoya will be including technology to improve dispensing optics. ‘The dispensing area has long been the poor relation of the examination room and I believe that over the next few years virtual and augmented reality devices will become the norm in practice,’ says Batho. ‘Digital augmented and virtual reality devices all have their place in modern practice and while some may still prefer using pen and paper diagrams to explain lens designs, more and more patients now expect simulations and high tech to be part of the dispensing experience. Needless to say, the Hoya Vision Simulator is lightweight, intuitive and very easy for the patient to experience.’
Winner
Hoya Vision Simulator, Hoya Lens UK
Shortlisted
Zeiss DriveSafe Individual Lenses, Carl Zeiss Vision UK
Eye Protect System, Essilor
Shamir Autograph III, Shamir