Interview with PixelOptics 
The world’s first electronic spectacle lens, emPower!™

EyeCare Professional’s Paul DiGiovanni speaking with Clay Musslewhite, Director of Marketing, PixelOptics.

EyeCare Professional: How was the concept for the emPower! technology developed?

Clay Musselwhite

Clay Musslewhite: The concept was developed by the work of scientists from around the world, working in a number of disciplines (optics, chemistry, electronics, just to name a few.) The genesis of the idea came from the work of our President and CEO, Ron Blum. Initially the idea was to create a computer monitor that adjusted to correct the display to match your prescription. The idea was to not have to wear glasses while looking at the computer. This technology required a CRT monitor (prior to the flat-screen monitors that are common today). Once it was apparent that flat-screen monitors were on their way out, the project was abandoned because the technology required the depth and size of the older style monitors. The next thought was “how can we put that same technology directly into the eyeglasses.” That started the development path for emPower!.

ECP: Please provide a brief overview of how the emPower! electronic eyewear works.

CM: emPower! is an optical system that combines a liquid crystal electronic reading zone that is embedded inside the lens, with a free-form partial progressive surface applied to the back of the lens. When the electronic reading zone is OFF, the wearer has wide and uninterrupted distance vision as well as mid-range vision (mid-range supplied by the free-form partial progress power.) When the electronic reading zone is ON, the wearer has Distance, mid-range and near vision.

The wearer controls their vision. When they want the reading power, they can have it. When it’s not needed, they make it go away.

There are 3 modes of operation – Manual ON, Manual OFF and Automatic. Manual ON and OFF are activated by touching the right temple of the frame and toggling the electronic reading zone on and off.

The Automatic mode is activated by swiping the right temple. This activates the micro-accelerometer that is in the electronic module. The micro-accelerometer senses the head posture of the wearer. When the wearer tilts their head down to read, the electronic reading zone turns ON and then OFF again when the wearer looks back up.

This is all controlled by a module that is located in the temple of the frame. This is the “electronic brains” of the eyewear as well as the power source. The module contains the rechargeable battery.

As stated, the battery is rechargeable. One overnight charge will give the wearer 2 to 3 days of typical use.


ECP: How many frame styles are in collection? 

CM: Initially our North American frame partner, Aspex, will introduce 12 different styles.


ECP: What color options are available? 

CM: There will be a minimum of 3 colors for each style, providing 36 choices for consumers.


ECP: What material are the lenses made out of? 

CM: The lenses are made from 1.67 high index plastic.


ECP: Is PixelOptics distributing the eyewear directly or are your partnering with a distributor? 

CM: PixelOptics is committed to selling emPower! through traditional channels of distribution for our industry. As of today, we have signed 10 different laboratories around the country. We have plans of signing a total of 18 to 20 laboratories by the end of 2011.


ECP: How will eye care retailers purchase emPower! lenses? 

CM: Eye care professionals should contact their local Aspex Eyewear sales representative to begin the dealership agreement process. Once that’s complete, retailers will order emPower! just as they would their other eyewear through an authorized emPower! distributor.


ECP: The product is scheduled to roll out in the Southeastern part of the US. When will it be available to other parts of the country? 

CM: We expect that emPower! will be available across the United States within 6 months.


ECP: emPower! is such a high tech product what type of technical assistance will be provided to answer questions regarding the dispensing and marketing of this product? 

CM: The initial support will come from their authorized emPower! laboratory. They will be trained to handle the majority of questions that will arise. PixelOptics will also provide each eye care professional with an account manager that is accessible by phone to solve virtually any problem.

ECP: What is the recommended average retail cost for this product? 

CM: Our market research indicates that $1,250 is the appropriate retail price. This price is for lens, frames, anti-reflective coating and charger.


ECP: What type of POP is available to help optical retailers sell a high tech product such as this? 

CM: There will be a variety of promotional tools available to the retailer (patient brochures, counter cards, dispensing mats, etc). The center-piece will be a frame display and demo center. This display will showcase all 36 frames as well as provide a video monitor to explain emPower! as well as a “demonstrator” that shows the functionality of emPower!

Paul DiGiovanni, LDO, is a practicing optician who resides in New Jersey. to be here for awhile.