As editor of Eye2, I continually marvel at the broad spectrum of innovative technologies that are moving our industry forward. Here are four technologies that impressed me in 2013.

Smart Glasses M100 from Vuzix will give Google Glass a run for its money. Featuring a hands free display and communications system for on-the-go data access from your smartphone and the Internet, the M100 contains a virtual display with integrated camera and powerful processing engine, running an Android OS, and connects wirelessly via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to your smartphone (iOS or Android) or other compatible device.

O2Amp lenses from 2AI are a niche product, but it’s a unique niche: helping medical personnel see blood more clearly. According to 2AI, O2Amp’s lens technology perfects what your eyes do naturally by removing “noise” from the blood signal, thus giving phlebotomists, doctors and other health care professionals a clearer view of their patients, their health, vitality and state of mind.

Pivothead’s Gen 2 product, SMART, is a high def video camera disguised as a high performance sunglass. SMART offers full 1080p video and 8 MP photos, plus wireless, full HD live streaming. Other goodies include Android OS and available SDK (an app linking SMART to a smartwatch has already been developed), NFC touch points (a first for eyewear), Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

eSight is electronic eyewear that can enhance the remaining vision of people with conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. It incorporates a high-res video camera and a high-contrast display for each eye.

Let’s give a round of applause for these innovative technologies. I believe they will have a significant impact in the coming year, as ECPs and optical retailers discover and embrace them. ■

akarp@jobson.com