BIRMINGHAM, England—Eyoto British optical innovation company, which originated as a spinout from Aston University’s School of Optometry, has announced an expansion of operations into the U.S., and appointed Kurt Gardner as vice president and general manager, North America. Eyoto focuses on tackling problems facing the optical industry through advanced technology, with a specialty in image processing, computer vision, machine learning, artificial intelligence and ophthalmic user interface design. Gardner will oversee the group’s sales, logistics and operation activities in the U.S. and Canada.

Before taking on this role, Gardner worked in marketing and operations roles with FEA Industries and Indizen Optical Technologies of America. He began his career as a licensed optician at Pearle Vision.

Carl Francis, Eyoto Group chief executive, said, “Kurt is a great guy with a big personality who is well-known throughout the optical industry. He is an innovative thinker who puts his customers first, and we are delighted to have him as part of our senior leadership team. Kurt will no doubt push us to stay customer centric, as well as help us pick the right commercial partners.”

In addition, Eyoto has announced that their eMap Lens Visualisation and Analysis Platform is now commercially available in North America. eMap was launched at Vision Expo East 2019.

Gardner said, “Eyoto represents the forward-thinking and innovative approach that the industry needs, and I am excited to join the team especially as eMap is being introduced. The eMap system brings wide field lens analysis to everyone in a fast, easy to use package. Both labs and ECPs finally have the ability to see the whole picture of what they are manufacturing and dispensing, making this the benchmark for lens dispensing of the future."

Francis said, “These are exciting times for us at Eyoto as our eMap platform promises to fundamentally change the dynamics of the lens manufacturing and retailing process, and we have other highly disruptive products launching in the coming months. Eyoto specializes in advanced design and technology. We marry game-changing instrumentation with 21st century data analytics and ease of use.”