NORWALK, Conn.—International Vision Expo and Vision Monday have announced the redesigned and expanded Eye² Zone to debut at Vision Expo West held Oct. 2 to 5, 2013 (Education: Oct. 2 to 5, Exhibition: Oct. 3 to 5) at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas. The Eye² Zone, initially launched at International Vision Expo East in New York City in March, is a dedicated showcase exclusive to Vision Expo where attendees can view and experience non-traditional eyewear and wearable technology.



 
Vision Monday’s Eye² Zone will showcase vision-centered technologies from 12 different exhibitors, many of which were featured at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and other high-tech events throughout the U.S. The booth will incorporate a sectioned area for Daily Tech Talks, allowing live demonstrations and ongoing technology presentations from featured exhibitors, and attendees will also have the opportunity to meet directly with representatives from each of the manufacturers and to interact with the products on display.

“These products expand the capabilities of eyewear and the potential of human vision,” said Courtney Muller, group vice president for Reed Exhibitions. “The debut of Vision Monday’s Eye² Zone in New York was a big hit and we are excited to bring this new segment of related technology exhibitors to Vision Expo West for the first time. This area is experiential and informative and features some of the most innovative products on the market. It’s a great way to see how vision will function as a foundation for emerging technology. Your patients trust you to guide and advise them on these products and Vision Expo is the only place to gain that comprehensive knowledge. Get in the Zone!”

Andrew Karp, editor of Vision Monday’s Eye² e-newsletter and curator of the Eye² Zone added, “These products are great examples of some of the latest technologies being used in entertainment, sports, wellness and medicine. They are designed to be worn on the eye, near the eye, or even in the eye, depending upon the product. Doctors and dispensers who visit the Zone can learn about these products so they can then advise patients on their safe and proper use.”

Products and technologies to be featured in the Eye² Zone at Vision Expo West include:

3D Glasses by Boson—Boson manufactures 3D eyewear and entertainment objects that serve education, government, engineering, science and many other industries. Boson eyewear frames are available as sunglasses, eyeglasses and 3D glasses, all featuring scratch resistant lenses.

Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System by Second Sight—The Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System is the world’s first and only approved device intended to restore some functional vision for people suffering from blindness. The device is surgically implanted in and on the eye and is designed to bypass the damaged photoreceptors altogether. Glasses with a built-in camera capture a scene which is processed and transformed before being transmitted wirelessly to the antenna in the implant. This process of transmitting visual information along the optic nerve to the brain creates the perception of patterns of light which patients can learn to interpret as visual patterns.

iOptik by Innovega—Innovega enhances normal vision using special contact lenses that make it possible to view virtual and augmented reality images in the same way we view the real world. The technology utilized in the iOptik approach eliminates bulky optics that have previously been required in the design of video eyewear products, enabling higher performance and better style than ever before. iOptik will be the platform of choice for emerging social media and augmented reality applications.

cinemizer by Carl Zeiss—cinemizer OLED multimedia video glasses combine 3D movie enjoyment with outstanding image quality and stereo sound. The cinemizer utilizes lightweight, mobile technology to create a theater atmosphere by projecting a 40-inch image into the eyeglasses. The glasses can be connected to an iPod/iPad/iPhone, smartphone, Blu-ray player, gaming console, computer and more. Eyeglass wearers can also configure their prescription in each eye with a setting wheel.

Crystalline Lens by Gunnar Optiks—Gunnar Advanced Computer Eyewear featuring Crystalline lenses protect, enhance and optimize visual performance for anyone who spends long hours viewing computers or digital screens. The glasses help minimize eye fatigue and visual stress caused by high intensity blue light and glare from screens while improving contrast, comfort and focus.



 
eSight by eSight Corp.—This wearable, electronic assistive technology is designed specifically for low vision. It incorporates prescription lenses with a high-resolution video camera and a bright, high-contrast, “virtual” display for each eye to maximize the effectiveness of remaining eyesight.

Epiphany Eyewear by Vergence labs—Stylish “smart glasses” equipped with HD video and audio recording, HD live streaming and electrochromic lenses;

i/o Recon Ski Goggles by Smith Optics—Features include GPS and Bluetooth heads-up display technology integrated into the I/O Recon frame design, which maximizes field of view, helmet integration, and ease of lens change;

Mind Booster PSiO 1.1 by PSiO—The PSiO is a powerful relaxation tool that utilizes sound and colored rhythmic lights to enable focus, quieting any internal dialogue and enabling a higher state of awareness. It can serve as a personal development tool, and can be programmed to be used for weight loss, memorization, performance, pain relief, smoking cessation, concentration, relaxation and more.

Pivothead Video Eyewear—Live, capture and share moments from your own unique perspective. Pivothead technology allows for true point-of-view hands free image capturing. Glasses feature HD video, 8MP Sony CMOS Image Sensor for crisp still images, auto scene adjustment, wind-resistant audio recording, up to 16-shot rapid burst still photos, 8GB internal memory capacity, micro USB connector, interchangeable 100 percent UV A/B/C blocking lenses, and more.

Sportiii by 4iii—Sportiiiis utilizes color LEDs and voice prompts to provide performance feedback without distraction during physical activity. When used with the 4iiii app or website these prompts can guide user to personalized preset targets for heart rate, speed, cadence and power as well as help track progress. The universal mount attaches to almost any pair of glasses, with built-in speakers for audible updates.

Z3 GPS MOD Live Ski Goggles by Zeal Optics—Features include anti-fog lens infused lens process, impact resistant frame technology, 100 percent UV protection, helmet compatibility and polarized automatic lens. MOD LIVE GPS System is Bluetooth enabled and allows for tracking speed, altitude, GPS, jump stats, temperature, distance, run, count and chrono. Widescreen in-goggle display is ideal for smartphone connectivity to view Caller ID, text messages, buddy tracking, trail maps and navigation.

Vision Monday’s Eye² Zone will be located on the show floor at International Vision Expo West in the Eyewear & Accessories Pavilion (Booth # 16115). For more information about the Eye² Zone, including artist renderings of the space, visit visionexpowest.com/Eye2Zone-Renderings. To register for International Vision Expo West, visit visionexpowest.com. ■

—VM Staff