By Andrew Karp: Group Editor, Lenses + Technology

 
An Eyejusters wearer dials in her focal power.  
OXFORD, U.K.—Eyejusters, a technology start- up based here, has developed a way to make simple, adjustable low-cost glasses for the developing world. The company’s glasses, also called Eyejusters, feature metal frames and the company’s proprietary SlideLens system, which allows wearers to precisely adjust the focal power of each lens independently. Using a removable dial, wearers slide one optical quality lens over another to instantly change the “prescription.” Focal power ranges from -5.0D to +4.5D and the lenses, which are made of a molded plastic material, can focus at any point from the far distance to 22cm from the eyes.

“Our SlideLens system uses the same principles as the Alvarez lens, but we took the basic design and refined it,” explained Eyejusters CEO Owen Reading, head of business development for Eyejusters. Reading, an Oxford University graduate, co-owns the company with partners David Crosby, Richard Taylor and Greg Storey. “The clarity is fantastic, and the quality of vision across the field of view is much improved. We’ve also done lot of work on the adjustment mechanism.


 Eyejusters glasses feaure metal frames and the company’s proprietary SlideLens system. 
“The SlideLens technology and our metal frame make our glasses as much like a conventional glasses as possible in terms of aesthetic and design,” he added.

Reading said Eyejusters glasses are designed to fit any face. The frames feature spring hinges and flexible nose pads and come in a wide range of colors.

The frame is designed for easy maintenance; the two lens parts can be hinged apart to remove dust, dirt and water.

Although the glasses can function as over-the-counter readers, Eyejusters intends them primarily to be distributed to people in the developing world who have vision correction needs. The company recently launched a sales campaign, Give and Get, a buy-one-get-one program that allows customers to donate a frame to a vision project in the developing world where access to vision care and eyewear is extremely limited. Customers who purchase from the Eyejusters website, www.eyejusters.com or through its distributors, First Street and DebSpec, can enter a serial number they receive with their order and see where their donated glasses have gone.

Reading said Eyejusters is looking for more distributors in the optical industry, and is encouraging eyecare professionals and other interested parties to contact the company.  ■

akarp@jobson.com