Development of a low cost, high resolution 270° 3D solution for full face capture to provide low cost customised eyewear

The general rise of eyewear prescriptions and the subsequent need for perfect fitting eyeglasses is partly driven by the growing ageing population, increasing effect of conditions such as myopia and hyperopia, extensive use of computers and need for protection against the sun’s ultra-violet radiation. Current eyewear prescription methods are unable to accurately account for variations in facial features e.g. size of nose, distance between eyes. Present procedures require a consumer to try out several frames before finally choosing a close fitting frame that is not necessarily a perfect fit. Poor fitting glasses can cause discomfort and misalignment of the lenses with the eyes, a problem which has resulted in dissatisfied customers returning glasses, costing an estimated €500 million/year in losses in Europe. Our solution will use 3D scanning technologies to scan a consumers’s face, identify key facial landmarks and provide accurate measurements. This will then be used to determine either the best fitting glasses or a specification for custom fit glasses that can be manufactured using 3D printing technologies. The solution will be targeted at large eyewear retailers and manufacturers where there is an opportunity to implement the solution across a large network of stores.