This fall ushers in a new generation of smart eyewear launches in our industry.

For those who may recall the bygone era of the Google Glass, a head-up display with a $1,500 price tag that debuted in 2014 (and ceased selling in 2023) you may wonder what potential these products could hold today.

Loaded with tech-forward features, smart specs aim to deliver on-the-move convenience to consumers. Do consumers want these features embedded into their eyewear?

The recent Focused inSights Smart Eyewear 2023 Report from The Vision Council (2,202 consumers in July) revealed that most adults (56%) have heard of smart eyewear but only 1 in 10 (9%) know exactly what it is. Still, a full 33% of adults say they are likely to consider a smart eyewear purchase in the next 12 months. Men, people ages 18-44, urbanites, and high-income earners are the most likely buyers.

These numbers point to a distinct opportunity. There is a clear need for patient education on the numerous features and benefits of smart eyewear—and the prospect of targeting the previously mentioned fan groups. Stay tuned for more to come in the pages of EB on this topic du jour.

In this issue, we reveal the latest avant-garde eyewear trends for women via our fall fashion shoot with award-winning photographer Kasia Idzkowska and two NYC-based professional dancers with credits including the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Check out our Female Form feature starting on page 40.

And there is much more! Tune into our Staff Hiring + Training Tip Sheet on page 50 to lay claim to competitive strategies for your optical. And don’t miss our Focus on Fundamentals column starting on page 36—this series is a finalist in the running for a 2023 Folio Eddie Award!

We hope you enjoy the issue!

BEHIND THE SCENES:

Want more? Watch an insider video from EB’s Fall 2023 fashion shoot in New York City in EB’s digital edition.

 

TRENDING VIDEO  TOUR THE ISSUE WITH EB’S EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Curious what’s in store in this issue of EB? Join editor Erinn Morgan by clicking play in EB’s digital edition for quick highlights + insider info.

 

 

Erinn Morgan,
Editor-in-Chief + Editorial Director
Director of Social Media, Vision