Ordering Eyeglasses Using 3D Head Scan Technology versus Established Online and Storefront Clinic Methods
Nicolas Fontaine, Jean-Marie Hanssens1, Marina Nguyen1
1École d'optométrie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
Summary
A new smartphone scanning technology for ordering prescription eyeglasses online shows promising results, offering more consistent measurements than other online vendors and good initial wearer satisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology and Vision Science
- Optical Engineering
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Online ordering of prescription eyeglasses is growing, but accuracy of remote measurements remains a challenge.
- Established methods include online vendors and traditional storefronts, each with limitations in remote precision and personalization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel smartphone-based head scanning technology (Topology) for remote prescription eyeglass ordering.
- To compare the accuracy and user satisfaction of this new technology against established online and storefront vendors.
Main Methods:
- Thirty participants with presbyopia ordered progressive addition lenses from four vendors: Topology (new head scan tech), two established online vendors (A & B), and a storefront clinic (UMVC).
- Measurements (pupillary distance, segment height, personalization parameters) were compared to optician standards.
- Participant-reported visual and physical comfort were assessed after trial wear.
Main Results:
- Topology's pupillary half-distance measurements closely matched opticians, outperforming online vendors A and B.
- While Topology's segment addition heights were comparable to opticians, personalization parameters (pantoscopic and face wrap angles) showed differences.
- Storefront vendor (UMVC) eyeglasses received the highest adjustment scores, with Topology ranking second but showing equivalent wearer satisfaction to UMVC.
Conclusions:
- Smartphone scanning technology (Topology) provides accurate basic lens centration measurements, comparable to opticians and more consistent than other online vendors.
- Improvements in personalization parameter measurement methodology are suggested for the new technology.
- Initial wearer satisfaction with eyeglasses ordered via Topology was favorable, indicating potential for improved online eyeglass ordering experiences.
