In today's optical stores, it is typically the responsibility of the retailer to translate a customer's personality, style, and social preferences into shapes and styles of eyeglass frames, leading to a lengthy and frustrating process for the customer. The process becomes even more lengthy and frustrating for the customer when the retailer is not experienced or esthetically sensitive, does not properly communicate with the customer, or is just trying to serve more than one customer at a time.

INNOVATION:  UCLA has patented a method and apparatus for designing and visualizing the shape of eyeglass lenses and of the front rims of eyeglass frames. The patented method also allows the customer to modify the design by changing the shape and style interactively to suit his/her preference and perceived character. The patented invention comprises an interface for a lens grinding machine that allows the retailer to manufacture the selected frame at the store for certain specified styles, or allows the retailer to transmit the shape and style data to a manufacturer that can implement the selected design and deliver it directly to the customer. Another embodiment of the invention is to provide a method for designing, visualizing, and modifying the shape and style of eyeglass lenses and frames remotely through the Internet or other communication channel, and to transmit the design to a manufacturer, which enables the customer to select and purchase eyeglasses directly from manufacturers.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS 

• Eyewear retailers and manufacturers could implement the system into their business.

ADVANTAGES

• Consumers can customize their eyewear selection via an electronic interface.
• Overhead can be reduced: less stock would need to be kept on hand, fewer sales representatives needed, less training required for sales representatives.
• A quicker turn-around time could be achieved, improving customer satisfaction.

Reference: UCLA Case No. 2002-255

US Patent Number: 6,944,327