A disruptive technology that rapidly captures high resolution 3D images, enabling accurate measurements to be taken of a customer’s face, could “revolutionise eye care delivery”, according to Sydney optometrist
Jim Kokkinakis.
Fuel3D, a British 3D capture and imaging innovator, has been awarded funding of €1.7 million (AU$2.6 million) from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program. The funding comes from the “SME instrument” part of the €80 billion (AU$123 billion) Horizon 2020 program.
The Horizon 2020 SME instrument grant is specifically to support Fuel3D’s development of a 3D scanning system that will allow full-face capture from a single scan to provide data to support the provision of customised eyewear. Poor fitting glasses cause discomfort and misalignment of the lenses with the eyes, a problem which can result in dissatisfied customers returning glasses.
Fuel3D’s disruptive technology enables rapid capture of high resolution 3D images to deliver solutions that are both cost-effective and easy-to-use. The company’s proposed eyewear solution combines pre-calibrated stereo cameras with photometric imaging to instantly capture and process a 270-degree 3D scan of a customer’s face to enable accurate measurements to be taken. Capturing 3D data in under 0.1 seconds compensates for movement and blinking.
I cannot even fathom how we will be delivering eye care in 10 years’ time
“We are delighted to have secured Horizon 2020 SME instrument funding for this project, said Stuart Mead, CEO of Fuel3D. “We believe that the eyewear sector will benefit greatly from the advances we have made in fast, measurable 3D image capture, and we are looking forward to building a system that will help set new fitting standards and revenue models in the industry.”
The first year of the project will see Fuel3D develop a prototype system. The second year will move towards manufacturing the final product and also include work with partners in the eyewear sector to integrate with third-party systems, including those designed to support custom-fitting of eyewear or “virtual try-on” solutions.
The company is forming an advisory panel of industry experts from the optometric industry to provide sector-specific knowledge that will drive the development of the system.
Speaking of the concept, Mr. Kokkinakis said, “I cannot even fathom how we will be delivering eye care in 10 years’ time. For the last 10 years we have been measuring our multifocals using a 3D two camera system. This has worked very well for us. Now I find out that a 3D camera system will take facial measurements to customise the frame to the patient’s unique facial features.
“Hopefully we will combine the two technologies together. This will revolutionise eye care delivery. Problem is, by the time this comes to fruition, there will be something that might supersede even this!”
