The pandemic has reshaped consumer behaviour and more people turned to online shopping. Digital health solutions can be harnessed to better serve patients. In this context, New Look Vision Group commissioned the Université de Montréal (UdeM) School of Optometry to conduct a comparative study which unveiled that New Look Vision Group’s app, powered by Topology, is the leading technology-supported purchasing method online.

Topology dramatically improves the quality of digital eye care services, especially when it comes to purchasing prescription glasses. The results uncovered in the UdeM study are astounding, and reveal that the respondents, when they received their glasses, judged them to be comparable to what is found in store.

The study performed in 2021, which surveyed 30 people over 50 years old to test the generally more complex progressive prescriptions, compares the way three online eyewear retailers technology-based services (New Look powered by Topology and two major online eyewear retailers) fair against the UdeM School of Optometry store.

Topology is a technology that uses the latest advances in 3D facial scanning and augmented reality to enable customers to take the necessary ultra-precise measurements needed to produce high-quality glasses. The research parameters primarily included the accuracy of the measurement, fitting and comfort upon delivery, and overall satisfaction. 

“I am extremely pleased that an independent study confirms that New Look’s app, which was conceived from a partnership with Topology, is the most accurate on the market. This represents years in the making and extensive testing to bring this possibility to the market during a time when the world can really benefit from an option like this”, says Jean-Michel Maltais, Senior Vice President Omnichannel, New Look Vision Group. 

The findings from the study uncover positive advancements in online prescription eyewear purchasing and identify Topology as a leading tool. Notable highlights include: 

• The quality of Topology’s measurements – namely pupillary half-distances and ocular height – is comparable to the measurements taken in person by UdeM eye care professionals. 
• Topology is the only technology that takes measurements for the production of personalized lenses (requiring a greater number of accurate measurements) when buying online.
• Topology’s measurements are more accurate, allowing for clearer vision compared to two major online eyewear retailers.
• Topology was ranked higher than the two other major online eyewear retailers by eye care professionals for frame adjustments to fit the wearer. In fact, with Topology, a personalized adjustment is made before shipping. New Look Vision Group is the only retailer to offer this service.
• Overall, customers who use Topology technology to purchase prescription glasses online can benefit from an experience that is close to an in-person purchase in store. 

“This new technology from Topology represents a significant advance in the industry, compared to the traditional model of buying glasses online. The basic parameters allowing the production of quality progressive glasses are comparable to those obtained in-store. It is also likely that the higher visual comfort provided by Topology, compared to the other online retailers evaluated, is due to its ability to take measurements for the production of personalized lenses. This technology presents online eyewear shoppers with numerous advantages compared to what existed before and performs better on many levels,’’ mentions Nicolas Fontaine, Optometrist and University lecturer and researcher at the Optometry School of Université de Montréal.

New Look Vision Group’s app powered by Topology is available from its banners New Look, IRIS and Greiche & Scaff. 

The full study will be published at a later date. In the meantime, a summary can be found here.

Click HERE for the full press release.

To raise awareness of its global impact and encourage fundraising through the end of the year, Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) has kicked off its “Light Up Their Eyes This Holiday Season” campaign. The appeal features stories of how the organization—through the generosity of individual and corporate donors—has provided the gift of sight to people around the world.

Throughout the coming weeks, the campaign will highlight a variety of real-life cases, including those of children in Zambia and Haiti who are better able to learn in school after support from OGS enabled them to be fit with their first pairs of glasses. Another tells the story of a health care professional in India who now incorporates education about primary eye care into her work with her community thanks to OGS-funded training.

“We are so proud of—and grateful for—the progress we’ve made in our mission to end preventable blindness and vision impairment by creating long-term sustainable solutions where they are needed most. But there is always more work to be done, and we can only do it with the help of donors. Every dollar counts,” said Lois Schoenbrun, CAE (Ret.), FAAO, OGS Executive Director, North America. “We hope that by showcasing the personal stories of those whose lives have been changed as a result of our support, people will be inspired to give during the holidays to this important and worthy cause.”

With the support of the ophthalmic industry, optometrists, patients, and other donors, Optometry Giving Sight funds programs to develop sustainable infrastructure, train local eye care professionals, and deliver desperately needed vision care in underserved communities both at home and around the globe.

Click HERE for the full press release.