Finland-based IXI is preparing to launch its autofocus spectacles for presbyopes, which use eye-tracking and liquid crystal lens technology to adapt to the wearer’s gaze.  

Having acquired a lens manufacturing and development facility in Finland and established a long-term partnership with Swiss high-precision optics manufacturer Optiswiss, IXI also raised US$36.5m (NZ$61m) from companies including Amazon. This will support ergonomic prototype refinement, European production scale-up and initial optical retail collaborations ahead of market launch, said the company. 

IXI’s prototype weighs 22g (without lenses) and features adjustable temples, nosepiece and pantoscopic tilt to accommodate varied face shapes and visual needs. This ergonomic focus responds to research showing traditional and existing smart frames often force users into uncomfortable postures and eye strain, said IXI. 

The company has also signed a letter of intent with French optical groups Atol and Vizio – representing more than 3,000 stores – to explore potential commercial pilots in France once regulatory milestones such as CE marking are achieved.  

The technology remains in development with details of official launch and regulatory approval to be announced. 

Meanwhile, Japanese company Elcyo is developing autofocus glasses that use proprietary Fresnel liquid crystal lens technology, while its compatriot ViXion is already selling ViXion01S, a 33g frame that fits over the wearer’s existing spectacles. The frame connects to an app to monitor and control focus via secondary lenses.