We’re entering an era where AI doesn’t just live in our phones, but becomes woven into the very fabric of our daily lives through smart glasses and wearable tech. The next generation of AI-powered optical devices will create a data loop between digital tools and physical environments, enabling AI agents to not only be more useful in our daily lives, but to build more sophisticated world models and data grounded in reality. For eye care professionals, this isn’t just another tech trend—it’s your moment. You’re not just fitting glasses anymore; you’re becoming the gateway to humanity’s next major interface revolution. From transforming patient engagement to streamlining operations, AI is positioning opticians and eye care experts at the center of the most significant technological shift since smartphones.
What’s coming will change everything:
– Smart glasses and personal AI devices that create a seamless bridge between digital intelligence and the physical world around us
– AI agents that don’t just respond to commands, but actively learn from real-world environments
– A complete revolution in how we interact with intelligence—as game-changing as the first iPhone
In a recent keynote presentation for EssilorLuxottica, Meta, and Transitions Optical, futurist Mike Walsh discussed how the integration of AI and smart eyewear is poised to profoundly transform the fields of eye care, optical retail, and our broader societal interactions.
Today’s artificial intelligence has evolved beyond basic conversational tools, becoming multimodal. Smart glasses like the Ray-Ban Meta glasses now empower digital assistants to perceive and interpret what is around us – translating languages and contextualizing environments. Everyone is talking about AI agents, but where they really come to life is when they become embodied in the real world through our devices.
Credit to : Mike Walsh (Global Futurist)