Meet the
robots that will
replace you...
From robot
vacuum cleaners to
autonomous cars,
we are on the cusp
of a technological
revolution. The
consequences of robot
drivers for thousands
of taxi, lorry and even
train drivers is plain to
see. But if you thought
opticians were
irreplaceable, then
think again.
According to the Foresight report
published in 2016 by the Optical
Confederation 1 ‘No profession will be
untouched by new technologies’ and
‘unless professionals and businesses
adapt with the times they risk becoming
unviable’. Even the GOC is currently
carrying out a consultation on root-
and-branch reforms to optical sector
education to better prepare the
next generation of optometrists and
dispensing opticians 2 .
In the next few years the optical
industry will see a period of
10 etCETera | April 2017
extraordinary change taking place at an
unprecedented rate. This will be driven
by advances in technology as well as
NHS reforms in response to spiralling
demands and costs. If you think that’s all
a bit farfetched, have a look at some of
the things that are already being done.
Smartphone Autorefractors
New York-based Smart Vision
Labs, already offers smart phone
based technology designed to carry
out refraction in just a few minutes.
It measures VA, refraction and PD.
Details are sent to one of Smart Vision’s
Optometrists and the validated results are
emailed to the patient within 24 hours.
Smart Vision in Use in Practice
Smart Vision officially launched in
July 2016, and has already made its way
into 50 optical stores in America. Smart
Vision’s technology has been cleared by
the Food and Drug Administration and is
said to have a less than 1% remake rate.
Portable Fundus Cameras
At the same time D-EYE have
developed a smart phone fundus
camera. According to their website 3
the D-EYE has been shown to be
superior to both a direct 4 and indirect
ophthalmoscope 5 in the detection of
hypertension and glaucoma by (non-
ophthalmologist) doctors.
D-EYE portable retinal imaging