Ordering Eyeglasses Using 3D Head Scan Technology versus Established Online and Storefront Clinic Methods

Abstract

Significance: This study investigates how a new smartphone scanning technology compares with established online and storefront vendors in providing remote measurement and adjustment of prescription eyeglasses.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate a new technology for ordering prescription eyeglasses online.

Methods: Thirty participants with 2.00 to 2.75 D of presbyopia (aged 49 to 74 years) were asked to order eyeglasses with progressive addition lenses from four vendors: one online vendor using a new head scan technology (Topology, San Francisco, CA), two established Web site-based vendors (vendors A and B), and one storefront vendor: Université de Montréal's Vision Clinic (UMVC). The resulting measurements were compared with those of opticians. Participant-reported preferences on visual and physical comfort of eyeglasses were collected after 15-minute trials of eyeglasses from each vendor.

Results: Pupillary half-distance measured with Topology matched optician measurements, but online vendors A and B diverged (mean difference, - 0.80 mm [ Z = -2.79; P = .005]). Topology and vendor B segment addition heights were similar to optician measurements, but vendor A diverged (mean, -1.40 mm [ Z = -2.58; P = .01]). The personalization parameter values obtained with Topology were different from optician measurements for pantoscopic angle (-5.30° [ Z = -4.12; P < .001]) and face wrap angle (+1.25° [ Z = -2.94; P = .003]). The UMVC eyeglasses scored best for adjustment (8.71/10 [ Z = -5.53; P < .001]), with Topology coming second (7.23/10). Topology scores were equivalent to UMVC scores for all eight items of patient-reported preferences (nonparametric Friedman analysis of variance, P < .05).

Conclusions: Basic lens centration measurements obtained with Topology compare well with those of opticians, but some aspects of the methodology for measuring personalization parameters could be improved. In comparison with two established online vendors, resulting measurements with Topology are more consistent. Initial wearer satisfaction with Topology eyeglasses was also better.