HOYA Launches Yuniku, a Global First in Vision-centric, 3D Tailored Eyewear

PR65843

UITHOORN, the Netherlands, Sept 23, 2016 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

     HOYA Vision Care Company, a key player in the global market for ophthalmic

lenses, is proud to announce a global premiere: Yuniku, the world's first 3D

tailored eyewear that is designed entirely around the optimal vision of the

wearer. Yuniku is the result of a highly successful partnership with

Materialise, leading provider of 3D printing software and services, and

collaboration with Hoet design studio, pioneer in innovative eyewear designs.

The 3D tailored eyewear, launched today, is a Silmo d'Or nominee in the

Equipment category at Silmo 2016 in Paris.

    Regular frames and lenses can be customised only to a certain degree. The

frame and fitting are a given, and lens parameters have to be adjusted to suit

them, providing the best possible - though not always ideal - vision

experience. Yuniku, by contrast, uses a revolutionary vision-centric approach.

It begins by assessing the wearer's visual needs and facial features. Advanced

software calculates the ideal position of the lenses in relation to the eyes,

and then designs the frame based on those unique parameters. 3D printing allows

us to further tailor the frame according the visual, comfort and aesthetic

needs of the customer.

     (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160922/410763LOGO )

    The range features an exclusive selection of frame designs, colours and

finishes. These are complemented by a choice of a premium progressive, single

vision or indoor lens solution.

    "Yuniku is an exciting step forward in custom eyewear. By capitalising on

advances in 3D printing technology, we have removed the limitations posed by

traditional spectacles," says Jon Warrick, Vice President Global Marketing.

"For the first time, wearers can enjoy the ultimate in optical performance,

without compromising on style or fit."

    "The greatest impact and reach comes from those few innovations that

transform entire supply chains, introduce new business models, increase

operational efficiency, and greatly improve customer experience. I am proud to

say that Yuniku is a prime example of transformative innovation," adds Alireza

Parandian, Global Business Strategist - Wearables,  Materialise.

    "For us it was an obvious continuation of implementing 3D printing in

eyewear design," says Bieke, daughter of Patrick Hoet and director of the

design office. "Yuniku refers to the unique facial anatomy of each person, but

also to the unique design of the frame. The frame design is a very important

factor to consider. After all, you don't make a first impression twice!"

    How does Yuniku work?

    The Yuniku concept is fully integrated, ensuring seamless customisation,

production and delivery. Customers are involved throughout, offering maximum

opportunity to interact and create their own unique eyewear.

    In store, the customer's facial features are scanned and their visual needs

are recorded. Based on the collected data, the optimal wearing parameters are

defined and fixed and an automatic sizing recommendation for the frame is made.

This ensures not only optimal vision but also the most comfortable frame fit,

because each frame can be customised to suit every unique face.

    Frame design, colour and finish can all be chosen to match the customer's

individual style. A virtual image of what the customer will look like in the

selected eyewear is displayed on the screen, ensuring complete satisfaction

with the end result.

    Innovative technology on an open platform

    Yuniku was developed in collaboration with the most qualified partners. The

proprietary methods for lens optimisation and frame customisation, which make

Yuniku such a transformative innovation, are described in pending patent

applications. To design the base frame collection, HOYA and Materialise

collaborated with Hoet design studio, well known for its bespoke Theo brand. As

Yuniku is an open platform, further branded frames, from both Hoet and other

designers, will be added to the collection.

    Yuniku

    Yu-ni-ku is Japanese for 'unique'. It is actually the phonetic, Western

spelling of the Japanese word for unique. It stands for dynamic, intuitive and

innovative; for one of a kind. An innovative power that knows how to meet the

needs of its time, allowing it to capture the collective unconsciousness.

    Note to editors

    About HOYA

    Founded in 1941 in Tokyo, Japan, HOYA is a global med-tech company and the

leading supplier of innovative high-tech and medical products. HOYA is active

in the fields of healthcare and information technology providing eyeglasses,

medical endoscopes, intraocular lenses, optical lenses as well as key

components for semiconductor devices, LCD panels and HDDs. With over 150

offices and subsidiaries worldwide, HOYA currently employs a multi-national

workforce of over 34,000 people.

    About Materialise

    Materialise incorporates more than 25 years of 3D printing experience into

a range of software solutions and 3D printing services, which together form the

backbone of 3D printing technology. Materialise's open and flexible solutions

enable players in a wide variety of industries, including healthcare,

automotive, aerospace, art and design, and consumer goods, to build innovative

3D printing applications that aim to make the world a better and healthier

place. Headquartered in Belgium, with branches worldwide, Materialise combines

the largest group of software developers in the industry with one of the

largest 3D printing facilities in the world. For additional information, please

visit: http://www.materialise.com.

    About HOET

    With more than 25 years of experience in (eyewear) design, being founders

of the brand THEO for which HOET introduced the first laser cut frames and

chemical etched frames, the HOET design studio is a synonym for evolution and

innovation. The studio is also pioneer in bringing custom made 3D printed

frames to the optical market. Essential to their design process is extensive

research, thorough knowledge of materials and the talent to adapt old

techniques and shape them into new ones.

    Website: http://www.yuniku.com / http://www.hoya.eu

    YUNIKU (R) is a registered trademark of Hoya Corporation. (c) 2016 All

rights reserved.

SOURCE: HOYA Vision Care Europe