Industry News
VSP Global Unveils Level Smart Glasses
VSP Global has announced the launch of Level™ smart glasses, featuring activity-tracking technology seamlessly embedded inside the temple of an optical frame. The technology tracks activity via an accompanying smartphone app and as users reach daily step goals they earn points redeemable for a donation of vision care services to individuals in need.
“We’re thrilled to bring Level smart glasses to market and offer our members an opportunity to apply their vision care benefits toward the purchase of a meaningful wearable device,” said Kate Renwick-Espinosa, president of VSP® Vision Care. “Level combines expertise from the best of VSP Global’s businesses, including healthcare, fashion, technology and philanthropy. And we’re especially proud to launch Level in partnership with VSP network doctors.”
Level smart glasses began in 2015 as the Project Genesis prototype within VSP Global’s innovation lab, The Shop. A partnership and academic study with USC Center for Body Computing soon followed in 2016.
“Our work with USC Center for Body Computing allowed us to apply a unique degree of academic rigor to the Level project,” said Jay Sales, co-director of the VSP Global innovation lab, The Shop. “The opportunity to debut the prototype with a large test population was a critical step to first validating both the form factor and the technology. We knew we wanted to create something of value, not just another wearable novelty.”
The Level technology, located inside the left temple of the frame, tracks steps, calories burned, distance, and total activity time. Users can also connect with friends and even locate a misplaced frame through the app’s “Find My Glasses” feature.
Level will be sold through hundreds of independent optometry practices participating in the VSP Global Premier Program within select U.S. markets. Level smart glasses will have an MSRP of US$270, which excludes lenses. Final pricing will vary based on lens enhancements, the application of vision benefits, and provider location.