In 2023, the Group introduced Varilux XR series, the progressive lens that knows how your eyes really move for instant sharpness even in motion1. This latest progressive lens innovation goes beyond prescription and responds to the wearer’s visual behavior predicted by artificial intelligence (AI) based on exclusive real-life data. It was recognized with the prestigious Silmo d’Or award in the ‘Vision’ category at the 2023 edition of Silmo, the second largest optical trade fair in Europe which has become a global gathering of optical professionals, fashion enthusiasts and industry leaders.
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence
Presbyopia is an eye condition in which the eyes gradually lose their ability to focus on near objects. It is part of the natural aging process of the eye, and the first visual symptoms typically occur between 40-45 years of age. With 60 years of research and development and over 70 patents2, Varilux is relentlessly pushing the boundaries of innovation. The new Varilux XR series lens combines the power of Artificial Intelligence with an unparalleled understanding of consumer lifestyles to create the best Varilux progressive lens ever3. Thanks to the analysis of more than 1 million exclusive real-life data, we can create the digital twin of the patient and predict their visual behavior profile. This means that for each prescription the visual behavior profile is established to design a progressive lens that respects the natural eye behavior, making Varilux XR series a new generation of eye responsive progressive lens4.
Outstanding visual experience
A comparative real-life wearer test was conducted by an independent institute who recruited a panel of wearers wearing mostly high-end progressive lenses. The goal was to measure the benefits perceived by this experienced panel of progressive lenses wearers in their daily life objectively without any prescription change over a span of two weeks with the Varilux XR series lenses. The results are outstanding1 as:
9/10 experienced instant sharpness at all distances, even in motion
95% got adapted by the first day
Varilux, an environmentally conscious brand
Varilux is committed to making vision better for those aged 40 and above, while being environmentally conscious. Varilux XR series lens is paving the way by reducing plastic consumption, from design to delivery. A life cycle analysis was conducted by an external third party to assess the environmental impact of this innovation. Plastic consumption is reduced by 19%5 compared to the previous Varilux X series lens, leading to a decrease of 6% in CO2 emissions5.
“See the Future” campaign
In July, the Group introduced a new consumer advertising campaign to support the launch of the Varilux XR series lens. Titled “See the Future”, the campaign seeks to create awareness among presbyopes of a new generation of progressive lens powered by behavioral artificial intelligence. The global campaign was produced to create a futuristic environment designed with expert 3D animation to communicate on the advanced technology behind the lens innovation. The storyline features four diverse talents as they discover Varilux XR series and experience the key benefit of the lens, instant sharpness even in motion1. It also features an opening scene that demonstrates how AI helps predict visual behavior in various situations.
The campaign has a 360-degree communication approach to support the consumer journey and guides them to ask their eyecare professional about the Varilux XR series lens. It includes a TV spot, audio spot for music streaming services and digital assets for all social platforms as well as out-of-home. In-store materials are fully visible at various points of purchase.
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Varilux XR series – in-life consumer study - Eurosyn – 2022 – France (n=73 progressive lens wearers)
70 inventions led to patent filings in multiple countries since 1953 (which allowance/in-force status varies over the time and country)
As reported in Essilor R&D simulations – 2022 – calculation based on lenses measurements weighted by the level of importance of each criteria for progressive lenses declared by users (Quantitative Consumer study - Ipsos - Q1 2022 - BR/FR/IT/UK/US - n=4000 progressive lens wearers).
Eye-responsive defined as the consideration of two parameters in the design of the progressive lens: prescription and visual behavior.
RDC Environment Life cycle analysis - 2022 - -19% plastic consumption resulting in -6% C02 emissions vs Varilux X series
Find out more about the Varilux XR series innovation
