Overview of autofocusing and hearing glasses

The smart glasses in the first part of this overview could also be described as “only for pleasure.” As smart and useful as these products are, they do not improve vision, besides the normal prescription. However, the intention behind the following “smart” glasses is quite different. Autofocus is designed to ensure that presbyopes can see clearly at any distance, while hearing glasses improve speech comprehension. 

Autofocus glasses are a hot topic right now, but at the same time, it is no surprise if you have never heard of the products. Hardly any of the current technologies are ready for market – but that could change soon! Immerse yourself in the world of autofocus glasses and hearing glasses. This overview does not claim to be exhaustive and is largely based on information provided by the manufacturers.

Adjusting focus for any distance: Laclarée

The Laclarée autofocus glasses were developed by the French manufacturer of the same name. The glasses adjust fully automatically to different distances and are intended as an alternative to classic progressive lenses for presbyopes (a detailed article on this topic will follow in the next issue of MAFO 02/26).

Availability: The product will be available 1st of January 2027 in France after a test-period during second semester of year 2026. Further countries will follow.

Interaction with device: Laclarée’s glasses continuously interact with the wearer through sensors that detect viewing distance. Additionally, an app is providing consumer optical data for a better efficiency.

Key technologies: The glasses use a fluid-based adaptative lens whose shape changes to adjust optical power. Micro-fluidic actuators control fluid pressure, while a distance sensor detects viewing distance. An onboard algorithm drives real-time autofocus. A base corrective lens handles prescription, and all electronics are hidden in a normal frame.

Battery life: Typical battery life use is about 20 hours and glasses are charged with a plug and an adapter both delivered by Laclarée.

Prescription ready: The model is fitted with prescription lenses. The whole equipment (optical frame and corrective lenses) is internally manufactured by Laclarée to be delivered to Laclarée dealers opticians.

Power range: The maximum power range for glasses is 0 to 3 diopters.

Data protection: Data protection and storage should be managed with Laclarée‘s host.

Certifications: CE Mark in September 2026 and medical device class 1.

Further developments: Further developments are focused on new products design with always combining technology and aesthetics compromise. 

Features: ✓ Autofocus ✓ An app will record health (vision) data of consumers.

Autofocusing glasses for presbyopia by Fuller Vision

Professionals were able to try out Fuller Vision’s Autofocals at the Vision Expo West trade fair in Las Vegas, as well as at various smaller events. The manufacturer’s research department is based in Serbia, with another headquarters in the USA. These smart glasses are also designed for presbyopes and focus fully automatically on different distances.

Availability: Currently available for pre-order in selected US markets. Other countries will follow.

Interaction with device: There is no input from the user required other than looking at what the person would like to focus on.

Key technologies: Autofocals have custom optics – a multi-lens system – for each user made with proprietary lens optimization software and specific manufacturing software. Additionally, the glasses are equipped with proprietary gaze-tracking hardware and software on board that does not require conscious input from the user. Autofocals track the user’s eye behavior and react instantaneously with the exact magnification required for the specific viewing distance in the entire lens, effectively mimicking the way human eyes work before the onset of presbyopia.

Battery life: 12 hours

Prescription ready: Fuller Vision optimizes custom lenses for each user and the glasses are dispensed at one of their partner opticians.

Power range: Currently +/- 5 diopter sphere and 3 diopter cylinder.

Data protection: The glasses do not record any data during normal use.

Certifications: Autofocals are a class 1 medical device in both the US and the EU

Further developments: Finish beta testing and prepare to scale production.

Features: ✓ Autofocus

Autofocus based on liquid crystal lenses and eye tracking: IXI Eyewear

The autofocus glasses from Finnish manufacturer IXI Eyewear are based on liquid crystal lenses and modern eye tracking technology (a detailed interview can be found in the free online edition MAFO 04/25).  The product name has not yet been revealed.

Availability: The product is currently in development and products are not yet available for sale.

The initial rollout will focus on the European market. The priority right now is finalizing the technology and design.

Interaction with device: In daily use, users will not need to interact with the glasses. The lenses will adjust automatically based on the eye-tracking.

Key technologies: IXI autofocus glasses use a tunable liquid crystal lens and ultra-low-power eyetracking, which utilizes IR light. The glasses detect the user’s focus depth and automatically adjust lens power.

Battery life: The glasses are designed for day-long wear, and charging is via a magnetic cable when not in use.

Prescription ready: All IXI glasses will be fitted with IXI’s adaptive lenses, which include the individual prescription for each user.

Power range: The glasses are intended for typical vision correction, the exact specifications will be announced closer to launch.

Data protection: According to the company security and encryption are fundamental on how they build the product. IXI takes a rigorous approach to compliance, with user trust and data privacy as core principles. More details can be shared as soon as they get closer to launch.

Certifications: The adaptive eyewear is currently in development, not yet available for purchase, and not yet CE marked. The company is preparing the product for launch and will meet all applicable regulatory requirements to ensure it is safe and reliable for users.

Further developments: IXI focusses on establishing a strong foundation for the future of eyewear.

Features: ✓ Autofocus

Hearing glasses especially for beginners by EssilorLuxottica

Hearing glasses that combine good vision with good hearing are not a completely new idea – but, no product has really caught on yet. New glasses with a modern design from EssilorLuxottica are set to change that situation. Nuance Audio looks like a normal plastic frame, but it is equipped with modern technology designed to improve speech comprehension. Even though the hearing glasses are not technically comparable to a classic hearing aid, they still have great potential. This is because there is a significant undersupply of hearing aids worldwide. One reason for this could be the negative associations that people make with hearing aids and hearing loss in general. Smart hearing glasses could counteract this stigma and be of particular interest to beginners and people with mild hearing loss.

Availability: US, Italy, France, UK, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand.

Interaction with device: App Control, touching the side of the frame, remote control available separately.

Key technologies: The key technology is beamforming: the ability to capture the voice of the person someone is looking at using directional microphones built into the frame, then process it and deliver it through the air-conduction speakers integrated into the temples.

Battery life: Under average conditions, the glasses provide up to eight hours of use and can be recharged wirelessly using the dedicated charging pad included in the package.

Power range: The glasses can be fitted with most types of lenses. For customers that do not need prescription Nuance Audio Glasses are sold with plano photochromatic lenses.

Data protection: All customer data is handled in full compliance with the privacy regulations applicable where the product is distributed. In addition, it is important to bear in mind that the glasses do not record anything, nor do they perform facial recognition.

Certificates: Medical Device Class IIa. FDA certification in the US.

Further developments: Expanding the range of styles, sizes, and colors, enhancing product performance by introducing new features that further improve the end-customer experience. 

Features: ✓ Speakers ✓ Microphones