PRESS RELEASE
HOYA launches Yuniku, a global first in vision-centric,
3D tailored eyewear
THE NETHERLANDS – 23 September 2016. 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.
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.
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“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.
END
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.
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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: 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.
For more information
Media Agency, Ms. Hélène Boulanger
Mob. : +33 7 88 20 68 62
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.yuniku.com / www.hoya.eu
®
YUNIKU is a registered trademark of Hoya Corporation.
© 2016 All rights reserved.
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