Eyewear retailers are no strangers to using emerging technologies. Many already leverage augmented reality (AR), a game-changing tech tool that uses AI to merge virtual perceptual information with the physical world. For example, market leaders like Warby Parker offer AR-powered virtual try-on features that allow users to see how frames will look on them before they proceed to checkout. That’s helping it keep up with today’s increasingly tech-savvy consumers, including the one-third of American shoppers Statista predicts will use AR for online purchases by 2025.

Its penchant for innovation also means the eyewear industry goes even further by using AI to enhance its offerings. An AI report from Fortune Business Insights notes that this emerging technology can adapt to changing user requirements, and it’s especially valuable for eyewear retailers looking to improve customer-facing services. Here are a few ways AI’s use cases are revolutionizing eyewear retail:

Enhanced corrective vision

Advancements in AI technology mean that retailers can now improve the quality of corrective eyewear. That’s especially apparent in products that require adaptability, such as progressive glasses designed to correct vision at multiple distances. Take OPSM’s Varilux® XR series™ progressive lenses: powered by behavioral AI; these can predict the wearers’ visual behavior to instantly provide sharp eyesight at any distance, keep it stable in motion, and seamlessly help the wearer transition between near and far vision. All a customer needs to do is book an eye test to see if the lenses will suit them. OPSM similarly simplifies the process of getting these lenses with technology by allowing customers to do so on its website. Here, they only need to select the nearest store and choose an appointment type and date that suits them, allowing them to more easily access these AI-enhanced corrective aids.

Customized selection process

Eyewear retailers already use emerging technology-powered tech tools like AR for virtual try-ons. Now, however, they’re using AI to enhance that software and expand virtual try-on functionalities. Using advanced AI algorithms, this feature can go further by analyzing a user’s facial features to provide customized yet accurate frame selection recommendations. Aside from Warby Parker, Eyebuydirect is among the many eyewear retailers that enable customers to use the virtual try-on with AI for a more seamless shopping experience. Simply clicking the “Try-On” button below an image of an eyewear model will prompt website visitors to choose between live camera recording and image upload options. From here, customers can take their pick among the various frame styles the AI determines will suit their face. Through this tech tool, shoppers can more accurately select flattering eyewear styles even from the comfort of their own homes.

Advanced visual search

Many eyewear retailers now offer AI-powered search features to make their websites even more convenient to navigate. These use AI visual search technology, which utilizes image recognition and machine learning techniques to analyze photo content and eventually find similar or relevant product matches in a retailer’s database. Zenni Optical’s AI-powered image search feature, for instance, lets buyers upload a picture of any eyewear they find online or in real life – and it will immediately produce similarly designed versions among Zenni’s specs selection. Customers only need to click the “Visual Search” button on the site’s navigation bar to check if an eyewear style similar to what they’re looking for is in stock.

Customer-ready chatbots

Thanks to AI-powered chatbots, eyewear retailers can now replicate human conversations to provide instant customer service and assistance. These tools work by employing natural language processing models to analyze, interpret, and promptly respond to customer questions. That’s why GlassesUSA.com integrated the Ada chatbot into its website. It can guide customers through basic support queries, from questions on payment issues to inquiries about available prescriptions. At the same time, it can also provide personalized responses and direct customers to human support representatives only for the most complex queries. Through AI-powered customer support, buyers can easily navigate retail websites and meet their eye care needs – and eyewear retailers can optimize resource allocation to enhance overall customer experiences with their products and services.

AI is poised to make game-changing innovations in the eyewear industry. From virtual try-ons and chatbots to advanced searches and improved corrective vision, various eyewear retailers are using AI tools to improve their services and boost their competitive advantages.

• SEO Powered Content & PR Distribution. Get Amplified Today.
• PlatoData.Network Vertical Generative Ai. Empower Yourself. Access Here.
• PlatoAiStream. Web3 Intelligence. Knowledge Amplified. Access Here.
• PlatoESG. Carbon, CleanTech, Energy, Environment, Solar, Waste Management. Access Here.
• PlatoHealth. Biotech and Clinical Trials Intelligence. Access Here.
• BlockOffsets. Modernizing Environmental Offset Ownership. Access Here.
• Source: Plato Data Intelligence.