Level Smart Glasses: “A Medical Device, A Fashion Accessory and The World’s Oldest Form of Wearable Tech”

Level smart glasses, the latest example of how to incorporate technology into eyewear in an accessible and meaningful way.

Back in June 2015, we wrote about VSP Global’s Project Genesis which introduced a new pair of prototype smart glasses in partnership with Dragon Alliance, owned by VSP Global through Marchon Eyewear. The prototype was seamlessly packed with the latest health-tracking sensors. Now fast forward a couple of years later and VSP Global has announced today that they are launching their ‘new and improved’ smart glasses. Bragging features like activity-tracking technology seamlessly embedded inside the temple of an optical frame, it would not surprise us if these new tech specs end up being considered top 5 smart glasses.

VSP Global
VSP plans for wider market rollout to be announced at a later date.

Validating The Form Factor and The Technology

Combining industrial design, engineering and traditional eyewear craftsmanship, the Level technology, is located inside the left temple of the frame. Users can use their glasses like a wearable fitness tracker, to track steps, calories burned, distance, and total activity time. The specs are easily a wearable technology of the future that allows users to connect with friends and even locate a misplaced frame through the app’s “Find My Glasses” feature.

“As proud as we are of the technology and the platform, we also knew that to be considered truly ‘smart,’ these frames had to be beautiful and well designed”

On the stylish tech wearables, designed with technology that tracks a user’s activity via an accompanying smartphone app,  Kate Renwick-Espinosa, president of VSP® Vision Care shared: “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. 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.”

smart glasses
Could this be the best wearable fitness device?

Level glasses are available in three unisex frame styles, each designed by The Shop and produced in Italy through VSP Global’s eyewear division, Marchon®. The designs feature hand-polished cellulose acetate, stainless steel accents and injection-moulded temples. “As proud as we are of the technology and the platform, we also knew that to be considered truly ‘smart,’ these frames had to be beautiful and well designed—period,” said Leslie Muller, co-director of The Shop.

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Available in select US Markets as of March 2018, each frame comes in four colours, including black, classic tortoise, slate and grey tortoise. The Level smart glasses will have an MSRP of $270, which excludes lenses. Final pricing will vary based on lens enhancements, the application of vision benefits, and provider location.

VSP Global’s Eyes Of Hope

VSP Global® exists to create value for members and opportunities for VSP network doctors. Marchon® Eyewear, Inc., is one of the world’s most significant designers, manufacturers and distributors of high-quality eyewear and sun wear. In partnership with VSP Global’s Eyes of Hope, Level’s charitable giving component has been designed to sync with VSP Global’s® initiatives and award points to users who reach their daily step goals.

Once 50 points are achieved, a comprehensive eye exam and eyewear are gifted to an individual in need. Level users have the option of being able to select who their donation will benefit from four demographics, including veterans, children, the elderly, or individuals affected by homelessness.

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Founding Editor in Chief at FashNerd.com | editor@fashnerd.com | Website

Founding editor-in-chief of FashNerd.com, Muchaneta is currently one of the leading influencers writing about the merger of fashion with technology and wearable technology. She has also given talks at Premiere Vision, Munich Fabric Start and Pure London, to name a few. Besides working as a fashion innovation consultant for various fashion companies like LVMH Atelier, Muchaneta has also contributed to Vogue Business, is a senior contributor at The Interline and an associate lecturer at London College of Fashion, UAL.