September 19, 2023
Market research is the foundation for any beneficial product change and improvement. Current research results collected by Shamir show that there is a significant increase in usage of digital devices for all “Visual Ages,” which Shamir uses to refer to the physiological age of the eye and is generally correlated with the patient’s chronological age.
The results also show that there is an increase in outdoor activities for emerging presbyopes, making them the most active age group compared to all other groups. As a summer resident of Vail, Colo., I can personally testify that this is the case. Hiking, biking, and fly fishing consume the leisure time of a majority of residents and visitors. Meanwhile, advanced presbyopes, such as myself, spend the bulk of their free time doing near vision activities such as reading and other hobbies, including my philately hobby, that demand increased near vision.
The updated version of Shamir Autograph Intelligence, a continuous lens design that optimally matches the wearer’s visual needs and Visual Age, was modified based on this recent market research. The COVID pandemic also contributed to some of these exceptional circumstances. Therefore, in the design update, emphasis was placed on those trends believed to be here to stay, such as increased digital usage.
The main research findings were implemented using Shamir’s advanced technologies, which included:
- Adjustments of the design profiles through Visual AI Engine technology, resulting in updated design profiles
- Controlled gradual changes to the 12 updated designs, using Continuous Design Technology, together forming one advanced, easy-to-adapt updated product
- Digital abilities improve intermediate vision thanks to IntelliCorridor Technology
By applying these complex technologies, Shamir was able to improve the lens design without compromising other design characteristics such as level of unwanted astigmatism. As a habitual progressive lens user, I appreciate this particular design improvement. The new improved version of Autograph Intelligence features a wider field of view, greater width in the addition area, and a wider corridor to meet the increased need for more intensive digital vision, and with a power profile uniquely fitted to each Visual Age.
What was the profile comparison of the new and previous Autograph Intelligence designs? Both designs share the same underlying concept. When comparing the former version to the new one, it is evident that the weight of different visual needs changes in each profile. Shamir has repeatedly used its research and Visual Age concept in its design process. Here are some of the optical design updates in the Shamir Autograph Intelligence:
| Visual Age Optical Design Improvements | Visual Aspect Improvements | |
| Reduction of add at fitting point | Improved visual acuity at fitting point | |
| Wider Corridor | Wider digital field for increased comfort | |
| Emerging Presbyopes |
Power profile: linear profile and reduction of add at the beginning of the corridor | Power profile: improved visual clarity and faster adaptation |
| Lower maximum cylinder (astigmatism) | Better adaptation and digital vision | |
| Softer design | Better adaptation and digital vision | |
| Significantly wider near vision Reduction of add at fitting point |
Increased reading comfort Improved visual acuity at fitting point |
|
| Established Presbyopes |
Wider corridor | Wider digital field view |
| Power profile: nearly identical to current | Improved visual clarity and faster adaptation | |
| Wider near vision | Increased reading comfort | |
| Wider far vision | Greater field of view for better far vision | |
| Reduction of add at fitting point | Improved visual acuity at fitting point | |
| Advanced Presbyopes |
Power profile: smoother and faster power progression |
Better comfort in the digital field of view |
| Lower maximum cylinder | Better adaptation and more digital viewing comfort | |
| Wider near vision | Increased reading comfort |
The rationale for the recent design update has several components. The underlying concept behind Autograph Intelligence is an intelligent, learning, and continuously improving lens design committed to staying relevant and on top of the newest trends. With this mantra, Shamir is joining other lens manufacturers in providing constantly improved lens designs for both patient comfort and acuity. Shamir is constantly committed to updating its research and has discovered that everyone is spending more time online. People shop, book a car service, communicate with their doctor, train employees, as well as video call friends and family using digital devices from different platforms now more than ever. Therefore, there is good reason to believe user’s visual habits and needs have changed accordingly.
Changing visual needs are also reflected in changes in market demand for prescriptions. To assess the market’s transformation, Shamir examined changes in prescription order distribution between time periods — before and after the initial launch of Autograph Intelligence. This research showed a 57% growth in orders of early presbyopes in Autograph Intelligence compared to Autograph III, the earlier design.
Shamir has been an early user of artificial intelligence in modeling its research results. Through applying these methods on their updated database they have re-optimized every Visual Age profile to deliver a new design mix in Autograph Intelligence that better fits today’s visual needs. Each Visual Age in Autograph Intelligence reflects the importance of each daily task that was examined during the consumer behavior research.
Finally, Shamir has demonstrated the need for constantly updating market research and applying modern tools and technology to provide a product that benefits consumers and makes life easier for today’s visual needs.
Author’s Note: I would like to express gratitude for the help and understanding I received from Lindsay Leigh Allen, an associate product manager at Shamir.
Photo courtesy of Shamir Lenses
