Google has previously said that its Glass eyewear will be compatible with prescription lenses, but the company hasn't offered up many details on those plans. A new report suggests that Google's efforts to offer prescription lenses and custom designs for Glass may be farther along than it has let on, though, including possible talks of corrective lenses made by vision benefits provider.
Ryan Lynch, CEO of vision benefits provider VSP Global, has told The Wall Street Journal that his company is involved in discussions with Google about creating special prescription lenses for Glass and training optometrists to fit their customers with Google's eyewear. VSP Global and Google are also in talks about offering more fashionable designs than what's currently available with Glass. The negotiations between the two firms are said to be in the early stages. However, the talks are described as being "extensive," involving topics like distribution channels and special lenses.
Google Glass is still early on in its life, and currently the device is only available to members of a special Explorer program and some others that are invited by members. While many of the early Glass wearers see a lot of potential in the hardware, it doesn't feel very mass market consumer-friendly in its current state. However, Google could widen Glass's appeal if it offered the device with more attractive designs and prescription lenses that would make wearing them more comfortable for those folks that need corrective lenses. A consumer Glass launch is expected to go down in 2014.
Are you interested in owning Google Glass? Would you be more drawn to the device if it were offered in special designs and with prescription lenses?
