Expert committee
Behind the scenes of the SILMO Next Committee of Experts: Interview with Sébastien Brusset, Committee member
Expert committee reports
Immersive technologies & digital giants
The first session focused on the forward-looking COCOON XR project: a vision of the future combining sleek design, mixed reality (AR/VR) and sensory integration.
The aim is to develop immersive glasses that combine aesthetics and technology. The experts debated the balance between miniaturisation, comfort and functionality.
The session also explored the impact of the arrival of digital giants (Meta, Apple) on the value chain, particularly the role of opticians.
The major challenge is to support the adoption of these technologies while managing the risks of dependency, cognitive overload and social acceptability.
Key issues :
- Immersive eyewear and minimalist design
- AR/VR integration in optics
- Positioning opticians in relation to GAFAM
- Ethics and sensory overload
Smartglasses & techno-ethical responsibility
This session looked at the environmental, social and ethical challenges associated with smart glasses. It highlighted their high carbon footprint, the problems of repairability, and the risks of privacy abuses.
Mainstream adoption could exacerbate inequalities and profoundly transform social interactions. The experts are calling for modular solutions, solid regulatory frameworks and reasoned integration of artificial intelligence.
Key issues :
- Eco-responsible design and modularity
- Accessibility and social inclusion
- Supervision of AI and data protection
- Redefining the role of the optician
Technological revolutions & market repositioning
At the heart of this session: the transformation of the sector in the face of technological innovation.
Smart glasses - from Meta, Apple and Google - are at the start of a revolution comparable to that of smartphones. Modular designs, immersive displays, contextual AI... these are all breakthroughs that call into question the role of the optician.
The experts insist on the need for a strategic repositioning: expertise, after-sales service, optical integration and adaptation to new uses.
Key issues :
- Miniaturisation and modularity of components
- Integration of AI and gesture-based interactions
- New business models for opticians
- Launch of the Orion project (Meta)
Artificial intelligence & systemic transformation of the sector
La dernière session explore le rôle stratégique de l’intelligence artificielle dans l’optique. De la personnalisation visuelle à la détection de troubles cognitifs, l’IA promet des usages disruptifs mais soulève des inquiétudes : biais algorithmiques, surveillance, automatisation de l’emploi.
Le comité appelle à une IA éthique, régulée et inclusive. L’optique s’apprête à évoluer vers une approche prédictive, préventive et centrée sur l’utilisateur.
Enjeux clés :
- Gouvernance et régulation de l’IA
- Santé mentale et dispositifs connectés
- Nouveaux rôles pour les professionnels
- Personnalisation par IA et engagement utilisateur
2023-2024 Report
The SILMO NEXT Expert Committee brought together designers, retailers, healthcare professionals, and tech specialists to analyze the major shifts shaping the future of the eyewear industry. Over the course of five sessions, discussions helped identify key directions around technological innovation, evolving professional practices, and societal expectations.
5 key takeaways:
- Rise of smart glasses: accelerated by AI and tech giants like Apple, this trend raises questions about usage, perceived value, and customer support.
- Phygital revolution in retail: integration of immersive technologies, digital measuring tools, and new in-store experiences.
- Transformation of skillsets: opticians must become technological mediators, trained in both innovation, ethics, and customer education.
- Need for a responsible framework: in light of the social and environmental impact of innovation, experts call for rigorous eco-design and better data governance.
- Towards a more sustainable industry: reducing electronic waste, using circular materials, and addressing energy issues in manufacturing and distribution.