Each year, the SILMO Next Expert Committee offers strategic insight into the major transformations reshaping the optics and eyewear industry. Comprising professionals from design, retail, technology and marketing, this collective of experts shares its analyses and perspectives to support all industry stakeholders in navigating new trends, emerging practices and innovation challenges.
VIDEO

A look back at the Committee of Experts with Valérie Riffaud Cangelosi & Sébastien Brusset

Expert committee reports

Cover of SILMO Next's expert comittee white paper

White paper

Smart Glasses, AI, and the new strategic landscape: an essential foresight report.
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AI/AR glasses: socio-medical upheaval?

Smart glasses (AI/AR) are moving beyond gadgets to become health–cognition interfaces. They promise assistance (navigation, translation, accessibility), but adoption is hindered by ergonomics, weight, battery life and display quality. Beyond physical effects (eye strain, overload), the major risk is silent cognitive offloading, especially among young people. Ethical design, data protection and the role of opticians will be critical to supporting independence, not replacing it.

 

Key issues:

  • Targeted benefits (for people with visual impairment, older people) but significant hardware constraints.
  • Physical effects to monitor: eye strain, discomfort, overload; recommend visual breaks.
  • Cognitive offloading and ‘laziness’: heightened vigilance, particularly among young people.
  • Digital divide and filtered realities that may weaken social bonds.
  • Priorities: independent studies, codes of ethics/practice, data transparency, training for opticians.
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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Futurology - SILMO Next