What will the future of optics and eyewear look like? What are the trends of tomorrow? How will products and materials evolve? All these questions are already being considered at SILMO Next.
The "Futurology" space at SILMO Next offers an immersive and captivating dive into the future of optics, with fascinating perspectives for the years 2025 to 2035. Divided into several distinct zones, this space presents technological innovations, customised solutions, and augmented and virtual reality experiences. Visitors can get a concrete idea of the transformations to come in this field, from the shop of tomorrow to connected products. Each zone offers a unique and instructive experience, illustrating the possible futures of the sector and paving the way for new possibilities for the optical industry.

The Boutique/Workshop of tomorrow

This zone presents a futuristic vision of the optical shop. It is divided into several sub-sections:

  • Digital Experience: Imagine a shop where eye refraction is performed via smartphone and artificial intelligence. This section allows visitors to discover how mobile technologies and AI are transforming traditional vision tests.
  • Vision Testing & Custom Measurements: Using virtual reality headsets, users can simulate different lens solutions, while 3D scanners offer precise measurements for optimal eyewear customisation.
  • Virtual Fitting & Local Production: This section highlights the creation of made-to-measure eyewear using AI. Visitors can try on frames virtually on a personalised avatar, watch the glasses being 3D printed in real time, and see the lenses being fitted and sized on site... Local production, 0 Km!
2 men talking at SILMO Paris while a third tries on glasses virtually
Connected glasses on a mannequin head

Central zone

At the heart of the Futurology area, the central zone is dedicated to discussions and presentations of the latest innovations:

Pitch / Workshop: A circular stage accompanied by two footbridges hosts dynamic presentations, start-up pitches and interactive workshops.

Connected Products: Five showcases showcase connected products, while a special showcase presents a concept of connected glasses, the fruit of the work of the Experts Committee. These showcases offer a glimpse of the future trends and technologies that will transform our daily lives.

AR/VR/XR Experimental zone

Visitors can immerse themselves in mixed and virtual reality experiences:

  • Virtual Experiments: A section dedicated to XR experiences and raising awareness of visual impairment, created in collaboration with Arts et Métiers, enables participants to understand the challenges of low vision through immersive simulations.
  • Smart Product Demonstrations: Two smart eyewear products, Ray-Ban Meta and Pulse Audition, will be on show. Visitors can try out these smart glasses, which incorporate advanced functionalities combining comfort, design and technology.
2 men trying out an optical measuring device at SILMO Paris
VIDEO

Prospective 2025 - 2035 : Journey to the frontiers of the optical industry's evolution

VIDEO

The future of eyewear : The views of Sébastien Brusset

What are the next major developments in optics? How will products and materials evolve? These questions are at the heart of the SILMO Next Committee of Experts' reflections.

Behind the scenes of the SILMO Next Committee of Experts: Interview with Sébastien Brusset, member of the Committee.

Podcasts SILMO Next

What does omnichannel mean for the optical industry? What impact will connected glasses have on the world of optics? Listen to the special SILMO NEXT programmes from The Right Optics by SILMO Podcast

Podcats SILMO Next

Report of the Expert Committee

Find out more about the Expert Committee's report: who are these specialists and professionals, what issues were addressed, and what conclusions were drawn?
Report of the Expert Committee
CSR - SILMO Next
MOF - SILMO Next