Gentex Corporation is kicking off 2024 with the asset acquisition of eSight to develop and manufacture the next generation of mobile electronic eyewear for visually-impaired individuals.
Lots to unpack here… let’s start with Gentex.
Founded in 1974 and located in Zeeland, Michigan, Gentex is a technology company focused on developing and manufacturing custom electro-optical products for three industries: automotive, aerospace, and commercial fire protection.
The company's innovations include:
- Electronics
- Microelectronics
- Vision systems, camera, and sensing
- Software design
See here for the complete list.
Now eSight.
Based in Toronto, Canada, eSight is the maker of cutting-edge devices designed to support vision enhancement for individuals with vision loss.
The company’s eSight eyewear targets 20 eye diseases ranging from the anterior to posterior segment, including:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Diabetic retinopathy (DR)
- Cone rod dystrophy
- Macular dystrophy
- Keratoconus
- Ocular albinism
- Optic neuropathy
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)
And this deal?
Per Gentex Chief Technology Officer Neil Boehm, the acquisition is “as strategic movement to leverage this expertise in the healthcare industry to address the challenges of vision impairment, furthering our commitment to enhancing visual safety and quality of life.”
And according to eSight’s former CEO Aaron Tutwiler, Gentex’s specialized knowledge and advanced capabilities in engineering, “combined with its highly advanced manufacturing capabilities will improve eSight functionality and affordability to further expand the reach of those we can impact with our life-changing technology.”
So what exactly is the eSight device?
eSight is a wearable assistive technology that can enable visually-impaired individuals to see with enhanced clarity while performing everyday activities. The first eSight Eyewear prototype was released in 2013. Since then, a new version—the eSight 4—was released.
Give me some product details.
The wearable device features a high-speed, high-definition camera that can capture everything a wearer is looking at via advanced and clinically-validated algorithms designed to optimize and enhance the footage, according to eSight.
This footage is presented on two high-resolution screens positioned before each eye to potentially improve binocular vision. A built-in trackpad also enables the user to refine the image further through a complete suite of controls (zoom, contrast, and focus).
Go on…
The wireless and hands-free operation is intended for on-the-go use, including rechargeable batteries with up to 3 hours of continuous power use.
Users can make adjustments to the device via a wireless remote controller or a downloadable app on their phone.
Click here for Apple and and here for Google Play stores.
Plus—exclusively on the eSight 4—a patented Bioptic Tilt function offers three positions (up, midway, and down) for a wearer to:
- Tilt down for maximum enhanced vision
- Tilt up to connect with others face-to-face
- Have 100% access to their remaining natural vision when navigating new places
What’s the user criteria?
The technology is designed to be effective for a large majority of individuals with central vision loss. However, in order for eSight to work effectively, a person must have some remaining retinal function in their eyes.
A typical eSight wearer has a visual acuity (VA) between 20/60 and 20/800, and some may have VA as low as 20/1400.
And is this device FDA approved?
Per the company, the eSight is inspected and registered by public health officials as a Class 1 Medical Device. It’s noted as being fully registered with the FDA.
Outside the U.S., the device is fully registered by the European Database on Medical Devices (EUDAMED) and has been inspected by Health Canada.
Gotcha. So what’s next?
Per eSight, a new addition to its wearable device line—the eSight Go—is coming early this year.
The electronic glasses are designed to be lightweight and sleek, with a comfortable fit that could allow users to ”seamlessly” move from indoor to outdoor activities. Optional prescription lenses are also available.
Click here to see more feature details and for updates on a launch date.
Anything more in the immediate future?
Yes, actually!
Gentex is featuring this next-gen technology at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024, which runs January 9-12 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Stop by booth #8863 in the North Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center.