Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) is negotiating with VSP Global, a nationwide provider of benefits, products, services, and solutions in the optical industry to create special prescription lenses for its computer-powered eye wear popularly known as Google Glass, according to report from the Wall Street Journal.
According to Rob Lynch, CEO of VSP Global, the search engine giant and the eye wear company are also discussing to create different designs for the device, and display it in optometry offices across the United States. Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) is also exploring the idea of training optometrists on how to fit the Google Glass for consumers.
On the other hand, Matt Alpert, an optometrist, early tester of Google Glass, and a member of the board of VSP Global believed that the device will be successful especially when apps relevant to users are already integrated. He said. “Down the road, I think this technology is going to blow up. As soon as apps are developed that are relevant for your world, it will start to take off.”
Currently, the Google Glass is worn like an eyeglass without lens and it has a tiny computer screen at the upper right-hand side of the vision of users. They use voice commands to activate the device and use its features such as taking photographs and video’s checking e-mails, searching the web, etc. The search engine giant previously stated that it is designing frames for the device so that users will be able to use it with their prescription lenses.
According to Dr. Alpert, the Google Glass in its current form is “more of a niche early adopter product. Other early explorers opined that their experience with the existing design of the device is not so great, but they believe that it is possible to wear like a regular eye glass.
The discussion between Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) and VSP Global is still in early stages. Many believe that a partnership with the eyewear company is beneficial for the search engine giant given the fact that it has a network almost 30 million doctors and 60 million members under its individual vision plans. VSP Global provides vision plans for the employees of Google (NASDAQ:GOOG).
