It is in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, more precisely in ArrábidaShopping, that the “magic” of optics happens. A pilot space, visible from the outside, semi-open with great visibility of high-tech equipment, ophthalmic lenses exhibition area, measuring and parameterization of naso-pupillary distances, experimentation area and selection of frames with virtual mirrors, which invites anyone to enter. It is called Optivisão+ and represents the latest shop concept. ÓpticaPro went to visit this phygital shop, to understand what characterises this space and what technology it offers.
The experience at Optivisão + begins at the “door”. You are welcomed with a smile and accompanied to the counter to understand what we want and fill out the customer form. In a clean, wide, and light-filled space, technology stands out as we walk through the shop. At the entrance, on the right, we find a connection space, a huge digital screen where the customer takes the command and chooses what he wants to see. In the centre is a huge counter, where customers are carefully attended to. Further ahead, there is an ophthalmic lens display area, where it is possible to see which type of lens best suits each customer, according to their main specifications.
In the waiting area there is a children’s area with individual screening equipment and entertainment for the little ones, as well as space for their families. Behind a huge display area for sunglasses and lenses. A space thought out in detail for the customer’s comfort. However, the strong point of this shop is the digital component and the high-tech equipment. There is an area for experimentation and selection of frames with a virtual mirror, however the highlight goes to all the care and eye examinations supported by Essilor technology, in which customising to the hundredth of a diopter and preventing eye health are the watchwords.
After being received by a member of the reception team, we are directed to the first examination room, where the optometrist João Costa is waiting for us for a pre-examination. This consists of measuring intraocular pressure, pachimetry, topography, autorefractometer, a 3D elevation map for possible detection of keratoconus and contact lens fitting. In this pre-examination, through infrared, it is possible to take a photograph of the eye and detect if there is a probable opacity or cataract.
After this pre-examination we are taken to a new room, where there is a sofa where the anamnesis is done and where the patient can be comfortable. Here too, technology is in evidence. While the whole procedure is explained to us, we realise that every detail counts. “Prevent your eye health” can be read on the wall of this office where complementary examinations are carried out, such as the diagnosis of the fundus of the eye and a visual examination with refraction to the hundredth of a diopter. For more privacy, the glasses of the cabinet are made opaque, making it
impossible to see inside, thus ensuring a private environment between the optometrist and the patient during the consultation. “Our philosophy is to be at ease, not to be with a barrier and to make clients confident, realising that we are optometrists, but we are here to build loyalty and explain all the procedures to our clients”, explains João Costa.
AVA (Advanced Visual Acuity) technology is used here, which raises the standards for vision correction to a particularly high level of accuracy to the hundredth diopter. A retinal examination and a possible complementary OCT examination are also carried out.
André Brodheim, director of the Optivisão network explains that they have “available a whole technology of highly evolved visual examinations that makes it possible to totally customise lenses, such as the examination in the brand new VISION – R 800 foropetro from Essilor, which makes it possible to identify the prescription to the hundredths, instead of being done in quarters of diopters as was done until then, as well as the profound analysis of the fundus of the eye that makes it possible to detect major pathologies in current growth, such as retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma or cataract”.
All the tests and reports done are attached to the client’s file and can later, if necessary, be referred to an ophthalmologist. After the consultation and advice from the optometrist, it’s time to go back to the optician’s office to be shown an interactive way of choosing frames. Already with one of the sales assistants we are presented with the “magic mirror” – a virtual mirror in which it is possible to choose frames, according to characteristics, gender, brand and shape. Through a camera, the glasses are projected and selected on the customer’s face, who can personalise everything to his or her liking. In addition, in the ophthalmic lens display area we are given the opportunity to choose the lens that best adapts to each customer’s professional or sporting activity.
After all this process it is time to choose the final frame, test and pay for the new glasses, a different experience, “in a different optician”.
