ClearVision Optical has announced the introduction of Dilli Dalli Virtual Try-On (VTO), a tool designed specifically for children’s facial structures to address fit issues common with adult-oriented try-on technologies. The VTO allows families to preview frame fits and styles from home, utilizing multiple pupil distance detection methods to guide accurate sizing. Unlike standard e-commerce solutions, this tool directs users to a retail locator to find dispensing practices carrying Dilli Dalli frames, ensuring purchases occur in-store with professional assistance. Steve Tripi, head of marketing at ClearVision, stated the goal is to streamline in-store selection and enable eye care professionals to present a broader assortment beyond their physical inventory. The system supports use cases such as pre-visit narrowing of choices and in-office exploration of additional colors or styles.
Banuba published a comparison of eight Shopify virtual try-on apps as of October 2026, noting monthly costs range from $14.99 to $1,299. The analysis distinguishes between three billing units: per-try-on generations (used by six apps), digitized products (Camweara), and free built-in media (Shopify). It highlights that entry-level plans often have higher per-unit costs at volume compared to premium tiers. Key findings include that four apps charge overage fees between $0.10 and $0.17 per extra try-on, while Banuba is the only app listed without auto-charged overages. The report also contrasts real-time AR solutions, such as Banuba and Camweara, with AI photo generation apps, advising retailers to match the technology to their product category, particularly for face-worn items like eyewear.
Editorial relevance: Provides a detailed comparison of pricing models and hidden costs for virtual try-on apps on Shopify, aiding merchants in selecting tools for eyewear and other categories.
Tech Print Industries (TPI) previewed TPI Studio, its browser-based eyewear design platform, at SILMO Paris 2026. Originally built for internal production, TPI Studio is launching as a standalone SaaS product for designers, brands, optical retailers, and factories, with a beta program opening this fall. The platform features over 100 parametric sliders, an AI Texture Generator for plain-language finish creation, and Live Edit Virtual Try-On. It offers two editions: Quick Design for guided template work and Pro Design for full parametric control. Frames designed in the software are produced on TPI’s lines using HP Multi Jet Fusion in PA12 nylon at facilities in the Netherlands and the United States. This model eliminates mold costs and minimum order quantities, maintaining a three-week lead time from approved design to finished frame.
Editorial relevance: The release of TPI Studio as a standalone SaaS platform integrates AI-driven design and virtual try-on with direct-to-production workflows, potentially reducing traditional eyewear prototyping barriers for online retailers and brands.
Vision technology company OptikosPrime announced a strategic partnership with Eyewa, a major Middle East omnichannel eyewear retailer, to develop and validate its Argus smartphone-based refraction technology. The trial aims to integrate objective refraction estimates (sphere, cylinder, axis) into Eyewa’s customer journey across GCC online and physical channels, targeting the prescription barrier that often causes digital purchase abandonment. Argus is described as being in development, distinct from OptikosPrime’s existing VisionCheck screening tool. The announcement did not specify timelines for commercial rollout, regulatory approvals, or clinical validation data for Argus. OptikosPrime positions the technology to support digital models in developed markets and basic vision care in underserved communities, while Eyewa’s Chief Optical Officer cited it as a solution to speed and simplicity hurdles.
On July 19, 2023, Banuba released an update to its virtual makeup try-on platform, TINT. The new version expands the range of items available for trying on beyond makeup to include headwear, rings, necklaces, scarves, bracelets/watches, and sunglasses/eyeglasses. This addition targets specialized jewelry and eyewear brands as well as retailers with diverse product lines. Future updates are planned to add colored contacts and hair dyes. The release also introduces a gift selection feature allowing users to upload a photo of a recipient. An inbuilt recommendations AI analyzes the image to suggest fitting makeup products, aiming to reduce staff dependency and improve customer convenience during gift purchases.
Banuba released Face AR SDK version 1.13.0 on May 3, 2024, introducing features aimed at improving eyewear try-on accuracy and expanding virtual makeup capabilities. The update includes pupillary distance measurement, which functions in real-time and post-processing to help select fitting sizes for eyewear products. A new biometric match feature allows the SDK to compare two faces for authentication or similarity assessments. Additionally, the release expands prefab support to include nails, nail textures, and colored contacts. The SDK now supports GLTF 2.0 standard extensions, including Draco compression and alternative PBR material methods, enhancing the realism of AR items like virtual makeup.
Banuba released an update to the TINT virtual try-on plugin for Shopify on January 21, 2026. The primary addition is automated AI makeup digitization, which extracts product data directly from merchant catalogs, replacing manual entry or bulk CSV uploads. This feature supports cosmetics, eyewear, and hair dyes. Currently exclusive to the Shopify plugin, Banuba plans to extend this functionality to its standalone version and Tiendanube plugin in the future. The update also introduces a guided onboarding flow for new users to simplify setup and enables merchants to independently tune individual colors within makeup palettes, aiming to speed up inventory management.
Banuba released an updated version of its TINT platform on June 3, 2026, introducing simplified AI eyewear digitization for its Shopify virtual try-on plugin. The new feature allows store owners to generate complete 3D models from just one or two photos of glasses or sunglasses, followed by manual size and fit adjustments. Additionally, the update includes a streamlined onboarding flow designed for non-technical users and expands supported product categories to include contact lenses, bringing the total to six (makeup, eyewear, contact lenses, hair dye, headwear, jewelry). These changes aim to make setting up virtual try-on faster and more convenient for merchants.
Banuba announced that Brazilian cosmetics brand Océane reached a 32% add-to-cart rate in July using the TINT virtual try-on platform. The company initially piloted the technology for concealer and foundation, where rates rose from a 3% industry average to 20.15% within the first month, causing stock shortages. Banuba states this performance exceeds 1000% of the industry average. While the source lists support for categories including sunglasses and eyeglasses, the reported metrics specifically concern beauty products. These figures represent company-claimed results rather than independently verified data.
On October 4, 2023, Mister Spex announced the launch of EyeD, its first own-brand custom collection of 3D-printed eyewear. The service utilizes in-house facial scanning technology via tablets in-store to measure parameters such as nose bridge width and temple length, ensuring a personalized fit. Customers can currently choose from six models and seven colors. The glasses are made from high-quality polyamide using a resource-saving process, with production taking three to four weeks. Initially, EyeD is available for order in 37 Mister Spex stores across Germany and Austria at a price of 249 euros plus lenses.
Editorial relevance: Mister Spex's introduction of a custom 3D-printed eyewear line demonstrates the integration of in-store digital scanning technology with physical retail to enhance fit and comfort.
At the recent SILMO Paris exhibition, French innovator KaviAR Tech showcased POESIAR and ARAI, app-free augmented reality and artificial intelligence solutions designed to enhance physical eyecare retail. POESIAR transforms static materials like posters and brochures into interactive multimedia experiences via QR codes, requiring no app downloads or technical teams. ARAI functions as a 24/7 virtual assistant projected through smartphone browsers, offering multilingual support in over 50 languages and intelligent lead qualification capabilities. The company highlighted these tools' relevance for Australian optical practices seeking to differentiate from online retailers by reducing adoption barriers such as cost and complexity. KaviAR Tech also provided an optical-specific demo of ARAI, dubbed "Max," allowing practitioners to experience the avatar's ability to guide customers through product information and answer preliminary questions directly within their real-world environment.
HOYA Vision Care, Canada has launched HOYA LensPreview, a virtual try-on solution integrated into the HOYA Hub ecosystem. This tool allows eye care professionals and patients to preview HOYA’s premium lens offerings, including the Sensity® Family, Mirror Collection, Lumacore, and polarized lenses, in a true-to-colour, interactive environment. Powered by Fittingbox, HOYA LensPreview aims to reduce costs associated with physical samples, manage patient expectations, and drive revenue through improved second-pair and sun lens sales. The service is currently free for HOYA customers with access to the HOYA Hub via Single Sign-On (SSO). Canadian customers not part of the HOYA Hub can request access through their local HOYA Territory Manager.
HOYA Vision Care, Canada has announced the Canadian market launch of HOYA LensPreview™, a virtual try-on solution integrated into the HOYA Hub™ ecosystem. Powered by Fittingbox technology, the tool allows eye care professionals and patients to preview HOYA’s premium lenses, including the Sensity® Family, Mirror Collection, Lumacore™, and polarized options, in a true-to-colour interactive environment. The initiative aims to reduce costs associated with physical samples, manage patient expectations, and boost second-pair and sun lens sales. HOYA LensPreview™ is currently free for existing HOYA Hub customers via Single Sign-On (SSO). Non-Hub users can request access through local HOYA Territory Managers.