MAXIMUS Optic: elevating lens performance
- By Editorial Team
- January 10, 2024
Developers of the first prescription integrated shield, MAXIMUS Optic entered a collaboration with Rudy Project North America in Autumn 2023 for two of its best-selling sport sunglasses, the Cutline and Tralyx+. The lens provider is also poised to announce further partnerships in 2024. 20/20 Europe asked Patrick Hussey, Co-Founder/Director, MAXIMUS Optic Inc to explain his vision for the new technology.
Q: MAXIMUS launched the “world’s first prescription integrated shield” in 2022. Can you remind us what this lens design offers that is new and ground-breaking?
A: MAXIMUS Optic has developed the world’s first prescription Integrated Shield, creating an entirely new category of performance Rx lenses. MAXIMUS Rx Shields feature One Piece Lens Architecture, resulting in elite optic clarity and protection. At the core of our innovative lens design is the patented PANORx technologies . . . allowing for an unmatched vertical and peripheral panoramic visual experience, available in both Single Vision and Progressive prescriptions.
The MAXIMUS Rx Shield is processed with highly customized Free Form technologies utilizing rotational prism to compensate for high curvature wrap around lens designs, optimizing the visual experience for the wearer. Currently, we are capable of processing 90% of the universe of prescriptions, with constant improvements forcasted.
All MAXIMUS Shields and Dual Lenses are injected utilizing a proprietary polycarbonate formula that exceeds all ANSI and EN specifications, including high mass impact for Safety/ASTM and MilSpec Military/Tactical applications.
MAXIMUS Rx Shield Lens designs include: 6 base, 7 base, and 9 base spherical , with additional base curves currently under development. All Shields are customizable, and can be cut to any specific frame and lens shape or profile, available with optional customized high contrast tints, front mirror coatings, AR, anti-fog, olio/hydro, Polarized and Photochromic.
Maximus Optic lenses are covered under seven global patents issued, and other (multiple) U.S. and International patents currently pending.
Q: Does the lens offer multiple applications across categories such as fashion – as well as sport, military etc?
A: MAXIMUS is focused on aligning with Premium Branded Partners and Direct Premium ECP/Retail Optical Partners. The plan is to work closely with these major influential forces, creatively collaborate with the major influential brands and optic retailers… to curate unique and innovative MAXIMUS Rx Lens collections to mirror and expand their own highly distinctive optic technologies, market position, style, and lens performance offerings.
The initial industry focused global launch includes: Sport, Fashion, Industrial Safety/ASTM, Military/Tactical, Shooting, Medical and the emerging AR/VR markets.
Q: Does the lens offer multiple applications across categories such as fashion – as well as sport, military etc?
A: MAXIMUS is focused on aligning with Premium Branded Partners and Direct Premium ECP/Retail Optical Partners. The plan is to work closely with these major influential forces, creatively collaborate with the major influential brands and optic retailers . . . to curate unique and innovative MAXIMUS Rx Lens collections to mirror and expand their own highly distinctive optic technologies, market position, style, and lens performance offerings.
The initial industry focused global launch includes: Sport, Fashion, Industrial Safety/ASTM, Military/Tactical, Shooting, Medical and the emerging AR/VR markets.
Q: In 2023, it was announced that Rudy Project is introducing the integrated prescription shield powered by MAXIMUS in North America. What does this partnership represent for MAXIMUS?
A: The MAXIMUS strategic partnership announced with Rudy Project culminates a long collaborative process, creating a highly unique performance driven Rx program that seamlessly integrates with their patented Quick Change Technology… a perfect match of advanced frame and lens innovation that will positively impact their elite professional athletes and core performance motivated consumers.
We are now working together on developing new proprietary Rudy Project performance tints and front mirror coatings to further advance their market position as the leading provider of prescription sport sunglasses in the industry.
The initial MAXIMUS Rx Lens launch includes their Cutline and Tralyx+ frame styles, with additional frames planned to be added in the near future.
Q: What other partnerships have been confirmed?
A: MAXIMUS is currently processing and shipping Rx orders for the following brands: Vuarnet, Swisseye, Rudy Project, Out Of, District Vision, Black Optical (part of LOH Group), and Ona Polo, an elite provider of performance equipment focused on professional Polo players and top level equestrian markets. Partnerships with major European brands and companies will be announced in the near future.
Q: Can we expect further developments coming in the next months regarding partnerships?
A: MAXIMUS is now engaged directly, in varying stages, with most of the leading brands and companies in the optical industry: Sport, Fashion, Safety, and Military /Tactical. We will be announcing these important collaborations over the coming months, including specific new brand partnerships during the OPTI and MIDO shows.
Q: One of the points of interest for our readers will be how the prescription lens will be available through the partner companies and the logistics of ordering and lead times for the customer ordering in their local optical store. Where will the lenses be produced?
A: MAXIMUS Prescription Lenses ship within 14 days of order placement. Orders are placed directly through a customized MAXIMUS Digital Order Form that we provide, and can be seamlessly integrated into any current website. Brands, ECPs, Optical Retailers, and Labs can order Rx Lenses directly from our MAXIMUS X Lab.
MAXIMUS X Lab is the exclusive manufacturer of the MAXIMUS Rx Shield, located within the new state-of-the-art FORESIGHT PRECISION manufacturing facility in Tainan, Taiwan. X Lab is outfitted with the industry’s most advanced manufacturing technologies, R&D lab, lens design capabilities, and a fully customized Rx processing center. All lens development, manufacturing, coating applications, and testing are accomplished within this one facility: Initial CAD Design, Mold Development, Injection, Coatings, Tinting, Rx Lens Processing, Lens Cutting, Laser Etching, Final Testing, QC, and Packaging. All global prescription lens shipments are sent directly from X Lab.
Q: Is there additional news regarding 2024 and Mido? Will MAXIMUS Optic exhibit at the Milan fair?
A: MAXIMUS Optic is now in development of the world’s first Integrated Rx Cylindrical Shield, and Dual Lens Cylindrical Rx Lenses. As Cylindrical/Toric lens designs now dominate the performance sport and fashion markets: it was important to develop these solutions where none exist.
Our most recent technical breakthroughs include the first Polarized and Photochromic Rx Shield collections in the industry, to be formally introduced at the OPTI and MIDO Shows through our brand partners. The MAXIMUS team will be attending OPTI, MIDO, and VEE. Private meetings will be held with our fast growing premium customer base.
