10 Things You Didn’t Know About EnChroma Glasses
If you haven’t heard about EnChroma Glasses then it’s time that you did. They’re a revolutionary concept n eyewear that look good but they’re not just for aesthetics. They are an invention that is actually improving the lives of thousands. We have some interesting facts to share with you about Enchroma glasses and here are ten things that you probably didn’t know about them.
1. EnChroma Inc. began in 2010
The company was founded in 2010 in Berkely California. They’ve been in business for eighteen years already. They’re one of the best-kept secrets in the world of eye enhancing lenses. We’re not sure why there are so many people who are not familiar with the company or with the eyeglasses that they manufacture and sell. It’s obvious by their success, though, that enough people are aware of them to rocket the business to an apex.
2. They improve the quality of life for thousands
EnChroma Glasses has developed a very special lens that helps people who are color blind. They implement the latest technology in color perception neuroscience through a special and innovative lens that enhances the vision of the colorblind. People who once struggled with the disabling condition now have a different perception of color, which is nothing short of amazing.
3. EnChroma started at a Frisbee game
Don McPherson was playing frisbee with a friend in 2002. He’s an Ultimate Frisbee player and enthusiast and when a teammate forgot his sunglasses, Don let him use a pair of his. The friend was amazed at how much the glasses improved his vision. He was colorblind and when he put the glasses on, he could see things that he previously could not. McPherson is also an inventor who created the specialty eyewear to protect surgeons when performing laser surgery.
4. The inventor is a Ph.D. in glass science
Although this is not a Ph.D. that is commonly talked about, these guys know everything that can be known about glass and how to create specialty lenses for a variety of protective and corrective uses. It was just luck though, that led McPherson to discover that the specially customized sunglasses he made for himself actually offered a solution for color blindness.
5. McPherson applied for a grant to design the new lenses
Prior to the launching of EnChroma Glasses, Dr. McPherson, with his new found knowledge about his latest invention applied for the National Institute of Health grant funding to finance the design of the new lens technology he had accidentally discovered. He was awarded the grant money and partnered with Andrew Schmeder who was a mathematician and he needed his help to understand how the technology worked. It took the pair years to perfect the technology and that’s why there was a long wait between the discovery and the actual launching of the company.
6. The new technology offers miraculous results
Usually, when you hear a statement like this it’s a sales gimmick, but not in this case. The new lenses are optical grade glasses and for the color blind, they allow a display of the color as they were meant to be viewed. The sight of the colorblind is enhanced to discern true to life colors in all of their vibrancy and purity.
7. EnChroma received accolades for its discovery
The new technology that EnChroma developed was acknowledged as a great achievement. The company was awarded the distinguished Tibbetts Award, administered by the US Small Business Administration in 2016. It was given to recognize the impact that their innovation and technology had on the world and the commercialization of this helpful new product which was assisted by federal research funding shows that these types of projects are highly worthy of research funding.
8. Their Director of Marketing is esteemed as a humanitarian
Most people are not aware of the fact that EnChroma has an impressive team of talented professionals working behind the scenes. Ken Streeb has decades of marketing and public relations experience, but most impressive is his commitment to helping others and making the world a better place to live. He’s worked with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HopeLab, he served in the Peace Corps in West Africa as a rural healthcare worker and assisting with community development and he’s also worked with the Pangaea Global AIDS Foundation and many more.
9. The Maser optician for EnChroma is an award winner
Mark Mattison-Shupnick is the Master optician for EnChroma. He’s been involved in the ophthalmic optics profession for many years and is considered an expert in the field. He was awarded the Beverly Myers Award for Education which is bestowed by the National Academy of Opticianry. He also contributes regularly to several industry publications. Mark also lectures around the world on the subject.
10. Andrew Schmeder works to help people with sensory disabilities
EnChroma is fortunate to have such a talented and intellectual staff. Schmeder, the co-founder has long been working with a variety of experiments and research into technology that will aid those who have sensory disabilities. It’s a passion and a talent with him and he’s certainly in the right place.
