Hodd Barnes & Dickins is one of the oldest opticians in London serving the professional community. But don't let their longevity fool you. They've been introducing the latest diagnostic instrumentation and embracing the modernization of the eyewear industry since 1905. With state-of-the-art equipment and a highly trained team of optometrists, they claim to provide the most comprehensive eye test in London, whille offering exceptionally thorough consultation for eye health.
They were introduced to Even G1 at our SILMO exhibition in Paris. Soon after their demo, they kindly invited Even G1 into their store. Let's check in and see how our glasses are being received.
Your store has a long history of embracing eyewear solutions. What drew you to Even G1?
We first discovered Even G1 at the SILMO optical exhibition in Paris, where their stand was buzzing with excitement. Naturally, we had to check it out and see what all the hype was about. The moment we experienced the demo, we knew this was something special. With its innovative technology and cutting-edge design, it was clear Even G1 would be a game-changer in the eyewear world - and we wanted to be ahead of the curve by bringing it to our customers.
From an optician's perspective, what are some of the most innovative features of Even G1?
One standout aspect of the Even G1 is its connection to Lindberg, one of the most popular brands in our store. The fact that the CMO of Lindberg is behind this brand is incredible. Lindberg enthusiasts love their lightweight and comfortable designs, which are key for glasses meant to be worn all day.
You can see these qualities reflected in Even G1. The innovative heads-up display, which doesn't obstruct vision, is a game-changer, especially with the ability to adjust the display angle for personalization. We also love the sunglass clip-on feature, a practical and stylish addition that enhances everyday usability.
How have your customers reacted to Even G1? Can you share any feedback about their try-on experience?
We’ve introduced Even G1 to every one of our patients because we believe everyone should have the chance to experience this incredible device with its cutting-edge technology.
The feedback has been fantastic. Customers love how Even G1 looks like a regular pair of glasses. While they might seem a bit bulky at first glance, trying them on quickly changes their perspective. One feature that has been a universal favorite is Teleprompt - let’s face it, who doesn’t feel a little nervous giving a speech to a big audience? This feature helps make that experience so much smoother and stress-free.
Have you had any particularly memorable interactions with customers regarding their experiences with Even G1?
One interaction that truly stood out was with a customer who was completely deaf. He had done his own research on Even G1 and was particularly interested in the Teleprompt feature, specifically the English-to-English transcription capability. This feature allows him to see, in real-time, what people are saying as they speak to him - a potentially life-changing experience.
It was heartwarming to witness how much this technology could enhance his ability to communicate and connect with others. We also understand that individuals who are hard of hearing often rely on lip reading, but the transcription feature offers an additional layer of accessibility and convenience. Seeing the impact of this innovation firsthand was incredibly moving.
What aspects of its design and construction stand out to you as particularly impressive?
What stands to out to us about Even G1 is its innovative screwless hinge design, which enhances practicality and durability. Brands like Lindberg and Mykita have adopted similar concepts, and it’s clear that customers love this feature. Traditional hinges with screws are prone to snapping or loosening over time, especially if the glasses are accidentally sat on. With the screwless design, while the frame may bend, it’s less likely to break — though we always recommend visiting professionals like us to ensure proper adjustments using the right tools.
The nose pad design is another impressive feature. Since no two faces are perfectly symmetrical, the ability to adjust the frame for a custom fit ensures optimal comfort and aesthetics for every individual. Lastly, the clip-on functionality is a practical and versatile addition, making Even G1 a well-rounded choice for many wearers.
What features would you like to see in future updates?
In future updates for Even G1, I would strongly recommend avoiding the inclusion of cameras for taking pictures. The Ray-Ban Meta already offers this feature, and from our conversations with customers, it's clear that many find it intrusive and unsettling.
One exciting possibility could be the addition of a live translation feature. For instance, if you were traveling and looking at text in a foreign language, the glasses could display the translation directly in your view. This would be incredibly useful and aligns with the practical, non-invasive design philosophy of Even G1. Overall, customers seem to appreciate how minimalistic and unobtrusive the current design is, so keeping that essence intact while exploring meaningful, functional upgrades would be ideal.
