GOOGLE SIGNS STRATEGIC “SMART LENS” PARTNERSHIP WITH NOVARTIS

Google Take A Step Closer To Realising The "Smart Lens"

Google has announced a deal with Novartis-controlled Alcon to license its yet-to-be-developed “smart lens”. Google is looking to capitalize on Novartis’ comprehensive experience in biomedicine to advance its largely theoretical contact lens program. Novartis mentions two possible applications for the smart lenses on its website.

We covered one of these cases back in January 2014, when it was suggested the “smart lens” could be used for noninvasive glucose monitoring for diabetics. The second case covers the potential for the “smart lens” to provide accommodative contact lens for people living with presbyopia. However, in spite of the new strategic partnership, Google believes it is still five years away from a customer-ready product.