By Andrew Karp
Group Editor, lenses and technology

RALEIGH, N.C.--Since emerging in the optical industry earlier this year, software developer CyberImaging has been developing a growing reputation among optical retailers and eyecare professionals in both the U.S. and in Europe. Drawing on more than a decade’s worth of experience in the hair-care and cosmetics industry, the Raleigh-based firm is parlaying its software expertise into innovative facial measurement and imaging systems for optical dispensaries.

CyberImaging debuted its new CyberEyes 9.0 software at International Vision Expo East in New York City this March. The company’s management team consists of (l to r), Lisa Wilson, Stephane Carbou, Pat Grosset, Jim Barnette and Hal Wilson.

CyberImaging got off to a fast start by filling the void left by EyeWeb, the pioneering supplier of virtual try-on systems that ceased operations in September 2005.

Former EyeWeb clients, some of whom had invested as much as $10,000 in that company’s hardware and software, have been able to continue using their systems as a result of software upgrades, training and support services provided by CyberImaging.

One major EyeWeb customer that has benefited from CyberImaging’s involvement is French optical chain GrandOptical. In the past several years, GrandOptical had installed the virtual try-on/measuring system in all of its French stores as well as at Vision Express in the U.K. and at selected locations in Belgium and Switzerland. CyberImaging’s software has enabled GrandOptical to continue using the systems, which have become integral to how its dispensers demonstrate products.

CyberImaging is phasing out the old EyeWeb software in favor of a new, enhanced version--CyberEyes 9.0. The new program includes all the functionality of EyeWeb 8.0 plus a digital photo option, email capabilities and imaging enhancements.

“It’s also much easier and faster to use,” said CyberImaging chief executive officer Hal Wilson. In addition to Wilson, the CyberImaging management team includes his wife, Lisa Wilson, who handles marketing, and Stephane Carbou, director of international sales and service.

Two former EyeWeb sales executives also provide continuity for accounts. Industry veteran Jim Barnette, formerly EyeWeb’s vice president of sales, now serves as CyberImaging’s VP, North America sales; Pat Grosset, another key sales executive with Eyeweb, is in charge of CyberImaging’s regional sales.

Additionally, CyberImaging has locked in the www.eyeweb.com Web address, providing further continuity.

CyberImaging is offering CyberEyes 9.0 as an upgrade to former EyeWeb customers who had acquired the system through a distribution arrangement with Essilor. Customers who participate in an Essilor-endorsed program called the Essilor Edge can get faster measuring and processing as well as higher-quality images and graphics.

Additional enhancements include updated fitting rules for Essilor progressive lenses Varilux Physio and Definity and Definity Short, improved color contact lens demonstrations, summary and image e-mail capability, system networking, lens thickness demonstration, pantoscopic tilt and vertex distance measurement and a Dispensing Table Imager that allows the practitioner to more easily and quickly capture an image.

“We are pleased to offer this upgrade to Edge accounts. We believe this will be a win-win situation for Essilor and our Edge customers, said Carmen Weimer, Essilor Edge program manager. “CyberEyes 9.0 will help ECPs increase their profitability by selling more Essilor premium products.” nn