PlanetVA (VA an acronym for Visual Acuity) is a privately held independent company formed in August 1999 and incorporated in Australia and Europe. Since its inception, it has been taking on a leadership role as a pioneer in employing computer and IT technologies for the eyecare industry.
Mission Statement: "To assist the optical industry in enhancing its efficiency of dispensing optical products through wider use of computer and Internet technologies."
1999: Visionary Beginnings
PlanetVA was founded in 1999 by three university classmates with diverse expertise in chemical engineering, optometry, and computer science engineering. Their mission was to disrupt the eyewear industry by introducing technology that would transform how eyewear was purchased and sold, beginning with a B2B marketplace to connect optical retailers and suppliers.
2000-2003: Early Challenges and Resilience
The team faced significant obstacles when the dot-com crash of 2000-2001 caused investors to withdraw. Determined to move forward, the founders bootstrapped the B2B platform and exhibited their solution at the 2003 Silmo trade fair in Paris. However, major industry players, wary of its disruptive potential, blocked its adoption.
2003-2005: Adapting to Challenges and Innovating
Undeterred, PlanetVA pivoted toward innovation and launched its first virtual try-on eyewear solution in 2005. It evolved from a simple 2D experience into a more immersive 3D virtual try-on solution, setting a new standard for digital eyewear shopping.
2010s: Enhancing In-Store Experience
In the 2010s, PlanetVA expanded its offerings by introducing iPad apps that enhanced the in-store shopping experience for optical practices. These apps allowed customers to interact with eyewear virtually, seamlessly integrating digital try-on experiences with the expert services of Eye Care Professionals (ECPs).
2019: Selfie-Based 3D Virtual Try-On
PlanetVA took a giant leap forward in 2019 with the launch of a Virtual Try-On (VTO) platform that created highly accurate 3D face models or avatars from a selfie. This solution enabled customers to try on eyewear with unmatched realism and precision, revolutionizing the online and in-store shopping experience for eyewear.
2020: Expanding Capabilities Through Acquisition
PlanetVA continued to grow by acquiring Vankeel Solutions, a startup specializing in 3D live virtual try-on technology. The acquisition introduced real-time, dynamic VTO capabilities into PlanetVA’s offerings, pushing the envelope for personalization and customer engagement in eyewear shopping.
2022: Introducing FramesLibrary and the 3D Eyewear Viewer
In 2022, PlanetVA partnered with Optical Near ME to launch FramesLibrary, a platform that combines the benefits of online eyewear browsing with in-person expert fitting and service. The same year, the company introduced the industry’s first 3D Eyewear Viewer and Configurator Webapp, allowing customers to view and customize eyewear frames in full 3D, offering an interactive and highly detailed approach to selecting the perfect pair of glasses. These tools empowered retailers to offer a richer, more engaging shopping experience that could be accessed anywhere, anytime.
2024: AI-Driven Innovation for Optical Businesses
PlanetVA entered 2024 with a new suite of AI-powered solutions, including the Style Assist Webapp and Measurement Webapp. These tools leverage artificial intelligence to provide personalized eyewear recommendations and precise facial measurements, ensuring a perfect fit for every customer. These innovations further solidified PlanetVA's leadership role in combining cutting-edge technology with the optical retail experience.
Today: A Legacy of Innovation
PlanetVA continues to shape the future of eyewear retail with a relentless commitment to innovation. From groundbreaking virtual try-ons and 3D configurators to AI-driven tools and seamless omnichannel solutions, PlanetVA delivers a personalized, immersive, and expert-guided shopping experience for eyewear retailers and customers worldwide.