YEAR
DURATION
CO-CREATORS
SOFTWARE
SKILLS
2026
4 MONTHS
Luke Rendel, Maddy McPeters, Miller DeVane, Hannah Clay, Marissa Reichelcheimer
SOLIDWORKS, BLENDER, KEYSHOT, FIGMA
CAD, DFM, UX, PROTOTYPING, ME/ID COLLABORATION
114000 CHILDREN IN RURAL AREAS LIVE WITH VISION IMPAIRMENT
Approximately 10% of children in Guatemala are affected by myopia.
Our lens system addresses 90% of cases focusing on mild-to-moderate prescriptions. By constraining the adjustment range, we are able to improve optical clarity for more children. Children with more severe prescriptions fall outside this range and require specialized care.
20 OPTHAMALOGISTS
47 OPTOMETRISTS
PER 1 MILLION PEOPLE
BALANCING CARE WITH DIGNITY
Limited Access to Care:
Few eye care professionals leave many children without diagnosis or treatment.
Undetected Vision Issues:
Without screenings, children struggle with reading and classroom participation.
Compounding Educational Barriers:
Vision impairment adds to already strained school systems.
Long-Term Impact:
Poor vision can contribute to falling behind academically over time.
Low Adoption Due to Stigma:
If glasses feel unattractive or “medical,” children are less likely to wear them consistently.
ALVAREZ LENS TECHNOLOGY
Alvarez Lens Diagram
A hinge covers the leadscrew, preventing prescription adjustment while the glasses are worn and reducing the risk of self-overprescription.
Developed in association with the Georgia Tech Research Institute, a set of lenses was created to provide a range of prescriptions from –0.5 to –4 diopters. The design uses a lead-screw mechanism to translate a secondary lens horizontally, altering the combined optical power at the focal point so that users can take vision care into their own hands.
FRONT FRAME
FRONT LENS (PROTECTIVE)
MIDDLE LENS (MOBILE)
REAR LENS (IMMOBILE)
LEADSCREW
REAR FRAME
AGE NEUTRAL DESIGN
User-Validated Frames:
Frame selection is based on focus groups conducted in Antigua, Guatemala.
Approachable Geometry:
Square frames with rounded edges create a modern, friendly silhouette.
Neutral CMF Strategy:
Matte, neutral colors reduce “medical” stigma and support everyday wear.
U.S. Trend Influence:
Local fashion is shaped by secondhand clothing donated from the United States.
As the children progress through their school years they should feel at ease wearing these glasses at 6 years old just as much as when they are 18.
“Too round looks like a nerd”
“Too thin looks like old person... my dad wears those”
The children were critical in the specifications for the lens shape. One kid mentioned that if the glasses were ugly he would not wear them.
expanding temples adjust to growth
neutral organic look provides a style that ages without notion
MORE COMING SOON