Evolution Optiks Limited has partnered with the John McEnroe Tennis Academy through its division OcuRay, to develop a neuro fitness wearable for tennis training.

Recent research on the role of vision in sports performance shows that over 80% of input in sports is visual, so dynamic vision skills and neuro-visual processing are imperative, according to Evolution Optiks. At an average incoming serving speed of 100 mph, a tennis player needs to absorb, process and analyze, at a glance, a maximum amount of information on ball flight, distance to net and lines, position of the opponent, and react to the shot, in a split second.

This involves the precise coordination of about 20 different neuro-visual skills such as, among others, vergence, depth perception, dynamic visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, eye teaming, peripheral vision, eye-brain-body connection, balance, and visual reaction time. These skills, tuned by activity, can be learned and perfected with practice, and this is where the company says OcuRay's FalconFrames™ comes into play.

FalconFrames is a vision-based wearable with built-in gaze-tracking that analyzes eye movement and uses a dynamic linear light field array with retina-tracking guide lights to give visual cues on where to look, in real-time. The wearable is designed to be used while training and to complement an athlete seamlessly, rather than distract him or her from the game. It interfaces with a smartphone app that allows the user to follow preset training routines with increasingly challenging settings, set goals, track progress, compare performance with others, or train with the guidance of a coach. It can also integrate with existing health and wellness apps.

"This is a major new chapter in training for just about any athlete or sport," said Raul Mihali, President and CEO of Evolution Optiks.  "We have spoken with trainers and pro athletes in tennis, soccer, and racing, and it was always the same story: The physical condition of an athlete can be trained to perfection, but that is simply not enough. The connection between eyes, brain and body is the missing link, and we are developing FalconFrames precisely for that."

To join the FalconFrames waitlist, click here