We are searching for topics and funders for the next Longitude Prize. This idea is a draft for discussion about one possible prize focus that we are exploring.
What is the problem?
Modern spectacles allow people with imperfect vision to see more clearly at a given range. This has been the status quo for centuries. Variable focal ranges can be achieved by alternating or combining lenses, which are impractical both for everyday users and for a huge range of industrial applications that use lenses in medicine, manufacturing, engineering and physical sciences.
Why does the solution contribute to solving this?
A practical, tunable lens for optical waves would unlock game-changing quality of life improvement for millions of visually impaired people worldwide. In turn, this would be a gateway to industrial applications for tunable metalenses that radically improve imaging, sensing, communications and other lens-based technologies.
Who is the prize awarded to?
For creating tunable varifocal spectacle lenses that allow people to see with 20/20 vision at a given, broad range of practical distances, on demand.
The best prize ideas are developed through extensive research and engagement with experts, stakeholders and people with lived experience of the problems they are focused on. We start with a first draft like the one above – then work to improve, refine and validate our thinking. If you are interested in sharing your expertise, or helping us secure funding for the next Longitude Prize, please reach out.