From generated clothing collections and virtual fashion shows to sustainable manufacturing and personalised shopping, AI is revolutionising the fashion landscape in various ways. 

 Fashion e-commerce is also increasingly adopting AI technology to offer a unique edge to shopping online, especially for eyewear. The eyewear e-commerce space has often faced hurdles in boosting customer confidence and satisfaction, especially as consumers usually prefer physical shops. However, technology has helped address many issues to increase trust in online shopping channels; AI is looking to be the next frontier for boosting the eyewear e-commerce industry. 

Here's a look at the current landscape and how AI is revolutionising the industry:

Eyewear e-commerce toady

The current eyewear e-commerce landscape is already quite refined, and many retailers have leveraged the online format and technological innovations to streamline the experience further. Selling glasses and sunglasses has often been a challenge for eyewear e-commerce sites as physical stores offer an edge with customers being able to try on the frames. As such, virtual try-on tools powered by augmented reality have allowed e-commerce shoppers to simulate the look of the eyewear on their faces to boost purchase confidence. Amazon UK launched a virtual try-on tool for sunglasses, such as the stylish Hawkers shades. It also offers the perk for 1,500 reputable brands. Consumers can shop for sunglasses from names like Tommy Hilfiger, Lacoste, and Polaroid on their computer or phone using their device's camera. 

It's not just glasses and sunglasses that leverage e-commerce tech. Buying coloured contact lenses online is also easy through online platforms. Shoppers can scroll through brands like Air Optix Colors or SofLens Natural Colors, input their prescription directly on the product page, and choose the number of boxes per eye. They can also enjoy perks like discounts, deals, and standard next-day delivery for seamless service. For more straightforward navigation, they can also filter options by choosing the colour or wear schedule of their choice.

AI in eyewear e-commerce

Despite the tech advancements that have been making eyewear e-commerce a more seamless experience for consumers, the landscape isn't without its challenges. Searching for particular styles online can be challenging without the right terms or a brand name. AI helps patch this issue by offering a more refined search experience. Retailers like Zenni Optical have leveraged AI to make search more accessible and adaptable to what customers input into the search engine. Shoppers can use their own phrases, vocabulary, and language to find the frames they want, and the AI can offer recommendations by matching synonyms and learning words. 

AI can also offer a more personalised and precise shopping experience. For consumers looking to find eyewear styles that suit their features, AI software can take the guesswork out of the process and simplify it with cutting-edge technology. Retailer GlassesUSA launched Pairfect Match AI to help consumers find a flattering model that suits their face shape and features while adhering to their style preferences. The AI leverages data-driven insights to offer personalised 

recommendations based on customer information. By creating a highly customised experience, people can find a stylish and fitting pair without spending ages scouring through the wide selection of frames, boosting sales and the e-commerce experience. 

AI shows much potential for enhancing the eyewear e-commerce customer experience, but there is still a long way to go before noticeable changes can be felt. About 41% of UK shoppers think AI positively impacts retail.  

However, nearly two-thirds enjoy personalised recommendations when shopping online, which is how AI is often employed in e-commerce. It's clear there's much promise in adopting AI tools in eyewear e-commerce; customers need to be made more aware of how AI works to bring them the best experience.