History:
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| 1986 |
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PRIO Corporation founded by Jon Torrey, an optometrist, and two others.
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| 1988 |
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PRIO Vision Tester receives certification as a FDA Class 1 Medical Device.
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| 1991 |
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PRIO sponsors study at California Pacific Medical Center, an ophthalmic teaching hospital, on patient preference for eyeglasses containing PRIO prescription, with very positive results.
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PRIO receives first US Patent on Gaussian testing technology. As of January 1, 2003, PRIO has 14 US and foreign patents issued on testing processes and technology related to computers and vision.
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| 1993 |
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PRIO releases production version of PRIO Vision Tester.
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| 1994-1997 |
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PRIO presents to over 300 computer user groups on vision problems related to computer use.
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| 1995 |
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PRIO launches website—the first Internet site devoted to educating consumers and eyecare professionals on vision problems related to computer use, and one of the first optical websites.
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| 1996 |
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PRIO launches radio advertising campaign on Dr. Dean Edell show to educate consumers on computer vision issues.
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| 1997 |
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PRIO sponsors study on the effects of PRIO-prescribed glasses on productivity.
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| 1998 |
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PRIO represents the ophthalmic industry in first public hearing with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in Washington, D.C. to ensure the inclusion of CVS as a repetitive stress injury and optometrists as licensed physicians in the federal ergonomic standard. PRIO is the only company from the optical industry present. PRIO lobbies AOA to support efforts.
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| April 1999 |
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PRIO sponsors study on reduction of visual symptoms and ergonomics.
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| June 1999 |
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Jon Torrey presents productivity study results to American Industrial Hygiene Association congress members, Toronto, ONT, CA.
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| 1999 & 2000 |
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PRIO testifies at OSHA hearings on draft ergonomic standard to encourage Congress to provide funding to study CVS and productivity increases related to proper computer vision care, and convinces AOA to join in efforts with OSHA.
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| March 2001 |
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PRIO introduces "Complete Computer Vision System" offers patients "one-stop shopping" for computer frames, clips and lenses showcased in three different in-office displays. The freestanding, wall-mounted and counter displays, designed to fit any budget or space, feature the PRIO Computer Lens and PRIO Eyewear Collection, in addition to patient lens and testing information.
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| June 2001 |
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PRIO introduces the PRIO Computer Lens (PCL). An aspheric variable focus (or "mid-distance progressive") lens, designed for comfortable vision at near and intermediate distances.
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| September 2001 |
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PRIO introduces the PRIO Complete Computer Kids Solution, including the PRIO Kids Vision Tester, an eyewear collection for children, matching clip-on lenses for sun and computer use as well as educational materials for parents and children.
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| November 2001 |
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PRIO's Computer Vision diagnostic tester sells internationally, in the UK, South Africa, and Finland.
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| December 2001 |
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PRIO introduces "Marketing to Employers" CD-ROM to assist ECPs in educating local employers on the benefits of providing computer vision care to their employees.
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| March 2002 |
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A UCBSO study on children and computers conducted by Dr. Pia Hoenig, Chief, Binocular Vision Clinic, found: (1) 25% to 30% of children in the U.S. who use computers are causing undue stress on their visual system and may need computer eyewear, (2) the more a child works at a computer the earlier the child is likely to develop near vision problems and (3) the PRIO tester provided additional information to ECPs than traditional diagnostic methods.
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PRIO introduces the PRIO Browser Computer Lens. An aspheric variable focus lens optimized for computer and intermediate use. Optimized for near and intermediate vision, the intermediate area in the PRIO Browser is about 6 to 8 times wider than the typical progressive lens, and the near portion is about 3 to 4 times as wide.
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| April 2002 |
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A study published in the AOA Journal of Optometry found conclusively that with prepresbyopes, traditional printed testing methods are unable to accurately and reliably generate the same near Rx that the PRIO tester indicates.
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PRIO develops and introduces the Shazam! Lens Calculator, a Windows utility that doctors, opticians, and labs use to determine the correct variable focus lens for computer using patients.
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Dr. Richard Soden writes article on billing for CVS in AOA Journal, "Third Party Reimbursements for CVS."
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| October 2002 |
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 PRIO introduces the Retractable Nearpoint Rod, the first redesign of the nearpoint rod (NPR) in 80 years.
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| November 2002 |
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PRIO develops two-hour ABO-approved computer vision course, "Solving Your Patients' Computer Vision Problems," in partnership with Joe Bruneni, Vision Consultants, Inc. The purpose of this ABO- and state-approved computer lens seminar is to provide labs with an easy way to educate ECPs about computer vision care, including how to provide the best lens technology for their computer-using patients. The lens seminar is available both online and for LIVE presentations.
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| December 2002 |
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The Council on Optometric Practitioner Education (COPE) approves the first optometric continuing education (CE) course on computer vision care for children, submitted by Dr. Cary M. Herzberg, OD, of Aurora, IL.
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| January 2003 |
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Expanded training video produced to assist ECPs who specialize in PRIO computer vision care. Available by February 2003
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| March 2003 |
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PRIO introduces Shazam!CE - a new handheld lens calculator for ECP's that have not yet acquired the PRIO Vision Tester
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| May 2003 |
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Essilor Labs of America are now distributors of PRIO's Computer Vision Lenses
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| June 2003 |
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PRIO developes Computer Vision Eye-Q test to help ECP's educate patients while they wait in the receiption room
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PRIO creates new staff training videop on Computer Vision care
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| October 2003 |
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PRIO's Shazam! Lens Calculator made available for all computer platforms
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| January 2004 |
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University of Alabama Birmingham study, published in the AOA Journal of Optometry, links computer vision and productivity
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| August 2004 |
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New study by PRIO provides evidence that Near Variable Focus lenses are overwhelmingly preferred by comptuer users
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| November 2004 |
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PRIO Computer Lens now available in expanded power shift range
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| December 2004 |
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Survey reveals that PRIO Vision Tester supports Computer Vision Care specialty
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| March 2005 |
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Uiversity of Alabama Birmingham study provides evidence that the PRIO Vision Tester provides the most accurate Rx for computer users
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| April 2005 |
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PRIO updates their Find a Doctor locator on the website by allowing the consumer to enter their zipcode and find the PRIO OD closest to their home or office
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| September 2006 |
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PRIO acquired by Essilor of America
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