VANCOUVER, British Columbia—Rise Nano Optics Ltd. (CSE: EYE), a health technology company focused on advancing vision care through patented nanotechnology lens solutions, today announced a strategic partnership with SportifEye Optics, a full-service optical laboratory and VSP-authorized lab based in Southern California, to support the production and commercialization of its SpectraGuard lens technology in the U.S. Under the partnership, SportifEye will manufacture and distribute SpectraGuard lenses through its existing network of eyecare professionals and retail partners, as well as support fulfillment of Rise-generated demand across the sport, safety and performance eyewear segment, enabling scalable production as Rise expands its commercial footprint, the announcement said.
“Our partnership with SportifEye represents an important expansion of our lab network into the sport and performance eyewear segment,” said Erik Ritchie, chief commercial officer of Rise Nano Optics. “SportifEye’s technical expertise in high-wrap frames and specialty lens manufacturing, combined with their established ECP and retail relationships, makes them an ideal partner to bring SpectraGuard to athletes, outdoor enthusiasts and individuals who demand the highest standard of optical protection. This partnership reinforces our phased commercialization strategy and our commitment to building a distributed lab network capable of serving multiple channels and customer segments across the United States.”
Rise’s proprietary SpectraGuard technology is a patented nano particle optical lens treatment that provides a new standard of eye protection for the general eyewear market, the announcement said. The patented technology is designed to provide eye protection from bright sunlight by filtering 100 percent of ultraviolet (UV) light and up to 90 percent of wavelengths between 400 to 600 nm, including blue light, while preserving natural visual clarity and color perception. Rise noted that these performance specifications reflect the company’s previously disclosed intended use claim for Spectraguard, as accepted by the FDA in connection with the company’s Class I exempt medical device registration.
“We’re excited to partner with Rise to introduce SpectraGuard to the independent optical channel in the United States,” said Thomas Pfeiffer, chief executive officer of SportifEye Optics. “We believe SpectraGuard represents a meaningful advancement in light management offering exceptional sun protection while significantly enhancing blue light filtering in photochromic lenses. We believe this technology gives independent eyecare professionals and eyewear brands a compelling new way to differentiate themselves and better serve the evolving needs of today’s patients and consumers.”
In making the announcement, Rise said SportifEye is uniquely positioned as a specialist optical laboratory with deep expertise in sport, safety and performance eyewear, including customized prescriptions for high-wrap frames and compliance with ANSI, Ballistic, EN166 and MIL-Spec requirements.
“This partnership extends Rise’s lab network into a high-value market segment where advanced optical performance and protection are critical, combining direct commercial demand generation by Rise, with integrated manufacturing and distribution through SportifEye, allowing for efficient scaling without significant capital investment in production infrastructure,” the announcement said.
Rise advised that this collaboration marks its second optical lab partnership in the U.S. and represents the company’s continued execution of its North American commercialization strategy The company stated it intends to replicate this model by aligning with additional independent laboratories, creating a distributed manufacturing and fulfillment ecosystem capable of supporting increasing demand as adoption of SpectraGuard lenses grows. By leveraging established lab infrastructure and industry relationships, Rise said it is positioned to scale efficiently without significant capital investment, while maintaining flexibility across multiple distribution channels.
According to the announcement, this partnership is governed by an Authorized Optical Laboratory Agreement between Rise Nano Optics, Inc., the company’s wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary incorporated in Delaware, and SportifEye, Inc., executed and effective as of May 12, 2026. The agreement is non-exclusive and continues until terminated by either party.
