Make one. Measure the process.

Record the design, revision and manufacturing route before starting.

A small pilot provides development evidence; it does not certify safety or establish market-wide demand. Start wearer testing only after the maker and optical partner have reviewed the first pair and the applicable requirements.

Record each production batch

Count complete accepted frames. Include materials, hardware, machine time, labour, finishing, packaging, rework and scrap in total batch cost. Keep one-time development/tooling and lenses separate. Frame cost = total batch cost ÷ accepted frames; do not add rejects again.

Ten wearers. Specific observations.

Record the design, revision and manufacturing route before starting.

Use anonymous participant IDs. Keep contact and prescription information in the optical partner’s appropriate records. Define the same follow-up interval for everyone and record dropouts as well as successful wear.

Track orders and channel effort.

Separate optician wholesale from direct sales with paid optical support. Record deposits, delivered orders, cancellations, refunds and retained remakes separately. Use anonymous order and partner IDs.

Set decision criteria before the pilot using your budget and required contribution. A kit accepted or a letter of intent is an intermediate signal; distinguish it from paid demand.