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EnChroma CEO Erik Ritchie Shares His Vision for the Future of Seeing in Color

EnChroma Chief Executive Officer Erik Ritchie made an appearance at the Marin Art and Garden Center in Ross, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023, wearing EnChroma glasses. The Berkeley-based company designs these glasses for individuals with color blindness to enable them to see a broader spectrum of colors (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group).

The Experience of Color Blindness

You may be familiar with the numerous viral videos showcasing individuals putting on a pair of seemingly ordinary glasses and experiencing an emotional reaction, whether it’s gasping or tearing up. These glasses allow colorblind individuals to perceive an extended range of contrasts in the autumn foliage or the true color of their loved ones’ eyes for the first time. The innovative technology behind these heartwarming moments is the creation of EnChroma, a company that specializes in manufacturing glasses that enhance color vision for those with color blindness. Erik Ritchie, the CEO of EnChroma, offers insights into the future of color perception.

Explaining Color Blindness

Color blindness is somewhat of a misnomer, as very few people see in grayscale. Most individuals have what is termed as “color vision deficiency,” where one or more of the eye’s color-perceiving cones are impaired. The most common form of color blindness involves a deficiency in the red or green cones, resulting in an overlap of colors, causing greens to appear as browns and reds to also look brown.

Prevalence and Challenges

Color blindness is more prevalent than one might assume, affecting approximately 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women. Unfortunately, many individuals are not aware of their color blindness, leading to potential mislabeling as slow learners during their academic years. The lack of screening for color blindness is a concern, with only 11 out of 50 states mandating the testing for it. This oversight can lead to challenges in numerous areas, such as education, cooking, and even workplace tasks that rely heavily on color coding.

The Impact and Solutions

For colorblind individuals, the simple task of distinguishing the doneness of meat while cooking or determining if a device is switched on can be challenging. EnChroma addresses this accessibility issue through their glasses, which manipulate light to provide a clearer and richer perception of color. Their Color Accessibility Program collaborates with state parks, entertainment venues, and museums to enable colorblind individuals to experience more vibrant spectrums at these locations. Additionally, they work in educational settings by offering loaner programs and educational materials to raise awareness among parents and educators about the challenges faced by colorblind students.

Future Advancements and Initiatives

Since his tenure as CEO, Erik Ritchie has witnessed EnChroma’s expansion internationally and the development of brand new lenses that offer up to 35% better performance than previous iterations. The company has also launched a new color blindness test, addressing an issue that has remained unchanged since the original test’s creation in 1917. The future of the company entails exploring solutions in contact lenses and lighting and increasing global awareness through initiatives like their Color Blindness Awareness Month.

Supporting the Color Blind Community

With approximately 350 million colorblind people worldwide, the company acknowledges that they have only begun to address the issue. They continue to advocate for early testing for color blindness and have made their color blindness test accessible online to facilitate easier screening in educational settings. The recent inclusion of color blindness as a disability recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act offers hope for more comprehensive accommodation for colorblind individuals.

Seeking Wider Impact

Erik Ritchie affirms that while EnChroma is a business, it is equally committed to making a positive impact in the world. Aside from providing glasses, the company aims to effect change by raising awareness and fostering widespread support for colorblind individuals through educational programs and initiatives. These efforts serve to benefit not only those who use their glasses but also the larger community affected by color blindness.

Looking Ahead

As the world becomes more aware of the impact of color blindness, EnChroma continues to innovate, with ongoing developments in contact lenses and lighting. The focus remains on making a tangible difference in the lives of colorblind individuals while striving for greater global recognition and understanding of color vision deficiency.

Personal Background

Age: 53
Position: CEO at EnChroma
Education: Mt. Pleasant High School in San Jose
Residence: San Rafael
Family: Wife Rowena and their two bully-breed dogs, Ocean and Poet

Erik’s Passion

Erik Ritchie’s love for scuba diving, instilled by his colorblind brother-in-law, has led him to become a certified dive master. Born and raised in East San Jose, he is the son of a Scottish immigrant father and a mother who immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico. He has developed a passion for traveling and has set foot on every continent except Africa and Antarctica.

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