About Chrono Eyewear
Chrono Eyewear BV has its roots in science and elite sports. Since 2008, Olympic athletes have been guided to achieve maximum performance at any time of the day, anywhere in the world. The Propeaq light glasses were invented and patented in 2015.
After proving itself in international top-level sports, Chrono Eyewear also began focusing on supporting people who work night shifts or have irregular working hours, with the aim of improving their performance and optimizing their sleep-wake cycle. This approach is known as Chrono Coaching.
Meet the team
Each member of the Chrono Eyewear team would like to introduce themselves to you.
Toine Schoutens
Toine is originally a nurse and the founder of Chrono Eyewear, with over 35 years of experience in the field of light and health. This has led to numerous scientific and popular science publications in various professional journals and magazines. He is also an advisor to various top sports teams and Olympic committees in different countries. In his private life, he enjoys traveling to places known for their good food and drink.
Marc Schoutens
Marc is the commercial manager at Chrono Eyewear. He has over 25 years of experience in the medical device industry. He will soon complete his Master's degree in Business Administration & Artificial Intelligence. With his broad expertise, he contributes to the growth and innovation of Propeaq. Outside of work, Marc enjoys long trips on classic mopeds.
Rick Muller
Rick creates and coordinates everything you read and see about us, such as our website and social media channels, as well as what you encounter in magazines, at events, conferences, and on radio and TV. When he has time, he plays padel and volleyball and walks his dog Jack.
Esther Groenhuijzen
As a Chrono Coach, Esther focuses on providing knowledge sessions, workshops and training courses on improving the sleep-wake cycle in people who work irregular hours, experience winter blues, have ADHD or Parkinson's disease. She does this by providing insight into the importance of (day)light, the natural rhythm of the body and brain, and by giving practical tips to improve sleep quality. She is able to convey scientific knowledge in an enthusiastic manner and in understandable language.
Kees Huussen
Kees is a smart doer with leadership experience in every corner of the organisation. Whether it's finance, operations or growth, he brings clarity, energy and practical solutions.
Jelle van Abeelen
As Supply Chain Manager, Jelle is primarily involved in logistics and process optimisation. He also enjoys contributing ideas about the further development of both Propeaq glasses and the accompanying apps. Jelle was born and raised in Tilburg and enjoys sports and good food and drink in his spare time.
Wouter Quispel
As a former top athlete, he became fascinated by science and technology that improve performance at an early age. He now brings that passion to his role as project manager at Propeaq, where he uses his experience to help people get the most out of themselves in everyday life – with this smart technology providing an extra boost.
Scientific and strategic advisors
At Chrono Eyewear, we translate science into simple, practical applications. Our scientific advisors use the latest research data to ensure that our light glasses offer optimal comfort and health. At the same time, our strategic experts bring together market insights and innovative approaches to meet current and future customer needs.
Prof. Dr. Sandra Kooij, psychiatrist and expert in ADHD in adults
Prof. Dr. Sandra Kooij is a respected psychiatrist and professor, best known for her pioneering work in the field of ADHD in adults. As founder of ADHD Network, she has played a leading role in increasing understanding and treatment of ADHD in the Netherlands and beyond.
"People with ADHD often have a disrupted sleep pattern and a delayed biological clock. Research using blue light in the morning, provided by Propeaq light glasses, shows that we can better regulate the day-night rhythm, leading to more rest, better concentration and fewer ADHD symptoms during the day (Emma van Andel, publication in preparation).
prof. dr. Bert van der Horst (em)
Prof.dr. Bert van der Horst is een gerenommeerde Nederlandse wetenschapper gespecialiseerd in chronobiologie, de studie van biologische ritmes. Als hoogleraar en onderzoeker aan het Erasmus MC in Rotterdam heeft hij baanbrekend werk verricht naar het begrijpen van de effecten van de biologische klok op gezondheid en ziekte. Van der Horst heeft bijzonder bijgedragen aan het onderzoek naar hoe verstoringen in de circadiane ritmes samenhangen met aandoeningen zoals slaapstoornissen en kanker. Zijn wetenschappelijke publicaties en samenwerkingen hebben een aanzienlijke impact gehad op zowel de theoretische als toegepaste aspecten van de geneeskunde.
Dr. Daniel van Wamelen
Dr. Daniel van Wamelen is a leading researcher and physician specialising in neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's. His groundbreaking work and in-depth expertise contribute to a better understanding and treatment of these complex conditions. With his passion for science and patient care, he strives to improve lives and offer new hope for people with neurodegenerative diseases.
Sleep problems are common in Parkinson's disease and can have a significant impact on daily life. By using Propeaq light glasses with blue light – immediately after getting up and in the early evening – the disturbed sleep-wake rhythm can be brought back into balance. As a result, many people notice that they sleep better, feel more energetic, and experience a more positive mood and improved daily functioning.
Annelies Smolders
Annelies Smolders is a renowned sleep expert, psychologist, psychotherapist and specialist in the field of sleep and rest. She helps people improve their sleep quality by making scientific insights accessible and offering practical solutions. With her expertise and commitment, she supports individuals and organizations in finding healthy sleeping habits, for an energetic and more vital life. Annelies Smolders is known for her clear approach and her passion for a good night's sleep.
Jacco Verhaeren
Jacco Verhaeren is an internationally renowned swimming coach from the Netherlands, known for his exceptional contributions to the sport of swimming. He has guided countless Dutch swimmers to Olympic and world success, including icons such as Pieter van den Hoogenband and Inge de Bruijn. Verhaeren later expanded his expertise as head coach of the Australian and French national swimming teams, where he further extended his influence. His strategic insight and innovative training methods have earned him a reputation as one of the most influential coaches in the history of swimming. Since 2016, Jacco has been advising his athletes on Chrono Coaching with Propeaq light glasses to combat jet lag and achieve better results during national and international competitions.