About Chrono Eyewear
Chrono Eyewear BV has its roots in science and top 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 having earned its spurs in international top-level sports, Chrono Eyewear has also started to focus on supporting people who work night shifts or irregular hours, with the aim of improving their performance and optimising their sleep-wake rhythm. This approach is known as Chrono Coaching.
Meet the team behind Propeaq
Each team member of Chrono Eyewear would like to introduce themselves to you.
Toine Schoutens
Toine is originally a nurse and the founder of Chrono Eyewear and has over 35 years of experience in the field of light and health. This has led to numerous scientific and popular scientific publications in various professional journals and magazines. He is also an advisor to various top sports teams and Olympic committees of various countries. In his private life he likes to travel to Burgundian places.
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 Masters in Business Administration & Artificial Intelligence. With his broad expertise, he contributes to the growth and innovation of Propeaq. Outside of work, Marc makes long journeys with classic mopeds.
Kees Huussen
Kees is a smart doer with leadership experience in every corner of the organization. Whether it is finance, operations or growth, he brings overview, energy and practical solutions.
Esther Groenhuijzen
Esther focuses as Chrono Coach on giving knowledge sessions, workshops and trainings regarding improving the sleep-wake rhythm for people who work irregular hours, experience winter blues, have ADHD or Parkinson's disease. By providing insight into the importance of (day)light, the natural rhythm of body and brain and giving practical tips to improve sleep quality. She can enthusiastically convey scientific knowledge in understandable language.
Jelle van Abeelen
As Supply Chain Manager, Jelle is mainly involved in logistics and process optimization. He also enjoys thinking about the further development of both the Propeaq glasses and associated apps. Jelle was born and raised in Tilburg and enjoys sports and good food and drinks in his spare time.
Wouter Quispel
As a former top athlete, he became fascinated early on by science and technology that improves performance. He now takes that passion with him as a project manager at Propeaq, where he uses his experience to get the most out of people in everyday life - with this smart technology as an extra boost.
Our scientific and strategic advisors
At Chrono Eyewear, we translate science into simple, actionable applications. Our scientific advisors use the latest research data to ensure our light glasses provide 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 groundbreaking work in the field of ADHD in adults. As founder of the ADHD Network, she has played a leading role in increasing the understanding and treatment of ADHD in the Netherlands and beyond.
“In people with ADHD, we often see a disturbed sleep pattern and a delayed biological clock. Research with blue light in the morning, from the Propeaq light glasses, allows us to better regulate the day-night rhythm, which leads to more rest, better concentration and fewer ADHD complaints during the day (Emma van Andel, publication in preparation).
Prof. Dr. Bert van der Horst (em)
Prof. Dr. Bert van der Horst is a renowned Dutch scientist specializing in chronobiology, the study of biological rhythms. As a professor and researcher at Erasmus MC in Rotterdam, he has conducted groundbreaking work on understanding the effects of the biological clock on health and disease. Van der Horst has made significant contributions to research into how disruptions in circadian rhythms are linked to conditions such as sleep disorders and cancer. His scientific publications and collaborations have had a significant impact on both theoretical and applied aspects of medicine.
Dr. Daniel van Wamelen
Dr. Daniel van Wamelen is a leading researcher and physician specializing in neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's. His groundbreaking work and deep 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 bring new hope to people with neurodegenerative diseases.
Sleep problems are common in Parkinson's disease and can have a major impact on daily life. By using the Propeaq light glasses with blue light - immediately after getting up and in the early evening - the disturbed sleep-wake rhythm can be better balanced again. Many people notice that they sleep better, feel more energetic, and experience a more positive mood and improvement in 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 numerous 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 his influence was further felt. His strategic insight and innovative training methods have earned him the reputation as one of the most influential coaches in the history of swimming. Since 2016, Jacco has been advising his athletes with Chrono Coaching with the Propeaq light glasses to combat jetlag and improve results during (inter)national competitions.