Buyers Guide
By Lindsey Aspinall

Spectacle Lenses

YOUNGER OPTICS

Filling the Gap

Younger Optics has introduced Trilogy Transitions FT28 lenses, filling a product gap for eyecare practitioners seeking flat top bifocals in impact-resistant lenses that also boast photochromic capabilities. Younger recommends the Trilogy Transitions FT28 for rimless drill mount frames. Trilogy lenses are manufactured with Trivex material that features impact resistance with light weight, 100 percent UV protection, and advanced characteristics including an abbe value of 45 and low internal stress. Transitions technology offers visual comfort in any light condition. The new Trilogy Transitions FT28 lenses are available from your wholesale laboratory. For more information, call 800-366-5367.

Nice 'N Easy

Pentax Vision, a division of Seiko Optical Products of America, now has 1.60 and 1.67 UltraThin UV AR high index lens products available with Surpass EasyClean Plus (ECP) Super Hydro AR topcoating. The aspheric design UltraThin UV lenses are thinner and lighter than regular plastic lenses and feature a proprietary hard coating and 100 percent ultraviolet protection. EasyClean Plus super hydro topcoat combines hydrophobic and oleophobic chemistry to provide ultra-high coating surface tension resulting in lenses that repel water, oil, dirt, and grime. ECP also helps prevent deterioration due to UV, humidity, and normal temperature fluctuations. For more information, call 800-401-0101 or visit the Website, www.seikoeyewear.com. SEIKO OPTICAL PRODUCTS OF AMERICA

Tools

Eye on the Bulls-eye

Gulden Ophthalmics has introduced a time-saving laser ceiling target which can be used for changing gaze during indirect ophthalmoscope exams and other testing. The tool can provide a target on the ceiling, floor, or walls—anywhere a laser beam can shine. With five different targets, including cartoon characters, this tool will make fixation more interesting, especially for pediatric patients. It is made of very flexible tubing and adjusts easily; and the tool has a base for counter placement and a clip for attaching to any slit lamp. For more information, call 800-659-2250 or visit the site www.guldenophthalmics.com. GULDEN OPHTHALMICS

Simple Fix

To help effortlessly put the curve back into bent or straightened pad arms in just one squeeze, Western Optical Supply has introduced the Automatic Pad Arm Curving Plier (#2016). The top jaw is concave and the opposing jaw is tapered to fit inside. Pressing the pad arm between pre-formed jaws quickly creates the proper pad arm curve. The new plier is available for $27.95. Visit www.westernoptical.com or call 800-423-3294 for more information. WESTERN OPTICAL 

EQUIPMENT

Kappa's Capable

Gerber Coburn has launched the Kappa CTD finishing system, designed to deliver high-quality lenses at the lowest cost of ownership. The Kappa CT Tracer and Blocker, which won the SILMO Product of the Year award in 2004, combined with 2005's SILMO Product of the Year award winner, the Kappa CTD Edger and Drill, integrates critical lab processes and functions into a simple-to-use, versatile system. Software-driven centering technology, available at the touch of a button, locates the lens' optical center, bifocal segment, or fitting cross, then automatically realigns the image of the prescribed axis. Automatic blocking features include Kappa CT's computer-controlled blocking arm, which carefully grasps the lens blocker adapter while a motorized suction head ensures the lens-blocking adapter is place in its required position and axis for mounting. Kappa also identifies drilling coordinates for rimless mounts. A tracer takes a photo of the demonstration lens and drill holes; a zoom mode is used to confirm positioning and diameters of the drill holes. The Kappa CT Tracer retains 200 bar codes dedicated to drilling function. Kappa processes all lens materials, edge polishes bevels and flats, and drills holes and notches for drill mounts with rimless edging customization capabilities. Specific drilling modes are related to different materials. For more information, call 800-843-1479 or visit www.gerbercoburn.com. GERBER COBURN