Face à Face has introduced its first collection of eyewear jewelry consisting of necklaces designed to hold frames. All jewelry is handcrafted in France. The line falls into two collections—ID and HOOK. Sterling silver is used throughout both collections along with glass beads, semi-precious stones, Plexiglas, leather, or PVC. Both collections are available in a wide range of colors. For information, call 888-388-3223.

Equipment

Santinelli has introduced the LT-1000, a new frame tracer with an added LCD screen, using 3-D patented technology for a 99.9 percent level of accuracy. A low pressure active control stylus eliminates frame distortion and disengagement, and a Shape Editing Mode allows customization. For more information, E-mail Franco Aluigi at faluigi@santinelli.com.

contact lenses
Sweet Suite

CooperVision has expanded its comprehensive suite of contact lenses designed for multifocal correction with the introduction of UltraVue PC Multifocal Toric. The unique design of UltraVue PC Multifocal Toric combines the benefits of CooperVision's patented omafilcon A phosphorylcholin (PC) material and proven UltraVue product line. The lenses answer eye comfort and visual needs for astigmatic presbyopes with a biocompatible lens material and extended parameters in multiple base curves. UltraVue PC Multifocal Toric CLs use Balanced Progressive Technology, a multifocal system that maximizes binocular visual acuity at all ranges. The lenses are made to order. For more information, visit the Website www.coopervision.com

SPECTACLE LENSES
Get Physio

Essilor of America recently introduced Varilux Physio and Varilux Physio 360Þ. Positioned as the first general-purpose lens to offer all presbyopes the benefits of wavefront performance, Varilux Physio features W.A.V.E. (Wavefront Advanced Vision Enhancement) technology on the frontside. Varilux Physio 360Þ also features W.A.V.E. technology in front and back design. Physio is positioned for wearers who are: New presbyopes, Varilux wearers, PAL users interested in upgrading from other brands, or hard-to-fit wearers—specifically emmetropes and hyperopes. Physio 360Þ is recommended for wearers who want advanced progressive vision, especially in distance, have a complex Rx, need maximum fields of vision, or have not adapted to other PALs due to lens design limitations. Overall benefits of the new product include distance aberration control by minimizing higher-order aberrations including coma, greater comfort at near featuring a stabilized extended field, wider mid-range vision (by adjusting the axis of astigmatism vertically, up to 30 percent wider), and unmatched sharpness in low light situations. The lenses are fit like other Varilux lens products and require no special equipment. Minimum fitting height is 17mm. Physio 360Þ lenses come with Crizal Alizé with Clear Guard AR. For more information, call 800-377-4567, or visit Essilor's Website at www.essilorusa.com.

Tools

Western Optical has introduced a Bridge Compressing plier (#2037) to easily lessen the width of bridges on plastic and metal frames. The new tool also works great for curving the eyewire in order to mount lenses more securely. These jaws work like a male/female press to shape the bridge into a curve. The new pliers run $37.95 a pair. For more information, call 800-423-3294.

Ring It to Wing It

Ring Thing, a new product from Hilco, speeds up the process of rimless frame assembly while eliminating lens and frame scratching. Ring Thing eliminates the need to balance multiple tools while attempting to tighten or assemble screw-and-nut-style three-piece rimless frames. The six different plastic rings are color- coded for quick identification and are offered in multiple sizes for star and hex nut configurations. For more information, call 800-955-6544.

Miscellaneous

The American Optometric Association (AOA) has launched a series of educational materials for children featuring new animated characters. "Be Wise About Your Eyes," a new program targeted at kids from kindergarten age through third grade, teaches children about how the visual system works. The material instills the importance of regular eye exams and gives children information on the need for protecting their eyes. The package includes a 12.5 minute animated video and a 16-page coloring/activity book. Ophthalmic Council participant Optos will make the coloring/activity book a part of AOA's outreach program. In addition, all active AOA members and students received complimentary materials through an Optos grant. To purchase materials, call 800-262-2210, extension 242.