Buyer�s Guide

By Aspinall, Lindsey

Education

Study Well

The Optical Training Institute has released updated versions of two home study courses: one for spectacle dispensers and one for contact lens dispensers. Each course consists of six workbooks and six audio CDs, which contain hundreds of practice test questions, clearly written explanations, illustration tables, and practice exercises. The courses are a comprehensive preparation for state and national certifying exams in opticianry. For more information, visit www.opticaltraining.com or call 949-551-5455.

Optical Training Institute

Home Study Courses

Spectacle Lenses

Sun Short

Specialty Lens Corporation has added a new short-corridor PAL design to its iRx Polaroid product line. The soft PAL design offers easy adaptation for presbyopes, while the 14mm fitting height accommodates small frames. Polaroid Eyewear�s polarized lens technology eliminates sun glare. iRx Short is available in 12 colors and two lens materials: mid-index and polycarbonate. The power range is -10.00D to +6.00D. SLC is a subsidiary of Essilor. For more information, visit www.irxlens.com/short.

Specialty Lens Corporation

iRX Short

It�s So Easy

Carl Zeiss Vision has introduced AO Easy Progressive lenses in 1.67 and 1.67 Transitions Gray high-index materials. AO Easy HD, created using free-form manufacturing technology that customizes lenses for each individual Rx, is also available in 1.67 and 1.67 Transitions Gray. In addition to 1.67 and 1.67 Transitions Gray, AO Easy is currently available in polycarbonate, polycarbonate Transitions Gray, hard resin, hard resin Transitions Gray and Brown, and in 1.6 clear. For more information, call 800-358-8258.

Carl Zeiss Vision

AO Easy Progressive

More Melanin

Vision-Ease Lens now offers SunRx Melanin polarized polycarbonate lenses in a D28 bifocal design. SunRx Melanin has received the recommendation of the Skin Cancer Foundation and the American Optometric Association. Lenses protect against UV radiation and glare, and block optimal levels of high-energy visible light, which can contribute to macular degeneration. The D28 option is recommended for older patients, since the protective melanin pigment found in skin and eyes that naturally protect against UV and visible light

decreases with age. For more information, visit www.vision-ease.com.

Vision-Ease Lens

SunRx Melanin

Thin and Sharp

Essilor of America�s Varilux Ipseo PAL is now available in Thin&Lite 1.74 index material. Varilux Ipseo offers a premium PAL design combined with the thinnest material, exclusively available with Essilor�s personalized W.A.V.E. technology and Crizal Aliz� Clear Guard. Varilux Ipseo integrates the physiological measures of an individual�s eye and head moments and Rx parameters to create a completely customized PAL. Enhanced with W.A.V.E. technol-ogy, the lenses eliminate distortions for sharper vision at all distances. For more information, visit www.varilux.com or www.essilorusa.com.

Essilor of America

Ipseo PAL

So Special

INDO Lens US has introduced the LifeMADE lens line�specialized PALs that can be adapted to user profiles. Multipurpose designs offer regular corridor distance of 22mm and a 16mm short-corridor version. The Action design family features an Occupational design for indoor working conditions, soon to be followed by the Drive and Sport designs. FreeDesign is made exclusively on the

characteristics and parameters that clients provide: a

progressive design based on specific needs that a lab thinks must be fulfilled in the marketplace. For more information, call 888-440-4636.

INDO

LifeMADE

Accessories

Case for a Cause

AMY SACKS Eyewear and Accessories has launched The Pixie Project, a foundation that will provide spay and neuter services, as well as other veterinary services for pets in low-income families. Amy Sacks, daughter of company founder Ann Sacks, has been devoted to helping animals since she was a child. The name of the foundation was inspired by an abused terrier mix that was rescued by Amy and adopted by Ann Sacks. To help raise funds for the foundation, AMY SACKS Eyewear is launching an eyeglass case which communicates a love for animals. The case retails for $10, and 50 percent is directly contributed to the foundation. For more information, visit www.amysacks.com.

AMY SACKS

Pixie Project Eyeglass Case