HOT TOPIC A New look at old problems
RX Programs Race Into The Future
Pulling together frame and lens designs far earlier in the eyewear creation process, lens manufacturers and frame companies are increasingly becoming a one-stop shop
By Karlen McLean, ABOC, NCLC, and Amy Spiezio
In the early days of eyeglass dispensing, frames were simply something to hold lenses. Over the years, that sentiment has been pushed out of the spotlight thanks to wider style choices for frames and lenses that allow a staggering number of combinations.
While eyecare professionals will never go back to eyewear being a simple lens-holding device, there is a new movement taking hold in the industry: frame-company specific lens packages.
Starting in the sports and sunwear markets, ECPs are increasingly finding a one-stop shop for eyewear and lenses through frame companies and their lens company partners, licensors, or laboratory partners.
This new development allows ECPs to offer their patients more optical options than ever before. Notes Oakley's Andy McSorley, “We are trying to educate ECPs on lens quality that they can sell to their customers as an upgrade.”
The following is a rundown of some of the companies that currently offer this new and fast-growing breed of combination frame and Rx programs.
BOLLÉ
PRODUCT: The majority of Bollé's 47 models, including the nine-model Kids Collection.
RX PROGRAM: The Bollé bTRU™ National Sun Rx program's lens options are available for 6 and 8 base prescriptions in single vision and PALs. Lenses can be fitted precisely to wraparound frames, using special free-form edging technology.
LAB: Partnership with Carl Zeiss Vision. CZV has a United States network of labs.
ECP POINTERS: Jobs can be ordered à la carte: lens and frames can be ordered to each individual patient's specifications.
INFO: Carl Zeiss Vision, 866-926-5537
COSTA
PRODUCT: 45 frames currently in the Rx program.
RX PROGRAM: Costa 580P Rx (Trivex), 580G Rx (glass), and 400P Rx (CR39) range is +3.00 to −4.00D. Costa 580P Rx design is free-form single vision or PAL, Costa 580G Rx is single vision, and Costa 400P Rx is single vision and flattop bifocal in limited styles and add powers. Colors and mirrors include gray, copper, blue mirror, green mirror, and silver mirror in most lens styles.
LAB: Costa's proprietary Rx lab. An on-site licensed optician also reviews every order.
ECP POINTERS: Order directly from Costa.
INFO: 855-COSTARX (855-267-8279), costadelmar.com
ICE-TECH ADVANCED LENS TECHNOLOGIES
PRODUCT: Ice-Tech lines of sunglasses: Sport-Ice, Pure-Ice, Floating-Ice, and Ultimate-Ice.
RX PROGRAM: Crystal-Ice PAL, Glacier-Ice single vision, Diamond Dual Zone (blended bifocal), Digital Bifocal (flattop), THIN-ICE Wrap-Around. Range: +18.00D to −31.00D, depending on frame. Effective blank diameter of 99mm; 100 percent digitally surfaced. Two AR colors, 20 mirror colors.
LAB: ICE-TECH is the manufacturer, lens designer, and lab. Turnaround is typically two to three business days.
ECP POINTERS: Web ordering with option for multiple sign-ins for different locations with billing to a central location. Multiple Pair Discount Program is 50 percent off multiple pairs for the same patient, no matter how many pairs.
INFO: 888-ICE-TECH, ice-tech.com
KAENON POLARIZED
PRODUCT: 30-plus frame styles (150+ SKUs) cover the spectrum from Kore to Lifestyle to Luxury Performance; every frame is Rxable.
RX PROGRAM: 8 base in SR-91 polarized (Kaenon's proprietary polarized lens material), +4.50D to −5.00D in single vision and backside digitally surfaced PALs. Product undergoes two 21-point quality inspections before shipping. Submitting orders directly to Kaenon ensures that SR-91 polarized lenses are received and warrantied.
LAB: ECPs submit orders directly to Kaenon Polarized customer service; they handle the rest.
ECP POINTERS: Submit order form, confirm the order, the order is processed. Real-time updates available anytime during production, and shipped to ECPs' offices.
INFO: Arty Hargrove: 949-574-7918 or arty@kaenon.com; general: 866-KAENON1, kaenon.com
LIBERTY SPORT
PRODUCT: Eyewear spans from protective sports eyewear to performance suns, 100 percent Rxable.
RX PROGRAM: Can fulfill most over or out-of-range Rx jobs. Wide selection of brand-name products and treatments. Package pricing offers savings up to 20 percent for Sports Eye Injury Prevention Center Retailers and Rx Sport Zone Retailers.
LAB: In-house lab/lab resources.
ECP POINTERS: Liberty Sport Labs offer an Rx Worry Free Liability guarantee on all complete eyewear that indemnifies ECPs from product liability damage at no extra cost. Monthly Rx promotions for all Sports Eye Injury Prevention Centers. Frequent use program.
INFO: General: 800-444-5010; Rx: 855-Rx 4 Sport (855-794-7767)
MARCHON—NIKE
PRODUCT: Through the Nike Rx program by Marchon, 90 percent of Nike sunglasses are Rxable.
RX PROGRAM: Using Trivex-based lenses and Digital Free Form technology, Nike Vision has broadened its ability to meet customers' needs for Rxable sports eyewear.
LAB: Nike Vision's Rx program works with Eyefinity labs.
ECP POINTERS: ECPs can take advantage of the Nike Rx program via a free account on eyefinity.com. Eyefinity provides user ordering tools to avoid potential Rx errors.
INFO: marchon.com, 631-630-6680
MAUI JIM
PRODUCT: Of the 70 frames in the Maui Passport lens program, 33 are 8 base.
RX PROGRAM: The Maui Passport lens program provides digitally designed and engineered lenses for a wide field of view and visual clarity. Proprietary Polarized Plus 2 technology offers glare and UV reduction plus color enhancement. PALs and single vision, polycarbonate material. Maui Evolution lenses feature high Abbe value; low specific gravity; scratch, impact, and solvent resistance. Each fit most 6 and 8 base frame styles. Rx range +3.00D to −6.50D.
LAB: Manufactured in the company's lab.
ECP POINTERS: A two-year warranty from the date of purchase against any defects in materials and workmanship for original purchaser. Most orders/repairs filled in days.
INFO: 888-666-5905, maui-jim.com
OAKLEY, INC.
PRODUCT: Oakley True Digital utilizes Oakley's proprietary frame database to digitally tailor lenses to the specific frame and individual prescription.
RX PROGRAM: Rx lenses designed for athletes and sports enthusiasts in high-wrap frames. Oakley True Digital lenses utilize Oakley Dual Peripheral Technology. Free-form single vision and progressives designs in clear, polarized, and color inherent. Oakley Authentic Prescription lenses have engraved Oakley logo.
LAB: Foothills Ranch, Calif., lab. Specializes in high-wrap lenses and mirror coatings.
ECP POINTERS: Dedicated call center for ECP's customer service. Secure online ordering direct to the lab with automated job tracking features. Ninety percent of all jobs completed within five to seven business days. Call-in and fax ordering available. Overnight shipping on all orders.
INFO: Services/Dealer Care, 888-776-8959; Rx Care, 800-878-8584; oakley.com
PRO FIT OPTIX
PRODUCT: 23 Reebok sun styles.
RX PROGRAM: Pro Fit Optix SmartEyewear complete eyewear program. Polarized 1.5 index single-vision lenses with premium AR, including wrap technology and polarized 1.67 index free-form PALs with premium AR. Rx power range +9.50D to −15.00D.
LAB: Pro Fit Optix lab network.
ECP POINTERS: ECPs can register for the SmartEyewear program at SmartEyewear.com. Frame display kits are available. Orders are placed online: Choose the frame and lens options, submit the order, and the complete job is delivered in a few days.
INFO: 866-99-OPTIX, SmartEyewear.com
REPTILE SUN
PRODUCT: 30-plus style collection of polarized sunwear.
RX PROGRAM: New Rx program, Polynium DHD 160°. Digital lens design provides enhanced High Definition vision over the entire surface of the sunglass lens in 6 and 8 base wrap sunglass styles for sharp, clear vision all the way to the periphery of the lens; in prescription powers up to −8.00 diopters in both single vision and progressive.
LAB: Reptile has a proprietary AMP lens system that utilizes breakthrough lens technology, coatings, and filters.
ECP POINTERS: Customers can visit reptilesun.com/rx
INFO: 800-625-1880
REVO
PRODUCT: 24 frame styles with 19 Rx options.
RX PROGRAM: Authentic Revo Prescription Lenses eliminate peripheral power errors and increase field of vision across the entire lens. High-contrast polarization; 100 percent UV filtering; Element Shed coating that repels water and oils; backside AR. +2.00D to −3.00D out to −3.00 cyl and 5 styles offering +2.00D to −4.00D out to 3.00 cyl. Single vision and PALs, Serilium (polycarbonate).
LAB: Revo's in-house optical lab.
ECP POINTERS: Authorized dealers order by phone.
INFO: 888-940-REVO, revo.com
RUDY PROJECT
PRODUCT: High-tech sunglasses and goggles, including low-profile, snap-in optical adapters and new 6 base Maya Sport Utility Frame™ with aluminum notched rimless mount available in a variety of shapes and sizes.
RX PROGRAM: Rudy Project Authentic Sun Rx Program, FreeForm TEK™ lens with Impactx™. FreeForm TEK™ Rewards Program. Expanded parameters for 8 base and turnaround time in seven days or less.
LAB: Rudy Project full-service partner laboratories produce its Rx work. Rudy Project typically works closely with a new lab partner for at least six months before the lab is authorized to produce Rudy Project Rx work.
ECP POINTERS: ECPs place their Rx orders directly with Rudy Project. Specialists provide consultation to ensure that the end product is best suited for the needs of each patient. Orders are then transmitted to lab partners. Rx Replacement Lens Guarantee™ is a one-year replacement policy to protect against scratching, chipping, and pitting with a modest patient co-pay. Also, replacement of Rudy Project frame if it is broken by lab.
INFO: rudyproject.com
SAFILO
PRODUCT: Twelve new Carrera styles will specifically accommodate prescription-ready Carrera X-cede lenses.
RX PROGRAM: X-cede Rx is available in Polarized Single Vision and Polarized Free Form PALs, plus backside AR and oleophobic front surface coating.
LAB: A select U.S. network of licensed labs.
ECP POINTERS: Carrera's proprietary Rx lens blanks are available only through the Carrera X-cede authorized laboratory network and Carrera X-cede professional optical authorized retailers.
INFO: safilo.com, 800-631-1188
SERENGETI
PRODUCT: About 98 percent of Serengeti's 42 models are included in its Rx program.
RX PROGRAM: The Serengeti Eyewear National Sun RX program offers a wide range of custom choices, from single vision to PALs.
LAB: Partnership with Carl Zeiss Vision's national lab network.
ECP POINTERS: Serengeti Polar PhD™ RX lenses, available in polarized and non-polarized, use “confined tint” tinting and casting process that allows the placement of photochromic dyes in the front surface of the semi-finished lens, resulting in a 1.4mm center thickness.
INFO: Carl Zeiss Vision at 866-926-5537
SILHOUETTE-ADIDAS EYEWEAR
PRODUCT: adidas Eyewear from Silhouette is available with a variety of Rx options, including full-rim and rimless inserts, direct in-frame glazing with advanced edging, and an Rx Adapter.
RX PROGRAM: Rx Ready by adidas guarantees clear and undistorted vision. Lenses are adjusted to individual preferences for athletes.
LAB: Partnership with Pech Optical Corp.
ECP POINTERS: The Rx adapter can be glazed by an eyecare professional and is interchangeable should the lens need to be removed.
INFO: 800-626-8684; adidas.com/eyewear; Pech, 800-831-2352
SODERBERG OPHTHALMIC SERVICES & WALMAN OPTICAL
PRODUCT: Callaway sunwear frames, 23 styles currently available.
RX PROGRAM: Exclusive, digitally designed NEOX Transitions SOLFX sunlenses are available in single vision and PAL (Shamir Autograph II and Autograph II Attitude designs), in Rx range +6.50D to −14.75D in base curves of 2, 4.25, 6, and 8, with high-wrap available depending on the Rx. NEOX Transitions SOLFX sunlenses come standard with performance mirrors and backside AR.
LAB: Walman-Soderberg 34-lab network.
ECP POINTERS: Same day, same patient 50 percent discount applicable when ordered as a second pair. Network ECPs are listed at TransitionsSOLFX.com/NEOX and free patient brochures available.
INFO: Soderberg: 866-566-0387, soseyes.com; Walman: 887-863-2759, walman.com
SWITCH VISION
PRODUCT: 100 percent Rxable magnetic interchange sunglasses.
RX PROGRAM: All Switch Rx's must be purchased through Switch Vision Labs. Multiple Pair Rx Discount applicable; Rx Package Pricing available.
LAB: In-house lab/lab resources.
ECP POINTERS: A way to take advantage of the fastest growing segment in the optical industry (Rx suns) and increase your revenue per patient. Wide selection of products and lens treatments.
INFO: General Line: 877-SEE-Switch; Rx Hot Line: 877 Rx Switch
WILEY X EYEWEAR
PRODUCT: Protective eyewear and ballistic products for military, outdoor sports enthusiasts, and the safety and shooting industries.
RX PROGRAM: Digital and conventional Rx Surfacing; +6 to −6 total combined power ranges; single vision, sport, progressive, FT28; wide range of lens tints, mirrors, polarized, photochromatic; anti-reflective coating; anti-fog.
LAB: Wiley X partner labs.
ECP POINTERS: Wiley X offers simple conventional and digital Rx order forms for ECPs that are faxed to the Rx department and produced. Interactive Rx training program on the do's and don'ts of Rx'ing a wrap frame available.
INFO: Leslie Gunn, 888-210-8926, ext. 509, wileyx.com EB
| ELECTRONIC EYEWEAR |
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| PixelOptics recently began the controlled nationwide rollout of emPower! electronic eyewear in the Southeast and plans country-wide coverage by the end of 2011. THE BASICS: emPower! is the world's first and currently only electronic focusing eyewear, a technological breakthrough in conjunction with frame partner Aspex. Lenses are available in an Rx power range of +4.50D to −7.00D out to −4.00 cyl. and in add powers of +1.25D to +2.75D. Currently available in 1.67 index lens material, there will be 12 frame styles with three colors for each style. THE DETAILS: emPower! allows for the optical power of the lenses to change dynamically through electronic reading zones, and three-mode operation: Manual On, Manual Off, and Automatic allow users to choose their operation preference. The electronic add reduces the amount of peripheral swim and distortion. THE PRODUCTION: emPower! is produced by a limited lab network across the U.S. For lab information, contact PixelOptics. THE FINAL PRODUCT: Sold initially by a limited number of ECPs, emPower! will be available in a variety of styles for men and women. ECPs can contact PixelOptics directly. INFO: 888-749-3567 (888-PIXELOP), pixeloptics.com, lifeactivated.com |
| 3D Goes Rx |
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| Now those with vision correction can enjoy 3D movies without trying to figure out how to wear theater-supplied 3D frames with Rx eyewear simultaneously. Marchon3D has announced its joint collaboration with Younger Optics to develop and offer prescription 3D lenses. Marchon3D anticipates that consumers will be able to order prescription 3D lenses through their ECP as early as the fourth quarter of 2011. “For the past year, Marchon3D and Younger Optics have been engaged in technical collaboration to make prescription 3D eyewear a reality for consumers,” says David Johnson, president of Marchon3D. “3D enthusiasts and prescription wearers will soon be able to enjoy the 3D viewing experience without the need to wear bulky frames that fit over existing eyewear.” Complementing Marchon3D's patented M3D lens technology, Younger Optics will utilize proprietary technology to manufacture semi-finished prescription circular polarized 3D lens blanks for single vision and progressive lens wearers. ”Younger Optics and Marchon3D will leverage our combined optical expertise to produce innovative, prescription 3D lenses that provide superior visual performance and an enhanced 3D experience,” adds David Rips, president and CEO of Younger Optics. “In addition to distribution of this product through Marchon3D, Younger Optics will also make these lens blanks available to other interested customers.” Scott Smith, category director for 3D optics at Oakley notes, “As far as Rx goes, it's very high up on our product road map.” While they don't have an exact timeframe, Smith adds, “We will go to market with the premium experience for the consumer.” |
| DELUXE LABS |
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| With new frame designs such as Pure Designs from Legacie, a B. Robinson company, labs and frame companies are working closer than ever. Today's labs are not only doing traditional work, but also frame construction and assembly to exacting specifications that require highly skilled workers and cutting-edge equipment. Today's partner labs include full spectrum of services, including the following: WEST COAST LENS West Coast Lens is known as a premier high-end laboratory in the U.S. In addition to the standard lab work, they can offer various lens customization including: custom shapes, faceting, addition of crystals or rhinestones to the lens, lens engraving, edge painting, and tattooing. West Coast Lens provides all customers with a free camera in order to have video chat capability. PECH OPTICAL CORP Pech Optical is a full-service, wholesale laboratory located in Sioux City, Iowa. With approximately 1,800 Rx jobs rolling off the assembly line every business day, Pech specializes in the production of uncut, cut, and edged Rx and Plano lenses for frames and quality sunwear lines. Pech also offers a “Direct to Rx” program which enables retailers to call in Rx's and work with Pech directly. |
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