buyer’s guide

SPECTACLE LENSES

Alicia Isenberg Hoglund and Susan P. Tarrant

Easy as DLC

Shamir Insight recently expanded its Single Vision product line to include DLC Trivex (HC/UC) clear lenses. Produced in Israel, the lens blanks offer additional benefits over its current Single Vision Trivex lenses, including a wider range of base curves and increased center thickness from bases 0.50 through 6.00. Additionally, bases 7, 8, and 9 consist of the same back curve as the nominal front curve, which makes them an excellent choice for wrap frames. DLC Trivex lenses are lightweight and provide strength, durability, and UV protection. Like all Shamir Single Vision lenses, the blanks are compatible with all FreeForm designs, including Autograph II.

INFO: 877-514-8330, shamirlens.com

SHAMIR INSIGHT
DLC Trivex Lenses

New Additions

YOUNGER OPTICS Transitions FT28 lenses

Younger Optics has expanded its Transitions lens offerings to include Flat Top 28 with high additions in hard resin. For bases 4, 6, and 8, the following higher adds are available: 3.25, 3.50, 3.75, and 4.00. All of the lenses come in both gray and brown.

INFO: 800-366-5367, youngeroptics.com

Hybrid Highlights

Maui Jim introduces a new sunlens that combines the closest clarity to glass in an ultra-light-weight lens with superior impact-resistance. MauiPure’s hybrid, injection-molded, de-centered lenses are the lightest lens material in the Maui Jim portfolio, with an ABBE value of over 50. The lenses feature the company’s proprietary PolarizedPlus2 and bi-gradient mirrors to cut glare and block UV rays while increasing color vibrancy. MauiPure lenses are available in three 8-base rimless styles featuring beta-titanium temples and adjustable Rabalon bridges. Three lens colors are available: neutral gray, HCL bronze, and Maui HT (High Transmission).

INFO: 888-628-4546, mauijim.com

MAUI JIM
MauiPure lenses

EQUIPMENT

QSPEX TECHNOLOGIES Premium Lens System IN THE OFFICE QSpex Technologies’ Premium Lens System produces top-quality lenses in-office in about 35 minutes. Single vision, polarized, and advanced digital progressive designs with a seven-layer hydrophobic and oleophobic AR treatment are available. Photochromic lenses are expected to be available in the second quarter of 2012. The system produces lenses that cover 86 percent of prescriptions (-4.25D to +2.00D with cylinder to -2.00D and progressive adds of +1.00D to +3.00D, all in 0.25D steps). The lens system has a small footprint, is easy to operate, and features single-use, disposable plastic molds. No gaskets are required. Each back mold is supplied with a single-use pre-attached lens spacer, and all lens treatments have been preapplied onto the molds by QSpex and transfer during lens curing. INFO: 855-78Q-SPEX, qspex.com HIGH-CURVE ACTION Santinelli International’s LT-980 (HC) Tracer is now available. Featuring high-curve trace capability with a fully automatic operation, the unit’s design uses a variable fulcrum stylus, keeping the axis angle perpendicular to the frame at any height. Its software calculates the effect the curve imparts with respect to size, resulting in accurate digitized frame data. Low stylus pressure eliminates distortion. Its new, durable stylus tip reduces abrasion and friction, allowing for smooth and accurate digitized traces. The horizontal, vertical, and rotational axes are gear driven and sealed when the unit is closed, ensuring long-lasting, trouble-free performance. INFO: santinelli.com SANTINELLI INTERNATIONAL LT-980 (HC) Tracer

Mister Mister

Mr. Orange is the newest addition to the Essilor Instruments USA line of finishing equipment. According to the company, the in-office edging system can handle high wraps, drilling, and rimless jobs at a reasonable price point.

Among the system’s integrated functions are management of high curves up to base 9 and optical tracing that is twice as fast as mechanical tracing for rimless and groove jobs. It also features intuitive navigation, touch-screen interface, visual alerts, Fit-4-Frame technology for optimal lens level profile, and Star Control to eliminate slippage and crazing. In addition, it utilizes Essibox, Essilor’s open communication system that integrates an office network and manages shape and drill point databases.

INFO: 855-EZ-FINISH, essilorinstrumentsusa.com

ESSILOR INSTRUMENTS
Mr. Orange

MISCELLANEOUS FirmGripz

Three years in the making, Carson introduces Gripz, a new line of eyewear retainers for sunglasses and prescription eyewear. Engineered from high-grade braided silicone, these strong, universal, and highly functional retainers stand up to the elements and the toughest use and abuse, company representatives say. In fact, the retainers have been lab tested to hold the weight of a brick. The patent-pending Gripz retainers combine friction and a contracting force to provide a secure hold, ensuring that eyewear is protected. The retainers are available in three sizes and come in a variety of colors.

INFO: 800-9-OPTICS, carsonoptical.com

CARSON Gripz retainers

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

Nanofilm introduces new designs for its Spring Collection of Ultra Clarity lens care products. Featuring cheery flowers, twittering birds, and hearts, the designs of the limited-edition collection will get your patients ready for warmer weather. The gift-style look of the products also adds value for patient thank-you gifts or promotional items. The collection is available in one-ounce lens care sprays, The Links four-ounce lens care bottles with an easy-out spout, and the Spring Clean Kit that includes a custom-printed, one-ounce spray and a four-ounce The Links bottle in a white organza bag.

INFO: 800-883-6266, nanofilmtechnology.com

NANOFILM Spring Collection

Stripped

ARCH CROWN Mini-Strip labels

Arch Crown’s mini-strip frame labels keep sensitive manufacturer’s product ID and reference numbers hidden. These pressure-sensitive thermal transfer labels are easy to apply and fit inside the temple arm of any frame. ECPs can print their own pricing and ordering information on the labels or use them blank. Style TT319 Mylar (white) labels are available in rolls of 2,000.

INFO: 800-526-8353, archcrown.com

MAGIC WAND

Gulden’s new colorful Pediatric Fixation Wand can be used in many visual testing and therapeutic situations. Built-in LED lights produce colorful, attention-getting light patterns for aiding in assessing and monitoring visual impairment in individuals with special needs. It can also be used as a visual fixation device when testing children during ophthalmoscopy and other procedures. The easy-to-use wand comes with two standard AA batteries and turns on and off with the flip of a switch.

INFO: 800-659-2250, guldenophthalmics.com

GULDEN OPHTHALMICS Fixation Wand