buyer’s guide

LOW VISION

Alicia Hoglund and Susan Tarrant

Standing Tall

Eschenbach has released Visolux⁺, a new, battery-operated illuminated stand magnifier, ideal for patients with vision loss. Visolux⁺ features a large, distortion-free viewing area illuminated with bright LEDs. The screen also features a double lens system with a patented hard coating that greatly minimizes scratches and allows text and images to appear crisp and clear. The field of view is larger than most magnifiers—4 by 3 inches—allowing users the ability to see many more words at one time than comparable 12D lenses, company representatives note. The screen is also ergonomically designed to tilt toward the user, which minimizes neck strain and allows users to comfortably use the Visolux⁺ for long periods of time.

The SMD LEDs provide light over the entire field of view and can be changed from a standard bright white light to a softer orange light by sliding a built-in filter over the LEDs. The lights will turn off automatically after 30 minutes of non-use to conserve power and battery life.

INFO: 800-487-5389, eschenbach.com

SPECTACLE LENSES

ESSILOR OF AMERICA Xperio UV DOUBLE PROTECTION Essilor of America has launched a new generation of polarized sun lens—Xperio UV. It is the only outdoor lens solution to offer all the benefits of a polarized lens plus a complete package against UV, according to company representatives. The lenses eliminate blinding reflective glare while providing maximum UV protection on both the front and backside of the lens. They have an Eye-Sun Protection Factor (E-SPF) of 50+ on Essilor’s UV rating scale, which means that the lenses provide at least 50 times more protection from UV radiation than wearing no lenses at all. INFO: xperiouvusa.com EXPANDED IMAGE Younger Optics has released its popular progressive lens design, IMAGE, in Transitions Vantage. IMAGE lenses in Transitions Vantage are currently available in polycarbonate, offering an Rx range of -9.00 to +7.00, cylinder out to -2.00. Other IMAGE lenses are available in a range of treatments, including NuPolar, Drivewear, clear, and Transitions, and materials including 1.50, polycarbonate, Trilogy, and mid- and high-index. INFO: youngeroptics.com YOUNGER OPTICS IMAGE in Transitions Vantage

EQUIPMENT

IN-OFFICE COATING

SUPER SYSTEMS OPTICAL FastCoat Super Systems Optical Technologies, maker of the FastGrind in-office lens surfacing system, has launched an affordable lens hard coating system. FastCoat expands the traditional range of FastGrind by allowing eyecare professionals to offer polycarbonate lenses and add a new profit center to their business. Before this system, practices were limited to giving their polycarbonate orders to a lab, or paying for hard coaters. FastCoat measures 27 × 24 × 27 inches and can fit on a counter. Like FastGrind, it is manually operated and easy to use. According to the company, it is priced with the small- to medium-size independent practice in mind. INFO: superoptical.com

Get Real

AIT INDUSTRIES VisuREAL Portable

AIT Industries is introducing the VisuREAL Portable video centration system. The system leverages the portability of a tablet with the computing power of the cloud to deliver accurate patient measurements for lens and frame fitting.

It uses a proprietary optical system that attaches to an iPad and a calibration tool that sits on the patient’s frame to determine all required centration values—including pupillary distance, fitting heights, boxing dimensions, head rotation and inclination, and vertex distance—with pinpoint accuracy. It uses cloud computation and has an intuitive interface for a user-friendly experience.

The system can also be used to take photos or videos of the frame choices to help patients make a decision.

INFO: aitindustries.com

COBURN TECHNOLOGIES Sapphire fining pad

FAST AND FINE

Coburn Technologies is introducing a new one-step, all-material fining pad called Sapphire. The seven-petal pad uses premium self-sharpening aluminum oxide abrasive grains that are precision coated to provide superior life, fast cut rate, and consistent finish.

Sapphire is designed to fine all common lens materials that have been lathe generated (except glass). The pad is also available in all standard sizes.

INFO: coburntechnologies.com

EDGY EDGER

Briot USA’s newest edger, Alta Zd, comes equipped with capabilities that position it not only as the fastest retail edger on the market but also to meet the requirements for high-end edging, company representatives report.

The Alta Zd features software that ensures the best aesthetic and customized fit for high-wrap frames, complex patterns, and customized lens shapes. It offers creativity, stability, and the ability to handle complex jobs with speed and precision, according to Briot. The small finishing wheel allows for elaborate finishing capability while reducing the use of the drill/mill tool. It is versatile and adapts to individual requirements, including a partial processing function and the ability to combine a groove and a V-bevel.

INFO: briotusa.com

BRIOT USA Alta Zd