TECH TRENDS

In-House TECH TRENDS

What’s next for in-office lens processing? We tap 4 experts for their predictions

BY SUSAN TARRANT

Many eyecare professionals have turned to their in-office labs (both surfacing and finishing) for an edge over competitors that may rely solely on wholesale labs. But what they get goes beyond simple marketplace differentiation; they benefit from increased customer service, quicker turnaround times, unique product positioning, and the ability to put a personalized touch on their patients’ lenses that can go beyond a custom-designed shape or a fancy bevel.

Why? Because the equipment technology has kept pace with evolving eyewear styles and has answered the market’s call to become easier, smaller, and multi-functional.

So where is tech in this area headed in the future—and, perhaps even more interesting, what are ECPs doing with this advancing technology to build their business? We asked some experts in the field to weigh in.

Business Building Through Automation

Finishing labs are trending toward two major concepts. The first is automation. Edging systems are now incorporating functions of other lab equipment directly into the tracer/blocker such as lensometry, lens verification, and automatic blocking.

The second is offering features that allow the lab to provide products that customers cannot get through other channels. These features include specialized milling tools that facilitate unique lens designs on rimless frames and fitting Rx lenses in wrap sport frames.

Most ECPs are looking to increase revenue by adding more value to the eyewear they are providing, and by buying equipment to do it in-house.

This helps increase revenue and maximize profitability but most importantly, it sets the ECP apart from retail chains and Internet retailers.

—Matt Vulich, vice president, marketing, AIT Industries

FUTURE FOCUS

According to a 2015 EB survey of ECPs and their future buying plans, edgers have edged out digital refractors on wish lists.



55% of ECPs who currently do not edge in-house say they don’t because of space concerns. However, with footprints trending smaller and equipment becoming more compact, that number could change.



Purchasing plans: EB surveyed ECPs who don’t currently edge in-house about their future plans to begin. The chart to the right outlines when they plan to buy equipment.

Custom Capabilities

I see forward-thinking ECPs investing in technology with future capabilities in mind, understanding that current demands will change along with the market and their overall confidence as they become better acquainted with today’s (and tomorrow’s) feature-rich finishing systems.

There is a growing trend of making highly customizable shapes and lens treatments such as faceting and jewels—a trend that sets ECPs apart from their competition.

Artisan-type functionality is afforded through multi-function edging technologies and seamless integration, all within a very small footprint.

The integration that’s been happening in in-office finishing equipment will continue, resulting in the entire edging process being very clean in a “one-and-done” fashion—meaning no more additional lens handling and no more ancillary tabletop equipment, which has a tendency to be on the messy side and take up bench space.

—Jaysun Barr, ABOC, in-office finishing consultant, Santinelli International

Decentralized Labs

We see a continuation of a trend that has been repeating itself for some time in our industry—the simplification of technology to support small, decentralized lens production. Equipment engineers find ways to simplify, miniaturize, and economize the technology, making practical its deployment even in the smallest labs and retail shops.

We’ve seen this happen with CNC machining for both surfacing and finishing, anti-reflective coating equipment, and now we see that same trend occurring in digital lens production.

Why does the small lab model make sense? Service and costs. There are substantial savings to be had from small labs and retail shops to produce their own digital lenses. Equally, or perhaps even more important, is the ability to deliver those lenses to the patient more quickly, oftentimes while the patient waits.

—Alex Incera, president, Coburn Technologies

Surfacing = Service

The direction we see in-house surfacing taking in the future is becoming smaller, cheaper, faster, simpler, and there will be more lens options and materials available.

The independent optical is forced to address its overall service to customers, because “big box” puts pressure on providing lower costs and faster service. On the other end, the consolidation of labs has meant increased costs and longer lead times, which are not good for the practice and its patients.

Having the ability to control quality and cost with in-house surfacing and edging means faster, better service to the patients and more profits for the practice.

—John Corsini, president, Super Optical International