OPTI-SHOPPER

buyer’s guide

THE LATEST IN TECH ADVANCES

{SPECTACLE LENSES}
A CLOSER LOOK
DIGITAL EXPANSION

Vision-Ease Lens has expanded its digital lens design portfolio to include five proprietary wrap-style and general-purpose offerings. The new designs are available through Vision-Ease’s recent strategic partnership with IOT.

Vision-Ease is initially offering two design series created with IOT’s Digital Ray Path design technology—Sportwrap and Everywhere. Sportwrap designs are digitally optimized for each patient’s Rx and position of wear, offer a wide peripheral and distance zone, and accommodate the wrap-style frames needed in sports. Everywhere PAL designs are best for general-purpose wear with a soft backside design for wide and clear viewing zones.

“Our partnership with IOT is defined by seamless integration. Customers utilizing the IOT network can seamlessly add our designs, and have full access to both Vision-Ease and IOT support. This integrated approach ensures quick and accurate delivery of our proprietary digital lens designs.”

— BARRY RESNIK, vice president of marketing, Vision-Ease

Specific designs are: Sportwrap Single Vision, Sportwrap Novel PAL, Sportwrap Backside PAL, Everywhere PAL, and Everywhere + PAL (featuring a compensated design).

The designs are optimized for use with Vision-Ease blanks, but are not restricted.

INFO: vision-ease.com

{SPECTACLE LENSES}
IT’S IN THERE

New from Smith Optics is its latest prescription lens adaptor—Rx OD3—that provides prescription optical support for its line of performance sunglass shields and snow goggles.

The Rx adaptor features a fully captured lens inside of a durable, TR90 full frame that is easily inserted into the shields and goggles, providing sports enthusiasts with full-face protection as well as clear, comfortable vision. It is compatible with: IOX Elite Turbo Fan goggle, Phenom Turbo Fan goggle, Prophecy Turbo Fan goggle, Knowledge Turbo Fan goggle, Pivlock V2 sunglass, Pivlock V2 Max sunglass, Pivlock Arena sunglass, and Pivlock Arena Max sunglass.

INFO: smithoptics.com

{DISPENSING AIDS}
REMOTE EXAM PROGRAM

In keeping with the multitude of apps and services launching to help dispensers increase sales, a new service is aimed at providing doctor-less retail locations an opportunity to increase revenue by offering eye exams via remote technology.

Called 20/20NOW, the system consists of proprietary software, an auto-refractor, auto-lensometer, and auto-phoropter. A certified ophthalmic technician does the actual refraction via video conferencing over the Internet.

The findings are then digitally reviewed by a remote ophthalmologist, who provides a prescription and personalized report. The report and a new Rx are printed at the retail establishment and presented to the customer.

According to the company, the service presents an opportunity for optical-only stores to capture some of the reported 40% of consumers who visit an optical retail location without a current prescription.

INFO: for2020now.com

Ronald Lissak of 20/20NOW and ophthalmic tech Jenny Sanders at a GVS location in NYC that uses the system

{EQUIPMENT}
IN-HOUSE SURFACING

Schneider Optical Machines has launched a new line of digital surfacing equipment that is perfect for retailers or small labs. The new Nano line has two versions, one for retailers and a slightly larger one for small labs, giving these locations access to digital surfacing technology for a very low investment without compromising quality or full range capability, according to the company.

The Nano line offers the finest digital surfacing capability available in the smallest package. And the line offers the advanced results you expect from Schneider technology.”

— KURT ATCHISON, president, Schneider North America

The HSC Nano generators and CCP Nano polisher make up the space-saving Nano line. The extra-small and economically priced HSC Nano generator comes in two versions: HSC Nano X and HSC Nano XP.

The entry-level HSC Nano X, with its optional cribbing spindle and built-in laser unit, enables small operations to manufacture virtually any free-form design from any location. The lab version, HSC Nano XP, includes full milling capabilities for faster processing and the fast, high-quality laser engraving system of the bigger machines. The CCP Nano polisher combines macro-driven polish results with best-in-practice technology. The unit handles up to 18 dpt curves, the highest range in the industry. Both the HSC and CCP Nano machines utilize a simple touch screen interface for easy operation of the intelligent processes.

INFO: 972-247-4000, schneider-om.com

{MISCELLANEOUS}
CUTTING-EDGE DISPLAY

Among the many new product offerings from Presenta Nova—a display furnishings and design solutions company—is a showcase table for the optical dispensary. The table is available in different configurations, and can display from 90 to 270 frames. The clear overview provides easy access, with remote-controlled dimmable white LED lights that accentuate the frames perfectly. There is a “lock” option to provide security.

The trays are removable, giving opticians the ability to present an entire collection to a patient at the table. The table’s unique magnetic sides allow users to change the design or “brand” the table for a special collection.

INFO: presenta-nova.com

{SPECTACLE LENSES}
AR WITH UV

Signet Armorlite has released its highest level of clean and clear vision with the introduction of KODAK Clean&CleAR UV lens coating.

It is the latest addition to the KODAK anti-reflective lens coating portfolio that also includes KODAK CleAR+ and KODAK Clean&CleAR lens coatings.

Like its sister coatings, KODAK Clean&CleAR UV is water repellent, scratch resistant, easy-to-clean, reduces nighttime reflections, and lessens eye strain. But in addition, it boasts an E-SPF rating of 25, offering 25 times more UV protection than going without eyewear, according to the company.

E-SPF, which measures the UV protection on both sides of the lens, excludes direct eye exposure from around the lenses. The E-SPF 25 rating applies when KODAK Clean&CleAR UV is applied to a lens material other than clear 1.5 plastic.

INFO: signetarmorlite.com