OPTI-SHOPPER

buyer’s guide

THE LATEST IN TECH ADVANCES

{SPECTACLE LENSES}
A CLOSER LOOK
FINDING DIGITAL ZEN

Essilor of America has launched Eyezen glasses, designed specifically for people who spend time in front of their computers, smart phones, and other digital devices. Eyezen glasses contain a small amount of accommodative relief (ADD power or magnification) to help alleviate eye strain often caused by viewing text and small screens on digital devices.

“We must educate millennials on the visual effects of their digital screens and encourage them to take care of their eyes before problems arise.”

—HOWARD PURCELL, O.D., FAAO Dipl., senior vice president of customer development, Essilor of America

They also feature a high-quality AR lens coating that selectively filters the harmful blue-violet light emitted by digital devices.

There will be three unique Eyezen lens designs available, and the patient’s age will determine which design is suggested: Eyezen 1 (ages 20 to 34), Eyezen 2 (ages 35 to 44), and Eyezen 3 (ages 45+). The designs have progressively higher “bumps” of accommodative relief.

Though Eyezen glasses will benefit non-presbyopic patients of any age, the brand is focusing on the millennial generation, which provides the biggest opportunity for ECPs. A consumer campaign directed at millennials will raise brand awareness and drive them to an ECP locator on the website. In the coming months, Essilor plans to release a frame/lens Eyezen package for patients with and without an Rx.

INFO: eyezenUSA.com, eyezenPRO.com

{SPECTACLE LENSES}
BLUE PROTECTION

Luzerne Optical Laboratories, Ltd., has released TheraBlue, an almost-clear lens unlike other blue light protection products in the marketplace. It is the lens material that absorbs and filters the damaging light and allows for the good HEV to come through, and it has neither a yellow or peach lens tint nor a reflective color, according to the company.

TheraBlue is available in single vision, progressive, digital round bifocals, and computer lenses. It is available in 1.67, 1.60, and an impact-resistant 1.56, and is compatible with a variety of AR coatings.

INFO: 800-233-9637, luzerneoptical.com

{DISPENSING AIDS}
PRO MEASUREMENTS

Hoya Vision Care has released a second edition of its Spectangle electronic dispensing app, Spectangle PRO. The new version takes 10 eyewear and lens measurements with one picture (and instant results), has interactive lens demos, offers side-by-side frame selection photos, and has an augmented-reality capability that allows patients to “see” through their new lenses.

Cloud service provides multistation licensing, usage analytics, and remote tech support. Its patented EY-Stick allows ECPs to capture a patient’s posture without needing to be at the same eye level.

INFO: spectanglepro.com, thehoyafreeformcompany.com

{SPECTACLE LENSES}
NEW SUN TECHNOLOGY

Costa sunglasses is relaunching its Rx lab program with the addition and expansion of several new lens technologies, including rimless styles, a blended bifocal, new lens materials, and a Varilux lens.

The new C-SCAPE Bifocal lens features a backside round segment for the mature wearer who wants simple magnification for close-up tasks. According to Costa, it’s the first Rx sun lens of its kind to offer a backside round segment with Waypoint digital compensation, producing a blended line unseen from the front surface of the lens. The C-SCAPE design gives wearers an exceptional distance viewing field, making the lens perfect for outdoor adventures.

Costa’s rimless Rx collection features five styles and a variety of lens color options. Each of the rimless Rx styles will be available in Costa’s 580P color-enhancing lens technology, in either Trivex or new polycarbonate material, and feature Costa’s C-WALL oleophobic molecular bond and backside anti-reflective UV protection.

INFO: 800-447-3700, b2b.costadelmar.com

“These new lens technologies are major enhancements to our Rx lab program, and we continue to grow all facets of our Rx business. What you’re seeing now with the re-launch of our Rx lab is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s a lot more to come.”

—CHAS MACDONALD, president, Costa

{DISPENSING AIDS}
MOBILE ACCURACY

Zeiss’ new i.Terminal mobile is an iPad-based digital decentration device that can work as a remote-control extension of the company’s i.Terminal 2 or be used independently as a mobile measuring device.

Its user-friendly and intuitive handling allows for easy capturing of centration images and gathers and calculates all necessary fitting parameters in less than 60 seconds with precise accuracy.

The unit includes the i.Com mobile and the i.Com server for secure storage of patient data.

INFO: zeiss.com/equipment

{EQUIPMENT}
ADVANCED DIAGNOSTICS

Coburn Technologies introduces the Huvitz 9000 series, a new line of diagnostic products. Its lensmeter features a Blue Light Hazard Measurement function, making it capable of measuring the blue light emitted from LED screens. The digital refractor has a tilting function for near chart tests, and the system’s auto refractor/keratometer has unique functions, including a Meibomian gland analysis, tear film breakup time measurement, and a contact lens fitting guide with color camera.

INFO: 800-COBURN-1, coburntechnologies.com