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A CLOSER LOOK
A New Edger Category

National Optronics is kicking off its new Quality Manufacturing (QM) series with the QM-X3 edger. It combines the engineering and technology used in industrial edgers with a price point normally associated with tabletops—setting a new standard for productivity, robustness, and price, the company says.

It bridges the gap between large 5-axis edgers and compact 3-axis tabletops with its ability to process complex shapes such as partially shelved lenses as well as its optional variable-angle drilling.

High-speed linear axis drives and an innovative mechanical design eliminate unnecessary movements and help make the QM-X3 up to 20-30% faster than other tabletop edgers, notes National Optronics. Its cutting tool features a dual diamond blade design, which increases tool life while lowering the cost per edge.

The QM-X3 continues National Optronics’ tradition of dry edging, but with an option of removing the vacuum. Eliminating the vacuum reduces both energy consumption and noise. Lens debris from the chamber falls into a disposable bag.

INFO: 800-866-5640, nationaloptronics.com
VISION EXPO EAST BOOTH: LP4421 (SHARED WITH SATISLOH)

{DISPENSING AIDS}

Catching Their Eyes

The new OWIZ Street virtual try-on technology from FittingBox is designed to grab the attention of passersby and show off a bit of your frame collection at the same time.

OWIZ Street uses a bright HD screen to transform the optical storefront into an interactive experience that is remotely controlled from the shopper’s own smart phone. The monitor acts as a magic mirror, recognizing the shopper’s face and allowing them to virtually try on eyewear that they select, in a real-time, live-camera “mirror” display. Its goal is to engage shoppers before they even walk through your door.

INFO: 646-982-1135, fittingbox.com
VISION EXPO EAST BOOTH: 2179

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New Catalog at the Ready

Santinelli International has expanded its selection of lens finishing equipment, supplies, frame parts, tools, and accessories, and is showcasing it all in a new catalog. The Santinelli product line now includes more than 1,000 items, providing dispensaries and finishing labs with “one-stop” shopping.

A digital catalog can be found on the company’s website, and printed catalogs are available upon request.

INFO: 800-644-3343, santinelli.com
VISION EXPO EAST BOOTH: LP4221

{TOOLS}

Frustration-Free Screw Insertion

Western Optical Supply’s new Sizing and Screw Inserting Plier (#5106F) is designed to take away the frustration faced by opticians when completing common frame repairs and struggling to insert the screw into the eyewire barrel.

The plier can be used to check the size and shape of the lens inside the eyewire, and then insert and tighten the perfect-sized eyewear screw. The new parallel jaw design holds the eyewire closed more securely than in previous models, the company notes.

In addition to saving time, the plier reduces the possibility of damage to the lens or frame by preventing the screwdriver tip from slipping off the screw head.

INFO: 800-423-3294, westernoptical.com

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Retail Management Upgrade

CitiXsys announces the release of a new version of iVend Optical Retail, a software system that facilitates the management of retail transactions and provides data analysis to better understand customer buying habits. It is an integrated solution designed specifically for the unique needs of optical retailers.

iVend Optical Retail helps ECPs manage technical data related to inventory management, pricing and promotion management, lab order reporting, transaction processing, and customer Rx and purchase history. It also provides analytics that track fashion trends and aid with stocking the right styles, colors, and size assortment, and reviews transactions filtered by prescription vs. nonprescription.

INFO: ivend.com

{MERCHANDISING RESOURCES}

Educational Infographics

SeikoVision has released a series of print-ready infographics to help educate patients about digital eye strain (DES). The series includes one infographic about digital eye strain symptoms and one infographic on ways to avoid DES.

Once printed out, they can be displayed separately or back-to-back in the waiting room, exam area, or patient handout packet.

ECPs can earn similar items and a variety of other marketing and analytics resources through the Seiko Elite rewards program.

INFO: seikovision.com
VISION EXPO EAST BOOTH: 1921 (SHARED WITH HOYA)

{CONTACT LENSES}

Expanded CL Parameters

Bausch + Lomb ULTRA for Presbyopia contact lenses are now available in an expanded parameter range. First launched in February 2016, the lenses have been available in parameters between -7.00D to +2.00D. This expansion extends the power range available to eyecare professionals and patients to -10.00D to +4.50D (in 0.25D steps) in both low add and high add.

Additional parameters are expected later this year.

INFO: blultra.com , bausch.com
VISION EXPO EAST BOOTH: MS4817

{CONTACT LENSES}

Toric Rollout Begins

CooperVision, Inc., has begun the limited rollout of Avaira Vitality toric. It offers ECPs and their astigmatic patients a two-week option that delivers all the features and benefits of Avaira toric lenses, but with the new silicone hydrogel material (fanfilcon A). Its higher water content (55%) and high level of oxygen permeability result in a healthier lens-wearing experience, CooperVision notes. The UV protection has also been improved to Class I—the top rating.

The lenses are available in a power range of plano to -6.00D with cylinder options of 0.75D, 1.25D, and 1.75D in axes from 10° to 180° in 10° steps. The base curve is 8.5mm and the diameter is 14.5mm. Plus powers, high minus powers, and a -2.25 cylinder will be released later this year.

INFO: coopervision.com
VISION EXPO EAST BOOTH: MS4517

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A New Stage

EyeNetra has launched its Smart Stage, an accessory designed to help ECPs take easier and more accurate readings with the Netrometer (EyeNetra’s handheld lensometer). It functions like a traditional lensometer stage, but works with the user in what the company calls a “smarter” way.

The Smart Stage clips onto the eyeglasses and is placed inside the Netrometer. The camera captures landmarks on the Smart Stage and automatically detects and compensates for misalignment of the frames to the device, while simultaneously calculating PD. According to the company, it obtains an accurate axial reading every time.

EyeNetra offers a suite of portable refraction tools for mobile eye diagnostics or vision screenings.

INFO: 617-684-5680, eyenetra.com
VISION EXPO EAST BOOTH: LP4050

{LOW VISION}

A Better Voice Reader

Eschenbach Optik of America has released MagniLink Voice II, a second-generation reading machine with a high-performance, contemporary design and expanded features. With the push of a button, this user-friendly reading machine converts text into speech. Its slimmer compact design makes the reading machine easy to travel with, and it takes up minimal space when set up.

It can read misaligned documents and full-letter pages, and it has automatic language detection with voice feedback on all of the functions. The reading speed, volume, audio profiles, voices, and light can be adjusted to the individual user’s preference.

INFO: 800-487-5389, eschenbach.com
VISION EXPO EAST BOOTH: MS5001