Professionals from across the optical industry gathered in Clearwater, FL, for the fall meeting of the Accredited Standards Committee for Ophthalmic Optics (ASC Z80). The Vision Council (TVC), which has served as the committee’s secretariat since 2011, continues to support the development and administration of national standards for optical products.

“Standards development is a cornerstone of progress in ophthalmic optics,” says Michael Vitale, TVC’s vice president of membership, government relations & technical affairs. “The ASC Z80 meetings bring together experts from across the optical sector to ensure that the standards guiding product quality, safety, and performance evolve in step with innovations and consumer needs.”

The event included a reception recognizing the retirement of Richard Whitney and Ralph Stone, who have each contributed more than three decades to optical standards development.

ASC Z80 subcommittees also reported progress on multiple standards projects:

• SC1 – Prescription Spectacle Lenses: Discussed the forthcoming release of Z80.1.

• SC2 – Non-Prescription Eyewear: Reviewed the upcoming release of Z80.3, revisions to Z80.31, and ongoing work related to ISO 16034.

• SC3 – Frames: Continued revisions to ISO 12870 and reviewed ISO 7998, including discussion of updates to the ANSI/ISO 7998/8624/12870 Optics Set.

• SC4 – Medical Ophthalmic Devices: Advanced revisions to standards including Z80.29, Z80.30, Z80.35, and Z80.39.

• SC6 – Ophthalmic Instruments and Low Vision Devices: Continued work on revisions to Z80.36 and Z80.28 and reviewed progress across related Z80 and ISO standards.

• SC7 – Contact Lenses: Continued updates to Z80.18 and Z80.20, along with revisions to several ISO contact lens standards.

For more information and to download the full technical report, click here.