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‘Gadgets’

L&T’s 2010 Premium Lens Study of Eyecare Practitioners is a qualitative survey that provides fresh feedback from eyecare practitioners about sales of the spectacle lens designs, materials and treatments they prescribe and dispense. By analyzing the results of this important new study, which polled 237 independent optical retailers across the country, we learn which products they think are hot and which ones are not compared with last year. Use this field data to benchmark lens sales in your dispensary.

 

(Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing at 20/20 Lenses & Technology. By Andrew Karp.)

TOTAL SALES
Compared to three years ago, 49 percent of retailers said that in 2009, spectacle lenses and treatments made up a larger percentage of their location’s total gross dollar sales. This is down from 57 percent in 2008. There was an increase in the number of retailers who said spectacle lenses and treatments made up a smaller percentage compared to three years ago, going from 21 percent in 2008 to 27 percent in 2009. Thirty eight percent said Rx sun lenses as a percentage of total dollar sales increased over three years ago.

LENS PACKAGES
Fifty one percent of retailers say that they do use lens-only package pricing. The average price of this lens-only package is $279.84.

LENS SALES
When asked to rank lens design by popularity, standard or aspheric single vision was top ranked by 48 percent of retailers. Standard progressives and customized or personalized progressives were each top ranked by 20 percent. Fifty three percent of retailers said short corridor lenses made up a moderate percent (11 percent to 49 percent) of their total progressive lens pair sales. More than half (57 percent) of retailers said that customized or personalized progressives lenses made up a greater proportion of their total lens sales in 2009 than they had in 2008.

Comparatively, 41 percent said standard progressive sales had increased over the last year, while 55 percent said sales of bifocals and trifocals had decreased as a percentage of total lens sales over the last year. Forty four percent of retailers said brand name is very important to them regarding their decision as to which lenses to carry. Also, 84 percent of retailers said quality is extremely important to them regarding their decision as to which lenses to carry.

Ninety six percent of retailers said quality is very or extremely important to their patients regarding their decision as to which lenses to purchase. Forty five percent of retailers said price is extremely important to their patients in regard to their decision as to which lenses to purchase.

PROGRESSIVES
Fifty four percent of retailers agree with the statement, “I promote the use of progressive lenses to all my presbyopic patients, including those who currently wear bifocals or trifocals.”

When asked about familiarity regarding new progressive lens technologies, 89 percent of respondents were aware of the terms “freeform” and “customized.” Eighty four percent were aware of the term “personalized”, and only 57 percent were aware of the term “contrast enhancing.”

Seventy eight percent of respondents said they are very or extremely satisfied with the personalized progressive lenses they dispense.

COMPUTER/OFFICE LENSES
Computer/variable focus lens sales have stayed about level, with 49 percent of retailers saying that their sales in this area have remained unchanged. Most retailers surveyed (66 percent) say that computer/office lenses make up an insignificant percentage (10 percent or less) of their total lens pair sales.

LENS MATERIALS
When asked to rank lens material by popularity, standard plastic was top ranked by 43 percent of retailers. Polycarbonate was ranked number one by 33 percent. Glass was ranked least popular by most retailers (68 percent).

Forty two percent of retailers said their 2009 polycarbonate lens sales increased as a proportion of total lens pair sales compared to 2008. Forty four percent said that their sales of super hi-index lenses had grown since 2008, and 41 percent said Trivex sales had increased over the last year. Fifty one percent said their mid-index lens sales had stayed flat. Glass was the worst performer, with 50 percent saying that glass made up a smaller proportion of their total lens sales in 2009 than in 2008.

HIGH-INDEX LENSES
When asked to rank high-index lenses based on popularity, 57 percent ranked 1.67 as most popular and 32 percent ranked 1.60 as most popular. Comparatively, 1.74 was ranked least popular by 53 percent of retailers.

Methodology

This sample was derived from the proprietary Jobson Optical Research database. This survey was conducted by Jobson Optical Research's in-house research staff. Data collection was conducted in February 2010.

Only the responses of independent optical retailers who dispense premium lenses are included in the report.

The sample consists of 237 independent optical retailers. All participants were recruited by email and the questionnaire was completed via the Internet. Three years of data is provided where possible.

—Jennifer Zupnick
Senior Research Analyst
Jobson Optical Research

2010 Premium Lens Marketpulse Survey

LENS TREATMENTS
An impressive 76 percent of retailers surveyed said that they had experienced an increase in AR lens sales as a proportion of total lens sales in 2009 versus 2008. 59 percent saw an increase in polarized lenses and 59 percent saw and increase in photochromic sales over the same period.

For 49 percent of retailers surveyed, tinted lens sales stayed about the same versus the year before. Seventy one percent of retailers said they offer two different price points for AR lenses—one being standard, the other being premium.

IMPACT OF REFRACTIVE SURGERY
Thirty eight percent of retailers agree that due to the increase in patients having refractive surgery sales of reading glasses have increased, while 22 percent say specifically high-powered lens sales have decreased.

READING GLASSES
For some retailers (54 percent), reading glass unit sales stayed about the same in 2009 compared to 2008. 30 percent of respondents experienced an increase in readers sales over this time period. Among those who sell readers, 25 percent said that their OTC/ready-made readers sales had increased in 2009. Custom-made readers sales were flat for half (47 percent) of respondents at locations that sell readers. 

There were big dreams for the name iWear, the traditional moniker for the category of eyewear addressed in the last few years for this June issue of 20/20. Quite honestly, 20/20 was gambling on the fact that Apple would license out its branding to an eyewear collection and the name iWear would be a perfect fit. The rights to the name would be sold and everyone associated with 20/20 would retire immediately, rich and frame-us.

That didn’t quite happen. BUT... there is now a collection out there with the iWear name so 20/20 needed to come up with a new I.D. for this category of eyewear appealing to young eyewear aficionados looking to walk that cutting edge of design and oh-so-current pop tart and taste.

(Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing at 20/20 Lenses & Technology. By James Spina)   So... low (or should that be “high”?) and behold: GenEYE eyewear that’s just right for Gen X, Gen Y, Gen Net and... Oh NO, here they come yet again... Baby Boomers, all gazillion of them and still growing (up).

Well, if it appeals to all demographics what the heck is it? Definitions can be difficult when something as solid as product AND elusive as cultural impact blend. It’s also tough when the easiest route is to direct readers to the cover GenEYE feature where one can get a look at the eyewear and sift through the intro and trendsetting tips. Yes, in a direct sense the GenEYE tag denotes eyewear with a definite young appeal.

But to do JUST that limits it. Contrary to naysayers there is a young, well-informed generation (including teens, tweens and older children) literally bursting with a keen sense of awareness for who they are, where the world is at and what it takes to live and prosper in these challenged times. The critical and wise perception of a well-read teenager identifying with Holden Caulfield in “The Catcher in the Rye” has been superseded by word-savvy third graders aligned to the cautious optimism and cynical shielding of Greg Heffley in “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.”

Do NOT underestimate GenEYE. Do not bully them with junk and do not dismiss their power to affect both the marketing of eyewear and the importance of seizing better vision. Your livelihood depends on them. So get to know them... WELL.

Photograph by BLACK BOX STUDIO  Tools: HILCO; Frame: CK Calvin Klein 5154 from Marchon

(Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing at 20/20 Lenses & Technology. By Andrew Bruce) 

In their effort to provide patients with the best frame and lens technology, opticians sometimes lose sight of the fact that the eyewear they dispense is onlwy as good as the way it fits the patient. The patient’s satisfaction with their new eyewear depends upon the optician’s ability to pre-fit it prior to taking measurements and then adjust the eyewear to maximize the patient’s vision, comfort and appearance.

Pre-fit Techniques
Pre-fitting a frame prior to taking measurements has a major bearing on how well the finished product performs for the patient. The pre-fit also provides the patient with their first impression of the optician’s skill level.

There are several steps involved in the pre-fit:

• Adjust the nose pads, if present.
• If a zyl frame without nose pads is selected, make sure the frame sits well on the bridge.
• Make sure the size of frame selected is actually going to work for the lens style prescribed.
• Apply the appropriate pantoscopic tilt (usually 5 to 15 degrees).

Note that for every two degrees of pantoscopic tilt added to the frame front, the optical center (O.C.) of the lens is effectively lowered 1mm. To make sure the visual axis of the eye coincides with the visual axis of the lens it is imperative that the necessary pantoscopic tilt be applied prior to measurements being taken. If the frame is not pre-fit, it opens the door for patients’ complaints of visual discomfort with their new lenses (Figure 1).

Final Dispense and Nose Pad Adjustment
When performing the final fit, place the glasses on the patient in case substantial adjustments are needed. If that’s the case, you can remove the eyewear quickly to avoid a negative impression for the patient.



If the frame has nose pads, fine-tune them so the frontal/spread angle, the splay angle and the vertical angle are all correct for the patient. Slim pad arm adjusting pliers (Figure 2) work well for this. The frontal/spread angle is how far apart the pads are. The splay angle is their angle to the nose, which should complement the angle of the nose at the point at which the nose pad is sitting. The vertical angle is controlled by the size of the loop of the pad arm. The standard position requires the bottom edges of the pads be closer to the eye wires than the top edges of the pads. The objective is to make all three angles sit flush with the skin to achieve superior comfort (Figure 3).

The loop of the pad arm should be small in order to keep the vertex distance to a minimum. When fitting patients with very flat bridges, such as those of Asian ethnicity, frames with nose pads are usually the best option. In these cases, the splay angle has to be changed so the pads are sitting almost parallel to the face. Also, the loop of the pad arm may need to be made larger than standard to keep the frame off the patient’s lower cheeks by changing the vertical angle. Bent snipe pliers are good tools for this purpose (Figure 4).

Adjusting the Frame Tilt
In order to achieve premium vision, the optical centers of the lenses should be horizontally level with the pupils. However, if the eyes are vertically uneven, the patient is not going to be happy with a crooked frame. In a situation like this, try to achieve a compromise. If the frame front is tilted, always correct it in the direction of the error. Use a pair of wide jaw angling pliers for this task to secure the temple and end piece together so as not to put excessive strain on the hinge (Figure 5A and 5B). Example: If the right side of the frame front is tilted down, either increase the pantoscopic tilt of the right side down, or reduce it on the left.

After leveling, verify the amount of pantoscopic tilt is between five and 15 degrees. Have the patient rotate 90 degrees so the angle of tilt can be evaluated from the side. The need to precisely measure the pantoscopic angle is becoming increasingly necessary due to the increased use of freeform lenses. There are PD rulers that display protractor markings, making this possible when necessary.

The correct frame tilt is especially important with multifocals, making sure the segment is in the correct position when looking down to read. If there is an insufficient amount, the patient may be looking under the frame, or at least, the field-of-view for near work will be narrowed due to the increased vertex distance between the eye and the segment. As the eyeball rotates around the horizontal axis to look down to read, having the pantoscopic tilt of the frame set at the recommended angle maintains equi-distance between the lens and eye maximizing field-of-view and visual comfort.

Check for Equidistance
When checking if the lenses are equidistant to each eye, with the patient seated and tilting their chin down, observe the frame front from above by standing and looking down on it. If one lens appears closer to the eye than the other, the patient’s eyes may simply be more inset on one side than the other. Another reason may be due to the temples being at unequal angles to the frame front when extending backwards. Whichever lens is closer to the eye, the same side temple needs to be brought closer to the head by reducing the horizontal angle between the frame front and the temple—using a pair of flat/round metal pliers at the end piece (Figure 6). Conversely, increasing the angle between the frame front and the temple of the opposite side is also an option, effectively moving the temple away from the head.

The same way pantoscopic tilt affects the vertical placement of the lens optical center, face form—positive or negative—will also affect the horizontal placement of the lens optical center. However, it is not recommended to compensate for this since lateral prism would be induced. Applying positive face form so the frame follows the natural horizontal curve of the face is a good rule of thumb.

The Fitting Triangle and Temple Adjustment
The frame should be touching the head at only three points which form “The Fitting Triangle”—the nose and the top of each ear. When adjusting behind the ears, the temple should curve just above the ears and follow the line of the back of the ear. Temple bending pliers can be used to aid in this process (Figure 7). It should be at an angle of approximately 45 degrees from the temple and it should not put excessive pressure on the back, or top, of the ear (Figure 8). If the bend begins too soon before the top of the ear, it will rub and irritate the top of the ear. If the bend begins after the top of the ear, the temple will either not conform to the curve of the ear, or it will need to be bent at a greater angle than 45 degrees and the tip will rub and irritate the back of the ear.

Regardless of the optician’s skill level, a visual inspection of the temples behind the ears should always be done to ensure optimum comfort for the patient. The temple bend should follow the line of the side of the head. In order to do this the tip will need some angling in towards the head. In addition, the temple tip should not just be touching the head at the top of the ear leaving a space between the head and temple tip at the bottom. Conversely, it should not just be touching the head with the lower tip of the temple creating a space between the head and the temple at the top of the ear. In the first scenario, if the temple is in contact with the head only at the top of the ear, adjust the temple tip so that it angles in towards the head just enough to gently touch. In the second scenario, if there is a space between the temple and head at the bend, adjust the temple tip so that it is not bending in quite so much. Occasionally, in this case, the temple itself may need angling in a little at the end piece, again using flat/round metal pliers to reduce the horizontal angle between the temple and frame-front, in order to provide a snug fit.

Regardless of the technology available to opticians, all is lost if the optician does not possess the necessary fitting knowledge and skills to put the final piece of the puzzle in place. Eyewear fitting is the optician’s specialty and area of expertise and such a crucial part of the entire process.

The steps outlined here may appear time consuming, but with practice and perseverance, they will become second nature and help raise the bar for the standard of care provided.

If you think cell phone, PDA and WiFi computer technology has changed your life for the better, imagine how it can change the lives of those with low vision. With innovative, new low-vision-friendly electronics, these patients can carry a digital magnifier, read Kindle books, magnify email text, watch TV and have hope restored for maintaining their independence and dignity. There has never been a better time to add low vision evaluation and product sales to a practice. New products abound and with an exploding age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patient population, the need for service providers is growing. Over 20 million Americans have early or intermediate AMD and one in five will lose some vision, according to an article by A. Loewenstein in Retina 2007; Vol. 27. Add the updated National Eye Institute (NEI) and Prevent Blindness America’s Vision Problems in the U.S. report, and we see that cases of AMD indeed grew a stunning 25 percent between 2002 and 2008—the largest increase of all major eye diseases. (Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing at 20/20 Lenses & Technology. By Patrick Dundas) An American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) survey conducted in December 2009 identified the breakthrough in anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injectable medicines for treatment of wet AMD as the single most significant advance in ophthalmology over the past decade. The escalating incidence of AMD combined with successful wet AMD treatments are driving low vision product innovation and the availability of breakthrough products. All this is opening the door for eyecare professionals to fill the needs of this patient base with positive outcomes and resulting incremental revenue. NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS The NEI’s landmark Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) completed in 2001 is the first to show a decreased risk of macular degeneration progression in the high-risk group when treated with a high-dose combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene and zinc (www.nei.nih.gov/amd). This success has led to AREDS2, an NEI follow-up study with a modified formula designed to increase effectiveness. The Nutrition Business Journal reports that following the publishing of AREDS, the U.S. vision supplement market exploded from $63 million in 2001 to $223 million in 2007. Not surprisingly, there are now a number of supplement products available with AREDS and AREDS2 formulations for ECP recommendation and/or dispensing to AMD and at-risk AMD patients. DIAGNOSTIC INSTRUMENTS AND TESTING Recommending supplements calls for identifying patients with significant risk factors. Leading the way are age, smoking, obesity, hypertension and perhaps most importantly, family history. Recent breakthroughs in genetic profiling have yielded a way to identify an individual patient’s risk of inheriting AMD. Macula Risk, a one-time “in-office” saliva swab from ArcticDx, can detect and analyze certain genetic markers known to be responsible for vision loss. Low macular pigment optical density (MPOD) is another risk factor. Using a Heterochromatic Flicker Photometer from MacuScope or ZeaVision, MPOD can be measured and monitored in advance of any vision loss or signs of extracellular material buildup (drusen) in the retinal layers. Test results provide a guide to recommending dietary nutritional supplements and measuring their effectiveness. Preferential Hyperacuity Perimetry Early detection of wet AMD is even more critically important. Usher in Preferential Hyperacuity Perimetry (PHP). PHP is a specialized perimeter that detects and measures subtle misalignment of an object on the retina or elevation of retinal pigment epithelium. This highly sensitive instrument is able to objectively identify advancing AMD that has not yet changed visual acuity and detect the conversion to choroidal neovascularization or “wet” AMD. With the advent of effective treatments for wet AMD, doctors can catch and stop or slow the progression of the disease. The Foresee PHP in-office device is made by Reichert Technologies, which acquired the product from Notal Vision in November, 2009. The instrument is easy for the staff and patient to use and represents a giant step in helping practitioners with early detection of abnormalities consistent with wet AMD. Notal Vision retained the rights to a soon to be available home-based PHP where high-risk patients can test themselves daily and transmit the data over a phone line to Notal Vision. The test results are then available to the patient’s doctor through a secure online connection where they are able to monitor suspected wet AMD patients for early detection so critical to the decision to proceed with macular treatments. Optical Coherence Tomography Advances in laser scanning technology have brought us Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) that provides high-resolution cross-sectional retinal images for diagnosing and monitoring a wide range of ocular disease states. In the AAO survey, OCT trailed only anti-VEGF treatments as the most significant advance in the last decade. The newest, most dramatic improvement in OCT technology uses spectral-domain 3D imaging. With SD-OCT, a virtual HD image of the retina and its individual layers are viewed in three dimensions making it possible to see pathology in detail that might have been missed in a single OCT image. For AMD diagnosis and tracking, SD-OCT makes it possible to clearly see drusen detail buried in the retinal layers. There are several SD-OCT instruments on the market with similar core components. Differences exist in the peripheral features such as built-in fundus camera, angiographic system, retinal tracking and anterior segment modules. LOW VISION AIDS The explosion in imaging and optics technology for the consumer electronics and communications industries are being applied to low vision magnification and adaptive products with a resulting surge in popularity. Portable Video Magnifiers While conventional hand-held and stand magnifiers are often the most cost effective and practical for certain patients and certain tasks, new portable video magnifiers are rocketing ahead in sales to motivated and competent seniors. Rich with features like variable magnification, multiple contrast viewing modes and freeze frame capability, these devices have become a very popular choice. Seemingly overnight, whole families of hand-held and pocket video magnifiers have become available from the leading low vision device companies. Choices range from tilting 7" screen models to pocket magnifiers that are smaller and lighter than a cell phone like the 3"x 3 ½" Mini from Optelec and i-vu with a two-inch screen from Clarity. SenseView Duo from GW Micro has near magnification features with the added capability of a distance viewing camera that allows the user to shoot, pan and zoom saved images. The Ash Technologies Quicklook 2 from Eschenbach features a second side-mounted camera for writing, plus touch screen focusing and magnification control. Desktop Video Magnifying Systems Closed circuit television units of old have been replaced with newer technology desktop video camera systems. These systems are so versatile that patients can use them for reading, writing, real-time hobbies, self grooming and other daily tasks. Today’s desktops come equipped with ultra-thin pivoting telescoping HD flat screen monitors, auto-focus, crisp LCD image resolution, multiple viewing/contrast modes, adjustable magnification ranges from as low as 2X to more than 70X in a single device. For patients and tasks needing no magnification but improved contrast with multiple background viewing modes, Optelec has recently added 1X magnification to their ClearView+HD product. With SmartView from HumanWare, the user can capture/store up to 10 book page images, reformat the text and then zoom in for automatic or manual scrolling. For portability, Vision Technology has designed a 15-inch screen battery-operated unit that folds together like a laptop and opens up into a fully operational desktop video system for home, office or travel. Several desktop models are computer compatible so that the user can split the screen to view magnified print materials alongside their own computer files. Bierley Associates make a full line of portable computer mouse-like cameras with multiple viewing modes for video output TVs or with USB computer connectivity. Images are magnified on screen as the mouse is moved across the page. Lightweight foldable video cameras for use by on-the-go laptop computer users are now available from several manufacturers. Newest is the battery operated Transformer from Enhanced Vision. Weighing less than two pounds, it features USB connectivity with multiple viewing options. These products are equipped with an adjustable rotating camera for near, mid-range and distance viewing of classroom chalkboards or meeting room presentations. The user can snap a picture and store it for later viewing. They also feature split screen capability for magnifying external images alongside computer files. With the ABiSee portable text-to-speech systems, laptop computer users view and listen to printed material as the camera snaps and starts reading automatically with the turn of a page. Users can read along with the words magnified and highlighted as the text is read. Part 2 of this article explores the use of low vision aids such as video eyewear, optical magnifiers, magnification software and low vision friendly keyboard as well as lighting and sun filters, and wireless GPS systems and readers.

“Eyewear is the next mobile form factor.” I recently came across this interesting prediction in a blog on the Nokia’s company’s web site. The blogger, Phil,was quoting a panelist at the SXSW Interactive Festival in Austin, Texas. He went on to envision a merger of eyewear technology with mobile device technology that can deliver an “augmented reality” experience to the wearer.� “Instead of keeping your head down to look at a device, it will always be up,” said Phil. “Instead of a small screen you’ll have the highest resolution possible. Instead of a photograph of your environment, you’ll see an overlay of metadata. And no more worries about the sun glare on your screen. How about designer augmented-reality-glasses co-produced by trendy sunglass brands like D&G and Gucci Eyewear? And how about a virtual pet dog that can only be seen through these glasses?” I don’t know about the virtual pet dog, but I wouldn’t mind wearing glasses with a built-in GPS system, or Internet access as long as I’m not driving a car or operating heavy equipment. In fact, companies such as Microvision have developed this type of technology for the military, and soon consumers will be able to take advantage of it. How soon? A lot depends upon which eyewear companies are taking the plunge into electronic eyewear. Last month at Vision Expo East, PixelOptics announced that it would begin test marketing its electronic lenses in the fall, with a national roll-out set for January 2011. Aspex Eyewear will be making an “electronic lens-ready” frame for PixelOptics, whose other collaborators include Panasonic, Transitions and Shamir. This is the beginning of a new era. If I were an OD or optician, I’d be figuring out a way to position myself to get on board this next wave of eyewear technology.

Silhouette has taken the iPhone to heart­—and eye—for optical browsers looking to try on eyewear and sunwear. With the introduction of its Virtual Mirror for the iPhone, Silhouette charges to the head of the Internet-scape. Their application allows consumers to try on a selection of Silhouette styles, lens shapes and color options creating fully customizable frames best suited for the customer’s face with just a few iPhone clicks and taps.


In 2009, Silhouette offered consumers the revolutionary Virtual Mirror consulting tool, then exclusively available on www.silhouette.com. Designed in accordance with the Silhouette philosophy that “the best frame for eyewear is always the face of the wearer,” the Virtual Mirror allows consumers to select quality, handcrafted eyewear that suits their individuality and personal preferences, while allowing their natural beauty to remain the focus.

“We’re excited to meet the needs of busy consumers while providing them with individual opportunities to create customized pieces for their eyewear wardrobe,” says Diana Cauwels, Silhouette U.S. brand manager. “Once wearers have had an initial opportunity to select their eyewear using the Silhouette Virtual Mirror for the iPhone, they can visit their specialty optical retailer for a professional fitting for the tangible frames.”

The Silhouette Virtual Mirror app can easily be downloaded for free at www.silhouette.com/iphoneapp or at the App Store. Once installed, users upload a photo and step-by-step instructions help guide them through the application. The power user function makes it possible to test several eyewear models quickly. Simply shake the iPhone and the next model will appear. Silhouette Virtual Mirror users can easily send the final image of their customized eyewear to themselves, their optical professional and others. The potential for use by the optical pro AND the end patient is virtually groundbreaking here. ­  

 

VSP MOBILE EYECARE CLINIC VISITS SANTINELLI INTERNATIONAL
The new VSP mobile eyecare clinic visited the offices of Santinelli International on Friday, September 17. The mobile clinic, nicknamed “Eyenstein,” contains a full-service, comprehensive eye exam room, a full eyewear dispensary and a state-of-the-art lens finishing lab donated by Santinelli International. It produces and distributes customized eyeglasses to serve communities in need. (Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing at 20/20 Lenses & Technology. By Andrew Karp.)

Mobile clinic staffers, Niki Myers and Gilbert Melgoza, conducted the tours for each of the small groups that climbed aboard for a full demonstration of the entire process from eye exam to finished glasses.

Franco Aluigi, Santinelli International’s product manager, was instrumental in the design phase of the mobile clinic’s compact lab. Mr. Aluigi noted, “It was wonderful to be a part of the development of this incredible unit which benefits so many who are in need. To see ‘Eyenstein’ in person was a great experience—it looks better than I could have imagined!”

The mobile eyecare clinic partnership and initiative will provide charitable eyecare services and educational outreach to underserved children and adults throughout the country for at least the next five years.


TRANSITIONS PROMOTES EYE HEALTH WORLDWIDE AT INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
Transitions Optical supported the promotion of eye health worldwide through a major sponsorship of the sixth annual World Conference on
Optometric Education and second annual World Congress on Refractive Error conference, held consecutively, September 20 to 24 in Durban, South Africa. The two conferences facilitated sharing of best practices from around the world to help address the global burden of uncorrected refractive error and to support the progression of optometric education.

In addition to financial support provided through the sponsorship, Transitions played an active role by supplying speakers to bring specific eye health issues into focus for attendees, including an estimated 600 optometric and development professionals, and 250 optometric educators from around the globe.

Transitions provided two speakers for the Research and Innovation portion of the program. Peter Kehoe, OD, professional relations advisor to Transitions, spoke on the importance of UV protection, while Paul Berman, OD, provided a lecture on sports vision. Transitions also offered information on its European school outreach program at its booth.

“As a global company, Transitions Optical is not only interested in furthering eye care and supporting current and future educators worldwide, we have access to success stories from around the globe related to several eye health issues, such as promoting the need for UV protection, especially for children,” said Dr. Kehoe. “These conferences provided an excellent opportunity to share our knowledge and be part of a strong worldwide commitment to furthering eye health.”

VISION-EASE JOINS INFORMATIONWEEK 500 LIST
Vision-Ease Lens was named for the first-time to this year’s InformationWeek 500 list, an annual ranking of the nation’s most innovative users of business technology. Vision-Ease is ranked at 168 out of 500.

“Being named to the 2010 InformationWeek 500 list is great external validation that our efforts over the last year to improve processes for Vision-Ease were on track,” said Flo Kinzel, global IT leader for Vision-Ease. “The project was a significant undertaking and our department is looking forward to continually evolving the intranet site to meet our changing company-wide needs.”

As part of a larger, company-wide technology upgrade, VEL’s IT department developed an architecture for a Microsoft SharePoint-based intranet system. Dubbed “Lenny,” the new system houses frequently-accessed forms, employee handbook and human resources information, and operational tools, as well as project development and roll-out management tools. “Operationally, the new Lenny site has made day-to-day operations, such as employee communications and document workflow, much more efficient,” said Cindy Mark, VP supply chain.

The InformationWeek 500 ranking spotlights the power of innovation in information technology.     

As a brand, Calvin Klein has always been known for its classic and clean designs, never flashy… until now. This fall the designer brand and its eyewear partner Marchon are unveiling the ck USB sunglass, which feature a 4GB USB flash drive in the temple.

“We wanted it to physically be the smallest possible flash drive so when you look at the sunglass you have no idea it’s embedded in the temple,” says Linda Ryno, senior brand manager for Calvin Klein Eyewear. “The overall design is very modern and minimal. The designers at Calvin Klein create designs that are very complex yet are able to achieve a minimal look; we did the same with this sunglass.”

While the actual device is designed to be as small as possible so that it fits seamlessly in the frame, it is capable of storing lots of data. By way of example, a 4GB flash drive can hold about 1,000 songs.

“The temple is just slightly thicker so it can house the USB drive, which can store pictures, data, media and music,” explains Ryno. “We are launching globally in the fall with special imagery, a special tower display, counter card cube, packaging and consumers brochures that explain the technology. We did a European soft launch in Italy and Spain. People were very excited.”

The unisex sunglass can also easily convert into an ophthalmic. The frame comes in two styles in three colors: ck 3083S USB in black, dark Havana and light Havana; ck 3084S USB in black, dark Havana and pearl. The frames are patent pending.

“It’s one less gadget to carry. We have so many gadgets to remember,” says Ryno. “But you’re always going to have your sunglasses.”         
--Article reprinted from 2020 Magazine with permission from Jobson Publishing.

We’ve seen numerous examples of modern technology transforming into accessories (think the Bluetooth earpiece or iPod headphones), but rarely do we see traditional accessories transform into pieces of modern technology. TriSpecs Sunglasses Blue Tooth Stereo Fashion Eyewear brings fashion eyewear into the digital era by installing blue tooth and MP3 capabilities and headphones into sunglass temples. TriSpecs sunglasses work by connecting wirelessly to Bluetooth capable phones and MP3 players. Retractable ear buds pull down from the temple tips and fit comfortably in the ear. Conspicuously placed buttons along the temple allow the user to control the MP3 player, adjust volume or answer phone calls. The eyewear can be connected to two different devices simultaneously allowing one to listen to their MP3 player as well as receive phone calls. The eyewear requires some patience to set up initially, but once the set up is completed, operating the MP3 or Bluetooth function is fairly easy. Although TriSpecs play to the sport-look with their frame style and the temples are muscled-up as well, they are an interesting spin on the future and function of eyewear.     —Jaclyn Stewart --Article reprinted from 2020 Magazine with permission from Jobson Publishing.