DIAGNOSTIC AIDS
See It in 3-D
Heidelberg Engineering’s HRT II now features new imaging capabilities that will let you show your patients what their optic nerves look like in 3-D.
You can use the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II (HRT II) for glaucoma detection and progression analysis. The instrument uses a confocal scanning laser to scan a patient’s optic nerve and generate a 3-D image of the optic nerve head.
The Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II also measures part of the retinal nerve fiber layer. Call 1-800-931-2230.
Clean Those Lenses
Volk’s new LensPen can clean any lens-coated surface that does not contact the eye. For example, you can use it to clean the lens surface on your BIO indirect or other condensing lenses.
The LensPen lens cleaner offers a retractable brush at one end, which removes loose particles of dirt. The other end provides a soft-cleaning pad filled with a no-liquid, carbon-based cleaning compound that wipes away smudges and reduces static charge build-up.
The product design of the LensPen features a clip that attaches to your pocket. The cap on the LensPen protects and replenishes the tip with additional cleaning compound each time it is replaced and twisted a half turn. Call (440) 942-6161 or go to www.volk.com.
All-Digital Devices
Ophthalmic Services offers two new products for optometrists. EVA is an electronic visual acuity system and FREDA is a frame-dispensing assistant. Both are all-digital products.
EVA is a high-resolution, high-contrast computer monitor that can replace the projector and screen, Ophthalmic Services says. For every new presentation, EVA generates a random chart using standard optotypes, letters and numbers. You can use it as a stand-alone unit or as an add-on to your existing computer. You can operate the system using wireless remote control or a keyboard and mouse.
FREDA displays photographs of patients wearing your frames. The patient also can view lens options. In “Contact Lens Mode,” patients can see what they look like in various contact lens colors. You can also use FREDA to fill out an order form and then print it, fax it or e-mail it to the lab. Call 1-866-321-7727 or go to www.ophthalmicservices.com.
OPTICAL EQUIPMENT
Looking at Lenses
Tomey introduces its new TL-100 automated lensometer. The TL-100 offers automatic detection of progressive lenses, automatic hold and prism measurement. The instrument also reads RGP or orthokeratology contact lenses.
The TL-100 features back-illuminated display and automatic detection of progressive lenses. Tomey says this accelerates operator training and increases efficiency. Once you place the lenses in the unit, you can find and hold the optical center and/or add by aligning a crosshair on the target display and listening for a beep. Call 1-800-358-6639.
124 Varieties
Breitfeld & Schliekert now carries 124 varieties of screws—from self-tapping to self-locking with Tuflock, slotted to Phillips heads, German silver to stainless steel. Sizes range from 0.8mm to 1.7mm. Breitfeld & Schliekert also carries hard-to-find ornamental screws for drilled rimless frames. Call 1-888-429-5779 or go to www.sight-tools.com.
In-Office Lab Improvements
Santinelli International’s new SE-9090 edging system now features automatic Crystal Cut edge polishing, automatic safety beveling (polished or frosted) and a large color display to help operators enter edging data.
The SE-9090 uses digital, patternless technology to shape and size the lens. It can interface with the Santinelli LT-900 tracer, as well as some other compatible tracers. Additionally, Santinelli says the SE-9090 can interface with most lab software.
The SE-9090 uses a dual-spindle system comprised of two grinding wheels cutting on the lens at one time. This aims to reduce cycle times. Computer numeric technology controls the edger. Frame shape changes take seconds. Users can enter data at the edger control panel or at an external computer.
The ICE-2000 Intelligent Blocker also can interface with the SE-9090. The ICE-2000 is a combination lensometer/blocker that incorporates lensometry technology with the layout blocking function. Call 1-800-644-3343.
LOW VISION
Two in One
Eschenbach has developed a product that your low vision patients can use as either a spotting telescope or a hand-held magnifier. They can use the Mobilux Far as a monocular telescope to spot an object at distance. Then, with the switch of a button, the patient can use it to view an object close-up.
As a monocular spotting telescope, the Mobilux Far offers 2.5x magnification and 13 degree field of view. As a magnifier, it offers 3.2x magnification.
LED illumination provides an unlimited bulb life. Two AA batteries are included with the purchase of the Eschenbch Mobilux Far. Call 1-800-487-5389.
CONTACT LENSES
Hold the Body Paint
If you’ve watched professional football, you’ve seen the bare-chested fans who paint themselves from head to toe in their team colors. Now, these dedicated fans can also show their loyalty in their eyes—literally.
CooperVision Inc. and the National Football League have launched NFL Crazy Lenses, a specialty line of cosmetic contact lenses that puts an NFL team logo on a contact lens.
Cooper Vision’s NFL Crazy Lenses mask a patient’s iris with a favorite NFL team’s logo and name emblazoned across the lens.
The launch of NFL Crazy Lenses will initially feature lens designs for a handful of NFL teams, including the Tennessee Titans, Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles. CooperVision will add lenses for the remaining NFL teams in coming months. Updates on team availability can be found at www.nflcontacts.com.
NFL Crazy Lenses are made of methafilcon A (55% water) and use CooperVision’s patented UltraSync manufacturing system. Featuring a 14.2mm diameter and 8.6mm base curve, they are available in plano only.
Lenses are packaged in blister two-packs that will also include a team-customized lens case. Call 1-800-341-2020.
Expanded Parameters
CIBA Vision has expanded the parameters of its FreshLook ColorBlends honey and turquoise lenses to include powers ranging from +6.00D to -8.00D in 0.25D steps.
With this expansion, all six shades of CIBA Vision FreshLook ColorBlends lenses are available in the same parameter range. Call 1-800-241-5999.
A Toric That’s Compatible
Biocompatibles Eyecare has added Proclear Compatibles Toric to its Proclear family of soft contact lenses.
With a back surface, prism ballast design, Proclear Compatibles Toric is available in a -1.25D cylinder or a -1.75D cylinder, with sphere powers from +4.00D to
-6.00D and 10 degree axis steps around the clock. In January, a third cylinder, -0.75D, will be made available.
The lens is cast-molded from omafilcon A, the same hydrophilic, biocompatible polymer found in the other Proclear products. Call 1-800-511-6747 or go to www.proclear.com.
Opaque Expressions
CooperVision expands its offering of specialty contact lenses with new Expressions opaque contact lenses. Colors are gray, green, blue, hazel and aqua. The lenses are available in a power range of +4.00D to
-6.00D in 0.25D steps.
Expressions lenses are made of methafilcon A (55% water) using CooperVision’s UltraSync technology. They are available in a single base curve of 8.7mm and a diameter of 14.4mm. Expressions lenses are packaged in blister six-packs. Call 1-800-341-2020 or go to www.coopervision.com.
CIBA Picks up Distribution
Choice A.B. aberration-blocking, soft contact lenses are now available exclusively from CIBA Vision, which recently acquired the exclusive license to market the lenses from Specialty UltraVision.
Recommended for two-week replacement, Choice A.B. lenses incorporate aberration blocking technology, designed to increase image resolution and quality for sharper vision into the periphery. Additionally, the technology is designed to reduce the effect of “night myopia” that may result from spherical aberration.
Choice A.B. is available in an 8.7mm base curve with a 14.5mm diameter and 8.5mm optic zone. Powers range from +4.00D to -6.00D in 0.25D steps and from 6.00D to -8.00D in 0.50D steps. The lens is made of methafilcon A and has a 55% water content. It also features a light blue handling tint. Call 1-800-241-5999.
OPHTHALMIC LENSES
Essilor’s New PAL
Ovation 1.5 Index is the latest addition to Essilor’s Ovation product line. This standard plastic progressive addition lens (PAL) features technology that matches wearers’ needs by prescription to provide each patient with a custom fit.
Essilor says Ovation offers a soft design and extremely short progression, enabling the advanced multi-design progressive lens to fit all frame sizes without compromising near-vision acuity or peripheral clarity. The lens is aspheric with a flattened base curve. Also, you can order it with Reflection Free NP anti-reflective coating. Call 1-800-323-6555.
New Lens in Trivex
Hoya Optical Laboratories’ Phoenix lenses are now available in single vision and Hoya Wide progressive lenses. Phoenix is Hoya’s proprietary version of PPG Industries’ Trivex material.
Hoya says the Phoenix lens is free of residual stress and distortion. The lenses have an Abbe value of 43. Additionally, Phoenix lenses come with two-sided scratch resistance and UV protection. Phoenix lenses may be AR-coated or tinted.
Hoya processes Phoenix lenses at each of its 14 lab locations throughout the United States. Call 1-877-528-1939 or go to www.hoyaopticallabs.com.
MARKETING MATERIALS
Education, Lenses and CVS
Essilor of America has introduced new promotional materials for its Interview mid-distance lens. A new promotional aid and patient information sheet are now available to practitioners.
The promotional aid gives you and your staff tips on Interview’s patient benefits, and guides you on fitting requirements.
The patient education page outlines why you prescribed Interview and how it will benefit a patient’s vision.
Interview is a mid-distance lens that offers both near and intermediate visual correction. Essilor says the lens is suited to people with visually demanding occupations or hobbies who need the proper near-vision prescription but who also want to see around the room without taking off their glasses or peering above them.
Interview was introduced in the United States in 1999. Call 1-800-323-6555.
FRAMES
Nautica Young Adult
This new Marchon collection includes six styles—one male, two female and three unisex. Four are metal and two are zyl. Style N9002 is a unisex geometric metal with spring hinge and extended end piece. Colors include satin midnight blue, moss, satin bronze and caf. Sizes are 44/18-120 and 46/18-125. Call 1-800-645-1300.
Nina Ricci
L’Amy added three new frames for women to this collection. All feature metal drill-mounts.
NR 2114 is a deep oval in size 52/17-135. Colors are silver with a light blue crystal end piece or shiny pale gold with a dark red crystal end piece.
NR 2115 is an oval featuring thin, minimal temples. It’s available in size 50/18-135. Colors are ruthenium with a crystal end piece or gold with amber crystal.
NR 2116 is a narrow cat’s-eye shape in size 51/18-135. Colors are ruthenium and champagne gold. Both colors feature clear crystal end pieces. Call 1-800-872-5269.
Versailles
This new grouping from Viva International Group for Catherine Deneuve Lunettes includes four metal frames with spring hinges. Colors are blush, French lavender, red rose, earthy brown, taupe, silver and gold.
CD 140 is a soft egg shape in sizes 49/17-132 and 51/17-137. CD 141 is a classic oval in sizes 49/17-132 and 51/18-137. CD 142 is a rounded rectangle in sizes 48/18-132 and 50/18-137. CD 152 is a rounded rectangle, semi-rimless frame in size 49/19-137. Call (908) 595-6200.
Jerry Spring-er
This addition to ClearVision’s Kenneth Cole line features an ultra-flexible, single-action spring temple. Jerry Spring-er is a rectangular wire rim frame. Colors include bronze matte, silver matte and sea grass. Sizes are 49/19-135 and 51/19-140. Matching sun clips are also available. Call 1-800-645-3733.
Porsche
Rodenstock North America has launched its new Porsche Design collection, which includes nine ophthalmic frames. The frames cover a variety of fashions, from titanium drilled rimless models in aviator style (model 7003) to rectangular (model 7004) eye shapes.
Model 7003 is available in colors gold, dark gray and silver in size 52/17-150. Model 7004 is available in colors gold, gun and dark gray in sizes 50/17-145 and 52/17-150. The Porsche Design collection also includes sunwear. Call 1-888-407-3937.