Tag Archives : lenses

Essilor, the world leader in ophthalmic optics, has signed an exclusive and global license agreement with High Performance Optics (HPO) that complements its existing patent and technologies portfolio. This licence agreement will allow Essilor to continue to focus on products with correction and preventive benefits and to roll out its robust portfolio of patented products around the world. HPO is a company focused on human retinal protection from blue light. Essilor continues to strengthen its mission of helping the world see better by reaching the 4.2 billion people worldwide who need vision correction. Recently named as one of the Most Innovative Companies by Forbes, Essilor builds on its history of product innovation not only by providing quality vision correction, but also by providing products with preventive benefits for the wearer. As a result of dedicated R&D and innovation processes, Essilor currently has around 5600 patents throughout the world that are a driving force behind its strategy. About Essilor The world’s leading ophthalmic optics company, Essilor designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of lenses to improve and protect eyesight. Its corporate mission...

L’Amy America, a division of global eyewear group TWC-L’Amy, announces the worldwide launch of 17 new models from the Columbia Eliminator polarized collection. With legendary features such as “H90” featherweight frame technology and Eliminator lenses that block 99.99% of reflected glare, the new collection exemplifies Columbia’s core values of outdoor, long-wear comfort and performance for men and women. “For the first time ever we have created women’s specific designs, utilizing our ‘H90’ frame material. The Columbia core female consumer expects products that will allow her to spend extended amounts of time outdoors. She expects true performance, real comfort, and just like her male counterparts, appreciates technology that works. She is equally interested in feeling attractive, for added confidence, no matter the activity. She is not willing, however, to sacrifice function for fashion” says Worldwide Business Unit Manager Connie Reiss. Answering the function-with-fashion call are 3 new feminine models, providing definite trend appeal through color-blocking, simultaneous use of matte and shiny finishes, and flirty shapes, such as the cat-eye “LoLo”. The models...

HOYA Vision Care North America today announced the launch of its new consumer website, developed after a yearlong market research study to better understand how consumers approach buying premium eyeglass lenses. The new site will empower eye care patients like never before with easy‐to‐understand information about the latest advancements in vision correction, offering straightforward explanations about the differences between HOYA lenses and other lens brands. This approach is in direct response to research findings that consumers are focusing more on their lens treatments and frames than on what they actually see through. Ron Barnes, Director of Project Marketing at HOYA North America, said: “After quantitative and qualitative studies, we found the vast majority of eye care consumers don’t care about their lenses… because they don’t understand our industry jargon. That’s why so many patients still think lens brands are all the same, just commodities. So they base their purchase decisions on price alone.” In addition to the educational benefits for patients, the new site can be used as a pre‐emptive sales tool by Eye Care Professionals – a way to give their patients...

Did you know you can use digital processing equipment to edge a conventional lens design? It is not the equipment used that makes a lens “digital” and it certainly doesn’t make the lens free-form. Most labs are using similar equipment to crank out all different types of lenses. What you may not know is that a truly free form lens is not just about the process, it is about he design – the math – and the software that tells the equipment how to edge the lens. Square Pegs and Round Holes With conventional progressive lens designs, there are only as many design variations as the number of individual bases and adds. That means most progressive lens wearers are being jammed into one of 144 variations To make things even worse, we know the phoroptor helps determine the proper vision correction for patients under ideal conditions. We also know the frame will position the actual lenses differently which renders the Rx less than optimal. These two factors alone add up to adaptation issues. Let’s Get Personal By using HOYA’s MyStyle iDentifier to gather essential categories of data to precisely profile each individual wearer we can create a unique lens design specifically for them....

Essilor of America, Inc., the nation’s leading manufacturer of optical lenses, today announces the launch of Varilux S Series lenses. Varilux S Series lenses dramatically defy the limits of progressive lenses so radically in every area that performance is actually guaranteed. The Varilux S Series is a digital portfolio comprised of three unique lens designs: Varilux S Design™, Varilux S Fit™ and Varilux S 4D™. All of the Varilux S Series lens designs are backed by revolutionary Nanoptix™ Technology and SynchronEyes™ Technology. Varilux S 4D lenses include a third revolutionary technology: 4D Technology. Varilux S Series lenses combine new technologies and innovative design to offer consumers guaranteed performance. “Essilor is proud to open a new page in its long history of technological breakthroughs by introducing the Varilux S Series,” said Carl Bracy, senior vice president of marketing and new business, Essilor of America. “Superior to other premium progressive lenses, Varilux S Series lenses set a new standard of performance, which will lead to improved patient satisfaction.” Nanoptix Technology, with four new pending patents, re-engineers the fundamental structure...

Luzerne Optical Laboratories, Ltd. and HOYA Lens of America are proud to announce Luzerne Optical is the first independently owned optical laboratory to have HOYA iD Lifestyle & iQ Free-Form™ production in their facility. Luzerne has been digitally processing lenses in-house since 2009. Now with HOYA’s iD Lifestyle & iQ Free-Form™ technology, they can offer their customers even more options for their patients. HOYA’s iD Lifestyle & iQ series of lenses incorporate advanced mathematical algorithms during the fabrication process of the lenses, which offers enhanced visual acuity, reduced distortion, and wider fields of vision. “As an independently owned lab, we feel it’s important to offer our customers a wide range of quality products,” commented owners Neil and John Dougherty. “We believe in HOYA lens technology. Likewise, we are confident that our in-house processing of the HOYA iD Lifestyle and iQ series of lenses will provide the quality and quick turn-time our eye care professionals need.” Luzerne Optical Laboratories, Ltd. is the largest independently owned, single location wholesale optical laboratory in the United States. Luzerne is a family owned...

Tri-Supreme Optical Labs, based in Farmingdale, NY, is pleased to announce the re-launch of trisupreme.com, the company’s popular website.  The website features a new look, easier access and navigation and a customized dashboard based on a user’s browsing history.  trisupreme.com is configured for mobile devices as well. Accounts of Tri-Supreme who create an account at trisupreme.com can view monthly promotions, view Tri-Supreme’s latest newsletter, download the latest price list, view over 200 lens spec sheets detailing lens availability and print cut out charts for progressive lenses.            For more information, please contact Tri-Supreme Optical at 800-321-1100.

Essilor of America has implemented its patented Optifog technology at Lab Italee in Los Angeles, CA. Essilor, the leader in ophthalmic optics, is always looking to improve the vision of eyeglass wearers, helping them to see the world better. Now with access to Optifog technology, Lab Italee can fully manufacture the Optifog lenses at its Los Angeles laboratory. One common problem that affects eyeglass wearers is fog, which can cloud one’s vision and provide a frustrating hindrance – an unwanted and uncontrollable “blindfold” that can appear unexpectedly and interfere with one’s daily life. Indeed, of the 1.6 billion eyeglass wearers worldwide, 75% would like to have an anti-fog solution for their lenses to improve their vision (2010 International consumer research on 1,493 wearers, in 7 countries –Ipsos.) To find a solution to this issue, Essilor has developed Optifog, a breakthrough lens based on a technology covered by an international patent application. When combined with Optifog Activator, it provides immediate and efficient fog-free vision. “Essilor is proud to share its state of the art fog free technology with Italee,” said Bob Colucci, president, Independent...

“Let’s face it, most patients when asked about their eye glasses talk about the frames,” said Barney Dougher, President of HOYA Vision Care, North America. He continued, “Through Eyemaginations in-office video feeds, we will have an opportunity to educate patients in a way that entertains. We really want people to understand how their eye glass lenses are made. Patients should also know how the latest in free form lens designs, materials and AR treatments, available at independent eye care providers, has an impact on the quality of their vision.” In addition to short product demonstrations and videos with humans as the main characters, The HOYA Free-Form Company employs the services of their animated stars Professor Murray and Dr. Graham. When ECPs are looking for an exciting way to tell the story of lens benefits to their patients HOYA’s digital characters have it covered. Ron Barnes, Director of Project Marketing, noted, “Dr. Graham is a female voice speaking from the ECP’s perspective. Her primary role is to compliment the antics of Professor Murray’s character and to take on more serious topics when she speaks to ECPs and patients.” Barnes continued, “The Simpson’s...

DALLAS (Jan., 2012) – Airwear®, Essilor’s lighter, safer and greener brand of polycarbonate lenses, and iconic artist and healthy vision advocate Mary Engelbreit presented Michele Zeblisky of Northwood, N.H., grand prize winner of the “Breit Eyes” Facebook photo contest, with an original, autographed sketch in the likeness of her 11-year-old son, Jack, as well as a tour of Engelbreit’s St. Louis studio and a $200 general use gift card. Fans of Airwear Lenses on Facebook may recall Essilor and Engelbreit asked parents to visit the page to enter the “Breit Eyes” contest last September. By submitting a photo of their child being “lighter, safer or greener” – the key benefits of Airwear lenses – while wearing glasses, parents had a chance to win one-of-a-kind prizes from Engelbreit. One lucky grand prize winner, Zeblisky, received an original sketch by Engelbreit in the likeness of the child in the winning photo plus a trip to tour Engelbreit’s St. Louis studio and a $200 gift card. One runner up, Anna Caudill of Franklin, Tenn., received a collection of Ann Estelle children’s books authored and signed by Engelbreit. Like her most beloved and bespectacled...

DALLAS – Jan., 2012 – Essilor of America, the nation’s leading manufacturer of optical lenses, today announces the launch of a new generation of Crizal® No-Glare lenses, the first-ever to offer complete protection against damaging UV light for long-term visual health. This innovative benefit of UV protection, which not only protects against transmission through the lens but also through backside glare, will be available on the complete portfolio of Crizal products in 2012. Crizal is the first and only range of No-Glare lenses designed to protect the long-term health of patients’ eyes, while also providing the best and most enduring clarity of vision. This new generation of Crizal features exclusive Broad Spectrum Technology, which virtually eliminates UV light reflection into the eyes, while maintaining maximum visible light transmission for crisper, clearer vision. This technology extends superior No-Glare efficiency from visible to UV light. “Through our leading research and development efforts, Essilor continues to drive unprecedented innovation in No-Glare technology,” said Carl Bracy, senior vice president of marketing and new business, Essilor of America. “With...

DALLAS – Jan., 2012 – Essilor of America, the nation’s leading manufacturer of optical lenses, continues its long-standing history of innovative, new products with Optifog™ lenses. Introduced in October, this groundbreaking generation of lenses includes an exclusive anti-fog property to offer wearers superior fog-free vision. For the first time, eyecare professionals (ECPs) have a solution to help their patients resolve this common problem and see their best in a variety of situations and conditions. “Essilor is proud to continue its rich history of innovation with Optifog, a breakthrough anti-fog technology, creating the first new lens category since our introduction of Crizal® lenses more than 20 years ago,” said John Carrier, president and CEO, Essilor of America. “Fog has been a long-time frustration and a danger for eyeglass wearers, so much excitement has been building here in the U.S. and around the world as ECPs and consumers now have an answer to a previously unmet need with these groundbreaking lenses.” Foggy lenses cause unexpected temporary blindness for the wearer and are bothersome in numerous everyday situations including moving from a cold to hot environment,...

Leading protective eyewear manufacturer Wiley X, ® Inc. has announced that its Spear Goggle is the latest addition to its family of systems on the U.S. Army Approved Product Eyewear List (APEL).  This American-made, advanced vision protection system is currently available through GSA as well as the NSN supply system. This low profile, multi-function goggle is engineered to provide soldiers with maximum eye protection, while delivering superior field of vision and excellent visual acuity under a wide range of operational conditions.  A key to the Spear Goggle’s battlefield performance is its 90-degree wrap-design, eliminating tunnel vision and allowing for excellent peripheral awareness. Eliminating the need for bulky field goggles, the Spear is designed for comfort and versatility.  Wiley X’s tactical strap features a Tri-Glide™ adjustment system, together with quick-release key connections for fast removal.  Swivel hinges allow for wear with or without a helmet. Wiley X’s exclusive removable/replaceable soft Facial Cavity Seal eliminates reflected glare and seals out dust, debris and blowing sand. The Spear Goggle’s frame is also NVG compatible and features Wiley X’s...

CARLSBAD, Calif.—SPY Optic™ today announced a consulting agreement with optical industry veteran, Jim Pritts. He will facilitate research and development of lens technologies, working closely with the Company on product design and development, sourcing, quality, technology communication, intellectual property and prior art, and marketing and training. “Jim, aka ‘The Wizard of Light’, is a legend in the business and there isn’t much he doesn’t know, from optics and development to sourcing and production and even into the sales and marketing conversation, especially as that relates to what the marketplace embraces technology-wise and, therefore, the opportunities for SPY to further enhance the performance and appeal of its eyewear,” says Carol Montgomery, SPY® CEO.  “He has a great passion for the business and we’re looking forward to working with him across the breadth of our product lines in addition to pursuing new concepts we believe no one has yet considered.” With degrees in optics and marketing and more than 30 years’ experience in the optical industry, Pritts is popularly regarded as one of the world’s leading authorities on performance eyewear....

Padua, November 17, 2011 – Following the Board of Directors’ approval, Safilo Group announces that Safilo has just signed an agreement with StyleMark for the acquisition of the Polaroid Eyewear business, a world leader in optics and lens technology and a global eyewear manufacturer and distributor, with a strong and recognizable market positioning. The Polaroid Eyewear business is part of the StyleMark Group and has offices in the UK, Switzerland, the US, Italy, Sweden, Netherlands, China and Russia as well as a comprehensive network of distribution partners around the world. Polaroid invented the first man-made polarizer for commercial use in 1929 and the first pair of Polaroid sunglasses was sold in 1935. Polaroid has been a pioneer and leader in polarizing lens technology ever since. For the year 2011, the Polaroid Eyewear business is expected to record sales of approximately USD 63 million and generate an expected EBITDA of around USD 8.75 million. The acquisition of the Polaroid Eyewear business is consistent with Safilo Group’s strategy of building a strong portfolio of Safilo own brands, in order to complement its well performing licensed brand portfolio. The inclusion...