OT  focuses on…products for independents

Toric calculator

CooperVision highlighted the second major upgrade to its OptiExpert app, which introduces a toric calculator.

Designed for use on iOS and Android devices, the reference tool provides initial diagnostic lens suggestions from the contact lens company’s product selection.

The new calculator enables practitioners to work out a suggested initial diagnostic toric contact lens for each patient by entering their most recent spectacle prescription.

OptiExpert also considers back vertex distance adjustment and on-eye orientation while supporting any refinement required based on the practitioner’s observation of the toric axis location marker.

European professional services manager at CooperVision, Elizabeth Lumb, said: “When we launched the app we made a promise to deliver a truly multi-functional digital pocket tool and this latest upgrade demonstrates our continued commitment to support the eye care professional who wants to make the initial diagnostic lens selection process as comprehensive as possible.”

Digital demands

Essilor has launched a new range of ophthalmic lenses for single vision patients that are designed to ease the strain from digital device use.

Eyezen lenses are optimised for 18–50 year olds whose digital habits require them to focus intensively and repeatedly adjust to close and variable distances between devices.

Commercial director at Essilor, Randeep Gill, said: “This is creating a new breed of vision symptoms. Our research shows that two out of three consumers say digital screens demand extra effort to see well, that three out of four suffer from tired eyes and 70% complain about neck and shoulder pain.”

The new range provides an exclusive power distribution technology that relaxes the patient’s eye from screens, cuts visual fatigue and makes small type more readable.

Eyezen also matches to patients’ natural eye declination and convergence when using digital devices.

“We introduced Eyezen lenses in 2016, but with this we are offering an enhanced everyday lens that relaxes the eyes, relieves the digital demand, protects against harmful UV and blue-violet light and gives a reading lift,” Mr Gill added.

We are offering an enhanced everyday lens that relaxes the eyes, relieves the digital demand, protects against harmful UV and blue-violet light and gives a reading lift

Octagonal style

Silhouette has launched the Essence collection – the latest addition to its Titan Minimal Art portfolio – which has been designed using titanium and SPX material.

Essence provides a selection of six new lens shapes for men and women, including a cat’s eye model with a rose coloured gradient and an octagonal style with a grey coloured gradient (pictured).

There are six colour options for the sides in the women’s range, such as teal motion, green balance and soft amber, with matt and silky finishes or metallic highlights available.

Men’s frames range from a sporty aesthetic with classic cues to statement styles and unusually designed frames, Silhouette explained.

Managing director of Silhouette, Perry Moore, said: “The new Essence collection has an elegant lightweight design with a sporty aesthetic that provides superior quality and comfort, allowing opticians to offer these models to all glasses wearers who are looking for extremely light and comfortable eyewear with a distinctive and stylish look.”

Anti-slip

Norville has launched ‘Dash II’ from its sport eyewear brand, ProGear.

‘Dash II’ is designed for outdoor activities such as cycling and football.

The wraparound frames provide maximum visibility and protection, with anti-slip components and flexible hinges to ensure comfort for the wearer.

Norville explained that its ProGear brand has become a byword for value, reliability and performance.

‘Dash II’ is available in six afocal lens colours with the option to modify lens shape and depth for a closer, improved fit.

Norville added that depending on the prescription, direct, adaptors or inset glazing options are available for a wide range of powers.

The sides of the frames feature ratchet swivels for angle adjustment as well as tip holes to attach the included strap.

The ‘S-1282’ model (pictured) is made from a matt graphite and has contrasting red sides. It features a grey and red mirror coated polycarbonate lens that is available in eye size 69mm, bridge 14mm and sides 132mm.

Brushed pewter

Continental Eyewear has launched a new spectacles collection for men by British designer, Jasper Conran.

A total of 15 new styles, each available in three colourways, are now available for exclusive distribution to UK independent practitioners.

Colour options for the acetate and metal frames, such as ‘JCM035’ (pictured), include dark neutral hues, warm tones of horn frames and brushed pewter.

Speaking about the collection, Jasper Conran said: “As a glasses wearer myself, I enjoyed creating a collection of frames classic in essence but with enough personality to become a part of your identity.”

Attract attention

Optimec has introduced a new visual fixation system to help practitioners conduct clinical measurements on children and adults with learning disabilities.

Created by optometrist, Simon Berry, with support from Durham University, the tool was launched at SightCare’s annual conference in September.

The device will help clinicians perform dynamic retinoscopy and measure accommodation.

Mr Berry said: “I see a lot of children and adults with learning disabilities. For these patients it is sometimes a challenge to keep them interested and attract their attention whilst trying to complete the various clinical measurements needed.”

“There are also techniques more relevant to this group of patients, such as dynamic retinoscopy for children with Down syndrome, that means it is essential for the clinician to know they have the attention of the patient,” he added.

On its launch at the conference, CEO of SightCare, John French, said the device was an “exciting new product.”