The Rodenstock DNEye scanner and ImpressionIST tower

Working together, the machines measure the biometric length of each individual eyeball, take the auto prescription from those measurements and the subjective optometrist prescription and visual acuities, and give a bespoke lens prescription using artificial intelligence.

The machines also measure higher-order aberrations, so we can show our patients how much on a scale they are affected by glare in dusk conditions.

Assessing patient posture via AI

I’ve always been particularly interested in bespoke spectacle measurements. The key with the Rodenstock ImpressionIST is that it can work out your posture. If you see that somebody has an odd pre-postural position, you can select a button and it tunes it all out. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) to face track, and adjusts for head tilt, camber and posture, and that ensures that you get the most accurate frame measurements. That’s all part of the package, within the ImpressionIST tower.

This was a step-up for me, because it has an extra level of accuracy. The DNEye scanner takes a number of biometric measurements in order to design a lens that is bespoke to an individual’s eye. It takes data from every single patient that we measure using the scanner, and then creates a modal lens design. We measure it exactly to that patient.

Offering relief for patients

The results in terms of vision speak for themselves. It’s so accurate that patients can see further, more clearly and more sharply, with better contrast and better colour definition.

I wear the lenses measured by the DNEye scanner myself, and when I’ve changed into previous bespoke lens designs from other manufacturers, I can’t see the car in front of me as clearly anymore, even with the same prescription. It alters your visual system to click you into that extra bit of focus. I can’t fault the DNEye scanner at all. It has revolutionised the business.

With patients, we talk about higher order aberrations and how people can see. The scanner measures how you see at dusk versus daytime. We can physically show them how light hits the back of their eye, using the programmes within the Rodenstock ecosystem, including the CNXT software. I have seen younger patients than the typical glare sufferer who have told me, ‘I can’t see at night to drive. My husband thinks I’m going crazy.’ But I can say, ‘No, it’s just that your eyeball doesn’t meet the normal measurement of what other lens manufacturers are expecting. With our scanner technology, I can physically show you your glare.’ Before the conversation, they seriously think that there’s something wrong with them. It gives people immense relief. It’s a game-changer.

It gives people immense relief. It’s a game-changer

Tangible nature of dispensing

In dispensing, you need something tangible. Being able to show patients their exact prescription – explaining that they might be -1.00DS, but that the DNEye is saying that they’re -0.94DS, and that this lens is going to be made exactly to that measurement, and that’s how we’re going to get light to hit the eye in focus in a single point form.

Being able to show them what a normal prescription is like, versus how the exact lens is going to end up, instils trust and belief. And they work, so it’s not just marketing spin. People come back for them.

With Rodenstock, patients can download The B.I.G. Vision app, which shows them their biometric measurements and any opacities. They can show their friends, and explain: ‘this is my exact prescription. This is the level of accuracy and detail that this independent practice is going into.’ It shows an extra level of care and thought. It’s a ‘wow’ moment on the patient journey, for them to be scanned like that, and word of mouth gets around. As a business, we have seen repeat custom since installing the technology, as well as an increase in positive Google reviews.

The training that Rodenstock provides is top notch. They are always there to support you, from either a business perspective, or via the technical team. Any issues at all, they will dial in and show you. The system is extremely user friendly, and they provide training you before you start practising with it.

The ImpressionIST tower, from a dispensing point of view, is just one photo. From a speed and simplicity perspective, I’ve never used a piece of equipment that’s easier.