Precise Vision
To deliver the precision of the doctor’s prescription, the fitting measurements taken, lens designs chosen and to enhance any material characteristics, always add anti-reflective (AR) coatings. AR lenses help patients see and be seen, better. Vision is more precise because surface and internal lens reflections are reduced to almost none. As a result, more light passes through the lens, which enters the eye, so nothing stands in the way of crisp sight. Seems a shame to forget the AR when spending for the best in design and looks.



The precision of application and performance enhancing treatments are new this year. They further improve AR for wearers and opticians alike. Add to great AR, easier cleaning, improved scratch resistance and anti-particulate properties and the optician’s life is easier. Why? When patients are pleased, don’t return because the AR cracked, peeled, was difficult to clean or wasn’t of value, your professional identity grows. As a result, newer technology AR, though more expensive is easier to sell. It works, works better than ever and exceeds most patients’ expectations. Offices that converted from Crizal to Crizal Alizé sold more (even at higher prices) and those that convert to Crizal Alizé with Clear Guard further improve lens performance and sales performance as well, all with an increase in patient satisfaction well met.


Consumers Want Clearer Lenses

In a recent survey, when consumers were told about the advantages of AR lenses and the costs associated with their purchase, about 75% agreed that that would be something they’d consider for their next eyewear. Today, the average sales are about 25% AR. Why the difference? When we asked the consumer if they were told about AR most replied, no. If we don’t talk about it, they can’t get the benefits of AR. In addition, when patients with AR were recently asked whether they were happy and would they buy it again, over 90% were pleased and would buy it again.

New AR is easier to sell because there is measurable value for the patient. An increase in the sophistication of the kinds of AR available includes easy care, increased durability and when cleaned, repels dust and dirt. Lastly, for the office that does their own edging, an edging control system ensures that the slipperiness of the surface does not affect the edging process and cylinder axes are delivered as intended.

For the best in AR lenses, the lab or manufacturer starts with a bare lens blank, casts or surfaces the prescription or digitally prepares a surface if Varilux Physio 360º, Definity or Accolade Freedom. The fact that the lab started with a bare lens or lens blank, the rest of the process is tuned to that material and that makes AR better.



For Crizal Alize Alizé with Clear Guard, lenses are washed in an ultrasonic cleaner and chemically dried and degassed. A dual hard coat (TD2) is applied to both sides of the lens i.e., a very sticky initial primer that sticks to all materials and increases impact resistance. Then a super scratch resistant coating is applied and cured. This ensures that the scratch resistance both sides of the lens perform equally. Next, lenses are loaded into the vacuum chamber and bombarded with high-energy particles to etch the surface for adhesion between the AR and scratch coat. The alternating AR layers of zirconium oxide and silicon dioxide are applied for high transparency. A unique anti-particulate layer is then applied under vacuum, which gives the coating anti-static properties that repel lint, dust and dirt. Add a super hydrophobic to make the lens oil and water repellent and patients can enjoy the benefits of an AR lens with excellent care and durability characteristics. The last Pad Control System layer provides a wipe-off surface that prevents slippage during edging.


Thrilling the Patient
Some offices sell more than 85% AR. Most consumers say (VisionWatch) that they buy AR lenses because their ECP recommended them. So, what can you do? Wear AR lenses yourself, even if you don’t wear glasses. Ensure that the doctor wears them and is recommending AR during the eye exam. Use demonstrators in the dispensary and be prepared with fast and easy descriptions of why everyone should be wearing AR. Professional dispensers know the following and tell it to every patient, even the little ones and their parents.

  

{Sponsored by Essilor of America and Luxottica Group}
www.varilux.com • www.crizalpro.com • www.luxottica.com