This fall, a bumper crop of new spectacle lenses are hitting the market. L&T readers should take special note of the latest personalized lens designs as well as lenses and coatings designed for specific indoor and outdoor activities. To get a preview of these new products from Varilux, Zeiss, Hoya, Shamir, Nikon, iCoat and others, check out 20/20’s August 15 Seller’s Guide.

There’s always a learning curve for doctors, dispensers and staff whenever new lenses are introduced, especially if those lenses offer wearers benefits that they may not have had before. For example, several new products are designed to reduce eyestrain for users of mobile devices.

That’s when wholesale laboratories can be especially valuable. They are one of the most important sources of information about new lenses, along with trade publications and the lens manufacturers themselves.

This was confirmed in our annual L&T Wholesale Lab Usage survey in this issue. More than 90 percent of survey respondents reported their primary lab provides them with lens product information, and nearly 90 percent of respondents said they also receive technical support from their primary lab.

Having been both a speaker and attendee at many lab educational events, I can attest that the quality of information is usually of a high caliber.

A lab educational event is a great place to pick up CE credits and learn about the latest lenses and technologies as well as new trends in the optical industry. It’s also a good opportunity to interact with other eyecare professional colleagues and enjoy some camaraderie with your fellow staff members. If you haven’t been to a lab event lately, now is the perfect time to do it.

—Andrew Karp
[email protected]