ZEISS UVPROTECT TECHNOLOGY

Zeiss


Zeiss is launching UVProtect Technology, the first complete sunglass-level UV protection (UV400) available in the U.S. and Canadian consumer markets in all clear organic eyeglass lens materials.

Features: All clear Zeiss lenses will employ new UVProtect Technology, providing protection against direct UV rays up to 400 nm. The World Health Organization has established 400 nanometers (UV400) as the recommended standard for UV eye protection—the highest protection available in premium sunglasses. To date, 380 nanometers (UV380) has been accepted as the standard level of UV protection for clear lenses by the American National Standards Institute and the International Organization for Standardization. This is largely due to the fact that this was the highest level of protection that lens manufacturers could achieve in the most commonly sold lenses without compromising clarity.

Zeiss UVProtect Technology bridges a critical gap in UV protection in clear lenses. According to The Vision Council, this largely unknown gap in protection has accounted for 4 of 5 consumers being exposed to as much as 40 percent of the most harmful UV rays. This exposure is directly linked to photo aging, cancer and cataracts, the leading cause of blindness.

“This is the first time that sunglass-level UV protection will be available in all clear lenses, giving eyeglass wearers effortless protection for their eyes and eyelids,” says Jens Boy, president of Zeiss Vision North America. “Not only does UVProtect Technology establish a new standard of care in the eyecare industry, but this technology will now come standard in all Zeiss plastic eyeglass lenses.”

Andrew Hyncik, vice president of marketing, adds, “We did some investigating and discovered that as many as 4 out of 5 clear lenses do not offer full UV protection. As a Zeiss Foundation-owned company with a deep commitment to optical innovation, we saw this as an opportunity to raise industry standards by developing crystal clear lenses that offer sunglass-level UV protection.”

A new consumer survey released by Zeiss in conjunction with the launch of UVProtect found consumers are significantly uninformed regarding the impact of UV on the eyes. Less than 10 percent of consumers are aware that cataracts are a direct side effect of overexposure to UV, and only 13 percent are aware that skin cancer around the eyes is a potential side effect. However, 87 percent of glasses wearers would consider purchasing clear lens eyeglasses with UV protection if an option was available. Among parents, only 3 percent are aware that 50 percent of eye damage from UV radiation occurs before the age of 18, and less than 10 percent are aware that children’s eyes are exposed to three times the UV radiation compared to adults.

Zeiss will not patent UVProtect Technology so that other lens companies can utilize it in their products.
zeiss.com; zeiss.com/uvprotect

LEVEL
VSP Global

A smart glass that features activity-tracking technology embedded inside the temple of an optical frame. The technology tracks activity via an accompanying smartphone app. As users reach daily step goals, they earn points redeemable for a donation of vision care services to people in need.

Features: With technology to track steps, calories burned, distance and total activity time concealed inside the left temple of the frame, Level looks like conventional eyewear.

Level’s charitable giving component also syncs with VSP Global’s Eyes of Hope initiatives and awards points to users who reach their daily step goals. Once 50 points are achieved, a comprehensive eye exam and eyewear are gifted to an individual in need. Level users can select for their donation to benefit one of four demographics, including veterans, children, the elderly or individuals affected by homelessness.

Availablility: Level is available in three unisex frame styles—Minsky, Hedy and Nikola—each designed by VSP’s innovation lab The Shop and produced in Italy through VSP Global’s eyewear division, Marchon. The designs feature hand-polished cellulose acetate, stainless steel accents and injection-molded temples. Each frame is available in four colors, including black, classic tortoise, slate and gray tortoise.

VSP Global is selling Level through hundreds of independent optometry practices participating in the VSP Global Premier Program within select U.S. markets. The product will launch initially in Sacramento, Calif., in March, followed by additional market rollout in April to Seattle; Portland, Ore.; Denver, Minneapolis and Washington, D.C. Additional information about product availability is posted on the Level website. Based on initial consumer demand and feedback, plans for wider market rollout will be announced at a later date, VSP Global says.

Level smart glasses will have an MSRP of $270, which excludes lenses. Final pricing will vary based on lens enhancements, the application of vision benefits and provider location. Most VSP members can apply their vision benefits to purchase Level smart glasses.

leveltechnology.com


KODAK KOLORUP SUN LENSES
Signet Armorlite

Signet Armorlite is adding Kodak KolorUp Lenses to its Kodak Sun Lens product portfolio. Kodak KolorUp Sun Lenses offer a unique range of sun filters to enhance color vision outdoors.

Features: Using a proprietary in-mass tinting technology, Kodak KolorUp Sun Lenses enable greater definition between colors. Kodak KolorUp Lenses brighten color recognition while at the same time, reduces uncomfortable glare and protects eyes from UV rays. The special in-mass technology process guarantees greater color consistency throughout the lens, no matter how thin the prescription lens and will not fade over time. The unique tinting process also enables easy viewing of digital devices outdoors, according to Signet Armorlite.

Availability: Kodak KolorUp Sun Lens is available in three tint options: gray, gray-green and brown. The polycarbonate material is lightweight for comfortable long-term wearing and impact resistant, making it highly suitable for outdoor activities. Lens design availability includes full-backside Kodak progressive lens designs and digitally-produced single vision lenses. To help explain the unique color enhancement properties of Kodak KolorUp Lenses to patients, a lens demonstration kit is available. The demo kit includes bright imagery and product information along with three KolorUp Lenses and one polarized poly lens for color comparison. All four lenses are able to be displayed as well as removed from the kit to help the patient experience Kodak KolorUp Lenses outdoors.

As part of the Kodak Lens Professional Series, Kodak KolorUp Sun Lenses are available exclusively to independent ECPs. To learn more about Kodak KolorUp Sun Lenses or the Kodak Lens Professional Series, visit signetarmorlite.com or kodaklens.com/pro. To order Kodak KolorUp Sun Lens product literature or to request a demo lens kit, visit salitonline.com.

signetarmorlite.com
(800) 759-4630


LEXCE
Santinelli International

Features: The all new LEXCE is equipped with integrated 5-axis drilling and high performance grooving with fully automated auto clamping 3D tracing, along with a hi-definition CAD Blocker, multifunction shape modification (shape editing) and drill hole imaging (optical tracing with hole detection). The unit is able to grind all materials, safety-bevel and gives you the ultimate lens edge polish.

Thanks to design and engineering developments, LEXCE is technologically advanced, offers consistency and size accuracy and encompasses advanced cycle-time processing that is 15 to 30 percent faster, enabling higher productivity. Designed with easy operation using a step-by-step wizard for entry level beginners, or professional mode for experts, Santinelli’s newest all-in-one machine is their most compact, feature-rich multifunctional edging system yet.

Availability: The LEXCE model is offered in multiple configurations for new, as well as existing labs and is positioned in the middle of Santinelli International’s product line.

santinelli.com
(800) 644-EDGE (3343)