HOYA ARRAY 2

Hoya Vision Care

Hoya Vision Care is kicking off the U.S. launch of its Array 2 lens. The original Array design employed Hoya freeform backside surfacing technology on any single vision lens, in any material and could be optimized for individual prescription for greatest performance of the lens design. The second generation, Array 2, builds on its flexible backside platform and now incorporates Binocular Harmonization Technology (BHT).

Features: Hoya points out three key attributes of the Array 2 design. First, Array 2 offers the broadest range of availability in lens materials, treatments and coatings, making it suitable for everyday as well as second pair design. Hoya describes Array 2 as “a versatile design that is great for younger presbyopes as well as those needing more than their previous lenses offered.”

Second is Hoya’s implementation of patented Binocular Harmonization Technology (BHT). How BHT works is the right and left prescription are treated as individual components to define the required binocular lens design, and then the necessary corridor length and progressive power distribution are calculated. Patented algorithms and freeform processing technology are implemented to achieve the finished product. The patient benefit is most pronounced for those with anisometropia, a difference in prescription between the right and left eye, which affects 73 percent of the population, according to Hoya. The Array 2 lens design with BHT ensures that both eyes receive equal accommodative support, according to the needs of each eye to achieve optimal binocularity which will minimize non-adapts.

Array 2’s third attribute is that the lens will be available in many of the most popular vision plans at a favorable reimbursement rate for eyecare providers.

“It is always our goal to offer independent practices the opportunity to differentiate themselves with science, innovation and technology in our increasingly competitive market. The original Array ensured practices had the widest selection of materials available. Now with Array 2, they can take that flexibility and truly differentiate themselves with Binocular Harmonization Technology,” says Nick LaManna, global lens product manager for Hoya Vision Care, North America. “We know that more than 7 in 10 people have a difference in prescription from their left to right eye which has an impact on adaptation and overall comfort—BHT solves these problems.”

hoya.com

LENSES FOR RED-GREEN COLOR BLINDNESS
EnChroma

Features: EnChroma, creators of glasses for color blindness, is expanding its line of lenses. The company’s six new lenses are engineered to address specific types and severities of red-green color blindness in a broad range of lighting conditions.

EnChroma lenses enable red-green color blind people to see a broader range of clear, vibrant color. Special optical filters in the lenses remove small slices of light from the visible spectrum to establish a more accurate ratio of light entering the eye. This enables the color blind to experience a more normal spectral response and participate more fully in life’s colorful moments.

“Based on continuous research and innovation, EnChroma has developed new lenses that are optimized to fit the needs of each individual color blind patient,” explains Andrew Schmeder, CEO and co-founder of EnChroma. “One of the key findings of our research team was that the optimal lens choice often depends on the type and extent of color vision deficiency and the expected use conditions. The additional lens choices will enhance each EnChroma user’s color experience.”

Availability: EnChroma is launching the line through a network of over 200 authorized retail locations across the country. Each retailer will use a Professional EnChroma Cx Lens Trial Kit to guide patients as they try each unique lens to find the one that works best for them. A new and improved online EnChroma Color Vision Screening Test, and Lens and Frame Advisor Tool, will help eyecare professionals select the ideal lens solution for their color blind patients.

“Our network of authorized eyecare professionals are critical for the color blind to understand and try EnChroma products, and to the success of our business strategy,” says Mark Mattison-Shupnick, vice president of business development for EnChroma. “This next generation of six lens types will expand opportunities for private practitioners and enhance the EnChroma experience for color blind patients.”

enchroma.co,
(510) 497-0048


AUTOGRAPH INTELLIGENCE
Shamir

Shamir’s Autograph Intelligence, its newest and most advanced lens design, adapts to the diverse needs of today’s presbyope. It is available from a select group of validated Shamir Partner Laboratories.

Features: Most progressive lenses today utilize a “one design” concept, which provides everyone with the same solution. To develop a lens that can adapt to diverse patient needs, Shamir embarked on an extensive research project using methods of Big Data and elements of Artificial Intelligence. This research revealed a correlation between patients’ visual needs and their “Visual Age,” which refers to the physiological age of the eye (the required addition) and is generally correlated with the patient’s chronological age.

Shamir Autograph Intelligence takes visual diversity into account to provide the right optical solution for patients at every Visual Age, without the need for questionnaires or time burdensome applications. Shamir Autograph Intelligence is supported by three new technologies, all developed by Shamir. The new breakthrough technologies are Eye-Point Technology AI, Continuous Design Technology and Visual AI Engine.
  • Eye-Point Technology AI utilizes Head Eye Integrative Movement software to see exactly where in the lens patients look, along both the vertical and horizontal meridian, when they perform tasks in the various visual zones.
  • Continuous Design Technology integrates research findings with patient habits and visual needs to provide a seamless lens for every Visual Age. This allows the patient to comfortably move from one add to the next without any adaption concerns.
  • Visual AI Engine applies elements of Artificial Intelligence that mimic human intelligence. It makes go/no-go decisions based on predefined rules, and the output ensures uniform and controlled planning for any combination of parameters with extreme accuracy for each new lens design.
“Shamir dedicated a tremendous effort toward perfecting Shamir Autograph Intelligence. This design harnesses cutting-edge technologies that allow for the creation of truly personalized lenses that better address the visual needs of today’s presbyope. Our team has created a design that is unlike any progressive currently available and will open the door for Shamir to push forward the continuous evolution of a design concept that will impact the industry for years to come,” says Mark Becker, vice president of marketing and strategic partnerships.

Shamir Autograph Intelligence provides another opportunity for practices participating in Shamir’s RCPV Rewards Program to earn points. ECPs will earn 3,525 points for each Shamir Autograph Intelligence pair dispensed.

Availability: Shamir Autograph Intelligence is available in variable and fixed designs, including 11 mm, 13 mm, 15 mm and 18 mm fitting heights, in the full range of materials offered by Shamir.

shamirlens.com


KAPPA SPECIAL EDITION EDGING SYSTEM
Essilor Instruments

Essilor Instruments is adding the Kappa Special Edition edger to its extensive line of lens finishing systems.

Features: Kappa Special Edition is a mid-range robust edging system that offers speed, precision and ease of use. The new high curve function expands the field of possibilities with base curve coverage up to 8 and with adjustable bevel height, width and location.

“Essilor Instruments has celebrated over 50 years of best-in-class R&D and manufacturing in lens finishing equipment. Kappa Special Edition is everything the next-generation Kappa offers and more. With Kappa Special Edition, eyecare professionals can expect a greater variety of glasses dispensed with in-house edging, high-quality finished jobs and reduced re-dos,” says Samy Lauriette, senior vice president, Essilor Instruments Americas.

Essilor Instruments’ finishing offerings range from the all-in-one Delta2 system to the high speed Neksia, premium Mr. Orange and Mr. Blue edging systems, and the Pro-E 600 edger for high-volume labs.

essilorinstrumentsusa.com


AIR OPTIX PLUS HYDRAGLYDE MULTIFOCALS
Alcon

Alcon is expanding its multifocal portfolio with the launch of Air Optix plus HydraGlyde Multifocal contact lenses. As with Alcon’s other multifocal portfolio contact lens options, including Dailies Total1, Dailies AquaComfort Plus and Air Optix Aqua, the new lenses offer presbyopic patients a unique combination of technologies for “seamless vision at all distances, plus enhanced moisture benefits, compared to Air Optix Aqua,” Alcon says.

Features: Air Optix plus HydraGlyde Multifocal contact lenses incorporate Alcon’s Precision Profile Design together with the HydraGlyde molecule for:
  • Clear, seamless vision at all distances, near, intermediate and far.
  • Lasting lens surface moisture through the HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix.
  • Excellent deposit protection and consistent comfort with Alcon’s unique SmartShield Technology. This unique culmination of technologies gives presbyopic patients and ECPs improved solutions for addressing patients’ needs for clear and comfortable vision.


airoptix.com