PRODUCT REVIEW

OPHTHALMIC LENSES
DIAGNOSTIC AIDS
OFFICE DESIGN
SUNWEAR
FRAMES

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OPHTHALMIC LENSES

Clip-Ons for GlareControl

Corning’s GlareControl lenses now come in 1.5mm plano uncuts. These CPF lenses, offered through Corning Connections labs, are 65mm in diameter and can be edged and inserted into most ophthalmic clip-ons. 
With these lenses you can offer patients relief from glare brought about by macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma and other age-related conditions. GlareControl lenses filter blue light that ordinary sunglasses don’t. Call 1-800-742-5273.

SunSensors Joins FastGrind Family

Super Systems Optical Technologies has added Corning’s new plastic photochromic, SunSensors, to the menu of lenses you can produce on the FastGrind 2000 in-office lens-surfacing system. Super Systems says it chose SunSensors for their reported ability to change from dark to clear faster than other photochromic lenses. FastGrind SunSensors are available in single-vision, flat-top 28 and Harmony progressive designs. Call 1-800-543-7376.

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DIAGNOSTIC AIDS

Topographer Follows You

The Scout portable topographer from EyeQuip can go where you go. This hand-held device has rechargeable batteries and built-in memory that holds up to 8 images. Like its larger cousin, the Keratron, it has a built-in headrest and alignment monitor. 

This topographer is compatible with Windows 95/98. It features multiple maps, drag-and-drop viewing, advanced database functions and LAN capability. It automatically downloads images to a desktop or laptop when placed in its recharging cradle.
The Scout comes in these configurations:

  • Mobile kit with patient headrest, Scout memory, docking charger circuit and rechargeable battery.
  • Handheld kit with headrest and power/data transfer cable.
  • Slit lamp kit with slit lamp side mount, footswitch and power/data transfer cable. Call 1-800-393-8676, or go to www.eyequip.com.

Slit Lamps Go Digital 

A new adapter now allows you to connect Nikon’s Coolpix 950 digital cameras with the company’s NS-1V and FS-3V slit lamps. The adapter can handle digital imaging and real-time video output. You can remove the Coolpix 950 from the slit lamp to photograph gross specimens.
The 2.11 megapixel CCD can save images in uncompressed TIFF formats or three compressed JPEG modes. The 8MB Nikon CompactFlash card comes standard with the device, but cards with higher capacities are available. Call 1-800-526-4566, or go to www.nikonusa.com.

Topographer Links to PC 

The Keratograph corneal topographer from Oculus Inc. features digital transmission to PC units. It has 22,000 measuring points and 22 rings, a built-in keratometer, and presents information in a 3-D, overview and fluorescein simulator images. Software features include pre- and post-op comparison, Fourier analysis and a three-stop contact lens fitting package. Call (425) 867-1800, or go to www.oculus.de.

NCT Sheds Chinrest, etc. 

The AT550 non-contact tonometer by Reichert Ophthalmic Instruments takes pressures without a chinrest, joystick or elevation controls that other devices have. This tonometer features Reichert’s patented automated alignment system.

Patients lean against the forehead rest and view a fixation target. The operator then presses a button to take the reading. Screen prompts guide the operator from start to finish. Call (716) 686-4500, or go to www.reichert.com.

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OFFICE DESIGN

Diamond Slat is a Snap

The Diamond Slat wall display package from Fashion Optic Displays offers a variety of eyewear merchandising ensembles. Accessories include graphics and literature holders as well as a variety of holders for frames, lenses and sports eyewear. The accessories slide easily on and off the display. Call 1-800-824-4106.

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SUNWEAR

Marchon Goes Swoosh

Marchon Eyewear and Nike have joined forces to develop and distribute a new line of sun and ophthalmic eyewear called Nike Sport Eyewear. Nike has made sunwear for athletes since 1996. Initially, the product offering to independent dispensers will include Nike sunwear, but Marchon and Nike have already started working together to develop a proprietary line of sun and ophthalmic frames. This would combine Marchon’s Flexon metal frame technology with Nike’s existing nylon wrap styles. Call 1-800-645-1300, or go to www.marchon.com or www.nikebiz.com.

13 New Ralphs for Spring 

Aimed at women ages 18-35, the new Ralph by Ralph Lauren sunglass collection sports 13 new styles for spring. Marketed by Safilo Group, the styles include fashion wraps, double-colored laminates and smaller shapes. Among the new plastics are:
  • RA944S comes in colors olive amber, black-yellow with brown or black lenses, black-brown and black-light blue with blue lenses, and Havana green with green lenses. It’s available in size 48/18-135.
  • The RA945S (pictured here) is available in colors dark tortoise, black-yellow, brown shiny, striated Havana and black crystal. It comes in one size, 49/18-135.
  • RA941S comes in olive amber, striped Havana, black, metal brown/black, black-brown, green metal-black and striated Havana. Size is 48/19-125. Call 1-800-631-1188. 
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FRAMES

The Bold and the Minimal

Rodenstock introduces five new frames for spring. These five architecturally inspired shapes use acetate laminations which the company describes them as “bold minimalism.” The collection includes:
  • 5111 unisex (shown here), in colors black/clear, blue/brown/amber and Havana/amber, and sizes 51/16-140 and 53/16-145.
  • 5112 unisex comes in colors Havana/amber, red/purple and green/blue. Sizes are 50/16-135 and 52/16-140.
  • 5114 unisex is available in colors brown/blue/amber, Havana/amber and black/clear. One size is available: 50/17-140.
  • 5116 for men can be in colors Havana/taupe, black/clear and blue/brown/amber. Size is 50/17-140.
  • 5117 women’s frame comes in colors green/blue, red/purple and blue/brown/amber, and size 51/16-135.Call (203) 797-6700.

High Tech Armani

For fashionably cutting-edge wearers, The Emporio Armani 117S frame by Luxottica Group is a laser-cut flat metal design with integrated temples. The modified rectangular-shaped frame is available in colors satin indigo, dark pewter, satin chrome, satin brown, forest and satin black. Size is 51/19-125. A light rubber coating on the temple tips prevents sliding. Call 1-800-422-2020.

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© Review of Optometry OnLine 
February 15, 2000