WHAT'S NEW
Buyer's Guide
By Kim Aubrey-Larcinese

Low Vision

ESCHENBACH

GOTCHA COVERED

Eschenbach's 1510 line of magnifiers is now offered with hard plastic covers to protect the lenses when not in use. The blue cover is attached to the magnifier so it won't be misplaced, but it can also be removed for those who prefer the magnifier without it. The cover is easy to remove and replace, making it an option for those with physical limitations. Call 800-487-5389 or E-mail info@eschenbach.com for more information.

miscellaneous

PRACTICAL SYSTEMS, INC.

PRETTY IN PINK

PSI's Pink Perfection Polish Pad, originally developed for cut-to-polish systems, can also benefit labs using traditional one- and two-step fining methods. Pink Perfection was designed to be more durable than other polish pads and to deliver shorter polish times under the right conditions. Call 727-376-7900 or visit the company Website at www.LookToPSI.com.

Tools

GULDEN OPHTHALMICS

MEASURING UP

Gulden Ophthal-mics is now offering a new seg gauge. Comp-any representatives say it will deliver fast, accurate, and reproducible measurements of segment height for multifocal lenses. It will also measure whether there is sufficient depth of lens to allow for a complete progressive lens according to manufacturer specification. The $39 color-coded gauge also allows the patient to visualize when a frame might be too small for the Rx or when short corridor progressive addition lenses are necessary. To order or for more information, call 800-659-2250 or visit www.guldenophthalmics.com.

SPECTACLE LENSES

POLYCORE OPTICAL USA

MICRO SHORT CORRIDOR PAL

Answering marketplace requests, Polycore Optical USA has introduced its flagship Micro Short Corridor PAL in hard resin (CR 39) and polycarbonate materials. It was previously available in SunSensors photochromic. Recom-mended minimum fitting height for the Micro Short Corridor PAL is 16mm. Micro lenses are available in flatter base curves to allow for a slimmer profile with improved cosmetics. The lens features a soft multi-design with clear distance at the 180� line to better maintain the reading area width in higher add powers with unobstructed distance viewing. Because the highest base curve is manufactured in a small diameter lens, plus power Rxs are thinner, according to comp-any representatives. For more information, call 888-645-7788 or visit www.polycore.com.

X-CEL OPTICAL COMPANY

X-CEL NEW PRODUCTS

High-X 1.55 Transitions Brown lenses have joined High-X 1.55 Transitions Gray lenses in the X-Cel Optical Company product line. High-X 1.55 Brown lenses are available in semi-finished single-vision, D28, D35, 7x28, and 8x35 in a variety of base curves, diameters, and powers. X-Cel has also added finished single vision and 7x28 trifocal Aris Trivex lenses to its stable. Aris FSV are available in 70mm diameter in a power range of -8.00D to +4.00D, up to -2.00D cylinder. Aris 7x28 trifocals are available in 76mm diameter in a variety of powers, depending on the base curve of 2.25, 4.25, 6.25, or 8.25. Add range is +1.50D to -3.50D. For more information, call X-Cel Optical Company at 800-747-9235 or visit the company Website at
 www.x-celoptical.com.

YOUNGER OPTICS

FEELING YOUNGER

California-based Younger Optics recently expanded its Trilogy product line by introducing clear finished hardcoated and finished AR hardcoated lenses. Both Trilogy lenses are available from wholesale laboratories with a lifetime guarantee against lens cracking. For more information call 800-366-5367 or visit www.younger-optics.com.

SIGNET ARMORLITE

SO CLEAR

Signet Armorlite has introduced Kodak CleAR anti-reflective lenses. Made with advanced technologies to provide a multi-layer premium stack, the lens is also topped off with a super hydrophobic-oleophobic layer. A special formulation layer ensures durability for the life of the Rx. Adhesion and scratch protection are ensured by continuous testing to exceed ISO recommended standards. Kodak CleAR is backed by a two-year, 100 percent satisfaction warranty and is compatible with most manufacturers' lenses. It is specifically designed to enhance the visual performance of Kodak Precise and Concise progressive addition lenses as well as Kodak InstaShades photochromic lenses and PolarShades polarized sunlenses. For more information, visit www.signetarmorlite.com or contact Signet Armorlite at 800-950-5367 for a list of Kodak CleAR coating labs.