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

Miscellaneous

VERILUX

SHINY HAPPY LAMPS

The latest incarnation of the Verilux HappyEyes Deluxe floor lamp features several improvements over previous models. Company representatives state that the newest lamp is 20 percent brighter, featuring two-level brightness control. An aluminized parabolic grid diffuser reduces glare, and a full coverage reflector increases light output. The lamp is designed to reduce eyestrain and glare as well as show truer colors than other indoor lighting. For more information, visit www.verilux.net or call 800-786-6850.

Display

WALLS + FORMS

USER-FRIENDLY DISPLAY

Walls + Forms is offering a perimeter wall system for merchandising products. The Z-Wall system can be used so all that touches the wall is a concealed bracket, allowing users to install the system without damaging existing walls. The system is available in several configurations that can be customized for specific needs. To learn more, visit the Website www.wallsforms.com, or call 972-745-0800.

FASHION OPTICAL DISPLAYS

have a seat

Fashion Optical Displays has a new chair design that could be an attractive and practical addition to any dispensary. The new Fashion Chair is available in a wide variety of hardwoods and Fashion Optical Displays' designer fabrics--or even custom materials provided by you--to appeal to those with a fashionable side. But the chair also plays to those with a sensible side, featuring a curved back and arms that company representatives say will fit under a dispensing table. To request information on the chair, visit www.fashionoptical.com or call 800-824-4106.

SPECTACLE LENSES

INTERSTATE OPTICAL

HIGH PERFORMANCE AR

Interstate Optical has introduced two levels of AR: ARx and ARxHP (High Performance). Developed by Satis Vacuum, both AR processes can be done in-house. The new AR stack is a premium process that helps lenses repel dirt and dust with an anti-static layer. A new hydrophobic topcoat creates a super-slick surface which resists water and oil, so lenses stay cleaner longer and are easier to wipe clean. Independent testing from COLTS Laboratories shows that ARxHP resists scratches up to three times more than traditional AR. ARx and ARxHP can be applied to all currently available lenses. For more information, call 800-472-5790 or visit www.interstateoptical.com.

ZEISS OPTICAL

CARAT ADVANTAGE

Zeiss Optical has just released the new Carat Advantage coating. The new coating combines several other types of coatings, including AR and hard coat, to provide scratch resistance, AR, and enhanced durability, according to company representatives. In addition, a new hydrophobic layer smoothes the crevices created by AR coating, making lenses with the coating more dirt repellent. More information on finding a lab is available at www.zeiss.com/lenses or by calling 800-338-2984.

VARILUX ELLIPSE THIN & LITE 1.67

Essilor has introduced the Varilux Ellipse Thin & Lite 1.67 lens. The lens is designed for patients who require PALs in a small rimless frame, or anyone desiring the thin profile of a high-index lens. Varilux Ellipse Thin & Lite 1.67 lenses are available in powers of +8.00D to -12.00D in +0.75 to +3.00D add powers. Available base curves include 1.75, 2.75, 3.75, 5.25, 6.50, and 8.00. Varilux Ellipse reaches 85 percent of the power at 9.5mm and features a minimum recommended fitting height of 14mm. The lenses are compatible with Crizal Alizé AR and are available to ECPs via their independent Varilux laboratory. For more information, call 800-ESSILOR or visit www.essilorusa.com

OPTIMA

RESPONSE-IBLE PAL

Utilizing Optima's Vue-Point Technology (VPT), which uses advanced algorithms to balance optics over the entire surface of the lens, the new Response PAL balances optical quality and a smooth transition between all viewing areas. Response also incorporates Optima's patented ECM-9 (Extrusion Compression Manufacturing), resulting in a polycarbonate PAL free of birefringence. Response is available in 1.75, 3.00, 4.00, 5.75, and 7.25 base curves, with add powers of +1.00D to +3.00D in 0.25D steps. For more information, call 800-621-1216 or your Optima sales representative nationwide. A product Website--www.ResolutionsLenses.com--is available for product information as well.

Accessories

GRIPPING EYEWEAR

A GRIPPING PRODUCT

Lost eyewear is a common problem for many patients. Gripples--magnetic slide-on temple tips that allow eyewear to essentially "grip" the wearers' clothing--could be a solution. The magnets come in gold and silver, while the temples come in gray, black, brown, or clear. An installation kit is available that contains 32 sets of magnets and temples. Contact Gripping Eyewear for more information at www.grippingeyewear.com or call 877-568-0500.

Equipment

1-800-OPTISOURCE

LEAK-PROOF TINTING SYSTEM

1-800-OptiSource, parent company of Hunter Delatour, announces the introduction of a new water-based tinting system. The Hunter Delatour Nine-Pan Tinting System uses a chrome alloy heating unit mounted above the heat transfer fluid, eliminating leakage common in traditional bottom-mounted designs. The new temperature gauge turns the system on and off without using switches and controls temperature within one degree Centigrade. To learn more, call 800-OPTISOURCE or visit www.1-800-OptiSource.com.

LAB-TECH

DIGITAL AGE

Lab-Tech recently announced the addition of a digital pupilometer to its line of optical supplies. It features a digital display and measures monocular and binocular PD simultaneously in 0.5mm increments. The unit also has a memory feature that stores data until it is reset and a one-minute auto shut-off feature. Call Lab-Tech for more information at 800-822-4343 or visit www.lab-tech.net.

LASERED LENSES

Elision Corporation has introduced the LaserEdge lens processing system that precision traces, edges, drills, and engraves Rx and demo lenses. The LaserEdge can process a pair or as many as 48 lenses at a time. Lenses can be extremely customized to virtually any shape, and personalized with the customer's name or business logo. Currently, LaserEdge can process mid-and high-index lenses. For more information, call 889-ELISION or visit www.elision.com.

REICHERT OPHTHALMIC INSTRUMENTS

MULTI-TASKING

Reichert Ophthalmic Instruments has created a new integrated tonometer and pachymeter that combines the measurement of IOP and CCT into one instrument. The ATP Non-Contact Tonometer/ Pachymeter was designed in response to studies showing the importance of measuring both central corneal thickness and intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. The ATP features a color display and can automatically compute and display an adjusted IOP reading. For more information, visit the Website www.reichert.com or call 716-686-4500.