Accessories

TRIBAL TRENDS

Eyewear retainers are taking a wilder look with the latest from EK Ekcessories. The new Tribal series now offers EK's top-selling thin Cat Strap in cord or leather. The cording coordinates with a bone accent slider, while the braided leather features polished stone accents. Suggested retail is $8.99 and $11.99, respectively. To learn more, call 800-338-2030 or visit www.ekusa.com.

EK EKCESSORIES

Equipment

LOH'S EDGING TECHNOLOGY

LOH has introduced the ES-3, an easy-to-use edger that includes LOH's new Fast Lathe Grooving (FLG) technology. With FLG, up to eight rotary bits are selected automatically, depending on material and groove width, reducing edging cycle times while producing swarf-free groove widths. The system can process all materials and edge up to 70 lenses per hour and is available in manual and robotic modes. The ES-3 features a non-contact measuring system and an integrated CCD camera system while software identifies the lens edge profile for precise tool positioning. A newly designed cutting chamber improves swarf removal. A diamond polishing tool features a lower surface roughness for higher luster lens edges. For more information, call 800-866-5640 or visit www.loh-optical.com.

LOH

compactAR

Carl Zeiss now has the A20, a compact AR coating system des-igned for all lab sizes. The A20 can produce double-sided coatings on up to 40 lenses in less than one hour. Operated by touch screens and pull-down menus, the system is updated via modem. Process status can be saved and continued in the event of an interruption. Operating as a stand-alone system, the A20 can produce Zeiss Super ET and Gold ET AR coatings, and when used with the new ICS20 Integrated Coating System, the A20 produces both Zeiss Carat and Carat Advantage coating packages. Carat Advantage is slated to launch in the U.S. marketplace in February. For more information on the A20, visit www.zeiss.com/lenses.

CARL ZEISS

Spectacle Lenses

TRANSITIONS' NEXT STEP: ESP

Transitions Optical's latest advancement in photochromic lens technology--Transitions with ESP (Enhanced Scientific Performance)--will boost photochromic performance in higher index premium materials. The lenses, available to ECPs in Trivex, poly, and 1.60 and 1.67 materials by Feb. 1, are faster to activate and deactivate, are darker outdoors (achieving 84 percent tint and 100 percent UV protection), and are as clear as regular lenses indoors, according to company representatives. Available initially in 12 semi-finished single-vision and 27 progressive addition lens designs, Transitions V utilizes a patented system. For more information, call 800-848-1506, or visit www.transitions.com.

TRANSITIONS OPTICAL

PRIO EXPANDS  COMPUTER LENS

To better accommodate patients with higher computer and reading add powers, PRIO Corporation has expanded the PRIO Computer Lens (PCL) to include a 2.25D power shift version. Available through authorized PRIO laboratories nationwide, this latest addition to the PCL line is available in CR 39 in sphere powers from -3.00D to +6.00D and in cylinder powers to -4.00D. For more information, call 800-621-1098 or visit www.prio.com.

PRIO CORPORATION

NASSAU'S NEW PAL

Nassau Vision Group has introduced the Nalco Progressive Photochromic Gray. The lenses utilize in-mass properties and join the performance of Nalco PAL design with photochromic technology. Nalco Progressive Photochromic Gray lenses are available in powers of -9.00D to +6.00D and in add powers of +0.75D to +3.50D in .25D steps. Refractive index is 1.56; size is 75/80mm diameter. For more information, call 800-526-0313 or visit www.nassauvisiongroup.com.

NASSAU VISION GROUP

OPTIMAL POLARIZATION

Optima has introduced Polartec 1.67 lenses, a premium thin and dark polarized polycarbonate lens. Available through wholesale lab distributors, Polartec 1.67's index of refraction and aspheric design make the lenses up to 50 percent thinner than regular plastic lenses. The lenses, which can be surfaced to 1.5mm center thickness and are available in semi-finished form, offer 100 percent UV protection to 400nm. To see available marketing materials, visit www.optima-inc.us.

OPTIMA

HARD TO BEAT

Essilor of America now has semi-finished Single Vision Airwear Polarized Gray and Brown Hardcoat lenses in a power range of +6.00D to -10.00D. Available with Crizal or Crizal Alizé AR, the lenses are 43 percent lighter and 35 percent thinner than standard plastic lenses, are scratch resistant, and effectively block UV rays. To learn more, call 800-ESSILOR or visit www.essilorusa.com.

ESSILOR OF AMERICA

Display

FROSTY LOOKS

ECPs who want to bring a touch of winter décor into their offices might be interested in the latest pedestal displays from Bright Display. These new displays have a cool and icy look to them. Bright Display's frosted pedestals are made of a clear acrylic that is sand-blasted to produce the frosted effect. To order, call 800-777-0734 or visit www.brightdisplay.com.

BRIGHT DISPLAY

MOD SQUAD

Modular Design Systems, Inc., has recently made its Modular Display System available to all ECPs. The display system is designed to create an organized and attractive frame board using holders MDS' holders. The display panel backing accommodates Velcro or other hook-and-loop style fasteners. The displays can be changed as often as you'd like, according to company representatives. This gives ECPs the option of removing pieces of the display once the product has sold and replacing it when new products arrive. For more information, call 800-663-8527 or visit www.modular-design.com.

MODULAR DESIGN SYSTEMS