DIAGNOSTIC INSTRUMENTS
40 Tests in One
A new visual acuity tester that boasts 40

different visual tests is available from Sifi, an Italian instrument company. The new Sifi MAV is a qualitative and quantitative tester of visual performance. It allows you to evaluate contrast sensitivity, acuity, chromatics sense and stereoscopic vision. MAV includes cartoon tests for younger patients and other tests that are randomized to reduce the risk of patient memorization.
       The computerized system uses a screen with a remote control. Up to three different users can choose personalized tests and sequences. MAV can also memorize and print the test results of every patient. Call 1-800-661-2556 or go to www.Sifi.it.

Automated Refraction
The FDA recently approved Topcons BV-100 automated refraction system. The instrument

combines an objective simultaneous binocular autorefractor, autokeratometer, automatic chart projector and patient-driven vision tester in one device. Pre-selected voice-prompts take your patients through the process. They can use a joystick to respond to the tests youve selected.
       Additional features include electronic documentation and display of all refraction data, including an 8-by-11-inch prescription printout. The BV-100 can also interface with Topcons autolensmeters and with the CV-3000 computerized phoropter. Call 1-800-223-1130 or go to www.topcon.com.

Electronic Refraction
Marco Ophthalmic has added the new Evolution electronic refractor to its line of Vision Diagnostic Systems. The Evolution allows you to pre-program your entire refraction process into the machine and control the exam with a handheld, wireless remote.
      You can integrate Evolution with chart projectors, autorefractors and lensmeters, and link it to multiple exam lanes. Also, the remote control offers phosphorescent illumination for easy viewing in a darkened room. Call 1-800-874-5274 or go to www.marcooph.com.

 DIAGNOSTIC AIDS
Two Drops In One
FluraSafe, the latest offering from Accutome Inc., is a diagnostic drop that stains and anesthetizes your patients eyes. The product uses benoxinate hydrochloride to anesthetize and fluorexon to stain. The company says these drops will not damage soft contact lenses, so you can use FluraSafe while patients have their lenses in. Call 1-800-979-2020 or go to www.accutome.com.

Vision Testers
Stereo Opticals new Optec Vision Testers feature a new homogeneous illumination system and state-of-the-art electronics. The new Optec line includes the Optec vision testers, Optec 5000 manual control, Optec 5500 remote control and the Optec 6500 with day/night, glare and contrast sensitivity testing. Call 1-800-344-9500 or go to www.stereooptical.com.

Lantern/Light
The Farnsworth Lantern Flashlight from Gulden Ophthalmics has been introduced as a substitute for the original Farnsworth 

Lantern, which was discontinued years ago. The test uses nine interchangeable filters to recreate the chromaticity of the original Farnsworth lantern. This allows you to test the color signal discrimination of color anomalous patients. The the company says this test has been useful in the past in the military and transportation industry to qualify operators of ships, vehicles and aircrafts.
The Farnsworth Lantern Flashlight requires 3-D cell batteries and a xenon bulb. Call 1-800-659-2250 or go to www.guldenophthalmics.com.

DRY EYE
Plugs You Can See

The FDA has approved Lacrimedics synthetic, dissolvable Herrick lacrimal plugs for use in patients with seasonal allergies and contact lens wearers. The company says these opaque plugs are useful for patients who require medium-term occlusion. The plugs are visible after insertion using transillumination and last about six months.
       The plugs are available in 0.4mm and 0.5mm diameters. They come packaged in foil to preserve freshness and prevent brittleness. Call 1-800-367-8327 or go to www.lacrimedics.com.

LOW VISION
Solar Protection
The new Oval line of SolarShield absorptive filters enhances contrast and reduces glare for your low vision patients who  prefer a smaller frame or oval lens shape in their low vision frames. Eschenbach and Dioptics Medical Products designed the Oval line of low vision sunwear to complement the larger Ultra and Cateye styles already available.
       All SolarShield products are available with lenses in yellow, orange, amber and gray, and block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. A protective case comes free of charge with each pair. Call 1-800-487-5389 or go to www.eschenbach.com.

Ready to Roll
Hilcos keyring reader attaches to your key-chain with a built-in keyring attachment. The keyring reader folds out to form a right- or left-handed pair of magnified polycarbonate lenses that your low-vision patients can carry with them on their keychain.
       The readers come in metallic silver or gray and in three magnification strengths: weak (+1.50D), medium (+2.00D) and strong (+2.50D). A 12- or 24-piece assorted display is also available. Call 1-800-955-6544 or go to www.hilco.com.

OFFICE DESIGN

Artisan Collection Fashion Opticals new Artisan collection features the Shaker line of office furniture. The Shaker displays also display more frames than before. The upper portion of the case has room for up to 84 frames and a pullout drawer holds 30 more frames in a tray lined with faux suede. The Shaker furnishings are available in cherry and natural maple woods. Call 1-800-824-4106 or go to www.fashionoptical.com.

VISION EXPO PREVIEW
DryEyeWear
Wearing PanOptx Eyewear instead of sunglasses for normal outdoor activities may help decrease symptoms in your low vision patients. The PanOptx line incorporated the protection of goggles into the style of sunwear.
      Originally developed by a maxillofacial surgeon, the vision system includes a foam eyecup that encloses and protects the eyes from wind, dust and debris. The inner surface of PanOtpx lenses are treated with a parmanent, anti-fog coating and filtered air vents allow air to move across the inner lens, while keeping pollen and dust from reaching the eye. PanOptx Eyewear is available in a variety of styles to fit the most common facial features. Lenses can be made for prescriptions from -5.00D to +5.00D. Call (925) 484-0292 or go to www.panoptx.com.

CK Optical
Two new styles are part of Marchons Calvin Klein optical collection for Spring

2004:
      5305, a combination of plastic and steel. This semi-rimless frame features rubber on plastic logos. Size 54/17-140 comes in color combinations such as shiny black with black plastic, satin copper with Havana plastic, shiny blue with blue plastic, shiny bordeaux with burgundy plastic and shiny ruthenium with gray plastic.
     5500, a plastic frame with a milled front profile. This frame features dual-toned temples. Colors lavender, red, crystal, brown, black and tortoise come in sizes 50/13-135 and 52/13-135. Call 1-877-467-3639, or go to www.marchon.com.

Precious Collection
Luxotticas Bvlgari line introduces the Precious collection of handmade frames featuring diamonds, lazulite, mother-of-pearl or malachite gemstones in the design.
     BV 434G (plastic) and BV 247G (metal) are styled in the Bvlgari Quadrato motif. Both frames comes in sizes 52/17-135 and 54/17-135.
     BV 435G (plastic) and BV 246G (metal) feature a plastic circular logo. BV 435G comes in sizes 52/17-135 and 54/17-135, and BV 246G comes in sizes 51/17-135 and 53/17-135. Call (516) 484-3800, or go to www.luxottica.com.

Tommy Hilfiger
A new optical sun collection is available for men and women from Viva Internationals Tommy Hilfiger brand. The new collection features TH 7013, a full-rim monel metal frame, and TH 7014, a semi-rimless nylon metal. Both feature double-bar construction in a classic aviator style. TH 7013 is available in size 59/17-125, and TH 7014 comes in size 57/16-128. Color combinations range from gunmetal and silver to basic brown. Call 1-800-345-8182, or go to www.vivagroup.com.

Chanel
Sun and optical styles are part of Marchons Chanel 2004 collection. 
     Bling-Bling! This plastic frame features the

Chanel brand name spelled out in crystal along the temples. The modified rectangle style is available in size 65/12-120 and comes in colors like berry, opaque white, dark caramel, tortoise and matte black.
     CH 1501 and CH 1502. These unisex frames feature three-piece drill mounts, translucent temples and a thin metal bridge. Both are available in sizes 51/16-135 and 53/16-135. Colors include buttercup, lite pink, cristal and smoke.
     CH 4097 and CH 5066. These styles are part of the brands new sun collection. CH 4097 is a metal frame with an interlaced ribbon effect on the front of the frame. It is available in size 00/00-129 only in pewter with charcoal lenses, natural with blue mirror lenses, gold with light brown fade mirror lenses and more. CH 5066 features lenses that are superimposed on an oversized acetate frame. Color combinations include black with charcoal mirror lenses, ballet slipper pink with charcoal fade lenses and white with charcoal fade lenses in size 00/00-138 only. Call (516) 484-3800, or go to www.luxottica.com.

Donna Karan
Marchons new Donna Karan 9316S is part of the brands spring 2004 collection. This frame is a wraparound style in a zyl/metal combination. Donna Karan 9316S also features sleek temples and soft plastic nosepads. Size 67/21-115 comes in such color combinations as candy brown with gold flash lens, black/gold with gray lens, and quartz with silver flash lens. Call 1-877-467-3639, or go to www.marchon.com.