CONTACT LENSES
Breathable Lenses

O2Optix, the newest silicone hydrogel contact lens from CIBA Vision, has a Dk value of 138. The new lens is made of lotrafilcon B, spawned by the companys lotrafilcon A material used in its Night & Day lenses. Lotrafilcon B contains 33% water and is specifically designed to reduce the signs of corneal oxygen deficiency, according to the company. O2Optix is also treated with a proprietary plasma surface treatment to assure surface wettability and resist deposits.

O2Optix is available in an 8.6mm base curve, in a power range from 1.00D to 6.00D. A toric version of the lens is also being prepared, says the manufacturer. Call 1-800-241-5999, or go to www.mycibavision.com.

OPHTHALMIC LENSES
Expanded Range

Johnson & Johnson Vision Cares polycarbonate offering of its Definity progressive lenses now comes in a wider prescription range: from +4.00D to 7.00D with 0.25D to 4.00D cylinder. The company has also expanded the available add range to include from +1.00D to +3.00D, with prism up to +6.00D.

Definity lenses are also available in a variety of tints to suit a range of patient needs:

• Sunglass tints. Three different densities of sunglass tints in gray, brown and gray-green can provide, dark, medium and light blockage.
• Fashion tints. Cosmetic tints in various shades of green, pink, blue, beige, yellow, violet and more are options.
• Custom tints. Custom tints can be matched to any sample.
• Gradient and double gradient tints. These help in reducing glare and light intensity while maintaining clarity in the center portion of the lens.

All DEFINITY lenses carry the companys Gemcoat multicoat for added reduction of reflections. Call 1-800-920-2021 or go to www.definity.com.

New Color

Essilors Varilux Panamic polarized sunglasses are now available in gray. The lenses combine the companys Airwear technology and Crizal Alize coating to reduce glare and provide impact resistance. Varliux Panamic Airwear Polarized Gray lenses are available in powers from +6.00D to 10.00D with 4.00 cylinder and add powers from +0.75D to +3.50D in 0.25D steps.

Call 1-800-377-4567 or go to www.essilorusa.com.

Photochromics

Rodenstock America now offers its ColorMatic Extra brown in a 1.56 lens index. The ColorMatic extra is available in both Progressiv AT and Cosmolit single vision lens designs. The company says unique in mass technology creates uniform color by dispersing the ColorMatic Extra photochromic molecules throughout the lens material. This also contributes to the long life of these lenses. When one layer of color molecules begins to fatigue, another layer beneath it will activate to its full potential, says the manufacturer.

And, Rodenstocks  spectacle program now includes polycarbonate lenses. Rodenstock spectacles combine a Rodenstock frame with lenses to create a complete vision care product. Polycarbonate lenses are available in both single vision and progressive designs. Call 1-888-928-7253 or go to www.rodenstockusa.com.

CONTACT LENS CARE
Cleaning on The Go

CIBA Visions new Aquify 5 Minute Multi-Purpose Solution provides a quick way to clean, disinfect and moisturize contact lenses. The products HydroLock formulation includes Dexpant-5, an ingredient found in dry eye and wound healing procedures, and Sorbitol, a natural ingredient found in fruit, to lock in moisture and help prevent lens dehydration.

Aquify 5 Minute MPS can be used to clean, disinfect and store all soft contact lenses. Patients can choose from two ways to use it, either with a quick ten-second rub and five-minute soak, or a four-hour soak with no rub or rinse. Each bottle comes with a new contact lens case. Call 1-800-241-5999 or go to www.mycibavision.com.

Added Comfort

Renu Multipurpose solution from Bausch & Lomb now features a MoistureLoc formula, which the company says may improve comfort in patients experiencing contact lens-related dry eye. The company says its MoistureLoc formula conditions lenses and surrounds them in a long-lasting cushion of moisture, which adds comfort and acts as a protective shield to resist protein build-up.

Call 1-800-553-5340, or go to www.bausch.com.

DRY EYE
New Label

Many LASIK patients seek relief from postoperative dry eye with artificial tears. Allergans Refresh Plus now carries FDA-approved labeling that indicates its use for these patients specifically. A regulatory release supporting a new reference for post-LASIK dry eye was submitted in 2003.

Refresh Plus contains the ingredient carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), which the company says has been proven to relieve postoperative dry eye problems. The new labeling is designed to provide guidance to consumers who use the product and reinforce doctors postoperative instructions. Call 1-800-347-4500 or go to www.allergan.com.

Preservative Free

VIVA Lubricating Eye Drops will now be marketed through a collaboration of MediNiche and Corneal Science Corporation. VIVA is a preservative-free, antioxidant-fortified artificial tear drop. It contains five antioxidants and comes in a non-oily, clear solution in 10ml and 15ml multi-dose bottles. The manufacturer says VIVA helps heal the cornea and protect the eye from oxidative damage. Call 1-800-325-6789 or go to www.mediniche.com or www.cornealscience.com.

EXAM EQUIPMENT
Motility Testing

New color fixation sticks from Gulden Ophthalmics are meant to help you save time while testing ocular motility and confrontation visual fields. The set includes five colored fixation sticks in white, red, blue, green and yellow, and a leather pocket case. Call 1-800-659-2250 or go to www.guldenophthalmics.com.

OFFICE DESIGN

The Viewpoint collection of furniture is the latest offering from Eye Designs. This collection of modular, semi-custom displays and furniture includes multiple styles in both modern and traditional designs. Call 1-800-346-8890 or go to www.eyedesigns.com.

PATIENT EDUCATION
Patient Diary

The National Rosacea Society offers a new tool to help patients identify and avoid environmental and lifestyle factors that may trigger their rosacea. The Rosacea Diary includes daily pages with a checklist of the most common triggers of flare-up and allows space for listing other factors that may affect each individual case. The book is available in bulk quantities for use as patient handouts, free of charge. Call 1-888-662-5874 or go to www.rosacea.org.

VISION EXPO FRAME PREVIEW OPHTHALMIC FRAMES Magic Magnets Viva International has added two new metallic frames to its Gant line featuring the companys patented Pure Magic magnetic technology. This technology features micro-xanadium magnets on the clip and no magnets on the frame. G Lend is a modified rectangle frame in size 50/17-145. It comes in colors black gunmetal, burgundy and silver. G Rate, an oversized oval frame with matte finish comes in size 52/17-145 and is available in colors brown, gunmetal and sand. Call 1-800-345-8482, or go to www.vivagroup.com. New York Style Five new ophthalmic and sunwear styles are part of REM Eyewears Jones New York Autumn 2004 collection. In both plastic and metal styles, the new styles complement the existing line. Plastics. Both J706 and J707 are made of Italian zyl. J706 is a modern frame with a pert, rectangular shape. Layered coloring in combinations of black/brown, brown/teal, plum/tortoise and red/tortoise are available in size 54-17-135. J707 is a hand-milled and polished square frame in size 51/15-135. Color choices include black, brown horn, olive and violet. Metals. J410 features a flat, sheet metal front with sculpted triple-laminated acetate temples. The subtle almond shape of the J411 is accented with twisted temple tips that reveal the frames layers. Both frames are available in size 51/18-135 only.   Sunwear. J904, inspired by Jackie-O, reveals two distinct color layers with beveling. One size, 55/19-130, is available. J905 features a striped coloration in size 56/18-130. And, J906 is a metal/zyl combination in a bow shape, double-bar, open-rimmed design. Size 60/14-135 is available. All three sun styles features CR-39 lenses. Call 1-800-423-3023 or go to www.remeyewear.com. Masculine Style Safilo USA launches the first Valentino mens collection of ophthalmic frames. Three metal/wood combinations are offered in various rectangle shapes. VAL 1151, VAL 1152 and VAL 1153 come in rich neutral colors like gold, bakelite, brown and palladium. Natural wooden temples accent the unique look. Each frame comes with a black Valentino hard case. Call 1-800-631-1188 or go to www.safilousa.com. Sophisticate The latest extension to Luxotticas Brooks Brothers line includes five new styles in metal and plastic. B 322. A slim, metal nylon mount in a narrow rectangle shape, this frame comes in colors such as chocolate, brown marble, pewter/tortoise, dark steel and rich royal blue. Sizes are 47/19-135 and 51/17-135. B 325. This metal frame features large oval lenses reminiscent of 70s styles. Colors include satin dark brown, natural, pewter, tortoise and more in sizes 47/19-135 and 49/19-135. B 328. A full rim metal frame, this style features elongated rectangular lenses and narrow temples. Sizes 51/18-135 and 53/18-135 are offered in colors including blue, brown and more. B 632. This plastic frame is a soft geometric shape with deep lenses and clean lines. It also features metal temples. Sizes 51/17-140 and 53/17-140 are available. B 633. A unisex style has slightly thicker temples in colors like wine, caramel/blue, blue/tan, brown/cream, and black/honey.  Sizes are 50/18-140 and 52/18-140. Call (516) 484-3800, or go to www.luxottica.com. New Beat Viva International introduces the Glimmering Eyes collection to the companys Bongo line. The double laminate plastics feature crystals on the front of the frame and the Bongo logo on the inner left temple tip. B Bellagio. This cat-eye shape is available in size 47/17-135. Color choices include black/blonde, burgundy/horn and horn/hunter. B Mirage. Styled in an oval shape, this frame comes in colors like black/pink, navy/tan and plum/horn. Size 48/16-135 only. B Venetian. This soft oval design comes in size 48/17-135. Colors like black/pearl, purple and chocolate/teal are offered. Call 1-800-345-8482 or go to www.vivagroup.com. SUNWEAR Sun Clips Custom polarized sun-clips are now available from Hilco to fit the companys line of ready-to-wear frames. This alternative to polarized lenses includes polarized lens blanks in either gray or brown, clip hardware, tools to complete the job, and an instructional video. No drilling, grooving or gluing is required to attach the clips to a given frame. A specially designed layout device and crimping tool are used to assemble to clips. The stainless steel brow bar is available in two different widths and colors to fit a variety of frames sizes and styles. Call 1-800-955-6544 or go to www.hilco.com. Fun with Sun Four new sunglass models are part of Luxotticas latest addition to its Ray Ban line. RB 3204. This unisex frame features an interesting design; the lens is supported by an eyewire behind the top of the lens. Frame and lens colorations include pink with pink fade lenses, brown with brown polarized lenses, and gunmetal with polarized green lenses. Size 56/16-130 only . RB 3215. A rectangular/oval fusion lens is featured in this leather-like plastic frame. Colors include gunmetal with smoke polarized lenses, gunmetal with polarized green lenses, matte black with green lenses, and matte brown with polarized brown lenses. It comes in size 59/17-130. RB 3216. A sleek metal wrap, this frame features elongated rectangular lenses. It features lightweight polarized lenses in green and brown, in size 59/17-130. RB 4045. A rimless look, this frame has oversized lenses reminiscent of an aviator style. Size 64/13-120 comes in colors such as black, brown and matte lite gray with polarized lenses in green and brown. Call (516) 484-3800, or go to www.luxottica.com. MERCHANDISING Counter Cards Guess Eyewear by Marchon offers a new four-piece display. The counter card measures 19.5 x 16 x 8 inches and features the GU 1210 optical styles. The left side of the card display accommodates four optical frames, to be displayed on the Guess red background, with the Guess logo in white. Also from Marchon is a new point-of-purchase campaign for the companys Calvin Klein line, including a five foot tower and box counter card. The tower can be converted into a horizontal marquee or a mobile. Male and female frame images are featured. Modern displays with mirrors hold seven or 14 frames. Postcards and dealer decals are also available. Call 1-877-467-3639, or go to www.marchon.com.

INSTRUMENTS
Wavefront Refraction

Ophthonix new Z-View Aberrometer uses wavefront technology to measure both high and low order optical aberrations. The company says the instrument performs like a high-end surgical aberrometer. The Z-View measures over 11,300 data points over a 6mm pupil. Measurements taken with the Z-View are completely objective because no input from the patient is required.

Additional features include a wide dynamic measurement range from 12.0D to +8.0D, one year warranty, measuring capabilities, through the lens optics and compact size. The Z-View Aberrometer will also allow you to take advantage of Ophthonix Z-View lens technology, which will be introduced later this year. Call (858) 646-5531 or go to www.ophthonix.com.

File Sharing Software

RTA viewer software from Talia Technology allows you and your staff to view RTA exam results throughout the office network. Any PC loaded with the software is capable of viewing patient reports, analyzing scans, generating new reports and more.

The RTA viewer software boasts these benefits:

• Quality control. You can adjust the disc contour, analyze or re-analyze sections, enlarge maps and manipulate images to get the best possible quality.
• Raw data viewing. Fundus images and refraction can be viewed on screen, which the company says offers a better view of pathology than a printout.
• Paperless practice. There is no need to print unnecessary reports. The RTA uses 15 reports generated according to the type of scan taken. You can view the results and decide which reports to print.
• Efficiency. You can analyze and review exam data while the RTA is scanning the next patient.
• Better patient education. Show patients their RTA maps in office and explain their condition with the help of thickness maps, 3D imaging, fundus photos and more.

Call 1-800-214-2030 or go to www.talia.com.

IN-OFFICE LAB PREVIEW Multi-Purpose Instruments The new ME-1000 Multi-Function Edger from Nidek and Santinelli International offers proprietary 3-D drilling and grooving features, as well as polish safety beveling. The units Flexible Tiling Function (FTF) mode automatically adjusts to the angle of the drill direction according to the lens surface. It can be used in automatic or manual modes. A groove cutter that automatically adjusts according to the lens curve provides an accurate groove. Newly developed grinding modes and dual lens mapping probes help you work with any material. Other features include a large, high resolution, touch panel screen, color-coded system and high power/high speed direct drive motor. Call 1-800-435-3343 or go to www.santinelli.com. Patternless Edger National Optronics introduces the 7E Patternless Edger to assist in finishing lenses. The company says the drilling angle provides excellent frame fit. The edger-resident drilling database permits users to add and edit frame information. A 15-inch color monitor with an adjustable hinge allows multi-positioning of the viewing angle. The 7E displays hole placement so you can make adjustments and a 20mm diameter cutter edges and drills small lenses and complex shapes. Additional features include grooving, polishing and a choice of pneumatic or electric chucking. Call 1-800-247-9796 or go to www.nationaloptronics.com. Rimless Guide Breitfield and Schliekert offers a free guide on rimless applications for your office technicians. The 24-page, full-color guide was written by opticians for opticians. Features include step-by-step instructions and handy working tips. The authors also suggest appropriate tools for different rimless frame applications. The company says this guide is intended to help all opticians become experts with regard to rimless applications. Call 1-888-429-5779 or go to www.sight-tools.com.