Comanagement
Anesthetic Gel
TetraVisc Forte (tetracaine HCL 0.5% sterile anesthetic), from OcuSoft, is a higher-viscosity topical anesthetic gel. This gel increases corneal contact time and aims to provide longer periods of anesthesia as a result. The drop is available in multiuse 5mL bottles and in single-use 0.6mL bottles. The company’s original topical anesthetic gel, TetraVisc, is still available. Call -1800-233-5469, or to go www.ocusoft.com.

Ophthalmic Lenses
Customized Lens Suite
GT2 3D and Zeiss 3DSV complete the customized lens offerings from Carl Zeiss Vision. All lenses available use the proprietary Zeiss PreciseForm design and manufacturing process, which creates the necessary power on the back surface of the lens. Each lens in the portfolio accounts for different patient bases and price points, allowing practitioners to offer custom lenses to virtually any patient, the company says.

The custom lens offerings from Zeiss include:
• Zeiss Individual. This lens is personalized for the patient’s prescription, the shape of his or her frame and the position of the frame on the patient’s face.
• GT2 3DV. This lens is customized for the prescription and frame.
• GT2 3D. This lens is customized just for the patient’s prescription.

Also, Zeiss offers two customized single-vision lenses:
• Zeiss Individual SV. This lens is precisely customized for the patient’s prescription and frame fit.
• 3DSV. This lens is customized for the patient’s prescription.

All of these lenses are available in 1.50, 1.60 and 1.67 index material, as well as polycarbonate. All are also available in Transitions and mirror tints, and the 1.5 index material and polycarbonate are available in NuPolar polarized versions as well. Premium Zeiss or Teflon AR is included on Zeiss Individual lenses and offered for all other lenses. Go to www.vision.zeiss.com.

Photochromic Lenses
New Transitions XTRActive lenses are the darkest everyday Transitions lenses available. These are intended for patients who spend a lot of time outdoors in bright, sunny conditions and who need dark lenses in all outdoor temperatures. XTRActive lenses offer UV and glare protection—and they activate moderately behind the car windshield. These lenses are designed to have a slight tint indoors and darker to a full gray-green outdoors. The lenses are available in a range of polycarbonate, Trivex and 1.67 index materials, as well as in single vision and progressive designs. Call 1-800-848-1506, or go to www.transitionsxtractive.com.

Patient Care
Prism Bars and Sets
Prism bars and sets, from Gulden Ophthalmics, are now available in long, single- or double-row cases made of unbreakable plastic. The cases take up little counter space, and when open, the lid acts as a tray for prisms in use. The formed insert keeps prisms organized and protects them against damage. Call (215) 884-8105, or go to www.guldenophthalmics.com.

Practice Management
Equipment Communication
The Digital Communicator, from Tech Optics International, is a camera with video capabilities. It allows the user to capture and transmit images of specimens, disease analysis, etc. It features 10x to 500x magnification and LED lighting. The included software automatically attaches the photo or video to your e-mail server. An adjustable stand and specialty iris scope are available, as well as microscope eyepiece adaptors, which convert an existing microscope into a digital camera. Call 1-800-OPTICS-7 (1-800-678-4277), or go to www.techopticsinternational.com.

Website Resource Guide
The Starter Guide to Search Engine Optimization, from AllAboutVision.com, presents techniques to help doctors increase the visibility of their websites. Other tips apply for practices without websites, such as advice on how to improve Google Local Business results. This guide is a complimentary service from AllAboutVision.com. Also offered are website hit counters and listings in the site’s eye care practitioner directory. Go to www.allaboutvision.com.

Vision Screening Kiosk
Upgraded kiosks are now available from SoloHealth. The new model features an enhanced eye health risk assessment (including an easy to understand risk meter) that explains why users should seek professional eye care. Also, enhanced doctor information screens provide additional information about a practice (e.g., specialties, accepted insurance policies, hours of operation, etc.) so that consumers are more able to book an appointment. These kiosks can be placed in high-traffic retail locations, such as a supermarket, shopping mall or department store. They are free to use and provide a quick assessment of near and distance vision, while assessing risk for eye disease and providing relevant information. Of the more than 300,000 consumers who have sat down for a screening, one-fourth self-reported never having an eye exam and 38% reported their last exam was more than two years ago, says the company. Call (770) 622-4158, or go to www.solo-health.com.

Diagnostic Technology
Mini Loupes
New Mini Loupes, from Keeler, provide high-resolution 2.5x magnification and weigh 34 grams. They feature the same anti-reflective Schott glass as the company’s standard Galilean system but are 26% lighter. These mini loupes provide good visualization at a working distance of 34cm to 50cm and minimize edge distortion. The loupes are attached to a metal mounting bar for stability during use and feature a “flip up” hinge for viewing angle flexibility. All Keeler loupes are available on the Keeler Sport frame in a range of colors. This frame can be worn over glasses, or a prescription can be integrated into the supplied holder. Call 1-800-523-5620, or go to www.keelerusa.com.

What's New on the Web
Contact Lens Database
EyeDock announces its new application, available for download in the Apple iTunes store. The EyeDock app provides a contact lens database that is searchable by name, manufacturer or specific parameters. The app, which was written by two optometrists, also includes tables for keratometry-to-base curve conversion and for vertexing lens power. The app is free to download, but requires a no-charge 30-day trial subscription or paid annual subscription to EyeDock.com, an online clinical reference for eye care professionals. This subscription allows access to the online contact lens database. Go to www.eyedock.com for more information on the available searchable databases and calculators.

Online Patient Education
Alcon, Inc., introduces a new patient education and retention communication program for eye care professionals: eyeVIP. The web-based program provides a communication tool to service patients’ eye care needs. This program is intended to help doctors reach out to patients with information on eye health. One of the goals of the program is to improve patient compliance with lens care while building relationships with patients. The eyeVIP program reminds patients to care for contact lenses and glasses properly, notifies them of physician practice promotions—including valuable coupons and special offers—and reminds them of scheduled eye exams. Alcon will make this patient education program available to all eye care professional offices as a public service with no cost to the practice. Eye care professionals can receive additional information and enroll in the program through their Alcon sales representative. Go to www.eyevip.com or www.alcon.com.

Frames
ck Calvin Klein by Marchon
Marchon presents the ck Calvin Klein 2010 eyewear collection, which features seamless curves, amplified layers and bold color combinations. Striking shapes create a streamlined effect, and the contrast of metal and enamel play up the look of layers. The collection includes:

• ck1118S, a women’s round frame. This frame features a zyl face that contrasts with delicate metal temples. It is offered in size 57/17-125 and colors black, Havana, white and coral.
• ck1124S, a men’s square frame. It features a zyl front and metal and enamel contrasting temples. It comes in size 58/13-140 and colors crystal, Havana, blonde Havana, black and blue.
• ck3111S, a women’s aviator. This zyl frame features a vented bridge with a metal accent piece and subtle metal logo treatments on the temple. It is available in size 63/13-130 and colors Havana, sand, black, titian, blue, red and white.
• ck4107S, a men’s rectangular zyl sunglass. The lenses and face of the frame grade vertically to a lighter tint and create the illusion of a semi-rimless style. The metal temples feature a cutout treatment toward the tip. This style comes in 58/13-135 and colors crystal, Havana, blonde Havana, black and blue.
• ck3102S, a women’s oversized sunglass that features coordinating frame and lens colors. The semi-translucent temples showcase a metal temple treatment. This frame is available in size 58/16-130 and in colors Havana, black, amber, rosette, orchid, beige and coral.
• ck5216, a men’s semi-rimless zyl frame. This classic style features a subtle logo treatment on the temple. It comes in size 51/17-140 and in colors black, sand, Havana and gold.
• ck5217, a women’s semi-rimless soft rectangular frame. This style is available in size 50/16-135 and in colors black, brown, azure, violet and red.

Call 1-800-645-1300 or go to www.marchon.com.

Fendi by Marchon
Marchon introduces the 2010 Fendi women’s eyewear collection. The group features elegant design, luxurious materials and detailed accents. Precision and attention to detail allow for the creation of intricate, lace-like patterns on zyl temples and fronts. Leather handwork creates interest and texture, especially when presented in contrast to metal logo treatments. The collection includes:

• FS5068, a modified full-rimmed aviator with streamlined temples and a dimensional metal logo treatment. This style comes in size 61/13-130 and in colors black, white and brown.
• FS5072, an oversized round frame that features geometric temples and smooth lines. This style is available in size 60/16-125 and in colors black, Havana, pastel beige and pastel peach.
• FS5074, an oval aviator with a minimalist double-bar bridge. The slim temples echo the color of the lenses. This frame comes in size 64/10-125 and in colors black, shiny palladium, white pearl and gold.
• FS5091, an oversized sunglass that features lace-like cutouts on the face and temples. This frame is available in size 59/18-135 and in colors black, light Havana, Havana and horn.
• FS5092, an oversized square sunglass that features contrasting layers of zyl at the temple hinges. This frame comes in size 58/17-130 and in colors black, white, demi-brown gradient and wine gradient.
• FS5095, an oversized round frame that features a contrasting color on the interior of the frame. This color is echoed in the temple logo treatment. The frame is offered in size 59/16-130 and in colors black horn, Havana horn, light horn and bordeaux.
• FS5096L, an aviator that features a colored accent piece above the bridge. This frame is offered in size 60/15-135 and in colors silver, dark gunmetal, brown and gold.
• FS5097, an oversized square sunglass with a textured pattern down the center of each temple and a layer of horn on the interior of the frame. It comes in size 58/19-130 and in colors black, Havana and light Havana.
• FS5098, an oversized sunglass that features delicate contrasting temples. This style is offered in size 59/18-130 and in colors black, Havana, purple and bordeaux.

Call 1-800-645-1300 or go to www.marchon.com.

Nautica by Marchon
Marchon announces the 2010 Nautica collection for men. This line highlights classic style and incorporates subtle nautical detail. The minimalist metal frames incorporate subtle accents such as logo treatments and beveled edges—one of the hallmarks of this collection is the beveled temple tip, reminiscent of the lines of a boat’s hull. The collection includes:

• N5037S, a rounded rectangular frame that features an engraved “horizon line” logo treatment on the smooth temples. This style comes in size 58/16-135 and in colors satin black, gunmetal, army and chocolate.
• N5042S, an aviator. This sleek frame features a slim double-bar bridge and slim temples. It is available in size 58/15-135 and in colors gunmetal, satin navy and satin chocolate.
• N5047S, a collapsible metal aviator. This style features an engraved logo and polarized lenses. It comes in size 61/13-130 and gunmetal, satin navy and sail white.
• N7153, a full-rimmed ophthalmic frame that features smooth temples paired with a color-contrasted front. This frame is offered in sizes 52/16-140 and 54/16-140 and in colors jet, satin navy, satin army and satin chocolate.
• N7154, a full-rimmed frame that contrasts thicker temples with a slim front. The temples also feature a contrasting logo treatment. This frame comes in sizes 53/17-140 and 55/17-140 and in colors shiny gun, chocolate, navy and army.
• N2024, a sleek full-rimmed rectangular frame. This style is available in sizes 53/17-140 and 55/17-145 and in colors espresso, black, dark silver and light golden.

Call 1-800-645-1300 or go to www.marchon.com.

Ray-Ban Rare Prints by Luxottica
Rare Prints, the new Ray-Ban collection from Luxottica for 2010, is an eclectic lineup of colors and patterns.

• The Wayfarer this year is available in the Flowers pattern in several color variations—in blue, the print is on the front of the frame rather than the insides.
• Subway is another pattern offered for the Wayfarer. A section of the actual New York City subway map is wrapped around the frame for a very graphic presentation. Wayfarers are available with the map printed both inside and outside the frame.
• Stripes is this year’s new pattern for the Clubmaster frame. This design hearkens back to a 1950s Ray-Ban style.
• Ray-Ban Mania is available on both the Wayfarer and the Clubmaster; the logo itself becomes the decoration through a variety of creative usages.

The Wayfarer is available in size 50/22-150, and the Clubmaster comes in size 49/21-150.Call 1-800-484-3800, or go to www.luxottica.com.