GlobalCONTACT - 02/2024

ISSN:1386 0194

2

2024 (97)

Report • Meetings of ECOO and EAOO in Helsinki • 50th EFCLIN Congress

Company Profile • Valley Contax

Fitting Background • Dropouts • Myths: children and contact lenses

Interview • Roland Fromme

Eyepress Fachmedien GmbH Saarner Str. 151 45479 Muelheim a. d. Ruhr Germany

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26.02.24 09:53

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Not a question of choice Some time ago, an upset reader called our editorial team. We

than selling lenses. In addition to a thorough anamnesis of the

had featured in one of our magazines (for optometrists and

patient, a thorough inspection of the anterior segment of the

opticians) a picture of an eyewear designer who does not wear

eye is also required. This is where an optometrist demonstrates

glasses himself. This was a scandal. The reader said he had always

many aspects of his expertise. This also includes continuous

demanded that his employees – whether or not they had poor

training and the purchase of appropriate equipment.

vision – wear glasses in the practice during working hours. Only to demonstrate the support of their products.

The condition of the tear film has a significant influence on the success or failure of a contact lens fitting and how long they can

Without intending judgement on this invasion of his employees'

be worn throughout life. More and more professionals are

personalities, this shows us that for some professionals, the world

therefore offering a dry eye practice. Well-equipped contact

of vision consists primarily of two lenses and a frame. This is

lens fitters already have the equipment for qualitative and

where the music plays, this is where sales are made. Faces without

quantitative assessment of the tear film. Further training is a

glasses apparently just look too unspectacular, too blank – and

matter of course for them and they already enjoy the trust and

to prevent patients from getting any strange ideas, there are only

loyalty of their patients.

people with spectacles in this world.

The decision between spectacles and contact lenses is therefore Change of scene: At almost every contact lens conference,

not an "either/or" but a "yes both, please!". There's just one thing

someone asks people from the industry: Why are so many people

that most optometrists agree on: LASIK is out of the question. ■

wearing glasses here, do they not back their own product? And with a slightly deeper undertone to the middle-aged counterpart, he speculates: Do you not tolerate your own multifocal lenses?

Of course, there are also nitpickers here who look at our

SILKE SAGE

ophthalmic world with tunnel vision. And yet Otto Wichterle

Editor-In-Chief

or Joseph Dallos wore glasses all their lives and into old age.

silke@global-cl.com

The astute reader knows that the world of ophthalmic optics has many facets. One of these is correction with contact lenses. If you want to be successful here, you have to go one step further

ONLINE VISIT OUR BRAND NEW WEBSITE WWW.GLOBAL-CL.COM GlobalCONTACT 2-24

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WHY JOIN EFCLIN? “It’s the best form of business networking I have ever done”

“If you can’t support your own industry who can you support?”

“Everyone seems to help each other, it’s amazing”

“It’s run by its members, for its members”

“There is always someone you can contact who will have experiences you can benefit from”

“I’d pay the membership just to come to the congress”

“Why wouldn’t you?”

“A great source of information”

“It’s like having a whole network of experts available at all times”

“The members all understand each other”

“It’s our representative body”

“The congress and exhibition is the best there is”

EFCLIN OFFERS TWO TYPES OF MEMBERSHIPS:

1

Lens Manufacturers, Wholesalers & Distributors pay an Annual Subscription based upon the number of employees in their organization

2

Suppliers to the Industry and Consultants pay an Annual Subscription based upon the value of their Annual Sales to the lens manufacturing industry

VISIT EFCLIN.COM/BECOME-A-MEMBER YOU CAN FIND FULL DETAILS OF ALL THE ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION CHARGES AT EFCLIN.COM CONTACT US: INFO@EFCLIN.COM // +041 (0)41 372 1010

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CONTENT

ISSN:1386 0194

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 3

Not a question of choice Silke Sage

2

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

2024 (97)

Report • Meetings of ECOO and EAOO in Helsinki • 50th EFCLIN Congress

Company Profile

6

All about you

9

All about products

10 All about research

• Valley Contax

Fitting Background • Dropouts • Myths: children and contact lenses

45 All about markets

Interview • Roland Fromme

REPORT 14 Europe's ophthalmic optics united: Meetings of ECOO and EAOO in Helsinki Daniel Groß

Eyepress Fachmedien GmbH Saarner Str. 151 45479 Muelheim a. d. Ruhr Germany

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INDEX TO ADVERTISERS Title: Contamac, www.contamac.com

18 50th EFCLIN Congress & Exhibition Silke Sage

22 Family Business: Valley Contax Silke Sage

Inside front cover: Bausch + Lomb Inc., www.bausch.com Page 4: Efclin, www.efclin.com Page 7: K & Y Diamond Ltd,

INTERVIEW 26 Irreplaceable? PFAS in contact lenses – Interview with Dr. Roland Fromme Hanna Diewald

www.kydiamond.ca Page 11: AMETEK Precitech, Inc., www.precitech.com Page 13: SCHNEIDER GmbH & Co. KG, www.schneider-om.com Page 17: OPTOCRAFT GmbH,

MANUFACTURING 32 Time, errors, productivity, & profit: Decisions, decisions!

Erik Larsen

www.optocraft.com Page 29: Acuity Polymers, Inc, www.acuitypolymers.com Page 31, Outside back cover: DAC International, Inc., www.dac-intl.com Page 37: LAMBDA-X S.A., www.lambda-x.com Page 39: Larsen Equipment Design Inc.,

FITTING BACKGROUND 34 Dropouts: One-size-fits-most – but-not-all Eef van der Worp

38 7 myths: children and contact lensesn Silke Sage

www.larsenequipment.com

TECHNOLOGY 42 Contact Lens Cleaning with electrophoresis technology NAMES TO NOTE Beeler-Kaupke, Marion Fromme, Roland Larsen, Erik Polonyi, Philipp van der Linden, Peter van der Worp, Eef Yang, Alex

50 26 32 20 20 34 42

Alex Yang

HISTORY 32 Joseph Dallos Silke Sage

MAGAZINE 48 Yellow Pages 50 Closing words: Marion Beeler-Kaupke GlobalCONTACT 2-24

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

All about you Dr. Ed Bennett to retire as Executive Director of the GP Lens Institute

forthcoming soon. He is excited about the future of the GPLI:

After nearly 36 years at the helm, Ed Bennett, O.D., M.S.Ed.,

professional decision I have ever made. Having a passion for

F.A.A.O., F.S.L.S. will be retiring from serving as both Executive

GP lenses, this has been a 36-year dream come true. It has

Director and President of the Gas Permeable

been my privilege to work with the leadership of the Contact

Lens Institute (GPLI). Originally formed as the

Lens Manufacturers Association (CLMA), an exceptional

RGPLI in 1984, Dr. Bennett took on the role of

board of directors, and a prolific and extremely beneficial

Executive Director four years after its inception.

advisory board. Whereas I am at a time in my life where I

Dr. Bennett has spearheaded numerous

truly need to decrease my responsibilities, I’m very excited

innovative programs and resources throughout

about the future of the GPLI. With the ongoing leadership

his tenure. In 1996, the organization began

and dedication provided by Associate Director, Dr. Tom

conducting GP lens fitting workshops at schools

Quinn, and the numerous talents of our Administrative

and colleges of optometry throughout the United

Director Beth Anderzhon, I intend to work with them to help

States. In 1999, the first RGPLI (now GPLI)

make for a seamless transition for the new Executive Director.”

Cornea and Contact Lens Resident Symposium

Current CLMA President Derrell James best summarizes Dr.

was held. This program has served as a

Bennett’s impact and accomplishments: "Trying to summarize

launchpad for many of today’s contact lens leaders and continues

the impact that Ed has had on our entire industry is like trying

to be offered each August. Increasing demand has prompted

to count every grain of sand on all the beaches – it simply

Dr. Bennett and his GPLI team to launch a second symposium

cannot be done. Every person he has touched through his life

scheduled to take place in Glendale, AZ in October of this year.

as an educator is what he will be remembered for, but the real

With the development of the internet, in the year 2000 Dr.

work has been behind the scenes. It is through countless hours

Bennett began hosting an online chat, which evolved into today’s

and meetings with GPLI committees and advisory board,

popular monthly GPLI webinar series. Under Dr. Bennett’s

universities, content developers, media, and experts in industry,

guidance, the RGPLI was renamed the GPLI in 2003 and in 2019

where Ed has truly made the impact. He has championed the

became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

work to provide the best possible partnerships with doctors

In 2021 Dr. Bennett began developing several GPLI volunteer

for decades and does so in an impeccable manner. GPLI's

committees. These have grown to include nearly a hundred

motto is 'First in Education', and we will sorely miss Ed's

experts in specialty contact lens care in 15 committees who

infectious enthusiasm, drive, and relentless pursuit of

willingly share their knowledge and experience with the GPLI

excellence. However, the true testament to success is found in

and its audience.

the love of his family, friends, and those whose lives he has

Dr. Bennett is also Professor Emeritus at the University of

touched. Like those many grains of sand on the beach, Ed's

Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry and has earned

inestimable contributions confirm his career has been

numerous accolades, including induction to both the National

extraordinarily successful.”

Ed Bennett

“Becoming Director of the GPLI has been – by far – the greatest

Optometry Hall of Fame and AAO Hall of Fame.

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Dr. Bennett plans to step down from his current position by

Contributed by Tom Quinn to CLMA, O.D. M.S., F.A.A.O., F.S.L.S. & adapted

the end of 2024. A search for a new executive director will be

from the publication in Contact Lens Spectrum on 6/9/24

BostonSight launched Beyond the Fit

matter their expertise in specialty lenses. Beyond the Fit

BostonSight has launched Beyond the Fit, a comprehensive

encompasses multiple programs, allowing practitioners to

consultation and fitting support program that provides

choose what work s w it h t heir schedu le a nd needs:

BostonSight Scleral lens practitioners tools for ongoing

Comprehensive Success Team provides access to fitting

success.

consultants, lab technicians, and account support coast to

Obtaining a diagnostic FitKit or scanning the eye for digital

coast. First Fit Free gives new practices their first patient fit

lens design is just the beginning of obtaining a successful

free when ordered within 30 days of joining the BostonSight

patient experience. BostonSight Scleral goes ‘Beyond the Fit’

Scleral network. With FitAssist vouchers, practitioners earn

to ensure practitioners feel confident in fitting patients, no

free lenses for patients in financial need. FitConnect is an GlobalCONTACT 2-24

30.08.24 16:04

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

online ordering and management platform where practitioners

in select regions around the country. FitSmart goes Beyond

can register patients, design lenses, add customizations, print

the Fit to educate on critical troubleshooting strategies that

prescriptions, track orders and manage invoices, which is

go beyond lens fitting mechanics and address the medical

available 24/7. FitSmart offers educational support, including

management and co-management of ocular conditions that

online seminars and fitting tips, and dine and learn sessions

can be treated with scleral lenses.

CooperVision production site receives honors

environmental footprint and contributing to sustainable

CooperVision's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located

development in Puerto Rico.

in Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico, recently received top honors at the

The company received an award for its combined heat and power

15th annual Puerto Rico Sustainability Best Practices, Health

plant (CHP) project, focused on leadership in decarbonization.

and Safety Summit. The Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association

By capturing and reusing excess heat and avoiding distribution

(PRMA) recognized the site with six prestigious awards for its

losses, the company’s new natural gas-fueled CHP is significantly

programs and practices relating to its sustainability and

more efficient than conventional on-site diesel, natural gas, or

occupational health and safety commitments.

propane-powered generators. It also requires less fuel to produce

The company was given the Platinum Recycling Award, which

the same amount of energy when compared to traditional

is presented to an organization that exemplifies best practice

generation of power. Additionally, the company was also recognized

standards in alternate energy and sustainability by achieving

with three other awards; the Waste in Minimization Award;

greater than 90 percent recycling rates. CooperVision also earned

Honorific Mention: LEED Certification; and the President’s Award,

Sustainability Gold for the site’s excellence in reducing the

given to companies who exemplify excellence in workplace safety.

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CONTACT LENS AND IOL DAC Optoform Moore Nanotech UPL Precitech Nanoform REM Vision

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30.08.24 11.06.19 16:04 10:55

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Menicons global logistics center has started operation

Japan and Komaki centers, delivers contact lenses to clients and

Menicon has established their global logistics center in Yachiyo

Menicon reports that the global logistics enter has the largest

City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, as a contact lens distribution

capacity in the company to accommodate future increases

center and commenced full-scale operations on May 7, 2024.

in the number of product items and inventories and they

The company previously operated four logistics centers in Japan,

will realize a reduction in workload and manpower with

customers all over Japan as well as across the world.

including three domestic

operational automation and digitalization to develop a new

centers in Nagoya, Northern

logistics system suitable for their sales strategy. The location of

Japan, and Western Japan, and

the new logistics center is expected to further improve domestic

one international center in

service levels in the Kanto area and given its access to Tokyo

Kom a k i . I n a d d it ion to

Port and Narita Airport enables efficient import and export

importing foreign products,

of products. The warehouse work is outsourced to Fukuyama

the newly established global

Transporting Co., Ltd. by leasing the Chiba Yachiyo branch

logistics center, integrating the

of Fukuyama Transporting, which was newly established in

functions of the Northern

September 2023.

GPLI student membership resource opportunity

contact lens externship", "The benefits of a cornea and contact

The GP Lens Institute is developing a resource for student members

lens residency", and "Why you should consider contact lens

as well as cornea and contact lens residents which will provide

specialty practice". The brochure will provide a link to a specific

a list of all awards, travel grants, and scholarships they can apply

page on the students/residents tab on www.gpli.info where they

for and the contact information for the provider. The general

can access all of the awards, travel grants and scholarships. If a

information about awards, travel grants, and scholarships will

company does provide any of these benefits, the can provide the

be provided in one panel of a forthcoming brochure which will

specific information to Ed Bennett at ebennett@umsl.edu if they

also include panels on "Why you should consider a cornea and

want it to be included in this student member resource.

Bausch + Lomb introduced SiHy dailies for astigmatism in the U.S.

comfort and minimizes contact lens dryness, according

Bausch + Lomb Corporation announced the U.S. introduction

The contact lens for astigmatism features a blend of

of Bausch + Lomb Infuse for astigmatism daily disposable

osmoprotectants, electrolytes and moisturizers, essential

contact lenses. Engineered with a lens material infused

comfort and eye health ingredients that are released

with ProBalance Technology and the company’s proprietary

throughout the 16-hour wearing experience. The lens material

OpticAlign design, the contact lens for Astigmatism

(kalifilcon A) combines high overall moisture (55%) and

provides astigmatic patients clear, stable vision, all-day

high breathability (107 Dk/t) with a low modulus for comfort.

to the company.

Dr Mark Eddleston receives EFCLIN Award Dr Mark Eddleston, Project Manager in Contamac's R&D team, received the EFCLIN Award at the 50th Annual Congress in April.

Over 2 years, Mark collaborated with EUROMCONTACT and EFCLIN to compile a dossier advocating for the exemption of Gas Permeable (GP) Contact Lenses from the EU's upcoming PFAS ban. Recognising the critical role of PFAS in lens performance, Mark prepared a peer-reviewed paper, conducted a socioeconomic analysis, and compiled 100+ pages of documentation, showcasing the lack of alternatives and low toxicity of PFAS. With the industry's support, his comprehensive work is anticipated to positively impact the EU's decision.

Contamac is proud of Mark’s dedication and expertise, highlighting his invaluable contributions to the sector and his well-deserved accolade.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

All about products Boston® Materials: A Five-Time Favorite in the EyeVote Readers’ Choice Awards Boston Materials has once again been honored as the favorite gas permeable lens brand by the EyeVote Readers’ Choice Awards, marking an impressive fifth consecutive year of recognition. This accolade reflects the brand's unwavering commitment to quality and innovation in the eye care industry.

The Boston suite of GP lens materials enables eye care providers to address a wide range of visual needs with specialized designs. Boston XO® and Boston XO2® are engineered for high oxygen delivery without compromising on lens performance or surface wetting characteristics. These materials are excellent options for spherical and aspherical lenses used to correct myopia, hyperopia, and irregular corneal conditions like keratoconus.

Discover more about Boston Materials and their award-winning products at www.fit-boston.eu.

KY Diamond Launches Comprehensive Customer Portal KY Diamond proudly announces a new customer portal that will be active by Sept 1 2024 It will provide clients with detailed access to their tool history and data on repairs, measurements (height, radius, rake), and customer-specific information. It will also link to purchase orders, order confirmations, work orders, packing slips, and final invoices, streamlining the documentation process.

“This value-added feature addresses our customers' demand for instant, detailed tool information,” said sales engineer Hugh McAllister The 2nd phase will be launching by Q1 2025. It will add tool inventory, drawings, spec sheets, and test reports. For more information, visit www.kydiamond.ca or contact our customer service team at: sales@kydiamond.ca

GlobalCONTACT 2-24

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

All about research

Glaucoma detection, contact lens disinfection, PFAS Recently, research teams have presented two different new smart contact lenses that could one day help to measure eye pressure for the early detection of glaucoma. Researchers say hydroquinine could be an effective naturally occurring disinfecting solution for contact lenses and help combat keratitis infections.

O

Researchers in Japan have found a way to convert PFAS into harmless compounds. By Rebekka Nurkanovic

Dual-circuit smart contact lens for glaucoma detection

that accurately measures and wirelessly transmits real-time

Scientists reported a prototype “smart” contact lens that measures

First, Xiao and the team designed two miniature spiral circuits,

eye pressure accurately, regardless of temperature in ACS Applied

each with a unique natural vibration pattern that would change

Materials & Interfaces.

when stretched by minute amounts, such as with changes to an

A slight increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) is usually not

eye’s pressure and diameter. To create pressure-detecting contact

noticed by those affected and is only detected by an

lenses, the researchers sandwiched these tiny circuits between

ophthalmologist. Increased IOP can lead to glaucoma, a group

layers of polydimethylsiloxane, a typical contact lens material.

of eye diseases in which the optic nerve is damaged and visual

Then they wirelessly read the embedded circuits’ vibration

impairment can result.

patterns by holding a coil near the lens that was connected to a

Researchers have been testing ways to detect tiny fluctuations

computer. The transmitted signals were unaffected by tests meant

in pressure continuously and more comfortably, such as contact

to mimic eye movement, extended exposure to moisture (to

lenses that transmit signals to receptor glasses. However,

simulate damp conditions in the eye), and daily wear and tear.

changing temperatures can throw off the lenses’ measurements.

In laboratory tests, the researchers placed the new lenses on

Dengbao Xiao and coworkers wanted to develop a contact lens

three individual pig eye specimens while controlling the ocular

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signals about eye pressure across a wide range of temperatures.

▪U

▪O

▪I m

▪E c

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

pressures and temperatures. The contact lenses monitored and wirelessly transmitted pressure data from 50 to 122 degrees F. When pressures were calculated from the signal of only one circuit in the lens, the results deviated up to 87% from the true values. However, when information from both circuits was used, the pressure readings differed by only 7% from the true value because the combination removed temperature-related errors. The researchers say that their dual-circuit “smart” lens design has potential to be used for accurate early detection and monitoring of glaucoma, even in a wide range of temperatures.

This “smart” contact lens could someday help measure eye pressure and send wireless signals to enable early detection of glaucoma. Image: Adapted from ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 2024, DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c02289

DOI 10.1021/acsami.4c02289 Source: American Chemical Society

Smart contact lens for glaucoma detection with electrically passive sensor

wirelessly so it can be analyzed by an ophthalmologist and a diagnosis

Academics from the United Kingdom and Turkey have

Torun, of Northumbria University; and Professors Günhan Dündar

developed a contact lens which can detect changes in eye

and Arda D. Yalcinkaya, of Boğaziçi University, in Istanbul, and

pressure which signal possible glaucoma.

has been published in Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, the official

The new contact lenses contain micro-sensors which monitor changes

Journal of the British Contact Lens Association. Their paper sets

in IOP over a period of several hours, sending the data collected

out the findings from their initial pilot study of six participants.

can be given. The research has been carried out by Professor Hamdi

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

comfortable and less flexible lens. The GlakoLens contact lenses use an electrically passive sensor embedded in a disposable soft contact lens, and a wearable electronic readout system to collect, store and process the data – making the lens more comfortable.

One of the advantages of using the contact lenses to diagnose glaucoma instead of a conventional examination is that the measurements can be taken more easily over a longer period of time, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis, as intraocular pressure can fluctuate greatly within a day. With the newly developed contact lenses, patients can go about their normal Professor Hamdi Torun pictured with the contact lens.

Picture: Simon Veit-Wilson/Northumbria University.

daily routine after insertion of the lenses, while their IOP measurements are recorded and sent to a doctor for analysis at the end of the 24-hour test phase.

Having determined that the technology works successfully, they

In addition to intraocular pressure, the lenses can also measure

now plan to carry out a further study with a larger group of

various molecules present in the eye and Professor Torun sees

participants, which will take place over the next year. The lenses

great potential in the technology for the early diagnosis of

will then be made commercially available through their spin-off

glaucoma and other diseases.

company GlakoLens.

Previous contact lenses for IOP measurement have used an

DOI 10.1016/j.clae.2023.102102

electrically active silicon chip, which results in a thicker, less

Source: Northumbria University

Organic compound could prevent contact lens eye infections

The team behind the discovery, from the University of

Microbial keratitis is one of the most serious potential complications

Rajabhat universities in Thailand, has now explored the potential

for contact lens wearers. It’s an infection of the cornea that is

use of multipurpose formulas containing hydroquinine as a

caused by bacteria; the most common being Pseudomonas

disinfectant for contact lenses.

aeruginosa. A new study suggests a naturally-occurring material

They examined the antibacterial, anti-adhesion, and anti-biofilm

is an effective disinfectant for contact lenses. Hydroquinine,

properties of hydroquinine-formulated multi-purpose solutions

an organic compound found in the bark of some trees, is known

(MPSs), and then compared it to two commercial MPSs; Opti-free

to have bacterial killing activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Replenish and Q-eye. The natural compound killed 99.9 per cent

and several other clinically important germs.

of bacteria at the time of disinfection. The paper, published in

Portsmouth in England and Naresuan and Pibulsongkram

Antibiotics, says these findings may aid in the development of novel disinfectants aimed at combating the P. aeruginosa bacteria.

Lead author, Sattaporn Weawsiangsang from the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences at Naresuan University, is currently a visiting researcher at the University of Portsmouth. She said: “Our initial findings suggest that soaking contact lenses in a multi-purpose solution containing hydroquinine is possibly helpful to prevent contamination and infection. “However, further investigation is needed to determine whether hydroquinine itself also has adverse reactions or toxicity. “We are continuing to test the compound on a number of cells, and so far, the results are really promising. This potential development could contribute to the creation of new disinfectants from natural products, effectively combating P. aeruginosa infections and reducing cases of corneal infections.”

The paper concludes by recommending further research examining the effectiveness of hydroquinine with several different contact lens materials, and against other pathogenic microorganisms.

The structural characterization of P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 as a representative strain in different tested solutions: (A) PBS, (B) 100% MPS A, (C) hydroquinine (HQ) 2.50 mg/mL, and (D) HQ 2.50 mg/mL with 100% MPS A. The images are presented at a magnification of 10,000× using the FE-SEM. Picture: University of Portsmouth 12

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DOI 10.3390/antibiotics13010056 Source: University of Portsmouth GlobalCONTACT 2-24

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New method uses light to clean up forever chemicals Commonly known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are notorious for persisting in the environment and in our bodies. Researchers at Ritsumeikan University, Japan, have proposed a roomtemperature defluorination method for the treatment of PFAS. Their study, published in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition in June, details a photocatalytic method that uses visible light to break down PFAS and other fluorinated polymers (FPs) at room temperature into fluorine ions. Using this method, the researchers achieved 100% defluorination of perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) within eight hours of light exposure. Professor Yoichi Kobayashi, the lead author of the study, says that the proposed methodology is promising for

reduction potential that break down the strong carbon-fluorine

the effective decomposition of diverse perfluoroalkyl substances

bonds in PFAS molecules. Prof. Kobayashi expressed his conviction

under gentle conditions.

that the technique will contribute to the development of recycling

The proposed method involves irradiating visible LED light onto

technologies for fluorine elements, which are used in various

cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanocrystals and copper-doped CdS

industries. An illustrated summary of the process can be read

(Cu-CdS) nanocrystals with surface ligands of mercaptopropionic

on the webpage of Ritsumeikan University.

acid (MPA) in a solution containing PFAS, FPs, and triethanolamine (TEOA). The researchers found that irradiating these

DOI: 10.1002/anie.202408687

semiconductor nanocrystals generates electrons with a high

Source: Ritsumeikan University

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REPORT

Europe's ophthalmic optics united Meetings of ECOO and EAOO in Helsinki This year's annual EAOO congress took place from May 10 to 12, 2024 in Helsinki – capital of the happiest country in the world, as the invitation stated. The spring meeting of the European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO) took place at the same time as the academy event. Both are fundamentally united in their efforts to achieve greater recognition of optometry and ophthalmology throughout Europe. By Daniel Groß

Finland is well worth a visit. The country in the far north was

de France (FNOF) as a member of ECOO. In his address to the

recently named either the happiest, most livable or healthiest

ECOO members, the president of the FNOF, Hugues Verdier-

country in the world. It was even named the happiest country in

Davioud, gave some background information on the French

the world for the seventh time in a row in 2024 by the UN World

association and its members. He emphasized his conviction that

Happiness Report.

optometrists are health professionals serving the public and that

Anyone who wanted to see for themselves at the beginning of

the FNOF is striving for better recognition of their professional

May was also lucky enough to attend the two parallel conferences

skills in France, particularly through the implementation of the

of the European optician’s/optometrists’ associations ECOO and

Bologna agreements. He looked forward to working with his

EAOO. Membership required, of course.

colleagues in the ECOO to achieve greater recognition of

The impressive location of the Scandic Marina Congress Center,

optometry throughout Europe.

situated directly by the sea and in the immediate vicinity of Helsinki's

The members also voted unanimously in favor of the return of

market square and city center, provided the perfect setting.

the Panhellenic Union of Opticians and Optometrists (PEOO) to ECOO membership. ECOO now has 25 European countries

TWO NEW MEMBERS

represented by 46 member associations.

At the ECOO general assembly on May 11 members voted

During the general assembly, Dr. Sandra Block, President of the

unanimously to accept the Fédération Nationale des Opticiens

World Council of Optometry (WCO), gave a presentation to

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REPORT

the members. Block highlighted three important initiatives.

delve deeper into the various technologies that could be used

First, she encouraged members to consider participating in the

in clinical and business practice, as well as the advantages and

WCO's optometry course in advocacy and leadership (Opal).

disadvantages of these technologies. Clinical sessions covered

She also summarized the recently published competency

how to deliver eye care to patients at home, dispensing to

framework for optometry and provided some insights into the

children, managing delegated tasks and the need for new

global state of optometry survey, which is due to be published

guidelines on the content of an eye examination.

in the coming months.

In the final panel discussion, Fabienne Eckert and Ann Blackmore

There was also a presentation by Sarah Bartz from the German

from the ECOO Secretariat discussed how associations could

Nuremberg-based market research institute GfK. In a market

try to inform or influence policy and politicians at national and

update, Bartz explained that the ophthalmic optics market is

European level in the run-up to and after the elections. They

showing signs of recovery after the pandemic but has not yet

highlighted ways in which the ECOO manifesto published earlier

returned to pre-pandemic levels. She also explained the impact

this year could be used by members.

of changing consumer trends and future trends. She gave members advance notice of a survey of opticians that GfK planned to conduct in collaboration with ECOO in summer 2024. The aim of the survey is to gain a better understanding of developments

About ECOO: The European Council of Optometry and Optics

in ophthalmology across Europe.

(ECOO) was founded in 1992 through a merger of the

PRESENTATIONS, WORKSHOPS, DISCUSSIONS

the Pan European Group (PEG). The association represents

In addition to the formal business of the general assembly, ECOO members were also treated to a packed program of presentations, workshops and discussions covering a wide range of topics. In particular, the future role of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare was addressed in a presentation by Dr. Ishita Barua. In a lively workshop by Dr. Daniel Hardiman-McCartney and Ian Humphries from the

Groupement des Opticiens du Marché Commun (GOMAC) and the interests of optometrists and opticians throughout Europe.

Its members are national professional associations from 25 countries, which together represent more than 150,000 opticians and optometrists. The aim of ECOO is to promote eye health to the public across borders and to harmonize the clinical and educational standards of optometric and optical practice throughout Europe.

UK College of Optometrists, members had the opportunity to GlobalCONTACT 2-24

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Hugues Verdier-Davioud, president of the FNOF (center) with ECOO president Matjaž Mihelčič and president-elect Gabriëlle Janssen. Picture: ECOO

The ECOO dinner was organized by the Finnish Association of Vision and Eye Care.

Picture: ECOO

SEE YOU AGAIN – MID OCTOBER IN HAMBURG

of May. It was jointly organized by the EAOO and the Finnish

The ECOO autumn conference will take place in Hamburg,

Association for Vision and Ophthalmology NÄE ry. This year's

Germany, from October 11 to 13, 2024 and will be organized by

edition, themed "advancing optometry and optics through

the three German ECOO members, the central association of

technology and shared care", offered a wide range of content,

opticians and optometrists (Zentralverband der Augenoptiker

including five workshops, 36 hours of educational presentations

und Optometristen ZVA), the association of German contact lens

and 22 posters on display.

specialists and optometrists (Vereinigung Deutscher Contactlinsen-

The conference was attended by 472 people from 37 different

Spezialisten und Optometristen VDCO) and the scientific

countries, with a further 40 people taking the opportunity to

association for optometry and ophthalmic optics (Wissenschaftliche

follow the event's presentations remotely via a digital event

Vereinigung für Augenoptik und Optometrie WVAO).

platform.

15TH EAOO ANNUAL CONFERENCE

CONTENT AND NETWORKING

The conference of the European Academy of Optometry and

The lecture program included keynote speeches by Dr. Sandra

Optics (EAOO) celebrated its 15th anniversary at the beginning

Block (WCO) and Prof. Dr. Leonard Witkamp. WCO president Block discussed the role of optometrists in the prevention of vision problems in her presentation "Ensuring we as

About EAOO: The European Academy of Optometry and Optics (EAOO) is dedicated to providing a voice for the advancement of optometry and ophthalmic optics, the development of the scientific knowledge base and the support and promotion of lifelong learning for optometrists, opticians, vision scientists and all those involved in ophthalmology throughout Europe. The main strategic objectives of the member organization are to develop the scientific knowledge of optometry and ophthalmic optics, to support education and research, and to promote the science and practice of optometry and ophthalmic optics for the benefit of the public.

The academy was founded in 2009 on the occasion of the ECOO spring meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland.

primary eyecare providers are part of the action to address preventable visual impairment: WCO’s role!".

Dr. Leonard Witkamp (professor of telemedicine, Amsterdam) explored the future of ophthalmology in his presentation "The hospital in 2030, is it in your eye care practice? - The digital care pathway and the role of ophthalmology practices, optometrists and ophthalmologists".

In addition to the presentations, the conference offered attendees a valuable opportunity to network with industry professionals, visit the exhibition, exchange ideas and gain new insights through workshops, discussions and networking events.

LOVELL-PATEL SUCCEEDS STANKOVA Marking her appointment as the new president, Rupal LovellPatel thanked Liliana Stankova, who previously held the position,

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Rupal Lovell-Patel is the new President of the Academy.

Picture: EAOO

The conference of the European Academy of Optometry and Optics took place for the 15th time. Pictures: EAOO

for her hard work and commitment to ensuring that the academy

hospitality of our Finnish colleagues from the Association

supports and develops the professions of optometry and

of Vision and Eyecare. The program was filled with a variety

ophthalmic optics.

of content. Excellent networking opportunities with

"It was a great pleasure to finally go to Helsinki and

colleagues from all over the world and with partners from

experience an EAOO annual conference," Lovell-Patel told

the industry. It was a great pleasure to start my presidency

GlobalCONTACT. "The joint conference was supposed to

during this great conference."

take place in 2020, but due to the pandemic, it was held as a virtual conference in 2021. This made our 15th conference

The next EAOO conference will be in 2025 in Ljubljana, Slovenia,

very special as we finally had the opportunity to enjoy the

May 16 to 18. n

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REPORT

Photos: Silke Sage

The Board at the beginning of the Annual General Meeting

EFCLIN President Armin Duddek

Armin Duddek, Ken Payne and Dr. Johannes Pfund

Congress dinner in Vilamoura

50th EFCLIN Congress European Association of Contact Lens Manufacturers met in Vilamoura The EFCLIN Congress & Exhibition, from April 25-37, 2024, took place this year in Vilamoura, Portugal. The lovely resort town in Portugal's famous Algarve region attracted 335 visitors from 41 countries, who came to learn about products from participating exhibitors. This was flanked by a high-class conference, which offered interesting lectures and workshops for both the contact lens and IOL industry. By Silke Sage

This edition of the EFCLIN Congress & Exhibition marked a

With 335 participants from 41 countries, the congress once again

special anniversary: representatives of the contact lens industry

underlined its relevance and internationality for the contact lens

and interested parties met for the 50th time. Due to the years

and IOL industry. Most participants came from the United

affected by the corona epidemic, the anniversary of the congress

Kingdom (68), followed by the USA (43), Germany (34), Italy

did not coincide with the anniversary of the association, which

(26) and the Netherlands (21). The other participants came from

had already taken place in Sitges, Spain in 2022.

almost every region of the world.

Visitors to the congress had the opportunity to attend various

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lectures as well as workshops, complemented by poster sessions

PFAS THREAT AND AN AWARD FOR DR. MARK EDDLESTON

and technical presentations and the annual general meeting of

The role of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and their

the federation. At the exhibition, participants were able to view

ban or derogation continues to preoccupy the industry. Laure-

or see demonstrations of tools, the latest machines and

Anne Copel from Euromcontact provided the latest information

instruments, as well as software, accessories and consumables.

on this topic in her presentation.

GlobalCONTACT 2-24

29.08.24 10:45

REPORT

Dr. Roland Fromme and Dr. Mark Eddleston (left)

Andy Chryssolor receives the 6th EFCLIN Laureate Award

Dr. Mark Eddleston receives the EFCLIN Award 2024

In this context, Dr. Mark Eddleston from Contamac has done

LAUREATE AWARD FOR ANDY CHRYSSOLOR

outstanding work in recent years and this was recognized

This year, Andy Chryssolor received an additional award for

accordingly at the end of the congress. He received the EFCLIN

his services to the contact lens and IOL industry and his life's

Award in the presence of the guests attending.

work. This award is not given lightly. The previous recipients

The laudatory speech was given by Alan Bennett. In his speech,

were David Walker in 1998, Wim Aalbers in 2011, Marcel Kopito

he emphasized that he was not just looking at faces of industry

in 2015, John McGregor in 2017 and John Smith-Ruddick in

members. Above all, he sees friends and family. And everyone

2019, the latter of whom also gave the laudatory speech as a

has to deal with challenges, be they political, financial or

close companion of Andy Chryssolor. As one of the founding

regulatory. A threat like the one currently hovering over the

members of the association, Andy quickly earned the nickname

industry is causing sleepless nights for many, he said. And he

Mr. EFCLIN and is said not to have missed a single congress.

added: “This is a significant threat to the entire branch. So

Some of his stations took him from Allergan to B+L, Nissel to

many people have shown outstanding efforts here, from the

Contour. During his time at Nissel, he proved to be very

material manufacturers, the association and Euromcontact. It

dedicated, and this is certainly the time when he made the

shows how important the issue is. Dr. Mark Eddleston stands

biggest and most lasting impression on the majority of the

out as a person who has never tired of delving into the matter

guests present. In the last issue of GlobalCONTACT Andy gave

and looking for solutions and alternatives where there seem to

us an insight into this time.

be none. He has spent many hours, days, weeks and months on

After this highlight of the event, we look ahead to the coming year.

this subject and has made an outstanding contribution from

Mark your Calendar: From April 10 - 12, the EFCLIN Congress

which the entire industry benefits."

will travel north and take place in Lillestrom / Oslo, Norway.

GlobalCONTACT 2-24

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Speed date: Meet the new board members of EFCLIN There were a number of changes to the EFCLIN board this

international experience combined with industry-wide activities

year. Johannes Pfund from Optocraft (Germany) had been a

can be beneficial to the EFCLIN community.

member since 2017 and could not be re-elected after seven years of service. However, two new members were welcomed:

GlobalCONTACT: What are your goals and plans for your upcoming

Philipp Polonyi (Falco Linsen AG) and Peter van der Linden

time as a board member?

(Menicon, B.V.). Meet the new board members.

Peter van der Linden: I will first have to learn what it means to be a

GlobalCONTACT: What is your professional background and which

board member. I know I am

of your skills are of particular value to EFCLIN?

expected to contribute but I

Philipp Polonyi: I had the privilege of serving on various boards

learn by listening and asking

throughout my career in this industry, where I gained valuable

questions. Providing ideas for

experience in governance and strategic decision-making within

next year’s congress will be a

multidisciplinary and multinational teams. Holding an MBA from Warwick Business School provided me with a comprehensive skill set that

P hi li

p p Po l o n y i

short-term goal for me.

Philipp Polonyi: My primary goal as a board member is to serve

Pet

er va

n der Lind

en

complements my professiona l

and support our members and industry

experiences. Additionally, I have been

effectively. While this may seem obvious, it is crucial to consider

fortunate to gain experience across

this responsibility in the context of the diverse landscape of our

different parts of the value chain, both

membership, which includes companies of varying sizes, ownership

as a supplier to contact lens and

structures, positions in the value chain, and nationalities.

intraocular lens manufacturers and as

As board members, it is our duty to identify and address the

a finished device manufacturer.

common denominators that unite companies across this spectrum.

While it is ultimately for others to

It is key to represent these shared interests while also looking

determine which of my skills are most valuable

ahead to anticipate future challenges and opportunities. By doing

to EFCLIN, I believe my expertise in long-term

so, we can ensure that our actions and decisions benefit the entire

strategic planning and my global market perspective will be

industry, fostering growth and resilience.

beneficial. Above all, I am eager to collaborate with my fellow

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board members and leverage our diverse skill sets to achieve

GlobalCONTACT: What excites you about serving as a board member?

our collective goals.

Philipp Polonyi: Whether it is through contact lenses or

Peter van der Linden: I have a master’s degree in computer

intraocular lenses, or the advanced equipment, metrology,

science from the days when personal computers started to find

software and materials (etc.) our members provide, our industry

their way to people’s homes. I had software engineering and

continually enhances the quality of life for countless individuals.

system engineering roles in wireless communication industry

This motivates me deeply and I see my role as an EFCLIN board

before I grew into management roles. I worked abroad in several

member as an opportunity to contribute further to this.

of these roles and also internationally with colleagues from

Peter van der Linden: Being part of an international team of

competitors to achieve a common goal. Seven years ago, I joined

people with a common goal. Learning more about our industry

Menicon and the medical devices industry. I think that the

and its needs and then working on moving it forward.

GlobalCONTACT 2-24

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REPORT

The new elected EFCLIN Board with Dr. Johannes Pfund leaving

GlobalCONTACT: What have you achieved so far (for EFCLIN)?

opinion, the biggest challenge we face – adapting and progressing.

Peter van der Linden: After the congress in Vilamoura we

However, I am confident that, collectively, we will find ways to

started to evaluate the event and plan for the next one during

address the new hurdles, particularly concerning innovation.

an online meeting. I cannot say there was already an achievement on my behalf.

GlobalCONTACT: How can EFCLIN continue to increase its number

Philipp Polonyi: It may be premature to discuss specific

of members?

achievements at this stage, particularly since any accomplishments

Philipp Polonyi: It would be presumptuous of me to claim that

within the EFCLIN board are inherently collective. Nevertheless,

I have all the answers at this stage of my joining of the board.

I aim to contribute a perspective based on my extensive experience

However, in my initial months with EFCLIN, I observed a strong

across various segments of the industry and the value chain.

commitment by the board to understanding how best to serve

Throughout my career, I gained insights from both supplier and

our members and to proactively anticipate future challenges and

device manufacturer roles, encompassing businesses of varying

opportunities. This approach aims to empower current members

sizes. This diversity has equipped me to understand the diverse

and create an attractive environment for potential new ones.

pressures and interests that EFCLIN members may experience.

Drawing from my experience in previous roles and now with Falco Linsen AG, I have seen firsthand the value that EFCLIN

GlobalCONTACT: What does the industry need most right now?

brings through the EFCLIN congress. It provides a vital space

Peter van der Linden: Move forward beyond MDR registration.

for industry professionals to engage, forge strategic partnerships,

Start to work with the new regulation with our legacy products

and stay abreast of developments. By continually enhancing

and introduce new products within this new reality.

these networking opportunities and ensuring they address

Philipp Polonyi: There is no denying that our industry faces new

evolving member needs, EFCLIN not only strengthens its

challenges in sustaining innovation under today's regulatory

existing community but also fosters an environment that

framework. However, I believe that innovation can and must

encourages new members to join.

thrive, albeit through a different prism. Collaboration emerges as

Peter van der Linden: We already have members outside of

a pivotal strategy in this regard. By embracing collaboration as a

Europe, but this amount can grow. Europe deserves our

cornerstone of their innovation strategy, companies may be able

continued attention but like the CE mark is also accepted outside

to drive advancements that benefit patients and practitioners alike.

of Europe, EFCLIN can be of interest to companies and

The EFCLIN community, particularly through its annual congress,

associations from other continents.

stands poised as a pivotal platform for fostering such collaborations.

GlobalCONTACT: What would you like to say to the members of GlobalCONTACT: What are the biggest challenges in our industry

EFCLIN?

right now?

Philipp Polonyi: I am delighted to have joined the board and

Peter van der Linden: Next to the previous topic this would be

greatly appreciate the trust placed in Peter and me by the

to make sure products remain available to the end users. Even

members during the last AGM in Vilamoura. I look forward to

when MDR approval and discussion on PFAS may make the

collaborate now with my fellow board members and to collectively

near future uncertain for the industry.

make a positive contribution to our industry!

Philipp Polonyi: Regulatory changes have significantly reshaped

Peter van der Linden: Thank you for your confidence in having

the landscape, requiring considerable adaptation from

me on the board of your association. Looking forward to meeting

manufacturers. However, I do not want to solely focus on MDR

you at EFCLIN 51 in Lilleström / Oslo, Norway.

matters, as it is clear that these changes are here to stay, and our industry must find ways to move forward. This is, in my GlobalCONTACT 2-24

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GlobalCONTACT: Thank you very much for the interview.

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Photos: Silke Sage

Irreplaceable? PFAS in contact lenses An interview with Roland Fromme from Wöhlk Contactlinsen The potential PFAS ban within the EU also affects the ophthalmic optics industry and the contact lens industry in particular. After all, rigid gas permeable (RGP) and, in some cases, soft contact lenses are given their very special and important material properties thanks to PFAS. But are PFAS in contact lenses potentially dangerous at all? What would be the consequences of a ban? And can RGPs theoretically be produced without PFAS? Expert Roland Fromme answered these and other questions for GlobalCONTACT in the following interview. By Hanna Diewald

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Since 2023, an ECHA draft has been in place that proposes a

To your knowledge, which ophthalmic optical aids contain PFAS?

comprehensive ban on all PFAS compounds in the EU in the

To put it briefly: almost all of them. And this doesn't just concern

form of a restriction procedure under REACH. As part of the

ophthalmic optics1. If you are thinking of a durable, stable,

European Green Deal, the objective is to significantly enhance

universally applicable plastic material with good adhesive and

protection for people and the environment by restricting or

sliding properties in a medical context, you will most likely

banning substances that are persistent and harmful to health.

also find PFAS2 in the formulation.

According to contact lens expert Fromme, this scenario also

Of course and rightly so, the ‘eternal chemicals’ have also been

threatens essential fields of application and high-tech products.

reported and discussed in optometry and optician networks

It should be noted that the potential ban could apply across all

for some time, as RGP and silicone hydrogel contact lenses in

sectors and to all PFAS structures with and without evidence

most cases contain a PFAS component. The widespread use in

of their specific effects on health. According to Fromme, the

high-tech products and production processes can be explained

envisaged transitional periods of 1.5 to 13.5 years, depending

in particular by the often hydrophobic material properties in

on the availability of alternatives, do not provide sufficient

combination with the desired durability. This also applies to

reassurance.

optical coating applications and various special polymers for

Roland Fromme is the head of the chemical department at the

contact lenses. Incidentally, these product groups together

manufacturer Wöhlk Contactlinsen. The expert has more than

account for a market share of at least 75%3. Accordingly, up to

30 years of experience with polymers for contact lenses. He is

three out of four current contact lens wearers would be directly

involved in the synthesis and formulation of all types of

affected by a ban. People who wear spectacles also use PFAS,

transparent polymers using various manufacturing processes.

e.g. through the use of anti-fogging agents4.

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MANUFACTURING

However, it is not only the ophthalmic industry that would be

percentage range. This is quite low and will most likely be lower

affected by a blanket ban on PFAS. Many other areas of medical

than for some other material manufacturers, especially in the

technology can hardly do without the use of PFAS. The industry

case of highly gas-permeable products.

association SPECTARIS in Germany, for example, got involved

In retrospect, there was no ‘advance warning’ that such a radical

in the discussion at an early stage, as large areas of analytical,

ban on PFAS might one day come about in the 20s, so that no

biotechnology and laboratory technology, photonics, as well

developer had worked towards formulating the lowest possible

as sterilization and utility technology, also use PFAS in various

material percentage. However, even the products with high gas

devices, some of which are essential to life.

permeabilities have certainly only been formulated partially with PFAS methacrylates. There are several chemical reasons

Why are PFAS used in contact lens materials?

for this to ultimately achieve the required overall properties of

The PFAS components contained in traditional and modern

the polymers. Substituting a relatively high proportion of material,

contact lens copolymers are not mass-produced

however, places considerably higher demands on the

products that have various other fields of

developers.

application. These are special chemical compounds, so-called fluoro methacrylates,

Is there any ‘danger’ to contact lens wearers

which as formulation components make

from PFAS in contact lenses?

an important contribution to almost all

As we all know, the current MDR has

desi red produc t proper t ies. T h is

imposed very stringent requirements on

contribution is required for almost all

the European regulation of medical devices,

dimensionally stable polymers and has

which means that very strict quality tests

been used successfully for several decades.

This type of PFAS therefore plays an important role in the clinical success of these many (individual)

and very detailed analyses have become the Rolan

d From me

product variants. They are therefore used worldwide and regardless of the manufacturer.

current standard for product approval.

These very thorough biological and clinical assessments

significantly complicate and slow down product developments, but in this context also provide even more assessment options for the uncertainties that have arisen in the course of the

The primary use in RGPs is:

discussions.

• for material gas permeability (Dk), even without a water

We do not evaluate PFAS in general, but specifically the few

content

• for biocompatibility / for anti-adhesive properties (deposits) • for good copolymer stability and resistance (easy cleaning).

‘niche substances’ mentioned above. These partially fluorinated methacrylates react chemically through polymerization to form a high-molecular cross-linked copolymer. This contact lens polymer usually has around 4 to 6 other (non-PFAS)

Some manufacturers also use PFAS compounds in their

components, all of which have chemically bonded and cross-

hydrophilic silicone hydrogel materials. These PFAS compounds

linked with each other.

are only partially chemically identical to the substances in the

The result is a very durable material that can be stored for many

rigid gas permeable contact lenses. In most cases, higher-

years and is also geometrically stable and well tolerated for a

molecular methacrylates with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic

very long time when used as a contact lens.

properties are used. These complex siloxane-fluorine components

The materials are analyzed by certified laboratories for the

were explicitly developed for highly gas-permeable and well-

smallest trace amounts (µg amounts). Lenses are treated and

tolerated optical polymers and have also been used successfully

extracted under ‘natural’ and also very stressful conditions.

for many years. In the case of silicone hydrogels, unlike the rigid

These tests prove the very good integration of the PFAS

ones, there are also some products without PFAS components.

components in the polymer, among other things, which prevents leakage into the patient's eye. The good biocompatibility in

Can you give a rough estimate of the percentage of PFAS in RGP

vivo has also been proven beyond doubt in daily clinical practice

contact lens materials?

for decades.

In order to best categorize and assess the risks for manufacturers and users of PFAS substances, the polymer or formulation content

How safe is the contact lens manufacturing process, can PFAS be

of the PFAS raw material was also a criterion in the official

released into the environment?

consultations. Information on this is, of course, strictly confidential,

As is known, the manufacturing process consists of many

and therefore impossible for me to answer with certainty.

sub-processes to obtain the individually manufactured medical

For the products from our own production, however, we can

device. In the risk assessment, a distinction should be made

say that the PFAS content is predominantly in the single-digit

between polymer synthesis and polymer processing into contact

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THESE TESTS PROVE THE VERY GOOD INTEGRATION OF THE PFAS COMPONENTS IN THE POLYMER, AMONG OTHER THINGS, WHICH PREVENTS LEAKAGE INTO THE PATIENT'S EYE. lenses. As material manufacturers, the employees work with

an optimally formulated component mixture. A reduction or

the chemical raw materials (monomers), which generally results

replacement of a material component cancels the existing approval

in high occupational safety requirements. Like all other

and requires a new approval with all clinical data, evaluations and

monomers, the PFAS monomers are processed (polymerized)

proof of durability. First, material research is needed to compensate

in closed systems. No PFAS will escape in these synthesis

for the PFAS content as a new challenge. However, this process

processes and small monomer residues are always collected and

takes many years and is expensive, which could lead to a supply

disposed of as hazardous waste.

gap in the medium and long term. It is also not yet clear whether

Multi-stage processing into lenses is carried out using multi-stage

the same mechanical properties, high degree of biocompatibility,

cutting and lathing processes, including surface polishing. The

durability and compatibility can be achieved with “other”

polymer swarf is extracted directly and completely at the machine

components. Current lens care practices also need to be re-evaluated

and collected in a sealed container. This polymer waste cannot

and even storage and shelf life are potentially limited.

be recycled and is sent to filtered waste incineration. In general,

Soft contact lenses without PFAS (conventional hydrogels) are

lathed lenses generate very small quantities of waste in the low

not affected by this and are still available, but a significant

kilogram range. The environmental impact of manufacturing

proportion of current silicone hydrogel materials is also under

these individual lenses is therefore minimal.

threat and would have to be fundamentally revised in the

It should be emphasized that RGP lenses are a very sustainable

research and development departments. Here too, it is only

option. Due to their long shelf life, they can be used for at least

possible to predict to a limited extent whether the same material

twelve months. With a net weight of approx. 25 mg, a single

properties can be achieved with alternative materials.

contact lens wearer consumes only approx. 3 g of plastic in their entire lifetime. By comparison, every German citizen generated

In your opinion, would it be possible to manufacture contact lenses

an average of around 41 kilograms of plastic packaging waste in

without PFAS in the future?

2021 . In other words, more than 13,000 times as much. And

At Wöhlk, we have been working intensively on this issue for

that's per year. In principle, it is of course still important not to

two years. In my chemical R&D team, we started to investigate

simply “flush away” even small plastics due to their chemical

on a laboratory scale which properties we could achieve or

stability. The material structure is durable and does not biodegrade.

maintain without our (low) PFAS content.

It is particularly important in the case of the larger consumption

To find new formulations, we started by compensating without

figures in the area of 1-day lenses made of silicone hydrogel with

adding "new" methacrylates, i.e. just by changing the weight

PFAS to consciously communicate the closed and controlled

proportions. The gas permeability decreases significantly, but above

production process from the raw materials to the user and to

all we also lose the mechanical strength for processability and the

avoid “ill-considered” disposal. This is irrespective of whether

(external) rod quality from which the contact lenses are made.

PFAS monomers used in this way pose a high health risk at all

It became clear that changed polymerization conditions would

compared to PFAS compounds, which are known for their risk

be required, meaning that we would have to develop new

to humans and the environment and are therefore at the heart

chemical processes and also new, adapted manufacturing

of the motivation for a ban.

processes. Although we have been developing contact lens

5

polymers in all areas of materials for more than 40 years, which

28

26_Inte Fromme.indd 28

Is it currently possible to manufacture soft CL and RGPs without PFAS?

has enabled us to avoid many “wrong turns”, we still recognize

In some cases, this can be very clearly denied for the RGP products.

many parallel new requirements here. In the meantime, we

The aforementioned material percentage is included for good reason

have also started researching new gas-permeable substances

and the many polymers concerned each received their approval as

and developing new cross-links.

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MANUFACTURING

In addition to the already ongoing activities in materials

What scenario would you like to see for the future – regarding

research, this work will now take a long time in order to

consumers and the contact lens industry?

ultimately arrive at polymers that come close to the current

The fluoropolymers used in the vast majority of rigid contact

quality level so that they can continue to be well tolerated and

lenses worldwide have been clinically tested very successfully

effective for the user for a long time.

and have been proven biologically very safe as a polymer. It would be rash to lose this type of product for originally quite

In this context, what do you think of the much-discussed transition

different and also quite understandable reasons in the use of

periods?

contact lenses, among other things, and hopefully this will be

A great deal of research is now being carried out into alternatives

understood and evaluated in a differentiated manner.

without PFAS components, but only isolated cautious successes

In many cases, eye health and visual performance cannot

can be reported. Against this backdrop, the transition periods

otherwise be achieved in the same quality and therefore the

are highly questionable and may lead to further setbacks in

everyday quality of life of these users cannot be maintained.

healthcare, especially as supply chains are also threatened by

We advocate a return to a risk-based approach in line with the

prolonged uncertainty. As with the introduction of the MDR

existing REACH regulation. The current proposal goes beyond

(Regulation (EU) 2017 on medical devices), it is to be feared

reasonable measures and leads to legal uncertainties. The distinction

that people with special and therefore rare needs in particular

between fluoropolymers and other PFAS compounds is one solution.

will have to expect gaps in care or even restrictions.

Fluoropolymers have proven their long-term safety in medical applications. Persistence of a substance alone is not a risk6.

When can a decision be expected on whether there will be a

We are therefore hoping for at least a very long-term transition

transitional period for PFAS in medical devices?

period if a time limit is unavoidable.

After the end of the consultation phase in September 2023, in which around 5,600 comments were submitted by authorities,

Thank you for the interview. n

associations, companies and private individuals, it has so far been announced that this volume will postpone the original time frame and that there will be gradual announcements sorted by sector in 2024/25.

The scientific committees for risk assessment and socioeconomic impact decide on the information submitted. There will be no decisions on contact lenses and other medical devices in 2024. If a restriction were to be adopted, there would be at least 18 months until it comes into force. This would realistically be at the end of the 2020s at the earliest.

30

26_Inte Fromme.indd 30

References 1 An Overview of Current Uses of PFAS; https://doi.org/10.1039/d0em00291g 2 Per- und polyfluorierte Chemikalien (PFAS)“, Internetseite des BMUV: „https://www. bmuv.de/ FQ148“ (Abgerufen am 23.06.2023) 3 CONTACT LENSES 2017 - Continuing upward trends in daily disposable prescribing and other key segments maintained a healthy industry 4 Press release of the NRW consumer advice center- 2020 5 https://de.statista.com/infografik/12419/so-viel-plastikmuell-verursachen-eu-buerger/ 6 Spectaris e.V.: Standpunkte Paper zu den vorgeschlagenen PFAS-Beschränkungen in Europa, Berlin, 03. April 2024 (Transl.: Position paper on the proposed PFAS restrictions in Europe)

GlobalCONTACT 2-24

28.08.24 15:06

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While the lathe is arguably the single most important piece of equipment in a contact lens or IOL manufacturing laboratory, its precision can be easily undermined by underperforming equipment elsewhere in the process, most notably blocking.

Today’s CNC lathes and lens design software combine to offer unprecedented options for meeting the needs of patients through precise control of lens geometry and sub-micron level surface accuracy, yet this can be easily undone by misaligned surfaces or unintended prism.

“If back and front [surfaces] are not perfectly aligned, you can get decentered optics, prism and poorly formed edges.”, says Manoel Carvalho, Director of Lab Operations and fitting consultant for BostonSight in Needham, Massachusetts. “All lenses need to have perfect optics. However, when dealing with multifocal or HOA correction, that becomes even more critical.”

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Pedro Araujo of BostonSight working with the DAC Precision Blocker

that was developed to maximize the full potential of the DAC lathe’s edge contouring capability and form accuracy. Back or

wax dosing, interchangeable waxpots and a fully programmable

front surfaces are blocked with a high degree of accuracy and

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repeatability, and a minimum of time and operator attention.

to cover the full gamut of RGP, soft and IOL lenses currently in production.

The DAC Precision Blocker offers fast, reliable calibration, easy and intuitive initial setup, and stable, accurate and repeatable

Drop size is fully adjustable from zero to 2.5ml, and multiple

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drops can be programmed. Wax pots are hot-swappable with

design that manages ambient heat in the machine frame means

no down-time required to rapidly switch between waxes for

that the DAC blocker holds calibration reliably over time,

different applications. Additionally, an on-board timer for wax

without the need to re-calibrate during the workday.

pot warm-up lets lab managers start their morning without any waiting time; different start times may be set for each workday.

A blocker that holds calibration yields better lenses, but it also saves time and money. Greg Wicker, Maintenance Manager

Finally, the DAC Precision Blocker is fully programable, with

for X-Cel Specialty Contacts in Duluth, Georgia, has worked

an LCD touch screen providing an intuitive interface that

out the numbers: “Based on the average maintenance tech

allows the user to optimize blocking variables to suit individual

spending about 15 minutes setting a traditional blocker twice

process needs. Key parameters such as drop count, temperature,

a day, [that’s] 30 minutes a day times 255 working days per year

and air-cooling controls can be accessed, configured and saved

- 7,650 minutes total, or 127.5 hours per year”. Greg continues

to any of six independently configurable blocking tables.

“Although more expensive than traditional blockers, I feel that it pays for itself with the reduction of prism related rejects and

Treating blocking like the mission critical process that it is

downtime for setting blockers.”

means looking seriously at the needs of a rapidly evolving industry and providing a robust and flexible solution that

While accuracy and reliability are important, an ideal blocker

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GlobalCONTACT 2-24

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20.06.23 11:07

MANUFACTURING

Time, errors, productivity and profit Decisions, decisions!

In my time in the industry, some general themes are prominent. One that comes to mind is the number and frequency of decisions that a lab technician/machine operator needs to make from order entry to packaged lens. Yes, really. It matters because more decisions introduce errors and wasted time and materials. Less time and fewer decisions in the manufacturing process = more usable lenses per technician/day = more profit. By Erik Larsen

Over the decades, the evolution of processes and machines has

from the appropriate bin and places them in the tray. There is

reduced the number and frequency of decisions technicians

a chance that the wrong material may be pulled. There is an

need to make, but there is still room for improvement. More

opportunity to correct the mistake if the person at lens blocking

on this later.

sees the error before blocking. This is not guaranteed, and it

DECISIONS HAVE ONE OF THREE OUTCOMES: CORRECT, INCORRECT, OR INDECISION (CONFUSION).

puts an additional burden on these lab techs. With the orderentry software now in common use in the CL industry, jobs can be grouped into similar types by design, material, diameter, or other categories. Imagine the time saving of running similar lenses that use the same diamond and tooling.

AREAS WITH IMPROVEMENT POTENTIAL Measuring the thickness of the lens blank and recording it is the next task. Imagine if all the lens blanks in a bag were the

32

32_Erik_Artikel.indd 32

Decisions have one of three outcomes: correct, incorrect, or

same thickness. How much time would that save? It would result

indecision (confusion). The likely-hood of making the incorrect

in a tremendous reduction in the number of decisions.

decision or confusion can be due to systematics, distraction,

Setting up the blocking machine to block the lens blank is

or in-adequate training. Each task requires a decision. For

another task. This is a repetitive task, but still requires checking

example: at the beginning of the process, the lab tech has the

the state of the blocking machine and sometimes setting it up

work order specifying the lens material. Typically, he/she takes

for the lens blank. The machine will need to be re-set up for

a job tray to the material inventory, pulls the two lens blanks

front blocking; another decision.

GlobalCONTACT 2-24

28.08.24 15:10

MANUFACTURING

Using a dedicated lens blank station is a process that is always set up for that task and requires no decision on the part of the tech. Anyone can use it. A blocking machine may not be needed.

Imagine a lens blank workstation where a person blocks 100 lens blanks into an autoloader tray in, say, ten minutes. In the procedure above, even if the blocking machine is set up for lens blanks, the cycle time is about 30 seconds. Blocking 100 lens blanks would take at least 30 minutes, (realistically much longer).

With the advent of bar code scanning on lathes, the order entry process is greatly simplified with far fewer decisions required.

The lathe process is further streamlined by auto-loading batches

IMAGINE A WORKSTATION THAT AUTOLOADED THE BC LENSES, APPLIED POLISH, AND RINSED THE LENSES BEFORE THEY WERE PLACED BACK IN THE TRAY.

of lenses. As I mentioned above, sorting the jobs by category

each lens is problematic. Some labs have a solution, no pun

helps autoloading proceed more efficiently.

intended! Imagine what that could be. How about a rack with

Polishing the back surface is the next process. This task required

positions that identifies the individual lens?

decisions about the pitch lap, polishing weight, spindle speed,

Edge polishing remains a discrete task. Modern machines

and stroke. They were determined by the geometry and material

reduce the number of decisions that are required. For example,

and presented lots of room for error. Now the only decision

before lens edges were lathe profiled, an edge roller was used.

the operator needs to make is between a corneal or scleral lens,

This removed a lot of material and with practice produced a

which requires a change in stroke.

good edge profile. It still depended on the geometry from the lathe. Now with fully profiled edges from the lathe, the operator

IMAGINE POSSIBILITIES

loads the edge polisher and adjusts the polishing sponge to the

In order to adopt the dedicated work-station concept, many

lens diameter, applies polish, and pushes the start button.

labs are installing separate polishers for corneal and scleral

The reader will notice that I ask you to imagine a possibility.

lenses, so the operator only needs to load the lens and start the

That is the foundation of progress. Most of what I proposed is

machine. Imagine a workstation that autoloaded the BC lenses,

in action or soon will be. This may seem to be too far out there

applied polish, and rinsed the lenses before they were placed

for your lab, but some labs embrace them.

back in the tray. How many decisions would that eliminate?

At the recent EFCLIN congress, Mr. Mike Denison spoke about

IMAGINE A LENS BLANK WORKSTATION WHERE A PERSON BLOCKS 100 LENS BLANKS INTO AN AUTOLOADER TRAY IN SAY TEN MINUTES.

lean manufacturing. I interpret his comments as getting line people fully engaged is the starting point to lean manufacturing.

The next step is to instill a sense of who you serve (as in customer) in the organization and strive to meet their needs.

FEWER DECISIONS – HIGHER PRODUCTIVITY In my experience, in almost all the labs I have visited (more than I can count on my fingers and toes), the technicians are heads-down and busy. The question is: Are they busy making decisions or busy making lenses? The reality is somewhere in between. I submit that they are working their tails off while

Front blocking: In one process, the operator needs to know

following instructions. My observation is that the most

the general type of lens so the blocking machine can be set up

successful labs (lowest cost of manufacturing/highest quality)

to yield the proper wax thickness and amount and convert it

are the labs that required the technicians to make the fewest

for front surface blocking; another decision. Plus, they need

number of decisions. n

to choose the correct front arbors.

In an alternate process, the blocking machine has the capability to block any geometry and center thickness lens either corneal or scleral. The operator only chooses the correct front arbors.

Wax amount for corneal or scleral BC’s still needs to be determined.

Imagine a blocking machine that did that automatically!

As in back surface turning, grouping similar lenses together will improve the process efficiency.

De-blocking remains an individual lens task. Deblocking 100

Erik Larsen graduated from the University of Washington with a Mechanical Engineering degree in 1981 and started Larsen Equipment Design later that year. Erik Larsen has industry awards from CLMA and EFCLIN.

lenses in an ultrasonic without maintaining the identity of GlobalCONTACT 2-24

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28.08.24 15:10

FITTING BACKGROUND

Dropouts One-size-fits-most – but-not-all Dropout in contact lenses is a major problem, and one that is hard to influence. The ‘pooled dropout frequency’ according to Pucker and Tichador1, based on several studies in the past which cover 8,190 subjects altogether, is estimated to be 21,7%. One thing that is certain is that the dropout rate is preventing the contact lens market from growing. But there are different reasons for dropout in different modalities. By Eef van der Worp

In scleral lenses, for instance, Macedo-de-Araújo et al. 2 in

in the broad group of soft lenses and dropout, we should break

2019 showed that the main reason for dropout in that sector

it up into different categories, three to be more specific. Let’s

is ‘handling’ – which is something we all should look at

separately approach ‘new lens wearers’ (neophytes) from

(industry, eye care practitioner/staff and patients together).

existing lens wearers and presbyopes.1

Those are ‘patients’ factors’, and handling and other patients’ factors, also in soft lens wear, has been frequently quoted a

NEOPHYTES

prime reason for dropout. In this paper we focus on ‘contact

Studies from Sulley et al. 3 and others have shown that in

lens factors’ though. When focusing on contact lens factors

neophyte lens wear, ‘vision’ is the number one reason for

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34_Eef_Article_Drop-outs.indd 34

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FITTING BACKGROUND

the dropout rates are enormous. After the age of 40, we see a huge incline in vision correction demand and a stunning decline in the number of lens wearers. Vision in this category is key too, as it is hard to provide an excellent visual outcome at three different distances (near, intermediate and far). My students always left the auditorium after ‘the bifocal lecture’ with the message, ‘teach them the two-out-of-three rule’: we can get two distances ‘solved’, but the third one may be harder to fix. This is so important because first, patients can choose two distances out of the three themselves, as they know much better where their prime visual demands are, and second, we give them the subtle message that we need to compromise things a bit (without actually putting it that way).

The second main factor with age, after vision, is ocular surface changes that can result in dry eye symptoms. The tear film over the ocular surface is a very stable structure, about 2-5 microns thick, which can be subdivided into three or more structures if desired. What is inevitable with contact lens wear is that we will put a huge ‘mass’ of maybe 80-120 microns thick (in soft lenses), or a multiple of that in rigid corneal and scleral lenses, on this thin and fragile layer. It is no wonder that dry eye issues are common, and more so in elderly patients as the tear film is already more unstable. The thing is, these factors are very hard to inf luence – as is the case with, for instance, allergies – although there is a whole industry and scientific category that tries to cope with these issues.

EXISTING LENS WEARERS That brings us back to category 2: the existing lens wearers.

Here, there is no question that ‘discomfort’ is by far (light years ahead) the number one reason for dropout. But discomfort is a broad term; it is important to note that these patients specifically are referring to ‘end-of-the-day’ discomfort. In dropout, while difficulties with lens handling and complexity

fact, contact lens practices should in theory extend their evening

of the lens care regimen are mentioned as prime reasons as

opening hours, as this is where the magic happens; not at 9 am

well. Most of these issues can be overcome by 1) asking patients

in the morning, when someone has just applied their lenses 30

what the issue is, 2) giving it more time and attention (training

minutes ago. End-of-the-day comfort (we can simply ask for

and education) in the initial month, and 3) trying different lens

it too) is the parameter to work with and to go by when assessing

options. Daily disposables, for instance, have a much shorter

soft lens fit and success.

list of ‘to do’ steps in correct care management than reusables

Contact lens wear is simple: a piece of (soft) plastic that

do (26 instead of 53, according to Efron and Morgan). The

roughly mimics the shape of the anterior ocular surface is

mentioned Sully et al. study3 showed that most contact lens

put on the eye at the desired chord (diameter) where the lens

dropouts (71%) had not been offered another lens option in the

lands. Then the lens wearer blinks, and the real interaction

first two months of wear after dispensing.

starts. Most adults blink about 14 to 17 times a minute. That

4

comes out to 840 to 1,020 blinks every hour. If you sleep for

PRESBYOPES

eight hours every night, that means you probably blink about

Let’s jump to ‘category 3’, the presbyopes, next – as this

13,440 to 16,320 times a day while you're awake. Contact lens

group really needs a different approach and a full article in

wear is all about the mechanical interaction, or shear forces,

itself (stay tuned for a future edition of GlobalCONTACT

that take place between the eyelids, the contact lens and the

on this topic). Presbyopes are a different species for whom

ocular surface.

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FITTING BACKGROUND

SHEAR FORCES

A study by Eric Papas et al.8 even tried replacing lenses during

It is thought that shear stress could cause epithelial cell damage

the day. But changing the daily disposables halfway through

over time and may contribute to contact lens discomfort,

the day did not add anything to the comfort rating. What it

according to Hart et al. and Efron.5,6 Jessica Mathews discussed

might add are germs if people are replacing their lenses in the

this in an article in Contact Lens Spectrum, in which she

middle of the day while at work or at school.

referred to a study conducted at the University of Florida where

But in essence, replacing the lenses more often than once

a biotribometer was used to measure the effects of shear stress

daily is not the solution to improve comfort. To reduce ‘shear

on an in-vitro epithelial cell monolayer under controlled

forces’, it may be worthwhile to look further at lens fit in

7

conditions (pressure, speed, time and number of cycles). Pieces

those eyes that do not meet the ‘normal’ criteria. Matthew

of contact lens materials are placed on a membrane-covered

Andrew et al. from Ohio State (OH, USA) at ARVO 2024

probe and slid across the epithelial cells for 1,000 cycles at forces

took another look and another approach to this: that of

that mimic typical ocular lid pressures. The sliding method was

inf lammation. They determined that patients (n=25) who

used to simulate the sliding of the contact lens against the eyelid

developed a contact-lens-related corneal infiltrative event

and over the cornea during blinking at typical lid pressures.

(CIE) or a microbial keratitis (MK) had a corneal sagittal

Different materials were tested, and some materials resulted

depth (OC-SAG) that was less than the population mean.

in 100 to over 300 damaged epithelial cells per mm 2 – while

These data suggest that one-size-fits-most soft contact lenses

other materials revealed hardly any effect (7±4 damaged

may have a sagittal depth that is too deep for patients with

cells). This was after 1000 cycles, which roughly translates

a shallower-than-typical corneal sagittal depth, which could

to one hour of lens wear. Imagine what this would be after

increase adverse event risk.

8 or 16 hours of lens wear. And – it is speculation – but what

In an ongoing study by Debarun Dutta et al. at Aston University

would this mean in terms of lens fit? If a lens fit is slightly

(Birmingham UK), eyes with low, median and high OC-SAG

suboptimal, what would shear forces do to the ocular surface

were selected and fitted with several lenses of varied CL-SAG

after 15,000 cycles?

values. Preliminary outcomes of the study showed that it can

One might think this is something new, but that is not the

potentially be clinically relevant to optimize lens fit (CL-SAG)

case. The ‘science behind sheer forces’ is a known entity, and

in terms of lens comfort and soft lens fit on-eye in out-of-

in fact there is word for it: tribology. The Wikipedia definition

standard eyes with lower or higher OC-SAG values.

of this phenomenon says: ‘Tribology is the science and engineering of understanding friction, lubrication and wear

CLOSING REMARKS

phenomena for interacting surfaces in relative motion.’ That

The TFOS workshop main paper on contact lens-related

is exactly the situation with a contact lens on the ocular surface.

discomfort by Lyndon Jones et al.9 lists scientific evidence from

Perhaps even more surprising: Leonardo da Vinci already

the peer-reviewed literature. The list with ‘poor evidence to

described an instrument to measure those forces (Fig. 1) in a

support a link with comfort’ includes, surprisingly maybe,

basic but similar way. If we apply all this to contact lenses, we

items such as higher Dk/t, bulk material (ionic, etc.), modulus/

need to look at lens surface properties and at lens fit.

stiffness and tear film exchange under the lens. In the category

As eye care practitioners or even as labs, we have little or no

‘supportive evidence of a link with comfort’, the variable ‘good

say over lens material factors – we have to leave that up to the

lens fit’ is mentioned as the first factor. But somehow, this item

industry. But we do have control over lens fit, at least to some

does not get the attention it maybe deserves in our field (other

degree. As stated in the previous GlobalCONTACT: we can

items in this category are shorter frequency of wear (replace

distinguish what normal eyes are, and we know we have better

more often), shorter wear period during the day (as comfort is

lenses than we’ve ever had for these eyes – up to daily disposables.

worse at the end of the day) and material properties (low friction especially).

As an industry and as eye care practitioners, one way or the other we have to deal with dropouts – but there are many factors, such as environmental/systemic and work/life-related factors, that we have little or no say over. One of the few factors we can control, to some degree, is the lens fit. If we embrace this, we can make a difference in some people’s lives. One-sizefits-all is a utopia, as we know; it should be ‘one-size-fits-most’ at best. This also means there is a ‘but-not-all’ group. We can make the difference in that category as a specialty lens industry

Fig. 1

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34_Eef_Article_Drop-outs.indd 36

and profession.

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!AZ.ind

FITTING BACKGROUND

CASE REPORT: 'FLAT OUT THE BEST OPTION' A young woman came to the practice of Gerard Smits10 (Ralph Optiek) in Amsterdam in the Netherlands. For this patient, several standard soft lenses were tried, including Dailies Aqua Comfort Plus (Alcon) 8.70 ø14.0, Clariti 1 Day (Alcon) 8.60 Ø14.1, Dailies All Day Comfort 8.60 Ø13.80, monthly disposables Biofinity (Coopervision) 8.60 Ø14.0, and Fresh Excellent (Microlens/Wölk) 8.3 Ø13.6. All lenses failed because of lack of movement and mobility and poor comfort. Their contact lens practice places special emphasis on the shape of the entire anterior ocular surface, not just the (central) cornea. The Medmont corneal topographer has

Fig. 2

for this purpose a special tool: the E-H (estimated height) software. With that, the overall sagittal height of the ocular surface (OC-SAG) over 15 mm can be estimated. In this

keratometry values alone (8.09/7.88), this is not easy to judge

case, the E-H in the 0-180° meridian is 3524 microns (Fig. 2,

in that same way, especially because the eye has an average

OD shown). This is well below the OC-SAG of the average

e-value and standard corneal diameter.

eye (which is estimated to be in the 3750-micron range) and even fa lls outside t he one-standard-dev iation range

The patient ultimately was refitted with a custom soft lens

(estimated to be between 3550-3950 microns) – which

based on the patient’s corneal topography. The Medmont

indicates that this is an exceptionally f lat eye. Based on

file was uploaded to the manufacturer, and an individual

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www.ophthalmics.lambda-x.com 34_Eef_Article_Drop-outs.indd 37 !AZ.indd 5

28.08.24 20.11.23 16:04 08:55

FITTING BACKGROUND

monthly disposable, silicone hydrogel lens was created

procedure would be close to fitting a scleral lens: changing

for this patient: the Indivisual (Menicon, Emmen NL) in

the tangent angle would ‘lift’ the lens or decrease the lens

the Definitive 74 material (efrofilcon A V 3) with a sagittal

to a lower sagittal height. For this patient, this lens design

height of the lens (CL-SAG) of 2900 microns and a

resulted in an optimal lens fit with excellent movement,

tangential peripheral shape (tangent angle 54°) S+2.75 in

which is believed to be the result of the tangentia l

a Ø14.1. The lens design is in line with the way many

peripheral shape of the lens in conjunction with the

scleral lens designs are constructed, and the lens fit

customized CL-SAG height.

CASE REPORT: 'DAILY LENS OR CUSTOM MADE?’

The patient was very satisfied with his custom-made lenses, which

A case report by Ineke Janneman - ten Hoope from Eyecare

had unusual diameter and base curves. However, he indicated

in Bloemendaal in the Netherlands supports the idea that eye

that he would like to try daily disposables, 'because it is so

care practitioners, together with specialty lens labs, can make

convenient'. The patient was informed immediately that they had

a difference also in explaining to patients what the issues are.

gone straight to custom lenses because of his out-of-standard eye

This case involves a 56-year-old man who started with soft

shape. But still, the patient wanted to experience it himself.

lenses last year.

They opted for one of the flattest standard daily lenses (low sagittal

11

value) from the Pacific University SAG chart: the Alcon Dailies ACP with parameters 8.7/14.0 - SAG 3468 microns. Interestingly, this lens is not as 'flat' as the 1-day J&J Acuvue Moist, for instance, with parameters 9.0/14.2 - SAG 3468 or the 1-day J&J Acuvue Oasys (9.0/14.3 – SAG 3469). This means that base curve is not all that relevant in the currently used frequent replacement lens family. The Dailies ACP lenses moved minimally/moderately (grade 1-/1-) and centered well, but over the course of the day, they increasingly caused a burning sensation, with end-of-the-day discomfort complaints for the patient.

Looking at the SAG of the eye (Fig. 3, OD shown OC-SAG 3105), Fig. 3

it is clear that this lens has a very high SAG value – despite being one of the 'flatter' standard lenses. The problems the patient

Lens details:

experiences are quite simple to explain in this case: the low SAG

• Right: +2.25 add 2.00 Saphir RX MF: 9.50 diameter 15.00 CD

values of the eye are well outside the normal range. Thus, it is clear,

by Mark’ennovy = SAG 3390

• Left: +1.75 add 2.00 Saphir RX MF: 9.20 diameter 15.00 CD

by Mark’ennovy = SAG 3550

References 1 Pucker AD, Tichenor AA. A Review of Contact Lens Dropout. Clin Optom (Auckl). 2020 Jun 25; 12:85-94.

2 Macedo-de-Araújo RJ, van der Worp E, González-Méijome JM. Practitioner Learning Curve in Fitting Scleral Lenses in Irregular and Regular Corneas Using a Fitting Trial.

Biomed Res Int. 2019 Jan 28; 2019:5737124.

3 Sulley A, Young G, Hunt C. Factors in the success of new contact lens wearers. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2017 Feb;40(1):15-24.

4 Efron N, Morgan P. Daily disposables versus reusables: which technology wins?

Contact Lens Spectrum, May 2024:112-19.

5 Hart S, et al. Surface gel layers reduce shear stress and damage of corneal epithelial cells. Tribology Letter. 2020; 68:106.

6 Efron, N. Contact lens wear is intrinsically inflammatory. Clin. Exp. Optom. 2017; 100: 3-19.

7 Mathews J. Biological Rationale for Contact Lenses with Water Surface Technology.

Contact Lens Spectrum, July 2021:20-1.

8 Papas EB, Tilia D, Tomlinson D, Williams J, Chan E, Chan J, Golebiowski B. Consequences of wear interruption for discomfort with contact lenses. Optom Vis Sci. 2014 Jan;91(1):24-31.

9 Jones L, Brennan NA, et al.: The TFOS International Workshop on Contact Lens Discomfort: report of the contact lens materials, design, and care subcommittee.

Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2013; 54;11: TFOS37-70.

38

34_Eef_Article_Drop-outs.indd 38

even to the patient, that a standard lens is not optimal. Back to the originally fitted lenses, and now a satisfied customer – who now also understands why daily disposables are not an option. n

10 Smits G. Case series: using a customized soft lens SOMETIMES ‘flat out’ the best option for a flat eye. Global Insight, 28/02-2023.

11 Ten Hoope I in: De Menselijke Maat: case report: daglens of maatwerk. Eyeline 3/2024:77-9.

Eef van der Worp, BOptom, PhD, FAAO, FIACLE, FBCLA, FSLS is an educator and researcher. He received his optometry degree from the Hogeschool van Utrecht in the Netherlands (NL) and has served as a head of the contact lens department at the school for over eight years. He received his PhD from the University of Maastricht (NL) in 2008. He is a fellow of the AAO, IACLE, BCLA and the SLS. He is currently adjunct Professor at the University of Montreal University College of Optometry (CA) and adjunct assistant Professor at Pacific University College of Optometry (Oregon, USA). He lectures extensively worldwide and is a guest lecturer at a number of Universities in the US and Europe.

GlobalCONTACT 2-24

28.08.24 16:04

PR-Advert

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PR_Larsen.indd 25

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26.03.24 13:33

FITTING BACKGROUND

7 myths about ... ... children and contact lenses Contact lenses can be a fantastic alternative to spectacles for children – even those under the age of 14. They can cope with everything during sports, they don't fog up, they don't impair the field of vision and, quite honestly, many children and teenagers simply like themselves better without spectacles. On the other hand, some parents worry when they suggest contact lenses to their children. They do not trust their offspring to use them responsibly, have too little knowledge about contact lenses and care and therefore fear a risk to their children's eye health. So, what do you tell skeptical parents if they have concerns? By Silke Sage

In 2011, data from over 100,000 contact lens fittings were

What's more, the above statement could not

examined in a large-scale study. Of these, 0.1% were fitted in

be more wrong when it comes to careful

infants and young children up to the age of 5, 1.6% in children

myopia management. Especially during

aged 6 to 12 and 11% in adolescents under the age of 181. The

growth, it is important to intervene, e.g.,

fact that the proportion of contact lenses in children and

with contact lenses that inhibit longitudinal

adolescents is still low today is sometimes due to incorrect or

growth in order to influence the process.

outdated assumptions about children and contact lenses, which nevertheless persist.

3. CHILDREN ARE CARELESS ABOUT HYGIENE

Here are the seven common myths about children and contact

Wrong: A common argument from

lenses and what is so wrong about them.

parents regarding contact lenses for their children is that they are not yet

1. THE CHILDREN ARE NOT OLD ENOUGH TO WEAR CONTACT LENSES

able to care for their contact lenses

Wrong: Children can theoretically wear contact lenses at a very

shown that most children have no

young age. In this case, parents help with inserting and removing.

problem following the

properly. However, various studies have

However, the decision as to when a child can use contact lenses independently depends largely on the child's individual maturity, as inserting, removing and caring for the lenses requires a certain amount of responsibility and dexterity. Experts usually recommend that children can start using contact lenses when they can perform these tasks independently and reliably, which is often the case at around 10 to 12 years of age. In special cases, such as high ametropia, myopia management or certain eye diseases, children may need contact lenses earlier, which is then done under close supervision.

2. AS LONG AS THE EYE IS GROWING CONTACT LENSES ARE OUT OF THE QUSTION Wrong: The point at which contact lenses are fitted is always a snapshot in time. The perfect contact lens is selected based on the current refraction and slit lamp findings. Although the eye grows very slowly – much slower than the rest of the person – follow-up checks and reappointments should take place somewhat more frequently than for adults. Apart from that, the following still applies: a child's feet grow too, but of course the child still gets shoes – nobody waits until the foot is fully grown before buying shoes.

40

40_KL_7_Mythen zu Kinder.indd 40

GlobalCONTACT 2-24

28.08.24 15:19

FITTING BACKGROUND

relatively simple rules. Regardless of which contact lenses they

already showed that both children and adolescents who received

wear, children will reliably follow the rules when it comes to

contact lenses experienced a general improvement in lifestyle

care, especially if they are motivated to do so themselves.

compared to their spectacle-wearing peers2,3. The switch led to

Nevertheless, safety in terms of hygiene when using contact

greater confidence and activity in the older children, but even

lenses should play a central role in the consultation with parents

primary school aged children reported a more positive self-image.

before they decide for their child. It is important that both the

These results show how important this detail is when advising

parents and the child are well informed about hygiene, wearing

around the contact lens option.

and care of the lenses.

4. CHILDREN DO NOT CARE HOW THEIR DEFECTIVE VISION IS CORRECTED

5. CHILDREN NEED STABLE PRESCRIPTION VALUES BEFORE THEY ARE GIVEN CONTACT LENSES Wrong: See point 2. If the prescriptions for children change too

Yes and no. Up to a certain age, the

frequently, it does not mean that they cannot wear contact lenses.

type of correction plays a rather

To keep costs manageable at first, a change can be combined

insignificant role. The important

with daily disposable lenses and spectacles (e.g., for sports).

thing is that the correction takes

Otherwise, the intervals for new contact lenses are usually shorter

place at all. However, the older

than the replacement intervals for new spectacles.

the child gets, the greater the and the effect on others.

6. CONTACT LENS FITTINGS FOR CHILDREN TAKE TO MUCH CHAIR TIME

Research conducted by Jeff

Yes and no: Children certainly need to be treated differently

Walline in 2007 and 2009

from adults, especially when it comes to counseling and explaining

importance of appearance

the procedures during the eye examination. However, many steps are the same as for adults. While teenagers can be treated in a similar way to adult clients, (younger) children may need more time to handling their lenses for the first time3. This can add a few minutes to an appointment, ideally conducted by an assistant to a contact lens practitioner.

7. CHILDREN DO NOT NEED SPECTACLES IF THEY WEAR CONTACT LENSES Wrong: Just like adults, children should not rely solely on their contact lenses. There are cases in which contact lenses are not an option, e.g., in the event of an eye injury or infection. In addition, children should not wear their contact lenses for more than approx. twelve hours a day. It is therefore clear that spectacles with the current prescription should always be prescribed. n

References 1 Efron et al. Survey of Contact Lens Prescribing to Infants, Children, and Teenagers. Optometry and Vision Science, 2011 April.

2 Walline et al. Benefits of contact lens wear for children and teens. Eye Contact Lens, 2007.

3 Walline et al. Randomized trial of the effect of contact lens wear on self-perception in children.

Optometry and Vision Science, 2009.

GlobalCONTACT 2-24

40_KL_7_Mythen zu Kinder.indd 41

41

28.08.24 15:19

TECHNOLOGY

For a better wearing experience Contact lens cleaning with electrophoresis technology A contact lens cleaner that uses electrophoresis to disinfect contact lenses, achieving a 99.999% bacteria-killing rate and 95% protein removal with 0.9% preservative-free saline, was presented at the EFCLIN conference and exhibition. The device, developed over ten years with 100 patents, offers a quick, user-friendly process, has received positive patient feedback and features an environmentally friendly design. By Alex Yang

Contact lens cleaning, including disinfection and protein deposit

FROM THE IDEA TO THE INNOVATIVE SOLUTION

removal, remains a significant challenge for both patients and

The idea of using electrophoresis emerged after numerous

doctors due to several reasons:

attempts to elegantly solve contact lens disinfection and protein

• The current solution-based methods have their limitations.1 • The cleaning process can be complicated, especially for

deposit removal issues. Before deciding on electrophoresis

rigid contact lenses.2

• Patients often fall into incorrect cleaning practices.

technology, the developer experimented with ultrasonic cleaning, automatic pumping, and automatic rubbing lenses.

3

All these attempts failed due to significant negative effects on contact lenses, such as breakage, scratching, or surface coating

THE KEY TO AN EFFECTIVE CONTACT LENS CLEANING SOLUTION LIES IN EFFECTIVELY REMOVING PROTEIN…

delamination.

These issues can lead to discomfort and infections. To address

THE TECHNOLOGY

this problem, a new technology in contact lens cleaning is

Proteins can be charged and moved in electrical fields. Using

introduced with an innovative solution incorporating

this property, this contact lens cleaner applies electrical fields

electrophoresis. This technology can disinfect contact lenses

in the cleaning capsule, causing the protein deposits on the

with a 99.999% bacteria-killing rate and achieve a 95% protein

contact lens to move toward the electrodes inside the capsule.

removal rate using only 0.9% preservative-free saline.

Meanwhile, as microcurrent is applied, the plasma membrane

The key to an effective contact lens cleaning solution lies in effectively removing protein, including those blocking the air pores inside the lens material, and killing bacteria and viruses without damaging the lens or complicating the process for patients. After over ten years of extensive development, the "Elepy" technology was introduced, applying boundary electrophoresis technology to contact lens cleaning.

Soft CL before (left) and after (right).

42

42_Yang.indd 42

GlobalCONTACT 2-24

28.08.24 15:22

TECHNOLOGY

of the microbes on the contact lens will be broken, leading to

bacteria are killed without damaging the contact lenses is crucial.

sterilization of the contact lens.

To address these technical challenges, 3N Eyecare developed over

As the process only requires the fluid inside the cleaning

100 patents, successfully miniaturizing electrophoresis technology

capsule to have electrical conductivity, 0.9% preservative-free

and balancing its effectiveness while protecting the lens.

saline solution is sufficient to let the ReO2 cleaner function effectively. When in operation, part of the saline solution turns into hypochlorous acid under the electrical field.

Hypochlorous acid is effective in killing bacteria and safe for the human body.

Thus, the ReO2 cleaner can effectively remove up to 95% of protein deposits and kill 99.999% of bacteria, all using only 0.9% preservative-free saline solution.

… AND KILLING BACTERIA AND VIRUSES WITHOUT DAMAGING THE LENS.

THE CHALLENGE

USER EXPERIENCE

Electrophoresis technology is not new in laboratory environments

Traditional contact lens cleaning processes can be frustrating,

for moving proteins. However, adapting it to a much smaller

often only removing a fraction of the protein deposits and

device that can fit in a handbag remains a significant challenge.

involving complicated or lengthy procedures, especially for

Furthermore, maintaining a delicate environment during the

RGP and scleral lens wearers. The ReO2 cleaner is designed to

cleaning process to ensure only protein deposits are removed and

enhance the user experience. It has only a few buttons with

RGP CL before (left) and after (right).

GlobalCONTACT 2-24

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43

28.08.24 15:22

TECHNOLOGY

clear signs, making it easy for any patient to use. The cleaning process takes just 10-15 minutes and two button presses, eliminating the need for complicated procedures.

THE CLEANING PROCESS TAKES JUST 10-15 MINUTES AND TWO BUTTON PRESSES, ELIMINATING THE NEED FOR COMPLICATED PROCEDURES. STUDY RESULTS A recent multi-center study4 shows the ReO2 contact lens cleaner exhibits superior efficiency in cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and protein removal compared to traditional multipurpose solutions. The study found a significantly higher proportion of lenses rated as ‘clean’ or with a ‘mild deposit’ (96.4%, 79/82) in the experimental group compared to the control group (85.7%, 66/77), with a significant difference (P < 0.05).

POSITIVE FEEDBACK FROM REAL PATIENTS As a contact lens cleaning system with unmatched results, the contact lens cleaner has received positive feedback from patients.

In a survey conducted among 1,200 long-term users, 98% provided positive feedback on the cleaner, and 90% would recommend it to others.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY DESIGN Traditional solutions often contain preservatives, surfactants, and bactericides, which can impact the environment during production and disposal. However, the ReO2 cleaner only

References 1 Luensmann D, Heynen M, Liu L, Sheardown H, Jones L. The efficiency of contact lens care regimens on protein removal from hydrogel and silicone hydrogel lenses. Mol Vis. 2010 Jan 20;16:79-92. PMID: 20098668; PMCID: PMC2808856.

2 Cope JR, Collier SA, Schein OD, Brown AC, Verani JR, Gallen R, Beach MJ, Yoder JS. Acanthamoeba Keratitis among Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lens Wearers in the United States, 2005 through 2011. Ophthalmology. 2016 Jul;123(7):1435-41. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2016.03.039. Epub 2016 Apr 23. PMID: 27117780; PMCID: PMC4921294.

3 Cope JR, Collier SA, Nethercut H, Jones JM, Yates K, Yoder JS. Risk Behaviors for Contact Lens–Related Eye Infections Among Adults and Adolescents — United States, 2016. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2017;66:841–845. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6632a2 4 Yong-li Zhou et al., Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, https://doi.org/10.1016/j. clae.2023.102106

requires 0.9% preservative-free saline solution, minimizing environmental impact and being friendly to those sensitive or allergic to additives. Despite the main body of the cleaner being built to last 3-5 years, the cleaning capsule needs regular replacement to ensure optimal cleaning quality. To minimize environmental impact, 3N Eyecare initiated a recycling program in some countries, offering discounts on replacements when patients return used saline solution bottles or cleaning capsules.

LOOKING BEYOND Improper contact lens cleaning is the main cause of many eye infections. The 3N Eyecare cleaner addresses all causes of improper cleaning practices, enhancing the contact lens wearing experience and simplifying the cleaning process,

Alex Yang serves as the VP of Global Marketing at 3N Eyecare. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and Automation from the prestigious Shanghai Jiao Tong Universit y. Despite his engineering background, Alex has amassed over a decade of experience in the contact lens care industry. Leveraging his unique blend of engineering expertise and medical device knowledge, Alex has played a pivotal role in 3N Eyecare's successful global expansion.

especially for RGP and scleral lens wearers. n 44

42_Yang.indd 44

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28.08.24 15:22

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

All about markets Regional prevalence of vision impairment In terms of regional differences, the prevalence of distance vision impairment in low- and middle-income regions is estimated to be four times higher than in high-income regions.

Rates of unaddressed near vision impairment are estimated

Global eyewear market 2024

to be greater than 80% in western, eastern and central

In 2024, each person worldwide is expected to generate

sub-Saharan Africa.

sales of USD 19.17 in the eyewear market, which is expected to Source: WHO

reach USD 148.60 billion. The average volume per person is expected to be 1.3 units. Non-luxury eyewear is expected to account for 85% of sales.

Source: https://www.statista.com/outlook/cmo/eyewear/worldwide

Global eyewear market growth The global eyewear market is expected to grow from USD 146.1 billion in 2023 to USD 215 billion by 2033, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9% during the forecast period. North America is expected to hold the largest share, and eyewear is expected to form the largest segment.

Source: Spherical Insights & Consulting

75%

Talent shortage 75% of employers report difficultly in filling roles according to the Global Talent Shortage report 2024 by staffing firm Manpower.

GlobalCONTACT 2-24

45_about_markets.indd 45

45

29.08.24 15:53

HISTORY

Josef Dallos was born in Budapest (HU) in 1905, the son of a teacher. He qualified as a doctor in 1928 at the age of 25 and worked there in the "University Clinic No. 1" for ophthalmology, which is now Semmelweicz University. He soon began fitting contact lenses, using original Zeiss contact lenses, the only ones available at the time. Using a novel molding technique, he proposed some improvements to the design, which were jointly patented with Zeiss in 1934.1 His experiments with the molding technique were revolutionary, as he was able to take molds of the living eye using a malleable material (Negocol), which provided information about the actual shape of the cornea and sclera. Negocol was a material obtained from algae, which was heated to 41° to 42° C and injected onto the anesthetized eye. It hardened as it cooled, and Dallos transformed the mold into a positive cast using a waxy preparation (Hominite). Later, he even used a positive cast made of brass, formed a glass lens over it and made all the necessary adjustments by grinding.2 Some historians believe that these were the first modern scleral lenses to be made individually for the patient's eyes. In later years, the Negocol was replaced by a molding compound called Moldite and the brass cast was replaced by a positive casting compound called Castone.2 These were the foundations for producing precision-fit contact lenses. In 1933, he published his first article on contact lenses in a German ophthalmology journal, "Ueber Haftglaser und Kontaktschalen". In the same year, he received a Hungarian patent for the manufacture of contact lenses that could be stabilized under the eyelids without touching the cornea and was licensed as a specialist in ophthalmology.

Josef Dallos

RELOCATION TO GREAT BRITAIN Josef Dallos came to Great Britain to escape the Nazi threat in

Pioneers of ophthalmic optics

his home country of Hungary. In May 1937, he moved to England with his brother-in-law George Nissel. Dallos worked at 9 Wigmore Street before setting up the first pure contact lens center at 18 Cavendish Square. Between 1938 and 1948, he fitted lenses in Moorfields and attended St. Mary's and the Western Ophthalmic Hospital. During the war, he treated many soldiers so that they could return to active service. He also fitted many

Josef Dallos

former soldiers who had suffered from mustard gas keratitis

In this series, we take a look back at pioneers who have

intensively on the oxygen supply to the cornea, developed molds

made efforts to establish contact lenses as a correction

of the cornea for the production of corneal lenses made of glass

for refractive errors. In this issue, we introduce Josef

and developed a method for disinfecting soft lenses. He was the

Dallos. With his innovative molding technique at the time,

first to take the physiology of the eye into account when fitting

he made a significant contribution to the development of

contact lenses. In short, he laid the foundation for all contact

new designs for contact lenses, which were an enormous

lenses as we know them today.3

after the First World War with glass scleral lenses, worked

relief for many patients. By Silke Sage

CHANCE AND FENESTRATION Dallos preferred parallel-fitting, ventilated glass scleral lenses.

Nissel later estimated that Dallos fitted around 6,000-7,000 46

46_Serie_Pioniere_Dallos.indd 46

GlobalCONTACT 2-24

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HISTORY

Josef Dallos (right) grinds glass cleral lenses in Budapest (HU) in 1935 together with Petrus Thier. Picture, page 47, had been publised in GlobalCONTACT 2010_02.

patients with scleral lenses between 1937 and 1964. He was one

In 1964, he set up his own premises at 17 Devonshire Place and

of the first to describe fenestration to prevent corneal edema

fitted them out for the manufacture of glass and corneal lenses.

and prolong wearing time.

Josef Dallos never retired and was present at his practice every

According to various sources: An incident, initially reported as

day until his death in the summer of 1979, according to a former

a mistake, in which a support point had to be removed from a

employee (Don Ezekiel).

patient with keratoconus, paved the way for a new technique.

Unfortunately, the incident resulted in a hole in the lens. Dallos

IN MEMORY OF...

polished the edges of the hole, apologized, and initially wanted

The British Contact Lens Association's (BCLA) Dallos Award,

to produce a new lens. However, the patient did not return for

established in 1982 to commemorate the life and work of Josef

several months, and later it turned out that the lens was

Dallos, funds a research project related to contact lenses or the

comfortable and could be worn all day. He subsequently

anterior eye. In 2004, this was renamed the Pioneers' Lecture

researched the placement of such a fenestration.

to honor all pioneers in the contact lens industry.

The American Contact Lens Manufacturers Association (CLMA) also commemorates his name with a regular award.

Profile: Hungarian-born British ophthalmologist 1905-1979 who invented the technique of taking an impression of the living eye in 1930. In 1937 he moved to London with George Nissel

A memorial plaque for Josef Dallos was unveiled at 18 Cavendish Square in London on June 23, 2010. (See GlobalCONTACT 2010_02 page 44 ff.) n

and founded the first pure contact lens practice in Cavendish Square (1937-1964). Probably the greatest contribution Dallos made to the emerging contact lens industry was in 1933, with a technique for making molds of the eye. This was the basis for accurate contact lens designs.

GlobalCONTACT 2-24

46_Serie_Pioniere_Dallos.indd 47

References 1 https://www.andrewgasson.co.uk/josef-dallos-1905-1979 nach Tom Bowden 2009.

2 Patrick Caroline, Craig Norman 2023 Contact Lens Spectrum nach Sabell, 1988 und Mann et al, 1996.

3 GlobalCONTACT 2010_02 44ff., Timothy J. Bowden.

47

28.08.24 15:24

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Blocking Wax & Contact Lens Polish

SCHNEIDER GmbH & Co. KG Biegenstrasse 8 –12 35112 Fronhausen SCHNEIDER GmbH & Co. KG Biegenstrasse Germany 8 –12 35112 Fronhausen

Phone: +49Germany (64 26) 96 96-0 Fax:Phone: +49 (64 96 96-100 +4926) (64 26) 96 96-0 Fax: +49 (64 26) 96 96-100

info@schneider-om.com info@schneider-om.com www.schneider-om.com www.schneider-om.com

Machinery and Tools RZ_Yellow_Pages_60x80_4C.indd 1

Sterling Ultra Precision Division of AMETEK Precitech Inc. 8600 Somerset Drive, Largo Florida, 33773 USA Phone: +1 727 538 6110 fadi.achkouti@ametek.com

V-Optics SAS 2, rue du travail 67400 Illkirch-Graffenstaden France

Eyepress Fachmedien GmbH Saarner Str. 151 D-45479 Mülheim an der Ruhr

Phone: +33 (0) 3 67 10 28 60

Phone: +49(0)208-306683-00 Fax: +49(0)208-306683-99

info@v-optics.fr www.v-optics.fr

www.global-cl.com info@global-cl.com

Europe: +49 98 3797 8238 andreas.kuchler@ametek.com www.sterlingint.com

Machinery & Tools

23.06.2020 12:37:08

Instruments

Media Service

VISIT THE NEW WEBSITE YOUR TRUSTED SOURCE IN OPHTHALMIC OPTICS Global Insight: Expert Analysis: Innovation Spotlight: Community Hub:

Stay ahead with our worldwide perspective on industry dynamics and emerging trends.

Benefit from in-depth analyses, exclusive interviews, and thought-provoking articles.

Explore cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of vision care.

Join a global network of professionals passionate about advancing the Contact Lens and IOL industry.

VISIT US ONLINE NOW: WWW.GLOBAL-CL.COM GlobalCONTACT 2-24

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GLOBAL CONTACT The Website and the Magazine: The complete communication system for the contact lens industry. The magazine, 2,500 copies, is distributed to contact lens laboratories, wholesalers and other organizations active in the contact lens and IOL industry.

The website www.global-cl.com is free for all industry related professionals PUBLISHERS ADDRESS Eyepress Fachmedien GmbH Saarner Str. 151, D-45479 Mülheim a. d. Ruhr Tel.: +49-208-306683-00 Fax: +49-208-306683-99 Website: www.global-cl.com E-mail: info@global-cl.com CEO Petros Sioutis E-mail: p.sioutis@eyepress.de PUBLISHER Silke Sage, Efstathios Efthimiadis, Petros Sioutis

Name: Marion Beeler-Kaupke Position: Executive Director EFCLIN Organisation: EFCLIN

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dipl.-Ing (FH) Silke Sage E-mail: silke@global-cl.com TRANSLATIONS John Saniter, Bopfingen, Germany EDITORIAL BOARD Wim Aalbers, Erik Larsen, Eef van der Worp

If I wasn't doing this job, then... I would look after another non-profit organisation or get more involved in local politics.

The best thing about this job is... working for lots of interesting and nice people and being constantly up to date with all the developments in the industry.

It's not difficult in this job... being challenged every day and finding new areas to familiarise myself with.

The last time I was disappointed with my job was... when there wasn't enough money to realise more ideas at the congress.

The craziest thing about my job is... travelling all over Europe with the EFCLIN Congress and Exhibition and, above all, meeting people from all over the world.

I was surprised that... I got this position at EFCLIN at all, because the competition at the time was very strong. When I joined EFCLIN in 2015, I was given a very warm welcome. I was also surprised that the EFCLIN community not only respects each other professionally, but also has a friendly and warm relationship with each other.

Talking to participants and exhibitors is... always a high-light for me and a valuable mirror for myself and my work.

I can see why a conference will be successful when... I see the commitment of all those responsible for organising it and when the participants arriving are smiling and happy to be there.

When I think of those who work with me, I am glad that... I have a harmonious, innovative and challenging team with the EFCLIN Board.

A day is perfect when... I have laughed heartily and have been able to complete the tasks I set myself.

I can't live without... my family, my friends and good books.

PRODUCTION & LAYOUT Efstathios Efthimiadis, Pascal Bruns DISTRIBUTION PressUp GmbH, Postbox 70 13 11, D-22013 Hamburg Tel.: +49-40-386666-308, Fax: +49-40-386666-299 MEDIA CONSULTANT Constanze Classen Tel.: +49-208-306683-20 E-mail: constanze@global-cl.com Sabine Mueller Tel.: +49-208-306683-21 E-mail: sabine@global-cl.com ADVERTISING AGENT GREAT CHINA Beijing FOCUS Optics Culture Commnication Co. Ltd. Room 319, Building 2, Nr. 1, Northbank 1292, Nr. 15 Jianguo Eastroad, Beijing 100024 (Chaoyang), P.R. China Mrs. Jian Wang Tel.: +86-10-8537-6529 Email: jennywang_focus@126.com Skype: jennywang611 ADVERTISEMENT RATES Price list No. 13, valid from January 01, 2024 Publication Schedule 3 issues 2024: April, July, November SUBSCRIPTION COSTS PER YEAR European Union 80,00 € (plus VAT for German companies), Overseas Seamail 90,00 €, Overseas Airmail 110,00 €, United States Seamail 95,00 €, United States Airmail 125,00 €, Single issue 20,00 € (plus mailing costs) The Publisher requires three months written notice on cancellation. Subscribers please note that proof of notice may be required.

BANK DETAILS Bank account: Sparkasse Aachen IBAN: DE21 3905 0000 1073 3925 06 SWIFT: AACS DE 33XXX PRODUCTION & PRINT Kollin Mediengesellschaft mbh, Neudrossenfeld The publisher takes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts. Please note also that photographs submitted for use in GlobalCONTACT cannot be returned. The publisher's written permission is required for any reproduction, translation or recording of material published in GlobalCONTACT, including extracts of such material. Permission will normally be given, subject to the usual acknowledgement. Copies made of published items must be limited in number and for personal use only.

PHOTO CREDITS Page 14: Great bru, 32: Brian A Jackson, 34: Elnur, 40: Pixel-Shot /stock.adobe.com /unsplash.com /istockphoto.com

If I had superpowers, I would... end the wars of this world.

On my bedside table I keep... a notepad and a pencil for spontaneous ideas at night.

Members of

My greatest wish is... to grow old with my husband and, if the world situation would allow it, to visit Isfahan again.

In my next life I will be... a lawyer or a historian or both.

GlobalCONTACT 2-24

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VISIT THE NEW WEBSITE YOUR TRUSTED SOURCE IN OPHTHALMIC OPTICS Why Choose GlobalCONTACT Global Insight: Stay ahead with our worldwide perspective on industry dynamics and emerging trends.

Expert Analysis: Benefit from in-depth analyses, exclusive interviews, and thought-provoking articles.

Innovation Spotlight: Explore cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of vision care.

Community Hub: Join a global network of professionals passionate about advancing the Contact Lens and IOL industry.

VISIT US ONLINE NOW: WWW.GLOBAL-CL.COM Webseite_2023.indd 2

10.04.24 00:21

HELPING MAKE YOUR PAT I E N T ‘ S LIFE BETTER

Photo by Artur Barbosa.Courtesy of BostonSight

Chris Pantle +1 805 745 1610 cpantle@dac-intl.com Kurtis Brown +1 805 745 1628 kbrown@dac-intl.com

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