ISSN 1614-1598 66527 Volume 18
OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY We help you to stay in contact
6/2022 ▶ Special topic: Go digital! Ray-tracing customized progressive lens calculation
EVEN FASTER AND MORE POWERFUL
Novel approach for retrieving the individual lengths of the eye Class I UDI and The Vision Council response
▶ Business Impact of inflation
▶ Market Survey Lens printing systems Laser engraving systems
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LETTER
Lab Visions
I Hanna Diewald Chief editor Tell us your opinion, ideas and suggestions: hanna.diewald@mafo-optics.com
f things are not running smoothly in
That is why we have already worked in parallel
the here and now, let us look to the
on the conference 2023 and can now proudly
future with confidence. That is precisely
present the program (More on page 10 ff.).
what we are doing now in keeping with
Already on 3 February 2023, as always one day
the motto: Lab Visions: “Imagining the future
before the Mido in Milan, we invite you to the
of the ophthalmic industry”.
unparalleled meeting of the optical industry.
Several times in recent years we have announced
Interesting lectures, a panel discussion and of
our popular and much-loved MAFO – The
course cocktails, delicious food and enthusi-
Conference in Milan. However, the on-site
astic colleagues, customers or competitors
meeting unfortunately did not happen. Instead
from all over the world of ophthalmic optics
there were disappointed speakers, many ques-
are awaiting you.
tions from the non-participants and last but not
Now that various trade fairs have already made
least frustrated organizers.
their live comeback, we are confident that
This is why we have launched the online format
MAFO – The Conference will also take place
MAFO Talks this year. Interesting lectures
again on site in February.
and panel discussions with and for experts
Until then, of course, we will keep you abreast of
from the ophthalmic industry can be watched
everything important in MAFO. This issue is about
online at any time.
inflation and its impact on the optical market, depicted by market researcher Mark Mackenzie. Another subject is new methods to measure
MAFO TALKS
the individual eye and thus individualize and optimize lenses. In addition, MAFO visited Optimal Technologies in the UK to celebrate the machine manufacturer's 25th anniversary, and discussed the challenges and opportunities of a company
The feedback to this format has been posi-
takeover with two new lab owners. You can
tive all around, yet it is no substitute for
look forward to these and many more topics
personal interaction.
MAFO 6-22
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on the next pages. Enjoy reading this issue! ◆
3
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02.08.21 17.10.22 12:41 12:01
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2022
Content Topics in this edition MAFO issue
October / November 2022
Page 18
Page 28
Page 14
At a glance
Technology
6
18
All about you
Novel approach for retrieving the individual lengths of the eye
The ever-changing landscape of Unique Device Identification
By F. Schulz, Y. Bénard, S. Trumm, G. Esser,
By The Life Sciences Team at Reed Tech
W. Becken, A. Seidemann and W. Eisenbarth
34
News from the international ophthalmic industry
7 All about markets
Spotlight Special Topic
Data in graphics
24
8
Ray-tracing customized progressive lens calculation
All about products
By Gaetano Volpe and Pasquale Fanelli
Special Topic
Innovations and products for your lab
44 Suppliers Guide
Spotlight
10
48
MAFO – The Conference 2023
Closing Words
Topics and abstracts
Eugenio Casas – a CEO with a passion for motor sports
14
49
Optimal Technologies elebrates 25 th anniversary c
Outlook
By Rebekka Nurkanovic
22
26
Special Topic
A lab changes ownership Interview with Korhan Gazi and Martin Ulm
Business
28 Impact of inflation By Mark Mackenzie
Surveys
36 Lens printing systems
38 Laser engraving systems
Vision Expo West 2022
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
All about you News from the international ophthalmic industry Mido 2023: Visitors´ registration now open
Photo: Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images for Mido
Good vision is a basic human right. The ability to see clearly is essential to
Visitors now can register on the
learn effectively in school, work productively, drive safely, and enhance
Mido website www.mido.com/
overall quality of lives. Yet one in three or 2.7 billion people around the
en/entry-pass for the forthcom-
world, 90% of whom live in developing communities, cannot see clearly due
ing edition of the international
to eye conditions that can be corrected by a simple pair of eyeglasses.
eyewear show.
To address the issue, EssilorLuxottica has, over the past decade, launched
From February 4 to 6, the
a series of initiatives around the world to bring access to vision care where
world of optics will meet at
it wasn’t available before such as deploying rural training programs to
Mido 2023, where the best the
create primary vision care providers as well as developing low-cost prescrip-
industry has to offer in terms
tion glasses and diagnostic tools. This ranking speaks to the significant
of trends, innovation, design, sustainability and creativity will be on
social impact these efforts have delivered with over 21,000 primary vision
display, in a setting where deals are made and sales closed.
care providers and more than 220 vision centers providing over 530 million
Mido 2023 opens with a fresh look and a new claim: “The Eyewear State
people with access to vision care to date. To further scale efforts, the
of the Art”. Both are meant to epitomize the values contemporaneity,
company founded the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation earlier this
culture, fashion and beauty.
year, which unites many of the group’s global advocacy and philanthropic
“We are hard at work on the 2023 show, after the April 2022 edition
actions, raising awareness on the importance of good vision and supporting
(the first post-pandemic show) exceeded all expectations, drawing the
the creation of sustainable vision care through philanthropic grants.
participation of 22,000 professionals and 670 exhibiting companies. industry professionals from around the world revolve,” noted President
Mirjam Rösch is the new consumer optics chairwoman at Spectaris
Giovanni Vitaloni. “We are aware that these are precarious, problematic
After 17 years, consumer optics (ophthalmic and distance optics) at
times, further aggravated by the international situation. Our challenge
the German industry association Spectaris is in new hands: Mirjam
is not only to engage the entire world of eyewear – in person – but
Rösch was elected as the new chairperson at the Consumer Optics
also to guide and shape our show based on the circumstances and
Industry Day. She succeeds Josef May, who led the association’s
changes we need to consider in order to have an increasingly inter-
fortunes for almost two decades.
national, future-oriented perspective. This means we must be even
Mirjam Rösch, Commercial Director DACH and Managing Director
more tuned-in to the needs of our exhibitors and visitors, who envision
at Hoya Lens Deutschland GmbH, is looking forward to her new task
Mido as an opportunity to finalize sales, prompted by the presence
and summarizes her goals as the new chair: “At Spectaris, we want to
of high-profile international buyers.”
continue to keep Germany attractive as a location for innovation and
Mido continues to be the hub around which relationships between
production, as well as anchor ESG criteria such as environmental and
EssilorLuxottica earns 6th spot on 2022 Fortune Change the World List
ethnic corporate governance as guiding
EssilorLuxottica has been named on the 2022 Fortune Change the
principles in ophthalmic optics. In doing
World list, taking the 6th spot within this annual ranking which
so, effective political representation of the
recognizes companies that have had a positive social impact through
industry and close cooperation with all
activities that are part of their core business strategy. Among 50
relevant stakeholders are important to me.”
companies, the group is honored for its commitment and leadership
Her wishes: “To make eye health more
climate protection, social responsibility and
central to society and to solve the ‘skills
in orchestrating industry-wide efforts to eliminate uncorrected poor vision in a generation, as part of its mission to help people ‘see more
Photo: Mirjam Rösch
shortage’ for the industry."
and be more’.
You have news for the ophthalmic industry? Submit your press releases to: rebekka.nurkanovic@mafo-optics.com or constanze.classen@mafo-optics.com
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
All about markets Graphical data Italy’s eyewear industry enjoyed a positive first-quarter 2022, especially regarding exports. Data for January-March indicate a 32.3% surge in growth compared to the same period in 2019 and a 35.3% increase over 2021. Expectations for the coming months are for continued growth in terms of exports, manufacturing, the domestic market and employment in the industry. The sector closed out 2021 on the “plus” side, lifting it up to preCOVID levels. Thanks to its robust international affinity, eyewear was among the sectors that managed to respond well to the pandemic last year.
According to VPN provider Surfshark, Denmark has the best digital quality of life in the world. The country achieved 0.83 index points in 2021 on the company’s Digital Quality of Life Index, taking first place among the 110 nations it compared. South Korea and Finland follow in a joint second place at 0.76 points. With Singapore in rank four, the top eight consists of two Scandinavian and two Asian nations as well as the U.S., Israel, France and Switzerland. Source: Statista
Source: ANFAO
During the four days of the Silmo Paris 2022, the 750 exhibitors – frames, lenses, technical materials, brands, general purchasing organizations, services, etc. – welcomed nearly 27,000 visitors, roughly half from France and half from abroad. In detail, the numbers of French visitors reached 13,462, for an increase of 21% compared to 2021. Foreign visitors, from 146 countries, reached 13,444, up by 107% from 2021. Source: Silmo
Source: https://www.statista.com/chart/27873/ share-investing-planning-to-invest-in-cryptocurrencies-us-gcs
MAFO 6-22
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS Advertisement
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Satisloh celebrates 100th anniversary at Wetzlar location Satisloh celebrated its 100th anniversary on Friday, Oct. 7 and Saturday, Oct. 8. Once started as a small mechanical workshop in Wetzlar's old town, initially manufacturing machines for tin cans, the company grew over the decades to become one of the largest, global manufacturers of optical machines and solutions! On this occasion, the company organized three events in Wetzlar. On Friday, October 7, representatives from politics & press, customers, suppliers and other partners were invited in the morning and in the afternoon all former Satisloh employees, who are now retired. Saturday was entirely dedicated to the employees of the company. From noon until evening, all employees and their family members were invited to the anniversary celebration. René Leroux, COO Satisloh Group / Managing Director, thanked the employees. "We are a brand in our own right, are embedded in a global group, are healthy, medium-sized businesses and manufacture technological products that help improve people's lives! I would like to sincerely thank you for your personal contribution and look forward to many more years of solidarity and loyalty. We have the best employees, are proud of you, of our tradition, and look forward to the future!” www.satisloh.com
IOT gets noticed at SILMO As tradition dictates, IOT wanted to be at Silmo and take advantage of the opportunity to launch the campaign for its new high-performance photochromic lens. Neochromes is innovation, it is the future. We are talking about an advanced photochromic lens that delivers stateof-the-art photochromic performance and a visual experience never seen before, inviting wearers to make a life enhancing decision: to commit to photochromics. Likewise, IOT went a step further and surprised all attendees with a new measurement app. It has been engineered to help opticians and lens sellers measure parameters and compare different lens designs and coatings, making their work easier. IOT also presented its new generation of lenses and technologies. IOT Digital Ray-Path 2, Steady Methodology, Camber Steady Plus Progressive and Endless Steady Progressive are just some of the products the enterprise is currently changing the ophthalmic lens market with. Visit www.iotlenses.com
8
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Book 3 delegates for only € 333,per person!
THE CONFERENCE
Lab Visions – Imagining the future of the ophthalmic industry MAFO - The Conference 2023 Date: February 03, 2023 Location: Fiera Milano Rho in Milano/Italy
Catch the Early bird discount:
€ 399,- per person by booking until January 08, 2023
Registration The regular fee of € 490,- includes attendance at MAFO - The Conference, all refreshments, lunch and champagne reception. If you book 3 delegates, the rate is € 333,- per person. (Please note that reservations are subject to VAT in the respective countries of booking.) Easy registration: please go to ticket.mafo-optics.com
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THE CONFERENCE
Special topic: Lab Visions Imagining the future of the ophthalmic industry MAFO - The Conference 2023 Date: Friday, February 3rd, 2023 (one day before Mido) Location: Fiera Milano Rho (Italy) Chairman: Peter Baumbach
François Breton
Pau Artus
Horizons Optical
Xavier Bultez & Michael Kreis
Satisloh
Christopher Diez
LensWare
Sandra Stry Schneider
Gaetano Volpe
ProCrea Tech
Stephen Jolly OptoTech
Mo Jalie
University Ulster
All you wanted to know about ultrasonic cleaning of lenses
Virtual reality to revolutionize the customer journey in optical stores
How digitalization and the internet of things will shape the lab of the future
Paperless production – challenging lab and LMS
Ultimate, all-in automation: The power-lab of the next decade
From nominal power to the metaverse. A journey through 20 years of freeform surfaces.
Mineral Rx production
Cylindrical power for near vision
Panel discussion Imagining the future of the ophthalmic industry Panelists: - TBA -
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SPOTLIGHT
Speakers
François Breton
Pau Artus
Xavier Bultez & Michael Kreis
Horizons Optical
Satisloh
Virtual reality to revolutionize the customer journey in optical stores
How digitalization and the internet of things will shape the lab of the future
but not only clean to the human eyes, but also
The customer journey to buy a pair of glasses
"Information is the oil of the 21st century, and
clean at the molecular level for some coating
has not significantly changed for the last 30-40
analytics is the combustion engine." is a famous
processes. For a long period of time, cleaning
years. Users go through a series of measure-
quote by Peter Sondergaard, Senior Vice
with Freon 113 was the method of choice as it
ments and tests, then frame and lens selection,
President and Global Head of Research at
was relatively inexpensive and highly effective.
purchase and payment. This process includes
Gartner, Inc. – What has this to do with the
A major advantage of using Freon as a cleaning
some amusing steps, such as frame selection,
optical lab business? During the fourth indus-
agent was that it did not require drying, so
but it also includes critical decisions about
trial revolution, also known as Industry 4.0,
parts were ready immediately after cleaning
matters that users often do not know much
manufacturing has taken on the label of “smart”
for the next processing step. The discovery that
about. In particular, lens selection can easily
through the integration of the internet of things
Freon was an "ozone depleting substance"
become one of the most puzzling steps. Custom-
(IoT), systems based on artificial intelligence
(ODS), contributing to the destruction of the
ers are requested to choose between different
(AI) and cognitive as well as cloud computing.
earth's protective ozone layer, led to regulations
lens quality levels without having enough
By combining machines and intelligent devices
that banned its manufacture by January 1,
expertise to decide which one will give them
into smart networks throughout the value
1996. It became necessary to develop a new
the highest comfort. This usually ends up in
chain manufacturers are creating benefits and
aqueous system of cleaning and priming optical
an act of faith on what actually is the most
new business models for their customers.
lenses. The replacement system has been found
expensive part of the glasses. In addition,
This talk outlines a vision of the optical lab of the
to be as effective, and in some cases more ef-
optometric test and measurements are not
future leveraging existing digitalization technolo-
fective. In order to eliminate the use of Freon,
among the most exciting experiences, either.
gies as well as technologies that are still under
a number of alternative cleaners, including
Sophisticated equipment is often required or
development. Imagine the interconnection of all
solvent cleaners, aqueous cleaning and aqueous
tedious visual tests are needed to gather ac-
user interfaces of all systems, machines and de-
cleaning in a centrifuge were investigated.
curate data that the optometrist needs.
vices in a lab in a simple and natural way – as easy
By that time, ultrasonic cleaning processes were
In recent years, virtual reality headsets have made
as on your smartphone. Imagine an MES control
taking off in the metal finishing sector. Thus, it
a leap forward in terms of usability and cost. They
center in your pocket that can virtually take you
became possible to define processes that could
offer exciting user experiences but, more interest-
to any machine in the lab at any time and from
be used in the optical industry. Ultrasonic clean-
ing; they intrinsically have high precision elec-
any place by becoming one with the machine
ing, although widely used in various industries,
tronics to measure the user head motion.
HMI. Tomorrow`s MES systems will dig into all
is still not fully understood and remains within
Because of this, some companies are starting
existing data in the lab, giving full transparency
the hands of the machine manufacturers. How-
to turn their heads to this technology and take
on breakage, productivity as well as on resource
ever, it seems that there’s been a straight conversion
advantage of it, i.e. exciting experience and
consumption per lens produced and leverage AI
from the metal finishing sector to the ophthalmic
precision measurements, to offer opticians the
based data analysis to help you improve your lab’s
one which led to some significant misconceptions
possibility to perform some of their tests using
performance. All job data management will be
of ultrasonic cleaning equipment for lenses.
this attractive tool or even explore new applica-
digital and paperless while using a human centric
In this lecture we will review the most popular
tions. In this conference, we will go through
approach allowing direct interaction between
ultrasonic cleaning machine designs and ex-
some of the most attractive examples.
human and IoT device. Beside great opportunities,
All you wanted to know about ultrasonic cleaning of lenses Anything related to ophthalmics must be clean,
plain what should be the ideal profile for
such technology raises questions of cyber security
maximising the cleaning quality and minimiz-
and data privacy, which we will try to answer.
ing the process cycle times.
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SPOTLIGHT
Speakers
Christopher Diez
Sandra Stry
Gaetano Volpe
LensWare
Schneider
ProCrea Tech
Paperless production – challenging lab and LMS
Ultimate, all-in automation: The power-lab of the next decade
From nominal power to the metaverse. A journey through 20 years of freeform surfaces.
The topic of paperless production is spreading
For the longest time, labs have been investing
and increasing its importance due to government
in faster and better machines on their quest
The performance of ophthalmic lenses has been
funded projects in addition to the awareness of
for “more”. But with increasingly rising
constantly improving over the past twenty
positive effects for climate/environment by the
complexities, a mere focus on maximizing
years. The first freeform surfaces in early 2000s
labs. Producing lenses paperless is partially well
throughput and reducing costs on a single
only exhibited their nominal power. Then, the
known in big scale surfacing departments while
machine basis is no longer sufficient.
use of ray tracing-based optimization tech-
treatment departments completely rely on job
Adopting a holistic perspective regarding the
niques combined with PoW (Position-of-Wear)
tickets. In addition the print out is used to sort
overall lens production has opened up entirely
parameters paved the way for compensated
jobs in different states and with different
new options. Thinking in “systems” as opposed
surfaces with minimal refraction errors and
characteristics prior to production.
to “machines” incorporates intelligence that
very low residual aberrations. More recently,
That in mind, the paperless production chal-
goes beyond the previous standard and ulti-
the integration of those algorithms with the
lenges both: labs and their software provider
mately offers that “more” labs have been looking
analysis of patient’s lifestyle has added a sig-
(LMS). A totally new production flow needs to
for – the higher throughput and lower cost per
nificative contribution for an improved per-
be created without empirical knowledge, how
lens. For this reason, a growing number of labs
formance, especially for the correct sizing of
to solve tasks in the best possible way, especially
are now relying on fully-automated and
progressive lenses functional zones. Now, novel
in the treatment departments without job tickets.
-monitored intelligent production systems –
techniques, such the analysis of head and eye
The challenge for the labs is to train their staff
independent of an individual’s skill level.
rotation combined with a metaverse-based
to start working with PCs, who previously had
Most recently, the portfolio available from
experience is arising as a new effective tool to
only been required to track orders by status
Schneider has been increased again – now in-
collect more data about patient’s vision behavior
booking, if it was not done automatically by
corporating artificial intelligence as well as more
and further improve optimization algorithms.
scanners from conveyor solutions.
powerful and resource-friendly technology. This
In this talk, I will go through the recent history
The psychological effect is not to be underesti-
lecture explains the principles of a new era in
of freeform surfaces optimization, and I will
mated here. Of course, this is the first challenge
lens production history. Warehousing, surfacing,
introduce the novel metaverse-based techniques
for the LMS, too. The GUI for new workflows
cleaning, coating and edging – fully integrated
and their impressive features.
has to be maximal intuitive, clear and user
and working together as one. Adopting these
friendly with only a few needed navigations.
new technologies, labs will be empowered with
Furthermore, the pre-sorting based on job tickets
new options for differentiation towards a suc-
to plan recipes, not forgetting seldom recipes,
cessful future. The presentation is aimed at
will be now part of the system.
decision makers and lab professionals looking
Digitalizing an area of the labs, where most
for an innovative approach to secure their posi-
of the devices do not yet communicate with
tion in the ophthalmics market.
the LMS, is the next revolution in the ophthalmic industry. How both partners (lab and LMS provider) can work together to pursue this challenge and how the software can assist in the best way is topic of this contribution.
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SPOTLIGHT
Speakers
Stephen Jolly
Mo Jalie
Panel discussion
OptoTech
University Ulster
Panellists: TBA
Mineral Rx production
Cylindrical power for near vision
Imagining the future of the ophthalmic industry
As labs begin to increase their focus on sustain-
Some manufacturers offer progressive lenses
ability and ecological impact, there is evidence
with the possibility of optimizing the near
Disruption has become a key feature of our
to suggest that this sector will see significant
portion of the lens. Why is this necessary? What
time. This has good and bad sides. On the
growth in the coming years. So now is the perfect
is the background to the optimization?
positive side, there are technological innova-
time to introduce the advantages of fully auto-
This paper discusses the difference between
tions that open up new opportunities for labs.
mated surfacing for mineral Rx production.
the cylindrical correction prescribed for dis-
On the negative side, there are external influ-
The new OptoTech mineral line consists of
tance vision and the modification necessary
ences/crises that make smooth lab operations
three units which are optimized for quality,
to fully correct the eye’s astigmatism when the
more difficult.
working range and productivity. By utilizing
wearer uses the lenses for near vision.
All of these factors have an impact on industry
the latest in control and linear drive technology,
developments. This is a good reason to take a
together with new lab management software
visionary look into the year 2033. During the
it is no problem to have a smooth transition
panel discussion at the MAFO Conference
into mineral Rx production. It is now possible
2023, four industry experts will share their
for labs of any size to enter the mineral Rx
views on what the ophthalmic optics industry
market and produce a truly green product.
may look like in ten years.
MAFO | Talks – video presentations and panel discussions for the ophthalmic optics industry. Watch all the videos online:
MAFO 6-22
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SPOTLIGHT
Growth and innovation Optimal Technologies celebrates 25th anniversary This year Optimal Technologies is celebrating the company’s 25th anniversary. The manufacturer and developer of ultrasonic optical lens cleaning and hard coating systems will be a quarter of a century old at the end of November. After humble beginnings in the original founder's home, the company has become a leader in its field, with further growth on the horizon. To mark the jubilee, MAFO has visited Optimal Technologies headquarters in Letchworth, Garden City, UK, 50 miles from London, where we were welcomed by Dean Thompson (CEO) and David Roberts (CCO). B y Rebekka Nurkanovic
T
he company’s anniversary will be closely followed by two
from traditional glass and with it the requirement for cleaning and
personal milestones of Dean Thompson, Optimal’s CEO,
later hard coating processes to make the new lens materials as scratch
who joined the Optimal business ten years ago in December
resistant as their glass predecessors. Thompson’s lab needed important
and further to this he will also celebrate his 30th year in
replacement ultrasonic cleaning equipment and approached a UK
the ophthalmic industry this coming February. His ties to Optimal
based company that produced ultrasonic units but at this time in
reach some 28 years back through his involvement in introducing the
other industries – outside of Ophthalmic, where no one specialised
original founder Trevor Conway to the ophthalmic industry. This ignited
in this. Trevor Conway was the sales director of that company and
Conway’s innovative spirit and led to the founding of Optimal Technolo-
his interest in how Sola were to use the cleaning system in this new
gies and the development of their first machine in 1997.
and upcoming market was soon piqued. Conway decided to pursue
Back in the mid 1990’s Dean Thompson was working within a su-
this goal on his own and started Optimal Technologies from his home
pervisory role at the coating lab of Sola Optical UK’s rapidly growing
and later small premises. Dean Thompson talks with respect of
Rx lab in the UK. It was the time when lens materials were fast moving
Conway’s original inventions, “He was very mechanically minded,
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SPOTLIGHT
so he was very inventive and built the very first small UCS 40 ultrasonic cleaning unit in his garage. And that's how Optimal was born”. The company name alludes to the ophthalmic industry and the idea for such small multistage units for use in the industry, but as well as to the optimization of space for the cleaning process as opposed to what was traditionally available.
From small beginnings to global enterprise In the early years, Optimal built smaller ultrasonic cleaning units. Then bigger customers within the lens industry started to request units that cleaned but also combined hard coating and cleaning and Optimal started development in that direction. The business steadily grew to the point where some years later Conway decided that he needed help in the structuring of the business to meet its growing customer requirements and so approached an old acquaintance in Dean Thompson. At that time, Optimal consisted of approximately ten people. Under the joint leadership of Conway and Thompson, growth continued through to a few years after this when Conway decided it was time to consider retirement and Thompson took this as an opportunity – after some considerable work to produce a plan – to take over the ownership of Optimal. He did this through the buyout of Conway, putting a robust plan in place for the future of the business and the people within it together with a new partnership to purchase the business through a MBO (management buyout) in January 2017. Thompson now owns Optimal together with his business director partner Jason Auluk who serves as mentor to Thompson and the senior team they have developed
Celebration of the 25th anniversary.
over the last few years, which includes seasoned heads of finance, technical, supply chain and commercial operations.
operations due to the continued growth of the business. Finding the
The management buyout was a big milestone for Optimal, and Dean
right people is not always so easy in any case and the labour movement
Thompson and Jason Auluk have managed to steer the company
in the wake of COVID shrunk the pool further. However, Optimal has
through the delicate transition phase of new ownership and towards
been strategic with extending their team by utilising various routes to
further growth with a steady hand. Another big milestone is hap-
the employment of people.
pening right now, but the CEO provides only general hints about
The biggest current challenges that face any manufacturing company
new customers, opportunities these hold and the scope of the new
are issues within supply chain, which affect the whole machine
systems they will design and produce and how these will be sub-
building industry as everything around electrical mechanical
stantially larger in size, scope and capacity than anything in Optimal’s
components is in short supply or long on delivery. While the order
current machine portfolio.
books are full, more effort and ingenuity are needed to acquire all necessary components. Optimal meets that challenge head-on to
Move to new premises
maintain competitiveness.
All work is done in the large and modern facility in Letchworth, with
The company has taken a range of standard machines from their
a production area of 22,000 square feet, approximately 50 miles from
portfolio in a strategic approach to anticipate industry trends for these
London. One and a half years after the management buyout, Optimal
models, in order to mitigate the continued risk to supply chain shortages;
moved their headquarters from the former long-established site in the
these machine due to their popularity quite often sold even before the
neighbouring town of Baldock. Optimal has seen steady growth for
completion of the build.
years and increased the number of team members consistently, and
In pre-crisis times, Optimal previously only built to order, staying in
the company is still recruiting today while looking for new roles created
close contact with customers, evaluating and serving their needs plays
by the opportunities the development of the business has seen. A new
a big role in their business model. The ophthalmic sector forms 50-55%
service manager soon will join the ranks in November, and new hires
of the customer base but the company is also very successfully sought
are wanted in all areas of production, engineering, and supply chain
in the medical industry and supplies some of the biggest companies
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SPOTLIGHT
Mechanical Design
Electrical fitting
The client room at Optimal
CHC200 System
in the world with systems required for all aspects of the cleaning and
electrical design engineers, and software, and controls design engineers”,
finishing of orthopaedic implants and cleaning of medical instruments,
explains Thompson. It is very important for the CEO to do as much
and surgical tools. There, the focus is on in-process, final cleaning,
as possible in-house. Everything is fully assembled on site, including
and passivation, which provides a rigorous sterilization and inspection
all the electrical designs and the panels, which are designed specifically
process before medical implants go into the packaging stage, before
for the respective machines. Customers are welcomed to discuss their
vital operations using these parts are performed. Here, Optimal provides
requests in the purpose-built client room, complete with a large
a complete service of full traceability which enables these medical
whiteboard wall for engineers and customers to scribble drafts of
companies to easily meet the rigors of FDA standards. Recently Optimal
design ideas and a screen for presentations that allows direct view of
has extended their activities into the photonics industry as well. An
the production floor and what’s being built at Optimal at the moment
area of current and significant future interest is the consumer electronics
for added inspiration. This is the place where the requirements are
industry, where Optimal has already worked with big names in the
analysed, and the creativity is developed. Customers might, for instance,
industry. Thompson only says that he expects the area to grow and
bring a lens or a visor and the design process starts from there. Every
that it encompasses elements to do with the future of glasses.
angle of process requirements is taken into consideration as well as weights of parts and the ergonomics of the machine’s operation by an
Customization
operator. “The process to design and build a bespoke machine can
The R&D team always works on several projects and sometimes sees
take six to nine months or longer, if it is a particularly complex and
crossover from one industry to the other. The requirements of the
large machine with many new challenges”, says Thompson.
medical industry, e.g. with regard to traceability, are very demanding
Customization of standard machines is another important part of
and Optimal often transfers knowledge gained in one field to all other
the business model. When a customer voices a unique requirement,
areas. “We are constantly designing, which is why we have an engineer-
Optimal modifies their machines to meet that need. The CEO is proud
ing team on site which consists of mechanical design engineers,
of the close relationship that the company has with its customers.
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SPOTLIGHT
“We are in constant communication with our key customers and we can bring developments to them as well, which is very interesting.” Brand loyalty is strong in the ophthalmic industry and customers return to their chosen machine manufacturer repeatedly. Thompson is very pleased that every single customer who has visited Optimal and presented their needs has, through discussion, chosen to partner with them. “Not one person has decided not to buy from Optimal after visiting us.” He is convinced that it is the process and confidence in Optimal’s proven experience even more than the price that drives the decisions: “Once customers understand that Optimal can help them to improve what they are currently doing, the price becomes a secondary consideration.” David Roberts (CCO) explains that quality control plays a big role in the building process. Every machine of course has its own unique technical file and serial number. The
David Roberts (CCO) and Dean Thompson (CEO)
machines are built manually and are thoroughly tested before they are shipped to their new owners; or more to the point Optimal invites
the simple tasks to be done by the equipment”, explains Thompson.
customers to their premises to meet the team and carry out their
“The ultimate goal is to develop a machine that anyone can operate
own sign-off of their machine. “We thoroughly test every aspect of
because it is as user friendly as a smartphone. Already our machines
the machine to make sure that everything is running perfectly”, says
are so easy to service and maintain.”
Roberts. It’s quite common for Optimal to have quite a few large
Plans for the future involve further growth and building on the reputa-
R&D projects each year across a variety of industries and applications.
tion Optimal has in the industry. “We do want to be more of a face
At any given time, a number of Optimal machines are built on site
again by way of more presence at exhibitions but not to exhibit just for
destined for all parts of the world.
the sake of it”, says Thompson. Over the last three years, Optimal has increased its reach into North, Central and South America, through
Plans for growth
established routes to market, providing a more “home grown” feel to
Optimal’s original driving force was to produce a process system within
the extension to the business. In September, the company had the first
a small compact footprint and that philosophy still runs through
post-pandemic team party in celebration of their 25th anniversary and
everything the company does. “We won't make something unnecessarily
Thompson used the opportunity to update all the Optimal associates
bigger or technically overly complicated. I am always guided by the
about the exciting and challenging projects ahead. Foreseeing further
question what would I want if I was still running a lab. It is all about
growth, the CEO is also always on the lookout for additional premises
ease of use and enhancing the customer's and the operator's experience,
but for now, he is looking forward to embarking on bigger projects in
not taking over the operator or fully automating everything, but allowing
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19.10.21 10:12 12:05 04.11.22
Go digital! TECHNOLOGY
Spectacle optimization Novel approach for retrieving the individual lengths of the eye Using an individual eye model based on biometric measurements enables new ways for spectacle optimization. Yet, in order to create this model, it is paramount to know the parameters of the eye with good accuracy. But how can this be achieved with biometers not being available at most ECPs? Using the DNEye Scanner 2, it is possible to measure important parameters and derive missing ones, notably the axial length of the eye. The purpose of this article is to explain the method and evaluate the axial length retrieved this way against the axial length measured by an optical biometer as gold standard. By Franka Schulz 1,2, Yohann Bénard 2, Stephan Trumm 2, Gregor Esser 2, Wolfgang Becken 2, Anne Seidemann 2 and Werner Eisenbarth 1 1 2
Center for Applied Vision Science and Department of Applied Sciences and Mechatronics, Munich University of Applied Sciences, Lothstraße 34, 80335 München, Germany Division of Research & Development and Product Management, Rodenstock GmbH, Elsenheimerstraße 33, 80687 München, Germany
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F
reeform technology has enabled lens makers to overcome
To take this last step, however, the parameters of the wearer’s in-
limits imposed by conventional tooling and even to manu-
dividual eye need to be known. The most important ones are the
facture truly individualized lenses . Historically, this has
surface of the cornea, the properties (surfaces and thickness) of the
been used to avoid deterioration in performance due to
crystalline lens (all three surfaces including lower and higher order
effects like the base curve effect and take into account the individual
components), the distance between the cornea and the crystalline
position of wear [2].
lens, and of course the depth of the vitreous chamber. Multipurpose
[1]
have been employed to
instruments readily available at many opticians’ and optometrists’
implement ever more complex optimization algorithms. In a first step
practises allow measuring the imaging of the eye as a whole via
this has been employed to simulate refraction and propagation through
aberrometry, the surface of the cornea via topography, and the
the spectacle lenses being optimized in its actual position of wear
corneal thickness and anterior chamber depth in a Scheimpf lug
including both surfaces and their higher order components . In a
image.4 Unfortunately, devices capable of measuring the axial length
second step this has been extended beyond the vertex sphere all the
of the eye directly are not as common and restricted to a very limited
way through the optical elements of the wearer’s eye .
number of practices. Also, predicting the length of the eye simply
At Rodenstock new mathematical methods
[3-5]
[6]
[7] 3
from ametropia does not do the trick, since even for a given amount 3 4
These lenses are available from Rodenstock as B.I.G. EXACT lenses Example of such device is the DNEye Scanner 2 from Rodenstock
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of ametropia the length of the eye can vary within a span of up to 5 mm [8].
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Assessment of the axial length of the eye Taking advantage of the equipment available as described above, the individual parameters of the eye needed for spectacle lens optimization can be gained in the following way [9]:
▶ Asses the imaging of the eye as a whole (including higher order components) by aberrometry and subjective refraction.
▶ Measure the surface of the cornea by topography (including higher order components) and the anterior chamber depth by Scheimpflug imaging.
▶ Take model-based assumptions for the defocus terms of the two surfaces and the thickness of the crystalline lens.
▶ Compute the vitreous chamber depth of the eye from the defocus terms of the parameters retrieved in the previous steps. (Mathematically, the vitreous chamber depth results from the condition that the defocus term of the imaging of the model eye as a whole reproduces the defocus term assessed in step 1.)
▶ Set the free parameters of the crystalline lens (i.e. the astigmatic and higher order components of the two surfaces) in such a way, that the
Fig. 1: Representation of the eye and the lengths of its components. CCT is the central corneal thickness, ACD the anterior chamber depth, LT the lens thickness, VCD the vitreous chamber depth and AxL the axial length of the eye.
imaging of the eye as a whole provides the astigmatism and higher order aberration determined in step 1.
▶ Calculate the axial length by adding central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness and vitreous chamber depth (see Fig. 1).
including the corneal curvature to the prediction [11], 75.4% of the
In this way a consistent eye model without contradicting properties is
participants had a difference in axial length of less than 0.5 mm, and
established that has the properties needed for spectacle optimization.
95.5% had a difference of less than 1.0 mm.
It is important to note, that consistency and overall imaging always hold, even if any of the assumptions (e.g. characteristics of the crystalline
Measurement protocol
lens) might miss to meet the value of the respective parameter of the
We measured the right eye of 74 subjects with the DNEye Scanner 2
patient’s eye exactly, since potential inaccuracies in any given parameter
and the Lenstar LS900. Subjects were from 20 to 63 years old, and their
are compensated by the value of other parameters derived.
subjective spherical equivalent ranged from -7.75D to +3.88D. None of them had ocular pathology nor any systemic disease susceptible to
Validation
influence their refraction or their biometry readings.
Since this approach of retrieving the individual lengths of the eye is
A manifest subjective refraction was performed with all subjects in a
novel, it needs to be validated against the state the of the art technique.
first appointment, as well as a complete anamnesis. All subjects received
Biometric measurements using optical coherence interferometry
[10]
a full description of the measurement to be performed and an explana-
are today’s gold standard. Consequently, the axial length derived from
tion of the usage made with the gathered data. All of them gave their
the algorithm presented above based on measurements with the Ro-
informed consent to being part of the study.
denstock DNEye Scanner 2 and subjective refractions were compared
The measurements with the Lenstar 900 consisted of a series of five
to direct measurements of the Haag-Streit Lenstar 900.
measurements in a row, which is the standard procedure for the device.
Different models have already been assessed in the literature. It shows
The results were automatically analyzed by the software and only
that the predicted axial eye lengths based on model eyes are typically
measurements for which the device gave a warning were manually
larger than measured ones [11, 12, 13]. The models accounting for the
assessed by the examiner and ignored in the analysis if necessary.
lowest numbers of parameters (e.g. spherical equivalent, age)
has
The measurements with the DNEye Scanner 2 were taken with the
the largest differences ranging from 0.4 mm to 1.4 mm, depending
measurement template called DNEye PRO Scan. This includes aber-
on the study. Models that take the corneal radius into consideration
[11]
rometry measurements for far and near vision (the latter not being
improve the prediction trueness, reducing the average difference to
used for the calculation of the eye length), a topography measurement
0.18 ± 0.47 mm, yet the spread of the prediction are still around half
and a Scheimpflug recording. This measurement was performed three
a millimeter.
times for each subject.
Another way to look at the accuracy of the prediction is to look at the
The order of the devices for the measurements was randomized for
percentage of subjects for which the difference is reaching a certain
each subject.
threshold. The accuracy of models in the literature
[11, 12, 13]
[12, 13]
tends to get
better with the number of parameters used in the model. In the study
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The measurements took place at the headquarters of Rodenstock and at the University of Applied Science in Munich, Germany.
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Fig.2: (A) Correlation between the axial lengths measured with the Lenstar LS900 and the one predicted from the present model. (B) Bland-Altmann plot of the difference between the two axial length values and their average. The solid line represents the average difference, and the dashed line the 95% limit of agreement (1.96 times the standard deviation).
Results and discussion The axial length derived from the approach detailed above based on measurements with the DNEye Scanner 2 is on average 24.13 ± 1.09 mm and the axial length measured with the Lenstar 23.97 ± 1.20 mm. The difference between the calculated and the measured
Declaration of proprietary interests The Individual Lens Technology ILT (including Multigressiv and Impression), the Eye Lens Technology EyeLT (including DNEye PRO), the DNEye Scanner, the DNEye Scanner 2, and B.I.G. Vision (including B.I.G. EXACT, and B.I.G. NORM) are trademarks and products of Rodenstock, respectively. Y. Bénard, S. Trumm, G. Esser, W. Becken, and A. Seidemann, are employees of Rodenstock.
axial length is 0.15 ± 0.43 mm, with the calculated axial length being on average larger than the measured one (Fig. 2B). This difference is statistically significant (two-tails paired T-test, p < 0.01). Still, the correlation between both values is 0.94, which is statistically significant (Pearson correlation test, p < 0.001) (Fig. 2A). The average difference found in the present study is lower than the ones found in other studies
[11, 12, 13]
, which did not take biometric
parameters into consideration in their model. In other words, the accuracy of the axial length prediction is improved by accounting for biometric measurements, reducing the standard deviation of the difference by almost a tenth of millimeter. Also, none of the participants showed a difference larger than 1 mm, which is better than any previous model.
Summary In summary, we have presented a novel approach for populating an individual eye model for spectacle lens optimization based on measurements that can be performed with equipment available at EPCs. It is consistent and exhibits the overall imaging properties exactly with a more than sufficient accuracy of the individual parameters. From this model, the axial length of the eye can be derived, with an average trueness of 0.15 mm and accuracy lower than 0.5 mm. This is much better than the simple model of predicting the axial eye length based on the ametropia and better than predictions found in literature. ◆
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References [1] International Organization for Standardization (ISO): Ophthalmic optics and instruments - Free form technology - Spectacle lenses and measurement, ISO Technical Report 18476 (2017). [2] D. Uttenweiler et al.: 10 Years of Impression Parts 1 and 2, Optician, Issues 5 and 6 (2010). [3] G. Esser et al.: Derivation of the refractive equations for higher order aberrations of local wavefronts by oblique incidence, JOSA A, Vol 27, 218–237 (2010). [4] G. Esser et al.: Derivation of the propagation equations for higher order aberrations of local wavefronts, JOSA A, Vol 28, 2442–2458 (2011). [5] W. Becken et al.: Universal approach for local higher-order wavefront tracing equations for complex optical systems, JOSA A, Vol. 38, 1201–1213 (2021). [6] S. Trumm et al.: Novel Analytical Method of Wavefront Tracing and Its Application in Ophthalmic Optics, Fringe 2013 - 7th International Workshop on Advanced Optical Imaging and Metrology, 301-304 (2014). [7] S. Trumm et al.: Simulating the actual imaging in the individual eye: a novel approach to calculating spectacle lenses, Proc. SPIE 11478, 7th European Seminar on Precision Optics Manufacturing, 114780A (8 July 2020). [8] C. W. Oyster: The Human Eye: Structure and Function, Sinauer Associates (imprint of Oxford University Press), (1999). [9] S. Trumm et al.: Population of an eye model using measurement data in order to optimize spectacle lenses, Patent application WO 2018/138140 A2. [10] M. Kaschke et al.: Optical Devices in Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wiley-VCH (2014), section 7.7. [11] H.-S. Kim et al.: Comparison of predicted and measured axial length for ophthalmic lens design, PLoS One, 2019 Jan 7;14(1). [12] B. J. Kushner et al.: Axial length estimation in strabismic patients, J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus, 1996;33: 257–261. [13] T. Grosvenor and R. Scott: Role of the axial length/corneal radius ratio in determining the refractive state of the eye, Optom Vis Sci. 1994;71: 573–579.
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SPOTLIGHT
Meeting in Las Vegas Vision Expo West 2022 Vision Expo West 2022 took place in Las Vegas, Nevada, from Sept. 14-17 at The Venetian Convention Center & Expo. The event brought together thousands of members of the industry for four days of business and education.
T
he show featured more than 380 exhibiting companies
The mood was good among the exhibitors, including in the lens process-
across several neighborhoods and offered continuing
ing area. “It was really great to see many old and new faces at Vision
education as well as engaging programming.
Expo West 2022. Many folks came ready to buy and ready to begin the
The organizers expressed their satisfaction with this year's
planning process of expanding their lab operations. The primary focus
show. “It was amazing to see the full scope of the vision care industry come
for most was automation and increased capacity. Overall the show was
together in Las Vegas, both on and off the show floor. From reconnecting
very much like a pre-COVID show and there was a lot of enthusiasm
at networking functions and parties to conducting business on the show
from the attendees” said Kevin Cross, Vice President Sales North
floor and taking advantage of the brand new CE program, there was so
America, Schneider.
much energy and enthusiasm throughout the show,” said Fran Pennella,
For the first time at VEW, Coburn featured their complete automated
Vice President, Vision Expo, at RX, co-organizer of Vision Expo. “We loved
post polishing system. Alex Incera, President at Coburn told MAFO
reconnecting with so many of our members at Vision Expo West,” said
that he was very satisfied with the event. “We had an exceptional Vision
Mitch Barkley, Vice President of Trade Shows and Events at The Vision
Expo West and were particularly happy with the attendance and op-
Council, co-organizer of Vision Expo. “The success of the Show directly
portunity to meet with our customers face to face, which we find more
impacts The Vision Council’s ability to fulfill its mission of growing the
valuable now more than ever.”
industry through education, advocacy, research, and consumer education
Vision Expo East 2023 will take place at the Jacob Javits Center in New
— so by being here together we are all helping to elevate the greater industry.
York City from March 16–March 19, 2023. Vision Expo West 2023 will
Thank you to everyone who made the Show so successful.”
take place September 27-30, 2023 in Las Vegas.
22
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SPOTLIGHT
Impressions
Thomas Zangerlé, Sandra Fonticoli, Dick Kaquatosh, Robert Kohn at the A&R booth
Gaetano Volpe, Isabelle de Gennaro and Roberto de Gennaro at the ProCrea Tech booth
The Filtertech team at their booth.
Gunter Schneider at the Schneider booth.
Alan Mayo at the Novar booth.
Andy Huthoefer presented film lamination technology at the Satisloh booth
The MEI team in front of their booth.
Hugh McAllister at the K&Y Diamond booth.
Harold Derksen at the General Optics booth.
Pete Olsen at the Precision Tool booth.
Alex Incera at the booth of Coburn Technologies.
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The Ultra Optics team at their booth.
The Ocuco booth.
23
21.10.22 14:03
Go digital! TECHNOLOGY
Ray-tracing customized progressive lens calculation Pupil diameter software optimization The emergence and development of freeform LDS (Lens Design Software) for the ophthalmic lenses optical surface calculation represents the most important technological revolution in the ophthalmic industry in recent decades. Besides optimizing the lens manufacturing process and the size of semifinished goods warehouses, this technology significantly improved progressive lens optical quality, thanks to arbitrary surfaces implementation. By Gaetano Volpe and Pasquale Fanelli
T
hat alone is the reason progressive lenses are now con-
Therefore, the ProCrea research team started to consider the exit
sidered the first choice for presbyopia compensation by
pupil diameter in the WFRT simulation as a customizable variable,
most of the eye care professionals (ECP) worldwide.
in addition to the classical PoW parameters. This value, in fact, is
Indeed, modern ray-tracing algorithms with wavefront
usually set around the default average value of 4 mm. Moreover,
analysis, like ProCrea WFRT Optimization, enable PAL power distribution
this exit pupil is placed between the calculated progressive lens and
recalculation according to the position of wear parameters (PoW pa-
the fovea (retinal site with maximum visual acuity), and it acts
rameters). These parameters, represented in figure 1, usually include:
similarly to a human pupil, adjusting the number of traced rays and
pantoscopic angle, monocular pupil distances, frame wrap angle, fitting
high-order aberrations.
height, and back vertex distance (also called corneal apex-lens distance). In addition, modern WFRT algorithms also offer visual space customiza-
Pupil diameter influence
tion, by varying the near working distance to which the lens will be used.
The ability of an exit pupil to influence the number of total aberrations
As a result of this complex algorithm, the lens power calculation is
in an optical system is obviously well documented, as well as the limits
highly customized and better compensates oblique aberrations thus
dictated by diffraction.
improving comfort in multiple gaze directions. The main outcomes
Eye care professionals continuously experience the pupil diameter influ-
are an increased field of view (better visual acuity curve as a function
ences in daily clinical practice. For example, the phenomenon of “night
of eccentricity) and faster lens adaptation.
myopia” (nearsightedness in low-light conditions) is known since the
Despite the major contribution of this recalculation, the final optical
early 18th century and it is widespread among the population. Although
surface can be further optimized, modulating other parameters
it is also affected by the night light spectral composition (blue-oriented),
aiming to improve residual high order aberrations. In fact, the free-
it depends mainly on the increase in pupillary diameter.
form software features a modular layer-based structure, in which the
Indeed, larger pupils don’t cut out peripheral light rays (distant from
result of one optimization level becomes the input for the next algo-
the system optical axis) inevitably increasing spherical aberration (as
rithm. In this way the final surface continues to be refined, improving
the eye is not a perfect optical system).
its optical performance.
In addition, we would draw on lens geometric optics, where all mathematical considerations rely on the Gauss’s approximation of
Ultimately, wearers will benefit from a faster lens adaptation and from a wider visual field perceived in focus, characteristic of highend customized progressive addition lenses.
24
24_Progressive lens power calculation_Volpe.indd 24
paraxial light rays. Translated into 3D space, this concept is simply represented by an exit pupil, which masks peripheral light rays, reducing aberrations.
Software optimization As mentioned earlier, usually the exit pupil diameter in the ray-tracing simulation is set at 4 mm. However, considering the graph in figure 2, it can be observed that the residual dioptric error (unwanted aberrations) for each gaze angle varies depending on the pupil diameter chosen. In fact, each pupil diameter generates its own power distribution function (dashed lines).
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Go digital! TECHNOLOGY
Fig. 1: The most relevant position of wear parameters: pantoscopic angle, monocular pupil distances, frame wrap angle, back vertex distance
Fig. 2: Residual power error as a function of ocular gaze direction. Curves of various exit pupil diameters are shown, as well as the curve optimized by the algorithm. distances, frame wrap angle, back vertex distance.
Therefore, the pupil opening algorithm considers all diameters for an optimal interval, ranging from 2.5 mm to 6.5 mm. For each value, a surface wavefront analysis is performed, also considering all other position of wear parameters. Subsequently, in this higher optimization level, it proceeds by computing all these ray tracing simulations together, giving a weight to each contribution and generating the final optical surface. Hence, in this way it is possible to incorporate the contribution of multiple exit pupil diameters in the final optical surface, which will benefit from a better power distribution and minimized high-order aberrations. Ultimately, wearers will benefit from a faster lens adaptation and from a wider visual field perceived in focus, characteristic of high-end customized progressive addition lenses.
Conclusion Despite the significantly higher quality of freeform progressive lens surfaces compared with earlier technologies, it is possible to further
Gaetano Volpe Gaetano Volpe is a computer and automation engineer. He’s a cofounder and head of research & development at ProCrea Tech. He’s pursuing a Ph.D. in electrical and information engineering with the Polytechnic University of Bari. Volpe has a long-time experience in optimization algorithms and lens design.
improve freeform technology by combining position of wear recalculation with other optimization algorithms. Given the well-known correlation between exit pupil diameter and total aberrations, we investigated the role of this parameter in ray tracing software for customized progressive lenses, creating a new optimization layer. The pupil opening technology algorithm developed by ProCrea, considers a wide range of pupillary diameters instead of the standard fixed value. These simulations results are combined in a single optical surface that benefits from the contribution of all pupillary diameters considered. As can be seen in the graph (Fig. 2), a more effective minimization of residual dioptric error (lateral aberrations) has been achieved, which will improve final lens optical quality and consequently wearer’s comfort. ◆
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Pasquale Fanelli Pasquale Fanelli is an optometrist from the University of Salento. He works as a lens design specialist at ProCrea Tech., and practices as an optometrist. His fields of interest are freeform ophthalmic lenses, specialized contact lenses and visual perception.
25
21.10.22 12:10
Go digital! SPOTLIGHT
The ever-changing landscape of Unique Device Identification Class I UDI and The Vision Council response The global regulatory landscape has changed drastically over the last decade. Policies are evolving across the globe and more programs and processes are being introduced by regulatory authorities to support further innovation. The regulatory landscape impacts both product development activities and commercialization timelines. By the Life Sciences Team at Reed Tech
O
n Friday, July 22, 2022, the US Food and Drug Administra-
What is a Class I device?
tion (FDA) issued its final guidance on GUDID exceptions
Class I devices are low-risk devices. Examples include bandages,
for Class I ‘consumer health products.’ For the eyewear
handheld surgical instruments, and nonelectric wheelchairs. See below
industry, most of the impact fell on plano sunglasses and
for more examples. According to the guidance given by the FDA in July,
OTC readers. These products must fully comply with UDI labeling
Class I devices marketed according to one or more of the following
(September 24, 2022) and GUDID reporting as of December 8, 2022.
conditions must prepare to submit UDI product data to FDA GUDID:
▶ You distribute your Class I devices to professional healthcare facilities
What is UDI? UDI stands for Unique Device Identification, a distinct numeric or alphanumeric code used to identify medical devices throughout healthcare supply chains. These codes are generated by product owners based on globally accepted standards for device identification.
(hospitals, clinics, physician offices, etc.)
▶ Your Class I device is intended only for use by healthcare professionals ▶ Your Class I device is reused on different patients and reprocessed using high-level disinfection and/or sterilization
▶ Your Class I device requires 510(k)
Benefits of UDI Product identification
▶ Fewer medical errors caused by incorrect device identification ▶ Better procurement, inventory, and administrative management in healthcare systems
▶ Improved accuracy of product tracking and traceability throughout the supply chain
▶ Better protection of the distribution supply chain against counterfeiting and diversion Product monitoring
▶ Enhanced post-market surveillance and effectiveness studies ▶ Enriched adverse event reporting ▶ More accurate analysis and earlier detection of safety issues ▶ Improved development of corrective actions ▶ Better management of recall campaigns Product information
▶ Increased clinician, patient, and public access to device information via public UDIDs
▶ More comprehensive digital health, electronic health records, and registries ▶ Increased likelihood of using standardized, language-agnostic UDIs to link product information and adverse event databases across health authorities throughout the world resulting in improved patient safety.
26
26_UDI_ReedTech.indd 26
1 FDA Rx Lens Letter (2017-Apr-03) to Vision Council excepts Rx Lens (HQG) from UDI 2 FDA GFI (2022-Jul-25) Class I OTC with 510(k) Exemption are excepted from GUDID submissions 3 FDA GFI (2022-Jul-25) Class I OTC Submission Exception not include restricted devices, e.g, impact resistant eCFR 410 4 FDA Soft Contact Letter (2017-Mar-30) open-ended extension for Soft Contacts LPM, NCZ, NIC, LPL, MVN pending FDA notice 5 Spectacles (lens and frame assembly) are not regulated by FDA
MAFO 6-22
21.10.22 12:17
!AZ.ind
Go digital! SPOTLIGHT
The Vision Council response
September 24 to December 8, 2022. However, the requirement that
The FDA guidance issued on July 22 prompted a swift response from
all Class I devices have a UDI (which can be a UPC) is still scheduled
The Vision Council. There are four key takeaways for manufacturers
for September 24, 2022.
of eyewear that emerge from the guidance document. These include:
The Vision Council has recommended Reed Tech to offer members
1. Plano sunglasses and OTC readers must fully comply with
access to a full-service solution to manage regulatory product information, including help with UDI submissions to US GUDID, EU
UDI labeling and GUDID reporting By the FDA’s regulations, any medical device subject to impact
EUDAMED, China NMPA, South Korea IMDIS and others. ◆
resistance testing is a “restricted device.” Thus, all eyewear devices with lenses that are required to pass the drop ball test are considered
Sources: Ultimate Guide to UDI and The Vision Council
restricted devices by the FDA. This means that plano sunglasses and OTC readers are not ‘consumer health products’ and will need
Reed Tech
to comply 100% with UDI – labeling (using UPC codes if you so choose) and GUDID reporting. 2. It is our reading of the document that spectacle frames meet the definition of “consumer health products” and are exempt from UDI GUDID reporting
Reed Tech is a leading FDA supplier of Unique Device Identification (UDI) information, submitting close to one-quarter of all NLM Access GUDID UDI records annually, representing about 34% of electronic SPL submissions to GUDID. With SingleSourc for Medical Devices, UDI data
Because spectacle frames do not have lenses that require impact
is managed throughout the product lifecycle in a compliant SaaS
resistance testing, they are not “restricted devices.” As such, they
environment and includes scalability for additional volume and global
are exempt from GUDID reporting per the guidance document as consumer health products. 3. New compliance date is Dec. 8, 2022, for GUDID reporting The FDA extended the compliance date for GUDID reporting of all Class I devices by 75 days, moving the compliance deadline from
health authorities. Reed Tech has active UDI channels for US FDA, China NMPA, South Korea MFDS and staging for EU EUDAMED. If you have questions about the July 22, 2022 announcement, or are interested in how Reed Tech can help you with regulatory compliance, please contact the Reed Tech Life Sciences Team at MedDevice@ReedTech.com.
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!AZ.indd 3 26_UDI_ReedTech.indd 27
05.10.22 12:17 16:20 21.10.22
BUSINESS
Impact of inflation The possible effect of increased inflation on the ophthalmic market Recently SWV was asked by the general managers of two ophthalmic lenses companies what the effect of increased inflation could be on sales of ophthalmic lenses. To provide guidance SWV analysed the USA, Germany and the United Kingdom from 1969 to 2019. Economic, demographic and where available optical data was gathered. Interviews were carried out with managers working in the optical industry during that period. B y Mark Mackenzie
T
he reason for not including 2021 in the period researched
The main findings of our study are that:
was that SWV saw, in certain markets, a volume impact
▶ Most managers aged under 50, who have worked in western countries
on ophthalmic lens demand in 2021, which we believe
are unlikely to have experienced prolonged periods of significant
was still due to the COVID pandemic. This in the case of
inflation during their working lives.
the UK meant that ophthalmic lens volume sales in 2021 were lower than in 2019. This would have affected long term trend analysis. Sig-
▶ Significant inflation once it takes hold tends to stay around for longer than expected.
nificant inflation was taken as 4% or more per year. The reason for
▶ Significant inflation did not influence the growth of the population
taking 4% was based on the fact that over a ten-year period with inflation
nor the growth in the number of persons aged 45 and over (both are
at 4% a product which cost 1,000 in year one should cost 1,490 in year ten. This is almost a 50% increase. This we considered significant.
28
28_Inflation_Mackenzie_neu.indd 28
important drivers of ophthalmic lens demand).
▶ What has an impact is a decline or stagnation in Gross Domestic
MAFO 6-22
24.10.22 16:12
USA
BUSINESS
Product (GDP). Consumers tended to wait longer before repurchasing
of immigrants (to the USA) have increased rapidly, mainly because of
a pair of spectacles. A lengthening of the repeat purchase cycle has
increased immigration from Latin America and Asia. Important shifts
a big impact on the volume of ophthalmic lenses sold.
in U.S. immigration law were responsible for this change in flows, including
▶ Optical retailers in the USA and in Germany showed themselves well able to manage the impact of inflation.
the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 which abolished nationalorigin admission quotas, the creation of a formal refugee resettlement
▶ There is evidence that longer periods of significant inflation combined
program with the Refugee Act of 1980, and the Cold War-era grant of
with bouts of recession can lead to structural changes affecting the
preferential treatment to Cuban immigrants.” (Source : Migration Policy
optical industry. In all three cases researched a person/s outside of
Institute). In short, although immigration receives a lot of media coverage
the optical industry set this change in motion.
nowadays, it is not a new event. Obtaining optical data for a fifty-year period was challenging. SWV
USA 1969-2019
was founded in 2001. Over the first years, we gathered US historical
Over this fifty-year period consumers in the USA experienced significant
data back to 1995. SOLA data was made available for the period 1991-
levels of inflation in the 1970s and 1980s. In the twenty-year period
1998. From 1986 ophthalmic lens sales in units at the manufacturers’
1969-1989, fifteen years had an inflation rate of 4% or higher. Inflation
level were published by the OMA (Optical Manufacturers of America.)
peaked at 13.9% in 1980. In the thirty-year period 1989 to 2019 there
Ophthalmic lens data from 1978-1981 was provided by a former senior
were only four years of inflation at 4% or higher, two of those were
manager at Bausch and Lomb. More Than Meets The Eye (the history
1990 and 1991. A cross check was made with two important drivers of
of plastic lenses) by PPG was also a valuable source of information.
demand for ophthalmic lenses. These are the growth of the population
Some estimates on the number of persons wearing Rx glasses for the
and the growth of the population aged 45 or older.
earlier years had to be made. From 2002 onwards, the task was made easier by the Vision Council, which regularly publishes figures.
USA
1963-2020 Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers (US Bureau of Labor Statistics
1969
Population of USA Source: World Bank
Number of persons aged 45+
35,6
202.677.000
61.086.848
is, in our opinion, the most important lever to affect demand for ophthalmic
1989
121,1
246.819.000
76.143.662
lenses. An increase of 0.2 years from 2.7 to 2.9 years can reduce ophthalmic lens volumes by 7%. Repeat purchase intervals can increase quite quickly.
The findings of SWV were:
▶ The repeat purchase interval, which is the period of time between the purchase of the main pair of spectacles (two ophthalmic lenses in a frame)
2019
251,7
328.330.000
136.348.415
% Annual growth between 1969 and 1989
6,3%
1,0%
1,2%
% Annual growth between 1989 and 2019
2,5%
1,0%
1,9%
They take quite a long time to go down to former levels.
▶ The repeat purchase interval remained remarkably steady over a forty-year period (2.4 years in 1978 compared to 2.5 years in 2019). A lengthening of the repeat purchase cycle was seen in the period
Periods of significant inflation compared to periods with lower levels of
1979 to 1983. The US Gross Domestic Product stagnated between
inflation did not influence the growth of the population nor the growth
1979 and 1982. The repeat purchase interval lengthened again in
in the number of persons aged 45 and over. Population growth was at
1990 and 1991. This was period of weak economic growth compared
the same level in the period 1989 to 2019, a period where inflation averaged
to previous years. The repeat purchase interval remained at a fairly
2.5%, as in the period 1969-1989 where inflation averaged 6.3%. A reference
high level between 2007 and 2009. This again was a period where
to immigration is we believe necessary. “Since 1970, the share and number
the US GDP showed a decline, the economy was in recession.
Number of persons wearing ophthalmic lenses in millions
Pairs of ophthalmic lenses sold to consumers in millions
Repeat purchase cycle in years
5,5%
124,6
50,9
2,4
$7.076
-0,3%
128,2
47,3
2,7
$7.125
-1,8%
131,6
47,0
2,8
1989
$9.623
3,7%
143,6
57,0
2,5
1990
$9.805
1,9%
145,8
56,3
2,6
1991
$9.794
-0,1%
148,5
55,4
2,7
2007
$16.349
1,9%
197,0
73,0
2,70
2009
$15.912
-2,5%
197,3
71,9
2,7
2019
$19.975
2,2%
211,1
83,6
2,5
Source: World Bank, in billion dollars
GDP growth calculation: actual year divided by previous year
1978
$6.877
1980 1982
USA
GDP AT CONSTANT 2015 US dollars
MAFO 6-22
28_Inflation_Mackenzie_neu.indd 29
Source: World Bank
29
24.10.22 16:12
1978 1980 1982 1989 1990 1991 2007 2009 2019
BUSINESS
USA
Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Calculations of equivalent buying power for eye care over time, for $100 beginning in 1986. (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
By 1995 the share of mineral lenses had declined to 12%. The two largest ophthalmic lens suppliers in the USA were Essilor (Silor as it was known in the USA then) and SOLA.
1986
109,6
$100,00
Germany 1969-2019
1992
138,1
$127,00
For the period 1969 to 1989 data for the area of Western Germany was
2002
177,1
$155,50
used. From 1991 data for unified Germany was used.
2019
251,7
$191,43
Over this fifty-year period consumers in Western Germany ex-
% Annual growth between 1986 and 1992
3,9%
4,1%
perienced significant levels of inf lation in the 1970s and early
% Annual growth between 1992 and 2002
2,5%
2,0%
% Annual growth between 1986 and 2002
3,0%
2,8%
1980s. In the twelve-year period between 1970 to 1982, ten of those years had inf lation of 4% or more. In the twenty-eight-year period 1991 to 2019 there were only two years of inf lation at 4% or higher, these were 1991 and 1992. A person pursuing a course of full-time education born in 1970 would never have experienced
US optical retailers as mentioned above were able to manage the impact
significant inf lation in their working lives before 2022. A cross
of inflation. The US Bureau of Labour Statistics publishes a table for
check was made with two important drivers of demand for
the equivalent buying power for eye care, over time, for $100 beginning
ophthalmic lenses. These are the growth of the population and
in 1986. Selling products in stock based on the purchase price of the
the growth of the population aged 45 or older. The rate of growth
product can lead to cash flow problems during significant inflation.
of the population in both periods of time (1969-1989) and (1991-
The figures below show that the annual growth of inflation between
2019) was almost identical. The rate of growth of the population
1986 and 2002 was 3%. The annual growth of eye care prices was just
aged 45 and older increased.
below that level at 2.8%. Obtaining optical data for a fifty-year period was challenging for In the opinion of a senior retired manager in the ophthalmic lens
Germany as well. Over the first years, we gathered German historical
industry, significant inflation could have had a big impact on the
data back to 1995. The Zentralverband der Optiker und Optometristen
structure of the US ophthalmic lens market. In 1978 out of 100 oph-
(ZVA) kindly sent us figures back to 1982. The Kuratorium Gutes Sehen
thalmic lenses sold 93 were mineral lenses (glass lenses). Plastic lenses
e.V. provided data on the number of persons using eyewear back to
existed but were more expensive and scratched easily. Within the
1970. Jörg Spangemacher (Publishers Group Ratingen) shared his optical
mineral market the big money bringers were mineral photochromic
data back to 1987.
lenses. They accounted for 16% of unit volume. Silver was a major cost
Sales of optical products in the period 1991 to 2019 increased from
component of photochromic glass. In the 1970s the Hunt brothers
€ 3.6 billion to € 5.8 billion in 2019. This was a compound growth rate
tried to corner the silver market. One of the reported reasons for doing
of 1.7% per year, the rate of inflation was the same. Hence the comment
this was that the Hunt brothers wanted to protect their capital from
that German retailers were well able to manage the impact of inflation.
inflation. The selling price of silver increased. Bausch & Lomb as well
Unfortunately, data on pairs of ophthalmic lenses sold to consumer
as American Optical (the two largest ophthalmic lens suppliers in the
is not available for the 1970s and early 1980. It would have been interest-
USA at that time) had to dramatically increase the price of photochromic
ing to see, if demand for eyewear in a country with high subsidies was
glass and subsequently raised the price of clear glass because they wanted to keep the price differential between photochromic and glass the same.
GERMANY
1963-1990 Former West Germany, Cost of Living Index 1 (Source: Statistisches BundesamtDestatis)
Population of former West Germany and United Germany
Number of persons aged 45+
(Source: Statistisches Bundesamt- Destatis)
The glass price increases had
1969
39,1
61.194.591
22.030.053
several effects:
1989
83,6
62.679.035
25.698.404
▶ Clear glass lenses became more expen-
1991
65,5
80.274.564
32.109.826
sive that plastic lenses.
▶ The price jump slowed the demand for glass
▶ The price increase left a significant opportunity for plastic lens casters (Armorlite/ Essilor/SOLA).
30
28_Inflation_Mackenzie_neu.indd 30
2019
105,3
83.166.711
42.415.023
% Annual growth between 1969 and 1989
3,9%
0,1%
0,8%
% Annual growth between 1989 and 2019
1,7%
0,1%
1,0%
* In 1990 the base on which inflation was measured was changed. This followed the reunification of East and West Germany.
MAFO 6-22
24.10.22 16:12
!AZ.indd 7
17.10.22 11:39
BUSINESS
Source: World Bank
Number of persons wearing ophthalmic lenses in millions
Pairs of ophthalmic lenses sold to consumers in millions
Repeat purchase cycle in years
$2.461
5,1%
38,4
17,7
2,2
1993
$2.484
-1,0%
39,5
17,2
2,3
1997
$2.650
1,8%
41,0
15,2
2,7
2003
$2.856
-0,7%
43,0
18,4
2,3
2004
$2.890
1,2%
43,2
13,7
3,1
2019
$3.599
1,1%
48,2
20,3
2,8
Germany
GDP AT CONSTANT 2015 US dollars
GDP growth calculation: actual year divided by previous year
Source: World Bank, in billion dollars
1991
affected or not affected by recession. In France, during the period
the period 1969 to 1989 was 9.1%. Inflation did have a minor impact
2008 to 2013 the impact of the slowdown in economic growth had
on the population. The word minor is used as in these years many
only a small impact on the repurchase cycle. France is a country which
persons emigrated from the United Kingdom.
at that time still had quite generous subsidies on eyewear. The repeat purchase cycle increased from 2.2 years in 1991 to 2.8 years in 2019. This was probably due to the removal of subsidies on eyewear
1963- 2020 Consumer Price Index. From 1991 it includes Housing-CPIH
UK
between the years 1989 to 2004. Changes in legislation reducing
(UK Office of National Statistics)
payments by the Krankenkassen (health insurance providers)
Population of UK (Source: Office of National Statistics)
Number of persons aged 45+
were carried out in steps. Each time consumers tried to take ad-
1969
11,4
55.440.000
20.612.000
vantage of subsidies before they were taken away. In 1988, unit
1989
65
57.076.500
21.289.535
sales of ophthalmic lenses increased by 12% over 1987. This was
2019
107,8
66.796.800
29.826.467
referred to as the “Blümbauch” (the stomach of the minister who
% Annual growth between 1969 and 1989
9,1%
0,1%
0,2%
% Annual growth between 1989 and 2019
1,7%
0,5%
1,1%
introduced the legislation). The following year ophthalmic lens volume declined by 20%, referred to as the “Blümtal” (the valley of the minister). In 1996/1997 and 2003/2004 there were similar boom and bust cycles. Both caused by reductions in subsidies. By
SWV was helped in gathering historical data on the optical market of
2004, almost all significant subsidies on eyewear paid for by health
the United Kingdom by the European Council of Optics and Optometry
insurance had been removed.
(ECOO). In 2010 SWV gave a presentation to the General Assembly
It is worth looking at the value of reimbursements paid by the Krank-
of ECOO in Dresden. Part of the presentation was to show, based on
enkassen. In the period 1982 to 1987 payments by health insurance
real life examples, what affect recession can have on optical markets.
providers (Krankenkassen) for optical products, (Source ZVA) amounted
At that time, the United Kingdom and many other countries were
to € 3.7 billion. It is understandable that they were reduced. This was
being affected by the recession in the USA. Up to 2007 SWV published
also a time when health insurance providers were feeling the increase
ophthalmic lens volumes excluding Specsavers. It was not possible to
in the cost of hospital and medical products caused by the high inflation
obtain reliable ophthalmic lens volume data from Specsavers for the
rates of the 1970s and early 1980s.
U.K. In June 2008 SWV made a presentation to The European Sunglass Association Conference where ophthalmic lens volumes for the United
United Kingdom 1969-2019
Kingdom were shown. A manager from Specsavers was present and
Significant inflation during the 1970s was a normal part of life. Salaries
questioned the low volumes. We explained that they did not include
increased each year without people working out whether they were
the ophthalmic lens volumes of Specsavers. Following the meeting
getting richer or poorer. Interest rates were at double digit levels making
approximate volumes of lenses dispensed and sold were provided by
it difficult to pay off a mortgage. The average rate of inflation during
Specsavers to SWV. Number of persons wearing ophthalmic lenses in millions
Pairs of ophthalmic lenses sold to consumers in millions
Source: World Bank, in billion dollars
GDP growth calculation: actual year divided by previous year
2008
$2.727
-0,2%
31
20,2
2,1
2009
$2.611
-4,2%
31
19,4
2,2
2012
$2.745
1,5%
32
19,7
2,3
2016
$3.023
2,3%
34
21,1
2,2
2019
$3.191
1,7%
34
21,6
2,3
UK
GDP AT CONSTANT 2015 US dollars
32
28_Inflation_Mackenzie_neu.indd 32
Source: World Bank
U D
R
Repeat purchase cycle in years
MAFO 6-22
23.10.22 20:45
!AZ.ind
BUSINESS
The UK used and still uses the two for one promotion on a large scale.
at that time. Apparently having its own manufacturing base was of great
Two for one promotions are where a second pair is given for free to the
benefit during the 1970 which was a period of very high inflation.
buyer of a first pair. One needs to estimate volumes of second pair promotions when calculating repeat purchase cycles. The repeat purchase
The present
cycle increased following the financial issues of 2007 and 2008. The
SWV researches the optical markets of the United Kingdom, France
lower the repeat purchase cycle the higher the impact on volumes.
and Germany on a quarterly basis. So far, in 2022, SWV can see the
During the period 2016 to 2019 volumes of ophthalmic lenses sold
following possible impacts of significant inflation: Unit sales of single
increased by only 1% per year. This was the period of Brexit. Extreme
vision lenses are showing weak growth compared to 2019. This suggests
uncertainty can also affect the repurchase cycle.
that the age group under 40 is feeling the effects of inflation more quickly than the over 45s. Volume growth of ophthalmic lenses are
Significant changes in the provision of eyewear took place in
showing slower growth compared to the period to the period 2016-2019.
the mid-1980s:
Net value at manufacturer selling prices is holding up well, this is due
▶ 1988 Value Added tax of 15% was imposed on eyewear. Part of this
to more progressives being sold and not due to price increases. ◆
tax was returned following a court judgement in 1995.
▶ 1989 only people with special needs were entitled to an eye test voucher. Students and pensioners continued to receive free eye tests.
▶ 1989 the sale of ready readers was legalised. Non-optical outlets were allowed to sell the product. The impacts were: The number of National Health Service eye tests fell from 14.4 million in the year 1988/1989 to 6 million in 1989/1990. The vision care market through optical retail fell from £1 billion to under £900 million in this time period. Reglazing increased from an average of 18% in the years
Mark Mackenzie
1985-1987 to 24% in 1990. Retail sales of eyecare and eyewear only recovered in 1994. What does need to be taken into account is that in the period before these changes’ politicians were influential in looking at margins made by opticians and how the cost burden on the NHS could be reduced. In Eyes Right: The Story of Dollond & Aitchison Opticians, 1750-1985, there is a chapter covering the pressures on the leading optical retailer in the UK
The author Mark Mackenzie has an MBA from INSEAD. Prior to entering the optical industry, he worked in marketing and sales positions at L’Oréal and Gillette. He was Vice President of Sola Optical and head of Strategic Development at Carl Zeiss Vision. In 2001, Mark and Ingeborg Mackenzie founded Strategy with Vision (SWV). SWV Strategy with Vision is a privately owned optical consultancy and market research company, specialising in the optical industry.
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10.10.22 20:45 23:17 23.10.22
SPOTLIGHT
Martin Ulm and Korhan Gazi
A lab changes ownership Experience with a company takeover Taking over a company is always an adventure. A number of points have to be taken into account in advance, and then the transition has to be as smooth as possible. Korhan Gazi and Martin Ulm took the plunge and left their secure jobs at one of the largest machine manufacturers in the optical industry to become self-employed. Since May 2022, they are the new owners of the previous family business Optik Weber Brillengläser GmbH in Kamen, Germany. In an interview with MAFO, they shared their experience in the takeover of the company. By Rebekka Nurkanovic
How did you choose Optik Weber and how long did the
knew what to expect here and that Optik Weber, with a production
takeover process take?
area of 750 square meters and a storage area of 200-250 square meters,
Ulm: I was familiar with Optik Weber because I had already installed
offered a lot of future potential. It took about eight months from the
machines there as a service technician and knew the processes. So it
first telephone call with Mr. Weber to the signing of the contract. That's
was clear to me what we were taking over and what potential the
very fast and involved a lot of stress. In retrospect, I would say you
company had. We had learned in 2021 that Mr. Weber wanted to hand
should plan for a year in total, because you never know what small
over the company for reasons of age and was looking for a successor.
issues will come up that lead to delays.
When we decided to go into business for ourselves, we approached him and found that the chemistry was right for both sides. For Mr.
What was or is the biggest challenge in acquiring the
Weber it was important that the successors act in his sense and that is
company?
what we do. We took over all employees with pleasure, nobody was
Gazi: The first talks took place during the height of the corona pandemic.
dismissed. On the contrary, the team was expanded.
No sooner had we decided to take over the company than the war in
Gazi: I already knew the customer base from my time as a salesman
Ukraine broke out. We had already initiated everything and therefore
for machines and auxiliary and operating materials. So we both already
just hoped that we would get through the crisis well.
34
34_Inte_Optik Weber.indd 34
MAFO 6-22
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SPOTLIGHT
Ulm: The big question was how the market would behave and whether
Ulm: From our point of view, it is also very important that we become
it might collapse. With corona, it turned out that there was no major
a team with the entire workforce, because you can only be successful
collapse. But the skyrocketing energy costs in Germany are already
as a team. The employees have received us well and see the restructuring
making themselves felt. So we've had a little bit of a headache in terms
positively. We are also aware that they are the greatest asset of any
of how the market is going to develop and whether we're going to be
company, not the building or the machines.
able to sustain that. So far, however, everything is good. What general factors did you take into account in your decision? Gazi: For example, you have to think about the age of the machinery and the control of the production flow. Other important factors are the qualification or the level of knowledge of the employees and of course the existing customer base. In our industry it is hardly possible to start from scratch without already having a customer base, because the market is saturated with different manufacturers. With Optik Weber, we have taken over a company that has already been on the German market for 60 years and has established a name that stands for quality. Ulm: We also conducted an analysis of suppliers and looked for optimization opportunities. By optimizing purchasing, we uncovered great
“We also conducted an analysis of suppliers and looked for optimization opportunities. By optimizing purchasing, we uncovered great savings potential.” Martin Ulm
savings potential. Again, our background knowledge was enormously helpful because we know the quality of the suppliers. Our good contacts
How did you manage to involve employees in the process?
in the industry are a great advantage and we are a perfect duo with
Gazi: We have informed the employees in advance about the takeover
our respective backgrounds.
and our goals, and made it clear that we need the team for this. We try
Gazi: Exactly, I take care of sales and purchasing and Mr. Ulm takes
to communicate all changes and processes clearly. For new products,
care of the technology. He can repair machines himself when a fault
for example, we have held training sessions and explained the benefits.
occurs and we avoid a lot of downtime and service costs as a result.
It is important to us that it is clear to everyone that they can come to us with a problem so that we can find a solution together.
What cost factors did you take into account?
Ulm: I think everyone has noticed by now that it's important to us that
Gazi: On the one hand, there are the wage costs that have to be financed
everyone goes to work singing and whistling and comes out singing
in advance at the beginning. On the other hand, modernization costs
again. We are convinced that you can only perform at your best if you
for the machinery have to be considered, but of course there is also
enjoy your work, and we don't want to frustrate anyone by restricting
potential for savings. For us, the savings potential lies in purchasing,
them or forcing them into a mold that doesn't fit. Wherever possible,
maintenance and the optimization of processes. We were supported
we give employees the freedom to make decisions and take action, so
in the process by a very good consultant and would always advise
that they feel valued and respected. For us, it is important that employees
consulting additional expertise in order to identify and assess risks.
who are in contact with customers have a sound basic knowledge and know every step of production.
What is important to ensure that the handover from the old to the new owner goes as smoothly as possible?
What is your vision for the future?
Ulm: Preparation is very important to ensure that the handover runs
Ulm: We want to expand. We want to grow step by step, create jobs
smoothly on the due date. The preparation has mainly to do with
and not stay put. The aim is to increase production significantly. In
authorities. For example, you should make sure that you have the tax
order to implement this, a high automation rate in production is neces-
number before the handover, because at least the German state takes
sary. For this purpose, we are continuously expanding the existing
a very long time to issue a tax number.
automation in order to optimize the throughput times in production.
Gazi: It is also important to inform customers and suppliers in good
We are very much looking forward to the future innovations that we
time that there is a new VAT number. Even before making the decision
will realize together with our team and our customers.
to take over, it should also be clarified that contracts can be taken over,
Gazi: We operate throughout Europe and would like to expand further.
e.g. with insurance companies or existing customers.
In the long term, our goal is to sell worldwide. Our vision for the future
We are pleased that Mr. Weber has supported us throughout the entire
is to build a service-oriented, modern and independent production
process and will continue to accompany us at least until the end of the
facility, which responds to the individual wishes of the customer and
year. We value his advice very much, because he knows the internal
where people work together. We want to stand out and distance ourselves
processes and the employees very well.
MAFO 6-22
34_Inte_Optik Weber.indd 35
from entrenched structures and values. ◆
35
21.10.22 12:19
MARKET SURVEYS
Automation & Robotics www.ar.be
Application
Lens printing systems
ProMapper_ink
AutoInker
All organic materials
x
x
Mineral
/
x
Hard coated lenses
x
x
AR coated material
x
x
Syper hydrophobic coated lenses
x
x
50 jobs/hour
200 jobs/hour
~2.3 gr/1000 lens + ~4 gr/cold start
~2.3 gr/1000 lens + ~4 gr/cold start
Automated with manual lens loading
x
525 x 740 x 780 mm
1910 x 1410 x 1920 mm
75 kg
900 kg
Optical power [dpt]
x
identification only
Cylinder [dpt]
x
identification only
Addition [dpt]
x
identification only
Prism [cm/m]
x
identification only
Axis [0 … 180°]
x
identification only
Lens diameter
x
x
Lens thickness
x
/
Technical data
Productivity (unblocked lenses/hour) Ink consumption Automated operation Dimensions (w x d x h) / [mm / inches] (machine without conveyor)
Measuring parameters
Weight [kg/lbs]
Process and features
More …
surface evaluation with Error Map and Go/ NoGo
surfa
Solvent based pigmented ink
/
/
UV ink and curing
/
/
Wax based solid ink
x
x
FF semivisible mark recognition
x
x
Layout editor
from LMS
from LMS
Import formats
png, bmp
png, bmp
OMA / VCA / RX
OMA / VCA / RX
Host connection Further information
Legend: Yes = x, No = /, Optional = o
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20.10.22 19:35
MARKET SURVEYS
Automation & Robotics
Cotec
www.ar.be
www.cotec-gmbh.com
MCVP8
Pad printing for semi-finished lenses
MATRIX 2.0
x
x
x
x
/
x
x
x
x
x
/
x
x
/
x
120 jobs/hour
5 sec/lens + 1.5 sec for polar or BTF
up to 300
~2.3 gr/1000 lens + ~4 gr/cold start
n.a.
0,0004 g- 0,001 g/lens
x
x
/
2050 x 2100 x 2300 mm (machine with conveyor)
2200 x 1500 1905 mm
approx. 900 x 990 x 1500 / approx. 35.5 x 39 x 59.1
1400 kg
1100 kg
approx. 165 / approx. 365
x
,
/
x
x
/
x
OCR reading
/
x
/
/
x
/
/
x
x
/
x
o
x
surface evaluation with Error Map and Go/NoGo
Spectro (o)
/
/
No solvent ink or water based ink (o)
/
/
/
/
x
/
x
x
/
manual alignment
from LMS
cliché plates
x
png, bmp
/
bmp
OMA / VCA / RX
SQL or Access database
OMA/VCA/RX
Datamatrix reading
Efficient, sustainable and environment friendly printing system for progressive lenses
All information in the survey is provided by the participating companies themselves. MAFO does not guarantee for the accuracy and completeness of the information provided.
MAFO 6-22
36_SurveyLensPrinting.indd 37
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20.10.22 19:36
MARKET SURVEYS
3D-Micromac https://ophthalmic-marking.com/
Application
Laser engraving systems
Organic lenses Mineral lenses Coated lenses (branding) Contact lenses Glass molds Front side engraving Excimer Laser (wavelength) [nm]
microMARK™ MCF RXe 200
microMARK™ MCF
microMARK™ MCL
x x o x o
x x o o x o
x / o o / o
193
193
/
o
/
1064
x/x
x/x
x/x
UV Laser (wavelength) [nm] CO2 Laser
Technical data
Feeding mode (manual or auto) Upgradable from manual to auto
x
o
o
Drying station
/
/
/
Productivity (blocked lenses/hour)
200
180
150
Productivity (unblocked lenses / hour)
200
180
150
Dimensions (w x d x h) / [mm / inches]
960 x 600 x 1200 mm
1300 x 2100 x 2200 mm
500 x 700 x 850 mm
200 kg
350 kg
200 kg
Weight [kg/lbs] Electricity [VAC, A, Hz, phase]
240, 8, 50/60, single phase
Marking field (mm x mm) Dot size [µm] Accuracy [µm] < 10 ns
< 10 ns
20 liter premix every two years
Refurbishing period
Features
50
1 / CE, CDRH
Process gas
Back up laser System integrated back up laser Hybrid function option (Excimer & CO2 laser) Laser power automatic detection Self orientation of edged lens Engraving editor FF semivisible mark recognition Integrated measuring unit (parameter) Z-focus calculation Z-focus measurement Host connection Further information
20 - 120 + / - 50
Laser system safety [class/safety compliance] Pulse time
208-
85 x 85 Focus depth +- 0.5 mm 10 - 120
< 1 ns nothing
more than 10 years o / / x / x / / x x x
o o / x o x o o x x x
o / / x o x / / x / x
Legend: Yes = x, No = /, Optional = o
38
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20.10.22 19:42
MARKET SURVEYS
Automation & Robotics
LaserOp
www.ar.be
www.laserop.com
MCEVS + CO2
MCVP8 + CO2 (3D)
LensMark II/DT & SA
LensMark V/DT & SA
LensMark V/Auto
x / x
x / x
x
x
x / x / o (visible mark only) o
x / x / o (visible mark only) o
x / x / o (visible mark only) o (manual feeding)
/
/
x
x
x
x
x
auto
auto
manual
manual
auto and manual
/
/
x
x
/
/
750
240
5700 x 2600 x 1900 (machine with conveyor)
2050 x 2100 x 2300 (machine with conveyor)
530 x 920 x 1100 mm
970 kg
1400 kg
approx. 90 kg
208-230, 4, 50/60, single phase
208-230, 16, 50/60, single phase
Dia 75
Dia 75 Z adjustument (16)
80 x 80
110-150
110-150
100-200
+ / - 30
+ / - 30
Class 4
Class 4
o 280
240
Desktop: 530 x 1000 x 930 mm. Standalone: 1050 x 1000 x 1520 mm
Without dryer: 1180 x 1360 x 1560 With dryer: 1580 x 1360 x 1560
Desktop approx. 150 kg Without dryer approx. 250 kg Standalone approx. 190 kg With dryer approx. 300 kg
100 - 240, 6, 50/60, single phase
+ / - 25
110 or 220, 10, 50/60, single phase
+ / - 25
+ / - 25
Class 1 laser product / CE, CDRH
Machine settings /
/
None
None
None
NA
NA
None
None
None
x x / x / x / x x / OMA/VCA/RX
x x / x x From LMS x x x x OMA/VCA/RX
/ x / x / / x / OMA/VCA/Job files
No need No need / x / x / / x / OMA/VCA/Job files
/ x / x / / x / OMA/VCA/Job files
All information in the survey is provided by the participating companies themselves. MAFO does not guarantee for the accuracy and completeness of the information provided.
MAFO 6-22
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MARKET SURVEYS
LaserOp www.laserop.com
Application
Laser engraving systems
Organic lenses Mineral lenses Coated lenses (branding) Contact lenses Glass molds Front side engraving
LensMark V/Auto-bullet
LensMark UV/DT & SA
LensMark UV/Auto
LensMark UV/Bullet
x / x / o (visible mark only) o (manual feeding)
x x x / x o
x x x / x o
x x x / x o
Excimer Laser (wavelength) [nm] UV Laser (wavelength) [nm] CO2 Laser Feeding mode (manual or auto)
Productivity (blocked lenses/hour)
Deep UV
manual
auto and manual
x auto and manual
Upgradable from manual to auto Drying station
Deep UV
x o 300
280
o
o
240
300
Technical data
Productivity (unblocked lenses/hour) Dimensions (w x d x h) / [mm / inches]
Desktop: 530 x 1000 x 930 mm. Without dryer: 1180 x 1360 x 1560 Standalone: 1050 x 1000 x With dryer: 1580 x 1360 x 1560 1520 mm
Without dryer: 1180 x 1360 x 1560. With dryer: 1580 x 1360 x 1560
Weight [kg/lbs]
Without dryer approx. 250 kg Desktop approx. 150 kg With dryer approx. 300 kg Standalone approx. 190 kg
Without dryer approx. 250 kg With dryer approx. 300 kg
Electricity [VAC, A, Hz, phase]
110 or 220, 10, 50/60, single phase
Marking field (mm x mm)
100 - 240, 6, 50/60, single phase
110 or 220, 10, 50/60, single phase
80 x 80
Dot size [µm]
100-200
Accuracy [µm]
+ / - 25
Laser system safety [class / safety compliance]
80 x 80 + / - 25
50
50
+ / - 25
+ / - 25
Class 1 laser product / CE, CDRH
Features
Pulse time Process gas
None
Refurbishing period
None
Back up laser System integrated back up laser Hybrid function option (Excimer & CO2 laser) Laser power automatic detection Self orientation of edged lens
No need No need / x /
Engraving editor
x
FF semivisible mark recognition
None
None
None
Expected 18 months or more o
o
o
/
/
/
/
/
/
x
x
x
/
/
/
/
Integrated measuring unit (parameter)
/
/
/
/
Z-focus calculation
x
x
x
x
Z-focus measurement
/
/
/
/
OMA/VCA/Job files
OMA/VCA/Job files
Host connection Further information
OMA/VCA/Job files OMA/VCA/Job files
Expected release: Q4 2022
Legend: Yes = x, No = /, Optional = o
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20.10.22 19:43
MARKET SURVEYS
ullet
MEI
OptoTech
www.meisystem.com
www.optotech.de/en/ ophthalmic
EZMarker CO2
EZMarker CO2 TBA
EZMarker UV
EZMarker UV TBA
OTL 80 CNC-A
x / x / / x
x / x / / x
x x x / / x
x x x / / x
x / x / / x
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
x (355 nm)
x (355 nm)
x
x
/
/
10600
auto
auto
auto
auto
auto
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
up to 230
/
up to 230
/
300
/
up to 200
/
up to 200
o (300)
0.
1600 x 1000 x 2100 / 63 x 41 x 81
1800 x 1000 x 1500 / 71 x 39 x 59
456 / 1005
400 / 882
208 / 400 VAC 50/60 Hz
220-240V 50/60Hz single phase, others on request
e
100 mm circular 60
60
+/- 20
+/- 20
80 x 80 / 100 25
25
90 - 110
+/-5
5
+/- 20
20 ns
20 ns
variable
Class 4 / EN 60825-1 1.0 µs +- 0.2
1.0 µs +- 0.2
20 liter premix every two years
CO2 gas
10y
10y
> 20000 h
> 20000 h
Source lifetime 20.000 h
x / / / x
x / / / x
x / / x x
x / / x x
/ / / / /
x
x
x
x
x
/
/
/
/
/
x
x
x
x
/
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
/
files
OMA/VCA/RX
MAFO 6-22
38_SurveyLaser.indd 41
x
41
20.10.22 19:43
MARKET SURVEYS
OptoTech
Satisloh
www.optotech.de/en/ophthalmic
www.satisloh.com
Technical data
Application
Laser engraving systems
OTL 80 Store
OTL 100 M
OTL 100 CNC-A
Lens-Engraver-EC
Organic lenses
x
x
x
x
Mineral lenses
/
x
x
x
Coated lenses (branding) Contact lenses Glass molds
x / /
x o x
x o x
x (backside)
Front side engraving
x
x
x
o
Excimer Laser (wavelength) [nm] UV Laser (wavelength) [nm] CO2 Laser Feeding mode (manual or auto) Upgradable from manual to auto Drying station
/
193
193
x (193)
10600 manual / /
/ manual / /
o auto / /
Productivity (blocked lenses/hour) Productivity (unblocked lenses/hour)
180 o (180)
150 150
250 o 240
up to 180 lph (for 1700 shots/job)
up to
Dimensions (w x d x h) / [mm / inches]
1000 x 910 x 1600 / 39x 36 x 63
800 x 1000 x 1920 / 32 x 40 x 76
1087 x 1800 x 2190 / 43 x 71 x 86
1200 x 800 x 1400 (+conveyor) 47 x 31,5 x 55
De Stand Autom
205 / 452
450 / 993
495 / 1092
350 / 770 (manual) 450 / 990 (automated)
Weight [kg/lbs] Electricity [VAC, A, Hz, phase] Marking field (mm x mm) Dot size [µm] Accuracy [µm]
220-240V 50/60Hz single phase, others on request 80 x 80 / 100
100 x 100 / 64
85 x 100 / 64
90 - 110
10 - 120
10 - 120
+/- 20
+/- 20
+ / -10
Laser system safety [class/safety compliance]
manual & auto o
110 - 240, 8, 50/60, single phase 100 x 100 Focus depth +- 0.5 mm 10 - 200 + / - 100 1 / CE, CDRH
Pulse time
variable
Process gas
CO2 gas
20 liter premix at 150 bar for 800 mio pulses
20 liter premix every two years
Source lifetime 20.000 h
3 billion pulses
> 3 mio lenses
Refurbishing period
Features
x
6 to 8 ns
6 to 8 ns
< 6 ns
Back up laser
/
/
o
System integrated back up laser
/
/
/
Hybrid function option (Excimer & CO2 laser)
/
/
o
Laser power automatic detection
/
x
x
Self orientation of edged lens
/
/
/
Engraving editor
x
x
x
FF semivisible mark recognition
/
o
o
Integrated measuring unit (parameter)
/
/
/
o
Z-focus calculation
x
x
x
x
Z-focus measurement
/
x
x
x
Host connection
x
x
x
x
Further information
x x
smallest footprint in industry. no need for hybrid CO-2 laser for visible engravings due to advanced laser technology
Legend: Yes = x, No = /, Optional = o
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Auto Man
/job)
yor)
hase
MARKET SURVEYS
Satisloh
Schneider
www.satisloh.com
www.schneider-om.com
Lens-Engraver-LC x
CCL C*mark
CCL modulo
CCL modulo X
x
x
x
/
/
x
/ /
/ /
/ /
o
/
/
/
x manual & auto x o
/ 10,64 (µm) manual or auto / o 185
auto / o 400
/ approx. 340 x 870 x 600 / 13 x 35 x 24
/ approx. 1275 x 1450 x 1800 / 51 x 57 x 71
up to 250 lph (depending on layout design)
193
Desktop: 515 x 1340 x 827 / 20 x 52 x 32 Standalone: 1056 x 1347 x 1322 / 41 x 53 x 52 approx. 125 / 276 Automated: 1188 x 1661 x 1387 / 46 x 65 x 54 Desktop: 210 / 463 200-400 VAC, 1,4 A ,50/60 Hz, Standalone: 316 / 697 three phases Automated: 400 / 882 Auto: 110 or 220 VAC, 6A single phase Diameter 70 mm, Focus depth +- 0.5 mm Manual: 100-240 VAC, 6A single phase approx. 100 x 100
approx. 600 / 1323 200-400 VAC, 2,2 A ,50/60 Hz, three phases 100 mm x 100 mm Focus depth +- 0.5 mm
80 µm
80 or 120 µm
+ / - 30
+ / - 30
1 / CE, CDRH
1 / CE, CDRH
1 / sealed off CO2
ears
needs no changing
20 l. equals 4 bio pulses
more than 10 years
after 4 bio pulses
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
x
x
x
x
o
/
/
/
x
x
x
x
/
/
/
/
/
/
x
x
x
x
o
x
x
x
x
OMA/VCA/RX
need ngranology
MAFO 6-22
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Suppliers Guide The Suppliers Guide is MAFO’s version of Yellow Pages. In it you can find an overview of suppliers from the fields of: ▶ cleaning ▶ coating
and hard coating equipment
▶ lenses
equipment
▶ machinery – automation, control & packaging
▶ crystals
▶ machinery
▶ laser
▶ software
▶ lens
engraving & printing
surfacing machinery
▶ surfacing ▶ vacuum
– lens edging & industrial edging
and finishing consumables
coating materials
If you are interested in an entry in the Suppliers Guide, please contact Mrs. Classen: constanze.classen@mafo-optics.com
Cleaning and hard coating equipment
Coating equipment
Contact : optics@fisa.com
Bühler Alzenau GmbH
Business Area Leybold Optics
www.fisa.com
Siemensstrasse 88, D-63755 Alzenau T + 49 (0) 6023 500-0, F + 49 (0) 6023 500-150 leyboldoptics@buhlergroup.com www.buhlergroup.com
Hard coating ad:
Pub FISA - Optical World 88x40.indd 1
14/12/2021 16:49
World leaders in Lens Hard Coating Machines and process solutions Full range available for any production volume Expert advice on your application
contact us: (+44) 1462 49 16 16 sales@optimal-technologies.com
optimal-technologies.com
Crystals
Cleaning ad:
HARD COATING CLEANING
HARD COAT LEADER
TINTING CONSUMABLES EXPERTISE
271 rue Laszlo Biro Archparc FR-74160 Archamps Phone : +33 (0) 450 820 720 Email : office1@scl-intl.com scl-intl.com
World leaders in Ultrasonic Cleaning Machines prior to lens coating Full range available for any lens volume
UV Curable Hard Coat Adhesion On All Lenses Tintable Non-Solvent Based AR Coating Compatible Sales, Distributors Wanted Shipping Worldwide www.hcoating.com sales@hcoating.com
Expert advice on your application
Contact us for our full range: +44 (0) 1462 491 616 sales@optimal-technologies.com
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www.optimal-technologies.com
MAFO 6-22
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Suppliers Guide Crystals
Lens surfacing machinery
QUALITY & SAVINGS FROM STOCK • Sensor Heads and Feedthroughs • INFICON Deposition Monitors and Controllers • Quality Crystals® • Vacuum Pump Fluids • Vacuum Measurement Gauges • Electron Beam Gun Parts • Ion Source Parts
SUPPLIERS GUIDE
www.filtech.com 617-227-1133 • 800-743-1743 paula@filtech.com
OPTICAL MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS Satisloh AG Neuhofstrasse 12 CH - 6340 Baar / Switzerland Phone: +41 (0) 41766 16 16 Email: info@satisloh.com satisloh.com
Laser engraving & printing Premium-Quality Laser Engraving of Spectacle & Contact Lenses Industry approved since 2004
SCHNEIDER GmbH & Co. KG Biegenstrasse 8–12 · 35112 Fronhausen · Germany Phone: +49 (64 26) 96 96-0 · Fax: +49 (64 26) 96 96-100 www.schneider-om.com · info@schneider-om.com
m
ing.co www.ophthalmic-mark
Lenses
X-Cube Lens Digi-speed Printer
Enjoy, • unlimited designs • digi-speed process
C h o o s e y o u r f ra m e c o l o u r
www.tecofrance.com
White
Blue
Cyan
Green
Red
Purple
info@tecofrance.com
Lens surfacing machinery PUB_TECO-Juillet 2016.indd 1
25/07/16 17:59
Ophthalmic Equipment & Services for All Phases of Lens Production US ++-888-888-+8-UK +88 (8) + 68--68888 !AZ.indd 9 ASIA/INDIA +6--6 -8-8--CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC@CCCCCCTCTTCCTCTTCC.TCC ....CCCCCCTCTTCCTCTTCC.TCC
19.10.21 12:11
Machinery - Automation, Control & Packaging
!AZ.indd 2
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Suppliers Guide
SUPPLIERS GUIDE
Machinery - Automation, Control & Packaging
Surfacing and finishing consumables
Machinery - lens edging & industrial edging YOUR ULTRA PRECISION Diamond Tools Manufacturer
> Excellent service and quick turnaround > Compliant with any generator
kydiamond.ca sales @ kydiamond.ca
Software The Lab Management System Company LensWare International GmbH Robert-Bosch-Str. 32 63225 Langen - Germany
Phone : +49 6103 / 372 87 87 Email : info@lensware.de Web : www.lensware.de
Vacuum coating materials
www.cotec-gmbh.com
DURALON 09.12.2010 21:55:29 Uhr Hydrophobic Premium Coatings
!AZ.indd 1
Surfacing and finishing consumables
Media TECHNOLOGY AT IT’S BEST – FOR OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY
GENERATING POLISHING EDGING
OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY
HOME OF YOUR BUSINESS
!AZ.indd 3
14.06.22 17:16
20 avenue Reille - 75014 PARIS - FRANCE THl. : +33 (0)1 45 89 84 44 - Fax : +33 (0)1 45 89 66 54 contact@agp-abrasifs.com - www.agp-abrasifs.com
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CLOSING WORDS
Eugenio Casas CEO with a passion for motor sports Eugenio Casas is the founder and CEO of Insomec Optical Technologies, SL. The 71-year-old is an experienced industrial technician and holds a master's degree in business administration. Casas lives in Barcelona, Spain. In his free time, he takes long walks, during which he enjoys observing his surroundings. He is also a fan of nautical and motor sports.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would that be?
Which profession did your parents have in mind for you?
The demagoguery and lies that unfortunately all our politicians use, to
Any scientific study: medicine, engineering, chemistry...
be able to "get high", serves only "them" and "theirs". Today's politicians have become professionals, who have nothing to do with defending and
If you didn´t do your current job, what else would you do?
meeting people’s needs.
Maybe medicine
In your opinion, which movie/book should everyone have seen/read?
What is the best thing about your job?
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Giving solutions to our clients and teaching those around me the things I have learned throughout my life.
If your life were to be filmed, which actor should play your role? Steve McQueen
When was the last time you were fed up with your job? The day I am fed up with my job, I will retire. Today I am 71 years old and
Which celebrity – past or present – would you most like to
still active.
meet personally, and why? Dr. Santiago Ramón y Cajal, in 1906 he received the Nobel Prize in Medicine
What does a new customer mean to you?
or Physiology. He was a scientist and humanist - a cosmopolitan and
A welcome, a new opportunity and the obligation not to defraud them.
universal spirit: “Science has no country, scientists do”. What has annoyed you today? If you had to do without one of your senses – vision or hearing
I read again new lies "from Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, from Donald
– which would it be?
Trump and the unfortunate Brexit".
Hearing In your opinion: which thing is completely overrated? What is your favorite place in the world? / If you could choose
To think that the internet will adequately inform you of everything you
one country to live in, which would it be?
want to find out. You have to understand that "lie and manipulation" is
My favorite place is Barcelona and I would choose my country to live there,
"the kingdom of the internet and social networks".
Spain. It’s a wonderful place. What was the most significant innovation of the last fifty years? What was the last event that deeply moved you?
Internet
The stupid and unjustifiable Russian invasion of Ukraine What would you do differently in your next life? What does a perfect day at work look like to you?
Learning to see "the flowers of my garden" a little earlier than I did. ◆
If I manage to accomplish a little more than 50% of what I planned the day before, it's an "almost perfect" day!
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OUTLOOK
Did you know that eye movements in REM sleep mimic gazes in the dream world? Researchers at University of California – San Francisco used advanced technology to look at “head direction” cells in the brains of mice that, like humans, experience REM sleep. These cells act similar to a compass, and their activity shows researchers which direction the mouse perceives itself as heading. The team simultaneously recorded data from these cells about the mouse’s heading directions while monitoring its eye movements. Comparing them, they found that the direction of eye movements and of the mouse’s internal compass were precisely aligned during REM sleep, just as they do when the mouse is awake and moving around.
Special topics in MAFO 2022
MAFO 01
MAFO 03
MAFO 05
Future Lab
Ophthalmic Optics in Numbers
Sustainable Processes
Technology & Innovation
Data Handling & Security
Go Digital!
MAFO 02
MAFO 04
MAFO 06
Preview MAFO 01/2023 The special topic of MAFO 01/2023 is Technology & Innovation. Read for instance about emerging flat lens technology and about software that provides subtitles for augmented reality glasses. MAFO 01/2023 will also feature articles and news about other current topics and the market survey for cleaning machinery and consumables.
MAFO 6-22
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Missed an issue?
No problem, view the latest issues online: app.mafo-optics.com ISSN 1614-1598 66527 Volume 18
ISSN 1614-1598 66527 Volume 18
OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY
OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY
We help you to stay in contact
6/2022 ▶ Special topic: Go digital! Ray-tracing customized progressive lens calculation
ISSN 1614-1598 66527 Volume 18
We help you to stay in contact
EVEN FASTER AND MORE POWERFUL
5/2022 ▶ Technology Blue light
UNMATCHED THROUGHPUT, EXCELLENT QUALITY
Film lamination Alloy recovery
ALL-IN-
4/2022 ▶ Technology
Controlling oblique aberrations Demystifying the dip coating process Progressive design personalization
European optics market U.S. optical industry market
▶ Market Surveys
▶ Market Survey Significant cost savings
MC-380-X-2
processes
Lights out polishing
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sq.ft.
Generators Small footprint
19.07.2022 09:07:49 11.08.22 18:25
LCU Modulo ONE’s new process logic facilitates intense and thorough cleaning despite its compact design. Labs can choose between a two or three cleaning station setup plus drying station. The brush cleaner effectively removes even prints and adhesive residues, preparing the lens for dip or spin coating. LCU Modulo ONE comes with a loading and unloading robot on board. The fast transfer of the lenses results in shorter cycle times and superior throughput. Its affordable price and low cost per lens ratio make the LCU Modulo ONE a sound investment for any lab.
Eyepress Fachmedien GmbH Saarner Str. 151 45479 Muelheim a. d. Ruhr 66527 Germany
www.schneider-om.com
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Highest throughput
Highest throughput meets smallest footprint – LCU Modulo ONE takes industrial cleaning to the next level, offering the same cleaning power as larger solutions but in a compact fully-automated inline unit. Utilizing the proven SCHNEIDER technology, it cleans both sides of the lens.
Labs can now run larger scale productions even in small locations and under nonindustrial conditions. Little to no operator intervention is needed as the center works fully automated with all essential components on board. Simply put: Blank in, surfaced lens out. Eyepress Fachmedien GmbH Saarner Str. 151 45479 Muelheim a. d. Ruhr 66527 Germany
Fastest cycle times
LCU m dulo
The dedicated Control Center (MES) informs at a glance about the current status of the machine, production parameters, and efficiency.
www.schneider-om.com
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▶ Market Surveys
The all-in-one surfacing center substantially saves time, running all processes simultaneously and perfectly synchronized – even milling and lathe turning. And with the chambers placed right next to one another, the smart automation transfers the lenses in virtually no time. There is no faster way to surface a lens.
Fast and highly cost-effective, the robust polisher provides labs with lowest cost per lens!
satisloh.com
72
Modulo Center ONE features highly advanced process technology, based on robust and reliable components proven in hundreds of installations across the globe.
CCP Modulo ONE comes with full 4.0 intelligence, smart pad wear monitoring as well as a dedicated cleaning station, cleaning and drying the lens and the block piece.
Eyepress Fachmedien GmbH Saarner Str. 151 45479 Muelheim a. d. Ruhr 66527 Germany
lenses
1
in hour
Imagine one single machine featuring all the technology to surface 80 lenses/hour, in just 72 sq. f t. (7m²). This is Modulo Center ONE. The compact all-in-one surfacing center is a full-fledged production line without limitations: a milling station // a lathe turning station // one or two 4-spindle polishing units // a CO₂ or excimer laser.
CCP Modulo ONE works entirely without tool changes, eliminating the risks that come with it. Running all processes simultaneously, unprecedented speed for highest throughput is promoted.
MES-360 Lite pre-installed to easily track machine utilization and throughput using pre-defined KPIs.
80
M dulo Center
Better quality, drastically higher throughput, lower complexity – CCP Modulo ONE follows an entirely new philosophy. It comes with a new spindle design, pad architecture and smarter process technology facilitating lights out polishing. Just a single pad is enough to achieve highest quality results. Its innovative pad design provides the versatility and durability required for longterm uninterrupted polishing.
The MC-380-X-2 is the fifth generation in Satisloh coating technology. And it’s the fastest on the market, up to 82 lph, with a compact footprint. Our coating consumables and process portfolio are developed specifically for this platform.
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Highest throughput
CCP m dulo
Increase your coating capacity with our latest generation box coater, building on our 60-year tradition of coating quality and performance.
Eyepress Fachmedien GmbH Saarner Str. 151 45479 Muelheim a. d. Ruhr 66527 Germany
4
Dip Hard Coating
5TH GENERATION BOX COATER
HIGH VOLUME INLINE CLEANING AT SMALLEST FOOTPRINT
▶ Special topic: Ophthalmic Optics in Numbers
Spin Hard Coating
Laser engraving systems
▶ Technology
Blue light – facts and trends
High quality data
AR coating machines
Lens printing systems
3/2022
What do we mean by a “perfect lens”?
Cyber hygiene practices
▶ Market Survey
Impact of inflation
We help you to stay in contact
IT in the Lab
Corporate sustainability
▶ Business
We help you to stay in contact
▶ Special topic: Ophthalmic Optics in Numbers
UV curing
Class I UDI and The Vision Council response
OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY
OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY
▶ Special topic: Sustainable processes
Novel approach for retrieving the individual lengths of the eye
ISSN 1614-1598 66527 Volume 18
02.06.2022 14:51:27
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www.schneider-om.com
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15.03.2022 13:35:46 11.04.22 12:43
MASTHEAD PUBLISHERS ADDRESS
Eyepress Fachmedien GmbH Saarner Str. 151, D-45479 Muelheim a. d. Ruhr Tel.: +49-208-306683-00 Fax: +49-208-306683-99 Website: www.mafo-optics.com E-mail: info@mafo-optics.com CEO Petros Sioutis E-mail: p.sioutis@eyepress.de PUBLISHER Silke Sage, Petros Sioutis, Efstathios Efthimiadis FOUNDED 2003 by Jörg Spangemacher
BANK DETAILS
Bank account: Sparkasse Aachen Bank No.: 390 500 00, Acc. No.: 1073 3925 06 IBAN: DE21 3905 0000 1073 3925 06 SWIFT: AACSDE33XXX CHIEF-EDITOR Hanna Diewald E-mail: hanna.diewald@mafo-optics.com EDITORS Rebekka Nurkanovic E-mail: rebekka.nurkanovic@mafo-optics.com Britta Laupichler E-mail: britta@mafo-optics.com TRANSLATIONS John Saniter, Bopfingen
PRODUCTION & LAYOUT Efstathios Efthimiadis, Pascal Bruns E-mail: production@eyepress.de 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.classen@mafo-optics.com ADVERTISING AGENT GREAT CHINA Beijing FOCUS Optics Culture Communication 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 焦点视光（北京）文化传播有限公司 北京市朝阳区建国东路15号院甲一号北岸1292 二号楼319室 邮编：100024 电话：+86-10-8537-6529 jennywang_focus@126.com 电邮：jennywang_focus@126.com ADVERTISEMENT RATES Price list no. 19, valid from January 01, 2022 Publication schedule 6 issues 2022: January, March, May, July, September, November
SUBSCRIPTION COSTS PER YEAR European Union € 140,00 (plus VAT for German companies) Overseas Seamail € 160,00 Overseas Airmail € 195,00 United States Seamail € 170,00 United States Airmail € 225,00 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. PHOTO CREDITS P.18:Gorodenkoff, P.5+28: JP Valery, /stock.adobe.com, /pixabay.com, /unsplash.com PRODUCTION & PRINT Kollin Medien GmbH, Neudrossenfeld, Germany The publisher takes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts. Please note also that photographs submitted for use in MAFO cannot be returned. The publisher’s written permission is required for any reproduction, translation or recording of material published in MAFO, 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.
EDITORIAL BOARD Jörg Spangemacher, Peter Baumbach, Mo Jalie
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21.10.22 16:26
MIXER GROUP - MAXGALLI
New frames of fashion.
THE EYEWEAR STATE OF THE ART February 4-6, 2023 | Fiera Milano, Rho
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BLOCKING PERFORMANCE AT A NEW LEVEL
3+
Highest flexibility
Little to no downtime
Highest throughput
CCU m dulo One auto blocker covering virtually all of a labs’ blocking requirements at highest speed. With CCU Modulo ONE, SCHNEIDER introduces the only auto blocker today with automated block size exchange and achieves unprecedented efficiency in blocking. Time-consuming manual changes are a thing of the past. CCU Modulo ONE has multiple block sizes – a minimum of three and up to six – readily available. And the best part: The exchanges are carried out automatically and without increasing cycle time. With the added flexibility, CCU Modulo ONE solves a well-known problem: Inefficient block size distribution and poor machine utilization. For any lab size, a wider range of blocking requirements can be met with a smaller number of machines. The proprietary lens measuring unit guarantees perfectly oriented lenses. An intelligent fill control provides highly consistent and precise fillings – no under or over fillings. The alloy and block pieces can be refilled during operation. Non-stop uninterrupted blocking for highest throughput, at lowest cost per lens.
www.schneider-om.com
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19.01.2022 16:26:11 21.10.22 16:12