MAFO - 06/2022

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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satisloh.com

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12/05/2022 12:09 17.10.22 11:29

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

MAFO 6-22

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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

All about products Innovations and working materials for your lab

Performance up, costs down: SCHNEIDER Generating tools Fed up with increasing lab running costs? Our answer: A drastic reduction of our synthetic diamonds and milling tool costs! Optimum quality, longer lifetime and higher throughput result in lower costs per lens. No matter which requirement, our full range tools portfolio has every task covered. Thanks to many years of experience and testing, our tools are perfectly adjusted to the various machine processes. For a smooth production flow and the highestquality end results. Get in touch now and check out our new and extended life diamond and milling tools! www.schneider-om.com/consumables-tools.html

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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MAFO 6-22

24.10.22 14:04

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

09_Conference.indd 9

21.10.22 16:07

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.

MAFO 6-22

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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.

12

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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.

16

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w p

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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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TECHNOLOGY

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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TECHNOLOGY

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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18_Studie Augenlänge_Rodenstock.indd 20

The measurements took place at the headquarters of Rodenstock and at the University of Applied Science in Munich, Germany.

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TECHNOLOGY

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

10_VEW.indd 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.

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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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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

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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

21.10.22 12:19

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

36

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MAFO 6-22

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

38_SurveyLaser.indd 38

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MAFO 6-22

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

38_SurveyLaser.indd 39

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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

40

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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

42

38_SurveyLaser.indd 42

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20.10.22 19:43

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

38_SurveyLaser.indd 43

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20.10.22 19:43

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

44

44_SG.indd 44

www.optimal-technologies.com

MAFO 6-22

20.10.22 20:44

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

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Machinery - Automation, Control & Packaging

!AZ.indd 2

MAFO 6-22

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30.11.20 12:42

45

20.10.22 20:44

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

SG_Eyepress.indd 1

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MAFO 6-22

20.10.22 20:44

!AZ.indd 9

17.10.22 12:02

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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21.10.22 16:10

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

21.10.22 16:05

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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

RZ_AZ_Modulo_Center_ONE_MAFO_06-2022_160x225_4c_engl_D.indd 1

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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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