MAFO - 01/2023

ISSN 1614-1598 66527 Volume 19

OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY We help you to stay in contact

1/2023

THE WORLD’S FASTEST EDGER

▶ Special topic: Technology & Innovation Advancement of flat lens technology Smart glasses Subtitles for AR glasses

▶ Technology Improvement of color perception

▶ Market Survey Cleaning machinery

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www.schneider-om.com

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09.12.2022 10:29:02 17.12.22 18:07

GAME CHANGER

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12.12.22 09:16

LETTER

2023 – Anything but dull

I

n the past few years, we have learned

And, of course, in this issue we have done our

how our familiar surroundings can

best to report on the most exciting topics in

suddenly be turned upside down. How

the industry at the moment. Find out more

what we have come to expect can change

about the current state of development of flat

from one day to the next. How Plan A is only

lenses and their potential use, for example,

as good as the best alternatives: Plan B and

as hybrid lenses for people with very high

Plan C. Most companies can no longer afford

diopter numbers, in AR glasses or as lenses

to remain in their comfort zones. Even well-

that can be printed out at the optician’s in 15

established companies have to be versatile.

minutes, as Anders Kristensen envisions in his Odyssey project.

We wish you all the best for 2023, good luck and

Hanna Diewald Chief editor Tell us your opinion, ideas and suggestions: hanna.diewald@mafo-optics.com

good health! And resilience, too. May you have

We also talked to Dan Scarfe, who asked

the courage to embark on new projects, and the

why people who are hard-of-hearing can

strength to make the best of the given circum-

take subtitles for granted when watching

stances. One thing is sure: 2023 will certainly

television but haven’t any similar support

not be a boring year, but a challenging one.

in real life. The solution is an application

Perhaps even a year of great opportunity?

for AR glasses t hat displays subtit les, translates them and makes listening easier,

At MAFO we are looking forward to 2023, and

thanks to an assistance function.

in particular to personal exchanges with you, our readers. What are you interested in? What

Also, read about how color perception can

should we be reporting on? Please let us know

be improved for people with color vision

what you think.

deficiencies. And find out about how Google can be used to good effect for advertising,

Or visit us at MAFO – The Conference in Milan on February 3rd (one day before Mido) under

and about the current state of glasses for myopia management. ◆

the motto "Lab Visions". Find out what the industry is talking about. You can expect a wideranging program of technical presentations and a panel discussion, as well as the opportunity to exchange ideas with others once again.

THE CONFERENCE

Read the abstracts here:

MAFO 1-23

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16.12.22 12:41

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

EYEMA_2301_04_04.indd 9

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2023

Content Topics in this edition MAFO issue

January / February 2023

Page 32

Page 36

Page 24

At a glance

Technology

Spotlight

6

10

32

All about you

How can color perception be improved for people with color vision deficiencies?

Myopia management with spectacle lenses

40

News from the international ophthalmic industry

8

By Sascha Ruschenburg, Heike Steinmüller

All about products

and Erich Kasten

Innovations and products for your lab

18

Special Topic

52

Advancement of flat lens technology

Suppliers Guide

By Rebekka Nurkanovic

56 Closing Words Robert L. Kohn – an industry veteran who

Special Topic

57 Outlook

By Frank Sonnenberg

30

By Hans-Walter Roth

36

Smart glasses between medical applications and a brave new AR world

thrives on challenges

The jester's spectacles

Business

Spotlight

24

Interview with Pascal Blaser

Special Topic

Advertising with Google

By Hartmut Fischer

Surveys

42 Cleaning machinery

Subtitles for AR glasses Interview with Dan Scarfe

MAFO 1-23

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19.12.22 15:27

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

All about you News from the international ophthalmic industry Rodenstock to sell its eyewear business to De Rigo

Additionally, NOW by Vision Expo, the trends showcase that debuted at Vision Expo East 2022, will return at Vision Expo East 2023. Expanding on last year’s showcase, which featured eyewear trends, the 2023 trends showcase will also feature new innovations in fashion lenses and lens technologies.

Horizons Optical launches new offices in Spain After opening a subsidiary in the USA last summer, Horizons Optical has opened new offices in Sant Cugat del Valles, a municipality close to the city of Barcelona and the airport, in October 2022. The building is located in a business hub that has economic activity and leading companies Photo: Rodenstock

in new technologies, software development, financial services, health

The Rodenstock Group has reached an agreement to sell its eyewear

and other services. The new space has capacity for 80 people in the offices

business to De Rigo, a family-owned global market leader in the design,

and an R&D laboratory. It also has space for user tests and optical trials

production, and distribution of high-quality eyewear. The transaction is

receiving more than 300 test users every year. Horizons has incorporated

expected to be completed towards the end of second quarter of 2023.

state-of-the-art equipment for the analysis and evaluation of the optical

Having carefully examined different options, the Rodenstock management

quality of the solutions it offers and to be able to continue offering

is taking the strategic decision to sell the eyewear business, thereby achieving

first-rate lens designs and anti-reflective coatings. The company reports

another major step on its transformational path to become a leading Med-

that it continues its path of growth with sustained figures that have

Tech company in vision care. Rodenstock will continue to invest in its R&D

exceeded 40% in 2021 and will reach 60% in 2022 compared to the previous

capabilities as well as product and service portfolio to best meet its customer’s

year, almost doubling the number of laboratories that trust Horizons'

needs, and further strengthen its leadership position in biometric lenses.

innovative solutions.

Rodenstock and De Rigo are trusted, long-standing business partners. According to Rodenstock, De Rigo is ideally positioned to further drive the

Correction

development of the eyewear business and strengthen its brands Rodenstock

We made a mistake in MAFO issue 06/22: On page 17 in the article

Eyewear and Porsche Design Eyewear. Both companies will closely work

"Growth and innovation – Optimal Technologies celebrates 25th an-

together to ensure a smooth transition and business continuity for employees,

niversary", we have mislabeled a picture. We apologize for this error.

customers, and business partners.

Here again the photo with the correct caption.

Registration open for Vision Expo East The conference and exhibit hall registration is open for Vision Expo East 2023, taking place March 16–19, 2023 in New York City at the Javits Center. The show’s organizers, The Vision Council and RX, are planning a robust show experience, including an engaging programming and a premier education program. The show’s conference program, developed by the education planning committee together with the OptiCon advisory board, will open March 16, and the exhibit hall will open March 17. VEE 2023 will debut a reimagined and more unified show floor layout. All of Vision Expo’s show floor neighborhoods will be located on level three of the Javits Center.

David Roberts (CCO) and Dean Thompson (CEO). Photo: Optimal Technologies

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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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

Schneider

Pau Artus

Horizons Optical

Xavier Bultez & Michael Kreis

Satisloh

Mo Jalie

University Ulster

Sandra Stry Schneider

Gaetano Volpe

ProCrea Tech

Christopher Diez LensWare

Daniel Crespo IOT

& Thomas Zangerlé Automation & Robotics

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 Cylindrical power for near vision 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.

Paperless production – challenging lab and LMS A game changer in lens quality control thanks to objective and automated visual inspection

Panel discussion Imagining the future of the ophthalmic industry Panelists: Devon Abblitt (Quantum Innovations); Georg Mayer (Rodenstock), Mark Mackenzie (Strategy with Vision); Mo Jalie (University Ulster)

Find out more about the exciting topics!

07_Abstracts.indd 7

19.12.22 17:09

INTERNATIONAL NEWS Advertisement

All about products Innovations and working materials for your lab

SCHNEIDER appoints François Breton to manage the Chemical Department.

Effective November 14th, 2022, Francois Breton joins SCHNEIDER to manage and further develop the Chemical Department. “We are excited to have Francois on our team. With his excellent knowledge and years of experience in the chemical industry, he is a great asset for our development of new technologies”, says CEO and founder Gunter Schneider.

Breton has a PhD in Organic Chemistry, is well-known for his great expertise with lacquers and looks back on 23 years of experience in the Optical Industry. Before joining SCHNEIDER, he founded multiple global Joint Ventures, e.g. with the Institute of Nanotechnology of ­Tatarstan, Russia. “I am very happy to now be a part of SCHNEIDER, which is considered to be the most innovative optical manufacturing company in the world”, Breton says, “and I am excited for what the future holds”. Visit www.schneider-om.com

From February 4th to 6th Fiera Milano Rho will host MIDO 2023 In six pavilions, one more than the previous edition, MIDO will be able to welcome the increased number of companies that will take part to the 51st edition. The trade fair returns to its ‘traditional’ location with stands in pavilions 1 and 3, 2 and 4, 6 and 10. Greater efforts will be dedicated to the Otticlub area, which is where the industry meetings take place, dedicated to information and education, a congress hall for seminars, workshops, presentations, events and conferences on vision and the optical sector for those who do not want to miss out on the latest news. To honor sustainability in the global eyewear industry, MIDO in partnership with ANFAO and Certottica, has established the CSE award (Certified Sustainable Eyewear) that allows all exhibitors at MIDO 2023 to participate in this first edition of the award by nominating a pair of sunglasses, eyewear frames or an eyewear case. An international panel of expert judges will evaluate the competing products which, to qualify for a win, must have been produced in compliance with the principles of sustainability. To participate, exhibitors at MIDO 2023 must complete the online form, available from 15 December 2022 to 15 January 2023 in the “Take Part” section of the official website: www.mido.com. Starting on December 15th, exhibitors can download the Regulations, review all of the judging criteria and submit their nomination.

8

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MAFO 1-23

16.12.22 12:39

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HARD COAT LEADER

28.11.22 17:44

TECHNOLOGY

How can color perception be improved for people with color vision deficiencies?

Almost four million people suffer from some sort of color blindness Everyone knows what a relief it is for someone wearing corrective glasses to suddenly be able to see clearly again, or for someone with a hearing aid suddenly to be able to hear properly again. But can color blindness be improved in a similar way? By Sascha Ruschenburg, Heike Steinmüller and Erich Kasten

I

n addition to color blindness from birth, due to a lack of cor-

led to his being granted his international pilot's license provided he

responding cones in the eye, color blindness may also occur

wore this corrective aid. About a year later, the patient came in for a

later on, e.g. caused by degenerative diseases of the retina or

checkup, and lo-and-behold his color perception had improved over

optic nerve. Recognizing colors is one of the most important

time! A re-examination by the international flight authority confirmed

aspects of visual perception; however, red-green visual impairment

this finding and the pilot received his license, this time without any

or color blindness affects about 9% of all men and about 0.8% of

additional conditions attached. His perception of color is now so good

women. In Germany, this amounts to about 3.5 million men and over

that he no longer needs color correction to fly internationally!"

300,000 women who would benefit if color perception could be improved. For these people, the act of seeing is a source of constant stress,

Do tinted glasses really improve color perception?

as the brain tries to extract as much information as possible from

Our next step was to check whether the effect found in the pilot could

inadequate color perception. This is exhausting, comparable to a

also be demonstrated in other people who had participated in previous

person with impaired hearing who only understands half of what is

studies: Does wearing spectacle lenses that enhance color perception

being said and has to deduce the rest. As with a hearing disorder, poor

improve the brain’s ability to process colors in general, i.e. even without

vision has a long-term effect on the brain, one becomes tired more

the visual aid? A follow-up study (with additional data acquisition)

easily, more exhausted and prone to frequent headaches.

yielded 11 datasets. These patients initially had an average color recogni-

One of the best-known early studies on how to improve color perception

tion without corrective aids of 5.9 plates in the Ishihara color test and

was published in 1997 by Dr. David Harris. Based on this, as early as

an average color recognition without corrective aids of 12.6 plates at

2002 Sascha Ruschenburg began to document initial efforts to correct

the follow-up stage after about a year. This represents a significant

color perception in color-impaired people with dyslexia in studies

improvement by a good factor of two. However, the Ishihara test is

using "ChromaGen" with positive effects. In 2015, Ruschenburg con-

subject to a learning effect and in this study the Farnsworth test, which

ducted another study in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Erich Kasten

can reveal color recognition weaknesses much more sensitively, was

(Medical School Hamburg) and optometrist Sylvia Hergert, which

not yet included. Based on these initial results, a study was now planned

showed that correcting color perception in a group of people with

under more rigorous conditions. The aim was to determine whether

proven color impairment had a positive impact on the frequency and

color vision can be corrected and whether it could even be improved

severity of migraine attacks when they were provided with specially

in a long term without glasses, and thus be learnable?

adapted colored spectacle lenses.

For the study, 24 participants were found, with ages ranging from 18 to 76 years old. In talking to the participants, it soon became clear that

Pilot finally allowed to fly internationally

most of them were fairly skeptical about any attempt to improve their

Anecdotally, the story of the following patient prompted the authors

color perception. This may also explain the low number of volunteers

of this article to look more closely at the topic of improving color percep-

willing to take part – in accordance with Christian Morgenstern’s

tion. Sascha Ruschenburg reported, "In 2017 I received a call from a

principle, "that which must not, cannot be" – it is considered that color

pilot. He had a German pilot's license which allowed him to fly within

perception cannot be corrected, let alone learnt.

Germany. However he was very slightly color blind which prevented

From the initial questionnaire for the study, it was evident that a

him getting an international pilot's license. We were able to correct

deficit in color perception of those affected led to numerous disad-

his color vision using specially prescribed tinted spectacle lenses, which

vantages in their daily lives. Many spoke of hazards in road traffic,

10

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TECHNOLOGY

Fig. 1: Example of an Ishihara plate. People with unimpaired color vision recognize a 6, while people with impaired red-green recognition do not see anything.

Fig. 2: Farnsworth color test (15 tile version). The 15 tiles have to be arranged in the correct order.

for example, due to not seeing red cars against a green background,

spontaneous recognition of the plates was counted as correct; with the

others talked of disadvantages in their professional lives, due to an

Farnsworth test, subjects were allowed three minutes to sort the color

inability to understand colored images. Laser pointers during lectures

plates in the correct order. None of the participants were completely

didn’t show up against a green background, a draftsman had to have

color blind, however all had significant color recognition deficiencies.

drawings specially made for him so he could read them. But even small things, such as playing "Uno" with one's children or choosing

256 instead of 16 tints due to two lenses

clothes which didn’t ‘clash’, proved difficult too.

Following the initial examination, color vision correction was performed

In the initial examination of the 24 participants, after the socio-demo-

by trying 16 different colored lenses. First, the non-dominant eye was

graphic data had been collected, their current color perception was

corrected using the lens perceived as optimal from the range of 16 lenses

tested by means of the book version of the Ishihara plates (see Fig. 1)

available. Then the dominant eye (leading eye) was corrected in the same

and then using a Farnsworth test (see Fig 2.). For the Ishihara test, only

way. After the dominant eye had been fitted, the non-dominant eye was then corrected again in order to improve color perception further. Finally, a similar procedure was followed again on the dominant eye. This resulted in a combination of two of the 16 possible colors for each eye (see Fig. 3). By combining two colored lenses in each case, the spectrum of different shades for individual adaptation was increased from 16 to 256 possible tints.

After optimal correction of both eyes, both color tests were repeated. On average and

Step 1: Color selection, non-dominant eye Step 2: Color selection, dominant eye Step 3: Color selection, non-dominant eye Step 4: Color selection, dominant eye Fig. 3a (left): Using 16 differently tinted lenses, color perception was systematically varied until the patient felt an improvement in color perception in both eyes. The final lens was then composed of two colors (first and second preference). Steps: Order of examination.

Fig. 3b (right): The lenses used for testing and customized patient fitting.

MAFO 1-23

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across all participants, with the color vision aid, the Ishihara test now showed an improvement from originally 22.1% correctly recognized tasks to 62.1% (two-sided t-test for dependent samples p<0.00, i.e. highly significant); and in the Farnsworth test a change in the correct arrangement of the color plates from originally 55.0% to 70.8% (t-test: p=0.004; highly significant). This corresponds to a 40% improvement in color discernment for the Ishihara and over 15% for the

11

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TECHNOLOGY

Current color vision trial right eye

25

Current color vision trial left eye

25

determine whether standardized lens colors can be offered for specific disorders.

The question that was posed at the begin-

20

20

ning of the study was whether individually

15

15

manufactured tinted lenses can improve

10

10

5

5

0

0

vision. It turned out that the majority of the participants favored certain colors. This led to the question: Can a standardized 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

pair of glasses be obtained from the two

primary colors, and what benefit would Current color vision trial Current color vision trial Fig. 4: Comparison of the coloreye selection of the lenses. The current study showed a preference for colors these glasses provide compared to customright left eye 25 4 and 15. Blue always indicates the color of the first 25choice of lens, orange always identifies the lens No. that was chosen second.

20

20

ized glasses?

The trial with a standardized version was

15 15 Farnsworth test. Participants reported better color discernment with the

now included in the study based on this data collected, and then compared

10the colored dots, Farnsworth test, based on the difference in brightness of 10

with the customized version at the end of the study.

apparently making it easier for the participants to do better 5 in the test.

5

The evaluation of the lens tints with which the participants were better 0

The placebo control study with 24 study partici-

10 this result. with

system (clip-ons). All participants received glasses, but only 50% received

0

2 3chosen 4 5 6 7 pants 8 9 10 11 12 13poor 14 15 16color recognition with able to1 identify Tint No. 41 was 2 3 4 colors 5 6 7 showed 8 9 10 a11clear 12 13trend: 14 15 16 After the initial examination was performed, the spectacle lenses were most frequently (14x for the right eye and 21x for the left eye), with Migraine trial produced.

Spectacle frames specially designed for the study were fitted. tint No. 15 the second mosttrial frequently chosen (16x for the right eye Migraine right eye left eye Participants who were already spectacle wearers were fitted with an attachment and 15x for the left eye). The follow-up examination also concurred 8 Thus,

8

a clear preference could be established in the area6 of color vision

6 correction!

the actual prescription. The remaining 50% received placebo glasses or clip-ons with a standard tint of 30% gray or brown. Treatment of the experi-

4

4 However, this does not hold true for corrections relating to migraine or

mental and control groups in parallel was carried out according to age and

2 dyslexia (see Fig. 5). In such cases, there is a need for further research to 2

color perception in line with Ishihara, i.e. always two subjects of roughly

0

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Migraine trial right eye Dyslexia trial right eye

10 8 8 76 64 5 2 4 30 2 1 0

0

8

Migraine trial left eye Dyslexia trial left eye

6 12

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

1 2 3 4 5 Dyslexia 6 7 8 9 trial 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

perimental or placebo) were then given to the the glasses had to be worn for at least three hours a day. This was recorded by the par-

04 2 0

ticipants. An intermediate examination then 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

1 2 3 4 5Dyslexia 6 7 8 9trial 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

left eye

Using the true correction, the Ishihara test showed a highly significant difference in the condition without corrective device between the first and second examination ent samples), whereas the slight difference for the Farnsworth test was relatively

6

insignificant (p=0.82). The mean difference

4

of improvement between the first and

2 0

was performed after six weeks (see Table 1).

(p<0.00 in the two-sided t-test for depend-

8

second measurement in the Ishihara test 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Fig. 5: By contrast, in the study on migraines (top row) and on dyslexia (bottom row), the choice of optimal lenses was distributed in a much more colorful way (blue = first choice, orange = second choice of tinted lens).

10_Farbsehen.indd 12

other to the control group. The glasses (ex-

8 2 6

10

12

assigned to the experimental group and the

patients for daily use. Prerequisite was that

12

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

were compared. Of these, one was randomly

10 4

right eye

8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

the same age and color perception ability 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

without corrective lenses was 12.5 for the experimental group and 9.17 for the control group; the difference between the two groups was insignificant (two-sided

MAFO 1-23

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WE ARE

innovation We’re constantly looking for new ways to invest in technology that will project us into the future. We believe that having access to the latest innovations is vital for our partners to stand out and succeed.

Do you want to know more about us?

Visit us at MIDO Pavilion 3 Stand N15 P16 Make an appointment with us!

www.iotlenses.com IOT offers advanced ophthalmic technology solutions from the initial design and development to the industrial manufacturing process. Their products create added value and offer a boost of innovation for any company or laboratory, regardless of size.

!AZ.indd 4

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TECHNOLOGY

Preliminary examination

Intermediate examination

Intermediate examination

without lenses

without lenses

with lenses or placebo

22.1%

Ishihara experimental group

34.6% (+12.5%)

58.3% (+36.2%)

Ishihara control group

22.1%

31.3% (+9.2%)

35.8% (+13.7%)

Farnsworth experimental group

65.0%

66.9% (+1.9%)

66.9% (+1.9%)

Farnsworth control group

45.4%

49.6% (+4.2%)

42.4% (-3.0%)

Tab. 1: Comparison of initial and interim examination (after 6 weeks) in 24 patients with color vision deficiency (values in parentheses = change compared to initial examination).

Intermediate examination with

Intermediate examination with­

2 lenses or with placebo

optimized lens (no placebo lenses)

Ishihara experimental group

58.3%

70.8% (+12.5%)

Ishihara control group

35.8%

63.3% (+27.5%)

Farnsworth experimental group

66.9%

78.9% (+12.0%)

Farnsworth control group

49.1%

61.4% (+12.3%)

Tab. 2: Comparison of the interim examination of 24 patients with color vision deficiency with the original lenses (2-fold glazing or gray/brown placebo lens) and an interim examination in which all patients were to perform the tests with an optimized lens (i.e., only colored and no gray/brown placebo lens). (Values in parentheses = change compared to the initial examination).

t-test for independent samples p=0.27). There was also no significant

also received new placebo lenses – for this, the gray lenses were swapped

change in the scores between the experimental and control groups for

for brown ones and vice versa.

the Farnsworth test (p=0.27).

A final examination was performed after eight months. Unfortunately,

Subsequently, both groups were examined again thoroughly by the Ishihara

at this time four participants were no longer available, had moved away

and Farnsworth tests using colored corrective lenses. Here again, the control

or had not worn the corrective lenses often enough. Thus the number

group showed a significant improvement in performance (see Table 2).

of participants was reduced to 20. Overall, both groups, i.e. also the

A further correction optimization was then carried out in the experi-

control group, showed an improvement in color perception according

mental group, with this group receiving lenses consisting of up to three

to the examinations carried out. However, whereas the experimental

different colors. This allowed even better fitting, because now 16x16x16

group had improved significantly by the time of the last examination,

colors could be combined, i.e. theoretically over 4,000 tints were now

the control group remained approximately the same, especially in the

available for the customized fitting. Participants from the control group

Farnsworth test (see Table 3). We can only hazard a guess as to why the control group also experienced an improvement based on their statements. Some placebo recipients reported "better detail vision" or

Preliminary examination

"one is clearly more aware of the colors". A strong focus on colors could Experimental group with color lenses (2 lenses)

Control group in parallel with gray or brown lenses

also have led to a slight improvement in color perception.

The difference between the initial and final examinations is highly significant for the Ishihara test without corrective lenses (p=0.0007

Wearing the vision aid 3 hours per day

Wearing the vision aid 3 hours per day

for the t-test for dependent samples); however, no significant difference was found for the Farnsworth test (p=0m20).

The statistical comparison of the difference between the initial and

Intermediate examination

Intermediate examination

final examinations showed a significant difference in the Ishihara test without corrective lenses between the experimental and the control group (p=0.03 in the two-sided t-test for independent groups). However,

Other lenses with up to 3 lenses

Further placebo lenses brown or gray

this difference was not significant for the Farnsworth test (p=0.29).

U D

R

One participant saw a colorful rainbow for the first time 8 months

8 months

Final examination Course of the trial

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In addition to the test data, however, many subjective statements by the participants at the end of the study also supported the fact that there had indeed been an improvement in the perception of colors: One participant in the control group reported being suddenly able to see a colorful rainbow for the first time while still in the first few months of use, even without

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TECHNOLOGY

Intermediate examination with

Final examination with

optimized lens (no placebo lenses)

optimized lens (no placebo lenses)

71.0% (+12%)

Ishihara experimental group

77% (+18%)

Ishihara control group

61.5% (-1.5%)

70.5% (+7.3%)

Farnsworth experimental group

80.4% (+7.2%)

90.4% (+17.2%)

Farnsworth control group

61.1% (-3.6%)

59.8% (-4.9%)

Tab. 3: Comparison of the interim and final examinations of 20 patients with color vision deficiency, in which all patients were to perform the tests with an optimized glass (i.e., only colored and no gray/brown placebo glass). (Values in parentheses = change compared to the initial examination).

Final examination with

Final examination with

optimized lenses (no placebo lenses)

standardized lenses (no placebo lenses)

Ishihara experimental group

77.0% (+31.5%)

61.0% (+15.5%)

Ishihara control group

70.5% (+36.5%)

64.5% (+30.5%)

Farnsworth experimental group

90.4% (+11.0%)

87.0% (+7.7%)

Farnsworth control group

59.8% (+10.1%)

61.8% (+12.1%)

Tab. 4: Comparison of the final examination on 20 patients with color vision deficiency, in which all patients were to perform the tests with an optimized glass and with a standardized glass (i.e., only colored and no gray/brown placebo glass). (Values in parentheses = change compared to color vision without correction).

the filter lenses. The colors were more intense and included more colors

tint of colors 4+15, and compare these with the customized correction

of the spectrum than he had previously seen. Another control group

solution in the final examination.

participant reported that he was more confident in his assessment of colors

As a result, it can be stated that even standardized spectacles already offer

when playing with the children. One participant felt that he could see the

a possibility of better color perception to those affected by red-green vision

color green better and that it was more saturated; also the colors of LEDs

deficiencies, even though the customized version offers better options.

were easier to distinguish. The specifications of the study stipulated that limit had been specified. One participant stated that he wore his glasses

Conclusion: Impairments in color perception can be improved!

for about six hours a day; this participant also exhibited the highest rate

In the light of this study, impairments in color perception can now be

of improvement in the test procedures, thus suggesting that longer wearing

classed as ‘improvable’. Even though none of the participants succeeded

periods may lead to faster improvement.

in achieving 100% correction (which anyway had not been expected,

What remains now is the suitability of the standardized design as a

given the shortness of the study of about eight months), the results

possible correction solution. For this purpose, the data collected in

showed there was a clear improvement in color recognition, which was

the initial examination was used to produce spectacles with a combined

also reflected in the subjective statements.

the glasses must be worn at least three hours a day, but no exact upper

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TECHNOLOGY

brain ‘learns’ to process the colors better at this stage, even without corrective aids. This was also shown in the study by Renjie Li et al in 2009, which demonstrated that contrast vision can be learned and improved through the use of action video games. Which mechanisms are neuro-anatomically and physiologically responsible in this can only be speculated on. Since the number of color-sensitive sensory cells in the retina cannot increase, it is presumably plastic adaptation processes in V4 area of the visual system that now better compensate for the lack of input. The assumption of a brain-related learning process is supported by the fact that the improvement of color perception was achieved over a period of several months.

Fig. 6a (left): Selection and adaptation of the colored lenses to the individual optimum of the patients. Fig. 6b (right): Example of better recognition of a task from the Ishihara test with the aid of colored lenses. The letter "H", which is otherwise almost invisible to patients with color vision deficiency, shows clearly improved contrast, and can thus be recognized better with the colored lens.

▶ Medical examinations in certain professions – where accurate color

Finally, for ethical reasons, it should be noted that all participants in the control group were of course given the true correction after completion of the study, and were also offered a follow-up with subsequent optimization, where appropriate! The experimental group was also provided with a new correction, if required, at the end of the study. ◆

recognition is indispensable – should be modified in such a way as to recognize that, for those affected, the color recognition rates can be considerably improved with the aid of specifically customized glasses!

▶ Once classified as having a color-recognition impairment, this should no longer mean that this will remain so forever!

▶ Irrespective of the superiority of colored lenses over the light ‘sunglasses’ lenses of the control group, the results of this study prove that deficiencies in color perception should be classified as treatable!

Sascha Ruschenburg

A placebo effect can be largely excluded as the improvement in color

Sascha Ruschenburg is a master optometrist; self-employed in

recognition using the true correction was visibly higher than the data

Braunfels-Philippstein and Marburg, Germany. The first pilot study

of the control group. However, the latter group also showed improve-

on color perception associated with disease patterns was carried out

ments, which may be due to the fact that brown/gray lenses also increase contrast and thus make color differences easier to see. Thus, for further

in 2002-2006. A further study on color perception in connection with migraines was carried out in 2016.

studies, tinted lenses should largely be avoided for the placebo condition, and clear lenses preferred. However, the main difference between the experimental and control group shows that colored glasses are very useful for the purpose of improving color perception.

This is particularly important for children. It would be interesting to know what happens when children suffering from deficiencies in color perception are fitted with such spectacles at an early age. This is illustrated by the following anecdote reported by Ruschenburg: Back in 2012, Ruschenburg treated a young man who came to him because of a weakness in distinguishing red and green. He wanted to become a

Heike Steinmüller Heike Steinmüller has been a master optometrist since 2017 and is employed at Ruschenburg Optik.

sea captain. However, this required a certain ability to distinguish color, which he did not have at the time. Over the years, the young man’s prescription was repeatedly adjusted and optimized. In the spring of 2019, Ruschenburg received the news that color proficiency had been sufficiently established that he could now begin his training to become a sea captain. He set out on his first great voyage that same year.

As already stated at the beginning, it is demanding on the brain to have to process a visual impression without or with only weak colors, where especially ‘red’ and ‘green’ are difficult to distinguish. As also mentioned at the beginning, this frequently leads to headaches and stress. Such negative effects can be reduced by early treatment, especially in children. Apparently the

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Prof. Dr. Erich Kasten Prof. Dr. Erich Kasten is a psychologist and neuroscientist. He has worked at the universities of Lübeck, Göttingen and Magdeburg, Germany, among others. Since 2013, he has been an appointed W3 professor of neuroscience at the Medical School in Hamburg, Germany

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13.12.22 11:35

Technology & Innovation TECHNOLOGY

On the cusp of maturity – Advancement of flat lens technology Research publications on flat lenses have increased in recent years. For instance, in August 2022, a research team at Columbia Engineering, USA, led by Nanfang Yu, associate professor of applied physics and applied mathematics, published a paper in Light: Science & Applications on a flat optical device that focuses only a few selected narrowband colors of light while remaining transparent to nonselected light over the vast majority of the spectrum1. By Rebekka Nurkanovic

T

he Columbia researchers think that this device will enable

These are just two examples of the vast array of publications on flat lens

optimal visual quality for augmented reality goggles

technology. To further the maturation process in the field, Professor

because it appears entirely transparent until they shine

Uriel Levy, Director of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU)'s Center

a beam of light with the correct wavelength onto it, when

for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and Co-Founder/CTO of HU’s

the glass turns into a lens. According to the developers, the lens could

portfolio company TriEye, together with postdoc student Dr. Jacob

reflect contextual information to the viewer’s eye at selected narrow-

Engelberg, has established a standard method to compare flat-lens

band wavelengths while also allowing an unobstructed, undimmed,

technologies and designs. The Israeli researchers published their findings

broadband view of the real world (Fig. 1).

in Nature Photonics3. Levy took the time to explain features of flat lenses

In September 2022, researchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong University,

and his standardization method in a conversation with MAFO.

China, described a new lens, called Alvarez lens, in the Optica Publishing

His interest in flat lenses started already around the turn of the century,

Group journal Optics Express2. Their device has a continuously tunable

while he was working on his PhD in the field of diffractive optics. “The

focal length and the developers hope that it could one day prevent

idea of diffractive optics was to engineer, to design, to manufacture,

visual fatigue from augmented and virtual reality devices.

and to characterize optical elements that are operating based on

18

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Technology & Innovation TECHNOLOGY

Fig. 1: Illustration showing the operation of an augmented reality headset with multifunctional nonlocal metasurfaces as optical see-through lenses.

Picture: Nanfang Yu, Stephanie Malek, Adam Overvig/Columbia Engineering

Professor Uriel Levy. Director of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU)'s Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

diffraction rather than refraction. Typically, in order to change the

Challenges and advantages of flat lenses

path of a light beam or ray of light in a material, a curvature is needed.

A main issue with flat lenses that still needs solving is chromatic abberation,

To receive the wished for path, the difference between the refractive

where the designed wavelength is focused exactly as desired but other

index of the material and the surrounding has to be taken into account,

wavelengths are focused at a different focal plane, causing a blurred vision,

based on the laws of reflection or Snell’s law”, Levy explains. “The

which can pose a severe problem, depending on the illumination source.

larger the curvature, the stronger the lens, meaning that high diopter

With the sun or a broadband light source in a room, it would be highly

lenses are thicker than low diopter lenses.”

problematic, whereas with a laser light for illumination, the wavelengths and the color are predefined and the chromatic abberation is less of an

What are flat lenses?

issue. For some applications, like contact lenses or spectacle lenses, this

Flat lenses have no curvature. Features like tiny holes, lines or circles

is very important, which is why a lot of the effort in academia and industry

break the beams of light, which is called diffraction. The earliest version

is focused towards developing lenses with reduced chromatic abberation.

of that technology can be found in the Fresnel lens, developed in the

And there are additional challenging aberrations like spherical abberation

19 century for lighthouses. These early flat lenses were not nearly as

and coma. Levy points out that a typical refractive lens of good quality

perfectly flat as today, but they were very thin compared to classical

requires several surfaces or interfaces and that it would be naive to believe

lenses and while the manufacturing was primitive, some of the physical

that one surface could replace all. “There is always some penalty to pay.

concepts still used today were already in place.

One path that is being tried to achieve similar results is making flat lenses

In the 1980’s, the development of modern diffractive lenses took up steam.

with several layers, which are almost touching each other.”

Typically, the flat lenses of that era were wavelength scale features with

The researchers are trying to reduce the chromatic abberations using

a height of maybe one two microns, which were able to focus a relatively

several methods. One method is based on a multilayer structure that

large beam of light into a spot. Since then, the field has evolved considerably.

can be constructed in two different ways. One way makes each layer

Over the last few years, a new type of flat lens, the metalens, has emerged,

correspond to a specific color. This is called multiplexing, where features

alongside diffractive lenses. The two types of flat lenses are very similar

are mixed in each layer that perform lensing for the three main colors

but differ in their specific phase profiles. The metalens has nano-features

red, green, and blue. Levy explains that with multiplexing, the resolution

with features like posts that can be 100 or 200 nanometers in diameter.

might be a little degraded but still on a tolerable scale and the wavelengths

“These nano-features spread all over the aperture of the lens and based

for the three colors would be focused at the same plane. “We are working

on the specific design, can acquire the phase that is needed to focus. It is

on that now with some initial results but it's still an ongoing problem.”

an efficient binary structure, either existing or non-existing”, says Levy.

His team is also working on reducing other abberations like spherical

“A diffractive lens is typically not binary and its features are microscale.

and coma by using a design taken from the world of refractive lenses.

It is a little bit more difficult to make than a metalens, because you need

Yet another challenge is to produce flat lenses in high quality at low

several fabrication steps and have to align between each step. From a

cost and in a repeatable way. “Flat lens production has to be controlled

manufacturing point of view, the binary structure of the metalens is an

very precisely”, says Levy. “Even a little change, e.g. changing the size

advantage compared to the diffractive lens.”

of the pillar from 50 to 52 nanometer would be an issue.”

th

20

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One main advantage of flat lenses is that they are very thin. According to Levy, the revolution is that they can be manufactured in a clean room with seamless compatible tools similar to those used for the production of electronic chips. He notes that since the feature sizes in a flat lens are typically larger than that of a modern chip, the tools do not have to be of the same high-end quality and cost as for chips, though. Another technique that is being explored resembles imprint lithography. There, some kind of template is used to replicate many metalenses.

R&D activities regarding ophthalmic flat lenses are especially aimed at providing glasses to people with high diopters, for whom even semi flat lenses would be a great improvement.

Standardization of evaluation A further aspect, which is important for flat lenses, is the way they are measured or characterized. Since there are different flat lens designs and technologies on the market and few guidelines regarding

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easily assessed. “There was a deluge of papers reporting a new revolution but when we were reviewing these papers, we found that in many cases the analysis and the way the lens was characterized, was partial and incomplete. It was difficult to predict if the described lenses would be actually useful,” remembers Levy. “For this reason, we developed a holistic approach to define the parameters that need to be measured.” These parameters include the efficiency of light that would go through the lens, the resolution, the aberration, parameters like MTF (modulation transfer function), Strehl ratio, spectral regime over which the metalens is measured and others. “We brought everything together to evaluate whether a given lens is actually good or not and then we proposed this

Learn more at coburntechnologies.com/reimagine

characterization method to the community as a contribution, which provides testing procedures for lenses and helps the com-

Find us at MIDO | Stand T14

munity to become more mature. Our method offers a standard, a series of steps that can be used to check the effectiveness of a lens.

There are many ideas, implementations, different approaches and different geometries. Sometimes a specific parameter is great but more often than not, this comes at the expense of another parameter.

This is why a holistic approach is needed.”

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Technology & Innovation TECHNOLOGY

Closeup of Fresnel Lens that concentrates light into a relatively narrow beam.

3D Rendering of a metalens.

Levy and his team are also trying to provide a holistic approach for the

of the future, but Kristensen is confident that this future is not too far

manufacturing of flat lenses. Holistic approach means that the researchers

away. The EU's H2020 project ended at the turn of the year, and a

are trying to provide a solution, which takes aspects of design and

company has been set up to continue the work. The R&D team is still

manufacturing into account as well as aspects of characterization.

working on the chromatic aberration problem, but Kristensen reveals that a first prototype is ready and expects the first product to enter the

Flat lenses and ophthalmic optics

market in about two years.

There are no flat spectacle lenses on the market yet with the biggest obstacle being the unresolved issue of chromatic abberation. Levy says

Beyond ophthalmic optics

that one way to use flat lenses in spectacles in the near future could be

For Uriel Levy, the ophthalmic field is only one area of interest. He

creating a hybrid, combining a basic standard refractive lens with a

and his team are aiming for a more general use of metalenses, e.g. in

flat lens to create something superior to each of the respective lenses

virtual reality, augmented reality, or cell phones: “We have developed

on their own. For a fully flat refractive lens, not only the problems of

metalens also to measure depths and achieve a 3D image. The idea is

aberration but also of cheap mass manufacturing would have to be

that you will have one or two special lenses in your eyeglasses, on

solved. R&D activities regarding ophthalmic flat lenses are especially

which you add features. With those, you will be able to project images

aimed at providing glasses to people with high diopters, for whom

in virtual reality or augment reality in a 3D fashion. With flat lenses,

even semi flat lenses would be a great improvement. Levy thinks that

you can make the surfaces aspheric and you can add some tunability

flat prescription lenses are very likely to enter the market further down

and project images into that. I think that this could be a revolution

the line, when the problem of chromatic abberation has been solved

for the field.”

and manufacturing costs are lower.

Flat lenses are also very interesting for the cell phone arena, because of the possible reduction of size, weight, and manufacturing costs.

Anders Kristensen, professor of DTU Health Tech at the Technical

The weight reducing aspect might make them attractive for imaging

University of Denmark, has already made great strides in this direction.

systems in aerospace and drones as well. Levy’s current research in

His EU-H2020 project Odyssey aims to change the optical design and

the area of metalenses is focused on improving them, adding more

manufacturing process for spectacle lenses completely. Kristensen and

features and trying to understand how different design methods would

his team are developing lenses that are as thin and light as non-pre-

affect the performance. ◆

scription sunglass lenses, even at high diopter levels, using a manufacturing process that involves producing a thin layer of nanostructures with a laser printer. The long-term vision is that the lenses can be laserprinted onto special nanostructured templates in 15 minutes at the

1

optical store while the customer waits. Initially, the manufacturing of these flat prescription lenses will likely be integrated into conventional

2

production, but as soon as the laser printing process is mature, it should take place in the optical store to reduce transportation costs and material consumption. So far, flat lenses at the corner optician are still a vision

22

18_flat lens.indd 22

3

Malek, S.C., Overvig, A.C., Alù, A. et al. Multifunctional resonant wavefront-shaping meta-optics based on multilayer and multi-perturbation nonlocal metasurfaces.

Light Sci Appl 11, 246 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41377-022-00905-6.

Shuyi Chen, Junhao Lin, Ziqian He, Yan Li, Yikai Su, and Shin-Tson Wu, "Planar Alvarez tunable lens based on polymetric liquid crystal Pancharatnam-Berry optical elements," Opt. Express 30, 34655-34664 (2022).

Engelberg, J., Levy, U. Standardizing flat lens characterization. Nat. Photon. 16, 171–173 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41566-022-00963-7.

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02.08.21 08.12.22 12:41 15:13

Technology & Innovation SPOTLIGHT

Escaping the niche Smart glasses between medical applications and a brave new AR world The future of so-called smart glasses seemed to be over back in 2014. Google’s innovative smart glasses had failed to capture the market for the time being, despite having undeniably attracted the interest of consumers. Eight years later, a small specialist exhibition at the Silmo international ophthalmic optics trade fair convincingly showed that through new manufacturing techniques and software developments, combined with connection to smartphones via apps, new product worlds are currently being created around this type of spectacles, for the industrial, lifestyle and medical sectors. Will 2023 be the year in which smart glasses finally make the breakthrough to long-term market success? By Frank Sonnenberg

T

understandable in the light of the rapid progress in digital

Consumer applications are becoming increasingly interesting

transformation that is currently gripping our society and

Over the past year, various prototypes and smart glasses nearly ready

industry. In particular, the opportunities offered by virtual

for market have been presented. More such glasses than ever before.

and augmented reality are increasingly being made feasible by new

There is no question that something is afoot in this market segment.

technological developments.

As elsewhere, this was also evident at Silmo 2022, where a portfolio of

he market for smart glasses is gaining momentum. This is

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Technology & Innovation SPOTLIGHT

new products and their possibilities were presented to the ophthalmic

According to the Gutenberg Health Study (GHS), the proportion of

experts, thus sending a clear signal for the future.

people with late-stage AMD in Germany compared to the overall

Just how important the topic is for the industry is shown, for example,

population is 0.59% (i.e. about 488,000 people), and the proportion of

by the investment being made by Fielmann Ventures, the venture and

people with early-stage, age-related macular degeneration is 8.43% (i.e.

investment arm of the Fielmann Group, in the Israeli deep-tech company

about 6,981,000 people).[1]

Deep Optics, the inventor and pioneer of spectacles with a dynamic

In view of the European and global multi-million patient market, the

optical focus.

Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in the USA recently awarded a 2023

Based in Petah Tikva, Israel, the deep-tech company is developing

Innovation Prize in the category

what can be called a disruptive spectacle lens technology in the field

‘Wearable Technologies’ to a pair

of electro-optics: liquid crystal lenses which can adjust the optical

of smart glasses.

focus of the lens to any required distance. The advantage of this patented

The award went to Cellico's Arges

technology is said to be that, compared to normal progressive lenses,

Smart AR glasses for the visually

the spectacle wearer benefits from a significantly larger field of view.

impaired. The glasses were devel-

According to Fielmann, the technology could not only fundamentally

oped for people suffering from

change the market for spectacle lenses, it also opens up exciting ap-

age-related macular degeneration.

plications in the field of smart glasses.

This eye condition affects the

The future of smart glasses will be multi-faceted

central area of vision, making it difficult for sufferers to recognize

AR is helping in the medical field

faces, read, drive or even perform basic tasks like cooking.

One area of application for smart glasses with future potential is in the

The smart glasses are equipped with a small 4k camera and a mobile

field of ophthalmology with the target group those suffering from

app to capture and process images in real time. The images are then

age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

transmitted back to the wearer of the glasses via an augmented reality

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19.12.22 11:36

Technology & Innovation SPOTLIGHT

Skugga: If Skugga has its way, there will be no more clunky data glasses. The company unveiled an electronic module in Paris that can be built into design-oriented eyewear. It is designed for mass production and is said to be suitable for a variety of frames made of different materials such as acetate, 3D-printed polymer and injection-molded plastic frames. With Skugga technology, eyeglass wearers have Bluetooth access to motion and environmental sensor data, notifications, navigation or other app functions.

Obe: More concealed is the innovation from Obe. At Silmo, the German company presented a universal hinge solution for secure data connections. The specially designed bracket hinge is said to put less strain on the wiring harness required for smart glasses, to be easy to install and remove again, and to open smoothly.

Tooz: The innovation here lies in the combination of frame and lens. Information is made accessible to the eye of the wearer via a prism and total reflection on transparent conductive paths in the lens.

display. According to the company, this process redirects the central

the latest models are more camouflaged and marketed by their producers

vision to the peripheral field of view, allowing AMD sufferers to recover

as a fashion article with additional technical attributes.

their lost sight.

The aim of these products is to interact with the surroundings via

The low vision glasses exhibited at Silmo by the French supplier Light

augmented reality (AR), but without having to wear a special headset.

Vision are aimed at the same target group.

Smart glasses looking more like normal spectacles are most likely what we will come to expect in future. Their aim is to access specific informa-

Revival of smart glasses for consumers – but this time more attractive

tion quickly and easily, to be able to understand another language or

Examples of other consumer applications are smart glasses with a con-

The French manufacturer Cosmo Connected showed what this not-

nection to a cell phone and data projection into the wearer's field of view.

too-distant future might already look like with Cosmo Vision: a pair

While the Google glasses of the time were still very technical and polarized,

of biker glasses connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth. The Cosmo

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24_smart glasses_Sonnenberg.indd 26

to be guided from A to B by a virtual navigation system.

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Technology & Innovation SPOTLIGHT

Ellcie Healthy: Smart glasses, which focus on safety for the wearer. Thanks to intelligently networked glasses, drivers are to be notified in real time, for example, if a lack of vigilance is detected. In addition, the data glasses will be able to automatically detect falls and alert help in case of danger. It is also to be positioned on the market in the field of health and activity tracking. The glasses will allow people to monitor their physical activity, such as the number of steps taken per day, which will provide a valuable indication of the energy consumed.

Cosmo: Smart glasses for cyclists and motorcyclists with head-up display.

Cell phone data is transferred to the glasses via cell phone Bluetooth.

Light Vision: The field of application is ophthalmology with the target group of AMD sufferers. Thanks to eye tracking technology, the glasses recognize the still healthy areas of the retina of the most powerful eye and project the image that the owner wants to see onto these areas.

Vision app transfers data from a smartphone to the right eye of the

short, a concrete structure is incorporated into the lens with individual

glasses, where speed, travelling times and navigation information can

vision correction, via which the information is then projected in front

be displayed. A practical head-up display that is already familiar from

of the eye.

smart helmets. But now it is also available to scooter riders and jet helmet wearers. What is displayed in the glasses is controlled by swiping

Smart glasses for industrial applications

the sensor of the left lens.

Different working environments, different demands. Industrial and

The smart glasses Tooz Essnz Berlin take a different approach. A normal

medical applications call for customized smart glasses with specially

form factor is also in the foreground here, while the technology is

adapted monitors, loudspeakers, lighting, etc.

somewhat hidden. You might also say: less of a nerdy design, more of a

A large number of smart-glass solutions are concerned here, depending

mainstream approach. Here, too, information from the cell phone is

on the specific requirements. Including conventional VR headsets.

projected onto the inside of the lenses mounted in the frame. However,

Innovation is also in evidence here. Also recognized by CES with the

the lenses form an integral part of the smart technology concept. In

2023 Innovation Award was the VR/MR (Virtual Reality/Mixed Reality)

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!AZ.ind

Technology & Innovation SPOTLIGHT

headset insert from Voy Glasses. Reason: The VR or MR lens insert to

lifecycle from manufacturing to recycling? Are the frames based on

the system is the world's first tunable lens for VR or MR devices. This

a sustainable design and recycling concept that clearly separates

insert allows people with myopia to see VR or MR headset images

materials and technical components in a circular value chain? Is

clearly without the need for prescription glasses. The tunable range is

this as smart as the spectacles themselves? Collecting used smart

from 0 to -6.0 dpt.

glasses and later shipping them in bulk to developing countries probably won’t work.

Smart glasses are becoming a reality

Some smart-glass products have already been scheduled to be

The future of smart glasses is already here. There can be no talk of a

launched in 2023. More will follow in the years to come. Large tech

niche product any more. In addition to the lifestyle target group with

companies like Apple and Google are also likely to enter the market

its natural affinity for smart glasses, the medical applications in

with their own products. What the market will actually look like

particular promise to become another driving force in the market.

in the coming years remains to be seen. But whatever happens, it’s

This also has important implications for ophthalmic optics. Is another

sure to be exciting. ◆

industry transformation on the horizon? Who will be responsible for sales and marketing of smart glasses? Can specialist opticians or ophthalmologists do this? Who will be responsible for customer service? Even if smart glasses have a close connection with ophthalmic optics, might other distribution channels soon emerge as additional market players, and thus competitors? And what about the product

[1] https://www.woche-des-sehens.de/infothek/zahlen-und-fakten augenkrankheiten-zahlen-fuer-deutschland

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!AZ.indd glasses_Sonnenberg.indd 16 24_smart 29

13.12.22 15:39 14:52 19.12.22

Technology & Innovation SPOTLIGHT

Subtitles for AR glasses Interview with Dan Scarfe Smart glasses are on the rise and new applications for them are being developed all the time. Many of them are just gimmicks for technology-lovers, but some can also make everyday life easier for users in a meaningful way. One example of the latter is XRAI Glass, a captioning software for Nreal augmented reality (AR) glasses, which converts spoken language into subtitles. Dan Scarfe, founder & CEO of XRAI Glass, talked about his invention in an interview with MAFO. By Rebekka Nurkanovic

How did the idea for XRAI Glass come about?

Basically, this is a piece of glass at 45 degrees, which bounces the

I had a previous business, which collaborated with Microsoft and was

light from the projectors into the eyes – thereby creating the experi-

concerned with moving the technology of large organizations to the cloud.

ence of augmented reality. These glasses can also accept small

This was very interesting but not particularly noble. I had worked in IT

prescription inserts, which are clipped in and sit on top of the

for 20 years when we sold the company to Cognizant in 2020, and I knew

birdbath, meaning that they can be used by everybody.

that I wanted to do something next that had some good associated with

I realized that this was an AR glasses concept that would provide the

it. So, I started to think about what that could be.

perfect platform for my vision and started on the project. I had the idea

On Christmas 2021, I saw my granddad, surrounded by his family, but

at the end of 2021 and following a successful pilot program, we launched

he was completely vacant, because he could not hear anything that anybody

the software in November 2022.

was saying – it was terrible to watch. He is 97 years old, has still full cognitive capacity, but virtually zero hearing left. I am not quite sure when epiphany

How does the software work?

struck me but I suddenly thought, well, he watches subtitles on the TV

First, let me say that I think augmented reality is going to win versus

all of the time. Why can't we create subtitles in real life?

virtual reality – there are far more use cases for enriching the real world

To me, this seemed to be the most obvious use case for AR and I

with additional information than creating virtual worlds. For me, the

fully expected that somebody had already created a product for it.

important additional information or metadata is captions of course. We

I soon discovered that while a few people had tried to develop a

use a technology called GPT 3 (Generative Pre-trained Transformer 3),

concept, no one had succeeded, probably because the hardware was

which uses deep learning to produce human-like text and is so powerful

not there yet. Until recently, AR glasses were large contraptions

that it may make a person believe that they are talking to a human being.

that looked almost like helmets. They were also expensive, had

You may have heard about a software engineer at Google who was fired

short battery life, and rather poor processing. What I found interest-

for believing the computer he was talking to was sentient. He was talking

ing about Nreal glasses, was that they are connected to a phone

to a similar large language model.

with a wire and make use of the phone’s battery and processing power and its microphones. This way, the glasses do not weigh much more than normal spectacles do.

The only difference to normal eyewear is that

Our software uses either the microphone on the glasses or on the connected phone to record speech and translate it into subtitles. The subtitles identify the speakers and show what each of them says. We are relying on

they have tiny screens built into the top of the

the noise cancellation of the microphones but it

glasses and optical elements – called birdbath,

can be a challenge when multiple people are

which combine two main optical components,

talking at the same time.

a spherical part-mirror and a beam splitter.

In the future we'll be able to use multiple mics simultaneously, so that there are multiple audio streams and the software can easily identify who is talking.

XRAI Glass can help you D a n S c a r fe and an assistant. The assistant can do several things. For transcribe and subtitle summarization, you just say, “Hey, XRAI, can you summarize the conversation that we just had?” and the assistant will summarize conversations in nine of the a conversation of an hour or more in a few sentences. This feature world’s most spoken languages, opens possibilities not just for the deaf, but also for a range of cognilike Mandarin, French, and Italian. tive capabilities. For instance, people who cannot understand what

XRAI Glass has three features: subtitles, translation

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Technology & Innovation SPOTLIGHT

is being said properly could ask, “Hey XRAI, can you summarize this in language that a 10 year old would understand?” In the future, the assistant will also be able to deliver specific information from a conversation that you previously had. You could say, “Hey, XRAI, how often did the doctor tell me I was supposed to take my medicine?”

The assistant would then search for the answer in the saved conversations. It can also retrieve other information, for instance the weather forecast and show it on your AR glasses.

Translation is available in multiple languages. XRAI Glass can help you transcribe and subtitle conversations in nine of the world’s most spoken languages, like Mandarin, French, and Italian.

I would also like to mention that everything is stored on the device and we have no access to it because many people are concerned about privacy when they hear about speech recording. We are a web-3 company, meaning that we prefer decentralization, and take care that users own their data, not us.

How did your grandfather react to XRAI Glass?

Honestly, I think he was a bit blown away by it. We are now trying slowly

Where can one get XRAI Glass?

to get granddad used to wearing the AR glasses and using the software.

You can download our app in the Google Play Store. The AR glasses

I am not sure, whether the older population will be our target market.

are available in four countries, in Japan, China, UK and US. They

We try to make the use of XRAI Glass as simple as possible, but it is still

are sold via telephone companies or online retailers. On a side note,

a new technology and I believe older people will always be reticent. It

I believe that opticians should start to think about selling AR glasses

was interesting that we have had more interest from the younger demo-

even without prescriptions in them. If they were available in optician

graphic, which makes perfect sense when you think about it. We assume

stores, it would be a great opportunity for potential customers to

that most deaf people are old but that is not true – one sixth of the world's

experience AR in a setting that they are familiar and comfortable

population lives with some kind of hearing impairment. It is a massive

with. It is difficult to explain a technology, which is not like anything

problem and many people would benefit from this technology even if

you have ever experienced before. The best you can do is to compare

they do not wear hearing aids today or even if they do not identify as

AR glasses to driving a car with a heads up display where the speed

being deaf. I might use them myself at a networking event, when it is

appears in front of you, apparently above the trunk of the car. If you

noisy and I do not want to miss half of the conversation.

could go to your local optician store and try them on, it would be much easier.

Thank you for the interview. ◆

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SPOTLIGHT

Myopia Management with spectacle lenses The 6-year follow-up clinical study of Miyosmart spectacle lenses Last year, the results of the 6-year follow-up clinical study of Miyosmart spectacle lenses (manufactured

by Hoya) for myopia control were presented at the Association for Research in Vision & Ophthalmology (ARVO) Annual Meeting in Denver in May 2022. Clinical data on myopia control are also available now for spectacle lenses as an alternative to previous myopia management options such as soft contact lenses, OrthoK, or atropine. The significance of using myopia control spectacle lenses and the key findings from the clinical study were explained to us by Pascal Blaser, Global Medical Affairs Manager of Hoya Vision Care, in an interview. By Daniel Groß and Silke Sage

Why is myopia management becoming increasingly important

conventional single-vision spectacle lenses. This has changed over the

in the daily routine of optometrists?

last few years, and we are now able to offer more evidence and clinically

Since the World Health Organisation (WHO) published its first report

proven products to the children concerned.

on myopia and high myopia in 2015 , more and more attention from eye 1

care professionals has been drawn to myopia in children. Through reports

What does promising myopia management look like to you?

in the press and on television, parents, too, have become more aware.

Myopia management only works in the long run if we all work together

Particularly in the past few years, the visual habits of children have

in a serious and evidence-based way. This is how we gain the trust of

changed a lot due to COVID-19. With the increasing interest in myopia

parents and ophthalmologists, who usually issue prescriptions for

management, there is a need for more advice concerning children's vision,

children. Myopia management must also be supported by the whole

and eye care professionals can now offer new expertise. Of course, the

team in a clinic or shop. It is also helpful to introduce a myopia

success of myopia management in children could also increase patient

consultation concept in addition to continuing education for the team.

loyalty and open the opportunity to provide eye care service to the whole

The whole team should speak the same language and offer the child

family. Up to now, most children with myopia were simply fitted with

a smooth experience.

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SPOTLIGHT

How has myopia management as a service evolved since you

What has the feedback been so far about the practical experience

first started to acquaint optometrists with the topic?

(with Miyosmart) from opticians, optometrists, orthoptists – as

From my experience with contact lenses, in the future, the service

well as from ophthalmologists?

on myopia management, too, should be charged separately from the

Personally, I was inquisitive to see how children would respond to the

cost of the spectacle lens. The myopia management service includes,

Miyosmart in practice. I had been trying it out for several years among

in addition to refraction, binocular vision, axial length, risk analysis,

my acquaintances, and there had never been any problems. However,

and regular eye health monitoring. As many professional organizations

things are often different on a larger scale – the recommended frame

recommend regular refraction with cycloplegia for children, coopera-

and centering parameters need to be considered. However, from our

tion with the ophthalmologist can be strengthened by separating the

regular Miyosmart expert meetings and discussions, the feedbacks

product cost from the service.

clearly exceed my expectations. Initial input from all professional groups is also very positive across the board. The first follow-up checks after six months show that the expected effect is comparable to or even better

Sometimes we find that the topic of myopia tends to be dismissed by competitors without equivalent products simply as hype.

than in the 2-year Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) from Hong Kong.

Hoya was the first introducing the myopia control spectacle lens with defocus lenslets, and other manufacturers are now following suit. Does the saying “competition stimulates the market” ring true for you?

Of course, such a success story motivates competitors to jump on the bandwagon, and we see more and more ideas and concepts coming into the market. That's fine as long as we talk about genuine, evidence-based products. Some manufacturers promote a myopia management product without clinical evidence and market the product simply by advertising

Untreated myopia can increase the risk of eye disease later

many hypes. Therefore, a serious and sustainable approach and appropriate

on, especially in the case of high myopia and increased eye

communication are essential to avoid pushback from ophthalmologists

length. Is this argument even more important to parents than

– similar to what happened to blue light at some point. I believe we have

correcting myopia at a young age?

demonstrated professionalism from the start and that has been recognized

This certainly depends very much on parents’ understanding of myopia.

and accepted by ophthalmologists and orthoptists. Of course, Hoya

If parents are shortsighted, especially highly, they know myopia’s

wants to sell the Miyosmart, but myopia management is a marathon, so

drawbacks and how it can impinge on the quality of life. Not only has

we must drive it in a sustainable way. After all, there are massive amounts

the axial length measurement been accepted by parents, but the growth

of myopic children to take care of.

curves available today can also be understood by parents, they are already familiar with similar curves for height and weight of child

How does Hoya support eye care professionals who are offering

explained by the pediatricians personal child health record. If you look

myopia management in their shops for the first time?

at the growth curves of body weight, you can easily make comparisons.

To this end, through in-depth discussions with our experts, we have

The more the excess weight – or in this case, the axial length correspond-

implemented several ideas, and many more have been planned for the

ing to age – the higher the possibility of consequential damage may

future. We offer opticians the opportunity to grow their children's

be in the future.

eyewear business through myopia management. With this in mind, in Germany we have established contacts with frame suppliers and

How well has the spectacle lens become established as a

can now offer complete optical eyewear solutions, including frames

recognized treatment for children with progressive myopia?

and Miyosmart spectacle lenses as a package – for example, the Milo&Me.

For years, my colleagues and I have tried to establish the contact lens

We launched this new partnership, and the first collection was at the

as an option in myopia management, but we often have safety complaints

Opti in Munich 2022. This idea was very well received. Our collaboration

from ophthalmologists. Now, for the first time with the Miyosmart

with Haag-Streit and Lenstar biometer has been known for some time.

spectacle lens, we have a safe, non-invasive, and effective option for

The axial length measurement instrument and the software provide

myopia management. As we had already predicted, a spectacle lens,

better visualization and significantly simplify the consultation process.

commonly used with young children, will become the standard treat-

We are expanding our professional affairs team to improve the col-

ment for progressive myopia. However, the great interest from optom-

laboration between opticians and ophthalmologists further. My new

etrists, orthoptists, and ophthalmologists from the very start when

colleagues and I aim to strengthen the understanding and adoption

this product was introduced to the market really came as a surprise.

of our product among ophthalmologists.

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SPOTLIGHT

Recently, doubts have increasingly been expressed about

lasts as long as the lens is worn, and whether reverting to single-vision

the reliability of the available data for European children's

lenses leads to a rebound effect. The results are extremely promising.

eyes. What is your response to this?

The treatment effect lasted over the entire study period and at a level

Yes, true, I have increasingly become aware of this request too. Why

that the International Myopia Institute recognizes as normal eye growth.2 The children who switched after two years showed a significant

should we worry that the defocus effect in Caucasians will

and immediate effect, which persisted for the remaining

differ from that in Asians? Of course, we know that in Asian eyes, the excessive axial length growth in

four years. In the children who stopped wearing

myopic children is more pronounced; therefore,

Miyosmart, myopia progressed at the same age-appro-

the axial length among Asian children is more

priate level as in non-treated myopic children. No

significant than that in Caucasians. However, the

accelerated progression was shown over the first two

effect of slowing down myopia progression and

years as a control group. This indicates for me, that

bringing the eye growth to normal physiological

there is no rebound effect.3

emmetropic growth will probably be similar: not in absolute values of axial length, but in terms of achieving the treatment goal. In the same way, as the father of a myopic daughter, I don't understand the criticism

What innovations are there still to come at P a sc

al B l a s e r

Hoya for myopia management?

Together with the partnerships with frame and equipment

that in Germany, we don't have a high prevalence of myopic children

manufacturers, Hoya will continue to provide comprehensive support

in general, nor (fortunately) many people with pathological short-

to ECPs in myopia management. We are partnering with researchers

sightedness in particular. She has an eye that has grown too long, and

globally to conduct a series of studies on myopia management. Our

the potential risk of possible myopia-related adverse events later in

training programs for ophthalmologists, orthoptists, and optometrists;

live is 100%. I will care about my daughter.

expert discussions; and our team will further be expanded. An endcustomer campaign is currently being planned, and you can look forward

The 6-year follow-up clinical study on Miyosmart spectacle

to furthering innovations and developments. ◆

lens was presented at the Association for Research in Vision & Ophthalmology (ARVO) Annual Meeting in Denver in May 2022. What are the key findings?

Firstly, we, Hoya, are proud to present the first 6-year long-term study

1

on myopia control spectacle lenses. We can now scientifically investigate

2

different scenarios we have encountered in practice over such a period of time. The key findings show us how myopia progresses when wearing Miyosmart or single-vision spectacle lenses, whether the treatment effect

QUALITY & SAVINGS FROM STOCK

3

https://bhvi.org/news/the-impact-of-myopia-and-high-myopia/ (access date 30.11.2022) Gifford KL, Richdale K, Kang P, et al. IMI – Clinical Management Guidelines Report.

Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci, 2019;60(3): M184-M203. doi:10.1167/iovs.18-25977.

Lam CSY, Tang WC, Zhang A, et al. Myopia control in children wearing DIMS spectacle lenses: 6-year results. The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2022 Annual Meeting, May 1-4, Denver, USA.

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19.10.21 11:38 12:05 19.12.22

BUSINESS

Advertising with Google How not to be the "needle in the haystack" Even for small and medium-sized enterprises, the Internet is playing an increasingly important role in customer acquisition. More and more potential customers are searching the Internet, with the "Google" search engine being the focus of users. But if you use Google yourself, you will quickly notice that the search engine displays so many hits that the individual entries become the famous needles in the haystack. One way to push yourself into the focus of searchers is to display ads via Google Ads. In this article, we will show you how you can be found quickly by (new) customers on Google at low cost. B y Hartmut Fischer

What are "Google Ads"?

Why run Google Ads?

Google Ads are paid search ads. A distinction is made between different

You might wonder why you should place ads at all. The answer is that

models. The classic Google Ads basically consist of text only. This has

no one looks at all search results. That's why it's important to be

the advantage for you that you do not have to spend a lot of effort on

displayed as far to the front of the results list as possible.

the design. However, Google Ad gives you a number of options to design

Now there are several methods to improve the ranking in the list. Your

the text and the ad size. Depending on which keywords you specify

website should be optimized for search engines. Experts refer to this

(we'll go into detail about creating an ad), your ad will appear as a paid

as SEO, the abbreviation for Search Engine Optimization. However,

ad at the top of the search results list. The Google shopping ads are

if you want to optimize your website yourself, it will cost you a lot of

supplemented with photos. They appear either before the classic Google

time. If you hire professionals to do it for you, you will pay a considerable

ads or in the right margin next to the search results list. However, these

amount of money.

ads can only be used if the associated link leads to an online store. You

The simple Google Ad ads, which are automatically displayed as far

can use YouTube Ads if you want to link to a video on YouTube. Since

as possible in the front of the list (or even to the right) and where you

the classic (text) Google Ad is almost always the solution with the best

can decide for yourself how much money you want to invest, are defi-

price/performance ratio for you, we will focus on this type.

nitely cheaper.

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How much do Google Ad ads cost?

It might amaze you, but a Google Ad costs nothing to begin with. The publication is free of charge. Only when the ad is clicked, fees are incurred. You decide for yourself how much this click is worth to you.

The average values here are between five cents and four euros. To ensure that the costs don't get out of hand, you can determine yourself how much money should be spent per day and per month. If the daily budget is not completely used up, it is carried over to the next days.

Prerequisites for Google Ad

With the bid for the click you define how much you want to invest per click at maximum. The higher this amount, the more often your page will be displayed.

The most important prerequisite for the success of a Google Ad campaign is a well-functioning website to which the ad links. So before starting

In the login window that then appears, click on "create account" at the

a campaign, you should first put your website through its paces and

bottom left and on "for my company" in the list that opens. A dialog will

perhaps have it evaluated by knowledgeable acquaintances or friends.

now be started, which you have to go through for the account registration.

Prospective customers who arrive at your site via Google Ad and are

The dialog will try to lure you to the Gmail email service. However, you

disappointed there are likely to be lost forever.

can also use your current address to create the account by clicking on

To run a Google Ad campaign, you need a Google account. We will

the entry "Use my current email address instead" in the "Create Google

explain how to create an account in the next section.

Account" screen under the input line for the email address. You will then be taken to an additional dialog.

Creating a Google Account

If you have selected to create the account to be used for your company,

If you already have a Google account, you can skip this section. If you

at the end of the account creation dialog there is an option to create a

want to create an account, go to the Google Ad home page (https://ads.

company profile. We recommend you to create it. However, it is not

google.com) and click " Start now" in the upper right corner.

absolutely necessary for the start of an ad campaign.

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36_Google ad_Fischer.indd 37 !AZ.indd 13

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BUSINESS

▶ With the bid for the click you define how much you want to invest per click at maximum. The higher this amount, the more often your page will be displayed. The price is automatically set so that it is at least one cent above the competitor – until its maximum value is reached. Example: You have set one euro as the maximum price.

Competitor B offers 46 cents. You then pay 47 cents per click.

Competitor C pays € 1.10. Your offer cannot be higher because you have set a maximum limit of € 1.00.

▶ If you have a very specific offer or a narrowly defined area where you expect few competitors, you can set the price lower. Control your budget manually. If you want to continue the campaign, you can also increase the budget.

▶ Google does not only determine the placements according to the offered price per click. The system also checks how high the clickthrough rate (CTR) is. The click-through rate shows what percentage

Starting a Google Ad campaign

of searchers who entered their keywords also clicked on the ad. The

To start a Google Ad campaign, first go to the start page of Google Ad

higher the click-through rate, the more interesting the ad is for

(https://ads.google.com) and click on "Start now" at the top right. You

Google users. It is then ranked accordingly higher.

will then be guided through a self-explanatory dialog. Here we explain

▶ Check all the details before you start the ad campaign. Also monitor

the most important points you should pay attention to in the dialog.

the ad during its runtime. If necessary, the ad can be changed and

▶ Concentrate your campaign on one product from your range. First,

adjusted at any time.

you don't have enough space for an overall presentation, and second, experience shows that targeted sales campaigns are more successful.

How to monitor your success

▶ First, select "search network only" for your campaign. The selection

If you want to know if your website has become more popular, it is

can also be changed or extended later. Then assign a name for the

enough to count the number of page visitors. This will also be displayed

campaign. It is best to follow a fixed scheme so that you can keep

in the management tool of your campaign. However, if you want the

track of several campaigns.

visitor to take a certain action (buy a product, download a price list,

▶ The location information is especially important for your store if

sign up for a newsletter, etc.), you can measure your success here as

you do not run an online store and your store wants to reach a

well. Google refers to these visitor activities as conversion. The desired

regional audience.

action must actually be performed on your target page. To capture it,

▶ You should always set a fixed daily and monthly budget and a maxi-

you need a tracking code provided by Google, which is built into the

mum click price. The "automatic" function can quickly overdraw

page where the action takes place.

your bank account.

The "conversion rate" shows you what percentage of prospects who arrived

▶ You only have 25 characters (including spaces) for the headline of

on your page through the ad performed the desired action. ◆

your ad. So think carefully about what you write. If there is no other way, use (well-known or comprehensible) abbreviations.

▶ You have 35 characters in the following two lines. Here you should elaborate on how your product helps the customer and highlight special features. If the ad does not bring the desired success, you can change it at any time.

▶ Distinguish between the displayed URL and the destination URL (internet address of your page). The displayed URL should be that of your home page. This is what will be displayed to the prospect.

The target URL should be the address where you present the advertised product. If in doubt, create a new page for this purpose. With the keywords you define for which words that a searcher enters, your ad should be shown. At the same time, you can also define for which words your ad should not be shown. Example: Keywords: spectacle frame, spectacle lens, glasses. Negative keyword: monocle (if this is not what you are offering).

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Hartmut Fischer Hartmut Fischer has been a self-employed freelance journalist for the past 14 years, specializing in SMEs and retail issues. As a coach, he also advises small and medium-sized companies on communication issues.

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SPOTLIGHT

The jester's spectacles The oldest illustrations of a reading aid in the form of a single lens or rivet eyeglasses date from the middle of the 14th century. They were always depicted with their owner, usually these were from the upper class of the clergy, all in old age. Few could afford glasses at that time, however, few were dependent on them at that time. Since the biconvex lenses could only compensate for presbyopia, the glasses wearers were usually well over 50 years old, and their presbyopia required compensation with the equivalent of 3.0 to 4.0 diopters. By Hans-Walter Roth

T

he glasses were necessary for work at close range, primarily

early illustrations of glasses almost always show them with their owner,

for reading and writing. For this, a certain education was

usually a bishop or cardinal.

required. Also, the financial means had to be sufficient,

From 1450 this changes, after the invention of the printing press

it is estimated that the price of the optics at that time was

and the possibility of now multiplying texts or images at will,

a whole year's income for the upper-class cleric.

spectacles are also found in the woodcuts of contemporary literature.

The craftsman did not wear a visual aid, the farmer, the carpenter, the

But now the spectacles no longer belonged to the clergy, they belong

blacksmith did not need it. The authorities had the texts read to them,

primarily to the teacher, who is portrayed in the picture as a donkey

the soldier did not need them due to his low life expectancy at that

or a fool with a jingle cap. His spectacles are now made of cheap

time. Women as spectacle wearers were extremely rare, appearing with

wood; valuable frames of gold, silver or ivory are by no means

their lorgnettes only in the fashion magazines of the 19th century. The

granted to the jester.

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SPOTLIGHT

In the illustrations of the time, one repeatedly finds the spectacles on the bridge of the fool's nose. It seems that the painters or graphic artists wanted to express that people with a lack of intelligence were trying to compensate for this by wearing spectacles. They wanted to signal that only the fool needed spectacles or wanted to mark him as a fool by wearing spectacles.

The most famous works of the time show the teacher as a donkey with eyeglasses in front of his student. In the most famous writing of the time, the Ship of Fools, the stupid, the limited or disabled person wears them.

Already a century later, this mode of representation has changed completely. Now the spectacles no longer belong to the jester, they are

The most famous works of the time show the teacher as a donkey with eyeglasses in front of his student. In the most famous writing of the time, the Ship of Fools, the stupid, the limited or disabled person wears them.

the sign of the merchant, the trader. Jakob Fugger has them on his office table; Rembrandt's moneychanger wears them to count his coins.

Today, spectacles are commonplace. Gone are the days when their wearers were teased and called four-eye. Advertising and fashion have recognized spectacles as a product and offer designer eyewear, the frame of which exceeds the value of the lenses many times over. All major fashion houses now have their fixed market shares.

The pictured jester spectacles are from the carnival days of the post-war period. They were part of the disguise at that time, just as in Venice spectacles are a historically fixed motif in the carnival in Germany.

The mask of the plague doctor would be unthinkable there without the visual aid. These modern-day jester's spectacles were found on sale in a junk dealer's shop. The former wearer and his motives remain unknown, no one knows by which fool it was once worn. On the back of the cardboard nose glued to the bridge of the frame you can still read its price, three German marks are written there in pencil. It has now been acquired for the Roth collection at a price of three euros. ◆

Dr. Hans-Walter Roth Ophthalmologist and Director of the Contact Lens Research Institute in Ulm, Germany, is the author of numerous publications and books on the physiology of the contact lens and the history of eyesight. He is a city councilor of the city of Ulm, specializing in education, social affairs, art and culture. He is also the founder of the Ulm Hospital for the Poor.

Advertisement

F2419

40_Roth.indd 41 !AZ.indd 7

12.12.22 05.12.22 13:39 10:55

MARKET SURVEYS Coburn Technologies

FISA

www.coburntechnologies.com

www.fisa.com

Cleaning machinery

Duality

DualityAR

Application

Small labs

x

Medium sized labs

x

x

Large labs

x

x

Cleaning after deblocking, detaping, polishing, before inspection

x

x

Cleaning before coating

x

x

Cleaning after edging

x

x

Productivity [up to Ø lenses per hour]

120 lenses per hour (one side) / 150 lenses per hour (both sides)

Technical data

Lenses in process (total number)

120

5

up to 90

1 1/2

1 1/2

25 to 35mn

Weight [kg / lbs] (machine without conveyor)

582 / 1282

582 / 1282

TBD

Dimensions [w x d x h] / [mm / inches] (machine without conveyor)

2159 x 965 x 1778 / 85 x 38 x 70

2159 x 965 x 1778 / 85 x 38 x 70

max. 2600 x 1300 x 2600

Total process time in the machine [min]

Single phase, 220V/25A (2 outlets req.)

Tap water consumption (liters/hour)

6

6

Number of tanks

max. 20kW 85 5 to 9

Tanks (volume in liter)

Process

x

5

Power consumption (kW)

8

Loading / unloading (manual / automated)

o

o

automated

Brush cleaning

x

x

/

Ultrasonic immersion cleaning

/

/

x

Spray cleaning

x

x

/

cold air

cold air

x

Drying module [hot air / cold air / infrared / vacuum/ lift out / solvent] Environmentally friendly process (E.g. cascading from clean to dirty tanks, reduced chemical consumption etc.)

Features

CS10

Alloy is actively filtered through a 50 micron water filter and multiple stainless 200 micron screen filters.

Rinsing water saving system / zero waste / energy efficient.

Industry 4.0 ready

/

/

x

Barcode reader

x

x

x

Detergent refilling automatic

x

Remote diagnostic Further information

x Available with or without heating (240v) and/or as a wash-only machine

lens cleaning

Legend: Yes = x; No = /, Optional = o

42

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ma

MARKET SURVEYS FISA www.fisa.com

CS20

CS20 Inline

CS40

CS40 Inline

CV10 x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x x x

288

288

576

576

120

up to 180

up to 180

up to 360

up to 360

up to 60

25 to 35 minutes TBD max. 2600 x 1300 x 2600

max. 4600 x 1300 x 2600

max. 3400 x 1600 x 2600

max. 5400 x 1600 x 2600

max. 2000 x 1200 x 2600

max. 26kW

max. 30kW

max. 26kW

max. 30kW

max. 10kW

110

110

135

135

85

5 to 9

5 to 9

5 to 9

5 to 9

3 to 6

18

18

38

38

8

/

/

automated /

/

/

x

x

x

x

x

/

/

/

/

/

x

x

x

x

x

m/ nt.

Rinsing water saving system / zero waste / energy efficient.

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

lens cleaning

loads/unloads lenses from job trays automatically

lens cleaning

loads/unloads lenses from job trays automatically

lens cleaning

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MARKET SURVEYS FISA

Optimal Technologies

www.fisa.com

www.optimal-technologies.com

Cleaning machinery

CV20

CV40

Small labs Application

Medium sized labs

x

x x

Cleaning before coating

x

x

x

Cleaning after edging

x

x

x

288

576

40

up to 120

up to 240

60

Total process time in the machine [min]

25 to 35 minutes

5

TBD

222kg

Weight [kg / lbs] (machine without conveyor) Dimensions [w x d x h] / [mm / inches] (machine without conveyor) Power consumption (kW) Tap water consumption (liters/hour) Number of tanks Tanks (volume in liter)

max. 2600 x 1200 x 2600

max. 3700 x 1200 x 2600

930mm x 734.3mm x 1077.5mm

max. 15kW

max. 20kW

2,5

110

135

0

3 to 6

3 to 6

4

18

38

66,9

Loading / unloading (manual / automated) Brush cleaning Process

x

Cleaning after deblocking, detaping, polishing, before inspection

Lenses in process (total number)

Technical data

x x

Large labs

Productivity [up to Ø lenses per hour]

automated /

automated /

/

Ultrasonic immersion cleaning

x

x

x

Spray cleaning

/

/

/

Drying module [hot air / cold air / infrared / vacuum/ lift out / solvent]

x

x

infrared

Environmentally friendly process (E.g. cascading from clean to dirty tanks, reduced chemical consumption etc.)

Features

UCS40

Rinsing water saving system / zero waste / energy efficient

x

Industry 4.0 ready

x

x

x

Barcode reader

x

x

o

Detergent refilling automatic

x

x

/

Remote diagnostic

x

x

x

Further information

lens cleaning

lens cleaning

Legend: Yes = x; No = /, Optional = o

44

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MARKET SURVEYS Optimal Technologies

com

mm

www.optimal-technologies.com

UCS40-MF

UCS60

UCS60-SP

UCS120

UCS150

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

x

x

40

60

60

120

150

60

72

72

90

144

5

5

5

5

5

300kg

650kg

690kg

700kg

980kg

930mm x 922mm x 2031.5mm

1650mm x 845.7mm x 1109.2mm

1910mm x 801mm x 2060.5mm

2000mm x 1000mm x 2066.5mm

1908mm x 1295mm x 2071mm

2,5

3,5

3,5

3,5

3,5

118

142

213

236

243

4

7

7

7

7

52,9

79,2

87,1

113,8

93

/

/

automated /

/

/

x

x

x

x

x

/

/

/

/

/

x

x

infrared

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

o

o

o

o

o

/

/

/

/

/

x

x

x

x

x

MAFO 1-23

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MARKET SURVEYS Optimal Technologies

Satisloh

www.optimal-technologies.com

www.satisloh.com/ophthalmic/cleaning/

Cleaning machinery

Technical data

Application

UCS200 x

x

x

Medium sized labs

x

/

/

Large labs

x

/

/

Cleaning after deblocking, detaping, polishing, before inspection

x

x

x

Cleaning before coating

x

x

x

Cleaning after edging

x

/

/

Productivity [up to Ø lenses per hour]

200

72

72

Lenses in process (total number)

126

6

6

5

20 (for the first basket)

30 (for the first basket)

Weight [kg / lbs] (machine without conveyor)

1030kg

230 / 507

340 / 750

Dimensions [w x d x h] / [mm / inches] (machine without conveyor)

1883mm x 1375mm x 2100mm

1300 x 650 x 1400 / 51 x 26 x 558

1500 x 800 x 1300 / 59 x 32 x 51

5

2.5

3

132

110

225

5

4

6

Tanks (volume in liter)

77,2

4

4

Loading / unloading (manual / automated)

automated

Total process time in the machine [min]

Tap water consumption (liters/hour) Number of tanks

Process

Hydra-Sonic-10

Small labs

Power consumption (kW)

/

/

/

Ultrasonic immersion cleaning

x

x

x

Spray cleaning

/

/

/

Drying module [hot air / cold air / infrared / vacuum/ lift out / solvent]

infrared

lift out

x

Low consumption of detergents and water.

Low tap water consumption.

Industry 4.0 ready

x

/

/

o

/

/

Detergent refilling automatic

/

/

/

Remote diagnostic

x

/

/

Env sy

The patented conveyor housing protects the driver chain from water and detergent, meaning less maintenance and downtime, no cross contamination between chambers, and reduced detergent consumption

Legend: Yes = x; No = /, Optional = o

46

42_SurveyCleaning.indd 46

621

L

Barcode reader

Further information

35

manual

Brush cleaning

Environmentally friendly process (E.g. cascading from clean to dirty tanks, reduced chemical consumption etc.)

Features

Hydra-Sonic-5

MAFO 1-23

19.12.22 15:28

O lo con

x 51

ater oss n-

MARKET SURVEYS Satisloh

Schneider

www.satisloh.com/ophthalmic/cleaning/

www.schneider-om.com

Hydra-Sonic-40

Hydra-Brush-5

Hydra-Brush-7

LCU 80

LCU modulo one

/

/

/

x

x

/

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

/

/

x

x

/

x

x

x

x

384

500

500

80

240

32

54

76

2

14

35 (for the first basket)

10

8

1.5

4

1750 / 3858

1550 / 3417

1750 / 3858

780 / 1720

985 / 2172

6210 x 1250 x 2325 / 244 x 5200 x 1520 x 1230 / 205 x 7020 x 1520 x 1370 / 276 x 2595 x 1354 x 2406 / 102 x 2640 x 1260 x 1795 / 104 x 49 x 92 (2G version) 60 x 48 60 x 54 53 x 95 50 x 71 23

21

33

720

200

200

90 (DI water)

90 (DI water)

8 (max)

7

5

3

3

32

60

60

30

30

manual / automated

automated

automated /

manual/automated x

x

x /

/

/

infrared heaters

hot air

hot air

Low consumption of detergents & water.

Environm. friendly drying system with IR heaters.

x

x

/

/

/

/ hot air

Low tap water consumption due to cascading from clean to dirty tanks

Rinsing water cascading

x

x

x

/

x

/

x

x

/

x

/

o

o

/

/

/

/

/

/

x

The patented conveyor housing protects the driver Optional customizable chain from water + detergent, meaning less mainteloading and unloading nance and downtime, no cross contamination betconveyor belt connection, ween chambers and reduced detergent consumption,

MAFO 1-23

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MARKET SURVEYS Schneider

SCL International

www.schneider-om.com

www.scl-intl.com

Technical data

Application

Cleaning machinery

LCU Modulo

CC8

CC16

Small labs

/

x

x

Medium sized labs

x

Large labs

x

Cleaning after deblocking, detaping, polishing, before inspection

x

x

x

Cleaning before coating

x

x

x

Cleaning after edging

x

Productivity [up to Ø lenses per hour]

300

100

200

Lenses in process (total number)

66

8

16

Total process time in the machine [min]

12

30

30

120 (DI water)

250

300

4

5

5

Tanks (volume in liter)

60

5

9

Loading / unloading (manual / automated)

manual / automated

Weight [kg / lbs] (machine without conveyor)

1800 / 3968

Dimensions [w x d x h] / [mm / inches] (machine without conveyor)

7954 x 2056 x 2860 / 313 x 81 x 113

Power consumption (kW) Tap water consumption (liters/hour)

Features

Process

Number of tanks

Brush cleaning

x

Ultrasonic immersion cleaning

/

Spray cleaning

/

Drying module [hot air / cold air / infrared / vacuum/ lift out / solvent]

hot air

Environmentally friendly process (E.g. cascading from clean to dirty tanks, reduced chemical consumption etc.)

rinsing water cascading

manual

x

x

IR

IR

cascading sequenced flow

Industry 4.0 ready

x

Barcode reader

/

Detergent refilling automatic

o

x

x

Remote diagnostic

x

/

/

Further information

Legend: Yes = x; No = /, Optional = o

48

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MARKET SURVEYS

CS5

SCL

Shyre

www.scl-intl.com

www.shyre.co.uk

CS10

CS20

CHP150

x x

US14/US28 x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x x

x

x x x

100

170

240

200

2-200

8

14

28

2

50/100

30 to 45

30 to 45

30 to 45

6

60 to 3600 12kg/20kg 500mm x 300mm x 200mm 1kW/2kW

250

400

500

400

minimal

6

7

7

4

1

5

10

25

22

14/28

manual

x

IR

automatic

x

IR

manual

x

x x

/

IR

Hot air

/

x

x

cascading sequenced flow

x

x

-

-

-

x

/

x

x

x

x

/

x

x

x

x

/ Reliable bench top cleaning.

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MARKET SURVEYS Shyre www.shyre.co.uk

Technical data

Application

Cleaning machinery

PC20

PT60 (PT=Pre-Treatment)

PC60 (PC=Precision Clean)

x

x

x

x

Small labs

x

Medium sized labs

x

Large labs

x

Cleaning after deblocking, detaping, polishing, before inspection

x

Cleaning before coating

x

Cleaning after edging

x

x x x

Productivity [up to Ø lenses per hour]

100

60

60

Lenses in process (total number)

30

54 (exc conveyors)

55 (exc conveyors)

5 min tact time - 20 min typical full process time

5 min tact time - 30 min typical full process time

5 min tact time - 40 min typical full process time

Total process time in the machine [min]

P

5m typ

Weight [kg / lbs] (machine without conveyor) Dimensions [w x d x h] / [mm / inches] (machine without conveyor)

Length 1000 mm inc conveyors; Length 2100 mm inc conveyors; Length 2100 mm inc conveyors; Depth 1000 mm; Height 1000 mm Depth 1000 mm; Height 2000 mm Depth 1000 mm; Height 2000 mm

Power consumption (kW) Tap water consumption (liters/hour)

<20

8 kW

8 kW

<20

<20

Number of tanks

4

6

6

Tanks (volume in liter)

10

3.5 and 7

3.5 and 7

Loading / unloading (manual / automated)

manual

L

manual/conveyor/auto

Features

Process

Brush cleaning Ultrasonic immersion cleaning

x

x

x

Spray cleaning

/

o

o

Drying module [hot air / cold air / infrared / vacuum/ lift out / solvent]

infrared / lift out

lift out + hot air / infrared

Environmentally friendly process (E.g. cascading from clean to dirty tanks, reduced chemical consumption etc.)

Compact, low energy system. No compressed air required.

Automatic start and shut-down. Heating efficiency monitor. Auto chemical management option.

Cascading rinse water option.

Effluent treatment option. No compressed air.

Industry 4.0 ready

o

o

o

Barcode reader

o

o

o

Detergent refilling automatic

/

o

o

Remote diagnostic

x

x

x

Further information

A me Pro Fun

Highly compact system without compromising on quality or functionality.

Legend: Yes = x; No = /, Optional = o

50

42_SurveyCleaning.indd 50

Auto Auto o

MAFO 1-23

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)

cal

ors; mm

mical

MARKET SURVEYS Shyre www.shyre.co.uk

PT200 (PT=Pre-Treatment)

PC200 (PC=Precision Clean)

x

x

x

x

PT1000+ (PT=Pre-Treatment)

PC1000+ (PC=Precision Clean)

TC1000+ (TC=Tooling Clean)

x

x

x

x x

x x

x

x

200

1000+

208 (exc conveyors)

500-2000+

5 min tact time - 40 min typical full process time

5 min tact time - 30 min typical full process time

5 min tact time - 30 min typical full process time

Length 2954 mm inc conveyors; Depth 1080 mm; Height 2000 mm

bespoke

12 kW

20-40 kW typical

<40

100-500 typical

7

bespoke

8 and 17

40+

<5 min tact time - 15 min typical full process time

Conveyor/Auto

x

x

x

x

x

o

o

o

o

o

lift out + hot air / infrared

lift out + hot air / infrared/ vacuum /solvent

Automatic start and shut-down. Heating efficiency monitor.

Auto chemical management option. Cascading rinse water option. Effluent treatment option. No compressed air.

Automatic start and shut-down.

Heating efficiency monitor.

Auto chemical management option.

Cascading rinse water option.

Effluent treatment option.

o

o

o

o

o

o

x

x

o x

o

o

o

o

o

x

x

x

x

x

Advanced Pre-TreatAdvanced Cleaning for The most advanced, fully The most advanced, fully The most advanced, fully ment for the modern lab. the modern lab. Providing functional bespoke Pre- functional, bespoke Preci- functional, bespoke Tool Providing superior quality, superior quality, FunctioTreatment systems for sion Cleaning systems for Cleaning systems for mass Functionality and process nality and process control. mass production facilities. mass production facilities. production facilities. control.

MAFO 1-23

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Suppliers Guide The Suppliers Guide is MAFO’s version of Yellow Pages.

In it you can find an overview of suppliers from the fields of: ▶ cleaning ▶ coating

and hard coating equipment

▶ lenses

equipment

▶ machinery – automation, control & packaging

▶ crystals

▶ machinery

▶ laser

▶ software

▶ lens

engraving & printing

surfacing machinery

▶ surfacing ▶ vacuum

– lens edging & industrial edging

and finishing consumables

coating materials

If you are interested in an entry in the Suppliers Guide, please contact Mrs. Classen: constanze.classen@mafo-optics.com

Cleaning and hard coating equipment

Coating equipment

Contact : optics@fisa.com

Bühler Alzenau GmbH

Business Area Leybold Optics

www.fisa.com

Siemensstrasse 88, D-63755 Alzenau T + 49 (0) 6023 500-0, F + 49 (0) 6023 500-150 leyboldoptics@buhlergroup.com www.buhlergroup.com

Hard coating ad:

Pub FISA - Optical World 88x40.indd 1

14/12/2021 16:49

World leaders in Lens Hard Coating Machines and process solutions Full range available for any production volume Expert advice on your application

contact us: (+44) 1462 49 16 16 sales@optimal-technologies.com

optimal-technologies.com

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World leaders in Ultrasonic Cleaning Machines prior to lens coating Full range available for any lens volume

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Expert advice on your application

Contact us for our full range: +44 (0) 1462 491 616 sales@optimal-technologies.com

52

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www.optimal-technologies.com

MAFO 1-23

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Suppliers Guide Crystals

Lens surfacing machinery

QUALITY & SAVINGS FROM STOCK • Sensor Heads and Feedthroughs • INFICON Deposition Monitors and Controllers • Quality Crystals® • Vacuum Pump Fluids • Vacuum Measurement Gauges • Electron Beam Gun Parts • Ion Source Parts

SUPPLIERS GUIDE

www.filtech.com 617-227-1133 • 800-743-1743 paula@filtech.com

OPTICAL MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS Satisloh AG Neuhofstrasse 12 CH - 6340 Baar / Switzerland Phone: +41 (0) 41766 16 16 Email: info@satisloh.com satisloh.com

Laser engraving & printing Premium-Quality Laser Engraving of Spectacle & Contact Lenses Industry approved since 2004

SCHNEIDER GmbH & Co. KG Biegenstrasse 8–12 · 35112 Fronhausen · Germany Phone: +49 (64 26) 96 96-0 · Fax: +49 (64 26) 96 96-100 www.schneider-om.com · info@schneider-om.com

m

ing.co www.ophthalmic-mark

Lenses

X-Cube Lens Digi-speed Printer

Enjoy, • unlimited designs • digi-speed process

C h o o s e y o u r f ra m e c o l o u r

www.tecofrance.com

White

Blue

Cyan

Green

Red

Purple

info@tecofrance.com

Lens surfacing machinery PUB_TECO-Juillet 2016.indd 1

25/07/16 17:59

Ophthalmic Equipment & Services for All Phases of Lens Production US ++-888-888-+8-UK +88 (8) + 68--68888 !AZ.indd 9 ASIA/INDIA +6--6 -8-8--CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC@CCCCCCTCTTCCTCTTCC.TCC ....CCCCCCTCTTCCTCTTCC.TCC

19.10.21 12:11

Machinery - Automation, Control & Packaging

!AZ.indd 2

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30.11.20 12:42

53

14.12.22 13:52

Suppliers Guide

SUPPLIERS GUIDE

Machinery - Automation, Control & Packaging

Surfacing and finishing consumables

GENERATING POLISHING EDGING 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

Machinery - lens edging & industrial edging

Software YOUR ULTRA PRECISION

IOT is a premier provider of disruptive and customized innovations in the optical industry.

Diamond Tools Manufacturer

> Excellent service and quick turnaround > Compliant with any generator

kydiamond.ca sales @ kydiamond.ca

The Lab Management System Company LensWare International GmbH Robert-Bosch-Str. 32 63225 Langen - Germany !AZ.indd Phone : +49 61033/ 372 87 87 Email : info@lensware.de Web : www.lensware.de

09.12.2010 21:55:29 Uhr

Vacuum coating materials

www.cotec-gmbh.com

!AZ.indd 1

54

52_SG.indd 54

DURALON Hydrophobic Premium Coatings 14.06.22 17:16

MAFO 1-23

14.12.22 13:52

OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY

D A RE LINE ONR FOEE FR

app.mafo-optics.com EAZ_Digital_2023.indd 2

19.12.22 11:31

CLOSING WORDS

Robert L. Kohn – an industry veteran who thrives on challenges Aged 54, the President North America of A&R Optical Machinery looks back on 25 years in the optical industry. Kohn loves the challenges his professional life offers and enjoys the many interesting people he meets both at work and while traveling. His favorite leisure time activity is playing all kinds of sports with his 14-year-old son.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would that be?

What was the last event that deeply moved you?

In the words of Lenny Kravitz, “We got to let love rule”.

The images from the James Webb Space Telescope connecting humanity to the cosmos .

In your opinion, which movie/book should everyone have seen/read?

What does a perfect day at work look like to you?

The old school comedy movie “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World”. And

I love what I do, and genuinely look forward to each day but some days

read your daily newspaper every day to support local journalism.

I learn something new and those are perfect days for me.

If your life were to be filmed, which actor should play your role?

Which profession did your parents have in mind for you?

Tom Cruise in the character of Lt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell.

My parents were quite strict but they always taught me to work hard, never give up, and to find my own path.

Which celebrity – past or present – would you most like to meet personally, and why?

If you didn´t do your current job, what else would you do?

I would meet Leonardo da Vinci in Milan and take a tour of Italy with

I would volunteer to be a taster for the Michelin Star award committee.

him.

What is the best thing about your job?

If you had to do without one of your senses – vision or hearing

The optical industry is filled with bright, interesting, and innovative

– which would it be?

people. For me, it is the people that are the best thing about my job.

Of course, it would be a great tragedy not listening to the Rolling Stones; however, I have dedicated most of my life to helping people see better, and

When was the last time you were fed up with your job?

vision is the most important sense in my view.

The older I get the more I enjoy taking a difficult situation and turning it into a positive one, I love the challenge. ◆

What is your favorite place in the world?

I am still working on that; traveling is the best and I meet incredible people everywhere I go!

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OUTLOOK

Did you know what horseshoe crab eyes are made of?

Compound eyes are common in insects and crustaceans and are usually made of glassy proteins. The compound eyes of the horseshoe crab consist of cuticle instead, the material that also makes up its exoskeleton. This is a composite material made of proteins and chitin. Recently, researchers at the Technical University of Dresden, Germany, found that a number of adaptations at all levels allow the horseshoe crab to use the cuticle for optical elements. These include the local composition of the cuticle and changes in the architecture of the composite material, such as the organization of the proteins, varying water content, as well as the shape of the lens.

Special topics in MAFO 2023

MAFO 01

MAFO 03

MAFO 05

Technology & Innovation

Ophthalmic Optics in Numbers

Sustainable Processes

Future Lab

Data Handling & Security

Go Digital!

MAFO 02

MAFO 04

MAFO 06

Preview MAFO 02/2023 The special topic of MAFO 02/2023 is Future Lab. Find out how digitalization and the internet of things will shape the lab of the future and what experts from the ophthalmic industry presented at MAFO – The Conference 2023. MAFO 02/2023 will also feature articles and news about other current topics and the market survey for industrial edging.

MAFO 1-23

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Missed an issue?

No problem, view the latest issues online: app.mafo-optics.com ISSN 1614-1598 66527 Volume 19

ISSN 1614-1598 66527 Volume 18

OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY We help you to stay in contact

OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY

THE WORLD’S FASTEST EDGER

1/2023 ▶ Special topic: Technology & Innovation

▶ Special topic: Go digital!

Ray-tracing customized progressive lens calculation

Advancement of flat lens technology Smart glasses

EVEN FASTER AND MORE POWERFUL

Improvement of color perception

▶ Technology Blue light

What do we mean by a “perfect lens”?

▶ Special topic: Ophthalmic Optics in Numbers

UV curing Film lamination Alloy recovery

IT in the Lab

Corporate sustainability

Cyber hygiene practices High quality data

▶ Market Survey

Impact of inflation

Cleaning machinery

AR coating machines

▶ Market Surveys Spin Hard Coating

▶ Market Survey

Dip Hard Coating

Lens printing systems

4 Four processing stations

Highest throughput

No time consuming tool changes

Laser engraving systems

Integrated quality control

Significant cost savings

MC-380-X-2

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.

The two sophisticated LMU optical measurement units provide fully automated quality control based on the full lens map. Working blockless is a given.

Eyepress Fachmedien GmbH Saarner Str. 151 45479 Muelheim a. d. Ruhr 66527 Germany

01_Titel.indd 1

MES-360 Lite pre-installed to easily track machine utilization and throughput using pre-defined KPIs. Eyepress Fachmedien GmbH Saarner Str. 151 45479 Muelheim a. d. Ruhr 66527 Germany

www.schneider-om.com

RZ_AZ_HSE_Modulo_QS_MAFO_12-2022_160x225_4c_engl_D.indd 1

09.12.2022 10:29:02 17.12.22 18:07

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Lights out polishing

satisloh.com

21.10.22 16:05

01_Titel.indd 1

80

1

in hour

lenses

72

sq.ft.

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.

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 works entirely without tool changes, eliminating the risks that come with it. Running all processes simultaneously, unprecedented speed for highest throughput is promoted.

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.

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.

The dedicated Control Center (MES) informs at a glance about the current status of the machine, production parameters, and efficiency.

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.

Fast and highly cost-effective, the robust polisher provides labs with lowest cost per lens!

Eyepress Fachmedien GmbH Saarner Str. 151 45479 Muelheim a. d. Ruhr 66527 Germany

4

processes

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.

Increase your coating capacity with our latest generation box coater, building on our 60-year tradition of coating quality and performance.

Thanks to its unique quattro design featuring two rough cut and two finishing stations, four lenses are processed simultaneously at highest speeds for exceptional throughput. Non-productive times are reduced to a minimum through parallel processing and high speed handling systems.

Highest throughput

CCP m dulo

5TH GENERATION BOX COATER

HSE m dulo Q Meet the first and only edger on the market with four processing stations, setting a new benchmark in industrial edging.

ALL-IN-

4/2022 ▶ Technology

Blue light – facts and trends

▶ Special topic: Sustainable processes

▶ Business

▶ Market Survey

UNMATCHED THROUGHPUT, EXCELLENT QUALITY

5/2022

Class I UDI and The Vision Council response

▶ Technology

We help you to stay in contact

We help you to stay in contact

Novel approach for retrieving the individual lengths of the eye

Subtitles for AR glasses

OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY

OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY

We help you to stay in contact

6/2022

ISSN 1614-1598 66527 Volume 18

ISSN 1614-1598 66527 Volume 18

Eyepress Fachmedien GmbH Saarner Str. 151 45479 Muelheim a. d. Ruhr 66527 Germany

www.schneider-om.com

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19.07.2022 09:07:49 11.08.22 18:25

www.schneider-om.com

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02.06.2022 14:51:27

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, 2023 Publication schedule 6 issues 2023: 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.4: Pawel Czerwinski, P.18:Cariman, P.24: Syda Productions, P.32: Lightfield Studios, P.36: Mitchell Luo, P.57: MiaStendal /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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17.12.22 18:32

When time is against you, performance is everything.

The CHC200 is capable of producing up to 200 lenses per hour when fully loaded. Combining the latest coating technology, the CHC200 has two fully automated, two-axis robot handling systems to quickly process lenses between stages.

World Class Results Every time with an Ultrasonic Cleaning and Hardcoating System from Optimal Technologies

t: +44 (0) 1462 491616 e: sales@optimal-technologies.com www.optimal-technologies.com

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EVOLUTION-U

TRUE UNIVERSAL TOOL POLISHING PROCESS

WIDEST WORKING RANGE WITH A SINGLE POLISHING TOOL

Newest polishing process for all Satisloh’s Multi-FLEX lens polishers. Offers the broadest working range available with a single universal tool while maintaining the highest Rx-lens quality standards. This universal tool technology optimizes production flow with fewer tool changes and reduces polishing tool inventory and complexity.

• Single tool for the complete working range up to 18 dpt • Highest machine uptime when using Universal Extended Range FLEX polishing tool on both tool spindles • Unbeatable tool-lifetime- up to 25,000 seconds from the Universal Extended Range FLEX tool • Intelligent tools with embedded RFID tags for fast and efficient dynamic kinematics loading For more details: sales@satisloh.com

satisloh.com

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05.12.22 11:07