MAFO – 05/2024

ISSN 1614-1598 66527 Volume 20

OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY Connect, discover, stay up-to-date

5/2024 ▶ Special: Go Digital!

THE FIRST FULLY-AUTOMATED WAREHOUSING SYSTEM

Five AI myths Dive into the world of smart glasses Security training in the supply chain | Part 1 ▶ Technology Making it possible: automated cosmetic inspection Optimize your lab production with a powerful LMS ▶ Spotlight Artificial intelligence supports transfer in continuing education Debunk your marketing platitudes ▶ Market Surveys AR coating machines

Freely configurable

Highest efficiency

One holistic system

AWS m dulo With AWS Modulo ONE, the one-of-a-kind Modulo system is extended by a fully-automated warehouse system for highly efficient and space saving storage and retrieval.

Labs now benefit from full automation all the way from warehousing to surfacing, cleaning, coating and edging – all in one fully integrated system from a single supplier. AWS Modulo ONE intelligently automates everyday production logistics.

It reliably stores and picks semi-finished or finished lenses, frames and more directly into the job tray. Thanks to the small footprint, fast automation, and 24/7 availability, warehousing is effectively stream-lined and efficiency is increased significantly.

Manual handling is reduced to a minimum, preventing human error.

AWS Modulo ONE is freely configurable and can be customized specifically to meet a lab’s facility layout, capacity and throughput. Entirely scalable, it is fit to reflect future demands. Built-in redundancy guarantees there is no single point of failure. RFID technology assures unmistakable identification in job handling.

Take another step towards all-in automation.

Visit us at Vision Expo West // September 19 – 21, 2024 // Booth F5035

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

01_Titel.indd 1

www.schneider-om.com

RZ_AZ_AWS_modulo_ONE_2_MAFO_8-2024_160x225_4c_engl_D.indd 1

15.08.2024 16:00:51 28.08.24 12:58

Hard Coating Made Easy.

Optimal Technologies CHC200 is capable of producing 200 cleaned and hard coated lenses per hour utilizing the latest dip coating control technology.

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

MAFO Advert_Rev1.indd 1 !AZ.indd 10

29/05/2020 10:32 19.08.24 17:10

LETTER

The optical lab in a smart world

I

n two weeks, the optical industry will

However, the networked world also has its

be meeting in Las Vegas for Vision Expo

downsides, offering hackers, for example, all

West, while Silmo will be attracting

over the world the chance to wreak havoc and

visitors from the other side of the world

disrupt supply chains from afar. How to protect

to Paris. One thing is already certain: digitiza-

yourself against this – and why every single

tion and everything to do with it will be among

company should contribute to protecting the

the key topics. This is true for machine manu-

global infrastructure from hackers – is the

facturers but also for other products.

subject of Part 1 of the series on Cyber Security, starting at page 22.

Even spectacle frame manufacturers are affected

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

by the trend towards digitization today. And

Whether intentional or not, our surroundings

anyone who still thinks that smart glasses are

are leading each and every one of us towards

just a niche product is out of touch. Following

a smart world and the optical lab is no exception

their success as enterprise glasses – from the

to this. A good reason for the upcoming

manufacturing industry to logistics – manufac-

­M AFO – The Conference 2025 to set its focus

turers are now focusing how to make the products

on: 'The optical lab in a smart world.' Here,

attractive to customers as all-day glasses. It is

you can expect a wide range of topics, first-class

still not entirely clear how successful this will

speakers and above all remember to mark the

be – and we all remember the mega flop of

date in your calendar: February 7, 2025, in

Google Glass – but could it be that the world

Milan (one day before Mido).

is now ready for wearables? See for yourself, starting at page 16, what smart glasses are

But now I am looking forward to the many trade

capable of today.

fairs and news that await us in the fall. 

But what about smart machines? Yes, here too, artificial intelligence, networked machines and the constant monitoring of production are the hot topics par excellence, which is why we have dedicated this issue to Go Digital!

In this issue, as at the upcoming trade fairs, we will be looking at automated cosmetic inspection for example, which has the potential of completely superseding human inspection.

Up to now, in general every single lens has been inspected down to the last detail for any abnor-

The optical lab in a smart world www.mafo-optics.com

malities by employees, around the clock; a task which has long been considered as difficult to automate. Today, even this process can be carried out by machines, thanks in part to AI. This issue also looks at browser-based Lens Management Systems (LMS), the opportunities offered by AI-enhanced training courses, AI myths and more besides.

MAFO 5-24

03_Letter.indd 3

SAVE E THE rDy 7A, 2T025

Februa y / one da in Milan O ID M before

#MAF CO N 2 5O

3

30.08.24 10:37

!AZ.indd 6

13.08.24 13:20

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2024

Content

Topics in this edition MAFO issue

September / October 2024

Page 16

Page 22

Page 12

At a glance

Spotlight

6

10

All about you

Five AI myths

News from

By Maximilian Nols and Marc Schäfer

the international ophthalmic industry

16

7

Business Special Topic

Special Topic

All about markets

Dive into the world of smart glasses

Data in graphics

By Hanna Diewald

8

22

All about products

Security training in the supply chain | Part 1

Innovations and products for your lab

48 Suppliers Guide Overview of companies in the spectacle lens industry

52

Artificial intelligence supports transfer in continuing education

By Oliver Schumacher

30

Special Topic

By Dr. Michael Stiller

History

28 Glasses when playing skart

Technology

By Dr. Hans-Walter Roth Special Topic

Survey

Pioneers in ophthalmic optics

Making it possible: automated cosmetic inspection

Benjamin Franklin

By Dr. Marcel Mahner and

38

53

Kim Kathrin Leidig

AR Coating machines

Outlook Closing with good news and preview on MAFO 06/2024

26

Special Topic

Debunk your marketing platitudes

By Nabil Gharbieh

12

26

Special Topic

Optimize your lab production with a powerful LMS

By Russell Gagain

MAFO 5-24

05_Content.indd 5

5

30.08.24 14:24

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

All about you News from the international ophthalmic industry Mister Spex closes foreign stores

Mister Spex store in Graz, Austria.

Photo: Mister Spex

Mister Spex has adopted the

Optical Women´s Association hosts global ­connection event at Silmo

“SpexFocus” transformation and

The Optical Women’s Association

restructuring program for the

(OWA) announced that the or-

years 2024 and 2025. The aim is

ganization is growing beyond

to significantly increase profitabil-

borders and expanding its mem-

ity and ensure sustainable cash

bership to impact women’s lives

generation for the company in the

globally with this announcement

medium term. As a result, all

of the formation of an Interna-

Mister Spex stores outside Ger-

tional Expansion Committee. In line with its international expansion

many will be closed. The restructuring program includes the reduction

efforts, the OWA has scheduled an “OWA Global Connection Event”, at

of personnel costs, price adjustments and discount reviews, the optimiza-

Silmo on Friday, September 20.

tion of operational processes and the closure of all eight international

The mission of the OWA is to empower, educate, and support optical women

stores – five in Austria, two in Sweden and one in Switzerland.

across different cultures and continents, fostering a world where every

Christopher Douglas will become the Chief Restructuring Officer (CRO).

woman can realize her full potential. The OWA will remain a U.S.-based

In this newly created position, he will be responsible for managing re-

organization, welcoming global members and sponsor companies.

structuring projects, reviewing the cost base and optimizing operational processes from 1 September. The experienced manager has extensive expertise in the areas of corporate development, restructuring, corporate

The Vision Council established a new philanthropic foundation The Vision Council introduced

management and financial management.

The Vision Council Foundation,

PPG appoints Amy Mercante general manager of specialty products

its philanthropic arm that expands

PPG appointed Amy Mercante as

portunities needed for profession-

general manager of specialty

als and consumers alike to make

products, a role in the Company’s

informed decisions about eye

Specialty Coatings and Materials (SCM) strategic business unit. In this newly created role, Mercante

Amy Mercante. Photo: PPG

the knowledge, access, and op-

The Vision Council established a philanthropic foundation. Photo: The Vision Council Foundation

health. A new website consolidates programming and resources and now serves as a single central hub

will provide strategic and opera-

for education, research, and marketing tools. Directly informed by The

tional leadership to the newly

Vision Council’s optical industry members, The Vision Council Foundation

formed specialty products seg-

works to bridge gaps between product manufacturers, eyecare providers,

ment, comprised of the specialty synthesis group, optical monomers

and consumers. This collaboration has spawned a wide range of awareness

and coatings, and Teslin products business lines to ensure their profitable

campaigns for different facets of eye care. In addition, Abigail Crosby has

and sustainable growth. Mercante is reentering the SCM business, where

been hired as the Foundation’s partnership and business development

she previously served as the global business director for Teslin substrate

manager, strengthening ties with donors to create and enhance the relation-

products. She will report to Juliane Hefel, PPG vice president, SCM.

ships and revenue streams that underpin programming.

You have news for the ophthalmic industry? Submit your press releases to: hanna.diewald@mafo-optics.com or pauline.moeller@mafo-optics.com

6

06_All_About.indd 6

MAFO 5-24

30.08.24 15:40

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

All about markets Graphical data

While 54% of U.S. parents say their children spend three or more hours outside every day,

63% 63% of U.S. parents believe their children need to get their eyes checked once per year, yet only

say their children spend three or more hours of screen time every day.

Source: Zeiss Vision Care study

47% see an optometrist annually (compared to primary care physician at 78% and dentist at 71%).

Source: Zeiss Vision Care study

82% of U.S. parents are at least somewhat concerned about their children experiencing digital eye strain from using electronics.

Source: Zeiss Vision Care study

MAFO 5-24

06_All_About.indd 7

7

30.08.24 15:40

INTERNATIONAL NEWS Advertisement

All about products Innovations and working materials for your lab

New OptoTech OAC-90 AR-coating system OptoTech recently introduced the new OAC-90 AR-coating system at MIDO in Milan. This system boasts a new ergonomic design and a reconfigured layout, reducing cycle time by 55% compared to its predecessor. It offers lower costs per lens thanks to optimized, energy-saving pumping and cooling systems. The new versatile dome configuration leads to a maximum load capacity of up to 117 lenses (+20% compared to the previous version).

The OAC-90 provides a comprehensive solution for fast, high-quality anti-reflective and clean coatings, as well as in-chamber tintings. In sum, the new coating system is an efficient and versatile option for every modern ophthalmic laboratory. www.optotech.net/en

Satisloh at Silmo 2024 At Silmo 2024, Satisloh, SCL International and DAC Vision will exhibit together and present their latest equipment and consumables in hall 6 – booth no. J157. Get the latest insights into the best technology of Rx lens production!

Discover smart, digital generating with Satisloh’s intelligent VFT-orbit-2i taking your lab’s performance to a new level, with predictive maintenance through AI and Machine Learning capabilities. Talk to our sales team and learn about Satisloh’s new E-Ticket System. The paperless solution puts real-time data at your fingertips and streamlines operations for unprecedented efficiency. This innovative digital solution converts traditional printed job tickets into a reusable and dynamic format allowing you update job information on the fly while retaining all the advantages of visual job information.

Discover all about coatings: Satisloh and SCL International, both technology leaders in their fields, cover the full range of coating & cleaning machines and processes. DAC Vision will present their latest digital surfacing and finishing consumables. Visit us at Silmo 2024 – 20th to 23rd September. www.satisloh.com

OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY

VISIT OUR WEBSITE Your trusted source in ophthalmic optics

VISIT US ONLINE NOW: WWW.MAFO-OPTICS.COM 8

06_All_About.indd 8

MAFO 5-24

30.08.24 15:40

The optical lab in a smart world

SAVE E T A D E TH ry 7, 2025

Februa ay d e n o / in Milan IDO M e r o f be

#MAFO CO N 2 5 www.mafo-optics.com

!AZ_Mafocon.indd 2

27.08.24 00:15

Special: Go Digital!

SPOTLIGHT

Five AI myths Facts, capabilities and limitations The world is currently dominated by developments in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). From automating simple tasks to making decisions in complex systems, AI is everywhere. However, despite or perhaps because of its ubiquitous presence, AI is also a field surrounded by myths and misunderstandings.

These range from exaggerated fears that AI could soon completely replace the human workforce to the idea that AI systems are completely objective and error-free. These myths not only influence the public perception of AI, but can also distort decisions in politics and business. It is therefore important to debunk these myths and paint a realistic picture of the capabilities and limitations of AI.

By Maximilian Nols and Marc Schäfer from Reeply AI

1

AI replaces human workers A common misconception is that artificial intelligence aims to replace human workers entirely. This image that is often painted in public, of robots and intelligent systems replacing us in all areas of life, does not correspond to reality.

In fact, AI systems are extremely useful when it comes to automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks. They are particularly effective in specific areas, which means that they can make the overall scope much easier. By automating routine tasks, for example in manufacturing or simple accounting activities, AIs increase efficiency and allow humans to focus on more demanding and creative challenges.

A complete replacement of human workers by AI is not yet feasible in most professional fields. However, it is undeniable that AI can significantly increase the productivity of individual employees, which could mean that in the future, fewer staff may be needed within certain areas of the company than before.

2

AI is completely objective The misconception that decisions made by AI systems are always objective is based on the idea that machines act free of personal opinions. In reality, however, AI systems depend on data generated and selected by humans. This data may unconsciously contain biases that are then reflected in the AI's decisions.

It is therefore quite possible for AI systems to deliver biased results, especially if the underlying data itself is biased. A prominent example of this is the use of facial recognition technology, which is differently effective for people of different skin colors. This is often because the data used to train the systems is not diverse enough. Such examples illustrate that AI is not intrinsi-

cally objective and the quality of its decisions depends largely on the quality of the data used to train it.

In order to address this problem, careful selection and preparation of the training data is crucial.

Furthermore, attention must be paid to fairness when developing algorithms. Continuous monitoring and adaptation of the systems are also necessary to ensure that the AI performs its tasks fairly and without discriminatory bias. These steps are essential to fully exploit the potential of AI while ensuring ethical standards and fairness in its applications.

10

10_KIMythen.indd 10

MAFO 5-24

27.08.24 00:09

Special: Go Digital!

3

SPOTLIGHT

AI can learn complex human skills Spectacular portrayals in the media and films reinforce an image that in no way corresponds to the reality of today's AI technologies: artificial intelligence can learn and apply complex human skills such as emotional intelligence or a deep understanding of social interactions.

In reality, AI systems are excellent at performing specific and clearly defined tasks, especially when it comes to analyzing large amounts of data and recognizing patterns. However, their ability to learn is highly dependent on how they are programmed and what data is available to them. AI systems do not have human experience or the intuitive understanding needed to deeply comprehend human emotions and complex social contexts.

An illustrative example of this is the use of chatbots in customer service. Although these programs can handle simple requests efficiently, they often reach their limits when dealing with more complex emotional or contextual issues. This underlines the fact that AI can take on supporting functions, but cannot completely replace human understanding and empathy.

4

There is no use for AI in our company This myth persists in many companies, which are perhaps just not yet in a position to recognize direct applications for AI and AI chatbots at first glance. In reality, however, AI applications are extremely versatile and can offer benefits in almost any business context.

AI chatbots are ideal for processing routine inquiries quickly and efficiently, which significantly improves customer service, for example. They filter customer inquiries, provide basic information and direct users to the relevant departments. This relieves the burden on employees, who can then devote themselves to more complex tasks. In addition, chatbots are always available, which means that they provide customer support around the clock without incurring additional costs for night or weekend shifts.

In addition, chatbots can also be used internally to provide employees with quick access to information. They serve as part of internal support to answer frequently asked questions about company policies, IT and much more. This immediate availability of information promotes efficiency and satisfaction in the workplace.

5

There is no way to prevent generative AI from coming up with answers that are not true This myth reflects a common concern about the reliability of generative AI models, particularly in the public sector, where misleading or incorrect statements can have serious consequences. Such concerns are not unfounded,

as misinformation or discriminatory results lead to a significant loss of trust.

Nevertheless, there are now effective methods to minimize the risks when dealing with generative AI. One such method is Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), which includes advanced tools that allow language models to access up-to-date knowledge and internal data. Rather than relying solely on pre-trained knowledge, this technology enables AI systems to generate context-specific answers. These approaches not only increase the accuracy but also the trustworthiness of the answers generated, which ultimately improves the quality and reliability of the models. ◆

MAFO 5-24

10_KIMythen.indd 11

11

27.08.24 00:09

Special: Go Digital!

TECHNOLOGY

Making it possible: automated cosmetic inspection How artificial intelligence mimics human expertise Successful brands are aware that maintaining their image requires maintaining their quality standards for every product batch. For complex and delicate products such as lenses, this requires very precise inspection, since even smallest deviations from the optimal set up may cause irregularities at the lens surface. And even when the optics might remain correct, cosmetic defects highly affect the lens quality and thus matter for the overall brand quality. To date, trained human experts have the sole responsibility to check each lens for surface irregularities. This purely manual process is strictly regulated by each lab’s in-house quality standards. It is both labor intensive and dependent on the inspectors’ perception. With the development of a smart system – that can automate the process with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) – this has changed. The system takes over a vital role in supporting the quality control: it inspects lenses and mimics the companies’ individual decisionmaking patterns to reflect a labs’ unique quality standard. By Dr. Marcel Mahner and Kim Kathrin Leidig

12

12_CosmeticInspection.indd 12

MAFO 5-24

28.08.24 14:56

Special: Go Digital!

TECHNOLOGY

E

very lab strives for high-quality lenses and high throughput

The smart system sees what only trained experts have been able to see

to build and maintain a strong brand with economic

so far: It screens the surface for any irregularities, characterizes and

success. However, no production process is flawless, and

evaluates them consistently and without human bias. And even more,

even minor deviations from the optimal conditions may

it really supports lab work by taking the final decision on how to proceed

have a negative impact on the optical character of a lens – or may

with the respective lenses.

cause cosmetic irregularities. Therefore, every lab has quality control

“Our system works with a supervised neural network,” explains Gunter

as part of their lab routine.

Schneider, President at Schneider. “This is inspired by the human brain

Until now, this cosmetic inspection has been a purely manual process:

and can be categorized as deep learning.” The system is trained by

Cosmetic inspection is usually done using dark field inspection devices,

Schneider’s own AI and lens quality experts. The required data base

arc lamps among other tools. Operating under these conditions is extremely

for training is built from thousands of reference lenses.

exhausting for the human eye and demands consistently high focus. Still, the lab to remain productive.

Trusting AI-based pattern recognition: The computer vision approach

Aligning and standardizing cosmetic inspection is very challenging:

Whenever an intelligent system is employed at a vital position – and

An inspector’s verdict may deviate from another’s as no single eye is

in this case ensures a lab’s quality standards – it is reasonable to desire

like the other, and despite looking at the same lens, the verdicts may

an understanding of how this machine can learn to consider multiple

not always be the same. Maintaining a high-quality standard on this

criteria and finally take over a major decision.

basis is very demanding.

Schneider’s cosmetic inspection system comprises three main steps: the

In addition, a time-consuming manual report is needed to collect every

image processing, the defect detection and the decision making. At the

job’s result in the system and determine good quality lenses versus ones

beginning of a new inspection, raw images are being taken automatically

that are sorted out. These reports simply contain the inspection result

inside the system, before the data analysis can start: Within seconds,

such as go, no go or rework as well as the defect type.

the smart neuronal network calculates and evaluates the image data

A more detailed documentation containing images of the lenses for

based on its knowledge, which is compiled in the existing data base.

example is not deployed. With this limited and manual data col-

This first facts-based analysis considers universal standards, unaffected

lection, a statistical breakage analysis – which would allow to draw

by individual assessments. It builds the consistent basis for any lab.

a conclusion on the optimization of the lens production – is not yet

“During this lab independent process, the system will recognize any

possible.

occurring irregularities and define what kind of defect it is, in which

each quality check is expected to be done in a matter of seconds for

area of the lens (zone) it is located and how distinct it is,” explains As a result, it has been a desire to automate this important quality

Stephan Huttenhuis, Vice President Technology.

check with the intention to facilitate decision making at a new level, based on data, to ultimately standardize the process.

While to date automating cosmetic inspection was considered impossible, this has changed with the development of a fully automated system that can analyze lenses and evaluate their surface quality with the help of AI.

Within seconds, the smart neuronal network calculates and evaluates the image data.

Fig. 1: The camera-based system captures the images that serves as the basis for the artificial neural networks’ decision making.

Picture: Schneider

MAFO 5-24

12_CosmeticInspection.indd 13

13

28.08.24 14:56

Special: Go Digital!

TECHNOLOGY

Fig. 2: The smart system detects common defects such as scratches, pits, center dots, haze, chatter, cutting marks, spiral and fringes – even dust particles, which can simply be cleaned. Picture: Schneider

Fig. 3: Automated cosmetic inspection at Szatmár Optika – ­Specsavers. Picture: Schneider

Technically, the new cosmetic inspection solution detects scratches,

individual perspective on the matter. “Just like a human mind, the

pits, center dots, haze, chatter, cutting marks, spiral, fringes among

system needs contextual knowledge: Get to know the specific lab

many other defect types. Even dust particles, which can simply be

that is implemented in, their overall expectations and even the

cleaned, can be distinguished from severe defects. It can easily measure

brand’s image and use of the lenses,” says Schneider.

polarized lenses as well as bifocal lenses.

This is because every brand has their own quality requirements and

What sounds logical and easy to understand gets more complex,

production standards. So, whether a defect is acceptable or not depends

if we consider that almost no defect looks exactly the same. But if

on many aspects, for example the defined criteria for the final product

every scratch is just a little different, how can one be sure that the

and how the production process will continue.

intelligent system doesn’t miss any unknown irregularity?

Is the defect in an area of the lens that is going to be edged off anyway?

An in-depth understanding of the high-end image analysis might

Will a minor scratch still be visible at all after hard coating?

help to erase this worry: “The AI-based pattern recognition is a method that analyses each pixel of an image. It literally decomposes

The cosmetic inspection system goes beyond the pure recognition of

the image into fragments and assesses for every pixel, in relation

the defects. Labs can implement truly individual standards to perfectly

to the other pixels, if it shows a defect or not,” says Huttenhuis.

cater to their own quality requirements. “This simply requires further

Therefore, the system does not need to recognize a complete defect,

human input on lab-dependent criteria.

but it detects it piece by piece.

During the implementation of the system, labs can teach the

This is extremely worthwhile confirms Schneider: “Deep learning

system by feeding it with their individual decisions. With this

methods, such as neural networks, are replacing classical algorithm-

input the system learns – supervised by a Schneider expert – to

based methods as a superior form of image analysis, since it allows

really mimic their decision-making, all while eliminating variabil-

more accuracy compared to the rather simple structure of

ity” explains Huttenhuis.

algorithms.”

With this added information the cosmetic inspection system can better understand and further refine its perception of whether the job is a

The smart process: How a system mimics the individual company quality standards

go, no go, or requires ‘rework’. The system considers what kind of

However, this basic analysis will not yet provide an immediate

passes or not. “It really proves to be trustworthy to ensure a labs’ unique

answer how to proceed with a respective job. It lacks the lab’s

quality standard,” Schneider says.

14

12_CosmeticInspection.indd 14

defect, in which combination, in what intensity and in which zones

MAFO 5-24

28.08.24 14:56

!AZ.ind

Special: Go Digital!

TECHNOLOGY

Economic benefit of AI-based automated ­cosmetic inspection Finally, this system allows automated quality check 24/7 with standardized evaluation even across different brands or production labs.

This is not only beneficial to assure and comply with quality standards of outgoing goods, but there is even more to it: The cosmetic inspection system can be installed in-between different production steps, after

Dr. Marcel Mahner

the surfacing steps are completed or for a final quality check after Dr. Marcel Mahner holds a PhD in mechanical engineering from

coating.

This implementation in the production cycle will significantly reduce costs: Low quality lenses can be identified as breakage and sorted out at an earlier stage and subsequent finishing processes are avoided.

Being integrated in Schneider’s Modulo system, the smart solution

Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany. He started his industrial career at Schneider as Deputy manager mechanical design in 2018.

Since 2022, he is managing the department of machine analytics and simulation at Schneider. In this role he is responsible for the development of measurement and simulation techniques.

will even serve as an overall assessment to help to detect and solve production problems and fix errors that have caused the occurring irregularities early on, such as worn tools etc., when connected with and reporting to the smart Management Execution System.

Outlook: Future perspectives on the future lab This best-case scenario proves once again how AI is being introduced to the ophthalmic sector and comes along with a huge success factor.

“It really marks another huge step forward towards a smart lab,” says Schneider. And they are already working on the following step to extend the functionality of the inspection system.

“Next, it will be possible to automatically measure the diopter of a lens and thus it's optical effect.” What they could achieve in cosmetic inspection so far is just one example of what Schneider strongly believes in from a holistic point of view: “AI can further revolutionize the ophthalmic sector – and we will follow our vision for a smart and fully automated future lab.” ◆

Kim Kathrin Leidig Kim Leidig holds a master’s degree in literature & media studies.

With a decade of experiences in professional multimedia storytelling and content marketing strategies, she joined Schneider as marketing specialist to make the brand more visible. With her journalistic sense and passion, she tells their innovation stories from a new angle.

Advertisement

SPECTACLE LENS TOOLING ULTRA PRECISION DIAMOND TOOLS FOR ANY GENERATOR EXCELLENT SERVICE QUICK TURNAROUND

kydiamond.ca 12_CosmeticInspection.indd 15 !AZ.indd 4

28.08.24 09:59 14:56 23.10.23

Special: Go Digital!

SPOTLIGHT

Dive into the world of smart glasses An overview: from audio glasses to AR glasses It is exactly ten years since one of the first pairs of smart glasses – Google Glass – came onto the market over the counter for everyone. But the model flopped. Since then, a number of companies have turned their attention to data glasses projects. It soon became clear that the industry – and not end customers – might be the best market for this kind of wearables. However, companies have recently started to put out feelers towards end consumers again. Of particular interest is that for the first time traditional eyewear brands have also become involved. But the developers' focus is very different: varying from pure audio glasses for listening to music and communicating, to camera glasses that also enable live streaming up to augmented reality (AR) glasses that allow users to immerse themselves in new worlds. By Hanna Diewald

16

16_Smart glasses_overview.indd 16

MAFO 5-24

30.08.24 16:02

Special: Go Digital!

SPOTLIGHT

S

mart glasses – what are they anyway? In general, smart glasses

for entertainment, training or therapeutic purposes. However, they

augment reality with digital content. Beyond that, however,

are completely unsuitable for everyday use and are thus not covered

there is no generally applicable precise definition to cover all

in this article just like smart glasses for sports.

kinds of smart glasses. This is probably down to the fact that

the features incorporated are as varied as the companies that develop

Finally, also with prescription

them.

Since the last time MAFO presented an overview of smart glasses, in the year 2021, there has been one major improvement: manufacturers

The world of smart glasses

have finally understood that the incorporation of prescription lenses

Thus, for example, there are smart glasses – also known as data

is crucial to the success of smart glasses for daily use; which is hardly

glasses – which just have an added audio function: for simplicity’s

surprising when you look at the number of people who wear glasses

sake referred to here as audio smart glasses. Other smart glasses are

worldwide.

also equipped with an integrated camera: the focus here being on

However, combining outstanding optics with the latest and lightest

connectivity to social media platforms, for example in the form of

technology in an aesthetically pleasing pair of glasses is an incredible

live streaming. AR glasses, on the other hand, display an image or

challenge. The most effective way for some manufacturers to meet

other information in front of the user's eye. This is achieved, for example,

this challenge has been to combine the expertise of traditional frame

using waveguides that are built into the lens. And of course there are

manufacturers with that of the technology companies.

models that combine the various features – or just integrated some of

The following overview, which is by no means exhaustive, shows a

them. Virtual reality glasses are clearly distinct from these. They create

selection of promising smart glasses that are currently on the

immersive, computer-generated environments that are primarily used

market.

MAFO 5-24

16_Smart glasses_overview.indd 17

17

30.08.24 16:02

Special: Go Digital!

SPOTLIGHT

Even social media livestreams are possible: Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses

Music, podcasts or smart home control: Carrera Smart Glasses with Alexa now make this possible

The new Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are equipped with a camera,

The second major Italian spectacles manufacturer Safilo has now also

microphones and speakers. The Meta View app can be used to manage

entered into a partnership with a major tech giant. Amazon's Alexa

recorded files and settings and as usual for EssilorLuxottica frames,

technology is integrated into the new Carrera smart glasses. The glasses

the smart glasses can be glazed with prescription by an optician.

can be easily fitted with prescription lenses. However, they are currently only available on the market in the USA. Compared to the Luxcottica model, the Carrera smart glasses do not have an integrated camera. The smart glasses are equipped with open-ear audio technology to deliver sound directly to the ears without covering them, while minimizing ambient noise.

The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have been upgraded with new software features and updates to Meta AI as well as a more diverse product line. Source: EssilorLuxottica

The features mentioned allow photos and videos to be taken just by double-tapping the capture button, with the option to share the content directly via livestreaming on Instagram, Facebook or others. The glasses allow video calls to be made as well as music to be listened and they enable control via voice command, e.g. for making calls or sending messages.

Thanks to the multimodal capabilities with Meta AI users can look through their glasses and ask Meta AI to take a photo and give information based on what they are looking at. For example, multi-modal AI can be used to identify objects, translate text or suggest creative captions

Safilo’s Italian design with Carrera’s iconic frame design and Alexa technology. Source: Safilo

based on what the users sees.

For better data protection, there is a recording LED on the front of the

The audio glasses allow users to listen to music, podcasts and more

glasses. This lights up for other people to see when the glasses are re-

whenever they want. Calls can be made easily via the glasses thanks

cording a video or even sharing a live stream. The glasses are already

to the loudspeaker and microphone. The glasses can also be used to

available in many countries, including the USA, many European

control the smart home, for example to check whether doors have actually

countries, Australia and more.

been locked or lights switched off.

Camera √

Camera –

Microphone

√

Microphone

√

Loudspeaker

√

Loudspeaker

√

Augmented Reality

–

Augmented Reality

–

Virtual Reality

–

Virtual Reality

–

Weight

49 grams

Weight –

18

16_Smart glasses_overview.indd 18

MAFO 5-24

30.08.24 16:02

Ultra-Fast De-Taping

for Maximum Performance ODT 80 CNC-A: Fully Automatic De-Taping ¬ Powerful: Automatic de-taping of up to 300 lenses/h using high pressure cold city water or DI water technology. ¬ Efficient: Smart Vision System generates savings in energy and processing time. ¬ Flexible: Macro-controlled adjustment of processing parameters. ¬ Sustainable: Low air consumption and a closed water cycle. ¬ Open: Can easily be integrated into any existing ophthalmic production.

Contact your local sales representative for more information, or visit us at SILMO booth 6J146 or Vision Expo West booth F5045.

Vision. Precision. Passion.

!AZ.indd 7

OptoTech Optikmaschinen GmbH Sandusweg 2-4 35435 Wettenberg / Germany Phone: +49 641-49939-0 Email: info.de@optotech.net Web: www.optotech.net

16.08.24 13:51

Special: Go Digital!

SPOTLIGHT

Augmented reality glasses for enterprises and others:

Retro design with state-of-the-art technology: Frame Brilliant Smart Glasses With the smart, open-source glasses from Brilliant Labs, simply called “Frame”, the focus is on AI compatibility. The glasses, reminiscent of John Lennon's round-lens steel frames, are very light weighing. The glasses have an integrated monocular display that looks like a transparent strip on the lens. This Micro-OLED screen projects text in front of the right eye.

Thanks to the integrated camera and microphones, the glasses assess their surroundings, so that users can learn more about the places, products, etc. nearby or even dietary advice on request based on the camera data and AI. This is all achieved with the aid of the Noa app.

“Frame” is designed as a personal AI assistant. Users can instantly access AI models such as Perplexity, ChatGPT, Whisper, etc. The glasses respond with minimal delay to voice commands and photos, displaying texts, images and graphics useful in everyday life. However, they are not intended for “watching movies through your glasses”, for example.

Vuzix Z100 smart glasses developer’s edition. Source: Vuzix

Vuzix The manufacturer Vuzix offers several models of smart glasses. The glasses are officially advertised as enterprise glasses with corresponding features. Depending on the model, these include dust-repellent and water-repellent features, certification, temperature-resistant batteries and more. Almost all models are AR glasses, which means that information can be displayed thanks to built-in waveguides. Some models have integrated cameras, microphones and loudspeakers and can therefore be used in a wide range of industrial applications – from production and logistics to healthcare and more. Some can even be ordered with “prescription inserts” that customers can fit themselves.

Meanwhile there are now also Vuzix models that could even pass for normal consumer spectacles from an aesthetic point of view. For example, the manufacturer also advertises the ‘Vuzix Z100 Developers Edition’ glasses as suitable for all-day wear. It is a developer’s edition intended for expediting the development of purpose-driven applications.

Frame is designed to be worn as a pair of glasses with a suite of AI ­capabilities out of the box. Source: Brilliant Labs

The glasses are very light and less bulky than other models. However, they do not come with a camera, loudspeaker or microphones. They

According to the company website opticians can fit a prescription lens.

become smart glasses thanks to the waveguide and the corresponding

However, the glazing is special as one side of the lens needs to be flat

display function and the connectivity to AI optimization tools.

to allow it to be laminated to the flat surface of Frame's optic.

Camera –

Camera √

Microphone

–

Microphone

√

Loudspeaker

–

Loudspeaker

–

Augmented Reality

√

Augmented Reality

√

Virtual Reality

–

Virtual Reality

–

Weight

36 grams

Weight

less than 40 grams

20

16_Smart glasses_overview.indd 20

MAFO 5-24

30.08.24 16:02

Advertisement

For gaming, streaming and more: AR glasses Xreal Air2 Pro The augmented-reality glasses Xreal Air 2 turns compact displays on smartphones or games consoles into a huge virtual screen. They mirror the display of a connected device and can therefore be used even for watching entire movies through the glasses.

The smart glasses only unfold their full potential with the Xreal Beam accessory, which offers a higher refresh rate, air casting and additional picture modes and is required for connection to games consoles and many handhelds. A new interesting feature compared to previous models is the one-touch immersion control, which can be used to change between 0%, 35% and 100% electrochromic dimming.

They can thus be used both as transparent or sun-

Camera –

glasses. The glasses can be ordered with prescription

Microphone

√

lenses that can then be snapped easily into place.

Loudspeaker

√

Augmented Reality

–

Virtual Reality

–

Weight 50 grams In addition to the smart glasses presented here, there are many more models. These include the futuristic Spectacles from Snap, which allow users to immerse themselves in the AR world. The Razer Anzu audio glasses or the AR-glasses tooz ESSNZ Berlin, which combine augmentation and vision correction in a stylish design – to mention just a few.

Smart glasses are also becoming increasingly attractive in the sports sector. Be it as a navigation device Cinema experience with the Xreal Air 2 Pro. Source: Xreal

on the bike or to record health data during sport.

Camera –

Has the breakthrough occurred?

Microphone

√

However, the decision by Bose to stop selling their

Loudspeaker

√

audio sunglasses at the end of 2023 demonstrates

Augmented Reality

√

that smart glasses in general are still no guarantee

Virtual Reality

–

of success. In comparison, “the new generation of

Weight

75 grams

smart glasses from Meta Platforms and EssilorLuxottica has sold better in just a few months than its

Solid glasses with Zeiss lenses: Fauna Audio Glasses

predecessor did in two years,” said Francesco Milleri,

Fauna Audio Glasses are equipped with a two-way

In any case, it remains exciting to see which models

sound system and touch sensors on the temples, as

users ultimately like best and which functions they

well as being protected against water and dust (IP52).

value most: whether it is AR, pure audio glasses or

With the aid of the audio glasses, users can listen

the complete package with camera.

to music, make calls or use the voice assistant. They

But they all have one thing in common: they only

can be fitted with prescription lenses from Zeiss.

work when connected to a smartphone or another

There is one model for normal prescription glasses

device. So we are still a long way from glasses replac-

and one for sunglasses.

MAFO 5-24

16_Smart 2glasses_overview.indd 21 !AZ.indd

managing director of EssilorLuxottica in July.

Cutting of AR Waveguides microPOLAR

Laser Processing System

» Fully integrated options for eyepiece handling and quality inspection » Broad material range » Outstanding in-field upgradability: from R&D to volume production » Small machine footprint

Contact us: +49 371 40043-222 sales@3d-micromac.com

ing cell phones. ◆

WWW.3D-MICROMAC.COM

30.08.24 10:08 16:02 08.02.24

Special: Go Digital!

SPOTLIGHT

Security training in the supply chain Cyber security series | Part 1 In an increasingly interconnected global economy, American companies must recognize the critical importance of protecting their data and knowledge. The supply chain is a vital component of our economic infrastructure, and its security directly impacts our national security, economic stability, and competitive edge. Everyone must take responsibility and do their part. In part 1 of this serial about cyber security you will find a high-level overview of why it is important to protect yourself and, in turn, protect the entire chain. Part 1 | By Nabil Gharbieh This topic was first addressed in a lecture, presented by The Vision Council

T

he Vision Council came to me to create this cybersecurity

companies on the extent, type, and investment in cyber defense would

series as a result of increasing requests from their members

permit market investors to support U.S. companies taking appropriate

and a very direct call out by the United States Trade

steps to protect their technology, IP, trade secrets, and confidential

Representative (USTR) in their “Four Year Review of

business information from China’s cyber espionage.”

China Tech Transfer Section 301,” released in May of this year.

Essentially, the government is advising industry to work together and

Specifically, in the report, the USTR stated: “U.S. companies should

prioritize cyber security. The Vision Council’s Government Regulatory

prioritize cyber defenses, invest in the necessary infrastructure and

Affairs team flagged this immediately, and saw an opportunity to educate

services, and take appropriate actions to remediate vulnerabilities and

the vision industry on steps that they can take to protect their businesses

prioritize strengthening cyber defenses. Greater transparency by U.S.

and work together to fortify the industry.

22

22_CyberSecurity.indd 22

MAFO 5-24

30.08.24 14:31

Special: Go Digital!

SPOTLIGHT

A collective approach to business intelligence security

The fallout was severe. Over 40 million credit and debit card

Pardon the cliché, but we are stronger together. Just as a chain is only as

million customers. Target faced lawsuits, huge financial losses,

strong as its weakest link, the security of our supply chains depends on

and a tarnished reputation. They had to spend millions on legal

each company's ability to protect their data. Working together ensures that

fees and security upgrades. This breach highlighted the importance

vulnerabilities are addressed collectively, reducing the risk of breaches.

of strong cybersecurity measures and the risks posed by third-

By collaborating, companies can share insights on emerging threats,

party vendors.

numbers were stolen, along with personal information from 70

effective security practices, and successful mitigation strategies.

A coordinated approach to security incidents allows for faster and

Lessons learned

more effective responses, minimizing the impact of breaches. The

So, what can we learn from this?

protection of all is therefore based on three pillars:

Third-party risk management: It is crucial to ensure that any company you work with has strong security practices. Regular

1. Collective defense

audits and strict security requirements for vendors can help

2. Shared knowledge and best practices

prevent similar breaches.

3. Unified response to threats

Phishing awareness: The breach started with a simple phishing email.

Educating employees about the dangers of phishing and how to spot

Examples of technology incidents in the supply chain: Target

suspicious emails is essential.

During the holiday season of 2013. Shoppers were filling Target stores

delayed, it gives hackers more time to cause damage. Having a robust

while a significant data breach was unfolding behind the scenes. One that

incident response plan and acting on alerts promptly can limit the

would impact millions and changed how we think about cybersecurity.

impact of breaches.

A small subcontractor named Fazio Mechanical Services handled

Network segmentation: By segmenting networks, companies can

refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning for Target. Unfortunately,

prevent attackers from moving freely within the system. This means

their security defenses were not as strong as they needed to be. Hackers

even if one part is compromised, the rest remains secure.

saw an opportunity and sent a phishing email to Fazio, tricking an

Continuous monitoring and detection: Regularly updating

employee into downloading malware.

security tools and ensuring they work effectively can help detect

This malware opened the door for the hackers to access Fazio’s network.

threats early. Continuous monitoring is key to staying ahead of

But they did not stop there. They used the credentials they found to

cyber threats.

Prompt response to alerts: When security alerts are ignored or

break into Target’s main network. Once inside, they placed more malware on Target’s point-of-sale systems − the very machines that read our credit and debit cards when we make purchases. For weeks, every card swiped at Target was silently recorded by the hackers.

The attackers were a group of skilled cybercriminals operating out of Eastern Europe, primarily from Russia and Ukraine. They were known for their expertise in exploiting weaknesses in large organizations and had carried out similar attacks before.

The breach was detected by FireEye, a security firm monitoring Target's network. They saw the malware and sent alerts, but these warnings were not acted on quickly enough. It was not until the U.S. Department of Justice alerted Target that the company took significant steps to stop the breach.

MAFO 5-24

22_CyberSecurity.indd 23

Fig. 1: Risk management life cycle

23

30.08.24 14:31

Special: Go Digital!

SPOTLIGHT

Vendor and supply chain risks

Cybersecurity training for employees

There are many risks to vendors and the supply chain when it comes

At least once a year every company should conduct a security refresher for

to the security of our operations, data, devices, and business partners.

the entire team. Part 2 of The Vision Council serial of cyber security presenta-

Hardware, software, networks, data or service providers are all potential

tions can be implemented as a required training for your team, eliminating

entry gates for hackers. Talking about hardware, servers, A/Cs, appli-

the need to organize or hire a separate company to conduct one.

ances or machines for example can become a target. Regarding software,

And do not forget: your security is as strong as your weakest link and

those responsible should be able to answer the following questions:

your weakest link tends to be coworkers. Ask yourself: how confident

Who own’s it? Who own’s the data? Who is protecting it? Who has

are you with your coworker’s security knowledge? Especially four aspects

access? The network can be hosted in-house, by third-parties or the data

are crucial to make your team fit for cyber security:

is stored on the cloud. In the last case be aware that everything is everywhere

Phishing Awareness: Train employees to recognize and report phishing

all at once. These risks can generally be categorized at a high level as

attempts, which are common vectors for cyber-attacks.

follows:

Incident response training: Develop and drill incident response plans

Compromised devices: For example, copiers can be hacked.

to ensure quick and effective action in the event of an incident.

Cloud solutions: Services like Office 365, Dropbox, and other solutions you might not even realize are within your reach can pose risks.

Incident investigation: I often encounter security scares with clients, and my first job is to determine whether the issue is on our end or the vendor’s. This is why someone in the organization must vet all companies you do business with, as those not in IT might not ask all the necessary questions regarding IT security.

Vendor engagement: It is challenging when, every other day, I hear, “Oh, I am talking to this salesperson about software we may buy.” You do not know how much we just love to hear those words on the security side of things.

Practical IT steps for securing the supply chain With a few important but effective steps, the vast majority of attacks can be avoided. The following rules provide clarity and offer a simple guideline that every company can follow.

1. Conduct regular security audits Regularly assess the security posture of your systems and those of your supply chain partners. Periodically hire independent auditors.

2. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

QQQ SSS FFF SSS

Enhance security by requiring multiple forms of verification before granting access to your systems. Let a risk registry highlight your weak points 3. Use end-to-end encryption Protect data in transit and at rest with robust encryption methods.

4. Monitor network traffic Employ advanced monitoring tools to detect unusual activity and potential breaches in real-time. Advanced threat detection.

5. Patch management Ensure all software and systems are up-to-date with the latest security patches to close known vulnerabilities.

6. Relationships Manage them! Be picky!

Create or use existing third-party risk management cycle relationships with your employees!

24

22_CyberSecurity.indd 24

MAFO 5-24

30.08.24 14:31

w w p p 61 6

!AZ.ind

Special: Go Digital!

SPOTLIGHT

Data handling & privacy: Educate staff on best practices for handling

with add-ons, increasing security vulnerabilities. Therefore, it is crucial

sensitive data and complying with data protection regulations

to get a handle on it.

Third-party risks: Train employees to assess and manage risks associated

Outlook

with third-party vendors and partners.

This article should provide a good basis for raising awareness on good If you do not have internal guidance, the government provides well-

cyber security strategies and the importance of protecting your supply

drawn-out guidelines on cybersecurity for businesses. These guidelines

chain. In the second part of the series, I will focus on employees. The

are widely adopted by government agencies and larger companies.

article will teach employees how to be more vigilant when working

Here are some of the main ones if your IT team does not cover security:

with computers and “all of the things”.

U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Informa-

In part 3 of this article series, we will discuss essential policies and

tion Sharing and Analysis Centers (ISACs), Professional Cybersecurity

procedures, such as business continuity plans and backup plans, that

Organizations like ISACA and ISC2 and the National Institute of

you need to establish and review annually. ◆

Standards and Technology (NIST). As of last month, NIST has released the 'Risk Management Framework (RMF) Small Enterprise Quick Start Guide,' which I highly recommend for small businesses seeking a comprehensive, flexible, risk-based approach to managing information security and privacy risk.

When choosing software or a third-party vendor, make sure to include the IT team so they can help assess IT risks. Here is a third-party risk management life cycle (Fig. 1) that you can screenshot. While it is not an official version, as those are more detailed, this is a good starting point.

Issues can arise when you do not manage this effectively. For example,

Nabil Gharbieh

employees might use services like Dropbox or bring in vendors to discuss software without IT assessing how it will integrate with existing

The IT-expert Nabil Gharbieh currently leads The Vision Council´s

systems. I have had instances where an employee created a Google

webinar series about cyber security strategies. As an Information

Drive or Dropbox account, then left the company, and nobody could

Technology Advisor at Dataprise, Nabil provides quality management

access the account because nobody had the password.

This also becomes a problem as you continue to move towards AI. AI quality depends on the data it receives, so the experience you get is influenced by the data you input. The more tools you have scattered across different platforms, the more you will need to integrate them

services to clients across various industries and sectors. With over 17 years of experience in IT, he has developed expertise in program management, technical account management, customer success, sales, and technology advisory. Nabil is certified in Microsoft Technologies, AI, Health Care IT Security, ITIL, Google Cloud, and Apple/Mac Integration.

Advertisement

QUALITY QUALITY QUALITY& & QUALITY & SAVINGS SAVINGS SAVINGS SAVINGS FROM FROM FROM STOCK STOCK STOCK

SENSOR SENSOR SENSOR HEADS HEADS HEADS & &&& SENSOR HEADS FEEDTHROUGHS FEEDTHROUGHS FEEDTHROUGHS FEEDTHROUGHS

GOLD GOLD GOLD GOLD ® ® ® STRESS-RELIEVING STRESS-RELIEVING STRESS-RELIEVING ALLOY ALLOY ALLOY ® STRESS-RELIEVING ® ®ALLOY ® LONGER LONGER LONGER LIFE LIFE LIFE GOLD GOLD GOLD & ® && LONGER LIFE GOLD & LIQUID LIQUID LIQUID PLATING PLATING PLATING CRYSTALS CRYSTALS CRYSTALS LIQUID PLATING CRYSTALS

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

!AZ.indd 10 22_CyberSecurity.indd 25

INFICON INFICON INFICON RATE/THICKNESS RATE/THICKNESS RATE/THICKNESS INFICON RATE/THICKNESS CONTROLLERS CONTROLLERS CONTROLLERS && MONITORS & MONITORS MONITORS CONTROLLERS & MONITORS

IONIZATION, IONIZATION, IONIZATION, IONIZATION, THERMOCOUPLE THERMOCOUPLE THERMOCOUPLE THERMOCOUPLE && INSTRUTECH INSTRUTECH INSTRUTECH && INSTRUTECH CONVECTION CONVECTION CONVECTION CONVECTION GAUGES GAUGES GAUGES GAUGES

ELECTRON ELECTRON ELECTRON ELECTRON BEAM BEAM BEAM GUN GUN GUN BEAM GUN PARTS PARTS PARTS PARTS

704 704 704 704 && 705 & 705 705 & 705 SILICONE SILICONE SILICONE SILICONE DIFFUSION DIFFUSION DIFFUSION DIFFUSION PUMP PUMP PUMP FLUIDS FLUIDS FLUIDS PUMP FLUIDS

SCAN SCAN SCAN FOR FOR FOR OUR OUR OUR SCAN FOR OUR FULL FULL FULL CATALOG CATALOG CATALOG FULL CATALOG

ION ION ION SOURCE SOURCE SOURCE PARTS PARTS PARTS ION SOURCE PARTS

13.06.24 14:31 16:36 30.08.24

Special: Go Digital!

TECHNOLOGY

Optimize your lab production with a powerful LMS New opportunities through a browser-based Lab Management Software (LMS) module Have you ever imagined being able to control several aspects of your lab management remotely? This is possible thanks to a new browser-based solution, designed to enable remote access to optical lab managers and technicians ‒- about the future of Lab Management Systems (LMS). By Russell Gagain

T

he future of LMS in optical labs could look like this: a

A new browser-based Lab LMS solution, like InnovaWeb from

user-friendly design and customizable, real-time dash-

Innovations (Ocuco´s LMS), allows labs to manage various

boards provide a centralized overview of critical informa-

aspects of production, such as order status updates, order inquir-

tion, enabling data-driven decision-making and the

ies, customer maintenance and much more. Initially introduced

possibility of continuous further development following rigorous se-

to a selected group of labs, this solution is set to redefine industry

curity requirements and customer needs.

standards.

26

26_LMS.indd 26

MAFO 5-24

30.08.24 14:33

Special: Go Digital!

TECHNOLOGY

Simplify optical lab management

deeper insights for effective decision-making. Many templated reports

For labs, there are several advantages of a browser-based LMS solution

have been upgraded to interactive formats and are available within

that simplify day-to-day work in the lab.

InnovaWeb. Users can generate alerts, integrate with third-party systems, and

Unrestricted access: A browser-based architecture empowers users to

schedule raw data outputs easily. The reports offer quick sorting, filtering,

access the system from any location with a VPN connection. This

and real-time layout adjustments, providing immediate and flexible

flexibility eliminates the limitations of traditional LMS software and

access to crucial business information.

enables multiple users to work concurrently. Additionally, it eliminates

Widgetized dashboards for enhanced insights: The solution introduces

the need for complex setups.

advanced graph widgets that offer clear visualizations of critical metrics.

Streamlined operations: Intuitive interfaces enhance efficiency and

These include a line graph for tracking production throughput, a bar

productivity in optical labs, allowing to seamlessly navigate through

graph for displaying job staging, and a doughnut chart for visualizing

tasks. It also reduces the need for tracking stations and pole displays.

work order ageing.

Robust security: Incorporated robust security measures safeguard

Each widget features clickable links that provide detailed data views, directly

sensitive information.

connecting to the order inquiry screen. Accessible from the workflow

Data-driven insights: Advanced analytics capabilities enable the visu-

monitor button or the side preview pane on the home page, these widgets

alization of complex information through customizable dashboards,

make data-driven insights readily available and actionable.

interactive reports, and real-time data streams. This feature allows lab managers to make informed decisions based on actual data.

Harnessing the power of advanced technology

Process optimization: The efficient tool empowers the team to work

The future of LMS is more than a simple module: it is a transformative

smarter, not harder. Streamline core laboratory processes, including

solution that propels laboratories into the future. By harnessing the

order inquiry, status updates, and report generation.

power of advanced technology and user-centric design, it delivers ef-

Alerts: Intelligent alert systems inform early on of potential issues.

ficiency, productivity, and insights. ◆

Those responsible receive timely notifications based on predefined criteria, allowing employees to take prompt action and prevent disruptions. Users can easily subscribe to alerts and notifications.

Order management InnovaWeb's user-friendly interface for example is accessible through any web browser, eliminating the need for complex installations.

Users should find the interface intuitive and secure right from the initial screen. A VPN connection and credentials are required to access the system.

An intelligent system allows to efficiently handle most of the order process, from inquiry to completion. User can easily search for orders by various criteria, view detailed information, and track progress.

Key features include the ability to check job status by patient name or

Russell Gagain

account, view all orders by account to provide customers with shipping updates, and supply tracking numbers.

Customers can be emailed directly with order-related questions, added notes to orders, or obtaining customer contact information for direct communication. Additionally, the order status can be updated to 'on hold' for modifications or cancellations, assign or reassign orders, and access comprehensive order details.

Russell Gagain has been with Ocuco for thirteen years, currently serving as the Product Owner of Innovations. With over 30 years in the optical industry, Russell began his career in the lab and quickly advanced to managing labs and stores. He has extensive experience in integrating and improving manufacturing processes, developing software and equipment for optical manufacturing, and working with machine vendors on OMA communication interfaces. Russell has also contributed to optical software development, including RxCalc

Advantages Real-Time status updates: Dynamic updates keep users abreast of job status changes. They mirror the functionality of traditional job tracking systems, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information. Interactive reports empower users to explore and customize lab’s data, enabling

MAFO 5-24

26_LMS.indd 27

and Innovations Lab Management Software (LMS), and has travelled globally for training and software implementation. Additionally, he has supported charitable organizations like the Gift of Sight, providing vision care in places such as The Gambia. Russell holds numerous optical certifications, a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering, and a Master’s in Business Administration.

27

30.08.24 14:33

HISTORY

Glasses when playing skat With increasing age, the visual function of the eye gradually worsen.

Among other things, the lens of the eye slowly becomes cloudy. Its elasticity is lost and the ability to accommodate diminishes. The eye becomes presbyopic and needs to be corrected with glasses.

It was only with the invention of light-refracting convex lenses in the 12th century, worn as spectacles in front of the eye, that the visual impairment could be compensated for. The early lenses had powers of between 2 and 4 diopters, which was just enough to compensate for the loss of accommodation at close range.

By Dr. Hans-Walter Roth

C

lose-up glasses opened up a new world for people in old

glasses with plus lenses, as the priest, who is hard of hearing and can be

age. Reading and manual work became possible again

recognized by his cassock, wears his glasses low on his nose and looks

after adjusting the lenses. The short-sighted person was

over them at his counterpart.

fortunate in this respect, as they were still able to see at

The green uniform and matching hat reveal the third guest to be a forester,

close range naturally, even in old age, but needed optical compensation

who is looking at the map on the table without the aid of glasses. He, of

for distance vision at an early stage.

all people, does not need glasses, but this can only be explained by the

The first spectacle lenses were difficult to produce. The glass had to

fact that he used to be short-sighted, which would certainly have hindered

be clear, translucent and without inclusions; greenish discolorations,

him in his job as a hunter. It seems that the painter is mistaken here.

as in so-called forest glass, caused by admixtures of charcoal ash,

The painting is by J. Micotta, a Munich genre painter who lived towards

were disturbing.

the end of the 19th century. He became famous for his tavern scenes.

Above all, precise and spherical cutting in all axes was time-consuming

Some of his paintings feature spectacles from his time. Little is known

and expensive. For this reason, spectacle lenses were often produced using

about the painter, and works by him rarely appear on the market. This

the cheap casting or pressing process. This made reading glasses mass-

painting, called “The Card Players”, was purchased at an auction house

produced and affordable for almost everyone. Glasses conquered the

in Kempten (Germany). ◆

workplace and became a visual aid for hobbies and leisure.

From the middle of the 17th century, reading glasses became commonplace.

Opticians' stands could be found at almost every fair. Traveling merchants brought them to even the most remote areas. Now, finally, the depiction of spectacles also found its way into art.

Until the invention of photography, however, there were relatively few paintings or prints depicting spectacles and their owner. At the end of the Middle Ages, it was mainly the clergy, and later merchants, who were depicted wearing glasses. More than three centuries had to pass before ordinary workers or peasants in old age were able to reach for their glasses and were depicted wearing them.

It is rare to see multiple depictions of a visual aid as in this picture. It shows a group of three gentlemen playing cards in a pub; the ace of diamonds card lying on the table reveals that it is probably skat.

Two of the players are wearing the usual reading glasses of the time. The light reflections on the lenses prove that they must be classic close-up

28

28_Roth_Skatbrille.indd 28

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.

MAFO 5-24

29.08.24 13:02

!AZ.indd 2

29.07.24 12:28

Special: Go Digital!

BUSINESS

Why trainers should rethink now Artificial intelligence supports transfer in continuing education The market for training courses is full. However, despite the wide range on offer, there is often a lack of successful implementation by employees. One reason for this is that a change in behavior requires time for reflection, which is often lacking. Artificial intelligence for sales training has the potential to improve this and many further challenges. By Oliver Schumacher

30

30_KITraining.indd 30

MAFO 5-24

30.08.24 14:35

Special: Go Digital!

BUSINESS

But the majority of companies invest almost no money at all in employee development because no time or resources are set aside for this. Or it “wouldn't do any good anyway”, true to the conviction: “The employees have been with us for so long that we cannot (or do not want to) change them”. Or the experience: “We had a trainer many years ago who did not achieve anything. We do not need to go through that again.”

The problem of changing behavior Logically, a sales employee, for example, knows that it is usually right not to immediately comply with a customer's request for a discount. After all, if a customer concedes too easily on price, they may not be successful in the negotiation (“Why can I get 10% so easily? Could I get more?”).

Even if such situations are often played out with the participants during training, there is a high risk of falling back into old patterns of behavior that could be improved after the training. Because knowing is one thing, doing is another. In practice ...

▶ ... there is a different level of stress, because it is now really about a job and therefore hard cash.

▶ ... you have a lot on your mind and then quickly forget your good intentions from training.

▶ ... sometimes you simply lack the courage to actually say or do what you have learned and practiced in practice.

Establishing and maintaining a successful change in behavior requires not only the will of employees and participants, but also regular reminders and support from supervisors and trainers.

And what is often overlooked: Behavioral change requires time for reflection. However, anyone who is confronted with an overflowing email inbox after a two-day training course, for example, usually no longer has the thought: “So, slow down. What is the best way to apply what I have learned so that the training really pays off?”, but rather “How can I empty my inbox as quickly as possible so that no customers complain and I get orders?”

Due to stress and pressure, it is very likely that you will quickly and automatically work in the same way as before the seminar ‒ admittedly, often with the hopeful thought: “When I have more time, I will do it the way I have just (re)learned it.”

T

Knowledge must be there when it is needed Behavioral change requires a regular exchange so that not only the here is already enormous competition in the training

implementation is remembered, but also any new problems that may

market today. From individual entrepreneurs to acad-

arise during implementation are discussed. In practice, however, it is

emies, from coaches to speakers, various providers are

rarely possible for an employee to approach their manager or an external

competing for existing orders. Conversely, offers that

trainer several times a week to discuss their thoughts and any new

differ greatly in terms of quality, content and price are faced with a

issues that arise.

variety of individual demands.

Furthermore, the shame factor should not be underestimated: When

Some companies only organize a one-day seminar every now and then

in doubt, many employees will ask themselves at some point whether

(motto: “We need a refresher!”). Others, usually larger companies, take

they should ask “again”, even if they still have not understood or cannot

a much more systematic and well thought-out approach with regular

successfully apply certain strategies and ideas.

training opportunities.

After all, in case of doubt, what will superiors and trainers think of

MAFO 5-24

30_KITraining.indd 31

31

30.08.24 14:35

Special: Go Digital!

BUSINESS

Due to stress and pressure, it is very likely that you will quickly and automatically work in the same way as before the seminar. them? And then, at the latest, there is a high probability that the previ-

the surface in terms of content will soon be over. After all, why

ously set learning objectives will not (or no longer) be achieved.

spend a day on training when an AI can provide specific answers to key questions and instructions within seconds and also help with

Artificial intelligence provides crucial support for learning transfer

transfer performance?

If you want to bring more sustainability to the implementation of learning content, you should use artificial intelligence, as it offers

Artificial intelligence working as a sales trainer – a practical example

numerous advantages in employee development:

The author has trained his own AI for sales training: the so-called “Olli AI”. It is currently only available in German and can be accessed free of

▶ Fun and variety through different learning methods. ▶ Saving time and money, as AI is cost-effective and accessible at all times. ▶ Individualized training and needs-based answers, as the AI responds to the specific questions of the respective user.

charge and without registration at www.oliver-schumacher.de/olli-ki/ The AI specializes in price discussions and price increases, but also provides meaningful answers to other sales-related questions and tasks. It has undergone intensive training in the area of price negotiations, so that the AI also takes on training functions: For this

Depending on the design or programming of the artificial intelligence,

purpose, it “slips” into the role of the buyer when prompted to do

it is not only ideal for basic training or supplementing it, but is also

so and expresses price objections.

suitable for long-term further training.

The user's responses to these are then analyzed by the AI to provide feedback: What was good? What was less good? What should be

Artificial intelligence will make further education easier

done differently? This AI training function in particular, with the

At a time when a great deal of knowledge is already available for free

value. Because direct, concrete feedback helps to optimize behavior

on the Internet (tutorials on YouTube, specialist articles, blog articles

accompanying analysis of the answers, offers users great added in the long term. ◆

and tips on knowledge provider websites), there has been a problem that should not be underestimated: searching for specific answers to the searcher's questions via search engines is still relatively timeconsuming and does not always get straight to the point.

Artificial intelligence, on the other hand, can provide precise answers based on the user's question, provided it has been programmed with the appropriate knowledge. An ideal prerequisite for further education providers to also rely on artificial intelligence in order not to lose touch.

The integration of an AI-based solution into the training portfolio ...

▶ ... expands the offering and creates an additional value proposition for customers.

▶ ... innovatively differentiates the provider from competitors who offer nothing in this area.

▶ ... increases the chance of behavioral change among participants through new opportunities (see above).

Oliver Schumacher Sales trainer Oliver Schumacher is a speech scientist (M.A.) and sets new accents in sales training in a friendly, well-founded manner.

Under the motto “Honesty sells”, he shows salespeople how to

Of course, artificial intelligence will not put every trainer out of work, as factors such as human interaction, individualization, empathy, the ability to provide feedback and f lexibility can be mapped much better by experienced and good trainers.

But at least the days of trainers and seminars that tend to scratch

32

30_KITraining.indd 32

confidently win new customers, successfully master cold calling and assert themselves fairly - even in difficult price negotiations. The multiple book author is known to many through his numerous videos on YouTube. Before starting his own business in 2009, he worked very successfully for over ten years in field sales for a listed manufacturer of branded goods. www.oliver-schumacher.de

MAFO 5-24

30.08.24 14:35

LENS DIGITAL PRINTING See you at

SILMO Paris 2024 !

September 20th to 23rd

www.tecofrance.com The best ink adhesion on the superhydrophobic!

The best printing quality TECO eco-friendly inks

Tecosoft Patented vision system MAFO-A4-Août_2024.indd 1 !AZ.indd 8

19/08/2024 14:18 19.08.24 16:50

BUSINESS

Debunk your marketing platitudes Why you should rethink your sales strategy In today's fast-paced world of marketing and sales, many companies fall back on tried and tested marketing platitudes to promote their products. While these arguments may seem convincing at first glance, they often prove to be ineffective and even detrimental to the sales strategy. In this article, we shed light on why it is time to question these marketing platitudes and replace them with authentic and differentiating arguments. By Dr. Michael Stiller

34

34_MarketingFloskeln.indd 34

MAFO 5-24

30.08.24 15:46

BUSINESS

The trap of standard arguments

Why standard phrases do not work

Companies invest a lot of time and resources in developing new products.

Marketing phrases such as “professional”, “fair” or “reliable” are so

In doing so, they often neglect the customer perspective. The products

worn out that they no longer evoke any positive reaction from

are then often technically excellent. But they do not answer the question

customers.

of why the customer should buy this particular product.

We have heard them so often that they hardly have any meaning

This is where the problems begin: When the sales team is asked to

for the recipient. The customer will simply ignore these statements

present the product, they often resort to standard arguments such as

or, in the worst case, even reject them. This leads to a kind of

“we are professional” or “we offer the best service”. These arguments

reactance, a negative reaction to the attempt to convince him.

may sound good, but they have no real differentiating value.

„Click…whirr“ effect Tim Taxis, a renowned sales trainer, describes this effect aptly: the customer recognizes a sales phrase and mentally switches to “click through”. This click…whirr effect means that the customer immediately classifies the sales argument as irrelevant and pays no further attention to it. Just like the old cassette recorder: I do not like a part. I press the 'fast forward' button. And the tape hums over the spot.

The result is a lost sales opportunity because the actual message does not get through.

MAFO 5-24

34_MarketingFloskeln.indd 35

35

30.08.24 15:46

BUSINESS

Real added value and individual product benefits Instead of relying on empty phrases, companies should focus on real added value. This means engaging intensively with the target group, understanding their needs and communicating the product benefits on this basis. A deep understanding of customer needs makes it possible to develop a sales argument based on the customer's actual pain points and wishes.

Another common mistake is to emphasize the sales arguments of the entire product category. Companies should emphasize the individual strengths of their own product. Sales arguments that apply

The key to a successful sales strategy is to quit using worn-out marketing platitudes and instead focus on genuine, differentiating benefits.

to the entire product category offer no differentiation and do not help to set your own product apart from the competition.

is little to nothing of substance left after deleting the platitudes, it is

Instead, companies should emphasize the specific features and

time to take a step back and rethink the fundamental value proposition

benefits of their own products that make them unique and valuable

of your offering. This can be a painful but necessary process to under-

to customers.

stand whether your product truly meets the requirements and needs of your target audience.

Practical example: The right sales pitch Many companies offer such solutions, and the general benefits are well

Conclusion: The path to a convincing sales strategy

known: Increased efficiency, better team communication and optimized

The key to a successful sales strategy is to quit using worn-out

project planning.

marketing platitudes and instead focus on genuine, differentiating

However, these general arguments do not make your product stand

benefits. Companies need to know their target groups precisely and

out from the many alternatives. So how can you improve your sales

focus their argumentation on what really interests and convinces

pitch? Here are a few approaches:

the customer.

Let us take a software solution for project management as an example.

By developing an in-depth sales argument based on customers' real 1. Show concrete benefits:

needs and desires, companies can strengthen their market position

Instead of saying that the software improves project planning, state

and increase customer loyalty.

specific benefits, such as “Our software reduces planning time by

Take a critical approach to your own sales brochures and presentations,

up to 40% and enables real-time monitoring of project spend.”

filter out empty phrases and focus on real added value. This is the only way to ensure that your message reaches the customer and convinces

2. Highlight unique technical features:

them in the long term. ◆

If the software has specific technical features that set it apart from other products, these should be communicated clearly and understandably. “Our software integrates AI-based resource optimization that increases the efficiency of resource usage by 20%.”

3. Include customer focus: In addition to technical features, you should address how the product solves specific needs of the target group. For example: “Our software is ideal for growing companies that want to manage their projects in a scalable and cost-efficient way.”.

Dr. Michael Stilller

The radical measure: delete and re-evaluate empty phrases

For over 20 years, Stiller has been advising companies on corporate

An effective step to test the effectiveness of your sales strategy is to

strategy, marketing strategy, sales management, sales management

rigorously remove all marketing phrases from your materials. Take your current sales brochures, presentations and advertisements and systematically remove all hackneyed phrases. What is left?

This radical approach forces you to identify and emphasize the true strengths and unique selling points of your product or service. If there

36

34_MarketingFloskeln.indd 36

and business coaching. His work is never about highly polished PowerPoints (these are only a by-product). Rather, it is about implementing topics. This is why Stiller founded the agency “effektweit” in 2011 ‒ to develop pragmatic approaches using scientific methods. The effect of the projects should always go further than the projects themselves. coaching@effektweit.de

MAFO 5-24

30.08.24 15:46

!AZ.indd 13

20.08.24 22:41

MARKET SURVEYS

Bühler Alzenau www.buhlergroup.com

AR coating machines Leybold Optics CCS 610+

Leybold Optics CCS 700

BOXER 900

Small labs ( < 100 L/ shift)

x

x

/

Medium sized labs (100 - 3000 L/shift)

/

x

x

Mass production labs ( > 3.000 L/shift)

/

/

Application

Lens materials AR coating including mirror coating

all materials x

x

x

Top coatings (hydrophobic, oleophobic, superhydrophobic)

x

x

x

Top coatings from separate thermal source

o

o

o

In-chamber tinting full color (absorption coating)

/

x

x

Gradient tinting color

/

/

/

Productivity HMC+ Ø 70 (avg. lenses/h) [both sides coated]

35

47

96

Process time [both sides coated] (minutes)

70

60

48

Further special coatings (please specify)

Technical data

Dome/segment number of sectors

3 segments

48

60

96

Flip-over capacity segment Ø 70

16

36

N/A

High-vacuum pump system type (diffusion pump, tubomolecular pump, etc.)

Turbo pump

Turbo pump

Turbo pump

High-vacuum pump system capacity (L/s)

2050

2050

2050

Gate valve (in case of turbomolecular pump)

/

/

/

Roughing pump system (type / stages)

single stage

single stage

single stage, dual pump

Roughing pump system capacity (m3/h)

100m³/h

100 m3/h

2x100 m³/h

Cryogenic booster pump with Meissner trap

x

x

x

1200 / 3300

1350 / 3640

2200 / 4850

2260 x 1150 x 1310 / 89 x 45 x 52

2260 x 1150 x 1450 / 89 x 45 x 52

1800 x 1900 x 2100 / 70 x 73 x 83

Flip-over

o

o

/

PVD (physical vapour deposition)

x

x

x

CVD (chemical vapour deposition)

/

/

/

Second distribution mask

/

/

x

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

Dome, Flip-over system

Full dome/segment capacity Ø 70

Weight (kg / lbs)

Electron beam gun (number of pockets/kW)

7 / 3kW

10,13 / 5kW

Ion source (kW)

0.4 kW

1 kW

Plasma source (kW) Features

/ all materials, mineral

/

/

Number of vacuum measurement systems Optional heater (kW)

/

4 /

Monitoring by Quartz-crystal/optical

/ single

x 2.6 / o 5.2kW single / dual / 6-fold

LMS connectivity

o

o

o

Manufacturing Execution System

o

o

o

Top loader, Standard coatings

Top loader, High end coatings

High end coatings

Further information Legend: Yes = x, No = /, Optional = o

38

38_SurveysAR.indd 38

MAFO 5-24

30.08.24 15:45

p

Advertisement Bühler Alzenau www.buhlergroup.com

BOXER 1100

SYRUS 1100

/

/

x

x

/

/ all materials, mineral

x

x

x

x

o

o

x

x

/

/

150

150

42

42 4 segments 144 N/A

Turbo pump

Diffusion pump

2x 2050, 3rd o

12000

/

N/A

multi stage

double stage

500 m³/h

300 / 1000 m³/h

x

x

2800 / 6173

3300 / 7275

2000 x 2650 x 2200 / 79 x 104 x 87

2000 x 2900 x 2200 / 79 x 114 x 87

/

/

x

x

/

/

x

x 7,8,10,13 / 5kW 1 kW

/

/

4

4/o

x 2.6 / o 5.2kW

x 2.6 / o 5.2kW

single / dual / 6-fold o

o

o

o

High end and premium coatings, Backside topcoat evaporator (o)

MAFO 5-24

!AZ.indd 12 38_SurveysAR.indd 39

20.08.24 15:45 22:37 30.08.24

MARKET SURVEYS

Bühler Alzenau www.buhlergroup.com

AR coating machines BOXER 1100+

SYRUS 1100+

BOXER 1350

Small labs ( < 100 L/ shift)

/

/

/

Medium sized labs (100 - 3000 L/shift)

x

x

x

Mass production labs ( > 3.000 L/shift)

/

/

x

Technical data

Application

Lens materials AR coating including mirror coating

x

x

PE-CVD

Top coatings (hydrophobic, oleophobic, superhydrophobic)

x

x

x

Top coatings from separate thermal source

o

o

o

In-chamber tinting full color (absorption coating)

x

x

x

Gradient tinting color

o

o

o

Productivity HMC+ Ø 70 (avg. lenses/h) [both sides coated]

150

Process time [both sides coated] (minutes)

42

250 44

Dome/segment number of sectors

4 segments

4 segments / others

Dome, 4 segments, Planetary system

Full dome/segment capacity Ø 70

144

144

252 / 200

Flip-over capacity segment Ø 70

N/A

o

o

High-vacuum pump system type (diffusion pump, tubomolecular pump, etc.)

Turbo pump

Diffusion pump

Turbo pump

High-vacuum pump system capacity (L/s)

2x 2050, 3rd o

12000

2x 4200

Gate valve (in case of turbomolecular pump)

/

N/A

x

Roughing pump system (type / stages)

multi stage

double stage

multi stage

m

Roughing pump system capacity (m3/h)

500 m³/h

various capacity

500 m³/h

5

Cryogenic booster pump with Meissner trap

x

x

x

3000 / 6614

3500 / 7700

4500 / 9900

2000 x 2650 x 2200 / 79 x 104 x 87

2000 x 3900 x 2500 / 79 x 153 x 98

2400 x 3300 x 2500 / 94 x 130 x 98

Flip-over

o

o

o

PVD (physical vapour deposition)

x

x

x

CVD (chemical vapour deposition)

o

o

/

Second distribution mask

x

x

x

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

all materials, mineral x

Further special coatings (please specify)

Weight (kg / lbs)

Electron beam gun (number of pockets/kW) Ion source (kW) Plasma source (kW) Number of vacuum measurement systems Features

Le

Optional heater (kW)

7,8,10,13 / 5kW

10,13 / 5kW

1 kW (o)

1 kW

8kW (o) / others

/

4/o x 2.6 / o 5.2kW

Monitoring by Quartz-crystal/optical

4 x 2.6 / o 5.2, 7.8kW

single / dual / 6-fold / optical

single / dual / 6-fold

LMS connectivity

o

o

Manufacturing Execution System

o

o

Further information

x 2.6 / o 5.2kW

Highly customizable to customer requirements.

High end and premium coatings

o o Top line, Planetary system for highly curved substrates (o), High end coatings

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

40

38_SurveysAR.indd 40

MAFO 5-24

30.08.24 15:45

MARKET SURVEYS

COTEC www.cotec-gmbh.com

Leybold Optics ECS 1350 TMP

Leybold Optics ECS 1350

Leybold Optics MIR 1200

HCS 100P-UH

/

/

/

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

all materials

all materials / mineral

x

/

/

/

all materials, mineral x

ary

ghly nd

Bühler Alzenau www.buhlergroup.com

x

x

x

x

x

o

o

/

x

x

x

x

/

o

o

o

/

250

200 single side coated

400/h

44

75

12 minutes

Dome, 4 segments, Planetary system

Drum

2

252 / 200

296

100

o

o

N/A

100

Turbo pump

Diffusion pump

Turbo pump

/

2x 4200

20000

2x 2050

/

x

N/A

x

single (800 l / min.)

multi stage or double stage

double stage

/

500m³/h or 300/1000m³/h

300 / 1000 m³/h

65 / 505 m³/h

300 / 661

x

x

x

780 x 950 x 1950 / 31 x 38 x 77

2400 x 3300 x 2500 / 94 x 130 x 98

2400 x 3600 x 2500 / 94 x 130 x 98

2700 x 2200 x 2400 / 106 x 87 x 94

o

o

/

x

x

x

x

/

/

/

/

/

x

x

o

/

4500 / 9900

4900 / 10800

10,13 / 5kW

8,10 / 5kW

/

1 kW

glow discharge

/

/

/

x

/

single

/

/

/ 4 x 6kW single / dual / 6-fold

1

o

o

o

x

o

o

o

/

Drum coater for highly curved substrates, For fashion applications

High quality hydrophobic coatings for various surfaces in combination with our DURALON products

Performance line, Planetary system for highly curved substrates (o), High end coatings

MAFO 5-24

38_SurveysAR.indd 41

/

41

30.08.24 15:45

MARKET SURVEYS

OptoTech www.optotech.net/en

AR coating machines Small labs ( < 100 L/ shift)

OAC-25 Plus

OAC-60

OAC-75

x

x

x

x

x

Medium sized labs (100 - 3000 L/shift) Mass production labs ( > 3.000 L/shift) Application

Lens materials AR coating including mirror coating

all materials/mineral x

x

Further special coatings (please specify) Top coatings (hydrophobic, oleophobic, superhydrophobic)

x

anti fog x

x

Top coatings from separate thermal source In-chamber tinting full color (absorption coating)

x

x

70

70

Gradient tinting color Productivity HMC+ Ø 70 (avg. lenses/h) [both sides coated]

Technical data

Process time [both sides coated] (minutes)

50

Dome/segment number of sectors

1

1

3

Full dome/segment capacity Ø 70

14

34

60

Flip-over capacity segment Ø 70

8

High-vacuum pump system type (diffusion pump, tubomolecular pump, etc.)

Turbo

High-vacuum pump system capacity (L/s)

2300 L/s

Gate valve (in case of turbomolecular pump) Roughing pump system (type / stages) Roughing pump system capacity (m3/h) Cryogenic booster pump with Meissner trap Weight (kg / lbs)

Process

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

o

x

x

895 / 1974

1345 / 2966

1650 / 3638

700 x 1600 x 1950 mm / 28x63x77 in

800 x 1720 x 2000 mm / 32x68x79 in

1000 x 1998 x 2070 mm / 40x79x82 in

x

x

Flip-over

x

PVD (physical vapour deposition)

x

CVD (chemical vapour deposition) Second distribution mask Electron beam gun (number of pockets/kW) Ion source (kW)

3 Kw

6 Kw

1,6 Kw

3,2 Kw

Features

Plasma source (kW) Number of vacuum measurement systems Optional heater (kW) Monitoring by Quartz-crystal/optical

3 x single

x

x single / multiple

LMS connectivity Manufacturing Execution System

Sp

Further information Legend: Yes = x, No = /, Optional = o

42

38_SurveysAR.indd 42

MAFO 5-24

30.08.24 15:45

/

MARKET SURVEYS

OptoTech www.optotech.net/en

OAC-75 SP

OAC-90

x

x

OAC-140 Fast

OAC-140SP

x

x

all materials/mineral anti fog, mirror gradient

anti fog

anti fog, mirror gradient

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

80

50

60

80

4

3

6

6

40/60

90 - 110

240

168 / 240

Turbo

Diffusion

2300 L/s

20000 L/s

x

x

x

x

2700 / 5953

2160

4800 / 10583

4920 / 10847

1520 x 3200 x 2200 mm / 60x126x87 in

1500 x 2400 x 2400 mm / 60 x 94,5 x 94,5 in

2350 x 3550 x 2340 mm / 93x140x92 in

2350 x 3550 x 2340 mm / 93x140x92

x

x

x

x

x

x

2x 6 KW

6 Kw

2x 6 Kw

3,2 Kw 4

3

4

4

x

x

x

x

single / double / multiple

Special Version: Gradient and mirror gradient possible

MAFO 5-24

38_SurveysAR.indd 43

single / multiple

single / double / multiple

Special Version: Gradient and mirror gradient possible

43

30.08.24 15:45

MARKET SURVEYS

Quantum Innovations

Satisloh

www.qtmi.net

www.satisloh.com/ophthalmic

AR coating machines Fusion M

1500-X

1200-DLX-2

x

x

Small labs ( < 100 L/ shift) Medium sized labs (100 - 3000 L/shift)

140 lenses per shift

Technical data

Application

Mass production labs ( > 3.000 L/shift) Lens materials

any

All organic materials and mineral glass

AR coating including mirror coating

all

x

x

On request

Anti-Fog, Protect-Blue, Protect UV, Protect Complete, Premium Drive, Protect Infrared, In-chamber tinting

x

x

Top coatings from separate thermal source

x

x

In-chamber tinting full color (absorption coating)

/

x

Gradient tinting color

/

x

Further special coatings (please specify) Top coatings (hydrophobic, oleophobic, superhydrophobic)

Superhydrophobic/Oleophobic

Productivity HMC+ Ø 70 (avg. lenses/h) [both sides coated]

18

246

219

Process time [both sides coated] (minutes)

3.15 minutes

30 (single-side)

23 (single-side)

Dome/segment number of sectors

6, 7

6

Full dome/segment capacity Ø 70

305/246

209/168

Flip-over capacity segment Ø 70

/

120

Diffusion pump

Diffusion pump

30000 l/s

20000 l/s

/

o

High-vacuum pump system type (diffusion pump, tubomolecular pump, etc.)

Diffusion Pump

High-vacuum pump system capacity (L/s) Gate valve (in case of turbomolecular pump)

Vat Valve

Roughing pump system (type / stages)

root + rotary double stage

Roughing pump system capacity (m3/h)

2030 m3/h

Cryogenic booster pump with Meissner trap Weight (kg / lbs)

3900 kg / 8598 lb

3637 kg / 8018 lb

64 x 45 x 72 inches

2384 x 3295 x 2765 mm / 94 x 130 x 109 inches

2171 x 3145 x 2440 mm / 85.5 x 123.8 x 96 inches

/

x

x

x

CVD (chemical vapour deposition)

/

/

Second distribution mask

/

/

Flip-over PVD (physical vapour deposition)

PVD

Electron beam gun (number of pockets/kW)

6 / 6kW

Ion source (kW) Plasma source (kW) Features

x

1500 lbs

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

x

0,9 Sputter

/

Number of vacuum measurement systems Optional heater (kW)

18

Monitoring by Quartz-crystal/optical LMS connectivity

22 Double Crystal Quartz Head

x

Manufacturing Execution System Further information

/ 3

Inline thin film coating system, coating 1 lens at a time

x

x

x

x Remote Service available

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

44

38_SurveysAR.indd 44

MAFO 5-24

30.08.24 15:45

Ant P

UV, rive, nting

/

MARKET SURVEYS

Satisloh www.satisloh.com/ophthalmic

900-TLX

MC-380-X-2

x

x

MC-280-X x

All organic materials and mineral glass x

x

x

Antistatic Broadband AR - Ultimate-2, Premium, Protect-Blue, Protect UV, Protect Complete.

Dichroic mirror, & Metallic Mirror

Anti-Fog, Protect-Blue, Protect UV, Protect Complete, Premium Drive and Protect Infrared

Anti-Fog, Protect-Blue, Protect UV, Protect Complete, Premium Drive

x

x

x

x

x

x

/

x

/

/

x

/

129

68

27

23 (single-side)

26 (single-side)

30 (single-side)

3

3

3

99

74/60

30/27

/

42

14

Turbo pump Mag. Lev.

Turbo pump

3050 l/s N2

1900 l/s N2

x

1250 l/s N2

/

/

root + rotary double stage

rotary double stage

2030 m3/h x

65m3/h x

x

2675 kg / 5897 lb

1453 kg / 3203 lb

1150 kg / 2535 lb

1824 x 2585 x 2304 mm / 72 x 102 x 91 inches

1609 x 2157 x 2195 mm / 64 x 85 x 87 inches

1453 x 1481 x 2124 mm / 57 x 58 x 84 inches

/

x

x

x

x

x

/

/

/

/

/

/

6 / 6kW

8 / 6kW

0,9

0,3

/

/

/

9

5

3 6

2

Double Crystal Quartz Head

Single Crystal Quartz Head

x

x

x

x

x

x

Remote Service available

MAFO 5-24

38_SurveysAR.indd 45

45

30.08.24 15:45

MARKET SURVEYS

Schneider www.schneider-om.com

AR coating machines EBC 600

EBC 900

Small labs ( < 100 L/ shift)

x

x

Medium sized labs (100 - 3000 L/shift)

x

x

Mass production labs ( > 3.000 L/shift)

x

Application

Lens materials AR coating including mirror coating

all materials / mineral x

x

Further special coatings (please specify) Top coatings (hydrophobic, oleophobic, superhydrophobic)

x

x

x

Top coatings from separate thermal source

x

x

x

In-chamber tinting full color (absorption coating)

x

x

x

Gradient tinting color

/

/

/

Productivity HMC+ Ø 70 (avg. lenses/h) [both sides coated]

36

82

205

Technical data

70

Dome/segment number of sectors

1

3

5

Full dome/segment capacity Ø 70

42

96

240

Flip-over capacity segment Ø 70

/

72

140

High-vacuum pump system type (diffusion pump, tubomolecular pump, etc.)

Magnetic turbo pump

Magnetic turbo pump single or double TMP

Magnetic turbo pump double TMP

High-vacuum pump system capacity (L/s)

-2200

-4300

-8600

Gate valve (in case of turbomolecular pump)

x

x

x

Roughing pump system (type / stages)

rotary vane pump (double stage)

rotary vane pump (single stage)

rotary vane pump (single stage) + roots (optional)

Roughing pump system capacity (m3/h)

65 m3/h

300 m3/h

300 m3/h / 1000 m3/h (optional)

Cryogenic booster pump with Meissner trap

x

x

x

Weight (kg / lbs)

1250 kg

1800 kg

5050 kg

1572 x 1100 x 2700 / 62 x 46 x 82

1863 x 1937 x 2027 / 73 x 63 x 85

2741 x 1700 x 2640 / 108 x 98 x 104

Flip-over

x

x

x

PVD (physical vapour deposition)

x

x

x

CVD (chemical vapour deposition)

/

/

/

Second distribution mask

x

x

x

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

x

antifog

Process time [both sides coated] (minutes)

Electron beam gun (number of pockets/kW) Ion source (kW) Plasma source (kW) Features

EBC 1400

12 / 3 kW 0,2 kW / 0,4 kW /

Number of vacuum measurement systems Optional heater (kW)

12 / 6 kW 0,4 kW / 1 kW /

2/3 x (2 kW)

Monitoring by Quartz-crystal/optical

1 kW / 4/5

x (4,8,12 kW)

x (4,8,12,16 kW)

quarz, single or double

LMS connectivity

x

x

x

Manufacturing Execution System

x

x

x

Further information Legend: Yes = x, No = /, Optional = o

46

38_SurveysAR.indd 46

MAFO 5-24

30.08.24 15:45

!AZ.indd 5

13.08.24 13:17

Suppliers Guide Here you will find an overview of various suppliers for ophthalmic optics materials, equipment and machines. ▶ cleaning and hard coating equipment

▶ lenses

▶ coating equipment

▶ machinery – automation, control & packaging

▶ crystals

▶ machinery – lens edging & industrial edging

▶ laser engraving & printing

▶ software

▶ lens surfacing machinery

▶ surfacing and finishing consumables

For further information please contact Pauline Möller: pauline.moeller@mafo-optics.com

Cleaning and hard coating equipment

Coating equipment

Bühler Alzenau GmbH

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

optics@fisa.com

www.fisa.com

Hard coating ad:

Crystals 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

Cleaning ad:

optimal-technologies.com

HARD COATING CLEANING

HARD COAT LEADER

TINTING CONSUMABLES EXPERTISE

271 rue Laszlo Biro Archparc FR-74160 Archamps Phone : +33 (0) 450 820 720 Email : office1@scl-intl.com scl-intl.com

World leaders in Ultrasonic Cleaning Machines prior to lens coating

UV Curable Hard Coat Adhesion On All Lenses Tintable Non-Solvent Based AR Coating Compatible Sales, Distributors Wanted Shipping Worldwide www.hcoating.com sales@hcoating.com

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

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

Full range available for any lens volume Expert advice on your application

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

48

48_SG.indd 48

www.optimal-technologies.com

MAFO 5-24

30.08.24 15:41

Suppliers Guide Laser engraving & printing

Lens surfacing machinery

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

ing.com

www.ophthalmic-mark

X-Cube Lens Digital Printer

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

Enjoy: • unlimited designs • digi-speed process

Choose your frame colour

www.tecofrance.com

White

Blue

Cyan

Yellow

Red

Purple

info@tecofrance.com

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

Lens surfacing machinery

Lenses

!AZ.indd 9

30.11.20 12:42

Machinery - Automation, Control & Packaging Lens Quality Control Automation Process Control Services & Solutions Optical Machinery. Processing Technology.

OptoTech Optikmaschinen GmbH

!AZ.indd 2 Sandusweg 2-4 • 35435 Wettenberg/Germany Tel.: + 49 641 49939-0 eMail: info.de@optotech.net Web: www.optotech.net

MAFO 5-24

48_SG.indd 49

20.08.24 22:21 BELGIUM - THAILAND - USA - LATIN AMERICA

www.ar.be

49

30.08.24 15:41

Suppliers Guide MAFO_AD 88 x 40 mm_Bleed 3mm

Machinery - lens edging & industrial edging

Surfacing and finishing consumables

GENERATING POLISHING EDGING

Combination of dynamic ideas and stable performance provides superb Lens Edging www.nidek.com info@nidek.co.jp

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

Software

Surfacing and finishing consumables YOUR ULTRA PRECISION

Your lens design and innovation experts

Diamond Tools Manufacturer

> Excellent service and quick turnaround

IOT exists to empower independent labs and ECPs to create the best lenses in the world.

> Compliant with any generator

kydiamond.ca sales @ kydiamond.ca

Media TECHNOLOGY AT IT’S BEST – FOR OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY

The Lab Management System Company LensWare International GmbH Robert-Bosch-Str. 32 63225 Langen - Germany

OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY

HOME OF YOUR BUSINESS

Phone : +49 6103 / 372 87 87 Email : info@lensware.de Web : www.lensware.de

E L P M

SG_Eyepress.indd 1

30.01.20 16:41

incl. presence in the MAFO online ­Suppliers Guide

SA

1 module (88 x 40 mm) per year with company logo 4c = € 990 p.a.

!AZ.indd 3

Contact: pauline.moeller@mafo-optics.com

Find out more: !AZ.indd 3

50

48_SG.indd 50

mafo-optics.com MAFO 5-24

30.08.24 15:41

HARD COAT

CLEAning

TinTing

PERiPHERALs COnsumAbLEs

ExPERTisE

Technique. Safety. Expertise.

HigH-tecH Hard coating for mass production

CDS 2000 The fully automated high-volume CDS-2000 includes everything you have ever dreamed of: separate zones for cleaning and hard coating, avoiding humidity. It meets all requirements of clean room classifications (ISO 6). Two robots, handling the racks, shorten cycle times, ensuring higher throughput. In- and out- conveyors and buffers contribute to less contamination in the process zones. The hard coater features automatic detergent, alcohol and varnish refilling. Process steps are stable and continuous. It is easy to maintain and a remote connection to SCL ensures fast diagnosis & support. Sustainability and optimized water and energy consumption round off the portfolio of machine benefits.

www.scl-intl.com

!AZ.indd 7 3

HARD COAT LEADER

08.12.21 03.08.24 16:28 10:21

HISTORY

Universal genius of modern times Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin achieved worldwide fame as one of the founding fathers of the United States. But in addition to his political achievements, Franklin was also a scientist and inventor in heart and soul. Since practical use was always his top priority, he invented several things in the course of his life that still benefit mankind today: from the first bifocal glasses, lightning rods, swim fins and the prototype of the desk chair. By Hanna Diewald Benjamin Franklin.

T

he future statesman Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston

for distance vision and the lower part for near vision. To do this, he is

on January 17, 1706, as the son of a soap boilermaker.

said to have simply cut two lenses in two and then put them back

Benjamin Franklin had many siblings, and all of them had

together with the different powers. His invention revolutionized optics

to help out in his parents' business.

and significantly improved the quality of life for many people. It is the

Benjamins wide-ranging interests and talents became apparent at an

basis of today's bifocals and, subsequently, varifocals.

early age. At the age of eleven, the keen swimmer invented a pair of

Optically, today's Franklin lens is similar to an executive lens. However,

swim fins. His first version consisted of oval wooden planks that he

the two types of lenses differ in that executive lenses are already cast,

held in his hands to give him extra thrust in the water.

whereas Franklin lenses are made from two lens blanks.

At the age of 17, he moved away from his hometown of Boston to Philadelphia, where he founded a printing company a few years later and shortly

When Franklin was portrayed by the artist Charles Willson Peale in

afterwards obtained the rights to the “Pennsylvania-Gazette” newspaper.

1785, he wore his new spectacles with recognizable pride. They also served him well in his last historic act, the drafting of the United States

Electricity made visible

Constitution in his native Philadelphia. When this work was created

In 1747, he wrote about electricity experiments for the first time and

in 1787/88, Franklin was the elder statesman among the fathers of the

thus took the first step towards one of his most important inventions

Constitution.

to date: the lightning rod.

This was based on the idea that Franklin wanted to prove that lightning

Various inventions

was not a punishment from heaven (a common assumption at the

In addition to these achievements, Franklin invented many more

time), but rather electricity that had become visible. The experiment

things. For example, he mounted castors under a chair to make it easier

succeeded and the first lightning rod was born.

to navigate through the library and thus created a prototype of the desk chair.

The Franklin glass

He also became famous for inventing the glass harmonica, a musical

Although less well known, his invention of the so-called Franklin lenses,

instrument consisting of glass pistons of different sizes, from which

the forerunner of bifocal glasses, is no less important. After the signing

sounds could be elicited that a later age would probably have described

of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the Congress sent him to

as psychedelic.

France to gain support for the War of Independence against England.

10 years after the invention of the Franklin spectacles, Benjamin

It was during this time that he is said to have come up with the idea of

Franklin died on April 17, 1790 at the proud age of 84. Incidentally,

the Franklin lenses.

the quote: “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy,

At the proud age of 74, the presbyopic Franklin designed a pair of

and wise”, is also said to go back to him. Just one sentence among many

glasses with two different lens strengths in one lens. The upper part

52

52_Pionier_Benjamin_Franklin.indd 52

important that make Franklin unforgettable. ◆

MAFO 5-24

30.08.24 14:42

OUTLOOK

Spiral-shaped lens provides clear vision at different distances Researchers have developed a spiral-shaped lens that maintains clear focus at different distances in varying light conditions. Its spiraling features are arranged in a way that creates many separate points of focus — much like having multiple lenses in one.

The new lens works much like progressive lenses used for vision correction but without the distortions typically seen with those lenses. It could help advance contact lens technologies, intraocular implants for cataracts and miniaturized imaging systems. “Unlike existing multifocal lenses, our lens performs well under a wide range of light conditions and maintains multifocality regardless of the size of the pupil,” said Bertrand Simon from Photonics, Numerical and Nanosciences Laboratory (LP2N). “For potential implant users or people with age-related farsightedness, it could provide consistently clear vision, potentially revolutionizing ophthalmology.

In future, the research should focus on optimizing the design parameters and to enhance performance across various apertures and focal zones.

Special topics in MAFO 2024

MAFO 01

MAFO 03

MAFO 05

Future Lab

Lab Management

Go Digital!

Smart Technologies

Go Green!

Markets Worldwide

MAFO 02

MAFO 04

MAFO 06

Preview MAFO 06/2024 The upcoming MAFO issue 06/2024, published on 11th November, is about Markets Worldwide. We will take a look at different ophthalmic optics markets around the world. Furthermore, you will find follow-up reports from the most important trade fairs Vision Expo West in Las Vegas and Silmo in Paris and MAFO presents the lectures and speakers of the upcoming MAFO-The Conference 2025. Do not forget to save-the date for this exclusive event for the ophthalmic industry: MAFO - The Conference takes place on 07th February 2025, one day before Mido in Milan.

MAFO 5-24

53_Outlook.indd 53

53

28.08.24 12:58

Missed an issue?

No problem, view the latest issues online: app.mafo-optics.com ISSN 1614-1598 66527 Volume 20

ISSN 1614-1598 66527 Volume 20

OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY Connect, discover, stay up-to-date

4/2024 ▶ Special topic: Go Green!

OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY

UNMATCHED THROUGHPUT, EXCELLENT QUALITY

2/2024 ▶ Special topic: Smart Technologies What labs need to be successful in the future

First eyewear sustainability certification program

Connect, discover, stay up-to-date

Significant cost savings

Highest throughput

▶ Business

CCP m dulo

Spin hard coating machines

Risk management strategic and structured

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.

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.

Silmo Paris 2023 ▶ Market Survey

Mido 2024: “We feel responsible to make culture!”

STEP INTO THE FUTURE WITH DIGITAL JOB TICKETS

Lens printing Laser engraving systems

▶ Spotlight

This paperless and innovative digital solution converts traditional printed job tickets into a reusable and dynamic format allowing labs to update job information on the fly while retaining all the advantages of visual data.

DYNAMIC

SCALABLE

SUSTAINABLE

COST-EFFECTIVE

Instant visibility into real-time job status to make efficient decisions.

Risk-free, step-by-step implementation as your needs grow.

Reusing E-Ticket Tags, significantly reduces paper & ink waste.

Reduces lab operating expenses

Ray-Ban Meta glasses: What can they do, and what not?

Unboxing any kind of box

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

www.schneider-om.com

$

17.06.2024 07:42:42 05.07.24 13:36

01_Titel.indd 1

Witness what happens when unmatched lens generator performance - ultra-fast milling, voice coil technology & auto-calibration - meets the power of AI in the new VFT-orbit-2i. With the seamless integration of Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, we´re revolutionizing ease with advanced diagnostics and predictive maintenance.

With DBX Modulo ONE, SCHNEIDER debuts a powerful and fully automated new lens deboxer for high throughput, 24/7. The innovative technology unpacks all common kinds of boxes and materials – cardboard, blisters, even sleeves – damage-free with a clean process. It requires a minimum of energy and effort.

Cleaning machinery

VFT-ORBIT-2i MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE MEETS AI

Environmentally friendly

DBX m dulo

▶ Market Survey

After swiftly identifying the type of box, DBX Modulo ONE opens it “naturally”: It unfolds, takes out and unwraps, entirely without touching the lens surface.

SCHNEIDER‘s eco-friendly process avoids cutting or burning the material using sharp blades or high energy lasers – no cutting particles or dust and no fumes.

All waste material is separated and collected individually to simplify recycling and further increase sustainability.

DBX Modulo ONE follows SCHNEIDER‘s vision to provide the full solution for ophthalmic labs, from warehousing all the way to inline coating and beyond.

Contact us to learn how the E-Ticket System can streamline your operations!

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

RZ_AZ_CCP_modulo_ONE_MAFO_07-2022_160x225_4c_engl_D.indd 1

A breath of future at VEW 2023

▶ Interview

$

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.

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

Overcoming the gas age ▶ Live on site

Smart Glasses: a visit to the open house at Bühler

Industrial edger

Lights out polishing

Chat GPT and other AI´s -‒ a new language for the industry

▶ Live on site

▶ Market Surveys

TRULY SMART LENS GENERATING

▶ Technology

Prismatic lenses for visually impaired people

Opti - a successful start to the new optical year

Dip hard coating machines

Lens production going digital

Additive manufactured optical coatings

Mido 2024 ‒ back in force

What makes a good pair of golf glasses – and what does not

▶ Special topic: Go Digital!

▶ Technology

Great atmosphere at this year's MAFO – The Conference

“Always stretching the limits!” ‒ 20 years of Quest Vision Care Specialty Lab

6/2023

Digitalization and the Internet of Things

▶ Live on site

Lens edge coating

01_Titel.indd 1

▶ Special topic: Future Lab

AR and MR devices as the next computing platform

▶ Spotlight

OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY Connect, discover, stay up-to-date

THE NATURAL WAY OF DEBOXING

1/2024

E-TICKET SYSTEM BETTER THAN PAPER!

Adaptive smart glasses for future?

Good vision for everyone ▶ Technology

ISSN 1614-1598 66527 Volume 19

OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY

Connect, discover, stay up-to-date

The A to Z of sustainability

▶ Market Surveys

ISSN 1614-1598 66527 Volume 20

SMART

CONNECTED

INTEGRATED

Minimizes unexpected breakdowns due to AI powered predictive maintenance

Delivers diagnostic data to best analyze performance and identify issues

MES-360 Lite included to establish KPIs & track machine utilization, throughput, errors

Contact us for more details on VFT-orbit-2i!

Ophthalmic lens production fully-automated and entirely hands-free.

$

SEE IT LIVE AT MIDO // 03. – 05. February 2024 // Hall 6 // Booth T32 Eyepress Fachmedien GmbH Saarner Str. 151 45479 Muelheim a. d. Ruhr 66527 Germany

satisloh.com

$ 26.02.24 15:19

01_Titel.indd 1

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

www.schneider-om.com

RZ_AZ_DBX_modulo_ONE_2_MAFO_12-2023_160x225_4c_engl_D.indd 2

14.12.2023 14:29:41 22.12.23 09:53

satisloh.com

01_Titel.indd 1

03.11.23 09:12

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 Pauline Möller Tel.: +49-208-306683-24 E-mail: pauline.moeller@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. 20, valid from January 01, 2024 Publication schedule 6 issues 2024: 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.6: seventyfourimages, P.16: Getty Images, P.30: fizkes, P.52: Archivist, P.53: Getty Images /stock.adobe.com /unsplash.com /envato.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

54

54_Masthead.indd 54

MAFO 5-24

29.08.24 17:05

FREEFORM DESIGNS

A NEW DESIGN’S GEOMETRY

ARYA AI lenses offer superior vision quality and comfort.

The AI technology reduces peripheral aberations providing extreme clear vision.

A new design’s geometry make the lens soft in the power and cylinder transitions and offers very wide functional zones.

sales@procreatech.com !AZ.indd 4

03.08.24 12:44

UNRIVALED CAPACITY & PRODUCTIVITY

900-TLX MID-SIZED AR BOX COATER Satisloh’s 900-TLX AR box coater produces up to 129 lenses/hour. Utilizing a revolutionary new sector dome design with adaptive rings, the 900-TLX achieves the most efficient result in capacity and productivity for mid-size coaters. The turbo pump keeps energy consumption low while its intuitive design, software and serviceability are user-friendly.

INNOVATIVE

EFFICIENT

SUSTAINABLE

Sector dome design with adaptive rings can accommodate different sector types at once

Produces up to 129 lenses/ hour. Lowest costs per lenses per hour

Turbo pump keeps energy consumption low, higher productivity & short process time

Visit us at Silmo 2024 – 20th to 23rd September, hall 6 – booth no. J157 satisloh.com

!AZ.indd 9

19.08.24 16:56