100% Optical

Showstoppers

100% Optical 2022 was awash with new product launches across the board. We round-up some of the highlights from NEG’s preferred suppliers...

Associated Optical spotlighted the Acunis FL-421 filter lenses from Eschenbach Optik: a rose-coloured lens that targets migrainerelated photophobia. The lenses reduce the transmission of the wavelength range at around 484nm, which is perceived as particularly unpleasant in migraine-related photophobia.

By concentrating on the wavelength range around 484nm, adaptation to ambient conditions can also be prevented meaning the eyes are less dazzled when glasses are removed, especially indoors, than is the case with normal sunglass lenses. The lenses are available with UV protection and in three tint levels – 25 per cent, 50 per cent and 75 per cent. Clip-ons and various styles are available, or the lenses can be inserted into any spectacle frame.

The team from Bausch + Lomb was on hand to offer trials of its new Ultra One Day silicone hydrogel contact lens. The lens features a next generation contact lens material called kalifilcon A, and the company’s Advanced MoistureSeal Technology, which is said to deliver a highly wettable surface and excellent breathability for long-lasting and healthy lens wear.

BIB Ophthalmic Instruments celebrated the UK launch of the new CrystalVue NFC-600 fully automated fundus camera. Featuring a one-touch operation with 3D auto-tracking, the NFC-600 offers a 45˚ field of view with moveable fixation, high resolution (12 million pixel sensor) imaging, a widefield montage facility, and cup:disc ratio measurements. It can be portable or positioned on a desktop.

CentroStyle focused on the sustainability message, and discussed with visitors to its stand a new bespoke printing service in Italy.

Charmant showcased its complete portfolio of eyewear, including the high profile Minamoto collection. Extra celebrations took place following news that the eyewear line had recently won an

The new CrystalVue NFC-600 fully automated fundus camera

iF Design Award in the Product category. Minamoto eyeglasses are ‘thoroughly Japanese’, unlike products that capitalise on ‘Japan’ for marketing purposes, said the company.

Amongst the eyewear collections on the Continental Eyewear stand were the new X-Eyes Lite collection and eco-brand, Cameo Sustain. Completely made from rPET (recycled PolyEthelyne Terephthalate), each frame in the 13-piece Cameo Sustain collection is named after a natural element such as Glacier, Mountain and Waterfall.

The new X-Eyes Lite collection is a bright, colourful range of titanium and acetate eyewear featuring 21 models in up to three colourways. A variety of modern and classic styles provide a thinner, premium look – whilst the titanium

Acunis lenses for migraine-related photophobia

material ensures maximum durability and lightness, as well as being hypoallergenic.

TOOLS AND SUSTAINABILITY EssilorLuxottica shared a joint stand to showcase frames, lenses and instruments. Essilor Instruments launched two new digital slit lamp adapters designed to perform a complete dry eye assessment and eye photography. The DSLC200 and the DEM100 can be used on any slit lamp to transform it into a comprehensive, industry recognised dry eye assessment. The DEM100 takes a complete tear film automated digital analysis with multiple tests, while the DSLC200 slit lamp imaging system provides high quality images and videos of the eye.

Essilor Instruments also launched the Activa Home Eye Mask by SBM Sistemi, which uses heated automatic massage technology, can be rented to patients and offered as an in-practice treatment. Visitors also heard about Essilor’s Expert Myopia Care solution, composed of its Myopia Expert 700 providing precise axial length measurement accurate to 27μm, combined with corneal topography, and its digital solution Essibox Myopia Care

offering a convenient workflow from myopia interview to recommendations and handover.

Eyespace unveiled more than 200 new releases across its award-winning ecoportfolio and flagship collections. Range Rover Eyewear showcased new styles made from high-performance Japanese beta titanium and premium Mazzucchelli acetate, while Land Rover Eyewear premiered a new phase of sustainable styles developed using a combination of G850 Rnew – a GMO-free material derived sustainably from castor seed oil featuring recycled stainless steel components.

Also catching visitors’ eyes was responsible luxury brand, Aspinal of London, the first Eyespace brand to advance the use of Econyl. Composed of 100 per cent recycled content, Econyl can be re-moulded and infinitely recycled without losing quality. It is incorporated alongside wood-pulp bio-acetates and sustainably sourced leather accents for the Aspinal of London offering.

Eyespace also introduced a new capsule collection, including a sustainable bioacetate selection from Cocoa Mint, and new sustainable Basebox styles as part of the Slimology offering. There were also six new Rock Star children’s models made from recycled sea-bottle plastic.

Eyewear Direct drew visitors to its stand to see, amongst other brands, its new Relyks collection. Inspired by Britain’s global reputation for outstanding design and craftsmanship, Relyks Optical combines the very best in British creativity, quality and timeless style, says the company.

“What sets the range apart from its peers is the attention to detail given on premium features including rivet hinges, patterned cores, and branded metal end caps,” said Eyewear Direct managing director, Brett Waugh.

The British theme continues into the naming of the initial launch of 20 acetate and titanium frames with each named after a great British legend, for example, Camelot. Arthur, Lancelot, Guinevere, Excalibur. A second release of premium wooden frames with adjustable acetate temple tips has been named after the myth that was Robin Hood. Six styles will be available, each in two colours.

Heidelberg Engineering highlighted the recent announcement that its Spectralis Shifty technology is now available for sale in EU markets. Spectralis with Shift technology is the first commercially available OCT that allows clinicians to switch between 20, 85 and 125kHz A-scan rates – three OCT scan speeds to find the ideal balance of image quality and clinical workflow. Users can choose the most suitable OCT and OCTA scan speed for each individual patient, increasing efficiency and optimising workflows in daily routines in practices and clinics.

The Performance Finance team caught up with practitioners to discuss its wide range of flexible finance packages that “really helps an optician’s dream become reality”. “Introducing new equipment not only helps differentiate a practice, it can also generate an impressive return on investment,” said managing director, Stuart Burn. “We look forward to seeing you all again at the next show and continuing to help your business thrive.”

EYES ARE THE STORY Positive Impact (PI) launched two new contact lenses: NaturalVue 1-Day Enhanced Multifocal with TripleTear Lubrication technology, and SynergEyes iD, described as a breakthrough in hybrid contact lens technology for astigmats and astigmatic presbyopes. CE markapproved for presbyopia and myopia control, VTI’s NaturalVue utilises a unique, patented design with a rapidly increasing, highly aspheric power curve that creates extended depth of focus (EDOF) through a ‘virtual aperture’. SynergEyes iD lenses are individually designed utilising K-readings, horizontal visible iris diameter (HVID) and refraction. The multifocal option is powered by the Brien Holden Vision Institute EDOF design.

Also new at the show from Positive Impact was the world’s first optocosmetics brand, Eyes Are The Story. Clinically tested and validated, the Eyes Are The Story formulas are specifically created for dry eye, contact lens wearers and for those with sensitive eyes. Founded by Amy Gallant Sullivan, executive director and cocreator of the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society, the range includes mini mascaras, eyeliners, facial cleanser, eyelid towelettes and eye serum.

PI managing director, Nick Atkins, said: “We are delighted that this unique range will be exclusively available in the UK through Positive Impact from June. Coupled with Purifeyes, a propriety eyelid hygiene spray that maintains lash health, Eyes Are The Story products are a must addition for an eye-safe beauty routine.”

A talking point on the Théa UK stand was Zaspray, an innovative new three-inone solution designed to deliver longlasting symptom relief from itchy, dry eyes, especially when caused by allergy. The easy-to-use soothing spray is 100 per cent preservative free, and helps to restore tear film stability, keeping the eyes surface hydrated and lubricated. It delivers a fine mist in a precise measured dose and is designed as an alternative for those who struggle using drops.

Théa also highlighted the Blepha EyeBag, the newest addition to its bestselling Blepha eyelid care range. A simple and effective treatment for a range of eye conditions including meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, stye, chalazion and dry eye disease, the Blepha EyeBag has been shown to relieve the symptoms of these conditions including grittiness, tiredness, redness, dryness, and eye irritation, after only 14 days of use.

Summing up the buzz at the show, event director, Nathan Garnett, said: “100% Optical was a phenomenal hit. Having postponed the event twice, it was amazing to see we managed to match our 2020 attendance level. We had three days of catching up on lost time from a sector that has really missed meeting face-to-face”.

Save the date for 100% Optical 2023 taking place from 25-27 February at ExCeL London. ■

New British brand, Relyks