2012 Free Form Lens Handbook - Luzerne Optical Laboratories

THE 2012FREE-FORM RMHANDBOOO KFor more information contactLuzerne Optical Laboratories, LTD at 1-800-233-9637or on the web at www.LuzerneOptical.comSPONSORED BY THE FREE-FORM REVOLUTION Supplement to VCPN, August 2012

FULLY PERSONALIZEDLENSES FOR ANY LIFESTYLE.Autograph II ® is Shamir’s fully personalizedFreeform ® line of progressive and singlevision products, designed based on eachpatient’s specific visual requirements andlifestyle. Shamir’s line of Autograph II ®lenses consists of five lifestyle designs andvirtually eliminates unwanted astigmatism,swim and peripheral distortions providingmaximized fields of vision.LIFESTYLE DESIGNS/ FITTING HEIGHTSAutograph II ®FH: 11mm, 13mm, 15mm, 18mmAutograph II - Office FH: 16mmAutograph II - Attitude FH: 15mm, 18mmAutograph II - Single Vision Autograph II - Single Vision Attitude For more information contactLuzerne Optical Laboratories, LTD at 1-800-233-9637or on the web at www.LuzerneOptical.com

SEIKO Patented 100% Back Surface Free-Form Design• Reverse power accommodation technology offers the highest level of optical performance• Superior to single-vision and no-line bifocal lenses for computer and desktop use• Available in all materials including 1.74 high index and Transitions ® lenses• Software tool available to select optional configurationsCustomer Service: 800-235-5367www.seikoeyewear.com

4 2012 FREE-FORM HANDBOOK MEASUREMENTSDigital measuring instruments are the latest tools to ensure a proper lens fit.BY SHARON LEONARD, LDO, ABOC-AC, FCLSAEVERYeyecare professional (ECP)knows that accurate PD measurements andsegment heights are necessary for a successfulprogressive addition lens (PAL) fit,but the bar has been set a bit higher bytoday’s free-form designed and surfacedlenses. The power-compensated accuracyof these lens designs (1/100 D) can only beachieved by precise parameters beyond theusual two and include face-form tilt (wrap),pantoscopic tilt, and vertex distance. If youdon’t take these measurements, you will notbe doing justice to the lens design.How can you take these measurementsaccurately? The latest high-tech way ofdoing that is with digital measuring instruments.Most of these devices also do awhole lot more like frame selection assistance,lens demos, and more. So bye-byemarking pen, welcome to digital measuring!THE PROBLEMLenses have been getting way more sophisticated,especially free-form PALs, whilethe devices used to fit them properly to thepatient have not advanced at all in the last30 years or so. Anyone can take these criti-LIFE AFTERTHE PDRULERcal measurements with tools that opticianslove to hate. For example, vertex distancecan be measured with a distometer (thatinstrument you will have to dust off sincethe last time you dispensed a Welsh 4 Drop)or a PD ruler. And pantoscopic/retroscopictilt can be measured with a protractor. Wrapangle is a bit more difficult, but you can doit with a PD ruler and a protractor laidagainst the top of the frame.Convincing a patient that they shouldpurchase the latest in advanced opticaltechnology is followed in most cases by afitting using a Sharpie ® marker and a plasticPD ruler. Not only is this system laden witherrors, it is completely incongruous withthe lenses you’ve just sold.Electronic measuring is the new frontierfor lenses. Using a number of techniques,digital measuring devices are emerging thattake all of the measurements you’ll need,often with the click of a button once theframe is properly positioned and the patientis properly aligned. This makes taking thesemeasurements a snap. Most of the instrumentsthat perform digital measurementshave a lot more features. They often functionas eyewear selection and informationstations that will become a wonderful assistantfor dispensing opticians. While digitalmeasuring is a critical part of these devices,they provide a lot more value for the officethat uses one.THE DIGITAL REVOLUTIONWhy do you need these extra measurements?For starters, the latest technology indigital lens design includes compensatedsurface geometry designed to minimizeaberrations like marginal astigmatism andcoma. Also taken into account is frameshape and size, patient head posture, monocularPDs, segment heights, pantoscopic A TECHNICAL PARTNERSHIPPFO Global and VSP Optics Grouphave been in technical collaborationfor the past year on developing digitallens fitting and dispensing technologyfor eyecare professionals to use ontablet or mobile computers such as theApple iPad. Together, the companieshave jointly applied for patents on thetechnology. VSP Optics Group has alsosigned an agreement with PFO Globalfor the exclusive distribution rights to thetechnology.

MEASUREMENTS6 2012 FREE-FORM HANDBOOKAn Optikamunit functionsas a measuringdevice,and also actsas an electroniceyewearfittingand selectionsystem.tilt, vertex distance, and frame wrap angle.These measurements (known as positionof-wearor POW) will help to maximize thevisual benefits of the Rx.Every lens that has power delivers thatpower at a specified position before the eye.At the time of the refraction, the refractionplaces lenses in front of the patient’s eyes tocorrect her vision. These lenses sit at a certaindistance from the wearer’s eyes andthey have a vertical and horizontal orientation(usually zero pantoscopic and faceform/wraptilt). At the time of dispensing,the lenses’ position and horizontal and verticalorientation is usually different fromwhat it was during the refraction. This altersthe effective power of the lenses for thepatient. This effect happens to all lensesthat have power but becomes noticeable tothe patient with stronger lens powers andgreater changes in tilt.Modern premium PALs compensate forthis problem by adjusting the lens prescriptionsfor these effective power errors. This iswhy digital measuring instruments are poppingup in optical offices all over the country.OPTIKAMThe Optikam unit functions as a measuringdevice, and also acts as an electronic eyewearfitting and selection system. Using adevice the company calls an E-Y Stickattached to the frame, the unit aligns withthe patient so that a single picture canobtain monocular near and distance PDs,segment heights, tilt angles, and vertexdistance. Those are the measurements necessaryfor the most advanced free-form lensdesigns. The company claims accuracy to0.1mm too. Optikam is available in a desktopand kiosk version so dispensers canchoose the one that works best for theirenvironment. Optikam has recently added anew multi-station functionality that allowsthe user to view and edit the measurementprofiles from any PC or iPad located on thesame network.VISIOFFICEEssilor of America, Inc.’s measuring andeyewear demonstration system, theVisioffice ® System, is powered by ActivisuSolutions and its measuring accuracy isimpressive. While the instrument isdesigned as a universal eyewear selectionand measuring system for any lens, it is a“must have” for some of Essilor’s moreadvanced designs like the eyecode series.For example, Visioffice indicates the eyerotation center along with the wearer’s naturalhead posture and eye scanning behavior.It also measures monocular fittingheights, monocular PDs, frame wrap, vertexdistance, pantoscopic tilt, and framedimensions. Measurements are accurate towithin 0.1 o for angles and 0.1mm for distances.The system can be mounted on acolumn or used on a desktop unit. It is alsoADA compliant.SMART CENTRATION E-COLUMNCheck out the Smart Centration E-columnfrom A.B.S., Inc. This video system capturesreal-time images of the patient wearingthe frame. There is no keyboard orDIGITAL MEASURING DEVICES ARE EMERGING thattake all of the measurements you’ll need, often withthe click of a button.mouse to use; instead, it features an easyto-usetouch screen. Like most of theseinstruments, it also functions as an eyewearselection assistant. With a measuring templateplaced on the frame, measurementsare taken using three auto-focus high-definitioncameras. This digital image providesall the information needed for nearly allfree-form lenses including monocular PDs,wrap, pantoscopic tilt, vertex distance, binocularPD, reading distance, frame parameters,and segment heights. The unit can beadjusted, so it works well for ADA compliance.It’s also fun for kids since they areused to video devices and usually don’t likepupilometers or PD rulers.LOOK AT ME!From Look @ Me Kiosks (an eyewearselection system) comes with TruPD; asystem that uses 3-dimensional video sothat the dispenser can measure framedimensions, segment height, wrap angle,and pantoscopic tilt. These images can beused for ordering many of the advancedfree-form lenses currently dispensed.According to the company, measurementsare accurate to 0.5mm. The unit can beadjusted for height and has a short learningThe unique facial recognition system ofthe SmartEyePix from PFO Global takesall necessary measurements for accuratefitting of the lenses.

Accurate PD measurements and segment heights arenecessary for a PAL fit, but the BAR HAS BEEN SETHIGHER by today’s free-form designed lenses.curve. The workstation can be located anywhereon a network; all you will need is anInternet connection.I.TERMINALThe i.Terminal from Carl Zeiss VisionInc. offers fitting measurements, eyewearselection, lens demos, and more. For measuring,the system uses a digital camera thattakes front and side images of the patientwearing the frame. It uses a laser speckletarget to ensure that the patient maintainsproper distance fixation while the photo istaken and the system automatically compensatesfor head turning. Software processesthe information and monocular PDs,fitting heights, pantoscopic tilt, vertex distance,and frame wrap are recorded, all toReal-timeimages of thepatient wearingthe frame canbe capturedon the SmartCentrationE-column videosystem fromA.B.S., Inc.an accuracy of 0.1mm/0.1 o . As an eyewearselection aid, the i.Terminal also demonstratesto a patient what their eyewear willlook like with an anti-reflective treatment,photochromic lenses, tints, and otheroptions. The i.Terminal is available in afloor model or one that handily fits on adesktop.SMARTEYEPIXThe SmartEyePix by PFO Global has multiplepersonalities and three major functions.The first is used for assisting in eyewearor contact lens colors selection. Thesecond measures eyewear fitting parameters.The third function is a fulfillment systemthat takes care of the ordering process.When fitting lenses, the unique facial recognitionsystem of the SmartEyePix takesall necessary measurements for accuratefitting of the lenses, including monocularnear and distance PDs, vertex distance,pantoscopic tilt, wrap angle, and framemeasurements from a single image withoutthe need for the patient to be fitted with anawkward template.HOYA VISION SPECTANGLEThe Hoya Vision “Spectangle” is an appthat can take multiple fitting measurements,including the most critical ones used fortheir free-form lenses. The measurementscan be taken with an iPhone, iTouch, or theiPad2. If you are using an earlier version ofthe iPad, you can import the images usingthe attached camera input. The iPad familyuses a high megapixel camera to take themeasuring photos, with the zoom functionfor accuracy.Hoya’s MyStyle iDentifier interactivelyquestions patients to indicate the lensdesign that’s uniquely ideal for them. TheSpectangle provides critical measurementsthe MyStyle iDentifier needs to create thepersonalized lens. These measurementsinclude the wearer’s pantoscopic and faceform angles, segment height, PDs, and vertexdistance. It also records the patient’slifestyle requirements such as their interests,choices, and visual needs. Data can beLook @ Me Kiosks come with a system thatuses 3-dimensional video so the dispensercan measure frame dimensions, segmentheight, wrap angle, and pantoscopic tilt.used immediately or e-mailed to the officeand reviewed at a more convenient time.The Spectangle app fee covers up to fivedevices so every dispensing station in theoffice can be equipped with it.The unique experience of personalizinga lens for a patient by using digital lensmeasurements can be more time consumingthan the typical PAL fitting process forthe beginning user of one of these devices.Once they learn the system, the amount ofdifference will be negligible, especiallysince the overall benefits far outweigh theextra steps involved. ßSharon Leonard is a licensed opticianand contact lens practitioner in theSyracuse, NY, area.APPTITUDE FOR APPS With theproliferation in users of iPad and iPhonedevices, some companies have developed“apps” that will take measurementsfor you. They are portable multitaskerswith small “footprints” that caneasily fit in with the dispensing environment.They usually use an iPad, iPhone,or Android device. Take a look at someof them and keep in mind that this typeof APPlication is a growing field, soexpect to see many more in the future!MEASUREMENTS2012 FREE-FORM HANDBOOK 7

SALES TIPSHOW DOCTORS SHOULD PROMOTEFREE-FORM LENSESFree-form lens designs can differentiate a doctor’s practice from the crowd.8 2012 FREE-FORM HANDBOOKBY JILL J. LUEBBERT, CPOT, ABOCPRESCRIBINGfrom the chairhas long been a preferred method usedto increase optical sales. At no time hasthis been as true as it is now with freeformlenses. Doctors have not always beencomfortable “selling.” How do they avoidselling and recommend instead? Severaldoctors from widely different practices andcommunity sizes have their methods downto a science yet all have a commonalityof wanting their patients to have the bestvision possible when they fill their updatedprescription. These doctors not only talk thetalk; they walk the walk.WHERE TO STARTPlacing the majority of patients in freeformlenses is accomplished when thedoctor is convinced that free-form lensesare the best lens option. Most optometristsbelieve that their strength and experienceis in eye health and vision assessment andsales should be an assistant or opticianresponsibility. Tom Gosling, OD, Littleton,CO, however, thinks that the doctor has aresponsibility to research how these lenseswork first to best understand all the benefitsthey can bring visually to patients, and thenget staff to do the same thing. He also feelsthat free-form lenses position the practiceproperly. The key is that the doctor mustbelieve in the technology.IN THE CHAIRHow does the doctor decide which patientwould be the best candidate for a freeformlens? Interestingly, the answer wasconsistent with all of the doctors—everypatient. Jeff Oakland, OD, Sioux Falls,SD, mentioned that he strives to avoidprejudging the patient’s financial situation.He feels patients deserve to knowwhat options they have to achieve the bestvision. The last thing he wants is to haveFree-form lens designscan take your patientsFROM A GOOD LENSEXPERIENCE TO AWOW ONE.a patient walk into his office, uneducatedabout free-form lenses, go elsewhere andhear about free-form lenses and then think,“Man, why didn’t that other doctor tell meabout this?” All the doctors interviewedagreed that wearing free-form lenses andsharing their experiences about improvedvision and comfort play a key role in establishingthe credibility of the recommendation.Ultimately, the patient will make thedecision. However, when the doctor doesthe educating, the patient sees a greaterimportance to the information. “If the BE WOWED! Free-form optics is not just for progressive addition lenses. Your patient wearing single vision lenses can be wow’d with thistechnology also. Lens aberrations from high cylinders and oblique astigmatism do not have to be accepted any longer. Free-form lenses canreduce the visual disturbances caused by issues such as marginal astigmatism and other unwanted aberrations in single vision prescriptions.Now your patients can achieve a higher level of visual clarity and comfort by using single vision free-form lenses.

Your Premier Laboratory forIn-House DigitalFreeform Progressive LensesLUZERNE OPTICAL PROVIDES THE KNOWLEDGE ANDCUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY IN DIGITAL FREE-FORM TOHELP EYECARE PROFESSIONALS OFFER THEIR PATIENTSTHE VERY BEST EYEWEAR ALONG WITH PRACTICE PROFITS.As one of the largest optical laboratories of free-form in the UnitedStates, Luzerne provides lens designsfrom every major manufacturer in thedigital free-form category. Luzerneproduces all of the leading qualitybrands of AR treatments in-house tocompliment its free-form lenses forexceptional vision. Luzerne Opticalproduces all of the leading digitalfree-form lenses from Shamir, Seiko,Essilor, Zeiss, Hoya and others.- SPECIAL for NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY -Mention Code ‘050’ on your first Digital Freeform order and receive a FREE In-House AR Coating!!!Crizal ® • Teflon ® • Zeiss PureCoat • EVC1-800-233-9637www.LuzerneOptical.com7/12/12 • D/Ads/2012 FreeForm AD.indd

SALES TIPSPlacing the majority of patients in free-form lensesis accomplished WHEN THE DOCTOR IS CONVINCEDTHAT FREE-FORM LENSES are the best lens option.doctor recommends it, then it must be whatI should have.”SHARED VISIONDavid Hettler, OD, Alexandria, VA,believes the team approach to promotingfree-form lenses is a very effective wayto educate patients. He and his supportteam take an enthusiastic approach to freeformlens technology and work togetherto promote the benefits of these lensesthroughout the examination and lens selectionprocesses.For starters, Dr. Hettler has been wearingfree-form lenses for a number of years. Hispersonal experience with the visual benefitsof free-form lenses makes discussing thema very simple step. Because of this, hisrecommendation of free-form lenses hasa profound impact on his patients. Due tothe fact that he is knowledgeable about thelenses he prescribes, patients get useful andauthoritative answers to their questions. Thepatients are handed a brochure highlightingthe visual benefits as they are transitionedfrom the doctor to the skilled optician toreinforce what was shared by the doctor.Enthusiasm about the design continuesfrom support team members who also havefirsthand experience with wearing freeformlenses. They are also knowledgeableabout these lenses and skillfully handlequestions patients ask, while reinforcingthe doctor’s recommendation. The seamlessflow continues to send the messagethat the practice is united in its convictionthat free-form lenses are the best correctivetechnology for their spectacle prescription.REALIZED VISIONThe optical dispensing business has aplethora of competition. The store downthe street running the “Two-for-One Sale”and the convenience of online Web sitesentice even the most devoted patients toat least check them out. Free-form lensdesigns offer you the opportunity to setyour practice apart from the crowd. JohnMarshall, OD, Chapel Hill, NC, explainedthat he found offering free-form lensdesigns to all of his patients has beengood for his business. He feels confidentthat his patients are getting the best visualclarity and comfort from their lenses. Dr.Marshall adds that his optical office reportsa substantial decrease in non-adapt issuesrelated to progressive addition lens fits.Therefore, revenues have increased andhis patients are much happier with the“extreme sharpness” in their vision. Happypatients are great to have!TECH FOR TECH“Start the excitement about free-formlenses and keep the excitement going,” isthe philosophy used by Greg Hicks, OD,Sandusky, OH. Dr. Hicks and his supportteam share their excitement by using technologyto promote the high-tech free-formlenses. Dr. Hick’s practice uses their Website, Facebook page, YouTube, flat-screentelevisions, and a variety of videos to dothis. The IT venue shares the informationto a broad community. The in-office videoson flat screens continue the state-of-the- artmessage. You can get the image and videoresources you need from companies likeAugen Optics, HOYA VISION CARE,North America, Seiko Optical Products ofAmerica, Inc., and Shamir Insight Inc., sodon’t overlook those opportunities.Conversation and personal testimonialsabout the benefits of increased vision andcomfort continues with each member ofthe team the patient encounters during theexamination and lens selection process. Inthe optical dispensary, the lens selectionprocess is enhanced with the use of anelectronic lens measuring system, whichreinforces the high-tech aspect of theselenses (see “Life after the PD Ruler,” page4). This technology is also used to selectframes, lens materials, and options.You can get the image and video resourcesyou need from a company like Shamir.Free-form lens designs can differentiateyour practice from the crowd. It can takeyour patients from a good lens experienceto a wow one. These doctors of optometryhave jumped onboard and have the proofthat making free-form lens design the recommendeddesign is a win for everyone. ßJill Luebbert is a certified paraoptometricand optician practicing in northeastNebraska.10 2012 FREE-FORM HANDBOOKSOPHISTICATED EQUIPMENT The sophistication of free-form lenses takes special equipmentthat is beyond the scope of most small offices. The equipment utilizes software thathelps free-form generators craft the custom designs with power accuracy up to 0.01D formany of these lenses. Labs like Central Optical, Luzerne Optical Laboratories Ltd., ExpertOptics, Inc., Rite-Style Optical Co., and US Optical (and others) have all made the significantfinancial investment in this kind of equipment and know how to produce top-qualityprogressive and single vision free-form lenses. Take a look at the free-form surfacing equipmentoffered by equipment manufacturers like Coburn Technologies, Inc. and you’ll see howsophisticated this equipment is.The LaunchPad is a disposable free-form lens processing technology that is part ofCoburn’s Free-Form Mini-Lab.

PROCESSINGA GOODFREE-FORM LABIS YOUR FRIENDHaving a good free-form lab to help you do your work can be areal asset; here are seven things to consider when looking for theideal lab partner.12 2012 FREE-FORM HANDBOOKBY JOY L. GIBB, ABOCLET’S SAYyou’re a sharp andcapable eyecare professional (ECP) whohas a terrific understanding of free-formlenses and why they are better for yourpatients. Let’s also assume that you’re wellversed in explaining the benefits to yourpatients, but what if the lenses are not properlyprocessed by your lab? Your wearersmay be disappointed with the expectationsyou gave them.This is one reason why you need a goodfree-form lab. A good lab can also provideyou with technical support, training, andprograms to boost your profits. The followingseven reasons show why you need agood free-form lab.1. EXPERIENCECan you recall the first time you measureda pupillary distance? I’m sure you questionedif the ruler was in the right place orif the patient was looking at the right spot.As you became more experienced, yourconfidence and accuracy improved.Creating free-form lenses is also a talentthat becomes better and more refined thelonger you do it. Finding a lab that has solidexperience in crafting these advanced lensesmeans they will know the ins and outs ofprocessing them to perfection, giving yougreater confidence in the final product.You will also want to know that a lab iscertified by the manufacturer to processfree-form lenses. Many manufacturersrequire labs to make hundreds of lenses thatare then sent for verification. This processhelps ensure the outcome of high qualitylenses for every job.2. CUSTOMER SERVICEAn excellent free-form lab will also haveexcellent customer service. Accounts shouldbe able to talk with a capable person aboutthe status of their jobs and to get answers totechnical and product availability questionslike measurements specific to certain lenses,materials, and power availability, updatesin lens designs, fitting measurements, andmore. Good customer service also meansthat the folks at the other end of the phoneare cheerful, considerate, and genuinelycare about your office’s success. A freeformlab that’s good at customer service isa highly valuable asset to an ECP’s office.3. SELECTIONOne lens design isn’t always going to bethe best option for every customer so havingchoices is good for an ECP. SavvyECPs know that working with one or twolabs is your best financial bet becauseyou’ll be able to obtain the maximum discountsyour volume can attract. But inorder to work with one or two labs, WELL WORTH A VISIT Visiting alab can be one of the most worthwhileexperiences you can have as an ECP.To see the process of a job from beginningto end will give you a better understandingof what exactly goes into makinga pair of glasses, how complicatedand precise the whole process is, andhow delays may happen. It can alsogive you an opportunity to meet face-tofacewith the customer service reps youwill be talking to on a daily basis. If youhaven’t taken the time to visit your labyet, you should.

PROCESSINGthose labs will need to provide you with awide selection of lens products so thatyou’ll always be able to find the lens thatis right for you and your patients. Forexample, with products like Augen Optics’Trinity and HDRX Trinity, HOYA VISIONCARE, North America’s idMyStyle andSummit ecp iQ, Seiko Optical Products ofAmerica Inc.’s Succeed and Supercede,and Shamir Insight Inc.’s Autograph II andSpectrum lenses. Labs that have skimpyofferings limit your choices, which in turnlimit the professional services you canoffer to your patients.Labs that areequipped with thelatest equipment,in-house antireflectivecoatingcapabilities, andan experiencedstaff quite oftenequate to quickerturnaround timefor your jobs.14 2012 FREE-FORM HANDBOOK4. EQUIPMENTEquipment to fabricate free-form lenses is asignificant investment and quite a monetarycommitment by a lab. Even so, producingthe latest free-form equipment requires thelatest equipment driven by the latest software,otherwise the lab’s lens outcomes willfall short of the top results you expect. Topnotchlabs have the latest equipment likethe Premier Lab line from CoburnTechnologies Inc. and keep it current byupdating the software as soon as revisionsare available.5. KNOWLEDGEAn essential element at a good free-formlab is a knowledgeable staff. This meansthat lab personnel understand optics andknow how to apply it to ophthalmic lenses.When lens manufacturers introduce a newlens they will typically go to the labs totrain the staff about all the features andbenefits of the new product. This ongoinglearning is essential to a lab in order for itto keep its competitive edge.In addition to being well versed in thefeatures and benefits of free-form lenses,A free-form lab suchas Luzerne will haveseen the concernsyou have and willoffer solutions toease the frustrationsfrom you and yourpatientslab reps can also be of invaluable help totroubleshoot a job that is giving a patienttrouble or isn’t performing the way you(and they) anticipated. You may only seeone troublesome job every once in a while,but good free-form labs likeLuzerne Optical Laboratories Ltd., hearfrom many offices so they have a breadth ofexperience in troubleshooting due to theirvast database of accounts. In most cases,they will have seen the concerns you haveand will offer suggestions for solutions,easing frustrations from you and yourpatients.6. TURNAROUND TIMELabs that are equipped with the latestequipment, in-house anti-reflective coatingcapabilities, and an experienced staff quiteoften equate to quicker turnaround time foryour jobs. Just because a job is more technicallyadvanced does not mean it has totake longer than a traditional job. If yourcustomers suspect this to be the case, thenthey will be pleasantly surprised with theturnaround time you can offer. Being quickdoesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality ortechnology.7. OPTIONSSometimes you will encounter a patientwho wants the benefits of a free-form lens,but simply cannot afford the top-of-the-linelens you would prefer to fit them with.Many labs with the latest free-form surfacingequipment can produce their own lineof lenses known as “private label” lenses.While not an essential aspect of a goodfree-form lab, private label lenses createoptions. These lenses still maintain a highlevel of quality and features, but are availableat less cost to you. That means you canoffer a free-form lens value option withouthurting your profitability. While ECPsstrive to sell every patient the best options,it is more important to give them the bestvision possible within their budgets asopposed to sending them out of the dispensarywithout any eyewear.Finding a good free-form lab may takesome research and effort, but the payoff isworth it. Lab personnel not only make youlook good with your patients, but they canalso be one of the best allies you have inyour dispensing corner. ßJoy L. Gibb is the owner of Eyes of JoyMobile Optical in Woods Cross, UT.

16 2012 FREE-FORM HANDBOOK LENSESWith so many free-form designs now available, you’ll need to choosecarefully those that suit your patients’ profiles.BY ED DE GENNARO, MED, ABOMOVER FOURyears ago, therewere more than 100 free-form progressivelens designs on the market. Since then, theoptical industry has worked hard to introducea blizzard of new and improved designsso that there are so many, the average eyecare professional (ECP) can become dazedwhen trying to consider which ones to use.With all this choice, how can you decide?RESEARCHAs with the purchase of any new product, youhave to do your research. My opinion is thatthe best place to start is with the manufacturers’representatives. No one discusses a productbetter than the company that manufacturersit. Lens reps are trained to explain thefeatures and benefits of their products the waytheir company wants you to hear it. Whilethat information might be highly biased, youwill want to know this stuff to understandTHE BEST PLACE TO STARTRESEARCHING LENSES iswith the manufacturers’representatives.For more information contactLuzerne Optical Laboratories, LTD at 1-800-233-9637or on the web at www.LuzerneOptical.comHOW TO CHOOSE AFREE-FORMLENSwhat the creator of the product says it can do.PATIENTS’ NEEDSHow can you decide what lens featuresyour patients need if you don’t know all thefeatures available? Once you’ve researchedthe lenses, look at your patient’s records toassess what you feel he needs in the wayof lens designs and features. Does yourpractice have a lot of seniors who need highadds and more intermediate than near? Isit a young population with a lot of singlevision needs and emerging presbyopes whorequire little intermediate help, wide reading,and distance zones? Do you needactive lifestyle lenses for sports enthusiastslike boaters, golfers, and anglers?Be sure to ask your staff about the lifestyleneeds they feel patients have, and ifyou have doctors in your office, ask themas well. People who work with spectaclepatients everyday have a keen sense of whatis required. The more you research lifestyleneeds, the more precise your criteria will be.An inventory of features can get long sowrite down what’s important. When you’redone, you’ll want to prioritize the list soyou know what’s the most important andwhat’s the least important. This will guideyou as you compare lenses, prices, options,and availability.MAKING THE DECISIONWith the lens information you obtainedfrom your research, and the lifestyle needsinformation you created from your patients’records, you’re ready to make preliminarychoices. Simply correlate your list ofdesired features against the claims of thelens companies. For example, you mightneed a good sports progressive for activeseniors or a progressive that’s well suitedfor desk and computer work.WEARER TRIALSOnce you’ve chosen a few lenses, you’llneed to trial them. That’s because theonly way to really know if a lens worksin your practice is to test it. I suggest fitting10 patients with the lens you’d like totest and assess its success by calling thepatients about two weeks after the fittingto get their insights. Do this with each lensyou’re considering. This research will helpyou understand what the lenses can andcannot do.No amount of technical data or lensplots can do this for you. With the resultsof your wearer trials, then choose thelenses that fit your practice’s criteria. ßEd De Gennaro is Director, ProfessionalContent of First Vision Media Group.

GLOSSARY20 2012 FREE-FORM HANDBOOKdetailed instructions are input into a computersystem that then guides robotic arms,servo motors, and a host of other mechanicalthings to create precise work.FREE-FORM GENERATOR:A multiple-axis machine that produces adesign on a lens surface with CNC instructionsfrom software. Free-form generatorsare actually lathes utilizing a “single-point”diamond cutting tool. As the lens blankspins, a single point diamond cutter passesalong its surface like a record needle, distinctlycarving each point into the lens. Thisallows for a more refined design than traditionalsurfacing generators to a muchsmoother surface, requiring less fining andpolishing, than traditional surfacing whichroughly grinds a lens with a broad surface.SOFT POLISHER:A tool made of foam or similar substancethat polishes free-form surfaced lenses afterthe design has been cut into it by a freeformgenerator. Because the free-form lensdesign is so precise, special care must betaken during the polishing process not toalter the design. Luckily, free-form generatorsare so accurate that a heavy-handedpolishing method is not needed. Traditionalsurfacing uses hard tools, sandpaper (finingpads), polishing pads soaked with a compoundto polish lenses to 0.12D or 0.10Dincrements. This would destroy the 0.01Daccuracy of free-form lenses. The free-formprocess uses foam polishers that are softerand more pliable, which is possible becauseof the vastly improved surface quality providedfrom a free-form- generator.POINT FILE:A software file that translates the lensdesign into a ‘language’ that describes, inmathematical terms, the directions to a 3+axis generator to cut the optimal curve forthousands of points on a particular lenssurface. The point file is the key in directingthe free-form surfacing equipment.POSITION OF WEAR:The placement and orientation of the lensrelative to the wearer’s eye allowing formore precise optical calculations. Thisincludes pantoscopic tilt, face form/wrap,and vertex distance. Standard spectacleprescriptions are typically determinedassuming an average for those measurementswhich can compromise the optics byinducing unwanted astigmatism or alteringthe perceived power. Free-form softwarecompensates the lens design based on lensplacement and orientation, thereby maintaininga patient’s optimal prescriptionregardless of frame fit.COMPENSATED RX:A prescription compensated by free-formdesign that takes into account position-ofwearmeasurements. This recalculated Rx isslightly different in power from the writtenRx, but it assures that the wearer experiencesthe intended prescription. Whencompleting a free-form lens job, the labwill usually send a card or slip showingboth the written and compensated prescriptionsfor neutralizing purposes.HIGHER-ORDER ABERRATIONS (HOAS):Focusing errors that are more complex thanmyopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Theseaberrations (such as coma and trefoil) manifestthemselves as peripheral errors and arenot measured in traditional refractiveexams. HOAs can degrade visual quality,especially in low-light conditions when thepupil is enlarged. The most advanced freeformlens designs work in conjunction witha system that tests for HOAs and calculatessurface designs to address them. While aspectacle lens prescription cannot correctHOAs, it can be optimized to minimizetheir effects.LENS OPTIMIZATION:A design philosophy that attempts to minimizelens aberrations so that every wearerobtains the same design advantage. In traditionaldesign, lenses of different powersand with different base curves have differentdegrees of aberrations. Optimized freeformlenses attempt to keep aberrationdegrees the same across a range of prescriptions.Position-of-wear measurementsare necessary to achieve optimal design.LENS CUSTOMIZATION:Lenses that anticipate wearer needs andaddress them. For example, some customizedlenses have intermediate corridorswith variable insets and lengths to correctfor prism induced by the prescription.Some have several fitting heights or variablefitting heights in 0.1mm increments.LENS PERSONALIZATION:These are lenses that have been tailored inone or more ways so that they become asuniquely perfect for the wearer as possible.Personalization can be accomplished usingwavefront measurements, eye rotation data,eye-movement/head-movement measurements,and wearer lifestyle information inaddition to fitting parameters and Rx.DIGITAL FITTING MEASUREMENTS:These are done with a device that takesprecise position-of-wear measurementsand, often, additional biometric measurementsthat influence the lens design. Theseelectronic systems measure PD, fittingheight, pantoscopic tilt, wrap, and vertexdistance along with other fitting parametersmore exactly than handheld mechanicaldevices. In addition, some of these aidsassess wavefront data, eye-rotation center,and other factors that lead to truly personalizedlenses.PRIVATE-LABEL LENSES:These are house-brand lenses. Becausefree-form lenses can be produced by labs oroptical retailers that have free-form equipment,some are producing their own housebrandfree-form lenses using software providedby the major-brand software vendors.This approach has been growing in popularitybecause it allows labs and retailers topresent their own free-form lenses as a lessexpensive alternative to major-label freeformlenses as well as to have a lens thatpatients cannot buy elsewhere.VARIABLE CORRIDOR:A progressive with a corridor that lengthensor shortens based on the B measurementof the frame in which it will beinserted. Some free-form lenses adapt toindividual frame heights as opposed to havinga fixed corridor length. ßKate Jacobs is a licensed optician at theoptical shop at Scheie Eye Institute at theUniversity of Pennsylvania.