MAFO 03/2025

ISSN 1614-1598 66527

Volume 21

OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY

Connect, discover,

stay up-to-date

3/2025

▶ Special:

Sustainable

Environments

“Supporting talent –

regardless of if they

are men or women“

First German-

Chinese school

for optometrists in

China established

ECO-FRIENDLY DEBOXING AT

UNMATCHED SPEED

▶ Technology

Dry tinting technology

▶ Live on Site

A visit at the

EssilorLuxottica lens

production facility

w

▶ History

50 years of

developments

in ophthalmic

lenses | part 2

▶ Business

How fear prevents

confidence and

success

Highly

versatile

DBX m

Environmentally

friendly

dulo

Highest

throughput

With DBX Modulo ONE, SCHNEIDER debuts a powerful and fully automated lens

deboxer for high throughput, 24/7. The innovative technology unpacks not just

one kind but a wide range of boxes – perforated or not, with or without blisters –

with a clean process. Designed for high efficiency and throughput, it deboxes

two lenses at a time.

In line with today‘s market trends, it has been specifically optimized for more

eco-friendly cardboard solutions and supports this new standard. It requires a

minimum of energy to open the boxes, making it a highly sustainable deboxer.

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

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.

Eyepress Fachmedien GmbH

Saarner Str. 151

45479 Mülheim a. d. Ruhr

66527

Germany

www.schneider-om.com

LETTER

Bucking the trend

Sustainability issues currently have

no lobby. The economic situation is

too precarious. The future is too

uncertain. But just because no one

is talking about it anymore doesn't mean the

challenges will disappear.

Recently, the OWA has also become active in

Europe. In an interview, MAFO spoke to a

woman in charge about the hurdles women

still face today, why good mentors are worth

their weight in gold, and what role men play

in the empowerment of women.

Hanna Diewald

Chief editor

Tell us your opinion,

ideas and suggestions:

hanna.diewald@mafo-optics.com

The focus of this issue is Sustainable

Environments. For this focus, we would

particularly like to dispel the assumption that

sustainability is only about ecology. Because

the term sustainability encompasses much

more than that.

The United Nations has set 17 sustainable

development goals (SDGs) in the 2030 Agenda.

These goals deal with combating poverty and

hunger, access to clean water, gender equality,

and educational opportunities for all, for

example.

However, the goals also include many topics

that are also intended to strengthen the

economy. The promotion of innovation, for

example, or the improvement of infrastructure.

The most important goals relevant to the optical

industry can be found on pages 10 and 11.

The idea behind sustainability goals is therefore

more about ensuring that everyone benefits

from equal opportunities, prosperity, and

sustainable environments with room for development.

Projects that promote such sustainable

ideas can take many different forms.

The Optical Women's Association (OWA), for

example, is an organization that contributes

in a certain way to a sustainable environment.

More precisely to SDG 5| Gender equality.

Another interview in this issue can be assigned

to both SDG 4| Quality education and SDG

17| Partnerships for the goals. It is about the

first German-Chinese school for ophthalmic

optics in China. A lesson in how international

cooperation promotes intercultural projects

and high-quality education.

Unfortunately, however, there are also many

negative examples that stand in the way of

fulfilling the 2030 Agenda, such as the customs

conflict. Because SDG 8| Decent work and

economic growth requires stable structures

that benefit the economy.

By the way, MAFO reports on all current

developments relating to tariffs on the website

mafo-optics.com in order to ensure that the

topic is kept up to date.

Seen from this perspective, the sustainability

goals are perhaps even more relevant today

than ever before and not necessarily against

the trend.

And working towards achieving the goals is

possible on both a small and large scale, also

for the optical industry.

Because there is still a lot to do in so many

ways. Providing all people worldwide with

adequate vision care, for example, especially

those in low-income countries, is just one

example.

MAFO 3-25 3

MAY / JUNE 2025

Content

Topics in this edition

MAFO issue

May / June

2025

Page 16

Page 12

Page 30

At a glance

6

All about you

News from the international ophthalmic industry

7

All about markets

Data in graphics

8

All about products

Innovations and products for your lab

39

Survey

Generators

46

Suppliers Guide

Overview of companies in the spectacle

lens industry

49

Outlook

Closing with good news and preview

on MAFO 04/2025

Technology

12


By Koji Abe

Interview

22

Special topic: Sustainable Environments

“Supporting talent – regardless

of if they are men or women“

An interview with Nancy Gries (OWA)

26


The first German-Chinese school

for optometrists in China

An interview with Fritz Paßmann

Live on site

16

A visit at the EssilorLuxottica

production lens facility in

Braunschweig

By Hanna Diewald and Silke Sage

Spotlight

10


Five sustainability goals

By Hanna Diewald

Business

30

Fear – how it prevents

confidence and success

By Oliver Schumacher

History

34

50 years of developments in

ophthalmic lenses | part 2

By Dr. Mo Jalie

MAFO 3-25 5

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

All about you

News from the international ophthalmic industry

Michael Vitale receives 2025 Good Fellow Award

At this year´s Lab Leadership Forum , that

took place in Dallas on April 24 and 25,

participants awaited a robust agenda

designed to spark collaboration and advance

leadership in the industry. Attendees

engaged in dynamic discussions, attended

expert-led sessions, and participated in

curated networking experiences aimed at

strengthening the industry’s collective

Michael Vitale at the Lab impact. A standout highlight of the event

Leadership Forum. Picture:

was the presentation of the 2025 Good

The Vision Council events

Fellow Award to Michael Vitale, Vice

President of Membership, Government Relations & Technical Affairs

at The Vision Council. Selected unanimously by his peers, Vitale was

honored for his long-standing dedication, leadership, and advocacy on

behalf of the optical community.

F.l.t.r.: Shek Fung, Delon

Cheng, Ismael El Fadli

Rodriguez (A&R), Manuel

Weber (A&R). Picture: A&R

A&R announced collaboration

with NEO Optix

A&R officially appointed NEO Optix Ltd.

as the exclusive sales representative in

China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The

collaboration has been in place since

January 1, 2025. The collaboration should

facilitate a smooth connection with the

local sales team. The company stated,

“Thanks to a better understanding of

your needs in terms of lens inspection,

we will be able to propose you the ideal

solution to meet your requirements. Located with an engineer team

in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, Delon and his team hold strong emphasis

on understanding the daily challenges you may face, as well as how

best to put technical knowledge of A&R products at use.” With NEO’s

local presence, A&R aims to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction

thanks to a close partnership as well as direct and smooth communication.

NEO’s team is gladly available to assist with any inquiries regarding

the products/services and to facilitate the business relationship.

OptoTech Appoints Mark Hollmann as new

SBA Manager Ophthalmic

OptoTech announced a key leadership

transition within its Strategic Business

Area (SBA) Ophthalmic. Effective

April 1, 2025, Mark Hollmann has been

appointed as the new VP SBA Ophthalmic.

With over two decades of

experience in the ophthalmic industry,

Mark brings a wealth of knowledge

and leadership expertise to the role.

Mark Hollmann, VB SBA His proven track record in driving

Ophthalmic

innovation, enhancing customer relationships,

and fostering global growth makes him ideally suited to

lead OptoTech’s ophthalmic division into its next phase of development.

In his new position, Mark will work closely with OptoTech’s

customers and partners to build on the strong foundation of collaboration

and success that defines the SBA Ophthalmic.

Satisloh announces leadership appointments

Satisloh, a global leader in ophthalmic

lens manufacturing solutions,

announced new leadership

roles within their Application

1

2

Engineering and Product Management

teams. Hannes Philipp has

taken over as Head of Global

Application Engineering, bringing

3

4

extensive experience from his

1) Hannes Philipp. 2) Jan Lückel. previous roles at Satisloh. Jan

3) Marcello Poté. 4) Steffen Bechthold.

Pictures: Satisloh

Lückel has assumed the role of

Head of Global Product Management

Ophthalmic, leveraging his rich background in technical service

and product management. Marcello Poté will transition to the Product

Management team, focusing on hard coating and cleaning technologies.

Steffen Bechthold will lead the Satisloh Group Academy and PM

Service, aiming to enhance global service processes and customer

satisfaction.

You have news for the ophthalmic industry? Submit your press releases to:

hanna.diewald@mafo-optics.com

6

MAFO 3-25

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

All about markets

Graphical data

One eye

condition

2.2 billion

Statistically, everyone, if they live

long enough, will experience at

least one eye condition in

their lifetime.

Source: World Health Organization

Globally, at least 2.2 billion people

have a near or distance vision impairment.

In at least 1 billion of

these, vision impairment could

have been prevented or is

36%

yet to be addressed.

It is estimated that globally only


36% of people with a distance vision

impairment and only 17% of people

with vision impairment due to cataract

have received access to an

appropriate intervention.


Low- and middle-income regions

High-income regions

Unaddressed distance vision

impairment in many low- and

middle-income regions is 4x higher

than in high-income regions.

Data source: World Health Organization

MAFO 3-25 7

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

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All about products

Innovations and working materials for your lab

100% Swiss Made:

Advanced Top Coating for Premium Anti-Reflective Lenses

Optiswiss presents CLEEN, a next-generation top coating developed to optimize

surface smoothness and cleanliness of ophthalmic lenses. By refining key coating

parameters, this innovative layer significantly reduces surface roughness, resulting

in perceptibly smoother lenses that stay visibly cleaner for longer. In addition

to its superhydrophobic, oleophobic, and antistatic properties, CLEEN ensures

maximum cleaning efficiency and effortless handling. When paired with the

premium coatings Optiplas Dual+UV and Optiplas O+, wearers benefit from a

consistently comfortable visual experience throughout the entire day. Available

as of the end of May 2025 – and 100% Made in Switzerland. www.optiswiss.com

The Finnish start-up IXI plans to launch

the first autofocus glasses

IXI, the Finnish startup transforming eyewear for the design-conscious

and tech-savvy, has raised $36.5 million in Series A funding to launch

the world’s first autofocus glasses that reimagine glasses not as a medical

device, but as a tech-enhanced lifestyle accessory fit for modern consumers.

IXI’s technology will provide a wider field of view in a product that

works just as nature intended eyes to work. The company is creating a

new category of eyewear, featuring unique real-time and ultra-low-power

eye tracking and state-of-the-art dynamic lens technology. Its design-first mindset means these glasses are not just

intelligent – they’re designed to be worn. IXI’s existing investors, include among others the Amazon Alexa Fund.

www.ixieyewear.com

Picture: Alex Dudar

Google presents a prototype of smart glasses

During a presentation at the TED conference Humanity Reimagined in Vancouver,

Canada, Shahram Izadi and other Google executives demonstrated AI glasses,

which can accommodate prescription lenses. The smart glasses look similar to

normal glasses and have a miniature display built in. Nishta Bathia, product

manager for Glasses and AI, demonstrated various application scenarios, including

a feature called “Memory,” in which the integrated AI assistant Gemini uses an

integrated camera to track what is happening around and can remember where

one has misplaced everyday objects. The smart glasses can also capture, translate,

or transcribe conversations in real time. In English but also in other languages

such as Hindi.

8

MAFO 3-25

HARD COAT CLEANING TINTING PERIPHERALS CONSUMABLES EXPERTISE

Technique. Safety. Expertise.

ALL ABOUT HIGH-TECH &

AUTOMATION

CDC 1000

Designed for mid- and large-sized production, the new CDC 1000 produces

up to 160 lenses/h. Its technical area is completely separated from cleaning

& coating chambers. CDC 1000 is equipped with a smooth dipping system,

providing no vibrations at all. Cleaning and coating chambers feature laminar

flow and controlled air exhaust. The cleaning line includes 6 tanks, 1 primer

and 2 varnishes for fast processing. CDC 1000 is characterized by a particularly

high level of automation - doors, etching process, detergent, water, alcohol

& primer refillings, water control. High environmental friendliness with 75%

water savings rounds off the machine’s profile.

www.scl-intl.com

HARD COAT LEADER

Sustainable Environments

SPOTLIGHT

Five sustainability goals

About ecological, social and economic responsibility

The focus of this issue is sustainable environments. But what exactly does that mean? When it comes

to sustainability, many people think exclusively of ecological aspects, but the term encompasses

much more than that. The United Nations, for example, has identified 17 sustainability goals. These

include goal number 1 “No Poverty” as well as goal number 16 “Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions”

and many more. Some of these goals are only indirectly relevant for the optical industry. Others,

however, are directly relevant to the optical industry, and every company in ophthalmic optics

worldwide can contribute to achieving those goals. A summary of the most important sustainability

goals relating to ophthalmic optics. By Hanna Diewald

n0.3Good health and well-being

This goal is about ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all

ages.Why is this an issue?

Fact 1: Because 4.9 million children died before their fifth birthday in 2022. The good news is that child

mortality is at a historic low, but at the same time the UN warns that this progress is at risk. Fact 2: A

woman dies every two minutes from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth (UN 2020).

Fact 3: Malaria cases have surged worldwide.

What does this have to do with ophthalmic optics?

More than one billion people are living with untreated vision impairment and yet over 90% of vision loss

could be prevented or treated with existing, highly cost-effective interventions.

n0.5Gender equality

This goal is about achieving gender equality and empower all

women and girls. Why is this an issue?

Fact 1: One in five young women are married before their 18th birthday. Fact 2: Nearly

half of married women lack decision making power over their sexual and reproductive

health and rights. Fact 3: The world is not on track to achieve gender equality by 2030.

Based on current figures, it would take 140 years to achieve equal representation of leadership

in the workplace.


Women also face challenges in their jobs in the field of ophthalmic optics. Read more about

that topic in an interview starting on page 26.

10

MAFO 3-25


SPOTLIGHT

n0.8Decent work and economic growths

This goals is about promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic

growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. Why is this an issue?

Fact 1: Two billion workers were 2022 in precarious informal jobs without social protection. Fact 2:

One in four young people are not in education, employment or training. With young women more

than twice as likely as young men to be in that situation. Fact 3: The customs policy is expected to

have global economic consequences. Global economic growth is expected to be lower.


In 2025, sales in the global optical market are expected to reach approximately €137.93 billion and every

employer in this industry can contribute to creating fair working conditions for their employees. Vision

impairment has also a huge economic impact. The estimated annual productivity loss is equivalent to

411 billion US Dollar. Source IAPB

n0.9Industry, innovation and infrastructure

This goal is about building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and

sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation. Why is this an issue?

Fact 1: Global production remained stationary during the first quarter of 2024, further extending the

lackluster performance registered since the second half of 2022. Fact 2: Energy related CO2 emissions

reached 36.8 billion metric tons in 2022 – a record high. Fact 3: 95% of the world has mobile broadband

access (3G or higher) but coverage is only 82% in Sub-Saharan Africa and 68% in Oceania.


The optical industry faces many major challenges in terms of customs duties, supply chains, personnel, and

energy costs. Although steady financial growth is forecasted for the industry worldwide due to the aging

population, this is not benefiting all companies.

n0.12Responsible consumption and production

Ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. Why is this an issue?

Fact 1: The material footprint per capita in high-income countries is 10 times the level of low-income countries.

Fact 2: On average each person wastes 120 Kilogram of food per year. Fact 3: Global crises triggered a resurgence

in fossil fuel subsidies, nearly doubling from 2020 to 2021.


Many companies in the optical industry are already addressing the issue of sustainability. This ranges from the use

of alternative energies and filtration systems in production to thinner blanks. It is now important to continue along

this path.

MAFO 3-25 11

TECHNOLOGY


Revolutionizing lens tinting with digitalization and automation

Based on 20 years of experience, a world-renowned Japanese manufacturer has completed a fully

automated dry tinting system. The digital tinting method works completely differently compared to

traditional dipping and is said to have a number of advantages in terms of productivity, environmental

impact, and material versatility as a result. By Koji Abe

Before the particular technology and its advantages

are explained, the challenges of the traditional

dipping method should first be explained in more

detail in order to clarify the differences.

Challenges with conventional tinting

The traditional dipping method is immersing lenses in a dye

solution. This is a very well-known, simple, and proven process

in mass production, but it also brings with it a few challenges.

One of them is the unstable color. Variations in lens materials,

lot numbers, lens power, and dye solution life lead to inconsistent

colors.

The process is also based heavily on the experience and specialized

skills of employees. Color adjustment by the operator is

frequently required, as the colors are not stable using

conventional methods. To obtain the skills to make color adjustments,

long-term training is required. When an operator leaves

the company, this can become a major challenge for managers.

But there are other challenges too, and one of them relates to

the environment. There are many dyeing pots based on base

material types and colors, and this results in a large amount

of liquid waste. This is expensive and not sustainable. Also,

the environment for operators is not comfortable. The water

bath is constantly heated to around 100°C, which means that

operators have to work in a hot and humid environment.

And finally, there are material limitations. High-index lenses

such as 1.74 and polycarbonate cannot be tinted using this

method, potentially leading to missed business opportunities.

These challenges are to be tackled with the help of digital

tinting technology.

12

MAFO 3-25

TECHNOLOGY

Fig. 1: Three step tinting process. Picture: Nidek

Fig. 2: Curing oven. Picture: Nidek

Fig. 3: Setup in an optical lab. Picture: Nidek

Technical details of dry tinting technology

Dry tinting technology was developed to address these issues.

Unlike the dipping method, this technology operates in a dry

environment. It uses exclusive inks and special paper or foil,

with the dye being transferred to the lens surface under vacuum

conditions without contact. Non-contact transferring creates

beautiful gradation patterns and natural color combinations.

Nidek offers two systems for dry tinting technology called

TTM-2000 and AutoTint. The process of dry tinting follows

three steps:

▶ 3. Heating process: After the dye transfer, lenses are heated

to over 100°C, allowing the dye to penetrate and fix into the

lens material. This high-temperature process ensures that

the lenses can be tinted uniformly, even for materials such

as 1.74 and polycarbonate that are difficult to tint using

traditional methods.

▶ 1. Printing process: Exclusive inks are printed on special

foil or paper using an inkjet printer. The printing software

developed by Nidek controls each ink amount digitally and

creates the precise printing patterns.

▶ 2. Transfer process (sublimation): The printed paper or foil

is placed opposite the lens without contact and then put into

a vacuum chamber. Under vacuum conditions, the printed

paper is heated by a halogen lamp, causing the dye to sublimate

and transfer to the lens surface without contact.

MAFO 3-25 13

TECHNOLOGY

Fig. 4: Comparison of liquid waste for round about four hundred thousand lenses.

Picture: Nidek

Fig. 5: Laser tinting machine AutoTint at Mido 2025. Picture:

Nidek

Advantages of dry tinting technology

Stable color: The ink amount is precisely controlled by a

computer and inkjet printer, ensuring consistent color without

specialized skills.

No need for special skills: No special skills are required, as

the same color can be produced by anyone with the machine.

Training time is also significantly reduced compared to

conventional tinting, and operators need to learn only how

to operate the equipment.

Environmental benefits: The process generates minimal

liquid waste, significantly reducing environmental impact

and associated costs. The estimated volume of liquid waste

to tint four hundred thousand lenses per year is approximately

12,000 liters with dip tinting and only 10 liters with dry

tinting (based on Nidek’s research in 2021).

Versatility: This technology can tint a wide range of materials,

including high-index lenses such as 1.74 or polycarbonate.

Dry tinting can tint up to Class4 (more than 85% tinting

density).

UV resistance: The dyes of dry tinting have excellent UV

resistance and are enhanced more by the tinting on the

concave side of the lens. The standard is concave tinting, but

convex tinting is also applicable.

Clean working environment: Dry tinting does not use the

dye solution, resulting in a cleaner and more comfortable

working environment.

A few color fading: As it penetrates well into the substrate,

it is adaptable to any hard coat and does not suffer from color

fading caused by cleaning or hard coat liquids. It can contribute

to improved yields after hard coating.

Design flexibility: The technology creates new designs, such

as center tinting, multicolor gradations, and rainbow patterns,

expanding the range of color and design variations.

Conclusion

Nidek´s labs already have 20 years of experience with this

process. It is well established and shows successful results.

And finally, the recently launched AutoTint system automates

the entire tinting process, from printing to sublimation and

heating. It connects with job management systems, receives

lens information, and automatically tints the lenses. The use

of laser heating in the automated system significantly reduces

processing time and ensures consistent quality with machinebased

color judgment.

By transitioning from analog to digital and incorporating

environmentally friendly methods, it makes a huge difference

to labs around the world. The technology offers stable color,

versatility, and automation. Nidek believes the technology and

products promise to make the tinting process more efficient,

sustainable, and innovative compared to the conventional way

that relied on human skills by enabling anyone to tint to the

same color in a short time. ◆

Koji Abe

After a master’s degree in chemistry, Koji Abe joined Nidek.

He develops tinting chemistry technology and machines.

For this purpose, he combines his expertise in the chemistry

field with mechatronics.

14

MAFO 3-25

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LIVE ON SITE

The perfect surface – lenses

between human and machine

A visit to the EssilorLuxottica ophthalmic lens production facility

in Braunschweig

The EssilorLuxottica Group operates hundreds of ophthalmic lens production facilities worldwide. Some

of them are located in Europe, and one plant is even in the middle of Germany. For 80 years, high-quality

ophthalmic lenses have been manufactured in Braunschweig. MAFO took a look at the production facility

and talked about pressing current issues. For example, whether the group sees Germany as an interesting

and long-term production site or not. The editors also found out why milling the optical surface only accounts

for a tiny fraction of the extensive lens journey through production. By Hanna Diewald and Silke Sage

16

MAFO 3-25

LIVE ON SITE

Fig. 1: Alexander Mohr, Managing Director

of Essilor GmbH.

Fig. 2: Production manager Tobias Gronau

shows grinding chips that fall off during

milling.

Fig. 3: Thanks to the new "eco-design", thinner blanks

are produced and therefore less waste during processing.

Tzschhhh, the machines hum continuously in the

background. A slightly chemical, but not necessarily

unpleasant smell is in the air. Today's group

of visitors is standing in the middle of the machine

hall at the Essilor plant in Braunschweig (Germany), where

around 700,000 spectacle lenses are produced every year.

Three milling machines in the factory are the heart of production.

These fully automated and networked machines only

need 60 seconds to achieve an optical perfect effect. 60 seconds –

and then what? May non-experts ask themselves.

For people in the industry, the next steps are obviously no

secret. And yet it remains exciting to take a look behind the

scenes in this historically developed production facility.

80 years of ophthalmic lens production in

Braunschweig

Shortly before entering the hall, visitors were welcomed by

Alexander Mohr, Managing Director of Essilor GmbH, Andrea

Mazzo, General Manager of Luxottica Wholesale GmbH, and

Frank Walenda, Head of Corporate Communications DACH

EssilorLuxottica.

The reason for the visit is the 80 th anniversary of the plant.

Optik GmbH was founded here in 1945 and taken over by

Essilor in 1976. Since then, production has been continuously

modernized. In addition to lens production, there is a showroom

with the latest equipment for lens consultation, measurement,

refraction and further processing in the workshop and, of

course, administration.

However, the visit is interesting for another reason: it shows

how a globally active group is trying to use its location in

Germany and its local proximity to customers as a strength

rather than a weakness.

According to the group, it is following the departure of its

competitors with high interest and takes it as confirmation of

its own path: “While other manufacturers are withdrawing

from Germany, we are consciously focusing on the Braunschweig

site and our proximity lab. Our strategy is clear: proximity to

the market, tailor-made solutions for our customers and a level

of service that can only be achieved through local production.

For us, 'Made in Germany' is not just a label, but a genuine

performance promise – in terms of quality, speed and reliability.

And that's exactly what makes economic sense for us,” says

Alexander Mohr. Also the management-team is proud of this

seemingly successful strategy but now they are happy to leave

the tour of the lens production to the technical experts from

Braunschweig.

A total of 152 employees work at the Braunschweig site. 70 of

them work in production – and one of them is production

manager Tobias Gronau, who is now giving the group a tour

of the plant.

Major investments for the future in

customer proximity

“Come a little closer, otherwise you won't understand

anything,” Gronau greets us humorously. It is loud in the

hall and the production manager is about to take the

group on a journey of the lenses through the entire production

process.

If visitors had toured the plant five years ago, they would

have seen much more manual work and kilometers of conveyor

belts stretching over two floors of production space. Since

then, however, major investments have been made – in new

technology but also in streamlining the production area to

make it more efficient.

MAFO 3-25 17

LIVE ON SITE

Fig. 4: Tinting lenses requires

a lot of experience and

sensitivity.

Fig. 5: Coloring in pairs in particular is a challenge.

Fig. 6: Sven Hahn, process engineer and plant manager in

Braunschweig.

Today, the machinery is located in an area of around 2,500

square meters. That's about a third of the size of a soccer pitch.

The plant is therefore not necessarily huge – but it is well

positioned for the future.

“Investing in new technologies and automation was a decisive

step for us. This is the only way we can now manufacture

high-quality products with a speed and efficiency that makes

us competitive on an international level,” says Tobias Gronau

“At the same time, the expertise of our employees remains

essential, because despite all the technology, experience and

competence are needed to meet the high demands,” he adds.

85,000 blanks in stock

While the machines in the background are continuously

carrying out their work, i.e. milling, polishing and engraving,

the group of visitors stands in front of a shelf full of semi-finished

plastic products. It quickly becomes clear here why spectacle

lens production is quite unique compared to the manufacture

of cars or furniture: no two spectacle lenses are the same.

Instead, there are around 1.8 million possible variations.

Measured against this, production is very fast. “All lenses that

are not colored are produced within two days,” the production

manager proudly explains.

To achieve this, a large warehouse is needed. If you add semifinished

and finished lenses together, there are around 85,000

blanks on the shelves, ready to be processed and transported

to the optician as quickly as possible. In the case of semi-finished

products, the front surface of the lens has already been processed,

and only the back surface is still missing. With the

finished lenses, “only” the coating is still missing. Also, experts

know this step is anything but trivial.

In Braunschweig, only high-quality lenses run over the conveyor

belt. Varilux progressive lenses as well as Stellest, Eyezen,

Transitions Gen S and AVA lenses are produced here or receive

their final coating here. Standard lenses, on the other hand, are

no longer manufactured in Germany, nor are mineral lenses.

Perfectly imperfect in 60 seconds

The process continues and if you listen carefully, you can hear

the whirring sound of first the milling machine and then a

real diamond steadily removing millimeter after millimeter

of plastic blanks and turning them into plastic shavings

The group stands in front of the first machine, a fully automatic

freeform generator which gives the lens its optical effect. With the

help of the diamond, a completely individual progression surface is

created, with a different effect on every square millimeter if required.

“In traditional manufacturing in the past, you could only drive two

radii. The new machines can mill everything that is physically

possible, to an accuracy of 0.3 μm,” explains Gronau. As a result,

the progressive lens surfaces are getting better and better.

“Here you go,” the production manager motivates the group

to take the lenses in their hands. “Theoretically, you could fit

the lens into the glasses right now and you could look, because

it's already optically finished – but as soon as you clean the

lens, it would probably break”.

The new generators work with what is known as Alloy Replacement

Technology (ART). This replaces the lead alloy, which is

usually used to bond the blank to a block piece for processing,

with a special adhesive. According to EssilorLuxottica, the switch

to ART technology has not only improved the environmental

balance, but also optimized and streamlined processes.

Thinner blanks = less waste

Anyone who sees how large parts of semi-finished products

turn into plastic shavings in seconds and end up in the bin

can hardly avoid the question of sustainability. Plastic waste

is difficult to recycle as it is a mix of materials from different

indices.

18

MAFO 3-25

Advertisement

Gronau demonstrates an improvement: “Look, this is the same

lens with an identical front curve,” explains the production

manager. One blank is significantly thinner than the other

(Fig. 3). A life cycle analysis carried out by an independent

institute certified a 19% reduction in plastic consumption for

the innovative lenses with “Eco-design”.

In future, the company would like to go one step further. The

keyword here is circular economy. A specially created project

team is working on a concept that will make it possible to

return grinding chips to the production process. This is not

an easy task, but if it succeeds, it would be a real innovation.

Sustainable energy generation

Sustainability and energy costs in Germany are generally an

important topic at the plant. This production is powered 100%

by green electricity and a water recycling system reduces water

consumption enormously. In addition, a solar system is to be

installed on the roof in the future.

“Of course, we are also feeling the effects of high energy prices.

That's why we've been focusing on sustainable solutions for

years to make ourselves more independent – from photovoltaic

systems to the use of 100% green electricity. We also continuously

invest in energy-efficient technologies that reduce electricity

consumption. This not only helps us with costs, but also

contributes to our 'Eyes on the Planet' sustainability strategy.

For us, this is not a short-term reaction, but a long-term plan,”

explains Alexander Mohr later.

After the optical surface has been created in just 60 seconds,

many more steps follow. After milling, the lenses are polished,

engraved with a laser and separated from the block again.

In addition, conscientious inspection of the finished lenses is

a high priority: “If we don't pay attention here and errors go

undetected, we will break 250 lenses per hour,” says the production

manager. Incidentally, the lenses have to pass the trained

eyes of the highly qualified experts up to 60 times during the

entire production process.

The perfect color – an art in itself

Things are a little quieter in the next room. Red, yellow or blue

liquids simmer in a row in rectangular color pools. Light steam

rises in places. It does not take much imagination to realize

that the visitors are in the dye works. Soon, depending on the

weather in April or May, the dyeing season will start. That is

when it gets busy here. But now it is the end of February.

At 97° Celsius, the plastic lenses are slowly and evenly immersed

in the dipping tanks. The longer the lenses are immersed, the

darker they become. The heat is crucial so that the color pigments

can penetrate the plastics well. As each material reacts

differently to the color solution, a separate machine is needed

for each index.

MAFO 3-25

LIVE ON SITE

Fig. 7: For anti-reflective coating in the high-vacuum coating system, the lenses

are inserted into so-called calottes.

In the last room, the group of visitors experienced live that

state-of-the-art generators and more are crucial for the quality.

The main task of the employees there was to monitor the fully

automated and networked machines, to check the lenses and

intervene if necessary.

Here in the dyeing room it is exactly the opposite. The machines

seem to be more of an accessory. Even the best machines cannot

deliver good results without the manual work and expertise

of the employees, some of whom have decades of experience.

A great deal of knowledge and experience is required to achieve

the perfect tint for every lens. For example, it is a great art to

tint the lenses in pairs if the strength of the lenses is different.

This is why almost every lens is dipped again by hand.

“We have lenses here that only take ten seconds in the bath. But

there are also lenses that spend up to two days in the tinting shop

until they are perfect,” explains Production Manager Gronau.

There are already 170 different Essilor colors in the official range

and every special customer request is also fulfilled.

Hard lacquer by dipping process

Gronau hands over to his colleague Sven Hahn for the rest of

the tour. The process engineer and plant manager has been

with the company for 18 years and knows everything about

the coating steps that follow. The group enters the next room.

Before the lenses receive their hard coating, they run through

the preparation system – in simple terms, a washing line.

Thanks to ultrasound, heat and various chemicals, each lens

is perfectly cleaned and finally stained a little to make it rougher

and ensure that the coating holds well later on.

The group moves on to hard lacquering. Put very simply, the

lacquer is similar in structure to a two-component adhesive.

A first coat with a thickness of 0.8 μm is applied by dipping.

The second coat has a thickness of 2.5 μm.

Hahn explains pictorially how the speed determines the layer

thickness: “If you pull the spoon out of the honey quickly, you

have a lot of honey on the spoon. If you pull it out slowly, you

have less honey on the spoon, and that's how it works here too.”

After this process, the lenses are sent for cosmetic inspection,

which means they are inspected extremely critically for defects

by an employee – within seconds. This is because 32 new lenses

come out of the system every six minutes.

Approximately 97% of the lenses come out of the dip coating

system without defects. However, around 3% have small defects,

such as waves. This does not mean that the lenses are rejects.

“We then have the option of etching off the lacquer again and

starting from scratch,” says Hahn. Only after tempering at 100°

Celsius is it virtually impossible to remove the coating again.

It is getting hot

During training, you learn that a spectacle lens reflects 6% of the

light on each side. In order to avoid this 12% loss of light, the next

step is to enter the high-vacuum coating system for around 45

minutes per side. This is where the anti-reflective coating is applied,

and the residual reflections are reduced to around 1% in total. The

anti-reflective coating also provides additional scratch protection.

For the anti-reflective coating to work, a perfectly sophisticated

interplay of materials and coating thicknesses is required.

The aim is to achieve erasure by placing wave troughs and

wave crests exactly on each other. 20 different layers are

combined here, and a wide variety of high- and low-refractive

materials are vapor-deposited. To do this, they must first be

heated to the melting point, which is 1200° Celsius for quartz,

for example. In addition, the layer thickness depends on the

nanometer, i.e. the unimaginably small number of millionths

of a meter. This is the only way to achieve the extinction of the

light waves in the end: “I shift the wavelengths and in the end

only blue, green or orange light comes out,” the editors learn

from Hahn. This is the visible residual reflection.

The highly complex systems here cost around 1.2 million euros

and the energy consumption is enormous, as the vacuum has

to be created, and the temperature has to be kept high. This

and the complex work involved explain why the anti-reflective

coating in particular has its price.

If the lens now passes the final inspection in an automated

system, it receives the final stamp and can be sent to the

customer after packaging. If the inspection machine reveals

any abnormalities, the critical employees decide how to proceed

with the lens or whether the journey starts all over again. Even

if the lens is to be edged, it does not go directly to the customer.

Instead, it is sent to another plant in Hanau (Germany), where

it is given the final shape to match the frame.

20

MAFO 3-25

LIVE ON SITE

Fig. 8: Andrea Mazzo, General Manager

Luxottica Wholesale GmbH

Fig. 9: Frank Walenda, Head of Corporate

Communications DACH EssilorLuxottica

Fig. 10: Danny Deumert, Essilor Instruments

Product Specialist Optometry

A journey through many climate zones

comes to an end

The group is approaching the end of the tour and has still

passed the machine hall much faster than the fastest spectacle

lenses. After all, creating the perfect spectacle lens takes a lot

more than 60 seconds of milling. Because this step is followed

by hours or even days in which the lens is engraved, possibly

colored, dried, washed, dipped, steamed, tempered and checked

over and over again – often under extreme forces, temperatures

and pressures.

This leaves only the last – and perhaps most important – question

unanswered. The editors asked the Managing Director: Can

you promise our readers that EssilorLuxottica will continue

to manufacture lenses in Germany?

“We are clearly committed to Germany as a location. For

us, 'Made in Germany' is more than just a prestige label – it

is part of our service and quality strategy. Our customers

benefit from the shortest delivery times, maximum flexibility

and a production facility that can quickly adapt to their

needs,” explains Alexander Mohr. “This is why we are

continuing to invest in Braunschweig and will continue our

proximity strategy. Our partner opticians can therefore rely

on this: Essilor will continue to produce innovative

ophthalmic lenses in Germany!”

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INTERVIEW

“Supporting talent – regardless

of if they are men or women“

An interview with Nancy Gries

Empowering women in the optical industry is the goal of the Optical Women's Association (OWA). The

organization has long been popular in the USA. Now it is also taking its first steps in Europe with the

aim of supporting and promoting the professional development of women involved in all facets of the

optical industry. MAFO has spoken to Nancy Gries, Co-Vice Chair International Expansion Committee

and Co-Founder of Coti Vision Limited, about the hurdles women face in their careers, the importance of

mentorship, and why men also play an important role. By Hanna Diewald

A

quick jump back in time to Mido 2025 in

February. Mido's first OWA event is taking

place here, and the welcoming speech is being

given by the first female President of Mido and

ANFAO Lorraine Berton.

“What does the empowerment of women really mean?” The

new president asks the group right at the beginning to give

herself the answer promptly: “It means giving all women the

possibility to choose, to express their talent, to have access

to the same opportunities. It means acknowledging diversity

as the driver of growth for businesses, for the market, and

for society.”

The gender gap in data

What may sound trivial is still a serious topic today. According

to Eurostat, the gender gap in the European Union was 12% in

2023. This means that women earn 12% less than men per hour.

Converted, this means that women have to work 1.5 months

longer per year to earn the same. This is, of course, the average,

which varies greatly depending on the company and country.

One reason for this is that women often work in lower-paid jobs:

healthcare, education and care, for example.

The data also shows that women held only 34.7% of managerial

jobs in 2021. And basically speaking, the positions that hold

the highest hierarchy obviously influence the level of pay.

Adding both factors, Eurostat even comes up with 23% less

women earn on average.

The glass ceiling

There is a term for the phenomenon of women facing cultural

and structural obstacles that make professional success more

difficult. It is called the glass ceiling. Berton is the first female

president ever in this position and one particular sentence still

echoes in the minds of some of the participants: “I am not

worried about me, the first female president of Mido and

ANFAO, but I am worried how many years or decades will

pass until the next woman will follow.” This shows that there

is still a lot of work to be done to achieve complete gender

equality – also in the optical industry.

OWA comes to Europe

One person who is actively working on this is Nancy Gries.

The co-founder of Coti Vision Limited and Co-Vice Chair

International Expansion Committee of the OWA has long had

the goal of bringing the organization to Europe – and finally

her dream became true.

The OWA was founded in 1997 in the US, and today the organization

has around 1,000 members. About 7% come from

outside the US.

It is a nonprofit organization, and it is fully run by volunteers.

The aim now is to make the OWA even better known in Europe

with the mission to empower women in the optical industry

through networking, education, and peer support to create a

community where women can connect and collaborate to

achieve their personal and professional goals.

MAFO: Why exactly was the OWA founded?

Gries: When the OWA first started, it began with 13 women

who were actually looking to have more support from each

other and they had lots of questions about building their careers

in the optical industry.

Such things as: What was it like to be a female in communications,

in marketing, in product design, in buying? How could

they get more information? And there were many women

also having questions about running their own business in

the optical industry.

22

MAFO 3-25


INTERVIEW

These women got together, and they started to form this organization

about how they can support each other. As a result,

the OWA was officially launched and funded by sponsors.

Today, there is a huge pool of women in this international

community that you can meet in so many different ways, also

via live chats. You can also look for job opportunities or research

the member database. Every week there is something going on.

When I attended my first breakfast in New York, I could really

not believe that there was this organization that had existed

for so many years and that I had never heard of. Everybody

there was only there to support each other. Due to that, I went

from feeling completely alone in this industry – having to navigate

things all myself – to suddenly realizing that this whole community

existed. I said immediately that I needed to be part of

this and that I needed to bring this to Europe.

MAFO: How is the organization doing in Europe?

Gries: What we experience here is that women are very interested

in getting involved. The number of people that have

turned out to our events has been phenomenal. People are

clearly interested, and it is obviously an issue that we need to

address. We had an event at Mido, and we will have one at

Silmo.

So right now, we are just trying to get started, and we are

looking for people who can go forward in the single countries

and their native language, like an ambassador. Because a

long-term goal is probably to have a committee of women in

different countries. A chapter in the UK, a chapter in Italy, a

chapter in France, or a chapter in Germany. Then you have a

point of contact in each country.

People generally interested can be a member and just take

advantage, or they can really commit by becoming part of the

committee.

MAFO: What do women want from the organization?

Gries: The most important desire, mentioned by our members

and sponsors when asking them in surveys, is clearly networking.

There is a need for women to have a place where they can

meet. After we understood this request, we also put this as a

MAFO 3-25 23


INTERVIEW

OWA event in Paris..

OWA event at Mido in Milano..

priority for the European organization – finding ways for

women to network together. Because here everyone can talk

about all kinds of issues, and if one person is having an issue,

another woman might have navigated

that already and can give them advice

on how they overcame those particular

issues. For example, when struggling

with how to return to work after having

a child, by finding work-life balance

or climbing the career ladder.

technicians, frame suppliers, software providers, opticians

or sales. But it can also be men. That means even though

they cannot become members, they are absolutely welcome

to attend any social event that we

organize, because the role they play

is very important. In fact, we encourage

men to come because the aim is

to grow together by working together,

supporting each other and having

leadership together.

MAFO: How would you answer

MAFO: How exactly can men

people when they say that

anyone can succeed on their

own if they just try hard

enough?

Gries: Somehow this is true. I mean,

there is probably a combination and a

recipe of hard work, dedication, and

focus on achieving the goal – right? If

you look at athletes, for example, they

have a natural talent, but it very much

comes down to their drive and the

sacrifice that they have made to win

that gold medal.

Nancy Gries. Co-founder Coti Vision Limited

and Co-Vice Chair International Expansion

Committee of the OWA.

support women in their job?

Gries: Men can support women in the

workplace by being active mentors or

sponsors. This starts with respecting

women's perspectives, ensuring their

voices are heard in meetings and

decision-making processes. It means

speaking up against bias or inappropriate

behavior, as advocating for

equal opportunities by recommending

women for promotions, projects, and

leadership roles. Men can support

workplace policies that promote

However, when asking those that have succeeded what has led

to this, most of them said that they owe their leadership position

equality, and using one’s influence to foster a more inclusive

and empowering environment for all.

to those that gave them the mentorship or the sponsorship.

Therefore, I would not underestimate how important that is for

women. Often, a good mentor gave the people the opportunity

to grow in a leadership position.

MAFO: How important is diversity in general, in your

opinion?

Gries: Diversity in race, in gender, in disabilities and more has

a role to play in the success of any company. The more diversity

MAFO: One might think that the OWA's target group is

already clear from the name. Is it as simple as it looks?

Gries: Not quite. Any women involved in optics can join

the OWA. They can come from any area, be it lens

you can bring, the more you add to the pot. I think it is not

necessarily just about the percentage of women involved in a

company. It is more about making sure that you have diversity

across the entirety of the company.

24

MAFO 3-25


INTERVIEW

MAFO: Have you personally experienced hurdles in

your career just because of your gender?

Gries: Yes, one hundred percent. I started my career back in

1993 in the optical industry. That means I have spent my whole

professional career in this industry.

And when I started, I was the first woman that sat around the

board table in our company – and I was very young. I was

super eager, and I was in an export role, traveling independently

around the world – I really felt I had a voice.

But one day I sat at the table after making some fantastic

presentations, and I was told that I was dangerous, just because

I had good looks and intelligence. So, instead of leaving that

boardroom feeling encouraged and motivated – after having

done a great job – it was completely the opposite.

I was meant to feel like I should not stand out. Like I should

just put my head down and do a good job instead of opening

my mouth. Because instead of seeing that as a compliment, it

was very much a criticism for me. And I went for many years

just putting my head down and working hard because I did

not want to draw attention to myself.

MAFO: We are currently seeing trends where

women's rights are being restricted. President

Trump released a list with many words that should

be avoided in official documents. One of those

terms is “women” …

Gries: I do not want to speak about politics as the voice of the

OWA, but of course I have a personal opinion on that.

In my very personal view, I think such ridiculous statements

only draw attention to the gender discrepancy and will hopefully

have the opposite effect. It is absurd, and it is only one example

of what has happened with women's rights in general in the

US. It is a concern, but I hope that it makes women stronger

to stand up and unite.

I also see many men coming forward in support of women. It

is not just about women supporting women; it is also about

men supporting women. I hope that good things will come

from that and that there is going to be a united feeling about

the absurdity of making such statements. I mean, it is ridiculous

to consider that this is even an option in our society today – in

the year 2025.

MAFO: What would you do differently in this situation

today?

Gries: If I were in that boardroom again today, I would not have

been quiet. I would have said that this comment was not acceptable

and not professional. But I was very young, and at that point,

being a woman on my own, I did not know it any better.

So, yes, I have absolutely felt the discrimination of women in

the workplace. But again – this was in the early 90s. To be very

clear, we have absolutely made huge steps forward for women

in the industry. But I personally have gone through that.

MAFO: What do you think the perfect world looks

like in terms of gender equality?

Gries: In a perfect world, gender inequality would no longer

even exist. We need to get to a stage where we do not have to

discuss the gap and the difference between the pay of men and

women and the opportunities of men and women. It should

just become normal that it is the same. This would be the

perfect world – right?

MAFO: Thank you for the interview.

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INTERVIEW

Fig. 1: School opening in 2023.

Fig. 2: Managing director Jian Wang

and principal Fritz Paßmann.

Fig. 3: Students in practical application.

The first German-Chinese school

for optometrists in China

An interview with principal Fritz Paßmann

In the middle of China, in the city of Xi'An with its 12 million inhabitants, stands the only German-Chinese

school for opticians. It was born out of a distant dream of three people who were brought together by

optometry decades ago. At the end of 2023, the vision finally became reality. MAFO spoke to the principal,

Fritz Paßmann, about how the school came about, the opportunities for German-Chinese cooperation

and the differences in the optical landscape. By Hanna Diewald

RIOA (Ratingen International Academy for

Ophthalmic Optics and Optometry) is the name

of the school where the first course for those

interested in ophthalmic optics began in 2023.

The "O" in the name symbolizes a Landolt ring. Today, this

school is a lesson in how German-Chinese friendship can

promote innovative projects and international cooperation.

The school currently has around 300 students.

MAFO spoke to Fritz Paßmann, one of the founders of the

school. The master optician was for many years head of the

department of the Dortmund Chamber of Crafts (Germany)

and has also dedicated his life to the training and further education

of opticians. He is also a co-developer of the PasKal 3D

experience refraction.

MAFO: In Germany you are a well-known lecturer.

But how exactly did your involvement in China and

the motivation to set up a school there come about?

Paßmann: It has something to do with the former MAFO

publisher Jörg Spangemacher. We have known each other for

26

MAFO 3-25


INTERVIEW

over 20 years. I thought he was a bit of a revolutionary, which

I liked, and he probably appreciated my expertise. Jörg was

often in China. He founded the trade journal FOCUS China

there, which is now led by Jian Wang. He also loves Asian

culture – incidentally, he now lives in Thailand.

At some point back then, he was told that a certain university

in Shijiazhuang, China, was interested in our German training

system, which is quite unique in the world [editor's note: In

the dual system opticians are trained in the company and

additionally attend a vocational school for 1-2 days a week].

This led to my first presentation in China. The school management

then asked whether we would be interested in giving

more seminars on specialist topics.

The way people learn and teach in Germany was already very

unusual for the students from China at the time. In China, it

was more common to acquire a certain level of specialist

knowledge through constant repetition. Our focus, on the

other hand, was on making connections independently and

contributing our own ideas.

At the time, we were a team of three: Jörg Spangemacher, Jian

Wang – the editor of FOCUS China – and myself. Ms. Wang

was very important for our success, as she had become deeply

involved in ophthalmic optics and had acquired very good

ophthalmic optics expertise over the years and regularly attends

international shows, congresses and more. As a trained travel

agent, she has guided German tourists around the country for

many years and therefore speaks very good German. Even back

then, we had the dream of offering a complete school at German

level at some point – even if many years passed before it actually

came to that.

MAFO: When did it become concrete?

Paßmann: After being in China regularly for many years,

giving talks and seminars, it became concrete in 2018. We

started planning. First of all, we needed a suitable building.

However, the COVID-19 restrictions put a spanner in the

works because the construction work came to a standstill and

nothing could be done. It wasn't until normality returned that

the construction was completed and we started to develop the

curriculum. Today, Jian Wang is the managing director and I

am the principal, responsible for the curriculum, the deployment

of lecturers and the pedagogical and didactic implementation.

It was a huge project that we worked on for more than ten

years. It's just great that it's now really up and running. It makes

me very happy and a little proud that it's going so well.

MAFO: How does ophthalmic optics teaching in

China differ from that in Germany?

Paßmann: It is very inhomogeneous and the professional

title is not protected. There are individual opticians or

optometry chains where people learn on the job, so to speak,

and there is no traditional training in that sense. Then there

is training at schools where the basics of refraction and

workshop activities are taught.

There are also people who have no comprehensive knowledge

of ophthalmic optics at all, but who may still be extremely good

in a very small area. For example, because they know exactly

how to operate a modern screening device accurately.

And then there is academic training. Here the focus is very

much on optometry. A Bachelor's degree takes 4-5 years and

can be followed by a Master's degree. However, graduates

then generally work in the clinical field or for high-end

optometrists.

What I notice in everyday life at our school is that practical

application to customers and understanding correlations seem

to have little priority in teaching. This is something we attach

great importance to in Germany. This is also the focus of our

training, that we try to explain knowledge in context right

from the start.

MAFO: What level of optical training do the participants

in your school have?

Paßmann: Our courses include ophthalmologists as well as

semi-skilled opticians and qualified optometrists. Compared

to the usual teaching in Europe, this is a very inhomogeneous

group.

As already mentioned, the whole system is different. For example,

many ophthalmologists with clinics have also employed

opticians, who often carry out screenings at a very high level.

Ophthalmologists are also allowed to sell glasses. The separation

between ophthalmologists and opticians is therefore less strict

than in Europe. This means that our school attracts participants

with completely different levels of training.

In terms of level, German master opticians can teach well at

our school. The educational level of the German masters is

higher than that of our participants.

MAFO: What does the curriculum look like

Paßmann: I have written a curriculum that is based on the

German master craftsman examination regulations, although

we do not aim to implement the master craftsman level in

China 1:1. The basic requirements are too different for that.

The syllabus I have developed comprises 800 hours. These are

divided into 10 blocks of two weeks each. The participants are

then at our school three to four times a year. The participants'

training is completed within two to three years.

Our first students are currently still in training, as we only

opened at the end of 2023. The target number of participants

for the courses is 24, and they have always been fully booked

since we opened.

MAFO 3-25 27


INTERVIEW

School motto: “A thoughtful person is never alone.”

Excerpt of the rules of conduct

I am attentive. I participate in lessons, ask questions and contribute my own ideas.

I am diligent. I do my homework, practice and repeat the lessons.

I am collegial. We form groups for learning. I help the weaker ones and value everyone.

I am careful. I handle all equipment and objects with care and leave my workplace and

break room clean and tidy.

I am punctual. I keep to the lessons and break times.

I have fun. I enjoy learning.

I want to become a good optician to help people see better.

I am honest/open. We are honest with each other and address problems openly.

MAFO: In purely mathematical terms, the participants

then have a 40-hour week? That sounds like a

heavy workload ...

Paßmann: The students are extremely motivated. There are

even opticians who are virtually lone fighters and close their

business for two weeks to attend our block courses. The Chinese

are generally very hard-working and very conscientious.

MAFO: What qualification do the participants have

at the end?

Paßmann: We want to be honest here; no official qualification

at all. The participants come because they want to become

smarter, because they want to learn and because they like our

system. Many are a fan of German teaching or already work

with the PasKal 3D refraction software. They also like the

whole schedule and the structure of the curriculum.

The fact that there won't be an official degree is due to the political

hurdles − it's not that easy with the state institutions.

However, we are currently in talks with German institutions

so that we can at least issue a certificate at the end, once the

exam has been passed. German know-how is very important

to the participants − which is why we are emphasizing German-

Chinese cooperation here.

MAFO: Are all the lecturers from Germany?

Paßmann: Yes, that is also contractually stipulated for the

participants and that is very important to them. German

teaching enjoys a certain reputation there and is also paid for.

There are few middle-class people in China, but many rich

people. A certificate on the wall stating that the training was

completed at a German-Chinese school gives our participants

a certain clientele. Of course, the school is not cheap either. It

can only pay off through higher-quality sales, more customer

loyalty and new customer acquisition. In addition, some

participants come from all over China.

MAFO: You yourself live in Germany, so how does

the system work in practice?

Paßmann: I am in charge of the official blocks and I also fly

to China regularly. I give my lessons in German and Jian Wang

translates everything simultaneously.

But of course I can't take on the 800 hours alone and I can't fly to

China three or four times a year. That's why we have a pool of

teachers in Germany who occasionally travel to China as lecturers.

These include Jian Wang's son, Simon Song, who first completed

his school education in Germany, then completed his master optician's

degree and will soon be starting his bachelor's degree in

Jena. The courses are taught by alternating German lecturers.

However, there is also life at the school outside of the

blocks. This is because it is also the office of FOCUS

China. FOCUS China staff are always on site and Jian also

gives additional seminars for interested parties during

this time. These include refraction, PasKal 3D and other

optometric topics.

MAFO: Is it still conceivable to get Chinese people

as lecturers as well?

Paßmann: As we are still at the beginning, we would like to

successfully complete the first courses first. But yes − as a

long-term plan, we would also like to train people locally as

lecturers. That is definitely a vision for the future.

MAFO: In relation to the size of the population, per

capita sales of glasses in China average €10.04. In

comparison, this figure is almost ten times higher in

the USA. There seems to be an undersupply of

glasses in China and people tend to spend less

money on glasses ...

Paßmann: Yes, I can confirm this situation 100%. This is also

a very important reason why participants come to our courses.

They want to sell higher quality. They want to move away from

28

MAFO 3-25


INTERVIEW

the standard and towards higher quality and advise customers

individually based on their needs. In China, it is not unusual

for an eye test to be carried out at a distance of two

meters − without a mirror. Or that no cylindrical adjustment

is made, but only the sphere is corrected. Binocular

tests are also not yet standard. Even progressive vision

is only just starting in China. I would estimate that the

country is at least 10 years behind Europe in terms of

spectacle provision. If not significantly more ...

In principle, the whole concept for the school came about

as a result of this situation and the thoughts we had about

it. The fact that needs analysis, spectacle fitting and the sale

of multiple pairs of spectacles are not trivial.

MAFO: What do you personally gain from the

international collaboration with colleagues and

students from China and Germany?

Paßmann: I have learned to appreciate Chinese culture and

its people very much. Western arrogance is not appropriate

and the West is certainly not above the East. Some things may

be strange − I'll never get used to spitting in the street − but

different doesn't necessarily mean worse. The food here is not

comparable to Chinese food in Europe. Sweet and sour sauce

is rare. Everything is fresh, lots of vegetables and fish, and

beautifully presented. You don't have to order chicken feet,

beef tendons and sea cucumber. The Chinese are very sociable.

Basically, I am pleased with the appreciation of

teachers here. The lack of appreciation from trainers led me

to withdraw from training in Germany four years ago.

MAFO: What is it like for you to move regularly in a

culture that is very different from Germany?

Paßmann: Life in China is different from Germany. I like

Buddhism, for example, or the fact that there is hardly any

crime on the streets here. However, I generally avoid talking

about culture or politics.

I am interested in professional competence. In my participants,

for example, I simply see the opticians in front of me. For me,

imparting knowledge is my life's work. That applies in Germany

as well as in China.

MAFO: Thank you for the interview.

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BUSINESS

Fear – how it prevents

confidence and success

The crises of recent years have taken their toll on us, not only economically, but also emotionally. We live in a

culture of fear that inhibits us, that makes us (too) unconfident about the future, that restricts our thoughts and

actions at every moment – personally and entrepreneurially. When a German University began researching

so-called cultivated anxiety (Anxiety Culture) in 2015, the scientists certainly had no idea how concretely the

results and effects would one day be reflected in our everyday lives. By Oliver Schumacher

Some managers throw up their hands when they are

suddenly confronted with a fait accompli: The employee

resigns seemingly out of the blue. A sales employee has

been covering up difficulties with an important customer

for months. A colleague who was supposed to deliver

something by a deadline but has not even started because he did

not know how to complete the task. In any case, the question is

quickly asked: “Why didn't you say anything/not sooner?” The

meek or even often defiant answer is then: “I didn't know how to

say it!” or “You could have/should have noticed.”

Fear eats the soul

Not many people will remember the eponymous title Fear

Eats the Soul of Rainer Werner Fassbinder's famous 1974 film.

The melodrama about the oppression and marginalization of

migrant workers in the early 1970s shows one thing above all

else: What power emotions have and how above-mentioned

concerns, evoked and linked to deep, negative feelings such

as fear (of consequences or the feeling of being perceived as

weak/insecure) can paralyze us. However, one question remains:

what can be done specifically to ensure that employees

really dare to address issues that are bothering them in good

time so that they can intervene at an early stage?

The taboo as a subject of fear

“What will my colleagues think of me if I say I have a

problem?” A thought that causes many employees sleepless

nights. Anyone who is anxious about a task loses their

30

MAFO 3-25

BUSINESS

confidence. Self-confidence dwindles. A feeling of helplessness

sets in. Many still try to act or react, but often lack the

stamina to do so.

"Acquisition is not my job"

Some are almost paralyzed with fear, for example when

they have to acquire potential customers. They do not dare

to pick up the phone. Fear fantasies take hold. And a

salesperson then often finds good-sounding reasons why

now is not a good time for acquisition. Arguments such as

“I don't have time for acquisition, I have to take care of my

regular customers” or “Acquisition is not my job/no longer

up to date. We should present ourselves on social media or

at least place advertisements!” Many sales managers have

already heard this.

What stresses and “kills” one person leaves others relatively

cold. And vice versa. There are a variety of fears and stressors:

▶ Have to speak publicly in front of a group. For example, to

introduce yourself as a new team member or to give a

presentation to a customer group.

▶ No reaction to an action or statement, because then you do

not know where you stand.

▶ Fear of being stared at or observed. For example, during

role plays at a seminar or in a customer meeting when others

are (or could be) listening.

▶ Not daring to enter a room or store because you do not know

what to expect.

▶ Fear of superiors or higher-ranking people because they always

have hierarchical power, even if you are on a first-name basis.

▶ Performance anxiety in the sense of “If I don't achieve this

and that, I have a problem”.

▶ Contact and exchange situations, for example at private or

business events. What should you say after the greeting? What

do you do when you have nothing more to say? Or maybe you

are just not interesting enough for the other person?

▶ Worry after the first contact about disappointing them at

the next meeting, whether real or virtual. After all, their

interest in you could soon be exhausted.

▶ Fear of exposure. For example, if you have to promise the

customer too much in order to get the appointment or the

MAFO 3-25 31

BUSINESS

order in the first place, but you know exactly that you will

not be able to fulfill these promises later.

▶ Fear of being seen as unnatural because of an embarrassing

secret and its exposure.

▶ Fear of having to assert oneself: Defending your own

rights, formulating your own wishes, needs and opinions.

This includes saying “no” as well as rejecting the wishes

of others.

There are a number of ways for outsiders to recognize that

someone is anxious: Some people become particularly active

in the presence of other people, for example at a reception, as

evidenced by rapid speech or frantic movements.

Others are more passive in order to cover up their fears or

rather their own “strange” feelings. Others become very

clumsy. Some try desperately to maintain control – others

resign themselves. Those who are shy will spend a lot of

energy avoiding situations that are difficult for them. In

“difficult” situations, many simply want to dissolve or make

themselves invisible and then postpone necessary, supposedly

unpleasant tasks – or even cancel promised appointments

at short notice.

The inner dialog

The core problem is that many people do not recognize

themselves or their own performance and even see it negatively,

even when others say otherwise. This is followed by systematic

self-deprecation and generalization.

Silence, for example, is also very difficult for many people to

bear. This is because the other person's silence is often interpreted

as withdrawal or a sign of low esteem. Once the feeling

has taken hold, the fear spreads in all directions:

▶ You are afraid beforehand because it could go wrong.

▶ Meanwhile, you are afraid because the other person might

notice your fear.

▶ Then you fear the consequences of your poor performance.

people to keep their feelings under control in the sense of a

protective armor.

A little tip: we often find situations easier if we admit our fear.

If no one can see your feelings, no one can take them into

consideration. That is why those affected should first and

foremost show consideration for themselves.

Excursus into practice

Fears from a salesperson's perspective: People who have been

in sales for a long time may have fewer fears due to their experience

than newcomers or people for whom values such as

honesty and respect are extremely important. Ultimately, of

course, fears also have something to do with your own personality

structure.

Regardless of this, business is primarily about sales – for the

personal benefit of the salesperson or the company they represent.

But selling is something that many people do not want

to do because they associate it negatively. Whether it is a bad

image or fears – nevertheless, sales are crucial to the success

of a company. After all, customers pay the salaries of all of a

provider's employees – not just the sales staff. Their possible

fears are just as varied as the daily challenges in sales:

▶ Instead of actively selling, they prefer to simply advise. After

all, you do not want to be pushy. So, they lack the courage

to actively ask for the order or the deal.

▶ The fear of rejection stops many people from acquiring customers

or finally reactivating former customers. What are they

supposed to think when you suddenly get in touch (again)?

▶ People are worried that too much success will have negative

consequences – such as envy, loneliness or the feeling that

they are not really happy despite everything.

▶ The fear of not being good enough gives rise to a constant

urge for perfection.

▶ People shy away from becoming visible and presenting

themselves and their own offering to the outside world. After

all, the competition could take countermeasures.

As long as nothing can be done to counteract the fear, the more

intense the feelings of anxiety become. Anxiety also arises

from being overwhelmed: Can I really do this? People often

expect themselves to fail, which leads to avoidance behavior.

Anyone who has no expectation of self-efficacy, i.e. the ability

to take certain actions under their own steam in order to

achieve certain goals, will quickly become anxious.

The problem is that outsiders cannot always see the fear of

their counterpart straight away. A wheelchair user may get

the support they need – because their handicap is obvious.

Feelings of anxiety, on the other hand, are usually not obvious

to outsiders. The worrying thought “What will others think?”,

which has often been cultivated over the years, has led many

The fear of failure grows – especially when sales successes fail

to materialize soon, and the company's existence is at stake.

Small failures often increase the fear of failure. The greater the

pressure to succeed, the greater the nervousness. The greater

the nervousness, the greater the fear of failure. The greater the

fear of failure, the more likely failure is. The more negative the

success rate, the greater the fear of failure.

As the negative cycle progresses, the probability increases that

the salesperson will act as a supplicant, give discounts too

quickly and lose self-confidence. If the manager puts pressure

on the salesperson or the salesperson puts pressure on

themselves, this is also not a way out! Pressure always leads to

counter-pressure or relapse. Either, from the point of view of

32

MAFO 3-25

BUSINESS

the person concerned, to tried and tested strategies or even to

panicked flight or impotent freezing.

How employees become braver: 8 hacks

The following measures help to facilitate communication within

the company and make employees more courageous:

No fair weather meetings

#1 In many meetings, only the “what” is often discussed,

rarely the “how”. The focus should therefore not be on conveying

information, but on implementation. It is important to discuss

together what negative things could happen during implementation

– and how these situations can then be overcome.

Regular water level reports

#2 True to the motto “offense is the best defense”, it should

be checked weekly, for example, whether everything is on track

or whether there are implementation problems so that timely

action can be taken.

Rather one-on-one

#3 Managers should hold discussions in private more often.

Because if there are problems, it is usually easier for employees

not to discuss them in front of their colleagues, but in person

and therefore confidentially.

“Fail cheerfully”

#4 A life without mistakes is an illusion. Instead, care

should be taken to ensure that everyone can learn something

from possible behaviors that have not led to success. However,

if these are covered up, then mistakes and dealing with them

openly become even more taboo and unintentionally force some

people to make such mistakes again themselves. If we were to

talk more openly about our fears, in the same way that we talk

about a sprained foot or sore muscles, for example, then this

would be an essential first step towards healing. This is because

talking about it creates the feeling or realization that you are

not the only person with fears, but that there are others who

have also experienced them and perhaps even overcome them.

Training and professional exchange

#5 If you regularly get ideas on how you can manage your

tasks even better, you will inevitably become braver and more

confident.

Expectation management

#6 In many companies, the self-image and external image

of individual employees do not match. It is not uncommon for

“weak” employees in particular to think they are great and

irreplaceable, whereas “good” employees are very self-critical

and often have doubts. With the right balance between challenge

and support, these gaps should increasingly be closed.

Preparation is everything

#7 Those who prepare themselves and mentally anticipate

certain possible situations have a good chance of performing

better than others.

Positive inner dialog

#8 How you speak to yourself is crucial. Helpful thoughts

to deal with burgeoning fears, for example when making an

acquisition, are: “I'm curious to see what kind of person I'm

about to meet!”, or “I'm looking forward to trying something

new, let's see how this phrase goes down!”, “If someone notices

that I'm under stress, I can tell my interviewer. Maybe I'll be

even more likeable then.” You should also protect yourself from

generalizations. Instead of “I'm not very good at acquiring

customers,” it is better to say “I'm not very good at acquiring

customers yet!”

It has taken everyone years to become the person they are now.

However, if you set your goals too high and want to become

much more courageous from one day to the next, you will

usually overstretch yourself. It is better to tackle certain tasks

and then gradually increase their level of difficulty. Childlike

curiosity in the sense of “Let's see what happens. Either I learn

or I get closer to my goals” has already taken some of the pressure

off. But the most important thing is to stay on the ball. With

like-minded people, for example. Because if you know that you

are not alone with your problems, you will receive very important

feedback, namely that you are normal.

Oliver Schumacher

Oliver Schumacher, sales trainer since 2009 and networking

professional, sets new accents in the areas of knowledge

transfer, learning culture and personal positioning in a friendly,

well-founded manner. Under the motto “Be real”, he shows

how anyone can become No. 1 – whether self-employed,

manager or employee. For him, the main drivers of growth

are curiosity and courage, discipline and (self-)confidence.

www.oliver-schumacher.de

MAFO 3-25 33

HISTORY

50 years of developments in

ophthalmic lenses | part 2

Achievements of modern technology

Freeform technology brought the possibility, not only of optimizing the performance for any individual

prescription, but also of varying the design characteristics of the lens by incorporating more fitting data

relating to the facial characteristics of the wearer. That is, the lens could be optimized and personalized.

By Dr. Mo JalieWhat is the difference between optimization

and personalization?

An optimized lens is one which has been

designed to eliminate, or at least, minimize

certain stated defects in its image forming properties. The most

significant aberration for the spectacle lens is oblique astigmatism

and if we were to make a plus lens in plano-convex

form, the increase in astigmatism would be quite rapid, reaching

over 2.00 D in the case of a +4.00 D lens made in plano-convex

form.

By the beginning of the 20 th century, it was realized that by

bending the lens into a curved form, it would be possible to

eliminate oblique astigmatism and this became the standard

form for most best form spectacle lens series.

In the case of progressive power lenses, the inevitable Minkwitz

astigmatism arises and the best that the designer can do is to

34

MAFO 3-25

HISTORY

Basic designs

Standard

(balanced in terms of DV, NV and PZ)

design non-optimized optimized

Fig. 1: Optimization of progressive designs.

Baumbach ‘316 : 2004

Computer monitor workplace

(balanced for mean distances)

Work at the desk

(short distances preferred)

Driving

(non-symmetric design, wide DV field)

Pilot

(NV part at bottom and top)

Sports

(particularly racquet and ball down to 1 m)

Watchmaker

(very short distances)

Surgeon

(substantially average distances)

prioritised

for DV

balanced

prioritised

for NV

Fig. 3: Optimization for different uses of progressive design.

corridor

length

(mm) CLEAR

STYLE

BALANCE

OPEN

11

14

16

6/6 6/9 6/13 6/20 6/30

CLEARNESS INDEX

Fig. 2: Mechanical optimization of lens.

Fig. 4: Hoyalux iD MyStyle vocational designs.

ensure that all prescriptions perform close to the design

specification for each individual power.

What is required, is for the lens to perform in the way which

the designer intended and as the Kelch Patent of 1995 and the

Hof Patent of the year 2000 described, this can be achieved

using freeform technology (Fig. 1).

Personalized lenses

A personalized lens is one which, whether single vision or

progressive in power, can be designed in real time for an individual

wearer, by inputting the actual wearing conditions of the

lenses. In addition to the monocular centration distances and

fitting point heights, which have always been required in progressive

lens fitting, the actual distance of the eye’s center of rotation,

the vertex distance, the pantoscopic and face form angles, the

individual’s working distance and details of the lens form can

be incorporated in the lens before manufacture.

The mechanical details of the lens and the frame can also be

personalized for the individual wearer, by inputting the

dimensions of the lenses. Typically, this includes the A and B

dimensions of the lens, the effective diameter required for the

shape, and if the lens is measured by a frame tracer, the data

can be linked to the lens design software to obtain the optimum

surfaced-to-shape lens of minimum thickness and weight

(Fig. 2). Clearly, the flagship designs from the major lens manufacturers

can be described as personalized, optimized

designs.

Prioritizing zones

Many of the latest developments in progressive power lens

design relate to prioritizing the zones of the lens which are

used most by different wearers, all made possible by the use

of freeform technology.

Freeform production enables the design to prioritize the zone

of the lens which the wearer uses most frequently, by ensuring

that the Minkwitz astigmatism has been minimized for the

zone that the wearer uses most, that is, the distance zone, the

intermediate zone or near zone of the lens.

MAFO 3-25 35

HISTORY

stability at all angles and in all situations is required through

to the softest design, known as Open, whose design is soft so

that, instead of placing high demands on specific vision areas,

the focus is on optical balance, a soft progression structure and

a wide reading area (Fig. 4). Each design is made with three

different corridor lengths, 11mm, 14mm and 16mm.

Fig. 5: Essilor’s Varilux Xtend TM technology: +5.50 DP curve Add +1.75 D.

Carl Zeiss Vision use the term IndividualFit Technology to

describe their designs personalized for lifestyle prioritization

for their lenses intended mainly for distance vision use, or

near vision use, or balanced for distance and near. Those

prioritized for distance vision are often referred to as designed

specifically for driving – so-called driver lenses – which

usually incorporate a coating that eliminates reflections,

Zeiss DriveSafe Progressive lenses claim to offer an up to 14%

larger distance-viewing zone and up to 43% larger intermediate

zone.

Fig. 6: Sola Optical’s Access lens.

The patent assigned to Rodenstock [1] , suggests some typical

uses for different wearer requirements (Fig. 3). Eventually,

three different designs were marketed, under the names Active,

which has an extra large distance portion, Allround, which

gives equal priority to distance, intermediate and near, and

Expert, which offers a wide intermediate zone and subsequently

a wider near vision zone. Complete personalization and choice

of design type is offered in their flagship design, Impression

Freesign 3 Individual.

Hoyalux iD Mystyle introduced a choice of the basic surface

design depending upon the wearing characteristics of the subject.

By means of the MyStyle iDentifier, the design profile and most

effective corridor length, 11mm, 14mm or 16mm is selected for

the subject depending upon the answers to a series of questions

prompted by the iDentifier. The three basic designs range from

the hardest design known as Clear which offers an extra wide

deformation-free distance part with a clear and free field of

vision; a balanced design known as Balance, whose structure

offers a more dynamic lifestyle, in which focused vision and

Essilor’s progressive lens designs in the 21 st century, have incorporated

the best features of their previous designs. Beginning

with Varilux Ipseo whose design took into account the wearer’s

Head/eye behaviour, then Varilux Physio which considered

control of higher-order aberrations, the Varilux S-Series which

incorporated the progression on both front and back surfaces,

and introduced control of differential prismatic effect, and

developments in freeform surfacing technology, the Varilux

X-Series with its Extend technology by redesigning the power

law to enable an increase in the volume of vision provided to

the wearer culminating in today’s flagship design, Varilux XR,

providing an even greater field of useful vision (Fig. 5). Each

generation of progressive lens design incorporating the best

features of earlier versions of the lens.

The double-progressive surface Varilux S-Series introduced

control of differential prismatic effect using a technique they

described as Synchroneyes.

If the prescription for the R and L eyes is the same the vertical

prismatic effect at corresponding points used in binocular

vision will be the same.

However, if the prescriptions differ, as would occur in anisometropia,

binocular balance would be lost. The process described

as “Synchroneyes” restores binocular balance at corresponding

points on the pair of lenses a feature which could not be obtained

with designs whose progressive surfaces were fixed as with

earlier progressive lenses.

Seven years ago, Essilor introduced their X-Series design whose

modified power law was designed to extend the range of intermediate

and near vision. Xtend technology involved a

redesign of the power law between the intermediate and near

vision zones as shown in figure 5, which compares the shape

of the power law of previous generations of Varilux designs

36

MAFO 3-25

HISTORY

with the power law adopted in the X and XR series. This, apparently

minor change, extends the range of vision provided

to the wearer by some 16% and hence, the volume of vision

obtained by the wearer.

The latest progressive lens from Essilor, the Varilux XR-Series,

is described as the first eye-responsive progressive lens. It incorporates

all the design features of the Varilux X-Series, the design

being assisted by artificial intelligence in the form of an “avatar”

whose characteristics, duplicate those of a real-life wearer, to

reproduce the wearing conditions of the individual.

The latest generations of flagship progressive power lenses incorporate

all the technologies which experience, and clever

freeform design can bring. Provided that the lens fitting has

been properly undertaken, patient rejection of progressive lenses

is now a thing of the past. Taking full advantage of personalization

of the design offers spectacle wearers bespoke lenses, which

they can truly believe have been designed specifically for them.

Degressive power lenses

In 1996, Sola Optical introduced a design intended for use

only for intermediate and near vision, a concept which had

become known in America as an occupational progressive

lens. Such designs are ideal for use at the desk and for use

with the computer. The Access Reading Lens enabled clear

vision from the near point out to at least arm’s length, and

beyond, under certain circumstances. The lower part of the

lens is made to the prescribed power for near vision and the

power in the upper portion is either 0.75 D or 1.25 D weaker

for intermediate use. There is no other choice in the power

reduction which has come to be called the degression power,

and progressive lenses of this type, of which several have

now been introduced, are known as degressive lenses. Sola

recommended that the major reference point, which lies at

the geometrical center of the uncut lens, should be fitted

3mm to 5mm below the pupil center (Fig. 6).

It was to offer extended ranges of vision for intermediate and

near vision that degressive lenses were introduced. The Minkwitz

condition shows that the width of clear vision in the progression

zone of a lens is dependent upon the power of the near addition

and the length of the progressive corridor. The lower the near

addition and the longer the progression zone, the wider becomes

the aberration-free corridor between the upper and lower

portions of the lens.

The Minkwitz condition reminds us that the width of clear

vision in the progression zone of a lens is dependent upon the

power of the near addition and the length of the progressive

corridor. The lower the near addition and the longer the progression

zone, the wider becomes the aberration-free corridor

between the upper and lower portions of the lens.

Fig. 7: Astigmatism and ranges of vision associated with degressive power lenses.

Modus operandi

The modus operandi of a degressive power (or occupational

progressive) lens is as follows. Suppose an office worker who

is a presbyope (assumed here to be emmetropic) needs a near

addition of +2.00 D. If this is worn in the form of a pair of

+2.00 D single vision lenses, the artificial far point would lie

50cm in front of the lenses and it is probable that, not only

most of the subject’s desk top, but also the screen of their

computer monitor would lie in the blurred region beyond the

artificial far point. Certainly, the subject would not have a

clear view of a colleague sitting three meters away, nor of the

clock on the wall at the opposite end of the office.

One solution for office wear, which would provide a full

range of clear vision, is a progressive power lens made to the

prescription 0.00 Add +2.00. Typically, this lens would have

a progression length of 18mm and would provide a range of

clear vision from infinity down to the subject’s near point.

The Minkwitz condition implies that such a design would

provide a corridor width of some 4.5mm, before unwanted

astigmatism on either side of the meridian line attained a value

of 0.50 D as shown in figure 7(a).

This quantification is given only to emphasize the significance

of the power of the reading addition and the progression length

on the optical performance of the corridor. It is well known

that, in practice, most progressive lens wearers are unaware of

the effects of the aberrations near the center of their intermediate

zones. For most people, the visual system seems to adapt very

readily to the off-axis effects of modern progressive lenses,

especially when the addition is low.

Note that the progressive lens depicted in figure 7(a) is of a

so-called “hard” design with no attempt to redistribute

MAFO 3-25 37

HISTORY

Degressive lens designs

American Optical/Sola/Zeiss

Technica Access, Gradal RD, Business

BBGR Extenso 10 & 15

Crossbows

Essilor

Hoya

Nikon

Pentax

Rodenstock

Rupp & Hubrach

Seiko

Shamir

Tokai

Custom Office

Interview, Computer 2V & 3V, Anti-fatigue

Hoyalux Office, Tact

Online

PCWay

Cosmolit Office, Nexyma

HP Office

P1-Computer

Shamir Office

Pro, Hi Reader

Table 1: The trade names indicate the purpose of the lenses.

astigmatism in the distance portion of the lens. This progressive

lens would provide a range of vision from infinity through

intermediate zones down to the near point at about 25cm

from the lens.

A second solution for use in the office would be to use a

degressive power lens whose specification is +2.00 Add

-1.00. (Note that this is equivalent to the specification,

+1.00, Add +1.00 D). Such a lens would have a corridor

length of about 28mm and since its addition is only 1.00 D

the corridor width would be 14mm before unwanted

astigmatism on either side of the meridian line attained a

value of 0.50 D (Fig. 7(b)).

If the design was a “soft” design where the astigmatism is redistributed

in the distance area the wearer would obtain a wide

central field with very low aberration which would make the

lens very easy to wear. The artificial far point with this design

would lie at 100cm and the subject would obtain a range of

clear vision extending from 100cm down to 25cm from the

lens. This range would adequately cover the work area and

provide a more useful middle-distance field than the original

+2.00 D reading lenses.

There are several occupational progressive designs available

today, the better known are given in the accompanying table.

Most suppliers suggest that these lenses are ordered by stating

the required near power together with the degression power,

which is minus the near addition which the lens provides.

Needless to say, since there is no distance area for degressive

lens designs, they are totally unsuitable for driving.

References

1. US Patent 6685316 (2004) Baumbach P. et al, Method of Manufacturing

Progressive Ophthalmic Lenses.

Dr. Mo Jalie

Dr. Mo Jalie SMSA, FBDO (Hons), Hon FCGI, Hon FCOptom,

MCMI, is Emeritus Professor at Ulster University and works

as a consultant to the ophthalmic industry. He was the

Head of Department of Applied Optics at City & Islington

since 1968 to 1995. He is recognised as an international

authority on the design of spectacle lenses and has written

several books. Furthermore he is the author of some 200

papers on ophthalmic lenses, contact lenses, intra-ocular

lenses and dispensing – and a consultant editor to the

Optician magazine.

38

MAFO 3-25

MARKET SURVEY

Augen

www.augenopticos.com/tec

Coburn Technologies

www.coburntechnologies.com

Generators

Victor IV CTL65 Compact Lens Generator Cobalt NX Lens Generator

Application

Technical data

Small labs (less than 100 l/ shift)

Medium sized labs

(100 - 3,000 l/shift)

x

Mass production labs

(more than 3,000 l/shift)

Freeform x x

Lens materials All organic materials CR39, Polycarbonate, Trivex, High Index

Lens diameter (mm) 100 90 90

Curve range concave (dpt)

[Milling /Turning]

NA /- 20 with no tool change -20 -20

Curve range convex (dpt)

[Milling / Turning]

Productivity (lenses / hour)

[MR8, 1.6, Ø 70, sph. -3,0, cyl. 2.0,

Add. 2.5, private label]

NA / + 20 with no tool change 7 7

30 contact Coburn Technologies

Speed of motor spindle (RPM) 3.000 3500 4000

Axis 4 3 4

Port/Interface configuration

M = Multiple | OA = Open architecture

M: Augen XML / OMA M / OA M / OA

Weight (kg / lbs) 550 / 1210 590 / 1300 622 / 1372

Dimensions (w x d x h) / [ mm /

inches] (machine without conveyor)

x

1100 x 1100 x 1200 / 43 x 43 x 47 1194 x 787 x 1295 / 47 x 31 x 51 1245 x 914 x 1473 / 49 x 36 x 58

x

Process

Milling / / /

Turning (single or twin tool holder)

Balanced dual swiveling tool

for roughing and finish

turning - single cutter

turning - two cutters

Polishing / / /

Laser engraving / / x

Automatic lens loading/unloading / / /

Blockless / / /

Dry cutting / x x

Alloy free / x x

Pre-shape o / /

Features

Auto calibration

Calibration on diamond change

only after 4000 lenses

/ o

Barcode scanner x o o

Data protection/encryption

design and macros

x / /

Process data information x x x

Further information

Robust plug and play generator

Follows NURBS FreeForm

Designs, spheric and atoric

surfaces

Compact turning lathe with

Coburn's patented single-point

technology for conventional

lenses. Ideal for small to midsized

labs; fastest in its class

Freeform, dry cut generator

producing superior quality lenses

in terms of form and finish.

Expandable platform that can

grow with your business

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

MAFO 3-25 39

MARKET SURVEY

Coburn Technologies

www.coburntechnologies.com

Comes

www.comes.it

Generators

NEXUS DGT Lens Generator Gentronic-CNC Labor-2

Application

Technical data

Small labs (less than 100 l/ shift) / x

Medium sized labs

(100 - 3,000 l/shift)



x x x

x x x

Freeform x / /

Lens materials CR39, Polycarbonate, Trivex, High Index Glass Glass

Lens diameter ∅ (mm) 90 80 120


[Milling /Turning]


[Milling / Turning]


[MR8, 1.6, Ø 70, sph. -3,0, cyl. 2.0,


-20 10 / - 12 / -

7 10 / - 12 / -

contact Coburn Technologies - -

Speed of motor spindle (RPM) 4500 10500 5500

Axis 4 3 4



M / OA

Weight (kg / lbs) 642 / 1415 700 / 1550 1400 / 3100



1346 x 775 x 1600 / 53 x 30.5 x 63

810 x 1260 x 1850 /

31.89 x 49.61 x 72.83

1560 x 1550 x 1890 /

61.4 x 61 x 74.41

Process

Milling / x x

Turning (single or twin tool holder) turning - two cutters / /

Polishing /

Laser engraving

x

Automatic lens loading/unloading o x o

Blockless / x o

Dry cutting x / /

Alloy free

x

Pre-shape / / /

Features

Auto calibration o / /

Barcode scanner o / o


design and macros

Process data information

Further information

/

x

Freeform, dry cut generator producing

superior quality lenses with the

option for automation, as well as the

option for automated calibration.

Over 50% faster than Cobalt NX.

Spherical glass only, 180 lenses/h,

single surface or double

surface (two machines with

automatic lens transfer)


40

MAFO 3-25

MARKET SURVEY

Comes MEI OptoTech

www.comes.it www.meisystem.com www.optotech.net/en

Small Impact HDG Impact Series CoreTBA FLASH Store

x x / x x

x / x x

x / x /

/ x x x x

Glass / Organic Organic Organic All organic lens materials all organic materials

90 85 85 53-80 (after cribbing) 40 mm - 85 mm

30 / - 30 / 30 30 / 30 concave - 12 diopters Milling -15 dpt / Turning -30 dpt.

30 / - 30 / 30 30 / 30

Front base range 0 - 9 (only

spherical front curve, index 1,53)

Milling and Turning +30 dpt.

- up to 50 lenses/h

20 lenses/h - 50 lenses/h;

depending on process

27000 - 27000 33000 12000 rpm

3 3 3 / 4

5 on the generator, 3 for

each polishing station, plus

handling

4

M

M

620 / 1360 800 /1760 2000 / 4400 2500 kg 1050 kg

1190 x 1660 x 1585 /

46.85 x 65.35 x 62.4

965 x 1300 x 1500 /

38 x 51.18 x 59.06

1700 x 1700 x 1550 /

66.93 x 66.93 x 61

2150 x 2150 x 2500 1280 x 1330 x 1680 mm

x / x x 1

/ x x x twin tool holder

x /

** ** x /

/ / o x /

/ / / x /

/ / / x /

x /

* o* * x x

/ / / x /

o o o x o

/ /

x

o

* elliptical reduction


** mechanical engraving

optional


** mechanical engraving

optional

front mapping, washing,

no tape, prismatic lenses,

power matching, blank

inspection

lenticular and blended bifocal

software on request

MAFO 3-25 41

MARKET SURVEY

OptoTech

www.optotech.net/en

Generators

FLASH Plus FLASH-A Plus FLASH-A NG ESM Twin-A

Application

Small labs (less than 100 l/ shift)

Medium sized labs

(100 - 3,000 l/shift)



x

Freeform x x x x

Lens materials all organic materials all or

Lens diameter ∅ (mm)

x

40 mm - 85 mm

x

x

x


[Milling /Turning]


[Milling / Turning]

Milling -15 dpt / Turning -30 dpt.

Milling and Turning +30 dpt.

- 12 dpt. [Milling]

+ 30 dpt. [Milling]


[MR8, 1.6, Ø 70, sph. -3,0, cyl. 2.0,


35 lenses/h - 120 lenses/h; depending on process

50 lenses/h - 160

lenses/h; depending on

process

60 lenses/h - 200

lenses/h; depending on

process

Technical data

Process

Speed of motor spindle (RPM) 18000 rpm 32000 rpm 32000 rpm

Axis 4 4 4 5



M M M M

Weight (kg / lbs) 1050 kg 1850 kg 2750 kg 1900 kg



1280 x 1330 x 1680 mm 1700 x 1925 x 1925 mm 1735 x 1975 x 1740 mm 1944 x 1886 x 1955 mm

Milling 1 1 1 2 tools

Turning (single or twin tool holder) twin tool holder /

Polishing / / / /

Laser engraving / / / /

Automatic lens loading/unloading / x x x

Blockless / / / /

Dry cutting / / / /

Alloy free / / / /

Pre-shape x x x x

Features

Auto calibration / / / /

Barcode scanner o o o o


design and macros

/ / / /

Process data information o o o o

Further information

lenticular and blended bifocal software on request

optional cribbling spindle

for small lens diameter;

lenticular and blended bifocal

software on request


42

MAFO 3-25

MARKET SURVEY

OptoTech

www.optotech.net/en

Satisloh

www.satisloh.com/ophthalmic

FLASH Twin-A SWARFMASTER ASM Rx-A VFT-orbit-2i

x x -

x

x x x

x x x x

ganic materials all organic materials and mineral glass mineral glass all organic materials

51 mm - 85 mm 50 mm - 70 mm up to 90 mm

-15 dpt .[Turning]

Mineral: up to -16 dpt. (Index 1.523)

Organic: up to -15 dpt. (up to -22

dpt. with Ø45mm PCD tool)

+ 25 dpt. [Turning] +30 dpt. [Milling]

60 lenses/h - 120 lenses/h; depending

on process

Mineral freeform milling of up to 60

lenses/h; Organic freeform milling

of up to 200 lenses/h; (depending

on production mix)

Depending on tool diameter -14,5/-30

40 mm - ∞ (with standard tools) + 12

dpt. - plano

6 mineral glass lenses/h

+30/+30

Up to 100 lenses/hour

(with performance package up to

120 lenses/hour)

32000 rpm 35,000

6 3 4 5

M M M M / OA

2200 kg 1250 kg 1850 kg 2200 / 4,850 lbs

1785 x 2380 x 1940 mm 1365 x 1865 x 2076 mm 1275 x 2035 x 1720 mm

1270 x 1501 x 1832 mm /

50 x 60 x 72 inches

/ 1 Grinding/Milling Tool 3 Grinding/Milling Tools x

2 Twin Holder (Fast-Tools) / / single; 2nd fast-tool optional

/ / / -

/ / / mechanical engraving as an option

x x x x

/ / / -

/ / / -

/ / / x

/ / / x

/ / / x

o o o x

/ / / x

o o o x

manual version available

MAFO 3-25 43

MARKET SURVEY

Satisloh

www.satisloh.com/ophthalmic

Generators

VFT-orbit-2E VFT-macro VFT-macro-E

Small labs (less than 100 l/ shift) - x x

Medium sized labs

(100 - 3,000 l/shift)

x x -

Application



- - -

Freeform x x x

Lens materials

all organic materials

Lens diameter ∅ (mm) up to 90 mm up to 85 mm


[Milling /Turning]


[Milling / Turning]

-14,5/-30 -14,5

+30/+30 - -


[MR8, 1.6, Ø 70, sph. -3,0, cyl. 2.0,


up to 75lph up to 50lph up to 25lph

Technical data

Speed of motor spindle (RPM) 24,000 12,000 only cribbing

Axis 5 4 3



M / OA M / OA M / OA

Weight (kg / lbs) 2200 / 4,850 lbs 800 / 1,764

Dimensions (w x d x h) / [ mm / inches]

(machine without conveyor)

1270 x 1501 x 1832 mm /

50 x 60 x 72 inches

1100 x 1200 x 1500 / 43 x 47 x 59

Milling x x -

Turning (single or twin tool holder) single; 2nd fas-tool optional twin

Polishing - - -

Process

Laser engraving

mechanical engraving as an option

Automatic lens loading/unloading o - -

Blockless - - -

Dry cutting - - -

Alloy free x x x

Pre-shape x x -

Auto calibration x x x

Barcode scanner x o o

Features

Data protection/encryption design

and macros

x - -

Process data information x x x

Further information

Integrated Topography Measurement

available as an option


44

MAFO 3-25

MARKET SURVEY

Schneider


HSC nano XP HSC sprint X HSC modulo XTS Modulo Center ONE HSC modulo ONE

x x x x

x x x x x

x x x

x x x x x

CR39, Polycarbonate, Trivex, Tribrid, High Index Plastic

up to 92 mm up to 85 mm up to 96 mm up to 90 mm up to 96 mm

-30 -18 -30

+30 0 +30

Please consult with Schneider

9,000 12,000 35,000 25,000 35,000

4 4/5 22 7/8

various

750 / 1,653 750 / 1,654 2250 / 4960 5150 / 11354 3099 / 6832

900 x 1120 x 1030 /

35 x 44 x 41

1360 x 930 x 1200 /

52 x 37 x 48

1600 x 2020 x 1715 /

63 x 80 x 68

3200 x 2167 x 2350 /

126 x 86 x 93

1685 x 2150 x 1993 /

67 x 85 x79

x x x x x

twin single twin

/ / / x /

x / / x /

/ / x x x

/ / / / /

/ / / / /

x x x x x

/ x x / x

x x x x, or optionally RFID x

design

design

x x x x x

The HSC nano XP offers a

higher performance, offering

full milling capabilities

for fast PC machining and a

high-speed laser.

Offers a higher performance

than HSC sprint. A

small, economical generator.

Ideal for smaller and

mid-sized labs.

The fastest generator in

the market. Its extremely

powerful XS-motor produces

the best lens in the

shortest time

The all-in-one surfacing

center features the technology

to surface 80 lenses/h,

in just 7 m². Blank in,

surfaced lens out

HSC modulo ONE virtually

combines the power of two

generators. It produces

best lenses at lowest cost

per lens.

MAFO 3-25 45

Suppliers

Guide

Surfacing

Filtration systems

Engraving / printing

Tinting

Hard coating

Cleaning

AR Coating

Edging

Inspection

Consumables

Diamond tools

Software

Designs

Automation & Robotics

Bühler

Coburn Technologies

Comes

Fil-Tech

Filtertech

FISA

Horizons Optical

IOT

K&Y

Kan-Pacific

Lensware

Nidek

Optimal Technologies

OptoTech

Satisloh

Schneider

SCL

Teco

Ultra Optics

46

MAFO 3-25

Suppliers Guide

AUTOMATION & ROBOTICS

www.ar.be

TOTAL LENS INSPECTION

DIGITAL INKING

STATISTICAL PROCESS CONTROL (SPC)

SERVICES & AUTOMATED SOLUTIONS

salesmarketing@ar.be

Tel. 315-682-8815

info@filtertech.com

Machines for your coating excellence

Reliable. Efficient. Flexible.

Bühler Alzenau GmbH

Business Area Leybold Optics

Siemensstrasse 88, D-63755 Alzenau

T +49(0)6023 500-0

leyboldoptics@buhlergroup.com

www.buhlergroup.com

Process

Water Treatment

Ultrasounds

Robot

Industry 4.0

HMI Controller

Plugins

CONTACT US NOW

www.fisa.com

Optics@fisa.com

Optical solutions tailored to you,

from lens design

to your retail experience.

Focus on you

!AZ.indd 13

Your lens innovation

and technology partner.

Cleaning & Hard Coating

IOT empowers Automatic optical Machines businesses

with cutting-edge technologies and

innovative See more solutions to design and

produce information advanced ophthalmic lenses.

scan QR code

info@kanpacific.com

www.kanpacific.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

!AZ.indd 14

www.filtech.com

617-227-1133 • 800-743-1743

paula@filtech.com

Cleaning & Hard Coating

Automatic Machines

See more

information

09.05.25

scan 11:47

QR code

info@kanpacific.com

www.kanpacific.com

MAFO 3-25 47

Suppliers Guide

YOUR ULTRA PRECISION

Diamond Tools Manufacturer

kydiamond.ca

sales@ kydiamond.ca

> Excellent service and

quick turnaround

> Compliant with

any generator

OPTICAL MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS

Satisloh AG

Neuhofstrasse 12

CH - 6340 Baar / Switzerland

Phone: +41 (0) 41766 16 16

Email: info@satisloh.com

satisloh.com

The Lab Management System Company

LensWare International GmbH

Robert-Bosch-Str. 32

63225 Langen - Germany

Phone : +49 6103 / 372 87 87

Email : info@lensware.de

Web : www.lensware.de

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

HARD COAT LEADER

HARD COATING CLEANING TINTING PERIPHERALS CONSUMABLES EXPERTISE

271 rue Laszlo Biro

ArchParc

FR-74160 Archamps

scl-intl.com

+33 (0) 450 820 720

office1@scl-intl.com

Hard coating ad:

World leaders in Lens Hard Coating

Machines and process solutions

X-Cube

Lens Digital Printer

Enjoy:

• unlimited designs

• digi-speed process

Full range available for any production

volume

Choose your frame colour

!AZ.indd Expert advice 9 on your application

23.01.18 11:27

contact us: (+44) 1462 49 16 16

sales@optimal-technologies.com optimal-technologies.com

www.tecofrance.com

info@tecofrance.com

White

Yellow

Blue

Red

Cyan

Purple

Cleaning ad:

Optical Machinery. Processing Technology.

!AZ.indd 2

OptoTech Optikmaschinen GmbH

Sandusweg 2-4 • 35435 Wettenberg/Germany

Tel.: + 49 641 49939-0

World leaders in Ultrasonic Cleaning

eMail: info.de@optotech.net

Machines prior to lens coating

Web: www.optotech.net

Full range available for any lens volume

03.06.14 12:02

Expert advice on your application

48

Contact us for our full range: +44 (0) 1462 491 616

sales@optimal-technologies.com www.optimal-technologies.com

MAFO 3-25

OUTLOOK

Closing with good news!

How gold nanoparticles

may one day help to restore people’s vision

A new study by Brown University researchers suggests that gold

nanoparticles – microscopic bits of gold thousands of times thinner

than a human hair – might one day be used to help restore vision in

people with macular degeneration and other retinal disorders.

In a study published in the journal ACS Nano and supported by

the National Institutes of Health, the research team showed that

nanoparticles injected into the retina can successfully stimulate the

visual system and restore vision in mice with retinal disorders. The

findings suggest that a new type of visual prosthesis system in which

nanoparticles, used in combination with a small laser device worn

in a pair of glasses or goggles, might one day help people with retinal

disorders to see again.

MAFO 01 MAFO 03

MAFO 05

Special

topics in

MAFO 2025

Lab

Management

Smart

Processes

Sustainable

Environments

Connected

Products

Go Green!

Markets

Worldwide

MAFO 02

MAFO 04

MAFO 06

Preview

MAFO 04/2025

Our readers can look forward to an exciting mix of

topics in the upcoming MAFO issue July/August.

It will cover the latest coating technology, eyeglass

lenses that improve color vision, the European

eyewear market, and much more. Register now for

the newsletter, and we will notify you by email as

soon as the next MAFO is available – in printed and

digital format.

www.mafo-optics.com/mafo-subscription

MAFO 3-25 49

3/2025


Saarner Str. 151


66527

Germany

Highly

versatile

Environmentally

friendly

Highest

throughput

01_Titel.indd 1 12.05.25 11:43


Saarner Str. 151


66527

Germany

Real-time data

collection, to improve

your lab performance

Detect & correct issues

before they leave your

production site

Get the right machine

and process reports that

impact your OEE

Analyze production data &

identify areas to reduce your

environmental footprint

01_Titel.indd 1 13.03.25 17:24


Saarner Str. 151


66527

Germany

processes

lenses

hour

L_AZ_Modulo_Center_ONE_MAFO_12-2024_160x225_4c_engl_D.indd 1 02.12.2024 11:52:33

sq.ft.


Saarner Str. 151


66527

Germany

Optimizes the production flow and

reduces tool inventory and complexity

Broadest working range available

with a single universal tool

Easy operation & support features

eliminate the need for extra servers

01_Titel_converted.indd 1 06.11.24 13:05

Missed an issue?

No problem, view the latest issues online:

app.mafo-optics.com

ISSN 1614-1598 66527

Volume 21

ISSN 1614-1598 66527

Volume 21

ISSN 1614-1598 66527

Volume 21

ISSN 1614-1598 66527

Volume 20





Connect, discover,

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▶ Special:

Sustainable

Environments

“Supporting talent –

regardless of if they

are men or women“

First German-

Chinese school

for optometrists in

China established

▶ Technology


w

▶ Live on Site

A visit at the

EssilorLuxottica lens

production facility

▶ History

50 years of

developments

in ophthalmic

lenses | part 2

▶ Business

How fear prevents

confidence and

success

ECO-FRIENDLY DEBOXING AT

UNMATCHED SPEED

DBX m

dulo

With DBX Modulo ONE, SCHNEIDER debuts a powerful and fully automated lens

deboxer for high throughput, 24/7. The innovative technology unpacks not just

one kind but a wide range of boxes – perforated or not, with or without blisters –

with a clean process. Designed for high efficiency and throughput, it deboxes

two lenses at a time.

In line with today‘s market trends, it has been specifically optimized for more

eco-friendly cardboard solutions and supports this new standard. It requires a

minimum of energy to open the boxes, making it a highly sustainable deboxer.

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

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.

Connect, discover,

stay up-to-date

2/2025

▶ Special:

Smart Processes

The evolution of

cosmetic inspection

Next generation

centering devices

▶ Live on Site

Experiencing

the future of

manufacturing in Milan

Between intelligent

production in the

lab and eyeglass

lens science fiction

▶ Spotlight

A strong future

in Orlando?

50 years of

developments in

ophthalmic lenses

A strong IT foundation

is not just a necessity

– it is a game-changer

▶ Market Survey

Industrial edging

MES-360

OPTIMIZE YOUR LAB’S DAILY PROCESSES, LEVEL UP YOUR

PRODUCTIVITY, MONITOR & CONTROL YOUR PRODUCTION

MES-360 Manufacturing Execution Software is specifically developed for the optical industry to optimize

lab productivity. The latest version delivers improved dashboard components incl. KPIs in real time, e.g.

number of jobs per shift & machine status overview. It provides reports on lab productivity & machine

energy consumption. Another feature provided is access to machine manuals.

PRODUCTION

QUALITY

MACHINE

WASTE

EFFICIENCY

CONTROL

PERFORMANCE

REDUCTION

Request a demo & learn how MES-360 can level up your lab’s productivity!

Connect, discover,

stay up-to-date

1/2025

▶ Special:

Lab Management

Blockless lens

surfacing technologies

A radically new way of

subjective refraction

Additive manufactured

coatings

▶ Spotlight

MAFO – The

Conference timetable

and more

▶ Live on Site

Visit at Morrow:

Addition at the

touch of a button

▶ Market Survey

Cleaning machinery

4

M

ALL-IN-

80

dulo Center

in 1

72

Imagine one single machine featuring all the technology to surface 80 lenses/hour,

in just 72 sq.ft. This is the new Modulo Center ONE. The all-in-one surfacing center is a

full-fledged production line without limitations: a milling station // a lathe turning

station // one or two 4-spindle polishing units // a CO2 or excimer laser

Modulo Center ONE features highly advanced Modulo ONE process technology as well as

robust and reliable components proven in hundreds of installations across the globe.

An inner ring forms the basis for the smart and swift automation featuring multiple

handling systems. Substantial time savings are won through the machine’s tight integration

and by running all processes simultaneously – even milling and lathe turning.

The result: There is no faster way to surface a lens.

Its’ dedicated Control Center (MES) informs at a glance about the current status of the

machine, production parameters, and efficiency.

With Modulo Center ONE the jobs are processed in a fully automated environment

without any need for operator intervention. Simply put: Blank in, surfaced lens out.

SEE IT LIVE AT MIDO // 08. – 12. February 2025 // Hall 6 // Booth K15 K21 N16 N22

Connect, discover,

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6/2024

▶ Special:

Markets Worldwide

Ten eyewear markets

Advances in optics

and ophthalmology

worldwide | Part 1

Interview: “Optometry

and optics can do

much more than

it does now”

▶ Spotlight

MAFO – The

Conference program

and abstracts

Cyber security: “Don´t

let the bad guys win!”

▶ Live on Site

Visit at A&R: Making

the invisible visible

VEW: New trends

in Las Vegas

Show highlights

Silmo Paris 2024

▶ Market Survey

Laser engraving

REVOLUTIONIZE MANUAL

LENS POLISHING

MULTI-FLEX-M

DUAL-SPINDLE SOFT TOOL POLISHER

Introducing the New Multi-FLEX-M, the ultimate manual lens polisher that processes two lenses simultaneously

with just one tool. Designed for all lens types and materials, it handles prescriptions up to -18

dpt. Compact and powerful, it polishes up to 50 lenses per hour with an unbeatable tool lifetime of up

to 25,000 seconds. Benefit from faster polishing times, reduced tool inventory, and seamless integration

with your lab’s infrastructure.

UNIVERSAL TOOL

TECHNOLOGY

EVOLUTION-U

PROCESS

INTEGRATED

INDUSTRIAL PC


satisloh.com


satisloh.com

MASTHEAD

PUBLISHERS ADDRESS


Saarner Str. 151, D-45479 Mülheim 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

EDITORIAL BOARD

Jörg Spangemacher, Peter Baumbach, Mo Jalie

PRODUCTION & LAYOUT

Efstathios Efthimiadis, Pascal Bruns

E-mail: produktion@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

电邮 :jennywang_focus@126.com

ADVERTISEMENT RATES

Price list no. 21, valid from January 01, 2025

Publication schedule

6 issues 2025: 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.10: Philip Oroni, P: 12: gargantiopa, P.22: Anna, P. 30: Vadim

Bogulov, P.34: wayhome.studio

/stock.adobe.com /unsplash.com /envato.com

/istock .com /pixabay.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.

50

MAFO 3-25

TRULY SMART

LENS GENERATING

VFT-ORBIT-2i

MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE MEETS AI

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.

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!

satisloh.com

MAFO 03/2025

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