MAFO 02/2026

ISSN 1614-1598 66527
Volume 22
OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY
Connect, discover,
stay up-to-date
2/2026
▶ Special: Vision
Trends 2026
Ready in three
minutes – spectacle
lenses from the printer
True innovation
live on stage
gile an eciting
Mido 2026
Fluid-autofocus
eyeglasses
Brave new
virtual world
▶ Technology
Basic ophthalmic
optics instruction
Part 2
▶ Business
The courage to
raise prices
▶ Survey
Generating
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LETTER
When
the forgotten returns
Hanna Diewald
Chief editor
Tell us your opinion,
ideas and suggestions:
hanna.diewald@mafo-optics.com
Sometimes waves roll in slowly, then
recede, only to return later with full
force.
Based on current observed trends, it
is probably not presumptuous to say that the
optical industry is currently riding a very large
wave. Approximately 20 years after the freeform
revolution, we are not currently witnessing a
major revolution, but rather a transformation
at almost every level.
What is exciting is that many forgotten technologies
are currently experiencing a real
revolution. For example ...
... additively manufactured spectacle lenses.
In 2017, the first 3D printer for ophthalmic
lenses was introduced. Just a few years later, the
technology disappeared – at least from the official
scene. Since then, it has been quiet around
3D printing of lenses – even if some were certainly
tinkering with it behind closed doors.
Now, additive manufacturing of spectacle
lenses is back, with printing speeds faster than
ever before and a process that is close to market
maturity. Don't believe it? Then take a look at
the on-site report on page 16.
Now, smart glasses are coming out of their
niche for everyday use, becoming cameras,
headsets, screens, or hearing aids – sometimes
all in one pair of glasses. Recently, smart
children's glasses that support myopia management
have even become available in China.
But most importantly, consumers want smart
glasses now and awareness is growing. This is
clearly shown in a recently published study by
The Vision Council. And yet another product
is currently gaining tremendous momentum:
autofocus glasses. You can find a detailed report
on this on page 24.
... blockless manufacturing was also a topic
that had been speculated and discussed for a
long time, whether the technology actually
works, and whether customers will accept it
despite individual limitations. The fact is: it is
here now. It can be ordered, is ready for the
market, and now it is ready to prove itself under
real-life conditions in the lab.
And then, of course, there is artificial intelligence.
A technology that is changing every
single job on so many levels that it is difficult
to make any serious assessments at all.
... Google Glass was launched back in 2014 – and
flopped. But here too, although the product
itself did not make a breakthrough, it laid
the foundation for further research and
development. At first, the glasses
created added value in industry,
for example in logistics, but they
were too bulky for everyday use.
However, let's be fair, all these “waves” have to
prove themselves in real-life. In a few years,
we will all see whether – like real waves –
they will flatten out again and eventually run
aground, or they will stay.
But at the same time, in the industry, decisions
have to be made now. Ride the waves? Be at
the forefront? Or wait and see? ◆
MAFO 2-26 3

IQ-SYNERGY GENERATOR
THE NEW WAY OF GENERATING OPHTHALMIC LENSES
Step Into the Future of Rx Lens Manufacturing with the
IQ-Synergy Generator
OptoTech proudly introduces the latest innovation in the IQ-Synergy Series: Our
most advanced Rx lens generator yet, the IQ-Synergy Generator. Engineered for
high-volume labs, the unique design eliminates process redundancy, delivering maximum
throughput in a compact footprint.
The all-new platform is engineered from the ground up with redesigned core components
that result in a refined user experience and top-tier performance.
With this, the IQ-Synergy Generator sets a new benchmark for speed, precision, and
efficiency in today’s optical market.
Visit our booth no. 3843 at Vision Expo in Orlando or contact your local sales
representative for more information.
Vision. Precision. Passion.
OptoTech Optikmaschinen GmbH
Sandusweg 2-4
35435 Wettenberg / Germany
Phone: +49 641-49939-0
Email: info.de@optotech.net
Web: www.optotech.net

Content
MARCH / APRIL 2026
Topics in this edition
MAFO issue
March / April
2026
e­
e­
e­
At a glance
6
ou o
News from the international
ophthalmic industry
8
ou res
Graphical data
10
ou re­shos
Product preview for Vision Expo and SIOF
12
ou rocs­­isr
Innovations and news for labs
56
uppiers uie
Overview of companies in the spectacle
lens industry
60
h re ou oring on
Creative Director Efstathios Efthimiadis
61
uoo
Closing with good news and preview on
MAFO 03/2026
Live on site
16
eci­oic­isio­res­­­
e in hree minues specce
enses rom he priner
By Hanna Diewald
20
eci­oic­isio­res­­­
True innoion ie on sge
MAFO – The Conference 2026
28
eci­oic­isio­res­­
gie n eciing io 2026
By Hanna Diewald
Technology
24
eci­oic­isio­res­­
ui-uoocus eegsses
By Dr. Jessica Jarosz, Dr. Pierre Prache and
Dr. Bruno Berge
38
sic ophhmic opics
insrucion Pr 2
By Dr. Mo Jalie
Spotlight
14
eci­oic­isio­res­­­
ie echnoog rens in
ophhmic opics
nterie
34
eci­oic­isio­res­­­
re ne iru or
An interview with Santiago Soler
Business
44
The courge o rise prices
By Oliver Schumacher
aret ure
47
re sure
Generating
MAFO 2-26 5

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
All about you
News from the international ophthalmic industry
Picture: Silmo
Silmo Academy in Bali (Indonesia)
The Silmo Academy will gather the international optical and vision care community from April 6 to 8, 2026
for its CPD-accredited International Congress. Over three days, researchers, clinicians and global opinion
leaders will come together for a high-level scientific programme structured around five key strategic themes:
Putting People First, Healthy Ageing & Presbyopia, Gaining a Competitive Edge in Practice, Light Management
& Myopia, Future Advances in Optometry & Optics. The Congress will feature leading international
speakers, including: Dr. Cindy Tromans (WCO President), Gabrielle Janssen (ECOO President), Prof. Rupert
Bourne (UK), Prof. David Elliott (UK), Prof. Eric Papas (Australia), Prof. Weizhong Lan (China).
World Council of Optometry (WCO) welcomes two new trustees
to Charitable Foundation
The World Council of Optometry (WCO) and World Optometry Foundation (WOF), WCO’s
charitable arm dedicated to advancing global eye health and reducing avoidable blindness, are
pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Juan Carlos Aragón (Costa Rica) and Dr. Scott
Mundle (Canada) to the WOF Board of Trustees. Dr. Aragón (left picture) and Dr. Mundle
(right picture) bring extensive professional experience, global perspective, and a shared commitment
to advancing optometry.
Pictures: WCO
Franck Leclere. Picture: Laclarée
Laclarée appoints Franck Leclere as new CEO
Laclarée, a French pioneer in the development of electro-fluidic adaptive eyeglasses for presbyopes, announced
the appointment of Franck Leclere as Chief Executive Officer. This appointment marks a key milestone in preparing
for the commercial launch, scheduled for 2026, of the first pair of eyeglasses capable of restoring natural, effortless
vision for those over 45. Franck Leclere is an experienced leader for a new phase of growth with a career marked
by executive roles in international groups. He brings recognized expertise in commercial strategy and premium
brand development to Laclarée. His experience, particularly as General Manager France & BeLux at De RIGO
Group, will be a major asset in structuring the commercialization and positioning of Laclarée as a key player
in innovative optics.
IXI moves toward retail pilots with Atol and Vizio
IXI, the company behind one of the world’s first autofocus glasses, has signed a letter of intent
(LOI) with Atol and Vizio, two leading optical groups representing a combined network of
more than 3,000 stores in France, to explore potential future commercial pilots. The letter of
intent marks the start of a structured collaboration to shape the in-store model for autofocus
eyewear, covering the customer journey, commercial model considerations, and how the experience
would be delivered through optical retail environments. The collaboration starts with
joint exploration, focusing on how autofocus eyewear could be introduced through optical
retail and what the in-store experience should look like, with potential pilots to follow after
regulatory milestones, including CE marking.
Picture: IXI
6
MAFO 2-26

Fielmann rofitable groth in all regions
Based on preliminary and unaudited figures, the Fielmann
Group continued its profitable growth course in fiscal year
2025, achieving consolidated sales of €2.435 billion – an
increase of 7.4% over the previous year (€2.267 billion).
About half of this –around 4% – is attributable to organic
growth. In Germany, the family-owned company increased
its sales by +4% compared to the 2024 financial year, despite
weak consumer sentiment. Switzerland and Austria each
improved their sales by +6% compared to the previous
year. Spain achieved +10% growth. Other European markets
also performed well, driven by double-digit growth in
Poland and Czechia. Fielmann USA achieved sales of $312
million, which corresponds to an increase of 46% (FY
2024: $213 million).
EssilorLuxottica 2025 results
EssilorLuxottica reported strong 2025 results, with
revenue up 7.5% to €28.5bn, or 11.2% at constant rates.
Growth accelerated in the second half, fueled by the
AI-glasses partnership with Meta, with over 7 million
units sold across Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta. Adjusted
operating margin reached 16.0%, impacted by
US tariffs and scaling costs. The company also announced
their shift toward medtech and data-driven solutions,
expanding AI-glasses, hearing-aid glasses via Nuance
Audio, and clinical capabilities. Myopia-management
products grew 22% at constant rates, led by China, with
increasing momentum in EMEA and the US preparing
for Stellest.
SpecCheck partners with Ocuco
to enhance lab connectivity
SpecCheck a leading digital ordering and communication
platform for the optical industry, has announced
a major new integration with Ocuco’s optical lab
management system (LMS), Innovations. This partnership
delivers a connected experience for labs, combining
order and payment processing in their online offering,
while also introducing SpecCheck’s Live Chat to support
seamless communication between labs and eye care
professionals (ECPs). The integration allows labs using
Innovations to receive and process Rx orders directly
from SpecCheck users, with validated order data
flowing straight into the LMS to eliminate rekeying
and reduce errors.
MAFO 2-26

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
All about markets
Graphical data
83%
of respondents of a study in the
US use a form of vision correction –
including prescription glasses,
prescription sunglasses, reading
glasses, and contact lenses.
Source: The Vision Council Consumer
InSights report
87%
of respondents with a recent
purchase in the US said they bought
in-person while 13% said they bought
their eyewear online.
Source: The Vision Council Consumer
InSights report
Channel switching
from online to in-person:
According to a TVC study in
the US,
52%
of consumers who previously made a
purchase online switched and made
their most recent purchase
in-person.
Source: The Vision Council
Consumer InSights report
According to Statista, the Munich Security Index
2026 has unveiled divergence in the most pressing
risks perceived by populations across the globe.
Based on a survey of around 1,000 adults per
country conducted in November 2025, the report
highlights how different nations prioritize threats,
ranging from climate change to geopolitical
tensions. The index scores obtained (0 to 100) cover
five dimensions of risks: overall impact, trajectory,
severity, imminence and preparedness.
8
MAFO 2-26

NEXT GENERATION EDGING,
INTELLIGENTLY COMBINED.
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The next-generation edger unites high performance and exceptional efficiency in an ultra- compact footprint,
delivering uncompromising throughput.
Featuring four processing stations, a loading unit, and two high-speed, blockless LMU lens measuring units,
the HSE Modulo ONE is designed for maximum productivity. Its intelligent process flow and revolving architecture
enable extreme parallelization and ultra-fast handling. Multiple spindles operate continuously without tool
changes, minimizing non-productive time and achieving industry-leading chip-to-chip and overall cycle times.
The revolutionary Hydro-F technology conditions the clamping chucks to deliver stable, reliable clamping
even with delicate superhydrophobic lenses.
The edger‘s star-shaped station layout is tightly enclosed. Swarf is extracted directly at the point of generation,
supporting clean operation while significantly reducing energy consumption.
The HSE Modulo ONE can serve as a final inspection step, as the system provides fully automated integrated
quality control. Two LMUs measure the complete lens map – before edging for Rx verification and after edging
for Rx and fitting checks.
Reduced slippage, a cleaner environment and tight process control minimize breakage and measurably
increase overall process efficiency.
Visit us at Vision Expo East // March 12 – 14, 2026
www.schneider-om.com

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Advertisement
All about trade shows
Product preview for Vision Expo and SIOF 2026
OptoTech launches new IQ-SYNERGY S2 Blocker
at Vision Expo
At Vision Expo 2026, OptoTech celebrates its 40th anniversary with the U.S. technology
preview of the new IQ-Synergy S2 Blocker. Designed for mid-size and large laboratories,
this next-generation, two-station automatic alloy blocker delivers continuous production
and high efficiency. Dual blocking stations with independent linear handling
enable parallel processing, while the multi-job tray system allows simultaneous
handling of up to six lenses. An integrated blockpiece destacker, advanced video
positioning system, seamless alloy and blockpiece refilling, and RFID-enabled Industry
4.0 connectivity ensure high uptime, consistent quality, and low cost per lens. See it
live at Vision Expo 2026, booth 3843. www.optotech.net
C-NIMOevo: High-Resolution Power Mapping
for Automated Spectacle Lens Inspection
C-NIMOevo by Lambda-X Ophthalmics is an advanced metrology system designed
to simplify and accelerate the inspection of spectacle lenses. Based on high-resolution
wavefront measurement technology, it delivers dense, spatially resolved power maps
for accurate characterization and validation of the most complex lens designs. The
unique NIMO technology combined with automatic lens detection support very repeatable
results without precise positioning. The system is also capable to characterize
Myopia control microstructures featuring high spatial frequency patterns such as
microlens arrays, concentric rings, and dot-based designs. Designed for production
environments, the C-NIMOevo and associated software can be easily integrated into
production and inspection systems, supporting consistent measurement quality in
industrial quality control workflows. www.lambda-x.net – sales@lambda-x.net
Precision Diamond Tools for Every Challenge
Meet Us at SIOF. K&Y’s modern high-tech facility, reflects five decades
of diamond grinding expertise rooted in Germany and Switzerland.
This unique experience positions K&Y Diamond at the forefront of
today’s precision tool manufacturing. Our deep technical understanding
enables us to handle some of the most demanding applications
in the industry. Visit us at SIOF | booth #N2A21, and let our specialists
advise you on advanced diamond solutions. www.kydiamond.ca
10
MAFO 2-26

Data-driven design,
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
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Innovations and news for labs
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Satisloh Strengthens Support for Indian Customers
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As India’s optical manufacturing market continues to grow and adopt advanced technologies,
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European Patent No. EP3721272 - Revolutionize sunglass
lenses with our patented Colorboost technology
The European Patent Office has granted COLORBOOST lenses the landmark
European Patent No. EP3721272, fully validating them in all major European
markets. This provides strong legal protection for our premium color-enhancing,
high-contrast lenses. This patent, along with over 30 other patents worldwide
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12
MAFO 2-26

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Vision Trends 2026
SPOTLIGHT
Five technology trends in
ophthalmic optics
From lean production to smart glasses
ision rends is the focs of this isse of A. herefore A too a close loo at the rst trade fairs
of the year to identify the latest industry trends.
­ e­rodctio
Lean production refers to the streamlining of production through the economical and timeecient
use o prouction actors. These inclue materials, planning, an organiation. The act
that machine manufacturers for spectacle lens production are also embracing this trend is clearly
visible at trade fairs:
▶ eeral manuacturers are oring on machines that enale prouction ithout locs. This
eliminates seeral process steps in the la an machines.
▶ nspection is another trening topic that is riing the inustr, especiall cosmetic inspection.
The goal here is to prouce more ecientl. rrors in spectacle lenses that are etecte
immeiatel are not unnecessaril processe or refine urther. This saes resources an,
in the case o cosmetic inspection, also sometimes personnel.
▶ ccurate machine ata monitoring is another aspect that supports lean prouction. The aim
is to reuce reect rates ientiing prolems in prouction at an earl stage.
­ ectcle­les­idividlitio
e hae non or ecaes that spectacle lenses are ecoming increasingl customie.
oeer, technological aances in particular are opening up entirel ne opportunities or spectacle
lens eelopers to oer tailor-mae esigns.
▶ Thans to the latest measurement methos an eices, more an more ata aout the ee can e
collecte. or eample, a ell-non manuacturer collects approimatel ,000 iometric ata points
rom the ee. This ata is use to calculate the lens esign, maing it more iniiualie than eer
eore.
▶ e technolog also ensures that users isual ehaior can no e eamine in great etail. ne
eample o this is glasses, hich recor gae namics o users in ierent isual situations. This
ata can also e incorporate into the calculation o ne lenses.
▶ Toa, lens esigns can e create ase on etensie user an earing ata to preict hich esign
is liel to or est or a particular user. This is one using a comprehensie ataase, hich anales
correlations eteen users an a ie ariet o recore parameters.
14
MAFO 2-26

Vision Trends 2026
SPOTLIGHT
­ rt­lsses
mart glasses are emerging rom their niche an ecoming a iel aailale prouct. This
is eient rom the strong sales figures or aan eta smart glasses an the act that man manu-
acturers are no olloing suit an oering similar smart glasses moels. ssiloruottica is also
epaning its portolio to inclue other rans such as ale.
▶ comprehensie stu The ision Council shos that the participants suree in the are
etremel intereste in smart glasses an that aareness is steail increasing. our out o ten
responents een planne to u smart glasses ithin the net 2 months.
▶ ssilor tellest martglasses are no also aailale in China, esigne to support mopia
management in chilren analing earing ehaior, or eample.
▶ an manuacturers are also eeping an ee on smart glasses an
consiering ho the can contriute. or eample, T recentl intro-
uce a machine or the aitie manuacturing o spectacle lenses.
mong other things, a potential area o application coul also e
the integration o smart technolog into spectacle lenses.
enabling
machines to be tested virtually and processes
to e optimie. This is also eing emonstrate
arious machine manuacturers or spectacle lenses.
Simulations serve as a development tool for working
on ne machines an allo eternal parties to gain eep
insights into the processes o a machine. This is also an
interesting tool or trae airs, proie that machines are
iitl­twis­d­siltio
igital tins are shaping inustrial automation,
not lie on site. n aition, simulations can also e use to
igitall assemle a la, or eample.
t the opticians, on the other han, simulations using glasses
can give customers a more realistic impression of how they would
see ith progressie lenses.
­ creei­d­teleotoetr
Teleoptometr an ision screening are groing trens in ee care
ecause the epan access to proessional ealuations an reuce aiting
times. igital tools mae it easier to etect issues earl an support consistent
monitoring. The also help practices streamline oros, improe ecienc,
an oer patients more eile, conenient care options.
MAFO 2-26 15

Vision Trends 2026
LIVE ON SITE
The resin is exposed to light. Picture: IOT video
Ready in three minutes –
spectacle lenses from the printer
First printers being piloted at Spanish optical chain
The compan T, especiall non or sotare solutions in the fiel o ophthalmic lens esign, is currentl piloting the
first printer or spectacle lenses. ight-orm is the name o the manuacturing process that prouces lenses aitiel
in ust three minutes. The presentation o this reolutionar technolog alrea caught the attention o man eperts at
the trae air in ilan. The eitorial team as one o the first to eamine the process on site in ari in the all
alrea. By Hanna Diewald
Asimple blank, a cup of transparent, viscous substance,
and a short flash of light – these are the
ingredients for the spectacle lens of the future. In
just three minutes, the new IOT printer produces
a complete ophthalmic lens.
Single vision lenses, progressive lenses, or in the future even a
design for myopia control – according to the developers, there
are no limits to the imagination here. Almost any conceivable
design can be printed in a very short time. The MAFO team was
able to see with their own eyes that this is indeed possible.
The printer in Madrid
MAFO is in Madrid in a modern building complex that is home
to many companies. It is fall 2025, and the IOT company moved
here just a few weeks ago. On site, we meet two of the company's
founders: Dr. José Alonso and Dr. Daniel Crespo, as well as Natalia
Villaveirán, Marketing and Communications Manager.
The positive tension in the air is almost palpable here – because the
MAFO team is among the first external parties to experience the
new technology live. The developers and the MAFO team are therefore
equally excited to present and see the disruptive technology.
16
MAFO 2-26

Vision Trends 2026
LIVE ON SITE
“We always see ourselves in this constant process of reinventing
ourselves,” explains Crespo, “but today we are at a moment in
our history where we are more ambitious than ever!”
Before the printer can be inspected, protective clothing must
be put on. This is because the machine is currently still in a
clean room, even though this will not be necessary for the
final machine.
A finished lens in three minutes
In front of us stands the printer and two of the developers:
Nacho Canga, Scientific Research Director in charge of the
experimental development of LightForm, and Rocío Plana,
Lab Technical Support, who are about to demonstrate the
printing process live and explain it in detail.
Light-form is the concept of the future. But unlike other 3D
printing processes, this one does not print layer by layer. The
inventors explain that this would be too time-consuming.
With their process, on the other hand, the entire printing
process takes only about three minutes.
This process can also be described as volumetric printing. The
entire volume of the spectacle lens is created in a single step.
This requires light, a special substrate, and a sophisticated
system. Or, as the developers explain: “Light-form is a digital
additive manufacturing technology where the whole volume
of the Rx lens is manufactured in a single step, in just a few
seconds with a single flash of light.” The system for producing
personalized Rx lenses is mainly based on stabilized frontal
photopolymerization. This can be explained as follows:
First, a simple flat blank is needed as a substrate, which is
covered with a viscous resin. This photopolymerizable resin
reaches its gelation point at a certain threshold value of light
intensity. This means that the resin becomes solid.
As soon as light enters from below, the photon density distribution
decreases along the direction of propagation. After a
certain time t, this results in a previously precisely calculated
iso-surface that separates polymerized from non-polymerized
material at the specified gelation point.
rocess structure and here
the magic happens
The process structure can be seen in more detail in figure 2.
A substrate resembling a lens blank is covered with the resin.
These two components are irradiated from below by a light
source. A diffuser is placed between the light source and the
resin. This ensures that every point in the resin (rk ) receives
light from several points (pixels).
The target surface is calculated in advance and the light pattern
is computed recisely so that the critical light intensity is reached
at the iso-surface matching the target surface. The polymer
now “grows” from the substrate to the target area. The lens is
Fig. 1: he isoence srface searates olymeried from
nonolymeried material. ictre
Fig. 2: iht sorce elo the diser. ach oint in the resin
r receives liht from mltile oints ixels on the diser di.
Picture: IOT
Fig. 3: The liquid resin is poured in. Picture: IOT video
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Fig. 5: acho ana aniel reso and oco lana.
Fig. 4: Nacho Canga explains the process.
Fig. 5: oco lana starts the rocess at the machine.
Fig. 6: he sectacle lens is nished. ictres anna ieald
finished as soon as the critical light fluence reached at the
target iso-surface.
The remaining resin is now spun off and recovered for reuse.
At this point, the lens surface is still in a gel state. UV light
from above now cures it completely. In about three minutes,
a complete spectacle lens has been created.
“What we're doing here is a very complex optimization, to
compute the individualized light pattern that will build the
whole lens. But it is also exactly this, where all the magic
happens,” explains Crespo, enthusiastic. “Especially, as it was
very complex to reach that point and achieve the ISO tolerance
in power in the whole diameter of the lens.”
The lens can also be engraved in the machine and power mapping
is performed. Only the surface finishing with AR coating, etc.,
has to be done in a separate machine if required. There is another
solution for hard coating, explains Alonso: “The substrate will
incorporate hard coating on the front. So, you only need to deal
with the back surface. At the moment we are doing that with a
separate spin coater, but in the future, I guess, we could even
incorporate a spin coating process in the machine.”
Any material that is partially transparent to violet light (405
nm), can be used as a substrate. In the current IOT prototype,
CR39 with a thickness of 1.4 mm and RI 1.5 resin are used.
Currently, base curves of 2, 4, 6, and 8 can be manufactured.
aret readiness and target group
Soon, printer-made spectacle lenses should also be available
in Spanish optician stores. IOT and the chain VisionLab have
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already agreed on a cooperation for this purpose. The project
is expected to start in summer 2026.
For the pilot manufacturing program, the lenses are manufactured
at the IOT lab, also to control all the parameters, and
then get delivered to optician stores in Madrid. A printer
prototype that could be delivered to lab manufacturers could
be ready by the beginning of 2027.
“When Summer comes, this is going to be the only place in
the world where you're making progress with additive manufacturing.
We think that has to count for something,” the IOT
founders proudly announce.
The company is still relatively open about the target group for
the new additive manufactured lenses. “We have a challenging
technology here and we think this could open up many new
opportunities,” explained Crespo. “One of them is, of course,
the holy grail of progressive lenses. You can get them right now
in the store, in a very simple machine in three minutes.”
However, Light-form technology can also be used to print on
waveguides and flat substrates, for example. This could give
the technology more flexibility in the manufacture of smart
glasses, for example.
Developing countries, where the supply of eyeglasses has been
insufficient to date, could also be a potential target group.
“We're also thinking about certain parts of the world where
they don't have enough glasses because they don't have those
complex industrial operations. Maybe it could be good for
remote areas as well,” Crespo thinks aloud.
In addition, the technology is intended to be sustainable, as it
produces hardly any waste, does not consume water for production,
and requires little energy.
But would it also be conceivable to print a rimmed lens to
match the frame? The developers are currently unsure about
this. It is definitely not impossible, and there are plans to explore
this option. However, some ideas will be tested in the lab over
the course of the year.
A loo bac at the first printers
Nine years ago, the industry was shaken up for the first time by
the news that spectacle lenses were being manufactured using
3D printing. At that time, it was the company Luxexcel, which
was trying to integrate the disruptive technology into the optical
market from outside the industry. But even though both technologies
have to do with 3D printing, they differ in many details.
As interested as the industry was at the time, the excitement
quickly faded. It soon became apparent that the technology
still had a few hurdles to overcome. Printing was done “droplet
by droplet,” which meant that printing the lenses took a relatively
long time. Even individual early adopters, such as Quest Vision
Care Lab in the US, were not satisfied with the new printer
after a test phase. They found the system too inflexible.
Fig. 7: r. os Alonso left and r. aniel reso riht.
After a brief period of excitement, the company was acquired
by Meta in 2022 and has since ceased to operate as an independent
brand, meaning that any further developments are not
public knowledge.
Since then, there have been regular rumors about other manufacturers
working on 3D printing of spectacle lenses. However,
as far as MAFO is aware, there is currently no other manufacturer
promoting an additively manufactured ophthalmic lens
as market ready.
Only time will tell whether IOT's technology will prevail and,
if so, for which target groups. However, IOT is very open to
share details about the new technology and seeks dialogue
with experts. The technology was proactively presented at this
year's MAFO – The Conference and at Mido in Milan, where
many questions were answered willingly and extensively.
“I am sure this is going to make a big revolution,” Crespo is
convinced. “A lot of very interesting things are happening at
the moment, but these are not instabilities. Instead, they feel
very natural as they reduce complexity.”
The first 3D printed lenses will be available at some VisionLab
optical shops by the summer. Then, the printer and lenses have
to prove under real-life conditions. ◆
Scan here
for the process video!
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Vision Trends 2026
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Pictures: Silke Sage
True innovation live on stage
MAFO – The Conference 2026
How are spectacle lenses created using additive manufacturing? What do smart glasses have to do with myopia
management? Or what might blockless manufacturing look like in the future? These and many other topics were
presented and discussed in detail at the 24 th MAFO – The Conference in Milan. Growing every year, the event
is estalishing itsel as an important ic-o eent ahea o io, especiall or spectacle lens eperts. ere,
the can learn eerthing aout the latest technologies or lens manuacturing an other trens in the fiel o
spectacle lenses and smart technologies. By Hanna Diewald
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130
participants gathered on January
30, exactly one day before Mido
in Milan. This meant that the
conference recorded an increase
in visitors of more than 30% compared to the previous year.
The visitors came from 23 countries from around the world.
Among them were representatives from the machine industry,
experts from labs, and experts from the field of spectacle
lens development.
A total of 14 speakers gave 12 presentations, enriching the
conference with talks on the latest technologies and innovative
products. The conference was chaired by Peter Baumbach,
long-standing chairman and spectacle lens expert. At the end
of the day, the MAFO – The Conference Audience Award was
presented for the first time. But let's start at the beginning.
We are on your side and e try to fix vision
Glasses that automatically adjust their focus as easily as a
camera. That is the vision of IXI Eyewear and its ambitious
CEO Niko Eiden. Eiden was the first speaker at the conference
to provide exclusive insights into the technology behind
autofocus glasses and the long road to market-ready products.
IXI glasses work on the basis of liquid crystal lenses and an
integrated eye tracker, aiming to provide adjustable focus.
The eye tracker uses a simple, low-power method based on
light refraction from the pupil to determine gaze dynamics.
In addition, the eye tracker can also be used to analyze the
user's viewing habits.
The CEO made no secret of the fact that there were and still
are a number of hurdles to overcome in the development
process. However, he is equally certain that these will soon be
overcome. In addition to the eye tracker, issues such as the
range of optical power and transparency are also important
topics that have been and continue to be worked on. All of this
is done in-house in the company's own lab in Finland. For
marketing, on the other hand, the company relies on partnerships
with opticians. Later in the day, it was announced that
IXI Eyewear had entered into a partnership with the French
optician networks Atol and Vizio.
individual pins to provide the best possible support for the
lens. In addition, it should be possible to process almost all
types of lenses, and the throughput should be similar to that
of the company's well-known and established generator.
Thermal antifog for winter sports enthusiasts
“Are there any winter sports enthusiasts here?” Fabrice Bagnoud
from Solabs Nanotechnology begins the third presentation of
the day. If so, then the following situation will certainly be
familiar: “You are outdoors, you are having fun, then you stop,
you breathe, and suddenly your glasses fog up.”
This is a familiar problem for which the start-up has a solution.
An anti-fog technology that uses a semi-continuous metal
layer embedded in a high refractive index material to absorb
infrared light. This gently warms the lens surface, reducing
condensation. It is compatible with other coatings and can be
applied to various substrates. However, it reduces transparency
slightly (around 80% transparency) and is therefore especially
suitable for sports eyewear, sunglasses, and goggles. It requires
infrared light (sunlight or LEDs) to activate.
About true human intelligence
The next lecture by Dr. Bernd Freyermuth from Lensware
focused on a modern Lens Management System (LMS) IT
architecture design. In general, the goal is always good integration,
automation, efficiency, and optimized productivity in
labs. However, the individual needs of each lab must then be
considered. Standardization is currently an extremely important
topic.
On the other hand, Freyermuth takes a somewhat critical view
of the current AI hype, as he believes that true AI is often not
used in the industry. He also emphasized the engineering
approach to Lensware software and that this was developed
he blocless vision
Andy Huthoefer and Alexandre Cormier from Satisloh gave
the second presentation of the day on a new vision for lens
surfacing by going blockless. The two experts explained the
advantages and technology behind this innovation. The core
idea is to eliminate the blocking process in lens manufacturing,
thereby simplifying the process chain. The presentation outlined
the functions of blocking, the advantages of going blockless,
and the key components and processes involved in their
blockless solution. The company uses approximately 400
Speaker Niko Eiden about autofocus glasses.
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thanks to human intelligence and not AI. To make IT integration
a little more tangible for the audience, Freyermuth also brought
Ionut Ladariu from Interoptic Romania onto the stage. He
gave a report on his experience with a complex LMS integration,
highlighting the challenges of maintaining flexibility and the
solution of running two LMSs in parallel for over a year.
The EU market
The following presentation by Roland Lorek shared market
insights on the optical industry in Europe, focusing on consumer
behavior, market developments, and sales data for spectacles
and lenses across France, Spain, Italy, and Germany. It leverages
data from GfK/NielsenIQ. Overall retail sales value of spectacles
and lenses in the four countries, showing growth despite
economic challenges. Price increases of spectacle lenses (total)
also reflect a changing product mix with a rising share of
progressive lenses.
other. The operator from the machine and the machine
from the operator.”
t does not alays have to be A
Another presentation on the topic of Lens Management
Systems (LMS) was given by Dan Baker from Ocuco. The
presentation discussed the role of AI and data practices in
modern LMS systems. While the company does not currently
use AI in its software or for software creation, customer interest
in AI is high. However, according to Baker, the key to successful
lab operation is not necessarily AI adoption, but rather
disciplined data practices, reliable automation, and wellmapped
workflows. Modern LMS systems are evolving from
historical data recorders to active orchestrators of lab
workflows, controlling the present and anticipating future
states to optimize production, improve turnaround time,
and manage increasing product complexity.
PFAS: Time is running short
Carsten Leutloff, representative of the German industry association
SPECTARIS, explained the planned EU-wide restriction
on PFAS substances and its impact on the lens industry.
The restriction is very broadly defined and affects manufacturing,
placing on the market, and use in almost all forms.
“That is why this ban represents a significant challenge for all
of us,” stressed Leutloff. He emphatically explained that the
spectacle industry is heavily affected, and that time is running
out to achieve an exemption. To represent the interests of the
industry, a comprehensive report has been prepared and submitted
to the ECHA.
Cosmetic inspection with a modular approach
After many good discussions and a hearty lunch, Dr. François
Van Lishout from Automation & Robotics took the floor. The
presentation emphasized that implementing automated inspection
in optical labs requires a modular and adaptable approach,
rather than simply installing a machine and expecting it to
replicate human operator performance.
Furthermore, the presentation outlined why inspection
should be modular, tailored to each lab's specific needs, and
evolve over time. Data, for example, is crucial for understanding
lab-specific contexts, operator practices, and evolving
quality standards.
Van Lishout also addressed the challenges of comparing
machine performance across different labs due to varying
cleanliness levels, operator interpretations of quality
standards, and more: “Don't compare numbers that are not
relevant if you don't know the context” is Van Lishout's
message. The key should be to train the machine within the
specific lab environment and “both can learn from each
Nextgen edging
Next-generation edging was the topic presented by Sebastian
Schneider from Schneider. The speech discussed next-gen edging
technology, focusing on current and future trends and expectations
for a future-proof edger. Schneider detailed how to achieve
effectiveness and efficiency through design, multi-station layouts,
and optimized workflows. It also addressed challenges like lens
slippage and contamination, proposing solutions like edger
conditioning. Sustainability is also an important issue for the
edging of the future, which is being addressed through reduced
energy consumption, waste management, and the use of low
ionizers for cleaner machines and lenses.
In addition, constant monitoring of the lenses is an important
issue so that errors can be corrected immediately and not only
after a lot of unnecessary waste has been produced.
Empowering labs
The talk by Simone Mangili from MEI presented a vision for
transforming lens production through blockless and dry-cut
technologies, for example. By removing traditional blocking,
cooling, and transport steps, production time, costs, energy
use, water consumption, and risks of defects can be significantly
reduced. Mangili highlighted also the efficiency gains
and integrated quality control. Real-world data shows notable
cost reductions and high precision. The speaker emphasized
that these innovations raise industry standards and prepare
manufacturers for future market demands.
What smart glasses have to do ith myo
pia management
Balthazar Masurel from EssilorLuxottica addressed the next
highly relevant topic. Myopia management was completely
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Chairman Peter Baumbach led through the day.
Dr. Daniel Crespo (left) and Dr. José Alonso (right) won the audience
award for an outstanding presentation.
rethought at this point by linking this important issue to
smart glasses. For Masurel and EssilorLuxottica, myopia
management is generally a key focus area. “If you look at
the reality, even in this decade, between 2020 and 2030, we
will have an increase of more than 100 million children
becoming myopic globally [...] our goal altogether is to make
myopia a new standard of care for any myopic or even
pre-myopic child.”
To achieve this, Masurel advocates collaboration between all
stakeholders in an open network, from industry to doctors,
parents, teachers, etc., who are often the first to notice that
children have poor vision. Experts now know more and more
and are also conducting in-depth research in the field of
neuroscience to understand the mechanisms of action in detail.
The newly presented Essilor Stellest Smart Glasses are designed
to further support this “universe” by providing information
about the wearing time and wearing patterns of children.
Additive manufactured ophthalmic lenses
in three minutes
The last and eagerly awaited presentation was given by Dr.
Daniel Crespo and Dr. José Alonso from IOT. The two experts
presented an innovative technology that allows spectacle
lenses to be produced in just three minutes using an additive
manufacturing process. A detailed report on this can be
found on page 16. The amount of attention the topic attracted
was also evident after the presentation, with many questions
from the audience.
And the winner is ...
The day ended with a conference first: the presentation of the
first MAFO – The Conference Audience Award for an
“Outstanding Presentation.” The audience was asked to vote
on which of the 12 presentations stood out in terms of inspiration,
relevance, soundness, and overall presentation style.
A technical problem caused some laughter, as the audience
was unable to vote by cell phone as planned. Instead, voting
took place in the traditional way on paper. This required a little
patience from the participants, who had to wait until the organizers
had counted all the paper slips.
But finally, the award went to Dr. Daniel Crespo and Dr. José Alonso
from IOT for their presentation of the new additive manufacturing
process light-form for producing spectacle lenses.
The MAFO team would like to extend a special thank you to
all the other conference speakers and the chairman, Dr. Peter
Baumbach!
In 2027, MAFO will celebrate a special anniversary with the
25 th MAFO – The Conference. Save the date now: February 5,
2027, in Milan (as always, on the Friday before Mido). ◆
MAFO 2-26 23

Vision Trends 2026
TECHNOLOGY
Gamma round model, by Laclarée.
Fluid-autofocus eyeglasses
Correcting presbyopia
Presopia is an age-relate ision isorer that aects eerone rom aroun the age o 40. t causes
a progressie loss o accommoation, that is the ees ailit to ocus at close-range istances. ectiel
correcting presopia reuires a namic solution capale o restoring sharp ision at an ieing istance.
oeer, most eisting correctie solutions are static, resulting in reuce ualit o ision or the earer. or
seeral ears, aclare has een eeloping an aaptie eeglass solution ase on ariale-ocus lenses
controlle istance sensors. This technolog aims to restore sharp ision across a ie fiel o ie ithout
reuiring an conscious interention rom the earer. By Dr. Jessica Jarosz, Dr. Pierre Prache and Dr. Bruno Berge
To better understand the added value for users of
fluid-autofocus eyeglasses, let us start by taking
a closer look at how those glasses work. Figure 1
on page 25 serves as an illustration.
ariable focus provided by uidfilled
lenses
On top of a unifocal lens incorporating the wearer’s far-vision
correction (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism), a 20mm-diameter
variable-focus lens, centered relative to the wearer’s pupil is
integrated. This variable-focus lens provides an additional
optical power (addition), which is controlled by the embedded
electronic master system. It ensures the required focusing
correction for comfortable vision. The lens architecture also
guarantees that this variable-focus lens remains inconspicuous.
The focus is controlled using information from two distance
sensors that measure the time of flight of invisible near-infrared
pulses.
The addition provided by the variable-focus lenses is accurately
adjusted so that visual acuity remains optimal at all times. The
diameter of the variable-focus lenses is sized to provide comfortable
field of view in close-range distance tasks, such as reading,
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Vision Trends 2026
TECHNOLOGY
Far vision
niocal-lie lens, ncluing , ull-fiel
Close-range vision down to 30cm
ariale-ocus lens, utomaticall aapting,
cross a large fiel o ie
Fig.1: Autofocus lens ergonomics. Picture: Laclarée
working on screens, using a smartphone. When the wearer
looks at far distance, this field of view expands to the full visual
field, as the variable lenses naturally “disappear” due to zero
added optical power.
This technology, protected by several international patents, is
based on fluid-filled lenses driven by electrostatic actuators
located in the temples of the eyeglasses. This technology was
specifically designed for presbyopia-correcting eyeglasses.
Based on a refractive approach, it inherently delivers excellent
quality of vision for the wearer, offering a broad dioptric range,
high optical transparency and no aberrations.
Last, the wearer’s journey remains unchanged: they visit the
optical retailer to select a frame from the available range,
optionally experience the autofocus functionality with the
trial kit offered by Laclarée, and have the optician take centration
measurements. The prescription, centration data, and chosen
frame model are then sent to Laclarée to produce the
eyeglasses.
Retrieve natural focusing
By restoring sharp focus at all viewing distances, automatically
and across a wide field of view, Laclarée’s adaptive eyeglasses
are a genuine breakthrough for the ophthalmic world. Ultimately,
they enable to retrieve natural focusing.
From a technical standpoint, in order to replicate the natural
accommodation, Laclarée proposes dedicated architecture. The
SPECIFICATIONS
Addition range
rom 0 to +2.5
Sphere range rom -5 to +5
Cylinder range
Lens contour
UV and coatings
Transmission
Lens variable zone
Base curves
Focusing distances
Focusing modes
Response time
Autonomy
Weight on nose
Operating factors
p to +3.5
Any shape
locing, anti-scratch,
anti-reection, optional top coat
95
20mm iameter
4 - 6
n istance 30 cm
utoocus eault
anual ia app
s
20h, ail recharge ia 5
charger, remoale atteries
30g
-0C to 40C, P54
Table 1: nctional secications of aclares eyelasses.
MAFO 2-26 25

Vision Trends 2026
TECHNOLOGY
Fig. 2: Manufacturing facilities. Pictures: Laclarée
Fig. 3: Precise work is essential in the manufacturing process.
lens incorporates an optical doublet formed by two liquids
featuring a refractive index difference and separated by a deformable
membrane. The curvature of the membrane is generated
by the differential pressure induced by the actuator, producing
the required focusing power.
Functional specifications are presented in the table 1. These are
derived from a thorough needs analysis, based on a combination
of market studies, optician interviews, scientific literature and
wearer tests. At the end, resulting vision with the Laclarée
eyeglasses is very close to pre-presbyopic vision.
Additionally, Laclarée’s eyeglasses provide the possibility to
readjust the lens near vision correction throughout presbyopia
for a longer eyeglass lifetime: the maximal addition which is
recommended by the optometric exam (Add) can be changed
at any time by the eye care professional, allowing readjustment
throughout the presbyopia evolution occurring naturally
between the ages of 40 and 60.
The technology has been tested on multiple occasions with
presbyopic populations of varied profiles, including those
satisfied or dissatisfied with their current solutions, in different
settings such as optical trade shows, consumer innovation
fairs, clinical investigations, and internal studies.
Common activities were assessed, including computer work,
smartphone use, motion tasks, reading, manual activities, and
driving. In several situations, such as navigating staircases,
the lens architecture with the adaptive variable zone has shown
to be easier to adapt to than progressive lenses which inherently
exhibit lateral aberrations and distortions.
The seamless way in which the technology allows real-time
transitions between different viewing distances consistently
impresses users and leaves them amazed. A demo video on a
former Beta prototype can be accessed with the QR code at
the end of the article.
Dedicated assembly line
Thanks to its unique technology, Laclarée aims to become a
key industrial player in the autofocus eyeglass market. The
company is currently setting up its assembly line for smallseries
production, in Lyon, France. This line will serve as a
pilot for what can later be deployed on a larger scale.
Prior to assembly, the various component parts are sourced
from carefully selected suppliers and partners, notably the
coated RX unifocal lenses to correct for static refractive
errors. The assembly of these components is then carried out
in a dedicated cleanroom (ISO 7, 60 m²) as can be seen on
figure 2.
The assembly line consists of “in-house” assembly and test
benches. Standard ophthalmic industry equipment does not
meet the requirements of Laclarée’s technology, so the processes
are continuously adapted and customized, demanding a high
level of innovation in an otherwise well-established industry.
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TECHNOLOGY
Although some process steps, such as blocking, cutting and
optical power verification, are familiar in the ophthalmic field,
their implementation here involves re-engineering to integrate
with the technology. Other processes are specific, such as layer
bonding, filling, and optical power tuning.
Commercial launch
Laclarée is preparing its first commercial launch, with an initial
product line named Gamma. The line will feature three eyewear
models, each available in three sizes to ensure an optimal fit
for the wearer. These models will be available at the stores of
Laclarée’s partner opticians. A pilot commercial test will be
conducted before the end of the year, and full commercialization
will begin in 2027.
From the outset, the company has chosen to retain full control
over its technology and manufacturing by developing both
eyewear prototypes and the corresponding assembly tools.
This demanding approach relies on the recruitment of a
multidisciplinary team capable of addressing a broad variety
of challenges and upholding high scientific and technical
standards consistent with breakthrough innovation.
This strategy creates significant value for the company through
in-depth knowledge of the technology’s critical parameters,
which is essential to future industrial success.
At the end of 2025, the company relocated to
larger premises to accommodate with the new
requirements of entering its next phase of development.
To further support the transition from a
technology-focused company to an industrial
and commercial organization, a new CEO has
joined the team: Franck Leclere, an experienced
executive in the ophthalmic optics industry. ◆
Demo video on a former
Beta prototype
Dr. Jessica Jarosz
Dr. Pierre Prache
Dr. Bruno Berge
Jessica Jarosz, Ph.D., is CTO and specialized
in vision science, ophthalmic devices and
instruments.
Pierre Prache, Ph.D., is COO and specialized
in electronics.
Bruno Berge, Ph.D., is CSO & Founder with
established expertise in variable-focus
lenses.
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Agile and exciting –
Mido 2026
Solid figures despite difficult travel conditions in
some cases
The Mido trade fair reports stable visitor numbers once again for the show at the beginning of
2026. The fair attracted around 42,000 participants and 1,200 exhibitors. The participants came
from 160 countries – even though there were a few hurdles to overcome in terms of travel this year.
But for the many who made the journey nonetheless, the event was, as always, well worth it. For
man manuacturers, especiall those o machiner, io is oten the first choice or presenting
innovations. By Hanna Diewald
An uncertain economic and geopolitical situation,
the Winter Olympics starting just a few
days after Mido in Milan, and then a snowstorm
over the UK and snow warnings for
other parts of Europe. The journey could not have been
more challenging for some participants. The fact that the
vast majority made their way there despite the uncertainties
shows the international relevance of Mido.
Mido and ANFAO President Lorraine Berton was also satisfied:
“Again this year, Mido powerfully expressed the industry's
vitality,” she declared. “From the early hours of the morning,
unbridled energy coursed through the aisles, piazzas, and
booths, while events, live presentations, and meetings offered
opportunities for dialogue and inspiration – and, most importantly,
driving significant, concrete business results.”
Machine manufacturers and more in Hall 6
Mido is spread across seven large halls. Therefore, it is a good
idea to have at least a rough plan of what you want to see so
that you don't miss the highlights in all the hustle and bustle..
For MAFO readers, we are therefore focusing primarily on
Hall 6, which houses many machine manufacturers and other
suppliers for the manufacturing industry, and on Hall 3, where
many well-known lens manufacturers are presenting their
Pictures: Silke Sage
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Vision Trends 2026
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latest products, and where you can also find design or software
companies and more.
Every year, Hall 6 at Mido impresses anew, as no other optical
trade fair provides such a good overview of the entire manufacturing
industry. Exhibitors and visitors are aware of this,
which is why the major manufacturers are often represented
with a large portfolio of machines or other creative setups.
Edging on a new level
A highlight at the Schneider booth was the new HSE Modulo
ONE edger and the LCU Module ONE edge inline cleaner.
The edger has four process stations, with the edging and
handling/measuring areas separated. This means that the
respective process times are optimally coordinated and there
is hardly any unproductive time. The use of an ionizer directly
at the point where swarf is produced significantly reduces
static load, resulting in easier extraction and a cleaner machine.
Schneider has also opted for integrated measurement in this
machine. Full power measurement is integrated so that errors
are detected immediately.
Another highlight was the LCU Module ONE edge, a highvolume
inline cleaner that can also perfectly handle and clean
edged spectacle lenses by picking up the lens with a small
suction cup. Visitors were also able to see many other machines
from the Modulo series on site. However, the manufacturer
announced even more highlights for the DigiCon in-house
exhibition, which will take place in Germany in June.
Blockless surfacing
Satisloh has now given the green light for NEO Blockless
Surfacing at its stand. The long-awaited machine is now
officially available to order. Thanks to the generator and
polisher, NEO-orbit and NEO-flex, production is greatly
streamlined, as the blockless surfacing process eliminates
several process steps.
The manufacturer also presented a brand new tech preview of
NEO-unbox, an unpacking machine for semi-finished lenses
that open the cups by cutting. The model is said to be capable
of unpacking 520 lenses per hour. The e-ticket is being further
expanded and is now also available for AR coating, frame pairing
and picking, and more. The manufacturer is also currently
placing a special focus on the area of lab services, for example
with the option of 3D visualization of labs. Another special
eye-catcher at Satisloh was the miniature lab. A complete lab,
with all process steps, was set up here as a miniature model.
The alternative to alloy
As already announced at Vision Expo West in the USA, the
manufacturer Optotech is expanding the IQ-Synergy series
with two new blockers. One is the IQ-Synergy Eco-blocker,
Schneider showed the new LCUE modulo ONE.
Satisloh team at Mido.
The Optotech-team at their booth.
MAFO 2-26 29

Vision Trends 2026
LIVE ON SITE
Stefano Sonzogni presented the highlights at the MEI booth.
Automation & Robotics team at their booth.
the other is the IQ-Synergy S2 Blocker, the latter being a
technology preview and upgrade. The Eco-blocker is designed
to impress with a completely new vacuum blocking and
deblocking technology that was developed and tested in
collaboration with Zeiss. Thanks to this process, neither alloy
nor adhesive is required for blocking. The technology is
therefore particularly sustainable and reduces the number
of process steps . If necessary, the different blocking systems
can also be combined. And, of course, the new IQ-Synergy
Generator and many other machines were also on display.
The IQ-Synergy Generator impresses with its particularly
high throughput, which is achieved, among other things, by
decoupling various process steps.
A perfectly matched duo
Stefano Sonzogni, President of MEI, proudly presented the
new Alpha CoreTBA (turning) and Omega CoreTBA (polishing)
machines to visitors at “Coffee with MEI.” The new duo had
already been presented in Las Vegas at Vision Expo West, but
this was their first appearance in Europe. The new block-free
manufacturing solution consists of two machines and is designed
to significantly increase throughput. In addition, the
modular design allows labs to customize the processes more
individually. According to Sonzogni, more than one million
lenses have already been manufactured worldwide using the
first block-free model, the CoreTBA.
Another highlight from the manufacturer is the ClearXM, a
machine for cleaning and inspecting both uncut and edged
lenses. With its incorporated imaging technology, ClearXM
scans and recognizes the contours and dimensions of the
lens, ensuring a secure and precise clamping mechanism.
This optimizes the cleaning process. Cosmetic inspection,
called SurfXM, is also available in both configurations (cut
and uncut lenses).
amda hthalmics for the rst time ith a ooth at ido.
Focus on inspection, cleaning and more
In addition to the industry giants, there were also many
new and exciting things to discover among the other exhibitors.
For example, Automation & Robotics presented the
EvoMapper in a more compact form alongside the NeoMapper
and ProMapper. The machine is now more flexible than
before and can even be individually equipped with the
desired stations at two stations (from dual spectrometer to
digital inking and more), making the system interesting for
smaller labs as well.
Lambda-X Ophthalmics had a booth at Mido for the first
time, presenting precision measuring instruments and
software. As always, there was a wide selection of machines
on display at the Comes booth. Labs that manufacture
mineral lenses also get their money's worth here. At FISA,
30
MAFO 2-26

Vision Trends 2026
LIVE ON SITE
IOT presented light-form.
Nidek presented dry tinting technology.
New Colorboost lenses at the booth.
visitors could explore the latest cleaning system and Nidek
presented in Hall 3 their dry tinting process. However, also
the booths of many other suppliers who did not present
large machines were also well attended. These included
Coburn Technologies and Cotec, Optimal Technologies,
software provider Lensware, diamond tool manufacturer
K&Y, Bühler, Evergreen or Maat Optical and many more.
Spectacle lens designs and new coatings
After the noise of the machines and large systems in Hall 6,
Hall 3 seems almost quiet. The products here are somewhat
smaller, but no less interesting. This was the case, for example,
with the company IOT. They presented an additive manufacturing
process for the production of spectacle lenses called light-form
for the first time (a detailed article can be found on page 16).
At Horizons Optical, visitors were able to immerse themselves
in virtual worlds with mimesys (more on this in the interview
on page 34). New is mimesys essence, a data-driven design
that predicts gaze dynamics as accurately as possible even
without a VR set. To do this, a data set of hundreds of thousands
of gaze dynamic maps is used to make predictions and customize
lens designs as effectively as possible.
At Rodenstock, too, everything is geared towards the best
possible personalization. With B.I.G. EXACT Sensitive, the
company strives for the best possible individualization of biometric
spectacle lenses and also takes into account people's
General Optics / Ultra Optics at Mido.
Horizons showcases VR technologies
Zeiss colored lenses.
Coburn Technologies and Cotec.
MAFO 2-26 31

Vision Trends 2026
LIVE ON SITE
The Optimal Technologies team at their booth.
sensitivity or, as the company says, “customization based on
individual perception.”
At EssilorLuxottica, visitors were able to test the new Ray-Ban
Meta and Oakley Meta models, including features such as
camera functions and live translation. The company also
presented the new Transitions Color Touch series, with
self-tinting lenses in trendy colors, and Crizal Natural Look,
an anti-reflective coating with almost no residual reflection.
The manufacturer is also at the forefront of myopia management
and has already announced that Essilor Stellest smart
glasses, which record wearing time and patterns, will now
be available in China.
Zeiss proudly presented its new ClearMind lenses, which are
designed to minimize distortions in the peripheral area and
reduce cognitive strain in everyday life. Advanced NeurOptix
technology also optimizes visual comfort, making vision
more natural and relaxed.
Among other highlights, Hoya focused on MiYOSMART
Coating Smooth Touch Xtreme (STX), which is designed to
keep lenses clean for longer. This technology is available for
use on MiYOSMART spectacle lenses – a clinically proven
solution for myopia control.
The FISA team at their booth.
Smart glasses at EssilorLuxottica.
A truly international meeting point
In addition to the many new developments, Mido once
again presented itself as an international meeting point.
Similar to last year, Europe – with strong representation
from Germany, France, and Spain – proved its significance.
Particularly noteworthy were attendance numbers from
Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, confirming these emerging
markets as an important, growing area for commercial
development.
Participation from North America remained stable, a positive
signal given the current economic climate and ongoing tariffrelated
tensions. In contrast, attendance from Italy showed a
slight decline, reflecting the impact of the current economic
context on investment decisions by industry professionals in
the domestic market.
In 2026 again, Mido showed the event’s ability to comprehensively
represent the entire eyewear supply chain – from
manufacturing and materials to technologies, components,
and accessories.
Save the date for Mido and
MAFO – The Conference
Next year, the Mido Eyewear Show will take place from February
6 to 8, 2027, in Milan, Italy.
As every year, MAFO – The Conference will kick off on Friday,
February 5, one day before the trade show. The conference will
celebrate its 25 th anniversary in 2027. ◆
32
MAFO 2-26

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Vision Trends 2026
INTERVIEW
Brave new virtual world
VR glasses in ophthalmic optics
VR glasses are not only an exciting gadget for gaming but also serve as a new tool for collecting measurement
ata an or isualiing comple relationships. This can also e use profital in ophthalmic optics. antiago
oler rom orions ptical eplains in an interie ho an h irtual realit improes the iniiualiation
of lenses and the buying process at the optician enormously. The lens design company pioneered the use of VR
in the industry to create lenses that are fully tailored to each individual user. By Hanna Diewald
The young company Horizons Optical has made a
name for itself with its innovative technologies.
One special tool is its VR glasses that can be used
for several different applications.
The Spanish company, headquartered in Barcelona, was founded
in 2017 by Santiago Soler as a spin-off from Indo Optical. Today,
the company has 55 employees. It has another branch in the
USA and the Asian and Latin American markets are served by
additional local staff. MAFO has spoken to the founder about
the use of VR in ophthalmic optics.
MAFO: Your company focuses on new technologies
and innovation. Which role does virtual reality play in
this concept?
Soler: Virtual reality is very important for us. When we started
the company, we thought that we needed a parameter which had
a significant impact in the lens preference and performance.
There were already solutions for personalized lenses and lifestyle
solutions on the market, but we were looking for something that
was more impactful when it comes to performance. We came
up with the concept of measuring gaze dynamics to improve our
unique lens designs.
This concept is also well known in other industries. Think about
professional athletes for example, they measure the way the athletes
run for making running shoes which improve their running path.
With vision you can make an analogy by measuring the way people
look. Then we supply people with progressive lenses tailored to
their way of looking which improve their visual performance.
34
MAFO 2-26

Vision Trends 2026
INTERVIEW
Therefore, virtual reality plays an important role for us. It is a
measuring device, to measure gaze dynamics with repeatability
and accuracy in a proper way, but we also expanded its use to
other solutions.
MAFO: Are there any challenges associated with the
use of those new technologies in your devices?
Soler: In the beginning, the technological challenge was how to
measure gaze dynamics in a proper way. We did some tests with
eye trackers and other systems, but these were not ideal
solutions.
Virtual reality though proved to be the ideal solution because
you can control everything. You control the lighting, and you
make sure that there is no distraction. The test is always the
same and you can repeat the test no matter the hour of the day
and no matter where you are.
And thanks to that, we can guarantee that the measurement of
the gaze dynamics will be accurate, which is essential when
using the resulting data to create top-tier progressive lenses.
MAFO: o o ou mae sure that the people ill loo
like in real life, especially as you test only a short time
period?
Soler: It’s a dynamic, game-like test. The user naturally relaxes
and simply follows a moving object. Because there’s no need to
hold a fixed position, eye movements happen in a completely
natural way.
The system measures how you are moving your head and how
you are moving your eyes in the different distances, like distance,
intermediate and near. That information is recorded in order
to be combined with the algorithm which creates the lens design
which is fully adapted to you.
MAFO: i ou fin huge ierences eteen ho the
people are looking in terms of gaze dynamics?
Soler: Yes, absolutely—and it’s very interesting. In some cases,
you can even observe patterns related to personality. For example,
people who are more shy tend to keep their body relatively still,
which often leads them to rely more on eye movements. By
contrast, people with a more open personality tend to move
their body and head more, and as a result, they rely less on eye
movements alone.
MAFO: o i the iea or the -simulation mimess
came about?
Soler: In one of the meetings, we had with the Polytechnic
University of Catalonia (UPC), we discussed the buying process
at the optician, and that this process is often kind of boring. At
this meeting, the idea occurred: imagine you are going to buy
your lens in the optical store and the optician puts the virtual
reality headset on! Then you will make this fascinating test and
follow a bird or drone.
At the end, the system not only captures valuable visual data
but also shows you how you would actually see with progressive
lenses. We immediately realized this could be a powerful and
differentiating tool. At the time, no one in the industry was
using virtual reality in this way, and we saw an opportunity to
introduce a truly disruptive customer experience.
MAFO: What changes for the process at the optician’s
store?
Soler: For the optician there is an important change in the dispensing
process. When people should decide whether they buy a top
or intermediate or basic progressive lens, this is the right moment
for making the test for measuring their gaze dynamics and for
using the virtual reality and mimesys for other purposes.
Because in the process of purchasing a progressive lens, there
are many abstract concepts involved, like aberrations or like
astigmatism. However, the consumers are not familiar with
these words or concepts. They know they're bad, but don't know
exactly how distortion affects their vision. With a virtual reality
headset, you can show it to them.
You can just simulate look: this is a progressive lens. You need
to look through the reading area for looking at near and you
can move the head. It's exactly the same as what happens in real
life when wearing progressives.
With virtual reality you can replace all these maps with isolines
and bad areas the opticians have in the optical store. You can
replace that with an almost real simulation that help consumers
understand these concepts.
MAFO: Do those VR-tools change the process for labs?
Soler: No, not for the lab, because it's a very easy tool. When
the optician orders a mimesys lens, from the lab’s perspective,
only one additional variable is added compared to a standard
progressive lens order. The Horizons system receives the data
and uses it to perform the individualized progressive lens calculation.
There is no modification in the production process, and
everything is done in the cloud.
MAFO: What new technology are you currently working
on?
Soler: On a technology which helps to generate a predictive model
for gaze dynamics. With gaze dynamics the best thing you can
do is measure it like we do with mimesys, but if you can't measure
it because you don't have the technology in your optical store
then we can use now over 300,000 measurements that we already
have. We've used all this data to create a model which predicts
the gaze dynamics, and we have found interesting correlations
between data. So, we created a product we call it mimesys Essence
MAFO 2-26 35

Vision Trends 2026
INTERVIEW
where you don't need the virtual reality headset, but you can
customize the product. We have validated this new lens design
with a clinical trial and the result has been positive.
MAFO: What sets you apart from other companies?
Soler: We have various technologies which I would describe as
really innovate. Last year over 14,000,000 lenses were produced
using our technology. We are partnering with 250 surfacing
labs worldwide and we're active in over 50 countries.
I believe the reason for this level of success is not just because
of the quality of our solutions, which obviously is there, but
besides that it also because of our company structure.
We've been structured as a fully customer-oriented company.
Every department we have are acting as consultants for our
customers. We have the R&D department where we make fully
tailored solutions for each one of our customers if they need a
special lens design different from anything else. We have the
marketing department also supplying them with consultancy
services and helping them with the materials they are using or
even producing new marketing materials.
Even the sales team acts as trainer for the labs we work with.
So, if something really sets us apart, then it is working with
us, and how the company itself makes an important effort in
supporting you on every task that you
have as a surfacing lab.
MAFO: What global trends do
you currently see in ophthalmic
optics?
Soler: One major global trend, not only
in ophthalmics but across many industries,
is artificial intelligence – particularly
the use of predictive models. At the
same time, smart eyewear is becoming
increasingly relevant. It’s not just
something that’s coming;
in many ways, it’s already
here, and it represents a
significant shift in our
industry.
Beyond technology
itself, customer experience
has become a
central driver of new
product development.
Having a good product
is no longer
enough. Today, success
requires combining
strong product
performance with an engaging, dynamic customer
experience.
MAFO: o eactl coul smart glasses change the
way that the people buy the products or see the world?
Soler: I think it´s going to be a success! Because every technology
that has brought closer the information to the consumers
has been successful, like the internet or smartphones or
smartwatches. However, when I speak about smart glasses, I
speak about displaying information in your field of vision.
Having the information displayed in your visual field is an
advantage for consumers and I believe that's going to change
the industry.
But you need to combine that with corrective lenses, as people
still require their prescription lenses. Therefore, I believe that
these lenses will have to be supplied in specialized optical retailers.
Our industry needs to adapt to that, and we will have to offer a
range of smart eyewear. But in the end, if you have prescription,
you need to create a lens compatible with the display and this
combination will have to be made by our industry.
MAFO: At the moment, we have a lot of global challenges.
What is the biggest challenge for the optical industry?
Soler: For the long term, I think it's the integration of the new
technologies like smart eyewear. Obviously in the short term it
is more about the supply chain, tariffs, etcetera. But our industry
has proven to be resilient.
Ophthalmics is a highly dynamic, technology-driven industry.
There are many technologies arriving into the industry, but at
the same time it takes a lot of time to really integrate them.
We have progressive personalized lenses for over 15 years now
and still today the majority of progressive lenses which are being
ordered by opticians still use default data for the position of
wear measurements.
That tells you how long we need to adapt to things like smart
eyewear.
MAFO: Do you have a vision what ophthalmic optics
loo lie in 0 ears an ho orions ptical ill
contribute to this?
Soler: This is very much aligned with what we talked about
earlier. Over the next decade, ophthalmic optics will increasingly
combine advanced technologies with a much stronger focus
on user experience. Horizons Optical contributes to this evolution
by developing solutions that integrate virtual reality and
other emerging technologies, supporting the adoption of
waveguides and advanced lens systems, and helping bridge the
gap between complex technology and real-world use.
MAFO: Thank you for the interview. ◆
MAFO 2-26

Student Series
TECHNOLOGY
38
MAFO 2-26

Student Series
TECHNOLOGY
Basic
ophthalmic optics
instruction | Part 2
Astigmatic lenses: the cylindrical surface and axis notation
This series of programmed learning texts is designed to explain the basic optical theory of spectacle lenses, how
they are made and how they work. The text has been written primarily for junior laboratory technicians, or new
entrants to ophthalmic lens manufacturing, and can be studied at the reader’s own pace. By Dr. Mo Jalie
Study suggestions
1. The text should be read from the beginning.
2. It is recommended to make notes of the information
presented.
3. Answer the in-text questions in the order which they
appear and check your answers against those given
on page 43. If you have got all – or most – of the
answers correct, then proceed to the next section of
the text. If you have got most of the answers wrong,
you are recommended to read the text again before
re-attempting the questions.
4. When you have completed the text and the in-text
questions satisfactorily, attempt the exercises at the
end of the paper.
5. The answers to the exercises will be given at the end
of this article.
The cylindrical surface
The spherical surface introduced in part 1 (MAFO 01/26) of
this series has the same power in every meridian of the lens.
An astigmatic lens has two different powers at right angles to
one another. These two powers are called the principal powers
of the lens, and their directions are called the principal meridians.
The two principal meridians are at right angles to one
another.
The simplest astigmatic lens is the plano-cylinder which is
obtained from a section of a complete cylinder made from a
transparent medium such as glass (Fig. 1). Inspection of figure 1
reveals that both the plano-convex and the plano-concave
cylindrical lens each have one plane surface and one curved
cylindrical surface. The plane surface does not contribute to
the power of the lens.
The cylindrical surface can be convex or concave. A straight
edge placed on the surface parallel with the axis of revolution
MAFO 2-26 39

Student Series
TECHNOLOGY
would make contact everywhere with the surface. This plane
meridian is called the axis meridian of the lens. Along the
axis meridian the plano-cylindrical lens has no power. If the
transverse test is applied along the axis meridian of the lens,
no movement of the crosslines would be detected.
If the straight-edge is rotated through 90° so that it lies at right
angles to the axis meridian on the cylindrical surface, the
appearance obtained would be exactly the same as if the surface
was spherical. This meridian is circular in cross-section. It is
called the power meridian of the cylindrical lens.
Along the power meridian the effect of the cylindrical lens
is exactly the same as that of a spherical surface of the same
radius. Applying the transverse test along the power meridian
would produce the same movement as a spherical lens of the
same power. “Against movement” is obtained with a pluscylindrical
lens along its power meridian whereas “With
movement” is obtained along the power meridian with a
minus-cylindrical lens.
Cylinder axis notation
Since a plano-cylindrical lens has meridional power, it is
necessary to state the direction along which the power is to
lie. In fact, when writing a prescription, the direction of no
power, i.e., the axis direction, is specified. A universally accepted
system called standard notation is employed to specify the
axis direction of the cylinder (Fig. 3).
Imagine that you are looking at somebody’s face. The right eye
lies on the left and the left eye on the right. Lenses are shown in
this position in diagrams. A horizontal line drawn through the
lenses represents the zero position for the standard notation.
The axis direction is specified in degrees commencing on the
right-hand side of each lens and numbering round to 180 on
the left. Note that zero lies at the nasal side of the right lens
but at the temporal side of the left lens. The horizontal meridian
is referred to as the 180 meridian (not the zero meridian). The
vertical meridian is referred to as the 90 meridian.
Question box 1
The diagram below depicts a plano-convex
cylindrical lens.
a) Is the axis meridian horizontal or vertical?
b) If this lens is held in front of a crossline chart and
moved from side to side under the transverse
test, hat eect ill be produced upon the
crosslines?
c What eect ill be seen if this lens is moved up
and down in the transverse test?
dWhich of the folloing specifications could be
correct for this cylindrical lens?
(i) -2.00 x 90 (iii) +2.00 x 180
(ii) +2.00 x 90 (iv) -2.00 x 180.
Fig.1: The cylindrical surface.
e) A -3.00 DC x 90 cylindrical lens is held in
contact with a +3.00 D spherical lens and the
transverse test is applied along the horizontal
meridian What eect ill be produced upon the
crosslines?
f) The diagram below represents a planocylindrical
lens with its axis direction marked in
standard notation. Which of the following is the
axis direction:
165 15 75 120?
Fig.2: The straight-edge test applied to a cylindrical surface.
40
MAFO 2-26

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Student Series
TECHNOLOGY
The axis direction of an astigmatic lens, such as the planocylinder,
is usually expressed in 5 degree stages but occasionally
1 degree stages are specified. The degree sign itself is always
omitted. This is a safeguard against such errors as a carelessly
written 10° being mistaken for 100, etc.
When specifying the power and axis direction of an astigmatic
lens, the abbreviation DC (diopters of cylindrical power) is
often written after the power followed by the “x” from the word
axis. For example, +2.00 DC x 60, but this could be written
simply as +2.00 x 60, the fact that an axis direction has been
specified informs us that the power is cylindrical.
Remember that the power of a cylindrical lens lies at right
angles to its axis direction so that the cylindrical lens +2.00
DC x 60 has no power along the 60 meridian, all its power lies
at right angles to 60, that is along the 150 meridian.
The rotation test
When a spherical lens is rotated about its optical axis before
a crossline chart there is no effect upon the crosslines since all
meridians of the spherical lens have the same power. A cylindrical
rotated about its center produces an apparent rotation of
the crosslines, an effect known as scissors movement (Fig. 5).
Scissors movement is exhibited by all astigmatic lenses, the
extent of the movement depending upon the power of the
cylinder and the position of the lens in relation to the crosslines
and the eye.
In the following descriptions of the appearance of the limbs
of a crossline chart it is assumed that a plano-cylindrical lens
whose power is about +2.00 DC is held about 30 cm in front
of the eye with chart about 30 cm beyond the lens.
When a cylindrical lens is rotated into such a position that its
principal meridians, i.e., its axis and its power meridians, are
parallel with the limbs of the crossline chart the limbs will
appear unbroken as in figure 5(a), which shows the appearance
obtained when obtained when a plano-cylinder is held before
the chart with its axis, AA', parallel with the vertical meridian
of the chart.
If the cylinder in figure 5(a) is a plus cylinder and is rotated
anti-clockwise the crosslines appear to rotate as shown in
Fig. 3: Axis notation for cylinder axis direction.
Question box 2
g) What is the axis direction of the plano-cylinder
shown above? Is it vertical or horizontal?
Fig. 4: Examples of axis notation for cylinder axis direction.
h) The axis meridian of a plano-cylinder lies along
the 40 meridian. Along what direction does the
power meridian lie?
i) The power meridian of a plano-cylinder lies
along the 115 meridian. Along what direction
does the axis meridian lie?
j) The plano-cylinder +1.00 DC x 90 is held in front of
a crossline chart with its axis initially parallel with
the horizontal limb of the chart. It is then rotated
20° in a clockwise direction. In what direction does
the horizontal limb appear to rotate?
Fig. 5: Scissors movement. AA′ is the axis meridian of the cylinder.
k) The plano-cylinder -1.00 DC x 180 is held in front of
a crossline chart with its axis initially parallel with
the horizontal limb of the chart. It is then rotated
20° in a clockwise direction. In what direction does
the horizontal limb appear to rotate?
42
MAFO 2-26

Student Series
TECHNOLOGY
Question box 3
Exercises
1) Is the axis direction of the plano-cylinder
shown above, 60 or 120?
2) What is the power meridian of the planocylinder
shown on question 1?
3) A +1.00 DC x 90 cylindrical lens is held in contact
with a -1.00 D spherical lens and the transverse
test is applied along the horizontal meridian. What
eect ill be produced upon the crosslines
What eect ould be seen in the transverse test
if the test is applied to the vertical meridian of
the combination described in question 2?
5) The plano-cylinder -0.50 DC x 180 is held in front of
a crossline chart with its axis initially parallel with
the horizontal limb of the chart. It is then rotated
20° in a clockwise direction. In what direction does
the horizontal limb appear to rotate?
6) The plano-cylinder +2.50 DC x 90 is held in front of
a crossline chart with its axis initially parallel with
the vertical limb of the chart. It is then rotated 20°
in a clockwise direction. In what direction does the
horizontal limb appear to rotate?
If the cylinder in figure 5(a) is now supposed to be a minus
cylinder and is rotated anti-clockwise, the appearance will be
as shown in figure 5(c). The axis meridian, AA', of a minus
cylinder produces a “with” rotation of the vertical meridian
of the crosslines, whereas the power meridian of a minus
cylinder which was initially parallel with the horizontal meridian
of the crossline chart, has produced an “against” rotation
of the horizontal limb.
The rotation test enables us to differentiate immediately
between spherical and astigmatic lenses. When the continuous
appearance of the crosslines, as illustrated in figure 5(a), is
obtained, the position of the axis meridian of an astigmatic
lens can be marked by drawing two short lines parallel with
the vertical limb of the crosslines shown by the short red
lines in figure 5(a). It will be found, in practice, that it is easier
to mark the plus axis meridian of the cylinder than the minus
axis meridian. ◆
figure 5(b). The vertical limb of the crosslines appears to rotate
clockwise, against the direction of the lens rotation. This is
called “against” scissors movement and occurs whenever the
limb is initially parallel to the axis of the plus cylinder or the
power meridian of a minus cylinder.
The horizontal limb of the crosslines appears to have rotated
anti-clockwise, with the direction of rotation of the lens. This
“with” rotation of the crossline limb occurs whenever the limb
is originally parallel to the power meridian of a plus cylinder,
or the axis meridian of a minus cylinder.
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.
Answers to questions in text
Clocise
e o eect nti-clocise
(d) +2.00 DC x 180 (i) 25
(h) 130
the horizontal lim
(a) Horizontal (f) 15
c gainst moement o
o eect (g) 180
Answers to exercises
1) 60 4 ith moement
2) 150 5 Clocise
3) None 6 Clocise
MAFO 2-26 43

BUSINESS
The courage to raise prices
Why sellers should step out of their comfort zone more often
an salespeople no that a price increase is long oerue. eertheless, the eep putting o the issue.
Sometimes the customer does not seem to be in the mood, sometimes an important project is coming up,
sometimes the timing is supposedly unfavorable. And so, month after month goes by. With each postponement,
the inner pressure grows, because secretly many know that this price increase discussion is becoming increasingly
overdue. By Oliver Schumacher
But instead of taking action, they evade the issue.
Why? Because they are afraid and prefer to put off
the necessary. After all, it is easier to leave everything
as it is than to courageously stand up for
one's own value.
But those who do not adjust prices are not only unconsciously
deciding against profitability, but also against their own
self-worth.
Attitude first – arguments later
Before anyone talks about higher prices, they should be convinced
of them themselves. Because customers immediately
sense whether someone is convinced or justifying themselves.
Therefore, before the price increase discussion, think first,
then act and talk.
▶ What has really changed for the customer?
▶ What is better today than a year ago?
▶ What factors enable the customer to understand the price
adjustment?
If you have clear answers to these questions in advance, you
no longer need to fear the conversation.
Facts help combat nervousness
When salespeople get lost in long explanations, it comes across
as uncertainty. Better: short, concrete, factual. An example:
“Our energy costs have risen by 7%. Nevertheless, we have
kept quality and delivery capacity stable. That is why we need
an adjustment.” That sounds calm, honest, mature. No tricks,
no pressure. Just plain language.
No justification – just information
Many price negotiations fail right at the start. If you start with
“I'm sorry to have to tell you...”, you undermine your own
authority. Better: “I would like to inform you about our new
terms and conditions.”
This is straightforward, respectful – and shows attitude. After
that, remain silent. Just wait a moment, even if it is difficult.
The customer needs this moment to process what has been said.
If you continue talking immediately, you negate the effect.
When resistance comes
Of course there will be resistance. “That's too expensive.” “Then
I'll just go to the competition.” That is normal. Really!
The customer is testing how stable the salesperson remains.
Because the customer needs the feeling of security that the
price increase is really justified – and not just serving to optimize
the supplier's profits.
In such moments, calm responses help: “I understand that this
is a change for you.” Or: “Yes. I would also have liked to avoid
the price increase, but our costs have risen accordingly – and
we now have to pass on this cost increase.”
It is important that the salesperson remains calm. No discussion.
No persuasion at any price. Customers respect clarity
more than giving in.
44
MAFO 2-26

BUSINESS
The customer is
testing how stable the
salesperson remains.
Because the customer
needs the feeling of
security that the price
increase is ustifie.
MAFO 2-26 45

BUSINESS
Fear of losing customers –
normal, but exaggerated
Every salesperson knows it. That inner voice that says: If I raise
the price, I am out. But the reality is usually different. The vast
majority of customers stay. Not because of the price, but because
of trust and reliability. A few thoughts help:
▶ Those who stay only because of the price never stay long.
▶ Those who want quality will stick with quality.
▶ And those who feel they are being treated fairly will stay
anyway.
To continue to provide value and thus give the customer the
confidence to work with the right supplier. The fact is: commitment,
reliability, and relationship management always sell
better in the long term than any discount. Having the courage
to raise prices is not recklessness. It is attitude. Those who
believe in their value automatically appear more convincing.
Customers accept price increases when they sense that someone
knows what they stand for. And in the end, that is exactly what
distinguishes good salespeople from conformists. ◆
In short: only those who sell themselves short lose out in price
negotiations.
No persuasion at
any price. Customers
respect clarity more
than giving in.
Oliver Schumacher
After the increase – stay on the ball
Many people disappear after the discussion – as quickly as
possible. Out of shame, insecurity, or because they are glad it
is over. But this is exactly when the salesperson should remain
present. And, for example, take the initiative to contact their
customer regularly.
Sales trainer Oliver Schumacher takes a friendly and
knowledgeable approach to setting new standards in sales
training. Under the motto "Honesty sells," he shows salespeople,
entrepreneurs, and self-employed individuals how
price negotiations. https://oliver-schumacher.de/
46
MAFO 2-26

SPECIAL
Market Survey Generating
Generators set standards in modern surfacing of ophthalmic lenses. With advanced
technology, stable manufacturing processes, and precise control, they determine the
throughput, ecienc, an ualit o the final spectacle lenses. The olloing maret
oerie lists important suppliers o generators on the gloal maret an their machines.
The inormation is ase on ata proie the manuacturers.
Special
VIRTUALLY THE POWER OF
TWO GENERATORS IN ONE
Drastic throughput Lowest cost
Highest
increase
per lens
uptime
HSC m
dulo
From the freeform pioneers comes a new one-of-a-kind featuring the most powerful XS-Tec motor for maxi-
generator that excels on every level. With an added mum dynamics and highest quality. The proven RS-Tec
performance of more than 50%, HSC Modulo ONE is motor is known for its high robustness and provides
not just a little bit better but a revolution. It is virtually
the power of two generators in ONE and forms transfers the lenses and facilitates shortest chip to
the very heart of the Power Lab of the Next Decade – chip times. The result is insane generating speed and
Modulo ONE.
performance at the same great lens quality you know
from SCHNEIDER generators.
What makes HSC Modulo ONE so exceptionally fast?
It is built on a brand new kinematic concept facilita-
Ultimately, HSC Modulo ONE provides significantly
ting even faster process times. The high-performance increased throughput in an even smaller footprint
generator relies on the proven two-motor concept than before. Get the power of two generators in ONE.
added versatility. A new ultra-fast workpiece changer
www.schneider-om.com
RZ_AZ_HSC_modulo_ONE_MAFO_Inside_02-2026_184,355x172,862_4c_engl.indd 1 18.02.2026 08:28:33
MAFO 2-26 47

MARKET SURVEY
Augen Opticos
www.augenopticos.com
Coburn Technologies
www.coburntechnologies.com
Generators
Augen Spectra CTL65 Compact Lens Generator Cobalt NX Lens Generator
Application
Technical data
Process
Features
Small labs (less than 100 l/ shift) x x
Medium sized labs (100 - 3,000 l/shift) x x
Mass production labs (more than
3,000 l/shift)
/
Freeform x x
Lens materials
Trivex, CR-39, MR-10, polycarbonate,
and other thermosetting resins
CR39, Polycarbonate, Trivex, High Index
ens iameter mm 85 mm 90
Curve range concave (dpt)
[Milling /Turning]
0 - 20 -20
Curve range convex (dpt)
[Milling / Turning]
/ 7
Productivity (lenses / hour)
[MR8, 1.6, Ø 70, sph. -3,0, cyl. 2.0,
24 lenses per hour contact Coburn Technologies
Add. 2.5, private label]
Speed of motor spindle (RPM) 3000 3500 4000
Axis X, Y, Z & W 3 4
Portnterace configuration
M = Multiple | OA = Open architecture
M
M / OA
Weight (kg / lbs) 480 kg 590 / 1300 622 / 1372
Dimensions (w x d x h) / [ mm / inches]
(machine without conveyor)
1020 mm x 1060 mm x 1280 mm 1194 x 787 x 1295 / 47 x 31 x 51 1245 x 914 x 1473 / 49 x 36 x 58
Milling / /
Turning (single or twin tool holder) Twin tool holder turning - single cutter turning - two cutters
Polishing / / /
Laser engraving / / x
Lens inspection / / /
Lens mapping / / /
Automatic lens loading/unloading Manual / /
Blockless / / /
Dry cutting / x x
Alloy free / x x
Pre-shape x / /
Auto calibration No / 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, no
calibration needed, follows NURBS
FreeForm Designs, spheric, toric
and double aspheric surfaces.
Compact turning lathe with
Coburn's patented single-point
technology for conventional lenses.
Ideal for small to mid-sized labs;
fastest in its class
Freeform, dry cut generator producing
superior quality lenses in
terms o orm an finish. pandable
platform that can grow with
your business
Legend: Yes = x, No = /, Optional = o
48
MAFO 2-26

MARKET SURVEY
Coburn Technologies
www.coburntechnologies.com
Comes
www.comes.it
NEXUS DGT Lens Generator Gentronic-CNC Labor-2 Small Impact HDG
/ x x x
x x x x /
x x x x /
x / / / x
CR39, Polycarbonate, Trivex,
High Index
Glass Glass / Organic Organic
90 80 120 90 85
-20 10 / - 12 / - 30 / - 30 / 30
7 10 / - 12 / - 30 / - 30 / 30
contact Coburn Technologies - - -
4500 10500 5500 27000 -
4 3 4 3 3
M / OA
642 / 1415 700 / 1550 1400 / 3100 620 / 1360 800 /1760
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
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
/ x x x /
turning - two cutters / / / x
/
x **
/ x x / /
/ / / / /
o x o / /
/ x o / /
x / / / /
x
/ / / * o*
o / / / /
o / o o o
/
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)
* elliptical reduction
* elliptical reduction
** mechanical engraving
optional
MAFO 2-26 49

MARKET SURVEY
Comes
www.comes.it
MEI
www.meisystem.com
Generators
Impact Series CoreTBA Alpha CoreTBA
Small labs (less than 100 l/ shift) / x x
Medium sized labs (100 - 3,000 l/shift) x x x
Mass production labs (more than
3,000 l/shift)
x / x
Freeform x x x
Application
Lens materials Organic All organic lens materials, i.e. CR39, Polycarbonate, High Index and Trivex
ens iameter mm 85 53-80 (after cribbing)
Curve range concave (dpt)
[Milling /Turning]
30 / 30 concave - 12 diopters
Curve range convex (dpt)
[Milling / Turning]
30 / 30
Front base range 0 - 10
(spherical and symmetric aspherical front curve, index 1,53)
Productivity (lenses / hour)
[MR8, 1.6, Ø 70, sph. -3,0, cyl. 2.0, Add.
2.5, private label]
up to 50 lenses/h
up to 100 lenses/h
Technical data
Speed of motor spindle (RPM) 27000 33000 33000
Axis 3 / 4
5 on the generator, 3 for each
polishing station, plus handling
5 on the generator, plus handling
Portnterace configuration
M = Multiple | OA = Open architecture
M
M
Weight (kg / lbs) 2000 / 4400 2500 kg
Dimensions (w x d x h) / [ mm / inches]
(machine without conveyor)
1700 x 1700 x 1550 / 66.93 x
66.93 x 61
2150 x 2150 x 2500 1819 x 2642 x 2388
Process
Features
Milling x x x
Turning (single or twin tool holder) x x x
Polishing x /
Laser engraving ** x x
Lens inspection / x x
Lens mapping / x /
Automatic lens loading/unloading o x x
Blockless / x x
Dry cutting / x x
Alloy free x x
Pre-shape * x x
Auto calibration / x x
Barcode scanner o x x
Data protection/encryption design
and macros
/ /
Process data information x x
Further information
* elliptical reduction
** mechanical engraving optional
washing, no tape, prismatic lenses,
power matching
prismatic lenses, no tape
Lege
Legend: Yes = x, No = /, Optional = o
50
MAFO 2-26

MARKET SURVEY
Optotech
www.optotech.net/en
FLASH Plus FLASH-A NG SWARFMASTER ASM Rx-A IQ-Synergy Generator
x x x
x
x
x x x
x x x x x
all organic materials
all organic materials and
mineral glass
mineral glass
all organic materials
40 mm - 85 mm 51 mm - 85 mm 50 mm - 70 mm 52mm - 85mm
Milling -15 dpt / Turning -30 dpt.
Milling and Turning +30 dpt.
35 lenses/h - 120
lenses/h; depending
on process
50 lenses/h - 160
lenses/h; depending on
process
Mineral: up to -16 dpt.
(Index 1.523)
Organic: up to -15 dpt.
(up to -22 dpt. with
Ø45mm PCD tool)
+30 dpt. [Milling]
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
40 mm - ith stanar
tools) + 12 dpt. - plano
- 15 dpt/ -15 dpt
5 dpt/ 5 dpt
6 mineral glass lenses/h On Request
18000 rpm 32000 rpm up to 38,000
4 4 3 4 11 x Process Axis, 10 x Handling Axis
M M M M OA
1050 kg 2750 kg 1250 kg 1850 kg 3640 kg
1280 x 1330 x 1680 mm 1735 x 1975 x 1740 mm 1365 x 1865 x 2076 mm 1275 x 2035 x 1720 mm 1800 x 2300 x 1970 / 71 x 95 x 78
1 1 1 Grinding/Milling Tool 3 Grinding/Milling Tools x
twin tool holder twin tool holder / / x (2 x Twin Holder)
/ / / /
/ / / /
/ x x x x
/ / / /
/ / / /
/ / / / x
x x / / x
/ / / / x
o o o o x
/ / / / x
o o o o x
optional cribbling spindle
lenticular and blended
for small lens diameter;
bifocal software on
lenticular and blended bifocal
nd: Yes = x, request No = /, Optional = o
software on request
manual version available
Unique machine architecture allowing fully automated
processing of 3 lenses simultaneously.
Integrated multi-unit with onboard measurement
for autocalibration and manual loading
MAFO 2-26 51

MARKET SURVEY
Satisloh
www.satisloh.com/ophthalmic/generating
Generators
NEO-orbit VFT-orbit-2i VFT-orbit-2E
Application
Small labs (less than 100 l/ shift) - - -
Medium sized labs (100 - 3,000 l/shift) x x x
Mass production labs (more than
3,000 l/shift)
x x -
Freeform x x x
Lens materials
all organic materials
ens iameter mm up to 80mm up to 90mm
Curve range concave (dpt)
-14,5/-30
[Milling /Turning]
Curve range convex (dpt)
limited +30/+30
[Milling / Turning]
Technical data
Productivity (lenses / hour)
[MR8, 1.6, Ø 70, sph. -3,0, cyl. 2.0, Add.
2.5, private label]
up to 80lph
Up to 100 lenses/hour
(with performance package
up to 120 lenses/hour)
up to 75lph
Speed of motor spindle (RPM) 35,000 24,000
Axis 5 5 5
Portnterace configuration
M = Multiple | OA = Open architecture
M / OA
Weight (kg / lbs) 4000 / 8,818 lbs 2200 / 4,850 lbs
Dimensions (w x d x h) / [ mm / inches]
(machine without conveyor)
2,340 x 2,122 x 2,256 / 92 x 83
x 88
1,270 x 1,501 x 1,832 / 50 x 60 x 72
Process
Milling x x x
Turning (single or twin tool holder) single; 2nd fast-tool included single; 2nd fast-tool optional
Polishing - - -
Yes / Mechanical engraving as
Laser engraving
Mechanical engraving as an option
an option
Lens inspection - - -
Lens mapping x (front-side) - -
Automatic lens loading/unloading x x o
Blockless x - -
Dry cutting - - -
Alloy free x x x
Pre-shape x x x
Features
Auto calibration x x x
Barcode scanner x x x
Data protection/encryption design
and macros
x x x
Process data information x x x
Further information
blockless generator with Pin
Vacuum Reception
Integrated Topography Measurement
available as an option
Legend: Yes = x, No = /, Optional = o
52
MAFO 2-26

MARKET SURVEY
Satisloh
www.satisloh.com/ophthalmic/generating
Generators
VFT-macro
VFT-macro-E
Application
Small labs (less than 100 l/ shift) x x
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 all organic materials
ens iameter mm up to 85 mm up to 85 mm
Curve range concave (dpt)
[Milling /Turning]
Curve range convex (dpt)
[Milling / Turning]
-14,5 -14,5
- -
Technical data
Productivity (lenses / hour)
[MR8, 1.6, Ø 70, sph. -3,0, cyl. 2.0, Add. 2.5, private label]
up to 50 lph
up to 25 lph
Speed of motor spindle (RPM) 12,000 only cribbing
Axis 4 3
Portnterace configuration
M = Multiple | OA = Open architecture
M / OA
M / OA
Weight (kg / lbs) 800 /1,764 800 /1,764
Dimensions (w x d x h) / [ mm / inches]
(machine without conveyor)
1,100 x 1,200 x 1,500 / 43 x 47 x 59 1,100 x 1,200 x 1,500 / 43 x 47 x 59
Process
Milling x -
Turning (single or twin tool holder) twin twin
Polishing - -
Laser engraving mechanical engraving as an option mechanical engraving as an option
Lens inspection - -
Lens mapping - -
Automatic lens loading/unloading - -
Blockless - -
Dry cutting - -
Alloy free x x
Pre-shape x -
Features
Auto calibration x x
Barcode scanner o o
Data protection/encryption design and macros - -
Process data information x x
Further information
Legend: Yes = x, No = /, Optional = o
54
MAFO 2-26

MARKET SURVEY
Schneider
www.schneider-om.com/ophthalmics
www.modulo-one.com
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 -30 -30 -18 -30
+30 +30 +30 0 +30
Please consult with Schneider
9,000 12,000 35,000 25,000 35,000
4 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
x x x x x
The C nano P oers a
higher perormance, oering
full milling capabilities
for fast PC machining and a
high-speed laser.
The C sprint oers a
higher preformance compared
to the HSC sprint and
is a small and economical
generator. Ideal for smaller
and mid-sized labs.
HSC Modulo XTS is incredibly
fast thanks to its extremely
powerful XS-motor
produces a great amount of
lenses in a very short time.
The all-in-one surfacing
center features all the
technology to surface 80
lenses/hour, 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 2-26 55

Suppliers
Guide
Surfacing
Filtration systems
Engraving / printing
Tinting
Hard coating
Cleaning
AR Coating
Edging
Inspection
Lenses / blanks
Consumables
Diamond tools
Software
Designs
Automation & Robotics
Bühler
Coburn Technologies
Colorboost
Comes
Evergreen
Fil-Tech
Filtertech
FISA
Horizons Optical
IOT
K&Y
-cific
Lensware
MEI
Nidek
Optimal Technologies
Optiswiss
Optotech
QLDS
Satisloh
Schneider
SCL
Teco
Ultra Optics
56
MAFO 2-26

Suppliers Guide
AUTOMATION&ROBOTICS
TOTAL LENS INSPECTION
AUTOMATION
PROCESS CONTROL
SERVICES & SOLUTIONS
www.ar.be
salesmarketing@ar.be
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
QUALITY & SAVINGS
FROM STOCK
• Sensor Heads and Feedthroughs
• INFICON Deposition Monitors and Controllers
• Quality Crystals ®
• Vacuum Pump Fluids
• Vacuum Measurement Gauges
• Electron Beam Gun Parts
• Ion Source Parts
www.filtech.com
617-227-1133• 800-743-1743
paula@filtech.com
Tel. 315-682-8815
info@filtertech.com
www.colorboost.com
Colorboost lenses are patented and
scientifically engineered to expand
the range of colors the human eye can
see by 35%.
The result: your patients will say, WOW! !AZ.indd 1
For more information & order inquiries:
+49 172 59 44 695
©2026 Colorboost Inc. All Rights Reserved.
SEE 35% MORE COLOR
Process
Water Treatment
Ultrasounds
08.12.25 16:02
Robot
Industry 4.0
HMI Controller
Plugins
CONTACT US NOW
www.fisa.com
Optics@fisa.com
Focus on you
!AZ.indd 1
09.05.25 11:47
Optical solutions tailored to you, from
lens design to your retail experience.
BE A LEADER
IN INNOVATION
MAFO 2-26 57

Suppliers Guide
Your lens innovation
and technology partner.
IOT empowers optical businesses
with cutting-edge technologies and
innovative solutions to design and
produce advanced ophthalmic lenses.
Combination of
dynamic ideas
and stable performance
provides superb Lens Edging
www.nidek.com
info@nidek.co.jp
Hard coating ad:
CLEANING &
HARD
COATING
AUTOMATIC
MACHINES
www.kanpacific.com
Equipment for
Optical Rx Lab
Contact us : info@kanpacific.com
sales@optimal-technologies.com
World leaders in Lens Hard Coating
Machines and process solutions
Full range available for any production
volume
Expert advice on your application
contact us: (+44) 1462 49 16 16
optimal-technologies.com
YOUR ULTRA PRECISION
Diamond Tools Manufacturer
> Excellent service and
quick turnaround
> Compliant with
any generator
Cleaning ad:
kydiamond.ca
sales@ kydiamond.ca
World leaders in Ultrasonic Cleaning
Machines prior to lens coating
Full range available for any lens volume
Expert advice on your application
The Lab Management System Company
LensWare International GmbH
Robert-Bosch-Str. 32
63225 Langen - Germany
!AZ.indd 16
Phone : +49 6103 / 372 87 87
Email : info@lensware.de
Web : www.lensware.de
Contact us for our full range: +44 (0) 1462 491 616
sales@optimal-technologies.com www.optimal-technologies.com
Vision. Precision. Passion.
07.05.25 12:40
OptoTech Optikmaschinen GmbH
Sandusweg 2-4 • 35435 Wettenberg/Germany
Tel.: + 49 641 49939-0
eMail: info.de@optotech.net
Web: www.optotech.net
!AZ.indd 15
15.12.25 14:27
58
MAFO 2-26

Suppliers Guide
X-Cube
Lens Digital Printer
Enjoy:
• unlimited designs
• digi-speed process
OPTICAL MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS
Choose your frame colour
Satisloh AG
Neuhofstrasse 12
CH - 6340 Baar / Switzerland
Phone: +41 (0) 41766 16 16
Email: info@satisloh.com
satisloh.com
www.tecofrance.com
info@tecofrance.com
White
Yellow
Blue
Red
Cyan
Purple
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
271 rue Laszlo Biro
ArchParc
FR-74160 Archamps
+33 (0) 450 820 720
office1@scl-intl.com
HARD COATING CLEANING TINTING PERIPHERALS CONSUMABLES EXPERTISE
scl-intl.com
A prime spot for companies
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Runtime: 1 year in all 6 issues for €1,090.
Contact:
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ABOUT MAFO
Sage
Picture: Silke
Stathi, what are you
working on right now?
Stathi
Efthimiadis,
creative
director
MAFO is more than a name – it is a promise of quality and precision. Our team works tirelessly
to make complex topics understandable, to keep you up to date – with the best possible
layout and design – and to be an attractive advertising platform for customers. Discover who
e are an ho e crat content that inorms an inspires. n part2 ou ill learn more aout our
Creative Director, Stathi Efthimiadis, and his work.
MAFO: Stathi, what exactly are you working on right now?
Stathi: At the moment, I’m working on several publications in
parallel, which means coordinating editorial content, designing
layouts, and preparing everything for production. A big part of
my work happens at the intersection of content, design, and
technology. One moment I’m refining page layouts and typography,
the next I’m optimizing workflows or solving technical challenges
that improve how efficiently we produce the magazine.
Beyond that, I’m focused on improving our internal
workflows and production processes. The goal is to make
everything more efficient, more consistent, and easier to
scale. And of course, continuing to develop the visual and
technical side of MAFO so that it reflects where we are today
and where we’re heading.
MAFO: What surprised you recently in your daily work?
Stathi: How many small decisions shape the final product.
Readers only see the finished magazine or attend the conference,
but behind that there are countless details, layout choices, production
timing, technical setups – that all have to align perfectly.
What also surprised me is how much momentum you can
create by improving workflows. Even small adjustments in
how we structure data, design templates, or prepare content
can make a huge difference in speed and consistency. It’s a
reminder that publishing today is as much about systems as
it is about storytelling.
MAFO: What’s currently on your MAFO to-do list for 2026?
Stathi: We are continuing to strengthen the connection between
our print publications and our digital platforms. That includes
improving workflows, expanding our online offerings, and
developing new formats that make our content more
accessible and engaging.
And of course, the core mission remains the same:
delivering relevant, high-quality content to the
ophthalmic optics community.
MAFO – The Conference 2027 is definitely one
of the main priorities. We’re working on creating
a clear visual identity for the event, improving
the presentation experience, and making
sure everything runs smoothly – from the
stage visuals to the audience interaction.
MAFO: What do you personally enjoy most about
your work?
Stathi: The combination of creative and technical challenges.
I enjoy designing something visually, but also building the
structure behind it so it works reliably. And I like that MAFO
is constantly evolving. There’s always something new to learn,
improve, or rethink. It never feels static, and that’s what keeps
it interesting.
Just as important, is the team. We have a great mix of experience,
ideas, and perspectives, and there’s a strong sense that
everyone is working toward the same goal. That makes
collaboration easy and keeps the work both productive and
enjoyable.
MAFO: Finally, how would you describe MAFO today
in one sentence?
Stathi: MAFO is a modern media platform rooted in tradition
– combining trusted print with dynamic digital innovation,
and bringing the global optics community together both on
the page and in person. ◆
60
MAFO 2-26

OUTLOOK
Scientists capture
­first-ever rod cell twitch
For the first time, an international research team led by Nanyang
Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) has recorded a
tiny mechanical “twitch” in living human and rodent eyes at the exact
moment a rod photoreceptor detects light. The research breakthrough
could provide a new, non-invasive way to assess retinal health and enable
earlier diagnosis of blinding eye diseases, according to the research team,
which involves multiple institutions including the University of Washington
(UW), Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), and Duke-NUS Medical
School.
Rod photoreceptors are the cells in the eye that enable us to see in lowlight
conditions. These “night-vision cells” are extremely sensitive and
are often the first to deteriorate in eye conditions such as age-related
macular degeneration. However, existing tools to study and measure
rod photoreceptor function are limited in their sensitivity and can be
uncomfortable for patients.
Special topics in
202
01
Smart Eyewear &
Processes
02
Vision Trends
2026
0
Children‘s Vision
04
Eyewear
Worldwide
05
Lenses & Coatings
0
Go Green!
Preview
MAFO 03/2026
“Children's Vision” is the focus of the upcoming
issue 03/26. In this issue, you can look forward
to an article on gaze dynamics in connection with
myopia management in children. You will also find
an interview about sustainable projects and processes
in the lab, as well as a brand-new technology
that allows for an invisible, embedded identity
integrated directly into the lens material.
MAFO 2-26 61

Eyepress Fachmedien GmbH
Saarner Str. 151
45479 Mülheim a. d. Ruhr
66527
Germany
Real-time oac
acalsma
shs& oao
ac
Streamlined workflows
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By lmatiaas
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& minimizing os
Real-time oas,
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1/2026
Highly
versatile
Environmentally
friendly
Highest
throughput
Eyepress Fachmedien GmbH
Saarner Str. 151
45479 Mülheim a. d. Ruhr
66527
Germany
RZ_AZ_DBX_modulo_ONE_2_MAFO_01-2026_160x225_4c_engl.indd 2 02.12.2025 10:43:43
01_Titel.indd 1 19.12.25 11:02
Eyepress Fachmedien GmbH
Saarner Str. 151
45479 Mülheim a. d. Ruhr
66527
Germany
Sector dome design with
adaptive rings to accommodate
different sector types at once
Box coaters for all lab sizes,
producing 30 up to 305 lenses
per batch
Systems with turbo-molecular
pumps keeping energy
consumption low
01_Titel.indd 1 10.11.25 14:36
Eyepress Fachmedien GmbH
Saarner Str. 151
45479 Mülheim a. d. Ruhr
66527
Germany
Drastic throughput
increase
Lowest cost
per lens
RZ_AZ_HSC_modulo_ONE_2_MAFO_4-2024_160x225_4c_engl_D.indd 1 18.04.2024 13:52:14
01_Titel.indd 1 10.09.25 11:59
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uptime
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ISSN 1614-1598 66527
Volume 22
ISSN 1614-1598 66527
Volume 22
ISSN 1614-1598 66527
Volume 21
ISSN 1614-1598 66527
Volume 21
OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY
OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY
OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY
OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY
Connect, discover,
stay up-to-date
2/2026
▶ Special: Vision
Trends 2026
Ready in three
minutes – spectacle
lenses from the printer
True innovation
live on stage
Agile and exciting
– Mido 2026
Fluid-autofocus
eyeglasses
Brave new
virtual world
▶ Technology
Basic ophthalmic
optics instruction
| Part 2
▶ Business
The courage to
raise prices
▶ Survey
Generating
YOUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE STARTS HERE: GO PAPERLESS.
The csm simplifies workflows, minimizes manual tasks, and enhances the overall efficiency of
your Rx Lab. This cutting-edge solution digitizes and displays department-specific job ticket information,
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ACCURACY
OPERATIONAL
COST
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SAVINGS
SATISFACTION
satisloh.compaperless
llocsContact us to learn more about going paperless!
Connect, discover,
stay up-to-date
▶ Special: Smart
Eyewear and
Processes
Go smart! | Part 1:
Smart AI glasses
Go smart! | Part 2:
Autofocus and
hearing glasses
Smart Glasses –
niche or mass trend?
▶ Technology
Transforming lens
manufacturing with
UV cure monomers
Overcoming material
barriers in myopia
control lenses
▶ Student Series
Basic ophthalmic
optics instruction
Part 1
▶ Interview
The myth of night
myopia – current
research dispels
misunderstandings
▶ Survey
Industrial edging
Laser engraving
systems
ECO-FRIENDLY DEBOXING AT
UNMATCHED SPEED
DBX m
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.
Visit us at MIDO // 31. Jan. – 02. Feb. 2026 // Hall 6 // Booth K15 K21 N16 N22
www.schneider-om.com
dulo
Connect, discover,
stay up-to-date
6/2025
▶ Special: Markets
Worldwide
Data and figures
on lenses and
smart glasses
Vision Expo West 2025
Silmo 2025
▶ Technology
What If… AI could
optimize your lab and
save resources daily?
A generalization
of the Minkwitz
theorem and its
benefit for progressive
addition lenses
▶ Interview
“Personalization is still
not well understood”
▶ Business
Effectively managing
remote projects
▶ Spotlight
MAFO – The
Conference 2026
INNOVATING TH E
FUTURE OF OPTICAL
COATINGS
COATING EXCELLENCE - AT EVERY SCALE
With over 60 years of coating innovation, Satisloh delivers advanced anti-reflective and mirror coating
technology from the compact MC-280-X to the high-throughput 1500-X for AR and sun lenses, designed
to meet the needs of labs of all sizes.
Our systems support a full range of coating processes, including AR, UV, Blue Light protection, and
mirror effects, optimized through validated recipes and Satisloh AR consumables to match specific lens
performance requirements.
satisloh.com
INNOVATIVE EFFICIENT SUSTAINAB LE
Connect, discover,
stay up-to-date
5/2025
▶ Special: Go Green!
Paperless: The future
of lens manufacturing
Interview:
Sustainability in
ophthalmic optics
▶ Technology
Optimizing lens
hard coatings
Case study: Lens
brush cleaning
▶ Business
Do not take rejection
or ghosting personally
▶ History
Pioneer: Dr. Anna
Estelle Glancy
▶ Survey
Hard coating
machines – spin
and dip
VIRTUALLY THE POWER OF
TWO GENERATORS IN ONE
HSC m
From the freeform pioneers comes a new one-of-a-kind generator that excels on every
level. With an added performance of more than 50%, HSC Modulo ONE is not just a
little bit better but a revolution. It is virtually the power of two generators in ONE and
forms the very heart of the Power Lab of the Next Decade – Modulo ONE.
What makes HSC Modulo ONE so exceptionally fast? It is built on a brand new kinematic
concept facilitating even faster process times. The high-performance generator
relies on the proven two-motor concept featuring the most powerful XS-Tec motor
for maximum dynamics and highest quality. The proven RS-Tec motor is known for its
high robustness and provides added versatility. A new ultra-fast workpiece changer
transfers the lenses and facilitates shortest chip to chip times. The result is insane
generating speed and performance at the same great lens quality you know from
SCHNEIDER generators.
Ultimately, HSC Modulo ONE provides significantly increased throughput in an even
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MASTHEAD
PUBLISHERS ADDRESS
Eyepress Fachmedien GmbH
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
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二 号 楼 319 室 邮 编 :100024
电 话 :+86-10-8537-6529
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ADVERTISEMENT RATES
Price list no. 22, valid from January 01, 2026
Publication schedule
6 issues 2026: 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.3: kichigin19, P.14: Rodion Kutsaiev, P. 38_ Paris Bilal,
P.34: rimufilms, P.45,46: spectrograma, P.60: Christina
Winter, P.61: J W P. 61: 7activestudio,
/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.
62
MAFO 2-26

The magazine for spectacle lens experts
5,500 printed copies per issue
15,000 website visitors per month
(in average)
6 printed issues per year, distributed
worldwide
24/7 free digital issue always
available. Newsletter keeps
up-to-date with current news
22 years proven and evaluated.
Established in 2004
UNIQUE + INTERNATIONAL
For spectacle lens experts worldwide (industry,
optical labs, distributor, chains and more)
TECHNICAL
In depth articles by and for lens experts
INNOVATIVE
Always up-to-date about current and
future technologies and trends
PRINT + ONLINE
Free digital issue online, newsletter,
Linkedin, printed edition
MARKET SURVEYS
Machinery market survey in each issue
LIVE
Organizer of MAFO – The Conference (one day before
Mido). Regular visits to international trade shows and
reports about innovative companies worldwide.