MAFO 03/2026

ISSN 1614-1598 66527
Volume 22
OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY
Connect, discover,
stay up-to-date
3/2026
▶ Special:
Children's vision
Smart glasses and
digital twins in myopia
management
Do children use
myopia control lenses
as expected?
HIGH-PERFORMANCE CLEANING
OF EDGED LENSES
▶ Technology
Basic ophthalmic
optics instruction |
Part 3
▶ Interview
40 years of Vision
Expo – and the
first unified show
How IXI glasses merge
adaptive optics, eye
tracking, and opticianled
distribution
▶ Business
From the fruit basket
to human capital 3.0
▶ Survey
Cleaning machinery
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66527
Germany
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dulo

LETTER
Myopia management
for everyone
Not too long ago, a diagnosis of
myopia for children was like a
law set in stone: it would just keep
getting worse. Year after year,
you’d need stronger prescription lenses. With
every visit to the eye doctor or optician, your
prescription would increase by a quarter or half
a diopter.
If you’re lucky, you’ll finally reach the maximum
by the time you come of age. If you’re unlucky,
maybe not until your mid- or late 20s. In any
case, your risk of developing eye diseases in
later life is higher, at least if you have high
myopia.
Hanna Diewald
Chief editor
Tell us your opinion,
ideas and suggestions:
hanna.diewald@mafo-optics.com
Some might say there are worse things – after
all, there are visual aids (an argument that is
naturally common in our industry).
Others, however, struggle for the rest of their
lives with the fact that they cannot move safely
through the world without wearing glasses or
contact lenses. It is precisely this discomfort that
lead some people to opt for laser eye surgery,
despite the wide range of vision aids available.
And even in this case, the increased risk of eye
disease remains for those with severe myopia.
These days, the term “revolution” is often
overused when it comes to new technologies.
However, in my opinion, the development of
ophthalmic lenses for myopia management
comes very close to being a revolution.
For the first time in history, we can counteract
the progression of myopia. We’re not just placing
a lens in front of the eye and watching as the eye
becomes more nearsighted. No, we can do
something about it!
By the way, to be fair – atropine was already
mentioned in the 19th century, with reference
to its potential for treating myopia. And of course,
contact lenses for myopia control have been
available for years, which are also an exciting
option for children.
But – these treatment options were (for too)
long reserved for a very small group of selected
children. And that is precisely what is now
changing dramatically with ophthalmic lenses
for myopia management. In China, experts
estimate that 30–40% of children have already
received myopia management treatment. This
is no longer a niche market!
Atropine, contact lenses, and Ortho-K got the
ball rolling, but the glasses are keeping it moving.
This revolution is based on traditional research
and development in the fields of physics, optics,
and basic science. And speaking of research, yes,
some questions remain unanswered.
While we know that various products work, we
don’t yet know exactly how. And this is precisely
where various companies are stepping in as you’ll
learn in the special section “Children’s Vision”
of this issue.
▶ Here, you can read more in the interview
with Arnaud Ribadeau Dumas about the
digital twin in myopia management and the
potential of smart glasses for myopia management
in children (page 14ff).
▶ Or explore the opportunities offered by eye
tracking and how it helps us better understand
gaze dynamics and the fitting of ophthalmic
lenses for myopia management (page 18).
And so, slowly but surely, the picture is coming
together. With every additional child and with
every diopter that isn't added on top, we understand
a little more and can do more.
Mainly one crucial piece is still missing in most
countries for the whole picture: unrestricted
government support for treatment. For everyone
to truly benefit in the end, we need healthcare
systems and governments that provide financial
backing for this approach.
And yes, myopia management is not exclusively
about products, but also about children’s lifestyles.
How much time do they spend outdoors?
How long do they spend in front of screens or
books? But parents who never even come into
contact with treatment options for their children’s
myopia because the costs are too high will
consequently be less informed. For this reason,
they will have probably less awareness of the
further aspects of myopia management as well.
Therefore, I am convinced; everyone should be
able to afford myopia management – the products
and the knowledge about it – and especially
those at the highest risk for high myopia, so that
in 15 years we won’t be able to tell from the
diopter count whether a family could afford
myopia management or not. ◆
MAFO 3-26 3

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Content
MAY / JUNE 2026
Topics in this edition
MAFO issue
May / June
2026
Page 26
Page 18
Page 36
At a glance
6
All about you
News from the international
ophthalmic industry
8
All about markets
Graphical data
10
All about products & industry
Innovations and news for labs
48
Suppliers Guide
Overview of companies in the spectacle
lens industry
52
MAFO – “What are you working on?”
Britta Laupichler, Editorial Assistant
53
Outlook
Closing with good news and preview on
MAFO 04/2026
Spotlight
12
Children´s Vision
Five facts about children’s vision
and myopia
Interview
14
Children´s Vision
Smart glasses and digital twins in
myopia management
An interview with Arnaud Ribadeau Dumas
22
40 years of Vision Expo –
and the first unified show
An interview with Ashley Mills
26
How IXI glasses merge adaptive
optics, eye tracking,
and optician-led distribution
An interview with Niko Eiden and Eric Plat
Technology
18
Children´s Vision
Do children use myopia control
lenses as expected?
By Dr. Eva Chamorro, Jose Miguel Cleva and
Dr. Pablo Concepción
30
Basic ophthalmic optics
instruction | Part 3
By Dr. Mo Jalie
Business
36
From the fruit basket
to human capital 3.0
By Dr. Josef Scheiber
Market Survey
38
Market survey
Cleaning machinery
MAFO 3-26 5

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
All about you
News from the international ophthalmic industry
The Vision Council names Kris Stevens Vice President of Research
The Vision Council announced the appointment of Kris Stevens as the organization’s new
Vice President of Research. In this role, Stevens will lead The Vision Council’s inSights
Research Program, overseeing the delivery of timely, high-quality market intelligence through
a comprehensive suite of reports, exclusive industry perspectives, and custom research
services. Since joining The Vision Council in 2022, Stevens has been instrumental in modernizing
the organization’s research infrastructure.
Symbol picture. Picture: Unsplash/Getty Images
Coburn Technologies announces key leadership changes
Coburn Technologies has announced several personnel changes within key leadership
positions spanning sales, engineering, product strategy, and human resources. Jason Frank
has been promoted to Vice President of Sales. Wayne Labrecque has been promoted to Vice
President of Key Accounts. Enrico “Nino” Manes has been promoted to Vice President of
Engineering. Diego Jimènez has been promoted to Director of Sales, Latin America. Adrian
Suran has been promoted to Senior Product Strategy Manager. Teresa McDivitt has been
promoted to Human Resources Manager.
Picture: Coburn Technologies
Symbol picture. Picture: Unsplash/Getty Images
EssilorLuxottica acquires the Italian company Faro
EssilorLuxottica announced the acquisition of Faro, an Italian company with over 20 years
of expertise in the design, manufacture and distribution of high-precision CNC machinery
for milling and diamond cutting, serving the jewelry and eyewear industries. Based in
Santa Maria di Sala, Venice, in the region of Italy’s eyewear district, Faro has become a
trusted reference for eyewear manufacturers, with fully integrated solutions – from
hardware to software – that unlock new creative and technological possibilities for frame
manufacturing. This acquisition further strengthens EssilorLuxottica’s vertical integration
by adding critical technological capabilities to the Group. At the same time, it will enable
Faro to accelerate its long-term growth.
6
MAFO 3-26

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
SWITCH by EssilorLuxottica highlights changes in eye care
Opticians from around the world gathered in Monaco in mid-April for EssilorLuxottica’s
SWITCH conference. The event centered on how technological advancements are transforming
eye care and what roles opticians will assume in the future. During the event, the
growing influence of AI, diagnostics, and imaging techniques was discussed. The eye was
identified as a gateway to overall health, as modern technologies can provide clues to
systemic diseases. Against this backdrop, traditional vision analysis is evolving into a more
prevention-oriented approach.
Picture: EssilorLuxottica
Lab Leadership Forum 2026 scheduled for September in Nevada
The Vision Council has announced that its annual Lab Leadership Forum will take place
from September 16–18, 2026, at the M Resort Spa Casino in Las Vegas (Henderson), Nevada.
The event is designed for the organization’s lab members and aims to provide industryfocused
education while fostering networking opportunities across the optical sector.
According to Michael C. Vitale, Vice President of Membership, Government Relations &
Technical Affairs at The Vision Council, the forum remains a key gathering for leaders in
optical laboratories nationwide.
Symbol picture. Picture: Unsplash/Grant Cai
Silmo Paris unveils new brand identity for 2026 edition
From 25 to 28 September 2026, the international optical trade fair Silmo Paris will return to
Paris Nord Villepinte, presenting a renewed expression of its brand identity. The upcoming
edition will introduce a new manifesto and a redesigned visual identity. With the new signature
“The season starts here”, Silmo Paris reaffirms its position as a key meeting point. The message
underscores the show’s role as an early indicator of developments that will influence the industry
in the coming season. The trade show announced in early May that 90% of the exhibition space
has already been booked, reflecting strong engagement from industry players. In September,
the show will welcome nearly 900 exhibitors and more than 1,500 brands. Silmo Paris aims to
serve as a platform where creativity, technical expertise, technological innovation and forward‐looking
vision converge, supporting the ongoing transformation of the optical and
eyewear sector.
Picture: Silmo Paris
MAFO 3-26 7

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
All about markets
Graphical data
In 2026, the revenue in
the eyewear market is
projected to reach
US$ 156.35bn
Artificial intelligence (AI)
glasses represented
88%
of all smart glasses’ shipments worldwide
in the second half of 2025. This
share was the highest-ever share, as
new AI glasses models get
released and gain popularity.
Source: statista
worldwide. It is expected to grow at
an annual rate of 3.27%
(CAGR 2026-2030).
The average selling price of
AI smart glasses worldwide
increased in the second half of
Source: statista
2025 in comparison to the first half.
Between July and December 2025, the
retail ASP stood at
360 U.S. dollars.
Source: statista
Optimistic or
unrealistic? While
around 40% of
respondents in various countries
believe that AI will cost jobs,
only about one in five thinks their
own job might be affected.
8
MAFO 3-26

HARD COAT CLEANING TINTING PERIPHERALS CONSUMABLES EXPERTISE
Technique. Safety. Expertise.
ALL ABOUT HIGH-TECH &
AUTOMATION
CDC 1000
Designed for mid- and large-sized production, the new CDC 1000 produces
up to 160 lenses/h. Its technical area is completely separated from cleaning
& coating chambers. CDC 1000 is equipped with a smooth dipping system,
providing no vibrations at all. Cleaning and coating chambers feature laminar
flow and controlled air exhaust. The cleaning line includes 6 tanks, 1 primer
and 2 varnishes for fast processing. CDC 1000 is characterized by a particularly
high level of automation - doors, etching process, detergent, water, alcohol
& primer refillings, water control. High environmental friendliness with 75%
water savings rounds off the machine’s profile.
www.scl-intl.com
HARD COAT LEADER

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
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All about products & industry
Innovations and news for labs
Learn more
NIDEK launches the MSE-1 System Edger
The MSE-1 is a next-generation hybrid lens edger engineered to deliver the power of an
industrial system with the intuitive operation of a retail unit, delivering unparalleled
synergy between performance and usability. Its hybrid edging system pairs a milling tool
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While roughing with the milling tool significantly reduces processing time, the MSE-1
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SCHNEIDER Expands Local Service Presence in Mátészalka
SCHNEIDER has established a local service hub in Mátészalka, Hungary, strengthening
its connection to the region’s optical industry and enabling faster support. The town, home
to major optical manufacturing facilities, now hosts SCHNEIDER’s on-site service team
led by Daniel Meza, alongside with a service engineer. This expansion allows for quicker
response times, reduced downtime, and flexible scheduling tailored to customer needs.
By providing hands-on expertise directly at customer sites, SCHNEIDER reinforces its
commitment to reliable service, close partnerships, and supporting customers where it
matters most. www.schneider-om.com
Satisloh Academy Days
delivered two weeks of hands on technical excellence
From 02/03/2026 to 13/03/2026, Satisloh successfully hosted its first Academy Days,
welcoming twelve customers from four companies for an immersive on site training
experience. Over two intensive weeks, participants received hands on training directly
at the machines they operate or will soon operate. Our expert trainers delivered a
high impact mix of theory and practice covering ART Blocker A, ART Deblocker 2,
Multi FLEX 2 and VFT orbit 2i. The program was complemented by team building
experiences including karting and a castle tour, fostering exchange beyond the
classroom. Each attendee left with enhanced expertise, a certificate, a Satisloh Academy
Days polo shirt and a tablet containing all relevant training materials and documents.
Building on this success, additional Academy Days for Coating & Surfacing are planned
for late 2026, with upcoming sessions in Italy and Germany. Explore future Satisloh
training opportunities on our website. www.satisloh.com
10
MAFO 3-26

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Precision Diamond Tools for Every Challenge
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
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Children's Vision
SPOTLIGHT
Five facts about
children's vision and myopia
1
The pigment in the eye is always
brownish
A child’s eye color is determined by pigment cells in the
iris, known as melanocytes. The final color typically stabilizes
between 12 and 36 months of age and depends on
the concentration of melanin in the child’s iris. Melanin
always has a brownish color – even green and blue eyes
contain no other pigments. The other shades in the green
and blue spectrum result from different light refraction
effects, depending on how much melanin is present in the
iris and how it is distributed.
The appearance of the iris is unchanging. Exceptions to
this can result from diseases or injuries. In principle, an iris
scan is even more unique than a fingerprint. While a fingerprint
can identify “only” about 40 biometric features,
modern technology allows for up to 260 in the human iris.
2
Prevalence of hyperopia and myopia
Even though everyone is currently talking about
myopia in children – at least among preschoolers, hyperopia
is more common. According to a meta-analysis that examined
the prevalence of refractive errors in European
children, the figures show the following: About 18% of
European children have a clinically significant refractive
error, with myopia increasing with age and hyperopia
decreasing.
According to the analysis, approximately 14% of children
aged 4–9 were hyperopic and 6% were myopic. However,
this ratio reverses significantly with age. By age 14, an average
of 17% of children were already myopic.
For hyperopia, figures were available for the 10–13 age
group. In this group, only 7% of children were hyperopic
– significantly fewer than in younger years.
The prevalence of myopia was highest in Russia, that of
hyperopia in Denmark, and that of astigmatism in Northern
Ireland.
12 MAFO 3-26

Children's Vision
SPOTLIGHT
3
Axial myopia and refractive myopia
The development of myopia without a clearly identifiable
cause is also referred to as primary myopia. This can in turn be
divided into two basic types: axial myopia and refractive myopia.
Axial myopia is caused by an excessive length of the eyeball.
Refractive myopia, on the other hand, is attributed to a relatively
high refractive power of the eye’s optical structures.
According to current knowledge, axial length is a primary risk
factor for the development of pathological myopia. Therefore, it
is important in myopia management to include the type of myopia
in the risk assessment.
4
Will half the world’s population be nearsighted in 2050?
a stir. It is often simplified and reported that by 2050, approximately 50% of
Ten years ago, a scientific forecast by Brien A. Holden et al. caused quite
the world’s population will be nearsighted. However, experts – and even
Holden himself – caution against “overinterpreting” the 50% figure.
First, the forecast does not account for measures that could slow the progression
of myopia in the coming years. Second, the meta-analysis lacked reliable
data for some countries and regions. The actual prevalence of myopia in
different regions of the world can therefore vary greatly. And third, this was a
general forecast based on data available at the time, not a definitive fact.
However, the fact is: Yes, the progression of myopia is an important issue. But
it is also true that, thanks to education about myopia management, a lot of
research and more, the 50% figure for 2050 is not set in stone yet,
5
Children with visual impairment learn only half as much
Research findings from the IAPB and SEVA Foundation show that a child with
visual impairment learns about half as much as a child with good or corrected vision.
The organizations explain, “This has a direct impact on an individual’s lifetime
earnings; for example, if a five-year-old receives glasses in elementary school and
wears them until the age of 18, he or she will earn an average of 78% more over the
course of their life than if the child's vision had never been corrected.”
Globally, the analysis calculates this to amount to 6.3 million lost school years per
year and a future economic productivity loss of $173 billion. Losses are observed
in high-, low-, and middle-income countries alike. Every school day, 17.8 million
children worldwide attend class with uncorrected vision impairment. “Most of the
time, refractive errors remain uncorrected simply because they haven’t been detected
– people often skip eye exams or don’t have access to them,” the organizations say.
The researchers estimate that half of the learning losses could be prevented through
more eye exams and the provision of glasses, and the other half by ensuring that
children wear their glasses when they need them.
MAFO 3-26
13

Children's Vision
INTERVIEW
Pictures: Silke Sage
Smart glasses and digital
twins in myopia management
An interview with Arnaud Ribadeau Dumas
The importance of myopia management is widely recognized in the industry. At the same time, many questions
remain unanswered: Why does a particular design work exceptionally well for 80% of children but very poorly
for a few? Or what role do certain biomarkers play in the success of the treatment? In this interview, Arnaud
Ribadeau Dumas from EssilorLuxottica explains what modern myopia management looks like today and what
opportunities lie ahead, such as measuring the light spectrum or near vision behavior under real-world conditions
by using smart glasses. By Silke Sage and Hanna Diewald
At the SWITCH Innovation Summit hosted by
EssilorLuxottica, which took place from April
13 to 15 in Monte Carlo, Monaco, a wide range
of future-oriented topics were presented; these
included myopia management, the digital twin, and smart
glasses for children. MAFO spoke with expert Arnaud Ribadeau
Dumas in Monte Carlo.
MAFO: We heard a lot about digital twins today. What
is the purpose of the digital twin in myopia
management?
Ribadeau Dumas: We use the digital twin to improve the design
of the lenses or to go faster in the process of innovation. Imagine
you have to go through a clinical trial – usually it takes six
months to prepare the trial, six months to recruit the children,
and then follow one or two or three years of results. That means
if you want three years of results, you need four and a half for
the whole clinical trial; that's too long.
With the digital twin, our discovery of the mechanism of ametropization
of the eye, and the understanding of the light interaction
with the retina cells, we can simulate new designs. Those
can be used with a digital twin as a kind of virtual clinical trial.
And once we have defined the design that looks most promising,
we go to the real clinical trial.
MAFO: How much time can be saved here?
Ribadeau Dumas: It's difficult to answer precisely how much
time we save, but we can have far more designs and concepts
14
MAFO 3-26

Children's Vision
INTERVIEW
What is a digital twin in myopia
management?
In general terms, a digital twin describes a virtual,
computer-generated representation of a real-world
system. In industry, this is used, for example, with
aircraft or machinery, and in medicine, for instance,
to visualize organs.
The digital twin in myopia management is a relatively
new concept. It serves to predict the progression
of a child’s myopia on an individual basis and
to influence it in a targeted manner, rather than
relying solely on average values from studies. To
do this, a digital twin of the eye is created using a
wide variety of data. This includes, for example,
the anatomy of the eye — including the cornea,
lens, etc. — the axial length, refraction data, fundus
data, optical imaging properties, and more.
that we can test in a much shorter time. Finally, we chose the
two or three most promising concepts to start the real clinical
trial. So, it's more to make sure we have something more efficient
and not only a question of timing.
MAFO: How close are we to truly personalized myopia
management where treatment is adapted to each child
individually?
Ribadeau Dumas: There are a lot of things that we know empirically
already. We know, for example, that some kids react to
microlenses – other kids react more to contrast diffusion reduction.
But at the same time, we don't always know why.
Now imagine you have a kid that is not reacting well to a
treatment. The first thing we'll do now is either increase the
dose of treatment to make sure that they are using the product
12 hours a day, or, for microlenses, we increase the power of
the microlenses.
But if this adapted treatment still doesn't work, we change. It's
like you take paracetamol and it doesn't work. Then you take
ibuprofen, and now it's working because you are reacting better
to one or the other painkiller. It's the same story. That is the
first level of personalization; we take into account the reaction
kids have to the treatment.
MAFO: What is the second level of personalization?
Ribadeau Dumas: The second level of personalization will come
when we really understand why, even for one treatment, 80%
of the kids react very well, but maybe 10–20 still don't react
properly. But we’re probably still a few years away from a definitive
answer to that question.
In France we started a five-year innovation program with a
consortium of five different partners. Thanks to this, we are
starting to understand that some elements are influencing the
reaction of the kids to the treatment. Here, we identified some
biomarkers that we take into account for giving a certain type
of treatment.
The second level will come in a few years. It is more specific to
understand the profile, biomarkers, and genetics for the best
solution.
MAFO: Does combined therapy with atropine or ortho-k
also play a role?
Ribadeau Dumas: Yes, absolutely. However, combining ortho-k
with another treatment is difficult because you have the lenses on
your eyes. Then during the day you don't need lenses anymore,
and most of the people who use ortho-k are not wearing glasses.
An easier combined therapy is to use spectacle lenses with atropine.
We know that atropine works, but we know that atropine
works at a higher dosage and usually less at a low dose, especially
in Caucasians. And we know that atropine can have some rebound
effect as well. For example, when you stop and then your eye
keeps on accelerating.
MAFO: How should one get started?
Ribadeau Dumas: We generally consider starting myopia
management with spectacle lenses designed for myopia control.
If this approach alone is not sufficiently effective, atropine can
be added as a secondary level of treatment.
This is comparable to adding a second antibiotic when the initial
one leads to some improvement but does not fully address the
MAFO 3-26 15

Children's Vision
INTERVIEW
Arnaud Ribadeau Dumas is the Head of Lens Category
at EssilorLuxottica, where he oversees global
strategy, innovation, and development across key
vision correction segments including myopia
and presbyopia. In this role, he leads multidisciplinary
teams focused on advancing lens
technologies that address the world’s most
common refractive errors, from childhood myopia
to age-related presbyopia. He played a pivotal role
in the global rollout of Essilor Stellest lenses.
problem, because certain bacteria may be resistant. So, there is
absolutely no restriction on combining spectacle lenses with
atropine therapy.
Even more importantly, when atropine treatment is discontinued,
a stronger generation two lens design can be used to compensate
for part of the rebound effect. This approach is empirical, as no
specific clinical trials have been conducted for this indication.
In practice, this combination works very well, as do other types
of combined treatment strategies.
MiSight contact lenses for kids or others are also an interesting
option for kids, depending on the activity.
And that's also interesting about the new smart glasses for kids
that we are launching. Here, we can measure the wearing time
and the wearing patterns, or we can discover that every Wednesday
afternoon someone goes for sport and takes their glasses off. Then
the ECP can say, “For the afternoon, you better use your contact
lenses so that you always have a treatment on.”
MAFO: You just mentioned your new Stellest Smartglasses
for kids, that are already available in China. Can
you please specify what kinds of clinical or behavioral
insights can be derived from those glasses?
Ribadeau Dumas: First of all, the wearing time. You need to
know if the glasses are worn 10 or 12 hours a day. That's key
because it's a treatment! And like any treatment, if you stop it,
you increase the risk. If you don't wear it 12 hours a day, we
know it's less good.
The second information is the wearing pattern during the day
or during the week, because people have different activities to
do on Monday, Wednesday or Sunday. Maybe they don´t use it
if they go to school – maybe the whole weekend. Or a 16-years
old don´t use it at night because she wants to party and don´t
want to go with glasses. So, the pattern is important.
in different light spectrums to understand which is good and
which is not good – or if some part of the light spectrum is
missing so that the myopia will keep on evolving. Probably in
one year we will have smart frames with light spectrum
measurement.
Another important tool for the future is the measurement of
the reading distance. We know that near-distance activity is
very important for provoking the eyeball elongation. Here too,
especially the pattern is interesting. Because sometimes we
say the reading distance is a problem, but if you read and you
take a pause every 20 minutes, it is much better than reading
two hours in a row.
And it is also important to have a measurement for the parents
because sometimes after a year or so they come back and say
the power has increased, and the glasses don't work. Then the
ECP has a communication problem. Then it is much easier for
the ECP if they have a wearing pattern they can show. That
should be given to the parents.
There are some very interesting psychological studies that show
that if you inform the parents that the wearing time is not
enough, they will change the wearing time. They will influence
their kids.
We are also working on some kind of way to engage the responsibility
of the kids from a gaming perspective. This is not about
making them guilty but about supporting right behaviors.
Similar to smartphone information, telling you if you used your
smartphone more or less compared to other weeks.
MAFO: What else does the data help with, and what
role will AI play?
Ribadeau Dumas: As you see, we are working on a very holistic
approach. Therefore, we need the consent of the parents to collect
the data of the wearing patterns, wearing times, etc., and we
relate it to the efficacy of a product.
Ideally, in our studies, we also cross that with the genetics of
the kids so that we can get to the personalization you were
mentioning before. Our personalization is coming from our
own clinical studies cohort of kids that we have set up. But if we
could have real-life evidence, real-life data, then the science will
go much faster – we are not hiding that.
Collecting data – anonymous of course – makes the science go
faster with Big Data and AI. That will help us understand the
mechanism better and other things we have not discovered yet
that will help increase the treatment efficacy.
MAFO: In the future, the glasses should be able to
measure even more parameter …
Ribadeau Dumas: Yes, correct. The next generation of smart
glasses for myopia management will also measure the light
exposure. We conduct a lot of research and data in this area
MAFO: To achieve this goal, you need as much data as
possible. Do you have any data on the market penetration
of myopia management lenses?
Ribadeau Dumas: Unfortunately, the statistics are not so simple
because kids in China, for example, start using the lenses at
16
MAFO 3-26

Children's Vision
INTERVIEW
around six, and they stop at 12, 13, or 14 because myopia usually
stabilizes there around 14.
In the Caucasian world, myopia starts a little bit later, more
around eight. But here you have a stabilization around 16 or
17. And then you have people going to university, and then
again, they start to have myopia. Therefore, it's difficult to get
a percentage because of those different situations.
But at least for China, we have an estimate of the market size,
based on what we sell and our market share. We estimate that
there are already more than 25% of kids between 6 and 14 that
are using myopia management solutions. But to be precise,
when 25% refers to children aged 6 to 13, that spans roughly
six to seven years. But they often only use it for three years, so
that 25% probably represents only half of them.
If the question is, how many kids have used at some point in
time a myopia management solution? Our estimation is roughly
30% to 40% in China. In Caucasian countries it differs, penetration
is lower. In some Asian countries the penetration is
probably around 30% to 40%, but countries like the UK or
Germany are not far from 10% only.
One of the reasons is that some of the big players have not yet
jumped in, but we need those big chains for a very good penetration.
And it is a question of the structure. If the kids need a
prescription from an ophthalmologist, for example.
MAFO: Would you rather see it in the hands of ophthalmologists
or in the hands of optometrists?
Ribadeau Dumas: That's a very important question. In some
countries you need a prescription from an ophthalmologist by
regulation or for the insurance. Opticians in Germany told me,
for example, that even though they cannot prescribe under a
certain age, they talk about it to build awareness.
They saw it as their duty. If there is a kid who is eight years old
with a minus two prescription and he comes back next year with
-2.5 or -3.0, they feel responsible to inform the parents about
treatment options.
MAFO: Costs are also a factor when it comes to penetration.
What is the current situation in different countries?
Ribadeau Dumas: We have built something we call the medicoeconomic
dossier. It is a comparison between the burden of
disease, which is the long-term cost for the health care system.
Of all the pathologies that are linked to myopia, retinal detachment,
glaucoma, etc., those costs are much, much higher than
having to pay for a pair of glasses.
However, now the problem is the timing, right? What you pay
now is an expense for the insurance system. But what you will
have to pay tomorrow is not the responsibility of the current
government, so it may change only if public authorities have
long term perspectives.
However, we are going government after government with very
scientific-based studies done by third parties to prove the burden
of disease and to also have a cost avoidance model that allows
us to calculate how much cost avoidance you could have if you
invest now.
We have countries that totally embarked on it. China, for
example, understood that the long-term cost is huge if they
don't treat myopia now. Although that does not mean it's
completely free. In Switzerland it's free. In France it's covered
by the complementary and private insurances. In the US, we
just got the FDA authorization. It's covered by the managed
care companies as one of the highest coverage levels.
MAFO: So, we probably still have a lot of work to do in
some countries, like Germany ...
Ribadeau Dumas: Yes, definitely. There is still a lot of work to
be done in Germany. We need to collaborate more closely with
the public and the insurance system. We also need to convince
opticians that it is part of their job to educate patients and
engage with them – including large chains like Fielmann.
And we need to convince ophthalmologists of the product’s
effectiveness so that they prescribe it whenever they identify
risk factors. For example, if both parents are myopic. The likelihood
that the children will be affected is quite high. But if the
child is somewhat introverted, prefers to stay at home, and
doesn’t like playing sports outdoors, etc., the risk is also
higher.
We need to take the child’s overall profile into account. So yes,
we still have a bit of work ahead of us, but we’re counting on
the help of the whole medical community.
MAFO: Thank you very much for the interview. ◆
MAFO 3-26 17

Children´s Vision
TECHNOLOGY
Do children use myopia
control lenses as expected?
Exploring how children interact with Asymmetric Peripheral
Defocus Lenses (MPDLs)
Over the past ten years, a variety of new optical approaches have been developed to slow down myopia
progression. These developments include lens designs with defocus zones, or the incorporation of optical
defocus elements such as rings or micro lenses to generate peripheral myopic defocus. Clinical and experimental
evidence supports that such optical strategies can effectively slow down axial elongation, a key factor in the
progression of myopia [1] . However, despite the widespread clinical use of myopia control lenses, very limited
attention has been paid to how these designs are used by children during everyday visual tasks.
By Dr. Eva Chamorro, Jose Miguel Cleva and Dr. Pablo Concepción
More specifically, it remains unclear whether
children look mostly through the central
correction zone or the peripheral treatment
zones. This matters because it could influence
both the efficacy of the treatment and the children’s comfort.
In this context, MPDLs (MyoLess, IOT, Spain) represent an
especially interesting case. This lens combines a central
blur-free optical zone with an asymmetrically distributed
peripheral myopic defocus. This design has already demonstrated
sustained clinical efficacy in reducing axial elongation
in European children [2] . Yet, as with other myopia control
lenses, it remains unclear how children visually interact with
this asymmetric optical profile in real-life conditions.
Exploring how children use MyoLess lenses therefore offers a
unique opportunity to link optical design, visual behavior,
and clinical outcomes, opening a new and largely unexplored
dimension in the evaluation of myopia control strategies.
Eye-tracking insights into myopia control lenses
Eye-tracking technology has become an increasingly valuable
tool for studying visual behavior, providing objective and precise
information about where and how individuals direct their gaze
18
MAFO 3-26

Children´s Vision
TECHNOLOGY
Fig.1.: MPDLs design and clinical impact. Left: Power distribution map for a plano prescription, showing the 7 mm central blur-free zone and asymmetric peripheral
myopic defocus (+1.50 D nasally, +1.80 D temporally at 25 mm, +2.00 D inferiorly). Right: Axial length progression over 24 months in children, comparing
MyoLess lenses with standard single-vision lenses. MPDLs significantly slowed eye growth, reducing axial elongation by 39% at 12 months and 29% at 24 months.
during visual tasks. By continuously recording eye movements
and pupil position, eye-tracking systems allow researchers to
reconstruct gaze trajectories, fixation patterns, and areas of
visual attention with high temporal and spatial resolution [3] .
In vision science, eye-tracking has been widely used to investigate
reading behavior, visual search strategies, and
eye–head coordination, as well as to assess visual performance
in both adults and children. More recently, these systems
have also been adapted to study how wearers of ophthalmic
lenses interact with them, enabling the identification of the
specific regions of the lens that are effectively used during
different visual tasks [4] .
Applied to myopia control lenses, eye-tracking offers a
particularly powerful perspective, as it makes it possible to
directly observe how the optical design is used by the wearer.
By projecting gaze positions onto the lens surface, eyetracking
allows researchers to quantify regions of use, assess
the relative contribution of central versus peripheral viewing,
and analyze changes in visual strategies across different
viewing distances.
central areas of the lens for tasks that require sharp vision.
As viewing distance is closer, gaze behavior becomes more
distributed. During intermediate tasks, children still rely
primarily on the central zone, but an increased proportion of
fixations extends into regions with moderate levels of myopic
defocus. This shift becomes more pronounced at near distances,
where a substantial percentage of gaze time occurs in areas
with higher addition values, including regions exceeding 1.00
D. These results indicate that near visual activities naturally
involve greater engagement with the peripheral treatment
zones of the lens.
In addition to changes in the distribution of fixations, MPDLs
also influence the spatial characteristics of lens use. Compared
with single-vision lenses, children wearing MPDLs exhibit a
narrower lens usage area and a tendency to position the pupil
closer to the fitting cross, particularly at intermediate and near
Gaze patterns in children using MPDLs
An experiment conducted by IOT showed that after wearing
MPDLs for over a month, children established consistent
viewing habits depending on the task [5] . Eye-tracking analysis
shows that, across all viewing distances, children predominantly
direct their gaze through the central region of the lens, where
little or no additional positive power is present, ensuring clear
and comfortable vision.
At distance viewing, most of fixations are concentrated within
the central optical zone, with children spending close to 90%
of the time in areas with an addition below 0.50 D. Peripheral
regions with higher levels of myopic defocus are only minimally
used under these conditions, reflecting the tendency to use
Fig. 2: Example of a near-vision experiment with eye-tracking. Children read
letters on a tablet while wearing a head-mounted eye tracker, allowing researchers
to see exactly where they look and which parts of the lens they use most.
This setup provides a direct view of how visual behavior interacts with lens design.
Adapted from Concepción-Grande et al., 2023.
MAFO 3-26 19

Children´s Vision
TECHNOLOGY
distances. This suggests a modification in gaze strategy that
balances visual sharp vision with the optical characteristics
of the lens design.
Overall, these findings demonstrate that children interact with
MPDLs in a structured and task-dependent manner, predominantly
using the central zone of the lens.
Adjustments in visual strategy during
MPDLs adaptation
Another important point to consider is whether children adjust
their visual strategy during the adaptation process. Another
study conducted by IOT showed that when MPDLs are worn
for the first time, children tend to explore a wider area of the
Use of the Spherical power of the lens
Vertical region of use
Fig. 3: Gaze behavior of children wearing MPDL lenses. Left: Average percentage of time spent in each MPDL lens region across distance, intermediate,
and near tasks, showing predominant use of the central zone for distance and increased engagement of addition zones for near tasks.
Right: Average vertical region of lens uses when comparing standard single-vision lenses (SV) and MPDLs, indicating that children tend to maintain
fixation in the central area of the lens with MPDLs for distance, and shift to lower areas during near tasks.
Use of the Spherical power of the lens
Vertical region of use
Fig. 4: Adaptation of gaze behavior over time with MPDL lenses. Left: Percentage of time spent in each lens region across distance, intermediate, and
near tasks, comparing the baseline visit and after one month of lens use, showing increased central zone use over time. Right: Average vertical region
of lens use when comparing baseline and after one month, indicating a shift of the pupil closer to the fitting cross after one month.
Fig. 5: Example heatmaps showing gaze distribution of a child wearing MPDL lenses during the distance task at baseline and after one month of
lens use. The figure illustrates how fixations become more centralized over time, reflecting adaptation and more efficient use of the central lens zone.
20
MAFO 3-26

Children´s Vision
TECHNOLOGY
lens, with fixations distributed across both central and peripheral
regions [6] . As children adapt to the lenses, their gaze
patterns change. After a month of regular use of the lenses,
they focus mainly through the center and look through a
smaller area.
This shift toward the center brings the pupil closer to the
fitting cross and reduces the vertical region of use, mainly
during intermediate and near tasks. These changes suggest
that children learn to interact more efficiently with the optical
design, favoring lens regions that provide optimal visual
clarity while maintaining exposure to the peripheral defocus
intended for slowing down myopia.
Conclusion: Understanding MPDLs use to
understand efficacy
The use of eye-tracking systems opens a new window into
how children visually interact with myopia control lenses,
revealing which zones of the lens are effectively used during
everyday tasks. Understanding these patterns is crucial, as
they may influence treatment efficacy and guide future lens
design. Further research is needed to explore the link between
gaze behavior and clinical outcomes, supporting the development
of more effective and personalized strategies for myopia
control in children. ◆
References
[1] Wildsoet, C. F., Chia, A., Cho, P., Guggenheim, J. A., Polling, J. R., Read,
S., Sankaridurg, P., Saw, S. M., Trier, K., Walline, J. J., Wu, P. C., & Wolffsohn,
J. S. (2019). IMI – Interventions myopia institute: Interventions for controlling
myopia onset and progression report. Investigative Ophthalmology
and Visual Science, 60, M106–M131.
[2] Martinez-Perez, C., Sánchez-Tena, M. Á., Cleva, J. M., Villa-Collar, C.,
Álvarez, M., Chamorro, E., & Alvarez-Peregrina, C. (2025). Efficacy of
Asymmetric Myopic Peripheral Defocus Lenses in Spanish Children:
24-Month Randomized Clinical Trial Results. Children, 12(2), 191.
[3] Carter BT, Luke SG. (2020). Best practices in eye tracking research. International
Journal of Psychophysiology, 155: 49–62.
[4] Benedi-Garcia, C., Concepcion-Grande, P., Chamorro, E., Miguel Cleva, J., &
Alonso, J. (2024). Experimental Method for Identifying Regions of Use of a
Progressive Power Lens Using an Eye-Tracker: Validation Study. Life, 14(9): 1178.
[5] Cleva, J., Chamorro, E., Benedi-García, C., Álvarez, M., & Concepción,
P. (2025). Assessing children’s gaze direction with asymmetric myopic
defocus lenses via eye-tracking. ARVO.
[6] Chamorro, E., Cleva, J., Benedi-García, C., Álvarez, M., Cano, C., & González,
A. (2025). Adaptation to asymmetric myopic peripheral defocus spectacle lenses:
A pilot study using eye-tracking to evaluate children’s gaze direction. ARVO.
Concepcion-Grande, P., Chamorro, E., Cleva, J. M., Alonso, J., & Gómez-
Pedrero, J. A. (2023). Correlation between reading time and characteristics
of eye fixations and progressive lens design. PLOS ONE, 18(3), e0281861.
Jose Miguel Cleva
Miguel Cleva serves as VP of Technical Operations of IOT
Lenses. Starting in 2006 as R&D Engineer, today, his teams are
in charge of the technical support, quality control, production
improvement, development of services and applications to
improve customer experience. Jose Miguel has a Master’s
degree in mathematics (major in Computer Science) at Complutense
University of Madrid, and he is specialized in Computer
Sciences in the program "Languages and Computer Systems".
He has participated in several research projects and he has
been member of several committees of the optical sector.
Dr. Eva Chamorro
Dr. Pablo Concepción
Dr. Chamorrro holds a Doctorate in Vision Sciences, a
Bachelor’s degree in Optics and Optometry, a Master’s
degree in Optics, Optometry and Vision, as well as a
Master’s degree in Visual Rehabilitation, complemented
by a specialization in New Methods of Vision Examination.
Dr. Chamorro began her professional career as an optometrist
and later developed her research work at the
Complutense University of Madrid, She currently serves
as Director of Clinical Research at the technology company
IOT Lenses. Additionally, she is a member of several
committees in the optical sector.
Dr. Concepción is a Clinical Research Associate at IOT Lenses
and a Doctor in Optics, Optometry, and Vision Science,
holding a Bachelor’s degree in Optometry and a Master’s
degree in Optometry and Vision Science. He also holds a
Master’s in Big Data, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence.
He has more than ten years of experience in clinical research
and data analysis. Today, he leads clinical studies focused
on eye-tracking technology and visual performance and
he completed an industrial PhD on how progressive lenses
affect eye movements that earned him the Extraordinary
Doctoral Award, a patent, and several publications.
MAFO 3-26 21

40 years of Vision Expo –
and the first unified show
Pictures: The Vision Council / RX
An interview with Ashley Mills about Vision Expo
This March, Vision Expo celebrated both its 40th anniversary and its first unified trade show. From now on, Vision
Expo will be held every spring, rotating between Orlando, Las Vegas, and New York. MAFO has spoken with
Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council, about her impressions of this first unified trade show, key trends, and the
future of the show. By Hanna Diewald
MAFO: Vision Expo celebrated its 40th anniversary this
spring.How was your overall impression of the first
“merged” trade show in Orlando?
Mills: The floor was buzzing with energy from the moment
doors opened. Booths were modern, beautifully designed, and
full of engaging activations – brands truly showed up and
showed out this year. Exhibitors brought their latest technologies
and collections, and there was a real sense that the industry
is ready to move forward together.
This year we paid homage to forty years of Vision Expo history
while simultaneously launching our debut of a single, unified
annual event for the entire optical community. That combination
of honoring the past while charging toward the future made
for a special show. We welcomed 8,000 professionals from 92
countries and all 50 states in this new format – proof that we
are on the right track.
MAFO: Which area or event was your personal highlight
of the trade show?
Mills: A few moments stood out to me personally. A highlight
was to see the thriving and growing Independent Lab Speakeasy.
It’s brilliant and was created by independent labs to have a
22
MAFO 3-26

INTERVIEW
unique present within the show that underscores the spirit The NOW Stage, which debuted this year in the heart of the
and strength of optical labs in the U.S. The VSP Vision Innovation
Challenge Pitch Competition taking place was a genuine cused, and built for the creative energy that defined Vision
Eyewear area, is fashion's home – designer-driven, trend-fo-
highlight too. Having early-stage companies present live on Expo East. The Independent Design section gave luxury buyers
the Innovation Stage, competing for $400,000 in investment and boutique owners a curated destination for exactly the kind
from Topcon Healthcare, reminded me how much raw, of distinctive collections they came to New York to find.
transformative talent exists in this industry.
The Innovation Stage and the Business & Tech Solutions area
Altris AI, a clinical-grade platform, took the Judge's Award, are technology's home – clinical, forward-looking, built for
while Captify’s AI-enabled smart eyewear with real-time the practitioners and equipment-focused professionals that
captioning for patients with hearing loss won the Audience made Vision Expo West in Las Vegas so essential. Programming
Choice Award. Both are solving real patient care problems at ranged from AI in clinical practice to flexible refraction
scale. Last, the TVC Bar hosted by our team at The Vision management. We encouraged exhibitors to host live in-booth
Council was a constant source of energy throughout the week. demonstrations to show off their equipment and latest offerings,
offered at scheduled times to respect both the exhibitors’ and
MAFO: Which trends are you currently focusing on? attendees’ packed agendas.
Mills: Three areas are commanding significant attention. The one-show format actually makes both stronger. The collision
Smart eyewear has finally crossed from concept to consumer of fashion buyers and technology innovators in the same space,
reality. Devices that monitor health metrics, integrate AR, or on the same floor, creates conversations and connections that
provide real-time accessibility features are available today, simply don't happen when the communities are siloed into
and the question for practitioners and retailers is how to position separate events. We view that cross-pollination as one of Vision
themselves to meet patient demand. Vision Expo 2026
Expo's greatest competitive advantages. Brands can
put this front and center through the Innovation
also now align their biggest launches, whether
Stage programming and start-ups featured
that's a new collection or a new technology,
at the Innovation Center, with companies
to a single, high-impact annual event.
like Solos Technology demonstrating
AI-powered smart glasses live on the
MAFO: How are global economic
show floor.
and political shifts affecting international
participation?
Second, in-office surgeries represent a
genuine evolution in how optometry is
Mills: Vision Expo is the leading optical
practiced. Vision Expo featured dedicated
event in the Americas, and we take that
programming about this, including a session
responsibility seriously. There is no better
on office-based surgery as a game-changer for
optometry.
Ashley Mills
event to access the North American marketplace.
We had attendees from more than 92 countries at
Finally, fashion from independent designers is having a real Vision Expo 2026, which is a powerful statement about how
moment. Our Independent Design section on the show floor the global optical community views this event. The move to a
and the debut of the NOW Stage were direct responses to this single annual show was partly a response to international
trend, and the energy in both areas confirmed it is only participation: we recognized that asking someone to travel
accelerating.
internationally twice a year was a significant ask, and we've now
made it once. That also allows international participants to plan
MAFO: How do you plan to reflect the traditional further ahead, align internal budgets, and build Vision Expo
strengths and identities of each show – fashion in New into their annual calendar as the definitive trip. The engagement
York and technology in Las Vegas – in the future? we saw from Latin American attendees and exhibitors in Orlando
Mills: Since vision inherently represents the intersection of was especially strong, reinforcing that Vision Expo delivers real
health, fashion and technology, these things are all interconnected.
We're deeply committed to Vision Expo being the one
commercial value for the international community.
show where you can see everything in optical, and that means MAFO: Attendance at Vision Expo has never returned
honoring both identities fully, not blending them into something to the levels seen before the COVID-19 restrictions
generic. The answer was intentional architecture: we gave (e.g. 13,000 in 2018). What is the reason for this?
fashion and technology each a dedicated home on the show Mills: The pre-pandemic figures reflect a different business
floor and its own stage platform.
environment: companies with more generous travel budgets,
MAFO 3-26 23

INTERVIEW
The partnership
that forms over a
coffee on the show floor
is irreplaceable
fuller teams, and a culture that hadn't yet been forced to
scrutinize every line of discretionary spend. The pandemic,
in a way, just accelerated the trends we were seeing in 2019
with consolidation, as well as how companies do business –
either with sales reps or in showrooms. Vision Expo has evolved
to reflect how business is done today, but also features valuable
networking, in-person demos, and programming with expert
speakers that cannot be recreated online.
MAFO: But European shows are now seeing very good
attendance figures again ...
Mills: The European recovery is real, and we've studied it closely.
Some of it reflects structural differences, like how European trade
shows often serve geographies where attendees can travel by
train rather than booking flights, which reduces both cost and
friction considerably. The U.S. market has different dynamics.
What we can say with confidence is that the quality and intentionality
of Vision Expo 2026's attendance was exceptionally
high. Education attendance grew 17% year-over-year, our VIP
Platinum Club expanded to more than 700 participants, and the
engagement level on the floor was tangible. We are laser-focused
on keeping costs accessible and making sure every hour spent
at Vision Expo is unambiguously worth it.
MAFO: How exactly are you trying to increase visitor
numbers in future?
Mills: Vision Expo is the only show you need to attend each
year. That's not a slogan – it's a structural reality now that we're
one unified annual event, and we're making sure the market
understands what that means for their planning and budget.
We're continuing to work closely with exhibitors to align their
biggest product launches, demos, and can't-miss announcements
with Vision Expo. When attendees know that the industry's
most important reveals happen here and only here, the calculus
for attendance changes.
Another priority centers around expanding our networking
and social programming, including the Opening Night Party,
OWA events, VM Summit, the Prevent Blindness Person of
Vision dinner, and The Vision Council Member Reception,
among others. And we're deepening our partnerships with
allied industry organizations so that their annual gatherings
and events are happen during Vision Expo week.
MAFO: In your view, what makes Vision Expo indispensable
for the industry and visitors?
Mills: Vision Expo offers something meaningful for every
segment of the optical community. If you are sourcing new
frames for your boards, looking for business solutions to
run a more efficient practice, earning CE credits to maintain
your license, or making appointments that grow your
business, it's all here under one roof. It is the only place in
the Americas where you can see everything in optical in a
single visit.
But there's something deeper that makes Vision Expo indispensable,
and it's that Vision Expo is hosted by the industry,
for the industry. Every dollar generated by Vision Expo is
reinvested into the industry through The Vision Council's
work in government relations, research, education, and technical
standards. When you attend Vision Expo, you're benefiting
your own practice or business, and actively contributing to
the health and advancement of an entire industry ecosystem.
No other trade show can make that claim.
MAFO: With rapid technological advances reshaping the
ophthalmic industry, how do you think trade shows will
change – and what is your vision for a trade show in 2030?
Mills: Technology is already shaping the trade show experience,
mainly in how innovation can open new markets and improve
patient care, as well as gain maximum exposure to new customers.
We're seeing more immersive demonstrations, AI-enabled
matchmaking between buyers and exhibitors, and programming
that anticipates where the profession is headed rather than
simply reflecting where it has been.
But our vision for Vision Expo in 2030 is a show that guarantees
intentional, innovative, and interpersonal experiences for every
exhibitor and attendee who walks through those doors. The
future of trade shows is sharper. It's about curation over volume,
about ensuring every hour invested yields something that couldn't
have been achieved through a webinar or a product catalog.
What technology cannot replicate, and what I believe will only
become more valuable as the world grows more digital, is the
human connection.
The conversation you didn't know you needed to have. The
partnership that forms over a coffee on the show floor. Those
moments are irreplaceable, and they happen at Vision Expo.
As long as we protect and invest in those experiences, the show
will remain essential – in 2027, in 2030, and well beyond. ◆
24
MAFO 3-26

sales@maatoptical.com
www.maatoptical.com

INTERVIEW
IXI presented their prototype at MAFO – The Conference in Milan. Picture: Silke Sage
How IXI glasses merge adaptive
optics, eye tracking, and
optician-led distribution
An interview with Niko Eiden and Eric Plat
Progressive lenses completely reimagined: Finnish start-up IXI is working on electronically controlled glasses
that dynamically switch between near, intermediate and far ranges – without any visible external mechanics or
cameras. Together with a large French optician group, preparations are now underway for market entry. MAFO
spoke with IXI co-founder Niko Eiden and Eric Plat, CEO of Atol les Opticiens, at MAFO – The Conference in Milan
about positioning, the pilot phase, and the “wow” experience for customers. By Silke Sage
Classic progressive lenses have undergone continuous
development over decades through optimized
progression zones, individualized calculations,
big data models, and biometric parameters. But
the basic principle has remained the same – a static surface
geometry distributes several vision zones across a single lens.
IXI takes a completely different approach. Instead of integrating
several fixed vision zones into one surface, the optical effect
is controlled electronically. This is not a new approach, as
there are other providers who are producing glasses in this
area or are about to enter the market.
With IXI, however, the lens appears completely clear; only
after switching it on can the electronically modified optically
effective surface be seen. The highlight: an integrated, energyefficient
eye-tracking system recognizes the wearer's line of
sight. Depending on whether the wearer is looking into the
distance, at intermediate distances, or close up, a corresponding
optical effect is activated.
26
MAFO 3-26

INTERVIEW
This creates a hybrid system: classic distance correction combined
with dynamically switchable areas. The goal is nothing less than
a new generation of progressive glasses – and a potential shift
in the consulting and business model of ophthalmic optics. Niko
Eiden and Erik Plat had a clear statement on how these glasses
will find their wearers in the future, whether in the ophthalmic
optics sector or rather through another distribution channel.
MAFO: You have just signed a letter of intent for a
collaboration with Atol and Vizio in France. This will give
you easy access to around 3,000 opticians in the French
market. Why are you taking this step now?
Eiden: For us, it is crucial to establish partnerships well before
the final product is completed. We need to know early on how
the product will be distributed, presented, and sold. This agreement
is a logical continuation of our work to date – and at the same
time our first public partnership in France. The fact that we are
starting with such a strong partner is an important signal for us.
MAFO: So it is also a signal to the market?
Eiden: Yes, definitely. We are entering a phase in which we are
no longer just developing, but are making concrete preparations
for how we will enter the market.
Plat: Our approach is to combine our market knowledge in
France and Europe with IXI's technological innovation. We
want to develop an economic and production model that is truly
suited to the optical industry. The focus is on the customer experience
in the store – but also on how opticians work with a product
that is more than just a frame with two lenses. We are talking
about a complete vision system here.
On/off: the electronic lens by IXI. Picture: Silke Sage
MAFO: How will the product be positioned in the market?
Alongside classic progressive lenses and clearly in the
premium segment?
Eiden: Initially, it will definitely be in the premium segment.
We have significantly more components than in classic glasses:
electronics, sensors, power supply, software. The lens itself is
also more complex in design. Nevertheless, we have worked
hard to keep the price positioning realistic. So, in terms of
price, we are at the level of high-quality premium progressive
lenses – even though the product is much more technologically
sophisticated.
MAFO: Will there still be different price levels, for example
depending on lens power or specific coatings?
Eiden: We want to keep it simple. Initially, we plan to have
one main category. Complex gradiations or many equipment
variants are not planned for the time being. Additional parameters,
such as those for toric lenses, do not cause significant
additional costs in our production.
MAFO: What is the process like in an optician's shop? How
long does the customer wait for their personal model?
Eiden: That's exactly why cooperation is important. We work
with a central, renowned independent lens manufacturer in
Europe (Swissoptic, editor's note). Our goal is to achieve delivery
times that are standard for the industry. Internally, we calculate
around five days from order to delivery – comparable to
high-quality individual lenses.
Plat: That's crucial for us. Innovation must not mean that
processes in the business get out of sync. When we introduce
a new product, it must be integrable into the existing
infrastructure.
MAFO: You talk about co-development. Do you continue
to develop together?
Eiden: Absolutely. We contribute our ideas, discuss them intensively
with Eric and his team, and receive feedback from
real stores. We then test them in pilot operations with real
customers.
MAFO 3-26 27

INTERVIEW
This is extremely valuable because we don't optimize in the
lab, but in the market.
Plat: Our group comprises more than 3,000 independent
opticians. We have been investing in innovation for over 20
years, testing new generations of lenses and we support
startups ourselves. Innovation is part of our DNA. Progressive
lenses are not at the end of their life cycle – but the classic
concept is reaching its limits. That's why we are open to new
approaches.
MAFO: What do customers experience when they first
put them on?
Eiden: The decisive moment is the transition – when an optical
effect appears and then disappears again. It feels almost magical
because it happens without any conscious movement.
This can be demonstrated very clearly in the store. A tablet
can be used to detect whether the customer is looking at
the display or not. This allows the switch between distance
and near vision to be shown intuitively. It is not yet the
final individual version, but it illustrates the principle
very clearly.
MAFO: You work with eye tracking without cameras.
Why?
Eiden: Camera-based eye trackers generate enormous amounts
of data – millions of pixels at high frame rates. This requires a lot
of computing power, memory, and battery capacity. That would
not be realistic for a pair of glasses suitable for everyday use.
That's why we use low-energy technology with LEDs and
photodiodes around the eye. The development took years –
including thermal challenges in the nose area. Today, we have
a system that fits into a normal-looking frame.
MAFO: Where do you currently stand in terms of
regulations?
Eiden: The key milestone this year is CE marking. To achieve
this, we need a “product freeze”, meaning the design is finalized
and no further changes are made. Only then can the formal
procedures begin. Without CE marking, there can be no
commercialization.
MAFO: How will the pilot phase be rolled out?
Plat: We want to leverage the diversity of our group: city center
locations, shopping centers, different sales volumes. Whether
30, 50, or 100 stores – we will define that together. The goal is
to identify the ideal profile of a target store.
MAFO: Let's look five years ahead: What needs to
happen for this to actually be the biggest change in
the optical retail industry in decades?
Eiden: The first generation has to be convincing. It has to offer
a clearly noticeable added value compared to today's progressive
lenses. If that succeeds, we can build on the integrated technology
– eye tracking, lenses, frames – as a unit.
Progressive care is only the first application. Other areas of
application are conceivable in the future, and we already have
ideas for these.
You will certainly hear more about this in the future. But for
now, we are taking it one step at a time. ◆
MAFO: People who need reading glasses often have
certain anatomical characteristics. Does pupil size play
a role?
Eiden: No. Pupil size alone is not a decisive factor. Our system
does not rely on the pupil only – the eye-tracking algorithm
processes input from multiple sensors per eye and reliably
distinguishes the pupil from surrounding features such as the
sclera, skin, and eyelashes. These elements do not interfere
with tracking accuracy.
MAFO: What about road safety?
Eiden: An important point! Far vision correction is static and
remains intact under all circumstances – even when the battery
is empty. The dynamic functions primarily affect near and
intermediate range. In addition, there will be a mode that
deactivates all dynamic functions.
Niko Eiden (right)
Niko Eiden is co-founder and CEO of the vision tech company
IXI, which develops autofocus glasses for presbyopes. The Finnish
entrepreneur is also co-founder of the VR technology company
Varjo and has many years of experience in the development of
wearable high-tech systems. His focus is on transferring advanced
optical and sensor technologies to ophthalmic applications.
Eric Plat (left)
Eric Plat is president and CEO of the French opticians' cooperative
Atol les Opticiens, which he has headed since 2010. A trained
optician, he began his career as an independent Atol member
and later moved into the management of the organization. Under
his leadership, Atol has developed into one of the most important
innovation and distribution networks in French optometry.
28
MAFO 3-26

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Student Series
TECHNOLOGY
Basic ophthalmic optics
instruction | Part 3
Astigmatic lenses: properties of crossed cylinders
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 39. 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.
Properties of crossed cylinders
When two thin spherical lenses are placed in contact the resultant
power can be found by simply adding together the powers
of the two individual lenses. For example, combining a +1.50
DS (Diopters Sphere) lens and a +1.25 DS lens produces a resultant
+2.75 DS lens. We will now consider what happens when
two plano-cylinders are combined with their axes either parallel
to one another or crossed at right angles to one another. It will
be of great assistance if, at first, you construct an optical cross
representation of each cylinder in order to fix the principles
firmly in the mind (Fig. 1).
Property (i): Any two cylinders placed together with their axes
parallel to one another, can be replaced by a single cylinder whose
power is equal to the sum of the two separate cylinder powers.
Examples figure 2
a) +1.00 DC (Diopters Cylinder) x 90 combined with (&)
30
MAFO 3-26

Student Series
TECHNOLOGY
+2.00 DC x 90 is equivalent to ( ≡ ) +3.00 DC x 90.
b) -4.50 DC x 180 & -1.75 DC x 180 ≡ -6.25 DC x 180.
c) -0.50 DC x 90 & +1.25 DC x 90 ≡ +0.75 DC x 90.
Property (ii): Any two cylinders of equal power but opposite sign
placed together with their axes parallel, neutralize one another.
Examples figure 3
a) +2.00 DC x 90 & -2.00 DC x 90 ≡ 0.
b) -0.25 DC x 180 & +0.25 DC x 180 ≡ 0.
Property (ii) also holds true if it is imagined that the planoconvex
and plano-concave cylinders illustrated in figure 3
are made from the same material and have equal but opposite
powers, and, therefore, the same radii of curvature. When
placed together with their curved surfaces in contact, the
surfaces will mate exactly resulting in a parallel-sided block
of material, there being no power in any meridian.
Fig.1: Optical Cross representations of plano-cylinders.
Property (iii): Two identical cylinders which are placed together
with their axes at right angles to one another are equivalent
to a sphere whose power is equal to either of the cylinders.
Examples figure 4
a) +1.00 DC x 90 & +1.00 DC x 180 ≡ +1.00 DS.
b) -2.50 DC x 90 & -2.50 DC x 180 ≡ -2.50 DS.
It will be evident that Property (iii) follows by consideration of
the optical cross representation of the above specifications. In
the case of Example (Fig.4a), the +1.00 DC x 90 has no power
along the vertical meridian, but a power of +1.00 DC along the
horizontal meridian. The second component, +1.00 DC x 180,
has no power along 180 but a power of +1.00 DC along 90. When
these cylinders are crossed, i.e., placed together with their axes
at right angles to one another, the absence of power along each
axis meridian is made up by the power arising from the other's
power meridian. That each intermediate meridian is also made
up to +1.00 D follows from the remarks made for Property (ii).
Fig.2: Optical cross representations of Property (i).
Property (iv): Any single cylinder can be replaced by a sphere
of the same power as the cylinder, combined with a cylinder
of equal but opposite power to that of the original cylinder,
with its axis perpendicular to the axis of the first.
Examples figure 5
(5a) Consider the cylinder +2.00 DC x 90. From Property (ii)
of crossed cylinders we could consider that +2.00 DC x 90 is
made up as follows:
+2.00 DC x 90 & +2.00 DC x 180 & -2.00 DC x 180.
Nothing has been added to the original cylinder because from
Fig.3: Optical cross representations of Property (ii).
MAFO 3-26 31

Student Series
TECHNOLOGY
Property (ii), +2.00 DC x 180 & -2.00 DC x 180 ≡ 0.
Now from Property (iii),
+2.00 DC x 90 & +2.00 DC x 180 ≡ +2.00 DS.
Hence, +2.00 DC x 90 ≡ +2.00 DS / -2.00 DC x 180.
(5b) -1.00 DC x 180.
This plano-cylinder can be considered to be made up from the
three components,
-1.00 DC x 180, & -1.00 DC x 90 & +1.00 DC x 90
The first two of these components can be replaced by a sphere
of power -1.00 DS, so the result is
-1.00 DS / +1.00 DC x 90.
Fig.4: Optical cross representations of Property (iii).
Property (v): Two unequal cylinders combined with their axes at
right angles to one another can be replaced by a sphere and a
cylinder. This property is illustrated by the following examples.
Examples figure 6
(a) +2.00 DC x 90 & +4.00 DC x 180.
From Property (i), we can rewrite this pair as
+2.00DC x 90 & +2.00 DC x180 & +2.00 DC x 180.
Using Property (iii), the first two components are equivalent
to a +2.00 D sphere, so we have
+2.00 DS/ +2.00 DC x 180.
i.e., +2.00 DC x 90 & +4.00 DC x 180 ≡ +2.00 DS/ +2.00 DC x 180.
Fig.5: Optical cross representations of Property (iv).
However, this is not the only possible combination. We could
have expressed the original pair of plano- cylinders, +2.00 DC
x 90 & +4.00 DC x 180 as +4.00 DC x 90 & -2.00 DC x 90 &
+4.00 DC x 180 which is equivalent to +4.00 DS/ -2.00 DC x 90.
In other words, +2.00 DC x 90 & +4.00 DC x 180 is equivalent to
either +2.00 DS/+2.00 DC x 180, or to +4.00 DS/-2.00 DC x 90.
An optical cross representation of each of these last three
specifications is given in figure 6 where it is seen that their
principal powers are identical.
The form +2.00 DC x 90 & +4.00 DC x 180 (usually written
+2.00 DC x 90 / +4.00 DC x 180) is known as the crossed
cylinder form of the prescription. This form tells us that the
powers required are +2.00 D in the horizontal meridian and
+4.00 D in the vertical meridian.
Fig.6: Optical cross representations of Examples (a) and (b) for Property (v).
The two forms which include spherical components
+2.00 DS/+2.00 DC x180 and +4.00 DS/ -2.00 DC x 90
32
MAFO 3-26

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Student Series
TECHNOLOGY
are called the alternate sphero-cylindrical (sph-cyl) forms of
the prescription. A prescription which includes a cylindrical
component is almost always written in one of its sph-cyl forms.
(b) -1.50 DC x 90 & -3.25 DC x180.
From Property (i) we can rewrite this pair as
-1.50 DC x 90 & -1.50 DC x180 & -1.75 DC x 180.
Using Property (iii), the first two components are equivalent
to a -1.50 D sphere, so we have
-1.50 DS/-1.75 DC x180 (sph-cyl form 1).
Alternatively, we could write the crossed cylinder specification
in the form
-3.25 DC x 90 & -3.25 DC x 180 & +1.75 DC x 90
-1.00 DS/+2.00 DC x 90 (sph-cyl form 1).
Alternatively, we could write the crossed cylinder specification
in the form
+1.00 DC x 180 & +1.00 DC x 90 & -2.00 DC x180
which is equivalent to +1.00 DS/-2.00 DC x 180 (sph-cyl form 2).
It should be noted that the spheres in each of the sphere cyl
forms of the prescription have the same power as the original
crossed cylinder components. Also, the cylinders in each sph
cyl form merely differ by their signs and axis directions.
Last specification summary
Summarizing this last property; any two cylinders P and Q
placed together with their axes at right angles to one another
may be replaced by
which is equivalent to -3.25 DS/+1.75 DC x 90 (sph-cyl form 2).
(c) -1.00 DC x 180 & +l.00 DC x 90
From Property (i) we can rewrite this pair as
-1.00 DC x 180 & -1.00 DC x 90 & +2.00 DC x 90.
Using Property (iii), the first two components are equivalent
to a -1.00 D sphere, so we have
Question box 1
Sum the following combinations of crossed
cylinders, expressing, where applicable, the result
in both Plus and Minus sphero-cylindrical forms.
(a) +0.50 DC x 90 and +1.50 DC x 90
(b) - 2.50 DC x 45 and -1.50 DC x 45
(c) +1.00 DC x 180 and -1.00 DC x 180
(d) -2.00 DC x 60 and +2.00 DC x 60
(e) -2.00 DC x 15 and -2.00 DC x 105
(f) +2.25 DC x 30 and +2.25 DC x 120
(g) -4.00 DC x 10
(h) +3.00 DC x 165
Question box 2
Express the following crossed cylinders in
two sphero-cylindrical forms:
(i) +1.50 DC x 90 and +2.50 DC x 180
(j) -2.50 DC x 30 and -3.00 DC x 120
(k) +1.25 DC x 45 and +2.00 DC x 135
(l) -5.00 DC x 60 and -5.50 DC x 150
(m) -1.00 DC x 75 and +0.50 DC x 165
(n) +0.75 DC x 90 and -1.75 x 180
(i) a sphere of power P, combined with a cylinder of power (Q-P)
with its axis parallel to the axis of cylinder Q
(ii) a sphere of power Q, combined with a cylinder of power
(P-Q) whose axis is parallel to the axis of cylinder P.
To transpose a sphero-cylindrical prescription to its alternate
sphero-cylindrical the new sphere is the sum of the original
sphere and the original cylinder, the new cylinder is the original
cylinder with its sign changed and the new axis is the original
axis turned through 90 degrees. ◆
Question box 3
Exercises – to confirm your understanding of the text.
1) Sum the following combinations of crossed
cylinders, expressing the result in both Plus and
Minus sphero-cylindrical forms:
(a) +0.75 DC x 90 and +1.25 DC x 90
(b) - 2.00 DC x 45 and -1.75 DC x 45
(c) +1.75 DC x 180 and -1.00 DC x 180
(d) -2.25 DC x 60 and +0.50 DC x 60
(e) -3.00 DC x 15 and -3.00 DC x 105
2) Transpose the following prescriptions into their
alternate sphero-cylindrical forms:
(a) -1.00 DS / -1.00 DC x 30
(b) +0.50 DS / +0.75 DC x 140
(c) -1.75 DS / +1.25 DC x 90
(d) +2.25 DS / -1.50 DC x 130
(e) +6.00 DS / +2.00 DC x 175
3) An astigmatic lens has principal powers of
-2.25 D along the 60 meridian and -1.75 D along
the 150 meridian. Write out its prescription in
each of its sphero-cylindrical forms.
34
MAFO 3-26

Student Series
TECHNOLOGY
Question box 1
Answers to questions in Text.
Question box 2
Answers to questions in Text.
Question box 3
Exercises – to confirm your understanding of the text.
(c)
(d)
(e)
-0.50 DS / -1.25 DC x 180
+0.75 DS / +1.50 DC x 40
+8.00 DS / -2.00 DC x 85
3)
-2.25 DS / +0.50 x 60 and -1.75 DS / -0.50 DC x 150
(a)
+2.00 DC x 90 or +2.00 DS / -2.00 DC x 180
(b)
-4.00 DC x 45 or -4.00 DS / +4.00 DC x 135
(i)
+1.50 DS / +1.00 DC x 180 or +2.50 DS / -1.00 DC x 90
(c)
0.00 DS
(j)
-2.50 DS / -0.50 DC x 120 or -3.00 DS / +0.50 DC x 30
(d)
0.00 DS
(k)
+2.00 DC x 90 and +2.00 DS / -2.00 DC x 180
- 3.75 DC x 45 and -3.75 DS / +3.75 DC x 135
+0.75 DC x180 and +0.75 DS / -0.75 DC x 90
-1.75 DC x 60 and -1.75 DS / +1.75 DC x 150
-3.00 DS
-2.00 DS / +1.00 DC x 120
+1.25 DS / -0.75 DC x 50
1)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
2)
(a)
(b)
+1.25 DS / +0.75 DC x 135 or +2.00 DS / -0.75 DC x 45
(e)
-2.00 DS
(l)
-5.00 DS / -0.50 DC x 150 or -5.50 DS / +0.50 DC x 60
(f)
+2.25 DS
(m)
-1.00 DS / +1.50 DC x 165 or +0.50 DS / -1.50 DC x 75
(g)
0.00 DS / -4.00 DC x 10 or -4.00 DS / +4.00 DC x 100
(n)
+0.75 DS / -2.50 DC x 180 or -1.75 DS / +2.50 DC x 90
(h)
0.00 DS / +3.00 DC x 165 or +3.00 DS / -3.00 DC x 75
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.
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From the fruit basket to
human capital 3.0
Why your employees’ longevity is the most important
currency of the future
A wake-up call for executives: why we must stop managing “sick leave” and start managing biological energy.
When the term “health management” comes up in companies, it usually conjures up a very specific image: a
dusty fruit basket at the reception desk, a discounted gym membership that no one uses, and perhaps an annual
“health day” featuring back exercises. That is nice. It is well-intentioned. But considering the challenges of the
modern workplace, it is about as effective as a Band-Aid on a broken bone. By Dr. Josef Scheiber
Talent is becoming scarcer, and the workforce is
aging. Companies that continue to treat their
employees like disposable parts – to be “burned
out” and then replaced – will not survive this shift.
We are heading toward a demographic cliff!
It is time for a radical rethink. We need a Corporate Longevity
Strategy. We must stop treating machines better than people.
For an expensive production facility, there’s “predictive
maintenance.” Sensors alert us before a bearing overheats.
For employees, there is often only termination or burnout. The
“Longevity Loop” offers not only a medical but also an economic
model here: the employee as a biological system whose performance
we do not exploit but rather sustain systemically.
The office as exobiology
The biggest mistake in current workplace health management
is the separation of “work” and “health.” Work is what makes
people sick (stress, sitting). Workplace health management is
what repairs. This approach is too short-sighted.
We must understand the work environment itself as a health
factor. In the longevity concept, we speak of exobiology: The
space in which we spend our time is an externalized part of
our metabolism. Most offices are biological deserts. Constant
artificial light, poor air quality, no movement. This is an attack
on cellular integrity. A longevity office utilizes the principle
of “Sense-Omics”:
▶ Light hygiene: Instead of cheap neon tubes, a circadian
lighting system is needed that activates in the morning
36
MAFO 3-26

BUSINESS
(blue/bright) and relaxes in the evening (red/dimmed) to
synchronize employees’ hormonal balance.
▶ The cafeteria as a pharmacy: Instead of the usual “cafeteria
coma” caused by cheap carbohydrates (insulin spike followed
by a drop in performance), food must be understood
as information. Regional, nutrient-dense food that
nourishes the brain instead of numbing it. Those who
skimp here will pay the price in the afternoon with unproductive
employees.
Rhythm instead of a hamster wheel
The industrial work model is based on linearity: eight hours
straight, five days a week. But biological systems do not function
linearly. They oscillate. Elite athletes do not train for eight
hours straight. They alternate between extreme exertion (activation)
and deep recovery (regeneration). Companies must integrate
this loop into their corporate culture.
▶ Deep work and deep rest: We need phases of absolute focus
(no emails, no meetings), followed by a real break. Not a
“break on the smartphone,” but a break for the brain (walking,
breathing).
▶ Meeting culture: Why do meetings last 60 minutes? Why
not 45, with a 15-minute break for movement?
Sitting is the new smoking – it blocks the production of
myokines (signaling molecules from the muscles) that we need
for cognitive performance. A seated meeting is a meeting with
reduced brain performance.
Experience as an asset:
biological rejuvenation
Why is this interesting for the CFO? Because experience (“Wisdom
Capital”) is a company’s most valuable asset. If a senior expert
at age 55 is so biologically exhausted that he is just waiting for
retirement, the company loses millions in tacit knowledge.
But if we succeed in lowering this expert’s biological age to 40
through the longevity approach, we gain an employee who combines
the experience of a 55-year-old with the energy of a 40-year-old.
That is “Homo Regenerativus” in a business context.
Longevity in the workplace does not mean we all have to live
to be 100 just to stand at the assembly line for 80 years. It is
about healthspan – the healthy, productive span of life.
Purpose as fuel
Finally, we should not forget the factor of purpose. Burnout is
often not the result of too much work, but of meaningless work.
Biologically speaking, a sense of purpose (ikigai) acts like an
anti-inflammatory. Employees who understand why they do
what they do, who feel a sense of belonging and are valued, have
measurably longer telomeres (protective caps on DNA) and a
more robust immune system.
A toxic corporate culture is not a “soft factor.” It is a biological
toxin. It causes inflammaging (chronic inflammation) in the
workforce.
In this sense, leaders are “epigenetic managers”: through their
leadership style, they directly influence the gene expression of
their teams.
Burnout is often not the
result of too much work,
but of meaningless work.
Conclusion: return on longevity (ROL)
The era of cosmetic measures is over. A fruit basket will not fix
a broken sleep cycle. A discount at the gym does not compensate
for ten hours of sitting.
Forward-thinking companies invest in the biological well-being
of their employees. They create environments that do not deplete
health but generate it. They understand that the vitality of their
people is the only source of energy that drives innovation.
The return on longevity is measurable: fewer sick days are just the
beginning. The goal is to have employees who are wide awake,
resilient, and capable of long-term performance. Health is no longer
a private matter. It is the foundation of corporate success. ◆
Josef Scheiber
Dr. Josef Scheiber is a scientist, entrepreneur, and passionate
networker. After working at Roche and Novartis in the U.S.
and Switzerland, he brought his international expertise back
to the Upper Palatinate in Germany. With over 50 scientific
publications and numerous awards, he is one of the leading
voices in digital health innovation. As a graduate of the Global
Healthcare Leaders Program at Harvard Medical School, he
combines cutting-edge research and biomedical data with
a clear vision: to make personalized medicine, epigenetics,
biohacking, and longevity – that is, a long, healthy life –accessible
to everyone.
MAFO 3-26 37

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Cleaning before coating x x
Cleaning after edging / /
Productivity [up to Ø lenses per hour] 120-150 lenses per hour (both sides) 120 / 288 / 576
Lenses in process (total number) 5 5 up to 90 / 180 / 360
Total process time in the machine [min] 1 1 25 to 35mn
Weight [kg / lbs] (machine without conveyor) 582 / 1282 TBD
Dimensions [w x d x h] / [mm / inches]
(machine without conveyor)
2159 x 965 x 1778 /
85 x 38 x 70
x
max 2600 x 1300 x 2600
Power consumption (kW) Single Phase, 220V/25A max 20kW / 26kW / 26kW
Tap water consumption (liters/hour) 6 liters/hour 6 liters/hour 85 / 110 / 135
Number of tanks 3 3 5 to 9
Tanks (volume in liter) 56,7 56,7 8 / 18 /38
Loading / unloading (manual / automated) x x automated
Brush cleaning x x /
Ultrasonic immersion cleaning / / x
Spray cleaning / / /
Drying module [hot air / cold air /
infrared / vacuum/ lift out / solvent]
cold air
x
Environmentally friendly process
(E.g. cascading from clean to dirty tanks,
reduced chemical consumption etc.)
Recycled water used in de-taping
Uses environmentally safe detergent
Rinsing water saving system /
zero waste / energy efficient
Features
Host connection x x x
Barcode reader x x x
Detergent refilling automatic x x x
Lens clip cleaning integrated n/a n/a
Remote diagnostic / / x
Further information
Removes polish, tape adhesive,
blocking materials. LMS hostcontrolled
custom recipe. Also
wash-only unit. De-Taping
Also removes progressive ink markings
and residue from UV-cured
blocking materials. LMS host-controlled
custom recipe. De-taping
lens cleaning
Legend: Yes = x; No = /, Optional = o
38
MAFO 3-26

MARKET SURVEYS
FISA
www.fisa.com
MEI
www.meisystem.com
Inline CS20 / CS40 CV10 / CV20 / CV40 STR10 / STR20 / STR40 ClearXM
x
x
x x x x
x x x x
x
x
x
x
x
288 / 576 120 / 288 / 576 120 / 288 / 576 350
up to 180 / 360 up to 60 / 120 / 240 up to 90 / 180 / 360 20
25 to 35mn 25 to 35mn 25 to 35mn 2,5
TBD TBD TBD 1600 / 3530
max 4600 x 1300 x 2600 max 2000 x 1200 x 2600 max 2600 x 1300 x 2600 1685 x 2560 x 2970 / 67 x 101 x 117
max 30kW max 10kW / 15kW / 20kW max 20kW / 26kW / 26kW 6.8 at peak, 4 on average
110 /135 85 / 110 / 135 85 / 110 / 135 10
5 to 9 3 to 6 5 2
18 / 38 8 / 18 /38 8 / 18 /38 150
automated
automated
/ / / x
x x x /
/ / / /
x x x cold air
Rinsing water saving system / zero waste / energy efficient /
x x x x
x x x x
x x x /
x /
x x x x
loads/unloads lenses from job
trays automatically
lens cleaning
stripping
Optional autom. cosmetic inspection
for uncut + edged lenses.
Optional autom. quality control for
edged lenses
MAFO 3-26 39

MARKET SURVEYS
Optimal Technologies
www.optimal-technologies.com
Cleaning machinery
UCS 40-MF UCS 60 SP UCS 120
Application
Technical data
Process
Small labs x x x
Medium sized labs / x x
Large labs / / /
Cleaning after deblocking, detaping,
polishing, before inspection
x x x
Cleaning before coating x x x
Cleaning after edging x x x
Productivity [up to Ø lenses per hour] 40 x 80mm Dia/h 60 x 80mm Dia/h 120 x 80mm Dia/h
Lenses in process (total number) 10 8 10
Total process time in the machine [min]
Weight [kg / lbs] (machine without conveyor)
Dimensions [w x d x h] / [mm /
inches]
(machine without conveyor)
approx. 35 min
840 x 730 x 2000 1670 x 720 x 2000 2000 x 1000 x 2000
Power consumption (kW) 3 4 7
Tap water consumption (liters/hour)
Process dependant
Number of tanks 3 6
Tanks (volume in liter) 9 6 10
Loading / unloading (manual / automated) m m m
Brush cleaning / / /
Ultrasonic immersion cleaning x x x
Spray cleaning
Drying module [hot air / cold air /
infrared / vacuum/ lift out / solvent]
IR IR IR
Environmentally friendly process
(E.g. cascading from clean to dirty tanks,
reduced chemical consumption etc.)
Minimised pipe routing. User
settable rinse refresh flow rates.
DI polishing on board to reduce
heat losses
Minimised pipe routing. User settable rinse refresh flow rates.
DI polishing on board to reduce heat losses and shared between
stages.
Features
Host connection
Barcode reader
Detergent refilling automatic
Lens clip cleaning integrated x x x
Remote diagnostic o o o
Further information
Legend: Yes = x; No = /, Optional = o
40
MAFO 3-26

Optimal Technologies
www.optimal-technologies.com
Advertisement
UCS 150 UCS 200-5
x /
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
150 x 80mm Dia/h 200 x 80mm Dia/h
16 20
approx. 35 min
1910 x 1250 x 2000 2403 x 1375 x 2100
9 12
Process dependant
6
10 11
m
m
/ /
x
x
IR
IR
Minimised pipe routing. User settable rinse refresh flow rates.
DI polishing on board to reduce heat losses and shared between
stages.
x
o
x
x
MAFO 3-26

MARKET SURVEYS
Optimal Technologies
www.optimal-technologies.com
Satisloh
www.satisloh.com/ophthalmic/
Cleaning machinery
UCS 200-RC Hydra-Brush-4 Hydra-Brush-7
Application
Technical data
Process
Small labs / / /
Medium sized labs x x /
Large labs x x x
Cleaning after deblocking, detaping,
polishing, before inspection
x x x
Cleaning before coating x x /
Cleaning after edging x / x
Productivity [up to Ø lenses per hour] 200 x 80mm Dia/h 270 500
Lenses in process (total number) 20 / 60 12 76
Total process time in the machine [min] approx. 40 min 2,5 8
Weight [kg / lbs] (machine without conveyor) 1260 kg / 2778 lb 1750 kg / 3858 lb
Dimensions [w x d x h] / [mm / inches]
(machine without conveyor)
4260 x 1650 x 2100 3170 x 1711 x 2299 / 125 x 68 x 91 7020 x 1520 x 1370/ 276 x 60 x 54
Power consumption (kW) 22 16 33
Tap water consumption (liters/hour) Process dependant 150 200
Number of tanks 6 4 5
Tanks (volume in liter) 28 Chemical / 10 Rinse 40 60
Loading / unloading (manual / automated) a a m/a
Brush cleaning / x x
Ultrasonic immersion cleaning x / /
Spray cleaning / /
Drying module [hot air / cold air /
infrared / vacuum/ lift out / solvent]
Environmentally friendly process
(E.g. cascading from clean to dirty tanks,
reduced chemical consumption etc.)
IR
Reduced chemical consump. /
wastage; contin. autom. dosing.
Minimised pipe routing ; optim. tank
sizing. User settable rinse refresh
flow rates. DI polishing re-duces
heat losses & shared betw. stages.
Recycled tap water
Recycled Di water
Chemical detergent comsumption
optimized
hot air
Low tap water consumption
due to cascading from clean to
dirty tanks
Features
Host connection OPC-UA o x
Barcode reader x x
Detergent refilling automatic x x o
Lens clip cleaning integrated x / use of baskets
Remote diagnostic x x /
Further information
Optimised for lens and tool
stripping (& AR Rings), featuring
a 2 Axis Robot, automated
load/unload.
Patented lens transporter
block reduces cross contamination
betw. chambers
Easily removable; less maintenance
& downtime if changed
Patented conveyor protects chain
from water & detergent; less
maintenance & downtime, no
cross contamin. betw. chambers,
reduced detergent consump.
Legend: Yes = x; No = /, Optional = o
42
MAFO 3-26

MARKET SURVEYS
Satisloh
www.satisloh.com/ophthalmic/
Hydra-Sonic-40 Hydra-Sonic-20 Hydra-Sonic-10 Hydra-Sonic-5
/ x x x
x x / /
x / / /
x x x x
x x x x
/ / / /
384 144 72 72
32 70 6
35 (for the first basket) 30 (for the first basket) 20 (for the first basket)
1750 kg / 3858lb 800 kg / 1764 lb 340 kg / 750 lb 230 kg / 507 lb
6210 x 1250 x 2325 / 244 x 49 x 92
(2G version)
5110 x 1100 x 2325 / 201 x 43 x 92 1500 x 800 x 1300 / 59 x 32 x 51 1300 x 650 x 1400 / 51 x 26 x 558
20 8 3,5 2,2
720 300 225 110
7 to 9 7 6 4
32 8 4
a a m m
/ / / /
x x x x
/ / / /
double station hot air double station hot air lift out lift out
Low consumption of detergents
and water. Environmentally friendly
drying system with IR heaters
Low consumption of detergents
and water. Environmentally friendly
drying system with IR heaters
Low consumption of detergents
and water. Low tap water consumption
Low consumption of detergents
and water. Low tap water consumption
x x / /
/ / / /
/ / / /
use of baskets
x x / /
Optional customizable loading and unloading conveyor belt connection
MAFO 3-26 43

MARKET SURVEYS
Schneider
www.modulo-one.com/
Cleaning machinery
LCU modulo ONE LCU-E modulo ONE LCU modulo
Application
Technical data
Process
Small labs x x /
Medium sized labs x x x
Large labs x x x
Cleaning after deblocking, detaping,
polishing, before inspection
x / x
Cleaning before coating x / x
Cleaning after edging / x /
Productivity [up to Ø lenses per hour] 240 300
Lenses in process (total number) 14 66
Total process time in the machine [min] app. 4 app. 12
Weight [kg / lbs] (machine without conveyor) approx. 1300 kg (2866 lb.) approx. 1800 kg (3968 lb.)
Dimensions [w x d x h] / [mm / inches]
(machine without conveyor)
3656 x 1462 x 1934 / 144 x 57 x 76
with optional job tray changer:
3656 x 1838 x 1934 / 144 x 57 x 76
3656 x 1462 x 1934 / 144 x 57 x 76
2000 x 1615 x 1930 / 79 x 64 x 76
with automation: 8278 x 3383 x
2860 / 336 x 133 x 113
Power consumption (kW) 10 kVA avg. 9 kVA avg. 16 kVA
Tap water consumption (liters/hour)
120 (DI water)
Number of tanks 3 4
Tanks (volume in liter) 30 60
Loading / unloading (manual / automated) automated manual / automated
Brush cleaning x x x
Ultrasonic immersion cleaning / / /
Spray cleaning / / /
Drying module [hot air / cold air /
infrared / vacuum/ lift out / solvent]
hot air
Environmentally friendly process
(E.g. cascading from clean to dirty tanks,
reduced chemical consumption etc.)
rinsing water cascading
Features
Host connection
info to control center
Barcode reader x x /
Detergent refilling automatic o o o
Lens clip cleaning integrated
Remote diagnostic x x x
Further information
o: Job tray changer
o: Job tray changer
o: Loading robot HRA
Legend: Yes = x; No = /, Optional = o
44
MAFO 3-26

MARKET SURVEYS
SCL International
www.scl-intl.com
CC10 CC16 CS10 CS20 CTE600
x
x
x x x x
x x x
x x x x
x x x x
x
200 190 380 500
14 to 16 16 32
30 30 to 45 12
750 610 800 1325 1400
235 x 120 x 235 182 x 100 x 169 405 x 162 x 205 520 x 160 x 230 613 x 230 x 253
7 to 15 5 12 to 20 17 24
400 300 400 500 400
6 5 8 5
10 9 12 25 40
manu
x x x x
auto
x
IR IR IR IR
Cascading
sequenced flow
x - x x x
- - - - x
x x x x x
x / x x x
x x x x x
MAFO 3-26 45

MARKET SURVEYS
Unitech Shyre
www.unitechshyre.co.uk
Cleaning machinery
PC 20 PC 60 PC 200
Application
Technical data
Process
Small labs x x
Medium sized labs x x
Large labs x x
Cleaning after deblocking, detaping,
polishing, before inspection
Cleaning before coating x x x
Cleaning after edging x x x
Productivity [up to Ø lenses per hour] 25 60+ 200
Lenses in process (total number) 22 55 exc. conveyors 208 exc. conveyors
Total process time in the machine [min] 25 30 40
Weight [kg / lbs] (machine without conveyor)
Dimensions [w x d x h] / [mm / inches]
(machine without conveyor)
x
1720 x 1000 x 2000 mm 2800 x 1000 x 2000 mm 2954 x 1080 x 2000 mm
Power consumption (kW) 30A 6kW 9kW
Tap water consumption (liters/hour)
Number of tanks 5 6 7
Tanks (volume in liter) 5 & 2.5 3.5 & 7 8 & 17
Loading / unloading (manual / automated) auto/manual auto/conveyor
Brush cleaning
Ultrasonic immersion cleaning x x x
Spray cleaning o o o
Drying module [hot air / cold air /
infrared / vacuum/ lift out / solvent]
Lift out, Infrared
Hot air, lift out, infrared
x
Environmentally friendly process
(E.g. cascading from clean to dirty tanks,
reduced chemical consumption etc.)
Auto start and shutdown, heating efficiency monitor, auto chemical mangement, cascade rinse option
Features
Host connection
Barcode reader o o o
Detergent refilling automatic o x x
Lens clip cleaning integrated
o
Remote diagnostic x x x
Further information
Advanced treatment for modern lab providing superior quality, functionality and process management
46
MAFO 3-26

MARKET SURVEYS
Unitech Shyre
www.unitechshyre.co.uk
Yigin Global / Isomaksan
www.yigin.com
PT 200 PC 1000 TC 1000 LCM 1.0 SCM 1.0
x
x
x x x x
x x x x /
x x x x
x x x x
x x o o
200 1000 1152 576
208 exc. conveyors 500 - 2000 96 48
40 30 15 5
350 kg 175 kg
2954 x 1080 x 2000 bespoke 1580 x 780 x 1800 mm 750 x 750 x 1050 mm
9kW 15 - 30kW 15 - 40kW 7,5 3
N/A
7 bespoke 3 1
8 & 17 40+ 35 lt x 3 tanks 37 lt x 1 tank
auto/conveyor
manual
/ /
x x x x x
o o o / /
Hot air, lift out, infrared Hot air, lift out,infrared, Vacuum o o
Auto start and shutdown, heating efficiency monitor, auto chemical mangement,
cascade rinse option
filtered circulation
/ /
o o o / /
x x x o o
x x x
x x x / /
Advanced treatment for modern lab providing superior quality, functionality and
process management
HMI Screen Controlled,
Agitation, Powerful Adjustable
US Generators,
1 Rinsing Tank with US &
Heater, Additional Coating
Stripping Function
Also good for cleaning AR
Coating Machine peripherals,
holders, steel parts etc.
MAFO 3-26 47

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
Kan-Pacific
Lensware
MEI
Nidek
Optimal Technologies
Optiswiss
Optotech
QLDS
Satisloh
Schneider
SCL
Teco
Ultra Optics
48
MAFO 3-26

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 3-26 49

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
World leaders in Lens Hard Coating
Machines and process solutions
Full range available for any production
volume
Expert advice on your application
contact us: (+44) 1462 49 16 16
sales@optimal-technologies.com 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
50
MAFO 3-26

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
ready to be seen
Runtime: 1 year in all 6 issues for €1,090.
Contact:
pauline.moeller@mafo-optics.com
Advertisement
!AZ.indd 11
19.10.17 12:29
Get your latest news.
Subscribe now!
Join the inner circle of spectacle lens production – every two months:
!AZ.indd 1
12.04.2012 12:32:24 Uhr
Latest technologies and machines
Market data and business
Never miss the latest MAFO edition
www.mafo-optics.com/newsletter-sub

ABOUT MAFO
Britta, what are you
working on right now?
Britta Laupichler, editorial assistant
As an editorial assistant, Britta is invaluable in the day-to-day operations of the magazine.
She organizes, edits, sends emails, and makes phone calls – and ensures that all information
ends up exactly where it belongs. At our publishing house, Britta works on a wide variety of
trade magazines and catalogs simultaneously, juggling deadlines and production schedules until
everything falls into place. Since she mostly works behind the scenes and pulls all the strings, you won’t
see her at events or trade shows. All the more reason to highlight her here.
MAFO: Britta, what exactly are you working on right now?
Britta: I’m currently working on the MAFO market surveys.
Every issue of MAFO features a market overview for machines,
each with a different focus. Ideally, what starts as a jungle of
diverse technical information about machines should ultimately
become a clear overview that provides the most important
details with an appealing layout. My job here is to contact all
relevant suppliers of the respective machines, to organize and
sort all of the content and ensure that we have all the information
together by the time the issue goes to print.
MAFO: What is the purpose of market overviews?
Britta: They make complex markets understandable at a glance.
Our readers appreciate being able to compare the key features
of different machines without first having to wade through a
variety of product sheets or websites. Ultimately, the market
overviews should be clear and concise, like a map. Even trends
can be quickly identified in such market surveys. For example,
that suppliers are now also offering blockless generating. For
the important topic of “Automated Cosmetic Inspection,” we
recently even established a brand-new market overview.
MAFO: What’s currently on your MAFO to-do list for 2026?
Britta: We are constantly working on many different aspects
at the same time to keep MAFO always interesting and
up-to-date.
For example, our digital MAFO edition is now even more exciting
because you’ll also find videos there. In the current issue,
these are machine videos from manufacturers. However, we’ll
gradually expand the video content. Soon, readers will also
be able to watch interview clips or trade show highlights as
videos directly in the digital MAFO.
MAFO: What has surprised you recently in your daily work?
Britta: That everything works out in the end. When I’m working
on three major projects at the same time, the thought occasionally
creeps into my mind: “Will this all work out; can I deliver
everything on time?” Those are definitely stressful phases.
However, what can I say, in the end: it always works out! Of
course, that’s also because I work in a highly motivated, professional
team. We’re open to spontaneous ideas and last-minute
changes to plans, and we support each other. That’s a great
source of support and has always helped so far.
MAFO: What are the essential skills for your job?
Britta: Organizational skills, conscientiousness, patience, and
a certain diplomatic calmness mixed with a dash of humor.
The calmness and humor help me when I have to send a third
reminder because the deadline for submitting the machine
information was missed. And a certain enjoyment of tinkering
with an Excel spreadsheet until everything fits and looks good
too, doesn’t hurt for this job either.
MAFO: What do you personally enjoy most about your work?
Britta: I like the variety in my job. I support and oversee
various projects at Eyepress Fachmedien, and I enjoy the
different contents and teams. It’s not monotonous – there
are always new topics and new challenges. And all the
projects are well-planned, which I also find important,
as it means I have a precise schedule for the whole year.
Surprises are, of course, part of the deal – otherwise it
would be boring. ◆
52
MAFO 3-26

OUTLOOK
Oculomics: The eye as a
biomarker for health
Recent advances in retinal imaging – such as ultra-wide-angle fundus
photography (UWF) and optical coherence tomography angiography
(OCT-A) – enable detailed visualization of retinal microvessels that
reflect systemic vascular changes. A growing body of evidence
shows that retinal features such as vessel diameter and tortuosity,
as well as OCT-based parameters such as vascular density and
perfusion density, correlate strongly with systemic diseases such as
cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
The combination of retinal imaging and machine learning enables
the detection of subtle changes that can serve as early indicators of
disease. This approach could revolutionize diagnostics by enabling
rapid and non-invasive assessment of systemic health. The concept
of Oculomics emerged from the realization that the retina represents
a uniquely accessible and data-rich interface between ocular health and
systemic health.
Special topics in
MAFO 2026
MAFO 01
Smart Eyewear &
Processes
MAFO 02
Vision Trends
2026
MAFO 03
Children‘s Vision
MAFO 04
Eyewear
Worldwide
MAFO 05
Lenses & Coatings
MAFO 06
Go Green!
Preview
MAFO 04/2026
What are the global trends in the optical industry? How
do different markets differ, and how will the potential ban
on PFAS affect the industry? These are just some of the
topics we’ll cover in the upcoming issue, which focuses on
“Eyewear Worldwide”.
Furthermore, readers an look forward to interesting tech
topics, like new processes for efficient workflows in the
lab, part four of the student series and a report about the
Transitions production facility in Ireland.
MAFO 3-26 53

Eyepress Fachmedien GmbH
Saarner Str. 151
45479 Mülheim a. d. Ruhr
66527
Germany
Small footprint Fastest cycle times Highest throughput
RZ_AZ_LCU-E_modulo_ONE_MAFO_04-2026_160x225_4c_engl.indd 1 16.04.2026 13:01:29
01_Titel.indd 1 05.05.26 12:54
Eyepress Fachmedien GmbH
Saarner Str. 151
45479 Mülheim a. d. Ruhr
66527
Germany
Real-time job tracking,
traceability, smart
insights & operator
guidance
Streamlined workflows
through reduced downtime,
automation, and faster
production flow
By eliminating paper-based
processes, reducing
manual data entry
& minimizing errors
Real-time order updates,
faster delivery, & reduced
complexity build customer
trust
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
Missed an issue?
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ISSN 1614-1598 66527
Volume 22
ISSN 1614-1598 66527
Volume 22
ISSN 1614-1598 66527
Volume 22
ISSN 1614-1598 66527
Volume 21
OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY
OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY
OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY
OPHTHALMIC LABS & INDUSTRY
Connect, discover,
stay up-to-date
3/2026
▶ Special:
Children's vision
Smart glasses and
digital twins in myopia
management
Do children use
myopia control lenses
as expected?
▶ Technology
Basic ophthalmic
optics instruction |
Part 3
▶ Interview
40 years of Vision
Expo – and the
first unified show
How IXI glasses merge
adaptive optics, eye
tracking, and opticianled
distribution
▶ Business
From the fruit basket
to human capital 3.0
▶ Survey
Cleaning machinery
HIGH-PERFORMANCE CLEANING
OF EDGED LENSES
LCUE m dulo
Highest throughput meets smallest footprint. The LCU Modulo ONE delivers the
cleaning performance of larger systems in a compact, fully automated in-line unit.
Now, it is also available in an edge version designed for the final cleaning of finished
lenses − LCU-E Modulo ONE.
Its integrated loading and unloading robot enables fast lens transfer, minimized cycle
times and superior throughput. Specialized handling and customized lens carriers for
complex, irregular geometries. A multi-suction unit picks up the decentered lens and
transfers it to the measuring station, to determine and adjust the center of gravity and
insertion orientations. Subsequently, the highly efficient system gently cleans both
sides of the lens simultaneously using soft brushes for intense yet damage-free cleaning.
As part of the Modulo system, the LCU-E Modulo ONE integrates seamlessly into the
centralized Control Center for full process monitoring.
With its attractive pricing and low cost-per-lens ratio, the LCU-E Modulo ONE is a
sound investment for any lab.
www.schneider-om.com
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
E-TICKET SYSTEM
SMARTER, FASTER & PAPERLESS
YOUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE STARTS HERE: GO PAPERLESS.
The E-Ticket System 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,
providing instant, real-time visibility into job statuses, from the moment a job starts until it’s delivered.
ACCURACY
OPERATIONAL
COST
CUSTOMER
& VISIBILITY
EFFICIENCY
SAVINGS
SATISFACTION
satisloh.com/paperless
Still printing job tickets? Contact 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 w 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 THE
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 SUSTAINABLE
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
北 京 市 朝 阳 区 建 国 东 路 15 号 院 甲 一 号 北 岸 1292
二 号 楼 319 室 邮 编 :100024
电 话 :+86-10-8537-6529
电 邮 :jennywang_focus@126.com
ADVERTISEMENT RATES
Price list no. 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.12: Curated Lifestyle, P.18: Fabio Principe,
P.49: artographer34, P.57: Inka, irishmaster, P.MO: Rostislav
Uzunov, p.40: Getty Images
/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.
54
MAFO 3-26

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.

LENS CLEANING
AT ITS BEST
HYDRA-BRUSH-4
FULLY AUTOMATED SOFT BRUSH CLEANER
Hydra-Brush-4 cleans up to 270 lenses per hour with a four-stage process: detergent brush, city water
rinse, DI water rinse, and drying. The system uses only 2 liters of DI water per shift, saving up to 90% on
costs, and features integrated deionization, DI water recycling, and automatic refilling of detergent and tap
water. Additionally the tray transfer system eliminates the need for ticket transfers, enhancing productivity.
HIGHEST PRODUCTIVITY
PER SQUARE METER
CHAINLESS LENS
TRANSFER
ECO-FRIENDLY
Up to 270 lenses per hour in just 5m 2
maximizing efficiency & productivity
in minimal space.
Prevents cross-contamination of
residue and dirt between cleaning
chambers.
Eco-friendly and cost-saving,
with only 2 liters of DI water
per shift.
Contact us for more details on Hydra-Brush-4!
satisloh.com