Archive for July, 2012

VisionWeb Now Compatible With Apple Computer’s Safari Web Browser

July 31st, 2012

VisionWeb, the premier provider of technology services to the optical industry, announced that its online ophthalmic product ordering service is now compatible with Apple Computer’s default web browser, Safari. In the last 5 years, Apple Computers have quickly become common place in many practices, but the default web browser, Safari, has limited eye care provider’s ability to fully reap the benefits of online ophthalmic ordering through VisionWeb. With this new compatibility, VisionWeb hopes to make convenient online spectacle lens, contact lens, and frame ordering a reality for as many practices as possible – regardless of their technology preferences.

“VisionWeb’s ophthalmic product ordering service being compatible with Safari is very exciting news for eye care providers” said Julia Crawford, Director of Product Strategy at VisionWeb. “This new compatibility not only means that Mac users will no longer have to download additional software to order products on VisionWeb, but that eye care providers will also have more technology options to choose from when implementing new hardware.”

VisionWeb’s Safari browser compatibility works for Apple desktops and laptops wanting to use VisionWeb’s spectacle lens, contact lens, and frame ordering services, but is not currently available for VisionWeb’s electronic claim filing service or Apple iPad and iPhone devices. VisionWeb’s new Safari compatibility also allows Apple computer using eye care providers to take advantage of their product ordering services full gambit of features including: 24/7 access to all order and archives, online order tracking, and trace file uploading.

Eyecare providers who are not yet VisionWeb members can register for free at www.visionweb.com, or by contacting VisionWeb Customer Service at (800) 874-6601 today.

About VisionWeb
VisionWeb provides technology solutions for streamlining the simplifying the process of a variety of businesses in the field of eye care. VisionWeb offers online insurance transaction processing and online ordering and tracking, and additional services for eyecare providers, ophthalmic product manufacturers, distributors, laboratories, and payers.

www.visionweb.com

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Posted in News and Articles

Tags: eyewear Lenses ophthalmic opticians VisionWeb

Debilitating Eyesight Problems Are On The Decline For Older Americans

July 30th, 2012

Today’s senior citizens are reporting fewer visual impairment problems than their counterparts from a generation ago, according to a new Northwestern Medicine study. Improved techniques for cataract surgery and a reduction in the prevalence of macular degeneration may be the driving forces behind this change, the researchers said.

“From 1984 until 2010, the decrease in visual impairment in those 65 and older was highly statistically significant,” said Angelo P. Tanna, M.D., first author of the study. “There was little change in visual impairments in adults under the age of 65.”

The study, published in the journal Ophthalmology, shows that in 1984, 23 percent of elderly adults had difficulty reading or seeing newspaper print because of poor eyesight. By 2010, there was an age-adjusted 58 percent decrease in this kind of visual impairment, with only 9.7 percent of elderly reporting the problem.

Angelo P. Tanna, M.D.

There was also a substantial decline in eyesight problems that limited elderly Americans from taking part in daily activities, such as bathing, dressing or getting around inside or outside of the home, according to the study.

“The findings are exciting, because they suggest that currently used diagnostic and screening tools and therapeutic interventions for various ophthalmic diseases are helping to prolong the vision of elderly Americans,” Tanna said.

Tanna is the vice chairman of ophthalmology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and an attending physician at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Stephen Kaye, of the Institute for Health & Aging and Disability Statistics Center, University of California, is the second author of the study.

The study used self-reported data collected from 1984 to 2010 through two major population-based surveys, the National Health Interview Survey and the Survey of Income and Program Participation.

Survey questions revealed how vision problems can impact the daily activities and quality of life of Americans and helped researchers analyze trends in the prevalence of visual impairment of adults in the United States.

While this study didn’t identify any of the causes of the change in the prevalence of visual impairment, Tanna said there are three likely reasons for the decline:

Improved techniques and outcomes for cataract surgery

Less smoking, resulting in a drop in the prevalence of macular degeneration

Treatments for diabetic eye diseases are more readily available and improved, despite the fact that the prevalence of diabetes has increased

Future studies should identify which treatment strategies help prevent vision loss in older adults and then make those treatments available to as many people as possible, Tanna said.

This study was funded by a grant from Research to Prevent Blindness and by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, US Department of Education (grant H133B080002).

feinberg.northwestern.edu

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Posted in General Interest, News and Articles, Organizations, Publications

Tags: blindness eyecare Glaucoma opticians seniors

Perfecta Transitions Vantage Lenses Now Available Exclusively From Midwest Lens

July 27th, 2012

There are clear lenses that darken. There are sunglasses that are polarized. But never before have everyday eyeglass lenses been able to both darken and polarize in bright, outdoor light.

Introducing the new Perfecta Transitions Vantage lenses, the photochromic lenses you know and love plus the added benefits of variable polarization — polarization that increases as the lenses get darker in outdoor light. That means, as Transitions Vantage lenses get darker, vision gets crisper, sharper and more vivid. While glare is reduced in even the brightest outdoor conditions.

Until now, polarization was fixed and only existed as a static film embedded in conventional lenses. Variable polarization technology is a leap into the future – polarization that adapts to changing lighting conditions for clearer, crisper, sharper vision in a variety of outdoor lighting conditions. Combined with photochromic technologies also pioneered by Transitions Optical, you have the first everyday lenses that both darken and polarize outdoors!

We invite you to explore the world of new Transitions Vantage lenses and see for yourself. The Perfecta Transitions Vantage lenses are available in CR39, Polycarbonate and Trivex materials.

www.midwestlens.com

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Posted in Lenses, News and Articles

Tags: eyecare eyewear Lenses ophthalmic opticians Perfecta Perfecta Professional Photochromic Polarization polarized Progressives Single Vision sunglasses sunwear Vantage Transitions

Unique and Timeless Styles Embodies The Summer 2012 Ferragamo Eyewear Collection

July 26th, 2012

For Summer 2012, the Ferragamo eyewear collection embodies unique and timeless styles synonymous with the Ferragamo brand. A namesake that exemplifies luxury, the use of innovative materials and skilled craftsmanship combined with modern creativity is translated into the sunwear collection. Incorporated accents on the frame fronts, end piece, and temples create an air of sophisticated femininity and casual masculinity.

Model SF101S

Model SF610S

Model SF102SL

The Gancino and Vara, both iconic Ferragamo details commonly incorporated into the accessory collections, are elegantly placed on the frame. The Gancino, reminiscent of the company’s legendary Florentine headquarters, Palazzo Spini Feroni’s, iron gate, is molded from polished metal and filled with colored enamel that highlights the timeless accent. Engraved with the Ferragamo logo, the Vara clasp is placed on the temples while dual zyls, a juxtapose of vivid horn and a pure color, fill the enamel.

Showcasing the Ferragamo sun collection’s use of rich materials, the classic aviator is revitalized with frame fronts and the logo scripted on the lense and end pieces wrapped in vivid color leather.

Elegant and eternally chic, the Ferragamo sunwear collection will continue to transcend expectations.

www.marchon.com

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Posted in Frames

Tags: eyewear Marchon Salvatore Ferragamo sunglasses sunwear

Legacie Introduces a New Betsey Johnson Group – Bolt of Light

July 25th, 2012

Renowned for her electric energy, Betsey has also been a long-time fan of the lightning bolt motif. The new group, Bolt of Light, brings this charisma to life with metal temples in the shape of a lightning bolt that are decorated with glittering stones in contrasting pop colors.

Wild Thing, a cat-eye optical style, boasts a glitter acetate frame front while Thunderstruck, a glam sunglass, offers a multi-colored layered laminate frame front.

Together with the striking temples, these styles ensure that you will make a statement with your frames.

Thunderstruck from Betsey Johnson

Wild Thing from Betsey Johnson

www.legacie.com

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Posted in Frames

Tags: Betsey Johnson Eyewear eyewear Legacie ophthalmic

New Valentino Sunglass Styles Based On Precise Lines and Balanced Contrasts

July 24th, 2012

Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli have written a new syntax of style for Valentino based on precise lines and balanced contrasts. They blend famous fifties looks with hard, metallic inserts that create iconic details. The eyes are the stars: barely veiled by transparent lenses, they are gracefully and charmingly accentuated by the strong browline.

VLOGO (V638S)
This compact silhouette harmoniously blends curves and angles. A fine line of chromed metal runs along the top of this distinctive, sleek acetate frame and forms a “V” at the nose. The logo is a structural element and also accentuates the eyes.

ROCKSTUD (V641S)
This bold, flirty acetate frame has a vintage look inspired by cat-eye styles and pin-up girls. Metal studs run like dots along the entire browline. The “V” on the temple is a functional hinge and is accompanied by the logo.

FIFTIES (V104S)
This large curvy style has the look of a glamorous fifties ice queen and features contrasting colors and materials. The enameled metal frame front is accentuated by a fine gold trim that surrounds the lenses. The temples are customized with the Valentino logo.

www.marchon.com

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Posted in Frames

Tags: eyewear Marchon sunglasses sunwear Valentino

ProDesign Eyewear 4th Dimension

July 23rd, 2012

This collection was inspired by the desire to create a high fashion, contemporary line of frames for the urbane, design-oriented man and woman.

Even though the shapes are obviously inspired by the past – you’ll find the classic panto, the Jackie O-shape and the curvy butterfly shape, the collection remains fresh and relevant, because of the colors and the way the acetates layers are combined.

The design is “honest” with nothing to hide – you’ll even notice the core wire as an extra detail once you take a closer look at the material. The finishing touch is the distinct end tip color that we have placed on the inside as a little surprise!

Quite untraditionally there are no less than nine shapes in this collection! Two shapes only come in two colors and the rest come in four colors each. They are all ready for progressive lenses.

www.prodesigndenmark.com

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Posted in Frames

Tags: eyewear Jackie O ophthalmic ProDesign

Save Up To 20% With The 2012 ClearVision Kids Program

July 20th, 2012

The 2012 ClearVision Kids program kicked off this month with a savings event of up to 20%! Expand your kids collection and take advantage of the lowest available prices, while choosing from one of the largest selections of kids’ frames in the U.S.! This exciting program is effective through September 30, 2012.

New for 2012: every kids order will receive a free kids’ hanging banner! This colorful, eye-catching banner is a great way to attract kids and parents – because POP rules when it comes to selling kids eyewear! Plus, our sales consultants will deliver a tailored, profit-building program with all the promotional materials you need to help sell the fun. Ask how you can get a free kids rotator!

The 2012 ClearVision Kids Collection features 40 styles, including 13 new releases from popular brands like Op Kids, Jessica McClintock Girls, IZOD Boys and Digit! This substantial new release, designed to appeal to every kid, was strategically evaluated to incorporate a wider variety of eye shapes and materials.

In addition, the introduction of a more modern color palette of colors and careful merchandising of the collections to provide more variety, the design team at ClearVision created on-trend, on-value kids frames that will pop off your frame board:

Jessica McClintock Girls

Once delicate and sweet, Jessica McClintock Girls has “grown-up.” The collection’s playful attitude and more colorful palette features bright candy colors of juicy pinks and saturated blues and purples. Sparkly pop icons of hearts, butterflies and flowers, as well as glitter and crystal accents, reflect trends in girls’ clothing, while adding dimension to the collection.

IZOD Boys

IZOD Boys introduces trendy, teen inspired designs that bring variety and fashion to the all-American IZOD boy. New temple shapes and heights are explored, while memory metal bridges and rubberized temples add durability and comfort. A conservative color palette of Black Laminate, Green Horn, Tortoise, Brown, Chrome and Ink maintains the brand’s classic roots.

Op Kids

Op Kids nods to today’s fashion trends with exciting retro eye shapes, including the debut of a modern girl’s Wayfarer. The new additions are more “grown-up” and are available in a colorful, but muted color palette that enhances the depth of each high-styled design.

Digit

Digit continues to provide fashion at a value with modern, trendy looks at a great price for kids with their own individual sense of style. Digit’s “grown-up” eye shapes eyewear shapes are offered in bright colors, including blues and violets, and feature youthful, “cartoony” patterns that still let kids be kids.

Contact a ClearVision Sales Consultant today and take advantage of our exceptional Kids Program while it lasts! Minimum order requirements are 8 styles, 16 pieces, 2 colors of each.

To make an appointment or request more information, contact us at 1.800.645.3733 or visit our website www.cvoptical.com. Like us on Facebook and get the latest kids biz tips: www.facebook.com/clearvisionoptical.

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Posted in Frames, News and Articles

Tags: childrens frames ClearVision Optical Digit eyewear IZOD Boys Jessica McClintock Girls Op Kids ophthalmic

OGA Introduces New Rounded Tubular Eyewear Design with Dual Action Integrated Spring Hinge

July 19th, 2012

ÖGA is excited to introduce Tüb, a rounded tubular design concept, featuring a dual action integrated spring hinge. The stainless steel hinge mechanism combines delicacy with long-term reliability.

Stamped, tubular, stainless steel endpieces meet with temples to create an oblong shape at the temple joint. A hint of colored lacquer is added to the slim recess on both the endpiece and the temple.

Tüb is available in a wide range of sizes from 52 to 57. Two models, 7016Ö and 7018Ö, are available in additional sizes, 54 and 56, for easy adaptation to many facial shapes and sizes.

All shapes are progressive friendly. Easy cold adjustment of endtips and endpiece opening angle is possible.

www.morel-france.com

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Posted in Frames

Tags: eyewear Morel France Oga ophthalmic TUB

Lyon by Plume Paris Eyewear Takes Design Cues From Beautiful Renaissance-era Masterpieces From Lyon, France

July 18th, 2012

A Best Image Optical eyewear designer had this to say about designing the frame:

“A group of us (eyewear designers) traveled to France for inspiration on our next set of frames to debut as part of the Fall 2012 collection. We researched three cities where we wanted to draw our focus from, one being the beautiful city of Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Honestly speaking, inspiration did not come as fast as I thought it would and believe it or not, it wasn’t because of lack of ideas, it was completely the opposite – too many ideas to sort through so I couldn’t really pinpoint what to define our next design on. One thing was for sure, we wanted to introduce a frame that had a unique design that differentiated it from the rest of our frames in our collection. We had challenged ourselves with the idea that the new Plume Paris Fall Collection was going to be the best frames we have ever come out with.”

“The city of Lyon is filled with renaissance-era masterpieces. From beautiful wall murals to century old buildings decorated with gargoyles and angels there is so much to see in Lyon. The dominant color theme runs in the tangerine family. Different color variations of red and orange can be found throughout several architectural landmarks and even the food, something Lyon is also celebrated for. Thus, for our new frame fittingly named ‘Lyon’ we chose to mix each frame with two different colors that can be found in the same color family – Tangerine/Pink, Green/Blue, and Violet/Fuchsia.

“From historical landmarks, beautiful cityscapes, and uniquely designed water bridges the ‘Lyon’ frame became uniquely shaped. Its frame front was designed to have an arch shape with a sharper edge resembling renaissance architecture and its temples imitate the shape of the ‘Wilson Bridge’ built in 1918. Only stainless steel metal was used in the making of the ‘Lyon’ frame.”