Practice Management
Trial Lens Storage
The Lens Den, by Lens Den, is a color-coded container of drawers to store all your trial contact lens sets. Currently, the system is intended and labeled for toric lenses, but it is expandinga system for spherical lenses is in the pipeline. The desktop or wall-mounted storage system includes space for a basic set, as well as additional room for individual storage needs. The Lens Den is available in a small size (Little Den) and a large size (Big Den). Call 1-877-370-LENS or go to www.thelensden.com.
Mac Software Release
Smart System, from M&S Technologies, has been released for the Apple iMac platform. Smart System Apple offers the same benefits and features as the PC-based system, including the ability to interface with PowerPoint, Linear Shine Gratings for contrast sensitivity testing and dual-input technology.
Call 1-877-225-6101, or go to www.mstech-eyes.com.
Software
EMRlogic, producer of OD Professional, has announced that Scot Morris, O.D., and Ian Ben Gaddie, O.D., will play a key role in shaping future versions of enhanced software solutions. The goal, the company says, is to produce a program that answers the upgraded business needs of practices that follow a medical model. Go to www.emrlogic.com.
PR E-Book
The PR Toolkit, released by UnderstandingMarketing.com and written by John Sternal, a PR veteran, is a public relations guide for smaller businesses, such as eye-care practices, that dont have the budget for a PR agency. The e-book is intended to help such businesses keep their advertising edge through writing press releases, pitches, and connecting with the media. Go to www.understandingmarketing.com/pr-toolkit.
Patient Care
Visualizing Scope
The EyeView visualizing scope from Gulden Ophthalmics is intended to help patients better understand the interior of their eyes. The scope uses a minute pinpoint of light, and when patients hold it up to their eyes, it creates a silhouette on the retina of floaters and even corneal and aqueous humor matter. The EyeView can also be used to monitor lens hygiene. It utilizes a long-life LED lamp, AAA batteries and a pinhole light focuser. The EyeView also comes with a carrying strap and booklet that details what patients may find in their eyes. Call (315) 884-8105 or go to www.guldenophthalmics.com.
Sports Safety Brochure
A new brochure from Prevent Blindness America, made possible through a grant from the Transitions Healthy Sight for Life Fund, teaches how to protect childrens eyes.The brochure is targeted toward caregivers, school personnel and coaches. It includes descriptions of various risk factors that exist within each sport, recommendations for eye protection during each athletic event, UV protection, an emergency aid checklist and tips for becoming more aware of the danger sports pose to eyes. The complimentary brochure is available through Prevent Blindness America and via the Transitions Optical point-of-sale ordering system. Call Transitions Optical Customer Service at 1-800-848-1506, or go to www.transitions.com/pos. Or, go to www.preventblindness.org.
Ophthalmic Lenses
Prescription Sun Lenses
PrescripSun lenses, from Carl Zeiss Meditec, are designed to meet the needs of patients who need prescription sunwear. The PrescripSun family of lenses includes:
Spazio, a line of single-vision wrap lenses.
Polarized lenses. Sola HDV, Sola One HD, Compact Ultra HD and AO Easy HD Polarized are all now available as part of the PrescripSun line.
Performance Lens Series tints, which include four unique tints for various outdoor activities.
Tri-Flection Mirrors, which feature low-hue flash mirror treatments that are highly scratch and smudge resistant.
Customized lenses, based on the Sola HDV platform.
Standard progressive lenses. Zeisss GT2 and Sola One progressive lenses are now available as part of the PrescripSun family. Call 1-858-790-7700, or go to www.vision.zeiss.com/us.
Low Vision
Vision Aids
The FarView, ClearView+ G2 and ClearNote Portable are three new electronic aids for low vision patients by Optelec
The FarView is a portable device designed for an active lifestyle. Users are able to access, review and share information, as well as view real-time at distance or near. The FarView includes a built-in auto-focus camera, zoom-in functionality, scrolling capabilities and more.
The ClearView+ G2 is a desktop electronic video magnifier (closed-circuit TV) that allows the user to read and write with magnified and illuminated viewing assistance. The device features a five-directional arm with 90 screen rotation. The high-definition image quality provides high resolution, and the image processing technology reduces image fading and eye fatigue.
The ClearNote Portable is a small, lightweight USB video magnifier that features distance, document or self-viewing modes. It connects to any computer via USB cable and features Always-in-Focus technology for clear contrast. Call 1-800-335-7970, or go to www.optelec.com.
What"s New on the Web
Multifocal Fitting Assistant
Bausch & Lomb offers the PureVision Multi-Focal Fitting Assistant online. This fitting assistant prompts you to answer several key questions about your patients refraction and is intended to serve as an aid when deciding on a lens strength to start with when fitting each patient. Factors include the patients dominant eye, manifest refraction, age, visual demands and environment. Go to www.presbyopesinyourpractice.com and click on Fitting Assistant at right.
Keratoconus Web Site
A new site for patients seeking information about keratoconus has been launched by SynergEyes. SharingOneVision.com offers information about the condition and management with hybrid contact lenses, as well as testimonials of other patients who wear hybrid lenses. Also available on the site are a doctor locator and educational videos. Go to www.sharingonevision.com.
Frames
Tommy Hilfiger by Viva International
The 2009 Spring/Summer womens sunwear duo by Tommy Hilfiger highlights a sense of easy glamour. Each frame is made of metal and acetate and features a metal TH logo cutout detail and a laser-etched Hilfiger logo. The frames are offered in colors black, brown/tortoise, gold/white/beige, gunmetal/black, burgundy/white, tortoise/brown and white/beige. The group includes:
TH 7336, a shield-shaped frame that is available in size 60/14-115.
TH 7337, an oversized frame that comes in size 60/14-118.
The Hilfiger Spring/Summer 2009 mens collection includes a trio of steel rectangular frames that each feature handmade acetate temples with metal buckle logo details at the hinge. The frames are available in colors black, brown, brown/burgundy, navy, gunmetal/black and tortoise/orange. This line includes:
TH 3382, a semi-rimless frame that comes in size 51/17/140.
TH 3383, a full-rimmed frame that comes in size 55/15-140.
TH 3384, a full-rimmed acetate frame that comes in size 53/16-140.
Call 1-800-345-8482, or go to www.vivagroup.com.
Costa
Costa presents a new performance sunglass: Zane. This wraparound unisex sunglass features a nylon frame, vents to prevent fogging and Hydrolite no-slip nose pads. It is available in size 59/17.5-125 and in colors black, silver and tortoise. Call 1-800-447-3700 or go to www.costadelmar.com.
