by Hanna Diewald | May 7, 2019 | News
Essilor and Groupe Renault pool expertise to better integrate visual specifications to improve drivers’ experience and promote the importance of good vision for road safety. On the occasion of the 5th United Nations Road Safety Week, Essilor and Groupe Renault announced today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a period of two years, with the ambition to jointly raise awareness about the importance of good vision for road safety and explore innovative solutions to improve drivers’ visual experience.
As research shows 1 in 5 drivers in the world has uncorrected poor vision and 90% of the information needed to drive comes from vision. The interaction between eyeglasses and the interface systems in the car, both day and night, is obviously crucial. In the near future, this interaction is projected to increase further with the development of smart and connected devices, offering valuable improvements and new customer benefits. In that context, this two-part partnership aims to:
– develop global and local awareness and poor vision detection campaigns among customers and employees of Renault. During this week, specific activations will reinforce past actions begun during Renault Mobilize days and World Sight Day.
– improve the combined vision and driving experience through cross-expertise and product innovation. Expert investigation workshops are developed based on key use cases, including day and night glare, road/cockpit visual transition, peripheral and central attention focus, and Man-Machine Interfaces like legibility and color perception.
“This collaboration with Groupe Renault promises to drive outcomes that will improve people’s vision on the road. We are certain this partnership between two leaders in their field creates a unique opportunity to mobilize public awareness across a broader audience. Combining our respective expertise will result in better visual experience for drivers and contributes to Essilor’s mission of improving lives by improving sight,” said Laurent Vacherot, Chief Executive Officer, Essilor International.
by Hanna Diewald | Apr 2, 2019 | News
IOT presents EVOlens, a system that objectively selects the ideal lens for each patient by considering previous patients’ lens feedback. Based on the satisfaction of previous patients, the system selects the lens that best suits your visual profile by searching among hundreds of profiles previously collected.
EVOlens is the result of 7 years of continuous study and data collection of thousands of users. Thanks to data analysis and the application of Machine Learning techniques, EVOlens maximizes the chances of success in each new adaptation, increasing the final satisfaction of each patient.
For the first time, a system that knows in advance the lens that is the best fit for each patient before being dispensed.
by Hanna Diewald | Mar 27, 2019 | News
Coburn Technologies, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Frank as their new Sales Manager for the Latin America market. Jason will replace Pedro Parra, who is currently in the role and will be retiring after more than 38 years with Coburn. Parra will remain with Coburn until the end of April to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities. “Jason is a great choice for us here at Coburn,” stated Wayne Labrecque, Vice President of Sales. “He’s been in the optical industry for most of his career, and during that time, he has positioned himself well, not only in the industry, but specifically in the Latin American market. We thank Pedro for his dedication to Coburn, and are excited to have Jason join our Sales team.”
Recently, Jason was employed with Hoya as their Director of Commercial Operations in Latin America. Prior to that, Jason worked in management roles for Essilor International both in the United States and Mexico. Jason has gained a breadth of experience in the Latin American market, and will continue capitalize on this in his new position with Coburn. “I’m excited to be joining the Coburn team,” said Jason. “I have worked for the better part of my career to understand the trends in Latin American market and how the optical industry is positioned within it. I’m motivated to bring my experience to Coburn, and continue to grow my expertise with the team.” For more information, please visit www.coburntechnologies.com
by Hanna Diewald | Mar 14, 2019 | News
The 20th ‘MAFO – The Conference’ was held in Milan on February 22, 2019. More than 60 participants gathered at the NH Hotel, just outside the Mido, to enjoy an exciting day with interesting lectures and discussions. Under the motto, “Future Technologies”, 13 speakers provided their insights into which technologies will be most relevant to the optical industry in the future and how they work.
Among the topics presented were ‘Data-driven quality management in labs’, ‘Acceleration of AR coating processes’, ‘3D printing of spectacle lenses’, ‘Dip coating for photochromic lenses’ and ‘Opportunities offered by machine learning in developing progressive lens design’. These together with other fascinating topics ensured a wide-ranging program and a stimulating day for all participants.
Animated discussions, typical Italian delicacies and an exclusive cocktail reception rounded off the day. The next ‘MAFO – The Conference’ will take place in Milan on February 28, 2020.
by Hanna Diewald | Mar 14, 2019 | News
Coburn Technologies, Inc. is pleased to announce the newest innovation in lens coating equipment, the Velocity 2D. Velocity 2D is the next generation of the current Velocity Automated Spin Coater, now designed with dual-coating technology.
Derived from the existing platform of the Velocity automated lens coater, the Velocity 2D now offers labs the ability to coat lenses with two different coating solutions in one machine. As the first of its kind with this new “dual-coating” technology, the Velocity 2D is unique. It can be paired with Coburn’s Duality lens detaper and cleaner to offer labs smart, scalable automation for lens processing, as lenses are detaped, cleaned, and coated in one smooth process.
“Customers have been asking for the ability to apply multiple coatings in one machine for a long time, and we are proud to be the first to deliver this ability,” states Alex Incera, President of Coburn Technologies. “We’ve taken our highly successful and established product, the Velocity, and made it better in this next generation platform.”
In addition to dual-coating technology, Velocity 2D also offers automatic coating height adjustment, spindle speed monitoring, and a variety of other unique process control features in order to effectively ensure proper coating on all lenses.
by Hanna Diewald | Mar 14, 2019 | News
Luxexcel, developer of 3D lens print technology and IFB Solutions a North Carolina based nonprofit, celebrate one year of partnership. To mark the anniversary, nearly 20 local schoolchildren received a free pair of eyeglasses and a comprehensive eye exam. The eyeglasses featured lenses made with IFB’s 3D printer developed by Luxexcel. The 3D printer at IFB Solutions is the world’s first commercial 3D printer of ophthalmic lenses.
For several of the children, this is their first pair of eyeglasses. According to Prevent Blindness America, one in four school-age children has vision problems that, if left untreated, can affect learning ability, personality, and adjustment in school. Providing eyeglasses to the school children is something both IFB Solutions and Luxexcel hope will help them in the classroom.
“One of our biggest challenges in public education is meeting all the needs of children. Their medical, health and physical needs happen beyond the classroom, but those needs are critically important to a child’s educational success. That’s why we are so grateful to have community partners like IFB Solutions and Luxexcel. Their gift of eyeglasses gives these students the gift of vision, something we could never do alone. At school and at home, vision is a vital part of a child’s overall well-being,” said Michael Pesce, WS/FCS Director of Social Work.
IFB Solutions and Luxexcel have been partners in bringing 3D printing to the optical industry. IFB Solutions uses the technology to help service its optical contracts with the Dept. of Veterans Affairs. IFB’s optical lab, staffed primarily by individuals who are blind, averages nearly 1,200 pairs of eyeglasses per day with the majority going to military veterans and their families. Danny Kelly – Chief Operating Officer, IFB Solutions: “What better way to celebrate our partnership with Luxexcel than to help children in the classroom. We are not only joining forces to bring innovation to the optical industry, but we’re also introducing the next generation to new technology that will help them succeed. It’s a win-win for all of us.”
Over the past 12 months, 5000 lenses have been printed on several VisionPlatforms™ installed in the USA and Europe, to bring the technology to a level where commercial lenses are being shipped to customers every day. Guido Groet- Chief Commercial Officer, Luxexcel: “The cool technology of 3D printing is for everyone, especially for the next generation. It is great to enable the children to succeed in the classroom by providing eyeglasses together with IFB Solutions. A great way to improve lives and to celebrate our innovative partnership”.
