Dry Eye Therapy
Refresh Optive Advanced
Allergan, Inc. recently launched Refresh Optive Advanced, a new over-the-counter lipid-enhanced tear that offers the low blur and comfort of an aqueous tear. It features a comprehensive, triple-action formulation that works on all three layers of the tear film to reduce tear evaporation, hydrate and lubricate for dry eye symptom relief, the company says.

Due to its optimized lipid content, Refresh Optive Advanced does not separate; it provides consistent stability, requiring no shaking prior to use. It’s available at retail locations in 10mL bottles. For more information, visit www.refreshbrand.com.  

Vision Assessment
iBEX Slit Lamp
The latest iBEX 5-Step LED Wave Slit Lamp delivers an industry-first 43mm field of view at standard 6x magnification, according to Trevi Technology. It allows for increased observation in less time, with significantly less joystick movement. Custom LED Illumination delivers bright, uniform illumination with full-spectrum wavelengths that have been synced to maximize anterior and posterior viewing.

Most importantly, the company says, heat to the patient’s eye has been reduced by nearly 90% compared to traditional illumination, resulting in greater patient comfort during intense and prolonged observation. For more information, visit www.ibexeye.com.

RTVue Tracking Upgrade
Optovue Inc. released a real-time tracking upgrade for the RTVue Fourier-domain OCT (also called SD-OCT) system. Using a novel method of real-time video image processing, the software uses hardware already included with the RTVue system for following patient eye movement during the OCT scanning process.

Optovue previously released a CAM (Cornea-Anterior Module) option that created the first OCT to offer scanning and analysis of both the posterior and anterior segments of the eye, and TCP (Total Cornea Power), which provided the cornea power in the central 3mm visual zone of post-refractive treated eyes. For more information, visit www.optovue.com.

Practice Management
Power News
The Power Practice, a consulting firm founded by Gary Gerber, O.D., has brought back its popular paid newsletter, “Optometric Income,” and rebranded it as “Power News.” It was first launched in 2010 as “Optometric Income” and was one of the first-ever paid online practice building newsletters. Dr. Gerber believes three things set the monthly e-newsletter apart from others—the firm’s large and successful client base are already using the strategies featured; the style is easy to read, digest and implement; and it’s unconditionally guaranteed.

“After a very successful year, we took some time off to regroup, rebrand, rethink and now re-launch the newsletter,” he said. “We had a great response the first time out and know this one will be even better.” For more information, visit www.powerpractice.com.

eyecareScore Survey
focalCenter will be launching its validated and standardized eyecareScore survey as an online subscription tool during the second quarter of 2012. It gives eye doctors, clinics, optical retailers and vision plans a standardized method for determining how their patients’ experiences compare to their peers and measure up over time.

eyecareScore’s benchmarks and metrics were developed using qualitative and quantitative testing to provide vital comparisons of key patient experiences, drivers of satisfaction and advocacy. For more information, visit www.focalcenter.com.

Marketing and Inventory Control
Gem-Where RFID Solution
Utilizing 900 MHz radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, Gem-Where is ultra-sensitive for dense tag environments around metal objects or in display cases. RFID Smart Tags are made of durable plastic and are reusable. The RG900 USB Reader links the Smart Tag to frames and de-links when the item is sold.

The Radiant Wand captures your inventory by passing it over the wall and display showcases. Gem-Where can be used as “stand-alone” software for basic inventory reporting or for more detailed reports (inventory reconciliation and sales tracking) integrated into your point-of-sale software. For more information, visit www.ArchCrown.com.

iPad Apps
LUMA Vision Simulator
The new LUMA Vision Simulator eyecare app from Eyemaginations features on-screen drawing functionality and gives the user the ability to mark up images as well as view disease progressions and point-of-view scenes side-by-side on one screen. It allows doctors to explain the most common diseases of the eye.

In addition, when used with Apple’s Airplay, users of the new LUMA Vision Simulator are able to share the iPad screen images wirelessly to a television when used with AppleTV. All of the LUMA Eyecare Apps are available for download in iTunes. For more information, visit www.eyemaginations.com. 

Nakalele

Mala

Frames
MauiPure Line
This month, Maui Jim will debut its new MauiPure lens technology in a line of three sunglasses designed for active lifestyles—Olowalu, Mala and Nakalele. Olowalu is the smallest style in the collection and features a rectangular lens, while Mala has a slightly curved rectangular lens designed for average face sizes. Nakalele gives a nod to a rimless aviator in a larger style. Each 8-base rimless style features beta-titanium temples and adjustable Rabalon nose bridges for lightweight comfort.

Each style comes in three colors: black, rootbeer/copper or translucent grey. Three lens colors are available:

• Neutral grey offers the highest level of light reduction for bright, sunny days.
• HCL bronze enhances contrast in variable conditions.
• Maui HT (High Transmission) is the lens for when most lenses would be too dark.

For more information, visit www.mauijim.com.

Valentino Spring/Summer 2012 Collection  
Vintage shapes, distinctive silhouettes and striking contrasts characterize the Valentino Eyewear Spring/Summer 2012 Collection by Marchon. It features iconic elements of Valentino style: lace, precise yet feminine lines, and studs.

• V611S: This vintage-style model, available in grey, brown and burgundy, features lace hidden on the bridge and temples.

• V606S: Tiny, lustrous studs line the top of the frame on this oversized square model.


• V102S: Available in black and combinations of black/grey, havana/brown, and havana/gold, this model has distinctive gems accentuated by contrasting materials.

• V603S: Available in black, gold havana, dark havana, ivory havana and red, this model features a subtle contrast between curved lines and sharp angles.  

Costa Sunglasses
Costa introduces three new sunglass styles—Caye, Las Olas and Peninsula—all available in Costa’s patented 580P or 580G lenses, as well as Rx. Lens color options include gray, copper, amber, blue mirror, green mirror and silver mirror. The new styles range in price from $169 to $249, depending on customized lens choice. Prices for Rx sunglasses vary.

Caye

Las Olas

Peninsula

Caye’s flexible yet sturdy stainless steel hinges and no-slip Hydrolite nose pads provide comfort, the company says, and the frames are available in tortoise, black and white. Las Olas features an oval shape nylon frame with Hydrolite nose pads and no-rust stainless steel hinges. It’s available in tortoise, black and the new coral/white combination frame colors. A full-framed rectangular-shaped sunglass, Peninsula has wire core temples and stainless spring hinges, and is available in tortoise, black and black/coral. For more information, visit www.costadelmar.com.

Salvatore Ferragamo Collection

sf101s	sf600s
sf102sl	sf6175

The Ferragamo Spring/Summer 2012 Sun Collection by Marchon aims to encompass unique and timeless styles that exemplify luxury. The Gancino and Vara––both iconic Ferragamo details commonly incorporated into the accessory collections––are elegantly placed on the frame. The Gancino 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 fill the enamel. The classic aviator is revitalized with frame fronts and the logo scripted on the lenses and end pieces wrapped in vivid color leather. For more information, visit www.marchon.com.

Scleral Lenses
Maxim Plus and Comfort SL Plus
Acculens recently released two new scleral multifocals, Maxim Plus and Comfort SL Plus. Both multifocals incorporate center near add technology with aspheric zone blend. The Maxim Scleral lens is indicated for the management of corneal distortion and dry eyes. Maxim Plus will correct presbyopia while managing corneal distortion. Comfort SL Plus is indicated for normal corneas and is a great alternative to soft toric lenses. Both new multifocal designs are available in custom parameters and are manufactured in Boston XO₂.

Maxim’s 20-lens trial lens sets are available free of charge. No fitting set is needed for Comfort SL or Comfort SL Plus—simply call in K’s, RX corneal diameter and pupil size to Acculens. For more information, call (800) 525-2470 or visit www.acculens.com.