product spectrum

B&L'S PUREVISION MULTI-FOCAL IS THE FIRST SILICONE HYDROGEL MULTIFOCAL.

PureVision Multi-Focal Available in U.S.

Bausch & Lomb launch-ed its PureVision Multi-Focal visibility tinted contact lens earlier this year in the U.S. market. The lens, made of balafilcon A, has FDA approval for up to 30 days of continuous wear and is the first silicone hydrogel multifocal lens available in the United States.

The lens combines B&L's SofLens Multi-Focal design with aspheric optics on the anterior surface to provide crisp vision at all focal lengths, according to B&L. It also incorporates a rounded-edge design to reduce lens awareness and a patented wide-intermediate-power profile for incremental power variance across the entire optic zone, according to B&L.

Parameters include 8.6mm base curve, 14.0mm diameter, powers from +6.00D to –10.00D (0.25D steps), add powers in Low (up to +1.50D) and High (+1.75D to +2.50D), optical zone of 8.0mm at –3.00D and center thickness of 0.09mm at –3.00D.

The PureVision Multi-Focal lens is designed for monthly replacement and is currently available only in the United States. Call (800) 828-9030 or visit www.bausch.com.

Toric Lens Expansion

CooperVision has extended the parameters of its Proclear Toric contact lenses with the introduction of an 8.4mm base curve. The lenses were already available in an 8.8mm base curve as well as sphere powers of +6.00D to –8.00D, cylinder powers of –0.75D, –1.25D, –1.75D and –2.25D (the –2.25D cylinder will be available in an 8.4mm base curve in Fall 2006), and axes of 10 degrees to 180 degrees in 10-degree steps. Call (800) 538-7824 or visit www.coopervision.com.

More Hybrid Lenses on the Way

SynergEyes, Inc., recently announced that it has received FDA clearance to market its SynergEyes PS hybrid lens for post surgical and post trauma refractive error. The company plans to introduce this lens in the third quarter of 2006, and will roll out its SynergEyes KC lens for keratoconus this month. Parameters for the made-to-order SynergEyes KC lens include 14.5mm diameter, 5.70mm to 7.10mm base curves in 0.20mm steps, sphere powers from +4.00D to –16.00D in 0.50D steps and skirt curve radii of steep, median and flat. The custom SynergEyes KC lens also includes sphere powers from +4.50D to +20.00D in 0.50D steps and from –16.50D to –20.00D in 0.50D steps. The SynergEyes M lens for presbyopia is currently planned for launch in late 2006.

SynergEyes has also expanded the in-stock parameter range of its SynergEyes A contact lens from +4.00D to –8.00D. Call (877) SEE-2012 or visit www.synergeyes.com.

Keep Up-to-date with Soft Lens Prices

ABB Optical has launch-ed a new service called the ABB Soft lens Retail Price Monitor to assist independent eyecare professionals in establishing retail pricing.

Each quarter ABB audits the retail pricing of 26 best-selling soft lens brands of a national cross section of independent eyecare practitioners as well as leading national retailers and publishes the data in a summary report. The report also recommends a tier pricing structure for each product to maximize patient retention and profitability, according to ABB Optical.

The first report was issued in March based on audits in late December, 2005. The first quarter 2006 report is now available through ABB sales representatives. Call (800) 852-8089.

Binocular Indirect Ophthalmoscope

Heine has introduced its Omega 500 Binocular Indirect Ophthalmoscope, built on the optical design of its Omega 180 but optimized for increased comfort and performance, according to Heine. The company says the new device has an improved optical system that produces less reflexes and clear, brighter high-resolution images. The overall weight is reduced by 30 percent and the volume of the optics by 20 percent compared to the Omega 180. In addition, Heine says that it has redesigned the headband to include an articulating hinge on the read band for individual fitting and 40 percent more cushion area. Call (800) 367-4872 or visit www.heine.com.