SWV Strategy with Vision, an independently owned Consultancy and Market Research Company, specializing in the eyewear and eye care business, routinely provides perspectives on major international trade shows.
Optik provides a summary of SWV’s day-by-day insights on Vision Expo East (VEE) , April 1- April 2, 2022.
DAY 1, (Friday)
As usual in past years, industry leaders looking to the transform the industry kick off VEE with several significant announcements. Here’s what caught the eye of SWV.
Satisloh launched revolutionary technology designed to shake up the AR coating world. Rx Laboratories can now apply an AR film to lenses that is laminated onto the surface. The result is a front-side and back-side coated lens in 15 minutes.
Satisloh® Tech-Film AR, a prefabricated, all-in-one, multi-layer film that replaces several coating consumables by combining multiple coatings and a bonding adhesive, laminates in a few easy steps.
Satishloh claims the process shortens the time it takes to produce an AR lens to 15 minutes and saves on consumables
Realign The Eyes
It’s estimated that ⅔ of adults’ experience eye misalignment, which can lead to Digital Vision Syndrome.
Neurolens technology solves this issue by bringing things back into focus using a contoured prism design reducing headaches, eye strain, dizziness, and dry eye by up to 80%. The design provides more prism where it is needed most, helping the patient effectively focus on tasks.
Bluetooth Eyewear
UK based Lucyd eyewear is changing the way people wear glasses with the integration of Bluetooth technology that offers vision correction paired with open-ear audio and microphone capabilities.
Unlike previous ‘smart glasses’ technology, Lucyd eyewear is lightweight and looks like traditional glasses. Lucyd also takes digital eye technology further with app integration technology that allows wearers to listen to audiobooks, music, and mediation sessions.
The Miru 1 day UpSide is designed to improve wearer comfort and safety by only allowing wearers to touch the outer surface of the lens. The smart zone faces downwards meaning the inner surface is completed protected from human contact.
Saying Goodbye To Dry Eye
Dry eye technology continues to make innovative leaps with tools designed to more precisely treat symptoms. Optilight with Lumenis patented Optimal Pulse Technology (OPT) drew significant attention from attendees looking to improve their level of patient care.
The Optilight is designed to reach the contours of the eye, providing enhanced treatment of dry eye due to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.
Lifting the Fog
Since the pandemic began, glasses-wearers have suffered through the inconvenience of foggy glasses due to ongoing mask mandates. Nano Magie has released new nanotechnology that reduces fog build up improving the visual experience without the use of heavy chemicals.
The non-abrasive spray is also residue and streak-free, reducing wear and tear on lenses.
AMD Detection
Catching AMD early lessens the chance of developing more serious vision complications, and slows the progression of dry to wet macular degeneration.
AdaptDx Pro (Maculogix) is a headset that does a complete diagnostic on the eyes providing ECPs a better understanding of how AMD is progressing. Patients are asked to complete a series of tests to determine the level of vision deterioration so that the right treatment can be prescribed.
DAY 2, (Saturday)
There was a strong focus on education at VEE with many vendors using the
day to educate customers about products and treatment options, including:
Smart Technology
As contact lens technology continues to develop, Miru (Menicon) has upped the game by introducing contact lenses with integrated Smart Touch technology.
DAY 3, (Sunday)
Day three continued to welcome eye care professionals from around the world eager to learn about the latest frame collections and new lens products. There was also a significant focus on education at this year’s event with industry leaders taking the lead in providing learning opportunities.
Eye Care Education
EssilorLuxottica officially launched Leonardo, a single learning platform to help educate eye care professionals about the latest products and health innovations.
The company has tapped a wide range of industry experts to help lead training and learning sessions on product development, lens technology, and practice management. The lessons are presented in a variety of digital formats, including videos, interactive lessons, podcasts, and virtual classrooms.
Leonardo replaces Essilor University/Luxottica University but will still provide participants with certification on completion of a course or program.
Tackling Digital Eye Strain
A two-year pandemic paired with the challenges of working from home has left many people suffering from digital eye strain.
IOT is tackling digital eye strain with its next generation of lens technology.
Endless and Endless Plus utilizes Digital Ray Path technology to reduce wearer fatigue and prevent digital eye strain. The Endless technology has been paired with most of their current lens offerings.
Careers in Optics
This year saw the Career Zone expand to more retailers looking for fresh new talent to help provide vision care.
Warby Parker, Walmart, VSP, Shopko Optical, and Bailey Nelson were among the nearly dozen businesses that are actively recruiting new team members as they expand their brand locations.
The Career Zone also offered workshops and presentations to help current students prepare to enter the optical industry.
Extra Protection from Transitions XTRActive
Transitions have always been known for protecting harmful UV light thanks to advanced photochromic technology. The latest version, XTRActiveNewGeneration was formally announced at Vision Expo East.
This new generation of technology is designed for protection against intense indoor light, outdoors, and driving blocking up to 34% of blue light indoors and 90% outdoors.
These lenses are also designed for people with light sensitivity and people who spend a lot of time in outdoor settings. Transitions XTRActive is available in grey, brown, graphite green, and six style mirrors.
New Optical Publication
IMAGINEM is a new optical publication shown at VEE. The concept was conceived in Milan. It showcases independent eyewear collections from around the world. IMAGINEM states that it is available to select independent optical retailers across North America. The Global digital version of IMAGINEM is published in English, French, Italian and German.
Complete Reports from SWV:
Day 1 Report, Day 2 Report, Day 3 Report
