Digital Surfacing, or Freeform Technology continues to outperform conventional progressive add lenses as more of our accounts are using these new products.
Due to better design resolution and superior optics there is an increased ease of adaptation by patients using these products.

VX Physio 360 continues to be among our top ten in progressive lens sales for the first three months of 2007, with zero non-adapts and less that 1% in drs' changes. In the 2nd quarter of 2007 Essilor will release the VX Ellipse 360, and later in the year we will have Comfort 360.

Kodak Unique has been very impressive with zero non-adapts, drs. changes,and scratch warranties. Unique is available in many lens material choices.

Shamir Creation has been a pleasant surprise with increasing usage and zero redos. This product is processed entirely by Advance and is available with or without AR. Creation has just been release in 1.67 Transitions Gray. Shamir has been overwhelmed by the success of this product. This would be an excellent upgrade from Genesis.

 

Essilor continues to drive innovation in progressive and high index lenses.
the new and improved Thin & Lite 1.60 has improved in several ways:
-higher ABBE value for improved optics
-lower density for lighter weight
-improved UV protection to 400 nm
-improved tensile strength for drill mounts

Essilor is releasing two Varilux products in this new 1.60 material.
As of March 20th, VX Ellipse will be available in clear and Transitions Gray.
Rx range is +8.00 to -12.00D, and add powers of .75-3.00.

Starting April 3rd, VX Comfort will be available in the new and improved 1.60 in both clear and Transitions (Gray + Brown.)
Rx rand is +8.00 to -12.00D, and add powers of .75-3.50.

 

On March 1st VSP rolled out the Signature Choice Plan which is a new plan for federal employees. This plan differs from other plans in the way that Eyefinity orders are directed to the labs for processing. In effect, you have little control where the order goes.

Where the Rx goes is determined by what you order. Most likely, if you order a lens vendor's AR coating it will go to that lens vendor's lab. For example, Crizal coating will automatically go the the Essilor lab in Dallas, TX.

There are six Labs listed for VSP Signature Choice work in New York state. Advance Optical is the only local lab listed and is the only independent lab listed. all the others are lens vendor labs or a VSP lab.

If you want to direct your work to Advance Optical then we recommend you select "lab choice" for regular AR coating or select Vivix or Vivix Stainless for premium AR coating. That way or lab, Advance Optical, should appear as the lab choice. Being "specific" about how you order may help eliminate the need to open accounts with other labs with whom you do not wish to do business.

Hopefully, this will allow you to remain in control of where your lab work is done.

 

Our top 10 list of PAL lenses remains close to what it has been in previous months.
Howver, Digital Surfacing Technology products are making their way up the chart as more accounts use this new technology which offers superior optics and better design resolution.
1)VX Comfort
2)VX Ellipse
3)VX Panamic
4)VX Physio
5)Piccolo
6)Image
7)VIP
8)VX Physio 360
9)Ovation
10)AO Compact
20)Kodak Unique
22)Shamir Creation

 

Effective immediately the cost of each Rx will be increased by $1.00 to help cover the ever increasing costs of doing business. We appreciate your understanding.