(L to R) Sherianne James, Luc Nouvelot and
Millicent Knight, OD, at the Essilor press
breakfast yesterday.
NEW YORK—Essilor of America is launching AVA (Advanced Vision Accuracy), an integrated system for eyecare professionals that delivers significantly improved accuracy both in exam and prescription within 1/100th of diopter, according to Essilor. The heart of the system is a new phoropter, the Vision-R 800, by Essilor Instruments. “We’re the only company that can guarantee digital accuracy in both exams and prescriptions—with the world’s most advanced lenses in our Varilux and Eyezen+ designs that can be ordered to the 1/100th of diopter in prescription,” said Sherianne James, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Essilor of America, who described the new technology at a press event here yesterday.

”With this solution, eyecare practitioners can deliver their patient’s best vision and equip them with an immediate demonstration of the power of precise lenses and the best visual acuity.”

The Vision-R 800 features a patented optical module that allows for instant focus and exact refraction. The module’s “Smart Tests” algorithm assists the specialist in conducting the refraction procedure, making it both fast and easy, allowing the practitioner to focus on having a dialogue with the patient.

A new liquid lens and a new refractive process makes the refraction more comfortable for the patient and less tedious for the doctor. The phoropter’s smooth power changes and wider field of vision allow for a shorter procedure with less fatigue for the patient and doctor, Essilor said.

The AVA Integrated Solution is available to practitioners at Vision Expo East, with delivery starting eight weeks after ordering and subject to scheduling. The commercial launch is slated for July 2019.

Also at the press conference, Luc Nouvelot, who heads research and development for Transitions Optical said that the company’s newest product, a fast changing photochromic lens called Transitions Signature Gen 8, will be launched in the U.S. in July.

Millicent Knight, OD, FAAO, senior vice president of Essilor’s Customer Development Group, spoke about a new Essilor program, “Myopia Matters,” that will combat “a lack of understanding and educational resources available to consumers.” She also described a new program for eyecare practitioners, Myopia in Action, designed to help them implement a myopia initiative in their practice.