Product: LT-980 (HC) Tracer
Top Line: Santinelli International is unveiling an advanced, new generation “concept tracer” at Vision Expo West. Show attendees will be introduced to the all-new LT-980 (HC) Tracer, featuring high-curve frame trace capability with fully automatic operation.
Close Up: Among its many unique features is the unit’s stylus which automatically adjusts to the rise and fall of the curve of any frame. The sophisticated software then calculates the effect that the curve imparts with respect to size, reproducing the best digitized frame data available. The LT-980 is intended for production in early 2012. The LT-980’s ultra-low stylus-pressure feature eliminates distortion on even the thinnest, most flexible of frames. This is achieved by altering the angle approach of the stylus-to-frame whereby the pressure is dispersed over a larger area of the frame and at various angles, rather than merely the standard 90 degree angle. Furthermore, this low pressure feature provides precise tracing data and prolongs the lifetime of the tracer’s stylus.
Vital Stats: The three-axis assemblies, horizontal, vertical and rotational, which control and guide the stylus operation, are completely sealed, thereby protecting the mechanical core of the tracer from frame debris. Consequently, the LT-980’s technology will provide years of trouble-free operation and optimum performance.
www.santinelli.com; (800) 644-EDGE

Product: PediaVision’s new breakthrough vision screening device that will help children with an innovative new technology, Spot, which can assess a child's vision with a very quick capture time.
Top Line: Spot has a quick capture time of less than one second which makes screening equally efficient in a physician's office or large-scale public screening. The WiFi-enabled handheld device makes vision screening as easy as taking a photo. Spot's touchscreen interface clearly displays the results accurately and instantly. Spot is easily used by anyone when screening children from six months through adults.
Close Up: With Spot, PediaVision reports, a typical school can be screened in one day, dramatically lowering the cost to screen students. Access to the screening data is immediate and Spot facilitates a large scale data analysis. Spot enables educators to instantly print reports, monitor follow-up care and show supporters the statistics behind childhood vision issues. "Our goal is to give every child the opportunity to reach their full potential," said David Melnik, president and CEO of PediaVision. "Spot demonstrates how innovation can drive profound changes in our community.”
Vital Stats: In as long as it takes to snap a finger, Spot can identify the most common vision issues associated with school-age children which can hamper a student's ability to learn. A quick screening is able to detect nearsightedness (myopia), blurred vision (astigmatism) and farsightedness (hyperopia). For pre-verbal and pre-school children, Spot looks for indications of amblyopia, a form of blindness in one and eye that affects 1 in 50 children.
www.pediavision.com

Product: Optiwheel
Top Line: Optiwheel from Sterling Heights, Mich., is launching a new grinding wheel technology for all plastic lens manufacturers.
Close Up: Until now, plastic lens manufacturers have relied on plated and brazed diamond grinding wheels to shape and edge plastic lenses. The performance of diamond grinding wheel is based on the ability of small irregular diamonds rubbing away the plastic material. This rubbing action generates excessive heat during the edging process limiting production efficiency.
Optiwheel has developed a new grinding wheel technology engineered for edging plastic lens materials. Optiwheels feature a unique “raised” abrasive surface of small carbide cutting structures placed into a repeating pattern and brazed to a grinding wheel body. These razor sharp cutting structures penetrate and remove plastic similar to tiny milling cutters. This new design allows Optiwheel to remove material at a higher efficiency rate with lower surface temperatures. Independent studies from leading edging equipment manufacturers claim Optiwheel has improved edging productivity from 200 percent to 500 percent while maintaining smooth edge quality.
Vital Stats: Optiwheels are available in all shapes and sizes and will easily adapt to all edging equipment.
www.optiwheel.com; email: mike@optiwheel.com; (866) 817-0195

Product: Aura AR
Top Line: Aura AR is manufactured using iCoat’s proprietary Maximum Transmission technology that helps produce improved light transmission for enhanced visual acuity.
Close Up: Aura wearers will experience clearer, sharper vision with Aura AR lenses, especially in situations like night driving and working under bright light conditions.
Vital Stats: Aura is composed of a unique, chemically enhanced AR stack that is virtually impervious to wear and tear, resulting in one of the highest Bayer hardness, according to an independent lab testing. Delivering a very low 0.5 percent visible reflectance, Aura provides crisp vision that is free from annoying reflections and distracting glare. Its eye comforting hue reflects up to 50 percent less than conventional AR lenses.
www.icoatcompany.com; (800) 832-2628