Products: Cobalt NXT & NXT+ Generators
Top Line: Coburn Technologies is expanding its Cobalt equipment line with the addition of two new lens generators, Cobalt NXT & NXT+.
Close Up: The Cobalt NXT is the successor to Coburn’s current large-format freeform generator, the Cobalt DS. Together with the Cobalt NX generator which was launched in March, the Cobalt NXT represents Coburn’s next generation platform for lens surfacing. Some key features and advancements of the Cobalt NXT include:
• Automation Ready: Cobalt NXT has the capability to be upgraded to a fully automated machine for labs looking to completely automate their freeform processes.
• Superior Lens Quality: The quality of the lenses produced with the Cobalt NXT is far superior to that of the Cobalt DS. Cobalt NXT is designed for processing all indexes of lenses (1.498 to 1.74).
• On-Board Engraving: With engraving built in the machine, the need to purchase additional equipment is reduced, thus saving costs.
• Automated Calibration: Manual calibration is still available for those customers wanting to still control this process, but for those who want an automated machine, Cobalt NXT comes built with automatic calibration for faster and more efficient lens processing.
• Higher Throughput: Cobalt NXT comes with increased speeds and higher throughput than the Cobalt NX allowing labs to process jobs faster.
“With the Cobalt NXT, we have expanded the basic fundamentals of our very popular Cobalt DS, while shrinking the footprint to better fit the needs of the market. Cobalt NXT now allows the production volume of a larger lab to fit into the spacing of a smaller lab,” said Alex Incera, president of Coburn Technologies.
Vital Stats: Cobalt NXT+ is built with the same footprint and top cover design as the Cobalt NXT, but takes it one step further by offering full automation for the generating process. NXT+ comes with a pick and place system and conveyor, eliminating the need for an operator to load and unload lenses.
www.CoburnTechnologies.com; (800) COBURN-1

Product: The Eye Doctor Plus
Top Line: The Eye Doctor Plus, a hot and cold eye compress, is now available in the U.S. from OptiSource. Invented and launched in the UK in 2012, The Eye Doctor Plus is used to treat meibomian gland dysfunction, dry eye disease, blepharitis, cysts and other symptoms. Its efficacy is backed by clinical studies, safety testing, and endorsements from medical advisers such as UK's TV personality, Hillary Jones, MD.
Close Up: The Eye Doctor Plus features a removable washable cover, an adjustable strap for extra comfort, and revolutionary patent pending BodyBeads, which are self-hydrating filling specifically designed to provide consistent moist heat during the duration of the treatment.
Vital Stats: The Eye Doctor Plus is FDA approved and also functions as full treatment pack for the three-step eyelid hygiene procedure recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Optometric Association
www.1-800-Optisource.com; (800) 678-4768

Product: My Frame Gallery
Top Line: Frames Data has announced the upcoming release of its newest product, My Frame Gallery. This new product, which can be previewed at www.framesdata.com/gallery, will be officially available at Vision Expo West 2017, as well as online on September 14, 2017.
Close Up: My Frame Gallery will allow independent retailers to subscribe to a service which automatically generates a virtual frame board using the extensive Frames Data database of eyewear, which includes data and full-color imagery. This online frame board can be customized by the practice in a number of ways, including with the retailer’s logo, hours, and location address, as well as frame selection by supplier, brand, collection and style. The result is a highly customized website that reflects the branding and selection of the retailer, which can be added to an existing website as a link, or can even function as a default site in the case where one does not already exist.
“I’m very excited about this project,” said Tom Doyle, director of marketing and key accounts at Frames Data. “We think it is a tremendous opportunity to help our customers grow and compete in today’s digital environment. Consumers expect to be able to browse products online, and this is a way for independent retailers to meet those expectations without a huge investment in website development. Plus, we’ve made it very easy to set up, so you don’t need to be a technical wiz to get started.”
According to Jane George, product manager for Frames Data, My Frame Gallery is designed to be used in a number of ways, including both in-store as well as online by the patients of the individual retailers. “The objective is to help the independent practices drive traffic into their stores with an expanded online presence,” said George. “Once the customer is in the store, My Frame Gallery can also be a sales tool that the optician can use with the customer in person. We know that consumers like to browse products online before they purchase. Eyewear is no different, but you need the in-person expertise of the optician to truly help you get the right fit. My Frame Gallery allows people to browse online even before their appointment, and then steers them to the practice for their exam, fitting and finally, purchase.”
Vital Stats: There is no direct e-commerce option for My Frame Gallery, and Frames Data is not currently displaying any retail pricing. “We’re focused on helping to drive customers to the practice which is how you really create loyal customers, and we think that this delivers a truly memorable experience,” George noted.
Frames Data has been a trusted partner of eyecare professionals, (including opticians, optometrists, ophthalmologists and optical laboratories), helping them run their practices efficiently for over 45 years. Products include Frames Data IDA, Frames Data DVD and Frames Data SPEX UPC for retail frame dispensaries and Tracing Points for optical labs.
www.framesdata.com/gallery.