October 2009 - Posts
Manufactured by Marchon, the CK USB Memory Frame sunglasses from Calvin Klein features a detachable USB key embedded in its right temple.
Offered in two styles, ck3083s-usb has a modified rectangular shape and is available in a choice of black, dark havana or light havana, while ck3084s-usb has a larger rectangular shape and comes in a choice of black, dark havana or pearl.
Both models can be worn as optical frames with prescription lenses and display the CK logo on their temples. The USB flash drive holds up to 4GB of data and can store documents, pictures, media clips and music.
Details: 0800 722020.
Winner of the Silmo d’Or 2009 for Eye Test Equipment, the Nidek ARK 560A autorefractor/keratometer with VA measuring technology uses a new measuring principle, pupil zone imaging.
Analysing a wider area to obtain more reliable and realistic data, the ARK 560A also includes 3D auto tracking and shooting.
Chris Tyler, Birmingham Optical Group chief executive said: ‘Several screenings can be achieved with this one neat instrument. This VA measurement comparison enables the practitioner to perform a quick check-up of the patient’s refractive error by comparing subjective with objective measurement, provided only by the ARK 560A.’
Tyler added: ‘We are measuring 4.00mm rather than the 2.5mm of conventional technology, and coupled with the super luminescent diode we can produce sharper and clearer images than with LEDs.’
Details: 0845 230 3020.
The new Lite series from Mykita features its lightest frame concept to date. With a newly developed screw-less hinge system, the frames are composed solely of three pieces. A unique feature is a very thin temple with a silicone-covered tip that can be bent into shape to fit behind the wearer’s ear. Lenses are fitted into the frames by a thread.
Comprised of six styles for men and women, the Lite collection is designed for everyday wear and each model is available in a choice of five different metallic colours. Mykita’s ‘definition of state-of-the-art luxury eyewear’, the new vintage Mykita Luxe range has temple tips and nose pads made of buffalo horn which is paired with precious metal coatings such as platinum and white gold.
Described by Mykita as panto styles, the small and round Sigmund model and the square Nikolas frame feature a lacquer coating around the lenses. The colour combinations include chocolate brown lacquer with white gold, with the temple and nose pads made of caramel brown horn. Another more modern colour option is coal grey lacquer, shiny silver and dark grey horn.
The Samuel model is a modestly proportioned aviator frame for men that can be worn as glasses or sunglasses. Similarly Cosima for women, a vintage 50s-style top-bar frame can be used as either spectacles or sunglasses.
New styles have also been added to Mykita’s Collection No. 2 acetate range which features another new patented screw-less hinge system which was made possible as a result of a new metal injection moulding technique. Retro styles such as the extra-large 80s Debbie model and the square-shaped heavy Dries frame stylise the collection. Its translucent colours were inspired by luminous gemstones such as garnet red, amethyst purple, topaz brown and quartz sand-blasted crystal.
Details: 0049 (0)30 20456645.
Former child actresses the Olsen twins are launching a sunglass collection for Spring 2010 under their ready-to-wear fashion label, The Row in collaboration with the London based brand Linda Farrow Vintage.
With a recommend retail price of between £190 and £225, the collection will feature four variations on Linda Farrow vintage designs, an oversized ‘blackout’ pair with rounded square lenses, a classic aviator, a Lennon-esque rounded shape and a sunglass with retro browline rims.
With a name alluding to Savile Row, The Row’s TR logo will feature on the tip of each frame’s left temple side.
Details: 020 7713 1105.
Shamir has introduced a computer-controlled video dispensing system which will handle any make of lens.
Distributed by BIB, the Shamir Smart Vision Centre is a complete dispensing system which captures all data needed to fit all types of lenses and frames. It records video and still frame on face images which can be replayed to the customer and captures the measurements necessary for successful fitting.
The software backing up the system allows the DO to demonstrate different lens thicknesses, tints and frame combinations. A tablet computer assists in the fitting of progressives, while videos on products, clinical conditions and other visual topics are available for customer education.
Phil Bareham, Shamir’s operations manager, explained that the SSVC was suitable for use with all makes of lenses and not just Shamir products. Some manufacturers only provide dispensing tools that work with their own lenses and a generic product would be welcomed by the market.
Details: 01483 740823.
Jai Kudo has released two new Autumn/Winter 2009 frame collections for men and women.
The manufacturer described its new eponymous Jai Kudo range as possessing ‘urban sophistication and understated glamour’. Its colour palette contains ‘cityscape and earth tones’ of steel, graphite, mocha, rust and black as well as berry tones and jewel colours inspired by the 80s. Stylised by solid fronts with crystal-wash backings, the frames are constructed from a variety of materials with a number of textures including high-gloss 3-D surfacing and super matt rubber effect.
According to Jai Kudo, its other new range, the JK London Autumn/Winter collection features modern eye shapes and finishes including super high-gloss varnish, translucent crystal acetate, matt satin metal and sculpted rubber effects. The JK London collection features autumnal berry tones as well as neutral colours and design features such as etched metallic ribbing, ultra modern moulded bevelled arms and silver web laser plating.
JK London is stylised by the eye-shadow concept, where the frames mimic the effect of eye-shadow to highlight the eyes. Both collections are available to view online at www.jaikudo.com.
Details: 07977 334487.
International Eyewear’s new full-rimmed metal Hero 4131 model features lugs with metal detailing, combined with acetate temples and tips and subtle branding.
Designed specifically for the progressive lens wearer, it is available in size 53-18-135 and comes in light bronze as well as gun metal.
Details: 0121 585 6565.
Dunelm Optical has launched a new directory of cases and optical accessories.
Featuring its full case and accessories range, the brochure contains more than 90 case styles ranging from 17p slip-ins to the new Martinique case costing £1.70 each. These range from children’s cases in fabric and bright-coloured plastic to designs for adults as well as kidney cases or button flap cases in floral coverings.
The catalogue also features a range of accessories including cords chains, sports bands and cleaning and repair kits. New for 2009 is a bead stand with 24 assorted chains at £49.95.
Details: 01388 420420.
Immagine Eyewear has added new optical models to its luxury Rye&Lye brand.
The Italian manufacturer described the retro Marruba as the signature model in the collection. With a chunky retro front made from acetate, the frame’s temples are constructed from stainless steel and rubber and are bound in leather sewn by hand.
Details: www.rye-lye.it
Signet Armorlite (SA) has launched what it described as its ultimate SA branded free-form progressive lens, Signaview.
According to SA, Signaview combines ‘optical perfection with an affordable price’ and meets all the demands associated with a digital free-form lens. This includes a maximised field of view, clear distance vision at every point of gaze, increased prescription accuracy and quick patient adaptation.
‘Signaview is a fantastic entry point for those who want to experience high quality free-form lenses without a big cost difference compared with a traditionally surfaced progressive lens,’ said SA’s product marketing manager, Claire Cooke. SignaView has a 16mm corridor length and is available from a wide range of materials from 1.50 to 1.74 index including Polarised, Transitions VI and SunSensors. It is also hard coated as standard and is available with RLX AR or EzyClean.
Details: 01452 887181.
Compact and versatile, the WECO Edge 650 is designed to integrate into an existing lab, combining drilling, grooving, milling and chamfering.
Suitable for all lens materials, including polycarbonate and Trivex lenses, the WECO 650 allows the operator to select individual parameters based on material and coating.
According to Buchmann UK, it provides an unlimited option of standard angle drill holes, a rectangular function for blind elongated holes and adjustable contour grooving and chamfering. With a smooth mode and groove clean mode, it also has adjustable edge cycles, a sense touch keyboard and a high curve mode for 8-base frames.
Details: 01634 662300.
According to manufacturer Arch Crown, the Datamax E-4205 thermal transfer desktop labels and tags printer is ideal for a large number of applications that require a cost-effective barcode printer.
It has serial, parallel and USB ports, while internal Ethernet and wireless Ethernet ports are optional. It offers print speeds of up to five inches per second and it can print labels up to 4.25 inches wide.
It can also accommodate label or tag stock rolls of up to five inches in diameter.
Details: www.ArchCrown.com
Stepper UK has introduced a range of rimless models which it claimed ‘redefine the concept of rimless frames’.
According to the manufacturer, ‘the preconception that rimless means minimalist has been thrown out of the window’ and its new collection is stylised by sophisticated colourways and imaginative combinations of materials.
Stepper UK’s managing director, Richard Crook, said: ‘Take a look at the Stepper 4079, the combination of materials from plastic to titanium come together in an almost organic way.’ He also highlighted the frames’ twin tube glazing system which he said ensured the best possible glazing into Steppers’ rimless mounts. ‘You can feel the rigidity of our rimless frames even with the display lenses,’ he said.
Details: 01732 375975.
Signet Armorlite (SA) has introduced an advanced free-form progressive which it described as easy to dispense and to wear.
Made using micro digital surfacing technology, the Kodak Easy Lens diminishes the residual lateral astigmatism associated with conventional progressive lenses. According to SA, the lens requires no complicated measurements or equipment.
With standard progressive measurements the lens will automatically calculate the appropriate corridor length in for the optimum lens design to be surfaced for the patient’s frame choice. Each lens can be personalised by laser engravings of three initials to every lens.
Kodak Easy Lens is hard coated and available in a range of materials from 1.50 to 1.74 index with polarised, Transitions, SunSensors and InstaShades options. SA has a buy-one-get-one-free deal on all first orders.
Details: 01452 887410 or email enquiries@kodaklens.co.uk
Charmant has launched a new Lacoste optical collection which it described as incorporating classic shapes with sporty details and chic colours.
Featuring rounded temples, the metal men’s frame LA 12038 has metal tips and comes in black, brown, gold and silver. LA 12042 is a more rectangular metal half-rimmed style that comes in a choice of black, brown, gun metal and khaki. LA 12039 is an aviator-style extra-light half-rimmed frame for men with metal temple tips and the Lacoste branding on the upper bridge. It comes in a palette of black, brown, gold and white.
LA 12041 is a vintage-style frame with a gradation print. The Lacoste letters are inlaid in silver on its metal tipped temples. It comes in black, brown, grey and Havana. With a titanium front and acetate temples in contrasting colours, LA 12040 comes in black brown, gold and grey. LA 12050 for men has a titanium bridge and matching lightweight temples, in black, green, red and silver options (pictured).
The women’s autumn optical collection features elements of the summer 2010 sun-wear collection with sporty styling and fresh logo treatments. LA 12239 has a titanium front and temples in contrasting coloured acetate. Lacoste branding is featured in a new round letter logo in enamel inlay and the frame comes in brown, burgundy, gold and purple. LA 12240 features a logo inlaid in cloisonné and comes in black, purple or tortoise.
Details: 020 8992 9222.
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