Essilor has launched a new range of specialist ophthalmic lenses designed for patients with complex vision needs that cannot be corrected using its standard lens portfolio.
The range, named Special Lenses, is produced in a dedicated lab in Ligny-en-Barrois, France, by a specialist team. In some cases, the lenses are produced by hand to give full personalisation. Over seven million people worldwide need specialist ophthalmic lenses, said Essilor.
The company showed off its manufacturing capability by setting the world record for a specialist lens power. Slovakian photographer Jan Miskovic (pictured), who suffers from a number of complex eye conditions, including very strong myopia, amblyopia in both eyes, keratoconus and strabismus, received lenses with -108.00 and -106.00 dioptres and 6.00 cylinder. The bi-concave double asymmetrical convex facet lens was made from glass in 1.8 index with an anitreflective Superdiafal applied to the front surface.
Essilor UK managing director Mike Kirkley said: ‘Essilor is now able to offer practitioners the best optical solution for every wearer, whatever the complexity of their needs.
‘Our customers have been requesting this service for some time and I’m very pleased to offer lenses that not only meet these visual needs, but are made with the care and quality that customers expect from an Essilor lens.’