Earlier this year Essilor announced its Sapphire UV coating and offered Optician the chance to try it out. Essilor provided a Varilux X 4D Airwear (polycarbonate) 1.59 index lens to be mated to a Bevel Poirot frame.
The Varilux experience starts with the Visioffice frame fitting, which was skilfully conducted by Kieran Minshull at London’s LK Leon Opticians. Visioffice uses a floor standing unit and a tablet, which capture all physiological data and measurements using a high definition camera.
This is fed into the lens design. The frame was first adjusted and then placed within a jig. This is then worn while a short routine of actions is captured on camera enabling the wearing habits to be established. Near tasks are monitored using the tablet and the dominant eye using an additional accessory.
The combination created is an ultralight and fashionable pair of spectacles. Bevel’s frames are handmade in Japan using generously cut titanium in proprietary colours on limited volume runs. Poirot offers a modern twist on a classic round eye and is light and comfortable to wear. It is a pleasing frame to handle with a quality finish and attractive detailing.
The Varilux X with Sapphire UV required no adaptation between reading and distance. At far vision was sharp and for reading the lens was noticeably better than other designs worn with the same 1.50D add.
The Sapphire UV coating cuts reflection and the lens offers a relaxed, glare-free visual experience with no discernible tint and no back surface reflections. Cosmetically, the lens is invisibly clear and displays a very pale blue bloom when turned to the light. The full rim Poirot frame also stopped the edge reflections found with rimless designs.
This is a top of the range package that does not disappoint. Progressive lens designs are improving helped by the addition of sophisticated dispensing technology. Bevel has also provided a frame which has tempted this wearer out of rimless.