Author Archives: Envision Magazine

Canadians Can Now Experience Polaroid’s Polarized Sunglasses

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As one of the top four global sunglass brands, which sold over four million pairs of polarized sunglasses last year, Polaroid has arrived in Canada.

“Canada represents a significant market opportunity for Polaroid Eyewear, as we offer consumers a wide variety of polarized sunglasses based on wearable design, high protection and perfect vision,” said Roberto Vedovotto, CEO of the Sàfilo Group, which acquired Polaroid last year. “The 2013 collection includes sunglasses that are both functional and modern – their unique technology delivers optimum UV protection and glare-free vision, at a great price-performance ratio.”

Men and women can choose between Core and Premium collections: all featuring the unique Polaroid UltraSightTM polarized lenses, which offer perfect vision without glare or distortion, as well as 100 per cent UV400 protection. Polaroid lenses are made of functional elements, including a polarized filter in the centre, four filters for UV protection, two extra shock-absorbing coatings that provide extra durability and two scratch-resistant layers for protection.

The Core collection showcases a variety of sunglass styles that highlight modern, elegant and classic lines. These models for men and women combine functionality and design for everyday use. 

Polaroid UltraSight polarized lenses are developed in the Polaroid factory in Scotland. The innovative production is based on the patented process called ThermofusionTM, which delivers high-quality polarized lenses offering better visual acuity. Sunglasses in Polaroid’s Premium collection for men and women exude class. The UltraSight lenses in this line are finished with two extra shock-absorbing coatings, giving them extra durability and a single anti-reflective coating for perfect optical clarity.

Italian Independent for Cool Lifestyle

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At the end of March, MOOD Eyewear officially launched Italia Independent’s new collection, at Le Petit Hôtel in Old Montreal. The high-end brand, known for its original and creative eyewear selection, is back in full force for the new season, notably with three new product lines – each one as dazzling as the next. Distributed exclusively in Canada by MOOD Eyewear since September 2012, the Italia Independent brand is attracting numerous followers and fashionistas, as well as celebrities. Classics such as the I-Thermic (frames that change color in the heat), are back again, along with new offerings such as I-Rock and I-Sport.

The I-Velvet Rock glasses are the new kids on the I-Velvet block – spectacles covered with the same material as on the dashboards of Ferrari automobiles! The eye-catching, studded frames are directly inspired by street style and the fashion runways of the world. This new addition, available in the 096V and 090V models, is stylish and adds a touch of rock ‘n’ roll to the summer season.

Direct from the research and development laboratories of Fiat-Ferrari, this innovative collection of frames, which are remarkably comfortable, are made of a new, indestructible material. Available in a number of styles – 111, 112 or 116 – this dazzlingly, colourful collection is a must in one’s eyewear collection.

Vintage Icon Series for a Unique Look

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Characteristically demonstrating a noteworthy tribute to retro boldness, Seraphin introduces three all new styles inspired by time honored looks from the mid 19th century. Dashing round lenses are paired with a quaint saddle bridge in the Niles, and brow bar emphasis comes to life in the revamped 1950’s-inspired profile, the Griggs. Touches of glossy acetate combine with intricate titanium elements to bring dimension to the table, as the Lawton demonstrates an unexpected twist to create an understated, yet classic look. Handcrafted appeal comes to the forefront this season as these classic shapes and intricately etched titanium accents boast dapper style with a prestigious intelligence.

“Inspired by a plethora of classic shapes, Seraphin’s Vintage Icon Series harkens back to the basics of pure style to create an understated, yet classic look full of vintage panache. Handmade materials, intricate detailing, and exquisite craftsmanship merge beautifully to create unique looks perfect for any debonair prepster,” said Karly Anderson, from the marketing and design department at OGI Eyewear.

G-Star RAW with Marchon

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G-Star RAW has announced a licensing deal with Marchon Eyewear. The license will grant Marchon the rights to manufacture and distribute eyewear collections under the G-Star brand. The first deliveries will begin in October 2013.

Considered the modern denim brand with a focus on craftsmanship and innovation, G-Star originated the concept of 3D denim and established a dedication to raw, untreated denim. The brand’s singular point of view on construction and design also stretches beyond denim, including other wardrobe essentials, footwear, and accessories.

Jos van Tilburg, CEO of G-Star, said, “This is a significant day for G-Star. We are excited to start this partnership with Marchon. We are proud that with their expertise and experience we are able to expand the G-Star design philosophy and innovation strategy to eyewear.”

Marchon President and CEO Claudio Gottardi, added, “The licensing agreement with G-Star marks another proud moment in Marchon’s continuous portfolio expansion. G-Star has a rich heritage and a formidable history. The combination of distinctive construction and quality, high-level craftsmanship aligns with Marchon’s core values. We look forward to continuing and expanding G-Star’s brand equities and presence worldwide.”

Three ‘Os’ Collaborate in Political Event Leading up to B.C. Election

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By Paddy Kamen

British Columbia has been a hotbed of political unrest for the optical community for the past few years and the Canadian Coalition of Eye Care Professionals (CCEPro) is doing something about it. In fact, they turned out an impressive audience of hundreds of people on February 18 for a political event.

Vancouver’s Fairmont Waterfront Hotel was the scene of a meeting with B.C.’s New Democratic Party (NDP) leader, Adrian Dix, and his health critic, Mike Farnworth. The lineup of optical professionals wanting to attend the event was long and the buzz on the floor was considerable. Envision: seeing beyond magazine was there in the form of your’s truly.

The issues are important not only for B.C. eyecare professionals. This was clearly demonstrated by the presence of CCEPro executive members from across the country. Acting Executive Director Ali Khan* flew in from Toronto, the Chair of Ophthalmology, Dr. Hamza Khan, traveled from Victoria, the Chair of Opticianry, Ron Phillips from Langley, and the Chair of Optometry, Dr. Michael Naugle, came all the way from Moncton.

The issues on CCEPro’s agenda include the deregulation of optical dispensing and the devaluation of ophthalmic procedures (i.e., doctors getting paid less for certain procedures). A provincial election is to be held May 14 and at the time of writing, the NDP are widely expected to form the next government (note: the results will be known by the time this article is published). NDP Leader Dix, is on record as opposing the Liberal government’s deregulation of optical dispensing, and he spoke at the meeting about his own vision challenges related to the fact that he has diabetes. While making no promises, Dix assured CCEPro members that he would work collaboratively with them for the benefit of B.C. citizens.

CCEPro has 1,000 members across Canada, drawn from opticianry, optometry and ophthalmology. The organization believes that collaboration among the three Os is a key step towards promoting a balanced and beneficial care model to patients and policy makers. The event in Vancouver was a stellar example of CCEPro’s mandate in action.

*Ali Khan, one of the founders of CCEPro and still a consultant, stepped down as a director after the Vancouver event, in order to devote more time to the expansion of his business. The Board has promoted communications consultant Sheila Bissonnette to the position.

Transitions Optical: Driving Consumers Your Way

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By Paddy Kamen

Historically, eyecare professionals (ECPs) had few ways to attract the public to their retail stores: a window display, local advertising, sponsoring a sports team, flyers, etc. What else could motivate a potential customer to walk into the store… designer brands, word of mouth? While these tried and true techniques may be effective in their own way, they are very limited in scope and sometimes costly. They are also, yawn, rather old school.

Then along comes Transitions Optical, Inc., a company that has dramatically influenced eyewear consumers and driven them into optical stores. How? Through advertising! Today, fully 40 per cent of people surveyed say they are intending to purchase Transitions® lenses. And this year, Transitions is advertising to the tune of 244 million impressions on Canadian television alone. And get this: brand awareness among the general population is 56 per cent!

The TV ads, found on CTV, CBC and specialty networks including HGTV, Discovery, TSN and many others, are part of a comprehensive campaign across Canada and the U.S., unfolding from February to December 2013. Your patients who watch Breakfast Television and Canada AM will be better informed of their choices in adaptive eyewear as a result of this biggest-ever Transitions advertising campaign.

Online folks (and who isn’t online these days?) will be seeing the Transitions campaign on BBC.com, AOL, Corus Entertainment, CBC, The Globe and Mail,Rogers, Torstar and Postmedia Network. There’s also a social media component that we’ll get to in a bit.

Matt Dorling, the new director for Transitions Optical in Canada (he is also responsible for retail in the U.S.), says the main objective of the campaign is to convey the enhanced experience consumers can get from wearing any of the Transitions family of products.

There is a Transitions lens for every consumer, and two main product categories: Transitions everyday adaptive lenses and Transitions adaptive sunwear. “People want their lenses to do more and they want a product that enhances the way they experience everyday life,” explains Dorling. “If they want the absolutely clearest lens indoors while still having sun protection when outdoors, the Transitions VI lens is a perfect choice; the person who is outdoors a lot and wants maximum relief from eye strain, in addition to a lens that activates behind a windshield, will prefer the Transitions XTRActive® lens. And those who enjoy the superior visual experience of a polarized lens will find that the Transitions Vantage™ lens gives them the desired advantages.”

The sunwear category includes a wide range of Rx and non-Rx products, including sun lenses, sunglasses (lenses and frames sold together) and motorcycle face shields. Designed specifically to meet the unique visual demands of driving, Transitions Drivewear® sun lenses are the only polarized photochromic to activate behind the windshield of a car; combining NuPolar® polarization and advanced photochromic dyes, which respond to both visible light and UV light.

The advertising campaign sparks an interest in Transitions XTRActive lenses and Transitions Vantage lenses – and encourages consumers to visit their ECP to have an informed discussion. And because covering all the bases is just the way Transitions does business, the company goes to great lengths to facilitate that discussion. For ECPs, Transitions offers training and education through the Transitions Learning Portal at Transitions.com/learn. Dorling says the Learning Portal is being well used by Canadian professionals, with about 450 ECPs registered and actively using the system at any one time. While much of the content is specifically about selling the Transitions family of products, accredited continuing education courses are also available.

The discussion between ECPs and patients is also facilitated when consumers visit the Transitions.com website. Since January, traffic to Transitions.com has risen by over 200 per cent. The most viewed pages on the site are the ‘products’ page and the ‘where to buy’ page, which further reinforces the fact that consumers want to take action and obtain Transitions lenses.

Another exciting aspect to the campaign is the company’s partnerships with celebrity ambassadors to enhance its social media efforts. According to Dorling, these big names in their fields – country music artist Darius Rucker; baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr.; celebrity chef Robert Irvine; and National Geographic photographer Annie Griffiths and writer Andrew Evan – will be using social media channels to talk about their individual experiences with Transitions lenses. “This gives the campaign a nice element of authenticity because not all the information is coming from us, but is based on our ambassadors’ view of every day experiences wearing Transitions lenses” notes Dorling.

Social media connections with consumers are also fostered through the Transitions Facebook page (Transitions lenses) and Twitter account (@Transitions), through which the company shares information and videos about their family of products, in addition to eye and overall health tips and photos from outreach events.

The total effect of the campaign, with social media, online ads, celebrity involvement and television, amounts to what Dorling calls a ‘surround sound’ effect. And the impact is further enhanced with in-store information and education aids in the form of video loops, dispensing mats, brochures and posters, which are available at TransitionsRewards.com. These aids will no doubt help spark recognition in the consumer’s mind and make it easier for practitioners to start conversations about Transitions lenses.

Dorling recommends that ECPs take the lead in helping the patient choose the best Transitions lens solution by asking questions about lifestyle, work and outdoor activities. “It’s important that patients feel they’re being drawn out and listened to with respect to their needs. Our training gives the ECP suggested language to use when describing the products; it’s best when it is not technical but instead built around the patient experience and finding the best solution for that wearer.”

Transitions sales reps are also available for customized seminars and training for ECPs and their staff. “We’re expanding the sales team inCanadaand will have more reps in the field. This is another way we’re expressing our passion for helping the ECP to be successful in capitalizing on growing consumer awareness of the Transitions brand,” says Dorling. 

It’s definitely a whole new world for ECPs as a result of Transitions Optical’s advertising campaigns. You’re no longer thrown on your own resources but rather supported in a myriad of ways. Transitions has made success very easy, creating a value-added product and driving well-informed consumers right to your door. They’ve really changed the game, making you and your patients the winners.

Who’s Afraid of the Internet?

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By JoAnne Sommers

Does your business have an online presence? If not, you have plenty of company. According to RBC’s 2013 survey of Canadian small businesses, only 46 per cent of respondents have a dedicated website, and less than half (48 per cent) of them sell their products and services through their websites.

Those findings shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone familiar with last year’s survey of Canadian ECPs by Breton Communications. It found that about one-quarter (25.8 per cent) of respondents did not have a dedicated website, while 11.2 per cent said their practice still did not have Internet access.

At the same time, according to Statistics Canada, more than 80 per cent of Canada’s population is online; and a report by Boston Consulting Group predicts that Canada’s Internet economy will grow 7.4 per cent annually through 2016.

“With the majority of consumers choosing to research and shop for products and services online, businesses without a web presence are missing a significant opportunity,” says Jim Mulligan, national director, Retail, RBC Royal Bank. “Businesses need to be visible where consumers choose to be, so investing in an online strategy is fundamental to attract new customers and stay competitive.”

Mulligan’s comments are borne out by the results of RBC’s survey; it found that 38 per cent of businesses that have eCommerce-enabled websites generate over one-quarter of their revenue through online sales. Fully 22 per cent of those surveyed say that more than half of their revenue comes from online sales.

Given that the Internet economy represents a significant opportunity for small businesses, why do so many of them continue to resist it?

Dana Sacco, RO, is a licensed optician with Rossland Optical in Whitby, ON, and a Predictive Index trainer and consultant. Sacco, who has had a web presence for over 10 years, believes the reason for the reluctance stems from the fact that most ECPs have little or no actual business education.

“They’re highly skilled and good at what they do but most lack specific business training. That makes it difficult for them to embrace modern, visionary business practices,” she says.

For Sacco, a web presence is not an add-on – it’s an absolute necessity. “If you don’t have one these days, it’s like not having a debit machine,” she says. “Many people begin the buying process by looking for information about products and services online. If they can’t get that information at home, you’ll lose out on at least half of your potential client base.”

Extending her client base to reach a global market is the focus of Sacco’s current efforts. “I’m getting into online sales in partnership with several exclusive designer brands that are not available through Internet-based companies like FramesDirect.com,” she notes.

Having a web presence doesn’t have to cost a lot, nor does it require much technical expertise. In fact, a lot of solutions are available at low to no cost. Competition in the website business has forced down prices for domain registration and hosting. It is also possible to design your own website using automated software provided by web hosting companies, such as Go Daddy and Homestead Technologies.

Several years ago, Sacco, who admits she’s no techie, invested in Web Builder, a software program from Millbrook, ON-based CBS Group that enables her to maintain her own website. “It’s very user-friendly. I just log into the site and it lets me update specific content areas. And Google Analytics provides me with valuable information about the people who visit my website.”

Sacco says her website is a critical aspect of her social media effort. “I have a Google blog on Gmail where I express my opinion on various subjects. It’s all part of realizing my business plan.”

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Resources

While only 39 per cent of Canadian small business owners surveyed by RBC promote their business on social media, it is easy, inexpensive, and potentially profitable to do so. That’s especially true if you have a blog that generates fresh content to share. Blogs can be easily set up with services like Google’s www.blogger.com. These are mini-websites. Check out what they are capable of and consider whether you need a full-blown website or simply a blog. Once you have your website and/or blog established, you can begin building a social media presence. It can be overwhelming to know where to begin so we suggest that you set up a professional presence on LinkedIn and join Google+, where you can establish groups or circles of people based on your affiliation with them (e.g. customers, colleagues, community affiliations, family and friends). You can then invite others to join your circles, which is a great way to establish or re-establish contact.

You can use Google+ like a blog and share information with your customers or potential customers, gearing the information to their needs and their relationship with you. This is a great business-growing tool and is considered by many to be the next wave in social networking. You can learn about Google+ in Guy Kawasaki’s book, What the Plus!, which is available as a Kindle download (Not there yet? You can download a Kindle reader to your computer for free!). There are also great instructional videos on the Google+ website.

• If you need help getting started with your online presence, there are many books available about ecommerce, including Starting an Online Business All-in-One For Dummies.

• Google Analytics is free of charge. You can set up the web tracking code by visiting http://support.google.com/analytics/answer/1008080?hl=en.

• RBC hosted a three-part webinar series on social media, which you can view/download at http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/business/campaign/fall2012/webinar-series.html.

Shining a Light on FAF

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By Netan Choudhry, M.D, FRCSC and Jennifer George

Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) is a rapid, noninvasive imaging technology used for predicting the health of the retinal pigment epithelium. Autofluorescence is typically defined as a fluorescent emission originating from endogenous fluorophores when excited with a specific wavelenth of radiation1. The “auto” in autofluorescence is used to distinguish it from the fluorescent emission obtained from the use of exogenous dyes or markers. AF detection requires a barrier filter to exclude the reflectance signal from the excitation emission, without which an overlapping detection of reflectance and AF signals occurs, known as “pseudofluorescence”2.

With the emergence of autofluorescence technologies, FAF has become one of the leading imaging modalities in evaluating retinal disease. Fundus autofluorescence most often refers to the emission obtained from lipofuscin (LF) in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Lipofuscin, a pigment associated with aging, is composed of 10 different fluorophores. Most important among these fluorophores is a pyridinium biretinoid called A2E (N-retinyl-N-retinyldene ethanolamine), which results from the normal visual cycle3. A2E is not degraded by the RPE and as such accumulates in the aging eye. Fundus autofluorescence is, therefore, able to detect LF and provide information on the metabolic health of RPE in addition to its functionality.

Several instruments are used to detect the FAF signal, including modified fundus cameras and the confocal scanner laser ophthalmoloscope (cSLO). The FAF imaging modality assists eyecare providers in the evaluation of diseases involved in the RPE, such as retinal dystrophies, degenerations and infectious uveitis. FAF can also prove useful in the diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), a condition which may result in a high FAF signal. These changes in FAF could indicate whether the disease is more advanced than previously determined.

In a clinical setting, when evaluating autofluorescence images, areas of increased fluorescence are referred to as hyperautofluorescent (hyperAF), while areas of decreased fluorescence are termed hypoautofluorescent (hypoAF). Areas of hyperAF indicate increased lipofuscin, as seen with drusen in ARMD. The presence of fluid beneath the retina can also appear hyperAF. Within the retina, hypoAF regions represent areas of RPE damage or loss. This can be seen in dry ARMD eyes with geographic atrophy, in which the atrophic region appears ‘dark’ or hypoAF.

Fundus autofluorescence is being actively studied world-wide with respect to its ability to provide prognostic information about numerous diseases, including dry ARMD. Several varieties of geographic atrophy (GA) have been identified via their FAF patterns. Longitudinal studies have subsequently revealed that the various presentations of GA progress at different rates, thereby allowing early characterization and identification of aggressive disease.

As FAF technology continues to evolve, there will be a growth in our understanding of retinal diseases as well as our ability to direct treatment accordingly. This non-invasive imaging modality stands in its own category and offers a new look at many commonly seen and in some cases, misunderstood, diseases. The future of ophthalmic imaging is bright and offers a glimpse into better visual outcomes for patients.

 

 

[1] Schmitz-Valckenberg S et al. „Fundus authofluorescence imaging: review and perspectives.” Retina, 2008; 28(3): 385-409.

[2] Machemer R et al. “Pseudofluorescence- a problem in interpretation of fluorescein angiograms.” American Journal of Ophthalmology, 1970; 70(1): 1-10.

[3] Eldred GE and Lasky MR. “Retinal age pigments generated by self-assembling lysosomotropic detergents.” Nature, 1993; 361(6414): 724-726.

 

Myopia Control with OK lenses

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By Shirley Ha, BSc. (Hons), O.D.

Myopia, or nearsightedness, affects approximately 30 per cent of Canadians and more than 1.6 billion people worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that the number of myopes will grow to 2.5 billion globally by 2020.

Myopia often starts in early childhood and, if undiagnosed or uncorrected, it can impact a person’s educational success and job prospects. It is associated with a greater risk for sight-threatening complications such as cataract, glaucoma and retinal detachment, especially in axial myopia.

Various research projects are being undertaken around the world to reduce and/or find preventative measures for progressive myopia in children. Techniques that are investigated include atropine/pirenzepine, bifocals and progressive addition lenses (PALs), under-correction, soft multi-focal contact lenses, modified spectacle lenses and the controversial orthokeratology (OK).

For decades, eyecare practitioners have used OK to correct moderate myopia and low with-the-rule astigmatism in children and adults. These customized reverse-geometry rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses, also known as non-surgical corneal reshaping (CR), are worn during sleep and removed on wakening and can provide patients with clear vision and all-day freedom from glasses and contact lenses, usually within one to two weeks. The added possibility of myopia control makes OK a very attractive mode of correction, especially in children.

In recent years, multiple studies have provided strong evidence that OK can effectively reduce myopia progression in children and slow axial elongation.[1],[2] Impressively, the third-year report of the five-year longitudinal Stabilization of Myopia through Accelerated Reshaping Technologies (SMART) Study[3] and the Controlling Astigmatism and Nearsightedness in Developing Youth (CANDY) Study[4] both showed greater than 80 per cent decrease in axial length in children with OK compared with the soft contact lens control groups.

Researchers theorize that the focus or defocus of the peripheral retina dictates the development of a person’s refraction. The “traditional” contact lens or flat-form spectacle lens encourages ametropia because it does not address the increasing defocus/blur from the centre to the equatorial/peripheral retina created by the difference between the curvatures of the optical lens and the retina. This peripheral defocus can impede the normal correction of ametropia in children called emmetropization and can send a signal within the retina to keep elongating in a myope.[5]

The key to myopia control is to develop treatment modalities that can manipulate the peripheral images back onto, or in front of, the peripheral retina to stop the retinal signal for ocular growth.

Scientists at the Vision Cooperative Research Centre (Vision CRC) in Australia followed their own model and pioneered a new generation of optical products to reduce peripheral hyperopic defocus: the MyoVision™ spectacle lens and silicone hydrogel contact lenses. Their respective clinical trials and studies of their modified products confirmed their hypotheses that decreasing peripheral hyperopia also reduces the rate of myopia progression.[6],[7] Both Zeiss and Ciba Vision were given exclusive licensing rights from Vision CRC to incorporate the myopic control technology into their products.

The same myopia control theory can be said to occur in OK as well – the flatter central base curve compressing the central cornea during sleep also displaces the anterior corneal layers outward into the mid-peripheral annular steeper radius to create an artificially more myopic peripheral retina, correcting the hyperopic peripheral defocus and eliminating the stimulus for axial growth.

Unlike refractive surgery, OK is not permanent and discontinuing lens wear will cause the cornea to revert to its original shape. If OK can, in fact, control and decrease the progression of axial length growth and stop the eyes from becoming more nearsighted, then children fitted in early childhood will have their eyes return to the way they were before treatment – when their myopia levels were low – not to where their eyeball lengths would otherwise have been years later when they stop lens wear. This is indeed promising.

The risks associated with wearing OK lenses are similar to those associated with other contact lenses. Doctor supervision and strict adherence to proper wearing schedules and lens maintenance will minimize side effects and make OK safe and effective.

The Canadian Ophthalmological Society does not currently endorse overnight OK and cites microbial keratitis as a major risk factor; OK is recommended by the American Academy of Optometry as an alternative to refractive surgery; the Canadian Association of Optometrists does not have a policy or position paper on the matter.

There are two current FDA-approved technologies for overnight OK lenses: Paragon Vision Sciences’ Paragon CRT® and Bausch and Lomb’s portfolio of Vision Shaping Treatment (VST) designs. Certification from the manufacturers is required for all practitioners. At present, there are no written guidelines to help practitioners implement the results of OK research into actual clinical practice, except those provided by the manufacturers.

While OK might be highly controversial to some, the rising rates of progressive myopia in children present an incredible growth opportunity for those who are prepared to take on the OK specialty and “reshape” the future of their contact lens practice.


[1] WALLINE, Jeffrey J. “Myopia Control with Corneal Reshaping Contact Lenses”, Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, vol. 53 no 11, October 2012, p. 7086.

[2] HIRAOKA, Takahiro, KAKITA, Tetsuhiko, OKAMOTO, Fuimiki, TAKAHASHI, Hideto, OSHIKA, Tetsuro. “Long-Term Effect of Overnight Orthokeratology on Axial Length Elongation in Childhood Myopia: A 5-Year Follow-Up Study”, Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, vol. 53 no 7, June 2012, p. 3913-3919.

[3] DAVIS, R, EIDEN, SB. “Stabilisation of myopia by accelerated reshaping technique (SMART) study. Third year interim report”, Specialty Contact Lens Symposium Meeting, 2011.Las Vegas.

[4] BARTELS, David, WILCOX, Peter E. “CANDY: Controlling Astigmatism and Nearsightedness in Developing Youth” http://CANDY-OrthoK-study.pdf accessedMarch 27, 2013.

[5] SMITH, Earl L. “Optical treatment strategies to slow myopia progression: Effects of the visual extent of the optical treatment zone”, Experimental Eye Research, January 2013.

[6] SANKARIDURG, P, DONOVAN, L, VARNAS, S, HO, A, et al. “Spectacle lenses designed to reduce progression of myopia: 12-month results”, Optometry Vision Sciences, vol. 87, no 10, October 2010, p. 631-41.

[7] SANKARIDURG, P, HOLDEN B, SMITH E 3RD, NADUVILATH, T, CHEN, X, de la JARA, PL, et al. “Decrease in rate of myopia progression with a contact lens designed to reduce relative peripheral hyperopia: one-year results”, Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, vol. 52 no 13, December 2011, p. 9362-7.

Keplinger Brings New Design Dimensions to Silhouette

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By Paddy Kamen

Roland Keplinger

When an already renowned eyewear manufacturer like Silhouette brings on a new head of design, you can be sure that synergy between the parties is of utmost importance.

Roland Keplinger came to his interview for the position of Silhouette’s head of design with a set of drawings. “I was envisioning where we could take the Titan Minimal Art collection and wanted to share my ideas with them,” he explains. “Interestingly, the prototype they showed me was exactly as I proposed. We were definitely on the same wavelength.”

Keplinger has been with Silhouette since early 2012. While the Titan Minimal Art redesign was already underway, he guided it to its launch one year later in the spring of 2013. The collection was first revealed to the public in January and highlighted at MIDO in March. What the new Titan Minimal Art reveals is an edgier, more masculine style, in a revision of the groundbreaking materials Silhouette is known for.

Quite possibly a genius in the design department, Keplinger certainly brings a strong background to Silhouette. He has a master’s degree in industrial design from FH Joanneum in Graz,Austria, and worked for several years for a design house in Germany where he created a wide variety of products. “I made both micro- and macro-sized products, from a 1 cm hearing aid to a 50 metre display booth for a trade show,” notes Keplinger.  Somewhat tongue in cheek, he refers to himself ‘a head specialist’: “I created many products for the head in addition to the hearing aid, including headphones and Bluetooth headsets, and I have filed several patents having to do with fixing hearing aids and headphones on the head. I understand the ergonomics of the head, having an ability to think of the head and products for it in a three-dimensional way. I also bring experience with solving problems with a wide variety of products and new ideas for production and material use.”

The interaction between the design and engineering departments at Silhouette makes for an exciting tension, says Keplinger. “The new Titan Minimal Art frame had to accommodate the larger lens shapes that have come onto the market and that presented quite a research and development challenge. We use a special beta-stabilized titanium alloy that is a modification of the material we previously used for the frames. We had to make sure that in the cold-forming process (swaging, pressing, bending and surface treatment) we achieved a highly precise flex zone with a perfect durability and elasticity. For the temple end, we use our specially developed SPX material as a hard component and an anti-allergic soft polymer for the inner side. The solutions involved high-end engineering, and new tooling was required to have the materials bond together.”

Of course, good design always looks simple. But problem solving is the order of the day and the back and forth between R&D and design is a dynamic process. As Keplinger explains, “It’s easy for the designer to say what he wants, but we have to squeeze out what is technically possible to achieve the look we want. The process is very creative and allows new ideas to come in. In the case of the Titan Minimal Art, combining two materials with SPX fusion technology has provided the added option of two-tone colours on the temples.”

The Titan Minimal Art’s dynamic new look with defined edges brings a contemporary element to collection: “In touch with the now,” notes Keplinger. “Our direction now is for a slightly edgier look that appeals to a younger generation.”

Still young himself, Keplinger, 34, has a long working life ahead of him, with plenty of opportunity to make a contribution to Silhouette. He and his team of four designers have more products in the development pipeline that will push the already top-of-its-game company to a new level. His vision is clear: “My aim is to find something really new in the eyewear industry. What comes next after hinge-less and screw-less frames? We’re currently testing something that isn’t yet on the market and I’m excited to see where that goes.”

Feel Lite, Show Style is the promise of the Silhouette eyewear brand, and they’ve been fulfilling that promise with the world’s lightest eyewear for almost 50 years. With Keplinger heading the design team and a new Titan Minimal Art on the market, there’s no stopping this eyewear dynamo.