what's new
For Your Patients and Practice

Santinelli's drill bits can be purchased in customized assortments.

For your drilling needs
Santinelli now offers drill bits ranging from .9 mm to 2.5 mm for drilling all lens materials. Made of micro-grain tungsten carbide for maximum durability, the bits are ideal for use with Santinelli's LessStress drill, but also work with other makes. The rigid geometry of the design makes the bits the optimum choice for the precise drilling of three-piece mount frames, the company says. The bits also feature color-coded reference rings that indicate their precise size and serve as automatic height adjusters to perfectly align the correct height for exact drill depth.

Santinelli International
Phone: (800) 644-3343
Web: www.santinelli.com

For low vision drivers
Lighthouse International offers help to eyecare practitioners who prescribe bioptic telescopes for low vision patients who drive. The Lighthouse Driving Kit features driving telescopes, a fitting set to assist the ECP in determining what to prescribe and a training manual to give him the information necessary to enter the low vision market.

Additionally, the kit offers five training exercises that will help prepare the low vision patient for driving; the exercises are performed in the presence of a healthcare provider. Lighthouse says that the Lighthouse Driving Kit can also be used for other activities, including classroom work and viewing spectator events.

Lighthouse International
Phone: (800) 826-4200
Web: www.lighthouse.org

A time-saving autorefractor
Marco introduced its Vision Diagnostic Systems that it says reduce refraction time by 25% to 50%. The systems consist of the Epic-2100 and TRS-2100 automated refraction systems. They allow both operator and patient to remain seated during the entire refraction process, and also allow the operators to control their entire preferred exam routines from a detachable console. The systems can also memorize the process, streamlining it further. Other features include split prism refinement. Marco says that the Vision Diagnostics Systems reduces the rate of remakes and is operable by a technician with a few days' training.

Marco Ophthalmics
Phone: (800) 874-5274
Web: www.marcooph.com

New Gradal lens
Carl Zeiss Optical released its latest addition to the Gradal family of lenses, the Gradal Top 1.67 Transitions Gray. The Transitions Gray are "virtually clear indoors," but darken to a full sunglass tint with 70% absorption with 100% UV protection in less than 90 seconds, the company says. The lenses are also suitable for night driving. The Transitions Gray offers the other benefits of the Gradal Top line as well, including smooth transitions. The delivery range for the lenses are sphere +6.00D to -16.00D, cylinder to -4.00D, additions 1.00D to 3.00D, prism to 3.00 cm/m.

Carl Zeiss Optical Inc.
Phone: (800) 338-2984
Web: www.zeisslenses.com

Odyssey's synthetic plugs
Odyssey Medical recently presented the Extend Absorbable Synthetic Punctal Implants. The device provides occlusion for patients who have short-term dry eye symptoms for up to three months, the company says, and is available in three sizes and a variety pack. As a special introductory offer, Odyssey is offering a box of 20 for $150.

Odyssey Medical
Phone: (888) 905-7770
Web: www.odysseymed.com

MiniDrops by Optics Labs

MiniDrops for dry eye
According to manufacturer Optics Laboratory, MiniDrops are for relief of mild to moderate dry eye. Optics Labs has formulated the drops for use with or without contact lenses. MiniDrops are preservative-free and available in a five-dropper purse pack and a 30-dropper household pack.

Optics Laboratory
Phone: (800) 968-6788
Web: www.minidrops.com