instrumental strategies
Spectacle Lenses Made Easy
Get accurate measurements in seconds with the push of a button

As practice-building consultants, our company is constantly on the lookout for new and innovative technologies that can help our clients' practices. I recently had a demonstration of Topcon Medical Systems' new EZ-200 Automatic Rx Analyzer and I can tell you, I was impressed.

The manufacturer was careful to not call this device a lensmeter — and rightfully so. Auto-lensmeters have a history of being quirky, and while designated as "auto," they still depend greatly on operator skill. For this reason, the Rx Analyzer's designation of "EZ" is well deserved. For us to recommend technology to our clients, it has to be clinically superior, save our doctors time and, in doing so, improve their profitability. This machine meets all of these criteria.

It lives up to its name

The spectacle measuring system automatically reads lens power (sphere, cylinder and axis); automatically recognizes and measures multifocals and progressive addition lenses; displays far- and near-point distance from optical center for progressive lenses; and measures monocular and total spectacle pupillary distance. While other technology claims to do the same thing, there is an obvious and noticeable difference with this equipment. Namely, it's drop-dead accurate and fast — two key points for improving the bottom line of any practice.

The EZ-200 provides accurate measurements in seconds.

It's practice friendly

Its single-button measuring process, allows even those with no optical experience to obtain accurate and repeatable measurements in just seconds. In fact, as a practice-building public relations strategy, patients could do this themselves! Simply place the eyeglasses in the EZ Meter and press the measurement button. Remarkably, aligning the lenses is unnecessary. The machine automatically displays the measurement results on its large, color LCD screen. It does everything from lens detection to data printout, making this the ideal instrument for any practice setting. Screens change automatically depending on the type of lenses being measured. For example, there's no need to change from a single vision lens screen to a progressive addition lens screen. And, the machine's footprint, about the size of a CD jewel case, is smaller than most conventional lensmeters.

Results in seconds

As I said, the EZ-200 is also very fast. The instrument simultaneously measures right and left lenses. Single vision lenses (both right and left) take only 10 seconds to measure, while progressive lenses take less than 20 seconds. The Hartmann Shack sensors instantly scan and record the entire lens area at once for fast and efficient measurements. Automatic sensing over a wider area greatly reduces the chance of missing measurement points and provides very repeatable results that are operator independent. The instrument also features an RS-232 interface for easy communication with other Topcon products, such as its electronic refraction system, and/or a PC. Not only does this save yet more time, it also eliminates potential transcription errors.

Take it easy   

Just place the eyeglasses in the EZ-200, push the button and get accurate results in seconds. It doesn't get any easier than that.

DR. GERBER IS THE PRESIDENT OF THE POWER PRACTICE, A COMPANY SPECIALIZING IN MAKING OPTOMETRISTS MORE PROFITABLE. LEARN MORE AT WWW.POWERPRACTICE.COM OR CALL DR. GERBER AT (800) 867-9303.