spectacle focus

They Can See Clearly Now

Spectacles solve vision-correction problem for presbyopes.

David Greenstein, O.D.

With Superfocus spectacles, from Superfocus, LLC, we can now offer our presbyopic patients the ability to achieve full-field clear vision at all distances.

Overview

Superfocus spectacles (formerly TruFocals) are comprised of two lenses layered one over the other. The front lens contains the distance prescription and is magnetically attached and removable. The inner lens is made of polycarbonate and a transparent polymer membrane, between which is a small amount of clear optical fluid, making it flexible. Both lenses are attached to John Lennon-like frames.

A small slider on the frames' bridge allows the adjustment of the clear fluid, which changes the flexible lens layer's shape, “inflating” the polymer membrane, and, thus, altering the ADD from zero to +2.75. (The optimal operating range is −25°F to +125°F, and safe storage range is −40°F to +180°F.) With this technology, the presbyopic patient can select the prescription at any distance and lighting conditions sans zones or lines. This makes Superfocus especially helpful for near-to-far vision tasks, such as computer work and most recently aeronautics (see www.optometric.com/article.aspx?article=104924). Superfocus can correct hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism and prismatic imbalance. The spectacles don't improve object magnification at distance and aren't designed to correct cataract or retinal disorder-caused vision loss.

My experience

Initially, I was concerned patients wouldn't opt for Superfocus because they come in only two styles, and they'd find the slider “annoying.” (The lens flexing must be uniform, and a round shape best accomplishes this.) I was wrong. Patients place a lot of value on the Superfocus technology. Specifically, they appreciate not having to spend in excess of $1,000 on multiple pairs of spectacles and tilting their heads at unnatural angles to see. (Superfocals typically cost around $700 a pair—a nice additional revenue stream from your optical.) Further, several patients have said that moving the slider becomes automatic and is a lot more convenient than switching spectacles.

In addition to the aforementioned benefits, offering Superfocus spectacles have enabled me to cut chair time because I don't have to measure seg heights or choose a PAL design that has certain parameters. All that's necessary is the PD, a distance prescription and the patient's reading ADD at 16 inches.

Finally, I've found that offering Superfocus has reinforced to patients that I'm up-to-date on the latest advancements in eyecare, and therefore, able to provide them with cutting edge care. This has augmented patient loyalty and increased patient referrals. (Superfocus. com includes a dispensing doctors list, and this has garnered me additional new patients as well.)

I became an optometrist to solve vision problems. With the advent of Superfocus spectacles, I can now offer an additional solution to the problem of spectacle wear for presbyopic patients. This has not only improved my presbyopic patients' quality of life, but also my practice revenue. OM