Optical Prism January 2014 | Page 32

Through the looking glass 28 OPTICAL PRISM | JAN/FEB 2014 The year ahead for Lens TECHNOLOGY b y K e l l y Wa t e r h o u s e L ens manufacturers see the future clearly and it’s a positive outlook for an industry that understands not only the ever-evolving needs of the consumer, but also that of the eyecare professionals (ECPs) who advise them. In 2014, lens technology has to keep up with the demands of our fast-paced lifestyles while offering options as diverse as the clientele who purchase eyewear. It also needs to be forward thinking in terms of measurement tools to foster ingenuity and ensure quality control. These are exciting, competitive times and lens technology is anything but static. “Being innovative means putting the eyeglass lens wearers and their specific needs at the centre of the process; it is this constant quest for improvement that guarantees a high quality of vision and services for the wearer,” said Thierry Cordevant, Director of Marketing, Lenses and Materials for Essilor Canada. “In this perspective, the rapidly evolving technologies that we use in everyday life create ever changing visual needs,” he said. “Whether we think of smart phones, tablets or computer screens, the way we use our vision is influenced by all of these tools as well as by a need for speed and performance in a way that is unique to each individual.”