In the beginning of 2009, Essilor set out with the goal to have a Varilux Progressive Lens for everyone: For every patient and every practice, no matter what the prescription, the budget or the frame choice of the individual.
In February, the Varilux 360° Series was launched, offering a clear portfolio of digitally surfaced progressive lenses. A Varilux product earns the name 360° by using two separate areas of Essilor Technology: proven progressive designs and Essilor’s Advanced Digital Surfacing™ Technology, incorporating unique optical calculation algorithms, software and specific manufacturing tools and processes.
"The progressive design is critical regardless of how the lens is surfaced" states Tim Thurn, Director of Professional Services at Essilor Australia. On this basis, the proven designs Varilux Comfort and Varilux Ellipse were enhanced with Essilor’s Advanced Digital Surfacing™ Technology, to create Varilux Comfort 360°, Varilux Ellipse 360° and Varilux Physio Short 360°, introduced in February 2009.
"Adding the most trusted progressives in Australia, Varilux Comfort and Varilux Ellipse, to the 360° Series has been a great success. Combining the benefits of a trusted design with the latest in digital surfacing, has proven to be very popular with practices that were looking for a digitally surfaced progressive lens offer in the medium price segment." states Anne Guethoff, Marketing Manager at Essilor Australia.
The Varilux 360° Series was extended again in July 2009, with the launch of Varilux Physio f-360°, a customised elite design that takes into account individual wearing parameters; and Varilux Physio Azio 360°, a progressive lens customised to the Asian ergonomics, facial and eye anatomy.
“Now, there is a Varilux 360° design for everyone, no matter what the need or expectation of the practitioner and patient is!" says Anne Guethoff. The easy and modern progressive portfolio now includes a core level with Varilux Comfort 360° and Varilux Ellipse 360°, a performance level with Varilux Physio 360° and Varilux Physio Short 360°, as well as an elite level with Varilux Physio f-360° and Varilux Ipseo 360°. The three levels directly refer to the level of customisation and the increasing patient benefits from the core level over to performance and elite.
Varilux is the best selling progressive lens in the world and in fact, there is a new Varilux wearer every four seconds. "The launch of the Varilux 360° Series has helped a lot to clarify and strengthen Essilor’s progressive lens offer – this is the very positive feedback we are receiving. Mission accomplished!" concludes Emily O'Loughlin, Product Manager for Varilux.
