Practice owners heading to Vision Expo West will want to stop by EssilorLuxottica to see four breakthrough technologies in action. Anne Marie Lahr, OD, director of professional development at Essilor Instruments USA, shares why the Vision-R 700, Vision-S 700, EPI-C Plus and Cellview are the essential tools set to revolutionize efficiency, clinical precision and patient satisfaction in today’s exam rooms.
THE POWER BEHIND IT ALL: LIQUID LENS TECHNOLOGY
Essilor Instruments has developed a revolutionary liquid lens optical module, transforming the refraction process by replacing the traditional stack of 266 lenses found in legacy phoropters. “Instead of mechanically rotating individual sphere, cylinder and axis lenses one at a time, this single module uses adaptive fluid optics to shift three refractive components together in precise 0.01 increments,” Dr. Lahr says.
The proprietary vectorial refraction algorithm refines all three refractive components simultaneously, eliminating the unsatisfying “equally blurry” endpoint of traditional refraction systems. Fully digital and whisper-quiet, the module delivers proven accuracy in just three minutes, and its compact size enables ultra-small console designs.
Dr. Lahr praises the module’s intuitive design. “As soon as a doctor looks at it, they can see that it’s going through the same process as traditional refraction systems but in a streamlined fashion,” she says.
VISION-R 700 REFRACTION SYSTEM
What is it?
Vision-R 700 is “a revolutionary refraction system built around the liquid lens module to conduct a dynamic simultaneous refraction,” Dr. Lahr says. “It goes far beyond what a traditional refractor delivers.”
What sets it apart?
It’s all in the exclusive liquid lens technology. Unlike traditional phoropters that require the various lens components to be adjusted separately, Dr. Lahr says it “allows doctors to refract in a more direct and efficient way, getting to final results quickly and extremely accurately.”
Coupled with immersive charts and scenic backgrounds and a wider field of view, Vision-R 700 delivers precise 0.25D accuracy in three minutes—cutting chair time by 20% to 30%. “It’s very user-friendly as it is, but Easy Refraction Mode makes it even easier by providing a scripted sequence to guide the user through every step and patient question, making it easily delegable,” Dr. Lahr says. “Technicians or support staff could take over initial refractions, freeing doctors to focus on other patients.”
What type of practice benefits most?
“All practices,” she says. “You can use this like a regular phoropter—but next-generation.” Vision-R 700 elevates efficiency, consistency and patient satisfaction—making rapid ROI a reality for any independent practice.
VISION-S 700 REFRACTION SYSTEM
What is it?
Vision-S 700 is a space saver and game changer built on the same exclusive liquid lens technology as Vision-R 700. Housed in a console no larger than a microwave, the refraction system combines adaptive-fluid optics with a high-resolution display to perform complete subjective refractions.
What’s the difference between Vision-R 700 and Vision-S 700?
Think of Vision-S 700 like the ultra-compact version of Vision-R 700. “Space constraints and staffing shortages are real challenges for independents,” Dr. Lahr says. “Vision-S 700 eliminates the need for a dedicated 10-foot refraction room. You could put this instrument in a pretest room or hallway alcove—it transforms any nook into a full refraction station.”
What sets it apart?
According to Essilor Instruments, four out of five people prefer Vision-S 700 to a traditional refractor, thanks to its engaging visuals and comfort features. “Patients aren’t just looking at one line of prints,” she says. “With our technology, these charts and landscape graphics make for a more visually stimulating patient experience.”
What type of practice benefits most?
“Vision-S 700 is the ideal technology for ODs in a city with limited space, yet equally valuable for practices that want to delegate initial refractions to other team members,” Dr. Lahr says. “This system translates for everybody.”
EPI-C PLUS LIGHT THERAPY SOLUTION
What is it?
Enthusiastic about this new technology, Dr. Lahr explains EPI-C Plus as an all-in-one powerhouse that marries two core technologies—Optimal Power Energy® intense pulsed light (IPL) and Light Modulation® low-level light therapy (LM LLLT)—to address inflammatory conditions.
What sets it apart?
“The beauty of the EPI-C Plus is that it combines technologies into one painless treatment that tackles the root cause and symptoms of inflammation,” she says, noting that the device isn’t merely palliative but truly addresses the underlying causes of inflammation. “And, because it’s FDA-cleared for most Fitzpatrick skin types, it serves a broader patient base than traditional IPL platforms.”
A quick two-minute IPL sequence is followed by a soothing 15-minute LM LLLT mask. “It’s relaxing and effective—and again, it’s painless,” Dr. Lahr says. “Patients walk away feeling immediate relief.” Clinicians can then document progress with slit-lamp imaging and symptom questionnaires, creating strong ancillary-service revenue and high patient retention. “This is how independent ODs can deliver real solutions instead of just treating symptoms.”
EPI-C Plus is offered at about half the cost of many standalone IPL options and is designed to deliver treatments efficiently without the added cooling steps that can slow down sessions and impact comfort.
What type of practice benefits most?
“Any optometry practice that treats dry eye can benefit from having EPI-C plus in-house,” Dr. Lahr says. “Some clinics even use it purely for aesthetic services.” Its dual approach suits spa-style treatment suites and busy exam rooms alike. Since every OD sees dry eye patients, this turnkey solution boosts patient satisfaction and practice growth across the board.
CELLVIEW WRI-1 ULTRA-WIDEFIELD RETINAL IMAGER
What is it?
Dr. Lahr calls the Cellview WRI-1 “a game changer for comprehensive retinal screening.” This non-mydriatic, ultra-widefield camera captures up to 133 degrees of the retina in a single shot and up to 200 degrees with auto-stitching, even through small pupils and most cataracts.
What sets it apart?
Its intuitive interface requires minimal training and cuts exam time, while high-definition color and infrared imaging improve early detection of potential pathologies that may go unnoticed with other imaging methods. Patients benefit from a comfortable, noninvasive experience that enhances compliance and satisfaction.
At a fraction of the typical nearly $100,000 price tag of many widefield imagers, Cellview makes advanced documentation accessible to every practice. “As imaging and documentation become the standard of care, independents need an affordable solution,” Dr. Lahr says.
What type of practice benefits most?
From solo clinics to large multi-doctor offices, Cellview elevates patient care and diagnostic accuracy in every practice. “Many optometrists are in the market for a retinal camera but can’t afford them,” Dr. Lahr says. “Retinal imaging won’t be a luxury for much longer—it’ll be a need. Every OD should have access to the most advanced technology available.”
A SEAMLESS PATIENT JOURNEY
Together, these four platforms deliver a cohesive, end-to-end exam flow. From ultra-widefield imaging and vectorial refractions to dual-modality dry eye therapy, each system is faster, more engaging and more precise than legacy methods—making these the ideal tools for optometrists looking to elevate their technology and patient care.
Essilor Instruments doesn’t stop at technology. To set practices up for immediate success, Leonardo—the EssilorLuxottica online learning portal—offers on-demand tutorials on all technology and clinical protocols.
SEE THE TECH IN ACTION
Dr. Lahr invites Vision Expo West attendees to visit booth #P14051, where you can see all four systems in action. Stop by for live demos, workflow walk-throughs and one-on-one discussions about how to bring these innovations to your practice.
“EssilorLuxottica is fully committed to becoming a leader in the med-tech space for eye care professionals,” Dr. Lahr says. “We’re here to partner with you to optimize your practice with breakthrough solutions that streamline your operations and elevate patient care at every touchpoint.”
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