IcareLabs Blog

Selecting the proper base curve has long been a hot topic among opticians. Traditionally, labs followed a simple rule of thumb: keep the back curve of the lens as close to a 6.00 diopter as possible for optimal optics. For most prescriptions—aside from high plus powers (typically +5.00 and above)—this worked just fine.

But with the rise of freeform digital lenses, the game has changed.

Essilor continues to bring new technology in progressive lens designs to the market with their new Varilux® Physio® extensee™. Following on the remarkable success of the Physio family of lenses, the Varilux Physio extensee breaks through with new technology giving your patients extra visual sharpness and contrast with the new Pupilizer™ lens technology.

We've all noticed how things from the past are making a comeback, haven't we? Recently, my wife surprised me with a record player, and I was reminded of how much I loved placing an album on the turntable. The simple act of dropping the needle brought back a flood of cherished memories. Streaming music just doesn't capture that magic. For those who haven't experienced listening to an entire album, you're missing out on a special journey. Many of my favorite tunes were never singles, and you only discover and appreciate them by enjoying the whole album.

We all like to believe that every presbyope should wear progressive lenses. In a perfect world, that would be the case. But as we know, the world isn't perfect. So what do you give an older patient that wants a traditional bifocal, but isn't a fan of the line in the lenses? The Shamir Duo™ has you covered.

With over 30 years in the optical industry, I've seen a lot of new products and technologies come and go. Some have been truly groundbreaking, while others were just small tweaks to existing lens designs and production methods. True game-changers are rarity in our industry.

Nuance Audio frames are shaping up to be one of those rare gems that only come around once in a while. You might be thinking, "Revolutionary? Come on, James, it's just another hearing aid dressed up as eyeglasses." And while that might seem true at first glance, I invite you to stick around and read a bit more. By the end of this blog, you might just see things my way!

We recently got a sneak peek at the brand new Varilux® design which will be called the Varilux® Physio® extensee™. This is an exciting leap forward in technology for both Varilux lenses and their Physio lineup of progressives. This blog will cover the planned launch timeline as well as peek into the expected new technology that drives this design.

It's a New Year and that means it's time to start setting your 2025 sales goals. Now with the hustle and bustle of the holidays behind us, what are you focusing on to ensure you have the best sales possible in your optical shop? We've created this blog to cover 6 key drivers that will help you accomplish this in the months ahead.

Let me share a little secret with you... your job is really challenging! There's something unique about selling a medical device in a retail environment. Working with the public, even in the best conditions, isn't for the faint-hearted.

The ideal scenario would be selling people products for their hobbies, where they get to buy fun things to enjoy their favorite activities. In this blog, I'll share how to create a strategy to help you sell more progressive lenses that really works.

One of the reasons our customers love doing business with us is the exceptional quality and versatility of our house brand line of freeform digital lenses. Our Heritage lenses are specially crafted to meet a wide range of visual needs, making them the perfect solution for patients who require customized vision correction. Whether you're looking for a daily wear lens or something to elevate your activities, the Heritage line has a design to fit almost anyone's lifestyle. Recently, we’ve expanded our offerings to include specialty lenses tailored for Sports and Driving, providing an even broader range of options for your patients.