Optek’s MAX Surfacing Technology Delivers Maximum Practice BenefitsOptek’s MAX Surfacing Technology Delivers Maximum Practice Benefits

BRING THE WHOLE VALUE CHAIN IN HOUSE

On New Revenue Generation

“To those who say they don’t have enough jobs to justify investing in an in-office lab, I explain that perhaps they don’t have the jobs because they haven’t made the investment. Since installing my Optek lab, I have increased sales by 45%. Traffic has increased remarkably well from the one-hour service capability, and word of mouth is tremendous. Anyone can learn to operate the equipment. I knew nothing when it was installed…my staff and I were trained in three or four days and were experts in a month. Optek worked out a favorable layout, so space was not an issue. There are no compelling reasons to eschew an in-office lab as a viable, profitable, business option.”

Orlando Torres, Optical Factory Fajardo, Puerto Rico

As an eye care professional, you know that operating your practice effectively once consisted primarily of clinical issues. Now, however, business issues share equal billing. Reduced third party reimbursement levels, the increased cost of goods and doing business, the general malaise in the U.S. economy, and emerging competition — to name just a few factors — are changing the way you and your colleagues view your practices, forcing you to take a hard look at how you conduct business, with a keen eye on profit margin.

The in-office lab is one strategy that has helped many eye care professionals (ECPs) address the business needs of the contemporary practice. An in-office lab can deliver value to your practice in two key ways: 1) It can reduce the costs by bringing the whole value chain in house; and 2) It can generate revenue by improving and expanding the services you are able to provide to your patients.

Optek has introduced a turnkey In-Office lab that puts you in control of vital areas of your practice’s present and future. The benefits are clear:

• The cost of goods is lower, and profit higher when processing your own lenses.

• The quality control of products is improved.

• Minimal operator training is required.

• Turnaround times are faster, and customer service is enhanced.

• Positioning as a full-service optical practice is gained and a competitive edge in the marketplace is secured.

• Emergency replacement service capability is achieved.

Offering Rx software, blockers, generators, finers, polishers, chillers parts, supplies, consumables, and everything in between, Optek has one of the most complete surfacing product lines in the industry.

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Options and accessories may be shown. Information subject to change without notice.

Beware The Shortcuts!

As with most commitments, jumping in halfway can be worse than staying out altogether. For instance, an investment in in-office lens casting alone may actually cut profit, not enhance it. Currently, with that technology, the dispenser can’t cast all prescriptions and is limited to the lens styles of the manufacturer’s available molds. Other limitations may include ranges, materials, lens designs, and more. In essence, the dispenser is still dependent on an outside laboratory, only with lower volume, and higher cost. Supplier options are reduced as well. With significant limitations and increased cost, this shortcut defeats the purpose of bringing production in-house.

By contrast, an Optek in-office lab features equipment used by large wholesale labs.

On Profitability

“We invested in an Optek lab to increase profitability, give patients faster delivery, and better control product quality. Average monthly lab bills used to run $15–$20K, and delivery took 3–7 business days. Now with our Optek lab, average monthly production costs run $6–$8K, and we deliver the same day. Even high powers and prism jobs are no problem. We have been using Optek equipment for almost four years and wouldn’t change to another manufacturer for anything. Service and support from Optek is second to none.”

David Bentley & John Wachter, Jr., ODMilligan OpticalPinellas Park, FL

Without a doubt, the in-office lab option is an attractive one… but one that may raise some initial questions. “Is it too expensive? What will be the return on my investment? It represents such a cultural upheaval in my practice… will my staff be able to handle it? Where will I situate all this equipment?” When you think of a “laboratory” in your office, you just might picture an overwhelming, oversized collection of intimidating, expensive equipment that is difficult to operate. Nothing could be further from the truth. While the technology is sophisticated, it’s user-friendly, reliable, and has a small footprint. Plus the impact on business is significant.

Cost and ProfitabilityBy processing lenses in-house and reducing your reliance on outside services, you can significantly reduce costs (see sample Cost Savings Analysis graphic). A common misconception is that an in-office lab requires an enormous financial investment and will take years to produce a return. The fact is, many practices realize positive cash flow from the first day their lab begins operation.

Quality Control and Better Customer ServiceSince lenses are produced under the dispenser’s watchful eye, much more influence over the quality of the finished product can be exerted. Also, keeping the work internal allows quicker delivery times and better service, particularly

for those servicing remote locations where one visit instead of two is an important value add for patients. And for those with one-hour service competition, as so many dispensaries now face, an in office lab helps level the playing field.

Space ConsiderationsEven while considering factors such as electricity, plumbing, lighting, ventilation, stock space for semi finished lens blanks, consumables, spare parts, and laps, a complete in-office lab can be installed in as few as 100 square feet of space.

StaffingDispensaries will always want quality staff creating the best possible product and impression for customers. However, with advanced technology, operating an in-office lab now requires less training than ever. In fact, with systems such as Optek’s Oasis MAX, human error is practically nullified.

An Optek in-office lab is value added: for your patients, for your practice, for your staff, and for you. What’s more, it’s versatile. Optek customizes systems for practices of almost any size and location. Optek offers free lab layout consultation. Dispensaries give the company a blueprint or sketch of their facility, and Optek drafts the optimal floor plan, workflow, and utility service requirements.

Sample Cost Savings Analysis estimate, based on ten jobs/day. Note that savings are realized even in year one and jump significantly in year six. Estimates vary

for each customer.

® Optek’s MAX Surfacing Technology Delivers Maximum Practice BenefitsOptek’s MAX Surfacing Technology Delivers Maximum Practice Benefits

On Reliable Technology

“It has been a pleasure working with Optek over the years. We have a complete lens processing lab in each of our locations. This allows us to provide our patients with the convenience of one-hour service. Optek equipment holds up well, does an excellent job, and requires little servicing if maintained as instructed. Fortunately, all our locations are busy, and we push our equipment to the limit. It continues to serve us well.”

James Stevens, ODThe Hour Glass, Inc.Tallahassee, FL

On Service

“A lot of other companies could learn something about service from Optek. When the president of the company gives you his cell phone number, announces his availability 24/7, and then follows through with immediate attention, you sit up and take notice. When it really counts, in the day to day course of business, I have found Optek’s customer support not only attentive but expert. I am always immediately directed to the person who has the expertise to best answer my question. My impression is that Optek pays very close attention to this part of the business. They don’t sell you equipment and then move on. Optek partners with you through the process.”

Jette FrasierCathy’s EyecareMilledgeville, GA

Introducing the Oasis MAX Surfacing SystemThe Oasis (Optek Advanced System for Integrated Surfacing) MAX is the second generation of Optek’s highly successful flagship surfacing system. Every major station (or “cell”) features microprocessor-control and is networked to an Rx Server. This technology allows critical decisions to be made once, as the job is input. Then, intelligent software systems automatically establish optimal configuration settings and manage processing cycles. Manual intervention is essentially limited to loading the lens and pressing the start button! The Oasis MAX surfacing system sets the standard for excellence and simplicity.

A Walk-Through The Oasis MAX Surfacing Process• Job data is entered into the LensMate

lab software, which performs the optical calculations, assigns tracking information, and prints a job ticket.

• The Unity MAX blocker downloads job data, aligns the lens, and bonds it to the block with blocking material.

• The Contour MAX generator downloads the job, graphically displays lenses and lap tools, and generates the Rx curves and prism — automatically cribbing, safety beveling, and edge protecting the lens. The Contour MAX also cuts plastic or foam tools as needed.

• An appropriate lap tool is selected from the lap cabinet. The Oasis MAX system comes with a full range of DuraMAX highly durable finished lap tools — no need to bother cutting disposable tools, except for specials.

• The Criterion MAX surfacer downloads job data, establishes the optimal pressure and cycle time for the lens material, and automatically fines/polishes the lens.

• The surfaced lens is deblocked and sent to inspection and finishing.

Unparalleled ServiceOptek uniquely blends the technological expertise of a large organization with the attentiveness of a family-owned company. Service is a legacy, a personal responsibility, and one taken seriously. From the early stages of analysis and planning, Optek’s relationship with its customers is built on service. Long after installation, Optek continues to support its customers by ensuring that technical questions are handled by experts specific to the issue — whether software, electronics, mechanics, or optics. If overnight delivery of parts or even personal visits are merited, Optek responds. Phone support is free, and online technical assistance is available 24/7.

At Optek, the service is every bit as important as the technology.

In the Oasis MAX system, lenssurfacing is a six-step process.

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Optek’s MAX Surfacing Technology Delivers Maximum Practice BenefitsOptek’s MAX Surfacing Technology Delivers Maximum Practice Benefits

Oasis MAX Surfacing System Product Showcase:

The Edge in TechnologyOasis MAX Surfacing System Product Showcase:

The Edge in TechnologyA Tradition Of Innovation

Founded by an engineer,

Optek opened in1968 with a

vision to develop surfacing

equipment of exceptional

quality and enduring value.

Over the past forty years,

Optek has grown into a

respected and

industry-leading

manufacturer, both in the

United States and

throughout the world,

pioneering many advanced

products — from true axis

control, featured in the

companies surfacer line, to

the use of pressurized

blocking material delivery,

featured in its blocker line.

Advanced products such as

the microprocessor-

controlled Criterion MAX and

advanced systems such as

the Oasis MAX deliver a

future of unprecedented

control, precision, and

productivity in lens

processing.

From its headquarters in

Pinellas Park, Florida, Optek

serves the U.S. Optical

market and optical markets

around the world through

distributors in the U.K.,

Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Optek6825 38th Street NorthPinellas Park, FL 33781727.525.2153800.524.5454727.526.7872 faxwww.optek-online.com

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• Optek’s flagship surfacing system featuring advanced three-axis CNC technology

• Every major station has its own onboard microprocessor control

• Every major station is digitally interfaced to the host Rx computer

• Simplest operation of any system available

• Minimal human intervention minimizes exposure to error

• Available with either wax or alloy blocking

• Readily expandable to accommodate any volume

• Can be configured to process plastic, polycarbonate, high index, and Trivex lenses

• LensMate Lab software interfaces with most VCA-compliant finishing equipment

Includes:

• Complete equipment, software, lap tools, and initial supplies

• Lab layout consultation

• Expert installation and training (most areas)

• Factory warranty and support

Key Features Of The Oasis MAX Surfacing System

While in-office labs continue to gain popularity among optical providers, only Optek strives for and achieves high marks in all the critically important categories. Superior technology results in extraordinary lens quality. When needed, customer support is attentive and expert. And proficient operation of Optek equipment requires little training. Productivity, durability, low maintenance, and ease of operation translate into real value.

Optek manufactures every major component of the Oasis MAX surfacing system, with each built to the same exacting standards of quality and accuracy. Every station or “cell” is specifically designed to work with the next to form a single fluid process.

LensMate Lab Software

LensMate Lab is a suite of applications that leverages the latest Microsoft Windows® technology to deliver the most powerful lens processing software available. Supporting multiple concurrent users and built upon the high performance Microsoft SQL Server® database engine, LensMate Lab provides all the tools necessary for your lab to produce reliably superior results with the latest lenses and frame styles.

Unity MAX Blocker

The Unity MAX blocker combines highly accurate lens layout and blocking into a single compact station. Unity MAX uses digitally precise software to achieve axis alignment rather than complex and expensive mechanics, and operates with either traditional ally or wax blocking compound.

Contour MAX Generator

Contour MAX is Optek’s flagship lens generator and lap cutter. Through advanced mechanical and software technology, Contour MAX delivers the highest levels of accuracy, speed, dependability, and operational simplicity. The Contour MAX diamond cutter technology not only offers extreme durability (up to 20,000 lenses) but cuts all supported materials — no changing or recalibrating required.

Criterion MAX Surfacer

The Criterion MAX surfacer is the third generation of Optek’s Criterion Digital Surfacing Cell, the world’s first microprocessor-controlled surfacer. Simply enter the job number, and Criterion MAX downloads the data and automatically establishes the optimal pressure, cycle time, and speed for the lens material.