PhotoFusion X: The Next Generation of Self-Tinting Lenses

ZEISS PhotoFusion X is a complete photochromic lens portfolio uniquely designed to satisfy your patients’ need for speed-to-clear with blue light and UV protection. ZEISS has re-engineered its photochromic system to deliver ground-breaking transition speeds, improved darkness, excellent UV and blue light protection and attractive colors – all with premium ZEISS quality. ZEISS launched this new photochromic lens at Vision Expo East in New York.

What makes it unique?

The cutting-edge photochromic technology that uses ZEISS BlueGuard as a base material and includes the sunglass-level UV protection of ZEISS UVProtect, give your patients protection both indoors and out. New ZEISS PhotoFusion X provides excellent blue light and UV protection in any environment.

A Completely New Photochromic System

The photochromic system in ZEISS PhotoFusion X lenses is much more efficient than with previous self-tinting lenses. It includes a new generation of specially developed and patented dyes in a robust and more open carrier matrix for faster transition, allowing them to be clearer indoors, darker outdoors, and quicker to react than previous generations.

Speed Matters

Patients frequently buy a range of prescription lenses: clear, sunglasses, and more recently, blue light protection glasses. However, having many prescription eyeglasses is pricey and can be an inconvenience to some.

When people are indoors, they typically want their lenses to be clear. When stepping outdoors, their eyes perceive light and glare, and they want sunglasses that provide comfortable protection.

Early generations of photochromic glasses were not dark enough or were too slow to clear when coming indoors. Slow fade-back speed is a visual inconvenience, as it’s difficult to see indoors with dark lenses, and in social situations it can be embarrassing.

Fast transition is important to patients:

  • For many patients, quick clearing indoors is the most important feature in photochromic lenses.[2]
  • Slow change from dark to light is the most common pain point for photochromic lens wearers.
  • “too slow to go clear” was the most cited technical performance reason for not purchasing photochromic lenses.[3]
  • In the same study, 100% of experienced photochromic lens wearers noted “clearing up fast inside” is an important characteristic, even more so than darkness or indoor clarity.

ZEISS collaborated with Colts Laboratories, an independent ophthalmic lens testing company in the USA, to measure the photochromic properties of PhotoFusion® X lenses and compare them to the latest lenses from other brands.

The Colt’s independent tests lead to the following conclusions:

PhotoFusion® X Grey is up to 1.5 times faster to clear than the most common photochromic brand’s latest generation grey(14) .

PhotoFusion® X Pro Grey is up to 4.5 times faster to clear than the most common photochromic brand´s latest generation grey., comparing average fade-back speed to an interpolated time to 80%T. [4]

PhotoFusion® X Brown was twice as fast as the same brand’s latest brown. [5]

Artificial Blue Light: A 21st-Century Problem

Modern artificial light sources such as LED lights and the usage of digital devices like computer screens, tablets, TVs and cell phones are increasing the eyes’ exposure to artificial blue light. While longer wavelength blue light, that that from the sun, can help us stay alert and awake, shorter wavelengths, like those from digital devices, can generate visual irritation and may even harm the eyes. In addition, blue light is thought to contribute to digital eye strain, causing symptoms like blurry vision and visual discomfort.[7]

Online concern is propelling blue light lens sales. People are looking for “blue light glasses” online at a greater rate than before. Google searches for blue light glasses have increased five-fold in two years (figure 1).[8] In 2020, the term (blue light glasses) outpaced photochromic lenses searches.

UV Radiation- A Hidden Danger for Our Eyes

UV radiation is not visible to the human eye but poses potential risks to eye health. Without protection, UV radiation may damage anterior ocular structures and the skin around the eyes.

Eyelids and periorbital skin:

UV induced eyelid damage is common. Experts usually recommend sunscreen on the eyelids to prevent damage, but people often do not take this safety measure because sunscreen can cause eye irritation.

UV radiation may cause several chronic skin conditions:

• Eyelid photo-aging, which makes the skin thicker and generates prominent wrinkles;

• Sebaceous gland damage;

• Skin cancer on the eyelid

Lens: As the eye ages, protective pigments in the lens are converted into pigments that react to UVR, further damaging lens proteins and the lens’s outer layer. When damage accumulates, the lens can develop a cataract, severely compromising vision.

Iris: Melanoma tumors are the most common cancer of the eye, and evidence suggests that UVR is one of its leading causes.[9]

Retina: In young people, some longer UVR wavelengths may reach the retina and cause photochemical damage.

Because of this ZEISS provides sunglass-level UV protection in all clear ZEISS lenses. ZEISS PhotoFusion X lenses provide sunglass-level UV protection up to 400 nm in both the clear and activated states. This protection is built into ZEISS BlueGuard materials. This means PhotoFusion® X lenses provide the same UV blocking as premium sunglasses.

Premium sunglasses typically offer full UV protection to 400 nm; however, people may not own a pair and often do not wear them on cloudy days. A Vision Council of America survey found only 21.2% always wear sunglasses when outdoors.[10]

PhotoFusion® X are everyday lenses, for use indoors and outdoors, so wearers have them on all the time, providing more reliable and consistent UV protection. As a result, PhotoFusion® X lenses may provide the average wearer better protection over time from UV radiation than sunglasses.

Fashionable Protection

Through its Sunlens Division, ZEISS supplies non-prescription sunglass lenses to many of the leading sunglass brands, giving ZEISS unique insights into popular sunglasses fashions and color choices.

ZEISS PhotoFusion X lenses are currently available in six colors including a classic sunglass grey, a fast Pro Grey, a warm sunglass brown, a fast Pro Brown, the pioneer grey-green and a vibrant blue. Utilize ZEISS PhotoFusion X lenses in the latest eyewear trends for fashionable and functional styles.

The Best Overall Photochromic Lens Technology

There are many photochromic lens choices available to eye care professionals. Amongst this field of products, ZEISS PhotoFusion X provides the best total package of performance and protection when viewed across the variables that eyeglass wearers most value. Faster fade-back to clear, providing sunglass level darkness outdoors, higher indoor and outdoor blue light protection, sunglass-level UV protection and excellent clarity indoors.

Key Benefits

Outdoors, ZEISS PhotoFusion X lenses are performance optimized self-tinting lenses that provide glare, blue light and UV protection.

• Sunglass-level (Cat 3) darkness outside

• UV Protection to 400 nm

• Excellent blue light blocking

• New and improved color hues

Indoors, PhotoFusion® X provides blue light protection and clarity.

• Excellent blue light protection indoors (blocks up to 50% of potentially harmful blue light).

Photofusion® X provides ground-breaking transition speeds.

• Speed-to-clear – up to 4.5 times (450%) faster than the most common photochromic brand´s latest generation, and up to 47% faster than previous PhotoFusion® lenses.[4], [12]

• Speed-to-dark – up to 75% faster than previous PhotoFusion® lenses(15), achieving over 70% absorption in as little as 15 seconds and full sunglass-level (cat 3) darkness in as little as 27 seconds.[13]

At ZEISS we believe that since photochromic lenses are used all day and, in all environments, they should offer high level protection in both environments. Wearers want to protect their eyes and vision no matter if they are exposed to artificial blue light indoors or solar radiation while spending time outdoors. ZEISS PhotoFusion X does just this.

To learn more about ZEISS PhotoFusion X click here or ask your ZEISS Business Development Representative for more information.

If you’d like to find out more about becoming a ZEISS customer, please visit https://www.zeiss.com/vision-care/us/eye-care-professionals/contact.html

References:

[1] External Eyeglass Wearer Studies, (n=151 clear lens wearers) DE, 2021.

[2] Photochromic Lens Wearer Study in the UK (n=232) in 2021 external institute).

[3]  External Eyeglass Wearer Studies (n=105), DE, 2012

[4] Testing by independent testing laboratory in USA in 2021-22 according to requirement in ISO 8980-3.  Based on the average speed (%T/min) of fadeback from fully activated state to the interpolated time to 80%T at 23C in 1.50 index  HC only form (CR607 version of comparison brand).

[5] Analyses by Technology and Innovation, Carl Zeiss Vision GmbH, Aus 2021. Based on the average speed (%T/min) of fadback from fully activated state to 80%T at 23C in 1.50 index HC only form, comparison brand CR607 version.

[6] Testing by independent testing laboratory in USA according to requirement in ISO 8980-3. Based on the average speed (%T/min) of fade-back from fully activated state to 80%T at 23°C in 1.5 index (CR607) HC only form.

[7] Rosenfield M. (2011). Computer vision syndrome: a review of ocular causes and potential treatments. Ophtalmic Physiol Opt., (5):502-15.

[8] Google trends weekly result for country selection Worldwide from 1/1/2018 to 12/31/2020 for the terms “blue light glasses”, “photochromic glasses”, “transitions”, “Transitions glasses” and “uv glasses”, Data analysis as of July 2021.

[9] Jovanovic P, Mihajlovic M, Djordjevic-Jocic J, Vlajkovic S, Cekic S, Stefanovic V. Ocular melanoma: an overview of the current status. Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2013;6(7):1230-1244. Published 2013 Jun 15.

[10] Vision Council of America, UV Eye Protection Study, 2018. 1.5

[11] Testing according to requirement in ISO 8980-3. Based on the average speed (%T/min) of fadeback from fully activated state to 80%T at 23°C in 1.5 index (CR607) HC only form.

[12] Analyses by Technology and Innovation, Carl Zeiss Vision GmbH, Aus 2021 in accordance to ISO 8980-3.  Based on the average speed (%T/min) of activation from  from clear state to 30%T at 23C in grey polycarbonate HC only form.

[13] Analyses by Technology and Innovation, Carl Zeiss Vision GmbH, Aus 2021 in accordance to  ISO 8980-3.  PhotoFusion X Grey  at 23°C, 1.6 index with HC

(14) Testing by independent testing laboratory in USA in 2021-22 according to requirement in ISO 8980-3.  Based on the average speed (%T/min) of fadeback from fully activated state to the interpolated time to 80%T at 23C in 1.50 index  HC only form (CR607 version of comparison brand).

(15) Testing by independent laboratory in USA in 2021-22 according to requirement in ISO 8980-3.  Based on the average speed (%T/min) of activation from  clear state to an interpolated time to 30%T at 23C in grey polycarbonate HC only form.


Celebrating 175 Years in Optics: From Curiosity to Innovation

This year, ZEISS celebrates its 175th year in business. A historic milestone and a rich legacy unmatched in the vision care industry. Since the early days when Carl Zeiss created his first microscope, ZEISS has played a leading role in advancing the field of optics. From pioneering surgical microscopes and slit lamps, to developing optical glass and precision eyeglass lenses featuring point-focal imagery, ZEISS has always been at the forefront of optics. ZEISS continues to pursue innovations that change the world and make a difference for the people that live in it. But how did this story begin and how did ZEISS become the global company it is today?

The first steps

On November 17, 1846, German entrepreneur and university mechanic Carl Zeiss opened a small workshop in the German city of Jena where he would work on precision mechanics and optics. One of this workshop’s first products was a microscope, which was praised for its superior imaging properties.

In 1853, Carl Zeiss invented an improved microscope that he called “the wonder of Jena”. It had twice the magnification power of other microscopes and provided a higher level of detailed observation by using transmitted light. Such an advanced device made many new scientific discoveries possible and would later be called the compound microscope.

The Wonder of Jena

But it would take a collaboration with physicist and mathematician Ernst Abbe in the mid-1860s to transform this small, specialty business into a large-scale commercial enterprise. Through a unique combination of scientific excellence and manufacturing expertise, ZEISS would grow to become a globally recognized brand name synonymous with excellence in optics.

A formula for better vision

In 1873, the young scientist and professor at Jena University, Ernst Abbe, discovered the now-famous optical formula, called the Abbe Sine Condition. This is one of the essential properties that a lens must have to produce a sharp image with significantly reduced distortion, aberrations, and imaging artefacts. Even today, the Abbe Sine Condition must be fulfilled by all high-performance lenses in order for them to produce sharp and crisp images.

Abbe Sine Condition

Another key contributor to the company’s dynamic growth was glass chemist Otto Schott (1855-1940), a glassmaker’s son. Together with Carl Zeiss and Ernst Abbe, he founded the company which is now SCHOTT, a high-tech materials producer renowned the world over for its specialty glass.

Otto Schott

Otto Schott produced exceptional optical glass with novel properties. In 1879, he offered a sample to Abbe, which sparked a collaboration that resulted in the creation of Glaswerk Schott & Genossen, a factory that began operations in September 1884.

The high quality of the new optical glass helped make Abbe’s theory applicable in all ZEISS instruments from that point onwards. The combination of scientific rigor with entrepreneurial know-how proved to be the first leap in a future full of technological breakthroughs.

The company later developed the first camera with a photographic objective lens, which was patented as an “objective for optical instruments” in 1891.

The ZEISS Foundation is established.

In 1889, shortly after the death of his business partner Carl Zeiss, Ernst Abbe created the Carl Zeiss Foundation to honor his late friend. The Foundation’s charter would include the promotion of science and the advancement of optical research and education. Over 125 years after its creation, the Carl Zeiss Foundation continues to be one of Germany’s largest and oldest science foundations.

Today, the Foundation is the sole shareholder of Carl Zeiss AG and the Schott AG glass companies, making for a unique ownership structure with no shareholders. In fact, the Foundation has become a model for similar ownership structures with long-term outlooks.

A company unlike any other

As a foundation-owned business, ZEISS is dedicated to sustainability as laid down in the original 1889 Carl Zeiss Foundation charter. Responsibility is at the core of the corporate identity, and it drives company initiatives such as providing access to eye care services in underserved communities and supporting educational opportunities across the field of optics. Of course, today, corporate responsibility has to include activities for climate protection. As an example ZEISS plans to be 100% carbon neutral in power consumption by 2022 and in all other activities by 2025.

ALOKA Vision Program

One recent example ZEISS’ support is Aloka as a social business. The program offers vision exams and eyeglasses in underserved regions in developing countries.  Through Aloka, ZEISS provides up to 20,000 patients per month with quality eye and vision care. Click here to learn more.

To find out more about what the ZEISS Foundation click here.

The Path of Progress is Never-Ending

Back in the 1960s, ZEISS partnered with NASA’s space program to capture and immortalize what remains one of mankind’s greatest accomplishment – the first moon landing. Throughout the Gemini, Mercury, and Apollo missions, specially designed ZEISS lenses were used to create iconic images that graced the covers of magazines around the world and inspired millions. Furthermore, the lenses employed throughout the space mission became the basis for today’s advanced optics, for example in the field of cinematography and lithography.

It’s almost impossible to overstate the role and many contributions of ZEISS technologies in modern science. For example, the Nobel Prize-winning researchers like Robert Koch, the discoverer of the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis, and Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard, whose research gave insights into the mechanisms of early embryonic development, have all worked with ZEISS microscopes. Other notable researchers include Rudolf Virchow (1821–1902), the German pathologist known as “the father of modern pathology” and as the founder of social medicine. More information about Nobel laureates who worked with ZEISS can be found here.

Beginning in 1900, Swedish ophthalmologist and 1911 Nobel Laureate for Medicine, Dr. Allvar Gullstrand started a collaboration with Moritz von Rohr, the head of development at ZEISS. Their work together resulted in the creation of the slit lamp, Katral lenses, Punktal lenses, and eventually in the establishment of both Vision Care and the Medical businesses at ZEISS in 1912.

The earliest model of the slit lamp, known as the Nerst Slit Lamp, was the first instrument to feature slit illumination, and is now a permanent fixture at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

Nerst Slit Lamp

Meanwhile, the ZEISS “SL” microscope became an indispensable tool in ophthalmology, dermatology, and gynecology as the first clinically applicable technology that allowed for diagnostic procedures on patients, even those under local anesthesia.

Unlike any other lens of its era, ZEISS Punktal, the world’s first precision eyeglass lens with point-focal images that deliver razor-sharp vision into the periphery for the moving eye, was another revolutionary result of their collaboration. The first generation of Punktal lenses changed the world of eyeglasses lenses forever.

ZEISS Punktal Lenses

To develop innovative ophthalmo-technology for the benefit of patients worldwide is the core of our company’s activities, as it has been since Carl Zeiss founded his optical workshop in 1846.

Michael Kaschke, President and CEO (2013-2020), ZEISS Group

Yesterday’s innovations have led to today’s scientific breakthroughs

As ZEISS celebrates 175 years since its founding, the company is looking ahead to a future filled with breakthrough research and innovations that will change how we see our world.

The development of the OPMI 1, first introduced in 1953 and regarded as the precursor of contemporary surgical microscopes, was based on the optical system of the very first slit lamp.

ZEISS OPMI 1

As far back as 1877, ZEISS had already developed a visible light optical system to view the retina at high magnification.

In 2014, ZEISS announced the development of a laser-guided microscope that allows surgeons to better focus on their work inside the patient, without having to hunch over an eyepiece. Meanwhile, the new ZEISS LSM 880 3D Laser Scanning confocal microscope is designed to provide unprecedented speed and accuracy during surgery while reducing stress for ophthalmologists.

ZEISS LSM 880 3D Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope

Today, this microsurgical microscope is used in vitreoretinal surgery to solve problems with conditions such as a detached retina and retinal tears.

The ZEISS’ long history of innovation in ophthalmology continues to this day with cutting-edge technologies and application-centric solutions. Recent advancements include the Artevo 800, the first ophthalmic digital microscope, and Forum an ophthalmic data management software created to improve practice efficiency.

ZEISS Artevo 800

The Kinevo 900 for spine and neurosurgery is one of the most recent microsurgery technological innovations. The system integrates robotics, digital visualization, and various assisting technologies to create the most advanced surgical robot available on the market.

Every single day, an estimated 75% of all cataract surgeries utilizes a ZEISS device to diagnose (slit lamps), plan (biometry, EQ Workplace), visualize (microscopes), or treat (IOLs) the disease.

Success didn’t come without struggles

From wars, pandemics, and economic crises ZEISS has faced—and overcome—more than its fair share of challenges.

After the Second World War, Germany was formally divided into two separate countries: West Germany, which was aligned with the Western democracies, and East Germany, which was linked to the Soviet Union.

The company subsequently split into two businesses: Carl Zeiss West Germany and Carl Zeiss Jena. The two businesses functioned independently in a divided Germany, where they also evolved separately, but not without competing against each other and fighting over which was the true ZEISS.

Evolution of ZEISS logo

After German reunification in 1990, things took a dramatic turn. This is when ZEISS truly understood how vital it was for both East and West to grow again—as one. Both sister companies were subsequently reunited in 1991, bringing to an end one of Germany’s longest corporate litigation fights.

To this day, the company has stayed true to its roots. ZEISS remains a leading optical manufacturer of world-class microscopes, cameras, telescopes, eyeglass lenses, and binoculars – not to mention high-tech components and technologies used daily in research, medicine, and across multiple industries.

International expansion and globalization

The creation of the firm’s first subsidiary in London in 1893 paved the way for the globalization of the company as many new international branches were steadily added.

This process was sped up by the spread of machine tools during the Industrial Revolution, which allowed ZEISS to open factories and sites in various cities around Germany and Europe.

Today, Carl Zeiss operates in over 50 countries worldwide.

ZEISS in the US

Zeiss Vision first set up a headquarters in the US in 1965, following a partnership with American Optical – the US leader in the ophthalmic field – which allowed it to expand into both distribution and manufacturing.

Carl Zeiss London

The ZEISS Vision headquarters in San Diego was established in 2009, and the company set up a subsidiary in South Carolina (ZEISS Microscopy LLC) in 2012.

ZEISS’s presence in the US continues to grow and evolve; the German-based company now has operations all across the US.

Earlier this year, ZEISS Vision US moved its headquarters from San Diego, CA to Hebron, KY. The site of the company’s most advanced lens lab and the home to the first ZEISS Customer Experience Center. This comes after a multi-million dollar lab renovation creating a state-of-the-art and Industry 4.0 production facility using the most advanced robotics in combination with artificial technology. ZEISS has invested in the renovation of their new facility, incorporating high-tech equipment that brings mass manufacturing into the modern age.

ZEISS Headquarters in Northern Kentucky

ZEISS Customer Experience Center

The state-of-the-art facility in Northern Kentucky, which is a first of its kind, is designed to help eye care professionals grow and differentiate their business. By combining the latest ZEISS Vision Technologies in a breathtaking retail store concept called the ZEISS Vision Center, eyecare professionals can now offer a truly unique vision experience for patients.

ZEISS Customer Experience Center in Northern Kentucky

Situated directly next to the Customer Experience Center is the new optical lab which is 100% paperless and utilizes the latest technologies to develop eyeglass lenses that are customized to each patient’s prescription and eyeglass frame.

Working together for a better future

For more than 175 years, ZEISS has been committed to changing the world through cutting-edge technologies, social responsibility, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. In the future, ZEISS intends to maintain its focus on innovation by investing more than 10% of revenues on research and development.  The company currently spends around $1 billion each year on R&D.

Since the inception of Carl Zeiss’ modest Jena facility, there have been numerous milestones and scientific achievements. While 175 years may seem like a long time, it’s likely that ZEISS’ greatest technological breakthroughs and contributions to humanity are yet to come.

Pre-Visit App for Eye Care Professionals

ZEISS Pre Visit Prep App

Improve capture rate and speed up the dispensing process.

What is the Pre Visit Prep App?

A short 2-minute quiz that can help recommend eyeglass lens solutions to fit your patients’ lifestyles.  These recommendations can then be discussed with the eye care professional during the next visit.  These recommendations includes lenses, AR coatings and second pair sunglass options customized for their personal needs.

The Pre Visit Prep quiz will show you what challenges your eyes face everyday and which lens solutions from ZEISS can help overcome them.

How do I use it?

It’s easy!  Simply embed the quiz on your website to effortlessly enrich the online experience.  It will then be viewable on your website to help you  educate patients, speed up the lens selection process and drive more traffic to your business.

To add the embed code in your website, follow these
simple steps:

1. Locate the section of your web page where you want
the app to appear.

a. We recommend displaying it your Home page, which is usually named “default” or “index.”

b. We recommend placing the app within the widest body section of your website, rather than a narrow side rail on the right side of the screen.

c. The code must be placed after the <body> tag and before the </body> of your website. The code cannot be placed in the <head> section.

Instructions

1. Copy and paste the following iframe into your HTML code: <iframe width=”600” height=”300” src=”MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from
“eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com” claiming to be MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from “eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com” claiming to be
https://previsitprep.com/”></iframe>

2. You can modify the Width and Height dimensions, to ensure the app aligns with your site layout. However, we recommend that you use the 600×300 dimensions.

3. Save the file that you made the changes to.

Now it’s time to let your patient know.

Share it via social media, email, text, or newsletter to drive people to your site and to help them understand which lenses are right for their lifestyle BEFORE they visit you.

Learn more or take the quiz now at ZEISS.com/patientprep or contact your
ZEISS representative.

The science and fashion behind National Sunglasses Day

June 27 is National Sunglasses Day, and it’s a great opportunity to remind patients how  important it is to protect your eyes as vigilantly as you protect your skin. And with the variety of ZEISS lenses that offer UV protection, you can really express your personal style.

Eyewear stylist and influencer Alana Whitaker, known as @californiaglassesgirl on Instagram, recently put ZEISS mirror lenses in two of her WOOW frames, and we think they look great.

But there’s more to sunglasses than how great they look. What’s the science behind UV protection? And how can you be sure that your sunglasses are protecting you? Here’s an overview.

UV rays from the sun can cause short-term and long-term damage to both the eye and its surrounding tissue (known to doctors as the external ocular adnexa). Short-term damage comes from UV-B rays primarily, and includes corneal burns (photokeratitis), conjunctivitis, and sunburned eyelids. UV-A rays (320-400 nanometers) can be attributed to long-term problems such as cataracts, photoaging, and even skin cancer. These rays penetrate the deepest into the skin and eyes. To protect your eyes as well as you can, it is important to select eyewear with UV protection which covers the entire UV spectrum up to 400 nm.

Fortunately, ZEISS has the broadest offering of UV400 protection for the eyes on the market. For patients who want full UV protection and reduced glare, ZEISS has a wide range of prescription sunglass tints, gradients, polarized lenses, and mirror options. There is even a quick quiz to help guide your patients into the best outdoor lens option to suit their lifestyle, the Sunlens Type Test.

ZEISS also has a wide range of self-tinting lenses for patients who want the convenience of having one pair of glasses which have clear lenses indoors and a sunglass tint outdoors. ZEISS PhotoFusion lenses adapt very quickly to changing light conditions, come in 5 color options, and offer full UV protection up to 400nm.

But that’s not all. Since April 2018, ZEISS has had the most astounding offer yet for patients wanting full UV protection.  All ZEISS clear lenses now come with sunglass level UV protection in all materials. That means full UV protection is now available to all eyeglass wearers – as long as their lenses are from ZEISS.

ZEISS truly has you covered – and protected from UV.

Find out more:

Keep It Sunny: Raising UV Awareness with a Chatbot

2018 has been the breakout year for chatbots. Just two short years ago, most of the world hadn’t heard of them. Now there are well over 100,000 just on Facebook Messenger alone. They’re catching on quick, and already more than 20% of consumers prefer chatbots as the easiest way to contact a business, beating phone calls, emails, and websites.

“By 2020, 80% of business will have some sort of chatbot automation in place.”—Business Insider, 2016

That’s less than two years away!

Creating a unique, user-driven, interactive customer service experience is something most companies strive for, right? Well, that’s really difficult to do 24/7, unless you employ chatbots. And ZEISS is known for being a trend-setting technology and precision company, so it was time to place our trust in technology yet again and give chatbots a try.

Sunny the UV Chatbot avatar

Sunny the UV Chatbot was launched within Facebook Messenger in April 2018 to support the launch of the popular ZEISS UVProtect lens technology, and bring awareness of the need to protect eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) light. Sunny is the first chatbot to be released in the eyeglass lens market. Its purpose is to provide information about UVProtect lenses while educating consumers about UV and its potential to harm our eyes. People can chat with Sunny the UV Chatbot anytime of the day, whenever it’s convenient for them.

It was important to make sure Sunny met the needs of our customers, so it was designed to be both informative and funny with a witty personality. The first question Sunny will ask you is if you’d like your UV Index for the day. Reminding people to consider their daily UV environment and how to best protect themselves is an essential first step to increasing awareness.

Sunny also offers a UV risk assessment so that people understand their risk, not just to their skin, but to their eyes as well.

Think you already know a lot about UV? Well, take Sunny’s fun quiz and find out if you’re right!

Sold on the need for ZEISS UVProtect lenses? Just ask Sunny to find a ZEISS eye care practice near you and you’ll be on your way to having the best protection around.

Want to see for yourself? Open Facebook Messenger and search for Sunny the UV Chatbot by name, or click this link: bit.ly/SunnyUV.

Engaging consumers where they prefer to be served is a crucial step in reaching the ZEISS goal of building awareness about the risk of UV damage to our eyes. Sunny the UV Chatbot is a step in the right direction in effectively engaging with our customers and their patients.