instrumental strategies
When It's Time to Buy an Edger
This two-piece system equals one full finishing
lab.
GARY
GERBER, O.D.
I've
always said that if you're going to be in the business of optometry, you need two
things before you ever open for business: an edger and a phoropter. As a practice-building
consultant, I'm constantly advising clients on what technologies can help their
practices. For me to recommend a specific piece of equipment to a client, it has
to increase the level of patient service, save time and improve profitability. The
Briot Axcell CL-D edging system, composed of the Axcell Tracer-Blocker and the Accura
CL Edger, meets these criteria.
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The Axcell CL-D system
COMPONENTS: Axcell
Tracer-Blocker; Accura CL Edger
FOOTPRINT: Tracer/blocker: 13" x 24" x
26"; Edger: 26" x 19" x 21"
PRICE: $20,000 - $47,000
FEATURES: Edges all lens materials;
grooves rimless lenses; drills rimless lenses automatically; positions holes automatically;
centers without a lensmeter; safety bevels both front and rear. |
Doing it all
The Axcell tracer/blocker analyzes most single-vision,
bifocal and progressive lenses automatically and identifies the optical center without
a lensmeter. An image of the centered lens is shown on the touch screen, overlaying
an exact outline of the traced frame. An operator with little experience can check
sizing and is alerted automatically if the lens is too small. Blocking is executed
quickly and automatically.
After transferring the blocked lens
into the machine, the Axcell CL-D can edge, polish, drill, groove and puts safety
bevels on the front and back of lenses. Its 13" X 24" tracer/blocker footprint and
26"x 19" edger footprint make this a compact, multi-functional edger system.
The tracer incorporates Briot's Digiform
software and PROS (Pattern Recognition Optical System) imaging technology. Digiform
allows you to make shape modifications to a pattern. For example, you can modify
the A or B measurement, or just the bottom zone of a progressive. It's not only
accurate, but also easy to use. The ability to manipulate the size and shapes for
custom-drilled eye wear is also a plus. The PROS imaging technology identifies correct
placement of up to 10 holes or slots per lens automatically. The placements can
be adjusted on a touch screen.
The all-in-one technology makes the
instrument an efficient choice. It's a full finishing lab in a two-piece system.
It does everything except mount the lenses, so you don't have to "baby sit" it.
The edger has a rimless drill built inside the edging chamber that drills automatically.
Edging and drilling are executed in about 10 minutes versus an average of 30 minutes
or more using an edger and a stand-alone drill. The accuracy and automation help
avoid common operator errors.
You'll come out ahead
The Briot Axcell CL-D saves you time, reduces
spoilage and enables you to provide better patient service. You can process jobs
in-house that had to be sent out before, thus reducing lab costs. If you think you
don't have the volume yet to justify the cost of an edger, consider that the higher
level of service you'll be able to provide will quickly grow your practice to the
point where the edger becomes a profit center.
Patients appreciate getting custom-made
eyeglasses. If you already have a phoropter, it's time to get an edger too; we recommend
the Briot Axcell CL-D.
DR. GERBER IS THE
PRESIDENT OF THE POWER PRACTICE, A COMPANY SPECIALIZING
IN MAKING OPTOMETRISTS MORE PROFITABLE. CONTACT
HIM AT (800) 867-9303.
Optometric Management, Issue: May 2006