Volk Optical News - volk.com

Digital Series now available in multiple hues
Mentor, Ohio (April 23, 2012) – Volk Optical now offers its Digital Series lenses with new colored ring options for easy identification and organization. The Digital Wide Field®, High Mag®, and Clear Field can now be ordered in standard Volk blue, or with a choice of black, red, silver, gold, purple, or green finish.

Volk Optical's Digital Wide Field®, High Mag®, and Clear Field can now be ordered in standard Volk blue, or with a choice of black, red, silver, gold, purple, or green finish.

Colored rings can help practitioners easily distinguish their lenses from those of their colleagues or to identify one style of lens from another with just a quick glance. It’s also a convenient way to organize larger practices by color coding the lenses in each exam room. 

The finish changes only the color of the ring; customers can expect the same superior clarity and expert craftsmanship that have made Volk’s patented, double aspheric, glass lenses the industry standard.

Volk’s Digital Series lenses provide the highest resolution for non-contact imaging during both BIO and slit lamp use. The Digital family’s three lenses increase general diagnostic capabilities and shorten exam time. For diagnostic work, Volk’s Digital Wide Field lens provides the widest field of view available in a non-contact lens for detailed far peripheral views even through small pupils. The Digital High Mag delivers true 3D views of the posterior pole. The Digital Clear Field is an ideal choice for detailed mid and far peripheral retinal views.

Volk also offers its Pan Retinal® 2.2, 20D, Super66®, Super Field®, 28D, 78D and 90D lenses in a choice of gold, red, green, purple, blue, or silver finish.

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Mentor, Ohio (April 2, 2012) – Volk Optical, the industry leader in aspheric optics, will be exhibiting at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), May 6-9 at the Broward County Convention Center (Fort Lauderdale, Florida), booth 509. 

Volk’s HR Centrails, HR Widefield and Pictor Digital Ophthalmic Imager

This will be the first time at ARVO for Volk’s recently launched Pictor Digital Ophthalmic Imager. Pictor is the first truly portable imaging system for the eye. Two modules enable retinal (non-mydriatic) and external ocular imaging. It produces jpeg images that upload to any computer for review and patient records.

Also on display will be Volk’s High Resolution (HR) contact lenses for pan retinal photocoagulation and focal/grid therapy. Distortion-free across the entire viewing area, the lenses in this line have superior high resolution views. The HR Centralis provides detailed views of the central retina, with a 1.08x magnification to improve visualization capabilities with pupils as small as 4mm. The HR Wide Field delivers a .50x magnification, with a 2.0x laser spot magnification, and reveals details as far out as the ora serrata.

Volk will also be showing its entire line of diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical ophthalmic lenses, equipment, and accessories. In addition to hands-on demonstrations, Volk will offer special show pricing and a free multi-lens case with purchase.

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Mentor, Ohio (March 7, 2012) – Volk Optical, the industry leader in aspheric optics, will be launching a new Surgical Gonio lens at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS) Annual Meeting, April 20-24 at the Chicago’s McCormick Place West. This lens, along with all of Volk’s surgical lenses and equipment, will be on display at booth 2207. 

Volk Optical's Mini 4 Mirror Gonio and SLT lenses.

New at ASCRS this year will be Volk’s Autoclavable Surgical Gonio Lens. The lens delivers clear direct views of the chamber angle structures, for goniotomy and other surgical gonio procedures. With high quality Korry construction, the Surgical Gonio withstands the rigors of steam sterilization without lens and image degradation.

For treating patients with small anatomies and narrow palpebral fissures, Volk will be exhibiting its Mini 4 Mirror Gonio Lens. It delivers complete angle views with a small body and ring to ease manipulation of the lens, especially within a small orbit. Also available at the show will be Volk’s SLT Lens for Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty procedures. The lens provides detailed, high resolution views of the anterior chamber angle with a design that ensures the laser beam profile remains circular for consistent laser spot placement.

Volk will be exhibiting its entire line of diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical ophthalmic lenses, equipment, and accessories. In addition to hands-on demonstrations, Volk will offer special show pricing and a free multi-lens case with purchase.

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Mentor, Ohio (August 19, 2011) – Volk Optical’s new Pictor digital imaging device will demonstrate its ease of use outside the office at Vision West September 22 – 24, 2011 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center (Las Vegas, Nev.). At Volk’s exhibit in booth MS10056, show visitors can see the ophthalmic imaging capabilities of the portable and cost-effective Pictor.

Volk’s Pictor portable digital imaging system.

The lightweight Pictor fits into a small briefcase, traveling easily between office exams rooms, on non-ambulatory patient visits and to off-site clinics. Two modules are included to enable both retinal and external imaging. The Pictor produces high quality jpeg images ideal for patient records or sharing for remote diagnosis and consultation. Its low system price and eligibility for ADA tax credit result in a short payback period.

Also on display will be Volk’s entire line of diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical ophthalmic lenses, equipment, and accessories, including its G6 Gonio, a six mirror lens that delivers sweeping images of the anterior segment. Without rotating the lens, the G6 delivers a full, gap-free view by quickly scanning across the mirrors. In addition to hands-on demonstrations, Volk will offer special show pricing and a free multi-lens case with purchase during the show.

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Mentor, Ohio (August 5, 2011) – Volk Optical will be introducing its new portable ophthalmic imager to European practitioners at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) meeting September 17 – 21, 2011 at the Reed Messe (Vienna, Austria). Show visitors will see Volk’s new Pictor digital imaging device and High Resolution contact lenses at the company’s booth, B321.

Volk Pictor portable ophthalmic imager.

The Pictor digital imaging device is a portable and cost-effective advancement over traditional fixed systems. The lightweight device is ideal for use in-office, on non-ambulatory patient visits, at off-site clinics and for pediatric exams. Its modular design enables both imaging of the retina and external parts of the eye. The Pictor produces standard high resolution jpeg images and video for manipulation on any computer. 

Also on display will be Volk’s entire line of diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical ophthalmic lenses, equipment, and accessories, including its HR Centralis and HR Widefield High Resolution contact lenses for diagnosis and laser treatment. The HR Centralis provides detailed views of the central retina, with a 1.08x magnification to improve visualization capabilities with pupils as small as 4mm. The HR Widefield delivers a .50x magnification, with a 2.0x laser spot magnification, and reveals details as far out as the ora serrata

In addition to hands-on demonstrations, Volk will offer a 10 percent discount on purchases made during the show.

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Volk’s lightweight Pictor digital imager delivers internal retinal and external corneal views
Mentor, Ohio (June 16, 2011) – For convenient ocular imaging in any setting, Volk Optical’s new truly portable Pictor digital device enables ophthalmic imaging not possible with traditional fixed systems.  The Pictor delivers high resolution images of the retinal and external eye structures in office, on non-ambulatory patient visits, at off-site clinics and for pediatric patient exams difficult to conduct on a fixed system.

The extremely compact Pictor weighs in at just one pound, and fits easily with its accessories into a small briefcase.  Its high quality jpeg images, easily uploaded to computer, are compatible with most major imaging software programs and adaptable to any patient database system.  The files can be used for patient records, or shared for remote diagnosis and consultation. 

Ideal for retinal and external imaging and associated interpretation, Pictor’s low system price results in a short payback period. Two modules are included with the Pictor. The Retinal module provides a 45 degree field of view of the fundus. It is a non-mydriatic imaging method for use with pupils as small as 3mm. The Anterior module is used for imaging surface parts of the eye and has a series of cobalt blue LEDs for fluorescent imaging.

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Mentor, Ohio (May 20, 2011) – Volk Optical is taking ophthalmic imaging out of the exam room and on the road to the American Optometric Association meeting, June 16 -18, 2011 at the Salt Palace Convention Center (Salt Lake City, Utah).  At Volk’s booth, 1104, show visitors will get first look at its new Pictor digital imaging device, a portable and cost-effective advancement over traditional fixed systems.

Volk’s Pictor portable ophthalmic digital imaging system.

AOA is the first time the Pictor will be exhibited for sale and participants will have the first opportunity to see it in action.  The lightweight device is truly portable for use in-office, on non-ambulatory patient visits, at off-site clinics and for pediatric exams. Its modular design enables both imaging of the retina and external parts of the eye. The Pictor produces standard high resolution jpeg images and video for manipulation on any computer. 

Also on display will be Volk’s entire line of diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical ophthalmic lenses, equipment, and accessories, including the new G6 Gonio lens.  With unmatched panoramic viewing of the chamber angle, the six precisely aligned mirrors of the G6 are a vast improvement to the classic 4 mirror lens.

In addition to hands-on demonstrations, Volk will offer special show pricing and a free multi-lens case with purchase during the show.

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Four years of successive export growth for the company’s ophthalmic devices
Mentor, Ohio (May 18, 2011) – Volk Optical was awarded the Presidential “E” Award for Exports by U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gary Locke at the May 16, 2011 World Trade Week ceremonies in Washington DC. The “E” Awards are the highest recognition any U.S. entity may receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.

(From Left) Volk's vice president of operations Bernie Rykaczewski, president Peter Mastores, regional manager-global markets Arlinda Vaughn, and vice president of sales John Strobel receive the Presidential E award for export excellence.

“Exports have been a major component of our company’s growth strategy and we are honored to receive the “E” Award.” said Pete Mastores, Volk’s president. “Even during the recent economic downturn, our international focus enabled us to increase sales and profits while creating jobs here in the U.S.  We appreciate the recognition of our team’s hard work and we hope the “E” Award encourages other companies to explore international growth opportunities.”

Volk manufactures ophthalmic lenses and imaging products that are used to diagnose and treat conditions of the eye. Its products are used by eye doctors in over 100 countries.

“Exports are a key driver of America’s economic recovery,” said Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke.  “President Obama’s National Export Initiative (NEI), which aims to double U.S. exports by 2015 in support of several million American jobs, is a robust, forward-looking trade agenda with an emphasis on domestic job growth. Volk Optical is being honored today for making significant contributions toward fulfilling that agenda.”

A business client of the Department’s U.S. Commercial Service, Volk has benefited from export counseling, assistance with obtaining licenses to export to embargoed countries, and matchmaking services with potential foreign distributors.  With this assistance, exports have grown to account for over 60 percent of its business. In addition to Volk’s home office in Ohio, the company has sales representatives in China, India, Europe, and Latin America. Volk Optical has demonstrated a substantial increase in the volume of exports over a four-year period, a major criteria for the award.

U.S. companies are nominated for the “E” Awards through the U.S. Commercial Service office network in 108 U.S. cities and more than 75 countries which helps U.S. companies export. Criteria for the award is based on four years of successive export growth, usually accompanied by a rising percentage of export sales within total sales. An applicant’s demonstration of an innovative international marketing plan that led to the increase in exports is a significant factor in making the award.

All nominations are reviewed by the “E” Award Committee, which is chaired by the Department of Commerce, and includes representatives from ExIm Bank, and the Departments of Labor, State, and Transportation. A total of 27 U.S. companies were presented with the “E” Award at this year’s ceremony.

President Kennedy revived the World War II “E” symbol of excellence to honor and provide recognition to America’s exporters. Thus, the “E” Award Program was established by Executive Order 10978 on December 5, 1961.

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Reduces microscope working height, maximizes working space during vitreoretinal surgery
Mentor, Ohio (April 19, 2011) – Volk Optical has built on its recently launched manually operated MERLIN® with a new Condensing Lens Assembly (CLA). This new option provides vitreoretinal surgeons the same detailed retinal views through the microscope, with the convenience of fully automated operation.

Volk’s MERLIN® with Condensing Lens Assembly and choice of three surgical lenses.

The MERLIN® provides precise control of non-contact lens position and focus for clear, crisp views during vitreoretinal surgery.  With the CLA, lens positioning is system directed via a footpedal or the device’s lens positioning unit (LPU). When the LPU is swung into the surgical field bringing the Volk lens into position, the CLA automatically moves the condensing lens into the optical pathway to provide crisp retinal views. A footpedal control for the CLA is also available if preferred. With the condensing lens in place, microscope working height is reduced and refocusing between corneal and retinal views is minimized.

The LPU is fully rotational around the optical axis for optimal lens position in relation to the patient. The LPU and lens swing completely out of the surgical field when working on the cornea, maximizing space for surgical manipulation. 

Compatible with all major surgical microscopes, with Volk’s new ROLS∞ (Infinity) reinverter, and the choice of three lenses, the modular MERLIN® system is the most advanced method for non contact retinal viewing. Volk’s ROLS∞ allows users to adjust the prism to fit each individual microscope’s optical pathway, reducing image shift and vignetting when engaging the optical prism.

The MERLIN® lenses include:  a wide angle with the widest field of view available; a small diameter wide angle exclusive to Volk for working with narrow-browed patients; and a mid field with higher magnification for more detailed examination of the posterior pole to the equator.  The autoclave sterilizable glass lenses offer the higher optical quality and lower lifetime costs than comparable systems using disposable lenses.

For more information on the MERLIN® CLA, or to arrange an on-site surgical demonstration, visit to www.volk.com or phone Volk at 1-800-345-8655.

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Available in manual and powered versions from Volk
Mentor, Ohio (April 5, 2011) – Enabling a completely custom surgical microscope fit, Volk Optical’s new ROLS∞ (Infinity) reinverter is the most technically advanced viewing system for reinverted images during vitreoretinal surgery. Used to correctly orient the images created by non contact viewing systems or contact lenses, it delivers precision image reproduction for visualization of the macula and panoramic views up to the ora serrata.

Volk’s ROLS®∞ (Infinity)

Like traditional ROLS reinverters, Volk’s ROLS∞ is preset at the factory for alignment with the microscope type. However, the ROLS∞ is unique because it also allows users to adjust the prism to fit each individual microscope’s optical pathway. To accommodate the minute shifts that exist from one microscope to the next, Volk’s new design has mechanisms to set and lock the internal prism in the correct alignment for a completely custom fit. This precise alignment with the optical pathway reduces image shift and vignetting when engaging the optical prism.

A low profile design minimizes the microscope’s stack height.  The ROLS∞ is available in a manual configuration, or a foot switch operated powered version.  The unit installs easily and can be removed quickly for cleaning and sterilization.

The combination of the ROLS∞ with Volk’s modular MERLIN^® surgical viewing system and Volk’s high magnification and wide field vitrectomy lenses forms the most advanced method for non contact retinal viewing.

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