Why I Value In-Depth White Papers from HOYA
As a practice owner I am often being "sold" things that may be good for my patients. The relationships I value most are with the partners that share with me the details on why their offerings will be good for my patients.
I have found over the years that HOYA has been very transparent with the research behind their lens technology. They do not sugar coat with fluffy marketing jargon. HOYA truly seeks solutions to real vision problems and they share their thinking on why their technology will work best for my patients.
As a member of HOYA's advisory panel, I have reviewed these white papers prior to publication. My mission is to ensure you, my ECP peers, will feel like reading these papers is time well spent.
Why are industry-developed white papers important for the ECP?
I found the following three white papers incredibly valuable for ECP’s because they:
- Answer specific questions
- Keep the ECP in-the-know on the latest eye research
- Provide another level of HOYA transparency
- Support the ECP’s staff education
- Can be used as a reference as needed
- Make tech and innovation more relatable
- Help the ECP develop a customer experience
- Support the ECP in conversation with patients
- Help the ECP feel confident in the solutions they offer
- Communicate the value of the ECP to the community
White Paper #1: Binocular Harmonization Technology (BHT) & Binocular Eye Model
The motivating problem
We knew that approximately 7 out of 10 presbyopes have a greater than 0.25D difference in the distance prescription for the right and the left eye. The result is a visual imbalance that can cause blurred vision, tired and burning eyes, and headaches.
Single vision lens wearers can compensate for this by raising their reading material up, or tilting their head down to look view through the optical center of the lenses when they read. However, progressive lens wearers must lower their eyes to get into the corridor. As a result, the eyes will experience differing amounts of prism and differing powers of accommodation support.
This means that image clarity is different for each eye, and the brain will try to equalize the image clarity for both eyes, leading to rivalry between the eyes. We knew there had to be a better way for your presbyopic patients.
The resulting solution
HOYA’s patented Binocular Harmonization Technology (BHT) considers the prescription for the right and left eyes as individual components to calculate the optimal binocular lens design, ensuring that the power distribution and progressive corridor of each lens is exact according to the needs of each eye. The result is perfect and effortless focusing, constant stability, and excellent depth of vision.
White Paper #2: What We Know – and Don’t Know – About Blue Light
The motivating problem
For years, HOYA researchers have stayed on the pulse of the ever-growing topic, high-energy visible (HEV) blue light. Given the increase in screen use (especially in an increasingly remote work environment), there should be a heavier emphasis on the importance of blue light protection.
To raise awareness and help the ECP better serve their susceptible patients, we reviewed peer-reviewed published research concerning the interaction of blue light and the eye, as well as the potential risk(s) blue light poses to the eye and visual system.
The resulting solution
In this vision research, we provide a list of practical, fact-based guidelines for recommending eyewear that provides filtration from HEV blue light radiation. The top 5 guidelines are:
1. When prescribing blue light filtration, think of children first.
2. Remind patients that the sun is a far more potent source of blue light exposure.
3. Consider photochromic, light-sensitive lenses as the most convenient and affordable way to ensure your patients have clear, comfortable vision in all light conditions.
4. Identify your high-risk patients to prescribe lenses that filter blue light for patients with a higher-than-normal risk of macular degeneration.
5. Remember that blue light isn’t always bad. Blue light in the 460 to 500 nm range is important to the maintenance of a healthy circadian rhythm and accurate color perception during the day.
White Paper #3: The Evolution of Anti-Reflective Treatments
The motivating problem
Optometry researchers at HOYA have followed the evolution of anti-reflective (AR) treatments for many years. AR started as a way to improve the amount of light passing through the lens to offer the wearer a better visual experience. Today, premium AR treatments offer an entire lens protection system. We wanted to give ECPs a comprehensive understanding of the attributes of today’s premium AR treatments and how those features positively affect the patients’ visual experience and lifestyle.
The resulting solution
If AR is not added to a spectacle lens, the amount of light able to pass through it is decreased resulting in a loss in the optimal vision that can be obtained with that lens. For the ECP to provide patients with the best vision possible, they must give them the highest level of light transmission possible through their new lenses.
HOYA created a premium anti-reflective lens treatment, Super HiVision EX3+. This treatment reflects light, protects the lens from scratches, oil, reflections, and UV light (even from the back of the lens), meaning that EX3+ will help keep your patients’ vision clear and safe.
Our research showed that consumers are confused about what AR is, what it does, and how it works. ECPs use this white paper to help guide the conversation and recommendations best for their patients.
The Visionary AllianceTM: ECP resources and rewards
We took ECP support and transparency to the next level – beyond white papers – with the Visionary Alliance. This loyalty program is designed to strengthen your independence while allowing you to feel connected, supported, and confident to grow your practice your way.
As a member of the Visionary Alliance™ program, you'll earn points for every eligible purchase of qualifying HOYA products. All members who join earn points, then as your status increases, so do the benefits and rewards that you unlock.