Adlens® presents results of research by GfK Custom Research of North America

Consumer concerns and reactions to the use of progressive lenses On the wave of the latest research carried out in the optical sector, Adlens® - the leading company for the development of adjustable focus lenses - has announced the results of a survey that demonstrates there is a need for change.   In relation to this, Adlens® gave a press conference during Vision Expo East in New York City. Adlens® CEO Michael C. Ferrara introduced Annie Weber, vice president and managing director of the Public Affairs and Corporate Communications Group, a division of GfK Custom Research of North America. Dr. Weber described the results of a research carried out to analyze consumers' opinions about the progressive lenses on the market. The Public Affairs and Corporate Communications Group division interviewed a sample of 1,802 people over the age of 40. The study used KnowledgePanel, which ensures a statistically valid representation of people over 40. Currently, 71% of Americans in this age group wear prescription or progressive lenses, the equivalent of about 103 million people.   GfK also found that:   - A great many Americans adapt to their glasses and not vice-versa; - At least one in four considered giving up progressive lenses, but, unfortunately, could not find any alternative; - About 30 million progressive lens wearers admitted to being dissatisfied; - 29 million progressive lens wearers want alternative glasses that could solve their problems; - 3.2 million people are unable to adjust to wearing progressive lenses.   Adlens® is developing a new category of progressive lenses: a lens with adjustable focus that takes advantage of the properties of both mono-focal and progressive lenses for smooth and continual vision at any distance. This technology touches on various points that were highlighted in the GfK survey: in fact, it will guarantee total field of vision across the entire surface of the lens, it is closer to the eye's natural field of vision than any other lens made to date, and it radically improves the vision comfort of adult consumers. Suppliers and sector professionals should support the development of such technologies, in order to ensure that innovations in the lens field can be successfully distributed without any problems for end-consumers. It is a unique opportunity for eyesight professionals, since they can benefit from the spread of an innovation dictated by the needs of a new consumer and, at the same time, support Adlens®' commitment to improving vision quality and comfort.   Graeme MacKenzie, Adlens® industrial affairs manager, commented: "The research by GfK demonstrates that the optical industry is doing excellent work on developing products that will meet the needs of Americans. However, there is a huge market that is seeking a technology that can offer all-round vision at any distance, like a mono-focal lens. Adlens® is working on this technology and there can be no doubt that its commitment will be advantageous for consumers and the entire sector alike".