Reflections on the EFCLIN Conference
May 2024 - Go to Advance About page
The EFCLIN Congress and Exhibition in Vilamoura, Portugal, served not only as a platform for innovation and collaboration in the contact lens and IOL manufacturing industry but also marked significant milestones. This year's venue, the picturesque Vilamoura, provided the perfect backdrop for reflection and forward thinking. EFCLIN's 50th anniversary highlighted half a century of dedication to the eyecare industry. In parallel, FocalPoints celebrated its 30th anniversary, reaffirming its commitment to leading the charge in specialty contact lens manufacturing technology.
The gathering underscored the enduring strength of our partnerships and friendships within the industry. By actively collaborating with industry leaders and incorporating feedback from our clients, we ensure our solutions consistently meet the dynamic needs of the market. Our close alliances with leading lathe manufacturers such as Ametek, Dac, Rem, and Schneider exemplify our commitment to customer proximity. This year we were involved in many significant technological advancements, integrating a multitude of new instruments and services into FocalPoints environment.
The integration of the new Optimec Map Tray+ with Nexus Automation Hub represents a leap forward in precision and efficiency for contact lens manufacturers, opening new avenues in the realm of automation. The introduction of the REM LML 1000 External Laser integration sets a new standard in lens marking, offering a flexible and approachable solution for all manufacturers. The integration with Optocraft cito+prio wavefront-based measuring systems provides near-instantaneous measurement results the moment the lens is placed on the test aperture. These advancements underscore our continuous pursuit of innovation, often working in parallel with partners as they are completing their own development, ensuring that our clients have an integrated access when it becomes available.
A prime example of our commitment to collaboration is the forthcoming integration with SimuLENS, a cutting-edge web platform designed to simplify eye care professionals' process. SimuLENS enables practitioners to quickly identify the perfect lens fit using advanced fitting technology and extensive trial sets. The anticipated integration with FocalPoints will open new pathways for growth for growth and innovation for our clients. In another act of community engagement, and to celebrate FocalPoints' 30th anniversary, we partnered with Bausch+Lomb and Contamac to sponsor a Beach Party. This event brought together long-standing and new partners alike, fostering a shared spirit of optimism and community as we celebrated together.
A key insight from our discussions during the talks was the industry's apprehension about the regulatory challenges posed by the MDR, the ongoing UDI debates, and the longstanding concerns around PFAS. These regulations affect every stakeholder in the industry, even those not directly involved. The entire supply chain must rally to support manufacturers through this intricate transition, which promises to enhance the overall industry in the long run. While it may be difficult to appreciate the benefits at this moment, at Advance Medical, we are prepared to support our partners throughout this process.
During the conference, the University of Houston presented compelling findings from their latest studies on Higher Order Aberrations (HOA). This topic holds special significance for us, as we have been pioneers in HOA research since the 1990s. We are excited to observe a surge in new opportunities and innovations emerging in this field. Stay tuned, as we will soon announce some groundbreaking developments that continue our tradition of innovation in this exciting field.
As we reflect on the insights and advancements showcased at EFCLIN 2024, it's clear that our industry stands on the brink of a new era of innovation and collaboration. At Advance Medical, we remain committed to our mission of providing world-class software for specialty contact lens manufacturing. With a client-centric approach, technical expertise, and a dedication to collaborative excellence, we are excited to continue shaping the future of the contact lens industry.
As we move forward, the connections forged and strengthened in Vilamoura will undoubtedly fuel our industry's progress for years to come. The journey ahead is bright, and together, we will continue to innovate, inspire, and improve the vision of millions around the world.
Filippo Selden, CEO of Advance