The Greyhound Grapevine

Summer 2005 I can almost hear you from here, asking " What's this then, the Greyhound Grapevine"? Well you are excused as according to my records the last time we went to print was in the summer of '99. This is my attempt to keep you informed and up to date where, the usual grapevine has not done its job.

Welcome

Strictly speaking this has little if anything to do with me, but Greyhound would like to welcome Steve to the I.R.C. empire. I know that Steve is having fun in getting to grips with that dodgy computer but we'll do our best to help out when we can.

Tints

We now have the full range of this years Marchon sunspec frames (Calvin Klien and Nautica) in stock.. The girls will do their best to match the tints where possible so don't forget to let us know if you require anything different. We have also completed some tests on a new BLACK tint and if required can now match Essilor's Physio Black.

Whilst we are tinting it is time to explode a myth. An Essilor physio tint is no better or worse than any other. It is an ordinary tint dye that is applied in the normal way, however it has been cleverly marketed!!

Lens Updates & Info

Whilst we are at it lets explode another Essilor myth, namely the Varilux Comfort Small. This was another piece of clever marketing brought about by Essilor's lack of a short corridor progressive lens prior to the newish Ellipse. The design of a Comfort Small is identical to that of a Comfort. The only thing that is small is the uncut lens diameter, though they are unable to surface them to a specific substance. So if you require a short progression Varilux lens, it is the Ellipse that you should use. By the way I hear that Nigel and John have had some good results with the Ellipse.

Essilor are obviously pleased with the results too as they have extended the range of available materials to include the following. Orma Transitions, Airwear, Airwear Transitions and Stylis Transitions. Essilor have also released Comfort and Panamic in Stylis Transitions as well as Single Vision Grey in the same material. Also available is a new range of 55 diameter stock lenses. Don't be surprised if they are not on your computer yet, they're not on ours yet either.

Technical

It has come to our attention that there are several new Inline Frames available. At the same time, the use of Polycarbonate and Polarised lenses seems to be on the increase, which gives us a possible conflict. We can put Polarised lenses into an Inline frame but you will almost certainly see some stress marks; it's the nature of the beast. Unfortunately, however Polycarbonate into an Inline is a no, no. We did ask Essilor but there is the old problem with the Polycarbonate coming into contact with the Metal of the frame.

As with most other awkward frames I would recommend using a 1.6 index material where possible. There may also be another answer to hand. We have some samples of a new, 1.57 index stock lens that is said to be 2½ times stronger than CR39. This may become useful for some Supra, Inline and even Rimless frames as it is also very competitively priced. Let us know if you would like any more information.

The End

I think that will do for this issue. If we think it worthwhile we'll be back in the Autumn.

Brian