In the highly specialised world of contact lens manufacturing, precision and efficiency are paramount. For Menicon UK, a global leader and Japan’s oldest contact lens designer and manufacturer, maintaining its pioneering status means continuously seeking innovative ways to ensure the highest quality while streamlining production processes. 
Menicon UK's headquarters in Northampton functions as a manufacturing hub for the company’s range of specialist and frequent replacement contact lenses. To tackle the challenges of manual inspection and meet growing demand, they partnered with Optimec Systems to integrate the Optimec is830 lens metrology system into its processes.  
 
This cutting-edge technology has transformed Menicon UK’s production operations, delivered exceptional accuracy and efficiency, and been supported throughout by outstanding service from the Optimec Systems team. 

Setting the Standard 

For Menicon, maintaining exceptional standards in contact lens manufacturing is non-negotiable. The company’s dedication to quality drives its efforts to meet the needs of customers worldwide. However, balancing strict quality control with the need to improve production speed posed a significant challenge. 
 
This led Menicon to the Optimec is830 lens metrology system from Optimec Systems with the aim to find a solution that could automate laborious manual inspections without compromising the exhaustive quality control regime. 
 
Commenting for Menicon UK, Chris Goudie says: “Our mission has always been to deliver the highest quality lenses while improving efficiency. We needed a system that could simplify and automate traditionally manual tasks, and the is830 was the ideal solution.”. 
“Our mission has always been to deliver the highest quality lenses while improving efficiency. We needed a system that could simplify and automate traditionally manual tasks, and the is830 was the ideal solution.” 

Revolutionising Lens Inspection 

“It’s a 10-out-of-10 
for ease of use from me!" 
The Optimec is830 stood out for its ability to handle multiple critical measurements in a single operation, replacing manual inspections with an automated process that swiftly measures lens diameter, centre thickness, and base curve, tasks that previously required considerable time and effort. 
 
Menicon UK’s decision to invest in the Optimec is830 was driven by its unique capability to automate the measurement of key lens parameters, particularly the base curve. Reflecting on the purchase, Chris explains that measuring base curves manually is a labour-intensive process, reliant on the operator’s speed and skill. “There aren’t many systems that can automatically measure base curves, let alone one that measures other critical parameters including diameter and centre thickness at the same time. The is830 streamlined that entirely.” 
 
Additionally, the system’s ability to handle a wide range of lens geometries with ease further reinforced its value. “We manufacture lenses with diameters ranging from 7.5mm to 16.6mm and base curves spanning 4mm to 10mm. The is830 handles them all seamlessly, so it’s a 10-out-of-10 for ease of use from me!” says Chris. 

Seamless Integration 

Something else that sealed the decision for Menicon UK was the system’s seamless integration with FocalPoints manufacturing software, to and from which the is830 retrieves specifications, performs precise measurements, and logs results in real time. “With the is830 integrating with FocalPoints, we can scan a job order barcode, measure the lens, and instantly update its pass or fail status, which accelerates the entire process.” says Chris. 
The partnership with Optimec Systems has been instrumental in ensuring the system’s success. From fine-tuning the technology to addressing challenges like material reflectivity, and the team at Optimec Systems providing support every step of the way. “Their support has been fantastic, they’re always responsive and quick to assist.” says Chris.. 

Transforming Production Efficiency 

Feedback from Menicon UK has highlighted features of the is830 as integral to their streamlined production processes. Its design simplifies operation and maintenance, with operators able to quickly load lenses onto the system; and its intuitive interface ensuring straightforward interaction, minimising training time. And for Menicon UK, the results have been remarkable, with the one is830 system capable of replacing a manual, labour-intensive tasks. 
 
Commenting for Optimec Systems, director Benjamin Coldrick says: “Introducing the is830 has freed up team members to focus on other critical tasks within the business. The ease of use and seamless integration with the manufacturing control system has de-skilled the inspection process, ensuring consistent, reliable results, while yielding greater flexibility and efficiency throughout the production process as a whole. By removing subjectivity, we’ve made the process faster and more precise.”. 
 
At its core, the is830 is designed to automate and streamline the inspection of contact lenses, reducing human input and potential errors. The system combines advanced metrology with high-speed, non-contact optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure key lens parameters including diameter, centre thickness, and base curve. By automating these traditionally manual processes, the is830 reduces inspection times to mere seconds while ensuring accurate and repeatable results. 
 
The is830 integrates seamlessly with existing production workflows, as evidenced by its implementation and compatibility with FocalPoints manufacturing software at Menicon UK. As a result, the system not only enhances efficiency but also reinforces quality control procedures by ensuring every lens meets stringent manufacturing standards. 
 
Further enhancing its value, the Optimec is830 can accommodate a wide range of lens designs and materials. Its versatility makes it an ideal solution for manufacturers producing contact lenses with varying diameters, base curves, and material compositions. Additionally, the system’s high-resolution imaging and advanced algorithms provide accurate measurements even in challenging scenarios, such as working with highly complex geometries. 

Collaboration and Innovation 

Optimec Systems’ commitment was another critical factor in the is830’s successful implementation, with the company’s team working closely with Menicon UK from initial consultation through to the final validation process. “We were able to address challenges, fine-tune the system to handle a variety of lens specifications, and provide ongoing assistance.” says Ben. “We pride ourselves on being available to our customers at every step, ensuring the system meets the exact requirements and continues to perform optimally.”. 
 
This dedication to enhanced customer support, something pivotal in the decision-making process for Menicon UK, was also reflected by Chris, who says: “From consultation to validation, the Optimec Systems team has been truly supportive, making sure the system meets our specific needs. Their ability to fine-tune the is830 for various lens designs and materials has been a key factor in its success.”. 
 
With its advanced automation, exceptional accuracy, and seamless integration, the Optimec is830 stands out as a game-changing solution for the contact lens manufacturing industry. At Menicon UK, the system has not only increased efficiency but also demonstrated the value of innovation and collaboration in meeting the challenges of modern production. 

Conclusion 

For Menicon UK, the Optimec is830 is more than just a technological upgrade, it’s a testament to the power of collaboration. The system has not only enhanced production efficiency but also reinforced Menicon UK’s reputation for delivering the highest quality lenses. Reflecting on the partnership, Chris concludes: “We’ve invested in the most advanced system available, and it’s paid off. The collaboration with Optimec Systems has shown how innovation and teamwork can truly transform manufacturing.”.