SCENE + HEARD: Meetings Schneider Showcases New Technologies at Digicon By Andrew Karp Thursday, May 2, 2013 2:04 PM DALLAS—Schneider Optical Machines demonstrated its latest lens processing technology for an elite group of invited guests at Digicon, a three-day technical conference the company hosted last month at its headquarters here. The 135 attendees, including owners and managers of independent labs, optical retail chains, managed vision care companies and lens manufacturers, got a close-up look at Schneider’s new Modulo system, a series of interlinked machines that creates a lens processing platform of optimally matched modules offering plug-and-play simplicity for simplified integration. They also got a first look at the EBC 400, a compact thin film coater for small labs that marks Schneider’s entry into AR coating. A team of technical experts headed by Gunter Schneider, president and founder of German parent company Schneider GmbH conducted hands-on workshops and demonstrated the new equipment. “For Digicon 2013, we had a uniquely large showing of new technology,” said Kurt Atchison, president of Schneider Optical Machines. “The Modulo line includes six completely new machines that take our leadership position in digital surfacing to unprecedented level. Add to that the final release of the Schneider Freestyle edger and the tremendous response to our new AR coating line, and there was more to see than ever before at this year’s event.”—Andrew Karp Digicon 2013 » Gunter Schneider greeting Digicon attendees. Digicon 2013 » Digicon attendees file into the Schneider office for hands-on demonstrations. Digicon 2013 » During a break, Kevin Cross of Schneider Optical Machines (l) met up with Carl Zeiss Vision’s Rich White. Digicon 2013 » The Schneider team, (l to r) included Heike Wagner, Chillon Joersz and Tobias Schneider. Digicon 2013 » Mike Dougher of Hoya (l) and Greg Ruden of Expert Optics. Digicon 2013 » Kurt Atchison, Schneider (l) with Ken Lin, X-tra Lite Optical. Digicon 2013 » Gunter Schneider explains the features of the new Modulo automated lens process line. Digicon 2013 » Bill Heffner (l) and his son, “Other Bill” Heffner (c) of FEA Industries with Jay Hansell of Davis Vision. Digicon 2013 » Schneider’s Burkhard Pfeiffer explains the features and benefits of the HSC Modulo to Paul Ponder of Maui Jim. Digicon 2013 » Digicon attendees photographing the inner workings of the CCP Modulo polisher. Digicon 2013 » Members of the VSPOne team (l to r), Chris Ballani, Robert Vernuccio, Brad Garrison, Dale Holzhausen and Michael McNeill. Digicon 2013 » Schneider’s Bill Yee, left, confers with Georg Mayer of Rodenstock. Digicon 2013 » Greg Davies, Eyence/FYidoctors, left, with Marcos Garcia, IOT. Digicon 2013 » From left, Greg Eifert and Kurt Atchison, Schneider and Tom Heberling, Hoya Vision Care.