ANSI Z80.1, “Ophthalmics – Prescription Ophthalmic Lenses – Recommendations,” has just been updated. The new 2015 Edition is available from Document Center Inc. in both paper format and for pdf download. You can even get corporate-wide online subscription access! It is a major update from the previous 2010 Edition, which is now withdrawn.
The ANSI Z80.1 dates back to the 1950’s. In it’s current version, it applies to prescription dress spectacle lenses. These can be either edged or assembled. And the optical and physical specifications and tolerances can also be used for uncut lenses.
Who should use this standard? It is a guideline for companies that fabricate, assemble or process what’s called “dress” eyewear or lens components. Such companies will find the minimum acceptable tolerances for new lenses prepared for individual prescriptions in this document.
What’s new in the ANSI-Z80.1 2015 Edition? Your scope and purpose sections have been updated to reflect how the standard should be used in today’s environment. Your definitions have also be revised. There’s a new Annex E with information on “position of wear,” based on new fabrication technologies and lens design. You’ll get clarification on the application of tolerances for compensated lenses, along with a new permanent lens marking character for this. And other changes to the marking section have also been made. There’s a new section on transmittance (regarding transmittance when driving). So the Z80.1 is better harmonized with the Z80.3 in this regards. There’s been the addition of a reference to orientation of polarization. And the “FDA Impact” guidelines have been modified.
Like many ANSI standards, the ANSI Z80.1 is a voluntary standard to be used as a recommendation only. Indeed, the 6 Annexes are informational only and should not be considered a “part” of the standard itself. The secretariat (The Vision Council) expects that the standard will remain voluntary and not used as part of the FDA regulations for eyewear moving forward.
Now to get your copy. Of course, you realize that most standards are covered by copyright. So you’ll want to get your copies from an authorized standards distributor like Document Center Inc. In fact, Document Center has been selling standards since 1982 and has long standing relationships with many of the standards developing organizations around the world.
You can purchase the standards you need online at our webstore, www.document-center.com. Here’s the link directly to the order page for ANSI Z80.1. And if you need more assistance or have additional questions, please contact our staff. They can be reached by phone at 650-591-7600 or by email (info@document-center.com). Maintaining a standards collection requires the help of a professional organization like Document Center. Make us your Standards Experts!
