OPHTHALMIC PRODUCTS CATALOGUE

2012

CROSSBOWS OPTICAL LTD

CROSSBOWSOPTICAL.COM
CROSSBOWS’ HISTORY
Crossbows Optical Ltd., a Signet Armorlite Group Company, was formed in 1987
although ophthalmic products have been manufactured at this site since 1946.
With this long history in the industry, Crossbows' personnel have gained a wealth
of experience in the manufacture of ophthalmic products and the precision
machining and forming of glass.

Crossbows has its own state of the art technology for the design and development
of a wide range of advanced glass moulds which are used in the production of
plastic spectacle lenses. These include progressive, aspheric and atoric products
which are sold within the group and to other casters throughout the world.
Recently Crossbows’ progressive expertise has been used to develop freeform
software for back surface progressive lenses, incorporating the patient’s
prescription, for use in laboratories.

Crossbows has a reputation for quality and performance with many products
manufactured to the customer's own specifications.

Crossbows' factory is situated in Lurgan, County Armagh, Northern Ireland, close

to the southern shores of Lough Neagh. It is twenty miles from Belfast and within
easy reach from both local airports.
TECHNOLOGY AND CAPABILITIES
Crossbows Optical has developed its own advanced technology for the design and
manufacture of a wide range of ophthalmic lenses and moulds. A selection of
these products are listed below

 progressive moulds in ten advanced designs

 aspheric and atoric moulds

 Crossbows Freeform Back Surface Software

With its highly trained and professional in-house R&D team and mathematicians,
Crossbows is capable of designing complex optical surfaces and turning these
quickly into finished products manufactured to the customers own exacting
standards. The range of manufacturing equipment includes:

 CNC grinding and polishing machines for glass and ceramic

 wide range of 'own design' and proprietary precision glass grinding and
Polishing machines
  laser glass marking and engraving machines

 chemical toughening equipment

A high quality of end product is assured, with each lens and mould undergoing
stringent cosmetic and dimensional inspection processes. Very accurate
measurement equipment from Rotlex, Visionix and Automation & Robotics is
employed in this inspection and testing.

The fact that Crossbows currently supplies some of the most discerning
customers in the world is testimony to the quality of their products.
Section 1
PROGRESSIVE MOULDS page

Crossbows Preview 7
Crossbows Preview Short 9
Crossbows Petite Pico 11
Crossbows Petite 13
Crossbows Midi 15
Crossbows Select 17
Crossbows Contour S 19
Crossbows ComputerEyes 21
Crossbows Petite Junior 23
Crossbows Relax 25

Section 2
ASPHERIC MOULDS page

Crossbows Aspheric 28
Crossbows Atoric 29
 1
Section

PROGRESSIVE MOULDS
 Crossbows Preview

CYLINDER MEAN
30 30

25 25

20 20

15 15

10 10

5 5

0 0

-5 -5

-10 -10

-15 -15

-20 -20

-25 -25

-30 -30
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Features of design
 “Optics First” design technology
 Smooth mean power distribution
 Soft design with low distortion
 Distortion free distance area and corridor
 Individual designs for left and right eyes
 17mm corridor length to full addition power
 Moulds in 1.498, 1.56 and 1.60 indices

Preview has been designed using Crossbows latest “Optics First”

design system. This radical approach reverses the normal design
process and has allowed Preview to be designed from the outset
with a very smooth mean power profile, thus minimizing swim effects
and providing excellent patient comfort and rapid adaptation.
 CROSSBOWS PREVIEW MOULDS
1.498, 1.56 AND 1.60 INDEX

4mm

13mm

GeometricCentre

Design Decentration
2.5mm

Base Curve and Addition Range:

Nom True Base Additions

Base n=1.530 0.75 1.00 1.25 1.50 1.75 2.00 2.25 2.50 2.75 3.00 3.25 3.50
1.50 1.40            
3.50 3.40            
5.75 5.70            
7.75 7.75            
Crossbows Preview Short

CYLINDER MEAN
30 30

25 25

20 20

15 15

10 10

5 5

0 0

-5 -5

-10 -10

-15 -15

-20 -20

-25 -25

-30 -30
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Features of design
 “Optics First” design technology
 Short Corridor design
 Smooth mean power distribution
 Soft design with low distortion
 Distortion free distance area and corridor
 13mm corridor length to full addition power
 Moulds in 1.498, 1.56 and 1.60 indices
Preview Short has been designed using Crossbows latest “Optics
First” design system. This radical approach reverses the normal
design process and has allowed Preview Short to be designed from
the outset with a very smooth mean power profile, thus minimizing
swim effects, providing excellent patient comfort, rapid adaptation
and even benefits from having a short corridor.
 CROSSBOWS PREVIEW SHORT MOULDS
1.498, 1.56 AND 1.60 INDEX

4mm

9 mm

Geometric Centre

Design Decentration
2.25mm

Base Curve and Addition Range:

Nom True Base Additions

Base n=1.530 0.75 1.00 1.25 1.50 1.75 2.00 2.25 2.50 2.75 3.00 3.25 3.50
1.50 1.40            
3.50 3.40            
5.75 5.70            
7.75 7.75            
 Crossbows Petite Pico

Cylinder Mean
30 30

25 25

20 20

15 15

10 10

5 5

0 0

-5 -5

-10 -10

-15 -15

-20 -20

-25 -25

-30 -30
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Crossbows Petite Pico features of design

 Very short corridor (12mm from fit point to
full addition power)
 Minimum fitting height of only 13mm
 Individual designs for left and right eyes
 Moulds in 1.498, 1.56 and 1.60 indices
 Soft design for fast adaptation
The Petite Pico progressive is designed specifically for frames

with extremely small eye sizes. This is achieved in a soft design

without compromising the distance or reading areas.

 CROSSBOWS PETITE PICO MOULDS
1.498, 1.56 AND 1.60 INDEX

4mm Mould
Diameter
81mm

8mm

Geometric
Centre

Addition Inset
Design Decentration 2.25mm
3.0mm

Base Curve and Addition Range for Ø81mm moulds:

Nom True Base Additions

Base n=1.530 1.00 1.25 1.50 1.75 2.00 2.25 2.50 2.75 3.00
1.50 1.40         
3.50 3.40         
5.75 5.70         
7.75 7.75         

Note:
1. Ø81 mould is designed to produce Ø75/81mm Progressive lenses when used
with gaskets.
2. Other Base Curves and Additions can be produced if required.
3. Other diameters and specific edge configurations are possible, subject to
additional charges.
4. Moulds with a centred design are also available for the manufacture of
finished progressive lenses, subject to additional charges.
 Crossbows Petite

Cylinder Mean
30 30

25 25

20 20

15 15

10 10

5 5

0 0

-5 -5

-10 -10

-15 -15

-20 -20

-25 -25

-30 -30
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Crossbows Petite features of design

 Short corridor (14mm to full addition power)
 Minimum fitting height of 15mm
 Low distortion soft, aspheric design
 Individual designs for left and right eyes
 Moulds in 1.498, 1.56, 1.60, 1.67 and 1.70
indices

The Petite progressive is designed specifically for frames

with small eye sizes. This is achieved in a soft design
without compromising the distance, corridor and reading
areas.
 CROSSBOWS PETITE MOULDS
1.498, 1.56, 1.60, 1.67 AND 1.70 INDEX

2mm

Mould
Diameter
81mm
12mm

Geometric
Centre

Addition Inset
Design Decentration 2.25mm
3.0mm

Base Curve and Addition Range for Ø81mm moulds:

Nom True Base Additions

Base n=1.530 0.75 1.00 1.25 1.50 1.75 2.00 2.25 2.50 2.75 3.00 3.25 3.50
1.50 1.40            
3.50 3.40            
5.75 5.70            
7.75 7.75            

Note:

1. Ø81 mould is designed to produce Ø75/81mm Progressive lenses when used

with gaskets.
2. Other diameters and specific edge configurations are possible, subject to
additional charges.
3. Moulds with a centred design are also available for the manufacture of
finished progressive lenses, subject to additional charges.
 Crossbows Midi

Cylinder Mean
30 30

25 25

20 20

15 15

10 10

5 5

0 0

-5 -5

-10 -10

-15 -15

-20 -20

-25 -25

-30 -30
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Crossbows Midi features of design

 16mm corridor length to full addition power
 Minimum fitting height of 17mm
 Low distortion soft, aspheric design
 Individual designs for left and right eyes
 Moulds in 1.498, 1.56 and 1.60 indices

This design manages to combine a soft design with wide

distance, intermediate and reading areas. This means that
the Midi benefits from having low rates of change of mean
power yet maintains good dynamic vision throughout.
 CROSSBOWS MIDI MOULDS
1.498, 1.56, AND 1.60 INDEX

2mm

Mould
Diameter
81mm
14mm

Geometric
Centre

Addition Inset
Design Decentration 2.25mm
3.0mm

Base Curve and Addition Range for Ø81mm moulds:

Nom True Base Additions

Base n=1.530 1.00 1.25 1.50 1.75 2.00 2.25 2.50 2.75 3.00
1.50 1.40         
3.50 3.40         
5.75 5.70         
7.75 7.75         

Note:
1. Ø81 mould is designed to produce Ø76/81mm Progressive lenses when used
with gaskets.
2. Other diameters and specific edge configurations are possible, subject to
additional charges.
3. Moulds with a centred design are also available for the manufacture of
finished progressive lenses, subject to additional charges.
 Crossbows Select

Cylinder Mean
30 30

25 25

20 20

15 15

10 10

5 5

0 0

-5 -5

-10 -10

-15 -15

-20 -20

-25 -25

-30 -30
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Crossbows Select features of design

 Low distortion soft design
 17mm corridor length to full addition power
 Individual designs for left and right eyes
 Moulds in 1.498, 1.56, 1.60 and 1.67 indices

The Select design with its low rates of change and levels of
astigmatism provides good dynamic vision combined with
generous intermediate and reading areas. Maximum
astigmatism is located on the nasal side where most of it
will be edged away.
 CROSSBOWS SELECT MOULDS
1.498, 1.56, 1.60 AND 1.67 INDEX

2mm

Mould
Diameter
86mm
15mm

Geometric
Centre

Addition Inset
Design Decentration 2.5mm
2.5mm

Base Curve and Addition Range for Ø86mm moulds:

Nom True Base Additions

Base n=1.530 1.00 1.25 1.50 1.75 2.00 2.25 2.50 2.75 3.00
2.25 1.94         
4.25 4.56         
5.50 5.79         
7.50 7.79         

Note:
1. Ø86 mould is designed to produce Ø80/85mm Progressive lenses when used
with gaskets.
2. Other diameters and specific edge configurations are possible, subject to
additional charges.
3. Moulds with a centred design are also available for the manufacture of
finished progressive lenses, subject to additional charges.
 Crossbows Contour S

Cylinder Mean
30 30

25 25

20 20

15 15

10 10

5 5

0 0

-5 -5

-10 -10

-15 -15

-20 -20

-25 -25

-30 -30
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Crossbows Contour S features of design

 Low distortion soft design
 Wide usable corridor
 Individual designs for left and right eyes
 20mm corridor length to full addition power
 Moulds in 1.498, 1.56 and 1.60 indices

The Contour S design with its low rates of change and

levels of astigmatism provides good dynamic vision
combined with generous intermediate and reading areas.
Maximum astigmatism is located on the nasal side where
most of it will be edged away.
 CROSSBOWS CONTOUR S MOULDS
1.498, 1.56 AND 1.60 INDEX

2mm

Mould
Diameter
86mm
18mm

Geometric
Centre

Addition Inset
Design Decentration 2.5mm
2.5mm

Base Curve and Addition Range for Ø86mm moulds:

Nom True Base Additions

Base n=1.530 1.00 1.25 1.50 1.75 2.00 2.25 2.50 2.75 3.00
0.75 0.56 □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
2.25 1.94         
4.25 4.56         
5.50 5.79         
7.50 7.79         

Note:
1. □ Available in 1.56 and 1.60 index only .
2.  Available in 1.498, 1.56 and 1.60 index.
3. Ø86 mould is designed to produce Ø80/85mm Progressive lenses when used
with gaskets.
4. Other diameters and specific edge configurations are possible, subject to
additional charges.
5. Moulds with a centred design are also available for the manufacture of
finished progressive lenses, subject to additional charges.
Crossbows ComputerEyes
Cylinder Mean
30 30

25 25

20 20

15 15

10 10

5 5

0 0

-5 -5

-10 -10

-15 -15

-20 -20

-25 -25

-30 -30
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Crossbows ComputerEyes features of design

 A superior design of office progressive lens
 Low distortion, soft design
 4 Dynamic powers available
 Moulds in 1.498 and 1.56 indices
The ComputerEyes design is a lens designed primarily for use in an
office-type environment. It is not a traditional progressive design, but
rather is an alternative to a reading lens, providing clear vision for reading
and intermediate viewing. The wide range of dynamic powers allows the
ideal choice to be made for all reading additions up to 3.00D and also
allows the user to benefit from fully corrected reading and intermediate
vision and maximised distance vision. The design reduces eye and neck
strain associated with long term use of computers.
 CROSSBOWS COMPUTEREYES MOULDS
1.498 AND 1.56 INDEX

Fit Point

Mould
Diameter
81mm
14mm

Geometric
Centre

Reading Inset 2.4mm

Design Decentration
2.5mm

Note:
1. Ø81 mould is designed to produce Ø75/81mm Progressive lenses when used
with gaskets.
2. Other diameters and specific edge configurations are possible, subject to
additional charges.
3. Moulds with a centred design are also available for the manufacture of
finished progressive lenses, subject to additional charges.

Base Curve and Dynamic Power Range for Ø81mm moulds:

Nominal True Base Dynamic Power

Base n=1.530 -0.75 -1.25 -1.75 -2.25
(in reading Addition range
reference circle)
0.75-1.25 1.25-1.75 1.75-2.25 2.25-3.00
2.50 2.66    
5.25 5.32    
8.00 7.98    

Note:
1. Dynamic power is the total drop in power from reading to distance area.
2. Lens is machined to reading prescription (Distance prescription + addition
power).
3. Lens is verified in reading reference circle only.
4. Dynamic power is selected from addition.
Crossbows Petite Junior

Cylinder Mean
30 30

25 25

20 20

15 15

10 10

5 5

0 0

-5 -5

-10 1.49 1.67 -10

-15 -15

-20 -20

-25 -25

-30 -30
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Crossbows Petite Junior features of design

 Short corridor (13mm to full addition power)
 Minimum fitting height of 14mm
 Individual designs for left and right eyes
 Moulds in 1.498, 1.56 and 1.60 indices

The Petite Junior progressive is designed specifically to

help reduce the onset of myopia in young people between
the ages of 8 and 16 years. The design offers a large stable
reading area combined with excellent peripheral clarity in
the distance zone.
 CROSSBOWS PETITE JUNIOR MOULDS
1.498, 1.56 AND 1.60 INDEX

4mm Mould
Diameter
81mm

9mm

Geometric
Centre

Addition Inset
Design Decentration 2.25mm
3.0mm

Base Curve and Addition Range for Ø81mm moulds:

Nom True Base Additions

Base n=1.530 0.50 1.00 1.50 1.75
2.00 2.13    

Note:
1. Ø81 mould is designed to produce Ø75/81mm Progressive lenses when used
with gaskets.
2. Other Base Curves and Additions can be produced if required.
3. Other diameters and specific edge configurations are possible, subject to
additional charges.
4. Moulds with a centred design are also available for the manufacture of
finished progressive lenses, subject to additional charges.
 Crossbows Relax

30 30

Cylinder
25 25

20 20
Mean
15 15

10 10

5 5

0 0

-5 -5

-10 -10

-15 -15

-20 -20

-25 -25

-30 -30
-30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Features of Crossbows Relax design

 Very soft design with very low distortion
 Distortion free distance area and corridor
 Individual designs for left and right eyes
 14mm corridor length to full addition power
 Moulds in 1.498, 1.56 and 1.60 indices
The Relax design is a progressive design for people who are not
presbyopic. It avoids the patients’ eyes becoming tired and strained
if they spend a large portion of the day focusing at the same
distance, e.g. using a computer. The design matches the patient’s
distance prescription and gives some help to the eyes as they focus
on intermediate and near vision. It is available in two forms; Relax I
has an addition of 0.66D, Relax II has an addition of 1.00D.
 CROSSBOWS RELAX MOULDS
1.498, 1.56 AND 1.60 INDEX

2mm

Mould
Diameter
81mm
12mm

GeometricCentre

Addition Inset
Design Decentration 2.5mm
2.5mm

Base Curve and Addition Range for Ø81mm moulds:

Nominal Base True Base Design

n=1.530 Relax I Relax II
2.25 1.94  
4.25 4.56  
5.50 5.79  

Note:
1. Ø81 mould is designed to produce Ø75/80mm Progressive lenses when used with
gaskets.
2. Other diameters are possible, subject to tooling charges
 2
Section

ASPHERIC MOULDS
 ASPHERIC MOULDS
1.498 AND 1.56 INDEX

Aspheric moulds are designed to provide superior optical

performance. Standard moulds for semi-finished
production are available in 1.498 and 1.56 indices in the
following range:

Ø81mm Mould

Nominal
Bases
0.75
1.75
2.75
3.75
4.75
5.75
6.75
7.75
8.75
9.75

Note:

1. Can be produced in customers' own aspheric designs

and diameters subject to additional charges.
 ATORIC MOULDS

Traditional aspheric lenses correct aberrations in only one

meridian. This means that patients requiring an astigmatic
prescription have to endure lenses with large amounts of
off-axis errors.

Crossbows atoric lenses have been aspherised along every

meridian of the lens, creating a large clear field of vision
with low levels of distortion.

BENEFITS
 Lenses up to 10% thinner than equivalent toric lens

 Computer generated surface, fully optimised for all

gaze angles

 Unwanted distortion and power errors minimised

 Greatly improved peripheral vision

 Reduced magnification

 CNC manufactured moulds to ensure highest

accuracy

RANGE
 Crossbows Atoric Moulds are available in sphere
powers from plano to -10.00D out to -4.00D cylinder.

 Enquiries are also welcome regarding plus powers.

 Available in various refractive indices, and diameters

to suit customers’ requirements.

 These moulds can be supplied with matching

spherical front moulds or specially optimised aspheric
front moulds for the ultimate in clear vision for
astigmatic prescriptions.
CROSSBOWS OPTICAL LTD
Unit 1
Halfpenny Valley Industrial Estate
Lurgan Tel: +44 28 3832 2301
Craigavon Fax: +44 28 3832 8923
Co Armagh www.crossbowsoptical.com
BT66 8TP general@crossbowsoptical.com