The SLAM (Single Lens Attached by Magnets) system is an innovative solution for adding specialized, temporary functionality to a single lens of a patient’s existing eyeglasses. This technology was developed to provide a secure, yet removable, attachment for a specialized lens without requiring the patient to carry a separate pair of glasses.
How SLAM Works
The SLAM system uses magnets to secure a single auxiliary lens over the primary lens.
- Attachment: Small magnets are securely embedded into the temporal edge of the primary lens. A mating magnet system is built into the removable single lens.
- Security: To ensure the lens stays firmly attached, the standard SLAM design uses three magnets. The patient can wear the glasses with the lens attached without worrying about it shaking off. However, the system can be customized with two magnets if preferred.
- Aesthetics: The system can be designed with magnets on both the right and left sides for symmetry, or the magnets can be placed only on the side where the additional lens is needed, making the overall look less obtrusive.
Task-Specific Functionality
While the SLAM system was originally inspired by the Peli Lens™ – used for patients with homonymous hemianopia who need a temporary expanded visual field – it’s uses extend to any situation requiring a removable, single-eye aid:
- High Magnification: Professionals like jewelers or hobbyists who need intense, temporary magnification can have a powerful loupe built into a single SLAM lens.
- Specialized Filters: The system can attach a single lens filter needed for a specific task or environment.
- Temporary Occlusions: It could potentially be used for temporary optical occlusions or patches.
The core benefit of SLAM is that the patient can attach the specialized lens precisely when it’s needed and easily take it off when they don’t, providing flexible, task-specific assistance.
Charlie Saccarelli
President, Chadwick OpticalAs President of Chadwick Optical, Charlie Saccarelli is the driving force behind the company’s mission to help every patient left behind by the current health care system. Under his leadership, Chadwick has grown from a simple optical lab into a trusted resource for practitioners around the world looking for ways to help the patients that “can’t be helped.” He is a master optician, a father, a bit of a nerd, and a passionate patient advocate who has lectured worldwide on all things optical.
