X-Cel Speciality Contacts is collaborating with Essilor Custom Contacts (of EssilorLuxottica) to introduce a new overnight orthokeratology (ortho-k) lens to the U.S. commercial market: Lunara.
Before we get to this product, let’s talk about these players.
Based in Duluth, Georgia, the specialty lens manufacturer and distributor is part of Walman Optical’s contact lens division.
- In relation to Essilor: Walman (and by extension, X-Cel) was acquired in 2022.
As for its products and services: X-Cel offers 34 proprietary lens designs across sclerals, corneal gas permeables (GPs), custom soft lenses, ROSE K lenses, and (in relation to this latest product news) ortho-k and myopia management lenses.
And in relation to Essilor Custom Contacts?
Following that 2022 acquisition, X-Cel now operates as a “unified company” with Essilor Custom Contacts under shared leadership and services.
To note: Essilor Custom Contacts is EssilorLuxottica’s in-house U.S. specialty / custom contact lens lab that provides made-to-order custom lens manufacturing for independent eyecare providers (ECPs).
So in essence: These two entities are basically one specialty lens operation with two legacy brand names (and websites).
Got it. Now let’s talk about this new ortho-k lens.
What it is: An ortho-k lens manufactured in Optimum Infinite (tisilfocon A), a 180 Dk lens material that provides high oxygen permeability (to maintain corneal health) for overnight wear.
- A regulatory note: This lens material was granted FDA premarket approval (PMA) in early 2026. See its confirmation here.
And regarding Lunara specifically?
The lens features:
- A landing zone geometry designed around “familial tangential,” reverse-geometry fitting principles
- This refers to customizing the lens zones using angle-based and true localized curvature measurements to fit flat or irregularly shaped eyes.
- Flexible optic zone and diameter options to support fitting liability within its approved parameter ranges
Let’s get a look at these parameter ranges.
Per its clinical overview:
- Base curve (range: 6.50 – 10.50 mm)
- Diameter (range: 9.5 – 12.0 mm)
- Optic zone (range: 5.0 – 7.0 mm)
- Return zone depth (RZD; range: up to 1.0 mm)
- Landing zone angle (LZA; range: 25°–50°)
- Landing zone width (LZW; range: 0.5 – 2.75 mm)
- Myopia range: –1.00 D to –6.00 D
Click here and here to download the lens's product sheet and fitting guide, respectively.
Tell me more about the fitting process.
For ECPs fitting Lunara, X-Cel noted “fast turnaround” as well as direct access to (and support by) National Contact Lens Examiner (NCLE)-certified consultants.
Other available resources include:
- Lunara Lens Selector, which offers the recommended starting parameters for a patient based on their Flat K and manifest refraction sphere (MRS)
- Corneal refractive therapy (CRT) certification training for Lunara
Click here for more (and check out this clinical case report on an established ortho-k patient’s transition to Lunara).
So! How can ECPs get started with fitting Lunara?
They can kickstart the process by heading over here.
Worth noting: X-Cel is currently offering 50% off Lunara for U.S. practices now through Dec. 31.