Eye Safety Systems is pleased to announce that two new ESS products were added to the Department of Defense Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL) on May 20 at the Joint Service Advanced Planning Briefing to Industry in Springfield, VA. The ESS CrossbowTM Spectacle Kit and U-RxTM Prescription Insert join the Profile NVGTM and Land OpsTM goggle systems as authorized eye protection choices for troops to use for training and combat operations.

“The ESS Crossbow and U-Rx represent an exciting new generation of military eye pro with unique features such as high performance anti-fog lenses, universal fit and cross-platform functionality,” said Brian Ross, ESS Senior Vice President. “Our design objective was to make these products look great while maximizing performance under the most extreme conditions. The troop response has been extremely positive and we are proud to continue providing the defenders of freedom with purposeful advancements in eye protection.”

Crossbow spectacles

The ESS Crossbow offers a combination of features unlike any other ballistic eyeshield. ClearZoneTM FlowCoat dual lens coatings eliminate fog inside and prevent scratches outside. The DedBoltTM Lens Lock System keeps lenses easy to swap yet secure under impact. Tri-Tech FitTM Technology achieves a broadly universal fit without pressure points. The 2.4mm polycarbonate high-impact lenses feature ESSOPTICSTM for distortion-free optical precision. The Crossbow is built for durability and is certified to ANSI Z87.1+ and U.S. MIL-PRF-31013 standards.

U-Rx prescription insert

The ESS U-Rx is the first prescription insert that can be used on multiple APEL brand platforms. The product derives its name from being universal in fit and function between most of the ESS and Oakley products with National Stock Numbers (NSNs). The U-Rx fits into:

  • ESS Crossbow spectacles Oakley M Frame 2.0 spectacles
  • ESS ICE and ICE NARO spectacles Oakley SI goggles
  • ESS Profile NVG goggles

The unique drop-in design of the U-Rx insert allows the user to quickly insert or remove the prescription lens carrier for interchange between any of the items in these five product families. The U-Rx also features a low-wrap face form angle that minimizes optical distortion for excellent visual acuity. The product is available through the DoD Optometry Electronic Catalog (ECAT) system in two configurations: a single pack or a bulk 25 pack.

About the APEL

The Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL) is comprised of ballistic spectacles and goggles that have been tested and certified to meet or exceed the standards for the U.S. Army. The APEL has been widely accepted and has been adopted in whole or in part for use in all of the US military services. The APEL was created by the Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier, the organization responsible for virtually everything a Soldier wears or carries.