DEAR MEMBERS Industry WATCH

VOL. XXVI NO. 03
MARCH 2011
DEAR MEMBERS
Ever y community has
its “go-to” professionals
and retailers. Who’s the
best periodontist? The
preferred or thopedist?
What local store carries
the most exciting giftware or boutique clothing? Who do you tur n
to for the best eyecare or eyewear? Who is
most knowledgeable about contact lenses?
Hopefully, those last categories point to you.
As contact lens manufacturers have addressed
patients’ needs, they’ve transformed the industry. Just ask PolyVue’s Courtney McMillon and
CooperVision’s Mike Menard. They’re on the
forefront of these new developments and are
excited to see how consumers are responding to
the growing options and improved optics of today’s
contact lenses.
In fact, a reputation for expert contact lens fitting
can turn your practice into the local go-to place
for anyone wearing or considering contacts. With
the range of designs and materials available
today, practitioners are able to attract a wide
range of patients with varying needs. “Specialty
lenses increase the visibility of practices through
positive word-of-mouth advertising from patients
successfully fitted with lenses,” Mike Menard,
Senior Director Strategic Accounts for CooperVision, told me. Multifocal contacts, torics, silicone
hydrogel lenses. “They can all improve patient
success and overall satisfaction,” he said.
Sincerely,
Michael Block
And don’t forget children, he added. More and
more practices are realizing that contacts can be
a very attractive option for kids, especially helpful
for their self-esteem and their time playing sports.
It’s another dimension to consider in a specialty
contact lens practice.
It’s not surprising. Age, comfort, eye conditions,
and lifestyle activities and patterns have all been
addressed by the contact lens industry…
“Surveys show that building a specialty contact
lens practice is of great interest to practitioners,”
I was told by another contact lens expert, Courtney
McMillon, VP Operations for PolyVue Distribution, Inc. “Practitioners are better able to service
patients’ unique needs, especially with some
of the newest products on the market such as
high definition aspheric, toric and progressive
contacts,” she said. According to her, some of
the newest entries allow for improved computer
vision, eliminate problematic visual aberrations,
and provide great versatility in fitting options.
It takes time to build a specialty lens practice.
Learn all you can about the lens products on the
market and then allow for extra patient education
time. Most consumers don’t realize that multifocal lenses can replace reading or progressive
spectacle lenses; don’t know that computer vision
syndrome can be alleviated with the right contacts;
that silicone hydrogel lenses can provide the
comfort they never enjoyed with earlier contact
lens materials; that their astigmatism won’t prevent
them from wearing contacts.
Is a specialty contact lens practice right for you? It
might be just the niche you’ve been looking for to
turn you into that go-to expert in the neighborhood.
Industry
WATCH
Contact Lenses
Thanks to improvements and advances in contact
lenses, consumers are buying them - even during
difficult times. According to Jeff Johnson, OD, a
senior research analyst with Robert W. Baird &
Co, the contact lens industry is expected to grow
by 6% in 2011.
From kids to seniors. People with astigmatism
or without. Presbyopes or those needing single
vision correction. Athletes or couch potatoes.
Consumers looking for long-term wear or happy
changing pairs daily. People preferring to show off
their own eye color or to change it. Patients with
or without dry eye problems.
When Leonardo da Vinci came up with the idea
of contact lenses in 1508, little did he know just
how far his idea would go.
Presbyopia
Contact lens companies have been on a quest to
help presbyopes. And it hasn’t been easy. Early
multifocal contact lenses were disappointing, leading to many contact lens dropouts or to monovision
fitting as an alternative. But today’s multifocal
products are much improved and are available in a
range of materials and designs, in toric, spherical,
and aspheric versions.
Astigmatism
Here’s another area where manufacturers have
zeroed in on a large segment of the contact lens
population. At one time, people with astigmatism
struggled to wear contacts. The advent of toric
designs changed all that, and even people with
slight astigmatism benefit from newer aspheric
designs.
Kids
When are children ready for contacts? Lots of
factors come into play in answering that question,
but one thing that’s certain is that many children
benefit greatly from wearing them. According to
the Adolescent and Child Health Initiative to Encourage Vision Empowerment (ACHIEVE) Study,
among children aged 8 to 11 who were polled,
those who wore contacts rather than glasses felt
better about their appearance, athletic competence, and social acceptance.
Sports
Every advantage helps in sports, and contact
lenses can offer numerous benefits. They allow
for better peripheral vision, an unobstructed
field of view, and better compatibility with safety
equipment. There are no fogging or mud splatters
problems to contend with, either.
Materials
Gas permeable lenses are still a favorite of some
people, who sing their praises for their optics,
ease of handling, safety, and comfort. But it’s
soft silicone hydrogel lenses that are making
headlines, thanks to their comfort and high oxygen
transmission. They’re expected to continue to grow
in popularity and sales.
Trends
Daily or extended wear? Replacement every two
weeks or four? Every patient has different needs;
every practitioner different recommendations. But,
according to Baird & Co. research, most patients
are wearing daily soft lenses, with a monthly replacement schedule - due, in large part, to better
patient compliance.
Contact lenses and care treatments keep evolving
and improving. The products on the market now
offer great flexibility in fitting options and great
variety in meeting patients’ needs.
And keep in mind that contact lens wearers need
sunwear and backup eyewear as well, making
contact lens dispensing an important and worthwhile part of the optical arena.
THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
OF THE
BLOCK BUYING GROUP
P.O. Box 310720
Boca Raton, FL 33431-0720
(800) 524-1480 • Fax (561) 893-9231
www.blockbg.com [email protected]
Frame Company
FROM NEW YORK EYE / HART
SPECIALTIES: Valerie Spencer features
FROM KENMARK OPTICAL:
a clean detailed design with a unique feminine
look. Designed for the cultured tastes of the
professional contemporary that embodies intricate
design that refines aesthetic women’s eyewear.
Featured below is model VS9239. Please call
800-221-6966 to order.
UPDATE
Dana
B u ch m a n’s 2 0 1 1 s u n c o l l e c t i o n o f fe r s
decorative temples with tasteful jewelry details and
debossed animal plaques. Each piece is crafted
from rich materials and adorned with signature
décor inspired by her jewelry and accessories.
Shapes are glamorous, yet scaled down to accommodate a 6-base lens. ‘Amalfi’ is adorned with a
signature jewelry inspired décor featuring a chain
link design and Swarovski crystals accents. This
metal full rim / zyl acetate is available in black,
brown copper and wine, with size 55/17/130.
Please call 800-627-2898 to order.
ZYLOWARE EYEWEAR invites you to meet
Randy Jackson at the Zyloware booth #2754 at
Vision Expo East! American Idol judge Randy
Jackson, will be wearing and showing his stylish eyewear collection at the Zyloware booth on
Saturday, March 19, 2011 from 12 - 2 p.m. Meet
and get your picture taken with Randy! Then stick
around the booth for fantastic promotions and
show specials on other great Zyloware brands
including Daisy Fuentes, Natori, and Via Spiga,
such as gifts-with-purchase and your chance to
win great raffle prizes. For more information please
call 800-765-3700 or visit www.zyloware.com.
REVOLUTION EYEWEAR’s
patented
bottom-mounted clip-ons feature their autoaligning “Mag-N-Socket” system that is now
built into the frame creating a sleek, streamlined
appearance. Superior high quality, non-obtrusive
spring hinges and the hottest styles and colors in
the industry. Featured below is REV693 in Red
Lust. Other colors include cocoa, black and pink
sapphire. Each set includes a polycarbonate
polarized magnetic sun clip-on. Revolution Eyewear - creating exciting patented clip-on eyewear
since 1993. For more information please call 800986-0010 or visit www.revolutioneyewear.com.
FROM SAFILO:
FROM LEGACIE:
Kata introduces additions to the Trestle group, centering on the bold,
architectural styling of industrial rivets. Inspired
by the iron grommet detailing found on turn of the
century bridges, this new group is utterly industrial
and purely artistic. Handmade Italian acetate is
combined with custom antiqued titanium details for
a handsome, vintage-inspired collection. Trestle
3, a rectangle punch-out, and Trestle 4, a top bar
construction, both feature titanium frame fronts
and an integrated monoblock hinge. Please call
866-534-2243 to order.
FROM MATCH EYEWEAR:
Adrienne
Vittadini Eyewear is known for being effortlessly
elegant with the look and feel of luxury, offering
women sophisticated designs that are inspirational and accessible. AV1058 offers sophisticated
styling in a semi-rimless frame, with a modified
rectangular shape that compliments any face. A
metal front, exquisite laser etching enhanced with
semi-precious stones and an ensconced AV logo.
The modern shape, vibrant hues, attention to detail
and exacting use of materials promises to impress
the most experienced eyewear aficionado. Please
call 877-883-5628 to order.
Valentino’s new eyewear
collection mixes danger and romance in frames
for a women with an unconventional soul. Butterflyshaped injected sunglasses model VAL 5766/S
is lit up by a Swarovski pavé frame and projects
vintage elegance. Available in all-black with
dark grey lenses or with rhinestone details and
graduated brown lenses. Metal aviator-shaped
sunglass model VAL 5752-S reveals a strong
personality and new glamour. Their contemporary
appeal lies in the elegant details which include
small, pyramid-shaped studs positioned at the
sides of the lenses and ultra-slim temples. In
colors gold, ruthenium, dark blue, green or hazy
brown. Please call 800-631-1188 to order.
Supplier
NEWS
NC EYEWEAR introduces new Fysh model.
The spicy new Fysh collection focuses on new
styles, new shapes, new textures and new beginnings, which complement the new spring season.
F-3426 is a quirky retro model in stainless steel,
available in exotic color combinations such as
brown gold, black silver, burgundy rose and purple
rose. Metallic circular designs with punchy color
accents on the temples add texture and a unique
counterpoint. Please call 800-948-0025 or visit
www.nceyewearinc.com for more information.
DYNAMIC LABS March promotions...
u Surfacing & Polishing pads for one-step
systems, for CR-39 and Polycarbonate.
u Surfacing & Polishing pads for two-step
systems, for CR-39 and Polycarbonate.
u Dynamic Polishing Pads with Adhere™ backing. Backside features Adhere™ - the industry’s
best pressure sensitive adhesive that offers the
strongest grip especially in a wet environment,
yet still removes easily when the job is finished.
u Surface Protection Tape. A high quality alternative to 3M surface tape. Clear most commonly
used with wax systems. 35 yards per roll.
u Linerless Surface Protection Tape. Without
backing, 70 meters / roll.
u Dynasty Lens Polish. Best overall polish provides an ultra smooth finish; prepares a perfect
finish for AR coatings; smaller particle size makes
it the preferred polish for central slurry systems.
Also ideal for digital/free form surfacing; particle
size of 1.7 microns; baume of 25-30°.
u Dynamic Plastic Lens Polish. For CR-39, High
Index and Polycarbonate. Excellent suspension polish will not cake. Works well with AR coatings;
particle size of 2.1 microns; baume of 20°.
u 117° Alloy - the most common alloy. 3 lb. bar.
u Blue Wax - 8 lb. block, makes 1 gallon.
For pricing and additional information on the March
specials listed above, please call 888-339-6264 or
visit www.dynamiclabs.net and click onto “This
Month’s Promotion” at the top left of the header.
Supplier NEWS
(cont.)
MOREL EYEWEAR introduces the Lightec
Alpha 11. Alpha 11 returns to the basics by
offering “dependable values” that complement
the more distinctive Lightec offerings. The collection is a classically simple concept intended
as an entry-level grouping, inspired by Alpha 7.
The 100% stainless steel design is flexible, tough
and corrosion-resistant, with a groove soldered
at the back for mounting a standard lens. The
stainless steel temples emphasize injected,
opaque, solid-colored endtips and provide easy
alignment of the endtip and endpiece opening
angle with pantoscopic tilt. Complete with the
exclusive Alpha screwless hinge, these models
are entirely screw-free (except rimlock). Four
LIGHTEC men’s models are available in two
sizes each. The collection boasts half moon,
semi-rimless and full rimmed versions in a wide
range of sizes from 51 - 55. For women, four
contemporary rimmed models are available
with standard mounting. Since its inception,
the Lightec range has been synonymous with
lightness and technology in the service of
comfor t. For more information please visit
www.morel-france.com or call 800-526-8838.
CHARMANT GROUP
presents Esprit
optical frames for Spring / Summer 2011. Esprit,
one of the world’s best known international
lifestyle brands, epitomizes a positive, youthful,
fun-loving and cosmopolitan attitude. Appreciative
of but not slaves to fashion trends, Esprit instinctively knows how to combine the latest looks with
a natural and stylish flair. Esprit’s talent for creating affordable luxury in a classic style with global
appeal has made it a much-loved, high-quality
brand that is timeless and ageless. The designers of the new Esprit optical range for 2011
have blended the Esprit spirit and attitude with
this year’s revived passion for denim and cool
denim-inspired looks resulting in a stylish
and urban collection. Featured below from top
to bottom are ET17302, ET17304, and ET17305.
For more information please call 800-645-2121 or
visit www.charmant-usa.com.
Go Paperless And
Receive A $5 Credit!!
Log onto the STATEMENT VIEW or
ONLINE PAYMENTS page of our website
www.blockbg.com, and look for the box
featured below. Just click onto the box,
and we’ll take care of the rest!
BLOCK BUYING GROUP
MEMBERS PLEASE NOTE...
u The discount for Swarovski Eyewear
available from Marcolin Eyewear is 3%.
u Safilo now carries Tommy Hilfiger, with a
discount of 7%.
u Liberty Sport has a new discount and buyin program effective January 2011. Please call
Block BG customer service for details.
SIGNATURE EYEWEAR has renewed its
Michael Stars Eyewear license through October 31, 2015 with an additional 3 year renewal
option. The Michael Stars Eyewear line includes
ophthalmic frames, sunglasses and ready readers and is created with a women’s sense of
style and individuality in mind. Michael Stars
styles have been featured on the pages of
top-selling magazines such as Vogue, Lucky, Elle
and InStyle, and the brand counts such celebrities as Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Angelina
Jolie and Jessica Biel among its fans. “Michael
Stars is proud to extend our partnership with
Signature Eyewear. This joint venture has allowed
us to broaden our customer base and further
develop Michael Stars as a lifestyle brand,” said
Michael Cohen, owner and founder of Michael
Stars. “We look forward to many years of shared
success.” “Partnering with Michael Stars has been
a true joy. Their entire team is amazing, which
shows in their products and retail presence. We
have developed eyewear styles that will become
key fashion essentials for our customers”, says
Jill Gardner, VP Design Signature Eyewear. “We
love translating the relaxed, colorful Michael
Stars brand into eyewear for today’s casually,
chic female.” “The license extension allows us to
proceed with our long term goals for the future
development of the brand with new channels
of distribution, including global expansion”
continued Gardner. For more information please
call 800-765-3937 or visit www.seye.com.
MARCHON introduces the KARL LAGERFELD
Spring 2011 eyewear collection, enriched with
poignant design detail throughout each sun
and optical style. Designed to showcase unique
interpretations of the KARL LAGERFELD logo,
the distinct “K” is hidden within hinges of bold
masculine frames and amplified by a slivered
metal bar extending down thin temples. Vintage
shapes are wrapped with rich textures and
tortoises speckled with bursts of vibrant color.
Reinforcing a collection that’s sculptured and
synonymous with the Karl Lagerfeld design
aesthetic, each sunglass frame features Karl’s
personal signature on the lens. Featured below
from top to bottom are models KL735, KL721s
and KL734. For more information please call
800-645-1300 or visit www.marchon.com.
BLOCK BUYING GROUP
WELCOMES...
R&R Eyewear was founded in June of 1999
by its current CEO, Richard Rosoff. From
the time of its inception, the company has
experienced constant growth and success.
R&R Eyewear now employs 44 USA sales
reps and has distribution worldwide of
Bellagio, Kashiyama, and Blink collections.
The company was founded on the basic
concept tha t they would manufacture
and distribute high-end fashion eyewear at
an affordable price, excellent customer
service and a huge inventory to service
their customers. For twelve years, R&R
Eyewear has been famous for affordable
cutting-edge innovation in upscale eyewear
all over the world. From the clean and
sophisticated to the casual and hip, R&R
Eyewear has a frame for every personality
and face. Block Buying Group members
receive a 7% discount on Bellagio, Kashiyama
and Natacha, and 2% on Blink and Twenty
Twenty. No opening order required. For
more information please call 866-996-3937
or visit www.rreyewear.com.
The KENMARK GROUP is giving away a Vera
Wang necklace from her Runway Show at
Vision Expo East. Visit the Kenmark booth, #3520,
to view Vera Wang’s jewel-inspired eyewear
collection and to register to win one of two
exquisite Vera Wang Necklaces. This iconic
necklace combines luxurious oversized round
solitaires with a modern multiple rope chain
for a bold yet feminine look. Diamond shaped
entry forms will be tied to Vera Wang Gift Bags
free to all attendees upon entering the Vision
Expo Exhibitor Hall. To enter the giveaway, just
fill out the form and return to the Kenmark
booth. Reusable Vera Wang Gift Bags will be
available all three
days while supplies
last. Additional
entry forms will be
av a i l a b l e a t t h e
booth. The winner
will be announced
on March 23, 2011
on Facebook and
Twitter. No purchase
necessary to win.
Please call 800627-2898 or visit
w w w. k e n m a r k o p t i c a l . c o m fo r
more information.
Supplier NEWS
(cont.)
COSTA SUNGLASSES kicks off 2011 with
the introduction of its newest pair of polarized
performance shades, Fantail. Unique to Costa,
Fantail features what’s known as “360 degree
co-molded technology” - a no-slip Hydrolite™
lining along the entire interior of the frame to help
keep the sunglasses comfortably in place all day.
Fantail has a hard rectangular shape frame, with
a medium to large fit. The bold nylon construction
provides maximum durability and “forget-they’reon” comfort fit, able to withstand harsh outdoor
conditions and rugged adventure. Available in
tortoise or black frame colors, consumers can
choose the lens option to best suit their outdoor
lifestyle. Costa’s 580™ lenses - dubbed by some
industry insiders as the clearest lenses on the
planet - are now available in either glass or polycarbonate. Glass is still the most optically clear
and scratch resistant, while polycarbonate offers
a lightweight, impact resistant alternative. Lens
colors include gray, copper, amber for Costa 580P,
with the same colors, plus blue, green and silver
mirror options in 580G. Fantail retails from $149
to $249, depending on customized lens selection.
A portion of the sales generated from Costa’s
products help support important marine conservation efforts, including the Bonefish Tarpon Trust’s
Project Permit and Trout Unlimited’s “Embrace a
Stream” program. For more information please
call 800-447-3700 or visit www.costadelmar.com.
TURA
introduces models 577 and 579.
Mosaic...memorable ar tistic for ms of two
dimensional shapes stimulated the Art Nouveau
Movement. Tura’s artful interpretation of this
movement has inspired companion models 577
and 579. These models have the perfect accent of
Jazz on the temples with a modern, superb
rendition for the eyes. Model 577 - a striking
triple layered zyl front in a deep rectangle shape;
579 a clean modified metal oval shape, both
with a striking cast mosaic temple design
complemented with a fork piece. Each model
offers comfort, progressive friendly depth and
flattering array of colors. 577 is available in
eggplant, slate grey, gold tortoise and wine,
with size 51/15/135. Model 579 comes in brown
gold, gunmetal gold, deep purple silver and wine
silver, with sizes 51/17/130 and 53/17/130. Please
call 800-242-8872 or visit www.tura.com for
more information.
MARCOLIN
introduces new D-Squared
styles. The oversized rectangular shape of style
DQ0046 gives this style a modern and chic
twist. Metal end tips are a signature element
of this collection. Rich acetate colors and shiny
metal finishes on the end pieces enhance the look
of this model. The DSquared2 logo has been
incorporated on the temples for brand awareness. DQ0046 is available in black with smoke
lens, dark havana with gradient brown lens,
melange violet with dark smoke gradient light smoke
lens, and melange red with gradient brown lens.
Size of 60/12/130. For more information please
call 888-527-9265 or visit www.marcolin.com.
MARCOLIN CELEBRITY SIGHTING
Christina Aguilera has been spotted wearing different Marcolin brands in the past and here she is
in this hot release from the John Galliano eyewear
collection. The JG0006 “Pinup” by John Galliano
is a bold acetate style that features some of the
innovative colors and textures that have become
signature elements of the collection’s identity. This
uniquely shaped frame creates a silhouette over
the lens which give the front of this style a triple
tear design. Available in four colors including black
with three tone orange gradient lenses as seen
on Christina Aguilera, this wild style is perfect for
anyone looking to make a statement.
BEST IMAGE OPTICAL
releases the
Dolabany retro sub collection, The Future of
Retro. Joseph De Marzio, Director of Marketing
states “Once just for the geeks hanging out on
St. Marks Place and Melrose, the return of retro
has become the norm for the fashion-forward
patrons of style and urban chic. Best Image
Optical has had a hand on the pulse of this
change from day one and has not looked back.
With tens of thousands of original vintage
frames in our design room dating as far back as
the 1940’s, our design team has used several
of them for inspira tion, and seamlessly
duplica ted the quality, wor kmanship and
materials of yesteryear. Our frames are not just
replicas; they are actual clones of the classic
frame models of decades past.” The collection
has everything the retailer needs to dominate
the competition with a board space that
wouldn’t just move it would fly, consisting of
every saleable shape, color, material and size.
Featured below are Phillip (him) and from top
to bottom Cur tis, Alfred, and Pueblo. For
more information please call 800-688-7661 or
visit www.bestimageoptical.com. Visit Best
Image Optical at Vision Expo East booth #3102.
EASTERN STATES EYEWEAR
invites
you to visit them at Vision Expo East booth#
2735, every day before 11 a.m. and participate
in their Early Bird Special. All customers placing orders before 11 a.m. will be rewarded with
a VIP Eastern States AMEX gift card. Attendees
will also have the opportunity to be awarded
additional AMEX gift cards with purchase. This
special applies to all of the company’s collections
which include Cazal, Police, Jaguar, Diva, Exces,
Thierry Mugler, and Black Forever. Please call
800-645-3710 or visit www.eseyewear.com for
more information.
SWITCH VISION launches The BOREAL™
- the World’s First and Only full frame sunglass
featuring Switch Vision’s patented Magnetic
Interchange Lens System at Vision Expo East
2011 booth# 2245. This groundbreaking sunglass
takes the powerful speed of Switch’s magnetic
interchange; the superior optics provided in all
Switch eyewear, a cutting-edge style with thicker
temples and wraps it into an unbelievable price
point. “The BOREAL™ is a giant leap forward
in Switch Magnetic Interchange lens technology.
By applying Switch to full rim sunglass frames,
future styling possibilities for the brand are practically endless,” states Dave Chute, Co-Founder
Switch Vision. This style is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes who need superior optics,
unquestionable comfort, and outstanding eye
protection while having the versatility to change
their lenses in a matter of seconds. No matter what
drives you to the great outdoors, the BOREAL™
full frame from Switch Vision has you covered.
BOREAL™ Specs: u M.S.R.P. from $119 - $189
u Cutting edge style u Weighs less than an
ounce u World’s Magnetic Interchange Lens
System makes changing lenses insanely fast
u Rx’able through Switch Vision labs u Four
frame colors - matte black and lagoon, (new) with
true color gray lens, cactus, (new), dark tortoise
with contrast amber lens u All Switch Vision
sunglasses include one additional rose-amber
lens for low-light conditions such as snow, fog,
rain, dusk and dawn u Each Switch Boreal™
kit includes; frame, two lenses, Lens Pod™ and
Microfiber pouch u. For more information on
Switch Vision visit www.switchvision.com.
Supplier NEWS
(cont.)
REM EYEWEAR
unveils new Lucky Brand
sunglasses in time for spring breaks and the
longer days of summer. Seven new styles deliver 100% all American attitude, backed up with
100% UV protection. Crafted in acetate or
epoxy-detailed metal, these bohemian yet preppy
shapes are RX-able. The names Aurora, Night,
and Indigo hint at the mysterious nature of
these three oversized shades designed for the
Lucky girls of summer. Aurora embodies artisan
glamour, and is available in pink, teal or gold
epoxy-filled “butterfly” frames. Night, with its chic
purple tortoise face and beautifully antiqued
pressed metal hinges is a gypsy jet-set essential.
Indigo has a free spirited attitude and optimistic
round shape, available in three colors including
vibrant red with clean white. Day or night, Lucky
Brand guys like polished styles such as the
modernized aviator Nocturnal or the rectangular
Midnight: both are effortlessly, classically cool.
Perfect for watching the sunrise is Daybreak, a
full coverage sunglass with a streamlined epoxy
racing stripe from tip to tip, available in laidback
color combinations in black, dark brown or
gunmetal. If you are missing your Moonbeams,
it could be your little sister or your boyfriend who
took them, as these unisex aviators look great on
both guys and gals. In silver, gold and gunmetal it
has a special tortoise “sweat bar” that reinterprets
function as an impeccable fashion detail. For more
information please visit www.remeyewear.com or
call 800-423-3023.
VIVA INT’L. GROUP
introduces the
Catherine Deneuve Lunettes collection for
Spring 2011 with three new innovatively designed
optical styles for today’s mature elegant woman.
The new releases reflect the timeless beauty
and allure of Parisian elegance, inspired by the
artistry and craftsmanship of fine jewelry. Styles
CD-293, CD-294 and CD-295 feature a delicate
rope chain detail, which adorns the frame’s metal
temples. This exquisite accent blends seamlessly
into an open end-piece design, accentuated
by enamel-filled signature CD logo treatments.
The availability of three classic shapes easily
accommodate a wide range of multi-focal prescriptions, while providing the utmost in fashionable
style. The collection is available in soft metallic
colors, as well as a variety of rich hues, designed
to coordinate with the fashion-forward lifestyle of
today’s woman. Dispenser priced at $46.95. For
more information please call 800-345-VIVA or visit
www.vivagroup.com.
OGI EYEWEAR
SOUNDOFF
WHAT TYPE OF CONTACT LENS
PRODUCTS ARE YOUR PATIENTS
WEARING?
OSELIA ACOSTA, OPTICAL SERVICES,
CARLSBAD, NM: “New Mexico is very dry
so we have many patients who complain of
dry eyes. But silicone hydrogel lenses have
been wonderful for them. Patients are much
more comfortable in them. We sell a lot of
toric lenses, and sometimes we have older
patients who are amazed that they can wear
contacts now, remembering when there were
no toric lenses on the market. Most of our
patients know that there are times that they
won’t wear their contacts so they purchase
backup eyewear also.”
JERRY SHERMAN, OPTICARE, MT
VERNON, OH: “Comfort is a big issue for
patients. If they decide to switch to contacts
from glasses it’s often because they’re not
comfortable wearing glasses. Our ophthalmologists caution them that contacts aren’t
a panacea and they might have dry eye
problems. Sometimes they do. But there’s a
much higher rate of satisfaction with silicone
hydrogel lenses than any other materials. We
find that patients are very cost conscious now.”
redefines affordable luxury
in the latest release from the Evolution Collection.
Offering luxurious eyewear at unprecedented price
points allows the chic, sought after elements of the
finest eyewear collections in the world to become
accessible to more offices. Ogi’s spring collection defines the company as an extension of their
customers’ essence and allows them access to the
most elite branches of fashion. The twelve new
additions to the Evolution collection are testaments
to Ogi’s commitment to the category of affordable
luxury. “The Evolution Collection embraces Ogi’s
heritage but adds an element of distinction, appealing to a larger audience by introducing a wider
range of sizes for added versatility. Additions to
the Evolution Collection closely mirror the latest
trends in eyewear while keeping a firm grasp on
functionality. Hallmarks of this evolving category
can be seen in the use of premium materials
and inventive forms” says Phil Windyk, Director
of Marketing. All Ogi frames come with a black
clamshell hardcase with a lime crushed velour
lining, and an embossed cleaning cloth. P.O.P.
materials are available. Featured below from top
to bottom are models 4026, 9071 and 9070. For
more information please call 888-560-1060 or visit
www.ogiframes.com.
SAFILO CELEBRITY SIGHTING
Singer / songwriter Kylie Minogue is seen wearing
Balenciaga sunglass style BAL0111/s.
VILLA EYEWEAR
introduces the 2011
X-Ide collection. The face of the consumer is
changing - In a world where the color of a car,
the shape of an appliance, or a door handle, the
stitching on a jacket, the sidepiece of an eyewear
frame, or a shoelace become part of the brand’s
communication, consumers are changing their
purchasing habits. They’re making choices based
on awareness, disdaining designer labels and
creating a new approach to buying. The consumer
is rewarding brands that adopt projects designed
and tailor-made for the ideals, the ways of life of
its consumers. This is X-Ide’s new approach to
the target, the real one, the everyday one, the
one that needs to be heard. The consumer who
identifies with a brand that holds its value over
time, who participates in the growth of a brand
that is not influenced by various kinds of pressure
(huge advertising investments, testimonials, sales
pressure). To capture this new consumer trend the
2011 X-Ide collection was divided into 5 product
families (X-Change, X-Fun, X-Diamond, X-Original
and X-Vintage) aimed toward well-defined target
markets. This should make it easier for the trade
to entice a well-defined consumer with its collections, each with its own appeal. Featured below
are models 339 (left) and 333 (right). For more
information please call 877-889-0399 or visit
www.villaeyewear.com.
SMILEN EYEWEAR introduces the “Profile
Collection” featuring plastics and metals in
retro shapes and colors. The Profile Collection is
available complete with a case. Call now for an
introductory special offer at 800-887-5675. Featured below is Profile 15. Visit Smilen Eyewear’s
brand new website www.smileneyewear.com.
Supplier NEWS
(cont.)
PRODESIGN
adds new styles to its new
Axiom collection. Axiom is a light collection
where ProDesign optimized the simplicity of
existing technologies. The innovative functionality
is right there for the world to see. ProDesign
always ads that little extra twist, so you will notice
that the temples are much more voluminous than
similar hingeless products on the market. “Axiom”
means a self-evident truth, and that is exactly
what this collection is - a no-nonsense collection
with integrated technical solutions that you can
see. You can look at the Axiom frames and
instantly realize how they work. Models 6901-04
feature vibrant colors and innovative solutions.
Simple aesthetic temples and characteristic colorful fronts. The anodized coloration brings out a kind
of metallic glow that really makes the fronts very
powerful and noticeable. The aluminum material
also makes the special lens closing mechanism
able to be an integrated part of the slender
temples. The temple material has been developed
very carefully to be strong and flexible at the
same time. Flexible temples require coloration
that will not peel. ProDesign has used a new
technology called PVD, which makes it nearly
impossible for the color of the temples to peel.
Available in four different shapes, with four colors
each. Please visit www.prodesigndenmark.com
or call 800-654-6099 for more information.
MODO EYEWEAR
adds three new styles
to its successful retro collection, with lightweight
titanium fronts and plastic temples. The styles
incorporate retro silhouettes and vintage elements
such as fine filigree metal detailing. Filigree is
a delicate ornamental work made in gold or
silver. Used since antiquity - filigree work dates
from 3,000 B.C. It reached a high point during
the Art Deco period of the 1920s and 1930s. The
romanticism and detail of antique filigree has
made it continue to be more and more popular
through the present day. Each frame is handcrafted by Japanese artisans under the strictest
quality standards in the market. Colors mix understated and classic - antique gold, antique pewter
and brown. Style 124 (top) is a men’s semi-round
wire with unique filigree temple detail, style 125
(bottom) is a men’s semi-rim classic rectangle
with unique filigree temple detail, and style 126
is an elegant women’s classic full rim rectangle.
All collections will be presented at Vision Expo
East 2011. For more information please visit
www.modo.com or call 800-223-7610.
OUR FRIENDS in the FIELD...
A veteran of the contact lens industry for 26-years,
Mike Menard has held a number of sales and marketing
management positions at Cooper Vision, Biocompatibles
Eyecare, and Barnes-Hind in the US, Canada and
Internationally. Over the years he has introduced a
number of exciting breakthrough products to the
contact lens industry including Proclear Sphere, Toric
and Multifocal brands as well as crafting new company
marketing strategies with the integration of Cooper Vision
and Ocular Sciences in 2004/2005. For the past 5 years
he has managed Cooper Vision’s Authorized Distributor
and Internet Reseller Channels and he currently manages
the Strategic Account sales team at Cooper Vision supporting both regional and national retail accounts and buying
group organizations. You can contact Mike at 800-538-7850
ext. 3560 or [email protected].
CLASSIFIED
Ads
Practice for Sale
Equipment for Sale
15 year old practice for sale (OD), upscale
young area, excellent location, six figure gross,
two exams, complete lab, fashion optical
displays, computerized, excellent inventory.
Call 954-432-5822.
Lombart slit lamp; AO projector, Burton stand,
chair & lamp; Marco trial lens set; Reichert
phoropter; Tangent screen. Best offer, any
reasonable offer accepted. Call 718-238-3937
or 732-446-2944.
Urban Essex County, NJ highly respected optical
establishment. Optical store in business for over
60 years with P/T optometrist for over 20 years.
Excellent high-traffic storefront location in professional building, near highways and public transportation. Fully equipped exam room, CL area,
retail dispensary, lab, office. High growth potential for Optometrist owner. Priced for quick sale,
owner looking to leave area. Please call Will,
terms negotiable. E-mail NeedOptometrist@
aol.com or call 973-399-0909 or 201-452-2620.
71 year old high end optometry - opticianry
practice for sale in Syracuse, NY with large active patient base. Excellent revenue with only 20
O.D. hours / week. Serious replies please. Ask
for Rob (personal call) 315-422-6089.
Hunterdon County, NJ. Lifestyle matters - wonderful Delaware River historic town, great for
raising children. We offer an established ($300K
gross) medical/optical practice with excellent
potential for growth in stable demographic area.
Low overhead and generous terms for a caring
practitioner who will continue our tradition of
service to the community. Fully equipped, complete optical inventory. Ideal starter or satellite
practice. Will mentor if desired. Call Dr. Douglas
773-241-4085.
Optical shop in Harvard Square, has doctor’s
lane, Dr. would stay if you need. Serving Cambridge for 65 years with a large following. Over
800 frames included and on display. Turn-key
operation with finishing lab. Grossing consistently over $200,000 for the past 8 years. Is being
run with only 2 employees. Great for optician or
optometrist. Looking for quick sale. Have your
own business for only $95,000. Please call
617-669-4607.
Please submit your typed ad by the 10th of the month
for publication the following month. Ads appear for
one month unless otherwise requested. E-mail
ads to [email protected] or fax to 561-893-9256.
You can also post your ad online in the BLOCKBOARD
CLASSIFIED ADS/PRODUCT EXCHANGE feature of our
website www.blockbg.com.
AIT Speede Blocker model 630, $190; 2 AO
non-contact II Tonometers model 12415 by
Reichert, $1,200 ea.; American Optical Corp.
phoropter model 11625, $2,500; Humphrey
automatic refractor keratometer model 599,
easy operator video display & digital printout of
measurements, $2,990; Humphrey lens analyzer
off-white color, model 360-2675 $3,150; Nidek
patternless edger Santinelli model LE-7070SX,
features easy one-cut operation for poly, high
index plastic & high gloss automatic polishing.
Use circulation pump system or direct connection to tap. Newly refurbished by Santinelli, still
un-opened in box! Comes with blocks, deblocker,
tracing kit & manual, $7,900. Please contact
Paul DiFore at [email protected]
or call 856-234-7881.
Santinelli 7070 patternless edger. In good
shape, motor replaced in 2009. Great for small
shop or backup machine. Along with A.I.T.
Speede Blocker, first $1,250 takes it all. Please
call Mark Feldscher at 215-351-9111 or e-mail
[email protected].
1 Kirk photochromic chem hardener $150; 1 Kirk
crown glass chem hardener $150; 1 Kirk air hardener $150. Shipping costs at buyers expense.
Call Jerry at 740-392-7851 (Opticare Inc.).
Humphrey visual field model 740; Humphrey
auto refractor keratometer model 599; Humphrey
topographer model 995; Reichert phoropter
(black); Humphrey instrument table; Reichert
non-contact tenometor model 555(3 years old).
All in excellent condition. Best offer. Call 516287-5440 or e-mail [email protected].
Employment Opportunities
Help wanted - part time optician for S. Tampa
optometrist office. License not required. 1 to 2
days / week. No lab work. Call 813-221-6655 or
fax resume to 813-221-6656.
Oppor tunity for optometrist (with option
for par tner ship). Boutique optical store
in Westchester County, NY, seeking full or
part-time optometrist, contact lenses exams,
a n d c o m p r e h e n s ive eye ex a m s. G r e a t
opportunity, high volume. Practice has all up
to date equipment. Practice has been est. for
the past 10 years. Call Terry 914-948-1700.