- Envision
Transcription
- Envision
PM 40052210 RETURN ADDRESS : 202-495 ST-MARTIN BLVD. W, LAVAL (QUEBEC) H7M 1Y9 hooked on life FYSHUK.COM ADVERTISING FYSH IS INSPIRED BY WOMEN who embrace their own spirit and are dedicated to making every moment count. Inspired by women everywhere who are hooked on life. 800.361.6220 JOIN US LIVE AT VISION EXPO EAST BOOTH 3621 F-3512 PM 40052210 RETURN ADDRESS : 202-495 ST-MARTIN BLVD. W, LAVAL (QUEBEC) H7M 1Y9 Introducing a superior way to see the world. Signature VII ™ 8 out of 10 clear lens wearers prefer Transitions® SignatureTM VII lenses to their clear lenses. Transitions Signature VII lenses are now available. Chromea7™ breakthrough technology makes these new lenses more responsive to UV in all real-life conditions. It’s clearly a difference your patients will love. Visit TransitionsSignature.com for more info and order your point-of-sales materials now at TransitionsRewards.ca Transitions and the swirl are registered trademarks and Chromea7 and Transitions Signature are trademarks of Transitions Optical, Inc. ©2014 Transitions Optical, Inc. Photochromic performance is influenced by temperature, UV exposure and lens material. Ad #: TRA-14- 003 P r ep are d by: S a atchi & S aatc hi Canada P R E SE N TS Ag ency Dkt#: 1 7 9-TRCO R-M 3 - 23 2 0 Cl ient/Produ c t: Tr a nsitio ns D a te Fina l : 0 1. 1 3. 14 Ar t pre pa r ed by: To m Na no s Co lo ur : 4/c S a f et y : 8. 125 ” x 10.62 5” T r im: 8. 375 ” x 10.875” B l ee d: 8.625 ” x 11 .1 25” M e dia: M a g a zine Approv a l: THE FASHION C op y wri t er: 4 A r t Di re c t or: E . C. Di re ctor: B . Sh e p p ard F r en c h Se rvices: P r o du c t i o n: B il l / Je n na your face EVENT A c c . Se rv i ces: Ge rr y Ch omniak A c c . Se rv i ces: Date STRIKE A POSE WITH US & WIN! JOIN US LIVE AT VEE GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT THE WESTGROUPE LOUNGE TO WIN DAILY PRIZES & THE GRAND PRIZE VALUED AT $2500. booth 3621 WESTGROUPE.COM i 800-361-6220 what’s inside march - april 2014 Our View 6 Cover Story 8 SPARKLE, SIZZLE, HOT… AND COOL SUNWEAR CHALLENGES EYECARE PROFESSIONALS The sunwear card has to be played with finesse in order to succeed in this segment. Our feature shows you how! We also let you in on the latest sexy, sporty and oh so retro sunwear models. Lens Focus 20 Polar(ized) Express Portrait of a Designer 24 Match Eyewear’s Ethan Goodman Does it All Making Contact 26 Multifocal Contact Lenses Without Limits Eye on Industry 30 Game Change: How FYidoctors is Altering Canada’s Optical Landscape Managing Your Business 34 Planning Priorities for Small Business Owners 40 The Battle for Consumers: Online Versus Eyecare Professionals Digital Marketing Event42 Opti 2014: Kicking Off the Year in Style 46 Experience the Magic Eye on Health 48 Botox and the Aging Eye Legal Angle 50 A New Approach to Working With Blind Children Discovering52 Comic Vision: How One Mom Put the “Fun” Back Into Fundraiser 54 In the News in the next issue may - june 2014 4 63 Classifieds YOUTH AND BRANDING Today’s kids have greater brand awareness than ever before. How can eyewear companies leverage that awareness with brands that appeal to their emotions, needs and desires? Can house brands come close to the cross-category success of the pop culture icons we all recognize? This feature examines the use of branding to appeal to youth – from younger children to older teens. Envision: seeing beyond | march - april 2014 Distributed by / polaroideyewear.com X8408C www.envisionmagazine.ca Photo credit: Victoria Ilgacs Breton Communications Inc. 202-495 St-Martin Blvd. W. Laval, Quebec H7M 1Y9 Tel.: 450 629-6005 Fax: 450 629-6044 www.bretoncom.com PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Martine Breton [email protected] SENIOR EDITOR JoAnne Sommers Tel. 250 448-6564 [email protected] EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Paddy Kamen Tel. : 250 448-7516 [email protected] Our View ASSOCIATE EDITORS Netan Choudhry Brian P. Dunleavy Nicky Fambios Jennifer George Shirley Ha Grant Larsen Briar Sexton Evra Taylor Paddy Kamen Editor-in-Chief SPECIAL ADVISOR, CONTACT LENSES Joshua Josephson, B.Sc, OD, FAAO, FACLP S ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Nicky Fambios [email protected] unwear can pose a challenge for the eyecare professional (ECP). Plano sunglasses are available on every street corner and in a wide variety of retail establishments. How does this affect consumer attitudes and buying behaviours? COPY EDITOR/RESEARCHER Isabelle Groulx [email protected] ADVERTISING COORDINATOR/ COPY EDITOR Aurélie Vasseur [email protected] Has the ubiquity of sunglasses resulted in lower prices for both plano and Rx sunwear at the professional retail level? Every eyecare professional interviewed for our Daniel Laoun, director of Georges et feature story on sunwear said that consumers are Phina portent des lunettes, has some definitely better informed these days about the benefits of sun protection for their eyes. observations on the subject. “It appears that the total number of sunglasses sold in Canada is on a bit of a downward trend. In the brand name segment, there seems to be a drop in prices at the retail level, particularly due to the competition from online retailers. However, manufacturers and distributors have not reduced their wholesale prices, meaning that retailers are the ones taking a hit on margins.” In fact, Charles Dray, who sells plano-only sunwear from his Boutique Key West stores in Quebec, says that fully 70 per cent of his customers are buying sunglasses for eye protection. “People are much better educated,” he notes. “The world is shrinking in terms of access to information.” But can more be done to further educate consumers? No doubt, says David Currier, general manager of the ophthalmic division of Smith Optics: “The better the patient understands Laoun notes that boutique collections materials, workmanship, lens materials and have been less affected by price pressure, coatings, and what they do for the visual as they are less readily available online experience, the more willing they are to make and are generally carried by high-end multiple purchases and at higher price points. We retailers. take this very seriously at Smith Optics, and our Linda Mulford-Hum, director of product highly trained reps perform office staff clinics, just like we do for our industry-leading goggles and development for Centennial Optical, snow helmets in sport shops.” feels that despite the abundance of plano, “Prescription sunwear is one of And don’t forget to carry plano sunwear, even if the fastest growing segments in eyewear it is available elsewhere. People wearing contact and consumers are appreciating lenses or recovering from surgery need it, and quality now more than ever. They’re they’ll be glad to buy it from a professional who more aware of the damage the sun can is an expert on vision. Many ECPs who are highly do to their eyes and are spending more successful with sunwear sell more plano than Rx. n to protect them with quality sunglasses.” Who knew? 6 Envision: seeing beyond | march - april 2014 CIRCULATION ASSISTANT Louise Chalifoux [email protected] SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION [email protected] GRAPHIC DESIGN Elem5nts.com ADVERTISING Martine Breton [email protected] Isabelle Groulx [email protected] Aurélie Vasseur [email protected] 1 888 462-2112 Tel.: 450 629-6005 Fax: 450 629-6044 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Aurélie Vasseur [email protected] PRINTING Impart Litho Published six times a year Legal deposit National Library of Canada ISSN 1925-8801 (Print) | ISSN 1925-881X (Online) Canadian Publication Mail Product Convention NO 40052210 Postage Paid in Quebec Any reproduction, in whole or in part, of the herein publication, is strictly forbidden, without the written authorization of the publisher. Printed in Canada Please recycle Cover Story By Paddy Kamen T here’s nothing like a pair of new sunglasses to lift the spirits and create a sense of fun or mystery. For one thing, sunwear speaks of summer, everyone’s favourite season. For another, you can align yourself with the stars – those of the Hollywood (and Bollywood) variety – all of whom wear sunglasses and are keen to outdo one another by rocking the latest eye candy. There is clearly a market for sunwear, but when sunglasses are available from the drugstore, novelty shop, train station or street vendor, what is the eyecare professional to do? Choosing your stock with care, educating consumers and merchandizing sunwear with flare are the keys to success. Whether you’re an independent, a chain, a boutique or a big box retailer, there’s plenty of opportunity in the sunwear market. Diana Monea, owner of Eye Health Centres in Calgary and Regina, sees plenty of opportunity in this segment. “For starters, as multifocal contact lenses improve and become more user-friendly, non-ophthalmic sunglass sales for the boomer-generation are increasing.” Currently, 70 per cent of Monea’s sunwear sales are plano, but the percentage of prescription sunwear sales is rising due to a concerted education and merchandising effort, for Monea leaves nothing to chance. “Success with sunglass sales means consumer education from the cradle to the grave,” she says. “We educate new parents about proper UV protection for their children. Many parents don’t know that 30 per cent of damage to the eyes from UV occurs before the age of 18. And we make sure that adults know about the disastrous effects of long-term UV exposure to the eyes. From the patient in the chair to the optician selling the eyewear, we emphasize eye protection with proper sunwear.” 8 Envision: seeing beyond | march - april 2014 Cover Story The Sunwear Challenge Monea has her staff place new sunwear in highly visible store locations, along with attractive and eye-catching POP from fashion magazines. “We’re always on the lookout for new merchandising ideas and like to attend classes at professional conferences to gain new insights into how to properly position products to grab attention and instill desire. We have POP showing on our in-house TV, as well as brochures at every desk and in the examining rooms.” What is selling best for Monea? “Designer labels are a big hit for those 15 to 40, but after that age practicality becomes a bigger issue.” Amin Mamdani, owner of Squint Eyewear in Toronto, sells premium, artisanal brands. “While licensed sunwear still dominates, I find that premium brands are gaining momentum. We carry sunwear that is special and unique,” says Mamdani. “But it is essential to present a selection and cater to different demographics.” When you think about stock selection, keep in mind that some of the smaller manufacturers and distributors offer the retailer a reasonably priced, quality product that won’t be found on every street corner. Cendrine Obadia, president and lead designer of Zig Eyewear, notes that when the majority of retailers carry the same brands, prices tend to fall because price is the main differentiator. “Retailers need to sell different products to stand out and to give consumers more choice,” she says. Several manufacturers in this category, all with attractive sunwear offerings, are covered in the product section of this feature. Another excellent differentiator for the optical store is sports-specific sunwear. There are many excellent brands in this segment. Mamdani carries adidas RXO™. “There’s an adapter inside the lens that provides the correction, or the sunglasses have prescription lenses,” he says. “These are safe, lightweight sunglasses, ideal for runners, cyclists, boaters and skiers. We also carry ski goggles and a vast selection of polarized performance lenses.” Charles Dray is the owner of 11 Key West Boutique stores in Quebec. His stores sell sunwear and watches exclusively. West says the number of people buying march - april 2014 | Envision: seeing beyond 9 Cover Story The Sunwear Challenge Design Trends in SUNWEAR N amita Karir, managing optician of Karir Eyewear-Yorkdale in Toronto, watches fashion trends closely to see how they become reflected in sunwear design. “I find that clothing styles have been pretty consistent with the “Mad Men” classic and retro fashions. In line with these fashions, sunwear is currently chunky and features classic colours. I notice a revamping of older shapes. For example, Oliver Goldsmith is re-releasing shapes that were created in the 50s and 60s.” As for sunwear frame design and colours, Linda Mulford-Hum, director of product development for Centennial Optical, is seeing sunglasses in soft matte feminine palettes, the return of round shapes in metal and plastic, flat tops with a strong brow emphasis, the return of the top-brow for women, and rimless fronts with beveled edges in angular silhouettes. Colour is the dominant trend, according to Amin Mamdani, owner of Squint Eyewear in Toronto. “Even men are looking for colour rather than the traditional tortoise and black. We’re seeing every shade of blue and a lot of green. Colour is big and lens colours that complement the frame are in demand as well.” One of the benefits of working in the industry for over 30 years is that you get to see trends recycle. Diana Monea, owner of Eye Health Centres in Calgary and Regina, has been an optometrist since 1978. “I love fashion and enjoy seeing the trends come and go. The 1970s saw huge frames with decals on the lenses in rhinestones, with initials and gradient pink-brown tint frames larger than a patient’s face! Then sunwear went to shields with a mirrored finish. Now we’re enjoying big, black, bold and in-your-face sunglasses with leopard prints in every colour.” Fashion trends speak volumes to a public eager to sashay in style, whether its industrial punk or socialite pink. To each their own! 10 Envision: seeing beyond | march - april 2014 sunwear for sporting activities has increased substantially in the last 10 years. “The new lens and frame technologies have taken the sun-sport market to a whole new level. This segment is growing by leaps and bounds and people are looking for sun protection for all kinds of sports.” WHO IS PRESENTING YOUR SUNWEAR PRODUCTS? Staff training is, without a doubt, one of the most important drivers of sunwear sales. Beverly Suliteanu, creative director and vice-president of product development for WestGroupe, says, “It requires expertise as well as knowledge to effectively sell sunwear. The dispenser needs to ask questions about the customer’s lifestyle, and how she will use her sunglasses in order to effectively convey the need for prescription sunwear. Staff must understand and talk about the various lens and coating options that are on the market; they must also be able to communicate the benefits of purchasing good-quality sunwear versus cheap, sub-standard sunglasses.” Georges et Phina portent des lunettes Director Daniel Laoun says, “In my experience, not enough emphasis is given to training staff. For example, polarized lenses have gained widespread popularity in recent years and are marketed to everyone. However, an individual who uses their smart phone constantly may prefer to forego this option since polarized lenses make it harder to see the screen. And more often than not, the lens tint is chosen to match the frame colour, yet is should be chosen according to how the client uses their glasses. For example, when a client chooses a black frame, grey lenses may seem the obvious choice. Yet brown lenses are typically better for activities requiring contrast, like driving or golfing. While aesthetics are important, visual comfort should always be the top priority.” THE UPSELL Sunwear is a retailer’s dream when it comes to upselling and multiple sales. Namita Karir is the managing optician at Karir Eyewear’s Yorkdale location in Toronto. Says Karir, “Sunwear is always an upsell but if you do it once, you never have to do it with that customer again. In two years when they replace their frames, they will also replace their sunglasses.” Interestingly, Karir sells more plano than prescription fashion sunwear. “We sell a lot of sunglasses to our contact lens-wearing customer base as well. Those people feel they won’t get much use out of a sunglass if it is prescription.” Monea points out that one pair of sunglasses cannot possibly meet the needs of the active person. “The upsell makes perfect sense. Just as one pair of shoes won’t meet all your needs, so with sunwear!” — Dillon Perillo pro surfer THE GRASS R E A L LY I S GREENER see the world differently: the world’s most advanced polarized lens PHOTO MARK WELSH smithoptics.com/chromapop Cover Story The Sunwear Challenge WestGroupe The quality and styling of both the Evatik Sun and Elizabeth Arden Sun collections provide consumers with stylish sunwear that is easily Rx-able. Frames are six-base curves and made from high-quality stainless steel and handmade acetate. [ Evatik Sun mod. E-1037 ] Optika Eyewear All Mizyake Sunwear models are elegant and fashion-forward. Made from stainless steel and high-quality acetate, the collection is fully Rx-able. Excellent pricing, timeless designs and vibrant colours combine to create a perfect offering for eyecare professionals. [ Mizyake Sun mod. 3565 ] Claudia Alan New sunwear styles from Claudia Alan include the Rx-able Hunter. This wayfarer style features an etched bamboo temple with an eagle design by renowned First Nations artist Corinne Hunt. The Harmony, also Rx-able, features native designs with metal temple embellishments. [ Claudia Alan mod. Hunter ] Smith Optics Smith has a broad collection of plano and sun Rx styles that includes men’s and women’s fashion, metals, eight-base wraps, interchangeable action sport models, and even an ANSI-rated collection. Smith brings fashion and sports-specific sunwear to every consumer. [ Smith Optics mod. Backdrop ] 12 Envision: seeing beyond | march - april 2014 Cover Story The Sunwear Challenge CENOCO Sun collections from CENOCO include Cinzia, Michael Ryen and Scott Harris. The Bottlecap from Cinzia puts a new spin on the cat’s eye, with a playful bottle cap motif on the corners. The Michael Ryen MR-SUN-O4 aviator brings a fresh look with sculpted acetate temples. [ Michael Ryen mod. MR-SUN-04 ] Centennial Optical Sunwear from Vera Wang, BCBG and Nicole Miller all benefit from the Canada-wide distribution of Centennial Optical. The Vera Wang Anu is special with smoky crystal acetate, as is the BCBG Fascination, which brings back the top bar for women. This piece features gorgeous acetate in browns and mauve. [ Ann Taylor mod. TYAT50503 ] Sunlight is a natural resource we run out of once a day. Make good use of it. COS Maui Jim polarized sunglasses contain three rare earth elements that help you see truer color. Designed by Gerhard Fuchs, the Silhouette Futura 2014 is a reinterpretation of the 1974 cult eyewear frame. This Futura is still futuristic, and much lighter and more comfortable, thanks to Silhouette’s technological innovations. The frame is elastic, with no screws or hinges. Style shown: Maile [ Silhouette mod. Futura ] ©2014 Maui Jim, Inc. MJ_1732_Envision Magazine Ad_4.875x7.indd 1 2/18/14 2:12 PM march - april 2014 | Envision: seeing beyond 13 Cover Story The Sunwear Challenge Alternative Eyewear/Plan B The value-priced One Sun collection is rolling out 35 new models this season. The newest release includes a backside AR coated lens, which helps reduce eye fatigue and improve clarity. The eyewear is completely Rx-able and 100 per cent polarized. The collection includes hand-made acetates and stainless steel models and features a triple laminated colour application to create colours and designs that pop. OGI Eyewear Several new models in the Seraphin collection stand out, including the vintage Coolidge Sun with a keyhole bridge, oval lenses and silver rivets, and the Grace Sun, an oversized hexagon shape in warm neutral tones. [ One Sun mod. 90 ] [ Seraphin mod. Coolidge Sun ] Importlux Tag Heuer’s new LRS sunglass collection is sporty yet chic, marrying comfort to aesthetics, and inspired by motor racing. Men who are looking for a sporting yet elegant sunglass can call off the search. [ Tag Heuer LRS mod. 0253 ] Marchon Denim pioneer G-Star RAW tests new boundaries with its vintage sunwear with straight-cut lenses. The lens style of more than 100 years ago looks very modern today. Created for both men and women and offering superior craftsmanship and trendy, visible construction details, they’re so hip! [ G-Star Raw mod. GS610S ] 14 Envision: seeing beyond | march - april 2014 Sàfilo Very much aligned with fashion trends, Sàfilo’s sunwear offerings for the new season are exciting. Romantic and feminine soft pink is seen in models from Gucci, Dior and Carrera. Bold, striking colours for both sexes are found in Marc by Marc Jacobs and Kate Spade New York. [ Dior mod. Dior Eyes 1’ ] Cover Story The Sunwear Challenge Match Eyewear The Adrienne Vittadini collection from Match Eyewear is sure to spark interest from ECPs and consumers alike. Examples include AVS108, with translucent, marbleized temples and solid coloration on the front, and AVS102, which will help any wearer to get noticed: in red and black for dramatic effect. Zig [ Adrienne Vittadini mod. AVS102 ] Cendrine Obadia brings stunning design to her latest sunwear models. There’s a lot going on in Ziggy S 1377, and it all works beautifully. Also check out her innovative, chunky Ziggy S 1379 in black and white and the very cool Ziggy S 1378. [ Ziggy S mod. 1377 ] Liberty Sport Protective sun technology for those who play hard outdoors is Liberty Sport’s specialty. Switch is the world’s first Magnetic Interchange Lens System™, with high-energy magnets embedded in the lens and frame. It’s easy to switch lenses and yet they stay put, whether the wearer is snowboarding or mountain biking. [ Liberty Sport mod. Headwall ] Maui Jim Bushnell Bollé leads the way with sunwear for cycling aficionados. The Breakaway and 6th Sense models are designed with a keen eye for aerodynamics to maximize airflow. The wide field of vision on 6th Sense facilitates peak performance in a riding position. Temples and nosepieces are adjustable. [ Bollé mod. Breakaway ] 16 Envision: seeing beyond | march - april 2014 The MauiPure™ collection features trendy, fashion-forward frames and the crispest optics next to glass, with an abbe value of 52. The polarized lenses are made of lightweight, impact-resistant, highest-grade optical resin and feature added colour enhancers, bi-gradient or gradient mirrors, and backside anti-reflective coating. n [ MauiPure mod. Bamboo Forest ] The 8058 Sunglass in Green Tiger Find us at Vision Expo East Booth G517 ogieyewear.com | 1.888.560.1060 GU 7273 G U 675 5 THE NEW SPRING 2014 SUNGLASS COLLECTION S H O P. G U E S S . C O M A R T D I R : PAU L M A R C I A N O P H : C L AU D I A & R A L F P Ü L M A N N S G U E S S ? © 2 014 G U P 2 0 15 G U 6 76 0 Polar(ized) EXPRESS Lens Focus By Brian P. Dunleavy T o paraphrase a certain well-known frog puppet, It’s not easy being… well, gray or brown. Indeed, although there is little doubt about the performance of prescription polarized sunlenses in reducing glare and protecting the eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, a high percentage of Rx eyeglass wearers have gravitated toward other sunlens options – such as specialty tints – because of the lack of colour options available in polarized. Historically, the technology has only been available in gray or brown. “I’ve had a lot of clients move away from polarized lenses because they don’t want gray or brown lenses,” notes Bruce Tobin, optician and owner of Optical Excellence in Ottawa. Still, Tobin says, more than 60 per cent of the prescription sunlenses he sells are polarized. “Once you explain the benefits,” he continues, “patients will realize, ‘That’s the lens for me,’ just for the glare reduction in all seasons. I’ve 20 Envision: seeing beyond | march - april 2014 even found that clients who have had difficulty wearing sunlenses in the past – because they are too dark – like them. Once you add anti-reflective (AR) coating to a polarized lens, it’s like you’re not wearing sunlenses at all.” Now, the sales pitch should get even easier. In recent years, lens manufacturers have worked to enhance polarized technology, improving the performance of polarized filters (to block more reflected glare) and making the lenses more durable (scratching, peeling or chipping were issues with the products of the distant past). And finally – and perhaps most importantly for optical shops with fashion-conscious Rx sunlens wearers – they have also begun to make the technology available in an expanded colour palette, including mirror-coated, rose and gray/green, as well as lenses that combine photochromic and polarized technologies and change shades in response to light. More new colours are reportedly in development. polarized for all skies Spring weather can bring unique challenges to our vision, including reduced contrast on overcast days and glare caused by rain. Therefore, high quality polarized lenses are recommended as an important part of your total vision care all year round. without NuPolar GRAY 3 with NuPolar BROWN GREEN COPPER GRAY 1 Active golfers already know that a pair of polarized lenses is an absolute necessity when on the course. NuPolar, the world’s most trusted polarized Rx lens technology, is available in many materials and five different vision-optimized colors. NuPolar lenses block blinding glare reflecting from water and other surfaces, which can give a huge safety boost during fast-paced outdoor activities. Everyone whose eyes are exposed to sunny conditions needs the vision-boosting power of NuPolar high quality polarized lenses. without Transitions Drivewear During overcast weather, a driver’s vision can suffer from low light and low contrast. Transitions Drivewear lenses are designed to increase contrast in cloudy weather, for more safety and better vision behind the wheel and outdoors. And when the sun breaks through the clouds, Transitions Drivewear lenses will darken to block excess light. In addition, Transitions Drivewear lenses have a high-efficiency polarizing filter that will block blinding glare no matter what the weather. with Transitions Drivewear NuPolar and Drivewear are registered trademarks of Younger Mfg. Co. Transitions and the swirl are registered trademarks of Transitions Optical, Inc. Lens Focus All of these changes mean that the core market for polarized sunlenses has expanded to include not only outdoor sports – particularly water sport – enthusiasts who have traditionally embraced the technology, but also golfers and cyclists as well as those who spend a lot of time driving during the day (for work or leisure). In addition, as Tobin notes, polarized lenses (with AR coating) are also an excellent option for patients who have had difficulty wearing prescription sunlenses in the past or who are light sensitive as a result of light exposure or cataract surgery. Opticians such as Trina Mendria, owner of ArtSEE Eyewear in Victoria, B.C., who says that polarized lenses already account for 80 per cent of the Rx products she dispenses (including custom clip-ons), hope to see the potential wearer population expand further as manufacturers add to the lens designs and materials available with the technology. The selection of progressive lenses with polarized filters is limited, she notes, particularly among specialty sunlens manufacturers. “They may have a polarized lens in a progressive design you don’t use, or in a design the patient isn’t used to wearing,” she explains. “In some cases, the available design can be a huge departure from what the patient wears in their clear lenses.” According to Mendria, manufacturers will eventually have to address how digital displays are viewed through polarized filters. Some digital displays use light that polarized lenses are designed to filter, making them difficult for wearers to read. As digital displays and LCD screens are almost ubiquitous and are now often found on the dashboards and control panels of vehicles, this has become a major issue. Take care of your patients. Submit their insurance claims quickly and efficiently. With the TELUS Health eClaims solution, you can now benefit from direct billing capabilities to various insurers. This means your patients will be able to enjoy a service similar to the one they receive at the pharmacy or the dentist. It’s quick to register, it’s easy to use and it’s free. Is it any wonder so many healthcare providers rely on it? Register now telushealth.com/eclaims Available with: 22 Envision: seeing beyond | march - april 2014 “I’ve even had boaters come back and return their polarized lenses,” Mendria notes, referring to what has been a key market demographic for the product. “It’s a new development and it has been challenging, but it’s really the only drawback with polarized lenses. Once people see the difference – and we have a display that shows them – they see n the benefits.” 800-700-3079 [email protected] Portrait of a Designer By Paddy Kamen MATCH EYEWEAR’S ETHAN GOODMAN DOES IT ALL E than Goodman is both the president of Match Eyewear and the company’s chief designer. He wears both hats with aplomb, having created a distinctive contemporary look for the company’s brand and its individual collections. The embodiment of a hands-on executive, Goodman is involved in the creation of every Match Eyewear frame from conception to completion. He tells the company’s team of five Italian and U.S. designers what he wants to accomplish with each design and every style that goes into production has his personal involvement and stamp of approval. “My expertise lies in choosing colours and saleable shapes and working with our designers in terms of which materials to use as well as the choice of embellishments and logos,” he explains. “We believe that this personal involvement in the design details and all other areas of the company puts Match Eyewear ahead of our competitors in terms of quality, design and service.” 24 Envision: seeing beyond | march - april 2014 [ Adrienne Vittadini mod. AV1094 ] [ Danny Gokey mod. DG23 ] [ Aero by Float Milan mod. F52 ] [ Helium Paris mod. HE4188 ] Goodman, a 20-year industry veteran, grew up in the midst of the optical industry. His optician father owned an eyeglass store in New York City and by age six, Goodman was a regular visitor. “I started out sweeping the floors, which quickly led to restocking the showcases and eventually servicing customers,” he says. “Being surrounded by so many different shapes, colours and materials was fascinating to me. Even then, I had a knack for matching shapes and styles to people’s faces.” In addition to his other responsibilities, Goodman continues to work with customers in the field, which, he says, connects him to the heartbeat of the business. He believes that this hands-on involvement, which sets him apart from most other designers, is one of his greatest strengths. “I’m in touch with current fashion influences, I see what the industry leaders are doing and I recognize trends.” Those trends and influences are reflected in Match Eyewear’s stylish collections. After a year of college, Goodman decided his future lay in the optical field. He attended optician school, then got a sales job on the wholesale side with one of the industry’s big names. Adrienne Vittadini, which offers accessible luxury and easy elegance for today’s chic, sophisticated woman, features meticulous design, rich textures and colours, delicate styling and exquisite embellishments. “I was 21, hungry and had the fire in me to pound the pavement every day, cold calling and writing orders,” he says. “I had found my talent!” Danny Gokey Eyewear embodies the spirit of the American Idol finalist and is inspired by his classic, individual sense of style. This unique ophthalmic and sunwear collection is retro-chic with a soulful edge, bringing effortless cool to fashion-savvy men. Goodman also sought mentors who guided him and helped shape his career. Over time he worked in all areas of the business, eventually pouring his collective experiences into the design of Match Eyewear’s products, which he helped to found in 2001. The Westbury, NY-based firm has built a portfolio of brands – including Adrienne Vittadini, Danny Gokey Eyewear, Helium Paris, Float Titanium, Float Kids, Aero by Float Milan, Match Flex Eyewear and AV Studio – each with its own unique appeal. The brands touch different demographics and each has its own embellishments, all based on the feeling of the brand, says Goodman. “Although our company’s audience is broad, the type of consumer we appeal to is consistent. They seek superior-quality fashion eyewear at accessible price points.” With its acquisition of Optiq Frames in August 2012 Match Eyewear added seven additional brands to its portfolio, including Respec, Urban, Minimize, Minimize kids, Image Cafe and AKA. Goodman says the company is now focused on getting its Canadian collections, “going in the right direction. We’re streamlining them to create more of a story and directing them to make sure customers see the difference. So far, we’re getting good feedback.” In Helium Paris, adventurous French design is married to fine Italian craftsmanship, delivering a line with a chic, distinctive edge. Innovative shapes, bold styling and the finest A dedicated family man, Goodman materials create premium-quality high fashion and his wife recently celebrated eyewear for trend-setting men and women. 10 years of marriage. The couple Float Titanium incorporates clean, contemporary has two children, aged 8 and 5, styling with simple silhouettes, delivering and when he’s not working he impressive elegance to discerning men who enjoys spending time with family demand the best. And Aero by Float Milan and friends. is a colourful, rimless collection designed and manufactured using the highest industry standards. Durable, comfortable and hypoallergenic, every model features higher temples and a single chassis design with multiple lens options to provide a perfect style for every customer. “I love sports and get immense joy watching my son become an athlete,” he says. “My favourite time of year is summer because I love barbecuing and having fun with my wife and kids in the pool or at the beach.” n march - april 2014 | Envision: seeing beyond 25 Multifocal Contact Lenses Without LIMITS T he fitting of multifocal contact lenses (MFCLs) is becoming easier and less Making Contact time-consuming than in years By Shirley Ha, BSc., O.D. past. Beyond the customary presbyopia they were intended to correct, MFCLs are being considered for other uses such as slowing myopia progression in children and managing deficits in accommodation and some binocular disorders, especially for those averse to wearing glasses. To successfully fit these patients, it is important to understand the intricacies of the different multifocal lens designs, so that the most favourable profile can be chosen. Currently, two basic designs are in use: the alternating image RGP-only design with distinct distance and near vision zones, and the simultaneous image design in which the distance, near and often intermediate images are simultaneously presented and the brain chooses the better resolution image. Simultaneous image designs use concentric, aspheric or a combination of both optics. Aspheric is the most common and incorporates a centre-near or a centre-distance design. For myopia control, the premise is to reduce the peripheral hyperopic defocus, a stimulus for axial elongation in children. A simultaneous image concentric design bifocal contact lens seems reasonable, where an outer annular ring of retinal defocus surrounds a centre circle of distance correction. One study utilizing this concept found that 28 out of 40 children, aged 11-14, who wore a dual-focus lens in one eye had their myopia progression and axial elongation reduced by about 30 per cent or more compared with their other eye, which wore a single-focus lens. It concluded that sustained myopic defocus with simultaneous image design can slow myopic progression.1 26 Envision: seeing beyond | march - april 2014 The best vision under the sun Xperio polarized sun lenses Fully eliminate blinding reflected glare for greater visual comfort Provide unmatched clarity of vision and truer color perception Offer enhanced UV protection with Crizal Sun UV Now available in larger diameters and wrap lenses to satisfy fashion and sports enthusiasts verres solaires polarisants E-SPF™ is a new index developed by Essilor, endorsed by an independent 3rd party, certifying the global UV protection of a lens. E-SPF 50+ when Xperio polarized sun lenses are associated with Crizal® Sun UV. Frame: TAG Heuer Eyewear Automatic (0881-214). More information on www.tagheuer.com/eyewear. polarized sun lenses Making Contact “ In theory, both the alternating image and simultaneous image designs can be employed to manage these dysfunctions. Similarly, a centre-distance aspheric soft MFCL, such as the “D” design Biofinity® and Proclear® Multifocals from CooperVision with a high add power, can also work. According to a two-year study by Dr. Jeffrey Walline et al, 27 myopic children, aged 8-11, wearing two “D” lenses showed an impressive 50 per cent reduction in myopia progression, compared to children wearing single vision lenses in the control group. Axial growth was also reduced by 29 per cent.2 Another centre-distance design, the Acuvue® Oasys® for Presbyopia from Vistakon, could be considered an option; however, the net plus-power in its alternating distance and near zones in the periphery may not be enough to move the image back onto the retina to arrest ocular growth. The same is true of most of the centre-near aspheric soft MFCLs currently on the market, all of which are more suitable for correcting regular presbyopia. Another possible use of MFCLs is for patients with accommodation anomalies, such as accommodative insufficiency or ill-sustained accommodation. When used as an adjunct to primary vision therapy, they are very effective and can provide the initial short-term solution or even the kick-start necessary for vision training. The goal is the same as it is for a presbyope whose loss of accommodation naturally decreases with age: to prescribe the lowest add correction that will bring the near point of focus clearly and comfortably within the patient’s normal working distance by harmonizing the abnormal clinical findings of low amplitude of accommodation for age, high lag of accommodation, low positive relative accommodation (PRA) and inertia of accommodation. In theory, both the alternating image and simultaneous image designs can be employed to manage these dysfunctions. In the end, however, the compensatory modality chosen, either multifocal spectacles or MFCLs, should be eliminated over time through active vision therapy. Conversely, an alternating image design can be suggested for binocular dysfunction cases, such as non-refractive accommodative esotropia and convergence excess with high accommodative convergence/accommodation (AC/A) ratios to relax accommodation and promote ocular alignment at near. It is more natural and can even help reduce the neck muscle tension that is often found in some spectacle bifocal wearers. Furthermore, it is especially beneficial for plus prescriptions because less accommodation is needed to focus at near compared to plus-lens glasses due to the difference in vertex distance. A study conducted by Rich and Glusman from the University of South Alabama’s Department of Ophthalmology cites the alternating image design (Tangent Streak® RGP bifocal contact lens) as an acceptable alternative to bifocal glasses for patients with accommodative esotropia.3 The use of simultaneous image aspheric designs in managing this group in clinical trials is limited and has mixed results. One researcher reported the added plus near periphery was dynamically useful in all fields of gaze for his 15 children4 while another study failed to show adequate binocular alignment.5 Notwithstanding research results that may still be forthcoming, all patients with accommodative esotropia should still undergo optometric vision training to eliminate any amblyopia/suppression and to build on improving the fusional divergence reserves at all viewing distances. In summary, MFCLs are only effective if applied to the correct patients. Understanding the optical properties of MFCL profiles will provide the practitioner with the outside-the-box thinking and additional arsenal needed for that prospective uncommon clinical solution. n 1ANSTICE, N.S., PHILLIPS, J.R. “Effect of dual-focus soft contact lens wear on axial myopia progression in children”, Ophthalmology, vol. 118, no 6, June 2011, p. 1152-61 2WALLINE, J.J., GREINER, K.L. et al. “Multifocal contact lens myopia control”, Optometry and Vision Science, vol. 90, no 11, November 2013, p. 1207-14 3RICH, L.S., GLUSMAN, M. “Tangent Streak RGP bifocal contact lenses in the treatment of accommodative esotropia with high AC/A ratio”, Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists Journal, vol. 18, no 1, January 1992, p. 56-8 4 VECCHIES, A. “Improving stereopsis in accommodative esotropia”. Available at: http://www.menicon.com/pro/news/ menicon-newsletter/39-menicon-letter/91-improving-steropsis-in-accommodative-esotropia (Accessed January 2014) 5MORTON, G.V., KUSHNER, B.J. et al. “The efficacy of SimuVue and Unilens RGP aspheric bifocal contact lenses in the treatment of esotropia associated with a high AC/A ratio”, Journal of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, vol. 2, no 2, April 1998, p. 108-12 28 Envision: seeing beyond | march - april 2014 ” ADVERTORIAL Eye on Industry By JoAnne Sommers I n an industry well known for its conservatism, Dr. Alan Ulsifer is an anomaly. An innovator and a maverick, the founder and CEO of Calgary-based FYidoctors doesn’t mind stirring things up as he works to advance the interests of the more than 400 doctors who are part of the FYidoctors and Vision Source Canada platforms. Consider the company’s recently announced joint venture with VSP Vision Care Canada (VSP). The joint venture, which gives FYidoctors access to Canadian patients covered by VSP’s vision insurance program, combines the latter’s employee benefits platform with FYidoctors’ extensive network of independent optometrists across Canada, including its Vision Source Canada franchise locations. VSP’s role is to market, sell and administer its vision care insurance platform to employers across Canada. In turn, employees of these organizations can seek care from FYidoctors’ network of optometrists as well as its Vision Source Canada franchise locations. FYidoctors will also, subject to strict criteria, allow access to independent eye doctors outside the core of FYidoctors’ companies. [ Dr. Alan Ulsifer after winning Canada’s Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year® award in 2012. ] While he is concerned about the false assumptions being circulated about the partnership, Ulsifer is unfazed by the controversy it has provoked. “Canadians don’t get their eyes examined often enough, in part because of the cost,” he says. “Using the VSP platform in this new company, we have created a program that is more accessible and will lead to more frequent eye exams and purchases of ophthalmic product.” There is significant concern in the industry that VSP will be able unilaterally to dictate doctors’ fees for examinations and products as it can do in the U.S. This is not possible under the terms of the new Canadian company, says Ulsifer, who adds, “We believe the new company has fully addressed those fears and that it actually prevents a U.S.-type platform from being formed by VSP in Canada.” Creating the best possible visual outcomes for its patients while striving to ensure that optometrists, not corporations, define what eyecare looks like in Canada, is the raison d’être of FYidoctors. To that end, Ulsifer and his colleagues have created an infrastructure which he calls, “unique in the world. We’re corporate in name, not function. This is a doctor-owned and governed partnership of people with a commitment to providing the best possible eyecare technology, products and services. We understand that we need to be a certain size and scale to ensure a competitive advantage in the marketplace.” The idea for FYidoctors emerged from Ulsifer’s visit to Vision Expo West in 2006. There, for the first time, he saw free-form lenses and the software that created them and recognized the 30 Envision: seeing beyond | march - april 2014 Eye on Industry [ FYidoctors Regina location ] [ FYidoctors Kitchener/Waterloo location ] opportunity to vertically integrate the optometric practice and create value. Fired up by the experience, he went home to Grande Prairie, AB and shared his vision with his partners at Northern Vision Centre, one of Canada’s largest independent optometric practices. They then invited 10 other practices to discuss market challenges and opportunities, and, as Ulsifer says, “everyone caught the bug.” Later that year, Ulsifer led the largest corporate merger in Canadian history, based on the number of companies involved, with more than 80 professional corporations joining forces to create FYidoctors. It took about two years to set up the new company’s infrastructure, he says. “We opened a lab in Burnaby, B.C., starting off with a 3,000-square-foot facility. Today we have more than 10 times that amount of space in a fully automated free-form laboratory and distribution facility, along with exclusive Canadian distribution of 15 products.” The company now has more than 1,400 staff, including about 280 optometrists across 109 FYidoctors locations coast to coast. And last fall it acquired the Canadian assets and operations of Vision Source Canada, North America’s largest network of private practice optometrists, adding 105 Canadian Vision Source locations and approximately 150 optometrists to its roster. Supporting them is a unique management team that features financial, marketing and legal specialists who have expertise beyond the optical industry. The company’s structure and size and its unique [ FYidoctors Amherst location ] support platforms have enabled FYidoctors to thrive in the face of the technological challenges the industry faces. As Ulsifer says, “Technology and economics don’t always align but through Going forward, the company is our shared efficiencies we make it work without focused on ensuring that optometrists continue to play a significant role in having to pass all the costs on to our patients.” shaping the eyecare field in Canada. The company’s critical mass has also enabled it to add attractive incentives such as its new “We want to be involved in making Aeroplan partnership. FYidoctors recently the difficult decisions that will acquired VEDI Corporation, which gives it the determine the future of optometrists exclusive right to offer Aeroplan Miles at all of its and optometry in this country,” says corporate locations. There will be an opportunity Ulsifer. “Some of our choices are for all Vision Source Canada franchise locations considered controversial because and other independent practices to offer optometrists in this country have Aeroplan Miles as well. traditionally been more reactive than Ulsifer says the goal of FYidoctors is to stay proactive. But we’re committed to ahead of the curve by anticipating emerging determining our own destiny instead technological developments and business of sitting back and simply hoping for opportunities and adapting its platform to take the best.” advantage of them. While the Canadian optical market The company will introduce a new vision screening remains strong, Ulsifer predicts app in the coming weeks. It also plans to launch that it will experience considerable an Internet-based public portal designed to disruption in the short term. That, he serve existing customers with branded frames, says, will create fantastic opportunities ophthalmic lenses and contact lenses. Thanks to for innovators who are willing to new technology, licensed practitioners will be able challenge the status quo. to perform measurements via a virtual platform, “In 10 years, the delivery of eyecare in thus enabling patients to choose the best possible this country will look very different products to meet their particular needs. than it does today. Now that we After taking a year off to implement a new enjoy a strategic advantage, we plan practice management marketing program to leverage it to gain market share, company-wide, FYidoctors recently embarked promote all of our associated clinics on an aggressive new growth phase, which began and find new ways to deliver services with the addition of the Vision Source franchises that match changing consumer in October. expectations.” n march - april 2014 | Envision: seeing beyond 31 THIS IS WHY our new multifocal contact lens is designed to perform at every distance and refresh with every blink. Precision Profile™ Design WITH BLINK-ACTIVATED MOISTURE NEAR IN NEW DAILIES® AquaComfort Plus® Multifocal contact lenses are designed to help deliver clear binocular vision and refreshing comfort. Precision Profile™ Design Smooth, uninterrupted transitions from near, to intermediate, to distance. BLINK-ACTIVATED MOISTURE Moisture is released with every blink for refreshing all-day comfort. SUCCESSFUL WEAR Clear vision and continuous comfort throughout the day. TE TE RMEDIA DIS TA N C E Featuring the same Precision Profile™ Design as AIR OPTIX® AQUA MULTIFOCAL—the #1 multifocal contact lens.1 Visit myalcon.com NEW PERFORMANCE DRIVEN BY SCIENCE™ Reference: 1. Based on third-party industry report, 12 months ending June 2013, Alcon data on file. See product instructions for complete wear, care, and safety information. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. VC13175 © 2014 Novartis THIS IS WHY our new daily disposable toric contact lens is designed for stable vision and refreshes with every blink. D UA L T H I N ZO N E S Precision Curve™ Lens Design WITH BLINK-ACTIVATED MOISTURE OPTIC ZONE ATH IN EDG E < 5° OSCILLATION * contact lenses are designed to deliver outstanding visual performance and comfort.2† Precision Curve ™ Lens Design Stable design helps deliver less than 5° oscillation with blink.1* BLINK-ACTIVATED MOISTURE Moisture is released with every blink for refreshing all-day comfort. SUCCESSFUL WEAR Clear vision and continuous comfort throughout the day. DU UL TR NEW DAILIES® AquaComfort Plus® Toric S AL TH I N ZO N E 150% more parameters with the same great design as Focus® DAILIES® Toric contact lenses Visit myalcon.com NEW PERFORMANCE DRIVEN BY SCIENCE™ *Based on Focus ® DAILIES ® Toric contact lenses. †Based on subjective ratings by daily disposable lens wearers. References: 1. In a clinical study with 54 patients; significance demonstrated at the 0.05 level; Alcon data on file, 2008. 2. In a randomized, subjectmasked clinical study at 22 sites with 310 daily disposable lens wearers who were also masked to the sponsor; significance tested at the 0.05 level; CIBA VISION data on file, 2010. See product instructions for complete wear, care, and safety information. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. VC13177 © 2014 Novartis PLANNING PRIORITIES for Small Business Owners F “ or most small business owners, running a business Managing Your Business is an all-consuming undertaking. There are so many By JoAnne Sommers things to take care of – from attracting new customers to managing day-to-day operations – that it’s easy to neglect business planning. Even so, it’s essential for small business owners to prioritize business planning matters for periodic review. A meeting to brainstorm with your professional advisors – accountant, lawyer and money manager – can provide a lot of insight, says Adrian Mastracci, portfolio manager and financial advisor at KCM Wealth Management in Vancouver. “Contemplating business matters is best done as a unit,” he says. “Review all of the implications and design a total approach to addressing your priorities.” Contemplating business matters is best done as a unit. Review all of the implications and design a total approach to addressing your priorities. 34 Here is a look at some of the leading planning priorities for Canadian small business owners: BUSINESS STRUCTURE It may be time to give your business structure a tweak or even a makeover, says Mastracci. The current structure may consist of a sole proprietorship, partnership, incorporated company, or it may be a more complex set of holding companies. ” Choosing the right legal structure for your business can save you money at tax time, make it easier (and cheaper) to pay yourself, help you avoid potential personal legal liability, and allow you to sell your business or pass it on to your heirs, according to RBC Royal Bank. Your first step is to evaluate the valid business reasons for the current structure. Then think about whether you could benefit by modifying part or all of the structure. Envision: seeing beyond | march - april 2014 Managing Your Business OWNER REMUNERATION Take a look at the composition of your current owner remuneration mix to make sure it’s serving you well, advises Mastracci. “Most business owners take a combination of salary, bonus and management fees, which is deductible by the business but taxable in the hands of the recipient,” he says. “Determine who is getting paid and how much.” Some members of your family may be able to receive dividends while paying little income tax, he adds. Do a tax projection to determine whether a shareholder would pay less tax by taking a dividend as opposed to salary remuneration. Also keep in mind that in order to create the maximum 2015 registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) contribution room of $24,930, you will require “earned income” of close to $138,500 in 2014. And don’t forget that “net rental income” qualifies as earned income. Rental losses, however, reduce earned income. BUSINESS CONTINUANCE When you’re in the midst of your normal business activities, it’s easy to forget about the question of how to ensure the continued operation of your business if something happens to you: specifically, who will take the reins if you become disabled, ill or deceased? Mastracci recommends that you arrange for someone who can step in and fill your shoes temporarily and, perhaps, for the longer term, if necessary. If you’re fortunate, there may be a family member or someone already in the organization who can fill this role. Once you identify your replacement, make sure to let the other senior people in the organization know who you’ve chosen for this purpose. FAMILY TRUSTS Many business owners have set up various family trusts over the years. Some of the rules governing them have changed and some trusts are now approaching their 21-year life. At that point, a trust’s property is deemed to be sold so it is possible that tax will be incurred on any capital gains. 36 Envision: seeing beyond | march - april 2014 Trusts can be advantageous when adult children are the beneficiaries. While minors are prohibited from receiving income from a trust, there is no prohibition against an adult child doing so. Thus a trust can be a good vehicle for passing some of the value of the business on to your adult children. This is a good opportunity to revisit your family’s planning needs and the cost versus benefit of your current trust structure. If you have a family trust, ensure that the documentation and trust arrangements are up to date. This is especially important if the trust was created in another province where you no longer reside. This is also a good time for those who don’t have a family trust to assess whether it makes sense to establish one. LIFETIME CAPITAL GAINS EXEMPTION A lifetime capital gains exemption of up to $800,000 per spouse is available in 2014, up from $750,000 in 2013. It exempts gains from the sale of qualifying small businesses, farm property and fishing assets. You should review the eligibility steps for the special gain if you own such assets. Full exemption means a tax savings of almost $163,000 per spouse in many provinces. Addressing these business issues will help to pave a smoother path to achieving your financial goals, says Mastracci, adding, “Always ensure that you and your professional advisors are on the same page.” n STYLE: AVS 100: BURGUNDY S U N Following in the footsteps of the Adrienne Vittadini collection, AV Studio reinvents casual elegance with a young, sexy edge. Unique designs, fun colors and textures and flirty styling provide a sassy new take on modern refinement. AV Studio eyewear is fresh, exuberant and a little audacious, with all the polish and accessible luxury of the Adrienne Vittadini brand…at a lower price point. For chic young women, 20-35. STYLES: (From left to right) AVS 102: BLACK/RED, AVS 110: TORT | 1-800-268-1265 | matchcanada.ca The Battle for Consumers: I n the past, to have a successful optical business all you had to do was market to your neighbourhood, advertise to local traffic and wait for people to walk into your store. Pick the right location, signage, maybe even a yellow pages ad, and your business would grow for years to come. But the Internet has dramatically expanded your neighbourhood and your competition as well. Online retailers, optical chains and, more recently, manufacturers are selling directly to your consumers, including your long-time patients and/or potential clients. It is possible that you have not noticed these changes but as online retailing grows, you will compete with your suppliers and chains for the attention of consumers. The success and value of your business in the long term will depend on how you use preferred digital tools to stay in touch with clients and attract a steady flow of consumers to maintain your business. 40 ONLINE Versus EYECARE PROFESSIONALS Digital Marketing By Grant Larsen So how do you tap into the digital engine that drives new customers, sustains business and helps you win the battle for eyecare consumers? 1. YOU CAN SELL ONLINE Neutralize online companies by offering convenience and price on select brands, contact lenses, select frame-and-lens packages, and online appointment booking. Options such as adding e-commerce to your existing site or re-directing customers to an e-commerce partner can be done in less than a week. For online shoppers who currently walk away with fitting instructions or eye exam results, these options can help to capture some of those otherwise-lost sales. In many cases, these same online buyers will call you or visit your store or office for other services over time. Envision: seeing beyond | march - april 2014 2. DIGITAL NEW PATIENT ADS Not all marketing spending should target or be justified by a “sale”. Per-click ads on Google can be geographically and key-word targeted to focus on your ideal new customer. For less than $100 per month, you can be an Internet marketer with graphic statistics that measure engagement and direct next month’s offer. Digital ads can be a fraction of the cost of direct mail, outdoor ads or even paid online directories, and you can set limits on how much to spend. Seeing your business ads in multiple media sources builds trust, a key element in long-term consumer relationships. Digital Marketing “ 3. STAY IN TOUCH WITH EMAIL Addresses and phone numbers often change, but people keep personal email addresses forever. If you haven’t been collecting them from clients, start now. It is still the most common way to interact for most people and easy to manage and scale to your budget. Email templates are available for free online. You can use images and content from your website, target specific patient groups and promote events, all with minimal graphics experience required. Simple functions like “invite a friend”, “send this offer”, and “enter to win” create client connections that super-charge your community referrals. Your referral process and community networking will target your best potential customers, using the most trusted source of information: friends, family and believers. 4. REASONS TO SEE YOU Offering the same brands as online retailers or standard discounts is not going to convince local buyers to rush into your store. Online shopping is intuitively cheaper and more convenient for most consumers. The latest styles, detailed frame/lens options, private rooms, medical services and your optical expertise are just some of the valuable reasons to see you in person. The online deal of the day or “Combo 4” can’t match your personal invitation. Telephone recalls, VIP events, email offers, social media, community events and websites should all drive patients and consumers back to your store. Introducing a Refraction Revolution ” The value of your business is not what you sell, where you sell or how you sell. The value of your business is the strength of your customer relationships. By adopting some digital skills, you can connect with more clients, communicate better information and consistently use multiple digital sources to give them what they want. In many cases these digital tools save you significant time and money, since you are targeting your ideal customers in your specific community. n New Technology Offers Effortless Efficiency Digitalize your manual phoropter, control the entire refraction process from a tablet making refraction quicker and easier than ever before. VX55 allows connectivity and transmission to other devices The VX 55 offers communication with the chart displays as a complete remote control Launching At Vision Expo East LP 7255 A sound ergonomic design allows for freedom of movement Product’s video: http://www.visionix-vx55.com (800) 667-3019 www.visionix.com march - april 2014 | Envision: seeing beyond 41 T he new year got off to a flying start in Munich from January 10-12 as opti, the international trade show for optics and design, set new records for the number of visitors and exhibitors it attracted. About 500 exhibitors from 34 countries showcased the latest in frames, lenses, contact lenses, equipment and fixtures for the more than 24,000 visitors from over 80 countries who attended. Many of the products and collections had their world premieres – among them “Claudia Schiffer by Rodenstock”, from Germany’s leading manufacturer of lenses and frames, which is headquartered in the Bavarian capital. The record number of exhibitors as well as visitors is a clear vote in favour of the event’s date at the beginning of the calendar year, said Dieter Dohr, chairman of the management board of GHM, which organized opti. “ If you want to see the best of the market, you have to come to Munich. 42 ” Event By JoAnne Sommers “The show is the ideal start to the year for the industry, which appreciates the high quality and product range on offer, as well as the lively, exciting atmosphere of the show,” said Dohr. “If you want to see the best of the market, you have to come to Munich.” Organizers said that opti provides a compact, highly efficient forum for business, thanks to its clearly structured layout. One visitor who appreciated that aspect of the show was Jordan Paul, owner of Opticianado Eyewear in Toronto. Paul, who was attending opti for the first time, was impressed with its excellent organization and the convenient location at the fairground Messe Munchen, just 20 minutes by underground railway from downtown Munich. He said the timing also played a big role in his decision to attend. “January is the best time of year for me to get away from my store,” he said. “It was too early to start buying product but the show gave me an excellent preview of what is coming and some ideas about what I might want to buy later in the year.” Paul said he liked what he saw from a number of the exhibitors, including Anglo American Eyewear, a company with which he has previously worked. “I’ve had good success with them in the past and I was impressed with what I saw from their British counterpart at the show.” A veteran of international optical trade shows, including Silmo in Paris and Mido in Milan, Paul said he decided to attend opti after hearing that it was an, “up and coming show.” It was larger than he was expecting and featured a number of different vendors than those he had seen elsewhere, including some smaller independents, with which he was unfamiliar. In addition to providing a forum for products from companies representing all parts of the optical industry, opti offers an excellent supporting program. Interdisciplinary presentations are available on each day of the fair, featuring leading speakers from Germany and abroad. The continuing education program is free of charge for all exhibitors and visitors, and the presentations are simultaneously translated into English. Opti 2015 will be held from Friday, Jan. 9 to Sunday, Jan. 11 and organizers say that visitors and n exhibitors can look forward to the best show ever. So mark your calendars now! Envision: seeing beyond | march - april 2014 Still Canadian. Still independent. And still one of North America’s most technically advanced optical labs. The first lab in North America to integrate a new, fully automated digital lens mapping and digital verification system The first lab in North America to introduce Free Form back-surface progressive lenses Exclusive Canadian manufacturer for Seiko Free Form designs, with the only “Seiko Optical-Approved” AR coating lab in North America Manufacturers of Vandelay DF digital lenses and value-priced PP-AR premium coatings Exclusive Canadian manufacturer of Junsui-Pure AR super-premium coatings PLASTIC PLUS NO ONE DOES DIGITAL BETTER 14 LESWYN ROAD, TORONTO ON M6A 1K2 (416) 789-4307 FAX: (416) 789-7143 TOLL FREE: 1-800-387-8539 FAX: 1-800-530-9172 www.plasticplus.ca HDX 865 HARLEY, HARLEY-DAVIDSON and the Bar & Shield Design are among the trademarks of H-D U.S.A., LLC ©2014 H-D and its Affiliates. All Rights Reserved. Viva International Group is a licensee of Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Viva Canada TEL: 800.561.7878 FAX 800.561.8482 HDX 865 HDX 862 SPRING 2014 PRESCRIPTION READY SUNGLASS COLLECTION Timeless styling and bike inspired detailing deliver a collection that goes the distance with durability, comfort and style. [ Shane J. Lopez, Ph.D, Gallup senior scientist and author ] [ Wael Yassein, owner and optician, The Eye Shoppe ] Experience the Magic [ Sherianne James, director, North America marketing, Transitions Optical ] “H ave a magical day!” is what more than 1,200 industry professionals from across North and South America heard after checking in at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Orlando, FL for the 18th annual Transitions Academy. And with that one phrase, the tone was set. [ Moe Benaim, senior category manager, optical, Loblaw Optical ] Event By Nicky Fambios A mix of hands-on technology experiments, activities and games livened the afternoon and provided the first-hand experience of wearing Transitions® Signature™ VII lenses. Not to mention offering the opportunity for some team-building and a little friendly competition! Tuesday saw Sherianne James, director, North America marketing, present Transitions’ new 2014 media plan, which includes new television spots as well as a new 30-minute direct response commercial. “We’re really excited about the ad,” said James in an interview with Envision: seeing beyond magazine. “This long format allows us to tell not only the Signature VII story but also the The three-day, invitation-only story of the entire Transitions family of brands.” event revolved around the theme “Experience It!” and aptly began James was also the agent of more good news as she announced a sensational, high-profile with a welcome reception collaboration between Transitions and Disney. “We couldn’t be more thrilled,” she stated. featuring a capella singers and “Besides participating at various events here in Orlando, this partnership gives tremendous access to consumers not normally reached with another brand”. beloved Disney characters. Monday morning’s educational track kicked off with keynote speaker Shane J. Lopez, Ph.D, Gallup senior scientist and author of the book Making Hope Happen. Lopez spoke to attendees about creating the future they want through the contagious power of hope and encouraged them to “be the superhero of their own story”. Developing the “Experience It!” theme, the workshops offered strategies for working with change and dealing with customers, as well as using a holistic approach to personal and business health. 46 And of course, Tuesday evening saw the much-anticipated Transitions Academy Awards ceremony, which honoured industry stakeholders in lab, retail, eyecare practice, eyecare professional, human resources and vision benefit broker categories. Wael Yassein, owner and optician at The Eye Shoppe in Oshawa, ON, was recognized for his outstanding efforts to promote eye health and brought home the Canadian Eyecare Professional of the Year award. “I feel better knowing I’m making a difference in people’s vision,” said Yassein. “It’s always a good feeling to know I’m doing something right – and to win the Transitions Eyecare Professional of the Year award is absolutely gratifying.” Loblaw Optical was named Retailer of the Year for Canada. According to Christine Underhill, business manager, Transitions Optical, Canada, “Loblaw Optical’s continued education initiatives and drive for success have been unparalled.” Moe Benaim, senior category manager, optical, Loblaw Optical, was elated to accept the award on behalf of the retailer. “Winning the Transitions Retailer of the Year award in Canada was a primary goal of our team for 2013, and to win it, just means the world.” Hope, education, activities, awards and Disney characters… have a magical day, indeed! Envision: seeing beyond | march - april 2014 n Eye on Health W hile Botox is often thought of as a recent development in medical technology, it has been in use in the ophthalmologist’s office since the late 1980s. Though it was first used in the treatment of certain eye ailments, Botox is now widely recognized as the remedy of choice in eye rejuvenation. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Botox for this purpose in April 2002 and today, ophthalmologists can use the drug to safely remove years from one’s age almost instantly. 48 By Netan Choudhry, M.D, FRCSC and Jennifer George Botox is derived from a toxin produced by the baceterium Clostridium botulinum. In large amounts, botulinum can cause botulism, one of whose complications is muscle paralysis. Though botulism is often associated with food poisoning, thanks to the marvels of medical research scientists have discovered how to wield the toxin produced by this bacterium as well as its side effect for safe use in treating a variety of ailments. In small, diluted quantities, the toxin can be injected directly into certain muscles, causing them to weaken in a controlled manner. For two decades, Botox has been administered for the treatment of various muscle-related eye issues. The toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum results in paralysis of muscle tissue by preventing neural impulses from sending signals to the muscles responsible for their movement. Over time, the nerves gradually regain the ability to signal the muscles, a process that takes place over a period of several months. Envision: seeing beyond | march - april 2014 Eye on Health Botox, a mitigated form of the toxin, has safely been used for its efficacy in relaxing or paralyzing muscles affected by certain eye conditions. Among them, strabismus or heterotropia (commonly referred to as lazy eye or cross-eye) was one of the earliest disorders known to respond well to Botox therapy. Strabismus causes one eye to look inward or outward, resulting in difficulty with depth perception, vision loss and diplopia (double vision). Each eye contains six muscles, two of which control their side-to-side movement. These two muscles work together in a counter-balance to maintain the correct alignment of one’s gaze. When one of the muscles becomes weak, the other will pull the eye in the opposite direction, resulting in the cross-eyed effect observed in eyes with strabismus. Ophthalmologists inject the stronger of the two muscles with Botox, thus relaxing it and allowing the weaker muscle to regain its strength. Botox has also been successfully used in the treatment of an affliction known as blepharospasm (eyelid-spasm or uncontrolled blinking). Though Botox therapy does not cure these illnesses, it allows individuals a much-improved quality of life, requiring injections only once every several months for maintenance. In addition to treating a number of ophthalmic ailments, Botox is also highly effective in the cosmetic realm. The eyes are among our most prominent facial features and the periorbital area, or the skin around the eyes, attracts a great deal of attention. Unfortunately, it is comprised of very delicate skin, and as a result, is highly susceptible to signs of aging such as wrinkles. Wrinkles are folds, creases or ridges in the skin, and an inevitable part of growing older. Our first wrinkles often result from our facial expressions. Factors such as smoking and sun damage also play a role in how we wrinkle. As the skin ages, it loses moisture, gradually becoming thinner and less elastic. In the delicate skin of the periorbital area, visible signs such as crow’s feet are often very prominent. Botox has proven effective in the treatment of both crow’s feet and glabellar lines (also known as frown lines). “ Though Botox therapy does not cure these illnesses, it allows individuals a much-improved quality of life, requiring injections only once every several months for maintenance. ” Botox prevents muscle contraction. Muscles injected with Botox will relax, resulting in the softening of wrinkles. Patients can expect to see results from Botox therapy in as little as two to four days. The effects of one treatment can last between four and six months. Though Botox is not a permanent cure, maintenance injections every six months result in the gradual delay of wrinkle formation. With each treatment, the wrinkles return with less severity because the muscles become accustomed to a state of relaxation. Botox has made it possible to reduce visible signs of aging without undergoing anesthesia, or lifestyle-altering recovery periods. n 450 420.0605 1 877 944.4676 [email protected] Vision Expo New-York - Booth #G608 “ For two decades, Botox has been administered for the treatment of various muscle-related eye issues. ” march - april 2014 | Envision: seeing beyond 49 A NEW APPROACH to Working With BLIND CHILDREN W ith growing numbers of women giving birth later in life, there is an increasing awareness of the risk of birth defects. Yet few of us give much thought to children who are born blind. A synergistic partnership between the MUHC (McGill University Health Centre) and the MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre aims to change that. “ With this relationship our blind and visually impaired patients – from newborns to elderly – will benefit. 50 Legal Angle By Evra Taylor The MAB (Montreal Association for the Blind) provides family-centered adaptation, rehabilitation and social integration services for children with motor or language impairments and to persons of all ages who are blind or visually impaired and/or deaf or hard of hearing. ” In many cases, the MAB is the first resource families consult regarding vision defects and the challenges faced by the child and the parents. Its Early Intervention Program is a rehabilitation service that addresses the needs of children from birth to kindergarten. The service also provides parents with a better understanding of the essential role vision plays in child development. Early intervention is offered for children and adolescents with vision loss up to age 17 (or to age 21, if still attending high school). The program uses a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach that involves professionals from the optometry, occupational therapy and vision rehabilitation sectors, among others. Envision: seeing beyond | march - april 2014 “ In many cases, the MAB is the first resource families consult regarding vision defects and the challenges faced by the child and the parents. The thinking behind early intervention is that people with limited ability to interact with their environment, through sight for example, are prevented from growing and developing at a normal rate. The MAB offers an assessment of functional vision, visual skills training and an ocular health appraisal using a specialized optometric evaluation and equipment designed to determine the child’s developmental level; it also offers psychosocial support and counseling for the child and the family as well as consultation as well as support with respect to integration into daycare, school and leisure activities. Importantly, the MAB’s services extend to lifestyle training including selfcare skills, food preparation and cooking, environmental modifications, and mobility skills such as safe travel and navigating one’s neighbourhood. It also provides an adapted computer service that teaches visually impaired people how to use adapted technology and software. In recent years, the MUHC has been trying to further develop its relationship with the MAB within the framework of the RUIS, the Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services’ four integrated university health networks across the province. The teaming of the MUHC and the MAB was initiated by the MUHC as a way of promoting the services of the two ” organizations in a symbiotic relationship. They have agreed to seek ways to sensitize and educate professionals within the MUHC about the services provided by the MAB as well as to promote access to educational opportunities for MAB staff. “This is an excellent opportunity for us,” said Jim Gates, acting director of the McGill Health Network Office. “With this relationship our blind and visually impaired patients – from newborns to elderly – will benefit.” “We are happy to be teaming up with the MUHC,” said Gisèle Hall, director of Professional Services at the MAB and at Mackay Rehabilitation Centre. “I know our services can help a lot of people and we can certainly benefit from the wealth of knowledge the MUHC can provide us with in the many areas related to blindness and visual impairment.” n A Brand for Every Customer Legal Angle Calvin Klein ck Calvin Klein Chloé Dragon Emilio Pucci G-Star RAW Jil Sander Karl Lagerfeld Lacoste Michael Kors Nautica Nike Nine West Salvatore Ferragamo Sean John Skaga Valentino bebe X-Games MarchoNYC Flexon Airlock 1-800-956-9290 A nn Morrison was in no mood to laugh when she received the news that her young son Gavin had Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) in 1998. RP is an incurable genetic disease that causes the affected person’s vision to narrow to a very small window – and even that window can become blurry. It also severely affects night vision. Discovering By Briar Sexton, MD But Ann isn’t the sort of person who retreats from a challenge She attended Vision Quest, a Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB) annual event that educates and her reaction was to learn patients and families living with eye disease and enables them to connect with one another. In addition to everything she could about the learning about RP, she learned about the FFB. disease. The organization, which is the largest private supporter of Canadian vision research, donates millions of dollars annually to Canadian researchers working on treatments and cures for genetic eye diseases, including RP and macular degeneration. What Ann learned about the Foundation convinced her the group was worth supporting. What came next was an idea from her friend, Meg Soper, a nurse and successful stand-up comic, who suggested they get their friends and families together to raise money for the FFB. Their first event in 1999 at The Laugh Resort in Toronto raised $7,800. Buoyed by their success the pair set their sights higher; in 2002 they worked on a second event, this time with a volunteer committee, which led to increased ticket sales and revenue. [ Ann Morrison, Director of Philanthropy, Foundation Fighting Blindness ] 52 In 2003, the Foundation welcomed Ann to their staff and Comic Vision became an official FFB fundraiser. A year later it expanded to Oakville, then London, Vancouver and Calgary; in 2010, Comic Vision was held at Toronto’s “Last Call”, a smaller venue that evokes the event’s roots. In each city Comic Vision received strong support from community volunteers and debuted to crowds of over 300. The momentum continues to grow, and this year, with the event debuting in Halifax, Comic Vision will officially go coast to coast. Envision: seeing beyond | march - april 2014 DANISH DESIGN The funds raised keep increasing too. Since 1999, Comic Vision has raised over $5 million for the Foundation Fighting Blindness. In 2013 alone, more than 2,500 Canadians attended the various Comic Vision shows, raising $930,000 for vision-saving research by Canadian scientists. Ann is now the FFB’s Director of Philanthropy. Asked how she remains so dedicated to the organization more than a decade after first getting involved, she says, “The Foundation is not just about restoring sight, it also restores people’s hope. The progress made in the last 10 years is so encouraging, I am confident there will be treatments in the next decade for some forms of retinal disease”. Shelagh Anson, the mother of two young children with RP, was apprehensive about attending her first Comic Vision event in Vancouver in 2012. Beforehand, she was on the brink of tears at the mere mention of her kids’ diagnosis. Shelagh did cry that evening, but they were tears of laughter at the comedians’ routines. She and her family actively volunteer with and donate to the FFB and her experience epitomizes Comic Vision’s slogan: “Share the Laughter, See the Hope.” Comic Vision is the ultimate win-win, a fun evening people will enjoy even if they aren’t affected by vision issues. It’s also a cause anyone can gladly get behind, knowing they’re supporting Canada’s best vision scientists in their truly groundbreaking work. n IF1172 Anyone attending Comic Vision for the first time will be pleasantly surprised by the event’s atmosphere. The crowd is more “smart casual” than “black tie.” Waitresses circulate with finger foods and tables are adorned with Kernels popcorn, Twizzlers and other treats. The audience munches away while enjoying high-calibre stand-up comedy. It’s the kind of evening people would enjoy even if it wasn’t for a good cause. COS // EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTION // DISTRIBUTION EXCLUSIVE 8360 Mayrand, Montreal Quebec, Canada H4P 2C9 // Tel. 1-800-363-2341 march - april 2014 | Envision: seeing beyond 53 In the News Modo Appoints Rebecca Giefer as New COO “I am very proud of the stellar career Rebecca has had at Modo, rising THE through AUTHENTIC OAKLEY the ranksADVANTAGE to be chief operating officer today,” Modo founder Focus on the Hinge The new J.F. Rey ColorBOX collection plays on the opposition of bold colours and black acetate. Designed and aimed at men, the line is based on an innovative hinge, exclusive to the company, the TitaBOX. This technological signature, a coloured element, gives this line an inimitable creative touch. Equipped with a powerful spring, the titanium mobile system keeps the temples firmly open for a better comfort. operational aspects of the enterprise. She will drive the alignment and prioritization of company projects and will ensure operational excellence across the company. THE PROBLEM SOLUTION “I am incredibly grateful for trueTHE mentorship at Modo and now the Patients with higher prescriptions limited True Digital Edge increases opportunity to build aare team that isOakley customer focused, ” Giefertheadded. in today’s high wrap choices. Providers are prescription range, in most frames to Rebecca Giefer has concentrated+4.00 on toclient relations, operations and often forced to deny their out-of range Oakley -6.00, in a unique way that provides technology during herOr,time with the enterprise. Her efforts patients the sunglasses they want. if the best possible cosmetics, and anhave been oriented building team, whilefieldintroducing and available, patientstoward must settle for inferiorthe operations uninterrupted binocular of view, utilizing various technologies to create an efficient environment. cosmetics and optics. while minimizing any peripheral distortion. UNINTERRUPTED FIELD OF VIEW Oakley: Innovation in Prescription Lenses Oakley announced a breakthrough that will allow many people with higher prescriptions to wear high-wrap sunglasses. Called Oakley True Digital Edge, the proprietary innovation will be available only with Oakley Authentic Prescription Lenses. “Now patients who want the unrivalled style and improved side protection of high-wrap lenses won’t be impeded by prescriptions that would normally require them to settle for flatter sunglasses, or choose high wrap lenses with poor optics and inferior cosmetics,” said Oakley CEO Colin Baden. Using standard processes currently utilized in the industry, the manufacture of high-wrap lenses for out-of-range prescriptions results in excessive lens thickness and weight. The problems are not limited to cosmetics and comfort. Optical distortion reduces the practical field of view and the thickened lens edge can cause distracting distortion. REDUCED LENS THICKNESS Oakley ThinZone Technology uses proprietary software to substantially reduce the lens thickness by up to 40%. Reduced thickness by up to 40% Oakley True Digital Edge delivers a minimum of 120˚ of uninterrupted binocular field of view, regardless of Frost Zone range. laTemporal eT View View weiV w lareoiV pm ero T pmTemporal ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS Dynamic Frost Zone Oakley True Digital Edge applies a satin frost finish over the ThinZone, eliminating any visual distortion. The Frost Zone ranges from 4mm to 11mm, depending on the patient’s prescription and frame selection. 11mm 4mm love with Oakley sunglass frames and be told by their eyecare professional that their prescriptions are out of range for the desired designs. Solving the problem for many, Oakley True Digital Edge will extend the range of choices and allow optical shops to increase business while better serving their customers.” Oakley True Digital Edge increases the prescription range up to +4.00 and up to -6.00, giving patients the clarity they need and the style they want with a minimum 120-degree binocular field of view. Oakley technologies eliminate the peripheral distortion that can result when prescriptions are applied to high-wrap lenses, a common aspect of optical physics. Oakley’s proprietary process begins by reformulating the prescription using Oakley True Digital (OTD) technology. This optimizes clarity and accuracy of vision from the centre of the lens to the edge, even for the company’s most extreme wrap sunglasses. Thanks to Oakley Thin-Zone the company is able to thin the lens edge by as much as 40 per cent to enhance aesthetics, safety and comfort of vision. The finishing stage entails a frost treatment to block any visual noise and/or distortion. Baden continued, “High-wrap frames have unique aesthetics that make them enormously popular, and the curvature improves side protection against sun, wind and impact. However, customers will sometimes fall in “Visionary technology is a foundation of Oakley, and Oakley True Digital Edge further underscores our global leadership position in optics,” Baden concluded. 54 Envision: seeing beyond | march - april 2014 OAKLEY TRUE DIGITAL EDGE™ ™ and CEO Alessandro Lanaro said. OAKLEY TRUE DIGITAL EDGE Rebecca Giefer will assume responsibility for managing all hands-on TECHNOLOGY Modo Eyewear has announced the appointment of Rebecca Giefer as COO for the boutique luxury eyewear company. Giefer was previously the vice president of operations and has been with the company for the last 10 years. Personalized Visual Comfort Personalized Varilux lenses: In the News [ mod. V.Design 5690 ] New Bilingual Optical Job Board Breton Communications, the leading single source for the Canadian optical industry, is launching BretonJOBS.com, a fully bilingual website dedicated to uniting vision care employers and job seekers. [ mod. V.Design 5696 ] [ mod. V.Design 5699 ] A Touch of Extravagance Concept Eyewear has released several new models within the V.Design eyewear collection. The designs are unexpected and fresh, featuring unique details and beautiful colour combinations such as brown with fuchsia and green, or shades of blue with white. All designs are available in four or five colours each. The VDesign 5696 style has multi-dimensional, layered temple details and flowing lines inspired by flower blooms, while the VDesign 5699 model brings a unique and bold temple design with laser-cut details inspired by shooting stars. The VDesign 5690 frame is masculine and architectural, with three-dimensional laser-cut details. Other new releases include 5702, 5697 and 5691 models. “In order to achieve success in the workplace, employers need to find the right people for their team. Our goal has always been to provide the necessary resources for ECPs to succeed,” said Martine Breton, president of Breton Communications. “Developing this employment interface, accessible in both French and English, will help connect quality candidates to exciting career opportunities across the country.” The BretonJOBS board will offer job seekers an enhanced experience: they can post their resumes, apply directly for positions online and receive employment notifications based on their personal specifications. Employers who post jobs on the new board engage top-notch candidates through Breton’s comprehensive media outlets and high-traffic websites. BretonJOBS.com reaches hundreds of thousands of active and passive job seekers monthly by email and across the Internet via the job board, its sister sites, leading online aggregators and social networks. Jobs posted on BretonJOBS.com will be automatically displayed on all Breton websites and the recruitment portal itself is promoted through multiple digital and print ad campaigns, ensuring maximum visibility and candidate response. Additionally, the employment website will allow hiring managers to save valuable time and effort by providing the option to browse through resumes uploaded by potential candidates. BretonJOBS.com aims to bring together job seekers and employers in one environment, creating a platform to achieve long-term career success. The official launch is planned for early April. 56 Envision: seeing beyond | march - april 2014 In the News CHECK US OUT [ mod. FF0030 ] [ mod. FF0026/S ] [ mod. FF0017/S ] Sàfilo Releases its First Fendi Models Last summer Sàfilo Group signed a licensing agreement to produce and distribute Fendi sunglasses and optical frames starting in 2014. The company now presents its first Spring/Summer collection, dedicated to the contemporary, unequivocally feminine woman. The new collection includes sophisticated models featuring unique shapes and iconic detailing, such as the Fendi monogram, the legendary striped “Pequin” motif and the celebrated 2Jours decoration. Skillful manufacturing techniques enhance the new glasses’ premium quality materials, such as Optyl and exclusive acetate, celebrating the House’s perfect savoir-faire and timeless elegance. The colour palette consists of refined shades and edgy colour contrasts highlighted by an alluring interplay of materials, jewel-like details and shaded or mirrored lenses. Eye-catching and stunning, the two Color-Block models are a perfect combination of contrasting dimensions and colours, smooth lines and multifaceted profiles, enlivened by transparent hues and refined shades of havana. These exclusive hand-made acetate glasses feature a large silhouette and slim metal temples emphasized by the flat hinge on the initial part of the temples and contrasting colours on the acetate temple tips. The large, butterfly-shaped flat metal FF 0017 sunglass model flaunts an ultra-lightweight, essential feel and smooth silhouette. The iconic striped “Pequin” motif framing the lenses – a signature detail adorning the House’s legendary accessories – creates an alluring combination of gloss varnish and metallic effects, highlighting the eye. The classic black/tobacco striped “Pequin” motif decorating the temple tips adds a distinctive, discreet touch. This model’s perfect proportions are emphasized by an elegant palette. The acetate FF 0026/S sunglass model looks to the past with its vintage-inspired silhouette and retro flair, highlighted by contrasting colours on the front and temples. Small rivets bearing the iconic striped “Pequin” motif become the brand’s distinctive signature detail. An edgy colour palette enhances the contrast between the front’s natural shades and the temples’ vibrant, pop-inspired hues, perfectly reflecting Fendi’s Spring/ Summer 2014 accessory collection. WWW.MODULAR-DESIGN.COM WWW.MODULAR-DESIGN.COM WWW.MODULAR-DESIGN.COM In the News [ mod. VRP043 ] [ mod. VR02 ] [ mod. VRP052 ] Importlux Introduces Viktor&Rolf Eyewear in Canada Importlux is proud to have signed an agreement with the Paget group as the official distributor in Canada for Viktor&Rolf Vision. The brand is widely recognized and respected for their provocative couture and conceptual glamour. The Dutch design duo behind Viktor&Rolf have staged their signature collections at spectacular shows in Paris for 20 years while their fashion label has grown worldwide. “Thanks to Paget’s expertise, know-how and manufacturing experience, we are able to offer the highest quality of frames and sunglasses from one of the very few companies qualified to write, “totally made in France” on its products,” says Importlux President Ramez-Raymond Tarazi. Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren are well known for their matching black spectacles, so it was only a matter of time before they got into the frame game themselves. The designers had a prior licensing agreement with Japanese manufacturer Murai, which marketed Viktor&Rolf eyewear in Japan since 2003. However, it is the first time fans of the brand will be able to get their hands on the Viktor&Rolf collection outside of Asia. The line features roughly 25 men’s and women’s styles in three colours and there are plans to expand rapidly. It reflects the brand’s off-kilter glamour as well as the designers’ own favorite squared-off black style. At the core of each model is the aspiration to create spectacular beauty and unexpected elegance. Sd Technology for extravagant and custom shapes Small finishing wheel allows multiple possibilities for design Easy to use touch screen interface High speed motor for the fastest edging available Celebrating 80 Years of Innovation Vision Expo East Booth LP 7255 58 (800) 667-3019 www.briot.com/canada Envision: seeing beyond | march - april 2014 In the News New Interchangeable I/O 7 Goggle Wins ISPO Award For the second year in a row, Smith Optics is the proud recipient of the ISPO Award for Design and Innovation. Following last year’s win for the Vantage Helmet with Aerocore technology, the 2014 title has been presented to the brand for the new interchangeable I/O 7 Goggle for the Ski segment. The I/O 7 goggle features a minimalist design and a single-pivot, quick-release lens that is intuitive, efficient and easy to use. The addition of dual axis outriggers provides vertical and horizontal articulation for better fit under or over a helmet and AirEvac integration technology for increased ventilation and full helmet compatibility. The Facial Geometry frame design provides full field of vision while the spherical, Carbonic-X lens with TLT Optics increases visual acuity and enhances contrast sensitivity while offering optimum scratch and impact resistance. All performance lenses feature Smith’s proprietary 5X Anti-Fog inner lens to eliminate condensation and moisture build up, for the most advanced anti-fog lens ever created. The I/O 7 will be available in 15 colour ways and includes two performance lenses. The new I/O 7 goggle will be available at specialty retailers and online at smithoptics. com beginning early Fall 2014. [ mod. HDX 876 ] silicon nose pads nickel-free alloys slim profile front screwless hinges On the Road Viva International Group introduces eight new styles for men in the Spring 2014 Harley-Davidson® Eyewear sunglass collection. Inspired by the iconic styling found in the brand’s esteemed motorcycles, these prescription-ready styles include high-quality materials such as carbon fibre and titanium with a range of colourations and intricate details ideal for the active lifestyle of the Harley-Davidson man. The innovative use of titanium paired with the tailpipe-inspired temple detailing of style HDX 876 conveys a sleek look while providing lightweight comfort and durability. Taking its cue from the Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle model family, this key style boasts sheer presence and endurance. The navigator inspired shape of HDX 876 is available in black, gold, gunmetal and silver. Acetate tips are adorned with the Harley-Davidson Legacy plaque. planbeyewear.com 59 march - april 2014 | Envision: seeing beyond js1-3_verticalOpti_guide6x23.5.indd 1 29-04-13 12:52 PM In the News Industry Leaders at The Vision Council The Vision Council concluded its annual executive summit at the Trump International Beach Resort in Miami, Florida, drawing more than 270 high-level executives from the optical industry. During the event, held Jan. 22-24, The Vision Council officially inducted its 2014 officers and board of directors. As a first time attendee, Martine Breton, president of Breton Communications stated that, “The event was a very positive experience and offered great opportunities to meet and share with many of the notable leaders of this industry.” “As the optical industry continues to grow and evolve, it is encouraging to see leaders from all areas of the industry come together to learn and discuss cutting-edge strategies and trends in the market,” said Ed Greene, CEO of The Vision Council. “The Executive Summit continues to be the premiere forum for industry leaders to obtain the latest content that they can immediately use to grow and adapt their business.” The 2014 program delivered a dynamic combination of executive-level networking, leadership development, economic trend updates, hot-topic panel discussions, and business strategies. Keynote addresses focused on the latest issues affecting our industry and leadership strategies to not only navigate, but innovate in the changing industry landscape. Speakers included Ambassador Ron Kirk, former US Trade Representative and Mayor of Dallas, Fred Dust, partner at IDEO, and Brian Beaulieu, market trend analyst at the Institute for Trend Research. During the summit’s annual membership meeting portion, it was announced that Raanan Naftalovich of Shamir Insight will serve a second one-year term as chairman of the board. The remaining officers were also inducted for a second term, including Vice Chairman Marty Bassett of Walman Optical, Secretary/Treasurer Dick Russo of Sàfilo, and Jamie Shyer of Zyloware Eyewear as immediate past chairman. Also elected were directors-at-large Joe Donahoe of Carl Zeiss Vision (Lens Division), Michael Suliteanu of WESCAN/ WestGroupe (Eyewear and Accessories Division), and Steve Tulba of Mondottica (Eyewear and Accessories Division). Serving as the global voice for vision care products and services, The Vision Council represents the manufacturers and suppliers of the optical industry through education, advocacy and consumer outreach. By sharing the latest in eyewear trends, advances in technology and advice from eyewear experts, The Vision Council serves as a resource to the public looking to learn more about options in eyeglasses and sunglasses. The 2015 executive summit will be held January 21-23 at the PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. New Additions to Ronor’s Team Ronor International announced the addition of Laura Roberts, Jane Nelson, and Mel Smith to their sales force. Laura Roberts has been assigned to cover the province of British Columbia while Jane Nelson and Mel Smith will serve northern and southern Alberta respectively. All three are well-established and respected in the optical industry, with many years of experience. “This trio is an addition of strong talent and we are pleased to be able to support our customers with this calibre of sales representation,” said Robert Charbonneau, president of Ronor International. “Above all, we are a company that helps complete the customer experience throughout every step of the frame order process. Our new team members come to us with an enthusiasm and know-how that will result in new, as well as continued, collaborations with dispensers.” [ From left to right: Mel Smith, Laura Roberts and Jane Nelson. ] 60 Envision: seeing beyond | march - april 2014 In the News [ mod. Xanadu ] götti SWITZERLAND Wins the German Design Award 2014, Special Mention The Swiss eyewear brand götti was awarded a coveted “Special Mention” in the Lifestyle category for its Xanadu sunglasses from the Spin & Stow 360° collection. The company stands for outstanding design and innovative functionality. Its sunglass line features the patented temple that rotates 360°. Honoured with the German Design Award are high quality items and projects in the area of product and communications design, each of which is uniquely trendsetting in both German and international design scenes. The award is handed out by the German Design Council, which has represented German design culture for 60 years. Spotlights on Tura at Vision Expo East SOFTWARE WITH VISION Patient Relationship Management Software ACUITAS™ Tura celebrates its rich heritage at Vision Expo East with a momentous launch, alluring displays and special promotions. The company will highlight their namesake collection Tura, along with Brendel, and Ted Baker. Each brand will have a section at the booth that will focus on bringing its personality and history to life through enticing visual displays accentuating the collection’s positioning. Tura will debut the “Tura Legends Collection”, a series of retro-inspired frames that pays homage to the brand’s history. These frames put a fresh spin on iconic designs from the golden age of glam. Revamped with a modern edge, this line offers luxurious elegance for today’s sophisticated woman. All styles are made in Europe or Japan, and feature the highest quality materials. Tura’s “Legends Collection” will also include three limited edition frames. To celebrate the launch at Vision Expo East, Tura went digging through their vault of frames to create a museum caliber exhibit of vintage and new retro-inspired styles. Customers are invited to view and try on Tura’s vintage eyewear designs from past decades, dating back to the 1940’s through today. Additionally, customers can capture their nostalgic moment in the Tura Photo Booth. The company will also showcase a dramatic display to introduce its new advertising campaign and brand positioning. Floor to ceiling printed images of the latest campaign will emphasize Tura’s legacy as a fashion leader in the eyewear industry. One Company One Solution Paperless patient journey Clinical equipment links Business Intelligence Provincial billing KODAK Lenses Now Available Through Riverside Opticalab Online booking SMS Riverside Opticalab and Signet Armorlite are pleased to announce a distribution agreement for KODAK Lenses in Canada. KODAK Lenses will be available to Canadian ECPs through Riverside Opticalab. Kodak, with 94 per cent consumer brand awareness, represents a unique opportunity for independent Canadian eyecare professionals to grow their practices with a trusted brand and innovative lens technology. As part of this distribution agreement, the Riverside Opticalab group has been licensed to produce the Kodak Clean‘N’CleAR coatings and KODAK free-form lenses in Canada, including KODAK Unique, Precise PB and Precise Short PB full backside, digitally customized progressive lenses. Roland Laplante, president of the Riverside Opticalab group, states, “This is very much aligned with our corporate mission to expand our commitment to offering and developing the best optical solutions to the eyecare professionals”. Visit us at Vision Expo East Stand MS 6303 1800 - 708 - 1610 www.ocuco.ca march - april 2014 | Envision: seeing beyond 61 In the News Breakthrough in Digital Lens Accuracy [ mod. Xenia 8805 ] Unique and Charming Seraphin introduces the Xenia, a feminine frame with classic vintage appeal. Combining a classic cat eye shape with enchanting pastel colours, the Xenia is a charming addition to the Seraphin collection. Handcrafted from layered acetate, an overlay of crystal illuminates the frame giving it a multidimensional appearance. This graceful, vintage-inspired style comes in soft hues of sage, lilac, ivory, and blush. The model features layered acetate with a coating of translucent crystal over opaque pastel to create a glossy veneer of colour. Accented with silver-tipped temples, this frame boasts an eye for detail with charm and panache. The Seraphin collection is distributed by OGI Eyewear. Thanks to a substantial investment in an already state-of-the-art lab, Plastic Plus recently announced the successful integration of a new four-station control system from A&R Optical Machinery. This important addition not only allows the lab to automatically measure, map and verify all digital lenses during manufacturing, it increases the speed of processing while virtually eliminating the margin for human error. It is also expected that it will significantly reduce the need for re-dos, additional work for the practitioner, and unnecessary delays for the patient. Nine years ago, Plastic Plus was the first company to introduce free-form, back-surface digital lenses to North America. Today, Plastic Plus is the first enterprise to introduce this type of integrated control system. “We are excited to have the opportunity to work with the team at Plastic Plus who have now added the ground-breaking, automated free-form control system, the A&R AutoMapper. They have always been at the forefront of lens processing technology and this is another indication of the dedication to quality that Plastic Plus has to delivering the finest lenses to eyecare professionals throughout Canada,” said A&R Optical Machinery President John T. Fried. 2013 Survey of Canadian Eyecare Professionals – SALES iMore than 30 questions provide a clear portrait of the optical industry’s sales in all categories: frames, sunwear, ophthalmic lenses, contact lenses, and accessories. iWherever possible, includes comparative analysis with 2012 survey data iCompatibility report with Statistics Canada retail sector data Visit WWW.ENVISIONMAGAZINE.CA to purchase NOW and download the PDF file IMMEDIATELY! 62 Envision: seeing beyond | march - april 2014 Classifieds • Classifieds • Classifieds • Classifieds • BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Offering rare opportunity for business-minded, licensed optician for partnership/profit sharing in expanding optical boutique in major Mississauga mall. Independent store with eighteen year history and an extensive loyal, high-end clientele base and solid reputation for quality and customer service. Located within the Erin Mills Town Centre which is currently undergoing $100 million expansion/ transformation. (See website erinmills.ca for details). Store will be renovating and expanding into larger space to include onsite eye exams and expanded product lines. Please contact Sue at [email protected]. ......................................... Optical and hearing clinic for sale in central Alberta. In business since 1999 located in the twin of Sylvan Lake. Modern boutique finishes in the newest shopping area. Eyelogic sight testing equipment, Essilor edging equipment and all other optical equipment and stock included as well as hearing booth and all hearing testing equipment. Great opportunity for an optician and hearing aid practitioner to partner up or have staff to operate. Sales of $180,000 per year. Asking $150,000. For more information, please email: [email protected]. ......................................... Store for sale in Milton, Ontario. In business in the same location for the past 35 years. 1,350 square feet including two entrances (front and rear). Doctor’s office in the rear with all working eye examination equipment. Separate lab with edger and lab equipment. All files available. Rent all in including TMI is $2350 per month. Call or email Arthur Kochberg at 416 529-0336 or [email protected]. Visit canadianopticalequipment.ca for pictures. ......................................... Store available: netting $200,000 per year. Woodbridge location. In business for the past 14 years. Doctor’s office and doctor comes in 3 times a week. Lots of designer name brands. Asking $475,000. Call or email Arthur Kochberg at 416 529-0336 or [email protected]. Visit canadianopticalequipment.ca for pictures. ......................................... Shamir Canada Account Executive Positions Available Shamir has recently entered the Canadian market. We are currently looking for Ontario based Account Executives. Experience in the optical industry required, proven sales experience preferred. The right candidates will be self motivated, professional and customer service focused with a high level of attention to detail. Additional Canadian territories opening soon. Apply in confidence to [email protected] PRISME OPTICAL GROUP, leader in the distribution of European high end brands, is seeking an experienced sales representative to cover the western provinces in order to promote and sell Beausoleil and other high end collections. Requirements: Highly motivated 2-3 years in sales (optical experience is an asset) Familiar with the territory EQUIPMENT Competitive commission structure Sonogage Corneo-Gage Plus -1AS for sale. Sonogage Pachymetre for sale - $700 or best offer. New battery installed and works like new. Please contact [email protected] for more information or (416) 520-1464. ......................................... Please send your resume to Carole Ménard at [email protected]. Autorefractor/ autokeratometer for sale; HUVITZ HRK-7000A $7500 or best offer. Auto tracking, graphical display of refraction map, motorized chin rest, wavefront technology, subjective mode, very good looking machine. Original boxes available. Purchased in Feb. 2011 from Pacific Medical. Available immediately. Contact [email protected] or (416) 520 1464. ......................................... www.prismeoptical.com Humphreys HFA-II Series 745 for sale $7500. Recently serviced by Zeiss with software upgraded to most recent version and hard drive cleared of previous patient files. The item is no longer needed as a newer model was purchased in our office. It has Sita Fast, blue yellow perimetry, Estermann and all the latest tests. Contact Taras at (416) 520-1464 or [email protected]. ......................................... OLIVER GOLDSMITH SPECTACLES PLEASE SEND US YOUR CLASSIFIED AD* BY EMAIL BEFORE APRIL 10, 2014 TO: [email protected] Envision: seeing beyond Breton Communications Inc. 202-495 St-Martin Blvd. W. Laval, Quebec H7M 1Y9 Fax: 450 629-6044 march - april 2014 | Envision: seeing beyond 63 Market Place To advertise in the Market Place, contact [email protected] or 1 800 462-2112 DISPLAY SYSTEMS SHELVING ACCESSORIES SIGNAGE ACCENTS & MORE VISIT US AT VEE BOOTH 4735 ENVISION_MARCH_14.indd 1 2/10/14 1:48 PM *Only the Business Opportunity, Equipment and Service Offer sections are available in our publication and online at : www.bretoncom.com/classified. Advertising Index Alcon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32, 33 Importlux. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Plastic Plus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Alternative Eyewear. . . . . . . . . . . 59 Johnson & Johnson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside back cover Prisme Optical Group. . . . . . . . . . 15 BC College of Optics. . . . . . . . . 56 Breton Jobs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Sàfilo Canada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Marchon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Smith Optics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Match Eyewear. . . . . . . . . . . 38, 39 TELUS Health. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Briot Weco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41, 58 Maui Jim. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Cenoco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28, 29 Modular Design System. . . . . . . . 57 Transitions Optical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside front cover Concept Eyewear. . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Ocuco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 COS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 OGI Eyewear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 WestGroupe . . . . . . False cover, 3 Essilor Canada. . . . . . . . . . . . 27, 55 Optika Eyewear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Younger Optics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Hoya Vision Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Plan B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back cover Zig Eyewear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Breton Stats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 64 Kio Yamato. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Envision: seeing beyond | march - april 2014 Viva International . . 18, 19, 44, 45 g co c n ta t len ses UV -bl oc ki n Your patients protect their skin. Help protect their eyes with these There is a growing awareness of the issues associated with UV radiation and the need for protection from UV exposure. As with skin, damage that can be caused by UV exposure to the eyes is cumulative and this is where you can help. ...and d ACUVUE® B Brand d Contact Lenses Also available for astigmatism Recommend ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses which block at least 97% of UVB and 81% of UVA rays, as standard across the entire line.Δ† Δ UV-blocking percentages are based on an average across the wavelength spectrum. blems, including corneal ulcers ulcers, s, can develop. Some wearers may experience mild irrita irritation, ation, itching or discomfort. ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses are indicated for vision correction. As with any contact lens, eye problems, Lenses should not be prescribed if patients have any eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, tearing, vision ch changes, t excessive tearing hanges, redness or other eye problems hanges problems. Consult the pac package insert for complete information. Complete information is also available from Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Division of Johnson & Johnson, Inc., by calling 1-800-267-5098 or by visiting www.acuvueprofessional.ca. † Helps protect against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea and into the eye. WARNING: UV-absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for protective UV-absorbing eyewear such as UV-absorbing goggles or sunglasses because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area. You should continue to use UV-absorbing eyewear as directed. NOTE: Long-term exposure to UV radiation is one of the risk factors associated with cataracts. Exposure is based on a number of factors such as environmental conditions (altitude, geography, cloud cover) and personal factors (extent and nature of outdoor activities). UV-blocking contact lenses help provide protection against harmful UV radiation. However, clinical studies have not been done to demonstrate that wearing UV-blocking contact lenses reduces the risk of developing cataracts or other eye disorders. ACUVUE®, ACUVUE® OASYS®, 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST®, 1-DAY ACUVUE® TruEye®, HYDRACLEAR®, LACREON® and INNOVATION FOR HEALTHY VISION® are trademarks of Johnson & Johnson, Inc. © Johnson & Johnson, Inc. 2014. February 2014 Fashionable, affordable, polarized sun protection to fit your prescription and your lifestyle. Now with AR coating, the best just got better ! planbeyewear.com