29¢ eachfor 100 pieces per style

Transcription

VIS_0924_RevolutionHalfCov
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Advertisement
M
www.visionmonday.com
SEPTEMBER 24, 2007
VOL. 21 NO. 11 $15
VIS_0924_RevolutionHalfCov
9/14/07
4:24 PM
Page 2
10/1/07
SI
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Oakley/Luxottica
transaction had
long history:
SEC filing
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page
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07VH-802
Monday
SEPTEMBER 24, 2007
VOL. 21 NO. 11 $15
The Newsmagazine for the Eye Care Industry
G FALL’S T
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PR
NEWS
Luxottica’s Ilori
Makes N.Y. Debut
Ilori, Luxottica’s first luxury sunwear
store opens in New York’s Soho.
page 9
NEWS
Product Lines and
Launches
Revealing the
Season’s Must-Haves
In Ophthalmic and Sun
Forget the crystal balls, star charts and clairvoyants—Vision Monday didn’t need psychics
to figure out which eyewear trends are going to be big for fall ’07 because we went right
to the source—the retailers. VM spoke with eyewear retailers around the country to see
what trends they’re buying, what their customers are asking for and how they’re
merchandising it to capitalize on this seasons hottest trends in eyewear. See Page 34.
Launching Vision Expo West 2007
©2007 Kenmark Group. kenmarkoptical.com
An inside look at some of the product
lines and launches set to debut at
Vision Expo West. For more Expo
coverage, see the Preview section
starting on Page 22.
page 46
NEWS
• After the vote by shareholders,
Bausch & Lomb goes
private.
page 8
• VSP makes investment in
outside lab, adds Perfect
Optics.
page 10
• World Sight Day
set for Oct. 11.
page 20
9/13/07
1:07 PM
Page 1
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9/11/07
3:53 PM
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VIS_0924_Hoya
9/10/07
10:30 AM
Page 1
We’ve
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HOYALUX iD LifeStyle Progressive lenses are available in two designs:
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To learn more, call your HOYA representative or authorized distributor today.
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© 2007 HOYA Corporation. All Rights Reserved. HOYALUX is a registered trademark and iD LifeStyle, iD, HOYA Free-Form, iD LifeStyle cd, HOYA Honors Program, SUPER HiVision, Hilux, Phoenix and EYNOA are trademarks of HOYA Corporation. Trivex is a trademark of PPG Industries, Inc.
VM 0924TOC
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VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007
5
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THIS MONTH IN VM
NEW
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EDITOR’S NOTE
IN THIS ISSUE
Explaining ‘Value,’ Regardless of the Price
News
Fenway Partners’ $340 M acquisition of
1-800 Contacts closes . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Lerner creates company to consult on technology and intellectual property . . . . .12
Carl Moore, president of ABB-Con-Cise
retires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Carl Zeiss Sunlens extends sun ranges
with new technologies . . . . . . . . . . .21
12
Scene & Heard
Sàfilo supports Special Olympics with
‘Opening Eyes’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
ClearVision Optical celebrates with
Cole Haan Eyewear . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Exam Lanes
VSP set to launch ads for direct-to-consumer plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
21
Retail Dispensary
Launches
Sàfilo bows Banana Republic Ophthalmic
collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Marchon unleases Ventana at Expo
West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Couteur Designs unveils Dana Buchman
Vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
OptiSource releases versatile
‘MultiMeter’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Ray Ban intros the Youth collection . .56
Optylux launches Été collection . .60
AIT to debut the Center, patient measurement system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Indo intros ‘Free-form Solutions’
program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Nouveau presents Jacob Jensen
Eyewear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Columns
F.Y.Eye: Francisco Costa . . . . . . . . .70
30
32
”The fall season is now well
underway as customers have
moved into high gear after the
summer.
There’s a little skittishness in
the business news media about
interest rates and a housing
slowdown, the political climate
Marge Axelrad and the war, all of which are
Editorial Director
affecting the general economy.
But optical and eyecare continue to do well in
terms of business, from what we’re hearing, in
part, because there’s much new in the category
to draw consumers in, because consumers are
responding to new eyewear styling and new lens
options. Contact lens wear continues to be up,
for full or part-time wear, and this is influencing
sales of sunwear, too.
Lately, there’s been talk of how the optical business is moving in two directions, toward the highend and toward the lower-priced sphere, with the
middle or moderate ground the toughest.
To some extent, that’s true when it applies to
the need for optical retailers, particularly independent eyecare professionals and solid regional-leader mid-sized chains, to be sure to choose a
WHAT’S ONLINE
Extra
Inside the Lab
Robertson Optical offers ‘Boot Camps’
for ECPs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
46
Visionmonday.com
VMail EXTRA
VM Archives
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For the latest stock
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investment news for publicly traded vision care
companies, go to
and click on the
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the left.
Business Essentials
Reducing employee turnover . . . . .80
Balance Sheet
CooperVision sees operating loss for 3Q .84
Editorial
Optical’s Merger Mania . . . . . . . . . .82
In Their Own Words: VCA programs
helps grow ECPs practices . . . . . . . .82
market position that they can stick to and communicate it clearly in their stores, their marketing, and their dispensing.
In other respects, the diverse range of new
product, style, technology and inventiveness at
all price points is a strength of our market.
There is not a problem in having too many
choices; there’s a problem when the choices
aren’t explained or defined, at both the high,
middle or low end, so that a person can know
which choice works best for them.
‘Value’ has always been a tricky word, used as
a euphemism or substitute for everything from
‘inexpensive’ to ‘plain.’
But today there’s the ‘other’ meaning of the
word, which can stand for ‘significance,’ or
‘meaning’ or ‘worth’ and it can apply to the price
of a thing or the other attributes that it brings to
the user, wearer, purchaser.
As astute optical retailers and eyecare professionals assess their selections, inventories, which
lines to add, which collections to expand and
which to move away from, this is a good climate
in which to redefine ‘value’—for your bottom
line, for your positioning, for your customers and
patients. ■■
www.dacvision.com
USA Toll-Free Phone:
800.800.1550
USA Toll-Free Fax:
800.421.3398
Phone: 972.677.2700
Fax: 972.677.2800
VIS_0924_YoungerSpread
9/10/07
11:29 AM
Page 1
“Drivewear has improved
my driving on the highway
and the fairway.”
“Drivewear is the best tip
I got all year.
Pretty smart idea.”
For Drivers
So advanced they even activate behind the windshield,
For more helpful information for your patients, look for the
Drivewear®, Activated by Transitions™ provides drivers with
Drivewear Owner’s Manual with each prescription. Patients
the best visual acuity for the driving task. Drivewear cuts
can register their purchase, receive a free keychain and
glare and bright sunlight; the changing color of the lens
enter the Drivewear Sweepstakes to win great prizes!
enhances vision in overcast, sunny and all daylight
driving and outdoor conditions.
Combining NuPolar® polarization and Transitions™
Photochromic Technology, these lenses make the driving
task safer and more comfortable for all your patients.
Available in single vision and Image® progressive lenses
Drivewear, NuPolar and Image are registered trademarks of Younger Optics, Torrance CA. Transitions and the swirl are registered trademarks, and Activated by Transitions is a trademark of Transitions Optical, Inc.
VIS_0924_YoungerSpread
9/10/07
11:30 AM
Page 2
“A quick response is
very important to me.”
“So comfortable!
And protecting my eyes
protects my kids.”
Of All Kinds
And All Kinds of Optical Professionals:
Robert Glass, OD, Costa Mesa CA: “Stunning contrast sensitivity improvement
in the car. Cuts right through the smog and haze, while allowing enough light for
comfortable, clear vision. And it really does adjust for lighting conditions.”
Visit www.drivewearlens.com to order free in-office
materials. And go to “Contact Us” to let us
know what kind of drivers you are
putting in Drivewear!
Dan Warner, Optician, Newark NY: “Overall they are exceptionally useful and
effective driving lenses. They do respond to changing light conditions.”
Alan Greenhill, OD, Melbourne Australia: “When Image Drivewear lenses were
launched we contacted patients who had expressed interest in progressives.
By far, the majority decided to order them and in the months since their release
we have heard nothing but praise.”
Janet Benjamin, President, Laramy K Optical: “Drivewear is a like a pair of old
jeans, they’re so comfortable! And the contrast is phenomenal. Sharpens in all
conditions: we’ve had rain, fog and even a little sunshine!”
Drive Smart. Drive Safe.
®
10/1/07
10:10 AM
Page 8
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Luxottica/Oakley Transaction Had Long History: SEC Filing
FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif.—As
Luxottica Group’s acquisition of Oakley
moves toward completion, expected to
be by year-end, a recent filing by Oakley with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) reveals that discussions leading to the two companies’
agreement to merge went on for more
than a year before the official announcement in June.
According to a preliminary proxy
statement filed by Oakley on Sept. 7,
sat down with Luxottica CEO Andrea
Guerra and chief financial officer Enrico Cavatorta in Henderson, Nev., “to
discuss Luxottica’s interest in an
expanded business relationship with
Oakley, including, possibly, a merger.”
According to the SEC filing, Jannard
indicated then that “for discussion of
any such expanded relationship to proceed,” he would first like to meet with
Leonardo Del Vecchio, chairman of
the board and majority shareholder of
Luxottica, personally.
“Discussions leading to the two
So on June 26 in
Milan, “Messrs. Jancompanies’ agreement to merge
nard and Olivet met
went on for more than a year
with Messrs. Del Vecchio, Guerra and
before the official announcement
Cavatorta…to discuss
in June.”
informally the historiOakley’s chairman, Jim Jannard, was cal relationship between the two comfirst contacted on April 13, 2006, by a panies.”
representative of Rothschild, Luxottica’s
One month later, Luxottica and Oakfinancial advisor, “to inform [Jannard] of ley signed a confidentiality agreement
Luxottica’s potential interest in holding allowing Luxottica to explore Oakley’s
discussions with Oakley and to discuss operations.
setting up a meeting.”
On Dec. 5, 2006, Oakley received a
Jannard and Oakley’s chief execu- non-binding indication of interest from
tive officer, Scott Olivet, subsequently Luxottica offering to acquire Oakley’s
met with a Rothschild representative stock for $12.20 to $15.60 per share in
here on May 19, 2006, to discuss a pos- cash plus a stock consideration that took
sible deal. Not quite three weeks later, the total value of the offer to $22.34 to
on June 6, the two Oakley executives $23.71 per share. After more than six
Marcolin Posts First-Half Loss
Despite Strong Sales Increase
MILAN—Because of losses in its Cébé
“sport” division, Marcolin Group had a
net loss of €2 million in this year’s first
half, despite a 25.7 percent (up 28 percent at constant currency rates) increase
in sales, to €104 million.
The company attributed the sales
growth “to the good performance of all
the product lines, with especially good
results in the Tom Ford Eyewear,
Montblanc Eyewear and Roberto Cavalli Eyewear brands.”
The Cébé division had a net loss of €7
million in the first six months of this year.
In the half, Marcolin’s sales in U.S.,
which represented 21.4 percent of its
total volume in the period, rose 9.9 percent to €22.2 million.
In this year’s second quarter, Marcolin
had a net loss of €4.3 million, compared to
a €1.8 million loss in last year’s Q2. Sales
for the period were €50.3 million, up from
€41.9 million in 2006’s second quarter.
Looking ahead, a company announcement said, “With the sole exception of
the ‘sport’ division [Cébé], where the
difficulties encountered in 2006 and in
the first half of 2007 continue, the year
2007 is expected to be marked by an
increase in revenue and profit with
respect to a year earlier, while considering the effect of seasonality that will
include higher sales and profits in the
first six months of the year.”
Said Marcolin general manager Antonio Bortuzzo, “The exceptional sales
figures confirm the group’s ability to
consolidate its presence on the market;
significant progress in the luxury segment attests to the style and quality of
Marcolin products. Management is
determined to solve the problem represented by the subsidiary, Cébé, which
in the past two years has negatively
affected otherwise overall positive
results.” ■■
months of negotiations, Luxottica’s final
offer for Oakley was agreed upon at
$29.30 in cash—for a total value of $2.1
billion—and the acquisition was
announced.
The deal is still going through the
required regulatory hurdles worldwide.
Clearance was obtained in Germany
Aug. 28; at presstime, the two companies were still awaiting necessary
approvals in Australia, South Africa and
the U.K.
—Cathy Ciccolella
After the Vote, B&L Goes Private
ROCHESTER, N.Y.—With Bausch &
Lomb’s (B&L) shareholders scheduled
to vote on the company’s acquisition by
private equity firm Warburg Pincus on
Sept. 21, B&L continued to urge acceptance of the deal right up to the end.
One week before the special meeting
to vote on the transaction, B&L
announced that four independent proxy
advisory firms had endorsed the proposed deal.
According to B&L, the four—Institutional Shareholder Services, Egan-Jones
Proxy Services, Glass Lewis & Co. and
PROXY Governance—each recommended that B&L’s shareholders vote for the
proposed $3.7 billion transaction,
through which Warburg Pincus will
acquire B&L for $65 cash per share.
B&L’s board of directors had consis-
tently recommended a favorable vote on
the acquisition, even when competitor
Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) came
through on July 5—after the agreement
with Warburg Pincus was announced in
May—with what looked on paper to be
a higher, although not all-cash, offer.
B&L and AMO went back and forth
on terms of AMO’s bid until AMO finally
withdrew its offer less than a month
later, amid charges by James Mazzo,
AMO’s chairman, president and chief
executive officer, that B&L was holding
his company’s bid to a different standard than the Warburg Pincus offer.
If, as expected B&L’s stockholders
voted in favor of the Warburg Pincus
deal at the Sept. 21 meeting, B&L
would immediately become a privately
owned company. ■■
Signature Reports Q3 Profit,
Gets $4.8M Credit Facility
INGLEWOOD, Calif.—Signature Eyewear reported its 11th consecutive profitable quarter for the period ended July
31. This month the company also secured
a 30-month, $4.8 million revolving line of
credit with Comerica Bank, to replace
Signature’s term loans with Home Loan
Investment.
In Q3, Signature’s net income was
$256,000, up from $230,000 in last year’s
third quarter. Net sales for the period
reached $6.2 million, up 8.5 percent.
In the first nine months of fiscal 2007,
Signature had net income of $924,000,
up from $656,000 in last year’s first nine
months. Sales rose 8.6 percent in the
period, to $18.6 million.
“Our net sales were higher as a
result of an increase in net sales of
bebe eyes and Nicole Miller Eyewear;
net sales in 2007 were positively affected by the introduction of Cutter &
Buck Eyewear in October 2006 and
the launch of the Nicole Miller Luxury
Collection in January 2007,” noted
Michael Prince, Signature’s chief exec-
utive officer. “We also experienced
growth in international and domestic
chain sales.”
The gain in net income “was due in
part to increases of $15,000 and $151,000
in benefit of income taxes for the 2007
quarter and 2007 nine months, respectively, as compared to the comparable
periods of 2006,” according to Signature’s
10Q form for the period, filed on Sept. 14
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Signature’s new line of credit
matures on Feb. 28, 2010. Prince said,
the credit line should produce “significant interest expense savings during
the coming fiscal year.” He added,
“The facility will have a positive
impact on our liquidity, as it provides
us greater borrowing capacity at a lower
cost and provides working capital for
growth. Following the Home Loan
Investment Corporation payoff, our
borrowing capacity under the Comerica Bank facility is approximately
$900,000.” ■■
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Ilori, Luxottica’s First Luxury Sunwear Store Opens
By Marge Axelrad
Editorial Director
NEW YORK—Luxottica Group’s
(NYSE:LUX) new customer-serviceoriented sunwear-only store, Ilori,
opened its doors in the upscale Soho
area here on Sept. 15.
In approximately 2,400 sq. ft. on its
main level, Ilori showcases selected sunwear styles from 38 different collections,
including both non-Luxottica and Luxottica brands.
Collection branding, with notations
for “exclusive editions” at Ilori, is discreet, limited to small name plaques for
brands, while the overall space and
approach emphasizes the Ilori brand,
trends and environmental theme.
This season, that theme is based on
fire and heat, “inspired by the solstice,”
pointed out Michael Hansen, vice president and general manager, who gave an
exclusive tour of the new space to VM..
The main floor, using white and gilded walls, and Ilori’s signature colors of
aubergine or eggplant plus lime green
accents, also features multiple video
images of the fire theme projected on
walls, specially commisioned art sculptures and a range of illuminated frames
and accessory items in the store
designed by Craig Nealy Architects,
who are known for their work with the
Louis Vuitton and other luxury retail
stores. No sunwear is displayed in the
windows.
Downstairs is another 1,000-plussquare foot VIP area, a lounge for private fitting sessions and special events
and trunk shows, which will be a major
initiative at Ilori, Hansen said.
Ilori’s Michael Hansen, VP and general manager, in the new Soho store. Behind him, the season’s
“fire” theme highlights the trend wall, which focuses on eggplant/aubergine/ purple sunglass styles
from a range of upscale brands.
The Soho store’s main floor features subtly labeled collections. At the rear of the store,
set off by gold leaf paint, are a selection of “elevated” brands, including Chanel,
Bulgari, Tom Ford, Gold & Wood and others. (Right) imge videos can be projected over
additional displays.
(Top) An artist’s rendering of a phoenix rising, is
part of the ‘fire’ theme for Ilori’s Spring Street
window. (Bottom) at the left of the entrance are
graphics which discuss the theme and philosophy
of the store.
Retail prices for sunwear sold in the
new stores will climb from an opening
point of about $200 up to special items
as high as $10,000. The company has no
specific plans to offer Rx sun lenses at
Ilori, although such lenses might be
made available as a customer service,
Hansen said.
Sales associates, called “stylists,” will
help customers who are encouraged to
access and try on sunglasses on the primarily open shelving and displays; just a
few collections, those with precious
metals and gems, are kept under glass.
Full-length, three-sided mirrors,
throughout the store, encourage customers to see sunwear in the larger view.
“Ilori,” which is an African word for
“special treasure,” is a new concept initiative for Luxottica Retail’s sun division,
and the Soho location will be followed
by another flagship on Los Angeles’
Rodeo Drive plus six additional boutiques in Maui and
Honolulu, Hawaii, Carmel,
San Diego and San Francisco, Calif., Chicago, Ill., Short
Hills, N.J., Philadelphia, Pa. and San
Juan, Puerto Rico by the end of the year.
Said Hansen, “All of the frames in
Ilori are part of our curation of collections. Eyewear is a treasure and we want
to elevate our customers’ perceptions of
it to a new level.”
A special Ilori concept/positioning book
states, “Indulgence is back. People are
now becoming connoisseurs of luxury
and they’re not just shopping, they’re
seeking experience. As the retail landscape begins to look more and more uniform, people are searching out the small,
the true and the exclusive. This is driving
an explosion among premium accessories.
Sunglasses are expected to be next.”
Hansen noted, “Ilori’s target customer
is female, thirty-something, or, that’s how
she feels. She’s affluent, fashion-forward,
wants the latest, wants to treat herself
and is not afraid to look fabulous.”
Hansen, who previously headed business development for Sunglass Hut, is
vice president and general manager of
Ilori, reporting to Jack Kraus, VP of
Luxottica Retail’s sunwear division. Ilori
has its own marketing and buying team.
Luxottica executives have said the
company’s goal is to open from 100 to
150 Ilori stores in the U.S. within three
years. They also did not rule out the
possibility of taking the concept beyond
the U.S. eventually. ■■
10/1/07
10:12 AM
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VSP Makes First Investment in
Outside Lab, Adds Perfect Optics
RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.—VSP
Vision Care recently made a minority
investment in Perfect Optics, the optical
laboratory near San Diego. The move
marks the first time the managed-vision
giant has invested in an outside lab.
Perfect Optics is now part of VSP’s
286-lab contract network. VSP also has
large, wholly owned optical labs in
nearby Sacramento and in Columbus,
Ohio.
Rob Lynch, VSP’s president and chief
executive officer, said the investment in
Perfect Optics “represents a further step
to enhance our contract lab network and
deliver the highest quality, best service
experience to our clients, doctors and
members.”
Lynch told VM VSP may make similar investments in the future. “We’re
always looking for ways to strengthen
the private-practice eyecare delivery
system, and we continue to look to
develop stronger and deeper relationships with others that work with private
practitioners,” he said.
Perfect Optics was established last
year by managing partners Warren
Meyer and Matt Schmidt-Wetekam—
who will continue to manage its operations—in conjunction with Carl Zeiss
Vision, also a minority owner in the lab.
Carl Zeiss Vision has been an investor in
Perfect Optics since its inception,
according to Schmidt-Wetekam.
The lab is one of the first in the
U.S. to use FreeForm digital surfacing technology, producing personalized progressive lenses onsite, according to VSP. Perfect Optics also offers
lens coatings such as Teflon Clear
Coat as well as Zeiss anti-reflective
coatings.
Said Meyer, “Perfect Optics looks forward to delivering cutting-edge optical
products and services to VSP doctors
and members nationwide.”
Fred Howard, Carl Zeiss Vision’s
president, the Americas, noted, “Perfect
Optics will continue to be a center of
excellence for service and innovation.
Going forward, we will be able to accelerate our plans as we strive to exceed
the requirements of our many partners.”
For more on VSP’s latest news, see
the related article on page 38. ■■
Shopko Plans Another Shopko Express
Store With Optical Department
GREEN BAY, Wis.—More than three
years after launching its first three Shopko Express stores, discount chain Shopko plans to open two additional Shopko
Express stores—one with an optical
department—in mid-2008.
The two new Shopko Express locations will be in Appleton and Buchanan,
Wis.; the Buchanan store will house a
company-owned Shopko Eyecare Center.
Shopko Express is a neighborhood drugstore concept that was launched by Shopko
in January 2005, with three locations in
Howard, Ledgeview and Port Washington,
Wis. The Howard Shopko Express contains
an optical department. Shopko currently
operates 131 Eyecare Centers in its Shopko
discount stores and the Shopko Express. ■■
Fenway Partners’ $340M Acquisition of
1-800 Contacts Closes, Taking Firm Private
DRAPER, Utah—As expected, earlier
this month shareholders of 1-800 Contacts voted to approve the company’s
acquisition by affiliates of Fenway partners, taking the contact-lens retailer private as of Sept. 6.
1-800 Contacts had previously traded on the Nasdaq exchange under the
symbol CTAC.
The acquisition—valued at just under
$340 million, or $24.25 per share—
was first announced in early June.
Shortly thereafter, 1-800 Contacts sold
its ClearLab contact lens business in
two parts: ClearLab’s manufacturing,
distribution and customer support operations were sold to Mi Gwang Contact
Lens, a Korean-based contact lens manufacturer, and ClearLab’s flat pack technology and other intellectual property
went to Japanese contact lens manufacturer Menicon in a separate deal. ■■
Ophthalmic Imaging Systems Signs
Pact to Acquire MediVision
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Digital imaging manufacturer Ophthalmic Imaging
Systems (OTC BB: OISI) has signed a
non-binding agreement to acquire
Israel-based MediVision Medical Imaging, majority shareholder in OIS.
Under the terms of the proposed
agreement, MediVision’s outstanding
shares will be converted into shares of
OIS common stock at a yet-to-be-determined ratio; also, outstanding options
and warrants to purchase MediVision
shares will be converted into options or
warrants to purchase shares of OIS common stock.
Once the acquisition is completed, MediVision will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of OIS.
The deal will require approval from
both companies’ shareholders before
the acquisition can be finalized. MediVision, based in Yokneam Elit, Israel,
acquired a majority stake in OIS in July
2000. ■■
Seiko Optical Products Sets ‘The Customized
Solution’ National Promotion for ECPs
MAHWAH, N.J.—Seiko Optical Products of America, in partnership with
Transitions Optical Inc, has launched
“The Customized Solution,” a national promotion featuring Succeed Internal Free-Form Progressive Addition
Lenses, and Transitions Lenses.
Craig Fahan, advertising manager for
Seiko Optical stated, “Seiko Succeed
lenses utilize patented 100% back surface technology, and are customized for
each patient. And now, through Dec.
31, 2007, ECPs can earn points in our
Customized Solution promotion, and
redeem those points or a variety of
great merchandise. ECPs need to register online at www.seikorewards.com
and purchase Succeed lenses from any
authorized Seiko Succeed Manufacturing or Distributing Partner Lab.”
To find a list of authorized labs,
visit www.seikoeyewear.com. ■■
© mikli diffusion france 2006-2007 - www.mikli.com
m/m is still mikli, with 2 m’s,
it means twice as much desire,
choice, colors and provocation!
showing at vision expo west
the suites at the venetian
suite # 35-209
call for an appointment
1800-829-8032
VIS_0924_Serengeti
9/13/07
1:36 PM
Page 1
WE SEE: A FAINT LINE
BETWEEN SPORT AND LIFE.
AND A CLEAR WAY TO
ENHANCE BOTH.
Through advanced technology, our
prescription program offers a precise fit and
wide, clear vision all the way to the periphery.
Even in the most progressive Bollé styles.
So you can see every detail. Whether you’re
in the middle of a game, or just hanging out.
Stop by the Bollé Booth #19043 at Vision West (10/4-10/6) and ask about our Dealer Promotion.
FOR SPORT. FOR LIFE.
©2007 B.O.P. ®, ™ denote trademarks of B.O.P.
0924_NEWS_12
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IN THE NEWS
NEWS VIEWS
Lerner Creates Company to
Consult on Technology Efforts
NEW YORK—Ira Lerner, a marketing
executive with experience in the eyewear arena, has formed ISL Technologies, LLC.
The new company is specifically
focused on representing inventors in the
eyewear industry, including inventors of
frame and lens technologies, software
technologies and all related technologies for the eyewear industry.
Lerner has worked with patented technology and intellectual property rights for
more than 30 years, beginning with trademarks in advertising. As creative director
for Marchon in the early ’90s, he helped
market Flexon frames and later worked
with many of the inventors of the early
patents for magnetic eyewear. In the mid
’90s, Lerner launched Takumi Eyewear,
a magnetic clip collection, in the U.S.
Viva International’s PURE Eyewear,
a new rimless system that requires no
drilling or notching, is the first optical
invention to be marketed by ISL Technologies, who with two other inventors
developed the PURE system and then
negotiated the licensing deal with Viva.
Lerner says the objective of his company is to work with inventors to devel-
Ira Lerner
op their technology and protect their
intellectual property rights. “Our ultimate goal is to license or sell the technology we develop and ensure inventors
are compensated properly for their innovations and vision,” Lerner said. “We
want to work with each inventor to help
commercialize his or her ideas while
protecting the invention and bringing it
to market.”
ISL Technologies is currently working
with some of the top inventors in the
eyewear industry.
—Gloria Nicola
Neostyle Establishes New U.S. Company
Bob Lawson
Fusion-eyewear.com 888.343.8746
Vision Expo West Booth # G 2 1 0 0 5
Territories available
BRADENTON, Fla.—Neostyle GmbH,
the German eyewear manufacturer, has
established a new U.S. company, Neostyle
USA, to distribute its products in the U.S.
The change became effective Sept. 1.
The new company, to be based here
and managed by Bob Lawson, general
manager, promises a “smooth transition” following the transfer of business
from California-based Neostyle Eyewear Corp, headed by Helmuth Igel,
who had distributed Neostyle in this
country for 37 years.
Sandra Nufer, Neostyle GmbH’s marketing director, and daughter of Neostyle
founder, Walter Nufer, and Andreas
Duennbiers, Neostyle GmbH president,
are working closely with Lawson and
plan to introduce an even wider range of
products to the American market.
Lawson told VM,, “This re-organization is bringing new life to the optical
world. Direct sales representatives will
fill territories throughout the country.
With the debut of 46 styles in three collections and over 130 colors, we will
launch our new intiative at Vision Expo
West this October.”
The company added, “Neostyle is
committed to a clear corporate message,
delivering personality eyewear to the
customer through innovation and quality, themes strongly associated with the
business since its inception and stands
on the same principal of superior customer service provided for the past 47
years.”
Contacted by VM, Helmuth and
Helga Igel and their son, Helmut Igel,
Jr., said they “thank their customers for
their support and loyalty for the past 37
years.” Igel, Jr. formed a new company,
Optylux, which distributes the Flair and
Ete eyewear collections, earlier this
year.
—Marge Axelrad
9/13/07
1:24 PM
© 2 0 07 C a l v i n K l e i n , I n c . P r o d u c e d a n d d i s t r i b u t e d e xc l u s i v e l y by M a r c h o n E yewe a r, I n c . S t y l e : 6 9 9
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Carl Moore, President of ABB-Con-Cise Retires
SAN LEANDRO, Calif.—Carl Moore,
president of ABB-Con-Cise announced
his retirement earlier this month after
48 years of building one of the leading
distributors of name brand contact lenses. Since the 1960’s, Moore was
involved with the design, manufacturing and distribution of hard contact
lenses that could only be worn for short
periods of time to the technologically
advanced extended wear and bifocal
lenses available today.
Moore was president of the Contact
Lens Manufacturer’s Association, a
board member of the Contact Lens
Society of America and was a founding
member of the Contact Lens Council.
He was also an associate member of the
Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists and served on the board of
the Pacific Coast Contact Lens Society.
Moore’s credentials also include Honored Fellow Status in the Contact Lens
Society of America and Fellow of the
National Academy of Opticians. He
received the two highest honors awarded by the CLMA: the Dr. Josef Dallos
and the Leonardo Da Vinci awards signify major contributions to the industry
and mankind. Moore will continue on
as a significant shareholder in the company, according to ABB-Con-Cise.
In addition to his role at ABB-ConCise, he was also president of Primary
Eyecare Network (PEN), a practice
management group for independent
optometrists. Moore was instrumental in
the ongoing success of PEN’s Education Program and was the visionary for
Preserving Independent Optometry
(PIO), a program designed to help independent optometrists expand their practice and plan an exit strategy for the
future. This March will mark the third
bi-annual PIO program.
According to Rob Zielinski, partner
with Southern California-based private
equity firm Riordan, Lewis & Haden,
“Carl Moore was a great leader and
inspiration to the entire contact lens
industry. His career serves as a case time with my family,” said Moore. “I
will greatly miss the team of talented
study for others to follow.”
ABB-Con-Cise CEO Angel Alvarez professionals and technicians we have at
said, “Carl Moore has been a primary ABB-Con-Cise, and the wonderful
clients we serve on a daily
force in the contact lens
basis. I know the compaindustry and will be
ny is in good hands and
missed. We wish him well
will continue to grow into
in retirement.”
the future,” said Moore.
“Carl has been a
In April of this year,
tremendous mentor, partcontact lens distributors
ner and friend,” said
ABB Optical and ConLynda Baker, 42-year colCise merged their operaleague and executive
tions, combining all their
vice president with ABBassets in the formation of
Con-Cise. “He has proa single distribution comfoundly touched every
pany. The new entity,
corner of the contact lens
Carl Moore
known as ABB-Con-Cise
business. Simply put,
is the largest contact lens
there would not have
been a thriving contact lens industry distributor in the U.S., serving more
that we know today without Carl than 15,000 accounts representing nearly two thirds of independent eyecare
Moore,” Baker said.
“I am looking forward to retirement professionals and accounting for approxand enjoying my outside interests; rac- imately 40% of distributor sales of soft
ing cars, traveling, golf and spending lenses, according to ABB-Con-Cise. ■■
Opsales, Inc. Signs Eyewear Agreement
With Old Harbor Outfitters
We Can Take You to the Next Level of Business
If you’ve ever dreamed of being your own boss or you’re someone who owns an existing business and
wants the benefits of belonging to a national chain, NOW IS YOUR CHANCE.
This opportunity allows you to:
• Receive dramatic savings through significant company buying power.
• Benefit from national and regional cooperative advertising.
• Experience ease of operation through a comprehensive business
operating system.
• Utilize customer-generating activities that build traffic and
increase profits.
• Participate in point-of-sale customer retention programs.
• Participate in exclusive group vision plans.
Call Scott Finn today at 1-800-856-9664 to learn more about a
franchising opportunity with Sterling Optical.
www.sterlingoptical.com
Offer code V7E09.
ISLAND PARK, N.Y.—Opsales, Inc., the
New York-based manufacturer of polarized optical products and sunglasses,
has signed a global licensing agreement
with New England’s Old Harbor Outfitters
(OHO) to create a new line of high-performance eyewear that features
“Beneath the Surface” technology. The
new sunglasses will be sold under the
Old Harbor Outfitters brand and will be
introduced in Spring 2008.
“Our ‘Beneath the Surface’ technology will bring sport fishing to a new level,”
said Opsales, Inc. president Jerry Bedingfield. “Our new line is designed to
remove surface glare, reduce eye fatigue,
and provide essential sun protection
from reflected light. OHO Sunglasses will
be essential for serious anglers.”
OHO, which launched in 2006, manufactures high-performance, feature-rich
apparel, bags and fishing gear. The company’s policy is to only introduce products which incorporate the highest
grade of materials that can take the
punishment of extensive sea-testing by
its team of sport fishing captains. This
agreement marks OHO’s first entry into
premium, branded sunglasses for men
and women. ■■
National Optronics Names Atchison
VP of Sales and Marketing
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.—National Optronics, a subsidiary of Essilor
Instruments, has made several recent
additions to its management team.
The Charlottesville-based company
has appointed Kurt Atchison vice president of sales and marketing. In this
newly created position, he will also be
responsible for technical and customer
service. Atchison, formerly with Satisloh, is an optical industry veteran with
extensive experience in the lens pro-
cessing equipment field.
Michael Bruno will fill the role of
national sales manager. He is also an
industry veteran, having worked primarily with Vision-Ease and Carl Zeiss
Optical.
Also joining National Optronics is
Kevin Paddy, who will initially serve as
product manager. Prior to joining the
company, he worked for the past nine
years in optical machinery area with
Satisloh. ■■
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Hoya Announces ‘My Big Fat Greek Hoya Getaway’ Winners
LEWISVILLE, Texas—Hoya Vision
Care, North America has announced the
winners of its “My Big Fat Greek Hoya
Getaway” sweepstakes. In the company’s biggest giveaway ever, 40 eyecare
professionals and five distributor winners will travel in October on an all-
expense paid, nine-day getaway for two
to Greece.
“We are thrilled with the level of participation in this promotion,” said Steve
Koufos, vice president of marketing and
strategic planning. “Between February
and May, eyecare professionals who sold
Richard Soden, OD, Named VP at
SUNY College of Optometry
NEW YORK--Richard Soden, OD, was
recently named vice president for clinical affairs at the SUNY College of
Optometry. In his new role, Soden oversees the operations of the University
Optometric Center, the college’s
patient-care enterprise.
Soden, who has 25 years’ experience in clinical practice and optomet-
ric education, is a 1979 graduate of the
college. He has been associate chief of
optometry service at the VA Medical
Center in Northport, N.Y., and has a
private practice in Lake Ronkonkoma,
N.Y.
Soden is also a former president of
the New York State Optometric Association. ■■
Gerber Coburn Sells Innovations
Lab Software to Ocuco Inc.
SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn.—Gerber Coburn has sold its Innovations lab
software product to Ocuco, Inc. a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary of Ocuco Ltd.,
a leading U.K.-based ophthalmic software development company.
Gerber Coburn, based here, will continue to sell and distribute the product
globally. Ocuco Inc. has contracted with
CC Systems to provide support and
service of Innovations software in the
Americas.
Under terms of the agreement,
Robert Shanbaum, former director of
software development at Gerber
Coburn, will become president of
Ocuco Inc. Shanbaum will work
with CC Systems and Gerber
Coburn to ensure a smooth transition of service.
In addition to providing Innovations
service and support in the Americas, CC
Systems will train Ocuco’s staff to provide service and support outside North
America. Gerber Coburn and CC Systems will continue to distribute Innovations software worldwide together with
Ocuco. ■■
Marinelli Named President,
CEO of Allison USA
PADOVA, Italy—Pierluigi Marinelli has
been appointed president and CEO of
Allison USA.
At the beginning of this year, Marinelli
was appointed executive vice president
of the company, one of the main subsidiaries of the Italian-based Allison
group.
“This important nomination represents a big step forward for the development of the American market for
which we are seeing a positive trend
since the beginning of this year,” according to Silvio Vecellio Reane, president
and CEO of Allison S.p.A. ■■
At Allison’s HQ in Italy, Pierluigi Marinelli,
right, with Allison’s president and CEO, Silvio
Vecellio Reane.
qualifying Hoyalux progressive lenses or Ohio; Wilmer Vision Center, Baltimore,
qualifying Hoya anti-reflective coatings Md.; Clark Appler Opt, Towson, Md.;
were eligible to enter and win the draw- Dr. George Pegram, OD, Chesapeake,
ing for the Greek getaway or other Va.; Mid-City Opticians, N. Tonawanprizes. We are excited to award this trip da, N.Y.; Professional Eye Associates,
to our customers.”
Mt. Pocono, Pa.; Optique Unique,
Sweepstakes winners will travel to Metuchen, N.J.; Eyes First, MiddleAthens, Greece, in early October where town, N.J.; Dr. Colin Robinson, Windthey will tour such landmarks as Syntag- ham, Maine; Castle Valley Eyecare,
ma Square, the Parliament and the Castle Dale, Utah; Central Oregon
Acropolis. The trip “Between February and May, eyecare
also includes tours of
several of Greece’s professionals who sold qualifying Hoyalux
Cyclades
islands, progressive lenses or qualifying Hoya
including Mykonos,
Santorini and Delos. anti-reflective coatings were eligible to
The winning eye- enter and win drawings for the Greek
care practices include
getaway or other prizes.” —Steve Koufos
Brushy Creek Eye
Care, Round Rock, Texas; Mt. View Eyecare, Prineville, Ore.; The Sight
Eye Care, Mt. View, Ark.; Doctors Shop, Portland, Ore.; Tigard OptometOptical, Albuquerque, N.M.; Dr. ric, Portland, Ore.; Suncoast Medical
Emery C. Huber, OD, Arlington, Clinic, St. Petersburg, Fla.; Ocala Eye
Texas; Bridgeport Eye Center, Bridge- Optical, Ocala, Fla.; Coughlin Eye
port, Texas; Dr. Kenneth Lane, Center, Orlando, Fla.; Fashion
Lewisville, Texas; Total Optical/Total Optique, Baton Rouge, La.; Total
Eyecare, Duncanville, Texas; The Vision Care, Clovis, Calif.; Family Eye
Optical Shop, Tyler, Texas; Gallup Associates, Fairfield, Calif.; Dr. Joyce
Vision Source, Gallup, N.M.; Michigan Kim, OD, Sunnyvale, Calif.; Upland
Eye Institute, Flint, Mich.; Northwest Optical Service, Upland, Calif.; Clinic
Eye Physicians, Novi, Mich.; Drs. Van for Vision PC, Albertville, Ala. (One
Lente & Leahy, OD, Orland Park, Ill.; winner declined to be identified.)
Family Eye Care, St. Charles, Ill.;
Winning distributors include Pech
Davis Eye Center, Cuyahoga Falls, Optical, Sioux City, Iowa; Westside
Ohio; Dr. James Kershaw, OD, N. Olm- Optical, Bono, Ark.; Opti-Matrix,
sted, Ohio; Moberly Eye Center, Huntsville, Ala.; Walman Optical, MinMoberly, Mo.; Dr. James M. Ernst, OD, neapolis, Minn.; Harbor Optical, TraAlexandria, Ky.; Eye 1, Cincinnati, verse City, Mich. ■■
REM Eyewear Opens Showroom,
Customer Service in Hong Kong
HONG KONG—American eyewear
company REM, with worldwide headquarters in Sun Valley, Calif., has
opened a showroom and customer service center in the Kowloon Bay section of
Hong Kong, to serve the southern and
eastern Asian region.
“Establishing this beachhead in Hong
Kong is an important step in our globalization strategy,” said Mike Hundert,
REM president and CEO. “Our brands
are important in that part of the world.
And that part of the world is important
to us. Therefore, a commitment to better understand the uniqueness of the
Asian marketplace and to better serve
customers there is vital to fulfill our
long-term global objectives.”
The Hong Kong opening follows on
the heels of launching REM Australia,
earlier this summer, in partnership
with Australia’s General Optical.
Daniel Lai, named earlier this year to
direct REM’s efforts in the region, will
manage the company’s Hong Kong
headquarters.
“Launching REM Asia is yet another
in a rapid set of tipping points for our
growing company,” Hundert said.
REM is a 54-year-old optical company owned by Hundert and his sister
Donna Gindy and is operated by a team
of industry veterans, including executive vice president, Steve Horowitz and
creative director, Blake Kuwahara. The
REM portfolio includes Converse, John
Varvatos, Carolina Herrera and Cosmopolitan, among others. ■■
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0924_NEWS_20,21
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10:14 AM
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20
IN THE NEWS
NEWS VIEWS
Marchon Becomes ‘Optometry
Giving Sight’ National Sponsor
Joins Others in Efforts for World Sight Day, Oct. 11
NEW YORK—Marchon Eyewear will
become a platinum
national sponsor of
‘Optometry Giving
Sight’ in the U.S.
The company joins
other national sponsors such as CIBA
Vision, Signet Armorlite, Vision Source
and Institute for Eye
Research, who are
supporting the activities and goals of the
group to eliminate
refractive error blindto right are, Dr. Bill Breen, Dr. John Schachet and Dr. Hans Kell, Colness around the Left
orado optometrists, who are participating in the World Sight Day Challenge.
world, including
World Sight Day, which is Oct. 11.
Optometry Giving Sight is a joint
“Uncorrected refractive error [the initiative of the World Optometry Founneed for glasses] is now the leading dation, the International Centre for
form of preventable blindness world- Eyecare Education and the Internawide,” said Al Berg of
tional Agency for the
Marchon. “As one of
Prevention of Blindthe world’s leading
ness. National industry
manufacturers and dissponsors include CIBA
tributors of quality eyeVision, the Institute for
wear and sunwear, we
Eye Research, Marare pleased to provide
chon, Vision Source and
our support to the only global fundrais- Signet Armorlite.
ing initiative that specifically targets the
World Sight Day is scheduled to take
prevention of blindness and impaired place on Oct. 11 this year. Since the
vision due to lack of eye exams and World Sight Day Challenge was
availability of eyeglasses. When you launched at the AOA Optometry’s
hear about a school for the blind in Meeting in June, 100 optometrists have
Malawi, Africa where only 7 out of 113 committed to the World Sight Day
students were actually blind and the Challenge. This includes national and
rest needed glasses, the void becomes state optometric leaders. In addition,
quite compelling.”
approximately 200 Vision Source docHe added, “This sponsorship will tors are making a regular monthly concomplement the support that we pro- tribution to Optometry Giving Sight.
vide to other eye health organizations. About 60 of the donors have taken on
Optometry Giving Sight is a unique col- ambassador roles in their local areas and
laboration between optometrists and are working to sign up their colleagues
many of the world’s leading blindness to the challenge. The goal is to sign up
prevention agencies and we support at least 300 optometrists between June
their efforts to provide sustainable eye and World Sight Day in October.
health programs to people in need.”
More info on the World Sight Day
Professor Brien Holden, executive Challenge is available at www.givchair of Optometry Giving Sight said ingsight.org
that “Marchon is an icon company in
Optometry Giving Sight, a taxthe spectacle world. Their support is a exempt organization under section
huge advance for Optometry Giving 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code,
Sight. It is critical to our mission to giv- guarantees that a minimum of 85 cents
ing sight to the estimated 300 million of every dollar donated by optometrists
people who are blind or vision and their patients is directed to people
impaired.”
in need. ■■
0924_NEWS_20,21
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10:14 AM
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IN THE NEWS
21
NEWS VIEWS
SUPER HiVision
Carl Zeiss Sunlens Extends Sun
Ranges With New Technologies
VARESE, Italy—Carl Zeiss Sunlens is
expanding its technologies, including
new mirrors and colorations, according
to Gaetano Sciuto, general manager, “to
appeal to the needs of world-class sunwear manufacturers” targeting consumers interested in sun fashion and
performance features under the theme
of “Pure Vision, Pure Protection.”
At the upcoming Silmo in Paris next
month, the company will highlight a
new series of Ultra Colors.
Based on the research and experience
of Zeiss’ laboratories, the new colors
provide the right solution for all outdoor
activity vision needs, the company
notes. The ranges include Zeiss Ultra
Grey, Ultra Green and Ultra Brown.
Earlier this year at Mido, Zeiss pre-
Mercedes, produced by Allison, Alain
Mikli and Tom Ford Eyewear (Limited
Edition). Among others, Zerorh+ adopted HiPro Silver for the teams of Alinghi
and Mascalzone Latino.
Consumers will find a Zeiss certificate
authenticating Zeiss lens quality and
explaining the importance of wearing a
high quality sunlens. Zeiss sunlenses are
engraved with a semi-visibile “Z”.
According to Al Gleek, of Carl Zeiss
Sunlens in the U.S., “We partner with
many of our plano lens customers to
create authentic Rx programs.”
He noted that these Rx programs replicate the tint, treatments and look and feel
of plano sunglasses in Rx using CZV’s
patented Spazio atoric lens for wrapped
sunglasses and eyewear. “Spazio single
vision lenses in CR, polycarbonate and
polarized provide enhanced peripheral
vision not achievable with standard
curved lenses while accommodating a
very wide power range, up to -6.00/-2.00
cylinder. Also within these specific Rx
programs we use our progressive b’Active
lens specifically designed for wrap
or highly curved
sunglasses and
Gaetano
Sciuto
Standard Anti-Reflective Lens
HOYA SUPER HiVision™
10.9 Reasons it’s the best AR lens —
without a scratch.
No other AR lens on the market can outperform SUPER HiVision
•
Unbeatable Scratch Resistance — twice the scratch resistance
of the leading AR coating
•
ViewProtect™ — super cleanable topcoat virtually eliminates
smudges, dirt and fingerprints
• Substrate
Matching Properties™ — unsurpassed clarity by
matching the index of the lens with the index of the coating
• Less
than 0.5% light reflectance — more light makes it to
your patients’ eyes
To learn more, call your HOYA representative or authorized
distributor today.
HiPro lenses are featured in the Tom Ford
sunwear line, above. Zeiss’ new Ulra Colors
(right) debut at Silmo.
Scratch Resistance Rating
(Bayer Abrasion Values)*
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eyewear. CZV also utilizes 5 axis edging
to provide an exact fit and unique lens
profiles, especially in non-traditional Rx
frames including interchangeable styles,”
he said, noting that both Spazio and b’Active are available to ECPs through the
Carl Zeiss Vision lab network.
Scuito noted that in addition to its facilities in Italy, the company recently opened a
6,000-square meter factory in the Canton
region of China, which has been created to
produce polycarbonate sun lenses. This will
be developed as a platform for Carl Zeiss
Vision Sunlens to expand and enter into
new business in Asia and will also be able to
support Chinese frame producers.
—Marge Axelrad
12.0
sented its HiPro product family, a new
series of mirror lenses which feature
superior resistance to abrasion and
water-repellent properties. The series
includes HiPro Blue, Silver and Bronze.
Carl Zeiss Vision Sunlens originated
as Sola Sunlens, created in 1993 in the
US. In 2000, the worldwide headquarters were moved to Italy and in 2005,
with the merger of Sola international
Inc. and the Carl Zeiss Opthalmic division, the company offers sun lenses via
two brands: Sola Sunlens and Zeiss
The company works with the leading
sunwear brands and companies. Among
others, the company is now supplying
sun lenses to Momodesign by VidiVici,
0
*Data on file.
Earn points through:
HOYA Honors Program
Automatically included in these designs:
hoyavision.com
Compatible with these designs:
© 2007 HOYA Corporation. All rights reserved. HOYALUX is a registered trademark and SUPER HiVision, HiVision, ViewProtect, Substrate Matching Properties, HOYA Honors Program, iD,
iD LifeStyle, Summit ecp and Summit cd are trademarks of HOYA Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their rightful owners.
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Vision Expo West to Offer Fast Forward Look
At Eyewear, Technology and Fashion Trends
LAS VEGAS—The theme of this year’s
show, Moving Forward, will be a prominent one as more than 550 exhibiting
companies spread out in over 240,000
square feet, present the latest in products
and services to thousands of eyecare professionals, in an effort to showcase the
newest technologies and the most current
education in eyecare and eyewear.
International Vision Expo West is the
largest gathering of ophthalmic professionals on the West Coast of the U.S.
Last year, 13,180 eyecare professionals
from every state and 98 countries
around the world gathered in Las Vegas
for the only event that delivers value for
every member of the ophthalmic community. And this year the momentum
continues to move forward.
On the show floor, you’ll find the new
Attendee Advisory Board to Hold
Second Meeting at West
LAS VEGAS— Members of the new International Vision Expo Attendee Advisory
Board will hold their second meeting during Vision Expo West.
The Attendee Advisory Board is comprised of industry professionals working in
all areas of the ophthalmic profession.
The panel will meet at each International
Vision Expo show and participate in conference calls and planning sessions
throughout the year.
Attendee Advisory Board members are
asked to serve for a term of two years,
with the primary purpose of offering
advice, suggestions and input regarding
the direction of International Vision Expo.
“With the contributions of our Attendee
Advisory Board, we will be better able to
serve the needs of all vision professionals,” said Eileen Baird, group vice president and show manager, Reed Exhibitions.
“We are proud to have such a dynamic
Board in place to help ensure that International Vision Expo meets the needs of
the entire ophthalmic community,” said
Deborah Malakoff, vice president, shows,
Vision Council of America (VCA).
Members of the International Vision
Expo Attendee Advisory Board include:
Richard G. Robbins, MD, MBA, VIP Optical
Labs; Kathryn Parsons Buyer, Spectrum
Eyecare; Andrew Polan, Vision World;
Steven B. Stiles, OD, Eye Group; Becky
Causey, The View on Elm; Cleve Barham,
Fine Eyes; and Margaret Foley, OD, Foley
Vision. The Advisory Board also includes
a liaison from both Reed Exhibitions and
the VCA, co-owners of the International
Vision Expo shows.
The Attendee Advisory Board is one of
three advisory groups serving the event,
including the Conference Advisory Board
and the Exhibitor Advisory Committee.
Show management solicits additional
guidance from Vision Council of America’s
Show Committee, which represents
Exhibitors from the Galleria, Suites and
technical pavilions.■■
Lenses & Processing Technology
Pavilion, the expanded Medical & Sci-
entific Pavilion, and many new features
to enhance your show experience.
Show organizers have also created a new
logo to visually depict the strength and
excitement of the event.
In the new Lenses & Processing Technology Pavilion, meet all of the top manufacturers of eyeglass lenses, lens technology, finishing equipment, lens and frame
processing tools and supplies and even lab
equipment financing. The expanded
Medical & Scientific Pavilion will now
include medical diagnostic equipment in
addition to contact lens, low vision and
pharmaceutical products. Plus, the free
CE offered in the Medical & Scientific
Theater has increased this year.
Forward Focus
Four dedicated pavilions will help you
maximize your time by focusing on specific areas of interest quickly and easily.
Along with the New Lenses & Processing Technology and Expanded
Medical & Scientific Pavilions, be sure
to visit the The Galleria, presenting a
selection of high-end frames in a wide
range of styles and prices, designed to
help you learn the bottom-line importance of carrying high fashion eyewear.
The chic private showrooms of The
Suites (located on the 34th and 35th
floors of the connected Venetian Hotel)
will feature all of the luxury, established
couture designers in one convenient
and elegant location. Advance reservations are recommended.
International Vision Expo will introduce a new Locator System at this
year’s show. It will help you navigate
the show floor and reach the exhibitors
you want to see. This interactive, touch
screen system allows you to search for
exhibitors by name or by category.
These search results will include full
company information including a map
of their location on the show floor.
There are 4 locations: one in the registration area and three on the show floor.
Many exhibitors will offer specials,
discounts and promotions as part of their
participation in International Vision
Expo West. Be sure to visit the event
Web site at www.visionexpowest.com
for the most up-to-date listing of offerings, exclusively at the show.
The Business Institute returns, providing more than 20 hours of education
focused on practice management skills
that immediately help all practice owners and administrators increase profitability. And the Frame Buyers Certification Program, sponsored by the
Vision Council of America’s Eyewear
and Accessories division, provides tools
to maximize dispensary earning potential, tips on selecting, managing and promoting frame inventory; and gain core
business and financial skills for effective
buying. Participants receive a Frame
Buyers Certificate of Completion after
competing 8 hours of courses.
For more information on International Vision Expo West, visit the web site
at www.visionexpowest.com or call
(800) 811-7151. ■■
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Special Events to Highlight Expo West
Schedule of Events
The schedule of events listed below highlights some of the main events taking place at International Vision Expo West. The
schedule is current as of presstime and is subject to change. Refer to materials in your registration packet for a full listing
of up-to-date events.
Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007
12:15 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
Continuing Education Program
Sands & Venetian Mtg. Rooms
Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007
8:30 a.m. – 11:30 am
Optical Boot Camp: Level 1Immersion Workshop for Dispensers
Room 301-S
9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
The Exhibit Hall and Galleria Open
Sands, Level 2
9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
The Suites Open
Venetian, 34/35th Floors
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 am
Optical Boot Camp: Level 2- Top Gun
Room 301-S
8:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Sands & Venetian Mtg.
Rooms
9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sands, Level 2
9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
The Suites Open
2:00 p.m.
Voting Ends for Best New Product
New Product Showcase
4:00 p.m.
Best New Product Award
New Product Showcase
8:30 a.m. – 11:30 am
Contact Lens Boot Camp
Room 301-S
8:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Sands & Venetian Mtg.
Rooms
9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sands, Level 2
9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Suites Open
12:30 a.m. – 2:30 am
Special Symposium: Women Ask For Directions
Room 505-V
Friday, Oct. 5, 2007
Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007
LAS VEGAS—International Vision
Expo West is always chock-full of special events and programs designed to
make attendance not only educational,
informational, and valuable, but enjoyable. And this year looks to be no
exception.
There are several events new to this
year’s schedule: the Vision Expo Photo
Opportunity. Smile and take home a
free memento marking the brand new
Vision Expo! Visit Booth #12119 to have
your picture taken to mark this unforgettable event. Meet your friends and
colleagues …and say “cheese.”
Club Vision, the popular program that
rewards show loyalty will again be open
as a members-only lounge located in
Booth #15123 in the Exhibit Hall on
Level 2 of the Sands Expo & Convention Center. Club Vision offers special
on-site amenities to Vision Expo repeat
attendees of five years or more, and
value-added services to thank those
who attend International Vision Expo
yearly. Membership to Club Vision is
free but dependent on attendance
record qualification.
The CyberCafé, sponsored by Combine Buying Group, will provide a convenient one-stop, online location to conduct electronic business during the
show. These free internet workstations
are located in Booth #10109.
Be sure to visit The New Product
Gallery at the entrance to the Exhibition
Floor. The Gallery will showcase the
newest fashion frames, accessories and
technologies being introduced at the
show. And be sure to cast your vote for
the Best New Product while you’re
there—voting ends at 2:00 pm on Friday.
The winner of the Vision Choice Awards
will be announced at 4:00 p.m. on Friday,
Oct. 5 in the New Product Showcase
area on Level 2. In addition, one lucky
attendee ballot will be drawn to win a
$500 exhibit hall shopping spree.
Be sure to stop by the show entrance
at noon on Thursday to join the National Academy of Opticianry’s Awards
Extravaganza. Stop by their booth for
your invitation and copy of the awards
program, join in as the Hall of Fame
Inductee, Educator of the Year, 2006
Appreciation & Recognition Award
recipient and the Beverly Myers
Achievement Award Winners are
announced.
For more information on International Vision Expo West, visit the Web site
at www.visionexpowest.com or call (800)
811-7151. ■■
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VCA, AARP Launch PSA Aimed at Baby Boomers
ALEXANDRIA, Va.—The Vision Council of America (VCA) and AARP have
launched their second
public service advertisement (PSA) campaign
designed to educate
Americans over the age of
40 about vision health.
Titled “Sight Matters.
Look into Your Eyes.” the
PSA highlights the fact
that while many Americans devote a great deal of
attention to the way their eyes look, few
place a high priority on how well they see.
It is estimated that six million Americans over the age of 40 have an uncorrected visual impairment, according to the
VCA. By the year
2020, this number will
soar, which makes educating Americans about
preventive vision care a
national health priority.
By encouraging Baby
Boomers that “it might
be wise to look into
your eyes,” the PSA promotes being
proactive to maintain healthy vision.
Allison and Moschino Sign
Licensing Agreement
PADOVA, Italy—Allison SpA and
Moschino SpA, owner of the brand
Moschino, have announced the signing of a five year licensing agreement for the creation, development
and worldwide distribution of the
new Moschino eyewear collection.
“The new addition of Moschino to
the Allison portfolio contributes to
increase the range of products and
enables us to reach a further target in
addition to some of the most renowned
Italian and international fashion brands
with whom we have collaborated for
many years,” said Silvio Vecellio Reane,
president of Allison SPA. Furthermore
Reane expressed confidence in the
development of a line that will see the
coexistence of the typical originality of
Moschino and the planning of Allison,
for a long-lasting and successful partnership, according to a statement from Allison SpA.
Rossella Jardini, creative director of
Moschino, added, “We found in Allison
the ideal partner because it operates
with extreme care, attention and dedication towards the products. These are
all strong features that have always distinguished our work through the years.”
The initial collection, consisting of 25
sunglasses and 25 opthalmic frames, is
available now and will be shown by Allsion USA at Expo West. ■■
VSP Labs Continues Tour of ‘High
Definition Dispensing’ Seminars
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—VSP Labs is
continuing their national tour of “High
Definition Dispensing” seminars for
optical industry professionals. The seminar series is being co-sponsored by
Transitions Optical, Varilux, Carl Zeiss
Vision and Hoya Vision Care.
Speaker Mike DiSanto, Master Certified Optician, has presented this
ABO-approved program in nine cities
throughout the U.S., with two more
scheduled for California in October.
The High Definition Dispensing
seminars feature basic optical principles,
dispensing, and product placement. To
date, over 600 optical industry professionals have taken advantage of a valuable way of earning three hours of continuing education credits.
“Because Americans over 40 are
more likely to have glaucoma and macular degeneration, regular eye exams
are critical,” said ophthalmologist
Elaine G. Hathaway, MD. “An eye
exam can also detect signs of other serious health conditions such as diabetes
and hypertension.”
The PSAs will be distributed to more
than 8,000 print and broadcast media
outlets in early September. “Given our
aging population, there is a definite
need to educate Baby Boomers about
taking care of their vision,” said Ed
Greene, CEO of VCA. “With an
extremely credible partner and wide
reaching channels of distribution, we
can reach millions of Boomers and
remind them about the importance of
preventive vision care.”
The campaign builds upon VCA’s
public health initiative “Check Yearly.
See Clearly.” which aims to educate
Americans about the importance of regular vision care. In 2006, VCA partnered
with AARP on a similar campaign to
educate Americans over 40 about the
importance of vision health and the
campaign reached over 100 million
Americans. ■■
Alcon Moves Toward
Wavelight Acquisition
HUENENBERG, Switzerland—With possible competitor Carl Zeiss Meditec having
confirmed early this month that it will not
bid for Germany’s WaveLight—which
develops, manufactures and markets
refractive laser and diagnostic systems—and will tender its shares for
Alcon’s acquisition of WaveLight, the way
appears clear for Alcon to takeover the
Erlangen, Germany-based firm.
After the Zeiss announcement, Alcon
revealed it had amended its tender offer
for Wavelight, waiving the minimum tender offer acceptance threshold of 75
percent of all WaveLight outstanding
shares. At presstime, Alcon held 53.6
percent of WaveLight’s shares through
purchase, contractual commitment or
tender; the amendment extended the
€15 per share offer until Sept. 25. The
tender offer began July 16.
Following the announcement by Carl
Zeiss Meditec—which owns approxi-
mately a five percent stake in WaveLight—that it would not proceed with a
competitive offer and would tender its
shares, Cary Rayment, Alcon’s president,
chairman, and chief executive officer,
said, “We are confident that shareholders will now fully recognize the unique
opportunity our very attractive offer provides. Extending the offer period allows
WaveLight shareholders to process the
new information and take appropriate
steps to tender their shares.”
Alcon’s offer has been endorsed by
WaveLight’s executive committee and
supervisory board.
The addition of WaveLight’s technology
to Alcon’s portfolio and the combination
of the two companies’ capabilities “will
further reinforce Alcon’s leadership in the
important surgical channel represented
by surgeons who perform both intraocular lens implantation and laser refractive
surgery,” according to Alcon. ■■
Legacie Appoints Budd as
National Sales Manager
Optical industry professionals in California can still take advantage of this
complimentary seminar, which includes
dinner, at upcoming sessions scheduled
for Oct. 16 in San Diego, and Oct.17 in
Cerritos. For more information, contact
Patricia House at 1-800-952-5518,
extension 356, or your VSP Lab representative. ■■
NEW YORK—Legacie Accessories, the
luxury company of B. Robinson,
announced that Brian Budd has been
appointed national sales manager.
Budd will join Legacie’s current management team including the Robinson
family, Gil Ross, executive vice president
of sales, and Julie Zawolik, director of sales.
Budd joined Legacie from Luxottica
where he was the regional manager for
Florida and Puerto Rico, managing the
fashion brands of the Luxottica portfolio.
He brings over 10 years of industry experience during which time he has worked
with many high end
and fashion collections.
Cliff Robinson,
president of Legacie,
Brian Budd
stated, “We are lucky
to have met Brian and brought him onto
our team. As Legacie grows, we need to
continue to support our customers with
the best service possible. Brian will definitely help us to achieve our goals.”
Legacie, launched in 2002, features a
range of unique collections including
Leiber Eyewear, Kata, and Betsey Johnson Eyewear. ■■
VIS_0924_Altair
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SEE AND BE SEEN
For more information 800.505.5557 or online AltairEyewear.com
10/1/07
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Live Eyewear Appoints Bob Jones
As Optical Sales Manager
SAN LUIS OBSIPO, Calif.—Live Eyewear has announced
the appointment of
Bob Jones to the position of national optical
sales manager. Jones
will focus primarily on
developing and supBob Jones porting Live Eyewear’s key accounts in
the optical marketplace to ensure they
are reaching their full potential in the
OveRx category.
Jones said, “Live Eyewear has given
me the opportunity to work with the leading brands in the OveRx sunwear category and I am excited to partner with our
key accounts in order to help them reach
their true sales potential in this untapped
segment of the eyecare industry.”
Vice president of optical sales,
Karen Zappia said, “We are very
pleased to have Bob assume a leadership role within our optical sales division. Over the past five years, our
Cocoons and Vistana product lines
have helped us build an incredibly
loyal customer base. Our commitment
has always been to deliver the absolute
best quality eyewear available in the
OveRx sunglass category.”
Jones will be based out of the company’s San Luis Obispo, California
headquarters.
Edwards, who has more than 25 years’
experience in healthcare, was a founder of
Specialty UltraVision. His industry experience includes Saturn II, the two-phase
hybrid contact lens, and the application of
ophthalmic wavefront analysis to the CL
industry, according to SynergEyes.
SynergEyes Taps Edwards
As VP of Clinical Affairs
CARLSBAD, Calif.—Contact-lens manufacturer SynergEyes
recently appointed
Garold Edwards, OD,
its vice president of
clinical affairs.
In his new role,
Edwards is responsible
Garold for all clinical endeavors
Edwards, OD at SynergEyes. He will
work to define all clinical study parameters, deliverables and protocols and provide expertise to practitioners working with SynergEyes hybrid CLs,
according to the company; Edwards also
will coordinate and lead clinical researchand-development projects and serve as the
primary scientific expert on current and
future SynergEyes products.
Louis Côté Joins Optometric
Services Inc. (OSI)
MONTREAL—Louis Côté, has been
appointed administration manager for
Optometric Services
Inc. (OSI), according
to Marcel Brin, president and CEO of the
company.
Louis Côté Côté’s new responsibilities will include
the coordination of all legal matters for
OSI and its subsidiaries. He will also
assume a variety of administrative and
human resources duties for the OSI
group of companies.
Côté has over 28 years of experience
in the optical industry. His background
includes serving as legal counsel and
assistant to the general manager at the
DE
Québec College of Optometrists for 10
years as well as working as a senior
manager for one of Québec’s leading
optical chains for the past 18 years.
Sightsavers’ Minto Wins
Essilor Award
DALLAS—Essilor has presented its
2007 Award for Outstanding International Contributions to Optometry to Hasan
Minto, refractive error and low vision
advisor for Sightsavers International in
Pakistan. The prestigious award, given
by the American Academy of Optometry, is in recognition of Hasan’s many
contributions over the past 20 years in
the fields of optometry and low vision.
Hasan, who has worked for leading
blindness charity, Sightsavers, for eight
years, was nominated for his work in
developing low cost vision testing materials and devices, and an affordable and
accessible model of low vision care. A
resource center in Hong Kong now supplies these devices to over 100 countries.
A resource center for the procurement of
low cost spectacles and optical equipment is also being established in South
Africa, with Hasan’s input. ■■
The ONLY
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Tired of drops and air puffs in traditional tonometers? The ICare-Tonometer available
through Diagnostic Instrument Group takes all the fuss out of eye exams. This small,
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The measurement is barely noticed by patients and rarely causes corneal reflex which
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Fully equipped in a stylish steel case, the ICare-Tonometer is ADA compliant and has
been proven to be more accurate than a Tonopen – and as accurate as a Goldman.
Contact Diagnostic Instrument Group TODAY
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Vision Expo West Booth # LP 3049
Y
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VM0924PEOPLE_00
(813) 926-3447 or
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www.edigonline.com
Diagnostic Instrument is the exclusive distributor for U.S., Latin America, and Canada
VIS_0924_Transitions
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TELLING THE
BEST STORY
part 3
FINANCIAL
Begin with benchmarks. Benchmarks
give us standards to measure performance and are
an objective measure of progress towards goals.
Setting benchmarks will help you measure and
improve the performance of your practice, helping
to achieve financial prosperity and increase patient
satisfaction.
1. Set goals. Develop realistic, short term goals.
Review your progress daily and build on your
success. Be patient with your progress.
TELL US
YOUR BEST
STORY!
Submit your story to Transitions
2. Track your statistics. To establish a point of
reference and monitor your progress, track these
statistics daily: gross revenues, receipts (revenue
less discounts, etc.), appointments scheduled, no
shows, existing/new patients, capture rate, revenue
per patient, product breakdown by percentage,
multiple pairs sold and contact lens fits.
3. Look at your profit and loss statement.
A critical area for benchmarking is your income
statement; use it to benchmark the percentage you
should spend on staffing, marketing, equipment,
occupancy and general office expenses.
Customer Service via e-mail
[email protected] or
by calling (800) 848-1506. The best
will be recognized in future
Transitions materials and you may
win $100 in cash!
Stories submitted by October 31,
2007 will be entered into a random
drawing for three $100 cash prizes.
4. Benchmark revenues. There are two ways
to increase your profitability – increase revenues or
cut expenses. Profit and loss benchmarks can
show you areas in which your expenses are out of
line. Consider these areas to increase the revenue
of your practice:
• Increase patient appointments. Concentrate
on getting existing patients to book more
frequently using pre-appointments and
working patient files. Use referrals and join
more group plans to reach new patients.
• Increase capture rate. More than 30 percent
of patients who have an exam will take their
prescription to be filled elsewhere, or not at
all. This represents a huge loss of revenue.
Your goal should be an 80 percent ratio of
exam direct to purchase. The hard part is
getting the patient into your practice for an
exam. If you are telling the best story, achieving this capture rate is within your reach.
• Increase revenue per patient. An average
benchmark is $275 per patient. Dispensing
high performance, premium products and
dispensing multiple pairs is the best way to
reach and exceed that average.
5. Set product benchmarks. Reaching
product benchmarks will do more to increase
revenues than any other category and will increase
patient satisfaction. Set goals for lens design,
treatments such as photochromics and AR,
materials and number of pairs.
Depending on your practice, you may want to look
at industry averages as a benchmarks, or you may
want to look at benchmarks that can build your
practice into a million dollar practice. Regardless,
set short term goals and review your progress
daily, and you will be able to show improvement,
build on your success and continue to tell the best
story to all of your patients.
PROFIT AND LOSS
BENCHMARK
Optometric Management,
May 2005
Receipts
Cost of goods sold
Staff compensation
Occupancy
Marketing
Equipment
General Office
Net income
30%
Cost of goods sold
17%
33%
Staff compensation
Net income
7%
General
office
7%
Occupancy
3%
3%
Marketing
Equipment
This is the final article of the three part series.
Transitions and the swirl are registered trademarks and Healthy sight in every light is a trademark of Transitions Optical, Inc.
Photochromic performance is influenced by temperature, UV exposure and lens material.
100%
30%
17%
7%
3%
3%
7%
33%
10/1/07
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iPORT Media Included in Essilor Edge Program
Firm also forms partnership with Williams’ EyeMotion for Educational Content
CHICAGO, Ill.—iPORT Media, the
private broadcast network that delivers
customizable education, training and
entertainment directly to optical
patients and staff, and Essilor of America, have announced the inclusion of
iPORT Media in the Essilor Edge program. Essilor Edge is a comprehensive
loyalty program specifically designed to
reward ECPs for selling Varilux, Crizal
and Definity products.
Qualified optical providers enrolled in
Essilor Edge may utilize Edge Points to
subsidize the cost of iPORT Media systems for their offices.
“iPORT has become the ECP’s righthand in educating patients about the
health and care of their eyes,” said
Howard Weiner, chief operating officer
of iPORT Media. “We have built the
industry’s largest content library to stimulate meaningful dialogue between
patients and doctors. We are delighted
to be partnering with Essilor, market
leader in progressive, high-index and
anti-reflective coated lenses in a venture
that will both reward and enhance ECP
practices.”
“As part of our commitment to partner with eyecare professionals to help
build their practice and grow the industry, we are excited to offer this educational tool to our Edge Program participants,” says Carl Bracy, vice president of
marketing, Essilor of America. “iPORT
Media is a perfect complement for
ECP’s looking to increase revenue by
providing the highest quality products
and state-of-the-art health care for their
patients.”
In other news, iPORT said that it has
formed a partnership with EyeMotion,
a multimedia division of Williams
Group, to provide rich, animated educational content on the iPORT Media
network.
“This partnership with EyeMotion
demonstrates our ongoing commitment
to provide relevant, informative, educational content to eyecare professionals,”
said Weiner.
“The addition of EyeMotion’s excellent educational content to iPORT’s
already extensive library will further
strengthen doctor-patient communications, delivering fully customizable content at the time when patients are most
receptive, in the waiting room; from revenue-building branded advertising,
services and procedures, to news, sports,
entertainment, and public service messages.”
“For over 20 years, Williams Group
has provided comprehensive training
and relationship-based consulting
services to help practice owners flourish professionally,” said Dr. Brad
Williams, founder and CEO of
Williams Group.
“Our partnership with iPORT Media
is an extension of our vision to provide
cutting-edge resources to better educate
patients and increase practice revenues,” according to Williams.■■
Optical Rock Band Plans NYC Benefit Show, Revolution to Expand Ed Hardy
Tattoo Brand to Ophthalmic
Auditions to be Held in Las Vegas
NEW YORK—A rock band whose members are drawn from the ranks of optical industry suppliers is planning a benefit performance for Give the Gift of
Sight during the
week of International Vision Expo
East in April.
Although
the
band, known as
OffAxis, has been
playing together
informally
for
seven years, the
New York show
will mark its public
debut.
“After talking with people at the
Vision Expos, we’ve found there are a
lot of musicians in the industry who
share our love for classic rock,” said
Steve Santinelli, a guitarist and singer
with OffAxis who is producing the
event. “A group of us have been getting
together at rehearsal studio in New
York and Las Vegas during the Expos,
and that resulted in two live CDs.”
Santinelli approached the Give the
Gift of Sight foundation with the idea of
holding a fundraiser. The foundation
delivers eyecare worldwide to those
without means or access to it. Working
with Give the Gift of Sight director
Susan Knobler, Santinelli developed the
concept for the show, which is being
billed as Eye Rock. It will take place
Thursday, April 10, 2008, from 8:30
p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at B.B. King’s
Blues Club in
Times Square.
“We want to
put our energies
toward a good
cause, and are
looking for others
join us,” remarked Santinelli,
who is seeking
sponsors for Eye
Rock. In addition
to obtaining financial support, Santinelli is hoping to
enlist other musicians and singers for
the show. He said OffAxis is holding
auditions in Las Vegas on Wednesday,
Oct. 3 at 8:00 p.m., just prior to International Vision Expo West. Interested
rockers should contact him at [email protected].
In addition to Santinelli, OffAxis consists of David Salk, guitar and vocals;
Calvin Howell, bass and vocals; Robert
Schanbaum, keyboards and vocals,
and Bill Gerber, drums.
For more information about sponsoring the event, contact Susan Knobler,
Give the Gift of Sight, (513) 765-6248,
or [email protected]. ■■
SIMI VALLEY, Calif.—Revolution
Eyewear will expand the Ed Hardy Tattoo Eyewear brand into the ophthalmic
arena next year.
The company will preview six new
ladies’ and six men’s ophthalmic styles
its worldwide license with Nervous Tattoo, the distributor of Ed Hardy Vintage Tattoo apparel and accessories, earlier this year. The sunglasses feature
vintage, and “Way Cool” original
designs, from the famous San Francisco
Tattoo parlor artist,
Don Ed Hardy. “Don
is an artist who actually studied Irezumi,
which is a Japanese
‘Tattoo Art’and his
work is recognized by
many as works of contemporary pop art,”
said Martin. Christian
Audigier, who has
The details of Ed Hardy Tattoo designs will
be brought to a new Rx line in 2008.
at Vision Expo West, according to Gary
Martin, Revolution’s president.
In addition, Revolution will launch
Ed Hardy Street Eyewear for Boys, a
range of six ophthalmic styles with clips,
in 2008.
“Reception to the Ed Hardy Tattoo
brand in the sunwear arena has been so
strong, we’ve had many inquiries about
ophthalmic since we launched,” Martin
noted. “We intend to bring the spirit of
the designs, with inventive new treatments, to these ranges, which will be
available for delivery in spring 2008.”
Revolution launched sunwear under
Gary Martin
been associated with such brands as
Diesel, Naf Maf, American Eagle Outfitters, Lee and, most recently, Von
Dutch, has interpreted tattoo designs
on a range of products, from apparel to
accessories. ■■
VIS_0924_CarlZeissUltra
9/11/07
3:46 PM
Page 1
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0924_SCENE.30
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10:16 AM
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IN THE NEWS
SCENE AND HEARD
EYE OPENING EVENTS
Sàfilo Supports Special
Olympics With ‘Opening Eyes’
PADUA, Italy— Sàfilo continues its
support of the Special Olympics as
a global supplier for the Special
Olympics-Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes vision program.
Sàfilo’s support of Opening Eyes
continues to expand, specifically as
a visible sponsor at the upcoming
2007 Special Olympics World Sum- Three athletes sport sunwear during the Opening
mer Games in Shanghai, Oct. 2 to Eyes program in Nigeria this past May.
11, when more than 7,500 Special
Olympics athletes from 165 countries will compete in 25 Olympic-type and
demonstration sports. This international event, the largest in Special Olympics
history, will bring people together doctors and health professionals who volunteer their time to provide a more healthy future for Special Olympics athletes
worldwide.
As part of Special Olympics’ award-winning Healthy Athletes public health
initiative, Opening Eyes is the
largest program in the world dedicated to providing vision care for
the global population of people
with intellectual disabilities. Opening Eyes and the Healthy Athletes
program celebrates a 10-year
anniversary milestone this year for
proving critical health services for
Special Olympics athletes worldTwo children choose eyeglasses at the Special
wide. In that time, a generous grant
Olympics Iowa State Games in May held in Ames,
Iowa on the campus of Iowa State University.
from Lions Clubs International
Foundation, the largest service club
organization in the world, has enabled Opening Eyes’ international expansion.
The program now screens athletes in more than 50 countries.
Research conducted by Special Olympics shows that more than 34 percent of all
Special Olympics athletes screened are in need of new or modified glasses. Sàfilo
provides direct support to Opening Eyes screenings by delivering ophthalmic
frames and sunglasses to Special Olympics events worldwide, thus helping thousands of people with intellectual disabilities worldwide improve their sight.
Over the first six months of 2007, more than 5,300 Special Olympics athletes
received prescription glasses and sports eyewear through Opening Eyes, while
more than 4,300 athletes received sunglasses to protect their eyes from harmful
ultraviolet rays. Sàfilo’s support of Opening Eyes stretches beyond contributing
millions of dollars of clinical supplies to the program annually; Sàfilo personnel
across the world donate their time and expertise at local Special Olympics games.
Most recently, Special Olympics chairman Dr. Timothy P. Shriver accepted
the 2007 Lions Humanitarian Award on behalf of Safilo, and the global network
of corporate, philanthropic and clinical sponsors of the Opening Eyes vision care
program in Chicago, Illinois this past July.
Essilor International is also a key partner in the Special Olympics Lions Clubs
International Opening Eyes program as exclusive global supplier of polycarbonate lenses at all Opening Eyes screening sites worldwide, according to the Special Olympics.
Along with Sàfilo, S.p.A, Essilor’s support of the Opening Eyes program provides critical aid to Special Olympics athletes; Essilor annually donates more
than 11,000 polycarbonate lenses to those Special Olympics athletes in need of
prescription eyewear, according to the Special Olympics.
VIS_0910_Charmant
8/29/07
4:04 PM
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un peu d’air sur terre
w w w. l a c o s t e . c o m
The Lacoste Eyewear Collection is presented by Charmant USA # 1-800-645-2121
10/1/07
10:17 AM
Page 32
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TROPICAL GETAWAY
NYC SALES AND SAILS
Professional Vision Associates
Wins AO Easy Tropical Vacation
ClearVision Optical Celebrates
With Cole Haan Eyewear
TOWSON, Md.—Professional
Vision Associates, based here,
has won the last of four tropical
vacation packages in the Carl
Zeiss Vision’s AO Easy Tropical
Shopping Spree sweepstakes.
The AO Easy Tropical Shopping Spree highlights the fact
that Carl Zeiss Vision’s popular
AO Easy progressive lens is Dr. Frank Setran, OD, accepts the prize from (left to
now available in 1.67 clear and right) Judy Johnson of Carl Zeiss Vision, Deborah Ervin of
B&W Optical and Patricia Creamer of Transitions Optical.
Transitions lenses. The sweepstakes, which ended June 30, gave eyecare professionals one grand prize entry
with each pair of 1.67 clear, and two with 1.67 Transitions lenses.
Professional Vision Associates ordered the winning pair through B&W Optical
of Baltimore, Md.
Previous sweepstakes winners were Thomas Eye Center of Athens, Ga.; Louis
Allen, OD, of Bakersfield, Calif.; and Sheldon P. Braverman, MD, of San Antonio, Texas.
NEW YORK—To celebrate the upcoming launch of
Cole Haan Eyewear, ClearVision Optical hosted an
intimate “shopping” cocktail party of close to 100
guests at the Cole Haan store in Rockefeller Center,
where guest were invited to peruse the luxurious Cole
Haan wares at a 30 percent discount. After the Aug. 10
store event, guests were treated to a night of dinner and
dancing on World Yacht Cruises, while traveling around
the New York City Harbor. “The creation of Cole
Haan Eyewear is a wonderful reason to celebrate. I am
grateful that our guests could join us,” said David
Friedfeld, ClearVision’s president.
Pictured, left to right, are Phil Pistolarides,
David Friedfeld and Loy Shirley of ClearVision.
Cole Haan storefront where the
Aug. 10 party took place.
Party guests shop and mingle at the Cole Haan
store in Rockefeller Center.
LOW VISION PROGRAMS AT
INTERNATIONAL VISION EXPO
Sponsored by the Vision Council of America’s Low Vision Division
Magnify Your Future
Case Study Workshop
Thursday, October 4
1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Friday, October 5
8:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Course 23-801-V
Michael Politzer, OD; Thomas Porter, OD
Course 31-607-V
Michael Politzer, OD; Thomas Porter, OD
Register online at www.visionexpowest.com/low
or call 1-800-811-7151 Space is limited, so register today!
VIS_0910_Iport
8/28/07
4:32 PM
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Monday - Friday
8:30 - 4:30
10/1/07
10:18 AM
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IS
“Our clients are
really enjoying luxury adornments on
their frames this season. Everything
from beautiful buffalo horn temples on
aviators, to sterling
silver and wood, they want new elegant
treatments and accents that are unique
and different. Aviators are still amazingly popular for men and women for sun.
“We try to be sure we cover all the
niches that are current in fashion, so all of
our clients have a lot of amazing choices
and can really develop a wardrobe of
eyewear. We need to be sure we carry
P
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details and trust our great professional
staff to choose the right Morgenthal
Frederics piece for our customer’s
faces.”
Revealing the Season’s
Must-Haves in
Ophthalmic and Sun
elite lines that cover all areas, like metals,
plastics, horn, rimless, etc.
“Morgenthal Frederics is releasing
the brand new, ‘Manhattan Collection’
this November, using beautiful accent
features to highlight our new sun pieces
and speak to the current trend toward
luxurious embellishment. In addition,
we have released a horn temple aviator
series and a new rimless series with
horn temples and faceted
lenses. Using horn, wood, and
sterling in new ways continues to keep us unique and
keep our clients on the cusp
of the trends.
“As far as merchandising
our product, our philosophy is
that the product is the star.
We don’t crowd the displays
so the product can really be
seen. We also highlight the
(TOP) CHAPS CP3004 , (BOTTOM) MICHAEL KORS COLLECTION MARBELLA.
Director of Product Development
and Design
Morgenthal Fredrics, a division of
Luxury Optical Holdings
Las Vegas, Nev.
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Jeff Press
S LEA
By Deirdre Carroll
Associate Editor
NEW YORK—Forget the crystal balls,
star charts and clairvoyants; here at
Vision Monday we don’t need psychics to figure out which eyewear trends
are going to be big for fall because
we’ve gone right to the source. We
spoke directly with retailers around the
country to see what trends they’re buying, what their customers are asking for
and how they’re merchandising it to
capitalize on this seasons hottest trends
in eyewear.
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Marianne Kotzbauer
Director of Frames Management
Sunglass Hut
Mason, Ohio
“The Ray Ban Wayfarer or Wayfarerinspired looks are
key in sunwear this
fall for both men
and women and we
expect iconic shapes
such as the Wayfarer, as well as the Aviator, to be best sellers for fall. The iconic look is also big
with designers who are utilizing this
trend in logo treatments, color and
frame design to create a synergistic feel
between the eyewear and their accessories and ready-to-wear collections.
“Crystal embellishments on ladies’
frames continue to be strong and will carry
through autumn to help create a ‘holiday
look’ and complement holiday outfits.
“In sunwear for women, bold plastics
are also strong and round or square
VM0924_COVERSTORY
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designs are the ‘New Vintage Glamour’
shapes. The women’s sport look is an
emerging trend that will continue to
thrive.”
Cleve Barham
Owner
Fine Eyes
Ridgeland, Miss.
“For fall, rimless is still strong in my
store. We just ordered a rimless line
called Minima with a more feminine
flair for my progressive ladies who want
a minimal look but with a new style or
color. Zyl frames with vivid colors on the
inside to match a person’s wardrobe are
going to be important this season as well.
“In sunwear, the aviator is really hot in
my store, especially for men. It is also
easy for us to sell polarized lenses.
Hunters, fishermen, bike riders, runners,
golfers and tennis players are asking for
every sport specific lens out there.
“For women, many of our sunglasses
are sold for golf and tennis or to soccer
moms who drive children from one
activity to another. I do have that ‘fashion lady’ who is looking for lots of color
and cool tints. Polarized lenses are an
added bonus.
“We’re still seeing a lot of rectangle
shapes in eyewear and sunwear for men
and the aviator remains strong. Most of
our ladies want an ‘up’ shape that
makes them look younger and feeling
good about themselves. Sunwear for
women is all over the board, but large
shapes are still doing well.
“I change up my merchandising displays often. I recently did a ‘Beatles’
display for my John Varvatos collection
and had a lot of fun getting props. I
found several pictures of John Lennon
with various vintage glasses and most
pictures of Ringo Starr have him wearing sunglasses. I used several old album
covers—Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts
Club Band, The White Album, Magical
Mystery Tour, Abby Road, etc.—to complete the theme. Attention-getting merchandising props are important. They
can be anything and with a little creativity it is easy to build theme displays that
attract customers.”
Ed Beiner
President
Ed Beiner, Purveyors of Fine Eyewear
Miami, Fla.
“We’re looking for
new color combinations both in metal
and zyls for our ophthalmic collections
for fall, along with
dramatic combination of different
materials on frames.
I personally would like to see more
P3 shapes as well as more retro ’30s
and ’40s styles just to mix up the
frame boards a bit. I am also excited
[about] the use of new technologies in
materials.
“In sunwear, I am looking for a lot of
the same characteristics I am seeking for
ophthalmic styles but I really want to
explore greater creativity from the boutique distributors. Larger sizes for sunglasses will still be strong sellers this fall.
35
LEADERSHIP
STONED
Stones, crystals and
gems, oh my! Everything
from oversized rough cut
gems and gleaming multifaceted sparklers to elegant
pavé work and chunky baguettes.
Glittering, understated elegance, without the
over-the-top bling of the previous few years, is
exactly what the most fabulous will be
wearing this season.
POP
The hottest colors this season will be
silver/grey, silver/blue, gold, reds, lime,
yellow and blue. Black will be coming
on strong again in sun and ophthalmic
for men and women, as will Earth tones
and dramatic contrasts in color combinations.
Lisa Gear
Director of Frame Buying
LensCrafters
Mason, Ohio
“Fashion eyewear
for fall is following
along with what is
happening in apparel on the runways
and in magazines,
which are featuring a
combination of different textures and patterns with a luxury feel, such as animal prints, plaids,
leather and fur.
“The most impactful optical trends
also feature a combination of looks.
Whether it’s a leopard print temple,
dual colorations on the inside and outside of a frame, or a plastic/metal comContinued on page 36
Color
Vibrant and unexpected pops of colors whether on
the inside or outside of the frame are all the rage for
fall. Not for the faint of heart, bright yellow, electric blue,
lime green and firery red are adorning the faces of the most bold.
(TOP) D&G DD8025B, (BOTTOM) MOSCHINO M0018
DA
(TOP) ALAIN MIKLI ALUMINUM DESIR, (BOTTOM) PRODESIGN 4633 AND 4635
MON
Page 35
Classy
COMBOS
Some things are just made to go
together. For fall, interesting
frame combinations are making a
huge impact. Whether it be the
melding of two different materials or the marriage of contrasting patterns and colors, these blended beauties are a best
bet when it comes to style.
(TOP) FENDI FS484, (BOTTOM) VENTANA V202,
(ON MODEL) POLLINI 0276
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(TOP) MOSLEY TRIBES FREE CITY, (BOTTOM) CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION CK9765 AND CK949
(RIGHT) RAY BAN AVIATOR, (TOP) BLINDE APPARENTLY
ARROGANT, (BOTTOM) ADIDAS WOOSTER
(TOP) PAUL SMITH PS388, (BOTTOM) BANANA REPUBLIC SEBASTIAN
Very
VINTAGE
“Everything old is new again” is truer
than ever this season. Vintage looks
like the P3, and classic styles from the
’40s, ’50s and ’70s have been updated to look fresh and modern without
losing that retro flair.
DE
Brenner from DeromeBrenner flying in
from France to participate in a three-day
bacchanalia of style, eyewear, fashion,
accessories, design and music.
“Other than that, we just allow the
product to tell its own story on display
and we include more accessories and
other products from designers who create eyewear—underwear, T-shirts, laptop covers, backpacks, jewelry, etc.—so
our customers can really understand and
identify with our brands.”
President
Hub Optix
Portland, Ore.
“In ophthalmic, rectangles are still
extremely strong in optical, but we’re
starting to see a trend back to the ‘P3’ or
preppy look.”
Dimitri F.
Manager, Optician and Frame Buyer
Spectacles for Humans
San Francisco, Calif.
Often referred to as timeless and enduring, the aviator, first introduced by Ray Ban
in 1937, hasn’t lost any of its speed over the years. Now variations on the
theme—navigators, modified shapes and materials and original details like the
double bridge—are just as popular in the fall of 2007 as they were in fall of 1937.
S LEA
Robert Zinda
Big time shine is the name of the
game and gold and silver are the
grand prizes. No longer just for
bullion or jewelry, those in the
know are sporting these precious
metals in the form of stylish
specs and stunning sunwear.
Fly Boys
and Girls
AL
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LEADERSHIP
Continued from page 35
bination, this hybrid of looks on a frame
will be popular this season. To reflect
this trend for our customers this fall,
LensCrafters is featuring a special ‘Hot
Hybrids’ display section featuring stunning color combinations, metal and plastic duos, color on color contrasts, material fusions and pattern and solid blends.
NEW
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“For fall, our optical
customers want
frames that display
their
purpose
through their design.
In color, gold and silver, as well as custom
acetate colorations are
going to be the biggest sellers. Customers will also be seeking out 3-D
design details, limited edition collections
and handcrafted acetate frames.
“Strong sunwear trends include the
double bridge and navigator inspired
shapes. Fifties frames are a must, like
frames reminiscent of Matt Damon in
the movie ‘The Good Shepherd.’ For lenses gradient lenses are a must.
“At Spectacles for Humans, it is
important for us to invite the designers
in to show their products and share
them with our customers. In December,
we have Xavier Derome and Aurelia
“The runways for fall were full of styles
with higher wasted pants and skirts that
date back to the ’40s. Grey was the new
black and in ophthalmic, as well as sunwear you’re going to
see a strong representation of the old classics. There will be a
lot of thick, rich tortoise frames along
with big basic frames
and black pieces.
Gold, pewter and rimless frames are also
going to be in high demand. We are also
starting to see some art deco pop up on
the scene so that should trickle down
into eyewear at some point this year
since it has great lines to work with that
are easy to replicate on eyewear.
“I think, for sunwear, we will see a lot
of crossover in ophthalmic and sunwear
for fall and updated shapes and modern
frames that still look ‘classic.’
“At Hub Optix, we try to buy the rich
classic tortoise colored pieces but keep
the shapes modern and updated. We’ve
had great success buying three of four
different colors in the same shape. I love
the genuine retro shapes but the pieces
never fit very well so we stick with the
rich colors and still give our customer the
great fit that modern pieces provide.
“Our store is very clean and modern,
so we tend not to use company provided POP materials and group the eyewear
lines together to let the collections tell
their own story. With the lines designs
going toward a very thick, rich, classic
look the frames jump off the shelf when
highlighted with great lighting.” ■■
9/7/07
10:01 AM
Page 1
‘‘
When you are on the
road all the irrelevant
things fall away – it
becomes the road, the
bike, and you. It’s about
dedication, motivation,
and moving forward.
Working together with
Luxottica compliments
my guiding philosophies
and has been essential
to my success.
‘‘
VIS_0924_Luxottica_&Me
DR. ROBERT REED JR.
All Eyes, Optometry
St. Joseph, MI
Luxottica
&me
To learn more about Dr. Robert Reed and the advantages of partnering with Luxottica go to www.luxandme.com
sm
10/1/07
10:19 AM
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VSP Set to Launch Ads for Direct-to-Consumer Plan
By Cathy Ciccolella
Senior Editor
RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.—Early
next month, Vision Service Plan (VSP) will
kick off the initial ad campaign—including
the company’s first-ever television commercials—for its Signature Choice directto-consumer vision program.
The company is also looking to
expand its international presence, having recently begun offering vision services to Canadian employees of two current U.S. corporate clients.
Rob Lynch, VSP’s president and chief
executive officer, told VM in an exclusive interview that with no marketing
other than Web-site referrals, VSP has
already signed up more than 5,000 consumers for individual vision-care programs in the past five months. Once the
marketing campaign begins in early
October, “we hope to see a significant
increase,” Lynch said.
The Signature Choice program, aimed
at individuals such as retirees and the
self-employed, began rolling out nationally in April through the Consumer
Choice Association, which offers its
members a range of options to budget for
their health-care needs. Enrollment and
billing are handled by Careington International; VSP administers the underwriting, payments to eyecare practitioners
and customer service for the vision care
program.
The new Signature Choice ad campaign will include newspaper and magazine placements as well as radio spots
and bus placards. In addition, VSP will
test TV commercials for the first time, in
five markets: Charlotte, NC; Seattle; St.
Louis; Sacramento; and Columbus,
Ohio. The company will also distribute
materials on the consumer plan to participating eyecare practitioners for use in
their offices.
In Canada, VSP is now offering vision
coverage to Canadian-based employees
of two of its current U.S. clients, “and
discussions are ongoing with others,” a
company spokesman told VM. VSP was
approved as a not-for-profit entity in
Canada last January, and coverage for
employees there is now part of VSP’s
pitch to all current and prospective
clients going into 2008.
“We believe the same core values we
have in the U.S. apply in Canada,”
Lynch declared. “We’re not trying to
bring managed care to Canada; rather,
our goal is to serve the employees of
large multinational employers in any
geographical area they’d like.”
Although VSP is not currently seeking Canadian-based employers as
clients, “eventually we would like to do
that,” he said.
EYECARE NEWS
AOA SURVEYS HOW ODS VIEW PARAOPTOMETRICS
ST. LOUIS—A recent survey of optometrists—conducted by the American Optometric Association’s paraoptometric section—to determine how ODs view the
paraoptometric’s role indicates that 85.1 percent of the eyecare practitioners who
responded are interested in learning how to more effectively utilize their staff.
The Practice Efficiencies survey was conducted in January 2007, with questionnaires sent to a random sampling of 4,000 ODs; 712 ODs responded. The survey was provided through an education grant from Vistakon.
According to the survey, the average number of personnel per office in 2006
was 7.8, performing a variety of duties including: administrative, optical dispensing,
clinical and optical laboratory functions. Of the responding ODs, 44.2 percent said
at least some of their staff was certified; on average they employed 2.9 certified
staff members.
Nearly 92 percent of the respondents said they provide in-office training for their
non-optometric staff; 97.5 percent provide on-the-job training and 42.8 percent provide for staff to participate in state optometric/paraoptometric association training.
Slightly over 52 percent pay for staff to become certified, while 70.1 percent pay
for staff to attend or participate in related continuing-education courses. One-third
provide time off for continuing education, while 45.4 percent provide paid time off.
Training (58.3 percent) compensation (55.1 percent) and motivation (53.3 percent) were the key issues the ODs reported relating to non-OD office staff.
Among these ODs, 19.4 percent paid their non-OD staff $25,001 to $30,000 as
an annual base salary, while 18 percent paid $22,501 to $25,000 per year.
The company is looking at expanding its
eyecare delivery system into other areas,
such as the U.K. and Europe, as well,
according to Lynch. Also under consideration is the possibility of a lab/manufacturing
connection in Asia, he said.
Closer to home, the issue of eye
health—involving prevention of eye disease as well as monitoring the connection between vision
problem and other
health
issues—
remains a priority for
VSP, Lynch noted.
The company has
set up interfaces
with disease-management companies
to support dataexchange programs
for more than 100 large employers, with
63 more “queued up to participate,”
Lynch said. “We’re the only vision plan
actively doing this now, which we use in
our marketing,” he told VM. “And
because we’re a not-for-profit company,
we don’t charge for data exchange or
building these interfaces.”
In addition to interest on the part of
VSP’s clients, eye health is also a key
issue for the company’s network of private practitioners, according to Lynch.
“The private practitioner is interested in
the eye health of his or her patients, first
and foremost,” he said.
And that’s one reason why Lynch has
no plans to alter VSP’s long-term policy of
restricting its provider network to privatepractice ECPs. Any near-term change in
that policy “is not something we’re currently looking at,” he said, adding, “I’m
not sure the chains have the same busi-
“The private practitioner
is interested in the eye
health of his or her
patients, first and
foremost.”
—Rob Lynch, VSP
ness criteria—the focus on vision wellness—as the private practitioner.”
So far this year, its traditional focus and
its new programs appear to be working
well for VSP. Lynch described 2007 to
date as the best year in the last six, with
11 percent growth in the first half in
VSP’s vision-plan business, and increases
in the mid-teens to low 20 percent range
in its other operations. “And we don’t see
anything ahead for the rest of 2007 to
change that,” he told VM. “This is one of
those very, very strong years.” ■■
VSP Kicks Off ‘Mobile Eyes’ Program
For Charity, Disaster Relief
RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.—
VSP Vision Care is launching a new
Mobile Eyes program, using a
mobile eye clinic that can offer
comprehensive eye exams and 10
lanes of portable exam equipment.
The 40-foot mobile clinic features
two exam rooms and a full dispen- VSP’s first Mobile Eyes clinic is up and running; a second
sary, used to provide services and is planned for next April.
materials during disaster relief.
When not responding to disasters, the the program after Katrina, which decimobile clinic can travel to community mated her practice. “We have learned so
events and provide charitable eyecare serv- many lessons in the wake of the Katrina
ices and education outreach to under- disaster, and VSP has stepped up to
make charitable eyecare and immediate
served U.S. communities.
The Mobile Eyes program was devel- disaster relief a reality for the future.”
Plans call for introduction of a second
oped as a result of Hurricanes Rita and
Katrina in 2005, when VSP doctors and mobile coach next April, according to
staff opened clinics on cruise ships and VSP.
“It is our goal through the Mobile
other locations in New Orleans to assist
nearly 10,000 patients who needed Eyes program to be proactive in assisting
those who need care and provide educaimmediate eyecare.
“To see this program come full circle tional information about the link
with this new mobile coach is amazing,” between annual eye exams and overall
said Jarrett Johnson, OD, a VSP provider body health,” said Rob Lynch, VSP’s
from New Orleans who helped initiate president and chief executive officer. ■■
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4:01 PM
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41
Today’s ODs Dispense Higher-Priced,
Higher-Tech Products, AOA Survey Says
As for lens materials, both high-index and polycarbonate lenses achieved new highs in terms of
market share among AOA members in the period
between 1994 and 2006, according to the survey.
Polycarbonate lenses reached 31.3 percent of all
lenses dispensed last year, up from 11.8 percent in
1994, while high-index lenses represented 21.8
percent of the lenses dispensed by survey respondents in 2006, up from 11.3 percent in 1994.
Patient awareness of—and requests for—
newer lens technologies appears to be a driving
factor in dispensing some types of lenses but
not others. According to the AOA survey, 31.3
percent of the impetus for tinted lenses and 21
percent for photochromics came from the
patients themselves. On the other hand, the
OD was the primary voice in recommending
progressives (84.9 percent of the time), antirefective coatings (57.2 percent) and polycarbonate lenses (54.2 percent).
On the frame side, the typical OD
Factors Important in Selection
responding to this latest AOA Optical Disof Frame Vendors
pensing Survey averaged about 740 frames
Factor
Mean
on display during 2006. Most of the
(1 = least/
Rating
frames—40.1 percent—that comprised those
10 = most important
eyewear displays last year fell within a cost
Quality
8.9
range to the optometrist of $45 to $80, a perStyling
8.6
centage that has not changed much since
1998. These ODs did report growth at the
Vendor relationship
7.9
higher end of the frame pricing spectrum,
Product range/frame lines
7.2
however: 25.5 percent of the respondents’
Price/cost
6.8
frame displays in 2006 were merchandise
SOURCE: AOA 2007 OPTICAL DISPENSING SURVEY
Continued on page 44
ST. LOUIS—Today’s optometrists—at least,
those who are members of the American Optometric Association (AOA)—are dispensing
higher-end, more technologically evolved eyewear and lenses to their patient these days,
according to the AOA’s latest survey of optometric practices’ dispensing patterns. And
patients’ own interest in new lens designs and
treatments is driving some of that move toward
upscale merchandise, the research indicates.
According to the AOA’s 2007 Optical Dispensing Survey, sales of progressive lenses by
the AOA members who responded to the survey grew from 19.4 percent of the lenses their
practices dispensed in 1994 to 34.3 percent of
their total lens volume last year. The share held
by standard bifocals, on the other hand,
dropped from 30.3 percent of total lens sales by
these AOA practices in 1994 to 17.6 percent of
their 2006 lens volume.
Who Recommends Lens Options
Option
Percentages
Staff
OD
Patient
Progressive Lenses
84.9
12.2
2.9
Polycarbonate Lenses
54.2
44.2
1.6
High Index Lenses
45.1
53.8
1.1
Photochromic Lenses
34.6
44.4
21.0
Tinted Lenses
21.3
47.4
31.3
Polarized Lenses
42.1
45.8
12.1
Anti-reflective Coating
57.2
39.7
3.1
Ultra-violet Coating
49.9
44.4
5.7
Scratch-resistant Coating
25.2
68.0
6.8
Lenses Dispensed by Type, 1994 – 2006
Lens Type
Mean Percentage
1994
1998
2000
2002
2004
2006
Single Vision
43.7
43.0
44.2
41.6
40.9
42.7
Bifocal
(nonprogressive)
30.3
24.3
20.2
20.0
19.6
17.6
Trifocal
(nonprogressive)
6.6
6.1
6.1
6.1
5.7
5.4
19.4
26.6
29.5
32.3
33.8
34.3
Progressive
Tired of the same look
from the same companies?
Call to arrange an appointment
direct
(888 675 4518)
in the
or visit us at the
Galleria (G 20011) USA
in Vision Expo West.
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AIT Market-Testing at Expo West
To Expand Ophthalmic Instruments
BENSENVILLE, Ill.—AIT, a member
of the Indo group, will be displaying an
ophthalmic chair and stand with instruments at next month’s International
Vision Expo West in Las Vegas. Indo,
AIT’s corporate parent, distributes instruments in several markets worldwide.
“With Indo’s experience and AIT’s
successful distribution channel for patternless edgers, we are confident we can
offer a high-quality lane of ophthalmic
equipment. We feel it will be a natural
complimentary fit to our current customers and marketing channels,” said
Matthew Vulich, vice president of mar-
keting for AIT. The chair and stand will
be an exclusive Indo design offering a
more modern look different from products currently in the market, according
to the company.
“Our goal is to show a prototype and
conduct a survey with attendees by offering an incentive to determine the needs
of the market and finalize a design,”
added Alex Bouin, AIT’s vice president
of business development.
AIT, known for its patternless edging systems, has been marketing and
selling automated instruments for the
past eight years. ■■
pensed 78 plano sunglasses and 222 pairs
of prescription sunwear in 2006.
These ODs also reported that, on
average, more than one-quarter (28.5
percent) of the women’s frames they displayed last year were plastic; plastic
frames comprised smaller shares of the
ESSILOR OFFERS OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY GRANTS
TO SCHOOLS, COLLEGES OF OPTOMETRY
DALLAS—Essilor of America (EOA) is now accepting applications for the 2007
Essilor Optical Technology Grants, to be awarded to schools and colleges of optometry “that demonstrate a commitment to growing the industry through new
advancements and technology,” according to the company.
Applicants must submit an essay of 1,000 words or less describing why the
prospective school needs and deserves the grant. Applications will be judged on
the school’s commitment to the growth of premium optical technology, as well as
how the funding will enable the school to elevate the standards and visibility of
ophthalmic dispensing for students and patients.
Interested institutions can obtain applications by writing Danne Ventura at [email protected]. Completed applications should be sent to Ventura by e-mail or by
mail at Essilor Lenses, 13555 North Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75234.
The deadline to submit an application electronically, on CD-ROM or by e-mail, is
Nov. 1; Essilor will announce grant recipients on Dec. 1. ■■
displayed frames for men (18.1 percent)
and for children (24.2 percent). Nearly
three-fourths of frames for children (71.3
percent) the survey respondents displayed were metal, vs. 50.6 percent of
the women’s frames displayed in 2006
and 61.1 percent of the men’s eyewear.
How do the ODs who responded to the
AOA survey select the vendors from whom
they buy the frames their dispensaries carry?
Respondents indicated that quality and
styling are the most important factors in
selecting a frame vendor; perhaps surprisingly, these ODs ranked price as their least
important consideration in deciding from
whom to buy eyewear. —Cathy Ciccolella
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DE
EYECARE NEWS
ODs Dispense Higher-Priced, Higher Tech Products
Continued from page 41
with a wholesale price of more than $80,
up from just 19.7 percent in 1998. The
survey respondents said about one in
eight of the frames they displayed last
year (13.3 percent) included clip-on sunglasses. On average, these ODs dis-
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FUNKY
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INTERNATIONAL VISION EXPO WEST
BOOTH #12049
MODERN
VIBRANT
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10/1/07
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Sàfilo Bows Banana Republic Ophthalmic Collection
By Deirdre Carroll
Associate Editor
PARSIPPANY, N.Y.—Premiering at
Vision Expo West, Sàfilo is launching the
first ophthalmic collection from Banana
Republic.
“We are very excited to be able to offer
our optical customers an incredibly strong
and widely recognizable fashion brand,”
said Dick Russo, executive vice president
of Sàfilo Group. “The Banana Republic
ophthalmic collection is a mix of modern
fashion and timeless style. We are confi-
“The Banana Republic ophthalmic
collection is a mix of modern
fashion and timeless style. We are
confident that there will be strong
demand for this collection which
offers a superior product at an
accessible price.”
—Dick Russo, Sàfilo
Designed to echo the sophisticated aesthetic found in Banana Republic’s readyto-wear designs, the eyewear revolves
around sleek lines, unique accents, and
wearable shapes for men and women.
dent that there will be strong demand for
this collection which offers a superior
product at an accessible price.”
The initial launch collection includes
36 optical frames in plastic and metal, 22
styles for women and 14 (From top to bottom) The Nathan, Colin
for men. The line relies and Martin men’s styles from the new
on the universal wearabili- Banana Republic optical
ty of rectangular shapes collection from Sàfilo.
but also includes softer
ovals as well as a few
preppy silhouettes. The
styles are offered in classic
metallic tones such as
dark gunmetal, antique
gold, black satin, shiny
b u r g u n d y, b a k e l i t e
brushed and warm gray.
Plastic styles include
black, havana and burgundy, as well as custom colors such as adds a finishing touch to our wardrobe of
combinations of olive tortoise, smoke new classics.”
Marketing for the collection includes trade
ivory, amber tortoise, havana blonde, crysand consumer advertising as well as assorted
tal gray and burgundy.
“Our priority has long been focused on visual merchandising materials. The Banana
creating elevated designs that are both Republic ophthalmic collection will be distimeless and approachable,” said Banana tributed in the U.S. to independent optical
Republic executive vice president of stores and retail optical chains and is priced to
design, Deborah Lloyd. “The eyewear the dispenser between $50 and $70. ■■
SECOND LOOK
SECOND LOOK
Oliver Peoples Returns to Its Roots
Hilco Bows New Case
LOS ANGELES—Oliver Peoples returns to its roots for its Resort/Spring ‘08 collections.
Intentionally focusing on optical frames, which first launched the company, the new
old school styles feature panto lens shapes like rounds and ovals. For the sun collection, the use of thick, beveled, architecturally sculpted plastic is used to create
bold, glamorous styles.
This season’s optical collection draws inspiration from the Oliver Peoples archive. The
highlighted designs are revamped, mirroring the influential styles of the past. The rounder
Wylie and more rectangular Boxley, inspired by OP-26 and OP-27 respectively, both feature
plastic eye rims, metal temples, and a metal bridge with retro pins. Subtle filigree detailing
is seen on the end pieces and temples adding a touch of luxury to the vintage styles.
Oliver Peoples is also offering a three style Limited Edition Sun Collection. The Paramour is a super thick, plastic sunglass with a heavy bevel, inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s look. The Fauna is a feminine, semi-rimless sunglass with
a rounded beveled plastic top bar and an 80’s flare. Inspired by the movie Chinatown,
the Hollis is a hand-sculpted frame featuring thick, heavy plastic and bold temples
for a masculine feel. The 20 Year Oliver Peoples plaque is inset into the temple end.
The new Oliver Peoples collections are priced to the dispenser between $110 and
$180. ■■
PLAINVILLE, Mass.—Once merely a
practical necessity, eyewear cases are
now a stylish, fashionable and distinctive accessory, a must have if you will.
Leader’s premium cases by Hilco will suit
your patients’ tastes and budget. The collection consists of a variety of specialty and
sport cases in bold and pastel colors, with
details like faux exotic skins, flower appliqués and
high gloss finishes.
Hilco’s line of new cases wholesale for
$1.99 to $2.99. ■■
Exotic skin detailing and flower appliques
adorn the newest line of eyewear cases
from Hilco.
SECOND LOOK
Essilor Intros Accolade in 1.60 and 1.74
The Fauna sunglass from Oliver Peoples.
DALLAS—Essilor of America (EOA) is extending its Accolade progressive lens line with
the addition of two more lens materials: Thin&Lite 1.60 and Thin&Lite 1.74.
“By offering Accolade and Accolade Freedom lenses in the most advanced materials, we can provide ECPs and their style-conscious patients with even more options,”
said Carl Bracy, EOA vice president of marketing.
Up to 50 percent thinner, 50 percent lighter and three times flatter than standard
1.50-index plastic lenses, Thin&Lite 1.74 lenses are the flattest lenses available for
myopes and deliver superior comfort, performance and cosmetic appeal, according to
EOA. Up to 30 percent thinner and 20 percent lighter than 1.50-index plastic lenses,
Thin&Lite 1.60 lenses also deliver comfort, performance and cosmetic appeal. ■■
PRODUCED AND DISTRIBUTED BY LUXOTTICA GROUP - MOD. BB 433T
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Marchon Unleashes Ventana at Expo West
By Deirdre Carroll
Associate Editor
MELVILLE, N.Y.—Marchon is launching the Ventana Collection, designed to
bring a feminine Southwestern flair to the
eyewear market, at Vision Expo West.
“Following the success and growth of
our Tres Jolie collection it was time to look
at other areas in women’s eyewear where
there was a void,” said Jeff Stern, vice president of Marchon for Flexon brands. “The
increasing presence of Southwest influence
in women’s apparel and other accessory cat-
“The design elements are directly
related to distinctive silversmith
techniques, leather tooling and
stitching associated with Southwest
craftsmanship. We’re thrilled with
the launch collection and can’t wait
to see it in the marketplace.”
—Jeff Stern, Marchon
Many of the design elements from the
nine ophthalmic styles in the launch collection are inspired by Southwestern
jewelry, belt buckles and handbags with
colors that reflect the Southwest.
egories indicated that our accounts could
capitalize on this trend and the Ventana collection was designed to bring Southwestern-inspired eyewear to the market. The
design elements are directly related to dis-
tinctive silversmith
(l-r) The V600,
techniques, leather V200 and V202
tooling and stitching from Marcon’s
associated with South- new Ventana
Collection.
west craftsmanship.
We’re thrilled with the
launch collection and
can’t wait to see it in
the marketplace.”
The introductory
grouping will compliment many face
shapes and complexions and it
is designed fit a
broad female demographic. Material
treatments include
leather temples that
emulate snakeskin, dramatic zyls and
distinctive metals with ornate patterns
and stones. The temples feature intricate details and patterns. Colors include
Silverado, Copper Canyon, Violet
Quartz, Brown Sierra, Nightsky Black
and Cinnamon Sunset.
The Ventana collection from Marchon
is priced to the dispenser between $64.95
and $74.95. ■■
SECOND LOOK
SECOND LOOK
Corinne McCormack Releases Three
New Color Collections
Humphrey’s Eyewear Bows New Message
NEW YORK—Corinne McCormack has launched three
new collections of eyeglasses and eyewear accessories
in an effort to lend the perfect dose of color and polish
to any wardrobe.
The new releases are
designed to be trendfocused and affordable,
while offering stylish shapes
ranging from boldly angular
to delicately rounded. The The Heart to Heart Collection from Corinne McCormack.
Black Crystal collection combines rich, metallic colors with highlights in dramatic
jewel tones. Frames in shades of mahogany, copper and ebony are highlighted
with subtle touches of saturated hues like deep amethyst and cobalt blue.
The Heart to Heart collection takes its cue from the color red. Horizontally divided into two blocks of color, the top half of the frames feature an opaque scarlet
shade, while a translucent blush colored tone appears below. Hollywood Glam features glasses in ruby red or classic black, accented with a sprinkling of rhinestones for a flash.
Each collection features
eyeglasses, sunglasses, and
coordinating accessories
including optic necklaces
(replacing eyeglass chains of
the past), Corinne McCormack EyeRings, eyeglass cases
and pins and are priced to
the dispenser between
$7.50 and $26.50. ■■
The Black Crystal collecion from Corinne McCormack.
GLEN COVE, N.Y.—BBH Eyewear releases 17 new styles in the Humphrey’s eyewear
collection.
Solid fronts, punchy colors and striking sidepieces are typical Humphrey’s elements.
While new Humphrey’s features include fine, color-filled, linear milled grooves on sidepieces and fronts which result in fantastic color effects and a chic transformation to
the frame fronts.
Over-molded sidepieces in high-performance plastics are also a specialty of the
new frames while inserts toward the back of the sidepiece make fitting the frame
simpler. Unifying the brand with one message, the entire collection is inscribed with an
“H” logo. Many models carry a brand new, high-quality metal version of the stylish
logo on their sidepieces so Humphrey’s wearers can make a solid style statement.
New point of purchase is available with minimum order and the collection is priced
to the dispenser between $59.99 and $69.99. ■■
Style 2716 in color 55 from the Humphrey’s eyewear collection for BBH.
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WILEY X EYEWEAR® ANNOUNCES SUCCESSFUL RESOLUTION
OF PATENT INFRINGEMENT LITIGATION AGAINST PANOPTX®, INC.
Panoptx Admits Infringement and Agrees to Stop Selling Accused Products
Wiley X Eyewear®, the industry leader in the research and development of protective and performance eyewear, has reached a
court-approved settlement with Panoptx®, Inc. for infringing upon Wiley X’s U.S. Patent No. 6,062,688 (the “‘688 Patent”). Under the
settlement, Panoptx will have to stop selling, as presently designed, its Velocity CV series of frames (including the Raptor CV, Sirocco CV,
Diablo CV, Kona CV, Gust CV, Convertible CV, Solano CV, Bora CV, Churada CV, Whirlwind CV and Chubasco CV) by the end of 2008.
Panoptx will also be required to pay Wiley X royalties on all 2008 sales of these products. PanOptx will also have to stop selling its
Warrior product lines, which include the Warrior V-Zero Ballistic and Warrior Tactical models, to the military by the end of this year.
This is a major settlement for Wiley X, whose cutting-edge technology provides critical eye protection for the FBI, DEA, Army Rangers,
Navy SEALs and other elite Special Forces Units. Its Climate Control Series, which encompasses the ‘688 patent, is widely used for
motorcycling, biking, fishing, skiing, extreme sports and safety. “While we would have preferred not to have had to litigate, we are very
pleased that our patent rights have been vindicated, and that infringing products will be off the market as a result of this settlement,”
said Dan Freeman, Vice-President of Wiley X Eyewear. “We upheld a principle, and will not hesitate to do so again if our patent rights are
not respected in the future.”
Wiley X Eyewear began the litigation in 2005 to enforce its rights under the ‘688 Patent, which covers unique aspects of Wiley X’s Climate
Control Series. The ‘688 Patent’s technology allows the wearer the benefits of having a removable, air-permeable shield, which provides
eye protection while preventing fogging.
With 20 years of innovation in providing advanced eyewear solutions to the military and commercial markets, Wiley X is looking forward
to a continued tradition of providing customers with top quality eyewear. The company’s High Velocity Protection (HVPTM) eyewear
is manufactured with shatterproof, distortion-free SeleniteTM polycarbonate lenses, meeting ANSI Z87.1-2003 high-velocity impact
standards. With 14 lens tints to choose from, Wiley X is able to provide eye comfort and protection in any environment. These lenses are
matched with a variety of high-performance and durable TR90 frames, available in a wide range of styles and attractive colors.
For more information on Wiley X Eyewear and their entire line of high-performance eye protection systems, contact Wiley X Eyewear at
7491 Longard Road, Livermore, CA 94551 • Telephone: (800) 776-7842 • Or visit www.wileyx.com.
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Plastic
Photochromic Lenses
by Corning
Excellent value for money
Warm, comfortable colours
The ideal lens to introduce your patients
to photochromic technology, at an affordable price.
RETAIL DISPENSARY
SECOND LOOK
Angel Eyewear Captivates the
Imagination for Fall
NEW YORK –Angel Eyewear releases
four new sunwear styles this fall.
The first release is called Captivate
a plastic frame featuring a decorated
linked serif on the temple. Mélange
tones contribute to dual frame complexity and depth, while both polarized and non-polarized lens options
are available. The Imagination is a
rectangular mask shape in a large
seven base one-piece shield, featuring a see-through
The Imagination (top) and
heart cut out with looped serifs on both temples, and a
Curiosity (bottom) from
nature inspired color story that highlights luminescent/transAngel Eyewear.
parent effects. The Intrigue is a handcrafted frame in a retro
influenced silhouette with ornate peak through floral temple decorations and a scroll
cut out detail on the temple, available in polarized and non-polarized lens options. Lastly, the Curiosity is a futuristic one-piece shield accentuated with cut out logo details on
the temples. An elemental color story complements the lens shade and accessory
detailing, while a core wire ensures a snug fit and adjustability.
These new releases from Angel Eyewear are priced to the dispenser between
$32.50 and $47.50. ■■
SECOND LOOK
Daniel Swarovski and Silhouette Debut
New Opulance
Excellent stress resistance
Strengthened UV cut-off
GREEN ISLAND, N.Y.—Daniel Swarovski Crystal eyewear from Silhouette has introduced its first six base sunwear line, New Opulence Sun, with model S614. The RXfriendly sunglass collection was designed in response to increasing prescription-sunwear consumer demand, according to Silhouette.
“New Opulence Sun is coming out for the U.S. market at the perfect time,” said
U.S. brand manager Kristen McLaughlin. “Our customers have been communicating
the need for luxury prescription sunwear options for their clientele. With the aging of
the influential Baby Boomer generation, this is a strongly emerging market.”
Designed by Angela Strecker for people with a sense of the beautiful, individual
and special things in life, New Opulence Sun is pure Daniel Swarovski couture style.
The rimless style sunglass temples feature intricate, undulating mosaics of tiny Xilion Chaton crystals. Each crystal is set by hand into 23-carat gold-plated metals and
premium acetate. A choice of four color palettes is available in twilight sapphire,
autumn topaz, garnet fire and royal hyacinth and features spring hinges for comfort.
Point-of-sale materials include a set of customized cards for the display case. The
New Opulence Six Base Sun models are priced to the dispenser at $340. ■■
A new, high-performance photochromic lens
which meets the requirements for rimless frames.
It’s always better
to have a choice
SunSensors is a registered trademark of Corning Inc., Corning, NY
The first style, S614, in the new Daniel
Swarovski Crystal eyewear collection
from Silhouette. w
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Couteur Designs Unveils Dana Buchman Vision
By Deirdre Carroll
Associate Editor
LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Couteur Designs,
a division of the Kenmark Group, is
launching Dana Buchman Vision at
Vision Expo West, inspired by the
feminine everyday while living an affluent and active lifestyle.
“It is an honor to work closely with
Dana Buchman and her team,” said
David Duralde, VP of creative development for the Kenmark Group. “Dana,
with her personal charisma and unique
“Dana, with her personal charisma
and unique sense of fashion,
created a beautiful eyewear and
sunwear collection to compliment
the sophisticated consumer’s
wardrobe.”
—David Duralde, Kenmark Group
designs of women’s ready-to-wear designer, Dana Buchman.
The Dana Buchman Vision collection
features modern silhouettes with sophisticated shapes, rich materials and signature details targeted toward the fashionable woman who likes to look and feel
sense of fashion, created a beautiful eyewear and sunwear collection to compliment the sophisticated consumer’s
wardrobe.”
Featuring 15 ophthalmic and nine sunwear styles for women ages 32 to 56, each
design strives to translate intricate details
from Dana Buchman’s
clothing designs. Several ophthalmic styles
feature decorative temple embellishments
emphasizing tonal
stones and luxurious
accents. The color
palette includes shades
of cashmere, caviar,
gold and exclusive tortoises. The new sunwear styles feature a
variety of shapes with
distinctive accents such as jewelry cast
metal temples, decorative stones and
Dana Buchman logo plaques. Each
design features CR-39 or nylon in fashion
gradient tints or solids.
“Eyewear is an important part of any
woman’s look,” said Buchman. “Working
with Couteur Designs, we have developed
a luxurious and fashionable eyewear collection that I know my consumers will love.”
The Daphne in brushed gold from
Dana Buchman Vision for Couteur Designs
features threads of gold and silver on the
temple to recreate the feel of handmade
artisan jewelry.
Dana Buchman Vision will be supported by a comprehensive marketing plan
that includes trade advertising and pointof-purchase materials. Each frame comes
with a cleaning cloth and a custom
designed eyewear and/or sunwear case
featuring a signature Dana Buchman
logo and is priced to the dispenser from
$64 to $82 for ophthalmic and $65 to $90
for sun. ■■
SECOND LOOK
SECOND LOOK
OSA Premieres New Chrome Hearts
Collection
Kata Goes Sleek for the Fall
ALISO VIEJO, Calif.—
OSA International is
premiering the new
Chrome Hearts Eyewear
Collection at Vision Expo
West.
Approaching the
Chrome
Hearts
iconology in a new
way, OSA International focused more on
establishing style
than following it for
their new collection.
The Sweet Young Thing sunglass and Te-Wa-Te
Highlights include a
optical frame from Chrome Hearts.
retro inspired aviator
where a solid sterling silver “plus” motif is floated between the bridge and top
bar. Another is a laser cut titanium frame that features a removable leather base
bridge insert adorned with a Fleur de Lys or plus motif and featuring either handstitched Italian leather with a sterling silver dagger adornment or laser engraved
wood with repeating laser cut cross motifs and a black mother of pearl plus motif
inlay on the temple tip.
Also featured is a unisex style with a flexible, lightweight titanium front and
leather temples featuring sterling silver motifs. Heavier plastics remain strong for
the new season and Chrome Hearts provides a revised version of the classic
Buddy Holly look in both their ophthalmic and sun collections. Women’s styles
continue to be a strong part of the collection. A solid sterling silver cross temple
detail highlights an oversize modified uplifting style while another is a softer rectangle shape.
The new Chrome Hearts collections are priced to the dispenser from $260 to
$580 for optical, $320 to $700 for sun and $850 to $5,000 and up for jeweled
pieces. ■■
NEW YORK—Legacie, the luxury division of B. Robinson, takes the Kata collection
sleek and sculptural for fall with the Bolt and Overlap groupings.
The Bolt temple is inspired by the organic and the sculptural. Reminiscent of a tree
branch or a lightening bolt, the co-injection manufacturing process seamlessly fuses
titanium and plastic for a sleek, minimal look. Bolt 1 and 2 are strong masculine
shapes, balanced by this unusual temple. Bolt 3 is lightweight unisex semi-rimless
style.
The new Overlap styles feature two chunks of acetate balanced precariously under
a single thin yet unbreakable thread of titanium on each temple. The concept is
inspired by the Japanese “Wedded Rocks” formation found at the Futami Okitama
Shrine. The two rocks are joined by a delicate woven rope that signifies the sacred
bond between man and wife. In the delicate and minimal Overlap temples, the titanium hugs the acetate and rivets hold the two together. Optical styles include Overlap 1,
a soft feminine oval and Overlap 2, a crisp men’s rectangle. Overlap 3 is an update of
a classic sun shape in handmade acetate. Mixing richly textured acetate with clean
wearable front shapes, the Overlap styles achieve a balance of sculptural form and
subtle texture.
These new groupings from Kata are priced to the dispenser between $125 and
$150 for optical and $135 and $160 for sun. ■■
The Bolt 2 from Kata.
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OptiSource Releases Versatile ‘MultiMeter’
BELLPORT, N.Y.—OptiSource International, based here, has developed a
first-of-its-kind, multifunctional digital
UV meter. The single unit works as a
UV spectrophotometer, photochromic
lens demonstrator and visible light
meter. It can activate Transitions or any
brand photochromic lenses in seconds,
according to OptiSource, and can also
measure UV transmittance of any lens
and visible light transmittance of colored lenses.
“The MultiMeter gives any practice
the ability to demonstrate how photochromic lenses will look when
exposed to sunlight without having to
walk outside,” explained Daryl Squicciarini, vice president of OptiSource.
“Then, practitioners can show patients
a digital UV reading and explain the
benefits of UV blocking properties.”
For hard to match tint jobs, the MultiMeter offers a precise visible light
reading to match tint densities.
The unit’s compact footprint is a fraction of the size of a shoe box, making it
convenient for countertop use. The
photochromic demonstrator works with
lenses that are either mounted or
unmounted. The digital display
instructions and four-button
operation make the unit simple to use while demonstrating to patients, if
desired.
“The unit is practical and necessary
for photochromic
lens patients that
arrive past dusk,
during
inclement weather, and especially for
locations in indoor shopping mall environments,”
said Squicciarini, adding that the
unit costs the same or less than a traditional UV meter. ■■
OptiSource’s new MultiMeter
functions as a UV spectrophotometer, photochromic lens
demonstrator and visible
light meter.
SECOND LOOK
SECOND LOOK
Fendi Highlights Temples and Stones
For Fall ‘07
A&A Expands Jalapenos Sol Eyewear
For Men and Women
MELVILLE, N.Y.—Marchon unveils the
Fendi sunwear and
ophthalmic collections for fall 2007.
Sophisticated elegance blends with
style, creating a collection that combines luxurious materials and textures
with dramatic styles.
Highlights include
the exotic FS409R, a
limited edition frame
The F727 ophthalmic style (top) and the FS485R
sunglass (bottom) from Fendi for Marchon.
featuring an elaborately detailed leopard pattern of sparkling Swarovski crystals adorning the front
and continuing to the temples. The metal plaque Fendi Cube logo with interlocking
Fendi “F”s ornamented in glittering stones completes the temples. Next is the
softened rectangle FS485R showcasing rhinestones arranged in a rectangle pattern from the end piece through the temples with the Fendi Double “F” logo in
rhinestones. The optical F727 is a delicately feminine frame with a metal front
and zyl temples featuring the double “F” logo pattern lasered on the end pieces,
while the rectangle zyl F718 also features the double “F” logo on the temples in a
perforated dotted pattern.
Inspired by their accessories collections, Fendi releases the zyl FS484 with their
newest logo treatment, the Fendi “To You” logo, a geometric imprinted pattern of
FENDI in dual toned contrasting colors of double laminate with a coordinating nose
piece. The feminine 8-base zyl FS459 and the metal shield front with zyl temples
FS463 are inspired by the Fendi B-Mix handbag which highlights the Fendi logo
and mini logo by featuring the look of fabric on the temple and the end.
The new Fendi collection is priced to the dispenser between $105 and $395. ■■
DALLAS—A&A Optical expands its Jalapenos Sol sunglass line for fall 2007 with the
release of four new styles.
“As Jalapenos eyewear continues to grow as a strong, recognizable brand, we continue to build on this collection in an effort to maintain its place at the forefront of
youthful design,” said Rodney Hayes, A&A Optical, executive vice president. “Sunglasses are not only for the summer months, but are a requirement for eye protection
and fashion year-round. The added plus to sunwear is, it can complete the look of an
outfit as well as enhance the wearers own unique identity.”
Targeted toward the high glamour fashionista, the Tangerine, reaches out to the 18
year and older woman featuring an oversized rectangular shape and textural patterns
in double laminated acetate. The Casados offers a perfect fit for small framed girls,
14 years old and older, who desire a big fashion look with details such as side
embossed Swarovski crystals. The Chawa, with its unique color placement in two tone
acetate gives girls 16 years and older a sophisticated look. Lastly, Jalapenos Sol’s
Peto, is a unisex
model in an oversized
aviator
shape, with alloy
fronts and acetate
temples. All the latest Jalapenos SOL
have Polarized UV400
lenses for UV protection
and glare blocking comfort for
the eyes.
Merchandising materials include an
18-piece display, mirrors, counter cards,
The Tangerine from A&A Optical’s
Jalapenos Sol collection.
flashlight carabiners and sling packs. An eyewear case and cleaning cloth comes with
each frame which is priced to the dispenser
at $49.95. ■■
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Match Eyewear Offers New Style
in Helium Paris Line
Mykita Adds Frames to Collections #1 and #2
MINEOLA, N.Y.—Helium Paris, distributed by Match Eyewear, releases new styles incorporating clean, classic eyewear with a “twist” of feminine flair for today’s modern
woman.
The HE3811, features a color palette of rich colors, with some styles designed with
dual tone colorations. It includes double laminate zyl construction, rhinestone accents
on the front temples, geometric etched designs on the complete temples, spring
hinges for flexibility and progressive friendly availability.
With over 50 men’s, women’s and unisex styles in the Helium Paris line, this collection
focuses on edgy, European designs in a selection of metals, zyls, metal/zyl combinations and three-piece mounts in a rich color palette selection. The Helium Paris Eyewear collection offers a varied selec- From top to bottom: The HE3811 in brick taupe,
tion of styles available with polarized crimson wheat, purple orchid, brown horn and
sun clip-ons, as well as progressive onyx from Helium Paris for Match Eyewear.
friendly models to choose from.
Point of Purchase materials are
available upon request. All Helium
Paris Eyewear come with a lens
cleaning cloth and a hard leather
case, embossed with the collection’s signature logo, including
spare parts for all styles. The
HE3811 is priced to the dispenser
at $59.95. ■■
BERLIN—Mykita releases new styles into their
Collection N#1 and Collection N#2 lines.
In the Collection N#1 metal group comes
four new styles. The Hans is a modern interpretation of Ray Ban’s Clubmaster model, a
popular frame in the U.S. during the ’50s and
’60s. The distinguishing feature of the original—the applied acetate elements at eyebrow
level—is imitated here in a matte-black finish
while the proportions of the frame are ideal
The Hans (top) from Collection #1 and
for progressive. Sue is a reference to a typical the Ferris (bottom) from Collection #2
1950s ladies’ frame but done in an ultra light by Mykita.
high-tech frame with the "butterfly" look that
was so popular during that decade. Sue and Hans are the first bi-color frames in Collection #1. Francis is a larger companion piece to the established Pat and shines as
a design that adapts to a range of faces, while Josie is a ladies’ model featuring a
low-set bridge, making it well suited to Asian faces.
In the acetate Collection #2, Mykita introduces four new sunglasses. The Ferris
and Leslie are derived from pilot-style glasses and have a refined look. The bold contours of Liv make it an explicitly ladies’ model, that despite its larger size, adapts well
to a wide range of faces. The Daniel is based on a pair of 1960s Persol frames worn
by Daniel Miller, the founder of the Mute record label.
All the sunwear from both collections is suitable for prescription frames and the new
additions to the Mykita lines are priced to the dispenser between $148 and $155. ■■
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Ray-Ban Introduces the Youth Collection
By Deirdre Carroll
Associate Editor
PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y.—Luxottica Group introduced the Ray-Ban
Youth collection with nine frames
designed for children between 8 and 12
years of age to meet the needs of young
eyewear consumers while offering
marketing for Luxottica Group. “These
models remain faithful to their ‘parent’
with child-size versions of the brand’s
most popular Ray-Ban optical styles.”
The Ray-Ban Youth collection is
designed for youngsters who want to
look as cool as older kids and for parents
who want to feel sure they made the
right choice in eyewear for their children.
“The Ray-Ban Youth collection is an
outstanding addition to the brand’s
iconic personality of authenticity and
style. These models remain faithful to
their ‘parent’ with child-size versions
of the brand’s most popular Ray-Ban
optical styles.”
—Vittorio Verdun, Luxottica Group
grown-up inspired designs.
“The Ray-Ban Youth collection is an
outstanding addition to the brand’s iconic personality of authenticity and style,”
said Vittorio Verdun, vice president of
According to Luxottica, the Ray-Ban
Youth collection continues the Ray-Ban
Rx tradition of authenticity and timeless
design coupled with superior technology and state-of-the art materials. All
The RY01008 (top) and the RB01503T (bottom)
from the Ray Ban Youth collection from Luxottica.
styles are constructed of lightweight,
hypo-allergenic titanium and feature
durable flex hinges. Colors like brown,
black, navy, silver and gunmetal are
designed to appeal to the U.S. youth
seeking more classic, adult tones.
Styles range from rimless, like in the
RY 1002T, to the classic oval of the RY
1003T, to a variety of rectangles; some
angular, like the RY 1008T, while others
are softened, like the RY 1007 T and
RY 1011T. The collection boasts one
zyl/titanium combination, the RY
1503T, a softened rectangle featuring
bolder color combinations that include
periwinkle and lime, brown and azure
and metallic pink.
All of the Ray Ban Youth optical collection is priced to the dispenser at
$43.95. ■■
SECOND LOOK
Columbia Introduces the Trixie and Notta
WILTON, Conn.—New for Fall ’07 Columbia Sportswear Eyewear and L’Amy America
introduce four new models designed for the fashion conscious, active consumer.
Columbia aims to put a fun-twist on its sport-themed eyewear collection with these
colorful new models. The Trixie is offered in two frame shapes with bi-laminate sport
colorations in feminine tones. Likewise, the bold Notta, in two frame shapes, combines strong angles and aggressive sport-stripe colorations for the ideal unisex
design.
The Trixie 115, a combination frame made from handmade bi-laminate temples
and lightweight Monel metal framework, in a slightly squared-oval shape, is available
in four different color combinations, while the Trixie 116 offers the same color combinations and frame construction, but in a slightly larger, rimless oval shape.
Both Notta 246 and 247, feature aggressively-styled rectangular frame construction, with broad sport striping on the temple tips, and come in a variety of sport color
combinations. This bold design is available in a full-frame, the Notta 246, as well as
in a semi-rimless, the Notta 247.
The new Columbia styles are priced to the dispenser between$54.95 and
$59.95. ■■
The Notta 247 from Columbia Sportswear for L’Amy America.
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Alain Mikli Plays With Color
From left, Alain Mikli
styles A0635, A0637
and A0636.
NEW YORK—Alain Mikli introduces colorful new acetate styles for the discerning
woman.
Featuring rich deep shapes combined with fresh hues and clear color accents, the
three new styles from Alain Mikli are designed to catch the light and enrich the color
tones of rich red, subtle olive, deep purple and warm brown. Now in a broader range
of rectangle styles, the semi-rimless shapes, A0635, A0636 and A0637, allow a great
range of prescriptions, while the amflex hinge and tapered temple tip provide superior comfort.
These new styles from Alain Mikli are priced to the dispenser between $166 and
$179. ■■
SECOND LOOK
Lacoste and Charmant Score Points With
Women for Fall
MORRIS PLAINS, N.J. - Charmant and Lacoste release new women’s optical frames
for fall.
Two of the collections standouts include the LA12218,
in sizes 50-19-135 and
52-19-135 and four available colors. Constructed from a
The LA12218 in pink (top) and LA12219 in
combination of metal and acetate,
red (bottom) part of Charmant and Lacoste’s
new optical styles for women.
this ladies frame features an
embossed
logo on the
end piece
with a floating
half cut crocodile on the right temple
and a spring hinge. Also of note, is the LA12219, an acetate frame in two sizes
and five colors that features a metal plaque with engraved Lacoste logo and
spring hinges.
These two new styles from the newly released Lacoste women’s collection additions are priced to the dispenser between $49.99 and $59.99. ■■
VIS_0924_CarlZeissGT2
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®
E:
BL X N S
LA DE IO
AI IN IT
AV H NS
W HIG RA
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Happy as a clam
Tickled pink
Truly delighted
Flying high
Thrilled to pieces
Pleased as punch
Introducing GT2™ Progressives by ZEISS—
Engineered for Total Satisfaction.
How can a progressive lens create a higher level of satisfaction? It has to offer maximum
clarity — but it also has to be ergonomically designed to suit the wearer’s natural preferences.
Now ZEISS has brought these elements together in GT2. GT2 was developed using proprietary
ZEISS Optical Optimization and Management — the innovative design strategy that combines
legendary ZEISS optical precision with breakthrough research into visual behavior.
The result is a progressive lens uniquely tailored for wearer ergonomics and optimized for
maximum clarity. Simply put: a true delight for the eye.
For more information, contact your Carl Zeiss Vision
Representative or call 1-800-358-8258.
Carl Zeiss Vision
USA 800.358.8258
www.vision.zeiss.com
©2007 Carl Zeiss Vision International GmbH. GT2 is a trademark of Carl Zeiss Vision International GmbH.
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Optylux Launches Été Collection
SAN DIEGO—Optylux Group, Inc. will
debut the unique Été collection of eyewear, featuring a special technique that
incorporates feathers into each style, during Vision Expo West next month.
Optylux, founded by Helmuth Igel and
Helmut Igel II, “will be distributing the
world’s finest premium eyewear collections
and we are interested in offering the consumer eyewear that makes a statement in
design, quality and craftsmanship.”
The exclusive Italian hand-made Été
collection of frames and sunglasses,
inlayed with real feathers, is created by a
young company in Florence, by descendants of four generations of eyewear manufacturers. Their framemaking tradition
began in France in 1924 with Gustave
Rege-Turo, their Italian great grandfather,
an artisan who hand crafted spectacles
using horn and tortoise shell as base
materials.
Été frames are
inlayed with
feathers.
This heritage was
passed down from Gustave Rege-Turo, on to his
two sons Robert and
Charles, to the grandson
Robert-Claude, and now
to the great-grandchildren;
Sabrina and Brice, who POP displays highlight Été features.
today guide the company.
The original idea behind the Été col- refined by Sabrina Rege-Turo who conlection is to take a fashion accessory used sults with her father Robert-Claude Rege.
“The Igel family is proud to be associin the clothing industry—feathers—and
ated with the Turo family and we are
adapt it to the eyeglass industry.
The makers laminate two sheets of looking forward to offer their unique creacetate material and place feathers, each ations to our selected group of exclusive
placed one by one, which show through the eyewear boutiques,” says Helmut Igel II
transparent material in a range of colors and president of Optylux Group Inc.
Prices to the dispenser of the new Été
contrasts. Specially-created cases coordinate
collection are $155 for sun and $145 for
and a range of POP highlights the styles.
All the designs are coordinated and ophthalmic. ■■
SECOND LOOK
SECOND LOOK
Allison’s Try Techno Features Patented Process
Signature Unveils Two New Styles
in Laura Ashley
MIAMI – Allison USA is debuting Techno,
a new addition to its Try series.
The collection features 12 lens shapes for
rimless eyewear and involves no screws on
the endpieces and nosepads.
Ruthenium, red, acid green, light-blue
and lilac are just a few of the 17 colors
that can be chosen based on the shape
of the lens.
Try Techno is made out of ultra
lightweight
beta titanium.
A range of 17 colors
The company said that the
and a simple mounting process is new
mounting procedure is revolutionfrom Try Techno.
ary and that once the optician
takes measurements with the
drilling mask, the holes can be made in the lenses using a simple manual drill, part
of the Try Techno patented process. ■■
INGLEWOOD, Calif.—Signature Eyewear releases
two new styles in their
Laura Ashley Collection.
First is the Laura AshThe Sienna in currant from the
ley Sienna, a zyl frame
Laura Ashley collection from Signature.
with a metal wrapped end
piece and temples that are lasered with an intricate softly flowing pattern. The
eye shape is ideal for progressives. The Sienna is available in two colors, currant and nutmeg.
Next is the Laura Ashley Isla, a geometric oval shape in monel with a floral
pattern laser-carved design on the zyl temples. The Isla also comes in two colors,
plum and truffle.
These two new frames from the Laura Ashley collection from Signature are
priced to the dispenser from $53 to $56. ■■
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Optylux Launches Été Collection
SAN DIEGO—Optylux Group, Inc. will
debut the unique Été collection of eyewear, featuring a special technique that
incorporates feathers into each style, during Vision Expo West next month.
Optylux, founded by Helmuth Igel and
Helmut Igel II, “will be distributing the
world’s finest premium eyewear collections
and we are interested in offering the consumer eyewear that makes a statement in
design, quality and craftsmanship.”
The exclusive Italian hand-made Été
collection of frames and sunglasses,
inlayed with real feathers, is created by a
young company in Florence, by descendants of four generations of eyewear manufacturers. Their framemaking tradition
began in France in 1924 with Gustave
Rege-Turo, their Italian great grandfather,
an artisan who hand crafted spectacles
using horn and tortoise shell as base
materials.
Été frames are
inlayed with
feathers.
This heritage was
passed down from Gustave Rege-Turo, on to his
two sons Robert and
Charles, to the grandson
Robert-Claude, and now
to the great-grandchildren;
Sabrina and Brice, who POP displays highlight Été features.
today guide the company.
The original idea behind the Été col- refined by Sabrina Rege-Turo who conlection is to take a fashion accessory used sults with her father Robert-Claude Rege.
“The Igel family is proud to be associin the clothing industry—feathers—and
ated with the Turo family and we are
adapt it to the eyeglass industry.
The makers laminate two sheets of looking forward to offer their unique creacetate material and place feathers, each ations to our selected group of exclusive
placed one by one, which show through the eyewear boutiques,” says Helmut Igel II
transparent material in a range of colors and president of Optylux Group Inc.
Prices to the dispenser of the new Été
contrasts. Specially-created cases coordinate
collection are $155 for sun and $145 for
and a range of POP highlights the styles.
All the designs are coordinated and ophthalmic. ■■
SECOND LOOK
SECOND LOOK
Allison’s Try Techno Features Patented Process
Signature Unveils Two New Styles
in Laura Ashley
MIAMI – Allison USA is debuting Techno,
a new addition to its Try series.
The collection features 12 lens shapes for
rimless eyewear and involves no screws on
the endpieces and nosepads.
Ruthenium, red, acid green, light-blue
and lilac are just a few of the 17 colors
that can be chosen based on the shape
of the lens.
Try Techno is made out of ultra
lightweight
beta titanium.
A range of 17 colors
The company said that the
and a simple mounting process is new
mounting procedure is revolutionfrom Try Techno.
ary and that once the optician
takes measurements with the
drilling mask, the holes can be made in the lenses using a simple manual drill, part
of the Try Techno patented process. ■■
INGLEWOOD, Calif.—Signature Eyewear releases
two new styles in their
Laura Ashley Collection.
First is the Laura AshThe Sienna in currant from the
ley Sienna, a zyl frame
Laura Ashley collection from Signature.
with a metal wrapped end
piece and temples that are lasered with an intricate softly flowing pattern. The
eye shape is ideal for progressives. The Sienna is available in two colors, currant and nutmeg.
Next is the Laura Ashley Isla, a geometric oval shape in monel with a floral
pattern laser-carved design on the zyl temples. The Isla also comes in two colors,
plum and truffle.
These two new frames from the Laura Ashley collection from Signature are
priced to the dispenser from $53 to $56. ■■
Introducing the best idea in sunglasses
since, well, sunglasses
Introducing Crizal Sun™, the first integrated Anti-Reflective created specifically for Sunwear.
New Crizal Sun optimizes vision through every lens by adding the scratch protection and ease
of cleaning of Crizal® Alizé® while reducing backside glare. The specialized, integrated technology
of Crizal Sun delivers these benefits without front-side color changes or additional
light transmission through the lens.
So, for the clearest vision under the sun, be sure to recommend Crizal Sun, the first
integrated ARS (Anti-Reflective for Sunwear) available anywhere.
The UV protection of Crizal Sun is dependent on material chosen.
www.crizal.com
©2007 Essilor of America, Inc. Essilor, Crizal, and Alizé are registered trademarks and Crizal Sun is a trademark of Essilor International, S.A.
VisionWeb is a service mark and “Streamline. Simplify. Succeed.” is a trademark of VisonWeb, Inc. VM 9/07
VIS_0924_Hart
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NEW YORK EYE
A Hart Specialties Company
®
Shipped from stock within 48 hours
TOLL FREE
: 800.221.6966
See our Booth 14083 at Vision Expo West
39¢ each
S-40 MEDIUM POCKET
CLIP CASE
Black and brown assorted
80mm x 160mm
45¢ each for 12-99 pieces per style
S-44 MEDIUM POCKET CLIP WITH
DELUXE MERROW STITCHING
80mm x 160mm
for
100 pieces
per style
Styles S-40, 44, 72, 43
S-38 MEDIUM METAL POCKET CLIP
S-45 LARGE POCKET
S-39 LARGE METAL POCKET CLIP
CLIP CASE
Black and brown assorted, 95mm x 170mm
medium:
80mm
x 165mm, large: 93mm x 170mm
¢
49 each for 12-99 pieces per style
¢
69
each
for 12-99 pieces per style
¢
for 100 pieces per style
¢
for 100 pieces per style
44 each
55 each
S-187 TASTEFUL TWEEDS SLIP IN
Assorted patterns and colors
80mm x 160mm
29¢ each for 100 pieces per style
S-72 SMALL POCKET
CLIP CASE
70mm x 155mm
S-47 BIGGEST XXL
POCKET CLIP
S-41 VINYL SLIP IN
Sold by box of 500 only
80mm x 160mm
29¢ each for box of 500 pieces per style Styles S-31, 41
S-55 SEMI HARD FOLDOVER
WITH SNAP
Assorted colors
$1.29 each for 12-99 pieces per style
S-56 SEMI HARD FOLDOVER
WITH SNAP
Assorted colors
Styles S-55, 56
S-46 XL MEN’S POCKET
CLIP W/FLAP
69¢ each for 100 pieces per style 89¢ each for 100 pieces per style
S-30 LARGE VINYL MERROW SLIP IN
S-70 MEDIUM VINYL MERROW SLIP IN
Assorted standard colors as shown
medium: 80mm x 160mm, large: 90mm x 175mm
S-31 LADIES’ ECONOMY
VINYL SLIP IN
Assorted solid vinyl colors as available
Sold by box of 500 only 80mm x 160mm
S-43 HALFEYE MEN’S
POCKET CLIP
60mm x 160mm
S-49 ECONOMY MEDIUM
POCKET CLIP
Black and brown, 80mm x 160mm
S-33 ECONOMY MEDIUM
POCKET CLIP
Sold only in bulk 500 piece assortment.
Black and brown, 80mm x 160mm
33¢ each for box of 500 pieces
S-63 ECONOMY PLASTIC KIDS HARD CASE S-67 ECONOMY PLASTIC HARD SLIP CASE
Sold by box all colors assorted
Sold by box all colors assorted
(Assorted: lemon yellow, navy blue, lime green,
(Assorted: black, brown, burgundy,
cherry red, charcoal grey, hot pink,
navy blue, green, gray)
purple, tangerine)
Styles S-63, 67
VIS_0924_Hart
9/5/07
12:11 PM
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NEW
YORK
EYE
A Hart Specialties Company
5000 New Horizons Blvd., Amityville, NY 11701-9003
National Toll Free 800.221.6966 • Toll Free Fax 800.221.2068
631.226.5600 • Fax 631.226.5884 • email: [email protected]
®
See our Booth 14083 at Vision Expo West
Protection from the Elements: The cases you want - when you want them
55¢ each
for 1,000 pieces assorted
all styles shown below
66 each for 100 pieces per style assorted
¢
S-124 CHILDREN’S METAL CASE
DOLPHIN PATTERN
S-123 LARGE METAL TRELLIS PATTERN
99¢ each for 12-99 pieces per style assorted
Trellis black, trellis brown
Blue, brown, purple, and yellow
S-122 LARGE METAL SATIN
S-121 LARGE METAL POINT PATTERN
S-119 MEDIUM METAL IGUANA PATTERN
S-104 SMALL METAL SATIN
Black satin, navy satin, wine satin
Black point, blue point, burgundy point, moss point
Dark brown, light brown
Black satin, brown satin,
blue satin, dark green satin
S-103 MEDIUM METAL LIZARD/SHINY
S-102 LARGE METAL LIZARD/CROCO
S-101 LARGE METAL GRAIN
S-87 CHILDREN’S METAL CASE
Black lizard, burgundy lizard,
black shiny, brown shiny
Black lizard, blue lizard, burgundy lizard,
black croco, brown croco
Black grain, brown grain,
blue grain, wine grain
Blue, orange, yellow, green, red
Shipped assorted only
S-85 LARGE METAL SATIN
S-81 LARGE METAL OSTRICH
S-80 MEDIUM METAL OSTRICH
S-79 SLIM METAL LIZARD/SMOOTH
Black satin, brown satin
Black ostrich, brown ostrich, blue pearl ostrich,
mint pearl ostrich, pink pearl ostrich
Black ostrich, brown ostrich, green ostrich,
red ostrich, yellow ostrich
Black lizard, brown lizard,
black smooth, brown smooth
S-78 MEDIUM METAL LIZARD/SMOOTH
S-76 LARGE METAL LINEN LOOK
S-75 LARGE METAL LIZARD/SMOOTH
S-20 LARGE METAL CROCO/SMOOTH
Black lizard, brown lizard, burgundy lizard,
Black linen look, blue linen look,
brown linen look, green linen look
Black lizard, brown lizard, burgundy lizard,
Black croco, brown croco, burgundy croco,
green croco, navy blue croco, black smooth, brown smooth
SUPER VALUE HARD METAL CASES
49¢ each
S-92 LARGE HARD METAL
Sold only by the box of 100 pieces.
Sold assorted black shiny and brown shiny
for box of 100 pieces per style
S-92, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98
S-95 MEDIUM HARD METAL
S-96 MEDIUM HARD METAL
S-97 PETITE HARD METAL
Sold assorted black matt and brown matt
Sold assorted black matt and brown matt
Sold assorted black grain and brown grain
C&E BUYING GROUP, VISION WEST BUYING GROUP, NOVAMED ALLIANCE BUYING GROUP, BLOCK BUYING GROUP, AECC/PEARLMAN BUYING GROUP, HMI BUYING GROUP,
ADO BUYING GROUP, OOGP BUYING GROUP, PADRO BUYING GROUP, BLEW EYES BUYING GROUP, THE BUYERS EDGE BUYING GROUP, Minimum Buying Group activation $49 purchase
All prices plus shipping - FOB Amityville, NY. Cases are shipped separately from frames. Pricing guaranteed through 12/31/07.
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Avalon Presents Nikon NT Pure Titanium
NORTHVALE, N.J.—Avalon introduces the Nikon NT Pure Titanium Eyewear Collection.
The Nikon NT Titanium collection is a contemporary men's and unisex line featuring innovative materials, design and performance with integrated spring hinge suspension.
“The Nikon Titanium-series is top-level technology in eyewear and is ideally suited to
a wide range of consumers from the everyday wearer to the creative professional
alike,” said David Pildes, vice president Avalon Eyewear, Inc. “To those who's sense of
pride in the quality and perfection of their own work resonates with the brand's message, Nikon affords lots of possibilities with it's product design, completing the perfectly fashionable ‘image’ for the wearer. Improving important design elements of an
already high level product is the message of our introduction of the Nikon Titaniumseries.”
The new frames are built with a pronounced stance as well as flowing shoulder lines giving the chassis a bold appearance. Based on a shorter platform
the single-body milled sheet-titanium construction gives the chassis a sense of
motion. All frames feature subtle Nikon branding throughout, including tri-color
printing on the inside of the temples and milled character lines inspired by
the Nikon cameras
themselves.
The Nikon NT Pure
Titanium Eyewear
collection is priced
to the dispenser at
$79. ■■
Three new styles from
the Nikon NT Pure
Titanium Collection
from Avalon Eyewear.
SECOND LOOK
Panoptx Eyewear Bows Three New Styles
PLEASANTON, Calif.—Panoptx
adds three new frames to their
moisture chamber line.
The Whirlwind is the new addition to their flagship Velocity
series, featuring their patented
Orbital Seal technology, which
locks out wind and airborne irritants. It also completely eliminates the peripheral glare that
can disrupt vision and damage
eye tissues, according to Panoptx.
New to the Panoptx Speed
series are two new models, the
Taku and the Zephyr. The Taku is The Taku in horn (top) and the Zephyr in bone
(bottom) from Panoptx.
a full-wrap design and the Zephyr
has a decidedly feminine feel. Both models feature Panoptx’s special air dam, a
closed-cell foam rim around the inner frame that helps knock down wind and glare.
These new styles from Panoptx are priced to the dispenser between $75 and
$125. ■■
©2007 Kenmark Group. Dana Buchman is a registered trademark of Liz Claiborne, Inc. Style shown, Georgia. www.kenmarkoptical.com 800.627.2898
VIS_0924_Kenmark
9/10/07
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Launching Vision Expo West 2007 - BOOTH #14039
10:26 AM
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SYRUS III
10/1/07
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LAUNCHES
AIT to Debut Patient
Measurement System
BENSENVILLE, Ill.—AIT, a member of the Indo group, will
launch the Center, a new patient measurement system, next
month at Vision Expo West in Las Vegas. Center, developed by Indo,
offers the optician a sophisticated measuring system that improves overall
patient satisfaction, according to AIT. Center automatically measures patient
pupillary distance and height as well as vertex distance and pantascopic
frame angle in almost 80 percent of cases. It utilizes a system of three
built-in cameras and infrared LEDs to obtain three-dimensional patient
measurements. According to AIT, the system is especially useful when
fitting conventional or direct surfaced progressive lenses. ■■
The Center. a new
patient measurement system.
Artoptic to Launch Emilio Giani in January
NEW YORK –Artoptic Internaitonal
is developing a new collection for the
U.S. fashion eyewear market and
plans to launch the new Emilio Giani
line in January 2008.
George Gero, president of Artoptic,
the 45-year-old NY-based eyewear
STEP INTO THE FUTURE:
GET READY FOR HIGH
QUALITY LENS PRODUCTION
High throughput and absolute process
stability: guaranteeing for perfect
results and great efficiency on your
production floor, SYRUS III is the ideal
system for handling large batches
and short process cycles.
www.leyboldoptics.com
Please visit us at
International Vision Expo East
Las Vegas, USA 4-6 October 2007
Booth: LP1050
manufacturer, said, “Today’s welldressed individual considers his or
her eyewear as a fashion accessory.
We live multiple lifestyles and we
feel this new range of eyewear will
offer the broadest choice for the
American consumer to work with
sport, leisure, business and formal
occasion.
The new Emilio Giani line will be
previewed during the Optical Laboratories Association meeting in Indianapolis this November and be available to ECPs early next year. ■■
SECOND LOOK
SECOND LOOK
Amy Sacks Eyewear
Goes Green
Bongo Bows Bright
New Grouping
PORTLAND, Ore.—Amy
Sacks Eyewear introduces the Bamboo collection.
Designed to combine
the earthly simplicity of
natural bamboo with
sophisticated design to
form luxury eyewear
frames for use as reading
glasses, optical frames or
sunglasses, the two
frames in the Bamboo col- The Takah frame (top) and Masa
lection are inspired by frame (bottom), both in bamboo,
from Amy Sacks Eyewear.
best sellers in the Amy
Sacks Eyewear collection.
“Natural bamboo is one of nature’s most sustainable
resources and is being utilized in wonderful ways for the
home and in textiles,” said Ann Sacks, designer. “I wanted to bring this sustainable material to my customers who
seek a level of sophistication and design that is beyond
anything offered today in the reading glass category.”
The Takeh is a half-frame style entirely made of bamboo
and features a softened square lens. The frame is available in the color Tempura to showcase the texture of the
natural material and to flatter warm and cool skin tones.
The Masa is a full-framed style which combines dark-stained
bamboo temples with a textured acetate front in Moss.
As the newest items in the edited collection of reading glasses, sun readers, sunglasses and optical
frames, Takeh and Masa are priced to the dispenser
from $62 to $84 respectively. ■■
SOMERVILLE, N.J.—Viva International Group introduces
a new metal grouping from Bongo Eyewear called “Bright
Sensations.”
The two new styles are designed to reflect Bongo’s
trendsetting appeal for women who are looking to shine.
The B Hope is a modified rectangle and the B Desire is
a modified oval while both are highlighted by a touch of
rhinestones and feature a spring hinge and sleek
styling. The B Hope is available in purple with crystal
stones, black with black crystals and light brown with
brown stones while the B Desire is available in brown
with brown stones, purple with crystal stones and black
with black crystals.
Two additional styles, the B Aries and B Gemini, are
also available. All four styles are priced to the dispenser
at $37.95. ■■
The Bongo Hope
in light brown (top)
and Desire in purple (bottom)
from Viva International.
VIS_0924_OSI
9/11/07
3:59 PM
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OPTICAL SERVICES
I N T E R N A T I O N A L
Independent Labs Serving Independent Professionals
Custom Optical
Riverdale, GA
770-997-3344
DC Optical Laboratory
San Leandro, CA
800-773-8907
10/1/07
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LAUNCHES
Indo Intros ‘Free-form Solutions’ Program
BENSENVILLE, Ill.—Indo Lens U.S. is
launching Free-form Solutions, a broadbased program that offers independent labs
the latest generation backside direct surface
progressive lens designs in a broad range of
options. The program includes a curve calculation program with full installation, software maintenance and lens design updates
as well as technical and marketing support.
“Indo has defined its position in the
industry as a reliable partner for all independent labs interested in marketing
smooth and successful introduction of
progressive lenses and deliver optimum
optical quality to presbyopes.
“Free-form Solutions proposal includes
a wide variety of progressive lens designs
which are meant to satisfy all needs users
may have throughout the day, but also to
cover specific needs during indoor working activities, while driving or performing
outdoor tasks,” Arias continued. “Freeform Solutions state-of-the-art lens
designs offer a solution for far, intermedi-
“Indo’s know-how and expertise on
working with free-form technology is
openly shared with independent
labs around the world to ensure a
smooth and successful introduction
of progressive lenses and deliver
optimum optical quality to presbyopes.”
—Álvaro Arias, Indo
value-added progressive lenses,” said
Álvaro Arias, Free-form Solutions manager for Indo’s Barcelona-based parent company, Indo s.a. “Indo’s know-how and
expertise on working with free-form technology is openly shared with independent labs around the world to ensure a
ate and near distance vision; in all cases
progressive lens users will find themselves better-off wearing such a groundbreaking product.”
The Free-form Solutions program consists of two types of PALs: multipurpose
“Global Designs” and “Action Designs,”
which are specialized designs developed
to fulfill specific customer needs. Global
Designs are available in the following
choices: Global 22, an extremely soft
design with a 22m fitting height and
17mm corridor length; Global 19, a versatile design with optimized fields of vision,
minimum fitting height of 19mm and
15mm corridor length; Global 16, which
is optimized for small frames with a minimum fitting height of 16mm and
achieves 85 percent progressive addition
at 11mm.
The Action Designs include Office
Design, which is meant for indoor working environments and created based on
the focus distance the user usually works
at; Road Design, developed for far and
intermediate distances; vision quality is
improved in certain tasks such as backwards driving or using the rear-view mirror; Outdoors Design, developed to
improve performance when practicing
outdoor activities, and FreeDesign,
which consists of a PAL design developed based exclusively on the characteristics and parameters that the client provides Indo. This design will be only
marketed by the lab involved in its
development.
All of Indo’s Global and Action designs
are available for hard resin, 1.523-index,
1.6 MR8, 1.67 MR7, polycarbonate and
Trivex. ■■
SECOND LOOK
SECOND LOOK
The McGee Group Presents the
Concept Collection
I-dealoptics Extends Eye Catching
Reflections Collection
MARIETTE, Ga.—The McGee
Group introduces a new
grouping to their Totally Rimless Collection—Concept
featuring European styling
and innovative construction.
“It is important to continually evolve a brand’s design
theme so that it does not
become stagnant,” said
Wayne McGee, CEO and
president of The McGee A frame from the Totally Rimless Concept collection, with
case, from the McGee Group.
Group. “Without stepping
too far away from the Totally Rimless image, you can dress up its look to expand
your product offerings and meet the ever-changing market demands. Eyewear is
an accessory, consumers want something for every occasion.”
The two new rimless designs feature milled stainless steel temples and The
McGee Group’s Snap-Lock Rimless (SLR) lens mounting system which stabilizes
the lenses and minimizes breakage, according to a statement from the company.
The initial collection provides four contrasting colors for men and women. Each
frame is lightweight, offers adjustable nose pads for a customized fit, and features the Totally Rimless icon on the inside of the temple tip.
The Totally Rimless Concept Collection from The McGee Group is priced to the
dispenser at $49.95. ■■
FERNDALE, Mich.—I-dealoptics doubles the
releases in their recently revamped
Reflections series to 16 just in time
for Vision Expo West 2007.
Successful results of the initial
launch collection at Vision Expo East
prompted i-dealoptics to increase their offer- The R714 (top) and R713 (bottom)
ings of these hip designs featuring special from the Reflections collection by
details that make each style unique with the i-dealoptics.
release of R708 through R715, according
to the company.
“This collection is geared
toward trendy, urban women
who desire a cosmopolitan flair.
Theses styles deliver without a big city price tag,”
said Matt Weingarden, i-dealoptics vice president of marketing. “Reflections
livens up frame boards with wearable eyewear that has a splash of something
extra.”
Along with studs and rhinestones, the R710, 711, and 713 bring out etched patterns with show through coloring while the semi-rimless R708 is highlighted with two
tone coloring and pierced metal temples. The R712, 714, and 715 all offer a sophisticated split temple look.
The new Reflections styles from i-dealoptics are priced to the dispenser
at $19.99. ■■
VIS_0924_JobsonResearch
9/11/07
12:52 PM
Page 1
True Business Intelligence
is a Theory of Relativity.
Einstein once said that the sign of intelligence is
E=MC
imagination. With the changing landscape of the
optical marketplace, you need to think creatively to stay
ahead. That’s why you need JOBSON OPTICAL RESEARCH –
the leading thinktank of the optical world.
image courtesy of the Library of Congress,
LC-USZ62-60242
We’ve got 15 years of experience from some of the
sharpest minds in the business. We have a deep
understanding of how to survey the market, interpret
and analyze data, and make recommendations you can
use in terms you’ll understand.
Once the research has been conducted and delivered,
you’ll get quality customer service from our staff of
research professionals.
And we have a variety of products and services to fit
every need and every budget.
With our extensive database, we can target
demographics to provide you with a specific market you
want to explore.
Keep Jobson Optical Research on your mind . . .
because you don’t have to be Einstein to have business
intelligence.
Plus, our work is comparable over time. We can help
you keep track of business climate changes, the
effectiveness of an ad campaign, or test new product
awareness before and after it launches.
SEE US AT VISION EXPO WEST BOOTH #20107!
Business Intelligence you need
Business Intelligence you can use
• Jobson Research Custom Studies
• VisionWatch • Census and Census Maps • Viewpoint • The InSight Series
• U.S. Optical Retailer Report & Directory • Jobson Research Consulting Services
For more information please contact:
Jennifer Zupnick TEL: (212) 274-7164 EMAIL: [email protected]
Beth Briggs TEL: (212) 219-7825 EMAIL: [email protected]
2
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Francisco Costa, creative director for the Calvin Klein
Collection for women, had some pretty large shoes to fill
when he took over the Calvin Klein women’s label in
2003 from then mentor Calvin Klein himself. He also had
By Deirdre Carroll some large jeans, underwear and perfume bottles to fill
as part of the multi-billion dollar company that stands as
one of the great American design houses and lifestyle
brands.
But he has excelled admirably. In 2006, the Council of
Fashion Designers of America named him Womenswear Designer of the Year. Not bad for a boy who grew
up in the small Brazilian town of Guarani, near Rio, and mastered the English language after re-locating to
the U.S in the early 1990’s.
Today, in addition to his role as creative director for the Calvin Klein women’s collection, and along with
Italo Zucchelli, who heads up Calvin Klein men’s, Costa is responsible for the look and feel of the Calvin
Klein eyewear collections from Marchon. F.Y.Eye stole a little of Mr. Costa’s valuable time to talk with him
about eyewear and how it fits into the Calvin Klein brand aesthetic.
F.Y.EYE
What are the most important
influences on your design work?
Nature, art, people, film, books, books,
books…
1
What excites you most about
design?
The delicate balance between shape
and form.
2
Describe the ultimate Calvin Klein
woman.
3
When I design a collection, I imagine
a woman who has a modern spirit
and a confident attitude.
What’s been the greatest challenge
in interpreting your design perspective into an eyewear line?
We always strive to create modern
pieces that are designed to last.
4
What are some of your favorite
pieces or characteristics of the
5
Calvin Klein Collection eyewear?
It’s absolutely timeless. Calvin
Klein Collection eyewear consists of well-designed classic
styles that are both elegant
and functional.
What is the best advice
anyone ever gave you?
The best advice I have been
given was to just enjoy it all. ■■
6
SECOND LOOK
SECOND LOOK
Oakley Expands Rx Collection
Rudy Project Announces Casual Collection
FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif.—
Oakley releases five new
styles into their Rx product line for fall.
Each Oakley frame is
crafted with sport inspiration
and refined styling using superior materials and
custom color.
The Candidate is a
men’s full acetate frame
with two-toned larger
temples and the Square
O branding in a large range
of color combinations for the
young-minded individual with lifestyle in mind. The
Dictate is a full rim frame addition to the Ti family of titaThe men’s Candidate (top) and
nium frames in the Oakley men's lifestyle collection, the women’s Poetic (bottom)
designed with the creative use of metal and offering a from Oakley’s Rx product line.
unique two-toned detailing on the temples.
The Emblem is a multi-colored, lightweight acetate full
rim frame for women with layered temple detailing and heat adjustable temples to fit
comfortably and to compliment the expanding women's acetate frame story. The Poetic is the first Oakley women’s ophthalmic titanium full rim frame that offers Oakley’s
exclusive etched pattern detail from the women's apparel line and integrated custom
colored acetate tips for comfort.
Lastly, the Intake is targeted toward the Oakley loyalist. A thin-profiled full rim frame
made of lightweight C-5 material and unobtanium earsocks to offer a comfortable,
secure fit.
Each Oakley frame comes complete with a protective microbag and case. These
new additions to the Oakley Rx collection are priced to the dispenser from $78 to
$100. ■■
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif.—Rudy Project has launched their Late Summer 2007 Casual
Collection, including the Prym, Suby and Kaos—all direct-in-frame Rx capable.
“Rudy Project’s Casual Collection combines our unique lens technology with the
full coverage and exquisite style of Italian fashion eyewear,” said Paul Craig, Rudy Project’s president and co-founder. “In addition, the lightweight frame and lens technology offer performance equal to our signature sports frames. Whether worn as a fashion accessory or as athletic gear, the Prym, Suby and Kaos offer the perfect
collaboration of style and
function.”
The casual frames offer
photochromic and polarized
photochromic ImpactX lens
technology - breakthrough
NXT semi-rigid molecular properties formulated exclusively for Rudy Project,
according to the company. Other benefits
include complete Rx
capabilities, a replacement lens guarantee, RP
Optics polycarbonate or
ImpactX lenses with RP-D-Centered technology to minimize eye
fatigue, optical reinforced hinges,
The Suby in ivory (top) and the Kaos
handcrafted acetate frames in Grilamid
in black bottom from Rudy Project’s
Casual Collection. TR 55 LX and ergonomic styling.
The Casual Collection from
Rudy Project is priced to the dispenser from $85 to $105. ■■
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Nouveau Presents Jacob Jensen Eyewear
By Deirdre Carroll
Associate Editor
CARROLLTON, Texas—Nouveau
introduces Jacob Jensen Eyewear for the
upscale professional who values the latest
technology.
changing the way people see eyewear
with lines that are clean, uncluttered, and
styled to appeal to both men and
women.
“The combination of exquisite designs
and technologically superior materials
creates a deceptively simple, elegantly
“The combination of exquisite
designs and technologically
superior materials creates a
deceptively simple, elegantly
refined collection of eyewear.”
—Marj McGraw, Nouveau Eyewear
Designed by the man who transformed the design of music systems, telephones, watches and kitchen equipment
into an art, now, the Jacob Jensen technologically sophisticated approach is
refined collection of eyewear,” said Marj
McGraw, co-president of Nouveau Eyewear.
Titanium construction is the hallmark
of every frame while many styles incorpo-
rate Jensen’s uniquely
thin and strong, doubletitanium wire temples.
An exclusive, patentpending piston spring
hinge provides all the
benefits of an ultra-flexible hinge joint without
sacrificing stability,
according to Nouveau.
Frame styles include
semi-rimless designs
and rimless compression mounts as well as
minimalist full-rim
models, while slip on zyl temple sleeves
allow wearers to create a custom look.
The collection consists of four different series in more than 20 different colors with 50 different models. According
to Nouveau, the colors are applied by
hand using a chemical process that resists
Model 612S in
color 37 from
the new Jacob
Jensen Eyewear
collection from
Nouveau.
pitting, scratching, or fading making the
hues both exciting and enduring, and
allowing for a palette of custom shades.
Each frame is accompanied by an original Jacob Jensen hard-sided case and is
priced to the dispenser between $140
and $170. ■■
SECOND LOOK
SECOND LOOK
Fusion Previews New Gaultier Sun Styles
Artoptic’s Uptempo Offers Modern Styles
Gaultier
AH0708
Lunettes
Homme
from Fusion
Eyewear.
PLAINVIEW, N.Y.—Fusion Eyewear,
Inc. will be previewing the new Jean
Paul Gaultier 2008 sunglass collection at Vision Expo West.
The 14 new models feature sleek
edgy styling, many with Swarovski
crystal and metal embellishments,
in time for the cruise season. The
fashion forward collection also features the Gaultier signature visible
spring.
The rollout will be supported by a
national advertising campaign. The
sun styles are priced between $170
and $290. ■■
NEW YORK—Artoptic International’s contemporary Uptempo collection target today’s
trendy eyewear customers.
And this month, Artoptic is kicking off its new Premium Promotion for Uptempo. With
the purchase of any six Uptempo frames, dispensers can receive a free $25 gift card of
their choosing from among 40 different companies, including Best Buy, Barnes &
Noble, Pottery Barn and others. With the purchase of any 10 Uptempo frames, dispensers can receive a $50 gift card
of their choosing from among this range of 40
popular retailers, restaurants and Web sites.
Four new styles in the Italian-designed line feature
contemporary fashion colors and a youthful, clean
look. Some feature open-detailed design temples and
endpieces, others feature popular semi-rimless looks
and rectangular shapes.
Artoptic’s sleek shapes target the
Uptempo is priced to the dispenser at $54.90. ■■
contemporary customer.
THE NEWEST SAFETY
DEVICE TO HIT THE ROAD.
Drive Safer with Perception
Polarized Copper Lenses
* Improves vision in difficult driving conditions
* 100% UV 400 protection
* Anti-Reflective backside coating
* Flash mirror and hard coating compliments polarization efficiency
* Maximum polarization efficiency
Driving with Ordinary Clips
Experience the new Perception® lenses. To receive a free sample,
please call (800)423-7688 before November 1st, 2007.
Driving with Visionaries Perception Polarized Clips
[email protected]
VM0924_RETAIL_72
10/1/07
10:28 AM
Page 72
WHEN YOU CAN’T
AFFORD MISTAKES.
72
RETAIL DISPENSARY
SECOND LOOK
Zyloware Releases New Via Spiga
Optical Styles
DVI MAKES
IT RIGHT
THE FIRST TIME.
LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y.—Zyloware Corporation has announced the release of two
new ophthalmic styles in its Via Spiga Eyewear collection. The release is being supported with a gift-with-purchase promotion.
Additionally, Via Spiga
sunglasses will be featured in Via Spiga’s national
consumer ad campaign,
featuring Via Spiga’s
new tagline, “Stop
traffic. Italian Style.”
“Via Spiga’s fall
campaign will draw a
new crowd of fans for
The Riva in blond (top) and the Varese in ruby mosaic (botthe brand,” said Chris Shyer,
tom) from Via Spiga by Zyloware.
president of Zyloware. “The
editors and photographers from Vogue magazine incorporated incredibly compelling
images. The new zyl Via Spiga eyewear styles support this new wave of excitement.”
These new releases venture into younger, tailored women’s eyewear. Each
style is made of hand-crafted zyl in colors that can be worn with a woman’s
everyday wardrobe. The Via Spiga Riva has a rectangle front with softened
curves and bent endpieces paired with simple temples that give it a feminine fit.
It is available in three colors, black, blond and burgundy, to complement a variety of complexions.
The Via Spiga Varese has a narrow oval shape that widens toward the outer edge.
A monochromatic mosaic pattern, a beveled outer edge and bent endpieces give the
frame dimension. The temples have laser cuts in a feminine curve pattern that
evokes fish skin. Colors include cocoa mosaic and ruby mosaic.
To support the release, retailers will receive a complimentary Via Spiga wristlet with
a qualifying 6-frame Via Spiga order for a limited time.
A wide assortment of Via Spiga of point-of-purchase materials is available by
request. These two new styles from Via Spiga are priced to the dispenser at
$59.95. ■■
SECOND LOOK
Converse Releases New Styles for Girls
Cost-effective Rx processing is critical to any independent lab.
Routing errors, surplus inventory and ECP communication problems
can hurt your reputation and your bottom line.That’s why VISION
software from DVI is the choice of independent labs everywhere.We
provide proven Internet-based order processing, automated job routing
and efficient inventory control to help keep your lab running
smoothly, your ECP satisfaction high, and your bottom line strong —
whether you process 100 or 1,000 Rxs a day. And it’s all backed by
helpful customer support and ongoing product development to keep
you on the industry’s cutting edge. Contact us today for details.
Phone: 503.231.6606 Fax: 503.231.4943
6805 SE Milwaukie Ave. Portland, OR 97202
www.thedvi.com
SUN VALLEY, Calif.—Converse Eyewear and REM introduces six new optical styles
specifically designed with the Converse girl in mind.
The styles include the Raven, Spark, Spitfire, Blaze, Fierce and Frenzy. Some of
them feature phrases inspired from past Converse advertising and marketing, such as
“I’ll Try Anything Once”
and “I Am My Own
Hero.”
The Spitfire, features
a laser etched phrase,
“No Soul to Sell,” on the
exterior of the temple for
dramatic impact. The
Raven, a plastic rectangle, features a triple laminated front with a
The Raven in three color ways
from REM for Converse.
striped pattern in the
middle layer. The interior sides of the temples feature a subtle skull design that has
been laser etched and filled with color epoxy.
These new styles from Converse are priced to the dispenser at $49.95. ■■
VIS_0910_KodakClear
8/27/07
2:02 PM
Page 1
The CleAR $20 Award.
$10 for KODAK Progressives
$10 bonus with KODAK CleAR Coating
$20 total per pair dispensed
From July 1 to Dec. 31, 2007, PracticePlus®
members who dispense KODAK Precise®, KODAK
Precise Short™ or KODAK Concise® Progressives with
KODAK CleAR™ Anti-Reflective Coating can earn an
extra $10.
That’s on top of the $10 PracticePlus members
normally are awarded per pair. You’re doubling your
money while you dispense the very finest premium
progressives with an award-winning AR coating.
KODAK CleAR Coating
• Astonishingly easy to clean.
• Fights off oily smudges and dirt.
• Improves visual acuity.
• Durable to stand up over the life
of the prescription.
$20 CleAR Gain.
A perfect reason to join PracticePlus.
PracticePlus is the powerful practice builder that
has strengthened thousands of independent vision care
practices. To enroll, call 800-950-5367 or visit
www.practice-plus.net.
KODAK CleAR is available from
any wholesale lab, plus these
approved coating facilities:
Aspen Optical Lens Lab
Beitler McKee Optical Co.
Brothers’ Optical Lab, Inc.
Central Optical Lab
Cherry Optical
Diversified Ophthalmics, Inc.
Empire Optical, Inc.
FEA Industries, Inc.
Index 53
Katz & Klein
Luzerne Optical
MH Optical Supplies, Inc.
Midland Optical
Opti-Matrix
Ozarks Optical
QC Optical
Rite-Style Optical
Robertson Optical
Rx Optical
Southwest Lens
Superior Ophthalmic Coating, LLC
Three Rivers Optical
Toledo Optical Laboratory
Volunteer Optical Lab, Inc.
Winchester Optical Company
Signet Armorlite, Inc. 1001 Armorlite Dr. San Marcos, CA 92069 • 800-950-5367 • www.signetarmorlite.com
Kodak and the Kodak trade dress are trademarks of Kodak, used under license by Signet
Armorlite, Inc. CleAR and Precise Short are trademarks, and PracticePlus, Precise and
Concise are registered trademarks of Signet Armorlite, Inc. ©2007, Signet Armorlite, Inc.
FA236B507
VIS_0924_Briot
9/17/07
4:47 PM
Page 1
Introducing
3HUIHFWO\HOHJDQW
VRHDV\WRFUHDWH
With the Briot Alta edging system, drilled lenses become as easy
to produce as framed lenses. The automatic orientation of the
Safety Bevel Grooving Drilling shaft (from 0 to 30 degrees) allows
drilling or grooving at exactly the right angle: you achieve
unheard-of precision with ease. The variable lens speed settings
are particularly suited for working with fragile or hydrophobic lenses.
%ULRW 86$ 6KLORK5G &XPPLQJ *$ ZZZEULRWXVDFRP
) *)., ./'!* /("). *((" $*.*-%")0")/#,(","#
$)&-.*") $*)+.% %")-
The Latest in Edger Support Technology
Learn More at VEW Booth #LP6047
0924_LAB.75
10/1/07
10:29 AM
Page 75
INSIDE THE LAB
75
Robertson Optical Offers Series
Of Eyecare ‘Boot Camps’ for ECPs
GREENVILLE, S.C.—Robertson
Optical Laboratories is hosting an ongoing series of Eyecare Boot Camps
for eyecare professionals. Held on Saturday mornings, the boot camps are
conducted at Robertson’s Greenville,
S.C. lab, or if requested, at ECPs’
offices. Robertson Optical customers
and prospective customers are able to
participate by calling the lab and making an appointment.
Some opportunities explored at the
boot camps include new techniques for
effective communications between the
practice and the patient consumer, how
to improve photochromic sales, maximizing revenues through promoting
additional products, enhanced “teaming” (discovering how to recognize each
practice members’ gifts, knowledge and
skills, especially those they enjoy, and
building a successful team from those
skills), and learning how to brand the
eyecare practice, not just the products.
“We’ve held three Eye Care Boot
Camps,” said Chip Robertson, vice president of Robertson Optical of Greenville,
“and they were quite successful.”
“The Eye Care Boot Camp creates
an opportunity for ECPs to develop
extraordinary skills and abilities,” said
practice growth consultant Mark Hin-
Robertson Optical Eyecare Boot Camp attendees,
(l to r) Jan Standard, Lauren Laico and Greg Griffith of Pelham Vision Center in Greer, S.C. examining an Rx job with Chip Robertson, vice president of Robertson Optical of Greenville.
Gordon Johnson, OD of Blue Ridge Vision in
Greer, S.C. takes notes at Robertson Optical’s
Eyecare Boot Camp.
ton, president of eYe Factilitate, who,
along with Tebbe Davis, creative director of ImageClarity/eYe Facilitate, a
marketing specialist for vision care
practitioners, helps facilitate the education at the boot camp. “Typically, eyecare practices tend to do things the way
they’ve always done them. The boot
camp helps uncover phenomenal practice-building opportunities beyond the
basic, traditional strategies.”
“We learned a lot about the importance of branding our own name, not
just the manufacturer’s name,” said
optician Greg Griffith of Pelham Vision
Center in Greer, S.C., who attended the
spring boot camp and said he found it
very valuable. “We discussed various
strategies for branding our name such as
including our business cards with every
pair of glasses given to patients and
marketing our products through posters
in our dispensing area, but making sure
our practice name is on them.”
The boot camps, which include some
role playing, provide value-added education for ECPs, including unique practice-building strategies, dispensing ideas,
branding, sales techniques, onsite lab
education, and help for ECPs to explore
newer opportunities for their practices,”
Robertson said. “We strive to teach
ECPs how to create lasting impressions,
so their patients will return.”
“We found the boot camp very
helpful,” said optometrist Gordon
Johnson of Blue Ridge Vision in
Greer, S.C., “not only for me, but
especially for my staff.” ■■
EasyTerms
t
Paymen t
No Money Down
$108 per month*
*36 month term
with approved credit
AIT Offers Environmentally Friendly
Patternless Edger
Don’t forget to check out Vision Monday’s Lab Advisor
E-Newsletter each month for the latest news geared toward
optical laboratory owners and managers. In the August edition,
read about estate tax laws and what it means for your business in Dollars & Sense. The monthly feature, Focus On…
offers a glimpse into the working world of Audrey Reed,
Essilor’s director of general service. And don’t miss the latest
company news in Lab Notes and product offerings in New Products, brought to you
with every issue of Lab Advisor. To view the
August issue and all previous issues go to
A
Newsletter
www.visionmonday.com and click on the Lab
Advisor icon.
LabAdvisor
BENSENVILLE, Ill.—AIT new
Practica Evolution now comes
equipped with a newly designed recirculating coolant system that eliminates strong odors and reduces dust
during the lens grinding process. The
new system, which AIT recommends
for small, in-office labs, is designed to
make the work environment more
pleasant for employees as well as
patients.
“With the strong odors and dust
generated during the grinding
process with today’s advanced lens
materials, eyecare professionals now
have a choice to make their office a
more pleasant environment to their
patients and employees,” said
Matthew Vulich, vice president,
marketing for AIT.
The Practica Evolution edger is
pictured here (center), together with
the CNC 3D tracer-blocker and the
Air Mini air purification system. ■■
For more information please call
(800) 678-4322 or (320) 258-3559
Email: [email protected]
Visit www.optifacts.com
“We process a wide variety of lenses and materials with
excellent results. The O 2 calculations are extremely accurate”.
Debbie Ingram, Bluegrass Optical, Lexington KY
Visit us at Vision Expo West Booth #11053
VIS_0924_VCA_2020
9/11/07
4:06 PM
Page 1
Write a Letter.
Make a Difference.
Two out of every three children receive no vision assessment before starting
school. But you can help change that. The “Vision Care for Kids Act of 2007”–
legislation on Capitol Hill – can help children get the vision care they need. So do your
part to help. Visit www.2020advocacy.com to write a letter to your Congressman and
show your support for H.R. 507 and S. 1117.
VM092407
9/11/07
2:42 PM
Page 77
CLASSIFIED
VM MARKETPLACE
Merchandise Offered
Merchandise Offered
$AVON
eyewear
ALL DESIGNER FRAMES
$16 OR LESS
Designer Frames
and Sunglasses
"America’s largest surplus
designer frame distributor"
As low as $600
www.savoneyewear.com
800-758-6249
Vision Expo West – Booth #14110
Advertising Information: (800) 983-7737 • Fax: (610) 854-3780
Merchandise Offered
View
Online
Classifieds
at
That’s right ! Contact us and
find out why we’ve become
“The Brand Name Liquidators”
Phone: 866. 289. 3937
Fax: 310. 306. 7885
www.delreyoptical.com
E-mail: [email protected]
www.
VisionMonday
.com
Plano Sunlenses
CR39-PC-AC-POLARIZED-DEMO
All colors-thicknesses-sizes
Custom Tinting
Also
Edging-Inserting-Printing-Packaging
We’re Back and Better Than Ever!
OPTI-TINT, INC.
For the absolute best selection of excess frames and
sunwear, do your “BOTTOM LINE” a favor and visit:
430 Toney Penna Drive
Jupiter, FL 33458
(877) 556-7842
Fax (561) 745-6222
Frames
from the
Metzler Intl. Bankruptcy
Great Styles!
www.opticalcloseouts.com
866-376-2757
LANE SPECIAL - $9,995.00
AO Custom or Marco Combo Unit (3 arms)
AO Phoroptor
B&L or Marco Keratometer
Burton or Mentor Slit Lamp
AO or Marco Projector
w/mount, slide & screen
Belrose Refracting Equip. Co.
Frames Data @ $29-$100
Your Price
For The Finest Equipment “In-Sight”
3734 W Oakton St., Skokie, IL
$2 Each
www.belroserefracting.com
In Lots of 1,000
First Come, First Served!
Equipment &
Supplies
Call 501.982.1100
Software
SG-X Generators
Large and small reclaim tanks
All coburn model cylinder machines
Step-one & step-one lite wax blockers
Complete gerber coburn mini labs
LOH Toromatic SL generator
Will buy your used Coburn
and LOH equipment
Pat McCoy Optical Equipment
We buy and sell all brands of optical equipment
(800) 637-5472 or (507) 372-2877
Email us: [email protected]
To get your message
out there …
Call Phil at
800-983-7737
FAX: 610-854-3780
www.VisionMonday.com
77
Servicing lab equipment
Equipment in excellent condition
located in NYC.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
DTL-100 Generator
CNC Lens Maker Generator
Chopper and vacuums for Generators
11 Gerber Acuity cylinder machines
2 Gerber backside coaters
2 turbo eclipse blockers
Full-extended range tool set
Kleenchill system with extra pump
Please call Jessie at 212-729-5336.
Business Opportunity
Products &
Services
Offices for Sale
Doctors office available next to a
well-established optical shop since
1979, in McAllen, TX.
Fully equipped optical shop for sale,
minus inventory, in Brownsville, TX.
[email protected]
or phone 956/630-3999
SFG inc.
CONSULTANTS TO THE
OPTICAL TRADE
SPECIALIZING IN PRODUCT AND SALES
STEVE GINTIS, DIRECTOR
1.267.251.4119
[email protected]
Extend your
reach
and
get results
when you
place your
classified
ad in print
and
online.
Call Phil
or Bonnie at
800
983-7737
FAX:
610
854-3780
VM092407
9/11/07
78
2:43 PM
Page 78
CLASSIFIED
VM MARKETPLACE
Help Wanted
Help Wanted
Shamir Insight Inc.
the USA sales, marketing and distribution center for
Shamir’s Premium Occupational & Progressive lenses.
GET IN ON THE FASTEST GROWING SEGMENT
OF THE OPTICAL INDUSTRY.
Account Executives wanted for the following territories:
Experienced Sales Representatives wanted for several western territories
including Southern California, Northern California and Arizona
• San Jose, CA
• Montana
• San Antonio, TX
• Oklahoma
• Long Island & surrounding Burroughs
iCoat Company, the nation’s largest independent optical coating specialist, is
seeking individuals with a successful track record of selling goods and services
to the retail optical community. Potential representatives must possess self
motivation, strong communication and interpersonal skills and have a
minimum of 3 years of outside sales experience. ABO certification a plus.
Proven experience in the optical lens industry required
SII offers an excellent compensation package with benefits including 401K!
iCoat Company offers very competitive compensation plans. If you are
interested in this excellent opportunity please forward your resume and
salary requirements to [email protected].
Fax resume to Joyce Hornaday 858-444-3844
or E-mail: [email protected]
Well established frames importer is looking for dedicated, or non-competitive, multi-lines
experienced sales representative for the following territories:
GA, AL, TN, NORTH FLORIDA, OH, WV, VA, AZ, KY, MI, IL
Extensive overnight travel is a must.
Full company compensation package or attractive commission / bonus program.
Collection of 300 models priced to customers from under $10.00 to mid. $30.00. History
of excellent customer service, 4-5 new models every month. Our sales reps have 80%
successful closing from the first presentation. Please send your resume and salary history; fax 1-718- 937 -2825: e-mail [email protected].
Radius Optical Lab is expanding and is seeking sales reps for all areas.
Candidate should have an established account following. We are
offering high long term earning potential with a high quality product
to sell. Applications held in confidence.
E-mail to: [email protected]
or fax to: 877-774-2020
Independent Sales Rep
Very attractive sales commissions.
More than 2,000 products to sell
and to make money from.
Huge market and opportunities.
Fax your resume to: 954-583-8119
or e-mail it to: [email protected]
Rapidly expanding U.S. Optical
Company is looking for qualified
independent Sales Representatives in
the following regions; West Coast,
Southwest, Midwest and Southeast.
Offering national brands with a very
aggressive commission structure.
Multi-line reps only. Please submit all
resumes and inquiries to:
[email protected]
Wholesale Lab Rep
25-year-old company is looking for an
Sales Reps
Wanted
Costa Del Mar,
the fastest growing Sunglass
Company in the U.S. is looking
for qualified Independent
Optical Reps in the following
regions, West Coast, Midwest
and Southeast. We pay an
aggressive commission
structure. Multi-line reps only.
Please submit all resumes to
ADVERTISE!
Call Phil at 800-983-7737
[email protected].
FAX: 610-854-3780
Sales Rep and Distributors Wanted
www.
VisionMonday.com
AOC – 3 New Lines, great quality
and price, is seeking
Sales Reps and Distributors.
Fax to 888-828-3888
Call 888-868-4188
Get results!
Place your classified ad in print and online.
Call Phil or Bonnie at 800-983-7737
FAX: 610-854-3780
View
Online Classifieds at
VM092407
9/11/07
2:50 PM
Page 79
CLASSIFIED
VM WHERE TO FIND IT
The following is a list of suppliers’ toll-free numbers for quick access to all of your optical needs. This is a paid service of Vision Monday.
ACCESSORIES
STORMIN’ NORMAN’S
DISCOUNT OPTICS
Full Service Optical Supplies,
Accessories, Promotional Items &
Private Label
800-288-4512 • 561-995-2400
FAX: 561-995-9531
One Stop Shopping for all your tinting,
edging, surfacing, plano lenses, frame
repair parts, tools and lens cleaners.
Toll Free: 888-339-6264
Order On-Line:
www.dynamiclabs.net
QUALITY ACCESSORIES, INC.
Custom Imprinted Lens Cleaners &
Cloths for Retail and Promo
800-735-3937 • 219-922-8103
FAX: 219-922-8124
Web Site: www.qualityaccessories.com
Leading manufacture of custom
designed cases. Large stock of Hard
and soft cases.
Available for custom printing.
800-291-8528 • FAX: 718-752-9858
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.Astucci.com
For custom made cases:
385 Fifth Ave. 15th FL.
New York, NY 10016
212-725-3171 • FAX: 212-725-3236
Astucci Hong-Kong
Fax: 852-2367-6123
[email protected]
FRAMES
MISCELLANEOUS
DISCOUNT OPTICS
Private Label
800-288-4512 • 561-995-2400
FAX: 561-995-9531
DISCOUNT OPTICS
Private Label
800-288-4512 • 561-995-2400
FAX: 561-995-9531
INSTRUMENTS
PACKAGING
DISCOUNT OPTICS
Private Label
800-288-4512 • 561-995-2400
FAX: 561-995-9531
LENSES
Your global partner for high-quality
lenses. We specialise in Polarized,
SunSensors and clear lenses in
Polycarbonate, Hard Resin
and Hi Index.
POLYCORE OPTICAL
Singapore
Tel: 65-6747-6677
Fax: 65-6744-3664
E-mail: [email protected]
www.polycore.com
USA
Tel: 888-645-7788
Tel: 1-775-850-2050
Fax: 1-775-850-2060
E-mail:
[email protected]
SUPPLIES
DISCOUNT OPTICS
Private Label
800-288-4512 • 561-995-2400
FAX: 561-995-9531
MANUFACTURERS
CASES
and soft cases.
800-291-8528 • FAX: 718-752-9858
New York, NY 10016
212-725-3171 • FAX: 212-725-3236
Astucci Hong-Kong
Fax: 852-2367-6123
[email protected]
and soft cases.
800-291-8528 • FAX: 718-752-9858
New York, NY 10016
212-725-3171 • FAX: 212-725-3236
Astucci Hong-Kong
Fax: 852-2367-6123
[email protected]
SUN DESIGNE LTD.
is your OEM/Private label source for
reading glasses, sunglasses, frames, and
accessories. Buy direct from the
factory! Call Jack Taber
(800) 322-6748 • FAX: (203) 758-2156
www.sundesigne.com
MISCELLANEOUS
Toll Free: 888-339-6264
Order On-Line:
www.dynamiclabs.net
Toll Free: 888-339-6264
Order On-Line:
www.dynamiclabs.net
Need help?
Want to inform clients
of your products
or services?
Extend your reach and
get results when you
place your classified ad
in print and online.
Call Phil or Bonnie
800-983-7737
FAX: 610-854-3780
and soft cases.
800-291-8528 • FAX: 718-752-9858
New York, NY 10016
212-725-3171 • FAX: 212-725-3236
Astucci Hong-Kong
Fax: 852-2367-6123
[email protected]
79
www.
VisionMonday
.com
10/1/07
10:31 AM
Page 80
BUSINESS ESSENTIALS
NEW
S LEA
DA
Y
OP
P
MON
TI
HI
80
IO N
V
IS
C
AL
RS
0924BIZ_80
DE
IT’S YOUR BUSINESS
Stopping the Revolving Door: Reducing Employee Turnover
Almost nothing can be more frustrating
to a small business owner or manager
than the aggravation
caused by employee
turnover. High or low
employee turnover
can be detrimental to
your company.
Employee turnover
can vary as a result of
the industry and location of your business.
For instance, the food service industry
and bank tellers typically experience
turnover of 100 percent to as much as 300
percent. The stress of employee turnover
is much greater on smaller businesses
than larger corporations.
It is not uncommon for employee
turnover to cost 50 percent to 200 percent
of an employee's annual salary. A more
accurate method developed by PricewaterhouseCoopers Saratoga Institute uses
the cost of hiring and training new staff.
Their formula is: Total employee turnover
cost = Costs of hiring new employees +
Costs of training new employees.
The cost to your business when hiring new employees includes the follow-
ing six factors plus 10 percent for such
items as background screening:
• Advertising
• Bonus signing
• Relocation pay
• Time for interviewing
• Travel expenses
• Pre-employee assessments
• Training materials
• Technology
• Employee benefit set up
• Time for trainers
Tips for Reducing Turnover
• Hire the Right Demographic: Is your
business properly recruiting the right
demographic? Match your company
profile with your target hiring group. If
you cannot offer career advancement,
then avoid hiring career-oriented staff.
Consider hiring employees who are less
concerned with advancement.
• Understand Employee Motivation:
Retaining staff requires learning what is
important to your employees. Look to
the external motivators like recognition
and rewards. Remember the internal
motivators of purpose and passion.
• Read Between the Lines: The real
cause of employee turnover usually will
not be found in your typical exit interview. Departing employees will provide
the usual response of leaving for more
pay or a better job. You’ll need to
inquire for deeper meaning.
These three tips from PricewaterhouseCooper to reduce turnover are a good start
to understanding your employee loss
issue. Be critical and always look inward.
You may be the source of the turnover.
Make certain your management style is
the way you would want to be managed.
The Price of Low Employee
Turnover
You are not immune to the costs of
employee turnover because your turn
rate is low. Low turnover can be a bad
sign as well. Over 40 percent of distressed businesses have very low
employee turnover, according to a study
by Getzler & Company, Inc.
Employee turnover costs impact
your bottom line and the culture of
your business.
“The organizations that achieve the
most dramatic reductions in turnover
and maintain those lower levels are
usually the ones where the top executive or owner makes it a priority”
according to F. Leigh Branham, author
of “Keeping the People Who Keep
You in Business: 24 Ways to Hang on
to Your Most Valuable Talent.” ■■
Don’t miss out on Vision Monday’s e-edition of Business
Essentials providing monthly updates on day-to-day
management issues for optical ECPs and retailers.
To subscribe to Business Essentials, go to www.visionmonday.com, click on the Business Essentials button
and go to the Subscribe to Business Essentials option in
the newsletter. Current and past issues of Business
Essentials are available by visiting the VM Web site at
www.visionmonday.com.
VIS_0910_OptiCapital
8/24/07
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Page 1
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or stop by Booth# 10119 at Vision Expo West.
10/1/07
10:31 AM
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EDITORIAL
Optical’s Merger Mania
If mergers and acquisitions in the optical
industry run in
cycles—and they
seem to—this year
has to be at the top
of the curve.
As I write this, two
giant mergers/acquiCathy Ciccolella
Senior Editor sitions are about to
close. The $3.7 billion takeover of
Bausch & Lomb by Warburg Pincus
was scheduled to be voted on—and
expected to be approved—by B&L’s
stockholders on Sept. 21. And another
mega-merger, Luxottica Group’s acquisition of Oakley in a $2.1 billion transaction, is on track to close next quarter.
Though these two are the largest,
they’re by no means the only major
acquisitions of 2007. Among the others, 1800 Contacts was recently bought by
Fenway Partners, and Alcon is working to
acquire German manufacturer WaveLight. A number of other, smaller deals—
many combining two industry players
into one—have also taken place so far this
year in the retail, supplier and laboratory
segments of the optical business.
Why this merger mania? For starters,
because it’s generally a lot easier to
acquire a going concern than to start
one from scratch. The infrastructure
and—in the case of retail and lab acquisitions—the physical facilities are
already in place, and it’s almost always
cheaper to remodel than to build anew.
On the manfacturer side, an acquisition
may provide needed tooling and/or a
quick way to broaden an existing product line.
The acquirer also has a ready-made
talent pool available in taking over the
acquiree, and can pick and choose
among executives of the acquired company to strengthen its own management
team (not always such a great deal for
employees of the taken-over company,
but generally beneficial to the new
owner).
One consequence of this latest acquisition fever is that it’s reduced the number of public companies in optical. 1-800
Contacts went private once its takeover
by Fenway was completed; so will
B&L, when its deal with Warburg Pincus closes. And the Luxottica/Oakley
transaction will leave one public company where there once were two. In
recent years, two major optical retailers—National Vision and U.S. Vision—
also shifted from public to private entities not too long after they were
acquired by Berkshire Partners and
Refac Optical Group, respectively.
Which companies are the next acquisition candidates? Vision Expo is always
a good source for that kind of speculation…and sometimes the speculation
even turns out to be true. So keep your
ear to the ground in Las Vegas.■■
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
VCA Programs Help Grow ECP Practices
With International
Vision Expo West right
around the corner, it’s
hard not to take note
of the excitement and
buzz in the optical
industry. For eyecare
professionals attending
Ed Greene the show, it’s a time to
take continuing education courses, purchase products and network with peers. In today’s competitive
marketplace, it’s increasingly important for
eyecare professionals to become savvy
business professionals in order to effectively grow their practices.
At the Vision Council of America
(VCA), we are in a unique position to
address the needs of eyecare professionals when it comes to building their busi-
nesses. As a non-profit organization on
the supply side of the optical community, VCA and its members – frame, lens,
low vision, coating, accessory companies
and more – can provide eyecare professionals with resources and services to
improve and increase their businesses.
VCA co-owns the International
Vision Expo shows with Reed Exhibitions, the industry’s premier forum for
learning and staying in tune with the
optical community. At the shows,
many of VCA’s divisions sponsor continuing education courses, such as the
“Frame Buyer’s Certification Program” and “Magnify Your Future”
presented at this upcoming International Vision Expo West. Eyecare professionals attending these courses
learn new and innovative skills and
Send Your Letters to VM
Vision Monday wants to hear our readers' opinions on issues that affect today's eyewear/eyecare business. We welcome comments about our coverage of the optical industry as well.
Just send VM an email message to [email protected]. If you prefer to use traditional mail, send letters to Editor, Vision Monday, 100 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013. Please include address,
phone number,and affiliation. Anonymous letters will not be published. Got more to say? If you'd like to write
a column on a subject you're close to and passionate about, Vision Monday welcomes your submissions.
Please submit a proposal for your column to Mary Kane, Executive Editor of Vision Monday at [email protected], or by traditional mail at the address above. Please include a 50-word description of your proposed
column, your business/professional affiliation, phone number and address. Our format requires a minimum
submission of 400 words, and Vision Monday reserves the right to edit submissions for publication. When
sending photos for publication, please send JPGs that are 4 inches wide, at 300 dpi.
techniques to get the most out of their
practices.
To benefit the entire industry, VCA
takes funds from International Vision
Expo and puts them right back into the
community through consumer outreach,
education programs, legislative efforts,
industry standards and forums.
Perhaps most familiar in the optical
community is our Check Yearly. See
Clearly. campaign which educates consumers about the importance of vision
care. By conducting these outreach programs, VCA is able to educate consumers and encourage them to visit
their eye doctor. VCA also works with
the media to educate consumers about
the exciting fashion and technology
trends in eyewear and sunwear.
VCA strongly believes that working
together is the key to success. We have
worked with every major organization in
our industry to advocate better vision
care and to ensure that it is available to
everyone. Our vision is to be the leading
voice for enhancing life through better
vision and to help people see and be
seen.
We’re looking forward to a great International Vision Expo West and hope to
see you there.
Ed Greene is CEO of the Vision Council of
America.
Y
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Monday
Senior VP, Editorial Director Marge Axelrad
Executive Editor Mary Kane
E-News Managing Editor Amy Grech
Senior Editor Cathy Ciccolella
Group Editor, Lenses & Technology Andrew Karp
Associate Editor Deirdre Carroll
Design Director Phyllis Busell
Art Director Iris Johnson
Contributing Editors
Jackie Micucci, Gloria Nicola, James J. Spina,
Melissa Arkin, Christie Walker
Circulation Manager Renee Oechsner
Production Manager David Herman
VP Advertising Sales Dennis Murphy
Regional Sales Managers
Amanda Churchill, James DeMatteis,
Vincent Priore
International Sales Offices
Young-Seoh Chinn, Korea, [email protected];
Sho Harihara, Japan, [email protected];
Mary Ng, Asia, [email protected];
Jochen Reinke, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Switzerland,
Benelux, Scandinavia, Liechtenstein, [email protected];
Asa Talbar, Israel, [email protected];
Cecilia Zanasi, Italy, France, Spain, United Kingdom,
[email protected].
Director of Education and Training
Mark Mattision-Shupnick
Director of Marketing, Education and Training
Nancy Ness
Creative Director Monica Tettamanzi
Creative Services Designers Barbara Winters,
Debbie Silva
Marketing Manager Christine Yeh
Marketing Coordinator Jeff Haber
Jobson Optical Research Int’l Managing Director
Gerry Fultz
VP/Optical Retail Group Publisher
William D. Scott
VP/Marketing/Publisher 20/20
Jim Vitkus
Senior VP/President Professional Publications Group
Richard Bay
VP/Publisher/FRAMESdata
Tom Lamond
VP/Operations/FRAMESdata
Judith Michael
Chief Executive Officer
Marc Ferrara
VP/Human Resources
Lorraine Orlando
Corporate Production Director
John Anthony Caggiano
VP/Circulation Director
Emelda Barea
Senior VP/Operations
Jeff Levitz
To order reprints of any articles or ads
that appeared in this issue contact
PARS International 212-221-9595 or [email protected]
MAIN EDITORIAL & SALES OFFICES:
100 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013-1678
(212) 274-7000; fax: (212) 431-0500
e-mail: [email protected]
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT:
Account Representative Heather Brennan
2570 Boulevard of the Generals, Suite 220
Norristown, PA 19403, (800) 983-7737;
Fax: (610) 854-3780, E-mail: [email protected]
VISION MONDAY (ISSN 1054-7665) is published monthly except for March
and August, which have two issues, by Jobson Medical Information LLC, 100
Avenue of the Americas, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10013. Periodicals postage
paid at NY, NY, and additional mailing office. Postmaster: Send address changes to VISION MONDAY,
PO Box 2024, Skokie, IL 60076-7924. Subscriptions: One-year rates (US): 1 year, $79. Foreign (Air
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international: (847) 763-9630. Allow 4–6 weeks
for subscription to begin. Canadian international
publication permit #0427705.
© 2007 Jobson Medical Information LLC, 100 Ave. of the Americas, NY,
NY 10013-1678. Reproduction without express written consent of
the Publisher is prohibited. Jobson Medical Information
LLC publishes VISION MONDAY and Vision Monday Show Daily.
Notice: Jobson Medical Information LLC does not accept responsibility for
the advertising content of the magazine nor for any claims, actions or losses arising therefrom. Products and services advertised in this publication
are not endorsed by, or in any way connected with, Jobson Medical Information LLC. We make every effort to report manufacturers’ news accurately, but we do not assume responsibility for the validity of news claims.
EyesWay content is developed, sourced and reported by the editors of
EyesWay, the international news portal. Vision Monday provides that content to its subscribers as part of an exclusive news exchange agreement.
VIS_0924_SECO
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10/1/07
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CooperVision Sees Operating
Income Slide in Third Quarter
PLEASANTON, Calif.—
Operating income for CooperVision, the contact lens division
of The Cooper Companies
(NYSE: COO), fell 16 percent
to $27.8 million in the company’s third quarter ended July
31, despite an increase in revenues in the period. In Q3,
CooperVision’s
revenues
reached $212 million, a 9 percent increase (up 7 percent at
constant currency rates).
During the quarter, revenues from CooperVision’s
core products rose 15 percent;
within that category, specialty
CLs had a 9 percent increase.
Disposable CLs also saw
sales climb 9 percent, while
sales of multifocal CLs
increased by 24 percent. Sales
in the Americas region rose
by 2 percent, and sales in
Europe by 4 percent; sales in
the Asia-Pacific region were
up 33 percent in Q3.
In July, CooperVision completed the consolidation of its
U.S. distribution center into a
single facility; the company also
opened an office in Shanghai.
In the nine months ended
July 31, CooperVision’s revenues rose 6 percent to $583.8
million; operating income in
the period was $63.3 million,
down 39 percent.
The Cooper Companies now
projects CooperVision’s total
revenues for the full fiscal year
2007 at from $790 million to
$810 million; previously estimates were for full-year revenues of from $780 million to
$810 million.
Product plans for FY 2008
include the rollout of CooperVision’s Proclear 1 Day CL in
Europe in the first quarter and
in Japan in calendar 2008 or
early calendar 2009, depending
on local regulatory approval.
The company also plans to
introduce an improved silicone
hydrogel spherical CL with a
two-week wearing cycle in the
U.S. and Europe in the second
half of ’08, and a silicone hydrogel toric lens in late ’08. ■■
Gerber Scientific, Inc. Announces
Q1 ’08 Fiscal Pre-Tax Results
SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn.—In
pre-tax operating results for the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2007,
Gerber Scientific (NYSE:GRB)
reported operating income of $4.4
million on revenue of $153.7 million. This compared with operating income of $4.4 million on revenue of $137.5 million for the first
quarter of fiscal 2007. Foreign currency translation had the effect of
increasing revenue by approximately $6.2 million for the fiscal
2008 first quarter over the fiscal
2007 comparable period. Included
in the company’s operating income
for the fiscal quarter ended July 31,
2007 were incremental pre-tax severance related costs of $0.8 million
as compared with the same period
in fiscal 2007.
Gerber Scientific reported
income before income taxes for
the fiscal quarter ended July 31,
2007 of $4.1 million, compared
with $3.4 million for the first
quarter of fiscal 2007. The company’s income before income
taxes for the first quarter of fiscal 2008 included incremental
pre-tax severance related costs
of $0.8 million as referred to
above and a non-operating gain
of $1.0 million from the sale of a
product line within the Gerber
Coburn ophthalmic lens processing segment.
The company generated cash
flow from operations, less capital expenditures, for the first
quarter of fiscal 2008 of $3.4
million as compared with a use
of cash of $10.1 million in the
prior year comparable period.
Gerber Scientific president
and chief executive officer,
Marc T. Giles noted that operating margin as a percentage of
revenue improved to 3.4 percent from 3.2 percent in the
first quarter of fiscal 2007. ■■
Y
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DATA POINT
AR Lens Purchasers
By Gender and Age Group
21.9%
Total
22.7%
Male
24.7%
23.9%
21.2%
Female
20.9%
18-34 Yrs
35-44 Yrs
19.6%
45-54 Yrs
55 yrs +
The 45 to 55 year old age group leads AR lens purchasers. In the
12 months ending June ‘07, 21.9% of total lenses sold were sold
with AR. Of all lenses sold to 45 to 54 year olds in the 12 months
ending June ‘07, almost a quarter (24.7%) were sold with AR. Of all
lenses sold to 18 to 34 year olds, 23.9% were sold with AR. Of all
lenses sold to males in the 12 months ending June ‘07, 22.7% were
AR lenses, and of all lenses sold to females in the 12 months ending June ‘07, 21.2% were sold with AR.
Source: VisionWatch, a study conducted by Jobson/VCA
Total Annual VisionWatch Sample Size: 100,000 consumer respondents per year
Lenses data is for the 12ME (months ending) June 2007.
BY THE NUMBERS The latest figures
23%
Percent of eyeglass frames that
were sold to 18 to 34 year olds.
7%
Percent who said they are ‘very
likely’ to buy a new pair of readers
in the next 6 months.
26%
Percent of photochromic lenses
sold with AR.
43%
Of those who have had vision
correction surgery, percent who
said that 3 months after the
surgery they felt ‘relieved that their
eyesight was OK.’
Source: VisionWatch, a study conducted by Jobson/VCA
Total Annual VisionWatch Sample Size: 100,000 consumer respondents per year (US Adults 18+)
* All data is for the 12 ME (months ending) June 2007. Refractive Surgery data is for the 6ME
June 2007.
1-866-393-3374
email: [email protected]
VIS_0910_OptimateFull
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