FYI
By Lindsey Aspinall

Rhianna Quinn Roddy has been named chief marketing officer at Lighthouse International, a newly created position. Most recently, Roddy served as vice president of global and domestic tourism at NYC & Company, New York's official tourism marketing organization. In addition, Roddy has 23 years of experience in key positions at Delta Airlines. A graduate of SUNY Stonybrook, Roddy also holds a degree from the Sorbonne, Paris' university.

Alan Laird Lewis, OD, PhD, is returning to teaching

Alan Laird Lewis, OD, PhD, has announced he is stepping down from his position as president of The New England College of Optometry to return to teaching. Lewis has been president since 2000 and will remain in place until a successor is chosen. Among Lewis' many accomplishments during his presidency was the establishment of The New England Eye Institute in 2002. Lewis is a 1965 graduate of the college.

Yoshito Kataoka is Seiko Optical Products of America's new president. Prior to his appointment, Kataoka was manager of lens marketing at Seiko Optical Products in Japan. Incumbent president Atsushi Iwasaki will return to Japan to head Seiko's global marketing division while continuing to support American marketing efforts.

BUSINESS UPDATES

Transitions Optical, Inc., has announced the results of the Satisfaction Survey component of its Transitions Clear Lens Challenge program, which has concluded that eyecare professionals report an even greater satisfaction with these lenses over time. Starting in January 2005, approximately 1,200 eyecare professionals were given complimentary trial pairs of Transitions V lenses and were asked to rate their experiences over a six-week period. The findings showed that eight out of 10 ECPs considered Transitions V lenses as the best everyday eyewear solution and the most convenient way to protect from UV.

Yoshito Kataoka, Seiko Optical Products of America president

The dietary supplement manufacturer, medical supply distributor, and pharmaceutical supplier, Medical Ophthalmics Inc., has changed its name to MedOp Inc. The shortened name is easier to remember and pronounce, company reps say. Founded in 1985, the company originally marketed its own line of ophthalmic, generic pharmaceuticals to ECPs. Now, product lines include name- brand pharmaceuticals from the major manufacturers, as well as miscellaneous ophthalmic suppliers.

Ron's Optical has announced several changes within the company, including a new president and company name. Al Leck recently joined the company as a partner and has also assumed the role of president. In this position, Leck will be responsible for all day-to-day operations, as well as continuing to expand the product line. In addition, Ron's has announced a new company name—Accessories by Ron's Optical. "The new name better describes who we are and what we provide our customers," said Leck. "It has become very apparent that our customers are looking for a source from which they can purchase a full range of quality optical accessories and it is our goal to fill that need as effectively and efficiently as possible." This new name is effective immediately,
however, the Web address remains www.ronsoptical.com.

Eyefinity has formed an agreement with HealthLine Systems, Inc., to integrate Eyefinity's Web services with HealthLine's "Eyecom²" practice management software. With the agreement, HealthLine users will have access to many of Eyefinity's online tools and services, including VSP claim filing, product ordering, lab services, online continuing education, and practice management information resources.

Optical Connection, Inc., has announced Centennial Optical as its Canadian National Distributor for the entire line of DefinitionAC contact lenses. The DefinitionAC family of contact lens designs is developed with patented aberration control inspired by wavefront technology. In other Centennial news, the OCI Custom line of specialty soft lenses is also being launched.

Prevent Blindness America (PBA) has announced a call for entries for this year's third annual Investigator Awards. PBA awards provide funding for clinically based research investigating public health issues involving eye-related health and safety topics. All research grants must focus on preserving sight and preventing blindness. Researchers are chosen based on their level of qualifications relating to the eye health field and the quality and feasibility of the proposed research project.

Allergan, Inc., has proposed to acquire Inamed Corporation for a per share consideration of $84 or 0.8498 of a share of common Allergan stock, at the election of the holder. Elections of Inamed stockholders are subject to proration such that the total value of the consideration payable will be $1.45 billion and 17.9 million shares of Allergan. The acquisition is expected to enable Allergan to offer a broad portfolio of medical aesthetic products.

Nassau Vision Group has inked a distribution agreement with Nikon Optical USA, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Nassau now distributes Nikon lens products through the company's New Jersey distribution center. Eventually, the Nikon line will rollout to other Nassau Vision Group branches nationwide. Nikon lens products include finished single vision 1.50, 1.67, and 1.74, with two-sided, scratch-resistant AR.

SAVE THE DATE

□ Jan. 18-21, 2006. Assistive Technology Industry Association 2006 Conference and Exhibition, Orlando, Fla., at the Caribe Royale
All- Suites Resort and Convention Center. For more information, call 877-687-2842 or visit www.atia.org.

□ Tropical Sea E is offering sessions in St. Kitts Feb. 1 to 7, 2006 at the St. Kitts Marriott Royale Beach Resort and in Curacao March 1 to 7, 2006 at the Curacao Marriott Beach Resort. To learn more, visit www.tropicalseae.com.

□ Feb. 22-26, 2006. SECO, Atlanta, at the Georgia World Congress Center. Visit www.secointernational.com for more information.

□ March 10-12, 2006. Ferris State University's Reunion, at the Radisson Hotel in Lansing, Mich., during the Opticians Association of Michigan convention. The event is sponsored by Essilor of America. Visit www.theoam.org for more information or to register.

□ March 30-April 2, 2006. International Vision Expo East, New York, at the Jacob Javits Center. For more information, visit www.visionexpoeast.com or call 800-388-8106.

□  May 5-8, 2006. MIDO, Milan Fair, Portello, Italy. For more information visit www.mido.it

□ June 21-25, 2006. The annual American Optometric Association Congress and AOSA Conference, Las Vegas, at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. For more information, visit www.aoanet.org

□ Aug. 3-5, 2006. Opticians Association of America annual meeting in Savannah, Ga. Visit www.oaa.org for more information.

□ Sept. 14-16, 2006. International Vision Expo West, Las Vegas, at the Sands Convention Center. For more information, visit www.visionexpowest.com or call 800-811-7151.

□ Dec. 7-10, 2006. American Academy of Optometry meeting, Denver, at the Colorado Convention Center. Visit www.aaopt.org.