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Hot List: September
massive love 1
According to the National Retail Federation, "masstige" is the new buzzword. Also known as "cheap chic," the term represents products that offer a combination of mass and prestige. These products appeal to consumers with money who are seeking quality and security in their merchandise.
The trend is especially affecting major drugstore chains that are competing with big-box and multichannel retailers.
| Tune In… |
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| 2 ACUVUE Brand Contact Lenses has teamed up with Go Go Luckey, producers of "Laguna Beach," and multi-platinum teen artist JoJo to introduce Hampton High—an interactive, TV and web-based drama series that spotlights the trials and tribulations of teens as they head back to school. The six episode series, along with an accompanying sweepstakes, can be viewed at www.HamptonHighRevealed.com. |
3 Making the great
Retail expert Doug Fleener points out the following traits to look for in an interview when interviewing a potential employee to be your next great hire:
1. He smiles.
2. She makes eye contact.
3. He's done his homework. With all of the information available on the web there's no excuse for an applicant to not know something about your company beyond just what you sell.
4. She asks for the job. The first sale an employee makes should be in their job interview.
5. He doesn't say: "I'm a people person." Instead, listen for comments like, "I like working on a team" or "I like to build long-term relationships with customers."
| 4 COMP Kids |
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| The American Optometric Association (AOA) has warned that children heading back to school are at an increasing risk for developing Computer Vision Syndrome, which leaves them vulnerable to problems like dry eye, eyestrain, and fatigue. According to VSP Vision Care, nearly half of U.S. children spend four or more hours a day using computers or other portable electronic devices. |
| Vision Expo |
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| Rolls into Vegas Several new events and features paired with some old favorites are on the lineup for International Vision Expo West which runs October 3 to 6, this year. We've rounded up a preview of this year's show, but for more information, visit the show's website, www.visionwest.com. A new exhibitor locator will be unveiled at this year's VEW. This interactive touch screen system will allow attendees to search for exhibitors by name or category and print the results, making the show floor easy to navigate. Santinelli International's popular "EZ Rimless Assembly Workshop" will return to Vision Expo West. This hour-long, free workshop will educate show attendees on valuable techniques for assembling and adjusting three-piece mount eyewear. This year's co-sponsors are Seiko, Hilco, and Fred Paris. Seating is limited, so register by e-mailing rimless@santinelli.com. The OWA's POWW event will be held Oct. 3, 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Workshop leader Wal-Mart's Jarrod Davis will cover tools for speaking in public, building better presentations, and tips on how to handle hecklers and troublemakers. The workshop will be complimentary to OWA members and the fee for non-members is $35. Registration is required. E-mail owa@opticalwomen.com to reserve your spot. The organization will also be holding its networking event and raffle on Oct. 5, 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Venetian. On Oct. 5 at 8:30 a.m., EB editor-in-chief Steph De Long is moderating a two-hour "Retail Merchandising Panel." Panelists include l.a. eyeworks' Gai Gherardi, Eyetique's Brad Childs, Macy's merchandiser Travis Reed, and signage and branding expert Larry Ruderman. These experts will address everything from window design and frameboard merchandising to low-cost tricks of the trade and hot trends in retail design. In addition, EB's senior editor Karlen McLean will moderate a panel that afternoon. "CE Power Panel: Managing the Unmanageable: Warranties, Spiffs, and Redos" will run from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. "Women Ask for Directions—Communicate with Strength: Words that Undermine Your Effectiveness" (course #43-505-V) will also be running at this year's show. Held on Oct. 6 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., the course will focus on how vocabulary can impact women's success in business. AIT will host a drawing for a patternless edger and remote tracer. Visit booth 5063 to participate. ECPs who will not be attending are encouraged to sign up for the promotion at www.aitindustries.com. |
| OLA Names Nominees |
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| OLA's Award of Excellence recognizes ophthalmic industry suppliers who have made an outstanding contribution to the laboratory community and allied professions. For a complete list of nominees, visit www.ola-labs.org. "The OLA members are honored to show our appreciation to all those nominated who have developed new technologies, created fashionable style, and enhanced the seeing experience on such a vital service for consumer," said Barney Dougher, OLA's president elect. "These products and companies have been selected by OLA members to be considered for an award. This alone is high praise for each of these products," adds Bob Dziuban, OLA executive director. Ultimately, OLA members determine the award winners. Later this month, every OLA lab member will be sent a ballot, and each company will have one vote to cast for their choice. Final winners will be announced at the President's Banquet on November 17 at The OLA 2007 in Indianapolis, Ind. |
Company Supports Komen Foundation
BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP and its licensee, ClearVision Optical, have joined forces to create a limited edition BCBGMAXAZRIA sunglass named Hope. Hope has a suggested retail price of $120, 25 percent of which will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the leader of the global breast cancer movement, with a guaranteed minimum donation of $25,000.
The joint initiative builds upon the success of the pink Ceres sunglass, whose sales raised $35,000 for the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund this past spring.
"We are happy to partner with BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP to create the limited edition Hope sunglass to help raise funds and awareness for Susan G. Komen for the Cure," says Peter Friedfeld, executive vice president of ClearVision Optical. "Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the leading organization in the fight against breast cancer and we hope we can support its vision through this combined effort."
To order the sunwear, call 800-645-3733.
| STAT BOX |
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| The Contact Lens Council has conducted and released a new survey revealing a communications gap between consumers and their eyecare professionals. 27% ECPs think comfort is the main reason for the purchase of contact lenses, while wearers cite comfort as the most important reason. 44% + Contact lens wearers always or occasionally re-use their contact lens solution, which can lead to bacteria growth and infection. 69% Consumers don't know that contact lenses are available to help dry eye symptoms. 23% Consumers are unaware that contact lenses are available for those with astigmatism. |
Irving Rips Mourned
Irving Rips, founder of Younger Optics, passed away on July 30. Irving attended Creighton University where he studied philosophy. He got started in the optical industry at a very early age by fusing glass bifocals in his uncle's factory.
In 1954, Rips had a better idea—a bifocal without the line. Months of hard work in his garage yielded the world's first seamless bifocal. This lens made people look "Younger." Thus, in 1955 Younger Optics was formed, and the lenses began production.
Rips continued to invent a series of new products that the eyewear industry had not seen before. Early aspherics, progressives, high index, UV lenses, and other unique plastic lens products all resulted from Rip's extraordinary creativity and determination.
In recognition of Rip's contributions to the optical industry he was awarded the OLA lifetime achievement award in 1992.
Over the years, as Younger grew into a large corporation, Rips continued to innovate and help the staff wherever he could. His life was filled with a quest for knowledge.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Grace (Bebe) Rips and three children, Ted, David, and Debby, as well as eight grandchildren.
Funeral services were held in Los Angeles in August.
On the town
Carl Zeiss Vision has announced that Professional Vision Associates of Towson, Md., has won the last of four tropical vacation packages in the 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 now available in 1.67 clear and 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.
Shamir has been recognized by San Diego's top business publication for its work in improving the health of patients in the area. The San Diego Business Journal held its inaugural "Health Care Champions" event in August recognizing individuals and organizations in the health care industry that are making an impact on the quality of health. Shamir was nominated in the health care innovation and research category.
Optos received the Queen's Award for Enterprise under the category of International Trade. The award was presented by Queen Elizabeth to Optos' chief executive officer, Thomas W. Butts, at Buckingham Palace.
Images clockwise from top: Robert Marc, center, celebrates the opening of Optical Shop of Aspen in the Hamptons; Optos' Thomas Butts receives an award from Queen Elizabeth; l. to r.: Doug Hepper of Vision-Ease Lens, Wally Hanson of Minnesota Safety Committee, and George Anderson, EHS Engineer; Larry and Christina Sands at the newest OSA; Banana Republic shows off its trends for fall/winter, including its line of eyewear with Sàfilo; Dr. Frank Setran with (l. to r.) Judy Johnson of Carl Zeiss Vision, Deborah Ervin of B&W Optical, and Patricia Creamer of Transitions Optical
Larry Sands, CEO of Optical Shop of Aspen, hosted an opening party for his East Hampton location. Set on Newtown Lane in the center of town, the shop features high-end luxury eyewear including Chrome Hearts, Blinde, Oliver Peoples, and Chanel. Attendees included Christina Sands, Mitch Alfus of Libra Leather and his family, Cos Lykos of Oakley, Robert Marc, OSA attorney Ron Caswell with Deborah Carabet, and many more.
Vision-Ease Lens, a leading ophthalmic lens manufacturer, was recently honored with a Minnesota Governor's Safety Award. The award was received during a luncheon at the Minnesota Safety & Health Conference.
This is the second time Vision-Ease Lens has received the Meritorious Achievement level—one of three recognizable levels—of the Governor's Safety Award. The Minnesota Safety Council also recognized Vision-Ease Lens with the award in 2006. To be honored with a Governor's Safety Award, participants submit injury information which is compared with national and state data, as well as the entrant's past performance.
Banana Republic has become a member of the Accessories Council, the leading trade association representing the accessory industry. The Banana Republic Accessories collection currently includes handbags, small leather goods, shoes, jewelry, soft goods, personal care, and beginning in November 2007, Banana Republic will be introducing an eyewear collection comprised of sun and ophthalmic styles made by Sàfilo.
Web world
Costa Del Mar has launched Channel C, an online video network dedicated to water sports and angling adventures. The website features original series including shows from offshore anglers, conservation videos, and footage from Costa's pro team. Users will also be able to submit their own videos. The "Costa Crazies" section features footage from some of users' wildest outdoor adventures. Visit www.costachannelc. com to check it out.
The Contact Lens Council (CLC) has launched its new website in order to help educate consumers about the latest offerings in lenses. The website also includes information on lens care, and helps consumers decide CLs are right for them. Visit www.mycontactlenses.org.
Experience the relaunch of VeraCruzTM · BOOTH 20053 · Vision Expo West call about FREE SHIPPING* with your order · Mention code – Eyecare Biz aaopticalco.com · 800.492.4465
| Ophthonix Founder Exits |
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| Andreas Dreher, PhD, founder chief technology office of Ophthonix, has left the company to lead another early stage company in a non-competitive ophthalmic arena. He will continue to assist Ophthonix in strategic and technological development as a consultant to the company. Dreher founded Ophthonix in December 2000 with technology that was originally created during the U.S. government's Strategic Defense Initiative program. "Now that Ophthonix has transitioned from a research and development company to a marketing and sales-orientated enterprise, I believe my vision for this company has been realized and I'm ready for the next challenge," Dreher said. "I am extremely grateful to Andreas for bringing his vision to life with Ophthonix by creating iZon eyeglass lenses that enable people to see like never before," added Steve Osbaldeston, chief executive of Ophthonix. Company representatives say a replacement to fill the position vacated by Dreher will be sought. |
| Test Your Mettle! |
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| Take a crack at these questions for ODs from a previous Varilux Optometry Super Bowl and for opticians from a National Federation of Opticianry Schools College Bowl. OPTOMETRY Q. What is the Dk/t value needed to maintain normal corneal metabolism? OPTICIANRY Q. What will be the effect of decreasing the vertex distance of a frame upon the apparent height of a multifocal segment line? |
5 Questions For…
John Carrier, recently the president of Essilor Laboratories of America, became president of Essilor of America in January. He shared views of his newest role and the optical industry with us.
EB: What's different for you in your recent role change?
JC: I have to spend more time preparing for longer-term growth. To do so, I spend more time listening to customers to determine how we can be more relevant to their success. I also make sure that departments within Essilor are aligned with our vision.
EB: What are Essilor's key initiatives for the next five years?
JC: Essilor's focus is on growth. The drivers of our growth plans are: innovative products and technology, a renewed focus on eyecare professionals, accompanying large customers in their strategies, and continuing to look for attractive acquisitions.
| The Personal Touch |
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| 1. What is the most recent movie you've seen and enjoyed? "Fracture" 2. What's your number-one goal when on vacation? Spending time with my three sons and my wife 3. What items are on your desk right now? Very few: two or three pictures, a phone, a computer, and a notebook 4. What's one luxury you can't do without? Dark chocolate 5. If you weren't in the optical industry, how would you be employed? As a ski instructor |
EB: How can ECPs effectively address the number of new lens products in the market?
JC: ECPs who sit back and don't take responsibility for educating themselves on new technologies risk providing their patients with inferior solutions.
It's up to us to package these technologies in a way that provides simple and effective solutions for consumers. Essilor is increasing its focus on needs-based solutions and professional training.
EB: How can ECPs best address the rising cost of premium lens products with consumers?
JC: Our research points to the fact that most consumers care about their vision and when presented with solutions that offer real benefits to them, are often willing to pay for improved technology. We fail to present consumers the best option, and instead make value judgments on their behalf.
With all this said, it's important to have a value solution available for consumers who are presented the best solution, but yet are willing to trade off the best vision for the sake of cost.
EB: How will direct surfacing change optical?
JC: Direct surfacing, digital surfacing as we call it, is a promising evolution of surfacing. However, if it's not managed properly, direct surfacing can create issues and even dissatisfaction on the market.
The most important thing remains optical design, including an understanding of the physiology of sight. The quality controls surrounding digital surfacing are critical to ensure that the lens produced matches exactly the intended optical design. Putting it all together requires research and development. We have experience in the technology and we're ready to deploy it in our labs and our customer's labs.
Sports Center
EB has rounded up the latest frame news from the wonderful world of sports.
- For every piece of Oakley LIVESTRONG eyewear purchased, the company will donate $20 to the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Lance Armstrong personally wears style Radar when he's on the bike.
- Taught by his dad, Sergio Garcia began playing golf at the age of three. Today he is frequently put in the top 10 of world golf rankings. Garcia hits the links wearing Upshot from Bollé.
- Nicknamed "The Bus" for his ability to carry multiple defenders on his back during carries, Jerome Bettis retired after 13 NFL seasons. The Bus wears Nike with Flexon style 4065 from Marchon.
- Jamie O'Brien, a free surfer has joined Luxottica's Team Arnette as the company's newest athlete. O'Brien will be Arnette's marquee surf testimonial and will be featured in future P.O.P. material. Here, he sports Arnette Temper style AN4087.
- Panoptx has named Flip Pallot, an award-winning fly fisherman, as the brand ambassador for its marine and fishing categories. Pallot holds several fly-fishing world records and sports style Bora while he's on the water.
| Optometric Input Sought |
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| The Commission on Paraoptometric Certification (CPC) is seeking feedback from optometric practices on two topics: certified paraoptometric staff and testimonials about the impact certified paraoptometric staff has had on their optometric practices. The survey is intended to locate optometric offices that have 100 percent certified paraoptometric staff. The CPC plans to recognize optometrists who support the certification program by encouraging their staff to become trained and certified. Following verification, offices with 100 percent CPC-certified staff will be recognized by the CPC in its newsletter and will receive congratulatory certificates suitable for framing. The CPC also seeks testimonials from optometrists who have benefited from having certified paraoptometric staff in their practices. These testimonials will be used to increase awareness of the scope of optometric assisting. The CPC plans to use the testimonials in letters, advertisements, and informational brochures. Forms may be obtained by e-mailing salderson@aoa.org. |
Las Vegas Meetings Abound
For those who would like to multi-task on their trip out to Las Vegas in October, contact lens and sunwear meetings will be held as well.
The Sunglass Association of America will hold its annual meeting Oct. 7 and 8 at the Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas. The event includes a sunglass retail sales report, legal updates covering FDA and customs issues, technical issues, and membership matters.
Other topics slated include global market insights, public relations initiatives, and fashion trends.
For more information, call the Sunglass Association of America at 863-612-0085 or e-mail info@sunglassassociation.com.
In addition, contact lens ophthalmologists and other ECPs will meet at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas on Friday and Saturday, October 5 and 6, for the annual meeting of the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists (CLAO).
The meeting immediately follows the CLAO Education and Research Foundation (CLAO ERF) Scientific Symposium, which runs Oct. 4 to 5.
Program highlights include major international symposia with presentations from Japan and Brazil, as well as tech-driven symposia.
Further information and registration forms are available in the meetings section of the CLAO website at www.clao.org, or by calling 877-501-3937.
| STAR Gazers |
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