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Hot List: February 2009
1 CROSS TRAINERS
The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) reports that soccer is the third most popular team sport in the U.S., with more than 15 million participants.
In addition to soccer, these sports enthusiasts are active in other sports as well.
TOPS ON THE LIST:
■ Basketball
■ Bowling
■ Running/jogging
2 Team Players
The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) says that niche (less traditional) team sports such as lacrosse are on the rise:
Other niche team sports growing in popularity include ultimate Frisbee, rugby, field hockey, and volleyball.
| 3 Cubicles: The New Ad Market |
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| According to a survey conducted by BIGresearch, the office has become a prime target for marketers: ■ 95 percent of U.S. companies who have given advertisers access to their employees report that the employees regularly or occasionally talk about the advertiser offerings they receive during the workday. ■ 95.6 percent of at-work consumers regularly or occasionally give advice to coworkers about products and services ■ 92.9 percent ask coworkers for their advice before making a purchase |
4 Info SHOPPING
The Wall Street Journal recently reported about the phenomenon of "the new info shoppers," consumers who research products and services online before making a purchase.
A U.S. shopper survey conducted last October by Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates revealed:
■ 78 percent claim that ads don't have enough needed information
■ 92 percent have more confidence in the information they track down online than in information from sources such as sales clerks
■ 70 percent of shoppers reportedly seek out product reviews and consumer ratings before making a purchase decision
| ESSILOR TO ACQUIRE SIGNET ARMORLITE |
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| Essilor International's U.S. subsidiary, EOA Holding, Inc., has signed a share purchase agreement offering to acquire the entire capital of Signet Armorlite. The agreement is subject to certain standard conditions precedent, including approval by competition authorities in Signet Armorlite's main host countries. The acquisition is expected to be completed in the first half of the year. Signet Armorlite has approximately 900 employees, one manufacturing plant in Mexico, four Rx labs in the U.S. and Europe, and three distribution centers in Canada, Portugal, and the Netherlands. Led by its current management team, Signet Armorlite will continue to produce, market, and distribute ophthalmic lenses under the Kodak brand, according to company representatives. |
Carl Zeiss Vision
CEO Steps Down
Carl Zeiss Vision International announced that CEO Norbert Gorny has decided to leave the company for personal reasons. Effective January 13, Arne Frank, chairman of the company's advisory board, became interim CEO. He will lead the company in conjunction with executive board members Klaus Leinmüller and Raymund Heinen until a new long-term CEO is appointed.
Gorny became CEO of the company in October 2006. He focused on the development of the global operations and sales network of Carl Zeiss Vision, and was also responsible for the integration of Sola International, which Carl Zeiss Vision acquired in 2004.
"Dr. Gorny has built a very strong senior management team in which we believe a lot," said Frank. "He has also led the company through an important transition and formulated very clear strategies that will basically not change."
Frank is a senior industrial advisor of the private equity company EQT, one of the largest private equity companies in Europe. Until December 31, 2008, Frank was chairman and CEO of TAC, a former EQT company, and a member of the Schneider Electric Executive Committee. He is also chairman of the advisory board of Contex, a previous EQT portfolio company.
Gearing Up for Vision Expo East
International Vision Expo East kicks off on Friday, March 27, at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City, with continuing education starting on Thursday, March 26. The show runs through Sunday, March 29.
A new exhibit hall layout with a New York City streets theme will be unveiled this year, with six main aisles running uninterrupted right to left on the show floor, as well as two main aisles from the main front entrances through the back of the show floor. The Lenses & Processing Technology has moved next to the Medical & Scientific Pavilion.
In addition, the Galleria has a new look and feel, branded with sleek white hard walls and hot pink carpeting displaying the Galleria's new logo and graphics.
In addition to the Frame Buyer Certificate program (see Editor's Letter), this year's conference program includes:
■ Visionomics, presented by the Business Institute in response to the current economic storm, with nine hours, including two keynote speakers.
■ Lunch with the Experts, roundtable sessions on a variety of topics. March 28 from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Registration is required.
■ Management Academy: Achieving 20/20 Productivity—How Behavior Affects Performance
■ Allied Health Personnel Education, International Vision Expo's exclusive track for Allied Health Personnel, including eight hours of education on Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29. The track has been submitted to JCAHPO for accreditation for continuing education.
For more information or to register for Vision Expo East or continuing education, visit www.visionexpoeast.com.
During the weekend of Vision Expo East, the SUNY College of Optometry will honor Joseph Santinelli, chairman of Santinelli International, Inc., and Richard Feinbloom, president of Designs for Vision, Inc., at its "Eyes on New York" gala, to be held Friday, March 27, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. To learn more, email awarwick@sunyopt.edu.
| Test Your Mettle! |
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| OPTOMETRY Q. Name the five corneal layers from posterior to anterior. OPTICIANRY Q. In a standard visual acuity test where the subject is 20 feet from the chart, what is the visual acuity when the smallest letters read subtend a visual angle of five minutes 40 feet? |
Mido 2009 Preview
Mido is set for March 6 through 9, during the "world's fashion accessory week." The annual show will be held at Milan's Rho Pero pavilions alongside international exhibitions of footwear, leather goods, and fur. The show schedule is 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on March 6, 7, and 8, and 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on March 9.
This year Mido will feature:
■ The new Mido Design Lab space, which results from a study of "design vs. fashion." The Lab hosts the Mido Trend area, which presents innovative designs and creations from around the world.
■ Mido Tech, the world's largest exhibition area totally devoted to technologies, machinery, and raw materials. More than 150 exhibitors will present the latest in eyewear equipment, small parts, components, and finishes.
■ Mido Education will provide training courses for opticians and optometrists, including refresher courses in optics, optometry, contactology, and a preview of the most recent medical and scientific research, and the latest in marketing and fashion. To learn more, go to www.midoeducation.com.
For general information about Mido or to register for the show, visit www.mido.it.
| LICENSE LINEUP |
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| L'Amy America announced the extension of its existing worldwide licensing agreement with Columbia Sportswear Company, a global leader in the active outdoor apparel and footwear industries. The multi-year extension builds on the companies’ six-year licensing relationship. Marcolin and the Richemont Group renewed their licensing agreement for the design, production, and worldwide distribution of Montblanc prescription frames and sunglasses. The relationship was extended through Dec. 31, 2011 with the current terms and conditions. Viva International Group announced a licensing agreement with the Iconix Brand Group, Inc., to distribute eyewear for Iconix Brand Group's RAMPAGE brand. The announcement followed the signing of multi-year license agreement with Iconix to produce and distribute RAMPAGE Eyewear globally. |
Patent for PixelOptics’ at Last!
PixelOptics has announced the issuance of U.S. Patent 7,475,985, which provides patent protection for the company's recently launched atLast! Enhanced Multifocal Lens, as well as its electro-active multifocal lens currently in development.
To date, PixelOptics has built an IP portfolio totaling more than 250 issued patents and patent applications that are pending worldwide.
ESSILOR Meeting Focuses on Growth
Essilor of America's annual national sales meeting was held this year at the J.W. Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa in Palm Desert, Calif., from January 6 through 9.
According to Carl Bracy, vice president of marketing, Essilor is "optimistic about the future of the industry," with the company focusing on achieving goals and growth in 2009.
Essilor recently introduced new and improved Crizal Avancé with Scotchgard Protector, the first in a strong product ramp-up this year. Other product launches previewed at the meeting included: Xperio, which combines Essilor, Specialty Lens Corporation, and KBCo's best polarized lens products under one brand name; Definity and Definity Short with Dual-Add 2.0; and, new and improved Varilux Physio and Physio 360° Short in Q2 and Q3.
Brian Hauser, director, lens manufacturer sales, Transitions Optical, briefed the crowd on a mutual Essilor-Transitions initiative, "Live Performance sunwear," which will combine Transitions photochromic and Essilor polarized products, to begin later in 2009.
Essilor will focus on new branding and tools promoting "natural vision." The company also announced a year-long series of events centered on Varilux, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
| 1. Essilor's Pete Hanlin and keynote speaker Robert Van Arlen entertain general session attendees; 2. The Essilor logo is carved in ice at the buffet table; 3. Essilor executives toasted success in 2009; 4. Essilor's Carl Bracy, Colin St. Clair, John Carrier, and Bob Colucci meet the press; 5. Walman Optical is recognized as an outstanding lab for 2008. Other top labs are Davis Vision, Central Optical, and Balester Optical; 6. Balester Optical is named Essilor's IDD Lab of the Year; 7. Hats are THE fashion accessory for the gala held at the Empire Polo Club; 8. Xavier Fontanet, Essilor International chairman and CEO, visits with EOA President John Carrier |
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WebWorld
CooperVision has revamped its corporate website, CooperVision.com, with new technology and content to enhance the site's user experience. The site features an attractive design, intuitive navigation, and other helpful features.
A new search function allows practitioners and patients to find information more quickly, while a redesigned architecture allows for efficient navigation of information, including eyecare conditions, fitting tips and tools, and product background.
Several enhancements have also been made to MyCooperVision, the company's online customer service center available exclusively to practitioners. Accessed through the company's corporate practitioner site, MyCooperVision features new modules for ECPs to customize their online experience.
Eastern States Eyewear has redesigned its company website, www.eseyewear.com. The site's appearance has been changed to better represent the company's personality and brand portfolio, and features details of its Cazal, Police, Jaguar, Diva, Thierry Mugler, and Exces collections.
The company's entire catalog is now online, with enlargeable frame images and details for each frame. New releases are easily accessible through each line's homepage.
A new optical blog website, www.theopticalvisionsite.com, has been launched by Shirley Platzer-Stocks and Cathy Ives. Their goal is to provide the best independent resource for all things optical.
"The Optical Vision Site provides a readily available one stop source of training, information, business resources, and a forum for the independent eyecare provider at no cost," says Platzer-Stocks.
| Valenti Joins Bausch & Lomb as President |
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| Bausch & Lomb announced that Peter Valenti, III, joined the company as president, North America, Vision Care, effective in January. "Pete possesses deep leadership experience, as well as considerable eye health and general healthcare expertise," said Stuart Heap, corporate vice president and global president, Vision Care, Bausch & Lomb. "His appointment further strengthens our existing team, which is focused on delivering innovation in the contact lens, lens care, and vision accessories segments of the industry." Valenti was most recently vice president and general manager, Surgical Devices (U.S.), for Covidien, where he led sales and marketing strategy for its business portfolio. Prior to that, he spent 12 years with Johnson & Johnson, where he served in a variety of United States and international roles across consumer, pharmaceutical, and device businesses. Before his career with Johnson & Johnson, Valenti held several brand management roles with Procter & Gamble. Valenti, who will be based in Rochester, N.Y., earned an MBA from the Johnson School of Management at Cornell University. |
Vision Care for Kids
The "Vision Care for Kids Act of 2009" was introduced in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives with bipartisan support on January 20.
The bill (S. 259/H.R. 577), sponsored by Senators Christopher "Kit" Bond (R-Mo.) and Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.), as well as Congressmen Gene Green (D-Texas), Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.), John Sullivan (R-Okla.), Elliot Engel (D-N.Y.), and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.), has the goal of providing follow-up care to children who've been identified with potential vision problems through a comprehensive eye exam or vision screening.
"Good vision is critical to our children's ability to learn," said Sen. Bond. "All children must have the tools they need to succeed and that begins with good vision, which ensures they can see a bright future."
| New Year, New Initiative for VSP |
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| VSP Vision Care recently announced the launch of its Diabetic Eyecare Program, which provides specialized eyecare services for members with Type 1 diabetes. The program will expand Type 1 diabetic members’ coverage for routine vision care, offering additional services related to prevention, early detection, and management of related eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy. Members with Type 1 diabetes who participate in VSP's Signature Plan were able to use the Diabetic Eyecare Program starting January 1, 2009. "The Diabetic Eyecare Program is a great complement to our Eye Health Management program, and helps support our commitment to the overall health and well-being of our members," said VSP Vision Care president, Gary Brooks. VSP also made an impact last year with its VSP Mobile Eyes® program, which traveled the nation providing over $1.8 million in charitable eyecare services and education outreach. The mobile clinics traveled to 62 locations and provided services to more than 6,500 low-income, uninsured, and underinsured individuals and families. Over 75 VSP eye doctors volunteered their time and 57 VSP employees trained and volunteered up to two weeks of their time to work on VSP's Mobile Response Team (MRT). |
Bevel Specs Rebrands
BevelSpecs recently finalized a new logo following several months of work on a rebranding initiative.
The logo includes a V-line that "reflects the essential Bevel aesthetic—clean, modern, well balanced, with a powerful statement of our renewal and confidence in the brand," says Bevel creative director, Richard Mewha.
In addition, the company has dropped "Specs" from its name. "We decided to drop the ‘specs’ from the name to reinforce the idea of an evolution of Bevel as a ‘standalone’ brand," says Mewha. "We believe we no longer need to say we are a ‘specs company.’"
| STAR Gazers | |
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1. Actress Toni Collette, best known for her roles in the movies "The Sixth Sense" and "Little Miss Sunshine," can be seen wearing style Big Dan by ClearVision in the new Showtime television series, "The United States of Tara." 2. Albuquerque, N.M. native and former child actor Neil Patrick Harris is enjoying success as slick womanizer Barney Stinson on the sitcom, "How I Met Your Mother." He was recently seen in Joseph Abboud style JA160 by Altair. 3. Actress Susan Sarandon, who has four movies scheduled to come out in 2009, including "The Lovely Bones," based on the best-selling book by Alice Sebold, looked polished in Robert Marc style 717 at the Golden Globe Awards. 4. Melissa George recently did a short stint on TV drama "Grey's Anatomy" and was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Laura on "In Treatment." George showed off Balenciaga style 0031 by Safilo at the HBO Luxury Lounge during Golden Globes weekend. |
| Test Your Mettle ANSWERS |
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| Thanks to Essilor and the NFOS for providing this month's questions and answers. Optometry Answer: Endothelium, Descemets, Stroma, Bowmans, Epithelium Opticianry Answer: 20/40 |
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