news
Hot List: October 2009
1 Saving Kids' Sight
23 million children have vision problems.
95 percent of vision issues can be corrected if detected and treated early
Seven to 12 percent of children have eye problems that may lead to permanent loss of vision if not detected and treated in time.
2.4 million (or 10.5 percent of) children between the ages of zero and four are affected
86 percent don't have eyes examined before first grade.
Only 14 percent have their eyes examined before age 18.
— Source: PediaVision
2 Value Hunters
According to a new study by Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates, there's a new breed of shopper called the "value hunter." About these shoppers:
■ 72 percent of value hunters look for the best value, no matter what the brand
■ 51 percent of them look for incentives such as free shipping or reward points
■ 68 percent of these shoppers consider online coupons and special promotions to be values
| 3 SWEET SPOT |
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| A potential profit center for retailers was uncovered in the Miller Zell study "Gone in 2.3 Seconds: Capturing Shoppers with Effective In-Store Triggers:" ■ 91 percent of all shoppers make unplanned purchases every time they go in a store. ■ 51 percent of shoppers make their unplanned purchases in the main shopping area (usually at the center of the store). |
| 4 SHOPPER STATS |
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| Many consumers are putting time saving before money saving lately, according to new research from marketing firms The Integer Group and M/A/R/C. The groups' "The Checkout" report found that: ■ 28 percent of June 2009 shoppers describe themselves as "preferring to spend more if it saves them time." This was up from 23 percent in May. ■ 28 percent of customers responded that "saving money by shopping around" was their top preference (down from 33 percent in May). ■ 26 percent preferred to buy on credit instead of waiting to purchase later, up from 23 percent in May. |
OLA Attendees Get Credit
The Optical Laboratories Association has introduced a cash subsidy program for the OLA 2009 Annual Meeting. Those registered for the meeting who stay at the Gaylord National hotel for three nights (Thursday through Saturday) will receive a $150 credit on their hotel bills.
"Exhibitors at The OLA 2009 are supporting and participating in this program by distributing hotel credit vouchers to their customers," notes Carmen Sevilla, OLA convention manager.
The organization is also offering free meeting space on Thursday to any registered group or company staying on Wednesday night.
The OLA 2009 Annual Meeting and Exhibits will be held Dec. 4 to 5 at the Gaylord National Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
| Safilo in the News |
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| At press time, Safilo had just announced that "the Company, as requested by Consob and Borsa Italiana, clarifies that it has currently not received any binding offer from any party." According to a report by Reuters, a filing was posted on stock market regulator Consob's website stating that Diego Della Valle & C. Sapa bought a 2.059 percent stake in Safilo SpA on Sept. 15. Della Valle also owns 40 percent of Marcolin, according to Reuters. In addition, Hal Investments, a Netherlands-based firm that holds just over two percent of Safilo, was considering making an offer for the group, according to La Repubblica, which quoted sources close to the matter. In July, Safilo was reported to be seeking new investors in an effort to "strengthen its balance sheet," a Reuters report stated. Reuters also reported speculation that Marcolin or Luxottica might form an alliance with Safilo, but Luxottica's CEO denied any interest in such a partnership. |
Essilor Vision Foundation Names New CEO
Essilor Vision Foundation recently named philanthropy and financial veteran Ed Fjordbak to the newly formed position of president and CEO. He began his appointment in mid-September. Fjordbak brings almost four decades of experience and leadership working with charitable organizations and the private banking/wealth management industry. In his new position, he will oversee the Foundation's operations, fundraising efforts, and strategic planning.
"We feel extremely fortunate to bring Ed on board to lead the Essilor Vision Foundation in these critical years of growth," said Jacques Stoerr, chairman of the Foundation's board of directors. "There are so many children that need our help. His experience, insight, and reputation in both the philanthropic and business arenas will be invaluable as we move forward."
Fjordbak most recently served as senior vice president of corporate banking in the nonprofit group for Texas Capital Bank-Dallas from 2005 to 2008.
| Industry Vet Calvin Howell Passes |
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| Optical industry executive Calvin L. Howell, 49 years old, died of a heart attack on August 31. He held executive and sales positions at several lens companies over the years, including Younger, Orcolite, Polycore, Polylens, and Visionetics. He played electric bass and was well-known as a featured musician at EyeRock. He is survived by his wife Diana, three sons, and a daughter. Visitation was held at Newcomer Funeral Home and a memorial service was held at Love Covenant Word Center, both in Orlando. At press time, messages could be left for family members at www.NewcomerOrlando.com. |
HONG KONG Optical Fair to Debut Brand Name Gallery
Celebrating its 17th edition, HKTDC Hong Kong Optical Fair 2009 will be held from Nov. 4 to 6 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).
A total of 523 exhibitors from 24 countries and regions, representing the optical design, manufacturing, retail, and related services sectors, took part in the show last year.
This year's fair marks the debut of the Brand Name Gallery, where stylish eyewear is showcased in a sophisticated setting. This gallery is dedicated to featuring international brand-name collections, and is expected to raise strong interest among fashion-conscious consumers.
This year, Brand Name Gallery will feature brands such as Ted Lapidus, Le Tanneur, Yanagi Gawa Ichiro, and Deary.
Returning to this year's show is the Retail and Shop Design, Equipment, and Technology section, which covers point-of-sale equipment and technology, furniture and fixtures, lighting technology, and packaging services. Another fair favorite, the Visionaries of Style— Enjoy Your Vision in Life pavilion, features elite international eyewear brands with distinctive styles.
Other exhibits at the fair range from safety and sports eyewear to sunglasses, lenses, frames, contact lenses, parts and accessories, spectacle cases and holders, packaging materials, and state-of-the-art optometric instruments and equipment.
The 11th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition will also be held in conjunction with the fair.
| PixelOptics Realigns Sales Force |
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| PixelOptics has realigned its sales organization to better support distributor partner labs and new products. Carmen Renschler is director, western region sales, and John Ditski is director, eastern region sales. Both report to Bill Spies, COO. Tammy Blackwell is territory account manager for the Southeast, including Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, reporting to Ditski. "The repositioning of our sales team is a very positive step for PixelOptics and our customers, as it allows us to remain close to the customer and function in a more efficient manner," Spies said. "We'll be a faster-moving operation that can respond more quickly to industry trends and customer needs." At press time, PixelOptics planned on hiring a new territory manager for the Midwest, reporting to Renschler, and a territory manager for the Northeast, reporting to Ditski. |
ABO-NCLE Education Conference Wraps
The American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) held its second annual National Education Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Sept. 10 to 13. The conference featured over 100 hours of approved continuing education from over 45 speakers.
In addition, The Optical Women's Association (OWA) sponsored a course: "Satisfaction Power: Making the Most of Your Worklife."
Opticianry organizations that held meetings include: The National Opticians Association (NAO) 2009 membership meeting and awards ceremony; National Federation of Opticianry Schools (NFOS) semi-annual meeting; Contact Lens Society of America board of directors meeting; and Opticians Association of America (OAA) 2009 National Opticians Convention and board of directors meeting.
New NAO executive committee members are: Danne Ventura, president; Gaye Wilson, vice president; Tom Zizka, treasurer; and Ed Wnuczek, Jr., immediate past president. New directors include John Parrelli, Stephan Sanford, and Madeline Kruhsberg.
New OAA directors and officers are: Diane Charles, president; Shirley Earley, first vice president; Mike Szczerbiak, second vice president; Russell Fritz, Jr., secretary/treasurer; Thomas Barracato, firm seat one; Thomas Blair, firm seat two; Sandy Brown, individual membership; Bob Reynolds, licensed states representative; and Roxanne Slancik, non-licensed states representative.
1. Jeff Hopkins encouraged attendees to "Take Vision Personally" at the Carl Zeiss Vision sponsored CE event; 2. Drake McLean (l.) and Eyecare Business' Karlen McLean discuss how to "Premake, Not Remake" at a talk show-style general session; 3. Diane Charles was inducted as the OAA's new president; 4. (l. to r.): Carole LoVerso, Ellen Gelsen, Jelena Cakic, Abdallah Yeslam, and Kate Jacobs were Transitions Students of Vision scholarship recipients; 5. At the OWA's POWW workshop (l. to r.), Vicky Sheppard, Dianna Finisecy, Keith Harrison, Joseph S. Thoma, John Deering, Donna Horrigan (CSI), and Beverly Crowell (keynote)
LIGHTHOUSE Appoints New President, CEO
Mark G. Ackermann was recently named the new president and CEO of Lighthouse International. Ackermann, who has considerable expertise in healthcare management, started his new role at Lighthouse on Sept. 14, 2009.
According to Roger O. Goldman, chairman of the board of directors of Lighthouse International, "Mark Ackermann is highly qualified to lead Lighthouse International in our second century of service to people who are blind, visually impaired, or at risk of vision loss. Mark was chosen after a careful, nationwide search, and we are confident that he will bring the energy and expertise we need to help us prevent vision loss among the 61 million Americans who are at risk and the millions more worldwide."
Ackermann served in various senior management positions at St. Vincent's Hospital and Medical Center beginning in 1983, and held the position of chief administrative officer of the hospital's successor corporation, St. Vincent's Catholic Medical Centers of New York (SVCMC) until June 2007.
| Test Your Mettle! |
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| OPTOMETRY Q. What is the equivalent power of a 6X telescope fitted with a +3.00 D reading cap? OPTICIANRY Q. The 20/20 line at 20 feet is how tall in millimeters? For answers, please see at the end |
| Bausch & Lomb Consolidates Manufacturing |
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| Bausch & Lomb will consolidate contact lens manufacturing by migrating most of its global contact lens production to existing sites in Waterford, Ireland, and Rochester, N.Y. The company plans a phased withdrawal from its production facility in Livingston, Scotland during 2010 and early 2011. "Considering our growth plans in the coming years, we believe it's better to focus our resources and attention on just two primary contact lens plants, freeing cash for reinvestment into the business," said Gerald M. Ostrov, Bausch & Lomb's chairman and CEO. "The long-term cost savings are hundreds of millions of dollars. At the same time, this will better position us to more rapidly grow production volumes as we increase professional and consumer contact lens demand worldwide." Collective moves of highly automated lines are expected to create approximately 30 new positions in Rochester during 2010, but no employment increase in Waterford. The company proposal affects approximately 500 employees in Livingston on a staggered basis through the next 14 to 16 months. The company will enter into a 90-day consultation period with employees from that site and engage the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise in those discussions. |
WebWorld
Polycore Optical USA has introduced its newly developed website, www.polycore-usa.com, to better serve the needs of its customers in North and South America. The site features a customer login section where established accounts can view various technical documents, literature, and other reference files.
Future improvements are expected to include the ability to place lens orders, print invoices and statements, track orders and shipments, and many other business transactions. Polycore also intends to continually improve the site to be a resource for ECPs throughout the industry.
Optical Laboratories Association has launched a newly designed website, www.ola-labs.org. The site features a new look, improved navigation, and a new search engine that lets users scan the entire website in seconds for direct access to product information and resources. The "Best Practices Tool Box" is a new feature that contains access to MSDS Online, HIPAA Manuals, and the Spectral Transmittance Manual. New products and services will be added to the Tool Box as they are developed.
In addition, the OLA ONLINE link now includes more tools, such as meeting registrations, shared lab data, surveys, and more.
On the Town
On Sept. 10, ILORI partnered with VOGUE's Fashion Night Out (photo 1) to encourage stylish New Yorkers to come out and shop for charity. The boutique partnered with Becca Cosmetics, who provided complimentary makeovers throughout the evening.
Also celebrating Fashion Night Out were Modo (photo 2), who declared the event a great success, and Alain Mikli, whose event featured Marie Eiffel's exclusive clothing lines from Paris.
The Optical Women's Association (OWA) sponsored "Satisfaction Power: Making the Most of Your Worklife" at the ABO-NCLE education conference in September. Shown (photo 3) are NCLE chairman Tom Barricato, OWA's Gale Meyer, OWA president Grady Culbreth, and ABO chairman Curt Duff.
Wiley X Eyewear sponsored Team Semper Fi for the 2009 Primal Quest Badlands Expedition Adventure Race, formerly known as the Eco-Challenge, which took place Aug. 14 to 23 in South Dakota (photo 4). Wiley X Eyewear donated a substantial contribution toward the team's entry fees and provided the team with a supply of eyewear.
STAR Gazers
1. Hilary Duff was spied on the streets of Manhattan in Christian Roth style CR14210 BR by Charmant. The former "Lizzie McGuire" star has more recently been on dramas such as "Ghost Whisperer" and "Law and Order: SVU."
2. Tom Cruise was recently seen out and about with his wife Katie and daughter Suri, looking casually stylish in Ray-Ban Tech sunglasses by Luxottica.
3. Sarah Jessica Parker was spotted in New York City filming for the "Sex and the City" movie sequel. She wore orange Heated shades by Jee Vice around the movie set.
4. Jamie Foxx looks very cool in Carerra Champion sunglasses by Safilo in his new music video for "Digital Girl." Foxx wears the shades throughout his performance in the video.
| Test Your Mettle ANSWERS |
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| Thanks to Essilor and the NFOS for providing this month's questions and answers. Optometry Answer: +18.00 D Opticianry Answer: 8.87 mm |
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