fyi

Alicia Isenberg

BUSINESS UPDATES

U.S. Optical, Robertson Optical, Luzerne Optical, and Pech Optical have signed agreements to manufacture PixelOptics, Inc.'s emPower! lenses. These four labs, as well as two other Southeast-based labs expected to be announced soon, will support the first of many regional launches for emPower! meetings with other labs across the U.S. throughout the first half of 2011.

Mykita has selected Tokyo as home for its sixth shop. The new outlet is located off Omotesando in the basement of a narrow, modern two-story building and carries a complete range of Mykita sunglasses and prescription spectacles, as well as limited editions and collections.

Mykita opens a new shop in Tokyo

AWARDS

The American Academy of Ophthalmology honored Essilor of America and Marguerite McDonald, MD, FACS, with a scientific poster recognition for their poster describing the design of Varilux Physio Enhanced lenses.

GOOD DEEDS

Transitions Optical, Inc., helped support Transitions Heritage Lab Ambassadors Club member Three Rivers Optical in raising $10,000 for UPMC's Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and the third annual WDVE Rocks for Children's Radiothon. Transitions provided strategic business support and marketing materials to launch a promotion that encouraged patients to take their kids in for an eye exam. For every Transitions lens sold during October 2010, Three Rivers Optical donated $5 to the Children's Hospital.

Representatives from Three Rivers Optical, Transitions, and WDVE 102.5 FM present a check for $10,000 to Greg Barrett, president of the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation

PEOPLE
VSP Global has appointed Yasmin R. Seyal to the position of vice president, global treasurer. The company has also named Dave Plevyak vice president of business development to lead a new online optical initiative.	Yasmin R. Seyal of VSP Global
Gary Davis is the new Southeast regional director for Pixel Optics, Inc. In his new role, Davis will help develop the initial blueprint for the strategic design and tactical rollout of emPower! in the Southeast. Maui Jim Sunglasses has appointed John Sanchez vice president of technical product development and Linda Glassel vice president of marketing. Sanchez will help develop new products and introduce new technologies for the brand. Glassel will manage strategic marketing and visual direction and develop and execute new communication strategies.	John Sanchez and Linda Glassel of Maui Jim Sunglasses
Eye Designs has named Patricia Bobilin the managing director, Southern region, and Harry Stone managing director, Northern California and Pacific Northwest. The American Optometric Association (AOA) has promoted Renee Brauns to the newly created chief operating officer position. Brauns was previously director, industry relations center, a position Nancy Cope will now fill. Lori Lee recently assumed the role of director, meetings center. In her new position, Lee will oversee and progress the AOA's meeting and conventions.	Patricia Bobilin and Harry Stone of Eye Designs