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Hot List: January 2011

by Alicia Isenberg

1 Talking 'Bout My Generation

A recent study conducted by The Neilsen Company revealed that members of a generation shop alike. Use these tips to help speak to consumers from four key generations.

GREATEST GENERATIONISTS (BORN BEFORE 1946): These frugal shoppers respond to freebies and senior discounts, as well as better store signage. Online, email and message boards provide easy avenues for targeted marketing.

BABY BOOMERS (BORN 1946–1964): Monthly cash-back savings programs that reward loyalty are a huge hit with these big spenders. Social media sites are great outlets to reach these savvy online shoppers.

GENERATION X (BORN 1965–1978): In store, entice these busy moms and dads with a free coffee and activities to keep the kids occupied. Online coupons and offers via social media sites produce fast results.

MILLENNIALS (BORN 1979–1997): Draw these in-and-out shoppers with contemporary music and creative displays. Get them tweeting and texting about sales and promotions by offering free WiFi.

2 Old is New Again

In its consumer trends forecast, Mintel anticipates more brands to market nostalgia in 2011, reminding consumers of simpler times in their lives. They expect to see companies returning to old formulations and package designs, and advertising campaigns with a retro feel. Twenty-somethings will respond to the iconic styles of the 1980s, while the 1960s and 1970s will appeal to those in their 30s and 40s.

3 SHOPPING for a Cause

According to the 2010 Cone Cause Evolution Study, college-aged millennials (18 to 24) prefer to spend with cause-supporting companies:

94%
Believe cause marketing is acceptable

85%
Want to buy a product that supports a cause.

73%
Willing to try a new cause-supporting brand.

4 Punching In

The year 2011 marks the age of retirement for baby boomers. But don't expect them to slow down any time soon. According to the 2010 Del Webb Baby Boomer Survey, boomers are continuing to work well into their retirement years, whether because of the current economic environment or to stay physically and mentally active.

ABO-NCLE's
New Protocols Following Embezzlement

The American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) have announced the establishment of new management and financial protocols following the embezzlement of $1.5 million from the organizations.

Both boards launched an investigation of their office administration and management in early 2010 and found suspected financial impropriety involving Mike Robey, ABO-NCLE executive director. Robey was terminated from his position in March. He pleaded guilty to four counts of embezzlement and is awaiting sentencing.

The investigation later found alleged financial impropriety involving ABO-NCLE chief financial officer Carletta Carter-Stewart, who was terminated in August. She was arrested on December 9 and charged with seven counts of embezzlement.

“Despite this incident, ABO and NCLE remain financially strong organizations capable of serving the certification needs of the optical community,” says ABO-NCLE executive director Jim Gandorf. “We are implementing every measure possible to ensure that no further problems of this type will be repeated.”

ABO-NCLE reports upgrading its management procedures, implementing additional internal controls, adding a lockbox for receivables, and hiring a new accounting firm.

STAT BOX
2010 GROSS REVENUES According to a survey conducted by Eyecare Business and sister publication Optometric Management, more than half of the optometrists surveyed expected to end 2010 with a year-to-year increase in practice gross revenues.

Gerber Coburn - Essilor
Distribution License Agreement Expires

Gerber Coburn and Essilor International announced that their agreement for the distribution of Essilor Instruments finishing equipment, which expired Dec. 31, 2010, was not renewed. On Jan. 1, 2011, Essilor Instruments launched a new U.S.-based operation to serve the U.S. market directly.

“We would like to thank Gerber Coburn for all the work they have done for us over the last 14 years with our edging systems,” says Jean Lasserre, president of Essilor Instruments. “We believe, however, that now is the right time to make a change in our distribution model to best meet our strategic and financial goals for the U.S. market.”

Gerber Coburn will continue to provide service, parts, and consumables for the installed base of Essilor Instruments finishing equipment sold under the agreement.

Sold!

Gerber Scientific, Inc., has entered into an agreement for the sale of Gerber Coburn to Gerber Technologies, Inc., which is comprised of former and current Gerber Scientific and Gerber Coburn executive team members. Edward Jepsen, former Gerber Scientific board member, along with Alex Incera, Gerber Coburn's president, and Wayne Labrecque, vice president of sales, will control Gerber Technologies. Jepsen will serve as Gerber Technologies' chief executive officer, while Incera and Labrecque will have ownership interest and remain in their current positions with the company. The transaction was expected to close by December 31, 2010, and Gerber Coburn representatives are expected to make additional business growth and expansion announcements.

EB's Eyewear Design Contest

In honor of its 25th anniversary, Eyecare Business invites eyecare professionals and suppliers to participate in its “Eyes on 25” contest. The anniversary-inspired eyewear design competition invites optical industry members to use solder or glue, edge or etch, attach metal, gems, beads, or wood. We want to see your creation.

Entrants can use existing products or start from scratch, but all submissions must be original, one-of-a-kind works with a 25th anniversary twist.

Winners will be announced in three categories: Frames/Sunwear, Lenses, and Accessories. First place winners in each category will receive $500 in American Express gift checks, or, for suppliers, an advertising credit. In addition, winning and runner-up entries will be on display at International Vision Expo West in September and featured in the special anniversary issue of EB that same month.

Entries are due to EB by July 1, 2011. For more details and a downloadable entry form, visit the EB website: EyecareBusiness.com.

Wolters Kluwer Pharma named OGS Gold In-Kind National Sponsor

Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) has recognized Wolters Kluwer Pharma Solutions VisionCare Group as Gold In-Kind National Sponsor. Wolters Kluwer's VisionCare Group has been a supporter of the vision charity for many years, providing OGS with in-kind and advertorial space in Eyecare Business, Optometric Management, and Contact Lens Spectrum. “We are so grateful to enter into a formal arrangement with Wolters Kluwer Pharma Solutions VisionCare Group as a Gold In-Kind National sponsor. The company has supported us for so long and we are thankful for their efforts in helping us bring much needed vision care and glasses to people in developing countries,” says Vic Connors, OD, chief executive officer of Optometry Giving Sight, USA.

On the Town

The Brien Holden Vision Institute hosted a special dinner to honor major donors and sponsors of Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) and to celebrate the charity's achievements and impact on blindness prevention and low vision throughout the world.

ClearVision Optical treated more than 400 of its employees and their families and friends to an afternoon of fun at the Bronx Zoo. The event included free zoo admission and passes to all of the zoo's special exhibits. The event was one of many ClearVision hosts each year as appreciation of its employees for their dedication and hard work.

Focus Group West's Blake Kuwahara's Sausalito home is featured in the new coffee-table book “American Fashion Designers At Home,” written by New York-based writer, stylist, and photographer, Rima Suqi. Kuwahara's home is one of more than 100 residences featured in the book.

Blake Kuwahara's Sausilito home is featured in the new coffee-table book, “American Fasion Designers At Home.” Built in 1931, the home features a limestone fireplace and sits on top of a hill overlooking the San Francisco Bay with views of Mt. Tamalpais, Angel Island, and the Bay Bridge

Web Watch

The American Health Assistance Foundation (AHAF) has introduced Children's Corner for Macular Degeneration, a new educational website that uses age-appropriate stories, interactive games, and sharing activities to teach kids about the degenerative disease. The site will provide a general understanding of the disease and discuss how children can help friends or family members dealing with the illness.

AHAF's new website teaches children about macular degeneration

The Optical Women's Association (OWA) will host its first-ever professional development online workshop on Jan. 13, at noon EST

“Facebook: Yes It's Necessary, and What Your Entire Staff Needs to Know” will demonstrate how companies can use Facebook to strengthen their brand build costumer relationships, and seek prospective clients. There is no charge for OWA members; a $35 fee for nonmembers applies. Advance Registration is required. Visit opticalwomen.com to register.

Panasonic Healthcare to Manufacture PixelOptics' Electronic Lens Blanks

Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd., of Ehime, Japan, will manufacture electronic semi-finished lens blanks for PixelOptics' emPower! electronic eye-wear. The 1.67 index optical plastic material will feature a thin layer of liquid crystal beneath the front surface and will be able to be processed by a typical optical lab using conventional free-form fabrication equipment. The emPower! launch is planned for the first quarter of 2011, beginning in Virginia, North Carolina, and Washington, D.C.; then region by region across the U.S. Pixel plans to launch in Europe early in the second half of 2011 and in Asia in 2012.

Academy 2010
San Francisco Draws Record Crowd

Academy 2010 San Francisco, the 88th annual American Academy of Optometry (AAO) meeting, drew a record crowd of over 5,800 attendees, the organization's largest so far. The meeting, held in November, boasted 250 booths representing 150 companies displaying their latest products and technology.

AAO members also voted on the board of directors, including four new at-large members. A complete list can be found on AAO's website, aaopt.org.

1 Attendees wait to enter the exhibit hall; 2. A toast for all of the Glenn A. Fry awardees;

3. AAO's new president, Karla Zadnik, OD, PhD, FAAO; 4. Roanne Flom, daughter of Merton C. Flom, receives a plaque from Rick Weisbarth of CIBA VISION, long-time supporter of AAO's InSight Leadership program, which was renamed in honor of Merton C. Flom

Remembering Judith Framan

Signature Eyewear sales rep and long-time industry public relations executive Judith Framan died in November from complications of cancer.

A resident of Corrales, N.M., Framan founded the New Mexico chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners and served as its first president.

To honor her memory, Signature Eyewear has provided the gift of sight to a patient in need through the Clarkson Eyecare Foundation.

For more information, visit theclarksoneyecarefounda-tion.org. Donations may be also made to two of Framan's favorite charities: the American Cancer Society, 10501 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Suite 300, Albuquerque, NM, 87111; and Futures for Children, futuresforchildren.org.

Test Your Mettle!

Whether you're new to your profession or have been in practice for 20 years, remembering everything you've learned is one tough assignment. To help you clear any cobwebs, Test Your Mettle features one question each month for ODs from a previous Varilux Optometry Super Bowl and one for opticians from a National Federation of Opticianry Schools College Bowl.

Thanks to Essilor and NFOS for providing the questions and answers.

OPTOMETRY
Q. The release of which neurotransmitter at the neuromuscular junction induces accommodation and miosis?

OPTICIANRY
Q. Calculate horizontal and vertical decentration for the following: LENS: Progressive Addition Lens; FRAME: (Full Metal) A: 50 B: 34 DBL: 20 ED: 54; IPD: (Distance) OD: 32mm OS: 30mm; IPD: (Near) OD: 30mm OS: 27mm; FITTING HEIGHT: 23mm

For the answers, please go to the end

License Lineup

Charmant Group has renewed its global license agreement for sunglasses and optical eyewear with Puma, continuing the companies' four-year partnership.

Classique Eyewear announces the launch of the Lisa Loeb Eyewear collection, inspired by the Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter's signature cats-eye glasses. The collection features 13 frame styles in up to four color variations per style, from neutral tones to bursts of rich turquoise, lavender, lemon ice, and cherry red. Each frame is named after one of Loeb's songs and constructed in two- and three-color zyl laminates.

Signature Eyewear and HMX Group have signed a license agreement giving Signature exclusive worldwide rights to distribute Hickey Freeman and Bobby Jones optical and sunwear collections.

Signature Fashion Group (SFG), a new division of Signature focusing on footwear and fashion accessories for women, recently acquired Rough Justice brand footwear from Dobo Loerke and Lee Ashworth, industry experts who conceived the brand two years ago and who have joined SFG as senior vice presidents to drive sales and product design.

STAR Gazers

1.“Gossip Girl” star Blake Lively livens up her wardrobe with Tiffany style Hearts aviator sunglasses by Luxottica. Lively co-stars with Ryan Reynolds in the highly anticipated blockbuster “Green Lantern,” which hits theaters this summer.

2.Erik Estrada, star of the 1970's TV show “CHiPs,” has partnered with Transitions Optical, Inc., to help promote its “Get Sighted” program through a series of news media appearances. He is seen here enforcing his role as a healthy sight officer, issuing a “sightation” in New York City.

3.Utah Jazz small forward Gordon Hayword sports Nike Vintage 74 by Marchon shades. The 6'9" rookie played for Butler University before entering the 2010 NBA draft. One of the top recruits, Gordon was selected in the first round and was the ninth overall pick.

4. Matthew Morrison, better known as the talented music teacher, Mr. Schu, from FOX's “Glee,” is wearing Tommy model Bahama TB 166 by Altair Eyewear. “Glee” returns with all-new episodes beginning in February, following the Super Bowl.

Test Your Mettle ANSWERS
Thanks to Essilor and the NFOS for providing this month's questions and answers. Optometry Answer: OD: 3mm IN 6mm UP; OS: 5mm IN 6mm UP Opticianry Answer: Acetylcholine