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Hot List: March 2011

Alicia Isenberg

1 HEAVY Lifting

According to the National Association of Shoplifting Prevention (shopliftingprevention.org),

● More than $13 billion worth of goods are stolen from retailers each year
● Approximately 25 percent of shoplifters are kids, 75 percent are adults
● Habitual shoplifters steal an average of 1.6 times per week.

2 Caught Red-handed

The 22nd Annual Retail Theft Survey, conducted by Jack L. Hayes International, reports that 1,085,226 shoplifters and dishonest employees of 25 major retailers were apprehended in 2009, up 14.7 percent from 2008.

3 Closed for Business

The National Crime Prevention Council reports that 30 percent of business failures in the United States are due to shoplifting and employee theft.

4 Five finger discounters

Terrence Shulman, founder and director of The Shulman Center, categorizes shoplifters into seven different groups:

■ Addictive-compulsive shoplifters
■ Professional lifters who steal for profit or lifestyle
■ The impoverished who steal out of economic need
■ Thrill seekers who steal on a dare or for excitement
■ Drug or gambling addicts who steal to pay for their habit
■ Kleptomaniacs who steal for no reason
■ Absent-minded people with cognitive or memory issues

Shamir Promotes Lytle; Bergeron Retires

Shamir has promoted Matt Lytle to vice president sales and marketing. In his new role, Lytle will be responsible for overseeing Shamir's North American sales force, including regional managers, account executives, and the educational team, as well as bringing the sales and marketing groups together to form a cohesive, unified team. After joining Shamir in 2006, Lytle updated the company's marketing message to illustrate the technology and launched vital promotions and programs, including Shamir's Autograph II Authenticity Program and Freeform Certification Program. Under his direction, Shamir's in-house marketing team has received several awards. Additionally, Lance Bergeron, Shamir's senior vice president, has retired. Bergeron was vice president of sales and senior vice president with The Luxottica Group and Charmant Eyewear before joining Shamir in 2007. In his tenure, Bergeron had led the sales team, educational department, and special projects, and was instrumental in developing and supporting key accounts.

GOOD IDEA
PARENTS' GUIDE TO GLASSES

Will My Child Actually Wear These Glasses? by Katheryn Dabbs Schramm was written to help parents whose child has been prescribed corrective eyewear. Through stories of struggles and achievements, the book emphasizes the importance of children receiving professional eyecare and wearing glasses when prescribed.

Schramm explains optical terms, offers frame and lens selection, and details the techniques used to teach any child to successfully wear glasses.

For more information, visit the website WillMyChildActuallyWearTheseGlasses.com.

Essilor Holds Sales Meeting

San Diego welcomed “A Cut Above,” Essilor's National Sales Meeting 2011, in early January. More than 800 attendees, including partner labs and independent distributors, came out for the three-day event.

One of the highlights of the general sessions was the announcement of a consumer advertising campaign to promote the company's Crizal No-Glare lenses. The multi-media campaign will include TV, radio, digital media, print, and PR.

Among the groups recognized by the company's Independent Distribution Division (IDD) were Cherry Optical of Green Bay, named IDD Lab of the Year, and VSP Labs, IDD Managed Care Lab of the Year.

Speakers included marketing strategist and author Bob Gilbreath, who told attendees, “The future belongs to brands driven by meaningful marketing.”

1. A group of attendees look at a new Visioffice system's measuring device; 2. Essilor of America's Jean-Marc Leroy, takes aim at the audience; 3. Essilor of America's Howard Purcell, OD, FAAO, greets guests of the sales meeting; 4. IDD's Bob Colucci (l) jokes with the master of ceremonies of the evening

Mido 2011

Mido 2011 is slated for Friday, March 4, to Sunday, March 6, in Milan, Italy. The 41st exhibition promises participation of loyal domestic and international companies as well as up and coming names in the industry showcasing the latest trends in frames, lenses, and equipment. This year's show will have dedicated areas in the categories of fashion, innovation, and design. The Mido Design Lab will feature avant-garde manufacturers and offer new approaches to the world of eyewear. New this year, the Mido Fashion District, staged by architect and scenographer Francesco Pagliariccio, will serve as a plaza with the storefronts of leading companies looking out upon the central forum. The event also boasts an exciting schedule of meetings and training sessions. Taking place over all three days, the Eyemanager Forum will discuss the important themes to sales techniques in the optical sector. For more information about Mido 2011, visit mido.com.

Transitions Academy Redefined

The 15th Annual Transitions Academy, held from Jan. 23 to 26, 2011, at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Fla., celebrated a redefinition of the event and Transitions Optical's 25th anniversary with around 1,300 industry professionals in attendance.

“We've taken big steps in expanding our attendee list in 2011 to include eyecare professionals for the first time—through our new ProForum program—helping us bring more industry influencers into the conversations that are shaping our future,” says Dave Cole, Transitions Optical's COO.

Tony Schwartz, New York Times bestselling author and CEO of The Energy Project, spoke on energy management principles in his “The Way We Are Working Isn't Working” keynote address, and managing emotional or mental energy workshops followed. “Photochromic Technology Today and Tomorrow” used hands-on experiments led by members of Transitions Optical's product development team to help attendees understand the in-depth workings of photochromic technology. “Winning with Value” tips, an action planning workshop and a take-home blue print for redefining business strategy were education highlights.

The “Academy Awards” closing event recognized several people and sectors of the industry, many new this year:

● First annual National Retailer of the Year: Eye Care Centers of America & Empire Vision
● First annual Regional Retailer of the Year: SVS Vision Optical Centers
● First annual Vision Benefits Broker of the Year: Patsy Akridge of Akridge Insurance Services, Inc.
● U.S. Lab of the Year: Toledo Optical Laboratory, a three-peat.

Other award winners included ECP of the Year Canada, Elyse Desjardins, M.Sc., OD, Clinique D'Optometrie, Montreal; Brazil Lab of the Year, Unilab; and Latin America Lab of the Year, Servioptica Ltda, Columbia.

The event concluded with multi-dimensional entertainment including boardwalk games and food, a DJ and dancing, and themed rooms for blues, karaoke, and more.

1. Eye Care Centers of America and Empire Vision won the first annual Transitions Optical National Retailer of the Year award; 2-3. Dave Cole and Greg Marko of Transitions; 4. Transitions Optical's product development team, led by John Ligas (l), was an integral part of many of the hands-on workshops; 5. Toledo Optical Laboratory, Transitions Optical's U.S. Lab of the Year award winner; 6. Attendees hit the big stage for karaoke; 7. Innereactivemedia executives Kristan McMillen, Samantha Toth, and Amanda Barry enjoy one of the after-hours breakouts; 8. Attendees thoroughly enjoyed participation in outdoor photochromic experiments

Executive Summit Looks Ahead

Industry leaders gathered in South Beach from January 26 to 28 to attend in The Vision Council's 2011 Executive Summit. Highlights included “The Future of Eyewear Distribution” panel, facilitated by REM's Mike Hundert as well as two keynote addresses. Jon Landau, co-producer of “Avatar” and the recipient of three Academy Awards, discussed the past, present, and future of 3D technology. A film must be a good film first and a 3D film second, he told the group. “Good 3D is not about bringing a world out of a window. It is about creating a window into the world.”

The second keynote speaker, Todd Buchholz, former director of economic policy at the White House, addressed the current economy, and whether we're “headed higher or off a cliff.” His advice? “Avoid commodity hell. And, compete on service and expertise.”

1. Vision Council's Ed Greene with the group's new chairman, Jamie Shyer of Zyloware; 2. Al Cleinman and Kathleen Frascatore of Cleinman Performance Partners flank Bill Gerber of GIG; 3. Former AOA president Randy Brooks, OD, speaks as (l to r) Essilor's Pierre Fay, Safilo's Dick Russo, and Walman's Marty Bassett listen; 4. Luxottica's Nick Miletti and Shamir's Raanan Naftalovich; 5. Vision Council's Rene Soltis Shepherd checks out John Landau's Oscar; 6. Vision Council's Greg Chavez with Virginia Lesher of Brondstater Optical America and the new Lab Division's Bob Dziuban; 7. Jon Landau, co-producer of Avatar, talks about 3D technology

OAA Conference Hosts More Leaders

1. Pat Kuhl (r), presents the 2011 State Leader of the Year award to Tom Barracato; 2. John Doran (l) of Luxottica presents a $10,000 check to the NFOS's Jim Reese and Laurie Pierce; 3. OAA president Diane Charles (r) presents Curt Duff with an OAA Honorary Lifetime Membership; 4. (l to r) Michele Nelms and Debby Robertson of OAV and Diane Charles

The Opticians Association of America (OAA) held its 26th annual OAA Leadership Conference on Jan. 20 through 22, 2011, at the Hotel Contessa in San Antonio, Texas. This year's conference boasted the largest attendance in the history of the event, with 125 industry leaders meeting to help shape opticianry's future.

Under the theme, “Branding Your Vision—One Year at a Time,” leaders from over 30 states and Canada attended educational seminars and breakouts that addressed timely topics like social media, marketing, convention planning, and hiring the right people for your association. Networking events helped build better synergy throughout North America, with social events designed to help create a strong grassroots network within the industry.

SECO 2011

SECO 2011, hosted by SECO International, will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta from Wednesday, March 2 through Sunday, March 6. The theme of this year's show, “CE to the Next Degree,” places an emphasis on the educational programs available. Attendees can choose from more than 400 hours of continuing education for optometrists, opticians, paraoptometrics, ophthalmic technicians, and administrative staff. SECO's exhibit hall, Optometry's Marketplace, is set to host nearly 257 industry-leading companies showcasing new trends, breakthrough technologies, and services, as well as product introductions. As an added bonus, SECO will be awarding prizes ranging from $250 to $3,500 each day to lucky attendees who visit all five Destination Stations throughout Optometry's Marketplace. For more information, or to register, visit seco2011.com.

Visionary Selling
A new concept store in Australia takes eyewear retailing to a futuristic level

By Erinn Morgan

Open for less than a year, the OPSM eye hub store in Melbourne, Australia, is a sight to behold. Designed by E2, an international, award-winning architectural firm, the eye hub building features a vaulted, glass-front exterior that exudes architectural inspiration.

The brainchild of Luxottica Group S.p.A., OPSM's parent company, this new retail concept store is literally shaped like an eye—placing customers right in the center of the shopping experience. Frame displays, dispensing areas, and exam rooms round the exterior of the “eye.” The shop's exclusive “Vault,” which houses luxury-level frames ranging from $100 to $18,000 from brands such as Cartier and Bulgari, is at the center.

“This first-of-its-kind concept relies on customers dictating their own shopping experience,” says Chris Beer, CEO of Luxottica, Australasia, South Africa, and Greater China. “It will be a unique experience for each customer.”

Upon entry, shoppers are greeted by an eye hub “concierge,” who assists with questions and provides directions.

Luxottica's OPSM eye hub store in Melborne, Australia, is the result of years of research and is designed to meet shoppers' needs, from green power to high-tech try-on and testing technology along with traditional dispensary selections

The 16,000-square-foot store boasts an extensive display of over 2,000 frames, one of the largest eyewear selections in the Southern Hemisphere. Product stylists are on hand to assist customers with frame selection. In addition, 41 interactive touch-screen “mirrors” throughout the store enable shoppers to try on several frames while making a video of themselves in each style. Plaques that deliver key eye health information are placed strategically on frame displays. Enthusiasts can test the wind-resistant merits of sports eyewear in the Oakley Wind Tunnel simulator room or test the antiglare properties in the glare simulator, which was developed in conjunction with Revo.

Those coming in for an eye exam can choose from a staff of eight optometrists who meet with patients in themed exam rooms. Patients can grab a bottle of water or make themselves a coffee at the European-style espresso maker in the waiting area. A designated space for kids features a large, colorful romper room filled with toys, pillows, and an eyecare learning area with four computer terminals where kids can take a touch-screen audio tour.

The OPSM eye hub concept store is the result of extensive customer research, along with a two-year planning and design phase. Through its research, Luxottica determined that customers desire a personal and welcoming shopping experience.

The company's long-term goal is to expand the OPSM eye hub store concept globally, beginning with a launch in Australia in the next two to three years. “The features the new store concept has to offer consumers…sets new standards for international retailing,” says Andrea Guerra, Luxottica Group CEO. “We believe this will be the next step in eyewear retailing in particular and look forward to bringing this concept to consumers around the world.”

One Sight^®
A Luxottica Group Foundation

Rock Out with EyeRock at Vision Expo East

The 4th annual EyeRock concert will coincide with this month's International Vision Expo East in New York City. The concert will be a collaboration of 30 of the optical industry's best rock musicians and singers and will benefit OneSight, a Luxottica nonprofit organization that delivers free visioncare and eyewear to underprivileged individuals around the world.

The event will take place at The Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square on Saturday, March 19, from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Tickets are now available for a $75 donation to OneSight.

Company sponsorship is still available. Sponsors receive many benefits, including complimentary tickets to the event.

For more information about EyeRock New York, or to become a sponsor, visit onesight.org.

DAC International Appoints NEW PRESIDENT

DAC International has appointed Peter Brierley as its new president. He takes the reins from Rod Keller, who acted as the company's interim president following the retirement of Jim Drain last October. Keller will resume his role as vice president of engineering operations. Over the past 40 years, Brierley has held leadership positions in lens manufacturing at Bausch + Lomb, Dow Corning, Allergan Optical, and CooperVision. “Peter brings manufacturing management experience with a customer viewpoint to DAC,” Keller stated. “His extensive background working with DAC equipment and personnel will be invaluable as will his knowledge of the lens industry.”

Santinelli International & NIDEK Commemorate 20-Year Anniversary

Santinelli International and NIDEK commemorate the 20-year anniversary of their business alliance this year, marking the longest continuous lens finishing equipment distributorship in the U.S. to date.

The relationship started in 1991 when NIDEK began its new lens edger division in the U.S. with the company's first edger model, the LE-8000. The two companies have since introduced over 15 different edger models and another 25 ancillary products.

“This milestone is a testament to our strong relationship with NIDEK, the quality of the equipment, and our solid, consistent management,” says Gerard Santinelli, president and CEO of Santinelli International.

Santinelli International, based in Hauppauge, N.Y., has been in the lens edging equipment business for 36 years. NIDEK, founded in Gamagori, Japan, in 1971, is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of ophthalmic equipment.

AIT Industries and WECO Sign U.S. Distribution Agreement

AIT Industries recently inked an agreement with EWECO granting the company rights to distribute the entire WECO industrial product line to the U.S. market. WECO designs and manufactures lens finishing equipment for wholesale labs and retail optical shops. The WECO industrial product line includes the Edge 990 robotic patternless edging system, Verifier Pro Turbo, and the Edge 580 which incorporates Chemistrie magnetic lens software. AIT Industries will be introducing this proven technology to the U.S. market at International Vision Expo East this month in New York City.

Industry mourns Passing of Cathy Lehnhausen

Cathy Lehnhausen, a 20-year optical industry veteran, has passed away. In her varied optical career, Lehnhausen held executive positions with Pilkington Barnes Hind, Inc., Davis Vision, For Eyes Optical, and Corning, Inc. She is probably best known in her role as Corning's national sales manager, in which she created the Corning Connection lab network and launched SunSensors into the market. From 2002 to 2010, she was a Pilates instructor and volunteer.

Lehnhausen is survived by her husband, Dave “Lenny” Lehnhausen, vice president of sales at Shore Lens Company, as well as her parents and her four brothers and sisters-in-law.

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 optometrists 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 this month's questions and answers. OPTOMETRY Q. Name four bones that comprise the orbit. OPTICIANRY Q. The effective diameter (ED) of the eye-wire represents the widest portion of the eyewire for calculation of lens thickness and minimum blank size. What is the formula to calculate ED? For the answers, please go to end

Pro Fit Optix Files Chapter 11, Reorganizes

Pro Fit Optix (PFO) has filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy and will continue operations as it reorganizes. What PFO calls “aggressive proxy fight” with parent company Carpathian Resources, Ltd., based in Australia, combined with new funding support by a secured creditor of a seven-figure amount of additional capital to allow operations to continue, set up the bankruptcy and restructuring. “This temporary filing, in light of the proxy dispute, is the best vehicle to obtain necessary financing to keep the company vibrant and successful,” affirmed Rudolf Suter, Pro Fit Optix CEO and president. “PFO will continue to invest and support the global growth and development of the company. PFO is strong and will continue to operate without interruption.” A company representative says that the move will give PFO the ability to operate independently as a stand-alone business. Current management personnel will continue with the restructured PFO.

Wendy Schneider dies at 37

Wendy Schneider, OptiSource International senior sales associate, passed away on Jan. 28, 2011, at the age of 37, after a year and a half battle with leukemia. Schneider, who lived in Mt. Sinai, N.Y., was an integral part of OptiSource for the past 16 years, says OptiSource vice president Daryl Squicciarini.

“Her role as a senior sales representative was defined by the incredible relationships she developed with her beloved customers. The only thing grander than Wendy's boisterous laugh and radiant smile was the level of service, caring, and giving to her customers, friends and co-workers. Her laugh will forever echo throughout OptiSource and her spirit will continue to touch our hearts with everlasting love and kindness.”

Donations may be made in her honor to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (leukemia-lymphoma.org).

STAR Gazers

1. Actress Lindsay Lohan was seen shading herself from the Malibu sun in classic Bianca style 149 sunglasses by Orgreen. 2. Model and actress Ali Landry accessorized her bikini with a pair of Jee Vice Red Hot shades while vacationing in Mexico. 3. Singer and “Victorious” star Victoria Justice was recently spotted in Diane von Furstenberg style DVF529 shades by Marchon Eyewear. The actress/singer is set to release her debut album later this year. 4. Actress and mother of four Demi Moore donned Mosely Tribes style Hayes sunwear from Oliver Peoples while on vacation. Moore's newest film, “Another Happy Day,” debuted at Sundance. 5. Ximena Navarette, model and reigning Miss Universe, was spotted wearing bebe optical style BB5000 a la mode sunglasses by Altair Eyewear.

Test Your Mettle ANSWERS
Thanks to Essilor and the NFOS for providing this month's questions and answers. Optometry Answer: Frontal, Sphenoid, Ethmoid, Maxilla, Zygomatic, Lacrimal, Palatine Opticianry Answer: ED = 2 (Longest Radius)