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Hot List: November 2011

Alicia Isenberg Hoglund

1 Trillion Dollar Baby

According to a recently published report from Gartner, Inc., consumers worldwide will spend roughly $2.1 trillion on information and entertainment products and services in 2011.

$1.2 trillion on communications subscription-based access and usage services

$600 billion on electronic devices

$200 billion on content and software

2 ON SITE

In its study, Adobe Systems' Adobe Scene7 revealed that 62 percent of mobile consumers prefer to shop on a mobile web-site than through a mobile app.

4 Smartphone Stats

IMS Research predicts that more than 420 million smart-phone devices will be sold by the end of 2011, accounting for nearly 28 percent of the global handset market.

ABO-NCLE Meets in Cincinnati

The American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) held their National Opticians Conference in Cincinnati from Sept. 8 through 11, 2011. More than 600 guests—including opticians, opticianry educators and students, as well as exhibitors—participated in the conference.

In addition to more than 100 hours of CE and optical exhibits, several events were held. Among them was the Opticians Association of America's Annual Delegate Assembly meeting. New officers include: Shirley Early, president; Tom Barracato, first vice president; Sandy Brown, second vice president; and Russ Fritz, Jr., treasurer.

A new organization, Society to Advance Opticianry (SAO), was launched at the Conference. To qualify for membership, opticians must be ABO/NCLE certified and licensed if they live in a licensed state. They must also hold a minimum of an AS/AAS degree in optical sciences or an AA/AS degree in any field, in addition to ABO/NCLE certification.

Several organizations held student competitions and presented awards, including Transitions Skills Challenge (whose top winner was Becky Ferguson of Ohio Eyecare Specialists in Clayton, Ohio) and its announcement of this year's Students of Vision Scholarship winners.

As the culmination of its annual Grant and Scholarship program for Opticianry Schools, Hoya brought four regional e-poster student winners to the show—three finalists from U.S. schools and one from Canada.

The company presented a $2,500 scholarship to the winner (determined by a panel of opticianry judges) as well as a People's Choice Award to the student exhibit receiving the most attendee votes at the show.

The annual Essilor-sponsored National Federation of Opticianry Schools (NFOS) College Bowl ended in a tie, with two students each receiving the cash prize and two schools sharing the trophy. The winners were Scott Malsin from Brooklyn's New York City of College of Technology and Terry Bennett from North Carolina's Durham Technical Community College.

Other special activities included the Optical Women's Association's free CE event featuring trainer Dave Caperton, who spoke about “Healing Humor: Making Your Lens of Perfection Ultralight (and Impact Resistant).”

Next year, the Conference will be moving to Washington, D.C. More specifics on the exact October dates and locations will be announced soon.

1. Board members of the newly organized Society to Advance Opticianry (SAO) sit with the group's president, Laurie Pierce (c); 2. A record number of women currently hold key positions in opticianry organizations. Enjoying an evening out are some of those leaders (front to back, l to r): OAA president Shirley Early, COA's director of accreditation Debra White, SAO president Laurie Pierce, CLSA president Vicky Sheppard, OAA immediate past president Diane Charles, CLSA president-elect Carrie Ferguson, and NAO's immediate past president Danne Ventura and president Gaye Wilson; 3. For his contributions to ophthalmic optics, Phernell Walker II, a recognized educator, speaker, author, and consultant, is presented the NAO's Beverly Myers Achievement award by Danne Ventura; 4. OWA speaker Dave Caperton poses with OWA vice president Gale Meyer; 5. Students vie for the prize in the annual College Bowl competition; 6. The four regional finalists competing for Hoya's $2,500 scholarship were honored at an awards dinner in Cincinnati (l to r): Ashleigh Baltazar (College of South Nevada), Sachi Takeda-McKee (College Edouard-Montpetit), scholarship winner Brianna Hulburd (Erie Community College), and recipient of the People's Choice Award, Lydia Wang DeJesus (Hillsborough Community College)

Safilo Announces New Leadership

The Safilo Group announced the appointment of Robert Polet as its new non-executive chairman of the board, as well as the expansion of its board of directors from seven to eight members. Safilo's outgoing non-executive chairman, Melchert Groot, remains on the board as a non-executive director.

These changes, initially proposed by the board of directors in August 2011, were approved during a shareholders' meeting last month.

On The Town

Viva International was on hand at the premiere of the GANT by Michael Bastian Spring/Summer 2012 Collection at the Park Restaurant during New York Fashion Week.

Safilo and Solstice Sunglass Boutique fitted celebrities and VIPs with sunwear at the HBO Luxury Lounge at the Beverly Hills Four Seasons Hotel in honor of the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards.

1. Actress Perry Reeves in Safilo's Marc Jacobs sunglasses at the HBO Luxury Lounge; 2. Viva's GANT team members Meredith Gersten, Liz Tontodonati, Nicole Durda, and Jennifer Jani with Michael Bastian (c) at the GANT by Michael Bastian Spring/Summer 2012 Collection presentation

Viva VEW!

More than 12,000 optical industry professionals and students alike flocked to the city of sin for the 2011 Vision Expo West, held from September 21 to 25 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas.

Though attendance was down slightly from last year's audits, VEW was bustling with excitement. The show delivered nearly 400 hours of continuing education—88 hours more than the 2010 show—as well as many parties, celebrity sightings, giveaways, and 480 exhibitors from around the world showcasing the latest in eyecare fashion, technology, and equipment throughout the 171,000 square foot show floor.

Read on for just a few event and product highlights from this year's Vision Expo West. For more information about the show, visit visionexpowest.com.

Best New Product

EYEQUICK
Digital Ophthalmoscope Camera

This year's VEW Best New Product honor was awarded to EyeQuick's Digital Ophthalmoscope Camera, a new, portable ophthalmic retinal and anterior segment camera that documents pathology in any setting. This easy-to-use camera captures videos and photographs that can be instantly viewed on the built-in LCD screen or exported to a computer via a USB port to be reviewed, filed, or printed.
INFO: eyequick.com

EB Turns 25!

Eyecare Business celebrated its milestone 25th anniversary with the Eyes on 25 design contest. Industry professionals were asked to create a unique anniversary-themed frame, lens, or eyewear accessory for a chance to win one of three $500 American Express gift cards (or EB advertising credit). The three winning designs, as well as a select number of entries, were on display at the EB booth. In addition, EB and the International Vision Expo teamed up for the 25th Anniversary Sweepstakes. Those who subscribed to electronic services from EB, International Vision Expo, or both, were entered to win one of many prizes, including a 32GB iPad, three $100 American Express gift cards, and a trip for two to VEW plus six hours of CE credit and one exhibit hall pass. 1. The Eyes on 25 design contest gallery; 2. Paul Garcia (c), an Eyes on 25 winner, poses with family and coworkers; 3. Laury Schmidt, winner of the 25th Anniversary Sweepstakes VEW trip

1 AIT INDUSTRIES WECO 580 This all-in-one patternless edger provides edging operation, lens verification, and blocking in a single device. INFO: aitindustries.com 2 ALAIN MIKLI AL1117-M01K_14Q Inspired by French comic book, “Prince de Sassoun,” Mikli's latest collection interprets the Armenian tale of a journey through three lands. INFO: mikli.com 3 ASTUCCI Holiday Collection The Holiday Collection features on-trend eyewear cases in blue, hot pink, and classic white. INFO: astucci.com 4 BEST IMAGE OPTICAL Mario Galbatti campaign The new “I AM” Mario Galbatti campaign includes a new brand website, color scheme, and models for the upcoming 2012 eyewear collection. INFO: mariogalbatti.com 5 COBURN TECHNOLOGIES Excelon finishing equipment The Excelon series includes several affordable product levels and features LaunchPad, the focal point of Coburn's Free-Form Minilab. INFO: coburntechnologies.com 6 ESSILOR OF AMERICA High-performing, anti-fog, anti-smudge lenses featuring a hydrophilic coating. INFO: essilor.com 7 HILCO Festive Eyewear Holder Hilco's Fall/Winter accessories collection features many fashionable and elegant eyewear holders that double as necklaces. INFO: hilco.com 8 LIVE EYEWEAR Cocoons Clip-Ons The Cocoons Clip-Ons collection features seven new sizes in the collection's best-selling shapes. INFO: liveeyewear.com 9 MARCHON Fendi: FS5196 The Fall/Winter 2011 Fendi Eyewear Collection features the brand's iconic Zucca pattern replicated on the temples, creating a window through which crystal inlays are displayed. INFO: marchon.com 10 MOREL Öga Copen-LAZ The new Öga Copen-LAZ features contrasting textures of materials and semi-rimless shapes for a clean, minimalist design. INFO: morel-france.com 11 OAKLEY Drizzle This durable, lightweight sunglass features rounded square lenses and Unobtainium nosepads and earsocks that hold the sunglass in place throughout any workout. INFO: oakley.com 12 OGI EYEWEAR Seraphin Neoclassic: Hiawatha Ogi's Seraphin Eyewear Women's Neoclassic Winter Collection features eight new pieces that reflect the brand's close attention to detail and a sense of refined elegance. INFO: ogieyewear.com 13 OPTEK Oasis lab system Oasis is a complete, fully computerized lab system that can be installed in as little as 100 square feet. INFO: optek-online.com 14 OPTICAL DYNAMICS Q-2100 Digital Lens System The Q-2100 utilizes digital molds to create a finished Rx directly from liquid lens material. The nanoCLEAR AR system works with the Q-2100 and produces AR in-office in under 90 minutes. INFO: opticaldynamics.com 15 PIXELOPTICS emPower! The electronic Rx eyewear boasts wide distance, intermediate, and reading zones; a liquid crystal electronic reading zone that can be turned on and off when not in use. INFO: pixeloptics.com 16 PRACTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. Clearly Digital polish This digital/free-form polisher reduces haze and provides continuous machine cleaning during the polishing process. INFO: LookToPSI.com 17 QSPEX TECHNOLOGIES QSpex Lens System The system's patented method uses disposable plastic molds to create premium quality lenses in about 30 minutes. All lens treatments are pre-applied in each mold and transfer during the curing process. INFO: qspex.com 18 SAFILO Emporio Armani: EA 9838/S and EA 9837/S The 30th anniversary capsule eyewear collection revisits two iconic silhouettes with a touch of irony, producing transparent and lightweight results. INFO: safilo.com 19 SHAMIR INSIGHT Relax lenses A single-vision free-form lens designed to ease eyestrain and visual fatigue for pre-presbyopes. INFO: shamirlens.com 20 SIGNET ARMORLITE KODAK Transitions Lenses KODAK Transitions Lenses are the newest addition to Signet Armorlite's KODAK offerings, combining proven progressive with strong-selling photo-chromic material. INFO: signetarmorlite.com 21 SUPER SYSTEMS ADDvantage ADDvantage and ADDvantage Short are produced on the FastGrind 2200 system in base curves of 2, 4, 5.5, and 7.5; in add powers +1.00 to +3.00D; and in CR39 clear, polarized, 1.56 photo-chromic; and are available with an optional AR treatment. INFO: superoptical.com 22 VIVA SKECHERS: SK 2031 and 2032 The SKECHERS Eyewear Fall 2011 collection includes four new women's ophthalmic styles featuring trendy patterns and explosive color combinations. INFO: vivagroup.com 23 WESCAN EVATIK SUNWEAR The distinctive sunglass collection for the stylish urban male, slated to launch February 2012, is available for immediate shipment to VEW attendees. INFO: evatik.com 24 WILEY X Building a Bullet-Proof Profit Center This Wiley X program provides strategies and technical information for developing and growing safety programs. INFO: wileyx.com 25 ZEAL THE BRODY The new sunwear line of 18 colorful styles features Hyperion Lens Technology, which produces hybrid, injection-molded, decentered lenses. INFO: zealoptics.com

1. Marchon's Party of the Year, held at the Flamingo Hotel, featured the musical stylings of Haute Circle; 2. Marco Machado, PhD, founder and CEO, with Patricia Machado, vice president, business development, present Augen Optics' Integrated Digital Free Form Processing System; 3. Attendees get a look into AR's future with an inside view of Coburn Technologies' OAC 25 small footprint AR system; 4. The Essilor Vision Foundation hosted the EyeRock concert at the Hard Rock Cafe to raise funds for Kids Vision For Life; 5. The Medical Science Theater on the show floor drew attendees interested in technical topics; 6. Shamir Insight's booth crowded with enthusiastic attendees shooting hoops to earn entry tickets for the company's daily raffles to win Apple iPads, iPod touches, and other rewards; 7. Zeal celebrates a new owner and expanded product line with a booth reception and mariachi concert; 8. Younger Optics' researcher Nancy Yamasaki explains the company's Abbe demonstration unit to Walman Optical's Dan Torgersen, vice president of special projects; 9. LBI Eyewear's Alena Lehrer, Robert Perry, Chett Lehrer, Bill Fick, Sheldon Lehrer, Steve Gintis, and Keith Lehrer pose with NBA star Al-Farouq Aminu

10. Frank Rescigna, Viva president, and William Rast CEO Colin Dyne with racecar driver and William Rast spokesperson Danica Patrick (c); 11. Santinelli's Franco Aluigi leads attendees during Santinelli International's sold-out Rimless Workshop session; 12. Courtney Muller, senior vice president of Reed Exhibitions, EyeQuick's Gustaf Rowell and Rory O'Brien, and Tom Loughran, and vice president for Reed Exhibitions, pose with EyeQuick's Digital Ophthalmoscope Camera inventor and Best New Product winner Marc Ellman, MD (c); 13. “Real Housewives of Orange County” star Vicki Gunvalson poses with attendees while promoting PureSuasion's Cilea Eyelash Growth Stimulator, a product exclusively distributed by Zyloware Eyewear; 14. Essilor's John Snyder, Steve Klekamp, John McMahon, and Greg Ruden at Prevent Blindness America's Swing Fore Sight event; 15. (l to r) Panelists Kathy Schramm of A Child's View, Safilo's Robin Ettinger, REM's Donna Gindy, and Pech Optical's Kathryn Gross-Edelman at the Optical Women's Association professional development event 16. Prima Eye Group's Neil Gailmard, OD, Billy Cochran, OD, and Jerry Hayes, OD, discuss their new alliance for ODs; 17. Pixel Optics' senior vice president Larry Rodriguez discloses that more than 1,000 ECPs have signed on to be authorized enPower! ECPs

OLA at VEW

The Optical Laboratories Association (OLA) held many events in conjunction with VEW, including the organization's 2011 Annual meeting, the second held in this location since the OLA's affiliation with The Vision Council.

In addition, the OLA sponsored lab-focused education; hands-on training at exhibitors' booths; access to the exclusive OLA Member Lounge on the show floor; exclusive OLA breakfasts, lunches, and receptions; as well as other social, networking, and award events.

The OLA named the new 2011-2012 OLA leadership: Mike Francesconi, Katz & Klein, Inc., Sacramento, Calif.; Virginia C. Lesher, Brondstater Optical America, Inglewood, W.V.; John Haigh, J & J Optical, Inc., Paradise, Calif.; Drake McLean, Dietz-McLean Optical Company, Inc., San Antonio; Jonathan Jacobs, Superior Optical Labs, Inc., Ocean Springs, Miss.; Bill Harding, Lens Tech Optical Laboratory, Inc., Greenwood, Ind.; Steve Swalgen, Santinelli International, Inc., Hauppauge, N.Y.; Christopher Bowers, Walman Optical, Minneapolis; David Jochims, Carl Zeiss Vision, San Diego; Adam Winkelman, Perfect Optics, San Diego; Swen Carlson, VSP Laboratory, Columbus-Lockbourne, Ohio; Ron Cooke, Jr., Diversified Ophthalmics, Inc., Cincinnati; and Keith Pulling, Essilor Laboratories, Greensborough, N.C.

Members-at-large (2012 nominating committee) include: Warren Meyer, VSP Optical Laboratory, Sacramento, Calif.; Dale Parmenteri, Balester Optical Company, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; Diane Strickler, Professional Ophthalmic Labs, Roanoke, Va.; and Jeff Szymanski, Toledo Optical Laboratory, Toledo, Ohio.

The Director's Choice & 12th Annual Hall of Fame Award Banquet recognized eleven “optical pioneers” for their contributions to the wholesale optical industry. Honorees were: Alexander C. Bristol, J. Keith Caudill, J. Larry Enright, Robert T. Honsa, Richard Mecteau, Warren R. Meyer, Donald “Mr. P” Pendrell, Thomas F. Puckett, John C. Sutherlin, Earnest F. Swart, and Kenneth O. Wood.

Essilor's IDD Technical Support Team was recognized with the 2011 Directors Choice Award. The team consists of Dave Cuffe, K.C. Haffey, John Leisure, Randy McFadden, Dave Rick, and Joe Vitale; former members include Scott Pennock, J.R. Smith, and Doug Smith.

OLA Awards of Excellence celebrated its 25th year with a ceremony highlighted with award presentations by a Las Vegas showgirl. Winners of the OLA 2011 Award of Excellence include: Dress Frames, Randy Jackson 1029 by Zyloware Eyewear; Specialty Frames, OnGuard OG220S by Hilco and Trendsetters Titmus TR 312S by Uvex by Honeywell; Children's Frames, Nickelodeon Sponge Bob Square Pants OB05 by Nouveau Eyewear; Lens Design, Varilux Physio DRx by Essilor and ADAGE by Younger Optics; Lens Materials, NuPolar 1.67 High Index by Younger Optics; Lens Treatments, NEOX Transitions SOLFX by Transitions Optical, Inc.

Also: Marketing, UV Demo Unit by Transitions Optical, Inc.; Software Tools, RxWizard ver. 5.4 by Digital Vision, Inc.; Accessory Products, Chemistrie+ Reader Lenses by Eyenavision; Surfacing Equipment, Nucleo Blocker by Satisloh North America, Inc.; Surfacing Processing Materials & Tools, Quattro Advanced Lens Polish by DAC Vision; Finishing Equipment, ES-curve by Satisloh North America; Finishing Processing Materials & Tools, Perfect Wrap Edge Blocks by Precision Tool Technologies; Lens Treatment Equipment, 119517 UV/Luminous Transmittance Photometer by BPI – Brain Power Incorporated.

1. Newly elected OLA leadership: (l to r) Steve Swalgen, John Haigh, Jon Jacobs, Susie Lesher, Drake McLean, Chris Bowers, Mike Francesconi, Swen Carlson, Bill Harding, Ronald Cooke, Jr., Adam Winkelman, Keith Pulling, and Dave Jochims; 2.OLA Hall of Fame honorees gather for a group photo after the award ceremonies; 3. The Essilor IDD Technical Support Team won the OLA Director's Choice Award; 4. Ed Dietz III, Dana Weeks, and Kevin Bargman at the Hall of Fame Banquet; 5. 2011 OLA Awards of Excellence winners: (l to r) Bob Rymeski, Hilco; Jim Goerges, Precision Tool Technologies; Denny Hall, DAC Vision; Cindy Swain, Zyloware Eyewear; Johann van Zyl and Robert Lee, Younger Optics; Bob Schloemer, Uvex by Honeywell; Denis Pardun, Nouveau Eyewear; Manny Manso, BPI-Brain Power America; Kevin Paddy, Satisloh North America; Doug Hagen, Digital Vision Inc.; Ian Gregg, Satisloh North America

18. Lori Rhodes from West Valley Vision Center in Goodyear, Ariz., winner of A&A's iPad2 drawing, with A&A's Robert Leiner; 19-20. Altair's booth was hopping with a series of events including a bebe fashion show, a Makeup Makeover from Revlon, and a High Roller's lounge featuring a cigar roller for the Tommy Bahama brand; 21. A Beatles cover band performed at the Revolution Eyewear booth and entertained with songs from the group's legendary discography; 22. Shay Kelley from Project 50/50 visits the Marchon booth to check out her Eye Make a Difference Poster and promote her non-profit, which travels the country collecting food, socks, and essential items for those in need; 23. REM Eyewear's Mike Hundert presents the company's newest license, Tumi, and previews the new collection of sunglasses and ophthalmic eyewear during a press conference; 24. The OWA's Networking Event and Raffle attracted men and women from the optical scene including (l to r) ClearVision Optical's Mimi Friedfeld, Zyloware's Chris Shyer, and Eyewear Designs' Andrea Gluck; 25. Welcoming guests to REM Eyewear's annual soiree were REM's Sherri Israel, Alex Papadopoulos, Sherrie Rogerson, and Rosana Fately; 26. Shamir Insight's Matt Lytle, vice president sales and marketing, addressed futuristic free-form plans in a brainy way at the company's press conference