news

Hot List: May 2012

Alicia Isenberg Hoglund

1 On Sale

According to The Vision Council's “U.S. Optical Market Overview & Outlook” report, the number of pairs of lenses sold in the U.S. in 2011 increased by 1.8 percent from the previous year, with approximately 75 million pairs of lenses sold:

2 PRICE PRECAUTIONS

According to EB's 2011 Lens Virtual Focus Group, nearly 68 percent of ECPs are willing to partner with a lens manufacturer that offers a service to help ECPs build an online presence

3 FASHION OVER FUNCTION

A recent study sponsored by PPG Industries reveals that of the 500 respondents, 84 percent are more focused on frame selection than lens selection when shopping for eyewear, a six percent increase from a similar report from 2007.

4 Patient Education

When asked about eye and vision-related education, respondents of the American Optometric Association's (AOA) sixth annual American Eye-Q survey were most interested in learning more about the following:

46%
Eye strain/discomfort from using technology (e.g., computers and cell phones)

41%
UV protection

28%
Eye safety

Mido's Upbeat Mood

1. Crowds gathered at the brand new Marchon booth, unveiled for the first time at Mido; 2. The Area 98 team showed off frames featuring silk, feathers, and dried leaves; 3. World canoeing champ Antonio Rossi and friends at Maui Jim's booth; 4. Helping Nidek CEO Motoki Ozawa (c) celebrate its 40th anniversary in the U.S. with distributor Santinelli International are Santinelli's Rick Clemente and Gerard Santinelli; 5. Visionaria brought a collaboration of artists to create live and in person in front of the exhibit area; 6. Jamie Shyer, chairman of The Vision Council, spoke at the joint meeting of the European Sunglass Association (ESA), The Vision Council, and EUROM; 7. Marchon's Robert Shienberg and Mark Ginsberg greeted guests in the courtyard of Palazzo Clerici at a celebration of Marchon's “Wild Eyes” fashion/photo feature in Vogue Italia; 8. Silhouette's Arnold Schmied discussed the company's plans for 2012 and beyond at an evening press event; 9. Ron Arad, designer of the new pq eyewear, talked about design, architecture, and eyeglasses; 10. Cirillo Marcolin, president of Mido and ANFAO, addressed guests at a preopening press conference

Pegged at 42,000 guests, attendance at this year's mid-March Mido, International Optics, Optometry and Ophthalmology Exhibition, was right on par with 2011 numbers.

Held at Milan's Rho Center, roughly half the attendees were from outside Italy. In reporting the results, Cirillo Marcolin, Mido and ANFAO president, said attendance was especially significant “given the overall economic situation and the trends posted by the other exhibitions that had just ended.”

With more than 1,000 exhibitors spread over six pavilions and exhibit areas, a total of 40 countries were represented on this year's show floor.

According to an official Mido report, keys trends included “Eyewear's…triumph of opposites, where extremes prevail, quirky shapes take the lead—unconventional and amazing. The wrap is back in a techno-chic revisitation of work goggles… And lenses occupy center stage, unmistakably dressed in the nuances of color.”

For 2013, Mido returns to its traditional schedule, moving back to the first weekend in March (March 2, 3, and 4), starting Saturday and ending Monday.

Mike Daley Named Liaison to the Optical Lab Division

Effective May 1, Mike Daley will serve as the full-time staff liaison to the Optical Lab Division of The Vision Council, replacing Bob Dziuban, who has retired after 17 years with the organization. Daley will represent the viewpoint of the Lab Division at the staff level and interact with the individual members to help develop and execute programs and find solutions to meet their business challenges.

Daley brings more than 40 years of optical experience to the position, previously serving as president and chief operating officer of Essilor of America's United States Lens Division, Essilor Lenses, and president and executive director of the Foundation for Eye Health Awareness. He has also held seats on numerous boards, including Prevent Blindness America and Optometry Cares, and was inducted into the National Academy of Opticianry Hall of Fame.

Safilo Acquires Polaroid Eyewear

Safilo Group S.p.A. has completed its acquisition of the Polaroid Eyewear business, a leader in optics and polarized lens technology and a global manufacturer and distributor.

The acquisition, coinciding with Polaroid's 75th anniversary, will help round out the Safilo portfolio, expanding its offering in the specialist market segment, the company's representatives say.

HOYA, Seiko Begin Negotiations

Seiko Epson Corporation and HOYA Corporation have announced that the two have begun negotiations about the transfer of Epson's eyeglass lens development and manufacturing business to HOYA.

In addition, the two are also in talks about a transfer of partial ownership of Seiko Optical Products, Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Seiko, to HOYA. According to company representatives, the proposed deal aims to promote global expansion of the business by combining the assets of the two parties. Both parties report that they hope to conclude business as soon as possible.

VEE in NYC

The 2012 International Vision Expo East, held March 22 to 25 at the Javits Center in New York, broke historical records with an attendance rate of more than 16,000 eyecare professionals—a 10 percent increase over last year's figures and a new show record.

The expanded show floor was filled with more than 575 exhibitors—132 of which were brand new companies—presenting the latest in eyewear and accessories trends, technological advancements, and equipment. The new French Loft was also introduced, which played host to some of the leading French eyewear designers.

This year's show featured 388 hours of continuing education, expanded student programming, and an abundance of special events, celebrity appearances, and exciting giveaways.

Here's a brief look at some of the highlights and products from this year's VEE. For more information, or to learn about future shows, visit visionexpoeast.com.

1. Showing off Qspex's new Premium Lens System were Kevin Bligh, (l) and CEO Steve Martin; 2. Essilor of America's Carl Bracy presented the company's new initiatives and Optifog lenses; 3. Shamir's Matt Lytle unveiled new products at the company's press conference; 4. Larry Rodriquez (l) and Brett Craig, CEO of PixelOptics, at the emPower! electronic focusing eyewear presentation; 5. Participants in the UV Symposium, representing all three Os, were (l-r) Justin Bazan OD, Paul Michelson, MD, and optician Joy Gibb

Best New Product
HOYA VISION CARE HOYA DF Show attendees voted HOYA's Distortion-Free Optics as this year's Best New Product. Utilizing the Avantek mounting system, the stress-free system accommodates any lens shape and allows ECPs to process rimless mountings with no drill holes, stress cracks, or loosening screws or wires. INFO: hoyavision.com

	1 AUGEN OPTICS EasyForm Digital Processing System This in-house free-form lens processing system produces Augen HDRx Trinity PALs and HD single vision lenses in both conventional or free-form designs. INFO: augenoptics.com
	2 BEST IMAGE OPTICAL Kada by Plume Paris Eyewear A preview of Plume Paris' Fall Collection, the stainless steel Kada frame features a soft-coat finish and is available in matte black/gun, matte purple/olive, and matte chocolate/mocha. INFO: bestimageoptical.com
	3 BRIOT USA Emotion This all-in-one edger includes shape modification, customized grooving, angled drilling capabilities for all lens challenges, touch screen, and state-of-the-art technical features. INFO: briotusa.com
	4 CARL ZEISS VISION i.Terminal 2 i.Terminal 2 is an easy-to-use digital centration system that provides precise measuring data to ensure an ideal fit for every patient. INFO: vision.zeiss.com
	5 CLEARVISION OPTICAL Cole Haan 221 The lightweight frame features German-engineered components, Cole Haan signature temple tips, and is available in charcoal and olive horn. INFO: cvoptical.com
	6 COBURN TECHNOLOGIES UVMAX Coating Available through Sirius Technologies, LLC, this fast curing, durable coating with improved adhesion and reduced viscosity offers excellent adhesion to AR. INFO: coburntechnologies.com
	7 ESSILOR OF AMERICA Optifog lenses The anti-fog top coat, when combined with the Optifog Activator, provides long-lasting fog-free vision for up to one week with no distortion and no loss of contrast. INFO: optifogusa.com
	8 ESSILOR INSTRUMENTS Mr. Orange This in-office system combines tracing, blocking, and edging with a full range of features designed to handle all lens designs, from high wraps to rimless and drilling jobs. INFO: essilorinstrumentsusa.com
	9 HILCO Bedazzled Collection Hilco's Bedazzled hard cases are available in blue, silver, and pink, and measure 6.5''L x 3''W x 1.75''H, perfect for larger frame styles. INFO: hilco.com
	10 LIVE EYEWEAR Cocoons Clip-Ons Offered in 14 new rimless styles, the clip-on design allows effortless conversion of plastic or rimless Rx frames to polarized sunwear. INFO: liveeyewear.com
	11 LUXOTTICA Burberry eyewear The summer collection includes sun and optical aviator styles in men, women, and unisex, and features timeless details such as the iconic Burberry check, customized flexible temple tips, and a rich offering of colors. INFO: luxottica.com
	12 MARCHON EYEWEAR, INC. Nine West, Valentino, and Salvatore Ferragamo Eyewear Collections Marchon's Nine West, Valentino, and Salvatore Ferragamo eyewear collections are inspired by iconic brand elements, ready-to-wear looks, and brand accessories. INFO: marchon.com
	13 MOREL 1880's Margaux With a 1950s vibe, Margaux consists of four models with wide temples and is offered in a trendy palette of solid or graduated colors: amber cognac, bluish gray, mauve, raspberry, and black. INFO: morel-france.com
	14 MYKITA DECADES SUN Collection The 0.5 mm stainless steel frames of the new DECADES SUN line are a marriage of tradition and zeitgeist. INFO: mykita.com
	15 NEW YORK EYE Ernest Hemingway Collection The second release of styles includes retro round metals, innovative tortoise, and translucent colors, along with sought-after shapes such as luxurious cat-eyes and 1950s-inspired looks. INFO: newyorkeye.net
	16 OGI EYEWEAR Style 3104 Available in red, blue, green, or black/brown, the 3104's camouflage tortoise front contrasts beautifully with translucent temples, while its glossy Italian acetate ensures durability. INFO: ogieyewear.com
	17 QSPEX TECHNOLOGIES QSpex Premium Lens System The system produces quality lenses in-office in about 35 minutes utilizing single-use, disposable molds (with pre-applied lens treatments), and a small equipment footprint. INFO: qspex.com
	18 SAFILO USA CARRERA X-cede Carrera X-cede releases 13 new Rx-able styles with two different lens options to satisfy the needs of those looking for the ultimate in high-performance lenses. INFO: mysafilo.com
	19 SANTINELLI INTERNATIONAL ME 900 The affordable ME 900 features 3-D drilling and grooving, high-precision safety beveling, and shape editor, and optional software for the Chemistrie magnetic lens system. INFO: santinelli.com
	20 SEIKO Ultra 1.53 SV Seiko's Ultra 1.53 (Trivex) aspheric finished SV lenses are available either hard coated or with Surpass ECP AR, an anti-static, super hydrophobic AR treatment that repels water, oil, and grime, and has a no-slip protector to simplify edging. INFO: seikoeyewear.com
	21 SHAMIR Shamir Golf Shamir Golf provides three distinctive zones for the golfer: the near zone, the mid-range zone, and the far zone. The lens' “As Worn Technology” requires the vertex distance, pantoscopic tilt, and panoramic angle measurements in order to grind a refined Rx. INFO: shamirlens.com
	22 TRANSITIONS OPTICAL Transitions Vantage lenses Utilizing new adaptive polarization technology, Transitions Vantage lenses start clear indoors, then darken and increase in polarization outdoors, adapting to changing light conditions and controlling glare. INFO: transitionsvantage.com
	23 VISION-EASE LENS Continua FSV Safety lenses These lenses are now available in +3.00 to -6.00 sphere to -2.00 cylinder. Also, the Safety Plus lenses in +2.00 to +3.00 sphere and 0.00 to -.200 cyl now have slightly flatter front curves than previous productions. INFO: vision-ease.com
	24 VIVA INTERNATIONAL GROUP Harley-Davidson Eyewear The trendy new prescription-ready sunglasses, including HDX 834, a stainless steel aviator, deliver full UV/UB protection, along with sporty, yet fashionable design elements. INFO: vivagroup.com
	25 WESCAN FYSH UK F-3466 The F-3466 style has a stainless steel flat metal front with TR-90 temples. This model is available in brown, purple, teal, and black in size 50/17-135. INFO: fyshuk.com

6. A&A Optical's Robert Liener with the Jimmy Crystal team at the Jimmy Crystal Party; 7. (l to r): Kevin Hundert, Mike Hundert, and Gilda Mehraban at the Tumi Champagne Toast; 8. Cirillo Marcolin (l) and Fabrizio Gamberini (r) at the Diesel event; 9. Transitions' Brian Hauser (l) and Essilor of America's Bob Colucci (r) at the Eyes on New York Gala; 10. Bad Habits performed at Dave & Buster's in Times Square; 11. Eye Rock featured optical industry musicians in a concert benefitting OneSight; 12. (l to r) Marchon's vice-chairman Al Berg with the OWA Pleiades Award winner Shirley Platzer-Stocks and Reed's Val Scott; 13. Transitions Optical held informational sessions regarding Vantage lenses; 14. Eye-Med's John Lahr, OD, spoke at the lunchtime SUN event co-sponsored by Luxottica, the AOA, OAA, and The Vision Council

15. Reed's Tom Loughran (l) and Val Scott (r) presented HOYA's Barney Dougher, Heather Padgett, and Grant Zider with the Best New Product award; 16. Merchandising Magic panelists Travis Reed (r), Eric Feigenbaum (c), and Kenmark's David Duralde (l) answered questions at the Frame Buyer Certificate Program course; 17. Wee Man signed autographs at the VonZipper booth; 18. Marc Ecko, with ClearVision's executive vice president Peter Friedfeld (l) and president David Friedfeld (r), came to promote his latest eyewear collection; 19. A&A's Robert Liener presented the $1,000 cash prize to drawing winner Rob Lewis, Wisconsin Vision, New Berlin, Wisc.; 20. The Vision Council sponsored the Stylesight Trend Report prior to the show's opening; 21. Industry veteran Ken Woods (c) congratulated on his retirement by The Vision Council's Greg Chavez and Ed Greene; 22. Lisa Loeb, who has an eyewear collection with Classique Eyewear, performed at the Eye Rock concert; 23. Viva president Frank Rescigna presented a $50,000 check to Justin Timberlake on behalf of William Rast Eyewear for Shriners Hospitals for Children

24. Todd Geshenow of Eyesfirst in Middletown, N.J., was one of the lucky winners of a new Apple iPad during Shamir's daily raffles; 25. Mykita's Xenia Deger and Moritz Kruger at the Leisure Society party held at Hudson Studios; 26. Rob Robillard, CEO of ICU Eyewear (formerly Zoom Eyeworks), discussed the company's rebranding efforts during the ICU press conference; 27. Santinelli's Joe (l) and Gerard Santinelli (r) worked the congas during the Eye Rock concert; 28. Christopher “Big Black” Boykin at the Fatheadz Eyewear booth; 29. Safilo's Eden Wexler and fashion expert Carson Kressley welcomed the crowd during the Safilo Fashion Show; 30. Opti-Port member Diana Hall, president of Bard Optical, Peoria, Ill., with Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra impersonators at the Opti-Port Reception; 31. Johnson & Johnson Vision Care president Dave Brown (c), who was honored at the Eyes on New York Gala, with Johnson & Johnson vice president Michael Sneed (l) and David Heath, OD, president of SUNY College of Optometry (r)

Visionomics BUILDS BIZ
Both ODs and opticians took advantage of the COPE- and ABO-approved business-building courses conducted under the Visionomics®umbrella. The sessions focused on strategies for assessing and maximizing profitability, and Eyecare Business is pleased to be the media partner for this important educational program.

FRAME BUYERS LEARN & EARN
The Frame Buyer Certificate Program featured 13 hours of ABO-accredited education on topics including frame board mix, pricing, planograms, and visual merchandising. To earn a certificate, ECPs need only attend eight hours on the track, which is sponsored by The Vision Council's Eyewear and Accessories Division along with EB.