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Hot List: October 2012

Alicia Hoglund

1 How PINTERESTING!

A recently released report by Engauge revealed the following about the newest social media craze, Pinterest.

10 million

In 2012, Pinterest surpassed the 10 million user mark.

40 percent

Nearly half of Pinterest users report logging on multiple times a day.

Number One

Fashion is the most popular board category.

2 In Your Face

According to digital marketing firm Single Grain, 70 percent of local businesses use Facebook for marketing.

3 OPEN COMMUNICATION
Mashable reported on how consumers interact with brands on Facebook. 77 Percent read posts and updates from the brands 17 Percent share experiences and stories with others about the brand 13 Percent post updates about brands they like

4 INCREASING VALUES

Nielsen's “State of the Media: The Mobile Media Report” stated that the number of smartphone subscribers using the mobile Internet has grown 45 percent since 2010.

ZEISS, ESSILOR REACH AGREEMENT ON PATENT

The battle over Carl Zeiss Vision's backside free-form progressive lens design patent has come to an end. Zeiss and Essilor of America have reached an agreement relating to the patent, which includes settling the patent infringement litigation between Carl Zeiss Vision (CZV) and Signet Armorlite, now an Essilor affiliate. In a previous judgement, Signet Armorlite was found to have infringed upon CZV's U.S. Patent 6,089,713, which covers certain types of back-side free-form progressive lenses and the processes by which they are made. Carl Zeiss Vision had been awarded damages, attorney's fees, and a permanent injunction on the distribution of Signet Armorlite's Kodak Unique free-form lens. Signet had complied and taken the lens off the market. At the same time, the company launched a new Kodak lens, the Kodak Unique DS, which had been under development. The new lens utilizes a dual-side free-form progressive lens design rather than just a back-side design. Under the terms of the latest agreement, CZV has granted a royalty bearing license under the patent to Essilor and its affiliates (including Signet Armorlite), and Essilor has granted a license to Carl Zeiss Vision for certain other ophthalmic technologies, including coatings. Representatives from the companies have not yet disclosed the other technologies. With the agreement, the injunction is lifted, and Signet Armorlite has put its Kodak Unique back into distribution. In related news, Carl Zeiss Vision and Hoya Vision Care Company have signed a license agreement for the same patent mentioned above, as well as an Australian patent. The patents cover a back-surface free-form progressive lens design and the processes by which they are made. Representatives of the two companies say they are exploring the exchange of licenses in other related technology areas as well.

1. Peter Yee, Oakley 20-year veteran and vice president of design, talks about new styles; 2. Week Two guests gather outside Oakley's headquarters, described by the company as “a monument to the machine age, a building designed to honor invention”; 3. Attendees Jim Mulligan (r) and Dave Ketner get an “early read” of new products

OAKLEY HOLDS VIP DAYS

Oakley recently welcomed two groups representing top accounts to their Foothills Ranch, Calif., headquarters. Each group, one with major accounts from the Midwest and Eastern states, and the second, including top customers from the West Coast and Southeastern U.S., and their reps, totaled 70 key accounts representing 350 doors.

Topped off by a trip to the ballpark (Padres the first week, Angels the second), highlights of daytime sessions included presentations and workshops on top-line strategies, an inside look at the evolution of the company from both business and design perspectives, “early reads” on upcoming launches, a breakout on where Oakley fits with managed care, and an insightful presentation by Oakley's Dawne Hanks on the women's market.

Opticianry Foundation FORMED

Following up on the plans laid at the Opticianry Summit meeting in May, the Opticianry Summit Steward Team announced the initial groundwork has begun to form an Opticianry Summit Foundation. It was created to provide a way for others in the optical industry to contribute to the future of opticianry projects, and will serve as the fundraising vehicle to support the project goals of the summit.

Members of the board of directors include Ed DeGennaro, chairman; Sam Morgenstern, vice chairman; Wesley Scott, secretary; John Girdler, treasurer; Tom Barracato; Dianna Finisecy; Tom Hicks; and Doug Pelkey.

The foundation's board of directors says it will continue to communicate with summit attendees and the larger optical community, and will create bylaws, fundraising plans, and continue to work on the projects and goals identified at the summit.

INFO: opticianrysummit.com

Mido 2013 Announces New Dates

The dates for the 2013 Mido trade fair have been moved to March 2 to 4, a week earlier than previously announced at the last show. The changes in both dates as well as the days of the week—back to the classic Saturday to Monday run— were made based on attendance records from the 2012 show and overall participant preference, organizers note.

Attendees exploring the show floor at last year's show

The show, which boasts three intense days of optical trends, design, and technology, will once again be held at the Fieramilano and include the Design Lab, Asian Pavilion, Fashion District, Lens Pavilion, and Mido Tech.

INFO: mido.it

Williams Group Names New CEO

Williams Group announced that Brad Rourke, CPA, the company's vice president of finance and general manager of the software division, has been promoted to chief executive officer. Rourke joined Williams Group in 2003 as vice president of finance, leading the organization through strong growth and cultivating development, support, and sales teams. Prior to joining Williams Group, Rourke was interim president and CEO of Nexmedia Technologies, Inc. In related news, Brad Williams, OD, FAAO, who founded Williams Group in 1987, will assume the role of chairman of the board.

Brad Rourke (top), CPA, and Brad Williams, OD, FAAO, Williams Group

ABO-NCLE Conference Heads to D.C.

The 5th Annual ABO-NCLE National Opticians Conference will be held November 1 to 4 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Washington. The meeting will feature more than 100 hours of ABONCLE-approved education covering a variety of topics, such as spectacle lenses, contact lenses, and business, as well as hands-on track sessions. Review classes for both the ABO and NCLE basic and advanced certification exams will also be offered, with corresponding exams offered on-site on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012.

The conference will also play host to the Opticians Association of America Annual Convention, the National Academy of Opticianry's Membership and Award Ceremony, the National Federation of Opticianry Schools College Bowl, an Optical Women's Association seminar, and the Contact Lens Society of America Fall Symposium.

For information about the show, including sponsorship opportunities, visit abo-ncle.org/conference.

IOFT 2012 Returns to Tokyo

The 25th International Optical Fair Tokyo (IOFT) is set for October 22 to 24 at the Tokyo Big Sight in Japan. This year's attendees can look forward to seeing the latest trends in eyewear from more than 500 exhibitors from around the globe.

In addition, the show will host the 25th Japan Best Dressed Eyes Awards, where celebrities, politicians, and other people of note will be presented with awards for their outstanding eyewear fashion sense.

INFO: ioft.jp/en

Test Your Mettle!

We feature 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. What does the Pelli-Robson chart measure? OPTICIANRY Q. To verify that a spectacle lens does or does not have unwanted vertical prism, the optician begins the verification using the lens with the _________ power in the 90-degree meridian. For the answers, go to FYI on page 82

STAR Gazers

1. “True Blood” star Joe Manganiello recently sported Salvatore Ferragamo sunglass style SF105SL by Marchon. Catch Manganiello in the summer hit “Magic Mike,” which will be released on DVD later this month.

2. Actor James Van Der Beek arrived at the 11th Annual InStyle Summer Soiree wearing Leisure Society's Cambridge style sunglasses in black/silver. Van Der Beek's hit TV show, “Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23,” returns for a second season on October 23.

3. “Gossip Girl” actress Jessica Szohr in GUESS? sunglass style GU7164 by Viva International Group. Szohr is busy filming “The Internship,” which stars funnymen Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn, and Owen Wilson.

4. Actress Anne Hathaway spent a day in the sun with her fiancé wearing Gossip sunglasses by Sama Eyewear in black ink. Hathaway can be seen in the movie adaptation of “Les Miserables,” which comes out this December.

License Lineup
The Jones Group Inc. has entered into an exclusive, worldwide license agreement with Altair, a division of Marchon Eyewear, for the creation, production, marketing, and global distribution of ophthalmic eyewear and sunwear under the Anne Klein brand, beginning Jan. 1, 2013. The initial Anne Klein collections are set to debut in Spring 2013.

On the Town

Carrera (Safilo) and Fiji Water recently hosted celebrities and other VIP guests to a special screening of CBS Films' “The Words” in The Hamptons, N.Y..

Essilor Vision Foundation, which provides eye exams, eyeglasses, vision screenings, and other services for children with the greatest need in local communities, recently hosted a golf outing and auction in Long Island, N.Y., to benefit the foundation. The next Essilor Vision Foundation golf event is the 2012 Charity Golf Classic on Monday, Nov. 5, 2012 to be held at Las Colinas Country Club in Dallas.

INFO: greatgolfevents.com/EssilorTX2012.html

1. Bradley Cooper and Ben Barnes at the Carrera screening of “The Words”; 2. Essilor's Bob Colucci and Audrey Reed with The Vision Council's Donna Van Green; 3. On the course, (l to r) Larry Enright, Perferx Optical; Tony Massi, Accurx; Mike Daley, The Vision Council; Gerard Santinelli, Santinelli

Winning Big at VEW

According to preliminary reports, more than 12,000 attendees gathered at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas last month for the 2012 International Vision Expo West, on par with last year's attendance rates. The four-day show boasted the latest frames, lenses, equipment, and technology from nearly 475 global exhibitors as well as more than 360 hours of continuing education, celebrity appearances, parties, and other events.

Here, we highlight just a few of the show specials and events, as well as round up of some of the products that debuted at this year's VEW.

BEST IN SHOW
RONIT FURST/BRINTECH Hand Painted Eyewear The VEW 2012 Best New Product award went to Ronit Furst Hand Painted Eyewear. Presented by Brintech, the collection features diverse shapes and colors, all hand painted by Furst and her staff of talented artists. INFO: ronitfurst-usa.com

1. A&A OPTICAL
Look Book 2
A&A Optical announces the release of Look Book 2, A&A's second product catalog for 2012, showing product lines and providing meaningful style directions.
INFO: aaopticalco.com/new-release/Frames.aspx

2. ADLENS
Hemisphere
Hemisphere is variable focus eyewear utilizing fluid-injection lens technology that allows ECPs to set the prescription in each eye and seal the lens for instant dispensing.
INFO: adlens.com

3. AIT INDUSTRIES
WECO E.3
This all-in-one edging system has integrated tracing, blocking, edging, and drilling, making it perfect for small retail labs and those looking for a simple edging solution.
INFO: aitindustries.com

4. ALAIN MIKLI
Stark Eyes Bionism box set
Mikli released a new box set comprised of four 24-karat gold-plated glasses in limited and numbered edition with a special hallmark and engraved serial number.
INFO: mikli.com

5. AUGEN OPTICS
EasyForm 2013
Designed for small labs or larger retail networks, Augen's 2013 version of its EasyForm digital lens processing center features streamlined design and faster processing.
INFO: augenoptics.com

6. BEST IMAGE OPTICAL
Create Your Own Collection The Create Your Own program was developed to answer the needs of the small independent for exclusivity in branding.
INFO: bestimageoptical.net

7. CARL ZEISS VISION
Zeiss Progressive Individual 2
The PAL lens design features Eyefit and Center of Rotation Evaluation technologies that improve visual intermediate performance based on the patient's visual priorities, while maintaining alldistance vision performance.
INFO: vision.zeiss.com

8. CLEARVISION OPTICAL
Global Fit Collection
For hard-to-fit patients, ClearVision's expanded Global Fit collection incorporates bold colors and jewelry-inspired design elements, flattering to many different skin tones.
INFO: cvoptical.com

9. COBURN TECHNOLOGIES
Exxpert Finishing Series
Designed for entry-level in-house finishing, the Exxpert system offers high-speed milling, a range of standard and custom bevel options, external drilling, and affordable pricing.
INFO: coburntechnologies.com

10. ESSILOR INSTRUMENTS USA
Triplets Finishing Family
Iness and Jess D are additions to the Triplets Finishing Family, a collection of systems (each with tracer, blocker, and edger) that can be configured a number of ways to meet office needs.
INFO: essilorinstrumentsusa.com

11. ESSILOR OF AMERICA
Varilux S Series
The newest Varilux PAL design defies the limits of previous PALs with edge-to-edge clarity and reduced swim and sway. The S series comprises three different designs and new technologies.
INFO: variluxusa.com/variluxsseries

12. FGX
Field & Stream style Yearling FS023
Field & Stream features styles with anticorrosive finishes that withstand heat, sweat, and fog. Yearling suits progressive lenses and larger fits.
INFO: fgxi.com

13. HILCO
Fall-Winter Collection
The new fashionable collection includes readers, eyewear cases, holders, microfiber cloths, and lens care kits in striking colors and patterns.
INFO: hilco.com

14. THE HOYA FREE-FORM COMPANY
Spectangle
This app allows ECPs to handle all patient measurement, Rx data, and lifestyle needs with an iPad, and send the order directly to the lab.
INFO: thehoyafreeformcompany.com

15. LIVE EYEWEAR
Cocoons Photochromics
This polarized photochromic sunwear is designed to be worn over glasses. Gray or amber tints deliver optimal light transmission from dawn until dusk.
INFO: cocoonseyewear.com

16. LUXOTTICA
Coach Legacy collection style HC 8047 (“Casey”)
An oversized acetate frame, The Legacy is part of a modern collection inspired by timeless styles in the Coach archives.
INFO: luxottica.com

17. MARCHON
Valentino Men's Optical
Rich zyls and Valentino's signature rock stud accents can be found in the Valentino Men eyewear collection.
INFO: marchon.com

18. MOREL
Lightec Alpha 17
Alpha 17 is an exclusively male concept from Lightec, consisting of velvety temples which contrast with the stainless steel hinge.
INFO: morel-france.com

19. MYKITA
Mykita by Beth Ditto
The oversized cat-eye frame, Beth, featuring pointed top corners, incorporates rocker Beth Ditto's distinctive style and MYKITA's scissor-shaped signature design.
INFO: mykita.com

20. OGI EYEWEAR
Ogi 7148
Offered in green, blue, brown, or red, the 7148's matte translucent front bonds beautifully with boldly colored camouflage temples.
INFO: ogieyewear.com

21. OPTEK
The Shape
The Shape finishing center combines multi-axis machining and freeEDGE software that allows high-end design features such as freeform edges, engravings, and more.
INFO: optek-online.com

22. OPTICAL EXCHANGE
Miyagi Eyewear
2540 Kristina
Clear and colored translucents reflect light while metal-set fronts and shaped temples emphasize depth in this modern cat-eye frame.
INFO: miyagieyewear.com

23. R.A.C.E. DISTRIBUTORS OF RUDY PROJECT AND XX2I OPTICS
Diamond Series
High-quality Swarovski elements blend sophisticated fashion and distinctive Italian eyewear performance. Available in popular Hypermask Performance and DeeWhy models.
INFO: rudyprojectusa.com

24. SAFILO
Boss Black style B0463
Rectangular-shaped acetate frame featuring faceted temples in multilayer acetate and adjustable nosepads for maximum comfort.
INFO: mysafilo.com

25. SANTINELLI INTERNATIONAL
Xtrimer SE-1
Customers were given a preview of this five-axis, dry-cut edging technology designed for high-volume retail labs and wholesale labs alike. Look for an early 2013 release.
INFO: santinelli.com

26. SATISHLOH
Micro Line
Satisloh breaks into the retail lab category with this new digital surfacing lab, combining a micro generator and micro polisher in a small footprint.
INFO: satisloh.com

27. SCHNEIDER OPTICAL MACHINES
DSC ProLab
The ProLab combines digital lens surfacing, polishing, laser marking, and measuring in one compact unit, making it just right for in-house use.
INFO: schneider-om.com

28. SHAMIR
InTouch
This freeform design lens addresses the “new reading zone” (where digital devices are held) with an enhanced corridor for frequent smartphone and tablet users.
INFO: shamirlens.com

29. SPY
Jude
Jude features a one-piece stainless steel front with handmade acetate temples and contrasting enamel detail.
INFO: spyoptic.com

30. TRANSITIONS OPTICAL, INC.
Transitions Vantage
The newest addition to Transitions' everyday lens category offers revolutionary technology designed to both darken and polarize upon UV exposure.
INFO: transitionsvantage.com

31. VISION-EASE LENS
Thindex Coated
The new Thindex 1.70 SRC Coated SFSV and A SFSV lenses provide both convenience and compatibility for backside spin-coat processing, along with durability and higher ABBE value.
INFO: vision-ease.com

32. VIVA INTERNATIONAL GROUP
Harley-Davidson HD 432
Inspired by the rugged and bold lifestyle of the Harley-Davidson enthusiast, model HD 432 features an innovative raised metal temple treatment enhanced by the Harley-Davidson logo.
INFO: vivagroup.com

33. VSP OPTICS
otto
otto (one touch to optical) is an iPad app that serves as a virtual optical assistant, helping ECPs manage patient flow, measurements, frame styling, product presentation, and claim filing.
INFO: seeotto.com; vsp.com

34. WESTGROUPE
Kliik KL 478
Kliik 478 encompasses all the fashion trends of fall 2012. Warm rich tones of teal, purple, burgundy, and blue are enhanced by the textured, patterned TR-90 temples.
INFO: kliik.com

35. WILEY X EYEWEAR
WX Gravity
Part of the Climate Control Series, Rx-ready and safety-rated Gravity comes with the patented and removable soft foam seal to keep out wind, dust, and debris.
INFO: wileyx.com

36. YOUNGER OPTICS
“More Choices” Guide
Younger Optics and Transitions Optical have released “More Choices: A Guide to Everyday and Sunwear Lenses” as a training and sales tool to educate patients about complete eyewear choices.
INFO: youngeroptics.com

1. (l to r) Marcolin's Ben Wolf, Paul Cartwright, Jason Dopheide, and Jeff Busch at the Tom Ford event; 2. A&A Optical's Robert Liener (l) and Marilyn Monroe lookalike (r) with $1,000 winner Camille Tyler (c) of Grand Rapids Ophthalmology, Mich.; 3. Lafont USA's Ray Khalil announces Lafont's 25th anniversary in the U.S.; 4. Marchon's Claudio Gottardi welcomes guests to the company's annual extravaganza at the Flamingo Hotel; 5. Aaron Schubach (c) of Standard Optical at OptiPort's reception at Lavo; 6. Speaker Rebecca Johnson discusses healthy eating at the Optical Women's Association POWW seminar; 7. REM'S Gilda Mehraban and Nicolas Roseillier (l and r) with Andrea Schiavon and Luxottica's Meera Dua at REM Eyewear's Converse Reception; 8. Paul Cartwright (l) and Ben Wolf present the latest products from Marcolin at a Silmo preview event; 9. Adlens' Michael C. Ferrara (l) and John Barry celebrate the launch of Adlens' variable focus eyewear with an event in The Venetian suites

BUSINESS-BUILDING TRACK
The Visionomics® track of classes offered both optometrists and opticians an opportunity to earn COPE and ABO continuing education credits. Eyecare Business is pleased to be the media partner for this series of business-building courses that offers hands-on strategies for maximizing and assessing practice and operational profitability.

1. (L to r) honorees Michael Francesconi, Bob Dziuban, Kevin Bargman, William D. Hernandez, Marty Bassett, Bob Colucci, and David Rips; 2. (l to r) Mike Francesconi, Carmen Sevilla of The Vision Council Optical Lab Division, and Barney Dougher, CEO, The Hoya Free-Form Company and Hall of Fame inductee, 2010; 3. Drake McLean (l), president of Dietz-McLean Optical, San Antonio, Texas, and his son, optician Zach McLean, ABOC, Eclectic Eyewear, Austin, Texas; 4. Optical Lab Division's Ed Greene (l) and Satisloh's Larry Clarke (r) at the Optical Lab Division of The Vision Council's awards dinner

OPTICAL LAB DIVISION HOSTS EVENTS

The Optical Lab Division of The Vision Council met for its annual meeting as part of International Vision Expo West. The meeting combined special events, awards, and education, all designed to help member labs grow and advance their businesses.

Educational offerings included seminars on topics from avoiding redos to private-label branding and digital surfacing (which included hands-on workshops). The highlight of the three-day event was the Director's Choice and 13th Annual Hall of Fame Awards Banquet, which brought together more than 250 people from the optical lab community to pay tribute to their own.

David Rips, president and CEO of Younger Optics, received the Directors' Choice Award, which honors outstanding contributions to the ophthalmic industry. Hall of Fame honors were bestowed upon Kevin Bargman, Essilor Laboratories of America and former owner of Hawkins Optical Laboratories; Marty Bassett, president of Walman Optical; Bob Colucci, president, Independent Distribution Division, Essilor of America and chairman of the Essilor Vision Foundation; Bob Dziuban, former executive director of the Optical Laboratories Association; Michael Francesconi, vice president of Katz & Klein and chairman of The Vision Council's Optical Lab Division; and William D. Hernandez, former president of Practical Systems, Inc.

10. Greg Naes (l) and David Israel of Eye Solutions get into the music theme as they launch Blu-Tech Lenses at The Hard Rock Café; 11. (l to r) Janice Mignogna, Howard Purcell, OD, of Essilor of America, Janice Jurkus, OD, and Judith Perrigin, OD, FAAO, enjoy the networking at DocFest; 12. “American Idol” finalist Danny Gokey gives interviews about his eyewear line and meets customers at the Match Eyewear booth; 13. Chelsy Pham of VSP Optics shows off otto, a virtual optical assistant app that she helped design; 14. Gerard Santinelli (c) is flanked by Motoshi Tanaka (l) and Yuya Nakako (r) of Nidek as they provided customers a sneak peek of Santinelli's new dry-cut edger, the Xtrimer SE-1; 15. Metta World Peace of the Los Angeles Lakers greets customers at the Revolution Eyewear booth; 16. Mona Spiker shows off the iPad she won at the Shamir booth; 17. ClearVision Optical's Mimi Friedfeld (r) and her daughter, Liz, (l) enjoy the OWA's networking event at The Venetian; 18. Bad Habits, aka The Eye Docs of Rock, performs at The Hard Rock Café on the Las Vegas Strip; 19. Matt Lytle discusses the new Shamir lens, InTouch, at press conference; 20. At a cocktail party celebrating Lafonft's 25th anniversary in the U.S.: (l to r) Ray Khalil, Philippe Lafont, and Thomas Lafont; 21. Silhouette's Kristen McLaughlin and Ira Haber, owner and president of the 5-store Europtics in Denver; 22. Designer Ronit Furst, winner of Best New Product, and Tom Loughran, Reed Exhibitions

FRAME BUYER PROGRAM
The Frame Buyer Certificate Program series of ABO-accredited courses experienced some of the highest attendance numbers at Vision Expo. With classes covering a broad range of must-know topics for buyers, dispensers, and managers, this education track is sponsored by The Vision Council's Eyewear and Accessories Division as well as with Eyecare Business.