Labs Look to the Future at VEW

A spotlight on what’s ahead for labs at the upcoming annual meeting of The Vision Council Optical Lab Division

By Alex Yoho, ABOM

The Optical Lab Division of The Vision Council, sponsor of this article, is looking forward to its annual meeting. The meeting will be held during International Vision Expo West (VEW), October 2 to 5, and will provide the ultimate, complete lab event. Each feature—from educational programs to exclusive networking events— offers the opportunity for lab professionals to grow and succeed.

The wide-ranging educational programming and expansive exhibits at International Vision Expo West provide the perfect setting for lab representatives to hear and discuss the latest topics, network with peers, and test drive new equipment before integrating new ideas and technologies to improve their customers’ experiences.

IMPORTANT EVENTS

Here’s a look at some highlights of the upcoming meeting.

■ ANSI. Topics slated for coverage include a discussion with Rick Tinson, the Optical Lab Division’s technical expert, who will cover what labs and ECPs need to know on ANSI Z80 and Z87 Standards that pertain to frames and testing required, as well as “as worn” and compensated Rx’s.

■ MARKETING. A panel discussion on marketing essentials for labs will include a team of marketing experts that will address what it takes to create a solid strategy to utilize a variety of communications options, including a spotlight on social media.

■ PROFITABILITY. What are labs doing to drive down their remake rates to increase their bottom line? Chris Bowers of Walman Optical introduces a Customer Profitability Spreadsheet which uses data available from most labs’ LMS. He will be joined by other experts to explain how to analyze the data. Practical uses for the results to improve your lab and your customers’ performance will also be discussed. There are sure to be different and useful approaches divulged.

■ BUYING GROUPS. Stephanie De Long, editorial director and editor-in-chief of Eyecare Business, leads this panel discussion, which examines the role that ECP buying groups play in optometrists’ business selections. She will review survey data to dive into the reasons why or why not ECPs decide to use buying groups’ services. Panelists from buying groups will discuss deciding factors in their lab selections.

■ IMPORTANT UPDATES. A Legal and Regulatory Update for Labs will be presented by The Vision Council’s legal, government and regulatory affairs, and trade departments. Greg Jacobs will present the legal building blocks for lab business; Jason McElvaney will provide a government regulatory review; and Rick Van Arnam presents changes in global trade regulations.

■ OPTICAL PIONEERS. The Optical Lab Division has announced the 2013 Directors’ Choice recipient and seven industry veterans who will be recognized during the 14th Annual Optical Pioneers Hall of Fame banquet and Directors’ Choice Award presentation on Wednesday, October 2 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Venetian.

Each year this banquet brings together optical industry professionals— new and veteran—to celebrate the rich heritage of this strong and diverse industry. (See News section on p. 25 for the names of this year’s inductees.)

Optical Lab Division members can attend the banquet for free, non-members can purchase tickets for $90. Tickets can be reserved online at thevisioncouncil.org/labmeeting.

SINCE THE MERGER

Though events like the annual Hall of Fame banquet have been held for decades, it was in January 2012 that the Optical Lab Division (formerly the Optical Laboratories Association) announced its official merger with The Vision Council.

Since that time, a number of important goals have been set. In fact, members of the Optical Lab Division Steering Committee met last summer for a strategic planning session at The Vision Council in Alexandria, Va.

With input from each committee member, the new direction was established and used as the foundation for a three-and-a-half year strategic plan.

The goals include: Clarifying the Division’s membership, mission, vision, and value proposition; increasing member visibility, position, and influence in the global optical marketplace; recognizing and addressing the impact of issues on members; elevating the laboratory image and positioning members as go-to experts; revitalizing meaningful programs and services for all facets of the Division; and energizing Division leadership, operations, and services to support members.

The Division also created a number of sub-committees for independent wholesale labs, integrated labs, retail labs, and managed care labs—each with its own chairman and an assigned member from the Steering Committee.

New member programs have been developed, including lab-focused market data reports and lab-centric education such as the “On the Road Sales Coach for Labs.” Long-term plans will include programs to enhance the lab/customer relationship.

Be sure to take advantage of current programs, too, including those detailed in the sidebar “Benefits of Membership” as well as those being held in conjunction with next month’s Optical Lab Division meeting during Vision Expo West.

There is no cost to attend the Optical Lab Division meeting for members of The Vision Council. Members who register for the event will receive complimentary access to all breakfasts, lunches, and special events, as well as educational programming.

RSVP to: thevisioncouncil.org/labmeeting EB