News

{HOT LIST}
January 2014

1 KEY TRENDS

StyleSight reveals the four key eyewear and sunwear trends for Spring/Summer 2014:

Real

Instagram and the bygone era of the 1970s inspire dreamy hues and soft shapes.

Rational

Mathematics inspire creation this season, where geometry infuses design with precision.

Creed

Eyewear explores the deep seas and newly found planets, using their colors and textures as inspiration.

Eden

Escape to a fantastical world with vibrant eyewear in a riot of color and eclecticism, with a tribal beat and acid modernism.

2 GO TEAM!

Team USA hits the snow in Sochi, Russia, next month for the XXII Olympic Winter Games. Oakley, Inc., the official eyewear supplier of Team USA, has released special-edition products to allow fans to enjoy the same technologies that serve athletes. A percentage of Team USA eyewear collection sales supports the training of U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes and hopefuls.

Team USA Crowbar Snow goggle by Oakley

3 OH, NO!

Despite the health risks and repeated warnings about the dangers of exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays, a new survey from the American Optometric Association (AOA) indicates that only 40% of consumers cite protection of their eyes from sun damage as the primary reason they wear sunglasses.

4 FACE SHAPE FACTORS

To help patients select the perfect pair of sunwear, Sunglass Hut recommends these guidelines:

ROUND

Round faces have few angles—so their sunglasses should. Geometric shapes will offset softer contours.

OVAL

Oval-shaped faces can rock any look. Rectangular frames are a good place to start.

SQUARE

Square faces feature a broad forehead and jawline. Counteract these angular lines with curvier frames.

HEART-SHAPE

Heart-shaped faces are widest at the temples and narrowest at the chin. Choose frames that direct attention downward and elongate their look.

5 SUN CYCLES

The average number of years between new plano sunwear purchases by adults in the U.S. is 2.5 years, based on users who recently made purchases (as of the six months ending March 2013).

The Vision Council

RX’ABLE GOOGLE GLASS?

google Glass is still not available on the open market, but there are already signs that indicate a wider involvement of the optical industry in the development of the wearable computing device.

VSP Global is talking with Google about a partnership that would create more fashionable frames for the Glass and making the device compatible with prescription lenses. Current Glass models in the test market do not have lenses at all, making them unusable for those who wear spectacle lenses. The company has also faced early criticism of the device’s rather geeky and unfashionable look.

VSP Global has a vision care benefits network of more than 60 million people (including Google employees) and 30,000 eyecare practitioners. Furthermore, it owns the Marchon and Altair frame companies and has an optical laboratory network of nine labs in six states.

Though VSP would not comment on the nature of the discussions—there has been no formal agreement released—it is reportedly talking about training ODs to display the device and fit patients.

Google recently expanded its Explorer testing program, and has also confirmed plans to add ear buds to the device and has released new information about the digital format to software developers in an effort to create more apps and uses for the device. The device is not expected to be released until later in 2014.

{THE VAULT}
Oh, how times have changed!

This photo was taken in 1918 at the American Optical (AO) frame plant in Southbridge, MA. It seems only the men were allowed coffee cups! The prevalence of women in the factory was due to World War I, though AO would continue to employ a great number of women, including many who came to this country with their families from Europe to make a better life in America. Though the company was a leader in the optical industry, it was at one point also the largest employer in central Massachusetts. This photo is one of many on display—along with frame, lens, and equipment artifacts— at the Optical Heritage Museum. A labor of love by former AO employee Dick Whitney and others who have spent their lives working in optical, the museum recently found a permanent home in Southbridge. It is open by appointment. Throughout the coming year, Eyecare Business will bring readers tidbits of optical’s history, courtesy of the museum, in this space. To learn more, visit opticalheritagemuseum.org.

MARCOLIN FINALIZES VIVA ACQUISITION

Marcolin SpA, through its affiliate Marcolin USA, and HVHc Inc., finalized the acquisition of Viva International on Dec. 4, 2013. As reported previously by Eyecare Business, Marcolin originally announced its intent to acquire Viva in October 2013. Company representatives note that the acquisition will establish the ideal conditions for bringing a relevant and value-added product offering with a worldwide distribution network to the market.

FGX ACQUIRES SUNTECH OPTICS

FGX International, a wholly owned subsidiary of Essilor International, has completed the acquisition of Suntech Optics Inc. A privately held company headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Suntech is primarily engaged in the sale of sunglasses and reading glasses under proprietary brands including Infokus and Solair. The deal also included the purchase of Naked Eye Enterprises and Bugaboos Eyewear Corporation.

ECP Award Nominees

For the third year, Transitions Optical, Inc., is honoring an Eyecare Practice of the Year at the Transitions Academy Awards later this month. The award celebrates loyal eyecare practice partners who are actively promoting the Transitions lens brand and healthy sight to their patients and communities. Here is a quick look at this year’s nominees.

Arizona Family Vision Center

This Phoenix practice “decks out” its storefront with Transitions–branded window wraps, which prompts patients to ask about Transitions lenses as soon as they walk in the door. AFVC offers lens bundles that are based on lifestyles—instead of different economic levels—and the Transitions family of products is included in all packages. Because the AFVC team wants to give back to its community and provide more reasons to visit their practice, they partnered with Transitions Optical to throw a “Recy-EYE-cle Party” that benefited families at the local Lions Club Sight Foundation. Patients could trade in their old glasses for a new pair and also receive 50 percent off of Transitions lenses. AFVC was able to donate more than 300 pairs of eyeglasses.

Clarus Optical

Located in Lacey, WA, Clarus Optical’s mission statement is to improve quality of life for its patients by providing the finest optical care for people of all ages—and its staff believes that offering the Transitions family of products helps them stay true to that mission. The doctors at Clarus put an emphasis on UV protection, and have Transitions lenses printed on every Rx as a patient recommendation. Clarus offers a “30 Day Test Drive” on Transitions lenses to show that the practice stands behind the brand and to help first-time wearers feel more comfortable trying the product. Opticians survey patients to understand who they are, what they do, and how they use their glasses. This survey fuels a discussion about how premium products like Transitions lenses can help enhance their vision.

Buena Vista Optical

Recognizing that in order to best recommend a product you need to first experience it, BVO fits all staff members with Transitions lenses. The Chicago-based team is passionate about the benefits of the lenses and discusses them with every patient. They even have patients sign a waiver if they choose not to opt for them. For patients who are initially more excited about their frames, BVO’s motto is that “getting a designer frame without Transitions lenses is like getting an iPhone without the Internet.” Throughout the year, Buena Vista Optical provides education to its staff so they are better informed about the latest products and programs available through Transitions Optical, and takes advantage of point-of-sale materials, in both English and Spanish, to help communicate the benefits to patients.

{LICENSE LINEUP}
SAFILO AND KATE SPADE EXPAND PARTNERSHIP

Safilo Group and Kate Spade LLC have signed a five-year North American eyewear licensing agreement for the design, production, and distribution of Jack Spade. The men’s sunglasses collection will be available in top-tier department stores, sunglass specialty retailers, and Jack Spade retail stores across the U.S. and Canada beginning February 2014. A roll out of the Jack Spade men’s optical collection will be available at select optical retailers throughout North America starting April 2014.

HONG KONG FAIR SHOWS GROWTH

The 21st edition of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s Hong Kong Optical Fair welcomed more than 14,000 buyers to the 2013 Fair, held from Nov. 6 to 8, 2013. Up eight percent from 2012, those buyers represented 100 countries and regions including Mainland China, Taiwan, the U.S., Korea, Japan, Malaysia, and Australia. The Brand Name Gallery showcased more than 170 brands from 22 countries. Among the newest sections of interest were exhibit areas for children’s frames as well as 3D glasses. The dates for the 2014 show are Nov. 5 to 7 and will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and co-sponsored by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association.

{NEW FACES} PBA Announces New Leadership

Paul G. Howes

Torrey DeKeyser

Mike Daley

Prevent Blindness America (PBA) has announced that Paul G. Howes has been elected as the new chairperson of PBA’s National Board of Directors. Howes joined the Board in 2004 and has served in various leadership roles over the years, including the Executive Committee. In addition, Torrey DeKeyser, executive director of the EyeSight Foundation of Alabama, and Mike Daley, Optical Lab Division liaison of The Vision Council, were also elected as new members. The vote was held in November 2013 at the PBA Annual Board Meeting in Chicago.

LIBERTY SPORT TURNS 85

This year, Liberty Sport is celebrating its 85th anniversary in the optical industry. Founded in Newark, NJ, in 1929, the company will celebrate its birthday by revamping its trade and brand dress, which will be realized through new campaigns, an updated website, and more.

FYI!

News bits from the industry

{PEOPLE}

ZEAL Optics has promoted TJ Bottom to the position of North American director of sales. Bottom will structure the sales strategy for the brand and develop a coordinated approach for growing it worldwide.

William Krueger has been appointed the new executive vice president of sales and marketing of Vision-Ease Lens. Krueger will lead the company’s worldwide sales, marketing, and business development efforts.

The American Board of Optometry (ABO) has elected new officers at its 2013 Annual Meeting: chairman James M. Vaught, OD; vice-chairman David A. Heath, OD, Ed.M.; secretary Chelsea L. Miller, OD; and treasurer John P. McGuire. In addition, Jackson Lau, OD, was elected the new director representing the American Optometric Association (AOA), and Michael D. Gerstner, OD, was elected as a new member-at-large.

{PASSINGS}

Ed Iwinski passed away on November 12, in his home near Chicago. He was 73 years old. Iwinski began his career in the eyecare industry in 1965 as an apprentice optician, and went on to hold a various roles at several companies including Cole National, Lens-Crafters, Eye Masters of Canada, National Vision, Uhlemann Optical, and Opti-Port.

{BUSINESS UPDATES}

The Vision Care Institute, an affiliate of Johnson & John-son Vision Care, Inc., has achieved a major milestone with 100,000 ECPs attending courses in its network of 14 sites worldwide.

William Krueger, Vision-Ease Lens

Adlens recently opened the Variable Power Optics Centre, a new manufacturing facility, in Oxford, U.K., to lead production of Adlens Focuss.

{AWARDS}

Prevent Blindness America has announced the grand-prize winner of its 2013 Most Beautiful Eyes Contest: Meikayla Mixon, age 12, from Arizona. Mixon has received a $10,000 educational scholarship.

Essilor of America is now accepting applications for the 30th annual Varilux Student Grant Award Program. The winning case report from each school will receive $1,000 plus an entry into national judging. The national award winner and the faculty advisor will each receive a travel grant for Optometry’s Meeting (June 25 through 28 in Philadelphia). Submissions must be mailed or emailed by February 1, 2014.

INFO: dventura@essilorusa.com, news. essilorusa.com/stories/detail/varilux-student-grant-award-program

1 TJ Bottom, ZEAL Optics; 2 (l to r) Adlens’ Mike Nuttall, Michael C. Ferrara, James Chen, and Dean Butler at the unveiling of the Variable Power Optics Centre; 3 Industry veteran Ed Iwinski passed away at age 73; 4 (l to r) Lorie Crabtree (mother), contest winner Meikayla Mixon, Marchon’s Susan Rose Ohneck, and PBA’s Hugh Parry

{WORD SEARCH}
Digital Measuring Devices

Digital measuring devices are becoming more and more popular with practices as businesses aim to achieve exacting measurements for advanced free-form lenses. Try to find all of the terms in this puzzle related to digital measuring devices.

By Jenean Carlton, BA, ABOC, NCLC

WORD BANK	Investment
Accurate	iPad platform
Advanced	Kiosk
Apps	Less
Consistent	Remakes
Customized	Measurements
Demonstrate	Panoramic angle
Digital	Pantoscopic tilt
Dominant eye	Personalization
Education	Position-of-wear
Efficient	Precise
Eye rotation	Precision
Features	Sales aid
Frame	Satisfaction
Styling	Tablet
Freestanding	User friendly
Hand-held	Vertex distance
High-tech	Wrap angle

{SOLUTION}
The answers to the December 2013 Word Search

Pop Quiz!

Lens remakes should be ___ % or less of all lens orders each month.

{ANSWER: 4}