News
AOA Claims Success on the Hill
Timing, they say, is everything.
Just as more than 500 American Optometric Association (AOA)-member doctors and students took to Washington, D.C., April 12 to 14, a vote was held on sweeping legislation that would fix Medicare’s flawed Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula and recognize optometrists as physicians for all major quality improvement and payment and delivery reforms. The Senate’s 92-8 vote repealed Medicare’s SGR formula and reversed a 21% payment cut, which had taken effect April 1.
H.R. 2 is a bipartisan bill that replaces the SGR with a new merit-based incentive payment system that offers the only pathway to growing physician payments. It also prevented a two-tiered Medicare pay system that was originally envisioned under previous versions of the SGR reform bill. The AOA believes the bill solidifies optometry’s central role in Medicare for decades to come.
The AOA delegates were in Washington as part of the AOA Congressional Advocacy Conference to focus the national spotlight on the profession and help advance optometry’s top priorities.
The Conference afforded AOA members the opportunity to visit U.S. Senators’ offices to reinforce their support for an SGR reform vote. The Senate vote came just hours after the AOA group had spent the day advocating for optometry on Capitol Hill. It had already been approved by the House.
“We reminded Senators about optometry’s essential and expanding role in Medicare, and kept O.D. physician status as a non-negotiable foundation of the final bill,” says AOA president David A. Cockrell about the advocacy conference’s mission. “This win—after years of attacks on our role as physicians and repeated payment disruptions—offers a new reason for AOA members to be proud of our organization’s impact and results in Washington, D.C.
Also during the Conference, the AOA advocates led a special forum with officials from U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging and AARP, which focused on ensuring healthier aging by expanding seniors’ access to comprehensive eye exams. As part of the “Health Policy Listening Session: Comprehensive Eye Exams and Healthy Aging,” optometry’s frontline advocates and aging experts discussed removing policy barriers that prevent seniors’ comprehensive eye exams.
The FACT FILE
THE U.S. VISION CARE INDUSTRY GENERATED
$37.60 billion
IN REVENUE IN 2014…WHICH IS UP 4% OVER LAST YEAR’S NUMBER (AND UP ALMOST 10% OVER RETAIL SALES TOTALS BEFORE THE RECESSION HIT)
The Vision Council Vision Watch research
INDEPENDENTS GARNERED
51%
OF THE RETAIL FRAME MARKET THIS PAST YEAR, WITH CHAINS GETTING 27.4% AND MASS MERCHANDISERS GETTING 11%
The Vision Council Vision Watch research
58%
OF ECPS WITH WEBSITES SAY THEY ARE INFORMATIONAL ONLY.
20%
OF THEM SAY THEY PLAN TO START ONLINES SALES WITHIN THE YEAR,
25%
OF THEM SAY THEY’LL NEVER DO IT.
Eyecare Business Market Trends Study
Three to Be Inducted Into Hall of Fame
three doctors of optometry have been selected into the National Optometry Hall of Fame. Since 1998, the National Optometry Hall of Fame, administered by Optometry Cares, has recognized and honored optometrists who have made significant and long-lasting contributions to the optometric profession.
The 2015 inductees are:
PAUL C. AJAMIAN, O.D., of Georgia. Dr. Ajamian is co-founder of the nation’s first optometric co-management and referral center, Omni Eye Services of Atlanta. Upon graduating from the New England College of Optometry, he became one of the first optometrists to participate in a post-graduate fellowship program at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute (BPEI) in Miami. He was awarded the AOA’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, in 2014.
KENJI HAMADA, O.D., of Oregon. Dr. Hamada began his career in the U.S. Army, 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY, serving as captain and chief optometrist, earning the Meritorious Service Award. He has received the Young Optometrist of the Year Award, Optometrist of the Year Award and President’s Award (earned three times) from the Oregon Optometric Physicians Association and the 2001 National Distinguished Service Award from the AOA. Dr. Hamada was also inducted into the National Academies of Practice as a Distinguished Practitioner in Optometry in 2000.
EARL L. SMITH III, O.D., PH.D., of Texas. Dr. Smith serves on the faculty of the University of Houston College of Optometry (UHCO). He currently holds the Greeman-Petty Professorship in Vision Development and serves as the interim chief health officer of the University of Houston Amoco. He received the Educator of the Year Award from the Texas Optometric Association in 2003 and Optometrist of the Year Award in 2009.
The inductees will be honored at a ceremony and reception on Thursday, June 25, at 7 p.m., as part of Optometry’s Meeting, held June 24-28 in Seattle.
LOW VISION PIONEER DIES AT 94
Alfred A. Rosenbloom, O.D., FAAO
Alfred A. Rosenbloom, O.D., FAAO, passed away on April 7 at the age of 94. Dr. Rosenbloom served as Dean of Illinois College of Optometry from 1955 to 1972, president from 1972 to 1982, and remained a Distinguished Professor Emeritus. In 1956, he helped start the Low Vision Clinic at the Chicago Lighthouse, which continues to be a renowned clinic today.
During his long and distinguished career, he was an accomplished teacher, writer, lecturer, and administrator. He published numerous optometric articles and books He established low vision clinics in New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Singapore, and served on numerous national boards dealing with optometry, public health, and vision impairment/blindness, including his service as the optometric representative to the White House Conference on Aging in 1982.
He was inducted into the National Optometry Hall of Fame in 2010, and oversaw the creation of the Alfred and Sarah Rosenbloom Center on Vision and Aging at the Illinois College of Optometry.
He was an avid supporter of the American Optometric Foundation, chairing the Advisory Research Council, serving on its Board of Directors, and establishing the Alfred A. Rosenbloom Fund. Other honors include Lifetime Achievement awards from The Chicago Lighthouse and Prevent Blindness America, the Distinguished Service Award from the American Optometric Association, and the Migel Medal from the American Foundation for the Blind.
Dr. Rosenbloom was also active in the humanitarian aspect of optometry. He was a long-time member of VOSH-Illinois, participating in over 20 international trips. He served as president of VOSH International, and was awarded its Humanitarian of the Year award in 2007.
NANOFILM CELEBRATES 30 YEARS
Founded in 1985, Nanofilm is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Founded by Scott Rickert, Ph.D., the company began by developing and commercializing a very thin film, nanometers in thickness.
The first successful commercial product was a nanocoating for optical lenses—PermaSeal, to protect AR treatment on lenses. “From the beginning, our focus has been in researching and exploiting the science of surfaces to deliver new or enhanced performance attributed with our products,” says Krish Rao, Ph.D., Nanofilm’s president.
Nanofilm entered the lens care market in 1989, when a lens manufacturer asked it to develop a lens cleaner that was effective, safe to use, and helped prolong the life of coatings.
“That was the beginning of many hundreds of millions of bottles and over a billion towelettes of high-performance lens care sold around the world,” says Dr. Rao. The company soon began working a retail model, designing packaging with shelf impact and a fashion sense in line with eyewear styles, and implementing retail programs including assortment planning, merchandising, and promotional programs.
Now, Nanofilm’s branded and private label products introduced over the years represent hundreds of SKUs and are marketed in five continents and dozens of countries around the globe. The portfolio includes Ultra Clarity and Clarity Clean It spray, towelettes, EcoClens spray, Defog It anti-fog liquid and towelettes, and a variety of other accessories.
Last year, Nanofilm was combined with Applied Nanotech, and a new public company, PEN, was formed with Dr. Rickert as chairman and CEO. Manufacturing expansions are planned, and Nanofilm plans to introduce six new classes of products to help eyewear users take care of their eyewear.
INFO: nanofilmusa.com
Reptile Sun Acquired
Reptile Sun, a producer of high-performance polarized sunglasses, has been acquired by Nova Capital, a privately held company specializing in real estate and business acquisitions. The new company will operate under the name Reptile Sun, LLC.
Gary Adelman will serve as president and CEO. The company will relocate to Dallas.
Formerly based in Ashland, MA, Reptile Sun was created by Sam Kotob. With the sale of Reptile, Kotob will now devote 100% of his efforts to his second company, eyeOs Premium Readers.
Adelman has more than 10 years of sunglass industry experience, and was a key member of the management team of Maui Jim Sunglasses. He oversaw the initial acquisition of Maui Jim as it moved its corporate operations from Maui to Peoria, IL, in 1996, and was a key member of the team that helped grow Maui Jim and expand its customer base.
On the Town
ROW, ROW, ROW FOR HOPE
Team Beyond, a foundation of endurance athletes taking on the world’s toughest challenges to change the world, announces its partnership with Rudy Project.
By providing eye protection, Rudy Project will assist this two-person team in their attempt to cross the Atlantic Ocean in record time. Team Beyond founders Daley Ervin and Phillip Theodore will be rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge. They are poised to be the first Americans to win the race, and raise $5 million dollars to fight hunger in America.
“Not only will Rudy Project help us power through with their innovative and stylish sunglasses, but we’re proud to align with a company that shares our passions and purpose of feeding those that do not have access to healthy food. They share our ideals as a company, as fellow athletes, and as humans,” says Ervin.
“Having been a competitive rower for seven years, I can say firsthand that what these guys are setting out to do is absolutely incredible,” says president and co-founder of Rudy Project North America Paul Craig. “Not only is their goal to set a new world record inspiring, but their ambitions to help the hungry get reliable access to healthy food is noble. Rudy Project is the Official Eyewear & Helmet of USRowing, so it makes a natural pairing for us to partner with Team Beyond and support them in any way possible.”
Daley Ervin and Phillip Theodore
ON THE SLOPES
Converse Eyewear, in collaboration with the World Pro Skiing Foundation, sponsored a mentoring event for young ski racers at the Spring Series races held in Sun Valley, ID. The objective, explains board chairman and REM Eyewear CEO Mike Hundert, is to help young athletes appreciate that the unique attributes derived from competition are highly leverageable in the business world.
“We at Converse Eyewear are proud to play a small role in a huge and worthy effort,” Hundert says. His background includes having been a ski racing commentator and director of the World Pro Skiing Tour in the 1970s and 1980s.
Mike Hundert (l) joins a panel at the World Pro Skiing Foundation event
PROMOTING UV
The Vision Council has again partnered with Lifetime Fitness to reach consumers directly in promotion of the importance of UV protection as well as the latest in lens technology and finding the right pair of lenses to fit your lifestyle. These themes will be on display in Lifetime Fitness centers throughout the country through June 30, and The Vision Council will also be hosting sunglasses-related activities in 12 locations throughout the country to celebrate National Sunglasses Day on June 27.
Lifetime Fitness has over 110 locations and its fitness centers see over 200,000 members per day, which is about 6.25 million members each month. The Vision Council is reaching this audience with messages featured in each gym by way of indoor posters, digital signage, and multiple 30-second TV spots on Lifetime TV—the in-house television station.
WestGroupe Joins TAYE
WestGroupe is the latest industry partner to support Think About Your Eyes (TAYE), a national public awareness campaign aimed at educating consumers on the benefits of vision health. With this new addition, the TAYE campaign continues its industry expansion, which now includes 18 Leadership Partner organizations.
“We are dedicated to defining future standards in the optical business by developing, creating, and supporting innovative products and services,” said WestGroupe’s president, Michael Suliteanu. “It is in support of that mission that we have partnered with the Think About Your Eyes campaign. It is essential that we continue to spread the message of comprehensive eye exams, and we’re thrilled to join other industry leaders in making annual eye exams a standard part of people’s lives.”
A New York Vision
Interest from millennials foreshadows future VEE direction
focused on a fresh new theme—Visionaries in Education, Fashion, and Technology—International Vision Expo East 2015 hosted more than 22,000 visitors from over 90 countries.
This year, more than 33% of attendees were millennials, including more than 700 students and members of the Young Professionals Club, who attended courses ranging from the “New Technology Rapid Fire” clinical session to “Future Business Trends Happening Now” in the Business Solutions track.
According to Tom Loughran, group vice president, Reed Exhibitions, millennial interest and activity foreshadow the direction in which eyewear and eyecare professionals and businesses are headed. “The millennial population learns, communicates, and operates in new ways and businesses need to consider this,” says Loughran. “We are in the middle of a digital movement that is captivating to all generations, in an evolution of our overall marketing and customer experience strategies.”
The 2015 educational experience addressed this new professional landscape through four days and 330 hours of flexible and technology-driven formats, such as crowd-sourced learning designed to engage attendees in steering classroom discussions. New tracks in wearable technology, retail business, and customer experience were popular and well-attended.
Vision Expo East will return to the Javits Center April 14 to 17, 2016.
This section is a wrap-up of the events, and products that made the show a success.
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
WHAT FOLLOWS IS A SAMPLING OF THE PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGIES THAT MADE THEIR DEBUT AT VISION EXPO EAST 2015:
1 ► A&A
XXL style Sun Devil
A&A Optical announces the release of Sun Devil style to the XXL eyewear collection. Sun Devil commands attention with strong titanium build and sleek details.
INFO: aaopticalco.com
2 ► ADLENS
Adlens Focuss, expected to launch next month, is Variable Powered Optics eyewear that uses a single vision lens in front and an adjustable monomer behind that is adjusted by the wearer via a dial on a fashion-forward frame.
INFO: adlens.com
3 ► ALTAIR
Evolution style A4034
The Altair Evolution Spring 2015 collection blends retro design with cool California colors for men and women. Temples tell the story in this full-rim stainless steel and acetate combination style for men.
INFO: altair.com
4 ► AIT INDUSTRIES
GL-8800UP lensmeter
The GL-8800UP represents the pinnacle of the GL Series autolensmeters. The ergonomics have improved with a tiltable LCD screen. Improvements include a new green wavelength sensor for dramatically improved measurement of tinted and progressive lenses. It also features automatic UV measurement and PD measurement.
INFO: aitindustries.com
5 ► BRIOT USA
Perception is a feature-packed, entry-level, all-in-one edging system introducing Briot’s patented Gravitech technology, in which lens shape information is captured using an algorithm based on the gravity point of the lens. The result is perfect shape reproduction and precision sizing.
INFO: briotusa.com
6 ► COBURN TECHNOLOGIES
SGX Surface Pro Generator
The fourth generation of Coburn’s popular SGX lens generator series is ideal for large retailers or small labs. It can process Trivex, CR-39, high index, and polycarbonate materials with high-performance cutting technology.
INFO: coburntechnologies.com
7 ► CLARITI
Airmag Elegance style AE6520
The Airmag line has a new best friend: Airmag Elegance, which has a polarized magnetic sun clip and velvety temples with stone accents perfect for summertime fun.
INFO: claritieyewear.com
8 ► COSTA
Loreto
Costa’s new hybrid sport metal, Loreto, honors its namesake with laid-back style. It features a medium-fit aviator frame shape, built with quality monel metal, integral hinges, and durable nylon arms.
INFO: costadelmar.com
9 ► DE RIGO
FURLA style SU 4315
Special attention to the selection and playful combination of materials and colors turned the Furla Candy Bags into real objects of desire. The new Candy Eyewear Collection echoes its sentiments.
INFO: derigo.com
10 ► ESSILOR OF AMERICA
Essilor announced the expansion of Transitions XTRActive to include gray and brown colors in additional lens styles; additional consumer campaigns for Xperio UV; a newly targeted OptiFog campaign; and a new curriculum for its ECP University.
INFO: essilor.com; transitionsPRO.com/xtractive
11 ► HILCO
Glide-Fit SunClips
The most trouble-free SunClips system that works with both metal and plastic frames, Glide-Fit combines the easy on/off utility of a spring bridge with a unique patent-pending “slip over” clip that glides the SunClips into place.
INFO: hilco.com
12 ► HOYA VISION CARE
New DF Styles
New frame styles have been added to the award-winning Hoya DF Distortion-Free Optics line. The new lines feature beta-titanium end pieces and nose bridges, and either carbon fiber or TR90 lightweight frames. The two new frame lines add a total of 10 new temple looks.
INFO: thehoyafreeformcompany.com
13 ► JF REY
JF Rey Petite
French design house Jean-François Rey, known for its signature designs, highlights small feminine faces in the new petite women’s collection in acetate or stainless-steel.
INFO: jfrey.fr
14 ► L’AMY
Nicole Miller style Prince
Model Prince is distinguished by fade colors, gradient lenses with matte metal Celtic detail in a glamorous, rounded shape perfect for feminine wearing.
INFO: lamyamerica.com
15 ► LIVE EYEWEAR
Cocoons
New Cocoons Fitover (OTG) Goggles feature an anti-fog, dual-lens design to deliver exceptional clarity and performance in cold weather conditions.
INFO: cocoonseyewear.com
16 ► MARCOLIN
Emilio Pucci style Zadig
Elements of transparency characterize the iconic rounded shape of the markedly feminine EP0012 model from the new Emilio Pucci Eyewear collection, with two acetate rings that reveal the Zadig print.
INFO: marcolin.com
17 ► MARCHON
Nike Young Athlete
Nike Vision’s product line continues to expand. Designed in collaboration with basketball great and 2014 MVP Kevin Durant, this Young Athlete style Nike 5530KD is a follow-up to the adult optical style that launched in the fall.
INFO: marchon.com
18 ► MATCH
Adrienne Vittadini Studio style AVS 518
Classic acetate front shape with multi-color Aztec pattern temples gives this normcore style a life of its own. Size 52/17-140.
INFO: matcheyewear.com
19 ► MODO
Super Thin
The S/S 2015 additions to Modo’s successful Super Thin acetate collection embrace the color story of marbled hues and patterns in two men’s and two women’s styles in four colors each.
INFO: modo.com
20 ► OGI
Bon Vivant style Therese
Embracing bold yet elegant style, the Therese enters the Bon Vivant collection. Luxurious Mazzucchelli Italian acetate comes to life with delicately raised circular carvings.
INFO: ogieyewear.com
21 ► OPTICAL EXCHANGE
Miyagi Eyewear style Morgan
The first from the High-Density Acetate collection, Morgan is thin, lightweight, and still a Mazzucchelli acetate. The round shape and keyhole bridge offer retro styling with a unisex appeal.
INFO: miyagieyewear.com
22 ► PFO GLOBAL
PFO Global is partnering with EyePALS, Inc., for the launch of WeOn Glasses, eyewear that uses a Bluetooth chip to interact with the wearer’s smartphone or tablet for social media, SMS, notifications, and remote control functions.
INFO: pfoglobal.com
23 ► PLAN “B” EYEWEAR
Glacée Collection Spring/Summer
Four bright, bold, and delicately designed models have arrived just in time for warmer weather. Incorporating the signature lace effect of Plan “B”, these four models each feature distinct details.
INFO: planbeyewear.com
24 ► PRESENTA NOVA
Showcase Table
In addition to celebrating its display partnership with Luneau Technology, the design company unveiled its showcase table, which can show from 90 to 270 frames in removable trays, clear overview, and controllable lighting.
INFO: presenta-nova.com
25 ► SAFILO
Carrerino
CARRERINO 13/S sunglasses, dedicated to boys between 9 and 13 years old, make the perfect eyewear for pre-teens. Rectangular shapes in multi-layer acetate are offered with smart color combinations and contrasts between the front and temples.
INFO: safilo.com
26 ► SEIKO OPTICAL PRODUCTS
Flex Action
New styles have been added to the “Flex Action” titanium frame line, inspired by the technology and elegance of Seiko watchbands. In addition to two new men’s styles, the line now features four women’s styles.
INFO: seikoeyewear.com
27 ► SHAMIR INSIGHT
Shamir SPARK (Single-Shot Panorameter Augmented Reality Kit) is a 3D measuring tool that utilizes an iPad camera and automatically calculates all frame measurements based on one picture.
INFO: shamirlens.com
28 ► SIGNET ARMORLITE
Kodak Clean&CleAR UV
KODAK Clean&CleAR UV lens coating is the latest addition to the KODAK AR offerings that also include KODAK CleAR+ and KODAK Clean&CleAR. It is water repellent, scratch resistant, easy to clean, reduces nighttime reflections, lessens eyestrain, and offers 25 times more UV protection than going without eyewear.
INFO: signetarmorlite.com
29 ► SILHOUETTE
SPX Illusion
The new SPX Illusion collection is a contemporary full-rim style that feels just as good as wearing nearly nothing at all. SPX Illusion offers extreme comfort and lightness due to its patented SPX material, along with color and finish stability.
INFO: silhouette.com
30 ► SMITH
Style Clark
Crisp edges, distinctive thick surfacing, and a classic keyhole nose detail characterize the eco-friendly sunglass Clark. it is available in two polarized lens options and four additional colorways with non-polarized lenses.
INFO: smithoptics.com
31 ► VISION-EASE LENS
Digital Lens Portfolio
With strategic partner IOT, Vision-Ease releases five new wrap-style and general-purpose digital lenses: three SportWrap lenses (one SV, two PALs) optimized for wrap sport frames, and two everyday PAL designs. The designs are optimized for Vision-Ease blanks but are not restricted.
INFO: vision-ease.com
32 ► VMAX VISION
Perfectus
Perfectus is a combination Wavefront Autorefractor with a Subjective PSF Refractor in a table-top design that can used anywhere, even the dispensary. Expanded capability offers subjective nighttime refraction design to perfect night vision.
INFO: vmaxvision.com
33 ► WESTGROUPE
Fysh UK style F-3536
The S/S 2015 Fysh UK collection was inspired by two key fashion trends that were all over the runway; soft, feminine color hues like blush, lavender, and icy grey, and the intricate use of pattern to create texture in design.
INFO: westgroupe.com
34 ► WILEY X
Digital Edge Thinning
“WX Digital Edge Thinning,” is a process that reduces the thickness of a lens edge with a gradual change in curvature that concentrates the optics centrally, resulting in a lighter weight and thinner lens, and allowing Wiley X to produce higher Rx powers in extreme wraps with outstanding optical clarity.
INFO: wileyx.com
35 ► YOUNGER OPTICS
XTRActive in Brown
Younger has expanded its offering of Transitions XTRActive lenses to include brown as well as gray. Brown offers a high contrast, in addition to being able to complement more frame colors.
INFO: youngeroptics.com
36 ► CARL ZEISS VISION
iTerminal Mobile
The iTerminal Mobile gathers and calculates all necessary fitting parameters in less than 60 seconds for uninterrupted patient flow. Its intuitive handling offers unsurpassed ease of use and highly accurate measurements.
INFO: zeiss.com/equipment
PARTIES, LAUNCHES, AND MORE!
INTERNATIONAL VISION EXPO EAST IS A PRIME TIME FOR MANUFACTURERS TO LAUNCH PRODUCT, BUT IT’S ALSO AN OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE LARGE AUDIENCE OF EYECARE PROFESSIONALS AND THE EXCITING NEW YORK CITY LOCALE. WHAT FOLLOWS IS A SAMPLE OF THE PARTIES, NETWORKING EVENTS, IN-BOOTH EVENTS, AND CELEBRITY APPEARANCES THAT MAKE VEE SO SPECIAL.
The Optical Women’s Association awarded Vision Impact Institute’s Maureen Cavanagh and Eyecare Business magazine’s Amy Spiezio with its Pleiades and Pyxis awards, respectively. Celebrating at the OWA’s networking event at the Calvin Klein showroom are the OWA’s (l-r) Ann Englert, Cavanagh, Christie Walker, and Spiezio
Sama’s Sheila Vance with Gunnar Spaulding (l) and designer Robert Marc at Sama’s deCode: LA event at the Baccarat Residences
Bobbie Thomas, author and style editor of NBC’s “Today” show, was celebrity guest emcee of Safilo USA’s Spring/Summer 2015 fashion show
Mark Ginsberg welcomed designer Diane von Furstenberg to the Marchon booth to film an episode of the second season of her reality show “House of DVF”
The Adlens crew at their press conference announcing the availability of Adlens Focuss: (l-r) Mara Nieuwsma, Michael Ferrara, David Eichelberger, and Graeme MacKenzie
(l-r) Richard Mewha, Blake Kuwahara, and Claudio Arena of Blake Kuwahara Eyewear at the collection’s launch reception at Artsee Eyewear
Brand ambassador Djordje Stefanovic (l) and Marcolin’s Fabrizio Gamberini at Marcolin’s launch party for Zegna Eyewear at the fashion line’s shop on 5th Avenue (photo by Andrew Werner)
The Winners Are….
The New Product Showcase Gallery, located in the Crystal Palace of the Javits Center, is where attendees get a firsthand look at some of the frames, accessories, and medical and lens technologies being introduced at the show. Attendees voted for the best new products featured.
This year’s Vision Choice Award winners are:
Attendees who voted on the gallery submissions were eligible to win at $500 Exhibit Hall shopping spree. Omar Share with Global Scope, Marie Trexler with Shillington Eye Associates, and Maya Bergerbest with NEO Concept Vision were selected as winners.
(l-r) Ian Rubinstein with Specs of Wood, Brianna Hulburd and Helene Goldschmidt with Lunette USA, Christopher Shalhoub with Parkman Sunglasses
At the Calvin Klein Platinum booth, attendees were able to instantly print and post their selfies in the Spring 2015 sunglass collection and receive a complimentary selfie remote
Designer Joseph Abboud stops by the Altair booth to fit his eyewear collections onto attendees and explain the collection to ECPs
In-SIGHT-ful panel
A panel including Luxottica’s Holly Rush (l) discusses the funding and production of Kris Koening’s (right) documentary “SIGHT: The Story of Vision.” The film was sponsored by industry leaders including Luxottica, Carl Zeiss Vision, The Vision Impact Institute, and Essilor.
Celebrating the partnership of Claire Goldsmith/Oliver Goldsmith Sunglasses and Orgreen, (l to r) Matthew Reiss, Claire Goldsmith, and Henrick Orgreen toast to their success at a jointly hosted party
ClearVision’s Peter Friedfeld celebrates with Debra Halbert at the ClearVision Optical Aspire launch party, held at the lofty Glass Houses space
Coburn Technologies showed off its specially commissioned, air-brushed Exxpert finishing system
Members of the eyewear division of the Council of Fashion Designers of America talk fashion trends. From left: Steve Kolb, Blake Kuwahara, Christian Roth, Gai Gherardi, Robert Marc, Selima Salaun, and Shane Baum
Lauri Crawford of Essilor of America addresses members of the trade press at Essilor’s annual press breakfast at Le Parker Meridien hotel
Cynthia Bailey, of “Real Housewives of Atlanta,” meets fans at the Menizzi Italy booth as she launches her sunglass line
Ed Greene, retired CEO of The Vision Council, accepts the Person of Vision Award from Prevent Blindness at a gala at Gotham Hall
Enjoying the OWA’s networking event at the Calvin Klein showroom are (l-r) Altair’s Steve Wright and Marchon’s Claudio Gottardi and Robert Schienberg
Lisa Loeb films a segment on her eyewear collection for Classique Eyewear
The Opti-Port’s Spark reception included relaxation with a view as well as a tour of the BRANDSNAP visual control room
Safilo’s “Kids by Safilo” presentation unveiled an eyewear project devoted to 0-8 year olds, conceived for children’s needs, designed with a medical approach, engineered with advanced technologies and materials and...powered by kids. Speakers: Henri Blomqvist, Stefano Tomeo, and Bruce Abramson all of Safilo, and Paolo Nucci, M.D., Ken K. Nischal, M.D., FRCophth, and David B. Granet, M.D., FACS, FAAO, FAAP
Soccer star Mia Hamm greets fans at the Vision-Ease Lens booth, as part of her role as spokesperson for the company’s Coppertone lenses
Shui T. Lai, Ph.D., of VMAX Vision, speaks at a press conference announcing the launch of the Perfectus to the company’s line of diagnostic devices
The Presenta Nova design firm hosted an after-show party at its new Manhattan showroom. Here, Florian Kneidl offers design services to a client
Brett Craig, left, and Danny Cruz of QSpex speaks at the company’s press conference about their newest Optical Service Center in New York City
The REM Eyewear team celebrates the launch of its Jonathan Adler Collection at the show with a toast
(l-r) Safilo’s Diego Baban and Antonella Leoni and Smith’s Eric Carlson celebrate Smith’s 50th anniversary at cocktail reception hosted by Safilo at its NYC showroom
Santinelli International held a design contest, challenging customers to create original rimless eyewear designs, and showed off some of the creative submissions at its booth
(l-r) Essilor’s Howard Purcell, Allergan’s Julian Gangolli, Luxottica’s Holly Rush, and Kirk Smick, O.D., serve as presenters of The Vision Council’s State of the Industry program
Shamir’s Raanan Naftalovich, left, and Mark Becker, at their press conference announcing the launch of the company’s new Glacier Plus AR
Angel Alvarez of ABB Optical Group, right, was the 2015 Gala Honoree at the SUNY Optometric Center’s 12th Annual Eyes on New York Gala, held at The Plaza Hotel. With him are Allan Barker, O.D., and Barbara Saltzman, president of the Optometric Center
Women and Leadership
During The Optical Women’s Association Champagne Breakfast event at Vision Expo East, Lois Romano, editor of Washington Post Live, had what was billed as an “Intimate Conversation” with Luxottica executive Holly Rush. The sold-out room got a lively, personal, and insightful conversation about leadership, success, and the controversial “can women have it all?” topic.
Rush, president of Luxottica North America Wholesale, advised the women and men in the audience on finding their own leadership style and sticking with it.
“It takes time, but be who you are. Be authentic,” she said. “I had to find out what’s in my arsenal that makes me unique.”
Rush talked about the importance of finding mentors—both male and female—who have what you want, but warned against blindly subscribing to someone else’s path to success.
Her advice to young people in business was to not wait for professional development opportunities to show themselves or be handed to you.
“Go meet people in your company, discover what projects are out there, and decide if it fits where you want to go,” she said. “You decide.”
Finally, when asked the question that all successful women in business seem to get asked, Rush said that the “having it all” is really just about finding balance in life—a balance that will be different for each woman.
“You make choices every day,” she said. “You push the accelerator at some times, and you let it off at others. There are so many pressures on women today regarding balancing work with childcare, or eldercare, or relationships. Don’t try to be perfect. Life is never 50-50. Sometimes it’s 90-10.”
Holly Rush, left, and Lois Romano
At the Luxottica booth, retail education was the focus of the Lux Academy (top photo). But it wasn’t all work. Guests could pop on a pair of Ray-Bans and step into a recording booth for a rock star experience
Claude Labeeuw, left, and Uli Krauss, of Carl Zeiss Vision, at their press conference at Delfrisco’s Double Eagle Steak House announcing the launch of Zeiss’ Precision family of digital lenses and DuraVision AR coatings
Shane Baum, left, with Anita Greenspan and musician/artist Mark Mothersbaugh celebrate the launch of Mothersbaugh’s eyewear collection through Baumvision
Author and retail market researcher Paco Underhill speaks on the evolution in eyecare, retail, and customer service. Underhill’s presentation was part of VEE’s “Spotlight Series” of speakers
Puzzle
The Business of Retail
RETAIL BUZZ
{WORD SEARCH}
There are many aspects to creating a successful retail business. Decisions about store design, product offerings, and location are just a few of the details that must be considered when opening a retail establishment. See if you can find all of the words in this puzzle associated with managing retail businesses.
By Jenean Carlton, ABOC, NCLC
WORD BANK
Accounts Payable
Atmosphere
Brand Power
Budgeting
Color Palette
Customer Experience
Customer Service
Decor
Direct Mail
Display
Documentation
Furnishings
Inventory
Lighting
Location
Marketing
Merchandising
Organization
Packaging
Patient Flow
Point of Sale
Pricing Strategy
Product Mix
Quick Sales
Security
Selecting Staff
Social Media
Software
Spacial Design
Store Image
Team Goals
Technology
Trends
{SOLUTION}
The solution to the April 2015 Word Search, Sports Eyewear:
POP QUIZ
With consumer confidence rising, a retail economic boon is expected to last until
a. 2017
b. 2020
c. 2023
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