Is There REALLY an App for That?

Innovative technology does some amazing things for consumers, who are today doing everything from shopping for groceries via a touch screen on the refrigerator door to “checking” their vision at home. It’s against the latter that the optical industry is waging a public awareness campaign.

In fact, the American Optometric Association (AOA) recently released a statement targeting this issue: “When patients rely on an app for an eyeglass or contact lens prescription, they can receive inaccurate or misleading information and potentially delay essential sight-saving treatment.”

Still, online exam/telemedicine options continue to roll out—perhaps the most noteworthy being Warby Parker’s recently launched Prescription Check. An app that lets consumers (so far, just existing WP customers) take a series of vision tests—about 20 minutes in length—that determine if their current Rx needs to be updated (if not, they can proceed with a new eyewear purchase). (warbyparker.com )

Earlier this year, EyeQue was getting gobs of press—and awards—at CES 2017. This service uses a mini-scope ($29.99) and a smart phone app to do a series of vision tests after which the user is given their “eyeglass numbers,” which they can use to buy eyewear in-store or online. (eyeque.com )

Still, the AOA says Americans have voiced their concerns loud and clear. The organization points to one survey that found 92% of participants would prefer getting a comprehensive eye exam.

—Susan Tarrant

On Our Radar

THE BIGGEST TRENDS IN SIGHT…

CELEBRATING THE INVENTOR

Did you know the Polaroid Corp. (which begot Polaroid Eyewear) was all started by a guy who dropped out of Harvard to work on his invention—the polarizing filter?

This year, Polaroid Eyewear is celebrating its 80th anniversary as a pioneer in polarizing lens technology. And, Edwin Herbert Land—Polaroid’s founder—continues to be a part of Polaroid’s lifeblood.

His notable early contributions to the world’s visual timeline include:

» 1935: Land sells his first pair of polarized sunglasses

» 1937: Polaroid Corp. is born

» 1939: First commercial 3D film (watched with Polaroid’s 3D glasses) shown at the World’s Fair in New York City

» WWII: Polarized goggles/sunglasses play a huge role for pilots

» …2017: Polaroid Eyewear continues to lead in lens technology, fashion, and eyewear innovation.

Safilo is taking to the screen to recognize Polaroid Eyewear’s major milestone with the short film “The Fishbowl.” It celebrates Land’s and Polaroid Eyewear’s creations through the years.

INFO: thefishbowl.polaroideyewear.com

Viva Las Vegas!

It’s time to start planning our annual pilgrimage to the neon desert, as registration is now open for International Vision Expo & Conference West, scheduled for Sept. 13-16 at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas.

Reduced-rate hotel and travel packages are also available, so beat the rush and dial in your plans now.

It’s bound to be another blockbuster year—last year’s show saw increased attendance to the 180,000 square feet of exhibit space. Also, Vision Expo East and West were once again named to the Trade Show News Network's Top 250 Trade Shows in the U.S. for 2016.

Stay tuned for EB’s show guide—covering not-to-miss education and events, as well as the latest Vegas hotspots—in our big September issue.

INFO: west.visionexpo.com

You Gotta See This

If your patients thought iPad-based lens simulators were cool, wait until they get to completely immerse themselves in their lenses, presale. Shamir is taking lens demos to an entirely new plane with its new virtual reality (VR) app called Shamir Visual Reality.

Packaged as a tool to increase second-pair sales, the app gives patients the ability to “experience” the benefits of workplace lenses (specifically, Shamir’s WorkSpace lens design).

The app is free (Apple App Store and Google Play) and can be used with a VR headset, smart phones, and tablets.

INFO: 877-514-8330

Optometric + Retail Education on Tap at Disney

Join industry experts for CE and business-building strategies

looking for industry-renowned optometric education, peer networking, and best practices for thriving in today’s competitive optical environment? Join the Optometric Management Symposium (OMS), sponsored by Optometric Management and Eyecare Business magazines.

Now in its 14th year, OMS is widely considered the premier educational conference for O.D.s, opticians, and staff. This year, it is setting up shop Nov. 2-5 in Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort in Orlando, FL, and is expected to attract nearly 700 attendees.

More than 50 hours of COPE, ABO, NCLE, and Florida Board of Optometry credits are available in four targeted education tracks: Clinical Management, Clinical Business, Optical Retail, and a Global Specialty Contact Lens Symposium (a special day and a half of GSLS programming). An exhibit hall featuring the latest products and services to help you grow your business will be open during hours that do not compete with the education tracks.

Eyecare Business is proud to be curating the Retail Strategies education track, with specialty presentations designed to help O.D.s elevate their optical retail sales and set themselves apart from their increasing competition. Programming includes courses on social media, office design, competing with the Warby Parkers of the world, website sales, best practices for profitability, and using creativity to set your practice apart from others. Each course is led by a recognized industry expert.

Early-bird pricing is still available through Aug. 31. Visit the website for details.

INFO: OMCONFERENCE.COM

—Susan Tarrant

Exclusive Retail Strategies Panel

To help you not just stay ahead but thrive during these times of increased competition for your eyewear and contact lens sales, Eyecare Business will present a panel discussion featuring inspiring optical retailing and product merchandising experts.