PEOPLE

Coburn Technologies, Inc., appointed Al Bednar as its new director of laboratory sales for the U.S. and Canadian markets. Bednar brings more than 40 years of experience in the optical industry to the position.

Ron Walker, longtime eyecare industry publisher, has joined the Scientific and Advisory Boards of Innovega, which is developing “eMacula,” a viewing system for augmented reality and virtual reality using a new combination of contact lenses and eyewear.

Safilo appointed Andrea Bulgarelli as digital transformation director. He will lead Safilo’s e-commerce program, as part of the direct-to-consumer corporate strategy.

◄ Safilo appointed Andrea Zaffin as commercial head IMEA. Zaffin spent more than 15 years at Luxottica, setting up the subsidiary in Dubai and building the business throughout the MEA region.

◄ Michael Marcroft has joined Vision Source as its new vice president of marketing. He replaces Randy Sones, who has retired after 27 years with the company.

BUSINESS UPDATES

◄ Essilor has partnered with the Royal Government of Bhutan in its goal of becoming the first country in the world to eradicate poor vision. Essilor will bring its most successful Eye Mitra program from India to Bhutan, donate 400,000 pairs of corrective eyewear, and more.

Hilco Vision has acquired Tucson, AZ-based ophthalmic supplies company Eye Care and Cure (ECC). ECC’s chief operating officer, John Lakey, will join Hilco Vision as head of the company’s ophthalmic supplies division.

MEI unveiled a new state-of-the-art testing and repair laboratory located at Meisystem, Inc., in MEI’s U.S. headquarters near Chicago. The new lab has been certified by the MEI Quality Control Team in Italy, and it is the only one in the U.S. authorized to perform spindle repair.

Safilo’s manufacturing facility in Longarone, Italy, has moved to nickel-free production processes to ensure greater safety for its workers and consumers.

AWARDS

Digital Eye Lab Network, a division of ABB Optical Group, received the Corporate Partner Award from The Arc Westchester for its commitment to providing workforce opportunities to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

For the 35th time, Pearle Vision has been named to Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 list. The company ranked No. 75, placing the brand in the top 15% of all franchises ranked.