Look Up.
That’s where Alyssa Carson has been looking, as her sights have been set on space exploration for most of her life. And sight is key when it comes to such adventurous work, which is why she has partnered with Silhouette—which has been an eyewear of choice for astronauts for over 20 years.
An astronautical science researcher at the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences, author of “So You Want to be an Astronaut,” and founder of The Blueberry Foundation, she’s on track to be one of the first individuals on Mars while holding out a helping hand to the next generation of space explorers.
Here, the aspiring astronaut sports her favorite style of Silhouette’s hingeless, screwless Titan Minimal Art design: The Icon.
—VERONICA DAUB
What is it about space that interests you the most?
The vast unknown mystery that is out there—so many answers to questions that are out there for us to find.
What are the most essential skills for an aspiring astronaut?
Thinking outside of the box. When you are going to space, and especially Mars, you will be doing things that no human has ever done. You need to be able to adjust and rely on yourself.
How does proper vision—and comfort—play a role in your training and day-to-day needs?
To go through training, you need great vision. If you do have to wear glasses, having something that doesn't even feel like you have anything on keeps you focused on what you need to do. Silhouette has taken glasses to the next level—lightweight, great-looking stylish glasses that look so good for everyday life but also stand up to the obstacles and dangers of space, thanks to their hingeless, screwless technology.
Secrets to Success
Robert Herjavec is a fan favorite on ABC’s “Shark Tank,” and the celebrated businessman recently partnered with Alcon’s Total family of lenses to host a panel discussion, “The Secrets to Success,” exclusively for eyecare professionals at the American Academy of Optometry.
Here, EB talks exclusively with Herjavec about contact lenses, comfort, and customer service.
—KERRI ANN RAIMO
Can you share a secret to uccess for ECPs?
Sales is not a dirty word. Great salespeople are all about adding value. The best salespeople in the world, even in my industry, are not pushy. They don’t sell a product they don’t believe in, and they always look at every solution through the customer’s perspective.
The one piece of advice I have for any small businesses is, if you take care of your customers, your business will grow. There’s just an inevitability with that. They’ll come back again, the return rate is higher, and they’ll pay you more if there’s a perception of value.
If someone came to you on “Shark Tank” with a product in the eyecare realm, what would you immediately invest in?
Even without thinking about it—because it’s been such a pain for me: comfort. The idea of getting contacts to see better—I got that 35 years ago. I think that the shift in the contact lens industry has become about the user experience, and that’s what I would invest in.
I would be willing to pay a premium, or a higher value, for a product that I can use more, is more comfortable, and I forget I actually have in my eye.
EYE ON DESIGN
Eyecare Leaders, a Texas-based practice that opened this summer, is the first optometry practice in the U.S. to feature a Zeiss Vision Experience—a concept that has been successful in other countries, according to Zeiss. Described as a modern and immersive experience for patients, the Zeiss Vision Experience is designed to offer patient-focused services backed by the latest innovations in eye exams and eyewear shopping—from precise vision measurements and lens consultation to frame selection. A full build of the Zeiss Vision Experience design concepts is on display at the company’s headquarters in Hebron, KY. The showroom and core themes are designed to provide eyecare providers with inspiration on how to implement one in their own practices.
Take a look: bit.ly/zeissexp.
—VERONICA DAUB
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