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OCTOBER 20, 2008 VOL. 22 NO. 12 $15M

ECCA Names Essilor finalizes Introducing Eisen COO, acquisition of Gebhardt, CMO Satisloh page 8 page 8 www.NouveauEyewear.com 800.292.4342

www.visionmonday.com OCTOBER 20, 2008 VOL. 22 NO. 12 $15

MondayThe Newsmagazine for the Eye Care Industry EXPO WRAPUP Expo West Attendees Eyecare’s Role In Get Down to Business ‘WELLNESS’ Managed Vision’s Big Opportunity Despite unsettling economic news, Current economy challenges managed optical retailers and ECPs seized the day at Expo and got back to the basics: vision assumptions, execs tell VM buying and selling. Hear what attend- ees thought and get a feel for the mood on the show floor, in the rede- signed Galleria and up in The Suites. page 24

EXAM LANES OAA Leaders Stress Optician’s Role in Eyecare Opticians gathered for the Opticians Association of America (OAA) National Opticians convention, held in conjunc- tion with the inaugural ABO-NCLE National Education Conference. page 32

NEWS With the fl ailing U.S. economy top of mind for both ECPs and consumers, execs at man- • Labapalooza to debut at the OLA’s annual meeting page 10 aged vision care plans are keeping their fi ngers on the pulse of the economy’s impact on • The Vision Council releases acceptance and usage of vision plans for the coming year. VM’s survey of managed vision lead guidelines page 12 fi rms’ execs reveals that despite the downturn, opportunities are on the horizon for their • Lagging economy takes toll business and for the ECPs and optical retailers on their provider panels. Page 45 on laser procedures page 14

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EDITOR’S NOTE IN THIS ISSUE Health, Wealth and a Dose of ‘Stealth’ News Alex Incera appointed president of The financial, credit the very top of the trees and at the micro-level Gerber Coburn ...... 10 and stock market gyra- at your dispensary, store or professional office. VisionWeb, First Insight to expand tions of early October The conventional wisdom says that more connectivity to more labs ...... 12 were unprecedented, affluent consumers are less affected by economic Intercast opens U.S. sales office . . 14 so it was encouraging troubles than the middle-class. But a recent A&A Optical extends Pez license . 18 to see and hear about a Unity market survey of ‘luxury’ consumers, Services held for sales rep Lohmann 10 of Hydrogel Vision ...... 19 healthy degree of buy- among the top 20 percent of U.S. households in VSP practice solutions division hosts ing going on between annual income, was conducted since the bailout ECP discussion group ...... 20 Marge Axelrad retailers, ECPs and and the historic stock market decline of Oct. 3. It Expo Wrap Up ...... 24 Editorial Director suppliers at Expo West. showed the majority of affluents are shopping Exam Lanes It has also been daunting since that time to more strategically by making lists, comparison Chain ODs hear predictions on watch and read as the leaders of the Western and shopping and doing their research before ventur- economy ...... 34 non-Western world grapple with legislators and ing into the stores. The survey showed total Scene and Heard 24 business leaders about the implications of the spending remained flat in the third quarter com- Transitions Craig and Knicks Frazier situation on our economy for a time to come, pared to the second, but luxury consumers spent honored by Helen Keller Services for the Blind ...... 36 even as we await the results of the election. more selectively and more carefully. EyeRock benefit concert makes its In an atmosphere like this – and, let’s face it, A friend of mine in the market calls a related Vegas debut ...... 38 there has never really been one just-like-this – cau- trend, “Stealth Wealth,” where screaming logos Retail Dispensary tion does prevail. That caution comes with a caveat and lots of bling might move to more subtle Launches – to not be too conservative, or to back so far away styling and investment in finer things.The Oliver Goldsmith intros Hoffmann 38 from moving forward that you lose ground with point is, all your customers and patients are Buffalo Horn ...... 52 clients, consumers or your associates. likely to be more discriminating; so be ready to PixelOptics launches ‘enhanced’ QQ multifocal ...... 58 It’s also wise to view the consumer both from help them make the best choices. Second Looks OSI presents Blinde styles ...... 52 What’s Online — Only @ VisionMonday.com Jalapenos unveils new eyewear for him and her ...... 54 Departments 52 > In Their Own Words > Bold Face > Money Matters P.O.P Stars ...... 54 Contact Lenses ...... 58 Following TV stars Inside the Lab his re- helped kick Expansion plans underway for Optic turn from off the new Blue ...... 64 China, Eyes by VSP Business Essentials Mike campaign Tips to avoid FLSA lawsuits . . . . . 66 Hundert, at last Opinion 52 presi- month’s During challenging econom- Battling a recession, customer by customer ...... 68 dent and Emmy’s. TV ic times, your practice must In Their Own Words CEO, REM Eyewear, shares ‘Hero’ Hayden Panetierre, pic- stay attuned to the market- Doing business in a changing country 68 some unique insights tured above, is among those place and devise a growth Balance Sheet about the challenges of celebrities supporting the strategy. Discover how to Signature Eyewear reports sales doing business in a rapidly eyewear donation program’s stay competitive, while still increase ...... 70 58 changing country. cause. providing top-notch care. ® Perfect Recycle AR Coated Lenses Into

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NEWS VIEWS ECCA Retail Chain Names James Eisen COO, George Gebhardt Chief Merchandising Officer SAN ANTONIO— dent effective Dec. 31, at which time senior vice presi- February 1994 to September 1996, In a top manage- Denny will retire. dent of stores with when ECCA acquired that chain. ment change at 417- Also on Oct 1, George Gebhardt, cur- national fabric and “Eye Care Centers of America is store Eye Care rently the chain’s executive vice presi- crafts retailer Jo- gaining two accomplished executives Centers of America, dent of merchandising, became ECCA’s Ann Stores with proven track records of success, James Eisen became chief merchandising officer. (NYSE: JAS) in tremendous credentials and great lead- the chain’s chief ECCA is owned by HVHC, a High- Hudson, Ohio. ership skills,” said David Holmberg, operating officer, mark company. Gebhardt has who is HVHC’s president and chief effective Oct. 1. Eisen is a former vice president of been ECCA’s executive officer as well as chief execu- James Eisen Eisen replaced store operations for Luxottica Licensed executive VP of George Gebhardt tive officer and chairman of the board James Denny, who is resigning as COO Brands (NYSE: LUX), previously Cole merchandising since September 1996; of ECCA. effective Sept. 30 and as ECCA’s presi- Licensed Brands. Most recently, he was he assumed additional responsibilities Denny joined ECCA as senior VP of for managed vision care in 2004. He has store operations in June 2003, after a also been responsible for the chain’s career in retailing with Sears, Roebuck Supreme Court Delays Its Decision marketing from September 1996 to and Circuit City Stores. He was named December 2004, and since May 2006. ECCA’s president and COO in Decem- On Whether to Hear VSP Tax Case Gebhardt was with Visionworks from ber 2004. QQ WASHINGTON, D.C.—The decision on expected to be announced by Oct. 10. whether the U.S. Supreme Court will After the Internal Revenue Service hear Vision Service Plan’s case regard- revoked the company’s tax-exempt sta- Essilor Finalizes Satisloh Acquisition ing the loss of its tax-exempt status tus in 2003, VSP filed suit in federal has been delayed until mid-December, court for a refund of the taxes it paid for CHARTENTON-LE-PONT, France—Essilor Essilor, the world’s largest spectacle lens following a request for an extension by that year. VSP has continued to do busi- International [ISIN: FR 0000121667], producer, with Satisloh, the largest suppli- the Justice Department’s office of the ness as a not-for-profit and has been based here, has completed its acquisi- er of prescription laboratory equipment. solicitor general. paying federal income taxes since, then tion of all outstanding shares of Satisloh Satisloh designs and markets anti- The Court’s decision on whether or as the company’s appeals worked their Holding AG. The sale price for the debt- reflective coating units and surfacing not it will hear the case was originally way through the courts. QQ free company was 340 million in cash, machines, as well as consumables, for according to its former owner, Schweiter prescription laboratories. It reported Technologies AG [ISIN:CH0010754924], 161 million in revenue in 2007 and based in Horgan, Switzerland. employs more than 400 people around Eschenbach Acquires The deal, announced in June, combines the world, according to Essilor. QQ International Eyewear Limited MUNICH, Germany—Eschenbach buy and build strategy together with Group, with support from Barclays Pri- our partner Barclays Private Equity.” AOA ‘Eye-Q’ Survey Indicates Need vate Equity, the company’s 70 percent According to a statement from the majority stakeholder, has acquired company, International Eyewear Lim- For Consumer Education on Eyecare International Eyewear Limited (IEL), ited, founded in 1988, supplies over 90 ST. LOUIS—The American Optomet- Many respondents also held mis- one of Great Britain’s leading suppliers percent of independent optical special- ric Association’s third-annual Eye-Q conceptions about behaviors that of eyewear and prescription sunglasses. ists and the majority of English trade survey of consumers’ attitudes toward can damage the eyes; for example, The purchase price was not disclosed. chains with high-quality eyewear, sun- and awareness of eyecare issues indi- 71 percent incorrectly believe read- According to the company, Eschen- glasses and other optical products. cates that more education is still need- ing under dim light can cause eye bach has been England’s market leader The company generates annual sales ed on the importance of regular eye damage. Other misunderstandings for optical low vision aids for more than of around 10 million with house brands exams and other vision-related issues. about the causes of eye damage 10 years and the acquisition of IEL gives such as Hero, Episode, Zoffani, Ocean According to the survey, most Ameri- included sitting too close to the the Nuremberg-based company access to Blue and Dakota. It also sells children’s cans are unaware that comprehensive television, cited by 66 percent, and the English market for spectacle frames. eyewear, including the popular licensed eye exams can detect more than just rubbing the eyes. With the acquisition, Eschenbach now brands Bratz and Star Wars. The family- vision problems. Americans continue to value their covers the entire European market for owned company will continue to be man- Sixty-two percent of Eye-Q respon- ability to see, according to the sur- eyewear and optical equipment. aged by the next generation following the dents did not know that signs of diabe- vey. Most respondents indicated “We are excited to have taken this transaction to ensure the continuity and tes may be detected by an optometrist. they worry about losing their vision important step towards further interna- success of this established business. Other diseases and conditions respon- (38 percent) more than their memo- tionalization and expansion with the Eschenbach Group, founded in 1913, dents did not realize may be detected ry (31 percent), their ability to walk acquisition of International Eyewear,” generated around 100 million from the through a comprehensive eye exam (14 percent) or their hair (8 per- said Wolfgang Rebstock, chairman of sale of high-quality spectacle frames, sun- include hypertension (not recognized cent). the management board at Eschenbach glasses, vision aids, fashion glasses and by 71 percent), brain tumors (75 per- The Eye-Q survey was conducted Group. “Up to now, we lacked a strong technical optics in 2007. In July 2007, the cent), cancer (78 percent), cardiovascu- online May 17 through 19, interview- presence in this important market in majority of the company’s stock was lar diseases (80 percent) and multiple ing 1,001 Americans 18 years and Great Britain. We plan to continue this acquired by Barclays Private Equity. QQ sclerosis (90 percent). older. QQ Project1 5/12/08 11:10 AM Page 1

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NEWS VIEWS Alex Incera Appointed President of Gerber Coburn SOUTH WINDSOR, appointed director of marketing and will in the industry has provided him a keen ber, Baldwin served Conn.—Marc T. be responsible for product management, understanding of the market, making him as director of market- Giles, president and marketing communications, and strate- the ideal candidate for this position.” ing at Pro-Laser CEO of Gerber Scien- gic marketing initiatives. Incera joined the business unit as North America Inc., tific, Inc. (NYSE: “Alex has proven to be an outstanding project manager in 1995 and was pro- Dallas, Texas and as GRB), announced the leader of Gerber Coburn. In his role as moted to director of engineering in 1996. marketing manager appointment of Alex general manager, he has successfully man- In 1999, he became vice president of of laser products at Incera as president of aged the unit’s business operations during engineering, leading the research and Lasersight Inc., Win- Alex Incera Gerber Coburn and a challenging economic climate,” said development efforts of such products as ter Park, Fla. Bald- corporate vice presi- Giles. ”As executive director of marketing the Eclipse Surface Blocker and DTL Randall Baldwin win holds a Master’s dent. Incera replaces Stephen Lovass and vice president of engineering, he has Generator. He was appointed executive in organizational management from the who remains president of Gerber Scien- been instrumental to the development director of marketing in 2006 and gen- University of Phoenix, Ariz. and a Bache- tific Products and senior vice president of and commercialization of several new eral manager in February 2008. Incera lor’s degree in marketing/advertising from Gerber Scientific, Inc. products, including the Advanced Lens earned a Master’s degree in mechanical San Jose State University, Calif. Also, Randall Baldwin has been Processing System. Alex’s 13-year tenure engineering from the Massachusetts Gerber Coburn, a leading provider of Institute of Technology, Mass., a Bache- computer integrated optical lens pro- lor’s degree in mechanical engineering cessing systems, designs, produces, from Columbia University, N.Y., and a markets, and supports equipment, soft- Labapalooza at the OLA Bachelor’s degree in math and physics ware and supplies used in surfacing NASHVILLE—What would you call an DAC Vision and Saint-Gobain Perfor- from Providence College, R.I. prescriptions in lens blanks, coating exciting new event for optical laboratories mance Plastics, which generated over Baldwin joined the business unit as lenses, and machining lenses to fit with live rock ‘n’ roll music, refreshments, 15 wild and wonderful entries. Top group product manager in 2001 and was patient frames. Based in South Wind- cocktails, plus lab awards for the Top Labs picks will be on display at Labapalooza promoted to director of surfacing and coat- sor, Conn., Gerber Coburn is a business of 2008, best lab Web Site of the Year and the winners announced. Entertain- ing products in 2005. Prior to joining Ger- unit of Gerber Scientific, Inc. QQ and a wild and wacky art contest using ment will be provided by OffAxis, an all- finishing pads? optical classic You’d call it Labapa- rock band. ClearVision Is Winner of 2008 looza and it’s hap- The event is pening Friday, Nov. being presented by HIA’s Achievement Award 7, 2008 at 5:30 Vision Monday HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.—ClearVision Opti- during the event where over 300 busi- p.m. at the Optical Laboratories Associa- and LabTalk magazine and sponsored by cal was honored with the Hauppauge ness and community leaders were in tion’s annual event at the Gaylord Opry- the following companies: Title Spon- Industrial Association’s (HIA) Large Busi- attendance. The three other businesses land Hotel, in Nashville, Tenn. sors—Schneider Optical Machines and ness Achievement were recognized in Presentation of the Top Labs for Shamir Insight; Ultra Sponsors—Gerber Award during a lun- other categories. 2008 will be followed by the announce- Coburn, The OLA, Santinelli International, cheon at the Hyatt “Many great orga- ment of the top 10 Web sites of the X-Cel Optical; and Premium Sponsors— R e g e n c y Wi n d nizations were con- year, including Web Site of the Year. Digital Vision Inc., Flex Link, National Watch on Sept. 10. sidered for this New this year is the Trash to Treasure Optronics, Optical Synergies, and The “HIA’s Annual award, so to be cho- finishing pad art contest, sponsored by Vision Council. QQ Business Achieve- sen is an honor,” ment Award competi- said Steve Lachen- tion focuses attention meyer, COO of Shamir Wins CEBA Ad Award on the accomplish- ClearVision. “At ments of the local (l-r) ClearVision’s Fred Friedfeld, Mimi ClearVision, we are NEW YORK—Shamir Insight was agency powerhouse and their ad for their business community,” Friedfeld, and David Friedfeld with Terri continually focused Alessi-Miceli of HIA and Peter Friedfeld, also named a winner at the 13th annual Cre- client, Epson as well as Eastman Kodak,” said Terri Alessi- of ClearVision. on our company mis- ative Excellence in Business Advertising said Matt Lytle, vice president of market- Miceli, president of sion, which is to (CEBA) Awards ceremony held here last ing for Shamir Insight, who said he was the HIA. “It is a great opportunity to gain make a positive impact on the lives of month. The San Diego-based lens com- “extremely pleased and excited” about the recognition they deserve for their our customers, employees, business pany took home the CEBA Award for winning the award. growth, leadership and overall commitment associates, and community. To be Best Advertisement, Single Page or Shamir utilized multiple media out- to our region. One of the reasons ClearVi- acknowledged by our esteemed peers is Spread, Budget of up to $100,000 for its lets for the ad campaign including print sion was chosen is because of the company’s a great feeling.” “coffee stain” ad, “In the Office-Auto and Web advertising, which directed ability to understand how critical it is to get Judging was based on the company’s Reply,” which ran from January to April, interested individuals to log on to a spe- their employees involved in company deci- commitment to the growth or better- 2008. cific teaser Web site where they could sions and giving back to the community.” ment of the Long Island community, Shamir Insight was one of 34 finalists register to receive more information The HIA, which has approximately positive employer/employee relations, to be nominated for a Grand CEBA about the new products and technolo- 1,000 member companies throughout revenue and profitability trends, and award, and one of only 12 winners. The gies that Shamir would ultimately Long Island, N.Y., is a business organi- future company vision. Companies award, presented by American Business announce at Vision Expo East. zation that focuses on the economic were also able to point out any recent Media, recognizes the top business-to- The CEBA Awards ceremony were health and well-being of its member outstanding accomplishments, techni- business advertising campaigns. held in the Allen Room at Frederick P. companies and of the entire Long cal innovations, market expansion, “In our category, we were up against Rose Hall Home of Jazz at Lincoln Cen- Island business community. ClearVi- industry leadership or triumph over two other finalists: DDB, the advertising ter in New York City on Oct. 1, 2008. QQ sion was one of four winners honored adversity in their bid for the award. QQ Dr. Jennifer Planitz Optometrist Explorer Luxottica Partner

Jennifer Planitz loves trekking in the rugged New Mexico landscape. When she is not trekking, or teaching jazzercise or contributing an article to a professional journal, Dr. Planitz and her husband run one of New Mexico’s busiest optometry practices. Rio Eyecare Vision Source in Rio Rancho, NM has a staff of 12 and offers a specialty in pediatric optometry. She cares a great deal about her patients, her dedicated team and the partners she chooses. Working together with Luxottica allows her to offer her patients the unsurpassable quality and power of the best brands while she enjoys the impeccable service and financial growth only possible with a partner that truly understands her business. Learn more about the benefits of partnering with Luxottica at www.luxandme.com.

Luxottica sm &mewww.luxandme.com 12 VISION MONDAY/OCTOBER 20, 2008 IN THE NEWS www.visionmonday.com

NEWS VIEWS Vision Council Releases Voluntary Lead Guidelines LAS VEGAS—In response to the recently issue,” said Shyer, who pointed out that are outside the scope of the CPSIA’s new Council can advise its members about with- passed Consumer Product Safety Improve- ANSI standards and regulations already in restrictions on lead and testing require- in the new issued guidelines document. ment Act of 2008, The Vision Council place under the Federal Hazardous Sub- ments. VC’s members’ products are con- Further, The Vision Council notes that care released voluntary lead guidelines to its stances Act have long applied standards sidered medical devices and regulated by should be exercised in regard to written and members during Vision Expo West. The for toxic and hazardous substances for the Food and Drug Administration.” verbal claims since false or misleading guidelines, noted James Shyer, COO, Zylo- frames and sunwear, which meet the fed- Therefore, the CPSIA rules do not claims are prohibited by federal regulation. ware and head of the Vision Council’s Eye- eral regulation stan- It’s recommended, the guidelines docu- wear and Accessories’ division, “were dard for minimum “The guidelines were developed as an ment noted, that companies use accurate developed as an informative document to lead thresholds of 600 informative document to help optical language in labeling regarding lead content help optical manufacturers understand and parts per million manufacturers understand and comply and avoid use of such terms as: “lead free,” comply with federal regulations on lead.” (PPM) by weight. “lead safe,” and others. The law significantly reduces the However, as a result with federal regulations on lead.” “We are very confident that The Vision amount of lead allowable in toys and of the recently enact- —James Shyer, Zyloware Council members are operating well with- products manufactured for children age ed Consumer Product in the current lead content guidelines, but 12 and under; the guide provides opti- Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008, require optical manufacturers to test we have done a lot of work and research to cal manufacturers with information to the new maximum limit of lead in toys and their products. However, suppliers monitor the situation,” Shyer said. help them assess the appropriate course children’s products is to be reduced to 300 could be subject to recalls and mone- Ed Green, CEO of the The Vision of action to comply with the law. PPM beginning one year after the enact- tary penalties if products were found to Council, added, “This guide is only the The result of a task force of the eyewear ment of CPSIA (Aug. 14, 2009) and then to exceed established levels. As a result, starting point and our legislative, regu- division established last year, the Vision 100 PPM in three years from enactment testing is an option for suppliers. latory and technical standards staff Council’s lobbying efforts in Washington (Aug. 14, 2011). There are options for recommended remains ready to help continue to navi- and other technical and legal input, the In its statement The Vision Council third-party testing facilities that The Vision gate through the process.” �� guidelines are the result of a desire for The said, “eyeglass frames and sunglasses, Vision Council “to be proactive on this even if sold into the children’s market, Smith Optics Enters Rx Market, VisionWeb, First Insight to Links With Eyefinity for Online Orders SUN VALLEY, Idaho—Smith Optics, manu- announcement is significant to inde- Expand Connectivity to More Labs facturer of sunglasses, goggles and hel- pendent eyecare professionals AUSTIN, Texas—Industry Internet portal facilitating fully automated order process- mets, is entering the ophthalmic eyewear because it provides an efficient, cost- VisionWeb and First Insight, developer of ing for eyecare providers and laboratories,” market with a line of prescription eyewear effective means to order Smith Optics maximEyes practice management/elec- said Tom Chrome, VisionWeb’s chief and services. Smith Optics will team up frames for their customers.” tronic medical records software and the financial officer and vice president of busi- with Web-based eyecare business-man- Noted David Currier, general manag- paradEyes.com online optical ordering ness development. “We look forward to agement provider Eyefinity/ OfficeMate to er of Smith Rx, “Working with Eyefinity/ resource, now plan to connect more labs in giving more maximEyes customers and make Smith frames available for online OfficeMate is a great move for Smith the VisionWeb network with maximEyes VisionWeb labs the opportunity to take ordering through Eyefinity.com as we officially enter the optical mar- software, beginning early next year. The advantage of the efficiencies created by “We’re pleased to work together with ket. We strive to make life as easy as agreement will enable VisionWeb-connect- this practice management integration.” Smith Optics and offer access to their possible for all of our retailers, and in ed labs without prior connectivity to the “The interest level from the ophthalmic dynamic-lifestyle products though our this channel, Eyefinity’s proven technol- maximEyes system to be integrated with industry to expand connectivity with more e- Buy frame portal,” said Eyefinity/ ogy is something the optometrist is paradEyes.com, enabling seamless specta- VisionWeb-connected labs has never been Office- Mate’s president and chief tech- comfortable with and will put Smith cle lens ordering by maximEyes customers, higher,” said Nitin Raj, First Insight’s pres- nology officer, Steve Baker. “This products at their fingertips.” �� according to the two companies. ident and chief executive officer. “Our First Insight and VisionWeb first strong alliance with VisionWeb will pro- developed an interface allowing users to vide value-added services to new and cur- Augen Consolidates North American place and track lens orders via maxi- rent maximEyes customers, and it will Operations; Kapash Exits Company mEyes software in early 2007, initially further help practices enhance office effi- providing maximEyes customers access ciencies and increase productivity—giving SAN DIEGO, Calif.—Augen Optics, and warehousing. Marketing and sales to labs in the Essilor Laboratories of doctors a more competitive edge.” the U.S.-based business entity oversee- will continue to be managed through the America network. Based on the success New lab connections will begin in ing Augen operations in North America, existing Augen sales and marketing of the initial launch and requests from 2009’s first quarter. VisionWeb-connect- South America, Europe and Canada, is team led by John Potocny, senior vice both VisionWeb lab suppliers and maxi- ed labs will be prioritized for the inte- consolidating its two West Coast offices president, sales and marketing. mEyes customers, an announcement gration based on the number of maxi- into one facility in San Diego. In addition, Richard Kapash has said, both firms have agreed to expand mEyes customers ordering to them via According to Marco Machado, PhD, resigned as president of Augen Optics. connectivity to independent labs and non-electronic methods as well as over- CEO of parent company Augen Opticos Kapash is leaving the company for per- labs from other networks that are elec- all order volume. As new labs are con- based in Ensenada, Mexico, the consoli- sonal reasons, according to Machado, who tronically connected with VisionWeb’s nected, VisionWeb and First Insight dation of its Petaluma and San Diego is assuming Kapash’s executive responsi- ordering service but not currently direct- will make announcements to their cus- offices will help improve service for cus- bilities until a replacement is named. ly connected with paradEyes.com. tomers and list the newly connected tomers. The streamlined facility will Customers can continue calling and “This agreement strengthens the rela- labs on their Web sites; those announce- manage all “back room” business opera- faxing as usual to the Augen toll-free tionship between VisionWeb and maxi- ments are also expected to begin in tions for Augen Optics including cus- numbers, which have been rolled over mEyes and reflects our commitment to next year’s first quarter. �� tomer service, finance, order fulfillment, to the San Diego facility. �� AK VM10-20.qxd10/10/0811:05AMPage1

PRODUCED AND DISTRIBUTED BY LUXOTTICA GROUP - MOD. AK 8068 Col 178 14 VISION MONDAY/ OCTOBER 20, 2008 IN THE NEWS www.visionmonday.com

NEWS VIEWS Lagging U.S. Economy Takes Toll on Laser Procedures CINCINNATI—The nation’s eco- Chief executive officer Steven Straus a decline in its average procedure price of lowered its forecast for 2008 revenues nomic problems are causing consumers said LCA-Vision also cut its marketing approximately $100 per procedure, com- from $1.17 billion to $1.20 billion; it to rethink elective surgery procedures spending to about $9 million in the quar- pared with this year’s second quarter. previously forecast 2008 revenues of such as laser vision correction, so three ter; the company spent $15.5 million in At TLCVision, Jim Wachtman, presi- $1.22 billion to $1.24 billion. “Deterio- refractive-surgery firms have seen pro- this year’s second quarter and $17.2 mil- dent and CEO, said that while his compa- rating economic conditions are impact- cedure rates drop. lion in 2007’s Q3. “While the steep ny’s laser surgery procedure volume ing our U.S. and European refractive LCA-Vision said its procedure volumes decline in marketing spending is impact- declined in Q3, the drop was less than that procedure and system sales more sig- in the third quarter fell 52 percent from ing scheduled appointments, we believe of the refractive-surgery industry’s overall nificantly than we had previously antic- the same period in 2007, causing the this to be an appropriate level given the decrease in procedures. Said Wachtman, ipated,” said Jim Mazzo, chairman and company to reduce its work force by 25 current economic climate,” Straus noted. “Demand for LASIK continues to be nega- CEO. He said the company also antici- percent during Q3. He said the company expects to report tively impacted by the current weak econo- pates “slower-than-expected eyecare my and the related declines in consumer sales for the balance of 2008.” confidence. At the same time, TLCVision Compared to the same period in Intercast Opens U.S. Sales continues to see the positive impact from 2007, the company’s third-quarter U.S. its investment to reposition its brand and its excimer laser procedures declined Office, Expands Rx Lens Line offering to the consumer while strengthen- about 37 percent; domestic femtosec- LAS VEGAS—At a press conference here growing popularity of our NXT Performance ing its doctor referral network.” ond procedures declined about 12 per- at Vision Expo West, executives of Inter- Sunlenses and our entry to Rx sun market As a result, he noted, “while our total cent. “Based on AMO’s view that U.S. cast Group announced that they are step- in the beginning of the year necessitates center procedure volume will show a economic conditions will continue to ping up the company’s presence in the for our business to be closer to the end decline in the third quarter, that decline weaken, the company now expects Americas region by opening a U.S. sales customer,” said Putos. “Local presence will be significantly less than the market domestic excimer and femtosecond office. The office, head- and covering the Ameri- declines of mid-40-percent range.” procedures to decline further in the ed by Brian Putos, Inter- cas region is strategi- And Advanced Medical Optics has Q4,” an announcement said. �� cast’s Americas sun- cally important to satis- lens manager, is located fy the increasing needs Marco Polarized Launches Promotion at the research and of users of our perfor- development facility in mance sunlens.” SPRINGFIELD, Mass.—As part of its Marco polarized frame of their choice. This Monroeville, Pa. operat- Intercast is also recently launched Rx sales incentive for program will run until Dec.31, 2008. QQ ed by Intercast’s parent expanding its Rx sun eyecare professionals, Marco, the polar- company PPG Indus- lens line with the intro- ized division of Merchamp, Ltd., is giving tries. It will service cli- Brian Putos of Intercast, left, with duction of a polarized away a vacation for two to Marco Island, Christine Camsuzou of PPG Industries ents throughout the and Alessandro Borzino of Intercast at lens, NXT SFSV Polar Florida. Each time an optical store U.S. and Latin America. their Expo West press conference. and a polarized photo- employee sells five Marco frames includ- The move follows chromic lens, NXT ing Rx, they are eligible for one entry into Intercast’s recent opening of sales offic- SFSV Polar Varia. Both lenses combine the drawing for a dream vacation, accord- For growth es in Italy covering the European and Intercast’s proprietary Light Management ing to Marco. ECPs that sell multiple www.luxandme.com Middle Eastern markets and a Hong Technology with PPG’s Trivex material. Marco Rx jobs will get multiple entries. Kong sales and distribution center that Intercast plans to distribute the lens- Entries can be faxed to their lab. serves the Far East. es through wholesale laboratories in At the end of each month, Marco will “The expansion of our product line, the the U.S. beginning in 2009. �� draw from that month’s submitted entries and award the first 20 names drawn with a

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VM EXCLUSIVE Eyes by VSP Gets High-Profile Celeb Launch at TV’s Emmy’s LOS ANGELES—A new Eyes by VSP campaign and VSP Eyewear Donations program got a high- profile launch during last month’s 60th Primetime Emmy Award cer- emony on the red carpet during the event. The campaign, which is being rolled out later this month to eye- care providers and VSP employer clients, is designed to bring aware- ness around the benefits of eye health and reach out to a global audience to spread the message. As part of the Eyes by VSP campaign, VSP reached out to award nominees and presenters to launch the VSP Eyewear Donation program. �� The new Eyes by VSP campaign was front and center at the Emmy’s Award ceremonies. CONFIDENCE

It’s the feeling you get when you are at your best, reaching higher levels of performance, Hayden Panetierre, star of the “30 Rock” Emmy winner, Alec TV’s Christina Applegate of Emmy-award winning Baldwin, also made a contribu- “Samantha Who..?” also rein- achieving your goals. “Heroes” showed her support. tion to the VSP Eyewear Donation forced the message. program. Confidence comes with having Briot as your business partner. It’s knowing you have the best Sàfilo USA Creates New Ultra edging equipment, backed by the best technical Luxury Sales Concept support in the industry. PARSIPPANY, N.J.—Sàfilo USA has in the U.S. mar- announced the formation of a new ket,” said Dick sales concept focusing on the compa- Russo, executive ny’s ultra luxury designer eyewear col- vice president for lections including Alexander McQueen, Sàfilo USA. “We FINISHING... WITH CONFIDENCE Balenciaga and Bottega Veneta. feel that having a Donald Goodfriend, who has been dedicated individ- with Sàfilo since 1994, will head up ual, such as Don- this new effort targeting customers ald, can best com- Donald Goodfriend within major metropolitan markets who municate the exclusive materials, specialize in exclusive luxury collec- designs and other nuances indicative to tions, according to the company. each brand.” “These prestigious and unique brands Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga and require an exclusive sales approach to Bottega Veneta are manufactured under support their distinctive positioning with- license by Sàfilo for the Gucci Group. �� 800-292-7468 www.briot-usa.com

18 VISION MONDAY/ OCTOBER 20, 2008 IN THE NEWS www.visionmonday.com

NEWS VIEWS Shamir Launches ‘Creation and Cruise Your Destination’ SAN DIEGO, Calif.—Shamir Insight is entered into the “Creation and Cruise Your “Each month we will friends and family mem- kicking off a new promotion that gives all Destination” drawing; and to celebrate their award prizes to one ECP, bers, because the cruise eligible eyecare professionals the opportu- latest material offering, Shamir will submit which will include a Sony recipient will get to create nity to win a seven-day cruise of their two raffle tickets for each pair of Creation Handycam camcorder, a their own vacation by choice, as part of their “Creation and Cruise PolyPlus Transitions lenses sold. At the end $500 Nordstrom gift cer- choosing one of four sev- Your Destination” promotion. The promo- of the promotion, one winner will get to tificate, an Apple iPod en-day cruises to attend. tion will run from Aug. 1 to Nov. 30. choose to cruise one of four exotic vacation Touch and Maui Jim Sunglasses all of In addition, they’ll be able to choose three For each pair of Shamir Creation lenses destinations, including: Hawaii, Alaska, the which will lead up to the Grand Prize lucky friends to bring along for the ride.” they sell, ECPs will receive a raffle ticket Bahamas or the Panama Canal. Cruise Getaway which will be awarded in The Creation and Cruise Your Desti- February 2009,” said Matt Lytle, vice nation promotion is open to all eyecare president of marketing for Shamir Insight. professionals who sell Shamir Creation A&A Optical Extends Pez License “This promotion is a great opportunity for lenses. Individuals interested in partici- DALLAS—A&A Optical Company has integral component to A&A’s company ECPs to share in the experience with pating are not required to sign-up. �� announced an agreement with Pez Candy, growth. This extension will allow us to Inc., based in Orange, Conn., to extend reach our future goals in strengthening their license for the Pez branded eyewear and developing the Pez eyewear brand.” Signature Renews Hart Schaffner Marx collection an additional four years. The new The Pez agreement includes prescription LOS ANGELES—Signature Eyewear, associated with them,” said Michael license will expire in the summer of 2013. eyewear, sunglasses and eyewear acces- Inc. (OTC BB:SEYE.OB) has renewed Prince, CEO of Signature Eyewear. “The “I am very excited to announce the sories designed to fit infants through ele- its license for Hart Schaffner Marx Eye- license extension allows us to continue extension of our license with Pez Candy, mentary school age children. Pez eyewear wear through December 2010. developing our own eyewear design ele- Inc.,” said Robert Liener, president and is distributed throughout the U.S., Canada, “Hart Schaffner Marx continues to be ments for today’s modern man who con- CEO of A&A Optical. “The Pez brand has Mexico and Latin America and features a the eminent American men’s clothing tinually strives for unique perfection.” enhanced A&A’s collection portfolio for ‘no questions asked lifetime warranty’ on maker, having been at the forefront of Signature signed the original license more than 12 years, and has been an all frames. �� their industry, both in design and innova- for Hart Schaffner Marx ophthalmic tion for 121 years and we are proud to be frames in 1996. ��

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Dynamic labs everywhere find VISION software from DVI helps keep more tasks in-house and runs more processing equipment while tackling We have buyers ready in everything from Internet-based order-processing to inventory control. NY, NJ, PA, MD, VA and CA! And VISION can make revolutionary improvements to your bottom line. Call Scott Finn today at 1-800-856-9664 Contact us today for details. to learn more about franchising opportunities with Sterling Optical! Phone: 503.231.6606 Fax: 503.231.4943 6805 SE Milwaukie Ave. Portland, OR 97202 www.sterlingoptical.com www.thedvi.com Mr. MAGOO and associated character names, images and other indicia are trademarks of and copyrighted by UPA Productions of America, Inc. All rights reserved. www.visionmonday.com IN THE NEWS VISION MONDAY/ OCTOBER 20, 2008 19

NEWS VIEWS J&J Vision Care, Ocular Insight Settle Lawsuit On Contact Lens Advertising Claims NEW YORK—Contact lens manufactur- was “the first Food and Drug Administra- enjoins Ocular Insight from claiming that In a statement about the case, Naomi ers Johnson & Johnson Vision Care tion-approved generic equivalent contact (i) the Clear58 lens was approved by the Kelman, president, Americas, of J&J (NYSE: JNJ) and Ocular Insight recently lens to replace [J&J’s] Acuvue 2” contact FDA in the first place, (ii) the FDA Vision Care’s Vistakon division, stated, settled a lawsuit that J&J had filed charg- lens, and that the Clear58 lens was an approved the Clear58 lens as a generic “Doctors write prescriptions for the par- ing Ocular Insight with false advertising “exact duplicate” of the Acuvue 2. In equivalent of the Acuvue 2, (iii) the ticular contact lens brand that best fits concerning its Clear58 contact lens. In its addition to seeking a permanent injunc- Clear58 is a generic equivalent of the Acu- the overall comfort, eye health and complaint filed July 29 in the U.S. Dis- tion requiring Ocular Insight to stop mak- vue 2, and (iv) the Clear58 CL is “an exact vision needs of the patient. Eyecare pro- trict Court, Southern District of New ing such claims, J&J’s complaint sought duplicate of or equivalent to the Acuvue fessionals who relied on Ocular Insight’s York, J&J Vision Care alleged that Ocular actual damages from Ocular Insight’s 2.” The consent order also provides that if now-banned claims may not have been Insight had distributed promotional sales of the Clear58 lens, treble (punitive) Ocular Insight refers to the Acuvue 2 in able to make appropriate prescribing materials that falsely claimed not only damages, and attorneys’ fees. advertising or promotions, it must include decisions. As a result, they may have that the FDA had “approved” the The Order on Consent issued on Aug. a disclaimer saying, “The FDA did not prescribed Clear58 lenses to patients for Clear58 lens, but that the Clear58 lens 15 by Judge Denny Chin permanently make a determination that the Clear58 whom the Acuvue lenses may be more performs the same as any other Etafilcon comfortable and efficacious.” lens, including Acuvue 2.” In addition, it On behalf of Ocular Insight, Mark Gerber Coburn and Essilor requires Ocular Insight to notify all recipi- Levin, the company’s president, stated, ents of the promotional materials at issue “Experience has led us to allow eyecare Instruments Renew explaining that the FDA has only practitioners to determine if a contact “cleared,” not “approved” the Clear58 lens made of the same material, same Distribution Agreement lens. J&J agreed to dismissal of its claims water content, same base curve, same with prejudice and without recovering its diameter and same method of manu- SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn.—Gerber ance with Essilor. The collaboration attorneys’ fees, but it reserved the right to facturing is a viable product to substi- Coburn, a business unit of Gerber Sci- between our two companies has result- seek enforcement for any alleged violation tute for a branded product they cur- entific (NYSE: GRB), and Essilor ed in new products for the retail and of the consent order. rently dispense.” �� Instruments, a division of Essilor Inter- wholesale markets. This announce- national, Paris, have renewed their ment to extend the distribution agree- long-standing distribution agreement. ment ensures that we will continue to Under the terms of the agreement, bring new technology to our customers Services Held for Sales Rep Gerber Coburn will continue to distrib- in the future.” ute Essilor branded finishing products Jean Lasserre, CEO of Essilor Instru- Lohmann of Hydrogel Vision in the U.S. and Australia as well as sev- ments added, “Gerber Coburn is the OREGON HOUSE, Bonnie, son Brandon and daughter eral non-Essilor branded finishing prod- right partner for Essilor Instruments Calif.—Private ser- Monica. ucts on a worldwide basis. because of their appreciation of the vices were held here Said Steve Schuster, president of “We are pleased to continue our rela- market needs, service capabilities, and Sept. 27 for Edward Hydrogel Vision, “I will always remem- tionship with Essilor Instruments,” said technical know-how. We are pleased to Lohmann, who spent ber Ed, first and foremost as an Alex Incera, General Manager, Gerber continue our strategic partnership, and 31 years as a sales extraordinary sales guy. He was a true Coburn. “Over the past 12 years, we’ve we look forward to continued success representative in the professional who knew how to find, developed a strong and successful alli- in our relationship.” �� contact lens indus- hire and coach the best people and Edward Lohmann try. Lohmann died then keep them motivated for out- Sept. 12 of pancreatic cancer. standing results, year after year. Ed’s Cerium, Salem in Talks to Lohmann started his career with co-workers from CIBA and Hydrogel Hydrocurve in 1977, then moved on to Vision along with hundreds of custom- CooperVision and then to CIBAVision ers throughout the western U.S. will Establish U.S. Joint Venture in 1982, where he spent most of his miss him dearly.” WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.—Salem Cerium is a leading manufacturer 24 years with that company as a sales Donations can be made in his mem- Vision Group of Winston-Salem, N.C. of consumables and machinery used director in the western U.S. After leav- ory to the Pancreatic Cancer Action and Cerium Optical Products of Ten- in ophthalmic lens surfacing. It cur- ing CIBA in late 2006, Lohmann joined Network at www.pancan.org. Personal terden, England are in negotiation to rently supplies customers in some 150 Hydrogel Vision as its western area notes to the family can be sent directly establish a new joint venture company, countries worldwide from its head- sales director. to: P.O. Box 768, Oregon House, Calif. Cerium Optical Products (USA). quarters in Tenterden, England. Lohmann is survived by his widow, 95962. �� The new venture will be located in Salem has been Cerium’s distributor Dallas, Texas, to market and supply a in the USA for the past 30 years. Con- complete range of optical products and solidation into a joint venture company Salem said it expects many of its sales per- in Dallas will be complete by the end surfacing consumables manufactured or will enable both company’s to offer labo- sonnel will transfer to the new entity, ensur- of the year, according to Cerium. Over sold by both organizations in the U.S. ratories “one-stop” convenience when ing continuity for customers in the U.S. the intervening period customers can These are presently sold by Salem purchasing surfacing consumables or Cerium Optical, Dallas, is now open continue contacting Salem at its vari- through their stocking locations in North seeking technical assistance in their use for business. The transfer of Salem’s ous locations, or can contact Cerium at Carolina, California, Texas and Toronto. and application, according to Cerium. current business to the new company its new Dallas office. �� 20 VISION MONDAY/ OCTOBER 20, 2008 IN THE NEWS www.visionmonday.com

NEWS VIEWS VSP’s Practice Solutions Division Hosts ECP Discussion Group LAS VEGAS—The Eyefinity/Office- recommended solutions,” stated Jim Rich Fogarty of SVS Vision. Castor, VSP. Moderating the discussion Mate Practice Solutions division of VSP McGrann, president of VSP’s Practice Also present were Doug Martin of as a guest of VSP’s Practice Solutions Vision Care invited a select group of Solutions Division. “It was an extreme- Ossip Optometry, Ed Buffington, Office- group was Marge Axelrad, editorial practitioners from around the country ly strong group, representing a range of Mate, Mary Luciano, Eyefinity and Jim director of Vision Monday. �� to discuss topics of interest to today’s thought-leaders in the field.” independent eyecare professionals at a Participating in the panel were: Lorie special roundtable session just prior to Lippiatt, OD; Greg Ossip, OD; Bobby Vision Expo West. Christiansen, OD; Ryan Wineinger, “The goal of this focus group was to OD; Kim Castleberry, OD, Tommy bring together some of the best minds Crossks, OD; Joe Boorady, OD, John in the optical industry to discuss both McGreal, OD; John Rumpakis, OD; the challenges they are facing and their Mason Smith, OD; Ian Lane, OD, and

From left, Doug Martin, president of Ossip Greg Ossip, OD, left, with OfficeMate’s Ian A range of ECP thought leaders participated in a wide-ranging discussion for the VSP Practice Optometry with John Rumpakis, OD and Tommy Lane, OD. Solutions Group. Crooks, OD.

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NEWS VIEWS Expo West Attendees Get Down to Business Show organizers, attendees report healthy buying patterns LAS VEGAS—Amid a backdrop of ment from show organizers. A complete a p p e a r e d a t unsettling economic developments, opti- audit of International Vision Expo West Expo West for cal retailers and eyecare professionals attendance figures will be available in the first time alike seized the opportunity at last approximately six weeks following the after bowing at month’s Vision Expo West to get back to close of the show on Oct. 6. Expo East. the basics of business: buying and selling. “Our pre-registration numbers for Pierre Fay, While unprecedented events were taking the show were strong despite the state executive vice place back East on Wall Street, including of the economy,” said Deb Malakoff president, Lux- a $700 billion bailout by the U.S. govern- Castor, vice president of show for The ottica Group, ment and steep drops in the stock mar- Vision Council. “We feel our extensive Wholesale N.A., ket, West attendees went about the busi- pre-show marketing helped to deliver said that with the Expo attendees were able to Gary Martin of Revolution rocks on with Slash of ness at hand taking in the latest trends in our base of attendees and are pleased economic/finan- 'keep up' with Kim Kardashian, Guns N’ Roses during his Saturday appearance at new products and with the turnout cial news the the reality television star who the booth. made an appearance at the cutting edge tech- and the amount of week of the Revolution booth on the open- refocusing our emphasis on moderate nology on display business conduct- show, “We’d ing day of the show. price point targets.” throughout the ed at the show.” expected more drama. But the show As Kenmark Group’s Don Howard show floor, in the “We’re very exceeded our expectations and the mood put it, “We beat last year’s numbers on newly redesigned pleased with the was pretty positive, people seem to be the first day of this show and I’m Galleria and in The turn-out of the focused on business. We are seeing our encouraged by that. It’s true that every- Suites high above show,” said Tom ‘over $200’ brands still up, but we are also Continued on page 30 the show floor. Loughran, event Despite the director for Reed WHAT PEOPLE WERE SAYING ABOUT THE ECONOMY uncertain economic Exhibitions. “Las times, Expo West Vegas is a great Comments from Expo Attendees organizers saw a venue for our event strong showing and offering us the The economy was top of mind for many at Expo, especially for those attendees reported they were space we need in a who came to buy. Whether they were shopping for refractive instruments and pleased with com- town that is easy lab equipment costing tens of thousand of dollars or smaller items such as ments from exhibi- for exhibitors and frames, lenses and accessories, eyecare professionals and retailers told Vision tors and attendees attendees to get Monday they were watching their wallets. alike as the confer- The latest technology was on display in the around. We look ence and exhibit Medical & Scientific Pavilion. forward to continu- Following is a range of comments from attendees who talked about how the came to a close. The show remained sta- ing our success at International Vision current economic crunch affected their spending habits while shopping at the ble in terms of its attendance this year, on Expo West in Las Vegas where we have show. par with its 2007 attendance of 12,816 show dates through 2015.” eyecare professionals, according to a state- So far, it is not hindering our purchases. We’re tied to an ophthalmology The View From the Booths group“ and we’re in a high-end market. Many of our patients opt for refractive sur- While the economy was top of mind gery such as lens replacement, and they’re continuing to do it. However, it’s dis- Future Dates for many attendees, many exhibitors cretionary surgery, and if the economic crisis continues, I expect this to change. If For Expo West reported steady booth traffic and quali- I were a standalone retail optical shop, I would feel concerned. ty orders being written, according to an —Shirlie Kimmel, practice” manager, LAS VEGAS—Reed Exhibitions and announcement from show organizers. Cullom Eye and Laser Center, Williamsburg, Va. The Vision Council have announced Throughout the show, traffic moved dates for upcoming International steadily through the main exhibit area’s We did have to scale off our buying for now, not because we’re experienc- Vision Expo West through the year aisles as well as in The Galleria and ing“ any problems at our practice, but because we’re bracing ourselves in case 2015. Each event will be held at the The Suites, and suppliers reported that we do start to feel the crunch. The news from Wall Street has not been good Sands Expo and Convention Center in many “shoppers” had been converted but we hope that will change soon. Las Vegas. to buyers by the end of Saturday, con- —Julian” Fremonte, OD, Jackson, Mississippi tinuing a trend that began on Expo Future dates for International Vision West’s first day. The current economic situation has given me second thoughts about pur- Expo West Exhibits are as follows: Dick Russo, of Sáfilo agreed that traffic chases“ at Expo. Last year, I didn’t have second thoughts. 2009 Exhibits: Oct. 1-3 on the show floor was steady. “The show —Jimmy Joseph, optometrist,” Houston, Texas 2010 Exhibits: Oct. 7-9 seemed to have a lot of activity on Friday 2011 Exhibits: Sept. 8-10 and Saturday, and people seemed kind of We’re finding that in these tough times, patients may decide to go down a 2012 Exhibits: Sept. 6-8 ‘up’ on things despite the economy—a little“ on the price of their frames and spend more on their lenses—today they 2013 Exhibits: Oct. 3-5 lot of buyers and ECPs had positioned seem to be more concerned with how they’re seeing than with how they 2014 Exhibits: Sept. 4-6 themselves to look for new products for look, 2015 Exhibits: Oct. 8-10 QQ their patients. We think a big part of our ” —Al Bernstein, Nationwide Vision, Arizona QQ success was our new booth, which 8

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NEWS VIEWS Buying Still in Fashion At The Suites, The Galleria LAS VEGAS—Convenience and an Legacie/The Lux- feel our booth tells atmosphere conducive to selling high- ury House of B. the real Lafont end product are keys to the ongoing suc- Robinson Optical, story. But some of cess of The Suites at Vision Expo West, a participant in our customers venders emphasized. Originally created The Suites since found it inconve- to encourage more vendors with high- the inception, said nient to go down end product and boutique collections to the location was to the show floor exhibit at the show, The Suites contin- ideal this year for when they were ued to draw praise from participants. the launch of its doing a majority of “We love The Suites,” Robert Marc new David Yur- their business in of Robert Marc, said. “And so do our man line. “We Expo attendees were all business whether it was frame selection at The Suites (left) or networking in The Suites. So customers. It’s a relaxing atmosphere took a larger space the lounge areas of the newly redesigned Galleria (right). because our com- providing the space, ease and luxury to than in the past and were constantly full. thrilled. Our return created quite a buzz pany has always been customer orient- do the buying they need to do. But This environment allowed us to sell the on the show floor for our collections.” ed, we took a suite also and gave all our maybe because buyers, especially in eyewear with a one-on-one jewelry store Larry Sands, founder of Optical Shop customers the option of meeting with this segment of the market, are always approach—fitting for this collection, of Aspen International, too, felt The us in The Galleria or The Suites— looking for what’s new and different, which is true jewelry,” Robinson noted. Suites offered a great luxury atmosphere. whatever worked best for them.” we need to think about evolving The Oliver Peoples was back in The “We offered good food, good coffee to Suites in the future. However, the real- Suites after a four-year absence. “We good friends in an atmosphere that’s like Galleria: In the Pink ity for now is The Suites work.” were thrilled to be back. We have our living room. It’s the best of the best.” The Galleria had a new look at this Brad Brautman, sales consultant for Ita- always loved this venue,” according to Ray Khalil cited convenience as the year’s International Vision Expo West lee, agreed. “We love The Suites. They David Schulte, CEO of Oliver Peoples. major reason for Lafont’s participation and it had vendors tickled pink… quite provided an upscale environment and “It’s convenient and gave us the space, in The Suites. The company also had a literally. The Galleria was spruced up allowed us to give the more personal atten- light and air we needed for our custom- booth in The Galleria. “Our philosophy with a bubble gum pink floor that gave tion that our customers expect from us.” ers to feel more comfortable. We were has always been to support the industry the space a light and fun flavor. For Lori Robinson, co-president of happy to be back and our buyers were so we like to be on the main floor. We Continued on page 30

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28 EXPO WRAP UP

Attendees Speak Out How’s the Show—What’s Hot? Daniel Ross, RN, Bay Area Optical School, Union City, Calif. “I own a school and I come here to get information about new machines, products and upcoming styles. I’ve seen new items, such as lenses, that are going to be very useful to teach our students about.”

Carlos E. Rodriguez, optician, SWT Optical, Eagle Pass, Texas “As an optical manager, I’m at the show looking for frames. Revolution came out with some great Ed Hardy frames. We don’t have them, but many people come into our office requesting them that we’re consider- ing buying. There are also a lot of great new things at Aspex.”

Valorie Donato, buyer, Ross Stores, New York, N.Y. “The readers are noticeably more imaginative this year. There’s more color, laser etchings and details on the frames. The frames really seem much more fun and funky this year.”

Mallory Champagne, opticianry assistant, Norwich Oph- thalmology Group, Colchester, Conn. “There is a new line called Fysh from the U.K. that I just saw and loved. They had nice laser etching. I’m also really interested in displays for our practice. I just saw a great display package from a Swedish company.”

Mary Jo Colorafi, NP, Total Eyecare Center, Tempe, Ariz. “The show itself is very nice this year. The layout makes everything very easy to find.”

Scenes From Vision Expo West Online @ VisionMonday.com LAS VEGAS—Vision Expo West ended Marcolin, REM Eyewear, Oliver Peo- on an upbeat note as exhibitors and ples, and ClearVision Optical, as well as attendees took care of business on the an OWA Networking event. show floor, in The Galleria and in The And in the final Slide Show, Vision- Suites throughout the education confer- Monday.com rocks the house with ence and show earlier this month. Our scenes from the EyeRock benefit con- editors were all over the scene and we’ve cert which raised funds for the Essilor collected exclusive views of the show Vision Foundation’s Adopt-a School floor, special events and parties in a spe- program. Also, check out the big win- cial Slide Show from Vision Expo West, ners on the show floor from Expo’s first now posted on VisionMonday.com. ever Super Sunday promotion. QQ In Slide Show 1, view scenes of all the events as the full slate of continuing edu- cation courses kicked off the Conference portion of Expo. Pictures include booth setup on the show floor, CE courses as well as the Corporate Optometry panel. Slide Show 2 features highlights of For growth Mike Daley’s Retirement Party, the www.luxandme.com Pixel Optics Party, the Opti-Port Party, and shots from the show floor on the opening day of the Exhibit Hall. In Slide Show 3, VisionMonday.com showcases parties hosted by Marchon, VIS_0218_Revolution 4/16/08 4:12 PM Page 1 30 VISION MONDAY/ OCTOBER 20, 2008 EXPO WRAP UP www.visionmonday.com

NEWS VIEWS Expo West: Buying and Selling Holds Steady Continued from page 24 into September. But body’s a little apprehensive, but the everyone is very leery quality of the orders we’re writing is about what’s going to just as good as it’s been at past shows.” happen next, even Jodi Nickerson of Optifacts reiterated though last year the that sentiment: “The leads we got were fourth quarter was quality leads. Attendees were not just slow for the chains walking around idly looking at the and December 2007 exhibits. They were serious.” was among the worst While traffic was not strong for every- months I can remem- one, exhibitors remained positive. ber in the last six years. However, we’re “There’s a lot of uncer- Gunther Schneider, Schneider Optical still planning to build about 40 stores in tainty out there, and Machines admitted, “There were not 2009, up from about 29 this year.” some folks are sitting too many people in our booth, but the on the sidelines. But ones who did come were the decision Looking Ahead with concern about the financial markets, ing for a variety of product. I want makers. Overall, the show was a lot bet- Uncertainty about the future was a we’re hearing that people want to invest something for everyone—those who ter for us than Vision Expo East.” concern and in some cases a surprise for their money where they can control the spend hundreds of dollars on handbags Challenges in the economy inspired some exhibitors. Peter Friedfeld of outcome—and that means putting it into and those who are trying to make the some exhibitors to take a different tack ClearVision Optical said he saw “cau- their own business, their own dispensary.” rent. I don’t want to get loaded up on at the show when it came to marketing tion among buyers at the show. But just one price point. I’m in an area with their wares. Keith Lehrer of LBI said, those [who came] are good accounts Expo Attendees only three other optometrists and a “We have a history as a value company. who are buying; many were looking to Faced with the turbulent state of the wide demographic range—from fami- Value is not a new-found religion to reassess their brand mix, and many nation’s economy, Vision Expo West lies to retired people, some who were us—it’s what we have always been were looking to reconsider some of the attendees said they carefully scruti- hit hard by a real estate market that about in good times and bad, so the cur- high-end designer brands they’ve been nized their purchases both during and expanded too rapidly.” rent economic climate isn’t hurting us. carrying and to bring in new, more after the show. “Everyone at the show seemed pretty One of our goals is for our customers to accessibly priced collections.” Several Expo attendees said they had upbeat,” declared Sally Lindsey, of Jerry use the value category to encourage Frank Rescigna of Viva International not let the recent negative economic B. Carter, OD’s, practice in Bartlesville, multiple sales” Group said, “We [were] shocked and news change their buying plans for this Okla. “We purchased frames and hard- delighted with the show—for us, it’s our show. Noted optician Diane Charles, a ware, mostly tools—we’ve actually spent Retailers Weigh In best Expo West ever. People are buying first-time Expo West attendee who is more this year than in years past. The Sam Herskowitz of Emerging Vision/ more carefully but they are buying, and optical manager for Woodlawn Optical economy hasn’t had an impact on us; Sterling Optical acknowledged the econo- those [at the show were] very upbeat.” in Redmond, Wash., “I changed my we’re from Oklahoma, which is oil coun- my was top of mind for many buyers and The economic problems of the past buying plans six months ago, not in the try, so we’re doing just fine.” sellers alike, saying, “Everyone at the few weeks are certainly not being last two weeks. We’re adding lower On the other hand, Christina Kaye, show was talking about the economy, but ignored, suppliers stressed, but their price points to stay within insurance buyer for Valencia Eye Institute in Santa most people I spoke with seemed very customers are learning to cope. “Ener- guidelines, so I came to the show look- Clarita, Calif., commented, “We had a optimistic—no one was saying, ‘My busi- gy costs have risen so much it’s causing ing for new frame lines to fill that buying plan coming in, but our buying has ness will collapse.’ But financing could be our customers to change their buying niche—and I bought several lines.” been affected a bit by the economy and an issue for people who want to expand cycles,” said Chris Shyer of Zyloware. Another optician, Shirley Earley of Focal because we want to react to our patients their businesses.” Reade Fahs of National “They have lengthened their purchas- Pointe Eye Care in West Chester, Ohio, who are concerned about spending.” Vision concurred. “This year has been ing cycle by buying larger quantities commented on the second day of Expo Added Kaye, “We’re definitely buy- pretty good for the industry so far, despite less frequently.” West, “I definitely think this has been a ing more conservatively than we have in a sales slowdown in August that continued And Alan Winig of Eye Designs noted, successful show. I came here to buy, and I the past. Except for a few brands, I’ve will buy, primarily frames and accessories.” bought less in each brand, and we Jason Mansuy, Vision Craft, a whole- brought in a few brands we normally Buying Still in Fashion sale lab in Walled Lake, Mich. said, wouldn’t have looked at that are a little “Business has been pretty good so far this more price-conscious, to balance out our At The Suites, The Galleria year. We’ve been trying to differentiate pricing. We are also bought a little bit Continued from page 26 looked around and all our reps were ourselves by selling more unique eyewear less in the higher-end brands. We’ve “I loved the pink,” said Christina busy. So business has been good.” featuring special lenses and treatments. been very lucky in that our [patient] traf- Lara of Jee Vice, who was in the Galle- With a fashion show and a craftsman Our goal is to return to fashion. fic has remained steady, but we’re look- ria for the first time exhibiting the (woman actually) from their factory in “With the current economic condi- ing a little bit more toward the future to brand. “It gave the space such a differ- Linz, Austria demonstrating how crystals tions, so many businesses are cutting make sure we are covered for every ent atmosphere. There was a great were intricately placed in their eyewear, back, but we’ve stepped up the level of eventuality. We wanted to make sure energy and vibe here. It was so busy.” Swarovski Crystal Eyewear’s booth was marketing we’re doing. Now is the best that whether the economy goes a little On Friday and Saturday afternoon quite popular. “The Galleria treated us time to promote yourself.” more down, goes up or remains steady, the Galleria was hopping with many well,” said Gerhard Novak, brand presi- Somer Lyons. OD, Valley Eyecare & we’re still providing for our patients.” booths buzzing with business. One of dent. “We were very busy. But we had a Eyewear Gallery, Minden, Nev. offered —Contributions by Melissa Arkin, Cathy those was Lafont, a long-time exhibitor. well-trained team who is very organized a newcomer’s perspective. “I’m just Ciccolella, Deirdre Carroll, Mary Kane, “It was very busy, so busy we had to so everything went smoothly.” starting my business so I came to Expo Andrew Karp, Jackie Micucci, Gloria Nico- kick people out,” joked Jason Worth. “I —Gloria Nicola, Jackie Micucci to round out my product mix. I’m look- la, James Spina and Christie Walker KODAK Precise Short ™ 1.67 NOW AVAILABLE!

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OAA Leaders Stress Opticians’ Role in U.S. Eyecare Delivery By Cathy Ciccolella VSP executives, either at Expo West or “We really want to talk with VSP, cians, and there could be common Senior Editor subsequently, to make their case for because a lot can be accomplished by ground with VSP as well—but we won’t including independent opticians on one-on-one dialogue,” Hicks said. “In know that until we have a dialogue.” LAS VEGAS—When more than 100 VSP’s provider panel, which so far the the past Marchon has always been a The VSP/Marchon deal is certainly opticians from around the country gath- company has not done. great supporter of the OAA and of opti- Continued on page 34 ered last month for the Opticians Asso- ciation of America’s (OAA) annual National Opticians Convention—held First ABO-NCLE National Education Conference in Cincinnati during the inaugural Draws Participants from U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico ABO-NCLE National Education Con- ference—the number-one topic of dis- CINCINNATI—The cussion was the recently announced first ABO-NCLE acquisition of Marchon Eyewear by National Education Vision Service Plan (VSP). Conference took Although a lot of opticians expressed place here Sept. a lot of opinions on the VSP/Marchon 18 to 21. Hosted deal during that meeting, the breadth by the American Participants signed up for education 20/20’s editor-in-chief James Spina Marian Considine and John Godert from Erie of additional topics discussed indicates Board of Optician- and the exhibit hall during the first spoke about current eyewear trends. Community College stand by her poster that the nation’s opticians have a lot on ry (ABO) and the ABO-NCLE conference. "Healthy Sight Counseling for Baby Boomers." their collective minds these days, OAA National Contact Lens Examiners and exhibitors showed new products. The National Federation of Opticianry president Tom Hicks told VM in an (NCLE), this event—designed to The educational program was devel- Schools (NFOS) served as the event’s exclusive interview here. improve an optician’s technical, profes- oped with education partners National academic partner and provided instruc- OAA leaders came to International sional, managerial and personal perfor- Academy of Opticianry (NAO), Opticians tors for the hands-on courses. Addition- Vision Expo West to talk to suppliers, mance, drew 600 attendees from the Association of America (OAA) and Con- ally, it held its semi-annual business including Marchon executives, about U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. tact Lens Society of America (CLSA). meeting onsite during the conference. the role of opticianry in the eyewear/ Accredited for ABO and NCLE continu- The expert faculty, which included over The second ABO-NCLE National Edu- eyecare delivery system, particularly ing education, the meeting offered over 40 guest speakers, provided education cation Conference is scheduled to take through managed-vision channels. 150 hours of didactic and hands-on edu- on spectacle and contact lens topics place in Cincinnati Sept, 10 to 13, They were also hoping to speak with cation. In addition, over 55 sponsors as well as practice management. 2009. QQ

EYECARE NEWS

VISTAKON. AMERICAN OPTOMETRIC FOUNDATION number. And, VSP has introduced a number of new Spanish materials for the Lati- ANNOUNCE FELLOWSHIP, GRANT RECIPIENTS no community to help them understand the importance of an eye exam and overall JACKSONVILLE, Fla.—Vistakon, a division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, and eye health, an announcement said. the American Optometric Foundation (AOF) recently announced recipients of the VSP also recently kicked off “Ask the Eye Doctor,” a new feature the company is Vistakon Ezell Fellowship program and AOF-Vistakon Research Grants. sponsoring on the American Diabetes Association Web site. Ask the Eye Doctor, at The recipients of the Vistakon Ezell Fellowships are Joe Phillips of the University of www.askavspdoctor.com, highlights 10 most-frequently asked questions relating to Houston College of Optometry and Lakshman Subbaraman of Canada’s University of eye health and diabetes, rotating regularly as users participate and ask additional Waterloo College of Optometry. Each will receive $8,000 fellowship for graduate questions. Offering answers to those questions is VSP provider Roger Phelps, OD, education and a $750 travel grant to the annual meetings of the American Academy of Ojai, Calif., who is a certified diabetes educator living with type 1 diabetes. of Optometry and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. VSP, a national strategic partner of the ADA, is working to help educate Ameri- The winners of the AOF-Vistakon Research Grants are for the $25,000 award, Danielle cans about the importance of regular eyecare while managing diabetes, according M. Robertson, OD, and H. Dwight Cavanagh, MD; and for the $10,000 award, Lyndon to the company. Jones and Doerte Luensmann. The fellowship recipients and grant awardees were selected by the American Optometric Foundation from among numerous applicants. SYNERGEYES SIGNS ON AS SPONSOR OF NATIONAL KERATOCONUS FOUNDATION VSP LAUNCHES SPANISH-LANGUAGE WEB SITE CARLSBAD, Calif.—Contact-lens firm SynergEyes recently became a corporate ‘ASK THE EYE DOCTOR’ Q&A ON DIABETES ASSN. SITE sponsor of the National Keratoconus Foundation (NKCF). As a sponsor SynergEyes RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.—VSP Vision Care recently launched a new comprehen- will contribute $15,000 to the foundation, which the NKCF has earmarked to cover sive Spanish Web site, www.vsp.com/espanol, which the company said is designed its fall newsletter, an announcement said. to meet the vision care needs of the Latino community, including helping Latinos “SynergEyes is proud to be a sponsor of the foundation’s efforts to improve the quality learn about the unique health risks they face and how vision is connected to over- of life for the thousands of people suffering with keratoconus,” said Kellie Kaseburg, the all health, as well as assisting them in finding an eyecare practitioner. company’s vice president of global marketing. “SynergEyes supports the mission of the The Web site includes specific eye health information for Latinos, such as their NKCF to improve the quality of life for those with keratoconus by making educational risk for diabetes and the impact it could have on their vision. Additionally, the site material available to them, their families and their eyecare professionals.” includes all components of VSP’s English-language Web site, such as the Eyecare SynergEyes has FDA clearance for a specifically designed hybrid CL for patients Discovery Center, benefit summaries and VSP in the Community. with keratoconus. The NKCF is an outreach program of the Discovery Eye Founda- In addition to VSP’s new Spanish Web site, the company has also addressed tion, a non-profit organization that provides information and support to those diag- customer service with Spanish-language representatives and a specific phone nosed with keratoconus. �� Introducing a New Line of Eyewear from

www.NouveauEyewear.com 800.292.4342 08KU-823 34 VISION MONDAY/ OCTOBER 20, 2008 EXAM LANES www.visionmonday.com

Chain ODs Hear Predictions On Economy, CL Sales Trends LAS VEGAS—Optometry executives As for the overall economy, he and Bill Scott, vice president and Jobson from several of the country’s largest predicted another six to 12 months Retail Optical Group publisher, who optical chains—along with a number of of turmoil in the stock market, add- presented the latest data from Jobson vendor executives—gathered here dur- ing, “But I hope 2010 will be a good Optical Research on consumer percep- ing International Vision Expo West for ‘snap-back’ year.” tions of private-practice and corporate- the corporate optometry professional Diana Ortiz, CIBA’s senior direc- affiliated eyecare professionals. advisory panel meeting, to discuss, tor, global marketing, pointed out Transitions Optical’s Trish Boccuti, among other things, the current U.S. that daily disposable and monthly senior marketing specialist, and Martha economic crisis. wear contact lenses are “driving soft- Rivera, Hispanic market manager, then The meeting—sponsored by CIBA CL growth.” Noting differences in gave an update on their company’s recent- Vision, Essilor of America, Alcon and patient compliance patterns for vari- ly announced initiative to help improve Transitions Optical—was kicked off by ous types of contact lenses, Ortiz. Hispanic consumers’ understanding of moderator Dwight Akerman, OD, of said 76 percent of daily disposable and access to their eyecare options. CIBA Vision, who introduced Jeff John- CL wearers follow their ECP’s Marge Axelrad, senior vice president son, OD, of investment banking firm advice on how long to wear their and editorial director of Jobson Optical RW Baird. Johnson presented Wall lenses, compared to 56 percent of Jeff Johnson, OD, of RW Baird. CIBA Vision’s Diana Ortiz. Group, gave attendees insights on how Street’s view of eyecare companies’ posi- monthly CL wearers and just 26 per- versus a 35 percent share in Europe and a the current problems in the U.S. econo- tion in the financial arena. cent of wearers of one- to two-week CLs. 49 percent share of that market in Japan. my are likely to impact their businesses, Johnson said the eyecare industry is “We see a lot of untapped market Other speakers at the meeting includ- while Jon Torrey, vice president, Prio/ holding up better than some other medi- potential in daily disposables,” she added. ed Ed Zajac, sales director, national computer vision, for Essilor of America, cal segments in the current economic In the U.S., daily disposable CLs have accounts, for Alcon, who outlined how talked about lens technology designed crisis, with the contact lens business just a 10 percent share of the total soft- changes in COPE continuing-education to alleviate computer vision syndrome.— leading the way in terms of recession- CL market, according to CIBA Vision, procedures next year will impact ODs, Cathy Ciccolella resistance. Despite current conditions, he predicted growth of 5 percent to 6 percent in U.S. CL sales this year and OAA Leaders Stress Opticians’ Role into 2009, with worldwide growth in the Continued from page 32 category expected to reach 8 percent to not the only topic of concern to 9 percent during the same period. Sili- opticians these days, according to cone hydrogel lenses should represent Hicks—owner of Oxford Opti- 55 percent of total U.S. CL revenues cians in Oxford, Ohio—and the this year, and 29 percent of worldwide OAA’s two other top officers, first sales in the category, according to John- vice president Diane Charles of son, “with silicone hydrogel torics ramp- Woodlawn Optical in Redmond, ing up faster than spheres.” Wash., and second VP Shirley Ear- ley of Focal Pointe Eye Care in West Chester, Ohio. They cited drop-ball testing, online optician- The OAA’s (l to r) Diane Charles, Tom Hicks and OAA president Tom Hicks (r) honors Jim Boggs ry education and opticianry licens- Shirley Earley were at Vision Expo West talking to for Bogg’s five years as the association's secre- suppliers about opticians’ role in eyecare. tary/treasurer. ing issues in Indiana, Tennessee and other states as key areas of now seem more open to conversation during the convention. talking about the impor- In addition, “opticians are concerned as tance of opticianry.” small-business owners with having young During the National Listening intently during the corporate optometry people coming along behind them to pur- Opticians Convention, meeting were (l to r) Francesco Balestrieri of chase their businesses when it’s time to Dan Sullivan of Attleboro CIBA Vision, Jeff McAllister of Wal-Mart Optical retire,” Hicks noted. The OAA leadership Optical Shoppe in Attle- and CIBA’s Andrea Saia. is also exploring ways to revitalize the boro, Mass., was named Guild of Prescription Opticians. “We want Guild Optician of the to reactivate the Guild to benefit indepen- Year. Also during the dent business owner,” Hicks said. event, Jim Boggs of In meeting with suppliers during Cleveland Optical Dis- Former OAA president Mark Cloer (r) honors Dan Sullivan as Vision Expo West, the OAA officers pensary in Cleveland, Guild Optician of the Year during the opticians' convention. found a positive reception, they told VM. Miss., stepped down after “The vendors see value in opticianry; five years as the OAA’s secretary/trea- now looking ahead to the organiza- they want to get with the people who are surer, succeeded by Mike Szczberiak of tion’s annual state leadership confer- Dwight Akerman, OD, of CIBA Vision, confers selling their products, because they rec- Durham Technical Community Col- ence, to be held Jan. 29 through Jan. with Jeff Smith, OD, of the For Eyes chain, during ognize that opticians have real value in lege in Durham, N.C. And Jeanine 31 at Le Pavillon hotel in New the corporate optometry meeting at Expo West. the eyecare delivery system,” said Solomon of Houston was elected to the Orleans. The theme of meeting— And in a survey of optometrists con- Charles, an optician for 36 years who was OAA board representing individual which Hicks, Charles and Earley find ducted by RW Baird, 73 percent of the attending Expo West for the first time. members. (Other board members and appropriate in light of their recent ODs responding said their patient traf- Added Earley, “I heard [about the officers were re-elected to their current discussions with other opticians and fic flow was equal to or better than last significance of opticians’ role] more at positions during the convention.) vendors alike—is “The Future Is year’s so far in 2008. this show than in the past. Suppliers The OAA officers and board are Now.” QQ Meisystem presents the new All in One Edger for prescription lenses

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SCENE AND HEARD

ANNUAL SOUND & LIGHT GALA Transition’s Craig and Knicks Legend Frazier Honored by Helen Keller Services for the Blind NEW YORK—Against the backdrop tries, Craig joined Transitions in 1999 as chair was Debra of the Manhattan skyline from the general manager, Asia Pacific, and was Del Vecchio, who is Steiner Studios’ Stage 6 in Brooklyn, later named general manager for also on the group’s colleagues and supporters of the Helen Europe, Middle East and Africa. board of trustees. Keller Services for the Blind (HKSB), The other 2008 honoree was Walt Headquartered in an organization that services vision- “Clyde” Frazier, the legendary All-Star Brooklyn, the agen- impaired and blind New Yorkers, gath- former point guard for the New York cy has rehabilitation ered for their annual silent auction Knicks and a member of the Basketball sites in Hempstead fundraiser and to honor two leaders. Hall of Fame. Most recently a familiar face and Huntington, Transitions Optical’s president, Brett in broadcasting, Frazier also established N.Y. The group also Craig was recognized for his commit- the Walt Frazier Youth Foundation, a char- operates the Helen ment to Transitions’ Healthy Sight ity which helps students from economi- Keller National mission as the global leader of the com- cally disadvantaged backgrounds. Center for Deaf- pany’s commercial, marketing and This year’s Gala Chair was Erin Blind Youths and Fred W. McPhilliamy of HKSB, far Transitions Optical’s Brett Craig, right, and auction chair, Debra Del meets basketball legend and fel- operations organizations. Byrne, chief digital strategist for Bur- Adults in Sands Vecchio, center, greet honoree Walt low 2008 HKSB honoree, Walt With a 25-year history at PPG Indus- son-Marsteller. The event’s auction Point, N.Y. “Clyde” Frazier at the Gala. Frazier.

FAREWELL TO ‘MR. VARILUX’ OWA GATHERINGS Essilor Throws Mike Daley a OWA Hosts Writing POWW Retirement Bash in Vegas Workshop, Networking Event

LAS VEGAS—Essilor threw a LAS VEGAS—The retirement party for Mike Optical Women’s Associ- Daley, aka Mr. Varilux, on Oct. ation took the opportuni- 2 at the Wynn hotel’s Blush ty at Vision Expo West to nightclub here. Friends and col- host two events. leagues from throughout the On Thursday, the optical industry gathered for OWA hosted its third Larry Clarke, Satisloh, Dana Weeks, Dave Rogers, Manhattan Design, cocktails and conversation at annual Professional Opti- OSI, and Bruce Soloman, Vince Maldarelli, Aspex, Julie Management Recruiters, take advan- West, and Jamie Northcutt, Aspex the nightclub during an official cal Woman’s Workshop tage of the OWA networking event. share a moment at the OWA event. sendoff for industry veteran (POWW). This year’s Daley, Lens Group president Joining Daley, center, were Signet Armorlite president topic focused on “The Bruno Salvadori (left) and Bill Conner, who is retiring for Essilor. Daley is leaving the soon as chief of VSP’s laboratory division. Lost Art of Writing” pre- company after 32 sented by Christie Walk- years of service er, Jobson Medical Infor- with Essilor. His mation’s LabTalk editor retirement was and public speaker. effective Aug. 29, On Friday evening, Lab folks from Soderberg and Jean Ramsey of Boston University Walman—Dallas Erickson, School of Medicine and Mildred 2008. Oct. 3, both optical men Soderberg, Doug Schlauderaff, Olivier, MD, of Chicago’s Midwest Daley will con- and women gathered for Walman, Lorinda Fraboni, Walman Glaucoma Center chat during the tinue to serve Essi- the OWA’s annual net- and Craig Giles, Soderberg—get OWA reception. together at the OWA event. lor as a consultant, Essilor salespeople Sheryl Jeup, Jack Banville of VSP Laboratories, working event and to including provid- Erin Allen and Linda Pattington left, caught up with Transitions welcome new board ing Essilor repre- (left to right) were all smiles. Optical’s Dave Cole at Essilor’s members and thank sentation at indus- party for Mike Daley. those board members try associations and who were stepping down. events such as The Laurie Badone, OWA Vision Council and president-elect, wel- Prevent Blindness comed the two new America. See more Board members, Debo- photos in Expo rah Lochli McGrath and West Slide Show Karen Zappia. See more OWA speaker Christie OWA members Sherrie Rogerson (l) of on VisionMonday. Seiko’s Mike Rybacki, left, with Michael Slusky, OD, left, Jennifer photos on VisionMonday. Walker (l) chats with Doctors Vision Center and industry consul- com. Satisloh’s Steele Young were in a Walker and Howard Purcell, OD, both com. Sandy Likes of tant Valerie Manso greet attendees at the party mood. of Essilor, enjoying the festivities. Greentree Capital. organization’s Expo West seminar. Know your customer’s lenses are spectrally accurate with OTS by Ocean Optics

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SCENE AND HEARD

ROCKIN’ ON FOR CHARITY EyeRock Rocks in Vegas for Essilor Vision Foundation LAS VEGAS—The Essilor Vision Foun- dation hosted a high energy rock ‘n’ roll benefit concert in Las Vegas last month on behalf of its Adopt-A- School program. The Father and son guitar legends, Paul and Jason Shyer crank special show on Sat- it up at EyeRock. urday, Oct. 4 featured OffAxis, a classic rock cover band consisting of veteran optical industry musicians. They were joined by guests from various Vision Monday’s Andy Karp rocked Essilor’s John Carrier makes his EyeRock producer, Steve Santinelli, optical companies for the house. EyeRock debut performance. Santinelli International takes the stage. a combined total of more than 20 performers. Mike Vitale, Essilor, hawking EyeRock T-shirts at the event. EyeRock Vegas took place at The Joint, one of eye glasses to those kids who need them the most. Las Vegas’s premier rock clubs. Located in the Hard Rock The Adopt-A-School program will launch this fall for Hotel, The Joint has hosted rock royalty such as The Roll- the 2008-2009 school year with pilot teams and then ing Stones, Bob Dylan, Velvet Revolver, Coldplay, Norah will be expanded as resources allow thoughout the Jones, The Killers and many others. U.S., according to Essilor. Essilor Vision Foundation’s Adopt-A-School program focus- Audrey Reed, executive director of the Essilor es on educating parents about the importance of children’s eye Vision Foundation, said EyeRock Vegas attracted health and the need for annual eye exams. Teams of volun- the following corporate sponsors: Essilor, Signet teers will be formed to work closely with school nurses and Armorlite, the Vision Council, Luxottica, Shamir, other non-profit organizations such as the local Lions Clubs, VisionWeb, Schneider, Safilo, Santinelli, Vision VSP, and Prevent Blindness just to name a few to help provide Ease, Ocuco, and Jobson Medical Information. Angela Carroll, Jobson Medical Information, wows the crowd with her amazing lead vocals.

FUNDRAISING EVENT Golfers ‘Swing Fore Sight’ in PBA Golf Tourney

LAS VEGAS.—Golfers’ gathered here on the greens America (PBA)’s annual fundraising goals. At press- on the eve of Expo for the First Annual Prevent time, these included Gold sponsors: Eyefinity and Blindness America “Swing Fore Sight” Golf Outing, Transitions Championship for Healthy Sight; Silver which was held on Thursday, Oct. 2 . sponsor U.S. Vision; Hole-in-One sponsor: NAVCP Dave Pierson, president and CEO of Refac Optical (National Association of Vision Care Plans), and Four- Group chaired the event. some sponsors: Advantica Eyecare, AMO and Essilor. The format featured a four-person scramble, and Golfers gathered on the awards were given for the low gross team, longest drive, greens for the 1st Annual Swing Fore Sight Golf closest to the pin, Hole in One and more. Outing at the Bali Hai Several industry companies stepped up to support Golf Club. the initiative, an important part of Prevent Blindness

The Essilor foursome, left to right, are Kyle The Advantica foursome, left to right, are The Gold Sponsor Transitions foursome, left to The 1st Place Foursome winners, left to right, are Gillis, Mike Daley, Richard Cherry and Greg Richard Sanchez, Andy Davis, Rick Corbett right, are Dave Cole, Connie Falvo, Scott Betcher Kyle Crawford, Jim Tooke, Marty Bassett, Hugh Ruden. and Steve Brewer. and Grady Lenski. Parry (Prevent Blindness America) and Craig Giles. NASSAU_AD 9/9/08 3:47 PM Page 1

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SCENE AND HEARD

PILOT PROGRAM Essilor Vision Foundation Launches “Kids Vision for Life—Dallas Coalition” DALLAS—Emphasizing the reality other programs ponent of the Essilor Vision Foundation that one in four American children has such as Medicaid. initiative, will be comprised of community a vision problem with the number Essilor Vision leaders, organizations, and educators. The climbing as high as 50 percent in some Foundation and goal of the coalition is to make sure Dallas inner-city communities where some the Lions organi- children are not left behind academically 90 percent of those children do not zation will work because of vision problems. now wear glasses, the Essilor Vision directly with Dal- For more information, please con- Foundation last month launched a las ISD nursing tact the Essilor Vision Foundation by major new program for Dallas inner- staff to bring the calling Audrey Reed, executive direc- city schoolchildren. mobile Vision tor, at (972) 764-7507 or going to www. Jacques Stoerr, chairman of Essilor Coach onsite to essilorvisionfoundation.org. Vision Foundation, joined Dallas ISD schools where Superintendent Michael Hinojosa optometrists will and Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert at Among those at the inauguration of the new Kids Vision For Life-Dallas conduct the Ignacio Zaragoza Elementary School Coalition are, from left: Jacques Stoerr, chairman of Essilor Vision exams and eye- Foundation; Clarke Newman, OD, FAAO; Dr. Michel Hinojosa, Dallas ISD to unveil the Kids Vision For Life – Superintendant; Gene Lefevers, president of the Lions Sight and Tissue glass fittings. Stu- Dallas Coalition. The innovative Foundation; Suzaane Kubelka, RN, MSN, director of Health Services for dents will choose vision care program will be piloted at Dallas Independent School District; Adam Medrano, Dallas ISK Trustee; Jack from popular Lowe, president, Dallas ISD Board of Trustee, and Dallas Mayor, Tom 20 Dallas ISD schools during the Leppert. Audrey Reed, the Foundation’s executive director, is at the podium. frames equipped For growth 2008-2009 school year with the long- with polycarbon- www.luxandme.com term goal of expanding to school dis- Foundation will provide free eye exams ate lenses and as many as 1,500 ele- tricts in DFW and across the nation. and glasses to children in grades one mentary schoolchildren will receive eye In partnership with the Lions Sight through six, who currently cannot exams and glasses this year. and Tissue Foundation, Essilor Vision afford vision care and do not qualify for The Dallas Coalition, another key com-

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Luxottica Names Cory VP-Sales, to moves into his new position.” mer brand manager for account management 3O’s and Sun Specialty Marko joined Transitions Optical in Daniel Swarovski crys- services to customers PORT WASHING- 2000 as North America market analyst, tal eyewear, to the in parts of New York, TON, N.Y.—Luxottica and subsequently held several manage- newly created position New Jersey, Pennsyl- Group has appointed Jan ment positions on the North America mar- of brand director for vania, Connecticut, Cory to the position of keting team. Prior to joining Transitions, the brand in the U.S. Delaware, Washing- vice president-sales, for he worked in advertising for BBDO market. ton, D.C. and Virginia. independents (3O’s and Worldwide and McCann-Erickson and as Kristen “For the brand of Deutsch has more Ken Donow sun specialty). a newspaper industry consultant. McLaughlin Daniel Swarovski crys- than 16 years serving Cory has been vice tal eyewear it is a big the optical communi- Jan Cory president of depart- REM Restructures, Adds Navidzadeh advantage having Kristen McLaughlin ty, most recently as an ment stores and special markets for the as Converse Brand Manager on board,” said Gerhard Novak, independent sales company. SUN VALLEY, Calif.— Swarovski brand president for Silhou- representative for high Her new role was effective Oct. 1, REM has restructured ette. “She has broad and valuable knowl- end frame lines Miko when she assumed responsibility for the its marketing depart- edge, but, and this is most important for Opt and Volte Face. management of the independents sales ment to provide stron- a luxury brand, a perfect commitment. I Ken Donow will be Marlene force, including over 300 sales consul- ger and more fully inte- am convinced that Kristen will strongly responsible for the Deutsch tants and 15 regional managers. grated branding efforts support us in bringing the brand to the New York City, Long “We are delighted to have a person of to the increasing cus- next level in the U.S. and to carry our Island and Westchester regions. Donow’s Jan’s caliber and commitment leading tomer base globally, strategy to life.” technical sales and sales management sales efforts for our independents’ divi- Trisha according to a statement McLaughlin, who holds an MBA, career spans over 30 years. His previous sion,” said Pierre Fay, executive vice Navidzadeh from the company. joined Silhouette as a product manager in five years were spent serving as the sales president, wholesale N.A., Luxottica. Driven by worldwide sales increases, 2000. Prior to Silhouette, she worked in manager for JG Optical, also of Brooklyn. Added Cory, “I am extremely excited to the restructuring effort is part of a com- fashion retail and the beauty firm Wella. Both regional account managers will have been asked to lead the Luxottica pany wide initiative to provide a supe- In her new position, she will be represent the complete line of Reliable independents’ sales team as we look to rior customer experience across all dis- responsible for strengthening the brand Optics products and services including gain the trust and the business of the ciplines; customer service, product positioning and awareness in the U.S. the Crystal Allure in-house AR technol- independent eyecare professionals.” development and marketing, according market and will serve as an ambassador ogy center, premium edging services Cory succeeds Rich Makover, who to a statement issued by the company. for the long term strategy developed for and on-line orders through its Web site, served as VP sales for the professional Michael Ross, vice president of market- the brand. She will report to Novak, www.reliableoptics.com. optical division since 2006. ing, will oversee the expanded brand who is based in the Silhouette’s Inter- management roles introduced within national offices in Austria. Three Managers Take New Roles at Transitions Names Greg Marko this new structure, and according to 21st Century Optics Director, North America Marketing Ross the changes is “designed to fine Sàfilo Promotes LePack, Peklar-DeMay LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y.—Ralph PINELLAS PARK, tune the vital relationship between PARSIPPANY, N.J.— Woythaler, CEO of 21st Century Fla.—Transitions Opti- sales, marketing and product.” Sàfilo USA has promot- Optics in Long Island City, N.Y. recent- cal has appointed Greg REM has also added a new brand ed two individuals ly announced several changes in the Marko director, North manager to the Converse team. Trisha inside the company. company’s management team. America marketing. Navidzadeh has a decade of experience Kyle LePack has been Jesse Martin joins the company as direc- Marko, who was former- in the action sport industry focused on promoted to regional tor of customer care. Martin has an exten- ly business manager, footwear, accessories, hard goods, and sales manager for the sive optical background which includes channel marketing and apparel and joins REM Eyewear as New York metropolitan both retail and lab experience and is an Greg Marko communications for brand champion for Converse. In her Kyle LePack area and Ronda Peklar- ABO-certified optician. Her most recent Transitions, replaces Grady Lenski, who new position, she will be focused on DeMay has been pro- was recently appointed to the newly cre- global brand strategies, brand initiatives moted to a regional sales ated role of director, Transitions Sunwear. and sales in the non-optical alternative manager position for In his new role, Marko will be retail markets. Northern California. responsible for the strategic develop- “Trisha has built sales teams within “Each of these indi- ment and implementation of all Transi- the alternative retail channel and exe- viduals has performed tions marketing plans and programs for cuted grass roots marketing strategies in an exemplary man- the U.S. and Canada. He will also con- for several years,” said Mike Hundert, ner in their former roles tinue to serve as a member of the Tran- president and CEO of REM. “Most Ronda with Sàfilo,” said Bill Peklar-DeMay sitions Global Marketing Council. exciting is that she comes from the Harrison, vice president Jesse Martin, left, with Robert Woythaler. “Greg’s exceptional performance in heart of the Converse consumer world, of optical sales for Sàfilo USA. “They are his previous roles at Transitions reinforce able to advocate for the target market’s extremely dedicated, passionate and position was at the prestigious Naval Oph- that he has the deep marketing exper- point-of-view. Converse Eyewear right- well-deserving of their new positions.” thalmic Support facility in Yorktown, Va. tise and extensive insight into the North fully deserves to live as part of the Martin will be taking over the duties of American market that are required to youth culture that continues to believe Reliable Expands Sales Territories, Robert Woythaler, who was recently drive brand awareness and growth,” said in the Converse brand’s irreverent Adds Two Reps named vice president of operations. Dave Cole, managing director, North nature. Trisha will lead the effort to BROOKLYN, N.Y.—Reliable Optics, “Jesse’s addition will allow me to work America, Australia and New Zealand, nurture those roots.” an independent wholesale laboratory more closely with Robert to help me Transitions. “We are confident that based here, is expanding its business manage the company in my new role as Greg’s extensive global marketing expe- Swarovski’s Kristen McLaughlin reach into new geographic areas with the president,” said Barney Woythaler. rience and in-depth knowledge of the Promoted to Director addition of two regional account manag- Martin’s plans for her customer care optical industry will provide valuable GREEN ISLAND, N.Y.—Silhouette ers to its sales team. team will include ongoing training in perspective and serve him well as he has promoted Kristen McLaughlin, for- Marlene Deutsch will provide optics. QQ Responds to light. Responds to lifestyle. Responds to you.

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www.visionmonday.com COVER STORY VISION MONDAY/ OCTOBER 20, 2008 45

Eyecare’s Role In

‘WELLNESS’ iStockphoto® of courtesy Photo Managed Vision’s Big Opportunity

Current economy challenges managed vision assumptions, execs tell VM

By Cathy Ciccolella Americans cutting back on many forms Senior Editor of health care, from having routine examinations to scheduling less-than- NEW YORK—With the flailing U.S. essential surgeries to participating in economy Topic A for discussion among preventive tests. both eyecare professionals and American And when VM surveyed key consumers in recent weeks, executives executives of managed- of the nation’s managed vision care plans vision firms of varying are watching carefully to gauge the sizes last month, vir- economy’s impact, both on employers’ tually every one acceptance of vision plans during this singled out prime marketing season for 2009 cover- “economic age, and on consumers’ use of the eye- pressures” care benefits they’ve enrolled for. as one of the Health care in general has taken a hit key chal- from the country’s financial woes, sever- lenges facing al recent studies indicate. How closely their industry consumers’ access to eyecare has paral- for the rest of this leled a drop in general health exams and year and into 2009. filling of drug prescriptions is hard to Yet despite the econ- years, VSP determine. However, a recent study by omy’s undeniable constrictions how eye exams can provide early detec- has observed growing client adoption of market research firm IMS Health indi- and uncertainties, these managed vision tion of serious (and costly) ailments integrating eyecare data with their health cates that the number of general phar- execs see opportunities ahead for both such as diabetes. plans to achieve early health interven- maceutical prescriptions filled dropped their own companies and for the eye- As Ric Steere, chief development offi- tions and reduce healthcare costs.” by 0.5 percent in this year’s first quarter care practitioners and optical retailers cer, global managed vision care, for VSP Other companies report similar expe- and by 1.97 in the second quarter, com- on their provider panels. Vision Care—which this year is covering riences. Liz DiGiandomenico, president pared to 2007 levels—representing the One significant opportunity is the 54.7 million funded lives—put it, “Man- of Luxottica Retail’s EyeMed Vision aged eyecare coverage delivers an afford- Care subsidiary, which covers 23 million Anecdotal evidence gathered by several able preventive-health benefit that helps funded lives, commented, “If anything, keep Americans healthier and lowers the need for vision benefit programs has major newspapers shows Americans cutting back downstream health costs. Working togeth- increased in prevalence and has become on many forms of health care, from having routine er with independent eye doctors, VSP has part of the overall health discussion in examinations to scheduling less-than-essential sur- shown that comprehensive eye exams can the U.S. More and more companies offer detect early signs of chronic diseases such vision plans, and these programs tie geries to participating in preventive tests. as diabetes and hypertension. This aligns more directly to organizations’ wellness eyecare with the goal of moving the U.S. programs than in the past. first negative trend in Rx usage since growing emphasis by both the managed healthcare system from expensive acute “The real impact here occurs when the IMS Health began collecting such data vision players and their providers on care to focusing on early detection and vision benefits company promotes annual in 1996. Anecdotal evidence gathered the link between vision care and con- chronic care management.” eye exams among members,” she contin- by several major newspapers also shows sumers’ general wellness—specifically, Steere noted, “During the past two Continued on page 47 The Solution

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Continued from page 45 program is by obtaining regular vision be the first step to diagnosing multiple (excluding discount plans that offer a flat ued. “After all, companies will only see the examinations; a comprehensive vision health conditions ranging from total sys- savings on eyewear or eyecare to mem- full rewards of offering a vision care pro- examination is the most critical part of tem issues such as diabetes, high blood bers of a variety of groups). By compari- gram when the employees actually use the proper vision care and the preservation of pressure and tumors to allergies, dry-eye son, an April 2007 study by the National benefit. Just making the benefit available sight. Through vision routine examina- syndrome, cataracts, glaucoma, etc. Man- Association of Dental Plans reported helps improve an individual’s likelihood of tions, disease states such as hypertension aged vision plans, as well as managed that 71 percent of employers offer dental having an annual eye exam.” and diabetes can be diag- coverage. In addition, “The increased report- nosed, and the patient “More than ever before, clients and Another recent ing of ICD-9 diagnosis codes obtained could be advised to imme- consumers regard eyecare as a high- study, by the Society in the comprehensive eye exam can diately seek treatment of Human Resource lead to improved treatment outcomes from his or her primary- value benefit and an important Management, which and the possibility of lowered overall care physician for these preventive health measure.” conducts a national health care costs through early recogni- conditions. Intervention in —Ric Steere, VSP survey on employee tion of health conditions like diabetes, the early stages of several benefits, reported heart disease and high blood pressure,” disease states that can be suspected dur- dental plans, provide millions of people that 79 percent of employers offered DiGiandomenico noted. ing regular vision examinations can result with access to and low-cost funding for vision benefits in 2007, compared to 94 Mike Schell, vice president of sales in very favorable outcomes for patients, routine care and, therefore, often serve as percent for dental plans. for Costa Mesa, Calif.-based MES [so] an insured vision plan, if utilized reg- the facilitators for early diagnosis and And what are those vision-insurance Vision, with 3.6 million funded lives cov- ularly, can be an integral part of an overall intervention. In this era of ever-increasing end users looking for? The most recent ered, told VM, “A vision plan is not only wellness program for the consumer.” medical plan premiums and deductibles, information from Jobson Optical about the eyewear, it is about the health Erich Sternberg, president of Baton this role only becomes more important.” Research’s Consumer Perceptions of of the eye and potentially the overall Rouge, La.-based AlwaysCare Benefits, Managed Vision Care Insight Survey well-being of the body. Generally speak- which covers about 200,000 lives for Who’s Got Coverage? indicates that in 2007, among consum- ing, consumers regard their vision plan vision care and works with several vision Vision coverage retains a high penetra- ers who do have vision plans, the most as a means to obtain eyewear. If the indi- provider groups, stated, “The role of the tion level among U.S. consumers— important feature of a plan was the sav- vidual does not require corrective eye- local optometrist has changed in the past though how high is subject to debate. ings it provides and/or its low out-of- wear, he or she does not see the value in few years from a practitioner who dis- According to the 2007 Hay Group Ben- pocket expense (picked as the most having or utilizing the vision plan.” penses glasses and contacts to a doctor efits Prevalence Report, a study of insur- important vision-plan element by 43 However, Schell stressed, “The first who is an important part of a patient’s ance patterns, 84 percent of the nation’s percent of these consumers). The step in moving toward a vision wellness medical team. A routine vision exam can employers now offer vision coverage Continued on page 49

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www.visionmonday.com COVER STORY VISION MONDAY/ OCTOBER 20, 2008 49

Continued from page 47 named president of Highmark’s Davis way to give value to a company’s preferences in eyecare and eyewear.” respondents’ second-highest-rated Vision managed-vision operation, which employees, and that hasn’t changed MES Vision’s Schell said his company vision plan feature was access to all covers more than 20 million funded because of the economy. It’s important is currently “seeing more requests for types of eyecare providers, selected as lives, said that in the current economy, that people recognize that vision cover- new vision quotes, but at the same time “most important” by 16 percent of “It’s been pretty hard for a lot of those with vision plans. employers, although vision care still has “If anything, the need for vision benefit As for what they would like to a lot of opportunities.” He added that programs has increased in prevalence improve in their current plan, the sav- while many large and small employers ings/low out-of-pocket was highest- are cutting back on employee benefits and has become part of the overall ranked by 44 percent of these consum- to reduce overhead, “vision care can be health discussion in the U.S.”—Liz ers in 2007; the ability to go to many a high-value addition to the benefit DiGiandomenico, EyeMed Vision Care different locations for eyecare was package at a very small cost compared selected as a feature of their plan they to medical, dental or prescription cover- age does have value.” we are seeing more options of funding would like to improve by 17 percent. age. It’s still something a company can “Employers are searching for ways to requirements being requested in terms give its employees while it’s taking maintain or expand the health services of employer-sponsored and voluntary Tracking the Economy away other things.” offered yet reduce the overall expenses plan offerings.” As the lagging economy pinches Holden told VM today’s economy associated with the benefits, resulting In addition, Schell said, “Premium rates employers and employees alike, health may have accelerated an existing trend in an extremely competitive market- are stable, and we are seeing requests for care costs in general are getting greater for employers to look for more “value” place,” noted EyeMed’s DiGiando- longer-term rate guarantees.” scrutiny at home and in the business place. in the health programs they offer: menico. “Employer groups are continu- And Sternberg of AlwaysCare Bene- But vision care offers a significant per- “Employers are increasing employees’ ally challenging vision-benefits fits commented, “Vision, like all ancil- ceived benefit at a lower cost ratio than co-pays or deductibles to reduce costs. organizations to offer creative products lary coverage, is a commodity that is very general health care, managed vision play- However, vision is a very cost-effective and rates. For example, by working price-sensitive in all economies. We con- ers are quick to point “Vision is a very cost-effective with employer groups dur- tinue to see rapid vision-plan member- out—while noting that ing the sales and contracting ship growth despite the economy.” despite the lower cost way to give value to a company’s process, EyeMed has been Sternberg said sales of voluntary plans ratio, employers are still employees, and that hasn’t changed able to fashion highly spe- are the primary drivers of his company’s keeping a close eye on cialized plan designs based growth, although employers offering vision-benefit expenses. because of the economy.” on employees’ past utiliza- vision coverage for the first time are par- Steve Holden, newly —Steve Holden, Davis Vision tion trends and expressed Continued on page 50

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“The value of a great network of industry contacts can’t be calculated. To me, making connections and generating valuable business relationships can’t stop with one or two tradeshows a year. The Vision Council has so many great meetings and forums that I can easily stay in touch with contacts, and they can get in touch with me.”

—Bruce Solomon President, Management Recruiters Menlo Park

Strengthen your network at www.thevisioncouncil.org/unlockeddoors 50 VISION MONDAY/ OCTOBER 20, 2008 COVER STORY www.visionmonday.com

Continued from page 49 ber awareness through focused educa- would their financial portfolio. ECPs for anyone in the managed vision arena, ticularly price-sensitive. He added, tion and face-to-face representation at should be open to include funded plans from the plan executive to the ECP to “Many employers currently offering cov- open enrollment events with an empha- as well as private fee-for-service the consumer/patient. But managed erage are shopping for lower rates, but do sis on the value of the vision benefit.” patients to diversify their revenue vision executives singled out several not typically want to reduce benefits.” On the other hand, while more streams and maximize their business specific areas they regard as challenges ‘Voluntary’ Vision Care employers may be offering voluntary capacity. The managed vision care heading into 2009. Some cited the need Other industry experts agree that the vision coverage, financial pressures may industry needs to accelerate its efforts for flexibility—leading in some cases to current economic pressures are likely to curtail some workers’ ability to take accelerate the shift toward “voluntary” advantage of the offer, according to Jason “A vision plan is not only about the vision plans, through which employers Harrold, president of OptiCare Managed eyewear, it is about the health of offer their employees the option of sign- Vision in Rocky Mount, N.C. He noted the eye and potentially the overall ing on for eyecare benefits in return for that although under current economic the employee’s paying the premium. conditions his company has seen no well being of the body.” Citing Hay Group benefits-preva- change in employers’ attitudes toward —Mike Schell, MES Vision lence research, VSP’s Steere said, “The voluntary vision coverage, “perhaps vision benefits market continues to slightly fewer employees [may be] will- to educate ECPs about our plans and customized plans for large employer shift toward voluntary coverage, and ing to enroll in voluntary vision plans.” how they can help their business build clients—as key. market data shows that 78 person of And Davis Vision’s Holden com- repeat business with more customers Noted EyeMed’s DiGiandomenico, plans are either fully voluntary or share mented, “A while ago we were seeing a and generate profitable growth in all “We will take what we’ve learned the cost with the employee.” scenario in which a company would get economic climates.” through close relationships with some Added Steere, “This open enrollment into vision with a voluntary plan, then Schell of MES Vision pointed out of our new large group clients to update season will reveal how consumers in vol- maybe change to a funded plan later. that the availability of a vision plan can our product offerings so they align with untary plans balance the overall cost of all Because of the economy, that may not be particularly beneficial to the ECP’s consumer preferences by incorporating their benefits relative to their other happen as much now.” youngest patients. “Less than 25 per- member needs and the latest in optical expenses—the good news is that more cent of children under the age of 12 technology. We also look forward to than ever before, clients and consumers The ECP’s Role have had an eye examination from a offering greater customization to meet regard eyecare as a high-value benefit and Vision-plan executives unanimously vision care specialist,” he said, although specific group needs, particularly in the an important preventive health measure.” agree that the eyecare professional plays a “over 80 percent of learning is achieved large-group market.” DiGiandomenico of EyeMed told critical role in the managed-vision equa- visually to children before the age of Sternberg of AlwaysCare predicted, VM, “The trend in vision coverage con- tion…and that managed vision can in fact 12. Managed vision care and providing “The economic climate will clearly tinues to be toward voluntary benefits. help the ECP’s bottom line as well as help early detection of vision problems can impact the managed vision care indus- In fact, because vision plan premiums preserve his or her patients’ eye health. play an integral part of a child’s devel- try. Plans will need to be more flexible are comparatively low, a voluntary, As Sternberg of AlwaysCare Benefits opment.” than ever in their dealings with employ- employee-paid vision plan can help put it, “During an economic downturn ers, members and providers to ensure employers take the sting out of reduc- it is especially important for indepen- What’s Ahead? the needs of these diverse populations tions in other lines of coverage. In this dent ECPs to understand the need to The country’s ongoing economic are addressed.” scenario, vision plans must create mem- diversify their patient portfolio as they problems are not making things easier Other challenges? Said VSP’s Steere, “Economic pressures, rising healthcare costs and changing demographics are What Is the Most Important Feature of a Vision Plan?* some of the driving forces shaping the 60% new environment for managed vision 48% 43% care,” while Harrold of OptiCare iden- 40% tified “maintaining market share and 20% growth rates in a weak economy, meet- 16% 16% 13% 13% 8% 9% 7% 7% 3% 3% ing HIPAA claim and remittance stan- 0% 1% 1% 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 dards, and contributing in the effort to SAVINGS/LOW ACCESS TO ALL ABILITY TO GO CONVENIENCE PLAN EASE OF CLAIM TURN- standardize eligibility specifications” as OUT-OF-POCKET PROVIDER TO MANY WITH PROVIDER CUSTOMER ACCESSING AROUND TIME key challenges for the rest of 2008 and EXPENSE TYPES LOCATIONS LOCATIONS SERVICE BENEFIT INFO into next year. Source: Jobson Optical Research’s Consumer And Schell of MES Vision pegged *Of those who have a vision plan Perceptions of Managed Vision Care Insight Survey the industry’s primary focus in the near future as assisting in “first, the educa- tion of the consumer on the true value What Features of Your Vision Plan Would You Like to Improve?* of a vision plan, and second, the employer groups’ understanding of the 60% 45% 44% true importance of offering or retaining 40% their current vision plan at the same time the employer is experiencing dou- 18% 20% 17% 14% 13% 11% ble-digit increases in its insured health 10% 8% 8% 9% 8% 6% 6% 0% plan and a challenging economy.” 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 What will 2009 bring? Amid the cur- SAVINGS/LOW ABILITY TO GO ACCESS TO ALL CONVENIENCE PLAN EASE OF CLAIM TURN- rent economic turmoil the crystal ball is OUT-OF-POCKET TO MANY PROVIDER WITH PROVIDER CUSTOMER ACCESSING AROUND TIME EXPENSE LOCATIONS TYPES LOCATIONS SERVICE BENEFIT INFO a little cloudy right now, but these man- Source: Jobson Optical Research’s Consumer aged-vision executives are determined *Of those who have a vision plan Perceptions of Managed Vision Care Insight Survey to help make vision care and vision cov- erage a bright spot.QQ You’re tooling along with your patient exams and claims, and you come to an impasse...

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LAUNCHES Oliver Goldsmith Introduces Hoffmann Buffalo Horn By Deirdre Carroll the horn temples to really Senior Editor stand out,” said Claire Gold- “The collection has taken classic designs smith, owner and managing from the OG archive as a basis and then LONDON—Oliver Goldsmith has director of Oliver Goldsmith added a modern and stunning twist using the partnered with Hoffmann Natural Eye- Sunglasses. “I believe this wear, the Kelberg, Germany-based combination of old and new is horn temples to really stand out. This is just manufacturer of horn spectacles, to cre- inspiring and I think we have the first in a long line of new and innovative ate a collection of unique sunglasses produced something truly that combine Oliver Goldsmith rare innovative by simply revisiting ideas coming from my new team.”—Claire vintage acetates with complementary good old-fashioned craft and Goldsmith, Oliver Goldsmith Sunglasses colored Asian water buffalo horn from sculpture. This is just the first Hoffmann. in a long line of new and innovative eyeglasses which combine precious met- genic and features warm natural tones “The collection has ideas coming from my als and gems with various hard woods. which complement skin tones. Since taken classic designs new team.” They have developed the ‘Triplex Safe- Hoffmann has developed methods that from the OG archive ty System’ of cross grain layering and enable the horn to be laminated with as a basis and then laminating to create horn plates that are other natural products, OG has chosen added a modern and stable and durable. naturally hand-dyed wooden veneers to stunning twist using Completely handmade in London be combined with the horn to enhance and Kelberg, the models are among the the handcrafted acetate frame fronts. The Bude (top) and the Tring (bottom) from Oliver Goldsmith most popular of the 35 reintroduced by Hoffmann horn is a byproduct from a and Hoffman Natural Eyewear. Goldsmith, great grand-daughter of the sustainable domestic animal and all company’s founder Philip Oliver Gold- waste created during the manufacturing Hoffmann, founded in smith. The styles have been recreated process is collected and given to local 1978, has earned a position as in the same way they were when they farms to be used as 100 percent organic one of the world’s leading horn were first conceived, with the exception fertilizer. frame manufacturer with over 30 years of the temples which have been rede- The new Oliver Goldsmith collection of working, deconstructing and recon- signed to highlight the buffalo horn. is priced to the dispenser as a set of eight structing horn in handcrafted natural Buffalo horn is naturally hypo-aller- frames for £2415. QQ

SECOND LOOK SECOND LOOK OSI Presents New Blinde Styles Thakoon Bows Fall 2008 Optical Collection LOS ANGELES—Opti- cal Shop Internation- NEW YORK—Cult, the Italian manufac- al has released the turer of Thakoon’s sunglass and optical new Blinde eyewear lines, releases the design- The Lemme Guess collection introducing er’s Fall 2008 opti- from Blinde. new shapes for both cal collection fea- men and women. turing retro shapes Wrap styles, reminiscent of the early sculptural Blinde aesthetic, populate the with modern manu- newest collection, plus women’s zyl styles with metal components and men’s facturing processing The Aki (top) and the aviators and zyl frames. and colors. Ratana (bottom) from Thakoon’s Fall 2008 opti- Metal retro-inspired styles for men combine intricate copper beryllium fronts The optical collection is made mainly cal collection by Cult. with custom hand-made plastic bridge decorations and slender plastic temples of acetate and uses different combinations of dyes in with the Blinde Pin flex hinge. Men’s plastic styles focus on one of a kind crystal acetate to match some of Thakoon’s ready-to- shapes that merge a retro feeling with the Blinde sensibility and are offered wear prints. with the six rivet, seven-barrel hinge in custom colors with mineral glass or min- The new styles include a printed style called Tola, which uses the Shibori eral glass polarized lenses. print from the designer’s Spring ‘08 runway show. Four additional styles are Women’s metal styles include two new-oversized punched out front titanium the Aki, Kanya, Ratana and Mei, all of which incorporate the ombre and plaid shapes with a corrugated temple concept and a custom palette of CR-39 lens prints from the designer’s Fall ‘08 collection. Colors include raspberry ombre colorations. Feminine shapes appear in the plastics with a focus on simplicity and punk plaid green prints, as well as blue ombre and punk plaid red prints. and beauty, while the optical collection focuses on new unique shapes for men According to Cult, they use a process of custom dying the acetate with a mix and women. of colors to replicate Thakoon’s ready-to-wear-prints. Then the custom prints go All styles feature either CR-39 lenses with three layer AR coating or mineral through seven ‘by friction’ combinations of different acetate materials which glass and glass polarized lenses with five layer AR coating, hydrophobic coating permits the gradual passing from one color to another without the use of glue. and anti-scratch hard coat. The Thakoon collection is distributed to optical boutiques and is priced to the The Blinde collection is priced to the dispenser from $95 to $165. �� dispenser at $105. ��

54 VISION MONDAY/ OCTOBER 20, 2008 RETAIL DISPENSARY www.visionmonday.com

SECOND LOOK Jalapenos Unveils New Eyewear for Him and Her DALLAS—A&A Optical has announced in black, brown, blue and pink which ple. The updated retro- five new releases in the Jalapenos eye- reveals the silver laminate underneath. inspired shape is available wear collection. The classic, softly rectangular Achar, in brown, navy and purple The bold, oval Cordoncillo for girls, fea- perfect for the active lifestyles of boys for teen girls. tures a colorful, triple laminate front with a and girls, offers a mono-block endpiece Clean lines of alternating shiny and 3D milling effect on the outer eye rim and for strength and durability and details like matte metal draw attention to the Gam- a laser cut line that runs through the tem- beveled metal temples with a contrasting bia, a unisex style featuring a sporty The Cordoncillo (top) and the Sugarchile (bot- ple to reveal the inside laminate color. front in chocolate, gunmetal and sand. epoxy stripe on the temple and end tom) from Jalapenos Eyewear and A&A Optical. The rectangular Sugarchile, a combi- The Calwonder highlights a two-color, piece in black, brown and gun. nation frame for girls, shows a bold metal eye rim which contrasts with the Eyewear cases and branded cleaning collection is priced to the dispenser at diagonal stripe pattern on the temple colorful dot pattern on the inside tem- cloths come with each frame and the $49.95. ��

SECOND LOOK SECOND LOOK The McGee Group Debuts Vera Viva Introduces Florals into Bradley’s Charm ‘School’ Candie’s Eyewear Collection MARIETTA, Ga.—The McGee Group has introduced a new Vera Bradley Girl- SOMERVILLE, N.J.—Viva International Group has debuted a new optical duo friends collection, the petite and sweet “Charm School” grouping which offers from Candie’s Eyewear featuring a floral motif delivered in a sleek design. colorful styles and a comfortable fit for girls. Both new styles feature handcrafted acetate temples that are detailed with an The Isabella is a full-rim handmade acetate frame with a modified geometric expressive floral pattern and flat metal fronts that offer a fashion-forward look. eye shape. The style features the Vera Bradley Raspberry Fizz and Yellow Bird The Candie’s Emma features a soft rectangle front patterns on the outside of both temples and on the inside of the frame and profile, while the Candie’s Natalie features a semi-rim- features spring hinges for a comfortable fit. less modified oval front profile. The Catherine is a semi-rimless metal frame with handmade acetate temple The Candie’s logo is laser-etched discretely on tips. It features a modified oval eye shape with spring hinges and adjustable metal plaques, highlighting the endpiece on each nose pads and the outside of both temple tips feature Vera Bradley Puccini and The Candie’s frame. Java Blue patterns. Emma in Both styles are available in a variety of colors, brown and the Lastly, the Alexandra is a full-rim metal frame with handmade acetate temples Natalie in pur- including pink, purple and burgundy. and a soft rectangle eye shape. It features the Vera Bradley Puccini and Frankly ple from Viva. New merchandising kits, a 12-piece display and a Scarlet patterns on the inside of both temples with a metal end piece inspired logo banners are also available, along with counter from the same designs, as well as spring hinges and adjustable nose pads. cards featuring Candie’s spokesperson, award-win- All three Vera Bradley styles in the ning actress, activist and recording artist Charm School grouping are priced to the Hayden Panettiere. dispenser at $49.95 and come with This new floral duo from Can- coordinating Vera Bradley cases. die’s Eyewear The purchase of all three styles and Viva earns the buyer a free Vera Bradley International Clip Zip ID in a Fall 2008 pattern and Group is priced to the dis- The Vera Bradley Alexandra frame with coordinating case from the McGee Group. hanging poster. �� penser at $42.95 each. ��

P.O.P. STARS Kenmark Introduces Lilly Pulitzer Merchandising Materials NEW YORK—The Kenmark Group and The modular design of the new materi- “Made in Italy” plaque with bam- Lilly Pulitzer, the lifestyle brand inspired als allows items to be used separately boo stand and a copy of by the style of Palm Beach, have released or combined to create a unique and ver- Essentially Lilly, A Guide to the merchandising materials for the Lilly satile presentation adaptable to any Colorful Entertaining book. Pulitzer eyewear and sunwear collection. boutique or optical retail environment. Additional items include The new merchandising materials are The new items for the ladies collec- counter cards, postcards designed to provide retailers with a mod- tion include a logo block, mirror, 4-piece and double-sided posters. ern way to showcase the collection’s display, dispensing pad and tray with All items are complimen- designs and the unique embellishments insert. Items for the girls/teens collec- tary with a minimum pur- found in the Lilly Pulitzer line. Each item tion include a logo block, mirror, 2- to chase of Lilly Pulitzer The Lilly Pulitzer “Made in Italy” plaque with bamboo stand available incorporates the signature Lilly Pulitzer 3-piece display and tray with insert. eyewear and/or sun- for both the women’s and girls/teens collections (left) and the women’s color palette and limited edition prints. Available for both collections are a wear. �� 4-piece display (right) from Kenmark. Shamir Autograph® - Your Personal Lifestyle Lens™ Give your patients the most advanced personalized freeform lens on the market, Shamir Autograph® II. Designed with EyePoint Technology® and incorporating FreeFrame Technology™, As Worn Technology™ and your patient’s unique measurements, you can now provide them a lens tailored to their needs with optical benefits unlike anything they’ve ever experienced before.

Order Shamir Autograph® II today through Pech Optical and know that you are providing your patients with the most technologically advanced freeform lens on the market today.

CONTACT US TODAY! (800) 831-2352 or www.pechoptical.com SECO is The Education Destination and this year’s “Eyeway to the Future” theme emphasizes SECO’s commitment to prepare eye care professionals for the SECO 2009 future by providing an all-inclusive education program. With continued support from leading industry companies, SECO is proud to offer access to special sessions, interactive workshops and specialized education tracks. SECO EYEWAY TO THE FUTURE 2009 will offer nearly 400 hours of continuing education for optometrists, opticians, certified ophthalmic technicians and paraoptometric professionals.

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Perfecting the art inside the frame STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND CIRCULATION 58 RETAIL DISPENSARY 1. Publication Title: VISION MONDAY 2. Publication Number: 0002-935 3. Filing Date: September 26, 2008 4. Issue Frequency: Monthly, except for March and August which have two issues 5. Number of Issues Published Annually: 14 6. Annual Subscription Price: $79.00 LAUNCHES 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: Jobson Medical Information LLC, 100 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013-1678 PixelOptics Launches ‘Enhanced’ Multifocal 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: Jobson By Andrew Karp year with over 50 million pairs dis- Medical Information LLC, 100 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013-1678 Group Editor, Lenses and Technology pensed worldwide. These wearers are 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of completely missing the intermediate Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: Publisher - LAS VEGAS, Nev.—PixelOptics, a range of vision which is where so much Bill Scott; Editoral Director - Marge Axelrad; Executive Editor - Mary Kane. Address for each: Jobson new player in the ophthalmic lens of our everyday activities happen. We’re Medical Information LLC, 100 Avenue of the Americas, arena, is introducing its first product, an very pleased to recognize this market New York, NY 10013-1678 “enhanced” multifocal lens. with an outstanding lens for bifocal 10. Owner: Jobson Medical Information LLC, 100 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY10013-1678 The new lens, called atLast!, is being wearers who are simply looking for bet- 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgages, and Other touted by PixelOptics as the first in a ter vision in a lens style they prefer.” PixelOptics’ atLast! lens combines a power Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or new category of multifocals. It incorpo- Bill Spies, COO of PixelOptics, gradient with an embedded power segment to pro- More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or rates a patented composite lens design added, “In addition to bifocal wearers, vide bifocal and trifocal wearers with near, inter- Other Securities: None mediate, far-intermediate and distance vision. 12. For Completion by Nonprofit Organization technology that provides continuous, we’re confident atLast! will prove an Authorized to Mail at Special Rates: N/A wide vision from close-up to five feet excellent choice for computer users and overall, according to PixelOptics. The 13. Publication Title: VISION MONDAY away, with a soft power jump when as a second pair for progressive wearers power segment in atLast! is semi-visible 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: August 18, 2008 transitioning from distance to far-inter- seeking a lens that better meets the when looking through the lens, and Average No. No. Copies mediate. The soft power jump is 70 demand for intermediate vision. Wheth- nearly invisible to those looking at the Copies of Single Each Issue Issue percent less than that of a bifocal of er they’re reading computer screens or wearer, providing a cosmetic benefit for During Published equivalent add power, according to playing chess, presbyopes today are bifocal and trifocal wearers. Preceding Nearest to 12 Months Filing Date PixelOptics executives, who unveiled seeking enhanced vision in the inter- According to PixelOptics, atLast! lenses 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation the lens earlier this month at Vision mediate range.” will be available in a family of composite a. Total Number of Copies Expo West in Las Vegas. atLast! combines a power gradient materials that are molecularly bonded to (net press run) 23,331 23,115 “The vision care market has success- with an embedded power segment to ensure greater strength and structural b. Legitimate Paid and/or Requested Distribution fully transitioned many lined multifocal provide four zones of clear vision: near, integrity. Composite materials from Pix- (By Mail and Outside the Mail) wearers to progressive lenses over the intermediate (18” to 29” away), far- elOptics use different high-index mono- (1) Individual Paid/Requested Mail past 20 years,” said Ronald Blum, OD, intermediate (29” to 5 feet away) and mers on each lens surface to maximize the Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541. 15,668 15,655 who is chairman, president and CEO of distance. The lens increases the range thin and light qualities of the lens while (2) Copies Requested by Employers the Roanoke, Va.-based company. “But of near and intermediate vision by more enhancing optical performance. for Distribution to Employees by while progressives remain the preferred than 10 times that of a bifocal of compa- PixelOptics is beginning a regional Name or Position Stated on PS Form 3541 00choice, 17 million pairs of bifocals con- rable add power, so bifocal and trifocal rollout of atLast! through major labora- (3) Sales Through Dealers and tinue to be dispensed in the U.S. each wearers enjoy more areas of clear vision tories. �� Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid or Requested Distribution Outside USPS® 138 137 (4) Requested Copies Distributed by Other Mail Classes Through the CONTACT LENSES USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail®) 00 c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation [sum of 15b (1), (2), CooperVision Expands Parameters of Proclear Spheres (3), and (4)] 15,805 15,792 d. Nonrequested Distribution FAIRPORT, N.Y. —CooperVision has afford more patients with an opportunity gel family of daily wear lenses, Proclear (By Mail and Outside the Mail) (1) Nonrequested Copies Stated on expanded the sphere powers of its to experience the excellent eye health Sphere lenses feature PC Technology, PS Form 3541 5,821 5,693 8.6mm Proclear Sphere monthly replace- and comfort associated with wearing PC which keeps lenses moist and comfort- (2) Nonrequested Copies Distributed ment contact lenses. New sphere powers Hydrogel lenses, the company said. able throughout the day. “Achieving Through the USPS by Other range from +20.00D to -20.00D and As part of CooperVision’s PC Hydro- excellent health and great comfort are Classes of Mail (e.g. First-Class Mail, Nonrequestor Copies mailed keys to contact lens wearer compliance in excess of 10% Limit mailed Advanced Vision Technologies Debuts and success,” said James Gardner, direc- at Standard Mail® or Package tor of marketing, CooperVision. “With Services Rates) 00 (3) Nonrequested Copies Distributed Naturalens RDS Multipurpose Solution an even broader range of parameters, Outside the Mail (Include Pickup GOLDEN, Colo.—Advanced Vision breaks, the FDA has issued warnings to doctors will now have more opportuni- Stands, Trade Shows, Showrooms Technologies has introduced a unique patients against the use of tap water ties to fit patients with lenses they can and Other Sources) 668 575 e. Total Nonrequested Distribution new “NO Tap Water Rinse” Multipur- with all contact lenses including GP comfortably wear all day long.” [sum of 15d (1), (2), and (3)] 6,489 6,268 pose Contact Lens Solution cleared lenses and cases, the company pointed Proclear Sphere lenses are made with f. Total Distribution by the FDA for both GP and Soft out. “Only use fresh, sterile multipur- omafilcon A material, the only lens [sum of 15c and 15e] 22,294 22,060 g. Copies Not Distributed 1,037 1,055 Hydrophilic contact lenses, the com- pose solutions to minimize exposure to material with an FDA-cleared indica- h. Total [sum of 15f and 15g] 23,331 23,115 pany said. waterborne microbes that may contami- tion associated with improved comfort i. Percent Paid and/or Requested The Naturalens RDS (Rinsing, Dis- nate contact lenses or lens case. RDS for contact lens wearers who experience Circulation [15c/15f x 100] 70.89% 71.59% infecting and Storage) multipurpose provides an effective solution alterna- mild discomfort or symptoms relating to contact lens solution is effective in tive for all GP lens wearers,” stated dryness during lens wear. Proclear I certify that all information furnished on this form is true removing proteins and debris from Keith Parker, president of Advanced Sphere lenses have a 62 percent water and complete. the contact lens surface, and yet Vision Technologies. content, an 8.6mm base curve, and a safe enough to use directly on the For more information on AVT products 14.2mm diameter. eye, they said. and services, visit www.avtlens.com or CooperVision is a unit of The Cooper 9/9/08 ______Due to the recent acanthamoeba out- contact [email protected]. �� Companies, Inc. [NYSE: COO]. �� rehsilbuP ,PV ,ttocS lliB ,ttocS ,PV rehsilbuP etaD VM102008 10/10/08 11:29 AM Page 59

www.visionmonday.com CLASSIFIED VISION MONDAY/OCTOBER 20, 2008 59

VM MARKETPLACE Advertising Information: (800) 983-7737 • Fax: (610) 854-3780 Lenses National Lens America’s Leading Discount Lens Distributor Phone: 1.866.923.5600 • Fax: 1.866.923.5601 • www.national-lens.com Finished Ophthalmic Lenses LENS TYPE PRICE PER PAIR LENS TYPE PRICE PER PAIR CR-39, 70 MM – 1.49 Uncoated $1.20 Mid Index, 70/75 MM – 1.56 AR Coated $4.40 Polycarbonate, 65/70MM – Tintable $3.20 High Index, 70/75 MM – 1.61 AR Coated $7.00 Polycarbonate, 65/70MM – AR Coated $7.00 Super Hi Index Aspheric, 70/75 MM – 1.67 AR Coated $18.00

Fall 08 Low Lower Lowest Fall 08 Low Lower Lowest Bausch & Lomb 1 to 5 6 to 10 11 & over COOPERVISION 1 to 5 6 to 10 11 & over PureVision 26.00 25.25 24.50 Avaira 19.95 19.50 18.95 SOFLENS 38 11.95 11.75 11.25 BIOFINITY 26.00 25.75 24.75 SOFLENS 59 9.25 8.95 8.75 EXPRESSION - OPAQUE PLANO 21.95 20.95 19.95 SOFLENS MULTIFOCAL 28.95 28.75 27.95 BIOMEDICS PREMIER 15.95 13.95 12.25 CIBA VISION 1 to 5 6 to 10 11 & over BIOMEDICS XC, 38% & 55% 15.95 13.95 12.25 Dalies Aqua Comfort Plus 43.75 42.75 41.50 FREQUENCY 55% 12.45 12.35 12.25 AIR OPTIX 25.75 24.95 23.75 FREQUENCY 55% ASPHERIC 12.45 12.35 12.25 COLOR BLENDS 23.95 23.75 21.95 Z4 & Z6 15.95 13.95 11.95 FOCUS 1-2 Week 13.95 12.95 10.95 Johnson & Johnson 1 to 5 6 to 10 11 & over FOCUS MONTHLY 15.95 14.25 13.25 ACUVUE 2 13.90 13.75 13.50 FOCUS NIGHT & DAY 41.75 40.75 38.50 ACUVUE ADVANCE 17.95 17.75 17.50 ACUVUE OASYS 22.50 21.75 21.25 FOCUS DAILY 90 PK 33.95 32.95 31.95 IMPRESSIONS COLORS 19.95 19.75 18.95 02 OPTIX 15.75 15.25 14.75 HOT NEW ITEM

Equipment & Equipment & Supplies Supplies Get your message out there SG-X Generators … in print and online … Large and small reclaim tanks All coburn model cylinder machines Step-one & step-one lite wax blockers And get results. Complete gerber coburn mini labs Lens Makers and SL2s Will buy your used Coburn and LOH equipment Call: Pat McCoy Optical Equipment We buy and sell all brands of optical equipment 800-983-7737 (800) 637-5472 or (507) 372-2877 Email us: [email protected]

Fax: Software 610-854-3780 www.VisionMonday.com VM102008 10/10/08 11:30 AM Page 60

60 VISION MONDAY/OCTOBER 20, 2008 CLASSIFIED www.visionmonday.com

VM MARKETPLACE Advertising Information: (800) 983-7737 • Fax: (610) 854-3780 Help Wanted Help Wanted

Shamir Insight Inc.

the USA sales, marketing and distribution center for Shamir’s Premium Occupational & Progressive lenses. Account Executives wanted for the following territories: Avalon Eyewear, a growing sales-driven company with over 70 years of experience in • Los Angeles, CA • Western MA and NY State the Optical Industry, seeks highly motivated, • Connecticut/Bronx NY • Vancouver, Canada experienced, goal-oriented individuals with • Also Available: Technical Specialist – San Diego, CA proven optical account relationships to sell our frame lines. Ideal candidate will receive salary, Proven experience in the optical lens industry required commission, expense relief, and benefits. SII offers an excellent compensation package with benefits including 401K! Fax resume to Joyce Hornaday 858-444-3844 Sales Reps or e-mail: [email protected] TERRITORIES AVAILABLE: • RICHMOND, VA • HARTFORD, CT • MILWAUKEE, WS • LITTLE ROCK, AR • ATLANTA, GA • GREENVILLE, NC Floats Eyewear • GREENSBORO, NC • KNOXVILLE, TN • NASHVILLE, TN Since 1986 • SAN ANTONIO, TX • SAN FRANCISCO, CA • PHOENIX, AZ MART Looking for motivated Reps! • PORTLAND, OR • MINNEAPOLIS, MN • ST LOUIS, MO Floats Polarized Eyewear are WE ARE EXPANDING! great sellers, fast re-orders. Fax resume to: 201-767-8161 Eyemart Express is a growing super optical chain with 75 locations. Commission–based position. or e-mail to: We offer customers high quality eyewear with extraordinary service at prices dramatically lower than our competitors. Send resume and inquiries [email protected] [email protected] As we expand, we are seeking candidates for the following positions: Expansion Specialist Responsibilities include: Outside Sales • Travel extensively to recruit all management and associate positions. Leading manufacturer of edging Join the Global Leader • Train managers and associates prior to new store opening. equipment looking for sales reps • Setup and prepare new stores for a smooth and successful grand in Free-Form Progressive Lens Technology opening. nationwide. No experience neces- sary. Extensive travel required. Along with salary commensurate with experience, the compensation Seiko Optical Products is looking for highly motivated includes an excellent benefits package including paid vacation, health All expenses covered including independent sales reps to join our Perfas team. Be an insurance, and a generous 401K match. vehicle and fuel. Base salary innovative consultant to your customers representing trusted plus commission, bonus, 401K Position Requires: brands along with our industry’s next technological lens match, health insurance, and revolution. Easily expand your existing income with A minimum of 3+ years of retail and/or lab optical experience. paid vacation. exciting and advanced free-form lens products. Send resume to: Store Management Various Locations Looking for: [email protected] • lndividuals with an established eye care professional clientele Responsibilities include: • Ensure quality, consistency, and compliance with policies, and proven track record of success procedures and standards • Organized, self motivated, relationship oriented team players with • Motivate and communicate with store associates to promote good learning/listening/closing skills, must be customer service expectations to deliver overall customer satisfaction service oriented • Recruit and hire associates • Maximize revenues and control costs Macular Degeneration Territory opportunities: Patients will pay big bucks to In addition to a salary commensurate with experience, we offer base keep driving and reading. Chicago, lL | Miami, FL | Boston, MA | Cleveland/Columbus, OH pay, bonuses, paid vacation, 401K health insurance and benefi ts. Atlanta, GA | San Antonio, TX | Hartford, CT | Nashville/Knoxville, TN International Academy of Low Vision Specialists Kansas City, MO | Louisville, KY | Phoenix, AZ Position Requires: Needs Optometrists in specific areas: Cleveland - Chicago - Montana A minimum of 3+ years of retail and/or lab management experience St. Louis - Tulsa - Idaho Unlimited earning potential! in a high volume optical environment. Pittsburgh - Kansas City - Wyoming We’ll train you to make $$ Apply in confidence, e-mail your resume to: in Low Vision To become part of our team, please fax resume and salary history to Lori Mitchell, Sr. Manager Retail Sales We get paid ONLY if you get paid Traci Marr at 972-488-8563 Please contact: [email protected] or e-mail to [email protected] Richard J. Shuldiner O.D EOE 800-567-2020 VM102008 10/10/08 11:31 AM Page 61

www.visionmonday.com CLASSIFIED VISION MONDAY/OCTOBER 20, 2008 61

VM MARKETPLACE Advertising Information: (800) 983-7737 • Fax: (610) 854-3780 Merchandise Offered Premium Microfiber Cloth 5¢Upgrade to the Buy 1200 Pieces Printed, get 200 Free! Ultra Microfiber Cloth Buy 1800 Pieces Printed, get 300 Free! • Add only 5 cents per piece on Premium or Ultra Cloths to advertised prices Amount Unprinted Custom Printed • Customize your own microfiber cloth 1200+ 19 cents each 24 cents each • Cloths are 6” x 6” 600-1100 30 cents each 35 cents each • New Microfiber cloth 300-500 35 cents each 43 cents each display only $14.95 100-200 40 cents each 59 cents each with order! Stock Lenses! No Minimum • Volume Discounts ® CR39 Fast Tint ...... $1.42 pr. Stormin’ Norman’s Optical Supplies AR CR39 HMC ...... $3.75 pr. Polycarbonate Tintable . . . . $3.79 pr. Call to Order! Mention Code VMNOV08 $ AR Polycarbonate HMC . . . . 7.88 pr. 1.800.288.4512 Fax: 561.995.9531 Polarized Plano Lenses [email protected] 1-5 pairs....$13.95 6 pairs+....$11.95 www.storminnormans.com

*Multiple specials/discounts may not be combined. Must mention coupon code at time of order. While supplies last. May be withdrawn at anytime. Offer good until November 20, 2008. Please call for details.

K C Technology $AVON OPTICAL LENS &LAB JOB SERVICE COMPANY eyewear

D • 1 Year Warranty • 6% /C more than $1,000/Mo. “The Brand Name Lens Type Price/Pair Lens Type Price/Pair Liquidators” CR39 $1.19 CR AR $3.19 Hand Picked Designer Poly AR $7.95 1.67 AR $19.45 Frames For Less Edged Price: Just add $6.95 on lens price Please ask us for full Price List. 800-758-6249 Phone: 800-575-7475 or 714-522-2567 • Fax: 714-522-2839 www.savoneyewear.com E-mail: [email protected]

ALL DESIGNER FRAMES LANE SPECIAL - $9,995.00 View $16 OR LESS AO Custom or Marco Combo Unit (3 arms) That’s right ! Contact us and Online AO Phoroptor find out why we’ve become B&L or Marco Keratometer Burton or Mentor Slit Lamp "America’s largest surplus Classifieds designer frame distributor" AO or Marco Projector w/mount, slide & screen at Belrose Refracting Equip. Co. For The Finest Equipment “In-Sight” Phone: 866. 289. 3937 www. 3734 W Oakton St., Skokie, IL Fax: 310. 306. 7885 VisionMonday www.delreyoptical.com E-mail: [email protected] .com www.belroserefracting.com VM102008 10/10/08 11:31 AM Page 62

62 VISION MONDAY/OCTOBER 20, 2008 CLASSIFIED www.visionmonday.com

VM MARKETPLACE Advertising Information: (800) 983-7737 • Fax: (610) 854-3780 Products & Services

the golden standard in optical coatings.

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N RTCH North American Coating Laboratories AMERI AN the original C 9450 Pineneedle Dr. Mentor, OH 44060 B ATING LA R T RIES 
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t www.nacl.com and still the best. Certified to ISO 9001:2000 since 2000 Mention code GS11 for 10% off a sample kit. Help Wanted Help Wanted

Well-established importer of optical frames seeking Account Executive Representative to service or call on major retailer/labs/distributors. Domestic and International. One of the largest optical retailers in the Northeast is now expanding throughout the Great opportunity N.Y. Metro & Long Island area, Fax resume to New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida & Puerto Rico. 718-633-5231 Help Wanted or e-mail [email protected] Offering excellent opportunities for: Optometrists, Opticians, Submit Resume to: Sales Associates and Lab Techs. ENGINEERS Human Resources ALL SALES REPS National Optronics, Inc. • Mechanical SLIM N LITE OPTICAL • Will pay for relocation • Software 100 Avon Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902 [email protected] Well established manufacturer of • All inquiries confidential optical lenses located in Los Angeles, International manufacturer of automated lens processing equipment is seeking an entry • Top Salary • FT/PT Positions is seeking experienced SALES REPS level Mechanical Design Engineer and a Senior Software Design Engineer. Candidates • Full Benefits Package (Multiline reps welcome) for: should have a B.S. or M.S. in the appropriate field. • Lucrative Commission Plan NATIONWIDE Mechanical position requires some background in machinery design and experience with and Central/South America Solid Works or other parametric modeling software. Please contact Valerie: . Software position requires a solid background in embedded systems C programming and Call John at 800-423-5426 Tel: 212.792.8100 Fax: 212.792.8101 RTOS architecture. Experience with GUI, motion control and programming in a windows Fax: 818-909-7799 E-mail: [email protected] environment is a plus. e-mail: [email protected] VM102008 10/10/08 11:32 AM Page 63

www.visionmonday.com CLASSIFIED VISION MONDAY/OCTOBER 20, 2008 63

VM MARKETPLACE Advertising Information: (800) 983-7737 • Fax: (610) 854-3780 Help Wanted

Sales Consultants Extend your reach Empire Optical, Inc., a full service wholesale lab, and a top 5 lab by VM for 2008, and get results is seeking motivated Sales Representatives to join our team for open territories when you place in CA (SF Bay area), & AZ. Earn base, plus commission, expenses and auto allowance paid. All applicant info will be kept confidential. your classified ad Fax resume to 818.994.0194 in print and online. or e-mail [email protected] 7633 Varna Ave. No. Hollywood, CA 91365 www.empireoptical.org Call Phil or Bonnie at 800-983-7737 FAX: 610-854-3780 www.VisionMonday.com

VM WHERE TO FIND IT Advertising Information: (800) 983-7737 • Fax: (610) 854-3780 The following is a list of suppliers’ toll-free numbers for quick access to all of your optical needs. This is a paid service of Vision Monday.

ACCESSORIES CASES INSTRUMENTS MANUFACTURERS SUPPLIES

Leading manufacture of custom designed cases. Large stock of Hard SUN DESIGNE LTD. is your OEM/Private label source for STORMIN’ NORMAN’S and soft cases. STORMIN’ NORMAN’S reading glasses, sunglasses, frames, and Available for custom printing. OPTICAL SUPPLIES OPTICAL SUPPLIES accessories. Buy direct from the Full Service Optical Supplies, 800-291-8528 • FAX: 718-752-9858 STORMIN’ NORMAN’S Full Service Optical Supplies, factory! Call Jack Taber Accessories, Promotional Items & E-Mail: [email protected] OPTICAL SUPPLIES Accessories, Promotional Items & (800) 322-6748 • FAX: (203) 758-2156 Private Label Website: www.Astucci.com Full Service Optical Supplies, Private Label www.sundesigne.com 800-288-4512 • 561-995-2400 For custom made cases: Accessories, Promotional Items & 800-288-4512 • 561-995-2400 FAX: 561-995-9531 385 Fifth Ave. 15th FL. Private Label FAX: 561-995-9531 New York, NY 10016 800-288-4512 • 561-995-2400 MISCELLANEOUS 212-725-3171 • FAX: 212-725-3236 FAX: 561-995-9531 Astucci Hong-Kong Fax: 852-2367-6123 LENSES [email protected]

Factory-Direct Savings on Frames, FRAMES Lenses, Cases and Accessories Your global partner for high-quality STORMIN’ NORMAN’S Clam Shell hard cases! lenses. We specialise in Polarized, OPTICAL SUPPLIES 100% micro fiber cleaning clothes! Leading manufacture of custom SunSensors and clear lenses in Full Service Optical Supplies, Over 400 frame models at low cost! designed cases. Large stock of Hard Polycarbonate, Hard Resin Accessories, Promotional Items & Over 40 types of lenses including high and soft cases. and Hi Index. Private Label index and 5 new finished Available for custom printing. POLYCORE OPTICAL 800-288-4512 • 561-995-2400 extended range lenses! FAX: 561-995-9531 800-291-8528 • FAX: 718-752-9858 Singapore Phone: 800.423.5175 E-Mail: [email protected] Tel: 65-6747-6677 Web site: www.LBI.biz Website: www.Astucci.com Fax: 65-6744-3664 PACKAGING For custom made cases: E-mail: [email protected] STORMIN’ NORMAN’S www.polycore.com 385 Fifth Ave. 15th FL. OPTICAL SUPPLIES New York, NY 10016 Full Service Optical Supplies, USA 212-725-3171 • FAX: 212-725-3236 Accessories, Promotional Items & Tel: 888-645-7788 Leading manufacture of custom Astucci Hong-Kong Private Label Tel: 1-775-850-2050 Leading manufacture of custom designed cases. Large stock of Hard Fax: 852-2367-6123 Fax: 1-775-850-2060 800-288-4512 • 561-995-2400 designed cases. Large stock of Hard and soft cases. [email protected] FAX: 561-995-9531 E-mail: and soft cases. [email protected] Available for custom printing. Available for custom printing. 800-291-8528 • FAX: 718-752-9858 800-291-8528 • FAX: 718-752-9858 E-Mail: [email protected] E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.Astucci.com Website: www.Astucci.com For custom made cases: For custom made cases: 385 Fifth Ave. 15th FL. 385 Fifth Ave. 15th FL. To get your message out there … Call Phil or Bonnie at New York, NY 10016 New York, NY 10016 212-725-3171 • FAX: 212-725-3236 212-725-3171 • FAX: 212-725-3236 Astucci Hong-Kong Astucci Hong-Kong 800-983-7737 • FAX: 610-854-378 0 • www.VisionMonday.com Fax: 852-2367-6123 Fax: 852-2367-6123 [email protected] [email protected] 64 VISION MONDAY/ OCTOBER 20, 2008 INSIDE THE LAB www.visionmonday.com

NEWS VIEWS Expansion Plans Underway for Optic Blue LUBBOCK, TEXAS—Optic Blue, an “We are proud to offer cutting edge offerings include frame and lens pack- independent, full-service lab located here, lens designs, materials, and coatings by ages for children and adults, and Optic is planning to triple its laboratory space. industry leaders such as Hoya Vision Blue has recently become a U.S. dis- “We are actively engaged in acquiring Care,” said Blue. Additional laboratory tributor for Rodenstock frames. �� approximately 8,000 square feet of addi- tional lab space” said company president Jason Blue. “This additional space will Optifacts Adds New Reporting allow us to expand our inventory and customer service areas, and acquire addi- Module to Lab Software tional technologies to increase laboratory SARTELL, Minn.—Optifacts, an Essilor and advanced Optifacts Software users. volume and efficiency.” The expansion Wes Palmer, Optic Blue’s director of sales and company that supplies laboratory soft- Several pre-designed Excel report tem- will also provide space for an AR coating marketing, left, with lab president and founder ware, is introducing a powerful new plates are supplied to ensure you are facility in the future, he noted. Jason Blue. reporting module for Optifacts Software. able to put OPTERA to use with minimal Optic Blue was founded in 2006 by Blue, addition in 2007 of Satisloh surfacing equip- The module, known as OPTERA (Opti- training. Advanced users can build from who was formerly with Benedict Optical ment, the lab expanded into full service facts Enhanced Reporting Application), existing report templates or design new and Hoya Vision Care. The lab began as a production. Optic Blue currently processes allows users to easily reports from scratch. finishing lab with a staff of five. With the 150 to 225 jobs per day and has a staff of 14. create custom reports, Installation and setup is graphs, tables and charts accomplished remotely in Microsoft Excel. over the phone and OLA Offers Online Services OPTERA will benefit modem with the assis- FALLS CHURCH, Va.—Optical Labora- all Optifacts Software tance of an Optifacts tories Association (OLA) has opened online users who need to pro- support technician. access to many of its services through a new duce custom-designed Optifacts OPTERA allows users Optifacts is also to easily create custom reports, Web site feature, OLA Online. reports beyond the stan- graphs, tables and charts in releasing O² Job Track- “Members and exhibitors now have dard Optifacts system Microsoft Excel. ing, a new enhance- another choice of ways to do business reports, or need to extract ment for Optifacts’s with their association through 24/7 data from Optifacts for O² laboratory soft- online access via the OLA Web site,” external uses, according to ware. It provides small said OLA executive director Bob Dzi- Optifacts. It provides a labs with order track- uban. “Phone, fax, and email will con- the secure, encrypted processing site. direct ODBC link to the data ing capabilities for key tinue to be options; OLA Online adds Online meeting registration is avail- stored within the Optifacts processing stages an entirely new option.” able to members and exhibitors. Com- Software data tables. Data recording when a job OLA Online includes a store, meeting panies can use the list of their personnel is displayed in a user-friend- is saved in order registration, and invoice payments. OLA in the OLA database, selecting the ones ly format called “SQL Optifacts O² Job Tracking pro- entry, when it passes Online can be used by anyone for those to register, saving time compared to Views” that are easy to vides small labs with order through an interfaced services available to all, according to OLA. completing and sending paper forms. understand and work with. tracking capabilities for key lab machine such as processing stages. The Online Store is available to both All the services of OLA Online are Using Microsoft Excel or any generator or edger and members and non-members, with discount accessed through links on the OLA Web ODBC compliant software program, labs when it is shipped. Job status can pricing and ‘bill-me-later’ service available site, www.ola-labs.org. Additional infor- will have full ability to view, search, sort, be sorted by patient name, tray only to members. Non-members are able to mation and logon assistance is available and report on the data. A built-in protec- number, station, date, or invoice purchase with credit card payment through by calling OLA at (800) 477-5652. �� tion feature prevents users from changing number and is displayed in a user or deleting their original stored data. friendly HTML Internet Explorer win- OPTERA is designed for both beginner dow. �� Optivision System Connects Tracing Locations to Central Lab Precision Expands Lens Offering PHOENIX, Ariz.— to the centralized Optivision is releasing database that accepts With Jai Kudo and Hoya Products DigitalTrace, which jobs every minute of provides a solution for every day, ensuring CRESTON, Iowa——Precision Optical form offering.” Precision Optical Group connecting satellite that the satellite will Group of Creston, Iowa is teaming up with has also recently become an authorized tracing locations with always successfully Jai Kudo of London to offer their latest Hoya distributor. a centralized edging transmit the job. The freeform back-surfaced progressive lens. “We are really excited to be able to lab. Combining a sim- Optivision’s DigitalTrace connects sat- job is checked prior to “Our customers will recognize Jai expand our inventory to include a wide ple order entry inter- ellite tracing locations to a centralized sending, helping elimi- Kudo for its frame line,” said Shannon range of Hoya lenses,” said Waigand. face with input from a edging lab. nate data entry errors. Waigand, Precision’s director of sales “As one of Vision Monday’s Top 25 frame tracer, DigitalTrace allows a sat- With DigitalTrace, a doctor's centrally and marketing said. “Together, we offer Independent Labs, Precision Optical ellite location to use the job entry win- located edging lab can receive a trace a lens available in three different corri- Group is committed to offering lenses dow to enter the Rx and attach a frame from a satellite location to have the job dor lengths and all ranges of materials, from all of the major manufacturers. We trace with the job. blocked and edged in minutes, accord- including Hi-Index 1.74. There are are especially proud to be able to make The job entry window sends the job ing to Optivision. �� very few distributors in the U.S., so it’s this premium brand available to our an exciting addition to our current free- customers at such a great price.” �� Optical Manufacturing Solutions

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IT’S YOUR BUSINESS Tips to Avoid Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Lawsuits Since it was consider- the biggest FLSA shortcomings is classify- entity may no longer legally exist. • You have a clearly communicated ably toughened in ing employees as exempt, and thus ineli- policy against improper deductions 2004, the federal Fair gible for overtime, when they are really • Be vigilant in classifying exempt • The policy contains a complaint Labor Standards Act non-exempt. The exempt definitions are employees making between $23,661 mechanism (FLSA), which man- not as simplified as one may think, but and $100,000 a year. The vast major- • You reimburse the affected dates overtime pay- some generalizations can be made. First, ity of suits fall within this range of com- employees ments to qualifying anyone making under the federal estab- pensation, especially for outside sales • You make a good-faith commit- “nonexempt” employ- lished salary minimum is automatically and IT positions. ment not to violate the law again Hedley Lawson, Jr. ees, has been a conten- non-exempt, regardless of their job title or Keep in mind, most FLSA lawsuits tious legal topic in and out of courts. responsibilities. Managers with discretion- • Note the results of exit inter- are generated by blatant violations Suits filed under the FLSA have ary authority and certain “learned profes- views. If employees are leaving because caused by apathy or neglect, and that almost tripled since the 1990s, depend- sionals” may be exempt, depending on they claim they should have been paid would likely have been caught if only ing on whose reporting you consult. In their duties. Your responsibility is to audit overtime, and weren’t, it could be a sign the employer had conducted a thor- recent years, hundreds of millions of dol- your organization to be sure that employ- of a future lawsuit or claim. ough audit with documentation. lars in back wages have been recovered ees are classified against those criteria as by the federal Department of Labor, exempt or non-exempt based on what The Storm of Improper Deductions Hedley Lawson brings over 25 years of representing nearly 250,000 workers. they do, not what they are called. A second area of FLSA vulnerability optical industry experience to JMI. For Plaintiff's attorneys have built practices is improper deductions from an exempt over 10 years, he has been a contributing around this issue. Judgments and settle- • Be careful to correctly define employee’s pay. With few exceptions, editor to VM, most recently as writer of the ments are resulting in staggeringly high new positions. For example, when exempts are to be paid a full weekly monthly column “Business Essentials.” In payouts. Several years ago, Farmer’s new positions are added to your organi- wage, regardless of how many hours addition, he is the Contributing Editor of Insurance reportedly paid $210 million zation following a merger or acquisition, they work. Not doing so can cost you VM’s E-Newsletter Business Essentials. for misclassification of employees. take care to carefully audit the defini- and your company the right to declare Here are several tips for avoiding an tion and actual duties of each position. an entire class of employees as exempt. Make it your business to learn more FLSA suit: If the company joining yours misclassi- FLSA contains a “safe harbor” provision, about HR issues that affect you and your • Carry out an internal audit of jobs fied its employees, you are responsible added in 2004. It allows you to keep your employees. Read Hedley Lawson’s advice every month in the E-edition of Business versus actual job descriptions. One of even though the merged or acquired current exempt employee structure, if: @ Essentials, only on VisionMonday.com.

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Visit us at OLA — Booth 733 COATING. SURFACING. FINISHING. iCoat and Making lenses better. are registered trademarks of iCoat Company, LLC. © 2008 iCoat Company, LLC. All rights reserved. VIS_1217_ThreeRivers 12/4/07 2:41 PM Page 1 Are You In The “O”zone If you’re looking for quality lens options for your patients? with bifocal needs, step into Three Rivers Optical’s “O” Zone. Our “Free” Free Lens Series Lens Series offers one-of-a-kind bifocal designs that fill a void in the optical industry. With our unique, patented “Round Seg” technology, • Is digital surfacing accurate to 100th of a diopter your patients will experience the best in bifocal lenses. • Available on any lens style TR O Seg – Is a patented lens design created to fill a void in the optical industry. You can now get a lined bifocal in polycarbonate or any resin • Includes your favorite anti-reflective coating from Three Rivers Optical material in an add range from .50 to 5.00. The softness of the bifocal line is cosmetically pleasing and virtually unnoticeable when worn. The seg size is customizable from 10mm to 45mm. TR O Blended Seg – Is a lens design created to bridge a gap in the optical industry. For the first time you can now get a blended bifocal in all materials. Add range from .50 to 5.00. The unique blend zone is narrow and easy for patients to adapt to. A great alternative for patients who just can’t wear a progressive or do not want a line.

Get in the “O” Zone today. Call Us Today for Your Patient’s Bifocal Needs. Three Rivers Optical • 800.756.2020 • www.threeriversoptical.com 68 VISION MONDAY/ OCTOBER 20, 2008 OPINION www.visionmonday.com Monday

Senior VP, Editorial Director Marge Axelrad EDITORIAL Executive Editor Mary Kane E-News Managing Editor Amy Grech Senior Editors Cathy Ciccolella, Deirdre Carroll Group Editor, Lenses & Technology Andrew Karp Layout Editor Megan Thompson Battling a Recession, Customer by Customer Art Director Iris Johnson Contributing Editors With the economy down to the local level, things can be but it’s even more important in times Jackie Micucci, Gloria Nicola, James J. Spina, Melissa Arkin, Christie Walker in turmoil, I’m done to help an individual chain, store like these. If you’re not pulling traffic Editorial Assistant/Intern Samuel Colon Circulation Manager Renee Oechsner reminded of the old or practice. Attention to every business- into the store or office, none of the other Production Manager Edward Smith saying about the management detail is a given. So is measures you’re taking can work. That’s VP Advertising Sales Dennis Murphy Regional Sales Managers weather: “Every- going over each overhead cost meticu- why I’m always surprised to hear com- Amanda Churchill, James DeMatteis, Vincent Priore body talks about it, lously and trimming every bit of extra- panies talking about cutting their mar- International Sales Offices Young-Seoh Chinn, Korea, [email protected]; but nobody can do neous fat without cutting into the mus- keting budgets as an early strategy when Sho Harihara, Japan, [email protected]; a thing about it.” cle of the business. But then it’s time to times get tough—that seems like the Mary Ng, Asia, [email protected]; Jochen Reinke, Germany, Austria, Denmark, That was cer- ask, “Is there something else I can do?” opposite of what they should be doing. Switzerland, Benelux, Scandinavia, Liechtenstein, jrein- Cathy Ciccolella tainly the case at Thinking about all the economy- A strong marketing program—telling [email protected]; Asa Talbar, Israel, [email protected]; Senior Editor Cecilia Zanasi, Italy, France, Spain, United Kingdom, Vision Expo West, related conversations I had in Las potential customers and patients not [email protected]. Director of Education and Training where everybody was talking about the Vegas, one comment stands out. When just why they should have an eye exam Mark Mattision-Shupnick Director of Marketing, Education and Training big picture—the federal bailout, the I asked his view of business prospects and/or purchase new eyewear, but why Nancy Ness mortgage crisis and foreclosures, the for the rest of this year and beyond, they should get those things from Creative Services Designers Barbara Winters, Debbie Silva, Megan Thompson nationwide pinch on credit, the dipping Sam Herskowitz of Emerging Vision, you—can still be a powerful tool, even Marketing Manager Christine Yeh Marketing Coordinator Amanda Jensen levels of consumer confidence—but parent of the Sterling Optical chain, in this frighteningly volatile economic Jobson Optical Research Int’l Managing Director very few had concrete solutions to said that despite the decline in con- climate. Then once those potential pur- Gerry Fultz Senior Research Analyst those problems that would help their sumer confidence levels, “people will chasers are inside, superior service and Jennifer Zupnick individual business or the eyecare/eye- still buy eyewear, but you have to get merchandise—and realistic pricing, wear industry as a whole. them into the store first.” since today’s consumers are watching QQ VP/Optical Retail Group Publisher But as those larger problems trickle Of course, that’s always the challenge, every penny—can clinch the deal. William D. Scott VP/Marketing/Publisher 20/20 Jim Vitkus IN THEIR OWN WORDS Senior VP/President Professional Publications Group Richard Bay VP/Publisher/FRAMESdata Tom Lamond The Cost of Goods in a Rapidly Changing Country VP/Operations/FRAMESdata Judith Michael VP/Circulation Director I’ve just returned nese government to move there. hinges to acetate and nosepads from Emelda Barea from a trip to China. There were government subsidies to European suppliers in Euros with U.S. Corporate Production Director John Anthony Caggiano I went there to attract that shift, and the promise of an Dollars. That exchange rate devalued Creative Services Director learn about the fast- endless supply of low cost labor. the Dollar by about 14 percent over the Monica Tettamanzi paced changes that Fast forward to 2008; the govern- past year. The cost of metal in general are altering our cost ment wants those types of factories to has gone up as much as 40 percent, much

and pricing strategy, move out and plan for Shenzhen to be of that bought in the also strong currency Chief Executive Officer its implications, and dominated by high tech, high profit, of Australia, which has risen 20 percent Jeff MacDonald Chief Financial Officer Mike Hundert its effects on strate- high profile businesses that are power- to the U.S. Dollar over the past year. Derek Winston CEO, Information Services Division gic planning for us ful on the stage of the flattened world. • Rice is up 60 percent, and food Marc Ferrara and our customers. And boy did I get an Therefore, eyewear factories are at a overall is up 15 percent, significant for Senior VP/Operations Jeff Levitz education. crossroads now having to decide the Chinese factories which provide meals VP/Human Resources It’s no secret China’s economy has future of their business model given all and housing for their employees. Lorraine Orlando To order reprints of any articles or ads been soaring the past few years. That’s the other circumstances driving up the • That endless flow of laborers has that appeared in this issue contact led to a change in their vision of the cost of doing business and driving slowed to a trickle as the boom in PARS International 212-221-9595 or [email protected] MAIN EDITORIAL & SALES OFFICES: 100 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013-1678 future. Chinese officials are no longer down profitability. China has created many jobs closer to (212) 274-7000; fax: (212) 431-0500 content with their work force focused on Here are a few facts facing those fac- where migrant workers live. e-mail: [email protected] CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: Account Representative Heather Brennan low-skilled, low-cost, low-margin manu- tories, us, our customers, and ultimate- • Tougher environmental standards 2570 Boulevard of the Generals, Suite 220 Norristown, PA 19403, (800) 983-7737; facturing. Instead, they are focused on ly the consumer who absorbs cost require major capital investments. Fax: (610) 854-3780, E-mail: [email protected] VISION MONDAY (ISSN 1054-7665) is published monthly except for moving up the value chain to challenge increases through higher prices: • The cost of power, including die- March and August, which have two issues, by Jobson Medical Information LLC, 100 Avenue of the Americas, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10013. the world’s biggest corporations. • Over the past year, minimum wage sel for generators, has skyrocketed Periodicals postage paid at NY, NY, and additional mailing office. Post master: Send address changes The tactics used by the Chinese in Shenzhen has risen 24 percent. worldwide, especially in China where to VISION MONDAY, PO Box 2024, Skokie, IL 60076-7924. Subscriptions: One-year rates (US): 1 government includes using incentives • Another 20 percent increase will nearly all oil is imported. year, $79. Foreign (Air Mail): to Canada/ Mexico, $225; all other countries, $332. Two-year rates to encourage companies to innovate be mandated this fall. And that’s the short list of this perfect (US): $143; to Canada/Mexico, $359; all other countries, $584. Three-year rates (US): $201; to (especially into high technology busi- • A required pension system now storm. Canada/Mexico, $538; all other countries $906. Subscriptions payable in US dollars. Payment must nesses), but also moving to discourage requires companies to create reserves accompany order. To subscribe write: VISION MONDAY, PO Box 2024, Skokie, IL 60076-7924. labor and polluting intensive manufac- for employee retirement benefits. Mike Hundert is the president and CEO of For customer service call: (877) 529-1746; Canada and international: (847) 763-9630. Allow 4–6 turers, like those who make eyewear, • Since the U.S. pressured China to REM Eyewear. His full essay on this important weeks for subscription to begin. Canadian interna- from operating in southern China. allow their currency to float, the U.S. topic is posted on VisionMonday.com, in tional publication permit #0427705. © 2008 Jobson Medical Information LLC, 100 Across the border from Hong Kong, Dollar has lost 17 percent of its pur- New & Noteworthy. In addition, a roundtable Ave. of the Americas, NY, NY 10013-1678. Reproduction without express written consent of the Publisher the area around Shenzhen has been the chasing power in China. Economists discussion exploring current changes in eyewear is prohibited. Jobson Medical Information LLC publishes VISION MONDAY and Vision Monday Show Daily. center for quality eyewear manufactur- predict that trend will continue; the sourcing and supply chain management will be Notice: Jobson Medical Information LLC does not accept responsibility for the advertising content of the magazine nor for any claims, actions or losses arising therefrom. Products and services advertised in this publication are not ing since becoming a “special econom- Dollar is predicted to lose another 15 part of the program of the upcoming Vision endorsed by, or in any way connected with, Jobson Medical Information LLC. We make every effort to report manufacturers’ news accurately, but we do not ic zone” more than 20 years ago, found- percent over the next year. Council Executive Summit, scheduled for Jan. assume responsibility for the validity of news claims. EyesWay content is developed, sourced and reported by the editors of ed on the backs of Hong-Kong based • High quality factories buy raw mate- 28 to 30, 2009, at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in EyesWay, the international news portal. Vision Monday provides that con- tent to its subscribers as part of an exclusive news exchange agreement. optical firms encouraged by the Chi- rials, from eyewire spools and spring San Diego, Calif. ENGINEERED FOR PERFORMANCE

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Signature Eyewear Q3 Sales DATA POINT

Increase But Net Income Declines Highest and Lowest Income Groups INGLEWOOD, Calif.—Signa- in the first nine months of last the valuation allowance on our Bought Most Plano Sunglasses ture Eyewear (OTC BB: SEYE. year. Net sales in the nine- deferred tax asset” last year. OB) reported net income of month period reached $18.6 Michael Prince, Signature’s The highest and low- $176,000 in its third quarter million, flat compared to the chief executive officer, com- est household income ended July 31, down from prior year’s first three quarters. mented, “Our net sales in the 28% Under $40K groups bought the $256,000 in net income in last In its 10Q report filed with third quarter were bolstered by most plano sunglass- year’s third quarter. The com- the Securities and Exchange the introduction of Carmen Marc es in the 12 months pany’s sales in Q3 were $6.4 mil- Commission on Sept. 9, Signa- Valvo Eyewear in May 2008 and 21% $40K up to $60K ending March 2008. lion, up from $6.2 million in the ture attributed the decline in the growing market penetration Those with an annual same period in 2007. net income in both Q3 and the of bebe eyes. However, the slug- household income of In the first nine months of first nine months of 2008 to gish domestic economy and the 57% Over $60K greater than $60K fiscal 2008, Signature’s net income tax benefits in the continued softness in the optical bought 57% of the income was $538,000, down comparable 2007 periods frame market hinder our total plano sunglass from net income of $924,000 “resulting from a decrease in growth.” �� units sold in the 12 months ending March 2008. Surprisingly, the middle household income group, $40K up to $60K, bought only 21% of the plano sunglass units sold in the 12 CL Maker Unilens Posts Sales Gains months ending March 2008. The lowest household income group, under $40K, bought 28% of the total plano sunglass LARGO, Fla.—Contact lens year. Net income reached $1.6 lens’ chief executive officer, units sold in the 12 months ending March 2008. manufacturer Unilens (OTC million for the fiscal year, up from “Strong double-digit growth Source: VisionWatch; a study conducted by Jobson/Vision Council BB: UVICF) had increases in $1.3 million in FY 2007. for our C-Vue brand of lenses Total Annual VisionWatch Sample Size: 100,000 consumer respondents per year (US Adults 18+) net sales as well as in net In Q4, Unilens had a 7 per- sold exclusively to indepen- * All data is for the 12ME (months ending) March 2008. income for both the full 2008 cent increase in net sales, to dent practitioners, combined fiscal year and for the year’s $1.8 million. Royalty income with a 20 percent growth in fourth quarter ended June 30. was up 17.4 percent in the royalty revenue derived from BY THE NUMBERS The latest figures In FY 2008, Unilens had net quarter, to a record $740,482. Bausch & Lomb’s sales of mul- sales of $6.7 million, up 4.6 per- The company’s net income in tifocal lenses that use our key cent. In addition, the company’s Q4 was $508,651, vs. $406,264 technologies, was responsible 59% 20% royalty income soared 20 percent in the same period last year. for this outstanding perfor- The percent of contact lens wearers The percent of AR lens pairs sold to a record $2.6 million for the Said Michael Pecora, Uni- mance.” �� who purchased their contact lenses that are bifocal/trifocal lenses. from the doctor who originally wrote OccuLogix Initiates Reverse Stock Split their prescription. TORONTO—Ophthalmic OccuLogix’s stock began ance with the $1.00 minimum device manufacturer Occu- trading on a split-adjusted bid price requirement for con- 8% 58% Logix (Nasdaq: OCCX) has basis at the opening of busi- tinued listing on NASDAQ, an The percent that purchased a pair Of those that have already sched- effected a 1:25 reverse stock ness on Oct. 9. announcement said. Occu- of frames for a spouse. The ma- uled or will definitely/probably/may split of its common stock; The company’s board of Logix’s shareholders approved jority of people, 90%, purchased have vision correction surgery, 58% every 25 shares of the compa- directors recommended the the reverse stock split at a frames for themselves. said cost is most important. ny’s common stock have been reverse stock split, in part, to stockholders’ meeting on Sept. Source: VisionWatch; a study conducted by Jobson/Vision Council Total Annual VisionWatch Sample Size: 100,000 consumer respondents per year (US Adults 18+) combined into one share. help the firm regain compli- 30. �� * All data is for the 12ME (months ending) March 2008. Refractive Surgery data is for the 6ME March 2008. Contact Lens data is for the 3ME March 2008.

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