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www.visionmonday.comM OCTOBER 22, 2007 VOL. 21 NO. 12 $15 WEB_PDF 10/16/07 2:54 PM Page HC2
O N M N D A I O Y I S V Ill. law requires eye exams for children entering
P school I O H P S T R I E C D page 12 07VH-802 A L E A N E W S L www.visionmonday.comMondayOCTOBER 22, 2007 VOL. 21 NO. 12 $15 The Newsmagazine for the Eye Care Industry
SHOW WRAPUP Expo Exudes Upbeat Mood
Labthe Healthy attendance and a raft of new products prompt attendees to give show a “thumbs up.” page 28
RETAIL DISPENSARY Contact Lenses ECPs take another look at daily disposables. page 62
NEWS • VSP Vision Care acquires wholesale lab Legends 4.0, major optical lab. page 8 • Frank Rescigna joins Viva Standing still is never an option in business and wholesale labs are no exception to International. page 10 the rule. The sign of a successful lab is one that is always changing, re-inventing and rediscovering itself. VM spoke with nine experienced wholesale lab executives to • Vision-Ease licenses discuss how their businesses are changing and what ECPs need to know to enhance Coppertone for polarized their lens business for 2008 and beyond. See Page 48. lenses. page 12
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(877) 514-8330 or www.2007rcpv.com VRUURXW YJR[\ 6REWARD 12REWARD15 REWARD 9[R_J]N +^]UN[ ;,9? ;N`J[M\ 9[XP[JV YJR[\ Call Toll Free (877) 514-8330 WWWRCPVCOM s WWWSHAMIRLENSCOM ;N,[NJ]RWP 9N[ONL] ?R\RXW WEB_PDF 10/16/07 2:54 PM Page 4 O N MO N I D A I S Y V www.visionmonday.com VISION MONDAY/OCTOBER 22, 2007 5 O P P I THIS MONTH IN VM T H I C S A R L D E N E W S L E A EDITOR’S NOTE HOYA SUPER HiVision IN THIS ISSUE ‘Modern’ Ideas Need to Take Hold in the Practice It was encouraging to see the tance of modern systems in the exam lanes that News sustained level of buying activ- practitioners continue to emphasis the need for Sàfilo appoints vice president of market- ing ...... 8 ity on the show floor during modern systems to track their dispensaries’ per- Hilco acquires OnGuard Safety . . . .11 Vision Expo West, since that’s formance as well. Gruen, Ross buy back Grueneyes . .14 always a sign reflecting healthy That’s because today, the medical/marketing, Jobson strengthens partnership with Carl business back at home for eyecare/eyewear, dueling forces-within-vision Zeiss through WinkPad ...... 18 attendees. care that embody both retail and professional, ™ 8 Standard Anti-Reflective Lens HOYA SUPER HiVision VisionWeb unveils ner services, It was also encouraging to have never been more pronounced. training ...... 18 Marge Axelrad see that the order-writing at Striking a balance of the two—without one Editorial Director Sàfilo’s Tabacchi elected president of the show and the lively dialogs somehow eclipsing the other—is going to be the 24 ANFAO, MIDO ...... throughout the hall were taking place not only at key to vision’s future in the near-term and in the Unilens names Eschenbach exclusive worldwide distributor ...... 22 eyewear, lens and equipment booths but at the coming decades. Expo West 2007 Wrapup ...... 28 practice management, instrument and contact With a Boomer population aging every day, lens areas as well. and Gen-Xers’ family care concerns taking hold, Scene & Heard 14 OWA Networking, POWW events in This is another good indicator that ECPs and eye care’s big opportunity as an essential compo- Las Vegas ...... 43 optical buyers are paying, across the board, atten- nent of health care will come to the forefront. Viva hosts luxury forum ...... 46 tion to a range of areas in their business, the At the same time, new technologies in con- Long Island practice sponsors Kids exam lanes among them. tact lenses, spectacle lenses as vision correction Vision Awareness day ...... 46 When ECPs start looking at things like prac- “solutions” have a rosy connection to eyecare Exam Lanes tice management, advanced systems and instru- professionals’ expertise—if they would lever- Expo OD panel explores ‘tricks of the ments, they are investing in the primary care age it. 54 trade’ ...... 28 aspect of their offices and that bodes well for the And, eyewear, with the boost of brand and Retail Dispensary independents’ future. It also indicates that new designer names, is starting to crack the realm of Launches ideas about the ‘modern eyecare’ office are tak- big-time, media-spotlight fashion notoriety. L’Amy intros Proenza Schouler sunwear ...... 56 ing hold. All elements of the vision business have II Sàfilo bows Banana Republic sun collec- Let’s hope that with the focus on the impor- synergy—that’s the really modern idea. tion ...... 58 Second Looks 56 WHAT’S ONLINE Ray Ban intros photochromic models . . 46 Silhouette unveils Spirited Elegance collection ...... 56 Viva debuts new Gant groupings . .58 Columns F.Y.Eye ...... 59 Contact Lenses ...... 62 Extra Sun Advisor ...... 65 Inside the Lab 58 Visionmonday.com VMail EXTRA VM Archives OptiStock 66 OLA preview ...... Visit our new site, Be ‘in the know.’ Sub- As a VMail EXTRA For the latest stock CC system meeting focuses on direct completely redesigned, scribe to this e-news subscriber, search quotes, financial and 10.9 Reasons it’s the best AR lens — without a scratch. surfacing ...... 67 reorganized with search service. Twice a week beyond the Current investment news for pub- Business Essentials by rank or date, new plus “Breaking News” and Last Issues of VM licly traded vision care Scratch Resistance Rating No other AR lens on the market can outperform SUPER HiVision. Classifying Employees ...... 72 navigation and exclusive in HTML. Your sub- to review and access companies, go to (Bayer Abrasion Values)* Balance Sheet “On the Web” stories scription lets you access thousands of VM news www.visionmonday.com 76 and up-to-date visionmonday.com stories, special reports and click on the • B&L launches debt tender offer . . . 67 14 n Unbeatable Scratch Resistance — twice the scratch resistance of the industry news. features and archives. and company profiles. OptiStock button on sio s Vi the left. las Hi leading AR coating G R 12 PE 1 SU ™ 2 • ViewProtect — super cleanable topcoat virtually eliminates smudges, . 0 1 10 0 dirt and fingerprints . 9 ct te • ™ www.dacvision.com ® ro Substrate Matching Properties — unsurpassed clarity by matching the 8 on P fl ew Te i ™ ® A V e t index of the lens with the index of the coating USA Toll-Free Phone: L ™ + liz ra O ® A a S on C isi al s 800.800.1550 6 iV riz eis • Less than 0.5% light reflectance — more light makes it to your 6 H C Z USA Toll-Free Fax: . 0 5 5 5 patient’s eyes . . . 800.421.3398 0 0 0 AR 4 rd da Phone: 972.677.2700 an St To learn more, call your HOYA representative Fax: 972.677.2800 2 2 . 2 or authorized distributor today. 0 *Data on file. Earn points through: Automatically included in these designs: Compatible with these designs: HOYA Honors Program © 2007 HOYA Corporation. All rights reserved. HOYALUX is a registered trademark and SUPER HiVision, HiVision, ViewProtect, Substrate Matching Properties, HOYA Honors Program, iD, iD LifeStyle, Summit ecp, Summit cd and GP WIDE are trademarks of HOYA Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their rightful owners. WEB_PDF 10/16/072:54PMPage6 Icon in Fashion and Lifestyle rdcsi vr6 onre worldwide astrong share with in established both andproducts emerging in over 60countries markets. the world’s leading manufacturers in the men’s luxury clothing industry. The company distributes oldest and entrepreneurial respected most families in Italy, Ermenegildo Zegna is among Asone designItalian ofthe is worldwide, coveted especially in the fashion world. environment. The market for men has increased tremendously, opening tremendously, increased has men for The market environment. highwith styling and detail. conscious brand. ofthe formal classic superior Heseeks quality paired products, appeal technical he for smart looks with and performance is very purchasing to comes When it and lifestyle. modern affluent an lives A successfulsophisticated. businessman with high spending power, he demographic. Considered ahigh-end consumer, he is worldly and Ermenegildo Zegna’s target audience is males in the 30-55age Zegna and Today’s Man the men’s luxury market. in fixture iconic an into evolved has brand the workmanship, impeccable design and and fabrication. materials use Revered offlawless its for in product every the brand produces. concepts are deeply instilled in the company’s philosophy and are thriving advanced with technologicalcraftsmanship research. Today, these needs, customer’s and the merging meet to traditional product innovation of the highest quality fabrics and use ofthe consistent finest materials, his reflected vision These thethat company. for values include production Founded in 1910,Ermenegildo Zegna built his business on three core values The Brand In recent the modern years man has in become amajor the force retail The Ermenegildo Zegna brand is synonymous exceptional with textiles, many opportunities particularly in particularly many opportunities clothing and accessories. Today’s man pays more attention to more attention fashion, technologyfashion, and trends. With its Style SZ3526 designed for this group. this for designed this upward trend with an exclusive eyewear collection specifically amonggrowing categories men, accessory Ermenegildo Zegna taps into phenomenon With eyewear being fullest advantage. its one to ofthe fastest sories, Ermenegildo Zegna is among designer the first capitalize on to this long-standing in providing history the in finest men’s clothing and acces- needs, turning the brand more into than aname -alifestyle. wardrobe,accessory Ermenegildo Zegna their is positioned saturate to Aseyewear becomes afashion staple in man’s contemporary every man. sophistication, and suited is the truly fashion for conscious and successful excellent for andCR39 material optical clarity lightweight fit. and glare elimination equipped is lenses for polarized frame with Each Ermenegildo Zegna pinstripe, handmade and zyl extended plaque logos. silhouettes fine with details such flex hinges, as leather detailing, the elegant luxury. The styling contemporary sun in classic features collection Titanium appeal provideszyl. astylish and with fit offers zyl acomfortable collection is available in a combination of titanium,shapes, metal each and frame is constructed handmade with the finest The materials. optical eyewear Available in sleek and extended applications. logo stamped Ermenegildotrademark Zegna pinstripe and chevron, leather detailing and the brand’s from details taken style features suiting including the with today’s sophisticated and The cosmopolitan collection trends. brand’s the from combined products elements designed traditional with original The are combination styles traditional and of innovative materials. Ermenegildo Zegna exclusive features Eyewear designs from crafted Ermenegildo Zegna Eyewear Collection The Ermenegildo Zegna collection Eyewear exudes confidence and 800.345.VIVA vivagroup.com800.345.VIVA Style VZ 3037 Style VZ Exclusively distributed byViva International Group Featuring SZ 3044 www.zegna.com WEB_PDF 10/16/07 2:54 PM Page 8 N MO N I O D A I S Y V 8 VISION MONDAY/OCTOBER 22, 2007 www.visionmonday.com When you are on the O P P IN THE NEWS I T I H road all the irrelevant C S A R L E N D E W S L E A ‘‘ things fall away – it becomes the road, the bike, and you. It’s about NEWS VIEWS dedication, motivation, and moving forward. Working together with VSP Vision Care Acquires Wholesale Lab Legends 4.0 Luxottica compliments By Andrew Karp he allowed that “the Southeast and Legends 4.0 was founded in 2005 by tronically transmit their orders, to their my guiding philosophies‘‘ Group Editor Lenses & Technology Northeast make sense.” Lynch said the Bill Benedict, an optical industry veter- exclusive ClearVision, and ClearVision and has been essential criteria for lab acquisitions is “a combina- an with more than 50 years of experi- Ultra anti-reflective coatings. to my success. LAS VEGAS—VSP Vision Care tion of technology and lab management.” ence, and by daughter Donna Benedict “VSP shares our mission of providing- announced today its purchase of Leg- He declined to specify which labs VSP and son Dennis Benedict. The lab great customer service and quality prod- DR. ROBERT REED JR. ends 4.0, a major optical laboratory, might be targeting for acquisition or ranked 17th in Vision Monday 2006 ucts. We’re delighted to play a role in All Eyes, Optometry located in Lewisville, Texas, outside whether negotiations are underway for Top Labs survey, with $11.5 million in expanding VSP’s service to private prac- St. Joseph, MI Dallas. The acquisition represents the other lab purchases. However, he noted annual net sales. Legends 4.0 has estab- tice doctors in the U.S.,” said Legends latest move by VSP to create a network that VSP is looking at more co-investing lished a reputation for producing high- 4.0 CEO Bill Benedict. “You can count of company-owned labs that will oper- arrangements, similar to its recent invest- quality, advanced optical products and on our team to deliver the best products ate in addition to VSP’s existing net- ment in Perfect Optics, a San Diego services ranging from their proprietary and service to doctors and their work of 288 contract labs. wholesale lab in which Zeiss also has an Fast Rx, which allows doctors to elec- patients.” II Legends 4.0 becomes VSP’s third ownership stake. Asked how VSP’s expansion “Our intention is to have of its company-owned lab net- Sàfilo USA Appoints Scheer Ettinger more company owned work might impact the 288 Vice Presdient of Marketing labs in the next 12 to “contract labs” that also process VSP prescriptions, Lynch PARSIPPANY, N.J.—Sàfilo USA has association’s marketing initiatives for the 24 months.” replied, “It doesn’t mean reduc- announced the appointment of Robin $265 billion kitchen and bath remodeling —Rob Lynch, Vision Service Plan ing our relationship with our Scheer Ettinger to the position of vice and design industry. Prior to her position contract labs. We have strong rela- president of marketing. there she held vice president of market- wholly-owned lab, joining VSP’s Sacra- tionships with Essilor, Hoya and Zeiss “Robin brings many strengths to the ing positions for several companies mento, California and Columbus, Ohio [which operate some of the contract labs] Sàfilo management team,” said Dick including: Montblanc North America, labs. The lab, which is owned and man- and this move won’t impact those relation- Russo, executive vice pres- DMC Corp., Escada aged by Bill Benedict, Donna Benedict ships.” ident of Sàfilo USA. “Her (USA), Inc. and the and Dennis Benedict, will continue to Commenting on the Legends 4.0 extensive background in World Gold Council. She service its current customer base, purchase, Lynch said, “Legends 4.0 is luxury goods marketing has worked for Liz Clai- according to VSP. The Benedicts will be an outstanding lab and we are very along with her strong borne, Inc. as director of actively involved in the integration with pleased to welcome them into the VSP strategic vision and excep- strategic marketing and VSP. family. This investment helps us tional leadership skills, visual merchandising and “Our intention is to have more com- expand our delivery of high quality make her a true asset to later, as director of mar- pany owned labs in the next 12 to 24 optical products to private practice eye- Sàfilo USA as we continue keting for the company’s months,” Rob Lynch, president and care doctors nationwide. Private prac- to build our multi-channel retail group. Earlier in her chief executive officer of Vision Service tice provides the best patient experi- businesses.” career, Scheer Ettinger Plan (VSP), said. Although Lynch said ence in the market, and our steadfast In her new position, worked for Godiva VSP’s acquisition strategy is “not mar- focus is to strengthen this important Scheer Ettinger will Robin Scheer Ettinger Chocolatier, Inc., serving ried to any specific geographic regions,” delivery system.” direct all marketing activ- first as marketing manag- ities for Sàfilo USA’s optical and retail er and later as group marketing director. Essilor Expands Polarized Distribution, sunglass divisions, as well as the compa- Scheer Ettinger holds an MBA in Acquires Majority Stake in KBco ny’s retail division which encompasses marketing from Farleigh Dickenson the Solstice Sunglass Boutique and Sun- University and a BFA in design from the Luxottica&me DALLAS—Essilor of America, work with Kurt Hollinger, John Olsen sights by Solstice upscale sunwear spe- Philadelphia College of Art. sm (EOA), a subsidiary of Essilor Interna- and their management team to leverage cialty chains. Scheer Ettinger fulfills the responsi- tional, has acquired a majority stake in Essilor’s strength in product research She joins Sàfilo from The National bilities formerly handled by Neal Gor- KBco, one of the largest polarized lens and development, distribution, market- Kitchen and Bath Association where, as don, who left in the company in distributors in the U.S. ing, and financial resources.” director of marketing, she oversaw the August. II Created in 1987 and based in Centen- Kurt Hollinger will remain president nial, Colo., KBco generates annual sales and John Olsen as COO of KBco and of around $31 million. A recognized spe- the rest of the KBco’s current manage- Show Organizers Set New Dates/Day cialist in polarized lenses for the U.S. ment team will remain in place. KBco Pattern for Vision Expo West 2008 ophthalmic optics industry, it supplies will operate as an independent sub- retail chains and eyecare professionals a sidiary of EOA. LAS VEGAS—Show organizers have shifted the dates for next year’s International broad offering of products through an Customers, suppliers and other busi- Vision Expo West in consideration of the Rosh Hashanah holiday. The new dates extensive distribution network of ness partners will continue to interface are Oct. 3 to 5, 2008. These dates represent a new day pattern for the Interna- wholesale laboratories, Essilor noted. with KBco as they do currently. tional Vision Expo West event which will be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday “This acquisition will allow Essilor to “We believe that this acquisition will in 2008, according to an announcement from show organizers. expand our presence in the polarized greatly benefit our customers and “Prior to changing the dates for 2008, we reached out to all of our exhibiting segment of the industry. It will enhance employees alike,” stated Hollinger. and attending customers, and the research results strongly support this date our portfolio of products to support our “Through this acquisition, Essilor and change. The new days, combined with exciting special events, make us confident customer base,” said John Carrier, presi- KBco will be able to utilize the that this change will result in a positive experience for all of our participants,” dent Essilor of America. “KBco will con- strengths of both companies to help our according to show management. II tinue with business as usual. We will customers build their businesses.” II To learn more about Dr. Robert Reed and the advantages of partnering with Luxottica go to www.luxandme.com WEB_PDF 10/16/07 2:54 PM Page 10 M N MO N O N O N D I O D A S I A I S Y I Y V V 10 VISION MONDAY/OCTOBER 22, 2007 www.visionmonday.com www.visionmonday.com VISION MONDAY/OCTOBER 22, 2007 11 O O P P P P IN THE NEWS I I IN THE NEWS T T H I H I C S C S A R A R L E L E N D N A D E W S L E A E W S L E NEWS VIEWS NEWS VIEWS Viva Names Rescigna Chairman, Will Succeed Barkley in ’08 Hilco Acquires OnGuard Safety, Supplier of Rx Frames PITTSBURGH, Pa.— Frank Rescigna dent of sales at Charmant. lead a great team of 600 Viva associates has steadily grown to become a worldwide PLAINVILLE, Mass.—The Hilsinger tion industrial safety frames. The deal, According to Hilsinger president Bob more than 170 Rx safety frame styles has been named to the new position of Stated Robert Gray, chairman and worldwide. I look forward to building on leader in ophthalmic frames and sunglass Company (Hilco) has acquired combined with Hilco’s A-2 safety brand, Nahmias, “Eye protection is an area of across a wide range of materials, func- chairman of the Viva International CEO of HVHC, Inc., “We are very grate- our company’s success and to maintain manufacturing. The company distributes sev- OnGuard Safety Corporation, a Toron- makes Hilco one of the largest Rx safety increasing focus for our company and tionality, and price points. OnGuard’s Group, the eyewear and sunwear manu- ful to Mitch Barkley for the many contri- our sharp focus on creating value for our eral leading designer eyewear collections to, Canada based supplier of prescrip- eyewear companies in the industry. for many of our customers. OnGuard operations have been relocated to facturer, based here, which is a sub- butions that he’s made to the company associates and customers.” In his new including GUESS?, Tommy Hilfiger, fits in perfectly with our business strat- Hilco’s Massachusetts headquarters to sidiary of the Highmark Vision Group during the last 20 years. Over this period, role, Rescigna will report to Gray. GANT, Candie’s, Harley-Davidson, Marc Motive Eyewear Mergers With egy as it enables us to (HVHC, Inc). Mitch Barkley, a 20-year Viva has experienced steady growth and Barkley started at Viva in 1988 in a man- Ecko, Magic Clip, Viva and Savvy eyewear present more innova- “Eye protection is an area of veteran of Viva, who is currently presi- become of the industry’s leaders in eye- agement training position and rose to the and Bongo. Its portfolio also includes distribu- StyleMark, Building Global Portfolio tive growth opportuni- increasing focus for our company dent and CEO of Viva, will continue in wear and sunglass manufacturing, design ranks in sales and marketing before be- tion of Ermenegildo Zegna, Etro, Givenchy, ORMOND BEACH, Fla.—StyleMark our impressive international distribution ties to our valued cus- his present role until the end of this year. and distribution. Given Frank Rescigna’s coming president and then adding the CEO Fila and Escada in North America through continues to build its sunwear, readers network,” continued Ascik. tomers. and for many of our customers.” On Jan. 1, 2008, Rescigna will become extensive vision industry experience, title three years ago. He was involved in the agreements with Italy-based DeRigo S.p.A. and eyewear portfolio with the news Motive, one of the leading sunglass, OnGuard’s commit- president and CEO. including his work with company’s licensing expansion and in the Viva was one of the first American eye- that it has merged with Motive Eye- reading glass, and optical frame distrib- ments to innovation, —Bob Nahmias, Hilsinger HVHC, wholly-owned by fashion brand development, establishment of the company’s internation- wear companies to expand internationally wear. utors in the US and Canada, sells over quality, and customer service have pro- Highmark, Inc., consists of retail store operations and al subsidiaries, distribution and partnerships. and currently maintains offices and direct Motive Eyewear is the holding com- 30 million pair of eyewear under 18 dif- pelled it to a leading market position enable customers to take full advan- Vision Monday Viva Optique, Inc., Davis strategic planning, we know Barkley told , “It has sales forces in the United Kingdom, France, pany for Lantis Eyewear, Personal ferent owned and licensed brands and we are thrilled to join forces with tage of ordering and shipping efficien- Vision, Inc. (one of the coun- that Viva is getting a senior been a very fulfilling 20-year journey. I Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Hong Kong, Optics, Lantis Merchandising Services including Dockers, ESPN, Mudd, such a dynamic, quality company.” cies. OnGuard’s field sales organization try’s largest managed vision executive with outstanding want to thank the people at Viva and, in Australia, Germany, Holland, Austria, and Optimax in Canada. Hilary Duff, Solargenics, and Kathy Van Optiq, an affiliated company of will remain unchanged. care companies and operator credentials and leadership particular, Harvey Ross, for the opportu- Switzerland, Spain, and Portugal. In total, StyleMark, based here, is the holding Zeeland, StyleMark stated. OnGuard, is not involved with the Founded in 1956, The Hilsinger of Davis Vision and Empire skills. He’ll be a tremendous nities he’s given me.” the company has global distribution capa- company for StyleScience, Riviera, and Bill DeYo, CEO of Motive Eyewear transaction and will continue to be oper- Company is the largest supplier of II Vision Centers) and Eye asset to the Viva manage- Over the years, Viva International Group bilities in more than 50 countries. Polaroid Eyewear, which sell a diverse added, “We are excited about being part ated by the Nadler family. accessories to eyecare professionals in Care Centers of America. ment team as we continue portfolio of owned and licensed brands, of the StyleMark family. StyleMark has The combined OnGuard/A-2 prod- North America and the U.K. and is a Viva, founded by Harvey to grow our business and including Nine West, Jones New York, an excellent reputation, with strong uct line will be sold under the leading provider of protective eyewear Ross in 1978, was sold in Frank Rescigna enhance Viva’s presence as New Eyefinity President Steve Baker Polaroid, Speedo, NASCAR, Disney, brands and distribution in a broad range OnGuard umbrella and will consist of for industrial and sports applications. II February 2005 to Pittsburgh, an industry leader.” Plans More Private-Practice Support Hello Kitty and Revlon, with distribu- of channels. Our reading glass line and Pa.-based Highmark Inc. Said Rescigna, “Viva is one of the tion across a broad array of retail chan- optical frame lines will compliment an NAVCP, Transitions Release Consensus Rescigna has 30 years of experience industry’s great companies, with a proud RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.— frame-ordering Web site designed to nels including department stores, mid- already strong portfolio of products.” in the optical industry. He was most history, outstanding talent and enviable Although new in his role as president of enhance ECPs’ ability to stay current tier stores, and mass merchants. Motive Eyewear will continue to main- Paper from April Roundtable recently president of 1-800-CLIP-ONS positions in many of its product lines and Internet portal Eyefinity, Steve Baker with the most popular frame styles. StyleMark acquired the Polaroid Eye- tain their design offices in New York INDIANAPOLIS—The National Asso- members and the industry at large, unify- and prior to that served as president and services. It’s a great honor to join its lead- pledges to maintain the “mission” of The new “Top Sellers” feature high- wear International business, the eye- and distribution based in Anaheim, ciation of Vision Care Plans and Transi- ing them behind a consistent and con- CEO of Marcolin USA and vice presi- ership team and have the opportunity to Eyefinity and its parent, Vision Service lights the five top-selling frames in the wear division of Polaroid Corporation, Calif. tions Optical are making available a con- certed HR and consumer education Plan (VSP): helping the private-practice nearly 200 collections available to eBuy owned by Petters Group Worldwide, in The companies will maintain their sensus paper summarizing discussions effort,” he said. CooperVision Realigns Management, practitioner. users. March of this year. own design, marketing, and sales teams from a NAVCP medical advisor round- “The medical aspects of vision wear Baker, who took over the top job at This month Eyefinity is also making “StyleMark is excited about this fan- to allow customers unique choices with- table, held during the association’s annu- is one area that clearly needs to be Shone Is Now President of CooperVision Eyefinity in late September, has spent available its second “Best Practices” tastic growth opportunity. We will in each company’s brands, StyleMark’s al conference in April. The event, sup- defined and is well supported by the FAIRPORT, N.Y.—The CooperVision Jeff McLean continues as president of more than seven years in information guide, called “Practice Made Perfect, extend Motive Eyewear’s brand pres- statement said. Overall, StyleMark will ported by an educational grant through consensus paper,” said Pat Huot, busi- division of The Cooper Companies the Americas; however, in addition to opera- technology and business development An Eight Step Guide to Profitable Eye- ence globally and take advantage of the sell over 70 million pair of eyewear, gen- the Transitions Partners in Education ness manager, managed vision care, for (NYSE: COO) made changes to its man- tions, McLean will oversee distribution and positions with the company. He has seen wear.” The guide identifies and details synergies that exist between the two erating approximately $360 million in program, addressed the need for con- Transitions. “Because eyeglasses are agement structure that will take effect Nov. packaging throughout the U.S., Canada, Eyefinity’s business change over that eight specific steps ECPs can imple- companies,” said Mark Ascik, Style- sales. The company will distribute in 67 sumer education on the value of vision often seen as a fashion accessory—as 1, including the appointment of Thomas Latin America, Mexico and South America. period from primarily orders coming ment to improve their capture rate and Mark CEO. “StyleMark now has the countries with over 800,000 square feet care plans. shown by the amount of time spent on Shone as president, CooperVision U.S. “Now that the acquisition and inte- through VSP programs to increase their lens sales by opportunity to drive global growth by of distribution and manufacturing along The resulting paper, “Addressing the selecting frames versus lenses— Shone, who joined CooperVision in gration of Ocular Sciences’ business is the point where today more up to 10 percent, according extending Motive’s brand portfolio into with 800 employees. II Need for Education on the Value of they’re not always recognized as a 1990, was previously senior complete within the than half that business— to the company. Vision Care Plans,” identifies the lack of device to protect and enhance vision. vice president of strategic Americas, CooperVision from about 24,000 private- Based on the advice of Pearle Europe Parent HAL Holding emphasis on vision “The medical aspects of vision wear marketing. As president of can move forward in a practice eyecare profession- experienced practitioners, care in comparison to CooperVision U.S., he will robust and passionate way als—is non-VSP-related. the new guide is available for Acquires Two Brazilian Chains dental and other is one area that clearly needs to be be responsible for the orga- with a focus on offering In his new role Baker download from Eyefinity’s MONTE CARLO—HAL Holding, parent of Fotoptica has 68 stores (39 of health benefits pack- defined and well supported by the nization’s sales, marketing, unmatched service to eye- took over all responsibilities Web site, www.eyefinity.com. the Pearle Europe chain and other Euro- them franchised) in the Brazilian ages, and stresses a customer service and profes- care providers, while related to Eyefinity previ- “We have the ability to pean optical retailers, recently acquired states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, need to educate con- consensus paper.”—Pat Huot, Transitions sional relations functions. expanding our product ously held by Don Yee, for- assemble and deliver a two Brazilian optical retail chains. Rio de Janeiro and Santa Catarina. sumers—and HR Steve Reiman has been portfolio and achieving mer senior VP of marketing Steve Baker great set of Best Practices The first acquisition, completed in HAL said that chain’s 2006 net professionals—on the importance of reg- We need to make sure consumers named VP of strategic market growth,” said and corporate development guides, along with sales- mid-September, was of Fábrica de sales were approximately €21 mil- ular eyecare and quality vision wear in understand the everyday health bene- accounts; Mark Bertolin will McLean. “These changes for VSP and chief executive officer of and-marketing programs and other ele- Óculos, based in Salvador, Brazil. lion. achieving overall health and wellness. fits that lens options, such as anti- Thomas Shone become VP of sales develop- to our organization will the VSP family of companies. ments,” Baker said. “We’re trying to Fábrica de Óculos owns 29 stores The Fotoptica transaction is “To ensure eyecare receives the recog- reflective coatings and photochromics, ment and technology. allow for this focus, and Baker told VM Eyefinity is now look- challenge private practitioners to look located in the Brazilian states of expected to close before the end of nition it deserves from HR professionals, can provide.” Reiman previously was senior director of will successfully align us for future ing to enhance its current services to beyond the medical operations of their Bahia and Sergipe. The chain did November. and ultimately consumers, we must The NAVCP board is currently inside sales; in his new role, he will focus growth.” ECPs, while exploring new avenues as practices, because we believe the approximately €14 million in sales These were HAL’s second and third change their perceptions of vision care reviewing the consensus paper and on serving regional and mid-sized opto- Reiman and Bertolin will report to well. “We will continue to make mean- patient is served that much better with last year, according to HAL. acquisitions of optical chains this plans and make sure they truly under- making plans for task force develop- metric businesses. Bertolin, previously Shone, as will Mary Angrisani, VP of ingful progress with both administrative a great experience after the medical In mid-October, HAL signed an year. On April 30, the company stand the link between eye- and overall- ment in 2008. Industry professionals can senior director of digital marketing, will professional sales; Paul Soik, senior VP components and the business side of exchange with the doctor.” agreement Brazilian optical and closed on the acquisition of a 30 health,” said Steve Ingram, NAVCP request a copy of the paper, or download now focus on sales force development as of corporate accounts; and Nikki Iravani, private practice,” he said. Also on the drawing board are “Web- photo chain Fotoptica, based in São percent interest in Swiss optical executive director. “We are hopeful the a PDF version, via the NAVCP Web well as the ongoing advancement of cus- OD, VP of clinical and professional For example, Eyefinity recently inar” online educational programs for Paulo. chain Visilab.II strategies discussed during the round- site, www.NAVCP.org or the Transitions tomer support technologies. affairs. II launched a new feature on its eBuy ECPs, he noted. —Cathy Ciccolella table will serve as a call-to-action for our Web site, www.Transitions.com. II WEB_PDF 10/16/07 2:54 PM Page 12 N MO N I O D A I S Y V 12 VISION MONDAY/OCTOBER 22, 2007 www.visionmonday.com O P P IN THE NEWS I T H I C S A R L E N D E W S L E A NEWS VIEWS Vision-Ease Licenses Coppertone New Law in Illinois Requires Eye For Polarized Lenses Exams for Children Entering School RAMSEY, Minn.—Vision-Ease Lens cent of reflected glare as well as guard SPRINGFIELD, Ill.—With the support examinations at various grade levels has entered into a partnership with against HEV (high energy visible) light. of the Illinois Federation of Teachers may be required when deemed neces- Schering-Plough HealthCare Products to “This extension of the Coppertone (IFT) and the Illinois Optometric Associ- sary by school authorities. license the company’s Coppertone brand is quite logical, since the key ben- ation (IOA), the General Assembly “Comprehensive eye exams are the brand for a line of polarized polycarbon- efit of Coppertone sunscreen is protec- passed SB 641 into law this month, best way to diagnose eye and vision ate sun lenses. Through the agreement, tion from sun damage,” said Ness. “Our requiring comprehensive eye examina- problems in children early, before they which covers North America, Vision- partnership with Schering-Plough Health- tions for children entering kindergarten or interfere with a child’s ability to learn,” Ease Lens will manufacture Coppertone Care Products, Inc., boosts both of our enrolling for the first time in public, pri- said Charlotte Neilsen, OD, president branded lenses that will feature its offerings to collaboratively protect con- vate, or parochial elementary schools in of the Illinois Optometric Association patented polarized film technology. sumers from the sun.” Illinois. Acting on behalf of students, par- and a Grayslake optometrist. “The IOA “Coppertone is best Coppertone prescription lenses will ents and teachers, the General Assembly is proud to support true leaders like known for its overrode Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s amenda- Sen. Deanna Demuzio (D-Carlinville) commitment tory veto. Illinois becomes the third state and Rep. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) and the to superior in the U.S. that requires eye exams for Illinois Federation of Teachers in the sun protec- children entering public schools. effort to make children’s vision and tion,” said The amendatory veto would have classroom learning a top priority. Michael Ness, allowed various health professionals Thanks to the General Assembly’s lead- vice president who are not specifically trained in the ership, Illinois now leads the nation If all you see of sales and eye and who may not have the appro- with the best eye health care require- marketing, priate equipment to perform eye exams. ments for children.” Vision-Ease Lens. “With the trust of the be available in single-vision, bifocals and The General Assembly rejected that Illinois joins Kentucky and Missouri are lenses, Coppertone name, we will be able to Illumina progressive lenses. The lenses approach, insisting that only qualified as the third state in the nation requiring help educate consumers about polar- are offered in HEV brown, with a gray eye doctors—such as optometrists and eye exams for children entering public ized sun lenses and relay the message version to follow. ophthalmologists—can conduct exams. schools. Since the Kentucky law requir- why not take that sun protection for your eyes is just In the first quarter of 2008, Vision- “Clear and comfortable vision is ing eye exams was enacted seven years as important as sun protection for your Ease will kick off a Coppertone promo- essential for learning, and this new law ago, 13 percent of Kentucky children skin.” tional program through wholesale and will help Illinois children succeed and have been identified as needing correc- another look? According to Vision-Ease, Coppertone ECP channels, said Jay Lusignan, Vision- reach their full potential,” Ed Geppert, tive lenses, 3.4 percent diagnosed with polarized lenses block 100 percent of Ease marketing communications man- Jr., president of the IFT, said. “This amblyopia, and 2.3 percent diagnosed harmful UV light and eliminate 97 per- ager. II measure will help children read and see with strabismus. chalkboards more clearly. All Illinois “Vision disorders are considered the children deserve the tools they need to fourth most common disability in the Transitions can help you take better care of Shamir Honors Labs, ECPs fulfill their potential, and our students U.S., though many vision problems in will benefit from this law.” children are preventable or treatable if both your patients and your business. At 10th Anniversary Party The new law takes effect Jan. 1, 2008, caught early on,” said Peter H. Kehoe, LAS VEGAS—Shamir requiring eye exams within one year OD, FAAO, president-elect of the AOA Insight drew over 300 prior to kindergarteners starting school and a Galesburg optometrist. “With Producing the world's leading photochromic lenses is an important part of what we do. But guests to its annual cus- in the fall, and for all students who are nearly 25 percent of school-age children that's not all there is to Transitions Optical. We can actually help you promote and provide tomer appreciation party entering a school in Illinois for the first suffering from vision problems, this law held at the Venetian time. Proof of the required eye exami- is necessary to help detect problems better vision care. The Transitions® Partners in Education™ program offers product and Hotel during Internation- nation must be submitted by Oct. 15 of and treat and prevent diseases that can clinical education along with counseling to help you better examine your patients and al Vision Expo West. The each school year. Additional vision cause vision loss.” II lens company, which was recommend eyewear that promotes long-term eye health. The Transitions® Healthy Sight celebrating its 10th Hoya Names ‘Go for the Green’ for Life Fund helps eye health–related causes around the world, while our outreach and anniversary, used the occasion to present sever- Winner at Drawing Held at Expo educational programs offer tools for teaching eye health in schools. And our consumer al special awards. Market LAS VEGAS—John Cheng of Torrance, advertising and public relations programs help bring more patients to you while raising Optical of Washington Calif., won Hoya Vision Care’s “Go for was named ECP of the the Green” drawing at Vision Expo awareness of our shared concern about sun damage. These are just a few of the ways we Year; Prodigy Optical of West in Las Vegas. Each day at Vision can help. If you'd like to see more, contact us. 1.800.848.1506 transitions.com Richmond, Minn. was George Lee, president of Rite-Style Optical (second from left), accept- Expo West, attendees registered to have named Emerging Lab of ing Shamir Insight’s Lab of the Year award from, left to right, Matt a chance to become one of 10 daily Lytle, Lance Bergeron and Raanan Naftalovich of Shamir Insight. John Cheng of Torrance, Calif. the Year; Cheryl Boehm semi-finalists for the grand prize draw- exulting as he was named the of Walman Optical, Minneapolis, Minn. end of each day, Shamir raffled off a stay ing, a Lexus GS 450h two-year lease or winner of Hoya’s “Go for the was named Lab Sales Consultant of the at the Ritz Carlton. The three lucky a cash option of $30,000. Attendees were Green” drawing. He chose the cash option of $30,000. Lenses meet AOA Year; Rite-Style Optical of Omaha, Neb. grand prize winners were Ray Chin of also eligible for the daily drawing for two specifications for blockage recommended of UVA and UVB rays. 1 was named Lab of the Year. Santa Clarita, Calif., Tyson Kales of GPS units and two ipods. motion information is available from any # Shamir’s Deluxe Diamond Giveaway Reno, Nev. and Nancy Spears of Grand “Eyecare professionals who sell qual- Hoya authorized distributor or by visit- promotion was a big hit with show Rapids, Mich. ifying Hoyalux progressive lenses can ing www.hoyagogreen.com,” said Steve attendees. Participants walked away The night ended with a bang, when still enter to win the Lexus GS 450h Koufos, vice president of marketing and with commemorative fans, Shamir free- Shamir gave away a one-carat diamond and many other enticing prizes through strategic planning for Hoya Vision Care, fits and diamond set watches. At the to an unsuspecting partygoer. II our Go for the Green promotion. Pro- North America.II Transitions and the swirl are registered trademarks and Healthy sight in every light and Transitions Partners in Education are trademarks of Transitions Optical, Inc. ©2007 Transitions Optical, Inc. Photochromic performance is influenced by temperature, UV exposure, and lens material. WEB_PDF 10/16/07 2:54 PM Page 14 N MO N I O D A I S Y V 14 VISION MONDAY/OCTOBER 22, 2007 www.visionmonday.com Yoga and meditation O P P IN THE NEWS I allow me to center and T H I C S A R L E N A D ‘‘ E W S L E regroup myself from the hecticness of modern life. As I believe in trying to live and perform NEWS VIEWS at my own highest level, Luxottica’s devotion‘‘ Jon Gruen, With Harvey Ross as Partner, to Buy Back Grueneyes to excellence resonates NEW YORK—Optical retailing veter- Ten years later, he expanded that orig- ship goes back more than 30 well with me. an, Jon Gruen, is buying back the inal store and over the next nine years years. We are good friends and eight-unit Grueneyes high-end optical opened a series of additional locations have similar ideas. He’s one of DR. JIYEN SHIN, O.D. retail stores from Toronto-based HSD on the East and West Sides of Man- the most knowledgeable people Golden Vision Optometric Centers Partners and will be returning to hattan, including a store in East in the optical industry and will Los Angeles, CA active involvement in the optical Hampton, N.Y. be a great advisor to the busi- industry as president and CEO of the He sold an 80 percent interest in ness.” new company. Gruen to HSD Partners in 2000, He continued, “We are inter- Gruen’s partner in the deal is Harvey remaining on the board for a few years, ested in expanding the opera- Ross, founder and former chairman of and ended his involvement in July tion, where it makes sense. We Viva International Group, who is partic- 2003, focusing on the real estate busi- will continue to target a fashion- ipating through his company, Ross ness and other activities since then. able, sophisticated clientele with Holdings, and will be chairman of the Under then-CEO Terry Smith, HSD the highest quality professional Grueneyes currently has eight loactions. This interior is in new company, playing a strategic advi- changed the names of the stores to and personal customer service. Greenwich, Conn. sory role. Grueneyes, and an additional store There is also a real opportunity for us to “I’ve known Jon for a long time and The two told Vision Monday that opened in Greenwich, Conn. focus on unique product that can set our really look forward to working with him the agreement was signed last month Gruen told VM, “In the last couple of stores apart from competitors.” on Grueneyes. We definitely see a need and that the deal closed by the end of years, a few suitors began to inquire Stated Ross, who has also become out there to develop stores that have a September. about buying the operation. But I began involved in real estate, entertainment unique niche.” Jon Gruen started his first Gruen discussing the situation with Harvey and other investments since he sold The new company will be based in Optika store in Manhattan in 1971. Ross, after he sold Viva—our relation- Viva to Highmark in February 2005, New York. II Internet Eyewear Purchases Seen Growing: VisionWatch LAS VEGAS—Although few con- bought readers said they had used the sumers currently use the Internet to buy Internet in any capacity when making Consumers Using the Internet—In Any Capacity— their eyewear, the Web is expected to those purchases. To Buy Eyewear 8.0% grow as a tool for purchases of prescrip- Of the 1,206 consumers responding tion eyeglasses, sunwear and non-Rx to the survey who had recently bought readers, according to the latest con- Rx eyewear, only four had bought that sumer survey by VisionWatch released eyewear online; of the 554 who bought 5.9% on the eve of International Vision Expo non-Rx readers, only four of those as West at a meeting of the Vision Council well made their purchases via the of America (VCA) statistics committee. Internet. And just 83 of the 2,400 VisionWatch, a continuing survey of respondents who had purchased sun- 100,000 consumers annually, is a collab- glasses bought their plano sunwear oration of VCA and Jobson Optical online. Luxottica&me Research. Kodey said the VisionWatch survey 2.7% According to Steve Kodey, VCA’s indicates that many consumers avoid sm director of optical industry research, the Web for buying eyewear because while the Internet is used by many they like selecting and trying on frames consumers for general retail shop- in person. A significant number of “Only a small minority are currently using the Web to Rx Sunglasses Plano Sunglasses Non-Rx Readers shop for eyewear.” SOURCE: VISIONWATCH, A STUDY CONDUCTED BY JOBSON/VCA —Steve Kodey, dents aged 18 to 34, 25.5 percent said wear sales is FramesDirect.com, whose Vision Council of America they might use the Internet to examine founders—Dhavid Cooper, OD, and or determine the eyewear brand to be Guy Hodgson, OD—spoke at the purchased, while 16.5 percent of that VCA meeting. They said the 10-year- ping—with about of half of those sur- respondents also said they didn’t use the group said they would go online to old site gets between 30,000 and veyed reporting they went online to Internet because they already had a examine or determine the retailer from 40,000 visits daily, and does “tens of shop—“only a small minority are cur- trusted relationship with their eyewear which to buy. thousands” of Rx eyewear and sun- rently using the Web to shop for eye- retailer. However, only 10.2 percent of this wear sales annually. wear.” When VisionWatch queried con- As for future buying intentions, indi- age group said they would use the Inter- FramesDirect.com uses proprietory sumers who had recently bought cations are that young and/or wealthy net to “possibly” buy eyewear, while FrameFinder technology to let prospec- eyeglasses, sunglasses or readers about Americans, as well as those who another 7.3 percent said they would tive customers “try on” eyewear; Coop- their buying process, only 8 percent of already use the Internet for shopping “probably” use the Web to make an er and Hodgson urged eyewear vendors respondents who had purchased sun- functions, are most likely to use the eyewear purchase. at the meeting to work with them to wear, 5.9 percent of Rx eyeglass pur- Web with greater frequency in the One company with strong confi- display their collections on the site. chasers and 2.7 percent of those who future. Among VisionWatch respon- dence about the future of online eye- —Cathy Ciccolella To learn more about Dr. Jiyen Shin and the advantages of partnering with Luxottica go to www.luxandme.com WEB_PDF 10/16/07 2:54 PM Page 16 O N MO N I D A I S Y V 16 VISION MONDAY/OCTOBER 22, 2007 www.visionmonday.com O P P IN THE NEWS I T H I C S A R L D E N E W S L E A NEWS VIEWS Advanced Medical Optics Realigns Management, Brings in New CFO Vision Dynamics Acquires Assets SANTA ANA, Calif.—Advanced Med- business and global customer services Of R.I.-Based Sungate ical Optics (NYSE: EYE) has hired a function. Meier also maintains his exist- new chief financial officer, while realign- ing management responsibilities for LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Vision Dynamics, par- tion Technology. These lenses stabi- ing responsibilities of two members of AMO’s eyecare business and global man- ent company of Optical Dynamics, has lize the neutral colors and magnify its management team. ufacturing and supply chain operations. acquired all the assets of Sungate LLC the primary colors, thereby enhanc- Effective Oct. 15, Michael Lambert C. Russell Trenary III, previously of Warwick, R.I. Sungate was owned by ing contrast and increasing depth becomes the company’s executive vice president of the company’s cataract/ Bob Miniutti, who co-owns Vision perception. president and chief financial officer. implant business, is now executive vice Dynamics together with Daniel “This acquisition broadens our port- Lambert was previously senior vice president of global public policy and Beaulieu. The purchase price was not folio of technological breakthroughs president and CFO of Quest Software. medical education, encompassing all of disclosed. expanding our product line and accel- Richard (Randy) Meier, who has been AMO’s businesses and product lines. Sungate uses patented processes erating market growth,” said Jeff Advanced Medical Optics’ CFO and Both Meier and Trenary continue to that converts clear polycarbonate Plank, chief executive officer of Vision chief operating officer, continues as COO report directly to James Mazzo, chair- lenses to proprietary eyewear, safe- Dynamics. with additional responsibility for manage- man, president and chief executive offi- ty wear and sunwear products. The Sungates’ production facility will ment of the company’s cataract/implant cer, as does Lambert. II company’s Uniform Density Technol- be moved to the Vision Dynamics ogy (UDT) enables sunlenses with IR facility in Louisville Kentucky within Crystal Clear Vision Names Drawing Winner protection to be produced without the next 30 days, according to Vision tinting, according to Vision Dynam- Dynamics. LAS VEGAS—Frame vendor Crystal ing frames, according to Steve Jacovsky, ics. In January, 2007, Vision Dynam- Clear Vision Group held a drawing at national director of sales and marketing. With UDT any color lens can be ics acquired all the assets, patents International Vision Expo West. The win- Among the inventory were samples from created without fading or “bull’s-eye” and trademarks of Optical Dynam- ner—Snow Canyon Eye Center of St. the company’s new Katana line featuring issues. Another company creation is ics, an ophthalmic lens technology George, Utah—was presented with a 40- a variety of fashion forward designs includ- called Color Mag Spectral Amplifica- supplier. II place inventory of the company’s best sell- ing a collection of aluminum styles. II 2007 ADULT EYE EXAM EXPERIENCE INSIGHT SURVEY NOW AVAILABLE!