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MARCH 17, 2008 VOL. 22 NO. 3 $15 M

Buy a Frame. Plant a Tree. Summit Acquisition by Houchens facilitates Global expansion by Cohen’s Cool the Globe. April 9, 2008 in NYC Fashion Optical See For every Global ReLeaf frame purchased, Register at www.visionmonday.com our ad American Forests will plant a tree. page 8 inside for www.NouveauEyewear.com details. 800.292.4342

www.visionmonday.com MARCH 17, 2008 VOL. 22 NO. 3 $15

MondayThe Newsmagazine for the Eye Care Industry

NEWSMAKERS Building the Modern Independent “Super” Charmant USA at 25 A look back at this titanium leader’s achievements and the Practice firm’s plans for the future. page 14

EXAM LANES The SECO Scene SECO Int’l sees increase in atten- dance; Bill Lord, OD, installed as new president. page 45

• A Q&A with Barney Dougher, president of Hoya Vision Care North America. page 10 • Federal Appeals Court rules Today’s independent eyecare professionals are on the move. Many of the most suc- VSP not entitled to federal cessful “super” practices are as proactive about their eyecare delivery as they are tax exemption; not-for-profit company to appeal. page 16 about the business of dispensing. Vision Monday takes a look at four such prac- tices to highlight how these groups are carving out an important niche for their • Updated environment, sleek- businesses and the markets they serve. Page 39 er mix drives Sunglass Hut growth worldwide. page 26

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IN THIS ISSUE EDITOR’S NOTE

News Steps to Success: Not the Same Old Thing U.S. Vision chain to take over leased opticals in BJ’s Clubs ...... 8 One of my favorite quotes attitude to how a practice is run, even if that’s OWA to honor De Long has always been the one meant past success, isn’t always healthy. It does- with Pleiades Award ...... 19 from Albert Einstein: “The n’t mean that change for change’s sake is Cooper Companies names definition of ‘insanity’ is absolutely necessary but actually, it can be a good head of CL unit ...... 20 doing the same thing over idea to be proactive about considering new ideas JMI acquires Gerber Communications, 32 Practice Advancement Associates . . 22 and over again and expect- and implementing them. New speakers set for VM’s ing different results.” All of the independents we feature in this Global Summit ...... 28 We’re all a bit guilty of month’s Cover Story are taking actions to stay Expo East Conference Preview 36 Marge Axelrad this in our lives and working ahead and in control of their positions in their Scene & Heard Editorial Director worlds, which I guess means local and regional markets and in the minds of Drivewear launched in Trinidad we’re all just a bit crazy. their patients. They are building and rebuilding; & Tobago ...... 26 But I was struck by the way some people in they are planning and accommodating change; SECO Int’l draws ECPs from 36 across nation ...... 32 fact do step out of the norm and try to reinvent they are investing in systems that not only help Exam Lanes their businesses when we were putting together them manage their business and daily time bet- Luxottica gets aggressive with the “super practices” profiles we feature in this ter and more profitably but are using technolo- EyeMed managed vision plan . . . . 45 month’s VM. gies to ‘wow’ patients during the exam and dis- Retail Dispensary The optical marketplace and vision care envi- pensing process. Launches ronment of 2008 is certainly unlike the one that Finding ways to spark new perceptions of eye- Charmant introduces decorative existed 10 or even five years ago. The competi- wear and communicate the real “value’ of eye- ladies titanium ...... 46 45 tive landscape is different. Modern technology is care, its complexity and scope, to patients is the A&A Optical bows XXL sun . . . . . 48 Second Looks different. The consumer is different. Vision care next successful horizon for independent ECPs Fendi offers new styles solutions are different. The economy is different. and all optical retailers. for Spring ’08 ...... 50 To remain unchanged in one’s approach and And there’s nothing loony about that. ■■ Allison presents new styles in the Dunhill Collection ...... 51 Nine West celebrates 10 years WHAT’S ONLINE in optical ...... 52 50 Columns F.Y.Eye ...... 54 Contact Lenses ...... 56 Inside the Lab Santinelli introduces new Extra entry-level edger ...... 58 Business Essentials 52 Visionmonday.com VMail EXTRA VM Archives OptiStock Anticipating workplace changes in 2008 ...... 66 Visit our new site, Be ‘in the know.’ Sub- As a VMail EXTRA For the latest stock quotes, Opinion completely redesigned, scribe to this e-news subscriber, search financial and investment reorganized with search The ‘business’ of giving ...... 68 service. Twice a week beyond the Current news for publicly traded by rank or date, new plus “Breaking News” and Last Issues of VM vision care companies, go Balance Sheet navigation and exclusive in HTML. Your sub- to review and access to www.visionmonday.com Advanced Medical Optics posts “On the Web” stories losses for Q4, FY ’07 ...... 70 and up-to-date scription lets you access thousands of VM news and click on the FGX ’07 sales rise 14.9 percent industry news. visionmonday.com stories, special reports OptiStock button to $240.5 million ...... 70 58 features and archives. and company profiles. on the left.

8 VISION MONDAY/MARCH 17, 2008 IN THE NEWS www.visionmonday.com

NEWS VIEWS Houchens Acquisition to Aid Cohen’s Growth

NEW YORK—With the and looks forward to them Most of the GVS stores will be convert- purchase on Feb. 29 by continuing to manage and ed to the Cohen’s Fashion Optical format, Bowling Green, Ky.-based grow the business.” a process that has already begun with the Houchens Industries, Inc. Cohen, who will contin- conversion of four GVS stores to date, of the franchise division of ue in his current role Cohen said. In addition, Cohen’s has Cohen’s Fashion Optical, directing and overseeing opened three new stores this year, includ- one of the largest optical daily operations of the ing one in Puerto Rico and two in Massa- chains in the U.S., Cohen’s business, along with chusetts; another in Fairfield, Conn., will expansion will be accelerat- Cohen’s Fashion Optical’s open next month and more locations are ed via new franchises as current management being explored in New York City and well as potential acquisi- team, pointed out that other markets, for a total of about 10 this tions within the next sever- Cohen’s has experienced year, he noted. al years, Robert Cohen, record double-digit sales “By 2009, we should be expanding at president and CEO of gains in the past several the rate of about 25 stores per year,” Cohen’s told VM. years. according to Cohen. Houchens, Cohen point- “We have been outpac- The 106 stores generated sales of ed out, a diversified con- ing the industry. We approximately $115 million in 2007, glomerate, is one of the The exterior of a Cohen’s Optical store in the Queens Center Mall in Queens, N.Y. believe that our proven Cohen said. The terms of the cash deal country’s largest 100 per- market positioning, the were undisclosed. cent employee-owned (ESOP) firms, opportunities permit,” Cohen said. strength of our advertising and marketing The Cohen’s chain was launched in with current revenues of almost $2 bil- “This acquisition truly marks a mile- and the commitment of our franchisee 1924 with a single optical store in New lion. The company owns some 22 busi- stone in the 80-year-plus history of our owners has contributed to our success York City; it began franchising in 1978. nesses including insurance agencies, recy- company.” and there is great opportunity in the mar- Prior to the Houchens acquisition, cling companies, construction firms, Web Said Jimmie Gipson, chairman of ket today to build upon that,” Cohen Cohen’s Fashion Optical was owned by developers, grocery stores and others. Houchens, “The acquisition represents said. brothers Robert Cohen, OD, and Alan “This move will enable us to finance an opportunity to further diversify our The purchase covers 106 franchised Cohen, OD. further expansion under the Cohen’s business operations into a new area and Cohen’s stores in the Northeast and The Cohen families also own Gener- umbrella, both within the markets in territory.” Spencer Coates, the company’s Florida, primarily in the greater New al Vision Services; Alan Cohen is CEO which we currently operate as well as president, said Houchens “is excited to York/New Jersey area. Of those, the of GVS and Jeffrey Cohen, Robert’s son, into new territories across the country, as be working with Cohen management Cohen family is retaining 30 franchised is president. optical locations, consisting of 14 Bob Cohen is also a shareholder of Essilor Posts 8.1 Percent Cohen’s Fashion Optical locations as Sterling Optical parent Emerging Vision; well as 16 General Vision Services Alan Cohen is chairman of that compa- Revenue Gain in FY 2007 (GVS) stores. ny’s board. ■■ CHARENTON-LE-PONT, France— every region of the world. Sales in Essilor International (ESSI.PA) posted Europe grew 9.1 percent, or 6.2 percent €2,908.1 million in consolidated revenue like-for-like, to €1,317.5 million. In Refac U.S. Vision Chain Takes Over for the year ended Dec. 31, 2007, up 8.1 North America, sales reached €1,207.8 Leased Opticals in BJ’s Wholesale percent from year ago. On a like-for-like million, up 5.0 percent, or 8.1 percent basis, revenue grew 8.0 percent, on a par like-for-like. Revenues in Asia-Pacific BLACKWOOD, N.J.—Refac Optical During Luxottica’s Investor Day pro- with the previous year. Higher unit sales grew to €266.9 million, up 14.5 percent, Group’s U.S. Vision chain, which spe- gram early last month, the positioning of accounted for 5 percent of the increase, or 13.4 percent like-for-like. In Latin cializes in leased optical departments, the BJ’s Wholesale optical departments with an improved price-mix adding the America, sales rose to €109.5 million, an is taking over the operation of 156 was described as “not in alignment with other 3 percent. 18.6 percent increase, or 15.6 percent leased departments in BJ’s Wholesale the Licensed Brands strategy.” According Consolidation of companies acquired like-for-like. warehouse clubs, effective March 17. to Kerry Bradley, chief operating officer of in 2006 and 2007 contributed 4 percent Essilor attributed its growth to several The BJ’s Optical departments were pre- Luxottica Retail, at that event, “It’s a nice of reported growth. According to Essilor, key factors, most notably an improve- viously operated by Luxottica Group’s Lux- business, but not a major one for us.” the currency effect shifted to a sharply ment in the product mix led by firm ottica Retail division. Luxottica executives Luxottica inherited the BJ’s Wholesale negative 3.8 percent, primarily due to growth in progressive lenses such as Var- announced on Feb. 7 that the company lease agreement when it acquired Cole the decline in the U.S. dollar and, to a ilux Physio, Definity, Anateo/Accolade), would let its license agreement with Natick, Vision and Cole’s Licensed Brands oper- lesser extent, the Canadian dollar, the medium and high-index lenses, Transi- Mass.-based BJ’s lapse. ation in late 2004. Japanese yen and the British pound tions variable-tint lenses and anti-reflec- A spokesperson for BJ’s told VM the Dave Pierson, Refac Optical Group’s against the euro. tive coatings. Other factors included optical departments were operated by president and chief executive officer, con- Contribution from operations was ongoing external growth, with the acqui- Luxottica through March 15. “They all firmed that this agreement represents €527.4 million, or 18.1 percent of rev- sition during the year of 16 new compa- closed on the 16th to transition over to U.S. Vision’s first leased departments in enue, versus €482.6 million, or 17.9 per- nies. Further profitability gains, with U.S. Vision, then reopen on March 17,” a warehouse club host environment. The cent of revenue, in 2006, up 9.3 percent. contribution from operations rising to she explained. The warehouse-club chain addition of the BJ’s units brings Refac’s Operating profit for 2007 rose 9.6 per- 18.1 percent of revenue and profit attrib- currently operates 177 BJ's Wholesale store count to 678 locations, according cent to €504.6 million. utable to equity holders reaching 12.6 Clubs in 16 states; 156 of those clubs to Pierson. ■■ Essilor reported strong growth in percent. ■■ have optical.

10 VISION MONDAY/MARCH 17, 2008 IN THE NEWS www.visionmonday.com

NEWS VIEWS Hoya Vision Care Raises Its U.S. Profile By Andrew Karp AR coatings on CR-39 making it in their own lab, or non-Hoya Group Editor, Lenses and Technology [monomer by PPG] lenses facility. The lens design and the compo- way before anybody else did. sition of the material are built in. LEWISVILLE, Texas—Hoya Vision Care We just didn’t do it here. North America has long been recognized Today, Hoya’s got seven VM: If you look around at other by U.S. eyecare professionals for its broad years of history in this coun- industries—or even in our industry— line of lens products and good value. Over try. They had to push their you see Japanese companies usually the past decade, the Lewisville-based com- technology in the U.S. mar- use a lot of home office people to pany, which is the North American arm of ket. When Hoya bought look after their U.S. operations. Japanese optical giant Hoya Vision Care, the ORI group, most peo- Hoya made a change. What effect has enhanced its reputation with the ple here didn’t know we did that have? introduction of advanced progressive make a progressive lens, Dougher: Mr. [Gerry] Bottero [presi- lens designs, materials and coatings. and we make one of the dent of Hoya Vision Care, global] was Although technological innovation con- best in the world. [The the first American to run a global divi- tinues to be Hoya’s primary strength, the ORI group consisted of sev- sion of Hoya. That was a more signifi- company has also developed its market- eral major wholesale labs cant change than me becoming head of Barney Dougher, president of Hoya Vision Care North America. ing capabilities. Over the past two years, whose purchase marked the North American business. Hoya has launched a series of high-visi- That’s always been something Hoya’s Hoya’s entry into the U.S. lab business in The fact of the matter is that Hoya, bility sales and marketing programs that been very good at. If you go back 20 2000.] Hoya had the lab in Bethel, Conn., historically, has always had somebody have raised its U.S. profile significantly. years, they were able to create products which was growing, but they didn’t have from the local country they’re operating Promotions such as the “My Big Fat the customers wanted. Super HiVi- the umbrella of all these locations out in running the company. You’d go to Greek Hoya Getaway” sweepstakes, sion—a great product. Independent there to promote the fact that we had the Germany, and a German man ran the which earned winners a trip to Greece, studies say it’s the best AR in the mar- thinnest material in the world, and the division. You’d go to Sweden, a Swedish and the “Go for the Green” promotion, ketplace. Forty percent of every product best AR coating with index matching, the guy ran it. The only people in the U.S. which offered a grand prize of a Lexus we make has AR coating on it. 1.70 material, and a true 1.6 material that’s that are Japanese are technical people, GS 450h Hybrid with a two-year lease or Hoya free-form design has had phe- one millimeter thick and will pass drop because we have to have them, it’s an $30,000 cash, have boosted demand nomenal growth just in the last seven ball. They needed a way to tell the market absolute. I also have one financial person among eyecare professionals for Hoya’s months that we’ve been manufacturing they had this. So they went out and got who’s Japanese. That’s really it. And porfolio of high-performance lens prod- it in this country. Prior [to that time], we themselves some laboratories. I happened that’s the way it’s been at Hoya. It’s a ucts such as Hoyalux Summit ecp, Super had phenomenal growth on our original to own one of those [labs] they bought. world economy, so you’ve got different HiVision, and Hoya Phoenix while build- iD design, which was the only design of people running parts of businesses. ing customer loyalty. its type in the world. It’s processed in VM: If you buy a Hoya product from Although Hoya’s parent company Germany. But today, because we can a Hoya lab, will the end result be VM: You are the first president of doesn’t break out sales by region, its process it in the U.S.—we process a ver- better than if you were to get a Hoya the Optical Laboratories Association North American business is growing rap- sion of their product—it just continues product from, let’s say, a Zeiss lab, who is also president of a major lens idly due to sales increases by Hoya’s to skyrocket. because of Hoya’s innate understand manufacturer and lab operator. How U.S. lab network as well as its wholesale The Summit line has been exception- of that product? are you balancing those two respon- and retail customers. According to VM’s al all the way through and that product Dougher: No. Hoya lens product and sibilities? Top Labs Report, Hoya Vision Care line has now surpassed our GP Wide designs have built in quality, so it really Dougher: I have some great support labs generated net Rx sales of $200 mil- product line. It consists of the original makes no difference who produces the people at Hoya and the OLA and my lion in 2007, a 19.1 percent increase over Summit CD and Summit ECP. The lenses. AR coatings, on the other hand, duties at Hoya come first, but the OLA 2006. free-form or the Lifestyle iD, is now are different due to our patented sub- is important to all of us that operate labs. To find out what’s driving Hoya’s recent growing at a phenomenal pace. strate matching process. My laboratory They are the true voice of lab operators growth surge, VM recently spoke with division makes substrate-matched AR and I am proud to be able to represent Barney Dougher, president of Hoya Vision VM: In the last two years, Hoya has coatings. So if I’m making a Shamir prod- Hoya and my colleagues in the industry Care North America, at Hoya’s corporate made a lot more noise in the mar- uct, I’m still substrate-matching that to support the needs of lab operators, all headquarters near Dallas. ketplace through marketing pro- product. If it’s Essilor, it’s substrate- sizes small, medium and large. The grams such as giveaways, spiffs and matched. There are economic efficien- OLA is changing. The original bylaws VM: Over the past year-and-a-half, trips. How did Hoya evolve into a cies when you can do those things, but were written back around 1972. The Hoya Vision Care North America marketing-driven company? the quality I don’t believe is different. We organization is not just pure wholesalers has experienced explosive growth. Dougher: We’ve Americanized the mar- deal by a set of standards. Those products anymore. So we’ve been working on According to Vision Monday’s Top keting of Hoya. Hoya’s always been techni- don’t deviate, whether it’s my product or revamping the bylaws. We’re voting on Labs report, your lab business alone cally advanced, and because of that, there’s a Shamir product or it’s an Essilor prod- it right now. We’re in the process of grew by $40 million dollars in 2007. a lot of substance behind our marketing. uct. If I can make that product using sub- redefining what a laboratory is. It’s a What are the key factors igniting We may not have the longevity local- strate matching, if it’s available, that’s changing of the board and the bylaws of the growth? ly that our competitors have selling what I’ll do. It’s a repeatable function. It the board as far as what makes up a labo- Barney Dougher: One of the greatest some of these products, but worldwide goes right in the same process with the ratory, and how the dues are structured. things we’ve ever done is actually creat- we do. Worldwide, we have the most other brands. So it’s changing the bylaws to reflect the ing a brand in this country. We’re the longevity of anybody selling AR coated If a non-Hoya lab makes a Hoya prod- needs of the industry today. only people with Phoenix—our Trivex products on non-mineral materials. We uct, I believe they have a technologically —With contributions from Bill Scott, material. Hoya created that brand. were the founders. Hoya started putting advanced product, even when they are VP/VM Group Publisher

12 VISION MONDAY/MARCH 17, 2008 IN THE NEWS www.visionmonday.com

NEWS VIEWS CIBA’s New CEO, Andrea Saia, Eyes CL Growth

lens category over the next five years. new corporate logo and slogan, Saia also targeted the U.S. CL business redesigning the logo that has at 6 percent growth for the same period, remained relatively unchanged while predicting five-year sales gains for CIBA’s new corporate logo will be phased in on all products since the company was found- CLs of 4.5 percent in Europe, 3 percent by the end of 2009. ed in 1980 and establishing a in Japan and 11 percent in the key new purpose statement: emerging markets. tious, but optimistic because contact “Shared Passion for Healthy Vision and “The daily disposable and silicone lenses are seen by consumers less and Better Life.” hydrogel segments have been showing less as a luxury product and more as a The first product to carry the new logo the lion’s share of growth, and we expect basic need. The U.S. is the fastest-grow- will be the upcoming Air Optix for Newly named CIBA Vision CEO Andrea Saia (c) that to continue,” she noted, adding, ing market worldwide, so if in the short Astigmatism CL; CIBA plans a full tran- chats with CIBA’s Francesco Balestrieri (l), president, North America, and Rick Weisbarth, OD, VP/global “CIBA Vision believes silicone hydrogel term the economy will not allow the sition to the new corporate identity by head of professional development and partnerships. will grow to become the world’s most same growth rates as the last four the end of 2009, said Rick Weisbarth, important contact lens material over the months, it’s still an exciting market.” OD, vice president/global head of pro- ATLANTA—Despite the country’s cur- next few years.” CIBA hopes its new Air Optix for fessional development and partnerships. rent economic uncertainty, prospects for Asked how the slowdown in the U.S. Astigmatism contact lens, rolling out in During SECO International, CIBA also contact lens sales look bright for the next economy might affect 2008’s CL busi- the U.S. in mid-April after its introduction announced the launch of a new education five years, according to Andrea Saia, who ness, Saia told VM she remains opti- in Europe last October, will help generate initiative—the First Practice Academy— last month was named chief executive mistic about the category for the year more excitement. Balestrieri noted that targeting independent optometrists in pri- officer of CIBA Vision, the eyecare unit of ahead, noting, “It looks like this year has the product has been tested by 900 U.S. vate practice for three years or less. The Novartis. CIBA also unveiled a new cor- already gotten off to a good start.” practitioners, after two years of market program, developed in conjunction with porate logo and slogan in late February. “2008 is starting off strong,” agreed tests in France. He said the Air Optix Essilor of America, is endorsed by the On Feb. 28, Saia, CIBA’s chief operat- Francesco Balestrieri, CIBA’s president, brand will also be used on CIBA’s silicone American Optometric Association. (See ing officer since May 2007, succeeded North America. After a slowdown in CL hydrogel CLs in the future. the March 31 issue of VM for details.) Michael Kehoe as the company’s CEO. sales early in 2007’s fourth quarter, vol- Last month, CIBA also unveiled a —Cathy Ciccolella She said CIBA is projecting worldwide ume picked up in December and Janu- growth of 6 percent for the total contact ary, he said: “Looking ahead, we are cau- Shamir Posts 11.9 Percent Shamir Appoints Hayardeny Gain in 4Q ’07 Net Income as President and CEO KIBBUTZ SHAMIR, Israel—In unaudited same period last year. financial results for the fourth quarter and Excluding the effect of non-cash stock- KIBBUTZ SHAMIR, Israel—Shamir has proven himself an invaluable mem- year ended Dec. 31, 2007, Shamir Optical based compensation expenses and val- Optical Industry (Nasdaq: SHMR), based ber of our group’s efforts. His intimate Industry Ltd. (Nasdaq: SHMR) reported a uation allowance provided on deferred here, has appointed Eyal Hayardeny as its knowledge of Shamir will help support 20.3 percent increase in revenues, to tax assets, net of minority interest, the president and chief executive officer, our continuing efforts to expand our $30.6 million, compared to revenues of net income for the quarter increased effective April 2, 2008. Hayardeny, who footprint worldwide,” said Uzi Tzur, the $25.4 million for the fourth quarter of 41.2 percent to $2.4 million, compared currently serves as Shamir’s executive vice chairman of Shamir’s board of directors. 2006. Gross profit for the quarter was to $1.7 million for the comparable peri- president and vice president of business Tzur added, “We would like to thank $17.4 million, or 56.7 percent of rev- od in 2006. For 2007, revenues development, replaces Giora Ben-Ze’ev, Mr. Giora Ben-Ze’ev for his significant enues, compared to gross profit of $13.3 increased 23.8 percent to $120.4 mil- who shall continue to serve the company contributions to Shamir during more million, or 52.4 percent of revenues for the lion, compared to revenues of $97.3 mil- as vice chairman of the board of directors than 30 years with Shamir. We greatly same period last year. lion for the same period of 2006. Gross and as director of strategic projects. appreciate his efforts, especially his guid- For the fourth quarter of 2007, operat- profit for the year increased 21.3 per- Hayardeny joined Shamir as an execu- ance through Shamir’s IPO and listing ing income rose 112.9 percent to $2.7 cent to $64.6 million, or 53.6 percent of tive vice president and vice president of on NASDAQ. We are pleased that Mr. million, or 8.8 percent of revenues, com- revenues, compared to a gross profit of business development in 2005. From Ben-Ze’ev has agreed to continue his pared to operating income of $1.3 mil- $53.2 million, or 54.7 percent of rev- 1994 to 1998, he worked at Somekh contribution to our operation as vice lion, or 5.0 percent of revenues for the enues for the same period last year. Chaikin’s (KPMG) economic department. chairman of the board of directors and as same period last year. Operating income for 2007 increased From 1991 to 1994, he served as a budget director of strategic projects of Shamir.” Net income for the fourth quarter 67.9 percent to $11.9 million, or 9.9 per- officer in the IDF’s chief of staff financial Shamir’s audit committee and board increased 11.9 percent to $1.6 million, cent of revenues, compared to operating consultant unit. He holds a BA degree in of directors have approved the appoint- compared to net income of $1.4 million, income of $7.1 million, or 7.3 percent of accounting and economics and an MBA ment of Ben-Ze’ev as vice chairman of for the comparable period in 2006. revenues for the same period last year. degree from the Bar-Ilan University. the board of directors and as director of Excluding the effects of non-cash Net income for the year was $8.2 million, “We are delighted that Eyal has strategic projects of Shamir, subject to stock-based compensation expenses for an increase of 27.0 percent compared to agreed to serve as Shamir’s new presi- the approval of the general meeting of the fourth quarter of 2007, operating net income of $6.5 million for the compa- dent and chief executive officer. His Shamir’s shareholders. income increased 88.0 percent to $3.0 rable period in 2006. experience will enhance our team and For a look at Shamir’s complete fourth million, or 9.8 percent of revenues, com- “Throughout 2007, Shamir made consid- provide strong continuity during this quarter and 2007 results, see sidebar this pared to operating income of $1.6 mil- erable operational progress in each of its transition. Over the recent years, Eyal page. ■■ lion, or 6.2 percent of revenues, for the markets,” said CEO Giora Ben-Ze’ev. ■■

14 VISION MONDAY/MARCH 17, 2008 NEWSMAKERS www.visionmonday.com

NEWSMAKERS Charmant Celebrates 25 Years in the U.S.

in Japan to perfect “We take great pride in the quality of the manufacturing our products, the quality of our serv- of titanium frames and the company ice and the quality of our people. We brought this new are proud of what we have achieved, material to the U.S. market in 1990/91, and confident in our future.” Aida noted. —Harry Aida Today, Charmant’s products are sold in tion and augmented its selection of Charmant’s six-month sale projections 100 countries and products with a range of frames under within its first month and a half and set the company runs 10 the Aristar banner. “It was, and still is, every record for an initial launch ever for subsidiaries around an affordable, good quality product from the company. the world. The com- the Far East and the best quality for the pany estimates that price,” Davis noted. it is one of the largest “Our approach is to focus on the frame suppliers in needs of the customer and trying to offer Left to right, Charmant USA’s Dee Berguys, Harry Aida, Jean Simone, Dennis Davis, Takeshi Tanaka and William Ferraro showcase the company’s new the American mar- them a one-stop shop with variety in the corporate logo. ket, with sales in product mix,” added Aida. the U.S. comprising The company’s portfolio and sus- MORRIS PLAINS, N.J.—This year roughly 25 percent of the group’s sales, tained growth in the U.S. market has marks Charmant’s 25th anniversary in sales within Europe contributing 30 been expanded with other Charmant the U.S, two years after the Japan-based percent and business throughout Asia house collections, such as CFX, or Con- Charmant Group celebrated its 50th and other markets at 45 percent of total cept Flex, Charmant’s memory metal anniversary for frame manufacturing. revenues. launched in October 2005 and one of the Kaoru Horikawa, the Selling directly to the best initial launches the company has founder and group chair- retailers meant Charmant had, Aida pointed out. man, built the company needed a strong, knowl- Nodoka, launched in March 2007, is an “on the core foundation edgeable sales force that elaborate line, influenced heavily by of the pursuit of the could deliver, something Japanese design and color. The company highest standards in man- just as important to the also produces the eponymous Christian ufacturing and a firm company as producing Roth collection for the fashion market. belief that quality had to quality frames. “One of “Aristar is a huge unit number for us,” The new titanium training manual for sales reps and have a much more mean- our best strengths is our said Davis. “It’s a great product and accounts helps position the premium material. ingful benefit to the sales force. Where we look unmatched quality for the price point. And the future brings even bigger retailer and the consumer at quality in terms of our But our foundation is Charmant Titani- things for Charmant USA. “Titanium in order provide them a product, we also look at um. We’ve built a solid company on the will remain a focus for us, it is something greater economical bene- quality as far as our fact that the titanium product is great that this year we are even putting more fit, the company said. salespeople and how quality and a product that fits.” emphasis on,” continued Davis. “Char- According to Harry Aida, they service the “It is one of the few collections that mant is known for titanium, we know president of Charmant USA, accounts,” said gets placed in regional chains that’s not that’s our strength and we are re-empha- the focus on quality continues Dennis Davis, a brand,” added Simone. “It is easy for sizing it to tie in with our 25 years. to be a trait the company hon- vice president of us to get our Charmant Titanium placed We’ve created a new educational book- ors even through its continu- The new “Take the Titanium Challenge” sales for Char- because of the quality and the type of let for the accounts and the reps to re- merchandising display underscores the ous growth. “Mr. Horikawa lightness of the material. mant USA. “We material and how we have marketed it educate them on it and we’re looking to has always believed that quali- feel like there is over the years that it seems to identify as do an ABO-certified seminar on it.” ty makes things happen,” said Aida. “Our a perfect combination, you put the right a brand in its own right.” Additionally, the Morris Plains head- priority has always been providing quality product and the right programs in the “They are two of the most successful quarters is undergoing a total renovation, products and that will never change.” right person’s hand and there is going to house collections in the industry,” stated the corporate logo has been updated and Horikawa established Charmant to sell be success.” Aida. “They are the most important modernized, the company’s Web site is directly to retailers on an international Charmant USA currently has about 70 areas that we push, we have been for 25 being redone to include more educational level and realized early on that the com- sales reps in the U.S. overseen by Davis, years and that will never change.” information and new merchandising pany needed to establish itself in the while key accounts and sales in Latin The company’s involvement in materials are being made available, biggest market in the world, the U.S., in and Central America are overseen by licensed brands has also grown over the including an interactive “Take the Tita- order to deliver its message. The U.S was Jean Simone, director of special sales. years. These include Elle, which has nium Challenge” frame display featuring the first subsidiary set up by Horikowa for In addition to its sizeable Japanese- been one of the company’s strongest and a built in digital scale so customers can international sales. With Japanese manu- made products—and Japan remains an most consistent brands for many years; compare the weights of titanium frames facturing just beginning to establish cred- important cornerstone of innovations Esprit, with a younger and more unisex versus other heavier metal frames. ibility for unique metal capabilities, Char- technically for the company today— target; and the latest edition, Lacoste, To really commemorate this achieve- mant in the 1980s was the first company Charmant established Chinese produc- launched in July 2006, which exceeded Continued on page 16 5^a_PcXT]cbST\P]SX]VcWTQTbc £°Ç{

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ʘV°Ê 16 IN THE NEWS

Fed Appeals Court Rules VSP Not Entitled to ‘Tax-Exempt’ Status Not-for-profit corporation to appeal RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.—A fed- ways characteristic of for-profit organiza- eral appeals court, the U.S. Court of tions, the Ninth Circuit declined to con- Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, ruled late sider this basis of that court’s decision. in January that Vision Service Plan The ruling came following oral argu- (VSP), a not-for-profit corporation, does ments held in December 2007, at which not qualify for exemption under Internal time attorneys representing VSP argued Revenue Code Section 501 (c) (4) noting that it was entitled to recover taxes it that the organization, formed to provide paid in 2003 because it served substan- vision care services to subscribers with tial numbers of individuals eligible for whom it contracts, “is not primarily Medicare and Medicaid and provided engaged in promoting social welfare and vision care services that for-profit insur- does not, therefore, qualify for a federal ers did not even offer. tax exemption.” The appeals court sided VSP was originally granted status as a with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax-exempt organization in 1960. and affirmed a December 2006 federal Providing more background to VM in trial court decision. this case, VSP noted that in a decision in Rob Lynch, president and CEO of 2002, effective Jan. 1, 2003, the IRS VSP Vision Care, said in statement, revoked VSP’s tax exempt status after “The court's determination calls into reviewing VSP’s finances and operations question the tax-exempt status of all not- for the years 1996-98. The company has for-profit organizations with a member- been filing tax returns and paying taxes ship structure, including other healthcare since that time. delivery systems and educational institu- In March 2004, VSP filed a claim for a tions. VSP provides vision care benefits refund with the IRS and after six months to its members under a similar delivery of not receiving a response, commenced model as other tax-exempt health plans the action in U.S. District Court to obtain such as Kaiser and Delta Dental. We are a refund of taxes paid. In December taking the appropriate steps to appeal 2005, both VSP and the U.S. brought this ruling and look forward to an oppor- cross-motions for summary judgment; a tunity to communicate our position.” court order on Dec. 12, 2005 denied A VSP spokesperson also told VM, VSP’s motion for summary judgment, “VSP will continue to operate as a not-for- granted the U.S. government’s motion profit organization with or without the tax and dismissed the complaint. VSP exemption. Any excess revenues will con- appealed that decision in January 2006 to tinue to be used to further the health of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Cir- the community through charity care, cuit. Oral argument was heard on Dec. 5, patient education, peer review, quality 2007. On Jan. 30, the Ninth Circuit assurance, and patient satisfaction pro- affirmed the U.S. district court’s decision. grams. There will be no service disruptions The VSP spokesperson said, “We or gap in care since we are a financially have filed a request for reconsideration sound company and VSP providers will to the Ninth Circuit. A full panel of this not be affected by our tax-exempt status.” court can look at the case again, the deci- Although the trial court also cited con- sion could stand, or we could choose to cerns that VSP did not qualify for tax- pursue this case by a further appeal to exempt status because it operated in the U.S. Supreme Court.” ■■ Charmant Celebrates 25 Years in the U.S. Continued from page 14 sary for the rest of the year.” ment in style, a dinner cruise around But ultimately it is Charmant’s cus- the Statue of Liberty for 200 of Char- tomers who will reap the benefits of mant USA’s employees and customers this milestone, Charmant’s U.S. team during Vision Expo East will celebrate points out. “Our customers know they the anniversary and ring in the next era, can rely on us because of the satisfac- while plans for a national sales meeting tion we provide. We take great pride in at the end of the year will also mark the the quality of our products, the quality occasion. “It is really something we will of our service and the quality of our be promoting throughout the year,” people. We are proud of what we have added Davis. “And the majority of our achieved, and confident in our future,” programs will be tied into the anniver- concluded Aida. ■■

18 VISION MONDAY/MARCH 17, 2008 IN THE NEWS www.visionmonday.com

NEWS VIEWS Gerber Coburn Appoints Alex Incera GM SOUTH WINDSOR, Incera joined the business unit as project marketing and strategic planning efforts. Conn.—Gerber Coburn, manager in 1995 and was promoted to direc- His experience in the industry combined GE Healthcare a unit of Gerber Scien- tor of engineering in 1996. In 1999 he with his technical expertise and commit- Partners With tific, has appointed became vice president of engineering, lead- ment to service make him the ideal can- Alex Incera as general ing the research and development efforts of didate for this role,” said Stephen Lovass, ELOA manager. In this role, such products as the Eclipse Surface Block- Gerber Coburn president. DALLAS—Essilor Laboratories of Ameri- Incera will be responsi- er and DTL Generator. He was appointed Lovass will remain president of Ger- ca (ELOA) is partnering with GE Health- ble for the unit’s world- executive director of marketing in 2006. ber Coburn, senior vice president of care Financial Services to offer eyecare Alex Incera wide business operations. “We are pleased to promote Alex to the Gerber Scientific and has also assumed professionals financial services. position of general manager. Alex has the role of president of Gerber Scientific “We are excited to be partnering with made significant contributions to Gerber Products, a business unit serving the Essilor, the optometric industry leader, to New York Coburn’s new product development, sign making industry. ■■ support their customer’s growth needs Children’s Vision with financing options,” said Catherine Italian Eyewear and Sunwear Estrampes, general manager for GE Coalition to Honor Healthcare Financial Services' vendor Vistakon’s Kelman Exports Rise in 9 Months of ’07 and practice solutions team. “We are pleased to provide creative financing NEW YORK—The SHANGHAI—Against the backdrop of 8.4 percent, totaling €509 million for the solutions to help eyecare professionals New York Children’s the Shanghai Optical fair here and with first 9 months of 2007, the statement said. meet their business objectives and sat- Vision Coalition plans the Euro at its highest levels versus the Also citing opportunities in the grow- isfy their customer’s vision care needs.” to honor Naomi Kel- U.S. dollar, Italian eyewear exports are ing China and Asian markets, the report The new Essilor Laboratories of Ameri- man, president, Vis- up for the first 9 months of 2007, accord- noted that during the first 9 months of ca Growth Financing Program, with financ- takon Americas, at ing to ANFAO, the Italian manufactur- 2007, 13.5 percent of total exports of Ital- ing from GE Healthcare Financial Ser- the group’s annual ers’ association, which reported more ian eyewear frames/sunglasses were vices, offers equipment financing; optical industry gala than 61 million pairs of eyewear export- directed to Asia, with an 11.5 percent practice expansion with options for con- Naomi Kelman in April. ed during the period. increase over the same period in 2006, struction costs, working capital and lease- The Vision Coalition’s goal is to facil- Italian eyewear exports rose 14.2 per- exceeding €226 million. hold improvements; and line of credit itate comprehensive eyecare for all cent in the first 9 months of 2007 com- Overall, China currently ranks 20th for solutions. In addition, clients receive children in New York though aware- pared to the same period in 2005, up by exports of Italian eyewear frames and “rewards”—a quarterly credit on their lab ness-building, advocacy and accessibil- 5.4 percent compared to 2006, while sunglasses, equal to about €20 million in bill based on such variables as the annu- ity via the group’s mobile vision van. exports to the U.S. for the period rose the first 9 months of 2007. “This market al growth of the practice and the amount The event honoring Kelman with the 7.9 percent over the prior year, according share is definitely still small, but the borrowed under the financing program. Optical Leadership Award will be held to ANFAO’s figures. growth rates and potential of the area are “We are delighted that GE Healthcare April 9 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at In terms of overall performance, sun- very promising,” the report said. Financial Services has tailored a solution The Harvard Club. glass exports rose highest, by 15.6 per- Central Asia also posted healthy perform- to fit the needs of our customers—eye- For more information, contact Rose- cent, passing the €1.136 million mark ance levels with an increase of 36.8 percent care professionals who continually strive mary Clemens, executive director/CEO while exports of optical frames posted an for the January-September 2007 period. to provide state-of-the-art eye services,” at (212) 997-3550 or email, rose- 11.1 percent increase, valued at more The report also cited Italian eyewear’s said Réal Goulet, president, Essilor Labo- [email protected]. ■■ than €548 million. business with Central and Southern Amer- ratories of America, Inc. ■■ Imports into Italy also rose overall by ica where exports leaped 42.7 percent. ■■ www.visionmonday.com IN THE NEWS VISION MONDAY/MARCH 17, 2008 19

NEWS VIEWS OWA to Honor De Long With Pleiades Award DALLAS, Texas—The Optical Women’s member of The Vision Council’s Strate- operator of an award-winning restaurant brightest stars in the cluster. Association (OWA) will honor Stephanie gic Communications Committee, and is in Rye, New York. The OWA networking event and K. De Long, editor-in-chief of Eyecare a recipient of the OLA’s Directors’ De Long is a graduate of Wells College presentation of the Pleiades Award will Business, as this year’s recipient of the Choice Award and Folio’s Editorial in Aurora, N.Y., and began her career as a be held at the Marchon showroom, 8 group’s 9th annual Pleiades Award. This Excellence Award. She is also a frequent public relations writer for IBM. West 40th Street (between 5th and 6th award will be presented by the OWA on speaker at International Vision Expos. The Pleiades Award spotlights an Avenues). Festivities begin at 6 p.m., Friday April 11 at its annual networking Before entering optical, De Long was individual who has shown commitment with the award presentation at 6:45 p.m. event. a business writer, editor, and contributor to the mission of the OWA by fostering The invitation to attend this event is De Long, with 22 years experience in to a variety of consumer and business the growth of women in the industry. extended to both OWA members and the industry, has been editor-in-chief of publications, including Madison This award is named for the star cluster non-members. Please RSVP by March Eyecare Business, a Pa.-based Wolters Avenue, Manhattan Inc., Management Pleiades in the Taurus constellation. 31, 2008 at www.opticalwomen.com/ Kluwer publication, since 1990. She is a Technology, and the Newark Star The Pleiades is also known as the pleiades08_registration.shtml or fax to founding Board member of the OWA, a Ledger. She was also co-owner and “Seven Sisters” referring to the seven (972) 490-4219. ■■ Jerry Hayes, OD to be Honored by UJA-Federation NEW YORK— Hayes started Hayes Marketing in Hayes, a graduate of SCO, opened The UJA-Federation of New York’s The UJA-Federa- 1981 and founded the HMI Buying his first office in Vicksburg, Miss. He optical division will host the event for tion of New York’s Group in 1983. He also founded Hayes recently finished an eight-year term on Hayes at the Marriott Marquis Hotel’s Optical Division Consulting, E-dr. and his latest ven- the board of trustees for the school, Marquis Ballroom in New York City on will honor Jerry ture, Red Tray. Known for his lectures where he served as vice chairman. Ac- April 10. Cocktails will start at 6 p.m.; Hayes, OD, at its and articles on the business side of pri- tive in his state association, Jerry served the Program starts at 7 p.m. Tickets upcoming annual vate practice, Hayes is also the founder on the board of directors of the Missis- are $225. For further information or to Jerry Hayes, OD event in New York of the Hayes Center for Practice Ex- sippi Optometric Association and was make reservations, please contact on Thursday, April 10, during the week- cellence at Southern College of Optom- chairman of the West Central Optomet- Steven Klein at (212) 836-1188 or end of Vision Expo East. etry (SCO) in Memphis, Tennessee. ric Society for three years. [email protected] ■■ CONFIDENCE

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NEWS VIEWS Cooper Companies Names Head of CL Unit

PLEASANTON, Calif.—Health “John brings extensive world- Previously, the CooperVision employee tion market. Also headquartered here, it care products maker The Cooper reporting lines were split between Coop- manufactures in Juana Diaz, Puerto Companies has appointed John A. wide operational experience to er Companies’ CEO Weiss and CFO Rico, Norfolk, Va., Rochester, N.Y., Ade- Weber president of the CooperVi- his new role. With his back- Steven M. Neil, who left the company laide, Australia, Hamble and Hampshire, sion contact lens unit. ground and experience within earlier this month, according to a England and Madrid, Spain. ■■ Weber previously served as spokeperson for The Cooper Companies. CooperVision, he is ideally suited president, Asia Pacific since The Cooper Companies, Inc. manu- Kodak, Signet April and vice president, world- to continue driving our success.” factures and markets specialty healthcare wide manufacturing and distri- —Robert Weiss, Cooper Cos. products through its CooperVision and Armorlite bution of CooperVision from CooperSurgical units. Corporate offices January 2005 to March 2007. wide operational experience to his new are in Pleasanton, Calif. Extend Brand Commenting on the appointment, role. With his background and experience CooperVision develops, manufactures Licensing Robert S. Weiss, Cooper’s chief executive within CooperVision, he is ideally suited to and markets a broad range of contact officer, said, “John brings extensive world- continue driving our success.” lenses for the worldwide vision correc- SAN MARCOS, Calif.—Signet Armorlite (SA) has extended its international licens- Rodenstock Group Names Littmann as ing agreement with Eastman Kodak, allowing the lens maker to continue using the Kodak brand through 2014. Interim CEO, Reports Departure of Galli Under the Kodak brand, SA manufac- MUNICH and FRANKFURT, Ger- of high-quality brands. He is a former bution venture in which it had a signifi- tures several progressive lenses, such as many—Rodenstock Group said that CEO CEO and Chairman of Hugo Boss AG, cant stake. At that time, Delle Donne the Kodak Precise Lens and the new Dr. Giancarlo Galli has left the company among others, and is the founder and told Vision Monday, “I look forward to Kodak Unique Lenses that incorporate “due to differing views relating to the current president of the advisory board re-establishing a premium brand like digital backside lens technology. SA also future development of the business.” and CEO of Brandinsider GmbH, Rodenstock in the U.S. market with the offers two anti-reflective coating options The company said that Littmann, a Hamburg, a consulting firm for brand support of Lazear Capital Partners, LTD under the Kodak banner—Kodak former member of the supervisory board strategies. He will be responsible for the and Rodenstock GmbH.” CleAR Lens Coating and the newly of Rodenstock, will assume Dr. Galli’s overall management of the company, In its announcement about the inter- introduced Kodak Clean’N’CleAR Lens duties and responsibilities in the interim. while Dr. Johannes Burtscher will con- im CEO, Rodenstock Group in Ger- Coating that offers a slicker, yet edge- The company stated, “Prof. Littmann tinue to have responsibility for the many said it would “continue its growth able coating with anti-static properties. has agreed to continue to provide com- finance, IT and human resources areas strategy with the expansion of its mar- “SA has enjoyed our long relationship prehensive support for the implementa- and Dr. Michael Kleer will stay in ket leadership in the high-end sector, with Kodak,” remarked Bruno Salvadori, tion of the company’s growth strategy charge of operations. including further international expan- SA CEO and president. “We are pleased until the selection of an external succes- Last month, Rodenstock GmbH and sion and selective diversification of its to offer a diversity of quality Kodak sor has been completed.” the North American optics distributor, product portfolio to attract new cus- branded products that incorporate cut- The temporary appointment of Optical Distribution Corporation (ODC) tomer groups. Rodenstock’s market ting-edge technology. And, of course, our Littmann has been endorsed by Bridge- finalized a long-term agreement for the environment is driven by a number of products benefit from the Kodak name point, the European private equity firm exclusive distribution of the Rodenstock factors including increased globaliza- which is respected worldwide as a leader and majority shareholder in the Roden- brand in the U.S. market and industry tion, demographic and fashion trends. in imaging innovation.” stock Group, which invested in the com- veteran Dave Delle Donne was named The trend towards fashion glasses and According to SA executives, consumer pany in March 2007. chief executive officer of ODC. The the potential in sports eyewear and awareness for Kodak lens products is grow- The company noted that Littmann is moves re-establish Rodenstock’s pres- [optical] sunglasses will also provide fur- ing with the advent of advertising cam- highly experienced in the consumer ence in the U.S. following the collapse in ther development opportunities for paigns linked to the growing European net- goods industry and in the development 2005 of a U.S manufacturing and distri- Rodenstock.” ■■ work of Kodak Lens Vision Centres. ■■

Viva said it will also debut a new product assortment of trend-forward styles that Viva Int’l Group Extends will be available throughout its optical and sunglass channels, noting, “The Guess brand has been building momentum as the company continues to expand globally Worldwide License With Guess through its multiple retail concepts, including Guess stores, Marciano stores, acces- sories-only stores and G by Guess stores,” according to the company. SOMERVILLE, N.J.—Viva International Group has announced its re-commitment to “I’m very impressed with Paul’s advocacy for his licensees and the Guess brand the Guess by Marciano brand with a multi-year license extension. integrity,” said Viva president and CEO Frank Rescigna, following a recent meeting with The companies’ licensing partnership originated in 1991, when Viva first introduced Paul Marciano, co-chairman and co-chief executive officer for Guess. Paul Marciano the Guess brand to the optical industry and Guess retail stores worldwide. Viva cur- commented, “We are excited about Viva’s new management team and their commit- rently has the exclusive worldwide license to design, market and distribute the Guess ment to building a platform for substantial growth of the Guess eyewear business optical and sunglass collection. both domestically and internationally.” The extended license agreement, the company said, “enables Viva to heighten its Established in 1978, as an entrepreneurial company, Viva International Group investment with Guess through intensive advertising, the rollout of a new Guess booth became a subsidiary of Highmark Vision Holding Company (HVHC, Inc) in February at Vision Expo East in April and the development of innovative business and market- 2005. HVHC, Inc. consists of Viva Optique, Inc., Davis Vision, Inc. and Eye Care Cen- ing opportunities for 2008.” ters of America. ■■ The best just got better. introducing

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NEWS VIEWS JMI Acquires Gerber Communications, PAA NEW YORK—Jobson Medical Infor- try, 20/20, Vision Monday and Frames lishes magazines targeting important seg- “We are pleased to welcome Gerber mation LLC (JMI) has acquired Gerber Data businesses. Terms of the transaction ments of eyecare practitioners. Its publi- Communications and Practice Advance- Communications and Practice Advance- were not disclosed. cations include Women in Optometry ment Associates into the JMI family,” ment Associates (PAA). PAA creates and manages educational (reaching all optometrists) and others said Mike Tansey, CEO of JMI. “As Gerber and PAA are leading providers programs for ECPs that target the busi- published on behalf of sponsor compa- established companies in the ophthalmic of custom publishing services and train- ness side of the practice. PAA’s initiatives nies, including Corporate Optometry market with a solid client base, GC and ing and education programs for the oph- include performance benchmark sur- Reports (reaching 7,000 optical chain PAA have promising growth potential. thalmic marketplace. The acquisition veys, practice management Web site optometrist affiliates), Vision Source O.D. Their addition to JMI’s portfolio will expands JMI’s ability to reach eyecare development, magazines and manuals (reaching 2,000 Vision Source member generate valuable synergies between our professionals with education and training focusing on management strategies and optometrists), Foresight (reaching 3,000 existing optical and ophthalmic business programs, further enhancing the compa- tactics, research services and education- Wal-Mart-affiliated optometrists) and units, and further reinforce JMI’s posi- ny’s leadership position in the ECP mar- al seminars. Gerber Communications ALLDOCs (reaching 600 LensCrafters- tion as an innovative leader in healthcare ket and building upon its existing assets, provides editorial services for major oph- affiliated optometrists). publishing and communications.” ■■ which include the Review of Optome- thalmic product manufacturers and pub- SAA to Hold 2008 Events Services Held for Younger Optics’ NEW YORK—Following the recent noted Bibbey, vice president of Zoom Co-Founder Grace Rips news of its merger with The Vision Eyeworks, adding, “Importantly, our TORRANCE, Calif.—Grace “Bebe” Rips, During 57 years of marriage, Rips Council of America, executives at the daily operations— and membership co-founder of Younger Optics, passed raised three children, Ted, David and Sunglass Association of America (SAA) benefits—remain unchanged, including away on Feb. 20. Debby, all of whom survive her. She is are pursuing the organization’s regular our technical and legal committees. The Rips worked closely with her husband also survived by eight grandchildren. activities. Dave Bibbey, SAA president, need for this particular, specialized Irving, to build Younger Optics from a back- In lieu of flowers, the Rips family sug- who is now also a board member of the expertise in these critical areas has never yard garage into a successful optical com- gests that donations be made in Bebe VCA, said the group’s annual network- been greater.” pany employing nearly 1,000 people world- Rips’ name to Hadassah Southern Cali- ing and professional events will proceed Acknowledging that the merger of the wide. She brought to the partnership fornia (310) 276-0036. Funeral services per usual this year. two groups was the result of years of dis- strong business skills to complement her were held at Mount Sinai Cemetery Among the events is the May Mido cussion, Bibbey said, “Our association husband’s creativity during her more than 5950 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles on Dinner, co-hosted by SAA with the with VCA will offer powerful benefits to five decades with the company. Feb. 22. ■■ European Sunglass Association (ESA), members of both organizations. The rela- which will be held in Milan on Saturday, tionship between us has always been May 10. And the SAA’s 36th annual strong, and a formal ‘union’ will make us Oliver Foot, President and Board meeting will take place in the Las Vegas that much stronger. Together, we will area on Oct. 5 to 6, immediately follow- total 322 companies and there is ‘strength Member for ORBIS Dies at 61 ing Vision Expo West. in numbers.’ The creation of our Sunglass “The recent membership vote that and Reading Glass Division of VCA will NEW YORK—The ident in 1987. He was a member of the resulted in our merger with VCA opens enable us to share resources and yet Honorable Oliver ORBIS International Board of Directors, new opportunities for us all at a chal- retain the independence and freedom for Foot, president and as well as the boards of ORBIS Canada lenging time in our industry’s history,” members to grow their businesses.” ■■ member of the board and ORBIS Taiwan. He also served as of directors for ORBIS chairman of the ORBIS Charitable Trust Industry Veteran Gary McGaughey International died in the United Kingdom. unexpectedly on Feb. Active with ORBIS since its founding of ELOA Is Dead at 54 6. He was 61 years old. 25 years ago, Oliver played a critical role Oliver Foot Foot was a long-time in its development, fully devoting him- PETALUMA, Calif.— (now Carl Zeiss Vision) in 1996. He advocate of ORBIS having worked for the self to its mission to eliminate avoidable Gary McGaughey of spent 11 years with the company, prima- organization for 25 years. ORBIS Interna- blindness worldwide. He led the ORBIS Essilor Laboratories of rily in technical services focusing on lab tional is a nonprofit humanitarian organiza- team of volunteer doctors, nurses and America died here on issues. In 2007, he joined Essilor. tion dedicated to saving sight worldwide. aviators who flew to nearly 80 develop- Feb. 17 after suffering a McGaughey was well known and “Oliver’s passing is of enormous ing countries aboard the ORBIS Flying heart attack while play- respected in the optical laboratory com- import to ORBIS as an organization but Eye Hospital, a specially equipped air- ing golf. He was 54- munity. An excellent golfer, he was much also to a great many of us as individuals. craft with state-of-the-art ophthalmic Gary McGaughey years-old. in demand at industry tournaments. He gave so much of himself and was surgical and training facilities. An optical industry veteran, McGaugh- He is survived his father, Jack such a kind and generous spirit that he According to a statement from ORBIS, ey’s optical career began in 1974 when he McGaughey, daughters Meghan Rock- was loved all over the world. He certain- Foot once said, “ORBIS is at the heart of was hired as a lab tech by Katz and Klein well and Cristin Garcia, son Kevin ly meant a lot to me as a mentor, boss, what life is all about — promoting cooper- in Monterey, Calif. He later spent time as McGaughey, grandchildren Mikayla friend and brother — and I cannot imag- ation and understanding through serving the owner/operator of Gem Optical in Sali- Rockwell and Alexa Rockwell and ine feeling any loss more deeply,” said others. What better way could there be to nas, Calif., and as general manager of Mar- brother Timothy McGaughey. Geoffrey Holland, ORBIS executive help heal our divided world?” tin Optical Service in Fresno and Empire A memorial service for McGaughey took director and chief executive officer. Foot is survived by his wife, Gail; his Central Coast in Santa Maria. place on March 7, in Mission Memorial Foot joined ORBIS as executive two children, Mary-Rachel and Jesse; McGaughey joined SOLA Optical Park in Seaside, Calif. ■■ director in 1982 and was appointed pres- and three grandchildren. ■■ 16

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-Jim La Luzerne See Worthy Expands U.S. Sales Team ka, Douth Dakota and Wisconsin. “We’re delighted to have such a tal- Retires From Essilor TORONTO, Canada—See Worthy Inc., Innovative Visual Products will serve ented team of sales professionals on DALLAS—Optical the U.S. and Canadian distributor of Sable the Mid-South states of: Texas, board to tell the See Worthy story to laboratory veteran Jim WaterOptics products, have expanded Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, New eyecare professionals across the country La Luzerne has retired their U.S. nationwide sales force to meet Mexico, Missouri and Kansas. Founder said Nick Lantinga, vice president of from Essilor of America the company’s expected growth. Scott Gaber and associates bring over 20 Sales for See Worthy. after serving for 12 Drew Eichelberger of Vision Products years of experience in the optical busi- Jim La Luzerne years in a variety of Southeast, LLC will represent the com- ness—identifying cutting edge technol- Younger Optics management roles. pany in the Southeast. Eichelberger, an ogy for emerging labs and retailers. Names Taft Territory Prior to joining Essilor, La Luzerne independent manufacturer representa- Wayne Parkola of Vision Products West Manager to the South served as president and CEO of WOS tive, has been working in the optical has served the optical industry for over 25 TORRANCE, Calif.— Optical, a wholesale lab located in industry since 1982 in various sales and years. His past work history includes Younger Optics has Green Bay, Wis., where he started work- sales management positions. His terri- positions in wholesale, retail, manufactur- appointed Timothy Taft ing during his high school and college tory will include Alabama, Florida, ing, import/export, and warehousing. He as territory manager to days. While president and CEO of Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, will represent Sable WaterOptics in the Timothy Taft the southern states of WOS Optical, La Luzerne also served as South Carolina and Tennessee. states of California, Arizona, Utah, Neva- Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. president and CEO of Global Optics The team members of Midwest Opti- da, Washington, Oregon, Montana, He brings 15 years of experience in and president of the Optical Laborato- cal Consultants, consisting of Greg Idaho, Wyoming and Hawaii. sales, and has spent the past five years in ries Association. Eifert, Jim Roussel, and Bob Burkhardt, Dick Paul, of Vision Products, Inc., has the optical industry. As territory manag- In 1996, WOS Optical was purchased bring more than 80 years of experience been a manufacturer rep for more than 25 er, Taft will support Younger customers by Essilor of America and La Luzerne in the optical industry to their retailers. years, covering the Northeast region of and assist in the education of industry assumed the role of president, Essilor Their team will service the states of the U.S. He has been involved in intro- professionals on the wide variety of Laboratories of America. Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West ducing new technologies and products to Younger products available, such as He later served as vice president, e- Virgina and Western Pennsylvania. the optical industry and has been active in NuPolar, Trilogy, IMAGE and the new business development including the Chris Foley of Vision Services, based consulting and marketing throughout all Drivewear® lens. early development of VisionWeb, which in St. Cloud, Minn., has 16 years of the optical channels. His sales region will “Tim has excellent management was then followed by his role as presi- experience in the vision industry at cover Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, skills and a proven track record of build- dent of Optifacts.In 2005, La Luzerne wholesale, retail and manufacturing lev- Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode ing relationships that benefit the indus- was inducted into the Optical Laborato- els. Foley’s territory will cover Iowa, Illi- Island, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, try and our customers,” said David Rips, ries Hall of Fame. nois, Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebras- Virginia, and Eastern Pennsylvania. president and CEO of Younger Optics.

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NEWS VIEWS Updated Environment, Sleeker Mix Drives SGH

By Marge Axelrad “Two years ago, the Editorial Director category was exploding and Sunglass Hut’s NEW YORK— growth was the biggest After undergoing a that it had ever been complete re-brand- but we were growing ing process which is with the market and not reflected in its new leading it. We wanted to store design, a bet- move from just being a ter balanced fashion convenient chain to sunwear mix target- become a conduit for Sunglass Hut’s new stores are more sophisticated and modern. Luxottica’s Jack Krause: ing the female cus- promoting great prod- “We have an ‘editorial’ tomer, and new uct,” Krause said. “The point of view.” marketing commu- goal was to move from selling sunglass- stores need to be more of a theatre in working together now. We are working nication with the es to creating an environment as a fun the front to draw them in.” on creating richness in the stories even consumer, Luxottica Group’s (NYSE: place to shop and one that portrays Said Krause, “A store is like a maga- though we are working with the same LUX) Sunglass Hut specialty chain is expertise, a move towards a more fash- zine, we always have an ‘editorial’ point- product month after month. Recently, experiencing record comp sales as it rolls ion oriented, sophisticated brand.” of-view and the store front is the ‘cover’ our windows had a ‘Learn Italian’ dis- out its new image worldwide. Fabio D’Angelantonio, global head of which invites customers in to ‘read the play to educate customers about Italian In his comments to the financial com- marketing for Luxottica Group, told VM articles,’ which are the sunglasses. So the brands.” munity, the group’s CEO Andrea Guerra that the rebranding project was accom- product and merchandising guys are all – With contributions from Deirdre Carroll. views Sunglass Hut as “a most precious plished by an international team. “Lux- asset in our company,” and has pointed ottica acquired Sunglass Hut in 2001 but to the sunwear specialty chain’s signifi- the company had started several years Translating SGH’s Retail cant cumulative comp sales increases of earlier and as the name implied, it was a 40 percent over the past four years. ‘sunny hut’ for young, sport-oriented Experience to ECPs Vision Monday sat down for an males, surfer types. The market has exclusive interview about the new Sun- changed a lot since then, not to mention NEW YORK—“SGH’s development over glass Hut approach with Jack Krause, a Luxottica’s own portfolio of luxury, the last few years is a perfect example former Limited Brands retail executive lifestyle and fashion brands. The busi- of the way Luxottica is sharing with its who came to the company two years ago ness reality and our business direction wholesale partners its experience and Lux and is now senior vice president of mar- was to be more balanced between a know-how gained as a leading retailer,” keting and merchandising for sun retail, functional promise and an emotional stated Luxottica’s Pierre Fay, executive North America. He said, “The Sunglass promise, more in line with consumers’ vice president, wholesale North Ameri- Hut [SGH] business is now structured attitudes today.” ca. “This has resulted in direct and more like a classic retailer. We see it as a D’Angelantonio added, “We have measurable benefits for the wholesale true brand, not just a store that sells sun- defined the brand essence for Sunglass dispensers who implemented our rec- glasses.” Hut today as ‘Find your cool’,” which ommendations in their practices. It is Of the philosophy now in place, we think is very flexible, able to move also clearly resulting in a faster overall Krause said, “All great brands have three from fashion to performance product. It’s growth of the entire sun category as our pillars—a high level of authenticity; a set of values defined as savvy, sexy, industry is responding more dynamical- ‘curation’ or how you make sense of the fun, inspiring and real. We believe it is a ly to the needs of today’s consumers.” world for the customer; and entertain- universal concept.” Fay added, “Sunwear’s share of our ment which involves interesting layouts Krause noted the change is reflected wholesale customers’ business has and teaching the customer new things.” in the stores’ brand mix. Today, 50 per- exploded over the last few years and we have contributed to this very positive trend “SGH wants to appeals to the masses cent to 60 percent of the brands sold in Luxottica’s new Trend Reports showcase sun in a sophisticated way and be the expert SGH are fashion brands and target cus- thanks to our powerful brand portfolio, fast style trends. in sunglasses to fulfill our customer’s tomers are segmented into three cate- selling sunglass styles, and effective mer- needs,” he noted. “We are a premium gories—classic, sport and fashion. chandizing solution such as the ‘Sun Cen- Fay said Luxottica continues to actively chain, customers know that they can He also said, “The first redesigned U.S. ter’ program. The ‘Sun Center’ was share its “retail expertise” and with SGH’s walk out of our store on trend and look- store opened in May ’07 and generated 20 designed using the operating principles new image, these well tested retailing tech- ing good without being totally outra- percent higher comps than older stores.” that made SGH successful such as offer- niques are being repackaged in a new and geous.” “From inside the store there is lots of ing a wide selection of sunglasses, dedicat- updated “Sun Center” program which will Sunglass Hut ended 2007 with 2,152 flexibility,” Krause observed. “‘Go-go’ ed display to sunwear with prominent sig- be released shortly to wholesale accounts. locations worldwide. By the end of ’08 fixtures can move around the store and nage and expertise and recommendations He added, “New training seminars are there will be over 1,600 Sunglass Hut bring a new story to the customers. Try- to consumers. SGH’s highly visible window being prepared and will be made available locations in North America., which on is easier with mirrored bands around campaigns have definitively created addi- online at the ‘Luxottica and Me’ Web site includes the U.S., Canada and the the stores. And, as 70 percent of cus- tional consumer demand for fashion sun- providing our accounts new content to suc- Caribbean. tomers buy sunglasses on impulse, the glasses and generated traffic to the whole- cessfully create valuable consumer experi- sale locations featuring these brands.” ence in their own locations.” ■■ 26 VISION MONDAY/MARCH 17, 2008 IN THE NEWS www.visionmonday.com

SCENE AND HEARD

DRIVE TIME SALES SESSION Drivewear Launched Hoya Vision Care Staff Attend In Trinidad & Tobago National Sales Meeting LEWISVILLE, Texas—Hoya Vision Care, North America, kicked off 2008 with the compa- ny’s annual national sales and oper- ations meeting. More than 140 Hoya sales associates, lab opera- tions management and other key personnel traveled to St. Augus- tine, Fla., Jan. 5 to 10, to attend education sessions on new prod- ucts, company goals and sales tools. “Hoya is being recognized for (L to R) Rich Montag, VP of sales, Peter Kehoe, OD, technological advances in lens president-elect of AOA and Barney Dougher, presi- designs, materials and coatings. dent of Hoya Vision Care, North America, enjoy the President’s Banquet held on the last night of Hoya’s Our focus on research and devel- national sales meeting in St. Augustine, Fla. opment along with technology to TORRANCE, Calif.—Younger Optics recently teamed up with Value Optical provide products with superior functionality and improve the patient’s experi- to introduce consumers to Drivewear lenses at the Premier Cinema and Mall in ence will continue in 2008,” said Barney Dougher, president and CEO of Hoya Trinidad. The event promoted eye health and safety and educated drivers of all Vision Care, North America, which is based here. ages about the benefits of wearing the Drivewear lens. The booth attracted Peter Kehoe, OD, FAAO, president-elect of the American Optometric Associ- crowds by displaying a Porsche Cayman sports car and models sporting Dri- ation, delivered the meeting’s keynote speech. Dr. Kehoe addressed the need vewear lenses in Porsche frames. for doctors to take a more active role in choosing lenses for patients and the no- “I only use polarized lenses for my sunglasses and the Drivewear lens meets cost public health program InfantSEE, which was developed to provide profes- and surpasses all my expectations of a premium sunglass lens,” said Ameer Ali, sional eyecare for infants nationwide. optician and lab manager of Optex Laboratories, at the event. The islands of Trinidad & Tobago in the southern Caribbean together occupy approximately 5,000 sq. km. and have over 4,000 km of roadways, with over NEW DIGS 400,000 cars on the island’s network, according to Younger. Pictured above at the Drivewear launch event in Trinidad are, clockwise from Innereactive Media Opens Office top left: model Anne Wight, Tom Kanaplue and Joe Taitelbaum of Younger Optics; models Gabriella Gonzales and Kai Leggard; Simon Farrell, Danny Jones ADA, Mich.—Innereactive and Kendra Marshall of Value Optical and Ameer Ali of Optex Laboratories. Media recently celebrated the opening of its new, larger loca- tion here. The five-year-old, BEST SELLER full-service advertising agency works with a number of opti- cal industry clients, including Denver Eye Center Wins Global Optics and Harbor Michigan State Representative Dave Hildenbrand pre- Optical. Its in-house services sented Innereactive Media president and founder include video production, Web Teflon/Transitions Grand Prize Samantha Toth and her team with a plaque of “Special Tribute” to commemorate the significance of the busi- development, graphic design GOLDEN, Colo.—Denver ness opening in the community. The tribute cites both and corporate branding. Eye Center in Golden, Colo., the economic impact as well as the investment into the Invited guests, including future of the area. Pictured with Hildenbrand (center), has won the grand prize in are left to right, Innereactive’s Rachel Culver, Samantha clients and local officials attend- the Search for Vision Island Toth, Elicia Davis and Jennifer Palaske. ed the open house event. promotion co-sponsored by Carl Zeiss Vision and Transi- tions Optical. TAG, YOU’RE IT The Search for Vision Island rewarded practices for dispensing Teflon Clear Ilori Hosts Pictured above during the prize presentation are, left to Coat Lenses and Transitions right, Brannen Hinton of Carl Zeiss Vision, Natasha Petakoff lenses. ECPs received a Golfer Ochoa of Transitions Optical, Angie Willis and Doug Wiedeman of gold “doubloon” sticker for Denver Eye Center and Carol Babcock of Transitions Optical. Luxottica’s luxury sunglass boutique, Ilori, cele- every pair of Teflon Clear brated its exclusive Tag Heuer sunglasses collec- Coat Lenses ordered from a participating lab. Orders that combined Teflon tion on Tuesday, Feb. 5, at the Ilori boutique in their Carmel Plaza store. The event was hosted Clear Coat Lenses and Transitions lenses on the same pair earned two stickers. by professional Colombian female golfer Valeria In addition to cash prizes, a drawing chose one winner of a $3,000 Caribbean Ochoa, who took time to model a few pairs of vacation or cash equivalent. the Tag Heuer collection for guests.

28 VISION MONDAY/MARCH 17, 2008 IN THE NEWS www.visionmonday.com

NEWS VIEWS New Speakers Set for VM’s Global Summit Neimark, Guerra, McAllister, Lynch, Pförtner, others to discuss tech, luxury, healthcare

NEW YORK—The roster of leadership this one-of-a-kind special event will speakers at Vision Monday’s upcoming bring together leaders to discuss trends Global Leadership Summit has been and provide thought-provoking ideas in expanded to include Ira Neimark, the four sessions spanning the technology author of “Crossing Fifth Avenue to and digital media, the luxury market- Erin Byrne Andrea Guerra Ira Neimark Jeff McAllister Bergdorf Goodman.” Neimark is the leg- place and the health care arenas,” said endary former chairman and CEO of Marge Axelrad, senior VP/editorial direc- Bergdorf Goodman, a major figure in the tor of Vision Monday. luxury business who will share his obser- The 2nd VM Global Leadership Sum- vations and expertise in the Summit ses- mit is sponsored by Hoya, Transitions, sion on the luxury consumer. Also address- The Vision Council and DAC Vision. ing the current luxury consumer market The event is geared to senior-level will be Luxottica’s CEO, Andrea Guerra. executives of U.S. and international opti- John O. Agwunobi, MD J. Robinson Lynch Tomás Pförtner Lynn O’Connor Vos The two are part of a unique group of cal retailers, ECPs, and suppliers. Lynch, president and CEO, VSP Vision Laboratorio Pförtner Cornealent SACIF, CEOs and speakers from within and out- On the topic of technology affecting Care and John O. Agwunobi, MD, presi- Buenos Aires, Argentina. side the optical industry who will offer consumers and health care, speakers will dent of professional services, Wal-Mart The program will be held at Bridge- insights to an exclusive group of attendees include: Lynn O’Connor Vos, president Stores, Bentonville, Ark. water’s (South Street Seaport) in New at Vision Monday’s 2nd Annual Global and CEO, Grey Healthcare Group, On issues facing the optical retail world, York; registration begins at 8 a.m., with Leadership Summit, set for April 9 here. New York and Erin Byrne, chief digital speakers include Jeff McAllister, senior the program from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. “This year’s Summit is organized on strategist, Burson-Marsteller, New York. VP of optical, Wal-Mart Stores, U.S. and Attendance fees, registration and pro- the theme, ‘Harnessing the Power of On the issues shaping the health care adding perspective from Argentina and gram information are available at Today’s Consumer Communities’ and field, speakers will include J. Robinson Latin America, Dr. Tomás Pförtner, CEO, www.visionmonday.com. ■■

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SCENE AND HEARD

ATLANTA BOUND SECO Int’l Draws ECPs from Across Nation

ATLANTA—This year’s SECO International event, held here from Feb. 27 to March 2, drew optometrists, paraoptometrics, opticians and other eye- care professionals from around the country. The event, sponsored by the Southern Council of Optometrists, includ- ed more than 95 continuing education courses, as well as an exhibit area highlighting the latest products and programs from nearly 300 industry sup- pliers. In addition, evening events including the annual president’s recep- tion provided plenty of opportunities for networking.

Luxottica’s David Digby (r) catches up with veteran At the president’s reception, Steve Ingram (l) of the optician Franklin Zahn while visiting the Luxottica National Association of Vision Plans chats with Vision booth. Council of America’s Greg Chavez.

Keith Padgett (l) of Marchon Eyewear fills in Outgoing SECO president Doug Clark, OD, Three members of the American Optometric Associa- At the SECO president’s reception, Vistakon’s Pat Ken Moultrie, OD, of Eyecare Associates, with daughters Skylar (l) and Dru, welcomes tion—(l to r) Mitch Munson, OD; Tommy Crooks, OD; Cummings, OD (l), and Naomi Kelman visit with Huntsville, Ala, on the latest Coach styles. guests to the president’s reception. and Dick Wallingford, OD—catch up during SECO. Howard Braverman, OD.

SECO International’s executive director, Elizabeth Taylor (r), wel- Safilo’s John Blake (l) chats at his company’s booth with Tony Dan Walters (l) of Santinelli International goes over his compa- comes Ted McElroy, OD, of Tifton, Ga., and his wife Kristin to the Johnson, OD (c), and Dale David, OD, both of Jervey Eye ny’s latest technology with Fred Wallace, OD, of Bessemer, Ala. annual SECO president’s reception. Group, Greenville, S.C. )NTRODUCINGTHE NEW Edger with HLP

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CE Program to Feature Exclusive, Cutting Edge Content

NEW YORK— This year’s Internation- Academy of Opticianry. al Vision Expo Continuing Education This year’s Continuing Educa- Program will once again be offering tion sponsors include: Advanced attendees a vast selection of courses Medical Optics, Alcon, Allergan, with exclusive content concentrating on Bausch & Lomb, Carl Zeiss cutting edge topics and up-to-date Meditec, CIBA Vision, Cynacon, industry issues aimed at keeping the Essilor, Eyecare Business, Hei- three Os on the right track. The 2008 delberg Engineering, Inspire, program will feature more than 250 MaximEyes, MSS, Neurovision, hours of continuing education from Ophthonix, Optos, Signet April 10 to 13 at the Jacob K. Javits Con- Armorlite, Sonogage, TLC Laser vention Center here. The exhibition Eye Centers, Topcon, Vision portion of Expo is slated to run from Council of America, Vistakon April 11 to 13. and Younger Optics. Courses and programming for Interna- For the full conference sched- tional Vision Expo are selected with the ule, descriptions and featured assistance of the Conference Advisory speakers, as well as continuing Board, comprised of leading ophthalmolo- education credit status approval, gists, optometrists and opticians to pro- visit www.visionexpoeast.com. vide input for all industry professionals. International Vision Expos, the With the aim of providing a broad selec- education program is the centerpiece of have also designated “Hot Picks”—cut- worldwide conference and exhibition for tion for optometrists, ophthalmic profes- the event for the entire industry, one ting edge topics and information that eyecare and eyewear, are trade-only sionals including opticians, paraoptomet- that offers breadth as well as depth.” address current industry issues such as events which draw more than 15,000 ric profesionals and staff, as well as Some 15 new courses are being the use and abuse of steroids, increasing eyecare professionals each year. Co- ophthalmologists, the Conference Advi- offered this April for ophthalmic profes- sunwear sales and ocular emergencies owned by Reed Exhibitions and the sory Board develops programming to sionals covering topics such as corneal and triage. Vision Council of America (VCA), Inter- include a mix of well-reviewed speakers, controversies, anterior segment photog- The entire course selection has been national Vision Expo gives back to the topics, cutting edge information and cur- raphy service behaviors and how to cre- submitted to ABO, NCLE, JCAHPO, entire ophthalmic community. Proceeds rent topics of interest. ate eyewear desire. COPE, AOA Paraoptometric Section, from International Vision Expo are used “’Uniquely Defined’ is the title for Some topics and educational opportu- the New York State Board for Oph- by VCA to educate consumers about the this year’s event, describing the unpar- nities can only be found at Vision Expo thalmic Dispensing and all State Boards importance of vision care and the alleled positioning, coverage and expo- East. This year, there are 12 exclusive of Opticianry for consideration of con- options in eyewear and other related sure that International Vision Expo East courses including “Women Ask For tinuing education credit approval. The products. In 2007, VCA reached millions provides the entire ophthalmic indus- Directions,” “Magnify Your Future conference program is officially of consumers with its messages through try,” said Kirk Smick, OD and chair of 2008” and “Contact Lens Boot Camp.” endorsed by the New York State Opto- marketing materials, public relations out- the Conference Advisory Board. “The Conference Advisory Board members metric Association and the National reach and strategic partnerships. ■■ Expand Your Knowledge at the Medical & Scientific Pavilion throughout the show, eyecare profes- (Sponsored by Score) sionals can expand their knowledge • Structural Imaging In Glaucoma about this ever-changing field. (Sponsored by Marco) Located in the Medical & Scien- • The Paperless Optometric Practice— tific Theater (Booth MS-1176), this Myth or Reality (Sponsored by Topcon) year’s continuing education program • Medical Coding and Reimbursement includes the following courses: (Sponsored by EyeCor) Friday, April 11 • GT2: It’s All About Satisfaction (Spon- • Integrating Wavefront Technology sored by Carl Zeiss Vision) Into Your Practice: Clinical And Sunday, April 13 Practice Management Insights • Maximizing Your Profits by Improving (Sponsored by Opthonix iZon) Your Patients’ Education, (Sponsored by • Improving Patient Vision Through Eyemaginations) Advanced Lens Technology (By • Differentiation in Today’s Modern invitation only; Sponsored by Optical Practice (Sponsored by Hoya) Essilor, Varilux) Attendees are able to select as many • Gaining Greater Efficiency and courses as they would like but seating is Profitability In Your Practice limited and registration is required. To NEW YORK— For ophthalmic profes- Pavilion at Expo is the place to be when Through the Use of Automated Refrac- register, visit www.visionexoeast.com or sionals interested in contact lenses, diag- it comes to finding the latest technologies tion Systems (Sponsored by Marco) call Client Services at (800) 811-7151 or nostic equipment, pharmaceuticals and and advances. With free continuing edu- Saturday, April 12 register at the show in the continuing similar products, the Medical & Scientific cation courses offered at the pavilion • Eyewear Fashion in the 21st Century education registration area. ■■ EXPO EAST 2008 www.visionmonday.com PREVIEW VISION MONDAY/MARCH 17, 2008 37

Special Symposium for Female Eyecare Professionals

NEW YORK—International sions designed for women to nication and relationship building as easy Eye Gallery in Decatur, Ga.. Vision Expo East will present assess their current career sta- as possible, in both professional and per- The symposium, “Women Ask for a free symposium on April 11, tus and create a road map to sonal situations. Karen Purves, a sought- Directions—24 Words to Avoid to Build “Women Ask for Direc- successfully plan and manage after international speaker, business con- Better Business Relationships” takes tions—24 Words to Avoid to their career. sultant and life coach, will share how place Friday, April 11, from 10:15 a.m. – Build Better Business Rela- Just like the first session, simply changing some of the words you 12:15 p.m. All eyecare professionals are tionships,” a course geared “Women Ask for Directions— use will affect your success with others. welcome to participate in this free career specifically for female eyecare Communicate with Strength,” “This seminar is an amazing opportu- growth workshop. However, to take professionals. Since its incep- this year’s content will focus on nity to improve how to communicate advantage of this free session, attendees tion, over 600 participants 24 new words and phrases to more effectively,” said previous course must register for course #2213. The have joined their peers in ses- avoid in order to make commu- attendee Dr. Nicole Pearce, OD, of The event is not for credit. ■■ Optical Boot Camp: Back by Popular Demand NEW YORK—The exclusive Optical in conjunction with The Vision Council’s wear & Accessories Division, takes place Boot Camp training sessions, always a pop- Eyewear & Accessories Division, Optical Saturday, April 12, from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ular choice for attendees, will be returning Boot Camp Level 1 takes place Thursday, Contact Lens Boot Camp to International Vision Expo East. This April 10, from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and This six-hour Contact Lens Boot Camp year’s sessions include the following: continues from 1:30 p.m.- 4:30 pm. (a.k.a. Contact Lens 101) is designed for Optical Boot Camp Level –Training for Optical Boot Camp Level 2—Top Gun the beginning contact lens technician or New Dispensers This session was created to help eye- optician. It provides a comprehensive This six-hour program features a com- care professionals continue their learning overview of the following technical areas: pensing instructions and follow up. prehensive overview of the basic skill and maximize career potential. This basic (contact lens relevant) anatomy and Held on Thursday, April 10, from sets and optical information needed to four-hour program features all the “need physiology, basic CL optics, identifying 10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. and continuing get your staff up and running and deliv- to know” information on ocular prob- lens parameters, initial assessment, basic from 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., the course is ering quality patient care and guidance lems, symptoms and diagnoses, optical soft and rigid lens fitting, lens care and dis- not for credit. ■■ in product selection. This session will salesmanship, troubleshooting patient cover all the need to know information eyewear complaints and alignment and on: “The Incredible Eye: Basic Ocular adjustment tips and techniques. Anatomy and Physiology;” “Practical A dynamic team of experts deliver this Our Game Plan Can Make You Optics: Light, Lenses and Frames;” session in a fun, interactive format. Optical More Successful and Costs Less “Boot Camp Dispensing Tactics: Eye- Boot Camp Level 2 should be attended by wear Function, Fit and Fashion.” all Boot Camp Level 1 alumni and other Historically, this session sells out at each first and second year optical employees. International Vision Expo. Seating is limit- This session, sponsored by Essilor Labo- ed and the session is not for credit. Spon- ratories of America and Stimuleye, in con- sored by Essilor, Crizal Alize and Varilux, junction with The Vision Council’s Eye-

Total Office Package Pricing

35-, and 45-hour increments. When selecting a Total Office Packaging, all registrants must use the same company name and address. Standard Pricing Packages will be offered in 6-, 9-, 13-, and 18+ hour increments, along with a la carte session options. For a lot less than you might think, you can supercharge your optical business by All CE registrations include free admis- belonging to a national chain. Or do you simply dream of being your own boss? sion to the exhibits; admission to the Here’s your chance! NEW YORK—To ensure that several indi- enhanced CE Café available in the back of A Sterling Optical franchise gives you: viduals from the same practice location the continuing education area (Hall E, can attend the International Vision Expo Level 1). Costs of the sessions vary, and • Big-company savings and buying power • Promotions that build traffic and increase profits East Continuing Education Conference some sessions are not part of pricing • National and regional cooperative advertising • Point-of-sale customer retention programs economically, a variety of money-saving packages. Additional hours can be added • A comprehensive system for easy operation • Access to exclusive group vision plans pricing packages will be offered once to both the Total Office and Standard Pric- again this year. ing packages for $30 per hour. Total Office Packages are designed to The $40 Continuing Education Regis- We have buyers ready in accommodate several individuals from tration Processing Fee applies if only reg- NY, NJ, PA, MD, VA and CA! the same practice and make it afford- istering for workshops. Advanced Regis- Call Scott Finn today at 1-800-856-9664 able for doctors to bring their staff. tration is required for Free courses and to learn more about franchising opportunities with Sterling Optical! These packages offer education in 25-, seating is limited. ■■ www.sterlingoptical.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. Yoga and meditation ‘‘ allow me to center and regroup myself from the hecticness of modern life. As I believe in trying

to live and perform

at my own highest level, Luxottica’s devotion‘‘ to excellence resonates well with me.

DR. JIYEN SHIN, O.D. Golden Vision Optometric Centers Los Angeles, CA

Luxottica&me sm

To learn more about Dr. Jiyen Shin and the advantages of partnering with Luxottica go to www.luxandme.com www.visionmonday.com COVER STORY VISION MONDAY/MARCH 17, 2008 39 Building the Modern Independent “Super” Practice

Today’s independent eyecare professionals are not standing still. Far from it. Many of the most successful, those “super” practices, whose revenues exceed $1 million per year, are proactive about both their eyecare delivery as well as the dispensing sides of their business.

Despite signs of a challenging economy, atizing patient records and tracking systems focusing on stoking select vendor partner- Vision Monday takes a look at four these ECPS are reinvesting in practice sys- for continuous care and monetizing invest- ships for sharp presentations and merchan- such practices around the country to high- tems and technologies that are revolutioniz- ments in practice management technology dising in order to be sure their mix of eye- light how ECP groups are carving out an ing the eye exam process, communicating to help monitor costs and managed care wear, sunwear and spectacle lens and important role for their positions in the the value and complexity of eyecare along involvement. They are also attuned to the contact lens solutions is matched to their markets they serve. with their own expertise. They are system- patient demographics of each location, customers’ needs. —VM Editors Investing in Primary Eyecare and Dispensing

Gaddie Eye Centers two professional offices for nearly 25 boasting a new 8,500 square foot state-of- Location: 4 locations in Louisville, Ky. years. His son Ian Benjamin Gaddie, OD the-art facility. “We are trying to differen- Founded: 1968 came back from optometry school in 1999 tiate ourselves and it’s our goal for this to Owner: Ian Benjamin Gaddie, OD and to join the practice and opened additional be the most prominent space for eyecare Bruce J. Gaddie, OD offices. What excites Ben Gaddie now is in Louisville,” Gaddie said, noting that Web Site: www.gaddieeye.com the major overall and redesign of the the original location’s lack of space had group’s main office on Shelbyville Road, plateaued the growth of the location. “It LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Marking its its Oxmoor location, which is currently had been inefficient and really dimin- 40th year in operation this year, Gad- undergoing a million-dollar-plus invest- ished the patient experience.” die Eye Centers is in the midst of a ment overhaul, taking over space that Gaddie said that he, his father and his major expansion mode for its practices became available adjacent to the original colleagues are “passionate about the serving a range of patients throughout office, across from the two largest shop- integration of full-scope eyecare into the the greater Louisville area. ping malls in the state. practice. The focus on primary care start- The practice, established by Bruce When it’s completed later this spring, ed with my dad, who specialized in con- Ben Gaddie, OD, (l) and his father, Bruce J. Gaddie, OD. J. Gaddie, OD in 1968, operated in Gaddie will have tripled its office space, Continued on page 44 40 VISION MONDAY/MARCH 17, 2008 COVER STORY www.visionmonday.com

Location Makes a World of Difference

insurance including VSP, Medicare, Davis Vision and EyeMed insurance plans. “Processing people’s insurance is one of our biggest challenges here. We need to understand how the different plans work because our patients have come to expect this expertise as part of our customer service,” Crutchfield said. On the efficiency front, all of Clear Michael Crutchfield, OD State-of-the art equipment is available in the Visions records are electronic, making exam room. them a truly paperless office when it comes to tracking patients’ records, Clear Vision Eye Center bursting at the seams: appointments and billing procedures. Location: Las Vegas and Pahrump, Nev. this year alone, there “We use a system called maximEyes Year Founded: 2001 are some 40,000 hotel The dispensary offers high-end frames for an upper middle class clientele. made by a company called First Insight. Owners: Michael Crutchfield, OD, Ronald rooms scheduled to I can absolutely state this has made us Dutton, OD, Lindy Thomas, OD come online. “If you do the math, that fully come back several times a year is more efficient because we never have to Web Site: www.clearvisioneyecenters.com works out to about three hotel workers the key to running a successful practice, look for records—we know right where per room and that’s good news for us according to Crutchfield. to find things,” he said. Location. Location. Location. It’s not just since we get customers ranging from bus In an attempt to grow their practice, As for the future, Crutchfield believes a mantra for the real estate market. Clear boys to hotel managers,” he said. Clear Vision has been intent on providing the key to growing the business lies in Vision Eye Center is a perfect example of Clear Vision has all its bases covered the best level of customer service they availability. “One of the ways we can how the right location can make all the dif- between its two locations: one in down- possibly can. “We specialize in upper-end increase our business is to make sure we ference in the world of business as well. town Las Vegas and the other practice in frames and are a service-oriented busi- are more available, which is why we “One of the things that’s unique to the Las Pahrump, a suburb located about an hour ness. Our equipment is state of the art increased our hours at the Pahrump loca- Vegas area is that people are always mov- west of Sin City. Between the two loca- and includes a visual field machine and tion. Another one of the reasons we ing here,” according to Mike Crutchfield, tions, this full-service optometric practice [Ophthonix] iZon equipment used to expanded is because there are not very OD, a partner in this two-location practice offers the services of three full-time and make high definition lenses. As the busi- many optometrists in the area,” he said. generating $3.5 million per year in rev- one part-time OD. In the Las Vegas loca- ness has changed and grown, we’ve con- And when it comes to the economic enues. In total, the professional staff tion, there is a Lasik and cataract center tinued to add state-of-the-art equipment gloom and doom perpetuated by the includes 18 employees, four full-time doc- in the building and the ophthalmologist in an attempt to stay ahead of the power media, Crutchfield admits that Clear tors, Ronald Dutton, OD, Lindy Thomas, sees patients two times per month. curve. We are always looking to add Vision, which is still growing, has so far OD, Michael Crutchfield, OD, and Joe Both locations offer high-end products in equipment,” Crutchfield said. remained untouched by the downturn. Firmen, OD; all are partners in the prac- their dispensary, featuring frames from Lux- Clear Vision also invests a fair amount “As far as our patient base goes, about 40 tice with the exception of Firmen. ottica, Marchon and Sàfilo and this fits right of time in training their staff on how to percent are new patients and 60 percent “Our location is one thing that really in with the type of clientele which Crutch- use the equipment. “At least once a are past or repeat patients and we are sets us apart from the competition. The field describes as “upper middle class.” week, we take the staff through some tracking our growth so far for the year at area where one of our practices is located However, getting people to walk kind of training exercise. We also keep 26 percent. As far as the economy goes, is not far from the Vegas Strip, which as through the door is only part of the our front desk managers up-to date on we are all concerned because of what we you know is filled with hotels.” And the equation—getting them to stay for an the ins and outs of insurance plans.” read but as you can see, it really hasn’t downtown Las Vegas area is literally eye exam, make a purchase and hope- Clear Vision accepts several types of had an effect on us.” —Mary Kane

Affluent Patient Base, Franchise Support Help Cushion Economy’s Blows

Doctors Vision Center two optometrists build an active patient Location: Pinehurst, N.C. base of about 38,000 in this upscale retiree Founded: Became a franchisee in 2000 area. Last year, the practice generated Franchise Owners: L. Kennedy Bumgar- more than $2.6 million in revenues from ner, OD; Scott Athans, OD its single location, with about 12,750 Web Site: www.doctorsvisioncenter.com patients seen during 2007. The profes- sional staff consists of four ODs (two of PINEHURST, N.C.—For partners L. them part-time) and 17 staff. Kennedy (Kenny) Bumgarner, OD, and Said Bumgarner, “We’re big on plan- Scott Athans, OD, being franchisees in ning, tracking patients and analyzing the Doctors Vision Center network results in this office, and we focus strong- offers the freedom of owning and man- ly on the medical side of our profession as aging their own practice coupled with well as the retail side. And in terms of the benefits of centrally negotiated buy- that, Doctors Vision Center invented the ing discounts and promotional support. wheel—we just bought the wheel.” Their shift from unaffiliated private That focus on optometry’s medical practice to franchised office came in 2000, aspects—as well as its well-off patient providing an infrastructure that helped the Continued on page 42 L. Kennedy Bumgarner, OD

42 VISION MONDAY/MARCH 17, 2008 COVER STORY www.visionmonday.com

46-Year Old Practice Stands the Test of Time

The practice is located west of Phoenix. Six opticians work in the practice’s large dispensary. logically up computer screen, or observing the doctor service. “Every doctor has a tech-and-a- to date, the call up their files electronically. half who works with them,” he practice fea- “We’ve had some form of electronic explained. “We send the techs to training tures auto- records for five years,” Dr. Furey detailed. seminars regularly. We take advantage of West Valley Vision’s optometrists, from left to right: Dr. Christopher Furey, Dr. Stacee mated exam For the past three years, the practice has our Walman Optical rep, who comes out Burson, Dr. Steven Holt, Dr. Brent Wilson. lanes and been using First Insight’s maximEyes to visit us about every six weeks. She West Valley Vision electronic patient records. Six opticians program. In addition to tracking patients, works with any staff member that needs Location: Goodyear, Ariz. work in the large dispensary which offers appointments and billing, the software help. This month, she’s going to do a Founded: 1962 an array of the latest frames and lenses. An monitors inventory and calculates the per- seminar on polarized lenses.” Owner: Dr. Chris Furey, OD, owner on-site finishing lab ensures rapid service centage of profit on various products.” To keep its profile high in a competitive Web Site: www.westvalleyvision.com for eyeglass wearing patients. “We can access the system from any optical market, West Valley Vision does its “We add new equipment on a regular computer in the office. We’re totally net- share of advertising. Unlike some prac- In the Phoenix area, West Valley Vision basis,” said Dr. Furey. “Last year, we worked,” Dr. Furey said. tices, it runs only a brief listing in the Yel- is a well-known eyecare and eyewear bought an [Ophthonix] iZon abberome- Offering the latest lens technology is low Pages, preferring instead to concen- destination. Located just west of the city, ter, an updated digital field and a also important at West Valley Vision. trate its advertising in local newspapers. this $3.3 million practice was founded in Humphrey Matrix that allows us to scan Products such as the Varilux Ipseo pro- The practice also attracts patients 1962 by optometrist Charles Heiner. Dr. the retina for ocular disease.” gressive or the Ophthonix iZon lens through its Web site, www.westvalleyvi- Christopher Furey, OD, purchased West Dr. Holt added, “We’ve tried to stay underscore this approach. sion.com, as well as through Vision Ser- Valley Vision in 1995, three years after up with technology. Our patients notice “[The iZon lens] is one of the few vice Plan’s site. joining the practice. it. They tell us they get a more compre- lenses you put on and say ‘Wow,’” Dr. “We’re heavily invested with VSP, and Dr. Furey and his staff of 25, including hensive exam because we use the latest Furey said. “Patients are becoming more our name pops up on their Web site,” three other optometrists—Dr. Stacee Bur- technology.” receptive to it.” said Dr. Holt. son, Dr. Steven Holt, Dr. Brent Wilson— Upon entering the exam room, patients Dr. Furey pointed out that maintain- Yet Dr. Holt believes word of mouth provide a full scope of eyecare services and are often impressed with high tech touch- ing a large, well-trained staff allows West referrals are the key to the practice’s suc- products to about 25,000 patients. Techno- es such as seeing their retinal scan on the Valley Vision to provide high-quality cess. “It’s our biggest asset,” he remarked. —Andrew Karp

Continued from page 40 omy, I guess, we saw more patients with a goal of going “paperless” within base—has helped generate steady growth putting new lenses into their old 12 to 18 months, according to Bumgar- over the years for this 10,000 square foot frames last year,” Bumgarner ner, whose wife, Katherine, serves as office, Bumgarner told VM. For example, noted.) office manager. “At this point, pretty “we have a very big glaucoma practice, In addition to strong word of much everything is done via computer and we can take those patients to the mouth, a steady stream of promo- except the doctors’ writing out the point where when we refer them to oph- tions from franchisor Doctors exams,” he explained. “We’re doing thalmology, we always refer to a special- Vision Center helps maintain email follow-ups with patients, and ist, not a general ophthalmologist.” patient flow. He said, “The com- preappointing over the central Web site, Patient education—about eye disease pany runs promotions on various www.doctorsvisioncenter.com.” as well as about the proper eyewear and topics—some oriented toward spe- Looking ahead, Bumgarner is cautious lenses—is a key element of the practice cific eye diseases or allergies, oth- but optimistic about prospects for the com- as well, and another factor that has ers more retail/optical focused.” ing year. “We’re seeing some uncertainty The dispensary in the Doctors Vision Center franchised helped insulate it from the vagaries of office in Pinehurst, N.C., holds a prominent place just off Staff training is another impor- in the economy,” he acknowledged. “But the U.S. economy. the waiting area. tant part of the equation for Bum- we’re very proactive, and revenues were “The quality of the care we provide is stand the value of AR or UV protection, garner and Athans. In addition to using up nearly 25 percent in February. We built very important to us, and part of that for example.” training modules provided by Doctors this practice on the quality of care we pro- care is making sure patients understand Because of that, the practice’s rev- Vision Center’s central headquarters, the vide, which Doctors Vision Center encour- that what they’re getting in their glasses enues from AR lenses rose 15 percent in practice holds weekly staff meetings to ages, so we’re somewhat insulated from in terms of lenses and lens treatments is 2007, while revenues from scratch-pro- make sure all departments and employ- economic ups and downs—and what we as significant as a medicine they might tection coatings were up 28 percent— ees are on the same page regarding its do on a regular basis works to help us in be prescribed,” Bumgarner explained. despite a 12.4 percent drop in frame latest programs and products. these tough times.” “Our staff makes sure patients under- sales for the year. (“Because of the econ- The practice is heavily computerized, —Cathy Ciccolella

44 VISION MONDAY/MARCH 17, 2008 COVER STORY www.visionmonday.com

Continued from page 39 accountants are commin- tact lenses; I do a lot of disease and glau- gled in the professional coma management. In the face of the environment, which can be rise of vision plans in general, the ability disruptive. We want to focus to generate a medical component to our on better, high-value cus- practice has been key.” tomer interactions.” There are a total of eight ODs, includ- Gaddie has been working ing the Gaddies, who serve patients with Eye Designs on the throughout all the locations; the expan- project and is focusing on sion of Oxmoor will mean the addition the new look of its expand- of more ODs in that new facility, which ed dispensary, a devoted Gaddie’s LaGrange location. In the dispensary, a patient learns about eyewear via an will expand from four exam lanes to sun area, and its designer Eyemaginations’ system. nine plus two fully-equipped pre-test mix of frames where “each brand iden- county, now in a freestanding building new outside lab arrangement. The original areas. “We’re doubling our through-put tity can be maximized,” he noted. the company built. “This practice serves surfacing lab space will be reconfigured. there. We took a total team approach He continued, “We’re of the philoso- a mix of middle class patients, and we In addition, the Gaddie dispensary fea- with our staff and tried to think about phy that we want to control our inventory, draw from six counties where there is no tures the Cyberimaging tool, which hooks flow and gather input on what’s been which is a crucial issue in running any dis- eyecare.” into Eyemaginations software, to provide a frustrating us all due to lack of space pensary. We’ve consolidated from a range The Gaddie location the farthest high-impact visual and dispensing experi- until now.” Gaddie works with an expe- of about 20 to 30 vendors to eight or nine northeast of Louisville is in Carollton, ence for patients when they work with rienced professional practice administra- partnerships. When an exclusive high-end Ky, in a very industrial area with limited opticians. Gaddie noted, “This new tech- tor, Scott Keiser, “who has been instru- line comes through, we’re still willing to health care. Gaddie is on the staff of the nology will differentiate us from others; it mental in helping us implement this take a risk to put in something new. We regional hospital there. has already helped increase our sales of tra- new vision,” Gaddie noted. want people to get in Louisville what they The practice started in-house finish- ditional add-on materials and features.” The new space will be a true corpo- might normally have to go to Chicago or ing many years ago and until three Of the new expansion project, Gaddie rate HQ, with meeting rooms and a New York to get.” months ago, operated its own surfacing said, “We had an opportunity and wanted reconfiguration of space for billing, Gaddie’s other locations include one lab to support all locations for most jobs. to be sure we took the chance when we administration and a centralized phone in Prospect, at the northeast end of When AR coating technology changed, had it to build out. If you have access to bank to facilitate appointments and Louisville, an upscale, growing area. and recognizing that AR was becoming a capital, when it’s a down market, it’s always answer service questions. “Currently, the The third location is in LaGrange, fur- more significant component of their lens a good time to invest for the future.” insurance people, bookkeepers and ther northeast of Louisville in the next business, Gaddie recently negotiated a —Marge Axelrad www.visionmonday.com EXAM LANES VISION MONDAY/MARCH 17, 2008 45

NEWS VIEWS SECO Attendance Up; Bill Lord, OD, Named President

By Cathy Ciccolella sponsorship by spec- Networking events during SECO Council of Optometrists (SoCO), which Senior Editor tacle lens manufac- International 2008 included a kick-off encompasses more than 5,500 member turers; this year, reception, the “Atlantic Station ODs in 12 states: Alabama, Arkansas, ATLANTA—Though Essilor of America Triathlon” and the closing ceremonies Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, final attendance fig- and Hoya Vision Care celebration featuring the classic rock Mississippi, North Carolina, South Car- ures for this year’s were among the spon- band America. olina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Vir- SECO International sors of SECO’s nearly SECO International, which dates back ginia. The Armed Forces Optometric meeting had not yet 400 hours of continu- to 1924, is produced annually by a whol- Society (AFOS) is an affiliate member of Bill Lord, OD been announced at ing education courses. ly owned subsidiary of the Southern SoCO. ■■ press time, the event In a press briefing, incoming SECO was expected by show president Lord noted that next year’s Doug Clark, OD organizers to wind up SECO International will shift its timing EYECARE NEWS as SECO’s largest ever in terms of atten- from the normal late-February pattern of dance. SECO 2008 was on track to draw recent years; this year’s event was held at least 8,000 eyecare professionals from Feb. 27 through March 2. WORLD CONFERENCE ON OPTOMETRIC GLOBALIZATION around the world, according to Doug SECO International 2009 will be held PLANNED FOR APRIL 11-13 IN LONDON Clark, OD, who was succeeded as presi- March 4 through March 8, 2009, again at LONDON—Hosted by the World Council of Optometry (WCO) and the European dent of SECO International on Feb. 29 the Georgia World Congress Center here. Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO) in conjunction with the College of by Bill Lord, OD. Lord said future goals for SECO Optometrists, the second World Conference on Optometric Globalization (WCOG2) Clark noted that SECO International include expanding Spanish-language will be held here from April 11 to 13. continues to attract a growing number of programs, and enhancing the event’s Organizers say the meeting has been designed to appeal to leaders from profes- allied ophthalmic professionals as well as online presence. “We also want to sional organizations, governmental agencies, the ophthalmic industry, regulatory optometrists; opticians in particular are increase the number of associate and boards, educational institutions, accreditation agencies, public health organiza- increasing their ranks among the attendees. international attendees,” he added. tions and non-governmental organizations throughout the world. The conference Goals achieved for this year’s event, At a ceremony during this year’s event, features five sessions addressing the political, humanitarian and commercial according to Clark, included an expand- SECO recognized 28 optometrists for suc- aspects of the development of effective, efficient policies and delivery care sys- ed Optometry’s Marketplace exhibit cessfully completing the SECO Scholar tems that improve visual health. area, with close to 300 industry suppliers Program, a two-year, in-depth program International speakers from a wide range of organizations will address the con- showing off their latest products and pro- focusing on ocular disease that was ference, including senior representatives from the International Centre for Eyecare grams. In addition, he said the group has designed to help ODs hone their disease Education, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness and the World been working to encourage education assessment and treatment skills. Health Organization. Said Robert Chappell, OD, the WCO’s president, “The impact of globalization on optometry as goods, services, people, knowledge and information move increas- Luxottica Gets More Aggressive ingly quickly and freely around the world and cannot be underestimated. WCOG2 will give those of us involved in optometry at any level the opportunity to discuss With EyeMed Managed Vision some of these issues and to share our thinking so that the profession is well- positioned to meet the demands in a changing world.” MASON, Ohio—Luxottica Group’s employers such as the state governments The ECOO’s spring meeting will also take place here April 10 and 11. For more Luxottica Retail division is marketing its of New York, Indiana and Illinois as well information on WCOG2, visit www.optometrytomorrow.com. EyeMed Vision Care managed-vision as American Express, Verizon, JP Mor- operations more aggressively in 2008, gan and others. In addition, the compa- AOA PARAOPTOMETRIC SECTION OFFERS according to Kerry Bradley, Luxottica ny is offering vision discounts to mem- LIBRARY OF EDUCATION MODULES Retail’s chief operating officer. Plans bers of AAA and AARP through ST. LOUIS—The American Optometric Association’s (AOA) paraoptometric include EyeMed’s first direct-to-employ- exclusive relationships with those section has put together a Library of Education Modules, consisting of six ee marketing program, launching this groups, and is adding discount eyewear education modules on specific topics in audio PowerPoint format. year. “We’ve decided to really unleash plans (generally offering a discount of Each module offers an option to test for continuing education credits; success- EyeMed and get competitive in the about 30 percent) to HMOs with ful completion of the test is worth one credit hour. The processing fee for CE cred- market,” Bradley said. insured eye exams, Bradley said. it hours is $10 for AOA members, $25 for non-members. Speaking during Luxottica’s recent This year, EyeMed is also working Topics of the education modules are: Investor Day event, Bradley said Eye- with some of its employer clients to pro- • Practice Management 101 Med started this year with 23 million mote the concept of vision care directly • Anatomy and Physiology funded insured lives, up 8 percent over to those companies’ employees. In a • Ophthalmic Dispensing the same time in 2007. “And we expect new program now rolling out, teams of • Special Procedures 2009 to be a record year, based on early EyeMed “field managers” will meet • Soft Contact Lens wear and Care results,” Bradley said. He characterized with employees to inform them about • ABCs of Optical Dispensing EyeMed as the second-largest provider their vision benefits; more than 1,000 When sold separately these modules are $40 each for members and $55 each for of managed vision plans. site visits are planned, Bradley noted. non-members. For a limited time only, the AOA paraoptometric section is offering the EyeMed has established relationships “At one location, we booked 19 exams entire Library of Education Modules for $200 for members, $300 for non-members. with major insurance players such as for a Pearle Vision store on the spot,” he For more information, visit www.aoa.org, or e-mail to [email protected]. ■■ Aetna, Humana, Wellpoint and others, said. “We’ll do more of that.” and is also selling vision plans directly to —Cathy Ciccolella 46 VISION MONDAY/MARCH 17, 2008 RETAIL DISPENSARY www.visionmonday.com

LAUNCHES Charmant Bows Decorative Titanium

By Deirdre Carroll ladies titanium but we kind of got away “As a leader of titanium in the industry, Associate Editor from the more decorative type a little there were segments of the market we bit, so we really wanted to put emphasis MORRIS PLAINS, N.J.—Charmant back on it. We feel that the minimalistic weren’t successfully fulfilling. We feel launches their brand new Decorative look has plateaued and people are now that the minimalistic look has plateaued Ladies Titanium collection just in time looking more for fashion and design in and people are now looking more for for Vision Expo East. their frames.” “As a leader of titanium in the indus- Elegant, sophisticated, meticulously fashion and design in their frames.” try, there were segments of the market crafted are words the company uses to —Dennis Davis, Charmant we weren’t successfully fulfilling,” said describe the new styles offered in the Dennis Davis, vice president of sales for Charmant Titanium Collection. The was the incorporation of a common theme Classically elegant, the 10829 style, in Charmant USA. “We used to do well with design inspiration for the three style series while retaining the individuality of each brown, gold, purple and rose, is offered piece. The main theme with intricate temple detailing in a two- The 10828 (top) and in the series is a “ham- tone gold and silver accent reminiscent the 10829 (bottom) mered toned” effect of Roman coins and is a true statement from Charmant’s new which appears on the piece available in two eye-sizes, 50-17 Decorative Ladies Titanium collection. temples in various ways. and 52-17. The 10830, in brown, gold, Differing approaches rose and silver, is a soft round lens shape were used to characterize this detail on with an opened end piece in a 49-17 and each of the styles. 51-17 eye size. Model 10828, available in brown, gold A counter display is available which and pink, offers the hammered effect in highlights the decorative temple an animal print-like pattern which tran- designs. Made of pure titanium, the sitions from the end piece to the temple frames are light, strong, durable and paired with a modern milled front in a allergy-free and each style in the series is 51-17 eye size. priced to the dispenser at $99. ■■

SECOND LOOK SECOND LOOK Hilco Introduces Modular SunPOD McGee Unveils “Uniquely

PLAINVILLE, Mass.—Hilco Yours” Ophthalmic Collection has created a new modular SunPOD, a comprehensive MARIETTA, Ga.—The McGee Group merchandising system for has announced two new designs in Leader Rimless SunClips. the Vera Bradley “Uniquely Yours” The modular SunPOD sys- Ophthalmic Collection, the VB-3023 tem gives dispensers more and the VB-3024. display and storage flexibili- TheVB-3023 is a full rim hand- ty with a compact yet made acetate frame with a round- expandable system to grow ed rectangle eyeshape. This attrac- Leader Rimless SunClips tive design features the Mod Floral sales. The SunPOD provides Pink and Kensington Vera Bradley an attractive and informative patterns on the inside of both tem- POP display option while ples with metal accents and a maintaining a high level of laser etched Vera Bradley logo on organization to keep invento- both temple tips. ry management effortless The VB-3024 is a semi rimless The Modular SunPOD display system from Hilco. and fitting and adjusting metal plastic combination with a tools at your fingertips. shallow rectangle eyeshape. This Hilco’s two-unit Modular SunPOD features the most popular shapes and sizes of design introduces molded floral Leader Rimless SunClips with AR coated polarized lenses and each included designs inspired by the Vera Leader Rimless SunClip comes with a deluxe carrying case and micro-fiber cleaning Bradley Mod Floral Pink Blue and cloth. The top presentation unit of the Modular SunPOD gives dispensers the flex- Kensington patterns. This frame ibility to display multiple POP messages and organize the most popular Leader Rim- has a laser etched Vera Bradley less SunClips. The bottom storage unit of the Modular SunPOD stores SunClip logo on both temple tips and The VB-3023 and the VB-3024, both with coordinating deluxe carrying cases, adjusting tools, and a fitting guide to make selling and dis- adjustable nose pads. cases, from the Vera Bradley Collection by McGee. pensing Leader Rimless SunClips easier. All Vera Bradley frames include The new Modular SunPOD from Hilco is priced to the dispenser at $399.99. ■■ coordinating cases and are priced to the dispenser at $59.95. ■■ 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 48 VISION MONDAY/MARCH 17, 2008 RETAIL DISPENSARY www.visionmonday.com

LAUNCHES A&A Optical Introduces XXL Sun By Deirdre Carroll DALLAS—A&A Optical unveils XXL “XXL Sun is such a natural exten- Associate Editor Sun, the new sun line for men from sion for the XXL line. Once again, XXL Eyewear. The Devil Ray (top) and “XXL Sun is such a natural exten- style aware, fit challenged males the Nugget (bottom) from XXL’s new sion for the XXL line,” said Rodney and their eyecare professionals line of sunwear Hayes, executive vice for the fit president of A&A Optical. find their home in XXL Sun.” challenged male. “It is true to the spirit of XXL —Rodney Hayes, A&A Optical providing fit, comfort, selection and, with both CR39 UV400 lenses and ing for; great fit, enhanced comfort, Polarized UV 400 lenses available longer temples, ample head space and ern, elegant, yet sporty look with tex- in all models, versatility. Styling style versatility. The initial launch collec- tured rubber temple tips in size 68-17- and function are not sacrificed for tion includes four styles; the Cowboy, 135. The Nugget, in black or tortoise antiquated optical limits, while Devil Ray, Dolphin and Nugget, each acetate, is a sleek, sporty double lami- the needs of eyecare professionals available with CR39 UV400 lenses or nate wrap around style accented with a are conveniently answered UV400 polarized lenses. metal bar detail on the temples in size as well. Once again, The Cowboy, available in black or 67-18-140. The Dolphin, in black and style aware, fit gun, is a classic metal featuring an gun, is a clean line metal, incorporating challenged males understated, sport inspired rectangular simplicity in style with a softened rec- and their eye- shape, with rubber temple tips that tangular shape and tapered temples in care profession- ensure comfort and stay put perform- size 66-18-135. als find their ance in size 67-18-140. POP materials include a 12-piece rota- home in XXL The Devil Ray, in black or silver, is a tor display, logo plaque and counter Sun.” double bar metal style with an exagger- cards. Each frame comes with a new XXL Sun satisfies what the fit chal- ated, elongated rectangular eye shape, sunwear case and is priced to the dis- lenged male consumer has been search- curved to hug the face for a very mod- penser from $52.95 to $69.95. ■■

SECOND LOOK SECOND LOOK Kenmark Releases Vibrant New Viva Introduces “Leopard Designs in the Thalia Collection Ladies” from Magic Clip

LOUISVILLE, Ky.—The Ken- mark Group has added six new frames to its Thalia Eyewear collection. The new optical styles offer fashion forward designs for women seeking a hint of style and flair. Each design presents angular shapes in vibrant col- ors with decorative temples. Style Cielo in brown (top) and black (bottom) from the Thalia The Anillos metal nylon Eyewear collection from Kenmark. Styles M 356 in burgundy with gray lens clip on (top) and M 357 in brown with brown lens clip rimless frame has a round on (bottom) from the Magic Clip “Leopard Ladies” grouping by Viva International. metal endpiece and zyl two-dimensional diamond patterned temples and is avail- able in three colors: black, brown and gold. SOMERVILLE, N.J.—Viva International has unveiled “Leopard Ladies,” a new The Cielo rectangular shaped rimless frame has a multi-angular zyl temple with small women’s optical series from Magic Clip, available in three styles: M 356, M 357, metal rivets and is available in an array of colors. and M 358, that feature modern eyeshapes. The Diversion chunky zyl frame has a rich color-contrasting laminated endpiece A polarized magnetic clip instantly transforms these graceful styles into fashion- and temples. forward sunglasses. The Misterio zyl frame with rectangular shaped front combined with angular multi- The Magic Clip “Leopard Ladies” is available in three colors: black with a gray lens laminated temples reveals an exciting color-contrasting motif in three colors. clip on, burgundy with gray lens clip on, and satin brown with brown lens on clip. The Nectar angular shaped front features a round metal endpiece and zyl two- Playful handmade plastic temples highlight animal print inserts with rhinestone dimensional diamond patterned temples. accents creating a sophisticated look. Semi-rimless lenses and flat metal front The Sueno stainless steel front features multi-laminated zyl temples with metal detailing define these trendy styles. rivets for a unique look available in four colors: black, brown, gold, and violet. The new “Leopard Ladies” collection from Magic Clip by Viva International fea- Each frame in the Thalia Eyewear Collection from Kenmark includes a signature tures spring hinge temples for maximum durability and are priced to the dispenser red eyewear case and is priced to the dispenser at $49.95. ■■ at $79.95. ■■ JIMMIE JOHNSON 2006, 2007 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Champion

BALANCE Black | Smoke | OGY1016

GARGOYLES G7 TRUE VISION SYSTEM

In 2008, we continue to offer the most advanced, optically correct sunglass lenses available worldwide, with realigned focus for Work, Sport, Outdoor and Military applications. We also introduced the G7 Gargoyles True Vision System, a new “off the charts” compilation of optical technology packaged in a way our team has always desired.

For more information on G7 Gargoyles True Vision System, Gargoyles and Jimmy Johnson request a catalog at (800) 426-6396 or visit www.gargoylesinc.com

Fabricator Draft Torque Traction Downforce 50 RETAIL DISPENSARY

SECOND LOOK Fendi Offers New Styles for Spring ‘08 MELVILLE, N.Y.—Fendi and Marchon unveil their Spring 2008 eyewear collection. The first of four ophthalmic styles, the F752M, highlights the Fendi Forever logo, a modern take on the Fendi Double “F” logo, on each endpiece of this classic men’s frame. The combination style, available in gunmetal, military green, midnight blue or gold, has a metal front with streamlined temples. The F721, available in black, tortoise, orchid and strawberry, features Fendi’s double “F” pattern redesigned into the “Mini Logo” treatment on both temples with metal endpieces engraved with a vertical Fendi logo. (L-R) The F752M, F721, F738R and F732R optical styles from Fendi and The F738R, part of the new Fendi signature Marchon for Spring ’08. Loveletter collection inspired by an envelope styled handbag, comes in shiny palladium or sunflower. Fendi is spelled out in a bold geometric pattern on each temple highlighted with crystals. The F732R features the classic double “F” logo with both temples showcasing perforated “F’s” in a dotted pat- tern and metal endpieces with rhinestone embellishment. The rectangle combination frame is available in black, shiny palladium, chestnut, garnet and golden beauty. The highlight of the new sun styles is the FS500. Inspired by the Spring ‘08 run- way collection, the "F" logo pattern is designed with fine grained cork embellish- ment on both temples. The feminine silhouette, an 8-base injected zyl, is available in black, white and brown havana. Provides 100% UVA and UVB protection The Fendi styles from Marchon are priced to the dispenser from $112.50 to $185. ■■

Visual clarity with Abbe number v = 40 SECOND LOOK

Mid-index with excellent stress resistance Wiley X Introduces Their Women’s, Men’s Street Series Sunglasses Sun protection blocks up to 85% visible light* LIVERMORE, Calif.—Wiley X Eyewear has introduced its new Women’s and Men’s Street Series sunglasses, developed to combine fashionable design, comfortable fit and superior eye protection. The women’s series represents the company’s expansion into the women’s fashion eyewear category. Among the four combinations available are cotton candy frames with coral pink lenses and red leopard frames offset by smoke lenses. Each of the mod- els are built from tough, lightweight TR90 grilamid and feature optical quality lenses that are impact resistant, scratch resistant and provide 100 percent UVA and UVB pro- tection — exceeding ANSI Z87.1 safety and ANSI Z80.3 optical standards. The Ashley comes in two color options, a gloss black frame with smoke lens or gloss brown fade with bronze brown lens. The new Wiley X Men’s Street Series comes in three styles, each available with Wiley X’s advanced lens polarization. All models feature ANSI-certified, high velocity, high mass impact frames constructed of TR-90 grilamid and Wiley Set yourself apart with SunSensors®+™ in-mass plastic X’s optical quality, eight-layer lenses that provide photochromic lens technology! From the people who 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. The Plaz- invented photochromic technology, CORNING! ma is a thick and edgy frame with HVP Selenite polycarbonate lenses in gloss leopard brown with bronze brown lenses or a gloss black with polarized smoke lenses.

*Gray Transmission Factor (Visible +UV) when fully darkened The Dalila sunglass from Wiley X’s The sunglasses are priced to the dispenser SunSensors+ is a registered trademark of Corning Inc., Corning, NY new Women’s Street Series. from $40 to $70. ■■ RETAIL DISPENSARY 51

SECOND LOOK A CASE For The World... A VISION For The Future SM

Allison Presents New Styles in the Custom Printing Dunhill Collection Available Value Priced! PADOVA, Italy- Allison SpA releases tk new Over 2 Million Cases in Stock! Our Lowest styles in the Dunhill collection for men. Prices Ever! Positioned as the choice of the thinking man, Dunhill Eyewear is designed for the man who loves speed and has a passion for cars and engines. It is performance eyewear that does not sacrifice lightness, ergonomics or quality and embraces sophistication and function. Elegant simplicity, refined lines and sub- tle details express the Dunhill style. Optical frame highlights include titanium in black, The DU071 optical style (top) and the DU544 # 15 Sm. brown and burgundy, in polished or matt sun style (bottom) from Dunhill by Allison SpA. # 10 Sm. versions, paired with geometric frame fronts accentuated by faceted sides. Square palladium, in black or red gold, with acetate tips in contrasting colors hide the right angles of the Dunhill “d.” The definite profile an acetate model with simple, clean lines, comes in havana, transparent gray and opaline khaki colors, which reveal the brand is capable of following the new chro- matic needs of the male consumer. Logos are present, but discrete and never invasive. The logo is a symmetric geo- metric module that and recalls the Op Art of the Seventies. # 60 Med. The collection’s sunglasses are the perfect companions for leisure time and sports. # 50 Med . Smoked, mirrored or Roviex lenses are shaded in an injected shiny black or opaque blue mask. Further still, the “d” logo inscribed in an obvious enamel circle or the small, micro-drilled plates recalls the traditional Dunhill perforated sports driving glove. The Dunhill collection from Allison SpA is priced to the dispenser between $95 and $140 for ophthalmic, and $160 for sun. ■■

SECOND LOOK # 70 Med. # 80 Lg. Match Eyewear Launches Float Milan Sunwear MINEOLA, N.Y.—Match Eyewear will ea introduce for the first time at Vision 49 for 100 Expo East the Float Milan Sunwear collection with six to eight new styles. “We designed sunglasses that # 85 Lg. would maintain our philosophy of All Clamshells Available in a Variety of Colors and Finishes. great styles, perfect fit and an added value for our customers and the consumer,” said Ethan Good- Call To Order The FH 7222 (left) and the FH7111 (right) from Float man, president of Match Eyewear. Milan’s new sunwear collection by Match Eyewear. 888.767.0383 “We have successfully accom- plished this with the use of polarized lenses in our high fashion Float Milan brand.” In addition to releasing over 30 new ophthalmic styles, Float Milan will release its Avalon is proud to partner with the Wildlife Conservation Society. sunwear collection built on clean, classic designs, along with the technical addition of Your loyal support of our products enables us to help polarized lenses for added sun protection. The Float Milan collection features true Ital- save wildlife globally. ian style and an upscale, sophisticated, tailored look. The feminine styles with added polarization are designed to appeal to the most discriminating fashion conscious woman, while the masculine metals and acetates, with clean lines and the perfect touch of added temple treatments, and accent the addition of polarized lenses. With a selection of classic aviators, chic wraps, and oversized shields, in rich col- orations, the look combines, understated elegance with modern flair to appeal to the masses for both men and women, age 20 to 50. Additional styles will be introduced in June 2008 and the new sunwear collec- tion from Float Milan is priced to the dispenser between $65 and $75. ■■ COATING PROCESSES Booth: LP3401 New York, NY 11.-13. April2008 East Expo International Vision Please visitusat www.leyboldoptics.com guarantees forperfectresults. or start-upoperations–CCSII ings, prescriptionmanufacturing Single-layer ormulti-layercoat- absolute processstability. combines highthroughputwith On verylittlespaceCCSII SPEEDING UP

YOUR OPT ICS CCS II 52 Nine West Celebrates10Years inOptical rhvs forstyles thatrangefromging- archives, sourcing ideasfromherown her roots, Johnson CollectionforSpring. new eyewear groupings intheBetsey NEW YORK—Legacie releasesthree SECOND LOOK sohave ourofferingsinoptical. expand, asourbrandcontinuesto quality. And, functionand ly offerincredibledesign, our opticalandsunwear linesconsistent- West. “We areextremelyproudthatboth creativedirectorofNine said Fred Allard, ineyewear withSàfiloUSA,”anniversary am thrilledtobecelebratinga10th continue toevolve asafashionleader. I thisyearbutwe also 30th anniversary locations in61countries. cy throughoutNineWest’s 1,035global with afreshimageandlendsconsisten- brand messageofbeingthemoment, developments allreinforceNineWest’s merchandising program.Thesenew anupdatedlogoandanew new styles, withthereleaseof of thebranditself, andthe30thanniversary West Eyewear, ofNine celebrate the10-yearanniversary PARSIPPANY, N.J.—NineWest andSàfilo SECOND LOOK The newElegantsunglassesfromNineWest andSàfilo. violet fromBetseyJohnsonforLegacie. ter) andGorgeousinGingham,styleBJ070, Gotta LoveGingham,styleBJ069inraven(cen- Go Gingham,styleBJ068incherry(top), o hssao,Johnsongoesbackto For thisseason, “Not onlyisNineWest celebratinga RETAIL DISPENSARY over theseframes. to haveglitter appears beendusted all of Studio54.Usingnovel applications, revisits theglitzandglamour Stardust, Betsey Johnson’s designsensibilityand shapedtemple. grouping featurearuffle Gingham group.Threeofthestylesinthis using avarietyofnew treatmentsinthe priced tothedispenserat$44$59 polarized lenses.Thecollectionis somewith added tothecollection, willalsobe plastics andonemetal, three fournew sunglassstyles, ally, metal/plastic combinations.Addition- while therestareofferedin Twofor tween girls. comeinacetate, nine stylesforadultfemalesandtwo styles willbereleased.They include and brandimage.” logo modernized keeping with the in displays, cal updating ouropti- and arenow optical frames, girls’ sunglasses, We have added pattern hasbeenrevamped andapplied pattern theclassicgingham Spring runway show, cal stylesandthreenew sunglasses. featuring seven new opti- focused inTutu, todance glitter-esque inStardust, to ham-inspired intheGinghamgroup, Release SpringAdditions Betsey JohnsonandLegacie Glitter hasalways played abigrolein 11new ophthalmic This month, The NineWest goalistosatisfystyle Mirroring looksfromthedesigners’ Mirroring osnV,isthenumber Jobson/VC, astudyby VisionWatch, 1999 andaccordingto Sàfilo USAsinceSpring produced underlicenseby wear collection hasbeen theNineWest Eye- end, attainable prices.To that at thatisontrend, ion, freshfash- sexy, diverse, chameleons’ cravings for share inunitsfor2007. women in terms ofbrand women interms one opticalbrandamong ly offer incredible design, sunwear linesconsistent- “We are extremely proud —Fred Allard, NineWest that bothouropticaland function andquality.” 10th anniversaryandshowcasethenew“9”logo. New displaypiecescommemorateNineWest’s accents ofblack. inpredominately whitewith play, counter display and18-placerotatordis- 6-placeon- 6-place in-counterdisplay, a2-placedisplay,fixture programoffers new themodern, needs, meet retailers’ and 36-placefloorrotator. Developed to aswell asthenew logoplaque styles, and canbefoundonselectnew frames “9” NineWest iconfeaturesmultiple9s Thenew program foropticalcustomers. new logoandmerchandisingdisplay having recentlyintroducedabrand well, for ophthalmicand$43to$52sun. penser between $79 to$99. son forLegacie arepricedtothedis- grouping. of part Queen 2, Drama oval opticalframeintitanium, ity oftheBetsey aesthetic. ed stylessatisfythepunkrocksensibil- variety ofsweet theseunderstat- colors; Cute andTutu MuchSun.Available ina Tutu Tutu Sweet, opticalstyles, adorns collections. Atulleinspiredpattern are ubiquitousinallofBetsey’s runway are modeledafterthetulledressesthat Nine West hasupdateditslookas These new stylesfrom Betsey John- The lastnew introduction isthemod All ofthetemplesinTutu group ■ the popularLashes ■ ■ ■ Better vision by design. 54 VISION MONDAY/MARCH 17, 2008 RETAIL DISPENSARY www.visionmonday.com

Patty Perreira is an eyewear designer to the bone. She’s worked on collections for Prada, Miu Miu, Jil Sander and Vera Wang, but it was during her 17 years at Oliver Peoples that her passion for design and unique vision grew. During her tenure there she helped to elevate By Deirdre Carroll the status of the brand, as well as bring Paul Smith Spectacles and Mosley Tribes to mar- ket. Then in 2007, Perreira, along with Bill Barton, the former president of Oliver Peo- F. Y. EYE ples, started their own luxury eyewear line, Barton Perreira. In less than two years, the company, driven by Perreira’s inspired designs, has established itself as one that defines style and ele- gance with accounts in fashion Meccas like Fred Segal, Barneys, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Jeffrey New York and Davante. Perreira’s ever-evolving body of knowledge and keen sensibilities have garnered her much acclaim and respect within the industry and her designs have graced the faces of a veritable “Who’s Who” of Hollywood and fashion royalty. As F.Y.Eye learned, with such a stellar pedigree, it’s not hard to imagine Perreira becoming luxury eyewear’s next great super star.

What are the most important hand and it looks and feels as I imag- philosophy or perspective into an I am very proud of the quality. I think 1 influences on your design work? ined it, it is very rewarding. eyewear line? it is beautifully made and I feel my Everything I love…jewelry, architec- Having the confidence in myself to expertise in every shape and color. I ture, nature, Jamaica, cars, motorcy- Describe the ultimate Barton believe I could do it and then getting also love the snakeskin and leopard cles. Basically, I find inspiration in 3Perreira man and woman. such an amazing response. I do not detailing on the Emmanuelle sunglass, everything. Confident, stylish individuals who have the words to express my grati- as well as the mesh grilles on the appreciate quality and design. They tude for all of the love and support I Acheron and Swindler. What excites you most don’t need logos to validate their sta- have received. 2 about design? tus or identity. What is the best advice anyone The entire process—from conception What are some of your favorite 6ever gave you? of an idea to all the steps in between. What’s been the greatest chal- 5pieces or characteristics of your “Don’t bury your thoughts, put your vision When I have the final product in my 4lenge in interpreting your design eyewear collection? to reality,” from Bob Marley. ■■ SECOND LOOK SECOND LOOK Haggar Eyewear Introduces New Fusion Eyewear Unveils New Urban Eyewear Line for Men Styles from Jean Paul Gaultier

DALLAS—Haggar Eyewear, man- PLAINVIEW, N.Y.—Fusion Eye- ufactured under license by i- wear will reveal the newest dealoptics, adds a rugged ele- limited edition releases in the ment to their 2008 men’s Jean Paul Gaultier eyewear eyewear line. collection at the upcoming The 200-series focuses on Vision Expo East. seven sleek edgy looks that Made in Japan of pure highlight hot temple designs. titanium, there are six oph- Two full rim looks, the H200 and thalmic and five sun models H201, start off the collection including a show stopping with bold rectangles that show- sculptured dragon frame case cut-out and split-temple and unique “hand” frame. elements. The H202 has an Style VJP080J and acetate front with stainless tem- VJP553J feature dragon The titanium/acetate VJP553J with dragon temples (top) and the ladies VJP079J with hand detail (bottom) from Jean Paul ples while the H203 is acetate temples with a beautiful Gaultier Eyewear. with classic metal accents adja- Swarovski crystal embedded cent to the end piece. in the body of the dragon. The workmanship and attention to detail makes the tem- Rounding out the collection ples seem like pieces of sculpture. The frames are made of lightweight titanium are two semi-rimless ophthalmic and titanium/acetate combinations in a selection of four colors each. frames and a drill mount style. Made from titanium and acetate, the men’s VJP078J and the women’s VJP079J, Style H201 (top), H203 (center), and H206 (bottom) The H204 and the H205 feature both rimless styles, feature hands “holding” on the lens. Reminiscent of authen- frames from Haggar Eyewear by i-dealoptics. stainless steel fronts and thick- tic Gaultier, the unique sculptured hand frames come in a selection of four colors er acetate temples. The H206 has distinctive two-tone colorations and cut-out each and the attention to detail is so complete that the ladies version even incor- shapes on the temples that mirror the lens shape. Keeping these contemporary porates a Swarovski bracelet on the right temple around the hand. looks timeless are neutral shades of black, brown, and gunmetal. The new limited release frames in the Jean Paul Gaultier collection are priced to Haggar Eyewear is priced to the dispenser at $22.99. ■■ the dispenser between $295 to $475. ■■

56 VISION MONDAY/MARCH 17, 2008 RETAIL DISPENSARY www.visionmonday.com

CONTACT LENSES CooperVision Debuts ClearSight 1-Day Toric FAIRPORT, N.Y.—CooperVision has “As the world’s number one toric lens ocufilcon D, and are available in sphere ty,” Gardner also noted. “Daily dispos- introduced ClearSight 1-Day Toric lens- market, ClearSight 1-Day Toric pro- powers of plano to -6.00D in 0.25D ables’ incredibly high rate of compliance es, the latest addition to the CooperVi- vides greater stability, outstanding com- steps, -6.50D, and -7.00D; a base curve means more regular reorders than two- sion daily disposable product line. The fort and excellent visual acuity with all of 8.7mm; and a diameter of 14.5 mm. week or monthly lenses,” he said. ■■ lenses target patients with astigmatism the benefits of the daily disposable The lenses are with the health benefits and conven- modality,” said James Gardner, director packaged as five- ience of a daily disposable. of marketing. lens strip blisters in With the debut of the ClearSight 1- The lens features a uniform, horizon- 30-lens cartons. Day Toric, Cooper now offers toric con- tal iso-thickness, with a wide ballast band “No other toric tact lenses in all modalities, reinforcing maximizing optimal orientation and modality offers its Total Toric Solution, offering ECPs more effective lens-eyelid interaction eyecare practition- the widest range of toric products and which enhances stability while blinking. ers a better oppor- parameters in the industry, the compa- The ClearSight 1-Day Toric features tunity to increase Cooper’s new ny pointed out. a 55 percent water content material, practice profitabili- 1-Day Toric targets astigmatic patients. CIBA Increases Manufacturing for O2Optix SiHys DULUTH, Ga.—Over the past year, future silicone hydrogel lens innova- of patients now rate Night & Day high Ratings for O2Optix also increased, CIBA Vision says it has made significant tions. As part of these investments, for initial comfort—an improvement of 58 the company said, with over 92 percent investments to increase manufacturing CIBA also implemented proprietary percent over comfort ratings for the lens- of patients now rating the lens high for capacity, particularly for its silicone manufacturing process improvements, es prior to the process improvements. initial comfort. Also, a survey conducted hydrogel lenses. This has resulted in a which have led, it says, to a new level of Additional research shows that patients' with current O2Optix wearers found that return to “best-in-class” customer serv- comfort and consistency for Night & satisfaction with comfort and positive rat- 81 percent who had previously worn ice levels and is allowing increased Day and O2Optix lenses. ings for Night & Day lenses start strong other brands of soft lenses rated O2Optix speed-to-market for CIBA Vision’s New data shows that over 96 percent and grow even stronger over time. better than their prior lenses. ■■

SECOND LOOK SECOND LOOK Live Eyewear Launches Cocoons New Ladies Frames in Konishi OveRx Sunglasses New Lens Flex from Clariti SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif.— SANTE FE SPRINGS, Live Eyewear announced Calif.—Clariti Eyewear today that Cocoons, the com- releases two new pany’s patented collection of ladies styles in the sunwear designed to be worn Konishi Flex Titanium over prescription eyewear, will collection. include an additional range of Beautiful open tem- specialty lens tints specifically ple work, Swarovski developed for the low vision crystals, and subtle market. By combining special- feminine colors are fea- ty low vision lens tints with a tured in the collection, leading OveRx sunwear frame Low Vision Cocoons with a yellow non-polarized tint KF8519 in mountain wine (top) and the KF8521 in satin pink (bot- features seldom found design, the new Low Vision from Live Eyewear. tom) from the Konishi Flex Titanium collection from Clariti Eyewear. in a flex product line. Cocoons deliver increased benefits to those with special low vision requirements. The Konishi Flex Low Vision Cocoons feature a comfortable fit that accommodates a wide range Titanium is the next generation of titanium, besides being lightweight, the line of prescription eyewear shapes and sizes, while providing 360° of complete pro- offers all the features expected from memory metal. They can be twisted, turned, tection from the elements. bent, and even knotted without breaking. Model KF8519 comes available in moun- Low Vision Cocoons will be launched at the International Vision Expo in April. tain wine, silver, dark gun and light brown; while model KF8521 comes in satin The new specialty lens options will be available in all sizes of Cocoons with the pink, light brown, gold and light purple. choice of black or tortoiseshell frames. Konishi Flex Titanium frames have just the right amount of flexibility and rigidity The new Cocoons low vision non-polarized tints are available in orange, amber, assuring patient comfort and easy adjustment, all at premium quality and reason- yellow and mauve, which have been specially developed to protect the eyes from able price points. damaging UV light and enhance visual acuity for low vision patients. Clariti offers a two-year warranty on all Konishi Flex Titanium products and has All Cocoons include a custom designed Cocoons case, and Duracloth and are priced the collection to the dispenser at $69.95. ■■ priced to the dispenser at $14.95. ■■

58 VISION MONDAY/MARCH 17, 2008 INSIDE THE LAB www.visionmonday.com

LAUNCHES Santinelli Intros New Entry-Level Edger HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.—Santinelli Interna- The all-gear driven mechanisms Santinelli points out that the grooving tional is introducing the Le 1000 lens edger provide the highest level of wheel’s small diameter has been set at series, the company’s most affordable edg- accuracy and durability, an optimal twelve degree angle, result- ing systems for entry-level and budget con- according to Santinelli. The ing in “pin-point” accuracy of the groove scious eyecare practitioners. This series Le 1000 precisely edges all of even on high-base curve lenses. The Le rounds out the company’s 2008 product the newest lens materials, 1000 “L,” without safety beveling and line-up, joining the mid-range LEX including PPG’s Trivex and grooving, offers additional savings. Series and the flagship ME Series. polyurethane, and offers the “All three configurations within the The Le 1000 features a soft grind Santinelli’s Crystal Cut polish, LE Series provide the ease-of-use, accu- mode and stabilized chucking pressure along with quiet operation. racy and quality that Santinelli Interna- which protects against crazing of super- The Le 1000 “S” model is tional is known for—at a very affordable AR coated lenses and easily processes available with safety beveling and price point,” said company president small “B” dimensions for fashion frames. Santinelli newly improved grooving features. and CEO Gerard Santinelli. ■■ Le 1000 edger Cotrans Open New Lab Optical Synergies Hosts computer systems. Robert Cotran, 49, handles finance and splits customer serv- Annual Conference ice duties with Ralph. Housed in a newly renovated, 12,000- square foot facility, U.S. Optical special- izes in producing free form and digitally surfaced progressives such as the Seiko Succeed Internal Free-Form and Shamir Autograph. The lab also distributes The Cotran brothers in their new lab in East Hoya and Kodak Unique lenses from Syracuse, N.Y. From left to right are Ralph, Signet Armorlite. Robert and Ron Cotran. “We’re going to concentrate on free EAST SYRACUSE, N.Y.—The Cotran form, but we will do all progressives and brothers are back in the wholesale lab high-end lenses. We won’t do any glass,” business. This month, Ralph, Robert said Ralph. Lens production is highly auto- and Ron Cotran are opening U.S. Opti- mated. “We installed a SatisLoh automatic cal, a full-service lab in East Syracuse, line for free form, including a VFT Ultra N.Y., not far from their previous lab, generator with conveyor and UltraFlex pol- Optogenics. The three brothers, who isher,” said Ron. “Because of the automa- founded Optogenics in 1986 and sold it tion, we only have about 15 employees.” to Essilor in 1999, left that lab a year ago AR lenses are produced in a state-of- and waited until their non-compete the-art Carl Zeiss coating center. The lab Photos by Christie Walker agreements with Essilor expired before offers 24-hour service on all in-house free SAN DIEGO—Optical Synergies, the wholesale lab buying group, hosted its annual meet- launching their new venture. form and digitized lenses with AR coating. ing here last month. The event, which featured educational seminars and vendor’s “It’s re-engergized us to have own The Cotrans see the opening of their exhibits, drew 120 attendees. wholesale lab,” said Ralph, who at 54 is East Syracuse lab as the first step in a Pictured at the meeting, clockwise, are Optical Synergies’ Bruce Brady, who welcomed the oldest brother. “We had excellent network of labs. labs and vendors. Vision Council of America president Ed Greene presented a state-of- relations with Essilor, but we wanted to “Our goal is to also try to open a cou- the-industry program. Attendees listened to Thomas F. Puckett of HPC Puckett & Co., get entrepeneurial.” ple of more locations for U.S. Optical who discussed the financial attributes used when evaluating an optical laboratory. Hal The brothers have clearly divided specializing in a wide range of free form Walker (l), Superior Optical, Ocean Springs, Miss. and Phil Whitaker, Essilor IDD, chatted areas of responsibility. Ralph is in charge lenses,” said Ralph. “We would try to during a break between speakers. ■■ of marketing and sales. Ron, 52, is in open one in the South and also one in charge of production as well as the lab’s the West. This is a five-year goal.” ■■ OLA Adds Seven New Members Pech Optical Joins Global Optics FAIRFAX, Va.—The Optical Laborato- and PixelOptics of Roanoke, Va. The ries Association (OLA) has expanded associate members are IODA, S.r.l. of GREEN BAY, Wisc.—Pech Optical of Pech, it has grown from 44 employees to its membership roster with the addi- Padova, Italy, R&R Solutions of Sioux City, Iowa has joined Global over 260 employees who are responsible tion of four new laboratory members Gravette, Ark. and Yamamoto – Kogaku Optics, a buying and marketing group for approximately 2,100 Rx orders per and three new associate (supplier) Co. of Osaka, Japan. for labs. Founded in 1989, Pech Optical day. Pech Optical was ranked the second members. The laboratory members are Including the seven new members, is an independently owned wholesale largest independent lab in Vision Mon- Capitol Optical of Olympia, Wash., Value OLA has 332 wholesale and retail lab optical laboratory. Since the company’s day’s 2007 Top Labs Report, with esti- Eyecare Network of Ronkonkoma, N.Y., members representing 585 labs, plus 67 inception by its president, Robert W. mated Rx sales of $31.7 million. ■■ Kaban Optical of Palm Springs, Calif. associate members. ■■ Optical Manufacturing Solutions

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www.satisloh.com 800-866-5640 60 VISION MONDAY/MARCH 17, 2008 CLASSIFIED www.visionmonday.com

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It’s no secret that the cost of contact lenses continues to rise. Practitoners who wish to remain competitive need a competitive edge in their contact lens purchases. It’s my pleasure to introduce you to National Lens. At National Lens, our mission is to offer our customers the highest quality products at the most competitive prices. We are committed to a higher level of service and offer a huge in-stock inventory that ensures same day shipping for most orders. We do not backorder lenses. Remember, our goal is to help you achieve greater margins through strategic buying opportunities. We gladly accept Visa and MasterCard for your convenience and look forward to hearing from you. Please accept our invitation to start saving money today. Call, fax or ORDER ONLINE. All orders received by 3 p.m. EST are shipped *NEW LOWER PRICES the same day, FREE 1st class when available. Mention this ad and get a free gift with your first order. *NEW LOWER PRICES Winter 08 Low Lower Lowest Winter 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 EXPRESSION - OPAQUE PLANO *21.95 *20.95 *19.95 SOFLENS 38 11.95 11.75 11.25 BIOMEDICS PREMIER *15.95 *13.95 *12.25 SOFLENS 59 9.25 8.95 8.75 BIOMEDICS XC, 38% & 55% *15.95 *13.95 *12.25 SOFLENS MULTIFOCAL 28.95 28.75 27.95 FREQUENCY 55% 12.45 12.35 12.25 CIBA VISION 1 to 5 6 to 10 11 & Over 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 17.50 FOCUS NIGHT & DAY 41.75 40.75 38.50 ACUVUE ADVANCE 17.95 17.75 FOCUS DAILY 90 PK 33.95 32.95 31.95 ACUVUE OASYS 22.50 21.75 21.25 IMPRESSIONS COLORS 19.95 19.75 18.95 02 OPTIX 15.75 15.25 14.75 HOT NEW ITEM Just A Small Sampling of Our HUGE Selection! Equipment & Supplies Equipment & Business Opportunity Supplies NEW EQUIPMENT TOP OF THE LINE For Sale

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CALL NOW FOR ADD AUTO-REFRACTOR FOR ONLY $3,195 FREE SHIPPING To get your message out there … Call Phil or Bonnie at (888) 900-9444 800-983-7737 • FAX: 610-854-378 0 • www.VisionMonday.com www.medkoinc.com • e-mail: [email protected] www.visionmonday.com CLASSIFIED VISION MONDAY/MARCH 17, 2008 61

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View Online Classifieds at www.VisionMonday.com 62 VISION MONDAY/MARCH 17, 2008 CLASSIFIED www.visionmonday.com

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

Merchandise Offered Help Wanted Help Wanted $AVON eyewear Opportunity of a lifetime “The Brand Name Liquidators” • Exclusive distributors of Jean Paul Gaultier Designer Frames • High-end boutique eyewear company seeking only the best. • Looking for experienced sales reps with high-end following. and Sunglasses • Must travel multiple states, all expenses paid. 00 As low as $6 • Major dollars to be earned. • All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential – no independents please. www.savoneyewear.com Please fax resumes to: 800-758-6249 Alan at 516•777•3102 or e-mail [email protected]

ALL DESIGNER FRAMES $16 OR LESS That’s right ! Contact us and find out why we’ve become Visit us at "America’s largest surplus Booth #1050 designer frame distributor" Stylish Eyewear at Affordable Pricing at SECO

Phone: 866. 289. 3937 Fax: 310. 306. 7885 • Private Label • Metal Frames as low as $5.00 www.delreyoptical.com • Stainless Steel & Acetate frames as low as $19.99 E-mail: [email protected] • Flexible Titanium frames as low as $19.99 • One year warranty on all frames LANE SPECIAL - $9,995.00 — Independent Sales Representatives wanted for all territories — AO Custom or Marco Combo Unit (3 arms) AO Phoroptor Call today for your free catalog. B&L or Marco Keratometer phone: 866-756-4262 • fax: 570-719-0436 Burton or Mentor Slit Lamp AO or Marco Projector e-mail: [email protected] w/mount, slide & screen Belrose Refracting Equip. Co. For The Finest Equipment “In-Sight” REGIONAL MANAGER 3734 W Oakton St., Skokie, IL Eyemart Express, the value leader in the one-hour www.belroserefracting.com optical industry, is growing and has a Regional Manager opportunity. Independent Sales Representative Help Wanted Responsibilities include: ‡ Conduct regularly scheduled store visits to ensure quality, consistency, and compliance with policies, procedures, Polycore Optical USA is seeking independent Well-established importer and standards. of optical frames seeking sales representation for their western ‡ 0RWLYDWH DQG FRPPXQLFDWH ZLWK VWRUH PDQDJHUVWR promote and reinforce service expectations to deliver territory. If interested please fax, Account Executive overall customer service satisfaction. Representative 1-775-850-2054 or e-mail resume to ‡ 5HFUXLW KLUH DQG WUDLQ PDQDJHUV ODE DQG UHWDLO DVVRFLDWHV [email protected] to service or call on major retailer/labs/distributors. ‡ 3DUWQHUZLWK WKH VWRUH PDQDJHUVWRWDNH DFWLRQ WR PD[LPL]H Domestic and International. revenues and control costs. Western Territory Great opportunity 6LJQLÀFDQW WUDYHO LV UHTXLUHG7KH SRVLWLRQ LV EDVHG RXW States covered: RI WKH KRPHRIÀFHLQ&DUUROOWRQ 7; $ORQJ ZLWK VDODU\ CA, OR, WA, NV, AZ, MT, ID, WY, UT, CO, HI, AK Fax resume to commensurate with experience, the compensation includes 718-633-5231 DQH[FHOOHQW EHQHÀWV SDFNDJH LQFOXGLQJ SDLG YDFDWLRQ KHDOWK or e-mail [email protected] insurance, and a generous 401K match. Please fax resume to Jonathan Herskovitz at 972-488-8563 Optometry Giving Sight is a global fund- or email to [email protected]. Sales Representatives raising initiative that specifically targets the prevention of blindness due to refractive error Eyemart Express is an equal opportunity employer. Empire Optical, Inc., an independent wholesale lab, a top 5 lab by Vision and to help those with permanent low vision. Monday for 2008, is seeking motivated Sales Representatives to join our team We are currently seeking to hire a Fundraising for open territories in CA (Central Valley & SF Bay area), & AZ. Earn base, Manager for the Midwestern Region of the plus commission, expenses and auto allowance paid. All applicant info will be United States. The successful candidate will kept confidential. have a strong proactive approach and well- To get your message developed political skills, as well as disci- Fax resume to 818.994.0194 plined, independent work practices and the out there … ability to work autonomously and remotely. or e-mail [email protected] Call Phil or Bonnie at 800-983-7737 7633 Varna Ave. For more information, No. Hollywood, CA 91365 please visit our Web site at FAX: 610-854-3780 • www.VisionMonday.com www.givingsight.org/about_us/careers.asp www.empireoptical.org www.visionmonday.com CLASSIFIED VISION MONDAY/MARCH 17, 2008 63

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Help Wanted

Be a Leader in a New Era of Lens Making.

SCHNEIDER Optical Machines is one of the world's leading suppliers of processing solutions to the ophthalmic industry. Our innovations set the pace – in generating high-quality freeform and Rx lenses, computerized soft-lap polishing, and in process metrology. We set technical standards and open up new and more profitable solutions to our customers. We are known for our development of new technologies and swift application of technological concepts into customer-ori- ented innovations. For our expanding North American office Dallas/TX we are currently searching for:

I Executive Vice President I National Sales Manager This position reports to the President of Schneider Optical Machines in Germany. You will be responsi- This position reports to the Executive Vice President. You will be responsible to meet team and individual ble to meet the financial and strategic objectives of Schneider Optical Machines in North America. sales objectives within the ophthalmic industry of North America.

Your key tasks: Your key tasks: • Managing our business in the NAFTA region and provide leadership to meet the goals and objectives • Manage sales leads, prospects and customers to achieve the agreed business objectives • Develop and implement an organizational framework to achieve the established objectives • Coordinate the activities of the US sales force • Assume fiscal responsibility and implement controls necessary to meet financial goals • Create and propose product based solutions to increase market share within designated market segments • Organize, direct and guide members of the sales and service department • Provide answers to technical queries from customers in order to facilitate sales in the designated region • Support the sales process by assisting clients in technical and commercial issues • Provide market feedback to assist in the shaping of future company strategy • Assume responsibility for all HR issues in coordination with the HR department at the parent company • Propose new product developments that fulfill unrecognized opportunities within company objectives • Organize, direct or guide members of the sales and service department Requirements: Requirements: • Three years of experience selling high-end CNC machinery preferred. • No less then 5 years of experience in sales position of capital goods including P&L responsibility • Mechanical Engineering degree or related experience preferred • Knowledge of the ophthalmic industry • Experience in sales or applications of related components (coating & finishing is a plus) • Experience with CNC driven machine technology preferred • Familiarity with ophthalmic industry in North America • Experience in relationship building with end-users as well as other distribution channels • Strong organizational and communication skills • Proven expertise in building an effective and successful management team in a growing company • Strong relationship building skills • Strong sales and customer service skills • Track record in exceeding objectives • A verifiable, successful career track record • Proficiency in IT related functions • Analytical, forward thinking skills that have contributed to measurable success in past positions. • Willingness to travel extensively (up to 75%) • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal • Cultural sophistication to successfully communicate with the management of the parent company If you are interested in joining a rapidly growing high-tech business, please send us your application • Willingness to travel (up to 50%) by e-mail to [email protected].

Schneider Optical Machines Service Inc. • Suite #200 • Valwood Parkway 1313 • 75006 Carrolton, Texas • USA

We Are Expanding

Extend your reach and Eyemart Express is a growing super optical chain with get results when you 75 locations. We offer customers high quality eyewear place your classified ad with extraordinary service at prices dramatically in print and online. lower than our competitors. As we expand, we are seeking candidates willing to Call Phil or Bonnie relocate for the following positions: General Managers 800-983-7737 Lab Managers All manager positions require a minimum of 1-3 years FAX: experience. Along with a salary commensurate with 610-854-3780 H[SHULHQFHHPSOR\HHVUHFHLYHDQH[FHOOHQWEHQHÀW package including: paid vacation, health insurance, www. bonuses and a generous 401K match. VisionMonday Please fax resume to Jonathan Herskovitz at 972-488-8563 .com or email to [email protected].

Eyemart Express is an equal opportunity employer. 64 VISION MONDAY/MARCH 17, 2008 CLASSIFIED www.visionmonday.com

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CAREERS INDEPEN DENT . IT’S WH Y W E C AR Vision-Ease Lens is proud to lead the way in the eye glass lens industry. Our American, independently held company provides our customers with E. innovative products and excellent service. It is no surprise customers have recognized us annually, like LensCrafters, naming us Supplier of the Year two years in a row. Our fast paced growth has made the following positions available in Minnesota:

Progressive Addition Lens Product Manager As a PAL Product Manager, you will be responsible for the lifecycle management of progressive addition lens (PAL) products. You will also take a leadership role in the development and execution of strategies for new PAL product launches as well as formulating and executing strategic product plans to position the products and expand market share. This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing (MBA preferred) and demonstrated expertise in the marketing and positioning of ophthalmic lens products.

Coating Chemist At Vision-Ease, we appreciate the talent of our employees As a Coating Chemist, you will develop and test coatings and their application methods for ophthalmic products, including liquid and vacuum deposited and have created an environment where your contributions are recognized and valued. We offer a competitive salary coatings. You must have a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering and demonstrated industry experience in developing application methods. and benefi ts program. An advanced degree is preferred. If you are interested in learning more about Vision-Ease Lens and our employment opportunities, please visit Senior Film Engineer our website at www.vision-ease.com, click on “Careers” As a Senior Film Engineer, you will develop proprietary functional films (polarizing, photochromic, etc.) along with their process technologies for lenses and and apply directly on-line or, you may send your resume associated applications. You must have a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or chemical engineering and demonstrated development experience in web for consideration in any of these specifi c positions to handling, coating, drying, laminating and/or curing processes. staffi [email protected]. We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We Senior Polymer Scientist maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre- employment substance abuse testing. As a Senior Polymer Scientist, you will be responsible for the synthesis and formulation of new chemistries for use in our functional films and laminates. These will be used for ophthalmic and other applications including photochromic, polarized, hard coatings and others. You must have a Bachelor’s degree (PhD desired) and demonstrated abilities in synthesizing or formulating chemistries in urethanes and dyes.

Wood Optic USA Corp, Territory Sales Coordinator Director of Sales Coral Gables, manufacturer and North & South America distributor of Gold & Wood is looking for 10 independent sales Seeking self-motivated candidates for entry-level sales representatioves for the USA Oversees all sales activities in the Americas by managing and market and 3 for Canada, to positions in the ophthalmic industry. Ideal candidates developing an international sales team. launch 3 new very exclusive will be articulate, self-disciplined and driven with a Direct experience in managing and growing sales is beneficial but not required. and unique eyewear collections. technical background. The main focus is to promote Please send resume to • Minimum 5 years experience in the optical industry in a sales or and sell Satisloh equipment, supplies, and services to [email protected]. open sales regions. customer contact role • Domestic and International travel • Self-motivated and directed • Convincing communication/presentation talent Successful candidate will possess these skills: • Strong interpersonal skills • Ability to do all administrative and project • Excellent communication skills management responsibilities. • Ability to travel within region • Salary • Medical, Dental, Vision insurance • Microsoft Office – Excel, Word, Access and • 401K with company matching funds upon vesting Independent Sales Reps Power Point ~ Position based in Reno, NV ~ Dagas Optical USA Inc., This company offers a competitive wage and a complete well-established manufacturer and benefits package. If interested please fax, 1-775-850-2054 distributor of optical lenses, located in or e-mail resume to [email protected] Los Angeles, is looking to expand Send resume and salary history to: dynamic sales force nationwide and Central/South America. Satisloh North America, Inc. Experienced Independent Sales Reps P.O. Box 664 View Online Classifieds at (Multiline Reps) welcome. Germantown, WI 53022 Fax resume to SK Oh E-mail: [email protected] 888-319-2020 Fax: 262-255-6002 www.VisionMonday.com or e-mail [email protected] www.visionmonday.com CLASSIFIED VISION MONDAY/MARCH 17, 2008 65

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

Help Wanted Help Wanted

PixelOptics, Inc., a small rapidly expanding high technology company in Roanoke, VA, is currently seeking a Optical Sales Representatives Wanted View Based in Watkinsville, GA. Tifosi Optics designs and distributes Product Development Manager technologically-advanced sports optics worldwide. Requirements for this position include: BS or MS in Engineering, Material Tifosi Optics is seeking a motivated candidate to call on existing and potential Online Science, or Physics; 10 or more years experience in an ophthalmic lens account base in their territory to promote Tifosi Optics plano and RX sunglass product development environment; experience in managing development work models. Responsibilities: Generate new business in territory. Increase volume in lens design and fabrication, including tooling and material processing; and profits in territory from previous year sales in same territory and meeting Classifieds compressive knowledge of the spectacle lens market; and experience and or or exceeding quarterly sales goals. Conduct clinics and training on Tifosi Optics knowledge regarding electronic products desirable. Responsibilities include: product to optical staff. Position reports to National Sales Manager. Lead and manage the design, development and early stage manufacturing of at an advanced ophthalmic lens product; work closely with other team members Qualifications: Overall knowledge of optical industry. Bring existing rela- and outsourced development partners to bring product into market; responsible tionship with optical accounts and buyers to set appointments for Tifosi for managing all designs, tooling and materials related to new lens product. Optics presentations. Must have excellent communication skills and be able This position will work closely with manufacturing and operations to ensure that to communicate with inside staff on a regular basis about existing business www. inventory is ready for initial product launch. and new prospects. Very competitive compensation package. Send resume and letter of introduction Send resume to: VisionMonday to PixelOptics, Inc., 2840 Hershberger Road, Suite B, Roanoke, VA 24017. Adam Brim Attn: Director of Legal Affairs. No phone calls please. Please visit our Web site: RX Sales Manager .com www.pixeloptics.com for more information on our company. EOE [email protected]

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 LENSES MANUFACTURERS SUPPLIES

Leading manufacture of custom designed cases. Large stock of Hard and soft cases. Available for custom printing. Your global partner for high-quality SUN DESIGNE LTD. Leading manufacture of custom lenses. We specialise in Polarized, is your OEM/Private label source for Leading manufacture of custom 800-291-8528 • FAX: 718-752-9858 designed cases. Large stock of Hard designed cases. Large stock of Hard E-Mail: [email protected] SunSensors and clear lenses in reading glasses, sunglasses, frames, and and soft cases. Website: www.Astucci.com Polycarbonate, Hard Resin accessories. Buy direct from the and soft cases. Available for custom printing. For custom made cases: and Hi Index. factory! Call Jack Taber Available for custom printing. 800-291-8528 • FAX: 718-752-9858 385 Fifth Ave. 15th FL. POLYCORE OPTICAL (800) 322-6748 • FAX: (203) 758-2156 800-291-8528 • FAX: 718-752-9858 www.sundesigne.com E-Mail: [email protected] New York, NY 10016 Singapore E-Mail: [email protected] 212-725-3171 • FAX: 212-725-3236 Website: www.Astucci.com Tel: 65-6747-6677 Website: www.Astucci.com Astucci Hong-Kong For custom made cases: Fax: 65-6744-3664 MISCELLANEOUS For custom made cases: Fax: 852-2367-6123 E-mail: [email protected] 385 Fifth Ave. 15th FL. [email protected] 385 Fifth Ave. 15th FL. New York, NY 10016 www.polycore.com New York, NY 10016 212-725-3171 • FAX: 212-725-3236 212-725-3171 • FAX: 212-725-3236 FRAMES USA Astucci Hong-Kong Astucci Hong-Kong Tel: 888-645-7788 Fax: 852-2367-6123 Tel: 1-775-850-2050 Fax: 852-2367-6123 [email protected] Fax: 1-775-850-2060 STORMIN’ NORMAN’S [email protected] E-mail: DISCOUNT OPTICS [email protected] Full Service Optical Supplies, Accessories, Promotional Items & STORMIN’ NORMAN’S Private Label DISCOUNT OPTICS 800-288-4512 • 561-995-2400 Full Service Optical Supplies, FAX: 561-995-9531 Accessories, Promotional Items & Private Label MANUFACTURERS 800-288-4512 • 561-995-2400 PACKAGING FAX: 561-995-9531

INSTRUMENTS STORMIN’ NORMAN’S Leading manufacture of custom designed cases. Large stock of Hard DISCOUNT OPTICS STORMIN’ NORMAN’S and soft cases. Full Service Optical Supplies, DISCOUNT OPTICS Factory-Direct Savings on Frames, Available for custom printing. Accessories, Promotional Items & Full Service Optical Supplies, Lenses, Cases and Accessories 800-291-8528 • FAX: 718-752-9858 Private Label E-Mail: [email protected] Accessories, Promotional Items & Clam Shell hard cases! 800-288-4512 • 561-995-2400 Private Label Website: www.Astucci.com FAX: 561-995-9531 100% micro fiber cleaning clothes! For custom made cases: 800-288-4512 • 561-995-2400 STORMIN’ NORMAN’S Over 400 frame models at low cost! DISCOUNT OPTICS 385 Fifth Ave. 15th FL. FAX: 561-995-9531 Over 40 types of lenses including high New York, NY 10016 Full Service Optical Supplies, index and 5 new finished Accessories, Promotional Items & 212-725-3171 • FAX: 212-725-3236 extended range lenses! Private Label Astucci Hong-Kong 800-288-4512 • 561-995-2400 Phone: 800.423.5175 Fax: 852-2367-6123 FAX: 561-995-9531 Web site: www.LBI.biz [email protected] 66 BUSINESS ESSENTIALS

Anticipating Workplace Changes for 2008

With 2008 underway, view their employer’s work/life balance you can anticipate initiatives as good or excellent, while 58 another year of chal- percent say their employer encourages lenges when it comes too much work. to running a success- Interestingly, nearly half (44 percent) of ful eyecare practice. Chief Information Officers (CIOs) sur- Understanding your veyed said their companies’ IT work force recruiting and reten- is telecommuting at a rate that is the same Hedley Lawson, Jr. tion goals, legislation or higher than five years ago; only 3 per- and statutory mandates, financial plan- cent said IT staff work remotely less fre- ning and employee work-life balance quently today than they did five years ago. issues are all key ingredients for a win- According to Workforce Management, ning combination. Here are a few exam- the attitude of “live to work” will shift ples of changes and possible action items toward one of “work to live” as people you may experience in the coming year. devote more attention to family and life interests. More people will work from Employee Compensation their homes, and as a result, work will In 2007, salary increases hit a plateau become more mundane rather than all despite a tight job market, escalating encompassing, and terms such as unemployment, and high turnover rates. “employee burnout” and “workaholic” According to various sources and sur- will hopefully be less common. veys, salary budgets and projected aver- age merit increases will rise slightly to an As 2008 Progresses average of 4 percent for this year Many of the challenges employers (excluding executive salaries). For 2008, faced in 2007 will carry forward into 2008. employers are re-evaluating how and Unemployment is expected to rise above where their salary budgets should be dis- 5 percent in 2008 unless states and the tributed, addressing the growing chal- federal government initiate job retraining lenge of balancing employee productivi- or displaced worker programs to counter- ty and continued rising pay. balance the growing fear associated with With the escalating increases associated a recessionary economy. As such, the job with rising benefit costs to retain talent, market will remain tight for highly employers are becoming more concerned skilled employees in all but a few profes- with investing in “alternate pay” to better sions. Also, beginning this year, hundreds balance productivity and efficiency with of thousands of Baby Boomers (76 mil- the higher costs of doing business. lion born 1946-1964) will begin to retire, A unique funding option creating the largest exodus from the work Work-Life Balance force by a single generation in history. Work-life balance continues to be a pri- Consequently, companies continue to for your optical business ority for employees of all age groups. reassess and better understand what their According to the 2007 Monster Work/Life employees want in order to create new Opti-Capital is a new service created exclusively for retailers Balance Survey, 89 percent of employees and clever means of retaining talent. that turns future credit card receipts into cash you can use today. polled believe work/life balance programs, Whether it means more “non-tradi- For inventory, for growth, for any reason at all. And it’s virtually risk free. such as flextime and telecommuting, are tional” benefits such as telecommuting important when evaluating a new job or or flex-time, the universal consensus for Find out more today. even remaining with a current employer. the future is that employers, including Not particularly surprising is the fact those in the optical industry, will need to that the survey findings revealed that be more creative and flexible in recruit- Contact Opti-Capital at 1-800-466-0404 less than 30 percent of employees polled ing and retaining great talent. ■■ or visit www.opti-capital.com Don’t miss out on Vision Monday’s e-edition of Business Essentials providing monthly updates on day-to-day management issues for optical ECPs and retailers. To subscribe to Business Essentials, go to www.vision- monday.com, click on the Business Essentials button and go to the Subscribe to Business Essentials option in the newsletter. Current and past issues of Business Essentials are available by visiting the VM Web site at www.visionmonday.com. VISIT US AT BOOTH #3378 AT VISION EXPO EAST! LUXURYNEW SPEAKER ADDED! ND TECHNOLOGY The 2 Annual Lynn O’Connor Vos President and CEO Grey Healthcare Group Summit New York Global RETAIL Jeff McAllister Senior VP of Optical Wal-Mart Stores U.S. Harnessing the Power of Today's Bentonville, AR Consumer "Communities" Attend this exclusive, one-of-a-kind special event! VisionMonday brings together leaders from the HEALTHCARE fields of technology, health care, U.S. and interna- John O. Agwunobi, MD President, Professional Services tional retailing. Learn how consumer choices and Wal-Mart Stores the profile of brands in eyewear, eye care and health Bentonville, AR care are being shaped. . Four special sessions - Technology, Health Care, LUXURY Retailing and Luxury - will tackle the topics and pro- Andrea Guerra vide thought-provoking ideas for competing in CEO today’s dynamic marketplace. Luxottica Group Milan, Italy

TECHNOLOGY When: Wednesday, April 9, 2008 Erin Byrne Chief Digital Strategist Where: Bridgewaters (South Street Seaport) Burson-Marsteller 11 Fulton Street New York New York, NY 10038 Time: Registration begins at 8:00 am HEALTHCARE Program is 8:30 am to 4:00 pm J. Robinson Lynch President and CEO Who Should Attend: VSP Vision Care Senior-Level Executives of U.S. and Rancho Cordova, CA International Optical Retailers, ECPs, and Suppliers INT’L RETAIL 00 Cost: $245 Dr. Tomás Pförtner Includes: Conference Admission, Continental CEO Breakfast, Two Coffee Breaks, Lunch. Laboratorio Pförtner Cornealent SACIF Buenos Aires, Argentina

Sponsored by LUXURY Ira Neimark - New Speaker Author of Crossing Fifth Avenue to Bergdorf Goodman, Former Register online at visionmonday.com Chairman/ CEO, or call 212-274-7189 Bergdorf Goodman 68 VISION MONDAY/MARCH 17, 2008 OPINION www.visionmonday.com

EDITORIAL Monday

Senior VP, Editorial Director Marge Axelrad Get Into the ‘Business’ of Giving Executive Editor Mary Kane E-News Managing Editor Amy Grech March Madness is joined the organization as executive He summed up his mission in life and Senior Editor Cathy Ciccolella upon us and I’m not director in 1982, its founding year, and for that of the organization’s when he said, Group Editor, Lenses & Technology Andrew Karp Associate Editor Deirdre Carroll talking about the col- nearly a quarter of a century he played a “ORBIS is at the heart of what life is all Layout Editor Natalya Gerzhgorina lege basketball season. vital role in ORBIS’ development with a about—promoting cooperation and Art Director Iris Johnson Contributing Editors In the world of optical, singular vision to eliminating blindness understanding through serving others. Jackie Micucci, Gloria Nicola, James J. Spina, Melissa Arkin, Christie Walker now is the season for throughout the world. He personally led What better way could there be to help Circulation Manager Renee Oechsner Vision Expo East and a team of volunteer doctors, nurses and heal our divided world?” At presstime, a Production Manager David Herman VP Advertising Sales Dennis Murphy Mary Kane everyone is feverishly pilots who flew to more than 80 countries successor to Foot had not been named. Regional Sales Managers Executive Editor preparing for the con- aboard the ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital, He will be missed. Amanda Churchill, James DeMatteis, Vincent Priore vention, which is less than a month away. literally bringing ophthalmic surgical and So if you’d like to get involved in the International Sales Offices Young-Seoh Chinn, Korea, [email protected]; But there’s a different kind of busi- teaching facilities to needy patients in far ‘business’ of giving, you’ll have your Sho Harihara, Japan, [email protected]; Mary Ng, Asia, [email protected]; ness that goes on in optical and it’s not flung destinations. chance right before Expo and the ensu- Jochen Reinke, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Switzerland, Benelux, Scandinavia, Liechtenstein, [email protected]; about the bottom line. I’m talking about I had the pleasure of meeting and ing madness begins. Rock musicians from Asa Talbar, Israel, [email protected]; those charitable organizations, such as interviewing Foot last year as hundreds of the optical industry will be tuning up for a Cecilia Zanasi, Italy, France, Spain, United Kingdom, [email protected]. Prevent Blindness America, Give the ECPs, diplomats and business leaders special concert on April 10 to raise funds Director of Education and Training Mark Mattision-Shupnick Gift of Sight and ORBIS International, gathered at the United Nations in New for the Give the Gift of Sight, a charity Director of Marketing, Education and Training that make it possible for those in need York to help ORBIS celebrate their 25th committed to delivering clear vision to Nancy Ness Creative Director Monica Tettamanzi to have access to eyecare and eyewear. anniversary. I was impressed at how easily those in need. The show, billed as Eye Creative Services Designers Barbara Winters, Which brings me to Oliver Foot, presi- Foot could relate to a variety of people Rock, will feature the OffAxis band along Debbie Silva Marketing Manager Christine Yeh dent of ORBIS who died last month at and that night was no exception as he with more than 20 guest performers from Marketing Coordinator Jeff Haber 61. Foot was a longtime devotee of gracefully moved through a roomful of the optical industry. Tickets are available Jobson Optical Research Int’l Managing Director Gerry Fultz ORBIS International, a nonprofit partygoers ranging from volunteer doctors online at www.givethegiftofsight.org or humanitarian organization dedicated to and flying crew to the President of can be purchased at the door of the China saving sight on a worldwide basis. He Ethiopia and Sir Richard Branson. Club in Manhattan. ■■ VP/Optical Retail Group Publisher William D. Scott VP/Marketing/Publisher 20/20 Jim Vitkus Senior VP/President Professional Publications Group Richard Bay VP/Publisher/FRAMESdata Tom Lamond VP/Operations/FRAMESdata What’s Online @ VisionMonday.com Judith Michael

Chief Executive Officer About visionmonday.com New & Noteworthy Marc Ferrara WebTV VP/Human Resources Lorraine Orlando VisionMonday.com has an innovative, VCA Reports Progress in FDA Corporate Production Director John Anthony Caggiano new look. Content from our most Drop Ball Talks VP/Circulation Director Emelda Barea recent issues is organized by topic Get the latest about what’s new in Senior VP/Operations and category, making it easy to find VM’s continuing coverage of the Jeff Levitz To order reprints of any articles or ads the information you need fast. And FDA’s proposed guidelines for lens that appeared in this issue contact VMail Extra Subscribers have impact testing. In this installment, PARS International 212-221-9595 or [email protected] access to VM’s comprehensive The Vision Council of America (VCA) archives via a new search engine tells VM about noticeable progress MAIN EDITORIAL & SALES OFFICES: powered by Google. We have also in its dialogue with the FDA concern- 100 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013-1678 (212) 274-7000; fax: (212) 431-0500 added a downloadable PDF version of ing this ongoing saga that affects all e-mail: [email protected] CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: the most recent issue of VM. ECPs and retailers. Account Representative Heather Brennan 2570 Boulevard of the Generals, Suite 220 Norristown, PA 19403, (800) 983-7737; Fax: (610) 854-3780, E-mail: [email protected] VISION MONDAY (ISSN 1054-7665) is published monthly except for March and August, which have two issues, by Jobson Medical Slide Show Information LLC, 100 Avenue of the Americas, 9th Floor, New York, NY Data Point 10013. Periodicals postage paid at NY, NY, and additional mailing office. Postmaster: Send Stay Tuned! Find what you need on Vision address changes to VISION MONDAY, PO Box 2024, Skokie, IL 60076-7924. Subscriptions: Sun Rises for Celebs Monday’s WebTV, the industry’s first Facts, stats and data on today’s One-year rates (US): 1 year, $79. Foreign (Air Mail): to Canada/ Mexico, $225; all other coun- Check out VM’s video network. Watch informative videos eyewear market taken from Vision- tries, $332. Two-year rates (US): $143; to Canada/Mexico, $359; all other countries, $584. exclusive cover- covering every facet of the eyecare indus- Watch, a study conducted by Job- Three-year rates (US): $201; to Canada/Mexico, $538; all other countries $906. Subscriptions age of today’s try. Current channels highlight: Scene & son/VCA. payable in US dollars. Payment must accompany order. To subscribe write: VISION MONDAY,PO hottest stars in Heard optical editorial coverage. Optical Box 2024, Skokie, IL 60076-7924. For customer service call: (877) 529-1746; Canada and inter- sunglasses such Events, Educational Video Press Releas- Poll national: (847) 763-9630. Allow 4–6 weeks for subscription to begin. Canadian international pub- as Tommy Lee es, Progressive Lenses, Lens Coatings & lication permit #0427705. Jones (left) at the Treatments, Finishing Equipment, Frames, Check out VM’s latest Live Poll © 2008 Jobson Medical Information LLC, 100 Ave. of the Americas, NY, NY 10013-1678. Reproduction without express written consent of Academy Awards, and Practice Management Technology. where we ask readers, “Is the cur- the Publisher is prohibited. Jobson Medical Information LLC publishes VISION MONDAY and Vision Monday Show Daily. Independent Spirit Awards, Screen rent downturn in the economic cli- Notice: Jobson Medical Information LLC does not accept responsibility for the advertising content of the magazine nor for any claims, actions or loss- es arising therefrom. Products and services advertised in this publication Actors Guild Awards, and the mate having an adverse affect on are not endorsed by, or in any way connected with, Jobson Medical Information LLC. We make every effort to report manufacturers’ news accu- Grammys. your optical business?” Vote and rately, but we do not assume responsibility for the validity of news claims. EyesWay content is developed, sourced and reported by the editors of Also online in Slide Show: make your voice heard. The poll is EyesWay, the international news portal. Vision Monday provides that con- tent to its subscribers as part of an exclusive news exchange agreement. See Scenes from SECO. on www.visionmonday.com. UNIQUELY DEFINED

NEW YORK

CONFERENCE: APRIL 10 – 13, 2008 | EXHIBITION: APRIL 11 – 13, 2008 | JACOB K. JAVITS CONVENTION CENTER, NEW YORK

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AMO Posts Losses for Q4, FY DATA POINT 2007; Plans Cost-Cutting Steps Over-The-Counter Readers Gaining SANTA ANA, Calif.—Still compared to net income of Optics’ chairman and chief execu- Ground in Vision Correction Arena feeling the effects of last year’s $79.5 million in fiscal 2006. tive officer, commented, “We product recall, Advanced Med- Last year’s laser vision correc- remain confident in the strength ical Optics (NYSE: EYE) tion sales rose 69.6 percent, to of our global businesses, technolo- announced net losses for both its $367.8 million, the company said. gies, new product pipeline and 13.8% 14.4% 14.7% fourth quarter and full fiscal year But sales of eyecare products strategy. However, after the first 2007, and said it plans to imple- dropped 34.6 percent, to $171 six weeks of 2008, we have seen 12ME Dec. ’05 12ME Dec. ’06 12ME Dec. ’07 ment cost-cutting measures million, as a result of the recall. the deteriorating U.S. economy including reducing its worldwide In Q4, Advanced Medical negatively impact our domestic work force by about 4 percent. Optics had net sales of $304.6 mil- Lasik procedure volumes.” As a More Americans are choosing over-the-counter Readers as a The company is also lowering lion, up 25 percent (up 19.7 per- result, Mazzo said, the company form of vision correction. From the 12 months ending Dec. ‘05 to its forecast for 2008 revenues, cent at constant currency rates). plans “staff reductions and infra- the 12 months ending Dec. ‘06, the percent of total readers based on a projected 10 percent The company’s net loss for the structure changes designed to wearers (age 18+) increased by 4.3 percent, going from 13.8 drop in its U.S. laser vision cor- period increased to $12.3 million, reduce fixed costs, improve oper- percent to 14.4 percent, respectively. In the 12 months ending rection procedures this year. up from a net loss of $7.6 million ating leverage and enhance long- Dec. ‘07 over the 12 months ending Dec. ’05, the percent of In FY 2007, Advanced Med- in the prior year’s fourth quarter. term cash flow.” Those measures Readers wearers increased by 6.5 percent, going from 13.8 per- ical Optics’ net sales reached In 2007’s Q4, AMO’s laser include work force cutbacks total- cent to 14.7 percent, respectively. $1,090 million, a 9.4 percent vision revenues rose 96.8 percent, ing about 150 jobs. In addition, increase (up 7.5 percent at con- to $101.7 million, while sales of “AMO plans to consolidate cer- Source: VisionWatch – a study conducted by Jobson/VCA Total Annual VisionWatch Sample Size: 100,000 consumer respondents per year (ages 18+) stant currency rates). The com- eyecare products dropped 4.6 tain operations to improve its Readers Data is for the 12ME (months ending) December 2005, 12ME December 2006, pany posted a net loss of percent to $50.5 million. overall facility utilization,” an and the 12ME December 2007 $192.95 million for the year, Jim Mazzo, Advanced Medical announcement said. ■■ FGX Sales Rise 14.9 Percent in ’07 BY THE NUMBERS The latest figures SMITHFIELD, R.I.—FGX es and sunglasses program which major new programs to a large International (NASDAQ:FGXI), were not anniversaried in the retailer,” said FGX Internation- 6% 56% a designer and marketer of non- fourth quarter of 2007. Absent al CEO, Alec Taylor. “This Of those not using any form of vision correction Percent of respondents that prescription reading glasses, sun- this program, sales increased growth was primarily driven by even though it is needed, 7 percent stated ‘I said they are ‘somewhat aware’ glasses and costume jewelry, $10.8 million, led by higher over- our Foster Grant and Magnivi- think using glasses would make my eyes worse’ of the vision correction surgery released their financial results for all sales of non-prescription read- sion brands. We also had excel- as the reason for not using vision correction. procedures that are available. the fourth quarter and fiscal year ing glasses and sunglasses to lent gross margin improvement ended Dec. 29, 2007. existing retail accounts. Net and we substantially reduced Net sales for the fourth quar- income for the fourth quarter of our debt versus the prior year.” ter of 2007 were $62.8 million 2007 was $1.5 million, compared Net sales for the full year 12% 12% compared to $70 million in the to $5.9 million in the fourth 2007 increased 14.9 percent, The percent of males ages 18+ Percent of sunglasses costing fourth quarter of 2006. In the quarter of 2006. from $209.2 million in 2006 to currently wearing contact lenses $30 or more that were sold fourth quarter of 2006, FGX “We experienced very strong $240.5 million in 2007. Net any part of the time. at a department store. International reported $18 mil- sales and earnings growth dur- income was $4.9 million in lion worth of incremental sales to ing the quarter excluding the 2007 versus a net loss of $3 mil- Source: VisionWatch – a study conducted by Jobson/VCA Total Annual VisionWatch Sample Size: 100,000 consumer respondents per year (ages 18+) a retailer for a new reading glass- effect of the year ago roll-out of lion in 2006. ■■ Data is for the 12ME December 2007. Refractive Surgery data is for the 6ME December 2007.