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• After the vote by shareholders,Bausch & Lomb goesprivate. page 8

• VSP makes investment inoutside lab, adds PerfectOptics. page 10

• World Sight Dayset for Oct. 11. page 20

Oakley/Luxotticatransaction hadlong history:SEC filing

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Luxottica’s IloriMakes N.Y. Debut

Ilori, Luxottica’s first luxury sunwearstore opens in New York’s Soho.

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NewsFenway Partners’ $340 M acquisition of1-800 Contacts closes . . . . . . . . . . . .10Lerner creates company to consult on tech-nology and intellectual property . . . . .12Carl Moore, president of ABB-Con-Ciseretires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Carl Zeiss Sunlens extends sun rangeswith new technologies . . . . . . . . . . .21Scene & HeardSàfilo supports Special Olympics with‘Opening Eyes’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30ClearVision Optical celebrates withCole Haan Eyewear . . . . . . . . . . . . .32Exam LanesVSP set to launch ads for direct-to-con-sumer plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38Retail DispensaryLaunchesSàfilo bows Banana Republic Ophthalmiccollection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46Marchon unleases Ventana at ExpoWest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48Couteur Designs unveils Dana BuchmanVision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52OptiSource releases versatile‘MultiMeter’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54Ray Ban intros the Youth collection . .56Optylux launches Été collection . .60AIT to debut the Center, patient meas-urement system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66Indo intros ‘Free-form Solutions’program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68Nouveau presents Jacob JensenEyewear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71ColumnsF.Y.Eye: Francisco Costa . . . . . . . . .70Inside the LabRobertson Optical offers ‘Boot Camps’for ECPs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75Business EssentialsReducing employee turnover . . . . .80Balance SheetCooperVision sees operating loss for 3Q .84EditorialOptical’s Merger Mania . . . . . . . . . .82In Their Own Words: VCA programshelps grow ECPs practices . . . . . . . .82

”The fall season is now wellunderway as customers havemoved into high gear after thesummer.

There’s a little skittishness inthe business news media aboutinterest rates and a housingslowdown, the political climateand the war, all of which areaffecting the general economy.

But optical and eyecare continue to do well interms of business, from what we’re hearing, inpart, because there’s much new in the categoryto draw consumers in, because consumers areresponding to new eyewear styling and new lensoptions. Contact lens wear continues to be up,for full or part-time wear, and this is influencingsales of sunwear, too.

Lately, there’s been talk of how the optical busi-ness is moving in two directions, toward the high-end and toward the lower-priced sphere, with themiddle or moderate ground the toughest.

To some extent, that’s true when it applies tothe need for optical retailers, particularly inde-pendent eyecare professionals and solid region-al-leader mid-sized chains, to be sure to choose a

market position that they can stick to and com-municate it clearly in their stores, their market-ing, and their dispensing.

In other respects, the diverse range of newproduct, style, technology and inventiveness atall price points is a strength of our market.

There is not a problem in having too manychoices; there’s a problem when the choicesaren’t explained or defined, at both the high,middle or low end, so that a person can knowwhich choice works best for them.

‘Value’ has always been a tricky word, used asa euphemism or substitute for everything from‘inexpensive’ to ‘plain.’

But today there’s the ‘other’ meaning of theword, which can stand for ‘significance,’ or‘meaning’ or ‘worth’ and it can apply to the priceof a thing or the other attributes that it brings tothe user, wearer, purchaser.

As astute optical retailers and eyecare profes-sionals assess their selections, inventories, whichlines to add, which collections to expand andwhich to move away from, this is a good climatein which to redefine ‘value’—for your bottomline, for your positioning, for your customers andpatients. ■■

12

46

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Explaining ‘Value,’ Regardless of the PriceEDITOR’S NOTE

www.dacvision.com

USA Toll-Free Phone:800.800.1550

USA Toll-Free Fax:800.421.3398

Phone: 972.677.2700Fax: 972.677.2800

Marge Axelrad Editorial Director

IN THIS ISSUE

21

30

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www.visionmonday.com VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 5V IS IO N MON DAY

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Dan Warner, Optician, Newark NY: “Overall they are exceptionally useful and effective driving lenses. They do respond to changing light conditions.”

Alan Greenhill, OD, Melbourne Australia: “When Image Drivewear lenses were launched we contacted patients who had expressed interest in progressives. By far, the majority decided to order them and in the months since their release we have heard nothing but praise.”

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8 VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 www.visionmonday.com

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IN THE NEWS

FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif.—AsLuxottica Group’s acquisition of Oakleymoves toward completion, expected tobe by year-end, a recent filing by Oak-ley with the Securities and ExchangeCommission (SEC) reveals that discus-sions leading to the two companies’agreement to merge went on for morethan a year before the official announce-ment in June.

According to a preliminary proxystatement filed by Oakley on Sept. 7,

Oakley’s chairman, Jim Jannard, wasfirst contacted on April 13, 2006, by arepresentative of Rothschild, Luxottica’sfinancial advisor, “to inform [Jannard] ofLuxottica’s potential interest in holdingdiscussions with Oakley and to discusssetting up a meeting.”

Jannard and Oakley’s chief execu-tive officer, Scott Olivet, subsequentlymet with a Rothschild representativehere on May 19, 2006, to discuss a pos-sible deal. Not quite three weeks later,on June 6, the two Oakley executives

sat down with Luxottica CEO AndreaGuerra and chief financial officer Enri-co Cavatorta in Henderson, Nev., “todiscuss Luxottica’s interest in anexpanded business relationship withOakley, including, possibly, a merger.”According to the SEC filing, Jannardindicated then that “for discussion ofany such expanded relationship to pro-ceed,” he would first like to meet withLeonardo Del Vecchio, chairman ofthe board and majority shareholder of

Luxottica, personally.So on June 26 inMilan, “Messrs. Jan-nard and Olivet metwith Messrs. Del Vec-chio, Guerra andCavatorta…to discussinformally the histori-

cal relationship between the two com-panies.”

One month later, Luxottica and Oak-ley signed a confidentiality agreementallowing Luxottica to explore Oakley’soperations.

On Dec. 5, 2006, Oakley received anon-binding indication of interest fromLuxottica offering to acquire Oakley’sstock for $12.20 to $15.60 per share incash plus a stock consideration that tookthe total value of the offer to $22.34 to$23.71 per share. After more than six

months of negotiations, Luxottica’s finaloffer for Oakley was agreed upon at$29.30 in cash—for a total value of $2.1billion—and the acquisition wasannounced.

The deal is still going through the

required regulatory hurdles worldwide.Clearance was obtained in GermanyAug. 28; at presstime, the two compa-nies were still awaiting necessaryapprovals in Australia, South Africa andthe U.K. —Cathy Ciccolella

MILAN—Because of losses in its Cébé“sport” division, Marcolin Group had anet loss of €2 million in this year’s firsthalf, despite a 25.7 percent (up 28 per-cent at constant currency rates) increasein sales, to €104 million.

The company attributed the salesgrowth “to the good performance of allthe product lines, with especially goodresults in the Tom Ford Eyewear,Montblanc Eyewear and Roberto Cav-alli Eyewear brands.”

The Cébé division had a net loss of €7million in the first six months of this year.

In the half, Marcolin’s sales in U.S.,which represented 21.4 percent of itstotal volume in the period, rose 9.9 per-cent to €22.2 million.

In this year’s second quarter, Marcolinhad a net loss of €4.3 million, compared toa €1.8 million loss in last year’s Q2. Salesfor the period were €50.3 million, up from€41.9 million in 2006’s second quarter.

Looking ahead, a company announce-ment said, “With the sole exception ofthe ‘sport’ division [Cébé], where thedifficulties encountered in 2006 and inthe first half of 2007 continue, the year2007 is expected to be marked by anincrease in revenue and profit withrespect to a year earlier, while consider-ing the effect of seasonality that willinclude higher sales and profits in thefirst six months of the year.”

Said Marcolin general manager Anto-nio Bortuzzo, “The exceptional salesfigures confirm the group’s ability toconsolidate its presence on the market;significant progress in the luxury seg-ment attests to the style and quality ofMarcolin products. Management isdetermined to solve the problem repre-sented by the subsidiary, Cébé, whichin the past two years has negativelyaffected otherwise overall positiveresults.” ■■

Marcolin Posts First-Half LossDespite Strong Sales Increase

ROCHESTER, N.Y.—With Bausch &Lomb’s (B&L) shareholders scheduledto vote on the company’s acquisition byprivate equity firm Warburg Pincus onSept. 21, B&L continued to urge accept-ance of the deal right up to the end.

One week before the special meetingto vote on the transaction, B&Lannounced that four independent proxyadvisory firms had endorsed the pro-posed deal.

According to B&L, the four—Institu-tional Shareholder Services, Egan-JonesProxy Services, Glass Lewis & Co. andPROXY Governance—each recommend-ed that B&L’s shareholders vote for theproposed $3.7 billion transaction,through which Warburg Pincus willacquire B&L for $65 cash per share.

B&L’s board of directors had consis-

tently recommended a favorable vote onthe acquisition, even when competitorAdvanced Medical Optics (AMO) camethrough on July 5—after the agreementwith Warburg Pincus was announced inMay—with what looked on paper to bea higher, although not all-cash, offer.

B&L and AMO went back and forthon terms of AMO’s bid until AMO finallywithdrew its offer less than a monthlater, amid charges by James Mazzo,AMO’s chairman, president and chiefexecutive officer, that B&L was holdinghis company’s bid to a different stan-dard than the Warburg Pincus offer.

If, as expected B&L’s stockholdersvoted in favor of the Warburg Pincusdeal at the Sept. 21 meeting, B&Lwould immediately become a privatelyowned company. ■■

After the Vote, B&L Goes Private

Luxottica/Oakley Transaction Had Long History: SEC Filing

NEWS VIEWS

“Discussions leading to the twocompanies’ agreement to mergewent on for more than a yearbefore the official announcementin June.”

INGLEWOOD, Calif.—Signature Eye-wear reported its 11th consecutive prof-itable quarter for the period ended July31. This month the company also secureda 30-month, $4.8 million revolving line ofcredit with Comerica Bank, to replaceSignature’s term loans with Home LoanInvestment.

In Q3, Signature’s net income was$256,000, up from $230,000 in last year’sthird quarter. Net sales for the periodreached $6.2 million, up 8.5 percent.

In the first nine months of fiscal 2007,Signature had net income of $924,000,up from $656,000 in last year’s first ninemonths. Sales rose 8.6 percent in theperiod, to $18.6 million.

“Our net sales were higher as aresult of an increase in net sales ofbebe eyes and Nicole Miller Eyewear;net sales in 2007 were positively affect-ed by the introduction of Cutter &Buck Eyewear in October 2006 andthe launch of the Nicole Miller LuxuryCollection in January 2007,” notedMichael Prince, Signature’s chief exec-

utive officer. “We also experiencedgrowth in international and domesticchain sales.”

The gain in net income “was due inpart to increases of $15,000 and $151,000in benefit of income taxes for the 2007quarter and 2007 nine months, respec-tively, as compared to the comparableperiods of 2006,” according to Signature’s10Q form for the period, filed on Sept. 14with the Securities and Exchange Com-mission.

Signature’s new line of creditmatures on Feb. 28, 2010. Prince said,the credit line should produce “signifi-cant interest expense savings duringthe coming fiscal year.” He added,“The facility will have a positiveimpact on our liquidity, as it providesus greater borrowing capacity at a lowercost and provides working capital forgrowth. Following the Home LoanInvestment Corporation payoff, ourborrowing capacity under the Comeri-ca Bank facility is approximately$900,000.” ■■

Signature Reports Q3 Profit,Gets $4.8M Credit Facility

0924_NEWS_8 10/1/07 10:10 AM Page 8

By Marge AxelradEditorial Director

NEW YORK—Luxottica Group’s(NYSE:LUX) new customer-service-oriented sunwear-only store, Ilori,opened its doors in the upscale Sohoarea here on Sept. 15.

In approximately 2,400 sq. ft. on itsmain level, Ilori showcases selected sun-wear styles from 38 different collections,including both non-Luxottica and Lux-ottica brands.

Collection branding, with notationsfor “exclusive editions” at Ilori, is dis-creet, limited to small name plaques forbrands, while the overall space andapproach emphasizes the Ilori brand,trends and environmental theme.

This season, that theme is based onfire and heat, “inspired by the solstice,”

pointed out Michael Hansen, vice pres-ident and general manager, who gave anexclusive tour of the new space to VM..

The main floor, using white and gild-ed walls, and Ilori’s signature colors ofaubergine or eggplant plus lime greenaccents, also features multiple videoimages of the fire theme projected onwalls, specially commisioned art sculp-tures and a range of illuminated framesand accessory items in the storedesigned by Craig Nealy Architects,who are known for their work with theLouis Vuitton and other luxury retailstores. No sunwear is displayed in thewindows.

Downstairs is another 1,000-plus-square foot VIP area, a lounge for pri-vate fitting sessions and special eventsand trunk shows, which will be a majorinitiative at Ilori, Hansen said.

Retail prices for sunwear sold in thenew stores will climb from an openingpoint of about $200 up to special itemsas high as $10,000. The company has nospecific plans to offer Rx sun lenses atIlori, although such lenses might bemade available as a customer service,Hansen said.

Sales associates, called “stylists,” willhelp customers who are encouraged toaccess and try on sunglasses on the pri-marily open shelving and displays; just afew collections, those with preciousmetals and gems, are kept under glass.Full-length, three-sided mirrors,throughout the store, encourage cus-tomers to see sunwear in the larger view.

“Ilori,” which is an African word for“special treasure,” is a new concept ini-tiative for Luxottica Retail’s sun division,and the Soho location will be followedby another flagship on Los Angeles’

Rodeo Drive plus six addi-tional boutiques in Maui andHonolulu, Hawaii, Carmel,San Diego and San Francis-co, Calif., Chicago, Ill., ShortHills, N.J., Philadelphia, Pa. and SanJuan, Puerto Rico by the end of the year.

Said Hansen, “All of the frames inIlori are part of our curation of collec-tions. Eyewear is a treasure and we wantto elevate our customers’ perceptions ofit to a new level.”

A special Ilori concept/positioning bookstates, “Indulgence is back. People arenow becoming connoisseurs of luxuryand they’re not just shopping, they’reseeking experience. As the retail land-scape begins to look more and more uni-form, people are searching out the small,the true and the exclusive. This is drivingan explosion among premium accessories.Sunglasses are expected to be next.”

Hansen noted, “Ilori’s target customeris female, thirty-something, or, that’s howshe feels. She’s affluent, fashion-forward,wants the latest, wants to treat herselfand is not afraid to look fabulous.”

Hansen, who previously headed busi-ness development for Sunglass Hut, isvice president and general manager ofIlori, reporting to Jack Kraus, VP ofLuxottica Retail’s sunwear division. Ilorihas its own marketing and buying team.

Luxottica executives have said thecompany’s goal is to open from 100 to150 Ilori stores in the U.S. within threeyears. They also did not rule out thepossibility of taking the concept beyondthe U.S. eventually. ■■

www.visionmonday.com VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 9V IS IO N MON DAY

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IN THE NEWS

Ilori, Luxottica’s First Luxury Sunwear Store OpensNEWS VIEWS

Ilori’s Michael Hansen, VP and general manager, in the new Soho store. Behind him, the season’s“fire” theme highlights the trend wall, which focuses on eggplant/aubergine/ purple sunglass stylesfrom a range of upscale brands.

(Top) An artist’s rendering of a phoenix rising, ispart of the ‘fire’ theme for Ilori’s Spring Streetwindow. (Bottom) at the left of the entrance aregraphics which discuss the theme and philosophyof the store.

The Soho store’s main floor features subtly labeled collections. At the rear of the store,set off by gold leaf paint, are a selection of “elevated” brands, including Chanel,

Bulgari, Tom Ford, Gold & Wood and others. (Right) imge videos can be projected overadditional displays.

0924_NEWS_9 10/1/07 10:11 AM Page 9

NEWS VIEWS

10 VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 www.visionmonday.com

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IN THE NEWS

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DRAPER, Utah—As expected, earlierthis month shareholders of 1-800 Con-tacts voted to approve the company’sacquisition by affiliates of Fenway part-ners, taking the contact-lens retailer pri-vate as of Sept. 6.

1-800 Contacts had previously trad-ed on the Nasdaq exchange under thesymbol CTAC.

The acquisition—valued at just under$340 million, or $24.25 per share—

was first announced in early June.Shortly thereafter, 1-800 Contacts soldits ClearLab contact lens business intwo parts: ClearLab’s manufacturing,distribution and customer support oper-ations were sold to Mi Gwang ContactLens, a Korean-based contact lens man-ufacturer, and ClearLab’s flat pack tech-nology and other intellectual propertywent to Japanese contact lens manu-facturer Menicon in a separate deal. ■■

Fenway Partners’ $340M Acquisition of1-800 Contacts Closes, Taking Firm PrivateVSP Makes First Investment in

Outside Lab, Adds Perfect Optics RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.—VSPVision Care recently made a minorityinvestment in Perfect Optics, the opticallaboratory near San Diego. The movemarks the first time the managed-visiongiant has invested in an outside lab.

Perfect Optics is now part of VSP’s286-lab contract network. VSP also haslarge, wholly owned optical labs innearby Sacramento and in Columbus,Ohio.

Rob Lynch, VSP’s president and chiefexecutive officer, said the investment inPerfect Optics “represents a further stepto enhance our contract lab network anddeliver the highest quality, best serviceexperience to our clients, doctors andmembers.”

Lynch told VM VSP may make simi-lar investments in the future. “We’realways looking for ways to strengthenthe private-practice eyecare deliverysystem, and we continue to look todevelop stronger and deeper relation-ships with others that work with privatepractitioners,” he said.

Perfect Optics was established lastyear by managing partners Warren

Meyer and Matt Schmidt-Wetekam—who will continue to manage its opera-tions—in conjunction with Carl ZeissVision, also a minority owner in the lab.Carl Zeiss Vision has been an investor inPerfect Optics since its inception,according to Schmidt-Wetekam.

The lab is one of the first in theU.S. to use FreeForm digital surfac-ing technology, producing personal-ized progressive lenses onsite, accord-ing to VSP. Perfect Optics also offerslens coatings such as Teflon ClearCoat as well as Zeiss anti-reflectivecoatings.

Said Meyer, “Perfect Optics looks for-ward to delivering cutting-edge opticalproducts and services to VSP doctorsand members nationwide.”

Fred Howard, Carl Zeiss Vision’spresident, the Americas, noted, “PerfectOptics will continue to be a center ofexcellence for service and innovation.Going forward, we will be able to accel-erate our plans as we strive to exceedthe requirements of our many partners.”

For more on VSP’s latest news, seethe related article on page 38. ■■

Ophthalmic Imaging Systems SignsPact to Acquire MediVisionSACRAMENTO, Calif.—Digital imag-ing manufacturer Ophthalmic ImagingSystems (OTC BB: OISI) has signed anon-binding agreement to acquireIsrael-based MediVision Medical Imag-ing, majority shareholder in OIS.

Under the terms of the proposedagreement, MediVision’s outstandingshares will be converted into shares ofOIS common stock at a yet-to-be-deter-mined ratio; also, outstanding optionsand warrants to purchase MediVision

shares will be converted into options orwarrants to purchase shares of OIS com-mon stock.

Once the acquisition is completed, Medi-Vision will operate as a wholly owned sub-sidiary of OIS.

The deal will require approval fromboth companies’ shareholders beforethe acquisition can be finalized. Medi-Vision, based in Yokneam Elit, Israel,acquired a majority stake in OIS in July2000. ■■

GREEN BAY, Wis.—More than threeyears after launching its first three Shop-ko Express stores, discount chain Shop-ko plans to open two additional ShopkoExpress stores—one with an opticaldepartment—in mid-2008.

The two new Shopko Express loca-tions will be in Appleton and Buchanan,Wis.; the Buchanan store will house a

company-owned Shopko Eyecare Center. Shopko Express is a neighborhood drug-

store concept that was launched by Shopkoin January 2005, with three locations inHoward, Ledgeview and Port Washington,Wis. The Howard Shopko Express containsan optical department. Shopko currentlyoperates 131 Eyecare Centers in its Shopkodiscount stores and the Shopko Express. ■■

Shopko Plans Another Shopko ExpressStore With Optical Department

Seiko Optical Products Sets ‘The CustomizedSolution’ National Promotion for ECPsMAHWAH, N.J.—Seiko Optical Prod-ucts of America, in partnership withTransitions Optical Inc, has launched“The Customized Solution,” a nation-al promotion featuring Succeed Inter-nal Free-Form Progressive AdditionLenses, and Transitions Lenses.

Craig Fahan, advertising manager forSeiko Optical stated, “Seiko Succeedlenses utilize patented 100% back sur-face technology, and are customized for

each patient. And now, through Dec.31, 2007, ECPs can earn points in ourCustomized Solution promotion, andredeem those points or a variety ofgreat merchandise. ECPs need to reg-ister online at www.seikorewards.comand purchase Succeed lenses from anyauthorized Seiko Succeed Manufactur-ing or Distributing Partner Lab.”

To find a list of authorized labs,visit www.seikoeyewear.com. ■■

0924_NEWS_10 10/1/07 10:12 AM Page 10

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VIS_0924_Serengeti 9/13/07 1:36 PM Page 1

BRADENTON, Fla.—Neostyle GmbH,the German eyewear manufacturer, hasestablished a new U.S. company, NeostyleUSA, to distribute its products in the U.S.The change became effective Sept. 1.

The new company, to be based hereand managed by Bob Lawson, generalmanager, promises a “smooth transi-tion” following the transfer of businessfrom California-based Neostyle Eye-wear Corp, headed by Helmuth Igel,who had distributed Neostyle in thiscountry for 37 years.

Sandra Nufer, Neostyle GmbH’s mar-keting director, and daughter of Neostylefounder, Walter Nufer, and AndreasDuennbiers, Neostyle GmbH president,

are working closely with Lawson andplan to introduce an even wider range ofproducts to the American market.

Lawson told VM,, “This re-organiza-tion is bringing new life to the opticalworld. Direct sales representatives willfill territories throughout the country.With the debut of 46 styles in three col-lections and over 130 colors, we willlaunch our new intiative at Vision ExpoWest this October.”

The company added, “Neostyle iscommitted to a clear corporate message,delivering personality eyewear to thecustomer through innovation and quali-ty, themes strongly associated with thebusiness since its inception and standson the same principal of superior cus-tomer service provided for the past 47years.”

Contacted by VM, Helmuth andHelga Igel and their son, Helmut Igel,Jr., said they “thank their customers fortheir support and loyalty for the past 37years.” Igel, Jr. formed a new company,Optylux, which distributes the Flair andEte eyewear collections, earlier thisyear. —Marge Axelrad

Neostyle Establishes New U.S. Company

Territories available

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12 IN THE NEWS

NEW YORK—Ira Lerner, a marketingexecutive with experience in the eye-wear arena, has formed ISL Technolo-gies, LLC.

The new company is specificallyfocused on representing inventors in theeyewear industry, including inventors offrame and lens technologies, softwaretechnologies and all related technolo-gies for the eyewear industry.

Lerner has worked with patented tech-nology and intellectual property rights formore than 30 years, beginning with trade-marks in advertising. As creative directorfor Marchon in the early ’90s, he helpedmarket Flexon frames and later workedwith many of the inventors of the earlypatents for magnetic eyewear. In the mid’90s, Lerner launched Takumi Eyewear,a magnetic clip collection, in the U.S.

Viva International’s PURE Eyewear,a new rimless system that requires nodrilling or notching, is the first opticalinvention to be marketed by ISL Tech-nologies, who with two other inventorsdeveloped the PURE system and thennegotiated the licensing deal with Viva.

Lerner says the objective of his com-pany is to work with inventors to devel-

op their technology and protect theirintellectual property rights. “Our ulti-mate goal is to license or sell the tech-nology we develop and ensure inventorsare compensated properly for their inno-vations and vision,” Lerner said. “Wewant to work with each inventor to helpcommercialize his or her ideas whileprotecting the invention and bringing itto market.”

ISL Technologies is currently workingwith some of the top inventors in theeyewear industry. —Gloria Nicola

NEWS VIEWS

Lerner Creates Company toConsult on Technology Efforts

Ira Lerner

Bob Lawson

0924_NEWS_12 10/1/07 10:13 AM Page 12

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VIS_0521_VisionEase 5/9/07 1:41 PM Page 2

16 VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 www.visionmonday.com

V IS IO N MON DAY

OP

T I C A L N EW S L E A D E RSHIP

IN THE NEWS

SAN LEANDRO, Calif.—Carl Moore,president of ABB-Con-Cise announcedhis retirement earlier this month after48 years of building one of the leadingdistributors of name brand contact lens-es. Since the 1960’s, Moore wasinvolved with the design, manufactur-ing and distribution of hard contactlenses that could only be worn for shortperiods of time to the technologicallyadvanced extended wear and bifocallenses available today.

Moore was president of the ContactLens Manufacturer’s Association, aboard member of the Contact LensSociety of America and was a foundingmember of the Contact Lens Council.He was also an associate member of theContact Lens Association of Ophthal-mologists and served on the board ofthe Pacific Coast Contact Lens Society.

Moore’s credentials also include Hon-ored Fellow Status in the Contact LensSociety of America and Fellow of theNational Academy of Opticians. He

received the two highest honors award-ed by the CLMA: the Dr. Josef Dallosand the Leonardo Da Vinci awards sig-nify major contributions to the industryand mankind. Moore will continue onas a significant shareholder in the com-pany, according to ABB-Con-Cise.

In addition to his role at ABB-Con-Cise, he was also president of PrimaryEyecare Network (PEN), a practicemanagement group for independentoptometrists. Moore was instrumental inthe ongoing success of PEN’s Educa-tion Program and was the visionary forPreserving Independent Optometry(PIO), a program designed to help inde-pendent optometrists expand their prac-tice and plan an exit strategy for thefuture. This March will mark the thirdbi-annual PIO program.

According to Rob Zielinski, partnerwith Southern California-based privateequity firm Riordan, Lewis & Haden,“Carl Moore was a great leader andinspiration to the entire contact lens

industry. His career serves as a casestudy for others to follow.”

ABB-Con-Cise CEO Angel Alvarezsaid, “Carl Moore has been a primaryforce in the contact lensindustry and will bemissed. We wish him wellin retirement.”

“Carl has been atremendous mentor, part-ner and friend,” saidLynda Baker, 42-year col-league and executivevice president with ABB-Con-Cise. “He has pro-foundly touched everycorner of the contact lensbusiness. Simply put,there would not havebeen a thriving contact lens industrythat we know today without CarlMoore,” Baker said.

“I am looking forward to retirementand enjoying my outside interests; rac-ing cars, traveling, golf and spending

time with my family,” said Moore. “Iwill greatly miss the team of talentedprofessionals and technicians we have atABB-Con-Cise, and the wonderful

clients we serve on a dailybasis. I know the compa-ny is in good hands andwill continue to grow intothe future,” said Moore.

In April of this year,contact lens distributorsABB Optical and Con-Cise merged their opera-tions, combining all theirassets in the formation ofa single distribution com-pany. The new entity,known as ABB-Con-Ciseis the largest contact lens

distributor in the U.S., serving morethan 15,000 accounts representing near-ly two thirds of independent eyecareprofessionals and accounting for approx-imately 40% of distributor sales of softlenses, according to ABB-Con-Cise. ■■

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.—Nation-al Optronics, a subsidiary of EssilorInstruments, has made several recentadditions to its management team.

The Charlottesville-based companyhas appointed Kurt Atchison vice pres-ident of sales and marketing. In thisnewly created position, he will also beresponsible for technical and customerservice. Atchison, formerly with Satis-loh, is an optical industry veteran withextensive experience in the lens pro-

cessing equipment field.Michael Bruno will fill the role of

national sales manager. He is also anindustry veteran, having worked pri-marily with Vision-Ease and Carl ZeissOptical.

Also joining National Optronics isKevin Paddy, who will initially serve asproduct manager. Prior to joining thecompany, he worked for the past nineyears in optical machinery area withSatisloh. ■■

National Optronics Names AtchisonVP of Sales and Marketing

ISLAND PARK, N.Y.—Opsales, Inc., theNew York-based manufacturer of polar-ized optical products and sunglasses,has signed a global licensing agreementwith New England’s Old Harbor Outfitters(OHO) to create a new line of high-per-formance eyewear that features“Beneath the Surface” technology. Thenew sunglasses will be sold under theOld Harbor Outfitters brand and will beintroduced in Spring 2008.

“Our ‘Beneath the Surface’ technolo-gy will bring sport fishing to a new level,”said Opsales, Inc. president Jerry Bed-ingfield. “Our new line is designed to

remove surface glare, reduce eye fatigue,and provide essential sun protectionfrom reflected light. OHO Sunglasses willbe essential for serious anglers.”

OHO, which launched in 2006, manu-factures high-performance, feature-richapparel, bags and fishing gear. The com-pany’s policy is to only introduce prod-ucts which incorporate the highestgrade of materials that can take thepunishment of extensive sea-testing byits team of sport fishing captains. Thisagreement marks OHO’s first entry intopremium, branded sunglasses for menand women. ■■

Opsales, Inc. Signs Eyewear AgreementWith Old Harbor Outfitters

Carl Moore, President of ABB-Con-Cise RetiresNEWS VIEWS

Carl Moore

0924_NEWS_16 10/1/07 10:13 AM Page 16

www.visionmonday.com VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 17V IS IO N MON DAY

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T I C A L N EW S L E A D E RSHI P

IN THE NEWS

LEWISVILLE, Texas—Hoya VisionCare, North America has announced thewinners of its “My Big Fat Greek HoyaGetaway” sweepstakes. In the compa-ny’s biggest giveaway ever, 40 eyecareprofessionals and five distributor win-ners will travel in October on an all-

expense paid, nine-day getaway for twoto Greece.

“We are thrilled with the level of par-ticipation in this promotion,” said SteveKoufos, vice president of marketing andstrategic planning. “Between Februaryand May, eyecare professionals who sold

qualifying Hoyalux progressive lenses orqualifying Hoya anti-reflective coatingswere eligible to enter and win the draw-ing for the Greek getaway or otherprizes. We are excited to award this tripto our customers.”

Sweepstakes winners will travel toAthens, Greece, in early October wherethey will tour such landmarks as Syntag-ma Square, the Parliament and theAcropolis. The tripalso includes tours ofseveral of Greece’sCyclades islands,including Mykonos,Santorini and Delos.

The winning eye-care practices includeBrushy Creek EyeCare, Round Rock, Texas; Mt. ViewEye Care, Mt. View, Ark.; DoctorsOptical, Albuquerque, N.M.; Dr.Emery C. Huber, OD, Arlington,Texas; Bridgeport Eye Center, Bridge-port, Texas; Dr. Kenneth Lane,Lewisville, Texas; Total Optical/TotalEyecare, Duncanville, Texas; TheOptical Shop, Tyler, Texas; GallupVision Source, Gallup, N.M.; MichiganEye Institute, Flint, Mich.; NorthwestEye Physicians, Novi, Mich.; Drs. VanLente & Leahy, OD, Orland Park, Ill.;Family Eye Care, St. Charles, Ill.;Davis Eye Center, Cuyahoga Falls,Ohio; Dr. James Kershaw, OD, N. Olm-sted, Ohio; Moberly Eye Center,Moberly, Mo.; Dr. James M. Ernst, OD,Alexandria, Ky.; Eye 1, Cincinnati,

Ohio; Wilmer Vision Center, Baltimore,Md.; Clark Appler Opt, Towson, Md.;Dr. George Pegram, OD, Chesapeake,Va.; Mid-City Opticians, N. Tonawan-da, N.Y.; Professional Eye Associates,Mt. Pocono, Pa.; Optique Unique,Metuchen, N.J.; Eyes First, Middle-town, N.J.; Dr. Colin Robinson, Wind-ham, Maine; Castle Valley Eyecare,Castle Dale, Utah; Central Oregon

Eyecare, Prineville, Ore.; The SightShop, Portland, Ore.; Tigard Optomet-ric, Portland, Ore.; Suncoast MedicalClinic, St. Petersburg, Fla.; Ocala EyeOptical, Ocala, Fla.; Coughlin EyeCenter, Orlando, Fla.; FashionOptique, Baton Rouge, La.; TotalVision Care, Clovis, Calif.; Family EyeAssociates, Fairfield, Calif.; Dr. JoyceKim, OD, Sunnyvale, Calif.; UplandOptical Service, Upland, Calif.; Clinicfor Vision PC, Albertville, Ala. (Onewinner declined to be identified.)

Winning distributors include PechOptical, Sioux City, Iowa; WestsideOptical, Bono, Ark.; Opti-Matrix,Huntsville, Ala.; Walman Optical, Min-neapolis, Minn.; Harbor Optical, Tra-verse City, Mich. ■■

NEWS VIEWS

Hoya Announces ‘My Big Fat Greek Hoya Getaway’ Winners

PADOVA, Italy—Pierluigi Marinelli hasbeen appointed president and CEO ofAllison USA.

At the beginning of this year, Marinelliwas appointed executive vice presidentof the company, one of the main sub-sidiaries of the Italian-based Allisongroup.

“This important nomination repre-sents a big step forward for the devel-opment of the American market forwhich we are seeing a positive trendsince the beginning of this year,” accord-ing to Silvio Vecellio Reane, presidentand CEO of Allison S.p.A. ■■

Marinelli Named President,CEO of Allison USA HONG KONG—American eyewear

company REM, with worldwide head-quarters in Sun Valley, Calif., hasopened a showroom and customer serv-ice center in the Kowloon Bay section ofHong Kong, to serve the southern andeastern Asian region.

“Establishing this beachhead in HongKong is an important step in our global-ization strategy,” said Mike Hundert,REM president and CEO. “Our brandsare important in that part of the world.And that part of the world is importantto us. Therefore, a commitment to bet-ter understand the uniqueness of theAsian marketplace and to better servecustomers there is vital to fulfill ourlong-term global objectives.”

The Hong Kong opening follows on

the heels of launching REM Australia,earlier this summer, in partnershipwith Australia’s General Optical.Daniel Lai, named earlier this year todirect REM’s efforts in the region, willmanage the company’s Hong Kongheadquarters.

“Launching REM Asia is yet anotherin a rapid set of tipping points for ourgrowing company,” Hundert said.

REM is a 54-year-old optical compa-ny owned by Hundert and his sisterDonna Gindy and is operated by a teamof industry veterans, including execu-tive vice president, Steve Horowitz andcreative director, Blake Kuwahara. TheREM portfolio includes Converse, JohnVarvatos, Carolina Herrera and Cos-mopolitan, among others. ■■

REM Eyewear Opens Showroom,Customer Service in Hong Kong

NEW YORK--Richard Soden, OD, wasrecently named vice president for clini-cal affairs at the SUNY College ofOptometry. In his new role, Soden over-sees the operations of the UniversityOptometric Center, the college’spatient-care enterprise.

Soden, who has 25 years’ experi-ence in clinical practice and optomet-

ric education, is a 1979 graduate of thecollege. He has been associate chief ofoptometry service at the VA MedicalCenter in Northport, N.Y., and has aprivate practice in Lake Ronkonkoma,N.Y.

Soden is also a former president ofthe New York State Optometric Associ-ation. ■■

At Allison’s HQ in Italy, Pierluigi Marinelli,right, with Allison’s president and CEO, SilvioVecellio Reane.

Richard Soden, OD, Named VP atSUNY College of Optometry

SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn.—Ger-ber Coburn has sold its Innovations labsoftware product to Ocuco, Inc. a whol-ly-owned U.S. subsidiary of Ocuco Ltd.,a leading U.K.-based ophthalmic soft-ware development company.

Gerber Coburn, based here, will con-tinue to sell and distribute the productglobally. Ocuco Inc. has contracted withCC Systems to provide support andservice of Innovations software in theAmericas.

Under terms of the agreement,Robert Shanbaum, former director of

software development at GerberCoburn, will become president ofOcuco Inc. Shanbaum will workwith CC Systems and GerberCoburn to ensure a smooth transi-tion of service.

In addition to providing Innovationsservice and support in the Americas, CCSystems will train Ocuco’s staff to pro-vide service and support outside NorthAmerica. Gerber Coburn and CC Sys-tems will continue to distribute Innova-tions software worldwide together withOcuco. ■■

Gerber Coburn Sells InnovationsLab Software to Ocuco Inc.

“Between February and May, eyecareprofessionals who sold qualifying Hoyaluxprogressive lenses or qualifying Hoyaanti-reflective coatings were eligible toenter and win drawings for the Greekgetaway or other prizes.” —Steve Koufos

0924_NEWS_17 10/1/07 10:14 AM Page 17

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20 IN THE NEWS

NEW YORK—Mar-chon Eyewear willbecome a platinumnational sponsor of‘Optometry GivingSight’ in the U.S.The company joinsother national spon-sors such as CIBAVision, Signet Armor-lite, Vision Sourceand Institute for EyeResearch, who aresupporting the activi-ties and goals of thegroup to eliminaterefractive error blind-ness around theworld, includingWorld Sight Day, which is Oct. 11.

“Uncorrected refractive error [theneed for glasses] is now the leadingform of preventable blindness world-wide,” said Al Berg ofMarchon. “As one ofthe world’s leadingmanufacturers and dis-tributors of quality eye-wear and sunwear, weare pleased to provideour support to the only global fundrais-ing initiative that specifically targets theprevention of blindness and impairedvision due to lack of eye exams andavailability of eyeglasses. When youhear about a school for the blind inMalawi, Africa where only 7 out of 113students were actually blind and therest needed glasses, the void becomesquite compelling.”

He added, “This sponsorship willcomplement the support that we pro-vide to other eye health organizations.Optometry Giving Sight is a unique col-laboration between optometrists andmany of the world’s leading blindnessprevention agencies and we supporttheir efforts to provide sustainable eyehealth programs to people in need.”

Professor Brien Holden, executivechair of Optometry Giving Sight saidthat “Marchon is an icon company inthe spectacle world. Their support is ahuge advance for Optometry GivingSight. It is critical to our mission to giv-ing sight to the estimated 300 millionpeople who are blind or visionimpaired.”

Optometry Giving Sight is a jointinitiative of the World Optometry Foun-dation, the International Centre forEyecare Education and the Interna-

tional Agency for thePrevention of Blind-ness. National industrysponsors include CIBAVision, the Institute forEye Research, Mar-chon, Vision Source and

Signet Armorlite. World Sight Day is scheduled to take

place on Oct. 11 this year. Since theWorld Sight Day Challenge waslaunched at the AOA Optometry’sMeeting in June, 100 optometrists havecommitted to the World Sight DayChallenge. This includes national andstate optometric leaders. In addition,approximately 200 Vision Source doc-tors are making a regular monthly con-tribution to Optometry Giving Sight.About 60 of the donors have taken onambassador roles in their local areas andare working to sign up their colleaguesto the challenge. The goal is to sign upat least 300 optometrists between Juneand World Sight Day in October.

More info on the World Sight DayChallenge is available at www.giv-ingsight.org

Optometry Giving Sight, a tax-exempt organization under section501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code,guarantees that a minimum of 85 centsof every dollar donated by optometristsand their patients is directed to peoplein need. ■■

NEWS VIEWS

Marchon Becomes ‘OptometryGiving Sight’ National SponsorJoins Others in Efforts for World Sight Day, Oct. 11

Left to right are, Dr. Bill Breen, Dr. John Schachet and Dr. Hans Kell, Col-orado optometrists, who are participating in the World Sight Day Challenge.

0924_NEWS_20,21 10/1/07 10:14 AM Page 20

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NEWS VIEWS

VARESE, Italy—Carl Zeiss Sunlens isexpanding its technologies, includingnew mirrors and colorations, accordingto Gaetano Sciuto, general manager, “toappeal to the needs of world-class sun-wear manufacturers” targeting con-sumers interested in sun fashion andperformance features under the themeof “Pure Vision, Pure Protection.”

At the upcoming Silmo in Paris nextmonth, the company will highlight anew series of Ultra Colors.

Based on the research and experienceof Zeiss’ laboratories, the new colorsprovide the right solution for all outdooractivity vision needs, the companynotes. The ranges include Zeiss UltraGrey, Ultra Green and Ultra Brown.

Earlier this year at Mido, Zeiss pre-

sented its HiPro product family, a newseries of mirror lenses which featuresuperior resistance to abrasion andwater-repellent properties. The seriesincludes HiPro Blue, Silver and Bronze.

Carl Zeiss Vision Sunlens originatedas Sola Sunlens, created in 1993 in theUS. In 2000, the worldwide headquar-ters were moved to Italy and in 2005,with the merger of Sola internationalInc. and the Carl Zeiss Opthalmic divi-sion, the company offers sun lenses viatwo brands: Sola Sunlens and Zeiss

The company works with the leadingsunwear brands and companies. Amongothers, the company is now supplyingsun lenses to Momodesign by VidiVici,

Mercedes, produced by Allison, AlainMikli and Tom Ford Eyewear (LimitedEdition). Among others, Zerorh+ adopt-ed HiPro Silver for the teams of Alinghiand Mascalzone Latino.

Consumers will find a Zeiss certificateauthenticating Zeiss lens quality andexplaining the importance of wearing ahigh quality sunlens. Zeiss sunlenses areengraved with a semi-visibile “Z”.

According to Al Gleek, of Carl ZeissSunlens in the U.S., “We partner withmany of our plano lens customers tocreate authentic Rx programs.”

He noted that these Rx programs repli-cate the tint, treatments and look and feelof plano sunglasses in Rx using CZV’spatented Spazio atoric lens for wrappedsunglasses and eyewear. “Spazio singlevision lenses in CR, polycarbonate andpolarized provide enhanced peripheralvision not achievable with standardcurved lenses while accommodating avery wide power range, up to -6.00/-2.00cylinder. Also within these specific Rxprograms we use our progressive b’Activelens specifically designed for wrapor highly curvedsunglasses and

eyewear. CZV also utilizes 5 axis edgingto provide an exact fit and unique lensprofiles, especially in non-traditional Rxframes including interchangeable styles,”he said, noting that both Spazio and b’Ac-tive are available to ECPs through theCarl Zeiss Vision lab network.

Scuito noted that in addition to its facili-ties in Italy, the company recently opened a6,000-square meter factory in the Cantonregion of China, which has been created toproduce polycarbonate sun lenses. This willbe developed as a platform for Carl ZeissVision Sunlens to expand and enter intonew business in Asia and will also be able tosupport Chinese frame producers.

—Marge Axelrad

Carl Zeiss Sunlens Extends SunRanges With New Technologies

HiPro lenses are featured in the Tom Fordsunwear line, above. Zeiss’ new Ulra Colors(right) debut at Silmo.

GaetanoSciuto

0924_NEWS_20,21 10/1/07 10:14 AM Page 21

LAS VEGAS—The theme of this year’sshow, Moving Forward, will be a promi-nent one as more than 550 exhibitingcompanies spread out in over 240,000square feet, present the latest in productsand services to thousands of eyecare pro-fessionals, in an effort to showcase thenewest technologies and the most currenteducation in eyecare and eyewear.

International Vision Expo West is the

largest gathering of ophthalmic profes-sionals on the West Coast of the U.S.Last year, 13,180 eyecare professionalsfrom every state and 98 countriesaround the world gathered in Las Vegasfor the only event that delivers value forevery member of the ophthalmic com-munity. And this year the momentumcontinues to move forward.

On the show floor, you’ll find the new

Lenses & Processing TechnologyPavilion, the expanded Medical & Sci-entific Pavilion, and many new featuresto enhance your show experience.Show organizers have also created a newlogo to visually depict the strength andexcitement of the event.

In the new Lenses & Processing Tech-nology Pavilion, meet all of the top man-ufacturers of eyeglass lenses, lens technol-ogy, finishing equipment, lens and frameprocessing tools and supplies and even labequipment financing. The expandedMedical & Scientific Pavilion will nowinclude medical diagnostic equipment inaddition to contact lens, low vision andpharmaceutical products. Plus, the freeCE offered in the Medical & ScientificTheater has increased this year.

Forward Focus Four dedicated pavilions will help youmaximize your time by focusing on spe-cific areas of interest quickly and easily.Along with the New Lenses & Pro-cessing Technology and ExpandedMedical & Scientific Pavilions, be sureto visit the The Galleria, presenting aselection of high-end frames in a widerange of styles and prices, designed tohelp you learn the bottom-line impor-tance of carrying high fashion eyewear.The chic private showrooms of TheSuites (located on the 34th and 35thfloors of the connected Venetian Hotel)will feature all of the luxury, establishedcouture designers in one convenientand elegant location. Advance reserva-tions are recommended.

International Vision Expo will intro-duce a new Locator System at thisyear’s show. It will help you navigatethe show floor and reach the exhibitorsyou want to see. This interactive, touchscreen system allows you to search forexhibitors by name or by category.These search results will include fullcompany information including a mapof their location on the show floor.There are 4 locations: one in the regis-tration area and three on the show floor.

Many exhibitors will offer specials,discounts and promotions as part of theirparticipation in International VisionExpo West. Be sure to visit the eventWeb site at www.visionexpowest.comfor the most up-to-date listing of offer-ings, exclusively at the show.

The Business Institute returns, pro-viding more than 20 hours of educationfocused on practice management skillsthat immediately help all practice own-ers and administrators increase prof-itability. And the Frame Buyers Certi-fication Program, sponsored by theVision Council of America’s Eyewearand Accessories division, provides toolsto maximize dispensary earning poten-tial, tips on selecting, managing and pro-moting frame inventory; and gain corebusiness and financial skills for effectivebuying. Participants receive a FrameBuyers Certificate of Completion aftercompeting 8 hours of courses.

For more information on Internation-al Vision Expo West, visit the web siteat www.visionexpowest.com or call(800) 811-7151. ■■

22 VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 www.visionmonday.com

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EXPO WEST 2007

PREVIEW

Vision Expo West to Offer Fast Forward LookAt Eyewear, Technology and Fashion Trends

LAS VEGAS— Members of the new Inter-national Vision Expo Attendee AdvisoryBoard will hold their second meeting dur-ing Vision Expo West.

The Attendee Advisory Board is com-prised of industry professionals working inall areas of the ophthalmic profession.The panel will meet at each InternationalVision Expo show and participate in con-ference calls and planning sessionsthroughout the year.

Attendee Advisory Board members areasked to serve for a term of two years,with the primary purpose of offeringadvice, suggestions and input regardingthe direction of International Vision Expo.

“With the contributions of our AttendeeAdvisory Board, we will be better able toserve the needs of all vision profession-als,” said Eileen Baird, group vice presi-dent and show manager, Reed Exhibitions.

“We are proud to have such a dynamicBoard in place to help ensure that Inter-national Vision Expo meets the needs of

the entire ophthalmic community,” saidDeborah Malakoff, vice president, shows,Vision Council of America (VCA).

Members of the International VisionExpo Attendee Advisory Board include:Richard G. Robbins, MD, MBA, VIP OpticalLabs; Kathryn Parsons Buyer, SpectrumEyecare; Andrew Polan, Vision World;Steven B. Stiles, OD, Eye Group; BeckyCausey, The View on Elm; Cleve Barham,Fine Eyes; and Margaret Foley, OD, FoleyVision. The Advisory Board also includesa liaison from both Reed Exhibitions andthe VCA, co-owners of the InternationalVision Expo shows.

The Attendee Advisory Board is one ofthree advisory groups serving the event,including the Conference Advisory Boardand the Exhibitor Advisory Committee.Show management solicits additionalguidance from Vision Council of America’sShow Committee, which representsExhibitors from the Galleria, Suites andtechnical pavilions.■■

Attendee Advisory Board to HoldSecond Meeting at West

0924_NEWS_22-3 10/1/07 10:17 AM Page 22

LAS VEGAS—International VisionExpo West is always chock-full of spe-cial events and programs designed tomake attendance not only educational,informational, and valuable, but enjoy-able. And this year looks to be noexception.

There are several events new to thisyear’s schedule: the Vision Expo PhotoOpportunity. Smile and take home afree memento marking the brand newVision Expo! Visit Booth #12119 to haveyour picture taken to mark this unfor-gettable event. Meet your friends andcolleagues …and say “cheese.”

Club Vision, the popular program thatrewards show loyalty will again be openas a members-only lounge located inBooth #15123 in the Exhibit Hall onLevel 2 of the Sands Expo & Conven-tion Center. Club Vision offers specialon-site amenities to Vision Expo repeatattendees of five years or more, andvalue-added services to thank thosewho attend International Vision Expoyearly. Membership to Club Vision isfree but dependent on attendancerecord qualification.

The CyberCafé, sponsored by Com-bine Buying Group, will provide a con-venient one-stop, online location to con-duct electronic business during theshow. These free internet workstationsare located in Booth #10109.

Be sure to visit The New ProductGallery at the entrance to the ExhibitionFloor. The Gallery will showcase thenewest fashion frames, accessories andtechnologies being introduced at theshow. And be sure to cast your vote forthe Best New Product while you’rethere—voting ends at 2:00 pm on Friday.The winner of the Vision Choice Awardswill be announced at 4:00 p.m. on Friday,Oct. 5 in the New Product Showcasearea on Level 2. In addition, one luckyattendee ballot will be drawn to win a$500 exhibit hall shopping spree.

Be sure to stop by the show entranceat noon on Thursday to join the Nation-al Academy of Opticianry’s AwardsExtravaganza. Stop by their booth foryour invitation and copy of the awardsprogram, join in as the Hall of FameInductee, Educator of the Year, 2006Appreciation & Recognition Awardrecipient and the Beverly MyersAchievement Award Winners areannounced.

For more information on Internation-al Vision Expo West, visit the Web siteat www.visionexpowest.com or call (800)811-7151. ■■

www.visionmonday.com VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 23V IS IO N MON DAY

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EXPO WEST 2007

PREVIEW

Special Events to Highlight Expo West

Schedule of Events The schedule of events listed below highlights some of the main events taking place at International Vision Expo West. Theschedule is current as of presstime and is subject to change. Refer to materials in your registration packet for a full listingof up-to-date events.

Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007

12:15 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Continuing Education Program Sands & Venetian Mtg. Rooms

Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007

8:30 a.m. – 11:30 am Optical Boot Camp: Level 1- Room 301-S Immersion Workshop for Dispensers

9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. The Exhibit Hall and Galleria Open Sands, Level 2

9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. The Suites Open Venetian, 34/35th Floors

Friday, Oct. 5, 2007

8:30 a.m. – 12:30 am Optical Boot Camp: Level 2- Top Gun Room 301-S

8:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. Continuing Education Program Sands & Venetian Mtg.Rooms

9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. The Exhibit Hall and Galleria Open Sands, Level 2

9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. The Suites Open Venetian, 34/35th Floors

2:00 p.m. Voting Ends for Best New Product New Product Showcase

4:00 p.m. Best New Product Award New Product Showcase

Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007

8:30 a.m. – 11:30 am Contact Lens Boot Camp Room 301-S

8:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. Continuing Education Program Sands & Venetian Mtg.Rooms

9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The Exhibit Hall and Galleria Open Sands, Level 2

9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The Suites Open Venetian, 34/35th Floors

12:30 a.m. – 2:30 am Special Symposium: Women Ask For Directions Room 505-V

0924_NEWS_22-3 10/1/07 10:18 AM Page 23

ALEXANDRIA, Va.—The Vision Coun-cil of America (VCA) and AARP havelaunched their secondpublic service advertise-ment (PSA) campaigndesigned to educateAmericans over the age of40 about vision health.Titled “Sight Matters.Look into Your Eyes.” thePSA highlights the factthat while many Ameri-cans devote a great deal ofattention to the way their eyes look, fewplace a high priority on how well they see.

It is estimated that six million Ameri-cans over the age of 40 have an uncor-

rected visual impair-ment, according to theVCA. By the year2020, this number willsoar, which makes edu-cating Americans aboutpreventive vision care anational health priority.By encouraging BabyBoomers that “it mightbe wise to look into

your eyes,” the PSA promotes beingproactive to maintain healthy vision.

“Because Americans over 40 aremore likely to have glaucoma and mac-ular degeneration, regular eye examsare critical,” said ophthalmologistElaine G. Hathaway, MD. “An eyeexam can also detect signs of other seri-ous health conditions such as diabetesand hypertension.”

The PSAs will be distributed to morethan 8,000 print and broadcast mediaoutlets in early September. “Given ouraging population, there is a definiteneed to educate Baby Boomers abouttaking care of their vision,” said EdGreene, CEO of VCA. “With an

extremely credible partner and widereaching channels of distribution, wecan reach millions of Boomers andremind them about the importance ofpreventive vision care.”

The campaign builds upon VCA’spublic health initiative “Check Yearly.See Clearly.” which aims to educateAmericans about the importance of reg-ular vision care. In 2006, VCA partneredwith AARP on a similar campaign toeducate Americans over 40 about theimportance of vision health and thecampaign reached over 100 millionAmericans. ■■

NEWS VIEWS

24 VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 www.visionmonday.com

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IN THE NEWS

VCA, AARP Launch PSA Aimed at Baby Boomers

HUENENBERG, Switzerland—With possi-ble competitor Carl Zeiss Meditec havingconfirmed early this month that it will notbid for Germany’s WaveLight—whichdevelops, manufactures and marketsrefractive laser and diagnostic sys-tems—and will tender its shares forAlcon’s acquisition of WaveLight, the wayappears clear for Alcon to takeover theErlangen, Germany-based firm.

After the Zeiss announcement, Alconrevealed it had amended its tender offerfor Wavelight, waiving the minimum ten-der offer acceptance threshold of 75percent of all WaveLight outstandingshares. At presstime, Alcon held 53.6percent of WaveLight’s shares throughpurchase, contractual commitment ortender; the amendment extended the€15 per share offer until Sept. 25. Thetender offer began July 16.

Following the announcement by CarlZeiss Meditec—which owns approxi-

mately a five percent stake in Wave-Light—that it would not proceed with acompetitive offer and would tender itsshares, Cary Rayment, Alcon’s president,chairman, and chief executive officer,said, “We are confident that sharehold-ers will now fully recognize the uniqueopportunity our very attractive offer pro-vides. Extending the offer period allowsWaveLight shareholders to process thenew information and take appropriatesteps to tender their shares.”

Alcon’s offer has been endorsed byWaveLight’s executive committee andsupervisory board.

The addition of WaveLight’s technologyto Alcon’s portfolio and the combinationof the two companies’ capabilities “willfurther reinforce Alcon’s leadership in theimportant surgical channel representedby surgeons who perform both intraocu-lar lens implantation and laser refractivesurgery,” according to Alcon. ■■

Alcon Moves TowardWavelight Acquisition

PADOVA, Italy—Allison SpA andMoschino SpA, owner of the brandMoschino, have announced the sign-ing of a five year licensing agree-ment for the creation, developmentand worldwide distribution of thenew Moschino eyewear collection.

“The new addition of Moschino tothe Allison portfolio contributes toincrease the range of products andenables us to reach a further target inaddition to some of the most renownedItalian and international fashion brandswith whom we have collaborated formany years,” said Silvio Vecellio Reane,president of Allison SPA. FurthermoreReane expressed confidence in the

development of a line that will see thecoexistence of the typical originality ofMoschino and the planning of Allison,for a long-lasting and successful partner-ship, according to a statement from Alli-son SpA.

Rossella Jardini, creative director ofMoschino, added, “We found in Allisonthe ideal partner because it operateswith extreme care, attention and dedi-cation towards the products. These areall strong features that have always dis-tinguished our work through the years.”

The initial collection, consisting of 25sunglasses and 25 opthalmic frames, isavailable now and will be shown by All-sion USA at Expo West. ■■

Allison and Moschino SignLicensing Agreement

NEW YORK—Legacie Accessories, theluxury company of B. Robinson,announced that Brian Budd has beenappointed national sales manager.

Budd will join Legacie’s current man-agement team including the Robinsonfamily, Gil Ross, executive vice presidentof sales, and Julie Zawolik, director of sales.

Budd joined Legacie from Luxotticawhere he was the regional manager forFlorida and Puerto Rico, managing thefashion brands of the Luxottica portfolio.He brings over 10 years of industry expe-rience during which time he has worked

with many high endand fashion collections.

Cliff Robinson,president of Legacie,stated, “We are luckyto have met Brian and brought him ontoour team. As Legacie grows, we need tocontinue to support our customers withthe best service possible. Brian will def-initely help us to achieve our goals.”

Legacie, launched in 2002, features arange of unique collections includingLeiber Eyewear, Kata, and Betsey John-son Eyewear. ■■

Brian Budd

Legacie Appoints Budd asNational Sales Manager

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—VSP Labs iscontinuing their national tour of “HighDefinition Dispensing” seminars foroptical industry professionals. The sem-inar series is being co-sponsored byTransitions Optical, Varilux, Carl ZeissVision and Hoya Vision Care.

Speaker Mike DiSanto, Master Cer-tified Optician, has presented thisABO-approved program in nine citiesthroughout the U.S., with two morescheduled for California in October.

The High Definition Dispensingseminars feature basic optical principles,dispensing, and product placement. Todate, over 600 optical industry profes-sionals have taken advantage of a valu-able way of earning three hours of con-tinuing education credits.

Optical industry professionals in Cali-fornia can still take advantage of thiscomplimentary seminar, which includesdinner, at upcoming sessions scheduledfor Oct. 16 in San Diego, and Oct.17 inCerritos. For more information, contactPatricia House at 1-800-952-5518,extension 356, or your VSP Lab repre-sentative. ■■

VSP Labs Continues Tour of ‘HighDefinition Dispensing’ Seminars

0924_NEWS_24 10/1/07 10:15 AM Page 24

STYLE TIPNO. 15

SEE AND BE SEEN

For more information 800.505.5557 or online AltairEyewear.com

VIS_0924_Altair 9/10/07 1:25 PM Page 1

Live Eyewear Appoints Bob JonesAs Optical Sales ManagerSAN LUIS OBSIPO, Calif.—Live Eye-

wear has announcedthe appointment ofBob Jones to the posi-tion of national opticalsales manager. Joneswill focus primarily ondeveloping and sup-porting Live Eye-wear’s key accounts in

the optical marketplace to ensure theyare reaching their full potential in theOveRx category.

Jones said, “Live Eyewear has givenme the opportunity to work with the lead-ing brands in the OveRx sunwear catego-ry and I am excited to partner with ourkey accounts in order to help them reachtheir true sales potential in this untappedsegment of the eyecare industry.”

Vice president of optical sales,Karen Zappia said, “We are verypleased to have Bob assume a leader-ship role within our optical sales divi-sion. Over the past five years, ourCocoons and Vistana product lineshave helped us build an incredibly

loyal customer base. Our commitmenthas always been to deliver the absolutebest quality eyewear available in theOveRx sunglass category.”

Jones will be based out of the com-pany’s San Luis Obispo, Californiaheadquarters.

SynergEyes Taps EdwardsAs VP of Clinical Affairs CARLSBAD, Calif.—Contact-lens man-

ufacturer SynergEyesrecently appointedGarold Edwards, OD,its vice president ofclinical affairs.

In his new role,Edwards is responsiblefor all clinical endeavorsat SynergEyes. He willwork to define all clini-

cal study parameters, deliverables and pro-tocols and provide expertise to practition-ers working with SynergEyes hybrid CLs,according to the company; Edwards alsowill coordinate and lead clinical research-and-development projects and serve as theprimary scientific expert on current andfuture SynergEyes products.

Edwards, who has more than 25 years’experience in healthcare, was a founder ofSpecialty UltraVision. His industry expe-rience includes Saturn II, the two-phasehybrid contact lens, and the application ofophthalmic wavefront analysis to the CLindustry, according to SynergEyes.

Louis Côté Joins OptometricServices Inc. (OSI)MONTREAL—Louis Côté, has been

appointed administra-tion manager forOptometric ServicesInc. (OSI), accordingto Marcel Brin, presi-dent and CEO of thecompany.

Côté’s new respon-sibilities will include

the coordination of all legal matters forOSI and its subsidiaries. He will alsoassume a variety of administrative andhuman resources duties for the OSIgroup of companies.

Côté has over 28 years of experiencein the optical industry. His backgroundincludes serving as legal counsel andassistant to the general manager at the

Québec College of Optometrists for 10years as well as working as a seniormanager for one of Québec’s leadingoptical chains for the past 18 years.

Sightsavers’ Minto WinsEssilor AwardDALLAS—Essilor has presented its2007 Award for Outstanding Internation-al Contributions to Optometry to HasanMinto, refractive error and low visionadvisor for Sightsavers International inPakistan. The prestigious award, givenby the American Academy of Optome-try, is in recognition of Hasan’s manycontributions over the past 20 years inthe fields of optometry and low vision.

Hasan, who has worked for leadingblindness charity, Sightsavers, for eightyears, was nominated for his work indeveloping low cost vision testing mate-rials and devices, and an affordable andaccessible model of low vision care. Aresource center in Hong Kong now sup-plies these devices to over 100 countries.A resource center for the procurement oflow cost spectacles and optical equip-ment is also being established in SouthAfrica, with Hasan’s input.■■

26 VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 www.visionmonday.com

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PEOPLE

Bob Jones

Louis CôtéGaroldEdwards, OD

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Begin with benchmarks. Benchmarksgive us standards to measure performance and arean objective measure of progress towards goals.Setting benchmarks will help you measure andimprove the performance of your practice, helpingto achieve financial prosperity and increase patientsatisfaction.

1. Set goals. Develop realistic, short term goals.Review your progress daily and build on your success. Be patient with your progress.

2. Track your statistics. To establish a point ofreference and monitor your progress, track thesestatistics daily: gross revenues, receipts (revenueless discounts, etc.), appointments scheduled, noshows, existing/new patients, capture rate, revenueper patient, product breakdown by percentage,multiple pairs sold and contact lens fits.

3. Look at your profit and loss statement.A critical area for benchmarking is your incomestatement; use it to benchmark the percentage youshould spend on staffing, marketing, equipment,occupancy and general office expenses.

4. Benchmark revenues. There are two waysto increase your profitability – increase revenues orcut expenses. Profit and loss benchmarks canshow you areas in which your expenses are out ofline. Consider these areas to increase the revenueof your practice:

• Increase patient appointments. Concentrateon getting existing patients to book more frequently using pre-appointments and working patient files. Use referrals and joinmore group plans to reach new patients.

• Increase capture rate. More than 30 percentof patients who have an exam will take theirprescription to be filled elsewhere, or not atall. This represents a huge loss of revenue.Your goal should be an 80 percent ratio ofexam direct to purchase. The hard part isgetting the patient into your practice for anexam. If you are telling the best story, achiev-ing this capture rate is within your reach.

Transitions and the swirl are registered trademarks and Healthy sight in every light is a trademark of Transitions Optical, Inc. Photochromic performance is influenced by temperature, UV exposure and lens material.

• Increase revenue per patient. An averagebenchmark is $275 per patient. Dispensinghigh performance, premium products anddispensing multiple pairs is the best way toreach and exceed that average.

5. Set product benchmarks. Reaching product benchmarks will do more to increase revenues than any other category and will increasepatient satisfaction. Set goals for lens design,treatments such as photochromics and AR, materials and number of pairs.

Depending on your practice, you may want to lookat industry averages as a benchmarks, or you maywant to look at benchmarks that can build yourpractice into a million dollar practice. Regardless,set short term goals and review your progressdaily, and you will be able to show improvement,build on your success and continue to tell the beststory to all of your patients.

Submit your story to Transitions

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33%Net income

30%Cost of goods sold

17%Staff compensation

7%Occupancy

3%Equipment

3%Marketing

7%General

office

PROFIT AND LOSSBENCHMARKOptometric Management, May 2005

Receipts 100%

Cost of goods sold 30%

Staff compensation 17%

Occupancy 7%

Marketing 3%

Equipment 3%

General Office 7%

Net income 33%

VIS_0924_Transitions 9/13/07 11:35 AM Page 1

NEWS VIEWS

28 VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 www.visionmonday.com

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IN THE NEWS

iPORT Media Included in Essilor Edge Program

CHICAGO, Ill.—iPORT Media, theprivate broadcast network that deliverscustomizable education, training andentertainment directly to opticalpatients and staff, and Essilor of Ameri-ca, have announced the inclusion ofiPORT Media in the Essilor Edge pro-gram. Essilor Edge is a comprehensiveloyalty program specifically designed toreward ECPs for selling Varilux, Crizaland Definity products.

Qualified optical providers enrolled inEssilor Edge may utilize Edge Points tosubsidize the cost of iPORT Media sys-tems for their offices.

“iPORT has become the ECP’s right-hand in educating patients about thehealth and care of their eyes,” said

Howard Weiner, chief operating officerof iPORT Media. “We have built theindustry’s largest content library to stim-ulate meaningful dialogue betweenpatients and doctors. We are delightedto be partnering with Essilor, marketleader in progressive, high-index andanti-reflective coated lenses in a venturethat will both reward and enhance ECPpractices.”

“As part of our commitment to part-ner with eyecare professionals to helpbuild their practice and grow the indus-try, we are excited to offer this educa-tional tool to our Edge Program partici-pants,” says Carl Bracy, vice president ofmarketing, Essilor of America. “iPORTMedia is a perfect complement for

ECP’s looking to increase revenue byproviding the highest quality productsand state-of-the-art health care for theirpatients.”

In other news, iPORT said that it hasformed a partnership with EyeMotion,a multimedia division of WilliamsGroup, to provide rich, animated educa-tional content on the iPORT Medianetwork.

“This partnership with EyeMotiondemonstrates our ongoing commitmentto provide relevant, informative, educa-tional content to eyecare professionals,”said Weiner.

“The addition of EyeMotion’s excel-lent educational content to iPORT’salready extensive library will further

strengthen doctor-patient communica-tions, delivering fully customizable con-tent at the time when patients are mostreceptive, in the waiting room; from rev-enue-building branded advertising,services and procedures, to news, sports,entertainment, and public service mes-sages.”

“For over 20 years, Williams Grouphas provided comprehensive trainingand relationship-based consultingservices to help practice owners flour-ish professionally,” said Dr. BradWilliams, founder and CEO ofWilliams Group.

“Our partnership with iPORT Mediais an extension of our vision to providecutting-edge resources to better educatepatients and increase practice rev-enues,” according to Williams.■■

Revolution to Expand Ed HardyTattoo Brand to OphthalmicSIMI VALLEY, Calif.—RevolutionEyewear will expand the Ed Hardy Tat-too Eyewear brand into the ophthalmicarena next year.

The company will preview six newladies’ and six men’s ophthalmic styles

at Vision Expo West, according to GaryMartin, Revolution’s president.

In addition, Revolution will launchEd Hardy Street Eyewear for Boys, arange of six ophthalmic styles with clips,in 2008.

“Reception to the Ed Hardy Tattoobrand in the sunwear arena has been sostrong, we’ve had many inquiries aboutophthalmic since we launched,” Martinnoted. “We intend to bring the spirit ofthe designs, with inventive new treat-ments, to these ranges, which will beavailable for delivery in spring 2008.”

Revolution launched sunwear under

its worldwide license with Nervous Tat-too, the distributor of Ed Hardy Vin-tage Tattoo apparel and accessories, ear-lier this year. The sunglasses featurevintage, and “Way Cool” originaldesigns, from the famous San Francisco

Tattoo parlor artist,Don Ed Hardy. “Donis an artist who actual-ly studied Irezumi,which is a Japanese‘Tattoo Art’and hiswork is recognized bymany as works of con-temporary pop art,”said Martin. ChristianAudigier, who has

been associated with such brands asDiesel, Naf Maf, American Eagle Out-fitters, Lee and, most recently, VonDutch, has interpreted tattoo designson a range of products, from apparel toaccessories. ■■

Firm also forms partnership with Williams’ EyeMotion for Educational Content

NEW YORK—A rock band whose mem-bers are drawn from the ranks of opti-cal industry suppliers is planning a ben-efit performance for Give the Gift ofSight during theweek of Interna-tional Vision ExpoEast in April.Although theband, known asOffAxis, has beenplaying togetherinformally forseven years, theNew York showwill mark its publicdebut.

“After talking with people at theVision Expos, we’ve found there are alot of musicians in the industry whoshare our love for classic rock,” saidSteve Santinelli, a guitarist and singerwith OffAxis who is producing theevent. “A group of us have been gettingtogether at rehearsal studio in NewYork and Las Vegas during the Expos,and that resulted in two live CDs.”

Santinelli approached the Give theGift of Sight foundation with the idea ofholding a fundraiser. The foundationdelivers eyecare worldwide to thosewithout means or access to it. Workingwith Give the Gift of Sight directorSusan Knobler, Santinelli developed the

concept for the show, which is beingbilled as Eye Rock. It will take placeThursday, April 10, 2008, from 8:30p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at B.B. King’s

Blues Club inTimes Square.

“We want toput our energiestoward a goodcause, and arelooking for othersjoin us,” re-marked Santinelli,who is seekingsponsors for EyeRock. In additionto obtaining finan-

cial support, Santinelli is hoping toenlist other musicians and singers forthe show. He said OffAxis is holdingauditions in Las Vegas on Wednesday,Oct. 3 at 8:00 p.m., just prior to Inter-national Vision Expo West. Interestedrockers should contact him at ssanti-nelli@santinelli.com.

In addition to Santinelli, OffAxis con-sists of David Salk, guitar and vocals;Calvin Howell, bass and vocals; RobertSchanbaum, keyboards and vocals,and Bill Gerber, drums.

For more information about sponsor-ing the event, contact Susan Knobler,Give the Gift of Sight, (513) 765-6248,or sknobler@luxotticaretail.com. ■■

Optical Rock Band Plans NYC Benefit Show,Auditions to be Held in Las Vegas

Gary Martin

The details of Ed Hardy Tattoo designs willbe brought to a new Rx line in 2008.

0924_NEWS_28 10/1/07 10:16 AM Page 28

Superior vision.13mm fitting height.

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30 IN THE NEWS

SCENE AND HEARD

EYE OPENING EVENTS

Sàfilo Supports SpecialOlympics With ‘Opening Eyes’PADUA, Italy— Sàfilo continues itssupport of the Special Olympics asa global supplier for the SpecialOlympics-Lions Clubs Internation-al Opening Eyes vision program.

Sàfilo’s support of Opening Eyescontinues to expand, specifically asa visible sponsor at the upcoming2007 Special Olympics World Sum-mer Games in Shanghai, Oct. 2 to11, when more than 7,500 SpecialOlympics athletes from 165 countries will compete in 25 Olympic-type anddemonstration sports. This international event, the largest in Special Olympicshistory, will bring people together doctors and health professionals who volun-teer their time to provide a more healthy future for Special Olympics athletesworldwide.

As part of Special Olympics’ award-winning Healthy Athletes public healthinitiative, Opening Eyes is thelargest program in the world dedi-cated to providing vision care forthe global population of peoplewith intellectual disabilities. Open-ing Eyes and the Healthy Athletesprogram celebrates a 10-yearanniversary milestone this year forproving critical health services forSpecial Olympics athletes world-wide. In that time, a generous grantfrom Lions Clubs InternationalFoundation, the largest service club

organization in the world, has enabled Opening Eyes’ international expansion.The program now screens athletes in more than 50 countries.

Research conducted by Special Olympics shows that more than 34 percent of allSpecial Olympics athletes screened are in need of new or modified glasses. Sàfiloprovides direct support to Opening Eyes screenings by delivering ophthalmicframes and sunglasses to Special Olympics events worldwide, thus helping thou-sands of people with intellectual disabilities worldwide improve their sight.

Over the first six months of 2007, more than 5,300 Special Olympics athletesreceived prescription glasses and sports eyewear through Opening Eyes, whilemore than 4,300 athletes received sunglasses to protect their eyes from harmfulultraviolet rays. Sàfilo’s support of Opening Eyes stretches beyond contributingmillions of dollars of clinical supplies to the program annually; Sàfilo personnelacross the world donate their time and expertise at local Special Olympics games.

Most recently, Special Olympics chairman Dr. Timothy P. Shriver acceptedthe 2007 Lions Humanitarian Award on behalf of Safilo, and the global networkof corporate, philanthropic and clinical sponsors of the Opening Eyes vision careprogram in Chicago, Illinois this past July.

Essilor International is also a key partner in the Special Olympics Lions ClubsInternational Opening Eyes program as exclusive global supplier of polycarbon-ate lenses at all Opening Eyes screening sites worldwide, according to the Spe-cial Olympics.

Along with Sàfilo, S.p.A, Essilor’s support of the Opening Eyes program pro-vides critical aid to Special Olympics athletes; Essilor annually donates morethan 11,000 polycarbonate lenses to those Special Olympics athletes in need ofprescription eyewear, according to the Special Olympics.

Three athletes sport sunwear during the OpeningEyes program in Nigeria this past May.

Two children choose eyeglasses at the SpecialOlympics Iowa State Games in May held in Ames,Iowa on the campus of Iowa State University.

0924_SCENE.30 10/1/07 10:16 AM Page 30

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SCENE AND HEARD

TROPICAL GETAWAY

TOWSON, Md.—ProfessionalVision Associates, based here,has won the last of four tropicalvacation packages in the CarlZeiss Vision’s AO Easy TropicalShopping Spree sweepstakes.

The AO Easy Tropical Shop-ping Spree highlights the factthat Carl Zeiss Vision’s popularAO Easy progressive lens isnow available in 1.67 clear andTransitions lenses. The sweep-stakes, which ended June 30, gave eyecare professionals one grand prize entrywith each pair of 1.67 clear, and two with 1.67 Transitions lenses.

Professional Vision Associates ordered the winning pair through B&W Opticalof Baltimore, Md.

Previous sweepstakes winners were Thomas Eye Center of Athens, Ga.; LouisAllen, OD, of Bakersfield, Calif.; and Sheldon P. Braverman, MD, of San Anto-nio, Texas.

Professional Vision AssociatesWins AO Easy Tropical Vacation

NYC SALES AND SAILS

NEW YORK—To celebrate the upcoming launch ofCole Haan Eyewear, ClearVision Optical hosted anintimate “shopping” cocktail party of close to 100guests at the Cole Haan store in Rockefeller Center,where guest were invited to peruse the luxurious ColeHaan wares at a 30 percent discount. After the Aug. 10store event, guests were treated to a night of dinner anddancing on World Yacht Cruises, while traveling aroundthe New York City Harbor. “The creation of ColeHaan Eyewear is a wonderful reason to celebrate. I amgrateful that our guests could join us,” said DavidFriedfeld, ClearVision’s president.

ClearVision Optical CelebratesWith Cole Haan Eyewear

Dr. Frank Setran, OD, accepts the prize from (left toright) Judy Johnson of Carl Zeiss Vision, Deborah Ervin ofB&W Optical and Patricia Creamer of Transitions Optical.

Cole Haan storefront where theAug. 10 party took place.

LOW VISION PROGRAMS ATINTERNATIONAL VISION EXPO

Sponsored by the Vision Council of America’s Low Vision Division

Magnify Your Future Thursday, October 41:30 PM to 4:30 PMCourse 23-801-VMichael Politzer, OD; Thomas Porter, OD

Case Study WorkshopFriday, October 58:30 AM to 11:30 AMCourse 31-607-VMichael Politzer, OD; Thomas Porter, OD

Register online at www.visionexpowest.com/lowor call 1-800-811-7151 Space is limited, so register today!

Pictured, left to right, are Phil Pistolarides,David Friedfeld and Loy Shirley of ClearVision.

Party guests shop and mingle at the Cole Haanstore in Rockefeller Center.

0924_SCENE.32 10/1/07 10:17 AM Page 32

Monday - Friday 8:30 - 4:30

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34 VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 www.visionmonday.com

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By Deirdre CarrollAssociate Editor

NEW YORK—Forget the crystal balls,star charts and clairvoyants; here atVision Monday we don’t need psy-chics to figure out which eyewear trendsare going to be big for fall becausewe’ve gone right to the source. Wespoke directly with retailers around thecountry to see what trends they’re buy-ing, what their customers are asking forand how they’re merchandising it tocapitalize on this seasons hottest trendsin eyewear.

Jeff PressDirector of Product Developmentand DesignMorgenthal Fredrics, a division ofLuxury Optical HoldingsLas Vegas, Nev.

“Our clients arereally enjoying luxu-ry adornments ontheir frames this sea-son. Everythingfrom beautiful buf-falo horn temples onaviators, to sterling

silver and wood, they want new eleganttreatments and accents that are uniqueand different. Aviators are still amazing-ly popular for men and women for sun.

“We try to be sure we cover all theniches that are current in fashion, so all ofour clients have a lot of amazing choicesand can really develop a wardrobe ofeyewear. We need to be sure we carry

elite lines that cover all areas, like metals,plastics, horn, rimless, etc.

“Morgenthal Frederics is releasingthe brand new, ‘Manhattan Collection’this November, using beautiful accent

features to highlight our new sun piecesand speak to the current trend towardluxurious embellishment. In addition,we have released a horn temple aviatorseries and a new rimless series with

horn temples and facetedlenses. Using horn, wood, andsterling in new ways contin-ues to keep us unique andkeep our clients on the cuspof the trends.

“As far as merchandisingour product, our philosophy isthat the product is the star.We don’t crowd the displaysso the product can really beseen. We also highlight the

details and trust our great professionalstaff to choose the right MorgenthalFrederics piece for our customer’sfaces.”

Marianne KotzbauerDirector of Frames ManagementSunglass HutMason, Ohio

“The Ray Ban Way-farer or Wayfarer-inspired looks arekey in sunwear thisfall for both menand women and weexpect iconic shapessuch as the Wayfar-

er, as well as the Aviator, to be best sell-ers for fall. The iconic look is also bigwith designers who are utilizing thistrend in logo treatments, color andframe design to create a synergistic feelbetween the eyewear and their acces-sories and ready-to-wear collections.

“Crystal embellishments on ladies’frames continue to be strong and will carrythrough autumn to help create a ‘holidaylook’ and complement holiday outfits.

“In sunwear for women, bold plasticsare also strong and round or square

C E L E B R A T I N G L E A D E R S H I P

PR

EDICTING FALL’S TRENDS

Revealing the Season’sMust-Haves in

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designs are the ‘New Vintage Glamour’shapes. The women’s sport look is anemerging trend that will continue tothrive.”

Cleve Barham OwnerFine EyesRidgeland, Miss.

“For fall, rimless is still strong in mystore. We just ordered a rimless linecalled Minima with a more feminineflair for my progressive ladies who wanta minimal look but with a new style orcolor. Zyl frames with vivid colors on theinside to match a person’s wardrobe aregoing to be important this season as well.

“In sunwear, the aviator is really hot inmy store, especially for men. It is alsoeasy for us to sell polarized lenses.Hunters, fishermen, bike riders, runners,golfers and tennis players are asking forevery sport specific lens out there.

“For women, many of our sunglassesare sold for golf and tennis or to soccermoms who drive children from oneactivity to another. I do have that ‘fash-ion lady’ who is looking for lots of colorand cool tints. Polarized lenses are anadded bonus.

“We’re still seeing a lot of rectangleshapes in eyewear and sunwear for menand the aviator remains strong. Most ofour ladies want an ‘up’ shape thatmakes them look younger and feelinggood about themselves. Sunwear forwomen is all over the board, but largeshapes are still doing well.

“I change up my merchandising dis-plays often. I recently did a ‘Beatles’display for my John Varvatos collectionand had a lot of fun getting props. Ifound several pictures of John Lennonwith various vintage glasses and mostpictures of Ringo Starr have him wear-ing sunglasses. I used several old albumcovers—Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely HeartsClub Band, The White Album, MagicalMystery Tour, Abby Road, etc.—to com-plete the theme. Attention-getting mer-chandising props are important. Theycan be anything and with a little creativ-ity it is easy to build theme displays thatattract customers.”

Ed Beiner PresidentEd Beiner, Purveyors of Fine EyewearMiami, Fla.

“We’re looking fornew color combina-tions both in metaland zyls for our oph-thalmic collectionsfor fall, along withdramatic combina-tion of different

materials on frames.I personally would like to see more

P3 shapes as well as more retro ’30sand ’40s styles just to mix up theframe boards a bit. I am also excited[about] the use of new technologies inmaterials.

“In sunwear, I am looking for a lot ofthe same characteristics I am seeking forophthalmic styles but I really want toexplore greater creativity from the bou-tique distributors. Larger sizes for sun-glasses will still be strong sellers this fall.

The hottest colors this season will besilver/grey, silver/blue, gold, reds, lime,yellow and blue. Black will be comingon strong again in sun and ophthalmicfor men and women, as will Earth tonesand dramatic contrasts in color combina-tions.

Lisa GearDirector of Frame BuyingLensCrafters Mason, Ohio

““Fashion eyewearfor fall is followingalong with what ishappening in appar-el on the runwaysand in magazines,which are featuring acombination of dif-

ferent textures and patterns with a luxu-ry feel, such as animal prints, plaids,leather and fur.

“The most impactful optical trendsalso feature a combination of looks.Whether it’s a leopard print temple,dual colorations on the inside and out-side of a frame, or a plastic/metal com-

www.visionmonday.com VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 35V IS IO N MON DAY

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Stones, crystals andgems, oh my! Everythingfrom oversized rough cutgems and gleaming multi-faceted sparklers to elegantpavé work and chunky baguettes.Glittering, understated elegance, without the

over-the-top bling of the previous few years, isexactly what the most fabulous will be

wearing this season.

Vibrant and unexpected pops of colors whether onthe inside or outside of the frame are all the rage for

fall. Not for the faint of heart, bright yellow, electric blue,lime green and firery red are adorning the faces of the most bold.

STONED

Some things are just made to gotogether. For fall, interestingframe combinations are making ahuge impact. Whether it be the

melding of two differ-ent materials or the marriage of contrasting pat-terns and colors, these blended beauties are a bestbet when it comes to style.

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bination, this hybrid of looks on a framewill be popular this season. To reflectthis trend for our customers this fall,LensCrafters is featuring a special ‘HotHybrids’ display section featuring stun-ning color combinations, metal and plas-tic duos, color on color contrasts, materi-al fusions and pattern and solid blends.

“In ophthalmic, rectangles are stillextremely strong in optical, but we’restarting to see a trend back to the ‘P3’ orpreppy look.”

Dimitri F.Manager, Optician and Frame BuyerSpectacles for HumansSan Francisco, Calif.

“For fall, our opticalcus tomers wantframes that displayt h e i r p u r p o s ethrough their design.In color, gold and sil-ver, as well as customacetate colorations are

going to be the biggest sellers. Cus-tomers will also be seeking out 3-Ddesign details, limited edition collectionsand handcrafted acetate frames.

“Strong sunwear trends include thedouble bridge and navigator inspiredshapes. Fifties frames are a must, likeframes reminiscent of Matt Damon inthe movie ‘The Good Shepherd.’ For lens-es gradient lenses are a must.

“At Spectacles for Humans, it isimportant for us to invite the designersin to show their products and sharethem with our customers. In December,we have Xavier Derome and Aurelia

Brenner from DeromeBrenner flying infrom France to participate in a three-daybacchanalia of style, eyewear, fashion,accessories, design and music.

“Other than that, we just allow theproduct to tell its own story on displayand we include more accessories andother products from designers who cre-ate eyewear—underwear, T-shirts, lap-top covers, backpacks, jewelry, etc.—soour customers can really understand andidentify with our brands.”

Robert Zinda President Hub Optix Portland, Ore.“The runways for fall were full of styleswith higher wasted pants and skirts thatdate back to the ’40s. Grey was the newblack and in ophthalmic, as well as sun-

wear you’re going tosee a strong represen-tation of the old clas-sics. There will be alot of thick, rich tor-toise frames alongwith big basic framesand black pieces.

Gold, pewter and rimless frames are alsogoing to be in high demand. We are alsostarting to see some art deco pop up onthe scene so that should trickle downinto eyewear at some point this yearsince it has great lines to work with thatare easy to replicate on eyewear.

“I think, for sunwear, we will see a lotof crossover in ophthalmic and sunwearfor fall and updated shapes and modernframes that still look ‘classic.’

“At Hub Optix, we try to buy the richclassic tortoise colored pieces but keepthe shapes modern and updated. We’vehad great success buying three of fourdifferent colors in the same shape. I lovethe genuine retro shapes but the piecesnever fit very well so we stick with therich colors and still give our customer thegreat fit that modern pieces provide.

“Our store is very clean and modern,so we tend not to use company provid-ed POP materials and group the eyewearlines together to let the collections telltheir own story. With the lines designsgoing toward a very thick, rich, classiclook the frames jump off the shelf whenhighlighted with great lighting.” ■■

36 VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 www.visionmonday.com

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Continued from page 35

C E L E B R A T I N G L E A D E R S H I P

Big time shine is the name of thegame and gold and silver are thegrand prizes. No longer just forbullion or jewelry, those in theknow are sporting these preciousmetals in the form of stylishspecs and stunning sunwear.

METALLICA

Fly Boys and Girls

Often referred to as timeless and enduring, the aviator, first introduced by Ray Banin 1937, hasn’t lost any of its speed over the years. Now variations on thetheme—navigators, modified shapes and materials and original details like thedouble bridge—are just as popular in the fall of 2007 as they were in fall of 1937.

“Everything old is new again” is truerthan ever this season. Vintage lookslike the P3, and classic styles from the’40s, ’50s and ’70s have been updat-ed to look fresh and modern withoutlosing that retro flair.

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To learn more about Dr. Robert Reed and the advantages of partnering with Luxottica go to www.luxandme.com

&meLuxotticasm

When you are on the road all the irrelevant things fall away – it becomes the road, the bike, and you. It’s aboutdedication, motivation, and moving forward.Working together withLuxottica compliments my guiding philosophies and has been essential to my success.

DR. ROBERT REED JR.All Eyes, OptometrySt. Joseph, MI

‘‘

‘‘

VIS_0924_Luxottica_&Me 9/7/07 10:01 AM Page 1

38 VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 www.visionmonday.com

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By Cathy CiccolellaSenior Editor

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.—Earlynext month, Vision Service Plan (VSP) willkick off the initial ad campaign—includingthe company’s first-ever television com-mercials—for its Signature Choice direct-to-consumer vision program.

The company is also looking toexpand its international presence, hav-ing recently begun offering vision serv-ices to Canadian employees of two cur-rent U.S. corporate clients.

Rob Lynch, VSP’s president and chiefexecutive officer, told VM in an exclu-sive interview that with no marketingother than Web-site referrals, VSP hasalready signed up more than 5,000 con-sumers for individual vision-care pro-grams in the past five months. Once themarketing campaign begins in earlyOctober, “we hope to see a significantincrease,” Lynch said.

The Signature Choice program, aimedat individuals such as retirees and theself-employed, began rolling out nation-ally in April through the ConsumerChoice Association, which offers itsmembers a range of options to budget fortheir health-care needs. Enrollment andbilling are handled by Careington Inter-national; VSP administers the underwrit-ing, payments to eyecare practitioners

and customer service for the vision careprogram.

The new Signature Choice ad cam-paign will include newspaper and maga-zine placements as well as radio spotsand bus placards. In addition, VSP willtest TV commercials for the first time, infive markets: Charlotte, NC; Seattle; St.Louis; Sacramento; and Columbus,Ohio. The company will also distributematerials on the consumer plan to partic-ipating eyecare practitioners for use intheir offices.

In Canada, VSP is now offering visioncoverage to Canadian-based employeesof two of its current U.S. clients, “anddiscussions are ongoing with others,” acompany spokesman told VM. VSP wasapproved as a not-for-profit entity inCanada last January, and coverage foremployees there is now part of VSP’spitch to all current and prospectiveclients going into 2008.

“We believe the same core values wehave in the U.S. apply in Canada,”Lynch declared. “We’re not trying tobring managed care to Canada; rather,our goal is to serve the employees oflarge multinational employers in anygeographical area they’d like.”

Although VSP is not currently seek-ing Canadian-based employers asclients, “eventually we would like to dothat,” he said.

The company is looking at expanding itseyecare delivery system into other areas,such as the U.K. and Europe, as well,according to Lynch. Also under considera-tion is the possibility of a lab/manufacturingconnection in Asia, he said.

Closer to home, the issue of eyehealth—involving prevention of eye dis-ease as well as monitoring the connec-tion between visionproblem and otherhealth issues—remains a priority forVSP, Lynch noted.

The company hasset up interfaceswith disease-man-agement companiesto support data-exchange programsfor more than 100 large employers, with63 more “queued up to participate,”Lynch said. “We’re the only vision planactively doing this now, which we use inour marketing,” he told VM. “Andbecause we’re a not-for-profit company,we don’t charge for data exchange orbuilding these interfaces.”

In addition to interest on the part ofVSP’s clients, eye health is also a keyissue for the company’s network of pri-vate practitioners, according to Lynch.“The private practitioner is interested in

the eye health of his or her patients, firstand foremost,” he said.

And that’s one reason why Lynch hasno plans to alter VSP’s long-term policy ofrestricting its provider network to private-practice ECPs. Any near-term change inthat policy “is not something we’re cur-rently looking at,” he said, adding, “I’mnot sure the chains have the same busi-

ness criteria—the focus on vision well-ness—as the private practitioner.”

So far this year, its traditional focus andits new programs appear to be workingwell for VSP. Lynch described 2007 todate as the best year in the last six, with11 percent growth in the first half inVSP’s vision-plan business, and increasesin the mid-teens to low 20 percent rangein its other operations. “And we don’t seeanything ahead for the rest of 2007 tochange that,” he told VM. “This is one ofthose very, very strong years.” ■■

VSP Set to Launch Ads for Direct-to-Consumer PlanMANAGED VISION

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.—VSP Vision Care is launching a newMobile Eyes program, using amobile eye clinic that can offercomprehensive eye exams and 10lanes of portable exam equipment.The 40-foot mobile clinic featurestwo exam rooms and a full dispen-sary, used to provide services andmaterials during disaster relief.When not responding to disasters, themobile clinic can travel to communityevents and provide charitable eyecare serv-ices and education outreach to under-served U.S. communities.

The Mobile Eyes program was devel-oped as a result of Hurricanes Rita andKatrina in 2005, when VSP doctors andstaff opened clinics on cruise ships andother locations in New Orleans to assistnearly 10,000 patients who neededimmediate eyecare.

“To see this program come full circlewith this new mobile coach is amazing,”said Jarrett Johnson, OD, a VSP providerfrom New Orleans who helped initiate

the program after Katrina, which deci-mated her practice. “We have learned somany lessons in the wake of the Katrinadisaster, and VSP has stepped up tomake charitable eyecare and immediatedisaster relief a reality for the future.”

Plans call for introduction of a secondmobile coach next April, according toVSP.

“It is our goal through the MobileEyes program to be proactive in assistingthose who need care and provide educa-tional information about the linkbetween annual eye exams and overallbody health,” said Rob Lynch, VSP’spresident and chief executive officer. ■■

VSP Kicks Off ‘Mobile Eyes’ ProgramFor Charity, Disaster Relief

AOA SURVEYS HOW ODS VIEW PARAOPTOMETRICS ST. LOUIS—A recent survey of optometrists—conducted by the American Opto-metric Association’s paraoptometric section—to determine how ODs view theparaoptometric’s role indicates that 85.1 percent of the eyecare practitioners whoresponded are interested in learning how to more effectively utilize their staff.

The Practice Efficiencies survey was conducted in January 2007, with question-naires sent to a random sampling of 4,000 ODs; 712 ODs responded. The sur-vey was provided through an education grant from Vistakon.

According to the survey, the average number of personnel per office in 2006was 7.8, performing a variety of duties including: administrative, optical dispensing,clinical and optical laboratory functions. Of the responding ODs, 44.2 percent saidat least some of their staff was certified; on average they employed 2.9 certifiedstaff members.

Nearly 92 percent of the respondents said they provide in-office training for theirnon-optometric staff; 97.5 percent provide on-the-job training and 42.8 percent pro-vide for staff to participate in state optometric/paraoptometric association training.

Slightly over 52 percent pay for staff to become certified, while 70.1 percent payfor staff to attend or participate in related continuing-education courses. One-thirdprovide time off for continuing education, while 45.4 percent provide paid time off.

Training (58.3 percent) compensation (55.1 percent) and motivation (53.3 per-cent) were the key issues the ODs reported relating to non-OD office staff.

Among these ODs, 19.4 percent paid their non-OD staff $25,001 to $30,000 asan annual base salary, while 18 percent paid $22,501 to $25,000 per year.

EYECARE NEWS

VSP’s first Mobile Eyes clinic is up and running; a secondis planned for next April.

“The private practitioneris interested in the eyehealth of his or herpatients, first andforemost.”

—Rob Lynch, VSP

0924_EXAM_38 10/1/07 10:19 AM Page 38

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ST. LOUIS—Today’s optometrists—at least,those who are members of the American Opto-metric Association (AOA)—are dispensinghigher-end, more technologically evolved eye-wear and lenses to their patient these days,according to the AOA’s latest survey of opto-metric practices’ dispensing patterns. Andpatients’ own interest in new lens designs andtreatments is driving some of that move towardupscale merchandise, the research indicates.

According to the AOA’s 2007 Optical Dis-pensing Survey, sales of progressive lenses bythe AOA members who responded to the sur-vey grew from 19.4 percent of the lenses theirpractices dispensed in 1994 to 34.3 percent oftheir total lens volume last year. The share heldby standard bifocals, on the other hand,dropped from 30.3 percent of total lens sales bythese AOA practices in 1994 to 17.6 percent oftheir 2006 lens volume.

As for lens materials, both high-index and poly-carbonate lenses achieved new highs in terms ofmarket share among AOA members in the periodbetween 1994 and 2006, according to the survey.Polycarbonate lenses reached 31.3 percent of alllenses dispensed last year, up from 11.8 percent in1994, while high-index lenses represented 21.8percent of the lenses dispensed by survey respon-dents in 2006, up from 11.3 percent in 1994.

Patient awareness of—and requests for—newer lens technologies appears to be a drivingfactor in dispensing some types of lenses butnot others. According to the AOA survey, 31.3percent of the impetus for tinted lenses and 21percent for photochromics came from thepatients themselves. On the other hand, theOD was the primary voice in recommendingprogressives (84.9 percent of the time), anti-refective coatings (57.2 percent) and polycar-bonate lenses (54.2 percent).

On the frame side, the typical ODresponding to this latest AOA Optical Dis-pensing Survey averaged about 740 frameson display during 2006. Most of theframes—40.1 percent—that comprised thoseeyewear displays last year fell within a costrange to the optometrist of $45 to $80, a per-centage that has not changed much since1998. These ODs did report growth at thehigher end of the frame pricing spectrum,however: 25.5 percent of the respondents’frame displays in 2006 were merchandise

41EXAM LANES

Factors Important in Selectionof Frame Vendors

Factor Mean(1 = least/ Rating

10 = most important

Quality 8.9

Styling 8.6

Vendor relationship 7.9

Product range/frame lines 7.2

Price/cost 6.8SOURCE: AOA 2007 OPTICAL DISPENSING SURVEY

Who Recommends Lens OptionsOption Percentages

OD Staff Patient

Progressive Lenses 84.9 12.2 2.9

Polycarbonate Lenses 54.2 44.2 1.6

High Index Lenses 45.1 53.8 1.1

Photochromic Lenses 34.6 44.4 21.0

Tinted Lenses 21.3 47.4 31.3

Polarized Lenses 42.1 45.8 12.1

Anti-reflective Coating 57.2 39.7 3.1

Ultra-violet Coating 49.9 44.4 5.7

Scratch-resistant Coating 25.2 68.0 6.8SOURCE: AOA 2007 OPTICAL DISPENSING SURVEY

Lenses Dispensed by Type, 1994 – 2006Lens Type Mean Percentage

1994 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

Single Vision 43.7 43.0 44.2 41.6 40.9 42.7

Bifocal 30.3 24.3 20.2 20.0 19.6 17.6(nonprogressive)

Trifocal 6.6 6.1 6.1 6.1 5.7 5.4(nonprogressive)

Progressive 19.4 26.6 29.5 32.3 33.8 34.3SOURCE: AOA 2007 OPTICAL DISPENSING SURVEY

Today’s ODs Dispense Higher-Priced,Higher-Tech Products, AOA Survey Says

direct in theUSA

Call to arrange an appointment

(888 675 4518)or visit us at the

Galleria (G 20011)in Vision Expo West.

Tired of the same lookfrom the same companies?

Continued on page 44

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44 VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 www.visionmonday.com

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EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE ATINTERNATIONAL VISION EXPO

Sponsored by the Vision Council of America’s Lens and Lens Processing Technology Divisions

Lens Processing: How to Control Your Quality,Destiny and ProfitsSaturday, October 68:30 AM to 9:30 AMCourse 41-705VMark Mattison-Shupnick

Lenses and Lifestyles™ Saturday, October 69:45 AM to 11:45 AMCourse 42-605-VBob Main, ABOM, FNAO

Register online at www.visionexpowest.com/lensor call 1-800-811-7151 Space is limited, so register today!

ESSILOR OFFERS OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY GRANTSTO SCHOOLS, COLLEGES OF OPTOMETRYDALLAS—Essilor of America (EOA) is now accepting applications for the 2007Essilor Optical Technology Grants, to be awarded to schools and colleges of optom-etry “that demonstrate a commitment to growing the industry through newadvancements and technology,” according to the company.

Applicants must submit an essay of 1,000 words or less describing why theprospective school needs and deserves the grant. Applications will be judged onthe school’s commitment to the growth of premium optical technology, as well ashow the funding will enable the school to elevate the standards and visibility ofophthalmic dispensing for students and patients.

Interested institutions can obtain applications by writing Danne Ventura at dven-tura@essilor.com. Completed applications should be sent to Ventura by e-mail or bymail at Essilor Lenses, 13555 North Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75234.

The deadline to submit an application electronically, on CD-ROM or by e-mail, isNov. 1; Essilor will announce grant recipients on Dec. 1. ■■

EYECARE NEWS

BENSENVILLE, Ill.—AIT, a memberof the Indo group, will be displaying anophthalmic chair and stand with instru-ments at next month’s InternationalVision Expo West in Las Vegas. Indo,AIT’s corporate parent, distributes instru-ments in several markets worldwide.

“With Indo’s experience and AIT’ssuccessful distribution channel for pat-ternless edgers, we are confident we canoffer a high-quality lane of ophthalmicequipment. We feel it will be a naturalcomplimentary fit to our current cus-tomers and marketing channels,” saidMatthew Vulich, vice president of mar-

keting for AIT. The chair and stand willbe an exclusive Indo design offering amore modern look different from prod-ucts currently in the market, accordingto the company.

“Our goal is to show a prototype andconduct a survey with attendees by offer-ing an incentive to determine the needsof the market and finalize a design,”added Alex Bouin, AIT’s vice presidentof business development.

AIT, known for its patternless edg-ing systems, has been marketing andselling automated instruments for thepast eight years. ■■

AIT Market-Testing at Expo WestTo Expand Ophthalmic Instruments

with a wholesale price of more than $80,up from just 19.7 percent in 1998. Thesurvey respondents said about one ineight of the frames they displayed lastyear (13.3 percent) included clip-on sun-glasses. On average, these ODs dis-

pensed 78 plano sunglasses and 222 pairsof prescription sunwear in 2006.

These ODs also reported that, onaverage, more than one-quarter (28.5percent) of the women’s frames they dis-played last year were plastic; plasticframes comprised smaller shares of the

displayed frames for men (18.1 percent)and for children (24.2 percent). Nearlythree-fourths of frames for children (71.3percent) the survey respondents dis-played were metal, vs. 50.6 percent ofthe women’s frames displayed in 2006and 61.1 percent of the men’s eyewear.

How do the ODs who responded to theAOA survey select the vendors from whomthey buy the frames their dispensaries carry?Respondents indicated that quality andstyling are the most important factors inselecting a frame vendor; perhaps surpris-ingly, these ODs ranked price as their leastimportant consideration in deciding fromwhom to buy eyewear. —Cathy Ciccolella

ODs Dispense Higher-Priced, Higher Tech ProductsContinued from page 41

0924_EXAM_41 10/1/07 10:20 AM Page 44

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VIS_0924_Value 9/11/07 1:10 PM Page 1

By Deirdre CarrollAssociate Editor

PARSIPPANY, N.Y.—Premiering atVision Expo West, Sàfilo is launching thefirst ophthalmic collection from BananaRepublic.

Designed to echo the sophisticated aes-thetic found in Banana Republic’s ready-to-wear designs, the eyewear revolvesaround sleek lines, unique accents, andwearable shapes for men and women.

“We are very excited to be able to offerour optical customers an incredibly strongand widely recognizable fashion brand,”said Dick Russo, executive vice presidentof Sàfilo Group. “The Banana Republicophthalmic collection is a mix of modernfashion and timeless style. We are confi-

dent that there will be strong demand forthis collection which offers a superiorproduct at an accessible price.”

The initial launch collection includes36 optical frames in plastic and metal, 22

styles for women and 14for men. The line relieson the universal wearabili-ty of rectangular shapesbut also includes softerovals as well as a fewpreppy silhouettes. Thestyles are offered in classicmetallic tones such asdark gunmetal, antiquegold, black satin, shinyburgundy, bake l i tebrushed and warm gray.Plastic styles includeblack, havana and bur-gundy, as well as custom colors such ascombinations of olive tortoise, smokeivory, amber tortoise, havana blonde, crys-tal gray and burgundy.

“Our priority has long been focused oncreating elevated designs that are bothtimeless and approachable,” said BananaRepublic executive vice president ofdesign, Deborah Lloyd. “The eyewear

adds a finishing touch to our wardrobe ofnew classics.”

Marketing for the collection includes tradeand consumer advertising as well as assortedvisual merchandising materials. The BananaRepublic ophthalmic collection will be dis-tributed in the U.S. to independent opticalstores and retail optical chains and is priced tothe dispenser between $50 and $70. ■■

46 VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 www.visionmonday.com

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LOS ANGELES—Oliver Peoples returns to its roots for its Resort/Spring ‘08 collections.Intentionally focusing on optical frames, which first launched the company, the new

old school styles feature panto lens shapes like rounds and ovals. For the sun col-lection, the use of thick, beveled, architecturally sculpted plastic is used to createbold, glamorous styles.

This season’s optical collection draws inspiration from the Oliver Peoples archive. Thehighlighted designs are revamped, mirroring the influential styles of the past. The rounderWylie and more rectangular Boxley, inspired by OP-26 and OP-27 respectively, both featureplastic eye rims, metal temples, and a metal bridge with retro pins. Subtle filigree detailingis seen on the end pieces and temples adding a touch of luxury to the vintage styles.

Oliver Peoples is also offering a three style Limited Edition Sun Collection. The Para-mour is a super thick, plastic sunglass with a heavy bevel, inspired by Audrey Hep-burn’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s look. The Fauna is a feminine, semi-rimless sunglass witha rounded beveled plastic top bar and an 80’s flare. Inspired by the movie Chinatown,the Hollis is a hand-sculpted frame featuring thick, heavy plastic and bold templesfor a masculine feel. The 20 Year Oliver Peoples plaque is inset into the temple end.

The new Oliver Peoples collections are priced to the dispenser between $110 and$180. ■■

SECOND LOOK

Oliver Peoples Returns to Its Roots

DALLAS—Essilor of America (EOA) is extending its Accolade progressive lens line withthe addition of two more lens materials: Thin&Lite 1.60 and Thin&Lite 1.74.

“By offering Accolade and Accolade Freedom lenses in the most advanced materi-als, we can provide ECPs and their style-conscious patients with even more options,”said Carl Bracy, EOA vice president of marketing.

Up to 50 percent thinner, 50 percent lighter and three times flatter than standard1.50-index plastic lenses, Thin&Lite 1.74 lenses are the flattest lenses available formyopes and deliver superior comfort, performance and cosmetic appeal, according toEOA. Up to 30 percent thinner and 20 percent lighter than 1.50-index plastic lenses,Thin&Lite 1.60 lenses also deliver comfort, performance and cosmetic appeal. ■■

SECOND LOOK

Essilor Intros Accolade in 1.60 and 1.74

LAUNCHES

PLAINVILLE, Mass.—Once merely apractical necessity, eyewear cases arenow a stylish, fashionable and distinc-tive accessory, a must have if you will.Leader’s premium cases by Hilco will suityour patients’ tastes and budget. The collec-tion consists of a variety of specialty andsport cases in bold and pastel colors, withdetails like faux exotic skins, flower appliqués and

high gloss finishes.Hilco’s line of new cases wholesale for$1.99 to $2.99. ■■

Hilco Bows New Case

Sàfilo Bows Banana Republic Ophthalmic Collection

“The Banana Republic ophthalmiccollection is a mix of modernfashion and timeless style. We areconfident that there will be strongdemand for this collection whichoffers a superior product at anaccessible price.”

—Dick Russo, Sàfilo

(From top to bottom) The Nathan, Colinand Martin men’s styles from the newBanana Republic opticalcollection from Sàfilo.

The Fauna sunglass from Oliver Peoples.

Exotic skin detailing and flower appliquesadorn the newest line of eyewear casesfrom Hilco.

SECOND LOOK

VM0924_RETAIL_46 10/1/07 10:21 AM Page 46

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VIS_0924_LuxotticaBrooks 9/7/07 9:54 AM Page 1

By Deirdre CarrollAssociate Editor

MELVILLE, N.Y.—Marchon is launch-ing the Ventana Collection, designed tobring a feminine Southwestern flair to theeyewear market, at Vision Expo West.

Many of the design elements from thenine ophthalmic styles in the launch col-lection are inspired by Southwesternjewelry, belt buckles and handbags withcolors that reflect the Southwest.

“Following the success and growth ofour Tres Jolie collection it was time to lookat other areas in women’s eyewear wherethere was a void,” said Jeff Stern, vice pres-ident of Marchon for Flexon brands. “Theincreasing presence of Southwest influencein women’s apparel and other accessory cat-

egories indicated that our accounts couldcapitalize on this trend and the Ventana col-lection was designed to bring Southwest-ern-inspired eyewear to the market. Thedesign elements are directly related to dis-

tinctive silversmithtechniques, leathertooling and stitchingassociated with South-west craftsmanship.We’re thrilled with thelaunch collection andcan’t wait to see it inthe marketplace.”

The introductorygrouping will com-pliment many faceshapes and com-plexions and itis designed fit abroad female demo-graphic. Materialtreatments includeleather temples thatemulate snakeskin, dramatic zyls anddistinctive metals with ornate patternsand stones. The temples feature intri-cate details and patterns. Colors includeSilverado, Copper Canyon, Violet

Quartz, Brown Sierra, Nightsky Blackand Cinnamon Sunset.

The Ventana collection from Marchonis priced to the dispenser between $64.95and $74.95. ■■

48 VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 www.visionmonday.com

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NEW YORK—Corinne McCor-mack has launched threenew collections of eyeglass-es and eyewear accessoriesin an effort to lend the per-fect dose of color and polishto any wardrobe.

The new releases aredesigned to be trend-focused and affordable,while offering stylish shapesranging from boldly angularto delicately rounded. TheBlack Crystal collection combines rich, metallic colors with highlights in dramaticjewel tones. Frames in shades of mahogany, copper and ebony are highlightedwith subtle touches of saturated hues like deep amethyst and cobalt blue.

The Heart to Heart collection takes its cue from the color red. Horizontally divid-ed into two blocks of color, the top half of the frames feature an opaque scarletshade, while a translucent blush colored tone appears below. Hollywood Glam fea-tures glasses in ruby red or classic black, accented with a sprinkling of rhine-

stones for a flash. Each collection features

eyeglasses, sunglasses, andcoordinating accessoriesincluding optic necklaces(replacing eyeglass chains ofthe past), Corinne McCorma-ck EyeRings, eyeglass casesand pins and are priced tothe dispenser between$7.50 and $26.50. ■■

SECOND LOOK

Corinne McCormack Releases ThreeNew Color Collections

LAUNCHES

GLEN COVE, N.Y.—BBH Eyewear releases 17 new styles in the Humphrey’s eyewearcollection.

Solid fronts, punchy colors and striking sidepieces are typical Humphrey’s elements.While new Humphrey’s features include fine, color-filled, linear milled grooves on side-pieces and fronts which result in fantastic color effects and a chic transformation tothe frame fronts.

Over-molded sidepieces in high-performance plastics are also a specialty of thenew frames while inserts toward the back of the sidepiece make fitting the framesimpler. Unifying the brand with one message, the entire collection is inscribed with an“H” logo. Many models carry a brand new, high-quality metal version of the stylishlogo on their sidepieces so Humphrey’s wearers can make a solid style statement.

New point of purchase is available with minimum order and the collection is pricedto the dispenser between $59.99 and $69.99. ■■

SECOND LOOK

Humphrey’s Eyewear Bows New Message

Marchon Unleashes Ventana at Expo West

Style 2716 in color 55 from the Humphrey’s eyewear collection for BBH.

“The design elements are directlyrelated to distinctive silversmithtechniques, leather tooling andstitching associated with Southwestcraftsmanship. We’re thrilled withthe launch collection and can’t waitto see it in the marketplace.”

—Jeff Stern, Marchon

(l-r) The V600,V200 and V202from Marcon’snew VentanaCollection.

The Black Crystal collecion from Corinne McCormack.

The Heart to Heart Collection from Corinne McCormack.

VM0924_RETAIL_48 10/1/07 10:21 AM Page 48

Wiley X Eyewear®, the industry leader in the research and development of protective and performance eyewear, has reached a

court-approved settlement with Panoptx®, Inc. for infringing upon Wiley X’s U.S. Patent No. 6,062,688 (the “‘688 Patent”). Under the

settlement, Panoptx will have to stop selling, as presently designed, its Velocity CV series of frames (including the Raptor CV, Sirocco CV,

Diablo CV, Kona CV, Gust CV, Convertible CV, Solano CV, Bora CV, Churada CV, Whirlwind CV and Chubasco CV) by the end of 2008.

Panoptx will also be required to pay Wiley X royalties on all 2008 sales of these products. PanOptx will also have to stop selling its

Warrior product lines, which include the Warrior V-Zero Ballistic and Warrior Tactical models, to the military by the end of this year.

This is a major settlement for Wiley X, whose cutting-edge technology provides critical eye protection for the FBI, DEA, Army Rangers,

Navy SEALs and other elite Special Forces Units. Its Climate Control Series, which encompasses the ‘688 patent, is widely used for

motorcycling, biking, fishing, skiing, extreme sports and safety. “While we would have preferred not to have had to litigate, we are very

pleased that our patent rights have been vindicated, and that infringing products will be off the market as a result of this settlement,”

said Dan Freeman, Vice-President of Wiley X Eyewear. “We upheld a principle, and will not hesitate to do so again if our patent rights are

not respected in the future.”

Wiley X Eyewear began the litigation in 2005 to enforce its rights under the ‘688 Patent, which covers unique aspects of Wiley X’s Climate

Control Series. The ‘688 Patent’s technology allows the wearer the benefits of having a removable, air-permeable shield, which provides

eye protection while preventing fogging.

With 20 years of innovation in providing advanced eyewear solutions to the military and commercial markets, Wiley X is looking forward

to a continued tradition of providing customers with top quality eyewear. The company’s High Velocity Protection (HVPTM) eyewear

is manufactured with shatterproof, distortion-free SeleniteTM polycarbonate lenses, meeting ANSI Z87.1-2003 high-velocity impact

standards. With 14 lens tints to choose from, Wiley X is able to provide eye comfort and protection in any environment. These lenses are

matched with a variety of high-performance and durable TR90 frames, available in a wide range of styles and attractive colors.

For more information on Wiley X Eyewear and their entire line of high-performance eye protection systems, contact Wiley X Eyewear at

7491 Longard Road, Livermore, CA 94551 • Telephone: (800) 776-7842 • Or visit www.wileyx.com.

Panoptx Admits Infringement and Agrees to Stop Selling Accused Products

OF PATENT INFRINGEMENT LITIGATION AGAINST PANOPTX®, INC.WILEY X EYEWEAR® ANNOUNCES SUCCESSFUL RESOLUTION

VIS_0924_WileyX_lawsuit 9/13/07 11:03 AM Page 1

50 RETAIL DISPENSARY

NEW YORK –Angel Eyewear releasesfour new sunwear styles this fall.

The first release is called Captivatea plastic frame featuring a decoratedlinked serif on the temple. Mélangetones contribute to dual frame com-plexity and depth, while both polar-ized and non-polarized lens optionsare available. The Imagination is arectangular mask shape in a largeseven base one-piece shield, featuring a see-throughheart cut out with looped serifs on both temples, and anature inspired color story that highlights luminescent/trans-parent effects. The Intrigue is a handcrafted frame in a retroinfluenced silhouette with ornate peak through floral temple decorations and a scrollcut out detail on the temple, available in polarized and non-polarized lens options. Last-ly, the Curiosity is a futuristic one-piece shield accentuated with cut out logo details onthe temples. An elemental color story complements the lens shade and accessorydetailing, while a core wire ensures a snug fit and adjustability.

These new releases from Angel Eyewear are priced to the dispenser between$32.50 and $47.50. ■■

SECOND LOOK

Angel Eyewear Captivates theImagination for Fall

GREEN ISLAND, N.Y.—Daniel Swarovski Crystal eyewear from Silhouette has intro-duced its first six base sunwear line, New Opulence Sun, with model S614. The RX-friendly sunglass collection was designed in response to increasing prescription-sun-wear consumer demand, according to Silhouette.

“New Opulence Sun is coming out for the U.S. market at the perfect time,” saidU.S. brand manager Kristen McLaughlin. “Our customers have been communicatingthe need for luxury prescription sunwear options for their clientele. With the aging ofthe influential Baby Boomer generation, this is a strongly emerging market.”

Designed by Angela Strecker for people with a sense of the beautiful, individualand special things in life, New Opulence Sun is pure Daniel Swarovski couture style.The rimless style sunglass temples feature intricate, undulating mosaics of tiny Xil-ion Chaton crystals. Each crystal is set by hand into 23-carat gold-plated metals andpremium acetate. A choice of four color palettes is available in twilight sapphire,autumn topaz, garnet fire and royal hyacinth and features spring hinges for comfort.

Point-of-sale materials include a set of customized cards for the display case. TheNew Opulence Six Base Sun models are priced to the dispenser at $340. ■■

SECOND LOOK

Daniel Swarovski and Silhouette DebutNew Opulance

The Imagination (top) andCuriosity (bottom) from

Angel Eyewear.

The first style, S614, in the new DanielSwarovski Crystal eyewear collectionfrom Silhouette. w

PlasticPhotochromic Lenses

by Corning

Excellent value for money

Warm, comfortable colours

The ideal lens to introduce your patients to photochromic technology, at an affordable price.

Excellent stress resistance

Strengthened UV cut-off

A new, high-performance photochromic lenswhich meets the requirements for rimless frames.

It’s always better to have a choice

SunSensors is a registered trademark of Corning Inc., Corning, NY

VM0924_RETAIL_50 10/1/07 10:22 AM Page 50

VIS_0924_Alison 9/5/07 11:37 AM Page 1

By Deirdre CarrollAssociate Editor

LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Couteur Designs,a division of the Kenmark Group, islaunching Dana Buchman Vision atVision Expo West, inspired by the

designs of women’s ready-to-wear design-er, Dana Buchman.

The Dana Buchman Vision collectionfeatures modern silhouettes with sophis-ticated shapes, rich materials and signa-ture details targeted toward the fashion-able woman who likes to look and feel

feminine everyday while living an afflu-ent and active lifestyle.

“It is an honor to work closely withDana Buchman and her team,” saidDavid Duralde, VP of creative develop-ment for the Kenmark Group. “Dana,with her personal charisma and unique

sense of fashion, created a beautiful eye-wear and sunwear collection to compli-ment the sophisticated consumer’swardrobe.”

Featuring 15 ophthalmic and nine sun-wear styles for women ages 32 to 56, eachdesign strives to translate intricate details

from Dana Buchman’sclothing designs. Sev-eral ophthalmic stylesfeature decorative tem-ple embellishmentsemphasizing tonalstones and luxuriousaccents. The colorpalette includes shadesof cashmere, caviar,gold and exclusive tor-toises. The new sun-wear styles feature avariety of shapes withdistinctive accents such as jewelry castmetal temples, decorative stones andDana Buchman logo plaques. Eachdesign features CR-39 or nylon in fashiongradient tints or solids.

“Eyewear is an important part of anywoman’s look,” said Buchman. “Workingwith Couteur Designs, we have developeda luxurious and fashionable eyewear collec-tion that I know my consumers will love.”

Dana Buchman Vision will be support-ed by a comprehensive marketing planthat includes trade advertising and point-of-purchase materials. Each frame comeswith a cleaning cloth and a customdesigned eyewear and/or sunwear casefeaturing a signature Dana Buchmanlogo and is priced to the dispenser from$64 to $82 for ophthalmic and $65 to $90for sun. ■■

52 VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 www.visionmonday.com

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ALISO VIEJO, Calif.—OSA International ispremiering the newChrome Hearts EyewearCollection at Vision ExpoWest.

Approaching theChrome Heartsiconology in a newway, OSA Internation-al focused more onestablishing stylethan following it fortheir new collection.Highlights include aretro inspired aviatorwhere a solid sterling silver “plus” motif is floated between the bridge and topbar. Another is a laser cut titanium frame that features a removable leather basebridge insert adorned with a Fleur de Lys or plus motif and featuring either hand-stitched Italian leather with a sterling silver dagger adornment or laser engravedwood with repeating laser cut cross motifs and a black mother of pearl plus motifinlay on the temple tip.

Also featured is a unisex style with a flexible, lightweight titanium front andleather temples featuring sterling silver motifs. Heavier plastics remain strong forthe new season and Chrome Hearts provides a revised version of the classicBuddy Holly look in both their ophthalmic and sun collections. Women’s stylescontinue to be a strong part of the collection. A solid sterling silver cross templedetail highlights an oversize modified uplifting style while another is a softer rec-tangle shape.

The new Chrome Hearts collections are priced to the dispenser from $260 to$580 for optical, $320 to $700 for sun and $850 to $5,000 and up for jeweledpieces. ■■

SECOND LOOK

LAUNCHES

NEW YORK—Legacie, the luxury division of B. Robinson, takes the Kata collectionsleek and sculptural for fall with the Bolt and Overlap groupings.

The Bolt temple is inspired by the organic and the sculptural. Reminiscent of a treebranch or a lightening bolt, the co-injection manufacturing process seamlessly fusestitanium and plastic for a sleek, minimal look. Bolt 1 and 2 are strong masculineshapes, balanced by this unusual temple. Bolt 3 is lightweight unisex semi-rimlessstyle.

The new Overlap styles feature two chunks of acetate balanced precariously undera single thin yet unbreakable thread of titanium on each temple. The concept isinspired by the Japanese “Wedded Rocks” formation found at the Futami OkitamaShrine. The two rocks are joined by a delicate woven rope that signifies the sacredbond between man and wife. In the delicate and minimal Overlap temples, the titani-um hugs the acetate and rivets hold the two together. Optical styles include Overlap 1,a soft feminine oval and Overlap 2, a crisp men’s rectangle. Overlap 3 is an update ofa classic sun shape in handmade acetate. Mixing richly textured acetate with cleanwearable front shapes, the Overlap styles achieve a balance of sculptural form andsubtle texture.

These new groupings from Kata are priced to the dispenser between $125 and$150 for optical and $135 and $160 for sun. ■■

SECOND LOOK

Kata Goes Sleek for the Fall

Couteur Designs Unveils Dana Buchman Vision

The Bolt 2 from Kata.

“Dana, with her personal charismaand unique sense of fashion,created a beautiful eyewear andsunwear collection to complimentthe sophisticated consumer’swardrobe.”

—David Duralde, Kenmark Group

The Daphne in brushed gold fromDana Buchman Vision for Couteur Designsfeatures threads of gold and silver on thetemple to recreate the feel of handmade

artisan jewelry.

The Sweet Young Thing sunglass and Te-Wa-Teoptical frame from Chrome Hearts.

OSA Premieres New Chrome HeartsCollection

VM0924_RETAIL_52 10/1/07 10:22 AM Page 52

VIS_0521_Viva 5/1/07 3:50 PM Page 1

BELLPORT, N.Y.—OptiSource Inter-national, based here, has developed afirst-of-its-kind, multifunctional digitalUV meter. The single unit works as aUV spectrophotometer, photochromiclens demonstrator and visible lightmeter. It can activate Transitions or anybrand photochromic lenses in seconds,according to OptiSource, and can alsomeasure UV transmittance of any lensand visible light transmittance of col-ored lenses.

“The MultiMeter gives any practicethe ability to demonstrate how pho-tochromic lenses will look whenexposed to sunlight without having towalk outside,” explained Daryl Squic-ciarini, vice president of OptiSource.“Then, practitioners can show patientsa digital UV reading and explain thebenefits of UV blocking properties.”For hard to match tint jobs, the Multi-Meter offers a precise visible lightreading to match tint densities.

The unit’s compact footprint is a frac-tion of the size of a shoe box, making itconvenient for countertop use. Thephotochromic demonstrator works withlenses that are either mounted orunmounted. The digital displayinstructions and four-buttonoperation make the unit sim-ple to use while demon-strating to patients, ifdesired.

“The unit is prac-tical and necessaryfor photochromiclens patients thatarrive past dusk,during in-clement weath-er, and especially forlocations in indoor shop-ping mall environments,”said Squicciarini, adding that theunit costs the same or less than a tradi-tional UV meter. ■■

54 VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 www.visionmonday.com

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MELVILLE, N.Y.—Mar-chon unveils theFendi sunwear andophthalmic collec-tions for fall 2007.

Sophisticated ele-gance blends withstyle, creating a col-lection that com-bines luxurious mate-rials and textureswith dramatic styles.Highlights includethe exotic FS409R, alimited edition framefeaturing an elabo-rately detailed leopard pattern of sparkling Swarovski crystals adorning the frontand continuing to the temples. The metal plaque Fendi Cube logo with interlockingFendi “F”s ornamented in glittering stones completes the temples. Next is thesoftened rectangle FS485R showcasing rhinestones arranged in a rectangle pat-tern from the end piece through the temples with the Fendi Double “F” logo inrhinestones. The optical F727 is a delicately feminine frame with a metal frontand zyl temples featuring the double “F” logo pattern lasered on the end pieces,while the rectangle zyl F718 also features the double “F” logo on the temples in aperforated dotted pattern.

Inspired by their accessories collections, Fendi releases the zyl FS484 with theirnewest logo treatment, the Fendi “To You” logo, a geometric imprinted pattern ofFENDI in dual toned contrasting colors of double laminate with a coordinating nosepiece. The feminine 8-base zyl FS459 and the metal shield front with zyl templesFS463 are inspired by the Fendi B-Mix handbag which highlights the Fendi logoand mini logo by featuring the look of fabric on the temple and the end.

The new Fendi collection is priced to the dispenser between $105 and $395. ■■

SECOND LOOK

LAUNCHES

DALLAS—A&A Optical expands its Jalapenos Sol sunglass line for fall 2007 with therelease of four new styles.

“As Jalapenos eyewear continues to grow as a strong, recognizable brand, we con-tinue to build on this collection in an effort to maintain its place at the forefront ofyouthful design,” said Rodney Hayes, A&A Optical, executive vice president. “Sun-glasses are not only for the summer months, but are a requirement for eye protectionand fashion year-round. The added plus to sunwear is, it can complete the look of anoutfit as well as enhance the wearers own unique identity.”

Targeted toward the high glamour fashionista, the Tangerine, reaches out to the 18year and older woman featuring an oversized rectangular shape and textural patternsin double laminated acetate. The Casados offers a perfect fit for small framed girls,14 years old and older, who desire a big fashion look with details such as sideembossed Swarovski crystals. The Chawa, with its unique color placement in two toneacetate gives girls 16 years and older a sophisticated look. Lastly, Jalapenos Sol’s

Peto, is a unisexmodel in an over-sized aviatorshape, with alloyfronts and acetate

temples. All the lat-est Jalapenos SOL

have Polarized UV400lenses for UV protection

and glare blocking comfort forthe eyes.

Merchandising materials include an18-piece display, mirrors, counter cards,flashlight carabiners and sling packs. An eye-wear case and cleaning cloth comes witheach frame which is priced to the dispenserat $49.95. ■■

A&A Expands Jalapenos Sol EyewearFor Men and Women

OptiSource Releases Versatile ‘MultiMeter’

The Tangerine from A&A Optical’sJalapenos Sol collection.

OptiSource’s new MultiMeterfunctions as a UV spectrophotome-

ter, photochromic lensdemonstrator and visible

light meter.

The F727 ophthalmic style (top) and the FS485Rsunglass (bottom) from Fendi for Marchon.

Fendi Highlights Temples and StonesFor Fall ‘07

SECOND LOOK

VM0924_RETAIL_54 10/1/07 10:23 AM Page 54

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MINEOLA, N.Y.—Helium Paris, distributed by Match Eyewear, releases new styles incor-porating clean, classic eyewear with a “twist” of feminine flair for today’s modernwoman.

The HE3811, features a color palette of rich colors, with some styles designed withdual tone colorations. It includes double laminate zyl construction, rhinestone accentson the front temples, geometric etched designs on the complete temples, springhinges for flexibility and progressive friendly availability.

With over 50 men’s, women’s and unisex styles in the Helium Paris line, this collectionfocuses on edgy, European designs in a selection of metals, zyls, metal/zyl combina-tions and three-piece mounts in a rich color palette selection. The Helium Paris Eye-wear collection offers a varied selec-tion of styles available with polarizedsun clip-ons, as well as progressivefriendly models to choose from.

Point of Purchase materials areavailable upon request. All HeliumParis Eyewear come with a lenscleaning cloth and a hard leathercase, embossed with the collec-tion’s signature logo, includingspare parts for all styles. TheHE3811 is priced to the dispenserat $59.95. ■■

SECOND LOOK

Match Eyewear Offers New Stylein Helium Paris Line BERLIN—Mykita releases new styles into their

Collection N#1 and Collection N#2 lines. In the Collection N#1 metal group comes

four new styles. The Hans is a modern inter-pretation of Ray Ban’s Clubmaster model, apopular frame in the U.S. during the ’50s and’60s. The distinguishing feature of the origi-nal—the applied acetate elements at eyebrowlevel—is imitated here in a matte-black finishwhile the proportions of the frame are idealfor progressive. Sue is a reference to a typical1950s ladies’ frame but done in an ultra lighthigh-tech frame with the "butterfly" look thatwas so popular during that decade. Sue and Hans are the first bi-color frames in Col-lection #1. Francis is a larger companion piece to the established Pat and shines asa design that adapts to a range of faces, while Josie is a ladies’ model featuring alow-set bridge, making it well suited to Asian faces.

In the acetate Collection #2, Mykita introduces four new sunglasses. The Ferrisand Leslie are derived from pilot-style glasses and have a refined look. The bold con-tours of Liv make it an explicitly ladies’ model, that despite its larger size, adapts wellto a wide range of faces. The Daniel is based on a pair of 1960s Persol frames wornby Daniel Miller, the founder of the Mute record label.

All the sunwear from both collections is suitable for prescription frames and the newadditions to the Mykita lines are priced to the dispenser between $148 and $155. ■■

SECOND LOOK

Mykita Adds Frames to Collections #1 and #2

From top to bottom: The HE3811 in brick taupe,crimson wheat, purple orchid, brown horn andonyx from Helium Paris for Match Eyewear.

The Hans (top) from Collection #1 andthe Ferris (bottom) from Collection #2by Mykita.

VM0924_RETAIL_55 10/1/07 10:23 AM Page 55

By Deirdre CarrollAssociate Editor

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y.—Luxot-tica Group introduced the Ray-BanYouth collection with nine framesdesigned for children between 8 and 12years of age to meet the needs of youngeyewear consumers while offering

grown-up inspired designs. “The Ray-Ban Youth collection is an

outstanding addition to the brand’s icon-ic personality of authenticity and style,”said Vittorio Verdun, vice president of

marketing for Luxottica Group. “Thesemodels remain faithful to their ‘parent’with child-size versions of the brand’smost popular Ray-Ban optical styles.”

The Ray-Ban Youth collection isdesigned for youngsters who want tolook as cool as older kids and for parentswho want to feel sure they made theright choice in eyewear for their children.

According to Luxottica, the Ray-BanYouth collection continues the Ray-BanRx tradition of authenticity and timelessdesign coupled with superior technolo-gy and state-of-the art materials. All

styles are constructed of lightweight,hypo-allergenic titanium and featuredurable flex hinges. Colors like brown,black, navy, silver and gunmetal aredesigned to appeal to the U.S. youthseeking more classic, adult tones.

Styles range from rimless, like in theRY 1002T, to the classic oval of the RY1003T, to a variety of rectangles; someangular, like the RY 1008T, while others

are softened, like the RY 1007 T andRY 1011T. The collection boasts onezyl/titanium combination, the RY1503T, a softened rectangle featuringbolder color combinations that includeperiwinkle and lime, brown and azureand metallic pink.

All of the Ray Ban Youth optical col-lection is priced to the dispenser at$43.95. ■■

56 VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 www.visionmonday.com

V IS IO N MON DAY

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T I C A L N EW S L E A D E RSHIP

RETAIL DISPENSARY

LAUNCHES

WILTON, Conn.—New for Fall ’07 Columbia Sportswear Eyewear and L’Amy Americaintroduce four new models designed for the fashion conscious, active consumer.

Columbia aims to put a fun-twist on its sport-themed eyewear collection with thesecolorful new models. The Trixie is offered in two frame shapes with bi-laminate sportcolorations in feminine tones. Likewise, the bold Notta, in two frame shapes, com-bines strong angles and aggressive sport-stripe colorations for the ideal unisexdesign.

The Trixie 115, a combination frame made from handmade bi-laminate templesand lightweight Monel metal framework, in a slightly squared-oval shape, is availablein four different color combinations, while the Trixie 116 offers the same color com-binations and frame construction, but in a slightly larger, rimless oval shape.

Both Notta 246 and 247, feature aggressively-styled rectangular frame construc-tion, with broad sport striping on the temple tips, and come in a variety of sport colorcombinations. This bold design is available in a full-frame, the Notta 246, as well asin a semi-rimless, the Notta 247.

The new Columbia styles are priced to the dispenser between$54.95 and$59.95. ■■

SECOND LOOK

Columbia Introduces the Trixie and Notta

Ray-Ban Introduces the Youth Collection

“The Ray-Ban Youth collection is anoutstanding addition to the brand’siconic personality of authenticity andstyle. These models remain faithful totheir ‘parent’ with child-size versionsof the brand’s most popular Ray-Banoptical styles.”

—Vittorio Verdun, Luxottica Group

The RY01008 (top) and the RB01503T (bottom)from the Ray Ban Youth collection from Luxottica.

The Notta 247 from Columbia Sportswear for L’Amy America.

VM0924_RETAIL_56 10/1/07 10:24 AM Page 56

VIS_0924_VCA_FrameBuy 9/11/07 4:11 PM Page 1

58 RETAIL DISPENSARY

NEW YORK—Alain Mikli introduces colorful new acetate styles for the discerningwoman.

Featuring rich deep shapes combined with fresh hues and clear color accents, thethree new styles from Alain Mikli are designed to catch the light and enrich the colortones of rich red, subtle olive, deep purple and warm brown. Now in a broader rangeof rectangle styles, the semi-rimless shapes, A0635, A0636 and A0637, allow a greatrange of prescriptions, while the amflex hinge and tapered temple tip provide superi-or comfort.

These new styles from Alain Mikli are priced to the dispenser between $166 and$179. ■■

SECOND LOOK

Alain Mikli Plays With Color

From left, Alain Miklistyles A0635, A0637

and A0636.

MORRIS PLAINS, N.J. - Charmant and Lacoste release new women’s optical framesfor fall.

Two of the collec-tions standouts in-clude the LA12218,in sizes 50-19-135 and52-19-135 and four avail-able colors. Constructed from acombination of metal and acetate,this ladies frame features anembossedlogo on theend piecewith a floatinghalf cut croco-dile on the right templeand a spring hinge. Also of note, is the LA12219, an acetate frame in two sizesand five colors that features a metal plaque with engraved Lacoste logo andspring hinges.

These two new styles from the newly released Lacoste women’s collection addi-tions are priced to the dispenser between $49.99 and $59.99. ■■

SECOND LOOK

Lacoste and Charmant Score Points WithWomen for Fall

The LA12218 in pink (top) and LA12219 inred (bottom) part of Charmant and Lacoste’s

new optical styles for women.

VM0924_RETAIL_58 10/1/07 10:24 AM Page 58

Carl Zeiss VisionUSA 800.358.8258www.vision.zeiss.com

Introducing GT2™ Progressives by ZEISS—Engineered forTotal Satisfaction.

Happy as a clam

Tickled pink

Truly delighted

Flying high

Thrilled to pieces

Pleased as punch

©2007 Carl Zeiss Vision International GmbH. GT2 is a trademark of Carl Zeiss Vision International GmbH.

How can a progressive lens create a higher level of satisfaction? It has to offer maximum

clarity — but it also has to be ergonomically designed to suit the wearer’s natural preferences.

Now ZEISS has brought these elements together in GT2. GT2 was developed using proprietary

ZEISS Optical Optimization and Management — the innovative design strategy that combines

legendary ZEISS optical precision with breakthrough research into visual behavior.

The result is a progressive lens uniquely tailored for wearer ergonomics and optimized for

maximum clarity. Simply put: a true delight for the eye.

For more information, contact your Carl Zeiss Vision Representative or call 1-800-358-8258.

A WON

V

:EL

BALIA

GIH

76.1

H I

XEDN

ISNART

DNA RAE

LC

T

SNOI®

VIS_0924_CarlZeissGT2 9/11/07 3:41 PM Page 1

SAN DIEGO—Optylux Group, Inc. willdebut the unique Été collection of eye-wear, featuring a special technique thatincorporates feathers into each style, dur-ing Vision Expo West next month.

Optylux, founded by Helmuth Igel andHelmut Igel II, “will be distributing theworld’s finest premium eyewear collectionsand we are interested in offering the con-sumer eyewear that makes a statement indesign, quality and craftsmanship.”

The exclusive Italian hand-made Étécollection of frames and sunglasses,inlayed with real feathers, is created by ayoung company in Florence, by descen-dants of four generations of eyewear man-ufacturers. Their framemaking traditionbegan in France in 1924 with GustaveRege-Turo, their Italian great grandfather,an artisan who hand crafted spectaclesusing horn and tortoise shell as basematerials.

This heritage waspassed down from Gus-tave Rege-Turo, on to histwo sons Robert andCharles, to the grandsonRobert-Claude, and nowto the great-grandchildren;Sabrina and Brice, whotoday guide the company.

The original idea behind the Été col-lection is to take a fashion accessory usedin the clothing industry—feathers—andadapt it to the eyeglass industry.

The makers laminate two sheets ofacetate material and place feathers, eachplaced one by one, which show through thetransparent material in a range of colors andcontrasts. Specially-created cases coordinateand a range of POP highlights the styles.

All the designs are coordinated and

refined by Sabrina Rege-Turo who con-sults with her father Robert-Claude Rege.

“The Igel family is proud to be associ-ated with the Turo family and we arelooking forward to offer their unique cre-ations to our selected group of exclusiveeyewear boutiques,” says Helmut Igel IIpresident of Optylux Group Inc.

Prices to the dispenser of the new Étécollection are $155 for sun and $145 forophthalmic. ■■

60 VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 www.visionmonday.com

V IS IO N MON DAY

OP

T I C A L N EW S L E A D E RSHIP

RETAIL DISPENSARY

MIAMI – Allison USA is debuting Techno,a new addition to its Try series.

The collection features 12 lens shapes forrimless eyewear and involves no screws onthe endpieces and nosepads.

Ruthenium, red, acid green, light-blueand lilac are just a few of the 17 colorsthat can be chosen based on the shapeof the lens.

Try Techno is made out of ultralightweight beta titanium.

The company said that themounting procedure is revolution-ary and that once the opticiantakes measurements with the

drilling mask, the holes can be made in the lenses using a simple manual drill, partof the Try Techno patented process. ■■

SECOND LOOK

Allison’s Try Techno Features Patented Process

LAUNCHES

INGLEWOOD, Calif.—Sig-nature Eyewear releasestwo new styles in theirLaura Ashley Collection.

First is the Laura Ash-ley Sienna, a zyl framewith a metal wrapped endpiece and temples that are lasered with an intricate softly flowing pattern. Theeye shape is ideal for progressives. The Sienna is available in two colors, cur-rant and nutmeg.

Next is the Laura Ashley Isla, a geometric oval shape in monel with a floralpattern laser-carved design on the zyl temples. The Isla also comes in two colors,plum and truffle.

These two new frames from the Laura Ashley collection from Signature arepriced to the dispenser from $53 to $56. ■■

Signature Unveils Two New Stylesin Laura Ashley

Optylux Launches Été Collection

POP displays highlight Été features.

SECOND LOOK

Été frames areinlayed with

feathers.

A range of 17 colorsand a simple mount-

ing process is newfrom Try Techno.

The Sienna in currant from theLaura Ashley collection from Signature.

VM0924_RETAIL_60 10/1/07 10:25 AM Page 60

SAN DIEGO—Optylux Group, Inc. willdebut the unique Été collection of eye-wear, featuring a special technique thatincorporates feathers into each style, dur-ing Vision Expo West next month.

Optylux, founded by Helmuth Igel andHelmut Igel II, “will be distributing theworld’s finest premium eyewear collectionsand we are interested in offering the con-sumer eyewear that makes a statement indesign, quality and craftsmanship.”

The exclusive Italian hand-made Étécollection of frames and sunglasses,inlayed with real feathers, is created by ayoung company in Florence, by descen-dants of four generations of eyewear man-ufacturers. Their framemaking traditionbegan in France in 1924 with GustaveRege-Turo, their Italian great grandfather,an artisan who hand crafted spectaclesusing horn and tortoise shell as basematerials.

This heritage waspassed down from Gus-tave Rege-Turo, on to histwo sons Robert andCharles, to the grandsonRobert-Claude, and nowto the great-grandchildren;Sabrina and Brice, whotoday guide the company.

The original idea behind the Été col-lection is to take a fashion accessory usedin the clothing industry—feathers—andadapt it to the eyeglass industry.

The makers laminate two sheets ofacetate material and place feathers, eachplaced one by one, which show through thetransparent material in a range of colors andcontrasts. Specially-created cases coordinateand a range of POP highlights the styles.

All the designs are coordinated and

refined by Sabrina Rege-Turo who con-sults with her father Robert-Claude Rege.

“The Igel family is proud to be associ-ated with the Turo family and we arelooking forward to offer their unique cre-ations to our selected group of exclusiveeyewear boutiques,” says Helmut Igel IIpresident of Optylux Group Inc.

Prices to the dispenser of the new Étécollection are $155 for sun and $145 forophthalmic. ■■

60 VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 www.visionmonday.com

V IS IO N MON DAY

OP

T I C A L N EW S L E A D E RSHIP

RETAIL DISPENSARY

MIAMI – Allison USA is debuting Techno,a new addition to its Try series.

The collection features 12 lens shapes forrimless eyewear and involves no screws onthe endpieces and nosepads.

Ruthenium, red, acid green, light-blueand lilac are just a few of the 17 colorsthat can be chosen based on the shapeof the lens.

Try Techno is made out of ultralightweight beta titanium.

The company said that themounting procedure is revolution-ary and that once the opticiantakes measurements with the

drilling mask, the holes can be made in the lenses using a simple manual drill, partof the Try Techno patented process. ■■

SECOND LOOK

Allison’s Try Techno Features Patented Process

LAUNCHES

INGLEWOOD, Calif.—Sig-nature Eyewear releasestwo new styles in theirLaura Ashley Collection.

First is the Laura Ash-ley Sienna, a zyl framewith a metal wrapped endpiece and temples that are lasered with an intricate softly flowing pattern. Theeye shape is ideal for progressives. The Sienna is available in two colors, cur-rant and nutmeg.

Next is the Laura Ashley Isla, a geometric oval shape in monel with a floralpattern laser-carved design on the zyl temples. The Isla also comes in two colors,plum and truffle.

These two new frames from the Laura Ashley collection from Signature arepriced to the dispenser from $53 to $56. ■■

Signature Unveils Two New Stylesin Laura Ashley

Optylux Launches Été Collection

POP displays highlight Été features.

SECOND LOOK

Été frames areinlayed with

feathers.

A range of 17 colorsand a simple mount-

ing process is newfrom Try Techno.

The Sienna in currant from theLaura Ashley collection from Signature.

VM0924_RETAIL_60 10/1/07 10:25 AM Page 60

Introducing the best idea in sunglasses since, well, sunglasses

Introducing Crizal Sun™, the first integrated Anti-Reflective created specifically for Sunwear. New Crizal Sun optimizes vision through every lens by adding the scratch protection and ease

of cleaning of Crizal® Alizé® while reducing backside glare. The specialized, integrated technology of Crizal Sun delivers these benefits without front-side color changes or additional

light transmission through the lens.

So, for the clearest vision under the sun, be sure to recommend Crizal Sun, the first integrated ARS (Anti-Reflective for Sunwear) available anywhere.

The UV protection of Crizal Sun is dependent on material chosen.

www.crizal.com

©2007 Essilor of America, Inc. Essilor, Crizal, and Alizé are registered trademarks and Crizal Sun is a trademark of Essilor International, S.A. VisionWeb is a service mark and “Streamline. Simplify. Succeed.” is a trademark of VisonWeb, Inc. VM 9/07

TOLL FREE : 800.221.6966Shipped from stock within 48 hoursNEW YORK EYENEW YORK EYE

A Hart Specialties Company

®

S-56 SEMI HARD FOLDOVERWITH SNAP

Assorted colors$1.29 each for 12-99 pieces per style

S-55 SEMI HARD FOLDOVERWITH SNAP

Assorted colors$1.29 each for 12-99 pieces per style

44¢ each for 100 pieces per style Styles S-63, 6799¢ each for 100 pieces per style Styles S-55, 56

S-187 TASTEFUL TWEEDS SLIP INAssorted patterns and colors

80mm x 160mm44¢ each for 12-99 pieces per style

29¢ each for 100 pieces per style

S-49 ECONOMY MEDIUMPOCKET CLIP

Black and brown, 80mm x 160mm49¢ each for 12-99 pieces per style

37¢ each for 100 pieces per style

S-33 ECONOMY MEDIUMPOCKET CLIP

Sold only in bulk 500 piece assortment.Black and brown, 80mm x 160mm

33¢ each for box of 500 pieces

S-31 LADIES’ ECONOMYVINYL SLIP IN

Assorted solid vinyl colors as availableSold by box of 500 only 80mm x 160mm

S-41 VINYL SLIP INBlack and brown assortedSold by box of 500 only

80mm x 160mm

S-30 LARGE VINYL MERROW SLIP INS-70 MEDIUM VINYL MERROW SLIP IN

Assorted standard colors as shownmedium: 80mm x 160mm, large: 90mm x 175mm

39¢ each for 12-99 pieces per style

33¢ eachfor 100 pieces per style

29¢ each for box of 500 pieces per style Styles S-31, 41

39¢ each for

100 piecesper style

Styles S-40, 44, 72, 43

S-40 MEDIUM POCKETCLIP CASE

Black and brown assorted80mm x 160mm

45¢ each for 12-99 pieces per style

S-44 MEDIUM POCKET CLIP WITHDELUXE MERROW STITCHING

Black and brown assorted80mm x 160mm

45¢ each for 12-99 pieces per style

S-43 HALFEYE MEN’SPOCKET CLIP

Black and brown assorted60mm x 160mm

45¢ each for 12-99 pieces per style

S-72 SMALL POCKETCLIP CASE

Black and brown assorted70mm x 155mm

45¢ each for 12-99 pieces per style

S-45 LARGE POCKETCLIP CASE

Black and brown assorted, 95mm x 170mm49¢ each for 12-99 pieces per style

44¢ each for 100 pieces per style

S-46 XL MEN’S POCKETCLIP W/FLAP

Black and brown assorted, 92mm x 192mm$1.29 each for 12-99 pieces per style

89¢ each for 100 pieces per style

S-47 BIGGEST XXLPOCKET CLIP

Black and brown assorted, 107mm x 200mm89¢ each for 12-99 pieces per style

69¢ each for 100 pieces per style

S-38 MEDIUM METAL POCKET CLIPS-39 LARGE METAL POCKET CLIP

Black and brown assortedmedium: 80mm x 165mm, large: 93mm x 170mm

69¢ each for 12-99 pieces per style

55¢ eachfor 100 pieces per style

S-63 ECONOMY PLASTIC KIDS HARD CASESold by box all colors assorted

(Assorted: black, brown, burgundy,navy blue, green, gray)

S-67 ECONOMY PLASTIC HARD SLIP CASESold by box all colors assorted

(Assorted: lemon yellow, navy blue, lime green,cherry red, charcoal grey, hot pink,

purple, tangerine)

See our Booth 14083 at Vision Expo West

VIS_0924_Hart 9/5/07 12:11 PM Page 1

All prices plus shipping - FOB Amityville, NY. Cases are shipped separately from frames. Pricing guaranteed through 12/31/07.

C&E BUYING GROUP, VISION WEST BUYING GROUP, NOVAMED ALLIANCE BUYING GROUP, BLOCK BUYING GROUP, AECC/PEARLMAN BUYING GROUP, HMI BUYING GROUP, ADO BUYING GROUP, OOGP BUYING GROUP, PADRO BUYING GROUP, BLEW EYES BUYING GROUP, THE BUYERS EDGE BUYING GROUP, Minimum Buying Group activation $49 purchase

55¢ eachfor 1,000 pieces assorted

all styles shown below

66¢ each for 100 pieces per style assorted99¢ each for 12-99 pieces per style assorted

NEW YORK EYENEW YORK EYEA Hart Specialties Company

5000 New Horizons Blvd., Amityville, NY 11701-9003National Toll Free 800.221.6966 • Toll Free Fax 800.221.2068631.226.5600 • Fax 631.226.5884 • email: orders@newyorkeye.net

®

Protection from the Elements:See our Booth 14083 at Vision Expo West

The cases you want - when you want them

49¢ each

S-95 MEDIUM HARD METALSold only by the box of 100 pieces.

Sold assorted black matt and brown matt

S-96 MEDIUM HARD METALSold only by the box of 100 pieces.

Sold assorted black shiny and brown shiny

S-94 LARGE HARD METALSold only by the box of 100 pieces.

Sold assorted black shiny and brown shiny

S-92 LARGE HARD METALSold only by the box of 100 pieces.

Sold assorted black shiny and brown shiny

S-97 PETITE HARD METALSold only by the box of 100 pieces.

Sold assorted black matt and brown matt

S-98 LARGE HARD METALSold only by the box of 100 pieces.

Sold assorted black grain and brown grain

for box of 100 pieces per styleS-92, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98

S-87 CHILDREN’S METAL CASEBlue, orange, yellow, green, red

Shipped assorted only

S-104 SMALL METAL SATINBlack satin, brown satin,

blue satin, dark green satin

S-103 MEDIUM METAL LIZARD/SHINYBlack lizard, burgundy lizard,

black shiny, brown shiny

S-102 LARGE METAL LIZARD/CROCOBlack lizard, blue lizard, burgundy lizard,

black croco, brown croco

S-101 LARGE METAL GRAINBlack grain, brown grain,

blue grain, wine grain

S-85 LARGE METAL SATINBlack satin, brown satin

S-81 LARGE METAL OSTRICHBlack ostrich, brown ostrich, blue pearl ostrich,

mint pearl ostrich, pink pearl ostrich

S-80 MEDIUM METAL OSTRICHBlack ostrich, brown ostrich, green ostrich,

red ostrich, yellow ostrich

S-79 SLIM METAL LIZARD/SMOOTHBlack lizard, brown lizard,

black smooth, brown smooth

S-78 MEDIUM METAL LIZARD/SMOOTHBlack lizard, brown lizard, burgundy lizard,

black smooth, brown smooth

S-76 LARGE METAL LINEN LOOKBlack linen look, blue linen look,brown linen look, green linen look

S-75 LARGE METAL LIZARD/SMOOTHBlack lizard, brown lizard, burgundy lizard,

black smooth, brown smooth

S-20 LARGE METAL CROCO/SMOOTHBlack croco, brown croco, burgundy croco,

green croco, navy blue croco, black smooth, brown smooth

S-121 LARGE METAL POINT PATTERNBlack point, blue point, burgundy point, moss point

S-122 LARGE METAL SATINBlack satin, navy satin, wine satin

S-123 LARGE METAL TRELLIS PATTERNTrellis black, trellis brown

S-119 MEDIUM METAL IGUANA PATTERNDark brown, light brown

SUPER VALUE HARD METAL CASES

S-124 CHILDREN’S METAL CASEDOLPHIN PATTERN

Blue, brown, purple, and yellow

VIS_0924_Hart 9/5/07 12:11 PM Page 2

64 RETAIL DISPENSARY

NORTHVALE, N.J.—Avalon introduces the Nikon NT Pure Titanium Eyewear Collection.The Nikon NT Titanium collection is a contemporary men's and unisex line fea-

turing innovative materials, design and performance with integrated spring hinge sus-pension.

“The Nikon Titanium-series is top-level technology in eyewear and is ideally suited toa wide range of consumers from the everyday wearer to the creative professionalalike,” said David Pildes, vice president Avalon Eyewear, Inc. “To those who's sense ofpride in the quality and perfection of their own work resonates with the brand's mes-sage, Nikon affords lots of possibilities with it's product design, completing the per-fectly fashionable ‘image’ for the wearer. Improving important design elements of analready high level product is the message of our introduction of the Nikon Titanium-series.”

The new frames are built with a pronounced stance as well as flowing shoul-der lines giving the chassis a bold appearance. Based on a shorter platformthe single-body milled sheet-titanium construction gives the chassis a sense ofmotion. All frames feature subtle Nikon branding throughout, including tri-colorprinting on the inside of the temples and milled character lines inspired by

the Nikon camerasthemselves.

The Nikon NT PureTitanium Eyewearcollection is pricedto the dispenser at$79. ■■

SECOND LOOK

Avalon Presents Nikon NT Pure Titanium

PLEASANTON, Calif.—Panoptxadds three new frames to theirmoisture chamber line.

The Whirlwind is the new addi-tion to their flagship Velocityseries, featuring their patentedOrbital Seal technology, whichlocks out wind and airborne irri-tants. It also completely elimi-nates the peripheral glare thatcan disrupt vision and damageeye tissues, according to Panoptx.

New to the Panoptx Speedseries are two new models, theTaku and the Zephyr. The Taku isa full-wrap design and the Zephyrhas a decidedly feminine feel. Both models feature Panoptx’s special air dam, aclosed-cell foam rim around the inner frame that helps knock down wind and glare.

These new styles from Panoptx are priced to the dispenser between $75 and$125. ■■

SECOND LOOK

Panoptx Eyewear Bows Three New Styles

The Taku in horn (top) and the Zephyr in bone(bottom) from Panoptx.

Three new styles fromthe Nikon NT PureTitanium Collectionfrom Avalon Eyewear.

VM0924_RETAIL_64 10/1/07 10:25 AM Page 64

Launching Vision Expo West 2007 - BOOTH #14039

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VIS_0924_Kenmark 9/10/07 1:50 PM Page 1

BENSENVILLE, Ill.—AIT, a member of the Indo group, willlaunch the Center, a new patient measurement system, nextmonth at Vision Expo West in Las Vegas. Center, developed by Indo,offers the optician a sophisticated measuring system that improves overallpatient satisfaction, according to AIT. Center automatically measures patientpupillary distance and height as well as vertex distance and pantascopicframe angle in almost 80 percent of cases. It utilizes a system of threebuilt-in cameras and infrared LEDs to obtain three-dimensional patientmeasurements. According to AIT, the system is especially useful whenfitting conventional or direct surfaced progressive lenses. ■■

PORTLAND, Ore.—AmySacks Eyewear intro-duces the Bamboo col-lection.

Designed to combinethe earthly simplicity ofnatural bamboo withsophisticated design toform luxury eyewearframes for use as readingglasses, optical frames orsunglasses, the twoframes in the Bamboo col-lection are inspired bybest sellers in the AmySacks Eyewear collection.

“Natural bamboo is one of nature’s most sustainableresources and is being utilized in wonderful ways for thehome and in textiles,” said Ann Sacks, designer. “I want-ed to bring this sustainable material to my customers whoseek a level of sophistication and design that is beyondanything offered today in the reading glass category.”

The Takeh is a half-frame style entirely made of bambooand features a softened square lens. The frame is avail-able in the color Tempura to showcase the texture of thenatural material and to flatter warm and cool skin tones.

The Masa is a full-framed style which combines dark-stainedbamboo temples with a textured acetate front in Moss.

As the newest items in the edited collection of read-ing glasses, sun readers, sunglasses and opticalframes, Takeh and Masa are priced to the dispenserfrom $62 to $84 respectively. ■■

SECOND LOOK

SOMERVILLE, N.J.—Viva International Group introducesa new metal grouping from Bongo Eyewear called “BrightSensations.”

The two new styles are designed to reflect Bongo’strendsetting appeal for women who are looking to shine.The B Hope is a modified rectangle and the B Desire isa modified oval while both are highlighted by a touch ofrhinestones and feature a spring hinge and sleekstyling. The B Hope is available in purple with crystalstones, black with black crystals and light brown withbrown stones while the B Desire is available in brownwith brown stones, purple with crystal stones and blackwith black crystals.

Two additional styles, the B Aries and B Gemini, arealso available. All four styles are priced to the dispenserat $37.95. ■■

SECOND LOOK

Bongo Bows BrightNew Grouping

LAUNCHES

IIIS

UR

YS

STEP INTO THE FUTURE: GET READY FOR HIGHQUALITY LENS PRODUCTION

High throughput and absolute process

stability: guaranteeing for perfect

results and great efficiency on your

production floor, SYRUS III is the ideal

system for handling large batches

and short process cycles.

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TP

O

Please visit us at International Vision Expo EastLas Vegas, USA 4-6 October 2007 Booth: LP1050

66 RETAIL DISPENSARY

The Takah frame (top) and Masaframe (bottom), both in bamboo,from Amy Sacks Eyewear.

Amy Sacks EyewearGoes Green

The Bongo Hopein light brown (top)and Desire in purple (bottom)from Viva International.

The Center. a newpatient measure-ment system.

AIT to Debut PatientMeasurement System

NEW YORK –Artoptic Internaitonalis developing a new collection for theU.S. fashion eyewear market andplans to launch the new Emilio Gianiline in January 2008.

George Gero, president of Artoptic,the 45-year-old NY-based eyewear

manufacturer, said, “Today’s well-dressed individual considers his orher eyewear as a fashion accessory.We live multiple lifestyles and wefeel this new range of eyewear willoffer the broadest choice for theAmerican consumer to work with

sport, leisure, business and formaloccasion.

The new Emilio Giani line will bepreviewed during the Optical Labora-tories Association meeting in Indi-anapolis this November and be avail-able to ECPs early next year. ■■

Artoptic to Launch Emilio Giani in January

VM0924_RETAIL_66 10/1/07 10:26 AM Page 66

Custom OpticalRiverdale, GA770-997-3344 DC Optical LaboratorySan Leandro, CA800-773-8907

OPTICAL SERVICESI N T E R N A T I O N A L

Independent Labs Serving Independent Professionals

VIS_0924_OSI 9/11/07 3:59 PM Page 1

BENSENVILLE, Ill.—Indo Lens U.S. islaunching Free-form Solutions, a broad-based program that offers independent labsthe latest generation backside direct surfaceprogressive lens designs in a broad range ofoptions. The program includes a curve cal-culation program with full installation, soft-ware maintenance and lens design updatesas well as technical and marketing support.

“Indo has defined its position in theindustry as a reliable partner for all inde-pendent labs interested in marketing

value-added progressive lenses,” saidÁlvaro Arias, Free-form Solutions manag-er for Indo’s Barcelona-based parent com-pany, Indo s.a. “Indo’s know-how andexpertise on working with free-form tech-nology is openly shared with independ-ent labs around the world to ensure a

smooth and successful introduction ofprogressive lenses and deliver optimumoptical quality to presbyopes.

“Free-form Solutions proposal includesa wide variety of progressive lens designswhich are meant to satisfy all needs usersmay have throughout the day, but also tocover specific needs during indoor work-ing activities, while driving or performingoutdoor tasks,” Arias continued. “Free-form Solutions state-of-the-art lensdesigns offer a solution for far, intermedi-

ate and near distance vision; in all casesprogressive lens users will find them-selves better-off wearing such a ground-breaking product.”

The Free-form Solutions program con-sists of two types of PALs: multipurpose“Global Designs” and “Action Designs,”

which are specialized designs developedto fulfill specific customer needs. GlobalDesigns are available in the followingchoices: Global 22, an extremely softdesign with a 22m fitting height and17mm corridor length; Global 19, a versa-tile design with optimized fields of vision,minimum fitting height of 19mm and15mm corridor length; Global 16, whichis optimized for small frames with a mini-mum fitting height of 16mm andachieves 85 percent progressive additionat 11mm.

The Action Designs include OfficeDesign, which is meant for indoor work-ing environments and created based onthe focus distance the user usually works

at; Road Design, developed for far andintermediate distances; vision quality isimproved in certain tasks such as back-wards driving or using the rear-view mir-ror; Outdoors Design, developed toimprove performance when practicingoutdoor activities, and FreeDesign,which consists of a PAL design devel-oped based exclusively on the character-istics and parameters that the client pro-vides Indo. This design will be onlymarketed by the lab involved in itsdevelopment.

All of Indo’s Global and Action designsare available for hard resin, 1.523-index,1.6 MR8, 1.67 MR7, polycarbonate andTrivex. ■■

68 VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 www.visionmonday.com

V IS IO N MON DAY

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T I C A L N EW S L E A D E RSHIP

RETAIL DISPENSARY

MARIETTE, Ga.—The McGeeGroup introduces a newgrouping to their Totally Rim-less Collection—Conceptfeaturing European stylingand innovative construction.

“It is important to continu-ally evolve a brand’s designtheme so that it does notbecome stagnant,” saidWayne McGee, CEO andpresident of The McGeeGroup. “Without steppingtoo far away from the Totally Rimless image, you can dress up its look to expandyour product offerings and meet the ever-changing market demands. Eyewear isan accessory, consumers want something for every occasion.”

The two new rimless designs feature milled stainless steel temples and TheMcGee Group’s Snap-Lock Rimless (SLR) lens mounting system which stabilizesthe lenses and minimizes breakage, according to a statement from the company.The initial collection provides four contrasting colors for men and women. Eachframe is lightweight, offers adjustable nose pads for a customized fit, and fea-tures the Totally Rimless icon on the inside of the temple tip.

The Totally Rimless Concept Collection from The McGee Group is priced to thedispenser at $49.95. ■■

SECOND LOOK

The McGee Group Presents theConcept Collection

LAUNCHES

FERNDALE, Mich.—I-dealoptics doubles thereleases in their recently revampedReflections series to 16 just in timefor Vision Expo West 2007.

Successful results of the initiallaunch collection at Vision Expo Eastprompted i-dealoptics to increase their offer-ings of these hip designs featuring specialdetails that make each style unique with therelease of R708 through R715, accordingto the company.

“This collection is gearedtoward trendy, urban womenwho desire a cosmopolitan flair.Theses styles deliver without a big city price tag,”said Matt Weingarden, i-dealoptics vice president of marketing. “Reflectionslivens up frame boards with wearable eyewear that has a splash of somethingextra.”

Along with studs and rhinestones, the R710, 711, and 713 bring out etched pat-terns with show through coloring while the semi-rimless R708 is highlighted with twotone coloring and pierced metal temples. The R712, 714, and 715 all offer a sophis-ticated split temple look.

The new Reflections styles from i-dealoptics are priced to the dispenserat $19.99. ■■

SECOND LOOK

I-dealoptics Extends Eye CatchingReflections Collection

Indo Intros ‘Free-form Solutions’ Program

“Indo’s know-how and expertise onworking with free-form technology isopenly shared with independentlabs around the world to ensure asmooth and successful introductionof progressive lenses and deliveroptimum optical quality to presbyopes.”

—Álvaro Arias, Indo

A frame from the Totally Rimless Concept collection, withcase, from the McGee Group.

The R714 (top) and R713 (bottom)from the Reflections collection byi-dealoptics.

VM0924_RETAIL_68 10/1/07 10:27 AM Page 68

For more information please contact:Jennifer Zupnick TEL: (212) 274-7164 EMAIL: jzupnick@jobson.com Beth Briggs TEL: (212) 219-7825 EMAIL: bbriggs@jobson.com

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70 VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 www.visionmonday.com

V IS IO N MON DAY

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FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif.—Oakley releases five newstyles into their Rx prod-uct line for fall.

Each Oakley frame iscrafted with sport inspirationand refined styling using superior materials andcustom color.

The Candidate is amen’s full acetate framewith two-toned largertemples and the SquareO branding in a large rangeof color combinations for theyoung-minded individual with lifestyle in mind. TheDictate is a full rim frame addition to the Ti family of tita-nium frames in the Oakley men's lifestyle collection,designed with the creative use of metal and offering aunique two-toned detailing on the temples.

The Emblem is a multi-colored, lightweight acetate fullrim frame for women with layered temple detailing and heat adjustable temples to fitcomfortably and to compliment the expanding women's acetate frame story. The Poet-ic is the first Oakley women’s ophthalmic titanium full rim frame that offers Oakley’sexclusive etched pattern detail from the women's apparel line and integrated customcolored acetate tips for comfort.

Lastly, the Intake is targeted toward the Oakley loyalist. A thin-profiled full rim framemade of lightweight C-5 material and unobtanium earsocks to offer a comfortable,secure fit.

Each Oakley frame comes complete with a protective microbag and case. Thesenew additions to the Oakley Rx collection are priced to the dispenser from $78 to$100. ■■

SECOND LOOKOakley Expands Rx Collection

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif.—Rudy Project has launched their Late Summer 2007 CasualCollection, including the Prym, Suby and Kaos—all direct-in-frame Rx capable.

“Rudy Project’s Casual Collection combines our unique lens technology with thefull coverage and exquisite style of Italian fashion eyewear,” said Paul Craig, Rudy Pro-ject’s president and co-founder. “In addition, the lightweight frame and lens technolo-gy offer performance equal to our signature sports frames. Whether worn as a fash-ion accessory or as athletic gear, the Prym, Suby and Kaos offer the perfect

collaboration of style andfunction.”

The casual frames offerphotochromic and polarizedphotochromic ImpactX lens

technology - breakthroughNXT semi-rigid molecular prop-

erties formulated exclu-sively for Rudy Project,according to the compa-ny. Other benefitsinclude complete Rxcapabilities, a replace-ment lens guarantee, RPOptics polycarbonate or

ImpactX lenses with RP-D-Cen-tered technology to minimize eyefatigue, optical reinforced hinges,handcrafted acetate frames in GrilamidTR 55 LX and ergonomic styling.

The Casual Collection fromRudy Project is priced to the dis-

penser from $85 to $105. ■■

SECOND LOOKRudy Project Announces Casual Collection

1What are the most importantinfluences on your design work?

Nature, art, people, film, books, books,books…

2What excites you most aboutdesign?

The delicate balance between shapeand form.

3Describe the ultimate Calvin Kleinwoman.

When I design a collection, I imaginea woman who has a modern spiritand a confident attitude.

4What’s been the greatest challengein interpreting your design perspec-

tive into an eyewear line? We always strive to create modernpieces that are designed to last.

5What are some of your favoritepieces or characteristics of the

Calvin Klein Collection eye-wear? It’s absolutely timeless. CalvinKlein Collection eyewear con-sists of well-designed classicstyles that are both elegantand functional.

6What is the best adviceanyone ever gave you?

The best advice I have beengiven was to just enjoy it all. ■■

Francisco Costa, creative director for the Calvin KleinCollection for women, had some pretty large shoes to fillwhen he took over the Calvin Klein women’s label in2003 from then mentor Calvin Klein himself. He also hadsome large jeans, underwear and perfume bottles to fillas part of the multi-billion dollar company that stands asone of the great American design houses and lifestylebrands.

But he has excelled admirably. In 2006, the Council ofFashion Designers of America named him Womenswear Designer of the Year. Not bad for a boy who grewup in the small Brazilian town of Guarani, near Rio, and mastered the English language after re-locating tothe U.S in the early 1990’s.

Today, in addition to his role as creative director for the Calvin Klein women’s collection, and along withItalo Zucchelli, who heads up Calvin Klein men’s, Costa is responsible for the look and feel of the CalvinKlein eyewear collections from Marchon. F.Y.Eye stole a little of Mr. Costa’s valuable time to talk with himabout eyewear and how it fits into the Calvin Klein brand aesthetic.

F.Y.EYEBy Deirdre Carroll

The men’s Candidate (top) andthe women’s Poetic (bottom)

from Oakley’s Rx product line.

The Suby in ivory (top) and the Kaosin black bottom from Rudy Project’s

Casual Collection.

VM0924_RETAIL_70 10/1/07 10:27 AM Page 70

www.visionmonday.com VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 71V IS IO N MON DAY

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By Deirdre CarrollAssociate Editor

CARROLLTON, Texas—Nouveauintroduces Jacob Jensen Eyewear for theupscale professional who values the latesttechnology.

Designed by the man who trans-formed the design of music systems, tele-phones, watches and kitchen equipmentinto an art, now, the Jacob Jensen tech-nologically sophisticated approach is

changing the way people see eyewearwith lines that are clean, uncluttered, andstyled to appeal to both men andwomen.

“The combination of exquisite designsand technologically superior materialscreates a deceptively simple, elegantly

refined collection of eyewear,” said MarjMcGraw, co-president of Nouveau Eye-wear.

Titanium construction is the hallmarkof every frame while many styles incorpo-

rate Jensen’s uniquelythin and strong, double-titanium wire temples.An exclusive, patent-pending piston springhinge provides all thebenefits of an ultra-flex-ible hinge joint withoutsacrificing stability,according to Nouveau.Frame styles includesemi-rimless designsand rimless compres-sion mounts as well asminimalist full-rimmodels, while slip on zyl temple sleevesallow wearers to create a custom look.

The collection consists of four differ-ent series in more than 20 different col-ors with 50 different models. Accordingto Nouveau, the colors are applied byhand using a chemical process that resists

pitting, scratching, or fading making thehues both exciting and enduring, andallowing for a palette of custom shades.

Each frame is accompanied by an orig-inal Jacob Jensen hard-sided case and ispriced to the dispenser between $140and $170. ■■

LAUNCHES

Nouveau Presents Jacob Jensen Eyewear

“The combination of exquisitedesigns and technologicallysuperior materials creates adeceptively simple, elegantlyrefined collection of eyewear.”

—Marj McGraw, Nouveau Eyewear

Model 612S incolor 37 fromthe new Jacob

Jensen Eyewearcollection from

Nouveau.

NEW YORK—Artoptic International’s contemporary Uptempo collection target today’strendy eyewear customers.

And this month, Artoptic is kicking off its new Premium Promotion for Uptempo. Withthe purchase of any six Uptempo frames, dispensers can receive a free $25 gift card oftheir choosing from among 40 different companies, including Best Buy, Barnes &

Noble, Pottery Barn and others. With the purchase of any 10 Uptem-po frames, dispensers can receive a $50 gift cardof their choosing from among this range of 40popular retailers, restaurants and Web sites.

Four new styles in the Italian-designed line featurecontemporary fashion colors and a youthful, cleanlook. Some feature open-detailed design temples andendpieces, others feature popular semi-rimless looksand rectangular shapes.

Uptempo is priced to the dispenser at $54.90. ■■

SECOND LOOK

Artoptic’s Uptempo Offers Modern StylesPLAINVIEW, N.Y.—Fusion Eyewear,Inc. will be previewing the new JeanPaul Gaultier 2008 sunglass collec-tion at Vision Expo West.

The 14 new models feature sleekedgy styling, many with Swarovskicrystal and metal embellishments,in time for the cruise season. Thefashion forward collection also fea-tures the Gaultier signature visiblespring.

The rollout will be supported by anational advertising campaign. Thesun styles are priced between $170and $290. ■■

SECOND LOOK

Fusion Previews New Gaultier Sun Styles

Artoptic’s sleek shapes target thecontemporary customer.

GaultierAH0708LunettesHomme

from FusionEyewear.

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VM0924_RETAIL_71 10/1/07 10:28 AM Page 71

72 RETAIL DISPENSARY

LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y.—Zyloware Corporation has announced the release of twonew ophthalmic styles in its Via Spiga Eyewear collection. The release is being sup-ported with a gift-with-pur-chase promotion.

Additionally, Via Spigasunglasses will be fea-tured in Via Spiga’s nationalconsumer ad campaign,featuring Via Spiga’snew tagline, “Stoptraffic. Italian Style.”

“Via Spiga’s fallcampaign will draw anew crowd of fans forthe brand,” said Chris Shyer,president of Zyloware. “Theeditors and photographers from Vogue magazine incorporated incredibly compellingimages. The new zyl Via Spiga eyewear styles support this new wave of excitement.”

These new releases venture into younger, tailored women’s eyewear. Eachstyle is made of hand-crafted zyl in colors that can be worn with a woman’severyday wardrobe. The Via Spiga Riva has a rectangle front with softenedcurves and bent endpieces paired with simple temples that give it a feminine fit.It is available in three colors, black, blond and burgundy, to complement a vari-ety of complexions.

The Via Spiga Varese has a narrow oval shape that widens toward the outer edge.A monochromatic mosaic pattern, a beveled outer edge and bent endpieces give theframe dimension. The temples have laser cuts in a feminine curve pattern thatevokes fish skin. Colors include cocoa mosaic and ruby mosaic.

To support the release, retailers will receive a complimentary Via Spiga wristlet witha qualifying 6-frame Via Spiga order for a limited time.

A wide assortment of Via Spiga of point-of-purchase materials is available byrequest. These two new styles from Via Spiga are priced to the dispenser at$59.95. ■■

SECOND LOOK

Zyloware Releases New Via SpigaOptical Styles

SUN VALLEY, Calif.—Converse Eyewear and REM introduces six new optical stylesspecifically designed with the Converse girl in mind.

The styles include the Raven, Spark, Spitfire, Blaze, Fierce and Frenzy. Some ofthem feature phrases inspired from past Converse advertising and marketing, such as

“I’ll Try Anything Once”and “I Am My OwnHero.”

The Spitfire, featuresa laser etched phrase,“No Soul to Sell,” on theexterior of the temple fordramatic impact. TheRaven, a plastic rectan-gle, features a triple lam-inated front with astriped pattern in the

middle layer. The interior sides of the temples feature a subtle skull design that hasbeen laser etched and filled with color epoxy.

These new styles from Converse are priced to the dispenser at $49.95. ■■

SECOND LOOK

Converse Releases New Styles for Girls

The Riva in blond (top) and the Varese in ruby mosaic (bot-tom) from Via Spiga by Zyloware.

The Raven in three color waysfrom REM for Converse.

Phone: 503.231.6606 Fax: 503.231.49436805 SE Milwaukie Ave. Portland, OR 97202

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The CleAR $20 Award.

$10 for KODAK Progressives$10 bonus with KODAK CleAR Coating

$20 total per pair dispensed

From July 1 to Dec. 31, 2007, PracticePlus® members who dispense KODAK Precise®, KODAKPrecise Short™ or KODAK Concise® Progressives withKODAK CleAR™ Anti-Reflective Coating can earn anextra $10.

That’s on top of the $10 PracticePlus membersnormally are awarded per pair. You’re doubling yourmoney while you dispense the very finest premiumprogressives with an award-winning AR coating.

KODAK CleAR Coating• Astonishingly easy to clean.• Fights off oily smudges and dirt.• Improves visual acuity.• Durable to stand up over the life

of the prescription.

$20 CleAR Gain.A perfect reason to join PracticePlus.

PracticePlus is the powerful practice builder thathas strengthened thousands of independent vision carepractices. To enroll, call 800-950-5367 or visitwww.practice-plus.net.

KODAK CleAR is available fromany wholesale lab, plus these approved coating facilities:Aspen Optical Lens LabBeitler McKee Optical Co.Brothers’ Optical Lab, Inc.Central Optical LabCherry OpticalDiversified Ophthalmics, Inc.Empire Optical, Inc.FEA Industries, Inc.Index 53Katz & KleinLuzerne OpticalMH Optical Supplies, Inc.Midland OpticalOpti-MatrixOzarks OpticalQC OpticalRite-Style OpticalRobertson OpticalRx OpticalSouthwest LensSuperior Ophthalmic Coating, LLCThree Rivers OpticalToledo Optical LaboratoryVolunteer Optical Lab, Inc.Winchester Optical Company

Signet Armorlite, Inc. 1001 Armorlite Dr. San Marcos, CA 92069 • 800-950-5367 • www.signetarmorlite.com

Kodak and the Kodak trade dress are trademarks of Kodak, used under license by SignetArmorlite, Inc. CleAR and Precise Short are trademarks, and PracticePlus, Precise andConcise are registered trademarks of Signet Armorlite, Inc. ©2007, Signet Armorlite, Inc.

FA236B507

VIS_0910_KodakClear 8/27/07 2:02 PM Page 1

With the Briot Alta edging system, drilled lenses become as easyto produce as framed lenses. The automatic orientation of the Safety Bevel Grooving Drilling shaft (from 0 to 30 degrees) allows drilling or grooving at exactly the right angle: you achieve unheard-of precision with ease. The variable lens speed settings are particularly suited for working with fragile or hydrophobic lenses.

The Latest in Edger Support TechnologyLearn More at VEW Booth #LP6047

Introducing

VIS_0924_Briot 9/17/07 4:47 PM Page 1

www.visionmonday.com 75INSIDE THE LAB

GREENVILLE, S.C.—RobertsonOptical Laboratories is hosting an on-going series of Eyecare Boot Campsfor eyecare professionals. Held on Sat-urday mornings, the boot camps areconducted at Robertson’s Greenville,S.C. lab, or if requested, at ECPs’offices. Robertson Optical customersand prospective customers are able toparticipate by calling the lab and mak-ing an appointment.

Some opportunities explored at theboot camps include new techniques foreffective communications between thepractice and the patient consumer, howto improve photochromic sales, maxi-mizing revenues through promotingadditional products, enhanced “team-ing” (discovering how to recognize eachpractice members’ gifts, knowledge andskills, especially those they enjoy, andbuilding a successful team from thoseskills), and learning how to brand theeyecare practice, not just the products.

“We’ve held three Eye Care BootCamps,” said Chip Robertson, vice pres-ident of Robertson Optical of Greenville,“and they were quite successful.”

“The Eye Care Boot Camp createsan opportunity for ECPs to developextraordinary skills and abilities,” saidpractice growth consultant Mark Hin-

ton, president of eYe Factilitate, who,along with Tebbe Davis, creative direc-tor of ImageClarity/eYe Facilitate, amarketing specialist for vision carepractitioners, helps facilitate the educa-tion at the boot camp. “Typically, eye-care practices tend to do things the way

they’ve always done them. The bootcamp helps uncover phenomenal prac-tice-building opportunities beyond thebasic, traditional strategies.”

“We learned a lot about the impor-tance of branding our own name, notjust the manufacturer’s name,” saidoptician Greg Griffith of Pelham VisionCenter in Greer, S.C., who attended thespring boot camp and said he found itvery valuable. “We discussed variousstrategies for branding our name such asincluding our business cards with everypair of glasses given to patients andmarketing our products through postersin our dispensing area, but making sureour practice name is on them.”

The boot camps, which include somerole playing, provide value-added edu-cation for ECPs, including unique prac-tice-building strategies, dispensing ideas,branding, sales techniques, onsite labeducation, and help for ECPs to explorenewer opportunities for their practices,”Robertson said. “We strive to teachECPs how to create lasting impressions,so their patients will return.”

“We found the boot camp veryhelpful,” said optometrist GordonJohnson of Blue Ridge Vision inGreer, S.C., “not only for me, butespecially for my staff.” ■■

Robertson Optical Offers SeriesOf Eyecare ‘Boot Camps’ for ECPs

For more information please call(800) 678-4322 or (320) 258-3559

Email: sales@optifacts.comVisit www.optifacts.com

Visit us at Vision Expo West Booth #11053

*36 month termwith approved credit

ysaE smreTtnemyaPysaE smreTtnemyaP

nwoDyenoMoN *htnomrep801$nwoDyenoMoN *htnomrep801$

“We process a wide variety of lenses and materials with excellent results. The O2 calculations are extremely accurate”.

Debbie Ingram, Bluegrass Optical, Lexington KY

BENSENVILLE, Ill.—AIT newPractica Evolution now comesequipped with a newly designed re-circulating coolant system that elimi-nates strong odors and reduces dustduring the lens grinding process. Thenew system, which AIT recommendsfor small, in-office labs, is designed tomake the work environment morepleasant for employees as well aspatients.

“With the strong odors and dustgenerated during the grindingprocess with today’s advanced lensmaterials, eyecare professionals nowhave a choice to make their office amore pleasant environment to theirpatients and employees,” saidMatthew Vulich, vice president,marketing for AIT.

The Practica Evolution edger ispictured here (center), together withthe CNC 3D tracer-blocker and theAir Mini air purification system. ■■

Don’t forget to check out Vision Monday’s Lab AdvisorE-Newsletter each month for the latest news geared towardoptical laboratory owners and managers. In the August edition,read about estate tax laws and what it means for your busi-ness in Dollars & Sense. The monthly feature, Focus On…offers a glimpse into the working world of Audrey Reed,Essilor’s director of general service. And don’t miss the latestcompany news in Lab Notes and product offerings in New Products, brought to you

with every issue of Lab Advisor. To view theAugust issue and all previous issues go towww.visionmonday.com and click on the LabAdvisor icon.AdvisorLab

A Newsletter

AIT Offers Environmentally FriendlyPatternless Edger

Robertson Optical Eyecare Boot Camp attendees,(l to r) Jan Standard, Lauren Laico and Greg Grif-fith of Pelham Vision Center in Greer, S.C. exam-ining an Rx job with Chip Robertson, vice presi-dent of Robertson Optical of Greenville.

Gordon Johnson, OD of Blue Ridge Vision inGreer, S.C. takes notes at Robertson Optical’sEyecare Boot Camp.

0924_LAB.75 10/1/07 10:29 AM Page 75

Write a Letter.Make a Difference.Two out of every three children receive no vision assessment before starting

school. But you can help change that. The “Vision Care for Kids Act of 2007”–

legislation on Capitol Hill – can help children get the vision care they need. So do your

part to help. Visit www.2020advocacy.com to write a letter to your Congressman and

show your support for H.R. 507 and S. 1117.

VIS_0924_VCA_2020 9/11/07 4:06 PM Page 1

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

www.visionmonday.com VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 77CLASSIFIED

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Call 501.982.1100

AO Custom or Marco Combo Unit (3 arms)AO Phoroptor

B&L or Marco KeratometerBurton or Mentor Slit Lamp

AO or Marco Projector w/mount, slide & screen

Belrose Refracting Equip. Co.For The Finest Equipment “In-Sight”

3734 W Oakton St., Skokie, IL

LANE SPECIAL - $9,995.00

www.belroserefracting.com

www.opticalcloseouts.com

We’re Back and Better Than Ever!For the absolute best selection of excess frames andsunwear, do your “BOTTOM LINE” a favor and visit:www.opticalcloseouts.com

866-376-2757

Servicing lab equipmentEquipment in excellent condition

located in NYC.

• DTL-100 Generator• CNC Lens Maker Generator• Chopper and vacuums for Generators• 11 Gerber Acuity cylinder machines• 2 Gerber backside coaters• 2 turbo eclipse blockers• Full-extended range tool set• Kleenchill system with extra pump

Please call Jessie at 212-729-5336.

Business Opportunity

Offices for SaleDoctors office available next to a

well-established optical shop since1979, in McAllen, TX.

Fully equipped optical shop for sale,minus inventory, in Brownsville, TX.

Derekrgv@hotmail.com or phone 956/630-3999

Products &Services

SFG inc.CONSULTANTS TO THE

OPTICAL TRADE

SPECIALIZING IN PRODUCT AND SALES

STEVE GINTIS, DIRECTOR

1.267.251.4119STEVEGINTIS@YAHOO.COM

View Online

Classifiedsat

www.VisionMonday

.com

Extend yourreach and

get resultswhen youplace your classifiedad in print

and online.

Call Phil or Bonnie at

800983-7737

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854-3780

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Call Phil at 800-983-7737

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VM092407 9/11/07 2:42 PM Page 77

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

78 VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 www.visionmonday.com CLASSIFIED

Help Wanted

Sales Rep and Distributors Wanted

AOC – 3 New Lines, great qualityand price, is seeking

Sales Reps and Distributors.Fax to 888-828-3888Call 888-868-4188

Costa Del Mar,

babbott@costadelmar.com.

Costa Del Mar,the fastest growing Sunglass

Company in the U.S. is lookingfor qualified Independent

Optical Reps in the followingregions, West Coast, Midwest

and Southeast. We pay anaggressive commission

structure. Multi-line reps only.Please submit all resumes to

babbott@costadelmar.com.

GET IN ON THE FASTEST GROWING SEGMENT OF THE OPTICAL INDUSTRY.

Experienced Sales Representatives wanted for several western territoriesincluding Southern California, Northern California and Arizona

iCoat Company, the nation’s largest independent optical coating specialist, isseeking individuals with a successful track record of selling goods and servicesto the retail optical community. Potential representatives must possess self motivation, strong communication and interpersonal skills and have aminimum of 3 years of outside sales experience. ABO certification a plus.

iCoat Company offers very competitive compensation plans. If you areinterested in this excellent opportunity please forward your resume andsalary requirements to info@icoatcompany.com.

Well established frames importer is looking for dedicated, or non-competitive, multi-linesexperienced sales representative for the following territories:

GA, AL, TN, NORTH FLORIDA, OH, WV, VA, AZ, KY, MI, IL

Extensive overnight travel is a must.

Full company compensation package or attractive commission / bonus program.Collection of 300 models priced to customers from under $10.00 to mid. $30.00. Historyof excellent customer service, 4-5 new models every month. Our sales reps have 80%successful closing from the first presentation. Please send your resume and salary his-tory; fax 1-718- 937 -2825: e-mail Globalopti@aol.com.

Wholesale Lab RepRadius Optical Lab is expanding and is seeking sales reps for all areas.Candidate should have an established account following. We areoffering high long term earning potential with a high quality productto sell. Applications held in confidence.

E-mail to: perry@radiuslab.comor fax to: 877-774-2020

25-year-old company is looking for an

Independent Sales RepVery attractive sales commissions.

More than 2,000 products to sell

and to make money from.

Huge market and opportunities.

Fax your resume to: 954-583-8119

or e-mail it to: info@arnooptical.com

Sales Reps Wanted

eyeweartrends@gmail.com

Sales Reps Wanted

Rapidly expanding U.S. OpticalCompany is looking for qualifiedindependent Sales Representatives inthe following regions; West Coast,Southwest, Midwest and Southeast.Offering national brands with a veryaggressive commission structure.Multi-line reps only. Please submit allresumes and inquiries to:

eyeweartrends@gmail.com

Help Wanted

Shamir Insight Inc.

the USA sales, marketing and distribution center for Shamir’s Premium Occupational & Progressive lenses.

Account Executives wanted for the following territories:

• San Jose, CA • Montana • San Antonio, TX • Oklahoma

• Long Island & surrounding Burroughs

Proven experience in the optical lens industry requiredSII offers an excellent compensation package with benefits including 401K!

Fax resume to Joyce Hornaday 858-444-3844 or E-mail: jhornaday@shamirlens.com

Get results! Place your classified ad in print and online.

Call Phil or Bonnie at 800-983-7737

FAX: 610-854-3780

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ADVERTISE!Call Phil at 800-983-7737

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ADVERTISE!Call Phil at 800-983-7737

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VM092407 9/11/07 2:43 PM Page 78

www.visionmonday.com VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 79CLASSIFIED

ACCESSORIES

STORMIN’ NORMAN’S DISCOUNT OPTICSFull Service Optical Supplies,Accessories, Promotional Items & Private Label800-288-4512 • 561-995-2400 FAX: 561-995-9531

QUALITY ACCESSORIES, INC.Custom Imprinted Lens Cleaners &Cloths for Retail and Promo800-735-3937 • 219-922-8103FAX: 219-922-8124Web Site: www.qualityaccessories.com

Leading manufacture of customdesigned cases. Large stock of Hardand soft cases.Available for custom printing.800-291-8528 • FAX: 718-752-9858E-Mail: sales@Astucci.comWebsite: www.Astucci.comFor custom made cases:385 Fifth Ave. 15th FL.New York, NY 10016212-725-3171 • FAX: 212-725-3236Astucci Hong-KongFax: 852-2367-6123sales@astucci.com.hk

CASES

Leading manufacture of customdesigned cases. Large stock of Hardand soft cases.Available for custom printing.800-291-8528 • FAX: 718-752-9858E-Mail: sales@Astucci.comWebsite: www.Astucci.comFor custom made cases:385 Fifth Ave. 15th FL.New York, NY 10016212-725-3171 • FAX: 212-725-3236Astucci Hong-KongFax: 852-2367-6123sales@astucci.com.hk

One Stop Shopping for all your tinting,edging, surfacing, plano lenses, framerepair parts, tools and lens cleaners.

Toll Free: 888-339-6264 Order On-Line:

www.dynamiclabs.net

FRAMES

STORMIN’ NORMAN’S DISCOUNT OPTICSFull Service Optical Supplies,Accessories, Promotional Items & Private Label800-288-4512 • 561-995-2400 FAX: 561-995-9531

INSTRUMENTS

STORMIN’ NORMAN’S DISCOUNT OPTICSFull Service Optical Supplies,Accessories, Promotional Items & Private Label800-288-4512 • 561-995-2400 FAX: 561-995-9531

LENSES

Your global partner for high-quality lenses. We specialise in Polarized,SunSensors and clear lenses inPolycarbonate, Hard Resin and Hi Index.POLYCORE OPTICALSingaporeTel: 65-6747-6677Fax: 65-6744-3664E-mail: pos@polycore.comwww.polycore.comUSATel: 888-645-7788 Tel: 1-775-850-2050Fax: 1-775-850-2060E-mail: customerservice@polycore-usa.com

MANUFACTURERS

SUN DESIGNE LTD.is your OEM/Private label source forreading glasses, sunglasses, frames, andaccessories. Buy direct from the factory! Call Jack Taber(800) 322-6748 • FAX: (203) 758-2156www.sundesigne.com

MISCELLANEOUS

One Stop Shopping for all your tinting,edging, surfacing, plano lenses, framerepair parts, tools and lens cleaners.

Toll Free: 888-339-6264 Order On-Line:

www.dynamiclabs.net

MISCELLANEOUS

STORMIN’ NORMAN’S DISCOUNT OPTICSFull Service Optical Supplies,Accessories, Promotional Items & Private Label800-288-4512 • 561-995-2400 FAX: 561-995-9531

PACKAGING

Leading manufacture of customdesigned cases. Large stock of Hardand soft cases.Available for custom printing.800-291-8528 • FAX: 718-752-9858E-Mail: sales@Astucci.comWebsite: www.Astucci.comFor custom made cases:385 Fifth Ave. 15th FL.New York, NY 10016212-725-3171 • FAX: 212-725-3236Astucci Hong-KongFax: 852-2367-6123sales@astucci.com.hk

SUPPLIES

STORMIN’ NORMAN’S DISCOUNT OPTICSFull Service Optical Supplies,Accessories, Promotional Items & Private Label800-288-4512 • 561-995-2400 FAX: 561-995-9531

Leading manufacture of customdesigned cases. Large stock of Hardand soft cases.Available for custom printing.800-291-8528 • FAX: 718-752-9858E-Mail: sales@Astucci.comWebsite: www.Astucci.comFor custom made cases:385 Fifth Ave. 15th FL.New York, NY 10016212-725-3171 • FAX: 212-725-3236Astucci Hong-KongFax: 852-2367-6123sales@astucci.com.hk

One Stop Shopping for all your tinting,edging, surfacing, plano lenses, framerepair parts, tools and lens cleaners.

Toll Free: 888-339-6264 Order On-Line:

www.dynamiclabs.net

Advertising Information: (800) 983-7737 • Fax: (610) 854-3780VM WHERE TO FIND ITThe 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.

Need help?Want to inform clients

of your products or services?

Extend your reach andget results when you

place your classified ad in print and online.

Call Phil or Bonnie

800-983-7737

FAX: 610-854-3780

www.VisionMonday

.com

VM092407 9/11/07 2:50 PM Page 79

80 VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 www.visionmonday.com

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BUSINESS ESSENTIALS

Almost nothing can be more frustratingto a small business owner or manager

than the aggravationcaused by employeeturnover. High or lowemployee turnovercan be detrimental toyour company.

Employee turnovercan vary as a result of

the industry and location of your business.For instance, the food service industryand bank tellers typically experienceturnover of 100 percent to as much as 300percent. The stress of employee turnoveris much greater on smaller businessesthan larger corporations.

It is not uncommon for employeeturnover to cost 50 percent to 200 percentof an employee's annual salary. A moreaccurate method developed by Pricewa-terhouseCoopers Saratoga Institute usesthe cost of hiring and training new staff.Their formula is: Total employee turnovercost = Costs of hiring new employees +Costs of training new employees.

The cost to your business when hir-ing new employees includes the follow-

ing six factors plus 10 percent for suchitems as background screening: • Advertising • Bonus signing • Relocation pay • Time for interviewing • Travel expenses • Pre-employee assessments • Training materials • Technology • Employee benefit set up • Time for trainers

Tips for Reducing Turnover • Hire the Right Demographic: Is yourbusiness properly recruiting the rightdemographic? Match your companyprofile with your target hiring group. Ifyou cannot offer career advancement,then avoid hiring career-oriented staff.Consider hiring employees who are lessconcerned with advancement.• Understand Employee Motivation:Retaining staff requires learning what isimportant to your employees. Look tothe external motivators like recognitionand rewards. Remember the internalmotivators of purpose and passion.

• Read Between the Lines: The realcause of employee turnover usually willnot be found in your typical exit inter-view. Departing employees will providethe usual response of leaving for morepay or a better job. You’ll need toinquire for deeper meaning.

These three tips from Pricewaterhouse-Cooper to reduce turnover are a good startto understanding your employee lossissue. Be critical and always look inward.You may be the source of the turnover.Make certain your management style isthe way you would want to be managed.

The Price of Low EmployeeTurnoverYou are not immune to the costs of

employee turnover because your turnrate is low. Low turnover can be a badsign as well. Over 40 percent of dis-tressed businesses have very lowemployee turnover, according to a studyby Getzler & Company, Inc.

Employee turnover costs impactyour bottom line and the culture ofyour business.

“The organizations that achieve themost dramatic reductions in turnoverand maintain those lower levels areusually the ones where the top execu-tive or owner makes it a priority”according to F. Leigh Branham, authorof “Keeping the People Who KeepYou in Business: 24 Ways to Hang onto Your Most Valuable Talent.” ■■

Stopping the Revolving Door: Reducing Employee TurnoverIT’S YOUR BUSINESS

Don’t miss out on Vision Monday’s e-edition of BusinessEssentials providing monthly updates on day-to-daymanagement issues for optical ECPs and retailers.To subscribe to Business Essentials, go to www.vision-monday.com, click on the Business Essentials buttonand go to the Subscribe to Business Essentials option inthe newsletter. Current and past issues of BusinessEssentials are available by visiting the VM Web site atwww.visionmonday.com.

0924BIZ_80 10/1/07 10:31 AM Page 80

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cash you can use today. For inventory, for growth, for any reason at all. And it’s virtually risk free. Find out more today.

For more information, contact OptiCapital at 1-800-466-0404, visit www.opti-capital.comor stop by Booth# 10119 at Vision Expo West.

VIS_0910_OptiCapital 8/24/07 4:18 PM Page 1

If mergers and acqui-sitions in the opticalindustry run incycles—and theyseem to—this yearhas to be at the topof the curve.

As I write this, twogiant mergers/acqui-sitions are about toclose. The $3.7 bil-lion takeover of

Bausch & Lomb by Warburg Pincuswas scheduled to be voted on—andexpected to be approved—by B&L’sstockholders on Sept. 21. And anothermega-merger, Luxottica Group’s acqui-sition of Oakley in a $2.1 billion transac-tion, is on track to close next quarter.

Though these two are the largest,they’re by no means the only majoracquisitions of 2007. Among the others, 1-800 Contacts was recently bought byFenway Partners, and Alcon is working to

acquire German manufacturer Wave-Light. A number of other, smaller deals—many combining two industry playersinto one—have also taken place so far thisyear in the retail, supplier and laboratorysegments of the optical business.

Why this merger mania? For starters,because it’s generally a lot easier toacquire a going concern than to startone from scratch. The infrastructureand—in the case of retail and lab acqui-sitions—the physical facilities arealready in place, and it’s almost alwayscheaper to remodel than to build anew.On the manfacturer side, an acquisitionmay provide needed tooling and/or aquick way to broaden an existing prod-uct line.

The acquirer also has a ready-madetalent pool available in taking over theacquiree, and can pick and chooseamong executives of the acquired com-pany to strengthen its own managementteam (not always such a great deal for

employees of the taken-over company,but generally beneficial to the newowner).

One consequence of this latest acqui-sition fever is that it’s reduced the num-ber of public companies in optical. 1-800Contacts went private once its takeoverby Fenway was completed; so willB&L, when its deal with Warburg Pin-cus closes. And the Luxottica/Oakleytransaction will leave one public compa-ny where there once were two. Inrecent years, two major optical retail-ers—National Vision and U.S. Vision—also shifted from public to private enti-ties not too long after they wereacquired by Berkshire Partners andRefac Optical Group, respectively.

Which companies are the next acqui-sition candidates? Vision Expo is alwaysa good source for that kind of specula-tion…and sometimes the speculationeven turns out to be true. So keep yourear to the ground in Las Vegas.■■

Optical’s Merger ManiaEDITORIAL

Cathy Ciccolella Senior Editor

82 VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 www.visionmonday.com

V IS IO N MON DAY

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OPINION

Senior VP, Editorial Director Marge AxelradExecutive Editor Mary Kane

E-News Managing Editor Amy GrechSenior Editor Cathy Ciccolella

Group Editor, Lenses & Technology Andrew KarpAssociate Editor Deirdre CarrollDesign Director Phyllis Busell

Art Director Iris JohnsonContributing Editors

Jackie Micucci, Gloria Nicola, James J. Spina,Melissa Arkin, Christie Walker

Circulation Manager Renee OechsnerProduction Manager David Herman

VP Advertising Sales Dennis MurphyRegional Sales Managers

Amanda Churchill, James DeMatteis,Vincent Priore

International Sales OfficesYoung-Seoh Chinn, Korea, jesmedia@unitel.co.kr;

Sho Harihara, Japan, sho.ymi@fine.ocn.ne.jp;Mary Ng, Asia, mnjobson@netvigator.com;

Jochen Reinke, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Switzerland,Benelux, Scandinavia, Liechtenstein, jreinke@reinke-pr.de;

Asa Talbar, Israel, talbar@talbar.co.il;Cecilia Zanasi, Italy, France, Spain, United Kingdom,

Cecilia@studiozanasi.it.Director of Education and Training

Mark Mattision-ShupnickDirector of Marketing, Education and Training

Nancy NessCreative Director Monica Tettamanzi

Creative Services Designers Barbara Winters, Debbie Silva

Marketing Manager Christine YehMarketing Coordinator Jeff Haber

Jobson Optical Research Int’l Managing Director Gerry Fultz

VP/Optical Retail Group Publisher William D. Scott

VP/Marketing/Publisher 20/20Jim Vitkus

Senior VP/President Professional Publications GroupRichard Bay

VP/Publisher/FRAMESdataTom Lamond

VP/Operations/FRAMESdataJudith Michael

Chief Executive OfficerMarc Ferrara

VP/Human ResourcesLorraine Orlando

Corporate Production DirectorJohn Anthony Caggiano

VP/Circulation DirectorEmelda Barea

Senior VP/OperationsJeff Levitz

To order reprints of any articles or adsthat appeared in this issue contact

PARS International 212-221-9595 or jobson@parsintl.com

MAIN EDITORIAL & SALES OFFICES:100 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013-1678

(212) 274-7000; fax: (212) 431-0500e-mail: visionmonday@jobson.com

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2570 Boulevard of the Generals, Suite 220Norristown, PA 19403, (800) 983-7737;

Fax: (610) 854-3780, E-mail: info@valleyforgepress.comVVIISSIIOONN MMOONNDDAAYY (ISSN 1054-7665) is published monthly except for Marchand August, which have two issues, by Jobson Medical Information LLC, 100Avenue of the Americas, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10013. Periodicals postagepaid at NY, NY, and additional mailing office. PPoosstt--mmaasstteerr:: Send address changes to VVIISSIIOONN MMOONNDDAAYY,PO Box 2024, Skokie, IL 60076-7924. Subscrip-tions: One-year rates (US): 1 year, $79. Foreign (AirMail): to Canada/ Mexico, $225; all other coun-tries, $332. Two-year rates (US): $143; to Cana-da/Mexico, $359; all other countries, $584.Three-year rates (US): $201; to Canada/Mexico,$538; all other countries $906. Subscriptionspayable in US dollars. Payment must accompanyorder. To subscribe write: VVIISSIIOONN MMOONNDDAAYY, PO Box2024, Skokie, IL 60076-7924. For customer ser v-ice call: (877) 529-1746; Canada andinternational: (847) 763-9630. Allow 4–6 weeksfor subscription to begin. Canadian internationalpublication permit #0427705.

© 2007 Jobson Medical Information LLC,100 Ave. of the Americas,NY,NY 10013-1678. Reproduction without express written consent ofthe Publisher is prohibited. Jobson Medical InformationLLC publishes VVIISSIIOONN MMOONNDDAAYY and VViissiioonn MMoonnddaayy SShhooww DDaaiillyy.Notice: Jobson Medical Information LLC does not accept responsibility forthe advertising content of the magazine nor for any claims, actions or loss-es arising therefrom. Products and services advertised in this publicationare not endorsed by, or in any way connected with, Jobson Medical Infor-mation LLC. We make every effort to report manufacturers’ news accu-rately, but we do not assume responsibility for the validity of news claims.EyesWay content is developed, sourced and reported by the editors ofEyesWay, the international news portal. Vision Monday provides that con-tent to its subscribers as part of an exclusive news exchange agreement.

Monday

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

With InternationalVision Expo West rightaround the corner, it’shard not to take noteof the excitement andbuzz in the opticalindustry. For eyecareprofessionals attendingthe show, it’s a time totake continuing educa-

tion courses, purchase products and net-work with peers. In today’s competitivemarketplace, it’s increasingly important foreyecare professionals to become savvybusiness professionals in order to effective-ly grow their practices.

At the Vision Council of America(VCA), we are in a unique position toaddress the needs of eyecare profession-als when it comes to building their busi-

nesses. As a non-profit organization onthe supply side of the optical communi-ty, VCA and its members – frame, lens,low vision, coating, accessory companiesand more – can provide eyecare profes-sionals with resources and services toimprove and increase their businesses.

VCA co-owns the InternationalVision Expo shows with Reed Exhibi-tions, the industry’s premier forum forlearning and staying in tune with theoptical community. At the shows,many of VCA’s divisions sponsor con-tinuing education courses, such as the“Frame Buyer’s Certification Pro-gram” and “Magnify Your Future”presented at this upcoming Interna-tional Vision Expo West. Eyecare pro-fessionals attending these courseslearn new and innovative skills and

techniques to get the most out of theirpractices.

To benefit the entire industry, VCAtakes funds from International VisionExpo and puts them right back into thecommunity through consumer outreach,education programs, legislative efforts,industry standards and forums.

Perhaps most familiar in the opticalcommunity is our Check Yearly. SeeClearly. campaign which educates con-sumers about the importance of visioncare. By conducting these outreach pro-grams, VCA is able to educate con-sumers and encourage them to visittheir eye doctor. VCA also works withthe media to educate consumers aboutthe exciting fashion and technologytrends in eyewear and sunwear.

VCA strongly believes that workingtogether is the key to success. We haveworked with every major organization inour industry to advocate better visioncare and to ensure that it is available toeveryone. Our vision is to be the leadingvoice for enhancing life through bettervision and to help people see and beseen.

We’re looking forward to a great Inter-national Vision Expo West and hope tosee you there.Ed Greene is CEO of the Vision Council ofAmerica.

VCA Programs Help Grow ECP Practices

Ed Greene

Send Your Letters to VMVViissiioonn MMoonnddaayy wants to hear our readers' opinions on issues that affect today's eyewear/eye-care business. We welcome comments about our coverage of the optical industry as well.

Just send VVMM an email message to vmletters@jobson.com. If you prefer to use traditional mail,send let-ters to Editor, VViissiioonn MMoonnddaayy, 100 Avenue of the Americas,New York,NY 10013. Please include address,phone number,and affiliation. Anonymous letters will not be published. Got more to say? If you'd like to writea column on a subject you're close to and passionate about, VViissiioonn MMoonnddaayy welcomes your submissions.Please submit a proposal for your column to Mary Kane,Executive Editor of VViissiioonn MMoonnddaayy at mkane@job-son.com,or by traditional mail at the address above. Please include a 50-word description of your proposedcolumn,your business/professional affiliation,phone number and address. Our format requires a minimumsubmission of 400 words,and VViissiioonn MMoonnddaayy reserves the right to edit submissions for publication. Whensending photos for publication, please send JPGs that are 4 inches wide, at 300 dpi.

VM_0924_OPINION_82 10/1/07 10:31 AM Page 82

REGISTRATION BEGINS NOVEMBER 1

VIS_0924_SECO 9/13/07 11:47 AM Page 1

84 VISION MONDAY/SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 www.visionmonday.com

DATA POINT

Total 45-54 Yrs

19.6%

24.7%

20.9%

23.9%21.2%

22.7%21.9%

Male Female 18-34 Yrs 35-44 Yrs 55 yrs +

The 45 to 55 year old age group leads AR lens purchasers. In the12 months ending June ‘07, 21.9% of total lenses sold were soldwith AR. Of all lenses sold to 45 to 54 year olds in the 12 monthsending June ‘07, almost a quarter (24.7%) were sold with AR. Of alllenses sold to 18 to 34 year olds, 23.9% were sold with AR. Of alllenses sold to males in the 12 months ending June ‘07, 22.7% wereAR lenses, and of all lenses sold to females in the 12 months end-ing June ‘07, 21.2% were sold with AR.

AR Lens PurchasersBy Gender and Age Group

Source: VisionWatch, a study conducted by Jobson/VCA Total Annual VisionWatch Sample Size: 100,000 consumer respondents per year

Lenses data is for the 12ME (months ending) June 2007.

23% 26%Percent of photochromic lenses

sold with AR.

7%Percent who said they are ‘very

likely’ to buy a new pair of readersin the next 6 months.

43%Of those who have had vision

correction surgery, percent whosaid that 3 months after the

surgery they felt ‘relieved that theireyesight was OK.’

Source: VisionWatch, a study conducted by Jobson/VCATotal Annual VisionWatch Sample Size: 100,000 consumer respondents per year (US Adults 18+)

* All data is for the 12 ME (months ending) June 2007. Refractive Surgery data is for the 6MEJune 2007.

SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn.—Inpre-tax operating results for the fis-cal quarter ended July 31, 2007,Gerber Scientific (NYSE:GRB)reported operating income of $4.4million on revenue of $153.7 mil-lion. This compared with operat-ing income of $4.4 million on rev-enue of $137.5 million for the firstquarter of fiscal 2007. Foreign cur-rency translation had the effect ofincreasing revenue by approxi-mately $6.2 million for the fiscal2008 first quarter over the fiscal2007 comparable period. Includedin the company’s operating incomefor the fiscal quarter ended July 31,

2007 were incremental pre-tax sev-erance related costs of $0.8 millionas compared with the same periodin fiscal 2007.

Gerber Scientific reportedincome before income taxes forthe fiscal quarter ended July 31,2007 of $4.1 million, comparedwith $3.4 million for the firstquarter of fiscal 2007. The com-pany’s income before incometaxes for the first quarter of fis-cal 2008 included incrementalpre-tax severance related costsof $0.8 million as referred toabove and a non-operating gainof $1.0 million from the sale of a

product line within the GerberCoburn ophthalmic lens pro-cessing segment.

The company generated cashflow from operations, less capi-tal expenditures, for the firstquarter of fiscal 2008 of $3.4million as compared with a useof cash of $10.1 million in theprior year comparable period.

Gerber Scientific presidentand chief executive officer,Marc T. Giles noted that oper-ating margin as a percentage ofrevenue improved to 3.4 per-cent from 3.2 percent in thefirst quarter of fiscal 2007. ■■

Gerber Scientific, Inc. AnnouncesQ1 ’08 Fiscal Pre-Tax Results

PLEASANTON, Calif.—Operating income for Cooper-Vision, the contact lens divisionof The Cooper Companies(NYSE: COO), fell 16 percentto $27.8 million in the compa-ny’s third quarter ended July31, despite an increase in rev-enues in the period. In Q3,CooperVision’s revenuesreached $212 million, a 9 per-cent increase (up 7 percent atconstant currency rates).

During the quarter, rev-enues from CooperVision’score products rose 15 percent;within that category, specialtyCLs had a 9 percent increase.Disposable CLs also sawsales climb 9 percent, while

sales of multifocal CLsincreased by 24 percent. Salesin the Americas region roseby 2 percent, and sales inEurope by 4 percent; sales inthe Asia-Pacific region wereup 33 percent in Q3.

In July, CooperVision com-pleted the consolidation of itsU.S. distribution center into asingle facility; the company alsoopened an office in Shanghai.

In the nine months endedJuly 31, CooperVision’s rev-enues rose 6 percent to $583.8million; operating income inthe period was $63.3 million,down 39 percent.

The Cooper Companies nowprojects CooperVision’s total

revenues for the full fiscal year2007 at from $790 million to$810 million; previously esti-mates were for full-year rev-enues of from $780 million to$810 million.

Product plans for FY 2008include the rollout of Cooper-Vision’s Proclear 1 Day CL inEurope in the first quarter andin Japan in calendar 2008 orearly calendar 2009, dependingon local regulatory approval.The company also plans tointroduce an improved siliconehydrogel spherical CL with atwo-week wearing cycle in theU.S. and Europe in the secondhalf of ’08, and a silicone hydro-gel toric lens in late ’08. ■■

CooperVision Sees OperatingIncome Slide in Third Quarter

1-866-393-3374 email: info@colorsinopticsusa.com

BY THE NUMBERS The latest figures

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BALANCE SHEET

Percent of eyeglass frames thatwere sold to 18 to 34 year olds.

VM_0924_BALANCE 10/1/07 10:30 AM Page 84

VIS_0910_OptimateFull 8/24/07 3:48 PM Page 1

VIS_0924_RevolutionFull 9/17/07 9:54 AM Page 1