WHAT'S NEW
FYI
By Kim Aubrey-Larcinese

Johann van Zyl, Younger Optics
Kenmark Group's Steve Geiger

PEOPLE

George Minno, PhD, is now the global head of lens care research and development at CIBA Vision. He is responsible for continuing CIBA's focus on lens care solutions to meet customer needs. He previously worked with CIBA and Novartis Ophthalmics in technical and marketing positions and with Bausch & Lomb and Alcon Labor-atories.

Johann van Zyl has been named national sales manager for Younger Optics, where his focus will be on growing business with the wholesale laboratory segment. A native of South Africa, van Zyl began his career at Torga Optical and then moved to Standard Vision.

The Kenmark Group recently promoted Steve Geiger to CFO. Prior to this promotion, Geiger was controller and accounting manager. He is now responsible for overseeing accounts receivable and accounts payable, as well as all financial reporting, cash and bank management, and external and internal audits.

Signature Eyewear's top sales reps visit Sedona, Ariz.

AWARDS

The American Optometric Association's Paraoptometic Section recently honored two members. Senior Master Sergeant Lynn E. Lawrence, CPOT, an optometric technician with the United States Air Force at Hurlburt Field in Navarre, Fla., was named 2005 AOA Paraoptometric of the Year. The group's Community Service Award was given to Peggy Welch, CPOA, ABOC, of Halifax, Pa. Welch coordinates kindergarten vision screenings and assists the Lions Club with vision exams in her community.

The founder of Sunglass Hut International, Sanford Ziff, was awarded Florida International University's first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award. Ziff opened the first Sunglass Hut location in 1971. When he sold his majority interest in 1987, it had expanded to 100 stores.

Signature Eyewear recently treated 30 of its top sales representatives and their spouses to a relaxing four-day vacation in Sedona, Ariz., with reps coming from across the country and as far away as Belgium. 

INDUSTRY UPDATES

Legends Optical 4.0, the latest independent lab founded by Bill Bendict and family, has integrated maximEyes practice management software by First Insight 6.0.

International leaders of vision associations have come together to form the World Wide Vision Coalition (WWVC). The coalition was founded to strengthen relationships and grow markets across borders. Eleven countries were represented at the first WWVC meeting, held in May during MIDO. The next meeting will be held this fall at the Hong Kong Optical Fair.

An optical industry Internet portal and a lens manufacturer recently announced their new partnership. Eyefinity.com will be featuring Vision-Ease polycarbonate and glass lenses. The agreement will offer Vision-Ease products and programs to Eyefinity's 20,000 ECPs.

Over 110 attendees representing nearly 30 countries were present at the NIDEK Summit this year

The 9th Annual Worldwide Summit Meeting of NIDEK was recently held in Milan. More than 110 attendees representing nearly 30 countries were present. Gerard Santinelli, president and CEO of Santinelli Intern-ational, again served as co-chairman of the meeting.

SAVE THE DATE

(Oct. 20 to 23, 2005 National Opticians' Convention, Hyatt Regency, New Orleans. Several continuing education tracks, as well as management seminars and industry exhibits, will be on tap in the Big Easy. Visit www.oaa.org or call 800-433-8997.