news

Hot List: September 2008

by Tara Rosenzweig

1 School Gaze

Good vision is critical for students to perform such classroom tasks such as reading a blackboard and viewing a computer screen. Unfortunately, many children don't get the vision help they need. Here are several statistics from the American Optometric Association's 2008 American Eye-Q® survey:

■ 87 percent of Americans are unaware that one in four students has an undetected vision problem.

■ 39 percent of parents don't realize that behavioral problems can be an indication that a child's vision is impaired.

■ 57 percent of children did not receive their first eye exam until age five or older. The AOA recommends children receive comprehensive eye exams at six months, three years, and when the child enters school.

2 BACK-TO-SCHOOL SPENDING

One-fifth of parents nationwide have set aside a portion of their stimulus check for back-to-school purchases, according to the National Retail Federation's 2008 Back to School Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey. Among the findings:

$594.24: The amount the average family with school-aged children will spend on back-to-school purchases, compared to $563.49 last year.

$20.1 billion: The total amount that back-to-school spending for kindergarten through 12th grade is estimated to reach this year.

VSP Vision Care Acquires Marchon

VSP, the nation's largest eyecare benefits provider with 55 million members, has acquired Marchon Eyewear, one of the industry's largest eyewear manufacturers and distributors, for $735 million funded in a combination of cash and debt.

Under the terms of the agreement, Marchon will become a wholly owned subsidiary of VSP. Al Berg, Marchon president and CEO, and Larry Roth, executive VP of Marchon, along with the Marchon global team, will continue in their current roles. Marchon will operate from its New York-based headquarters as an independent entity within the VSP organization. Altair Eyewear, the VSP-owned eyewear company, will become a division of Marchon and remain in its Rancho Cordova, Calif., headquarters.

VSP will also acquire Marchon's 50 percent ownership interest in Eye Designs, a designer of optical custom interiors and merchandising systems; and Eyefinity and Officemate are expected to develop synergies.

The leaders of Marchon, Al Berg, and VSP, Rob Lynch, spoke exclusively with Eyecare Business about the direction for the newly merged companies—and the optical industry. Overall, the maneuver fit both companies' aim to expand and succeed in an industry that seems to contract on a regular basis as a result of acquisitions.

"I think independently VSP and Marchon were looking at a changing industry. We have been considering what would be the right long-term strategy for Marchon, our employees, our brands, and the industry. We thought of a few key players and VSP is certainly a significant part of our industry," Berg states.

While VSP has access to a significant portion of the nation's eyes, the firm felt it was time to expand its role vertically in the optical industry. "We have been in the eyewear business for 15 years, and the lab business, and the eyecare business, too. But about 18 months ago we decided we had to be more relevant," Lynch notes.

Currently, VSP does business nearly exclusively in the U.S., with the exception of providing benefits and administration to U.S.-based multi-national firms. Because Marchon was a U.S.-based company with a strong international network, the pairing seemed ideal. "It was a two-for-one win," Lynch says. "Marchon is already a global company and doing business in the places we are interested in going."

Lynch notes that VSP is planning on expanding its services into Canada through the end of the year and is actively looking at the U.K., Asia, and China markets for future expansion. In fact, the acquisition puts both companies in a position to expand globally.

Berg noted that not only can Marchon help VSP find distributors on the ground internationally, but VSP can also help Marchon compete against the larger European frame conglomerates. "As VSP lines up the companies internationally, Marchon is in a position to help them because their current distributors are companies appropriate to be the delivery systems," Berg says.

He adds, "Our contemporaries are more sizeable, but now Marchon will have more additional resources to compete as a global player. There's been a consolidation in the wholesale side with brands going to fewer players. This extends our reach even further."

Within the United States, Lynch and Berg emphasized that the merger would help maintain options for optical professionals. "This gives us the ability to build integrated platforms, ensuring there is choice in the marketplace," Lynch says.

"We want the 3 Os to understand that they are important to Marchon. In the USA, our goal is not to own retail. Our growth is built on customers because they are our optical retailers. Their success is our success," Marchon's Berg notes.

License LINEUP

Eyewear Designs Ltd. announced the signing of a multi-year license agreement for the worldwide distribution of Apple Bottoms Eyewear, with the collection launching this month. Apple Bottoms is described as a women's urban/contemporary eyewear collection. The initial collection will include nine ophthalmic styles.

The Marcolin Group announced the signing of an exclusive license agreement for the production and worldwide distribution of John Galliano sunglasses and ophthalmic frames for men and women. The license agreement is for five years, renewable for another two years. The first John Galliano Eyewear collection will launch in fall 2009.

Logo of the Americas has launched the new Adventure Vision division. The first product line for the new division is the Range Rover Eyewear collection, which will be sold exclusively at authorized retailers nationwide. Logo of the Americas also produces TAG Heuer Eyewear and Fred Lunettes Eyewear under license to its Premier Vision division.

Signature Eyewear has renewed its Nicole Miller Eyewear collection license through March 2012. Signature Eyewear originally signed the license in 1997. Signature produces two collections under the Nicole Miller license: Nicole Miller New York and the Nicole Miller Luxe Collection.

LBI Eyewear has entered into a multi-territorial licensing agreement with DreamWorks Animation, SKG, Inc., to produce Shrek eyewear and accessories. Two new ophthalmic collections are being developed: Shrek Eyewear is described as a durable, well-fitting, comfortable, and high quality children's optical frame line; and Shrek and Friends, which LBI calls a more couture line, will include frames inspired by Shrek, Princess Fiona, Donkey, and other favorite characters. Both collections will be unveiled at International Vision Expo West and will be available by the end of the year.

On the TOWN

Ilori recently recently hosted a Thakoon S/S Sunglass Collection Cocktail Party at ILORI SoHo. Among those in attendance where Thakoon, Filipa Fino, Jessica Joffe, Meredith Melling-Burke, and others (corresponding images shown top to bottom).

This summer, in celebration of their launch, L'Amy's Theory sunglasses were taken to the streets of New York City where they were "fitted and feted by chic denizens citywide." Passersby were interviewed on their fashion styles and assisted with the selection of Theory sunglasses.

Luxottica's Vogue Eyewear was featured on the runway at the launch of Tibi swimwear during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in July. Tibi owner and creative director, Amy Smilovic, chose to work exclusively with Vogue Eyewear for the event because of its fashion-forward, feminine, and chic look, according to Vogue Eyewear representatives.

More than 40 eyecare professionals from the Carolina region gathered for the Williams Group and Transitions Academy for Eyecare Practices' "Rx for a Healthy Practice" event, held at the Ballantyne Resort in Charlotte, N.C. Consultants from the Williams Group and educators from Transitions Optical, Inc., provided an interactive learning experience for eyecare professionals.

Transitions Optical held an event in Paramus, N.J., to announce its four-year official marketing partnership with the PGA TOUR, and its designation as the official eyewear of the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour, and Nationwide Tour. They also introduced its "Improve Your Vision, Improve Your Game" consumer education program.

Slugfest Highlights Efficiencies

The Satisloh users group met at the second Slugfest on June 19 through 21, hosted at the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee and Satisloh headquarters by the Swiss firm. The agenda included topics concerning transforming labs into Rx manufacturing facilities and moving lab operations into the future. Keynote speaker Jim Carroll, a leading international futurist, addressed how to effectively compete with low-cost offshore manufacturing. A panel of lab experts discussed the opportunities and challenges of automation. Lab management, machining, and technology education included hands-on operations, and attendees also enjoyed "fun breaks" to the Potawatomi Bingo Casino, golf, and Lake Michigan fishing. Photos (below, l to r): Satisloh CEO Beat Siegrist shares his passion for innovation with Slugfest attendees; Satisloh lab and manufacturer partners discuss automation pros and cons; Satisloh president Larry Clarke introduces new lab systems to Slugfest attendees; Satisloh users attend education on the latest and greatest processing technology.

Vision Expo Goes to Vegas

International Vision Expo West will take place from October 3 to October 5 at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas. Conferences will run from October 2 to October 6.

This year's International Vision Expo West will feature more than 500 exhibiting companies. In addition, this year's show will include:

■ Continuing education programs covering topics ranging from patient and client management to technology advances, including "Free CE Monday," with eight hours of free education.

■ Dedicated pavilions for low vision, lenses and processing technology, medical and scientific, new exhibitors, The Suites (for high-fashion couture designers), and The Galleria (for cutting-edge eyewear designs).

■ Hourly prizes on "Super Sunday," with chances to win a Toyota Prius, Super Bowl tickets, and a trip to Cabo San Lucas.

■ A one-day Leadership Academy for all levels of management.

Lafont announces passing

Lafont has announced the passing of Laurence Lafont after a brief illness. The designer began developing collections for the firm in 1972 when she married Philippe Lafont. The pair, known collectively as "The Lafonts," worked together for their entire marriage, with Philippe focusing on strategy and Laurence focusing on design. Through the years, her work celebrated Parisian elegance and discreet luxury together with technical knowledge and high-quality materials.

Their first large collection was launched in the mid-1980s. In mid-1990s, Thomas, their oldest son, joined Lafont to help with the design of the men's collection as well as the Lafont boutiques windows and trade show booths.

In 2005, their second son, Matthieu, joined them to work on the marketing and communication.

The structure and operations of the Paris-based firm are expected to remain unchanged and continue along the path Laurence Lafont set in terms of creativity and quality, company representatives note.

CZV and First Insight Integrate i. Terminal

Carl Zeiss Vision and First Insight Corporation have announced that the i. Terminal dispensary system by Zeiss now interfaces with First Insight's maximEyes paperless practice management and electronic medical records software.

i. Terminal automatically takes all lens fitting measurements to an accuracy of 0.1mm, including measurements required for advanced customized lenses. The integration of i. Terminal with maximEyes allows fitting measurement data to be transferred automatically into the patient's electronic medical record, reducing the amount of manual data entry, streamlining the lens ordering process, and increasing dispensary throughput.

MIKE DALEY Retires from Essilor

Industry veteran Mike Daley, Essilor of America's Lens Group president, has retired from the company. He began his career with Essilor in 1976 as a sales consultant for the Varilux Corporation. Over the following 13 years, his responsibilities increased to include marketing, technical services, laboratory operations, sales, and ultimately resulted in his promotion to president of Varilux Corporation in 1989. In 1996 he was appointed president and COO of Essilor's U.S. Lens Division, which became known as Essilor Lenses after the merger of the Varilux and Silor commercial distribution networks. "I would like to thank Mike for his considerable contributions to making Varilux the most prescribed progressive lens in the U.S.," said John Carrier, president of Essilor of America. "He should be proud of his role in making the Varilux, Crizal, and Transitions brands, as well as polycarbonate and high-index, Thin&Lite materials, the leaders with ECPs." Don't miss our one-on-one interview with Mike Daley in EB's October issue.

Shamir Takes Canada

Shamir Insight, Inc., has broadened its North American reach with the addition of three Canadian partnerships, including 10 laboratories. KW Optical, Perspectives, and Pioneer Optical now offer Shamir's range of single-vision and progressive FreeForm lifestyle lens designs.

"Based upon the excellent response to our specialized product in the U.S. market, we have decided to provide direct access to the Canadian market as well, assuming that the similar demographics will create an equally positive response," notes Raanan Naftalovitch, Shamir Insight's CEO.

WEB WORLD

Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., has launched its new professional website, www.jnjvisioncare.com.

The comprehensive, easy-to-navigate site is designed to provide doctors and staff with resources and tools to advance both patient and practice health. Among the site's new features are:

• A video library for both doctors and staff, including updated visuals and animation and webinars covering the latest contact lens news and research.

• Access to clinical data and third-party studies, including fitting children in contacts.

• Online tools and practice resources such as ACUMINDER™, a complimentary online service designed to improve contact lens compliance and eye health; and CLICK TO BE CONTACTED™, a complimentary online service designed to facilitate appointment scheduling for new contact lens patients.

Safilo USA has relaunched its business-to-business website, www.mySafilo.com. The site replaces Safilo's previous B-to-B site, www.Safilonet.com, which had been unveiled as a sneak peak to customers at Vision Expo East while in test mode.

The new site offers Safilo's optical market customers one-stop ordering for Safilo's portfolio of brands, and customer service upgrades have been implemented. The site allows customers to call up only the eyewear collections that they carry, as well as access their complete order history, back-order status, and the account's local sales representatives' contact information.

This website serves as the "go-to" site for all brand information, helping to keep customers up-to-date on brand positioning, fashion trends, dispensing/fitting techniques, product improvements, and new technologies. In addition, a new educational module for continuing education credits is available at no charge to Safilo customers.

VSP® Vision Care launched a new community website, vsp.com/community. The site details VSP's charitable programs, including Sight for StudentsSM and the VSP Mobile Eyes® program, which provides charitable eyecare to underserved populations and provides disaster relief.

The new website also features a community calendar, information regarding VSP's national strategic partnership with the American Diabetes Association, and VSP's Eyecare Discovery Center.

The Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO®) released its first online newsletter. JCAHPO's Eye Lights e-newsletter is one of several web-based initiatives taken as the organization expands internationally. The transition allows JCAHPO to provide a growing global, online audience with quality continuing education and certification resources, while reducing environmental impact. Visit www.jcahpo.org to view the latest issue of JCAHPO's Eye Lights, or for more information on careers.