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PEOPLE

Optical industry veteran Tom Goeltz is expanding his duties within The Vision Council. Since 2006, Goeltz has served as the Vision Protection Committee liaison. In his expanded role, Goeltz will also be meeting with members and prospective members to further educate companies on the many programs and services offered by The Vision Council. To contact Goeltz with any questions on The Vision Council's programs, call 804-639-7579 or email tjgoeltz@verizon.net. San Antonio-based Eye Care Centers of America, Inc. (ECCA), a wholly owned subsidiary of HVHC Inc., has appointed Jim Eisen president of ECCA, and Dr. Jeff Smith executive vice president and chief medical officer, a newly created position at HVHC. Eisen joined ECCA in June 2008 as executive vice president of stores and became chief operating officer in October 2008. In his role, Smith is responsible for the development of strategic goals, objectives, and plans for HVHC that directly impact clinical quality, patient care, quality management, and relationships with doctors of optometry. Prevent Blindness America announced the election of James E. Anderson, as chair of its board of directors. He is currently a principal at Howe, Anderson, & Steyer, PC, in Washington, D.C. David Pierson, president and CEO of Refac Optical Group, and George Neal, division vice president, global sales at Abbott Medical Optics (AMO), were also elected to the board of directors at the Prevent Blindness America 2009 annual meeting in Chicago.

Tom Goeltz, The Vision Council Jim Eisen (top) and Dr. Jeff Smith, Eye Care Centers of America James E. Anderson, Prevent Blindness America

AWARDS

SynergEyes, Inc., the high Dk hybrid contact lens manufacturer, was named winner of CONNECT's ^y 22nd annual Most Innovative i New Product (MIP) Award for NNERyy 2009. SynergEyes won the award in the medical products category for ClearKone, its patent-pending advanced hybrid contact lens designed for keratoconus patients.

The MIP Award finalists were selected from approximately 100 entries representing a broad range of companies within eight categories. CONNECT, an organization dedicated to innovative technology and life science businesses, announced the winners at the group's awards event, attended by executives, entrepreneur service providers, and academics.

Lindberg's new model from its Strip line won an iF Product Design Award

The International Design Forum has awarded Lindberg's new Lindberg Strip line the German iF Product Design Award in the “Lifestyle” category. This is the 46th design award in the history of Lindberg, an Aarhus company. Additionally, Mykita's Dries model from Collection No. 2 won a Produc Design award as well. Established in 1953, the iF Design Awards recognize outstanding designs in products and services.

The Kenmark Group, provider of eyecare products and services, has honored its top territory managers at its awards dinner held Las Vegas. Territory Manager of the Year was awarded to Pat Gantt for her dedication to Kenmark and performance in sales throughout the year. The Rookie of the Year was awarded to Danielle Lundquist for an outstanding first year at Kenmark. The Consistent Exceptional Performance was awarded to John Mancine for his on-going dedication to Kenmark and strong performance in sales throughout the year. The Pioneer Award was given to Loreen Armaolea for opening the most new accounts. The company's Rising Star Award went to Brenda McMinn for increasing sales and opening new doors within her first two years at Kenmark. A Legend Award was presented to Howard Galkin for his 35-plus years of service at Kenmark.

Pat Gantt, Kenmark Group's Territory Manager of the Year for 2009

BUSINESS UPDATES

The Commission on Paraoptometric Certification (CPC) recently teamed up with Health Professions Network (HPN), a nationwide, collaborative group of organizations representing leading health profession associations, accrediting agencies, and educational institutions. Part of HPN's mission is to represent specialized health care professionals in areas of workforce development. By becoming a part of this network, CPC will be able to continue educating doctors, staff, and the public about the benefits of working with an educated, certified optometric staff.

Recipients of the environmentally conscious iCoat's holiday greeting got some green with their card—in the form of wildflower seed. The seeds are embedded throughout the biodegradable card, which can be planted directly into the ground.

CIBA Vision Academy for Eyecare Excellence, which provides free online programs for clinical and business education for ECPs, has expanded its reach with new online learning modules and an app for iPhone users. Eleven online learning modules cover topics ranging from ocular anatomy to multi-focal contact lens fitting, with each module taking around 40 minutes to complete. The new iPhone app offers a no-cost download that users can access for Academy of Excellence tools and education direct from their iPhones. Visit the academy website at www.cibavisionacademy.com

Charmant Group and Espirit eyewear just celebrated the 15th anniversary of their licensing partnership

iCoat's holiday greeting was a plantable, biodegradeble card embedded with wildflower seeds

ANNIVERSARIES

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the licensing partnership between Charmant Group, a global eyewear company, and Esprit, an international lifestyle brand encompassing apparel, shoes, and accessories for men, women, and youths.

The Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The FAAO financially supports and implements programs that advance ophthalmic education and patient care.