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Hot List: September 2010

1 NO VACANCY

Good news for dispensaries housed in malls. "Developers Rethink the Mall for the 21st Century," an article posted on RetailTrafficMag.com, reports that "regional malls emerged from the downturn in relatively good shape." Additionally:

"In the first quarter of 2010, regional malls posted an average vacancy rate of 6 percent, 130 basis points below the vacancy rate for specialty centers and 170 basis points below the vacancy rate for U.S. retail space overall, according to a report from the CoStar Group, a Bethesda, Md.–based research firm."

2 Price Primer

According to MarketingTeacher.com, the pricing strategy matrix includes four types of pricing methods:

Economy: No-frills, low price, with marketing and manufacturing costs kept to a minimum

Penetration: Price set artificially low to gain market share

Premium: High price substantiated by the uniqueness of a product

Skimming: High price due to competitive advantage; price will fall due to increased supply from the increased competitors

4 The Time is NOW

In his blog entry, "Why you need to get started now," Matt Heinz of HeinzMarketing.com advises that it's not too early ask what's ahead for 2011 in terms of your business planning:

"The answer is probably a shift, acceleration, or full change to your current strategy. Not just sales and marketing, but overall go-to-market. New products, new markets, new partnerships. Some of these may require new people, new processes, shifts in how you do business today."

Parties and Events
Planned for Vision Expo West

A variety of parties and networking events round out the offerings at International Vision Expo West in Las Vegas. The Prevent Blindness America's Swing Fore Sight golf tournament starts things off at 6 a.m. on Oct. 6 at the Bali Hai Golf Club. That afternoon, The Optical Women's Association (OWA)'s "Panel Discussion: Women Leaders of the Optical Industry," runs from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Later, the Optical Laboratories Association (OLA)—which is co-locating with VEW this year—will host its Hall of Fame Honorees and Directors' Choice Banquet from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The day wraps up with the first VEW opening night party, from 9 to 11 p.m., at Blush nightclub at the Wynn.

On Oct. 7, Doctoberfest runs from 5 to 6 p.m. on the show floor, and VEW attendees will get complimentary admission to Tao Asian Bistro and Lavo Italian Restaurant and Nightclub, both at The Venetian.

The National EYEPA Coalition Reception is set for 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 8, the OWA's Networking Reception and Raffle is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in The Venetian meeting rooms, and Club Marchon from Marchon Eyewear runs 9 p.m. to midnight at the Flamingo.

Carl Zeiss
AG Acquires Majority Stake in CZV

Carl Zeiss AG has acquired a majority stake in Carl Zeiss Vision, the company it jointly owns with the private equity firm EQT.

The required two-thirds majority of creditors approved the corporate financing restructuring proposal of Carl Zeiss Vision and its two owners, according Carl Zeiss Vision representatives. Under the agreement, Carl Zeiss AG will inject equity into the company, which includes the purchase of current loans by Carl Zeiss AG and their conversion into equity.

Meanwhile, executive changes are underway. Effective October 1, 2010, Joe Donahoe, current president of sales in the Americas for Carl Zeiss Meditec, has been appointed president of Carl Zeiss Vision North America, and Australia/New Zealand. Donahoe will oversee all commercial activities and customer relationships in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Fred Howard, Carl Zeiss Vision's president of the Americas, is leaving the company to pursue other professional opportunities.

Additionally, the company will be expanding customer service and management capabilities in Latin America. Sergio Maranho, CZV's vice president for Latin America since 2008, will be the new president responsible for commercial business and Rx activities in Mexico, Central America, the Northern Cone, Southern Cone, and Brazil.

Optometrist Killed in Afghanistan

Ten members of an International Assistance Mission (IAM) eyecare team, including American optometrist, Tom Little, OD, from Delmar, N.Y., were killed by gunmen in Afghanistan on Aug. 5. Little had been providing eyecare to underserved areas of Afghanistan for 30 years, according to Dirk Frans, executive director of the IAM, a non-profit Christian organization that provides humanitarian aid in Afghanistan. The aid workers, members of an eye camp working in Nuristan, had been traveling to the Afghan capital of Kabul and were found in Badakhshan. Little and seven others were shot, and two were killed by grenades, according to IAM spokesperson Warrick Gilbert.

Vision Events at the Special Olympics

When the 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games were held in Lincoln, Neb., this summer, more than 3,000 athletes and 8,000 volunteers joined in. Among the volunteers were 71 optometrists and 43 ophthalmologists who participated in the Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes, which addresses the eye health and vision needs of the athletes.

Over the past 10 years, Opening Eyes—which was founded by Hackensack, N.J., optometrist Paul Berman, OD—has provided more than 85,000 prescription eyeglasses, many of those to individuals who'd never had their vision checked before. In fact, according to Special Olympics research, on average, nearly 70 percent of its athletes have not had an eye examination in three years and 37 percent are in need of eyeglasses. This year, of the 994 athletes screened, only 172 passed and 178 were found to have eye disease.

The optical vendor community has long supported Opening Eyes in material, manpower, and monetary contributions. Personnel and product—frames, lenses, sunwear, and sports goggles—were supplied by Essilor, Safilo, and Liberty; and companies like Santinelli and Optos also provided both equipment and staff. In recognition of its generosity and commitment, Essilor's chief sustainability officer Claude Darnault was invited to cut the ribbon at the beginning of Opening Eyes.

SLUGFest Eyes Manufacturing Innovations

Attendees at the Satisloh Users Group meeting, SLUGFest, held July 14 to 17 in Naperville, Ill., got updates on the latest lens manufacturing technology and hands-on technology training. During a trip to Expert Optics' lab, more than 100 attendees observed a new no-touch optical production line featuring On-Block Manufacturing (OBM).

Satisloh North America's president and CEO Larry Clarke presented a market overview, discussed manufacturing challenges becoming opportunities, and offered a technology roadmap, sharing his predictions for the future of optical technologies.

Other presenters were keynote speaker Tom Koulopoulos, founder of the thought leadership firm Delphi Group, and Paul Clipp, founder and director of The Southern Associates (TSA), who conducted manufacturing workshops.

Entertainment included the Richard Petty Driving Experience and barbecue at Chicagoland Speedway, and the Best of Chicago tour of blues clubs, Harrah's Casino, and downtown Naperville.

This year's SLUGFest's focus on manufacturing innovation, accompanied by the introduction of groundbreaking manufacturing technology and systems, was, to paraphrase Clarke, an indicator that optical manufacturing is moving from a slow, complex, and labor-intensive task to an efficient and automated platform.

SLUGFest course attendees view manufacturing innovation in action

Circle Contacts Raise Concerns

The American Academy of Optometry's Section on Cornea, Contact Lenses, and Refractive Technologies and the American Optometric Association's Contact Lens and Cornea Section have issued a joint statement about circle-tinted contact lenses, used to achieve the appearance of anime-style eyes. The lenses discussed in recent media reports are not FDA-approved and are typically obtained via the Internet.

In part, the statement reads: "Contact lenses are considered safe for the correction of vision when appropriately fitted by licensed eyecare providers. However, when contact lenses are obtained without a prescription and without appropriate training, fitting, and follow-up, their use can result in complications including eye infections and permanent loss of vision." The statement adds: "individuals who obtain lenses via the Internet or mail order have an increased risk of infection of more than four times."

License Lineup

Marchon has signed a global license agreement to manufacture and distribute Lacoste sunwear and ophthlamic eyewear. Lacoste sunglasses are launching at Silmo and International Vision Expo West, with product hitting the retail stores and dispensaries in January 2011. The ophthalmic collection will follow. The line consists of men's and women's products with entirely new sunglass and ophthalmic designs that will fill the brand's current footprint. Highlights include details such as temples that can be customized by ECPs to meet specific market demands, as well as design touches taken from the brand's fashion offerings.

Altair and bebe stores, inc., a specialty retailer of contemporary women's apparel and accessories, have announced a worldwide license agreement for the design and distribution of sunglasses and ophthalmic eyewear. The initial term of the agreement is for six years with a five-year renewal option. The capsule collection of sun and ophthalmic styles will launch in October.

Daimler AG, owner of the luxury car brand Maybach, and IVKO have signed a licensing agreement for IVKO to manufacture Maybach Eyewear. The collection features ready-to-wear styles, including 10 ophthalmic models and eight sunglasses, as well as custom styles. It debuts in October 2010.

Polaroid Eyewear, a division of Stylemark AG, and RealD Inc., have signed a global license agreement to use the RealD brand in conjunction with the launch of curved 3D glasses—Polaroid Premium 3D Eyewear. Under the agreement, Polaroid Eyewear will distribute its RealD certified Polaroid Premium 3D Eyewear line to movie theaters and cinemas, eye care professionals, and other retail channels through its global network of subsidiaries and distributors. Polaroid Premium 3D Eyewear will be compatible with all RealD 3D-enabled movie theaters around the world.

Orange 21 has established a joint partnership with singer Mary J. Blige and Jimmy Iovine, chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records, to develop Melodies by MJB, a 20-piece eyewear collection set to debut in exclusive retail outlets during Holiday 2010.

Summit Raises Eye Health Awareness

Nearly 150 industry leaders attended the second annual Eye Health Summit in July. Hosted in Rosemont, Ill., by The Foundation for Eye Health Awareness, attendees gathered to help provide direction for the future of the organization, including the Think About Your Eyes (TAYE) consumer campaign, which will be managed by the Foundation starting next year.

The Foundation was formed in 2009 to increase the public's awareness about the importance of eye health through a nationwide messaging campaign that compels people to take better care of their eyes.

Discussing the Summit, Mike Daley, executive director and president of the Foundation, said, "With participants ranging from non-profits to manufacturers and managed care plans, the Summit brought together key decision makers from throughout the vision community."

Marcia Gay Harden
Promotes B+L's Seeing Eye to Eye Campaign

Bausch + Lomb and award-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden recently teamed up to encourage kids and their parents to make vision care a priority.

As spokesperson for B + L's Seeing Eye to Eye campaign, which promotes the company's SofLens daily disposable contact lenses as an alternative to glasses for children, Harden—a multifocal contact lens wearer herself—cites the ease of the daily disposable modality as a big plus for kids and parents, and credits an eye exam for helping her tween daughter, Eulala.

"She was having headaches, and homework was slow and tedious," Harden told EB. "An eye exam found that she was farsighted, and the doctor suggested daily disposable contact lenses. The contacts are a mother's best friend! There's no worry about losing them or not getting them clean, since they're discarded each day. They're the right choice for Eulala's active, athletic lifestyle."

The Seeing Eye to Eye contest asks parents with kids between the ages of 10 and 19 to submit a story of 200 words or less along with a photo on facebook.com/soflens.

Grand prize winners will receive a $5,000 scholarship and the opportunity to attend the American Music Awards on Nov. 21, including airfare and hotel accommodations. Winners will be announced Sept. 27, 2010.

"All kids need eye examinations, especially before school; lots can be found," Harden concludes. "And the grand prize $5,000 scholarships are wonderful!"

On the Town

Revo ambassador and National Geographic Emerging Explorer Alexandra Cousteau visited five Sunglass Hut stores in the U.S. as part of Expedition Blue Planet and Sunglass Hut International.

Transitions Optical enlisted actor Erik Estrada of CHiPs to "patrol" New York City, educating consumers about the importance of proper eyecare and eyewear.

Safilo Group treated 70 Special Olympics athletes to vision care services and bocce ball at its Parsippany, N.J., headquarters as part of the company's role as global frames provider to the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes program known as Special Olympics-Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes (SOLCIOE).

Charmant USA's top sales achievers and their spouses visited the company's headquarters and manufacturing facility in Fukui, Japan.

Luxottica celebrated its partnership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America with a star-studded party at its New York City flagship Sunglass Hut on Fifth Avenue. Three CFDA designers created styles for a Vogue capsule collection.

Celebrities turned out for the Summer Solstice Soiree at Solstice on Fifth Avenue in New York City. Attendees were treated to champagne and a pair of sunglasses.

1. Charmant USA's sales team visits Japan; 2. Revo ambassador Alexandra Cousteau visits Sunglass Hut in Denver; 3. Celebrity stylist and TV fashion personality Phillip Bloch attends the Summer Solstice Soiree; 4. Attendees at Luxottica's Vogue capsule collection celebration include "90210" actress Jessica Stroup and others; 5. Erik Estrada issues a "Sightation" in New York City; 6. Eden Wexler of Safilo fits a Special Olympics athlete with sunglasses

Southern Opticians Meet

The 11th annual SouthEastern Opticians Conference (SEOC) held in Atlanta this summer, featured education, networking, an auction, and awards recognition.

Bob Reynolds, currently active on the boards of the Opticians Association of Georgia and the Opticians Association of America (OAA), received the Dan Gosnell Award. Also honored were OAA president Diane Charles; executive director Chris Allen; and directors Sandy Brown, Thomas Blair, Jr., and Bob Reynolds; American Board of Opticianry chairman Curt Duff; and past SEOC presidents Diane Drake, Gene Williford, and Thomas Schulz. Past SEOC presidents unable to attend were Byron Brentlinger and Dan Gosnell.

Top: Bob Reynolds receives the Dan Gosnell Award; bottom: a gathering of past SEOC presidents and guests includes (l to r) Sandy Brown, Bob Reynolds, Thomas Blair, Jr., Diane Charles, Gene Williford, Diane Drake, Curt Duff, and Thomas Schulz

STAR Gazers 1. Kate Hudson looks as bubbly as mom Goldie Hawn in her 3.1 Phillip Lim style Simon by Modo. The actress will be starring with Whoopi Goldberg in the comedy "Earthbound," due out later this year. 2. Wisconsin-born country music singer Danny Gokey, a third-place finalist on the eighth season of "American Idol," rocks an eyeglass style from the Helium collection by Match Eyewear. Earlier this year, Gokey signed a two-year endorsement deal with Wisconsin Vision. 3. Sultry Jessica Biel, last seen playing Charissa Sosa in "The A-Team," the big-screen adaptation of the popular 1980s TV series, wears Persol model PO 2977 by Luxottica. 4. Merideth Vieira, co-anchor for NBC's "Today Show," is wearing Diane von Furstenberg sun style DVF101S by Marchon. In addition to her varied hosting gigs, Vieira did voiceovers in "Shrek Forever After" and "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa." 5. Actress and recent bride Hilary Duff completes her look with Carrera sunglasses by Safilo. Before achieving acting and singing success, the Houston native was an aspiring ballerina.