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Hot List: April 2012

Alicia Isenberg Hoglund

1 So Exposed

The United States Environmental Protection Agency states that many Americans are unaware of the connection between UV radiation and eye damage. Long hours in the sun without proper eye protection can increase the likelihood of developing several eye disorders including:

• Cataracts
• Snow Blindness (Photokeratitis)
• Pterygium
• Skin cancer around the eyelids

2 Sun Bathing

According to KidsHealth, part of The Nemours Foundation's Center for Children's Health Media, 50 to 80 percent of a person's lifetime sun exposure occurs before the age of 18. Children's Health Media, 50 to 80 percent of a person's lifetime sun exposure occurs before the age of 18.

3 Brimming with Protection

In its “Ocular Ultraviolet Radiation Hazards In Sunlight” statement, the American Optometric Association reports that a wide-brimmed hat will block roughly 50 percent of the UV radiation and reduces UV rays that may enter above or around glasses.

NEW SCHNEIDER HQ

Schneider Gmbh, parent company of Schneider Optical Machines, recently celebrated the opening of its new headquarters in Fronhausen, Germany. In attendance were German government dignitaries as well as representatives from the global eyewear industry.

The new building brings together state-of-the-art architecture and technology, high energy efficiency, and includes a modern test and training facility.

OAA HOLDS LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE, INTRODUCES VISION OF HOPE

More than 160 industry leaders attended the 27th Annual Opticians Association of America's (OAA) Leadership Conference, held in Orlando, Fla. Through educational seminars and breakout sessions, attendees were schooled in building successful websites and other marketing efforts. Attendees were also provided with number of networking events to communicate with peers and share ideas.

At the conference, the OAA presented Diane Charles, HFOAA of Shoreline, Wash., with the 2012 State Leader of the Year award. In addition, the Opticians Association of Ohio was named the winner of the 2012 State Website of the Year.

This year's conference was sponsored in part by Luxottica, Marchon, National Vision, The Vision Council and International Vision Expo, Europa, Transitions Optical, VisionWeb, Safilo, CooperVision, Essilor, Hoya, Shamir, Tura, A&A Optical, Alcon, Aspex, ClearVision Optical, L'Amy, and Eyes of Faith.

In other news, the OAA has introduced its Vision of Hope Foundation, designed to promote opticianry education, develop future opticianry leaders, and perform vision-related mission work.

A&A Optical and Hoya Vision Care North America are early sponsors. The foundation's programs include travel grants for opticianry students to the annual State Leadership Conference, tuition scholarships, and grants for opticians interested in providing vision care to those otherwise unable to get it. The foundation will also partner with lens and eyewear manufacturers to provide eyewear during such mission trips.

For more information, contact the OAA executive director Chris Allen at chris_allen14@att.net.

1. Opticians Association of Ohio was honored with the 2012 State Website of the Year award at the OAA's 27th Annual State Leadership Conference in Orlando, Fla.; 2. The 2012 State Leader of the Year Diane Charles (c) poses with past winners; 3. Conference attendees gather for one of the event's general sessions; 4. (l to r) Erik Meland, Jenny Freytag, and Kin Moy, this year's “Student to Leadership” winners, snap a photo with Mickey Mouse

FLOOD PROMPTS DISCONTINUATION FOR PIXEL

PixelOptics has announced it has discontinued production of its atLast! product line, which includes its Enhanced Multifocals. The lenses had incorporated a composite lens design technology that provided wearers with spacious and continuous intermediate vision, according to the company. The lenses were launched in 2008.

The decision was prompted by the loss and damages at the product's primary manufacturing site in Thailand, a result of massive winter flooding. According to Brett Craig, president and CEO of PixelOptics, production could not be restored in a timely manner to meet current demand.

The company will continue to produce its emPower! line of electronic focusing eyewear, as it is manufactured primarily in Japan. The company is continuing with its planned 2012 rollout of emPower!, including a series of European launches, throughout the year.

(l to r) Coastal Conservation Association president Pat Murray with Kenny Chesney, Costa's Amanda Perryman, and AbiJack Management CEO Brett Palmer PHOTO BY WILSON ROE On the Town Country crooner Kenny Chesney and Costa's Amanda Perryman presented a check to benefit the Coastal Conservation Association. The funds were raised through sales of the Kenny Chesney Limited Edition Costa Sunglasses throughout the singer's 2011 “Goin' Coastal” concert tour.

NEW CONSUMER CAMPAIGNS

Transitions Optical, Inc., has begun two major campaigns designed to raise consumer awareness about the importance of proper eyecare and eyewear, and to convey to consumers the benefits of Transitions lenses.

The company's global communication campaign uses the theme “Life Well Lit” and an analogy to the simple functionality of a dimmer switch to drive the message of how the lenses' light management can enhance how wearers see the world and enjoy a more vibrant visual experience. The “Life Well Lit” theme is being featured in new consumer-targeted print, television, and online ads, as well as on new point-of-sale materials for ECPs.

To complement the Life Well Lit initiative, Transitions has embarked on its Official Sponsor of Sightseeing (OSS) campaign. Launched last month at the Transitions Championship, OSS uses social media outreach and local market events, supported by national spokesperson Marybeth Bond, known as “The Gutsy Traveler,” to raise awareness about the importance of proper eyecare.

This month the Sightseeing City Tour begins, shedding light on the best sights to see in Miami, Dallas, Seattle, Chicago, and New Orleans. Each stop will include vision screenings and events to promote eye health awareness. The OSS website, SeeMoreSights.com, features consumer photo contests and information on local eyecare professionals. ECPs can link to the site from their websites and Facebook pages

WebWatch

Clear Vision Optical, Inc., just released a new virtual try-on website for its Marc Ecko Men's eyewear and sunwear line, allowing consumers to try on the entire collection to find their perfect pair. The site also includes a “Where to Buy” store locator section to point consumers to the nearest optical store carrying the Marc Ecko line.

The Vision Care Institute, LLC, has unveiled a revamped version of the ODLean Consulting Program website, ODLean.com. The updated site features easier navigation, published articles and videos, client and patient testimonials, links to ODLean's Facebook and YouTube pages, as well as a client portal which houses business analytics. In addition, the site provides information about upcoming events and conventions ODLean will be hosting or attending.

Above, see what others are saying about the ODLean program at ODLean.com; Try out the Marc Ecko line with the try-on feature at marceckoeyewear.com

SANTINELLI, EYENAVISION EXTEND AGREEMENT

Santinelli International and Eyenavision, owner of the Chemistrie lens layering system, have extended their business agreement for another two years. The companies joined forces in 2010 to create the first co-market Click Mode lens edger software and its accompanying retail Success Click Kit.

The Chemistrie system uses magnets embedded in Rx lenses to attach lenses for sun protection, readers, and 3D video. The lenses can be custom made on Santinelli edgers using the Click Mode Software, matching the shape and base curve of the prescription lens. The retail kit offered by the two companies includes the software, start-up inventory of Chemistrie parts, a P.O.P. display, and free on-site training.

Santinelli's ME-1200 with the Chemistrie lens layering system software

New Vision

Steve Holden has stepped down as president of Davis Vision after almost four years in the position. Parent company HVHC, Inc., has launched a national search to replace Holden.

In addition, the company announced other important personnel changes affecting its three business units. Bob Cox, former vice president of human resources with Visionworks of America, has been promoted to senior vice president for HVHC human resources shared services. Cheryl Grobelny, former vice president of human resources and administration of Viva International Group, has been appointed to the newly created position of vice president of HVHC talent management, reporting to Cox.

Over the next 18 months, the company will be consolidating its 15 national retail brands under a single name: Visionworks. Davis Vision managed care business also is expanding in new marketplaces nationwide.

Rudy Project, XX2i Optics to do Business Under RACE Brand

Rudy Project North America (RPNA), LP is now doing business under the name Running and Cycling Enterprises (RACE). In addition to being a better descriptor of RPNA's current and future product offerings, company representatives say the name change was a necessary step to avoid confusion between the RPNA and Rudy Project Italy brands.

RPNA's business will not be affected by the name change. RACE will distribute both RPNA and XX2i Optics products, but the two will still conduct business and be branded under their respective names.

Rudy Project and XX2i products, such as XX2i's France1 Dual Sunglass Kit seen here, will now be distributed under the RACE name

License Lineup

L'Amy America has extended its existing worldwide license agreement with Columbia, continuing their eight-year partnership.

Marcolin has reached an agreement with Balenciaga to design, produce, and distribute sunglasses and prescription eyewear under the Balenciaga name.

The McGee Group has inked a deal to be the global eyewear and sunwear manufacturer of Badgley Mischka.

Safilo Group has announced it will not renew its license agreement with Balenciaga after the current agreement expires on Dec. 31, 2012.

FATHER OF MODERN OPTOMETRY PASSES AT 99

Irvin M. Borish, OD, known to many as the father of modern optometry, has died at the age of 99. Among his accomplishments, Borish helped the American Optometric Association (AOA) to assume responsibility for the Council on Optometric Education, the accrediting body for schools and colleges of optometry. In 1940, he supported the establishment of a permanent organization, the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry. Borish also made great strides in the advancement of refraction, contact lenses, practice management, and professional ethics.

Borish was the recipient of many honors, including 1968 AOA Apollo Award, an honorary degree from Indiana University; the 1985 AOA William Feinbloom Award; the 1987 Max Schapero Award from the AAO's section on Cornea and Contact Lenses; the 1989 AOA Distinguished Service Award; and the 2002 AOA Eminent Service Award.

In 1996, the World Council of Optometry named Dr. Borish the Optometrist of the Year, and in 1998 he was the first inductee to the National Optometry Hall of Fame. In 1999, Borish was named “the most influential optometrist of our time” and the “OD of the Century.” In 2002, he was the recipient of the Herman B. Wells Visionary Award.

In 2009, Borish judged his last Optometry Student Bowl and attended his last AAO meeting in Orlando. He delivered his last commencement address at the University of Houston, College of Optometry in 2010 at age 97.

Borish is survived by his daughter, Fran Goldman, his granddaughters, Beth Roman and Ruth Helgemo, and five great-grandchildren.

STAR Gazers

1. Actress Octavia Spencer in Valentino sun style V609S by Marchon. Spencer recently won the Oscar, Golden Globe, and SAG Award for her supporting role as Minny Jackson in the “The Help.” 2. American Idol season 10 winner Scotty McCreery is all smiles wearing a pair of Guardrails shades by Maui Jim. McCreery's cover of Tim McGraw's “Please Remember Me” is played during each results show of season 11. 3. “Thor” actor Chris Hemsworth was out and about wearing John Varvatos style V757 shades by REM Eyewear. Hemsworth is set to star alongside Kristen Stewart and Charlize Theron in the upcoming film, “Snow White and the Huntsman,” which hits theaters this June. 4. Actor Jesse Williams sports Banana Republic style Johnny sunglasses by Safilo. Williams can be seen portraying Dr. Jackson Avery on ABC's hit drama “Grey's Anatomy.”