International Vision Expo & Conference

VEW Preview

Las Vegas

The 2012 International Vision Expo West returns to the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas next month, September 5 to 8. This year's show will showcase the latest products, trends, and information in frames, lenses, equipment, and technology from more than 400 exhibitors from around the world. In addition, attendees can expect close to 400 hours of first-rate continuing education, as well as a slew of parties, giveaways, and other show specials.

Here, we highlight just a few of those show specials, as well as some of products, frame collections, eyewear accessories, and other specials promotions that will be featured at next month's show.

INSIDER INSIGHTS

EB asked executives from some of the biggest names in the industry, “What do you see for your business and optical for Vision Expo West and the rest of 2012?” Here's a sneak peak at what they said. Check back next month for their full responses.

“Innovation is key to the successful growth of our industry.... This year at Vision Expo West, look for product innovation from Essilor through three technological breakthroughs: Optifog, Crizal UV, and the Varilux S Series lenses.” — JOHN CARRIER, president and CEO, Essilor of America “I see more free-form as the current mix of products available on the market today will evolve to focus on patients' needs and use through personalization.” — BARNEY DOUGHER, CEO, The Hoya Free-Form Company

Show Specials & Featured Products

1 A&A OPTICAL. Receive one raffle ticket for $1,000 cash or an HDTV with every 15 frames purchased. Gifts with a minimum purchase include poker chips, crystal accessories, and Quiksilver and Roxy watches, tees, and bags. BOOTH/INFO: 22051, aaopticalco.com

2 AIT INDUSTRIES. AIT's Edge 680 System features integrated drilling, an approved Chemistrie magnetic lens interface, integrated lensometry for fully automatic blocking, and superior 3D tracing.
BOOTH/INFO: LP7079, aitindustries.com

3 ALAIN MIKLI. After a 20-year hiatus, Vuarnet is back in the market. Vuarnet offers its “Pure” optical quality lenses in mineral and poly polarized.
BOOTH/INFO: Suite 35-212, mikli.com

4 AUGEN OPTICS. The durable, flexible, fashionable, split-construction VIGEO eyeglass frames for children feature customizable colors that make wearing eyeglasses fun!
BOOTH/INFO: LP7105, augenoptics.com

5 BAUSCH + LOMB. Biotrue is a multi-purpose solution formulated to work like the eyes to help lenses stay clean and moist throughout the day.
BOOTH/INFO: MS12059, bausch.com

6 BEST IMAGE OPTICAL. Purchase a combined 18 frames from the Dolabany, Mario Galbatti, and Plume Paris lines and get two free, plus a 20 percent discount on the frames and an extra 10 percent on the total price. Purchase 100 frames and receive a free 16 GB iPad 3 with Wi-Fi plus a 20 percent discount on the frames.
BOOTH/INFO: 20017, bestimageoptical.com

7 BRIOT USA. The Emotion edger has a sleek, all-in-one design and state-of-the-art technical features and capabilities, including shape modification, customized grooves, and angled drilling, plus a touch screen that is suitable for all user levels.
BOOTH/INFO: LP5087, briot-usa.com

8 CALIFORNIA ACCESSORIES. The Paws N Claws Readers and Optical Accessories line raises funds and awareness for pets by donating five percent of each purchase to the ASPCA.
BOOTH/INFO: 20087, calaccessories.com

9 CARL ZEISS VISION. i.Terminal 2 captures fitting measurements for standard or advanced customized lenses automatically and includes a try-on system and demos of premium lenses and enhancements.
BOOTH/INFO: LP9105, vision.zeiss.com

INSIDER INSIGHTS

“As we prepare for Vision Expo West, we are focusing our efforts on continuing to bring to our customers superior product offerings, unparalleled service, and innovative business solutions.” — MARK GINSBERG, senior vice president global marketing, Marchon Eyewear “I'm seeing more and more proliferation of HEV (high energy visible) light discussions among manufacturers trying to tell their polarized story. It's a drum we've been beating and recognized for since the launch of Coppertone in 2008.” — BARRY RESNIK, director of marketing, Vision-Ease Lens

10 CHARMANT. Show specials include gifts with minimum buy-in: PUMA tee shirt or Titleist golf balls; Elle scarf; Esprit watch; and Trussardi wallets. Those who preview the lines will also receive a special surprise gift.
BOOTH/INFO: 20093, charmant.com

11 CLEARVISION OPTICAL. Designed for hard-to-fit patients, the Global Fit collection incorporates luminous colorations, artful piercings, and patterns that flatter many different skin tones.
BOOTH/INFO: 16087, cvoptical.com

12 COBURN TECHNOLOGIES. Coburn will introduce a new finishing system within the Excelon family, offering tracing, auto-blocking, and a precision lensmeter in one fast and easy-to-use machine.
BOOTH/INFO: LP6075, coburntechnologies.com

13 CORINNE MCCORMACK. The Melissa reader offers a distinctive, chic look that coordinates with the latest ready-to-wear trends.
BOOTH/INFO: G21018 or The Suites, corinnemccormack.com

14 DE RIGO. The mood of Ermenegildo Zegna's 2012 Spring-Summer fashion show is translated to its new eyewear collection. Key looks include vintage, minimal luxury, icon, stripes, and chic retro.
BOOTH/INFO: The Suites, derigovision.com

15 DITA. Baron is a full titanium frame featuring titanium nosepads, diamond pattern detailing on both sides of the bridge, injection temple tips, and AR-coated lenses.
BOOTH/INFO: The Suites, dita.com

16 EASTERN STATES EYEWEAR. The Thierry Mugler 9338's can't-miss shape, bright colors, and a snakeskin acetate motif on its temples combine to make this model truly original.
BOOTH/INFO: 17023, eseyewear.com

17 ESSILOR INSTRUMENTS USA. Mr. Orange is a tracing, blocking, and edging system with a full-range of powerful features at a surprisingly affordable price.
BOOTH/INFO: LP6065, essilorinstrumentsusa.com

18 ESSILOR OF AMERICA. Varilux S Series dramatically defies the limits of progressive lenses so radically in every area that performance is actually guaranteed.
BOOTH/INFO: LP11065, variluxusa.com

INSIDER INSIGHTS

“With the buzz surrounding the launch of Transitions Vantage lenses, and the consumer interest created by our new ‘Life well lit’ campaign, we are seeing growth across all our products.” — BRIAN HAUSER, general manager, U.S. & Canada, Transitions Optical, Inc. “One key trend is that retailers and ECPs bring more and more sophisticated edging equipment in-house to speed up service and control the quality to the customer.” — ANDY HUTHOEFER, general manager, Essilor Instruments, USA, and CEO, National Optronics

19 EYES OF FAITH. Jet is one of two new styles in the VeggieTales Eyewear for Children collection featuring the durability and quality parents crave—and the fun kids love!
BOOTH/INFO: 25062, eyesoffaithoptical.com

20 HILCO. Leader Rx Sunglasses combine wrap styling, affordable frame pricing, and a design that delivers the superior optics and low cost of standard lens processing.
BOOTH/INFO: LP12109, hilco.com

21 HOYA VISION CARE. HOYA's Spectangle lens measurement app allows patients to view, via the ECP's iPad, the amount of detail that goes into creating customized, precise free-form lenses just for them.
BOOTH/INFO: LP6087, hoyavision.com

22 ICE-TECH. Perfect for high- and low-power jobs, Thin-Ice, a patented thinning technology, produces a lens that fits the curve of the frame along with a finished product that's up to 50 percent lighter.
BOOTH/INFO: MS11031, ice-tech.com

23 ICOAT COMPANY. The new Stainless AR treatment with advanced UV protection features LUV (Low UV) technology to help eliminate significant amounts of back-side reflected UV rays.
BOOTH/INFO: 20051, icoatcompany.com

24 JOHNSON & JOHNSON/VISTAKON. 1-Day Acuvue Moist for Astigmatism contact lenses feature a Blink Stabilized design, providing consistent, all-day vision; Lacreon Technology, which locks in moisture; and the widest power range of any daily disposable toric contact lens.
BOOTH/INFO: MS6055, jnjvisioncare.com

25 KAENON POLARIZED. Kaenon Polarized style Hutch features a “relaxed” 8-base wrapped design for maximum coverage and an SR-91 polarized lens for ultimate glare reduction and clarity.
BOOTH/INFO: 14107, kaenon.com

26 KENMARK. Visit the Kenmark booth for a sneak peak at vintageinspired Original Penguin styles and register to win a custom-built Republica Bike.
BOOTH/INFO: 16031, kenmarkoptical.com

27 KIRK ORIGINALS. The Beam Collection is made entirely from acrylic, making it incredibly lightweight and comfortable to wear in a range of colors.
BOOTH/INFO: The Suites, kirkoriginals.com

28 LAFONT. Celebrating its 25th anniversary of business in North America, Lafont has seen an evolution of styles, yet maintains basic principles of providing high-quality eyewear and exceptional frame designs.
BOOTH/INFO: G22005 or The Suites, lafont.com

29 LBI. Designed for kids typically 8 to 14 years old, GEEK EYEWEAR's GEEK RAD 09 JR has a vintage pedigree and classic styling to make every youngster at the top of his or her class.
BOOTH/INFO: 13065, lbieyewear.com

30 LINDBERG. With the LINDBERG 9802, LINDBERG technology has made it possible to reinterpret and revitalize the combination style of glasses, now popular with the success of retro fashion and style statements.
BOOTH/INFO: The Suites, lindberg.com

INSIDER INSIGHTS

“Breakthroughs in lens processing technology will open new opportunities across the industry.... As in-office lens processing becomes more viable, these advancements will allow business owners to differentiate themselves by offering unique lens products.” — ALEX INCERA, president, Coburn Technologies “VSP Optics Group has piloted and proven advanced, in-practice mobile technology that will help eyecare professionals simplify the digital lens dispensing process in a way that is consistent with good patient flow through the practice.” — DON OAKLEY, president, VSP Optics Group

31 LIVE EYEWEAR. Cocoons Rimless Clips feature polarized lenses and are designed to fit all types of frames. Merchandising includes a custom wood fitting kit.
BOOTH/INFO: 21065, liveeyewear.com

32 MARCHON. Marchon will host its annual VEW party on Friday, September 7, at the Flamingo hotel, with a live performance by Hautechile.
BOOTH/INFO: 16065, marchon.com

33 MATCH EYEWEAR. Meet Danny Gokey and receive an autographed photo on September 7 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the Match booth.
BOOTH/INFO: 13115, matcheyewear.com

34 MCGEE GROUP. Captivate, one of two looks from The On the Prowl collection in the XOXO line, perfect for the smart and sexy woman, features a fullrim metal front and pearlized animal-inspired acetate temples.
BOOTH/INFO: 18042, mcgeegroup.com

35 MEI SYSTEM INC. MEI System's new TBA Unit “Throw the Block Away” combined with existing Bisphera-XDD edger will significantly reduce your consumable and overhead costs, as well as lens handling defects, without increasing the edging cycle time.
BOOTH/INFO: LP11109, meisystem.com

36 MOREL. The latest model from Lightec!, Alpha 17 is a male concept combining the lightness of rubber with stainless steel to ensure maximum comfort.
BOOTH/INFO: G21015, morel-france.com

37 NATIONAL OPTRONICS. The sleek, new edger—the 7Ex—boasts a brandnew drilling and grooving technique, eliminating unnecessary tool changes between processes.
BOOTH/INFO: LP5065, nationaloptronics.com

38 OGI EYEWEAR. The Fall 2012 collection features a color palette of crimson, evergreen, and midnight blue, evoking feelings of artistic enchantment and sophisticated style.
BOOTH/INFO: G23017, ogieyewear.com

39 OLIVER GOLDSMITH. Established in 1926, Oliver Goldsmith features replica frames of its vintage styles reproduced in contemporary colorways.
BOOTH/INFO: The Suites, olivergoldsmith.com

40 OPHTHONIX, INC. ViZera, a cutting-edge anti-reflective coating, provides the same high level of clarity and glare protection in addition to super abrasion resistance.
BOOTH/INFO: LP4091, izonlens.com

41 ORGREEN. The aesthetic of Orgreen's new style, Kube, is inspired by Cubism, the avant-garde art movement pioneered by Picasso and Braque, which revolutionized European art as we know it.
BOOTH/INFO: The Suites, orgreen.dk

42 PFO GLOBAL. PFO Global will demonstrate the next generation SmartEyePix, the HD dispensing technology that is redefining the patient-buying experience.
BOOTH/INFO: LP12098, pfoglobal.com

INSIDER INSIGHTS

“Current eyewear trends driving the market are retro-inspired and classic silhouettes updated with a modern twist to make a bold statement. In the past year, we have seen a resurgence of the luxury market with consumers ready to invest in the brands they trust for quality and value.” — HOLLY RUSH, senior vice president of sales, Luxottica North America “We are confident brands for PALs will continue to be important to support higher price points, especially for the more sophisticated, advanced, and newest design technologies. However, we also see significant expansion in the private label category, which we feel will gain market share from conventional front surface PALs.” — MIKE RYBACKI, senior vice president sales and marketing, Seiko Optical Products of America

43 PRACTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. Get a free sample pack of Sure Mount Blocking Pads, a thin, strong blocking pad that reduces slippage, making it good for hydrophobic, AR, and hard-coated lenses.
BOOTH/INFO: LP4087, looktoPSI.com

44 PQ EYEWEAR. Making its Vision Expo West debut, pq Eyewear introduces SLS Angel from the Corbs line. The SLS Angel is produced with selective laser sintering to create one-part frames.
BOOTH/INFO: The Suites, pq-eyewear.com

45 QSPEX. The new in-office QSpex Premium Lens System offers quality advanced digital progressive, polarized, and photochromic lenses with AR, made quickly using very little space.
BOOTH/INFO: LP5103, qspex.com

46 REPTILE. The new STILETTO: A Style With Claws model features a throwback cat-eye shape that screams 1960s chic. Paired with gradient polarized lenses, STILETTO is sure to turn heads.
BOOTH/INFO: G22032, reptilesun.com

47 REVOLUTION. True Religion Eyewear from Revolution delivers timeless style, encompassing a variety of shapes from modified ovals to aviator styles.
BOOTH/INFO: 22065, revolutioneyewear.com

48 RUDY PROJECT NORTH AMERICA. Sabotage sunglass is a sleek, timeless metal sunglass with adjustable temple tips and nosepads featuring a masculine yet elegant style, a favorite among women.
BOOTH/INFO: 20005, rudyproject.com

49 SAFILO. Golf pro Martin Kaymer models the BOSS style 0409/S, embodying the refined, sporty-chic character of the new BOSS Black Eyewear image campaign.
BOOTH/INFO: 19065 or The Suites, safilo.com

50 SANTINELLI INTERNATIONAL. The new Me 900 is a simplified and more economical multifunction edger featuring industry-leading 3D drilling, 3D grooving, and advanced shape editor functions.
BOOTH/INFO: LP11087, santinelli.com

51 SCHNEIDER OPTICAL MACHINES. The DSC Prolab is the first digital surfacing center to combine generating, polishing, laser marking, and measuring in one compact unit—all in less than 50 square feet of space.
BOOTH/INFO: LP5095, schneider-om.com

52 SEIKO EYEWEAR. See Seiko's latest selection of free-form lens products and designs, Minima rimless, and titanium frames. Ask about The ECP Specialist Program.
BOOTH/INFO: 20107, seikoeyewear.com

53 SELIMA OPTIQUE. Selima Optique is presenting exclusive collaboration previews as well as five new colors and four new styles to complement its extensive handmade acetate collection.
BOOTH/INFO: G21016, selimaoptique.com

INSIDER INSIGHTS

“We are proud of the strong balance we have achieved with our easy-to-use retail finishing equipment and our best-of-breed industrial lab finishing equipment. We intend to push the envelope into increasingly impressive and valuable technology for the market.” — GERARD SANTINELLI, president and CEO, Santinelli International “The brand is on fire and the addition of our optical frame collection has enabled us to successfully expand the brand into the optical category.” — JIM SEPANEK, vice president, Rx, SPY Inc.

54 SIGNET ARMORLITE. Signet Armorlite announces PhotoViews Photochromic Lenses, which offer fast fade times and full direct UV protection—a great solution for priceconscious patients.
BOOTH/INFO: LP7065, signetarmorlite.com

55 SMITH OPTICS. Smith's new frame, the Ridgeway, perfectly blends sport and style in colors that add a splash of drama to the sports field or the street.
BOOTH/INFO: 20057, smithoptics.com

56 SUPER SYSTEMS OPTICAL. Super Systems' specials include 10 percent to 20 percent discounts on all small lab equipment and a $2,500 credit toward lenses, including its new ADDvantage Digital Progressives, after a purchase of a Fast Grind machine.
BOOTH/INFO: LP8100, superoptical.com

57 TRANSITIONS INC. Explore the new Transitions Vantage lenses—the revolutionary everyday adaptive lenses designed to both darken and polarize upon UV exposure.
BOOTH/INFO: LP7087, transitions.com

58 VISION-EASE LENS. Vision-Ease Lens will introduce Thindex 1.70 SRC Coated SFSV and A SFSV lenses, which provide compatibility for spin-coat processing.
BOOTH/INFO: LP11095, vision-ease.com

59 VIVA INTERNATIONAL GROUP. Tupper style from Gant by Viva features handsome preppy styling, mixing timeless tortoise with a contemporary color contrast.
BOOTH/INFO: 16053, vivagroup.com

60 VIVID EYEWEAR. Vivid Eyewear will be giving away a Kindle Fire with a qualifying purchase.
BOOTH/INFO: 19017, vivid-eyewear.com

61 VSP OPTICS. UNITY UVR is a backside lens coating that protects the wearer's eyes from harmful reflective ultraviolet ray exposure.
BOOTH/INFO: 21087, vspopticsgroup.com

62 WESTGROUPE. Fysh style F-3476, a lightweight, full-rim frame with a stainless steel front and TR-90 temples, is available in blue, tangerine, black, and burgundy.
BOOTH/INFO: 18023, fyshuk.com

63 YOUNGER OPTICS. Visit Younger Optics for a chance to win a new Apple iPad, an Amazon Kindle, and other prizes.
BOOTH/INFO: LP7099, youngeroptics.com

64 ZIG EYEWEAR. Designer Cendrine O. puts her colorful spin on unique zyl frames for the Jean Reno by Cendrine O. line, continuing with the collection's recent neo-retro direction.
BOOTH/INFO: G22011 or The Suites, zig-eyewearusa.com

65 ZYLOWARE. Featuring tattoo-inspired designs, Etched fills a niche for men and women who seek bold eyewear with striking embellishments.
BOOTH/INFO: 18031, zyloware.com