VEW WRAP-UP

Betting on Success

Highlights from this year’s International Vision Expo West

what happened at International Vision Expo West (VEW) certainly didn’t stay in Vegas, as attendees and exhibitors alike returned home with new business strategies, ideas, and lots of new product information.

The show, which concluded Sept. 20 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas following four days of product launches and a robust education program, was a success that proved the Vision Expo events are the industry’s top choice for learning and are a preferred buying event.

Preliminary attendance reports indicate the event attracted more than 12,500 attendees, following 2013’s record-breaking 25th anniversary year. More than 450 brands were showcased, and more than 4,200 eyecare professionals participated in 400+ hours of new and popular CE courses on hot clinical and business topics such as healthcare reform, the implications and future of wearable technology, and eye diseases.

Vision Expo also launched an interactive education format called crowd-sourced learning that put the attendees in control of driving the content they want and need the speakers to cover.

Here is a wrap-up of some the show’s highlights and a look at some of the many newly launched products.

 

1. Baseball legend Pete Rose speaks to the Optical Lab Division about the importance of teamwork, and shares entertaining stories from the diamond; 2. Jennifer Douglas and David Carr from VSP Optics Group enjoy the “Appy Hour” the company hosted at its booth; 3. This blues band keeps the Ray-Ban booth rocking; 4. Soccer star and Coppertone Lenses ambassador Mia Hamm welcomes Vision-Ease Lens customers at a special meet-and-greet event; 5. Author Scott Deming signs copies of his book, “The Power of Purpose—How to Create a Values- and Purpose-Driven Organization,” at the Eyecare Business booth after leading a spotlight session that morning

 

6. Jeff LaPlante of PFO Global at a press conference announcing the company’s latest lens and equipment launches; 7. The Vision Council’s Shawn Shafer leads a presentation about the State of the Industry, featuring the latest research from the Council; 8. Anthony Roberts announces the new Rx frame styles launched at the show by Babiators; 9. Shamir’s Raanan Naftalovich (l) and Mark Becker present several new initiatives at a press luncheon, including Shamir Spark, Shamir Arch, and the Shamir X³ fashion sun lens program; 10. Signet Armorlite’s Brad Staley and Lynne Roberts flank Crossbow Optical, Ltd.’s Mervyn McCrea at the Signet Armorlite booth. The two companies are expanding their relationship and offering house brand opportunities to ECPs

 

10. Dominique Jara (l) and Tina Lahti (r) of Vision-Ease Lens flank (l to r) United Healthcare’s Marc Van Camp, Gregory Hibbard, and Michael Keating at a reception hosted by Spectera and Vision-Ease; 11. (l to r) Larry Clarke, John Fried, Virginia “Susie” Lesher, Michael B. Brown, Jerry Mansuy, Matt Iovaldi, and Jim Roussel are honored at The Vision Council Optical Lab Division’s Hall of Fame Awards Banquet (missing are Mike Dougher and Frank Giammanco); 12. Ed Greene, recently retired from The Vision Council, accepts The Optical Lab Division’s Director’s Choice Award from Virginia “Susie” Lesher; 13. Henry (l) and James Shyer flank music producer Randy Jackson at Zyloware’s booth and meet customers;

 

14. Visionary, a band comprised of eyecare industry professionals, performed a benefit concert in honor of the late Darryl Meister, Zeiss staffer and industry mentor; 15. Meeting with attendees after their “Visual Merchandising and Retail Secrets” panel discussion, moderated by Eyecare Business’ Steph De Long, are (l to r) Travis Reed, Carol Norbeck, and Julia Gogosha; 16. Adlens’ Mike Ferrara and Mara Nieuwsma pose following a press event celebrating the rollout of Adlens’ latest adjustable eyewear; 17. The Aqualillies put on a synchronized swimming performance in their Converse sneakers to celebrate the launch of Converse Custom at Tao Beach with REM Eyewear

 

18. Logo of the Americas’ Miguel Lopez (l) and Essilor’s Pierre Bertrand celebrate the launch of TAG Heuer with Xperio lenses with a food and wine pairing party at Aquaknox Global Water Cuisine; 19. Dr. Larry Alexander presents Optovue’s iScan OCT unit with a live demonstration; 20. Opti-Port’s day-long educational event begins with keynote speaker Randy Street, managing partner of ghSMART and author of “Who: The A Method for Hiring”; 21. Valerie Manso of VSP Vision Care moderates a panel on the dynamics of men and women working together, sponsored by the Optical Women’s Association (OWA); 22. The OWA’s networking event and raffle provides members and supporters a way to relax after a long day. Shown: (l to r) Satisloh’s Kevin Paddy, consultant Heather Campbell, and Brian Peterson of Satisloh; back row, Steele Young of Satisloh, Morgan Piatt, Live Eyewear

 

23. Silhouette celebrates its 50th anniversary and new management team during a luncheon with (l to r) Kristen McLaughlin, Daniel Rogger, Jan Cory, and Heinz Pichler; 24. Marchon’s team and friends mixed and mingled at a Chloe in-store event; 25. The Party by Marchon at the Paris Hotel features stations for may of the company’s brands; Claudio Gottardi (center) stops by Calvin Klein’s ColorThin space for a visit; 26. Guests were welcome at Altair’s several booth events, toasting Altair’s collection of house brands at Altair’s House Party and sharing steaming hot cups of JOE every morning; 27. Fashion is the focus at a reception hosted by Marchon at the DVF store in the Caesars Palace Forum Shoppes

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

1. ASPEX

Manhattan Design Studio style S3299

Featuring modern and sophisticated designs, vibrant color compositions, and magnetic clip-on polarized lenses, these women’s frames are offered in matte dark gradient brown, matte dark gradient pink, and matte dark gradient purple.

INFO: aspexeyewear.com

 

2. BABIATORS

Babiators is broadening its horizons with the launch of Babiators Rx, a line of stylish prescription spectacles for young kids. Each frame includes an extra set of temples that have a unique “comfort fit” around the ear for younger, more active kids.

INFO: babiators.com

 

3. CLARITI

Konishi Flex style KF8455

When it comes to Flex there is no match. Konishi Flex KF8455 is designed with a round frame front and in striking colors of mocha/gold, wine/gun, and purple/pink. It is a flattering ophthalmic frame option for many face shapes.

INFO: 818-406-0474

 

4. CLEARVISION OPTICAL

Junction City style JCSQ Cascade Park

Fall brings a refreshing direction to this private label collection for young up-and-comers. Junction City’s four new fashionable styles are more youthful and colorful than ever.

INFO: cvoptical.com

 

5. DESIGN GALLERY

VANNI Tangram collection

VANNI’s Tangram glasses have stylist texture—all cubes split into irregular pyramids, alternating against a deep crystalline background which may be see-through or solid and one of many color options.

INFO: mydesigngallery.com

 

6. ESSILOR/TAG HEUER

TAG Heuer Avant-Garde Eyewear has chosen Essilor’s Xperio UV polarized sun lenses for its prescription and plano eyewear expert range. Xperio UV superior polarized lenses will be available in TAG Heuer’s popular watersport, high-mountain, and HD driving polarized lenses.

INFO: xperiouv.com

 

7. ESSILOR INSTRUMENTS USA

NEKSIA

The NEKSIA system combines a high-performance edger and frame tracing system with a computer-assisted centering and blocking device to offer a full range of finishing functions (with or without drilling) and to handle a wide spectrum of premium lenses and frames.

INFO: essilorinstrumentsusa.com

 

8. GLACÉE

Style 6709

With bold punches of color and exquisite design, beautiful, high-quality epoxies on the 6709 create deep, multi-faceted color. A cat-eye is combined with beautiful colors, creating a sophisticated and feminine feel.

INFO: planbeyewear.com

 

9. HOYA VISION CARE

Blue Light Measuring Device

This small meter is a great way for ECPs to demonstrate to patients just how much blue light is emitted from certain hand-held devices, and how HOYA’s Recharge AR or BluTech lens material can mitigate that exposure. It works with the company’s HVC Viewer app.

INFO: thehoyafreeformcompany.com

 

10. LUXOTTICA

Persol style Cellor (PO3105S sun and PO3105VM optical)

Created in 1955, Cellor is named for the materials used to make it: celluloid and gold-tinted metal. Persol details include the Meflecto system, Mini Supreme Arrow on the temples, and crystal lenses.

INFO: persol.com

 

11. MARCHON

Nike Flexon Hyper collection

This ground-breaking new line combines the wearable style and lightweight comfort of plastic-framed eyewear with the progressive strength and flexibility of Marchon’s memory metal, Flexon.

INFO: marchon.com

 

12. MARCOLIN

Roberto Cavalli Eyewear

The Roberto Cavalli Eyewear’s Fall/Winter 2014-15 collection celebrates the perfect balance between tradition and modernity, which has always defined the unique style of this brand that is characterized by sophisticated craftsmanship and precious materials. 

INFO: us.marcolin.com

 

13. MATCH EYEWEAR

Adrienne Vittadini style 1162

Easy elegance with a twist is an Adrienne Vittadini trademark. Style 1162 is a handmade acetate featuring a wrapped temple with Swarovski crystals.

INFO: matcheyewear.com

 

14. MOREL

Lightec – Alpha 28

Alpha 28 combines stainless steel and TR90, materials that are both light and hypoallergenic. The slimness of both semi-rimless and rimmed models allow for a palette of vibrant tones.

INFO: morel-france.com

 

15. NEW YORK EYE

Hemingway Eyewear style H4617

The H4617, New York Eye’s most popular Hemingway style, is available in 14 vibrant colors and three eyesizes.

INFO: newyorkeye.net

 

16. REM EYEWEAR

Converse Custom Eyewear

Converse, a pioneer in customizing fashion, now brings this opportunity to eyewear, with the launch of Converse Custom kiosks for independent eyewear retailers in the U.S.

INFO: remeyewear.com

 

17. SAFILO

Bobbi Brown style The Avery

“The Avery,” a rectangular style in a two-tone acetate, is part of Bobbi Brown’s new line for Fall/Winter that uses her three-step approach to help women find the perfect frame.

INFO: safilo.com

 

18. SCHNEIDER OPTICAL MACHINES

HSC Modulo XT

The HSC Modulo XT generator is a new benchmark for digital surfacing technology, featuring fast milling and turning processes. It can be a stand-alone generator or connect to Schneider’s highly integrated modulo system.

INFO: schneider-om.com

 

19. SEIKO OPTICAL PRODUCTS

1.74 in Transitions VII

1.74 Finished Single Vision Transitions VII with Surpass Easy Clean Plus AR are the thinnest and lightest finished photochromic lenses available, according to the company. Available in gray, they have super hydrophobic and anti-static protection.

INFO: seikoeyewear.com

 

20. SHAMIR INSIGHT

Shamir X³

Shamir’s new fashion-focused sun system, Shamir X³, will enable ECPs to offer a complete solution to patients that includes premium optics through its Rx lenses, proprietary mirrors, lens engravings, and more, all while growing Rx sunwear sales.

INFO: shamirlens.com

 

21. SIGNET ARMORLITE

KODAK SoftWear Lenses

These lenses are perfect for near and intermediate viewing, especially involving a computer. KODAK SoftWear Lenses are available in 1.50 clear, poly, 1.67 high index, and BluTech 1.56.

INFO: signetarmorlite.com/kodaksoftwear

 

22. SMITH OPTICS

Style Pryce

Integrating beautifully sculpted metal temples and a hand-crafted acetate face front that fuses rich and colorful materials within a larger, bolder design with an understated keyhole nose and drop bridge.

INFO: smithoptics.com

 

23. SPY

Style Aiden

Keep the fire in your eyes with a timeless shape and bewitchingly clean lines. A modified square constructed from handmade acetate, the Aiden features a strong bridge dip, stylized temples, and spring hinges.

INFO: spyoptic.com

 

24. SUPER SYSTEMS OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY

EyeMed Provider

Super Systems has announced that EyeMed has approved the company’s FastGrind system as a qualified “in-house” surfacing lab, allowing ECPs to produce EyeMed jobs in the comfort of their practice and offer same-day service.

INFO: superoptical.com

 

25. TRANSITIONS OPTICAL, INC.

Dragon Advance Project goggles

Transitions and Dragon Alliance announce the 2015 Dragon Advance Project (APX) and Advanced Project Xs (APXs) snow goggles, featuring a Transitions Boost adaptive goggle lens.

INFO: dragonalliance.com

 

26. VISION-EASE LENS

MyCoat

MyCoat is a small-batch coater that adds in-house AR and mirror coating capabilities to a business. The vacuum sputter coater can deposit AR and mirror coatings on up to six lenses in less than 15 minutes.

INFO: mycoatvel.com

 

27. VSP OPTICS GROUP

UNITY Mobile Progressive Lenses

The lenses are optimized for the shorter near-viewing distance that mobile users need for regular mobile device use. They offer increased visual acuity and reduced eye fatigue for overall improved visual comfort without compromising the rest of the prescription.

INFO: vspopticsgroup.com

 

28. WESTGROUPE

Fysh style F-3522

Designed for women who are dedicated to making every moment count, F-3522 is a fun, light, and feminine stainless steel, progressive, friendly frame with a two-tone flat metal front.

INFO: fyshuk.com; western U.S. states visit classique-eyewear.com

 

29. YOUNGER OPTICS

NuPolar Glare Demonstrator

Younger Optics is reintroducing the NuPolar Illuminated Glare Demonstrator, completely redesigned for the modern optical shop. It creates bright glare so ECPs may demonstrate the power of polarized lenses to their patients. The unit is battery operated and lights up with the push of a button.

INFO: youngeroptics.com

 

30. DIGITAL LENS

ZEISS Digital Lens is a free-form customized design that integrates the wide, clear distance view single-vision wearers demand with digital boost of focusing power ranging from +0.50 to +1.25. This digital viewing area is optimized for digital devices and is reached with minimal head and eye movement.

INFO: vision.zeiss.com