News

{OCTOBER 2014}
Hot List

1
HOW WE WEB

October is CyberSecurty Awareness Month.

Do you know how secure your business’ data is? According to a National Small Business Study by the National Cyber Security Alliance, employees use the Internet for the following activities:

 

Customer Communication	68%
Research	68%
Communication w/Vendors	50%
Procurement	23%
Marketing	36%
Sales and Customer Relationship Management	33%
Financials and Accounting	31%
Managing Database	18%
Website Maintenance	25%
Social Networking for Company	26%
Blogging for Company	12%
Other	16%

2
TARGET PRACTICE

Small businesses have become bigger targets for cyber criminals because they have fewer defense resources than large enterprises. In a survey of small businesses

66%
say their business is dependent on the Internet for day-to-day activities

67%
say their business has become more dependent in the last year

77%
do not have a formal Internet security policy for employees

63%
do not have policies regarding how employees use social media

3
WASTING TIME

of employees visit non-work related websites every day at work

WHICH ONES?
Facebook 41%, LinkedIn 37%, Amazon 25%. 21% reported wasting up to 5 hours per week
Source: salary.com

4
STRAINING TO SEE

According to The Vision Council’s reports on the digital eye strain:

63% of adults don’t know that electronics such as computer screens emit high-energy visible (or blue) light

70% of adults experience some form of digital eye strain

41% of adults have never tried—or don’t know how—to reduce their digital eye strain

Mike Daley to Head The Vision Council

R. Michael (Mike) Daley has been chosen as the new CEO of The Vision Council, following the previously announced retirement of Ed Greene, who has led the organization for the past eight years.

An industry veteran, Daley began his optical career as an instructor with Ferris State University in 1975. After 34 years with Essilor, he retired in 2008 as the president and COO of the organization’s Lens Division. He serves as a board member or in a leadership position for a number of optical organizations including Optometry Cares—The American Optometric Association Foundation, Prevent Blindness, The Illinois College of Optometry Board of Trustees, and is past chairman of The Vision Council. In his current position, Daley serves as The Vision Council’s Optical Laboratory Division Liaison.

“I am incredibly honored to have the opportunity to work with The Vision Council in this capacity, and hope to continue the great work that has been done at the organization under Ed’s leadership,” Daley says. “I think that the industry is heading in a very exciting direction, and I’m looking forward to bringing a fresh perspective to the organization’s overall programs and services.”

Daley was chosen after an expansive candidate search by The Vision Council’s Board and a dedicated selection committee.

“Having served in several corporate and volunteer leadership positions throughout his career, we are confident Mike is uniquely positioned to understand the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today,” says Raanan Naftalovich, chairman of The Vision Council Board of Directors. “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Ed for his years of dedicated service to not only the organization, but to the industry as a whole.”

Under Greene’s leadership, The Vision Council has grown from just under 250 member companies to more than 750. He has overseen a complete rebranding of the organization, formerly known as the Vision Council of America (VCA), and extended consumer outreach for the industry beyond a simple vision exam reminder into what is now an expansive multi-channel marketing and advertising program promoting the entire spectrum of vision care products and services.

Mike Daley

Ed Greene

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT CHANGES AT ESSILOR

Several changes have been made in Essilor’s executive management. John Carrier has been appointed COO of Essilor, and will serve alongside current co-COOs Paul du Saillant and Laurent Vacherot. Carrier was previously CEO and president of Essilor of America. He will continue in his role as CEO, and will remain based out of the Dallas headquarters.

Taking over as president of Essilor of America is Eric Leonard. Leonard had been president of Essilor Europe for the past four years, and before that had held the positions of general manager of Essilor France and executive director of Transitions Optical. He joined Essilor in 2002.

In his new role, Carrier will continue to oversee Essilor of America but have an expanded role globally, including research and development, intellectual property, strategic marketing, and the Group’s e-business activity.

In other management changes: Real Goulet, previously president of Essilor Laboratories of America, becomes senior vice president, Rx sunwear for Essilor International.

Steve Nussbaumer has been named the new president of Essilor Laboratories of America. He most recently was head of Essilor UK. Before that, Nussbaumer oversaw Essilor of America’s retail division.

These changes were effective September 1.

John Carrier, new COO

On the Town

A who, where, and when of the industry’s latest events

FASHION WEEK AND BEYOND

G-Star Raw launched its Raw For The Oceans (RFTO) collection in New York, in an event with Pharrell Williams. The collection was presented in an abstract underwater world dressed with ocean projections and installations. Marchon produces G-Star Raw eyewear.

The second annual Kid’s Rock! Fashion Show featuring Spring 2015 fashion looks from Nike (including Nike by Marchon eyewear) and more featured a team of professional models and celebrity offspring strutting their stuff on this year’s children’s runway, to benefit Derek Jeter’s Turn2 Foundation. Celebrity kids featured in the show included: Amar’e Jr., Assata, and Are Stoudemire, the children of New York Knicks’ Amar’e Stoudemire and wife; Alexis Jalen Jeter-Martin, nephew of Derek Jeter; and more. Celebrity parents walked the red carpet to support their little ones.

Lacoste presented the Spring/Summer 2015 collection at The Theatre Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center in NYC. Classics updated for fresh and fun style were on the runway.

CORY TO HEAD SILHOUETTE

Jan Cory

Eyewear industry veteran Jan Cory has been named Silhouette’s president for the U.S. She succeeds Chris Juergens, who retires after 14 years of leadership serving the U.S. subsidiary.

Most recently, Cory was part of the senior leadership team for HVHC Inc., serving as the senior vice president of domestic sales, U.S. and Canada, for Viva International Group. Cory joined the optical industry in 1998 as vice president of department stores for Bausch + Lomb, whose sunglass business was later acquired by Luxottica. Cory was promoted in 2008 to vice president of optical independents and sun specialty.

“We are convinced that with Jan Cory we have a profound professional from the eyewear industry onboard who will help to fully exploit the enormous potential we see in the U.S. market,” says Daniel Rogger, CEO of Silhouette International.

Lens Processing...

When the question is “Where to turn,” the answer is simple!

lens processing can be a complex endeavor that is not without challenges. But for smaller optical shops or labs, even tiny challenges can be crippling. They can bring workflow to a halt and raise the question of who to turn to for help.

Thanks to the Lens Processing & Technology Division (LPT Division) of The Vision Council, that answer is simple. The division’s member companies are the technical experts and thought leaders on lens processing and technology, explains chairman Kevin Cross. These are the “go-to folks” and there’s nothing they enjoy more than putting their heads together and tackling a good challenge.

“The members of this division provide coating, surfacing, edging, measuring, and services technology—so there is no better group of experts,” Cross explains. “We put our company hats away and are there as a group whose main purpose is to support the industry and provide resources to optical shops, doctors, labs, wholesalers…anyone that needs help or has a question about lens processing.”

Cross says the LPT Division is available to provide expert opinion, advice, and guidance not only for large operations, but for smaller companies that don’t have staff to troubleshoot tough problems. “We are there to be a sounding board and a first line of defense when you don’t know who to ask,” Cross says. “You can call, tell us what you’re struggling with, and we can help you find a solution. We thrive on solving tough challenges.”

This isn’t about selling a product or a service, Cross adds. “We do this not only to help customers, but to service the industry as a whole. This is a free service of The Vision Council for the betterment of our industry.”

New Business Model for QSpex

QSpex Technologies has launched a new prescription eyewear service model that transforms lens production and delivery so that customers will receive finished eyewear in a fraction of the time compared to conventional industry methods.

In an interview with Eyecare Business, Brett Craig, president and CEO of QSpex, said the company has moved away from its previous business model of manufacturing the QSpex Lens System, an in-house lens casting system for ECPs. The new model involves lens production and finishing using a casting system similar to the old technology, but with significant structural differences. The goal is to create fully finished eyewear on demand and deliver it to the ECP within hours.

To do that, QSpex has established a community-based lens production and service center approach that provides fast turnaround times and personalized customer support. Through these new QSpex Optical Service Centers, customers will receive their finished eyewear on the same day it is ordered AND have their custom eyewear delivered to wherever they choose via QSpex’s fleet of branded Smart Cars.

“The QSpex Optical Service Centers will offer a complete range of state-of-the-art progressive and single vision lenses, utilizing a pioneering touchless transfer technology that provides a precise and unadulterated surface geometry,” says Craig. The methodology of lens fabrication remains the same: no-polish mold making and injection-compression molding that transfers the lens design and add-ons such as coatings and photochromics.

In the model, service center personnel will pick up the frames, fill the Rx, and deliver completely finished eyewear back to the ECP the same day.

Currently, the company is serving about 40 ECPs in the region surrounding its headquarters in Alpharetta, GA. Craig says the company plans to expand rapidly and open more centers, eventually offering the same local service nationwide.

More announcements are expected to from the company in the coming months regarding its expansion plans.

CHANGES AMONG HIGH-END FRAME COMPANIES

Robert Marc, Luxury Optical Holdings, Claire Goldsmith, and Ørgreen have all announced major shifts in ownerships and partnerships.

Luxury Optical Holdings Co. has acquired privately-held Robert Marc, including its eight Robert Marc retail stores located in New York City, and U.S. distributorship for Lunor, a German luxury eyewear brand.

Glenn Reisch, the president of Luxury Optical Holdings, says of the move: “Since our inception we have been focused on luxury retailing and developing our own Morgenthal Frederics brand of eyewear. The addition of Robert Marc gives us an unrivaled portfolio of luxury optical retail stores in New York City. And, equally important, the Robert Marc acquisition will expand our reach into the branded global wholesale market.”

With the acquisition, Luxury Optical Holdings operates 58 retail stores throughout the United States and its brands have distribution in more than 20 countries throughout the world. Robert Marc, founder of Robert Marc Eyewear, will join Luxury Optical Holdings as chief creative officer.

British eyewear brands Claire Goldsmith and Oliver Goldsmith Sunglasses, and Danish brand Ørgreen Optics, have designed a new partnership paradigm. Claire Goldsmith and Ørgreen will continue to operate from their respective headquarters in London and Copenhagen, and each company will retain its own brand name and identity, boosted by a strategic behind-the-scenes alliance.

Ørgreen is expected to take on a big brother role, sharing industry insights, resources, and distribution channels, whereas Claire Goldsmith and Oliver Goldsmith Sunglasses will move forward by applying the Goldsmith legacy to fresh, new innovative designs.

Puzzle
Our Aging Eyes
EMERGING PRESBYOPES

{WORD SEARCH}

Emerging presbyopes are patients experiencing the early signs of presbyopia which begins around the age of 40. This puzzle focuses on the symptoms experienced by early presbyopes and lens options available to correct this focusing challenge. To learn how you can reach this market, see page 48.

By Jenean Carlton, ABOC, NCLC

WORD BANK

Age Related

Bifocals

Blurred Vision

Books

Crystalline Lens

Elasticity

Emerging

Focusing Ability

Growth Opportunity

Inevitable

Lens Hardens

Magazines

Menus

Monovision

Multifocal Contacts

Near Vision

Options

OTC Readers

PAL Candidates

Pre-Presbyopia

Presbyopes

Presbyopia

Price Points

Progressives

Reading Glasses

Symptoms

Trifocals

{SOLUTION}

The answers to the September 2014 Word Search

FYI

News bits from the industry

{PEOPLE}

Matt Dorling has joined Inspecs USA as vice president of business development. He has been an optician in the UK, and worked for Zeiss and Transitions Optical.

Heather Suggitt has joined Vision Source Member Services as the social media and public relations manager. She previously was a marketing manager in the restaurant industry.

Visionix, Inc., announces the addition of longtime industry veteran Chad Stewart as vice president of sales for the new Visionix high-tech portfolio. Robert Wallner has also joined the high-tech sales division. He has a 32-year history in the industry.

Mondottica Ltd announces the appointment of Monica Dal Cin as the new international business development director. She will assume commercial responsibilities for the EMEA and Latin America regions (excluding the UK and France).

Marchon Eyewear announces the addition of Connie Lai as managing director, Asia Pacific. She will work out of the company’s Hong Kong office. Prior to joining Marchon, Lai was vice president of Timex Group for the Asia Pacific region covering key markets.

{BUSINESS UPDATES}

Essilor announces that Crizal Prevencia No-Glare and Crizal Prevencia Kids lenses are now available on managed vision care plans offered by VSP.

1. Matt Dorling, Inspecs USA;

2. Chad Stewart, Visionix, Inc.;

Santinelli International hosted its annual National Sales Meeting in Chicago around the theme “embracing advances, continuous improvement, and best practices.”

3. Heather Suggitt, Vison Source

The Santinelli International sales team in Chicago

Vision-Ease Lens hosted more than 150 industry professionals at its fifth annual VELA Forum in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The attendees came from 51 companies in 16 countries across North and Latin Americas for business education and training.

The American Optometric Association (AOA) reports its membership has reached a total of 39,000 as of the third quarter of 2014. The AOA now has 6,500 paraoptometric staff members; the number of student and O.D. members has remained stable.

{EDUCATION}

Optometry Cares—The AOA Foundation announces the following scholarships available: Bernard Maitenaz Scholarship, $10,000; Dr. Pat and Patrick Cummings Scholarship, $5,000; the InfantSEE Scholarship Grant, $5,000; Dr. Seymour Galina grant, $2,500.

INFO: aoafoundation.org

{AWARDS}

Emerging Vision franchisees from all over the country gathers at a Mexican resort for the company’s national meeting, which had the theme “Passion for Performance.” At the awards dinner, the following honorees were announced: Lisa Kharazzi, O.D., was named Doctor of the Year; Joel Mahepath and Lisa Adams-Mahepath, O.D., received Lifetime Achievement Awards; and Don Galle took home the top award of Store of the Year for the second year in a row.

Envision announces that Second Sight Medical Products, Inc., has received the Envision Oculus Award, and Janet Sunness, M.D., medical director of Richard E. Hoover Low Vision Rehabilitation Services at Greater Baltimore Medical Center received the Envision Award in Low Vision Research. The awards were given at the low vision organization’s 2014 Conference in Minneapolis.

{BUSINESS UPDATE}

Safilo Group has strengthened its presence in the Middle East markets with the opening of a locally incorporated company, fully owned by Safilo, in Dubai, UAE. The Safilo Middle East Free Zone Establishment (FZE) is at the Dubai Airport Free Zone.

{CORRECTION}

Allan Panzer, O.D.’s, name was inadvertently spelled incorrectly in our September issue.

We regret the error.