May 25, 2023 — Transitions Academy 2023 hosted more than 1,000 industry individuals from 50 countries at the J.W. Marriott Grande Lakes in Orlando, FL, from May 21-24. The three-day, invitation-only event was themed “Lights on Tomorrow” with a focus on Transitions’ technology, innovation, and initiatives in sustainability and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Guests attended presentations from industry experts and inspiring keynote speakers Shawn Kanungo and Michelle Poler and breakout sessions and workshops focused on Transitions product and professional development (with topics including team dynamics, customer experience, the science of light, style, and data). In addition, a dedicated Transitions brand experience offered attendees an immersive look at Transitions products, new technologies, in-store experience updates, and educational resources.
Ahead of the closing celebration, attendees and 2022 Transitions Innovation Award finalists gathered as the winners were announced at a special awards ceremony. The winners are:
- Transitions Healthy Sight Ambassador: Camelia Hammiche, optician and district manager of Lunetterie New Look Eyewear in Montréal, Quebec
- U.S. Eyecare Practice of the Year: Sterling Optical in St. Croix and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
- Canada Eyecare Practice of the Year: Lopticien.CA in Laval, Quebec
- U.S. Retailer of the Year: National Vision Inc.
- Canada Retailer of the Year: Lunetterie New Look Eyewear
- Channel Partner of the Year: The Optical Retail Group
- Best in Training: Harvey & Lewis Opticians
- Latin America Recognitions: WM Laboratório Óptico, Coppel, and Optica Sur Colombia
- Europe, Middle East, and Africa Recognitions: Optical Center Tulle, BaltOptik, and Hakim Group
In addition, EB caught up with five Transitions Academy 2023 ECP attendees and former #EBGameChangers for their top takeaways from this year’s event:
- “Along with colleagues, I had the opportunity to expand my knowledge through expert presentations about how color pairing Transitions lenses with a patient's frame plays a vital role in the customer's eyewear purchase experience. I learned how storytelling is pivotal when explaining the benefits of prescribing the right lens for my patients. This year's guest speakers encouraged me to stay out of my comfort zone to live a more fulfilled life, and the breakout sessions and workshops felt relative and current with our times. I am very excited to come back and implement everything I learned." —Diana Canto-Sims, O.D.
- “People want to feel emotionally connected to a brand and that there's a purpose to supporting a product. By utilizing the tools and resources Transitions Lenses provide, you can begin to tell a story that will be physically and emotionally captivating, all while providing your patients/clients a stylish and healthy way to protect their eyes and view the world.” —Jennifer Chinn, O.D.
- “In addition to expanding my knowledge on the latest innovations and technologies for Transitions lenses, I was able to socialize and connect one-on-one with colleagues on industry trends. My top takeaway was having the opportunity to mentor the TEA Opticianry students.” —optician Tyjia Sherman
- “I would say the most consistent sentiment I heard from the many attendees I spoke with was how great the energy is at Transitions Academy. Guests generally seem to be more relaxed and open to networking/collaborating at this event...This was my second year attending and I can that I have left both meetings feeling excited about prospects within the industry.” —Harbir Sian, O.D.
- “I leave Transitions Academy with a greater skillset to take my clients on a personalized journey when I explain the visual experience through different Transitions lens colors. Painting a picture with new descriptive words provided by the color authorities at Pantone and utilizing Transitions demo tools such as the glorifiers to make the entire process interactive and engaging.” —optician Sheena Taff
For EB’s coverage directly from Transitions Academy, head here.