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www.visionmonday.comJUNE 16, 2008 VOL. 22 NO. 7 $15M

www.visionmonday.com VISION MONDAY/JUNE 16, 2008 3THIS MONTH IN VMIN THIS ISSUENewsPBA joins groups opposing FDAlens impact regs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6VisionMonday.com wins EPpyAward, min honors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Transitions Healthy Sight Surveyconfirms key issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Mido 2008 figures up by 1 percent . 18Marchon signs Calvin Klein, ckCalvin Klein for Japan . . . . . . . . . . . 20Scene & HeardSAA/ESA execs mingle atMido dinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Giorgio Armani eyewear marks 20years, launches special editions . . . 28Exam LanesAOA issues ‘Caring for the Eyes ofAmerica’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Retail DispensaryLaunchesSignature launches CarmenMarc Valvo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50Second LooksCosta Del Mar releases new metalsunglass styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Kenmark intros designs to ThaliaGirl Eyewear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Viva adds optical groups toCatherine Deneuve Lunettes . . . . 48Aoyama unveils new styles inShiseido collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48ColumnsF.Y.Eye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50Contact Lenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51Inside the LabVSP Legends 4.0 addsTeflon coating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52Business EssentialsFew organizations plan to stembrain drain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58OpinionHere Comes the Sun . . . . . . . . . . . . 60Balance SheetBuying Group revenues see gain . . 70Marcolin reports increased sales . . . 70Orange21/Spy Optic report loss . . . 70101820285052Marge AxelradEditorial DirectorIt’s mid-way through2008, people.Let’s try to all agreethat we’re way past thepoint where ‘Internet’and ‘Web site’ are conceptsthat you thinkare relevant only foryour kids and ‘AmericanIdol’ fans.If you haven’t updated, or, um, created yourWeb site in the past year, get with the program,there are plenty of resources available to helpyou do so.If you have updated and are proud of some ofthe new features of your retail business’ or practice’sWeb site, please let us know! We really,really want to hear from you.The universe of online is daunting, no question.But the eyecare and eyewear business isbeing swept up in a new world of concepts andcommunication fueled by bits, bytes and broadband.Consumers and patients are not waiting forcompanies in our industry to get into it. By theEDITOR’S NOTEIt's Time to Get With the 'Online' ProgramWHAT’S ONLINEVisionmonday.comVisit our new site,completely redesigned,reorganized with searchby rank or date, newnavigation and exclusive“On the Web” storiesand up-to-dateindustry news.ExtraVMail EXTRABe ‘in the know.’ Subscribeto this e-newsservice. Twice a weekplus “Breaking News”in HTML. Your subscriptionlets you accessvisionmonday.comfeatures and archives.millions, and of all age groups and social/economicspheres, they are seeking out and learningwhat they can about eyecare and health care viaWeb searches, building new assumptions aboutbrands by interacting with robust and fun sitesand, importantly, recommending these experiencesand brand products to other friends andcolleagues. They are buying from sites theylocate via Google, and via other style, culture ormedia influencers.Your brick-and-mortar offices and retail storesneed to extend your customer and patient relationships24/7.And then there’s the business-to-business sideof the Web. Do you keep records and data aboutyour business? About your patients? Are youordering or reordering products online? How areyou communicating among your offices? Withyour suppliers? With other colleagues?The Web is more than a parallel universe tothe real world. It’s a realm all its own, with newrules and game-changing developments.It’s something to explore and take part in. It’sno longer debatable that it needs to play a role inyour business—it’s a reality. ■■VM ArchivesAs a VMail EXTRAsubscriber, searchbeyond the Currentand Last Issues of VMto review and accessthousands of VM newsstories, special reportsand company profiles.OptiStockFor the latest stock quotes,financial and investmentnews for publicly tradedvision care companies, goto www.visionmonday.comand click on theOptiStock buttonon the left.

4 VISION MONDAY/JUNE 16, 2008IN THE NEWSwww.visionmonday.comNEWS VIEWSTransitions Links With PGA, Promoting ‘Healthy Sight’PINELLAS PARK, Fla.—In its latestmove to bring its message about“Healthy Sight” to increasing numbersof consumers, Transitions Optical hassigned a deal with professional golf’sPGA Tour to provide a four-year titlesponsorship of a PGA Tour event at thenearby Innisbrook Resort and GolfClub. The golf tournament will becalled the Transitions ChampionshipFor Healthy Sight.Transitions officials told VM the sponsorshipmay be the initial effort in a newstrategy to get the company’s message outCarl Zeiss Vision, VSP AddTri-City Optical to Its Lab NetworkCLEARWATER, Fla.—Carl ZeissVision has added Tri-City Optical to itsnetwork of U.S. laboratories. The companyacquired the independently-ownedClearwater, Fla. wholesale lab in partnershipwith VSP Vision Care, with CarlZeiss Vision as the majority shareholder.The purchase price was not disclosed.“We are very excited to have Tri-Cityas part of Carl Zeiss Vision’s laboratorynetwork,” said Fred Howard, Carl ZeissVision’s president, the Americas. “Thiswill enhance our ability to support Floridaeyecare professionals with outstandinglaboratory services and advanced productslike GT2 Progressive Lenses by Zeiss,Carat Advantage and Teflon Clear CoatLenses. Tri-City has the capabilities,experience and reputation that will helpus to grow in this key market.”Commenting on the significance of themove for VSP, Don Oakley, VSP vicepresident of ophthalmic supply chain andservices, said, “This development willbenefit doctors and their patients in theSoutheast by offering enhanced choicesfor high quality products and services.CARROLLTON, Texas—Kurt Atchison, a13-year veteran of the optical industryhas been named president of SchneiderOptical Machines, North America, effectiveJuly 1. The company, based here, isa subsidiary of the German lab equipmentmanufacturer Schneider OpticMachines,a leading supplier of free-formlens surfacing equipment.In his new role, Atchison will beresponsible for all business aspects inthe North American market.Atchison most recently worked forNational Optronics as vice president. Priorto that, he worked for Satisloh North Americaas vice president of sales and marketing,where he gained years of experienceWorking together with valued supplierslike Carl Zeiss Vision is part of our ongoingfocus on strengthening the eyecaredelivery system for private practice.”The Tri-City acquisition marks thesecond time Zeiss and VSP have partneredin an optical lab purchase. Lastyear, the two companies each acquired astake in Perfect Optics in Vista, Calif.VSP chairman Rob Lynch stated at thattime that VSP would pursue other labacquisitions in partnership with vendorsand on its own.Founded in 1993, Tri-City servesindependent eyecare professionals inCentral Florida and beyond. Carl ZeissVision confirmed that Richard Hoerbeltand his management team will remain inplace, and no business process changesare contemplated.“We chose Tri-City in part because ofthe excellent service the lab provides to itscustomers,” said Claude Labeeuw, CarlZeiss Vision’s vice president, businessdevelopment. “Our goal is to maintain thatservice while providing Tri-City customerswith outstanding new product options.” ■■Atchison Named President of SchneiderOptical Machines, North Americain the lens processing equipment field.“Schneider is fortunate to have such acapable leader to serve its North Americancustomers. I want to show a new dedicationto the needs of the North Americanmarket. That will require a strong, localorganization with a strong and experiencedleader. Kurt provides us that leadershipand experience,” said Gunter Schneider,president of Schneider OpticMachines.Added Atchison, “Schneider has fantasticnew developments and the rightequipment for today’s surfacing needs.I’m lucky to be able to have the leadershiprole for a company that’s reallyexcited about creating a great organizationhere in the U.S.” ■■that could include additional sportsmarketing as well as possible associationswith celebrities or other groupsoutside sports.The week-long golf event—to beheld March 16 to 22, 2009, at Innisbrook’sCopperhead course—isdesigned to enhance Transitions’ongoing efforts to help elevate consumerawareness of the need forhealthy sight, the importance ofvision care and the benefits of sightenhancingvision wear, according toa company announcement.In announcing the PGA deal, fivemonths in the making, Transitions presidentBrett Craig said, “Partnering with thePGA Tour aligns well with our companyand brand. The tournament makes animportant contribution to our local community,and the sponsorship is a tremendousopportunity to educate consumersabout the importance of healthy sight.”After the formal announcement of thesponsorship at Innisbrook, Dave Cole,managing director of the Americas, Australiaand New Zealand for Transitions,told VM, “The PGA Tour is numberone in charitable giving and has atremendous reputation and integrity, sothat platform and the ability to associateour brand with this event offers us a newvoice to the consumer about the importanceof vision care. This is a way ofPADOVA, Italy—Sàfilo Group S.p.A. hasannounced the appointment of the executivevice chairman, Massimiliano Tabacchi,to sole CEO of the company.Claudio Gottardi, who has resigned asco-CEO for personal reasons, will remaina member of the board of directors ofSàfilo Group S.p.A. and Sàfilo S.p.A. Hewill also return to the U.S. and continuehis role as president and CEO of SàfiloUSA Inc. and its subsidiaries, accordingto a statement from the company.In 2006, Massimiliano Tabacchi wasappointed co-CEO along with Gottardi,and then appointed to the position ofexecutive vice chairman by the board ofdirectors this past May."During the last two years, I haveworked together with Claudio Gottardi tore-focus the Group on its core business,the design, production and distribution ofAt the announcement of Transitions’ golf tournament sponsorship,(l to r) PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchemapplauds as Transitions’ Brett Craig and David Cole receivepersonalized golf bags from Sheila Johnson of SalamanderHospitality, owner of the Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club.using our resources to communicate withconsumers and reach a whole new, andlogical, demographic for Transitions.”The company is also in negotiations tobecome an official marketing partner ofthe PGA Tour, which could includebeing named the official eyewear of theTour. An announcement on that isexpected shortly.Cole said Transitions is “still workingout the details” on how to involve itstrade partners—lens manufacturers,wholesale labs, optical retailers and eyecareprofessionals—in the promotionalopportunities generated by the golftournament. “Our next phase is to findways to use this platform to work withour partners,” he noted. “This is a majorevent, offering so many opportunities itwill take a little time to figure them allout.”—Cathy CiccolellaSàfilo Group Appoints MassimilianoTabacchi Sole CEO; Gottardi RetainsRole as President/CEO of Sàfilo USAoutstanding eyewear," said Tabacchi. "Afew months ago, we presented an importantbusiness plan, both in terms ofcommercial development as well as froman industrial point of view. This project iscontinuing and will be strengthened byan increasingly competitive organizationalstructure which will preserve and seekthe best managerial competencies, necessaryto put into action and develop ourstrategy."Reached by VM, Gottardi commented,“I am delighted to spend more time inthe U.S. with my family.”Massimiliano Tabacchi has been withthe company for seven years and heldthe position of COO from 2001 to 2006overseeing research and development,product development, planning, operations,information technology and humanresources. ■■

ands with distinct ambition©2008 Kenmark Group.World-renowned Latin pop star, Thalia brings her passion and vivacious spiritto everything from singing and acting to designing. Her collection offerscelebrity star power and colorful, expressive styles for every woman seekinga hint of fashion and flair in her eyewear.STYLE SHOWN: SAGRADA 800.627.2898 WWW.KENMARKOPTICAL.COM

6 VISION MONDAY/JUNE 16, 2008IN THE NEWSwww.visionmonday.comNEWS VIEWSPBA Joins Groups Opposing FDA Lens Impact RegsCHICAGO—Criticism of the Food andDrug Administration’s (FDA) recentlyproposed changes to its long-standingguidelines for lens impact testingreceived a broader base of support whenPrevent Blindness America, based here,threw its hat into the ring of groupsstrongly opposed to the guidelines.Although a coalition of optical industrygroups also opposes the FDA’s proposedchanges to the guidelines, PBA is the firstconsumer optical organization to do so. Ina May 12 letter to FDA officials, PBAchairperson John D. O’Neill, Jr., andHugh R. Parry, the organization’s presidentand CEO, said the FDA’s updateddraft guidelines for impact-resistant lenses“would increase cost [for consumers]without an increase in safety.”MILAN—Luxottica Group’s 1,970-unit Sunglass Hut chain will beexpanding into Thailand through anewly signed franchise agreementwith privately held international firmDiethelm Keller.Initial plans call for 15 Sunglass Hutstores to open in Thailand; the chaincurrently has 220 stores in the AsiaPacific region, in markets such as Australia,New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore.Said Chris Beer, chief executive officerof Luxottica’s retail business in Australasia,southeast Asia and South Africa,“The entry into Thailand strengthensour presence in southeast Asia, a highpotentialgrowth region for the sun retailbusiness. It is also an example of the significantadditional opportunities for additionalgrowth that the group sees forSunglass Hut both in the region andHILLSBORO, Ore.—First Insight, thepractice-management and electronicmedical records software company, andDrFirst, which offers electronic prescribingand medication reconciliation, arepartnering to launch an “end-to-end e-prescribing solution” through FirstInsight’s integration with DrFirst’s GoldRxcertified Rcopia e-Prescribing technology.The integration allows users of FirstInsight’s maximEyes program to submitregulatory-compliant e-prescriptions toThe letter questionedwhether the FDA update“provides added safety inlight of modern lens technologyand the current experienceof the industry,” notingthat it could add extra costs to the consumerand potentially increase the timeto complete prescriptions.“The main reason we decided to joinin is that as a patient advocate group,this wasn’t high on our radar until it wasbrought to us by some other organizations,”Jeff Todd, senior vice presidentof PBA, told VM. “We have a stake ininsuring that vision care remains at a lowcost and that cost not be added to visioncare unnecessarily. Based on the informationour scientific advisors reviewed,“The entry into Thailandstrengthens our presencein southeast Asia, a highpotentialgrowth region forthe sun retail business.—Chris Beer, Luxotticaglobally. Specifically, this transaction representsan important step in the developmentof the Sunglass Hut brand inAsia-Pacific, allowing us to leverage itsglobal attributes while partnering withlocal expertise to maximize growthopportunities also in new markets.”In other Luxottica news, the company’sLuxottica Retail operation recentlylaid off 65 employees at its corporateheadquarters in Mason, Ohio, representingapproximately 4 percent of its totalFirst Insight Integrates WithDrFirst for 'E-Prescribing'pharmacies through a real-time clinicaltransaction network, according to thetwo companies.Said Nitin Rai, president and chiefexecutive officer of First Insight, “Thee-Prescribe Link will allow doctors to beone step ahead of electronic prescribingmandates, provide a higher level ofpatient service and safety by minimizingpotential adverse drug events, and willincrease staff productivity due to lesstime spent with pharmacy questions andrenewal requests.” ■■“We have a stake in insuringthat vision care remains at a lowcost and that cost not be addedto vision care unnecessarily.—Jeff Todd, PBAwe didn’t see any evidence that anincrease in safety would override anyincreases in cost.In addition to PBA, the other opticalgroups opposed to the FDA’s proposedchanges to the guidelines includethe American Academy ofOphthalmology, AmericanOptometric Association, OpticiansAssociation of America,Optical Laboratories Association,MASON, Ohio—This month, LuxotticaGroup’s Give the Gift of Sight global charitablefoundation is asking consumers tohelp in its mission of providing free eyeexams and eyewear to needy people bydonating used eyeglasses.During June, Give the Gift of Sight isconducting its first annual used eyewearcollection drive. Consumers can donatetheir old prescription glasses and non-Rxsunglasses at Give the Gift of Sight partnerlocations, including LensCrafters,Pearle Vision, Sears Optical and SunglassHut stores as well as participatingindependent eyecare practitioners. Givethe Gift of Sight will clean and repair thedonated eyewear for distribution on itsinternational missions.Said Greg Hare, executive director ofGive the Gift of Sight, “For a vast majorityof people in developing countries, theused glasses we collect are their onlySunglass Association of America, InternationalStandard Organization TC 72/SC7,National Academy of Opticianry and TheVision Council. Last month, the groupsubmitted a revised draft of the guidelinesto the FDA containing its own recommendations,which reflect current industrypractices and testing methods.“This is good news and I believe it helpsour position a great deal to have a consumergroup that is specifically interestedin eye safety support our efforts,” said EdGreene, CEO of The Vision Council. ■■@To View a PDF of Prevent BlindnessAmerica’s letter to the FDA or to View aPDF of the optical industry coalitionsrevised draft of the FDA’s guidelines for lensimpact testing go to the New & Noteworthysection on www.VisionMonday.com.Luxottica Signs Franchise Deal for Sunglass Hut Stores in Thailandemployment there.A Luxottica spokesman described thelaid-off employees as “support staff,” sayingno high-level executives were let go.He told VM, “In response to what hasbeen an overall challenging economicenvironment, Luxottica Retail NorthAmerica announced further plans toimprove efficiency and effectivenessacross its business. In addition to implementingfurther and stricter cost controlsin marketing, product and other areas,Luxottica Retail conducted a comprehensivereview of its North Americanoperations. As a result, efficiencies havebeen gained through, among others,delaying activities, shifting resources,combining select functions, re-assigningassociates to different roles and eliminatingcertain open positions.” ■■'Give the Gift of Sight’ LaunchesFirst Consumer Eyewear Drivechance to have clear vision. The globalneed for vision care is massive, andwe’re asking the public for their supportby donating used glasses.”This year alone, Give the Gift of Sightneeds approximately 1.2 million usedglasses to support 20 planned missionsto developing countries including India,Cambodia, Guatemala, Honduras, thePhilippines, Thailand, Mexico, Chile andmore, the organization said. Volunteerteams consisting of Luxottica Groupassociates, ECPs, opticians and programpartners travel around the world tohand-deliver free eye exams and recycledglasses to an average of 20,000adults and children per mission.So far, Give the Gift of Sight hashelped provide clear vision to more thansix million people worldwide throughmore than 135 optical missions to 32countries. ■■

8 VISION MONDAY/JUNE 16, 2008NEWSMAKERSwww.visionmonday.comNEWSMAKERSABB/Concise: Redefines Role of the Modern DistributorBy Marge AxelradEditorial DirectorCORAL SPRINGS, Fla.—Command ofinformation. Continual investment in systemsand engineering. A team of expertsin sales, service and training support.To Angel Alvarez, modern distributionin today’s optical market is fusion of allof these.His company, ABB/Concise, hasgrown through acquisition, developmentand merger to become the largest contactlens distributor in the U.S., servingmore than 15,000 accounts, representingmore than two-thirds of independenteyecare professionals and accounting forsome 45 percent of distributor sales ofsoft lenses.Staying ahead of the optical industry’stechnology curve and employing thestrategic science that characterizes thespeed and deployment of distributors inother industries outside the realm ofeyecare and eyewear, ABB/Concise is aunique resource for its clients and suppliers.The company not only automatesefficiencies and order fill rates, but itsmarketing, sales and training resourcesenables ECPs to improve contact lensprofitability, facilitating online orderingand direct-to-patient delivery thatimproves their competitiveness andpractice operations.“We are committed to keeping independentECPs in the game,” saidAlvarez, CEO, who founded ABB Opticalin 1989. “We have a continuous connectionwith the universe of independentsout there.”The company started with the acquisitionof Co-optics of Pompano Beach.Subsequent acquisitions of RLI/Target,Angel AlvarezAlvarez and Baker, center, with the PEN team. Debbie Oseguera,director of PEN, is at top, center.C&E, Contact Optical, Doctors OpticalSupply and Wise Optical distributors ledup to the merger one year ago with Con-Cise Contact Lens, then the country’sthird-largest distributor, which includedthe San Leandro, Calif. company’s Westlensand Con-Cise East operations. Con-Cise also owned the Primary EyecareNetwork (PEN), a buying and practicemanagement group of over 1,000optometrists in California, Nevada, Arizona,Utah and Hawaii.PEN’s successful practice educationprogram, anchored by its “PreservingIndependent Optometry” theme, will beexpanded to other parts of the U.S. startingthis year and into next, Alvarez noted.With the steady consolidation of thecontact lens industry,ABB/Concise’s positionrepresents streamlinedordering, shipment reconciliation,accountingand record-keeping, pricingparity and lens banksthat afford one-stop shoppingand other businessservices from analysis tosupport and training.The company’s new Coral Springs, HQ, is one ofseveral facilities serving ECPs.Alvarez said, “Independentsperceive thatcontact lens profitabilityhas declined and, in fact, gross profitmargins have eroded. But at the sametime, the number of annual purchasetransactions per patient have doubled, asthe result of disposable lenses and otherwearing cycles. Managing transactioncosts has become a more significantissue for ECPs, both large and smallsizedpractices.”Alvarez pointed out that the least profitableCL transaction ECPs make is tofill an Rx order for two boxes of lensesby calling a supplier. The most profitabletransaction is when a patientorders an annual supply over the Internetfor shipment to their home or office.“We are the ‘back-room’ operation forECPs in this regard and we work toshow them how they can better compete,build patient loyaltyand grow their practice.”ABB/Concise’s Your Lensprogram helps practices’Web sites enhance theirimage to patients whileproviding such back upfulfillment service.ABB has a field salesforce of 50. It publishes aquarterly magazine aboutcontact lens managementcalled Contact Lens ProfitAdvisor. The ABB/ConciseSoft Lens Retail PriceMonitor, a proprietary servicefor accounts, lists averagepractice prices for popularcontact lens brands and comparesthese to prices charged by leading retailersand Wal-Mart and 1-800 Contacts tohelp ECPs track trends and benchmarktheir own.Soft Lens RetailPrice MonitorA proprietary service for ABB CONCISE customersto enhance contact lens profitabilityThe company has been reorganizingits warehouses, call centers and marketing/trainingdepartments, continuallyinvesting in the latest systems and proceduresto speed transactions and servicecapabilities.Second Quarter 2008Advice on managing contact lenses via several printvehicles is delivered to ABB/Concise accounts.“Today, nearly 50 percent of our businessis online, meaning b-to-b and someb-to-c, depending on what practiceschoose to do for their operations andtheir patients,” Alvarez said.The ABB/Concise systems generatesome 9,000 shipments, on average, perday. The company’s sales exceeded $300million in 2007 and Alvarez is projectingsales to reach $330 million by the end ofthis year.Now comprised of some 520 employees,the ABB/Concise organization is ablend of financial, engineering, logisticsand sales and marketing teams. Seniormanagement includes Brad Weinbrum,president; Cindy Pelletier, CFO; LyndaBaker, executive vice president; TimAiken, vice president, sales; Jeff Rinkus,Brad Weinbrum Cindy Pelletier Diego CruzJeff Rinkus Lynda Baker Tim Aikenvice president, logistics and customer care;Denise Spencer, vice president, humanresources and training, and Diego Cruz,vice president, information technology.“We had a vision of the wholesaler’srole in the optical industry,”Alvarez said. “There have been distributorsand buying groups buttheir core competencies were not indistribution. Our team, over the lastdecade, has been taking whatthey’ve learned from a range of arenasto integrate their expertise andapply it to the world of optical.”Alvarez noted, “We are the solutionfor independents to competeagainst mass merchandisers. Youcan’t bring a knife to a gunfight.We have a $30 million inventory in contactlenses and the capabilities for ECPsto leverage. Wal-Mart understands costs;ECPs need to better understand costsand we are a major assistance to them inthis regard.” ■■

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10 VISION MONDAY/JUNE 16, 2008IN THE NEWSwww.visionmonday.comNEWS VIEWSVisionMonday.com Wins EPpy Award; Min HonorsNEW YORK—The editors of VisionMonday need to point out that theshare-of-market numbers for both theVM Top 50 and the Top 10 U.S. opticalretailers within the “2008 Top 50 U.S.Retailers Report” in the May 19 printedition—as well as the published “totalmarket” numbers—were not comparablewith the previous year’s Top 50 report.To clarify: In 2007, the VM Top 50accounted for 27.3 percent of the$25,759 million total U.S. market forvision-care products and services sold atoptical retail locations, as estimated byVisionWatch. That “total U.S. market”estimate covers optical locations—including optical chains, other chains,independents with optical locations,leased optical spaces in departmentstores and mass merchant optical locations—exclusively.It includes moneyVision Monday’s EPpy Award for Best RegionalMagazine-Affiliated Web site.NEW YORK—Vision Monday’srevamped Web site, www.visionmonday.com,recently won the EPpyAward in the category of Best RegionalMagazine-Affiliated Web site. The2008 EPpy Awards—one of the nation’smost prized and long-running honorsfor online content—were presentedduring a luncheon sponsored by theKnight Foundation, during the Editor& Publisher/Mediaweek InteractiveMedia Conference and Trade Showheld in Las Vegas last month.The 2008 EPpy Awards competitionis expressly designed to honor Internetsites affiliated with the media industry;especially newspapers, television andradio networks and affiliates, syndicatedshows, and magazines. Among thesites and publications honored alongwith VM at the EPpy Awards were theNew York Times, USA Today and the AssociatedPress.Along with its EPpy honor, VisionMonday’s Web site, VMail and marketingcampaign for the new site were alsorecognized as finalists and won HonorableMention at the min Group’s TheBest of the Web Awards in April. Themin Awards recognize the top magazines,digital campaigns, sites and people whoare true pioneers in the digital arena. Bothwinners and honorable mentions werehonored in over 25 categories for outstandingonline efforts over the past year.Selected from hundreds of Web siteentries, three Vision Monday online initiativeswon Honorable Mention for themin’s Best of the Web Awards in the followingcategories: Design: VisionMonday.com;Email Newsletters: VMailExtra and for Marketing Campaign:VisionMonday.com Ad Campaign.“VM’s editorial, marketing and businessteams are thrilled that our leadershipmove into the electronic arena fordelivery and coverage of industry newsand issues has been recognized by twosuch important media organizations,”said Marge Axelrad, SVP and EditorialVision Monday’s min Awards for honorable mention in three online categories.Director of Vision Monday. “We’ll continueto augment our print editions andmarket presence with new and excitinge-initiatives.”The redesigned Web site, launchedlast November, features a fresh new lookand enhanced features. The contentfrom VM’s most recent issues has beenorganized in a new way—by topic andcategory so readers can look up informationas they need it. New features on theredesigned site include the industry'sfirst-ever video channel, Vision MondayWeb TV, highlighting the latest onspecial events, designers, brand messages,lenses and new technologies andspent at all optical retail locations on thesale of either spectacle lenses (regularRx and Rx sun), frames, contact lenses,sunglasses (plano and Rx), OTC readers,or revenues earned from refractive surgeryor eye examinations. This numberdoes not include sunglass clips, andreflects the dollars spent only by thoseU.S. residents 18 and older; it does notinclude retail dollars spent by/for those17 years of age and younger.In 2006, the Top 50 Optical Retailers’sales represented 26.2 percent of thatyear’s $25,928 million U.S. vision caremarket.In calendar 2007, the Top 10 opticalretailers generated 23.5 percent of the$25.8 billion U.S. market for vision-careproducts and services sold at optical retaillocations, a jump of 1.5 percentage pointsover the Top 10’s market share the previousyear. In 2006, the VM Top 10accounted for 22 percent of that year’sestimated $25.9 billion total U.S. visioncare business at optical retail locations.The “total market” number of $28.6billion given in theTop 50 report in VM’sMay 19 print editionrefers to the total U.S.market (all retail) forvision-care productsand services, whichincludes dollars spentat all retail types/anyretail location (notexclusively optical) forthose products, with thesame age restrictions.The VM Top 50cover story posted onwww.visionmonday.compractice management. VM ‘s WebTVfeatures content updated weekly including“Video of the Week” and YouTubevideos selected by VM’s editors.The site also features a downloadablePDF version of the most recent issue ofVM. And all the past favorites, such aslinks to VM’s E-newsletters and thelatest stock quotes and financial news inOptiStock are still available. The latestindustry news and Breaking News isstill front and center, and users canwatch for special Web features includingSlide Shows of industry events andhard-hitting news analysis of the opticalindustry in New & Noteworthy. ■■Clarification: Adjustment of ‘Total Market’ Numbers DefinitionIn VM 2008 Top 50 U.S. Optical Retailers ReportTop 50 Share of U.S.Vision Care Market, 2007(in millions)27.3%$7,042.2*Total Market: $25,759**reflects the revised information, comparablewith last year’s Top 50 report. Thedownloadable PDF of the VM Top 50Report, also on the Web site, reflects thisclarified data. ■■Top 10 Share of U.S.Vision Care Market, 2007(in millions)23.5%$6,046.3*Total Market: $25,759*** VM Estimate** Source: VisionWatch

12 VISION MONDAY/JUNE 16, 2008IN THE NEWSwww.visionmonday.comNEWS VIEWSJoan Casaponsa Named New Executive Chairman of IndoBARCELONA—Joan Casaponsa hastaken over as executive chairman of Indo.In addition to fulfilling duties as executivechairman, Casaponsa will also be thechairman of the board of directors, a positionpreviously held by Jorge CottetSebile, who is retiring as chairman, accordingto an announcement from the company.Indo’s board of directors has unanimouslynamed Jorge Cottet Sebilehonorary president of the company.Casaponsa’s appointment as the newexecutive chairman will provide greatJoan Casaponsasupport for the current team of professionalsled by CEO Antoni Olivella, thecompany said.Joan Casaponsa’s appointment marksthe start of a new phase in the company’sdevelopment as he spearheads astrategic plan to focus on the businesssegments with the highest market value,according to the company. The strategicplan will strengthen the lines of R&Dand innovation, which provides Indowith patents and products with addedvalue, and will also focus on corporategrowth through increased involvementin the more than 80 markets where Indocurrently operates.To finance the resources required bythis strategic plan, the company willcarry out a capital increase of approximately€16 million.“The time has come for Indo to realizeall its potential and reach the marketposition it deserves,” said Casaponsa. “Iam very excited to be able to personallyinaugurate this new phase, and we willdefinitely be implementing a solvent,ambitious project,” he added.Previously, Casaponsa was the presidentof Chocolates Lindt in Spain and France,the president of United Biscuits inSACRAMENTO, Calif.—Bruce Sauer, who foundedVSP’s Sacramento-basedlaboratory, died of liver canceron May 10. Sauer, 69,died peacefully at home inSacramento accompaniedBruce Sauerby his wife Nicki and theirsons, Christopher and Eric.As the founding manager of the VSPLab, Sauer was instrumental in thedevelopment of VSP's laboratory business.He started his career in the opticalindustry working for American Opticalin the San Francisco Bay area. In 1972,he was hired by VSP’s first president andCEO, John O’Donnell, to start the firstVSP lab. Sauer, in turn, hired many ofthe people who built the facility into oneSouthern Europe, and the European vicepresident of Kraft Foods International.Indo, is a Spanish multinational companydevoted to the manufacture andmarketing of ophthalmic lenses, eyewear,sunglasses and equipment. ■■Pearle Europe Parent HAL HoldingContinues Expansion in U.K., RussiaMONTE CARLO—Last month, HAL Holding’sGrandVision subsidiary acquiredthe G C Bateman Group, a U.K.-basedoptical retail chain that operates 75stores. G C Bateman reported 2007sales of approximately €22 million.In May, HAL also reached an agreementto increase its interest in the Moscowbasedoptical retail company Lensmasterfrom 32 percent to 57 percent.In the first three months of this fiscalyear, HAL’s comparable-store sales inoptical decreased by 0.6 percent, thecompany reported last month. The operatingincome of HAL’s optical retail operationsactivities for the first quarter, was€61 million, compared to €66 millionfor the same period last year. ■■Bruce Sauer, FoundingManager, VSP Lab Dies at 69of the industry’s premier labs.Sauer retired in 1999 after 27 years atVSP. After retiring, he spent his timetraveling to Italy and restoring classicwooden boats. His award-winning creationshave been shown in the annualLake Tahoe Classic Boat Show.“Bruce will be remembered for hispersonal warmth, integrity and humility.He helped to create an employee-friendlyculture that lives on today,” said JackBanville, managing director of the VSPLab in Sacramento.Services were held on May 16 at CalvaryCemetery Church, 7101 VernerAve. in Sacramento. Remembrancesmay be sent to the Sauer family, care ofJack Banville, VSP Optical Lab, Sacramento,Calif., 95827. ■■ODC Names New Int’l DistributorsLOUISVILLE, Ky.—Optical Dynamics(ODC), a division of Vision Dynamics,has named two new international distributionpartners. World Optics LLC ofMoscow, Russia and Eye TechnologiesGroup of Milan, Italy launched theirOptical Dynamics distributorships at thisyear’s international Mido event. Underthe terms of the partnership agreement,World Optics and Eye TechnologiesGroup will maintain a sales force, serviceteam and inventory of Optical Dynamicsproducts for distribution in their respectiveregions. World Optics LLC will distributeto Eastern Europe through itssubsidiaries, World Optics EU, Hungaryand Nano Optics, Russia.“Both companies will provide newdistribution channels throughout Europemaking available the Q-2100R and nanoCLEARAR technologies with regionalservice and support,” said Galen Powers,president of Optical Dynamics,based here. “We look forward to growingOptical Dynamics’ presence in theseinternational optical markets.” ■■

20/20 Fore!sightThe game of golf is a vision thing.At Transitions Optical, we’re very proud to be sponsoring the PGA TOURevent at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club. The Transitions ChampionshipFor Healthy Sight will tee off March 16-22, 2009. The Championship isgreat news for the optical industry and for golfers everywhere.TransitionsChampionship.com

14 VISION MONDAY/JUNE 16, 2008IN THE NEWSwww.visionmonday.comNEWS VIEWSTransitions’ ‘Healthy Sight’ Survey Confirms Key IssuesMILAN, Italy—Designed to help raiseawareness of the impact of diabetes oneye health and the importance of propervision care and vision wear, TransitionsOptical, Inc. has released a new clinicalpaper through its Transitions Partners inEducation program.The clinical paper, “Healthy SightCounseling: Diabetes and the Eye,” providesinsights into the impact of diabeteson several debilitating eye diseases—including diabetic retinopathy, cataractsand age-related macular degeneration—as well as the susceptibility of diabeticeyes to heightened damage from ultraviolet(UV) light.The paper also noted that diabetes andrelated ocular complications, such as diabeticretinopathy and cataract, have beenassociated with reductions in contrast sensitivityand increased sensitivity to glare,leading to reduced visual quality.“The alarming, rising prevalence ofdiabetes around the world calls forA new clinical paper providing insights into the impact of diabeteson eye health was introduced by Transitions Optical,Inc. during Mido last month. Several tools for patient educationwere also revealed at the press event. Pictured left toright are Caroline Tikhomiroff, marketing director, EMEA,Transitions; Bette Zaret, senior vice president, global marketing,Transitions; Tunisian ophthalmologist Leila El Matri, Pr.;and Denis Fisk, director of global clinical education,Transitions Optical.MILAN, Italy—Demonstrating the continuedneed for education about healthysight around the world, Transitions Optical,Inc. released the results last monthof its second-annual “Global HealthySight Survey” at the 2008 Mido InternationalOptics, Optometry and OphthalmologyExhibition.The comprehensive survey interviewedmore than 12,000 individuals spanning sixcountries including the U.S., UnitedKingdom, Australia, France, Italy andChina. It monitored shifts in awarenessrelated to eye health risk factors, such asUV, and explored awareness of the impactof systemic disease on eye health andvision performance. Importantly, the surveyuncovered an insufficient amount ofconsumer awareness of and action towardenhancing and preserving healthy sight.While marginally improved overresponses to the 2007 survey, consumers’awareness levels remained extremelylow related to UV and other risks tohealthy sight, such as taking certainmedications. Awareness was also lowregarding the impact of particular systemicdiseases, such as diabetes, on eyehealth and vision. Not surprisingly, thispoor understanding of eye health riskfactors correlated to low numbers of consumersseeking eye exams and wearingprotective vision wear.“It’s not shocking that consumers whodon’t know what to do to take care of theirvision, don’t see the urgency in visitingincreased focus on all the detrimentalside effects of the disease, including onthe eye,” said Bette Zaret, senior vicepresident, global marketing, TransitionsOptical.“Transitions is committed to an ongoingand concerted level of support forprofessionals in staying on top of the latestclinical developments and providingthem with tools to raise the critically lowpublic awareness of this importanthealth risk.”Zaret advocated more educationamong not just diabetics, but all thepublic, “since 50 percent of people withdiabetes are unaware that they have itand early intervention is so important,”she said.Zaret added, “Transitions Optical willbe releasing additional education materialsfocused on the needs of children andspecial groups exhibiting higher incidenceof diabetes later in 2008.”The company is also making availableSee the Video of the Weekwww..comtheir eye doctor or protectingtheir eyes the way they do theirskin,” said Bette Zaret, seniorvice president, global marketing,Transitions Optical. “What wouldbe shocking is if a company likeTransitions Optical would seethese types of results and nottake action. This is why we arededicated to continued educationin concert with eyecare and medicalprofessionals around the worldon the need for healthy sight andthe steps people can take toenhance the quality of their visioneveryday and help protect theirvision for the future.”Zaret summarized the survey’skey findings and announced that thecompany will integrate education aboutthese key topics into its ongoing professionaland consumer efforts through itsTransitions Partners in Education program.Details of a new series of educationtools focused specifically on awareness ofthe impact of diabetes on the eye werealso unveiled at Mido (see sidebar below).several public education tools.Healthy Sight Counselingemphasizes the importance ofmaintenance and preventiveeyecare and increased professionaland patient awareness.The paper is authored byBruce Bode, MD; Leila ElMatri, Pr.; Paul Brant, OD;Susan Stenson, MD and GaryL. Trick, Ph.D. The full resultsof the paper and its research areavailable by going to www.transitions.com/diabetes.“All eyes are in need of protectionfrom UV radiation andglare, but in diabetic eyes thatare already at risk for variouseye diseases, this need may beeven more acute,” said El Matri,who shared highlights.“As the prevalence of diabetes continuesto rise throughout the world, it’simperative for doctors to keep the potentialeffects of diabetes on visual health topof-mindand to properly advise those managingthe disease, as well asthose at risk for it, on steps theycan take to optimize and preservetheir vision.” The paperalso addresses the importanceIn addition to the globalteam from TransitionsOptical, Inc., Leila ElMatri, a Tunisian ophthalmologistand professor,presented the latestinformation relating toeye health and diabetes—ascaptured inthe new clinical paper“Diabetes and the Eye.”Key results of the Global Survey presentedby Zaret included:• The vast majority of people are stillnot aware that extended exposure toultraviolet radiation can cause eye problems.Only 13 percent of people areaware of that fact in the U.S., and thenumber is lower in other countries.• Most people are unaware that manymedications in common use can affecttheir quality of vision and/or long-termeye health. Only 31 percent of peoplein the U.S. are aware of that fact. Morethan half of respondents report not havinga regular eye exam.• Between 25 percent and 45 percent donot report wearing protective eyewear,such as prescription or non-Rx sunwearor photochromic lenses.• Fewer than half of respondents wereaware that high blood pressure canstrongly affect eyesight.• Less than 40 percent of respondentsidentified vision problems as a sideeffect of diabetes, and only 15 percentwere aware that light sensitivity can beworsened by the disease. ■■Clinical Paper by Transitions Explores Impact of Diabetesof reminding patients that certainmedications, which theymay be taking to manage theirdiabetes, may increase theirsensitivity to light.Diabetics themselves remainin the dark regarding the connectionbetween diabetesand eye health. Betweenone-third and two-thirds ofdiabetic respondents did notidentify vision problems as aside effect of diabetes.Awareness of specific visualconditions exacerbated bydiabetes was also low. Forexample, only 20 percent orless of diabetics were awarethat light sensitivity can beworsened by the disease.According to El Matri, “This lack ofawareness poses a real danger to diabeticpatients, for whom regular eye exams areessential to detect early onset and provideearly management of eye disease.” ■■@To read the official press release describingTransitions' Global Healthy Sight Survey orto downlaod a PDF of the Clinical Paper:"Diabetes Noteworthy and section the Eye" on VisionMonday.com.go to the New &

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18 VISION MONDAY/JUNE 16, 2008IN THE NEWSwww.visionmonday.comNEWS VIEWSMIDO: ’08 Figures Up 1 Percent, Focus on New DatesMILAN, Italy—Mido organizers reportedthat attendance at the 38th edition ofthe show, which was held here May 9through May 12, was nearly 46,000, anincrease of 1 percent over 2007.They said Italian attendance was up,particularly on the first two days, includingan increase of 30 percent on theshow’s opening day, Friday, compared tothe previous year’s Italian attendance.Organizers said that the number of foreignvisitors remained steady.The mood of the show was fairly subdued,given the strength of the Euro versusthe dollar, and the general economicclimate of the U.S., which had impact onAmerican companies’ purchases of European-madegoods and their expenses forthe show. Heavy buying activity amongretailers and distributors from such highgrowthmarkets as the Middle East, Russiaand Eastern Europe and Asia wasreported by many exhibitors.Mido’s total of 1,246 exhibitorsspanned 54,640 square meters of netFrom left are the press conference’s moderator,with Safilo Group’s Vittorio Tabacchi, president ofANFAO, Visibilia’s Dan Emanuel Levi, VP ofANFAO, and an Italian fashion journalist.exhibition space, an increase of 15 percentfrom 2006.As previously reported by VM, Mido’s2009 exhibition will take place in Milanat a new time during the calendar yearand will be held from March 6 to 9; anew Mido Business Forum is plannedfrom Sept. 4 to 6 in Rome.During a press conference prior to thestart of the show, Safilo Group’s VittorioTabacchi, head of ANFAO, said theThe Design Lab at Mido.change was made “to better reflect thefashion sensitivities and need for Marchand September timing of the leadingcompanies in thesector.” During theshow, the new timingwas a majortopic of discussionamong factories,eyewear suppliersand retailers.One internationalshow, the Vision-XDubai exhibition inthe Middle East,said it had changedits show timing in2009 to mid-Mayfrom its traditionaltiming in March, asa result. Organizersof other European and international showsdeclined comment to VM at presstime.—Marge AxelradPPG and Intercast Highlight Growthof Trivex and NXT in EuropeA Sterling Franchise Can Take Youto the Next LevelWant to supercharge your optical business by belonging to a national chain?Or do you simply dream of being your own boss? Here’s your chance!A Sterling Optical franchise gives you:• Big-company savings and buying power• National and regional cooperative advertising• A comprehensive system for easy operationMr. MAGOO and associated character names, images and other indicia aretrademarks of and copyrighted by UPA Productions of America, Inc. All rights reserved.• Promotions that build traffic and increase profits• Point-of-sale customer retention programs• Access to exclusive group vision plansWe have buyers ready inNY, NJ, PA, MD, VA and CA!Call Scott Finn today at 1-800-856-9664to learn more about franchising opportunitieswith Sterling Optical!www.sterlingoptical.comMILAN, Italy—PPG Industries(NYSE:PPG) andIntercast Europe S.r.ljointly announced theirplans to support thegrowth of the Trivexlens material and thedebut of a larger rangeof NXT Rx Sunlensesduring the Mido show.In addition to the testimonyof two Europeanbusiness partners, whodiscussed their reasonsfor choosing Trivex andRudy Project’s Simone Barbazza,marketing manager, explains hiscompany’s philsophy and use ofNXT Rx Lense materials.Intercast’s Francesco Pellegrini, PPG’s Christine Camsuzou andNathan Troxell.Jenkiz Saillet, business manager,Novacel Ophthalmique talkedabout his company’s involvementwith the Trivex material.NXT for their productofferings, executives atPPG introduced the new“Trivex. True to Life”marketing materials,now available to Europeaneyecare professionalsto present thelens materials’ benefitsto their consumers.Intercast Europe isnow a wholly-ownedsubsidiary of PPGIndustries, part of theOptical Products strategicbusiness unit sinceApril 2006.

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20 VISION MONDAY/JUNE 16, 2008IN THE NEWSwww.visionmonday.comNEWS VIEWSMarchon Signs Calvin Klein, ck Calvin Klein for JapanNEW YORK & TOKYO—Calvin Klein,Inc. (CKI), a wholly-owned subsidiary ofPhillips-Van Heusen Corporation[NYSE: PVH] has announced that MarchonEyewear, Inc. will have the exclusivelicense to design, manufacture, anddistribute both the Calvin Klein Collectionand the ck Calvin Klein sun andophthalmic eyewear lines in Japan as ofOct. 1, 2008, giving the eyewear companytotal global licenses for the brand.Marchon has held the license for theVision-X Dubai Moves 2009Show to New Dates in MayDUBAI, U.A.E.—DubaiWorld Trade Centre(DWTC), organizers ofVision-X Dubai, the 10thOptical and OphthalmicExhibition and Conferenceheld annually inDubai, United ArabEmirates, has announceda date change for nextyear’s event.The largest trade exhibitionfor the optical andophthalmic industry inthe region will now takeplace from May 17 to 19 in 2009.The event was originally set to takeplace next February. Stated Lucy Clarke,project manager, DWTC, “We havedecided to change the dates of Vision-XDubai in response to the shift in dates ofother key worldwide exhibitions for inthe industry. This will benefit bothexhibitors and visitors alike and the generalconsensus was that May is the preferredtime for the industry to meet inthis region. With Vision-X Dubai furtherestablishing itself as a must attend eventit is crucial for an optimal timing that suitsindustry demand.”Scene from Vision-X Dubai 2007.Vision-X Dubai will again be held atDubai International Convention andExhibition centre. The show featurestwo sub-sectors: Vision Opticare, createdto facilitate the growing needs on theregion’s eyecare specialists, featuring thelatest in ophthalmic, optometric andtechnical equipment, instruments andmachinery, and Vision Lifestyle, featuringfashion eyewear and accessoriesincluding the latest in branded eyewearas well as unique international designs.For further information, please contactLucy Clarke at (ph): +971 4 3086904 orvisionx@dwtc.com. ■■CHICAGO—Prevent Blindness America(PBA) kicked off its second annual onlineauction as part of its 2008 fundraisingefforts.This year’s PBA Online Auction is nowopen for bidding at www.preventblindness.cmarket.com.The auction will rununtil June 20, 2008 and features a catalogof items ranging from vacation getawaypackages, Walt Disney World tickets,sunglasses, autographed sports andtelevision memorabilia, and much more.All proceeds support Prevent BlindnessCalvin Klein Collection and ck CalvinKlein sunwear and ophthalmic lines forall countries except Japan since 1992.“The Calvin Klein Collection and ckCalvin Klein offerings have been prominentbrands in Marchon’s portfolio formany years outside of Japan,” said AlBerg, president and CEO of Marchon.“We are proud of the significant businesswe have built around the world andlook forward to further developing theproduct offering and distribution of bothCalvin Klein Collection and ck CalvinKlein eyewear in Japan.”The new Japanese eyewear businesswill be overseen by Marchon’s vice presidentand managing director for AsiaPacific, Fred Humphrey, with the firstck Calvin Klein product from Marchondebuting in Japan at the 21st InternationalOptical Fair Tokyo (IOFT), to beheld Oct. 1 to 3. The Calvin Klein Collectioneyewear will be previewed shortlythereafter.“We are very pleased to be expandingour partnership with Marchon to includeJapan,” said Tom Murry, president andCOO of Calvin Klein, Inc. “Japan is animportant market for us and I am sureMarchon will operate this business ascompetently and successfully as theyhave in the rest of the world over thepast 15 years.”The Calvin Klein Collection eyewearfirst launched in Japan in 1995 by NikonEyewear Co., Ltd., followed by ckCalvin Klein eyewear in 1997. NikonEyewear announced in September 2007their plan to exit the eyewear business,but assured that they will continue toprovide service for all Calvin Klein productsthey supplied to the market, accordingto a joint statement from CKI andMarchon. ■■Prevent Blindness America Launches2nd Annual Online AuctionAmerica’s mission of healthy vision andsaving sight.“Because of the great success we hadfrom last year’s online auction, we areexcited to launch this year’s auction withnew merchandise, gift certificates, andmemorabilia,” said Hugh R. Parry, presidentand CEO of Prevent Blindness America.“We want to thank all of our friendsthat generously donated items this yearto help with this fundraiser. And, I want toinvite everyone to go online and help supportour sight-saving mission.” ■■ASCO Launching RevampedWeb Site Sporting New LookNew Ga. Law Impacts Opticians:Registration Date of Aug. 31 SetROCKVILLE, Md.—ASCO, the Associationof Schools and Colleges ofOptometry, launched a revamped Website in May at www.opted.org.The Web site joins ASCO’s online-onlyjournal, “Optometric Education,” and itsnewsletter, “Eye on Education,” whichHave you seen VM WebTV today?www.includes news about ASCO, memberinstitutions, the group’s corporate contributorsand the Partnership Foundation.According to ASCO, “The Web sitehas a fresh new look and organization,which the staff believes is also muchmore user-friendly.” ■■.comATLANTA—In May, Georgia Gov.Sonny Perdue signed a bill into law thatrequires anyone wishing to apply to takethe practical examination to be licensedas a dispensing optician based on experienceto register as an apprentice withthe state’s licensing board.The new law, HB 241, is scheduled totake effect on July 1. It sets an Aug. 31deadline for registering to allow priorhours/years to count toward apprenticeship—whichmeans that any opticiancurrently working in the field who maywish to sit for the opticianry licensureexamination any time in the futureneeds to register by that date in order toreceive credit for his or her practicaltraining and experience.Anyone not registering by Aug. 31 willbe required to begin his or her two-yearapprenticeship all over, according to thelaw. Those applying to take the opticianryexam based on education from a recognizedschool are not affected by thenew legislation.For more details, see the OpticiansAssociation of Georgia Web site atwww.oagonline.org. ■■

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22 VISION MONDAY/JUNE 16, 2008SEEING GREENwww.visionmonday.comNEWS VIEWSEco-Lite to Focus on In-Store EnhancementsTAPPAN, N.Y.—One of the leadingspecialty lighting companies in the U.S.,Eco-Lite Products, is now the new corporatename for a business setting itssights on the optical retail business—with an eye toward sustainability and‘green’ awareness.Howard Gurock, co-president of Eco-Lite, told VM, “Our light fixtures haveincreased sales by making merchandiselook significantly better than it didbefore, while at the same time reducingenergy consumption. The name ‘Eco-Lite’ reflects our corporate culture andphilosophy.”The concept of Eco-Lites illuminationis behind the company’s tagline,“Our lights Are Your Best Salesman.”Vision-Ease Underscores GreenCommitment With New LogoRAMSEY, Minn.—In conjunctionwith its recent announcementof purchasing 100 percentrenewable energy for itsRamsey, Minn.-facility, Vision-Ease Lens has established aseparate logo to represent its corporatewidesustainability initiatives. BecauseVision-Ease Lens is making a long-termcommitment to being more eco-mindedin its manufacturing practices, it was fittingto create a new logo to symbolize itsimportance within the company.“Being a good corporate citizenis one of Vision-Ease’s coreoperating principles. Our effortsto be a more sustainable manufactureris a direct commitmentto this principle, and a separate logo torepresent these efforts solidifies itsimportance and provides recognizablevisibility around the initiatives within ourorganization,” said Doug Hepper, CEOand president, Vision-Ease Lens. ■■In addition, Gurock said, “As wewatch the price of a barrel of oil skyrocketeach day, we strive to do our part tohelp reduce energyconsumption byconstantly workingon the developmentof new energy efficient lightingsolutions. We produce light fixtures thatare ‘green’ and at the same time makethe merchandise that they illuminatelook fantastic.”Eco-Light has developed a new lineof fixtures in the Vision 390 family,called the 220 series, which draw only 22watts of power. They can be installedinto all standard tracks, recessed into anytype of ceiling or made into a pendant.They can illuminate both showcases andwalls displays.Gurock noted, “The 220 series areperfect for those situations where theretailer is looking to create a softer effecton their merchandise, where the merchandiseis situated in very close proximityto the light fixture and in those situationswhere there are extremely stringentwattage restrictions such as in stateslike California where Title 24 limits theamount of wattage newand remodeled storesare permitted to use.”He continued, “OurVision 390 fixture can replace betweenthree and four 50 watt halogen fixturesand a single 220 series fixture canreplace between one and two 50 watthalogen fixtures.” ■■More SeeingGreen to ComeLaunching with our April 28 Cover Story,“SEEING GREEN,” Vision Monday willperiodically cover optical industry initiativestoward sustainability and environmentalawareness. You can read ouroverview at www.visionmonday.com.If your company is implementing “green”initiatives for your customers, communityor employees, please email us atSeeingGreen@visionmonday.com.The leader in AR nowCall today for more information on iCoat’scoating, surfacing and finishing services: 800.832.2628icoatcompany.comiCoat and Making lenses better. are registered trademarks of iCoat Company, LLC. © 2008 iCoat Company, LLC. All rights reserved.COATING. SURFACING. FINISHING.

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24 VISION MONDAY/JUNE 16, 2008IN THE NEWSwww.visionmonday.comNEWS VIEWSShamir Profits Are Up inFirst Quarter of 2008KIBBUTZ SHAMIR, Israel—ShamirOptical Industry (NASDAQ:SHMR)reported that revenues for the first quarterended March 31, 2008 increased 29.5percent to $38.0 million, compared torevenues of $29.3 million for the sameperiod of 2007. Gross profit for the quarterincreased 34.8 percent to $20.8 million,or 54.7 percent of revenues, comparedto gross profits of $15.4 million, or52.5 percent of revenues for the sameperiod last year.For the quarter ended March 31,2008, operating income increased 27.2percent to $4.3 million, or 11.2 percentof revenues, from operating income of$3.3 million, or 11.4 percent of revenuesfor the same period last year. Netincome for the quarter increased 25.2percent to $2.9 million, compared to netincome of $2.3 million for the comparableperiod in 2007.Excluding the effects of non-cashstock-based compensation expenses,operating income was $4.5 million, or11.9 percent of revenues, compared tooperating income of $3.7 million, or 12.5percent of revenues, for the same periodlast year; net income was $3.2 million, anincrease of 19.7 percent, from netincome of $2.6 million for the same periodlast year. As of March 31, 2008,Shamir reported cash and cash equivalents,including short-term investmentsof $27.6 million.“Shamir had a good start in 2008,” saidShamir CEO Eyal Hayardeny. “Duringthe first quarter, we experienced favorableresults, many of which reflect thechanges we have instituted throughoutour organization to effectuate improvedsales and manufacturing capabilities. Inaddition, our R&D team diligentlyimproved our technological capabilities.Hayardeny noted that Shamir’s U.S.subsidiary, Shamir Insight, generated$7.2 million in revenue in the first quarter.■■Unilens Vision Posts GainIn Q3 Royalty IncomeLARGO, Fla.—Unilens Vision Inc.(OTC Bulletin Board: UVICF) (TSXVenture Exchange: UVI), which develops,licenses, manufactures, distributesand markets specialty contact lenses,reported its operating results for the thirdquarter and first nine months of FY 2008.Net sales, excluding royalty income,for the quarter ended March 31, 2008increased to $1,668,397 compared with$1,634,429 in the prior-year quarter endingMarch 31, 2007, an increase of 2.1percent. The increase was primarily theresult of continued growth of the company’sC-Vue multifocal contact lenses,which increased approximately 11 percentin the current quarter, which waspartially offset by sales of Unilens’replacement products lines that declinedas expected, the company said.Royalty income for the quarterincreased 15.3 percent to $628,993 comparedwith $545,293 in the prior-year quarter.Sales of licensed products by licenseeBausch & Lomb continue to increase,resulting in continued double digit royaltyincome growth, the statement noted.For the quarter, the company reportednet income of $368,730, compared withnet income of $372,355 in the prior-yearquarter.For the nine months ended March 31,2008, net sales excluding royalty income,increased 3.8 percent to $4,854,119 ascompared to $4,677,358 for the prioryearperiod. Net sales of the company’sC-Vue multifocal contact lensesincreased approximately 12 percent duringthe first nine months of fiscal year2008, while sales of replacement productslines declined.Net income for the nine monthsincreased 24.2 percent to $1,121,941, comparedwith $903,697 in the prior-year period.Royalty income for the nine monthsended March 31, 2008 increased 21.1 percentto a record $1,888,641, compared with$1,559,496 in the prior-year period. ■■SignetArmorliteCongratulatesRobertsonOpticalon50 Years!Loganville, GA 800-929-2765 • Greenville, SC 800-223-0890 • Columbia, SC 800-922-5525For 50 years, Robertson Optical has provided eye care professionalsand their patients with the utmost quality in lenses, eyewear, craftsmanshipand service. As a result, Robertson has witnessed remarkable growth, nowranking 11th in Vision Monday’s Top Independent Labs.Call a Robertson Lab today and experience their impeccable quality.Robertson OpticalProudly Recommends:Kodak and the Kodak trade dress are trademarks of Kodak, used under license by Signet Armorlite, Inc. ©2008 Signet Armorlite, Inc.

PEOPLE25Howard Purcell, OD Joins Essilor asVP Customer DevelopmentDALLAS—Dr. HowardPurcell has joinedEssilor of America, Inc.as vice president ofcustomer development.In his newly createdrole, Purcell willcontinue to build onEssilor’s current suc-Howard Purcellcesses, while increasing coordination andvisibility among the brand sales, professionalrelations and eyecare professionaleducation groups.“We are truly excited to have someoneof Dr. Purcell’s strength and reputation,”said John Carrier, president, Essilor ofAmerica. “With his knowledge and leadership,we anticipate new avenues of customerpartnership and growth.”Before joining Essilor, Purcell servedas senior director of new program developmentfor Vistakon, a division of Johnson& Johnson Vision Care Inc. In thisrole, he led Johnson & Johnson’s professionalsupport for the upcoming OlympicGames with responsibility for global strategy,as well as program development andcoordination. At Vistakon, Howard wasresponsible for developing and managingThe Vision Care Institute which isknown today as an industry benchmarkin education and customer relations.Before Vistakon, Purcell progressed inacademic leadership roles includingassistant professor, chairman of theCornea & Contact Lenses Department,and deputy dean at Nova SoutheasternUniversity’s College of Optometry.Purcell holds a doctorate in optometryfrom the New England College ofOptometry. He also earned a bachelor’sdegree in optometry from the same institution.He is a Diplomate of the AmericanAcademy of Optometry and was recentlyhonored as a Distinguished Scholar Memberin the National Academies of Practice.Advantica EyeCare Names Andy DavisSenior VP, Sales and MarketingCLEARWATER, Fla.—Managed-visionfirm Advantica EyeCare has hired AndyDavis as its senior vice president of salesand marketing.Davis started his career in humanresources at Raymond James FinancialServices. Most recently, he was a largegroupaccount executive at Aetna.“Andy will be a tremendous asset inmanaging our business developmentteam and marketing initiatives,” saidRichard Sanchez, Advantica’s presidentand chief executive officer.Bumerts Named National SalesManager for Briot USACUMMING, Ga.—Briot USA, basedhere, has namedAndrew Bumerts asnational sales manager.In his new role,Bumerts will beresponsible for driv-Andrew Bumerts ing the company’ssales efforts.Bumerts is an optical industry veteranwith over 30 years of experience. Hehas been the South Central territorysales manager with Briot USA for thepast 11 years.CooperVision Names AragonPresident, Asia PacificFAIRPORT, N.Y.—CooperVision, adivision of The Cooper Companies(NYSE: COO), has appointed Juan CarlosAragon to the position of presidentfor the Asia Pacific region. Aragon hasmore than 20 years of experience withinthe contact lens industry, both as aninternational business leader, and as anoptometrist.Since beginning with the company in2000, Juan Carlos has held several positionswithin CooperVision, most recentlyas president, Latin America. Prior to that,he was the vice president of internationalmarketing and business operations.Hydrogel Vision Names Deb BulkenDirector of Sales for NortheastSARASOTA, Fla.—Contact lens manufacturerHydrogel Visionrecently named DebBulken its director ofsales for the NortheasternU.S.Bulken has 21 yearsDeb Bulkenexperience in the CLindustry with CIBAVision; most recently, she managedseven regions and 54 sales representativesas CIBA’s north area sales director.In her new position, Bulken is teamingup with Jim Massa, EdwardLohmann and Peggy Schuster in similarroles partnering with distributors anddeveloping key practitioner accountbusiness, according to Hydrogel Vision.Bulken now has responsibility formanaging the Northeastern U.S., Massais responsible for the Central U.S. andLohmann retains responsibility for theWestern U.S., while Schuster takes overthe Southeastern U.S., a companyannouncement said. ■■CONFIDENCEIt’s the feeling you get whenyou are at your best, reachinghigher levels of performance,achieving your goals.Confidence comes with having Briot as yourbusiness partner. It’s knowing you have the bestedging equipment, backed by the best technicalsupport in the industry.FINISHING... WITH CONFIDENCE800-292-7468 www.briot-usa.com

26 VISION MONDAY/JUNE 16, 2008IN THE NEWSwww.visionmonday.comSCENE AND HEARDSUNWEAR IN MILANSAA/ESA Executives Mingleat Annual Mido DinnerMILAN—A record crowd of sunwear executives from around the world turnedout for the annual Mido cocktail party and dinner co-hosted by the SunglassAssociation of America (SAA) and their colleagues at the European SunglassAssocation (ESA). The SAA is now a new division of The Vision Council.The ESA also recognized the contributions in the industry of two Visionaryleaders: Joseph Hatchiguian, of Sporoptic Pouilloux/Vuarnet was honored,while M. Ciralli of Luxotttica accepted an honor for Ray-Ban.Attendees at the elegant Hotel Principe D’Savoia also listened to an extensivepresentation from Alexandre Bau of Ralston & Bau about new materialsused in industrial design which can be adapted into sunwear. Ms. Milou Ketalso reviewed a series of style/fashion trend influences to point to directions insunwear design.—Marge AxelradSOUTHERN HOSPITALITYEye Care Associates HostsAnnual Expo in Raleigh, N.C.RALEIGH, N.C.—Eye Care Associates, a 15-location practice celebrating its30th anniversary this year, held its second annual Eye Care Expo for employeesand patients at the Raleigh Marriott Crabtree on May 19.The event included a fashion show featuring product from some of the 18participating vendors, as well as vendor booths where the group’s 180 staffmembers, and later patients, were able to browse product lines.Stephen Bolick, OD, founder and CEO of Eye Care Associates said, “I’mexcited about the evolution and growth of our Eye Care Expo. It’s gone froman event designed solely for our staff and doctors, to this year’s fashion andframe show that could be enjoyed by our patients as well.”Vendors supporting the exhibit included Nouveau, Marchon, Sàfilo, MauiJim, Imagewear, Robert Marc, Oakley, Eye Q Eyewear, Revolution, FrubiShades, Seaworthy Swim Goggles, REM, Viva, Zeiss, Digital Eye Lab, CibaVision, Cooper Vision and Bausch & Lomb.—Deirdre CarrollThe Vision Council’s Ed Greene (l), with ANFAO’sFrancesco Gili and Federica Andreoli.Rod Lane, president, ESA (l), withM. Ciralli of Luxottica accepting aVisionary honor for Ray-Ban; at rightis Petra Eckhart of the ESA.Models of all ages showcasedeyewear from participatingvendors on the runway.Pictured left to right are Dr. Stephen Bolick of Eye CareAssociates enjoying all the Expo had to offer with his family, sonStephen, daughter Kelly and wife Susan.Costa Del Mar’s Chas McDonald, andhis wife, Amy.From left are OpSales’ David Byk and JerryBeddingfield, and Costa Del Mar’s Ed Moody.Bob Brodney, presidentof Eye CareAssociates, welcomesstaff members.Viva’s Mick Kunish greetedEye Care Associatesstaff members andpatients at Viva’s booth.The NHL Carolina Hurricanes’ Storm Squadgot the energy going before the models tookthe stage.FRANCHISE You’re You’re in Business for for OPPORTUNITIESYourself...Never by by YourselfYou’re in Business for Yourself...Never by YourselfYou’re You’re in Business for for Yourself...Never by by Yourself• Over • Over 100 100 locations• Over 100 locations• The • The seventh largest • Over • Over optical 100 100 chain locations chain in the the United States• The seventh largest optical chain in the United States• The • The • seventh Four • Four years years largest of of optical double chain digit chain digit sales in the sales the growth United States• Four years of double digit sales growth• Four • Four years years of of double digit digit sales sales growthTHEREARE ARE THREEFRANCHISE THERETHEREARE ARE ARE OPTIONS:THREETHREE • Conversion of your existing location(s)FRANCHISEFRANCHISE OPTIONS:OPTIONS: • Conversion of your existing location(s)• New • New Store Store Locations in prime in prime retail retail settings•• New NewExistingStoreStore LocationsLocationsthat in thatinareprimeprime are fully fully retail retailoperationalsettings•• • ExistingNew StoreConversionLocationsLocations of yourthatinthat existingareprimefullyare fully location(s)operationalretail settings••ConversionExisting Locationsof your existingthat arelocation(s)fully operational• Conversion of your existing location(s)Franchise opportunities available in NY, in NY, NJ, NJ, CT, CT, MA, MA, PA, PA, and and FL FLFranchise ForopportunitiesFranchise opportunities For more more informationavailable available callin NY, call in NY,NY, 1-877-650-2730NJ, CT, MA, PA, and FLFor more information call 1-877-650-2730NJ, NJ, CT, CT, MA, MA, PA, PA, and and FL FLFor For more more information call call 1-877-650-2730

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28 VISION MONDAY/JUNE 16, 2008IN THE NEWSwww.visionmonday.comSCENE AND HEARDA RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBITIONGiorgio Armani EyewearMarks 20th Year And Launchof Special EditionsMILAN—It was 1988 when designerGiorgio Armani made his first appearanceon the eyewear scene.At Mido last month, the milestoneof Armani’s 20th anniversary in thecategory was celebrated at theArmani/Privé salon here with internationalretailers, media and executivesfrom Sàfilo S.p.A, Armani’s currentlicensing partner, on hand.The retrospective photographicexhibition showed advertising imagesreflecting the changes in lifestyle andthe evolution of eyewear created byGiorgio Armani during those twodecades.Two iconic historical models ofGiorgio Armani Occhiali were presentedin new updated versions, highlightedas the 20th Anniversary ExclusiveEdition eyewear. These limited andnumbered editions are restricted to1,020 pieces; one is the reconfigurationof the signature and model GA 634/Nand the other is Model GA 646/N/S.The designer himself toured thegallery, posing with Sàfilo executivesand retail guests from Italy and aroundthe world.Claudio Gottardi, Sàfilo’s CEO (r), with GiorgioArmani.Sàfilo USA’s John Wachsteter and Dick Russo,left, and Mark Ugenti, far right, greet AndreaCamerana, director of marketing and licensingfor Giorgio Armani Group worldwide.Camerana is also Mr. Armani’s nephew.I WANT CANDIE’SThe Candie’s Foundation Holds5th Annual ‘Event to Prevent’The evening’s headliner, music legend James Taylor performs.NEW YORK—The Candie’s Foundation held their 2008 “Event to Prevent”5th Annual Benefit Gala Wed., May 7 at Cipriani 42nd Street.The Candie’s Foundation’s mission is to educate America’s youth about thedevastating consequences of teenage pregnancy. Viva International Group, whohas the license for Candie’s Eyewear, was one of the evening supporters.The evening was hosted by Darrell Hammond from Saturday Night Live andheadlined by multi-Grammy award winner, James Taylor, with a performance bycountry music sensation, Taylor Swift, as well.Celebrity guests who attended include Ali and Dina Lohan, America’s NextTop Model Alum, Caridee English, actress Emma Stone, model/actor JasonLewis, actress Mischa Barton, musician Teddy Geiger, and designers Mark Badgleyand James Mischka. According to the Candie’s Foundation the event raisedclose to $1 million.A gallery of photographs spanned 20 years ofArmani’s eyewear designs and advertisingimages.Jon Martinez of Viva (l) poses with actressEmma Stone (r).“Living Lohan” stars Ali and Dina Lohanattended the event which was raising moneyfor teenage pregnancy awareness.The designer with Sàfilo’s chairman VittorioTabacchi (r).Sàfilo is issuing two Limited Edition GiorgioArmani Occhiali pieces to mark the designer’sanniversary in eyewear.(l-r) Viva International Group’s Bill Munch, SueHawksworth and Dave Walls enjoy the night’sfestivities.Designers Mark Badgley (l) and JamesMischka (r) flank the evening’s second performer,country music phenom, Taylor Swift.

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32 VISION MONDAY/JUNE 16, 2008IN THE NEWSwww.visionmonday.comSCENE AND HEARDSEVENTH ANNUAL ‘NEXT GENERATION AWARDS’Accessories Council and Luxottica SupportFIT’s Accessory Design TalentNEW YORK—The Accessories Council with Luxottica Group supported theFashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Seventh Annual Next Generation Awardslast month. The Next Generation Awards are meant to recognize creativity andtalent of future accessory designers.The event featured awards recognizing excellence in design in the categoriesof handbags, hats and gloves, belts and small leathergoods, jewelry and footwear.This year’s event also gave awards in the eyewear categories for both opticalframes and sunglasses. Initiated in 2007 by Luxottica Group, the FIT awardsmark the first time any design school in the U.S. has required seniors to presenteyewear as part their final accessory project. “The rapidly growing optical/sun categoryis important and is due to record consumer demand and the fact that eyewearhas become the most profitable key accessory for major fashion houses,”noted Accessories Council president, Karen Giberson.In the eyewear category, first place for optical frames went to graduating senior,Raine Anakanu while second place went to Hodaya Louis. In sunglasses, firstplace went to Apple & Eve (studentsJessica Dubon and KerryNorton) while second place wentto Jenn Min Lee.Other Award benefactors wereCipriani Accessories, LeSportsac,Nine West, Riviera Trading andMiriam Haskell who honored students’work in handbags, belts/small leathers, footwear, hats/glovesand jewelry.On stage at FIT, Vittorio Verdun, VP marketing forLuxottica Group, center, and Karen Giberson, presidentof Accessories Council, second from right, withthe students selected as Next Generation winners forsunglass design (from left) Jessica Dubon, KerryNorton and Jee Min Lee.Noted accessory designer Rafe Totengco of Rafe New York was on hand toshare a few words of wisdom. Rafe, himself an FIT alum, spoke about his experienceas a designer and hopes to inspire the graduates to continue on their path inaccessories.MARKING A MILESTONEA&R Celebrates 25th AnniversaryMILAN, Italy— Automation & Robotics (A&R) hosted a gathering of over 100 people at the St.Paul Church Converso on Friday night during this year’s Mido to celebrate the company’s 25thanniversary. Christian Closset, founder and general manager of A&R of Verviers, Belgium led thefestivities as the company marked the milestoneof providing automated solutions to the opticalindustry for 25 years. During his presentation,Closset highlighted some of the many accomplishmentsmade possible by a close workingrelationship with his customers and the dedicationand creativity of his employees and staff.Founded in 1549, the historic site is currentlyoperated by Foundazione Metropolitan of Milanand the A&R guests were treated to a display ofdrawings of Salvador Dali, piano music, a rovingmagician, a gourmet dinner and of course a wideselection of Belgian beer.MAKING THE GRADESampling a gourmet dinner are from the left, John T. Fried(speaking), A&R Optical Machinery, Inc., Marie Fried, eldestdaughter; wife, Denise Fried; daughter Elizabeth Fried; LenorFowler, Jobson Publishing; Christian Laurent, Automation &Robotics; Laurent Loeckx, Automation & Robotics; Ms.Russell Ward and Russell Ward, Optical World.Students Receive High HonorsThe reception hall of the former St. Paul Church Converso was adorned withfrescos and paintings of the period.NEW YORK—As part of the graduation ceremonies for George WestinghouseHigh School, a select group of vision care seniors at the school were the proudrecipients of graduation awards from the school’s OPTICS Council members.Six students received awards from a range of OPTICS Council members includingrepresentatives from 21st Century Optics, Tri-Supreme/Lens Connection,Carl Zeiss Vision and Transitions.Other awards included student Robert Small, recipient of the Essilor USAAward presented by OPTICS member Donna Heyer. Graduation ceremoniestook place at the school, located in Brooklyn, on May 22.Students posing with their awards, left to right are Nicole Abellard, recipient of the Cohen’s FashionOptical Award; Eleanor Bumpurs, recipient of the 21st Century Optics award; Ethel Donkor, recipientof the Rebaldo Memorial Award; Vision Care instructor Guillermo Hernandez; Alia Adams, recipientof the Tri-Supreme/Lens Connection Award; Mayra Puma, recipient of the Carl Zeiss VisionAward, and Bianca Celiare, recipient of the Transitions Award.

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‘‘Yoga and meditationallow me to center andregroup myself from thehecticness of modernlife. As I believe in tryingto live and performat my own highest level,Luxottica’s devotionto excellence resonateswell with me.‘‘DR. JIYEN SHIN, O.D.Golden VisionOptometric CentersLos Angeles, CALuxottica&mesmTo learn more about Dr. Jiyen Shin and the advantages of partnering with Luxottica go to www.luxandme.com

www.visionmonday.comCOVER STORYVISION MONDAY/JUNE 16, 2008 35Eyecare 2.0Optical Evolves OnlineVision Monday looksat the big picture andat how some eyewearand eyecare organizationsare rethinkinghow they communicatewith consumers usingthe Internet.By Deirdre CarrollSenior EditorMarge AxelradEditorial DirectorNEW YORK—1.407 billion people is astaggering number. According to InternetWorld Stats, as of March 31, 2008,that’s the number of people using theInternet worldwide.The Pew Internet & American LifeProject (www.pewinternet.org), a nonprofit,non-partisan think tank thatresearches the impact of the Internet onvarious U.S. groups, found that in September2007, 74 percent of Americanadults were Internet users, as comparedto only 48 percent in mid-2000.Given these numbers, it’s clear ourreliance on the Internet is undeniableand the importance of it in many aspectsof our lives is growing.In addition to media and entertainment,news and information and thephenomenon of social “communities”online, two of the most significant areastoday in which the Web affects our livesare the way we shop and how we dealwith and get access to medical andhealth information.Considering the optical industry’sstrong ties to both retail and health care,Vision Monday is beginning to explorehow conventional retailers, ECPs, organizationsand suppliers are extendingtheir brands, sales and connections withconsumers and patients via the Internet.We are also looking at how online retailersare embracing new Web “2.0” concepts—thosesites, accelerated by theadvent of high-speed broadband, featureenhanced creativity, information-sharingand, notably, collaboration among users.These are technology benefits that haveled to the use of social-networks andblogs—which are transforming traditionalideas of influence, access and sales.But there are issues to contend with.For example, how are some sites overcomingthe limitations of selling technologyand Rx-specific products via the Internet?Further, there is another universe of issueswithin the business-to-business “b2b”Internet world: how are systems integrationstransforming the way suppliers andbuyers interact to communicate education,training and product purchasing?In this Cover Story, we’ll look at thebig picture, and at how some eyewearand eyecare organizations are rethinkinghow they communicate with consumersusing the Internet.The “E-Doctor” Is InAt the 2nd Annual Vision MondayLeadership Summit held earlier thisspring, technology speaker LynnO’Connor Vos, CEO and president ofGrey Healthcare, told attendees that 45percent of consumers are now gettingtheir healthcare information online,nearly double the 23 percent that reportgetting their information directly fromhealth care professionals.“We are seeing a major shift in theway consumers consume health care,where they seek information, who theyget advice from and who they are listeningto,” said Vos. In fact, Vos noted thatin the 30 days leading up to the April 9VM Summit, there were 73,831 blogposts related to the terms “eyewear,”“eyecare,” “eye doctor,” “eyeglasses,”“eye health” and “eye exam” and, inthe week leading up to the event, therewere 126,000 Google searches alone onthese topics.Mark Penn in his 2007 book, Microtrends,Continued on page 36

36 VISION MONDAY/JUNE 16, 2008COVER STORYwww.visionmonday.comAllAboutVision.com has had 35 million visitors since its inception eightyears ago.Continued from page 35noted, “The biggest trend in Americanhealth care is ‘Do-It-Yourself-Doctors.’These are people who research theirown symptoms, diagnose their own illnesses,and administer their own cures.”While finding accurate and reliableonline health care information remains achallenge, consumers are turning to theInternet to find things out and in manycases to locate professionals they trust.The Pew Internet Project corroboratesthe growth of this phenomenon. ItsOnline Health Search report from 2006contended that 80 percent of AmericanInternet users, or 113 million adults, havesearched online for health information.The number of patients turning to theWeb for eye health information hasprompted companies to explore this newhealth care frontier and given rise to siteslike WebMD.com’s Eye Health portal,AOL Body’s Eye Care Condition Centerand AllAboutVision.com. Accordingto Ron Walker, president of All AboutVision, the site, developed as an independentsource of information about eyehealth and eyewear, has served some 35million visitors since its inception eightyears ago, and forecasts more than 8 millionvisitors in 2008.A big believer in SEO (search engineoptimization), Walker said, “We are verysearch driven; our stats run parallel toInternet searches in general and the mostpopular parts of our site reflect consumers’overwhelming interest in contactlenses and LASIK. Then they are lookingfor basic info on eyeglasses—what tobuy, what their options are, what theyneed to know—and then we are reallyseeing our searches for info on conditionsand diseases really jump. And we welcomeECPs to link to our site from theirs.Some 7,000 people per month check usout for that, to locate eye doctors.”In fact, ECPs’ ownWeb sites can be asource of patient educationand/or a sourceof bolstering connectionto existing patients.Stated Walker, “Formost ECPs, their Website is a service tool. Onone level, they are communicatingthrough it toprospective patientsand the site sends amarketing message. Onanother level, Web sitesenable doctors to bethere 24/7 for theirpatients; they can presurveytheir needs, useit for appointment scheduling, for providingforms and support materials tothe in-office visit, and the convenienceof online ordering for replacement contacts—anynumber of reasons to keepthat connection.”Connecting…to a BrandOn that level—that of extending a “realworld” brand to a community of users,patients or customers who interactonline—brand extension is taking on anew meaning via the Internet. In somecases, the development of a brand, orthe establishment of a consumer communityaround one, is accelerated withnew online tools and concepts. (Seesidebar on page 38).In other cases, the practice or organization’sWeb site is one way of stampingan existing brand and extending realworldretail or eyecare presence via theInternet. At Kaiser Permanente, usingthe Web to build a cohesive identity forKaiser’s “Vision Essentials” vision businessfor the HMO’s millions of members,has become a major initiativethroughout the organization. Kathy Torrence,product line manager, Kaiser PermanenteEye Care Services, NorthernKaiser Permanente’s Homepage, kp2020.org, shows members all of the eyecareoptions available to them.California, said thegroup’s site missionis “comprehensiveeyecare meets individualstyle.” There,the message is forKaiser’s members toget great medicalcare from Kaiser PermanenteMDs andoptometrists pluslearn more about agreat selection ofeyewear.“We conductedfocus groups to seewhat members neededand now this program, which startedin Northern California, is national and allof Kaiser’s regions are on the Web site,”said Torrence. The goal was for theimagery to tie in to Kaiser Permanente’s“Thrive” branding program and the featuresof the site are many, including anEye Health Encyclopedia that connectsto the Kaiser home site and others that getthem thinking about the eyewear they canchoose from whenthey come in fortheir visits.“We have a VirtualFrame Board thatlets them search bydesigner or by brandor by style characteristicsand Find YourPerfect Eyewearasks them a series ofquick questions theycan answer, print outand bring with themto their appointment,”added Torrence.Our goal was for them to be able tolearn more about the selection and optionsavailable to them asKaiser members. Andit’s working to helpchange perceptionsabout our business.”Luxottica Retailmaintains separateand distinctly brandorientedWeb sites formost of its retail chains:www.lenscrafters.com,www.pearlevision.com,www.searsoptical.com,www.sunglasshut.comand www.iloristyle.com.(Its licensed TargetOptical locations areaccessible through themain Target Web siteat www.target.com.)Luxottica Retail’s, PearleVision.com, which is undergoing a redesign, focuseson eyecare topics.The sites—which offer consumersinformation on both eyewear and eyecareunder a variety of headings—have beendesigned to reflect the market positionsof Luxottica’s various retail brands. Forexample, the LensCrafters site has astrong fashion orientation, highlightingareas such as New & Now (a changingstyle portfolio, heavily skewed towardprescription sunwear for Summer 2008),Eyewear 101 (helping site visitors selecteyewear by face shape, color, material andstyle details) and Frame Personality (aquiz to help consumers determine theirbest eyewear looks).The Pearle Vision site—currentlyundergoing “a major redesign,” accordingto the company—is more eyecareoriented,to match that chain’s positioning.The site features prominentmention of the Optomap retinal examsoffered by the Pearle stores; Pearle’sWeb site also has a stronger emphasis oneyecare, including an Eye Educationsection incorporating an InteractiveGuide to the Conditions of the Eye anda “virtual eye exam,” as well as a sepa-Continued on page 38Kaiser Permanente’s Virtual Frame Board helps members learn aboutthe eyewear selection available to them.

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38 VISION MONDAY/JUNE 16, 2008COVER STORYwww.visionmonday.comContinued from page 36rate Kids Corner area with informationon children’s eyecare.In addition to product and eyecareinformation, the LensCrafters, PearleVision and Sears Optical sites all nowoffer online exam scheduling as a consumerconvenience. LensCrafterslaunched online exam scheduling inDecember 2006, as part of a majorredesign of that Web site. Pearle startedonline scheduling in December 2007;Sears Optical began offering onlinescheduling in September 2007, followinga redesign/relaunch of its site last July.Click to BuyShop.org’s 11th Annual 2008 State ofRetailing Online study, conducted byForrester Research, found that in a yearwhere retail sales are expected to sufferdue to the slow down of the economy,online retail will continue to grow withsales rising 17 percent to $204 billion.The Pew Internet Project also foundin their February 2008 Online Shoppingstudy that the number of Americanswho had ever bought a product online asof September 2007 was 49 percent, upfrom just 22 percent in 2000. In fact, thatsame study concluded that 93 percent ofonline users have done something relatedto e-commerce, be it using the Internetto research goods or services or tomake purchases.“Today, online consumers think nothingof shopping across a retailer’s stores,Web site and catalog,” said Jeffrey Grau,eMarketer senior analyst and author ofthe new report, Multi-Channel Retailing,“As a consequence, online productresearch is driving more in-store salesthan online sales.”eMarketer, an online destination formarket research and trend analysis on theInternet, projected in November 2007that the percentage of Internet users whohave made an online purchase will continueto rise steadily through 2011.“With consumers showing such strongacceptance of online shopping, retailersContinued on page 39NEW YORK—Erin Byrne, global chief digitalstrategist for Burson-Marsteller,observed during the recent Vision MondayGlobal Leadership Summit,“Because of the nature of digital communicationstoday, marketers can no longercontrol their message; they can onlyhope to influence it. Companies arestarting to recognize this as both anissue and a possibility. Today, we recommendintegrated communications whereyou use traditional mass mediums tobuild awareness and then use digital todrive that awareness through to action.”Among eyewear suppliers, the theoryand power of consumercommunications andrecommendations viasocial media and communitiesis on the rise.Glen Eisenberg ispresident of PrecisionAdvertising, the Montreal-basedagency ofrecord for MontrealbasedWescan Optical,manufacturer of FyshUK Eyewear; Precision is the agency responsiblefor the launch of FyshNation.com.FyshNation.com is an interactive onlinecommunity, launched this past May,based on social networking and aimed atdriving brand involvement by building alifestyle culture around the Fysh UK eyewearbrand’s core identity—Dream Big,Think Big, Live Big!—through quarterlycontests, quizzes and videos.“The world of online communication islike the advent of the TV in the ‘50s,”said Eisenberg. “Back then, if you boughta 30-second advertising slot on one ofthe three channels you had 90 percentsaturation in American households.Today, the difference is that the adoptionof the Internet has moved at a lightningpace when compared to the adoption oftelevision. Marketingonline isnot an opportunity,it is anecessity.”“Part of the overall strategy is to createnot just product, but emotionalbonds that connect with the consumer,”continued Eisenberg. “Our challenge wasto create a cultural aspect for the brandthat goes beyond the physical aspects ofthe frame. The Fysh UK brand is aboutliving life to the fullest, so having anonline place that was a communitybased home gives us a platform to reinforcethat. Of course the long-term goalis that when visitors do go into a storethat recognition and relationship is thereand results in a sale.”FyshNation.com is just one of the latestmanifestations of an online marketingtool built by eyewear brands lookingto parlay their brand’s core values into agreater lifestyle movement and sense ofcommunity.In 2007 when Luxottica’s Ray-Banlaunched their “Never Hide” campaign,their Web site played a huge part in thekick off. People from around the worldwere able to upload photographs ofthemselves in their Ray-Bans to Ray-Ban.com. The pictures were then playedon 11 screens in New York City’s Times(Clockwise from top) Costa Del Mar’s Channel C – CostaChannelC.com;FyshNation.com, Ray-Ban’s Confessions – Ray-Ban.com.Square where Ray-Ban had photographerson hand to catch each moment.Visitors to the site were not only able toperuse the photos that had beenuploaded but those who contributed pictureswhere also able to download a pictureof themselves being broadcast inTimes Square captured by the onsitephotographers.At the recent South by Southwestmusic festival in Austin, Texas, Ray-Bantook the “Never Hide” campaign a stepfurther by allowing festival goers achance to record their 30-second “Confessions”in a special photo booth. Theconfessions were later uploaded on thesite where visitors can “rate” each confessionon a scale of one to five stars.The “Never Hide” campaign is basedon individuals having the courage toexpress their true selves, their thoughtsand their personality genuinely, and tostay true to the values of authenticityand uniqueness, traits that are integralto the DNA of the Ray-Ban brand. Thoughthe campaign is comprised of traditionalmarketing tools like print and outdooradvertising, it is the use of the Internetthat has really given people the opportunityto make the brand their own.“The interactive online component ofthe Ray-Ban Web site is importantbecause it helps deepen the relationshipwith our target consumers and alsoextends the brand’s reach while complementingoffline activities,” added VittorioVerdun, Luxottica’s vice president of marketing.“Our digital plans will continue toinclude engaging and interactive contentthat generates buzz and drives awarenessamong Ray-Ban’s target consumer.”Another eyewear company that is continuingto use the Internet to help onlineusers make the brand their own andbuild a lifestyle community based uponthe brand’s principles is Ormond Beach,Fla.-based Costa Del Mar. Not only arevisitors to CostaDelMar.com able toshare their own journeys and experiences,or offer recommendations onfavorite beaches, surfing areas and paddlingspots with others, but in July 2007,the brand also launched “Channel C,” anonline video network dedicated to watersports and angling adventures that featuresoriginal programming and user-submittedfilm footage of extreme watersports and fishing expeditions.“Our goal is to get people to our Website so they can get the full Costa brandexperience,” said Al Perkinson, vice presidentof marketing for Costa Del Mar.“Video content is the best way to dothat. We create original programming andair it on Channel C and we then useonline and offline media to drive peoplethere. We think that this approach willbecome more and more popular as consumerscontinue to gain control overwhat they watch and when.” ■■

www.visionmonday.comCOVER STORYVISION MONDAY/JUNE 16, 2008 39Jobson Internet Solutions, jis.jobson.com, builds and enhances Web sitesfor the optical industry.Continued from page 38are stepping up their commitment to thechannel,” noted Joe Savarese, vice presidentof Jobson’s Internet Solutions division,which builds and enhances Websites for suppliers, ECPs and retailers,both online and traditional. “Such consumeracceptance is forcing retailers torealize that if they are to survive theretail market of the 21st Century, theymust take their Web strategies into themainstream of the consumer culture.”“Having a huge selection is just one ofthe advantages of the Internet salesmodel versus the selection available onthe dispensary board. Features like virtualtry-on tools have become popular,but a properly designed Web site thatprovides both a positive and intuitivefirst-time user experience is critical, as isa site that is optimized for search enginerecognition to build traffic for the site.”“Retailers are changing so that theycan benefit from the shift in consumerspending,” Savarese added. “Big chainsare bringing a new-found zeal to onlineretailing, redesigning sites, adding newfeatures and capabilities and pumpingresources into marketing. Online-onlymerchants are responding with theirown renewed commitment to the Internet,innovating with products, customerservice, content and marketing,” he said.Optical e-TailingOptical retailers, both traditional andonline-only, are taking heed. “Today, theInternet is central to how consumersshop, whether researching and ‘preshopping,’making a purchase on-line orengaging in post-shopping behaviorssuch as posting ratings or reviews abouta purchase or product on Web sites,group discussion boards, blogs, etc.,”added Patricia Sharp, director of Webmarketing for LuxotticaRetail.“We believe purchasingand onlineengagement withconsumers will continueto grow rapidlyacross all industriesand categories,” Sharpadded. “More businesseswill become‘multi-channel retailers,’incorporating theWeb channel intotheir business strategiesto make it easyfor customers to shopwhere they want,when they want andhow they want. Likewise,each of our retail brands continuesto explore and evaluate what is right forthat retail brand and our customers as itrelates to providing eyecare and eyewearinformation, selling products online andengaging customers in a retail brandexperience.”FramesDirect.com’s homepage featuring walk-on video technology of CEOand founder Dhavid Cooper, OD.EyeBuyDirect.com’s Wall of Frames allows visitors to get instant feedbackon their frame choice before purchasing.Jobson Research has not yet been ableto quantify online eyewear retail sales,which can include frames, sunglasses, Rxlens and eyeglass purchases. However, inthe 2007 Internet Influence Report conductedby The Vision Council and JobsonResearch in June 2007, 52 percent ofrespondents/ consumers had used theInternet to examine possible brands andtypes of eyeglasses prior to purchasingtheir last pair. Some 28 percent said theyused it to examine possible eyewearretailers and nearly 33 percent said theyused the Internet to compare and benchmarkprices for specific brands or eyewearretailers. Of those who responded,almost 5 percent purchased their eyeweardirectly over the Internet and 67percent of them did so from an onlineonlyeyewear retailer, like EyeBuyDirect.comor FramesDirect.com.In some cases, online-only sites are“price” driven. For others, the informationand interactive content move themin another direction.EyeBuyDirect.com is a prescriptioneyeglass Web sitelaunched in 2005 byRoy Hessel, founderand CEO. EyeBuyDirect.comoffers visitorsFrame Personalityquizzes, trend reportsand color forecasting,instructions on measuringfor an accuratefit and the EyeTry“Wall of Frames,” anonline social shoppingsection that not onlyallows visitors to virtuallytry on frames butto post their photo, ore-mail it to friends, inorder to receive instantfeedback prior to their final selection.“While choosing theright pair of glasses is aquestion of personaltaste, the opinions offriends, family, andeven strangers certainlycan help make thefinal choice much easier,”explained Hessel.“The Web makes itpossible to hear theopinions of the peoplewe value most andthe general public,which can feel muchmore genuine thanthe feedback of an instoresalesperson.”FramesDirect.com is taking the eyeweare-tailing concept one step further.Founded in 1996 by Dhavid Cooper,OD, and Guy Hodgson, OD, Frames-Direct has embracedthe online retailmedium beyond justselling the 116,000products they carry.The site also features“walk-on” animatedvideo technologythat explains theWeb site’s featuresand highlights somebrands; a FrameFinderVirtual Try-On system,which gives visitorthe ability toupload a photo ofthemselves to seehow each pair offrames will look onthem; The EyeZoneBlog, which provides news, insights,announcements, and a glimpse insideFramesDirect.com; as well as a largesocial networking component thatincludes the ability to follow the blogthrough Twitter and link to the Web sitethrough their Facebook Fan page.“Essentially, we’ve had to learn howto run a technology company that hasexpertise in optical products and services,”said Dhavid Cooper, OD, co-founderand CEO of FramesDirect.com.“We have invested, and continue toinvest, millions of dollars into Webdevelopment and improvements annually.We continually re-invest in improvingtechnology, hardware and software,and have a dedicated team of specialistswho are customer focused and serviceoriented—and while we have and continueto enjoy the journey we embarkedon over a decade ago, it’s not for the faintof heart,” Cooper said. ■■FramesDirect.com’s EyeZone Blog page provides news, announcementsand insights into FramesDirect.com.

40 VISION MONDAY/JUNE 16, 2008SPECIAL REPORTwww.visionmonday.comContact Lenses GetA Warm ReceptionNew Technology, Materials, andPatient Interest Spur GrowthBy Marge AxelradEditorial DirectorComing off of a healthy2007, contact lenscompany executives andleading distributors areanticipating another veryrobust year of growth forthe category in 2008.NEW YORK—One of the brightestsegments of today’s eyewear market,contact lens sales, outpaced the totalindustry’s retail sales gains last year bygrowing at some 3 percent to 4 percentoverall, according to Jobson/The VisionCouncil’s VisionWatch data for the 12months ending December 2007.And, they are at least keeping pacewith that rate of performance this year,too, the experts in the category tellVision Monday, despite the currenteconomic climate.Sales are being led by the very positivereception to silicone hydrogel (sihy)materials, many of which are now beingintroduced in second and third phases.Sihy’s now dominate and comprise anestimated 60 percent the market,observers reported.Also running high are the predictionsfor both torics, to serve the astigmaticpopulation, employing the new materialsand modalities, and multifocals,addressing either first-time presbyopeswho have never worn glasses and don’twant to, or long-term contact lens wearerswho want to stay in them.Optimistic, too, are executives aboutthe daily disposable modality. This isbeing spurred on by the highest patientcompliance percentages in the marketafter a year when some concerns aboutcontact lens solutions’ safety and usageprompted consumers and ECPs toreconsider the category or at least take afirst real look at it.In addition, there is a rise in the numberof eyeglass wearers who are startingto like the idea of occasional or part-timecontact lens wear. As a result, daily disposablesare projected to experienceanother year, following 2007, of healthyhigh double-digit gains.Jeff Rems, president of Optical DistributorsGroup (ODG), noted, “Theeconomy is not the greatest. But to a certainextent, it’s a resistant industry to economicdownturns. And in reality, thegrowth in contact lenses are coming fromnew products, a range of options withever-improving comfort to patients. Doctors,too, are more confident about thenew lenses and are recognizing thatmonthly and annual dispensing keepspatients compliant and in their practices.”Rems said, “We’ve been working onhelping ECPs understand and executeauto-replenishment, too, which helpstheir cash flow and builds connectionsand convenience for patients at verycompetitive costs.”Rems pointed out that while theindustry, in his estimation, grew in “highsingle digits” last year, the distributionchannel was up in double digits whileODG’s business growth exceeded that.“We’ve structured a good level of servicesand other programs to help ECPSbetter manage their business, we canhelp on the back end and contribute totheir bottom line.”Angel Alvarez, president of ABB/Conciseagreed. “Contact lens distributorshave become the major source of softlenses for independent ECPs, in 2007purchasing two thirds of their requirementsthrough this channel. Eighty-fivepercent of independents rely on distributorsfor some portion of their soft lensrequirements.”Alvarez pointed out, “At the sametime, the number of annual purchasetransactions per patient has doubled, asthe result of disposable lenses. Managingtransaction costs has become a moreCooperVision’s Avaira’s new two-week sihy lensfeatures Aquaform Technology.significant issue for ECPs. ABB/Conciseanalyses show that administrativecosts of fulfilling contact lens orders canconsume as much as 35 percent of grossprofit. Our strategy is to educate ECPsabout best management practices toreduce administrative costs.”Contact lens company leaders concurthat ECPs are recognizing gains to theirpractice health and the ability to buildpatient loyalty through their contact lensfitting, recommendations and sales.Overall, they support a sunny outlookfor the category this year.Francesco Balestrieri, president ofNorth America for CIBA Vision, said,“The U.S. market is extremely attractive;it’s the largest population-wise butalso in terms of contact lens penetration.We see the U.S. market growing veryquickly—it’s the fastest growing of allthe developed markets, taking intoaccount its estimated 6 percent growthin 2007, compared to 5 percent in Japanand a relatively flat market in Europe.“Our outlook,” Balestrieri continued,“for 2008 is another 5 percent to 6 percentgrowth overall; the first quarter was belowthat pace, but we see the market acceleratingas new technology is introduced thisyear; it’s only a temporary slowdown.”Contact lenses, he said, have a higherconsumer wearer base in the U.S.“There’s a 13 percent penetrationamong the total population and that’sthe equivalent of 25 percent of thosewho need vision correction wearing contactlenses some or all of the time. Evenwith that, there are still big opportunitiesfor growth,” Balestrieri said.The ECP in the U.S. and patientsthemselves are always part of a dynamicmarket, they are looking for better comfortand eye health; they are receptive tonew technologies, he observed. “We’venoticed that in the past year or so the dailydisposable category has taken off, growingdouble digits. Three years ago, dailieswere less than 7 percent of the total; todaythe market is passing 10 percent—it’s stillContinued on page 42Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism is scheduled to belaunched this month by Johnson and Johnson.

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42 VISION MONDAY/JUNE 16, 2008SPECIAL REPORTwww.visionmonday.com Continued from page 40small but we still see higher, robustgrowth in this arena for this year.“Patient satisfaction is the highestwith dailies, there is good loyalty andmore messages about dailies are beingpassed on. It’s still a mixed landscapewith some ECPs really committed to fittingdailies and others still consideringembracing the category.” CIBA plans tolaunch its new daily product in July,under the Focus Dailies brand, FocusDailies Aqua Comfort Plus.Sihy, too, Balestrieri pointed out, continuesto grow as the market’s switchfrom hema to sihy materials progresses.“ECPs are actively increasing theirchoices of the product, new torics andmultifocals in the categories help.”James Gardner, director of marketing,CooperVision concurred that the marketgrew at a solid rate last year and that“Cooper grew faster than the market.”He added, “2007 was an interesting yearfor a few reasons. Sihy lenses continuedto dominate fitting, in spherical lenses inparticular, but the outlook for siliconetorics continue to look strong. We alsosaw daily disposables really take off. Theissue of solution recalls, solution efficacyand compliance contributed to doctorsreally taking a new look at dailies.”Echoing the estimates of other execs,Gardner said dailies grew by some 25percent last year and it predicts that thecategory will be strong again in ’08.“Daily disposables still rank low in percentageof overall fits, but I think ECPsalso see them as an opportunity for practiceprofitability. At Cooper, our threepriority goals are health and safety, complianceand business/practice profitability—dailiesmeet all of those [criteria].”Gardner also said CooperVision seesmore fits going to monthly, versus twoweekregimens. “CooperVision virtuallycreated the monthly market in the U.S.with the products we launched in themid-‘90s and we know compliance ishigher. Last year the biggest monthlylens launched was Biofinity, it was amuch-anticipated Sihy lens launchedand it’s rocketed because it’s deliveredwhat doctors were looking for.”Torics, too, Gardner pointed out, continueto be a major priority and marketposition for CooperVision in the U.S.“Today’s torics aren’t really ‘specialty’lenses anymore, that’s an old term. Theyperform well, they’re predictable interms of how they fit; doctors are morecomfortable with them and so the categoryis taking off.” Multifocals, too, henoted, “especially with our broad portfolio”are growing very well; it’s one of thebest sectors of the market for us. A lot ofBaby Boomers, long-time contact lenswearers or first-time presbyopes, arecoming into the category.”Cooper’s Avaira, its new two-weekSihy lens with Aquaform TechnologySee the Video of the Weekwww. Bausch & Lomb targets Boomers with its broadcast ads for MultiFocals.Ocular Insight’s Clear 58 is a generic lens..com SynergEyes recently launched the Multifocal Hybrid.has just launched, just nine months afterBiofinity, Gardner said.At Bausch & Lomb, the optimisticforecasts continue. Noted Linda Fawcett,vice president, marketing, “Multifocalsare a huge focus for us as a company,to make sure that there’s awarenessof the category, to make emerging presbyopesaware of it. We’ve initiated a lotof communications to this group anddialed up our advertising.”Torics will receive continued focus aswill the daily category. Fawcett said,“Pure Vision Toric and Multifocal are abig priority for us. And we are now gettingready to launch Softlens 1-Day DailyDisposable, it’s a next level of fine-tuningand we’re very optimistic about it.”At Vistakon, a division of Johnson &Johnson, Naomi Kelman, president, toldVM, “The last few years for contactlenses have been very strong, ’07 was noexception and in ’08 we anticipate reallygood growth.CIBA Vision is launching Air Optix for Astigmatism.“Part of this is the fundamental natureof contact lenses—people need visioncorrection and there’s an annuity/renewalfactor with contact lenses.” She added,“We continue to have terrific success.Acuvue Oasys is the fastest-growing disposablebrand in the spherical segmentand Acuvue Advance for Astigmatismcontinues to grow at double digit ratesfor us. Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism isto be launched this month while Acuvue1-Day Moist product has strong healthand comfort advantages for patients.”Kelman continued, “We don’t defineourselves by ‘modalities’—that’s an oldfashionedapproach. Our focus has beenabout the critical benefits the end consumersand doctors are looking for. Wesee four major trends: people who wantto wear contact lenses part time. Wehave a recent survey that shows one outof 10 contact lens wearers wear bothspectacles and contact lenses. And thesepatients come back for care more often.”She continued, “We also see a majortrend in the two-week segment and fittingkids at younger ages. We have arecently published study that shows thatfitting children as young as eight years oldis really viable, they are as capable ofwearing the product as teens and doctorsCooperVision’s business with theProClear Multifocal has grown.are more comfortable fitting children, too.“There’s another major trend we seethat has to do with vision related to performance.How important your eyes are toachieve things in your life—the lifestyleout of the chair can be even more importantthan the fitting experience when thepatient is sitting in the exam room.“And, finally,” Kelman noted,“There’s the reflection of technologyhappening in our lives. Everyone’s textingor checking cell phones or workingwith computers, which leads to eyestrain,dryness. This has led people toseek out lenses that are comfortable butdo well in challenging environments.Acuvue Oasys is designed specifically toaddress that [issue].”A new entrant into the U.S. contactlens market this year is Ocular Insight,Inc. With the U.S. distribution of contactlenses made by ClearLab, the companydebuted its lenses in April and istargeting ECPs and optical retailers witha “generic” contact lens that offers themthe alternative, said Steve Weisfeld, OD,vice president of professional relationsand John Raycraft, president and CEOof the company. “There are manyoptions and lenses out there today; wefeel there is room for the doctor toexplain the alternative to the patient andpresent new choices.”Ocular Insight offers several “genericequivalent” contact lenses, ranging fromthe Clear 58, the Clear 55A, the ClearUnilens C-VUE debuted its 1-Day Daily Disposable.All-Day and the Clear All-Day T. Thecompany is working on a daily disposable,Weisfeld noted.Said Raycraft, “Our contact lenses areabout the value. Doctors have beenworking with these materials for yearsand we are offering them huge price differentials;they will discuss the optionsand determine how to fit these into theirpractice portfolio.” ■■

44 VISION MONDAY/JUNE 16, 2008EXAM LANESwww.visionmonday.comOPTOMETRY NEWSAOA Issues ‘Caring for the Eyes of America’ST. LOUIS—Private practice optometristsare maintaining their position as thenation’s primary eyecare providers,according to the American OptometricAssociation’s (AOA) recently released“Caring for the Eyes of America” survey.The survey, the AOA’s 10th, indicatesthat private optometric practicesaccounted for the largest share—approximately44.37 percent—of what theorganization estimates as a $29.25 billiontotal U.S. ophthalmic market in 2007 (up7.5 percent from the AOA’s estimate forindustry volume in 2005).The AOA estimates that 37,083 fulltimeequivalent ODs were active in theworkforce during 2007. Most (up tothree-fourths of those responding toAOA surveys) provide care in traditionalSEATTLE—Optometrists, paraoptometricsand optometry students fromaround the country head to the WashingtonState Convention and Trade Centerhere next week for the 111th annualAmerican Optometric Association (AOA)Congress and the 38th annual AmericanOptometric Student Association (ASOA)conference, once again combined underthe umbrella of “Optometry’s Meeting.”The event, which runs from June 25to June 29, kicks off Wednesday, June25, with the first continuing educationcourses; classes run through Sunday.Wednesday night, attendees are invitedto a welcome reception sponsored byBausch & Lomb.At the annual opening general sessionon Thursday, June 26, author ChristopherGardner, who wrote The Pursuit ofHappyness, will offer his views as theAOA keynote speaker, sponsored byEssilor. During that session, the AOAwill present several major awards,including Optometrist of the Year andYoung Optometrist of the Year.The Optometry’s Meeting exhibit hallopens that afternoon; exhibits by morethan 200 industry firms and organizationswill also be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.private practices, although increasinglyin partnerships or group practices asopposed to solo practices.The Caring for the Eyes of Americastudy examines the changing nature ofoptometric practice over time, includingdata from recurring surveys on consumertrends, third-party/managed care participationrates, the size and share of theophthalmic market, optical dispensingand optometric income.The study indicates that ODs are providingnot only more eye examinationseach year (2,229 exams annually, on average)compared with a decade earlier, but awider range of care. Optometrists are nowtreating or co-managing 66.1 percent oftheir patients with glaucoma and 83.2 percentof patients they diagnosed with anteriorsegment disorders, the study said.And ODs are providing patients thelatest in state-of-the-art eye and visioncare, with a solid majority of practicesnow equipped with automated perimeters(91.3 percent of practices), autorefractor/autokeratometer(77.8 percent)and the pachymeter (72.6 percent),according to the AOA survey. Scanninglaser ophthalmoscopes and pachymetersare the technology most often beingadded in optometric practices.On the financial front, although theAOA says Americans are receiving moreand better eyecare through optometrists,that care is rising in cost much moreslowly than other forms of health care orconsumer prices overall, according to theBureau of Labor Statistics data. As forFriday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.Thursday night, Essilor sponsors theannual Varilux Optometry Super Bowlcompetition (this year is Super BowlXVII) and reception for optometry students.The first-place winner receives a$1,000 grand prize and trophy.Also on Thursday, Hoya sponsorsWashington Wine Experience in theexhibit hall; on Friday afternoon, June27, attendees can participate in MicrobrewMania featuring local beers, also inthe exhibit hall.New AOA officers will be elected duringthe annual House of Delegatesinsurance coverage, 76.5 percent ofpatients in a typical optometric office arenow covered (48 percent by privateplans, 28.5 percent by Medicare or otherpublic programs). Nearly half of patients(45.6 percent) are in managed-care programs,the AOA study indicated.And although practice gross revenuesare up, some practitioners’ net incomesare not keeping pace, according to thesurvey, as margins are squeezed byincreasing expenses.The full Caring for the Eyes of Americastudy is available for $279; AOAmembers may purchase the compendiumat a steep discount, according to theorganization. For more information, go towww.aoa.org/caring08.xml or call (800)262-2210. ■■ODs Heading to Seattle for Optometry’s Meetingmeeting on Friday.The meeting wraps up Saturdaynight, June 28, with the PresidentialCelebration, sponsored by Hoya. Comedianand “Tonight Show” host Jay Lenowill entertain at that event, which honorsthe newly elected AOA presidentand board of trustees. Following Leno,The Grooveline, a tribute band featuringmusic of the 1970s and 1980s, will performduring a dessert reception.Next year’s Optometry’s Meeting willbe held June 24 through June 28, 2009,at the Gaylord National ConventionCenter in Washington, D.C. ■■EYECARE NEWSPENNSYLVANIA COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRYBECOMES SALUS UNIVERSITY JULY 1ELKINS PARK, Pa.—The Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO), based here, willsignificantly change its institutional structure on July 1, when it officially makes thetransition from a college to a university and adopts a new name: Salus University.Salus, a Latin word for health and well-being, was unanimously adopted by the college’sboard of trustees as an expression of the institution’s dedication to the preservationof the health and well-being of the communities its graduates serve, anannouncement said.“The university’s name supports the institution’s vision of an academic communitythat emphasizes a holistic approach to education, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation,and includes a commitment to interdisciplinary learning,” noted presidentThomas L. Lewis, OD.“Our faculty, students, staff and board of trustees realize that, as this institutiongrows and becomes more complex, the name Salus will offer direction, underscoringthe value of interdisciplinary education and early clinical experience that are the hallmarksof our innovative curriculum.”J&J VISION CARE INSTITUTEADDS SIXTH SATELLITE CENTERJACKSONVILLE, Fla.—Johnson & Johnson’s Vision Care Institute recently added itssixth partner institution: the Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometrynow hosts a Vision Care Institute satellite learning center.“The satellite learning centers provide a direct link between the main campus ofThe Vision Care Institute in Jacksonville, Fla., and the optometry schools, enhancingstudents’ experiences with even more information and contact lens-related skills usefulfor their careers,” said Richard Clompus, OD, director of the Institute. “Educationalprogramming at the satellite centers includes distance learning programs for firstthroughfourth-year optometry students, using video conferencing technologies fromthe Jacksonville headquarters. Additional satellite centers will be opened at otheroptometry schools in the future.”The Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry was founded in1981; in 1992, it became a separate, autonomous academic unit within the university.■■

46 VISION MONDAY/JUNE 16, 2008EXAM LANESwww.visionmonday.comOPTOMETRY NEWSIndustry Experts Take Pulse of Low Vision CareMeeting Explores Treatments, Strategies, Models of CareBy Mary KaneExecutive EditorWASHINGTON , D.C.—Experts fromacross the country and throughout a varietyof disciplines—including the ophthalmiccommunity, low vision advocates,rehabilitation experts and lowvision patient groups—gathered at theNational Press Club here recently forThe Vision Summit: Focus on LowVision sponsored by the Better VisionInstitute (BVI).Tom Abbott, optician and incomingBVI chair, summed up the “vision” ofthe gathering saying, “The strategic planhere is to examine the tools that thethree Os are using in their practices. Bybringing together experts to share strategiesand best practices, we hope todefine the tools, resources and contactsneeded to improve low vision treatment.”Presenters from the panel, the Current Landscape,are left to right Asel Ryskulova, MD, Centers forDisease Control and Prevention; Cynthia Stuen,PhD, senior vp policy and professional affairs,Lighthouse International, and Dan Roberts, foundingdirector, MD Support & International MacularDegeneration Support Group.According to the BVI, 6.5 millionAmericans aged 65 and older suffer fromlow vision, and the number of Americansaffected is expected to increase asthe nation’s population ages. The generalconsensus among the speakers wasthat currently, low vision needs are notbeing adequately met and the agingBaby Boomer population will only exacerbatethe need for expanded servicesand personnel specializing in low vision.Paul Michelson, MD, Better VisionInstitute liaison, opened the meeting byraising several key issues for attendees:“Our goal here is to find viable models forbusy ECPs to use. They are under atremendous amount of pressure to seemany patients. How can they determinewho needs treatment for low vision? Oncethat happens, can the treatment be handledin a private center or a rehab facility?”The presentation was organized intofour panels highlighting the following categories:the Current Landscape, thePatient Perspective, the Professional Perspective,and Economic Models of Care.During the first panel, Cynthia Stuen,senior vice president of policy and professionalaffairs for Lighthouse International,explored the psychological ramificationsof vision loss. “Thepsychological effects of living with limitedvision are a critical part of low visionand its treatment,” she said. Since lowvision tends to affect the senior populationthere is a double burden of growingolder and acquiring vision loss. Theinfluence of family and friends caneither impair or support the rehabilitationprocess, depending on the level ofsupport they provide, according toStuen. But she stressed that the issueextended “beyond the three Os to alarger population of providers that needto be brought into the mix.”Treating the patient as a whole was arecurring theme throughout the day.During the second panel on patient perspectives,speakers currently living withlow vision recounted their personalexperiences and challenges. Mark F.Have you seen VM WebTV today?www.Attending the dinner and reception the nightbefore the meeting are left to right, Tara Cortes,PhD, president and CEO, LighthouseInternational; Mary Lou Jackson, MD, chair, AAOVision Rehabilitation Committee; Lylas Mogk,director, Visual Rehabilitation and ResearchCenter, Henry Ford Health System, and CatherineCohen, VP, Governmental Affairs, AAO..comFarrell is an on-air personality and talkshow host for 1019 RXP FM—NewYork’s Rock Experience. He suffers fromRetinoschisis, a congenital visual impairment,but his disability hasn’t stoppedhim from getting his driver’s license withthe use of telescopic glasses. During hispresentation, Farrell demonstrated theuse of his special glasses and magnifiers,manufactured by Eschenback Optik ofAmerica. He joked that they made interestingconversation pieces if he is everpulled over by the police. But on a moreserious note, he advised patients withlow vision to “be as proactive as possible.Presenters from the panel, The PatientPerspective, are Bill Robinson (l), CPA, and MarkFarrell, talk show host for 1019 RXP FM—NewYork’s Rock Experience.Don’t think about what you can’t do butwhat you can do.”Gale Watson acting national director ofBlind Rehabilitation Service for theDepartment of Veteran Affairs, outlinedher agency’s model for rehabilitativeeyecare for veterans. “Most of ourpatients have seen the worst of what lifehas to offer—we want to offer them thebest.” Highlights of the VA modelinclude: a continuum care program withno time lapse between diagnosis andLOW VISION OUTCOMES AND ACTION ITEMSGeoffrey Moss, Eschenbach Optik of Americapresents Eleanor Faye, MD, medical director ofLighthouse International with the Visionary Awardfrom the Better Vision Institute.services; and a network of eye clinicsthroughout the U.S. with basic lowvision services available at every location,according to Watson.From the private sector perspective,Ronald J. Cole, MD, runs MVT VisualRehabilitation Center in Sacramento,Calif. and his practice takes a multi-disciplinaryapproach to low vision. “Wehave 12 ophthalmologists in four officesin addition to a support staff of occupationaltherapists. Certain services, suchas clinical psychology is outsourced butwe work as a team,” Cole said.Cole outlined some of the challengesfacing a practice specializing in lowvision: cancellations and unfilledappointments; insurance reimbursement;highstaff/patient ratio; high overhead;and high maintenance patients.However, Cole was quick to offer solutionsincluding recalls and follow-up;considering part-time vs. full-time models;evaluations at central locations;steady referral stream; and a mobilerehab unit since patients with low visionwon’t travel far for services. ■■WASHINGTON, D.C.—At the conclusion of the day’s presentations, participants formedbrainstorming groups to discuss what they learned and what other issues/concernscame out of the meeting. The four groups came up with the following outcomes:Lessons Learned• Profitability is tough.• Patient awareness is greatly needed.• There is a need for more providers.• The Veterans Administration model and funding is one of the ideal models.Questions and Concerns• How do we reach consumers?• How do we help improve reimbursement?• How do we motivate eyecare professionals to include low vision in their practice?• How do we unify the community (optical and beyond) to address this issue?• How do we get the resources that are needed?

48 VISION MONDAY/JUNE 16, 2008RETAIL DISPENSARYwww.visionmonday.comSECOND LOOKCosta Del Mar Releases NewMetal Sunglass StylesDAYTONA BEACH, Fla.—Costa Del Mar has designed three new combination metalshades featuring aggressive styling and edgy interpretations on classic navigatorand aviator looks.“Placida, Flamingo and Cudjoe are aggressive new styles for the brand, bringingthe latest fashion trends into our performance-driven sunglasses,” said Chas Mac-Donald, president of Costa Del Mar. “You don’t have to sacrifice style for adventure—nowyou can see it all, do it all and look great while doing it.”The Placida is a revamped interpretation of a classic navigator sunglass for smallto medium face shapes. The Flamingo has a similar shape to a classic old schoolCosta Del Mar style, theHavana, and is a larger frameto fit larger heads. Cudjoe isan aviator shape with a medium-sizedfit.These new models bringhigh fashion to the Costa linewith gold and gunmetal colorsfor both men and women whoThe new Flamingo sunglass style from Costa Del Mar. are adventure-lovers that loveto look good. To that end, thestyles are also performance-driven with a sturdy wire cores, omega spring hingesand sport-based silicone nose pads. Lens options include COSTA 400 or the ‘highdef’580 mirror or non-mirror.All three new sunglasses have a logo plaque on the temple, are backed by a lifetimewarranty and are priced to the dispenser between $94.50 and $144.50. ■■SECOND LOOKKenmark Introduces NewDesigns to Thalia Girls EyewearLOUISVILLE, Ky.—The Kenmark Group has added four new styles into the ThaliaGirls Eyewear collection for summer.Inspired by Latin pop star, Thalia, the frames combine flirty shapes with moderndesigns for a fun, fashionable look, while offering grown-up styling and colorfuldesigns for young girls and teens. Shapes include trendy ovals and materials consistof sassy combinations of metals and zyls. Most of the frames featureadjustable nosepads and spring hinges for added comfort, while several designsare accented with a subtle heart logo on the interior temple tips.The styles include theNube, a metal/zyl combinationframe available incocoa, lilac and rose with araised Thalia heart; thePerla, a metal, rimless stylein cherry, cocoa and plumwith a thick endpiece andtemple design; the Suave,an oval combination framein black, magenta and tortoise;and the Viento, anThe Nube from the Kenmark Group’s Thalia Girls collection.upswept butterfly shapewith color coordinated zyl temples in cocoa, magenta and plum.Each Thalia Girls frame comes with a signature pink purse case and features athree-year warranty. The new styles in the Thalia Girls Eyewear collection from Kenmarkare priced to the dispenser between $47.95 and $49.95. ■■SECOND LOOKViva Adds New Optical Groupsto Catherine Deneuve LunettesSOMERVILLE, N.J.—Viva International Group presents two new optical groupings inthe Catherine Deneuve Lunettes collection.First is the “Modern Elegance” collection, featuring sophisticated detailing andrich colorations on styles CD248, CD249 and CD250. Geometric shapes and intricatepatterns inspired the metal detailing of these chic styles which embellish theopen endpieces of the grouplike precious jewels. TheCD248 is a modified oval,CD249 is a semi-rimlessoval and CD250 is a semirimlesswith deeper modifiedrectangle profile, all featuringhandcrafted temples and richcolors, including ruby, bronze,The Modern Elegance grouping from Catherine DeneuveLunettes by Viva International Group.champagne and gold.The next grouping, “SheerConfidence,” includes twostyles with open metal lace detailing that accents styles CD251 and CD252. Thesesemi-rimless styles feature intricate figure eight patterned metal braided endpiecesthat complement the handcrafted temples. These metal/plastic combination groupingincludes a modified oval, CD251, and a modified rectangle, CD252 with springhinges and adjustable nose pads in bronze, ruby and violet.These styles from Catherine Deneuve Lunettes and Viva are priced to the dispenserat $46.95. ■■SECOND LOOKAoyama Unveils New Stylesin Shiseido CollectionRONKONKOMA, N.Y.—Shiseido Eyewear by Aoyama Optical USA releases new opticalstyles for women.The Shiseido eyewear collection features Japanese technology with subtle, femininestyling and intricate detailing, luxurious colors, 100 percent titanium constructionand superior craftsmanship.A standout of the new models is theSH-5029, available in color combinationsbrown/beige, dark red/clear anddemi drown/beige, in size 51/17/136.Constructed of double laminate zyl, theSH-5029 features a bold, slim line rectangleframe front design and contemporarygeometric clear gem stones onthe front temples.Another highlight is the SH-5033 inblack, dark brown or dark purple, insize 53/14/133. This frame is constructedof double laminate plastic witha dramatic, modified feminine slim linewrap front design and jeweled andengraved flower motifs on the temples.The SH-5029 in brown/beige (top) and the SH-5033 in black (bottom) from the Shiseido collectionfrom Aoyama Optical USA.POP materials are available upon request. Each Shiseido frame from AoyamaOptical USA comes with a case featuring the Shiseido signature logo. These newstyles are priced to the dispenser at $79. ■■

from Thursdayuntil Sunday 30OCT.2 NOV.2008Anticipate desireSILMO?The ideal exhibition where eyewear meets fashion.The meeting place for all the big names in fashion,luxury and sport, with the Village a byword forinnovative design. An outstanding trends informationresource to meet your customers’ expectations.For more information - Promosalons USATel: 1-212-957-0932 - Email: usa@promosalons.com - www.silmo.frSILMO, MONDIAL DE L’OPTIQUE,a launch pad for new talent,your autumn rendez-vous in Paris.

50 VISION MONDAY/JUNE 16, 2008RETAIL DISPENSARYwww.visionmonday.comBy Deirdre CarrollF.Y.EYECarmen Marc Valvo’s parents knew he was born to nip andtuck. Little did his father, an anesthesiologist, and his mother,a nurse, know that he would do so as a fashion designerrather than the plastic surgeon they’d hoped he’d one daybecome.Despite the early confusion, the designer does now spendhis days making women more beautiful, albeit with a needleand thread rather than a scalpel.Valvo launched his own label in 1989 after working as aready-to-wear designer for Nina Ricci in Paris and a stint atChristian Dior. Immediately, his sportswear and eveningwear collections were a success.Having established a solid reputation with his Collection line, Valvo launched Carmen Marc Valvo Couture in 1998, tomeet the overwhelming demand from his celebrity and VIP clients, who wanted original Carmen Marc Valvo creations.Stars like Beyoncé, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Lucy Liu, Oprah Winfrey, Kim Cattrall, Queen Latifah, Radha Mitchell andVanessa Williams count him among their favorites, but it is his devotion to his non-celebrity clients that has made him a fashionstar and today the world of Carmen Marc Valvo includes a sportswear collection, a suit collection, custom furs, shoes, limited-editionjewelry designs, a swimwear line and a new eyewear collection with Signature Eyewear.F.Y.Eye asked this quintessential American designer about the newest addition to his fashion empire.1What are the most important influenceson your design work?I am very influenced by glamour andbeauty combined with comfort andfunction.2What excites you most aboutdesign?New challenges and doing somethingI’ve never done before is exciting. IBy Deirdre CarrollSenior EditorNEW YORK—Signature Eyewear, Inc.has introduced the Carmen Marc ValvoEyewear collection in collaboration withdesigner Carmen Marc Valvo.“We are so excited to be working withCarmen,” said Paul Cartwright, directorfind it educational and exhilarating.3Describe the ultimate Carmen MarcValvo woman.The women I dress are sophisticated,self assured and appreciate quality.4What’s been the greatest challengein interpreting your design philosophyor perspective into your eyewear line?of licensing for Signature. “The additionof the Carmen Marc Valvo Eyewear collectioncomplements the Signature Eyewearportfolio. His input and enthusiasmin product development andattention to detail are amazing. He is atruly skilled, artistic professional and issuch a joy to work with. I hope thatwhen people are trying on his product itThe most difficult thing was tryingto give my eyewear collection thesame esthetic as my other creations.5What are some of your favoritepieces or characteristics of thecollection?I find them all unique and special really.I particularly like the templedetails, the inlays of lace and overlayscomes to life on their face the way heintended it to.”The launch collection included 12ophthalmic styles and 10 sun styles forwomen who are drawn to luxury andsophistication.Special features of the line includeFrench lace infused zyl, carved plastictemples that emulate shells, step andrepeat “V” patterns etched into the templesand rich, metal-on-plastic embeddedpatterns.Angular cat-eyes, bold rectangles, oversizedsunwear with rounded edges andpartial rimless metals are predominant inthe collection in colors like fawn, mushroom,cocoa brulee, oyster, cherrywoodand black Tortuga, while style namesevoke women of glamour like Ava,Grable and Etta.“Carmen’s love of 1940’s glamour andof resin. I find the reading glasses soever chic.6What is the best advice anyoneever gave you?Never trust anyone who says “trustme.” ■■LAUNCHESSignature Launches Carmen Marc Valvo EyewearOptical style Ava (bottom) andsun style Palma (top) from theCarmen Marc Valvo collection.Carmen Marc Valvo POP imagery featuringthe optical style Grable in cocoa bruleefrom Signature Eyewear.“The addition of the Carmen Marc ValvoEyewear collection complements theSignature Eyewear portfolio. His inputand enthusiasm in product developmentand attention to detail are amazing.”—Paul Cartwright, Signature Eyewearisland getaways has transpired into a collectionof beautiful shell, coral and richvintage tortoise coloration,” said JillGardner, senior vice president of designfor Signature.“Locations such as the French WestIndies, Seychelles and beyond create acolor story that modernizes shapes fortoday’s woman.”The case and marketing materials forthe collection complete the glamorousproduct offering. POP features amatte/shiny step-and-repeat V logoalong the backside with a rich paddedbase. Cases are available in onyx or darkplatinum with the step-and-repeat Vlogo and a cleaning cloth.The Carmen Marc Valvo Eyewearcollection from Signature Eyewear ispriced to the dispenser between $90and $150. ■■

www.visionmonday.comRETAIL DISPENSARY VISION MONDAY/JUNE 16, 2008 51CONTACT LENSESVistakon Debuts Acuvue Oasys for AstigmatismJACKSONVILLE, Fla.—Vistakon, adivision of Johnson & Johnson VisionCare, Inc., is introducing this monthAcuvue Oasys brand contact lenses forAstigmatism. The lens will soon beavailable at some U.S. eyecare professionals’offices, with distribution expectedto grow through the coming months.Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism combinesthe Accelerated StabilizationDesign (ASD) technology of AcuvueAdvance brand contact lenses for astigmatismwith senofilcon A, the new generationsilicone hydrogel material ofAcuvue Oasys contact lenses. The lensalso features Hydraclear Plus, theimproved formulation of the uniqueHydraclear technology that combineshigh performance base materials with amoisture-rich wetting agent, the company’sstatement said.“Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism bringstogether the best features of two of theleading contact lenses on the market,”said Sheila Hickson-Curran, Director,LARGO, Fla.—Unilens VisionInc.(OTC Bulletin Board: UVICF; TSXVenture Exchange: UVI), which develops,licenses, manufactures, distributesand markets specialty contact lenses, haslaunched the C-VUE 1 Day AsphericSingle Vision lens, which is the firstaspheric, daily disposable contact lenssold under the C-VUE brand.According to Unilens, the new C-VUE 1 Day ASV is a daily disposablethat is ideal for low level astigmats, earlypresbyopes, and those who simply wishto improve their vision. The new productoffering will provide independentpractitioners with an additional asphericC-VUE contact lens option that contributesto patient retention and practiceprofitability.C-VUE 1 Day ASV is easy to fit,Unilens said, designed with asphericoptics that provides superb comfort and anMedical Affairs, Vistakon. “It offers outstandingvisual acuity and fit for astigmaticpatients, providing clear and consistentvision and comfort throughoutthe day. With this lens, wearers do nothave to compromise vision.”Unilens Launches AsphericC-VUE Daily Disposable Lensimproved depth of focus at all ranges.There is no required daily cleaning or carerequired. The lenses may be worn for aday and then just simply thrown away.“With the continued success of ourbest selling C-VUE Multifocal lenses, C-VUE Toric Multifocal and C-VUE ASVwe are now pleased to offer our very firstdaily disposable single vision solutionwith the C-VUE 1 Day ASV to licensedeye professionals only,” stated MichaelPecora, CEO of Unilens. “This newoffering expands the company’s portfolioof soft lens products, serving the rapidlygrowing one-time use daily disposablesingle vision market.”Established in 1989, Unilens VisionInc. emphasizes its role as “the eyecareprofessional’s specialty contact lens company.”Through its wholly owned subsidiaryUnilens Corp., USA, located inLargo, Fla., develops, licenses, manufactures,distributes and markets specialtycontact lenses under the C-VUE,Unilens, Sof-Form, Aquaflex, SoftCon,Lombart, and LifeStyle brands. Additionalinformation on the company maybe accessed on the Internet atwww.unilens.com. ■■The Accelerated Stabilization Designof Acuvue Advance for Astigmatism harnessesthe natural pressures of a blinkingeye to balance the lens in place andquickly realign the lens if it rotates outof position, the company said, noting itprovides patients with astigmatism withconsistent, all-day vision and comfort.Senofilcon A, a new generation siliconehydrogel material, is for contact lens wearerswhose eyes can feel tired and dry inchallenging environments, such as longhours of computer use, frequent groundor air travel, or everyday exposure to heatedor air conditioned surroundings.Hydraclear Plus is an improved formulationof the unique Hydraclear technologythat combines high performance basematerials with a moisture-rich wettingagent to create a more wettable, ultrasmooth contact lens especially for challengingenvironments that can make eyesfeel tired and dry, the company noted.In addition, the company points outthat Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatismblocks greater than 96 percent of UVAHAWTHORNE, N.Y.—Toassist ECPs and theirstaff, Optical DistributorGroup (ODG) hasdeveloped acomplete libraryof Annual DispenseGuides.ODG has introduceda comprehensivemarketing kitconsisting of 60 individual contact lenssell sheets, sorted by manufacturer andbrand. Each sheet has a product photographand compares the cost benefit ofbuying an Annual Supply versus a singlemultipack purchase. Savings includingmanufacturer rebates are easily identifiable.Sell sheets are customizable andinclude an area for the practice nameand logo. Being Web-based, all the sheetsrays and 99 percent of UVB rays, meetingthe highest UV-blocking standards forcontact lenses. Although UV-blockingcontact lenses provide important addedprotection for patients, they should not beviewed as a stand-alone solution.Contact lenses should always be wornin conjunction with high-quality UVblockingsunglasses and a widebrimmedhat for maximum UV protectionfor the eyes.Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism is indicatedfor daily wear vision correction and maybe worn for up to 6 consecutive nights/7days of extended wear as recommended byan individual’s eyecare professional. ■■ODG Develops Library ofAnnual Dispense GuidesLINCOLN, Neb.—A new program, the“GP Fitter Locator,” is now functioningon the Gas Permeable Lens InstituteWeb site: www.gpli.info.The searchable database is availablefor GP contact lens fitters to make referralsto fitters in other regions in the U.S.The program has plans to grow toinclude a GP fitter locator for consumerson the www.contactlenses.org Web siteso that patients can easily locate a GP fitterwithin their geographical area.can be personalizedand printed out.“Today eyecarepractitioners wantand need morethan just competitivepricing from a distributor.They wantand need a businesspartner committed to theirsuccess, a company that offers “morethan just product” that’s why we havedeveloped this free online resource,”said Jeff Rems, president of ODG. Headded, “By simplifying the amount ofinformation, making it more visually interestingfor the patient and including allmajor contact lens brands, we have createda tool that helps our customersquickly and easily explain the financialsavings to their patients.” ■■CLMA Launches GP Fitter LocatorEyecare professionals are welcomedand encouraged to participate and submittheir personal information (includingtheir listing of expertise as bifocal/multifocalfitter, irregular cornea fitter andorthokeratology/ corneal reshaping fitter)for inclusion in this premiere database ofGP contact lens fitters.For further information, contact PamWitham, Administrative Director, ph:(800) 344-9060 or by email at CLMAssociation@aol.com.■■

52 VISION MONDAY/JUNE 16, 2008INSIDE THE LABwww.visionmonday.comNEWS VIEWSVSP Legends 4.0 Adds Teflon CoatingLEWISVILLE, Texas—VSP Legends4.0 optical laboratory has opened anonsite Teflon lens coating facility here.The VSP-owned lab, located near Dallas,services private practice eye doctorsthroughout the U.S.“Onsite application of Teflon coatingsat VSP Legends 4.0 gives private-practicedoctors an attractive option to reducedelivery times for this high-quality product,”said Don Oakley, VSP vice presidentof ophthalmic supply chain andservices. “Working together with valuedGRANVILLE, N.Y.—Saint-Gobain,based here, is introducing SecurEdgePlus, a new generation of blocking padsspecially engineered for super-hydrophobiclenses. According to Saint-Gobain,the combination of SecurEdge Plus’foam core base and high performanceSecurEdge Plus provides easy liner release and isavailable in wide range of sizes and shapes.adhesive ensures optimal torque resistanceand with no slippage. Its high performingadhesive eliminates the needfor supplementary film and reduces totalsystems cost by minimizing waste andenabling a single-step solution.“Super-hydrophobic coatings aredesigned to repel dirt, water and unfortunatelyconventional pads,” said GeoffKing, SecurEdge Product Manager forSaint-Gobain Performance Plastics,which is part of Saint-Gobain Corp., amajor industrial company. “SecurEdgePlus accurately secures the lens in placesuppliers like Carl Zeiss Vision, VSP isdedicated to strengthening the eyecaredelivery system by expanding choice,increasing value and speeding delivery.”Developed by Carl Zeiss Vision in collaborationwith DuPont, Teflon ClearCoat anti-reflective technology produceslenses with high luminous transmittance,scratch resistance equivalent to a premiumhard coating, and a super-hydrophobic,oleophobic coating for easy cleaning.Teflon Clear Coat lenses offer “thepremium performance of Teflon ClearSaint-Gobain Intros BlockingPad for Super-Hydrophobicsduring edging without compromisinglens integrity.”King noted that the SecurEdge Plusfoam core is uniquely manufacturedwith a microcellular polyurethane substratefor superior torque resistance andconformability. Additionally, the pad isengineered with two separate adhesives—onefor the block and the otherfor the lens. The lens adhesive is specificallyformulated to meet a wide range ofsuper-hydrophobic coatings. Ensuringerror-free application, the lens surface ofthe pad is identified with “SecurEdgePlus” printed under the adhesive.“Proper application technique is crucialto maximizing lab efficiency anddecreasing waste,” said King. “Lens slippagemost often occurs as a result ofimproper application.”For proper application, Saint-Gobainrecommends thoroughly cleaning thelens to ensure that the adhesive completelybonds to the surface. The companyalso pointed out that since conformityis the leading cause of slippageand offset lenses, it is crucial to matchthe block and lens curvature to providegood wet-out.Saint-Gobain distributes SecurEdgepads through DAC Vision, DynamicLabs, Optical Laboratory Supply, PhantomResearch Laboratories and PracticalSystems. ■■What’s Online @ Lab Advisor This MonthLab Advisor’s Dollars & Sense columnist Jason Meyer will continue his series,“Assessing Financial Performance.” Lab executives will learn how to analyze theirlab’s financial statements. In the Tech Talk section, you’ll find a tutorial on deblocking,an often overlooked but crucial step in the lens surfacing process.To get a copy of Lab Advisor delivered to your inbox every month, go to Vision-Monday.com. ■■Coat Lenses, combined withVSP Legends 4.0’s outstandingservice is an excitingdevelopment benefitingboth doctors and eyewearconsumers,” said C.J. Hartmann,Carl Zeiss Vision’sbrand manager for coatings.VSP operates three wholly-ownedoptical labs locatednear Sacramento, California;Columbus, Ohio; and Dallas,Texas. ■■MIAMI—BPI is introducing the BPIStainless Steel Spark Resistant VentHood (product code 15003).The hood is designed to helpeliminate the odors associatedwith dyeing and neutralizingplastic lenses. It is sparkresistant to reduce thenumber of ignitionsources for chemicalsthat are used near orabove their flash points.The vent hood containstwo built-in polychromatic(chromatype)fluorescent lamps,CUMMING, Ga.—Briot USA is introducingthe Silver Plus, a low-priced finishingsystem that offers multifunctionalversatility. The Silver Plus is the newestaddition to Briot’s all-in-one line ofequipment which has built-in tracing,blocking and edging.“We are very excited about adding toBriot USA’s new Silver Plus finishing system featuressafety beveling, grooving and bevel polishing. Theunit has a color screen and 300-job memory.The Zeiss H3 hardcoating system is an integral part of the newTeflon AR coating facility at Legends 4.0 Optical.BPI Introduces Spark-Resistant Vent Hoodwhich are sunlight color-balanced for colormatching by reflected light. An exhaustblower is included with the unit.The vent hood measures 49 in.(124.5 cm) high by 36 inches(91.5cm) wide by 28 inches(71.12cm) deep and runson 115 volts, 50/60 Hz.The Stainless Steel SparkResistant Production VentHood (product code 15004)is also available, whichmeasures 49 inches by 51inches by 28 inches(124.5cm by 129.5cmby 71.12cm). ■■Briot USA Offers Versatile,Affordable Finishing Systemour already impressive line of edgeroptions. At Briot USA, our main goal is togive our customer base the best optionsfor their specific needs, instead of forcingthem to adjust to the edger options” saidBret Davis, president of Briot USA.The multi-axis tracer in the Silver Plusmeasures height, length and curve of theframe, while the frame thickness is analyzedto ensure that the lens fits the frameperfectly. The full-size screen displayallows error-free verification of the uncutlens to the frame shape, and the manualblocking is simple and accurate. The SilverPlus can edge all types of materialsand specific edging cycles are available forhydrophobic and fragile lenses.With safety beveling, grooving, bevelpolishing, color screen, and 300-jobmemory, the Silver Plus provides higherendfeatures with lower-end pricing. ■■

Make YourPractice aWinnerHarness the power of VisionWeband leave nothing to chance.When it comes to managing day-to-day processes, we are theexperts. Incorporate our tried-and-true technology into yourpractice and eliminate the risk associated with conventionalmethods.VisionWeb’s online services automate ordering and insuranceprocessing to make your practice more efficient. Experiencefaster turnaround time on orders, improved claim acceptancerates, and spend less time on the phone with suppliers andinsurance companies.Find out why 20,000 eyecare practices rely onVisionWeb. Visit www.visionweb.com or call(800) 874-6601 to learn more.www.visionweb.com© 2008 VisionWeb, Inc. All rights reserved. VisionWeb is a service mark,and “Streamline, Simplify, Succeed.” Is a trademark of VisionWeb, Inc.

54 VISION MONDAY/JUNE 16, 2008 www.visionmonday.comCLASSIFIEDVM MARKETPLACE AdvertisingProducts & ServicesInformation: (800) 983-7737 • Fax: (610) 854-3780hydrophobictreatmentfor mirrored lensesN RTA EHRICAA NC MTINGLABR T RIESNorth American Coating Laboratories9450 Pineneedle Dr. Mentor, OH 44060 www.nacl.comCertified to ISO 9001:2000 since 2000the originaland still the best.Mention code HT11 for 10% off a sample kit.MARTHelp WantedWe Are ExpandingEyemart Express is a growing super optical chain with75 locations. We offer customers high quality eyewearwith extraordinary service at prices dramaticallylower than our competitors.As we expand, we are seeking candidatesfor the following positions:Area ManagersGeneral ManagersLab ManagersAlong with a salary commensurate with experience,including: paid vacation, health insurance, bonuses anda generous 401K match.Please fax resume toJonathan Herskovitz at 972-488-8563or email to jherskovitz@eyemartexpress.com.Eyemart Express is an equal opportunity employer.Help WantedWell-established importerof optical frames seekingAccount ExecutiveRepresentativeto service or call on majorretailer/labs/distributors.Domestic and International.Great opportunityFax resume to718-633-5231or e-mail lydrew@aol.comEXTRA COMMISSION!Supplement your existing saleswith a complete line of opticalsupplies, equipment and lenses.Introduce to your existing clients.Nothing to carry except acatalog. Short resume todon@superoptical.comor 800-543-7376.Help WantedIndependent MultilineReps WantedExclusive Territories available.Representative for new accountacquisition by detailing highquality lab at Midwest pricing.Exciting opportunity to use yourexisting accounts to generateresidual income on apercentage commission as anindependent contractor.Please submit resume to:jwittern@SoClearLens.com.Equipment &Supplies

www.visionmonday.com VISION MONDAY/JUNE 16, 2008 55CLASSIFIEDVM MARKETPLACE AdvertisingPremium Microfiber ClothBuy 1200 Pieces Printed, get 200 Free!Buy 1800 Pieces Printed, get 300 Free!Amount1200+600-1100300-500100-200on Premium or Ultra ClothsUnprinted19 cents each30 cents each35 cents each40 cents eachCustom Printed24 cents each35 cents each43 cents each59 cents eachMerchandise Offered5¢Upgrade to theUltra Microfiber Cloth• Add only 5 cents per pieceto advertised prices• Customize your ownmicrofiber cloth• Cloths are 6” x 6”• New Microfiber clothdisplay only $14.95with order!Stock Lenses!No Minimum • Volume DiscountsCR39 Fast Tint . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1.42 pr.AR CR39 HMC . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 3.75 pr.Polycarbonate Tintable . . . . . $ 3.79 pr.AR Polycarbonate HMC . . . . . $ 7.88 pr.Polarized Plano Lenses1-5 pairs.... $ 13.95 6 pairs+.... $ 11.95Information: (800) 983-7737 • Fax: (610) 854-3780Stormin’ Norman’s ®Optical SuppliesCall to Order!Mention Code VMJUN081.800.288.4512 Fax:561.995.9531Info@snoptical.comwww.storminnormans.com*Multiple specials/discounts may not be combined. Must mention coupon code at time of order. While supplies last. May be withdrawn at anytime. Offer good until July 18, 2008. Please call for details.LANE SPECIAL - $9,995.00AO Custom or Marco Combo Unit (3 arms)AO PhoroptorB&L or Marco KeratometerBurton or Mentor Slit LampAO or Marco Projectorw/mount, slide & screenBelrose Refracting Equip. Co.For The Finest Equipment “In-Sight”3734 W Oakton St., Skokie, ILwww.belroserefracting.comSoftwareALL DESIGNER FRAMES$16 OR LESSThat’s right ! Contact us andfind out why we’ve become"America’s largest surplusdesigner frame distributor"Phone: 866. 289. 3937Fax: 310. 306. 7885www.delreyoptical.comE-mail: sales@delreyoptical.com$AVONeyewear“The Brand NameLiquidators”Hand Picked DesignerFrames For Less800-758-6249www.savoneyewear.com

56VISION MONDAY/JUNE 16, 2008VM MARKETPLACE AdvertisingCLASSIFIEDHelp WantedHelp Wantedwww.visionmonday.comInformation: (800) 983-7737 • Fax: (610) 854-3780E XPERIENCED F RAME S ALES R EPS W ANTEDF ULL- TIME P OSITIONS AVAILABLE25 YEAR-OLD COMPANY WITH 80 EMPLOYEESESTABLISHED TERRITORIES AVAILABLEArizona, Minnesota, CaliforniaMassachusetts, New EnglandJoan Collins, Woolrich, Coleman, PepsiValerie Spencer, Urban Edge, Marc Hunter, JubileeFax resume in confidenceNEW YORK EYE ®A Hart Specialties Company800.221.2068• 401(k)email: aj2020@newyorkeye.net• Large Exclusive Territory• Salary/Commission• Benefits and ExpensesStylish Eyewear at Affordable Pricing• Private Label • Metal Frames as low as $5.00• Stainless Steel & Acetate frames as low as $24.95• Flexible Titanium frames as low as $24.95• One year warranty on all frames— Independent Sales Representatives wanted for all territories —Call today for your free catalog.phone: 866-756-4262 • fax: 570-719-0436e-mail: info@cnceyewear.comNeed help?Have merchandise?Offering a service?Advertise with us!Call 800-983-7737Fax 610-854-3780Visit us atwww.VisionMonday.comVM WHERE TO FIND ITThe following is a list of suppliers’ toll-free numbers for quick access to all of your optical needs. This is a paid service of Vision Monday.Advertising Information: (800) 983-7737 • Fax: (610) 854-3780ACCESSORIESCASESINSTRUMENTSLENSESSUPPLIESSTORMIN’ NORMAN’SOPTICAL SUPPLIESFull Service Optical Supplies,Accessories, Promotional Items &Private Label800-288-4512 • 561-995-2400FAX: 561-995-9531Leading manufacture of customdesigned cases. Large stock of Hardand soft cases.Available for custom printing.800-291-8528 • FAX: 718-752-9858E-Mail: sales@Astucci.comWebsite: www.Astucci.comFor custom made cases:385 Fifth Ave. 15th FL.New York, NY 10016212-725-3171 • FAX: 212-725-3236Astucci Hong-KongFax: 852-2367-6123sales@astucci.com.hkSTORMIN’ NORMAN’SOPTICAL SUPPLIESFull Service Optical Supplies,Accessories, Promotional Items &Private Label800-288-4512 • 561-995-2400FAX: 561-995-9531STORMIN’ NORMAN’SOPTICAL SUPPLIESFull Service Optical Supplies,Accessories, Promotional Items &Private Label800-288-4512 • 561-995-2400FAX: 561-995-9531MANUFACTURERSSTORMIN’ NORMAN’SOPTICAL SUPPLIESFull Service Optical Supplies,Accessories, Promotional Items &Private Label800-288-4512 • 561-995-2400FAX: 561-995-9531Leading manufacture of customdesigned cases. Large stock of Hardand soft cases.Available for custom printing.800-291-8528 • FAX: 718-752-9858E-Mail: sales@Astucci.comWebsite: www.Astucci.comFor custom made cases:385 Fifth Ave. 15th FL.New York, NY 10016212-725-3171 • FAX: 212-725-3236Astucci Hong-KongFax: 852-2367-6123sales@astucci.com.hkFRAMESSTORMIN’ NORMAN’SOPTICAL SUPPLIESFull Service Optical Supplies,Accessories, Promotional Items &Private Label800-288-4512 • 561-995-2400FAX: 561-995-9531View Online Classifieds atwww.VisionMonday.comLENSESYour global partner for high-qualitylenses. We specialise in Polarized,SunSensors and clear lenses inPolycarbonate, Hard Resinand Hi Index.POLYCORE OPTICALSingaporeTel: 65-6747-6677Fax: 65-6744-3664E-mail: pos@polycore.comwww.polycore.comUSATel: 888-645-7788Tel: 1-775-850-2050Fax: 1-775-850-2060E-mail:customerservice@polycore-usa.comSUN DESIGNE LTD.is your OEM/Private label source forreading glasses, sunglasses, frames, andaccessories. Buy direct from thefactory! Call Jack Taber(800) 322-6748 • FAX: (203) 758-2156www.sundesigne.comPACKAGINGLeading manufacture of customdesigned cases. Large stock of Hardand soft cases.Available for custom printing.800-291-8528 • FAX: 718-752-9858E-Mail: sales@Astucci.comWebsite: www.Astucci.comFor custom made cases:385 Fifth Ave. 15th FL.New York, NY 10016212-725-3171 • FAX: 212-725-3236Astucci Hong-KongFax: 852-2367-6123sales@astucci.com.Leading manufacture of customdesigned cases. Large stock of Hardand soft cases.Available for custom printing.800-291-8528 • FAX: 718-752-9858E-Mail: sales@Astucci.comWebsite: www.Astucci.comFor custom made cases:385 Fifth Ave. 15th FL.New York, NY 10016212-725-3171 • FAX: 212-725-3236Astucci Hong-KongFax: 852-2367-6123sales@astucci.com.hkFactory-Direct Savings on Frames,Lenses, Cases and AccessoriesClam Shell hard cases!100% micro fiber cleaning clothes!Over 400 frame models at low cost!Over 40 types of lenses including highindex and 5 new finishedextended range lenses!Phone: 800.423.5175Web site: www.LBI.biz

from Thursdayuntil Sunday 30OCT.2 NOV.2008For more information - Promosalons USATel: 1-212-957-0932 - Email: usa@promosalons.com - www.silmo.frFocusing all eyesSILMO?The international exhibition for the entire optics andeyewear sector. A unique business forum and showcasefor innovation and know-how. The major exhibitionand B2B event that brings together 1,000 internationalbusinesses and 45,000 optics and eyewear professionals.Innovation and design are in the spotlight with the Silmod’Or awards, the leading industry endorsement.SILMO, MONDIAL DE L’OPTIQUE,the key event that’ll give you a competitive edge,your autumn rendezvous in Paris.

58 BUSINESS ESSENTIALSKODAKPrecise Short LensAWARD-WINNING DESIGN FORSMALL FRAMESSOMETHINGSHORTTHAT’SSIMPLYHUGE.• Direct Digital Surfacing ensures pinpoint accuracy isdirect from the designer’s specs to the mold.• Horizontal symmetry in the distance and peripheralareas provides superb binocular vision.• Smooth power progression produces visual qualitysimilar to a single vision lens.• “Swim” effect is reduced, speeding up adaptation.• Fitting heights as low as 13mm are ideal for fashionframes.WWW.BROTHERSOPTICAL.COM(800) 531-3112IT’S YOUR BUSINESSFew Organizations PlanTo Stem Brain DrainThe number of BabyBoomers poised forretirement shouldserve as a warning toorganizations aboutthe importance of aformal strategy toretain institutionalHedley Lawson, Jr. knowledge, but veryfew organizations are making knowledgeretention a high priority, according to anew survey.While they recognize it as a loomingissue, many managers face barriers toestablishing strategies and tactics thathelp pre-empt that loss, according tofindings released by Monster in September2007.Only 12 percent of 550 HR managerssurveyed in November 2006 said knowledgeretention is a high priority withintheir organization, even though one-thirdof all respondents said more than 20 percentof their current workforce will beeligible for retirement over the next 10years, Monster found.About one-fourth, or 23 percent, saidtheir organizations have a formal methodto identify the knowledge that needs tobe protected and retained. Sixteen percentconsider themselves very effectivein informally sharing knowledge, while10 percent said they were very effectivein formally doing so.Steps to Take“There is no one tool that readilyenables companies to effectively meetknowledge-retention challenges,” saidJesse Harriott, vice president of researchfor Monster, in an announcement.“Organizations should aim to manageinformation with a broad strategicDon’t miss out on Vision Monday’s e-edition ofBusiness Essentials providing monthly updates onday-to-day management issues for optical ECPsand retailers. This month’s lead feature takes alook at the perils of workplace romances inFrom the Top. To get a copy of BusinessEssentials delivered to your inbox every month, goto VisionMonday.com, click on the BusinessEssentials button and go to the Subscribe toBusiness Essentials option in the newsletter.Current and past issues of the newsletter arealso available on VisionMonday.com.approach, utilizing various tactics todetermine what will be most successful,”Harriott said. “Companies thataggressively manage and protect theirknowledge can readily increase theirvalue as an organization.”Following are some recommendationsfrom Monster’s report, titled Buildingand Securing an Organizational BrainTrust in an Age of Brain Drain:• Pinpoint key knowledge assets andsources. Often, the knowledge can berelated to customer, product and serviceinsights. It will differ from company tocompany.• Obtain C-level accountability. Largeremployers could appoint a chiefknowledge officer to be responsible fororganizational knowledge.• Give employee incentives. Onlyone-third of organizations reported thattheir employees are rewarded or encouragedto share organizational knowledgewith colleagues.• Create tools for involvement, such aslaunching a blogging forum and mentoringprogram where employees can redistributeand access organizational knowledge.A culture that promotes shared knowledgehas to start with the CEO, accordingto Harriott.Hedley Lawson brings over 25 years ofoptical industry experience to JobsonMedical LLC. For over 10 years, he hasbeen a contributing editor to VM, mostrecently as writer of the monthly column“Business Essentials.” In addition,Lawson writes a quarterly HumanResources and Business column for LabTalk magazine and is the ContributingEditor of VM’s E-Newsletter BusinessEssentials.WHAT’S ONLINE @ BUSINESS ESSENTIALS THIS MONTHKodak and the Kodak trade dress are trademarks of Kodak, used under license by Signet Armorlite, Inc.Precise Short is a trademark of Signet Armorlite, Inc. ©2008 Signet Armorlite, Inc.

24PREVENT DRY EYES,EXPOSE GOOD LOOKS.JakeBlinkAirborneCLIMATE CONTROL SERIESDry Eye Syndrome, an eye irritation condition caused by wind, dryair, dust and debris, affects nearly 14 million people in the US alone. Wiley X Climate Control sunglasses,with patented removable Facial Cavity TM Seals, create a climate-controlled cocoon around the eyes to guardagainst irritation and prevent tear evaporation. They’re perfect for those who wear contacts or have had Lasiksurgery. They’re also ANSI Safety certified and Rx ready. Protect dry eyes in style with Wiley X. // Please call800.776.7842 to request a catalog or talk with a Wiley X account representative. // WILEYX.COM

60 VISION MONDAY/JUNE 16, 2008OPINIONwww.visionmonday.comAs we head out ofMemorial Day andtoward the 4th ofJuly it’s almostsummer here inNew York—one ofmy favorite timesof year. When Iwalk around thecity it amazes mehow many people don’t wear sunglasses.It’s a pet peeve of mine, especially withfamily and friends who generally shrugme off because “she works for an opticalmagazine.” But damage from the sun istough on the eyes and if it’s not a petpeeve of yours when it comes to treatingand advising your patients, it should be.Many consumers are aware that UVrays are a danger to their eyes. In a studyconducted by Jobson Research in April2008, when asked, “Are you aware thatUV rays can damage your eyes, 91 percentof the respondents answered yes.These numbers are encouraging. ItEDITORIALHere Comes the Summer SunMary KaneExecutive Editormeans a healthy percentage of people areaware that unprotected time in the suncan damage their eyes.But there seems to be a definite disconnectbetween knowing what to do inorder to protect your eyes from the sunand actually putting it into play when itcomes to choosing sunwear. In the sameJobson Research study, when participantswere asked “How important is itthat your sunglasses have UV protection?”only 60 percent rated it veryimportant. That means that nearly 40percent of the respondents didn’t thinkthat sunwear offering UV protection wasthat big a deal.So as eyecare providers, what do thesenumbers mean for you? As with anyother important health message, it needsto be communicated and promoted toyour patients. Here are a few tips youcan add to your practice procedures:• Incorporate this message into yourdaily eye examination routine.• Ask patients questions about what,if any, kind of sunwear they are using.• Remind them to have their childrenwear sunglasses since they are more susceptibleto UV rays than adults.• Convince your patients that the bestplace to buy sunwear is from you, theeyecare expert.• Enhance and if necessary expandthe sunwear section of your dispensaryso patients will be encouraged to buysunglasses from you and not from astreet vendor.In short, get the sun protection messageout to your patients and remindthem: It’s not just about looking good,ultimately it’s about healthy eyes.And speaking of sun, take a look atthis issue’s SportSun supplement, a jointeffort by Vision Monday and sisterpublication 20/20, and find out how youcan get into the game of sport performanceeyewear. ■■What’s Online @ VisionMonday.comAbout visionmonday.comVisionMonday.com has an innovative,new look. Content from our mostrecent issues is organized by topicand category, making it easy to locatethe information you need fast. AndVMail Extra Subscribers haveaccess to VM’s comprehensivearchives via a new search enginepowered by Google. We have alsoadded a downloadable PDF version ofthe current issue of VM.NewsmakersIn VM's special profile ofABB/Concise, see how the largestcontact lens distributor in the U.S.has evolved through acquisition,development and merger, and isnow serving more than 15,000accounts, representing more thantwo-thirds of independent ECPs.WebTVLook for new YouTube selections everyMonday, bringing you a fun and sometimesunusual take on the world of optical.In fact, we’ve launched a brand newchannel on VM WebTV, “YouTube:VM’s Editors’ Picks,” featuring recentYouTube Videos that have appearedon VM Web TV this past month.Also on WebTV get into the gameby watching the Sport Sun EyewearPanel Discussion for a unique opportunityto learn about the potential of sportsunwear.New & NoteworthyPrevent Blindness America is the latestoptical organization to voice itsopposition to the Food and DrugAdministration’s (FDA) recently proposedchanges to its long-standingguidelines for lens impact testing. PBAis the first consumer optical organizationto join this crucial crusade.Eye OnAt Mido last month, GiorgioArmani celebrated his 20thanniversary on the eyewearscene at the Armani/Privé salon.See who stopped by to help thedesigner celebrate two decadesof changes in eyewear.MondaySenior VP, Editorial Director Marge AxelradExecutive Editor Mary KaneE-News Managing Editor Amy GrechSenior Editors Cathy Ciccolella, Deirdre CarrollGroup Editor, Lenses & Technology Andrew KarpLayout Editor Natalya GerzhgorinaArt Director Iris JohnsonContributing EditorsJackie Micucci, Gloria Nicola, James J. Spina,Melissa Arkin, Christie WalkerCirculation Manager Renee OechsnerProduction Manager David HermanVP Advertising Sales Dennis MurphyRegional Sales ManagersAmanda Churchill, James DeMatteis,Vincent PrioreInternational Sales OfficesYoung-Seoh Chinn, Korea, jesmedia@unitel.co.kr;Sho Harihara, Japan, sho.ymi@fine.ocn.ne.jp;Mary Ng, Asia, mnjobson@netvigator.com;Jochen Reinke, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Switzerland,Benelux, Scandinavia, Liechtenstein, jreinke@reinke-pr.de;Asa Talbar, Israel, talbar@talbar.co.il;Cecilia Zanasi, Italy, France, Spain, United Kingdom,Cecilia@studiozanasi.it.Director of Education and TrainingMark Mattision-ShupnickDirector of Marketing, Education and TrainingNancy NessCreative Director Monica TettamanziCreative Services Designers Barbara Winters,Debbie SilvaMarketing Manager Christine YehMarketing Coordinator Amanda JensenJobson Optical Research Int’l Managing DirectorGerry FultzVP/Optical Retail Group PublisherWilliam D. ScottVP/Marketing/Publisher 20/20Jim VitkusSenior VP/President Professional Publications GroupRichard BayVP/Publisher/FRAMESdataTom LamondVP/Operations/FRAMESdataJudith MichaelChief Executive OfficerMarc FerraraVP/Human ResourcesLorraine OrlandoCorporate Production DirectorJohn Anthony CaggianoVP/Circulation DirectorEmelda BareaSenior VP/OperationsJeff LevitzTo order reprints of any articles or adsthat appeared in this issue contactPARS International 212-221-9595 or jobson@parsintl.comMAIN EDITORIAL & SALES OFFICES:100 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013-1678(212) 274-7000; fax: (212) 431-0500e-mail: visionmonday@jobson.comCLASSIFIED ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT:Account Representative Heather Brennan2570 Boulevard of the Generals, Suite 220Norristown, PA 19403, (800) 983-7737;Fax: (610) 854-3780, E-mail: info@valleyforgepress.comVISION MONDAY (ISSN 1054-7665) is published monthly except forMarch and August, which have two issues, by Jobson MedicalInformation LLC, 100 Avenue of the Americas, 9th Floor, New York, NY10013. Periodicals postage paid at NY, NY, andadditional mailing office. Postmaster: Sendaddress changes to VISION MONDAY, PO Box2024, Skokie, IL 60076-7924. Subscriptions:One-year rates (US): 1 year, $79. Foreign (AirMail): to Canada/ Mexico, $225; all other countries,$332. Two-year rates (US): $143; toCanada/Mexico, $359; all other countries, $584.Three-year rates (US): $201; to Canada/Mexico,$538; all other countries $906. Subscriptionspayable in US dollars. Payment must accompanyorder. To subscribe write: VISION MONDAY, POBox 2024, Skokie, IL 60076-7924. For customerservice call: (877) 529-1746; Canada and international:(847) 763-9630. Allow 4–6 weeks forsubscription to begin. Canadian international publicationpermit #0427705.© 2008 Jobson Medical Information LLC, 100 Ave. of the Americas, NY,NY 10013-1678. Reproduction without express written consent ofthe Publisher is prohibited. 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Drive in sales, and drive away with...FREE gas and a GPS Navigation SystemThrough July 31, 2008, earn a $50 GAS CARD for every 15pairs of qualifying SunSensors ® Lenses you purchase!The top redeemingcustomer will also earn aGPS Navigation System.($500+ value)• Patented, in-mass photochromic technology.• Clear indoors, dark outdoors.• 1.56 mid-index lens is thinner than standard index.• A density of 1.17 grams/cc makes lens material lighter weightthan polycarbonate.Call us for more details and start redeeming now!Kodak and the Kodak trade dress are trademarks of Kodak, used under license by Signet Armorlite, Inc. Corning and SunSensors are registered trademarks of Corning Incorporated, Corning, New York. ©2008 Signet Armorlite, Inc.10400 NW 33 rd St, Ste 150Miami, FL 33172Ph 800-432-2202 • 305-593-2304Fx 866-566-3937www.nassau247.com2322 Executive Dr, Ste AGarland, TX 75041Ph 800-441-2546 • 972-271-6175Fx 800-727-3954www.nassau247.com165-B Route 3, Orangeburg, NY 10962Ph 800-668-2411 • Fx 800-311-6682www.nassau247.com

62 VISION MONDAY/JUNE 16, 2008 www.visionmonday.comBALANCE SHEETBuying Group Revenues GiveEmerging Vision Triple-Digit GainGARDEN CITY, N.Y.—Withrevenues from its two opticalbuying groups now representingmore than 80 percent of itstotal revenues, Sterling Opticalparent Emerging Vision (OTCBB: ISEE.OB) posted a 118.2percent increase in revenues inthis year’s first quarter.According to its 10Q formfiled last week with the Securitiesand Exchange Commission,Emerging Vision had revenuesof $18.2 million in Q1.Revenues from its two buyinggroups—Combine BuyingGroup, acquired in August2006, and Canada’s The OpticalGroup, acquired in August2007—accounted for $14.3 millionof that total.As of March 31, the Combinegroup had 856 members, TheOptical Group 525 members.Sales through EmergingVision’s eight company-ownedstores were $1.1 million in thequarter, down 15.8 percent; comparable-storesales for those unitsrose 6.4 percent. Franchise revenuesfrom the 146 franchisedlocations were flat at $1.8 million.Meanwhile, Emerging Visionboard member Harvey Rosscontinues to increase his stakein the company, SEC filingsindicate. So far in May, Ross hasacquired 48,000 more shares inEmerging Vision, through threetransactions. As of May 15, Rossowned 9.1 million of the company’s125.3 million outstandingcommon shares, giving him justover 7 percent of EmergingVision’s stock. ■■Marcolin Reports Increased SalesMILAN, Italy—The board ofMarcolin S.p.A [MCL-IT]reported earlier this week thatthe company’s turnover for thefirst quarter ended March 31,2007 reached €56 million euros,a 4.4 percent increase, or a 7.8percent increase at constantexchange rates, compared to €53.7 million euros in the previousyear’s comparable period.Net earnings for the periodrose significantly to €4.8 million,compared to €2.4 millionfor the Q1 period of 2007.EBIDTA also rose to €10.8 millioncompared to €7.9 million inthe prior year.Massimo Saracchi, managingdirector and general manager ofMarcolin, stated, “The MarcolinGroup's perfomance for thefirst quarter is very positive,with relevant increase ofturnover and most of all, profit.Despite the uncertain internationaleconomic situation, weexpect for 2008 a return to profitabilityafter three years of negativeresults.” ■■Orange 21/Spy Optic Reports LossCARLSBAD, Calif.—Orange21 [ORNG-NASDAQ], makerof Spy Optic sunglasses andgoggles, reported losses for thefirst quarter ended March 31,2008, while net sales increasedfor the period.The company said that consolidatednet sales increased 23percent to $11.6 million for thethree month period, comparedto $9.4 million for the comparableperiod in 2007. Its domesticnet sales represented 75 percentof its sales for the period;foreign net sales represented 25percent of sales for the quarter.The company reported a netloss of $0.9 million for the firstquarter 2008, which comparedto a net loss of $1.7 million forthe three-month period in 2007.The company has two wholly-ownedsubsidiaries incorporatedin Italy, which include SpyOptic S.r.l. and LEM, the company’sprimary manufacturer.In California, Orange 21’swholly owned subsidiary is SpyOptic, Inc. ■■DATA POINTIndependents Sell Over Half of EyeglassFrame Units in Highest Price RangeEyeglass Frame Unit Share by Price Point12ME Dec. ‘0722%Up to $9949%$100-$14951%$150+Independents* are responsible for over half of eyeglass frameunits sold in the highest price point range ($150+). For the 12months ending December 2007, independents are responsible for51 percent of eyeglass frame units sold in the highest price range($150+). Similarly, independents are responsible for 49 percentof the eyeglass frame units sold in the middle price range ($100-$149) in the 12 months ending December 2007.* Jobson defines independents as retailers with 1, 2, or 3 locations.Prices are retail for frames only.Source: VisionWatch, a study conducted by Jobson/The Vision Council.Total Annual VisionWatch Sample Size: 100,000 consumer respondents per year (US Adults 18+)* All data is for the 12 ME (months ending) December 2007.BY THE NUMBERS The latest figures18%Of those not using any form of visioncorrection even though it is needed, 18percent stated ‘Don’t like the idea ofwearing glasses’ as the reason.35%Percent who said their eye doctor recommendsreplacing their contact lensesevery 2 weeks. However, only 22 percentof respondents said they actually replacetheir contact lenses every 2 weeks.30%30 percent of all adult males in the U.S.(18+) who bought prescription lensesin the last 6 months said they boughtbifocal/trifocal lenses.42%Of those who have ever bought prescriptioneyeglasses and wear prescriptioneyeglasses themselves, 42% saidthey purchase a new pair of prescriptioneyeglasses about every 2 years.Source: VisionWatch, a study conducted by Jobson/The Vision Council.Total Annual VisionWatch Sample Size: 100,000 consumer respondents per year (US Adults 18+)* All data is for the 12 ME (months ending) December 2007. Contact Lens data is for the 3MEDecember 2007.1-866-393-3374email: info@colorsinopticsusa.com