April 2018

Bellinger returns to NZ
New Zealand frame distributor Euro Optics has
added Danish brand Bellinger to its portfolio.
Carl Doherty, Euro Optics’ managing director,
says Bellinger is already a familiar brand among
high-end independent eyecare professionals and is
well-established in Europe and North America.
Some New Zealand practices used to stock
Bellinger in the past when a previous distributor
was selling it, explains Doherty. “We liked the new
Bellinger collections and saw an opportunity to
re-launch this well-respected brand back into the
New Zealand market.”
Feedback received from customers so far has
been extremely positive, he says. “Bellinger is a
top-quality product that prides itself on being
different and special. The acetate mixes that
Bellinger uses are unique. They add extra textures
to the acetate.”
For example, some frames have a small amount
of glitter mixed into the acetate, says Doherty,
through a production technique not that dissimilar
to making candy. “The acetate is made of cotton
mixed with acetone and alcohol forming a
homogeneous dough. It’s filtered, kneaded, heated
and finally pushed into large blocks; only then, the
creative work with Bellinger techniques begins.”
The most amazing effects are obtained by
mixing, heating and twisting up to five different
types of acetate together until the desired effect is
achieved, he adds.
Innovative Mido trends
Mido is to eyewear,
what Oscar night is to
cinema,” said Giovanni
Vitaloni, Mido president at this
year’s event in Milan.
Organisers said the 48th
Mido event this year welcomed
more than 58,000 eyewear
professionals and 1,305 exhibitors
across three days to seven
pavilions, showcasing eyewear,
technology and new innovations,
the latter being the theme of
this year’s event. Mido organisers
noted a strong increase in foreign
attendees, resulting in a 4.9%
increase in overall attendance and
5% in the exhibitor space.
Phoenix Eyewear’s Mark
Collman, a veteran of 21 Midos,
said this year’s fair certainly delivered. “In typical
Italian style, especially during Milan fashion
Bellinger back in New Zealand
Bellinger’s latest range is now available from Euro
Optics. ▀
Mark Collman and Phillip Wilson with Robert Morris of William Morris (centre) at Mido
week, the event was full of immaculately dressed
locals, oceans of espresso and prosecco, gorgeous
promo girls, lavish stands plus the
occasional sneaky pick pocket.”
When queried about the latest
trends, both Collman and his
colleague Phillip Wilson agreed
it’s clear the double bridge metal
aviator is back with a vengeance
both for men and women. Metal
frames were also once again
at the forefront of many of the
new optical collections, which
the Phoenix team thought was
interesting as metal frames have
long been a great seller in New
Zealand and growing still. For
all lovers of colourful acetates,
however, it’s not all gloom as
Collman and Wilson said plastic still
pretty much dominates the fashion
scene, many in large 70s and 80s
inspired oversized looks.
“I honestly feel that after a couple
of flat years this year’s vibe was the
most optimistic and positive I have
experienced in recent times,” said
Collman. “Everyone we came across
supplying the independent eyewear
sector were really busy and in great
shape which has to be good for the
future!” ▀
CPD for NZ DOs at AVC
A
comprehensive
dispensers’
education programme, with
CPD points for accredited Kiwi
dispensing opticians, will run alongside the
optometrists’ programme for the first time
at the Australian Vision Convention (AVC) in
Brisbane, Queensland from 7–8 April, 2018.
Supported by AVC sponsor Rodenstock,
the inaugural Dispenser Programme features five
sessions on the latest lens technologies, patient
communication strategies and advantages of
premium lenses:
• Resolving non-tolerance issues with digital
lenses – Nicola Peaper, sales and professional
services manager, Rodenstock
• The digital world needs digital lenses, not
progressives – Steven Daras, course coordinator,
optical dispensing, TAFE
• Wham, Bam, Pow. How position
of wear measurements will knock your
patients out – Leigh Robinson, Consultant
and Training Facilitator, Spectrum Optical
• Dispensing to enhance sports
performance – Helen Venturato,
optometrist and principal consultant at
Helen Venturato Consulting
• Complex cases and compensated
values – Grant Hannaford, adjunct senior lecturer at
School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW and
director, Academy of Advanced Ophthalmic Optics
The programme runs from 10.45am to 3.15pm
on Sunday 8 April and has been accredited for
Kiwi dispensing optician attendees with 2.5 CPD
points. For more or to register, please visit: https://
oa.optometry.org.au. ▀
Essilor Transitions’ prize
draw
A
patient
from Noel Templeton’s
Marlborough Optical practice is the first
to win one of three patient prize trips to
Fiji, courtesy of Essilor New Zealand’s Transitions
promotion.
All patients from Essilor-partner independent
optometrists who purchase Transition lenses
from 1 February until 30 April are eligible to enter
one of three-monthly draws to win a three-night
package at the Sofitel Fiji Resort on Denarau
Island. The draws take place on the 9th of March,
April and May, with an independent guest asked
to make the draw on Essilor’s behalf. This month,
the drawee was none other than NZ Optics’ own
editor Lesley Springall. There’s also an additional
draw in April for practice eye care professionals,
linked to their Transition lens sales.
Each prize package includes economy return
flights for two people to Nadi from Auckland,
Wellington or Christchurch, and shared
accommodation at the Sofitel Fiji Resort. Draw
Essilor’s Chris Aldous with NZ Optics’ Lesley Springall who was invited
to draw the first prize winner in the Transitions Fiji promotion
One closed on 28 February; draw two closes on
31 March; and draw three closes on 30 April
2018. Entry is open to all New Zealand residents
purchasing Transitions Lenses from selected
independent optometrists in New Zealand
and limited to one entry per person per pair of
Transitions lenses sold.
0800 573 224
April 2018
NEW ZEALAND OPTICS
25