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ENVOIS DE PUBLICATIONS CANADIENNES • NO. DE CONVENTION 40052210 Adresse de retour : 202-495 boul. St-Martin O, Laval (Québec) H7M 1Y9<br />

| jul_aug | 2008


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4<br />

| CONTENT | jul_aug | 2008<br />

PRODUCED FOR THE OPTICIANS<br />

ASSOCIATION OF CANADA BY:<br />

Breton Communications Inc.<br />

495 St-Martin Blvd. West, #202<br />

Laval, Québec H7M 1Y9<br />

Tel. : (450) 629-6005<br />

Fax : (450) 629-6044<br />

breton.com@bretoncom.com<br />

www.bretoncom.com<br />

| 08 | Nerds No More:<br />

<strong>Eye</strong>glasses Make a Great Impression on Kids<br />

| 18 | Nikon Invests in Canada: New Technology Centre in Toronto<br />

| 22 | Issues and News from your association<br />

| 24 | Harmony in Small Spaces: Stare <strong>Eye</strong>wear Stands Out<br />

| 26 | Vivienne Westwood: Irreverent and Classy<br />

| 28 | Managing For Today – Planning For Tomorrow<br />

| 30 | Coping with Interesting Times<br />

| 32 | Blood Pressure and Healthy Vision<br />

| 36 | Are you talking to me?<br />

| 38 | Restoring Sight:<br />

International Research on <strong>Bionic</strong> <strong>Eye</strong><br />

| 42 | Internet Selling:<br />

Threat or Opportunity?<br />

| 44 | What’s new?<br />

| 50 | Classified Ads<br />

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER<br />

Martine Breton<br />

martine@bretoncom.com<br />

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF<br />

Paddy Kamen<br />

Tel. : (250) 469-4350<br />

paddykamen@shaw.ca<br />

ASSOCIATE EDITORS<br />

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VISION | jul_aug | 2008 | The Opticians Association of Canada |<br />

| NEXT ISSUE | sep_oct | 2008<br />

Annual lens issue — Lens<br />

technology continues to evolve<br />

and new marketing strategies are<br />

making consumers more aware<br />

of the options. Our annual lens<br />

feature takes a look at what’s new<br />

and how consumers are responding<br />

to new technologies.<br />

Published six times a year<br />

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6<br />

| EDITORIAL |<br />

|<br />

This issue is largely about perception, starting with our feature on children’s<br />

eyewear. When I was a kid, there was a clear social stigma attached to<br />

wearing eyeglasses. Today, however, kids think that kids who wear glasses are<br />

smarter and more honest, according to a recent study from Ohio State<br />

University. See the feature for more details.<br />

Another old world view of people who wear glasses, particularly those<br />

who are myopic, is that they are introverted. A study from the University of<br />

Melbourne has disproven this stereotype1.<br />

In the world’s biggest study into factors linked to myopia, 633 twins and<br />

a comparative group of 278 family members were involved in the study over<br />

four years.<br />

For the first time in a study into personality and myopia, participants were<br />

analyzed using a state-of-the-art measure of five major personality factors<br />

(Openness, Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness and Neuroticism).<br />

Results showed no link between myopia and introversion; however there was<br />

a significant but small association with myopia and Agreeableness.<br />

“We have literally busted the myth that people who wear glasses are<br />

introverted or have particular personality characteristics,” says Associate<br />

Professor Paul Baird of the University of Melbourne’s Centre for <strong>Eye</strong> Research<br />

Australia. “These findings show that people, particularly children, should not<br />

avoid or delay wearing glasses due to preconceived ideas about what it would<br />

imply about their personalities.”<br />

Another piece on perception in this issue is the article on visual<br />

prosthesis, aka a “bionic eye”. Imagine how wonderful it must be for a blind<br />

person to regain even some of their sight. This is actually happening right now<br />

as part of research that is taking place in Australia and the United States. It<br />

wasn’t too long ago that such developments would only take place in science<br />

fiction.<br />

The role of opticians is a matter of public perception as well. Read Mary<br />

Field’s article on Internet Selling to learn about her perspective on this<br />

important subject. You’ll also find articles on how to survive in this uncertain<br />

economy, the importance of positive self talk, and how diet can affect<br />

hypertensive retinopathy. As usual, lots in this issue of Vision Magazine to<br />

keep you informed. I hope you’ll be reading it in a lounge by a lake! ISI<br />

1 Myopia and Personality: The Genes in Myopia (GEM) Personality Study Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis.<br />

Sci. 2008 49: 882-886.<br />

VISION | jul_aug | 2008 | The Opticians Association of Canada |<br />

Paddy Kamen<br />

Editor-in-chief<br />

The Opticians Association of Canada<br />

Association des opticiens du Canada<br />

2706-83 Garry Street<br />

Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 4J9<br />

(204) 982-6060 • 1-(800) 847-3155<br />

E-mail : canada@opticians.ca<br />

Web site : www.opticians.ca<br />

2008<br />

PROVINCIAL DIRECTORS |<br />

ADMINISTRATEURS PROVINCIAUX<br />

LORNE KASHIN<br />

President | Président<br />

Thornhill, Ontario<br />

(905) 881-1276<br />

Alberta<br />

DAVID MCGOWAN<br />

Red Deer • (403) 347-1020<br />

British Columbia | Colombie-Britannique<br />

CINDY KOSZEGI<br />

Abbotsford • 1-866-920-5911<br />

Manitoba<br />

TODD SMITH<br />

Secretary Treasurer | Secrétaire-trésorier<br />

Winnipeg • (204) 788-4571<br />

New Brunswick | Nouveau-Brunswick<br />

ROBERTA MCLAUGHLIN<br />

Saint John • (506) 634-0016<br />

Newfoundland | Terre-Neuve<br />

MARIAN WALSH<br />

St. John’s • (709) 579-2605<br />

Nova Scotia | Nouvelle-Écosse<br />

ROBERT DALTON<br />

Vice-President | Vice-président<br />

Halifax • (902) 455-4305<br />

Ontario<br />

LORNE KASHIN<br />

President | Président<br />

Thornhill • (905) 881-1276<br />

Prince Edward Island |<br />

Île-du-Prince-Édouard<br />

DALIE SCHELLEN<br />

Charlottetown • (902) 566-2020<br />

Quebec | Québec<br />

ROBERT GRIMARD<br />

Vision Canada General Manager |<br />

Directeur général de Vision Canada<br />

1-866-377-3636<br />

Saskatchewan<br />

JAMES HOLSTEIN<br />

Rosetown • (306) 882-3511


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PC Hydrogel and PC Technology are trademarks of The Cooper Companies, Inc., its subsidiaries or affiliates.


8<br />

VISION | jul_aug | 2008 | The Opticians Association of Canada |<br />

|<br />

Nerds No<br />

More<br />

By Paddy Kamen<br />

A recent study shows there is now little or no<br />

stigma attached to children wearing eyeglasses.<br />

In fact, the opposite is true.<br />

Cultural stereotypes do change, albeit slowly, and the case of kids and<br />

glasses is illustrative of just such a transformation. Research from the<br />

optometry department at Ohio State University, published in the May 2008<br />

issue of the journal Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, demonstrates that<br />

children hold other children who wear glasses in positive esteem 1 .<br />

Eighty young children – 42 girls and 38 boys –<br />

were surveyed. Of those, 30 kids (38 percent) wore<br />

glasses, 34 had at least one sibling with glasses and<br />

almost two-thirds had at least one parent who wore<br />

glasses.<br />

The children were presented with 24 pairs of<br />

pictures of children and asked six questions about<br />

them. Each pair of children in the photos included one<br />

child with glasses and the other without glasses. The<br />

children in the photos also differed by gender and<br />

ethnicity. When presented with each pair of photos,<br />

the participants were asked which of the two children<br />

pictured: would you rather play with; looks smarter;<br />

looks better at playing sports; do you think is better<br />

looking; looks more shy; and looks more honest?


<strong>Eye</strong>glasses Make a Great Impression on Kids<br />

The fact that the question of<br />

attractiveness yielded no significantly<br />

different answers for children with or<br />

without glasses suggests that kids don’t<br />

automatically consider kids with glasses<br />

to be unattractive.<br />

On average, two thirds of the<br />

participating children said they thought<br />

that kids wearing glasses looked smarter<br />

than kids not wearing glasses. And 57<br />

percent of the participants said they<br />

thought kids with glasses appeared to be<br />

more honest. Both kids with and without<br />

glasses thought other kids wearing<br />

glasses looked smarter.<br />

So what’s new in children’s eyewear<br />

for those honest, smart kids who need it?<br />

GREAT NEW EYEWEAR FOR SMART KIDS<br />

Optiq Frames has broken into a new<br />

category with their Einstein and Bratz<br />

collections. Einstein is new and funky.<br />

Bratz is making customers sit up and take<br />

notice with its powerful branding for girls<br />

from 2 to 10.<br />

“Compelling product is the one and<br />

only way to change perceptions,” says<br />

company sales director Don Coulson.<br />

“We’ve been very successful with<br />

Einstein, and Bratz is a superb product<br />

that makes the young ladies feel a little<br />

glamorous.”<br />

| The Opticians Association of Canada | VISION | jul_aug | 2008 9


10<br />

Optiq is also doing well with the<br />

first flex metal in the economy priced<br />

Minimize collection. “This material has<br />

been very expensive,” says Coulson.<br />

“But we are now able to bring a flex<br />

product to the market at a very<br />

reasonable price.”<br />

Optiq is known for having children’s<br />

eyewear in a wide range of sizes, from<br />

36 to 47. “Dispensers tell us it is difficult<br />

to get small eye sizes, so we offer an<br />

enormous range,” explains Coulson.<br />

Westgroupe Kids is all about style<br />

and choice, according to vice-president<br />

Beverley Suliteanu. Their collections<br />

include Super-flex kids available through<br />

Western Optical and Converse Kids from<br />

Wescan.<br />

Suliteanu points to the growing<br />

popularity of memory metal in children’s<br />

eyewear. Converse <strong>Eye</strong>wear has recently<br />

added three new styles in memory<br />

metal to its kids’ collection. The memory<br />

metal bridge and temples provide the<br />

maximum flexibility and restoration,<br />

while all three styles have the cool<br />

styling that is demanded in a Converse<br />

product.<br />

Continuing advancement in the<br />

technology of spring hinges has allowed<br />

Super-flex kids to incorporate 180 degree<br />

spring hinges to many models for<br />

increased durability.<br />

According to Suliteanu, styling is<br />

critical in the kids’ segment today.<br />

“Children, pre-teens and teens all want<br />

cool looking frames but nothing<br />

extreme. Colour choices have<br />

increased and, along with<br />

popular eye shapes, mirror that<br />

of adult styles. It is all about<br />

choice and allowing the child<br />

to choose a frame that<br />

best reflects their taste and<br />

personality.”<br />

The Souris Mini brand of<br />

children’s eyewear originated in<br />

Quebec and is distributed<br />

internationally by Optique Cerem.<br />

This brand has high fashion<br />

apparel stores for children in<br />

Quebec and the Atlantic<br />

NERDS NO MORE!<br />

VISION | jul_aug | 2008 | The Opticians Association of Canada |<br />

provinces and the eyewear colours, in<br />

fifteen models, match those in apparel.<br />

President Ruben Cohen is excited to be<br />

adding another brand that originated in<br />

Quebec to his already successful<br />

children’s business. “Gusti is for the<br />

rough and tumble, sports-oriented kid,”<br />

says Cohen. “They specialize in sports<br />

clothing for kids, so the eyewear is a<br />

natural extension for them. The quality<br />

is superb, with European metals and<br />

plastics. We support the product with<br />

good service and an excellent guarantee.”<br />

Gusti will be available nationally this<br />

August.<br />

Tweens (aged 9-13) are the lucky<br />

ones with the new GUESS Tween<br />

Collection from Viva International Group.<br />

Launching this summer, the collection<br />

features a variety of materials, including<br />

handmade acetate, stainless steel, and<br />

memory metal, as well as combination<br />

materials that showcase the fashion<br />

forward and innovative design concepts<br />

of the brand. The three streamlined<br />

memory metal styles offer the technology<br />

of nickel titanium for the active lifestyle<br />

of today’s tween, equipped with<br />

rubberized temples for a secure fit. The<br />

two new stainless steel models are<br />

available with rectangle or oval fronts<br />

and temples adorned with the GUESS<br />

by Marciano logo with hearts. Every<br />

model features spring hinges that<br />

provide added comfort and durability.<br />

“We wanted to create styles that<br />

mirror the trendsetting designs and<br />

brand elements found in our adult<br />

collection, yet sized just right for a<br />

tween,” says brand manager Jennifer<br />

Orentas. “Tweens are becoming more<br />

brand savvy and exploring new accessory<br />

options, including optical styles.”<br />

DOC & Associates is the proud<br />

licensee for Slinky, a brand with world<br />

wide recognition. “Slinky has been<br />

around for over 50 years,” says DOC<br />

president Doris Ouellet. “It's a universal<br />

toy that everyone has played with, boy<br />

or girl. We have translated this<br />

phenomenon into a serious eyewear<br />

collection for kids, from 8 to 15.”<br />

First launched at Vision Expo East<br />

in 2007, and now distributed in Canada<br />

exclusively by DOC, Slinky started with a<br />

memory eyewear collection, mostly for<br />

boys, in 12 pieces available in two<br />

colours each. “Durability is key to this<br />

line, which is especially important for<br />

boys,” says Ouellet. The latest collection


12<br />

is a fashion forward girls line, available<br />

this summer. “It is a lot of fun with very<br />

youthful colour combinations,” she adds.<br />

Sun clips are available for most<br />

models and sizes range from 43 to 48.<br />

The magnetic case is an item of added<br />

interest to children.<br />

LINDBERG Kid frames are available<br />

in an abundance of shapes, colours and<br />

sizes. The collection, which is under<br />

continuous development, is especially<br />

well know for being light-weighted. At<br />

three grams, the frames weigh only 0.01<br />

percent of the weight of an average<br />

six-year-old. Children barely feel the<br />

glasses, thanks to their lightness,<br />

flexibility and adaptability. They always<br />

sit just as they should due to the wide<br />

availability of sizes and the fact that the<br />

titanium material allows opticians to<br />

achieve a perfect fit. The titanium wire<br />

makes the frames so strong that they<br />

seldom cause any problems.<br />

LINDBERG Kid is also hypoallergenic<br />

as the frames are nickel-free, unlike most<br />

other flex-metal children’s frames.<br />

Opticians who sell the frames are<br />

especially pleased that they seldom see<br />

parents coming in to have the frames<br />

adjusted or repaired.<br />

High School Musical (HSM), launched<br />

last February by Optika <strong>Eye</strong>wear, is a<br />

Disney brand that is a big craze for<br />

tweens and young teens right<br />

now. Disney is about to launch its<br />

third feature film on the theme<br />

this coming autumn. The eyewear<br />

collection comes in 12 styles,<br />

with two colours per style, in<br />

sizes 44-46.<br />

Optika’s house brand, Kuchi<br />

Kids (sizes 42-46), is focused on<br />

providing children with high<br />

quality, high style frames with<br />

laser etching on the temples.<br />

“Our clients are looking for a<br />

good solid frame that is very<br />

durable and fits properly on a<br />

child’s small face,” says president<br />

Richard Allen. “And kids are<br />

moving into brighter colours and<br />

more worked temples. Both HSM<br />

and Kuchi focus on very intricate<br />

temples with HSM featuring<br />

rhinestones and symbols like<br />

hearts which give a sense of<br />

identity and make a statement.”<br />

NERDS NO MORE!<br />

VISION | jul_aug | 2008 | The Opticians Association of Canada |<br />

Optique Levy has been selling<br />

children’s frames for the full 12 years that<br />

they’ve been in business. Two years ago,<br />

president Georges Levy was delighted to<br />

begin representing Menizzi, a new brand<br />

from the U.S.A. “This is a unique and<br />

colourful collection in eye sizes ranging<br />

from 38 to 48, in about 100 styles. Levy<br />

points to models 1012, 1006 and 1001 as<br />

best sellers.<br />

Another Optique Levy collection is<br />

<strong>Eye</strong>func, hailing from England. This funky<br />

collection in eye sizes 44-48 features<br />

superior design and colours made<br />

according to eco-friendly production<br />

standards, one of the first companies to<br />

do so, according to Levy.<br />

Ronor has really captured the needs<br />

of children with innovative eyeglass<br />

cases to surprise a young clientele. With<br />

integrated games, cases that change<br />

colour, designs that remind them of their<br />

favourite sport, and funny characters<br />

that imitate those from movies, children<br />

will take great pleasure in choosing the<br />

case that reflects their personality. Most<br />

models allow children to write their<br />

names on the inside of the case, an<br />

important aspect of ownership for kids<br />

and one way to help protect the parents’<br />

investment.


14<br />

Tough eyewear for kids is also<br />

available through Ronor in the form of<br />

the Oio brand. Specially designed for<br />

the physiognomy of children’s faces,<br />

these comfortable glasses are available<br />

in nine models, including a brand new<br />

baby’s frame. Thanks to TITANflex, these<br />

glasses are ultra light and incredibly<br />

flexible, thus reducing the risk of injury<br />

in active kids.<br />

Importlux has been representing<br />

NafNaf from France for two years now.<br />

The line is doing very well, according to<br />

sales rep Phil Plamondon. “From infants<br />

(sizes 34-36) to young adults, this<br />

collection is distinguished by its use of<br />

colour. Kids wearing eyeglasses can be<br />

fashionable and cute. These are made<br />

in France to high standards and when<br />

you touch it you can tell instantly that<br />

the quality is amazing.”<br />

Also from France is the Minimoys<br />

collection, mostly for boys in babies and<br />

kids sizing, with cable temples.<br />

Sàfilo is filling out the popular Juicy<br />

Girls ophthalmic collection by making it<br />

available to young girls, 7-13. The best<br />

selling shapes from the Juicy Couture<br />

women’s eyewear collection were scaled<br />

down to create Juicy Girls. Detailing on the<br />

frames includes glitz and embellishments<br />

inspired by Juicy Couture jewelry and<br />

apparel. Four styles have been created –<br />

two in plastic (Julie and See You) and<br />

two in plastic/metal combinations<br />

(Sunshine and Too Cool). Fun colours,<br />

inspired by the Juicy Couture Spring<br />

2008 palette, fill the collection including<br />

lavender, pink, khaki, brown, light<br />

brown, khaki aqua and olive crystal.<br />

Silhouettes include a very wearable soft<br />

rectangular shape as well as some<br />

modified ovals.<br />

Venus <strong>Eye</strong> Design is doubling their<br />

kids’ line, qt-pie, from 12 to 24 models<br />

this year. “qt-pie is one of the best<br />

selling children’s collections because it<br />

offers amazing styles, bold colours and<br />

trendy frames in small sizes as well as<br />

an “anything goes” warranty, the first<br />

and only in the industry,” says president<br />

Mike Christiansen. “We are selling it so<br />

quickly, that our factory is in constant<br />

production of many models.”<br />

The collection is made from flat<br />

pressed aluminum with thick temples<br />

and plastic laminates with perfect fitting<br />

bridges and shorter temples for smaller<br />

NERDS NO MORE!<br />

VISION | jul_aug | 2008 | The Opticians Association of Canada |<br />

heads. Christiansen notes, “As in my<br />

adult lines, some of the most stunning<br />

colour combinations in metal frames are<br />

created by combining finishes (likes a<br />

matt with a gloss or a high gloss with<br />

satin) and I also carry this through to<br />

the qt-pie line. Most children want bold<br />

colour, and are not afraid of colour the<br />

way many adults are. If their favorite<br />

tint is purple, they want their frame to<br />

be purple too.”<br />

Michael Bohbot of Bo Optik created<br />

the Jungle brand in 2001 and it is his<br />

most popular line for the younger<br />

crowd, with the Pacu model exceeding<br />

expectations. For boys, the trendy<br />

Jungle Tarantula is very popular. Bo’s<br />

children’s frames all have rubber temple<br />

tips.<br />

As of August 2007, Jungle became<br />

its own company, and Bohbot is<br />

expanding the brand into the U.S.<br />

market. “We currently have 18 agents<br />

and on our way to 60. The response in<br />

the United States has been excellent,”<br />

he notes.<br />

Bo Optik carries more than 125<br />

models in four lines: Pez, Hush Puppy,<br />

TMX, Jalapeno, and Thalia Girls, in addition<br />

to Jungle. Always on top of the<br />

trends, Bohbot says many of his pieces<br />

include erosion technology in temples,<br />

with wide temples in the teen market<br />

only, because they’re too heavy for<br />

younger wearers.<br />

Centennial Optical is excited to be<br />

launching Columbia Kids. “We’re<br />

starting off small but definitely building<br />

this collection,” says Linda Mulford<br />

Hum, director of frames. “Canada is the<br />

number one market per capita for<br />

Columbia products in apparel, boots,<br />

and outerwear and the Columbia frames<br />

for older adults have been extremely<br />

well received.”<br />

Columbia has sporty styling without<br />

being too “out there”, notes Mulford<br />

Hum. The colours are not aggressive, in<br />

gun metals, earthy browns and khakis.<br />

Starting off with six models, primarily<br />

for boys, the collection is made of<br />

monel, with spring hinges and bow<br />

temples. “They are very saleable and<br />

comfortable, along with being a well<br />

loved brand,” she observes.<br />

One can also look to Centennial for<br />

Barbie, Roots Kids and Kidsmode – their<br />

value based house brand.


Publicité à | venir |


16<br />

COS brings the Gerhard Fuchs-designed<br />

Performance Youth Powerflex<br />

New Generation to the market.<br />

Manufactured from Performance Steel,<br />

this eyewear is lightweight and thin with<br />

high stability. The temple and hinge<br />

areas offer 15 percent increased<br />

flexibility. Optical integrity and shape<br />

stability are combined with rounded<br />

temple ends with traction grip and<br />

comfortable and adjustable soft nose<br />

pads. This is very durable eyewear for<br />

active kids from age six in trendy,<br />

colourful styles, many of which sparkle.<br />

Optical professionals will be happy<br />

to learn that the LeaderMax kids’<br />

eyewear collection from Hilco has been<br />

expanded to address the fitting needs<br />

of children from three months to four<br />

years of age. Responding to dispenser<br />

recommendations, “Little Ones” features<br />

correctly proportioned bridges, temples,<br />

and cable tips, resulting in an optimum<br />

fit for these special eyeglass wearers.<br />

The collection includes both plastic<br />

and metal styles in attractive colours<br />

and with unique treatments that parents<br />

will love. All frames feature Hilco's<br />

patented SprinGuard lens retention<br />

system for impact resistance comparable<br />

to ANSI Z87 industrial safety eyewear.<br />

And, each frame is supplied with a<br />

colourful case and a genuine "Gotta<br />

Getta Gund ® " bear.<br />

Ralph Lauren Children’s eyewear<br />

collection for summer 2007 offers a<br />

variety of styles in classic shapes and<br />

fun colours to fit and flatter young<br />

faces. Distributed by Luxottica, the line<br />

offers eight models targeted to young<br />

sophisticates, ages 6-12, seeking preppy<br />

styling. Here we find iconic frames from<br />

the adult collection pared down to fit<br />

smaller faces. Stainless steel fronts,<br />

acetate temples and spring hinges<br />

ensure lightweight comfort and<br />

exceptional durability. Rich handmade<br />

double acetates are shown off to great<br />

advantage in models PP 8503 in a P3<br />

unisex design and PP 8501 for girls in<br />

Demi Amber with lavender.<br />

NERDS NO MORE!<br />

VISION | jul_aug | 2008 | The Opticians Association of Canada |<br />

Every child knows about Little<br />

League baseball, and Tek Optical has<br />

just launched a new children’s collection<br />

under this iconic brand name. Tek<br />

president Travis Rowe had been looking<br />

for a children’s collection with strong<br />

brand recognition along with the<br />

combined attributes of design, quality<br />

and affordability. “I didn’t see anything<br />

that interested me until I came across<br />

Little League at Vision Expo East last<br />

spring. We’re now the exclusive<br />

distributor for Canada and we’re moving<br />

fast to get them out on the market.”<br />

The collection comes in metals<br />

and metal/plastic combinations in an<br />

attractive range of colours. Shapes are<br />

simple, with fashionable designs on the<br />

temples. There are seven introductory<br />

styles with five colours per style. “We<br />

chose the most saleable and unique<br />

models from the collection. The case<br />

looks like a baseball, with the stitching<br />

and branded Little League logo on it. It’s<br />

a perfect package of brand name and<br />

quality.”<br />

The TuraFlexies collection was<br />

inspired by the challenge to design<br />

fashionable eye-shapes for the active<br />

lifestyle of children from 6-12. Since it<br />

shares the same high quality as the<br />

TuraFlex memory metal collection, each<br />

TuraFlexies frame can be trusted to<br />

withstand the daily use and abuse<br />

typical from the young age group it is<br />

designed for.<br />

TuraFlexies offers fun and energetic<br />

colours in boys, girls and unisex styling.<br />

Each frame comes with a semi-rigid case<br />

with an attachable hook<br />

for backpacks and other<br />

everyday items used by<br />

children. This collection<br />

will be available for late<br />

November delivery.<br />

<strong>Eye</strong> care professionals seeking a<br />

convenient package need to look no<br />

further than the Youth Duo from Mexx<br />

and Essilor. This package provides a<br />

wide variety of Mexx youth frames in<br />

dynamic colour combinations, composed<br />

of either metal or plastic. The Airwear ®<br />

Crizal ® Alizé lenses in single vision,<br />

edged and mounted, are dirt and<br />

smudge resistant, which means less<br />

frequent cleaning. The package comes<br />

with a hard Mexx case. ISI<br />

1 Ohio State University (2008, May 12). Kids Think <strong>Eye</strong>glasses Make Other Kids Look Smart. ScienceDaily. Retrieved May 21,<br />

2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080512105708.htm


18<br />

Nikon Invests in Canada:<br />

New Technology Centre<br />

in Toronto<br />

| When Dimitri Adamopoulos was fresh out of engineering school in 1988, he was hired<br />

by Nikon Optical Canada’s then-president, Masanobu Urabe, who put him in charge of<br />

building the first Nikon plant in Montreal. “It felt a little intimidating,” he allows. This was<br />

the first manufacturing facility for Nikon outside of Japan, so it was a huge responsibility.<br />

I sometimes slept on site just to make sure things were going according to schedule.”<br />

VISION | jul_aug | 2008 | The Opticians Association of Canada |<br />

By Paddy Kamen<br />

Nikon’s commitment to building its<br />

business in Canada has only strengthened<br />

since then, as the recent announcement<br />

of the opening of the Nikon Technology<br />

Centre in Toronto demonstrates. And<br />

Dimitri Adamopoulos is still leading the<br />

charge, now as the president and CEO of<br />

Nikon Optical Canada Inc., a position<br />

which he has held since November 2000.<br />

“The big distinction with this new<br />

facility is the fact that we are not going to<br />

be using any tooling for fining or polishing<br />

the lenses,” explains Adamopoulos. “The<br />

technology is completely tool-less. And<br />

we’re doing this not just on digital<br />

progressives but on every single lens the<br />

plant produces.”<br />

Traditional lens surfacing techniques<br />

result in a rough surface that requires<br />

extensive polishing to achieve optical<br />

quality. The unintended consequence of<br />

this aggressive polishing is a change of<br />

lens curvature, in some cases altering lens<br />

power.


20<br />

In a digital, tool-less, three-dimensional<br />

cutting process, the design of the surface<br />

is a matrix file which is downloaded,<br />

point-by-point, and the machine cuts<br />

according to these coordinates with a<br />

high-precision diamond cutting head. There is<br />

no longer the need to carry thousands of laps<br />

with various curvatures. The cutting process is<br />

much more accurate, resulting in a smoother<br />

surface, so the polishing becomes much less<br />

destructive. That means the prescribed<br />

curvature and the one actually achieved<br />

through machining are identical.<br />

Nikon decided on Toronto for the location<br />

of the new plant because they wanted to<br />

improve delivery times to Canada’s largest<br />

market. Adamopoulos explains: “In addition to<br />

improving the quality of our product, we<br />

expect to gain in service delivery times. We<br />

expect to save a day across the board and a<br />

lot of our customers have been requesting<br />

this. We partner with independent labs across<br />

the country, but we really needed to get closer<br />

to our customers and potential customers in<br />

the Greater Toronto Area.”<br />

In the above paragraph, we would like to<br />

add another reason why we opened this<br />

centre and that is the following – ever since<br />

the launch of Nikon Digital Surfacing there is<br />

an ever increasing demand for our digital<br />

products and Ontario being the fastest<br />

growing market we decided to open a lab in<br />

Toronto to further serve ECPs.<br />

Nikon also wants to expand capacity<br />

in Canada in general. “We have grown<br />

dramatically across the country in the last six<br />

years, with branches in Montreal, Halifax,<br />

Calgary and Vancouver. The Toronto location,<br />

which is very close to Pearson International<br />

Airport, will become one of the premier labs<br />

in North America as it grows,” says<br />

Adamopoulos. “It is a 28,000 square foot<br />

facility, which will eventually have three shifts<br />

employing up to 150 people. We’re intending<br />

to stay and contribute to the community and<br />

we’re definitely planning for growth.”<br />

The other Canadian facilities will also see<br />

additional investment over the next few years.<br />

VISION | jul_aug | 2008 | The Opticians Association of Canada |<br />

According to Adamopoulos, Nikon will be<br />

investing more than ever before in capital<br />

expenditures in Canada this year. “And that is<br />

following on the heels of 2007, which was<br />

another record breaking year. We’re not<br />

resting on our laurels because Nikon has<br />

tended to be the first in introducing new<br />

technologies. Whether its high index lenses,<br />

aspherics or new coatings, we usually lead.<br />

This will remain true as we expand our<br />

presence in Canada.”<br />

Even with digital manufacturing, not all<br />

lenses are created equal. The digital process<br />

itself is driven by three key components: the<br />

design, the calculation package and the<br />

process. Shortcomings in any of these areas<br />

will produce a lower quality optical lens.<br />

Though the room for error is vast, so is the<br />

opportunity to improve the process and the<br />

resulting product.<br />

“Nikon has dedicated resources to making<br />

continued improvements in all three areas.<br />

It’s all part of the wider, long-term Nikon<br />

commitment to R&D. It’s about stabilizing<br />

quality control, controlling environmental<br />

factors and getting a better handle on variation<br />

within the process,” says Adamopoulos.<br />

“That’s where you gain maximum optical<br />

precision.”<br />

While consumers aren’t generally very<br />

aware of lens-manufacturing companies, they<br />

are aware of Nikon as a company that makes<br />

quality camera products – with 90 percent<br />

recognition rate according to Nikon’s research.<br />

The Nikon brand is therefore very credible in<br />

the consumer’s mind. This gives eye care<br />

professionals an excellent base to build on<br />

when presenting the latest generation of Nikon<br />

lenses. Adamopoulos says the newest<br />

generation of lenses – Nikon SeeMax– is so<br />

advanced in performance with a proven track<br />

record that no professional should be anything<br />

less than totally confident in recommending<br />

them. “This new technology offers a far better<br />

product. Nikon’s asphericity is more advanced,<br />

and with this new plant our production<br />

facilities are indeed in a class of their<br />

own.” ISI


22<br />

| OAC News |<br />

By Mary Field<br />

SPECIAL FEATURES<br />

The weekend will start with the<br />

official opening of the exhibit hall on<br />

Friday night. A feature of the evening<br />

Trade Show will be the OAC cocktail<br />

reception. This relaxed setting will allow<br />

you plenty of time to get some of your<br />

product ordering done as well as meet<br />

and greet your colleagues from across<br />

the country. And since Vision Canada<br />

gatherings always have a high component<br />

of fun, you’ll want to take the challenge<br />

of “Are You as Smart as a First Year<br />

<strong>Eye</strong>glass Student?” Yes, we swiped the<br />

idea from the television program that<br />

features embarrassed adults who have to<br />

rely on fifth graders to win money. With<br />

the Vision Canada version you will pit<br />

yourself against areas of knowledge that<br />

are expected of someone enrolled in the<br />

first year of the NAIT/OAC <strong>Eye</strong>glass I<br />

course. Visit the Trade Show booths to<br />

pick up your challenge question. If you<br />

get a passing grade you’ll win an extra<br />

entry form for the “Win a Trip to the 2010<br />

Olympics in Whistler” contest.<br />

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS<br />

Vision Canada program will keep<br />

you pretty busy throughout the day. On<br />

Sunday we are pleased to have keynote<br />

speakers Viviane Forest from Edmonton<br />

and Arnaud Rajchenbach from Montreal.<br />

They are an exceptional team; Viviane is<br />

a world-class athlete who took first place<br />

in the Super G and Giant Slalom at the<br />

2007 NorAm games and first place in the<br />

Slalom at the 2008 NorAm games.<br />

Arnaud, who works for Essilor in<br />

Montreal, is her guide. Why does she<br />

need a guide? Viviane is blind but you<br />

will find she is certainly not handicapped.<br />

In his capacity as a guide, Arnaud directs<br />

Viviane through the course via voice<br />

signals or radio communication. This<br />

inspiring story will surely give you new<br />

insight (pun intended) into the strength<br />

of character and motivation it takes to<br />

take on challenges that would daunt<br />

even those with 20/20 vision.<br />

Vision Canada Sets its Sights on Halifax<br />

| The Vision Canada team is getting excited about this year’s event in Halifax. November 7 – 9, 2008 marks the big weekend<br />

taking place at the beautiful Marriott Halifax Harbourfront. What more can you ask for? The sounds, the sights and the tastes<br />

of one of Canada’s most historic cities and two days of engaging continuing education are served up on a Maritime platter.<br />

LUNCH AND LEARN<br />

Also on Sunday you’ll be able to<br />

“Lunch and Learn”. This is a new feature<br />

at Vision Canada where you’ll be given a<br />

bag lunch and be invited to participate<br />

in a Leadership Workshop. It’s informative,<br />

it’s interactive, it’s worth credits and don’t<br />

worry, the bag lunch won’t be your<br />

ordinary baloney sandwich. This will give<br />

you a chance to get to know yourself and<br />

your colleagues a little better through<br />

discussing and taking on challenges<br />

focused on leadership.<br />

BUT I STILL CAN’T SEE!<br />

To start off the day on Saturday<br />

you’ll be treated to “But I Still Can’t See!:<br />

Troubleshooting the Visually Uncomfortable<br />

Client”. How many of those people have<br />

you dealt with in your career? How often<br />

have you walked away from someone<br />

shaking your head because you’ve tried<br />

everything you can think of and yet<br />

you still have a cranky, complaining<br />

customer? Well, Ed DeGennaro has some<br />

answers for you. Ed was formerly a<br />

professor and program head of the<br />

Opticianry Program, and the Dean of the<br />

School of Health Sciences at J. Sargeant<br />

Reynolds Community College in Richmond<br />

and has lectured on many themes related<br />

to the optical sciences, most recently at<br />

Vision Expo East. Ed’s presentation is<br />

sponsored by OAC Corporate Fellow<br />

Member Transitions Optical.<br />

WELL-ROUNDED LECTURE SERIES<br />

A further sampling of the lecture<br />

series will give you: The Germinator –<br />

Infection Control in the Modern Dispensary;<br />

Low Vision Challenges – High Level<br />

Solutions; Take This Frame and Sell It! –<br />

Communicating Value Differences in<br />

Frames; Introduction to Refraction – The<br />

Importance of Client Assessment; Contact<br />

Lens Grand Rounds and Case Reports;<br />

Correcting High Powered Prescriptions<br />

with Progressive Lenses and the Professional<br />

Challenges of Dispensing in the<br />

21st Century. Whew!<br />

Naturally all the lectures will be fully<br />

accredited. Although credit information is<br />

VISION | jul_aug | 2008 | The Opticians Association of Canada |<br />

not available at the time of this editorial<br />

deadline, by the time you receive your<br />

copy of Vision Magazine you should be<br />

able to go to the Vision Canada website<br />

and view the credits awarded by your<br />

provincial regulatory body.<br />

VIRTUAL VISION CANADA<br />

This year Virtual Vision Canada will<br />

not be available in real time but, never<br />

fear, the lectures will be recorded and<br />

Virtual Vision Canada will be up and<br />

running for three months after the event<br />

is over. That means you can register for<br />

Virtual Vision Canada and take in the<br />

lectures at your leisure. A great value for<br />

a great packaged price and if you’re a<br />

boss looking to give your employees a<br />

really nice Christmas present, why not<br />

give them a registration to Virtual Vision<br />

Canada?<br />

WIN A TRIP TO THE 2010 OLYMPICS<br />

In 2007 Vision Canada and Lanctôt<br />

started a three-event opportunity for<br />

registrants to win a trip to the 2010<br />

Olympics in Whistler, B.C. At each of<br />

Vision Canada’s events in 2007, 2008,<br />

and 2009 one registrant will be drawn<br />

from amongst those who submit entries.<br />

The winner at each Vision Canada event<br />

will receive a ski package including either<br />

cross-country or downhill skis, plus each<br />

winner at the three events will then be<br />

entered into the final draw for the free<br />

trip to Whistler. As well as receiving an<br />

entry form with your registration package<br />

you will have other opportunities<br />

throughout the Trade Show to pick up<br />

extra entry forms. Your chances are good!<br />

The Opticians Association of Canada<br />

will be holding its Annual General<br />

Meeting at Vision Canada 2008. This will<br />

be the first time that the AGM has been<br />

held in the Maritimes. OAC members will<br />

receive separate notice of this meeting<br />

but mark your calendars now for<br />

Thursday, November 6th at 7:00.<br />

Visit the Vision Canada website at<br />

www.vision-canada.ca and look for the<br />

registration form included in the pages of<br />

this issue. ISI


24<br />

Nestled in the business<br />

core of downtown<br />

Toronto is an optical<br />

store that sets a new<br />

standard for what<br />

is possible in<br />

small spaces.<br />

Harmony in Small Spaces: Stare <strong>Eye</strong>wear<br />

Stands Out<br />

VISION | jul_aug | 2008 | The Opticians Association of Canada |<br />

By Paddy Kamen<br />

| The subtle scent of a beeswax candle and the soft music of a waterfall imbue the senses as one<br />

walks into Stare <strong>Eye</strong>wear, a recent design achievement of Modular Design Systems Inc. Rich<br />

materials like marble and wood conspire with bold wall colours to enhance the experience.<br />

Above all, this is a great place to be.<br />

Frank Fumagalli, president and<br />

project coordinator of Modular says that<br />

the small—500 square foot space—<br />

presented quite a challenge. The<br />

concept was to have a friendly and<br />

inviting boutique with a high-end cache<br />

that supports the exclusivity of the<br />

eyewear on display. He achieved all of<br />

that and more with the help of the<br />

ancient Hindu architectural and design<br />

philosophy known as Vastu.<br />

“Vastu incorporates the elements of<br />

water, fire, air and earth to create good<br />

energy. When you use these elements in<br />

the proper combinations you create a<br />

place where people want to spend time.<br />

The sale is a consequence of people<br />

feeling comfortable and well served.”<br />

Modular decided to bring the area<br />

for delivery of prescription eyewear into<br />

the open by creating a small bar with<br />

stools where the proprietor can chat<br />

with customers and offer them a<br />

cappuccino.<br />

Store owner, Andres, is thrilled with<br />

the store’s design. “It’s completely<br />

different than anything I’ve seen before.<br />

The flow within the open concept store<br />

is great, and I love being able to<br />

interact with my customers at the bar.<br />

Behind the cash counter is a custom<br />

board with floating glass shelves where<br />

I display the higher ticket sunwear. And<br />

when I’m in the back in the small<br />

adjustment lab, the design of the etched<br />

glass panel allows me to keep an eye<br />

on what’s happening in the front.”<br />

The custom designed window<br />

display is another security feature that<br />

makes superb use of space. “We<br />

needed a roll gate for security when the<br />

store is closed but we also wanted to<br />

put the eyewear in view of pedestrian<br />

traffic,” explains Andres. “The solution<br />

is a moveable showcase that goes right<br />

up to the window in the daytime but is<br />

moved back at night to allow the gate to<br />

close.”<br />

Stare <strong>Eye</strong>wear has four patented<br />

Modular Display panels with individual<br />

frame holders, which allows the eyewear<br />

to be seen to best advantage under the<br />

low voltage halogen lights. “The lighting<br />

brings the place to life and because the<br />

frame holders are angled, the lights<br />

allow the gorgeous colours to pop and<br />

the details of the temples to be fully<br />

appreciated.”<br />

Frank Fumagalli says the Stare<br />

<strong>Eye</strong>wear environment shows what can<br />

be achieved when Modular’s designers<br />

are given the opportunity to put their<br />

20 years of experience designing optical<br />

stores to the test. “A store needs to look<br />

amazing but also be functional. Modular<br />

Designs is able to achieve both form<br />

and function in a very sophisticated<br />

way.” ISI


Doing it right means only doing it once.<br />

LET THE MODULAR DISPLAY SYSTEM WORK FOR YOU.<br />

Simply put, the patented Modular Display System is the industry’s quickest, most cost<br />

effective way to rejuvenate your frame dispensary. If you’re looking to increase your bottom<br />

line with minimal effort, then give MDS a call.<br />

1-800-663-8527 www.modular-design.com


| DESIGNER STORY |<br />

26<br />

From designing for the Sex Pistols in the early seventies to receiving<br />

the Order of the British Empire in 2006, Dame Vivienne Westwood’s<br />

career continues to be on the cutting edge of daring.<br />

Vivienne Westwood has been a<br />

force to reckon with, and an<br />

inspiration to young fashion<br />

talent all over the world for more than 30<br />

years now. Known as a designer’s<br />

designer, this former school teacher was<br />

always ahead of her time and continues<br />

to lead the way as one of the most<br />

influential designers of our times. From<br />

her punk beginnings through new<br />

romantic and pirates to the introduction<br />

of corsets and crinolines in modern<br />

ready-to-wear, Vivienne Westwood is<br />

often perceived as a shocking mistress of<br />

subversive fashion. The influence of her<br />

creativity on other brands has always<br />

been the subject of much debate and in<br />

April 2004 the Victoria & Albert Museum<br />

in London hosted an exhibition of 34<br />

years of extravagant, influential and<br />

beautiful creations. The retrospective is<br />

now set to travel the world with its first<br />

stop in Australia.<br />

The breadth of Westwood’s creativity<br />

can be seen in her collaborations with<br />

major craftspeople in other fields. She<br />

1.<br />

has partnered with Lancaster to produce<br />

three successful fragrances, launched an<br />

exclusive and coveted tea service with<br />

the British Classic Coalport, and produced<br />

a special 200th birthday collection of<br />

limited edition knits with John Smedly.<br />

Westwood is not only synonymous<br />

with visionary designs but also a successful<br />

company with a global distribution network<br />

in locations as diverse as Moscow and<br />

Taipei, and headquarters in both London<br />

and the recently opened Milan. This fashion<br />

icon heads a multi-million dollar empire<br />

which includes four separate clothing<br />

collections: Gold Label, which is conceptual,<br />

fashion forward and always innovative;<br />

Man, a classic yet avant-garde collection<br />

for men; Red Label, a sexy and glamorous<br />

line with broad appeal for women; and<br />

Anglomania, a youthful, cutting edge line<br />

which brings the typical Westwood passion<br />

to new generations.<br />

Each season Vivienne Westwood<br />

complements these lines with a full range<br />

of accessories, including bags, shoes,<br />

ties, belts and eyewear.<br />

VISION | may_june | 2008 | The Opticians Association of Canada |<br />

By Paddy Kamen<br />

Irreverent


and Classy<br />

3.<br />

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD EYEWEAR<br />

Allison S.p.A. designs Vivienne Westwood<br />

<strong>Eye</strong>wear in close collaboration with Vivienne<br />

herself, and distributes them globally. Ilker<br />

Starck, president of Allison Canada, says<br />

Westwood is a strong woman who knows<br />

exactly how the eyewear should look and<br />

who takes risks, especially with colour.<br />

“The colours are very bright and feminine,<br />

with a lot of red tones, purple and lilac. The<br />

use of acetate in dual and triple colours is<br />

very significant and she does metal in<br />

various combinations such as silver, copper,<br />

and bronze, with small Austrian crystals laid<br />

in. She’ll bring design motifs from the<br />

apparel and other accessories into the<br />

eyewear, especially in sunglasses.”<br />

For the upcoming season, Vivienne<br />

Westwood’s new prescription eyewear<br />

collection creates acetate forms with an<br />

aerodynamic and unusual design, projecting<br />

stars and capitonné patterns on the metal<br />

sides. The orb logo embellishes the sides of<br />

the entire line.<br />

The ophthalmic eyewear models in<br />

metal are either matt or glossy and the<br />

traditional mother-of-pearl plastic is combined<br />

with inserts in dark hues that include<br />

amaranth, dark green, earth and China blue.<br />

The sunglass collection features large<br />

acetate versions in two colours in addition<br />

to an embellishing rhinestone oval containing<br />

the VW logo, metal versions with a rhinestone<br />

logo on the fork sides and rimless models in<br />

an unmistakably oriental style.<br />

Most Westwood sunglasses are Rx-able,<br />

making them very popular with consumers as<br />

well as retailers, who enjoy the extra profits.<br />

Who is the ideal Vivienne Westwood<br />

<strong>Eye</strong>wear customer? “Westwood is for the<br />

fashion-educated woman who wants to set<br />

herself apart,” says Starck. “Women who<br />

buy Westwood have a lot of fashion savvy<br />

and navigate more toward European<br />

styling.”<br />

Women in Hong Kong, Japan and Korea<br />

connect well with the Westwood brand, and<br />

sales to women of Asian origin in the<br />

Vancouver area are very strong. “We have a<br />

lot of models with a smaller bridge size and<br />

some are a bit flatter in a style that tends to<br />

be preferred by Asians,” says Starck.<br />

Allison Canada has limited the Vivienne<br />

Westwood collections to boutique retailers<br />

who enjoy a hands-on approach to selling.<br />

As Starck observes, “This isn’t a shelf<br />

product but more for a select clientele who<br />

appreciate connecting with the retailer.” ISI<br />

| DESIGNER STORY |<br />

| The Opticians Association of Canada | VISION | jul_aug | 2008 27<br />

2.<br />

| 1. MOD. VW 630 | 2. MOD. VW 631 | 3. MOD. EC 340 | 4. MOD. VW 104 |


| Business Management |<br />

28<br />

Managing For Today –<br />

Planning For Tomorrow<br />

|<br />

Many people think a business management article is targeted at folks who own or control the supervision of a retail<br />

dispensary. But employees as well as owners of businesses can incorporate vigorous practice management techniques into their<br />

daily routine. Moreover each individual ECP is like a corporation unto him/herself so ideas about effective organization,<br />

prioritization, planning, and marketing will make certain your personal corporation is also healthy and sustainable.<br />

DRAWING A ROADMAP FOR SUCCESS<br />

In the May-June 2008 issue of Vision Magazine James<br />

Ahola wrote a very motivational piece about the necessity of<br />

having a goal. He’s right! You can’t go anywhere without<br />

proper planning. At the very least you need a roadmap of<br />

how to get where you want to go. I’d like to expand on<br />

Ahola’s theme and suggest how you might draw that<br />

roadmap. I’ll also recommend some of the things you need<br />

to pack for your trip.<br />

Goal setting must be very specific. For example, it’s not<br />

good enough to say you’d like to earn more money or that<br />

you’d like to own a dispensary. How much more money do<br />

you want to earn? What target market would your dispensary<br />

have? Don’t reject any idea out of hand. Make sure you write<br />

your ideas down. If you just list things in your head they fly<br />

away and it’s harder to see how they connect to one another.<br />

Once you’ve jotted down several goals put them in order of<br />

importance and then define the pathway to success.<br />

HOW DO I GET THERE FROM HERE?<br />

• Who can help you achieve your goal? Without personal<br />

initiative you’ll never reach your goal but there may be<br />

someone who can be your ally. Your boss? It’s possible<br />

there are responsibilities you could take on that would<br />

allow you to demonstrate your increased value to the boss.<br />

A colleague? Often people underestimate their skills and<br />

talents – their assets and their shortcomings. A good friend<br />

can help you build your career portfolio along with your<br />

confidence. Your significant other? If your goal involves a<br />

change of any kind it will most definitely have an affect on<br />

your partner. You’ll need that support.<br />

• What stands in your way? Is it money? Knowledge? Skills?<br />

Do others not recognize your value? Sometimes even<br />

acquiring knowledge requires money. You may have to<br />

think about financing. Skill is really just an applied<br />

knowledge. Do an honest gap analysis of yourself to see<br />

whether you are applying the knowledge you already have<br />

to your dispensing practice. No dispensing professional is<br />

an expert at every skill. Sometimes skills you once had<br />

become weaker for lack of use. If you already have the<br />

knowledge and skill necessary to reach your goal, have<br />

you been overlooked because you haven’t been<br />

self-promoting? Self-promotion does not mean boasting<br />

amongst your colleagues about how good you are at your<br />

job. But it is important that you keep your career portfolio<br />

current and that you bring it to the attention of the<br />

appropriate people as it is up-dated.<br />

VISION | jul_aug | 2008 | The Opticians Association of Canada |<br />

By Mary Field<br />

• Where can you find resources to eliminate the barriers to<br />

success? Does your current working environment provide<br />

you with the stimulation and wherewithal to acquire the<br />

knowledge and skills you want to obtain? Maybe you’d like<br />

to take an advanced practice course and learn how to fit<br />

contact lenses or to refract. Are you able to do that within<br />

the context of your current employment? If not, and if you<br />

believe in your goal, maybe you need to look for a<br />

different working environment. Do you know how to build<br />

a career portfolio? There are plenty of resources available<br />

online to give you guidance. Tip: Most of us have had<br />

clients who sing our praises. Some of us have even<br />

received notes of thanks from those people. But, how many<br />

of us have put those into our career portfolios? How many<br />

of us have asked a client if he/she would mind putting into<br />

writing their satisfaction with your dispensing talents?<br />

• When do you want to reach your goal? If you have some<br />

vague dream of “the future” you will not appreciate the<br />

urgency of moving forward and may sacrifice your goal by<br />

default. You could also miss opportunities that arise<br />

because you’re not prepared. Start building your career<br />

portfolio today. I use the word “portfolio” deliberately.<br />

Don’t just throw a bunch of documents together. Use an<br />

attractive format. Find an impressive binder. The binding<br />

and format shows the respect you have for your own<br />

achievements. Looks aren’t everything but first impressions<br />

are lasting.<br />

• How can you be proactive about reaching your goal? What<br />

can you do today to move closer to achieving your goal?<br />

Make sure you’re not standing in your own way. Do you<br />

keep telling yourself that the reason you can’t get ahead is<br />

due to circumstances beyond your control? When you read<br />

an article like this are you cynical about applying it to<br />

yourself? Do you approach every project by first seeing how<br />

the project can go wrong?<br />

The greatest frustration in life and in business is the<br />

sense that you don’t have control over your own destiny.<br />

There are many things over which you don’t have control. You<br />

can’t control how circumstances unfold but you can control<br />

how you respond to circumstances. Take time to set some<br />

realistic goals for yourself and develop that road map. You<br />

might not be able to get a direct flight from “here” to “there”.<br />

You might have to stop in “another place” along the way but<br />

as long as you know where you’re going you will eventually<br />

reach your destination. ISI


| Finance |<br />

30<br />

By JoAnne Sommers<br />

Coping<br />

with<br />

Interesting<br />

Times<br />

|<br />

Oil at $130-plus a barrel. Growing evidence of a U.S. recession. News that Canada's economy<br />

shrank unexpectedly in the first quarter of 2008 for the first time in five years.<br />

We are, as the Chinese proverb puts it,<br />

living in “interesting times.”<br />

What’s more, we should probably get<br />

used to it. There has been speculation that a<br />

steeper-than-projected slowdown in the economy<br />

could push the federal government close or even<br />

back into its first deficit in just over a decade.<br />

TD Bank, for example, has warned that the<br />

weakness in the manufacturing sector could<br />

result in once-dominant Ontario becoming a<br />

have-not province and being entitled to federal<br />

equalization payments as soon as 2010-11. That,<br />

TD economist Derek Burleton recently said, is<br />

"one more factor that could tip the federal<br />

government into deficit down the road.''<br />

Uncertainty and volatility will continue to<br />

dominate the economic headlines for the rest of<br />

the year, predicts Adrian Mastracci, portfolio manager<br />

with KCM Wealth Management in Vancouver.<br />

“Canada’s economic outlook is still dictated<br />

largely by the U.S. If their recession takes hold<br />

the way I think it will, we will feel the downdraft.”<br />

All the more reason, then, to get your<br />

economic house in order – and quickly. According<br />

to Mastracci, that begins with a review of your<br />

investment mix.<br />

Start by assessing your risk tolerance. And<br />

be realistic – a lot of people tend to overestimate<br />

the amount of risk they’re comfortable with.<br />

Your portfolio emphasis should shift in<br />

difficult economic times, he adds. Stocks,<br />

equities and mutual funds are great if you’re<br />

looking for growth but in an uncertain climate<br />

you need more fixed-income investments that<br />

generate income and add stability to your<br />

portfolio, particularly if your risk-tolerance is low.<br />

Says Mastracci: “The key financial question<br />

facing every small business person right now is<br />

‘what’s more important – preserving what I have<br />

or growing it?’ Because of the economic<br />

uncertainty, the top priority should be capital<br />

preservation. Don’t speculate. Bigger, more solid<br />

companies are better than small caps in times<br />

like these.”<br />

Next, take a look at how to pay yourself<br />

most effectively, based on your legal structure.<br />

For example, explore salaries, dividends, bonuses,<br />

draws, capital gains, holding/management<br />

companies and income splitting by employing<br />

family members.<br />

Seek professional advice from a chartered<br />

accountant to determine the best way to get the<br />

money you need while paying the lowest amount<br />

of tax, Mastracci advises.<br />

Since most small business people don’t<br />

have company pension plans, employer stock<br />

purchase programs or mandatory Canada<br />

Pension Plan contributions to fall back on,<br />

VISION | jul_aug | 2008 | The Opticians Association of Canada |<br />

they’re on their own when it comes to planning<br />

and saving for retirement.<br />

“It’s essential that you maximize your RRSP<br />

and spousal RRSP contributions every year and<br />

that you contribute as early in the year as<br />

possible”, says Mastracci. “Your 2007 notice of<br />

assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency<br />

will tell you your contribution limit.”<br />

Think about setting up a monthly savings<br />

plan to ensure that future RRSP contributions are<br />

not left to a last-minute decision.<br />

The self-employed have other retirement<br />

savings options, including Individual Investment<br />

Plans (IPPs), which are defined benefit<br />

Registered Pension Plans established for an<br />

individual, rather than a group of employees.<br />

(See Vision Magazine January/February, 2008.)<br />

“The IPP is essentially an RRSP upgrade<br />

with three main differences,” says Peter Merrick,<br />

president of merrickwealth.com and author of<br />

The Essential Pension Plan Handbook.<br />

They have significantly higher contribution<br />

limits that allow you to accumulate up to 65 per<br />

cent more in retirement assets than an RRSP will<br />

allow. They provide creditor proofing, unlike<br />

RRSPs in most provinces, and they cannot be<br />

fully collapsed unless the plan holder is critically<br />

ill, severely disabled or is experiencing financial<br />

hardship.<br />

Another key aspect of your financial life is<br />

insurance. In addition to business insurance,<br />

which protects both the business and its key<br />

players, anyone who is self-employed should<br />

have personal health, long-term disability (LTD)<br />

and dental insurance to protect them both now<br />

and in the future.<br />

“It’s vital to have a good personal disability<br />

policy for yourself,” says Mastracci. “Keep it<br />

separate from the company disability plan if you<br />

have one so that you can take it with you if you<br />

sell or leave the business.”<br />

Consider critical illness coverage, which will<br />

cover you and your family in the event of a<br />

catastrophic illness. (See Vision Magazine<br />

March/April 2005.) And check your life insurance<br />

coverage to make sure that your family would<br />

have adequate financial support in the event of<br />

your death.<br />

It’s also wise to have a larger-than-normal<br />

emergency fund available in case of a financial<br />

crisis.<br />

“Remember that if your business does<br />

poorly it impacts what you take home. Make sure<br />

you have the means to last if the bank calls a<br />

business or personal loan. Remember: these are<br />

not normal economic times.” ISI


32<br />

| <strong>Eye</strong> on health |<br />

|<br />

VISION | jul_aug | 2008 | The Opticians Association of Canada |<br />

Blood Pressure<br />

and Healthy Vision<br />

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects a quarter of the adult Canadian population and, with current lifestyles,<br />

experts predict over 90 percent of Canadians are likely to develop this disorder.<br />

High blood pressure occurs more often<br />

in people aged 75 or older and is twice as<br />

common in people who are obese than<br />

among those who are not. This disorder is<br />

also known as the “silent killer “, because it<br />

does not usually cause symptoms for many<br />

years, after which severe symptoms occur<br />

such as vital organ damage. Uncontrolled<br />

high blood pressure increases the risks for<br />

cardiovascular disease, stroke and kidney<br />

damage. But severe and long-standing high<br />

blood pressure that goes untreated may result<br />

in hypertensive retinopathy, a disorder<br />

where the walls of the small blood vessels in<br />

the retina thicken and consequently narrow,<br />

resulting in reduction of blood supply to the<br />

retina. As the hypertensive retinopathy<br />

progresses, blood may leak into the retina,<br />

leading the gradual loss of vision, especially<br />

if it affects the macula.<br />

There is no known cause for the<br />

majority of cases of high blood pressure. In<br />

this case the disorder is often referred to as<br />

primary hypertension. Secondary hypertension,<br />

where the cause is known, is a result of<br />

another disorder or certain medications.<br />

Certain lifestyle choice can aggravate<br />

high blood pressure. Obesity, sedentary<br />

lifestyle, stress, smoking, and excessive<br />

amounts of alcohol or salt in the diet can all<br />

play a role in developing the disorder,<br />

especially in those who have an inherited<br />

By Caroline Brider, B.Sc, Registered Dietitian<br />

tendency to develop it. There are many good<br />

reasons to make lifestyle and diet changes<br />

aimed at reducing the risk of high blood<br />

pressure, which is a risk factor for stroke,<br />

heart disease and hypertensive retinopathy.<br />

SEVEN LIFESTYLE AND DIET TIPS<br />

1. Get Moving<br />

✓ Regular physical activity 30-60 minutes<br />

of moderate intensity dynamic exercise<br />

four to seven days per week.<br />

2. Drink in moderation<br />

✓ Low risk alcohol consumption (two<br />

standard drinks per day and less than<br />

14 per week for men and less than nine<br />

per week for women).<br />

3. Watch your weight and waist<br />

✓ Attaining and maintaining ideal body<br />

weight (BMI 18 to 25) , waist circumference<br />

< 102 cm for men, < 88 cm for women.<br />

4. Quit smoking and live in a smoke free<br />

environment.<br />

5. Manage your stress<br />

✓ Relaxation therapies may be useful in<br />

alleviating stress and lowering BP.<br />

6. Eat a healthy diet<br />

✓ Follow Canada’s Eating Well with<br />

Canada’s Food Guide.


| <strong>Eye</strong> on Health |<br />

34<br />

7. Watch out for salt!<br />

✓ Read food labels for sodium content. Watch for restaurant<br />

and processed foods. Limit the use of salt in cooking and at<br />

the table, use seasonings such as herbs and spices instead.<br />

WHAT IS THE BEST DIET TO PREVENT HYPERTENSION AND LOWER<br />

BLOOD PRESSURE IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS?<br />

The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), is<br />

a dietary approach that has been shown to provide benefits in<br />

controlling high blood pressure. It accords with Health Canada’s<br />

Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide. This diet emphasizes fruits,<br />

vegetables, low-fat dairy products, dietary and soluble fibre, whole<br />

grains, and protein from plant sources; and is reduced in saturated<br />

fat and cholesterol.<br />

Researchers conducted the DASH trial to determine the<br />

impact of dietary patterns on the control of hypertension. The<br />

DASH trial was a well-designed, randomized, multi-centre,<br />

controlled study looking at the effects of dietary patterns on blood<br />

pressure. The study groups consisted of a control diet; typical<br />

American diet, which is relatively low in calcium, potassium and<br />

magnesium; a high fruit and vegetable diet, with higher levels of<br />

potassium, magnesium and fibre; and a combination or DASH diet,<br />

which is high in fruit, vegetables and low fat dairy products, also<br />

emphasizing whole grains, lower intake of cholesterol, saturated<br />

fat, red meats, and refined sugar, and included nuts, seeds and<br />

legumes several times a week.<br />

VISION | jul_aug | 2008 | The Opticians Association of Canada |<br />

Within two weeks of starting the diet, there were<br />

significant changes in blood pressure in the participants<br />

consuming more fruits and vegetables, but even more<br />

significant changes in lowering blood pressure in the<br />

participants on the combination or DASH diet. The<br />

DASH-Sodium trial studied the effect of three different dietary<br />

sodium levels, low (1500 mg), moderate (2300 mg) and high<br />

(3500 mg) on blood pressure of non-hypertensive and<br />

hypertensive individuals. Participants were randomly assigned<br />

to either a control diet or the DASH diet and then followed<br />

the three sodium levels for one month each. The results<br />

showed with either the DASH diet or control diet, the lower<br />

the sodium intake, the greater the mean reduction in blood<br />

pressure.<br />

WHAT ARE THE KEY RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE DASH DIET?<br />

For the Prevention of Hypertension or Pre-hypertension<br />

• DASH Diet Guidelines **<br />

◗ 4-5 servings/day fruit<br />

◗ 4-5 servings/day vegetables<br />

◗ 7-8 servings /day whole grains<br />

◗ 2-3 servings/day low-fat dairy products<br />

◗ 2 servings or less/ day of lean meat, poultry, fish<br />

◗ 2-3 servings/day unsaturated fats and oils<br />

◗ 4-5 times per week nuts, seed and dried beans<br />

◗ Limit of 5 low fat sweets per week<br />

• Reduce sodium daily intake to 2300 mg or less especially for<br />

salt-sensitive individuals.*<br />

• Increase fibre intake to 25-30 grams per day with emphasis<br />

on foods rich in soluble fibre. (ex. legumes, vegetables,<br />

oats)<br />

• A diet rich in potassium, calcium and magnesium is<br />

encouraged. ISI<br />

* Canadians of African descent, individuals over 45 years of age and those<br />

with impaired renal function or diabetes.<br />

** Recommended number of servings is based on a daily energy intake of<br />

2000 kcal<br />

References:<br />

2007 Canadian Hypertension Education Program Recommendations: The Scientific<br />

Summary - An Annual Update<br />

Conlin PR, Chow D, Miller ER III et al. The effects of dietary patterns on blood<br />

pressure control in hypertensive patients: Results from the Dietary Approaches to<br />

Stop Hypertension (DASH) trial. Am J Hypertens. 2000; 13:949-55.<br />

Bray GA, Vollmar WM, Sacks Fm,Obarzanek E., Svetkey LP, Appel LJ; For the<br />

DASH-Sodium Collaborative Research Group. A Further Subgroup Analysis of the<br />

Effects of the DASH diet and Three Sodium Levels on Blood Pressure: Results of<br />

the DASH- Sodium Trial. Am J Cardiol.2004;94:222-227.


| Motivate yourself |<br />

36<br />

By James Ahola<br />

|<br />

Are you talking<br />

TO ME?<br />

“What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what<br />

lies within you.”<br />

Ralph Waldo Emerson<br />

Words are extremely powerful. Words like: “We’re proud of you,” “I love you,”<br />

“Excellent Job,” can have a profound lasting positive impact on anyone. However,<br />

words like: “You’re an embarrassment,” “I hate you,” “You can’t achieve that,” can<br />

have detrimental life long effects. Considering the lasting impact of words, it is<br />

very important to use discretion when we speak to anyone, especially our<br />

children. But just as important are the words we say to ourselves.<br />

VISION | jul_aug | 2008 | The Opticians Association of Canada |<br />

What we say to ourselves, both audibly<br />

and “in our head”, determine to a great<br />

degree who we are and who we will<br />

become. Why? Our inside voice is there and<br />

available 24/7 and it sounds just like us,<br />

the person we trust the most. When we<br />

speak to ourselves, we take it to heart.<br />

The words we speak to ourselves are<br />

often echoes of what we have heard in the<br />

past, whether it be good, bad or indifferent.<br />

It is vitally important to remember, however,<br />

that we can learn to be completely in<br />

control of this voice. We should not speak<br />

about the past and what has been unless<br />

it is to our advantage and spurs us on to<br />

greater personal victories. The past is dead<br />

and has no power over today, unless we<br />

give it power. Instead we need to speak<br />

about our future, what we want, our goals<br />

and dreams; back it up with victories from<br />

our past, and anchor it with the little steps<br />

we are going to take today to help us get<br />

there.<br />

I first discovered this principle (how I<br />

do not know, but I thank God I did) as a<br />

young teenager. I was not a very confident<br />

individual growing up. I did not have the<br />

cool look, the cool hair, cool clothes. On<br />

top of not being “cool” my grades were not<br />

so hot either. My worst subject was math,<br />

where a 55% average was good. In case<br />

you skipped the teenage years, being<br />

“uncool” and bad academically are not a<br />

great combination. However, despite these<br />

external “facts”, two thoughts began to<br />

prevail in my head and I kept saying them<br />

to myself: “People like me, they just<br />

haven’t gotten to know me yet. I am a great<br />

guy to be around.” To this I added, “I like<br />

math. I am having a little trouble right now,<br />

but I will understand it because I really like<br />

math.”<br />

Now those two statements did not<br />

create a miracle and change my world<br />

overnight. No, I still heard the negative<br />

internal language for a while, but gradually<br />

what I knew to be true changed profoundly.<br />

As time passed I slowly made more<br />

friends from the different circles I became<br />

involved in (involvement is a key), and<br />

within a few short years the external social<br />

reality had completely changed. The<br />

previous reality had come into agreement<br />

with what I told myself was true.<br />

Continue on page 40 >


38<br />

|<br />

Restoring Sight:<br />

International Research on<br />

<strong>Bionic</strong> <strong>Eye</strong><br />

The notion of restoring sight to the blind has, until now, been restricted to the realms of miracles or parable. But for<br />

the past ten years research scientists from Australia and the United States have been working on a “bionic” eye or visual<br />

prosthesis that is beginning to accomplish the heroic quest of actually restoring sight to some people who are blind.<br />

| Professor Gregg Suaning |<br />

In Australia, a group of 20 graduate<br />

students and researchers have<br />

developed a bionic eye capable of<br />

detecting not only light and dark but<br />

also patterns. Professor Nigel Lovell,<br />

from the University of New South<br />

Wales’ Australian Vision Prosthesis<br />

Group (AVPG) says a functional device<br />

can be a reality within 12 years with a<br />

concerted national effort.<br />

Associate Professor Gregg Suaning,<br />

also with the AVPG, said the current<br />

device consists of an external<br />

micro-camera and microprocessor<br />

which is mounted on glasses and<br />

transmits a signal to an implanted<br />

electronic circuit and electrode,<br />

connected to the retina at the back of<br />

the eye.<br />

How does it work? In certain<br />

disease processes the sense organs<br />

die or degenerate. In the case of where<br />

bionic eyes could act as a device<br />

therapy, the photoreceptors are<br />

damaged. However the nerve cells that<br />

connect the sense organs to the brain<br />

are still intact and functional. As Lovell<br />

explains: “Electrical current is passed<br />

through these nerve cells to create<br />

action potentials that, in a crude<br />

manner, mimic the normal nerve traffic<br />

VISION | jul_aug | 2008 | The Opticians Association of Canada |<br />

By Paddy Kamen<br />

that the brain would experience from<br />

the sense organ. Obviously the form<br />

that this nerve traffic takes is far from<br />

the real case, so we rely heavily on<br />

brain remodeling, or plasticity, to make<br />

sense of the nerve signals.”<br />

“Animal experimental data, mathematical<br />

modelling and low-vision<br />

psychophysics simulations in normally<br />

sighted human volunteers show that<br />

our approach of placing the electrode<br />

in the suprachoroidal space (behind<br />

the retina and in between the sclera<br />

and choroid) is functional,” says<br />

Lovell.<br />

There are more than 100 million<br />

photoreceptor cells in each eye.<br />

Current devices, like the one designed<br />

by the Australian team, are limited in<br />

the number of electrodes they can<br />

place on the retina. According to<br />

Lovell, 100 electrodes would allow face<br />

recognition and reading. To date his<br />

device has tested with 14 electrodes.<br />

There is a huge gap between what is<br />

envisioned and what is currently<br />

possible. However, Lovell’s group has<br />

patented unique technology that<br />

creates "virtual dots" around the<br />

electrodes, making it easier to create a<br />

better image with fewer electrodes.


40<br />

It also has a "jitter" technique that improves vision by<br />

mimicking the human eye's rapid side-to-side movements.<br />

Meanwhile, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)<br />

recently approved an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) to<br />

conduct a clinical study of a new device dubbed the Argus II<br />

Retinal Prosthesis System.<br />

The implantable technology is a collaborative effort<br />

between the Doheny <strong>Eye</strong> Institute, University of Southern<br />

California (USC) and Second Sight Medical Products, which<br />

manufactures the implant. The Argus II is the second generation<br />

of an electronic retinal implant designed for the treatment of<br />

blindness due to retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a group of inherited<br />

eye diseases that affect the retina. RP causes the degeneration<br />

of photoreceptor cells in the retina. As these cells degenerate,<br />

patients experience progressive vision loss. Like the Australian<br />

invention, the Argus device is essentially designed to take the<br />

place of the photoreceptors.<br />

“The first phase of our implant work began in 2002,” says<br />

Mark Humayun, M.D., PhD., professor of ophthalmology at the<br />

Doheny <strong>Eye</strong> Institute. “We have successfully implanted six<br />

patients in the trial and we have found that the devices are<br />

indeed electrically conducting and can be used by patients to<br />

detect light or even to distinguish between objects such as a<br />

cup or plate.”<br />

Dr. Humayun was the vitreo-retinal surgeon for the first<br />

generation 16-electrode (Argus 16), which he implanted in six<br />

RP subjects between 2002 and 2004. The study demonstrated<br />

the ability of all participants, who were previously blind, to<br />

detect when lights are on or off, describe an object's motion,<br />

count discrete items, as well as locate and differentiate basic<br />

objects in an environment.<br />

While the first generation of implants contained 16 electrodes<br />

laid out on an array, the Argus II is designed with 60 electrodes,<br />

which is intended to allow for higher resolution images.<br />

The new device is also approximately one quarter the size<br />

of the original, reducing surgery and recovery times.<br />

| Motivate yourself |<br />

Are you talking<br />

TO ME?<br />

From page 36 ><br />

EYE<br />

BIONIC EYE<br />

BIONIC<br />

VISION | jul_aug | 2008 | The Opticians Association of Canada |<br />

The array is attached to the retina and used in conjunction<br />

with an external camera and video processing system to provide<br />

a rudimentary form of sight to implanted subjects. The clinical<br />

trial of the first generation of implants continues at the Doheny<br />

<strong>Eye</strong> Institute at USC.<br />

The device may ultimately be used for the millions of<br />

people suffering from age-related macular degeneration, or AMD.<br />

In fact, Humayun says there are 25 million people around the<br />

world, including 6 million in the United States alone, who have<br />

been blinded, or are severely visually impaired, due to diseases<br />

like RP and AMD. By 2020, that figure is expected to double,<br />

creating a virtual vision-loss epidemic.<br />

Both AMD and RP destroy vision by annihilating the retinal<br />

cells that allow light to be translated into recognizable images.<br />

“Perhaps what we’re most excited about in this next study<br />

is that, similar to the first generation Second Sight device, we<br />

will be able to test the new device with patients at their homes,<br />

churches, schools and similar locations,” says Humayun. “The<br />

importance of this work is going to be reflected in how well this<br />

helps them regain some of their lost vision.”<br />

The current study will include patients over 50 years of age<br />

who have RP or AMD and who have had previous functional<br />

vision. Although it is too early to comment on the clinical data,<br />

each device continues to function as expected, and all<br />

participants are using their systems at home daily.<br />

"We are excited about the progress being made in the<br />

development of this artificial retina technology," says Stephen<br />

Rose, PhD, Chief Research Officer, Foundation Fighting<br />

Blindness. "FFB supported early preclinical studies of this<br />

technology, because of its great potential for giving vision to<br />

people with the most advanced retinal disease and we are<br />

pleased to have helped advance the prosthesis into critical<br />

clinical trials." ISI<br />

With respect to academics, a critical point came when I met with a math teacher and said to him<br />

“I like math, but I don’t get it and I am afraid of fractions.” This kind teacher showed me how to work<br />

with fractions, hence removing my fear. With the fear gone I began to attack math with a voracious<br />

appetite, doing every problem I could get my hands on. I needed to make up for lost ground as I was<br />

behind the pack, and make up ground I did. I was good at math and I liked it. I then began applying<br />

the concept to other subjects.<br />

I went into high school labeled a loner and stupid. When I graduated I was president of the<br />

student council with friends in every social group and clique. I was accepted into a top university and<br />

graduated with an Engineering degree (I told you I like math!). I do not tell this story to brag but rather<br />

to stress the point that negative internal and external voices and apparent “facts” do not say who you<br />

are, what you can do, who you can be, or where you are going. They do not have that power.<br />

However, what you say, is very important, because what you say, will determine who you will be, what<br />

you can do, and where you will go.<br />

I think the old adage my mother used to say “If you can’t say anything good about someone, don’t<br />

say anything at all,” holds true, especially when it comes to talking about yourself. Now just in case<br />

you are selling yourself short, like most of us do from time to time, please heed these words: “You are<br />

extremely valuable and capable of almost anything”. ISI


| Practice Trends |<br />

42<br />

|<br />

Internet sale of contact lenses and more latterly of eyeglasses continues to be a thorn in the side of opticians. Almost<br />

every week we hear from an optician who has just had a client ask for his/her contact lens specifications in order to make<br />

an Internet purchase and is angry at the loss of sales and the apparent double standard that is used by their regulatory<br />

body for registered opticians compared with Internet sellers of product. And now these same Internet sellers are offering<br />

eyeglass purchases to consumers. Out of frustration, our callers want to know what we are going to do about it.<br />

Internet selling is both a regulatory and a marketing<br />

issue. But to be clear, unless the company selling the<br />

eyeglasses or contact lenses is registered in a Canadian<br />

province AND unless the provincial opticians’ legislation/<br />

regulation supports a legal challenge there is no<br />

immediate ‘fix’ via regulatory channels. We have written<br />

previously in Vision Magazine about ways to compete<br />

with Internet sellers. The most recent article is posted for<br />

your interest on the OAC website at:<br />

www.opticians.ca/professionals/communications<br />

Recently the College of Opticians of British Columbia<br />

challenged in court an Internet seller registered in BC<br />

(most Internet sellers are located off-shore) and lost that<br />

case based on the judge’s interpretation of the text of<br />

the opticians’ regulation. Even if the College had won the<br />

case, all the seller would have to do is relocate<br />

operations to a different country and provincial law would<br />

not apply unless there was a reciprocal agreement with<br />

the other country.<br />

Opticians have an ethical as well as a legal imperative<br />

to meet the provincial Standard of Practice. The courts<br />

will offer only a literal interpretation of the text of<br />

legislation/regulation.<br />

This doesn’t mean that opticians can’t be proactive<br />

about exploring the marketing issues that drive Internet<br />

sales. We understand the profit motive for Internet<br />

sellers. What we need to understand more fully is the<br />

purchasing motive for Internet buyers. Studies reveal that<br />

fast access to product, greater availability of goods,<br />

exclusivity (innovative products) and control over<br />

shopping hours are few of the incentives. Retail<br />

dispensaries can compete in all of those areas with some<br />

innovative thinking. But where we often get shortchanged<br />

is in the way we promote our products and services.<br />

Internet sellers are so ‘in your face’. If you Google the<br />

words eyeglasses and contact lenses on Canadian pages,<br />

does your dispensary come up high in the rankings?<br />

Probably not. Does the Internet provide us with a challenge<br />

or an opportunity?<br />

Internet selling is only one of the issues facing<br />

opticians as we move through the 21st Century. The<br />

specter of deregulation has cropped up many times since<br />

the first Opticians’ Act was promulgated. Although<br />

provincial governments have re-affirmed their intention<br />

to retain opticians’ legislation/regulation, the signs indicate<br />

VISION | jul_aug | 2008 | The Opticians Association of Canada |<br />

Internet Selling:<br />

Threat<br />

or Opportunity?<br />

By Mary Field<br />

that it will take on a different shape. For example, it may<br />

broaden the break down of dispensing duties into<br />

various categories of regulated and non-regulated<br />

personnel. Draft legislation in British Columbia provides<br />

for a category called a “certified non-registrant”, defined<br />

as a non-registrant to whom registrants of a college may<br />

delegate aspects of practice or who may be authorized to<br />

provide or perform aspects of practice in accordance with a<br />

bylaw of the college. There have always been non-registrants<br />

who perform under delegation. Students in optical<br />

training programs come to mind. But could there be<br />

further definition of a ‘certified non-registrant’? Certification<br />

implies some minimum standard of training. We know<br />

that other than those who are registered opticians and<br />

those who are students there is an uneven level of<br />

education amongst other personnel who work in optical<br />

dispensaries. Does this represent a challenge or an<br />

opportunity?<br />

The trend is for governments to reduce barriers to<br />

entry-to-practice in order to increase the number of health<br />

care professionals available and provide the public with<br />

safe choices. You can see this tendency in draft legislation<br />

in B.C., Alberta, Manitoba and Nova Scotia. Opticians<br />

have always had a love/hate relationship with their<br />

legislation. They love it when it protects them and hate<br />

it when it hampers them. In this case you can see the<br />

glass either half full or half empty. Certainly there is<br />

employment competition from a wider selection of<br />

professionals but as a group we can gain strength from<br />

greater numbers.<br />

One of the reasons opticians see issues like Internet<br />

sale of eyeglasses and contact lenses, and delegation to<br />

‘certified non-registrants’ as a threat is that most<br />

marketing of dispensaries has been narrowly focused on<br />

style and price. So that is now the perception consumers<br />

have of our profession. They don’t look to us for other<br />

services and don’t value the intellectual input available<br />

through opticians. As a profession and as individuals we<br />

lack brand marketing. Yes, we need to do our best to<br />

make sure we are vigilant and that we use our political<br />

skills to balance the benefit to the public with advocacy<br />

for opticians but we would be foolhardy to assume we<br />

will always prevail and the status quo will remain<br />

unchanged. We need to do a better job of becoming the<br />

brand people think of when they consider their vision<br />

needs. ‘We’ means all of us together. ISI


44<br />

| What’s New |<br />

Metropolitan for the<br />

Metropolis<br />

Mykita made a big statement at<br />

the last Mido with the introduction<br />

of Metropolitan, a new line of<br />

metal oversized corrective lenses<br />

within the umbrella collection<br />

No.1.<br />

This new prescription line<br />

has been designed with the hip city<br />

dweller in mind. The Terry model,<br />

which takes its name from the<br />

famous photographer Terry<br />

Richardson, results in an<br />

expressive aviator style for a<br />

self-confident fashion conscious<br />

wearer. Similarly, Sophia has been<br />

named after the actress and archetypal<br />

“Prima Donna” Sophia<br />

Loren. Both styles are available in<br />

a silver or gold etched plaid-patterned<br />

metal surface, adding an<br />

extra textured dimension which<br />

glistens in the sunlight. Sophia and<br />

Terry frames are also available<br />

with lenses that darken in the light<br />

in seconds.<br />

Importlux Distributes<br />

Ines de la Fressange<br />

<strong>Eye</strong>wear<br />

Importlux has signed an agreement for the<br />

exclusive Canadian distribution of Ines de la<br />

Fressange eyewear. The brand takes its name<br />

from the French modelling legend, chosen in the<br />

eighties by Karl Lagerfeld to be the muse<br />

of Chanel haute couture House, due to her<br />

physical resemblance with Coco Chanel.<br />

The collection, entirely designed and made<br />

in France, reflects French glamour, elegance and<br />

uniqueness. Importlux has selected 12 fashion<br />

forward women frames made of lightweight<br />

quality materials such as inox and acetate. The<br />

models, magnificently highlighted by laser-cut<br />

temples, play on an original mix of colours.<br />

In the same collection, the<br />

Woody model is an oversized<br />

style reflecting the intellectual’s<br />

evergreen and star look of the 80’s.<br />

Another addition to the<br />

collection characterized by its big<br />

size is Tenzin, a frame dedicated to<br />

the Dalai Lama and inspired by<br />

his actual first name.<br />

Mykita is distributed in<br />

Canada by Mykita North America.<br />

VISION | jul_aug | 2008 | The Opticians Association of Canada |<br />

| Sophia |<br />

Nikon i 1.60<br />

Transitions VI<br />

Now Available<br />

Just in time for the summer, Nikon<br />

Optical Canada introduces Nikon i<br />

progressives in 1.60 with Transitions ®<br />

VI Brown and Gray (total sphere<br />

+5.00D to -10.00D , cylinder up to<br />

-4.00D, addition +0.75 to +3.50).<br />

The lenses, which provide UV400<br />

and all the benefits of Transitions VI<br />

Advanced Performance, are available<br />

with Nikon coatings HCC ICE, HCC<br />

and H.<br />

New Magnifiers<br />

Combine<br />

Function and Beauty<br />

Art of Optics is a unique, limited edition collection of three<br />

magnifying lenses created in an attractive eye-catching<br />

design that makes magnifying more fun. Available in the<br />

shape of a dolphin, hippopotamus, or tortoise, these<br />

Eschenbach magnifiers enlarge text two times and are<br />

surprisingly lightweight.<br />

Each magnifier comes complete with a sturdy, protective<br />

box which can be opened to display the product professionally,<br />

and a high-quality cleaning cloth. An illuminated display that<br />

holds one of each of the animal magnifiers is also available<br />

with the purchase of two each of the Art of Optics<br />

magnifiers.


46<br />

| What’s New |<br />

| L474 “Pandora” |<br />

Vision-Ease Lens<br />

Expands Continua<br />

Lens Line<br />

A Perfect Match<br />

Inspired by Lulu Guinness’s Ceramic<br />

Celia handbag – designed with a brush<br />

stroked pattern – the new Pandora model<br />

is brilliantly created by laser milling the<br />

zyl. The hinge design of the eyewear is<br />

cleverly crafted after the functional and<br />

decorative hardware that created the<br />

ruching which adorns the opening of the<br />

bag.<br />

This exclusive hinge was produced<br />

simultaneously with the frame – and<br />

therefore is created as one component –<br />

leaving professionals free from worrying<br />

about screws backing out.<br />

This slightly over-sized 8-base wrap is<br />

an easy-to-fit winner with CR-39, gradient<br />

lenses that off 100% UV protection.<br />

Lulu Guinness eyewear is distributed<br />

by Tura LP.<br />

Pacific Medical Presents its Canon CR-1<br />

The CR-1 non-mydriatic digital<br />

retinal camera, distributed in<br />

Canada exclusively by Pacific<br />

Medical Technologies, features<br />

high-performance specifications<br />

in an ergonomic, easy-to-use<br />

design to provide enhanced quality,<br />

efficiency and comfort during<br />

retinal exams. And this all new<br />

Canon CR-1 is DICOM compliant.<br />

Ever since developing the<br />

world’s first non-mydriatic retinal<br />

camera in 1976, Canon has been<br />

a pioneer in the field of retinal<br />

imaging. Canon’s latest advancement,<br />

the non-mydriatic digital<br />

CR-1, combines state-of-the-art<br />

optics and retinal imaging technology<br />

with the renowned EOS<br />

digital SLR system to provide<br />

industry-leading image quality<br />

and efficiency. All this, in an<br />

all-new ergonomic design that is<br />

more comfortable for the patient<br />

and easier to use than ever<br />

before.<br />

VISION | jul_aug | 2008 | The Opticians Association of Canada |<br />

New President<br />

for Topcon Canada<br />

Al Brooks is the new president of Topcon Canada,<br />

succeeding Guy Girard.<br />

Al Brooks served as vice-president of sales and marketing,<br />

a position he has held since 2000. Brooks, who joined the<br />

company twenty years ago, possesses solid leadership skills<br />

and extensive knowledge of the company, its customers, and<br />

the Canadian ophthalmic market in general.<br />

Guy Girard will remain with Topcon Canada for approximately<br />

two more years, holding the position of vice-president<br />

of operations.<br />

Topcon Canada is a leading distributor of ophthalmic<br />

equipment and supplies in Canada since 1963. To complement<br />

the Topcon product line-up, the enterprise is also the exclusive<br />

Canadian distributor for Amtek, Welch Allyn, Paradigm<br />

(Dicon), Gulden, M&S Technologies and Accutome (selected<br />

products). Along with these industry leaders, Topcon Canada<br />

distributes products from many other major suppliers.<br />

Vision-Ease Lens (VEL) announced the launch of its Continua ® semi-finished single vision (SFSV)<br />

80 mm lenses. This new product extension signifies VEL’s commitment to provide the most versatile<br />

polycarbonate lens line for a wide variety of processing applications.<br />

“The eyewear industry is growing in its need for direct-surface progressive lens processing and lenses<br />

for wrap-around frames and larger frame styles,” said Karen Hoyt, product manager, VEL.<br />

“Vision-Ease Lens’ latest extension to the Continua lens line not only meets that trend head on but also<br />

takes it a step further to provide a versatile, unique solution in the marketplace.”<br />

Continua SFSV 80 mm lenses are available in a number of base curves including 0.50, 1.00, 2.00,<br />

3.00, 4.00, 5.25, 6.25, 7.50, 8.50 and 9.75. With a prescription range of +8.00 to -12.00, these lenses<br />

accommodate a variety of consumer needs.<br />

Featuring highly abrasion-resistant thermal-cured hard coating, the new Continua lenses are<br />

compatible with all AR coating applications. The backside tints to a sunglass state, and provides<br />

100 percent protection from ultraviolet (UV) rays.<br />

The CR-1 features a redesigned<br />

optical system that achieves<br />

extremely detailed, high-resolution<br />

diagnostic images of the retina<br />

for accurate detection and<br />

monitoring of ocular conditions<br />

including diabetic retinopathy,<br />

glaucoma, and macular degeneration.<br />

Once captured, images are<br />

transferred to a connected PC for<br />

review.<br />

The all-new design of the CR-1<br />

integrates advanced specifications<br />

into an ergonomic unit that<br />

facilitates operation by motorizing<br />

procedures usually performed by<br />

hand. Because retinal images are<br />

easy to obtain, exams can be<br />

completed in less time.<br />

Image capture is fast and easy<br />

thanks to a simple two-step<br />

procedure that delivers clear,<br />

sharp images every time.<br />

The network capability and<br />

control software of the CR-1<br />

work to streamline the entire<br />

diagnostic workflow, allowing<br />

users to conveniently review,<br />

analyze, print, store and transmit<br />

images to remote viewing locations.<br />

The DICOM compliant<br />

network interface enables easy<br />

integration with existing image<br />

management systems and allows<br />

connection to a variety of<br />

network configurations such as<br />

LAN, WAN and PACS. The<br />

bundled retinal imaging control<br />

software for the CR-1 puts<br />

tools for comprehensive study<br />

management and image capture<br />

control at one’s fingertips, in an<br />

intuitive graphical interface that’s<br />

simple and straightforward to<br />

use. The PC based software<br />

provides quick, easy input and<br />

access to all information and<br />

images required to assist in<br />

diagnosis.


48<br />

| Herman |<br />

| What’s New |<br />

Modern, outdoor lifestyle brand, Tretorn ®<br />

partners with luxury eyewear brand, Modo, to<br />

launch Tretorn Glasogon, a new collection of<br />

men’s and women’s eyewear. This new endeavour<br />

comes after Tretorn’s recent successful launch<br />

into men’s apparel and the opening of the first<br />

Tretorn Shop this past November. The collection,<br />

named after the Swedish word for eyewear, has<br />

been on view at VEE in New York and at Mido<br />

in Milan.<br />

The collection is composed of 16 ophthalmic<br />

and 12 sunglass styles, available in four colours<br />

each. The selection includes plastic and/or<br />

metal options. Subtle, clean and inviting<br />

| Enviso 7607 |<br />

The very latest Silhouette<br />

Enviso, distributed in Canada<br />

by COS, provides almost unlimited<br />

possibilities: eight lens<br />

shapes and eight different<br />

colours for a broad palette of<br />

64 different options for men<br />

and women. The ultra light<br />

eyewear guarantees exceptional<br />

comfort and a free field<br />

of vision.<br />

The charm of the eyewear<br />

lies in the combination of the<br />

rimless design and colourful,<br />

frosted plastic temples that<br />

emit a subtle shimmer. While<br />

women can choose from<br />

warm, earthy and lavender-like<br />

Tretorn Partners<br />

with Modo to<br />

Launch Glasogon<br />

designs incorporate a fun colour palette. An<br />

innovative spring hinge, engineered exclusively<br />

by Modo, is featured and is laid out to<br />

represent elements of the Swedish flag – the<br />

inspiration of the Tretorn logo.<br />

Packaging and in-store displays were also<br />

given special attention and indicate a fresh,<br />

stylish and functional direction. The eyewear<br />

case is a recyclable paper cylinder tube, lined<br />

in blue or yellow fabric to signify the Swedish<br />

flag. Allowing for flexible merchandising<br />

options Tretorn created in-store materials<br />

ranging from logo plaques to counter cards.<br />

Unlimited Field<br />

of Vision and Screw-less<br />

Celebration of Colour<br />

shades — spanning sea shell,<br />

red pearl and purple haze —<br />

classics like blue sapphire,<br />

brilliant black or soft gold are<br />

available for men.<br />

The impressive amount of<br />

Austrian handiwork guarantees<br />

the very highest quality.<br />

Several months of background<br />

research and development<br />

and around 140 working<br />

processes — 80 per cent of<br />

these by hand — have gone<br />

into each frame. All this is<br />

quite apart from the fact that<br />

many pairs of hands check the<br />

quality of the eyewear at each<br />

individual production step.<br />

VISION | jul_aug | 2008 | The Opticians Association of Canada |<br />

AMO Canada Company, a division<br />

of Advanced Medical Optics, a global<br />

leader in ophthalmic surgical devices<br />

and eye care products, recently<br />

announced the Canadian introduction<br />

of Blink Moisturizing Lubricant <strong>Eye</strong><br />

Drops, a new over-the-counter eye<br />

drop for people who suffer from<br />

occasional or chronic symptoms of<br />

irritated or dry eyes.<br />

AMO developed a unique, advanced<br />

formula for Blink Moisturizing Lubricant<br />

<strong>Eye</strong> Drops that includes a blend of<br />

ingredients naturally found in the eye.<br />

Product benefits include a long-lasting<br />

relief with less blurring of vision, a<br />

greater than 60-minute moisture<br />

retention time and a significant<br />

improvement in comfort over time. The<br />

eye drop solution adapts to an<br />

individual’s needs by thickening when<br />

the eye is open, and thinning when<br />

the eye blinks.<br />

Trivex Lenses by Augen Optics Now Available in Canada<br />

Centennial Optical introduces Trivex ® lenses<br />

by Augen Optics to the Canadian market.<br />

Augen Optics is an international lens design and<br />

manufacturing company committed to applying<br />

advanced technology to develop new products.<br />

Centennial Optical is the exclusive distributor<br />

for Augen Trivex ® and Trivex ® Transitions ® VI<br />

lenses in Canada.<br />

Trivex ® , created by PPG Industries, is an<br />

ultra lightweight material with a high abbe value<br />

of 45 for excellent optics. It provides outstanding<br />

impact resistance and 100% UV protection,<br />

making it ideal for children and active adults.<br />

The material is free of internal stresses, making<br />

it perfect for rimless and drill-mount frames.<br />

Augen’s CenturionTM Series Aspheric lenses<br />

eliminate the induced optical errors caused by<br />

standard spherical lenses. Patented double<br />

aspheric technology allows Augen’s Double<br />

Aspheric Single Vision lenses to be aspherized<br />

separately along two meridians. One meridian<br />

compensates for sphere power while the other<br />

compensates for cylinder power, resulting in a<br />

lens that provides wide, clear viewing zones in<br />

all directions.<br />

Augen CenturionTM Series General Purpose<br />

Progressives have a soft design, providing easy<br />

New<br />

Over-the-Counter<br />

<strong>Eye</strong> Drop for<br />

Irritated and<br />

Dry <strong>Eye</strong>s<br />

visual transitions through the viewing zones.<br />

Base curves vary based on prescription strength<br />

and add power and the 17 mm minimum fitting<br />

height allows flexibility in frame selection.<br />

Augen Centurion TM Series Short Corridor<br />

Progressives combine an unprecedented 8 mm<br />

corridor and 12 mm fitting height with carefully<br />

balanced zones of vision throughout the lens.<br />

The asymmetric design provides excellent<br />

binocular vision and quick adaptation ensures<br />

ease of wear regardless of frame size.<br />

Augen Trivex ® lenses are also available in<br />

semi-finished spherical single vision and<br />

Flat-Top 28 bifocals.


| classified ads |<br />

48<br />

| BUSINESS<br />

OPPORTUNITY |<br />

Are you tired of managing your<br />

small business? Would you<br />

prefer having more time for<br />

your family and yourself? If so,<br />

please call me. I am interested<br />

in buying an optical dispensary<br />

in the Greater Toronto Area<br />

with revenue of $300,000 –<br />

$500,000. Please contact<br />

in confidence Gavriel at:<br />

(416) 725-6737 or e-mail<br />

gavriel@rogers.com.<br />

__________________________<br />

Sydney, Nova Scotia. A well<br />

established 40+ year old<br />

optometric practice with a fully<br />

equipped<br />

optical dispensary available for<br />

sale or lease due to the<br />

sudden passing of owner and<br />

resident O.D. Dr. Bert Miller.<br />

For information contact<br />

(902) 564-8330 or e-mail<br />

drbmiller@syd.eastlink.ca<br />

__________________________<br />

| EMPLOYMENT |<br />

20/20 Marketing Ltd., Canada’s<br />

leading supplier to the<br />

independent optical market, is<br />

expanding due to the overwhelming<br />

response to its<br />

products and services. We<br />

have immediate full and<br />

combination (part-time) openings<br />

for sales representatives in<br />

Toronto, Quebec and the<br />

Maritimes. The ideal candidates<br />

will be enthusiastic, motivated,<br />

self-starting, and able to work<br />

independently. Both experienced<br />

sales people and/or opticians<br />

would be ideal candidates.<br />

Please e-mail or fax your<br />

resume, and experience the<br />

satisfaction of selling the<br />

difference! Attention: Kinga Dym,<br />

E-mail: kingadym@protekt.ca,<br />

Fax: (888) 497-3937<br />

__________________________<br />

Busy, independent, progressive<br />

lab/dispensary seeks licensed<br />

optician for full-time position<br />

immediately. Fax résumé to<br />

Courtenay 1 Hr. Optical at<br />

(250) 338-0723.<br />

__________________________<br />

High-end optical store in North<br />

York is looking for an<br />

optometrist. We will provide<br />

all equipment. Send us an<br />

e-mail if you are interested.<br />

Store is only 6 months new,<br />

but is growing rapidly, and we<br />

would like to have an<br />

optometrist permanently working<br />

in our store. We have a<br />

separate entrance in the back<br />

of the store. Please write to<br />

eyefashionoptical@rogers.com<br />

or call at (416) 661-9990.<br />

__________________________<br />

INNOVA Medical Ophthalmics,<br />

Canada’s largest distributor<br />

of ophthalmic instruments,<br />

has openings for Edging<br />

Sales Representatives in<br />

Vancouver and Ontario. The<br />

successful applicant will<br />

possess:<br />

• Proven success in sales<br />

and territory development<br />

• Excellent verbal, written<br />

and interpersonal<br />

communication skills<br />

• Strong technical aptitude<br />

• Motivated high energy<br />

team player<br />

Please send your résumé to<br />

lbarker@innovamed.com.<br />

LASIK MD is the leading<br />

provider of laser vision<br />

correction in Canada. Our<br />

organization is proud to have<br />

been named one of the 50<br />

Best Managed Companies in<br />

Canada. We are happy to<br />

announce the opening of our<br />

20th location in Sherbrooke,<br />

Quebec and are currently<br />

searching for Opticians, (full<br />

time and part time). Generous<br />

remuneration will be offered to<br />

suitable candidates. If you are<br />

looking for a meaningful career<br />

within a challenging, and<br />

rewarding work environment,<br />

please send your resume<br />

to Genevieve Pilon at<br />

hrresumes@lasikmd.com or by<br />

fax at: (514) 904-1199. Please<br />

indicate reference # SHEOP02<br />

in the subject of your job<br />

application.<br />

__________________________<br />

LASIK MD is the leading<br />

provider of laser vision correction<br />

in Canada. Our organization is<br />

proud to have been named<br />

one of the 50 Best Managed<br />

Companies in Canada. We are<br />

happy to announce the opening<br />

of our 21 st location in Saskatoon,<br />

Saskatchewan and are currently<br />

searching for Opticians, (full<br />

time and part time). Generous<br />

remuneration will be offered to<br />

suitable candidates. If you are<br />

looking for a meaningful career<br />

within a challenging, and<br />

rewarding work environment,<br />

please send your resume to<br />

Genevieve Pilon at hrresumes@<br />

lasikmd.com or by fax at:<br />

(514) 904-1199. Please indicate<br />

reference #SASOP03 in the<br />

subject of your job application.<br />

__________________________<br />

Prodesign Denmark has an<br />

opportunity for a BC based<br />

Sales Representative. Preference<br />

given to an established<br />

Sales Representative with a<br />

minimum of 2 years direct<br />

optical sales within the<br />

province of BC. Please e-mail<br />

your résumé and particulars<br />

in strict confidence to<br />

salespdeyewearcan@sympatico.ca<br />

or by fax to (905) 830-4984.<br />

__________________________<br />

| EQUIPMENT |<br />

Five year old Essilor Kappa<br />

Edger and Tracer for sale. Very<br />

well maintained and upgraded<br />

for all lens materials. We are<br />

looking to upgrade. Asking<br />

$25,000 or best offer. Call<br />

Serge at (705) 268-2020.<br />

__________________________<br />

For Sale: Complete lane of<br />

doctor's equipment. chair,<br />

stand, phoropter, autorefractor,<br />

slit lamp, keratometer, tonometer<br />

and table. All equipment in<br />

excellent condition and great<br />

working order. Want to sell as<br />

a complete package. Total<br />

price is $11,000. Please contact<br />

Arthur Kochberg at (416) 633-9365<br />

or e-mail me arttykoch@<br />

hotmail.com.<br />

__________________________<br />

For Sale: Lane equipment,<br />

includes chair and stand<br />

(frastema), slit lamp,<br />

keratometer and projector.<br />

Pictures available at http://<br />

laneequipment.synthasite.com<br />

Asking $3,000. E-mail :<br />

merali@rogers.com<br />

__________________________<br />

Polarized sunglasses available<br />

in a nice modern plastic frame.<br />

The optical frame is extremely<br />

modern with nice thick temples,<br />

suitable for boys or girls.<br />

The lenses come either with<br />

grey polarized or brown polarized<br />

colors. Suggested retail<br />

value of these quality sunglasses<br />

is $120. Quantities of<br />

50 pieces are $15 each, 100<br />

pieces are $12 each and 500<br />

pieces price is $8 each. Please<br />

call Arthur Kochberg at<br />

(416) 633-9365 or e-mail me at<br />

arttykoch@hotmail.com.<br />

__________________________<br />

Two Gerber Coburn Acuity<br />

finer/polishers for sale. These<br />

units are like brand new hardly<br />

used. For more info please contact<br />

Rodney at (204) 975-2666<br />

Monday to Friday 9-4. Or e-mail<br />

rodney@eyedealeyewear.ca.<br />

Serious enquiries only please.<br />

__________________________<br />

| SERVICE |<br />

Freelance Registered Optician<br />

with high-end dispensing<br />

experience is available for the<br />

Greater Toronto Area. Please<br />

call Gabriel at: (416) 736-0988<br />

or e-mail: gabriel@rogers.com.<br />

__________________________<br />

Titanium <strong>Eye</strong>glass Repair! Our<br />

laser welding technique creates<br />

a seamless result on all metal<br />

frames. Please send $40 payment<br />

with each frame which includes :<br />

laser repairing, return priority<br />

shipping and one year guarantee<br />

to: Laserfix Ltd., 13 Mission<br />

Ave., St. Albert, AB, T8N 1H6 or<br />

call Darrel at (780) 460-2943 to<br />

set up a commercial account.<br />

__________________________<br />

OPTICIANS ASSOCIATION OF CANADA<br />

To become a member of the Opticians Association of Canada and take<br />

advantage of its many membership benefits please call<br />

1-800-847-3155 • canada@opticians.ca<br />

OPTICIANS ASSOCIATION OF CANADA : 2706-83 Garry Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 4J9 • www.opticians.ca<br />

VISION | jul_aug | 2008 | The Opticians Association of Canada |<br />

Allison Canada ___________________5<br />

Bo Optik ________________________15<br />

briot/Weco ______________________31<br />

Canadian Optical Supply Co. 33, 36, 41<br />

Centennial _____________________29<br />

CIBA Vision _____________________45<br />

CooperVision ______________7, 39, 49<br />

Hongli__________________________43<br />

Kio Yamato______________________21<br />

Lanctôt _________________________9<br />

Luxottica _________Inside Front Cover<br />

| Advertisers Index |<br />

DISTRIBUTORS<br />

WANTED<br />

AB, BC, MB, NL, NT, NU,<br />

ON, QC, SK, YT<br />

Quality Children's <strong>Eye</strong>wear<br />

At a Value Price<br />

View the Collection<br />

www.i-dealoptics.com<br />

CONTACT: MICHAEL FELDMAN<br />

feld23@aol.com<br />

fax: 248-548-2176<br />

Modular Design__________________25<br />

Nikon Optical Canada_____________23<br />

OAC____________________________37<br />

Optika <strong>Eye</strong>wear __________________19<br />

Plan ''B'' <strong>Eye</strong>wear ________Back Cover<br />

Silmo___________________________51<br />

The Optical Group________________34<br />

Venus <strong>Eye</strong> Design_________________11<br />

Viva International Group ____13, 17, 47<br />

Wescan__________________________3<br />

Younger Optics __________________35<br />

| PLEASE NOTE |<br />

Our classified ad section<br />

is a free service for all<br />

optical practitioners,<br />

in the canadian optical<br />

industry.<br />

All submitted<br />

classified ads will be<br />

included on the<br />

Breton Communications<br />

Web site :<br />

www.bretoncom.com/cla<br />

ssified<br />

PLEASE SEND YOUR<br />

CLASSIFIED AD<br />

BEFORE JUNE 3 rd , 2008<br />

TO:<br />

c/o Vision Magazine<br />

Breton Communications<br />

Inc.<br />

495 St-Martin Blvd.<br />

West, #202<br />

Laval, Quebec H7M 1Y9<br />

Fax: (450) 629-6044<br />

E-mail:<br />

lauren@bretoncom.com<br />

VISION +<br />

$499.00<br />

Comprehensive software at a reasonable price.<br />

Point-of-Sale Software, Inventory Control, Automatic order pricing,<br />

Patient Invoicing, Marketing Tools, Sales Reports, Demographics<br />

Ability to submit orders electronically to various labs<br />

(519) 749-0374<br />

MSF Computing Inc. www.visionplus.cc<br />

✍Great Opportunity

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