VisionPlus SEA :: Jul-Aug 2011 by Alim Bolar

7PM t *TTVF +VM 4FQ South East Asia Edition

Everything between you and eye

www.visionplusmag.com

Tom Ford

Global Glamour, Supreme Style

Nanyang Optical â&#x20AC;&#x153;Newer contact lens materials need better solutionsâ&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Alain Rastouil, Venice Ng and Dr Gunter Wong from AMO in conversation with Alim Bolar

A FourPlus Publication

Using Green As Its Trump Card

Freeform

A Process, Not A Lens Get updated about the latest eyewear trends in GALLERIA

7PM t *TTVF +VM 4FQ South Eas t Asia Edit ion

Everyth

ing bet wee

n you a nd eye

Everything between you and eye

www.visio nplusmag .com

Vol.1 Issue 2 Jul-Sep 2011 A FourPlus Publication

Tom

Ford Global Glam r, Supreme Stou yle

Nanyang Op

Using Green tical As Its Trump Card

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Newer contac t lens material s need better soluti onsâ&#x20AC;? A FourPlus Publ

ication

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Alain Rast ouil, Venice Ng and Dr Gun ter Won AMO in conv g from ersation with Alim Bolar

Get updated

eeform A Process, No t A Lens

about the late

st eyewear tre

nds in GALLER

CONTENTS

16 20 24

Lens Talk:

16 Designer Profile

Freeform: A Process,

Not A Lens â&#x20AC;&#x201D; A peek into the technology that could be the future of progressive lenses.

Designer Profile:

Tom Ford: Global

Glamour, Supreme Style â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Here's a look at what makes Tom Ford the toast of the fashion world.

20 In Focus

In Focus:

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Newer contact lens materials need better solutionsâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Alain Rastouil, Venice Ng and Dr Gunter Wong in conversation with Alim Bolar.

Trends:

The Love Affair With Sunwear Continues â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Be prepared to see eyewear with a plethora of vibrant shades and interesting shapes.

Spotlight:

Retail Tales:

Using Green As Its Trump Card â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Nanyang Optical is going green to distinguish itself from its competitors. New-Age Optical Retail:

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Next? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Luxottica's concept store offers a unique shopping experience. Is this the future of optical retailing?

24 Trends

PLUS GALLERIA HAPPENINGS EYE MATTERS EVENTS TO BE SNAPSHOTS TRIVIA

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Ever ything between you and eye

South East Asia Edition

E Thank You!

Editorial Siraj Bolar E-I-C

Alim Bolar E D

That is what I would like to say to all of you who made the inaugural issue of VisionPlus SEA such a success. We are overwhelmed with the positive feedback that we have received. Indeed, I think this is by far the best reception for any publication we have launched globally.

Vinita Bhatia

The effort the eye care professional fraternity in South East Asian puts in to educate themselves about best practices for their trade is really commendable. The second Asia Pacific Contact Lens Care Summit concluded in Australia recently while the Vision Council hosted two seminars in Hong Kong and Xiamen about acceptable standards for optical manufacturers. Kudos to their efforts!

Design

G E

Ishita Bal E C-

Tabrez Bolar Purav Mehta Amarjeet Prabhakar Mithun Jagda Paul Daniel Nadar G D/P

Coming to this issue, we have shed light about freeform technology in ‘Lens Talk’, which the entire industry is looking at with a lot of interest. We have also tried to demystify the allure of the prolific Tom Ford - the brand and the person - in ‘Designer Profile’, while also doing some crystal ball gazing about the trends for this season. And our prediction is that it is going to be a colourful one! You can also read about how Nanyang Optical in Singapore has come out with a range of eco-friendly products to set itself apart from its peers. All the regular grids like ‘Eye Matters’, ‘Happenings’ and many more are part of this issue. Do let us know what you would like to read in the future issues of VisionPlus. This will help us give you a better and more informative magazine.

Marketing Jasbir Bolar M D

Monica Pereira Farhan Shaikh A S E

Finance R. K. Tharoor V. Ramdas F M

Distribution Royale Asia

____________________________________

FourPlus Advertising Pte. Ltd. VisionPlus (MICA(P) 198/12/2010) is published by FourPlus Advertising Pte. Ltd., and printed at Times Printers Private Limited

So read on, enjoy!

16 Tuas Ave 5, Singapore 639340 Editor: Siraj Bolar All correspondence should be addressed to FourPlus Advertising Pte. Ltd. 50, Serangoon North Avenue #5-01, First Centre, Singapore 555856 E-mail: sea@visionplusmag.com

Acknowledgement Modelling Agency: Diva Dubai (www.divadubai.com)

Views and opinions expressed in this publications are not necessarily those of FourPlus Advertising Pte. Ltd.. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of information published neither FourPlus Advertising Pte. Ltd. nor any of its employees accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions.

VISIONPLUS (SOUTH EAST ASIA) - Everything Between You & Eye

Contributing Writer: Roli Gupta --------------------------------------------

LENS TALK

Freeform is a buzzword these days and everyone seems to be excited about it. Be it the manufacturer, optician or user - its benefits are for everyone.

Freeform:

A Process, Not A Lens

rogressive lenses have moved on from being ‘a replacement for bifocals’ to a specialized lens category and can be considered an advancement of lens technology as we know it. The cosmetic benefits aside, if one has to understand the workings of how the progression in a lens happens to ensure that a wearers vision from near to intermediate to far is smoothly transitioned, it is nothing short of a technological achievement. However, all said and done, progressives are still a work in progress and one can’t say that the best lens has already been produced. Companies like Rodenstock, Hoya and Essilor are putting in a lot of investment 6

into their R&D to achieve the perfect lens. They have managed to get as far as what’s available today and we are sure they will achieve a whole lot more in the near future.

fits all’ method did not work. It was at this stage that designs were improved and people with specific needs were provided with lenses that suited their home and work requirements.

To assess the evolution of progressive lenses, it would be right to categorize it into three stages. The first stage was the standard progressive addition lenses (PALs) which gave a fairly wide reading area. With a reasonably sized frame, it provides enough vertical height to allow smooth transition from distance vision to near reading.

For example, an executive using his laptop a lot would require a lens that's different from a person playing golf. This level of personalization met with a lot of satisfaction and it would be fair to say that progressives were accepted better during this stage.

The second stage was when the consumer started demanding more. That's when companies realized that different people have different lifestyle needs and hence the ‘one solution

We are currently in the third stage and this is the phase of freeform. This word may be used by many to describe a lens but Florian Zwink, Lab and Product Consultant at Rodenstock insists that ‘freeform is a process and not a lens.’

VISIONPLUS (SOUTH EAST ASIA) - Everything Between You & Eye

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Is it just the benefits or is there more to freeform? Here’s a sneak peek into the technology that seems to be the future of progressive lenses.

Keeping this in mind let's understand what freeform technology is all about. Freeform can create a unique one-ofa-kind progressive lens using state-ofthe-art surfacing technology. It’s also referred to as direct to surface or direct lens technology. This process can recreate any design that a software provides on a lens surface. Florian insists that the process by itself is not enough. "It’s the know how and the design capability that’s important," he says. According to him, this technology has been there since mid-90s and isn't new. However, with technology having made advancements, the calculations required to create a design from a set of refractive error prescription can now

Freeform can create a unique, one-of-a-kind progressive lens using state of the art surfacing technology. happen in seconds. “Earlier, it could have taken hours, maybe even a day for a computer to do the calculations and come up with the best design solution based on the prescription. But today with the level of technology and power that’s packed into even a simple laptop, the power and speed at which calculations can be made has increased tremendously!” he says.

So what was not practical 15 years ago is possible today. Florian goes on to say that the investment that goes into R&D to perfect the designs is the most important aspect of freeform.

PERSONALIZED SOLUTIONS

Using this technology, an optometrist can provide the data from a prescription. And based on this data,

VISIONPLUS (SOUTH EAST ASIA) - Everything Between You & Eye

the best possible solution that suits the wearer in relation to the frame that he wants to use is created in the form of a design for a progressive lens. The machinery then digitally surfaces the lens based on this design and a unique lens is produced. Sounds astounding, doesn’t it? Yes, the technology is something that equips an optician today to provide his patient with a ‘personalized’ solution. As an illustrative example, to explain in a much simpler way to the end user, one could draw a parallel between ready-made suits as compared to tailored suits. A ready-made suit can be stocked by a store and bought off the shelf.

A few configurations of freeform progressive lenses

The advantages to the optician in dispensing freeform lenses are many. First of all, these are not limited by set base curves. So basically there’s no need for stock lenses with set base curves. These lenses are custom designed based on each patient's Rx, frame and wearing preferences. They are also supposed to eliminate unwanted astigmatism and therefore virtually do away with PAL non-adapts. Freeform technology offers many other advantages over conventional progressives. Labs and manufacturers

For the fitting, a few alterations will ensure that the suit fits the wearer properly. But for a true connoisseur, nothing matches a ‘created for the wearer’ suit. The designer will use the

FACTORY-MOULDED PROGRESSIVE FRONT SURFACE

Of course, just as a good designer and tailor can help you get that perfect fitting suit, freeform lens customization would greatly depend on the measurements taken by the optometrist and the know-how and technology of the lens manufacturing company to get the customers desired fit.

DIGITALLY-SURFACED RX ONLY BACK SURFACE ENHANCED SEMI-FINISHED FREEFORM LENS

DIGITALLY-SURFACED RX+PROGRESSIVE BACK SURFACE DUAL-SURFACE FREEFORM LENS

DIGITALLY -SURFACED RX+FULL PROGRESSIVE BACK SURFACE BACK SURFACE FREEFORM LENS

perfect measurements of the person at that time and use these measurements while also taking into account the material that’s chosen for the suit and accordingly create a suit for the wearer.

do not need to carry an inventory as lenses are made on an as-needed basis. There are no issues of backorders as each freeform lens is made to order.

There’s no ‘off the shelf’ product and there’s no ‘one size fits all’ option and there’s no huge inventory of suits to satisfy every customer. It is custommade for the wearer. This is precisely the level of personalization that goes into a progressive lens created using freeform technology.

BENEFITS OF FREEFORM LENSES FOR PATIENTS:

Every freeform lens is only as good as the design. Hence the R&D that companies have put into their design process will hold them in good stead. The machinery will only create the lens as per the instruction that the software provides it which is based on the design information that it is provided. Some freeform lenses are designed with the progressive on the backside of the lens while in others it’s applied to both, the front and the back sides. In fact there are several distinct freeform lens designs today and each of the designs has its own advantages, according to the companies that produce them.

FACTORY-MOULDED SPHERICAL FRONT SURFACE

FACTORY-MOULDED PARTIAL PROGRESSIVE FRONT SURFACE

are lowered. 4. Aspheric/atoric designs flatten and thin the lenses and also broaden the field of view at all distances. 5. There is an increase in the field of view at all distances as the progressive portion is placed on the backside of the lens. 6. Since freeform PAL designers recommend fitting heights in the mid-teen range, these lenses will fit in many of today’s smaller frame sizes. 7. Freeform lenses accommodate unusual or atypical Rx’s (i.e., highcylinder power, high-minus power), making wearing PALs easier.

1. They provide maximized visual acuity at all distances with wider intermediate and near zones. 2. There is minimal visual 'swim and sway'. 3. Levels of unwanted astigmatism

However with freeform, all companies do claim that there’s no question of ‘non-adapts’ but there’s still a phase of ‘getting used to’ the lenses, since the lenses do have personalized wearing parameters over and above the Rx. The most critical part of the dispensing process is still the measurements. Here are a few guidelines borrowed from the Seiko Eyewear website. They insist that the key to PAL success is taking the best measurements and it’s always good to double-check the measurements. 1. Make sure you are at the same eyeto-eye level with the patient. 2. Take monocular PDs using a pupilometer. 3. Pre-adjust the frame for positive face form, with approximately 8 to 12 degrees of pantoscopic tilt. Adjust nose pads on metal or rimless frames so they sit flush on the sides of the

VISIONPLUS (SOUTH EAST ASIA) - Everything Between You & Eye

nose in order to minimize vertex distance. 4. Measure fitting height, using a PD ruler to measure from the lowest point of each eye wire to the centers of the patient’s pupils. Dot with a sharp felttip marker. 5. Verify the cutout by using the manufacturer’s cutout chart. If lenses will not cut out, find another frame. 6. Use the specific manufacturer’s fitting guide for tips on how best to fit any progressive lens, especially in the freeform category. 7. Get freeform-focused fitting and dispensing training from company representatives prior to selling your first pair of freeform-produced lenses. 8. During the dispensing process, verify the lens fit by initially leaving the progressive markings on the lens. The fitting cross should be directly in the middle of the patient’s pupil. Readjust the frame if you find it necessary. 9. Some manufacturer’s freeform lenses require additional designspecific measurements. These companies supply special tools and materials, and train ECPs in their use. Check with the company or laboratory to confirm what tools and training you need to best dispense their freeform products. 10. Double check measurements yourself, or enlist a colleague to do a final once-over before the patient departs and prior to sending the order in for processing. Considering that this is just the beginning for freeform lenses as far as dispensing is concerned, there seems to be a long way to go. However all manufacturers are unanimous in their stand that it is finally the optician who holds the key to the success of this technology. It is the responsibility of the eye-care professional to counsel the wearer before advising them to go for progressives. The right information about the product is critical when it comes to recommending freeform lenses and that’s why it is advised that eye-care professionals shouldn’t just ‘sell’ the free form progressive lenses; they should ‘dispense’ them. Counseling and making the customer understand and appreciate what has gone into creating the lens that he is

Ever ything between you and eye

For opticians, dispensing freeform lenses has its benefits. First of all, these are not limited by set base curves. So basically they need not stock lenses with set base curves. buying is something that will ensure that the customer values the product. And, all said and done, it’s finally this value addition that makes it all worthwhile. And finally, the main question on everyone’s mind is whether the consumer will find this product expensive? On this note, Jayanth Bhuvaraghan, Essilor’s President for South Asia, ASEAN, Middle-East,

South and East Africa has the final say, “It's a myth that freeform progressives are expensive. The brain receives 80% of its information from the eyes. So if it is a matter of providing a good quality product to one of the most important organ of your body, nothing can be too expensive.” We definitely agree. __________________________________________ – Alim Bolar .....................................................................................

VISIONPLUS (SOUTH EAST ASIA) - Everything Between You & Eye

Email us at sea@visionplusmag.com

BRAND WAGON

This season, eyewear is all about looking classy and stylish with just the right touch of sophistication. With big square frames still ruling the sunglasses domain, details with hues of gold and silver add to the desired glamour-quotient. Many designers have also given prescription eyewear a much-needed makeover. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good news for professionals, who until recently, had fewer options when it came to accessorizing their appearance at work. They can now flaunt thick rectangular and half-rimmed spectacles with intricate designs on the sides. These are no longer limited to earthy shades of black and brown, but are now available in a barrage of colours. These frames compliment the starched collar and pinstripes attire, as well as the evening out-to-have-some-fun look.

PORSCHE DESIGN P'8176 Rodenstock

Galle DSQUARED2 DQ 5031 Marcolin

The telepathic message that designers seem to be sending out is â&#x20AC;&#x201C; All work and some play keeps everyone happy all day. We sure like! TOMMY HILFIGER TH 1053 Safilo Group

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eria VISIONPLUS (SOUTH EAST ASIA) - Everything Between You & Eye

Galleria

ROBERTO CAVALLI TIGLIO 631 Marcolin

GIORGIO ARMANI GA 863 Safilo Group

TRUSSARDI TR12073 Charmant

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ROBERTO CAVALLI MIMOSA 578 Marcolin

TRUSSARDI TR12811 Charmant

JIMMY CHOO ASTER Safilo Group

VISIONPLUS (SOUTH EAST ASIA) - Everything Between You & Eye

Galleria

DSQUARED2 DQ 0047 Marcolin

YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL 6332 Safilo Group

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JUDITH LEIBER JL1048 Legacie

GUCCI GG 3209 Safilo Group

SWAROVSKI AQUARELLE Marcolin

JUDITH LEIBER JL1614 Legacie

Photography: Alim Bolar Modelling Agency : Diva Dubai (www.divadubai.com) Event Courtesy : Vision-X and Fame Modelling & Events Model: Masha Bashkova, Marek Nemecek, Patrick Moritz, Gene Ginno Alducente, Sang Juan

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DESIGNER PROFILE

Global Glamour, Supreme Style

Risk taker, controversial, fearless, hard working, determined, stylish, super smart, outspoken and in-your-face – there is no single adjective that can be applied when one is talking about the young and brilliant Tom Ford.

hat’s the average length of time that a brand takes to become really well-known in the true sense of the word? To seep into the public consciousness, generate multi-million dollar revenues, get celebrities to flaunt its products at A-list events, get listed amongst the top brands of the world, and so on? Is it 20, 30 or 40 years? Not if the brand is called Tom Ford. Then it takes only about a couple of years. And no, this is not an exaggeration.

Tom Ford, the brand was established by Tom Ford, the designer in 2005. Now that it is all of six years old, the label boasts of product lines including men’s and women’s apparel, bags, shoes, fragrances, beauty products, eyewear, scarves and belts. It is the darling of celebrities and common people alike and has a presence in the hottest fashion locations of the world – India, Japan, Uzbekistan, Korea, Kazakhstan,

Belgium, France, Germany, UK, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Monaco, Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, UAE, Canada, Mexico, USA, Australia and Brazil – which is more than enough proof of the brand’s global appeal. Here’s a dekko at what makes Tom Ford the man and Tom Ford the designer the toast of the fashion world and the recipient of countless style and fashion awards.

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PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF

1986 saw Tom complete graduation and begin the hunt for the right job. He was persistence personified. He decided that he wanted to work at well-known American designer Cathy Hardwick’s sportswear company and called her everyday hoping to get a job with her. Eventually he did land the job. Working with Cathy for two years as design assistant, he moved to Perry Ellis in 1988 and spent two years there.

It was his time at Parsons that also saw Tom Ford hobnobbing with Andy Warhol – the man who gave pop-art international recognition. His friendship with Warhol also became a major influence in his later designs.

TRACING THE ROOTS

Born on August 27, 1961, Tom Ford’s childhood was spent in Texas and Santa Fe. Graduating from the Santa Fe Preparatory School in 1979, Tom went on to study art history at the prestigious New York University, but soon dropped out. His good looks landed him several commercial advertisements. He then studied architecture at the Parsons New School for Design.

It was his time at Parsons that saw him hobnobbing with Andy Warhol – the man who gave pop art international recognition and status. His friendship with Warhol also became a major influence in his later designs. A final year internship as a public relations assistant at fashion biggie Chloe was an epiphany. This is where Tom finally found his true calling fashion design.

His restless spirit soon had him itching for newer and different pastures. Tom actually longed to be a part of the classy, sophisticated European fashion scene. That desire and an insatiable appetite for risks soon catapulted him into the legion of successful fashion designers. In 1990, he was approached by Gucci – at a time when the design house was practically breaking up and no designer was willing to work for the brand. Tom just upped and moved to Italy leaving

VISIONPLUS (SOUTH EAST ASIA) - Everything Between You & Eye

behind a rather successful design career in the USA. That decision proved to be the turning point not only for Gucci, but also for Tom. His fresh creative energy and business acumen quickly made Gucci a multi-million dollar brand to reckon with. Tom joined Gucci as chief women’s wear designer, but his hard work and innovative ideas saw him move quickly through the ranks. Within six months he was also designing men’s wear and shoes. In 1992, he was appointed the brand’s creative director heading the brand's ready-to-wear, fragrances, image, advertising, and store design, in charge of designing eleven product lines and working 18-hour days. A workaholic to the core, by his own admission he still sleeps less than four hours a day. In his first year at the helm, the glam quotient at Gucci went up several notches with velvet hipsters, skinny satin shirts and car-finish metallic patent boots. Gucci acquired YSL and true to his mettle, Ford was able to catapult YSL to the top league of classic brands. But there was trouble in paradise. Tom quit Gucci in 2004 over creative differences and the brand Tom Ford was launched in 2005.

BRANDING HIS OWN PERSONALITY

Most brands typically take several decades to reach even a moderate level of success. But Tom’s illustrious career at Gucci and YSL held him in good stead when he launched his own brand. The brand’s philosophy was very simple and clear. The Tom Ford woman is strong, yet feminine. An iconoclast, she makes her own style and path – refusing to listen to the diktats of fashion – very much like the designer himself. The Tom Ford man does not mince his words, and is a risk taker – to the extent of throwing caution to the winds and just going all out to get what he wants – again a personality that resembles the designer’s own. 18

In fact, notoriously brash and egoistic, and prone to making controversial statements and even more controversial advertisements, the designer is very much the darling of celebrities and the media who just love not only his designs but the spicy tidbits that he hands out to them. From proclaiming, “I am my own muse”, to declaring, “I am a perfectionist,” he gave them the right sound bytes. He also made narcissist statements like, “This job is a total ego thing in a way. To be a designer and say, 'This is the way people should dress, this is the way their homes should look, and this is the way the world should be.' But then, that's my goal - world domination through style.” With a self-deprecating sense of humor, he even said, “There are many more talented designers than me, but I have a lot of drive and won't let it go.” Little

Tom Ford's fashion philosophy of elegant and sexy simplicity is evident in its eyewear range as well. Meticulous detailing is a key feature in all its designs. wonder then, that celebrities both male and female count themselves amongst proud wearers of Tom Ford’s clothing and accessories. Angelina Jolie, Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Lopez, the Olsen twins, Johnny Depp, Tom Hanks, Bradley Cooper, Pierce Brosnan, Jon Hamm, Daniel Craig, Madonna, Christina Aguilera, Brad Pitt, Colin Firth, Tom Hanks, Matthew Goode and Nicholas Hoult– are all devoted to the brand.

SEEKING NEW HORIZONS ALWAYS

Not restricting his creative energies to fashion, Tom also turned film director in 2009 with A Single Man, starring top Hollywood actors Colin Firth, Julianne Moore and Nicholas Hoult. The film was nominated for and won top honors including the Golden Lion, Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Independent Spirit Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards. Speaking of the eyewear range, the brand’s design philosophy of elegant and sexy simplicity is evident here. The eyewear brings statement-making, directional design to the face and

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‘retro’ and always look completely modern. Tom also reworks the bestselling curvy ‘X’ motif in metal and epoxy blends, with a striking color combination of silverviolet frames with violet-lilac lenses. It also gets redefined into the double bar in unusual combinations like gradient grey and yellow-ochre or shiny ivory with gold lenses. The shape of the glasses is the contemporarily rounded square, and some unusual colors like light blue and yellow-beige add pizzazz to the collection. The now-famous T logo recurs through the collection without being too ostentatious. A prodigiously talented designer who defies description and a classy brand that is as sexy as can be – that’s the combination that’s well on its way to make Tom Ford reach the pinnacle of fame and glory. _________________________________________ – Roli Gupta ...................................................................................... Email us at sea@visionplusmag.com

Tom Ford Timeline

meticulous detailing is a key feature. The models morph vintage-inspired shapes into contemporary silhouettes and colors. High luxury and comfort levels make these pieces so lovely that one just wouldn’t want to take them off. The latest eyewear collection also boasts the debut of the ‘60s-style optical frame inspired by the one that was worn by Colin Firth’s character in Tom Ford’s film, A Single Man. Tom clarifies his eclectic design philosophy succinctly – every frame is imbued with a very high design value. This is obvious in the fashion-forward frames, and subtler in the classic styles. The point is to avoid looking

1986: Tom commences a career in fashion design 1990: Ford joins Gucci as Chief designer of women wear 1995: Bags International Award – Council of Fashion Designers of America 1997: Voted as People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People 1999: Wins Style Icon Award – Elle Style Awards UK 2000: Voted Best International Designer – VH1/Vogue Awards, Fashion Editors Club of Japan Award, British GQ International Man of the Year, Superstar Award – Fashion Group International 2001: Is awarded Women Wear Designer of the Year from the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Best Fashion Designer

2002:

2004: 2005:

2006:

2007:

2008:

VISIONPLUS (SOUTH EAST ASIA) - Everything Between You & Eye

from Time magazine, Designer of the Year – GQ USA, Board of Directors Special Tribute – Council of Fashion Designers of America Bags Accessory Designer of the Year Award for YSL – Council of Fashion Designers of America Tom quits Gucci The Tom Ford brand is launched along with the Black Orchid perfume. Eyewear collections launched in collaboration with the Marcolin group Flagship store opens at 845 Madison Avenue, the menswear apparel and accessories collections are launched. Awarded the Menswear Designer of the Year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America 19

IN FOCUS

“Newer

contact lens materials need

better

solutions”

Alim Bolar (A B): Hello Alain, Venice and Dr Gunter. It’s nice to have you with us. Let's begin with a little background about Abbott Medical Optics (AMO). Alain Rastouil (A R): Hello, Alim. Thank you for having us for this interview. We were originally Advanced Medical Optics, which changed to Abbott Medical Optics (AMO) in 2009 after it was acquired by Abbott as a division focused on developing innovative technologies and devices to address a wide range of eye disorders, including cataract, refractive and corneal products. Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the research, development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical products, medical devices, and nutritional and diagnostics products. The company employs nearly 90,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

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Who Is?

Abbott Medical Optics (AMO) has been doing a fair bit of work on improving the standard of products related to eye care. It claims that its recent launch, Revitalens Ocutec MPDS, has been getting a lot of positive feedback from eye care practitioners.

Alain Rastouil

Commercial Director, Region Manager – Asia Pacific With Abbott Medical Optics since 2005

Alain moved from France to Hong Kong in 2000 and then in 2005 to Singapore. He is currently in charge of the Cataract, Refractive and Corneal business for AMO in the Asia Pacific region. ..........................................................

Alain Rastouil, Venice Ng and Dr Gunter Wong, talk to us in detail about AMO, Revitalens Ocutec MPDS and the company's plans for the future. A B: Dr Wong, is your product range for opticians primarily multi-purpose solutions (MPS) or are there other products too? Gunter Wong (G W): AMO provides a full range of contact lens products including MPS, peroxide system and protein removal tablets. MPS, as you know, have everything added into one solution and it’s the direction in which the market is moving today. However, there are patients who have very sensitive eyes and require a stricter contact lens care regimen involving the peroxide system. We also provide a full range of dry eye products.

minutes. This is called the time release system and it adds convenience to the peroxide system.

A B: You mentioned peroxide system. Do patients still use it? G W: Yes, of course. The peroxide system is the golden standard for contact lens disinfection. It provides a very high level of disinfection efficacy and is preservative free. This is considered as the optimal standard and is highly recommended by ophthalmologists. Earlier, there was a two-step method for the peroxide system. The tablets were dipped in the solution and after 30 minutes the contact lenses would be added to it. Patients, however, found it very tedious. With our peroxide system, the lenses and tablets are dipped in the solution at the same time. The unique thing about our tablet is that it releases the neutralization enzyme only after 30

G W: With the new generation of RevitaLens Ocutec MPDS, we hope to achieve the effectiveness of a peroxide system, and at the same time provide long-lasting wearing comfort. That’s precisely why we call RevitaLens the next generation of MPS.

Venice Ng

Marketing Director – Asia Pacific With Abbott Medical Optics since 2004

A B: And what would be the percentage of users of the peroxide system as compared to MPS? Venice Ng (V G): It varies across different regions. In Japan, there’s a lot of usage of the peroxide system, but in Singapore, Malaysia or Hong Kong, it’s the MPS that is more popular. For the peroxide system, the consumer has to be educated about the benefits and usage. However, due to today’s requirement of convenience, MPS is considered a necessity.

A B: Do consumers and optometrists show any particular preference? A R: We have conducted extensive studies across the region to understand optometrists and consumers. Over 600 optometrists have shared their views and thoughts to us. They appreciated the disinfection efficacy of peroxide system, however, consumers had limited knowledge of the system and they preferred to use MPS due to its convenience.

Venice has been part of the optical industry for around 10 years. She has been with AMO for seven years. ..........................................................

Dr Gunter Wong

Sales Training Manager – Asia Pacific With Abbott Medical Optics since 2006

Dr Gunter graduated from the optometry program at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He gained his Master of Optometry degree from the University of New South Wales and his PhD from the University of Hong Kong. He joined AMO around six years ago and now manages the training for the Asia Pacific region for all three divisions ie: Cataract, Refractive and Corneal.

A B: Your new product promises a lot of things, which seem generic actually as every MPS seems to offer these. What’s your USP? G W: With RevitaLens Ocutec MPDS, we are trying to achieve the level of disinfection under the peroxide system and at the same time keep the product extremely gentle on the eyes.

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So you get the best of both worlds. RevitaLens’ high disinfection efficacy is effective even against hard-to-eliminate organisms like Acathamoeba, yet it minimizes ocular sensitivities and adverse events during contact lens wear, and provides long-lasting comfort to the wearer. A B: Contact lens materials differ from one another. Does this matter when it comes to an MPS? G W: RevitaLens Ocutec MPDS is highly compatible with silicone hydrogel as well as conventional hydrogel materials. Over the years, silicone hydrogel has become a very popular material for contact lenses. However, they are more prone to bacterial adhesion and also tend to uptake and release more preservatives, causing patients’ solution hypersensitivity responses.

A R: Newer contact lens materials need better solutions. This is one of the main reasons that RevitaLens MPDS is better suited for today’s patients. A B: Can RevitaLens Ocutec MPDS be used by all kinds of contact lenses wearers? G W: We have different MPS in the region. Some focus on disinfection primarily, without tending to wearers with eye sensitivity. Some others are meant for sensitive eyes, but these solutions tend to compromise on the disinfection efficacy. With Revitalens Ocutec MPDS, Abbott offers a single product that provides very high disinfection efficacy and at the same time it minimizes the ocular sensitivities, four times lower in the incidence of adverse events and three times lesser in the rate of corneal staining than the most popular brand in the market. V N: One shouldn't have to worry if they have sensitive eyes or not. Despite FDA recommendation for all MPS products, patients tend not to rub their lens, and sometimes do not care about their lens care regimen. In such cases, the best thing for an ECP is to offer patients something with high disinfection efficacy that can perform well even under non-compliant conditions, thus making their lives a little bit easier.

“When we developed the formulation, we surveyed over 600 ECPs to understand their needs and conducted very extensive clinical trials." – Venice Ng, Marketing Director - Asia Pacific Abbott Medical Optics

A B: Have there been studies to compare your product's performance? V N: When we developed the formulation, we surveyed over 600 ECPs to understand their needs and conducted very extensive clinical trials. G W: In fact, regarding the results, our product has proven to be 3-4 times more effective and gentle on the eyes than the others in the market today. The formulation is a result of our collaboration with experts including Brien Holden Institute in Australia and scientists from England. Even though we first started with this idea over seven years ago, it is only now that we have developed the right product. A B: MPS bottles generally are available in different sizes. Is it safe to use the large size bottles considering they can be contaminated over a period of time? G W: A bottle of MPS has to be discarded within 90 days of opening it. Sometimes patients wrongly refer to the expiry date as the date till which it can be used after opening. The expiry date only indicates the date when the power of the solution actually expires. But after opening they have to discard it after 3 months irrespective of the usage. If one is an occasional wearer, it is recommended that they use a smaller bottle. V N: We have 60ml starter kits, 120 ml and 300 ml bottles. With larger bottles, if the patient uses the solution every day, they should be able to consume the solution within 30 days or so. If the patient is an occasional wearer, which means he does not wear it daily, we suggest that he go in for smaller bottles. The reason is that one shouldn't keep the bottle open beyond 3 months. There will be microbial germination there which can cause a lot of harm. A B: Do you think MPS is still relevant today considering that daily disposables are considered to be the better and safer option? V N: Yes, it definitely is. According to some reports that I had chanced upon recently, the usage of daily disposables is not growing as expected. This is mainly due to economic factors,

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of course, and because most daily disposable lenses available in the market today have low oxygen transmissibility and are not suitable for long-hours lens wear. Most of them are still conventional hydrogel material with high water-content and users tend to have drier eyes at the end of the day. G W: The usage of the disposable lenses like monthly, weekly and fortnightly is still much higher. The silicone hydrogel variants with extra high oxygen transmissibility helps reduce hypoxia during contact lens wear. Another thing common among daily disposable wearers is contact lens associated dry eyes for which contact lens rewetters such as Blink Contacts are recommended.

were released in the first summit needed to be upgraded. Again this year, we at Abbott Medical Optics have sponsored and participated in the Asia Pacific Contact Lens Care Summit (II), where the members reviewed and updated the contact lens care guidelines. The fresh guidelines are expected to be released soon. A B: Alain, what are your future plans for this region? A R: For Revitalens we are creating a lot of awareness by educating the ECPs and also the consumers about the importance of choosing the right solution. This product has been made with a view to keep abreast of the latest requirements. And eye care practitioners are very interested in this product. So the key focus, as mentioned earlier, is to educate the ECP as well as the consumer about how good the product is. This advanced, next generation solution establishes a new standard of disinfecting technology for contact lens wearers.

A B: A lot of opticians are not aware of the usage of contact lens rewetters. Why so? V N: Perhaps we need to educate the opticians and update them about this product a little more. At AMO, we do our bit through consumer editorials. We educate not just opticians, but also consumers about why they feel the dryness at the end of the day. Generally, if you have blurred vision, it is assumed that that your vision is not right, when in reality, it could be a symptom of dry eyes.

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Abbott Medical Optics will continue reinforcing the importance of proper lens care instruction to both eye care practitioners and consumers, including the rub-and-rinse regimen. We will continue to support the summit members to raise the contact lens care education in the country. A B: Thank you Alain, Gunter and Venice for updating us about your latest product. We look forward to the guidelines of the Asia Pacific Summit and hope that Revitalens Ocutec MPDS helps patients in having a better contact lens experience. ...................................................................................... Email us at sea@visionplusmag.com

“The formulation is a result of our collaboration with experts including Brien Holden Institute in Australia and scientists from England.”

G W: I think that’s because optometrists limit themselves to refractive solving. But some countries are trying to place the optometrist as the first level of eye health professionals. I would like to see that happen in this region too. A B: Tell us a bit about the Asia Pacific Summit. V N: In 2007 we had conducted the 1st Asia Pacific Contact Lens Summit. We reviewed on what were the requirement sof patients and the problems they faced. And we realized that patient compliance was a major issue.

– Dr Gunter Wong, Sales Training Manager, Asia Pacific, Abbott Medical Optics

G W: Yes, and with new trends in contact lens, we are facing more challenges on lens care everyday. We see silicone hydrogel being used by almost 31% of the market. These and other such developments required that we check if the guidelines that VISIONPLUS (SOUTH EAST ASIA) - Everything Between You & Eye

TRENDS

The flavor of the season is color. Be prepared to see eyewear with a plethora of vibrant shades and interesting shapes that will suit everyone.

The Love

ook around you and you will see that fashion is going slightly retro. The emphasis is on being bold and subtle at the same time with a play on color that is eye catching. The new fashion mantra is to use color effectively to look and stay cool.

Affair With Sunwear

Continues...

Escada. Even the ones that are known for being simplicity personified are going for the richness and boldness of color. In fact, according to Pantone Inc, a leading global authority on trends in hues and colors, this season is about an unusual palette with warm and cool tones mixing together.

As for eyewear, well, eyewear this season is going to go by the same mantra – colorful, big and retro. This is true for all brands with no exceptions. A good example is Prada’s eyewear collection for the Spring Summer 2011 season which features round lenses framed by rococo curls, sculptured scrolls and bas-relief effects. These retro eyewear give sunwear an entirely quirky and playful feel. And if you need more proof that color is going to be the buzz word for this season, then check out the new eyewear collections from major brands including Dior, Givenchy, D&G, Guess, Chopard, Carrera, Miu Miu, Oakley, Cavalli, FCUK, Gucci, Chanel or 24

According to a report published by this institute, the colors of the season are going to be rose, honeysuckle, coral rose, beeswax, regatta, lavender, blue curacao, peapod, silver peony, russet, silver cloud amongst the usual suspects like red, green, yellow, white, blue, violet, pink, brown and all of those shades. Besides the really cool (or shall we call them hot) colors, another exciting

combination that’s going to work out well is two-tone. This time it will be colors from opposite ends of the color wheel being paired.

What this means is that the typical wintry and dark colors will get together with cheery pastels and bright hues. And this gives good reason for the eyewear lover to feel happy, because with a whole wide range of frame colors at his disposal, he has that many more reasons to indulge.

VIVID COLORS ARE BACK!

Not just frames, even lenses are going to be vivid – yellow, blue, gold, silver, rose, gray, brown, green and red. The mirrored variety is also expected to fly off the shelves. Rather than the dark version, it’s gradient lenses that are

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going to be more popular. The new trend it seems is to let the eyes be seen from behind the lenses, all the while ensuring complete UV protection. Too much bling is a no-no now. The fashion trend this season is light clothing like voile and cotton, shorts, skirts and capris, sleeveless tunics and accessories like strappy sandals and open toed shoes that are light as air thongs. Where’s the scope for heavy embellishments? So, eyewear also goes light to match this overall wardrobe style. Even if the frames are metal, the ones in vogue would be very thin frames as the emphasis would be on lightness. Thick frames would be, at the risk of sounding repetitive, all flamboyantly colored.

Even if the eyewear frames are metal, it is likely to be thin, as the emphasis would be on lightness.

Another style that’s going to be popular is big frames in retro shapes. Vintage is one style that shares a love-hate relationship with fashion – some seasons it just sort of fades away only to come back with a vengeance. This time, Jackie O’s, butterfly, aviators, rounded rectangular, wraparounds, round, cat eyes are going to be really hot as long as they are big, big, big.

Thick acetates are also in vogue. Many international celebrities especially from Hollywood have started flaunting them in recent times. Some of the A-listers at Cannes who sported thick acetate frames with lightly tinted lenses included Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Brad Pitt, who wore it with aplomb. This is one trend which takes a lot of panache to carry, but it is going to become a well-liked one. VISIONPLUS (SOUTH EAST ASIA) - Everything Between You & Eye

NICHE SEGMENTS GET ATTENTION

Some niche segments are expected to do extremely well this season. Kids and sports eyewear are going to see a lot of action. Kiddie eyewear, especially the branded variety should witness more sales, as children prepare to go back to school. Once in school, they are bound to be out in the sun, playing lots of sports which is when they will need eyewear the most. In fact, this is one area of sales that the eye care practitioners should prepare themselves for. Regular eyewear buyers can be gently guided toward purchasing sunglasses for their kids (both tweens and teens) and even a little bit of targeted advertising spend in this area should pay rich dividends. Sports fashion eyewear is going to get bigger, too. In fact, new collections from the leading haute fashion brands already have some pieces that are very obviously inspired from active sports eyewear. For the optician, there’s plenty to do. Eyewear has now become an important fashion accessory, especially sunwear. Taking advantage of the increased requirement for appropriate sunwear, they can look forward to increased sales in this domain. Stocking up on brands and ensuring that the right advice and information is given to the customer is imperative. Besides, even small changes to the store displays and the window display would make a huge difference to attracting customers.

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BE DIFFERENT - GO SOCIAL

The months ahead could also be the time when the optician could think of trying out something new and something different. A lot of people (read potential customers) are online in a big way and are up and about on social networking sites. These sites are a very subtle form of advertising, where there is direct interaction with customers, without making it sound too much like conventional or alternately in-your-face advertising.

Customers can be gently guided toward buying sunwear for kids, with a bit of targeted advertising spend in this area.

From color to retro to big and brand availability at an all-time high, innovations in marketing, advertising and design – the upcoming months promise to be a rocking one. Collections after collections are being launched in quick succession, leaving the opticians spoilt for choice on what they can sell. __________________________________ -Roli Gupta ................................................................................

Getting on the social networking bandwagon is a good option. There is a good possibility of greater store recall with a good solid presence on these sites. A case in point would be Nanyang Optical in Singapore which regularly updates its Facebook page with information about ongoing sales, new schemes, discounts the company is working on or the opening of new outlets. Efforts like these go a long way in engaging with customers on a personal level and giving them updates about the new collections that have hit your store as well.

What’s The Fashion Quotient This Season? • Go colorful! Vibrant colors are in - not just for frames but also for lenses • Too much bling is a no-no • Light accessories with light clothing - that’s the way to mix and match

• Big frames and retro shapes will make the ladies look chic • Kids eyewear will gain interest as they head back to school • Sports fashion eyewear gets bigger with a few haute fashion brands

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feel like wearing nothing

winner 2007

Available at all leading optical shops. For enquiries, contact Eye Tech Pte Ltd Tel: 6272 3455 Fax: 6272 6861 Email : eyetech@singnet.com.sg

SPOTLIGHT

Using Green As Its Trump Card Nanyang Optical claims Urband, Linkskin, Eyelet and Glossi. It is also a manufacturer and wholesaler to have Singapore’s first of Big Eyes 2 range of contact lenses. eco-friendly eyewear store. Though it embarked LEARNING AND GROWING While Nanyang Optical was evolving, on the green cause Yang realized that it was becoming a chain of ‘me-too’ stores operating on as a corporate social profit margins. This was because responsibility effort, today low though the optical market in Singapore this has distinguished it was booming, retail outlets ended up competing with each other to offer from its competitors. the lowest prices.

ang Wah Kiang was in his teens when he started assisting his father with Nanyang Optical during the 1950s. Back then, the company was a small workshop which ground and edged lenses in Geylang. After school, Yang would collect prescriptions from opticians and get it to his father, who would provide the finishing to the lenses. Yang recognised the opportunity to move ahead from this grounding and edging business. This insight and ambition explains Nanyang Optical's growth to over 20 retail outlets in Singapore and China, today. Currently, the company has its own design and R&D team for its in-house brands like 28

Yang, therefore, set up an in-house R&D team to develop its own brands in collaboration with French partners and distribute them globally. He integrated all the business divisions - retail distribution, design, R&D and production management – to create a unique identity. This distinction came by focusing on the niche and premium segment where it targeted customers who wanted exclusive designs and unique features. That is how Alexis Eyewear Boutique came into being. While other Nanyang Optical outlets stock the company’s in-house brands

as well as those it distributes, Alexis showcases only premium products. It caters to customers who want sophistication and are very selective in their buying habits, and often uses precious metals in its products.

PEOPLE: THE BEST ASSET

Yang claims that he could grow Nanyang to a leading optical company in Singapore largely on the strength of its manpower. The company currently has over 100 employees in its retail and wholesale businesses. Managing such a big workforce can be daunting, but Yang believes that it all boils down to empathizing with people who work with you and giving them opportunities to grow. “Unless you empower people to take independent decisions, a company can’t grow,” he points out. What Alice Wi who is the Marketing Manager at Nanyang Opticals likes about working in the company is that Yang has created a very familyoriented working environment. “Despite being 63 years old, he shows no sign of slowing down when it comes to business innovation and motivates us with his own passion for the business,” she says.

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is, Yang also ensured that all Nanyang Optical stores carry the fast-moving brands as well.

GOING GREEN

In a bid to stand apart from its peers, Nanyang took the gauntlet of launching eco-friendly products under Linkskin. This brand is accredited with Singapore’s Green Labeling Scheme and has filed applications for eco-label certifications in Japan and Germany. This green initiative is helping Nanyang set itself apart as one of the few green eyewear brands in the country. “But using the green cause to differentiate from our competitors was unintentional,” he adds.

“I believe in trusting my team and putting the right person at the right position. Unless you empower people to take independent decisions, a company can’t grow”

- Yang Wah Kiang, MD Nanyang Optical

In fact, Yang’s passion for the eyewear business is something that even Jayanth Bhuvaraghan, President for South Asia, ASEAN, Middle-East, South and East Africa, Essilor is amazed at. He says, “Whenever we discuss optical business, you can see Yang’s eyes light up. He is always full of ideas and comes up with new creative concepts.” In fact, one reason why Yang decided to delegate responsibilities to his team was because he wanted to devote more time to his passion – designing eyewear. In 2002, he and his Chinese business partner set up a product design studio in Shenzhen, China. Over three years they worked on developing new frame design concepts. When the prototypes were ready, Yang collaborated with French fashion designers who created contemporary styles, branding and packaging. These new frames were branded as Urband and Linkskin.

CREATING A NICHE

Sustaining a business after it has reached a certain scale can be very challenging. According to Yang, the biggest challenge for Nanyang currently is to build a brand identity and thereby customer loyalty for its indigenous brands. This is more applicable in Singapore where customers are conscious about the eyewear brand they sport. Yang broadly categorizes eyewear clientele into two categories - those who want trendy brands and those who want designer and unique products. “The former comprises commonly available brands and therefore offer low profit margins to retailers,” he says. The latter excited him and he decided that Nanyang Optical could be the best place to showcase its in-house brands in a bid to create a distinctive identity. But the prudent entrepreneur that he

Now, after a successful run in China, Yang is keen to expand business to other countries by tying up with local distributors in emerging countries like India. There are people like Jayanth who are convinced about Nanyang’s ability to grow in the coming years, attributing it to Yang’s ability to build a strong management team, retain key talents, devise an optimum marketing mix for products and services. “These three reasons allow Nanyang to market its brand as a family-oriented optical chain, yet offering the latest range of products in terms of fashion and technological advancement, to their customers,” Jayanth adds. The road ahead for Nanyang’s retail business is to get the more youthful shoppers as their clientele who might perceive it as a retail chain that sells old-fashioned and very selective eyewear. At the same time, the company would like not to dilute the brand recall it has created for its niche products. This is indeed going to be a tight rope walk for Yang, but he is confident that he will succeed in it. ___________________________________________ – Vinita Bhatia ......................................................................................

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RETAIL TALES

New-Age Optical Retail What’s Next? T

he phrase ‘change is the only constant’ has never been as true as it is in the present. These days revolutions happen every other day be it Facebook or the iPad - changing the way we understand the world.

Similarly, malls have changed the way we view the retail sector. In recent times we have seen optical retail stores that have widened their horizons by providing optically correct 3D eyewear and make-up for people with sensitive eyes or those who wear contact lenses. Retailing itself has changed drastically. 30

Gone are the days when retail could be defined as ‘the selling of goods to consumers’ because the means by which selling occurs today encompasses a whole lot more. Take, for instance, Luxottica’s OPSM Eye Hub which recently opened in Australia. Luxottica calls it the ‘future of retail’ – a concept store which has a number of offerings to provide a unique experience to its customers. It claims to be the world's largest optical store with 1500 square meters of retail and consultation space. Some of its offerings include simulator

zones and interactive touch screens. In addition, the store has a special play area and an education room for children as well as an illusion room and other such areas to involve the consumer in the retail experience. Andrea Guerra, Luxottica Group’s CEO goes so far as to say that the special characteristics of this new concept simply demonstrates how international retail will be in the future. Luxottica now plans to open a number of such stores in the US, UK and China over the next few years.

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Over the next few decades, retailers will need to understand how to match a customer’s experience with what each individual customer wants. With an increase in the level of sophisticated technology and more people shopping online, there needs to be a very compelling reason for customers to physically visit a store.

eyewear, would be ‘engaged’ in an experience. Retail stores all over the world, whether they deal with sports equipment or electronic goods, are moving towards creating experiences. However, this does not mean that it is limited to big retailers. Many small and medium-sized retail outlets are also creating their distinctive stamp. This is because customers are looking for creatively designed experiences no matter how small or big. At a time when personalization has become the key to eyewear and lenses it is no surprise that optical retail is also moving towards a more personalized experience. At Luxottica’s Eye Hub, a concierge greets all customers when they enter the store and guides them through the showroom. How's that for royal treatment! Here, customers can use interactive digital mirrors created by Melbournebased Interactivity to record videos of themselves trying out different eyewear and then play back the video to make the final decision. They can also send these videos to their friends via Facebook and get their feedback!

AN ERA OF INTERACTIVITY

This kind of interactive media is set to change the face of retail. A number of companies are offering interactive media of different kinds.

Luxottica’s OPSM Eye Hub in Australia offers simulator zones and interactive touch screens

CONCEPT RETAILING

Concept retailing is slated to be the next big thing in this business. According to Michael Rubin, a retail consultant, concept retailing is all about "immersing people in the product itself and showing how it relates to their values and lifestyle". The idea is for customers to have a good enough reason to visit the store. Once in the store, the customer, in addition to looking for and buying

For instance, at Silmo 2010 Total Immersion’s partner Activ’Screen unveiled an Interactive Shop Window for Virtual Glasses Fitting. Using this platform, visitors were able to ‘try on’ eyewear on the screen by choosing from the inventory of frames. Such an interactive media could be placed outside the optical store so that people can use the technology even if the optical store is shut for the night.

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Another ultra-tech offering taking optical retail by storm, literally, are simulators creating ‘real world’ conditions. The first company to use this is Luxottica’s Eye Hub. The optical store has simulator zones - the Oakley Pressure Chamber and Revo Elements Room – which feature a wind tunnel for cyclists and a glare simulator. In the simulator zones one can test the eyewear’s glare and wind-resistance features. These simulator zones, as the company calls it, allow the customer to ‘road test’ the eyewear before buying it. With the increasing awareness of how eyewear can protect the eyes and enhance sports performance, can we expect such high-tech simulators to become a regular feature at optical stores? That's the million-dollar question.

BRING IT ON

At Luxottica’s retail outlet, a number of add-ons make shopping a more memorable experience. For instance, there is a safe play area for children so that parents can spend time looking at eyewear. Add-ons could take on different avatars. For some retail outlets it is the speed with which they can give their customers their frames. For some it could be events within the optical store. Luxottica has another interesting feature which is stylists who advise customers on purchasing eyewear. Like any other sphere, optical retail is evolving. However, the changes we're seeing today are happening rapidly. Now customers are always on the lookout for something new to catch their fancy and retailers are responding in various ways – new décor, theme, products, offers, events, interactive media and many other ways. As retail gets more refined over time one can't imagine what the next innovation will be. Any guesses? ......................................................................................

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An Eyewear

HAPPENINGS

Launch To Celebrate

Gucci’s Heritage The launch of the Gucci’s 2011 eyewear collection at Spectacle Hut Boutique in Singapore was a fun-filled affair with the presence of many celebrities, who were impressed by the products on display.

n line with the celebration of Gucci’s brand history and heritage, its latest range eyewear for 2011 was launched with an exclusive retrospective exhibition in June at the Spectacle Hut at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. The cocktail event was attended by select guests of Spectacle Hut, journalists and eyewear aficionados.

Model-host Tara Rushton looks chic in her Gucci eyewear.

Some well-known personalities and celebrities also graced the event. These included model-host Tara Rushton, TV show presenter Oli Pettigrew, actor-director Adrian Pang and actress Pamelyn Chee. The assembled guests appreciated

the exhibition, which highlighted the historical development of Gucci’s most important icons including the Gucci Crest, Bamboo, Web, Horsebit and the signature GG logo. The highlight of the event was also Gucci’s focus for this season - the Script. Based on the founder Guccio Gucci’s original signature, the Script appeared for the first time on Gucci products in the late 1940s. Initially, it was used inside labels of bags and luggage or directly embossed on the leather as a fine detail. The icon can now be found across the brand’s different product categories, including eyewear.

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The Gucci Eyewear Heritage exhibition area within Spectacle Hut.

(L-R) Actor Jimmy Taenaka, singer-writer Adele Wong, entertainment artiste Benjamin Heng and actresses Caroline Cheong and Pamelyn Chee are all smiles at the launch. Cristiano Maestrini (l) and Sharon Chan of Safilo pose with lifestyle journalist Lim Fong Wei during the event.

Gucci’s famous Script icon, can now be found across the brand’s different product categories, including eyewear. Amongst the featured sunglasses under Gucci Script is a slender metal sunglass in round shape and a straight bridge. The lightweight frame features new motifs such as the italic metal Gucci logo, which has been applied for the first time to the left lens. While going through the collections, guests were seen commenting about the luxurious designs and details

TV show presenter Oli Pettigrew

tries on some Gucci sunglasses. found amongst the exhibited eyewear collections. Amidst indulgent treats of canapés and wine, they were delighted to touch and feel the collections before they made their purchases. event was created with an objective to display Gucci’s itinerant history and This is the first time a Gucci exhibition heritage in Singapore for a day. has been held in South East Asia and the second time in Asia. Making ..................................................................................... its second stop after Shanghai, the Email us at sea@visionplusmag.com

VISIONPLUS (SOUTH EAST ASIA) - Everything Between You & Eye

The antimicrobial efficacy of a multi-purpose solution-based lens care system is the key to the safe use of contact lenses. RevitaLens OcuTec MPDS has been specially formulated to help minimize ocular sensitivities and is gentle on ocular tissues. It is associated with low corneal staining and overall ensures excellent comfort at insertion and over a period of time.

Meeting Challenges Faced By Multi-Purpose Solutions G

lobally, approximately 125 million people wear contact lenses.1 The vast majority primarily use multi-purpose disinfecting solution (MPDS)2 for regular care of their lenses. The antimicrobial efficacy of the MPDS-based lens care system is the key to the safe use of contact lenses. The efficacy of the MPDS-based lens care system faces a number of challenges, including the need for compatibility with new contact lens materials, the emergence of resistant pathogens and poor patient compliance with cleaning regimens, lens handling and wear. Contact lens wearers are under constant challenge from pathogenic microbes and are at a greater risk of developing microbial keratitis.3

In recent years, there have been two outbreaks of infections associated with the fungus Fusarium and the free-living amoeba Acanthamoeba. These events have cast doubt on the effectiveness of MPS, as well as the current methods and standards that evaluate their ability. The common consensus is that more robust testing methods and standards are required to assess the microbiological efficacy of MPDS cleaning systems.

POOR PATIENT COMPLIANCE

Numerous studies have shown that poor patient compliance is estimated to be responsible for more than 80% of all contact lens-related problems.4 Contact lens solutions need to maintain efficacy to face the challenges of emerging pathogens and user noncompliance in real world conditions

with the development of newer and more complex product formulations. RevitaLens OcuTec is a new, advanced MPDS that was formulated to deliver broad-spectrum, peroxide-quality disinfection, even under noncompliant conditions without compromising comfort. 5, 6 The OcuTec activity of the RevitaLens MPDS is an interactive system consisting of disinfecting and buffering agents. The dual disinfecting agents provide excellent antimicrobial activity and a citrate buffer prevents the uptake of polyquaternium-1 by contact lenses. At the same time EDTA and the buffering system work together to chemically bind proteins to prevent their attachment to the lens surface.

CLINICAL EFFICACY OF REVITALENS OCUTEC

RevitaLens OcuTec MPDS has passed the rigorous stand-alone test (inoculum challenge) of the International Standards Organization that is used by the FDA for testing contact lens solutions. It provides broad-spectrum disinfection and has demonstrated greater than 3-log reduction of Acanthamoeba trophozoites (amoeboid form) and resistant cysts.7 It has passed ISO 14729 regimens with silicone hydrogel and etafilcon A lenses for bacteria, fungi and also Acanthamoeba. 8-9

even under noncompliant conditions. Unlike ReNu MoistureLoc MPS and Opti-Free RepleniSH MPDS, RevitaLens OcuTec MPDS does not lose Fusarium efficacy upon evaporation.6, 10

REVITALENS OCUTEC IS GENTLE ON OCULAR TISSUES

Corneal staining can occur with some contact lens-solution combinations and can be a sign associated with cytotoxicity and solution hypersensitivity. It may be accompanied by other signs, including limbal redness. Additionally, corneal infiltrates are three times more likely to occur in eyes that exhibit toxic staining as compared to unaffected eyes. 11 In a study, Tilia and his colleagues compared the short-term clinical performance of RevitaLens OcuTec MPDS with another commercial

Furthermore, in a study that tested RevitaLens OcuTec MPDS and OptiFree RepleniSH MPDS against clinical isolates, including several that were known to be methicillin-resistant, RevitaLens OcuTec MPDS was superior to the other brand against clinical isolates, including a methicillinresistant S. aureus, S. marcescens, D. acidovorans, S. maltophilia, and Candida albicans, after 6 hours of disinfection. [Fig 1.] Figure 1: RevitaLens OcuTec MPDS demonstrates excellent antimicrobial efficacy against clinical isolates compared to Opti-Free RepleniSH MPDS 7

* 6.3

6 Average of log reduction at 6 hours

6.5

* 5.9

solution in 25 contact lens wearing subjects. RevitaLens OcuTec MPDS was associated with significantly less burning/stinging and subjective redness on initial insertion (p<0.05) and had a significantly lower incidence of solution induced corneal staining (SICS) as compared with Opti-Free RepleniSH.12 [Fig 2] Figure 2: RevitaLens OcuTec MPDS has Less Solution-Induced Corneal Staining (SICS) with balafilcon A and galyfilcon A after 4 Days of Contact Lens Wear Incidence of Solution-Induced Corneal Staining

* 4.1

4 3.1

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 Opti-Free RepleniSH

REVITALENS OCUTEC MAINTAINS BIOCIDAL EFFICACY

Importantly, RevitaLens OcuTec MPDS was designed to maintain biocidal efficacy against leading pathogens

9.7

S. marcescens 005 D. acidovorans 001 S. maltophilia 002 C. albicans GRI 682  RevitaLens Ocutec

Importantly, it maintains efficacy even under robust conditions of partial evaporation. Moreover, it is compatible with silicone hydrogel and conventional lens materials and effectively removes protein and lipids from the lens surface. __________________________________ References: 1. Barr JT. 2004 Annual Report. Contact Lens Spectrum's annual report of major corporate and product developments and events in the contact lens industry in 2004, as well as predictions for 2005. 2. Efron N, Morgan PB. Soft contact lens care regimens in the UK. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2008;31:283-284. 3. Stapleton F, Keay L, Edwards K, et al. The incidence of contact lens-related microbial keratitis in Australia. Ophthalmology. 2008;115:1655-1662.

RevitaLens OcuTec is an advanced MPDS formulated to deliver broad-spectrum, peroxide-quality disinfection, even under noncompliant conditions, without compromising comfort.

p<0.001

* 4.8

care solution which offers powerful dual disinfection properties of polyquaternium-1 and alexidine. It delivers high kill rates exceeding the standard requirements against the pathogenic bacteria and fungi and also effectively kills Acanthamoeba and Fusarium.

8 6 4

2.8

2 0 RevitaLens Ocutec MPDS

Opti-Free RepleniSH

In conclusion, RevitaLens OcuTec MPDS is a unique contact lens

4. Lever A, Borazjani R. Comparative antimicrobial efficacy of multipurpose hydrogel lens care solutions. Contact Lens & Anterior Eye. 2001;24:94-99. 5. Kilvington S, Nikolic M, Lam A, et al. Comparative antimicrobial efficacy of contact lens care solutions. Poster presented at: British Contact Lens Association’s 34th Clinical Conference and Exhibition; May 27-30, 2010; Birmingham, UK. 6. Powell H, Hoong L, Kilvington S, et al. Evaporation effects on the efficacy of contact lens multipurpose solutions. Poster presentation, British Contact Lens Association, 2010. 7. Kilvington S, Huang L, Kao E, et al. Development of a new contact lens multipurpose solution: comparative analysis of microbiological, biological and clinical performance. Journal of Optometry. 2010;3:134-142. 8. Data on file - 102, 2010. Abbott Medical Optics Inc. Santa Ana, CA. Biocidal efficacy of COMPLETE RevitaLens MPDS against ISO 14729 test organisms. 9. Kilvington S, Huang L, Kao E, et al. Development of a new contact lens multipurpose solution: comparative analysis of microbiological, biological and clinical performance. Journal of Optometry. 2010;3:134-142. 10. Kilvington, S. et al., Antimicrobial Efficacy Of Multi-Purpose Contact Lens Disinfectant Solutions Following Evaporation. Contact Lens & Anterior Eye (2011), doi: 10.1016/j.clae.2011.02.010. 11. Carnt N, Jalbert I, Stretton S, et al. Solution toxicity in soft contact lens daily wear is associated with corneal inflammation. Optom Vis Sci. 2007;84(4):309-315. 12. Tilia D, Lazon de la Jara P, Weng R, et al. Clinical evaluation of a new contact lens solution when used inconjunction with two silicone hydrogel lenses during short-term wear. Poster presentation, British Contact Lens Association Meeting, May 2010

It is presumed that only those who have vision-related issues or need to update their prescription glasses should go for eye tests. What's not known is that a simple eye examination can sometimes detect latent illness a person might have.

EYE

MATTERS

Regular Eye Tests:

An Investment For Your Overall Health

t is easy to take one’s eyesight for granted and most people do this too. This is probably why few opt to go for regular eye examinations. They consider it an exercise that will only let them know if they need to get prescription glasses or need to change the ones that they already have. Little is it known that a simple eye examination can shed light on any underlying illness that one might have, which has not manifested itself in any other form. It is well known that eye and vision disorders can negatively impact one’s overall health and quality of life regardless of one’s age. “It affects the learning process of children, education and career development of teenagers and adults as well as the productivity and functional independence of all

individuals,” said Dr Au Eong Kah Guan, Medical Director, Singapore International Eye Cataract Retina Centre in Singapore.

This is why it is imperative that people of all ages should go for regular eye tests. And these tests are important particularly for children because they rarely complain of poor vision. Dr Au Eong pointed out that conditions such as refractive errors and amblyopia (lazy eye) may be present even when their eyes appear normal. These conditions must, therefore, be treated early to ensure normal development of vision. Fifiana, an optometrist at Singapore International Eye Cataract Retina Centre noted that many eye disorders in adults too do not cause any pain or

visual symptoms in their early stages but can lead to irreversible vision loss if left untreated. “This makes regular eye examination crucial in picking up sightthreatening conditions in time and to preserving vision,” she states.

EYE AILMENTS: AGE NO BAR

A practiced eye care professional does more than make a patient read strings of letters on a screen. They often check the back of the eye, the optic nerve, the retina and the iris to understand if there are any optical malfunctions which could indicate the onset of an ailment. Often, at a regular eye screening, a practitioner is capable of detecting illnesses like diabetes, glaucoma, thyroid, macular degeneration or

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“Common eye conditions detected during regular eye examinations include cataract, glaucoma, AMD and diabetic retinopathy. These are the four leading causes of blindness the world over.” – Dr Au Eong Kah Guan, Medical Director, Singapore International Eye Cataract Retina Centre

Often, at a regular eye screening, a practitioner can detect illnesses like diabetes, glaucoma, thyroid or macular degeneration.

hypertension. There are various eye conditions and they can affect people at any stage of life. The key is early detection and treatment. Even if in some cases, poor vision can’t be treated after detection, there are alternative options available with which patients can see the world around them more clearly. This is where regular eye examinations play an important role. In the case

After a person hits 40 years, regular eye checks are strongly recommended to detect any latent ailments. Fifiana noted that the common eye conditions detected during a regular eye examination include cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, which are the four leading causes of blindness worldwide. Furthermore, certain patterns of visual field loss detected during visual field assessment may also indicate presence of abnormalities behind the eye, such as the presence of an intracranial tumor. of children, up to the age of 8 years, a routine eye test is conducted to check their visual acuity and visual alignment and to also check if they have age-appropriate eye-handbody coordination as well as eyetracking skills. From puberty to the age of 39 years, an eye care practitioner will try to detect any visual changes in the eye, determine cause for any pain, appearance of dark spots in central vision or flashes of light that a patient experiences. This aside, they also probe into the reasons behind excessive tearing or dry eye syndrome.

An eye care practitioner can also notice if the arteries supplying blood to eyes have become narrower. This is an indication of high blood pressure in the eyes and obstructions building up in veins which can lead to papilledema or swelling of the optic disc. On detecting this condition, the practitioner will advise the patient to visit a general physician and get the right treatment. Early discovery of any illness always helps in controlling it better. However, unless a patient goes for regular eye examinations it will be difficult for an eye care practitioner to help him, as vision can deteriorate rapidly within few weeks.

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This is why it is recommended that even people with refractive errors should get their prescription glasses checked regularly. If their eyewear is misaligned and does not give them good visibility, they could have excessive alterations in their eye sight. This in turn can give rise to asthenopic symptoms.

KEEP A CHECK ON IT

Researchers recommend that everyone should have an eye examination every two years even if they do not have any vision-related issues. And those who have any existing eye condition, including refractive error, should ideally get their eyes tested every six months. “Individuals with health risks like diabetes or individuals working in occupations with high visual demand are strongly recommended to undergo a comprehensive eye examination at least once a year,” said Dr Au Eong. The rule of regular eye examinations applies to children as well, because as they grow their eye size also changes. Some schools regularly conduct routine eye screenings of students and if the authorities encounter any anomaly, they recommend that the child go for a comprehensive test independently with a qualified eye care professional. Some corporate organizations, too, have made it mandatory for their employees to go for regular overall health checkups which include eye inspection. It is heartening to see that vision care is being taken

seriously by these institutions and hopefully, people at large, too, will take it up earnestly. At these screenings, eye care practitioners often alert patients about some warning signs that they should look out for, which will let them know that their vision is failing. If patients know about some of the tell-tale signs of an illness, they can visit their eye care practitioner when they start noticing its manifestation.

PATIENT COMPLIANCE VARIES

Fortunately, patient compliance is very good if they already have some serious eye issues or have a history of vision

Age-Appropriate Eye Tests

vision or flashes of light that a patient might experience. They also probe into reasons behind excessive tearing or dry eye syndrome.

 In the case of children, up to the age of 8 years, a routine eye test can check their visual acuity, visual alignment, eye tracking skills as well as correct eye-hand-body coordination.

 From puberty to 39 years, visual changes in the eye are detected. An eye care practitioner tries to determine the cause for any pain, appearance of dark spots in central

 After 40 years of age, regular eye checks are strongly recommended to detect the presence of cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy or hypertensive retinopathy.

problems in their immediate family. “Most children are screened at birth by their pediatrician. In addition, young children in countries like Singapore and China have regular vision screening in schools,” said Dr Au Eong. However, he pointed out that older adults tend to take their eyes for granted and do not have eye examination regularly when they are asymptomatic. In such cases, it is tough getting them to appreciate the risk they run by overlooking eye examinations. A good option for an eye care practitioner in such a scenario is to rely on some visual aids like videos to show the patients how their ocular health can deteriorate, if they do not take it seriously. Eye care practitioners ought to impress upon their patients the importance of scheduling regular eye check-ups as it is an investment on their overall well-being. Ultimately, if the idea is presented to them appropriately, they too will comply with regular visits. After all, who would want to compromise on good eye sight, ever? __________________________________________ – Vinita Bhatia ................................................................................ Email us at sea@visionplusmag.com

VISIONPLUS (SOUTH EAST ASIA) - Everything Between You & Eye

EVENTS Silmo 2011: Putting Ambition In Action The organisers of Silmo claim to have already reached cruising speed with the ‘most advantageous dates’ and a ‘supportive exhibition environment’ at Paris Nord Villepinte. Here’s a look at what they have in store this year.

ilmo 2011 is gearing itself up to another successful year. This year, it will be held from 29th September to 2nd October, 2011 at Paris Nord Villepinte. Silmo, as it does every year, will provide delegates an effective platform to generate business with daily, interactive exchanges, professional training and information and promotion of innovation and creation. With a unique architecture of four key components - Silmo Mondial de l’Optique, Link By Silmo, Silmo Academy and Silmo D’Or, this year sure looks like an eventful one. Silmo Mondial de l’Optique, which is the optical fair itself, claims to have 1000 exhibitors and 35,000 visitors from all over the world. To be held over four days in four special halls, it boasts of 80,000

sqm exhibition area in one block for maximum convenience that will help professionals from the optical and ophthalmic world gather and have an interactive exchange of ideas and innovations. Link by Silmo which is a virtual network launched last year, aims at bringing together professionals to exchange information and debate issues. The organisers would surely want to build on the initial response they received last year. And with social networking gaining momentum, this exercise by Silmo is one that’s being watched by many from the industry. The Silmo Academy will have its discussion forum headed by Guy Charlot. It will be facilitated by a scientific committee which will, for the second year, present its scientific symposium. This aims at helping

VISIONPLUS (SOUTH EAST ASIA) - Everything Between You & Eye

Ever ything between you and eye

CIOF 2011: Bigger Than Before opticians broaden their knowledge in the fields of vision and optics in order to meet the visual needs of their clients more effectively. The Silmo Academy 2011 will feature three symposium sessions on the themes of children’s vision, reading and myopia concluding with a summary session. Additionally, a poster exhibition will be organised where postings will be welcomed by anyone wishing to share their work on various aspects of vision or optics. And lastly, there will be the eagerly awaited Silmo D’or awards, which ill reward eyewear companies on their expertise, talent, creativity and innovation. Silmo D’Or has become one of the most coveted awards and is seen by many as the ultimate form of recognition by the industry. Over the years, Silmo has succeeded in establishing itself as an international exhibition that helps optical companies to combine social interaction with a professional ambience. And from the looks of the activities that are in progress, it sure looks like this year’s event is going to be a ‘must-attend’ event! ___________________________________________ – VisionPlus Bureau ................................................................................

The 24th China International Optics Fair this year will be spread out over an area of 44,700 square meters.

he 24th session of the China International Optics Fair (CIOF 2011) will be held at the China International Exhibition Centre, Beijing from 14th to 16th September, 2011. The year before, the event attracted 731 exhibitors from 22 countries and 41,970 visitors from 66 countries. The exhibitors included 245 international brands apart from the indigenous Chinese ones. This time around the organizers are confident of getting participation from many more players in the event. The exhibition halls this year will cover a total of 44,700 square meters. CIOF 2011 will continue to display and demonstrate stateof-the-art exhibits ranging from spectacle frames, sunglasses, 3D glasses, lenses, contact lens, visual test equipment, machinery and raw materials for making spectacle frames and lenses. Instruments for optometry and ophthalmology will also be showcased. Some brands which have confirmed their participation at CIOF 2011 include Armani Exchange, Hugo Boss, Alfred Dunhill, Dior, Marc Jacobs, Mercedes Benz, Mykita, etc. Priscilla Cheung of Orient International Exhibition, which is

organizing the event, says, “For years, CIOF has been the most efficient medium to source the most sought after optical products and equipment because of the vast number of exhibitors, traders and buyers that will attend Asia’s largest optical exhibition.” 2011 marks the beginning of China’s implementation of the 12th FiveYear Plan for Economic and Social Development. With this, the Chinese optical industry will have to dynamically adapt to changes in the mode of development, adjusting product structure and upgrading its production. At present, China is estimated to be one of the biggest consumer markets in eyewear and sunglasses globally. This is why Chinese manufacturers and agencies are constantly looking for high-technology machinery, materials, components and accessories to cater to the demands of the expanding local market. The event organizers are hoping that more exhibitors will use CIOF as their chosen channel to grab a share of the lucrative Chinese market. ___________________________________________ – VisionPlus Bureau

Email us at sea@visionplusmag.com VISIONPLUS (SOUTH EAST ASIA) - Everything Between You & Eye

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vendors are informed about the critical changes affecting US standards and government compliance in today's optical marketplace.”

Vision Council holds compliance seminars in Hong Kong and Xiamen THEVISIONCOUNCIL

he Vision Council, in partnership with the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association and the Xiamen Optical Association, hosted two high-profile seminars in Hong Kong and Xiamen in June, regarding US standards and regulations for optical manufacturers. The seminars were held in response to requests from member companies to aid component and device suppliers in Asia with the goal of educating manufactures about the changes occurring in US standards and government compliance. The seminars, led by The Vision Council’s technical team and member services, saw the attendance of over 270 individuals, representing five trade organizations and approximately 200 ophthalmic product companies, as well as the Hong Kong and Asian optical trade press. Both seminars touched on a variety of issues including U.S. customs and regulations, Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), California State Proposition 65, US national standards and an overview of The Vision Council’s programs and resources. “China plays an important role in optical product manufacturing,” said Ed Greene, CEO of The Vision Council. “As a trade association, we want to ensure that all of our members’

OPTICAL NEW

In addition to the seminars, The Vision Council completed an eight-day tour of Hong Kong, Xiamen and mainland China-based manufacturers to see many of the factories firsthand and to gain a better understanding of how they are run. They will use this insight to keep educating the Asian optical manufacturers, regularly.Follow-up meetings were also conducted upon request to address additional questions about the content delivered during the seminars.

Asia Pacific Contact Lens Care Summit II concludes in Australia

he Asia Pacific Contact Lens Care Summit II, sponsored by Abbott Medical Optics, was held in Melbourne recently. Eye care experts participating in the event comprised scientists, researchers, educators and senior practitioners in the contact lens area from Asia Pacific participatd in the event. In view of the global trends towards new lens materials, emergence of resistant pathogens and continued poor patient compliance, the Summit II members reviewed and upgraded the recommended contact lens care guidelines. This had been formulated in

the first summit that was held in 2007. The new contact lens guidelines will be issued shortly and will meet the needs of patients and practitioners for safe and effective contact lens wear. Since the first summit, the group of eye care experts has been urging the major players in the optical industry and practitioners to restore the emphasis of the importance of contact lens care for the sake of users. They will continue to influence and educate healthcare professionals and the public at large to adopt proper lens care in supporting safety for contact lens wearers.

Tianjin Eye Hospital receives grant for pediatric cataract training program

epresentatives from the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) awarded the Tianjin Eye Hospital a $150,000 grant to finance a specialized pediatric cataract training initiative. The grant was made possible through the Pediatric Cataract Initiative, which identifies, funds and promotes innovative methods for overcoming visual impairments caused by pediatric cataracts. According to LCIF, the grant money will be used for training ophthalmologists on treatment and follow-up care of pediatric cataract, educating parents and health care workers on pediatric

VISIONPLUS (SOUTH EAST ASIA) - Everything Between You & Eye

Ever ything between you and eye

WS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE Renée Zellweger supports Tommy Hilfiger

eye diseases, purchasing eye exam equipment and screening children for pediatric cataract. "Today, there could be 40,000 children in China suffering from pediatric cataract, a condition that is treatable, and in some cases, preventable," said Dr Joe Barr, VP, Global Vision Care Clinical and Medical Affairs and Professional Services for Bausch + Lomb. The company, along with LCIF, formed the Pediatric Cataract Initiative to help improve childhood cataract outcomes worldwide.

of China’s leading manufacturers of ophthalmic lenses, as part of a joint venture agreement. Wanxin Optical has more than 2,000 employees, produces nearly 35 million lenses a year and generates annual revenue of approximately €24 million. Its products are intended for both the domestic and export markets, especially in the midrange segment.

Eberhard Wirfs, Chairperson of LCIF added, “This partnership allows us to further our efforts at improving eye care in underserved areas globally where so many children suffer long-term vision problems or permanent blindness as a result of pediatric cataract.”

IOFT Aims To Meet Expectations

eed Exhibitions Japan is organizing the 24th International Optical Fair Tokyo (IOFT) from 11th to 13th October, 2011 at Tokyo Big Sight as per schedule. Even though the organizers received several inquiries from industry professionals who were apprehensive about holding the show; exhibitors and buyers from the affected areas are keen to participate in it this time. The organizers predict 550 exhibitors and 17,000 buyers will participate in IOFT 2011. And they expect a healthy number of buyers and distributors from Asia including China, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, etc. To increase interest in the event,

scar winning actress Renée Zellweger wore Tommy Hilfiger sunglasses during her Milan trip to join the brand in support of its 2011 Breast Health International campaign.

Essilor enters into a JV with Wanxin Optical in China

ssilor International has taken a 50% stake in Wanxin Optical, one

in addition to the French, Italian and Taiwanese pavilions, this time around a separate pavilion will be created for Korean designers and brands as well.

However, several exhibitors from outside of Japan are still anxious about travelling to Tokyo for the event. This is why Reed Exhibitions is using its online presence to give updated feedback about the status quo in the country and also assuage any fears that prospective participants might have.

Tang Langbao, Chairman of Wanxin Optical says, “We intend to leverage Essilor’s technological capabilities and marketing expertise to broaden our product range and strengthen The International Air Transportation Association (IATA) has also reiterated that there is no problem when it comes to traveling to Japan. In fact, since the situation of Fukushima Nuclear Plants is now stable, the governments of Korea, UK, USA, France, Russia, Canada, Denmark, Australia, and the Netherlands have relaxed travel restrictions to Japan. IOFT’s Show Management is trying to pass this message to as many players in the optical industry as is possible. “We are doubling our efforts to organize a substantial exhibition as it is imperative to overcome the difficulties Japan is going through,” said Miyata Haruka of Reed Exhibitions Japan.

VISIONPLUS (SOUTH EAST ASIA) - Everything Between You & Eye

our positions in our core market segments.” Wanxin Optical will be fully consolidated by Essilor International but it will continue to be led by its current management team. Estimated at 200-220 million lenses a year, the Chinese market comprises mainly of myopes and presbyopes. With more than 900 million people suffering from faulty vision but fewer than half of them effectively corrected for their condition, the country has high growth potential for appropriate eyewear. China thus represents a strategic priority for Essilor, not only for the size of its domestic market but also for its export capabilities.

Jonathan Akeroyd, President and CEO of Alexander McQueen added, “Safilo has a long history of excellence in the eyewear category, in terms of innovative design, high quality products and attentive distribution, and we are very pleased to announce the continuation of our successful partnership. We are confident that with the renewal of our partnership we can achieve further success with the Alexander McQueen eyewear collections."

Fernando Alonso joins Oakley’s family of proracers

Valentino signs global eyewear license agreement with Marchon

In the past, Essilor’s growth initiatives in China focused on building strong positions in the premium segment with flagship brands such as Crizal and Varilux. Following an initial transaction last year with ILT Danyang, Essilor is now pursuing a partnership strategy with local industry leaders to establish solid positions in the mid-range segment.

ormula One racing driver Fernando Alonso has joined the Oakley family of pro racers. A two-time world champion, he will serve as an ambassador for Oakley in Europe and around the world.

alentino SpA signed a global license agreement with Marchon granting the latter rights to manufacture and distribute the sun and ophthalmic collections under its brand name. The agreement will be effective from 1st January 2012. The Valentino eyewear collection will take inspiration from its seasonal RTW collection, accessories and iconic pieces

Safilo and Alexander McQueen extend eyewear license agreement

Stefano Sassi, Chairman and CEO of Valentino SpA stated, “With this agreement, our Maison has an opportunity to develop an intimate working relationship with a licensing partner known for its finesse and attention to detail. This agreement is an essential step forward in Valentino’s development strategy.”

afilo Group and Alexander McQueen have renewed their license agreement for the design, production and worldwide distribution of the latter’s optical and sunglass collections until 31st December, 2015. Alexander McQueen is part of PPR Luxury Group (Gucci Group). “The Alexander McQueen brand represents innovative and cutting edge design and Safilo is extremely pleased to announce the continuation of our successful partnership,” said Roberto Vedovotto, CEO of Safilo Group. “This renewal confirms Safilo as the partner of choice for a luxury brand which demands excellence in design, quality and distribution.”

The Valentino collections will be sold in Valentino boutiques, department and specialty stores, and select optical stores worldwide.

Claudio Gottardi, Marchon President and CEO said, “This is an exciting partnership and we’re enthusiastic to work closely with Valentino on the upcoming collections. The addition of Valentino, one of the most prestigious and luxury fashion houses, represents our dedication to expanding our international brand portfolio.”

Olaf Dunz, Brand Director at Oakley EMEA said, “Fernando is committed to excellence and carries his own style beyond the track. So he respects the art of Oakley design as well as the performance. He is a perfect fit for our blend of science and art and will play an integral role in expanding Oakley’s reach in the sport.” “I choose Oakley as it has been supporting a select group of athletes around the globe for many years," said Alonso. "Oakley has vision – continually striving for excellence through technology and innovation… traits which are of paramount importance to world class athletes including drivers within F1 circles.” Oakley eyewear is available with a range of optional Iridium lens coatings that balance light transmission to boost visual contrast and improve depth perception. Those who require prescription correction can opt for Oakley True Digital technology which reportedly optimizes the performance of lenses that curve at the sides to extend peripheral vision.

VISIONPLUS (SOUTH EAST ASIA) - Everything Between You & Eye

OneSight gifts vision in China

Ever ything between you and eye

neSight recently organized an eye care clinic in China where it was able to reach out to 7,000 people. This clinic was held at Dongguan in China’s Guandong Province which is home to nearly 7 million inhabitants, with an average annual income of just SGD $392.

Hong Kong Optical Fair 2011: A Quick Glance

In 2010, over 12,000 trade visitors from 102 countries came to network and source products at the Hong Kong Optical Fair. This time around, the event organizers hope to increase this traffic by a good margin.

The visiting OneSight team comprised 39 people, including five volunteers from Luxottica Australia and New Zealand. The remainder were optometrists from countries like Italy, Hungary, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, France, Canada and the US. Together they examined around 800 people daily over the 8-day clinic, in both urban and rural communities.

OneSight, a Luxottica Foundation, is a family of charitable eye care programs dedicated to improving vision through outreach, research and education. Since 1988, it has organized charitable initiatives to provide free vision care and eyewear to people globally and granted millions of dollars towards optical research and education. Talking about these initiatives, Greg Hare, Executive Director of OneSight said, “The need for vision care around the world is great. To help give the gift of sight to all those in need, OneSight uses the support of its main sponsor Luxottica Group and harnesses its ophthalmic global business structure and expertise to give back to communities worldwide, providing free vision care and eyewear to those who can’t otherwise afford it.” ...................................................................................... Email us at sea@visionplusmag.com

or 18 years now, the Hong Kong Optical Fair, which is organized by Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organized by the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association, has been an important trade fair for the optical industry in South East Asia. Work is currently underway to make the event a grand success this year too. It will be held between 3rd to 5th November, 2011 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. The 9th Hong Kong Optometric Conference will also be held at the trade fair this year and will feature specialist speakers from different parts of the globe who will give sessions on eye care and eye health. There will be seminars for visitors giving them a chance to update themselves about the latest industry trends in optical fashion and technology. A Dragon Lounge has been constructed for VIP buyers at the event while exhibitors and buyers alike can use the services that HKTDC has made available to them.

These include free shuttle bus service to points in Hong Kong and Kowloon, courtesy email centers, food and beverage outlets and a prayer room. The USP of the event is the Brand Name Gallery, which was introduced in 2009. Every year, this pavilion showcases renowned brands to give them more prominence and visibility amongst visitors. In 2010, 90 brands from 19 countries participated in the Brand Name Gallery. The Hong Kong Optical Fair will continue to have fashion parades to allow buyers to see new eyewear styles on models walking the ramp. There are also peripheral events like a display of the winning entries from the 13th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition which witnessed the participation of several young designers. ___________________________________________ – VisionPlus Bureau

VISIONPLUS (SOUTH EAST ASIA) - Everything Between You & Eye

TRIVIA

Vision Illusion DANGER AHEAD!

This is the cover of Manu Dibango’s album Wakafrika... Do you see the African continent hidden in his pose?

AN ‘AFRICAN’ POSE

WHICH WAY’S UP?

No, the road hasn’t caved in. It’s a 3D painting created by artist Julian Beever on a road!

This seemingly-impossible architectural creation is a maze to get around in. Any guesses on which is the right way up?

VISIONPLUS (SOUTH EAST ASIA) - Everything Between You & Eye

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