OP
Bi-monthly Eyewear Fashion Magazine
Everything between you and eye Vol.11 Issue 3 Jan/Feb 2012 A FourPlus Publication
Deciphering A Lens
Discussing the technical aspects of a lens
Michael Kors
Master Of All Shades
Surpassing Expectations!
Based on the feedback that exhibitors and visitors had to share about Optic India 2012, the event was a great success.
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2012 •
ement
lus Suppl
An OpticP
Need to know about fashionable eyewear? Check out the freeDemystifying Polarisation OpticPlus supplement A Clearer Picture of - GALLERIA
US OPTICPL
Jan/Feb
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C Everything between you and eye Vol.11 Issue 3 Jan-Feb 2012 A FourPlus Publication
P O
Bi-monthly Eyewear
Fashion Magazine
Jan/Feb 2012 •
An OpticPlus Supple
ment
een Everything betw you and eye Jan/Feb 2012 Vol.11 Issue 3 lication A FourPlus Pub
ciphering A Lens
De hnical Discussing the tec aspects of a lens
Michael Korrs Of
Just One Question
Maste All Shades
back that Based on the feed re about Optic India cess. visitors had to sha was a great suc 2012, the event
• An
OpticPlus
Supplemen
Lens Talk
ut Need to know aboear? fashionable eyew Demystifying PoCheck out the freelari entsation plem sup s of OpticPlu A Clearer Picture nology - GALLERIA Polarisation Tech
26
Deciphering A Lens
PLUS OPTIC
ectations!bitors and Surpassing Exp exhi
2012
OPTICPLUS
t
Jan/Feb
A closer look at the technical aspects of a lens and a discussion on what’s popular today.
PRINTED & PUBLISHED by Siraj Bolar on behalf of FourPlus Publications, and printed by him at Mail Order Solutions India Pvt Ltd, Malad, Mumbai and published at 106/A, Shivdham, 62, Link Road, Malad West, Mumbai-400 064. Editor: Siraj Bolar
Designer Profile
36
Michael Kors - Master Of All Shades After nearly three decades in the fashion industry, Michael Kors still manages to surprise everyone with his simple and elegant designs.
All correspondence should be addressed to FourPlus Publications, 3rd Floor, Sahdev, Vishal Nagar, Marve Road, Malad (West), Mumbai-400 064 Tel.: (022) 2889 9662 Fax: (022) 2889 9665 E-mail: response@opticplus.in
INDIA | MIDDLE EAST | SOUTH EAST ASIA 12
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OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
2/16/2012 2:22:16 PM
Trends
46
Looking Good In 2012! What's in, what's not? Read on and find out more about trends dictating the fashion ramps. After all, it's about looking good all year round!
Perspective
Market Talk
56
Retail Tales 66
The Discount War: Who’s Killing Whose Business?!
What It Takes To Attract The (Right) Buyers
Certain developments in the industry have brought forth some uncomfortable questions that need to be answered rather than wished away.
Learn more about the importance of a welldesigned optical outlet.
74
Insight
82
Eye-nnovation In Eyewear
App It Up!
Innovation is openly discussed by innovators, users, competitors and almost everyone. It’s no surprise that eyewear, and the optical industry, too has seen a lot happening lately.
As more users use smartphones to stay connected, here is a look at how to cash in on the iPad phenomenon to interact better with customers.
Management Matters Family Business Management How To Beat The Odds?! What it takes for a family run business to survive.
88
Just One Question
104
Are more customers shifting to daily and monthly disposable contact lenses? Members from the optical industry share their views.
Special Feature
16
Optic India 2012: Surpassing Expectations! Exhibitors and visitors ensure that Optic India 2012 was a success.
PLUS HAPPENINGS EVENTS OPTICMAN OPHTHA TALK OFF THE SHELF SNAPSHOTS INTERNATIONAL SNAPSHOTS
OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
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96 100 108 112 122 134
TRIVIA SOUNDING BOARD EYE MATTERS GALLERIA OPTICPLUS MATE STAR FORECAST
148 152 162 166 176 178
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OPTICPLUS E O
ptic India 2012 - the biggest trade fair in the Indian optical industry – was a great success. Though the number of footfalls to the event was comparatively lesser than last time, exhibitors were happy with the quality of the crowd who attended it. You can read all about this in the ‘Special Feature’. One topic that was discussed at length by many people at Optic India 2012 was the discount that a leading retail chain announced recently on some well-known brands, following which there were some disagreements between opticians and distributors of these brands. In ‘Market Talk’ we present an unbiased report based on the many opinions from different sections of the industry.
Editorial
Siraj Bolar
E-I-C
Alim Bolar
E D
Vinita Bhatia G E
Dr Deepak Garg Subash Kataria E A
Ishita Bal
S-E
Design
Tabrez Bolar
C D
Purav Mehta
As we enter a new year, in ‘Trends’ we bring to you the style quotient that leading designers are working on for 2012. And one designer who is riding the waves of success is Michael Kors. In ‘Designer Profile’ you can read how this enigmatic designer has made his mark on the fashion map of the world. In ‘Management Matters’ you can discover a whole lot more about managing family business and whether the rules of corporate management can be applied here as well.
A E
Amarjeet Prabhakar D A S
Paul Daniel Nadar Sonal Mehta
G D/P
Marketing Jasbir Bolar
M D
Farhan Shaikh
B D M
Needless to say, this is a power-packed issue and all the other regular articles like ‘Ophtha Talk’, ‘Retail Tales’, ‘Off The Shelf ’, etc., are also part of this issue. And as always, you can check out what’s hot and what’s not in our Galleria supplement.
Amala Varghese
Your feedback will help us shape the content in OpticPlus, so that you get the information you can truly use. Do write to us at response@opticplus.in
A
Read on. Enjoy!
O A
S S
Finance
RK Tharoor
F D
Manoj Nahak Deepa Survase
Administration Samit Medidhi O A
Suhas Dhumal Harish Javir
____________________________________
Acknowledgement Models: Sony, Gui Modelling Agency: Toabh Talents Photography: Siddhartha Nath Contributing Writers: Kajal Sanghrajka -------------------------------------------Our Bankers: The Shamrao Vithal Co-operative Bank Ltd. Malad (West)
Views and opinions expressed in this publications are not necessarily those of FourPlus Publications. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of information published, neither FourPlus Publications nor any of its employees accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions.
OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
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SPECIAL FEATURE
Surpassing Expectations!
Expectations from Optic India 2012 was high to begin with. And from the feedback that exhibitors and visitors had to share, it can be safely said that the event was a great success.
T
he highly anticipated Optic India 2012 was recently held between 28th January and 30st January, 2012. And it more than lived up to the expectations of the exhibitors and visitors, who participated in the event. The best testimony about its success was summed up by Harish Gajjar of Gajjar Group who said that the amount of business his company transacted in the first day of the event this year was equal to the total business it generated in the four days of Optic India 2010! The overall business sentiment in the optical industry has been going through a roller coaster ride and some exhibitors like Ganko Opticians did not have very high expectations
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from Optic India 2012. But they were in for a pleasant surprise with the good visitor traffic. Bhavin Kothari of Ganko Opticians was very pleased with the interest in the brands that were showcased at his booth and the steady stream of visitors who were keen to know more about these collections. Hosted by the Mumbai Optical Association (MOA) and organised by RSD Expositions, there is always a lot of interest around Optic India. The success of the event in 2010 had prompted even international companies like Coburn Technologies to invest in exhibitions in India as compared to other international trade fairs. Talking about this, Ram Narayanan, Executive Director-AMEA of Coburn Technologies said that participating in Optic India is preferable because it is easier to arrange one-on-one meetings with key customers, and create brand awareness.
GREAT SUCCESS
The three-day event was inaugurated by Bipin Shah, President of MOA and other office bearers of the association along with Jinyoung Son, CEO of Korea Optical Industry Support Center and Dominique Pinton of Syndicat National Lunettes de France. The event became the perfect reason
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OPTICPLUS
The dance performances at Maui Jim's stall caught the attention of visitors.
Sterling launched Marvel’s Spiderman range of prescription eyewear for children at the event.
Actor Anupam Kher launched the Rajni Gold eyewear range for Gajjar Group.
Eternity Lifestyles' stall had an interesting layout and design, which drew many visitors to it.
for people in the industry to re-connect with their peers. Amongst the many known faces in the industry who were seen meeting and greeting each other warmly were Rajni Turakhia, Dhirubhai Daftary, Surendra Gangar, etc. Hans Stepper, the founder of Stepper Eyewear, was also present and he claimed that though Optic India could not be called an international trade fair, it was progressing down that road very quickly! The exhibition saw a large number of exhibitors showcasing their products. Exhibitors included the likes of Sterling Group, Eternity Lifestyles, Maui Jim, Hind Corporattion, Stylrite, Optimed, Velvette Eyegear, Corning, Ganko Opticians, Gajjar Group, Shailaja Optical Industries, OptiVision, Unity, Twin Lakes, Ciba Vision, amongst others. Some of the more prominent brands on display included Maybach, Chrome Hearts, Killer, Porsche Design, Tommy Hilfiger, Stepper, Polaroid, Baldessarini, Umbro, etc. What was interesting is that the Indian brands shared equal, and in some cases bigger, place of pride at the event. These included Twist, Cross Line, Provogue, and others. Talking about this, Harish Gajjar said, “There was a time when customers were not keen to pick up Indian brands. Now
they are aware of the various homegrown brands and are actually demanding them.” And this thought was shared by Kirit Doshi of Shailaja Optical Industries as well.
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
In addition to sunglasses, frames and lenses, the tools and equipment category saw quite a good participation in the exhibition. Exhibitors such as Coburn Technologies, Suprol, Biomedix Optotechnik, Vision Rx Lab, and others showcased the latest in technology. Almost all the stalls in this category were seen teeming with visitors with their staff putting in extra efforts to attend to them. Unfortunately, Safilo and Luxottica were absent at this event, just like they chose to stay away from Optic India in 2010. Bausch & Lomb and Johnson & Johnson too did not participate as exhibitors. The absence of these companies did not go unnoticed by visitors and other exhibitors, and not many seemed pleased. In fact, Luxottica even held a parallel event for around 1,000 opticians from all over the country at another location close by. On conditions of anonymity, one of the people from the event said that this was akin to ‘hijacking’ Optic India, without a good reason.
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These issues aside, there was a general feeling of cheer amongst the exhibitors. Ketan Parikh of Sterling Group commented, “The number of footfalls at the event might not have been very high as compared to the previous years, but the quality of the crowd was very good.”
Bipin Malkan, Subash Kataria, Siraj Bolar, Rajendra Sehgal and Jinyoung Son talk about the latest developments in the optical industry.
Vikram Shah of Stylrite too felt that the event was a big hit as his company managed to book a good number of orders. Sunny Lokhandwala of Rockym Optimor noted that opticians in the country have finally woken up to the need to be better educated, aware and organized, so that they could compete with the international optical retail chains. He added that this could be a great motivation for many of them to visit Optic India.
GRABBING ATTENTION
Eternity Lifestyles’ stall was amongst those that caught the fancy of the visitors with its design and the décor. The theme of stall was optical illusions, which is also the branding for its Opium range of eyewear. Sterling also launched Marvel’s Spiderman range of prescription eyewear for children at the event. Their display of oversized acetate eyewear models caught a lot of attention as did the presence of international models at his stall. Unity Lifestyles showcased their premium brands, which garnered a good amount of attention.
A good indication of the success of the event were the crowded preview rooms that many companies had built within their stalls, and which saw a steady stream of customers. GKB Hi-Tech hit upon the idea of promoting its newly launched Kodak lens with the Harley Davidson promotion. It had a Harley Davidson motorcycle at its stall where visitors could sit astride the bike and click their photographs. Also, customers who bought more than 10 units of Kodak lenses were eligible to participate in a lucky draw where the prize was that very Harley Davidson bike!
Essilor's stall saw a steady stream of customers who were keen to know more about Crizal lenses.
Another attraction was the presence of actor Anupam Kher who is the brand ambassador of Gajjar Group’s Rajni Gold range of prescription eyewear frames. People were seen flocking to the stall to get a closer look of the star and click photographs with him. Gajjar Group also ran another promotion where visitors were invited to scribble slogans about India and the best slogans were given a set of sunglasses.
Bhavin Kothari of Ganko Opticians was pleased with the interest that visitors displayed about the brands at his booth. 20
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This year, Ubifrance and the French Trade Commission in collaboration with Syndicat National Lunettes de France the French association for eyewear - also set up a French
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OPTICPLUS
Pavilion at Optic India. Nine French companies - Look Vision, Morel, Opal, Oxibis, Visioptis, Yves Cogan, Zilli and Francis Klein - showcased their latest eyewear collections and were seen evaluating business opportunities in the Indian optical industry. There was one topic that many people participating in the event seemed to be talking about. This was about the formation of the Mumbai Optical Alliance and the confrontation between retailers and distributors after a leading retail chain announced massive discounts for some well-known eyewear brands. People were seen putting forth their views about the topic, which you can also read at length in the Market Talk column in this issue.
The Twin Lakes stall did not have a dull moment, as people flocked to find out more about Nevolens and Evolens.
MORE AWARENESS NEEDED
While majority of the people who participated or visited Optic India were happy with the event, there were some things that could be improved to make the event even better. The existence of a website with details about the event was one such aspect. Talking about this Ram Narayanan from Coburn Technologies stated how he had to sit on a Sunday and type out all the details about Optic India 2012 for the benefit of his international visitors, since no information about the event was available online. Even Sulakshana Chakrbaborty of Vision Rx Lab stated that the flow of information was not very smooth and faster response would have made it much easier for exhibitors. There were others like Galorebay Optix, who were informed about the event’s dates fairly late. Talking about this Amit Singh of Galorebay Optix said, “We got a confirmation about the dates very late last year and therefore could not send intimations to our customers about it as we would have liked to.”
Navin and Bhavin Shah of Hind Corporattion were happy to reconnect with their customers at the event.
Other exhibitors, like Vineet Sharma of Aureole Inspecs, noted that the event should have been better popularized which would have resulted in better participation by visitors. Vineet also added that having more Wi-Fi hotspots would have helped in better productive for exhibitors who can’t be expected to have a backlog of work waiting for them when they returned to their respective offices after the exhibition! Gemma Arribas, Country Manager of Cecop India was unhappy with the size of the stall, a grouse that several other exhibitors shared. She said, “Since Cecop is a new company to Indian opticians, we wanted to have many activities to attract more trade visitors. But since we were given a small stall, despite requesting for a bigger one, we could not do much.”
Visitors to Aureole Inspecs' booth were especially keen to check out collections from Baby Phat and MTV.
But, most of these exhibitors conceded that overall the event was better organized than the previous years and were happy with the turnout of visitors to their respective stalls.
GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR BUSINESS
All companies appreciate the chance to interact with their customers. But what makes a good event truly a great one is to have the order books filling up fast. And from the
Promoters of Thukral Optical Works suggested that exhibitors should be informed about the Optic India's dates well in advance.
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feedback of various exhibitors, it was great going businesswise at Optic India 2012. Many exhibitors felt that the show was much better than they expected and they did a good amount of business during its three days. Brand awareness seems to have been top priority for many exhibitors like Navin Shah Hind Corporattion, who said, "It was great re-connecting with customers at this event, which was our main objective anyway." Jayesh Chheda of Twin Lakes said, "Optic India was a very good experience for Nevolens and Evolens. We managed to meet new opticians, which is always a very exciting prospect for us!"
Suprol showcased its latest collection of lenses for the Indian market.
Many exhibitors felt that Optic India 2012 was much better than they expected and they did a good amount of business during its three days. A good indication of the success of the event were the crowded preview rooms that many companies had built within their stalls, and which saw a steady stream of customers. These included the booths of Eternity, Sterling Group, Stylrite, Shailaja Optical Industries, amongst others.
The Zeiss stall was amongst the biggest at Optic India 2012 and saw good visitor traffic.
Optic India 2012 surpassed the expectations of the industry and visitors from India and abroad were seen checking out the various collections and also connecting with suppliers with who they could do business in the future. At a time, when the industry is going through many changes, the success of Optic India has underlined the huge potential that exists in the optical business. And going by the dynamism showcased by the leading players of the industry at the event, it is safe to say that they are well poised to harness this growth. _________________________________________________________________ – OpticPlus Bureau ...........................................................................................................................
The promoters of NM Gopani Opticians were thrilled by the response of visitors with respect to their collections.
Email us at response@opticplus.in
Coburn Technologies considers it preferable to invest in events in India as compared to international trade fairs. 22
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The teeming crowd at Mangalsons' stall kept the company's staff on their toes at all times. OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
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LENS TALK
Deciphering
A Lens Awareness about various lens materials, especially the high-index variety, is fairly high these days, even amongst customers. Here’s taking a closer look into the various technical aspects that define high-index lens materials, including Refractive Index, Abbe Value and Density.
L
enses are in a pretty interesting zone these days with consumer awareness being high due to ready availability of information as well as the desire for cosmetic appeal in almost all forms of accessories, especially eyewear. It’s pretty common these days to have a customer tell you that he needs a high-index lens or at least the ‘thinner’ variety, instead of waiting for the optician to suggest this to him. This awareness is a healthy trend and it’s a good starting point 26
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for opticians and optometrists to add to the customers’ information and educate them about this. They have realized that a spectacle frame and lenses are what constitute an eyewear but each purchase has to be looked at differently. The parameters for both these purchases are very different. Brand awareness in frames has been high due to the names of fashion designers involved. But today, even lenses are being referred to by clients,
by their brand names. This can be attributed to the growing advertising and marketing activities by lens companies in recent times. But it’s also the customer’s desire to know and buy a trustworthy product that has increased this curiosity. Then again, vision is one of the primary senses and it’s the lens that helps him see the world better. So how much does the customer already know and how much more does he need to know? This question can best be answered only by the optician and it would obviously vary for each customer. However, for an optician or optometrist ensuring that this information is explained in an easy-to-understand manner is critical. Technical jargon can at times confuse the buyer and disinterest him. In this article we will try and
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OPTICPLUS Technical Comparision Of Some Lens Materials Type Refractive index
CR-39
Trivex
Polycarbonate n = 1.586 (Helium 'd' line 587.56 nm)
MR-8
n = 1.499 (Helium 'd' line 587.56 nm)
n = 1.527 (Helium 'd' line 587.56 nm)
n = 1.595 (Helium 'd' line 587.56 nm)
n = 1.500 (Mercury 'e' line 546.07 nm)
n = 1.530 n = 1.590 (Mercury 'e' line (Mercury 'e' line 546.07 nm) 546.07 nm)
n = 1.598 (Mercury 'e' line 546.07 nm)
Abbe number
Vd = 58, Ve = 56
Vd = 45, Ve = 45
Vd = 30, Ve = 29
Vd = 42, Ve = 41
Density
1.32 g.cm ³
1.11 g.cm³
1.20 g.cm³
1.30 g.cm³
Luminous ≥ 90.0% Transmittance
≥ 90.0%
No reference data
≥ 90.8%
Haze
≤ 0.5
≤ 0.5
No reference data
≤ 0.5
Yellowness index
0.0 ≤ YIe ≤ 0.8 YI ≤ 1.0
Uncoated: YI ≤ 1.0 (1.5mm centre thickness)
YI ≤ 1.0
Source: Carl Zeiss Vision International
It is expressed as a ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum relative to that in the considered medium. This can be written mathematically as:
n= It’s pretty common these days to have a customer tell you that he needs a high-index lens or at least the ‘thinner’ variety, instead of waiting for the optician to suggest this to him. understand the simpler aspects of lens technicalities i.e. Refractive Index, Abbe Value, Density and dwell a bit on the popular lens materials.
REFRACTIVE INDEX
Index of refraction is the speed of light in a vacuum divided by the speed of light in a given lens material. The resulting number is referred to as the ‘Refractive index’. Light waves travel at a continuous
velocity of approximately 300,000 km/s in free space. In other transparent media, including lens materials, these waves travel at a slower rate. In mathematical terms, the Refractive Index is equal to velocity in air divided by velocity in material and the Refractive Index of a material is often abbreviated as 'n.' OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
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speed of light in a vacuum speed of light in medium
For example, the Refractive Index of water is 1.33, meaning that light travels 1.33 times as fast in vacuum as it does in water. As light moves from a medium - such as air, water, or glass - into another, it may change its propagation direction in proportion to the change in refractive index. This refraction is governed by Snell's law, and is illustrated in Figure 1 on page 30. The higher this Refractive Index, the more the light refracts. To put it in simple terms, this means that highindex lenses refract or bend light at steeper angles than standard-index lenses. Since high-index lenses need less curvature to achieve the same focal power, lens made from this material is substantially thinner than a standard-index (1.50) plastic material. 27
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UNDERSTANDING ABBE VALUE The degree to which a given lens material will disperse light is described by a measure of its refractive efficiency or Abbe Value. It is used to rate the degree of chromatic aberration of lens materials. Those with a high Abbe Value will disperse light lesser, than lens material with low Abbe Values. In general, highindex materials produce lower Abbe Values than conventional plastic, and are less likely to produce symptoms of chromatic aberration. The technical definition of Abbe number - also known as the V-number or constringence of a transparent material - as per Wikipedia, is the measure of the material's dispersion (variation of refractive index with wavelength) in relation to the refractive index. It is named after Ernst Abbe (1840–1905), the German physicist who defined it. The Abbe number V of a material is defined as:
polycarbonate has a density of 1.20 grams per cubic centimeter, while MR-8 and Trivex has 1.30, 1.11 density, respectively.
LENS MATERIALS
Standard plastic lenses have a Refractive Index of approximately 1.50, while for glass it is 1.52. Any lens material with a Refractive Index that's higher than that of glass or plastic is generally considered to be high-index.
As markets worldwide shift to higher-refractive index materials, MR-8 is gaining in popularity because of its fine balance of optical and mechanical properties.
nd – 1 V= nf – nc’
OPTICPLUS For some time now, CR-39 lenses have been the preferred choice for lens material as compared to glass, as they are lighter, offer better ultraviolet light protection, are less prone to shattering and with scratch-resistant coating, they are as resistant to scratches as glass lenses. However, when it came to thickness, CR-39 plastic lenses are more or less at par with their glass counterparts. The high-index materials have been gaining in popularity over the years with 1.60 almost becoming the norm these days. Polycarbonate, in
Figure 1: Refraction of light at the interface between two media. Source: Wikipedia
where nd, nF and nC are the refractive indices of the material at the wavelengths of the Fraunhofer D-, Fand C- spectral lines (587.6 nm, 486.1 nm and 656.3 nm respectively). Low dispersion (low chromatic aberration) materials have high values of V. Abbe numbers are used to classify glass and other optically transparent materials. For example, flint glass has V < 50 and crown glass has V > 50. Typical values of V range from around 20 for very dense flint glass, around 30 for polycarbonate plastics, and up to 65 for very light crown glass, and up to 85 for fluor-crown glass.
DENSITY MATTERS
The weight of a lens material is determined by its density. This is the mass of the material per unit volume and is generally measured in grams per cubic centimeter. The lower the density, the lighter the lens material will be for a given volume. So, 30
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Figure 2: The Abbe diagram plots the Abbe number against refractive index for a range of different glasses (red dots). Glasses are classified using the Schott Glass letter-number code to reflect their composition and position on the diagram. Source: Wikipedia OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
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OPTICPLUS easily deform when stretched, allowing it to be drilled with minimal defects. Also, MR-8 lenses do not show stress-strain, making it a proper choice for high-curve lenses. In the Butterfly Test - which is an endurance test under cyclic load for rimless spectacle frames - conducted by Mitsui Chemicals, the sample acrylic lenses broke after 18,100 times, while MR-8 lenses broke only after 30,000 strokes. However another important reason for the popularity of these lenses is that while some standard-index lenses tend to yellow, MR-8 monomers are more resistant to yellowing, depending on the process incorporated by different manufacturers to develop it.
GAINING POPULARITY
Lens manufacturers are today using the MR-8 material to make several types of lens imaginable – single-vision, progressive, high-curve, rimless, polarized, photochromic, etc. particular, has seen a rise in popularity considering its USP of being shatter proof and impact resistance. It’s also recommended for children’s eyewear due to this aspect. However, it doesn’t rank very high in terms of Abbe Value.
has better impact resistance properties as compared to CR-39. MR-8’s highstrength material, compared to acrylic and middle-index lenses, is much harder to crack due to its highimpact resistance.
Growing in strength, in this region, is the MR series (a patented material manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals Japan), which has the following Refractive Indices i.e. MR-8 in the 1.60 Refractive Index, MR-7 and MR-10 in the 1.67 Refractive Index and MR-174 in the 1.74 Refractive Index.
It has also passed the US Food and Drug Administration ball-drop impact test. According to Mitsui Chemicals, when a 5/8 inch steel ball weighing approximately 0.56 oz. was dropped on the lens from a height of 50 inches, mid-index and acrylic lenses broke under the impact. However, its MR-8 lens material was undamaged.
In the 1.60 Refractive Index, MR-8, with a rather high Abbe Value, is said to have better visual acuity than polycarbonate. In fact the series also 32
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MR-8 is said to be a more suitable material for rimless frames because of its high tensile strength. It does not
As markets worldwide shift to higherrefractive index materials, MR-8 is gaining popularity as it offers a fine balance of optical and mechanical properties. According to many, it is the de facto standard for high-index lenses in Japan and Europe and it now growing popular in Asia, especially China and Korea. Lens manufacturers are today using this material to make several types of lens imaginable – single-vision, progressive, high-curve, rimless, polarized, photochromic, etc. Some of the international companies who have chosen MR-8 as their choice for highindex lens material include Essilor, Carl Zeiss Vision, Rodenstock, Seiko and Hoya Lens. Although it is not in the 1.60 Refractive Index, another material that can lay claim to better Abbe Values and strength as compared to polycarbonate is Trivex, which is in the 1.53 Refractive Index. In the future issues we will discuss, the properties of this lens material in greater detail. __________________________________________ – Vinita Bhatia Images courtesy: Wikipedia ................................................................................ Email us at response@opticplus.in
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DESIGNER PROFILE
M
ichael Kors, like those with a creative curve, has dabbled in different waters including a stint in acting. But he's best known the world over for his phenomenal work in the fashion industry. Kors' clothes have a meaning, in that every detail down to the last stitch is custom-designed with a certain aesthetic in mind. His clothes reflect his belief in simple, elegantly tailored clothing. Kors once said that there is not a detail, including a button, that doesn’t have a reason for being there. So his lines are no less than a work of art - each piece containing elements, all of which are crucial to the final creation. Kors' sense of fashion displays an infatuation with the traditionalism of the Eastern Seaboard haute bourgeoisie. Yet he also likes to tweak it for customers who want to look polished and prosperous, but hip. Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston, Uma Thurman, Linda Evangelista, Nicole Kidman, Blake Lively, Jennifer Connelly and Cindy Crawford are among the many actors that sport Kors' creations, 36
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Master Of
All Shades from clothes and bags, watches and accessories, etc. Though a globally recognised designer, Kors journey has not been without its share of ups and downs. But Kors' humble roots never deterred him from chasing his larger-than-life dreams.
BORN AGAIN
Few people know that Michael Kors was named Karl Anderson, Jr. at birth. Born on 9th of August, 1959, in New York's Long Island, to Joan Krystosek (a one-time Revlon model) and Karl Anderson (a college student), Karl's parents separated when he was two. He changed his name when his mother married Bill Kors, an entrepreneur.
Michael Kors once said that there is not a detail, including a button, that doesn’t have a reason for being there. He later explained to People magazine, “My mother said, ‘You’re getting a new last name, so why don’t you pick a new first name?’ Michael and David were her favourites. I chose Michael as my first name and David as my
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OPTICPLUS
In the ever-so-competitive American fashion, a presence for nearly three decades is enough to put any designer on the global map and make them stay there. Michael Kors is no exception. Best known for his phenomenal work in the fashion industry, the designer received a lifetime achievement award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2010. Read on to find out more about his journey across the fashion map... middle name.” And so came to be his name, Michael Kors. At the age of five, Michael was discovered by a TV producer at a birthday party, and he appeared in TV commercials for Lucky Charms, Charmin and freeze-dried apples. Thus began his acting career. Owing to his mother's modelling career, he was exposed to the apparel industry at a very young age and found himself immersed in fashion at as early as six years. In the 1970's, with pop culture being a religion of sorts, Kors found himself making whip-stitched leather vests,
batik T-shirts, and copper bracelets, after school and he'd sell them in his parents' basement, which he called the Iron Butterfly. It was in 1974 that he got a break when his trendy T-shirts were picked up by a manufacturing company.
FASHION CALLING
In 1977, he started attending The Fashion Institute of Technology to study fashion design and became a ‘slave to trendiness’ and ‘wore tight white silk shirts that laced up the front and platform shoes.’ He left school after nine months when the owner of Lothar’s, a chic boutique across from Bergdorf Goodman in OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
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New York City, offered him workspace and carte blanche to design what he liked. Kors' began his career in fashion properly at the age of 19, when he got the chance to design and merchandise a collection for the renowned boutique. The success of these clothes caught the attention of the fashion press prompting Kors to start out on his own. Around this time, he earned his first Vogue credit with a red Lothar’s sundress, which the magazine lauded for its ‘bareness, wrap-on ease and vibrant colour.’ His parka for the store, the one in metallic silver leather, was also featured in Vogue. 37
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OPTICPLUS
In 1981, the Michael Kors label was formed; his first women's collection was launched at Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue, amongst other stores. Since Kors collection was established, it has never strayed from his initial vision of chic, luxurious American sportswear – something that reflects his remarkable consistency. A momentous moment for Kors came in 1983 came when he received DuPont’s first American Original Award. Incidentally, it was the same year when Karl Lagerfeld's muse Inès de la Fressange was captured by a fashion photographer, in a Kors cashmere tank and pin-striped skirt. The irony of it all! He went on to stage his first
Kors’ wearers would typically be well-grounded people who have the no-fuss approach to fashion and life alike.
runway show in 1984 and also launched Michael Kors/Lyle & Scott a line of cashmere separates created in collaboration with a venerable Scottish firm.
GOOD TIMES AWAIT
1999 – A remarkable year for Kors as he received the most prestigious award in the fashion industry - the CFDA Award for Womenswear Designer of the Year. It was also when noted fashion house LVMH bought a 33 % stake in Kors’ business and promoted him from designer to creative director at Céline, a French luxury label owned by LVMH. In the six years he held that position, he continued to expand his own brand, launching menswear, accessories and perfume lines. 40
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In January of 2002, Kors’ company launched a full scale men's collection, which had previously been a capsule menswear line. The line received a fantastic response and in 2003, the CFDA bestowed Kors with the distinct honour of Menswear Designer of the Year. True to his word, in fall 2004, Kors unveiled his latest collection MICHAEL Michael Kors, a lowerpriced womenswear line, with an unprecedented launch in over 350 stores nationwide. The collection included women's and men's ready-towear, accessories including handbags and small leather goods, men's tailored clothing, dress shirts, neckwear, and timepieces for both women and men.
The same year, Kors was asked to be a judge on a new reality television show called Project Runway. From this point on, he came to be better known outside the fashion industry as well.
SIMPLICITY MAGNIFIED
Kors believes in simple lines and clean cuts when it comes to his clothes and his designs are meant for those who have a clear idea of what they want. Kors’ wearers would typically be wellgrounded people who have the no-fuss approach to fashion and life alike. The Michael Kors woman is effortlessly elegant, strong and capable, feminine and graceful, all at once. She’s bold but not loud and simply refuses to be pinned down under one look. She could go casual chic or dress it up with an evening gown. There’s no telling.
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DISTRIBUTOR FOR INDIA
PRAMUKH SWAMI OPTICALS 6-B, Kakadia Complex, Ghod-Dod Road, Surat. Ph.: (0261) 2256425, 2256522, 3298254 E- mail: pramukhswamioptical@rediffmail.com & pramukhswamioptical@hotmail.com
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OPTICPLUS
The Michael Kors man is earthy; he is firm but not rigid. He works hard during the week but believes in the well-deserved weekend getaway. And his fashion sensibility reflects this. He’s athletic, and comfort clothing is a priority for him.
KORS EYEWEAR
Kors’ eyewear is no exception to his fashion philosophy that simplicity rules. Oversized sunglasses by Kors are a hot favourite of the top actors of Hollywood. A dedicated fashionista, Angelina Jolie has been photographed several times wearing sunglasses by Kors. Angular shapes are predominant, hence one will find more square and rectangular-shaped sunglasses with mostly brown gradients. There’s even the round oversized that comes in gradients of pink and purple. What’s interesting is the detailing around the temples and sides in gold. Then there’s the classic aviators for both men and women. Large rectangular sunglasses for men come in sporty blue and black gradients, with classy silver detailing on the sides. What really takes it up a notch though is the MK logo on the side, which is often embedded with crystals giving it the right touch of glamour. And for those who prefer to retain the geek in them, Kors offers some great spins on the good old spectacles. And apart from colours like red, brown, black, blue and a surprising green, they even come in animal prints adding some tease to wearer’s personality!
GOING STRONG
Kors’ knack for catering to clients’ fantasies — and his visibility as a judge on fashion reality show Project Runway — have combined to transform this once modest business into a fashion brand with more than $600 million in wholesale revenues from over 1.000 multi-brand retail outlets, globally. Once mainly a clothing brand, the Michael Kors line now includes handbags, shoes and other accessories (accounting for 85% of its sales). In addition to the top-notch designer collection, there are two lower-priced women’s lines, Michael 42
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A dedicated fashionista, Angelina Jolie has been photographed several times wearing sunglasses by Kors. Michael Kors and Kors Michael Kors (shoes and coats), as well as a menswear label. Speaking about his fashion philosophy, Kors once told Women’s Wear Daily, “Ultimately, clean lines have greater longevity, which women appreciate, and to which they can add their own personality." This should give a clear picture of why this designer resonates in the sensibilities of many a fashionista. The designer received a lifetime achievement award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2010. A well-deserved award considering he has been around for over three decades now and carved a niche,
Michael Kors
Timeline
1977 Attended The Fashion Institute of Technology, Manhattan, New York. 1983 Received DuPont’s first American Original Award. 1997 Became the creative director of Céline, a French fashion house owned by LVMH 1999 Received the CFDA Award for Womenswear Designer of the Year. 2004 Launched MICHAEL Michael Kors label. 2008 Made a cameo on the hit TV drama Gossip Girl. 2010 Received lifetime achievement award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. launching collections and new lines consistently. One can’t predict what this artistic powerhouse will come up with next, but we know this for sure - Kors will not disappoint. ___________________________________________ – Ishita Bal ................................................................................ Email us at response@opticplus.in
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DISTRIBUTORS FOR INDIA
EYES
LICENSED BRAND
HOUSE BRAND
TRICK
TRENDS Tel : (022) 27832552
optilineeyewear@mtnl.net.in
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TRENDS
Looking Good In
2012
What's in, what's not? Read on and find out more about trends dictating the fashion ramps. After all, it's about looking good all year round!
2
012 is finally here and designers seem to be doing incredible things this season with their creations. Some of them attribute it to 2012 being prophesized as the the final year of life as we know it!
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This is something that hasn't escaped the attention of fashion houses and has clearly reflected in the Spring Summer 2012 collections by most of the big players in the industry.
Trends this season are oscillating from one to the other as designers simply refuse to follow the beaten path or do what's expected. The common feeling that's binding all those in the industry â&#x20AC;&#x201C; do what you love because it could be the last chance you've got. And for designers across the world, it all boils down to one thing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; their last creation. So they are going all out, doing what they've always wanted to do, experimenting, giving it their best
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While there are similar key statements that have resonated among different designers, most of them seem to be steering in different and unique directions. Let's take a look at the fashion quotient this year promises... CLOTHES – This year, it’s all about being graphic! Floral prints, block prints, bold block prints – they’re all in. There's a little bit of everything on the runaway and we're not complaining. Airy maxi dresses have always been in vogue but this time it is a top trend. Made of chiffon, taffeta, organza and other sheer fabrics, maxi dresses come in colourful prints. D&G and Emilio Pucci offer us multi-layered dresses with scarf-inspired prints. For those ladies who want to show more of their bodies, trendy mini dresses are just the way to go. The Spring Summer 2012 collections by Paco Rabanne and Balmain, among
Trends this season are oscillating from one to the other as designers simply refuse to follow the beaten path or do what's expected.
shot and how. Using their creative freedom to the hilt has become the new 'flavour' of the season. Showing off the abs has caught the fancy of many designers who have banded together in support of the exposed midriff. From Emilio Pucci to Prada, many models were walking down the runway baring their abs just about enough to give a tasteful flash of skin, while still keeping the belly button under wraps.
other designers, feature a variety of super mini dresses in different colours and designs. Asymmetrical hemline, a trend which extends itself not only to dresses but to various tops and coats, has caught the fancy of many an international designer, simply for the audacious statement it makes.
are some of the influences that will be seen this year. Instead of two or three trends dictating the fashion circuit, this time around the reign is pretty much in everyone's hands. So remember, whatever your personal style, don't compromise on it. SHOES AND BAGS – When talking accessories, fashionistas who knows their style quotient, would swear that it doesn't get any better than shoes and bags! By now, most people would have their closets full with these, so what one is looking for is a striking piece. Both shoes and bags come knitted this year. D&G's Spring Summer 2012 collection included knitted bags, reaffirming the fact that knits look unusual and stylish, and if paired with the right clothing, can be a real head-turner. From Donna Karan to Lanvin, many designers showed their loyalty towards the ever-so-stylish large clutch. And prints are not only in in terms of clothing. Designers like Versace and Jean Paul Gaultier are sending a message through their bags – be bold. Their bags have interesting patterns, which are definitely out of the ordinary and can make a great fashion statement. Amongst other styles, foldover, small shoulder, satchel and totes will still be in.
The luxurious and sophisticated evening gown is of course the high point of many fashion shows and Bottega Veneta, Nina Ricci and Alberta Ferreti are among the many designers who've presented some breathtaking, made-for-red-carpet renditions of this iconic style.
As for shoes, heels claim their pristine place as always; open-toe pumps continue to be a favourite of many red carpet goers. Metallic toes are trending a lot and designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton have decided to bring metallic toes to a new, more glamorous level. Rounded toes, which are still in for sandals and booties, have made way for pointed toes, which are much sexier and feminine.
Mid-length dresses, glittering dresses, peplums and white dresses are also very much in. Frills, floral prints, laces
Shiny shoes are also going to be trendy this year with silver and gold footwear being the most popular on
OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
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OPTICPLUS
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the runway. One can always try them in different colours to stand out in the crowd. Amongst other trends in shoes, super mega platforms, laces, wedges, buckles, and pastel as well as bright colours will still be in. JEWELLERY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Coloured stones, especially of the semi-precious variety, have taken the industry by a fashionhappy storm this year. 3D jewellery is also a highlight, especially with Shaun Leane's open and close flower design for Boucheron, which has at least 4,000 stones.
Even uncut gemstones like agates, quartz, tourmalines will be really big. Jewellery this year will not consist of the regular chain and pendant. What's hot right now are necklaces that are long with one stand-out element. Usually, it is a big stone for e.g. blue turquoise and is surrounded by smaller gems. Since precious stones are getting more and more expensive, semi-precious stones make more business sense.
Round glasses will be in. But the shapes and lens will be in different hues. And frames could come with patterns or encrusted jewels.
OPTICPLUS Designers are opting for big statement neckpieces with the emphasis being on the stone. The fashion philosophy here being that the piece should radiate from the stone. So rather than the designer having created the piece, the piece itself effortlessly stands out. As for precious stones, a combination of silver with gems like diamonds and rubies is trending. Many international designers have confessed to not sketching a design in advance. They source the stone first and then work around it. This just goes to show the crucial importance of retaining the original charm of the stone itself and not let other metals or the design itself get in the way of the stone. There's also great emphasis on exclusivity, in that no two jewellery pieces will be alike. On the international level, apart from the evergreen platinum, which is hot as ever in the bridal segment, alternative materials like titanium and palladium are setting in. Wallace Chan promoted palladium (which is like platinum, except lighter) very aggressively and the material is soon gaining prominence. As opposed to heavy metals like gold and platinum, with palladium designers can build a lot on design and it will still be lighter and more wearable. What's more, it's cheaper as compared
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to gold and platinum, hence more easily affordable. The whole point this time is to have statement-making pieces out there. Pieces that are an absolute stand-out and can single-handedly salvage an entire outfit. MAKEUP – A makeup trend that resurfaces year after year for
Spring Summer is natural fresh dewy skin. This can be achieved through a regular and appropriate skincare regime, with the aid of natural and light finish foundations, as well as the use of tinted moisturizers, which provide the skin with freshness and a natural appearance. This year flushed cheeks will be in, so one can play with colour and different textures ranging from powder shimmery blushes in peaches and pastels, to cream blushes with a hint of orange and warm pinks. In terms of eye makeup, and keeping in mind options for women who wear spectacles, the eyebrows will be a
Graphics, floral prints, block prints, bold block prints – they're all in. There's a little bit of everything on the runaway and we're not complaining.
major focal point in the face, kept quite full and combed high for a striking arched effect. They can be filled in with a matte powder/pencil for more style and definition. Eyeshadow takes a dramatic turn this season, with the use of bold metallic colours applied all over the eye for a true style statement. The smoky metallic eye emerges as a trend and is combined with pale lips, and super-sized lashes for a doll-like appeal. Eyeliner will be recycled in lighter shades of brown and charcoal grey, applied in more innovative ways, from squared edges to straighter lines. If the eyes are kept to a bare minimum, the lips take centre stage 52
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OPTICPLUS in timeless shades of red, from deep crimsons to electric oranges – either in a dewy finish or matte. EYEWEAR – Fashionistas take their eyewear very seriously and some earnestly fashionable eyewear is going to hit the shelves this year. Roberto Cavalli is bringing animal prints back with its latest Spring Summer 2012 collection. Salavatore Ferragamo's Spring Summer 2012 collection maintains its love for the classy oversized sunglasses with a red pair that it had Gisele Bundchen sport in its ad campaign. This time, eyewear will see all kinds of trends coming back with a twist. Round glasses, which have been around for decades, will be in. But the shapes and lens will be in different hues. And frames could come with patterns or encrusted jewels. Cat-eye glasses that were all the rage last year are coming back too, though they will probably have softer lines instead of their earlier sharpedged look. Sunglasses in quirky shapes are new in vogue but many designers try hard to popularize them. Heart, oval and even diamond-shaped eyewear looks fresh and can be a perfect choice for women who aren’t afraid to attract attention. Sporty sunglasses and gradient lens are among some other styles in vogue. If fashion predictions are anything to go by, geeky eyewear, the oversized sunglasses as well as retro colourful eyewear are all here to stay, only with a little bit of transformation. Safe to say, there's something to catch everyone's fancy and individuality has never been hipper! Time to celebrate your inner diva! __________________________________________ -Ishita Bal, with inputs from Sidharta Aryan, Sara Capela and Roli Gupta. ................................................................................ Email us at response@opticplus.in
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VO2709B
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The
MARKET TALK A lot has been happening in the optical industry lately. One of the hottest topics, even at Optic India 2012, was the formation of the Mumbai Optical Alliance, a group of opticians who seem to have taken it upon themselves to shape the optical industry.
Discount
War
Who’s Killing Whose Business? I
s it right to offer discounts on branded products? Few might agree, others might disagree, while some prefer not to comment. It’s an area where nobody wants to tread - the discount policies of a retail organisation. Here's a little background on the topic. A while ago, a prominent retail chain placed advertisements in the media, where it offered around 25% discount on certain brands of eyewear, and prominently displayed images of the brand's products. Not a big deal, one 56
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would say. Except that some opticians felt that this undermined the 'value proposition' to their customers as the same brands were available at higher prices at their own stores.
This topic has been debated in closed circles, but somehow it never got out in the open. It’s a well known fact that some opticians offer discounts without advertising. This kind of discounting is possible in a single store company, but is usually not offered in a retail chain where the management is more corporate and accountable in nature.
Now the uncomfortable question here was 'who's at fault?' Is it not right to have a discount campaign and advertise accordingly? Should the discount campaign for brands be simultaneous and decided by all retailers? Is the distributor or wholesaler of the brands responsible if retailers decide to provide discounts?
QUITE CONFUSING?
Well, these are the questions that suddenly cropped up in Mumbai recently and nobody had any answers. Due to the advertising
OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
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OPTICPLUS
campaign that offered huge discounts, a group of opticians formed an 'Alliance' called the Mumbai Optical Alliance and deemed five distributors who hold distribution rights for various brands - responsible for the situation. These five distributors, supplied the brands to optical showrooms all across India including the prominent retail chain. The scenario turned ugly when the Alliance said they would boycott these distributors unless they stopped supply to the prominent retail chain. Caught
Discounts that bigger retail chains and departmental stores offer are mainly on sunglasses. In such cases, distributors would not be able to dictate terms to them - and frankly, should not be expected to. in between the Alliance and the retail chain, the distributors were in a Catch22 situation. Everyone had their point of view. The members of the alliance were OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
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disgruntled, the distributors felt they are not responsible for the policies of every retailer and obviously, the retail chain thought that what they were doing was within their rights. 57
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A SETTLEMENT IS REACHED?
The distributors did understand the situation that the optical showrooms were in. Their contention was that this could be settled with a dialogue where everyone involved discusses this amicably. They need not be singled out to bear the brunt. Somehow the situation seemed to have defused when the retail chain accepted the distributors’ argument on behalf of the opticians and officially said that they would not have any discount schemes without prior permission from the brand’s distributor. The retail chain, however, asked the distributors to check on the unofficial discounts that opticians offer without advertising. This, according to them, is bad for the brand and is one of the reasons why they had to officially announce a discount campaign. An interesting point, this and one that needs to be discussed in detail.
The
Discount
War
Who’s Killing Whose Business? The distributors are currently still waiting for some sort of resolution. However this situation has helped them make some headway over another evil - counterfeits and fake eyewear. "We have an agreement with the Alliance that their stores won't carry fake eyewear and they will inform us if there's any attempt to supply these to them. This evil of fakes has to be taken care of immediately. It is more harmful
A prominent member of the Mumbai Optical Alliance underplayed the discount topic and said that the issue was just a trigger. There have been lot of issues waiting to addressed, but nothing was being done about it. OFFERING DISCOUNTS
Nobody seems to be at fault when it comes to their stand. But the actions and the stand taken by a group of opticians has been criticised by some quarters as 'arm twisting of sorts in the optical industry'. Strong words, no doubt. But is there some truth in this? If a retailer decides to provide a discount, shouldn't they have a right to do it and advertise about it?
OPTICPLUS
to the industry than this discount issue," says one of distributor, on condition of anonymity. A prominent member of the Mumbai Optical Alliance underplayed the discount topic and said that the issue was just a trigger. There have been a lot of issues waiting to addressed, but nothing was being done. “Opticians
need to be supported by distributors and that’s all that we are asking. We feel it’s in the interest of the industry to get rid of the fake menace. We are asking all distributors to get together and punish opticians who stock fakes and would be glad if this happened.” The other topic is about the availability of the same brands via a ‘parallel market’ i.e. unauthorised distributors who import the eyewear and sell it to opticians. This is hurting the distributors and they want opticians to support authorised distributors and boycott the unauthorised ones. Each team has their own arguments about who should do what. If the optician feels that the distributor should conduct raids on opticians who stock fakes, the distributors say that the optician should refuse to stock fakes. In the case of parallel goods, if the distributor says that opticians should not purchase from the parallel market, opticians feel that the cost difference in some cases is too high to ignore. And in this argument, reason seems to get lost and decibel power is increasing. Not a very good situation!
If they do it, can the distributor be held responsible? Can one dictate how the distributor or a retailer conducts business? Can one offer discount unofficially but officially proclaim that discounts should be banned? 60
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In an interesting development, during Optic India 2012, according to a member of the Alliance, all distributors, including Safilo and Luxottica, were unanimous that stores should not be allowed to advertise or announce discount on brands. They could have a store sale or discount but the brand should not be advertised as being on sale. Some distributors could not agree to this as they felt that they are in no position to dictate to the larger retail chains about their retailing decisions. “If tomorrow a Shopper’s Stop decides to have a sale and displays our brands, how can I tell them not to. They are too big for me!” A valid argument, one would say.
THE WAY AHEAD
So what’s the way out? Firstly, some calm should prevail and the senior members of the industry should ensure that they speak amongst themselves to sort this matter out. Some members of Mumbai Optical Alliance said that that one way of ensuring some way ahead would be to divide the market into two segments sunglasses and prescription eyewear and discuss each segment separately. Discounts that bigger retail chains and departmental stores offer are mainly on sunglasses. In such cases, the distributors would not be able to dictate terms to them - and frankly, should not be expected to. “In case of prescription eyewear, there could be some discussion which the distributors and opticians could
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The
Discount
OPTICPLUS
War
Who’s Killing Whose Business? work things out. But it looks very unlikely in the sunglasses segment.”, says an optician from Mumbai, who sympathises with the distributors. He goes on to say, “It’s the responsibility of the industry. The younger lot in the trade today feel that by blaming others, they are free from this responsibility. I wish everyone sees reason and understands that what they are doing is actually creating a rift amongst themselves instead of getting and growing together. Another person’s gain is not my loss - that’s how I see it and I welcome more people into the industry - even retail chains. All that
is needed is to follow ethics. It’s like Anna Hazare versus Congress. The enemy is not one another. But in the fight the topic is forgotten and rhetoric is glamourised. I am glad, in a way that the topic has been brought out in the open. But I wish the some sensible decision is reached.” Our point exactly. This debate has just begun. And instead of wishing it away, if the industry openly debates about these topics - although in a sensible manner - it would be better in the long run.
................................................................................ Email us at response@opticplus.in
Some members of Mumbai Optical Alliance said that one way of ensuring some way ahead would be to divide the market into two segments - sunglasses and prescription eyewear - and discuss each segment separately.
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RETAIL TALES
What It Takes
To Attract (The Right) Buyers An aesthetically pleasant shop is a neighbour’s envy and an owner’s pride. But how does one go about designing a shop that will attract customers and will also utilise every square inch of the premises optimally?
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S
ometimes the images of some retail outlets stay with us. Could it be because the interiors were very interesting? Or was it because the display shelves were strategically placed with the intent to make customers shop more? Perhaps the mix of products showcased made a buyer feel that he had a wide variety to choose from. Or it could be the sum total of all these aspects. Whatever the case may be, ultimately every retailer would want their outlet to be the one that gets more than a second look from customers. And one that will tempt them to walk in and browse through the collections on display.
So ideally what elements make up a well-designed optical outlet? We ask Concept-S, a German company that specialises in optical shop designing, to shed more light on this.
THE MAKING OF AN IDEAL OPTICAL OUTLET
An ideal optical shop should offer a complete assortment of products and services to its customers. So, in addition to a sales room, it should have an area for a workshop and another one for checking the customer’s refraction, aside from a showcase area to display the range of correction frames.There should be a special presentation section for sunglasses, sports glasses, contact lenses, low vision and accessories.
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OPTICPLUS entrance of the shop and ideally one where the customer can get a panoramic view of the outlet, so that they can see some of the products on display. The payment counter should be welcoming and functional at all times. Wall display: An optical outlet should have an assortment of display shelves which showcase the various products aptly. The wall displays should also have adequate storage space. Mirrors should be aligned in a way that the customer can check out how their eyewear looks from various angles. Dispensing and service area: This area is of crucial importance as this is where customers will spend most time in the outlet, and hence it should have a very welcoming and comfortable
In addition to a sales room, ideally an optical shop should have an area for a workshop and another one for checking the customer’s refraction, aside from a showcase area to display the range of correction frames. The idea is to meet the different needs of various customers by creating a shop that highlights the different brands available as well as the knowledge and competence of the practising optician. In short, independent of its size and location, a shop should have five zones, each of which have a different requirement: Shop window: This should be representative of what the shop specialises in and should look very inviting. These above aspects can be achieved by using proper decoration and images that go with the shop’s branding strategy. Reception and payment counter: The reception area should be at the
ambience. Knowing these aspects and handling them right is an irreplaceable part of the marketing concept. Sales promotion area: It is highly suggested that a separate product information and marketing area should be designated in the shop, where customers can get the information they need quickly and sometimes without help from the optician.
WORKING TOWARDS A CONCEPT
It is all very good to like a particular outlet and want to re-create it.But according to Kirsten Lind of Concept-S, the retailer should first have an idea about how their outlet should look and then start working towards creating it. OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
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While conceptualising the outlet, the shop owner can rely on the consultations of shop-fitters like Concept-S or they can break their idea into a framework, covering some basic points. The first thing in this step-up will be deliberating and finalising the store’s branding. What is its USP? Will it be a boutique eyewear outlet or one which sells the mass brands? Does it want to attract a selective elite crowd or concentrate more on walk-in customers? Once this has been determined, it is easier to create an outlet that will project this uniqueness to customers. For instance, a boutique outlet will be a lot more spacious, usually with mood lighting, and will have to set up its display keeping the branding of the key eyewear brands in mind as well. Once this branding is decided, a checklist can then be created on how to go about achieving the right image for the outlet with the right kind of planning. At this time, the shop owner can work either with a shop fitting consultant or an architect-cuminterior designer. The latter will consult them on the overlay of the outlet, bearing in mind essentials such as power supply, storage needs, water supply and other utilities. The shop owner can then ask for floor plans, 3-D view of the outlet from various angles, the layout of various amenities, followed by a cost overview.
EASY-TO-CREATE OPTIONS
According to Kirsten, it is possible to create an aesthetically appealing optical outlet using easy-to-create innovative merchandise presentation options with harmonious designs, if one keeps in mind some basic design rules. For starters, the mass of displayed frames should be divided into different groups that can be segmented 67
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OPTICPLUS
according to brands or buyer segments. For example, the sections for men, women and children eyewear can be kept distinct. Alternately each of these sections can then have prescription and sunwear within them, but grouped separately. The next thing to bear in mind is that exclusive brands should be presented in a special way, using eye-catching cabinets or display racks. They should be designated a more exclusive surrounding, as compared to other modestly-priced frames. The interiors of the shop should be designed in a way that it should create an immediate impression about the target group it wants to address as well as the price level of the product range.
While planning the design of their outlet, retailers should ensure that it entails a combination of functional but efficient utilisation of the space at their disposal, along with concepts like right use of colours, overall ambience, convenience and service. Since the shop window is the first visual point for customers, it should have some decoration which can be seen from a distance. This should be eye-catching and as seasonal as is possible, so that people passing by are attracted by it and feel interested in entering the shop. In most cases, the optical outlet might have limited space at its disposal. But there are always functional solutions, which look good as well. Some easy tricks to use limited space optimally are to directly combine the storage space with the presentation area. For instance, the optician can use with rotatable displays with storage, which can be pulled out from the sides. Similarly, the consultation tables and desks can be built smaller, with compartments. This will ensure that it is functional and comfortable as well. 70
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MERGING GLAMOUR AND FUNCTION
Can glamour and function be merged in an optical outlet? According to Kirsten, it can definitely be. “A shop is the most important marketing tool for an optician. It’s like a packaging for his product – eyewear frames and glasses. Therefore, we have the principle of an upgrade: the better the packaging, the higher is the estimated value of the products within,” she adds. Materials and colours are very important when it comes to creating the right ambience in a room. By using specials materials, the products presented look even more attractive. When the company consults with optical outlets about communicating the concept for their outlets, Concept-S usually creates a mood board, which means a collage of different pictures and emotional images. These
should evoke the intended response from the customer. For example, flamboyant colours like red, orange and purple can be used to showcase trendy women’s sunglasses. Similarly, muted browns and steely greys will give a touch of classiness, if the outlet promotes exclusive and premium optical frames. To create professional decoration with minimal investment, the use of modular systems is a good idea. Even partial renovation of some areas like the shop window or the wall display creates a new look without the need of a complete renovation. While planning the design of their outlet, retailers should ensure that it entails a combination of functional but efficient utilisation of the space at their disposal, along with concepts like right use of colours, overall ambience, convenience and service. Ultimately, the general look and feel of the store should be tailored to attract the target customer and fulfil their needs. ................................................................................ Email us at response@opticplus.in
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PERSPECTIVE
Innovation is more visible today and discussed openly by innovators, users, competitors and almost everyone. It’s no surprise that eyewear, and the optical industry, too has seen a lot happening lately. Kajal Sanghrajka shares her perspective on the recent innovations in this domain.
Eye-nnovation In A
pretty well known guy by the name of Steve Jobs said that ‘Innovation distinguishes a leader from a follower’ and in the technology world, few could argue that Apple was the master of innovation. So what about the eyewear world? We commonly associate innovation with technology and in the product landscape, particularly eyewear, the association may not be as direct and transparent. But around the world, innovators are experimenting with new ways for wearers to experience eyewear – either through fashion concepts or advances in science. This issue, we bring you eyewear innovations from the sophisticated to the scientific to the simply bizarre.
DEDICATED TO INNOVATION
A brand that is often said to be ‘innovative’ is Oakley. It is easy to see why from their website - they have a full section dedicated to the history of innovation. Take the following quote as a perfect illustration [regarding their founder Jim Jannard]: “Jim used innovations from his previous inventions to create Eyeshades, a design that began an evolution of eyewear from generic accessory to vital equipment.” 74
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Sports eyewear has led a remarkable revolution, much of its thanks to Oakley’s science and creativity. Many of their innovations are engineered for professional athletes and are made for every sport, light condition and style. Several of their products' features focus on advance lens technology and impact resistant frames, which offer maximum durability. Referring back to the Jobs' quote, in the field of sportswear, Oakley is a true leader through innovation.
KEEPING THE CUSTOMERS HAPPY
On the development of lens technology however, there are numerous other companies experimenting in the field to improve the experience for customers. Pixel Optics, for example, is providing a new range of emPower lenses with an invisible layer of crystals that instantly adjusts and provides one with near-focus zone. Described as ‘life activated’, the glasses have an automatic mode so that nearfocus turns off and on in response to up and down head movements.The
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OPTICPLUS transparent LCD panel.” This sounds incredibly complicated, so it must be smart? In simple terms they are a pair of glasses that show full colour video images – so this probably fits into the ‘nice to have if you have the money to spend on it’ category.
Eyewear solves a true pain point or there is an experiential ‘fun’ element to it.
GADGETS AND MORE
Eyewear gadgetery certainly fits into this category. Some companies are taking the intersection between eyewear and technology to a whole
downside of course is that it needs to be recharged, but Pixel claims that a single charge will last 2-3 days with their portable charger. Is this easier than just having a pair of bifocals? Well, traditional bifocal lenses have dividing lines and areas of visual distortion – emPower lenses don’t. However, it remains to be seen how much of a ‘pain point’ this really is and whether people are bothered by it enough to adopt this product. As with many innovations, over-complexity can often turn people off, unless it
Innovators are experimenting with new ways for wearers to experience eyewear – either through fashion concepts or advances in science. new level. They are incorporating all types of gadgets so that eyewear becomes a multi-functional, multitasking product. Take for example the Sony Video glasses released last year, which is described as “glasses that use a proprietary holographic waveguide and an optical engine made up of a LED light source and a OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
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Perhaps more compelling in the eyewear gadget category are spy glasses. For aspiring James Bonds out there – imagine having a pair of glasses that records what you see all day. Well there's no need to imagine anymore – for $1000 you can buy the ultimate spy glass that has 32MB internal memory and records everything in full colour – just as you see it. There is also built-in audio, so no need to carry a separate video camera anywhere! Lab Chic is yet another company that offers something a little simpler and more subtle – maybe catering to stalkers rather than James Bond wanna-bes. The glasses have a hidden camera linked to a small camera hidden inside the wearer’s coat. It’s the kind of invention that could give you every reason to be paranoid when you see someone wearing a pair of glasses! The ‘tech-fashion’ concept isn’t restricted to smaller, lesser known companies. Designer brands have also had their foray into the gadget universe. Take Calvin Klein’s USB eyewear features. The special sunglasses come with a 4 GB USB drive on the arms of the shades - just slide off and plug in. The detachable arm isn’t too revealing, but it’s hard to imagine anyone really wanting to wear a USB stick all day.
THE CHARITABLE SIDE OF INNOVATION
While eyewear gadgets are fun – there is a more potent and serious side to innovation in eyewear. Many are beginning to pioneer and create eyewear to help the visually impaired in the developed and developing world. For people with visual disabilities, like glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy, 75
2/16/2012 2:15:24 PM
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7KH 6FLHQFH RI &RPIRUWTM References: 1. Andrasko G, Ryen K. Corneal staining and comfort observed with traditional and silicone hydrogel lenses and multipurpose solution combinations. Optometry, 2008; 79(8); 444-454. 2. Schachet J, Zigler L, Wakabayashi D, Cohen S. Clinical assessment of a new multi-purpose disinfecting solution in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. Poster presented at: AAO; December 2006; Denver, Co. 3. Data on file. Alcon Laboratories, Inc. 4. Survey of 305 Optometrists, Harris Interactive8, May 2008.
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OPTICPLUS
vision loss is a painful fact of life. The Eyetonomy SightMate, however, claims to have the answer to helping people with such visual impairments. These glasses help to improve peripheral vision through a combination of edge detection, colour correction and optical zoom. The aesthetics and the price ($3499) are a difficult sell, but nevertheless it is a positive stepping
As with many innovations, overcomplexity can often turn people off, unless it solves a true pain point or there is an experiential ‘fun’ element to it. stone to help the unfortunately rapidly growing proportion of adults with diabetes. Another pioneer helping to literally ‘give sight’ to the world’s poorest is Josh Strickland. A physicist by education, since 1985 he has been working on the problem of too many people needing glasses in the developing world, and too few optometrists. His solution is glasses with DIY adjustment. The user simply puts on the glasses and turns a knob on each lens until he or she sees clearly. Then the adjustment is locked in using a screwdriver. Although still in its pilot phase, if this works and becomes accessible to the poor, the impact could be revolutionary. About 30,000 are currently in use in pilot programs and the aim is to have 1 billion in circulation by 2020.
FASHION WITH A CONSCIENCE In the final category of fashion innovation – we focused on those who are combining fashion with ecofriendliness and sustainability and are leading the way in responsible production. Gold & Wood sunglasses are probably one of the best examples. Sustainable and almost 100% 78
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biodegradable, the brand's Star model is crafted entirely out of all-natural products—namely wood from different African countries as well as Brazil and Canada. Other models from Gold & Wood use genuine buffalo horn, but the animal isn’t hurt. Although the glasses carry a higher price tag because they go through a 20 step production process, given their success it proves that people are willing to pay high premiums for products with a conscience. We couldn’t leave the fashion category without a mention of some of our favourite eyewear fashion innovations. If you thought flat pack furniture was just reserved for Ikea – think again. Guillaume Bordas, a Hong Kong-based designer, has come up with a ‘build your own eyewear’ design. The glasses are designed to be produced and constructed like a model car kit. You twist the injection-molded parts from their plastic frame, smooth the edges and ‘flash’ with a light sanding, and assemble the glasses using the step-by-step instructions. The
end product is surprisingly stylish with tortoise-shell modern rectangular frames. Another one that caught our eye was colour changing eyewear by RGB Rainbow glasses. These let their wearer fill them with different coloured water-based ink to change the frame colour to coordinate with their outfit. Luis Porem created them as an entry for the Opus Design Award, an international eyewear design competition. While the ‘flask like’ design may not be the easiest to use it still shows genuine creativity in coordinating eyewear with a wearer's overall attire. From frames with USB sticks to spy cameras to improving vision for diabetes patients – the eyewear world is brimming with new ideas and there are abundant opportunities to succeed in the market, if you are willing to take the risks and lead through innovation. __________________________________ - Kajal Sanghrajka, Founder and CEO, Retrospective, New York www.retrospectivenyc.com ................................................................................ Email us at response@opticplus.in
OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
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INSIGHT
As more users enter the tablet arena to stay connected, here is a look at how optical companies, eye care professionals and eyewear brands can cash in on the iPad phenomenon to interact better with their audiences.
App It Up!
T
echnology first created arm-chair shopping with virtual malls, and with the new phase of mobile computing devices, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for virtual buying to move on as well. More buyers are trying to seal the deal and are buying things on the go, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for the optical industry to cash in on this growing trend too. Sleek tablets like the iPad have become more than just a style-statement; they are more like a trendy way of life. Having said that, here are a few innovations that have helped brands and opticians leverage their market share by targeting buyers on the move.
DEVICE DEPENDENCE FOR SPECIALISTS
While there are apps like the Eye Glasses by Freeverse, Inc. or the iGlasses on Demand by ISEE LLC 82
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that work as stand in glasses by converting the phone camera into magnifiers, there are apps that can help optometrists too. For instance, Opticalc Contact Lens Calculator by Optical Directions Consulting can help doctors calculate ocular refraction corrected for vertex distance with just the refraction and vertex distance. Apps like LensGauge
by 1-800 CONTACTS, Inc. lets the wearer know how long they have been wearing a pair of lenses and when they need to be changed. EyeXam by Global EyeVentures, LLC on the other hand has been developed by a team of two doctors and it lets a user evaluate their vision before getting an opinion from a specialist. Another professional only app is the EyeDispense for iPad2
OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
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OPTICPLUS
on the emailed face and your buyer can make a well informed buying decision. While this approach is effective, it can get cumbersome and defeats the purpose of 'real-time shopping in a jiffy'. To overcome this kind of an issue, there is an extremely popular app called EyeTrends. The app allows a user to 'try on' and browse from a number of brands and size options. The app also helps the buyer to locate the selected frame and that too, with a discount.
COMFORT BEFORE VANITY, KNOWLEDGE BEFORE STYLE
APPS WITH PURPOSE by EyeDispense.com. This app helps clients pick new eyeglasses without their optical correction. Another interesting dispensing tool for lens users is the Optical Dispensing Assistant by Park House Systems. The app targets cosmetic lens users and helps determine how lens thickness will help provide better comfort for the wearer.
Here are a few apps that will give you a general drift of how you can use the iPad to your advantage. Starting off our list is a service called mobiSHADES. Here, the buyer sends a picture from any camera-enabled device (not just the iPad) and sends the picture to Shades@agm.tw. The user is then redirected to the apps website where users can pick the shades of their choice. Once done, Mobius image recognition software puts the glares OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
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Providing a stylish pair of glasses isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only priority towards the client; one needs to educate them about the sensitive nature of eye care as well. And all the brands in the industry seem to have their heart in the right place. In fact, sometime back Vision Expo West saw Israel-based Shamir Insights come out with an app that goes beyond the conventional sales tools to help sell eye-care products. If your end user picks lenses over glasses, the ESSILOR app gives lens wearers a firsthand experience of trying different presbyopia, no glare and polarized lenses. 83
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Associated brand Transitions that specialises is glare and polarized lenses also tries to educate users about the UV index which can help them protect their eyes better. Although the app deals with the difference between regular lenses and photochromic ones, it is a better practice to figure out the practical implications of such elements in flesh and blood. However, the 3D film goes a long way in helping make an informed buying choice. Bausch + Lomb was potentially the first eye care brand to hit the iPad bandwagon. They started a pilot project as early as 2007 to educate their sales staff about how to use it as a potential sales tool. Apart from educating people about eye care, travelling tips and demonstrations also informs buyers about coupons and promotions and assists them as they shop for fresh lenses. It has also created an app, Eye Health, dedicated to keeping a user’s eyes healthy, whether they wear contact lenses, glasses, or have no vision correction at all.
GEN NEXT TECH
Augmented reality (a live, direct or indirect, view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented by computer-generated sensory) is all the rage right now, and the eye care industry is not left behind. The Silhouette iMirror by Netural Communication is one such app. The app turns the buyers’ camera into a mirror, and when they try out a pair of Silhoutte shades, it’s like wearing them real time. Users can then pick up the frames they like from the brand. If your buyers are brand loyalists and extremely selective of brands, they would prefer going to flagship brand apps instead. And they won’t be disappointed, as there are several big names in the market that have taken to it already. Gifting eyewear is made easy with the Sunglass Couture app where one can select a friend’s photo from the photo library on the iPad and virtually try on 50 of the more popular sunglasses and then choose which one to buy. 84
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Popular Optical iPad Apps
OPTICPLUS
EYE GLASSES
by Freeverse, Inc. - Iphone App - $ 2.99 Rating - ***
IGLASSES ON DEMAND by ISEE LLC - Iphone App - $ 0.99 Rating - **
OPTICALC CONTACT LENS CALCULATOR
OPTICAL DISPENSING ASSISTANT
LENSGAUGE
EYETRENDS
EYEXAM
SILHOUETTE IMIRROR
by Optical Directions Consulting - Iphone App - $ 3.99 Rating - **** by 1-800 CONTACTS, Inc. - Iphone App - FREE Rating - **** by Global EyeVentures, - Ipad & Iphone App - FREE Rating - ****
by Park House Systems - Iphone App - $ 0.99 Rating - ****
by Johnson Medical Information - Ipad App - FREE Rating - **** by Netural Communication - Ipad & Iphone App - FREE Rating - ***
Netherlands-based brand Brilmax has an app named iWear that lets users try on their entire range of eyewear and place online orders directly. Apps like these tend to be more interactive with, and interesting for, customers. It gives them a better buying experience of having tried out a product and seeing if it suits their face, as compared to randomly sifting through various eyewear models online before making their purchase decision.
Frames and iShades Lite. Brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Dunhill tend to put up their entire range of products through their apps.
Some other apps which have similar formats include iSun, Spex, My New
................................................................................
Considering how the industry has moved ahead to embrace newer technology platforms to reach their target audiences with more flare, it’s time to see how you can make a paradigm shift in your marketing strategies. Now is the time to start something new! Email us at response@opticplus.in
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MANAGEMENT MATTERS
Family Business Management
How To Beat The Odds?! Most businesses in India, including those in the optical industry, are family owned. Do the same rules of corporate management apply to family businesses as well? Should they be handled differently? Read on to discover a whole lot more about family business management. 88
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O
ptical business in India by and large is considered (and continues) to be family business by default. If there is some deviation seen recently, it is by the coming in of a few corporates in the form of optical retail chains across the country. However, even these chains are formed by companies who began as family businesses and those companies are, in fact, considered to be amongst the most valued ones in the world today, for e.g. Tata and Reliance.
There has been a lot of corporatisation in these companies and today they have grown beyond the scope of
what this article is for. However, whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interesting is how some businesses with the right guidance and direction can, over a period of time, reach unimaginable success while some continue to have relative growth and yet others seem to stagnate. So what defines and decides the growth of a family business? Normally, at the root of a family business is one's desire for freedom and need to earn a livelihood, for oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family and for oneself. At that point, their feeling is that of 'my business' and 'my company'. Only when the family feels that the business is helping
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OPTICPLUS The chart below is based on the life expectancy of 200 successful manufacturers, from 1924 to 1984 Percentage No Longer Surviving
80%
Of the 80% of the companies that no longer survived:
33% ceased 0 to 29 years old 35% ceased 35 to 59 years old 16% ceased 60 to 89 years old 16% ceased 90 years old and over
Percentage Of Same Name Still Surviving As Independent Companies.
20%
Of these 20% surviving companies:
5% were sold to outsiders 2% went public and were no longer controlled by founding family 13% are still owned by same family as in 1924 Of the 13% still owned by the same family: 3% grew significantly 3% did not grow 7% declined Note: Each business studied has 20 or more employees and was at least five years old in 1924. Businesses that are said to have grown increased employment by more than 10% from 1924 to 1984. Businesses that are said to have declined had decreased employment by more than 10% from 1924 to 1984. Growth was measured by change in employment over 60 years by more or less than 10% of 1924 levels.
in improving their livelihood that the involvement of other members takes place and eventually the business grows as a family business. The continuation of such a business happens only when the owner has the desire to pass it on to the next generation and provide them the opportunity to have freedom in -and control over - their future. Other important factors include personal growth, creativity and the need to build a tradition and name for oneself. The incentives of continuing a family business is the opportunity to work together, strengthen family bonds,
have more family time together and also generation of wealth. However, it’s a known fact that businesses - family or otherwise - find it tough to last for a long time. The chart above will give you an idea of how family businesses fare on a global scale. A large percentage of companies get sold or acquired or see their sales decline significantly over a few decades and the reasons for this are many. Businesses adapt, markets and technologies change, suppliers and customers alter the rules of the game and competitors quickly copy successful strategies. Any of these OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
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changes generally hit most companies hard, followed by a steep decline in their sales and profits. And sometimes an outside buyer, in order to buy out a company, is simply willing to pay more than its worth and owners, unable to resist the premium, sell out. There are other challenges in a family business. Generally, family businesses are small private firms that lack the financial capabilities or staff skills of larger concerns. So in some cases, with larger competition suddenly appearing, suppliers find the existing companies ‘too small’ to deal with and force them to sell out. It’s pretty 89
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OPTICPLUS requires them to change and adapt as the business grows. Usually, the business model that brought success in the initial years has to be reformulated in the interest of the business. But this is generally seen with a certain level of scepticism by members who don’t share a long-term vision, causing a hindrance in planning.
obvious that this status of being a small or private company tends to become unsupportable at some point for many businesses. There are other more common issues among the family itself that could pose as stumbling blocks. The family’s dependence and its financial demands tempt owners to harvest the companies profits rather than re-invest them in additional growth. Sibling rivalries, emotions like pride and jealousy - these are all tough issues to handle in a family business. Often, they abandon the business in order to maintain peace and order in the family. So it’s clear that many family businesses lack a clear conceptual framework for their future and they also lack some of the modern analytical tools that might allow them to overcome expected challenges both on the business as well as the family front. It might seem obvious but what they lack is a plan - the most critical tool. This crucial requirement is often ignored and due to this, problems arise as the business matures and 92
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Planning, more often, is a motivational factor as it involves all the members of the family to be active and stay performancedriven.
Owners also tend to reject planning due to consequences of exposing themselves to uncomfortable issues like parents and offsprings having to consider the prospects of succession, the decision to involve key people from outside the family in higher decisionmaking positions, and the possibility of the paid advisers offending the desires of the owners with their analysis, which may not be in line with that of the owners. Planning, more often than not, is a motivational factor as it requires all members of the family to be active and stay performance-driven. This is contrary to the average belief among owners that everyone need not know everything in the business.
the family’s financial demands grow. It is planning that enables the family to respond to change and provide more stable options to grow. It also gives scope for better understanding in the family.
Change is essential to growth, planning makes it even easier to anticipate hurdles that may come in the way of the business and implement required changes in the strategical aspects. It also enables the organisation to make optimal use of valuable resources.
Ironically, the planning part is something that many an owner will resist, if suggested, because for them the business they started was based more on their instinctive skill than anything else. So they would not want any constraint in terms of planning, especially one that would come in their way and impose on the instinctive direction that they consider to be a better and more practical method than any planned or academically tried one.
This planning process may require considerable amount of labour, but case studies on successful families confirm the critical importance of this process. This aspect, therefore, should be considered as any integral part of business as good management or performance and budget reviews. In the next article we will discuss the values of planning and how to approach it. __________________________________
Resistance to any change is normal human behaviour, and most family businesses avoid planning as it
- OpticPlus Bureau, with inputs from ‘Keeping The Family Business Healthy’ by John L. Ward
................................................................................ Email us at response@opticplus.in
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HAPPENINGS Varun Bahl checking the frames
Lindberg Eyewear
Socialites Amol Vadehra, Karan Aneja and Gaurav Raina
Lindberg's Global Communication Manager, Christina Sunn Pedersen (extreme left) with some guests
Enthralls New Delhi The capital city was in for a fashion treat when the Danish brand Lindberg Eyewear showcased its exclusive collection in India on 7th and 8th December, 2011.
W
hen Lindberg Eyewear decided to showcase its exclusive collection in New Delhi to members of the press and the swish set, it decided to spread it across two days at two different venues. On 7th December, the brand held its first Indian seminar at Hotel Imperial where the Lindberg delegation was seen welcoming all its partners and media people to the event. Gunter Wächtler, the company’s Area Sales Manager hosted this seminar. Members of the audience got a chance to see the entire collection, including the newly launched Horn optical frame, which combines buffalo horn frame and titanium temples, as well as the teen frames in the 1000 acetanium collection and three star collection of rimless eyewear for men.
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Peter Warrer of Lindberg, fashionista Divya Gurwara with Freddy Svane, Ambassador of Denmark to India
A SELECT SOIREE
On the following evening, select partners of Lindberg in India, a few media people and some socialites were invited to a cocktail soiree which was at the home of Freddy Svane, the Ambassador of Denmark. Some of the well-known guests at this gathering included fashion designers Gauri and Nainika Karan and Varun Bahl; fashionistas Divya Gurwara and Nandita Basu; photographer Anushka Menon; musician Gaurav Raina; socialites like Ramola Bachchan. Many of them were seen checking out the exhibition of the lightweight gold frames encrusted with pink diamonds. Henrik Lindberg, CEO of Lindberg, took great pride in displaying the highlight of the collection, the ‘Eye’ model. It is a precious frame with two exclusive pink diamonds surrounded
by white diamonds and comes at a retail price of over £110,000! Talking about the brand, Lindberg said, “From the start, our passion has always been to give our customers a sense of design, comfort and individuality in Lindberg Eyewear. Original design solutions and real craftsmanship allows our customers to have that strong feeling of individuality that so many are looking for - a fine alternative to today’s mass market.” The grand finale of the event was a fashion show where sashaying models made quite an entrance sporting Lindberg’s precious frames. The Danish Ambassador thanked everyone for participating in the event and spoke about his belief that there lay great opportunities for Danish lifestyle companies to mark their presence in the India market. _________________________________.
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OPTICPLUS
The Vision Rx team at the new lab in Ahmedabad
Vision Rx Lab
Surajit Sarkar of ABI Optics in Kolkata won the Tata Nano in the East zone
Vision Rx Lab organised a series of seminars, to spread awareness about the latest brands they added to their portfolio, in Guwahati, Ludhiana, Chennai and Ahmedabad. It also inaugurated its new facilities in Guwahati and Ahmedabad.
Gautam Ghosh of Friends Optics, Guwahati, won the LCD TV
Organises Seminar Series Across India
K
olkata-based Vision Rx Lab conducted a series of seminars pan-India, in November 2011. Held at Guwahati, Ludhiana, Chennai and Ahmedabad, this event was aimed at increasing awareness about the new additions to the company’s portfolio, Shamir and SunLite. The seminar in Guwahati coincided with the inauguration of the new Vision Rx Lab in the city. BK Mundhra of Chasmaghar in Guwahati inaugurated the facility on 5th November, 2011. Similarly, the Vision Rx Lab at Ahmedabad was inaugurated on 26th November, 2011. Jayanti Bhai Patel of Chasmaghar inaugurated the lab while Anup Kumar of R Kumar & Sons inaugurated the company’s office, customer support centre in the same building.
KEEPING IT INTERACTIVE
The first event in the seminar began on 6th November at Hotel Vishwaratna in Guwahati. Followed by seminars held at Hotel Fortune Klassik in Ludhiana on 20th November; Hotel GRT Grand in Chennai on 24th November; and Hotel Le Meridian in Ahmedabad on 27th November. Shaik Faheemuddin, Professional Services Manager of Vision Rx Lab, was present at each of these seminars educating participants about the new range of products
THE LUCKY WINNERS
EAST Tata Nano: Surajit Sarkar, ABI Optics, Kolkata Samsung LCD TV: Gautam Ghosh, Friends Optics, Guwahati DVD Player: Dinesh Binani, Ujala Optics, Kolkata Apple iPod: Sarat Binani, The Himalaya Optical Company, Kolkata NORTH Tata Nano: Rajiv Sethi, Bonton Inner Circle, New Delhi Samsung LCD TV: Ajit Pal Singh, Karla Optical House, Ludhiana DVD Player: Deepak Kataria, World of Optical, New Delhi Apple iPod: Gurpreet Singh Kapoor, Xpert Opticians, New Delhi SOUTH Tata Nano: Arumugam, Purple Optics, Chennai Samsung LCD TV: Apparao, ASR Opticians, Hyderabad DVD Player: Dr Nirmal Fredric, Regina Optics, Chennai Apple iPod: VV Ramanarao, Suprabha Optics, Hyderabad WEST Tata Nano: Anup R Kumar, R Kumar, Ahmedabad Samsung LCD TV: Umesh Mayekar, Leo Enterprise, Mumbai DVD Player: Gerard Lobo, Gerard, Mumbai
from Shamir Optical Industry, followed by sessions on Nova Progressive lenses and basics in lens dispensing. The SunLite Bumper Lucky Draw that was held at the end of each event and the lucky winners won Tata Nano cars, Samsung LCD TV, DVD players and Apple iPod music players. With the right mix of entertainment and information, Vision Rx Lab’s seminar series were quite a success with the participants. _________________________________________________________________ - OpticPlus Bureau ...........................................................................................................................
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EVENTS WHERE:
2012 started on a good note for the 450 exhibitors and 23,000 visitors from the optical industry who participated in opti ’12 in Munich.
H
eld at Munich, from 13th to 15th January 2012, opti ’12 has received favourable feedback from the 450 exhibitors from 27 countries who were housed in four exhibition halls. Even the 23,000 visitors to this threeday trade fair displayed an upbeat mood, and exhibitors saw their order books filling up fast. According to a survey conducted by the GHM Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen mbH, the organiser for opti, overall the exhibitors were pleased with the number of orders this year, which was higher than last year. Also, they were happy about the increasing interest from overseas opticians in their products. Almost 90% of the trade visitors that were surveyed rated the event as ‘good to very good’. The survey also revealed that visitors were particularly pleased with the wide range on display at the fair. Of special interest this year were the sections on frames, optical lenses and contact lenses. "With new exhibitors and designers from Germany and abroad – including ones from Japan and the US – opti has underlined its fashion and design competence and broadened its
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Munich WHEN:
Jan 13-15, 2012
Optics Sector Celebrates The Start Of 2012 With opti ’12 international coverage," said Dieter Dohr, CEO and President, GHM Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen mbH. Visitors were also delighted and 84.3% of them described the international coverage of the fair as ‘good to excellent’.
POSITIVE FEEDBACK
Optimus, a relaxing get-together in Hofbräuhaus, a famous beer hall located right in the heart of Munich, was very much appreciated by exhibitors and visitors, alike. Here, they had an opportunity to engage in informal conversations outside the exhibition halls. Talking about this, Thomas Truckenbrod, President of Zentralverband der Augenoptiker (ZVA), said, "optimus lived up to the promise of its name. It was an optimum evening and a real highlight in the organisation of opti ’12." He added that ZVA’s stand was always busy and the company was able to feel the optimism of their colleagues for 2012.
Also positive in his comments about the fair was Josef May, Chairman of the Sector Association SPECTARIS. "Business was good, the atmosphere was again superb, the organisational side was uncomplicated and there was a further increase in the number of visitors from abroad this time. After the tough times in the second half of 2011, we are now thankfully entering the new year on a positive note with opti ’12," he stated. Opinions about the economic situation remained unchanged. According to the survey by the organisers, the trade visitors are optimistically looking forward to the future. With this positive feedback, the organisers now plan to make the next opti, which takes place in Munich from 25th to 27th January, 2013, an even better affair. ___________________________________________
OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
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OPTICPLUS WHERE:
Milan WHEN:
Mar 11-13, 2012
2012
Capturing Attention Already, As Always
The 42nd Mido trade fair will be held in March 2012 and by the looks of it, the event will be as successful as ever.
F
rom 11th to 13th March, 2012, Mido will once again present to the world the latest trends in eyewear fashion. This international trade fair on all things related to optics, optometry and ophthalmology, attracts people from optical businesses across the world, as it witnesses the participation of major companies from the international eyewear industry. Incidentally, this year, the show will start on a Sunday and end on Tuesday,
moving away from its traditional Friday to Sunday scheduling. The change comes following feedback collected at last year’s event, which showed that many delegates and exhibitors prefer two weekdays, according to Cirillo Marcolin, the newly elected President of Mido.
EXHIBITION SERVICES
To ensure that exhibitors and visitors have instant access to any information that they require about the event at the venue, the committee has set up infopoints throughout the halls where Mido’s staff will answer their queries. This is in addition to the numerous touchscreen computers that can be used freely by visitors to plan their visit across various exhibition booths. A web point has also been set up to give visitors free access to surf the internet or check a personal mailbox – a service offered by Expopage. OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
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The new exhibition centre will also include bank ATMs as well as a pharmacy. For over 15 years, Mido has been offering an anti-counterfeiting service during the exhibition, which protects exhibitors and informs them about their industrial patent rights. “We plan to continue this service for 2012 too and will collaborate with the Centro Studi Anticontraffazione to publish a guide on the fundamental principles of Intellectual Property,” said Astrid Galimberti, General Director of Mido. 42,000 visitors participated in Mido 2011, which was an increase of 3% over the previous year’s footfall. This time around, the organisers are confident that a lot more people will be keen to participate in the event, which is amongst the two most famous international trade fairs in the industry. ................................................................................ Email us at response@opticplus.in 101
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Daily and monthly disposable contact lenses are regarded as a safer and more hygienic option as opposed to their conventional counterparts that need to be changed annually. We asked contact lens manufacturers, eye care practitioners and opticians whether they have seen an increasing shift in the customer buying pattern and this is what they had to say...
JUST ONE QUESTION
“Are more customers shifting to daily and monthly disposable contact lenses?” Nilesh Thite
Former Professional Services Manager, Bausch + Lomb, India
D
efinitely, there is a prominent shift to monthly and daily disposable lenses. Prudent practitioners have started educating their customers about the importance of health, hygiene and convenience. Also, there’s very minimal price difference if one compares monthly disposable lenses with the yearly one, so customers are more willing to make the transition. ____________________________________________________
Prema Chande
Principal, Lotus College of Optometry, Mumbai
Yes, lot of people are shifting to daily and monthly contact lenses. There are multiple reasons behind this shift. But most importantly buyers today are more healthconscious and they understand the benefits of using daily and monthly contact lenses. Besides health benefits, daily disposable lenses offer an element of convenience, 104
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which is an important aspect for people with a busy lifestyle. Also, these lenses are increasingly affordable, the reason why more people are opting for it. ____________________________________________________
Wajid Khan
Lenses Centre, Hyderabad
Customers are moving to daily and monthly disposable lenses largely due to the awareness created by contact lens companies. Also, the price difference between monthly disposable lenses and conventional ones is very low. Monthly disposable lenses tend to sell more as they are more affordable compared to daily disposable lens. Another aspect to the shift is the hygiene factor. Daily and monthly disposable lenses are more hygienic as you wear a fresh lens daily or monthly. They are richer in oxygen and prevent the eyes from drying, another reason why buyers prefer them over conventional lenses. ____________________________________________________
Chandrani Datta
Optometrist, GKB Lens, Kolkata
Yes, customers are shifting from conventional lenses to daily and monthly disposable lenses. Keeping the cost factor in mind, this shift is gradual. Customers using conventional
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OPTICPLUS to maintain and clean religiously for an entire year. They can also be worn for longer hours. Tourists prefer daily disposables while local buyers in Goa opt for monthly disposables because of the cost factor. ____________________________________________________
Niraj Binani
Himalaya Optics, Kolkata
There is a major shift from the conventional contact lenses to daily and monthly disposables. In fact, the sale of conventional soft lenses at my store has gone down. Many of my customers have a hectic lifestyle and spend long hours in front of the computer which dries their eyes and lenses. The monthly disposables have higher oxygen content, so they are more comfortable in these situations. At the moment though, daily disposables are not selling in big numbers because they are comparatively expensive. ____________________________________________________
Aditi Moghe
lenses are first introduced to monthly or bi-weekly disposables for a regular use and then occasionally to daily disposable lenses (especially for special occasions like holidays or marriages). As an eye care provider, we don’t promote conventional lenses because they have a higher incidence of complications. We advise patients to opt for monthly and daily disposable contact lenses, keeping their lifestyle in mind. ____________________________________________________
Assistant Lecturer, School of Optometry, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University Medical College, Pune
Looking at the active and busy lifestyle of today’s generation, buyers want to wear contact lenses for a longer duration. They also don’t have the time to devote to the maintenance of these lenses. This aside, they are very health conscious and are aware of the various visual problems they can suffer from if they do not use contact lenses appropriately. So, they prefer monthly disposable lenses over conventional lenses. ____________________________________________________
Rajesh Wadhwa
Godwin Reveredo Optica Opticians, Goa
Yes, there has been a prominent shift. The cost of daily and monthly disposable lens has reduced over time making them more affordable. The other advantage of these lenses is that buyers always have a spare one with them in case they lose or tear one. Also, the risk of infections is minimal with daily and monthly disposables because they are frequently replaced as opposed to a conventional pair that you have
Wadhwa Optikos, New Delhi
There has been a transition from conventional lenses to daily and monthly disposable contact lenses as they are more hygienic, convenient to use and easier to maintain. Also, if the lens gets damaged due to improper use, customers can replace the daily and monthly disposable more conveniently and this is a huge factor in the shift. ...........................................................................................................................
OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
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OPTICMAN
Specialised education, especially in optometry, will be a key differentiator for the next generation of opticians in the long run. Strangely, though, optometry as a career choice is not promoted aggressively in the country.
T
here is a trend in the optical industry where opticians are now increasingly inclined to give better education to their children, as compared to what they themselves received. They have realised that in contemporary times, it is important that their children have formal and specialised education, as opposed to what the earlier generations might have had access to. Look around and you will discover that there is a greater degree of awareness of the need for good optometric knowledge than ever before. There is a well known optical retail chain in South India, which was started by a dyed-inthe-wool trader. His son and business heir had a semblance of education. Today, the third-generation of this family is a well-qualified optometrist.
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Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Take Optometry Education Seriously! Another national chain of opticians has within their family members an optometrist of repute who graduated from the United Kingdom. And these are not stray instances. There are many examples of opticians in India who have either sent, or are planning to send, their children overseas to study optometry.
A GOOD SHIFT IN ATTITUDE
You will find many examples in several parts of India where children of opticians are pursuing better education - especially in optometry
or management. In fact, if the optician has two children, then it is not a surprise to find one trained in optometry, while the other is educated in management. It is heartening that opticians are no longer ignoring education in specialised faculties. They understand very clearly that this alone will be the key to success in the competitive times ahead. It will give them the muchneeded edge over others in this overcrowded business.
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OPTICPLUS offering them scholarships. There are additional prospects of getting opportunities for further studies at the Masters or PhD levels with fully paid scholarships too. Even job placements are so much easier for the students from such institutes. One of the many drawbacks of sending the child to relatively unknown institutes is that these are not managed very professionally. I came across an instance where a graduating student from an otherwise reputed optometry school was not even given the educational certificates - even a year after the graduation!
In the current scenario, an optician’s offspring can’t just come and sit on their parent’s chair and expect to get business just because their earlier generation used to get it. They might be able to do it for some time, but not for very long. They need to have a differentiating factor, like the ability to manage the business and grow it and of course, have better education especially when it comes to dispensing eyewear. Either they can be good optometrists themselves, or they can employ good optometrists. But the moot question is if an optician wants to train their children in optometry what should they bear in mind? What matters most? The quality of the education imparted in the educational institutes and the child’s future that depends on this, or the parents’ own convenience?
MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE
Once the child finishes 12th grade, he or she will look for parental guidance for the best colleges and options to
pursue further studies. It is for the parents to motivate the child to choose a career as an optometrist. So, how does one guide them? Parents should start by not seeing their own convenience when giving this guidance; and desist from enrolling them to the nearest institute offering a diploma or degree. What is important is the quality of knowledge imparted and not just opting for a course or a college, for the sake of its name. Even if it means that the child has to stay in another state, they should try to get them into better colleges. There are many good institutes, including the Sankara Netralaya and LV Prasad Eye Institute, which have made a mark for themselves internationally. Children, who graduate from institutions that are affiliated to international institutes in some way, have an edge over their peers. Further, many of these better colleges encourage talented students by OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
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Without this certificate how can the student opt for higher studies internationally, if he so wished for it? Anyway, what is the worth of certificates from universities that do not enjoy recognition abroad if a student wishes to pursue foreign studies and further his career? All said and done, what is the worth of the education if it is not quality education? There are so many brilliant students in optometry, who lose out on good opportunities merely because they are not judged well. If India had a common entrance test for this subject, they could have stood out and be assured of better career prospects. In the next few articles I shall offer my suggestions on how various corporate companies and even the optometry colleges can do their bit to make optometry a lucrative career choice for students and also improve their overall functioning. __________________________________ Opticman is one amongst you. He hobnobs with everyone who matters in the optical industry. He is very knowledgeable about optics and his experience has taught him the nitty-gritty of the optical business. Some may find him to be prudish and cocky, while others may find him extremely amiable. But one thing’s for sure - he will say things to you the way they are - whether you like it or not! ................................................................................ Email us at response@opticplus.in 109
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OPHTHA TALK
A rather rare genetic disorder, retinitis pigmentosa sets in around early adulthood and can severely affect a person's daily life. Read on to find out more about this genetic disorder.
Retinitis PigmentosaGenetic Roots N
ot many know about the eye condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa, but those who suffer from it know exactly how it can disrupt one's daily activities and make the simplest of task, at times, impossible to complete.
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a disorder that involves symptoms of night blindness and tunnel vision and its onset can rarely be known in advance, simply because it's a genetic disorder. By virtue of this the only way of detecting it is to conduct a genetic test. Most children do not go through a genetic test after they're born, so this disease often comes as surprise to the patient suffering from it.
HOW DOES IT AFFECT THE PATIENT
Those suffering from it start to see the symptoms at the age of 17 to 21, basically early adulthood. Those 112
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symptoms include decreased vision in low or dim light, also known as early night blindness. The earliest symptom, however, is the loss of peripheral vision. Also known as tunnel vision, it entails a decrease in the visual field of the person. For eg: when a patient suffering from RP stands in front of another, apart from their face, the person is unable to see their shirt collar or the shoulders and other things around. This is because the shoulders or the shirt collar falls into the side vision, peripheral vision or the visual field of the person. And that's exactly what a patient suffering from RP starts losing as the disorder progresses, until eventually there's a blur around.
To understand better what the patient experiences - take two sheets of paper and roll them into tubes and put them in front of your eyes. If you have a
person in front of you, you will only see their face. This starts becoming the patient's vision. So they are only able to see what's right in front of them, and nothing around it. That's also the reason why it's called tunnel vision, because when you're in a tunnel, all you can see is the other end. The reason for the loss of this vision is because of the kind of damage that occurs in the retina. There are two types of cells in the retina â&#x20AC;&#x201C; cones and rods. Cones are situated in the centre of the retina and are responsible for day light vision. On the other hand, rods are situated everywhere else (basically around the centre) and they're are responsible for night vision. The most common cell to be affected in RP are the rods which are around and hence, the peripheral vision gets affected. However, in some cases even
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OPTICPLUS with a very strong history of family presence of retinitis pigmentosa, there are multiple genetic disorders that can cause RP. Normally, when talking genetic disorders, they fall under either of the two categories - autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive. Autosomal dominant is when only one mutated copy of the gene is necessary for a person to be affected by an autosomal dominant disorder. Each affected person usually has one affected parent. So there is a 50% chance that a child will inherit the mutated gene. In conditions that are autosomal dominant, even though only one mutated copy is needed, not all individuals who inherit that mutation go on to develop the disease.
Some RP patients could end up with extremely poor vision because of the type of defects their genes develop. Eventually, in such cases, the loss of vision is too great and such patients almost become handicapped. the central cone cells get affected, severely damaging the retina and causing the loss of central vision in some cases.
years, the real difficulties start for them â&#x20AC;&#x201C; night vision starts decreasing, driving becomes a problem, working and travelling at night becomes a problem.
Even though it's a genetic condition, it doesn't mean that the child is born with it. They usually have normal vision in their childhood. It is only later in the early adulthood that these problematic symptoms set in. In the early stages of the disease, their life may not even be affected. Around the age of 17 to 21
FACTORS LEADING TO RP
There are over 30 types of RP, but basically it is a group of retinal diseases which are genetically inherited and are characterised by progressive loss of night vision. The main reason why it happens is because of a genetic linkage. Along OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
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In autosomal recessive, two copies of the gene must be mutated for a person to be affected by an autosomal recessive disorder. An affected person usually has unaffected parents who each carry a single copy of the mutated gene. Two unaffected parents who each carry one copy of the mutated gene have a 25% chance with each pregnancy of having a child affected by the disorder. In retinitis pigmentosa, both types of genetic disorders are found to cause this disease. In fact, around 30 to 35 different genes have been identified which, if affected, can cause RP. And owing to this, patients of RP can behave very differently from each other. While some patients of RP have very decent vision, some others have extremely poor vision. That's because in one case, one gene is affected, while in another a different gene is affected. RP can skip a generation. So just because the parents have it, doesn't mean the child will have it too. But it is suggested that, if the mother or the father have RP, they should go in for counselling and decide whether they want to take a risk of passing on that gene to their unborn child. 113
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OPTICPLUS
VARYING EFFECTS
Its affects across different patients has a very varied presentation. There are so many genes that could get affected, causing RP. In some cases, patients could end up having a very decent life as they may retain a good central vision. Only their side vision gets affected, but it is something they can work around. However, some patients could end up with extremely poor vision because of the type of defects their genes developed. Eventually, in such cases, the loss of vision is too great and such patients almost become handicapped.
RP will only progress faster once the retina is damaged, so wearing UV protected glasses at least ensures a healthy retina, reducing chances of the progression of the disease. TESTS INVOLVED
The only way to predict RP is doing a genetic test. Looking at the clinical picture of a retinitis pigmentosa case and the way the retina is coloured can give an idea about what the patient can expect in the future. Sometimes when that doesn't help, the only way to really tell the patient what their prognosis for vision is, is to do a genetic testing. Diagnosis of RP is clinical. So only by examining can it be made out whether the patient really has retinitis pigmentosa. One of the give-away signs is, the retina has a classic black discolouration based on which the diagnosis is made. Parts of the side of the retina become black, like a spider's web. Multiple lines, like a mesh, appear on it indicating the extent of retinal damage.
RESEARCH IN PROGRESS
Unfortunately, there still isn't an actual cure to retinitis pigmentosa and there are no concrete preventive measures to avoid it either. So its occurrence is 114
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inevitable. One out of roughly 5000 people tends to get it. At around 17 to 20 years of age, symptoms will really kick in and will stay forever, but total blindness, in other words no perception of light, is very uncommon in RP. Patients can always see some light but in worse cases that light is very little, too little to be of any use. Research is on and scientists have some possible cures that are being tested to see if they work. One of the key things to note is that RP is a progressive condition, meaning it's always worsening. So researchers are trying to find ways of at least slowing that progression down, if not curing it completely, hence reducing its hazardous effects. One of suggested cures could is a multi anti-oxidant therapy which would involve tablets that are high on minerals and vitamins and could possibly help at least slow the
progression down. Another suggestion is gene therapy, the affected gene in the patient with RP can be replaced by a healthy one. There's also stem cell wherein they try to grow a retina in the lab. All this is research in progress and is expected to soon yield results. Retinal transplant is something that has just started, but hasn't been performed in large numbers yet. One thing that people can do on their own is wear UV protected eyewear. RP will only progress faster once the retina is damaged, so wearing UV protected glasses at least ensures a healthy retina, reducing chances of the progression of the disease. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best to protect the retina from any kind of damage. __________________________________________ â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ishita Bal ................................................................................ Email us at response@opticplus.in
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Perfecting Vision, Enhancing Life: Bringing Vision Back to Vision Care Contact lenses can offer vision benefits beyond the physical hindrances of eyeglass frames that fall down and hinder peripheral vision or fog up with temperature and humidity changes.
O
ur patients want and need to see the best they can, especially in this visually demanding world, and that’s why they come to your practice. As an eye and vision care specialist, you have the opportunity to be the patients’ hero by providing the very best vision and best vision solutions throughout their lives. Contact lenses can offer vision benefits beyond the physical hindrances of eyeglass frames that fall down and hinder peripheral vision or fog up with temperature and humidity changes. Of course, magnification and minification of objects from hyperopic and myopic spectacle lenses is virtually eliminated with contact lenses. These attributes allow contact lenses to be the obvious choice of vision correction for many sports activities and normal and active daily lifestyles. Some of today’s contact lens optical designs have the best advanced aspheric optics for spherical aberration correction and even high definition vision in some cases. This can be especially effective for patients with normal amounts of spherical aberration of the eye, a larger pupil or in low-light situations. Too many spherical contact lens wearers are trying to cope with -0.75 diopter of uncorrected cylinder that as eye care professionals we would never let go uncorrected with spectacles. If these patients are left with their cylinder uncorrected, they will not only suffer blur but possibly eye strain and even discomfort. Today’s toric lenses are nearly as easy to fit as spheres, so there is no reason to let them go uncorrected. Earlier this year, Bausch & Lomb reported on a recent survey conducted by Decision Analyst that showed two-thirds of astigmats who have never worn contact lenses and nearly half of those who have worn contact lenses in the past
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would be interested in soft toric contact lenses if their eye care practitioner recommended them. There is ample opportunity with the right toric design to fi t even more patients who desire the benefits of contact lenses but do not realize that toric soft lenses are available for their visual needs and lifestyle. Additionally, great optics and lens stability are two key attributes of soft toric contact lenses that lead to successful contact lens wear and great vision. But, when a soft toric lens is rotated or moved off axis during normal daily activities like lens insertion or rubbing of the eyes, rapid rotational recovery to the lens resting position is a critical element in reducing the potential for variable vision or loss of visual quality that could lead to patient dissatisfaction, up to and including dropping out of lens wear. Some astigmatic lenses also feature advanced aspheric optics in monthly hydrogel, silicone-hydrogel and daily disposable modalities as well. Young, energetic, high-tech, emerging presbyopes want to stay in contact lenses or try contact lenses for the first time. You can again be the hero by easily satisfying their gradual onset of near vision challenges from the first symptoms to full presbyopia with exceptional vision at all distances while maintaining better depth perception with multifocal contact lenses over monovision. And don’t forget about GP lenses for great vision, not only for irregular cornea patients, but for those difficult astigmatic and presbyopic patients who want to continue in contact lens wear. As so many of you are becoming experts in disease treatment, and are increasingly focused on treatment of dry eye and seeking the most comfortable contact lens options, remember that most of your patients seek your services because you are the vision expert. Take the opportunity to provide the best vision and vision solutions for your patients throughout their lives. At Bausch & Lomb, we look forward to protecting and enhancing the precious gift of sight by partnering in patient care with eye care professionals to provide the highest standards of eye health and ethics. ____________________________________________________________
2/16/2012 12:02:52 PM
Astigmatic Contact Lenses: A Huge Unmet Need Y
New study shows vision is #1 to patients
ou can be your patient’s hero when they are in need of a new or updated vision prescription.But are all the options that might improve patient satisfaction — including, possibly, specialty contact lenses — receiving adequate consideration?
Likewise, when patients with astigmatism were asked about the top product attributes when selecting contact lenses, the top 5 toric lens attributes were visual benefits, with the benefit of highest relative importance being “delivers consistently clear vision at all times.”5
A recent publication evaluated a database of 11,624 spectacle prescriptions to calculate the prevalence of astigmatism of varying degrees and found that the prevalence of patients with astigmatism of 0.75 and 1.00 D or greater in at least one eye was 47.4% and 31.8%1
The opportunity to fit and satisfy astigmatic patients is well within our reach; however there is a genuine need and opportunity for practitioners to proactively recommend and prescribe a more satisfying solution for their astigmatic patients.
This represents a wealth of patients who may be coming to you for toric contact lenses. Yet, about four out of 10 astigmats who have never worn contacts have not tried them because of information from family, friends or something they read that said people with astigmatism could not wear lenses.
The good news is that eye care professionals and patients agree that when it comes to selecting toric soft lenses, the importance of visual benefits rises to the top.
Even more amazing is that three out of 10 have not tried them due to advice from their doctors.2 Add this to the fact that globally, 43% of spectaclewearing and 38% of contact lens-wearing patients with astigmatism reported less-than complete satisfaction with the spectacles or contact lenses they wear most often, as judged by a score of 7 or less on a scale of 1 (very dissatisfied) to 10 (very satisfied).3
____________________________________________________________ REFERENCES: 1Young G, Sulley A, Hunt C. Prevalence of astigmatism in relation to soft contact lens fitting. Eye & Contact Lens. 2011 Jan; 37(1):20-5. 2Astigmatism: Incidence & Barriers. U.S. Market Research Report. Decision Analyst. December 2008. 3Needs, Symptoms, Incidence, Global eye Health Trends (NSIGHT) Study. Market Probe Europe. December 2009. 4ECP Toric Needs Study: US. Millward Brown. December 2010. 5Consumer Toric Needs Study: US. Millward Brown. December 2010.
Such findings point to unmet needs that could, in the case of astigmatic spectacle wearers, potentially be addressed by consideration of properly fitted toric contact lenses. The dissatisfaction among astigmatic contact lens wearers could similarly reflect a need for more appropriately selected and fitted lenses. What are eye care professionals looking for in a toric lens to satisfy their astigmatic patients? In a study identifying the most important product attributes for eye care professionals when recommending soft toric contact lenses, the top 3 toric lens benefits related to vision, with the attribute of highest relative importance being “delivers crisp, sharp vision all day.”4
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Spherical, astigmatic, and presbyopic contact lenses are a winning proposition for your patients, for you the practitioner, and for the manufacturer.
H
Win-win-win opportunity: Contact lenses for astigmatism
igh-definition vision TVs and high-definition sound systems have high consumer appeal globally. We strive to provide the same optimal vision to our patients. Coupled with healthy contact lens wear and education on safe and compliant contact lens care, we can actually improve the quality of our patients’ lives. Fortunately, we have the opportunity to do so frequently because contact lens wearers seek care from their eye care practitioners more often than spectacle-only wearers. At these frequent encounters we can reeducate our patients about what we believe to be the best contact lens and lens care options. Proactively recommending optimum contact lens technologies at annual eye exams enables you to enhance the relationship you have with your patients. Ultimately, contact lens wearers can be more loyal and valuable to your practice than spectacle-only wearers. Spherical, astigmatic, and presbyopic contact lenses are a winning proposition for your patients, for you the practitioner, and for the manufacturer. It’s a ‘win-win-win’. All of this bodes well for the contact lens field in the foreseeable future. Recently, we discovered an opportunity for your patients and your practice that may surprise you. A survey conducted by Decision Analyst1 and sponsored by Bausch & Lomb revealed the prevalence of U.S. consumers who believe they cannot wear contact lenses because of their astigmatism. More than 4 in 10 astigmats believe that their astigmatism is the reason they cannot wear contact lenses. Two thirds of astigmats who have never worn contact lenses and nearly half of those who have worn contact lenses in the past would be highly motivated to wear lenses if they were available to correct astigmatism. A total of 993 visioncorrected astigmatic consumers between the ages of 18 and 49 completed this online survey. 150 respondents had never worn contact lenses and 178 had worn contact lenses in the past. The survey also found that 7 out of 10 of those who have never worn lenses would be highly motivated to wear contact lenses if they were available, and if their eye care practitioners made the recommendation.
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JOE'S VIEW
Half of previous lens wearers would be motivated to try contact lenses again if they were available. So, think more about the astigmatic patient and contact lenses. You and your patient may benefit. I joined Bausch & Lomb Incorporated after nearly 25 years as an educator, researcher, and writer. I love it! Working with my great colleagues in polymer science, surface science, lens care formulations, and our great project leaders, marketers, clinical scientists, and medical affairs professionals gives me renewed energy and belief in our industry. We intend to offer a foundation of great clinical science plus medical affairs services such as publications and assistance for your organizations and institutions. You’ll be hearing from me again in the future. As always, I want to hear from you about what you think are the major opportunities and challenges in contact lenses and contact lens care. Whether it’s comfort, infection, the cornea, vision, astigmatism, presbyopia, or your contact lens business, let me know and we’ll address it. You can reach me at joesview@bausch.com. Thanks for listening and reading. We look forward to partnering with you to help perfect the vision and enhance the lives of your patients. Please stay in touch. ____________________________________________________________
- Joe Barr, OD, MS, FAAO Vice President, Global Clinical & Medical Affairs and Professional Services, Vision Care Bausch + Lomb REFERENCES: 1Decision Analyst is an independent research firm from Arlington, Texas.
2/16/2012 12:03:21 PM
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OFF THE SHELF
Prada Linea Rossa - inspired by sports
The world of sports continues to inspire the design behind Prada Linea Rossa eyewear. Metal, injected plastic and nylon are just a few of the materials used to create sun and optical models, sometimes enhanced by details that give greater emphasis to the brand's positioning. The wraparound model, influenced by sporty vintage, is a hallmark of this collection, expressing its spirit in full - hard-wearing yet light materials and bold lines. The inclusion of rubber inserts helps ensure a comfortable fit during any type of performance. The Prada Linea Rossa logo marks the distinctive nature of these glasses.
Tru Trussardi’s sumptuous SS 2012 sunglasses
Tru Trussardi’s Spring Summer 2012 collection has expressive frames with an emphasis on pared back, simple forms, which simultaneously convey a vivid and striking look. Functionality is decorative with a clever hinge design disguised by the sophisticated logo treatment, latticed precious metals or real leather. A palette of rich toffees, Havana, golden honey, khaki, cognac and dark brown is neatly interspersed by full-bodied deep berry and purple or cool and smoky blues. Modern meets traditional in these contemporary, designer frames infused with the heritage of Tru Trussardi.
Pal Zileri boasts of natural luxury with classic leather décor
Pal Zileri’s Spring 2012 collection has signature styles with an elegant yet casual theme, enhanced by comfort. This season’s collection features classic leather décor on the temples that exude both elegance and opulence. Titanium features strongly for its exquisite lightness, alongside Italian acetate and leather. Touches like the use of flexible and durable spring hinges, as well as glare-reducing polarized lenses, strike a flawless balance between aesthetics and functionality.
Defiant and bold - Police's 2012 sunglasses for men
The metropolitan feel characterizes Police’s 2012 sunglasses collection, featuring models with a vintage feel, where metal frames prevail, either drop-shaped or aviator-like or with more square profiles. These come alongside a number of sophisticated acetates with two-color versions. The star of the collection is the blue mirrored lens that made the brand so successful in the ‘80s. It is available in all models of the range, for a very glam rock version. The famous blue lens is revived and represented as a must-have look, combined with new shapes and experiments.
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OPTICPLUS
Jaguar's eyewear for 2012 is inspired by its cars
Details from the Jaguar C-X75 concept car have influenced the temple design of its latest spectacle frame, which is made from high-quality material and features a sporting lens shape. It is available in colour combinations of turquoise, red, silver and yellow. Uncluttered lines round off the character of the sunglass, which is available in three colour combination - matt black with grey lenses, matt brown with grey lenses, matt charcoal with green lenses. They are fitted with polarising lenses and anti-reflective coating on the inside to protect from lateral glare.
Montblanc Eyewear collection ranges from classic to extraordinary The new Montblanc Eyewear collection features very classic to extraordinary styles and the female range has been enlarged in terms of colour variations. The nine new styles incorporate the Montblanc signature and in total, the new collection consists of 27 new SKUs: 11 female, 13 male and 3 unisex models. Shapes are different in terms of size and style: from classical pilot and wayfarer for male and unisex models to acetate and smoothed rectangular shapes in XL size for women. The collection builds further on the the usage of new, precious and extraordinary materials.
OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
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Ray-Ban’s collection uses new colours
Ray-Ban’s Spring Summer 2012 collection introduces crystal vintage lenses in colours never-before used in the brand’s collection. Aviator, metal round, Meteor and Laramie models, all boast blue, pink and green lenses. The Ray-Ban Youngster line has coloured gradient lenses and two silhouettes for males and females. Ray-Ban Rare Prints features specialised coloured graduated lenses. The Tech range creates lighter, more functional eyewear, while Ray-Ban Vista offers rounded shapes for men and oversized, two-tone models for women.
Davidoff’s classic eyewear collection for 2012
Davidoff's 2012 eyewear collection features the 95099 which has a cockpit-look in an aviator style made of matt precious metal. Its open bridge and sober lines on the temples end in the Davidoff logo. This frame is also available in navy/silver and in olive/charcoal. The 91023 frame is made of high quality acetate. There is a contrast of colours on the front and inside of the frame. The Davidoff logo is subtly lasered onto precious metal and placed at the front end of the temples.
Esprit salutes the era gone by
Esprit Eyewear's 2012 sunwear collection for men, women and children draws on the looks of previous decades - the 50s, 60s and 70s. The retro styles showcase nuances of typical fashion features of the time - 1960s androgynous, geometric London flair and the bohemian alternative counter-culture of the 1970s. Iconic frame silhouettes appear in the latest colours in fresh contemporary renderings, which are highly stylish and long-lasting.
Roberto Cavalli’s Spring Summer 2012 collection
Female inspiration and iconic details - that is how the Spring Summer 2012 eyewear collection by Roberto Cavalli can be described. It presents models with refined and contemporary style with references to the aesthetic codes of the brand, such as the animal motif, the snake theme and goldsmith's art. The appeal of the collection is highlighted by the elegant lines of the new models, including retroinspired shapes and details of modern taste.
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Chopardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sun collection for women is about luxury and femininity
Chopard's 2012 sunglass collection, produced and distributed by De Rigo, draws inspiration from its Imperiale watch collection
The Dauphine hands are reproduced as decorations on the temples, the dial as silkscreen printed on temples and double bridges; hinges are embellished with Swarovski rhinestones. Shiny metal frames come in traditional gunmetal, palladium, bronze, rose gold and gold. The acetate models feature exclusive colours with a marbled effect and shaded pastel hues.
Striking graphic colours dominate Elleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collection
Elle Eyewear's 2012 Summer selection features structured frame forms in vibrant new hues or elegant colour blocking with contrasting and stylish tones on front and temple. Rich colours and inventive colour interplay are explored including wine or nude pink, tie-dye or stripes. Feminine sensuality is underscored by stringed pearl details or Elle logo graphics.
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Clean and essential lines in Ermenegildo Zegnaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s designs
Ermenegildo Zegna's 2012 sunglasses collection emphasises clean and essential lines. Classic aviator shapes prevail in metal models alongside retro-inspired acetates. Exclusive materials such as wood and carbon fibre, are expertly integrated, pieces are welded by hand and all models are presented with variants of polarized lenses. Gunmetal and gold prevail in metal styles, while bright colours, two-colour blue and light tortoise combinations, besides honey, burgundy and the elegant Havana stand out in acetates.
Vintage-inspired frames in Tom Fordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest collection
For Spring Summer 2012, Tom Ford presents vintage-inspired eyewear for women and men. Crafted from rich materials with clean linear shapes, they convey modern, minimalist luxury, and sunglass silhouettes that make powerful statements of personal style. The designs try to achieve lightweight comfort and include refined and luxurious details.
Nine West boasts of an element of glamour and edge in new range
Nine West's Spring Summer 2012 eyewear collection captures the brand's modern style and translates colour, pattern and trend into sunwear and ophthalmics. Prevalent colour blocking in bright green, red pink and turquoise mixed with black and faux tortoise zyl add depth. Peach blonde and ruby orange colourations saturate layers of zyl while rose ombre and silver highlight the collection's trend. The colour is amplified by animal print or polka dot lined interior temples or more daringly, temple exteriors. The Nine West logo plagues are incorporated on the temples while the bold ophthalmics are adorned with stud and half-star detailing.
Vogue dedicates new collection to adventurous fashionistas
Vogueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spring-Summer 2012 collection features soft wide shapes enriched by chic and feminine details. A good instance is the metal decoration inspired by nature and applied next to the hinge evoking the contours of blades of grass with a spray of glistening crystals. This collection includes optical models with user-friendly progressive power lenses and sun models that can be glazed with prescription lenses in 85% of the cases, and is characterised by an effervescent liveliness designed to meet the tastes of Vogue women: elegant, trendy, and always classic.
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Escada offers luxurious sensuality
Escada's Spring Summer 2012 collection for women offers chic styles embellished with vintage details. Large and round masks come alongside more classic styles. Acetates and metal play an important role. Little gemstones, the reinterpretation of the brand's double E-logo and the lace-design on the temples reflect the love for detail. The color palette ranges from classic black, tortoise and dark brown to intense colours like burgundy and plum purple. Sorbet shades include strawberry pink, pale pink, China blue and aquamarine green. Delicate touches of pearl and milk to a new brown hue are diluted to become an eccentric hazelnut chocolate.
Puma is inspired by the fast city pace
Colours play a pivotal role in Puma's 2012 sunglasses collection. It features a sporty and a trendy range in bright, neon-like colours with pastel tones.
Both ranges employ a unique and ultra-hip pattern: a check look in the lifestyle collection and graffiti-inspired motif in the sports collection. Ergonomic and lightweight styles with soft performance features, like adaptable nose pads with ventilation system, rubber inlays for non-slip function, flexible and innovative temple design. Vivid colour executions and the iconic cat logo on the temple or lens underline Pumaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s style.
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is now online! www.drharmanns.com
Registered opticians can now purchase all Dr.Harmann’s products at the click of a button.
Follow a few easy steps and you are on your way to being a privileged customer of Dr Harmann’s.
Visit www.drharmanns.com Click on the register link on the left panel Fill in the details and await confirmation of your account by email. Login using the details that have been emailed to you. Use Order Form link to place your order!
Visit us at www.drharmanns.com and enjoy the experience of getting the latest product updates and ordering your stocks online.
FOR TRADE ENQUIRIES CONTACT:
Suvin Optics
1&2 GROUND FLOOR, BLOCK ‘B’, BHANGWADI, KALBADEVI ROAD, MUMBAI 400 002 Tel.: (022) 2208 6702 / 2207 0081 Fax: (022) 2205 1009 E-Mail: suvinoptics@gmail.com
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2/13/2012 6:10:01 PM
SNAPSHOTS Lotus College of Optometry organises low vision screening for visually-challenged students
blackboard training to graduate them to regular colleges after their matriculation. They will also have around 14 special educators in the school. A workshop for low vision rehabilitation will be organised in May 2012.
Luxottica organises ‘I Love Vista’ in Mumbai
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otus College of Optometry organised low vision screening camps for girls of Alandi Blind School in Pune, with the help of an NGO - Snehankit Helpline - and dispensed appropriate devices. After the initial screening, 25 children identified with low vision were brought to the Shri Naval P Baliwalla Center at Lotus College for full assessment and dispensing of devices. A team of 10 optometrists and one rehabilitation specialist were mobilised for this event. All the children underwent a detailed assessment with the assistance of the teachers from the blind school, including vision history, refraction, functional assessment, contrast sensitivity and colour vision, as well as Amsler and Tangent screen perimetry, wherever needed. Following this evaluation, a trial of distant and near low vision devices was done and the required devices were dispensed. The principal and teachers of the Alandi Blind School have agreed to take these children off Braille and introduce 134
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uxottica India organised a celebratory event for its trade partners, called ‘I Love Vista’, at Imperial Palace in Mumbai from 27th January to 30th January, 2012. The company said this was the first time it had held such an event in the country and the objective was to promote its range of prescription eyewear amongst its customers. The event was inaugurated by Sudarshan Binani, Director of Himalaya Opticals and Yogesh Samat, COO, Foresight Vision Care. During the course of four days, Luxottica engaged with close to 1,000 trade partners from all over the country. 250 opticians were flown into the city daily and were given a chance to take a closer look at newly launched eyewear models. Around 19 stalls were set up at the event, including one by Essilor, where opticians could take a look at the latest collections from the company and place their orders for various brands. Some of the brands showcased included Ray-Ban, Oakley, Vogue, Burberry, D&G, Prada, Versace, DKNY, K&L, Arnette, Luxottica and Sferoflex. Luxottica noted that it was its endeavour to grow its optical business and
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leverage synergies with the Optic India 2012 trade fair that was held in Mumbai around the same time. Every evening, participating opticians were treated to an entertainment program, with performances by music bands like Joshilay and Crystal Waters, followed by cocktails and dinner.
The PlayStation experience with Opium
OPTICPLUS Promotion Council (Plexconcil) recently at Hotel Hyatt Regency in Mumbai. Mahendra Shah and Pakshal Pinakin Shah of Stylrite accepted the trophy from Manoj Agrawal, Chairman of Plexconcil. Started in 1974, Stylrite currently exports ophthalmic lenses, spectacle cases and other vision-related products to countries in the Middle East and Africa. It has its manufacturing facility at Bhayander in Thane and four retail outlets in Mumbai.
Vasan Healthcare Group launches 100th Vasan Eye Care Hospital
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umbai-based Eterrnity Lifestyles held a end-user promotional campaign between December 2011 and January, 2012, called the 'PlayStation Experience'. The event was held at malls in 10 cities - Bangalore, Pune, Delhi, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Kochi, Jaipur and Mumbai - where the company set up booths promoting Opium eyewear. Visitors to the mall were encouraged to participate in a gaming competition and winners got a chance to win Opium sunglasses.
Stylrite Optical Industries bags Plexconcil award for exports
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he Vasan Healthcare Group launched the 100th Vasan Eye Care Hospital in Tamil Nadu on 26th December, 2011. The hospital was inaugurated by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, while Union Home Minister, P Chidambaram and Dr K Rosaiah, Governor of Tamil Nadu were the guests of honour at the event. The new hospital at Karaikudi is a step forward towards the Group’s vision to become the world’s largest day care service provider. Vasan Healthcare Group claims that it is a super-specialty hub with cutting edge technology and specialist doctors.
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umbai-based Stylrite Optical Industries was conferred the award of ‘Top exporters in frames and goggles for 2010-11’ from Plastic Linoleum Export
Services offered span across 38 eye care specialties and include treatments for cataract (MICS), advanced treatments for glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, Lasik laser treatment, special paediatric clinic for children, computer vision syndrome clinic, cosmetic clinic, treatments for squint, etc.
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Stars in Ray-Ban aviators
Sonakshi Sinha in Provogue
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ctor Hrithik Roshan captivated the visitors at Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai where he recently paid a visit. His classic look of white shirts and faded denim jeans was completed with his favourite Ray-Ban aviators.
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ctress Sonakshi Sinha, who is the brand ambassador for Provogue, shows how to make the most of a sunny day, with white-rimmed sunglasses by the same brand.
Actress Priyanka Chopra has been busy promoting her upcoming movie Barfee, which also stars Ranbir Kapoor. She was recently seen at the Mumbai International Airport in white linen shirt and jeans, with an oversized bag and Ray-Ban aviators
GKB Hi-Tech is now the distributor for Kodak lenses
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KB Hi-Tech is now the exclusive distributor for Kodak lenses in India. It launched the product range in Mumbai, Bangalore and New Delhi on 30th January, 1st February and 2nd February, 2012, respectively. In Mumbai, the launch event was held at Hotel Trident, while in New Delhi and Bangalore, it was organised at Hotel Hard Rock CafĂŠ. The company invited leading opticians in each city for the launch. Hollywood star Tom Cruise visited Taj Mahal in Agra, during his recent trip to India to promote 'Mission Impossible 4'. He cut a dapper picture in his light blue shirt over white T-shirt and Ray-Ban aviators. 136
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Over the next two months, the company will hold a series of seminars across 50 cities in India where it will invite opticians, eye care practitioners as well as the salespeople at optical outlets to explain the nuances of Kodak lenses. ............................................................................................................................ Email us at response@opticplus.in
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INTERNATIONA Marc by Marc Jacobs supports Nature Conservancy
Balenciaga and Marcolin moving towards a license agreement
Isabelle Guichot, President and CEO of Balenciaga, said, “This agreement with Marcolin SpA echoes our conviction that eyewear is definitely an essential fashion accessory that must be translated and marketed with brand vocabulary and iconic codes.”
Marvel sets sight on Maui Jim for ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’
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arc by Marc Jacobs vintageinspired eyewear is supporting The Nature Conservancy, a conservation organisation working globally to protect ecologically important lands and waters, through a newly created ‘Plant a seed, grow a tree and save the forest’ program. The campaign features awareness-raising activity for the preservation of our planet's natural resources. Its mission is to protect and restore the Atlantic Forest in Brazil, one of the world's most endangered tropical forests. At the centre of this project is Marc by Marc Jacobs MMJ 261/s bio-based sunglasses, made from a material derived from castor-oil seeds. The chocolate coloured sunglasses, which feature leaf textured temples, are packaged in a chic case made from repurposed leather. In support of this project, Marc by Marc Jacobs will make a contribution to The Nature Conservancy to support the restoration of the Atlantic Forest. 140
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arcolin SpA and Balenciaga are moving towards an agreement for an exclusive licence contract to design, produce and distribute Balenciaga sunglasses and prescription eyewear globally. This agreement will be for a period of five years, renewable for an additional 10. The first collection will be presented in 2013. Both parties are committed to continuing the negotiations underway in order to define all aspects of the contract that are expected to be finalised by 31st March, 2012. Maurizio Marcolin, the Marcolin Group’s Style and Licensing Officer, said, “We are especially excited to announce this agreement and to be able to work with Maison Balenciaga and its Creative Director, Nicolas Ghesquière – one of the top fashion names in the PPR Group.”
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arvel Entertainment, a whollyowned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, announced a licensing agreement with Maui Jim, the polarized sunglass maker, for a new collection of sunglasses inspired by the movie 'The Amazing Spider-Man', which will be released in theatres in July, 2012. Maui Jim has created an array of Spider-Man sunwear styles for adults, featuring movie-based art and graphics. The Amazing Spider-Man sunglass collection will be sold internationally at authorised Maui Jim retailers beginning in July 2012 to coincide with the film’s worldwide release, the statement said.
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NAL SNAPSHOTS Esprit renews worldwide eyewear license with Charmant
most successful and attractive international lifestyle brands.” Japan-based Charmant Group has more than 50 years of experience in the production of spectacle frames, and Esprit was one of the first worldwide licensed brands for Charmant.
Mathias Lauridsen is the face for Cartier's eyewear campaign
inspired by the 30s, or more precisely by the era of jazz, and have modern design details that make reference to the preciousness of the jewels of the house. In addition, some items are named after a star of the era, such as Chet Baker and Duke Ellington.
Bausch + Lomb acquires Waicon in Argentina
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ausch + Lomb (B+L) has acquired 100% outstanding shares of Laboratorio Pfortner Cornealent SACIF, the controlling entity of Waicon, which is a leading Argentinean player in contact lenses and lens care products. While B+L plans to combine Waicon with its Vision Care operations in Argentina, the business will continue to operate separately as the companies proceed through the integration process. The Pfortner family will continue to operate their retail chain of optical shops under the brand name ‘Pfortner’ and as an independent company, unrelated to B+L.
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sprit announced that its eyewear license agreement with its long time license partner, Charmant Group, was renewed for another lengthy term. The first license agreement between Esprit and Charmant was signed in October 1994. In its statement, Esprit said, “Esprit is very pleased about the renewal of its long fruitful business partnership with Charmant. Eyewear is a consistent add-on to Esprit’s fashion product portfolio and due to its strong connection to fashion and lifestyle, it supports Esprit’s status as one of the
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artier has signed Mathias Lauridsen to be the face for its eyewear campaign. The French designer’s latest collection of men’s sunglasses are vintage footprints,
Carina Tarzia will continue as Argentina Country Manager for B+L and Maximo Pfortner will be the General Manager of the Waicon business.
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Katie Holmes in Giorgio Armani sunglasses
Luxottica to acquire Tecnol in Brazil
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uxottica Group SpA and Grupo Tecnol Ltda, a Brazilian eyewear player, have signed an agreement pursuant to which Luxottica will acquire 100% of Grupo Tecnol’s capital. As a result of this acquisition, Luxottica will considerably strengthen its presence in Brazil, a country with significant growth potential.
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ant to pull off the effortlessly chic look? Then take a page from actress Katie Holmes’ book. She looks gorgeous in her Giorgio Armani sunglasses (GA 852/S).
Utilising Tecnol’s excellent, vertically integrated platform will allow Luxottica to increase service levels to customers and its presence in the Brazilian market. Tecnol has a highly efficient production plant, a portfolio comprising in-house and licensed brands, strong wholesale distribution activities, an optical retail chain of 90 stores and a central, leading-edge, laboratory.
DSquared2’s Spring Summer 2012 ad Tag Heuer campaign is wins Design about relaxed of Asia Award fun 2011
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he Spring Summer 2012 ad campaign by DSquared2 has Natasha Poly surrounded by Dimitri Tanner, Paolo Anchisi, Matt Woodhouse and Ton Heukels lazing around. Shot by Mert and Marcus, it shows the models in colourful eyewear, which combine fashion and function together.
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ag Heuer Avant Garde Eyewear’s Automatic Night Vision won the Design of Asia Award, which is organised by the Hong Kong Design Centre. These awards are presented to designers and companies from around the world who have achieved business success through design that reflects, or has an impact on, the Asian lifestyle.
The Night Vision technology reportedly corrects natural nocturnal myopia with its integrated -0.25 prescription, and is tested and approved by professional racing-car drivers. This design from Tag Heuer uses a magnet system within the hinges to enable automatic opening of the eyewear while driving, so that drivers do not lose control of their vehicle by taking their eyes off the road.
Chloé signs license agreement with Marchon
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hloé announced a newly signed license agreement with Marchon, granting the latter rights to manufacture and distribute the sun and ophthalmic collections under its brand name. The first deliveries will be effective from the 1st of September, 2012. The collections will be sold in Chloé boutiques, department and specialty stores, and select optical stores worldwide.
Charmant’s LineArt temple structure granted Japanese patent
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harmant Group’s exclusive temple structure used in its signature brand, LineArt Charmant, was officially granted the Japanese patent. The temple structure features flexible parts made with arched strings positioned between the front and the end tip.
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Wayne Labrecque, Vice President of Sales, Coburn Technologies added, “Created by Coburn’s in-house technical application team, LaunchPad Mini-Lab is a great example of Coburn working to create products that make our customers more profitable. Now with a significantly reduced capital investment, limited required space and minimal processing change, our customers can produce perfect freeform lenses in their own labs.” The Japanese patent follows the USA patent for the same feature that was granted in October 2011. The company has also applied for a patent related to this temple structure in Europe and other major Asian markets, which is currently under consideration.
Coburn Technologies introduces LaunchPad Freeform Mini-Lab lens processing system
OPTICPLUS Kim Kardashian wears Porsche Design sunglasses
Brad Pitt in Tom Ford
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im Kardashian was photographed wearing Porsche Design P’8478. The fashionista loves these sunglasses that come with interchangeable lenses and in four different sizes, ranging from smaller to oversized frame.
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ctor Brad Pitt looks dishy in these stylish Tom Ford sunglasses as he attends a movie screening.
Hugo Boss Black’s latest ad campaign
Daniel Craig sports Mykita in new movie
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oburn Technologies, formerly Gerber Coburn, introduced the LaunchPad Freeform Mini-Lab - a compact lens processing system which utilises the new LaunchPad (patent pending) disposable freeform lens process technology. Alex Incera, President of Coburn Technologies, stated, “After years of developmental research, testing and approvals, Coburn has created the world’s first affordable free-form lens processing system for small labs and retail environments.”
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ugo Boss Black's Spring 2012 ad campaign, shot by photographer Mario Sorrenti, features Malgosia Bela as the model. And it spells class, with a capital 'C'!
ctor Daniel Craig wears Mykita’s Helmut glasses while essaying his role as Mikael Blomkvist in the new David Fincher film ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’. ................................................................................ Email us at response@opticplus.in
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TRIVIA
Vision Illusion Do you see the musician or a girl's face?
What do you read, Alive or Dead?
Spot our national leaders in this tree.
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CrossWord 1
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How well do you know your brands?
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Here's a quiz to see how well you recognise the brands you deal in. Source:Nov/Dec 2011 OpticPlus Galleria
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10. _______ has signed Mathias Lauridsen as its face for its eyewear campaign. (7) 11. Some celebrities with ____ faces include Jennifer Aniston and Megan Fox. (4) 14. Valentino’s Spring Summer 2012 ad campaign makes one go ___ with its elegant design. (3) 15. “Tony will be an excellent addition to our Germany office,” said Claudio Gottardi, President and CEO, _______. (7) 17. ___ Elton John wore Alain Mikli at the 2012 Golden Globes awards. (3) 19. ____ Jim has created an array of high-end SpiderMan styles for adults. (4) 20. Wearing __ protected glasses ensures a healthy retina, reducing chances of the progression of retinitis pigmentosa. (2) O
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Across: 4. The 42nd ____ trade fair will be held in March 2012. (4) 5. Held at Munich, ____’12 saw 450 exhibitors from 27 countries. (4) 7. Marchon appointed Tony Klijn as __ for Germany. (2) 9. Actor _____ Craig wears Mykita’s glasses in the film ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’. (6) 10. Essilor appointed Hubert Sagnières as Chairman and ___ from January 2012. (3) 12. ___ Heuer Avant Garde Eyewear’s Automatic Night Vision won the Design of Asia Award. (3) 13. Sunglasses in quirky shapes are new in _____ but designers are trying hard to popularise them. (5) 16. Choosing the right _______ to complement’s one face is very easy – if you know your face type. (7) 18. _______ has acquired a majority stake in CSC Laboratories. (7) 21. Michael ____ received a lifetime achievement award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. (4) 22. The earliest symptom in retinitis pigmentosa is the loss of peripheral ______. (6) Down: 1. Brad ____ looks dishy sporting Tom Ford sunglasses at a movie screening. (4) 2. Full cheeks with width and length in the same proportions defines a _____ face. (5) 3. ___ Kardashian was photographed wearing Porsche Design P’8478. (3) 6. Bally and ___ L'Amy will launch an eyewear range. (3) 8. ____ Boss Black's Spring 2012 ad campaign features Malgosia Bela as the model. (4)
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SOUNDING BOARD
DETAILS ABOUT OPTICAL RETAILING SOUGHT
I
am an eye surgeon practising in Maharashtra. I recently started subscribing to OpticPlus and was happy to find that your magazine is of very high quality. The articles are very informative and cover relevant topics. One also gets to see advertisements from various optical suppliers. I have a small optical counter in my hospital, which we are now planning to expand. I was wondering if you could tell me where I can get information about the optical retail market in Thane. Are there any market research firms that deal in optical retailing in Thane or Mumbai? I will be grateful if you can provide this information. Thank you and best wishes to continue your excellent work. — Dr Rahul Kelkar Dr Kelkar’s Eye Hospital, Thane ______________________________________
USEFUL AND INTERESTING
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he article ‘Sell Value, Not Price’ is an interesting read and a useful article for people in the optical industry. Congrats. — Naishad Desai Chashma Ghar, Anand ______________________________________
ARTICLE ON VISION THERAPY
T
he article on Vision Therapy in the September-October 2011 issue of OpticPlus has come out very nicely. It will be my privilege to share more information about rehabilitation of individuals who have double vision or develop abnormal head posture,
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following various ocular conditions. This aside, I do hope to read about how prisms help these individuals in regaining binocular vision in future issues. — Sonia Sharma Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital, New Delhi ______________________________________
NEED SOME INFORMATION
I
chanced upon OpticPlus’ website, while searching for courses on dispensing optics. I am a commerce graduate from Ahmedabad and want to run my own optical shop in the city. I would like to opt for a course which will give me theoretical as well as practical knowledge about optometry. I would also like to know which courses can I opt for that will help me in pursuing my career choice. — Sachin B Bhavsar Ahmedabad ______________________________________
BUYING GROUPS NOT FOR INDIA
T
he article ‘Buying Groups: Collective Strength’ in the NovemberDecember 2011 issue of OpticPlus was interesting. More so, because this is the first time any magazine has written about it in India. While the article is interesting, I personally do not believe that this concept will work in India. No optician will want to share details about his marketing plans with any company, just to get collateral prepared, before they announce it in the market. There is always the fear that their marketing idea might be grabbed by their competition.
Also, what additional benefits will the buying group offer to opticians, that will totally change the way they are currently doing business and make them more profitable? The Indian market is still evolving and I don’t think that it is ready for this concept. — SB Narasimhan Erode ______________________________________
BETTER COVERAGE FOR WORLD SIGHT DAY
T
hanks for the coverage about the activities around World Sight Day that was carried in the NovemberDecember, 2011 issue. But I am also a bit disappointed. This was a national event where optometry schools across the country had participated. More over, World Sight Day is an initiative from the World Health Organization. I wish all the participating schools were covered in the article. You could have at least shown a table about the number of people who were reached in a single day. — Prema Chande, Principal Lotus College of Optometry ______________________________________
BUYING GROUPS
T
hank you for the wonderful article on ‘Buying Groups: Collective Strength’ in the November-December 2011 issue of OpticPlus. I want to know more about such groups because I am still trying to understand whether single-shop opticians will benefit from it or is it going to be useful to bigger retail chains. The services that Cecop India claims to offer will surely come in
OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
2/16/2012 3:44:57 PM
OPTICPLUS ONLINE SHOPPING TIPS NEEDED
I
agree with the article ‘Digitally Changing The Eyewear Market’ that online shopping is making a lot of changes in the optical market. Maybe India has not been affected as much as other regions like the US and UK. But more customers are now willing to buy eyewear, especially sunglasses and contact lenses, from various online shopping sites.
handy to me and I would like to know how to become a part of their network. — Bhavin Shah Jagdambe Optic Shop, Bhavnagar ______________________________________
LENS RELATED ARTICLES
I
liked the article ‘Photochromic Lenses: No Longer In The Dark’ in the November-December 2011 issue of OpticPlus. It is interesting to know about the technical nuances of the products that we opticians sell. Please do write about the various types of lens coating as well, as this will help us give the right answers to our customers. One topic I would really want to read about would be anti-reflection coating. — Shyam Karia Shiv Optics, Bhivani ______________________________________
SOFTWARE FOR OPTICIANS
I
came across an ad about software for the optical industry and I thought it was really very useful. We read a lot about generic business-related software, but it is rare to read about something specifically for our business domain. I would like to suggest that your magazine carry an article about the various software available specifically for the optical industry, which will help opticians like me in running their business better. I am sure a lot of our readers will also appreciate it. — Bhuvan Tripathi Sight Plus Opticals, New Delhi ______________________________________
This is a time of great opportunity and challenge for opticians in India. It will be great if you can write an article on how opticians can start their online venture, either on their own or through an existing shopping portal. It will be very helpful for readers like us who do not know a lot about this topic and want reliable information from a credible source like OpticPlus. — Nishikant Bhat Bhat Opticians, Vadodara ______________________________________
NEED SUBSCRIPTION DETAILS
I
read OpticPlus recently at an international event and liked the magazine very much.
I would like to know more about how to subscribe to the magazine in South Africa, where I am based. — Djembe Baruti Johannesburg ______________________________________
INTERNATIONAL EVENTS NEEDED IN INDIA
I enjoy reading about the various international trade fairs in OpticPlus magazine, especially the way they manage to package these events for international exhibitors and visitors. It is time we too had a similar event in India, where we can have more participation from overseas visitors. — Gaston Noronha Odyssey Optical Shop, Goa ______________________________________ OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
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EVENTS CALENDAR
I
really enjoy reading the in-depth reports about the various international events like CIOF, Mido, Silmo, etc., in your magazine. Many people from the business might not be able to participate in these trade fairs, for various reasons. Nonetheless, we would like to know about the brands that were launched there and other new updates announced. The articles that OpticPlus carries is therefore a great help to us. It will be great if you can also carry an events calendar in your magazine, so that we are aware about upcoming trade fairs. And do keep up your good work. — Anand Puthran Kateel Opticians, Mangalore ______________________________________
MORE ARTICLES ON EYE HEALTH
A
s an ophthalmologist, I read the article ‘Get That Twinkle In Your Eye’ in the latest issue of OpticPlus with a lot of joy. I see a lot of patients at my clinic who complain of eye strain, eye fatigue and burning and itchy eyes. And the blame for this, to a great extent, lies on the choices they make in their work and lifestyle habits. Most patients with such conditions have long working hours involving excessive usage of digital gadgets, and they commute a lot, thereby absorbing high levels of air pollution, besides having unhealthy food habits. Your article is something that has covered all these aspects that affect eye health, very well. I have even put up a copy of this article in my clinic on the public display area. Please do keep writing on other eye health related topics as I would like to keep using them to better educate my patients on taking care of their eyes. — Dr Amarnath Khatri Panipat ............................................................................... Email us at response@opticplus.in 153
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Get Framed EYE
MATTERS
Choosing the right eyewear to complement’s one face is very easy – especially if you are aware of your face type. Once you know this detail, picking up that perfect-for-you pair of eyewear is a pleasurable shopping experience.
“W
ith my sunglasses on, I'm Jack Nicholson. Without them, I'm fat and 60” - these are the words of the famous American actor and producer Jack Nicholson, who is rarely seen without his vintage-inspired sunglasses with coloured lens.
that catches your attention and don it! But it is also possible to narrow down one’s choices in advance, which will save you a lot of time and confusion, especially if the optical retail outlet has a wide range of eyewear.
GETTING IT RIGHT
This can be done by simply determining your face shape, and understanding the frame styles, materials and colours that would look best on you. Wearing the right eyewear brings out the unique aspects of different face types in a fine way. In some cases, it can make the face look longer or wider or soften the face, as the wearer might prefer.
One could say that the easiest way to decide the right eyewear for your face is simple – just pick up a pair
Want to know what’s your face type? Just pull your hair back and away from your, so that all the contours of the face are clearly visible when you look into the mirror. Round, oval, oblong, triangle, square and diamond are amongst the basic face shapes.
At a time when being fashionable is more the rule than the exception, the way one looks says it all about the person. And with the amount of thought that is now invested into the right selection of clothes, shoes and jewellery, can eyewear be far behind? The key to donning flattering eyewear is picking the right frame — one that manages to reflect your personality, while accentuating your lifestyle choice.
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2/16/2012 2:41:05 PM
OPTICPLUS
According to the Vision Council, there are three main points that ought to be borne in mind when it comes to choosing eyewear frames for different face shapes. To begin with, it should highlight the wearer’s best facial feature. Choose eyewear in shapes that draw attention to your facial contour and complement your attire.
Another thing to remember is that the frame shape should ideally contrast with the face’s shape. For round faces, rectangular frames or thick frames look very good, while for square faces, rounded or oval frames as well as thin frames are a good fit. And finally, the frame size ought to be in scale with the wearer’s face size. Puzzled? Don’t be. Here’s a quick guide in choosing the ideal frame for some basic face shapes.
The key to donning flattering eyewear is picking the right frame — one that manages to reflect your personality, while accentuating your lifestyle choice.
STYLES TO SUIT BASIC FACE TYPES
ROUND: Full cheeks, minimal angles with width and length in the same proportions that is how a round face is defined. Actresses Christina Ricci and Kate Winslet are some good examples of this face type. Since round eyewear will add more curves to this face type it is best avoided. With the right frame, especially those with straight lines, the face can appear longer and thinner. Geometrical styles like rectangular frames can make the face look longer OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
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Colour Me Right Choosing the right lens colour is just as important as choosing the right eyewear fit. And this depends a lot on the wearer’s skin tone as well as hair type.
According to various stylists, people with light complexions can try frames with a touch of colour such as rose or amber. Those with slightly darker skin tone can carry off frames in silver, gold or clear frames, but are advised to avoid black as it can look very heavy on their face. When it comes to hair, there is no thumb rule on which eyewear goes well with a particular style. But generally, stylists opine that those with soft and wavy hair can choose frames in delicate shapes and translucent colours. People with very curly locks can carry off smaller
and slimmer as they minimize the curves. Angular narrow frames give the face better definition adding to its length, while a clear bridge widens the eyes. Eyewear with high temples help in elongating the facial profile while sunglasses with brow bars too make the face look longer. Deep colours such as black or charcoal grey minimise the fullness of the face. OVAL: The oval face shape is only slightly narrower at the jaw line than at the temples as compared to the round face, with a gently rounded hairline. People with oval face are said to be blessed and with good reason. This face type has balanced proportions, and hence it can pull off just about any frame. Some celebrities with oval faces include Jennifer Aniston, Cameron Diaz, Sharon Stone, Megan Fox and Cindy Crawford. To maintain this face type’s natural balance, eyewear frames that are as 164
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frames, while bold colours and designs with decorative styles add the right touch of vivacity on people with short hair. If you are fortunate to have very long and thick tresses then you can try any type of eyewear depending on whether you could like to tie your hair up or leave it loose. Driven by the latest in fashion trends, there are also many options to choose when it comes to lens tints in sunglasses. Some are subdued in the shades of grey and Havana, while others have bold streaks of vivid colour. Making the right choice depends on the how often, where and when the wearer will sport the eyewear. Grey and black lenses are popular because while they cut bright light on a sunny day and also project a suave look. Amber or orange lenses
wide as or wider than the broadest part of the face, or walnut-shaped frames that are not too deep or too narrow, are good choices. Some good options for them include wayfarers, aviators, wraparounds or oversized frames. According to ‘O’ magazine, although oval types do just fine in subtly rounded frames, ideally wearers can avoid ultra-circular styles. Narrow optical frames with upswept corners and vivid accents on top give the face a nice lift, emphasizing cheekbones and making the jaw look slimmer and more angular. OBLONG: A common shape, the oblong face type - like those belonging to Sarah Jessica Parker or Elizabeth Perkins - is longer than it is wide and has a long straight cheek line, sometimes with a longish nose. The key to make this face more alluring is to introduce a style with added width and an emphasis on horizontal lines.
allow some light to pass through making them a good choice for cloudy days, but they are not ideal for a day at the beach. Yellow lenses afford excellent visibility in dark and are therefore preferred by sportspeople who play at night. Similarly, red and vermilion lenses are chosen by people who indulge in water or snow sports because it can provide enhanced contrast and definition in high glare conditions. The mellow light of blue lenses gives a very soothing feel and stylish look. These work well on sunny days as well as darker conditions. Amber and brown lenses can cut glare fairly well and are therefore preferred for driving. ________________________________
To get a balanced look, the wearer can opt for frames that create contours adding width to and giving depth to the face. Decorative or contrasting temples will do this pretty well, while a low bridge will shorten the nose. Frames with short horizontal and long, vertical lines are the best choices as they do not extend beyond the widest part of the face. Similarly, round or square shaped eyewear are good choices for this face shape. TRIANGLE: The triangular face shape has a dominant jaw line with narrowing cheekbones and a broad forehead. Look at actresses Minnie Driver or Kate Hudson and you will get an idea of what this face type looks like. To add width and emphasize the narrow upper third of such faces, frames that are heavily accented with colour and detailing on the top half or cat-eye shapes are good selections.
OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
2/16/2012 2:42:36 PM
OPTICPLUS along with a broad forehead and wide cheekbones. Slightly curved frames and narrow frames compliment such a face shape. Such wearers can play with eyewear where the top of the frames sit high enough on the face to downplay the jaw line. To make the square face look longer and soften the angles, they can also try narrow frame styles or frames that have more width than depth, and narrow ovalshaped styles. Another trick is to look for glasses with the temple set in the middle of the frame as these will keep the emphasis on the eyes and cheeks, rather than the chin.
Similarly, frames with a thin rim and vertical lines are sound picks as they help balance the bottom part of the face. Frames that sit too high on the face or large frames with heavy nose bridges, bold colours and square shapes are best avoided. INVERTED TRIANGLE: The inverted triangle is named so because it is the face shape that features a much wider appearance at the top of the face than at the bottom. While the proportions may very well be ideal with regard to the horizontal and vertical dimensions, the width of the upper section of the head compared to the jaw area is what makes the determination for this face shape. Jennifer Love Hewitt and Tyra Banks have this kind of a facial structure. Boxy or rectangular eyewear with a straight-across look can be avoided as they emphasise the width of the
With the amount of thought that is now invested into the right selection of clothes, shoes and jewellery, can eyewear be far behind? wearerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cheeks instead of minimizing it. The wider portions of the face can be eased with airy, rimless glasses. Gently curving wraparounds also help in toning down the angles. SQUARE: A person with a square face, like Sandra Bullock or Demi Moore, has a strong, square jaw line and usually an equally square hairline OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
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DIAMOND: A cross between heart and oval face shapes, this type of face shape is widest at the cheekbones, and narrow equally at the forehead and jaw line, giving it a balanced yet dramatic appeal. People with this kind of facial structure, like Katherine Hepburn or Linda Evangelista, are advised to choose frames that soften their prominent cheekbones. They can try frames that have detailing or distinctive brow lines, or try rimless frames or oval and cat-eye shapes, which help de-emphasise the width in the middle of the face and balance the rest of the face. Some other good choices are softly curved square frames that are no wider than the top of the cheekbones or oval sunglasses which soften the contour of the face. When it comes to eyewear fashion, consumers are spoilt for choice with the wide array of selections to options to select from. So go for the one (or many, we say) that is an extension of your style quotient! __________________________________________ - Vinita Bhatia ................................................................................ Email us at response@opticplus.in 165
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BRAND WAGON
ESCADA SES754 De Rigo
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OPTICPLUS 2012 is here and we know it will be a year full of glamour and high fashion! Looking fabulous has never been so exciting and this time around, designers are going all out launching collections that are strikingly individualistic with stand-out pieces, especially in eyewear.
SWAROVSKI SK0021 Marcolin Spa
These chic sunglasses underline a sassy attitude!
From Roberto Cavalli to John Galliano, every designer has made a statement in their Spring Summer 2012 collections. Whether it is the Ăźber chic sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana or eyecatching temple designs by Fendi, designers are in an all-inclusive mood. Also, sunglasses - especially the oversized kind - will see the use of metal and crystal detailing on the sides, something Swarovski gets just right. Underlying message from the fashion police â&#x20AC;&#x201C; make a statement and make it bold.
ROBERTO CAVALLI TIGILIO 631 Marcolin Spa
The jewel on the temples makes this one a head turner.
MAYBACH THE STAR I-G-LH-Z01 IVKO An irresistible combination of style and character!
Outfits: Sidharta Aryan
OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
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DUNHILL D2017 Rodenstock GmbH
The gold and black combination an all-time favourite.
MONT BLANC MB 371 Marcolin Spa
This model's style quotient lies in the detailing on its temples.
RAY-BAN RB 3387 Luxottica
This one is a classic with a colourful twist.
BENETTON BES798
Consider yourself ahead of the game with these retro sunglasses.
STEPPER SI 9585 Eye Concepts
Rimless frames in a rectangular design - super cool and classy.
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OPTICPLUS
TRU TRUSSARDI 12500 Charmant Group
A classic style in two-tone colours, this one has an old-world charm to it.
PAL ZILERI PZ 60004 101 Studio
These refined frames are perfect at work or play.
TOMMY HILFIGER 7790 Safilo Group
The chic details on its temple make this one a winner.. OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
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SCOTT 1731 C4
SCOTT 1719 C1
SCOTT 1705 C1
SCOTT 1667 C3
SCOTT 1743 C2
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SPRINT 11304 C3
SPRINT 11411 C2
SPRINT 11446 C2
SPRINT 11301 C1
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ELLE 18950 Charmant Group
These sauve sunglasses are fit for a star.
TOM FORD 222 Marcolin Spa
Definitely meant to up the oomph factor.
ESPRIT ET 19561 Charmant Group
Strong and prominent makes a sporty fashion statement.
RODENSTOCK 2279 Rodenstock GmbH A distinctive look that's sharp and edgy!
DOLCE & GARBANA D&G 8096 Luxottica Super-cool - that's D&G for you!
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OPTICPLUS
FENDI 5190 Marchon
Feminine, with the right curves.
INFACE IF 1050 Inface
Delicate and aesthetic, this one spells class.
JOHN GALLIANO JG 5004 Marcolin Spa
John Galliano makes yet another striking style statement with this one. OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
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SILHOUETTE 6762 Silhouette International
Rimless frames with bejeweled temples the classic avatar gets a twist!
SKECHERS SK 1006 Viva International Group
With its colourful temples, this one is sure to make heads turn!
BURBERRY B4108 Luxottica
Burberry goes vintage with this one.
FRENCH CONNECTION FCUK 2152
Sporty and fashionable - a power-packed combination!
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POLICE S1714 De Rigo
Distinctly Police, these wayfarers combine style and elegance.
DSQUARED2 DQ 0072 Marcolin Spa
Simplicity can never go out of style and Dsquared2 proves this!
PUMA 15318 Charmant Group
Puma gets it right with the dark feline touch.
CALVIN KLEIN CK 5328 Marchon
Minimalism with a dash of colour.
OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
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OPTICPLUS
Model Photography: Siddhartha Nath Makeup Artist: Baban Karat Stylist: Pria Agni Model: Sony and Gui (Toabh Talents)
.............................................................................. Email us at response@opticplus.in OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
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OpticPlus Mate
LEISURE
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STAR
FORECAST
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OPTICPLUS
T
he movie 'Jodi Breakers' promises to be an interesting watch simply because of its lead jodi - R Madhavan and Bipasha Basu. And everyone’s excited to see the chemistry this contrasting pair will bring to the silver screen.
What’s even more exciting is the eyewear that Madhavan sports throughout the movie. From dapper acetates that aptly reflect this actor’s understated charm, to sporty sunglasses that bring out Madhavan’s rugged side, the eyewear in this movie is bound to get people talking! ____________________________________________________
OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye
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