OLP September 2018

Untitled-6 1

8/29/18 2:47 PM

Untitled-7 1

8/30/18 2:31 PM

& IDEAS

FOR THE LABORATORY PROFESSIONAL

OpticalLabProducts.com

O P T I C A L

L A B

SEPTEMBER 2018

PRODUCTS

P R O D U C T S

On The Cuting Edge of

One-to-One • PG 4

LENS PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY Business • PG 12

News• PG 20

Lab Division Hall of Fame Banquet

PG 6

GIVE YOUR LAB THE

ULTRA ADVANTAGE • • •

OpticalLabProducts.com

Essential products for every lab.

Superior coatings for all lens substrates 44R: The fastest, most reliable automated coating machine available

BOOTH LP4079

www.ultraoptics.com

SEPTEMBER 2018

1

Leybold Optics CCS610T+ Redesigned with a thermal evaporator and more powerful ion source This fourth generation coater has been redesigned - packing more capability into a smaller footprint - while retaining an affordable entry price.

Questions? leyboldoptics.cary@buhlergroup.com 919.657.7100

Innovations for a better world.

Untitled-1 1 Untitled-2

6/26/18 9:10 9:03 AM 2/22/18

BY JIM GROOTEGOED

CONTENTS

SEPTEMBER 2018

OPINIONS 02 03 04

Rollins on Marketing In the Lab One-to-One with Dave Cole, PPG

FEATURES 06 08 12

Emerging Optical Leders

14

Aloha, Maui Jim

Lens Processing Technology

Cooke-ing Up a New (business) Recipe

RUNDOWN 18 19 20

New for the Lab Expo Insider News

EDITORIAL STAFF VP, EDITORIAL | John Sailer • JSailer@FVMG.com PROFESSIONAL EDITOR | Jim Grootegoed • JGrootegoed@cox.net EDITOR | Cara Aidone Huzinec • CHuzinec@FVMG.com ART DIRECTOR | Megan LaSalla • MLaSalla@FVMG.com CONTRIBUTING WRITER | Eric Rollins • EricRollins@Comcast.net PRODUCTION & WEB MANAGER | Anthony Floreno • AFloreno@FVMG.com

BUSINESS STAFF PUBLISHER | Terry Tanker • TTanker@FVMG.com EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT | Shawn Mery • SMery@FVMG.com VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING | Debby Corriveau • DCorriveau@FVMG.com VICE PRESIDENT SALES | Eric Hagerman • EHagerman@FVMG.com

www.Facebook.com/OpticalLabProducts www.Twitter.com/OLP_Magazine www.Linkedin.com/company/Optical-Lab-Products

OpticalLabProducts.com

FINDING the right balance

O

ur industry has undergone tremendous technology innovation over the recent past, all improving production and quality. However, often left behind are the employees and their concerns.

To start, managers and employees generally view change differently. Owners and top-level managers see change as an opportunity to strengthen the business. For many employees, however, including middle managers, change is neither expected nor welcomed. It is disruptive and intrusive. It upsets their life.

Top managers consistently misjudge the effect of change on their relationships with employees and on the effort required to win approval for change. To gain acceptance, managers at all levels must learn to see things differently; they must put themselves in their employees’ shoes to understand how change looks from their perspective.

I reviewed 12 articles relating to employee reactions to change, and there are many more, and tried to condense and simplify some main points to consider: Fear of the unknown/surprise: This type of resistance occurs mainly when change is implemented without warning.

How will it affect my job? Will I have a job?

Mistrust: This is individual and really a test of the type

of relationship management has already established with employees.

Loss of job security: This may occur when management announces the company will be restructuring or downsizing because of technology or business conditions without adequate warning or involvement. The danger here is with the remaining employees.

Bad timing: As the old saying goes, “Timing is everything.” Too much change over a short period of time can cause resistance. If change is not implemented at the right time or with the right level of tact or empathy, it usually won’t work.

An individual’s predisposition toward change: This is huge. This may surprise you, but differences exist in people’s overall tolerance for change.

I’m kidding of course, but don’t project your feelings on employees. Some people enjoy change because it provides them with an opportunity to learn new things and grow personally and professionally. Others resist change because they prefer a set routine – these are usually the people who become suspicious of change and are more likely to resist.

Prepare yourselves, for if we don’t change, we’ll cease to exist.

SEPTEMBER 2018

1

OPINIONS

Rollins on Marketing

THE LATEST

Lens Processing Technologies

equipment and the cost to train your employees. If it takes you a while to get up to speed with the new technology, then you have additional costs in spoilage, labor and potential dissatisfied customers.

By Eric Rollins

T

o be honest, this topic is a little scary to me, and maybe to you as well.

There are a few reasons for this: First, new technologies tend to be expensive, and in several ways. The cost of the equipment can easily run to seven figures, plus the cost to install the

Second, new technologies don’t always end up working out. If you invest a lot of money into a new technology only to have it backfire on you, not only have you lost the money and time invested, you have also lost customers. We had this experience with a laboratory software system that we installed. It was the new beta version of what was a fairly well regarded company’s software that was in other labs in its previous versions.

This was probably the most

expensive mistake our lab ever made. After a year of customer service employees going home in tears and quitting, and losing many of our customers, we finally switched to another software vendor. It took us a while to recover, but after about three years we got back to where we were before the switch.

On the other hand, there are a lot of exciting new ideas out there for optical laboratories.

One of the suppliers has introduced very automated systems that can produce 2,500 jobs per day with 10 people working two shifts. Back in the 1990’s our lab produced about 2,500 jobs per day… with 200 people!

Another company has started 3D printing of optical lenses.

Will this technology disrupt the industry or will it end up as just a curiosity in the annals of optical labs? Only time will tell.

One thing that will always be true is that we have to move towards “better, cheaper, faster” to stay in business. To the extent that new technology can help us do it, it will always be something we need to pursue.

Eric Rollins is a veteran of the optical retail, frame and lab industries. His firm, Rollins Consulting, LLC, consults with the three Os to improve profitability. Email him at EricRollins@Comcast.net.

DIGITAL VISION TAKES OUR CUSTOMERS TO THE NEXT LEVEL Do you feel stuck at your lab with manual workarounds? Do simple tasks seem harder than they should be?

DVI's flexible software and responsive support helps you take command of your lab's processes.

Our guiding principle is to empower customers of all sizes to run their labs efficiently, in a way that makes sense for them.

Our industry leading system provides tools to streamline, automate, and integrate all aspects of your business. Our consulting partnership ensures you're never left wondering what to do next.

As an independent company focused solely on the optical lab industry, our only agenda is your success.

Phone: 503.231.6606 Fax: 503.231.4943 6805 SE Milwaukie Ave. Portland, OR 97202

www.thedvi.com

2

SEPTEMBER 2018

OpticalLabProducts.com

In The Lab

OPINIONS

WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS...

O

Should NOT Stay There!

LP is fresh from a visit to our 2018 Lab Innovator of the Year (to be featured in our November issue), where we had the chance to see advanced, completely automated lens processing techniques in action. This lab knew it had to update processing techniques to keep up with demand and stay competitive: it produces 1,200 to 1,500 jobs per day (600 to 700 AR jobs) with a surfacing department that is pretty much run on its own (hardly an employee in sight in that section of the lab).

evidenced by independent labs opening (check out our profile of R&D Optical Lab on page 12) and this month’s feature story, for which OLP sought the opinions of several equipment manufacturing leaders to find out how labs need to think about lens processing technology and how to integrate it. Increasing customer demands, customization and preempting problems are key areas that labs need to consider to stay competitive, and as machines become faster and more accurate, it’s wise to assess what areas require investment.

Given that the theme of this month’s issue is lens processing technology, it was certainly a timely visit. Change is here, as

Of course, Vision Expo West is the place to see and learn about the latest equipment on the market. The Lab Division will present

regulatory updates and news that you don’t want to miss, plus the opportunity to hear from the up-and-coming industry leaders: The Vision Council’s Emerging Optical Leaders committee will be there to share what the younger generation is learning and doing. Read more about this group of young leaders in our roundtable discussion with members of its Steering Committee on page 8.

So much is happening at VEW this year, from 30th anniversary celebrations and the Lab Division’s Hall of Fame banquet (at which former Transitions President Dave Cole will receive the Directors’ Choice Award; see page 20) and the launches of Luxexcel’s VirtualEngine and Schneider’s HSE Modulo QS

By Cara A. Huzinec (and one the company is keeping secret!) to live robotic sectoring and desectoring demos at Satisloh’s booth, plus much more. Vision Expo West is sure to give all of us a taste of what’s in store.

Cara Huzinec is Editor of OLP. CHuzinec@FVMG.com.

Tak™ anti-slip film | STM630 conventional coolant | STM640 digital coolant | GTX edging series | Aspire™ lens polish | Sentry lens tape

PERFECT YOUR PROCESS

SALEM offers superior products and unparalleled support.

CALL SALEM TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION

Visit us in Vegas CALIFORNIA 800.445.6339

OpticalLabProducts.com

NORTH CAROLINA CANADA 800.234.1982 844.858.7444 www.salemdist.com

BOOTH LP11068

SEPTEMBER 2018

3

Q&A ONE TO ONE:

Q: How did your

career in the optical industry begin?

A: My career with PPG began

in the chemical industry when I accepted a role in the late ‘80s to support sales and product development within the optical monomers group. I was building relationships with lens manufacturers by marketing and selling PPG’s CR-39 monomer, as well as other higher index materials. Through my support of further product development with the lens manufacturers, I also had the opportunity to work with our business development group on monomer innovation for PPG’s photochromic research project.

Q: In 1990 you joined

Transitions Optical, eventually becoming COO in 2011 and then president. What was your role there when you first joined the company?

A: I joined Transitions Optical in 1990 at the outset of the joint venture as sales and marketing director. My initial role was to 4

SEPTEMBER 2018

DAVE COLE From PPG to Transitions Optical and now back at PPG, Dave Cole worked in the optical industry for more than 25 years, and although he is now VP of architectural coatings at PPG, focusing on paint, he has made his way back in the industry as the recipient of the Lab Division’s Directors’ Choice Award. Here, he spoke to OLP about his optical career and how he helped make Transitions a global brand.

build partnerships with the leading lens manufacturers globally while supporting downstream sales, distribution support and market demand for Transitions lenses.

Q: Transitions is a

unique product that is an add-on technology to a wide range of lens brands. What was it like working across the board like that with so many competitors?

A: Trusted relationships with the world’s leading lens manufacturers led to the strength of the Transitions lens offering. The industry and consumers all want choice. Developing products and distribution in partnership with these companies allowed labs, eyecare professionals and consumers the opportunity to have their preferred lens design and material but with a new and innovative added feature. It was critical early on that we established trust with each of our partners by allowing them to succeed through utilization of their own strengths, supporting them fairly and maintaining absolute

confidentiality. Over time, we established amazing partnerships with these manufacturers and accomplished great things together.

we had very cohesive industry support and were able to build a strong brand while also promoting healthy sight around the world.

Q: You had a major

Q: Can you describe

undertaking turning Transitions into a wellknown brand. How did you attack that, and to what do you attribute your success?

A: We established Transitions

Optical with a vision of building a strong, unique brand. First and foremost, it was extremely important that the product offering and industry support matched the brand promise for the consumer. We worked very hard early on to develop improved technologies and the educational support necessary to understand the performance characteristics and benefits of Transitions lenses. We then tested and launched comprehensive advertising campaigns that truly resonated with consumers. We were very proud to have raised the profile and importance of eyeglass lenses as a total solution to patient vision comfort and protection. Fortunately,

the business model you created for Transitions to establish partnerships with lens manufacturers?

A: The partnerships we developed with leading lens manufacturers were a critical factor to our success. At its premise, the basis of our partnerships was to allow our partners to develop and distribute a preferred product offering using their proprietary designs, materials and brands. Transitions only had direct supply relationships with lens manufacturers. We first developed a standard product lineup of both single vision and bifocal lenses that they included in their offering. Beyond that, the manufacturers worked very closely with us to develop and introduce a broad portfolio of progressive, multifocal and single vision designs in CR-39based, high index, polycarbonate and Trivex lens materials.

OpticalLabProducts.com

This allowed each of them to grow and compete on their own strengths. Of course, this value-add approach involved significant technical expertise and business collaboration, which enabled a broad portfolio of product offerings.

Q: You also developed Transitions Academy.

How did you get the idea for a company to host an event for its customers and partner labs? What was the goal of Transitions Academy in its early years?

A: While Transitions Academy started with very humble beginnings in 1996, it has undergone a tremendous evolution to become the leading industry educational event that it is known as today. One of the most recognized and unique educational events in the optical industry, Transitions Academy hosts hundreds of highly talented professionals from across North America – and around the world – each year. During the event, attendees participate in professional development and product technology workshops, hear from experts on marketing and industry trends and learn alongside peers at panel discussions.

The inaugural Transitions Academy was attended by 60 sales representatives from wholesale laboratories in the U.S. at Transitions Optical’s headquarters in Pinellas Park,

FL. We clearly recognized the tremendous impact these laboratories had in educating and influencing eyecare professionals – as owners of the direct, dayto-day relationship with eyecare professionals and the most trusted connection for product recommendations, quality assurance and education.

We had a vision of supporting them with best-in-class education and marketing support that extended beyond our product and building the skills appropriate for growing their businesses. The initial feedback was very positive, with peer-to-peer word of mouth quickly spreading to drive substantial interest in the event. We soon outgrew our headquarters and moved the event to Orlando in order to accommodate more than 1,000 participants from across the industry. Through the development of this initiative, the core values of Transitions Academy remain the same — to provide unmatched opportunity for skill development and have fun along the way.

Q: You are this year’s

recipient of the Lab Division’s Directors’ Choice Award. What does this mean to you professionally and personally, especially now that you aren’t working directly in the optical industry?

A: I have to admit, I was taken aback when I was notified that I’d be receiving the Directors’

OpticalLabProducts.com

Choice Award. Being remembered and recognized in such an honorable way is extremely gratifying. Even though my name will be on the award, I truly acknowledge this as recognition of the tremendous work, dedication and impact Transitions Optical employees have made on the industry.

We had such a great group of professionals who were fully engaged and committed to the optical industry’s growth, and that has made all the difference.

I could never name everyone individually, but together, we truly made a positive impact of which we all should be very proud.

Q: You are now back at PPG, currently as VP of architectural coatings. How do you expect to feel reconnecting with former colleagues at the Hall of Fame Banquet?

A: I can’t wait to reconnect with former colleagues and true friends in the industry.

Unfortunately, I had very little opportunity to connect with many colleagues as I quickly transitioned to the coatings industry. I’m enjoying my challenges in the paint industry but will always have fond memories of the optical industry and the great people leading it.

Q: You currently serve

on the board of Angels’

Place, a non-profit that supports single parents. Why this organization?

A: I am a strong advocate of the importance of family and the balance between life and career aspirations. Unfortunately, there are many individuals who have to trade their career goals in order to manage their responsibilities as parents. Located near PPG’s global headquarters in Pittsburgh, Angels’ Place helps to minimize this reality by providing quality education, care and support services for single parents and their children, enabling parents to complete their formal education as opposed to dropping out of school.

I love the mission. The number of single parents who cannot afford proper childcare services is astounding. Angels’ Place aims to break this cycle of poverty, also providing organized parental development courses to complement the aforementioned care. It’s a great cause that has had measurable impact on those fortunate enough to be in the program.

Q: What are your

personal interests/ hobbies?

A: I enjoy spending time with my family, as well as playing hockey and golf. I also have a private pilot’s license. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to put it to good use again.

SEPTEMBER 2018

5

TECHNOLOGY

LENS PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY:

Where It Is Now & Where It Is Going

by Cara A. Huzinec

A

s equipment manufacturers develop and release high-tech machines to expedite and automate lens processing, the more labs need to know how to stay on top of their game.

4RACER TBA

Here, three optical machinery leaders explain the current state of lens processing and how their equipment is an investment in better business.

FABIO VERZERI, General Manager Americas Sales, MEI System, Inc.

“The main issues we usually find are of different kinds: edging quality, productivity, the need to customize products for more demanding customers and stand out from the crowd. More and more lens-processing activity has been flowing into big labs, but now we see a desire for a more tailored approach so that customers can appreciate the unique service rendered by groups of specialists such as optometrists and eyewear lens and lab specialists.

There is one important point to make here: MEI is not just an additional brand in the market. Our milling technology embraced the future of edging by disconnecting from the old grinding technology. Most of the limitations such as rework, the ability to design and edge special jobs and fast execution combined with superb quality have found a resolution with a complete series of equipment suitable for small retail up to large labs. Globally, almost all large labs have embraced the MEI way of edging, and the knowledge of our technology is expanding and reaching even the smallest entities. Our technicians are doing a great effort to help new customers enjoy the results that MEI milling technology can bring to their operations. We like to call this change “Edging 4.0” in line with the current trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technology. We just need people keen and motivated to the change.”

6

SEPTEMBER 2018

THE EQUIPMENT: 4RACER TBA

This finishing unit combines TBA blocking features, lens inspection and high-speed edging in one unit with a small footprint. The 4Racer TBA can work on all organic lens materials, including polycarbonate, Trivex and CR-39, and it has the highest throughput with high size stability and high edge quality, according to the company.

KURT ATCHISON, President, Schneider Optical Machines

“In the past, labs focused mostly on reducing labor when considering upgrading to new automated machinery. Today, labor remains important, of course, but you can add two other critical factors: The need for maximum output in the smallest floor space and maximum technology integration. More lenses, highest quality, fewest machines.

Speed remains critical, but so too does cognitive machinery. This is Schneider’s Modulo idea, in place now for several years. Machines communicate intelligently to each other and to the lab personnel and

OpticalLabProducts.com

management. This cognitive ability makes it easier to optimize the use of the machines and to understand what steps are needed for maintaining the machine condition for highest uptime. The lab’s challenge is finding staff with technical expertise. We help solve that dilemma by doing part of the thinking and decision making for them.

As technology becomes more sophisticated, it is more critical than ever to make it manageable for the lab team.”

MES-360

THE TECHNOLOGY: MES-360

Satisloh’s MES-360 Manufacturing Execution System provides machine monitoring, breakage tracking, conveyor routing, coat batch-tracking modules, links to automated optical inspection and manual cosmetic inspection.

ROBB KOHN, President, A&R Optical Machinery, Inc.

HSC MODULO XTS

THE EQUIPMENT: HSC MODULO XTS

According to Schneider, the HSC Modulo XTS is the fastest generator on the market, with a XS-motor accelerating to more than 40g.

The generator combines high frequency drive technology with a new milling spindle and intelligent algorithms to produce 50 jobs per hour. A new swarf-management system ensures the process is clean.

ANDY HUTHOEFER, Head of Marketing and Global Aftermarket Operations, Satisloh

“The lab market is highly competitive. ECPs now expect more than ever from their lab of choice. In order to maintain their success, labs need to continually increase both quality and service levels (faster delivery, consistent adherence to promised delivery times, etc.). These demands mean continuous improvement in the lab. That’s where manufacturing execution systems come in to play. These systems, like MES-360 from Satisloh, put all of the lab’s data from production processes and machines at the lab manager’s finger tips. Which machines are coming up for maintenance within the next few hours?

Which ones don’t have enough jobs to keep them producing? Which machine errors are hurting productivity? What is causing surfacing room breakage to increase? Where, exactly, is Dr. Jones’ AR job right now?

“A&R has been developing both hardware and software designed to perform in accordance with the principles of Industry 4.0 Smart Manufacturing. The goal is to predict all aspects of ophthalmic lens manufacturing by monitoring them in real-time with A&R Statistical Process Control software and Dual LensMapper technology, which allow the laboratory to make meaningful adjustments in the manufacturing process before the lab ever even manufactures a bad lens.

This is a transformational shift in the ophthalmic lens manufacturing industry and will provide vast efficiencies in the manufacturing process, saving time and a lot of money while also increasing quality.”

THE EQUIPMENT: PROMAPPER

A&R’s ProMapper is a tabletop solution for labs of all sizes, providing total lens inspection of both optical and geometrical properties (including power, prism, addition, thickness, shape and polarization) to industry ISO and ANSI standards and free-form surface evaluation based on A&R’s Error Map technology. Surface quality features such as Global Mapping Criteria are evaluated and constitute relevant inspection data for Statistical Process Control applications, maintenance and troubleshooting. “In addition to ensuring the quality of the products shipped to customers, the A&R ProMapper is even more critical for providPROMAPPER ing data that allows the lab to take proactive action regarding their machines’ adjustments and maintenance,” said Olivier Stoquart, customer engineering “zero defect” manager.

All of these questions – and so many more – are answered by MES360 in real time. It gives labs a valuable tool to increase productivity and yields – and with that provide the service and quality that allows them to thrive in a competitive market.”

OpticalLabProducts.com

SEPTEMBER 2018

7

LEADERSHIP

Ryan Kirkpatrick, Chairman

Kristen Reynolds, Development Chair

Sebastian Huelswitt, Vice Chair Jaclyn Frumkin, Membership Chair

Lisa Hanson, Advocacy Chair

EMERGING OPTICAL LEADERS:

Setting the Course for the Industry’s Future

F

8

irst formed three years ago by The Vision Council because it recognized a need for young leadership within the organization, the Emerging Optical Leaders (EOL) committee (initially called the Young Optical Leaders Organization, or YOLO) is gaining in numbers with more than 40 members. To join, members must be age 35 or younger, be employed by a member company of The Vision Council and be nominated by a senior executive from the member company. The EOL group meets three times per year at The Vision Council’s Executive Summit, Vision Expo East in New York City and Vision Expo West in Las Vegas.

OLP: What are the goals of the EOL?

OLP recently spoke with members of the EOL Steering Committee: Chairman Ryan Kirkpatrick, CEO of Shwood Eyewear; Vice Chair Sebastian Huelswitt, project manager at Carl Zeiss Vision; Advocacy Chair Lisa Hanson, director of quality at VISION EASE; Development Chair Kristen Reynolds, manager, philanthropic programs at National Vision; and Membership Chair Jaclyn Frumkin, vice president, business development at Eye Q Eyewear, to get their take on the group, why they joined and why others should, too.

Hanson: I’m a member of The Vision Council and received information regarding the start of the Young Optical Leaders Organization from an email blast when the group first started back in 2016.

SEPTEMBER 2018

Kirkpatrick: We have three main goals: to establish professional development for young executives, to increase networking opportunities for young leaders and to provide insights on the future of the optical industry to The Vision Council.

OLP: How did you first learn of the EOL?

Huelswitt: My former manager at ZEISS is heavily involved in The Vision Council and heard about the opportunity during its early forming stages. She thought it was an opportunity for me to get involved with The Vision Council.

Reynolds: I used to work on the team at The Vision Council that facilitated the first meeting when the EOL was a new idea. In my new role at National Vision, I read about an opportunity to join EOL, and my boss and I decided it would be a committee worth being a part of. continued on page 10

OpticalLabProducts.com

Untitled-3 1

8/24/18 2:39 PM

continued from page 8

OLP: Why did you join?

Frumkin: I joined EOL for many of the same reasons the program was instituted. We needed a ‘next generation’ of optical leaders in The Vision Council to mentor and lead — the way so many industry veterans have done for us. I use EOL as both a networking and learning tool through mentorship and membership development. I look forward to sharing my knowledge with others in this forum.

Hanson: Helping people see clearly brings meaning to my work every day, and I saw the Emerging Optical Leaders group as an opportunity to become involved in something bigger.

Reynolds: I thought it would be a great way to connect with people who are also up-and-comers who are still learning about the industry and finding their niche. The Vision Council has made it a priority to invest in this committee to provide members with amazing networking opportunities and resources that will help us develop skills to become leaders in our companies and in the eyecare industry.

Reynolds: It has been nice to connect with the up-and-comers in the industry with whom I am on a more level playing field as far as years of experience. We are hard workers who want to succeed and can work together to make a positive impact on the future of our businesses and industry. On the flip side, being able to connect and create relationships with people who have been in the industry for years and have amazing experience and advice to share has also been an opportunity that I’ve cherished. The EOL committee has provided me the opportunity to connect with people who I can grow up with throughout our careers as we support each other through pitfalls and cheer each other on as we experience successes.

Huelswitt: Professionally, it has definitely increased the networking ability within the industry and has given me a much better appreciation of this rather unique industry. The access to mentors and experienced executives has definitely increased my conscious thought of leadership qualities and my role within the organization. Personally, it has opened the door to work with some of the smartest people I’ve met across a range of different companies, many of whom I consider friends and always look forward to meeting for a beer at one of the expos or shows.

SETTING THE COURSE for the Industry’s Future

OLP: What programs have you taken part in?

Reynolds: I have participated in the mentorship program for two years as a mentee. As I’m always up for a challenge, when the opportunity to apply for a position on the steering committee arose, I applied.

Huelswitt: I’ve taken part in mentorship programs. This year’s program is a more structured approach with the aim of setting measurable goals that will help expand the capability of the mentee.

From my perspective, it’s a great program as it creates an environment and system where I have actively considered my current way of doing things.

OLP: Is there a program or initiative you would like the EOL to implement?

Hanson: I want the team to become more actively involved and make us a more cohesive group. We are still in the early stages of development and this is to be expected, but one of the things I am working on as Advocacy Chair is continually providing opportunities to the members on how to become actively involved in task forces, steering teams, committees or other activities that are going on through The Vision Council.

Frumkin: We are always looking to grow and diversify our program offerings to make sure our members are learning and developing into strong industry leaders.

OLP: What have you personally and professionally gained from membership?

Kirkpatrick: Getting to talk to optical people about challenges in the business has been a great asset for me. I’ve been able to network with the best in the business, so for me personally, my network has grown significantly. Plus, I’ve gotten optical-specific professional development as a result.

10

SEPTEMBER 2018

Frumkin: EOL has helped me to grow and develop professionally, specifically in leadership and communication. Socially, I have made great connections and long-lasting friendships with people in the industry that I may not have met otherwise.

Hanson: The first year when I joined we heard [author] Jim Collins speak, and he is one of my favorite thought leaders. He spent time specifically with the EOL members, and I gathered valuable leadership lessons that I could apply in my current role. In addition, becoming involved in the EOL was my first real exposure to the vision industry as a whole. Since joining, I have had the opportunity to meet people across the industry and develop both personal and work relationships as well as gain knowledge from experienced leaders.

OLP: Why should others join?

Frumkin: EOL gives the rising generation a chance to grow and develop outside of their individual companies. It is a safe place for idea sharing, mentoring and networking.

Hanson: The EOL is a great way to start getting involved with The Vision Council. The membership consists of diverse individuals with varying roles in the industry as well as backgrounds We face similar issues in leading teams and thinking strategically, but we all can rally around wanting to do more for the industry. It is a great opportunity to network and develop professional skills.

Heulswitt: Within the vision industry, I don’t believe there’s another group of young people as engaging or thought-provoking as this group. The mentorship program, various speed networking events and access to world-class speakers and leaders in this industry are all fantastic reasons to be involved.

OpticalLabProducts.com

SIMPLY POWERFUL Multi-FLEX HIGHLY EFFICIENT POLISHING POWER PACK

The automated Multi-FLEX polisher, designed for maximum productivity in high volume Rx lens production. Three independently controlled polishing chambers mean unmatched speed and flexibility. The universal tool geometry processes all standard materials and Rx working ranges, reducing complexity and handling while increasing throughput and uptime.

Multi-FLEX is the only polisher with Digital Kinematics, unique for every single Rx, geometry and diameter - delivering a new level of polishing accuracy and stability.

Harness the power of Satisloh‘s Multi-FLEX - get the competitive advantage!

satisloh.com

Untitled-1 1

800-866-5640

6/26/18 9:07 AM

BUSINESS

COOKE-ING UP A NEW (business) RECIPE Ronald Cooke’s R&D Optical Lab is the latest independent lab start-up to hit the scene.

R

onald Cooke has been in the optical lab business for 27 years, and for all of them, he’s thought of opening his own independent lab. In June, he did just that.

R&D Optical Lab, located in Cincinnati (and yes, it does stand for “research and development”), is Cooke’s baby — a product of his desire to open a lab that can deliver the best quality lenses at reasonable prices.

“Starting a lab was always in the back in my head,” said Cooke, who worked in sales and then as COO of Diversified Ophthalmics, Inc. for five years. “I do believe there are a lot of doctors out there who want another option, and I’m going to give it a shot myself. As I go out making sales calls, a lot of customers are interested in using local, small labs.”

Cooke chose the name R&D to reflect his mission to stay on the cutting edge of technology, and he’s looking to create occupation-specific lenses, whether for pilots or for plumbers and electricians who need reading and intermediate powers in various areas of the lens. R&D Optical will also make Rx lenses for swimming goggles and diving masks.

“I’m going to focus on my own digital designs and am looking forward to having a strong relationship with Younger Optics because it’s American and it’s independent,” Cooke added.

Currently with four employees, R&D Optical is up and running, processing jobs with the exception of some managed care orders, which R&D is filling by partnering with another lab. Cooke found a 1,200 squarefoot facility in March, installed equipment in June and July, and started doing jobs right away.

Cooke said he expects to outgrow the space within a few years, at which time he will move to a larger facility and add equipment as needed.

12

SEPTEMBER 2018

Left to right: Kevin Vallandingham, Carrie Lewis, Otis Ross, Ronald Cooke

“As I go out making sales calls, a lot of customers are interested in using local, small labs.”

- Ronald Cooke “Being a new, smaller lab allows us to be nimble and to cater to the specific needs of our customers,” Cooke said. “There are many large lab networks that may have lost sight of the importance of personalized service to the very independent offices. R&D Optical Lab is poised to handle all of their needs.”

The lab operates a mix of machines from several manufacturers.

Cooke is using edgers from Santinelli International, surfacing equipment from Schneider Optical Machines, Inc. and Ocuco’s Innovations lab management software system, which Cooke said he chose because it offers the flexibility to adapt as the lab grows. Cooke also purchased a FusionM coating machine from Quantum International that will be installed within the next few months, enabling the lab to do a “multitude of AR and mirror processes without having to batch the lenses, therefore giving us faster turn times than labs with larger units,” Cooke said.

His goal is to do 100 jobs per day as fast as possible.

“I’ve got a good history of quality and service, and I’m going to bring some of the best products available today on the market,” he said. “My customers won’t be just a number. They will be vital to my success, and mine is vital to their success as well. It really will be a partnership.”

OpticalLabProducts.com

Untitled-3 1

8/24/18 2:39 PM

ALOHA, GERMANY Europe VP Hans-Jürgen Penseck and President Mike Dalton

Maui Jim says ‘Hallo’ to Germany with the opening of a state-of-the-art lab.

B

uilt to service the European market and expedite delivery times, Maui Jim’s new 24,000 square-foot lab in Braunschweig, Germany, is the result of a $10 million investment to further the company’s presence there.

Initially established in Braunschweig in 2004 with a distribution center, Maui Jim now has the capability to produce Rx ophthalmic and sunglass lenses for its frames at the Braunschweig lab.

Production began at the end of June, and the lab, modeled after Maui Jim’s Peoria, IL, location, took one year to build, said Paul Ponder, senior director of Rx manufacturing, who commuted to Germany from Peoria for two years to oversee the lab’s design and construction — all while managing the U.S. lab at the same time.

“

As we continue to promote the lab’s capability in local markets we will be able to scale our response to have the equipment and footprint to build 2,500 orders per day.

”

- Paul Ponder

“With this space in Braunschweig, we used our 12 years of experience and learning in Peoria — combined with a year of planning — to make some improvements and modifications,” he said.

While the Peoria lab contains environmentally conscious systems, so too does the German location. Ponder said the lab incorporates the HC6 waste and fluid management system by Bazell Technologies, a closed loop system that cycles fluids to generators and cleans fluids in the process. In addition, the company is “taking every initiative to recycle the liquid and solid waste products as we do in Peoria.” The lab also utilizes Bazell’s Weima briquetter system that compresses continued on page 16

14

SEPTEMBER 2018

OpticalLabProducts.com

®

OPTICAL LAB SOLUTIONS

Complete Custom Solutions: Our goal is to exceed your expectations.

We can provide custom solutions that include Helical Curve & Spiral Conveyors, and others which make the most of your manufacturing space.

Offering your complete tray handling line including conveyors, automation, controls, and more…..

Your Success Is Our Vision!

Carryline USA, 410 Donnelley Drive, Glasgow, KY 42141 • 270.678.2358

View our products at: www.carrylineusa.com

Untitled-3 1

8/24/18 2:38 PM

continued from page 14 solid waste to make it “more attractive for recycling,” Ponder added.

In addition to systems from Bazell, the lab is equipped with machines from Satisloh, Schneider Optical Machines, MEI System, Practical Systems, Inc. and Coburn Technologies. The Braunschweig lab also utilizes a Flexlink computerized conveyor system to help produce about 350 jobs per day.

The bottom line for Maui Jim, said Ponder, is that a European location will enable it to realize a 30% reduction in turnaround time for orders. (A typical turnaround from the Peoria lab for a North American order is about three to five days and several days to weeks for a European order coming from Illinois).

Hans-Jürgen Penseck, Europe-VP, told OLP the German lab gives the company more flexibility as the demand for Rx sunglasses in Europe increases.

Paul Ponder

“Over the coming years, we are planning to meet our growing demand and in turn expand lab operations to second and third shifts as well as supplying markets outside of Europe.”

MAUI JIM’S BRAUNSCHWEIG LAB UTILIZES THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT: • • • • • • • • • • • •

16

Practical Systems, Inc. Autotaper Schneider Optical Machines, Inc. CCU Modulo autoblocker Flexlink Stacker/Destacker Satisloh VFT- Orbit 2 generators with mechanical engraver (to produce Maui Jim proprietary free-form digital lens designs) Bazell Technologies/Satisloh HC6 waste and fluid management system Satisloh Multi-FLEX polishing system Schneider Optical Machines, Inc. DBA Modulo auto deblocking system Schneider Optical Machines, Inc. TSA Modulo auto tape stripping system Coburn Technologies Duality auto lens washing system Coburn Technologies Velocity auto hardcoat system MEI System TBA Bisphera auto edgers Satisloh 1200-DLX-2 coating chambers with auto fan mask

SEPTEMBER 2018

OpticalLabProducts.com

GIVE YOUR LAB THE

ULTRA ADVANTAGE NOW AVAILABLE IN DRUM SIZE

“The 44R was highly recommended to us by another lab. Ultra Optics is the absolute easiest company to deal with from the purchasing process through installation.

We are thrilled with the 44R. Our yields are virtually 100%. This might be the best machine in our lab.”

- Paul Faibish, President at Plastics Plus

SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY NEED.

GET IT RIGHT. EVERY TIME.

Superior coatings for all substrates and essential products for every lab.

The 44R is the fastest and most reliable automated coater, offering the best coating yields in the market.

• UV-XBT scratch-resistant coating offers unmatched adhesion to all lens substrates • AST-1 scratch-resistant coating is the hardest coating in the optical industry • ClearView is specially formulated to offer the

• Capable of running lenses On or Off the Block to best fit your lab’s coating needs • 130+ lens-per-hour throughput • Best process technologies give you the lowest breakage rates

best lens preparation prior to backside coating • ConsisTint will eliminate white spots and blotchiness for your tinting department Ask Ultra Optics about our other chemistry offerings.

BOOTH LP4079

ultraoptics.com | 763.488.6030

Untitled-3 1

8/24/18 2:40 PM

EASYSTACK

NEW For the Lab

TWO NEW LENSES FROM

HOYA

FROM A&R OPTICAL MACHINERY

This automated stacker/ destacker is compatible with all tray formats and features an easy-to-use touchscreen interface and quiet operation. With a job time of eight seconds per job, EasyStack’s compact size allows for multiple configurations and integrates into a lab’s production flow. EasyStack includes doubleband conveyor tray storage with a stack capacity of two to 10 job trays. For more information, contact A&R Optical Machinery at 262.641.8780 or AR.be.

HOYA has introduced two progressive lens designs: iD Lifestyle 3 and Array 2.

Both lenses incorporate the company’s patented Binocular Harmonization Technology to offset unequal prismatic deviation created by a distance prescription to ensure images are deviated by the same degree in each eye. According to HOYA, Binocular Harmonization Technology allows for comfortable and natural vision with effortless adaptation. For more information, contact HOYA Vision Care, North America at 800.423.2361 HoyaVision.com.

ARCH CROWN’S

EYEGLASS CASE LABELS

New from Arch Crown are custom, foil-printed labels for eyeglass cases that read, “If Found, Please Return To.” Laminated labels provide a scuff-resistant surface to protect foil printing and come in laminated gray, white satin cloth, clear acetate and polyester for secure adhesion to cases.

For more information, contact Arch Crown, Inc. at 800.526.8353 ArchCrown.com.

FIL-TECH

QI6100 QUARTZ CRYSTAL 6 CHANGER The QI6100 holds six crystals to rotate a new crystal into place, providing uninterrupted deposition monitoring of thin film processes. The QI6100 is available in a flat or 45° angle head, can operate up to 350° Celsius and is adaptable to different coating systems. For more information, contact Fil-Tech at 617.227.1133 or FilTech.com.

18

SEPTEMBER 2018

OpticalLabProducts.com

EXPO INSIDER DEALS & PROMOS AT VISION EXPO WEST PUTTING on a show Stop by Satisloh at 4pm on Thursday, Sept. 27 for refreshments and view the premiere of new AR robots via video transmission from a production lab, plus see live robot demonstrations of automated sectoring and desectoring. Booth #LP5065

ON display DAC Technologies is showcasing the National Optronics QM-3X and 7Ex edgers, Dimension and 4Tx tracers and the 3Bx blocker. Check out exclusive show specials on all equipment plus a special in-office edging offer. Booth #LP8088

DEEP discounts Optivision is offering $5000 off its full lab management software system, which includes online Rx ordering, digital and conventional surfacing and edging, inventory, invoicing, reports and more for any size wholesale or retail lab. Offer valid only at the show. Booth #LP7107

SURPRISES at Schneider Schneider Optical Machines is showcasing its brand new HSE Modulo QS, an edger with four processing stations that incorporates two rough cut and two finishing stations to process four lenses simultaneously. Schneider will also debut a new product to be revealed on the first day of the show. Booth #LP5095

DYNAMIC deals Dynamic Labs is offering special show pricing on Lens Pro Premium Hardcoat, a solvent-free formula that is compatible with all standard spin coating machines. Visit the booth to check out the company’s line of coater parts, bulbs and light house assemblies. Booth #LP16109

PLENTY at PSI Practical Systems, Inc. is offering deals on edging and surfacing supplies plus finishing equipment at the show through Oct. 31. Stop at the booth to check out its red blocking pads, now available in 19 x 32mm oval with center hole; 17 x 36 oval with end tabs; 22 x 25mm round with center hole and 14 x 21mm oval with center hole. PSI’s blue blocking pad line now includes the 22 x 25mm round and 14 x 21mm oval shapes. Booth #LP6085

OpticalLabProducts.com

SEPTEMBER 2018

19

LAB

News

Mike Nathe Dana Weeks Rich Palmer

Dave Cole, former president of Transitions Optical, is this year’s recipient of the Directors’ Choice Award and will be recognized along with eight inductees into the Lab Division Hall of Fame Sept. 26.

Cole, who spent more than 26 years in the optical industry, is being honored “as a champion for a game-changing technology and as a partner to optical labs,” according to The Vision Council. Established in 1987, the Directors’ Choice Award recognizes individuals or companies that have made “outstanding contributions” to the industry.

Ralph Kent Jr.

Dave Cole

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES AND DIRECTORS’ CHOICE AWARD RECIPIENT ANNOUNCED

The eight inductees into the Hall of Fame are: Ronald F. Cooke, OD, Diversified Ophthalmics, Inc.; Ralph G. Kent, Jr., Luzerne Optical Laboratories; Daniel C. Lundberg, Digital Vision, Inc.; Mike Nathe, Essilor of America; Richard C. Palmer, Practical Engineering, Inc./Walman; Mike Sutherlin, Sutherlin Optical; Michael Walach, Quest Vision Care Specialty Lab; and Dana Weeks, Optical Services International.

“On behalf of The Vision Council, it is my sincere pleasure to honor the 2018 inductees who have had a direct hand in helping to move our industry and vision forward,” said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council.

Dan Lundberg

The 19th Annual Hall of Fame banquet and celebration will take place during Vision Expo West at the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Tickets for the Hall of Fame celebration and dinner are available to purchase at TheVisionCouncil.org via the membership portal.

For more information and to register for the Lab Division meeting, visit TheVisionCouncil.org/LabMeeting.

Ron Cooke

Mike Sutherlin Michael Walach

DON’T MISS OUT: VEW MEETINGS for Industry Updates

Freeing up valuable production space

Those attending the Lab Division meeting during Vision Expo West will receive legal and technical updates, including updates on the Electronic Progressive Identifier Catalog (EPIC), National Sunglasses Day and private equity activity. The meeting will be held at the Sands Expo Convention Center on Sept. 26 from 2 to 4 pm in rooms 402/403.

The Vision Council’s Government and Regulatory Affairs Committee will present updates on several issues: Proposition 65 new signage requirements and the BpA safe use determination, the impact of the new Chinese tariffs, a mid-term election report and Capitol Hill updates. The meeting will be held Sept. 26 from 9 to 10 am at the Sands Expo in rooms 405/406.

Our new Compact spiral elevator gives you high throughput with a small footprint. The standardized design ensures easy integration and ability to apply a wide range of applications.

For more info, contact us on +1 610-973-8200 or info.us@flexlink.com.

flexlink.com

FlexLink is part of Coesia, a group of innovation-based industrial solutions companies operating globally headquartered in Bologna, Italy. www.coesia.com

20

SEPTEMBER 2018

95x120_Spiral-EN.indd 1

2018-08-10 10:19:42

REGISTER NOW for The Vision Council’s Executive Summit Register now for The Vision Council’s 2019 Executive Summit, Jan. 30 to Feb. 1 at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes in Orlando, FL. The event will feature three new speakers: Lou Holtz, legendary football player, coach and analyst; Jeff Cherry, expert on the topic of “Conscious Capitalism”; and Liz Wiseman, author of the business leadership book Multipliers. Economist Brian Beaulieu will conclude the event with a special presentation.

“The 2019 program will tackle a theme of leadership in a unique and compelling way by weaving in concepts from key thought leaders on the topic, as well as tapping into the collective wisdom of the optical industry through engaging and provocative workshops,” said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. For more information and to register, visit TheVisionCouncil.org/Executive-Summit.

OpticalLabProducts.com

POLYCARBONATE COMPOSITE FT28

WHAT’S NEW? Transitions® XTRActive® FT28 bifocal lenses are now available in polycarbonate composite material.

Transitions XTRActive is the preferred photochromic lens for many patients, both for its extra protection against bright light and to enhance indoor visual comfort.

GOOD TO KNOW: Transitions XTRActive polycarbonate composite technology now available in FT28 bifocal Unique photochromic Trivex layer provides unsurpassed Transitions XTRActive performance Processes just like polycarbonate 1.59 Index: Same as polycarbonate Superb segment cosmetics Integral chemical bond will not separate Excellent impact resistance Gray only

Polycarbonate This thin layer of specially adapted Trivex® has been optimized to deliver superb Transitions® XTRActive® performance.

Available exclusively from Younger Optics, call 800-366-5367 to order.

Photochromic performance is influenced by temperature, UV exposure and lens material. Transitions and XTRActive are registered trademarks of Transitions Optical, Inc. used under license by Transitions Optical Limited. Trivex is a registered trademark of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.

Untitled-1 1

8/23/18 5:19 PM

PURE POWER UNLEASHED

THE WORLD’S FASTEST EDGER

NEW

THE MODULO S-LINE EXTENDED

HSE m dulo Q The new Alpha-Edger Meet the first and only edger on the market with four processing stations, setting a new benchmark in industrial edging. Thanks to its unique quattro design featuring two rough cut and two finishing stations, four lenses are processed simultaneously at highest speeds for exceptional throughput.

Non-productive times are reduced to a minimum through parallel processing and high speed handling systems. The two sophisticated LMU optical measurement units provide fully automated quality control based on the full lens map. Working blockless is a given.

Come visit us to experience unprecedented throughput.

Vision Expo West // September 27 – 29, 2018 // Booth LP 5095

www.schneider-om.com

RZ_AZ_HSE_Modulo_QS_OLP_8_5x10_875Zoll_4c_engl_D.indd 1 Untitled-3 1

14.08.2018 15:00:41 8/24/18 2:40 PM