Optical Lab Products Jan 2017

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JANUARY 2017 CONTENTS

OPINIONS 2

Rollins on Marketing

3

In the Lab

Resolve to Renew

BY JIM GROOTEGOED

FEATURES

Y

6

By and For Independents

your business? The following are

planning. So analyze job func-

general suggestions you might

tions and see what can be

8

Membership Has Its Privileges

want to consider:

off-loaded to others.

4 O ne-to-One with Joel Johnson, National Sales Manager, Ultra Optics

10 Stronghold in Sunwear, Foothold in Ophthalmics

ou may have made your

tasks yourself, but owners and

personal resolutions for

managers need to stay focused

2017, but what about for

on big picture, long-term

Define your business, culture

Train, train and train again.

and strengths. The number one

Create guidelines to train staff

RUNDOWN

factor to a lab’s success is to

on one project per month and

14

Lab News

determine your objectives and

hold training sessions each

16

New for the Lab

communicate those to both your

quarter on one skill set.

customers and employees.

Identify your resources, both monetary and personnel. “Pie in

EDITORIAL STAFF VP, EDITORIAL • John Sailer • js@visioncareproducts.com PROFESSIONAL EDITOR • Jim Grootegoed • jg@visioncareproducts.com VICE PRESIDENT, DESIGN • Jane Kaplan • jk@visioncareproducts.com ASSISTANT EDITOR • Cara Huzinec • ch@visioncareproducts.com ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR • Bruce Kenselaar • bk@visioncareproducts.com PRODUCTION AND WEB MANAGER • Anthony Floreno • af@visioncareproducts.com CONTRIBUTING WRITER • Eric Rollins • ericrollins@comcast.net

BUSINESS STAFF

The internet and social media are no longer the future; they are now. Devote some time to

The number one factor to a lab’s success is to determine your objectives and communicate those to both your customers and employees. the Sky” is an old phrase...for

developing your web page and

a reason.

internet ordering for your

Generate more success with fewer ideas. It’s critical to

customers.

The most important point of

identify a priority of goals and

all is to commit to your resolu-

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT • Shawn Mery • sm@visioncareproducts.com

then dedicate maximum re-

tions. Hold yourself accountable

DIRECTOR OF SALES • Janet Cunningham • jc@visioncareproducts.com

sources toward executing them.

to your goals by evaluating your

PRESIDENT/CEO • Frank Giammanco • fg@visioncareproducts.com

VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING • Debby Corriveau • dc@visioncareproducts.com

Meet less and do more.

progress at least monthly, if not

VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS • Sharon O’Hanlon • so@visioncareproducts.com

Be more productive. “Busy”

weekly, and make sure you break

doesn’t always mean “efficient.”

up your goals into reasonable

You should analyze every task in

action items that you can make

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/OpticalLabProducts

your business, both in produc-

progress on every day.

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @OLP_Magazine

where you can do more and do it

FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/optical-lab-products Throughout this magazine, trademark names are used. Instead of placing a trademark or registration symbol at every occurrence, we are using the names editorially only with no intention of infringement of the trademark.

tion and in the back office, to see better.

Delegate some of your work.

If you’re like most lab professionals, you probably think it would be easier to do certain

OpticalLabProducts.com

OLP_January2017.indd 1

Jim Grootegoed is professional editor of OLP. January 2017 1

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OPINIONS ROLLINS ON MARKETING

2017 Is Time to Grow Your Business

BY ERIC ROLLINS

T

he beginning of a new

the plan. Have your customers

year is always a great time

call too.

to look at strategies to

The new year is also a good

grow your business. The easiest

time to take a close look at your

place to increase revenue is with

website. Is it well constructed?

existing customers using two

Does it have all of the informa-

basic techniques, get a larger

tion a customer, or a potential

percentage of their available

customer, would want to see?

work and/or help them grow

Important: have someone else

their business. Both can be

examine your website; don’t do

accomplished simultaneously.

it yourself. Make sure you give

Simply strengthen the rela-

potential customers a way to

tionship by spending targeted

contact you.

time with your accounts. Do lunch-and-learns on blue

In addition, how will you grow your staff this year? The

Start the new year right on a growth trajectory. light, in-office seminars about

most valuable asset any lab has is

computer eyewear or after-work

it’s people. Make sure that your

meetings to explain polarized

staff is better trained next year

technology, for example. Any

than they are now. Motivational

of these not only strengthen the

speaker Zig Ziglar has a well-

bonds of the relationship, they

known saying: “The only thing

also teach the accounts the value

worse than training your staff

of these products and why they

and having them leave, is not

should present them to more of

training your staff and having

their patients. In addition, the

them stay.”

consultative approach will bring additional respect for the value

Start the new year right on a growth trajectory.

of the lab and it’s salespeople.

Maybe it is time for your lab to become a vendor on some new managed care plans. Some are more difficult to join than others. Talk with your customers to find out what plans they carry that don’t use your lab, and call 2 January 2017

OLP_January2017.indd 2

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. You can email him at EricRollins@Comcast.net.

OpticalLabProducts.com

12/21/16 12:26 PM

IN THE LAB OPINIONS

Vision Care Product Sales Are Up

BY JOHN SAILER

S

ales in all the product

million) contact lenses (up 4.8%

categories of the U.S. vision

from $4,583.7 million to $4,802.3

care industry are up (except

million), plano sunglasses (up

followed by a 1.0% increase

2.6% from $4,064.5 million to

through optical chains, a 0.4%

refractive surgeries) for the year

lens sales (up 3.1%).

For ophthalmic frames, this was

ending September 2016 when compared with the previous year ending September 2015, according

merchants and 0.7% through department stores for ophthalmic lenses.

Based on these statistics, while overall sales of ophthalmic frames

The strongest growth was through independent practices.

and lenses are on the increase, the strongest growth was through the

to the latest statistics released by

$4,170.6 million) and over-the-

increase through mass merchants/

channel of independent practices

The Vision Council.

with three or fewer locations.

counter readers (up 2.7% from

wholesale clubs and a 1.0%

This includes Rx lenses (up

$837.0 million to $859.6 million).

decrease through department

2.7% from $12,509.9 million to

Independent practices (with

$12,848.9 million), frames (up

three or fewer locations) saw the

1.5% from $9,564.9 million to

largest increase in ophthalmic

for lenses through independent

$9,705.3 million), exams (up 1.9%

frame sales (up 2.1%) as well as

practices were an increase of 2.3%

from $5,845.3 million to $5,957.7

the largest increase in ophthalmic

for optical chains, 2.6% for mass

OpticalLabProducts.com

OLP_January2017.indd 3

stores for the same period.

Following the 3.1% sales growth

John Sailer is editorial director of First Vision Media Group. js@visioncareproducts.com.

January 2017 3

12/21/16 12:26 PM

OPINIONS ONE-T0-ONE

Optical Lab Products (OLP) interviews Joel Johnson, national sales manager, Ultra Optics.

What makes Ultra Optics unique?

We only work with

the coater know if it’s to coat,

succeed. Most importantly we

UV-cured backside

not to coat, pass right through,

try to achieve their success

spincoating systems

wash the lens or wash and dry

through education. Our suite of

and lacquers, and this allows us

the lens. This takes away the

online videos offer an expansive

to have a broad view of the

sorting aspect before it goes

array of repair and training

industry as well as a sharp focus

into the machinery, eliminat-

opportunities that also are

just on backside hardcoating.

ing the need for another

designed to ensure the success of

That’s a challenge for other

person.

our customers. Currently, we

companies that also have their

The 44R will coat 125 lenses

names on dipcoating and lens processing machinery. So backside spincoating is not always their top priority; that’s

JOEL JOHNSON is national sales manager at Ultra Optics in Minneapolis.

all we do, and we feel we do it

have 30 videos on our YouTube

an hour, so it’s the fastest

site. We have seven training

coater on the market. The

videos, 12 repair videos and even

machine runs on the block or

10 different tutorials that walk

off the block to fit into a variety

you through different steps of

of different lab scenarios. It can

the process.

JOHNSON: It allows our

run either left to right or right

In engineering, sales, tech,

customers to obtain a piece of

to left. A tray turner ensures

on the customer, with tablets,

customer service, our chemical

machinery with a very low cost

that the trays are going in the

laptops and even your phone

and machinery manufacturing,

and pay a price per lens once a

machine in the proper

you can be right at the machine,

our employee owners have a

month, including all consum-

workflow.

pull up those videos and get that

vested interest in the outcome of

ables, service visits and any

Ultra Optics. That is truly

repair parts. They know exactly

44R the most advanced and

We’re trying to mastermind the

unique in the industry.

what their backside coating

versatile coater in the market.

overall success of the customer,

the best of all.

Lastly, we’re a full American company. Everything is done

All of these options make the

operation will cost per lens every month.

right here in Minneapolis. We

To make it as easy as we can

expertise at your fingertips.

reducing down time in producOLP: What types of custom-

tion, which helps to increase the

ers are particularly effec-

yield of the machinery.

build our machines, design our

OLP: What makes the 44R,

tive at using Ultra Optics

chemistries and provide all the

backside coater unique?

products?

parts and service right out of

We continually re-evaluate the videos and try to come up with at least one video every quarter

our building here in Minne-

JOHNSON: It’s fully automated.

JOHNSON: The vast majority of

apolis.

It has a conveyor and tray

our customers are very

movers, and the lenses are

successful, and if they’re not

Central time tech support, and

OLP: Can you describe

robotically fed to the machine.

happy, we have a very lenient

99.9% of all orders placed by

the Ultra Optics Ultra Care

The 44R communicates with the

return policy and will do

5pm Central time are shipped

Program?

lab management system to let

almost anything to help them

the same day.

4 January 2017

OLP_January2017.indd 4

year.

We also have 7am-7pm

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ONE-T0-ONE OPINIONS

OLP: You recently

wanted to hit, higher index

company branding and a new

JOHNSON: Coming out of

introduced the Ultra Optics

lenses. It has a higher volume of

logo back in the beginning of

college back in 1989, I had an

XBT. What makes this a

crazing opportunities, so we

2015. This project allowed us to

uncle who worked for Walman

breakthrough in coating

wanted to minimize that for our

bring it all together.

Optical, and he told me, “Hey, if

technology?

customers as well.

OLP: You touched on the fact

that there’s a new company,

JOHNSON: UV-XBT adheres to

XBT is that it maintains a very

that Ultra Optics is an

Ultra Optics, that is looking for

all substrates. When we first

thin film thickness yet has

employee-owned company.

somebody to help work in the

designed UV-NV in 1996, the

surfacing coverage characteris-

How does that impact the

lab.” So I gave them a call. I was

two predominant coated lenses

tics that will, even with thinner

company?

only looking at it as just in

were polycarbonate and 1.60,

film coating, help hide any light

and that’s not even the same

scratches and swirls you might

JOHNSON: Being a part of Ultra

and getting this job so that I

monomer used today for a 1.60

see in the lens.

Optics since 1989, I have seen

could look for my “real” job. I

The third advantage of the

you’re looking for a job, I know

between coming out of college

product. With the changes in lens technologies out there, it’s not that our coatings didn’t stick; they just didn’t have the

was employee number three, and

The trick is one coating for all substrates, and we’ve really been able to accomplish this.

adhesion we felt would give our

I’m still here.

I started running cylinder machines and the backside coater. I was also filling orders

through the years that our

and doing the shipping in the

So XBT adheres better to all

we have been able to maintain a

employees have a higher level of

afternoon. So I was working in

substrates, better than any of the

high hardness level while

engagement than what I see

the lab in the morning, doing

other spincoats on the market.

keeping the dark tinting ability

elsewhere. The care given and

shipments in the afternoon, and

The trick is one coating for all

of the coating.

the service we provide is how we,

then I moved into the chemistry

as owners, reap the benefits of

lab, working with the chemist

customers the optimal solution.

Lastly, with UV-XBT Coating

substrates, and we’ve really been able to accomplish this. One of

OLP: What was the reason

hard work. Our quality is better,

making the coating. I moved

our customers said that they are

for changing the look of the

and our customer service and

into operations management,

looking for the Holy Grail and

bottles?

technical service levels are

worked with our inventory and

outstanding. Our employees take

got into sales. Then we split off

they’re in testing of it currently.

So we’ll see if we reach the Holy

JOHNSON: We decided to

that extra care in their jobs

the sales and operations

Grail spot, at least according to

embrace the Global Harmonized

because they understand the

departments years ago, and I’ve

one of our customers.

Labeling System requirements.

need to keep the focus on the

been managing our worldwide

Instead of it becoming some-

customer. The only way we are

sales team ever since.

it drastically reduces AR crazing

thing that we had to do, we

going to see our business grow is

on high index lenses. The XBT is

decided to go with a different

to put our best foot forward,

OLP: That’s the perfect

a more flexible coating. It

bottle type, an induction seal

work hard and do the best job

experience, working your

expands and contracts with the

instead of a seal tape that goes

we possibly can.

way up from the bottom.

AR stack to minimize any

around the edge of the bottle.

crazing due to the extreme

We haven’t had a label change

OLP: Finally, can you

JOHNSON: Right, exactly. I’m

temperature variations that the

on our bottles for 20 years, so it

tell us a little bit about your

very lucky to have had a couple

lens goes through. So that was

was time to update. We also

background in this

of very good mentors who put

yet another benchmark that we

went through a whole new

business?

me where I am today.

The other part about the XBT,

OpticalLabProducts.com

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TECHNOLOGY GSRx

By and For Independents The new GSRx lab in Scottsdale, AZ, enables independent optical practices to compete on a level playing field.

BY JIM GROOTEGOED

labs were acquired by SOLA Optical (later Carl Zeiss Vision),

National Optronics machines are among those in operation at the GSRx lab in Scottsdale.

In a market increasingly domi-

Jochims began managing the lab

nated by corporate labs, starting a

network, eventually becoming

new independent lab might seem

vice president of lab operations.

FRAMES IN STOCK

upgrade to customized progres-

a questionable venture. But Dave

“I know what private practices

Another retail advantage GSRx

sive single vision or lifestyle

Jochims, CEO of GSRx, saw an

pay for eyewear, and I know

emulates is vertical integration.

lenses, as well as AR and blue

opportunity that had largely been

what large retailers pay,” he said.

Maintaining a large inventory of

light treatments.

overlooked, helping independent

“The system is inequitable.”

frames allows retailers to reduce

The GSRx lab also produces a

processing times and keep costs

range of proprietary lens designs

leverage some of the strategies

down, so GSRx stocks frames in

directly from its lab. The EPIK

used by large retailers to allow

its lab. “We have a frame line

lens series includes progressives

their marketing clout to tell

private practices to sell high-

with over 280 styles, which we

in three levels of customization,

consumers that they shouldn’t be

quality products at a lower price,

keep in inventory at our labs,”

customized single vision, and a

paying so much for eyewear, and

while still maintaining good

said Jochims. “Practices don’t

range of lifestyle and task-specif-

practices keep more patients in their optical.

“Low-price retailers are using

Jochims saw an opportunity to

ic designs. Lens treatments

the message is being heard,” Jochims said. “About a third of independent practice patients are taking their prescriptions out of

We saw an opportunity to provide independents with today’s top technologies.

include INFINITY Non-Glare and INFINITY Clear Non-Glare, offering premium anti-reflective

the practice, and the numbers are

margins. “Retailers use very

have to send us frames, and we

performance, scratch resistance

growing. I know practice owners

efficient, high-volume labs. We

don’t have to wait for frames-to-

and cleaning. Blue light protec-

who have been successful for years

work with a surfacing lab that

come or reorder frames that are

tion is available with PrevaBlue

who are now worrying about their

gives this advantage to our

damaged in processing. It makes

Non-Glare AR and UV3G lenses

future. We saw an opportunity to

customers, regardless of their

life easier for our customers and,

infused with UV and blue light

provide independents with today’s

ordering volume.”

combined with our other

absorbers.

top technologies at a price point

GSRx licenses its lens designs

efficiencies, allows us to offer our

GSRx currently has experi-

that levels the playing field for

from a major global lens

accounts pricing that is far lower

enced team members in the

independent practices.”

company and manufactures

than they’re accustomed to

Southwest, upper Midwest and

them using free-form technol-

paying for equivalent product.”

Mid-Atlantic, and the company

A LAB’S EYE VIEW

ogy, which allows for extensive

Jochims has had an ideal

customization. Global manufac-

the tools they need to sell their

expansion. Jochims said, “In this

perspective to observe the

turing platforms are Schneider,

eyewear under the Proper Optics

business, service is everything,

evolution of the optical market,

Satisloh, MEI and Santinelli. The

brand. Frames are offered in

and we don’t want our sales to

including the rise of retail. In

Scottsdale facility operates

four price tiers: one for children

grow faster than our ability to

1992 he became CEO of

equipment from National

and three for adults. Frame

serve customers.”

Siouxland Ophthalmic in

Optronics, and the company

prices always include single

Sheldon, IA, which grew to three

recently ordered MEI equipment

vision lenses in either plastic or

Jim Grootegoed is professional

regional locations. When the

as well as Santinelli tracers.

polycarbonate. Patients may

editor of OLP.

6 January 2017

OLP_January2017.indd 6

GSRx provides practices with

is taking a deliberate approach to

OpticalLabProducts.com

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TECHNOLOGY GLOBAL OPTICS

MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS PRIVILEGES After 45 years supplying independent wholesale labs, Global Optics now serves more than 200 locations with inventory from more than 20 vendors and recently loosened its criteria to join.

BY JIM GROOTEGOED

MEMBERSHIP NOW OPEN

N

TO ALL INDEPENDENT LABS

eed a short order

Global Optics, Inc. now

tomorrow? Or, for that

welcomes any independent

matter, a stock order?

optical laboratory in the U.S.

Global Optics, an optical

to become an Associate Mem-

warehouse/distribution business,

ber, offering access to one

specializing in and targeted to the

of the largest inventories of

optical industry, ships lenses

lenses as well as consolidated

from an inventory of more than

purchasing and world-class

one million lenses from more

logistics and supply-chain

than 20 participating vendors,

solutions. Global Optics

offering overnight shipments to

continues to offer an Equity

participating laboratories. accounts payable personnel who

literally ecstatic and over-

deliveries or minimum order

have only one packing list/

whelmed by the efficiency and

sizes because Global Optics

invoice to reconcile.

service levels afforded by Global

There is no need for unlimited

Optics. A common theme was

consolidates orders. You receive just one order in the morning to

EFFICIENCY AND SAVINGS

that the cost savings associated

stock your shelves or fill your

I spoke with five independent

with these efficiencies was

trays that are waiting for lenses in

processing laboratories about

actually more than the slightly

order to start processing. Your

dealing with Global Optics and

increased cost of goods, effec-

biggest fans may be your

was struck that everyone was

tively resulting in free shipping!

Owner membership level through which an independent laboratory can become a shareholder and gain access to additional benefits. For more information, contact Global Optics’ Chris Williams at 800.289.5367 ext 107.

Global Optics’ facility is 34,000 sq. ft. and houses a computer-organized inventory of 150,000 line items.

8 January 2017

OLP_January2017.indd 8

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GLOBAL OPTICS TECHNOLOGY

Chris Bowers, vice president of Walman Optical in Minneapolis,

agreement and now supplies a

said, “I can’t tell you how much

competitive advantage to its

money we’re saving in opera-

member labs. Global Optics

tional efficiences, but it’s

hinted that it is seeking similar

significant.”

arrangements with other offshore

Chris Brundies, owner (and anti-reflective mechanic) of Acculab in Sycamore, IL, Global Optics started in 1971

negotiated a distribution

suppliers of unique products to benefit members.

When I asked if there were any

methodical “pick, pack and ship”

commented that he orders

negatives to doing business with

with eight shareholder laborato-

operation with the employees

everything from Global. “I just

Global Optics, Tom Schroeder,

ries and a “small inventory.” The

seldom competing for the same

order it and it shows up,” he said.

owner of Schroeder Optical in

organization adopted a rather

space. The total area is 34,000 sq.

He recently changed to Digital

Roanoke, VA, and a third

restrictive membership policy

ft., about 60% the size of the

Vision, Inc.’s lab management

generation optical guy, thought

that was only recently expanded

Green Bay Packers football field

system and noted that it and the

and said the only thing he could

to accept Associate memberships,

(Global Optics is located in

Global Optics ordering system

think of is that he didn’t join

open to any independent

Green Bay, WI), housing a

work “so well” that it allows his

earlier.

wholesale laboratory with no

computer-organized inventory of

lab to carry a minimal balanced

membership fee. Now, the only

150,000 line items.

inventory.

requirements are good credit and

Brundies added that when a

Debbie Schmitz of Lens Works in Plymouth, MN, said that the weather negatively affected

business references. Global

MEMBERS SPEAK OUT

new product comes out and

shipments twice last year. She

Optics now services more than

Jason Sharpe, vice president of

generates enough interest among

continued summing up the

200 locations.

operations for Eye Kraft Optical

the members, they stock it. The

general feelings of those inter-

I toured Global Optics and

in St. Cloud, MN, stated that

new Tribrid material from PPG is

viewed: “It’s so easy to order and

expected it to look like a beehive

because of the large inventory and

a good example. Tribrid lenses

receive as everything arrives in

with workers scurrying around,

high fill-rates, they no longer have

are manufactured by Thai

one shipment. The stock people

but instead I found a very quiet,

to “carry a ton of inventory.”

Optical Group. Global Optics

love it as the fill rate is quite high, often supplying product the manufacturers are shorting. We can also go online to check availability. The accounts receivable people love it too.”

Global Optics is governed by board members: chairman Bryan Schueler, VP/GM of Walman Optical; Keith Heckenkemper, president of RXO Tulsa; Joe Cherry, VP of Cherry Optical; and Barbara Vitchus, president and GM of Global Optics.

Wearable scanners are among the technologies employed to make Global Optics more efficient.

OpticalLabProducts.com

OLP_January2017.indd 9

Jim Grootegoed is professional editor of OLP. January 2017 9

12/21/16 12:27 PM

TECHNOLOGY MAUI JIM

Stronghold in Sunwear, Foothold in Ophthalmics Known for its investment in the latest processing technologies, Maui Jim’s optical lab in Peoria, IL, is poised for growth as the company ventures into processing proprietary ophthalmics. in Peoria, IL, he apologized for

renowned for its high-quality

company is in the process of

the small, unpainted squares in

sunwear and now venturing into

establishing another lab for the

aui Jim has a reputa-

the floor where machinery had

ophthalmics (see the One-to-

European market, starting with

tion for operating

recently been moved. Other than

One in the November/December

ophthalmics.

among the cleanest,

that, the pristine white floor

2016 issue of OLP’s companion

most efficient labs in the

throughout was evidence of the

publication VCPN).

country. Much of that is due to

fact that the facility is regularly

Paul Ponder, senior director of

maintained and painted.

BY JOHN SAILER

M

With technology at the top of

In Peoria, the entire lab is controlled using a lab management system from VisionStar,

his list, Ponder is continuously

and FlexLink conveyors

Rx manufacturing, who joined

This attention to detail and

investing in new equipment.

transport jobs among a wide

the company in 2006. In fact,

demand for efficiency permeates

After OLP’s visit, he was headed

range of optical machines,

during OLP’s visit to the facility

the entire operation, world

back to Germany, where the

including Satisloh, Schneider,

Machines from a range of optical equipment manufacturers share space in the pristinely maintained and efficiently operated Maui Jim optical lab.

10 January 2017

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A FlexLink drawing shows where newly installed equipment will be connected via floor and overhead conveyors.

A control panel operates the recently installed Schneider equipment.

Satisloh equipment includes Duo-FLEX polishers, VFT-Orbit generators and a complete anti-reflective operation.

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TECHNOLOGY MAUI JIM

The Hawaiian theme is found throughout the Maui Jim facility, where Mary Nelson, manager of Rx operations, gave OLP a tour.

The MEI Bisphera-XDD edges two lenses simultaneously; Maui Jim operates a total of four Bispheras and two Monospheras.

The lab recently installed two Coburn Velocity coating machines.

Equipment from PSI is also in operation at the lab.

Coburn, MEI and PSI.

for both suns and ophthalmics.

printer,” Jay Black, vice presi-

subsidiaries of the parent

More than 70 employees working

dent of global brand marketing

company.

ued evolution, represented most

across three shifts ensure that

told OLP. Customer service is

recently by its launch into

jobs are processed the same day

equally efficient, he added, with

hold in sunwear and its newly

ophthalmic eyewear, the lab

that they are received. An entirely

a goal of keeping all calls on hold

established foothold in ophthal-

follows suit, continuously

new B2B site was launched in

for under 20 seconds.

mics, the Maui Jim lab is likely

growing and changing. During

November, and orders received

OLP’s visit, an entire section was

through its portal are guaranteed

centers worldwide, including

among the most efficient users of

being torn out to make way for

an average turnaround time of

one built in South Africa two

the latest in optical manufactur-

the installation of new Coburn

five days or less.

years ago and another coming

ing technology.

With the company’s contin-

Velocity coaters and Schneider deblocking units.

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A total of 17 distribution

With the company’s strong-

to maintain its reputation

“Orders from the B2B site go

online in Shanghai, bring Maui

through the portal directly to the

Jim products and its impeccable

John Sailer is vice president,

printer, and the clock starts as

customer service to the global

editorial, First Vision Media

soon as the order hits the

market. All are wholly owned

Group.

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BREAKING SPEED BARRIERS

VFT-orbit 2

FASTEST GENERATOR ON THE PLANET

The new VFT-orbit 2 raises the bar that Satisloh’s high-volume flagship VFT-orbit set. It features even greater performance, quality and reliability.

The new ultra-fast milling spindle and the proprietary milling tool interface improve throughput by up to 30%.

VFT-orbit 2 is the fastest, most robust and easiest to service high-speed lens generator. Go supersonic!

www.satisloh.com | 800-866-5640

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RUNDOWN NEWS

VISIBILITY MANAGEMENT NAMES HAUSER PARTNER Brian Hauser joined Clearwater, FL-based Visibility Management last month as a senior partner. Previously, Hauser was general manager and vice president of operations at Brian Hauser

Infiniti Labs, Inc. and general manager, North America, at Transition Optical.

Hauser received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Richmond and a doctorate from the University of Florida. A MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR DIGICON

coalition of veteran eyecare industry professionals, Visibility

Play ball with professional pitchers at DigiCON 2017 hosted

Management specializes in assisting eyecare practices and

by Schneider Optical Machines, Inc. on May 10-12 in Frisco,

existing and startup companies with their organizational and

TX. Billed as “the biggest DigiCON ever,” this year’s theme is

business strategies.

“Eye on the Ball” and will focus on the latest technology innovations with Schneider introducing a “special new system that allows you to get more out of your existing equipment.”

Along with networking opportunities and new technology displays, DigiCON’s “Digital Surfacing Troubleshooting” seminar will be back with updated information. Day two will focus on a systems approach highlighting Modulo. Keep an eye out for invitations and registration information.

HOYA ACQUIRES 3M SAFETY RX Last month, HOYA Vision Care announced a definitive agreement to acquire the safety prescription eyewear business of 3M, providing the com-

Barney Dougher

pany with a line of frames, prescription

QUICK TIPS TO KEEP LABS CYBER-SAFE

lenses and premium coating options.

The Vision Council initiated a campaign to educate labs on

The acquisition will enable HOYA to

cyber security. Its new “quick-tips” poster can be placed in

provide business and industrial custom-

any work environment to quickly and easily remind em-

ers with safety prescription eyewear protection. Expected to

ployees to make cyber-security a priority by taking necessary

be completed in the first quarter of 2017, “This acquisition

steps to protect from phishing emails, ransomware and

offers entry into an as yet untapped market for HOYA, allow-

viruses. Members will receive periodic updates with effective

ing us to further expand our presence in the North American

ways to stay cyber-safe. The Vision Council will also produce

optical market,” said Barney Dougher (pictured), president of

a series of articles on cyber topics important to labs that can

HOYA Vision Care, Americas.

be accessed from thevisioncouncil.org/labs.

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RUNDOWN NEWS

TRANSITIONS ANNOUNCES INNOVATIONS AWARDS FINALISTS

Port Orchard, WA; Henry Ford OptimEyes, a chain of 19 offices

Fifteen individuals or companies in five categories have been

in the Detroit metro area; and National Vision, Inc., a retailer with

named finalists for the 2016 Transitions Innovations Awards,

more than 900 locations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

which recognize innovative efforts to support the Transitions brand throughout the year.

Finalists for the Best in Training Award are: Jennifer Lenhart, director of training and development, OnSight Optical; Walman

Finalists will be honored and winners will be announced at the 21st annual Transitions Academy, Jan. 29-Feb. 1, in Orlando, FL. Finalists for the 2016 Transitions Brand Ambassador, which

Optical, an ophthalmic company with more than 40 branches; and New Look Eyewear, an optical retail chain with 78 locations in Canada.

celebrates those who best showcase a dedication to being an influ-

Best in Marketing finalists are: Value Optical, a chain with

ential advocate of the brand, are: James Vann, OD, of VisionArts

11 locations in Trinidad & Tobago; Heather Padgett, national

Eyecare Center in Fulton, MS; Jennifer Lyerly, OD, of Eyedolatry

product marketing manager, HOYA Vision Care; and Wilson Eye

in Raleigh, NC; and Sheena Taff, optician, of Roberts & Brown

Center, an independent practice in Valdosta, GA.

Opticians in Vancouver, Canada.

The Best in Patient Experience is awarded to those who develop

Awarded to an individual or company that demonstrated a

a “forward-thinking approach to consistently dispense Transitions

commitment to Transitions Optical and photochromic growth,

lens products.� Finalists are: Professional Vision Care of Colum-

the Best in Growth Achievement finalists are: Pacific Eye Care of

bus, OH; Costco Optical, Canada; and VisionWorks.

WE ARE 100% EMPLOYEE OWNED

CONTACT US TODAY

CALIFORNIA 800.445.6339

NORTH CAROLINA 800.234.1982

CANADA 844.858.7444

www.salemdist.com

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RUNDOWN NEW FOR THE LAB

OCUCO RELEASES NEW INNOVATIONS FEATURES The latest version of the Innovations Ultimate Lab System (ULS) from Ocuco includes many enhancements and new features including: Job Staging, a multi-function order management module that allows batching to user definable container types. For example, bins, baskets and boxes can be

DYNAMIC LABS INTRODUCES PRO EDGE 3

linked to stations such as shipping, coating or waiting com-

Different in color and material, Pro Edge 3 finish blocking

ponents. A 3D Lens Viewer is now fully integrated and can

pads from Dynamic Labs, Inc. significantly reduces twisting

display a 360° rotatable image of the edged lenses along with

in high-torque edging situations. The green foam substrate

thickness calculations around the circumference. Migration

unique to Dynamic Labs has just enough give to elimi-

from Visual Lab Pro is now easier with data import routines

nate concerns of lens slippage, according to the company,

and a redesigned data entry screen.

which determined that during testing Pro Edge 3 excelled

A “mass farm out” feature has been added to allow for out-

on high plus, high minus and often difficult bifocal lenses.

sourcing in cases where production issues require a tempo-

The company also reports that premium coatings are not a

rary overflow solution. An enhanced conveyor interface now

problem as the pads work well on all coated and uncoated

includes material handling decision points that can route

lenses yet easily and cleanly de-block. “High volume labs and

individual jobs to specific machines.

single-doctor practices will both enjoy the benefits from this

A number of new routines are available, including the abil-

blocking pad,” said Joe Alber, director of sales and product

ity to export to QuickBooks and MS Dynamics AX financials

development. “For years we have all seen amazing advances

and to import Delta PMS and Omics and Optifacts LMS files.

in lens technology; Pro Edge 3 is an advance in blocking pad

Integration with external systems has been simplified with

technology.” For more information, contact Dynamic Labs,

the introduction of a number of new web services. Remote

Inc. at 888.339.6264 or Info@DynamicLabs.net.

job checking can now display tracking numbers and links to the URL of the shipping agent. For more information, contact Ocuco at 800.708.1610, Sales@Ocuco.com or Ocuco.US.

OPTISOURCE CAD-CON 1000 Treat 5 gallons of alloy reclaim tank wastewater by adding 1 cup of Cad-Con 1000, which acts like a magnet to attract and chemically bind with dissolved particu-

ARCH CROWN PRINTER FOR THOSE WITHOUT BAR CODES

late cadmium and lead. Once metals are

Featuring the new Datamax-O’Neil E-Class Mark III-A

bound, they are unable to become soluble

Advanced Printer, this thermal transfer starter package from

again, remaining trapped in the sediment in a chemically stable

Arch Crown, Inc. offers professional label design DataTag-

state that leaves water clear and free of cadmium and lead. Cad-

ger software for thermal transfer printing for businesses that

Con 1000 can also be used to treat other alloy-contaminated

don’t have bar code printing capability. The package includes

wastes such as block washer waters, swarf sludge, coolant,

all supplies needed to print tags, and technical support is free.

polishes and emery. For more information, contact OptiSource

For more information, contact Arch Crown, Inc. at 800-526-

International at 800.678.4768 or 1-800-OptiSource.com.

8353 or ArchCrown.com or orders@ArchCrown.com.

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DIGITAL REFRACTOR COURTESY OF MARCO

WHERE IT ALL COMES TOGETHER Education.Fashion.Innovation.

NEW YORK THURSDAY, MARCH 30 – SUNDAY, APRIL 2, 2017

VisionExpoEast.com BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

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PROUD SUPPORTER OF:

PRODUCED BY:

12/20/16 4:37 PM

Automated cleaning, intelligently combined

Modulo: Cleaning

LCU m dulo Automated intelligent lens cleaning SCHNEIDERs LCU Modulo represents a fully automated and integrated lens cleaning system with brushes. The machine is a powerful and efficient inline system to remove contaminations in order to prepare all different kinds of lenses for subsequent coating processes. To enable a fully automated lens production the LCU Modulo can be extended with the loading robot HRA. After two cleaning stages and the drying an optional unloading robot PRA takes the lenses out of the running belt and puts them back in the coating job tray.

SCHNEIDER GmbH & Co. KG Biegenstrasse 8–12 35112 Fronhausen, Germany Phone: +49 (64 26) 96 96-0 www.schneider-om.com

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SCHNEIDER Optical Machines Inc. 6644 All Stars Avenue, Suite 100 Frisco, TX 75034 Phone: +1 (972) 247-4000 info-USA@schneider-om.com

12/21/16 10:50 AM