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OPTICAL L AB P R O D UC T S PRODUCTS AND IDEAS FOR THE LABORATORY PROFESSIONAL
SEPTEMBER 2017 OpticalLabProducts.com
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Trans Sig Poly Untitled-2 1 Comp Multifocal - OLP.indd 1
4/10/2017 4/21/17 10:20:36 2:12 AMPM
SEPTEMBER 2017 CONTENTS
Contents OPINIONS 02 Rollins on Marketing 03 In the Lab 04 One-to-One with Robert Shanbaum, President, Ocuco Inc.
FEATURES 06 Got Consumables? 10 Lab Lore: Hall of Famers Recall Industry Changes 12 Industry Pioneer: John Young 20 Independent ECPs Join to Form Lab
Leadership Do’s and Don’ts BY JIM GROOTEGOED When talking to labs I’ll often ask
want their manager to listen,
important asset and the answer,
understand and respond.
more often than not, is the employees. But how do managers
There are also a number of
measure their satisfaction? If at
surprising items employees don’t
all, it’s generally through perfor-
want or expect from their
mance reviews, which is why I
managers:
noticed a recent Gallup poll that concluded, “Only two in 10 employees strongly agree that their performance is managed in
• Friendship. It’s more important to be a leader, a mentor and leading by example.
a way that motivates them to do
• Conversation. Employees don’t
outstanding work.” This sent me
want to have non-work-related
to the internet to do some
conversations with their manager.
research on what employees
• Emotional support. Only 25%
really want from “the boss.” The
want emotional support from
following were consistent and are
their manager. They typically
PROFESSIONAL EDITOR • Jim Grootegoed • JG@VisionCareProducts.com
summarized from many articles
look for that among coworkers.
VICE PRESIDENT, DESIGN • Jane Kaplan • JK@VisionCareProducts.com
and surveys:
But that doesn’t mean not being
EDITORIAL STAFF VP, EDITORIAL • John Sailer • JS@VisionCareProducts.com
involved when something
ASSISTANT EDITOR • Cara Aidone 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 PRESIDENT/CEO • Frank Giammanco • FG@VisionCareProducts.com EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT • Shawn Mery • SM@VisionCareProducts.com DIRECTOR OF SALES • Janet Cunningham • JC@VisionCareProducts.com
• Honesty and integrity. Lies and secrets are the biggest killers to credibility. • Fairness and consistency in responses. • Trust and respect. Employees
VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING • Debby Corriveau • DC@VisionCareProducts.com
want to trust and respect their
VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS • Sharon O’Hanlon • SO@VisionCareProducts.com
management and expect the same in return. • Inclusion. Employees want to
serious occurs. • Cheerfulness. They’d rather respect managers than like them. In one study only a quarter wanted a cheerful or happy manager. If you’re an owner/manager/ supervisor please evaluate your conduct. If you’re an employee,
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK https://www.Facebook.com/OpticalLabProducts
understand the real purpose of
leave this article open on the
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @OLP_Magazine
their job, to be a part of the
manager’s desk.
manager’s team and be asked to
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.
contribute ideas and solutions. • Appreciation. Being recognized for just being there contributing to the success of the business goes a long way.
OpticalLabProducts.com
Sept OLP.indd 1
• Responsiveness. Employees
what they consider their most
Jim Grootegoed is professional editor of OLP. September 2017 1
8/23/17 12:02 PM
OPINIONS ROLLINS ON MARKETING
Push the Morale Flywheel BY ERIC ROLLINS
In sports, when teams go on a
management tends to be to “con-
winning streak they typically give
tinue whipping the employees
a lot of the credit to momentum
until morale improves,” and the
and team chemistry. As an exam-
downward spiral continues.
ple, the Chicago Cubs just had a
Morale can be hard to build,
bad first half of the 2017 season
and it can be destroyed in a day. I
after winning the 2016 World Se-
have seen a great lab be destroyed
ries. But they came out of the gate
by an HR person using unfortu-
after the All-Star Game and won
nate language when describing
six games in a row (as of this writ-
why they had to go to a lesser
ing) while on the road! The team
health insurance plan. Morale
and it’s manager all give credit to
went down the drain, and literally
the chemistry in the clubhouse.
the next day you could see the
Manager Joe Madden said, “I’m
difference in spoilage, job time
feeling the guys more mentally
and other quantifiable factors.
involved, and I love that.” Pitcher
Within two years the lab’s busi-
Mike Montgomery said, “The All-
ness was down 50%.
Morale can be hard to build, and it can be destroyed in a day. Star break was great for us. Since
On the other hand, when
we’ve been back, there is a great
you focus on keeping morale
vibe around here.”
in a good place, work tends
Obviously, the team also has
to improve. Jim Collins in the
talent and couldn’t win without
book Good to Great presents us
the players’ ability.
with the flywheel effect. A heavy
What about your lab? What is
flywheel takes a lot of energy to
the vibe like with your “play-
get going, but when it reaches
ers”? What is commonly called
a good speed it’s hard to slow
“momentum” or “chemistry” in
down. What have you done lately
professional sports is the equiva-
to push the morale flywheel?
lent of morale for our employees. When morale is low, quality and service times suffer. If our lab employees don’t think management cares about them, they usually don’t care much about what kind of work they put out. As quality suffers, the response of 2 September 2017
Sept OLP.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. Email him at EricRollins@Comcast.net. OpticalLabProducts.com
8/23/17 12:02 PM
IN THE LAB OPINIONS
It’s Just Good Business BY JOHN SAILER
T
his year’s Lab Innovator of
times reaping the rewards by
into the business to ensure its
Products (OLP) as this year’s Lab
the Year has led us to remi-
blazing trails and profiting from
success, sometimes to the
Innovator of the Year, in this
nisce about the many Lab
being the first to offer a revolu-
detriment of their own economic
issue on this page we share our
Innovators we’ve honored over
tionary product but at other
well being. But doing so, they
respect for the entire independent
the years and the fact that they all
times being the guinea pig for
ultimately benefit, realizing the
lab community, maintaining
share some basic characteristics.
new technologies that don’t
results of their efforts and
their success against challenging
deliver as promised.
succeeding when times are good.
competitive obstacles while
For one, they are frequently staunchly independent, multigen-
They treat their staff and
These members of the greater
staying human in the face of the
erational family-owned compa-
customers like family, providing
lab community, present and past
day-to-day challenges everyone
nies. Hard workers, for sure, in
the former with advice and
Lab Innovators and those yet to
encounters.
the office before the staff, staying
assistance to address professional
be named, emulate not only the
after hours and working week-
as well as personal issues and
foundational tenets of good
ends more often than not.
socializing with both as long-last-
business but also the inherent
They take risks, investing in
ing friends. Their finances they
traits of simply being humane.
new and advanced technologies
know are the fuel that powers
long before anyone else, some-
their labs, pouring profits back
OpticalLabProducts.com
Sept OLP.indd 3
While we honor Plastic Plus in the next issue of Optical Lab
John Sailer is VP, editorial of First Vision Media Group. JS@VisionCareProducts.com.
September 2017 3
8/23/17 12:03 PM
OPINIONS ONE-T0-ONE
OLP interviews Robert Shanbaum, President, Ocuco Inc.
What specifically does Ocuco offer optical labs? We want our lab
We are going to make sure
capabilities to handle such a
software division to
that our product continues to
project on their own. But we
be a one-stop shop
be modular and scalable so that
could do big ones!
from lab management systems
it can be used to manage a very
(LMS) to free-form lens designs
small lab as well as the largest
centralized point of contact for
to web ordering solutions.
labs on the planet.
all labs’ and suppliers’ issues and
Our full-featured Innovations
Ocuco is also making a
We frequently act as a
support, providing independent
LMS is very well established
significant investment in
equipment advice, lens testing,
globally across the entire range
e-commerce solutions. LabLink
technical support and staff
from small labs in retail stores
sends over one million orders
training.
doing a few jobs per day to very large labs, both wholesale and
ROBERT SHANBAUM is President at Ocuco Inc.
annually. Its interface is highly
We’re here to advise, assist,
configurable, and it links
train, install and integrate
directly to both Innovations
everything into a working
and Labzilla, allowing prescrip-
solution. Lab in a Box is an
Innovations’ feature set to
tion data and remote trace files
independent, fully integrated
Systems, which has offered its
include everything offered by
to flow directly into the lab.
free-form solution. We combine
Labzilla LMS primarily to
Labzilla and more. The result is
There is also an online job
every element required to
wholesale labs for many years
the product we call Innovations
tracking facility, which can
implement and support a
and which used Innovations for
ULS (the Ultimate Lab System),
significantly reduce the
small-scale free-form surfacing lab
“the hard stuff” (calculations,
our flagship lab management
numbers of phone calls. The
with the ability to scale as needed
machine interfaces, etc.) Labzilla
software product.
latest version, offering an
but without being chained to a
updated user experience, is
particular design vendor.
retail, doing many thousands of jobs per day. In 2014, Ocuco acquired CC
handled functionality not
CC Systems was also an
provided in Innovations,
innovator, offering the first
primarily, the production of
independent free-form lens
invoices and management of
design system in North America,
OLP: Other than software,
One-to-One with Robert
Accounts Receivable. But
from IOT, so we have a lot of
what else does Ocuco
Shanbaum, go to OpticalLab-
Labzilla was developed in
know-how in helping labs
provide labs?
Products.com.
COBOL, a very old language that
transition from traditional to
doesn’t play well with modern
free-form processing. That’s not
SHANBAUM: We have a large
graphical computer interfaces
limited to software know-how,
and experienced team of lab
like Windows. Innovations, on
either; most of our support
experts. This led us to create
the other hand, was and
technicians had lab experience
the “Freeform Lab in a Box”
continues to be developed using
before joining us, and they now
concept, a turnkey free-form
the most modern development
have significant experience in
lab. It’s usually a small lab,
tools available. So, we decided to
training customers to use their
because larger users tend to
concentrate on expanding
free-form machines.
have more substantial
4 September 2017
currently in testing. For a longer version of this
Stay up-to-date with the latest in lab news and new products— subscribe to LABmail at opticallabproducts.com
OpticalLabProducts.com LabMail_square.indd 1
Sept OLP.indd 4
4/24/17 2:33 PM
8/23/17 2:32 PM
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TECHNOLOGY SUPPLIES
GOT CONSUMABLES? They keep your operation running smoothly, but being here, there and everywhere throughout your lab, consumables can fade from focus . . . that is until you run out of them. BY ALEX EVANS
formulation produces a low
Y
sheer interface between the lens ou can’t produce lenses
PSI OFFERS NEW AR CONSUM-
and the tool to optimize removal
without them. They keep
ABLES FROM DON COMPANY
rates and surface finishes.
your equipment
Made with 99.9% pure anti-re-
STM630 effectively captures the
operating, ensure quality lenses
flective coating materials, DON
plastic particulate and relieves
and maintain your machinery.
COMPANY’s new AR consum-
surface tension to facilitate quick
And while they’re not as exciting
ables are manufactured to
yet soft settling.
exacting specifications for
as a new generating line or an
STM640, also a 100%
granular sizing to maintain a
AR coater, they do require your
synthetic grinding fluid, is
attention to make sure they do
consistent hardness and stability
formulated specifically for
their job efficiently, effectively
on the lens.
high-speed digital plastic lens
and economically. Here’s a
processing applications such as
rundown of what’s happening in
drilling, grooving and routing.
the world of consumables from a
The unique formulation, like
engineered polish formula for
number of suppliers:
STM630, produces a low sheer
removal and finish on all lens
interface between the lens and
materials. It was designed for use
the tool to optimize removal SPECIFICALLY FORMULATED
on all digital and traditional
rates while ensuring high-quality
COOLANTS FROM SALEM
polishing platforms. DigitALL
surface finishes.
provides clarity, less haze and
VISION ARE 100% SYNTHETIC
DigitALL is a precision
surfaces for improved anti-re-
STM630, a 100% synthetic
Salem Vision Group
grinding fluid, is formulated
800.234.1982 • SalemDist.com
specifically for conventional
CMcCall@SalemDist.com
flective coating results.
plastic lens processing applications such as drilling, edging and generating. The unique
DAC VISION CONTINUES TO FOCUS ON DEVELOPING DIGITAL SURFACING PRODUCTS FormaFlex S and DigitALL are DAC Vision’s new generation of digital polishing materials. The white first-step polish material in FormaFlex S produces a clear surface finish, while the black polishing material yields durabil-
6 September 2017
Sept OLP.indd 6
ity while reducing torn or
DAC Vision 800.800.1550 •
damaged tool surfaces caused by
DACVision.com • DACVision.
sharp-edged lenses.
NA@DACVision.com. OpticalLabProducts.com
8/23/17 12:03 PM
FOCUS ON ENVIRONMENT
Meet ART:
ALLOY REPLACEMENT TECHNOLOGY
ART blockers and deblockers are a unique, green alternative to traditional alloy blocking. ART – winner of the German Federal Ecodesign Award 2014 – combines environmental consciousness with time and money saving technology that focuses on modern lens production needs. The winning technology: • Organic block material and adhesive remove hazardous substances from your lab and the environment • High-precision blocking for achieving the perfect optical power • Universal, reusable block-piece fits all standard clamping systems • UV-curable adhesive for precise blocking, protects lens front without tape, and eliminates cooling • Smooth water jet deblocking reduces spoilage • Machinable block-piece Seamlessly integrate ART into existing production lines.
www.satisloh.com | 800-866-5640
Untitled-2 1
8/23/17 12:25 PM
TECHNOLOGY SUPPLIES
The line includes hydrophobic
Coburn’s newest contribution to
coatings that offer water and oil
the consumables ophthalmic
repellence for smudge-free and
market, the Single Point
easy-to-clean lenses. Practical
Generator Diamond can
Systems, Inc., (PSI) the exclusive
produce up to 5,000 cuts,
distributor for DON COMPA-
making for an extremely low
NY’s AR consumables in North
cost per lens. The cut from the
and South America, is able to
Gold Long Life diamond lasts
provide custom granular and pill
two to three times the life of
sizing to meet specific needs.
other natural or synthetic
DON AR products are compati-
diamonds. Coburn also offers its
ble with all vacuum coaters and,
customers re-lap services.
tent milling and turning. The advanced technologies in the chemistry of LH-405 keep its
in addition to AR coating materials, PSI offers high-quality
Coburn Technologies, Inc.
coolant systems operating at full
ion and electron beam gun
800.262.8761 •
productivity and unhindered by
filaments and monitoring
CoburnTechnologies.com
crystals for process control.
CustomerCareCenter@
Before PSI became a distribu-
CoburnTechnologies.com
tor, U.S. labs purchasing directly
Key to lens surface quality is Digi-Pro’s viscosity, which offers consistent flow rates, while its suspension provides consistent
from DON had to order large
results and makes it easy to
biological issues that can reduce productivity and cause ongoing issues if not addressed. LH-405 Plus coolant is bacteria-resistant and can keep users’ equipment growth-free
quantities far in advance from
SATISLOH’S POLISH AND
South Korea with no technical
COOLANT ENGINEERED FOR
support. With PSI’s Florida
DIGITAL POLISHING
warehouse and an AR Specialist
Satisloh develops and supplies
on staff, DON products can now
consumables built specifically
Satisloh North America, Inc.
be bought in the quantities need-
for its own processes, and its
800.866.5640 • Satisloh.com
ed at an affordable price with
new Digi-Pro polish continues
Info.USA@Satisloh.com
quick turnaround times and
this tradition. Specifically
on-site technical support.
engineered for Satisloh’s
clean. Its frost-resistant chemistry prevents product damage that saves money.
and operating at the proper coolant flow rate.
Multi-FLEX and Duo-FLEX
JEANIE PREMIUM PRODUCTS
Practical Systems, Inc. (PSI)
digital polishers using a unique
EXPANDS DIAMOND AND
800.237.8154 • LookToPSI.com
particle shape and hardness, this
CARBIDE TOOLS AND
Info@LookToPSI.com
new polish design offers
SERVICES
increased stock removal and
With the MEI PCD and the
product life. Digi-Pro can be
Optek Contour Max Generator
COBURN’S SINGLE-POINT
used on all organic lens materials
GENERATOR DIAMOND
and in any available digital
LOWERS COST PER LENS
polishing system.
Satisloh’s new LH-405 Plus coolant is made specifically for use with high speed digital generators. Its chemistry features a unique patent-pending lubricity that minimizes surface friction on lens materials for both cleaner and more consis-
8 September 2017
Sept OLP.indd 8
OpticalLabProducts.com
8/23/17 12:03 PM
INNOVATIONS L AB MANAGEMENT SOFT WARE Innovations offers a modern LMS with industry leading functionality. New features include operator tracking, a real time productivity dashboard, predictive job scheduling, and much more. All of these features are designed to enable both manual and automated labs to enhance control and visibility over production processes.
Wholesalers
3rd Party Labs
Optical Stores
Inventory Control
Work Flow Monitor
$
Pricing & Invoicing
Reports & Analytics Job Tracking
$
$
Accounts Receivable
INNOVATIONS L AB MANAGEMENT SOFT WARE
Operator Tracking
Production Scheduler
Master Lens Database
Lens Design System Machine Links
Scanner Interface
Collect more data than ever before and enable your lab to operate at maximum efficiency.
Visit our website at Ocuco.com/lab or call today to book an appointment at Vision Expo West, booth number MS 5072 Call +1 (647) 722-6532 Fax: 727-535-1010 Email: info@ocuco.com
Untitled-2 1
8/23/17 12:24 PM
TECHNOLOGY SUPPLIES
environmentally friendly
tools allow the machine to
blocking material, the patent
switch between work processes
pending Eco Fuse Technology
quickly, saving production time.
glue combines optimal mechani-
The multi-edging tool shown
cal stability, adhesion, tempera-
can perform roughing, two
ture behavior and deblocking
types of edging and drill holes.
capabilities. Even high prisms can be processed. For generating, Schneider’s cutting tools are characterized by low waviness values, and milling tools meet the best runout and Dual PCD insert, Jeanie
balancing values, according to
Premium Products offers two
the company.
new diamond and carbide
Schneider’s polishing pads are
low and high-index lenses and lacquers for index matching,
tooling products. The MEI PCD
one component of the Advanced
evaporation materials for film
is available in New, Relap and
Polishing System, which also
coating using the Electron Beam
Reblade. The company’s end
includes Alumox II polishing
Coater Series EBC, hydrophobic/
mills are made with balanced
fluid and the latest development,
oleophobic coatings and various
carbide materials and are rigid
processes and materials for
with no vibration issues,
fashion coatings or Rx sunlens
according to the company. Dual
applications.
PCD inserts for Optek Contour
For on-block or block-free
Max Generators are precision
edging, Schneider offers
ground to within microns. The
blockpieces, adhesive strips,
tools as spare parts for other
long life PCD holds tight
shaping tools for V-beveling, flat
equipment manufacturer’s
tolerances to prevent constant
beveling, shelf beveling and
machines, and it recommends
calibration.
T-grooving, and tools for rough
not using replacement tools
cutting, drilling, grooving,
(milling tools in particular)
polishing and safety beveling.
from other companies in its
Jeanie Premium Products, Inc. 952.426.3237
It is MEI’s policy to not sell
machines.
JeanieDiamondTooling.com
Schneider Optical Machines the S+ tool series. The newly
972.247.4000
MEI S.r.l. 847.357.0323
developed abrasive polish pad
Schneider-om.com
MEISystem.com
SCHNEIDER EMPHASIZES
material together with the latest
Info-USA@Schneider-Om.com
Info@MEISystem.com
RELIABILITY OF TOOLS AND
generation polishing macro
CONSUMABLES
technology enhances tool life by
Schneider offers all of the
more than 50%, according to the
MEI’S MULTI-EDGE TOOLS
required tools and consumables
company.
LEAD TO GREATER PRODUC-
for lens production, ranging
For coating, Schneider offers
TION EFFICIENCY
from blocking, generating,
cleaning detergents for all kinds
In an effort to optimize
polishing, cleaning, coating and
of ultrasonic cleaners, tintable
efficiency, MEI always develops
edging.
and non-tintable dip/hardcoating
its machines and tools together.
solutions with different grades of
That’s what it’s done with a new
hardness including primers for
pair of multi-edging tools. The
For alloy-free blocking, Schneider’s hazardous-free, 10 September 2017
Sept OLP.indd 10
OpticalLabProducts.com
8/23/17 12:03 PM
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-2 1
2/16/17 6:35 PM
HALL OF FAME 2017
LAB LORE: HALL OF FAMERS RECALL INDUSTRY CHANGES tent. The optical lab staffs of
able to make a better pair of
today are primarily machine
eyewear than the year before. An
tenders not skilled optical
optical laboratory resembled
craftsmen. Today, their mission
more of a machine shop 40 years
is to keep production moving.
ago, and today it’s full of CNC,
The consolidation in this
JOHN ART
BILL HEFFNER
Inductees into The Vision Council’s Hall of Fame were asked how things have changed in the optical business since they started in the field and where they see it heading in the future, next year and beyond. Here is what some of them had to say:
industry is a gathering storm. Many large retail chains are moving in and displacing the
robotic and technologically superior equipment that can manufacture highly advanced lens designs with extreme precision.
ifty years ago, the optical
local opticians and optome-
industry was comprised of
trists. We are on a path similar
T
hundreds of small labs located
to that of the local pharmacy,
lab business 40-some years ago,
technology playing key roles. All
throughout the U.S. Many of
with most people seeing them
but one thing has remained
levels of the market are seeing
these labs had multiple branches
as interchangeable. The
consistently true: Each year we are
consolidation, including the
to service their customers because
personal service will be gone
we relied solely on U.S. mail.
and the entrepreneurial spirit
Overnight shipping did not exist
will be lost.
at that time. Consumers knew
As the industry continues its
their glasses would take a week or
consolidation, independent
more to be made. Each lab had
laboratories will continue to
skilled staff members who learned
disappear. ECPs will find more
the industry, starting as an
restrictions on how they can sell
apprentice and eventually
certain products. Maybe they’ll
becoming a journeyman. That was
be told that if they distribute a
20 years ago.
specific brand of frame, that the
Today, with our technology
entire job must be done by the
and product distribution, we
frame manufacturer, or else. The
have changed the way people
available choices will continue to
perceive this industry. We tell
disappear. The future is up to us
them eyeglasses are made in an
as an industry. If we want to stay
hour and that eyeglasses are
relevant, we need to rekindle our
two-for-$99.00 (with a free
independent spark and not let it
exam). Today, the lab manager
be doused by the coming storm.
sits behind a computer, relying
—William “Bill” Hefner, III,
upon technology to ensure the
President, CEO, Founder,
glasses are made correctly. The
FEA Industries
apprentice program is nonexis12 September 2017
Sept OLP.indd 12
The industry continues to
changes since I started in the
evolve, with consolidation and
LAB DIVISION HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES This year’s Hall of Fame Inductees are: • John Art, Interstate Optical • Lorinda Fraboni, Walman Optical • James Goerges, Precision Tool Technologies, Inc. • William H. Heffner, III, FEA Industries, Inc. • Lawrence Lahr, Eye-Kraft Optical, Inc. •M ark Mattison-Shupnick, Sola, Jobson, MMS Consulting • Drake McLean, Dietz-McLean Optical • Joe Vitale, Essilor of America, Inc. The Lab Division has also named Marty Bassett, president & CEO of Walman Optical Co., as the 2017 recipient of the Directors’ Choice Award due to both his professional efforts and for
MARTY BASSETT
F
here have been many, many
giving back to the industry. He was inducted into the Lab Division Hall of Fame in 2012, and he will be recognized alongside this year’s Lab Division Hall of Fame honorees. OpticalLabProducts.com
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HALL OF FAME 2017
lenses. Life was so much simpler,
persuade, will win the digital lens
aligning themselves with
but there were no computers, so
market. Life is more complicated
partners that they feel will best
we used a glorified adding
and technology promises ever
help them in the future.
machine for lens calculations, and
more lens offerings. Unless
we had to hand-price each
there’s a new disrupter, such as
today is much more difficult
invoice. Our first systems in 1977
robotic eyes or gene therapy to
than when Interstate Optical
were developed in Fortran IV and
produce perfect vision, I see this
started back in 1977. The cost of
were used for rudimentary lens
trend continuing into next year
machinery required to produce
calculations and to automate
and beyond!
today’s lens designs and coatings
pricing the Rx’s. At that time, I
—Lorinda Fraboni,
combined with access to the
was the computer department.
IS Development and
insurance market and strong
Then we progressed to COBOL
Operations Manager
brands makes operating a small
and BASIC, adding stock
volume lab no longer practical.
invoicing and light reporting.
an optician/tech/teacher (almost
Finally, in 1987, we realized
50 years ago), I fit, edged, drilled
Starting a new optical lab
Looking into the future, I’m
for Walman
MARK MATTISON SHUPNICK
retail sector, as the players are
I’m
honored to be a nominee to the Hall of
Fame of the Vision Council’s Lab Division. When I started as
we’d hit our Peter Principle with
and dispensed only glass lenses
things we can’t even imagine
our math and machine interface
into a pretty limited number of
today. The manufacturing
skills and started leasing lab
frame styles and materials.
process and delivery of eyewear
software from DVI. We developed
Lenses were corrected curve
will see huge changes as supply
our own data warehouse to
only, visible multifocals came in
chain efficiencies change the
compile all of the branch sales
model. Brands will continue to
information, create corporate
become more meaningful and
reports and push data to Finance
important as consumers look for
for customer statements. Over
guidance with future technolo-
those 10 years we morphed into a
gy-enabled eyewear.
staff of 14. Life was more
—John Art, President, Interstate Optical
It’s
10 or more varieties (ever hear of ribbon segs, RedeRite, Ultex?) and I actually cut out glass lenses
very humbling and
with a glass cutter before
exciting to be recognized
beveling them by hand or on
by your peers, customers and
ceramic wheels. As part of SOLA
complicated, but we could
industry veterans to be inducted
Optical, I participated in creating
provide so much more to help the
into the Optical Hall of Fame, and
options to help ECPs provide a
business make good decisions.
especially to be inducted with
variety of thinner, lighter, highly
such a great group of people. It’s
impact resistant, photochromic
a lens took time. A mold had to
quite an honor, and I extend a
and polarized AR lens designs
be created, and this was expen-
sincere thank you to all. Since
digitally prepared (surfaced and
sive, so the process to create a
1983, this industry has been
edged) to deliver the best vision
lens was slower. Today, with
exciting from my perspective; it
everywhere on the lens. That’s
digital lenses, a simple tweak of
has always been under change,
nothing like when I started.
the software and voila, you have a
which I suspect will continue in
In optical yesteryears, to design
LORINDA FRABONI
JIM GEORGE
sure we’ll see eyewear doing
Next year, 2018 will showcase
new lens. Marketing creates
dramatic fashion for the next five
new frame material combina-
programs and promises;
years. My hopes are the changes
tions that allow new designs and
hen I started working at
technology delivers. Today, we
are good for the customer,
styles. While digital will continue
Walman in 1974, there
have 20-plus materials and
measured by quality, service and
to make complex lenses easier
were three lens materials: crown
hundreds of lens styles. I believe
cost. If so, the changes are good!
and frames more exciting, it will
glass, high-index glass and CR-39.
the company with the most
Lens styles were few: single vision,
effective advertising to the
straight top bifocals and trifocals,
consumer, or the third party
round segs, Ultex and cataract
vendor with the most power to
W
14 September 2017
Sept OLP.indd 14
—James Goerges, Owner, Precision Tool Technologies, Inc.
drive a closer relationship, directly with the consumer. Digital will also make the optician more skilled in fitting OpticalLabProducts.com
8/23/17 12:04 PM
2018NYC EDUCATION MARCH 15-18 EXHIBIT HALL MARCH 16-18 JAVITS CENTER NEW YORK CITY
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PROUD SUPPORTER OF
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8/23/17 12:28 PM
HALL OF FAME 2017
LAWRENCE LAHR
lenses. I see this accelerating because of computing power, better vision science and a direct relationship with the end consumer. Manufacturers will
He vividly remembers using a paintbrush to paint the emery
change seems to get faster and
onto the tools because nothing
more complicated every year.
was self-feeding or automated.
—Jason Sharpe,
Cylinder machines and automatic
lenses into the frames that hold
Lawrence has been in the
breakthroughs at the time. The
them. However, I also see a
business for over 60 years, first at
differences in products available
need for the doctor and optician
Lantz optical for a couple of years
from then to now in materials,
to get much more lens and
and then the rest of the time at
designs and treatments are just
frame savvy to ensure these
Eye-Kraft. When he came into
amazing. He remembers having
many opportunities don’t go
the business, everything was done
to cut a millimeter at a time on
unexplained or misunderstood.
by hand with generators, finers
the glass generator to get the
Change is guaranteed, and I’m
and polishers. All of the optical
thickness down to keep the glass
proud to have been an optician
calculations were done with
from breaking, and now he can
that participated in so many
pencil and paper, too. There were
watch the digital generator cut
changes.
no progressive lenses, and
two lenses in a little over a
—Mark Mattison-Shupnick,
everything was glass. They made
minute.
Director, Education, 20/20
their own surface tools by hand back then as well.
Vice President of Operations, Eye-Kraft Optical, on behalf of
edgers were technological
deliver more sophisticated
continuing change. And that
Lawrence Lahr, President of Operations, Eye-Kraft Optical
The main thing Lawrence sees in the future of this industry is
We have zero defects down to a science. Now we have it down to a table-top size. The new A&R ProMapper puts innovative, precision inspection technology within reach of all Rx labs. Using the newest A&R state-of-the-art technology, the table-top ProMapper provides a total inspection of lenses for optical and geometrical properties including power, prism, addition, thickness without contact, shape, polarization axis, and mapping inspection with Error Map and Go/No Go. The ProMapper is operator independent, uses automatic positioning and decision making technology, and is super easy to use and calibrate. Contact A&R for details on innovative table-top solutions available for any lab, whatever its size. Visit us at Booth LP4097 during Vision Expo West.
29” x 24” x 30”
A&R Optical Machinery, Inc.
262-641-8780 arom @ ar.be www.ar.be
16 September 2017
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OpticalLabProducts.com
8/23/17 12:04 PM
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PROFILE JOHN YOUNG
JOHN YOUNG GETS FIRED UP . . . THEN FIRED
Industry Pioneer: John Young
John Young was also a genuinely nice person but very protective of his science. Ron McGhay, then president of Silor, relates this instance: “While many in the optical industry knew John, few may have known of his tenacity, creativity and humor. John was director of quality in the early ‘90s and reported to Guy Vareilles, the founder of Silor Optical (Silor and Essel Optical merged in 1972 to create Essilor).
His influence in optical spanned nearly fifty years.
John Young
“John was involved in the evaluation and development of many of today’s well-known optical products, including Transitions
BY JIM GROOTEGOED
soon following...many with
lenses first introduced in the early 1990s. As with many new
W
exaggerated claims about their
products, early stage Transitions had a number of shortcomings,
hat can you say
performance such as, “tests show
including a color change to a purplish shade, temperature sensi-
about a person who
that [our lens] is more scratch-re-
tivity (slow and reduced darkening as temperatures increased)
represented our
sistant than glass.”
and failure to darken behind a windshield when worn in a car. It
One of the problems was that
was John’s job to document the characteristics of the lens to es-
development with both ANSI
there was no standardized test for
tablish a baseline for future improvements as new generations of
and ISO, held patents for optical
SR, and players were, I’ll use this
the product were developed. Guy was strongly resistant to John’s
designs and testing protocols,
term carefully, “choosing” the
findings that Transitions would not darken when worn in a car.
lectured for years to advance our
test that showed their product in
collective knowledge, authored
the best light.
industry since 1969 in standards
“Guy’s office was on the second floor of Silor’s headquarters building overlooking a side parking lot. When Guy left town on
American Optical’s entry was
a business trip, John went to a local salvage yard, purchased
headed R&D and quality control
Permalite. I’ll let Dick Whitney
a junked car with an intact windshield and had it towed to a
for both AO and Essilor,
(currently manager, global
space in the parking lot directly under Guy’s office window. John
founded COLTS Laboratories
standards, Carl Zeiss Vision)
next placed multiple pairs of the first generation Transitions
(celebrating its 20th anniversary
describe: “I remember working
lenses on the dashboard of the car.
this year) and has more awards
with John as he submitted
over 100 published articles,
“When Guy returned from his business trip, John went to his
product to me for evaluation—
office and asked him to look at the car below and pointed out
cyclic humidity testing and
that the lenses on the dashboard were Transitions and to notice
famous accomplishment for the
John’s industry famous ‘Young
they were clear.
lab industry was the development
Tumble Test’ for abrasion assess-
of the aptly named “Young/AO
ment. In the case of the latter, I
fit of rage told John to get out of his office and out of the build-
(Scratch Resistance-SR) Tumble
was involved in conducting
ing, that he was fired! A short time later Guy contacted John,
Test.” A little background: When
abrasion testing at the time of
apologized, indicated he had proven his point and could have his
scratch-resistant (SR) plastic
the development of AO’s
job back.”
lenses first burst on our market,
Permalite coating in 1980, and
we all galloped to get on the
one of the significant promo-
bandwagon as this was the answer
tional aspects of this coating was
to the one major complaint about
a demonstration of how lenses
CR-39 lenses. They scratch.
compared after one year of
than we have room to list. Arguably John Young’s most
Armorlite was the first
actual wear. The Permalite test
company to release a scratch-re-
lens showed a demonstrable
sistant lens, with other companies
improvement from uncoated
18 September 2017
Sept OLP.indd 18
“Guy did not see the humor in John’s demonstration and in a
OpticalLabProducts.com
8/23/17 12:04 PM
JOHN YOUNG PROFILE
CR-39 when worn in the same
place in the history of coating
plastic lenses was that the
and developed testing methods to
frame, opposite eyes.
development for improved
coatings often decreased impact
provide a manufacturer-level
abrasion resistance product.”
resistance. We labs had been
testing resource for individual
riding on the coattails of the
labs based upon a statistically
“John developed the tumble test that tried to match these patterns
Essilor had the “n-10 blows”
and used a variety of abrasive
test and required a trained
manufacturers’ impact testing,
valid protocol acceptable to the
materials (sand, corn, abrasive
operator. At Ultra Optics, we used
but in 1987 the FDA issued a
FDA to meet this standard and
pads, shoemakers’ wooden nails, etc.) to match this as-worn random scratch pattern. When sample lenses were put into the tumble barrel and run for 20
available from his laboratory. He
No one test equates to real life, but the Young Tumble Test was the first attempt to quantify and replicate scratch-resistant testing.
was also granted a patent for a “Method for Testing Ophthalmic Lenses” in 2005. To me, that was one of his greatest contributions
minutes, his test showed remark-
000 wet/dry sandpaper and a
ruling that the last “manufactur-
able similarities to the abrasion
“trained” finger. As Dick alluded,
er” was responsible for testing.
On July 2, 2017, the optical
patterns seen on the lenses worn
no one test equates to real life, but
This included surfacing, edging
industry lost a true champion–
in the user study. Since that time,
the Young Tumble Test was the
or applying an SR or AR coating.
one with unrivaled expertise,
this test has been widely utilized in
first attempt to quantify and
This meant that labs had to
the industry, and while we have
replicate SR testing. All were
start impact testing, but plastic
subsequently learned that no one
important parts of the evolution
lenses are often left unusable
single test will always equate to
of the fine products we have today.
when impact tested in the same
Jim Grootegoed is professional
way as glass. John recognized this
editor of Optical Lab Products.
real life wear, it has an important
One negative to SR coatings on
to our industry.
courage, tenacity, creativity and humor. He will be missed.
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OpticalLabProducts.com
Sept OLP.indd 19
September 2017 19
8/23/17 12:05 PM
MANAGEMENT BUSINESS VENTURE
Independent ECPs Join to Form Lab A serendipitous series of events led to the creation of Elevate Digital Optics. BY CARA AIDONE HUZINEC
EGMA’s owner Poya Eghterafi
“It was a fortunate mix of needs
decided investing in those
because they had a fully function-
Owned and operated by indepen-
markets would be more prudent
al lab in 30 days.”
dent optometrists, Dallas-based
than investing here. It was Alan
Elevate Digital Optics (EDO)
with the quality,” he said. EDO also produces sun prescription lenses and offers a
EDO has 23 employees and
variety of coatings (from both
Yuster (EGMA’s vice president of
produces 125 jobs per day—all
Schneider and some co-devel-
opened its doors last year to
operations at the time and now
surfaced, hardcoated, AR-coated
oped with Rodenstock), such as
produce custom digital lenses
EDO president) who suggested
and edged. EDO’s lens portfolio
scratch-resistant, mirrored, super
after essentially rescuing the lab
Eghterafi sell the building and
includes Rodenstock, Shaw,
hydrophobic and UV protective
from moving overseas.
equipment rather than ship it all
Shamir, HOYA and Seiko, along
over 400nm.
back to Dubai.
with Eyeonx, its house brand of
When EGMA, LLC decided to abandon plans to expand into the
Yuster found buyers—a mix
EDO uses Schneider’s Modulo
digital lenses composed of four
line with plans to purchase and
U.S. market to produce Roden-
of members of Texas-based First
lines (100, 300, 500 and 700
install a blockless edger from MEI
stock and in-house lenses, it left
Eye Care buying group and
series) that range from tradition-
by the end of this year. Its lab
behind new equipment by
independent optometrists—and
al/non-compensated to fully
management system is by Ocuco
Schneider Optical Machines and
EDO was born.
compensated and individualized;
Innovations.
a newly constructed
“Literally in four weeks, I had a
single vision and bifocal/trifocal
“We are an independent laboratory, not a corporate lab,
22,000-square foot building.
handshake, which in a few weeks
Placed under stress due to
turned into a letter of intent and
EDO chief executive officer
and therefore by just the nature
expansion in both the Middle
a few weeks after that led to the
Blake Hughes, an optometrist at
of independent labs we feel that
East and African marketplace,
purchase of the facility,” he said.
First Eye Care in the Dallas/Fort
we’re more close to our accounts
to progressives.
Worth area, said
and wish to serve them in a more
Eyeonx has enabled
personal and direct manner,”
his practice to provide
Yuster said. “Because we are
patients with great
ECP-driven, we will react very
quality lenses at more
quickly to the demands of not
reasonable prices.
only our shareholders but also to
“When we were tasked with the
the accounts that have the same background.”
understanding of changing our habit from great quality branded product to house branded product, it didn’t EDO surfaces lenses using Schneider’s CCB Modulo line.
take us long before we were extremely
WHERE TO FIND IT: Elevate Digital Optics, Inc. 844.346.2552 • MyEDOLab.com 20 September 2017
Sept OLP.indd 20
pleased and happy OpticalLabProducts.com
8/23/17 2:31 PM
Come to visit us at Las Vegas September 14-16, 2017 Booth LP5087 - LP10107
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GENIUS HSC Modulo XTS Redefining acceleration
Sir Isaac Newton, English mathematician and physicist (1642 – 1726)
A S T ROK E OF
Visit us at Vision Expo West 2017! September 14–16, booth LP5095
SCHNEIDER GmbH & Co. KG Biegenstrasse 8 –12 35112 Fronhausen, Germany Phone: +49 (64 26) 96 96-0 www.schneider-om.com
RZ_AZ_Teaser_Genie_9x10_875_olp-4C.indd Untitled-2 1 1
SCHNEIDER Optical Machines Inc. 6644 All Stars Avenue, Suite 100 Frisco, TX 75033, USA Phone: +1 (972) 247-4000 info-us@schneider-om.com
11.08.2017 8/23/17 18:17:46 12:26 PM