vision care
product news
A YEAR IN REVIEW:
NEW PRODUCTS IN 2018
A Giving Profession ECPS SUPPORT NONPROFITS
ABO CE:
IN-OFFICE LENS PROCESSING P56
A Golden
Celebration
ANNE KLEIN’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION
D EC EMB ER 2 018 • P RO D U C T INF O RMA TIO N F O R O PTICA L PE O PL E • V ISIO NCA RE PR OD UCT S.COM
NUPOLAR® MIRRORS NOW AVAILABLE David Rips, CEO
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THREE POPULAR COLORS • ASK YOUR LABORATORY!
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Are you wasting time and money using outdated technology? Year-End Incentives on Lens Processing Equipment Thinking about purchasing lens processing equipment? Act now to take advantage of 2018 Federal Government tax incentives and savings on lens processing equipment. Equipment must be purchased and put into service before December 31, 2018 in order to qualify. Learn more about Section 179 and 2018 allowances at www.Section179.org. Do you have questions about the latest lens processing equipment, or just want to talk with an expert before making a purchasing decision? Talk to member of The Vision Council’s Lens Processing & Technology Division about what solution is right for you. Lens processing technologies are improving rapidly. Have you looked at yours lately? Access a complete library of member companies at lpt.thevisioncouncil.org.
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ON THE COVER The Anne Klein 50th anniversary eyewear collection from Altair Eyewear is designed as four sunglass and optical pairs and one pair of limited edition sunglasses. The silhouettes include a range of square, rectangular and cat eye shapes with subtle, retro touches, offered in a tonal palette of tortoise, plum, mocha and burgundy. PHOTO COURTESY OF © 2018 DAVID ROEMER
10 UPFRONT FROM THE PUBLISHER 4
32 BUSINESS SOLUTIONS YEAR IN REVIEW 10
VIEWS 6
GIVING IT THEIR ALL 12
THINK ABOUT YOUR EYES 7
ECPS TAKE ON CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS 22
Guest Editorial by Steve Loomis, OD
VCPN INSIDER 8
V I S I O N C A R E P RO D U C T N E WS . C O M
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PROTECTING THE FLOW 24 THE HIT LIST 28
52 HONG KONG HOSTS INTERNATIONAL ECPS 30
EYEWEAR + FASHION YEAR IN REVIEW 32 360 : A GOLDEN CELEBRATION 36 O
Continued on page 2
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Contents.
VC P N D E C E M B E R 2 018
DECEMBER 2018 VOL 18, ISSUE 12
EDITORIAL STAFF VICE PRESIDENT, EDITORIAL John Sailer JSailer@FVMG.com
EDITOR Cara Aidone Huzinec CHuzinec@FVMG.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kat McBride KMcBride@FVMG.com
p g. 12
PRODUCTION + WEB MANAGER
Chec k out o ur special sect ion on GIVING BACK
Anthony Floreno AFloreno@FVMG.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Greg Einhorn Steve Loomis, OD EDITOR EMERITUS Ed De Gennaro, MEd, ABOM EDeGennaro@FVMG.com
Continued from page 1
SEEING IS BELIEVING 38 INSIGHT: TURNING THE TABLES ON VINYL RECORDS 40 PRODUCT FOCUS: 18-CARAT SEASON 42 TRENDS 43 NEW 44
VISION CARE TECHNOLOGY YEAR IN REVIEW 52 VISIONCAREPRODUCTNEWS
WRITE OFF YOUR 2018 INVESTMENTS 54 by Greg Einhorn
BUSINESS STAFF PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER
ABO CE: 12 TIPS FOR IMPROVING IN-OFFICE LENS PROCESSING 56
Terry Tanker TTanker@FVMG.com
EXECUTIVE VP
NEW 61
Shawn Mery SMery@FVMG.com
20 QUESTIONS 62
VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING
With Christian Siriano
Debby Corriveau DCorriveau@FVMG.com
VISION EXCHANGE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING FOR THE OPTICAL INDUSTRY 63
VCPN_MAGAZINE
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER Eric Hagerman EHagerman@FVMG.com
VISIONCAREPRODUCTNEWS
SHOWCASE/VCPN
For subscription information email Sub@VisionCareProducts.com VCPN (ISSN-1549-6716) is published monthly by JFT Properties LLC, 31674 Center Ridge Rd., Suite 104, North Ridgeville, OH 44039. phone (440) 731-8600. Periodical Postage paid at Cleveland, OH and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to VCPN, 31674 Center Ridge Rd., Suite 104, North Ridgeville, OH 44039. SUBSCRIPTIONS: 31674 Center Ridge Rd., Suite 104, North Ridgeville, OH 44039 or online at visioncareproducts.com. Distributed to qualified optical dispensing locations, chain store headquarters, and optical laboratories. Other U.S. subscriptions are available for $85 for one year; $160 for two years. Contact publisher for overseas rates. Copyright © 2018 by JFT Properties LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher’s acceptance and publication of any advertising or editorial materials does not constitute endorsement of any product, service, or company by JFT Properties LLC. Throughout this publication, 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.
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From the Publisher.
Spreading Cheer WITHOUT FEAR
H TERRY TANKER PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER
oliday parties can be a great way to show a hardworking staff your appreciation and have some fun after a year of hard work. They also can have a negative effect, including injury and lawsuits if not planned properly. Here are some tips and advice to make company parties memorable for the right reasons. If planning a holiday party, company owners and managers should carefully consider and have purposeful plans for the following: LIABILITY The biggest liability worry for many business owners is serving alcohol to a partygoer who then causes injury. Verifying liquor liability is covered by your insurer is something you should have in writing. LOCATION Having the party at a neutral location will increase up-front costs but could save money and aggravation because: • Liability falls under the site’s insurance. This not only means liquor liability but also worker compensation, slipand-fall injuries, etc. This is also true for a caterer or professional bartender who comes to your site. Consider getting documentation of insurance. • Professionals are best to handle hot food and alcohol.
Employees who spill hot food on themselves or someone else during the party or are injured in a fall could file a worker compensation claim. ACTIVITY Do something besides eat and drink. Some companies have events instead of parties, such as a visit to a local aquarium or a sporting event with a catered meal or generous allowances for on-site food purchases. This has the added bonus of including family, which many employees appreciate. If you have traditional parties and find they are not as well attended as in the past, perhaps employees want something different. REWARDS AND RECOGNITION Like the other things that you plan for your business, employee parties should have a purpose. The company leaders should make a welcome statement and state the purpose of the event. This is also a great time to spread kudos, whether verbally or in the form of gifts. Be certain, however, that everyone is mentioned. While sales may be your number one business barometer, don’t over praise sales staff while overlooking support staff and others. Likewise, don’t have a “head table.” The purpose of the party is to make everyone feel appreciated. Also, if you
have hired new employees in the past year, this is a good time to tell them how pleased the company is to have them, and it is a good time to recognize spouses and families. DIVERSITY While retailers debate the use of “Christmas” in slogans and decorations, you as a business owner need to be aware of non-Christians on your staff. Plan a party that makes everyone feel welcome. In your welcome statement, mention all end-of-theyear holidays celebrated by your staff whether they are of ethnic or religious origin. Likewise, avoid cracking jokes about employees or putting others on the spot with stories from the past year. Unless you are absolutely sure no one will be offended by what will be said, don’t say it. Finally, have a party, if it is your tradition, even if you have had a bad year. Nearly all businesses go in cycles, and keeping valuable employees around for the up times is important. They need to be encouraged and thanked even if sales aren’t great. One of the best ways to push good employees out the door is to take away the small things that they appreciate. Be as generous as your budget allows. Employees have worked hard for you all year and they are looking for a show of appreciation. n
Email me at TTanker@FVMG.com 4 | VC P N D E C E M B E R 2 018
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LENSES
DESIGNED FOR YOUR DIGITAL LIFE
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With the Ultimate Offer, your patients can DOUBLE THEIR LENSES FOR FREE when they purchase the Essilor Ultimate Lens Package™ and a second pair of frames!† †Enrollment required. Valid through December 31, 2018. Second pair must be of equal or lesser value and must be a permissible lens combination. Frames not included. Same patient, same day purchases only. Terms and Conditions apply.
*For Eyezen+ designs 1,2, and 3 containing accommodative relief. **Harmful Blue Light is the blue-violet wavelengths between 415-455nm on the light spectrum believed most toxic to retinal cells. Eyezen+ lenses block at least 20% of Harmful Blue Light. ***(2016) Study conducted by independent third party and sponsored by Essilor of America, Inc. (n=40). Based on results from Eyezen+ designs 1, 2, and 3. Wearers preference based on working/playing with smartphones, tablets, and computers. ©2018 Essilor of America, Inc. All rights reserved. Unless indicated otherwise, all registered trademarks and trademarks are the property of Essilor International and/or its subsidiaries in the United States and in other countries. These products may be protected by one or more patents listed at www.essilorusa.com/patents.
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Views.
Give AND Get
I JOHN SAILER VP, EDITORIAL
f charity begins at home, then the eyecare professionals who support the “philanthr-optic” organizations profiled in this issue of Vision Care Product News are truly global citizens, because these groups to which they donate both their time and money are helping people all over the world. And if money makes the world go ‘round, then the ECPs who read this issue of VCPN will also learn not only about the joys of giving it but also about the opportunity to get it back in the form of more tax deductions from their capital investments as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. ECPs should be aware of how this new law will impact their tax deductions, both those resulting from their capital investments as well as from their charitable contributions. For investments in equipment, “businesses have the rare opportunity to write off most or all of their new capital equipment from 2018,” according to Rick Clemente, chair of The Vision Council’s Lens Processing & Technology Division.” (see page 55) More details on this “rare opportunity” are provided by financial advisor Greg Einhorn of Group Financial Services in his article about tax benefits on page 54. “The Tax Cuts
and Jobs Act increased the first-year bonus depreciation to 100% for qualified investments made in 2018,” he explained. “Bonus depreciation is available for all businesses, is not capped at a certain dollar level and is good for new or used property. The 100% immediate expensing of asset acquisitions will be permitted for tax years 2018 through 2022 before reducing to 80% in 2023, 60% in 2024, 40% in 2025 and 20% in 2026.” The new law will also have an impact on your tax deductions from charitable giving, but in this case you will now have to reach a higher threshold. While the deduction for donations has not changed, and you will still need to itemize in order to claim it, the standard deduction, which has been nearly doubled, now requires that you reach a higher level in order to make itemizing worthwhile. Charitable giving is among the most common itemized deductions (which also include mortgage interest, state and local tax, and medical and dental expense). Under the new law, itemized deductions will now need to exceed $12,000, which is the new standard tax deduction for those who file individually, while married couples’ deductions will now need to
ECPs cited reasons other than financial ones for charitable giving. be in excess of $24,000 in order to make itemizing them worthwhile. But, as you can see from our special section on ECPs giving back beginning on page 12, the ECPs VCPN interviewed cited reasons other than financial ones for charitable giving. About giving back, the ECPs we interviewed told us: “It has been one of the most rewarding experiences.” “Enhancing their near vision is a near miracle.” “It was a fantastically rewarding experience to serve desperately poor patients.” “It’s very eye opening to see how many underserved people there are in my backyard.” “The most rewarding part is seeing the children’s eyes light up when they see clearly for the first time in their lives.” “Rewarding” is clearly the operative word here. If what goes around comes around, then this issue’s focus on charitable giving clearly illustrates that it truly is better to give than receive for reasons far more substantial than financial. n
Email me at JSailer@FVMG.com 6 | VC P N D E C E M B E R 2 018
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Think About Your Eyes.
Unprecedented GROWTH
By Steve Loomis, OD
T
en years since its initial inception and five years after the campaign’s launch, Think About Your Eyes has grown to become the campaign supporting the entire vision industry by encouraging the public to get an annual eye exam. Think About Your Eyes’ impact speaks volumes. This year alone, 95% of the target audience was exposed to Think About Your Eyes advertising through TV commercials, radio ads, online banner ads and paid search. In 2017, the efforts resulted in 3.4 million eye exams, resulting in estimated industry revenue of more than $750 million from exam fees and follow-on purchases. Last year also saw the first new creative elements to the campaign since 2008, the creation of new commercials themed around “Seeing is a Gift,” celebrating the inspirational aspect of sight. Currently, 45 state optometric associations support the campaign, resulting in more than 20,000 listings on the TAYE online locator. This means that patients around the country are likely to find an eye doctor near them after being directed to the TAYE website through an ad, article or social media post. V I S I O N C A R E P RO D U C T N E WS . C O M
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At this point, 93% of the campaign’s funding comes from 21 industry partners, who are shouldering the financial cost of something that helps the whole industry. Additional partners supporting the campaign mean reaching more people more often with the TAYE message. It means more commercials on most-watched TV shows and channels, more radio ads and more media relations efforts to keep the message about annual eye exams in the news. It means more visitors to the doctor locator through paid search and more people being exposed to TAYE Facebook posts and becoming invested in their vision health. Our industry partners understand and share the vision of TAYE that by supporting a program that encourages the public to have annual eye exams we can do well by doing good. The 2018 partners are: American Optometric Association, The Vision Council, Alcon, Essilor, Johnson & Johnson Vision, Luxottica, All About Vision, The Compliancy Group, Eschenbach, First Vision Media Group, GUNNAR, Hilco Vision, Jobson Media Group, National Vision, Optolec, Shamir, SpecialEyes, Transitions, Vision Expo, Walman and WestGroupe.
Patients around the country are likely to find an eye doctor near them after being directed to the TAYE website through an ad, article or social media post. TAYE will continue to have significant impact on American’s eyes and lives, and we’re excited about that prospect. When additional support is provided from industry players who have yet to take advantage of the opportunity, I can only imagine the lives we will enhance. I can’t stress enough the opportunity before us today for our industry and our profession to join together to make a real difference in improved healthcare and industry. n Steve Loomis, OD, is past president of the American Optometric Association and outgoing chairman of Think About Your Eyes. He practices in Littleton, CO. First Vision Media Group is a media partner of Think About Your Eyes. D E C E M B E R 2 018 VC P N | 7
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vision care
product news
Insider. LAUNCHES, PROMOTIONS, MERCHANDISING, EVENTS AND OTHER THINGS TO KEEP YOU IN THE KNOW OUR CHILDREN’S VISION REACHES MILESTONE In April 2016, Our Children’s Vision was launched with the goal of reaching 50 million children with vision services by 2020. After two years, the halfway milestone has been reached and surpassed ahead of schedule with 27 million children having been tested and more than 1.7 million pairs of glasses dispensed. Founded by the Brien Holden Vision Institute and Essilor’s Vision for Life fund, Our Children’s Vision counts Revo, Optometry Giving Sight and CooperVision among its global donors. (See page 12 for more on how these and other optical industry organizations are giving back.) 250.427.8183 OurChildrensVision.org
Noteable.
MARCHON ADDS ‘SPICE’ TO ITS EYEWEAR CABINET
SIGHTBOX DEBUTS NEW WEBSITE
Marchon Eyewear, Inc. and Victoria Beckham Ltd., have entered into an exclusive, long-term global licensing agreement for sun and optical eyewear. New collections developed under the licensing agreement will begin to roll out globally in fall 2019. The styles will be developed in Italy and will continue to embody Victoria Beckham’s intuitive and refined aesthetic, taking cues from the brand’s distinctively modern readyto-wear aesthetic and its sophisticated femininity. The new line will be sold globally in select department stores, specialty stores, and premium sun and optical retailers, as well as in Victoria Beckham retail locations and online at VictoriaBeckham.com.
Sightbox, the concierge contact lens membership service that offers a yearly exam, a contact lens fitting and an annual supply of contact lenses for a set monthly payment throughout the year, has launched a new website with shareable resources aimed at optometrists and eyecare professionals. New features include unbranded educational content that ECPs can share with patients, a blog covering topical interests, informational videos and FAQs. All the site resources are reviewed and vetted by optometrists.
800.645.1300 Marchon.com
904.443.3480 Doctor.Sightbox.com
The Vision Council’s Executive S ummit will ta ke place Jan. 3 0 to Feb.1, 2019, at the Ritz-C arlton Orlando.
To stay informed subscribe to the VCPN INSIDER e-newsletter here: d3data.net/vision 8 | VC P N D E C E M B E R 2 018
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vision care
COCO SONG CAMPAIGN HITS ALL THE RIGHT NOTES Coco Song’s new campaign is a call to femininity in all its forms. The imagery focuses on bold colors and includes references to the natural world, such as freeze frames of flying birds. The color combinations are an expression of the brand’s philosophy to cater to the woman who wants to feel unique but with a determination and refinement. 305.763.8981 CocoSong.it
VSP MOBILE CLINIC GETS A NAME In August, VSP network doctors, their staff members, and students of optometry around the U.S. submitted name ideas for VSP Global’s new Eyes of Hope mobile clinic. VSP Global employees voted on the top five choices in September before the general public was invited to vote. The winning name was “Odyssee,” which will join the other Eyes of Hope mobile clinics SeeZar, SeeLia, and Eyenstein in partnering with doctors of optometry to bring access to eyecare and glasses where they’re needed most throughout the U.S. Odyssee will travel across the country to help make good on VSP’s commitment to reach another #MillionMore people in need of eyecare and eyewear by 2020. Odyssee was introduced at VSP Global headquarters in Rancho Cordova, CA, in mid-November. (For more on Eyes of Hope, see page 17) 800.877.7195 VSPGlobal.com
15 YEARS OF ‘RESTORINGVISION’ RestoringVision, an optical non-profit organization dedicated to providing new reading glasses to people in need worldwide, celebrated its 15th anniversary in October. Through its network of partners, corporate sponsors and individual donors, RestoringVison has helped more than 12 million people in 135 countries. RestoringVision was founded in 2003 by Mark Sachs, a marketing director in the optical industry who was inspired to start the company after seeing first hand the need for glasses in Mexico. A video about the organization can be viewed at YouTube.com/ watch?v=dn0UYS9TsQ4. [For more on RestoringVision, see page 18] 209.980.7323 RestoringVision.org
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PECAA SUMMIT FOCUSES ON INDUSTRY CHANGES The Professional Eye Care Associates of America (PECAA) hosted its inaugural strategic partners summit in Austin, TX, in October. Focused on inevitable changes impacting the eyecare industry and how to best serve their customers, the meeting brought together heads of the industry’s leading companies, including Alessandro Baronti, president of De Rigo REM; Dave Delle Donne, senior vice president of commercial markets at VSP Optics; Grady Lenski, chief marketing officer of Hoya Vision Care and Michael Fitch, director of N.A. strategic partners at Luxottica.
product news
Insider. HIRES + PROMOTIONS Modern Optical has promoted Chris Millet to managing director of global sales and named John Justice as vice president of business development. Justice will be responsible for growth in domestic and international markets, while Millet will oversee Modern’s sales force and enhance key account management. Essilor of America has appointed Kovin Naidoo to senior vice president of inclusive business, philanthropy and social impact. In this newly created position, he will lead the group’s efforts to reach the 2.5 billion people with uncorrected poor vision. Jane Balek has been hired as executive director of Think Abut Your Eyes. She brings more than 20 years of experience working with non-profits and associations, most recently with the School Nutrition Foundation, where she served as executive director. Prevent Blindness, the nation’s oldest volunteer eye health and safety organization, has elected Paul Delatore, global head, market access at Alcon; Jim McGrann, chairman and CEO of Healthy Eyes Advantage; and Rajeev S. Ramchandran, MD, associate professor of ophthalmology at University of Rochester Medical School’s Department of Ophthalmology, to the Prevent Blindness Board of Directors. Additionally, Charles Garcia, director of Treasury Management Associated Bank takes over as board treasurer, and Mark Ginsberg, chief marketing officer at VSP Global, will head the marketing and development committee. Jonathan Mish has joined ABB Optical Group as chief information officer. Mish will be responsible for overseeing the company’s information technology department and leveraging technology to improve business operations and deliver effective technology services and solutions.
503.670.9200 PECAA.com
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Year in Review.
BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
year in review
APPS, ELECTRONIC DISPLAYS, VIRTUAL TRY-ON AND MORE WERE INTRODUCED TO IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS IN 2018. FOR MORE DETAILS FIND THE ISSUE REFERENCED IN THE VISIONCAREPRODUCTS.COM ARCHIVES.
HEALTHY EYES ADVANTAGE LAUNCHES (JANUARY) • Nautic Partners, LLC formed Healthy Eyes Advantage to acquire Block Buying Group, C&E Vision Services, HMI and Vision West • provides group purchasing, alliance and other services to over 10,000 independent ECPs • over $500 million in purchasing power Healthy Eyes Advantage 800.245.0051 | HealthyEyesAdvantage.com
FITTING BOX: OWIZ STREET (AUGUST) ABS: SMART DISPLAY (AUGUST) • in-person virtual try-on device • combines Smart Mirror measurement/ demonstration technology with augmented reality • recognizes and tracks a human face and overlaps a 3D image of a frame onto it ABS, Inc. 888.989.4227 | Smart-Mirror.com/en Info@Smart-Mirror.com
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• interactive storefront window allows passersby to virtually try on frames in 3D • advertise 24/7 and provide immersive experience for shoppers to remember • viewers can use their smartphone as a remote to control the screen Fitting Box 884.834.2860 | FittingBox.com ContactUs@FittingBox.com
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Year in Review.
GPN TECHNOLOGIES: EDGEPRO EXPANDS (APRIL)
HILCO VISION SEEGREEN LENS CLEANER (JUNE)
COMPULINK: EYECARE ADVANTAGE (APRIL)
• new contact lens dashboard with expanded data and reporting for contact lens sales • EDGEPro Rankings compare-my-practice tool • enhanced reports drill down into individual transactions for patient-interaction information on demand
• citrus-scented lens cleaner from biorenewable resources • 100% biodegradable and recyclable • no volatile organic compounds or alcohol
• mobile engagement app allows for delivering personalized content by text • targeted content by appointment type and diagnosis • deliver patient education and market products and services
GPN Technologies 833.334.3776 | GatewayPN.com Sales@GatewayPN.com
MOREL: MOREL FRAME HERO (AUGUST) • order parts via app to avoid replacing entire frames • app features service training, order status and tracking information • saves time and money; eco-friendly way to reduce waste Morel 800.526.8838 | Morel-France.com Info@Morel-EyewearUSA.com
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Hilco Vision 800.955.6544 | HilcoVision.com CustomerService@Hilco.com
OPTISOURCE: BOB (MARCH) • multipurpose eyeglass case • smartphone and tablet stand • stores “pocket shrapnel” such as wallets, keys, coins and pens OptiSource International 800.678.4768 | 1-800-OptiSource.com Info@1-800-OptiSource.com
Compulink Business Systems, Inc. 800.456.4522 | CompulinkAdvantage. com Sales@CompulinkAdvantage.com
THE VISION COUNCIL LENS DIVISION: EPIC (JUNE) • Electronic Progressive Identifier Catalog (EPIC) replaces printed catalog • lens manufacturers directly manage and update data on electronic version • go to EPIC.TheVisionCouncil.org The Vision Council 703.548.4560 | TheVisionCouncil.org
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GIVING IT their all AFTER REGULARLY SERVING PATIENTS IN THEIR DAY-TO-DAY PROFESSIONS, ECPS OFTEN CHOOSE TO THEN GO ABOVE AND BEYOND BY HELPING OTHERS, BOTH DOMESTICALLY AND THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.
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B
y definition, eyecare professionals serve those in need, so it’s no surprise that outside the scope of their daily “job” they choose to donate their own time and money to people without access to eyecare and a simple pair of glasses. As a result,
numerous nonprofit organizations have been established and have evolved over the years to seek out those with vision impairment and to provide them with correction. Here are some of those groups and the people who contribute toward a vision of helping the world see clearly.
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Philanthr-Optic.
OneSight is open to any employee of Luxottica. I have been involved for almost 12 years. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences. We help children here in the U.S., and we help adults and children around the world. We often don’t realize how poor vision can affect children and their ability to learn. I saw in Guatemala a seamstress, sole supporter of her family. She could no longer support her family because she could no longer see up close, which happens to all of us. All she needed was an inexpensive pair of reading glasses! I absolutely receive more than I give. — Pamela Brown, Managing OD, LensCrafters, Novi, MI
ONESIGHT ABOUT: With a mission to bring access to vision care and glasses to the one in seven people who need glasses but have no way to get them and envisioning a world where lack of access to vision care is no longer a barrier to human achievement, global nonprofit OneSight is dedicated to bringing access to an eye exam and glasses to the 1.1 billion people who have no way to get them. Believing that one’s location and circumstances should not stand in the way of one’s potential, OneSight provides permanent access to vision care and glasses while pioneering new ways to deliver them to the most remote communities. OneSight’s goal is to create a world where lack of access to vision care is no longer a barrier to human achievement and every donation is one step closer to making that world a reality. Since 1988, OneSight Vision Clinics have served over 10 million people in 49 countries and 49 states. With the help of dedicated partners, there are 95 self-sustaining vision centers operating today, providing ongoing access to vision care to over 15 million people. INITIATIVES: OneSight is committed to providing access to vision care and glasses to the over 200,000 displaced people living along the Thai-Burma border by 2020 by building capacity and empowering those in the local community to provide selfsustaining care as well as conducting charitable clinics for people who can’t afford a pair of glasses. Just this past month, the OneSight team and volunteers traveled to Thailand to provide free vision care to over 2,000 migrants, refugees and children along the Thai-Burma border with 1,752 patients receiving glasses. Also this year, OneSight and The Fresh Air Fund celebrated their 15th year giving children from New York City’s low-income communities the chance to experience the outdoors in Fishkill, NY, and see it more clearly. Throughout July and August, OneSight served over 2,500 kids, ensuring every camper that needed a pair of glasses received one made and fitted on-site. In addition to providing access through long-term Community Vision Centers and short-term one- to two-week Vision Care Clinics, OneSight also provides permanent year-round access to vision care and glasses for students and their families led by local partners and the school systems through School-Based Vision Centers. To date, OneSight has opened 19 School-Based Vision Centers across the U.S., bringing access to over one million students and their families.
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OneSight 888.935.4589 OneSight.org Info@OneSight.org
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Philanthr-Optic. ESSILOR VISION FOUNDATION ABOUT: Essilor Vision Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity in Dallas committed to eliminating poor vision and its lifelong consequences, striving to give children a brighter future by helping them see the world more clearly. One in four children in the U.S. has a vision problem that’s significant enough to affect their ability to learn. Vision issues not only impact the success of children in school; they also affect their ability to function in life. Unlike hunger or tooth decay, vision is an invisible problem—children are often unable to self-identify that their vision is impaired. To them, blurred vision is normal. Vision impairment is one of the most prevalent disabling conditions among children in the U.S.; 80% of all vision impairment can be prevented or cured. Nearly 25% of parents report that they do not have the financial resources to get comprehensive eye exams for their children. By partnering with schools, eyecare professionals, nonprofit charities and corporations, Essilor Vision Foundation is able to provide vision exams and eyeglasses to children in need. INITIATIVES: Earlier this year, Essilor Vision Foundation launched Changing Life Through Lenses. This program supports eye doctors and nonprofits providing philanthropic vision services across the U.S. to patients who are at or below the poverty level and do not have insurance for vision services and glasses they receive through the doctor or organization providing the services. Changing Life Through Lenses empowers philanthropic eye doctors and nonprofits to help those in need with a complete pair of glasses, including no-cost lenses, lab services and frames. It also enables eye doctors and practices to give back in their own communities. Whether they are currently engaged in charitable services or looking to get involved for the first time, Changing Life Through Lenses gives providers the flexibility to engage however they choose while providing guides and resources to help them start or expand their charitable services.
Essilor Vision Foundation 866.385.0447 EVFUSA.org ChangingLifeThroughLenses.org
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I’ve been involved with the EVF for several years now. I became involved after hearing about their assistance to other charitable vision entities: VOSH, RAM and several local outreaches. We began working with EVF a few years ago to provide eyeglasses to needy children in several nearby school districts. We had found out that 80% of children who fail school vision screenings never have their eyes checked. We partnered with EVF to provide free glasses to these students. The most rewarding part of all this is seeing the children’s eyes light up as we dispense their glasses and they see clearly for the first time in their lives. It’s very heartwarming. With this program and others that I’ve worked on with EVF, they have always been incredibly generous in their donations. They are literally impacting thousands of lives each year. — John Larcabal, OD, Norwalk Family Optometry and Brea Optometry
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Philanthr-Optic.
Our Sunday school class of 100+ fully provides care to two orphanages, one in Kenya and one in Uganda. While many things are done to help these children, and their lives have been enormously enhanced by clean water, dormitories, real kitchens, etc., we also provide a strong outreach to the surrounding communities. One of our major ministries is to help provide reading glasses to the adults. Having done this in the past, I can tell you with authority that enhancing their near vision is a near miracle to them. I vividly remember one lady whose job was to meticulously separate debris from the dried corn. She struggled to do a halfway job, but once we put the pair of +2.50 on her, she busted into this huge smile that could have been seen a mile away! Many of these people truly desire to read their Bibles, and being able to do such with much enhanced vision has brought tears of joy to their eyes, and ours too. National Vision has made it possible for us to provide these enhanced vision services to these people who would otherwise struggle or simply would not be able to do any meaningful near tasks at all. Their generous support has helped us improve the lives of hundreds of people over the years, and we are so very grateful for their help. — Randall Thomas, OD, MPH, Concord, NC
20/20 QUEST ABOUT: 20/20 Quest, a charitable foundation, certified 501(c)(3), sponsored by National Vision, was chartered for the purpose of providing screenings, eye exams, eyeglasses and refractive error solutions to the optically underserved in both the U.S. and the developing world. 20/20 Quest has partnered with organizations and individuals who have impacted the lives of millions of people both domestically and around the world. The Frames for the World program within 20/20 Quest has helped more than 320,000 individuals receive glasses through October 2018—made possible through frame and lens donations from manufacturers, optical chains and individuals. Frame company De Rigo REM is particularly proud of its recent donation of 10,000 frames. Striving to align its actions with the vision of the company, “We believe everyone deserves to see their best to live their best,” National Vision focuses its philanthropy efforts in the optical sector, where it feels it can make the greatest difference. INITIATIVES: In addition to its long-standing program of supplying donated new eyeglass frames to various philanthropic organizations, in 2018, 20/20 Quest began initial testing of a new program with the goal of manufacturing O.U. spherical minus eyeglasses for distribution to the optically underserved in the developing world. After supplying plus power readers in this format for many years, this new program will potentially provide large numbers of minus glasses to those in need of minus correction in 2019 by partnering with various global missions led by optometrists and laypeople to test and refine supply and delivery methods.
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20/20 Quest 2020Quest.org Kristen@2020Quest.org BobStein@2020Quest.org
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Philanthr-Optic.
On a VOSH campaign, the average patient has entering acuity typically 20/60 or worse. They also have no other access to affordable eyeglasses. To impact 100 patients or more each day is immensely rewarding. Nothing pays as well as volunteering my time. My first VOSH campaign was to Venezuela 30 years ago. It was a fantastically rewarding experience to serve desperately poor patients willing to wait up to 20 hours for an eye exam and eyeglasses. Since then I’ve led U.S. optometry students on about 60 week-long campaigns to Latin America. Student VOSH chapters have also been established at every U.S. optometry school as well as 28 foreign schools. Our goal is to offer this experience to every optometry student in hopes they stay involved in their state VOSH chapter after graduation. Beyond the approximately 100 campaigns each year, VOSH International also partners with the Brien Holden Vision Institute to develop the first optometry colleges in the world’s poorest countries where few optometrists practice. Since 2015, VOSH recruited U.S. and Canadian optometrists to teach optometry at four-year colleges in Nicaragua, Haiti, Vietnam, Kenya and Uganda under the VOSH Corp. VOSH International also accepts donations of used clinical instruments to develop clinics on campuses of these optometry schools where their students can provide nonprofit optometric care while improving clinical skills. — Greg Pearl, OD, Chair, VOSH Corps Committee; President, VOSH California; Past President, VOSH International
VOSH: VOLUNTEER OPTOMETRIC SERVICES TO HUMANITY ABOUT: Established in 1971, VOSH, Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity, is the largest nonprofit optometric humanitarian association serving developing areas of the world with its 84 chapters globally. VOSH provides quality eyecare and glasses without cost through short term clinics and sustainability initiatives. The VOSH mission is to provide the gift of vision and quality eye health to people worldwide. VOSH facilitates the provision and the sustainability of vision care worldwide for people who can neither afford nor obtain such care with a goal of increasing its global impact whenever possible by supporting sustainable eye clinics, optometry schools and optometric educators in areas lacking sufficient eyecare.
VOSH: Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity VOSH.org VOSH@VOSH.org
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INITIATIVES: Partners in establishing new schools and programs of optometry in Haiti and Nicaragua and through VOSH Corps program, recruiting North American trained optometrists to train future educators and optometrists in fledgling and new schools and clinics including most recently Nicaragua, Malawi, Uganda and Vietnam. A Technology Transfer Program also supports sustainability by sending refurbished equipment around the world to clinics and schools.
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Philanthr-Optic. VSP GLOBAL EYES OF HOPE ABOUT: VSP Global Eyes of Hope supports local communities around the globe through initiatives that provide access to eyecare, eyewear and disaster relief to places where they’re needed most. Together with VSP network doctors, to date, VSP Global has provided access to no-cost eyecare and eyewear for more than two million people in need and has committed to help another million by 2020. INITIATIVES: To achieve the goal of helping another million by 2020, the organization partners with elected officials, as VSP Global Eyes of Hope did recently with California Assemblymember Jim Wood. In August, Assemblymember Wood partnered with VSP Global Eyes of Hope and VSP network doctors for the second year in a row, for a week-long outreach event to provide access to eye exams and glasses to residents in California’s 2nd Assembly District. VSP network doctors visited Eureka, Fort Bragg, Ukiah and Santa Rosa to provide eye exams through the VSP Global Eyes of Hope mobile eyecare clinic. David Jones, OD, was among those volunteer doctors dedicating several days each year to giving back to his community. Individuals seen had been without access to eyecare and glasses for many years, making it difficult to drive, take a class or work. For residents in the Mendocino area, a comprehensive eye exam that can check for signs of many diseases, including diabetes, is especially relevant as a 2016 University of California Los Angeles study found that an estimated 48% of adults in Mendocino County are prediabetic. As a result of this partnership more than 1,400 people in need received access to a VSP network doctor for eyecare and eyewear (if prescribed). VSP also provided gift certificates for those affected by wildfires occurring in nearby communities.
I participate in a much underserved area and did a week’s worth of clinics this summer and a week’s worth last summer. Semi-retired now, I have time to give back more than in the past. It’s very eye opening to see how many underserved people there are in my backyard in the north coast of California, partly due to their medical coverage, and that’s not going to change. It’s very rewarding seeing kids, for example, who can’t see well enough to read but can’t get glasses because of the system. Not only can we help provide them with eye exams, but we can also give them glasses, sometimes the same day. — David Jones, OD, Empire Optometry, Santa Rosa, CA
VSP GLOBAL EYES OF HOPE vspglobal.com/cms/vspglobal-outreach/home.html
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Philanthr-Optic. PREVENT BLINDNESS
It’s nice to be able to bring experts from all types of disciplines to sit at the table and identify children and what their needs are, to bring together the literature and make recommendations based on the evidence to educate parents and families. I feel like a member of the family when I participate. — Sandra Block, OD, Illinois College of Optometry
ABOUT: Prevent Blindness brings Americans to eyecare, working to build awareness, create access to eyecare and support patients by providing information, resources and technical assistance; influencing public policy; and helping to shape public health systems of care. INITIATIVES: In 2009, Prevent Blindness established the National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health (NCCVEH), with partial support from the Health Resources and Services Administration Maternal and Child Health Bureau, and advised by child health and vision care leaders, including ophthalmologists, optometrists, vision and eye health researchers, pediatricians, public health strategists, family representatives and more. The mission of the NCCVEH is to develop a coordinated public health infrastructure to promote and ensure a comprehensive, multi-tiered continuum of vision care for young children. Efforts in 2019 will include: Convening a community of practice peer-to-peer mentoring resource for at least five state-level teams; partnering with national organizations to create a public health awareness campaign to promote healthy vision for children in African American and Hispanic populations; creating a new family engagement toolkit that can be used by early educators to improve parent/ caregiver follow-up to eyecare and knowledge levels about the importance of healthy vision; and providing professional education via conference presentations/ webinars about systems improvement for vision health in children.
Prevent Blindness 800.331.2020 PreventBlindness.org Info@PreventBlindness.org
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RESTORINGVISION
The partnership with RestoringVision is really just an extension of what we do. Our clients are the catalyst that allows us to donate the glasses on their behalf. Giving the gift of sight is such a generous, meaningful thing to do! By scheduling an eye exam for themselves, our members can change the lives of those in need. — Myles Lewis, CEO, General Vision Services
ABOUT: With a mission to empower lives by restoring vision and a vision of a world where everyone who needs glasses has them, RestoringVision is a 501(c) (3) non-profit dedicated to distributing new glasses to charitable organizations serving people in impoverished communities around the world. Since 2003, RestoringVision has partnered with more than 1,400 organizations and helped over 12 million people in need. INITIATIVES: Over 500 million people live with near vision impairment in developing countries and lack access to available, affordable reading glasses. This is one of the biggest global health problems with one of the easiest and most cost-effective solutions—a simple pair of glasses. RestoringVision is committed to solving this global health problem and getting as many glasses onto people’s faces as possible. This is why the organization has set a goal to help 20 million people see clearly by the end of 2020.
RestoringVision 209.980.READ RestoringVision.org Info@RestoringVision.org
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Philanthr-Optic. EYE CARE 4 KIDS
ABOUT: Eye Care 4 Kids is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established for the exclusive purpose of promoting good vision and literacy. A board-certified optician, Joseph Carbone started Eye Care 4 Kids with his wife, Jan Carbone, and Dee W. Hadley, to provide vision screening, eye exams and eyeglasses for deserving youth whose parents don’t have the means to pay. Since 2001, Eye Care 4 Kids has been enriching lives through the motto, “Helping children see their future one vision at a time.” Eye Care 4 Kids serves over 35,000 patients every year at eight clinics in Utah, Nevada, New Jersey and Arizona. Since 2003, “SEE-MORE” Mobile Vision Clinics have served thousands of children in impoverished neighborhoods and rural areas as well as Native American reservations in the Four Corners region (adjoining borders of Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico). School-based clinics and a mobile in Las Vegas opened in 2012 and are booked five days a week throughout the school year. A free clinic at the Boys & Girls Club of Newark that opened in 2015 became the first vision care site of its kind in America, and an Eye Care 4 Kids mobile is now traveling to schools and Boys & Girls Clubs in greater Phoenix. International humanitarian aid has involved trips to Laos in 2013, Rwanda in 2016 and Peru, Guatemala and Kenya in 2018. Cumulatively, Eye Care 4 Kids has administered humanitarian relief to nearly 250,000 visually impaired, low-income children and underserved families, at home and abroad. In October 2018, Eye Care 4 Kids launched a new partnership with the Rutgers University School of Medicine to provide health screenings that target markers for chronic diseases that contribute to vision loss such as diabetes or glaucoma. INITIATIVES: In 2019, “Kids World Vision” remote eye screening in partnership with the national Communities in Schools organization will serve children anywhere in America. A new partnership with Eyes on Learning, a statewide program for vision screenings, is paving the way to open a new school-based clinic in Phoenix. Eye Care 4 Kids is expanding its presence in Southern Utah through a special collaboration with the Washington County School District and local provider, Family Care Clinic. “SEE-MORE” will regularly visit nearly 20 Title One schools and community centers around the region as well as Native American reservations in San Juan County.
Eye Care 4 Kids 801.285.5443 EyeCare4Kids.org Joseph@EyeCare4Kids.org
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NEW EYES FOR THE NEEDY
I became involved with New Eyes through Costco. We investigated a charity to donate eyewear. Costco donates over 250,000 eyeglasses a year to the overseas program. It has been amazing, helping people see, watching the growth of New Eyes with the addition of board members, growing donations and seeing how generous people are. — Denise Mogil, U.S. Optical Director of Professional Services, Costco Wholesale
ABOUT: New Eyes provides new prescription eyeglasses to financially struggling children and adults in the U.S. and distributes used glasses throughout the developing world through mission partners. Its goal is to spread clear vision throughout the U.S. and the world so that people in need can build more productive, independent and successful lives. New Eyes was founded in 1932 by New Jersey resident Julia Lawrence Terry who was a volunteer for the American Red Cross in downtown Manhattan. She noticed that many of the Red Cross applicants could not see to read their applications, so she asked her neighbors for their unused spectacles and lent them to applicants to complete their forms. Soon after, she realized that the frames were made from gold and silver and took them to a smelter in Newark, NJ. She used the proceeds to buy new glasses for the Red Cross applicants. Terry then started collecting used glasses from all over the country. Beginning in the late 1960s, New Eyes was receiving plastic-framed glasses, fewer gold and silver frames, and began its overseas program. INITIATIVES: New Eyes continues to pursue its initial mission of providing new eyeglasses to U.S. residents. The organization has just launched its “Double Your Donation” campaign thanks to a $100,000 matching gift from an anonymous donor who strongly believes in the mission. All proceeds will go to the new prescription eyeglasses program for U.S. residents in need.
New Eyes for the Needy 973.376.4903 New-Eyes.org Info@New-Eyes.org
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Philanthr-Optic.
FIGHT FOR SIGHT
(Left to Right) John LaSpina, board member, Lights-On chairman and 50-year volunteer; Olympic medalist Nancy Kerrigan, 2017 Lights-On award recipient and 2018 emcee; and Dr. Norman J. Kleiman, board president.
ABOUT: Fight for Sight’s mission is to support and encourage eye and vision research by funding promising scientists early in their careers. Fulfilling this mission since 1946, Fight for Sight has provided over $21 million in grants to date to more than 3,000 students, scientists and ophthalmologists, including funding for 20 new eye and vision scientists during 2018. INITIATIVES: Fight for Sight’s 2019 Post-Doctoral Award, Grant-in-Aid and Summer Student Fellowship applications are being accepted for review. Grant recipients will be announced in the spring. Fight for Sight holds an annual Lights-On Gala fundraiser. The 2018 event featured emcee Nancy Kerrigan, two-time Olympic medalist, philanthropist and 2017 Lights-On honoree.
Fight for Sight 212.679.6060 FightForSight.org Arthur@FightForSight.org
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OPTOMETRY GIVING SIGHT
ABOUT: Optometry Giving Sight is a global fundraising initiative that specifically targets the prevention of blindness and impaired vision due to uncorrected refractive error—simply the need for an eye exam and a pair of glasses. There are 1.22 billion people in the world who are unnecessarily blind or vision impaired simply because they don’t have access to an eye examination and appropriate glasses. This includes tens of millions of children with uncorrected myopia. Optometry Giving Sight funds the solution by supporting programs that train local eyecare professionals, establish optometry schools and vision centers for stability, and deliver eyecare and low-cost glasses. The Brien Holden Vision Institute Foundation is the implementing partner of global eyecare programs supported by Optometry Giving Sight. INITIATIVES: Since 2007, Optometry Giving Sight has distributed funding to more than 117 projects in 39 countries. Currently there are 47 projects being funded in 24 countries. The World Sight Day Challenge is Optometry Giving Sight’s largest fundraiser of the year. It is a global call to action that raises funds to meet the mission of bringing effective and sustainable eye health initiatives to people in developing countries around the world. A major international fundraising campaign, the World Sight Day Challenge is coordinated by Optometry Giving Sight as a way to bring the global optometric community together and help end avoidable blindness and vision impairment. World Sight Day annually falls on the second Thursday of October. The Challenge runs throughout October and November. All members of the optical industry are invited to participate, especially doctors/practices, optical industry companies and schools of optometry by making a donation or picking a fundraising activity.
Optometry Giving Sight 303.526.0430 GivingSight.org USA@GivingSight.org
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Philanthr-Optic.
ORBIS
ABOUT: In an effort to truly change how the world sees, U.S.-based nonprofit Orbis is introducing new technology and creative solutions to its decades-long work in the prevention and treatment of blindness. The creators of the world’s only Flying Eye Hospital on board an MD-10 aircraft often imagine what might happen when losing eyesight in some of the most under-resourced regions in the world and where one would turn for help given that there have been few quality eye doctors, hospitals or clinics. This is the reality facing 253 million people around the world today, yet shockingly, 75% of all visual impairment from conditions such as cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and more can be prevented or treated by cost-effective means. That means that millions of adults and children would be able to see today if they had received a 15-minute surgery or a simple pair of glasses, the kind of care that many take for granted. Working in collaboration with local partners in the form of hospitals, universities and government agencies, Orbis aims to showcase the great need for technological advancement, continued research and creativity in giving people a fair chance at eyesight and at a full life. INITIATIVES: In Ethiopia in October 2018 Orbis operated a three-week Flying Eye Hospital training project to mark the anniversary of its opening of an office in Addis Ababa in 1998.
Orbis 800.ORBIS.US (672.4787) Orbis.org Info@Orbis.org
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OPTOMETRY CARES— THE AOA FOUNDATION
I was attracted to Optometry Cares because it represented the profession as the official charity foundation of the AOA. I was inspired by its work with young children (InfantSEE and Healthy Eyes Healthy Children), the disadvantaged (Vision USA) and disaster relief. We have had past AOA presidents, past presidents of major eyecare companies and former Hall of Fame inductees. Seeing personal friends be inducted into the Optometry Hall of Fame, seeing disaster relief being administered to colleagues and seeing my home state association being recognized as the number one state affiliate contributor to Optometry Cares are all great highlights. — Allan Barker, OD, Eyecare Partners, LLC, Rocky Mount, NC
ABOUT: Raising awareness about eye health, increasing access to vision care and providing support to doctors of optometry and students in need is the vision of Optometry Cares—The AOA Foundation. The organization works to ensure all Americans can access the gift of sight but also supports initiatives that uphold the profession. Donations go toward relief to those in need following natural disasters, vision care to infants and children, scholarships for optometry students and preserving optometry’s history. INITIATIVES: Because natural disasters keep optometrists from helping patients, the AOA created Optometry’s Fund for Disaster Relief to provide immediate financial relief to optometrists. Since 2005, grants totaling $949,750 have been given. The InfantSee public health program is designed to ensure that eye and vision care become an integral part of infant wellness care to improve a child’s quality of life. Under this program, AOA optometrists provide a no-cost comprehensive eye and vision assessment for infants within the first year of life regardless of a family’s income or access to insurance coverage.
Optometry Cares—The AOA Foundation 800.365.2219 AOAFoundation.org Foundation@AOA.org
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ECPs On.
ECPs Take On
CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS
VCPN SURVEYED A GROUP OF EYECARE PROFESSIONALS TO FIND OUT THEIR OPINIONS ON DONATING TIME AND MONEY TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS; THIS IS WHAT THEY SAID:
WHAT ARE YOUR PRIMARY REASONS FOR DONATING TO OPTICAL CHARITIES? “To help communities build awareness and get involved for the betterment of an overall healthy lifestyle”
“To help the people who don’t have the means” “Industry need”
“I am Christian” “I donate to organizations that have low administrative costs and serve the underserved”
“In-field support” “My family has been in the optical field since 1970; my dad owned an optical shop, and my sister and I have both been in the optical field for over 30 years.”
“We should support our profession and its causes” “Giving back to those who have supported our vision”
“To help optometry students” “I donate my time because I can see where my time and effort actually go” “Helping others in need”
“It’s our business and our interest” “Personal relationships”
“To help provide vision and eyecare to less fortunate people; to help repair the world in this small way”
“Right thing to do”
“To help the less fortunate”
“To show support of our industry and show patients we care; give back to those less fortunate”
“Giving back”
“I believe in my profession”
“Our way of giving back to those in need”
“I am blessed so I want to give back”
“You should help those less fortunate than yourself”
“Great need exists”
“To help the world see better”
“To give back”
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“Near and dear to me”
“To educate future optometrists and serve the eyecare needs of the world’s poor”
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ECPs On. Do you donate to charities in the optical field?
22% 78%
NO 22% / YES 78%
Do you donate to charities outside of optical?
7%
To which optically related nonprofit organizations/ charities do you donate? (check all that apply) LION’S CLUB 46%
OPTOMETRY GIVING SIGHT 29%
THINK ABOUT YOUR EYES 22%
PREVENT BLINDNESS 17%
93%
VOSH: VOLUNTEER OPTOMETRIC SERVICES TO HUMANITY 12% ESSILOR VISION FOUNDATION 12%
NO 7% / YES 93%
Do you also volunteer your time for local screenings, missions to other countries or any other inperson charity events?
OPTOMETRY CARES 10%
EYES OF HOPE 7%
NEW EYES FOR THE NEEDY 5% THE FOUNDATION FIGHTING BLINDNESS 3%
5%
GUIDING EYES FOR THE BLIND 3%
32%
LIGHTHOUSE INTERNATIONAL 3%
63%
ONESIGHT 3%
OTHER* 32%
NO 32% / YES 63% I’VE NEVER CONSIDERED THIS 5%
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*optometry schools, scholarships, vision screenings for children, American Academy of Optometry Foundation, Faith Ministry’s eye program, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Haiti Eye Mission
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For A Cause.
PROTECTING THE
flow
‘BORN ON THE WATER’ AND FOUNDED ON THE PRINCIPLES OF GIVING BACK, COSTA HAS A REPUTATION NOT ONLY FOR ITS QUALITY PRODUCTS BUT ALSO FOR ITS STEWARDSHIP OF MOTHER EARTH.
W
ith so much of its fortunes intertwined with the people who spend a large amount of time on the earth’s waterways, Costa makes it the company’s business to protect these vast natural resources. The following are some of the causes the company supports. FEDERAL CONSERVATION Costa supports the Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, a watchdog group based in Washington, DC, that works to effect change in policies for anglers and conservationists at a federal level. Through decision-making connections, Costa indirectly supports policy that helps protect the waters “its tribe calls home.”
SHARK THANKS Costa is also an 11-year partner of OCEARCH, a group of explorers and scientists who are dedicated to generating previously unattainable data on the movement, biology and health of sharks. In 2016, Costa created a line of Limited Edition sunglasses with a new look that mirrored the hues and patterns found on sharks, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to OCEARCH. Costa continued select shark-and-ocean-themed colorways into the fall main collection, and a portion of the proceeds from these colorways still benefit the OCEARCH organization. In addition, Costa launched a consumer campaign to increase consumer awareness of shark conservation and their important role in our ocean’s ecosystem, including the
Costa 800.447.3700 B2B.CostaDelMar.com B2BSales@CostaDelMar.com 24 | VC P N D E C E M B E R 2 018
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SET YOUR EYES ON WHAT’S NEXT Look into the future of optometry at SECO 2019—and see all the vibrant innovations and exciting advancements that are transforming eye care today. As the leading source for world-class optometric education, SECO 2019 brings together all the experts, insights and eye-opening innovations for delivering topnotch care and running a more profitable practice. Join us in New Orleans, February 20–24, 2019— and set your sights on success.
SAVE THE DATE
FEB. 20-24 | NEW ORLEANS, LA ERNEST N. MORIAL CONVENTION CENTER
attendseco.com I #SECO2019
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For A Cause.
stories of three shark-attack survivors turned shark conservation advocates, new merchandising materials and a chance for a consumer to win a trip aboard the OCEARCH vessel to tag and name a shark. #KICKPLASTIC Humans dump the equivalent of a garbage truck of plastic into the ocean every minute, and one in four fish tested have plastic in them. In 2015, Costa led the way to reduce both the plastic used in its own operations as well as the world’s. Beginning with its own packaging and processes, Costa launched the #KickPlastic campaign. Once the company reduced its own plastic usage, Costa looked to encourage others to do the same, creating campaign materials to spread the word and educate fishing lodges on how to become single-use plastic-free. “We’re looking at how we can ask fishing pros to think differently,” said Andrew Cox, offshore community manager, Costa. “A lodge we support in Guatemala has already cut out around 24,000 water bottles, and through the Kick Plastic program another lodge switched entirely over to no single-use plastic, with a new boat built around using cups instead of water bottles.” In 2018, Costa launched a new Kick Plastic Ambassador Program, which recognizes select practices dedicated to helping reduce the amount of plastic that is not only clogging landfills but is finding its way into waterways and oceans. Ambassadors who are committed to the program by demonstrating a dedication to recycling, reusable water sources and community involvement can apply to be recognized as a Costa Kick Plastic Ambassador and in turn receive special marketing materials and #KickPlastic gear for their practice. n 26 | VC P N D E C E M B E R 2 018
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COMMITTED TO GIVING BACK There’s seemingly no end to how generous the optical industry is when it comes to giving back, and Safilo’s recommitment to supporting Special Olympics International is the perfect example. Dating back to 2003, Safilo’s partnership with Special Olympics continues with its announcement last month at company headquarters in Padua, Italy, of a new three-year partnership. Over the past 15 years, this relationship has led to over 1.2 million optical frames and sunglasses being provided to Special Olympics athletes as part of the Special Olympics-Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes eye health and vision screening program. The renewed commitment will see an annual donation of over 60,000 optical frames and sunglasses as part of the Special Olympics vision screening program. The Special Olympics global health platform, which is made possible through the support of the Golisano Foundation, Lions Clubs International, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and various additional stakeholders, includes the Opening Eyes vision care program, which provides Special Olympics athletes with vision examinations, prescription eyewear and referrals for follow-up care. Safilo is a global supplier of the program. In addition to the donation of frames and sunglasses, Safilo personnel will continue to take an active part in the implementation of the Special Olympics-Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes events as volunteers, donating their time and expertise for the benefit of Special Olympics athletes and those with intellectual disabilities. Safilo USA 800.631.1188 Safilo.com
Info@Safilo.com
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11/21/18 1:37 AM
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11/21/18 12:46 PM
Gift Guide.
THE
HIT list STUCK IN A GIFT RUT? VCPN ROUNDED UP SOME FUN OPTIONS TO HELP YOU WITH THIS HOLIDAY GUIDE TO ALL GIFTS OPTICAL.
Ties always fit.
OPTOMETRIST TIE 714.537.0334 TIES.COM
Printed socks are on trend.
OPTIPETS EYEGLASS HOLDER 800.223.0167 PAWSNCLAWSEYEWEAR.COM
MEN’S EYE CHART SOCKS 800.969.5235 KBELLSOCKS.COM
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Whimsical fun. Everyone loves dogs.
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Gift Guide.
Wine not?
EYE LOVE HEART OPTOMETRY - OPTOMETRIST EYE CHART THROW PILLOW ZAZZLE.COM
Perfect waiting room essential!
“MY DOCTOR SAYS I NEED GLASSES” SIGN 877.443.8769; NORTHWESTGIFTS.COM
E
Have fun with this clever mug! COFFEE MUG MIDWEST-MERCH.COM
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Graphic Tees are always in.
“DON’T MAKE A SPECTACLE OF YOURSELF” T-SHIRT TEEPUBLIC.COM
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Event.
Hong Kong HOSTS INTERNATIONAL ECPS
M
ore than 16,800 buyers from 11 countries and regions viewed a record 810 exhibitors from 23 countries and regions at this year’s Hong Kong Optical Fair. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organized by the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association, the three-day fair, Nov. 7-9, hosted a number of buyers from emerging markets (including the Chinese mainland, Malaysia, the Philippines and Russia) and a slight uptick in visitors from mature markets such as the U.S., the U.K., France, Germany, Spain, Japan and Korea. Innovative technologies such as 3D-printed eyewear and facial recognition were featured in the inaugural IT Solutions & Shop Fittings zone. This year’s Brand Name Gallery featured more than 225 international eyewear brands. Reflecting the event’s global focus, the fair will be officially rebranded starting next year as the HKTDC Hong Kong International Optical Fair, which will be held Nov. 6-9, 2019. n 30 | VC P N D E C E M B E R 2 018
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THE ANNUAL HONG KONG OPTICAL FAIR HELD ITS 26TH EDITION LAST MONTH WITH RECORD-BREAKING NUMBERS OF EXHIBITORS AND ATTENDEES.
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ADVERTORIAL
MAKING MYOPIA
MATTER How ECPs Can Help
By Ryan Parker, OD, Director of Professional Education, Essilor of America
P
icture this: You’re giving an eye exam to a child who is struggling to name the letters on the Snellen chart. When you tell the parents their child needs vision correction, they seem bewildered and ask their child, “Why didn’t you tell us you couldn’t see?” The child has no answer. Sound familiar? Parents sometimes assume kids can see without any problems, but about half of myopic children don’t know they can’t see clearly. And this number will only continue to grow since myopia is one of the most prevalent vision issues, especially in children. As eye care professionals, we should no longer view myopia as just a refractive error issue with blurry vision. We need to proactively treat the condition to prevent negative consequences for patients now and later in life because once myopia progresses, you can’t turn back the clock.
WHY TAKE A PROACTIVE APPROACH About 42 percent of Americans ages 12-54 are nearsighted, up from 25 percent just 40 years ago.1 This statistic clearly shows that myopia is a real and growing problem. We know that over time, myopia can put the eyes at risk for serious vision-threatening conditions. That’s why the sooner we can diagnose and treat it, the better it is for our patients. And it’s especially important for children, as uncorrected myopia can lead to issues now and when they’re adults such as:
• They may not perform as well in school and in other activities like sports. • Later in life, children who are myopic have an increased risk for sight-threatening vision issues which can lead to blindness. Highly nearsighted adults have a higher risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma and a certain type of macular degeneration.
HOW AND WHY TO EDUCATE YOUR ADULT PATIENTS ABOUT MYOPIA In addition to not always recognizing the signs of myopia, parents often mistakenly think vision screenings at school or the pediatrician’s office are thorough enough to diagnose any vision problem. That is why it’s our responsibility as eye care professionals to educate parents about how to recognize the signs of myopia and why their children need regular, comprehensive eye exams. The American Optometric Association recommends children have their first eye exam between six and 12 months of age. Imagine how much better the visual welfare of our children would be if that occurred. We know children usually start to show signs of myopia around age 6 or 7. You can ask your patients with children this age if they’ve noticed any changes such as falling grades, squinting when looking at the TV, computer or a handheld device, or if their child seems more reserved. These can signify a vision issue. The good news for parents is something as simple as an eye exam can do a lot to reduce the number of children who have uncorrected
1 Vitale S, Sperduto RD. (2009, Dec). Increased prevalence of myopia in the United States between 1971-1972 and 1999-2004. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20008719 Unless indicated otherwise, all registered trademarks and trademarks are the property of Essilor International and/or its subsidiaries in the United States and in other countries. These products may be protected by one or more patents listed at www.essilorusa.com/patents.
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myopia. Ensuring their child has regular eye exams now can change their life as an adult.
RESOURCES YOU CAN USE Years ago, there was little we could do to treat myopia except increase the power of a patient’s glasses or contacts. With today’s research and technology, we’re understanding myopia better; we’re understanding how nearsighted kids progress, which lets us slow the progression of myopia and actually reduce the amount of their prescription as an adult. For example, we believe the increase in the prevalence of myopia is related to the amount of time children spend indoors working at near vision ranges. Letting parents know a balance in near and distance tasks is essential for children’s visual health. Join Essilor in driving awareness of myopia and the importance of early eye exams. Visit Essilorshare.com today to access and download materials about myopia to use in your practice including: • “Out of Focus” film depicting a child’s struggle with myopia • “Myopia Matters” flyer to have available for patients to learn more • Social media posts to share Encourage your patients to take a proactive role in their children’s eye health. By doing so, they can help their children see well today and in the future. Because life should not be lived out of focus. n
Better Sight. Better Life. ESSILOR OF AMERICA | essilorusa.com
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11/21/18 1:31 AM
Year in Review.
EYEWEAR & FASHION
year in review
NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND DESIGN DIRECTIONS WERE INTRODUCED AMONG FRAMES IN 2018. FOR MORE DETAILS FIND THE ISSUE REFERENCED IN THE VISIONCAREPRODUCTS.COM ARCHIVES.
OAKLEY: FIELD JACKET AND FLIGHT JACKET (MAY) • both feature new Oakley Advancer to combat fog and overheating • Field Jacket available in Rx • Flight Jacket’s open-edge brow maximizes upper field of view Oakley, Inc. 800.733.6255 | Oakley.com CustomerCare@Oakley.com
TURA: TED BAKER OPULENS OPHTHALMIC COLLECTION (MARCH) GÖTTI: DIMENSION 3D-PRINTED EYEWEAR (AUGUST) • frame front of 3D-printed polyamide • temples of Sandvik stainless steel • no screws or glue • flexible and light material with semi-matte finish Götti Switzerland USA 914.274.8522 | Gotti.ch/en Office.USA@Gotti.ch
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• eight ophthalmics (four for women and four for men) • two women’s styles feature a full brow of Swarovski crystals • three men’s styles include 18k gold plating Tura, Inc. 800.242.8872 | Tura.com Orders@Tura.com
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Year in Review.
SAFILO: RAG & BONE (MARCH) • rag & bone’s first eyewear collection with Safilo • 31 styles (eight suns for women, nine suns for men, seven ophthalmics for each) • designed in Safilo’s NYC Design Studio • inspired by Americana, Military, British and Sport • TORX six-point screw-head hinge system protects while allowing for easy adjustments Safilo USA 800.631.1188 | Safilo.com Info@Safilo.com
IMAGEWEAR: ROBERT GRAHAM EYEWEAR (NOVEMBER)
EASTERN STATES EYEWEAR: COCO AND BREEZY EYEWEAR (FEBRUARY)
• eight ophthalmic and six sun models for men • multiple color combinations • threaded buttons on each temple tip • “Knowledge, Wisdom, Truth,” etched on every frame
• initial ophthalmic collection from Coco and Breezy • eight styles, half for women and half unisex • classic frames shapes such as cat eye, round and rectangle with cut-outs and mixed materials • etched or differently colored nosepieces match different parts of the frame
ImageWear 800.414.7656 | ImageWear.com
Eastern States Eyewear 800.645.3710 | ESEyewear.com CustomerService@ESEyewear.com
MARCHON: MARCHON NYC THERMO MEMORY (OCTOBER)
MARCOLIN: ATELIER SWAROVSKI (MARCH)
ØRGREEN: QUANTUM COLLECTION BALL JOINT HINGE (JANUARY)
• thermosetting plastic • adjusted with heat, Thermo-Memory remembers original shape • lightweight and flexible
• debut eyewear collection of five sunglasses • crystals, including inset on temple tip • mask models feature hand-embellished acetate brows
Marchon Eyewear 800.645.1300 | Marchon.com CS@Marchon.com
Marcolin 800.345.8482 | Marcolin.com InfoUSA@Marcolin.com
• hidden hinge in 21 men’s, women’s and unisex styles • hinge composed of sphere inserted into frame front of same color • allows for easy adjustments • lightweight flexible frame made of polyamide • round, panto and square shapes in more than 120 color combinations Ørgreen 816.220.7533 | Ørgreen.dk
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Year in Review.
COSTA: THE UNTANGLED COLLECTION (AUGUST)
LUXOTTICA: TIFFANY & CO./ AVANT PREMIER (MAY)
L’AMY AMERICA: GLAMOUR EDITOR’S PICK EYEWEAR (APRIL)
• made from recycled discarded plastic fishing nets • with premium polarized glass lenses, case made from recycled water bottles and 100% recycled paper packaging • customers can ship sunglasses to be recycled at end of product’s life
• first collection under Tiffany’s new chief artistic officer, Reed Krakoff • inspired by iconic Tiffany T jewelry • follows Luxottica’s renewal of Tiffany & Co. license
• collaboration with accessories editors at Glamour magazine • feminine frames in 15 ophthalmic and 12 suns with fun, bold prints • two-tone coloring, temple studs, unique brow lines and cool silhouettes
Costa 800.447.3700 | B2B.CostaDelMar.com B2BSales@CostaDelMar.com
CLEARVISION: CLEAR3D (APRIL) • 3D facial scanning and 3D printing for customizable eyewear • can attach to mobile device for virtual tryon eyewear using facial recognition • custom frames can be printed in nylon, titanium or acetate ClearVision Optical Co. 800.645.3733 | CVOptical.com CService@CVOptical.com
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Luxottica 800.422.2020 | Luxottica.com CustomerService@US.Luxottica.com
L’Amy America 800.243.6350 | LAmyAmerica.com Support@LAmyAmerica.com
SILHOUETTE: TITAN MINIMAL ART – THE ICON (OCTOBER)
WINDSOR EYES: PIER MARTINO JEWELS COLLECTION (APRIL)
• reduction to the essentials • screwless and hingeless • 1.8 grams • from retro butterfly and cat eye to smaller oval-shapes
• nine limited edition Rxable sun models of handmade Italian acetate with Swarovski crystals • metal trim by Venetian goldsmiths • some styles with facets and etched lenses
Silhouette International 800.223.0180 | Silhouette.com
Windsor Eyes 856.662.6006 | WindsorEyes.com Info@WindsorEyes.com
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Year in Review.
ALTERNATIVE AND PLAN “B” EYEWEAR: INTERFACE (AUGUST) • nine ophthalmic models in high grade stainless • sun clip fits tightly without any hooks or magnets • brown or gray sun lenses are 100% polarized Alternative/Plan “B” Eyewear 888.399.7742 | AlternativeEyes.com
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2018
MAJOR LICENSES
• Essilor and Luxottica merged
Luxottica and Tiffany & Co. through 2027
• Opticon joined Vision Expo • National Sunglasses Day generated more than one billion impressions • Thélios: brand new company launched through a joint venture of Marcolin and LVMH
Marcolin and Swarovski through 2023 Marcolin and Timberland through 2023 Safilo and Fossil through 2023 Safilo and Banana Republic to 2025
• DAC Vision changed its name to DAC Technologies
PROMINENT PROMOTIONS Alessandro Baronti to president DeRigo REM Thomas E. Burke III to CEO ABB Optical Group Michael DeBono to COO WestGroupe Rick Gadd to president Essilor of America 3DNA: CUSTOMIZED EYEWEAR (APRIL)
Onofrio “Mike” Giannattasio to president Silhouette International
• digital eyewear design and production • 3D facial scans for customized eyewear • includes 3D scanner, product samples, 32-inch touch screen, PC, storage drawers and design app • customers choose frame materials and shapes, hinges and nosepads
Millicent Knight, OD, FAAO, FAARM, to SVP, Customer Development Group, professional relations, Essilor of America
3DNA 412.567.298 | 3DNA-Eyewear.org Info@3DNA-Eyewear.com
Michael J. Guyette to CEO VSP Global
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Yagen Moshe to CEO Shamir Optical Industry, Ltd. Katherine “K-T” Overbey to president and executive director OneSight Angelo Trocchia to CEO Safilo Group Stephen Wright to chief commercial officer Safilo North America
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11/21/18 12:26 PM
A GOLDEN celebration THE ANNE KLEIN 50TH ANNIVERSARY EYEWEAR COLLECTION FROM ALTAIR APPLAUDS THE ICONIC BRAND WITH NEW SUN AND OPTICAL STYLES.
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360º.
AK5068
AK7050
AK5070
We aim to keep the shapes and colorations feminine, yet classic. A visionary designer who brought her uniquely American point of view to the global fashion industry, Anne Klein created a brand with an iconic heritage. That legacy has been honored by the latest optical and sun styles of Anne Klein Eyewear, featuring vintage-inspired designs, modern detailing and celebratory splashes of gold, bridging decades of classic, wearable style. “When developing this collection, we were influenced by the beautiful archival images and designs the Anne Klein team shared with us,” said Altair product development team
member Jennifer Nelson. “Vintage-inspired tortoise materials are key in this collection, as well as classic, feminine shapes and Anne Klein’s signature gold colorations. The 50th Anniversary Special Edition sunglass truly is a unique piece; the golden hues and striations of the handmade Italian acetate speak to the brand’s continued attention to detail.” Since the brand’s inception in 1968, trailblazer and visionary fashion designer Anne Klein forever changed the way women dress. Her rich legacy and ongoing impact on American fashion continues today, fifty years later. “In our design meetings with the Anne Klein team, the words ‘feminine,’ ‘classic’
LEFT © 2018 DAVID ROEMER; THIS PAGE COURTESY OF ANNE KLEIN EYEWEAR
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and ‘soft’ are often spoken,” said Debra Ielpi from the Altair product development team. “We aim to keep the shapes and colorations feminine, yet classic. The lines and curves of each shape are soft and slightly rounded. These details mimic the craftsmanship that the Anne Klein brand has always exhibited in every category.” The new eyewear collection is designed as four sunglass and optical pairs and one pair of limited edition sunglasses. The silhouettes include a range of square, rectangular and cat eye shapes with subtle, retro touches, offered in a tonal palette of tortoise, plum, mocha and burgundy. n
Altair Eyewear 800.505.5557 AltairEyewear.com D E C E M B E R 2 018 VC P N | 37
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Profile.
SEEING is BELIEVING
W
hat do you do with a fifth generation U.S. eyewear company to keep it fresh and new? Launch a domestic eyewear manufacturing facility, but not just your typical factory hidden away in an industrial park. When Jack Erker III (on right in picture opposite) and his brother Tony (left) decided to begin manufacturing frames in St. Louis, where their family’s eyewear business originally started in 1879, they chose to locate their facility front and center for the entire world to see. Copper Hinge is both an optical shop and a frame-manufacturing operation where the factory is in full view of its customers. MADE IN AMERICA While running the Studio Optyx wholesale operation, which manufactures eyeglass frames in Europe and Japan, some customers told the Erkers, “We would love glasses made in America.” Listening to their customers and also inspired by the open kitchen concept trend in restaurants as well as by Fitz’s Root Beer next door, where kids of all ages can press their faces up against the window to watch root beer being made, Copper Hinge was born to let visitors see frames being made in-person. Determined to get it right, the Erkers paid rent on their retail space in the trendy shopping, eating and entertainment district known as the Delmar Loop for two years as they pursued the long process of creating a
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frame-manufacturing factory. “We jumped through 10,000 hoops to get where we are,” Jack Erker III told VCPN. “There’s a whole lot more automation than there ever was before, but there are still a ton of steps that are handmade that you can’t get around. I had to buy all of the equipment and find a factory manager to re-tool the machines. Before the machines got here we had to convert the retail storefront into something that could run the machines. We hired probably four to five electricians and went back to China and Europe, translating from foreign languages. When everything was finally hooked up, it still didn’t work. I didn’t know I needed an air compressor and pipes.” FACTORY IN A SHOP Eventually everything worked properly, and now the entire operation runs with four factory workers and two retail opticians in addition to Erker. It has the capacity for a total of 17 factory workers. “A typical factory might need 75 to 80 machines to create one frame. We wanted to condense that, for one reason because of space issues. We have 2,000 square feet upstairs and 1,800 square feet in the basement, so we reduced the machine count to about 23 machines with a lot of robotic arms to take things from one machine to the next.” The goal is to sell final product both in person and online. “The idea is to be able to sell online,” Erker said. “While we don’t think the brick-and-mortar retailer is going away any time soon, we see a big shift in the industry to online. The younger generation is very used to buying online, so we don’t want to lose that market.”
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Profile. WITH A FAMILY NAME ASSOCIATED WITH EYEWEAR SINCE THE 19TH CENTURY, THE ERKERS HAVE BROUGHT BACK DOMESTIC FRAME MANUFACTURING AND PLACED IT IN PLAIN SIGHT.
MAKING MEMORIES Still, the plan is to also establish the Copper Hinge optical shop as well as its frame-manufacturing factory as a destination for shopping in person as well as for entertainment. “Within the store, behind glass doors, you can see CNC machines and tumblers that spin, a lot of moving parts that are visible to the consumer,” Erker said. He compared the experience to the memories that are formed when kids visit a playground at McDonald’s, for example. “Everyone remembers the fun times they had at McDonald’s.” Another unique aspect of the manufacturing process that gives Copper Hinge frames additional character is the use of wood pellets during the frame-polishing process, but they’re not just any old wood pellets. They’re made from used whiskey barrels. “We polish frames using a wood tumbler but couldn’t find a domestic wood chip manufacturer,” Erker said. “A good friend from high school owns a barbecue joint next door that uses hard beechwood from whiskey barrels, so we found a local wood chipper to chip up his whiskey barrels. The story is good for local lore,” Erker explained, adding that they now define their frames as “whiskey-infused small batch eyewear.” After two years in the making with a sign on the store’s façade teasing that they would open soon, and with local people wondering, “Are they ever going to open?”, the grand opening took place in April 2018. “The first weekend was a wonderful spring day, and we had a line out the door to get in.” n
Copper Hinge 314.405.8070 CopperHinge.com Info@CopperHinge.com V I S I O N C A R E P RO D U C T N E WS . C O M
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Insight.
TURNING THE TABLES ON
vinyl records TWO COMPANIES ARE TRANSFORMING ONE WORK OF ART INTO ANOTHER.
I
n a 6,000-square-foot warehouse in San Diego’s Barrio Logan art district, David Keith of SpexWax plies away at making frames from old records. Ten years ago, Keith—whose former boss came up with the idea to create frames from vinyl—bought an old Lou Reed album for 25 cents and began work on his first frame. While creating multiple frames at once, Keith hand makes each SpexWax frame in about three to four weeks using a CNC-controlled router to make initial cuts of flat records, then individual pieces are sanded with a mouse sander and glued together. “The next step I call ‘subtractive sculpting,’” Keith said. “We sand off the excess glue and round the edges of the frame using inverted belt sanders, hand Dremel tools and three different grits of hand sanding.” THIS PAGE COURTESY OF VINYLIZE
SpexWax 619.581.2868 SpexWax.com SpexWax@Gmail.com Vinylize Eyewear +36 1 786 1080 Vinylize.com Shop@Vinylize.com 40 | VC P N D E C E M B E R 2 018
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Insight.
THIS PAGE COURTESY OF SPEXWAX
Although vinyl frames look and feel like normal plastic, Keith says they’re not. “Each frame is a wearable, functional piece of ‘artwear’ that must be cared for at all times,” he said. “Never leave them in the car as the heat can deform the frame. I always say, ‘If they’re not on your face, they are in the case.’” FROM ROCK ‘N ROLL TO HIP HOP Another company producing vinyl frames is Vinylize Eyewear. In the late ‘90s, founder and designer Zachary Tipton had been making rimless frames but then wanted to explore plastics. His Seattle workshop housed his father’s old record collection and lo and behold, Tipton realized that one vinyl record had enough material to produce three frames. Now, almost 20 years later, Vinylize frames are made in a factory in Budapest, Hungary, and comprise five collections: NVSBLE, Vinylize Classic, Vinylize Executive, ACDC and Grillz. The colorful NVSBLE line is made from clear vinyl laminated onto crystal acetate and is dyed
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in various colors, while ACDC is made from the rock band’s “Back in Black” album vinyl. Vinylize also allows customers the option of customizing a frame: simply send them the vinyl and choose the frame style, and Vinylize will make it. Celebrity wearers of custom styles include Robbie Williams, Fred Durst and Mick Fleetwood. Vinylize was even commissioned by the Sziget music festival held in Budapest to create a custom sunglass frame for hip hop artist Kendrick Lamar. This style, called “TPAB” after Lamar’s Grammy Award-winning album “To Pimp a Butterfly,” was made from the actual album vinyl and featured a rhodium-plated sterling silver brow. All Vinylize frames are made by laminating acetate to vinyl and are milled on a CNC milling machine. “The biggest limitation is the age of the material: the older the vinyl is, the more brittle it is,” Tipton explained. “Last summer we shipped a frame made from The Beatle’s ‘Revolver.’ That album is about 50 years old so we had to be extra careful during the manufacturing process.” n
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Product Focus.
18-CARAT
season
THE TOM FORD EYEWEAR HOLIDAY EDITION FEATURES TWO EXCLUSIVE GOLD-PLATED STYLES.
D
esigned and created for the holidays with an 18-carat gold-plated finish, the Tom Ford Eyewear Holiday Edition is available with exclusive packaging in all Tom Ford boutiques, selected retailers and opticians. The line comes in either squared or rounded shapes. “The exclusive design of these limited-edition styles from Tom Ford Eyewear demonstrates the brand’s commitment to producing luxurious products for today’s fashion savvy customer,” according to Marcolin Tom Ford Eyewear Division. “We’re pleased to offer these exclusive styles that are made in Italy and feature an elegant 18-carat gold-plated finish. They are perfect for the holiday season, since they are available in special packaging unique to the collection. In addition to the refined styling of the sunglasses, the lenses feature a soft gold-plated flash coating, which accentuates the silhouette of each style.”
These limited-edition styles from Tom Ford Eyewear demonstrate the brand’s commitment to producing luxurious products. The squared shape FT0706 comes in two colors, white gold and rose gold, and is made of 18-carat gold on the front and in the upper part of the lens, enriched by the iconic “T” logo and thin temples. The model FT0707 has a slightly rounded shape and comes in yellow gold and white gold colors. It’s made of 18-carat gold on the front and in the upper part of the lens, enriched by the iconic “T” logo and thin temples.
Marcolin 800.345.8482 Marcolin.com InfoUSA@Marcolin.com 42 | VC P N D E C E M B E R 2 018
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Trends.
SOMETHING
extra
A SIDE SHIELD OR SPOILER TURNS YOUR TYPICAL EYEWEAR FRAMES INTO GLACIER GLASSES OR A SIMILARLY INSPIRED STYLE.
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1. Vuarnet Glacier VL131500171136 914.495.3701 Vuarnet.com 2. De Rigo REM Chopard SCHC69 800.423.3023 DeRigo.US CustomerService@DeRigo.US 3. Revo Traverse RE1036 866.678.7386 Revo.com 4. Von Zipper Psychwig 888.511.1189 VonZipper.com Marketing@VonZipper.com 5. Marcolin Moncler Lunettes ML0046 800.345.8482 Marcolin.com InfoUSA@Marcolin.com 6. Luxottica Michael Kors MK10424U 800.422.2020 Luxottica.com CustomerService@USLuxottica.com 7. Safilo USA Max Mara Briseis 800.631.1188 Safilo.com Info@Safilo.com V I S I O N C A R E P RO D U C T N E WS . C O M
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New. Launch
TURA
BUFFALO Founded in France and brought to Montreal more than 30 years ago, Buffalo David Bitton is an international clothing lifestyle brand, most notably famous for Buffalo Jeans. The eyewear line consists of seven men’s and seven women’s ophthalmic models along with three men’s and five women’s sunwear styles. The collection incorporates several themes: moto, color blocking with denim, camouflage and buckle jewelry. Model BW001 ophthalmic for women features a high definition printed denim pattern, while BW503 is a moto-inspired aviator-shaped ophthalmic with a studded metal buckle temple and two-tone plating. The BM500 men’s style is a rectangle-shaped frame with a matte black combination front and camouflage patterns along the insides of the temples. BM002 is a men’s vintageinspired ophthalmic with clear acetate, a keyhole bridge and semi-matte riveted metal hardware. 800-242-8872 Tura.com
BW002
BM002
BW503
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New.
A&A OPTICAL CREMIEUX
DESIGN EYEWEAR GROUP
STYLE: BLUCHER
WOOW
This preppy-looking rectangular model for men features wooden temples reminiscent of the decks of speedboats found on the French Riviera. The stainless steel rim has metal coining details, and the colored acetate temples are adjustable. Black, gunmetal and silver round out the color choices. 800.492.4465 AAOptical.com
STYLE: SUPER SONIC
NAUTILUS
KENMARK EYEWEAR
STYLE: 544
ORIGINAL PENGUIN
This acetate model comes in two styles— a round one for women and an oversized rectangular for men. The women’s style has a gradient front with extra large endpieces, while the men’s features a doublebridge with a highlight color. Both styles are available in five color combinations.
The round shape of 544 is inspired by the spherical coiled chambers of the nautilus. This unisex model is made of titanium and features a grooved pattern for texture. PolarizedPlus2 lenses guard against glare and UV rays, and color choices include slate gray, matte black and antique bronze.
800.654.6099 WoowEyewear.com
800.848.3644 MauiJim.com
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MAUI JIM
STYLE: THE EARL
WESTGROUPE KLIIK DENMARK STYLE: K-628
This vintage-inspired rectangular frame is a tribute to bowler Anthony Earl, featuring custom acetate lamination on the endpieces and translucent temples. The top brow is slightly thicker than the rest of the frame giving it an exaggerated look. Color choices include black, crystal and kelp.
This clubmaster style features a dropped metal bridge and double-cubed metal end caps on the temples at the hinges. The frame and eye rim combination comes in contrasting colors of black with silver, matte black and gold or matte tortoise and black.
800.627.2898 KenmarkEyewear.com
855.455.0042 WestGroupe.com
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New. Launch
FG50003
FG50001
FG50002
THÉLIOS
THE FRED FORCE 10 EYEWEAR COLLECTION
FG40005
FG40003
FG40004
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Based on the Force 10 bracelet created in 1966 by the jewelry company Fred, this new release from Fred eyewear contains eight styles for women— five suns and three ophthalmics—inspired by sailing, marine cables and the Mediterranean Sea. FG40001 is a unisex reinterpretation of the classic pilot shape with high-end treatments: a mix of the shiny endura gold (more resistant to scratches and dents) front with pink flash or blue lenses gives it a modern twist. FG40003 is a women’s sun style that comes in a shiny endura gold front and temple or in shiny rhodium. The women’s FG40007 is an oval variation available in both gold and rhodium frames, and lenses come in either blue, bordeaux gradient or brown. FG40004 combines an acetate front with endura gold or rhodium in black, classic havana, or blue-black tortoise. FG40005 is an oversized rectangular model with sculpted highlights of gold or rhodium along the temples, while the unisex FG50001 ophthalmic style features a gold-plated frame made of either yellow shiny gold or mixed with white gold. FG50002 is a lighter, rimless variation of the rectangular shape with small yellow and white gold-plated touches. FG50003 is a rimless cat eye with sculpted temples available with either black or tortoise endpieces. 888.284.7500 Fred.com
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New.
ALTERNATIVE EYEWEAR
MARCHON
GLACÉE
SALVATORE FERRAGAMO
STYLE: GL6894
STYLE: SF184S
Three women’s models incorporate unique details and color treatments with classic round eye shapes. GL6892 includes angular accents in bold purple, blue and yellow colors, while GL6893 features acid etching and GL6894 has patterned inlays of zebra and mother of pearl.
This oversized women’s butterfly style is inspired by Ferragamo’s iconic heels. On the front, two rivets pierce the lenses to create an embellishment. The gold frame is available with brown, purple/rose/ ivory, blue/green/salmon or brown/green/yellow triple gradient lenses.
888.399.7742 AlternativeEyes.com
800.645.1300 Marchon.com
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MODERN OPTICAL MODZ KIDS STYLE: JUMP ROPE
EASTERN STATES EYEWEAR DIVA
L’AMY AMERICA ANN TAYLOR STYLE: AT333
Four styles all feature silicone nosepads and spring hinges. The Friendship boys’ style is a rectangular-shaped frame constructed of stainless steel, and the Jump Rope model for girls features a stainless steel front and handmade zyl temples.
This feminine upswept cat eye is embedded with Swarovski crystals in the frame corners and on the temple near the hinges and comes in either a tortoisechampagne laminate or classic black-gold color combinations.
This subtle cat eye has a slender profile and contrasting colors on the front and temples. An exaggerated brow line adds a polished touch and spring hinges with the Ann Taylor brand mark provide comfort. AT333 comes in three color combinations: black/blush, tortoise/mint and blue tortoise/navy.
800.323.2409 ModernOptical.com
800.645.3710 ESEyewear.com
800.243.6350 LAmyAmerica.com
STYLE: D5505
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New. Special Collections
ENTOURAGE OF 7 COLLECTION 2018
With a focus on elegant and clean lines, this collection of ophthalmics and sunglasses goes heavy on classic with an undertone of vintage Hollywood. A wide range of muted colors such as nude pink and earth tones give the styles a retro feel. Materials include textured zyl acetate, laser-cut aluminum alloys, titanium and bellaminium, a material with half the weight of titanium but twice the strength. Frames are slimmed down with sculpted lines to give them a tailored, sleek look. The Zaferia and Maywood models feature a double bridge with sleek acetate side shields and come in black, silver, gold, rose gold and brown bronze. 888.804.9627 Eof7.com
SPECSY
DIGITAL CONCRETE Weighing an average of 10 grams, models merge cutting-edge innovations with 3D printing technology to create durable, lightweight frames. Shapes range from bold squares and cat eyes to rectangles and ovals. All models come in a flat matte finish and are available in a plethora of colors: red, orange, yellow, forest green, light blue, cobalt blue, purple, black and white. 855.463.6793 Specsy.com
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New.
ZYLOWARE EYEWEAR
COSTA
ØRGREEN
OGI EYEWEAR
MOREL
STYLE: OCR220
YUNIKU
RED ROSE
NOMAD
STYLE: TIVOLI
STYLE: 40044S
This full rim zyl model for women features a classic rectangle shape and comes in petite fit sizing for women with smaller features. Flavia is available in two colors: black over crystal front with a teal mosaic zyl temple and red with a translucent front and a burgundy/tan confetti-patterned temple.
Three new styles expand this high-performance, ultra-thin resin line. Ocean Ridge 220 is a rectangular, two-toned frame, and Ocean Ridge 230 is a cat-eye shape for active women. Ocean Ridge 111 uses trifusion technology to combine three colors in one by reducing the eye size of the frame.
STYLE: 016
Four unisex styles come in rectangle or round shapes that are made with 3D printing technology. A special scanner measures facial features while software calculates the optimal position of the lenses. Models are available in four colors: aubergine, fuchsia, blue jeans and khaki.
This classic women’s round-shaped frame is crafted with stainless steel rims and temples and nylon endpieces and nosepads for comfort. Ultralightweight and durable, Tivoli is available in ocean blue, seaport mist, wine/crystal and rose gold.
This round women’s ophthalmic is constructed of acetate with stainless steel temples that add color with triangle adornments. Models are available in translucent, graduated, plain or tortoiseshell styles in violet/gold, gray and pink tortoise/black.
800.765.3700 Zyloware.com
800.447.3700 B2B.CostaDelMar.com
844.796.4623 OrgreenOptics.com
888.560.1060 OgiEyewear.com
800.526.8838 Morel-France.com
VIA SPIGA STYLE: FLAVIA
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New. Special Collections SAFILO
JIMMY CHOO Jimmy Choo’s Fall/Winter collection features ten new styles for women—eight sunglass and two ophthalmic models. The Leon model features an oversized rectangle frame with snake print and exotic leather on the front that comes in blue with blue lenses, brown with green shaded lenses, pink with brown shaded lenses and black with dark gray lenses. The Gema, Tonia and Adria sunglasses are all enhanced with Swarovski crystals and pearls and come in hues ranging from gold/nude and dark havana to black and gold/brown. Glossy comes in both sun and ophthalmic and incorporates glitter inlays, while Ave is an updated aviator style that includes colored effects and textures and is also available as both a sunglass and ophthalmic model. Pose is an oversized rectangular model with 3D detailing illuminating the front. Color choices are dark havana with dark gray lenses or black with gold-mirrored lenses. Rave is a shiny aviator that features crystals adorning the temples for a glam look. 800.631.1188 Safilo.com
XAVIER GARCIA BARCELONA METAL COLLECTION
Eight ophthalmic models for men and women all constructed of stainless steel highlight this collection. ALISON is a rectangular, semi-rimless frame with a stainless steel block that is lowered along the front and combined with a single color over a metallic hue for a feminine look. The retro ANABEL features a round, semi-rimless panto design in bright, metallic colors that stands out from the matte frame front surface. The ALEX style features a subtle cat eye for a chic, vintage vibe, while ANTIA’s trendy panto shape features bright acetates on a light, stainless steel block. SANOU is a more classic, oversized square shape with laminates above the brows, and SAU is a classic rectangular shape with vibrantly colored laminates around the rims. The men’s SAFONT semi-rimless model comes in both classic and bold colors in matte finishes for a sporty look. 8Export@XavierGarcia.Design XavierGarcia.Design/EN
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Know who’s in your corner The leadership supporters of Think About Your Eyes have your back. Do you have theirs? Think About Your Eyes grew the eyecare industry by more than $750 million in one year thanks to our leadership supporters. But thanking them isn’t enough. Support the brands and companies that are supporting your industry and show them just how far their investment can go!
Visit thinkaboutyoureyes.com/supporters to learn more about the companies investing in you.
Untitled-2 1
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Year in Review.
VISION CARE TECHNOLOGY
year in review
LENSES FROM CLEAR AND POLARIZED TO PHOTOCHROMIC AND COMPLETE EDGING SYSTEMS WERE AMONG 2018’S NEW TECHNOLOGIES. VISIT VISIONCAREPRODUCTS.COM FOR MORE DETAILS.
SIGNET ARMORLITE KODAK UNIQUE DRO PROGRESSIVE LENSES (MAY)
SHAMIR AUTOGRAPH INTELLIGENCE LENSES (NOVEMBER)
AXIS 900 AUTO LENSOMETER FROM OPTISOURCE INTERNATIONAL (MAY)
• utilize Dynamic Reading Optimization technology • improve overall optics and reduce oblique astigmatic errors in the reading area • full size, backside lens available in six corridor lengths and more than 60 materials • feature iSync and Vision First Design
• progressive lenses use Artificial Intelligence to ascertain a wearer’s “visual age” without the need for questionnaires • incorporate three technologies: EyePoint Technology AI, Continuous Design Technology and Visual AI Engine • available in both fixed and variable designs and a full range of materials
• a green light beam helps to achieve more accurate measurements • predicts lens type and automatically switches measuring mode • compatible with high curved lenses • measures contact lenses with an included contact lens measuring kit • features sleep/power-saving mode
Signet Armorlite, Inc. 800.759.0075 | SignetArmorlite.com MarketingLiterature@SignetArmorlite.com
Shamir Insight, Inc. 877.514.8330 | ShamirLens.com Info@ShamirLens.com
OptiSource International 800.678.4768 | 1-800-OptiSource.com Info@1-800-OptiSource.com
ZEISS UVPROTECT CLEAR LENSES (APRIL, MAY) • complete UV400 protection in clear, organic lens material • helps to reduce premature aging of the skin and risk of cancer and cataracts Carl Zeiss Vision, Inc. 866-596-5467 ZEISS.com/Lenses
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EYENAVISION CHEMISTRIE COMPLETE (JULY) • Six styles feature micro-magnets blended into the frame • Made in Italy, frames come in three colors made of premium acetate • 24 polarized sunlens colors are available as add-ons • Patients who purchase also receive a gray, brown or G-15 Chemistrie clip Eyenavision, Inc. 888.321.3939 | Eyenavision.com Info@Eyenavision.com
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Year in Review.
TRANSITIONS SIGNATURE LENSES STYLE COLORS AND XTRACTIVE STYLE MIRRORS (JULY) • Transitions Signature lenses style colors are: sapphire, amethyst, amber and emerald • T ransitions XTRActive style mirrors come in gold, silver shadow, red, pink, green and blue • Outdoors, lenses have a mirror finish, while indoors, the mirror fades to a light reflection with subtle color Transitions Optical, Inc. 800.848.1506 | TransitionsPro.com CustomerService@Transitions.com
ESSILOR INSTRUMENTS PRO-E 700 EDGING SYSTEM (NOVEMBER) • compact, table-top edger for high-volume processing • user-friendly interface • processes complex jobs such as Chemistrie Clips, safety-beveling, sport-eyewear, engraving and creative shapes • integrates with lab management software, Essibox and Essilor tracer-blockers • requires no vacuum or compressed air Essilor Instruments USA 855.393.4647 | EssilorInstrumentsUSA.com Info@EssilorInstrumentsUSA.com
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LEXCE EDGER FROM SANTINELLI (MAY)
ESSILOR ULTIMATE LENS PACKAGE (AUGUST)
• fully automated auto clamping 3D Tracing • features a safety-bevel with multi-function Shape Modifaction (shape editing) and Drill Hole Imaging • able to grind all materials • easy to use with a step-by-step Wizard for beginners or Professional Mode for experts • High Definition CAD Blocker
• Patients receive a second pair of qualifying lenses (at equal or lesser value; frame purchase required) at no cost through ECPs enrolled in the offer • single vision package includes Eyezen+, Crizal Sapphire 360°UV and Transitions Signature lenses • progressive package includes Varilux X Series, Crizal Sapphire 360°UV and Transitions Signature lenses
Santinelli International, Inc. 800.644.3343 | Santinelli.com Sales@Santinelli.com
Essilor of America, Inc. 800.542.5668 | EssilorUSA.com
VSP SUNSYNC ELITE PHOTOCHROMIC LENSES (OCTOBER)
NUPOLAR MIRRORS MIRRORCOATED POLARIZED LENSES FROM YOUNGER OPTICS (NOVEMBER)
• lenses utilize a proprietary technology to change from dark to clear in seconds • offer 100% UV protection, targeted blue light filtration and a 100% satisfaction guarantee to VSP members • provide exceptional outdoor darkness and indoor clarity
• available in silver, gold and blue mirror coating • offered in both single vision and digital PAL designs in SFSV hard resin and will be available in polycarbonate by the end of 2018 • Mirror coating applied to semi-finished lens at the factory, not the lab, for faster turnaround time
VSP Optics Group VSPOpticsGroup.com | OpticsInfo@VSP.com
Younger Optics 800.366.5367 | YoungerOptics.com Marketing@YoungerOptics.com
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Tax Benefits.
Write Off
YOUR 2018 INVESTMENTS
WHILE IRS SECTION 179 IS A PERMANENT TAX LAW THAT ENCOURAGES INVESTMENT, THE TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT INCREASED THE FIRST-YEAR BONUS DEPRECIATION TO 100% FOR QUALIFIED INVESTMENTS.
By Greg Einhorn
A
permanent tax law that encourages investment, IRS Section 179 allows smaller businesses to immediately write off the full price of qualifying asset purchases (machinery, computers, furniture and other tangible goods) rather than depreciating them over several years. Under the IRS Section 179, a taxpayer may expense up to $1,000,000 of qualified equipment placed in service in 2018 (amounts will be indexed for inflation in future years). The rules are designed for small companies, so the $1,000,000 deduction phases out when a business purchases more than $2,500,000 in one year. (Companies cannot write off more than their taxable income.) Section 179 applies to new and used equipment purchases but must be “new to the business.” The asset must be 54 | VC P N D E C E M B E R 2 018
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purchased, it cannot be used for property inherited, gifted or leased. BONUS DEPRECIATION – 100% FOR 2018 The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act increased the first-year bonus depreciation to 100% for qualified investments made in 2018. Bonus depreciation is available for all businesses, is not capped at a certain dollar level and is good for new or used property. The 100% immediate expensing of asset acquisitions will be permitted for tax years 2018 through 2022 before reducing to 80% in 2023, 60% in 2024, 40% in 2025 and 20% in 2026. BENEFITS OF FINANCE AGREEMENTS AND CAPITAL LEASES You can maximize the tax benefit with a finance agreement (conditional sales
contract) or capital lease. Both allow a business to acquire equipment with a low monthly payment while taking advantage of the Section 179 Expensing allowance and Bonus Depreciation. FURTHER DETAIL Often, the same asset will qualify for Section 179 Expensing allowance and Bonus Depreciation. In this event, you decide what method to use or you may choose to combine methods. If you decide to claim both for the same asset, you must use Section 179 first, then Bonus Depreciation. n Greg Einhorn is president and CEO of Group Financial Services. Email him at GEinhorn@FinServices.com. V I S I O N C A R E P RO D U C T N E WS . C O M
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Tax Benefits. YEAR-END INCENTIVES ON LENS PROCESSING EQUIPMENT Thinking about purchasing lens processing equipment? The Vision Council recommends saving time and money while preparing your business for the future by investing in the latest lens processing equipment and software to make an exponential difference in your bottom line. In order to qualify for 2018 Federal Government tax incentives and savings, lens processing equipment must be purchased and put into service before December 31, 2018, so act now. “Section 179 is often regarded as an overwhelmingly lucrative decision because it can help lower operating costs, allows businesses to retain more of their tax dollars and provides the opportunity for tax savings to exceed the total of the first year’s payments on the equipment or software,” according to The Vision Council. “In addition to the Section 179 deduction, bonus depreciation is offered at 100% this year.” Rick Clemente, chair of The Vision Council’s Lens Processing & Technology Division, said, “With extended bonus depreciation and an increased limit on Section 179, thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, businesses have the rare opportunity to write off most or all of their new capital equipment from 2018. Businesses should contact their accountants or financial advisors to find out if they can benefit from this new tax law change.” To learn more about Section 179 and 2018 allowances, visit Section179.org or contact The Vision Council’s Lens Processing & Technology Division liaison Paul Wade at PWade@TheVisionCouncil.org.
“Businesses have the rare opportunity to write off most or all of their new capital equipment from 2018.” – Rick Clemente, Chair, Lens Processing & Technology Division, The Vision Council
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ABO GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
12 TIPS for improving IN-OFFICE LENS PROCESSING
PHOTO COURTESY OF COBURN TECHNOLOGIES
APPROVAL: ABO APPROVED FOR 1 HOUR, GENERAL KNOWLEDGE, LEVEL I ONLINE COURSE: SWFV552 EXPIRATION DATE: AUGUST 4, 2019 APPROVAL: This course has been approved for one hour of General Knowledge, Level I continuing education credit by the American Board of Opticianry. NOTE: This course is only available with online testing. Please see instructions at the end. COURSE DESCRIPTION: Eyecare professionals set up finishing labs in their offices so they can provide fast service, save money on processing expenses and perfect the quality of their work. While faster service usually comes immediately, saving money and turning out top-quality work can be a bit more difficult to achieve. This is because processing errors can levy a heavy toll on costs and quality. Here are some tips that will help you avoid these problems and improve your in-office processing.
By Michael Frandsen 1. HONE YOUR HAND-EDGING SKILLS A great deal of time and money can be wasted during the finishing lab process if laboratory technicians do not have the right hand-edging equipment and good hand-edging skills. This is especially true with newer lens materials such as Trivex and polycarbonate that require newer stones and a different touch on the wheel. For example, these materials must be edged on a coarser grit diamond wheel, and the wheel must be dry. They also require a light touch, especially the polycarbonate material (which can melt if edged too aggressively). A dual grit hand-edger wheel with one side for polycarbonate and Trivex and the other side for CR-39, materials similar to CR-39 and glass will help tremendously to keep hand edging to a minimum. For those materials that need water during the hand-edging process such as CR-39, be sure the water flow keeps the wheel continuously wet. If not, lens damage may occur.
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2. KEEP LENSES ON-AXIS DURING EDGING The latest computerized lens-finishing systems have special settings for challenging materials such as Trivex and super hydrophobic lenses. The edger settings automatically adjust the chucking pressure and feeding speed when a specialty mode is selected. Though these cycles take a bit longer to complete, they are worth the wait, rewarding you with accurate axis alignment. If your chucking mechanism has bearings that need lubrication or replacement, these can cause axis problems, too. Bearings can go bad if they get wet and rusty. To avoid these problems, perform required maintenance on schedule. If the chucking pressure is set too high, bearings can get flat spots on them, which cause drag on the lens drive spindle of the edger. Again, check the pressure often. Use high-quality stiff blocking pads. Poorer quality blocking pads may allow the edger torque to twist them off-axis. Clean, oil-free lenses will help keep your work on-axis. However, I do apply an anti-slip spray very lightly when edging oleophobic anti-reflective lenses. I find that this helps the blocking body and pad stay better bonded to the lens, especially when using “Riki Pads” or some other type of anti-slip I.F.P (intermediary film pad). You may also choose to use the new blocking pads that have the anti-slip film already on them rather than adding an anti-slip pad to your favorite blocking pads. Check the marking device on your layout blocker and focimeter often for accuracy. A minor error here cannot be compensated elsewhere. Try this tip when checking for accuracy: Take a pair of inexpensive single-vision or spoiled lenses that have a fair amount of matching power and cylinder in them. Spot them up and lay them out for axis 180°. Mark over your dots with a fine-point permanent V I S I O N C A R E P RO D U C T N E WS . C O M
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marker, block them on center and edge them. Cut one right lens and one left lens of identical shape and size and hold them up back-to-back. Your dots should line up identically on both lenses if the lenses are on-axis. If they do not, then check your lensometer, blocker and edger for correct axis adjustment. Taking a few minutes to correct these problems will save hours of headaches in the future. 3. AVOID SCRATCHING LENSES DURING PROCESSING Before you do anything with the lenses you will process, check them for pre-existing scratches and flaws that will not cut out. The best way to do this is to clean the lenses and check them by holding them up in front of a bright light. Even minor scratches will be visible as you move the lens around. Most scratches occur in the finishing process when the lenses are being manipulated in a manual focimeter. To avoid this, start by making sure your focimeter has a clean and dust-free aperture and
ABO GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
Remember: there is no substitute for practice, practice and more practice to gain the skills technicians need to properly hand edge lenses. Practicing can be done on spoiled lenses. Never throw away any lenses that could be used for training purposes. If you need additional ones, ask your favorite lab for a few.
clamp. If your aperture does not have a protective coating where it touches the backside of the lens, add one. This can be done by dipping the tip of the aperture in a bit of latex caulk and letting it dry. Be sure to apply only a very thin film of coating because you do not want to change the vertex distance of your focimeter. Doing so will create power reading errors in high-powered lenses. You can also add this same coating to the lens clamp where it touches the lenses. When verifying lenses, be sure to release a little pressure off the lens clamp as you rotate and center them. Not doing so is a common cause of scratches. If it is within your budget to purchase one of the new autofocimenter/verifier/ blocker instruments, do so. They will help you avoid almost every layout error and scratch problem. These amazing instruments use touch-free verifying to eliminate clamps and apertures. After blocking lenses, protect the back surface with surface protector dots or surface protector tape. You probably won’t
Keep your tints coming out top quality by changing out lens dyes at regular intervals.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BPI
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ABO GENERAL KNOWLEDGE PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIOT
need to do this on every lens, but you may want to do it on anti-reflective lenses and other costly products. This will prevent your edger’s lens clamp from marring the lenses and protect them from scratches when pin beveling, grooving, drilling and edge polishing. Of course, you can avoid these scratch-vulnerable processes all together if your choice is to go with one of the new edging systems that do all of them in one machine. 4. CUT LENSES WITH SHALLOW “B” MEASUREMENTS Follow the recommended procedure noted in your owner’s manual for the proper settings for narrow “B” lenses. There will likely be a unique setting or procedure for dealing with these lenses in order to properly edge them and avoid damaging your equipment. This usually requires the use of a smaller lens chuck and “half-eye” blocks (oval-shaped instead of round). 5. DRILL SMART The accuracy of today’s computerized drills and drilling edgers is so amazing that few mistakes are made when lenses are drilled with these machines. Holes, 58 | VC P N D E C E M B E R 2 018
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slots and notches can be drilled to within hundredths of a millimeter in size and placement. These machines also properly angle the holes so that they are perfectly perpendicular to the front surface of the lenses (as they should be). If you can afford one of these machines, buy it. There is no substitute for a good, sharp bit that is specifically designed to drill plastic lenses with whatever drilling system you use. Keeping the heat caused from high-speed drilling at a minimum is also very important. A pulsating action on the drill head, along with a sharp bit, will provide good clean holes with no lens warpage or burning around them. 6. TINT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME There are some key factors in getting lens colors to come out right the first time. Use lenses that are the same brand with the same type of scratch-resistant coating for both eyes. Differing brands and coatings will tint differently. Keep the dye temperature as high as possible (around 200-205°F, depending on the altitude of your shop) without causing boil-over. This can be accomplished by constantly monitoring it manually or
by using one of the new high-tech units with individual digital heat control on each vat. Some new units also heat the dye with infrared light, which is excellent for keeping temperatures consistently hot. Continually stirring the dyes will not only keep them in suspension but will also reduce the hot spots in the vats that can cause splotchy, uneven colors on lenses. There are also new tinting units that stir the vats with built-in stirring mechanisms, eliminating the need to stir by hand. Try using filtered water to refill your dye vats as they evaporate. This eliminates much of the problem of gray and brown dyes turning red. Excessive minerals in tap water, as well as the added chlorine and fluoride, will spoil the true gray and brown colors rather quickly. These minerals will also cause a bakedon buildup in your dye vats over time. The most cost-efficient way to obtain filtered water is by installing a commercial-grade filter under your lab’s sink. Most home improvement stores have these filters, along with the necessary plumbing fixtures to install one yourself. Of course, you can always obtain filtered water at the local supermarket or drug store. V I S I O N C A R E P RO D U C T N E WS . C O M
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ABO GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
Take a few short minutes to pre-soak lenses in a heated vat of pre-tint solution prior to dyeing. This will save time in the long run, especially when dyeing darker shades. Pre-soaking de-ionizes, pre-heats and lowers the surface tension of the lens surfaces, helping the dye to penetrate quicker. When it comes to automatic gradient dippers, don’t go cheap. There are a number of excellent computer-controlled gradient dipping units that give streak-free dark gradient colors but cost a little more than the basic units. This extra cost will be returned in savings on labor . . . and frustration. Another way to keep your tints coming out top quality is by changing out lens dyes at regular intervals. Do the same thing with your heat transfer fluid, although it is arguably the most disliked task in the lab. Be sure that your fluid level is up to the correct level in the tank. This keeps the temperature more constant in the dye vats. 7. UPDATE YOUR EQUIPMENT While the up-front cost of a new multitasking edger may seem daunting, the cost savings can help to quickly counter the initial expense. New multitasking edgers can have built-in lens inspection and blocking. Their patternless tracing units help determine cut-out and proper bevel placement. Units with built-in groovers and drills perform these tasks far more accurately and without the risk of scratching lenses that exists when manually doing these jobs. Built-in pin beveling and edge polishing are also great options that are now available on these machines. Most office staff can be trained to run simple jobs on multitasking edger systems with just a few hours of the factory training that is included with the purchase of the machine. The savings in labor costs and lens spoilage is well worth the price of these machines. 8. REDUCE YOUR SPOILAGE THROUGH INCENTIVES In a little survey I did, I found the lens spoilage rate for most in-house shops to be about 7-12%. There are always unpredictable reasons why this happens, but these are few compared to human error. Make sure your lab personnel are well rested and focused on the task at hand. Distractions such as loud music and televisions in the same room can cause a V I S I O N C A R E P RO D U C T N E WS . C O M
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PHOTO COURTESY OF SANTINELLI
There is no substitute for a good, sharp bit that is specifically designed to drill plastic lenses number of problems—especially during the lens layout process—if people are not paying attention. You may wish to offer an incentive program where your lab techs are rewarded for keeping the rate or cost of lens spoilage below a certain number. The savings on labor and product cost should easily justify this type of bonus while it motivates your lab techs to be more accurate. 9. ROUTINE EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE IS ESSENTIAL A part of every lab tech’s daily routine should be to perform routine maintenance on the equipment. If the tech faithfully does this, the equipment will last long after it is paid off. New equipment that has broken down usually did so because it was being neglected. The number-one enemy to a high-tech machine is the grit and grime that comes from lens swarf. As lens dust and swarf will always be a part of the lens-edging process, you must keep your coolant
water changed often and clean out areas where swarf collects. Clean off old, dirty grease and oil that collect on moving parts and re-lubricate them as recommended with high-quality lubricants such as lithium grease and silicone spray lubricant. Use, but don’t overuse, the proper dressing sticks to clean and sharpen diamond wheels. Overuse can reduce the life of the diamond wheels, but under usage will result in lens slippage and poor-quality beveling. If your machine has a polish wheel that is not giving results, it too will need to be honed with the correct dressing stick to correct this problem. Be sure not to get the delicate computerized electronics wet while you are cleaning your machine. Dry, pressurized air or a good vacuum with a brush attachment is helpful for cleaning the electronic components. Cleaning these electronic components helps to keep them cooler during long periods of operation. Make sure that the power is turned off when these parts are being cleaned so that you do not damage them. Keep a maintenance log book to keep track of when major maintenance was last performed on each machine, and be sure to allow time during the day to perform these tasks. Get to know the mechanics of your equipment by studying the manuals D E C E M B E R 2 018 VC P N | 59
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ABO GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
You need to look at your lens inventory just as an equipment purchase. and other materials that came with it. However, do not hesitate to get advice from the equipment manufacturer if your machine needs repairs. Equipment companies have hotlines with designated people to help you perform troubleshooting tasks so that the proper replacement parts can be obtained and installed. 10. KNOW YOUR LIMITATIONS Remember that there is no law against cherry picking when it comes to choosing the jobs that your machinery and personnel are capable of performing. The simple single-vision stock lens jobs will be the ones that you will want to cut your teeth on as you are training new lab techs or learning new machinery. They are relatively inexpensive and will give your shop a good profit margin. Gradually advance into doing multifocals and progressives as your skills improve. Difficult and expensive jobs will be gladly accepted by the big laboratories where they have the equipment and skilled people to do them. It simply does not make good economic sense to take the risk of spoiling expensive lenses if there is such a risk. 11. OBTAIN A USEFUL LENS INVENTORY By purchasing a stock of your most used single-vision lenses, you can get a better volume price for these lenses, and you will have them on hand for those one-hour service jobs that will really impress your patients. To come up with an inventory that makes sense to you, look back two years at the single-vision lenses that were used most in your office, and combine this with an estimate of your future lens usage. Be sure that you get your lens stock from a supplier who can quickly deliver lenses to you that are either not in your inventory or have been used so that you can keep up your fast service. You may also wish to choose a supplier that will allow you to return unused or outdated product and exchange it for newer stock so you are not stuck with too 60 | VC P N D E C E M B E R 2 018
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PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIONAL.OPTRONICS
many lenses that you can’t sell. Of course, you need to look at your lens inventory just as an equipment purchase—it is an investment to provide your patients with fast, quality service even though you will never use up every lens. 12. COSMETIC INSPECTION Most picky patients will find the tiniest little imperfection even though you may have provided them with the most accurate Rx, optical center placement, segment height, bevel alignment and lens fit on their glasses. Well, learn to be just like them! When it comes to the cosmetic inspection of their eyeglasses, you should also be picky. There are several new lens-inspection stations available that aid with final inspections. These helpful devices usually involve the use of three different lenses:
one to inspect for aberrations and polarization, one to inspect for scratches and surface defects, and one to help you identify your progressive- or digital-lens type. The cost of one of these devices will pay for itself very quickly by avoiding embarrassing moments while dispensing. Make sure that you have cleaned off the whitish swarf strands that come from pin beveling polycarbonate and Trivex. If the patient ordered a high-gloss edge polish, make sure it looks like melting ice. Use lens edge color treatment pens to touch up the edges of polarized and tinted polycarbonate lenses. Make absolutely sure that tint colors match and do not have splotches or streaks. Be sure the color of the lens is an exact match to the color sample you showed them during selection. Gauge whether or not you made the lenses to their minimum thickness whenever possible. And last, but not least, use the proper lens-cleaning towels and solutions to prevent hairline scratches when you clean them. If you do these things, you will have a reputation for delivering quality, something that is lacking too often these days. There are few things in life that offer the satisfaction of accomplishing a challenging task. Creating great ophthalmic lenses with speed and accuracy ranks among them. You will enjoy seeing the smiles of your patients and knowing that you participated in creating a technological wonder that helps them to see more clearly. n Michael Frandsen is the owner of Quality Performance Ophthalmic, Inc., a custom service optical laboratory in South Jordan, UT.
This course is ONLY available for online testing. TO TAKE THE TEST ONLINE: Go to VisionCareProducts.com/Education 1. Log in under the black log-in bar. (NOTE: If you have not registered on our new sites since September 2017, use the “register” link to register for online education and record your user name and password for future access.) 2. Click on the course you would like to complete. 3. Review the course materials. 4. Take the test at the end of the course, submit your answers and your results will automatically appear on your screen! 5. All passing tests will automatically be submitted to ABO at the beginning of each month. You may print a copy of your certificate for your records. V I S I O N C A R E P RO D U C T N E WS . C O M
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New.
UNITY RELIEVE LENSES FROM VSP OPTICS Unity Relieve single vision lenses alleviate the effects of digital eye strain for patients who use digital devices more than two hours per day. Unity Relieve provide unrestricted distance vision with a slight power addition in the bottom of the lens to provide relief from symptoms such as dry eyes, blurred vision and headaches. Lenses come in two designs: Unity Relieve 50 for mild to moderate digital eye strain symptoms and Unity Relieve 70 for more severe symptoms. All lenses include TechShield Blue anti-reflective coating and are available in CR-39, polycarbonate, Trivex, and high index 1.60, 1.67 and 1.74. UnityLenses.com
WESTERN OPTICAL SUPPLY’S DIGIOMETER3 DIGITAL PUPILOMETER The Digiometer3 takes digital vertical pupillary height readings by measuring the distance between pupils and from the eyewire to the pupil. Reflection is bisected vertically or horizontally by utilizing a linear sensor and can also measure the distance from the cornea to the back side of the lens. The Digiometer3 also features a wide-angle LCD numeric readout that is easily visible and user-friendly functions to eliminate operate error and increase measuring accuracy, according to the company. 800.423.3294 WesternOptical.com
IMPROVED CAD-CON 1000 TREATMENT FROM PSI
ENCHROMA CX3 SUN SP LENSES Designed for “strong protans” (those who are most challenged by color blindness), Enchroma’s Cx3 Sun SP lenses deliver wearers a broader range of clear and vibrant colors. All styles of EnChroma glasses come in blue flash and can be made with Cx3 Sun SP lenses, including Cx3 Sun Outdoor and Cx1 Indoor lenses. 510.771.8914 EnChroma.com
V I S I O N C A R E P RO D U C T N E WS . C O M
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YOUNGER OPTICS’ NUPOLAR LENSES NOW IN MIRROR COATS
Used to treat alloy wastewater for safe disposal, Cad-Con 1000 has been reformulated with higher-grade, less-dense chemicals to give CadCon a “powder-like” texture that mixes better with wastewater, according to Practical Systems, Inc. (PSI). The new chemicals completely separate treated wastewater from sediment, leaving a clear effluent and distinct sediment layer in the bottom of a bucket or tank, which remains intact to eliminate the need to absorb residual water with either paper or other absorbents. Leftover sediment forms a wet paste that can be scraped and accumulated in a dedicated container. 800.237.8154 LookToPSI.com
NuPolar polarized lenses are now available in three mirror coats: silver, blue and gold mirrors. Mirror coating is applied to semi-finished lenses at the factory to expedite turnaround times. NuPolar Mirror lenses are currently available in digital PAL and SFSV hard resin. SFSV polycarbonate is expected to be available by the end of the year. 800.366.5367 YoungerOptics.com
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11/21/18 12:54 AM
20 Questions
WITH
CHRISTIAN SIRIANO
With designs appearing on the world’s biggest stars and most prestigious red carpets, Christian Siriano counts entertainment’s leading ladies as clients. Following the launch of his eponymous collection in 2008, the opening of his flagship store in 2012 in New York City and his induction into the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2013, Siriano more recently began designing eyewear, including as Transitions Optical ambassador and with the launch of the Christian Siriano x Transitions Collection. VCPN’s John Sailer met with Siriano to discuss eyewear design, fashion, where it is and where it’s headed. 1. During your first experience designing eyewear, what were the highs and lows, the unexpected pitfalls and unpredictable accomplishments? I was more focused on
making sure that the eyewear went with the clothes and the collections. Now, I design it based on what I think people would want to wear as opposed to making it make sense to the clothes. It’s grown into a bigger thing. I have eyewear at such different types of retailers now, which is fun to see. I still want it to make sense, but I also like it to have more range. I like that we can have something for a lot of different types of customers, a lot of different price points and a lot of different types of distribution. 2. Do you think in terms of who the end wearer is when you come up with a particular design? I definitely think about that a
little bit more. What is this person? What’s their life? What do they do? I’ll make up a story: She works here and does this. I make up little dream scenarios. 3. How does designing eyewear differ from designing clothing and other accessories?
It is different. When I’m doing clothes or designing a handbag, I start with a specific theme. When I dive into an eyewear idea, it’s not necessarily a theme. I start more with fabrications and colors. I’ve also learned how many options there are in eyewear, thousands upon thousands. You can choose a tortoise frame, but there are like 100,000 versions of that tortoise. I’ve also 62 | VC P N D E C E M B E R 2 018
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learned that the smallest detail can make the biggest difference. The logo, is it gold or silver? Is the screw in a certain spot? With clothes, you can hide some of those things. With a frame, you think about that more. For something that’s so simple, there really are so many options, which is why it’s an interesting industry. A lot goes into it. 4. Have you embraced eyewear as one of the accessories you design? Yeah. I’ve had
to wear glasses my whole life, so I’ve always been interested in it. I’ve always thought of it as a way to express myself, and I think people do now more than ever. As a kid, there just weren’t cool things in eyewear. Now, even if you don’t need glasses you wear them. 5. What trends are you observing right now in fashion overall and eyewear specifically?
This always comes and goes, but definitely the embrace of color and texture and print I think is more than ever. People are definitely going bold in their clothes and eyewear. We have all these amazing, cool colors to play with and mix and match. 6. Have you incorporated texture into your eyewear? A little bit, yeah. I did some really
cool frames in my last fall collection. They were all velvet, kind of like wearing a really beautiful frock. I like the idea of having some texture to them. 7. Where are you distributing your eyewear?
We have a lot of different retailers. A lot of
I learned that there are no rules, which is very important in fashion, especially when you’re creating something. You can make whatever you want as long as you figure out who your customer is. them are mass. We have products at Walmart and Sam’s, National Vision is a huge carrier, and then obviously in great independent stores everywhere. We have a pretty great business online too. 8. What was your first impression of eyewear overall as a business and as a fashion? It’s such an interesting industry. The
technology behind it has been really cool to see. Now that I’m working with Transitions I’ve learned so much that I didn’t know. It’s a lot broader than I thought. There are so many options and so many things you can do. As a designer, I’m always onto the next thing, and what’s nice is the whole eyewear industry is also always onto the next thing. They’re always looking for how they can improve people’s lifestyles. 9. You mentioned Transitions, you’re currently a Transitions Optical ambassador. What does that entail and what kind of impact is that having on your career and on your design? I’ve loved it. I didn’t know that I needed V I S I O N C A R E P RO D U C T N E WS . C O M
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20 Questions
WITH
CHRISTIAN SIRIANO
the option of the Transitions lens. My lifestyle is I work all day or I’m running around to fittings all day. I live in New York City, so for me it’s been very helpful that I wear one pair of frames and can live my life in them. I don’t have to switch to sunglasses. It’s a whole new world for me. I travel a lot, so I’ve noticed that they’ve made my life a little bit easier. I hope that people also feel inspired by what I’m doing. We’re trying to make something feel more fashionable and cool. I want people to feel great when they put on a frame. I want them to feel like they look good and feel confident. 10. There are a number of new Transitions colors available. Have you incorporated them into your design? Yeah, when we were
designing my Resort Collection. They have all these friendly, really beautiful pinks and this really beautiful purple, and I’m wearing the emerald green. It’s been nice to have something different to play with. It’s not just like the same old thing anymore. 11. When did you first know you wanted to be a fashion designer? I was pretty young,
eight or nine years old. My sister was a ballet dancer, so I was always really inspired by backstage, the costumes and hair and makeup. I liked this idea of transformation. People would be wearing something and then turn into something else. That was always inspiring to me. Then I just fell in love with the idea of making clothes and making people feel great in them. That was a really interesting concept that I could make a form of art and people then could go live their life in them.
a big step. People approach the creative process in a different way, a little bit more risk-taking. That culture was open to more things. When I was in school, I felt like I could be me. I could be as creative as I wanted. There were no boundaries, and there were a lot of different cultures. Being in Europe, there were people from all over the world. That was very inspiring to see people from all different countries and cultures. Going to school in London you’re really
I’ve had to wear glasses my whole life. I’ve always thought of it as a way to express myself, and I think people do now more than ever. As a kid, there just weren’t cool things in eyewear. Now, even if you don’t need glasses you wear them. thrown in the world of people. I definitely would be living and designing in any one of these cities, London, New York or Paris. My team’s in Paris right now for Fashion Week. 14. Now you’re based in New York, which is the world of people too. What brought you to Manhattan? It is the world of people too.
bridal I think because it was very fantasy. I loved this idea that it was the one day you could wear the most over-the-top thing. You can go all out.
New York is where you go if you want to follow your dreams. As a designer, the fashion industry is obviously there. Every major publication is there. Every major brand is basically functioning out of New York. The garment district is there. Yeah, that’s why I moved there.
13. You studied abroad at the American InterContinental University in London. What influence has that had on your career and your design? A lot. Living in London was
15. What about other influences; you interned with Alexander McQueen. What kind of impact did that have on your career and fashion design? McQueen is a very eccentric designer
12. Wedding gowns were first? I started in
inspired by anything. I learned that there are no rules, which is very important in fashion, especially when you’re creating something. You can make whatever you want as long as you figure out who your customer is. 16. Do you have any predictions for where fashion is headed? Who knows? Technology
is going to have a huge play in our world for sure. I don’t know what that will turn into clothing-wise, but I think definitely it’s a big part of people’s lives. You’re not only wearing it because it looks good, but you’re also wearing it because maybe it feels better. Cooling, heating, all those different things will affect the whole industry as it continues, for sure. 17. Broadly, what keeps you up at night?
Ideas keep me up every night. I always have ideas in the middle of the night. It’s so annoying but good because I definitely do not run out of ideas. I sketch a lot at night. 18. Then what gets you up in the morning?
The idea of creating something. I do get very excited to go to the office and make something because when you have a lot of ideas, you have to get them out or it makes you kind of crazy. 19. What would you be doing if you weren’t a fashion designer? I’d probably be an inte-
rior designer. I like creating. I like fabrications. I also worked in the beauty industry. I was a makeup artist for a while. I liked that, so something still creative. 20. What’s next for Christian Siriano? Who
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knows? So many things. We are just growing and building. I think what’s next is just making sure that our customers always have something new and exciting to buy or to be a part of. n V I S I O N C A R E P RO D U C T N E WS . C O M
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Your Donations at
Photo Credit Brien Holden Vision Institute
Work
Your donations will help support more programs like the first ever School of Optometry in Haiti. After almost 5 years in planning, the school has welcomed 17 new students to the Bachelor of Vision Science program. Pierre Christopher (pictured) was delighted to commence his 5-year degree on November 6th. The creation of locally trained optometrists will be a huge benefit for the 70% of the population who currently have little or no access to eye care services. Within 10 years, there will be at least 80 new locally educated eye care professionals who will be providing eye care to more than 360,000 Haitians per year. A regular donation to Optometry Giving Sight will help transform even more lives.
To learn more or to donate today please visit: givingsight.org or call 1-888- 647-4483
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