Eyeglasses.com Blog

‘Mens Eyeglasses’

(Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing at 20/20 Lenses & Technology.)

Lollapalooza, a music festival held in Chicago’s Grant Park, is famous for the diverse mix of prominent and emerging bands and artists gracing its stage each year. This year’s lineup included Eminem, Foo Fighters, Coldplay and My Morning Jacket. Ogi Eyewear had the right idea teaming up with Chicago sunwear store, Lumier, to bring some of the hottest trends in sunwear to the world’s leading musos. Following their performances, many artists headed over to the backstage boutique, where Ogi showed off styles from Ogi Eyewear and Seraphin. “Ogi, I’d love that.” All wishes granted.

FERRAGAMO AND MARCHON IN LICENSING AGREEMENT Salvatore Ferragamo SpA, holding company of the Ferragamo Group, one of the leading players in the global luxury sector, has signed a licensing agreement with Marchon Group to design, promote and distribute worldwide sunglasses and ophthalmic frames for both men and women. The Salvatore Ferragamo eyewear collection will debut at retail January 2012 and will be sold in Ferragamo shops, department and specialty stores, and select optical shops worldwide. (Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing at 20/20 Lenses & Technology. By Gloria Nicola) V.P.I. DISTRIBUTES LAURA BIAGIOTTI EYEWEAR V.P.I. Canada Limited has been appointed exclusive North American distributor for Italian-made Laura Biagiotti Sunglasses. Consisting of 15   styles for women of all  ages, the collection features colored enamels with Swarovksi stone accents. SMILEN SIGNS WITH U.S. ARMY Smilen Eyewear has signed a trademark licensing agreement with the U.S. Army, via the Beanstalk Group, to produce eyewear, sport frames and ready-made readers using the U.S. Army trademark(s). Distribution will be throughout the United States, its territories and possessions, and Canada. Proceeds from sales of U.S. Army licensed products provide support to the U.S. Army licensing program, and by federal law, all net revenue must be devoted to U.S. Army morale, welfare and recreation programs. POLAROID LAUNCHES ECO-FRIENDLY SUNGLASSES As part of the company’s commitment to the environment, innovation and technology, Polaroid Eyewear is an official sponsor and sunglass supplier to PlanetSolar, a boat that set a goal of sailing around the world using only solar power. Along the way, it offers educational exhibitions on exploring better ways to protect our planet. In conjunction with this project, Polaroid has developed special edition PlanetSolar sunglasses. The frames are made primarily from eco-polymers derived from castor oil plants; the lenses are Polaroid’s latest UltraSight gray mirror lenses made of polymers derived from cotton and wood-based celluloses created FERRAGAMO AND MARCHON IN LICENSING AGREEMENTby using the company’s proprietary Thermofusion production technology.

SEIKO DISTRIBUTING MINIMA Seiko Optical Products of America has signed a licensing agreement with Linas, France-based Minima to be the exclusive distributor for Minima eyewear in the United States. Minima is a specialist in beta titanium rimless frames. The initial collection is composed of six adult styles and one junior frame, each with multiple colors. More than 70 eye shapes are available. (Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing at 20/20 Lenses & Technology. By Gloria Nicola.) DE RIGO SIGNS WITH CAROLINA HERRERA De Rigo Vision S.p.A and Carolina Herrera, a worldwide leader in the luxury fashion industry, have signed a licensing agreement for the design, production and worldwide distribution of Carolina Herrera New York and CH Carolina Herrera branded eyewear and sunglass collections. MARCHON 3D AND YOUNGER COLLABORATE Marchon3D has announced its joint collaboration with Younger Optics to develop and offer prescription 3D lenses. Complementing Marchon3D’s patented M3D lens technology, Younger will utilize proprietary technology to manufacture semi-finished prescription circular polarized 3D lens blanks for both single vision and progressive lens wearers. REACT LLC IN AGREEMENT WITH EYEKING LLC React LLC has signed its first technology license with Eyeking LLC, licensee of Under Armour Performance Eyewear. Eyeking will market and sell sunglasses made with patented Switch magnetic interchange lens technology in the U.S. and Canada. The first Under Armour magnetic interchange sunglass styles will be available for the 2012 season in general sport, sport specialty, golf, team sport and Under Armour retail outlets. OCEAN OPTICAL’S EXCLUSIVE WITH JOHN LENNON EYEWEAR Victory Optical Collection has appointed Leesburg, Fla.-based Ocean Optical as the exclusive U.S. distributor for the John Lennon Eyewear Collection. BAUSCH + LOMB TO SELL KERASOFT CONTACT LENSES Bausch + Lomb announces a global licensing agreement with U.K.-based UltraVision CLPL to market and sell its new KeraSoft soft contact lenses. KerasSoft’s patented technology allows for custom-made contact lenses for irregular corneas and keratoconus.

The third annual Transitions Championship, a PGA Tour event, was held from March 17-20 at the Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club in Palm Harbor, Fla., representing the largest consumer education event in the optical industry. Through on-site activities and national and local media coverage, Transitions Optical and its partners encouraged millions of consumers to think about their eyes and take steps to protect and enhance their vision for the future. (Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing at 20/20 Lenses & Technology) Throughout the week, the Healthy Sight Village, located behind the 18th green on the course, served as a central hub for eye health information and fun activities for the entire family. At the center of the Healthy Sight Village was the new Think About Your Eyes Pavilion, which was created in support of Transitions Optical’s partnership with the Foundation for Eye Health Awareness and its “Think About Your Eyes” campaign. Activities during the Transitions Championship week were made possible through the support of several partners. Putting makeovers were given in the Competitive Advantage tent sponsored by Nike, Transitions Optical and VSP Vision Care. Spectators also had the opportunity to demo Callaway’s new Razr Hawk driver and Neox Transitions SolFX sun lenses in the Callaway Experience tent. Oakley Transitions SolFX sunwear and clothing were displayed in the Oakley Rolling O Lab throughout the week. Other partners and organizations featured in the Healthy Sight Village included the American Optometric Association, BayCare Health Systems, Bess the Book Bus, Carl Zeiss Vision, Essilor, Foundation for Eye Health Awareness, Innisbrook, LensCrafters, OneSight, Optos and VisionWorks. With the support of the Essilor Vision Foundation, Transitions Optical hosted nearly 2,000 students from the Tampa Bay, Fla. area during two Youth Wellness Days. Students received free vision screenings by volunteers from Transitions Optical and its partners, and also participated in a variety of hands-on activities, including an Improve Your Vision, Improve Your Game swing clinic. An all-star field of players competed in the 2011 Transitions Championship. Gary Woodland, pictured here with Dave Cole, chief operating officer, Transitions Optical, was crowned the third-annual Transitions Championship winner. VISION-EASE LENS OFFERS RETAILERS AN ‘ENDLESS SUMMER’ THROUGH NEW PROMO To celebrate summer, sunshine and retailers, Vision-Ease Lens(VEL) announces its “Endless Summer” promotion, offering a chance to earn raffle tickets for a grand prize dream vacation drawing by selling Coppertone and SunRx polarized lenses. Retailers may earn three raffle tickets for each pair of Coppertone lenses sold, and one raffle ticket for each pair of SunRx lenses sold from April 1 through July 31, 2011. At the end of the promotion, VEL will inform each registered retailer how many raffle tickets they qualify for. Retailers will then assign individual dispenser names to entries and return to VEL. The grand prize, a dream vacation with a destination of the winner’s choosing, and hundreds of other prizes including backpacks, t-shirts and more, will be drawn three to five weeks after the promotion ends.

(Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing at 20/20 Lenses & Technology. By Jaclyn Stewart) Photographs by DEBBIE MEISENZAHL

Customer service is a lost art,” says Mark Zeitlin, owner of Zeitlin Optik, a high-end optical boutique in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. In a world where often times customers feel more like nuisances or dollar signs to sales representatives than people, one must admit that Zeitlin’s observation is right on the money. “That’s why I don’t allow cell phones on the sales floor. And no one here ever turns their back on a customer for any reason. It’s just rude and I don’t think a lot of people realize it.” Within minutes of speaking with Zeitlin, it’s clear his old school approach to customer service is what led his business to become not only a successful retail endeavor, but also a staple in the Midtown East neighborhood of New York all of which is exactly what Zeitlin set out to do when he opened over 23 years ago.

DYNAMIC DISPENSING

WHO Zeitlin Optik
ESTABLISHED 1989
LOCATION 40 East 52nd St.
New York, NY
Number of locations 1
Number of employees 4
20/20 take Superlative service and precision prescriptions

Zeitlin’s client base is a true mosaic—from lawyers and business people to celebrities and heads of state, including the King of Morocco. They come from all over the world or from across the street. And if his clients can’t come to him, Zeitlin will go to them. He has been known to make house calls for his elderly patients who are no longer as mobile as they used to be or for celebrities or politicians who may be unable to be seen openly in public. But, however extensive and varied his client base may be, there are two very important qualities that define a Zeitlin Optik customer: 1. An appreciation for a finely crafted, handmade pair of glasses with an impeccable fit and 2. a sense of humor. “If you’re going to be a client here, you have to put up with my bad jokes,” Zeitlin says with a smile.

These days, Zeitlin has a lot to smile about. Recently, he was struck with a severe illness, but says his relationship with his clients, their care and compassion brought him back to good health. While he was ill, Zeitlin continued to work and he firmly believes that if he had stayed away from his store and his beloved clients, he may not have been with us today. While he was ill, his clients visited constantly to see how he was holding up. There were candles lit for him in the Catholic churches and prayers being said in synagogues and mosques. People dropped off care packages regularly or would quickly peek in to see if he needed anything. In fact, while we chatted, a regular client stopped by to drop off a card. “You know I’m so happy to see you,” she said lovingly as she slipped out the door.

His close relationships with his clients, many of whom become dear friends, sometimes transcend beyond the workplace. While battling his illness, in and out of the hospital, Zeitlin’s loyal friend and client, famed crime writer Dominick Dunne, would call Zeitlin with the inside scoop on Hollywood crime stories. These calls helped take Zeitlin’s mind off his illness and the two grew ever closer through the experience. In a sad turn of events, as Zeitlin steadily improved, Dunne fell ill with a similar condition, and unfortunately, lost his battle only a few days prior to our meeting. He spoke of Dunne with great respect and affection and it was apparent that Dunne’s friendship had a deep impact on Zeitlin’s recovery.

It is this mutual care and concern that has enabled his business to prosper. He has never set out to make a one time sale. His goal has and always will be to establish long term relationships simply by treating people the way he would want to be treated. For this reason, every detail of a client’s experience at Zeitlin Optik is crucial to Zeitlin. Each and every pair of lenses are precisely measured and produced on site. Each staff member uses the same measuring process in order to ensure consistency. Zeitlin insists that all his staff members take the extra time to do each and every measurement correctly. As a result, his success rate on progressive lenses is, he says, basically 100 percent and has never had a non-adapt for as long as he can remember. Zeitlin Optik offers a luxurious, modern and well-edited collection of frames featuring styles from Gold & Wood, S.A.L.T. and Sama. Zeitlin and his staff also create custom frames for some of his clients.

Zeitlin’s devotion to his craft and his customers has now been handed down to the next generation. His daughter recently made the decision to join her father’s side in business and carry on the Zeitlin Optik tradition of excellence. Zeitlin is excited that his daughter will share the same joys he’s experienced throughout his time at Zeitlin Optik.

With a grin stretching nearly from ear to ear, Zeitlin reflected on his time at his shop: “I’ve been very blessed. Life has led me to this and I couldn’t think of a better life. This is paradise.” 

Precision San Diego Launches Web Presence
During a presentation at the San Diego Optometric Society Mark Becker, president and CEO of Precision San Diego, launched the laboratory’s new website, www.popsandiego.com.

“We wanted our site to do several things, going beyond providing important information to our customers,” said Becker. “We also intend the site to draw browser interest and provide a way to steer shoppers to our independent eye care professionals.” To do this, the Precision site attracts consumer readers not only by offering information on eyecare products, but also by highlighting key San Diego attractions. Shoppers can then find eye care practitioners and optical shops listed by their area. (Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing at 20/20 Lenses & Technology. By Andrew Karp.)

Precision worked with a local graphic design company, Stegen Designs, to develop the site, using eye catching graphics and local photography. “More people are turning to the Internet for shopping and research and while content is important, the visuals that accompany it need to be impactful to best convey the message quickly and keep the viewer interested,” points out Michael Stegen. “The Precision site hits a fine balance of material and imagery.”

“Eye care professionals are rapidly learning the importance of utilizing new on-line marketing formats,” Becker concludes, “We felt that anything we could do to help them in their efforts would benefit us all.”

Guitar Aficionado Picks Transitions SolFx
Guitar Aficionado magazine’s spring issue featured Transitions Optical’s line of Transitions SolFx sunwear. Drivewear Transitions SolFx sunwear was highlighted in a “Driving Accessories” section of the magazine. To celebrate the issue, the magazine held a launch party May 1 at the Sunset Marquis Hotel in West Hollywood, California where samples of Transitions SolFx adaptive sun lenses in various designer frames were showcased, and the new 2011 Jaguar XJ was unveiled.

“Guitar Aficionado magazine and this event were a perfect vehicle to showcase the versatility of Transitions eyewear and lens products,” said Grady Lenski, global director, Transitions sunwear. “Whether you’re driving, playing golf or cycling, riding a motorcycle, or just simply enjoying some time outside, Transitions SolFx sun lenses will enhance visual performance as the light changes.”

During the launch event, executives from the entertainment, music and automotive industries tried on different combinations of frames and Transitions SolFx lenses to discover the performance lenses that fit their lifestyle and personal style. Servers and bartenders also modeled various styles of Transitions SolFx sunwear throughout the night. Guests were offered SolFx swag (pictured above) and other goodies.    

Marchon Eyewear launches the Lacoste Eyewear Collection. Included are 49 ophthalmic frames and 36 sunglasses, each piece reminiscent of the long established Lacoste brand. Inspired by the Lacoste design legacy, the frames and sunglasses include vibrant color blocking, striping and piping, the brand’s signature pique texture and the ever recognizable croc logo. Precise style, which maintains an effortless fluidity and chic elegance, is translated to the eyewear. High-tech, functional details, such as interchangeable temples and temples with magnetic tips that extend to form a combination headband and neckband further enhance the collection. (Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing at 20/20 Lenses & Technology.) 
PHILOSOPHY:
“The entirely new Lacoste Eyewear Collection is a fresh perspective on sunwear and ophthalmics, offering new technology, functionality, design techniques and an exciting experience for consumers,” says Christophe Chenut, CEO of Lacoste S.A.

MARKETING:
Merchandising materials include one- and four-place displays, a12-place, open countertop display, window materials, color story display, posters, double-sided banner, mirror, pique logo cube and croc window clings in two sizes.

PRICE POINT:
$$ to $$$. For additional information, contact Marchon Eyewear, (800) 645-1300; web site: www.marchon.com

INSIGHT
Founded in 1933 by legendary tennis player Rene Lacoste with Andre Gillier, the owner and president of the largest French knitwear manufacturing firm at the time, Lacoste is an apparel company that sells high-end clothing, footwear, perfume, leather goods, watches, eyewear and most famously tennis shirts. In recent years, Lacoste has introduced a home line of sheets and towels. The company can be recognized by its green crocodile logo, a reference to the nickname “The Crocodile” given to Rene Lacoste by the U.S. press.   

Gotti Switzerland Eyewear consists of ophthalmic frames and sunglasses made of the finest materials: three-dimensional, processed titanium, specially manufactured acetate and genuine buffalo horn. The entire collection is produced by specialists in their respective fields of expertise: titanium frames are made in Japan and the acetates are manufactured in Germany. The finishing touches of every pair of Gotti frames are done by hand. A ceramic coating is applied to the titanium styles and the acetates are hand polished. Gotti Eyewear is conceived and designed, from the beginning, to be the consumer’s favorite glasses. The colors and shapes complement each other and make every look in the mirror more pleasant than the last, the company says. PHILOSOPHY: “Since our company began, our philosophy has remained consistent. We create eyewear that is simple and elegant and made of the highest quality materials,” says Sven Gotti, Gotti Switzerland, founder, owner and designer. “Our eyewear is reduced to the essential, enhanced with harmonious shapes and comes alive with a consistent signature. These eyeglasses are intended more as jewelry than as an accessory. They are valuable and enduring objects that make the wearer look and feel great.” MARKETING: Marketing materials include frame and logo displays, posters, several different postcards with cube holders, small branded gymnastic balls, newsletter and look book. PRICE POINT: $$$$$. For additional information, see the web site: www.gotti.ch INSIGHT Based in Wadenswil, near Zurich, and founded in 1993 by Sven Gotti, a master optician, Gotti Switzerland releases a new eyewear collection every six months. Products are sold in nearly 40 countries. Gotti also manufactures a fragrance.�

Strip Search: Temples to excess... Huge expanses of artificial shade with sounds of money being won and (mostly) lost. Yup. That’s Vegas. And without much tinkering that’s sunwear in Las Vegas as well. So 20/20 is ever grateful our star StreetSeen photographer Christie Walker takes some time out from her Expo Convention Center gig to snap fun worshippers as they squint worshipping the sun. Come on... Do the logo-motion with her.  

Prada (Link: Prada Eyewear) launched its new Swing Sunglasses Collection with an intimate jazz concert at legendary New York club Joe’s Pub. This collection features sophisticated silhouettes crafted to echo the sensual aesthetics and modern femininity of the Autumn/Winter 2010 Prada clothing line. The Swing Sunglasses are ripe with inspiration drawn from smoky 1950s shapes and the subtle minimalistic aesthetic of Prada’s 1990s fashions. Get ready to swing into style with Prada.

(Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing at 20/20 Lenses & Technology. By Patrisha Zabrycki)