‘Reading Glasses’
New Eyeglasses Licensing Agreements
May 27th, 2011 | Author: Eyeglasses.com Blog
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.
Posted in Designer Eyeglasses, In Fashion, Mens Eyeglasses, Reading Glasses | 
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Third Annual Transitions Eyewear Event
May 23rd, 2011 | Author: Eyeglasses.com Blog
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.
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.
Posted in Eye Health, Mens Eyeglasses, Reading Glasses |
Tags: buy eyeglasses online, buy glasses online, buy sunglasses online, designer eyeglasses online, designer eyewear online, designer sunglasses online, discount eyeglasses online, discount glasses online, discount sunglasses online, eyeglass frames online, eyeglasses online, glasses online, online eyeglasses, online glasses, online sunglasses, sunglass frames online, sunglasses online |
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New Survey On Lenses
October 16th, 2010 | Author: Eyeglasses.com Blog
L&T’s 2010 Premium Lens Study of Eyecare Practitioners is a qualitative survey that provides fresh feedback from eyecare practitioners about sales of the spectacle lens designs, materials and treatments they prescribe and dispense. By analyzing the results of this important new study, which polled 237 independent optical retailers across the country, we learn which products they think are hot and which ones are not compared with last year. Use this field data to benchmark lens sales in your dispensary.
(Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing at 20/20 Lenses & Technology. By Andrew Karp.)
TOTAL SALES
Compared to three years ago, 49 percent of retailers said that in 2009, spectacle lenses and treatments made up a larger percentage of their location’s total gross dollar sales. This is down from 57 percent in 2008. There was an increase in the number of retailers who said spectacle lenses and treatments made up a smaller percentage compared to three years ago, going from 21 percent in 2008 to 27 percent in 2009. Thirty eight percent said Rx sun lenses as a percentage of total dollar sales increased over three years ago.
LENS PACKAGES
Fifty one percent of retailers say that they do use lens-only package pricing. The average price of this lens-only package is $279.84.
Compared to three years ago, 49 percent of retailers said that in 2009, spectacle lenses and treatments made up a larger percentage of their location’s total gross dollar sales. This is down from 57 percent in 2008. There was an increase in the number of retailers who said spectacle lenses and treatments made up a smaller percentage compared to three years ago, going from 21 percent in 2008 to 27 percent in 2009. Thirty eight percent said Rx sun lenses as a percentage of total dollar sales increased over three years ago.
LENS PACKAGES
Fifty one percent of retailers say that they do use lens-only package pricing. The average price of this lens-only package is $279.84.
LENS SALES
When asked to rank lens design by popularity, standard or aspheric single vision was top ranked by 48 percent of retailers. Standard progressives and customized or personalized progressives were each top ranked by 20 percent. Fifty three percent of retailers said short corridor lenses made up a moderate percent (11 percent to 49 percent) of their total progressive lens pair sales. More than half (57 percent) of retailers said that customized or personalized progressives lenses made up a greater proportion of their total lens sales in 2009 than they had in 2008.
Comparatively, 41 percent said standard progressive sales had increased over the last year, while 55 percent said sales of bifocals and trifocals had decreased as a percentage of total lens sales over the last year. Forty four percent of retailers said brand name is very important to them regarding their decision as to which lenses to carry. Also, 84 percent of retailers said quality is extremely important to them regarding their decision as to which lenses to carry.
Ninety six percent of retailers said quality is very or extremely important to their patients regarding their decision as to which lenses to purchase. Forty five percent of retailers said price is extremely important to their patients in regard to their decision as to which lenses to purchase.
PROGRESSIVES
Fifty four percent of retailers agree with the statement, “I promote the use of progressive lenses to all my presbyopic patients, including those who currently wear bifocals or trifocals.”
When asked about familiarity regarding new progressive lens technologies, 89 percent of respondents were aware of the terms “freeform” and “customized.” Eighty four percent were aware of the term “personalized”, and only 57 percent were aware of the term “contrast enhancing.”
Seventy eight percent of respondents said they are very or extremely satisfied with the personalized progressive lenses they dispense.
COMPUTER/OFFICE LENSES
Computer/variable focus lens sales have stayed about level, with 49 percent of retailers saying that their sales in this area have remained unchanged. Most retailers surveyed (66 percent) say that computer/office lenses make up an insignificant percentage (10 percent or less) of their total lens pair sales.
LENS MATERIALS
When asked to rank lens material by popularity, standard plastic was top ranked by 43 percent of retailers. Polycarbonate was ranked number one by 33 percent. Glass was ranked least popular by most retailers (68 percent).
Forty two percent of retailers said their 2009 polycarbonate lens sales increased as a proportion of total lens pair sales compared to 2008. Forty four percent said that their sales of super hi-index lenses had grown since 2008, and 41 percent said Trivex sales had increased over the last year. Fifty one percent said their mid-index lens sales had stayed flat. Glass was the worst performer, with 50 percent saying that glass made up a smaller proportion of their total lens sales in 2009 than in 2008.
HIGH-INDEX LENSES
When asked to rank high-index lenses based on popularity, 57 percent ranked 1.67 as most popular and 32 percent ranked 1.60 as most popular. Comparatively, 1.74 was ranked least popular by 53 percent of retailers.
Methodology
This
sample was derived from the proprietary Jobson Optical Research
database. This survey was conducted by Jobson Optical Research's
in-house research staff. Data collection was conducted in February
2010.
Only the responses of independent optical retailers who dispense premium lenses are included in the report.
The sample consists of 237 independent optical retailers. All
participants were recruited by email and the questionnaire was
completed via the Internet. Three years of data is provided where
possible.
—Jennifer Zupnick
Senior Research Analyst
Jobson Optical Research
2010 Premium Lens Marketpulse Survey
LENS TREATMENTS
An impressive 76 percent of retailers surveyed said that they had experienced an increase in AR lens sales as a proportion of total lens sales in 2009 versus 2008. 59 percent saw an increase in polarized lenses and 59 percent saw and increase in photochromic sales over the same period.
For 49 percent of retailers surveyed, tinted lens sales stayed about the same versus the year before. Seventy one percent of retailers said they offer two different price points for AR lenses—one being standard, the other being premium.
IMPACT OF REFRACTIVE SURGERY
Thirty eight percent of retailers agree that due to the increase in patients having refractive surgery sales of reading glasses have increased, while 22 percent say specifically high-powered lens sales have decreased.
READING GLASSES
For some retailers (54 percent), reading glass unit sales stayed about the same in 2009 compared to 2008. 30 percent of respondents experienced an increase in readers sales over this time period. Among those who sell readers, 25 percent said that their OTC/ready-made readers sales had increased in 2009. Custom-made readers sales were flat for half (47 percent) of respondents at locations that sell readers.
Seiko Announcing Winners
October 8th, 2010 | Author: Eyeglasses.com Blog
Seiko Optical Products announced the winners of
the 2010 Free-Form Stimulus Promotion. The promotion, in partnership
with Seiko’s authorized independent laboratory network, ended in June.
It featured a Grand Prize Hawaii Vacation package worth $5000, a
flat-screen television, and a $500 gift card. Scratch-off cards offerd
additional cash prizes and the chance to win Seiko Watches.
(Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing at 20/20 Lenses & Technology. By Andrew Karp)
The grand prize winner of the Hawaii vacation is Kevork Tinkjian,
from Custom Eyes in Cambridge, Mass. (US Optical). The second prize
winner of a flat-screen TV is Cindy Biancamano, from Optics Unlimited
in Groton, Conn. (Luzerne Optical). The third prize winner of a $500
gift card goes to Cody Freeman at Lovejoy Opticians in Portland, Ore.
(Laramy-K).
Museum of Vision Launches Interactive Web Site—
The Museum of Vision,
an educational program of the Foundation of the American Academy of
Ophthalmology (FAAO) is marking its 30th anniversary by launching a
interactive Web site, www.museum ofvision.org. The new site includes the following features:
Younger Optics and Transitions Optical
have teamed up to create the “More Choices” brochure, a new training
and sales tool that introduces the concept of essential everyday and
sunwear lenses as part of a patient’s total vision solution. This book
can be used to help ECPs and their patients better understand that
everyday lenses and sun wear lenses are complementary, not competing
products.
The booklet compares and contrasts two essential everyday lenses
(Transitions and Transitions XTRActive) with two essential sunwear
lenses (Drivewear Transitions SolFX and NuPolar Polarized). The reader
can find more information on each product via easy-access tabs that
explain who the product is for, why a patient would want this product,
what it looks like when a patient looks through the lenses and what the
patient looks like while wearing the lenses.
The “More Choices” brochure is also helpful in getting patients to
understand the differences between products often perceived as similar,
and in initiating dialogue to find which lenses are right for them,
according to Younger Optics.
The “More Choices” brochures are available now at no charge through
Younger Optics lens consultants, or by contacting Younger Optics at
marketing@youngeroptics.com. The brochure is currently available in
English, and a Spanish version is coming soon, Younger said.
The Museum of Vision,
an educational program of the Foundation of the American Academy of
Ophthalmology (FAAO) is marking its 30th anniversary by launching a
interactive Web site, www.museum ofvision.org. The new site includes the following features:
- �
- Eyes Examined—A look at early American ophthalmology with 19th Century case studies
Spectacular Spectacles—A review of the history of eye glasses and vision aids with examples from the collection.
Eyes of War—World War II from the point of view of ophthalmologists who participated in different aspects of the war.
To Fool the Eye—Insight into some of the false cures and fake medical claims that have surrounded American medicine, and
Windows to the Soul—An examination of the ancient legends and folklore surrounding eyes and sight.
Timeline of historical events in ophthalmology
This feature, predominately displayed on the home page, includes links
to six separate timelines: glaucoma, cataract, retina, refraction and
refractive surgery, general ophthalmology and one large comprehensive
timeline that combine the other five.
Collection & Archives
Use the online search to peruse the entire Museum collection,
including the AAO Archive, for a specific topic of interest. This
feature includes keyword and date searches, advanced searches on all
fields, and a community forum area where users can sign in to leave
comments.
Research & Resources
This aspect of the new site contains information for teachers and
downloadable curriculum guides. It also houses information on artifact
identification, performing historical research, photographic services
and information about image rights and reproduction.
Exhibitions
The new Museum web site is now able to feature all of its exhibits, past and present including:
Biographies & Oral Histories
This section is made up of short biographical sketches and links to
excerpts from the oral history program. This section also features the
Legacy Project, a collaboration to identify families with multiple
generations of ophthalmologists.
Younger Optics and Transitions Optical
have teamed up to create the “More Choices” brochure, a new training
and sales tool that introduces the concept of essential everyday and
sunwear lenses as part of a patient’s total vision solution. This book
can be used to help ECPs and their patients better understand that
everyday lenses and sun wear lenses are complementary, not competing
products.
The booklet compares and contrasts two essential everyday lenses
(Transitions and Transitions XTRActive) with two essential sunwear
lenses (Drivewear Transitions SolFX and NuPolar Polarized). The reader
can find more information on each product via easy-access tabs that
explain who the product is for, why a patient would want this product,
what it looks like when a patient looks through the lenses and what the
patient looks like while wearing the lenses.
The “More Choices” brochure is also helpful in getting patients to
understand the differences between products often perceived as similar,
and in initiating dialogue to find which lenses are right for them,
according to Younger Optics.
The “More Choices” brochures are available now at no charge through
Younger Optics lens consultants, or by contacting Younger Optics at
marketing@youngeroptics.com. The brochure is currently available in
English, and a Spanish version is coming soon, Younger said.
Purchasing Rx Eyewear Online
August 16th, 2010 | Author: Eyeglasses.com Blog
Back
in eighth grade, my English teacher introduced us to foreign words and
phrases that are part of our lexicon. In one of our first lessons, we
learned the Latin expression, caveat emptor—let the buyer beware.
This ancient admonition comes to mind as I think about the growing
number of consumers who are purchasing prescription eyewear online.
These eyeglass wearers are seeking out “e-tailers” offering convenience,
a vast product selection and, often, low prices.
(Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing at 20/20 Lenses & Technology. By Andrew Karp)
There’s nothing wrong with selling prescription eyewear online, as
long as the seller informs the buyer that there is a difference between
buying from a virtual dispensary and buying from a real one. The
difference, of course, is that the real dispensary offers the services
of a dispenser. Online consumers are sacrificing the skill and knowledge
involved in expertly selecting and properly fitting eyeglasses that
only an experienced dispenser can offer. It’s a paradox that the
state-of-the-art in e-tailing eliminates the dispenser at a time when
the state-of-the-art in ophthalmic lens technology calls for dispensers
to be more involved in selecting lenses and fitting eyewear. That’s why
ECPs who operate virtual dispensaries should encourage online customers
to visit their dispenser to be properly measured and fit for their new
eyewear.
Ultimately, consumers want choices. Some will be happy buying Rx eyewear online. But others, in their quest for
convenience, will end up with badly fitting, uncomfortable,
under-performing eyewear. Before Rx eyewear shoppers click the
“purchase” button on the screen of their computer or mobile device, we
need to advise them, “caveat emptor.”
Anthony Reynolds Wearing Eyeglasses
June 1st, 2010 | Author: Eyeglasses.com Blog
In a perfect popular music world Anthony Reynolds
would be this generation’s Scott Walker or David Bowie or Bryan Ferry.
But then again, in a perfect world Reynolds might have nothing to sing
about. Like vintage port, Reynold’s first group effort Jack delivered a
precious sip of music in the mid-’90s fermented in varied degrees of
divine angst and pain. Since then he’s been dabbling in everything from
poetry to biography (his latest book “Impossible Dream” fills in the
blanks for any questions raised as to the brilliance of The Walker
Brothers) and extensive interview documentation of England’s greatest
Outsider Colin Wilson. And currently his music might best be sampled on
British Ballads, Reynolds’s most recent solo CD. Songs such as “I Know
You Know” and “Song of Leaving” should be such popular playlist fodder
by now. These melancholic anthems speak and seek to a quest that seems
so lost in music today. It is suggested you sing this ballad’s praise.
Seek it out and while you are at it visit him at anthonyreynolds.net.
His muse and music can seem dense, but his accessibility and sometimes
volatile vulnerability is refreshing. And perhaps most important for
this particular exposure, his taste in eyewear—here Lafont—is impeccable.
—Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing.
New Stepper Solid Gold Collection
April 27th, 2010 | Author: Eyeglasses.com Blog
Walman
Optical adds the Stepper Solid Gold Collection to its Hans Stepper
Eyewear line. This newly launched luxury collection, custom made in
Germany of 18-karat solid gold accented with diamonds and other
precious stones, lets ECPs take their business to a higher level of
luxury, according to the company. Solid gold in various colors is used
throughout the frames with the exception of the hinges and screws,
which are made of stainless steel, and the nosepads and temple tips,
constructed of natural buffalo horn.
PHILOSOPHY: Always a believer in frames as a work
of art, Hans Stepper and his company have remained true to handcrafted
eyewear. “There are two important components in eyewear—the frame,
which has to fit, but also has to carry the lenses—and it has to carry
them in the right way so there is no distortion. You also have to
ensure the frames do not bend or slip. A combination of these factors
is an art. And this is the art of eyewear,” says Hans Stepper, optician
and designer.
MARKETING: Merchandising materials include
displays, velvet presentation mat, three pairs of white gloves and
signage indicating authorized dealership. Each frame comes in a
presentation box with a leather case, cleaning cloth, lifetime warranty
and authentication certificate showing serial number, total weight and
gold content, color details and description and verification of stones.
PRICE POINT: $$$$$. For additional information, contact Walman Optical, (612) 520-6104; website:
www.walman.com
TIP:
Hans Stepper began his career as an optician, but always harbored a
desire to design eyewear. In the 1960s, he received an invitation from
Instrumentarium, a prominent group of retail shops in Finland to design
and construct eyewear of precious metal and stones for its wealthy
clients.
�
—Article reprinted from 20/20 Magazine with permission from Jobson Pubishing. |
The Best of Sunglasses Today
April 16th, 2010 | Author: Eyeglasses.com Blog
Enduring Look» Carrera Endurance shades from Sàfilo as seen in Rihanna’s (1) video “Rude Boy”…
Speedster» The U.S.’s most decorated winter Olympian, short track speed skater Apolo Ohno (2) sports Nike Impel EV0480 from Marchon…
S in DVF» One of the stars of the hot CW drama “Gossip Girl,” Blake Lively (3), who plays Serena van der Woodsen, in Diane von Furstenberg DVF518S from Marchon…
Hurts So Good» Actor Jeremy Renner (4) in Calvin Klein
7739, from Marchon. Renner was nominated for an Academy Award for his
role in the film “The Hurt Locker,” which won the Oscar for Best
Picture…
Spotted» “Gossip Girl” hotty Penn Badgley (5) wears JOE Joseph Abboud JOE 512 from Altair…
Fast Women» Wearing styles from Kaenon Polarized are skier Julia Mancuso (6), who took home two silver medals from the Vancouver Winter Olympics, in Pino and NASCAR driver Danica Patrick (7) in Burnet…
Starting a Revolution» Wearing sunwear from Revolution Eyewear are: Kara DiGuardio (8) of “American Idol” in Ed Hardy EHS022; reality TV star Kim Kardashian (9) in Ed Hardy EHS002; and former heavy weight boxing champ Mike Tyson (10) in Ed Hardy EHS011…
Twilight Time» Actress Anna Kendrick (11),
best known for her role in “Twilight” and most recently seen in the
George Clooney film “Up in the Air,” wears Diane von Furstenberg
DVF518S from Marchon…
Golden Girl» Sandra Bullock (12),
who took home the Academy Award for Best Leading Actress last month for
her role in “The Blind Side, in Diane von Furstenberg DVF5001 from
Marchon…
Keeps Ticking» Pop star Ke$ha (13), whose number-one single “Tik Tok” broke the record for highest weekly plays, in Diane von Furstenberg DVF101S from Marchon…
Class Act» Actor Leonardo DiCaprio (14), most recently seen in Martin Scorsese’s “Shutter Island,” wears Modo Federico sunglasses. �
�
-Article reprinted from 20/20 Magazine with permission from Jobson Pubishing.
