Eyeglasses.com Blog

‘Sunglasses’

Two optical companies, Augen Optics and Adlens were recently honored by Index: Design to Improve Life, the Danish nonprofit organization. Augen’s innovative eyewear, pictured here, was developed for a nonprofit children’s program in Mexico by Augen and fuseproject, a product design firm in San Francisco. It won the largest and most prestigious product design award, the international Index: Award, on Sept. 1 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The Index: Award is conferred for design that vastly improves the lives of people all over the world. (Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing at 20/20 Lenses & Technology. By Andrew Karp.) Index received nearly 1,000 design nominations from 78 countries for the 2011 competition. The award panel chose 60 design finalists, from which the five top winners were selected. The eyeglasses developed by Augen Optics and fuseproject for the Ver Bien Para Aprender Mejor program—or See Better to Learn Better—won the top award in the Body category, which recognizes significant enhancements to the physical challenges of daily living. The durable split-construction eyeglass frames, called Vigeo, were developed in conjunction with Yves Béhar of fuseproject and are specifically designed for students ages six to 18 years old. Additionally, Adlens and Vision for a Nation won a place in the Index: Awards global exhibition tour which will visit 12 countries around the world and be exhibited in prestigious public spaces. The exhibition materials will be available to schools globally, as part of Index’s commitment to educating the world’s children about the benefits of design to improve life. GUNNAR OPTIKS TEAMS WITH LG ELECTRONICS TO CO-PROMOTE 3D EYEWEAR Gunnar Optiks has formed an alliance with LG Electronics to co-promote Gunnar’s premium 3D eyewear to consumers who have purchased LG Cinema 3D HDTVs. The cooperation represents the first time that optical equipment used by professionals in the entertainment industry will be available to consumers for use with 3D TVs, according to Gunnar Optiks. Joint promotional initiatives, primarily encompassing digital marketing elements, will be executed in the U.S. to position Gunnar’s 3D eyewear as a premium accessory for LG Cinema 3D customers. Originally introduced in January 2010, Gunnar’s 3D lens is RealD-certified for use in theaters. “Achieving the highest laboratory-tested light transmission and highest measured optical resolution, our 3D eyewear has provided both professionals and consumers an optimal visual experience in theaters,” says Rob Aarnes, president at Gunnar Optiks. “Together with LG’s experience in 3D TV technology, this unique combination of innovation is now available in the home for consumers around the globe. We’re pleased to align our efforts to reinforce our belief that the future of 3D lies with LG’s passive Cinema 3D technology.”

(Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing at 20/20 Lenses & Technology. By James J. Spina.) Sun Seeking Missives: There is definitely something right about the sun AND the sunwear in San Diego. Those bright orb worshippers wear all the right styles, all the perfect brands. And everything seems to fit perfectly. Well... ALMOST everything. Something went a bit too fashion “forward” for our pal here in the Ray-Bans but maybe it was just his sideburns making his specs take a step too far.

(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.

SunScreams: Return with 20/20 for a second shine in Hawaii where it must be noted that sunwear is NO substitute for... proper SUN screening. And sport sunglasses continue providing minimal statements on maximal faces. When in doubt go for a simple aviator or even better, a sleek pilot frame. Also noted: the Gracious-Kelly is great with bangs and the Ray-Ban Wayfarer with complete class. (Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing at 20/20 Lenses & Technology. By James J. Spina.)

There’s nowhere to hide from the sun in the desert... which makes it the perfect destination for a high fashion photo shoot featuring the latest trends in sunwear. For the second time, Marchon Eyewear collaborated with Vogue Italia to create “Desert Sun,” a special editorial spread showcasing the latest designer eyewear from Marchon. Franca Sozzani, editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia, directed each photograph in the presentation. Acclaimed for her artistic direction, Sozzani paired sunglass styles from Fendi, Emilio Pucci, Jil Sander, Diane von Furstenberg, Karl Lagerfeld, Lacoste, Michael Kors, Nike and ck3D with each brand’s signature styling. (Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing at 20/20 Lenses & Technology. By Christine Yeh.) Shot on location in scenic and increasingly trendy Palm Desert, Calif., the spread is a fashion feast for the eyes—and it’s no mirage. The jet-set styling and lush imagery conjured by the desert backdrop leave us thirsting to be in the sun. Strand us any day in this desert… just give us stunning sunwear to shield us from the desert sun and admiring stares.

Under a worldwide agreement between Altair and bebe Stores, Inc., a leading specialty store retailer, Altair Eyewear launches its bebe sunwear collection consisting of 14 styles. The collection infuses iconic bebe embellishments, stylish hardware and chic motifs to complete the look of the bebe woman, whether sensual, sophisticated or subtle. Shapes range from modified square and oversized round designs to a classic double-bar aviator. Highlights consist of bold chain detailing on the temples, colorful bow accents, Austrian crystals, logo treatments, floating lenses and rich colorations. The sunglasses are Rxable. Together with its ophthalmic collection bebe was just voted as best “launch” in the EyeVote Readers’ Choice Awards. (Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing at 20/20 Lenses & Technology.) PHILOSOPHY: “bebe’s unique styling and details are attracting new customers and opening doors to new opportunities,” says Steve Wright, Altair president. “We’re excited about the additional distribution channels the bebe brand brings to us.” INSIGHT bebe is an American clothing retailer founded in 1976 by Manny Mashouf. The name bebe was inspired by the phrase “to be or not to be” from Hamlet. Mashouf’s goal with the bebe brand was to offer stylish women distinctive and inspirational apparel and accessories bearing an unmistakable hint of sensuality. The products are marketed under the bebe, BEBE SPORT, bbsp, 2b bebe and PH8 brand names.

Despite continued uncertainty about the economy and the resulting consumer reluctance to buy, the findings of 20/20’s 2010 Sunwear Survey of Independents conducted in November 2010 point toward some warming trends. In fact, 67 percent of survey participants report their Rx sun business is on the rise, up from the 59 percent who cited an increase in 2009. However, respondents to the current survey expect sunwear products to account for only 8 percent of gross retail dollar sales in 2010—the same percentage reported in 2009. What’s especially significant is the average price of a complete pair of Rx sunwear per patient (including frame and lenses, but excluding the exam) was $324 in 2010, comparable to the $327 cited for a complete pair of eyeglasses. (Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing at 20/20 Lenses & Technology. By Gloria Nicola) Indeed the vast majority of Rx sunglasses (nearly 79 percent) dispensed by the surveyed independents in the past year retailed on average for more than $200 and nearly 22 percent sold for an average in excess of $400. THE SUNNY SIDE Clearly there’s still sizzle in the sunglass business, which is reflected in a variety of statistics. Consumers appear to be more knowledgeable about sunwear products than they were in the past with 62 percent of the respondents saying their customers/patients are better informed about sunwear products than they were five years ago. The advantage of better educated customers is they are often willing to purchase premium products that have increased functional benefits. For example, premium lens materials are increasingly contributing significantly to the bottom line. Findings for the 2010 survey indicate polycarbonate and standard (CR39) plastic lenses account for nearly equal shares of Rx sun sales (polycarbonate comprises 40 percent of Rx sun lenses dispensed by survey participants and plastic, for 41 percent). High-index plastic represents an additional 15 percent. Five years ago, in 2006, standard plastic was the clear winner, accounting for 54 percent of Rx sun lens sales and polycarbonate, only 32 percent. With plano sunwear sales, too, polycarbonate lenses continue to make gains, comprising 42 percent of plano lenses dispensed in 2010, up from 35 percent in 2006. Customized Rx sun lens programs also contribute positively to market share. Of those surveyed, 47 percent say they participate in prescription programs offered by name-brand sunwear/sport glasses companies. These programs duplicate proprietary performance-oriented features in prescription lenses. The performance factor brings up another aspect that has been beneficial to the sun business. The past several years have witnessed a definite merging between fashion-oriented and sport-oriented sunglasses. Fashion sunglasses, although designed for street and urban wear, often are available with a variety of performance features including polarization and grippable, rubberized bridges and temple tips. And manufacturers are dressing up sport glasses with hot colors and contemporary shapes without sacrificing performance. In fact, half of the survey respondents feel the lines between fashion and sport sunwear are blurring; 57 percent believe this is helping the sales of Rx and plano sunglasses. Only 7 percent feel the merging is hurting their sunwear sales. Actually the blending of the two categories should be beneficial to both sunglass and sport glasses sales. Those individuals—frequently women reluctant to wear sport glasses because in the past they often seemed bulky and unattractive—now have many fashionable options available. Performance features, on the other hand, appeal to those who may not be athletes, but think of themselves as having an active lifestyle. Still another factor pointing toward positive news for the sunglass business is, on the average, participants say Rx sunglasses accounted for the majority (57 percent) of total retail sunwear only dollar sales in 2010, significant because Rx product commands the highest price points in the sunwear category. Also those polled report 43 percent of their patients requested the plano sunwear they purchased be fitted with Rx sun lenses. Additionally, although respondents say they dispensed clip-ons with only 14 percent of the Rx eyeglasses sold in 2010, representing 16 percent of retail sunwear dollars, clips-ons do contribute to the bottom line, selling for an average of $78. Further, on the plus side, survey participants seem well aware of the positive qualities differentiating them from other sunwear channels of distribution. Of the respondents, 44 percent cited superior service as the number-one attribute setting them apart from the competition; followed by frame and lens knowledge, indicated by 28 percent; and customization capabilities, 21 percent. COOL PATCHES Despite warming trends in the sun business, cool patches exist and aren’t necessarily the result of a weakened economy. ECPs need to continue reinforcing the fact that everyone needs sun protection every day of the year. According to those surveyed, the largest percentage of their Rx sunwear customers  (32 percent) were adults between the ages of 35 and 44, followed by mature adults 45 to 54 (29 percent). Seniors (55 and older) and young adults (16 to 34) each represented 17 percent of the total. Children under 16 accounted for only 4 percent of all Rx sunwear customers. As for the gender buying more Rx sunwear, women were cited as the winners by 54 percent of the respondents. Only 16 percent say men bought more sunwear and 30 percent report equal sun sales from both sexes. In regard to selling sun year-round—although the sun knows no season—the majority of respondents characterize sunglass sales as high only during July and August (61 percent) and May and June (55 percent) and tumbling for the rest of the year with only 3 to 14 percent of respondents reporting high sun sales in the other months. Another area in which optical is falling far short of its potential is in dispensing sunglasses to contact-lens wearers. Just over half of the retailers surveyed (51 percent) claim they always recommend their contact-lens patients buy sunglasses and 5 percent never suggest sunwear to these customers. Even more disturbing, only 12 percent say their patients make a sunwear purchase at the time they are fitted for new contact lenses even though they will need sunglasses the moment they step outside. Clearly optical has a rightful and respected place in the sun. The challenge—and the opportunity—are yours. But you need to be diligent in getting your message out there loud and clear: Everyone needs sun protection everyday, everywhere. Until this message is delivered 100 percent of the time to 100 percent of your patients, sunwear sales are not going to reach their full potential.

Younger Optics and Transitions Optical recently wrapped up a cross-country tour consisting of two new seminars for eyecare professionals. The 12-city tour, titled “Eyewear Essentials,” kicked off October 12 in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. and concluded November 18 in Tampa, Fla. The first seminar, “Eyewear Essentials: More Choices,” provided ECPs with information on patient expectations and emerging trends. Attendees were introduced to a simple way to meet all of a patient’s visual needs through two pairs of essential eyewear. The second seminar, “Make Sunwear Important with a New to the World Sunlens: NuPolar Trilogy—Visual Armor,” introduced ECPs to an advanced new lens product and learn how to increase their practice or store’s income by making sunwear a more important part of their business. (Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing at 20/20 Lenses & Technology. By Andrew Karp) Attendees received two ABO education credits, as well as professional vouchers to try Transitions XTRActive and NuPolar Trilogy lenses for free. At each event, ECPs had a chance to win a popular prize, such as an Amazon Kindle, no purchase necessary. At the Utica, Mich. seminar on November 3, Gayanna Gonzalez, Baldwin Eye Care in Lake Orion, Mich., was presented with a Kindle by Herb Fletcher, regional lens consultant for Younger Optics, and Erin Zonta, NuPolar marketing manager for Younger Optics.

Scandinavian Eyewear reintroduces its Birka line to the U.S. Market. Included are 25 new styles for men and women, each offered in one size and two colors. The focus is on clean, wearable shapes accented with textured and patterned temples in contrasting shades and such design details as open outer eye rims. Frames are made of titanium, stainless steel and acetate. Colors range from rich shades of blacks and browns to reds and purples in matte and shiny finishes, often paired with silver or gold temples. Many styles are suitable for progressive lenses.

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

PHILOSOPHY:

“The collection, which is VSP approved, is perfect for current economic conditions, catering to a younger, price-conscious consumer base,” says Nils Fredriksson, Scandinavian Eyewear sales manager North America.

INSIGHT

Scandinavian Eyewear is a Swedish company that has been making eyewear since 1948. With its classic Skaga brand, the company has made its mark on Scandinavian eyewear, offering simple, but elegant design solutions with an emphasis on quality, function and attention to detail.

In 1880, in the heart of France’s Jura region, Jules Morel created his first eyewear line. Now the Marius Morel 1880 collection has been reworked and is reintroducing the elegance of those first designs. Twenty-six styles are currently available, redefining the concept of modern retro chic. Included are acetates, metals and acetate/metal combinations in such shapes as pantos, cat eyes, butterflies, clubmen, rectangles and ovals. Some designs are rimless. Colors consist of tortoise, amber, black/crystal, purple/brown and brushed steel. (Article reprinted with permission from Jobson Publishing at 20/20 Lenses & Technology.)

PHILOSOPHY:

“Faithful to the spirit of the 1880 Collection, the new releases offer ECPs the opportunity to rediscover the elegance of those very first designs: authentic products subtly modernized through the interplay of size and detail and, of course, the use of today’s technologies,” says Amelie Morel-Martin. INSIGHT Four generations of the Morel family have followed in the footsteps of Jules Morel, evolving and managing both technological and creative changes. In 1993, the company founded its U.S. branch and experienced new international growth. In 1997, Morel created its first brand, Öga, a refined line with Scandinavian design inspiration. Today, the fourth generation of Morels—Jérome, Francis and Amélie—manage the company.