Author Archives: Envision Magazine

Nikon Presents Two New Products

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Nikon Presents Two New Products

Nikon Optical Canada launches the Nikon Lite DAS, the first lens of its kind inCanada. This digital double aspheric single vision lens delivers an ultra-thin design and improved optical performance, using Nikon Digital Surfacing™ technology.

The Nikon Lite DAS is the thinnest lens available, with thickness reduced by up to 14% compared to a conventional lens. Furthermore, the double aspheric design controls the aberrations generated towards the periphery of the lens, achieving a natural and clear vision.

The ultimate in thin sophistication, Nikon Lite DAS is available in indices 1.60, 1.67 and 1.74, stock and surfaced from total sphere +10.00D to -12.00D, cylinder -4.00D. The lens is available in Nikon coating SeeCoat Plus and, for surfaced lenses only, in SeeCoat Blue, ICE and HCC coatings.

Nikon has also developed a new generation of their Online lenses, the Online Wide. The latest design for extended near distance with superior optical quality for up-close materials and digital device-related tasks.

As compared to the conventional Online design, Nikon Online Wide now offers an improved visual experience by utilizing state-of-the-art Nikon Digital Surfacing technology, offering a new degression option of 2.5D and is available in index 1.74. Online Wide greatly reduces peripheral distortion by 40%, and at the same time increases the clear near vision zone by 35%, for a sharper and wider vision for up-close materials such as a newspaper or a large computer screen.

Online Wide is ideal for anyone who works at arm’s length (i.e. electricians, plumbers, etc.), often reads up-close materials, works with computers for long hours, uses large computer screens, experiences eye fatigue from desk work, needs a more comfortable posture at the computer, wants unrestricted reading vision, an upgrade from reading glasses or an additional pair to complement their progressive lenses.

Online Wide is available with all degressions in indices 1.50, 1.60, 1.67 and 1.74, from total sphere +7.00D to -8.00D, cylinder -6.00D. The lens is available with Nikon coatings SeeCoat Blue, SeeCoat Plus, ICE and HCC.

Myoptix Unveils Life Italia Autumn 2012 Collection

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Myoptix Unveils Life Italia Autumn 2012 Collection

Boutique wholesaler Myoptix introduces 18 new Life Italia and Life design models this month, complimenting their over 70 models already available inCanada. The new models continue to surprise consumers with “stunning” colours and textures. From classic to vintage, Life offers very competitively-priced frames for men, women and teens including a sunglasses Rx-ready range.

“Myoptix is Canada’s only inexpensive boutique wholesaler, offering cutting edge looks at desirable price points, thus allowing its retailers a competitive advantage,” says Myoptix PresidentMarc Todes.

Crystalcolours and rich blends continue to set this brand apart using the latest technology, TR-90 and multiple coloured cellulose acetate. Leopard skin blends, forest green shades with electric turquoise will illuminate your boards and give them some energy to ride out the winter months.

25 Years of Handmade Danish-designed Eyewear

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25 Years of Handmade Danish-designed Eyewear

The dream of creating high quality eyewear at a reasonable price has been at the core of the creation of the Inface company for its founder, Hans Laursen, and today, after 25 years as a design business, Inface is an important eyewear supplier and partner for optical stores across the whole ofEurope,Canada and other countries.

“We are marking our Jubilee with various events throughout the coming year. In October at Silmo inPariswe’ve launched two special Jubilee design series, and will present another series at theMunichexhibition in January 2013,” explains Thomas Laursen. “We have events planned for every month this year to celebrate our birthday together with our customers.”

Hans Laursen opened his first store in the centre of Vejle, Danemark, in the 1970s. His retail concept grew steadily and quickly developed into 13 smart and popular stores around the country. After 23 years in retail, Hans Laursen sold his business so he could start a new one.

Established in 1987, today Inface is a family-owned business, consisting of Hans Laursen, his daughter Mette Laursen and his son Thomas Laursen; three enthusiasts with a passion for design and functionality. The entire design process at Inface is developed in close cooperation with Hans Laursen and Mette Laursen, who both have a special love of design and colour schemes.

New Additions to Jungle Animals Line

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New Additions to Jungle Animals Line

Bo Optik adds several new models to their Jungle Animals collection, like Viper and Beetle for boys, Butterfly, Cincilla and Monarch for girls.

“We used the customer’s feedback and modified the models to better suit children’s faces. Collaborating with our customers directly in the development of frames is one of the new approaches we have taken in designing our models. We want to continue making glasses that kids love to wear, and dispensers need,” says one of the product development members.

These new additions to the Jungle Animals collection are just some of the many new models recently added. Notably, the Oryx was launched earlier this year, had amazing sell through, and continues to sell tremendously well with its soccer-themed style for boys.

Also noteworthy is the Peacock model with its brilliant colours for girls, making it one of the top sellers of the year and the recipient of rave reviews from customers.

Your Money or Your Health: Senator Leads Fight Against Cosmetic Contact Lenses

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By Evra Taylor

What do you do when consumer convenience and best health practices collide? You turn to the government for guidance and legislation. But what if “the” government turns out to be “many” governments? This is the situation in Canada, where many health issues are provincially, rather than federally, regulated, obviating a uniform, harmonized healthcare landscape.

Charlottetown, PEI Senator Percy Downe is a leading voice in the fight against the sale of cosmetic contact lenses in Canada; his views are consistent with those who protest the Internet sale of prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses. Those who share this viewpoint claim that the outcome of such sales is bad for consumers and often results in harmful ocular effects and injury.

Senator Downe is an advocate for Bill C-313, which would amend the Food and Drugs Act regarding cosmetic (non-corrective) contact lenses. The bill would ensure that Health Canada approves the product and that the proper medical device and establishment licences are in place before these products are manufactured and distributed to retailers. This would make them subject to the requirements of the Food and Drugs Act in the same way as corrective contact lenses.

However, having a licence has nothing to do with preventing harmful effects: while cosmetic lenses do not pose a problem in terms of being manufactured to the wrong prescription (which is an issue with online eyeglass and prescription lenses), the fact that they interact with the eyes creates significant potential problems for both wear and care. Optometrists point out that what is missing from these “self-serve” lenses is their input in sizing and lens care.

“Eyeballs come in different shapes and sizes; lenses have varying curvatures,” says Dr. Sheldon Salaba, president of the Ontario Association of Optometrists. “If contact lenses don’t fit properly and don’t move correctly, the cornea will swell and weaken.” From red eyes to blindness, “a whole host of complications can develop,” he adds.

What if you go the “lowest-price-on-the-shelf, no-name brand” route? If the lenses are from an unknown supplier, you could be headed for disaster. In that case, the risk of serious ocular problems like corneal scarring and blindness is 12 times greater than for those who buy from a known supplier, says Dana Cooper, director of governmental relations and public policy at the Canadian Association of Optometrists.

Health Canada Class II devices require the manufacturer’s declaration of device safety and effectiveness. However, because cosmetic lenses are not listed as Class II medical devices under the Food and Drugs Act, they are not subject to regulation by Health Canada. Sudbury, ON Member of Parliament Glen Thibeault, along with other consumer advocates, has described the lack of regulation in this area as, “a gap in consumer protection.”

“Health was mainly a provincial responsibility under the constitution when Canada was formed in 1867,” said Senator Downe. “Nobody foresaw sales of online items. I spoke on this issue in the Senate in the context of a proposal to ban “party contact lenses,” the coloured and designed contacts that are available at any party store or discount store.

“The internet is useful for buying everything from lawnmowers to automobiles, but when you’re dealing with health products, you need to ensure that the drive for savings is not offset by an increased possible health risk. In this case, we require national regulations to protect Canadians from businesses that were set up in a third-world nation, for all we know – and advertise online with a fancy web site – and you don’t know where they are, what the products are made of or what (level of) safety is involved.”

The consensus among Bill C-313 supporters is that the drive by certain contact lens companies to provide products that circumvent the scrutiny of professional bodies is motivated by profit. For his part, Senator Downe and like-minded individuals are committed to pushing for federal legislation that would help protect the eye health of all Canadians.

Ray-Ban On the Faces of History

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By Paddy Kamen

The word ‘iconic’ is tossed around very carelessly these days. But no brand of sunglass can lay claim to iconic status like Ray-Ban, creator of the indispensible Aviator sunglass. Now a fabulous 75 years old, Ray-Ban is celebrating its milestone birthday by releasing two limited edition anniversary styles, along with a very special limited edition book.

This handsome volume features photos of musicians, actors, artists and heroes from every decade since the 1930s. Ray-Ban Legends: Untold Stories complements those photos with illuminating essays by high-profile influencers, editors, writers, musicians and filmmakers. Iggy Pop, for example, writes about a 1979 photograph of Keith Richards and Ron Wood:

“And you notice, Keith is the one who gets to wear the Ray-Ban sunglasses! In a way, those shades are like the Learjet: an absolutely beautiful piece of equipment. So lightweight, so well-designed. I’ve worn mine in the jungle and I’ve worn them in the desert. Any other “designer” glasses quickly fall apart – the arm comes off them, or whatever. When I turned “pro” in 1966 and joined my first band – I was 18, 19 years old – inMichigan, a group called The Prime Movers, I was required to wear a pair of Ray-Ban shades to look the part. I was in the band on one condition: I got a pair of those glasses for myself.”

Lisa Burnback writes of President John F. Kennedy: “The point is that he was one of the youngest men, and arguably the most attractive, to occupy the Oval Office, and he wore Ray-Ban Wayfarers. He was frequently photographed wearing them, and hence these sunglasses have become part of the apotheosis of JFK, part of the packaging of what became closest to American royalty.”

Undoubtedly, all culture-watchers will find this a compelling collection. But just try getting your hands on one! As part of the Ray-Ban 75th anniversary campaign, the books will be distributed to VIP clients. Good luck!

Obtaining a pair of one of only 7,500 sets of the Ray-Ban Aviator Folding Ultra special edition sunglass may be just as challenging. Luxury knows no bounds with these frames, dipped in 22 carats of white or yellow gold. This is the first folding model in the Ray-Ban Aviator family, with a unique structure that folds at the temple earpieces, along the temples and at the bridge. The temple earpieces and case are bound in genuine leather to commemorate the exclusivity of this release.

Another anniversary special release is the Ray-Ban Ambermatic 2012 Limited Edition, a collection of four Aviator-style sunglasses reinterpreted with a famous lens colour from the brand archives. Ambermatic is a special yellow photochromic lens that is responsive to temperature conditions. It transforms from yellow to brown, blocking glare while highlighting shapes, even in the snow. The Ambermatic lens comes in four shapes: Ray-Ban Classic Aviator, Ray-Ban Classic Aviator with curved temple tips, Ray-Ban Shooter and Ray-Ban Outdoorsman.

The Ambermatic collection has selective distribution of 16,000 worldwide.

Luxottica Group, owner of the Ray-Ban brand, has done a stellar job of celebrating Ray-Ban’s 75th anniversary. The campaign, Never Hide, was awarded two Gold Lion awards at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in June 2012.

Envision: seeing beyond magazine congratulates the creative team behind this celebratory, historic campaign!

Photochromics: Still Changing

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By Brian P. Dunleavy

Trisha Beal, O.D., started wearing photochromics when she was eight years old and she remains a big believer in the product today.

“As an optometrist, I started wearing and recommending [photochromics] in 1996,” says Dr. Beal, adding that her young children now wear them as well. “My husband and I agree that for activities such as travelling, golfing, and day-to-day activities that involve varied and changing light conditions, it is extremely convenient to have lenses that automatically respond to our needs.”

Dr. Beal’s personal history with the product may be unusual, but her support of it as an eyecare professional is not. Photochromic lenses are arguably the optical industry’s best-known spectacle lens product, thanks in large part to the consumer advertising efforts of Transitions Optical, the category’s leading manufacturer (in terms of sales). The lenses have been lauded for their eye health benefits (they are effective at protecting the eyes from harmful UV light) and convenience (clear indoors and dark outdoors), but they are not without their detractors. In the past, the category – particularly its plastic product lines – was plagued with questions about darkening performance and lens durability.

“If you don’t educate patients properly about how photochromic lenses are designed to perform – they do not replace sunwear – you are not selling them honestly,” notes Trina Menoria, optician and owner of Artsee Eyewear in Victoria. Traditionally, it should be noted, manufacturers such as Transitions have marketed photochromics as an “everyday” lens and not as a sunlens. Other vendors in the category include Rodenstock (with its ColorMatic IQ photochromic lens line) and Corning (with SunSensors+ in plastic and Photogray and Photobrown in glass).

However, improvements in photochromic technology have rendered many of these performance issues a thing of the distant past – and thus expanded the potential wearer population of the category significantly. According to Dr. Beal, a partner at Brant/Paris Family Eye Care, a two-location practice in southern Ontario, nearly half of the patients visiting her practice are fitted with photochromics, including children. In fact, in 2011, Dr. Beal was recognized for her work in fitting photochromics on younger patients when she received Transitions’ “Eyecare Professional of the Year” award for Canada.

But increased sales aren’t the only change for changing lenses. Rodenstock, for example, continues to improve the “speed” of its ColorMatic IQ photochromic line, which it claims is already the fastest in the industry in terms of response to changing light conditions. At the company’s new web site (launched last spring) – called “House of Better Vision” – patients and eyecare professionals can see the product’s performance for themselves. Rodenstock’s ColorMatic IQ line is available in a wide array of lens designs and materials, in both progressive and single-vision.

And Transitions has introduced a new performance sunwear line, which features photochromic lenses that effectively change from “dark to darker”, depending on UV light exposure. Many manufacturers, including Essilor, Nikon and Carl Zeiss Vision, market a full array of single-vision and progressive plastic lenses using Transitions “everyday lens” technology.

“There are so many possible solutions for patients – from the convenience factors of photochromic lenses to superior light management control,” notes Dr. Beal. “The lenses adapt well to many lifestyles and activities. Although we don’t believe in blanket ‘one-size-fits-all’ solutions, most often, for those who require prescription lenses, we find ourselves recommending [photochromics].”

And that’s quite a change for the lenses that change.

MIDO Meets Envision: A Story of Leadership

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By Paddy Kamen

While attending Silmo 2012 in October, Envision: seeing beyond  magazine publisher Martine Breton met with Cirillo Marcolin, president of MIDO and ANFAO (the Italian Association of Optical Goods Manufacturers).  Mr. Marcolin graciously answered the magazine’s questions:

E:SB: Can you tell us about your experience of joint presidency of MIDO and ANFAO?

CM: I first held those joint positions from July 2003. I was young at the time and I dedicated a lot of time to doing my best for the association and the industry. Then I decided to let others take more responsibility, while I still remained active in the industry.

But last year I was again asked to take on both roles. The combination of the two offices is part of a strategic plan aimed at creating greater synergy in the sector.

E:SB: How does an optical trade show keep satisfying exhibitors and attendees in this period of economic downturn?

CM: In the last three to four years, we’ve seen quite a difficult situation for the various shows around the world. Companies who exhibit need results or they will cut their participation. So we have to satisfy them and follow the market. We achieved this by moving the location of the show several years ago and have since added new services and events. We’re now working hard to prepare our next show for March 2013.

E:SB:  What are three key strengths of MIDO?

CM: 1. Italian companies are the most important players in the global eyewear industry.

2.Italyis the hub of fashion and MIDO is strengthened by being a part of the fashion trends.

3. MIDO presents not only eyewear collections but also cases, accessories, machinery and lenses. In this way, we satisfy all visitors to the show and differentiate ourselves.

E:SB:  Why should North Americans travel to MIDO in March 2013?

CM: While North Americans have excellent trade shows, MIDO is more international. We have over 1,000 exhibitors, two-thirds of whom are not fromItaly.Canada is an important market for us, and ANFAO has been bringing our leading companies toCanada to show their products. We want more Canadians to come to MIDO, where they can see the best of Italian eyewear and optical technology as well as that of many other countries.

E:SB:  Are the Italians and the French at war in the optical trade show community? If so, who is winning at the moment?

CM: Every show is doing its best to meet the needs of the market. The story is that MIDO is leading and hopefully we can keep improving. There is a lot of mutual respect. The market is global and we are not working against others.

Powerful, Innovative, Effective: Briot/WECO and Visionix Team Up for Mastery

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By Paddy Kamen

 

Matt Cevasco

Briot/WECO Canada is stronger than ever and President and General Manager Matt Cevasco is on the job – with an exciting new company to boot!

Canadian eyecare and lab professionals are no doubt familiar with Briot/WECO Canada. You may not be up-to-date, however, with developments in the company over the last few years. It’s a story of mergers, acquisitions and sound fundamentals that lead to superior products. Everyone benefits with the new synergies inherent in this dynamic international company and its leading-edge technologies and equipment.

Matt Cevasco sat down with Paddy Kamen, the editor-in-chief of Envision: seeing beyond, for an interview in September. He shared the story of Marc Abitbol, who has established an incredibly strong presence in the global medical manufacturing and technology sector.

Marc Abitbol, Ph.D., is the founder of Visionix, a company that develops, manufactures and sells wavefront-based technology. “In 2003, Visionix acquired Luneau, the leading French manufacturer of medical devices. Luneau has been in business since 1928 and is known for strong research and development and continuous improvement in products and services, including Visionix ophthalmic diagnosis systems based on wavefront technology,” says Cevasco. The companies provide complete solutions for eyecare professionals (ECPs) and optical labs in Europe, theU.S., the Far East and now Canada. It is Abitbol’s technology that forms the core of the Visionix instrument line.”

We will cover Visionix’s impressive refraction instrument in a moment. But first, more about the Briot/WECO connection.

In 2010, Luneau acquired Briot International and its WECO subsidiary from Belgium-based Buchmann Optical Holding. Briot International develops, manufactures and markets Briot and WECO edgers. With the merger, most managers and distribution systems remained in place. It was at this juncture that Matt Cevasco came on board as president and general manager for Briot/WECO Canada, Briot USA and Visionix.

“I had a strong background in the industry and I was excited about Abitbol’s goals for the company,” explains Cevasco. “He is very entrepreneurial and wanted to bring high-end solutions to a variety of markets. Abitbol is an innovator, a driver and an idea man. His approach is to find the people he believes can drive the business and then give them the tools they need to do the job.”

Cevasco notes that Abitbol’s business philosophy has found a happy home at Briot/WECO. “New product technologies have filtered into all sides of the business. For example, Weco was known for industrial heavy-duty equipment while Briot embodied smaller, user-friendly units. We’ve ported some of the best of Weco into Briot products and vice-versa, resulting in better products for both brands. We can meet the needs of anyone in the marketplace with product that is easy to use and reliable. This includes the optician who does not currently finish lenses.”

The Briot eMOTION is just one example of the innovation afoot at Briot/WECO. It is a new edging system that combines the best of Briot’s technologies and puts them within everyone’s reach. For perfect edging, glazing, tracing and drilling, including custom jobs, the eMOTION reduces time and labour while increasing precision. “This is a high-end, all-in-one machine and the reality is that this technology is so easy to use that there is no reason not to finish your own lenses,” explains Cevasco. “An industry survey showed that over 90 per cent of optical professionals said in-office edging increased their profits. Nearly as many said it also increased their patient base.”

A video demonstrating the eMOTION in action can be viewed at: http://www.briot-emotion.com/.

Cevasco is tremendously excited about the innovative, patented PowerMap™ technology from Visionix, which provides simultaneous multipoint measurements of all the parameters of a lens.

“We’re starting to see a major shift away from the traditional way of doing refraction which has been with us for the last 100 years. Wavefront technology has given us a way to obtain a more accurate objective refraction,” explains Cevasco. He goes on to illustrate: “This system allows the ECP to refract at the most precise level possible. The doctor in the exam room can now match advances in lens technology, which makes for a more satisfied patient.”

Visionix technology was developed by in-house scientists who were previously involved in the ‘Star Wars’ space project. It is based on Hartman Wavefront 3D technology. Visionix is a leader in the field, with the first wavefront product for industry applications in 1997 and the first full refraction line based on wavefront in 2009.

According to Cevasco, increasing numbers of optometrists say that the part of their job they like the least is refraction. “They tell us they would rather work on diseases of the eye. This is a tool for them to make the refraction process more effective and efficient. It allows super-accuracy while also being easy enough to use that it can be handed over to an assistant. I can teach anyone how to use it 10-15 minutes. Simplicity, accuracy and speed lead to patient satisfaction and better overall experience in the practice.”

Briot/WECO Canada and Visionix are based inToronto, with four sales reps who demonstrate the products and ensure customer expertise and satisfaction.Western Canada distribution is handled through Insight Medical. “All our representatives have many years of experience in servicing the equipment, which we are happy to do for the life of the machines,” says Cevasco.

It is no longer true that high-end equipment is available only to the few. Cevasco is proud to be associated with leading-edge technology that is available to all market segments. He is also proud of the innovative companies – Briot/WECO Canada and Visionix – that he leads under the very able and entrepreneurial Marc Abitbol, a visionary in the vision care industry. “We will continue to innovate with the goal of making the eyecare industry more efficient and effective,” says Cevasco. “When we have happy clients, they have satisfied patients. Everyone has a good experience and everyone wins.”

Time to Celebrate: Vision Expo West and Breton Communications

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By Paddy Kamen

There was plenty to celebrate at the annual Vision Expo West in Las Vegas this September. According to most accounts, the show held its own in the face of continued challenges to the American economy. That alone is cause for celebration. And Canadian exhibitors were happy with the business results of the show, as you will read in a moment.

Envision: seeing beyond and our sister publication, EnVue : voir plus loin, had something very special to celebrate at this year’s VEW as well. “It was the first anniversary of our new publications,” says publisher Martine Breton. “The anniversary date fell during VEW and created a great opportunity to bring our advertising clients together for a special champagne and cheese reception on the opening evening of the show.”

An enchanting event it was, held in the OPTImum Lounge on the show floor of the famous Sands Expo & Convention Center, which was reserved for the occasion. Conviviality ruled as friendly competitors in the optical industry networked and relaxed after a busy day meeting customers. “A little champagne added to the light spirit of the evening,” says Breton. “It was wonderful to get these hard-working people together in one room, catch up with old friends and make new ones.”

Representatives of Jobson Medical Information (JMI), publishers of Vision Monday, 20/20, and other information brands in the optical industry, attended the reception to share the excitement generated by the new sales and marketing partnership between Jobson and Breton Communications, the two leading optical publishers in their respective markets. As announced in Vision Expo Daily (the VEW news magazine published by Vision Monday) on September 7, the two publishing houses have signed an agreement that ensures better services for optical suppliers, retailers and eyecare professionals in both countries.

“As a result of this agreement, Jobson’s American clients who want to send email blasts to the Canadian optical sector will go through our Opti-Promo email service,” explains Breton. “And likewise, we will use Jobson on behalf of our Canadian clients who are looking for an effective way to approach theU.S.market.”

Marc Ferrara, CEO of JMI’s Information Services Division commented on the partnership: “Our strategic relationship with Breton Communications is an important step in providing our clients in the U.S. with access to the Canadian market through Breton’s industry-leading email communication service. Now,U.S.ophthalmic companies can reach the full U.S.and Canadian markets through one simple and easy process.”

The show floor was abuzz with this exciting news, adding even greater energy to the anniversary celebration and complementing the overall high energy of the show, says Breton.

Grady Lenski from Transitions Optical agrees that the show was a blast. “I was excited to attend Vision Expo West this year, as I have been for many years. It’s always a fantastic opportunity to showcase the latest technology and trends in the optical industry,” notes the managing director, Adjacencies. “Although the timing of the show was earlier than it has been in the past, the attendance was good and the energy on the show floor was high.” 

Michael Suliteanu, president of WestGroupe, has been attending VEW for 22 years; in the last six, he has been an exhibitor rather than a buyer, showing his breakaway bestselling brands Kliik Denmark, Fysh UK, and Evatik. “We had a very good show, despite the fact that attendance seemed a bit lower this year, perhaps because it came on the heels of the Labour Day long weekend.”

Suliteanu adds that WestGroupe recently changed its distribution strategy in the U.S.by opening a direct distribution warehouse in Plattsburgh, N.Y. “We hired 25 sales reps for the eastern states, while continuing to work with our longstanding western U.S.distributor. This VEW was our first show selling directly into the U.S.It was a great success and we were pleased to be there.”

Cendrine Obadia, the creative force behind Zig Eyewear’s ZIGGY and Jean Reno collections, managed (almost) to be in two places at once during the show. With both an exhibit booth on the show floor and a suite in the hotel, Cendrine moved between the two with ease. “I saw my established clients in the suite, where it was quieter and more spacious, while keeping the booth as an opportunity to connect with new customers.”

The strategy worked well for Obadia, and the fact that she has new distributors in the U.S.added to her success at the show. “Our distributor and sales reps are doing a great job for us, so we had plenty of appointments.” Obadiah’s overall impression of the show is that attendance was down, despite her personal success.

Mehran Baghaie, creative director of Spectacle Eyeworks, had a similar experience: “I did great business, yet it seems the Las Vegas show is having a difficult time capturing as reliable an audience as you find in New York. I would say one of the contributing factors is that buyers are divided between the show floor and the suites, making for a scattered group. And, of course, we cannot forget that economy is trying to recover.”

Next year, International Vision Expo West will be held October 2-5 in Las Vegas.