Author Archives: Envision Magazine

Renoma “cousu main”

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Renoma “cousu main”

In homage to the spirit of fashion, couture and the label it was named after, the new Renoma collection “cousu main” (free translation: tailor-made) proposes an exclusive thread fastening system.

Composed of a real metal patchwork, this daring precision-assembly technique is a great first in eyewear, which is no small feat. Without glue or welding, the pieces of stainless steel are precisely adjusted and firmly consolidated by a nylon thread. The quality of the finishing is exceptional in this very high fashion metallic collection accentuating the play of colours and the mat/shiny effect.

This French line is distributed by J.F. Rey EyewearCanada.

Nikon Introduces New Ultra-Thin and Ultra-Strong 1.74 Material

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Nikon Introduces New Ultra-Thin and Ultra-Strong 1.74 Material

Nikon Optical Canada was the first ophthalmic lens supplier to introduce 1.74 index material lenses in 2000. The company recently announced that the new 1.74 material offers an even more robust performance. Laboratory tests conducted at an independent lab as well as internal tests proved the new 1.74 by Nikon is three times more resistant to cracks, three times more flexible and 50 per cent stronger when compared to the older 1.74 material.

For those seeking a superb optical lens, Nikon offers the 1.74 ultra-high index plastic lens. This thin and lightweight material delivers the most natural eye appearance and a lens curve and thickness which are the most flattering.

The 1.74 material is 50 per cent thinner than standard plastic lenses, giving the most discriminating patients a chance to wear any types of lenses, now including NL5AS Transitions® lenses.

NL5AS Transitions lenses are available in grey and brown, ranging from total sphere +8.00D to -16.00D, cylinder -4.00D. Available on surfaced lenses in Nikon’s renowned coatings: SeeCoat Plus, HCC ICE and HCC. NL5AS Transitions has UV400 protection built in and offers exceptional visual comfort and quality.

Valentino Spring/Summer 2012: True Haute Couture

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Valentino Spring/Summer 2012: True Haute Couture

Vintage shapes, distinctive silhouettes, and striking contrasts characterize the Valentino Eyewear S/S 2012 collection, distributed by MarchonCanada. The line features iconic elements of Valentino style interpreted by creative directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli: lace, precise yet feminine lines, and studs. Lace subtly appears on transparent acetate, shadow-like with a hint of colour. Metal studs and inserts accent the shape of the lens. The striking, famed Valentino “V” becomes a functional element or distinctive detail. Frames are oversized, with curvy silhouettes or sharp architectural shapes. A sublime expression of design and craftsmanship, the collection offers endless possibilities.

Design and decoration are uniquely combined in the quintessentially feminine V611S vintage-style model. that is the quintessence of femininity. Lace is hidden on the bridge and temples, shadow-like, creating saturated yet delicate colour. This sunwear is available in grey, brown, and burgundy.

Tiny lustrous studs are rhythmically arranged along the top of the V606S frame to accent this oversized square model. The iconic “V” on the temple is a functional hinge that is also accompanied by the logo.

HOYA Expands Lab Network to Winnipeg

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HOYA Expands Lab Network to Winnipeg

HOYA Vision CareCanadais pleased to announce the opening of a new lab and customer service centre inWinnipeg,Manitoba. Licensed optician David Wolanin has been appointed the role of facility Manager. David brings over 20 years of experience in the optical field and is a well-known member of the Manitoban eyecare professional community.

“Manitobais our fastest growing market, and we have developed a good base from which to further grow. More Canadian eyecare professionals need to have access to HOYA’s excellent technology, intimate customer service approach and value proposition.” said David Pietrobon, president of HOYA Vision CareCanada. “We are committed to expanding our Canadian geographic footprint through direct investment and innovative partner solutions.”

HOYA has recently been awarded exclusive supplier status by the Manitoba Association of Optometrists, Occupational Vision Care Program. The newWinnipeglab will help in assisting this market in addition to serving the local Hoya partners. The new facility marks the continuing geographic expansion of HOYA inWestern Canadacomplimenting the existing facilities inBritish ColumbiaandAlbertaalong with facilities inOntarioandQuebec.

For Discreet and Refined Man

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For Discreet and Refined Man

The Evatik Sunwear line boasts an assortment of 18 models with sleek styling and an impeccable fit for today’s fashion-conscious male. The E-1014 model is a lightweight stainless steel sunglass frame with a triple bridge. The clean lines on the temples add a subtle hint of colour to the design. Dually inspired by fashion and performance Evatik Sunwear perfectly blends modern, masculine styling with superior lens capabilities. Colours are available in a matte finish, in black silver and brown champagne.

All models are available in CR-39 with polarized lenses, anti-scratch coating, 100% UVA and UVB protection, as well as a seven-layer backside anti-glare treatment. The innovative cast-in technology creates a structurally stronger and longer lasting lens.

Launching of Mikli Canada

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Launching of Mikli Canada

Alain Mikli International and Marca Eyewear Group are proud to announce the newly formed Mikli Canadaventure. “Alain Mikli chose Marca Eyewear Group because of our experience in handling extremely high-end eyewear lines and providing the level of service that reflects the brands,” says Marca Eyewear Group President Fernando Silva.

Mikli’s lines feature not only unique colours and shapes, they are a favourite among European celebrities and avant-garde individuals. The world-renowned French designer has revolutionized frame design by creating eyewear models that are fashion accessories to be seen in as well as visual aids. Mikli has used his 30 years of expertise to create urban style with uncompromising quality by using the finest materials, handcrafted inFranceand distributed worldwide.

MikliCanadawill carry both the ophthalmic and sunglass lines Alain Mikli, Mikli by Mikli and Phillip Stark, comprised of men’s, women’s and unisex models.

Bilingual Canadian customer service is available for all questions and inquiries at the toll free number:1 855 MikliCa (645-5422).

Unique in Canada: Shilo Rapp Makes Glasses for the World

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By Paddy Kamen

designer_shilohrappCareers that are nurtured in the heart of a family business are rare these days, especially when the product is artisanal. Shilo Rapp is a rare bird indeed, one who took a circuitous route that led to his emerging position as one of Canada’s foremost designers.

He began by making pens, of all things, at age 17. “Conventional education wasn’t working for me. I had always been mechanically inclined and there is nowhere to learn how to make a fountain pen, so I started studying machining and jewelry making in one-off courses. I did apprenticeships with local and international jewelers and silversmiths, and studied tool and die machining. I built my skill set according to my needs as they emerged.”

Shilo was supported in these endeavours by his father, Mel Rapp, and Mel’s wife Julia. Mel is the owner of Toronto-based retail store Rapp Optical, and a frame designer in his own right. Shilo notes that Mel and Julia supported him in discovering how to best use his innate strengths. “I was working in the store evenings and weekends during my high school years and Mel carried high-end fountain pens, in addition to eyewear. I didn’t know what I wanted to do and he steered me in the direction of learning how to make them. It turned into a full-time thing and I left school. He also enrolled me in my first jewelry-making course. From there it was a domino effect in that I became obsessed with how things are made.”

One of the most impressive things about Mel and Shilo is that they are incredibly open to experimentation. “That’s where the learning happens,” says Shilo. “In the beginning, I didn’t know how to make pens; nor did we know how to manufacture frames.”

They certainly do now: in 2006, a joint business venture involving Mel, Julia and Shilo was launched as Rapp Eyewear. Mel oversees the business, Julia handles the colour aspect of design, along with fashion projections, and Shilo is the lead designer of shapes and the technical head of manufacturing. “I am in no way responsible for the success of Rapp Eyewear,” says Shilo. “Both Mel and Julia have a wealth of knowledge about the eyewear industry and Mel was designing frames long before I came on board. He casts a big shadow and his designs are still inspiring to me.”

Mel says, “Shilo wasn’t ordained as a designer, he worked hard for 12 years before I even told people what he was doing for our business. He had to pay his dues. Of course I am subjective, but I think he is one of the best.”

The proof of Shilo’s success as a designer is that Rapp Eyewear frames sell competitively alongside those from other leading-edge designers in the Rapp Optical store, where prototypes are also consumer tested. The company sells its frames around the world, showing them annually in New York and Paris, taking orders based on samples and making the frames when they return from the show. “We don’t keep stock,” notes Mel.

Technical innovation is a hallmark of Rapp Eyewear. They have an intensely perfectionist ethic, having (as just one example) worked for years just to refine their riveting process and get the correct pantoscopic tilt.

“Our success has been born out of technical limitations,” notes Shilo. “In the early days we didn’t have the industry-specific machinery required to produce eyewear. We developed and designed our own unique fixtures that attach to machines to help us achieve specific goals; and we’ve made mistakes. For example, we purchased a bridge bump machine and found out it was worse than what we were already using. So we created a new way of making bridge bumps, one with a zero rejection rate. This innovation has also contributed to the signature look of our frames.”

The finish on Rapp frames is also distinctive. “Our acetate has not gone through a mass tumbling process,” says Shilo. “We do it by hand. The front and inside of the acetate has a directional matte finish and is not high gloss. Only the edges are glossy. Our edges are very crisp, with no rounding. Once the front is machined it is truly a hand-finished product: no tumbler. A Rapp frame is unique and recognizable on the street.”

The mantle of ‘designer’ is taking some getting used to for Shilo Rapp. “I have shied away from calling myself that. I am more obsessed with how to make things.”

When asked what his goal is for Rapp Eyewear, Shilo responds: “The goal is to have a beautiful Canadian-made frame that sells with the best of them.”

With Rapp Eyewear frames selling big time into Japan, Korea, and China –  markets better known for exporting than importing –  in addition to France, Israel, Holland, Spain, Australia and the U.S., there is no doubt that Shilo Rapp is achieving his goal and will, over time, become more used to the accolades that accrue to high achievers in eyewear design.

Changing Demographics and Evolving Contact Lens Technology

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By Evra Taylor

makingcontactDemographically speaking, we are living in an unprecedented time in history. Never before has North America been home to so many baby boomers, individuals aged between 48 and 66. The effects of the aging population on our overall health, and on ocular health in particular, must be viewed in terms of vision correction.

According to Statistics Canada,Canada’s boomer population will increase dramatically over the next three decades. By 2020, those aged 65 and older will comprise 18 per cent of the population. Most startling is the fact that between 2005 and 2036, seniors’ representation in the population is expected to almost double, to a staggering 24.5 per cent.

Meeting the Eyecare Needs of an Aging Demographic 

The “greying of Canada” means that golden-agers will make up a significant and growing portion of optometric practices, a fact that has implications for contact lens use in particular. Today’s baby boomers are active and vibrant, and enjoy participating in a variety of sports, as well as cultural and work-related activities. Happily, this coincides with practitioners’ growing armamentarium of contact lenses designed to suit all of these needs.

Given the preponderance of individuals over 40, presbyopia – which affects near and intermediate (arm’s-length) vision – is a growing concern. By the age of 50, multifocal lenses may enable a person to see clearly across a room and up close, but vision at arm’s length may be moderately  blurred. In the past, multifocal lenses provided less-than-satisfactory results, often producing glare and discomfort. While some optometrists turned to monovision as an alternative, this resulted in compromised quality of vision and depth perception.

The good news is that contact lens designs and materials have since evolved to better meet consumers’ changing needs. Recent developments in contact lenses now permit better visual quality at all distances for many individuals and minimally compromised vision for the rest. Numerous multifocal lens designs are available to patients, depending on their age and visual requirements. Multifocal lenses for specific activities like computer work, as well as various sports, are examples of the specificity of the current contact lens market.

With the advent of multifocal contact lenses, baby boomers can enjoy the convenience and aesthetic advantages of contact lenses as a replacement for eyeglasses. Soft, disposable multifocal designs, for example, have simplified the fitting process, while providing better visual quality than earlier renditions. Each multifocal lens design has a different lens geometry, with unique positive and negative features that must be taken into account. Manufacturers’ fitting guides for each design provide helpful guidance in understanding these features and the ways in which various designs differ from one another.

Aspheric multifocal contact lens designs, in which both distance and near prescriptions are placed centrally, mimic the effect of progressive eyeglass lenses. The various prescriptive powers are blended across the lens in a smooth transition. While some practitioners find that fitting multifocal lenses is time-consuming, the benefits of having a satisfied patient return make the effort worthwhile. It is also true that more complex lenses require more time on the part of the practitioner and that fees will reflect this.

Dry Eye and Aging

The discomfort caused by dryness is one of the common symptoms that causes contact lens dropout across virtually all age groups. Dryness is caused by a multitude of factors, not all of which are purely ocular. According to the National Eye Institute’s Visual Function Questionnaire: Impact of Dry Eye on Everyday Life (IDEEL), approximately 34 per cent of contact lens wearers discontinue use at least once, primarily because of dry eye symptoms.

In light of this, eyecare practitioners should be mindful of patient groups that are particularly susceptible to dry eye and adjust their contact lens materials and design accordingly. Further, careful selection of disinfection care systems is also required for those individuals. This includes post-menopausal women suffering symptoms of dryness with contact lens wear, women who experience hormonal changes associated with menopause, as well as those who take estrogen supplements without progestin. Other major contributing factors that need to be considered in contact lens and lens care product prescribing are LASIK surgery, which has become increasingly popular among baby boomers, and diabetes, which has reached epic proportions.

Patient Communication

Communicating with patients in order to fully understand their lifestyle and vision needs, particularly in terms of near and intermediate distances (including the patient’s priorities for distance vision), will help determine visual needs and contact lens choice. It’s one thing to have advanced contact lens technology at one’s disposal; communicating its availability is another. While optometrists are fortunate to be able to carry a more expansive contact lens inventory than ever before, explaining the therapeutic pros and cons of each design is essential and will build the patient’s confidence in the practitioner as he/she leads the patient into the most ideal modality of vision correction.

Game On: Performance Sunwear Offers Incremental Growth Opportunities

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Game On: Performance Sunwear Offers Incremental Growth Opportunities
ByJoAnne Sommers

North America’s sports-performance sunwear market has undergone a shift in recent years. Gone is the one-size-fits-all, mass market approach; in its place is a highly differentiated approach designed to meet the demands of people involved in specific sporting activities. These people want sunwear that improves their athletic performance by delivering better vision combined with solid protection and good looks. And manufacturers are stepping up to the plate with an exciting range of new products that deliver all three.

“Sports sunwear was originally designed to be protective but it has since become performance-enhancing and fashionable as well,” says Rob Begg, president, 20/20 Accessory Source.

He cites 20/20’s GK™ Ghost and ProGear as examples, noting that both models combine their best features into products that look good and outperform the competition.

“The GK Ghost has a sporty look and is durable and flexible with its ultra-light polycarbonate frame, combined with A/R back coat and flash mirror finish to reduce reflection. The ProGear Eyeguard line has evolved traditional, goggle-like athletic eyewear into more stylish frames without compromising safety.”

GK Ghost and GK Helium are ideal for bicycling or motorcycling, says Begg. “The wrap-style lens and frame provide protection from side winds and TPR temple tip inserts are remarkably durable, yet soft and flexible for optimal comfort.”

Interchangeable lenses increase versatility by enabling the wearer to suit the tint to the activity. Dark, UV-protected lenses are good for baseball and other outdoor sports, while golfers can benefit from gray or brown-coloured lenses that make it easier to outline the course.

20/20’s GK Helium comes with brown, grey and clear polycarbonate UV400 interchangeable lenses, while GK Personal offers a range of customization options.

Bollé’s portfolio includes sunglasses and goggles designed for everything from alpine skiing to water sports. The French company has always had a sports orientation but its marketing approach has changed, says René Gerber, marketing coordinator, eyewear, Bushnell Outdoor Products, which distributes Bollé inCanada.

“We used to sell fashionable, sporty, all-purpose sunwear that appealed to the masses,” says Gerber. “But Bollé’s marketing has gone more vertical and our products are now designed for distinct market segments.”

She points to the Competitor line (including Bolt, Tempest, Helix, Draft, Vortex), which is designed for running and cycling as well as water sports. Interchangeable lenses in different colours enable wearers to match lenses to changing light conditions, she notes.

The Alpine Sun collection (Diablo,Rainier, Ouray) provides an alternative to ski goggles for snow sports enthusiasts. The wrap on the collection is severe, providing greater protection at high altitudes. Lens choices include standard, photochromic and polarized, all of which feature hydro-oleophobic and anti-fog coatings.

The Liberty Sport line from Alternative Eyewear is designed for everything from golf to scuba diving and motorcycling, says PresidentPaul Storace.

“This is a comprehensive, fully-customizable product. We offer 15 lens options and five different sizes and colours. The lenses are five times stronger than standard polycarbonate and everything is Rx-able.”

Storace calls sports sunwear, “the most interesting segment of the optical marketplace because it presents opportunities for incremental growth (growth separate from sales of ophthalmic glasses and purchases driven by vanity alone). This is real organic growth that doesn’t compromise the primary sale and savvy eyecare professionals will recognize and capitalize on the opportunity to maximize sales.”

The process starts by talking about sports while conducting the eye exam, says Storace. “Ask about the patient’s lifestyle and sports interests. Bring up the benefits of wearing eyewear designed specifically to suit their activity needs.”

Alternative Eyewear can help with the process of patient education, he adds. “We offer several options, from six- to 48-piece displays, that help create an independent profit centre inside the dispensary. By having the display in what we call a Sport Centre, the ECP can demonstrate the features of different products and their accompanying benefits. The end result is a better fit and a better-informed patient.”

The practitioner can combine the display with sports equipment such as soccer balls, baseballs, etc., which reminds patients that they should at least consider performance sunwear as part of their overall purchase that day.

Vision Ease, which manufactures Coppertone™ and SunRx lenses, offers a wide range of educational tools for ECPs, including a polarized demonstrator that allows customers to view a glared-out scene through polarized lenses. By demonstrating how the lenses work, customers can experience their benefits, which increases the likelihood that they will choose this option, says Marketing and Communications Manager Jay Lusignan.

Hilco, which sells Leader Rx sunglasses, has developed a complete merchandising system, featuring protective eyewear for work and play. It hangs on the ECP’s frame board to promote vision protection.

“Eye protection is good for patients and good for business,” says Debbie Fitzgibbons, director, marketing communications. “Anyone can carry sunglasses but we give ECPs a merchandising vehicle that helps consumers think about protection in a different way.”

Another shift in the sunwear market reflects the greying of the baby boom generation.

“This is the first generation of presbyopes that doesn’t want to get old,” says 20/20’s Rob Begg. “They need a correction but don’t want to buy sunwear at the drug store.”

To meet that need, 20/20 has introduced Hidden Suns, the first bifocal golf sunglass. “Hidden Suns are a treat for those who require bifocals but don’t want to be seen wearing them. The add or segment borders are on the back instead of the front like traditional bifocals. With the tinted colour and mirror coat on the front, and the add on the back, the result is a sleek, stylish look with no evidence of a bifocal.”

And with seniors expected to comprise almost one-quarter of the population by 2036, this is one marketing trend we can expect to see a lot more of in the years ahead.

Here’s what’s new in performance sunwear this year:

20/20 Accessory Source

GK™ Marlin

An excellent choice for fishing enthusiasts, with ultra-light TR-90 frame, polarized polycarbonate lenses with flash mirror and oleo phobic coatings on the front, and an A/R purple backcoat.

GK™ Max

The ultimate in comfort and protection with side shields, rubber comfort temples, and nosepads for extra cushioning and grip. Customize fit with adjustable pantoscopic tilt temples.

GK™ Sport

Ultra-light, rimless, non-polarized, unisex bifocal sunglasses with flash mirror-coated polycarbonate lenses.

adidas eyewear

(distributed by Canadian Optical Supply Co. Ltd.)

Adizero Tempo

Designed for runners, the aerodynamic lens shape creates an extremely wide field of view, providing sun and wind protection. Adizero Tempo features a rimless design and lightweight temple material (XPX).

Features:

• Polycarbonate lenses;

• Innovations Flex Zones™ for better fit;

• ClimaCool™ ventilation system;

• Vision Advantage™ Basic 9 PC lenses decentered;

• Ergonomic temples with Traction Grip™ do not slide;

• Double Snap Nose Bridge™;

• Available in 9-base lenses or 7.5;
• Quick-Change Lens System™;

• Performance Insert™ available for Rx;

• Quick-Release Hinge™.

Terrex™ FAST – a393

Can be used as a regular sunglass or for activities such as biking, running and cross-country skiing. Polycarbonate lenses equipped with Vision Advantage™ PC filters that provide 100 per cent UVA/UVB/UVC protection.

Features:

• 8-base decentered;

• Vision Advantage™ PC lenses: Space Lens, LST Bluefilter, LST Active, LST

  Bright;

•TRI.FITTemple;

• Double Snap Nose Bridge™;

• Quick-Change Lens System™;

• Quick-Release Hinge™;

• ClimaCool™ ventilation system.

Alternative Eyewear

Liberty Sport consists of two lines: Sports Protective and Sun Performance.

Sun Performance

Fully customizable, in five sizes and colours. Fifteen lens options for use-specific situations, including biking, hiking and swimming. Available with a range of lens tints and coating options.

Features:

• Sport-specific, optical quality poycarbonate lenses that pass ASTM Z80.3 standards and provide UV400 protection;

• Fully Rx-able;

• All full-rim sunglasses designed with a Safety Back Lip to ensure lens retention in the frame.

Sport Protective

The most comprehensive collection of sports safety eyewear, designed for basketball, handball, soccer, etc. All have polycarbonate lenses and meet ASTM F803 standard.

Liberty Sport offers Plan “B” Eyewear’s Switch™, the world’s first magnetic interchange lens system®, enabling you to change lenses to manage light in different situations. Lenses eliminate UV light and glare, and rebalance light to improve vision. All Switch Vision lenses are made with zero-distortion, optically correct, shatter-proof polycarbonate.

Bollé

(from Bushnell Outdoor Products, distributed by Centennial Optical)

Competitor Series (Bolt, Tempest, Helix, Draft, Vortex)

The series features B Clear Anti-fog lenses with Trivex® (lighter than polycarbonate), that offer the best impact resistance and provide maximum UV protection.

All models are all half-rim and feature adjustable nosepads, and the moisture-absorbing hydrophilic properties of Thermogrip® that keeps frames comfortably in place during extreme exertion. Interchangeable lenses offer the flexibility to change lenses to match conditions.

Vortex can be paired with an RX adapter while Helix and Tempest can be customized through eyecare professionals and the Bollé National Sun RX Program.

Alpine Collection (Diablo,Rainier, Ouray)

Alpine features B Clear Anti-fog lenses with Trivex® and comes with interior anti-fog coating and hydrophobic coating.

Available with Element (all-purpose), Eclipse (photochromic) and Horizon (polarized) lenses.

Most of the Bollé line is Rx-able, except shields.

 Hilco

Leader Rx sunglasses combine wrap styling, affordable frame pricing, superior optics and low-cost standard lens processing. Ideal for outdoor, non-contact sports, including motorcycling, fishing and skiing.

Features:

• 8-base wrap styling with the processing ease, affordability and optics of standard Rx lens mounting;

• Optical performance superior to 8-base Rx sunglasses and eyewear with “fit behind” optical inserts;

• Pre-edged, 8-baseplanopolarized polycarbonate lenses (optional) convert any style to performanceplanosunglasses.

Collection features 11 styles with:

•planopolycarbonate sun lenses in standard Rx adapters;

• over-molded temples for added comfort.

Kaenon Polarized

Kaenon presents three sport-specific pieces from its Kore Performance series of polarized sunglasses: Hard Kore Blue G12, Hard Kore Red G12 and Soft Kore Aqua Marine G12. All are unisex.

All Kaenon polarized sunglasses come with patented SR-91® polarized lenses that provide the optical clarity of glass and the light weight and durability of polycarbonate, without compression and distortion issues.

All SR91 lenses available in grey, copper and yellow tints that allow users to “tune their vision”, depending on the sport or lighting. Frames built with lightweight TR-90. Rubber nosepads and temple tips keep things anchored in place.

All available in Rx in single vision and free-style progressive.

Nike Vision/Transitions Optical

Nike Vision and Transitions Optical have launched Nike® MAX Transitions® adaptive sunglasses.

Lenses combine Transitions Optical’s advanced photochromic lens technology and Nike Vision’s patented Nike MAX Optics. Patented tints engineered precisely to enhance the visual details of the natural environment.

Available in:

• Nike MAX Transitions/Golf Tint – a violet colour, designed to improve contour recognition on the greens and increase ball pop;

• Nike MAX Transitions/Outdoor Tint – a green colour that brightens shadows, increases contrast and enhances the visual spectrum in natural environments.

Nike MAX Transitions lenses are polycarbonate and block 100 per cent of UV rays.

NikeMAX Transitionssunglasses available in the Show X2 style (ideal for golf, tennis and cycling). SQ frames designed for golf and training.

Oakley

Oakley’s full spectrum of lens colours helps match optics to the environment. The perfect balance of light transmission with lens tints improves depth perception and colour recognition, with the option of polarized, photochromic or gradient tinting.

This spring Oakley offers two new additions:

RADAR LOCK™

Lets athletes take advantage of Oakley’s wide array of performance lenses, thanks to Switchlock™ technology that makes lens changing fast and easy. Switchlock lets you adapt your vision for any environment and keep up with changing light. All lenses are optimized with the clarity and impact resistance of High Definition Optics®.

TRUE DIGITAL

Most Oakley sunglass frames available with Oakley True Digital (OTD) prescription lenses. OTD utilizes its own custom frame database to digitally tailor the prescription lens to the specific frame and Rx, creating the ultimate in Rx performance eyewear. Oakley developed Dual Peripheral technology to optimize peripheral vision in the mid and far ranges, ensuring sharper peripheral imaging and motion detection.

Rudy Project North America

Best-selling models Noyz and Rydon are a favorite of many triathletes because of their eye-candy colours, lightweight design and aerodynamic lenses. Ideal for cycling, tennis and other sports because of adjustable nosepads and temple tips to ensure sunglasses stay comfortably in place.

Hypermask and Hypermask Performance are mask-styles, ideal for cycling, triathlon and running.

Lenses:

Rudy Project offers technically advanced specialty lenses with high visual quality tailored to meet your needs. Rudy Project Polycarbonate RP Optics lenses provide 100 per cent UVA/UVB protection. Contrast lenses are best to enhance depth perception and colour, while neutral lenses provide the darkest coverage possible.

The styles mentioned feature award-winning photochromic and polarized photochromic lenses (available in Rx and non-Rx).

Sundog Eyewear

Sundog Eyewear continues the evolution of sunglasses for golfers with 12 new models featuring industry-leading Mela-Lens™ technology for ultimate protection and clarity with no colour distortion.

In partnership with BNL Sun Lenses, Sundog Eyewear created the Mela-Lens lines, utilizing synthetic melanin to produce state-of-the-art melanin lens technology. It absorbs light seamlessly over a broad spectral range, providing superior blue light filtration with minimal colour distortion, and 100 per cent UVA/UVB protection. Mela-Lens features Eternity Hard Coat for superior abrasion resistance.

Among the new models – including Bent, Pursuit, Chop, Blast, and Fluid – Laser offers a sleek suspended lens open frame design in three choices of MaxFlex Rilsan frames, Megol temple tips and nosepads, and smoke or brown lens. Laser available in Mela-Lens, Mela-Lens Polarized, and Mela-Lens photochromic models.

(distributed by Importlux inCanada)

TAG Heuer sunwear features avant-garde materials, including hypoallergenic titanium and composite material, that provide lightweight strength and ensure streamlined comfort. Special elastomers, such as those on Reflex’s titanium temples, provide great grip. Reflex also features a patented hingeless closing mechanism.

Polycarbonate lenses, some polarized, feature oleo and hydrophobic coatings. In case of physical shock lenses are designed to pop out. Some models are Rx-able, depending on base and Rx; all lenses provide optimum protection from UV and infrared rays.

TAG Heuer offers a range of lenses for various activities:

Blue tint for water sports, brown for high mountains, orange for golf, and Night Drive Vision – yellow lenses designed for night driving; they are also very efficient for driving in foggy weather.

Falling – and Succeeding

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By James Ahola

sparkMy son came home from a school ski-trip the other day. Never having skied before, this was a new experience for him. Over dinner, he recounted stories of some great falls he had during the day along with the cheers and laughter of his friends. But each time he wiped out, he got back up, dusted himself off, adjusted his skis and tried again. You could tell by the smile on his face and the happiness in his voice that the joy of swooshing down the slope and the thrill of learning something new was well worth the bumps, cold snow on his neck and moments of embarrassment.

We have all been through failures like this – skiing, riding a bike, golfing, swimming, and, if we go back far enough, even walking. We took them in stride. Other failures, however, can be harder to handle. Not being accepted into the school of your choice, not getting your dream job, or even more painfully, not getting a date with that special person. These failures hurt in a different way; the bruises are deeper and the cuts are much colder, but the route we should follow is the same. We need to assess where we went wrong, dust ourselves off and try again, this time a little wiser. And if we fall again, we simply repeat the process.

Failure is an important part of life because it teaches us much more than success ever will. Success is a fantastic reward that we all cherish, but it is a very poor teacher. Success only tells us that the combination we tried was right. Unlike failure, it doesn’t show us our limitations or where adjustments should be made. Failure helps us to build things stronger, faster, bigger and better. It explicitly shows us what not to do and what else is required. Most importantly, failure teaches us to try again and explore other options. If we want to succeed and experience more than we ever have before, we must be willing to fail more than ever before.

All we have learned and everything written in the books that fill our libraries are recipes for success that have been gleaned from innumerable failures. Whether they be military strategies, cooking recipes, engineering or architectural designs, the road of knowledge is paved with trial and error. We can quickly find, and in minutes grasp, Thomas Edison’s successful recipe for the light bulb. But that one recipe was arrived at after many hours of work and literally thousands of failures.

Treat all failures like you would an experiment. If it didn’t work, why not? What would happen if we tried it another way? Failure isn’t a comment on you, your ability, your talent, or even the possibilities that exist. It is simply a failed experiment that tells you that the combination of activities in that particular order will produce undesirable results.

It is failure that teaches an artist how to capture beauty on a blank canvas and a metallurgist how to extract gold from a stone. It is failure that has taught us how to build longer bridges and taller skyscrapers. And it is failure that will teach you how to build a successful business, develop stronger relationships, and eventually help you get what you want from life.

We had another small failure in our household when my eldest son, who loves everything sweet, tried to make a new drink by mixing fruit juice with chocolate syrup. He figured that since fruit juice and chocolate syrup both taste good, the combination must be awesome. Wrong: it was awful! However, in keeping with our theme, after a few alterations he had sliced fruit dipped in melted chocolate – a much more appetizing result. If you don’t shy away from failure but take it in stride, are a good student and let it teach you, failure will show you the path to sweet success.