Author Archives: Envision Magazine

Sàfilo and Kate Spade New York Renew License Agreement

Posted on by

Sàfilo and Kate Spade New York Renew License Agreement

Sàfilo Group and Kate SpadeNew Yorkhave announced the renewal of their license agreement untilDecember 31, 2015for the design, production and international distribution of Kate SpadeNew York’s women optical frames, sunglasses and related eyewear products for the brand.

The multi-year agreement and additional three-year renewal option extends a partnership originally forged in 2005.

“We are thrilled to continue our relationship with Kate SpadeNew York, one of the most innovative American brands, a leader in the fashion industry. In these seven years of collaboration we have achieved unexpected results with this project and we are certain that the future will give us new satisfaction,” said Roberto Vedovotto, CEO of Sàfilo Group.

Craig A. Leavitt, CEO of Kate SpadeNew York, added: “We are proud to continue our successful run in the eyewear category with Sàfilo. The partnership has been strong in carrying on the heritage and aesthetic of the Kate SpadeNew Yorkbrand. We are excited to see strong new collections that this partnership will bring in the upcoming seasons.”

Carl Zeiss Vision Unveils PhotoFusion

Posted on by

Carl Zeiss Vision Unveils PhotoFusion

Carl Zeiss Vision launched a new, proprietary self-tinting lens: PhotoFusion by ZEISS, offering faster darkening and fade-back than any of their previous lines of self-tinting lenses.

On average, and depending on material, temperature and light conditions, PhotoFusion lenses clear up to twice as fast and darken up to 20% faster than previous self-tinting lenses offered by ZEISS. They are very clear indoors (92% transparency with antireflective coating) and very dark in sunlight (11% transparency with antireflective coating). PhotoFusion lenses provide 100% protection against UV rays up to 400 nm and excellent colour consistency for natural vision. They also retain their self-tinting ability for the life of the prescription (two years).

The innovative PhotoFusion technology is based on patented photoactive molecules that unfold when exposed to UV light, thus darkening the lens and providing UV protection. Combined with award-winning ZEISS lenses, this technology is a significant improvement on the basic principle of photochromic eyeglass lenses. PhotoFusion is currently available on all ZEISS, SOLA and AO customized lenses, including progressives and single vision, as well as GT2® by ZEISS and GT2® Short by ZEISS, with broader availability coming soon.

PhotoFusion lenses are distributed inCanadaby Carl Zeiss Vision and Centennial Optical.

Nikon in Bases 3 and 5

Posted on by

Nikon in Bases 3 and 5

With the ever-increasing demand for high base frames, Nikon introduces bases 3 and 5 to its latest lens innovations: SeeMax Power AP and Presio Power. Fitting the wrong lens curve in a given frame creates warp and distortion. The base 3 and the base 5 options now allow the transfer of a given prescription to a different base curve to match the frame’s profile while maintaining optical integrity.

The SeeMax Power AP personalized, double-sided aspheric progressive lens and the Presio Power digital progressive lens with dual power design in base 3 and 5 offer an even wider availability range compared to the Nikon W base 5.

SeeMax Power AP and Presio Power in bases 3 and 5 are now available in 1.60, 1.67 and 1.74 indices and in SeeCoat, HCC ICE and HCC coatings. The base 3 is offered in a total sphere of -10.00D to +4.00D, cylinder -6.00D, and base 5 is available in a total sphere of -9.00D to +6.00D, cylinder -6.00D.

Ordering SeeMax Power AP or Presio Power in bases 3 or 5 is simple. All that’s needed is the measurement of the frame’s base curve with a lens clock or with the Nikon Lens Curve Measure tool.

Essilor Canada Presents Mr Orange

Posted on by

Essilor Canada Presents Mr Orange

Winner of the Silmo d’Or 2011 for the Material/Instrument category, Mr Orange, the digital edging system of Essilor, is now available to Canadian eyecare professionals.

Why a rather odd name for a digital edging system? With qualities more like those of a partner than a machine, Mr Orange was named for the numerous functions and energy it brings to the workshop: global management of curved jobs up to base 9, optical tracing of demo lenses, drilling functions and more. And thanks to its centering aid function and its new cycle dedicated to hydrophobic lenses, it offers ECPs outstanding control over each job.

Combined with the Essibox server, Mr Orange also raises the standards of inter-connectivity in the shop, thereby offering even more services, including remote maintenance, data sharing, and regular updates. This ultra-efficient team will optimise workshop management and give eyecare professionals more time to deal with their customers.

Nine West with Marchon

Posted on by

Nine West with Marchon

The Jones Group has entered into an exclusive, worldwide license agreement with Marchon Eyewear for the creation, production, marketing and global distribution of ophthalmic eyewear frames and prescription-ready sunglasses under the Nine West brand.

Under the agreement, the Nine West ophthalmic eyewear collection will be marketed and sold globally in upscale optical chains and optical specialty retailers and by individual eyecare professionals beginning in early January 2012.

Richard Dickson, The Jones Group President and CEO of Branded Businesses, stated: “We are pleased to enter into this agreement with Marchon for Nine West optical eyewear. Nine West’s origins as a premier global fashion brand allow us to extend it into relevant categories, particularly accessories such as eyewear; a perfect fit for Nine West. We believe this collaboration with Marchon will further enhance Nine West’s powerful brand message in the global optical arena.”

Claudio Gottardi, Marchon Eyewear President and CEO, stated: “We are very excited and proud to be embarking on this new license with Nine West. We recognize their commitment to providing women with on-trend, high-quality products, and we believe this will be a fantastic addition to our ever-expanding global portfolio. We are confident this partnership will be mutually beneficial.”

Free Low Vision Webinars Available

Posted on by

Free Low Vision Webinars Available

Eschenbach is pleased to offer on-line low vision education on a variety of topics to assist practitioners in maximizing their low vision patient outcomes. The topics range from device category reviews to clinical and practice management topics including clinical tips, patient case studies and marketing. These 1-hour webinars are easy to attend and convenient – just log in from your office and watch, listen and learn. For more information, click on the Upcoming Webinars link in theResourceCenterfor Professionals at Eschenbach’s website (www.eschenbach.com). 

Upcoming Webinar Schedule:

December 7, 2011

Streamlining the Low Vision Exam in 2011

December 21, 2011

Video Magnifiers – Altering text and images the easy way

An Audacious Clip-On System from Audace Lunettes

Posted on by

An Audacious Clip-On System from Audace Lunettes

Audace Lunettes introduces a revolutionary system for ECPs, enabling them to design custom clip-ons for their clients. They receive the tailor-made product in 48 hours.

The clip-on system, called COLOR clip, comes with a work station installation at the eyecare professional’s office. The ECP takes a digital image of the frame, then designs the clip-on and sends the information to the lab. The clip-on is made from the specifications within 48 hours, ready to be delivered to the patient.

The clip-on system allows the professional to completely respect the shape of the frame, while allowing unique design elements that makes it funny and funky. All lenses are made from triacetate material. There is a choice of 5 different colours with polarized treatment at no extra cost. The clip, a full mask of cellulose triacetate, has no bridge and no metal bare.

The new system guarantees that wearing the clip will not damage the frame’s paint or scratch the lens, thanks to a hook made of a soft material.

“The eyecare professional appreciates the system for the flexibility in its design, the rapid delivery and the unique services they provide,” says Audace Lunettes President Alain Lachambre. “The digital imaging system also allows the ECP to sell a clip to a walk-in customer since there is no need to keep the frame. You digitalize the frame in 20 seconds and the work is on its way. With such ease and simplicity, many clients see this as an opportunity to offer products that will increase revenue and service distinction,” he adds.

It is clear that this new service will change the landscape of clip offering. Lachambre believes that in a highly competitive market, where consumers have a multitude of options, it is more important than ever to embrace technology that provides a unique, quick, value-added service.

Younger Honored with 2 OLA Awards of Excellence

Posted on by

Younger Honored with 2 OLA Awards of Excellence

Younger Optics received two OLA Awards of Excellence this year at the annual OLA Awards of Excellence meeting on September 22nd in Las Vegas, NV. This marks the OLA Awards of Excellence 25th anniversary. During these 25 years, Younger Optics has received a total of 24 Awards of Excellence.

One of the awards presented to Younger Optics this year was in the Best in Lens Design category for the ADAGE® Progressive Lens. This is Younger’s third award in this category.

Younger Optics also won an Award of Excellence in the Best in Lens Materials category for NuPolar® 1.67 high index. This is Younger Optics’ sixth Award of Excellence in this category. Previous materials that won this award include NuPolar® Trilogy® Visual Armor® in 2010, Drivewear® in Polycarbonate in 2008, Drivewear® Activated by Transitions® in 2007, NuPolar® Polycarbonate in 2004, and Trilogy® in 2002.

Tura Announces Executive Changes

Posted on by

Tura Announces Executive Changes

Tura, a member of the Eschenbach Group, announced executive leadership changes effective October 3. Scott Sennett has joined Tura as the new president and CEO. John Weir, in preparation for his retirement, will remain in an advisory role through the end of the year, while Keith Kamalich has been promoted to executive vice president.

Formerly president at the Oxford Apparel Group, Sennett will have responsibility for the general management of the company, including strategic planning, brand management, marketing, inventory, design, product development and new business development.

He brings to Tura over 24 years of leadership and general management experience in brand strategy, sales and marketing, licensing, merchandising, product development, supply chain and risk management as well as a consistent record of positive results working with leading retailers to develop licensed, branded and private label fashion accessories, apparel and eyewear.

“Scott’s extensive knowledge of the eyewear industry as well as his profound experience in theU.S.fashion business adds great value to Tura and its professional team. His investment in Tura is strong proof for his long-term commitment to sustain the impressive growth path of the company. At the same time, I would like to extend my thanks to John Weir for his dedication to Tura over the past 24 years, in which Tura continued to be an important U.S. eyewear company,” said Dr. Wolfgang Rebstock, CEO of the Eschenbach Group.

A New Look for Ronor

Posted on by

A New Look for Ronor

Ronor International took the opportunity of the Salon Vision 2011 which took place at the Palais des congrès de Montréal on October 21 and 22 to launch the celebrations for its 30th anniversary. It was a perfect starting point and a real success. The company also chose this important date to reinvent its image and unveil its new official colours: orange, white and black.

The new look of Ronor was very well defined by the elegant decor it created for the event. Totally composed with the new brand’s colours, we could really feel the dynamism and refinement of the new company’s image. All the guests were invited to relax at the bar and take in the performance of the special guest, magician, Luc Langevin, who also graduated with a master’s degree in optics.