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The Vision Council Announces George Blankenship Secured as 2019 Executive Summit Keynote Speaker

The Vision Council’s 2019 Executive Summit lineup is rounding out with the announcement of George Blankenship, former executive at Apple Computer, Tesla Motors and GAP Inc., as the keynote speaker. With three decades of experience in international strategy, retail and real estate, Blankenship is best known for his growth strategies focused on customer experience, implemented in his work with such notable and impactful companies. As the greater vision and vision care industry continues to evolve and expand, Blankenship will offer a unique perspective on how organizations within the industry can adapt to an ever-changing marketplace.

The ever-growing industry aims to encourage individuals to prioritize their eye health, promoting eye exams, increasing eyewear sales, and improving customer experience. Blankenship will spotlight the tools and mentality needed to meaningfully redefine customer experience, and furthermore how to acquire these within your own business. His strong background in leadership, business and creating a positive customer experience, coupled with his high-energy delivery, ensures a valuable presentation for all.

The Executive Summit, to be held Jan. 30–Feb. 1, 2019, at the Ritz-Carlton, Grande Lakes, Orlando, Florida, is themed “Contagious Leadership – Strategies for Cultivating People While Producing Business Results,” and promises to be an exclusive event filled with executive-level networking, leadership development and lessons from industry leaders on the latest economic trends and business strategies.

For complete Executive Summit details and to register please visit thevisioncouncil.org/executivesummit.

New Glaucoma Drainage Device Shakes Contamination Loose

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new smart drainage device that can relieve pressure buildup in the eyes of glaucoma patients.

Traditional glaucoma shunts are prone to a buildup of microorganisms known as biofouling. Biofouling renders around half of glaucoma drainage implants inoperational within five years.

The device from Purdue contains microactuators, small machines that are able to vibrate when they sense a magnetic field. Several microactuators, each less than a mm in length and made of copper coated with titanium, are contained within the drainage device’s tube.

The vibrations from the microactuators can dislodge built up biological material and extend the working life of the device.

“We can introduce the magnetic field from outside the body at any time to essentially give the device a refresh,” said Hyowon Lee, the assistant professor of biomedical engineering at Purdue who led the research team. “Our on-demand technology allows for a more reliable, safe and effective implant for treating glaucoma.”

The research team included Simon John, a glaucoma research specialist at the Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine, who received his PhD in biology from McGill University.

The description of the smart, self-cleaning glaucoma drainage device was published in the November issue of Microsystems and Nanoengineering, a Nature journal.

They are currently working with the Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization to patent the technology and find a commercial partner for licensing.

Safilo Appoints Andrea Bulgarelli New Digital Transformation Director

Safilo appoints Andrea Bulgarelli as Digital Transformation Director, effective December 3. In his role, Andrea will lead Safilo’s E-commerce program, as part of the Direct-to-Consumer corporate strategy and will report to Angelo Trocchia, Group’s CEO. Andrea will be based in Padua.

“Digital is at the core of our growth and development strategy, we are therefore very happy that Andrea is joining our company. With his leadership we can finally accelerate our e-commerce business, further substantiating our digital transformation,” comments Angelo Trocchia. “With his extensive experience in the fashion industry focusing on omni-channel retailing, brand digital identity and digital evangelization, we are now well set to implement our digital strategy, a key pillar of our 2020 Plan.”

In his career, Andrea lead the digital processes for the creation of the international e-commerce websites for Max Mara Group. More recently, at Benetton, he restructured the management of all consumer-facing touchpoints, developing this project into a Digital Hub.

Source: Safilo

Vision Expo East 2019 Registration Open and Free to All

Registration for Vision Expo East 2019 is now open and for the first time ever, Vision Expo is waiving all attendee Exhibit Hall registration fees, a total savings of $150 off the on-site fee, until Dec. 31, 2018.

At this year’s Vision Expo East, attendees will experience New York City like never before with various social events including the Opening Night Party at a new venue, Sony Hall located in the heart of New York City’s Theatre District. Additionally, Vision Expo East will debut new Exhibit Hall neighborhoods – BLOCK and NEXT – to afford attendees access to celebrity-influenced and independently designed urban eyewear as well as fresh innovations from up-and-coming designers.

“Vision Expo is deeply connected to the vision community and is committed to preparing a Show that offers attendees a comprehensive learning experience as well as the chance to explore new ideas and innovations,” said Mitch Barkley, The Vision Council’s vice president of trade shows and meetings. “Offering free registration ultimately benefits the entire optical industry as we gather more individuals in one location to learn, grow and drive the industry forward.”

OptiCon @ Vision Expo will also return to the Javits Center with new features including The National Federation of Opticianry Schools (NFOS) College Bowl, where twelve students representing NFOS member opticianry schools will come together to compete in a fast-paced quiz competition on all things optical.

Attendees should look for further Show information and announcements in the upcoming weeks regarding exhibitor activations, new education sessions, student events and more.

To register for Vision Expo East 2019, visit VisionExpoNY.com and be sure to follow along on all of Vision Expo’s social media channels, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Source: Vision Expo

Optik Magazine Appoints Sheena Taff as Fashion/Optical Editor

Sheen Taff Optik Fashion/Optical Editor

VuePoint IDS is pleased to announce the appointment of Sheena Taff to the new role of Fashion/Optical Editor for Optik print and digital brand. In addition to providing editorial services to Optik Magazine, Sheena will direct a new social media strategy for the Optik Brand in 2019.

Sheen Taff

Sheena is the licensed managing Optician of an independent optical boutique in Vancouver, BC, and a leading social media influencer in the fashion optical space. Sheena’s fashion, beauty and design sense, coupled with her practical business experience as an independent eye care practice manager, make her uniquely qualified for this new role.

“Sheena’s experience and background are an ideal fit to Optik’s brand strategy and direction. The independent eye care professional is the heart of our business and her sensibilities in this area will provide strong guidance to our brand development,” said David Pietrobon, publisher of Optik Magazine.

“I am very excited for this new opportunity to share my passion for eyewear and my optical business experience with the Optik audience.  I am looking forward to bringing a fresh set of eyes and new inspiration to Optik Magazine”, said Ms. Taff.  Sheena will be putting her mark on the first issue of Optik in 2019 which is published in February.

With the finalization of the December 2018 issue, Isabelle Boin-Serveau is leaving her role as Optik Magazine Chief Editor.  Ms. Boin-Serveau will continue as contributor to Optik.

About VuePoint IDS Inc.
VuePoint IDS is a private 100% Canadian-owned media and marketing services company focused on serving the information needs of the eyewear and eye care industry’s professional service providers including optometrists, opticians, ophthalmologists and affiliated personnel. VuePoint publishes print and digital titles for eye care professionals under the media brands Optik, Clinical & Refractive Optometry, Canadian Eye Care Business Review and EyeCareUpdate.com brands, and Tmag Optical Trends for eyewear consumers.

In addition to its digital and print publications, VuePoint offers services to eye care professionals, including accredited continuing education program development and delivery for Optometry through CRO Online (www.crojournal.com) and for Opticians through OptikConEd (www.optikconed.ca/opticians/). Eyeployment.com provides HR optimization services.

VuePoint also offers marketing and business development services to industry stakeholders, including targeted and customized communications, and marketing research services.

VuePoint has offices in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Montréal.

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