Blog

October 31, 2018

Professor Kovin Naidoo Joins Essilor

Essilor announces Professor Kovin Naidoo has been appointed Senior Vice President of Inclusive Business, Philanthropy and Social Impact. In this newly created position, Professor Naidoo will lead the Group’s efforts to reach the 2.5billion people living with uncorrected poor vision through inclusive business and philanthropy.

Most recently serving as Associate Professor of Optometry at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), former CEO of the Brien Holden Vision Institute and former Africa Chair of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, Professor Naidoo is internationally celebrated as a public health leader. This year Kovin has been recognised by American Academy of Optometry with the Carel C. Koch Memorial Medal Award for his outstanding contributions to the enhancement and development of relationships between optometry and other professions.

Click HERE for the full press release.

October 31, 2018October 26, 2018

Connie Lai Sin Ching Appointed as Commercial Head APAC and Greater China

Safilo appoints Connie Lai Sin Ching as Senior Commercial Head of APAC & Greater China, effective November 5th, 2018.

In her role, Connie will report to Safilo Group’s CEO Angelo Trocchia. Connie Lai Sin Ching will be based in Hong Kong and will be supported by Miguel Negrão, Commercial Head of Greater China, and David Pearson, Senior Director APAC.

Throughout her career Connie has held a number of regional positions with increasing responsibility. For the last five years she served as Managing Director Asia Pacific for Marchon Eyewear, focusing on strengthening business development capability in the Region. Previously she served as Group General Manager Greater China for Reebok and Puma (Swire Resources Limited), Regional Commercial Director of ECCO Asia Pacific, and Vice President, Asia Pacific of Timex Group.

Click HERE for the full press release.

October 30, 2018October 26, 2018

Hoya Surgical Optics Acquires Mid Labs and Fritz Ruck

HOYA Surgical Optics announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire two medical device companies: US-based Mid Labs and Germany-based Fritz Ruck.

Mid Labs is a Californiabased company focused on the research, innovation, development, engineering and manufacturing of ophthalmic medical surgical devices used to prevent blindness caused by certain retinal diseases and traumatic injuries. Fritz Ruck is based in Eschweiler, Germany, and manufactures dual function phacoemulsification machines and accessories as well as distributes other ophthalmic devices and instruments.

“Our acquisition of Mid Labs and Fritz Ruck and their combination with HOYA Surgical Optics is a natural strategic step in leveraging the HOYA Group’s existing ophthalmic and optical strengths in the eye. Together with our HOYA Vision Care (eyeglass lenses), HOYA’s Eye City retail chain (contact lenses) and HOYA Surgical Optics (IOLs) divisions, Mid Labs and Fritz Ruck represents a strong future potential complement for further technological and product advancements in our eye and vision healthcare businesses. We hope to continue establishing our business development, corporate venture capital, M&A and partnering presence in the developed and emerging markets in the medical device therapeutic areas,” said Mr. Augustine Yee, Executive Officer, CLO and Head of Corporate Development and Affairs of HOYA Group.

The transaction is expected to close by the fourth quarter of 2018, subject to customary closing conditions.

Click HERE to read the full press release.

October 29, 2018

A Canadian Winner at the Silmo d’Or Ceremony

By Isabelle Boin-Serveau

The International Opticians Association (IOA), an international organization dedicated to improving and developing the profession around the world, partnered with Silmo for the first time to promote the profession internationally with the International Optician of the Year award.

The first optician to receive this new award is Robert Grimard, ODD, from Montreal. He opened his first clinic in 1980 and his business has since grown to include several branches in Quebec, one in New Brunswick and another in Manitoba. IOA president Fiona Anderson says that “Robert Grimard demonstrates the professionalism, entrepreneurial spirit and innovation that are at the heart of this award and the profession. He has been an Executive Committee Member of the Opticians Association of Canada since 1992. Since 2015 he has also been the Chairman of the Opticians Council of Canada. He has been a supporter of the IOA and is passionate about promoting the skills of our profession and encouraging the best vision care for consumers around the world.”

We had an opportunity to hear from the winner: “It is with great pride that I accept this honour. I would like to share it

with the Grimard Optique team, my profession and especially with all my colleagues at the Opticians Council of Canada (OCC).

In an industry that continues to evolve I welcome the growing importance of the role of opticians. I once again thank Silmo and the International Opticians Association (IOA) for this recognition.”

Photo – left to right: Elaine Grisdale, Head of Professional Services and International Development at Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO), Robert Grimard and Fiona Anderson, president of the International Opticians Association (IOA).

Don’t miss the full Silmo report in the November issue of Optik Magazine coming soon!

October 26, 2018

Jane Balek Named Think About Your Eyes Executive Director

The Vision Council announces the hiring of Jane Balek as Executive Director of Think About Your Eyes, the vision industry’s public awareness campaign encouraging patients to schedule an annual eye exam with their optometrist.

Balek brings more than 20 years of experience working with non-profits and associations, most recently with the School Nutrition Foundation, where she served as executive director. Prior to that, she served as Deputy Executive Director of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) where she oversaw business development, marketing, communications and partnerships and sponsorships. While at NAfME, she concurrently served as the CEO and Executive Director of Give a Note Foundation where she spearheaded six national awareness campaigns impacting millions of students with the support of companies such as 20th Century Fox, Radio Disney and Nintendo.

“Jane’s expertise in the campaign and association space will provide the leadership TAYE needs to grow in industry support and impact even more patients,” said Dr. Steve Loomis, chair of Think About Your Eyes. “We look forward to further success from the campaign under Jane’s leadership.”

Think About Your Eyes is projected to reach 95% of its target audience in 2018 through a variety of advertising efforts, yielding more than 1 billion impressions. In 2017, Think About Your Eyes messaging resulted in 3.4 million incremental eye exams, and industry revenue of $750 million.

“Think About Your Eyes is a crucial campaign for both the vision industry and the public,” said Balek. “I am looking forward to growing the campaign and continuing to raise awareness about the importance of annual comprehensive eye exams.”

Balek will officially begin her role Monday, November 5. For general campaign inquiries, and industry partners interested in supporting the campaign, please contact Laurel O’Connor, Senior Communications Manager, at loconnor@thinkaboutyoureyes.com