Blog

May 16, 2018May 14, 2018

New Look Vision Group Announces Election of Directors

New Look Vision announced on May 10th that the nominees listed in the management information circular dated March 29, 2018 were elected as directors of New Look Vision.

Each of the following seven (7) nominees proposed by management was elected as a director of New Look Vision:

Antoine Amiel (13,055,168 Votes For)
W. John Bennett (13,035,208 Votes For)
Richard Cherney (12,771,279 Votes For)
M. William Cleman (13,071,459 Votes For)
Paul S. Echenberg (13,071,359 Votes For)
Pierre Matuszewski (13,066,032 Votes For)
C. Emmett Pearson (12,767,989 Votes For)

Source: New Look Vision Group

May 15, 2018

The Vision Council Names James Rosin as Optical Retail Division Chair

The Vision Council has announced that James Rosin of Rosin Eyecare will serve as the inaugural Chair of the recently formed Optical Retail Division. Stuart Jolly of Sam’s Club/Wal-Mart has been named as Vice Chair.

“We’re thrilled to add Jamie and Stuart to the team as we grow the Optical Retail Division. Their input will be invaluable to the development of the Division’s programs and services, ensuring that we’re meeting our members’ needs and addressing their concerns,” said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. “The Division, under their leadership, will enhance our ongoing efforts to support a healthy optical marketplace and broaden the resources available to The Vision Council’s six other operating divisions, and to allow our programs and services to better reflect the whole of the optical industry.”

As Chair of the Optical Retail Division, James will also serve on The Vision Council Board of Directors.

May 15, 2018May 14, 2018

American Academy of Optometry Launches Online CE Platform

The American Academy of Optometry announces the launch of a brand new online CE and resource platform, Academy Online.

Users can find a collection of session recordings from past annual meetings as well as distance learning credits. This initiative is aimed at assisting optometrists and vision scientists in obtaining new knowledge and staying on top of current trends while earning CE hours outside of the annual meeting. Content can be viewed at any time using any device that connects to the Internet.

Currently uploaded content includes video footage of the 2016 Plenary Session, “Today’s Research, Tomorrow’s Practice®: Current State of Health Care and Research,” featuring world renowned author and speaker Malcolm Gladwell, and several sessions from Academy 2017 Chicago.

Users can also browse posters from the 2016 Scientific Program and interact with the presenters via discussion threads. Academy members have complimentary access to Academy Online and non-members can access the content for a fee.

Click HERE for the full press release.

May 15, 2018May 14, 2018

Canadian Top Optical Retailers Survey Launched

VuePoint IDS Inc, publisher of Optik Magazine, is launching its first annual comprehensive survey of Canadian optical retailers for inclusion in the 2018 Top Optical Retailers report this fall.

First results from the survey will be published in the July-August digital and print issues of Optik. The survey includes optical retail revenue for the period ending December 31, 2017, as well as location information, e.g. the number of optical dispensing doors in the country for each retail banner.

Canadian optical retailers with annual revenue in excess of $20 million CAD are invited to participate. The Top Canadian Retail survey form can be downloaded here.

A Vision Monday, published by Jobson Medical Information LLC, publishes a Top 50 Optical Retail report for the USA market. The report includes sales and units for the leading USA optical retailers and compares them to prior years. The US report is now online at Vision Monday.

May 11, 2018May 14, 2018

Hoya Reports Fourth Quarter Financial Results and Record Full-Year

HOYA announced on May 10 financial results for the fourth quarter and full-year ended March 31, 2018.

During the quarter, sales for the HOYA Group increased 7.6% year on year, reaching 135,923 million yen ($1,631 million CAD). Profit growth stemming from higher revenues, productivity improvements, expense reductions, and other measures resulted in quarterly profit before tax of 26,150 million yen ($313 million), a year-on-year increase of 7.1%.

During the quarter, sales of eyeglass lenses and contact lenses in the Life Care segment rose year on year, as did sales of intraocular lenses for cataracts. The combined performance of these products drove the Life Care segment sales higher for the period.

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018, revenues totaled 535,612 million yen ($6,427 million), up 11.8% year on year.

“I am encouraged with the growing demands in the Information Technology segment,” said Hiroshi Suzuki, chief executive officer of HOYA. “For 2018 we are also expecting to achieve 20% profit margin from ordinary operating activities in the Life Care segment.”

Click HERE for the full press release.