Blog

September 22, 2017April 24, 2018

Essilor Recognized for Corporate Sustainability

Essilor has again been selected by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index World and Europe for its corporate sustainability leadership, ranked second in the Health Care Equipment and Supplies sector.

For the 14th consecutive year Essilor has also been included in the FTSE4Good – a global investment index designed to identify companies that demonstrate strong environmental, social and governance practices.

“At Essilor we have always considered responsible and sustainable business practices to be fundamental to our mission of improving lives by improving sight. We are proud that the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and FTSE4Good recognise the value that our long-term commitment to sustainable development can bring to the world’s visual health today and global prosperity tomorrow,” said Hubert Sagnières, Chairman and CEO of Essilor International.

Click HERE for the complete press release.

September 22, 2017April 24, 2018

Acetate Meets Cool Metal

Fashionable material mix at its best: Mexx Eyes Style 2509 has a noble acetate frame with metal bridge and temples. The lightweight Panto bridge made of plastic is combined with simple metal temples. The logo print is also very discreet. The colour palette ranges from structured acetates in mint-mocha or salmon-Havana to midnight-blue and strong fuchsia. Palladium, gold or bronze bring cool accents into the game. A high-quality finish, partly matt, partly high-gloss, makes them comfortable to wear.

Distributed by Lanctôt: www.rlanctot.com

September 21, 2017April 24, 2018

Strong Sales and Social Media Buzz at Vision Expo West 2017

Preliminary reports indicate strong sales across the show floor and a record amount of social media activity as the industry returns from Vision Expo West 2017 in Las Vegas. Crowded events and buying activity remind exhibitors and attendees alike why Vision Expo is the premier destination for shopping and networking in the eyecare industry.

In addition to over 320 hours of education and over 20 hours of sessions that took place on the show floor, this year’s Vision Expo West offered 182,000 square feet of exhibit space with more than 60 new fashion brands debuting fall lines, accessories and new eyewear trends throughout the high-end fashion pavilions.

“Reports from exhibitors indicate that this year’s show has been their strongest in years, with many reporting record show sales and buyers who are delighted with the latest collections,” said Mitch Barkley, The Vision Council Vice President of Trade Shows and Meetings. “We also saw record attendance at many of the special events taking place in and around the show, including the more than 800 individuals who gathered for the hit ODs on Facebook event at TAO Nightclub and more than 100 young professionals who participated in the YPC Happy Hour at LAVO. The excitement and energy felt across all three days was truly remarkable.”

Highlights from the show include:

Dry eye and glaucoma courses were of great interest to ODs, with most sessions topping out at 200+ attendees
The Essilor/Jobson keynote attracted 145 attendees who were looking to learn about forecasted industry trends
The expanded allied health program provided important clinical information to help opticians and technicians achieve an essential understanding of ocular anatomy, ophthalmic terminology, and clinical scenarios
The Owners and Managers Essentials Program attracted doctors and key decision makers.

Attendance figures for Vision Expo West will be released upon completion of a third-party audit.

2018’s Vision Expo East will be held at the Javits Center in New York City from March 15–18, and Vision Expo West held at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas from September 26–29.

September 20, 2017April 24, 2018

Canadian Entrepreneurs Win Best Tech Use Award at Vision Expo West

The best in show award for use of technology at Vision Expo West went to Burnaby, BC digital signage company Kuusoft. NexSigns digital signage solutions from Kuusoft deliver dynamic creative and technically elegant solutions for various vertical markets.

Kuusoft deploys a cloud-based customizable content management system to visually enhance the retail experience in the optical boutique and optometric practice. The turn-key system provides various hardware display options as well as the creative platform to deliver real-time content that is simple to use and completely controlled by retailer. Eye Care Professionals can embed their own branding in professionally designed templates or choose to use the full creative services of the Kuusoft design team.

Kuusoft, founded in 2002, has a well-established presence in the restaurant sector, where visual display is a critical factor in creating an appealing customer experience. Vision Expo West booth was the company’s debut in the vision care space. NexSigns services and products are available in both USA and Canada.

For more information: www.kuusoft.ca.

September 20, 2017April 24, 2018

J&J Vision Acquires Sightbox

Sightbox, a Portland-based online monthly subscription based contact lens service, has been acquired by Johnson & Johnson Vision for an undisclosed amount.

Founded in 2014, Sightbox quickly received over $4 million in venture capital funding. Sightbox will reportedly continue operating under its own name and will continue to distribute contacts from all manufacturers, not just Johnson & Johnson.

Ashley McEvoy, Company Group Chairman, Consumer Medical Devices at J&J, said of the acquisition, “Consumer preferences and digital technologies are accelerating a broad shift to e-commerce across many industries. “We are excited about how Sightbox can potentially fuel category growth by meeting consumers where and how they want, and by helping more contact lens wearers connect with eye care professionals through this concierge-type service.”

This is the third major acquisition by Johnson & Johnson this year. Infoclip.ca reported in March J&J’s acquisition of Abbott Medical Optics, and in August Johnson & Johnson acquired Tearscience.

Source: https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/news/2017/09/18/portlands-sightbox-sold-to-health-care-behemoth.html