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Zeiss Achieves Record Revenue

Zeiss Group revenue for the fiscal year 2017/18 increased by nine percent to a record 5.8 billion Euros, according to the Annual Report released on Dec. 18. The revenue increase was 12 percent after currency adjustments.

“All ZEISS segments and regions contributed to this outstanding result. Our innovative products for the semiconductor industry and medical technology in particular ensured significantly greater, above-market growth dynamics,” said Michael Kaschke, President of Zeiss.

The consumer markets segment that includes vision care and consumer products grew at an above-market rate (+5% after currency adjustment) in most markets. Revenue from Zeiss-branded eyeglass lenses increased most in China, Brazil, other emerging economies and Europe. The Annual Report cites USA as a market presenting a particular challenge due to competitive pressures including “high price pressure.” Against this backdrop, the Consumer Products business will undergo “necessary reorganization measures” to optimize the cost structure.

Growth was strongest in the semiconductor manufacturing segment at +26%.

Zeiss group generated 90 percent of its 2017/18 revenue outside of Germany. The company’s revenue grew by 5 percent in the Americas region.

“Even if, in light of the economic forecast, momentum in the segments and regions will vary, we anticipate continued organic growth overall with a stable EBIT margin. With our consistent focus on innovations, investments and expansion, we have our sights set squarely on our goal of achieving six billion in revenue,” said Kaschke.

The full annual report is available here.

Optometric Organizations Reach Agreement on Establishing New COPE Governing Committee

AAO American Academy of Optometry logo

The American Academy of Optometry (Academy), the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) and the Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry (ARBO) announce that a joint agreement has been reached to restructure the governance of the Council on Optometric Practitioner Education (COPE™). The newly established COPE Governing Committee will be comprised of representatives from ARBO, ASCO, and the Academy to assure collaboration and the ongoing advancement of the quality of optometric continuing education.

“After several years of profession-wide discussions, the Academy is pleased to announce that we signed a Memorandum of Understanding agreement to form a multi-organizational COPE Governing Committee. The collective strengths and unity of our organizations will ensure the highest standards of optometric continuing education and the sustained advancement of the profession,” states Brett G. Bence, OD, FAAO, Academy Past President (2015 & 2016).

COPE accredits optometric continuing education for use by ARBO’s member regulatory boards in assessing and determining eligibility for licensure by optometrists. COPE accreditation serves the public, regulatory boards and the profession by promoting improvement in competence, performance and patient outcomes.

“ARBO is pleased to announce this historic collaboration with the Academy and ASCO. We’re looking forward to enhancing communication and broadening decision-making by adding their expertise to COPE. I’m confident that they will make valuable contributions to the COPE accreditation process to have a positive impact on optometrist learning, performance and patient health outcomes,” states Richard Orgain, OD, ARBO President.

“As optometric educators, the faculties from our 23 institutions set high standards for ourselves and for our students,” says David Damari, OD, FCOVD, FAAO, President of ASCO and Dean of Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University. “ASCO is pleased to join our colleagues from ARBO and the Academy on this agreement regarding the governance of and standards set by COPE. This collaborative effort will benefit all optometrists as they continue on the path of life-long learning begun in the schools and colleges of optometry.”

Initial nominations to the COPE Governing Committee are now underway, with the anticipation of completion in January 2019. Duties of the governing committee will include setting standards, policies and procedures for the COPE accreditation program, making accreditation determinations based on compliance with COPE accreditation criteria and policies, and preparing and presenting an annual report to the ARBO House of Delegates and the boards of directors of the participating organizations.

Source: American Academy of Optometry

Essilor Further Strengthens Its Employee Shareholding, Reaching 65% Globally

Essilor announced that employee shareholding worldwide is expected to reach around 65%, a 10% increase compared with a year ago. More than 45,000 Essilor employees in 58 countries now hold a financial stake in EssilorLuxottica, born following the successful combination of Essilor and Luxottica on October 1st, 2018.

After the success of its employee shareholding plan in 2017, Essilor launched “Boost 2018”, a wider employee share ownership initiative. With a subscription rate at a record level of 66%, the Company’s latest initiative enabled more than 35,000 Essilor employees in over 40 countries to become shareholders of the Group or to increase their participation. The Company has launched an employee shareholding plan every year for the past 30 years.  

Hubert Sagnières, Essilor’s Chairman, declared: “The success of our latest employee shareholding initiative reflects the strong alignment of our employees with our strategy and mission of improving lives by improving sight. Since Essilor’s creation, employee shareholding has been a fundamental pillar of the Group’s culture and central to its unique governance model. Looking ahead, as confirmed during EssilorLuxottica’s first General Meeting, we aim at further expandin gemployees’ involvement in the combined Group’s continuous growth story.”

Click HERE for the full press release.

Optique Le Cartier Joins Visique in Expanding Quebec Market

Visique | FYidoctors announced that Optique Le Cartier, located in downtown Montreal, have joined the organization.  “After a brief hiatus in the Quebec market launching our Visique brand and building needed infrastructure, we are back on our growth path and are thrilled to welcome Optique Le Cartier to our growing organization”, says Dr. Alan Ulsifer, Chairman and CEO of FYidoctors.

Jacques and Patrick Zagury of Optique Le Cartier and their team represent a unique combination of the latest fashion eyewear, while at the same time offering quality vision care using the latest technology available on the market, according to the company.  Mr. Zagury states “Joining the amazing network of Visique | FYidoctors, and their capabilities of helping us reach our clients on a whole new level, was the main attraction to our joining the family”. 

The addition of Optique Le Cartier expands Visique’s brand visibility in what FYidoctors consider to be a key growth market.

Read thefull press release here

Paraben-free Liposomal Lid Hygiene Product Launched by Candorvision

Patients with dry eye, blepharitis conjunctivitis and other conditions requiring eyelid hygiene now have a paraben-free, soap-free solution. CALMO® LidCare, a new lid hygiene product from Candorvision, contains liposomes which effectively cleanse the eyelid margins while exerting a stabilizing effect on the lipid layer of the tear film, according to the company announcement.  

Results of a comparative study of baby shampoo and the phospholipid-liposmal solution among contact lens wearers, published in Ophthalmologe, concluded that the clinical practice of recommending soap-based baby shampoo should be reconsidered since the phospholipid-liposomal solution provided faster and greater clinical relief of dry eye symptoms.

Candorvision founder Dr. Frank Heidemann a Canadian/German Pharmacist said, “CALMO® Lid Care has proven itself with millions of patients in Germany and Europe. Now, Canadian patients can benefit from a gentle and effective eyelid cleansing suspension that is suitable for sensitive skin, due to the absence of parabens, fragrances, tensides (soap) and other irritants.”

Instructions on the proper application of the product are available on the Candorvision website (http://candorvision.com/use-calmo-lid-care/).

Click HEREfor the full company press release. 

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