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Vision Expo West to Introduce Expanded Education Programming

Vision Expo West, taking place September 26 – 29 in Las Vegas, NV., will introduce an expansive scope of education, products, trends and solutions that keep the industry updated on best practices in patient care, practice management, retail strategies and more.

New to Vision Expo West 2018:

  • Attract and Retain Customers
  • Ocular Aesthetics
  • Supporting the Practice Experience
  • Clinical Concepts for Opticians and Technicians
  • Private Equity and Eye Care: Should I Stay or Should I Go?
  • Special Live Event: Private Equity Takes Root – What Does It Mean for Optometry?
  • ODs on Facebook After Dark

“What’s always great about Vision Expo is the diversity of educational opportunities. From retail to clinical and all the way to Private Equity, ocular aesthetics and social media, we really do have something for every practice and team,” said Ben Gaddie, OD, Co-Chair of the Vision Expo Conference Advisory Board. “This year you’ll see more ‘How To’ courses that help translate new ideas and concepts into clinical practice quicker. I’m also particularly happy with our high-demand workshop offerings for the newest innovations in eyecare technology.”

The comprehensive program features over 300 hours of education and 23 specialty tracks, providing education for the entire staff and all aspects of an eyecare and eyewear practice or retail business. View personalized education highlights and the interactive education brochure hereThe early bird pricing deadline ends August 29, 2018.

Vision Council Lab Division Announces Director’s Choice Award Recipient

The Lab Division of The Vision Council announced on August 3rd the industry veterans who will be recognized during the Directors’ Choice Award and 19th Annual Lab Division Hall of Fame celebration on Wednesday, September 26, in conjunction with the Lab Division Meeting and International Vision Expo West.

The Division has named Dave Cole, former President of Transitions Optical, as the 2018 recipient of the Directors’ Choice Award honoring his 26+ years in the optical industry, as a champion for a game-changing technology, and as a partner to optical labs.

Dave Cole will be recognized alongside this year’s Lab Division Hall of Fame inductees at the Hall of Fame banquet, held during The Vision Council’s Lab Division meeting at International Vision Expo West.

The 2018 Lab Division Hall of Fame inductees were also announced:

  • Ronald F. Cooke, O.D., Diversified Ophthalmics, Inc
  • Ralph G. Kent Jr., Luzerne Optical Laboratories
  • Daniel C. Lundberg, Digital Vision, Inc
  • Mike Nathe, Essilor of America
  • Richard C. Palmer, Practical Engineering, Inc / Walman
  • Mike Sutherlin, Sutherlin Optical
  • Michael Walach, Quest Optical Specialty Lab
  • Dana Weeks, Optical Services International

 Roger Eye Design Changes Canadian Distribution

Zowee Wow Distinctive Eyewear is now the new distributor for the boutique eyewear collection Roger Eye Design in Canada.

Zowee Wow’s passion is offering distinctive boutique eyewear that is both fun and wearable. They provide unique eyewear lines that differentiate their customers within the marketplace while supporting them with outstanding customer service and value.

“We’ve proudly featured Roger Eye Design, with vivid colours and European styling since 2011 in the United States along with our own collection Rain City Eyewear which is designed in Seattle, Washington. We are very excited to have the opportunity to work closely with our Canadian independents,” said Zowee Wow’s National Sales Manager Mark Anderson.

Roger Eye Designs was formerly distributed by Audace Lunettes in Canada.

Click HERE for the full press release.

Safilo Group Board of Directors Approves 1st Half Financial Results

On August 2, the Board of Directors of Safilo Group reviewed and approved the results of the first half of 2018 and a five year Business Plan which includes an update of the previous 2020 Plan.

Net sales were 492.2 million Euros, down 4.3% in the first half of 2018 compared to 2017, and the Group posted a net loss of 10.7 million Euros. Sales were down approximately 7% in Europe and North America, while the Asia Pacific region and other emerging markets saw impressive growth.

Angelo Trocchia, Safilo Chief Executive Officer since April 2018, commented, “Our objective is to improve the performance of our Company, focusing on few, very clear, priorities. First and foremost, we need to return to grow our top line, exploiting more and better the core strengths of the Group: our product creation and development capabilities, our 140 years of eyewear manufacturing experience, and our deep worldwide distribution network.”

Trocchia emphasized that they were in the process of creating a leaner organization, more customer-centric culture, and they expect Free Cash Flow to return to positive in 2019.

Click HERE for the full press release.

Vision Expo to Recognize Exhibitors through New Award Category

Vision Expo has announced a new category as part of its Best Booth Awards. Along with Most Creative Booth Design, the newly launched category will be Best In-Booth Brand Activation. Voting will take place at Vision Expo West 2018 in Las Vegas (Education: September 26 – 29; Exhibit Hall: September 27 – 29).

Vision Expo created the Best Booth Awards to recognize the considerable investments made by exhibitors to create a unique experience and memorable environment for attendees. The award first launched at Vision Expo West in 2017.

An in-booth activation is a way for an exhibitor to increase awareness of their brand and engage with attendees through activities like interactive games, technology, sampling, giveaways, in-booth demonstrations, contests and more.

Vision Expo exhibitors continue to deliver exciting experiences for attendees year after year, both through booth design and activations. At past Vision Expo shows, activations have included fishing for eyewear, playing Rock Band, live artists, racing video games and customizable vinyl records.

The winning exhibitor in each category will receive $1,000 in future sponsorship credits and media coverage. Past winners include Article One (Booth G21020) and De Rigo REM (Booth G23035) for Most Creative Booth Design and Canadian company Kuusoft Corp. (Booth MS13049) for previous category Best Use of Technology.

Attendees can vote for their favorite booths in the Vision Expo mobile app. One voter each day will be selected to win a $500 AmEx Gift Card.

Follow Vision Expo on Instagram Stories and IGTV to see live coverage of unique booths and activations throughout the show.

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