Blog - Page 548 of 887

July 12, 2019

Filippo Pustetto Named Blackfin Global Sales Director

Pramaor, the Agordo-based (Belluno, Italy) company specialized in the manufacture of high-end titanium eyewear under the Blackfin brand, has named Filippo Pustetto global sales director, as of July 8. Reporting directly to CEO Nicola Del Din, the new manager will define and implement a sales strategy consistent with the company’s growth, sales and profit objectives, through the development and management of a sales force currently made up of 30 direct sales agents and 25 distributors in 35 countries.

Forty-four years old, native to Treviso, Pustetto spent 17 years at Safilo in various sales positions. Initially, three years in exports, managing distributors in the East European and Turkish markets; followed by 8 years as sales director in the Spanish branch and, the last 3 years as country manager for the Italian market, after a three-year interlude in the brand arena as distribution manager for proprietary and licensed brands.

Having strengthened the production department in 2017 by bringing in Ivo Benvegnù as Chief Operations Officer, and the marketing department in 2018 with Simone Favero as Marketing Manager, the company brought Pustetto on board, with his extensive international experience in the eyewear industry, as part of a strategic development plan that calls for the expansion and strengthening of the sales division with the aim of positioning the brand in the high-end market segment.

Click HERE for the full press release.

July 12, 2019

2018 Global Operations Awards Ceremony

On June 25, the annual Global Operations Awards ceremony was celebrated at Essilor’s Innovation and Technology Center in Créteil, France. Following a two-day agenda including visits to the R&D center in Créteil and Shopper Lab in Paris, nominees joined jury members and colleagues from around the globe to eagerly await and welcome the announcement of the winners.

Now in its 15^th year, the competition drew 207 project submissions. This year’s awards highlighted exceptional projects from all Global Operations teams across the Group based on nine categories: Customer Satisfaction, Service Improvement, Society, People Development, Safety & Working conditions, Eco Responsible, Cost Competitiveness, New Products & Services and Innovation. In addition to the 9 categories, there is the “Coup de Coeur” vote, which rewards the project that has garnered the most likes in an open vote for employees.

The Global Operations Awards aim to recognize team contribution to Essilor Group Global Operations priorities. The awards reflect our innovation DNA and shine a light on new ideas which can be implemented by local people from the ground, with the aim of inspiring replication around the Group.

Winners and nominees alike enjoyed a moment of well-deserved recognition and applause as they picked up trophies and certificates and were photographed together with top management.

A few key figures:

207 project files submitted:
– 30 projects from Europe
– 57 projects from North and Latin Americas
– 120 projects from Asia

100 jury members

3,947 people voted with a “like” for the People’s favourite/“Coup de coeur”

395 “likes” were totaled for the “Coup de coeur” winner

Source: Essilor

July 11, 2019May 19, 2026

New Treatment for Severe Dry Eye

A phase I/II clinical trial for a new treatment of severe dry eye disease has shown promising results.

The treatment is based on a biosynthetic form of recombinant deoxyribonuclease ⁠— or DNase for short — an enzyme that breaks up linkages within the DNA backbone. DNase is currently an approved treatment for cystic fibrosis, but its use in treatment of severe dry eye is still considered experimental by the FDA.

In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial published in Translational Vision Science and Technology in May, patients given eye drops with DNase reported less eye discomfort and had healthier corneas than patients taking the placebo.

Dr. Sandeep Jain, professor of ophthalmology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, the principal investigator of the trial, said that his research team noticed strands of DNA forming a web on the surface of the eye in patients with dry eye disease, which was causing an inflammatory response.

“There is an increase in the number of white blood cells called neutrophils that gather on the surface of the eye,” Jain said. “Neutrophils release DNA which forms webs on the cornea called neutrophil extracellular traps, which cause inflammation of the ocular surface and attract additional neutrophils in a vicious cycle.”

The trial involved 47 patients with dry eye disease, roughly half of which had Sjogren’s syndrome, 30 per cent had non-Sjogren’s dry eye disease, and 17 per cent had ocular graft versus host disease (GVHD).

After an eight-week trial the group taking the DNase drops showed an OSDI (ocular surface disease index) score reduction of 27.3 compared to the baseline and a “statistically significant and clinically meaningful” reduction in corneal staining. The different types of dry eye disease all had similar responses to the treatment.

“The data from this early clinical trial suggests that DNase eye drops may be safe and effective for treating severe dry eye, and we look forward to conducting larger randomized trials to definitively prove its efficacy,” Jain said. “There are currently only two approved drugs to treat dry eye, and they don’t work for everyone, especially those with severe disease, so having a new drug that can treat the disease is very important.”

July 10, 2019May 20, 2026

Etnia Barcelona’s Nod to the 70s

If you seek uniqueness look no further than the TSIM SHA TSUI, new to the avant-garde collection from Etnia Barcelona.

Inspired by bold 70s style, this oversized square shape is defined by a metal bridge and linear temple core design, visible through the translucent acetate of all four of the available colours. Set with adjustable nose pads, this frame is for men or women seeking fashion forward eyewear style with a nod to the past.

https://www.etniabarcelona.com/

July 8, 2019July 22, 2019

Registration is Now Open for Toronto #OptikEyeStyle

Registration for Toronto #OptikEyeStyle, featuring distinguished independent eyewear collections exclusively for independent eye care professionals, is now open.

Host independent practice owner, Rachel Hill, and Optik Publisher, David Pietrobon will be welcoming, suppliers, optical buyers and practice owners to this unique one of a kind eyewear event.

The event venue is the ArtScape Sandbox in the theatre district in Downtown Toronto (see details here) and is held on Thursday, August 22^nd from 6 PM to 11 PM. Toronto #OptikEyeStyle will feature a frame show with 20 independent eyewear suppliers featuring nearly 50 different collections.

Following the trade show, there will be a short presentation on the Canadian frame market and prize draws for attendees.

The Afterparty starts at 9 PM and attendees are encouraged to linger and network with like-minded eyewear enthusiasts. Light fare and beverages are available throughout the event.

Registration is now open. Early-bird Registration admission fee is $25 – and is available now until July 22^nd.

#OptikEyeStyle event was launched in June in Vancouver. Toronto is the second stop of the three-city tour. The 2019 tour final stop will be Montreal on September 5^th.

In addition to the 20 exhibitors, the event is supported by “Friends of Independents”, The Optical Group, HOYA Vision Canada, and Digital ECP.