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| may_june | 2007<br />
ENVOIS DE PUBLICATIONS CANADIENNES • NO. DE CONVENTION 40052210 Adresse de retour : 202-495 boul. St-Martin O, Laval (Québec) H7M 1Y9<br />
www.optiqframes.com<br />
ADVERTISING
Toll Free 1 800 268 1265 • 905 669 6251 • optiqframes.com
ENVOIS DE PUBLICATIONS CANADIENNES • NO. DE CONVENTION 40052210 Adresse de retour : 202-495 boul. St-Martin O, Laval (Québec) H7M 1Y9<br />
| may_june | 2007
PRODUCED AND DISTRIBUTED BY LUXOTTICA GROUP - MOD VR 6045
| Cover image : LINDBERG PRECIOUS 2012/63 Gold/Diamonds |<br />
| CONTENT | may_june | 2007<br />
| 10 | Luxury Defines the Face<br />
| 20 | Phony Eyewear: A Growing Menace<br />
| 24 | Observe the Law <strong>of</strong> Motion<br />
| 30 | KunoQvist: A Twist on Scandinavian<br />
Design<br />
| 34 | From Italy with Style<br />
| 36 | Canadians Show Well in New York<br />
| 40 | Food For Thought: Antioxidants<br />
and Eyesight<br />
| 44 | Summer Doldrums or Your Most<br />
Productive Time <strong>of</strong> Year?<br />
| 48 | Common Investment Mistakes<br />
| 50 | Issues and News from your<br />
<strong>Association</strong><br />
| 54 | What’s New?<br />
| 64 | Classified Ads<br />
| NEXT ISSUE | jul_aug | 2007<br />
Chains and Franchises How<br />
is the non-independent optical<br />
market structured in <strong>Canada</strong>?<br />
From small franchises and chains<br />
that confine their activities to one<br />
province, to nationwide chains<br />
and in-store optical departments,<br />
this feature examines the structure<br />
<strong>of</strong> these businesses, what<br />
range <strong>of</strong> products they sell, their<br />
target markets and unique selling<br />
propositions.<br />
PRODUCED FOR THE OPTICIANS<br />
ASSOCIATION OF CANADA BY:<br />
Breton Communications Inc.<br />
495 St-Martin Blvd. West, #202<br />
Laval, Québec H7M 1Y9<br />
Tel. : (450) 629-6005<br />
Fax : (450) 629-6044<br />
breton.com@bretoncom.com<br />
www.bretoncom.com<br />
PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER<br />
Martine Breton<br />
martine@bretoncom.com<br />
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF<br />
Paddy Kamen<br />
Tel. : (905) 349-2342<br />
paddykamen@netscape.ca<br />
ASSOCIATE EDITORS<br />
Mary Field<br />
JoAnne Sommers<br />
Jody Stone<br />
Caroline Brider, B.Sc., RD<br />
Sandra Blanchette<br />
Rozi Dobreci<br />
ADVERTISING COORDINATOR /<br />
COPY EDITOR<br />
Yvonne Lemay<br />
yvonne@bretoncom.com<br />
ART DIRECTION<br />
Marco Gagnon<br />
Martial Graphics Inc.<br />
ADVERTISING<br />
Martine Breton<br />
martine@bretoncom.com<br />
Isabelle Groulx<br />
isabelle@bretoncom.com<br />
1-888-462-2112<br />
Tel. : (450) 629-6005<br />
Fax : (450) 629-6044<br />
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING<br />
yvonne@bretoncom.com<br />
PRINTING<br />
Transcontinental<br />
Published six times a year<br />
For subscription information, contact the<br />
<strong>Opticians</strong> <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong><br />
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4<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007
| EDITORIAL |<br />
Paddy Kamen<br />
Editor-in-chief<br />
1.888.661.0404<br />
|<br />
Eyeglass frames draw attention to the windows <strong>of</strong><br />
the soul, and when the eyes are surrounded by<br />
luxurious frames the soul just might look a whole lot<br />
better! Our feature article in this issue looks at the<br />
latest trends and <strong>of</strong>ferings in gold, horn and wood,<br />
with a smattering <strong>of</strong> fine titanium, stainless steel and<br />
acetate added for good measure. And don’t forget<br />
crystals, precious and semi-precious stones and<br />
other adornments that speak <strong>of</strong> luxury.<br />
There’s plenty <strong>of</strong> luxury eyewear on the market,<br />
and I think you’ll appreciate that we’ve done a lot <strong>of</strong><br />
background work for you by sorting through the <strong>of</strong>ferings<br />
and highlighting their best features. As Travis<br />
Rowe, president <strong>of</strong> TEK <strong>Canada</strong> Optical, says, “The<br />
market is saturated with very beautiful designs,<br />
colours and textures. From a retail perspective, the<br />
ECP has to decide what to carry and what she can<br />
afford to sell in the particular market she is in.”<br />
Giovanni Lo Faro, marketing director for Modo<br />
Eyewear finds that consumers are becoming more<br />
savvy and discerning and so are looking to reflect<br />
their style in a very personal way. “Natural materials<br />
are an obvious form <strong>of</strong> expression for these<br />
consumers because they are fairly exclusive.”<br />
Luxury products need to be explained and<br />
demonstrated, adds Lo Faro. “Customers need to<br />
touch the products and be informed about how<br />
special they really are. These are pieces the client<br />
will keep for the long term, much like fine jewelry or<br />
furniture.” Consequently Modo, and other companies<br />
like them, <strong>of</strong>fer training so that ECPs can make<br />
the buying experience as special as the products<br />
themselves.<br />
One <strong>of</strong> the threats to luxury manufacturers and<br />
consumers is the proliferation <strong>of</strong> counterfeit goods.<br />
This is a timely topic due to recent seizures <strong>of</strong><br />
counterfeit products in Toronto and Italy, and we’ve<br />
covered it in this issue as well.<br />
You’ll also find an article on investing, some<br />
great tips on how to get the most out <strong>of</strong> the<br />
sometimes-slow summer months, OAC news and<br />
much more in this Spring issue <strong>of</strong> Vision magazine.<br />
As always, we thank you for spending time<br />
with us.<br />
ISI<br />
6<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007
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Complete information is also available by visiting acuvue.ca. HYDRACLEAR Plus is our brand name for the next generation <strong>of</strong> our proprietary technology that allows us to combine a higher volume <strong>of</strong> a<br />
moisture-rich wetting agent as a part <strong>of</strong> a new, state-<strong>of</strong>-the-art formulation to create a more wettable, ultra smooth contact lens, especially for people with eyes that feel dry.<br />
ACUVUE ® , ACUVUE ® OASYS , HYDRACLEAR , FOR THE LIFE OF YOUR EYES and ULTRA COMFORT SERIES are trademarks <strong>of</strong> Johnson & Johnson, Inc. © Johnson & Johnson,<br />
Inc. 2007.
| Feature |<br />
Luxury is by definition superfluous.<br />
But it sure is wonderful.<br />
And for those who can afford<br />
the finer things in life there’s nothing<br />
like eyeglass frames made <strong>of</strong><br />
luxury materials.<br />
<br />
uxur<br />
Defines the Face<br />
By Paddy Kamen<br />
| Gold frames and jewelry have seen a resurgence in popularity <strong>of</strong><br />
late, inspired perhaps by African-American trend setters and the<br />
rise in decorative adornments popularly referred to as ‘bling’. But<br />
there’s no denying that gold frames are classic and that there will<br />
always be a market for this worldwide standard <strong>of</strong> luxury.<br />
Robin Kadish, national sales manager<br />
for Ultra Palm, manufacturers <strong>of</strong> the Caviar<br />
and Cazal collections <strong>of</strong> luxury eyewear,<br />
observes that their Caviar collection has<br />
become very hot as a second, dressy frame<br />
for special occasions.<br />
The Caviar collection is heavily decorated<br />
with Austrian crystals, sometimes in<br />
vibrant colours, and is 18-karat gold<br />
plated. The Cazal collection is more<br />
discreet and architectural, in 24-karat gold<br />
plating.<br />
| 01 Ultra Palm Accessories mod.: Cazal 4091 |<br />
10<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007
The <strong>Opticians</strong> <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong><br />
<strong>Association</strong> des opticiens du <strong>Canada</strong><br />
2706-83 Garry Street<br />
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 4J9<br />
(204) 982-6060 • 1-(800) 847-3155<br />
E-mail : canada@opticians.ca<br />
Web site : www.opticians.ca<br />
2006-2007<br />
PROVINCIAL DIRECTORS /<br />
ADMINISTRATEURS PROVINCIAUX<br />
LORNE KASHIN<br />
President/Président<br />
Thornhill, Ontario<br />
(905) 881-1276<br />
Alberta<br />
DAVID MCGOWAN<br />
Secretary Treasurer / Secrétaire-trésorier<br />
Red Deer (403) 347-1020<br />
British Columbia / Colombie-Britannique<br />
Cindy Koszegi<br />
Victoria • (250) 920-5911<br />
Manitoba<br />
TODD SMITH<br />
Winnipeg • (204) 788-4571<br />
New Brunswick / Nouveau-Brunswick<br />
ROBERT LEE<br />
Saint John • (506) 632-0103<br />
Newfoundland / Terre-Neuve<br />
MARIAN WALSH<br />
St. John’s • (709) 579-2605<br />
Nova Scotia / Nouvelle-Écosse<br />
ROBERT DALTON<br />
Vice-President/vice-président<br />
Halifax • (902) 455-4305<br />
Ontario<br />
LORNE KASHIN<br />
President/Président<br />
Thornhill • (905) 881-1276<br />
Prince Edward Island /<br />
Île-du-Prince-Édouard<br />
DALIE SCHELLEN<br />
Charlottetown • (902) 566-2020<br />
Saskatchewan<br />
JAMES HOLSTEIN<br />
Rosetown • (306) 882-3511<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007 11
| Feature |<br />
James Londeau, president <strong>of</strong> Accessor-Eyes, the Canadian<br />
distributor <strong>of</strong> the Ultra Palm collections, says there are 135<br />
steps in the manufacture <strong>of</strong> a Cazal frame. “It’s all hand done<br />
and there are many colours applied to the gold. Only three<br />
years ago, they were only available in basic colours but now<br />
there is a huge array <strong>of</strong> choices.”<br />
While 80 per cent <strong>of</strong> the Caviar collection is directed to<br />
women, there are also pieces with exotic wood temples that<br />
appeal mostly to men.<br />
Prisme Optical Group brings Judith Leiber to the Canadian<br />
luxury eyewear scene with beautiful oversized sunwear frames<br />
featuring Austrian crystal details at the temples.<br />
“Judith Leiber creates different themes in her eyewear for<br />
each season – from American Indian to Asian, to designs inspired<br />
by the Russian Czars,” says Prisme president Richard<br />
Stortini. “Her products are unique, made <strong>of</strong> the highest quality<br />
titanium and acetate, with each crystal set by hand in Italy.<br />
They come in both sun and ophthalmic.”<br />
While the Leiber collection is aimed mostly at women,<br />
they also have some gold-filled frames for men with discreet<br />
stones at the temples. “These are truly gorgeous products<br />
aimed at the very high-end <strong>of</strong> frame retail,” says Stortini.<br />
Stainless steel frames manufactured via a photo-edging<br />
process are the high-end entry from Centennial Optical. “This<br />
is the hottest trend in metals today,” says Linda Mulford-Hum,<br />
director <strong>of</strong> frames. “A stainless steel plate coated with a<br />
special resin protects the design. The plate is submerged in an<br />
acid bath with an electrical current running through it. All the<br />
metal that is not covered by the resin is dissolved, leaving a<br />
beautiful pattern.”<br />
Mulford-Hum says that a particularly beautiful example <strong>of</strong><br />
this technique is found in Alfred Sung model AS4722, which<br />
has a lacquer application <strong>of</strong> colour added by hand to fill in<br />
some <strong>of</strong> the mesh area. Photo-edging gives the dramatic effect<br />
<strong>of</strong> thicker temples and bigger “sunglass-like” frames but it is<br />
very lightweight, comfortable and fashionable.<br />
DeluxEYEwear introduced their Solid Gold brand at Silmo<br />
2006 in Paris, and to the U.S. market last March at Vision Expo<br />
East in New York City. President Sam Nassif saw a demand for<br />
solid gold products. “People can spend twice as much for a<br />
gold frame from a well-recognized brand or they can buy my<br />
Solid Gold brand. I’ve seen a great interest in the product at<br />
the shows.”<br />
Solid Gold <strong>of</strong>fers 14 styles in 14-karat white gold and onekarat<br />
yellow gold. Most models are unisex, while two are<br />
designed just for men. There is also a three-piece rimless,<br />
allowing for lenses in any shape the customer desires. Nassif<br />
emphasizes that he has all models in inventory.<br />
| 02 Leiberg |<br />
| 03 Centennial mod. AS4722 Green |<br />
| 04 Delux Eye Wear |<br />
| 02 Leiberg |<br />
12<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007
| Feature |<br />
The long-standing relationship between Silhouette and<br />
Daniel Swarovski has led to the Daniel Swarovski Crystal Pearl<br />
collection, part <strong>of</strong> the Evening Eyewear series. Distributed by<br />
COS, this latest collection introduced Swarovski Crystal Pearls,<br />
a stunning take on the chic allure <strong>of</strong> pearls, which have long<br />
been celebrated throughout the fashion world.<br />
Two crystals with varying shapes are presented in this<br />
collection. The Chaton crystal is a classic, with 57 precisely cut<br />
facets that set <strong>of</strong>f fireworks <strong>of</strong> light and colour. Each Chaton<br />
crystal has a diameter <strong>of</strong> only one-mm and is individually<br />
mounted in a delicate frame. As its name implies, the shape<br />
<strong>of</strong> Crystal Pearl mirrors an ideal pearl. This crystal has a<br />
magnificent lustre and shimmers in delicate colours. A special<br />
process is used to mould the raw crystal core into a perfectly<br />
round shape, while the innovative coating technology<br />
generates chromatic intensity and an extraordinary lustre.<br />
döp’s 902 eyewear collection <strong>of</strong>fers an understated luxury<br />
with stainless steel accents that exemplify fashion, sophistication<br />
and quality. Each frame is hand-made in Italy and perfectly<br />
balanced using zyl and brushed stainless steel<br />
highlights. Patent-pending “clip tip” eyelets in the temple arm<br />
are uniquely designed to accommodate döp’s collection <strong>of</strong><br />
eyewear necklaces or conventional eyewear retainers. These<br />
frames can be personalized with döp’s engraving service.<br />
Saki is the natural-material frame collection from<br />
Modo Eyewear. Marketing director Giovanni Lo Faro says the<br />
company started the collection in 2 000 with the mission <strong>of</strong><br />
presenting the highest possible quality frames. “The early collections<br />
were titanium with some acetate, but then we started<br />
to go upscale. We wanted to make Saki a more unique<br />
statement in terms <strong>of</strong> natural materials and all our new<br />
models are going in that direction, with all new pieces made<br />
from natural horn and wood.”<br />
The environmental impact associated with harvesting the<br />
materials used in the Saki collection is <strong>of</strong> prime importance to<br />
Modo. “We can verify that we are not complicit in killing<br />
animals for the sole purpose <strong>of</strong> harvesting their horn. And we<br />
have also ensured that the harvesting <strong>of</strong> our Indonesian teak<br />
does not interfere with or damage Indonesia’s rain forest,”<br />
explains Lo Faro.<br />
Both ophthalmic and sunwear are available in the Saki<br />
collection. “We just launched the new horn sunglasses and<br />
optical series,” explains Lo Faro. “The aviator shape (model<br />
8002) with titanium fronts and wood temples is very popular<br />
and was featured in Vogue magazine last summer.”<br />
| 05 COS |<br />
| 06 Döp Engraving Glasses • keychain 00053 |<br />
| 07 MODO mod. Saki 801 |<br />
14<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007
| Feature |<br />
One <strong>of</strong> the classic names in luxury frames is Gold and<br />
Wood, by Wood Optik U.S.A. According to company spokesperson<br />
David Zaruk. their new high-tech temples are an astonishing<br />
combination <strong>of</strong> aluminum and genuine black horn in a<br />
clean and cutting-edge style that gives men’s frames a unique,<br />
contemporary look. The inclusion <strong>of</strong> metal in a material as<br />
delicate as Water Buffalo horn is the fruit <strong>of</strong> long-term research.<br />
The horn is used to give a contrast effect in raised marquetry<br />
which has been carefully polished by hand. These black horn<br />
temples with aluminum inserts are available in spatula and<br />
adjustable versions, with an acetate temple tip. They adapt to<br />
several men’s frames in the eyewear collection and create a<br />
very unique and contemporary look.<br />
Model H09 for men or women introduces a wider and<br />
more wraparound styling. In one version a brilliant gold front<br />
illuminates the cream and ivory shades <strong>of</strong> the buttery horn<br />
temples and is warmed by brown graded lenses. In another<br />
version the palladium front harmonizes with the greys and<br />
blacks <strong>of</strong> the marbled horn and blends with grey, polarized<br />
lenses.<br />
Roberto Cavalli Eyewear speaks style and glamour.<br />
RC305S, for example, is a frame that will not go unnoticed<br />
with its daring proportions, oversize wrapped shape and rich<br />
details. The front is a double-track metal pr<strong>of</strong>ile, embellished<br />
with Swarovski crystals that enhance the RC signature crest on<br />
the bridge. Cavalli’s collection, produced by Marcolin, features<br />
some striking pieces with mesh netting in tubular construction.<br />
“There’s nothing like it that I’m aware <strong>of</strong>,” says marketing<br />
director Brian Brewer. “The tubular mesh takes the piece<br />
into a different design realm, making it distinctly like jewelry.”<br />
Other special effects found on Cavalli include transparent<br />
materials for a “watery” effect in hues reminiscent <strong>of</strong> the<br />
ocean, and trompe l’oeil weaves and logos that enhance the<br />
temples, interiors and fronts. The new RC logo in diamanté,<br />
where the designer’s initials overlap in a tangle <strong>of</strong> knots,<br />
decorates and illuminates the temple or bridge, depending on<br />
the model.<br />
Lanctôt brings the made-in-Italy AVD Augusto Valentini<br />
Design collection to the attention <strong>of</strong> high-end buyers<br />
everywhere. Their AVD 70141, with strass stones on the<br />
corners, reinterprets the eyewear style <strong>of</strong> the ‘60s in the short<br />
shape <strong>of</strong> the front and the broad side. This is for youthful<br />
adults looking for distinction and manufacturing quality. Made<br />
<strong>of</strong> monel on the front, grilamid for the corners and acetate for<br />
the temples, the materials blend seamlessly and are enhanced<br />
by beautiful colours and a range <strong>of</strong> finishes. On the external<br />
side, the model has a laser-made decoration with the symbolic<br />
elements <strong>of</strong> the new natural or organic design inspiration <strong>of</strong><br />
the latest Lanctôt collections.<br />
Travis Rowe, president <strong>of</strong> TEK <strong>Canada</strong> Optical, finds that<br />
mature markets want a distinctive, classic look and that<br />
several pieces in his Da Vinci Millennia Collection give them the<br />
perfect solution. “Da Vinci is not about making a statement<br />
but rather about elegance and dress. One would definitely not<br />
refer to this eyewear as bling. It’s about wearing a piece<br />
<strong>of</strong> jewelry, made <strong>of</strong> feather-weight stainless steel with<br />
gemstones.”<br />
Da Vinci is made in Italy, a fact <strong>of</strong> which Rowe is<br />
particularly proud. “The quality is there and in my experience<br />
it can’t be replicated elsewhere. And despite the fact that we’re<br />
<strong>of</strong>fering this top-quality product within the luxury segment, we<br />
still manage to present it at an attractive price.”<br />
| 08 Gold = Wood mod. A04.16 |<br />
| 09 Marcolin mod. RC305-772 |<br />
| 10 Lanctôt |<br />
| 11 TEK mod. SE396 |<br />
16<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007
Design TE501<br />
800.242.TURA<br />
www.tura.com
| Feature |<br />
| 12 Lindeberg mod. p7315a |<br />
| 13 Sàfilo mod. GA512/s |<br />
| 14 Allison mod. DU 03102 |<br />
| 15 Alek Paul mod. AP2061 |<br />
LINDBERG’s Precious Collection <strong>of</strong> solid 18-karat gold<br />
frames and natural horn frames is one <strong>of</strong> the most exclusive<br />
and prestigious eyewear collections worldwide. Their minimalist,<br />
lightweight design lends itself perfectly to the precious<br />
metal concept. The Greenland yellow and white gold used to<br />
make the 18-karat gold wire and plate is refined in Spain and<br />
LINDBERG has the exclusive right to use it for manufacturing<br />
spectacle frames. LINDBERG's entire collection <strong>of</strong> Air, Rim, Strip<br />
and Spirit frames can be supplied in 18-karat, solid Greenland<br />
gold. Their collections also include brilliant-cut diamonds <strong>of</strong><br />
the highest quality.<br />
Natural horn temples are a special part <strong>of</strong> LINDBERG’s<br />
concept. In a variant <strong>of</strong> the Spirit collection, inlays <strong>of</strong> gold are<br />
integrated into the horn temples, which connect the temples<br />
with the gold wire parts in the hinges and frame fronts. The<br />
result is a unique, rimless eyewear concept epitomising pure<br />
luxury.<br />
All the parts for these exclusive frames are carefully handmade<br />
to guarantee the best finish and quality. LINDBERG's<br />
specially trained personnel are under the constant super<strong>vision</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> LINDBERG's in-house goldsmith and opticians.<br />
Sàfilo presents Giorgio Armani Eyewear luxury sunglasses<br />
in a special edition to a discerning clientele. The aviator style<br />
in metal with teardrop lenses, model GA512/S, is embellished<br />
with Swarovski diamanté glittering on the double bridge to<br />
give the frame front an elegant radiance. The delicate fork<br />
arms are also lit up with crystals in the same shade, showing<br />
<strong>of</strong>f the GA medallion logo pierced at the temple end. Coloured<br />
acetate terminals come in shades <strong>of</strong> shell grey for the rhodium<br />
colour version with smoky grey lenses, or shell brown for the<br />
rose gold version with smoky brown lenses.<br />
Also from Sàfilo is the Yves Saint Laurent Muse collection<br />
in three styles based on the famous Muse handbag. The<br />
emblematic lock from the handbag has been transformed into<br />
a hinge, embossed with the famous YSL logo. The padlock<br />
hinges in shiny gold metal provide a perfect frame for the face<br />
and eyes.<br />
The Dunhill eyeglass collection from Allison <strong>Canada</strong> <strong>of</strong>fers<br />
the look <strong>of</strong> style and sophistication typical <strong>of</strong> this well-known<br />
English luxury brand for men. Offering an updated look <strong>of</strong> the<br />
classic and avid motorist, the collection features two pieces<br />
with wood – the DU052, with a wood front and wood inserts<br />
on the metal temples, and DU031, a metal half rim with wood<br />
temples.<br />
Dunhill is known for high-quality performance materials<br />
such as titanium and aluminum, excellent quality and innovative<br />
shapes, while continuing to define the true meaning <strong>of</strong><br />
sophistication and luxury.<br />
Alek Paul collection from CULT is definitely worth a look.<br />
This collection plays with the concept <strong>of</strong> lateral space on the<br />
frame fronts. The whole piece is extracted from a single<br />
material block, with complicated lightening techniques used<br />
to emphasize the lateral openings without interfering with the<br />
front design. Each move holds a surprise, while light changes<br />
its intensity on the front surface. The colours are combined<br />
through friction gluing, as in all AP models. A new exclusive<br />
flexible hinge is integrated on all new models. Check out Alek<br />
Paul’s Cult for products <strong>of</strong> high quality, strength and value.<br />
Will luxury always be with us? Let’s hope so because<br />
eyewear as a work <strong>of</strong> fine art made from precious materials is<br />
a thing <strong>of</strong> beauty.<br />
ISI<br />
18<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007
Phony Eyewear: A Growing Menace<br />
By Paddy Kamen<br />
|<br />
The February 16 seizure <strong>of</strong> more than $25,000 worth <strong>of</strong> counterfeit sunwear in the Greater Toronto Area<br />
has cast a Canadian spotlight on a problem that continues to plague the international eyewear industry.<br />
20<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007<br />
The bust, which yielded more than 12,000 pairs<br />
<strong>of</strong> sunglasses bearing the names <strong>of</strong> such luxury<br />
fashion brands as Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Dolce &<br />
Gabanna, Versace and Christian Dior, was carried<br />
out by the Toronto West detachment <strong>of</strong> the RCMP.<br />
One man was charged with fraud under the<br />
Criminal Code because <strong>Canada</strong>’s Trademark Act<br />
makes no pro<strong>vision</strong> for penalties in such a case,<br />
said Cpl. Christianne Roy. The suspect is still<br />
awaiting trial.<br />
“The sunglasses, which originated in the<br />
Republic <strong>of</strong> China, entered <strong>Canada</strong> through the Port<br />
<strong>of</strong> Vancouver,” said Roy, adding that this is the first<br />
time the RCMP has seized counterfeit eyewear. “It’s<br />
a common occurrence with brand name belts, shoes<br />
and purses, though.”<br />
The bust followed hard on the heels <strong>of</strong> the<br />
January 24 seizure by Italian police <strong>of</strong> 40,000 pieces<br />
<strong>of</strong> eyewear worth about three million euros. In that<br />
case, the “Made in Italy” brand on the eyewear is in<br />
dispute and police have charged an unnamed<br />
company with selling industrial products with<br />
misleading marks as well as with commercial fraud.<br />
In a related development, Immagine Eyewear<br />
Srl recently filed a motion for protection before the<br />
Law Court <strong>of</strong> Milan in response to counterfeit<br />
versions <strong>of</strong> its X-ICE eyeglasses appearing in the<br />
Italian market. The fakes originated in China.<br />
The motion forced the Froman Srl company,<br />
which was distributing the phony copies, to stop<br />
selling them. Immagine is now contemplating legal<br />
action against a number <strong>of</strong> other firms which have<br />
sold or are selling copies <strong>of</strong> X-ICE eyeglasses. The<br />
company also said it will seek restraining orders<br />
and confiscation against any optical practitioners<br />
who are found with counterfeit copies <strong>of</strong> X-ICE<br />
eyeglasses.<br />
While figures on the value <strong>of</strong> the counterfeit<br />
eyewear market are not available, an estimated<br />
$500 billion worth <strong>of</strong> fake luxury goods are trafficked<br />
throughout the world annually. <strong>Canada</strong>’s<br />
share <strong>of</strong> that is $20 billion to $30 billion, according<br />
to the Canadian Anti-Counterfeiting Network (CACN).<br />
Almost all <strong>of</strong> the counterfeit eyewear on the<br />
market is sunwear, although incidences <strong>of</strong> phony<br />
contact lenses have been reported. Most <strong>of</strong> the<br />
fakes come from Asia, specifically China, Taiwan,<br />
Hong Kong and South Korea.<br />
“The problem impacts major international companies<br />
almost exclusively,” says Travis Rowe,<br />
president <strong>of</strong> TEK <strong>Canada</strong> Optical in London, Ontario.<br />
“We’re talking about very high-end brand names<br />
here, many <strong>of</strong> them Italian.”<br />
“It’s a huge problem,” says Iso Sides, COO <strong>of</strong><br />
Sàfilo <strong>Canada</strong>, whose company sells top designer<br />
brands including Giorgio Armani and Yves Saint-Laurent.<br />
“When I walk down the street I see a big increase<br />
in the number <strong>of</strong> people who are wearing<br />
counterfeit sunglasses.”<br />
“In some cases, optical practitioners buy<br />
eyewear and sunwear knowing that it’s counterfeit,”<br />
he adds.<br />
“I don’t understand why they would knowingly<br />
sell counterfeit products to consumers. Why<br />
jeopardize your client base by selling crap? These<br />
people aren’t dealing in high volumes - maybe 10 to<br />
20 customers a day - so it’s important to keep them<br />
happy. Selling counterfeit eyewear may result in a<br />
huge immediate pr<strong>of</strong>it but in the longer term, they’ll<br />
lose clients.”
Phony Eyewear<br />
A GROWING MENACE<br />
Sides is also concerned that it reflects badly on<br />
the brand when people buy eyewear or sunwear<br />
thinking it’s the real thing, only to have it fall apart or<br />
worse. Inadequate UV protection, sub-standard<br />
materials and shoddy workmanship are among the<br />
most common problems with counterfeit sunwear.<br />
In 2002, Joe Pellegrino <strong>of</strong> Jacksonville, Florida,<br />
made the mistake <strong>of</strong> trying on a pair <strong>of</strong> what looked<br />
like Oakley sunglasses at a local gas station. As he<br />
raised them to his face, one <strong>of</strong> the arms broke <strong>of</strong>f and<br />
a sharp part <strong>of</strong> the frame poked him in the eye, which<br />
started bleeding. The result was a scratched cornea<br />
and abrasions to the eye. Today, the <strong>vision</strong> in his eye<br />
remains weak and it cannot self-lubricate. Pellegrino is<br />
now suing the gas station.<br />
While Pellegrino’s story is an extreme example <strong>of</strong><br />
the dangers <strong>of</strong> knock-<strong>of</strong>fs, they can pose other still<br />
harmful but less dramatic problems. UV coatings can<br />
be virtually non-existent, consisting <strong>of</strong> only a spray-on<br />
top coat. And counterfeit sunglasses with dark lenses<br />
essentially just dilate the pupils. Even those that<br />
protect the wearer from UV rays can cause distortion,<br />
which may lead to headaches. Moreover, fakes are<br />
usually made <strong>of</strong> poor quality materials, which can<br />
cause skin irritation or even turn the skin green.<br />
In some cases, <strong>of</strong> course, consumers are well<br />
aware that they’re buying fakes. According to a recent<br />
poll conducted by Pollara on behalf <strong>of</strong> the CACN,<br />
nearly one-third <strong>of</strong> Canadians surveyed said they had<br />
knowingly purchased counterfeit goods, with 90%<br />
saying they believe the black market for these<br />
products exists because there is little chance <strong>of</strong> the<br />
perpetrators being caught.<br />
Nearly half <strong>of</strong> those who bought phony products<br />
said they would have purchased the real thing if<br />
counterfeits weren't available.<br />
Such findings seem to lend weight to arguments<br />
that <strong>Canada</strong>’s legal framework for combating counterfeit<br />
goods is weak and outdated. Indeed, the International<br />
AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (IACC) designated<br />
<strong>Canada</strong> as a Priority Foreign County in 2006, citing its<br />
“reactive approach to counterfeiting, inadequate<br />
coordination among enforcement bodies, poor<br />
cooperation among authorities and industry, and gaps<br />
in relevant legislation, all <strong>of</strong> which pose serious<br />
obstacles to effective and deterrent enforcement.”<br />
The IACC called on the Canadian Government to<br />
make intellectual property enforcement a political<br />
priority and devote significantly greater resources to<br />
customs, police and prosecutors, particularly at key<br />
entry points such as Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and<br />
Halifax.<br />
Gary Daniel, a partner and intellectual property<br />
(IP) specialist at the Toronto law firm Blake, Casells<br />
and Graydon, says that while there has been plenty<br />
<strong>of</strong> discussion about Canadian laws governing counterfeit<br />
goods, the existing copyright and trademark<br />
legislation is adequate for the job.<br />
“We have laws on the books that can get the job<br />
done,” he says. “What we need is consumer education<br />
to make sure people understand the problem and<br />
don’t buy counterfeit goods.”<br />
This is not a victimless crime, adds Daniel.<br />
“Counterfeit goods trespass on the manufacturer’s<br />
hard work and ingenuity. They pose an economic<br />
problem and if <strong>Canada</strong> isn’t careful about protecting<br />
intellectual property, companies may limit their<br />
products’ exposure to the Canadian market. And <strong>of</strong><br />
course, there’s a huge concern when <strong>vision</strong> and other<br />
healthcare products are sold without the checks and<br />
balances imposed by legitimate brand owners, Health<br />
<strong>Canada</strong> and similar bodies.”<br />
Jim Hughes, the general manager <strong>of</strong> Luxottica<br />
<strong>Canada</strong>, says that a number <strong>of</strong> his firm’s best-known<br />
brands, including Chanel, Dolce & Gabanna, Bvlgari<br />
and Versace, have turned up in counterfeit form. “It’s<br />
hard to quantify the cost to us in dollar terms but it’s<br />
probably in the tens <strong>of</strong> millions <strong>of</strong> dollars worldwide.”<br />
Adds Hughes: “The better element <strong>of</strong> the eyewear<br />
industry doesn’t participate in counterfeiting. They are<br />
quite cognizant <strong>of</strong> the danger and the illegality<br />
involved. Unfortunately, though, other entities will sell<br />
the stuff.”<br />
Luxottica takes a multi-pronged approach to<br />
dealing with fakes, he says. “We cooperate fully with<br />
law enforcement <strong>of</strong>ficials and where it’s appropriate<br />
we prosecute. However, from an enforcement<br />
standpoint, intellectual property rights aren’t always a<br />
top priority so it’s incumbent on licensed distributors<br />
and brand owners to be proactive. If we see an<br />
unauthorized dealer carrying our products, we<br />
investigate and pass on the information to the brand<br />
company.”<br />
Hughes believes that it’s very important to show<br />
the company’s traditional customer base the difference<br />
between counterfeits and authentic products by using<br />
only authorized, up-to-date point <strong>of</strong> sale (POS)<br />
materials provided by the brand owner, along with<br />
current ad campaign materials and a good product<br />
selection.<br />
“These all speak to the authenticity <strong>of</strong> the<br />
product,” he explains. “With customers and dealers<br />
we point out the value <strong>of</strong> what they’re buying. We’re<br />
adamant that our dealers use only current materials,<br />
because they legitimize them.”<br />
Hughes is under no illusions that counterfeit<br />
eyewear will be eliminated anytime in the near future.<br />
“As long as there are consumers who will buy this stuff<br />
knowing that it’s probably counterfeit it will continue<br />
to exist,” he says. “And the increasingly global<br />
economy and the web only facilitate it.”<br />
Nevertheless, he’s gratified that the retail<br />
marketplace is generally moving to a higher level <strong>of</strong><br />
sophistication. Referring to the February 16 RCMP bust,<br />
he says, “It’s gratifying that someone was paying<br />
attention, noticed the goods at the point <strong>of</strong> entry in<br />
Vancouver and blew the whistle. Events like that move<br />
us in the right direction.”<br />
ISI<br />
22<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007
Paradeyes<br />
Top to Bottom: Wild Berry, Plum Pudding, Pistachio<br />
1.866.778.3687<br />
venuseyedesign.com
| Practice Trends |<br />
Observe the Law <strong>of</strong> Motion<br />
Wikepedia’s definition <strong>of</strong> inertia: NEWTON’S first law<br />
<strong>of</strong> motion states that “an object at rest tends to stay at<br />
rest and an object in motion tends to stay in<br />
motion with the same speed and in the same direction<br />
unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.” In other<br />
words, objects “tend to keep on doing what they’re<br />
doing and to resist changes in their state <strong>of</strong> motion. This<br />
tendency to resists change is described as inertia.<br />
<strong>Opticians</strong> have noted that non-regulated individuals<br />
hold many upper-level management positions in the<br />
corporate dispensing world. In some cases opticians<br />
have been overlooked for advancement opportunities<br />
and it is instead people with business and marketing<br />
training or experience who are area supervisors and<br />
now even store managers.<br />
Editor’s note: Pr<strong>of</strong>essional lethargy or inertia has come up as a common<br />
theme in many pr<strong>of</strong>essions. Sometimes it’s referred to as “burn<br />
out” brought on by monotony or a feeling that the working situation is<br />
outside the control <strong>of</strong> the pr<strong>of</strong>essional. According to the law <strong>of</strong> motion,<br />
unless pr<strong>of</strong>essionals find a force to motivate them this state <strong>of</strong> inertia<br />
can become entrenched. The following two comments reflect on that<br />
theme. Both writers are convinced that the solution to this type <strong>of</strong><br />
lethargy or inertia is in the hands <strong>of</strong> the pr<strong>of</strong>essional.<br />
|<br />
Beware <strong>of</strong> Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Lethargy<br />
I am exhilarated by the challenges <strong>of</strong> being an optician and constantly ask myself how to motivate some <strong>of</strong><br />
my colleagues to get greater satisfaction out <strong>of</strong>, take greater joy in and participate more in their pr<strong>of</strong>ession.<br />
Have we become numbed by the repetitiveness <strong>of</strong> the type <strong>of</strong> prescriptions we see and the perceived shift in<br />
challenge from solving dispensing problems to providing advice on frame shape and colour?<br />
By Sandra Blanchette, Manitoba Optician<br />
24<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007<br />
From my reading I can see that this problem is<br />
not unique to opticians. Many pr<strong>of</strong>essional groups<br />
see the results <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional lethargy in the<br />
reluctance <strong>of</strong> their colleagues to take active roles in<br />
their associations and regulatory bodies.<br />
When a state <strong>of</strong> lethargy and flagging energy<br />
exists, pr<strong>of</strong>essionals, opticians included, are <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
their own worst enemies. As opticians, regardless <strong>of</strong><br />
how a working environment might adversely affect<br />
our spirits, what threatens us more is falling into a<br />
mindset that we are helpless in the face <strong>of</strong> circumstances<br />
and forgetting the important role we play as<br />
health care pr<strong>of</strong>essionals in the circle <strong>of</strong> care <strong>of</strong> our<br />
clients. It doesn’t help that as lethargy spreads the<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional community tends to become a network<br />
for venting and commiserating instead <strong>of</strong> a source <strong>of</strong><br />
support and inspiration.<br />
Governments in all provinces have decided that<br />
only individuals who are regulated – who are trained<br />
and qualified, must dispense ophthalmic products.<br />
Like the other two ‘O’s, and like nurses, dental<br />
hygienists, chiropractors, pharmacists or physiotherapists,<br />
opticians are health care pr<strong>of</strong>essionals with<br />
the same level <strong>of</strong> responsibility and respect<br />
associated with those pr<strong>of</strong>essions.<br />
<strong>Opticians</strong> are specifically trained and skilled in<br />
the art <strong>of</strong> dispensing. And while fashion and selling<br />
are both involved in the process, it is only through<br />
the act <strong>of</strong> dispensing that the client achieves the<br />
desired visual result. Once a prescription has been<br />
developed it is the optician who must translate it to<br />
the client and into a product. The numbers on a<br />
prescription can take many forms and formats. It is<br />
up to the optician to sort through that variety to<br />
design the one that’s right for the client.<br />
In retail dispensing selling and fashion are a part<br />
<strong>of</strong> our pr<strong>of</strong>essional function and it is up to the individual<br />
optician to elevate that part <strong>of</strong> the task to a<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional level. We need to educate the public<br />
about our expertise but before doing that maybe we<br />
need to remind ourselves about the importance <strong>of</strong><br />
our role in the <strong>vision</strong> care system.<br />
Ask yourself this question. “If I made a list, what<br />
are the skills that I have and what services do I<br />
provide?” We use a storehouse <strong>of</strong> knowledge and<br />
skills to provide so many important services as a
| Practice Trends |<br />
matter <strong>of</strong> routine that we forget what it took to learn<br />
them and how necessary they are. But when you<br />
itemize them on a piece <strong>of</strong> paper they look pretty<br />
impressive.<br />
If you go to the NACOR website at www.nacor.ca<br />
you’ll find a list <strong>of</strong> the national competencies. These<br />
are skills that Canadian regulatory bodies have<br />
agreed are required to become an optician. There are<br />
over 700 skills and sub-skills listed. So my message<br />
to opticians or any pr<strong>of</strong>essional is: reflect on the<br />
road you have traveled to become a regulated<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional. You studied hard. You spent a lot <strong>of</strong><br />
time interning. If you behave like a skilled<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional you’ll earn the respect <strong>of</strong> your clients,<br />
your colleagues and your employers and your own<br />
self-respect will increase.<br />
There is energy in every pr<strong>of</strong>ession if you look<br />
for it. Seek out the people who are involved in your<br />
association and your regulatory body. Find a way to<br />
join them. If you see pr<strong>of</strong>essional lethargy in your<br />
colleagues get them to shake <strong>of</strong>f that feeling through<br />
active participation.<br />
ISI<br />
The Rewards <strong>of</strong><br />
Participation Are Enormous<br />
By Rozi Dobreci, Executive Director, <strong>Opticians</strong> <strong>of</strong> British Columbia<br />
26<br />
Although I’m not new to the world <strong>of</strong> administration, I am relatively new to the world <strong>of</strong><br />
opticians. My introduction to the pr<strong>of</strong>ession was quick and intense. By the time I started to<br />
work at the <strong>Opticians</strong> <strong>of</strong> British Columbia (OBC) <strong>of</strong>fice in Victoria, the group was well into its<br />
2007 schedule <strong>of</strong> education programs. In particular, we were partnered with Transitions<br />
Optical and with Douglas College to present a series <strong>of</strong> two educational evenings at the<br />
Douglas College campuses in New Westminster and Coquitlam. Consequently the phones were<br />
ringing <strong>of</strong>f the wall with registration requests.<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007<br />
I was frankly amazed at the<br />
huge response and delighted to<br />
be able to speak with so many<br />
friendly and interesting people<br />
who have become my new<br />
constituents. The uniqueness <strong>of</strong><br />
the event itself gave me a quick<br />
read on who opticians really are.<br />
The participants were all registered<br />
opticians. The presenters<br />
were experienced lecturers from<br />
Transitions Optical and student<br />
opticians from Douglas College.<br />
The easy melding <strong>of</strong> seasoned<br />
veterans with novice opticians<br />
and industry suppliers gave me<br />
a good sense <strong>of</strong> the real<br />
community that exists in my new<br />
business world.<br />
The third leg <strong>of</strong> the educational<br />
tour was in Victoria where<br />
the Transitions speakers took<br />
the lead spot and OBC President<br />
Cindy Koszegi followed with a<br />
workshop on how to produce<br />
your own continuing education<br />
credits by forming a study<br />
group. Not only did I find the<br />
concept stimulating but the<br />
breakout groups were really<br />
energized by the exercise with<br />
ideas tumbling out <strong>of</strong> the<br />
registrants faster than anyone<br />
could write them down. I<br />
continue to receive phone calls<br />
congratulating our group on the<br />
way it has re-vitalized interest in<br />
the pr<strong>of</strong>ession. And I guess<br />
that’s where all renewal comes<br />
from – within.<br />
ISI
VISION CANADA 2007<br />
KELOWNA, B,C<br />
October 12 – 14, 2007 The Grand Okanagan Resort<br />
REGISTRATION FORM<br />
ON SITE AND VIRTUAL VISION<br />
CANADA REGISTRATIONS<br />
MUST BE COMPLETED ELECTRONICALLY AT www.<strong>vision</strong>-canada.ca ALL INFO SECURE<br />
One registration form per registrant. Forms cannot be processed unless fully completed<br />
First Name: _____________________________________________________ Last Name: ___________________________________________________________<br />
(THIS IS HOW YOUR NAME WILL APPEAR ON YOUR NAME TAG- PRINT CLEARLY)<br />
Optician ❐ Optometrist ❐ Student ❐ Supplier ❐ Media ❐<br />
Other ________________________________License #_______________________________<br />
Business Name _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
(if providing business address)<br />
Street Address ( H ❐ B ❐ ) ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
City & Province/State ___________________________________________________________________________________P/Code: _________________________<br />
Daytime Phone: ________________________________Fax: ___________________________________E-Mail: _________________________________________<br />
Guest Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ (Guest may only attend Trade Show)<br />
BECOME AN OAC MEMBER NOW FOR BEST CONVENTION RATES AND RECEIVE<br />
4 FREE CON ED MODULES - CALL 1-800-847-3155<br />
REGISTRATION OPTIONS AND FEES<br />
✔ Fees include con ed credits and food<br />
vouchers.<br />
✔ Students are N/C to the lectures &<br />
trade show BUT registration does<br />
not include food vouchers.<br />
✔ Students are non-licensed<br />
individuals enrolled in an optical<br />
training program in the 2007/08<br />
academic years.<br />
✔ NO CANCELLATIONS WILL<br />
BE ACCEPTED AFTER<br />
OCTOBER 1, 2007<br />
TRADE SHOW HOURS<br />
Fri: 5 – 10 PM<br />
Sat: 11 AM – 3 PM<br />
LECTURE HOURS<br />
Sat : 9 – 11 AM & 3 – 5 PM<br />
Sun: 9 AM – 5 PM<br />
❐ YES I AM A BUSINESS OWNER AND WILL ATTEND “DEVELOPING BUSINESS STRATEGIES”<br />
WORKSHOP ON SUNDAY __________ LIMITED TO 30 - SEE LECTURE SCHEDULE FOR DETAILS<br />
REGISTRATION FEES<br />
MARK YOUR EVENTS OAC Members Non OAC Members<br />
Full Weekend _________________ $100.00 + $6.00 GST = $106.00 __________________ $175.00 + $10.50 GST = $185.50 _________________________<br />
Saturday Only _________________ $60.00 + $3.60GST = $63.60 __________________ $125.00 + $ 7.50 GST = $132.50 __________________________<br />
Sunday Only _________________ $60.00 + $3.60GST = $63.60 _________________ $125.00 + $ 7.50 GST = $132.50 __________________________<br />
Student – N/C – Student # _________________ Trade Show Only (No Con Ed Credits) – N/C _____________________<br />
Saturday Night Casino (food, prizes, live entertainment, auction) $ 75.00 x __________ =________________________ $<br />
Lunch tickets per day for students or trade show only (Full lunch buffet) $ 75.00 x __________ =________________________ $<br />
TOTAL: ____________$<br />
TERMS OF PAYMENT<br />
CHEQUES & MONEY ORDERS<br />
MUST BE MADE PAYABLE TO<br />
“VISION CANADA”<br />
Please return form by fax to (204) 947-2519<br />
or mail to : Vision <strong>Canada</strong><br />
2706-83 Garry St.<br />
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 4J9<br />
1-866-377-3636<br />
❐ Cheque ❐ Visa ❐ MasterCard ❐<br />
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Money Order<br />
I authorize the <strong>Opticians</strong> <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong> to charge my credit card in the amount <strong>of</strong> $ _______________________________<br />
CARD # ________________________________________________<br />
GST NUMBER 12325 5028 RT0001<br />
EXP. DATE: _____________________________<br />
SIGNATURE: _____________________________________________________________________________________<br />
HOTEL RESERVATIONS:<br />
Contact The Grand Okanagan at (250) 763-4500 or 1-800-465-4651 and mention<br />
Vision <strong>Canada</strong> for special group rates <strong>of</strong> $174.00.<br />
REGISTRATION FORMS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AT THE VISION CANADA OFFICE AFTER OCT 5, 2007.<br />
REGISTRATION MUST BE DONE ON SITE AFTER THIS DATE<br />
WIN A COMPLETE SET OF SKI EQUIPMENT – ALPINE OR CROSS COUNTRY PLUS<br />
A CHANCE TO WIN A TRIP TO THE 2010 WINTER OLYMPICS<br />
SPONSORED BY VISION CANADA AND LANCTÔT – REGISTER EARLY FOR MORE CHANCES<br />
REGISTER BY JULY 31 – 5 CHANCES REGISTER BY AUGUST 31 – 3 CHANCES REGISTER AFTER AUGUST 31 – 1 CHANCE<br />
SURPRISE CHANCES DURING THE TRADE SHOW AND LECTURES<br />
THE WINNERS OF THE SKI PACKAGES FOR THE 2007, 2008 AND 2009 VISION CANADA WILL HAVE THEIR NAMES PUT IN A DRAW AT THE 2009 VISION CANADA FOR THE TRIP TO THE<br />
2010 WINTER OLYMPICS. FULL DETAILS AT WWW.VISION-CANADA.CA<br />
Any personal identifying data on this document will not be sold for commercial purposes and will be used to process your registration to this event but may also be used to contact<br />
you with pertinent follow-up information<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007 29
| DESIGNER STORY |<br />
KunoQvist:<br />
| 001 | | 002 |<br />
The Baltic Sea has been an inspiration for voyageurs <strong>of</strong><br />
many kinds, over millennia. And it was the light, dark,<br />
shadows and shades <strong>of</strong> the Baltic that inspired Peo<br />
Stjernqvist, growing up in small resort town on Sweden’s<br />
southern coast. Today, Stjernqvist is one <strong>of</strong> the hottest<br />
young frame designers in Scandinavia.<br />
Stjernqvist has a natural bent toward design. “I haven’t<br />
any formal design education but have instead learned by<br />
doing,” he explains. Besides the sea, Stjernqvist is influenced<br />
by furniture design, especially designers from the Bauhaus era,<br />
like Le Courbusier, as well as new Scandinavian designers like<br />
Mats Theselius.<br />
By Paddy Kamen<br />
Inspired by both natural<br />
and man-made beauty,<br />
Peo Stjernqvist creates<br />
exciting eyewear.<br />
His start in the optical industry came when he worked as<br />
a salesperson for the large optical company OPTYL (Carrera<br />
Optic), which is now part <strong>of</strong> Sàfilo. There he met Ola<br />
Kunosson, and the two men became responsible for the<br />
collections <strong>of</strong>fered in Sweden. They eventually set out on their<br />
own, forming OPO Design Sweden in 1996. The name <strong>of</strong> their<br />
KunoQvist brand came from an amalgamation <strong>of</strong> their two<br />
names: Kunosson and Stjernqvist. Kunossons is no longer a<br />
partner in the company but continues to be responsible for<br />
sales in the north <strong>of</strong> Sweden.<br />
| 006 |<br />
<br />
30<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007
A Twist on Scandinavian Design<br />
| DESIGNER STORY |<br />
| 003 | | 004 | | 005 |<br />
Not wanting to be hemmed in by Scandinavian design<br />
traditions, Stjernqvist aims for unique but not over-designed<br />
frames. “I try to be boundless with respect to influences but<br />
my challenge as a frame designer is to create wearable frames<br />
within a lively design aesthetic. It’s a very nice feeling to see<br />
people wearing frames that I have created.”<br />
The distributor Helgi Helgason <strong>of</strong> Split Vision Eyewear<br />
says Stjernqvist has succeeded admirably.<br />
“Peo Stjernqvist is a very focused individual who understands<br />
the trends in eyewear fashion,” says Helgason.<br />
“KunoQvist is bold. The collection has a variation <strong>of</strong> colour<br />
and decor elements that have been combined in an innovative<br />
way.”<br />
Split Vision launched KunoQvist just last February and<br />
the collection is doing very well. “KunoQvist appeals to both<br />
men and women from their mid-twenties in a mid-to-high<br />
income bracket,” explains Helgason. “The collection is<br />
especially appealing to men looking for fashionable eyewear<br />
that is trendy but not too edgy.”<br />
Helgason is particularly drawn to the unique KunoQvist<br />
temples, with sharp lines and pastel colours combined to<br />
symbolize creativity and passion. When asked to choose a<br />
design element that he is most proud <strong>of</strong>, Stjernqvist points to<br />
the temples with studs on his GILLING model. A further design<br />
innovation is the lug part <strong>of</strong> the concept on the FJORD model,<br />
both as a design and functional element. “It makes the frame<br />
very stable,” explains Stjernqvist.<br />
The design talent <strong>of</strong> Peo Stjernqvist was readily apparent<br />
to JF Rey, who invited him into the JF Rey Design Studio. “I<br />
look at my collaboration with JF Rey as an opportunity to<br />
learn about frame design from one <strong>of</strong> the best. I see myself<br />
as a student. I define the idea and the shapes and then Joelle<br />
Rey helps me choose what colours and materials we will use.<br />
I want the result to be a cross-over between Scandinavian<br />
and Latin design.”<br />
This collaboration has resulted in a "collection" inside<br />
the KQ collection. The model known as Brick is one example.<br />
The pieces that were developed apart from the Rey collaboration<br />
have the names <strong>of</strong> Nordic gods such as GILLING and<br />
FJORD.<br />
KunoQvist eyewear is now available in 20 countries<br />
worldwide. Helgason is delighted to present the collection to<br />
the Canadian and U.S. markets. “KunoQvist is well received by<br />
practitioners who like to present fashion-forward eyewear, and<br />
KunoQvist eyewear is an attitude,“ he explains. “People who<br />
wear KunoQvist live for today and are aware <strong>of</strong> fashion trends.<br />
They are men and women who have always felt that their attitude<br />
is more important than their age. KunoQvist customers<br />
are not afraid to have a unique point <strong>of</strong> view. They know who<br />
they are and know that while the way they look is important,<br />
what's most interesting about them is their individuality.”<br />
Peo Stjernqvist has nowhere to go but up and out,<br />
expanding into the world from his base in Sweden. Open to<br />
inspiration from everywhere, he is defining an exciting space<br />
for himself in the world <strong>of</strong> optical design.<br />
ISI<br />
| 001 mod. ? |<br />
| 002 mod. ? |<br />
| 003 mod. ? |<br />
| 004 mod. ? |<br />
| 005 mod. ? |<br />
| 006 mod. ? |<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007 31
No Substitute!
Crizal Alizé with AST vs Standard Anti-Reflective Lens (1)<br />
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TIMES LESS DUSTY ** 20%<br />
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Crizal Alizé with AST vs Strongest Competitors (1)<br />
Transparency<br />
Dust Repellence<br />
Easy Cleaning<br />
Crizal Alizé<br />
with AST<br />
Lens A<br />
Lens B<br />
Crizal Alizé<br />
with AST<br />
Lens A<br />
Lens B<br />
Crizal Alizé<br />
with AST<br />
Lens A<br />
Lens B<br />
ENDS GLARE<br />
FIGHTS DUST<br />
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(1)<br />
An independent study was conducted among a representative panel <strong>of</strong> 80 eyeglass wearers. 50% men, 50% women. Subjects ranked lenses after visual inspection.<br />
*<br />
Appreciation, after cleaning with a tissue, <strong>of</strong> products soiled with artificial sebum. ** Visual inspection <strong>of</strong> lenses wiped 10 times with tissue by experimenter.<br />
***<br />
Cleaning effort on products soiled with artificial sebum.
| COMPANY PROFILE |<br />
By Paddy Kamen<br />
|<br />
From Italy with Style<br />
What happens when you marry the best <strong>of</strong> Italian fashion and design<br />
sense with top-notch Canadian sales and marketing savvy? You get Simi<br />
Eyewear Inc., the brainchild <strong>of</strong> Christina and Piero Ferrari.<br />
Simi, based in Bolton, Ontario, was created<br />
in 2002 to bring high-quality, cutting-edge Italian<br />
eyewear to a Canadian niche market at a reasonable<br />
price. The Italian connection was a natural<br />
for the Ferraris, both <strong>of</strong> whom are first-generation<br />
Canadians, whose families emigrated to this<br />
country from Calabria in the 1950’s.<br />
“We wanted to break away from the norm<br />
with a product that was fun and unique but not<br />
well-known,” explains Christina, who spent eight<br />
years as a sales rep with an optical firm before<br />
leaving to start Simi. She was joined by her<br />
husband Piero, who had previously been<br />
involved in the sales and marketing <strong>of</strong> high-end<br />
products in the consumer electronics industry.<br />
“We searched the world for eyewear <strong>of</strong><br />
incomparable style and design,” she recalls. “It’s<br />
no surprise that our search led us to the place<br />
where fashions are born and the craftsmanship<br />
<strong>of</strong> eyewear dates back centuries: Italy.”<br />
In November 2003, Simi introduced the Vìu<br />
collection to the Canadian market. A co-creation<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Ferraris and a small group <strong>of</strong> Italian<br />
designers, Viu is manufactured in the Cadore<br />
region <strong>of</strong> Italy.<br />
34<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007
| COMPANY PROFILE |<br />
Vìu, which consists <strong>of</strong> 27<br />
models for men and women, is<br />
primarily an acetate collection,<br />
although Christina says there are<br />
plans to add several metal<br />
pieces in the coming months.<br />
“The styles are youthful with<br />
small sizes and lots <strong>of</strong> colour.<br />
And the collection is authentically<br />
Italian and 100 per cent<br />
hand-made.”<br />
In May 2004, Simi became<br />
the first North American company to distribute<br />
OKKI Eyewear. They retain the exclusive distribution<br />
rights for <strong>Canada</strong>.<br />
“We think OKKI will be the next big niche<br />
market brand in North America, showcased along<br />
side <strong>of</strong> brands like Lafont and Mikli” says<br />
Christina, noting that the company doubled its<br />
sales worldwide last year. “It has already attained<br />
that status in Europe, where it’s the hottest thing<br />
currently on the market.”<br />
OKKI Eyewear is made in Reggio Emilia,<br />
mid-way between Parma and Modena. The<br />
Ferraris describe the region as a “very historic<br />
artisanal area, famous for its art and history.”<br />
OKKI’s 55-piece collection uses exclusive design<br />
techniques that incorporate different textures and<br />
materials, along with extensive use <strong>of</strong> detail and<br />
colour and bold, modern designs.<br />
“OKKI’s young design team gives the<br />
collection a youthful flavour,” notes Christina.<br />
“Each piece is handcrafted with meticulous<br />
attention to detail, resulting in frames for adults<br />
and children that are fashion-forward and<br />
comfortable to wear, as well as playful and fun.”<br />
Metal frames finished in metallic colours that<br />
really sparkle for men and women are one<br />
example.<br />
OKKI is one <strong>of</strong> the first eyewear manufacturers<br />
to embed silk materials in its acetate designs.<br />
Silk fabric on the temples gives each piece a<br />
distinctive flavour and since no pattern is reproduced,<br />
every piece is unique. Models feature flat<br />
metal fronts and temples with<br />
hand-milled patterns that are<br />
available in rich colours with<br />
both matte and gloss finishes.<br />
“The collection is designed<br />
for the most discriminating<br />
consumer and the frames are as<br />
original as the wearers,” says<br />
Christina.<br />
Like Vìu, OKKI appeals to<br />
people in the 20 to 45-year age<br />
range. Simi is now looking to expand<br />
the collection by adding more pieces that<br />
can accommodate a progressive lens.<br />
With its lineup <strong>of</strong> Italian-made products, Simi<br />
enjoys an advantage over many <strong>of</strong> its competitors,<br />
who lose out on original designs by turning<br />
to Asian-made products, say the Ferraris. “We’re<br />
ahead <strong>of</strong> the curve in terms <strong>of</strong> design. A lot <strong>of</strong><br />
brand name eyewear is homogenized for the<br />
North American market but we sell what is<br />
actually worn in Italy.”<br />
But as good as Simi’s products are, the<br />
couple believes their company’s greatest strength<br />
lies with its support system. This system includes<br />
their efficient factory liaisons in Italy, their sales<br />
reps across the country who bring the eyewear<br />
collections to the diverse Canadian market and<br />
most importantly, their loyal clients who finally<br />
bring their products to the consumer.<br />
“Confidence and trust are the key ingredients<br />
<strong>of</strong> success,” notes Christina. “We are<br />
extremely confident that we deliver an exceptionally<br />
valuable product and our clients have<br />
come to trust that we will deliver on our promises.<br />
Our sales force mirrors these qualities – they<br />
exceed client expectations and are just as confident<br />
and excited about our product as we are.”<br />
So what’s the best thing about having their<br />
own company? “We have so much fun,” says<br />
Piero. “We love being immersed in the fashion<br />
and design world. We get to play and experiment<br />
and we love the fact that there are no limits<br />
on us.”<br />
ISI<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007 35
| Event |<br />
Canadians Show Well<br />
in New York<br />
| Observers estimate that more than 1,000 Canadians<br />
made their way to New York City’s Vision Expo East last<br />
March to view this season’s crop <strong>of</strong> new products, gain continuing<br />
education credits, renew old and make new business<br />
alliances. That’s even more than a year ago when the<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficial independent audit confirmed that Canadians increasingly<br />
rely on this leading North American trade show.<br />
More than 31 per cent <strong>of</strong> the 2006 New York show’s<br />
international attendees – 840 out <strong>of</strong> 2,682 – made the trip<br />
from <strong>Canada</strong>.<br />
Text and photos by Jody Stone<br />
“We make 40 per cent <strong>of</strong> our sales and see 10 per cent <strong>of</strong> our total customer base here<br />
at the New York show,” confirms Iso Sides, COO and vice-president <strong>of</strong> the Sàfilo Group’s<br />
Canadian operations. Fuelled by the buzz from its frequent eyewear fashion shows,<br />
Sàfilo’s “big new product” this year—the extension <strong>of</strong> Marc by Marc Jacobs sunwear into<br />
an ophthalmic <strong>of</strong>fering—received a resoundingly positive reception.<br />
The Marc by Marc Jacobs contains 12 styles, eight plastic and four metals. Designed for<br />
women, the new ophthalmic collection features rectangular eye shapes in traditional,<br />
s<strong>of</strong>t and shallow silhouettes, as well as modified ovals.<br />
Sàfilo Group’s Iso Sides, vice-president <strong>of</strong> Canadian operations, is<br />
flanked by Gail and Thomas A. Marer, O.O.D. <strong>of</strong> Marer Vision in<br />
Montreal.<br />
Similarly, Reflections by Traff includes several hot new frames for women. In fact,<br />
designer Traff Green notes that he designs “only for women.” Based in British<br />
Columbia, the firm’s new lines for Spring fit into a couple <strong>of</strong> key demographic<br />
categories – the first for young-to-middle-age women who are fashion-forward,<br />
confident, and cutting-edge, and a second that includes styles that would appeal<br />
to women older than 60. “I’m interested in designing for the 35-year-old business<br />
woman who runs her own company with an iron fist, as well as the woman who<br />
has done it all – gone to school, run a business, gotten married, raised a family –<br />
and now wants to do something for herself,” proclaims Traff.<br />
Traff and Linda Green from<br />
Reflections by Traff.<br />
Isabel Lopez, key accounts<br />
manager for Allison <strong>Canada</strong>, sports<br />
a Missoni 58 frame.<br />
Show traffic was heavy at the Allison <strong>Canada</strong> booth too, where there was particular<br />
excitement surrounding the new Try Change line with interchangeable parts. A special<br />
display makes it easy for patients and customers to interchange a variety <strong>of</strong> lenses<br />
and easily change frame colours. Introduced last Fall, the line has been expanded to<br />
include metal temples, full frame fronts and sun lenses. “They’re quite affordable, <strong>of</strong>fering<br />
a lot <strong>of</strong> economic advantages,” key accounts manager Isabel Lopez comments.<br />
Women’s frames generally proved to be hot sellers for Allison, but with continued<br />
strength exhibited by such standards as Dunhill London, targeted to the<br />
conservative 35-55-year-old man.<br />
36<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007
| Event |<br />
DeluxEYEwear made a big splash at Vision Expo with a press<br />
conference and photo shoot to launch its Renata Occhiali and<br />
Pantanera, or the Solid Gold collections. Representing fashion, style<br />
and elegance, the collections come in 14 different models <strong>of</strong> 18-karat<br />
yellow gold and 14-karat white gold. “We’re the fashion eyewear that<br />
reflects your personality,” notes PDG and marketing director<br />
Sam Nassif.<br />
Traff and Linda Green from<br />
Reflections by Traff.<br />
Centennial Optical Ltd. used Vision Expo to celebrate its 40th<br />
anniversary in business. A full-line distributor <strong>of</strong> a complete<br />
range <strong>of</strong> ophthalmic products, Centennial has grown into a<br />
company with 200 employees and over 70,000 square feet <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong>fice and warehouse space. “We’re very excited about this<br />
landmark,” notes Paul-André Desjardins, commercial director<br />
for the first Canadian firm to expand its sales into the U.S.<br />
At Centennial Optical Ltd., from<br />
left: Paul-Andre Desjardins,<br />
commercial director;<br />
Ron Williams, sales<br />
director/frames; Martin Gervais,<br />
Eastern <strong>Canada</strong> regional sales<br />
manager/frames and<br />
Dr. Charles Lu, an optometrist<br />
from Halifax.<br />
New technology was key with many other product launches too. For example, Aspex Eyewear’s new<br />
Turb<strong>of</strong>lex hinge proved to be a hit. “It can twist every which way,” Ryan Buenaventura points out, “for<br />
greater comfort and durability.” Aspex also launched its Lincoln Road line with “the look and feel for a<br />
fashion-oriented younger pr<strong>of</strong>essional generation.”<br />
Isaac Altit, Gerber Coburn<br />
territory sales manager.<br />
In the area <strong>of</strong> lens processing systems Gerber Coburn premiered its standout<br />
Rae Tracer, the company’s newest addition to a broad line <strong>of</strong> finishing products.<br />
The remote tracer has the ability to incline its tracing head at a 15-degree<br />
angle, allowing an accurate trace <strong>of</strong> high wraparound frames with 8 or 9 base<br />
curves. On the other end <strong>of</strong> the spectrum, the Rae Tracer can accommodate<br />
small children’s frame with a B size down to 18 mm, as well as very thin frames<br />
from 1.45 mm thick. Isaac Altit, Gerber Coburn territory sales manager, says the<br />
new product <strong>of</strong>fers “great competitive advantages” for independents in the<br />
changing ophthalmic landscape.<br />
Meanwhile, away from the show itself, Nikon Optical <strong>Canada</strong><br />
celebrated the launch <strong>of</strong> two new products – the “i” and the<br />
“Go Digital Transitions” – with a March 26 gala at a Times Square<br />
night spot. Co-sponsored by Transitions, Nikon’s Customer<br />
Appreciation Party got under way with a welcoming speech by<br />
president Dimitri Adamopoulos who thanked customers for their<br />
support as part <strong>of</strong> ”Nikon's Big Apple Promotion” that helped<br />
customers earn their way to New York for the show.<br />
World-renowned eyewear<br />
designer and marketer Alain Mikli<br />
meets the press.<br />
Dimitri Adamopoulos, president <strong>of</strong> Nikon Optical<br />
<strong>Canada</strong>, gave the keynote to a fabulous evening <strong>of</strong> lively<br />
entertainment that marked the introduction <strong>of</strong> two new<br />
products as part <strong>of</strong> Nikon’s Big Apple Promotion.<br />
(Photos provided by Nikon Optical)<br />
38<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007<br />
Another major event away from the show floor itself was<br />
Alain Mikli’s press conference that attracted consumer<br />
and business press alike to his Manhattan eyewear<br />
boutique, where the world-renowned designer and<br />
marketer took advantage <strong>of</strong> the international eyewear<br />
gathering to hold court. In a presentation called<br />
“The Future in Eyewear,” Mikli discussed not only the<br />
varied subtle design aspects <strong>of</strong> his innovative products,<br />
but also used the forum to dispel rumours that his<br />
company was for sale. In the forefront <strong>of</strong> eyewear design<br />
since he launched his first frames two decades ago,<br />
Mikli reflected on what has set him apart over the years<br />
– such innovations as his great attention to technical<br />
detail with features like the chaam hinge that prevents<br />
lenses from getting scratched and the biolink, a<br />
bio-mechanical feature that provides multi-direction<br />
freedom and movement.<br />
In recent years, Vision Expo not only has provided a showcase<br />
for new product launches and marketing innovations,<br />
but has increasingly expanded its role as an ally to ophthalmic<br />
educators. In addition to hundreds <strong>of</strong> hours <strong>of</strong> continuing<br />
education, the show provided the setting once<br />
again for the "College Bowl" sponsored by The National<br />
Federation <strong>of</strong> Opticianry Schools (NFOS).The contest<br />
among students from 30-plus participating opticianry<br />
schools is, like the industry itself, becoming more international.<br />
<strong>Canada</strong>’s participation in NFOS matters continues<br />
to grow among its opticianry community, including such<br />
leading educators as Lorne Kashin, RO, president <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>Opticians</strong> <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong>; and Cathy Matiekiewicz,<br />
RO, president <strong>of</strong> the College <strong>of</strong> <strong>Opticians</strong> <strong>of</strong> Ontario. ISI<br />
Editor’s Note: Jody Stone has reported on the eyecare market for more than<br />
20 years. He has been chief editor <strong>of</strong> 20/20 Magazine, founding editor <strong>of</strong> VisionMonday,<br />
and editor-in-chief <strong>of</strong> Optometric Management and Ophthalmology<br />
Management, as well as co-founder <strong>of</strong> EyeQuest Magazine.
| Eye on Health |<br />
Food For Thought:<br />
Antioxidants and Eyesight<br />
By Caroline Brider, B.Sc., RD<br />
| Talk <strong>of</strong> the benefits <strong>of</strong> antioxidants for <strong>vision</strong> is quite common these days and consumer<br />
awareness is growing rapidly. What is the role <strong>of</strong> antioxidants when it comes to eye health?<br />
Antioxidants work by preventing cell membrane damage from naturally occurring free radicals,<br />
substances that could play a role in the aging process. Free radicals are produced as a<br />
normal part <strong>of</strong> life. The body has natural defenses that neutralize the free radicals that<br />
develop, leaving them harmless. However, environmental causes such as UV radiation,<br />
pollutants, and alcohol play a role in overpowering the body’s ability to neutralize free<br />
radicals and allow them to damage the structure and function <strong>of</strong> the body’s cells. Consuming<br />
antioxidants helps provide the body with the defense system it needs to prevent free radical<br />
damage. The principle antioxidants are vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, selenium and zinc.<br />
40<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007<br />
Supplements might be one popular<br />
way <strong>of</strong> getting the antioxidants daily dose<br />
but the supplement aisle is not the only<br />
place to find them. In fact, the grocery<br />
store produce sections as well as the<br />
grain products section <strong>of</strong>fers consumers<br />
a wide selection <strong>of</strong> foods containing<br />
antioxidants, as well as other important<br />
nutrients the body needs.<br />
Several trials have been done to<br />
determine the effects <strong>of</strong> antioxidant<br />
vitamin and/or mineral supplements on<br />
the progression <strong>of</strong> Age Related Macular<br />
Degeneration (ARMD). The largest<br />
randomized, clinical trial to date, the Age<br />
Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) 1 ,<br />
published in 2001 in the Archives <strong>of</strong>
| Eye on Health |<br />
42<br />
Antioxidant<br />
Powerhouse<br />
Meal Ideas<br />
Try some <strong>of</strong> these menus to<br />
load up on antioxidants!<br />
Beef stir-fry with mixed vegetables,<br />
such as broccoli, carrots, and red<br />
peppers with brown rice served<br />
with a glass <strong>of</strong> milk, and cantaloupe<br />
for dessert.<br />
<br />
Spinach salad with strawberries,<br />
kiwi, almonds, and a whole-wheat<br />
bagel.<br />
<br />
Moroccan stew made with chickpeas,<br />
green peas, and sweet potatoes<br />
served with basmati rice with a<br />
fruit salad for dessert.<br />
<br />
For breakfast: Try a smoothie,<br />
made with frozen berries, banana<br />
and soy beverage, two scrambled<br />
eggs and two pieces <strong>of</strong> whole<br />
wheat toast.<br />
<br />
At present there is insufficient<br />
evidence to recommend that<br />
people without ARMD take antioxidant<br />
vitamin and mineral supplements<br />
to prevent or delay the<br />
onset <strong>of</strong> ARMD. However, for<br />
people who have ARMD, these<br />
supplements may delay the<br />
disease’s progression. Specific<br />
formulations have been developed<br />
specifically for this purpose and<br />
are marketed by some leading<br />
vitamin manufacturers. And keep in<br />
mind that a balanced diet, rich in<br />
fruits and vegetables to increase<br />
daily intakes <strong>of</strong> antioxidants is a<br />
great overall approach to health,<br />
eye health included.<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007<br />
Ophthalmology, tested Vitamin C ( 500 mg), Vitamin E (400 IU), beta-carotene<br />
(15 mg) , zinc (80 mg) and copper (2 mg) against placebo in patients with<br />
moderate to severe ARMD and <strong>vision</strong> loss and found a beneficial effect on<br />
progression to advanced ARMD. The authors <strong>of</strong> a recent Cochrane review 2<br />
conclude that people with ARMD may experience modest delay in the progression<br />
<strong>of</strong> this disease with antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements, however<br />
further large, randomized controlled trials in other populations are required, as<br />
the current findings come mainly from one large study.<br />
The results <strong>of</strong> this Cochrane review were also supported by another recent<br />
peer reviewed study on the role <strong>of</strong> nutritional supplements in visual impairment,<br />
citing good evidence for a beneficial effect <strong>of</strong> antioxidant vitamins and<br />
zinc in slowing the progression <strong>of</strong> ARMD. The authors <strong>of</strong> this study concluded<br />
that due to the widespread use <strong>of</strong> supplements, ophthalmologists should be<br />
aware <strong>of</strong> the use <strong>of</strong> supplements in order to inform patients properly 3 . A more<br />
recent observational study, published in the Journal <strong>of</strong> the American Medical<br />
<strong>Association</strong> in 2005 4 , followed individuals at risk for developing ARMD for<br />
eight years. A 35 per cent reduced risk <strong>of</strong> ARMD was found in above median<br />
dietary intakes <strong>of</strong> beta-carotene, vitamins C and E and zinc compared to those<br />
in the group who had below median dietary intake <strong>of</strong> at least one <strong>of</strong> these<br />
nutrients. The authors conclude that these results need to be confirmed with a<br />
randomized, controlled trial study, but the data suggests that the combination<br />
<strong>of</strong> high dietary intake <strong>of</strong> antioxidants, (vitamins C and E and beta-carotene) and<br />
zinc from a regular diet may delay the development <strong>of</strong> ARMD.<br />
It is important to consider some risk factors associated with the intake <strong>of</strong><br />
some antioxidants for some patients. Smokers, who take beta-carotene (20-30<br />
mg/day), may be at increased risk <strong>of</strong> developing lung cancer. Among people<br />
with vascular disease and diabetes, Vitamin E supplementation (400 IU/day)<br />
was associated with higher risk <strong>of</strong> heart failure 5,6 . It is important for those who<br />
are already taking supplements in amounts similar to the AREDS study to be<br />
supervised by a physician.<br />
Food Sources <strong>of</strong> Antioxidants<br />
Vitamin C: Also, called ascorbic acid, Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin,<br />
found in all body fluids. It is mainly found in the fruits & vegetables food group.<br />
Important sources <strong>of</strong> Vitamin C include citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit fruits,<br />
and lemons), berries, green leafy vegetables, and tomatoes.<br />
Vitamin E: A fat-soluble vitamin that can be stored in the liver. It is a very<br />
efficient, natural antioxidant. Important sources <strong>of</strong> Vitamin E are found in foods<br />
such as vegetable oils, margarines, whole grains, eggs, liver, beans, and green<br />
leafy vegetables.<br />
Beta-carotene: Carotene is one <strong>of</strong> several kinds <strong>of</strong> the carotenoid family.<br />
Other carotenoids discovered include lutein and zeaxanthin. Found mainly in<br />
plants, the carotenoids are common bright yellow, orange, and red pigments,<br />
which give foods their colour. Rich sources <strong>of</strong> beta-carotene include carrots,<br />
sweet potatoes, squashes, cantaloupes, peaches, broccoli, and kale.<br />
Zinc: An essential element and generally considered to be non-toxic. Zinc<br />
is found in a wide variety <strong>of</strong> main food groups, such as meat and alternatives,<br />
milk products and grains. Foods from animal sources and whole grains contain<br />
more zinc than fruits and vegetables. Red meat, liver, oysters, beans, chickpeas,<br />
whole grains, and poultry are rich sources. Milk products, eggs, fish, and<br />
nuts are also good sources. Vegetarians need to ensure they consume ample<br />
zinc.<br />
ISI<br />
References:<br />
1 Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group. A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial <strong>of</strong> high-dose<br />
supplementation with vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and zinc for age-related macular degeneration and <strong>vision</strong> loss:<br />
AREDS report no. 8. Arch Ophthalmology 2001<br />
2 Evans JR. Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements for slowing the progression <strong>of</strong> age-related macular<br />
degeneration. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2006 April 19<br />
3 West AL, Oren GA, Moroi SE. Evidence for the use <strong>of</strong> nutritional supplements and herbal medicines in common eye<br />
diseases. Am J Ophthalmol 2006<br />
4 Van Leeuwen R, Boekhoorn S, Vingerling JR, Witteman JCM, Klaver CCW, H<strong>of</strong>man A, et al. Dietary intake <strong>of</strong><br />
antioxidants and risk <strong>of</strong> age-related macular degeneration. JAMA 2005<br />
5 The Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta Carotene Cancer Prevention Study Group. The effect <strong>of</strong> vitamin E and beta-carotene on<br />
the incidence <strong>of</strong> lung cancer and other cancers in male smokers. New Engl J Med 1994<br />
6 The HOPE and HOPE-TOO trial investigators. Effects <strong>of</strong> long-term Vitamin E supplementation on cardiovascular events<br />
and cancer: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 2005
| Practice Management |<br />
Summer Doldrums<br />
or Your Most Productive Time <strong>of</strong><br />
Year?<br />
| Summer is a difficult period for many small businesses. As soon as school gets out many consumers<br />
hit the road to enjoy the summer months. Staff members too, take their annual holidays creating<br />
scheduling challenges. Nobody feels like working and nobody feels like buying anything. But you still<br />
have wages and rent to pay.<br />
By Mary Field<br />
Instead <strong>of</strong> searching for ways to maximize available<br />
assets, storeowners and managers sometimes look upon<br />
slower periods <strong>of</strong> time as their chance to get away. They<br />
rationalize that since it’s not busy they can afford to leave staff<br />
on their own. Consequently, without the chief motivator you<br />
end up with a ship that’s floundering and since the captain’s<br />
left the bridge the perception that “not much happens in summer”<br />
becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. But when properly<br />
managed, summer can be your most productive time <strong>of</strong> year.<br />
First <strong>of</strong> all, think about the three points <strong>of</strong> the selling<br />
triangle. The first point <strong>of</strong> the triangle is “buying<br />
readiness”. There is a perfect moment <strong>of</strong> “buying<br />
readiness” for all consumers. In other words, if you’re<br />
advertising snow shovels in the summer you’re<br />
not likely to be as successful as if you were<br />
to advertise them after the first blizzard<br />
<strong>of</strong> winter when people recognize the<br />
imminent need.<br />
The other side to “buying readiness”<br />
and the second point <strong>of</strong> the triangle is<br />
“selling readiness”. You’ve got the snow,<br />
you’ve got the consumer urgently wanting to<br />
purchase a snow shovel but if you didn’t order snow<br />
shovels a few months ago. Instead <strong>of</strong> a selling triangle<br />
you’ve got the Bermuda triangle. You lose the sale. And if you<br />
didn’t think about putting in a stock <strong>of</strong> gloves near the<br />
shovels, you’re not maximizing impulse buying opportunities.<br />
The third point <strong>of</strong> the triangle is connecting the<br />
consumers who are in a state <strong>of</strong> buying readiness with your<br />
dispensary, which is now in a state <strong>of</strong> selling readiness. What’s<br />
the best way to advertise your summer promotions? Naturally<br />
point <strong>of</strong> purchase advertising is important, in addition to any<br />
media advertising you can afford. But if ever there was a time<br />
for an accurate database <strong>of</strong> clients and a promotional<br />
mailing, this is it. You’re trying to tap into your existing client<br />
base. You already have a relationship with them. You are<br />
<strong>of</strong>fering them timely products, information, advice and services<br />
that demonstrate your continued interest in their family’s<br />
<strong>vision</strong> health. Personalized mailing fits in with the intimacy <strong>of</strong><br />
that relationship.<br />
List all <strong>of</strong> the items you sell that could be useful to<br />
people about to go on their summer vacation, put them on at<br />
a special price for a few weeks before summer vacation starts<br />
and ramp up your advertising accordingly. The key is to<br />
44<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007
| Practice Management |<br />
provide them with information and educational material that<br />
will lead them to conclude that they need the item you’re<br />
promoting. Maybe you could sell them spare contact lenses.<br />
Even if they wear disposables it doesn’t hurt to remind them<br />
in your information piece about how easy it is to rip or lose<br />
lenses when you’re extra active and how difficult it might be<br />
to find their extra lenses when they’re away.<br />
Why not put together a package <strong>of</strong> travel size solutions?<br />
Nobody wants to cart those honking big containers in a suitcase.<br />
Maybe you could package SPF 50 sun filtering lotion<br />
with a pair <strong>of</strong> sunglasses at a special price? Are they aware <strong>of</strong><br />
the danger to their children <strong>of</strong> over-exposure to UV? Get some<br />
UV patches from Transitions (You stick them on a child’s arms<br />
and they change colour in response to UV exposure thus<br />
indicating when it’s time to put more sun screen on the child)<br />
and give one away with each purchase throughout June and<br />
July. If you’re too late to order some stickers for this year, mark<br />
your calendar to call Transitions about ordering some for next<br />
year. Send your database <strong>of</strong> clients an informational piece<br />
about this and include a coupon for a reduction in the price<br />
<strong>of</strong> a pair <strong>of</strong> children’s sunglasses. Maybe you could include a<br />
child’s size baseball cap with the purchase <strong>of</strong> sunglasses.<br />
When August comes along it’s all about “back to school”.<br />
If there is any down time in June and July it should be spent<br />
gearing up for the big event. Make sure the first thing parents<br />
see when they get back from summer holidays is a letter from<br />
their optician reminding them about the importance to<br />
learning <strong>of</strong> good <strong>vision</strong> and well-fitting eyeglasses. Appealing<br />
to the well-being <strong>of</strong> their children is an effective spending<br />
trigger for most parents. And the bonus is, all the advice<br />
you’re giving them is truly beneficial.<br />
Perhaps in your promotional material you could list the<br />
10 signs that might be seen in a child who is having <strong>vision</strong><br />
difficulties:<br />
1 Squinting, closing or covering one eye<br />
2 Holding a book close to the face<br />
3 Losing his/her place when reading<br />
4 Headache, nausea or dizziness<br />
5 Excessive clumsiness<br />
6 Tilting the head to one side<br />
7 Frequent daydreaming<br />
8 Using a finger as a place mark while reading<br />
9 Performing below potential<br />
10 Rubbing eyes repeatedly<br />
You may wish to include the statement:<br />
“If you notice any <strong>of</strong> the above behaviours in your child,<br />
you should make an appointment for an eye health examination.<br />
Your child’s learning experience depends upon good<br />
<strong>vision</strong>.”<br />
The <strong>Opticians</strong> <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong> has templates for<br />
flyers containing this parent information and you can<br />
customize them with your dispensary logo and contact<br />
information.<br />
If you haven’t planned for the summer doldrums, it’s<br />
never too late to roll up your sleeves and get ready to turn<br />
those blah days into a more exhilarating and pr<strong>of</strong>itable<br />
experience.<br />
ISI<br />
46<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007
| Finance |<br />
Common Investment<br />
Mistakes<br />
By JoAnne Sommers<br />
Second <strong>of</strong> two parts<br />
|<br />
In the March/April issue <strong>of</strong> Vision, we looked at some <strong>of</strong> the mistakes most <strong>of</strong>ten made by investors and <strong>of</strong>fered<br />
suggestions on how you can avoid them.<br />
48<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007<br />
In this article, we look at other areas where<br />
investors can go wrong and present strategies for<br />
steering clear <strong>of</strong> those pitfalls.<br />
Chasing Performance<br />
One <strong>of</strong> the biggest mistakes that investors<br />
can make is to convince themselves that recent<br />
investment performance will continue into the<br />
future. The problem with chasing winning stocks<br />
or mutual funds is that by the time you hear<br />
about the latest "hot" performers, it may be too<br />
late to get in on the price appreciation.<br />
“Skip the chase for sizzling hot returns,”<br />
advises Adrian Mastracci, a fee-only portfolio<br />
manager with KCM Wealth Management Inc. in<br />
Vancouver. “I favour sticking with quality investments<br />
long term. And, just as in baseball, it’s<br />
preferable to get on base frequently rather than<br />
always aiming for the home run.”<br />
The same applies to investor portfolios, he<br />
says. “While I agree that hitting investment home<br />
runs is exciting, trying to achieve high returns on<br />
a few blisteringly hot selections is a low-percentage<br />
strategy. Sadly, the strikeouts can inflict<br />
serious portfolio damage – <strong>of</strong>ten, for a long<br />
time.”<br />
Overtrading<br />
Chasing past winners is closely related to<br />
another investment mistake –overtrading.<br />
Shuffling your investments too <strong>of</strong>ten increases<br />
the chance that you'll buy high and sell<br />
low – the worst thing any investor can do. Overtrading<br />
also results in more transaction costs and<br />
fees that cut into investment gains.<br />
The most active traders earn only 69 per<br />
cent <strong>of</strong> the market's return, according to Harrison<br />
Hong <strong>of</strong> the Bendheim Center for Finance at<br />
Princeton University, so if you invest in individual<br />
stocks, trade infrequently. If you're a fund<br />
investor, look for portfolios with management<br />
expense ratios that run below one per cent <strong>of</strong><br />
assets. You'll find the expense ratio listed in the<br />
first few pages <strong>of</strong> the fund's prospectus.<br />
According to Hong, your best chance <strong>of</strong> owning<br />
an equity fund that lands in the top 25 per cent<br />
<strong>of</strong> performers over the long run is to buy one that<br />
has expenses in the bottom 25 per cent.<br />
Clinging to Losers<br />
Everybody hates to lose money. Unfortunately,<br />
that feeling leads many <strong>of</strong> us to hang on to a<br />
losing investment until we get "even", which<br />
usually means recouping the original purchase<br />
price. A loss seems worse to most people than a<br />
gain <strong>of</strong> equal value. In fact, research shows that<br />
individuals find the pain <strong>of</strong> a $10,000 loss to be<br />
about double the magnitude <strong>of</strong> the pride associated<br />
with a $10,000 gain. So people try to avoid<br />
the painful feeling <strong>of</strong> regret.<br />
The get-even syndrome can be very damaging<br />
to an investor's financial well-being. If an<br />
investment slips into the red, some people hold<br />
on steadfastly, hoping for a rebound. Individuals<br />
may avoid selling a fund that has gone down in<br />
order to avoid the regret <strong>of</strong> having made a bad<br />
investment. By selling, the loss is finalized; by<br />
not selling, some hope <strong>of</strong> a rebound remains.<br />
There are times when it may be appropriate<br />
to sell at a loss. One is when the company’s characteristics<br />
have worsened. You might also want to<br />
sell if your goals or circumstances change. But<br />
don’t make long-term investment decisions by<br />
looking only at short-term performance.
Playing it Too Safe<br />
You might sleep soundly knowing that your money is<br />
invested in safe, income-generating vehicles such as Guaranteed<br />
Investment Certificates (GICs). But what about the<br />
money you’re not making by playing it excessively safe?<br />
Every individual has to determine the degree <strong>of</strong> risk<br />
with which they’re comfortable (see Vision magazine,<br />
March/April 2006), but if you’re a 40-year-old whose<br />
portfolio is in fixed income and cash, you’re simply<br />
playing it too safe.<br />
While safe, low-return investment vehicles, such as<br />
GICs, can play a role in a well-balanced portfolio,<br />
investors who want to meet long-term goals should also<br />
invest in higher return potential investments, such as<br />
equities.<br />
One rule <strong>of</strong> thumb for a moderately risk-tolerant<br />
individual is to allocate "110 minus your age" to<br />
equities. That means that a 40-year-old might have 70 per<br />
cent allocated to a mix <strong>of</strong> equity-oriented mutual funds.<br />
On the other hand, investors with short time horizons<br />
might be better <strong>of</strong>f with a very modest – if any – stake<br />
in equities.<br />
Having Unrealistic Expectations<br />
While it's normal to hope for the best from your<br />
investments, you could run into some serious long-term<br />
cash flow problems if you base your future financial plans<br />
on unrealistic assumptions.<br />
According to an August 2004 Gallup poll, nearly<br />
one-third <strong>of</strong> 800 U.S. investors surveyed expected to<br />
generate pr<strong>of</strong>its <strong>of</strong> 10 per cent or more in their portfolios<br />
during the coming year.<br />
Yet, based on data from Standard & Poor's and the<br />
U.S. Federal Reserve, from 1926 to 2003, a hypothetical<br />
portfolio divided equally among stocks, bonds and cash<br />
would have had an average total return <strong>of</strong> 7.3 per cent<br />
annually.<br />
Research the historical performance <strong>of</strong> appropriate<br />
investment indexes – or appropriate benchmarks – and<br />
use their average long-term returns to help maintain<br />
realistic expectations for your own investment returns. ISI
| OAC News |<br />
Issues and News from your <strong>Association</strong><br />
By Mary Field<br />
50<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007<br />
|<br />
An Issue concerning the community <strong>of</strong> francophone opticians, and by extension all Canadian<br />
opticians, has come to our attention. In early April the Superior Court <strong>of</strong> Québec issued a judgment<br />
that has instructed the respondent, l’Ordre des opticiens d’ordonnances du Québec, to rescind a<br />
Standard <strong>of</strong> Practice document (referred to in the judgment as the Guide) that it published and distributed<br />
to its members. This document lays out the recommended practices for dispensing<br />
contact lenses.<br />
The present Guide is designed to outline the conditions<br />
under which pr<strong>of</strong>essional services for contact lenses should be<br />
performed by members <strong>of</strong> l’Ordre des opticiens d’ordonnances<br />
du Québec. It applies to the site <strong>of</strong> the service, to the<br />
equipment utilized and to the pr<strong>of</strong>ession’s activities required<br />
in the pr<strong>of</strong>essional practice <strong>of</strong> fitting contact lenses. Those<br />
activities include observing under magnification the sclera and<br />
surface blood vessels, the limbus and neighbouring blood<br />
vessels, the eyelids and conjunctiva, the corneal integrity and<br />
the epithelium and tear flow.<br />
The petitioner in this case is the Québec optometric<br />
association and, acting as intervener, l’Ordre des optométristes<br />
du Québec. In the reasons for judgment, Justice Marie-France<br />
Courville stated she had been swayed by the argument made<br />
by l’Ordre des optométristes that in examining the tissue <strong>of</strong><br />
the eye under magnification, opticians have been performing<br />
an act restricted to optometry.<br />
It is beyond the recollection <strong>of</strong> many opticians today but<br />
this situation is a duplicate <strong>of</strong> a case that took place in the<br />
1950’s in Saskatchewan in the early days <strong>of</strong> contact lens<br />
fitting. Manitoba optician Peggy Grey was one <strong>of</strong> the few<br />
people in Western <strong>Canada</strong>, including opticians, optometrists<br />
and ophthalmologists, acknowledged as an expert contact<br />
lens fitter. Ms. Grey traveled from Thunder Bay (at that time<br />
Port Arthur/Fort William) to Saskatchewan, working with<br />
ophthalmology to provide contact lens fitting services. In<br />
those days not many people were too interested in contact<br />
lens fitting because the only lenses available were large<br />
scleral lenses. Fitting required huge amounts <strong>of</strong> patience, was<br />
time consuming work and the return on investment was not<br />
a great incentive.<br />
Of Special Note
| OAC News |<br />
With the advent <strong>of</strong> the more forgiving s<strong>of</strong>t contact lens,<br />
which made fitting easier, an increasing number <strong>of</strong> optical<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essionals began <strong>of</strong>fering the service. Saskatchewan<br />
optometrists challenged Ms. Grey’s right to fit contact lenses<br />
based on her use <strong>of</strong> the slit lamp biomicroscope and claimed<br />
that in doing so she was performing an examination <strong>of</strong> the<br />
eye – an act which it was claimed, was outside her scope <strong>of</strong><br />
practice. The judgment in that case was in favour <strong>of</strong> Ms. Grey.<br />
It is our understanding l’Ordre des opticiens d’ordonnances<br />
du Québec will appeal the decision <strong>of</strong> Justice<br />
Marie-France Courville.<br />
Refracting <strong>Opticians</strong> in France<br />
We have reported previously on proposed legislation in<br />
France and England that would allow opticians in those<br />
countries to provide refracting services under specified<br />
circumstances. Some <strong>of</strong> the conditions set out in the new<br />
legislation, as we understand it, are:<br />
• The optician may perform refraction provided that the client<br />
has originally received a prescription that is less than three<br />
years old.<br />
• The refracting optician must advise the original prescriber if<br />
the refraction reveals a change in prescription so that the<br />
prescriber’s records can be kept up-to-date.<br />
• The refracting optician must wear an identifying badge and<br />
must perform the refraction in a suitable environment using<br />
appropriate equipment.<br />
• Suitable candidates must have a prescription that is no<br />
more than three years old and must be no younger than<br />
16 years <strong>of</strong> age.<br />
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1-800-263-0010<br />
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Canadian Safety Eyewear Program<br />
In January <strong>of</strong> 2007, the OAC began administration <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Canadian Safety Eyewear (CSE) program, which has been<br />
active in Alberta for several years. Since January the<br />
administrative <strong>of</strong>fice has gone through the process <strong>of</strong><br />
learning existing procedures and modifying them to suit a<br />
national rather than a provincial focus. We are now confident<br />
in <strong>of</strong>fering this service to all OAC members across <strong>Canada</strong>. In<br />
essence the CSE program provides negotiated member prices<br />
on safety frames from On-Guard Safety Corp., Titmus Optical<br />
and TEK <strong>Canada</strong> Optical and provides a safety lens price list,<br />
which may be adopted, upon formal agreement, by a<br />
laboratory <strong>of</strong> the member’s choice.<br />
OAC members who wish to access the program are paid<br />
a generous fitting fee and can receive a finder’s fee incentive<br />
for bringing new industry contracts to the program. All invoicing<br />
and payment is done through the OAC administrative<br />
<strong>of</strong>fice. So there is a terrific opportunity for any optician<br />
who wishes to augment business with the steady income a<br />
safety contract can provide. Whether the industry is large or<br />
small, employers must provide a safe work environment so<br />
safety eyewear is a natural fit. All you have to do is look<br />
around you and identify potential sources <strong>of</strong> business. For<br />
more information about the OAC Canadian Safety Eyewear<br />
program contact the OAC <strong>of</strong>fice.<br />
Vision <strong>Canada</strong> Optical Services Buying Group<br />
The Vision <strong>Canada</strong> Optical Services (VCOS) Buying Group<br />
is not restricted to OAC members. Over 40 industry suppliers<br />
including frame, lens, contact lens and laboratory suppliers<br />
now service VCOS. Not only do you benefit from the purchasing<br />
power <strong>of</strong> the buying group but also at the end <strong>of</strong> the<br />
year you get a rebate based on your volume <strong>of</strong> purchases.<br />
When you do your purchasing through the VCOS Buying<br />
Group it is easy to manage your cash flow because you pay<br />
a single statement that combines your purchase from all<br />
companies rather than making out a cheque to each<br />
individual supplier.<br />
Vision <strong>Canada</strong> 2007 Features Special Workshop for Business<br />
Owners<br />
Here’s a heads up for business owners wishing to sign<br />
up for the three-hour business workshop Vision <strong>Canada</strong> is<br />
hosting in conjunction with its 2007 conference in Kelowna.<br />
What better theme to address than the perils <strong>of</strong> doing business<br />
in today’s competitive dispensing market? Grady Lenski,<br />
director <strong>of</strong> marketing for Transitions Optical, is facilitating the<br />
workshop entitled “Navigating Uncharted Waters”. Mr. Lenski<br />
has special expertise in strategy development, planning and<br />
organizational development. He will assist registrants in more<br />
clearly understanding how the game is played under today’s<br />
rules and how to develop a winning strategy. The workshop<br />
will take place on Sunday afternoon from 1:00 until 4:00 so<br />
you won’t have to miss the Sunday morning keynote presentation<br />
at this year’s conference. The workshop is limited to<br />
30 participants so send in your registration now. ISI<br />
52<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007
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| What’s New |<br />
Renoma and Jean-François Rey – A dynamic duo<br />
| R6500 |<br />
As early as the seventies, Maurice<br />
Renoma, an emblematic and non-conformist<br />
figure <strong>of</strong> men’s ready-to-wear, was designing<br />
clothes for a number <strong>of</strong> celebrities<br />
including Serge Gainsbourg, Elton John,<br />
Bob Dylan and Jacques Dutronc. Elegant<br />
blazers, bell bottom pants and crushed velvet<br />
are his trademarks. His unconventional<br />
path has now drawn him into the world <strong>of</strong><br />
optics, acting through Jean-François Rey to<br />
whom he has entrusted the creation <strong>of</strong> his<br />
new Renoma eponymous collection.<br />
Forty-five years into his clothing<br />
career, the designer has developed a passion<br />
for photography to the point <strong>of</strong> creating a<br />
new concept, a mixture <strong>of</strong> fashion and<br />
photography, and who better than J.F. Rey<br />
as a partner? In less than a year, the design<br />
<strong>of</strong>fice has implemented a highly homogeneous<br />
line <strong>of</strong> nine optical and four sunglass<br />
frames, built around a “couture” concept.<br />
The collection, <strong>of</strong>fered in <strong>Canada</strong> by Sagi<br />
Distribution, features metal and acetate<br />
models, as well as rimless models with<br />
tinted temples, for the high-end market.<br />
Elements <strong>of</strong> topstitching are suitably<br />
highlighted using a metal frame that<br />
produces a dotted relief pattern on the<br />
acetate side. The sunglasses line features<br />
large rims, with exclusive back-to-back<br />
colours and the use <strong>of</strong> fabric patterns,<br />
reminiscent <strong>of</strong> the highly original Renoma<br />
clothing creations.<br />
Colour is prominent in the collection<br />
as a whole. Tone-on-tone bicolour effects<br />
or marked contrasts between the front piece<br />
and temples are indeed attractive. Though<br />
the optical collection is exclusively<br />
male-oriented, the sunglasses line is<br />
designed for both men and women.<br />
Signet Armorlite Introduces<br />
54<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007<br />
Essilor Ovation ADS<br />
The Essilor Group has launched the new Essilor ®<br />
OvationTM ADS progressive lens, which provides all<br />
the well-known advantages <strong>of</strong> Essilor Ovation, plus<br />
the sharpest <strong>vision</strong> ever for each prescription.<br />
Essilor Ovation ADS benefits from two new,<br />
exclusive and patented technologies: Advanced<br />
Digital Surfacing and Advanced Double Sided. The<br />
former features an image processing technology that<br />
includes a calculation s<strong>of</strong>tware which allows control<br />
<strong>of</strong> the image point by point on the whole surface <strong>of</strong><br />
the lens, while taking into account the<br />
four RX components: sphere, cylinder,<br />
axis and addition. It also uses a surfacing<br />
technology including a patented<br />
process and tools, which allow Essilor<br />
to guarantee the integrity <strong>of</strong> those complex<br />
surfaces. The Advanced Double<br />
Sided technology refers to the second<br />
design, applied to the back surface <strong>of</strong> the lens, that<br />
merges perfectly with the front side design.<br />
Because the design takes into account the<br />
prescription and level <strong>of</strong> presbyopia, and because the<br />
back side design merges perfectly with the front side<br />
and atoricity takes into account the four components<br />
<strong>of</strong> the prescription, Essilor Ovation ADS provides<br />
the wearer with superior sharpness <strong>of</strong> <strong>vision</strong>, beyond<br />
the far and near <strong>vision</strong> circles, even if the prescription<br />
includes a cylinder.<br />
Essilor Ovation ADS is available in all<br />
materials and a wide range <strong>of</strong> prescriptions.<br />
Signet Armorlite has launched two new products,<br />
the KODAK Unique Progressive lens and the<br />
KODAK Precise Short Progressive Lens.<br />
The KODAK Unique Progressive lens is the<br />
first progressive design to optimize visual performance<br />
for frame size and shape. This new product is<br />
available in 27 lens materials.<br />
With 15 photochromic choices, six polarized<br />
and six clear lens options, KODAK CleAR<br />
Anti-Reflective Coating and six progressive corridors,<br />
no compromises are needed. Seventeen <strong>of</strong> these<br />
materials <strong>of</strong>fer superior performance for drill mount<br />
frames, and 19 provide thinner, lighter eyewear at a<br />
variety <strong>of</strong> price points. Only one progressive has it<br />
all, KODAK Unique Progressive lens.<br />
Unique production technology automatically<br />
customizes the design for the patient’s frame selection.<br />
This ensures the best overall visual performance<br />
for any “B” measurement, large or very small, from<br />
18 mm to a 13 mm fitting height. Near <strong>vision</strong><br />
performance is guaranteed.<br />
KODAK Unique Progressive is customized for<br />
smooth visual performance. Using Vision First<br />
Design technology, the front and back surfaces are<br />
smoothly synchronized. All visual corrections are<br />
combined and applied to the back surface <strong>of</strong> the lens<br />
via Digital Resolution Technology. This gives<br />
patients smooth gradation <strong>of</strong> power, gentle binocular<br />
balance, broad field <strong>of</strong> view, and quick object recognition<br />
to provide a visual experience comparable to a<br />
single <strong>vision</strong> lens. The visual performance <strong>of</strong><br />
KODAK Unique Lens is verified using the latest<br />
wavefront technology. No difficult dispensing techniques<br />
or special equipment is required.<br />
All KODAK Unique Lenses come with<br />
KODAK CleAR Coating to enhance the visual<br />
experience. They’re easy to clean, resist oily smudges
| What’s New |<br />
Liposic Now in Ophthalmic<br />
Drops<br />
New Liposic Ophtahlmic<br />
Drops is now on retail shelves.<br />
This Bausch & Lomb product<br />
has the advantages <strong>of</strong> a<br />
gel formula in an<br />
easy-to-administer drop.<br />
Liposic replicates all three<br />
layers <strong>of</strong> the tear film,<br />
refreshing and soothing the<br />
eyes. It improves the stability <strong>of</strong><br />
the tear film and provides<br />
lasting hydration.<br />
This product addresses<br />
the fact that 78% <strong>of</strong> dry eye<br />
cases are the result <strong>of</strong> lipid<br />
phase deficiency.<br />
Two New Lenses<br />
and dirt, and are highly durable to stand up over the<br />
life <strong>of</strong> the prescription.<br />
Signet Armorlite has also introduced KODAK<br />
Precise Short Progressive Lens. With the continuing<br />
popularity <strong>of</strong> smaller frames and the huge success <strong>of</strong> its<br />
award-winning KODAK Precise Lens, Signet<br />
Armorlite has met the need for a powerful progressive<br />
lens design that gives wearers comfortable viewing and<br />
easy adaptation.<br />
Available June 2007, KODAK Precise Short<br />
Progressive Lens <strong>of</strong>fers the shortest corridor <strong>of</strong> 13 mm<br />
and uses Vision First Design technology.<br />
KODAK Precise Short has a fitting height <strong>of</strong> 13<br />
mm to 19 mm to accommodate small, fashionable<br />
frames. With availability in 1.67 High Index, InstaShades®<br />
PolyClear® (gray and brown), PolyClear<br />
and standard resin, eye care patients will find a lens to<br />
fit their lifestyles.<br />
KODAK Precise Short continues the use <strong>of</strong><br />
Vision First Design.<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007 55
| What’s New |<br />
| MMJ 007/S |<br />
Marc by Marc Jacobs<br />
First Eyewear Collection<br />
Following the successful Marc Jacobs ophthalmic line, launched in June<br />
2005, comes the new Marc by Marc Jacobs collection, building upon the<br />
growing and ever-popular label. The incredible sunglasses models for women,<br />
distributed by Sàfilo, will be followed by ophthalmic frames this summer.<br />
Elegant and refined, the optical line borrows closely from the other<br />
product lines sold under the Marc by Marc Jacobs label, with key design<br />
elements and detailing reminiscent <strong>of</strong> his ready-to-wear, handbag, accessory<br />
and shoe collections. Models exhibit contemporary styling with fun, fresh<br />
fashion colours. Traditional and stylized rectangular and oval shapes predominate<br />
and include vital brand design elements such as buttons, snaps, studs or<br />
sophisticated variations <strong>of</strong> the renowned brand logo itself. There are 12 vintage<br />
and urban-chic styles: four plastic models <strong>of</strong>fered in a palette <strong>of</strong> chocolate<br />
brown, bronze, gold, cherry and red wine, as well as eight metal styles<br />
available in black/brown, dark tortoise shell/ivory, navy blue/crystal,<br />
eggplant/caramel, golden brown, brown/white, purple/yellow/eggplant,<br />
pearl/peach and timeless black.<br />
The 2007 sunglass collection from Marc by Marc Jacobs is best<br />
described as resolutely refreshing, featuring a variety <strong>of</strong> both metal and<br />
acetate models with a contemporary design flair. Key styles include aviators,<br />
rimless shields and glamorous oversized rounds, accented with variations<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Marc by Marc Jacobs logo.<br />
Seminars on Low Vision<br />
Eschenbach invites pr<strong>of</strong>essionals to attend a seminar. “Low Vision Care…<br />
What’s It All About?”, is an introductory, hands-on workshop and<br />
lecture designed for those interested in the field <strong>of</strong> low <strong>vision</strong> and is pending<br />
for three continuing education credits by ABO, JCAHPO & ACVREP.<br />
The informative course covers topics such as: the causes <strong>of</strong> low <strong>vision</strong>, the<br />
“Seven Steps to Dispensing Low Vision Aids”, and the marketing <strong>of</strong><br />
low <strong>vision</strong> services. It also includes a hands-on learning session in which<br />
attendees can try a variety <strong>of</strong> <strong>vision</strong> aids including some <strong>of</strong> the newest<br />
available on the market.<br />
Future locations <strong>of</strong> these seminars include the following:<br />
June 7 Vancouver, BC<br />
July 16 Saskatoon, SK<br />
Adesso Optic for New and Distinct Fashion Eyewear<br />
| Ibiza 1 Col. 3 and 5 |<br />
Adesso Optic, a wholly Canadian-owned<br />
company launched in 2006, has a mandate<br />
to distribute an exciting array <strong>of</strong> unique,<br />
innovative and superior-crafted designer<br />
eyewear. The new enterprise started as<br />
the exclusive Canadian agent for Dun,<br />
ii-Fashion and Ricardo Nava.<br />
“As the Canadian agent for a number<br />
<strong>of</strong> select eyewear lines, I now have the<br />
pleasure to bring exquisite eyewear that is<br />
unique, distinctive and beautiful to the<br />
market,” says president Manou Ghadaksaz,<br />
who has worked in the eyewear industry<br />
for more than 10 years. “Further, because I<br />
have personally traveled to Europe to<br />
hand-pick each line, I am assured <strong>of</strong> the<br />
outstanding quality <strong>of</strong> the products.”<br />
Adesso Optic <strong>of</strong>fers the Ricardo<br />
Nava Latin Vision collection comprising<br />
three distinct lines. Colours are fiery, bold,<br />
exotic and seductive while styles are<br />
romantic, sassy, striking and alluring.<br />
Models include Ola, Sevilla – brilliantly<br />
designed with three colours in one<br />
laminate – and Color Box. Each Color Box<br />
case comes with one frame and eight combinations<br />
<strong>of</strong> reversible fronts in a mix <strong>of</strong><br />
bold colours (vivid red, hot yellow, azure<br />
blue) that create excitement and joy. The<br />
colour choice is so diversified that the<br />
wearers can easily match their eyewear<br />
with their wardrobe. As well, Color Box<br />
is designed for the consumer to easily<br />
interchange the fronts without risk <strong>of</strong><br />
scratching either the lenses or frame.<br />
56<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007
| What’s New |<br />
Centennial Celebrates its 40th Anniversary<br />
In 1967, amidst <strong>Canada</strong>’s centennial year festivities,<br />
Roger de Pinto had his own reason to celebrate. The<br />
year <strong>Canada</strong> turned 100 was the year Roger launched<br />
his small frame distribution company – aptly named<br />
Centennial Optical.<br />
On May 1, 2007, the company marked its landmark<br />
40th year, and any chronicle would have to begin<br />
with Roger and his staff <strong>of</strong> six trying to run a fledgling<br />
business out <strong>of</strong> a tiny 600 square foot <strong>of</strong>fice. There are<br />
a lot <strong>of</strong> great stories about those early days, but Roger<br />
never lost sight <strong>of</strong> Centennial's primary focus <strong>of</strong> providing<br />
the Canadian ophthalmic community with more<br />
than just excellent products, but also with dedicated,<br />
personal service and support. Today they <strong>of</strong>fer over 25<br />
frame brands, including designer labels exclusively licensed<br />
(in <strong>Canada</strong>) either from the “who’s-who” in international<br />
fashion and from renowned Canadian<br />
designers such as Alfred Sung, Nygard and Roots.<br />
Another landmark in the business’ development<br />
happened in 1979. With the frames di<strong>vision</strong> flourishing,<br />
Roger’s son, Steve de Pinto, stepped in to widen the<br />
company’s focus by developing the new lens di<strong>vision</strong>.<br />
Under Steve’s direction, Centennial eventually became<br />
the exclusive Canadian distributor for Carl Zeiss<br />
Vision (ZEISS, SOLA and AO brand lenses), and the<br />
only independent distributor <strong>of</strong> Carl Zeiss products in<br />
the world.<br />
So today, along with a full range <strong>of</strong> optical<br />
products including finished sunglasses, contact lenses,<br />
lab supplies and accessories, the company has physically<br />
expanded across <strong>Canada</strong> to include four local<br />
distribution <strong>of</strong>fices and three Canadian facilities for<br />
UTMC (Ultra-Tough Multi-Coat) and Teflon ® Clear<br />
Coat Lenses.<br />
A lot has happened over 40 years and Centennial<br />
can be proud <strong>of</strong> the accomplishments that have turned<br />
a small frame company into a full service optical distributor...<br />
and a true Canadian success story.<br />
Two-Toned Accent<br />
| A0529 |<br />
Alain Mikli continues to revolutionize<br />
the way people view eyewear with a new<br />
collection that places equal emphasis on<br />
materials and colours.<br />
The collection features thermolast,<br />
a rubber-like substance for fit and<br />
comfort on the inside and grilamid on<br />
the outside. Grilamid is a nylon-based<br />
synthetic material, which is very durable<br />
and lighter than acetate. Alain combines<br />
these state <strong>of</strong> the art materials to create<br />
bi-colour frame statements.<br />
Now add polarized mineral Zeiss<br />
lenses and the frame fits for ultimate<br />
comfort with seductive appeal.<br />
Three great styles in additional<br />
bi-colour options include black/pink,<br />
black/grey, black/red, black/ivory,<br />
brown/green, brown/grey and<br />
brown/ivory.<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007 57
| What’s New |<br />
Modo Launches retro, architecture-inspired<br />
SS07 Collection<br />
A year after its re-engineering, marked by<br />
a renewed creativity for quality, design and<br />
details, Modo launches the SS07 collection,<br />
inspired by retro designs and architectural<br />
shapes and volumes.<br />
The collection is made <strong>of</strong> 14 new models –<br />
all hand made in Japan with the highest quality<br />
acetate and titanium.<br />
The retro-inspired styles feature shapes <strong>of</strong><br />
the 50s and 60s, yet revisited with a modern<br />
twist. Models 203-205 in acetate, for instance,<br />
reintroduce keyhole bridges and colours from<br />
that period, like a transparent front with tortoise<br />
temples. Likewise, the round 106 in titanium<br />
brings back the so called “Windsor” rim.<br />
Another important inspiration is architecture.<br />
The carved block titanium surfaces <strong>of</strong> the<br />
3106-3108 confers an emphasized three-dimensional<br />
effect, made possible by the hand crafting<br />
<strong>of</strong> the block titanium front <strong>of</strong> the frame. The<br />
sturdy appearance <strong>of</strong> the front is contrasted by<br />
the overall lightness <strong>of</strong> the frame and by the<br />
flexibility <strong>of</strong> the beta-titanium temples, which<br />
allow for optimal adaptability.<br />
Colours range from the more classical<br />
browns, tortoises and blacks, to the more animated<br />
burgundy red and jasper, a textured dark<br />
green.<br />
To complement the collection is a brown<br />
suede case and a line <strong>of</strong> POP materials featuring<br />
images from Modo’s latest ad campaign by<br />
Fabien Baron, Creative Director <strong>of</strong> French<br />
Vogue magazine.<br />
| Modo 3108 |<br />
Transitions Kicks<br />
Off Time for a<br />
Change Promotion<br />
58<br />
Trendy British eyewear Jai Kudo was<br />
awarded the “Best New Product” at this<br />
year’s Vision Expo East for the second<br />
year and was chosen for the “Vision<br />
Choice Award” by Expo attendees, who<br />
vote for their favorite frame. The Londonbased<br />
company launches a stunning new<br />
sunglass collection which will fulfill every<br />
fashionistas wish.<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007<br />
| Jai Kudo 1521S |<br />
Jai Kudo Launches First<br />
Sunglass Range<br />
Attention has clearly been taken to<br />
craft individual looks. The glamour <strong>of</strong><br />
oversized frames for women, interwoven<br />
with the trademarks <strong>of</strong> vintage chic, and a<br />
revival <strong>of</strong> the classic Aviator style for men,<br />
discreetly incorporate the influence <strong>of</strong><br />
modern urban themes.<br />
Sturdy acetate construction and a<br />
truly beautiful finish combine to enhance<br />
the quality and personality <strong>of</strong> this collection.<br />
Colours are strong and minimalist,<br />
with prudently scattered flashes <strong>of</strong> tones<br />
that are full <strong>of</strong> character, enabling this eyewear<br />
to be worn on any and every occasion.<br />
Finally, the subtle branding adds to<br />
the classier, sophisticated allure <strong>of</strong> these<br />
most desirable accessories and makes Jai<br />
Kudo’s sunglasses an absolute must have<br />
for this season.<br />
Eye care pr<strong>of</strong>essionals and consumers<br />
can now win with the Time for a<br />
Change promotion, sponsored by<br />
Transitions Optical. From May 1<br />
through August 31, consumers who<br />
register their Transitions ® lenses with<br />
their Certificate <strong>of</strong> Authenticity and<br />
complete a short satisfaction survey<br />
will be automatically entered to receive<br />
a $15,000 renovation makeover by the<br />
winning protégé <strong>of</strong> Debbie Travis’<br />
popular tele<strong>vision</strong> show, From the<br />
Ground Up II.<br />
Eye care pr<strong>of</strong>essionals who<br />
register their invoices when dispensing<br />
Transitions lenses will also be entered<br />
to win the grand prize <strong>of</strong> a renovation<br />
makeover, plus a chance to win one <strong>of</strong><br />
400 Canadian Tire gift cards.<br />
Throughout the promotion, consumers<br />
who register their Transitions<br />
lenses will also be benefiting a healthy<br />
sight cause. For each registration, a<br />
donation will be made to a charity<br />
supported by the Transitions ® Healthy<br />
Sight for Life Fund.<br />
To register for the promotion,<br />
eye care pr<strong>of</strong>essionals can visit<br />
www.transitions.com/timeforachange/<br />
registration, or contact Transitions<br />
Customer Service at (877) 254-2590.<br />
All enrollees will receive a registration<br />
kit that includes copies <strong>of</strong> the new<br />
Certificate <strong>of</strong> Authenticity, a<br />
Transitions interactive counter card<br />
and detailed rules and regulations.
Is your practice reflected in her eyes?<br />
Yo u r s u c c e s s o f t e n d e p e n d s o n h o w s a t i s f i e d y o u r p a t i e n t s<br />
are with your <strong>vision</strong> correction recommendations.<br />
Add Focus ® DAILIES ® with AquaRelease TM<br />
as an option and allow patients to express their<br />
excitement with their contact lenses.<br />
It will reflect well on you and your practice.<br />
© 2006 CIBA Vision
| What’s New |<br />
Radar, Both Evolution and Revolution<br />
Nearly 2000 competitors earned their place in the 2006 Ironman<br />
triathlon competition by honing their bodies for peak performance.<br />
An added performance benefit was utilized by some <strong>of</strong> the world’s<br />
greatest athletes: Oakley Radar. Norman Stadler crossed the finish<br />
line and won with the first Radar frames on the planet. This amazing<br />
competition eyewear is now released for all kinds <strong>of</strong> sports lovers.<br />
|Radar |<br />
Oakley has engineered a new<br />
eyewear invention with technologies that<br />
make it essential equipment in sports.<br />
Radar features an interchangeable lens<br />
design, a revolutionary hydrophobic lens<br />
and a unique frame architecture.<br />
The specially engineered lens coating<br />
<strong>of</strong> this sports eyewear not only repels<br />
water and sweat; its anti-smudge technology<br />
sheds oils and other contaminates that<br />
can corrupt <strong>vision</strong>.<br />
In addition, athletes can optimize<br />
their <strong>vision</strong> in any sport environment<br />
simply by changing the lens. All lenses<br />
feature the unbeatable clarity <strong>of</strong> Oakley’s<br />
High Definition Optics ® , and three unique<br />
lens shapes (including vented lens options)<br />
are available.<br />
Very light but strong, thanks to the<br />
construction in O Matter ® , Radar has two<br />
interchangeable nose-piece sizes (both<br />
included) so athletes can achieve a perfect<br />
fit. The aerodynamic frame geometry<br />
includes surge ports that channel cooling<br />
airflow, and the nose-piece and stem<br />
sleeves utilize Unobtainium ® to increase<br />
grip with perspiration.<br />
The result is a new milestone in<br />
performance technology. Oakley Radar<br />
raises the bar to a level never thought<br />
possible.<br />
Essilor Presents<br />
Crizal ® SunTM<br />
Crizal Sun is a premium antireflective<br />
coating created specifically for sunwear. It<br />
<strong>of</strong>fers superior protection from scratches,<br />
smudges and water on both sides <strong>of</strong> the<br />
lens, and protection from annoying<br />
reflections on the backside <strong>of</strong> the lens for<br />
optimum comfort.<br />
Esthetically optimized for sunwear,<br />
Crizal Sun is available exclusively<br />
through Xelios. Until June 30th, each<br />
pair <strong>of</strong> Crizal Sun will be delivered with a<br />
beach bag and an Ombrelle sun lotion for<br />
the consumer. Point <strong>of</strong> sales material –<br />
update <strong>of</strong> the Xelios display, consumer<br />
leaflet and counter card – are available to<br />
the eye care pr<strong>of</strong>essionals.<br />
60<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007
| What’s New |<br />
Audace Lunettes<br />
and Rudy Project<br />
Enter Exclusive<br />
Canadian<br />
Agreement<br />
In 1.60 Index Transitions®,<br />
Polarized and Clear<br />
Popular Nikon i and Nikon Go progressive<br />
lenses in 1.60 index are now available with<br />
Nikon Digital Surfacing in Transitions ® V<br />
brown and gray, polarized brown and gray<br />
and in clear (total sphere +5.00D<br />
to -10.00D, cylinder up to -4.00D).<br />
Nikon Digital Surfacing, the new<br />
mark <strong>of</strong> excellence in advanced eye care, is a<br />
state-<strong>of</strong>-the art production process that<br />
optimizes the entire surface <strong>of</strong> the lens.<br />
| Ketyum |<br />
Doing it right means only doing it once.<br />
Audace Lunettes has concluded an<br />
exclusive partnership to represent Rudy<br />
Project Technically Cool Eyewear within<br />
the Canadian optical market. The partnership<br />
with Audace demonstrates Rudy<br />
Project’s strong commitment to growing<br />
the Rudy Project Authentic Sun Rx<br />
Program in <strong>Canada</strong>.<br />
The experience and expertise <strong>of</strong><br />
Audace will <strong>of</strong>fer Canadian ECPs an<br />
exciting opportunity to partner with a<br />
leader in Sport Rx Eyewear.<br />
Audace will support retailers with<br />
their base <strong>of</strong> sales reps, brand enhancement<br />
strategies and implementation <strong>of</strong><br />
creative sales support programs to increase<br />
consumer and athlete recognition<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Rudy Project brand as a leader in<br />
Sport Rx. This specialized approach will<br />
highlight the Rudy Project difference and<br />
educate retailers on ways to position the<br />
brand with their customers and increase<br />
sell-though.<br />
“The Rudy Project line is an impressive<br />
addition to our existing line <strong>of</strong> products<br />
and will be strongly represented<br />
within the Canadian optical market,”<br />
says president <strong>of</strong> Audace Lunettes, Alain<br />
Lachambre. “<strong>Opticians</strong> now have an<br />
exceptional opportunity to gain from this<br />
growing market. Increasingly, consumers<br />
and athletes alike are requesting a quality<br />
product that will protect their eyes<br />
without compromising their ability to<br />
perform their favourite outdoor sports or<br />
activities.”<br />
Rudy Project North America is<br />
equally excited about the partnership.<br />
“We have a huge passion for delivering<br />
precision craftsmanship, innovation,<br />
technology, quality and value,” said Rudy<br />
Project President, Paul Craig. “And our<br />
partnership with Audace will assist in<br />
sharing this passion with the Canadian<br />
market, effectively keeping Rudy Project<br />
at the forefront <strong>of</strong> the Sports Rx industry<br />
in North America.”<br />
LET THE MODULAR DISPLAY SYSTEM WORK FOR YOU.<br />
Simply put, the patented Modular Display System is the industry’s quickest,<br />
most cost effective way to rejuvenate your frame dispensary. If you’re looking<br />
to increase your bottom line with minimal effort, then give MDS a call.<br />
1-800-663-8527 www.modular-design.com<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007 61
| What’s New |<br />
Moschino Signs<br />
Eyewear License<br />
with Allison<br />
Moschino SpA, owner <strong>of</strong> the Moschino brands, has<br />
signed a new eyewear license agreement with Allison<br />
for the design, manufacturing and worldwide distribution<br />
<strong>of</strong> the new Moschino eyewear collection.<br />
This five-year renewable agreement replaces<br />
Moschino’s partnership with Luxottica. The first<br />
collection produced by Allison will be unveiled in<br />
August 2007 when 50 exclusive models – 25 sunglasses<br />
and 25 ophthalmic frames – will be presented to the<br />
press. Allison <strong>Canada</strong>’s president Ilker Starck expects<br />
to introduce the line to the Canadian market in<br />
September or October.<br />
The new collection should contain plenty <strong>of</strong><br />
Moschino graphic icons, using the label’s symbolic<br />
heart shapes, as well as the peace symbols, question<br />
marks, studs and leopard prints for the acetate frames.<br />
| Advertisers Index |<br />
Bausch & Lomb ___________________41<br />
Briot / Weco ______________________45<br />
Bushnell Performance Optics ________53<br />
Centennial _______________________27<br />
CIBA Vision_______________________59<br />
DeluxEYEwear ____________________57<br />
Douglas College___________________26<br />
Elite Eyewear ________Inside Back Cover<br />
Essilor _______________________32, 33<br />
Fashion Excellent__________________49<br />
Gerber Coburn ____________________51<br />
Importlux Grant-Italia_______________19<br />
Johnson & Johnson _________________7<br />
Klear-Glass _______________________55<br />
Luxottica ___________Inside Front Cover<br />
Marca Eyewear ____________________15<br />
Modular Design Systems____________61<br />
Nikon Optical______________Back Cover<br />
OAC _____________________________47<br />
Opal <strong>Canada</strong> ____________________8, 9<br />
OPTI-NEWS_______________________63<br />
Optiq Frames /<br />
On-Guard Safety __________False Cover<br />
Optique Vision 2000 _______________25<br />
Signet Armolite ___________________37<br />
Split Vision Eyewear ________21, 56, 60<br />
The Optical Group _________________52<br />
Timon Lunetterie ___________________6<br />
Transitions ________________________5<br />
Tura LP __________________________17<br />
Venus Eye Design _________________23<br />
Vision <strong>Canada</strong> ____________________28<br />
Viva International Group ________13, 39<br />
Western___________________________3<br />
Younger Optics ___________________43<br />
Serengeti Adds Savona<br />
Serengeti’s signature technology is certainly visible in the<br />
Savona, the latest addition to the fashionable Cosmopolitan<br />
line.<br />
The Savona is a medium fit injected nylon frame designed<br />
specifically for women. This sophisticated frame is lightweight<br />
and comfortable with a 6 base eyeshape that provides<br />
a stylish look and a maximum coverage from damaging UV<br />
rays.<br />
The frame is available in polarized lenses that also feature<br />
the proprietary Spectral Control System ® and Photochromic<br />
technology.<br />
Optitek with Eye’DC<br />
|Savona 7066 |<br />
Gilbert Benabou <strong>of</strong> Optitek will be representing the famous<br />
Eye’DC, Eye’d Vision, X-I-T and Eye’DJ lines throughout<br />
<strong>Canada</strong>. Humour, innovation and technology are the common<br />
denominators <strong>of</strong> these collections, which are made in<br />
France. With eight Silmo awards, the Eye’DC world is in<br />
expansion mode.<br />
The new X-I-T line features specialized NXT lens<br />
technology for super light weight, optical clarity and shatter<br />
resistance. While Eye’DC, Eye’d Vision and X-I-T present<br />
versatile glasses for men and women, the Eye’DJ line is<br />
aimed at teens from 7-to-12 who know that looks matter.<br />
We’re talking Web surfers and cyber princesses.<br />
Gilbert Benabou, who has worked with a renowned<br />
designer and has a thorough understanding <strong>of</strong> the high-end<br />
eyewear business, is excited to present such dynamic and<br />
diversified products.<br />
62<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007
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| classified ads |<br />
| BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY |<br />
Excellent opportunity! Newly renovated<br />
optical store in rapidly growing Red Deer.<br />
Downtown location. With 2 ophthalmologists<br />
in the building. Eyelogic and lab on<br />
premise. For more info call (403) 346-1522.<br />
____________________________________<br />
Optical store for sale in Zellers department<br />
in Ajax, Ontario. No rent, just percentage <strong>of</strong><br />
sale. Verifiable sale over 185k/year. Willing<br />
to sale with or without inventory. Doctor’s<br />
<strong>of</strong>fice equipments and finishing lab.<br />
Opened over ten years with steady clients.<br />
Please contact kellafr@hotmail.com.<br />
____________________________________<br />
THE OPTICAL GROUP - Over 500 opticians<br />
and optometrists from across the country<br />
benefit everyday from their membership in<br />
one <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong>’s largest buying groups. For<br />
more information on how we can help<br />
increase your pr<strong>of</strong>itability with discounts<br />
from over 50 <strong>of</strong> the industry’s leading<br />
suppliers, call 1-800-263-0010.<br />
____________________________________<br />
| EMPLOYMENT |<br />
City Optical is seeking experienced<br />
opticians and sales representatives. Full<br />
time position. Fax résumé to (416) 241-1221.<br />
____________________________________<br />
Experienced lab technician required for a<br />
busy upscale optical store in Oakville, ON.<br />
Part time/ full time, flexible hours. Please<br />
call (905) 845-7007.<br />
____________________________________<br />
Licensed doctor <strong>of</strong> optometry required one<br />
day/week to provide primary <strong>vision</strong> care for<br />
established optical dispensary. Located in<br />
the fast growing village <strong>of</strong> Grand Bend, Ontario,<br />
just one hour from London and Sarnia,<br />
on Ontario’s West Coast. Refracting<br />
equipment, friendly relaxed environment.<br />
Set your own hours to equal one day/week.<br />
Visit our website at www.grandbend.com<br />
(Commercial Business Services). Please fax<br />
résumé to (519) 238-6182 or email to greeneoptical@hay.net.<br />
Strictest confidence will<br />
be maintained for all résumés received.<br />
Only those applicants selected for interview<br />
will be notified.<br />
____________________________________<br />
Low Vision Opportunity - The Low Vision<br />
Rehabilitation Centre <strong>of</strong> Toronto (LVRC) is<br />
looking for an optometrist 1 - 2 days per<br />
week. We <strong>of</strong>fer incredibly rewarding work in<br />
a unique and pr<strong>of</strong>essional environment<br />
where the focus is on meeting the very special<br />
needs <strong>of</strong> our low <strong>vision</strong> patients. Experience<br />
with older low <strong>vision</strong> patients is an<br />
asset but we will provide training as necessary.<br />
For the right person, there is plenty<br />
<strong>of</strong> room to grow with LVRC. Find out more<br />
about us at www.low<strong>vision</strong>canada .com. If<br />
you're interested in this exciting opportunity,<br />
contact us at info@low<strong>vision</strong>canada.com.<br />
____________________________________<br />
____________________________________<br />
Low Vision Opportunity - The Low Vision<br />
Rehabilitation Centre <strong>of</strong> Toronto (LVRC) is<br />
looking for a licensed optician. We <strong>of</strong>fer incredibly<br />
rewarding work in a unique and<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional environment where the focus<br />
is on meeting the very special needs <strong>of</strong> our<br />
low <strong>vision</strong> patients. The ideal candidate will<br />
be organized, experienced in dealing with<br />
older adults and above all, possess a<br />
caring, helpful attitude. We will provide low<br />
<strong>vision</strong> training as necessary. For the right<br />
person, there is plenty <strong>of</strong> room to grow at<br />
LVRC. Find out more about us at<br />
www.low<strong>vision</strong>canada .com. If you're interested<br />
in this exciting opportunity, contact<br />
us at info@low<strong>vision</strong>canada.com.<br />
____________________________________<br />
Optician required for high-end retail store<br />
in Cobourg, Ontario (40 minutes East <strong>of</strong><br />
Oshawa). Lab experience an asset. Fax<br />
résumé to (905) 372-9322 or call Tim at<br />
(905) 372-8287.<br />
____________________________________<br />
Oshawa, Ontario – optometry <strong>of</strong>fice requires<br />
an optical dispenser for pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
<strong>of</strong>fice environment. Friendly staff and positive<br />
work environment. Modern dispensary<br />
is expanding with new edging lab. Remuneration<br />
commensurate with experience.<br />
Fax resume in confidence to 905-434-7904,<br />
or to izesight@yahoo.ca.<br />
____________________________________<br />
Oshawa, Ontario – optometry <strong>of</strong>fice requires<br />
an optometric technician / receptionist<br />
for pr<strong>of</strong>essional <strong>of</strong>fice environment.<br />
Modern <strong>of</strong>fice, friendly staff, positive work<br />
environment. Remuneration commensurate<br />
with experience. Fax resume in confidence<br />
to 905-434-7904, or email: izesight@yahoo.ca.<br />
____________________________________<br />
Sales agents required in Ontario & Quebec<br />
for Ophthalmic diagnostic instrument representation.<br />
Excellent opportunity for anyone<br />
who currently calls on Optometrists<br />
and Optical Dispensaries. Call 1-877-448-<br />
1234 or e-mail: info@<strong>vision</strong>medical.ca.<br />
____________________________________<br />
SALES REPRESENTATIVES REQUIRED - TEK<br />
CANADA Optical is seeking experienced<br />
sales representatives to sell Internationally<br />
recognized DA VINCI ROMA Eyewear, SPICY<br />
EYES by DA VINCI and other company products<br />
in <strong>Canada</strong>. You may review our Web<br />
site at www.tekoptical.com for further information<br />
on our company and products.<br />
Agents are welcome to apply. Please fax résumé<br />
to (519) 652-5008 or email to<br />
sales@tekoptical.com!<br />
____________________________________<br />
Spectacle was created with a very specific<br />
<strong>vision</strong>: to create a warm and fun environment<br />
that caters to Toronto's hip, urban<br />
customer. Our ever expanding network <strong>of</strong><br />
stores carries a veritable who's who <strong>of</strong> eyewear<br />
& sunwear collections. It is for this<br />
reason that we are looking for enthusiastic,<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional, career driven individuals to<br />
join our successful team. We are currently<br />
accepting resumes for the following positions:<br />
Registered Optician, student &<br />
intern <strong>Opticians</strong>, Optometrists and experienced<br />
sales staff. Please forward resumes<br />
to jeff@spectacle-eyewear.com or faxed to<br />
416-603-7227.<br />
____________________________________<br />
VISION +<br />
$499.00<br />
Comprehensive s<strong>of</strong>tware at a reasonable price.<br />
Point-<strong>of</strong>-Sale S<strong>of</strong>tware, Inventory Control, Automatic order pricing,<br />
Patient Invoicing, Marketing Tools, Sales Reports, Demographics<br />
Ability to submit orders electronically to various labs<br />
(519) 749-0374<br />
MSF Computing Inc.<br />
____________________________________<br />
The Estevan Eye Clinic is seeking a permanent<br />
full time optician. Applicants must hold a<br />
current Saskatchewan Ophthalmic Dispensers<br />
license. Contact lens license is an<br />
asset. Base salary is $50 000 to $70 000<br />
per year depending on education and qualifications.<br />
Please mail résumé to Estevan<br />
Eye Clinic, 140-1175 Nicholson Road,<br />
Estevan, Saskatchewan, S4A 2S7. Attention:<br />
Sheryl Tipping-Chern<strong>of</strong>f.<br />
____________________________________<br />
| EQUIPMENT |<br />
For Sale: 32 years old optical dispensary for<br />
sale (an hours drive west <strong>of</strong> Toronto) with<br />
doctors <strong>of</strong>fice and equipment; in a mall with<br />
short hours. It has excellent lease for five<br />
years with option <strong>of</strong> other five. Please write<br />
to specs_470@hotmail.com.<br />
____________________________________<br />
For Sale: Essilor Gamma edger/tracer.<br />
Rebuilt, like new. Asking $15,000. Also taking<br />
best <strong>of</strong>fer on: Humphrey autorefractor,<br />
Nissel centering lathe, Nissel lenticular lathe<br />
with microscope, Paragon centering lathe,<br />
thickness gages, extra surface & adjuster<br />
tools, contact lens blanks etc. 6 Spindel<br />
polisher civic tool and die, Fisher scientific<br />
desiccators box, 2 Coburn auto edge<br />
polishers, Nikon projection lensometer,<br />
Nikon monocular radioscope, American<br />
Optical lensometer, civic tool and die,<br />
manual adjusting contact lens machine tint<br />
unit (for spectacles), Optimec english<br />
projection contact lens inspection machine.<br />
(613) 235-6550.<br />
____________________________________<br />
For Sale: 42 acrylic optical display rods, 46”<br />
lengt, 15 holders per, all hardware included.<br />
$505 obo… you must ship or pick up.<br />
Contact Diane at Cedar Pointe Optometry<br />
(Barrie, ON) (705) 728-0871.<br />
____________________________________<br />
www.<strong>vision</strong>plus.cc<br />
| SERVICE |<br />
Titanium Eyeglass Repair! Our laserwelding<br />
technique creates a seamless result on all<br />
metal frames. Please send $40.00 payment<br />
with each frame which includes : laser<br />
repairing, return priority shipping and one<br />
year guarantee to: Laserfix Ltd., 13 Mission<br />
Ave., St. Albert, AB, T8N 1H6 or call Darrel at<br />
(780) 460-2943 to set up a commercial<br />
account.<br />
____________________________________<br />
PLEASE NOTE...<br />
Our classified ad section is a free service for all<br />
optical practitioners, in the canadian optical<br />
industry.<br />
All submitted classified ads will be included on<br />
the Breton Communications Web site :<br />
www.bretoncom.com/classified<br />
PLEASE SEND YOUR CLASSIFIED AD BEFORE<br />
JUNE 1, 2007 TO:<br />
c/o Vision Magazine<br />
Breton communications Inc.<br />
495 St-Martin Blvd. West, #202<br />
Laval, Québec H7M 1Y9<br />
Fax : (450) 629-6044<br />
E-mail : yvonne@bretoncom.com<br />
OPTICIANS ASSOCIATION OF CANADA<br />
To become a member <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Opticians</strong> <strong>Association</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong> and take<br />
advantage <strong>of</strong> its many membership benefits please call<br />
1-800-847-3155 • canada@opticians.ca<br />
OPTICIANS ASSOCIATION OF CANADA : 2706-83 Garry Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 4J9 • www.opticians.ca<br />
64<br />
VISION | may_june | 2007