Seeing Is a Gift

Think About Your Eyes has launched its 2018 advertising campaign featuring their “Seeing is a Gift” message. Ads will run throughout the first three quarters of the year, with search engine optimization, to drive traffic to the campaign site and doctor locator. The campaign, expected to reach 95 percent of the adults age 30–39, will run on 40 cable channels, online radio and video services, local radio and syndicated radio shows, as well as online banner ads. thinkaboutyoureyes.com

OMDs Hate EHRs

Ophthalmologists’ use of electronic health records more than doubled between 2006 and 2016, but their perceptions of financial and clinical productivity after implementation declined, a study in JAMA OPHTHALMOLOGY shows. “The surveys reveal deepening dissatisfaction with utilizing EHR,” said lead author Michele C. Lim of the UC Davis Eye Center. “In a perfect world, EHR systems would help providers deliver efficient patient care and include a positive, user-friendly interface,” but, “EHR technology is evolving, and we will end up with such systems if stakeholders ... and those who design them work together.” invmag.us/021806

Guess Again

Marcolin Group and GUESS have renewed their exclusive license agreement for the design, manufacture and worldwide distribution of GUESS and Marciano sunglasses and eyeglasses.

The license agreement is extended until 2025, consolidating a partnership and a synergy between the two groups, which has lasted for over 25 years. marcolin.com

N.J. Sides With ODs

On Jan. 8, N.J. Governor Chris Christie signed into law legislation that removes barriers that disrupt doctors' ability to provide seamless, quality patient care, according to the AOA. The bill includes prohibitions on requirements that doctors participate in a vision plan as a condition for contracting with a health plan; restrictions or limitations on doctors' choice of materials, services or optical labs provided to a patient; and requirements on noncovered services and materials. aoa.org/news

This article originally appeared in the February 2018 edition of INVISION.

Vernon Gantry, a line out of Long Island City designed by ODs to be sold as affordable packages to compete with Warby Parker. Amazing quality for $19. Larah Alami, OD, Hudson River Eye Care, Tarrytown and White Plains, NY

Hot Brands

Top-selling vision brands in December*

Eyeglasses

Ray-Ban (12), MODO (9), FYSH (4), Oakley (4), Tom Ford (4), Coach (3), OGI (3), Anne et Valentin (2), Bevel (2), Calvin Klein (2), Carrera (2), Cinzia (2), Etnia Barcelona (2), Europa (2), Face à Face (2), Gucci (2), Kate Spade (2), Lafont (2), Lindberg (2), Oliver Peoples (2), Scott Harris (2)

Sunglasses

Ray-Ban (23), Maui Jim (15), Costa (6), Kate Spade (5), Oakley (5), Wiley X (3), Coach (2), Etnia Barcelona (2), Serengeti (2)

* Brands mentioned by multiple Brain Squad members when asked what had sold well in December. Join at invisionmag.com/brainsquad.

Wiley X, functional for motorcyclists and the safety conscious. Dr. Marc Ullman, Academy Vision, Pine Beach, NJ

Charmant did great, especially Esprit and ELLE. Good quality at an affordable price point, so popular over school holidays or at insurance plan transitions, when a limited benefit needs to be used. Jen Heller, Pend Oreille Vision Care, Sandpoint, ID

OVVO Optics. In ophthalmic the metals are a good price and value. Patients love it. The suns are European made with Zeiss lenses; come in polaroid too. Andrea Salmond, The Gaze Group, Healdsburg, CA

We seem to be selling a lot of the classic tortoise and Havana colors from Laura Ashley. They showcase a simple yet classic look, while still being on trend at the moment. Amanda Barber, Desmone Family Eyecare, Havelock, NC

Life is Good and Ducks Unlimited by McGee. Great looking frames and colors at a very reasonable price. Can’t keep them in stock. Jill Sweig, OD, Oyster Bay Optics, Oyster Bay, NY

Chanel, Lafont, Eye-O’s readers; they’re timeless but on-trend. Diana Fleetman, The Optical @50th & France, Edina, MN

Lindberg. The new product was in and the staff was really excited. People had flex dollars to spend so cost was less of an issue. Kristina Swartz, The Eye Site, Mishawaka, IN

Rain City out of Seattle, they are colorful and fun, and Revo, they sell themselves. Kat Leek, Kat’s Eyes Optical, Phoenix, AZ

Blackfin and MODO. Flex money that needed to be used allowed for better sales of our more expensive lines. Dawn Stratton, OD, J. Galt Eyewear, Lexington, KY

Wooden eyewear of every color and shape is a popular sunglass option. We sell locally made Colorado Glasses in a variety of natural woods and brightly-colored mirrored lenses. Becky Furuta, Avenue Vision and Focus Visual Training Center, Golden, CO

Visual Eyes Stand Up 2 Cancer. Maho Shades and Eyes of Faith Eyewear. We heavily promoted our “Frames with a Cause” companies that give back to Habitat, Missions and Cancer research. Billy Isgett, Eyecare of Florence, Florence, SC

The moderately priced men’s zyl, BMEC Big Ticket from Modern Optical. Fits into most plans with no overage. Dawn Christman Munoz, North Valley Eye Medical Group, Mission Hills, CA

The TOMS Candace frame sold very well. The design has been out for quite some time, but all of the colors appeal to my female patients. Angie Patteson, OD, Sunset Eye Care, PC, Johnson City, TN

Serengeti, they are amazing in the Northeast winter! Jennifer Leuzzi, Mill Creek Optical, Dansville, NY

Bevel. Not sure why because they are mostly $500 frames. We do love Bevel and we tend to really sell the brands we love. Nancy Revis, Uber Optics, Petaluma, CA

The Costa Corbina in matte black with solid Blue Mirror in the 580P. Big mover this past month. William Chancellor, Eye Can See Eyewear, McDonough, GA

This article originally appeared in the February 2018 edition of INVISION.

25 Tech Tools to
Revolutionize Your Office

STORY BY DEIRDRE CARROLL

There is not a part of the business that technology doesn’t touch. A daunting prospect for those of us who are less than tech savvy. Nonetheless, it’s undeniable it has the ability to help us work smarter, not harder. Running a more efficient office means less confusion and time wasted. We’re not suggesting you do a complete tech overhaul but incorporating a new software or app here or there has the potential to transform your business. We asked several of our readers the tech tools that have helped revolutionize the management of their business and here is what they had to say.

We use WhenIWork software to manage employee schedules. We have 18 employees and the software emails their schedule directly to the app on their phone. Staff can request days off, track vacation time and swap shifts. All with minimal assistance from me. A beautiful thing. — Vlad Cordero, Focus Eye Care PC, Hackensack, NJ

We love NEXUS (a Stage 2 certified cloud-based ambulatory EHR system designed for small to midsize practices.) — Heather Harrington, Elevated Eyecare, Denver, CO

YouTube videos can get a contact lens first timer a start, while preparing for instruction. — Lisa Trippi, Lux Eyewear, Newark, CA

BusinessWorks accounting software, odspecs.com for up-to-date contact lens and drug specs, Optikam as a sales tool in our optical, and Iheart Radio or Pandora Radio. — Barbara Bloom, OD, Weber Vision Care, Harrisburg, PA

The Blinkist app; who has time to read all the business management books out there? Get access to key insights from 2000+ bestselling nonfiction books, cliff noted into 15 minutes you can read or listen to.

We just use My Vision Express (a full-featured practice management and EHR software created for eyecare professionals). They have many ways to notify and communicate with patients. — Diana Sims, Buena Vista Optical, Chicago, IL

We love Solutionreach. It texts patients for recalls, appointment reminders and pickups. It’s been a lifesaver and patients love it! — Christine Howard, Attleboro Vision Care, Attleboro, MA

Luxury Eyewear Forum on Facebook. It has connected me to so many of my peers in the luxury segment of our industry. Here we can discuss a variety of topics that affect us specifically in our business model. It’s been invaluable. — Paula Hornbeck, Eye Candy & Eye Candy Kids, Delafield, WI

iPads for check in and EHR have increased efficiency, using apps to show how progressives and anti-glare help with vision. — Cynthia Sayers, OD, EyeShop Optical Center, Lewis Center, OH

SpecTech from Walman Optical has helped us out not just with custom measurements but with patient education for PAL corridors, lens thickness, frame comparisons, etc. — Meredith Hall, Miller Family Eye, Cedar Rapids, IA

We use the ZEISS i.Terminal 2 not only to measure for progressives with position of wear measurements but also for all single vision digital patients. The measurements are so precise we rarely have progressive redos. Patients love that we are using new technology and it’s very helpful in allowing patients to compare different frame styles on themselves at once. — Amy Pelak, Proview Eyecare Optometry, Corona, CA

RevolutionEHR. Use of its full capability has enhanced our performance. Venturing into aspects of the system previously not used has increased productivity and accountability. — William Chancellor, Eye Can See Eyewear, McDonough, GA

I love Later for scheduling Instagram posts and VSCO for editing photos I take on my phone. — Nytarsha Thomas, OD, Visionelle Eyecare, Zionsville, IN

Clearpath Ds-120 Lens Autofluorescense screening for Type 2 Diabetes. A translator app on my “Eye Pads” for communication with unique foreign languages and showing frames to patients. Having patients load their retinal photos on their smart phones for their PCP. — Texas L. Smith, OD, Dr. Texas L. Smith & Assoc., Citrus Heights, CA

Marco’s Trs5100 Refracting System interfacing with Crystal Practice Management. We can do in two exam lanes what we used to do in three without it being a race. — GR McGuirt, OD, 20/20 Vision Clinic, Lake Charles, LA

We use Rendia software in the exam rooms. They show information on products, eye diseases and utilize jokes and trivia to hold interest. Patients often comment on how they enjoy it, and we get inquiries about contacts, prescription sunglasses and trivex lenses. — Blake Hutto, OD, Family Vision Care, Alma, GA

Google is the bomb. We use Drive, Hangouts, Docs, email, and more. Super easy to communicate and stay organized. — Dawn Johnson, Clarkson Eyecare Perdido, Pensacola, FL

Eyefinity EHR Apple Watch App pairs with your iPhone to give you access to your most vital patient information right on your wrist. You can view your appointment schedule, read intra-office messages, review notes and find out which rooms patients are in.

Love the Square for mobile sales. — Angel Miller, Cynthiana Vision Center, Cynthiana, KY

25 Tech Tools to Lift Your Game

WhenIWork, Nexus, YouTube, BusinessWorks, odspecs.com, Optikam, Internet Radio, Blinkist, My Vision Express, Solutionreach, Luxury Eyewear Forum, iPads, Spectech, ZEISS i.Terminal 2, RevolutionEHR, Square, Later, VSCO, Clearpath Ds-120 Lens Autofluorescense, Marco’s Trs5100 Refracting System, Crystal Practice Management, Rendia, Google, Eyefinity EHR Apple Watch App

This article originally appeared in the February 2018 edition of INVISION.

Gas permeable (GP) contacts are rigid lenses that comprise about 10 percent of the contact lens market. While the market for corneal lenses is declining, the demand for scleral and ortho-k lenses is rising. According to ABB Optical Group, there was a 31.2 percent increase in dollar sales of scleral lenses and a 29.7 percent increase in dollar sales of ortho-k lenses from 2016 to 2017.

The large scleral lens stays put for irregular corneas (keratoconus). Ortho-k lenses temporarily reshape the cornea (usually overnight) to correct myopia and are popular for kids. Luckily, a patient is more likely to get a GP lens fitted by a prescribing doctor than take that Rx elsewhere.

Art Optical

Scleral: Ampleye (4-curve design), SoClear (a corneal scleral design) and Rose K2 XL (a corneal scleral design). Ortho-K: Distribute Paragon CRT lenses and manufacture custom ortho-K lenses per practitioner specification, as well as DreamLens.

(800) 253-9364 artoptical.com

X-Cel Specialty Contacts (A Walman Company)

Atlantis Scleral (including a multifocal design) Ortho-k: An authorized lab for both Paragon CRT and Euclid’s Emerald lenses. They also manufacture several ortho-k lenses designed by ECPs.

(800) 241-9312 xcelspecialtycontacts.com

Valley Contax

Custom Stable Prime, Custom Stable Elite, Custom Stable Aurora scleral lenses.

(800) 547-8815 valleycontax.com

Bausch + Lomb Specialty Vision Products

Zenlens Ortho K: sells Boston materials in many designs and has FDA approval for Vision Shaping Treatment.

(800) 323-0000 bausch.com

ABB Optical Group

Dyna Semi-Scleral, Dyna Scleral, Infinity Scleral 14.5 to 18.2, Menicon Rose K2 XL Scleral, Paragon ICD 14.5 mini lenses, Paragon ICD 16.5 lenses, Paragon ICD Toric Scleral, Paragon ICD Flex Scleral. Ortho-K: Euclid Emerald, Paragon CRT, Paragon CRT Dual Axis Paragon CRT Diagnostic Dispensing System.

(800) 772-3911 abboptical.com

Paragon Vision Sciences (A CooperVision Company)

Paragon CRT (orthokeratology) and ICD FlexFit (scleral).

(800) 528-8279 paragonvision.com

SynergEyes

SynergEyes VS Scleral Lens

(877) 733-2012 synergeyes.com

Smart Ways to Sell Scleral and Ortho-k Contact Lenses to Your Patients

Andrew Biondo Kirkwood Eye, St. Louis, Missouri

Scleral lenses have advantages over other modalities and check all the boxes when it comes to vision, comfort and ocular health. Sclerals are great for treating dry eye symptoms by providing better hydration than other contacts. They are becoming more cost equivalent to daily disposables too. Once I fit patients with sclerals, we typically encourage them to do yearly replacements. I use ortho-k lenses predominantly on children because they assist with vision correction and myopia control. Ortho-k lenses can help stabilize a child’s vision and prevent it from getting worse during their growing years. My youngest patient is a six-year-old right up to an 18-year-old who may be a candidate for LASIK surgery. I use a myopia calculator from Brien Holden Vision Institute to determine how a child’s myopia will progress without correction. I show it to their parents to encourage them to buy ortho-k lenses. My advice to anyone selling these types of lenses is to provide proper education. We offer brochures and printouts to increase capture rates on scleral lens fittings. Our patients then do further research online and get excited by reading testimonials. I’ve tried about 12 designs but my go-to lens is the Atlantis Scleral from X-Cel 90 percent of the time. For ortho-k, I use X-Cel’s Emerald Lens by Euclid. I find them to be the most efficient in terms of fitting.

Jeffrey Sonsino The Contact Lens Center at Optique, Nashville, TN

I allow my patients to choose their strategies after an extensive conversation and education of the risks, benefits and features. I spend around 20 minutes with new consults talking about their options. I am a problem solver. I present many options to patients including corneal GPs, hybrid lenses, and scleral lenses. If the patient chooses sclerals, then I apply my expertise to maximize their outcome.

This article originally appeared in the March 2018 edition of INVISION.

Light It Up

LED lights are the preferred light of environmentalists and merchandising experts. So, why not add a little fun with this cool Eye LED Wall Light from AMPED AND CO.

$119.99

ampedandco.com

Kids' Eyes

STEREO OPTICAL launched three new stereotests including LEA Symbols; the Original Stereo Fly, Butterfly, and Randot. And] easy-to-use method of screening stereoscopic vision for all ages, these new tests are designed specifically for young children.

$235 each

stereooptical.com

April Showers

Spring is coming and that means rain. Stay on-brand with the All over Eyes Umbrella from KENZO. The small, folding umbrella comes in three colors and features the brand’s
iconic All over Eyes print.

$80.00

kenzo.com

Beauty Sleep

Your customers can make the most of their sleeping hours as well with the BRANCHÉ SILK family of eye masques. The 100% Silk mask is fitted to keep light out encouraging the body’s melatonin production allowing wearers to sleep their deepest and wake up rejuvenated.

$42

branchebeautysleep.com

AMD TTYL

EYEPROMISE has introduced a new and improved formula to its EyePromise Restore line, with the addition of vitamins B6 and B12, folic acid, and Coenzyme Q10. The supplement is specially formulated to preserve and support vision for those with, at-risk for, or in the early stages of Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

$35.95

eyepromise.com/doctors

This article originally appeared in the March 2018 edition of INVISION.

Eyecessorize Trend Kit

The Vision Council’s Eyecessorize released its spring/summer 2018 trend kit to more than 350 fashion, health and lifestyle editors nationwide. The digital kit includes an online booklet featuring product imagery from Vision Council members and exhibitors of Vision Expo, alongside trend descriptions. Placements garnered as a result of the kit will help promote eyewear and sunwear as must-have fashion and lifestyle accessories. eyecessorize.com

Digital Devices and Eyes

CooperVision released its Digital Device Usage and Your Eyes report with respondents from seven countries. Globally, 19 percent of people who use vision correction and 18 percent of those who don’t expressed concern about screen time. That increased to 26 percent for contact lens wearers, but only 14 percent spoke with an ECP about it. Nearly four in five said they would be interested in exploring ways to reduce eye tiredness with their ECP and a follow-up in six nations revealed that nearly three in four are willing to pay a premium for an option that reduces digital eye fatigue. coopervision.com/digital-report

Glaucoma Market Growing

The total glaucoma market was estimated at $2.6B across the seven major markets in 2016. This is expected to grow to $3.8B by 2026, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company in their PharmaPoint: Glaucoma report. Growth will be driven by the launch of five pipeline products, including Santen’s DE-117; a drug with an undisclosed MOA; Aerie’s fixed-dose combination therapy, Roclatan; and two sustained-release (SR). invmag.us/031806

Smarty Pants Students

The winners of the Optometry Student Challenge from by ABB OPTICAL GROUP in partnership with Paragon Vision Sciences are Theodore Chow of the Indiana University School of Optometry, Gabriella Courey of the University of Montreal School of Optometry, Yuno Iwabuchi of Pacific University, Kiri Rutledge of the Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry, and Stephanie Sonnenburg of the Illinois College of Optometry. More than 65 optometry students submitted abstracts for the chance to win a travel stipend of $1,500 to attend the Global Specialty Lens Symposium in Las Vegas. abboptical.com/optometrystudentchallenge

Generational Eyewear Wants

According to a survey from Transitions Optical and the Center for Generational Kinetics, 48 percent of Millennials enjoy the experience of shopping for eyeglasses—and cost transparency, variety of lens options and convenience can make the shopping experience easier and more enjoyable. The survey, available online, polled 1,263 U.S. adults, ages 22-65, categorized as heavy eyeglass wearers, non-heavy eyeglass wearers and eyeglass non-wearers. transitionspro.com

This article originally appeared in the March 2018 edition of INVISION.

More of our clients are looking for custom eyewear, they want choices in color and sizes. Lindberg Air Titanium makes it easy to offer this! Leah Johnson, Central Texas Eye Center, San Marcos, TX

The Lindberg Dakota is part of the Air Titanium collection featuring the brand’s signature hinge in titanium wire, multi-adjustable nose pads and more than 35 color combinations. $570.

Jimmy Choo did well for the ladies spending some Christmas cash! Deb Wood, Wood Vision Clinic, Alden, IA

The Jimmy Choo Elva’s statement oversized square shape with graduated lenses evoke a 70’s vibe with iridescent metal rims and a lateral leather spoiler. $475.

Hot Brands

Top-selling vision brands in January*

Eyeglasses

Ray-Ban (18), Kate Spade (9), MODO (6), Prodesign (6), Etnia Barcelona (5), Tom Ford (5), Barton Perreira (3), Lindberg (3), Scott Harris (3), Andy Wolf (2), Caroline Abrams (2), Cazal (2), Coach (2), ECO (2), Lafont (2), Oakley (2), OGI (2), Seraphin (2), Silhouette (2), Tiffany (2), Tura (2)

Sunglasses

Ray-Ban (21), Maui Jim (20), Costa (10), Oakley (7), Kate Spade (5), Wiley X (4), Nike (3), Coach (2), ECO (2), Gucci (2), Jimmy Choo (2), Oliver Peoples (2), Vicious Vision (2)

* Brands mentioned by multiple Brain Squad members when asked what had sold well in January. Join at invisionmag.com/brainsquad.

We love the GX line for women, with bright, funky colors and bold, oversized shapes. Becky Furuta, Avenue Vision, Golden, CO

MODO/ECO! Came into this office in September as new optician. Brought it in October and have reordered four times. Bright deep colors, light weight designs and a fit for every patient. Susan Frein, Ames Eye Clinic, Ames, IA

Maui Jim. Always easy sell with winter snow/glare/snowbirds heading to warmer climates for winter months. Julie Kubsch, Specs Around Town, Bloomington, IL

VINYLIZE, baby! Jim Williams, Eye to Eye Optometry, Mexico, MI

CAROLINA HERRERA has been a hot seller for us for a few months running. The styles and colors are supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Rick Rickgauer, Vision Associates, Girard, PA

BARTON PERREIRA James and Cassidy style. Plastic frames that fit well. Cleve Barham, Fine Eyes, Ridgeland, MS

I had a few that did great last month. 1) Optical Exchange MIYAGI Mauricio 1399. 2) Modern Optical MODERN METALS Bo. 4) Modern Optical MODZ Cleveland. 5) Modern Optical GENEVIEVE BOUTIQUE Bling. Everyone is starting the new year fiscally prudent now that they've started seeing the credit card bills from the holidays. Dawn Christman, Munoz North Valley Eye Medical Group, Mission Hills, CA

Brescia by ETNIA BARCELONA. It is both classic and modern in its shape and comes in amazing colors. Heather Canady, Visions Optique & Eyecare, Scottsdale, AZ

OAKLEY and RAY-BAN are consistently what people come in asking for. Andrew Freilich, OD, Optical Management Services, Newburgh NY

Customers are enjoying the CHEMESTRIE Clip On. They can clip a magnetized sun clip on any pair of frames they want. Julie Uram, Optical Oasis, Jupiter, FL

LOUIS LUSO by Q-vision. All. Day. Long. They are lightweight, simple and have Asian-fit bridges, which are very popular with our Hmong community. Nikki Griffin, EyeStyles Optical and Boutique, Oakdale, MN

The round SCOTT HARRIS frames have been a big hit. Angie Patteson, OD, Sunset Eye Care, PC, Johnson City, TN

JONES NEW YORK, men's and women's. Their simple clean lines and modern shapes flew out of here. Erik Lawrence, Roadrunner Eyecare, Albuquerque, NM

COSTA Remora in Tiger Shark! Gail Bailey, The Eye Care Clinic, Hill City, MN

ANDY WOLF 5051, amazing colors meet wearable style. James Armstrong, Alberta Eye Care, Portland, OR

FREAKSHOW, nylon, on-trend shapes, ultra-light and a tribute to cinema. We keep selling them before we can put them on the shelf! Katie McElvaine, OD, Springfield Family Vision, Springfield, MO

PRODESIGN! We have been doing very well with this line lately. Vicki Thompson. Grandville Optical, Grandville, MI

We continue to do great with EYES OF FAITH frames. Great style, quality and love the Bible verses on the temples. Our patients love them too. Ken Boltz, OD, Kenneth D Boltz OD LLC, Dublin, OH

CAROLINE ABRAM all the way! Amazing new colors and very modern metal styles. The Silmo release arrived just in time for the New Year! Harris Decker, Eye Designs of Westchester, Scarsdale, NY

TAYLOR MADISON. It is the best bang for the buck. Dorothy Reynolds, Optical Alternatives, Milford, CT

The MCM 2107. We can't keep it in the store. Frances Ann Layton, Eye Associates of South GA, Valdosta, GA

BANANA REPUBLIC. Good price and quality. They are also good looking frames. Sandy Slang, Ophthalmology Associates, Cudahy, WI

CONVERSE. Can’t keep them in stock. Cindy Henderson, Eyear Optical, Hixson, TN

SPY. We had a lot of men last month and they love the design and comfort, not to mention the great pricing of the SPY frames. Amy Pelak, Proview Eyecare Optometry, Corona, CA

TOM FORD! They've been sending us the newest styles before they go to retail for a couple years now and people are starting to seek us out because of it. Josh Bladh, Dr Bladh OD, Diamond Bar, CA

The ultem material sells itself with its epic durability and they just launched even more colors so it practically caters to everyone. Keira and Eugene are some of our best sellers. Heather Harrington, Elevated Eyecare, Denver, CO

This article originally appeared in the March 2018 edition of INVISION.

What's the Brain Squad?

If you're the owner or top manager of a U.S. eyecare business serving the public, you're invited to join the INVISION Brain Squad. By taking one five-minute quiz a month, you can get a free t-shirt, be featured prominently in this magazine, and make your voice heard on key issues affecting eyecare professionals. Good deal, right? Sign up here.

X Factor (ABOVE)

Gone are the days of annoying head tilts in order to see. (Seriously, who wants that in their life?) Xtend technology, featured in the new VARILUX X SERIES lenses extends the area of vision for modern presbyopes. essilorusa.com/varilux

Price upon request

A New Adventure

Inspired by the history of Windsor, CO, ZEAL model WINDSOR is for true explorers. The Z-resin frame features ProFlex rubber on the nose and temple tips for ultimate comfort. zealoptics.com

$149

Gone Antiquing

Don’t let the delicate look of this frame fool you. Made with acetate and titanium, model E-507, fromEYEVAN’s 7285 Capsule Collection, offers surprising durability. eyevaneyewear.com

$390

You Wear the Pantos

Part of MODO’s Super Thin Acetate Collection, the model BLUTT (6527) is a unisex frame with silver metal at the hinges. modo.com

$240

Dynamic Duo

Whether it’s a face-off or a marriage made in heaven, the His & Her duo from Helium Eyewear includes model 4341, as the “Her.” This metal-templed style is made with Italian acetate. matcheyewear.com

$74.95

Shimmer and Shine

Named after Chicago’s own Wabash Avenue, the model WABASH brings true shimmer to any look. stateopticalco.com

$417

Winning Combination

Retro looks meet modern style in I & Eye Optical’s new combination frames, including the model VR11, which features thin metal and a rounded square eyeshape. varieyewear.com

$225

Blinked Out

The newly expanded parameters of ACUVUE MOIST BRAND CONTACT LENSES FOR ASTIGMATISM and Blink Stabilized design allow those with spherical and astigmatic eyes the largest range of parameters yet, for daily disposables. jnjvisionpro.com

$87.50 (90 pack)

This article originally appeared in the March 2018 edition of INVISION.

From titanium to stainless steel — and everything in between — there’s more to these metals than meets the eye.

L’Amy (ABOVE)

Eyewear Collection from L’Amy for the woman who inspires others to follow her vision through leadership and creativity! The cat eye is a key shape for the season and the GL1020 delivers with an exaggerated shape: modern and retro.

lamyamerica.com

$149 - $175 (optical)
$99 - $139 (sun)

Eddie Bauer

Comfort and style find common ground with the metal model EB32213, one of six new styles — three for men and three for women.

(800) 645-2121, charmant.com/us

$175

Koali

Drawing inspiration from the moon shell’s pearly-yet-metallic appearance, the model Natice delivers a luminous swirl of style.

(800) 526-8838, morel-france.com

$270

Moscot

The golden era of eyewear is here and now, as the ZEV Titanium Temple (a.k.a. TT) Special Edition — a reworked version of Moscot’s original ZEV frame — takes the stage.

(866) 667-2687, moscot.com

$360

Persol

It’s hip to be square, especially if you’re model PO2447V—part of the metal capsule collection. Persol’s signature Meflecto system is integrated in the thin temples on this style, available in several metal tones.

(800) 422-2020, my.luxottica.com

$350

Ella

Get into a West Coast frame of mind with Ella Laguna Beach model 701107-95, a stainless steel design with TR90 inlays and screwless hinges.

(949) 215-9661, brilleneyes.com

$240

Komono

Beyond grade school and our dear Watson, the Elementary collection features four lightweight models with ultra-thin temples, including the Sinclair.

(844) 240-4130, komono.com

$212.60

Blackfin

Metal goes retro with the titanium Elliott Key BF833, a 1950s-inspired style infused with a splash of the future.

(877) 889-0399, villaeyewear.com

$475

Jhane Barnes

There’s no space like headspace, and the model Disk offers just that. This stainless steel style features an indent on the temple, near the hinge and endpiece, allowing for a touch of extra room.

(800) 627-2898, kenmarkeyewear.com

$198

Xavier Garcia

Have you met Morató? This dark, round frame is light yet masculine, making heavy metal a thing of the past.

(450) 979-0542, prismeoptical.com

Price upon request.

This article originally appeared in the March 2018 edition of INVISION.

From first-time optical collections to tried-and-true sporting accessories, there’s something for everyone in clip-on suns this season. Across the range of possibilities, convenience and style combine for a variety of perfect matches.

Rudy Project

You’ll have an exceptional light-management experience with the Exception Flip Up, which is single vision and progressive friendly, and includes a Golf 100 lens and Racing Red RP Optics lenses.

(949) 272-2469, rudyprojectdealer.com

$255

TC Charton

Switch gears in a snap — or clip — with this clip-on, made with CR29 lenses, to fit the model Stanley.

(855) 707-0220, tc-charton.com

$85

Vuarnet

Say “bonjour” to the Sun Clip-On Collection, created for Vuarnet’s first-ever optical collection. The unisex VL1808 features mineral glass lenses, in pure grey and pure brown, in a titanium clip.

(914) 495-3701, vuarnet.com

$470

Eblock

Experience a true attraction to this magnetic clip-on made with acetate Mazzucchelli, and designed for a perfect fit over the optical frames.

39 0435 31812, eblock.it/en

Price upon request.

Clariti

Prepare for takeoff with the clip-friendly Airmag frame, model AP6441, made with TR90.

(800) 372-6372, claritieyewear.com

$50 (clip)
$125 (clip and frame)

True Vintage Revival

It’s throwback time, and the TVR516 Crown Panto clip-on delivers true 1930s sensibility with its vintage filigree design.

tvropt.com

$120

Revolution

Polarized. Polycarbonate. Plenty of fun. That’s the magnetic clip-on that’s custom designed for the model Lexington.

(800) 986-0010, revolutioneyewear.com

$80 (clip)
$195 (clip and frame)

Hilco

Spring (bridge) is sprung with Glide-Fit SunClips. These easy-on, easy-off clip-ons are ideal for metal or plastic frames.

(800) 955-67544, hilcovision.com

$24

Maui Jim

Hit the beach with new clip-on collection, which includes four foldable styles and three shapes. The clip-on for Coral Sea is an oval eye shape with HCL bronze lens.

(866) 666-5905, mauijim.com

Price upon request.

This article originally appeared in the March 2018 edition of INVISION.

When it comes to bundling services, the telecommunications companies have it down to a fine art. Bundling phone, Internet and TV can save consumers a lot of money. That principle is becoming more common in the optical industry. Some frame companies have partnered with lens manufacturers to offer combined product while others promote a lens and premium lens features option.

Essilor has its Ultimate Lens Package which offers packaged lens features for single vision and presbyopic patients. Tifosi Optics, with its lightweight durable frames, is pairing them with HOYA Rx lenses. If beauty is in the eye of the beholder then some of these bundled packages could look very attractive to your patients.

EyeOs Premium Readers

SmartRx complete prescription eyewear package with aspheric or digital single vision lenses, as well as 100 percent backside digital progressive lenses. All SmartRx eyewear packages come with premium AR.

(800) 625-1880 eyeoseyewear.com

Shamir

The Shamir Autograph III: For Work – Shamir WorkSpace, and Play – Shamir Attitude III Fashion.

(877) 514-8330 shamirlens.com

Tifosi/Hoya

Advanced Sun Packages feature a Coppertone polarized lens and can be purchased in SingleVision iQ lenses or in the HOYALUX Array progressive lenses. Tifosi’s Marzen Tortoise frame with HOYALUX Array Brown lenses.

Tifosi Optics (866) 310-0996 tifosioptics.com
HOYA (800)818-4692 hoyaoptics.com

Essilor

The Ultimate Lens Package includes Eyezen+, Crizal Sapphire 360° UV and Transitions Signature VII for single vision patients and Varilux X Series, Crizal Sapphire 360° UV and Transitions Signature VII for presbyopic.

(800)377-4567 essilorusa.com

Smart Ways to Sell Bundled Lenses

Dr. Rahim KanjiModern Eyes Optometry, Virginia Beach, VA

Patient satisfaction is the highest we’ve ever had with any Essilor product with the Ultimate Lens Package and its current incentive. A majority of our patients have some form of medical vision insurance which discounts the cost of the first set of lenses and a portion or all of the frame. They get the second set of lenses of equal or lesser value at no charge and are responsible for the retail price of the second frame. In my 13 years of private practice this is the first time I have seen a promotion of this caliber directly from a manufacturer. In the exam room I say to my patients, “there’s a manufacturer’s promotion going on right now where they’re giving away a second set of lenses at no charge to you. It’s a deal of a lifetime and may not be offered again, so I highly recommend you take advantage of it." The beauty is there’s a progressive lens and a single vision lens option. Both come with a smart blue filter, Crizal coating and Transitions. A majority of our patients take advantage of the polarized Xperio UV sunglass lenses for their complimentary second set of lenses. Before now, while many patients valued the importance of polarized sunglasses, very few actually purchased them until the Ultimate Lens Package came out in September. Our optical staff has been overwhelmed with multiple pairs sales and in the first few months of the promotion we sold more ophthalmic suns than we did the entire year leading up to the promotion. Many of our patients have also referred their friends, family members and co-workers to our office for the promotion too.

Sarah BocashEyelook Optical, Portsmouth, NH

Offering EyeOs’ SmartRx total frame and lenses package is a new avenue for us. We have always offered ZEISS lenses but previously when patients bought an EyeOs frame with a ZEISS CR39 lens with AR coating it cost them about $325. For the past few months we’ve been offering EyeOs ophthalmic quality frames with very good quality lenses in a complete frame and lenses package that costs $159+ for single vision and $269+ for digital PAL. We’re aiming the total package at Millennials who want convenience and quality products at an affordable price. We can create a customer relationship with them by giving them better quality than they would get online and by having our optician fit them. I also love to use SmartRx as a second and third pair option when price becomes an issue. We’re a high-end boutique and this deal has opened the door for us to offer a quality product at a good price. It’s a product we’re comfortable standing behind.

Dr. Cindy Seemann Design Vision Optical, Wauwatosa, WI

Tifosi is a new sunglass line for us. We carry other sun lines with RX but they are more expensive. With the Advanced Sun Package, Tifosi fits a great price point and we love the option of having the HOYA lab do the RX lenses. Tifosi has the frames and HOYA has the lenses — brands that are very well recognized in the active sports market.

This article originally appeared in the February 2018 edition of INVISION.

X Factor (ABOVE)

Price upon request

A New Adventure

Inspired by the history of Windsor, CO, ZEAL model WINDSOR is for true explorers. The Z-resin frame features ProFlex rubber on the nose and temple tips for ultimate comfort. zealoptics.com

$149

Gone Antiquing

Don’t let the delicate look of this frame fool you. Made with acetate and titanium, model E-507, fromEYEVAN’s 7285 Capsule Collection, offers surprising durability. eyevaneyewear.com

$390

You Wear the Pantos

Part of MODO’s Super Thin Acetate Collection, the model BLUTT (6527) is a unisex frame with silver metal at the hinges. modo.com

$240

Dynamic Duo

$74.95

Shimmer and Shine

Named after Chicago’s own Wabash Avenue, the model WABASH brings true shimmer to any look. stateopticalco.com

$417

Winning Combination

Retro looks meet modern style in I & Eye Optical’s new combination frames, including the model VR11, which features thin metal and a rounded square eyeshape. varieyewear.com

$225

Blinked Out

$87.50 (90 pack)

This article originally appeared in the March 2018 edition of INVISION.

Rudy Project

You’ll have an exceptional light-management experience with the Exception Flip Up, which is single vision and progressive friendly, and includes a Golf 100 lens and Racing Red RP Optics lenses.

(949) 272-2469, rudyprojectdealer.com

$255

TC Charton

Switch gears in a snap — or clip — with this clip-on, made with CR29 lenses, to fit the model Stanley.

(855) 707-0220, tc-charton.com

$85

Vuarnet

(914) 495-3701, vuarnet.com

$470

Eblock

Experience a true attraction to this magnetic clip-on made with acetate Mazzucchelli, and designed for a perfect fit over the optical frames.

39 0435 31812, eblock.it/en

Price upon request.

Clariti

Prepare for takeoff with the clip-friendly Airmag frame, model AP6441, made with TR90.

(800) 372-6372, claritieyewear.com

$50 (clip)
$125 (clip and frame)

True Vintage Revival

It’s throwback time, and the TVR516 Crown Panto clip-on delivers true 1930s sensibility with its vintage filigree design.

tvropt.com

$120 (clip)
$595 (clip and frame)

Revolution

Polarized. Polycarbonate. Plenty of fun. That’s the magnetic clip-on that’s custom designed for the model Lexington.

(800) 986-0010, revolutioneyewear.com

$80 (clip)
$195 (clip and frame)

Hilco

Spring (bridge) is sprung with Glide-Fit SunClips. These easy-on, easy-off clip-ons are ideal for metal or plastic frames.

(800) 955-67544, hilcovision.com

$24

Maui Jim

Hit the beach with new clip-on collection, which includes four foldable styles and three shapes. The clip-on for Coral Sea is an oval eye shape with HCL bronze lens.

(866) 666-5905, mauijim.com

Price upon request.

This article originally appeared in the March 2018 edition of INVISION.

Eyecessorize Trend Kit

Digital Devices and Eyes

Glaucoma Market Growing

Smarty Pants Students

Generational Eyewear Wants

This article originally appeared in the March 2018 edition of INVISION.

Art Optical

(800) 253-9364 artoptical.com

X-Cel Specialty Contacts (A Walman Company)

Atlantis Scleral (including a multifocal design) Ortho-k: An authorized lab for both Paragon CRT and Euclid’s Emerald lenses. They also manufacture several ortho-k lenses designed by ECPs.

(800) 241-9312 xcelspecialtycontacts.com

Valley Contax

Custom Stable Prime, Custom Stable Elite, Custom Stable Aurora scleral lenses.

(800) 547-8815 valleycontax.com

Bausch + Lomb Specialty Vision Products

Zenlens Ortho K: sells Boston materials in many designs and has FDA approval for Vision Shaping Treatment.

(800) 323-0000 bausch.com

ABB Optical Group

(800) 772-3911 abboptical.com

Paragon Vision Sciences (A CooperVision Company)

Paragon CRT (orthokeratology) and ICD FlexFit (scleral).

(800) 528-8279 paragonvision.com

SynergEyes

SynergEyes VS Scleral Lens

(877) 733-2012 synergeyes.com

Smart Ways to Sell Scleral and Ortho-k Contact Lenses to Your Patients

Andrew Biondo Kirkwood Eye, St. Louis, Missouri

Jeffrey Sonsino The Contact Lens Center at Optique, Nashville, TN

This article originally appeared in the March 2018 edition of INVISION.

Light It Up

LED lights are the preferred light of environmentalists and merchandising experts. So, why not add a little fun with this cool Eye LED Wall Light from AMPED AND CO.

$119.99

ampedandco.com

Kids' Eyes

$235 each

stereooptical.com

April Showers

$80.00

kenzo.com

Beauty Sleep

$42

branchebeautysleep.com

AMD TTYL

$35.95

eyepromise.com/doctors

This article originally appeared in the March 2018 edition of INVISION.

From titanium to stainless steel — and everything in between — there’s more to these metals than meets the eye.

Glamour Editor's Picks (ABOVE)

The Glamour Editor's Picks Eyewear Collection from L’Amy is for the woman who inspires others to follow her vision through leadership and creativity! The cat eye is a key shape for the season and the GL1020 delivers with an exaggerated shape: modern and retro.

lamyamerica.com

$149 - $175 (optical)
$99 - $139 (sun)

Eddie Bauer

Comfort and style find common ground with the metal model EB32213, one of six new styles — three for men and three for women.

(800) 645-2121, charmant.com/us

$175

Koali

Drawing inspiration from the moon shell’s pearly-yet-metallic appearance, the model Natice delivers a luminous swirl of style.

(800) 526-8838, morel-france.com

$270

Moscot

The golden era of eyewear is here and now, as the ZEV Titanium Temple (a.k.a. TT) Special Edition — a reworked version of Moscot’s original ZEV frame — takes the stage.

(866) 667-2687, moscot.com

$360

Persol

(800) 422-2020, my.luxottica.com

$350

Ella

Get into a West Coast frame of mind with Ella Laguna Beach model 701107-95, a stainless steel design with TR90 inlays and screwless hinges.

(949) 215-9661, brilleneyes.com

$240

Komono

Beyond grade school and our dear Watson, the Elementary collection features four lightweight models with ultra-thin temples, including the Sinclair.

(844) 240-4130, komono.com

$212.60

Blackfin

Metal goes retro with the titanium Elliott Key BF833, a 1950s-inspired style infused with a splash of the future.

(877) 889-0399, villaeyewear.com

$475

Jhane Barnes

There’s no space like headspace, and the model Disk offers just that. This stainless steel style features an indent on the temple, near the hinge and endpiece, allowing for a touch of extra room.

(800) 627-2898, kenmarkeyewear.com

$198

Xavier Garcia

Have you met Morató? This dark, round frame is light yet masculine, making heavy metal a thing of the past.

(450) 979-0542, prismeoptical.com

Price upon request.

This article originally appeared in the March 2018 edition of INVISION.

This month we feature metal frame styles, from titanium to stainless steel (and everything in between).

Also, in the realm of sunwear, we take a look at clip-on styles, from first-time optical collections to tried-and-true sporting accessories. With these nine varieties, versatility is a snap.

Watch the video:

With small, handheld diagnostic instruments ODs can carry out complete refractive exams anywhere, for a company’s staff on-site, at schools, nursing homes or on mission trips.

Portable equipment has become very accurate, more affordable and highly durable. Data is often transferable to a PC, tablet or phone. For example, EyeNetra’s smartphone-powered refraction offers online mobile practice software to manage an OD’s events, scheduling, intake information, visit notes, e-prescriptions and payments. The instruments often have rechargeable batteries and work for hours on a single charge. They can also be used in-store to move easily between exam rooms.

EyeNetra

Auto-refractor, auto-lensometer and portable phoropter all connected to a Mobile Practice Manager. These three devices come in a case that weighs less than 7lb.

(617) 684-5680 | eyenetra.com

ICare

ICare ic100 tonometer for clinics and iCare HOME tonometer for patients.

(888) 422-7313 | icare-usa.com

DGH Technology

Pachmate 2 pachymeter, Scanmate Flex for any desired combination of A-scan, B-scan and UBM.

(800) 722-3883 | dghtechnology.com

Smart Vision Labs

SVOne autorefractor

(212) 796-6124 | smartvisionlabs.com

Marco

Marco HandyRef-K, a hand-held auto refractometer/keratometer.

(800) 874-5274 | marco.com

PlenOptika

QuickSee Wavefront Refractor

(617) 862-2203| plenoptika.com

Smart Ways to Use Portable Diagnostic Devices

Dr. Adam RamsayICONIC EYE CARE, PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL

I find that small, portable equipment is less intimidating for patients and gives them a better patient experience. I use Marco’s HandyRef autorefractor for kids and anyone in a wheelchair. Instead of moving the patient around, I bring the equipment into the exam room when their eyes are dilated and this is less cumbersome and more efficient. It’s also very accurate if you use it correctly. I also use Icare’s tonometer instead of an NCT to test eye pressure because it is less intimidating for patients, especially those having their first eye exam. When I do eye exams outside of my optical, for example, at schools and nursing homes, I use EyeNetra’s portable phoropter because it’s so convenient. I also use Pachmate 2, a handheld pachymeter from DGH Technology, to measure corneal fitness for patients with glaucoma or an eye infection. On the whole, I love using hand-held instruments on my patients.

Dr. Dickson Chen DAVICH OPTICAL, LOS ANGELES, CA

As I do nursing home visitations a couple of times a week, it’s important that I have diagnostic instruments that are not only portable but accurate. Having previously used the Marco Palm ARK hand-held autorefractor, my favorite autorefractor now is the SVOne by Smart Vision Labs. Its accuracy is unsurpassed because it is based on a Shack- Hartmann wavefront aberrometer. It is also fast in that it captures readings in 3 seconds per eye, which greatly enhances patient comfort and stability of readings. For tonometry, I use Icare’s ic100 tonometer, which both my techs and patients absolutely love. No more scary air puffs, and it’s accurate to boot!

This article originally appeared in the April 2018 edition of INVISION.

Nothing says fabulous like the right jewels, and these styles are here to prove it.

i-dealoptics (ABOVE)

Thanks to the new Rafaella Eyewear from i-deal Optics. Both sophisticated and easy to wear, the initial eight-style collection, the first eyewear license for the brand, features finely crafted acetate and stainless steel constructions in three colors each. A global women’s fashion brand, Rafaella celebrates a woman’s individual shape and style and is available at major retailers like Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, and Amazon. Their use of color, embellishment and pattern transfers seamlessly to the optical category to offer women stylish frames that complement their personal; like the Rafaella R1003 in Tortoise/Lavender.

i-dealoptics.com

$169.99

Sama

Did somebody say bejeweled? That would be a yes. The Cara LTD, from the Sama Eyewear Limited Edition Series, is a Japanese zyl with hand-laid Swarovski crystals, and can be plated with 24k yellow gold, 18k rose gold, or genuine platinum.

(877) 788-7262, samaeyewearshop.com

$2,200

Jimmy Crystal

The subtle-meets-fab use of handset Swarovski crystals works day and night, inside and out, on the Santorini.

(800) 492-4465, aaopticalco.com

$299

Jessica McClinktock

Baguette gemstones add flair and shine to acetate model JMC_4048, from ClearVision’s revamped 2018 Jessica McClintock collection.

(800) 645-3733, cvoptical.com

$190.

Roberto Cavalli

Baroque is back with model RC1057, featuring a double bridge and intricate side work. Crystal decoration and a single stone on each side complete the look.

(800) 345-8482, marcolin.com

$505

Elie Saab

Round and round she goes on the Vague ES 016/S, an oversized frame that’s plated in gold and decked out with 32 Swarovski crystals. Zeiss lenses provide an anti-reflective mirroring effect.

(800) 631-1188, mysafilo.com

$1,450

Dolce & Gabbana

Turn any sidewalk or hallway into a runway with the DG Crystal from Dolce & Gabbana’s Graffiti Collection. Part of the Spring/Summer 2018 Women’s Fashion Show, this oversized, white crystals outline the signature D and G.

(800) 422-2020, my.luxottica.com

$1,240

Ørgreen

Handcrafted in Japan of titanium and beta titanium, the Winona, from the Grand Danois Collection, travels to Denmark, where three high quality diamonds are added. Final production takes place in back Japan.

45 33 330 359, orgreenoptics.com

$3,590

Silhouette

Who knew rimless could be so decadent? From diamonds to rubies to sapphires and more, the oh-so-customizable G017 from the Atelier Collection is a true show stopper, with brushed and polished solid 18 karat gold (yellow, rose or white).

(800) 223-0180, silhouette.com

Price Upon Request

Vera Wang Luxe

With its rectangular shape featuring a metal and acetate combination, the Alessia sparkles and shines with light, yet pronounced Swarovski crystal detailing.

(800) 627-2898, kenmarkeyewear.com

$248

This article originally appeared in the April 2018 edition of INVISION.