IT’S BEEN A strange year. Arguably stranger than most. But let’s hope that old adage — things usually get worse before they get better — holds true and 2017 was the “worse.”
I’m optimistic for 2018 and though I am optimistic about most things, I have good reason to think good things are going to happen in the coming year.
2018 is a big year for INVISION. It will be our fifth year in print. Happy Birthday to us! Naturally, we thought it a good time to look at some things we could do differently. And though some might say if it ain’t broke don’t fix it … They are not us.
So, next year you’ll see some changes to INVISION in print. We’re redesigning our product pages to provide more content each month and we’ll be including regular coverage of contact lenses, spectacle lenses and equipment. We’re replacing a department or two with features we think you’ll find more useful. And we’ve listened to your suggestions for the type of information you’d like to see. Expect more on working with labs, in-house edging, successful advertising and branding campaigns, and ways to find joy in the workplace, among other things.
Those aren’t the only changes we’re making. We’re tweaking our America’s Finest Optical Retailers contest as well. When entries open in January, the contest portal will be more user friendly. You’ll still need to present a compelling case for your business to be considered, but if you got discouraged by the process in the past, try again in the new year!
But wait … there’s more! Canada, we’re coming for ya. In 2018, our optical retailing friends to the north will be eligible to throw their woolen caps into the ring for (North) America’s Finest consideration. Yes, that means competition will be even more fierce, but it also means the scope of business models and examples for finding success will be even greater.
We’re actively trying to build upon the successes of the past five years here at INVISION and we hope you are too. If you’re new to us, or if you’ve missed something, let me suggest visiting our archive to catch up — invmag.us/digimagarchives — before we all hit the ground running in 2018!
Best wishes for your business,
Dee Carroll
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
dee@invisionmag.com
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.