Published in the September-October 2014 issue
GAZE INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL
The Vision Council will give a State of the Industry address to look at recent trends and forecast what the industry can expect in 2015. But set your alarm: The talk will begin at 7 a.m. Sept. 18, and it’s part of the CE Spotlight Series track at Vision Expo West in Las Vegas. No plans to attend Vision Expo West? Follow our coverage on social media: facebook.com/invisionmag. and @invisionmag on Twitter, and watch for more reports in coming issues of INVISION.
$1 MILLION GOAL FOR SIGHT DAY CHALLENGE
Optometry Giving Sight has an ambitious goal of $1 million for its 2014 World Sight Day Challenge, which raised $850,000 worldwide in 2013. The event helps raise money for global eyecare needs. For example, $100 can help provide 20 people with access to an eye exam and glasses and $1,200 could pay a month’s salary for an optometrist to see up to 40 patients a day. Information: givingsight.org.
E-COMMERCE TOOL TO LAUNCH SOON
Lens Ferry, a service from CooperVision and its subsidiary WebSystem3, will allow contact lens wearers to order replacement contact lenses from any manufacturer via their mobile device, tablet or computer for fast shipment to their homes via ABB Optical. After the in-office visit, a practice enrolls the wearer and verifies the prescription. The wearer selects from buying options, including any insurance benefits and applicable manufacturers’ rebates. ECPs can send the wearer custom-branded reorder reminders by text or email via LensFerry. The system, intended to help ECPs compete with online vendors, is now in a beta test and will likely roll out to other practices by the end of 2014.
CRIZAL PREVENCIA NOW ON VSP PLANS
Essilor’s Crizal Prevencia No-Glare lenses are now available on managed vision care plans offered by VSP, as well as through EyeMed and Humana. The lenses selectively block blue-violet light that’s a risk factor in age-related macular degeneration, while allowing blue-turquoise light that supports healthy sleep cycles, memory and cognitive function. The lenses feature UV protection 25 times better than without any lens.
AOA OFFFERS TRAINING ON CDS
Help your staff serve patients and run the office more smoothly with a new training program available on three audio CDs from the American Optometric Association. The Paraoptometric Skill Builder Training Program covers a variety of topics for various job responsibilities in 20-minute units. The “start and stop” feature allows staff to pick up where they left off in their last session. As an AOA associate member benefit — AOA member ODs may enroll their optometric staff as AOA associate members at no charge— the beginner level CD is offered online for free, and discounted member pricing is available on the intermediate and advanced level CDs. Information: aoa.org/marketplace-homepage.
VISION WEST PARTNERS UP
Vision West and Shamir are teaming up for enhanced rewards through Shamir’s RCPV Rewards program. There is no minimum for Vision West members to sell, and all lenses purchased from an authorized Vision West Vendor lab through Dec. 31, will be eligible. (Enrollment is required.) Vision West also recently announced a partnership with adjustable eyewear company Adlens. Members can buy Adlens eyewear through exclusive discounts and get customized training and materials. Information: vweye.com.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS WITH KIDS’ EYEWEAR
Several short videos have been added to ClearVision Optical’s “Success in the Kids Business” video series. Learn more about selling strategies, merchandising and creating a children’s frame board at cvoptical.com/kidsbiz. The website also includes other resources for selling more children’s eyewear.