OLP March 2019

PROFESSIONAL

OpticalLabProducts.com

O P T I C A L

L A B

2019

& IDEAS

FOR THE LABORATORY

MARCH

PRODUCTS

P R O D U C T S One-to-One • PG 4

2019

OPTICAL LAB LEADERS

PG 6

Business • PG 12

New for the Lab• PG 14

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In The Lab

CONTENTS

MARCH 2019

OPINIONS

OPINIONS 01 02

In the Lab

04

One-to-One with Paul Ponder

Rollins on Marketing

FEATURES 06 12

2019 Optical Lab Leaders Startting a Lab — And a Movement

RUNDOWN 14 15 16

New for the Lab Expo Insider Lab News

EDITORIAL STAFF VP, EDITORIAL | John Sailer • JSailer@FVMG.com EDITOR | Cara Aidone Huzinec • CHuzinec@FVMG.com ART DIRECTOR | Megan LaSalla • MLaSalla@FVMG.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS | Eric Rollins • EricRollins@Comcast.net ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS | Ronald Cooke, Jr. • William Heffner, IV Don Kirman • Kenneth Lin • Tom Schroeder • Neil Torgersen PRODUCTION & WEB MANAGER | Anthony Floreno • AFloreno@FVMG.com

BUSINESS STAFF PUBLISHER | Terry Tanker • TTanker@FVMG.com EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT | Shawn Mery • SMery@FVMG.com VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING | Debby Corriveau • DCorriveau@FVMG.com REGIONAL SALES MANAGER | Eric Hagerman • EHagerman@FVMG.com

www.Facebook.com/OpticalLabProducts www.Twitter.com/OLP_Magazine www.Linkedin.com/company/Optical-Lab-Products

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Here

WE GO AGAIN! “This issue, like trade shows, represents the best of the lab industry, from its technology to its people.”

I

t has been six months since Vision Expo West and here we are at another Vision Expo East; a sign that springtime is (thankfully!) right around the corner. This issue, like trade shows, represents the best of the lab industry, from its technology to its people.

Optical Lab Leaders (see page 6): Four individuals nominated by peers who in their own ways, have made a mark in the industry, whether it be through mentoring, leading, or promoting the advancement of technology. This year we recognize Dawn Friedkin of Classic Optical, Swen Carlson of The Vision Council, John Jorgensen of FEA Industries and Scott Pearl of Digital Eye Lab. Each were interviewed to find out what makes them tick as leaders, and all of them said the key to a successful business is in its people.

One to One (see page 4): Maui Jim’s Paul Ponder. Known to many in the lab industry, Ponder has built two labs for the eyewear company. Both are high-tech in terms of production and recycling/green practices.

In this interview, Ponder talks about his lab experience, green initiatives in the lab and some of the challenges he faced building a lab overseas.

Equipment: In the run-up to Vision Expo East, it’s exciting to find out what machines companies are highlighting and for some of them, what new equipment is being launched. Be sure to check out two sections this month before you head to New York: New for the Lab (page 14), for the latest in equipment and consumables, and Expo Insider (page 15) for show deals and promos! Make the most of the issue by using it as a guide, and of course, OLP will be in New York to take it all in and report back the highlights. Be sure to follow OLP on Facebook and Twitter for real-time news and interviews from the show floor.

Cara Huzinec is Editor of OLP. CHuzinec@FVMG.com.

MARCH 2019

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OPINIONS

Rollins on Marketing

EXPERIENCE Curve Effects called this reduction of costs the Experience Curve.

The reasons he identified included labor efficiency due to workers becoming physically and mentally more confident in their tasks, and over time learning short cuts and improvements. The same applies to managers and other staff.

By Eric Rollins

B

ruce Henderson, the founder of the Boston Consulting Group, was studying production at a microchip plant in the 1960’s when he noticed production costs decreased by 25% when volume doubled. As he studied other industries, he noted cost reductions of 10% to 25% when volume doubled. He

Better use of equipment is another area. As equipment (such as AR machines) increase production, it lowers unit costs and justifies the purchase of more productive equipment.

Technology driven learning in an optical laboratory would include the use of conveyor belts and robotics in the production process.

Specialization was another factor. As people specialize in one

particular phase of production, they become better and faster at that area. Examples in our industry would be found at almost every phase of production, from customer service, surfacing and edging to lens treatments and shipping. The more experience the employee gains at edging, the better and faster they become at the job, and the less likely they are to make mistakes.

Experts have also said that the experience curve is closely intertwined with economies of scale, to the degree that it is hard to separate the two. What does this mean for your lab?

Here are a few takeaways: Keep your lab as busy as possible! We used to find that our lab would tend to get sloppy when work slowed down around holidays or slow business times.

If possible, during slowdowns utilize some of your people to perform required maintenance on equipment or other tasks and keep the production teams busy.

Make sure you are using the appropriate technology to maximize production and minimize your costs. That expensive piece of equipment may have a scary price, but if the return on investment is there over time, it is a good spend. Then brag about your equipment and people to current and potential customers to get even more work!

Eric Rollins is a veteran of the optical retail, frame and lab industries. His firm, Rollins Consulting, LLC, consults with the three Os to improve profitability. Email him at EricRollins@Comcast.net.

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ONE TO ONE: PAUL PONDER

Q&A Q: You’ve had a long career in the optical lab industry. Where and how did it begin?

A: I started my career in the optical industry as a teenager in high school working part time in a lab. Once I was out of high school, I worked full-time in the lab while attending college, learning many of the production operations from finish, surfacing and thin film coatings.

Q: What was your first lab job?

A: My first lab job was in the finish department at Comar Optical, which later became Cole National Corp. I worked for Cole National for 36 years in various positions around the U.S: In Cleveland as lab manager of the first CR39 lab, then moved on to be the director of training for several years before being assigned the responsibility for two labs in Davenport, IA. After that, I went to Salt Lake City to build the Western region lab for Cole National as well as managing the cut and edge centers in Southern California. From there it was on to Memphis, where I was managing the largest of the

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MARCH 2019

Paul Ponder, senior director of Rx manufacturing at Maui Jim, spoke to OLP about the ins and outs of building a lab. He should know: He’s had a large hand in overseeing the builds of two labs for Maui Jim, one in Peoria, IL, and the other in Braunschweig, Germany, which opened last June.

The great thing about our industry is that everyone is willing to help out, whether it’s providing feedback on equipment or systems to even letting you visit their facilities for a tour.

Cole National labs and its distribution center for six years.

After that I left for Dallas to build the Pearle Vision lab that is still in operation today. After leaving Cole National, I was able to take some time off and spend time enjoying other hobbies like riding my motorcycle with my friends and flying my plane. After that, I ended up in Northern California with Kaiser Permanente as lab director.

Q: How did the opportunity to work for Maui Jim come about?

A: I was working for Kaiser Permanente in California when I was contacted about a position for lab manager at Maui Jim. Once I interviewed with Michael Dalton (president of Maui Jim), I was convinced that I wanted to be part of the Maui Jim Ohana. Michael had a vision of a lab that would be state of the art, automated and able to meet and exceed customer expectations.

Q: What were you tasked to do?

A: My first task was to build a new 25,000-square-foot lab and organize and automate it to become a state-of-the-art facility.

I also had to develop a responsive, dedicated lab staff up to the challenges of being the best.

Q: When you designed and built Maui Jim’s lab in Peoria, what were your priorities? In other words, what were your “must haves”?

difficult to do as some may think?

A: It is for sure a task to set up a process where lens waste is remotely managed away from the production floor and a system that takes little interaction from production employees.

Recycling lens waste is also a challenge just due to the logistics. This is a topic that has been addressed by so many in the industry and solutions have yet to realized.

Q: What are some “easy” initiatives a lab can take to make it more environmentally friendly?

A: If you are an alloy-use lab,

cesses and ensure consistency in quality and service.

ensuring that you manage the process well; waste is controlled, regulations are complied with. Also, it’s a good idea to network with recyclers in paper products, plastics, etc.

Q: The lab is very

Q: Maui Jim’s lab

environmentally conscious, not easy to accomplish in an optical lab. Is establishing a “green” lab really as

in Braunschweig, Germany, opened last June and you were instrumental in designing that lab as

A: To automate, streamline pro-

OpticalLabProducts.com

well. What challenges did you encounter building that lab?

Q: The optical lab

A: Germany is quite different than the U.S. in that building codes, regulations and other requirements take more planning and resources and of course, time to accomplish. Working with contractors was quite challenging. But in the end all worked out well as it turned out to be a beautiful facility.

Q: After almost a year, how is that lab running?

A: We have a great team who after almost nine months, are doing well. Training and support was provided by team members out of Peoria and the Braunschweig staff are cross training and learning new tasks every day.

Ponder gives a tour of Maui Jim’s lab in Braunschweig, Germany.

Q: Is there any

Q: What is different

particular piece equipment you consider a must-have, and if so, what and why?

about building a lab today than say, 20 years ago? What needs to be considered now that didn’t back then? Is it “easier” to do or more difficult?

A: I am not going to put in a plug for any vendor, as they all played an important role in helping build the Braunschweig lab and for that matter, the Peoria facility also. One piece of equipment does not stand out more than the other. What makes the lab is the team, the most important asset of any business; their willingness to be part of something great.

A: The challenges are greater today as the expectations are greater. Service and quality are a must.

So keeping that in mind, you have to build a lab that is automated, digital, able to produce the latest products available, systems that can track and trend every aspect of the operation, and is employee friendly and efficient.

industry is a tightknit community. In what ways have you benefitted from reaching out to others?

A: Great question. I have been so fortunate over the years to meet so many individuals in our industry, and in so many cases have been able to reach out to them to discuss a variety of issues, from product questions, vendor issues, environmental concerns and a host of others.

The great thing about our industry is that everyone is willing to help out, whether it’s providing feedback on equipment or systems to even letting you visit their facilities for a tour.

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OLP’s...

2019

OPTICAL LAB LEADERS

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MARCH 2019

While The Vision Council annually honors those who are inducted into the Lab Division’s Hall of Fame, and OLP itself presents its

Swen Carlson, chairman, Lab Division of The Vision Council, Alexandria, VA

Scott Pearl, managing director, Digital Eye Lab Network, Hawthorne, NY

yearly Lab Innovator of the Year, OLP seeks to recognize individuals who are so integral to the success and growth of independent labs yet don’t often receive the recognition they deserve.

In this special section, meet the four Optical Lab Leaders that

TECH TITAN

necessary skills and experience to turn their vision into the reality of operating an efficient and successful optical lab.

MENTOR

EARLY ADOPTER

ORGANIZER

Optical Lab Products (OLP) asked members of the optical lab industry to nominate who they view as an “Optical Lab Leader:” those who know what it takes to run a successful optical lab, who take risks investing in the latest technologies, and who have the

our readers and members of the optical industry selected as the Organizer, the Early Adopter, the Tech Titan and the Mentor.

Here they are, OLP’s Optical Lab Leaders:

Dawn Friedkin, president, Classic Optical, Youngstown, OH

John Jorgensen, lab manager, FEA Industries, Morton, PA

OpticalLabProducts.com

OPTICAL LAB LEADER

Organizer

Swen Carlson, Chairman Lab Division of The Vision Council, Alexandria, VA As the chairman of the Laboratory Division of The Vision Council, Swen is the perfect choice to receive this prestigious recognition.

He dedicates countless hours, with a selfless devotion, to the betterment of our industry. And, from a personal standpoint, I could not ask for a better person to work with.

– Steve Sutherlin, Lab Division liaison, The Vision Council

BACKGROUND: Seen everywhere from Vision Expo East to Vision Expo West and many events in between as the chairman of The Vision Council’s Lab Division, Swen Carlson made the switch from the computer manufacturing industry to optical when he became superintendent of VSP’s lab in Sacramento, moving his way up the ranks to run VSP’s project management office in the Vision Benefits division.

“From there, I was asked to lead our Claims Division through a challenging system implementation and once completed, I talked my way into being allowed to start our Protec Safety Eyewear program,” he said. He then made the jump back to VSP’s Optics Group, moving his family to Ohio to rebuild its lab business in Columbus. It was that role that gave Carlson the opportunity to engage in regional leadership.

both the organization and the candidate. When this happens, it’s a wonderful thing.”

ADVICE: In business, Carlson quotes Winston Churchill: “However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results,” and in life, Carlson quotes Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?”

ACCOMPLISHMENT: “Numerous business reengineering projects, including a couple of instances where leadership team rebuilds were needed.”

BEST INVESTMENTS: “Hands-down, recruiting and supporting bright, driven individuals who bring new breakthrough capabilities to VSP.” TEACHABLE MISTAKE: “A few times in my career I’ve hired before fully, holistically getting to know a candidate,” Carlson said. “The most important responsibility I have as a leader is to invite the right new leaders into the VSP family. I’ve learned to take my time to ensure a good fit for

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MARCH 2019

Swen Carlson with Warren and Pamela Meyer at the 2018 Lab Division Hall of Fame Banquet

OpticalLabProducts.com

Tech Titan

OPTICAL LAB LEADER

Dawn Friedkin, President Classic Optical, Youngstown, OH Dawn is a true leader in her field – she has set a shining example of how to lead with integrity and compassion from the management of her team, to her relationships with partners like us, to her work to serve others in need around the world. There is no one more deserving of this recognition.

At Warby Parker, we strive to treat others with empathy and purpose. Dawn lives this philosophy everyday, which has made working together such a pleasure over the years.

– Neil Blumenthal, co-founder and co-CEO of Warby Parker

BACKGROUND: Dawn Friedkin’s career in optical dates back to 1977, traying up frames and lenses during summer breaks from school. She did that throughout most of high school but then college, law school and a job in government and public policy took her away from the lab. She returned to the lab business about 20 years after her first lab job to help out at Classic Optical after a change in the lab management software system caused an IT “disaster.”

“It was that strange twist of fate that brought me home and it has been a wild ride with a fantastic team ever since,” Friedkin said, adding the lab has grown from 50 associates producing about 300 jobs per day to 250 employees processing more than 5,000 each day. Last year, after a record 2017 in which the lab produced 1 million pairs of eyeglasses, Classic Optical not only exceeded 1 million pairs but also embarked on a building addition and facility reengineering to increase capacity.

“When it’s complete, we will have a facility that can manufacture 10,000 pairs of prescription glasses a day,” she said.

customers,” she said. “This attitude made me open to different types of work that we had not traditionally done and also motivated me to create new opportunities for Classic.”

BEST INVESTMENTS: Classic Optical has made significant investments in technology and automation, including the purchase of nine MEI Bisphera machines, but to Friedkin, it would be worth nothing without investing in people. “From senior leadership to our employees working on the production line, we focus on engagement through continuous training, mentorship and professional growth.”

ADVICE: “Know yourself and hire talent to complement your strengths and compensate for your challenges,” Friedkin said. “Never stop learning and don’t be afraid to learn something new or to make mistakes, but don’t make the same mistake twice.”

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In addition to her 12-year-old son, Friedkin cites her best achievements as providing employment to more than 250 to support their families in the community in which she grew up, plus the lab’s commitment to providing eyeglasses to those in need.

“We’ve provided eyeglasses at no cost to more than 75,000 school children a year in 16 states and more than 2,500 schools, including my own elementary school,” Friedkin said.

TEACHABLE MISTAKE: After losing a government contract that accounted for 25% of the lab’s business, Friedkin said she learned the importance of diversification. “I realized we couldn’t take the business we had for granted. We always had to be prepared for change and disruption and had to focus on ensuring we bring added value to

OpticalLabProducts.com

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OPTICAL LAB LEADER

Mentor

John Jorgensen, Lab Manager FEA Industries, Morton, PA John is always pushing his team to ‘learn the right way,’ to do things with purpose and to lead by simply being the best at your job. One of the reasons I thought of him for this recognition was he once said to me: ‘How can I do more for FEA if I don’t teach my team to do more? I can’t help the company grow if I have to do the job of my team, so I need to be sure they can do their jobs so I can learn and do more.’ It’s a great mentality to approach work every day with.

– Keith Cross, director of sales, The Americas/ANZ & Global Rx Technologies, Optical Monomers and Coatings, PPG Industries

BACKGROUND: John Jorgensen started his career in 1989 and spent 15 years working in the retail side of the optical industry before switching to the wholesale side of the business, helping labs rebuild and realign them to use lean/six sigma fundamentals. Jorgensen also worked for 10 years as technical director for Eye Care Centers of America and then at Classic Optical for five years before starting at FEA in 2017.

to his advice: “Never hang your hat on what you think may be right.”

“When the person working on the machine told me it was done and ready for use, I ran with it and blocked and edged roughly 350 jobs (700) lenses and stayed late into the night to complete. The next day while inspecting these jobs I found a dot in the middle of each lens and all had to be re-ran. It was a horrible feeling.”

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS: “Having started in the industry as the guy who swept the floor, I was given the opportunity to grow to where I am today, gaining the ability to understand how eyewear is made from cradle to grave and all the stops in-between,” Jorgensen said. “It has allowed me to return the knowledge to the new generation of lab and maintenance techs.”

BEST INVESTMENTS: “The integration of MEI edging equipment has been one of the most valuable pieces of equipment any lab could own,” he said. “In addition, the time and effort that is applied to employees to help grow their education is an investment not only in employees, but also in the industry.”

ADVICE: Jorgensen said a lot has changed in the last 30 years, with more advanced technology. On the flip side, some skills are disappearing, so it’s crucial for experienced managers who have certain skills to be active in passing them down. Quality, he said, still requires craftsmanship. “Never hang your hat on what you may think you know to be right. Always validate, as these findings may surprise you and change your outlook for better or for worse, but at least you can define the next needed path to success.”

TEACHABLE MISTAKE: In recalling an incident in which there was a problem with a blocker, Jorgensen said what he learned goes back

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OpticalLabProducts.com

Early Adopter

OPTICAL LAB LEADER

Scott Pearl, Managing Director Digital Eye Lab Network, Hawthorne, NY

Throughout the years, we have forged a great partnership with Digital Eye Lab Network. Under Scott Pearl’s leadership, DEL Network continues to innovate, expand and provide exceptional service,

– Stuart Kosh, director of wholesale development, VSP Optics

BACKGROUND: Scott Pearl began his optical industry career in lab sales. In 2007, he conceptualized the idea to fabricate digital lenses on, and with a team of just 12 people and one fabrication line, Digital Eye Lab was born. Today, DEL has fabricated more than 4 million lenses with more than 300 employees and multiple facilities.

disabilities to local employers. The DEL Network lab in Hawthorne, NY, currently has eight, full-time employees recruited through ARC of Westchester. “Our work with this charity has made a positive impact not only in the community, but also throughout the company,” he said.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Pearl said his greatest accomplishment is providing employees with stable and successful careers. “I believe strongly in training and providing career pathways for our personnel,” he said. “We have made huge strides in optimizing our workforce planning across our network, implementing new production methods and data systems and training employees in the latest technologies.”

BEST ADVICE: Plain and simple, Pearl said concentrate on employees and company culture. “When you are good to your employees, they will take pride in what they do and they will love coming to work and accomplishing things as a team.”

TEACHABLE MISTAKE: Pearl said it admittedly can be difficult for an entrepreneur to delegate tasks and responsibilities.

“One mistake I learned from is waiting too long to transfer and delegate responsibilities that I was sure only I could handle,” he said. “I’ve learned that if you hire and develop the right team and provide them with the tools and resources they need to thrive, delegating responsibilities becomes much easier.”

PERSONAL QUOTE: “Concentrate on the success of your staff. If they are successful, then they will serve your customers. If your customers are cared for, the business will be successful.”

BEST INVESTMENTS: People are the best investment a company can make, says Pearl. Training and opportunities for career growth, he added, are essential to meet the demands of customers. “We take pride in investing in every department within the organization, knowing that the success of our staff contributes greatly to the success of the company,” he said. Pearl is particularly proud of DEL’s partnership with ARC of Westchester, an organization that connects individuals with intellectual and developmental

OpticalLabProducts.com

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STARTING A LAB – And a Movement

PACI FI C A RT I SAN L ABS I N PO RT L AND, O R, I S C H A L L E N G IN G T HE N ORM I N T H E WH O LE SALE L AB BUSI NESS .

Back row, left to right: Brandon Butler, Heather White, Rene Lukens, Reggie Sawyer, Shelley Witmer, Rachel Ahlson, Kevin Lewandowski.

Front row, left to right: Jamie Satalich and Ben Miller.

BY CARA HUZINEC

F

or Brandon Butler, opening Pacific Artisan Labs was more than just a business or career move — it was about starting a movement.

“The trend in the industry was not favorable to independent lab owners for many years,” he said. “Now, that trend has changed based on decisions made by larger corporate companies, which made independent labs relevant again.”

With 19 years of optical industry behind him (Butler started in retail, working his way to R&D lab manager at Younger Optics, then to Hoya, where he was the free-form operations manager and later as general manager for Essilor’s Opticraft lab in Portland, OR), Butler said he always wanted to start his own lab and decided last year was the right time to do it.

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MARCH 2019

“Every industry, in my opinion, needs multiple options and we are fortunate that the ophthalmic industry is so fragmented and diverse to the degree it is.”

- Brandon Butler In recognizing a need for a “smaller, nimbler” approach, Butler partnered with good friend Kevin Lewandowski to open Pacific Artisan Labs as an alternative to larger, corporate labs.

“Customers have all heard the same story when a lab is trying to capture their business,” Butler said. “We just want to prove that what we say and claim is exactly what we deliver.

Our slogan is ‘Join the Movement’ and that is

exactly what it says: Join a movement away from the norm and team up with a lab that is fully vested in the customer experience.”

Lewandowski and Butler started the lab build-out last February and were operational

by June. With approximately 6,100 square feet, Pacific Artisan Labs is capable of processing 250 to 300 jobs per day. The lab processes Hoya lenses and six categories of Artisan Signature Series private label lenses, ranging from dual-surface progressives to basic full backside PAL designs, and soon will offer Shamir designs. Pacific Artisan Labs uses lens design software from IOT and Hoya and a lab management software system from The DVI, Inc. “All of our designs are chosen to meet the lifestyle demands of every consumer type and we teamed up with IOT to provide an in-depth

OpticalLabProducts.com

catalog that meets this goal.”

In addition, Pacific Artisan Labs does AR in-house and recently brought on True Blue lenses.

EQUIPMENT R U N D O W N AT PAL

“We certainly knew that having AR and dip coating capabilities on site were a must from day one to minimize turn time and ensure our responsibility for quality,” Butler said, adding that choosing equipment came down to knowing these manufacturers had the technology to meet the lab’s demands.

Butler said Pacific Artisan Labs is capable of processing lenses for “some of the toughest frames,” such as Lindberg, Götti, Mykita and Gold & Wood, to name a few, which he says “speaks to the ability to separate our lab from the others.”

Pacific Artisan Labs has also instituted several training programs for its customers, including a “Lab Tech for a Day Program” in which opticians tour the lab and process their own lenses from start to finish.

“This gives them a taste of what it takes to make a pair of lenses at a high level with some of the most advanced machinery available,” Butler said. “Opticians who have gone through our program all have stated they have new-found appreciation for what it takes to make a pair of lenses. It has a trickle-down effect that permeates confidence in a brand.”

So, is there a need for another independent wholesale lab?

“Absolutely,” Butler said. “Every industry, in my opinion, needs multiple options and we are fortunate that the ophthalmic industry is so fragmented and diverse to the degree it is. This forces every manufacturer to stay true. If they don’t and their quality and turn time take a turn for the worst, the customers have other options to provide the best service to the consumer.”

AR AND HARDCOATING: Schneider EBC 600 AR coating chamber Schneider DHC 60 dip coater Ultra Optics MR-3 backside spin coater

DIGITAL SURFACING: Schneider HSC Sprint generator Schneider CB Bond alloy blocker Schneider C Mark laser engraver Schneider Swift polisher

EDGING / FINISHING: Santinelli SE 9090 Supra Industrial edger Santinelli ME 1200 edger

OpticalLabProducts.com

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NEW For the Lab

VELOCITY 2D AUTOMATED COATER FROM COBURN TECHNOLOGIES

Based on the existing platform of the company’s Velocity coater, the Velocity 2D offers “dual coating” technology with the ability to coat a lens with two different coating solutions in one machine. Measuring approximately 12 square meters, the Velocity 2D can be paired with Coburn’s Duality lens detaper and cleaner for streamlined detaping, cleaning and coating. For more information, contact Coburn Technologies, Inc. at 800.262.8761, CoburnTechnologies.com.

BRAIN POWER, INC.’S DIAMOND DYE 460/510

This therapeutic tint blocks light of wavelengths shorter than 460 nm when tinted light, and values up to 510 nm when tinted darker. Diamond Dye 460/510 also blocks violet/blue in this spectral range to protect eyes from these light colors, which “have been implicated in macular degeneration,” according to BPI. Diamond Dye 460/510 does not inhibit seeing traffic signal colors, making it suitable for driving. For more information, contact Brain Power, Inc. at 800.225.5274, CallBPI.com.

STACKER/DESTACKER FROM PRACTICAL SYSTEMS, INC.

Practical Systems. Inc.’s Stacker/Destacker can handle a variety of job tray types at all stages of lens fabrication and contains interlocked guards to avoid tray tipping and accidental collisions. Each cylinder can be manually actuated via exposed valve controls and features a simple conveyor with easily replaced and cost-effective wear items for fast maintenance and minimal down time, according to PSI. The system’s large tray capacity is customizable to accommodate the needs of any lab and works well with PSI’s Automatic Surface Tape Applicator Handling System to integrate the taping process. For more information, contact Practical Systems, Inc. at 800.237.8154, LookToPSI.com.

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MARCH 2019

OpticalLabProducts.com

EXPO INSIDER DEALS & PROMOS AT VISION EXPO EAST OPTIVISION’S Deep Discount Optivision is offering a $5,000 lab software discount at the show. Optivision software offers freeform/digital and conventional surfacing, edging, AR coating, remote online Rx ordering and more. Booth #LP4158

PUTTING on a show Stop by Satisloh’s booth to experience the Metro Lab: an expandable lens production platform that can process digitally-surfaced lenses with AR coating in 24 to 48 hours. Satisloh will also be running its MES-360 Manufacturing System with real data from a lab. Booth #LP4421

SAVE at Arch Crown Save $40 on any bar code technology package and receive 10% off on any tag and/or label order of more than $100. Stop by the booth to pick up free samples and the new 40-page catalog.

Booth #1914

FULL LINEUP at DAC Technologies DAC

Technologies is showcasing the entire line of National Optronics lens finishing equipment, including the QM-X3 Edger and Dimension Tracer, plus its full collection of surfacing, coatings and finishing products.

Stop by to learn about VEE specials. Booth #LP4019

GET Practical Purchase PSI’s new Oleo-Gold Blocking Pads for $75 for a roll of 1,000. OleoGold pads are made of an engineered hybrid adhesive that prevents slippage and offers a high-density foam carrier with torque resistance beneficial for edging coated lenses. Booth #LP4153

PLENTY OF PROMOS at BPI, Inc.

Purchase a tinting unit and receive heat transfer fluid, neutralizer, lens prep, thermometer, a six-pack of tints and a lens holder at no charge. Buy any photometer and receive a free bottle of UV; buy one UV bottle at regular price and receive a second half-price. Receive 20% off any $100 purchase of tints and/or chemicals. Booth #LP4402

ALL IN 3D Stop at Luxexcel’s booth for a chance to try on 3D-printed lenses and learn more about them at “All About 3D-Printed Lenses” presentations at the booth on Friday, March 22 and Saturday, March 23 from 11-11:30 am. 32.14.49.02.96, Luxexcel.com. Booth #LP4147

OpticalLabProducts.com

MARCH 2019

15

LAB News

2019 COLA SPRING MEETING GOODFELLOW AWARD

Keith Grossman will receive the 2019 Goodfellow Award from the California Lab Committee at its annual Spring Meeting, April 25-26 at the Temecula Creek Inn in Temecula, CA. Grossman began his optical career in 1996 at Empire Optical, where he served as director of sales and marketing, vice president and president. He later went on to become a co-founder of Simplify Optics in 2017.

Grossman served on the COLA board from 1999 to 2009 as technology chairman, secretary-treasurer, vice president, program director and president.

“I am truly honored to be included in the group of Goodfellow recipients,” Grossman said. “Whenever I look at the trophy, I am in awe of the incredible people who came before me that I still admire to this day.”

SPRING MEETING

In addition to the award ceremony, the Spring Meeting will host a series of presentations on potential topics such as finding and retaining talent, telemedicine in the optical industry, a mock OSHA inspection, regulatory affairs and technical updates, an optical technology panel plus The Vision Council’s Emerging Optical Leaders.

Keith Grossman

Creston, IA-based Precision Optical Group (POG) purchased Precise Optical, a full service lab in San Angelo, TX. The acquisition will allow Precise Optical to “further improve on their turn time and will better serve customers in the Southwest region,” according to POG.

MEI BRINGS NEW SOLUTIONS TO MIDO At MIDO in Milan last month, MEI highlighted key systems to increase both flexibility and productivity in the lens edging process.

“The challenge for us is to design machines with ever-greater productivity, reliability and ease of use, while maintaining the technical superiority and quality of service that have consistently set us apart,” said Stefano Sonzogni, president and technical director of MEI. MEI featured five products at MIDO in addition to the EZFit. The FlawLessFit lens mounting system with the FlawLessGauge measuring device: when paired with an existing tracer and MEI’s cutting machine software, the FlawLessFit system eliminates added expense and waste produced by re-machining. MEI’s 4QC automatic quality control system can be applied to 4Racer machines to execute dimensional control of a cut lens, optical center position and cylinder axis after milling. MEI’s Smart Loader now comes with enhanced functions such as an automatic multifunctional illumination system and the ability to produce shaping that is centered relative to pre-existing designs and logos for better aesthetics. The company’s Job Tracking 4.0 software system take data functions already installed on MEI edgers and combines it with applications that can analyze productivity and efficiency date for an entire lab. Eyegoal software imports cutting files from any MEI machine and shares new format files between EZFit and 4Racer. The company’s new Shape Finder EVO Reflector has all the functions of the previous version plus the ability to check dimensions of cut lenses and positions of visible laser and painted logos.

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MARCH 2019

OpticalLabProducts.com

GIVE YOUR LAB THE

ULTRA ADVANTAGE NOW AVAILABLE IN DRUM SIZE

“The 44R was highly recommended to us by another lab. Ultra Optics is the absolute easiest company to deal with from the purchasing process through installation.

We are thrilled with the 44R. Our yields are virtually 100%. This might be the best machine in our lab.”

- Paul Faibish, President at Plastics Plus

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• UV-XBT scratch-resistant coating offers unmatched adhesion to all lens substrates • AST-1 scratch-resistant coating is the hardest coating in the optical industry • ClearView is specially formulated to offer the

• Capable of running lenses on or off the block to best fit your lab’s coating needs • 130+ lens-per-hour throughput • Best process technologies give you the lowest breakage rates

best lens preparation prior to backside coating • ConsisTint will eliminate white spots and blotchiness for your tinting department Ask Ultra Optics about our other chemistry offerings such as lens cleaner, ink remover, dye additive and IPA.

ultraoptics.com 763.488.6030 BOOTH 4161

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CCP m dulo Faster, without limitations The powerful and reliable CCP Modulo S puts quality first without compromising flexibility. Now fitted with high-speed handling systems, top quality has become even faster. This powerful combination keeps breakage and cost per lens at an absolute minimum, producing excellent results even with knife-edged lenses.

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SCHNEIDER GmbH & Co. KG Biegenstrasse 8–12 35112 Fronhausen, Germany Phone: +49 (64 26) 96 96-0 www.schneider-om.com

SCHNEIDER Optical Machines Inc. 6644 All Stars Avenue, Suite 100 Frisco, TX 75033, USA Phone: +1 (972) 247-4000 info-us@schneider-om.com