Vol. 1 • Issue 4 Jan - Mar 2012 South East Asia Edition
Everything between you and eye
www.visionplusmag.com
Michael Kors
“Zeiss aims to create a new standard and experience in vision care and enhancement” – Anthony Chung and Anthony Pui of Carl Zeiss Vision along with Stanley Chan of Capitol Optical Group, chat with Alim Bolar.
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All About Simple And Elegant Fashion
Truly Iconic Spectacles
The Humble, Round Pair
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Vol. 1 • Issu e 4 Jan - Mar South Eas 2012 t Asia Edit ion
Everyth
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Everything between you and eye
www.visio nplusmag .com
Vol.1 Issue 4 Jan-Mar 2012 A FourPlus Publication
“Zeiss aim a new sta s to create experiencendinard and vision care and en hancement” – Anthony Chung and
A FourPlus Publ
ication
Anthony Pui of Carl Zeis Stanley Cha s Vision along with n of Capitol Group, chat Optical with Alim Bolar.
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Michael Kor
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Truly Iconic Sp The Humble,
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CONTENTS
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14 18 24 28 30
IA
14 Designer Profile
Lens Talk:
3D Eyewear: The Next Big Thing — 3D eyewear is one of the more exciting things to have happened in the optical world.
18
In Focus
Designer Profile:
Michael Kors - Master Of All Shades — Three decades later, Michael Kors still manages to surprise with his simple and elegant designs.
In Focus:
“Zeiss aims to create a new standard and experience in vision care and enhancement”— Anthony Chung and Anthony Pui of Carl Zeiss Vision along with Stanley Chan of Capitol Optical Group, chat with Alim Bolar.
24 Trends
Trends:
Round Spectacles - The Iconic Pair — Round eyewear has a special place in history, thanks to the enigmatic personality of some of its more famous wearers..
Spotlight:
Ideal Vision Center – 25 Years Of Growth — With 95 outlets in the Philippines and two outside the country, Ideal Vision Center has come a long way from its first outlet in 1986.
Management Matters:
PLUS GALLERIA EYE MATTERS PERSPECTIVE: EVENTS
8 34 38 41
OFF THE SHELF SNAPSHOTS TRIVIA
44 46 48
Sell Value, Not Price! — Bob Urichuck gives the lowdown on how to engage in value-added selling.
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Ever ything between you and eye
South East Asia Edition
E A
new year is upon us and we wish all our readers a very fulfilling year ahead. 2012 is the year of the dragon and it’s considered to be a good time for translating innovative ideas and new projects into reality. And for us, it’s also about reaching a milestone. This issue marks the completion of our first year and we have achieved our aim of being the preferred trade publication of the optical community in this region.
Editorial
Siraj Bolar
C E O
Alim Bolar
E D
Vinita Bhatia G E
Ishita Bal
S-E
Design
Tabrez Bolar
C D
In this issue, we have Anthony Chung and Anthony Pui of Carl Zeiss Vision along with Stanley Chan of Capitol Optical Group talk about offering a unique shopping experience and achieving perfect vision, at the same time. ‘Lens Talk’ helps you understand 3D eyewear, which has become quite a buzzword in the optical world. Vintage fashion is back with a bang. So in ‘Trends’ we decided to talk about the classic round glasses and the respect it commands. ‘Eye Matters’ separates the myth from reality when it comes to vision-related issues. In 'Management Matters' Bob Urichuck, an international speaker on management skills, points out how entrepreneurs can add value to everything they are actively engaged in. And in 'Spotlight' you can read how Dr Mary Chan managed to grow Ideal Vision Center into a leading optical retail chain in Philippines.
Purav Mehta A E
Amarjeet Prabhakar D A S
Paul Daniel Nadar Sonal Mehta
G D/P
Marketing Jasbir Bolar
M D
Farhan Shaikh
B D M
Finance
RK Tharoor V Ramdas
F M
Manoj Nahak A
Administration Samit Medidhi O A
Distribution
And of course, the regular grids like ‘Designer Profile’, ‘Off The Shelf ’, ‘Snapshots’, etc., are all part of this issue and we are sure you will love going through it. Do let us know your opinions about these articles by dropping us a line at sea@visionplusmag.com
Royale Asia
____________________________________
INDIA | MIDDLE EAST | SOUTH EAST ASIA
VisionPlus (MICA(P) 139/12/2011) is published by
Read on. Enjoy!
FourPlus Advertising Pte. Ltd., and printed at Times Printers Private Limited 16 Tuas Ave 5, Singapore 639340 Editor: Siraj Bolar All correspondence should be addressed to FourPlus Advertising Pte. Ltd. 50, Serangoon North Avenue #5-01, First Centre, Singapore 555856 E-mail: sea@visionplusmag.com
Acknowledgement Model: Damira Tazh, Sony and Gui
Views and opinions expressed in this publications are not necessarily those of FourPlus Advertising Pte. Ltd.. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of information published neither FourPlus Advertising Pte. Ltd. nor any of its employees accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions.
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Modelling Agency: Diva Dubai (www. divadubai.com), Toabh Talents --------------------------------------------
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LENS TALK
F
With the rising popularity of 3D animation movies, gaming consoles and televisions, the launch of 3D eyewear seems to be one of the most exciting things to have happened in the ophthalmic world.
The Next
ew had imagined that 3D eyewear would become quite a buzzword in the ophthalmic world. Until recently, the technology had little to offer and 3D-viewing was possible with bulky, uncomfortable, one-size-fits-all eyewear. This is set to change. It is only in recent years that 3D is being considered a profitable business. Thus movie, gaming and television companies have been investing in 3D technology. Sony, LG, Samsung, Panasonic and Philips have already launched 3D LED televisions, while Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft have been producing 3D games for their gaming consoles for quite some time now.
HOW 3D GLASSES WORK
3D glasses create the illusion of three dimensions by filtering out the light not intended for the eye, resulting in each eye receiving a different image. For instance, when you watch a movie wearing 3D glasses, you have the illusion that objects are flying off the screen and careening in your direction, and characters are reaching out to grab you. It makes you feel like you're a part of the action and not just sitting there watching a movie. 4
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Big
Thing The days when the only eyewear available to consumers was a pair of flimsy paper glasses (with one red and one blue lens) are gone. Taking notice of individual needs, eyewear manufacturing companies are triyng to provide for people of all ages and vision correction needs, thereby becoming extremely helpful for those who were inconvenienced by having to wear 3D glasses over their regular spectacles.
3D eyewear can be categorised in two basic types – the active shutter type and passive polarized type. Non-linear polarized 3D glasses have one lens using clockwise circular polarization and the other anti-clockwise, with the two images required for stereo vision polarized the same way. Circular
polarization is used so the image separation is maintained even if the viewer tilts their head, which would not be possible with the more usual linear polarizers.
SOPHISTICATED 3D EYEWEAR
The boost in the 3D eyewear market can certainly be attributed to the dazzling success of the movie, Avatar. While red-blue lenses produce a dull black-and-white picture with red and blue fringes, polarized 3D glasses allow for colour 3D. Since a demand for the latter became evident with the advancement in special effects used in movies, audiences needed refined 3D glasses for a better viewing experience. Further examples of slightly more sophisticated
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Ever ything between you and eye
assembled frame sector as well. Not only are they trying to develop frames and lenses in a range of colours and shapes, but they are doing their best to ensure that the new eyewear ranges also boast UVA, UVB and UVC protection, rendering them multipurpose - i.e. as both, 3D glasses and sunglasses. models of 3D eyewear are those that come in battery-powered and rechargeable varieties. Brands like Marchon, Oakley, XpanD, Polaroid, Monster Vision Max, Gunnar Optiks and RealD have already come out with their own 3D eyewear ranges. For instance, Marchon3D, a division of Marchon Eyewear, uses the patented M3D technology to bring out several lines of cutting-edge, optically contoured designs in 3D eyewear for use in movie theatres, 3D gaming consoles and passive 3D televisions and computers. David Johnson, President of Marchon3D, says, “The grant of our first patent by the US Patent Office is key not only to our portfolio of intellectual property, but also in assuring broad protection for both our existing and future innovations and products. The scope of protection afforded by this patent allows us to further establish ourselves as the industry leader in bringing passive 3D content to consumers.” David further states that the issuance of this patent prohibits
Brands like Marchon, Oakley, Polaroid, Gunnar Optiks and RealD have launched their own 3D eyewear range. the unauthorised manufacture of lenses falling within the broader scheme of things. It covers not only products manufactured or sold in the US, but also products manufactured abroad and imported into the country. Additionally, Marchon3D has other pending applications in the US and other countries worldwide relating to different aspects of the M3D lenses.
SOME ISSUES THAT NEED TO BE IRONED OUT
Most eyewear companies are committed to the curved lens and
Due to its transmission profile (light and UV), glasses utilising 3D polarization technology are not ideal for normal daily outdoor use and will not provide the same level of protection as sunglasses. 3D eyewear fitted with prescription lenses are also in the making. Oakley's 3D glasses, for example, are optimised for indoor cinema application and are not intended for outdoor use. Another technical issue that is challenging the 3D business worldwide is the compatibility of 3D eyewear from one brand of television sets with the models from other brands. But, the trade group Consumer Electronics Association is working towards getting brands to agree on a standard for 3D eyewear. Oakley's CEO Colin Baden says, “We began with a single goal: to set the standard for optical performance in 3D. No one has ever engineered optically correct 3D glasses. We collaborated with industry partners and utilised the DreamWorks facility for testing.” The brand has been promoting its HDO-3D technology for its 3D lenses which eliminate the
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'ghosting' or 'crosstalk' between images that reach each eye from one moment to the next, a potential problem with inferior 3D glasses. Interestingly, luxury fashion brand Gucci is also opting for the same route for its 3D glasses which will provide wearers an ability to look into a mirror, glasses on, without see a distorted image. This shows that fashion, too, has come calling to this business!
LENS CURVATURE
moviegoers and TV viewers to fully experience 3D with an uncompromising field of vision. Prescription lens wearers also have the option of choosing from a range of premium 3D cover styles that fit comfortably over any optical frame.
THE FINAL WORD
Although currently the 3D eyewear market will remain rather high-end, prices are expected to fall. The added possibility of exciting new
Ever ything between you and eye
developments means the day isn’t far when the same pair of glasses will be suitable for use across various 3D platforms – be it cinema, laptops, gaming consoles or television sets. Looks like 3D eyewear is here to stay. __________________________________ – Vandana Gupta ................................................................................ Email us at sea@visionplusmag.com
Lens curvature is another issue with conventional 3D glasses. Greater curvature around the eyes provides a wider field of view, but without highly precise optics, even a mild curve can cause visual distortion. 3D lenses were developed to deliver a prime entertainment experience in cinemas that utilise passive polarization, the technology found in most 3D theatres. It comes as no surprise that companies like Oakley are pursuing partnerships with manufacturers of home 3D systems that utilise passive polarization technology. This will allow consumers to use the same glasses for home and cinema 3D entertainment. The Polaroid Premium 3D Glass Collection consists of a range of custom frames with precisely curved circular polarized lenses allowing
All about the third dimension How it works in real life: 3D refers to how your eyes and brain create the impression of a third dimension. Human eyes are approximately two inches apart. Accordingly, each eye sees a slightly different part of the world. The brain then puts these two different images together to form one 3D image that has depth to it. This happens because of the binocular vision system in the brain, which uses the difference to calculate distance and co-relate the images.
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How it works in reel life: The way 3D works in movies is that two images shot from different perspectives and having different polarizations are superimposed over each other. These are then projected on the screen. The glasses one wears to view the movie allows only one of these images into each eye because they contain lenses with different polarization. And on receiving a slightly different image in each eye, your brain makes the calculations, hence offering the 3D effect.
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BRAND WAGON
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2012 is here and we know it will be a year full of glamour and high fashion! Looking fabulous has never been so exciting and this time around, designers are going all out launching collections that are strikingly individualistic with stand-out pieces, especially in eyewear.
Ever ything between you and eye
SWAROVSKI SW 17 Marcolin Spa
From Roberto Cavalli to Alfred Dunhill, every designer has made a statement in their Spring Summer 2012 collections. Whether it is the ßber chic sunglasses with classic brown gradients by Furla or the playfully two-toned wayfarer shades by Dolce & Gabbana, designers are in an all-inclusive mood. Also, sunglasses - especially the oversized kind - will see the use of crystal detailing on the sides, something which Swarovski gets just right. Underlying message from the fashion police – make a statement and make it bold.
FURLA 4237G De Rigo
ALFRED DUNHILL D6013 Rodenstock GmbH
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Galleria DOLCE & GABBANA D&G 3076 Luxottica
ROBERTO CAVALLI RC 6595 Marcolin Spa
ZEGNA 3206 De Rigo
TITANIUM-Z ZT 11766 Charmant Inc
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MERCEDES BENZ M1001F Rodenstock GmbH
DSQUARED2 DQ 86 Marcolin Spa
GIVENCHY SGV416 De Rigo
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Galleria
CELINE DION CD 3171Z 101 Studio
LEVIS LS 01079 101 Studio
ALFRED DUNHILL D5011S Rodenstock GmbH
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Ever ything between you and eye
SWAROVSKI SW 23 Marcolin Spa
JULBO PICCOLO 430 Julbo
POLICE S8638 De Rigo
TRU TRUSSARDI TR 12902 Charmant Inc
MONTBLANC MB366S Marcolin Spa
Model Photography: Siddhartha Nath Fashion Designer (Outfits): Sidharta Aryan Makeup Artist: Baban Karat Stylist: Pria Agni Modelling Agency: Toabh Talents and Diva Dubai Model: Sony, Gui and Damira Tazh
.............................................................................. Email us at sea@visionplusmag.com VISIONPLUS (SOUTH EAST ASIA) - Everything Between You & Eye
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DESIGNER PROFILE
Master Of
M
ichael Kors, like those with a creative curve, has dabbled in different waters including a stint in acting. But he's best known the world over for his phenomenal work in the fashion industry. Kors' clothes have a meaning, in that every detail down to the last stitch is custom-designed with a certain aesthetic in mind. His clothes reflect his belief in simple, elegantly tailored clothing. Kors once said that there is not a detail, including a button, that doesn’t have a reason for being there. So his lines are no less than a work of art - each piece containing elements, all of which are crucial to the final creation. Kors' sense of fashion displays an infatuation with the traditionalism of the Eastern Seaboard haute bourgeoisie. Yet he also likes to tweak it for customers who want to look polished and prosperous, but hip. Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston, Uma Thurman, Linda Evangelista, Nicole Kidman, Blake Lively, Jennifer Connelly and Cindy Crawford are among the many actors that sport Kors' creations, 14
All Shades from clothes and bags, watches and accessories, etc.
Michael Kors once said that there is not a detail, including a button, that doesn’t have a reason for being there.
Though a globally recognised designer, Kors journey hasn't been without its share of ups and downs. But his humble roots never deterred him from chasing his larger-than-life dreams.
BORN AGAIN
Few people know that Michael Kors was named Karl Anderson, Jr. at birth. Born on 9th of August, 1959, in New York's Long Island, to Joan Krystosek (a one-time Revlon model) and Karl Anderson (a college student), Karl's parents separated when he was two. He changed his name when his mother married Bill Kors, an entrepreneur.
He later explained to People magazine, “My mother said, ‘You’re getting a new last name, so why don’t you pick a new first name?’ Michael and David
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In the ever-so-competitive American fashion, a presence for nearly three decades is enough to put any designer on the global map and make them stay there. Michael Kors is no exception. Best known for his phenomenal work in the fashion industry, the designer received a lifetime achievement award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2010. Read on to find out more about his journey across the fashion map... were her favourites. I chose Michael as my first name and David as my middle name.” And so came to be his name, Michael Kors.
making whip-stitched leather vests, batik T-shirts, and copper bracelets, after school and he'd sell them in his parents' basement, which he called the Iron Butterfly. It was in 1974 that he got a break when his trendy T-shirts were picked up by a manufacturing company.
At the age of five, Michael was discovered by a TV producer at a birthday party, and he appeared in TV commercials for Lucky Charms, Charmin and freeze-dried apples. Thus began his acting career. Owing to his mother's modelling career, he was exposed to the apparel industry at a very young age and found himself immersed in fashion at as early as six years.
FASHION CALLING
In 1977, he started attending The Fashion Institute of Technology to study fashion design and became a ‘slave to trendiness’ and ‘wore tight white silk shirts that laced up the front and platform shoes.’ He left school after nine months when the owner of Lothar’s, a chic boutique across from Bergdorf Goodman in
In the 1970's, with pop culture being a religion of sorts, Kors found himself
New York City, offered him workspace and carte blanche to design what he liked. Kors' began his career in fashion properly at the age of 19, when he got the chance to design and merchandise a collection for the renowned boutique. The success of these clothes caught the attention of the fashion press prompting Kors to start out on his own. Around this time, he earned his first Vogue credit with a red Lothar’s sundress, which the magazine lauded for its ‘bareness, wrap-on ease and vibrant colour.’ His parka for the store, the one in metallic silver leather, was also featured in Vogue.
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In 1981, the Michael Kors label was formed; his first women's collection was launched at Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue, amongst other stores. Since Kors collection was established, it has never strayed from his initial vision of chic, luxurious American sportswear – something that reflects his remarkable consistency. A momentous moment for Kors came in 1983 came when he received DuPont’s first American Original Award. Incidentally, it was the same year when Karl Lagerfeld's muse Inès de la Fressange was captured by a fashion photographer, in a Kors cashmere tank and pin-striped skirt. The irony of it all! He went on to stage his first runway show in 1984 and also launched Michael Kors/Lyle & Scott a line of cashmere separates created in collaboration with a venerable Scottish firm.
GOOD TIMES AWAIT
1999 – A remarkable year for Kors as he received the most prestigious award in the fashion industry - the CFDA Award for Womenswear Designer of the Year. It was also when noted fashion house LVMH bought a 33 % stake in Kors’ business and promoted him from designer to creative director at Céline, a French luxury label owned by LVMH. In the six years he held that position, he continued to expand his own brand, launching menswear, accessories and perfume lines.
clothing, dress shirts, neckwear, and timepieces for both women and men. The same year, Kors was asked to be a judge on a new reality television show called Project Runway. From this point on, he came to be better known outside the fashion industry as well.
In January of 2002, Kors’ company launched a full scale men's collection, which had previously been a capsule menswear line. The line received a fantastic response and in 2003, the CFDA bestowed Kors with the distinct honour of Menswear Designer of the Year.
SIMPLICITY MAGNIFIED
True to his word, in fall 2004, Kors unveiled his latest collection MICHAEL Michael Kors, a lowerpriced womenswear line, with an unprecedented launch in over 350 stores nationwide. The collection included women's and men's ready-towear, accessories including handbags and small leather goods, men's tailored 16
Kors believes in simple lines and clean cuts when it comes to his clothes and his designs are meant for those who have a clear idea of what they want. Kors’ wearers would typically be wellgrounded people who have the no-fuss approach to fashion and life alike. The Michael Kors woman is effortlessly elegant, strong and capable, feminine and graceful, all at once. She’s bold but not loud and simply refuses to be pinned down under one look. She could go casual chic or dress it up with an evening gown. There’s no telling.
The Michael Kors man is earthy; he is firm but not rigid. He works hard during the week but believes in the well-deserved weekend getaway. And his fashion sensibility reflects this. He’s athletic, and comfort clothing is a priority for him.
KORS EYEWEAR
Kors’ eyewear is no exception to his fashion philosophy that simplicity rules. Oversized sunglasses by Kors are a hot favourite of the top actors of Hollywood. A dedicated fashionista, Angelina Jolie has been photographed several times wearing sunglasses by Kors. Angular shapes are predominant, hence one will find more square and rectangular-shaped sunglasses with mostly brown gradients. There’s even the round oversized that comes in gradients of pink and purple. What’s interesting is the detailing around the temples and sides in gold. Then there’s the classic aviators
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for both men and women. Large rectangular sunglasses for men come in sporty blue and black gradients, with classy silver detailing on the sides. What really takes it up a notch though is the MK logo on the side, which is often embedded with crystals giving it the right touch of glamour. And for those who prefer to retain the geek in them, Kors offers some great spins on the good old spectacles. And apart from colours like red, brown, black, blue and a surprising green, they even come in animal prints adding some tease to wearer’s personality!
GOING STRONG
Kors’ knack for catering to clients’ fantasies — and his visibility as a judge on fashion reality show Project Runway — have combined to transform this once modest business into a fashion brand with more than $600 million in wholesale revenues from over 1.000 multi-brand retail outlet, globally.
Michael Kors
Timeline
Kors’ wearers would typically be well-grounded people who have the no-fuss approach to fashion and life alike.
1977 Attended The Fashion Institute of Technology, Manhattan, New York. 1983 Received DuPont’s first American Original Award. 1997 Became the creative director of Céline, a French fashion house owned by LVMH 1999 Received the CFDA Award for Womenswear Designer of the Year. 2004 Launched MICHAEL Michael Kors label. 2008 Made a cameo on the hit TV drama Gossip Girl. 2010 Received lifetime achievement award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
(shoes and coats), as well as a menswear label. Speaking about his fashion philosophy, Kors once told Women’s Wear Daily, “Ultimately, clean lines have greater longevity, which women appreciate, and to which they can add their own personality." This should give a clear picture of why this designer resonates in the sensibilities of many a fashionista.
Once mainly a clothing brand, the Michael Kors line now includes handbags, shoes and other accessories (accounting for 85% of its sales). In addition to the top-notch designer collection, there are two lower-priced women’s lines, Michael Michael Kors and Kors Michael Kors
The designer received a lifetime achievement award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2010. A well-deserved award considering he has been around for over three
decades now and carved a niche, launching collections and new lines consistently. One can’t predict what this artistic powerhouse will come up with next, but we know this for sure - Kors will not disappoint. ___________________________________________ – Ishita Bal ................................................................................
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IN FOCUS
Alim Bolar (A B) : Hi Anthony. Can you tell us what you mean by the ‘Zeiss Experience’? Anthony Chung (A C) : The ‘Zeiss Experience’ is a comprehensive business concept for retailers who have the desire to raise the bar in professionalism and offer the best service in eye care. It has specific modules in a predetermined method to help them implement the patient flow. It impresses patients with a unique shopping experience and – moreover – a perfect vision. This entire process helps retailers to differentiate themselves and add value 18
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to lens products, through the use of advanced diagnostic and dispensing equipment, and more importantly, with the inclusion of detailed consultation. All the clinical information and consumer input regarding their visual needs are seamlessly combined and analysed. After that, very precise ocular measurement data is included in making the lenses a perfect fit to the chosen frame with perfectly aligned centration. A B : We understand that Optics Munich is the first Zeiss Experience store in Asia. How did this partnership take place?
A C : In fact, the Zeiss Experience store has been in the worldwide market for some time. Capitol Optical Group has seen the value that retailers add to those markets especially in Europe and wanted to introduce the concept to Singapore. So when Capitol Optical Group approached us and asked us whether we would assist them and partner with them, it was of course our privilege to do so, because they are one of the premier optical retailers in Singapore. A B : So this is not an exclusive association? A C : In terms of working with this
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"Zeiss aims to create
a new standard and experience in vision care and enhancement" Anthony Chung and Anthony Pui of Carl Zeiss Vision, along with Stanley Chan of Capitol Optical Group chat with Alim Bolar, during the opening of Optics Munich the first optical store in Asia to provide the latest in eye care - the ‘Zeiss Experience’.
Who is? Anthony Chung
Vice President and General Manager - Asia, Africa and Middle East Carl Zeiss Vision
concept, it is the first product that has been delivered in Singapore. Obviously, if there are other retailers that are also interested in the concept, we will be very happy to discuss it with them. But, there are certain parameters to be followed for this partnership to be possible. And Optics Munich is an excellent example of a great partnership, which we hope to grow in the future. A B : You mean the optician should match Zeiss’ standards? A C : Absolutely. There are very strict requirements in terms of technology, training, the outlay of the store -
everything about the heritage of Zeiss to the innovation of Zeiss must be maintained. And we must be comfortable working with partners that respect this policy and our heritage.
Senior Marketing Director - Asia, Africa and Middle East Carl Zeiss Vision
Stanley Chan (S C) : Here I would like to answer your previous question. Anthony put a politically correct answer and I would like to elaborate. When it comes to Capitol, we are not worried whether it is exclusive or not. That is not so important to us. What is more important is that we bring the best to the consumer. And that really is what the Zeiss Experience all about.
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Anthony Pui
Stanley Chan General Manager Capitol Optical Group
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It means we are giving customers precision eye care, so that they have access to the best. The more outlets that can provide this experience, and the more awareness is created about this, the better it will be for everyone. We would like the general public to have access to the Zeiss Experience and the more outlets that have this, the better it would be. A B : Yes, Stanley, I agree with you. But I was just wondering if this is bound to grow into a retail chain association something that Zeiss had tried in India. A C : No, this is not a retail chain setup and the concept is totally different from the model in India.
"Ours is a very premium product and it is meant for those who want the best and can afford it. So, one would have to keep that in mind while comparing our market share."
A B: So how many countries are you currently covering with this concept? Anthony Pui (A P) : Worldwide more than 400 ECPs are using at least parts of this concept. More than 30 are pure Zeiss Experience stores. Optics Munich is the first one in Asia with a complete set up. We do have a similar outlet in Malaysia, but the set up is not as comprehensive as this one. A B: Do you think it is important to have the whole process from Zeiss to be more effective? A P : Yes, definitely. That is the beauty of this particular platform - it is all integrated – the analysing process, the awarded shop system and the corresponding marketing material. If you look at instrument manufacturers today, nearly all of them can provide an auto-refractor or an aberrometer on standalone basis. But no one can marry all the data together and generate an eye prescription with precise fitting through the help of the i-Terminal. Zeiss is the only company that can provide such an integrated process, seamlessly. A B : So you are unique in this sense. Is there anyone else? A P : The Zeiss Experience is a unique and modular business solution developed by Carl Zeiss Vision. A B : I think the Zeiss Experience has become clearer to me now. Tell us a little about the lenses too. A C : Yes, sure. The outcome at the 20
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end of the day is the Zeiss lenses and we are proud of our innovative technology. Particularly, if we look at the Asian technology that we have developed, our special focus is on Asian progressive lenses, like the GT2 Asiana. And we have recently launched an innovative product, purely based on research on Asian children, called MyoVision. This product is specially designed to slow down the progression of myopia, through the patented Peripheral Vision Management technology. We also have individualised progressive lenses called the EyeFit. This lens not only provides very natural vision from distance to near, it also allows customization of the viewing zone profile, based on the wearer’s needs like all-round use versus constant switching of viewing distance versus near-distance dominant. The advantage of this feature is that it allows good balancing of different zones, which enhances visual quality and comfort. More importantly, it gives the user almost immediate adaptation.
– Anthony Chung, Vice President and General Manager - Asia, Africa and Middle East, Carl Zeiss Vision
A B : Zeiss recently launched a new product in photochromic lens, PhotoFusion. Tell us a bit about it? A P : People are very keen to try self tinting lenses, but their preference depends on the time it takes to transform from dark to light and dark again. This was the clear result of a worldwide market study commissioned by Carl Zeiss Vision. And our response to this feedback was the launch of PhotoFusion lenses. This product reacts more quickly to changes in lighting conditions than earlier Zeiss lenses, thus meeting the expectations of spectacle wearers the world over. The new product brings together a total of 160 years of Zeiss expertise as well as anti-reflective coating and custom progressive lenses. Incidentally, the original self tinting plastic lenses were first launched by the Carl Zeiss Vision’s brand American Optical in 1983.
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PhotoFusion lenses are up to two times faster than Zeiss' previous phototropic lens models. The reaction speed of the new lenses is high enough to allow comfortable vision in all types of lighting conditions. A B : Zeiss is very well known in the high-end usage of its optical products. If you talk about a Sony camera you read about Carl Zeiss’ lens. But when you ask a person about a Zeiss optical lens, it really doesn’t rank very high on popularity. This is the public perception, am I right? A P : Not exactly. The Zeiss brand is usually visible on camera lens. Therefore the brand’s awareness is obviously higher as compared to spectacle lenses, where there is only Zeiss engraving marks. In fact, engraving is one of the attempts for building awareness. A B : In terms of market share, what would you put as Zeiss’ share? A C : We do not have third party validated data for the ophthalmic lens segment. So, I wouldn’t be able to respond to that. But ours is a very premium product and it is meant for those who want the best and can afford it. So, one would have to keep that in mind while comparing our market share.
Ever ything between you and eye
Optics Munich launched in Singapore The Capitol Optical Group, which owns brands like Shinagawa Optical and Capitol Optical in Singapore, opened a new optical concept boutique called Optics Munich at Scotts Square, on 9th December, 2011. Some of the brands that will be retailed at this eyewear boutique outlet include Bottega Veneta, Chopard, Adidas, ic! Berlin and Markus T. The Complete Zeiss Eyetest Experience by Carl Zeiss Vision was also introduced at the Optics Munich, which focuses on precision eye testing technology. This Complete Zeiss Eyetest Experience offers an integrated setup comprising eye testing equipment and patient consultation services, which will help them choose the right prescription lens.
A B : Moving on, tell us which regions in South East Asia look poised for higher growth? Or rather, where does Zeiss see the maximum potential for its products? A P : South East Asia is a vast geography, within which there are many potential markets such as Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Philippines. Each country and its retail environment are slightly different. But one thing is in common – increasing consumer demand for premium products. Zeiss has been in these markets for some time and we believe the time is right to step up our premium product line up in these markets. A B: It was really nice talking to all of you. And I wish you all the best in your new venture. ................................................................................
Stanley Chan, GM of The Capitol Optical Group, Dr Urban Siller, Business Unit Director, Carl Zeiss Vision, and Kenny Woo, Branch Manager and Optometrist of Optics Munich, hosted the event. Mr Chan welcomed the guests to the event and talked about wanting to give their customers a very unbiased view. “That means when we are talking about eyewear corrections or solutions for your vision corrections, we will give you various recommendations and what really makes sense for you,” he added. Dr Siller spoke about the history of Carl Zeiss Vision and how it has continuously worked at newer innovations in the optical domain. Talking about the Complete Zeiss Eyetest Experience he stated that Carl Zeiss Vision has a very strong technological edge and innovation in
the optical industry, which the company has now put together. Members of the audiences were also encouraged to get their eyes tested at the event.
Email us at sea@visionplusmag.com VisionPlus (south East asia) - Everything Between You & Eye
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PhotoFusion A Breakthrough By ZEISS ®
The new self-tinting lenses, PhotoFusion® by ZEISS, reacts in seconds to changing light.
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arl Zeiss Vision, one of the world's leading eyeglass lens providers, has reached another important milestone in its 160 years of ZEISS expertise, with the launch of PhotoFusion®.
VISIONARY PERFORMANCE
PhotoFusion® lenses react much more quickly to changing light conditions than the existing selftinting lenses by Carl Zeiss Vision -- addressing the main concern of self-tinting lens users all over the world. lt is developed based on a global consumer survey* commissioned by Carl Zeiss Vision.
Faster: Reacts up to 20%** faster from clear to dark and fades back 2 times** faster from dark to clear than the existing self-tinting lenses by Carl Zeiss Vision. The lens darkens in 15 to 30 seconds and can become clear again within 5 to 10 minutes. Dark and clear: Very clear indoors (92% transparency with anti-reflective
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Thanks to its remarkable performance, PhotoFusion® provides eyeglass wearers with optimum vision under all light conditions with the following benefits:
coating) and very dark under sunlight (11% transparency with anti-reflective coating). Protection: Provides 100% protection against UV rays up to 400 nm and it is ideal for people with sensitive eyes. Durable: Retains self-tinting performance for a long time, thus providing long-lasting customer satisfaction. Colour: Offers excellent colour consistency for natural vision. The colour stability makes the lenses aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to use.
2/6/2012 4:42:09 PM
w ww.photofusion.zeiss.com Zeiss precision lenses since 1846
The first man on the moon - photographed on 20th July 1969 using ZEISS lenses.
Google Earth uses ZEISS precision lenses to capture spectacular images of the earth from space.
ZEISS microscopes help Nobel Prize winners make red blood cells visible.
ZEISS camera lenses play an important role for the worldwide film industry.
The lens forms the matrix through which the colour molecules are evenly distributed.
lndependent tests by COLTS® Laboratories, a recognised and leading research company in the area of optics and vision, confirms that PhotoFusion® darkens up to 20%** faster and clears up to 50%** faster than comparable lenses using Transitions® technology.
PATENTED TECHNOLOGY
PhotoFusion® lenses use innovative technology based on patented photoactive molecules. The photoactive colour molecules are complex chemical compounds that alter their structure and form, when exposed to UV light.
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When exposed to UV rays, the photoactive colour molecules depart from their normal structure, opening up and forming new bonds between moieties. This enables the colour molecules to absorb light and tint the lens so that it becomes darker. At times, and in places where there is no UV radiation, like at night or indoors, the colour molecules return to their original structure and the lens becomes clear. The stronger the UV rays, the darker the lens and vice-versa. The key factor required for the tinting to work properly is that the molecules have sufficient space in the matrix to alter their form and structure quickly. During development, ZEISS managed to find a matrix that perfectly accommodates the colour molecules. This is the only way to ensure that they have enough space to enable the lenses to tint and clear again automatically when the light conditions change.
ZEISS FORESIGHT
The original self-tinting plastic lenses were first launched by the Carl Zeiss Vision brand American Optical (AO) in 1983. Combined with award-winning ZEISS lenses, PhotoFusion® technology is a significant improvement on the basic principle of self-tinting eyeglass lenses. PhotoFusion® brings together years of ZEISS expertise as well as anti-reflective coating and custom progressive lens design. This selftinting lens is in line with the Carl Zeiss Vision motto of ‘Better Vision’, as people who need glasses no longer have to adapt to changing light conditions because the lens can do it for them automatically. ___________________________________________ Source: *Global consumer study for Carl Zeiss Vision International July 2010, based on national representative samples in the U.S., Brazil, Germany, Italy, UK, Australia and China. **Average performance. Performance will vary according to material, temperature and light conditions. Transitions® is a registered trademark of Transitions Optical, Inc.
2/6/2012 4:42:30 PM
TRENDS
Truly Iconic The Humble, Spectacles Round Round glasses have been around for many decades, so one would think they'd be outdated by now. Well, going by the iconic figures we have encountered in recent and past history, they're anything but that. In fact, it would be safe to say that they're here to stay. So what makes the round pair so special? Read on to know more about this truly magnificent and timeless piece.
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ell, round glasses have been on the scene for a while now and they are, without a doubt, a great accessory to one's outfit and, therefore considered 'cool'. Classic, yet not out of fashion, round spectacles, particularly because of its rich lineage, are not only 'in' vogue, but will also never be 'out' of it. The round spectacles, though uncommercial in style, seems to have become a trademark of sorts
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and has also struck a chord with designers across the world. They have always had a vintage, geek-chic and Hollywood feel to them. And whoever chooses to wear this style can be sure to add gentleness to their personality, while setting a standard for a simplistic design statement. The wise round eyewear aren't a pair to be 'flaunted'. These are timeless pieces that reflect the integrity and understated charm of
Pair
the wearer. There's a certain demure appeal to them. While most fashion trends, especially circular sunglasses, are seemingly everywhere all at once, there are certain markers in history that trigger group-think mentality in the fashion industry. And though there's no obvious source in chronology that might have ignited the interest of fashionistas who perceive this simple pair to be a strong fashion statement, we can always venture into the legends of our times. When one thinks of round spectacles, the first few names that come to mind include at least one of these - Steve
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It's uncanny how Steve Jobs, Mahatma Gandhi, John Lennon and Harry Potter, a league apart in their times, have one thing in common – round glasses. album covers and book jackets for years now, and is embedded in mass consciousness.
Jobs, Mahatma Gandhi, John Lennon and Harry Potter. Uncanny, how all of them, a league apart in their times, have one thing in common – round glasses. So what makes legends like them opt for the simple-shaped, earthy pairs?
LEGENDARY LINEAGE
A defining element of the hippie style during the 1960s counter-culture movement was owed to John Lennon, one of the front men of The Beatles. His superstar image, in round frames, has been peering at us from posters,
Known for his sagacious appearance owing to his long Jesus-like hair and round eyewear, Lennon's wire-rimmed glasses were sold at an auction, drawing bids of more than $1.5 million in July 2007, as reported by BBC. In fact, perfectly round metal eyeglass frames are more famously known as 'John Lennon glasses'. Steve Jobs (RIP), whose recent demise brought the whole world together in bidding him goodbye, was arguably the greatest contributor to the 20th century invention, the computer. His classic ensemble was always complete
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with a round spectacle frame that immediately rendered a rather humble geekiness to this world-class IT tycoon. Some believe that his fascination with John Lennon was why he wore these spectacles. And though his genius was easily understated because of the eyewear he sported, round spectacles, while being the humble man's glasses, have always had an underlying charm about them. And clearly, this allure never escaped Jobs. His demise has only made designers wake up to the round spectacles, which are now making a comeback. And Jobs isn't the only legend that sported this unassuming pair. Known simply as 'Gandhi', Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the Indian freedom fighter who epitomised peaceful living, is still an inspiration to leaders the world over. This modest attire was never complete without his signature glasses. In fact, Gandhi's glasses, personal or second-makes, have a notorious history of being stolen.
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Predictions by fashiontrotters came true when teenagers and adults started sporting the round glasses. Some even wore them as style statements, and not for medical reasons! THE FRAME SELECTS THE WEARER
Recently, Sevagram Ashram in India reported the theft of Gandhi’s personal glasses that were there on display. Ironically, the glasses donned on the bronze statue of the icon in the Union Square Park in New York often had to be replaced owing to theft. Gandhi's round-rimmed pair are so obsessed over that they even inspired a font! Lastly, Harry Potter (one can almost hear Snape's rendition of it), the fictional character who took both the literary and the theatrical world by storm, couldn't have possibly looked
complete without his round spectacles. Predictions by fashion-trotters came true when teenagers and adults started appearing in the very round shaped glasses. Some even wore them simply as style statements, and not for medical reasons!
Circular frames, though known for the simplicity of their shape, are not facefriendly. On the contrary, they are very selective of what kind of wearer they suit. While in theory they compliment square, heart and oval-shaped faces, in practical life they can be quite disastrous on such face-types, if not carried off properly. Round spectacles don't only go by face structure, but also the wearer's personality, which should be nothing short of someone who is wellaccomplished and has a clear vision of what he or she wants in life. They also usually look best on people with strong jaw lines.
HERE TO STAY
Legends live on, and in fashion history, the round spectacles have already carved a niche. Throughout the last century, round glasses have been associated with everyone, from celebrated artists and stars, to intellectual thinkers and business icons. And what is striking is that almost all of them are men and rarely a figure noted for his cuttingedge personal style. In fact, none of them really wore it to make a 'style statement', but unintentionally ended up making one and how. __________________________________________ – Ishita Bal ................................................................................ Email us at sea@visionplusmag.com
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SPOTLIGHT
With 95 outlets in the Philippines and two outside the country, Ideal Vision Center has come a long way since its first outlet in 1986.
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Ideal Vision Center
r Mary Chan grew up in a household where her family was always talking about eyewear. Her parents started the Ideal Watch Supply And Optical Company soon after World War II came to an end in 1945. They were involved in the wholesale and retail trading of eyewear and time pieces. So, temples, nose pads, frame materials, etc., were terms that she picked up very young in life, when other girls her age were talking about dolls and party dresses. After her father’s demise, Dr Chan’s older brother took over the operations of the company. She had many ideas to make the business even more successful and play an active role in taking the company. But she knew that she could do this best, if she had the technical know-how in dispensing eyewear. Always inclined towards higher education, Dr Chan decided to get trained in optometry and got her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Centro Escolar University in Philippines. She graduated magna cum laude in her class in 1970 and after getting her degree, joined her family business. 28
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25 Years Of Growth
TAKING CHANCES
13 years into managing the business, Dr Chan married and even after her marriage, she could not think of any other career that gave her as much joy as running an optical outlet. She joined hands with a couple of her siblings to open a retail store in an upcoming mall – the SM North Edsa – that her friend’s family was setting up. In 1986, Ideal Vision Center opened its first retail outlet, in the middle of Quezon City. “I knew it was a big risk that we were taking as the mall was in the middle of nowhere,” says Dr Chan. “But I believed that this mall would see a lot of traffic as it was at the crossroads for regional traffic coming to and from the northern provinces
of Luzon and surrounding suburban areas in Metro Manila.” Her conviction held her in good stead during the initial months when the sales were “disastrous” as Dr Chan recalls. She attributes it to the fact that it was the end of the Marcos regime and the coup d’état was breaking out. People had rallies and rebellious gatherings in the Edsa, which was the main route going to the mall. “After the Marcos family left the country, the scene became a little better, but it was still affected in that there was nothing near the mall except tall grass and blank lots,” she reminisces. Slowly, the mall owners developed the nearby areas and soon this got good footfall in the mall. With this, other opticians started opening their
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“The biggest concern right now is the supply of optometrists in Philippines where, by regulation, we need to have licensed optometrists in every store. Very few are enrolling into optometry colleges and I hope this trend reverses soon,” she adds.
GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY
Dr Chan has a charitable side to her and she came up with the ‘Save your Sight Advocacy’ campaign, which is a synergized program by Ideal Vision Foundation focused on sight protection and preservation amongst Filipinos,
stores in the vicinity, but Dr Chan did not perceive them as competition. She says, “Many of these retailers were my customers, as Ideal Vision Center was also into wholesaling business.”
MOVING AHEAD
Today, Ideal Vision Center has over 95 outlets in Philippines and has a strong presence in key cities including Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Batangas and Davao. And the company’s motto is to offer customers products and services that extend beyond traditional eye care practices. It claims to have pioneered the concept of a one-stop shop for people’s total vision needs in the country and the Fast Cast Lens System, which delivers fully fitted eyeglasses to customers within an hour. It was amongst the first optical retail chains in Philippines to introduce a loyalty card for its regular customers called the VIP card. This loyalty card is still popular amongst its customers who are currently entitled to 20% discount on all eyewear and vision care products and 10% discount, when the company holds its periodic markdown sales.
Ideal Vision Center was amongst the first optical retail chains in Philippines to introduce a loyalty card for its regular customers called the VIP card. Ideal Vision Center opened its first international branch in Guam because of the high population of Filipino community in the country. It continues to offer the right mix of luxury and value brands, thereby catering to the varied needs of the wide range of consumers. In eyewear fashion, It works with manufacturers and distributors like Safilo, Marchon, De Rigo and Marcolin,in addition to leading lens brands like Seiko, Essilor and Pentax.
both young and old. This campaign seeks to educate and provide free assistance to those who need it most and generate resources for their needs in line with sight preservation and avoidable blindness.
Currently, as the President and CEO of Ideal Vision Center, Dr Chan is involved in the purchasing, sales and marketing departments of the company while her husband, who is a lawyer by profession, manages the legal department. The company currently employs around 1,000 people. However, according to Dr Chan, the biggest challenge in managing an optical retail chain is getting the right kind of manpower. According to her, one reason for this is because fewer students are now opting for optometry as a career.
It is Dr Chan’s vision to give every Filipino better access to quality eye care products and services at affordable prices by 2020. It is her belief that citizens of Philippines are abreast with the ever-changing fashion trends, especially in the retail products. And she says that Ideal Vision Center will continue to bring the latest trends in eyewear fashion and eye care to its customers.
Ideal Vision Center has been doing various charitable programs on eye care for over 15 years, and now it has put together a cohesive advocacy campaign with increased involvement by the locals.
___________________________________________ – Vinita Bhatia ......................................................................................
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Dr Mary Chan
Email us at sea@visionplusmag.com
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MANAGEMENT MATTERS
Sell Value, Not Price! It’s important to be successful at what one does, maximising talents and leveraging strengths. But there is a difference between being successful and adding value to everything one is actively engaged in, according to Bob Urichuck, an international speaker on management skills and an author.
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ikipedia defines value added selling as one of the several sales techniques that relies on building on the inherent value of a product or a service. By its very nature, the valueaddition technique is a more flexible and customised selling approach that requires input from a defined range of the average customers. These customers will help the sales and marketing leaders outline value positions that are likely to benefit the largest number of customers.
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Tom Reilly, in his book ‘Value Added Selling’, describes this process as a proactive philosophy that seeks ways to enhance, augment, or enlarge your bundled package solution for the customer. It’s about promising a lot and delivering even more, and always looking for ways to exceed the customer’s expectations. Based on the definitions above, it is evident that being proactive, exceeding customer expectations, being flexible
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Characteristics Of Value-Added Sellers
Attitude – The foundation of all successful people – a desire to be buyer focused. Integrity – 96% of buyers say that the number one thing they look for in salespeople is integrity. People want to do business with those whom they trust. Empathy – This is the salesperson’s ability to ask questions, listen and understand, and view life from the buyer’s point of view. Initiative – Having an owner’s mentality, being proactive and being one step ahead of the buyer and not waiting for someone to tell you what you must do. Knowledgeable – Buyers report that what they want most is to deal with salespeople who are knowledgeable, or experts in their field. If knowledge is power then what you don’t know holds great power over you. Courage – This is not the absence of fear, it’s the management of fear. Value added salespeople feel the fear and do what they know they must do. Discipline – Doing what you have to do, even when you don’t want to do it.
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and able to customise your approach are important. However, there are other elements that also have to come into play first. They are the four universal needs of all buyers. Without those needs being satisfied, nothing will happen. Let’s consider value addition in the context of the optical industry. With a product like eyewear, what is the value addition that can be provided while selling it to the customer? The answer is, a lot! One can easily work with the customer to help them select a frame which will suit their face and accentuate certain facial features. Or keep their lifestyle in mind while recommending frames. If the customer is buying contact lenses, they can be provided with information about the kind of lenses they should opt for based on their lifestyle patterns. You could say you already do this. In that case, providing this service, by keeping the
The seller’s competence and attitude are primary drivers of customer satisfaction, loyalty, and retention. customer’s interest in mind, is what a seller should do to actually add value to the sale.
This is easier said than done though. But it is not impossible. The trick to achieving this is to step into the shoes of your customer and empathise with their needs. The true hallmark of a successful entrepreneur, or even a salesperson, is being buyer focused with an immediate desire to establish trust with their customers. Trust is the basis of a great long-term relationship. If two people trust each other and like each other, and want to do business with each other, they will work out the details.
UNDERSTANDING BUYER NEEDS
Buyers the world over have very simple yet fairly complex needs. They want to be understood, they want to feel welcomed, they want to feel important when they are in a store and most importantly, they want to feel comfortable when they are buying something. 32
This step is not about the company, the product, the service or about making a sale. It is about the buyer and creating a relationship based on trust. It involves being curious while demonstrating integrity and empathy. In turn, it will satisfy the buyer’s need of being understood.
ASK, LISTEN AND SOLVE
The seller can add value by questioning and listening. Problemsolving skills, follow-up, accessibility, knowledge and initiative should be
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Value, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. The seller’s competence and attitude are primary drivers of customer satisfaction, loyalty, and retention. This explains why value added selling is significantly different from traditional selling.
focused on the buyer, and not on the sale or the product. Initially, the value added seller is like a doctor — he diagnoses the customer’s problems and then prescribes the right solution. Value added sellers define value in buyer terms, based on buyer needs, not seller terms or desires. If value is defined in buyer terms, buyers pay for it with a higher selling price. Conversely, if value is defined in seller terms, it means paying for it with a bigger discount.
Just think about the difference between traditional selling and value added selling: Traditional sellers sell products —value added sellers solve problems. Traditional sellers attempt to create the buyer’s needs—value added sellers seek to understand the buyer’s needs.
“The true hallmark of a successful entrepreneur, or even a salesperson, is being buyer focused with an immediate desire to establish trust with their customers.” – Bob Urichuck
Ever ything between you and eye
Traditional sellers make deals— value added sellers want to create a long term relationship and make a difference. The fundamental selling skill for traditional sellers is closing—the fundamental selling skill for value added sellers is engaging – probing, listening and empowering the buyer to make decisions.
WHAT IT TAKES
The best way to start adding value is to imbibe the qualities that make up a successful value added seller. The first characteristic is to have the right attitude. This is the foundation of all successful people – a desire to be buyer focused.The next is integrity, because 96% of buyers the world over say that this is the number one thing they look for in salespeople. People want to do business with those whom they trust and who they believe will be truthful during the transaction. Another important trait that attracts buyers is a seller’s ability to ask questions, listen and understand, and to view life from their point of view. This shows that he is willing to be proactive and stay a step ahead of the buyer. And to be able to do justice to the buyer’s need, the seller has to be knowledgeable. Most buyers report that what they want most is to deal with salespeople who are experts in their field. If knowledge is power then what you don’t know holds great power over you. After all, knowledge is empowerment for you and armed with this, you can provide more value to your customer. The key to value added selling is understanding buyers’ needs from their perspective— and defining ‘value’ accordingly. And to sum it up, sell value, not price! __________________________________________ – Bob Urichuck is an international speaker on sales, leadership, motivation and team skills. He is also the author of the book ‘Up Your Bottomline’. ................................................................................ Email us at sea@visionplusmag.com
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EYE
Can using computers damage your vision? Can you look at the sun during a solar eclipse if you squint or wear sunglasses? There are many myths that surround the eyes and how it functions. Here’s to debunking some of the more popular ones.
MATTERS
Busting Some Myths About The Eye
A
lot has been said and written about the beauty of eyes. Needless to say when there is something of such great value, there will also be a lot of old wives’ tales attached to it. Some of these superstitions are rooted in cultures of a particular geography. For instance, during the time of the Pharaohs the Egyptians believed in the ‘all-seeing eye’ or the ‘Eye of Horus’. Horus was the patron God of the Egyptians and they believed that this mystical symbol could ward off all evil. The later day Freemasons too adopted this symbol believing that it represented the eye of God, who they referred to as the supreme architect of the universe. Many Middle Eastern and Asian tribes of yore also believed in the 34
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presence of an evil eye and it’s part of their folk lore. The evil eye usually was taken as a glimpse of envy or jealousy in the eyes of the beholder and many tribal practices were created to rid a person who was said to suffer from its effects. These cultural notions aside, a lot of misconceptions as well have been circulating about eye care for the longest time now. These range from how eating carrots can improve vision and how reading in the dark can damage the eyes. In recent times, as digitisation set in and people spend more time on their computers, mobiles and other handheld devices, these beliefs have only gained momentum. Which of these are true and which are humbug? We help you separate the myth from the reality.
Myth #1:
READING IN DIM LIGHT CAN DAMAGE THE EYES.
Reading in dim light can cause your eyes to feel fatigued or uncomfortable. But there is no truth in the statement that it can hurt your eyes. Similarly, reading small print, reading extensively or using computers cannot cause damage to the eyes. Incidentally, bad lighting puts a strain on the eye by not allowing it to focus well on the letters and due to this, one tends to blink less than normally. This in turn can lead to exhaustion, eye strain or dry eye. That is why it is advised that one should read only when there is sufficient light around. Besides, too
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much strain on the eye muscles can lead to a headache, which could be another reason why we have been told not to read in inadequate light.
Myth #2:
YOU CAN IMPROVE YOUR VISION BY DOING EYE EXERCISES.
This one is tricky. Eye exercises strengthen the eye muscles, keeping them in good shape and they are considered to be good for the general well-being of the eyes. But they have no effect on vision. The American Academy of Ophthalmology task force on complementary therapy had once performed an assessment of the effectiveness of eye exercises and visual training in reducing myopia. No evidence was found that visual training has any effect on the progression of myopia or improves visual function for patients with hyperopia or astigmatism, or improves vision lost during diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy. But eye exercises do help in relaxing
It is never safe to look at a partial or annular eclipse, or the partial phases of a total solar eclipse, without proper equipment and techniques. tired ocular muscles. There are some patients with lazy eye syndrome who need special eye exercises which helps in improving their vision.
Myth #3:
IT IS NOT HARMFUL TO LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY IF YOU SQUINT OR PUT ON DARK GLASSES, DURING AN ECLIPSE. The sun’s ultra violet rays are very powerful and can get into your eyes
even if you wear sunglasses or squint your eyes to look at it. According to NASA, while environmental exposure to UV radiation is known to contribute to the accelerated aging of the outer layers of the eye and the development of cataracts, the concern over improper viewing of the sun during an eclipse is for the development of ‘eclipse blindness’ or retinal burns. It is advised to never look at the sun directly during a solar eclipse. Experts in NASA say that the only time that the sun can be viewed safely with the naked eye during a total eclipse, is when the moon completely covers the solar disk. They reiterate that it is never safe to look at a partial or annular eclipse, or the partial phases of a total solar eclipse, without proper equipment and techniques.
Myth #4:
EATING CARROTS CAN IMPROVE THE VISION.
Vitamin A is important for maintaining normal vision. And carrots are rich in beta carotene, which is then converted into Vitamin A in the body. This is
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probably what gave rise to the belief that eating carrots can improve vision. But while this vegetable is definitely healthy, even eating extraordinarily large quantities of carrots can not improve vision. So if you are nearsighted then eating a lot of carrots will not give you a perfect 20/20 vision. Instead, one should have a well-balanced diet which includes fruits and vegetables for good vision. And your skin and hair will also benefit tremendously!
Myth #7:
IF YOU CROSS YOUR EYES, THEY'LL STAY THAT WAY.
This is a threat many parents often use for children who cross their eyes to make funny faces. And it usually has the desired effect of frightening kids into not making grotesque expressions! But in reality this is nothing but a nice ploy to scare children. Contrary to the notion, your eyes will not stay that way if you cross them. If, however, a child is often crossing one eye, then it could be a sign of the lazy eye and needs medical attention immediately.
Myth #5:
WEARING GLASSES ALL THE TIME WILL MAKE CHILDREN DEPENDENT ON THEM.
No, no and a big no. Children do not get dependent on their glasses if they wear them during every waking hour. However, the refractive errors that kids have, which includes near-sightedness, far-sightedness or astigmatism keep changing as they get older. This could be due to a variety of factors like lifestyle, genetics or diet and not because they are wearing spectacles more or less often. In fact, not wearing glasses will only affect their visual acuity to a great extent, a reason why most eye care practitioners insist that they wear spectacles all the time. Spectacles also help children see better by focusing the rays properly on the retina. Without these, the eye has to work extra to see clearly. Hence, not wearing spectacles will in fact strain the eye.
Myth #6:
SPENDING TOO MUCH TIME ON COMPUTERS AND PLAYING DIGITAL GAMES CAN DAMAGE THE EYE.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, constant use of a computer or playing video games won't harm the eyes. It can, however, lead to eye fatigue. This is because when a person is using a computer or any digital device for long periods of time, they tend to blink less often than usual. This makes the eyes dry, which may lead to a feeling of eyestrain. Eye care practitioners therefore encourage people to blink regularly and look into the distance often while using these devices. 36
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Myth #8:
SIT TOO CLOSE TO THE TV, AND SPOIL YOUR EYES.
Since the time TVs made their entry into living rooms the world over, parents have been telling their children to maintain a safe distance while viewing it. While this is sound advice, in reality there is no proof that sitting very close to the TV and watching your favourite sitcoms can damage your eyes.
insomnia! A layperson often ends up confusing difficulty to see in the night to night blindness, also known as nyctalopia. But this is hardly true. A good number of people have trouble seeing at night and a simple explanation for this is that it’s harder to see when there is less light. Night blindness, on the other hand, is not a prevalent condition and more often than not is an indication of some other ocular ailment like myopia, the presence of cataracts, retinitis pigmentosa or even a deficiency of Vitamin A. And the good news is that it is curable, so people suffering from it do not necessarily have to keep bumping into things in the dark.
Myth #10:
YOU TOO CAN GET INFECTED IF YOU LOOK AT A PERSON WHO HAS CONJUNCTIVITIS?
Of course, conjunctivitis is very contagious, but there is no way you will get it just by looking at the red eyes
Not wearing glasses affects their visual acuity to a great extent, a reason why most eye care practitioners insist that children wear spectacles all the time. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, kids can actually focus up close without eyestrain better than adults. This probably explains why they develop the habit of sitting right in front of the television or holding reading material close to their eyes. However, if a child always prefers to sit close to a TV then it could be a sign of nearsightedness, which can be determined during a routine check by an eye care practitioner.
Myth #9:
IF YOU CAN’T SEE WELL IN THE DARK, YOU HAVE NIGHT BLINDNESS.
This is akin to saying that if you can’t sleep well at night, then you suffer from
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of someone infected with the bacteria. The virus causing this ailment spreads very easily. It is usually transmitted if the infected person touches the discharge from the eye and then touches any object thereby transferring the virus. When a healthy person touches that object, they are likely to get infected as well. This is why it is important to wash hands frequently if you suffer from conjunctivitis. These are but some of the myths that abound about eye care. And for good reason too. Like all other beliefs, old wives tales about the eye thrive largely because of ignorance. The best thing one can do when in doubt is head to an eye care practitioner and get their doubts clarified. It is always best to separate fact from fiction when it comes to something as vital as our eyes. Because when it comes to the eye, one can never be too careful! __________________________________ – Vinita Bhatia
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PERSPECTIVE
Digitally Changing The Eyewear Market
The digital market has changed every industry in recent times and the optical business is no exception. With online shopping on the rise, it’s time for eyewear companies to reassess their customer’s buying patterns, as well as their own market strategies.
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A
increasingly blurred and control has shifted in multiple directions.
Let's take a look at the key impact of the digital change and what the digital future holds for eyewear companies around the world. The first real impact has been markedly felt in the supply chain. The lines between retailers, agencies, wholesalers and manufacturers/suppliers have
Industry giants like Luxottica and Safilo have adopted tighter controls on who and where they distribute products. Retailers, especially medium to large chains, are increasingly interacting directly with manufacturers and cutting out the middle men. Along with cost-effective gains, this helps increase control over where brands are sold and distributed. With heavily discounted designer products being sold online, brands need to do everything they can to preserve their brand value and this is not a surprising evolution.
ccording to various estimates, currently, less than 4% of eyewear is sold online, but this will leap to 15% in the next five to seven years as consumers become more comfortable buying their eyewear on the internet. This growth is creating drastic shifts in buying patterns, which are impacting all aspects of the industry, from supply chains to customer interaction.
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In New York, there are several online companies, such as the Gilt Groupe, who have achieved unimaginable reach, in a short period of time, by selling designers brands at lower prices. Since they are creating a new force in the supply chain and a high quality clientele without geographic restrictions, why wouldn’t manufacturers sell directly to them? This helps them quickly sell excess stock and also retain control?
CUSTOMER'S SHIFTING ATTITUDES
For those businesses caught in the middle, the way in which their business strategies can adapt to these trends will dictate their ultimate survival in the new supply chain.
The economic downturn has given birth to a new type of customer who appreciates affordable fashion and is not willing to pay the high price that strong brands once commanded. Established brands are now having to deeply discount their products and there is an emergence of new low-cost players that present a viable alternative to branded eyewear. If global searches on Google are anything to
go by, ‘cheap sunglasses’ has almost 250,000 monthly searches which is ranked within the top five searches related to sunglasses. This is just one of many indicators that points at the increasing demand for low cost, quality eyewear. In the US, there are many online shops offering glasses for USD $100 or less and worryingly for big label brands, some are gaining strong traction with customers. With greater price transparency across the Internet, margins are under significant pressure and competing
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over cost is not a sustainable option. It is innovation in branding and marketing that will differentiate the great, the good and the ugly. Visiting the optical conference at the Jarvis centre in New York last year only drove this point home. There was little to differentiate one ‘in vogue vintage styled’ brand from another so the purchasing decision comes down to the perceived value of the brand. Warby Parker, a new leading online eyewear company in New York, has not only provided greater awareness of its brands amongst its target market but also allowed for far greater customer engagement. Established players such as Ray-Ban, too, have presented innovative ways of marketing, for example, through the ‘Never Hide’ ad campaign and smartphone app. To really stay ahead of the competition in the digital world, companies both new and established must be constantly looking ahead at the emerging digital trends as first mover advantages can play a big part in winning in this market.
THE FUTURE
So the present and future of the eyewear business is digital. But what are the key trends and innovations that eyewear companies need to keep an eye on? As people become more comfortable purchasing their eyewear online without relying on their local optician, it is essential to capture the new wave of online buying trends. People trust recommendations from their peers, so there is a huge appetite for ‘social commerce’. This essentially translates to more consumers interacting with and influencing each other for purchasing decisions through online communities. One such example is polyvore.com where recommendations of influential fashionistas and bloggers greatly increase the sales conversion rates of the products showcased. Internet fashion giant Zappos.com in 2011 alone made over 50,000 product videos. This decision is no coincidence, considering that video is proven to increase sales conversions by as much as 20% to 30%. Video 40
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As people become more comfortable purchasing their eyewear online without relying on their local optician, it is essential to capture the new wave of online buying trends. demonstrations could be particularly effective for eyewear. Illustrating, for example, how to adjust your glasses or seeing models trying on glasses has the power to make a consumer substantially more comfortable with buying online. There is still a relatively high cost to producing product videos. However, more and more digital tools are helping to drive down the costs of production. For example, animoto.com is an online software that automates video production using video clips, which can be white labeled to create effective marketing tools. This is just one of several examples of new low cost softwares that can help smaller eyewear companies advertise their products in a more innovative way.
HIGH-TECH MOBILE PHONES
Mobile phones are becoming a ‘onestop shop’ and new mobile payment technologies will soon eliminate the
need for credit cards. Since this will make purchasing via phones infinitely easier, eyewear companies that establish a mobile-friendly store and application will have a distinct advantage when this technology hits the market. Some apps with a virtual ‘try on’ technology for glasses have already emerged and more sophisticated applications are likely to follow. Similar to video, the cost of building a phone app has continued to decrease, so establishing a mobile phone footprint requires far less investment today than a year ago. The digital marketplace presents huge opportunities and challenges for the global eyewear industry. Young companies are harnessing the power of the internet to capture market share from long-established players. We might begin to see a wave of acquisitions of the smaller, more successful companies as this could be the only conceivable way for larger companies to ‘catch up’ to the rate of digital change. Keeping pace with the myriad options in this space will require a high level of investment and effort, but the rewards are substantial if the digital strategy is executed effectively. __________________________________ - Kajal Sanghrajka (New York) ................................................................................ Email us at sea@visionplusmag.com
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EVENTS
Ever ything between you and eye
WHERE:
2012 started on a good note for the 450 exhibitors and 23,000 visitors from the optical industry who participated in opti ’12 in Munich.
H
eld at Munich, from 13th to 15th January 2012, opti ’12 has received favourable feedback from the 450 exhibitors from 27 countries who were housed in four exhibition halls. Even the 23,000 visitors to this threeday trade fair displayed an upbeat mood, and exhibitors saw their order books filling up fast. According to a survey conducted by the GHM Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen mbH, the organiser for opti, overall the exhibitors were pleased with the number of their orders which was higher than last year. Also, they were happy about the increasing interest from overseas opticians in their products. Almost 90% of the trade visitors that were surveyed rated the event as ‘good to very good’. The survey also revealed that visitors were particularly pleased with the wide range on display at the fair. Of special interest this year were the sections on frames, optical lenses and contact lenses. "With new exhibitors and designers from Germany and abroad – including ones from Japan and the US – opti has underlined its fashion and design competence and broadened its
Munich WHEN:
Jan 13-15, 2012
Optics Sector Celebrates The Start Of 2012 With opti ’12 international coverage," said Dieter Dohr, CEO and President, GHM Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen mbH. Visitors were also delighted and 84.3% of them described the international coverage of the fair as ‘good to excellent’.
POSITIVE FEEDBACK
Optimus, a relaxing get-together in the Hofbräuhaus, which is a famous beer hall located right in the heart of Munich, was very much appreciated by exhibitors and visitors, alike. Here, they had an opportunity to engage in informal conversations outside the exhibition halls. Talking about this, Thomas Truckenbrod, President of Zentralverband der Augenoptiker (ZVA), said, "optimus lived up to the promise of its name. It was an optimum evening and a real highlight in the organisation of opti ’12." He added that ZVA’s stand was always busy and the company was able to feel the optimism of their colleagues for 2012.
Also positive in his comments about the fair was Josef May, Chairman of the Sector Association SPECTARIS. "Business was good, the atmosphere was again superb, the organisational side was uncomplicated and there was a further increase in the number of visitors from abroad. After the tough times in the second half of 2011, we are now thankfully entering the new year with a following wind from opti ’12," said he stated. Opinions about the economic situation remained unchanged. According to the survey by the organisers, the trade visitors are optimistically looking forward to the future. With this positive feedback, the organisers are now working on the next opti, which takes place in Munich from 25th to 27th January, 2013, an even better affair. ___________________________________________
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WHERE:
Milan WHEN:
Mar 11-13, 2012
2012
Capturing Attention Already, As Always
The 42nd Mido trade fair will be held in March 2012 and by the looks of it, the event will be as successful as ever.
moving away from its traditional Friday to Sunday scheduling. The change comes following feedback collected at last year’s event, which showed that many delegates and exhibitors prefer two weekdays, according to Cirillo Marcolin, the newly elected President of Mido.
EXHIBITION SERVICES
F
rom 11th to 13th March, 2012, Mido will once again present to the world the latest trends in eyewear fashion. This international trade fair on all things related to optics, optometry and ophthalmology, attracts people from optical businesses across the world, as it witnesses the participation of major companies from the international eyewear industry. Incidentally, this year, the show will start on a Sunday and end on Tuesday, 42
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To ensure that exhibitors and visitors have instant access to any information that they require about the event at the venue, the committee has set up infopoints throughout the halls where Mido’s staff will answer their queries. This is in addition to the numerous touchscreen computers that can be used freely by visitors to plan their visit across various exhibition booths. A web point has also been set up to give free access to visitors for surfing the internet or for checking a personal mailbox – a service offered by Expopage. The new exhibition centre
will also include bank ATMs as well as a pharmacy. For over 15 years, Mido has been offering an anti-counterfeiting service during the exhibition, which protects exhibitors and informs them about their industrial patent rights. “We plan to continue this service for 2012 too and will collaborate with the Centro Studi Anticontraffazione to publish a guide on the fundamental principles of Intellectual Property,” said Astrid Galimberti, General Director of Mido. 42,000 visitors participated in Mido 2011, which was an increase of 3% over the previous year’s footfalls. This time around, the organisers are confident that a lot more people will be keen to participate in the event, which is amongst the two most famous international trade fairs in the industry. ___________________________________________
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DIOPS 2012:
Great Expectations The 11th Daegu International Optical Fair, also called DIOPS, is likely to attract the participation of at least 220 exhibitors and 30,000 visitors.
T
he 11th Daegu International Optical Fair, which is also called DIOPS, will be held from 18th April to 20th April, in 2012 at Daegu Exhibition and Convention Centre in Korea. The show organisers are expecting at least 220 exhibitors and nearly 30,000 show participants to participate in this event. Last year, 16,159 attendees and 208 exhibitors attended DIOPS 2011. The event is organised by Korea Optical Industry Support Centre (KOISC) and Korea Optometric Association, in cooperation with many other trade associations. The sponsors for the event include Korea’s Ministry of Knowledge and Economy; Ministry of Health and Welfare; Food
WHERE:
Korea WHEN:
Apr 18-20, 2012
and Drug Administration; Federation of Professional Economic-Person Societies and Daegu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
GREAT EXPECTATIONS
“DIOPS is the only optical trade show held in Korea. We are working hard to ensure that its 11th edition is bigger than ever before, which will reinforce its status as a leading optical trade show of Asia,” said Jin-Young Son, CEO of KOISC. Talking about this event, Dominque Pinton, President of Lunette de France, said that the Korean market is interesting for French companies. “French companies try to come every
year to tap the domestic market in this country,” he added. DIOPS is expected to attract companies that manufacture and trade prescription frames, sunglasses, optical instruments, eye-testers, lenses, contact lenses, lens cleaner as well as eyewear accessories. Chang-Ho Hwang, President of BLICK, which was an exhibitor at DIOPS 2011, said that many orders were made by opticians during that event. “Many overseas buyers visited our booth and showed their interest in 3D eyewear. We were very satisfied with DIOPS 2011 as it was an effective show for our company, as well as an essential meeting place for our international customer base,” he stated. The event will have the DIOPS International Optical Conference, a symposium by the Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society and another one by the Korean Society of Vision Science as well as special events to enhance networking opportunities. ___________________________________________ - VisionPlus Bureau ................................................................................
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OFF THE SHELF
Mercedes Benz - elegant sporty eyewear
Mercedes Benz developed its Drivers' Edition eyewear especially for motor sport enthusiasts and drivers. It comprises three sunglasses from casual in an aviator look, up to modern in the chic racing driver style. Innovative materials and refined details create a sporty and elegant look and reflect the independent character of the collection. The special feature of the Mercedes Benz Drivers' Edition is that it is available both with Rodenstock SunContrast drive as well as polarised lenses. The sun protection lenses can be delivered using an individual prescription and provide UV and glare protection in most driving situations.
Defiant and bold - Police 2012 men’s sunglasses range
Police’s 2012 sunglasses collection feature models with a contemporary vintage feel. Metal frames prevail, either drop-shaped or aviator-like or with more square profiles. These come alongside a number of acetates, even in two-colour versions. The star of the collection is the blue mirrored lens that made the brand so successful in the ‘80s and that is available in all models of the collection, in a glam rock version. The blue lens is revived and represented as a must-have with a more daring look than ever, combined with newer shapes.
High-end frames feature in Diesel’s collection
The Diesel Spring Summer 2012 sunglasses collection can be grouped into five divisions. These include high-end female frames featuring fashionable shapes linked to the Diesel world for colours and details and high end male frames featuring materials such as studs, leather, and scratched metal as well as military/work-wear frames, which is a distinct concept in mainly male/unisex styles. Then there are the vintage-inspired frames featuring the Diesel logo as graphic detail and employing sporty colours in clash. Finally, there are frames dedicated to the younger customer featuring Diesel twists with a wide use of bright colour.
Luxury exemplified in Ferragamo’s eyewear models
For Spring Summer 2012, the Ferragamo eyewear combines craftmanship with modern creativity. Gancino and Vara, both Ferragamo details, are elegantly placed on the frames. Gancino is molded from polished metal and filled with coloured enamel. Engraved with the Ferragamo logo, the Vara clasp is placed on the temples with dual zyls - a juxtaposition of horn and colour. The classic aviator is revitalised with frame fronts, the logo scripted on the lenses and the end pieces wrapped in vividly colour leather.
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Roberto Cavalli’s Spring Summer 2012 collection
Female-inspired and iconic details, that is how the Spring Summer 2012 eyewear collection by Roberto Cavalli can be described. It tries to creatively present models with refined and contemporary style through references to the aesthetic codes of the brand, such as the animal motif, snake theme and goldsmith's art. The appeal of the collection is highlighted by the elegant lines of the new models, including retro-inspired shapes and details of modern taste.
Nine West boasts of an element of glamour and edge in new range
The new Spring Summer 2012 collection from Nine West Eyewear captures the brand's modern style. Prevalent colour blocking in bright green, red pink and turquoise mixed with black and faux tortoise zyl add distinction. Luminous peach blonde and ruby orange colourations saturate layers of zyl, while rose ombre and silver highlight the collection's trend. Animal print or polka dot line the interior and exterior of temples. The Nine West logo is also incorporated on the temples and ophthalmics are adorned with stud and half-star detailing.
Valentino blends past and present in new range
Keeping today’s women in mind, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, the Creative Directors of Valentino, blend delicacy and strength, past and present in the brand’s Spring Summer 2012 eyewear collection. The range features iconic elements of Valentino style: lace, precise yet feminine lines, and studs. Lace appears on transparent acetate, while metal studs and inserts accent the shape of the lens. The Valentino ‘V’ becomes a functional element and a distinctive detail. Frames are oversized, with curvy silhouettes or sharp architectural shapes
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S
OPTICAL NEWS
Acuvue Advance Plus launched in Jakarta Contact lens industry in seven Asian markets grew by 15%: GfK Asia
T
he global optics and eyewear business is worth approximately $93 billion, and nearly 11% is contributed by the contact lenses segment. In Asia, contact lens sales in seven key markets tracked by Gesellschaft für Konsumforschung (GfK), have registered consistent quarter-on-quarter growth in the first three quarters of 2011, with last quarter sales hitting more than 131 million pieces and valued at over than $211 million. According to GfK, the contact lens industry reflected positive growth in the first nine months of 2011, across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan and China. Taiwanese continue to be the largest users in unit terms, buying an average of 14.5 million pieces each month, while the biggest spenders are Koreans, forking out more than $26 million on contact lens monthly.
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cuvue’s Advance Plus contact lens was launched at Hotel Gran Melia in Jakarta on 27th October, 2011. It is a two-week contact lens with Hydraclear technology, which can provide optimum comfort for users who are wearing contact lens for the first time as well as those who have long wanted to use contact lenses for daily activities. Donny Saerang, Senior Business Manager for Indonesia and Philippines of Johnson & Johnson’s Vision Care Division, said that these two-weekly contact lenses have been designed specifically to provide comfort from the first day of use, even for firsttime users.
Charmant-Z awarded the 2011 Good Design Award
The silicon hydrogel segment that seen rising demand among consumers despite its significantly higher price tag. Asian users bought around $74 million worth of silicon hydrogel lenses within nine months of 2011, signifying a growth of more than 22% compared to a year ago. Once again, Koreans are the biggest consumers, having spent close to $23 million on silicon hydrogel lenses during this time frame. 46
A
C
harmant Group was the recipient of the Good Design Award 2011 by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion (JDP) for optical frames and sunglasses of its brand Charmant-Z.
In optical frames, the models ZT11766, ZT11767 and ZT11768 were the award winning products while in sunglasses it included ZT11253 and ZT11254. The winning products from their recent collection employ Charmant’s exclusive Excellence Titan – a flexible material that provides unlimited design options and superior wearing comfort to the end consumer, according to the company.
TD Tom Davies Bespoke service launched in Malaysia
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yecon Optometry Network launched TD Tom Davies Bespoke - a luxury made-to-measure eyewear service - in Malaysia on 1st November, 2011. The launch was in conjunction with the official opening of Eyecon’s flagship outlet at The Gardens in Mid Valley City. This is the first time that this exclusive service has been launched in Asia, and Eyecon has been appointed as the sole distributor for the British luxury eyewear brand in Malaysia. The TD Tom Davies Bespoke has frames that are designed and handmade to suit a person’s face, skin tone, physical characteristics and lifestyle. Customers can get spectacles or sunglasses that fit the way they want, in the colours and materials they choose, and which contour their natural features.
VISIONPLUS (SOUTH EAST ASIA) - Everything Between You & Eye
2/7/2012 11:41:13 AM
Ever ything between you and eye
WS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE Nikon launches simulation suite in Singapore
and benefits of Nikon lenses and facilitates eye care practitioners in their selling process of these products.
Hoya teams with Institute of Technical Education in Singapore
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ikon has launched its first simulation suite in Singapore. It is located at ‘YES! Your Eyewear Specialists’ at Suntec City, which is a leading optical shop in the country.
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The company claimed that this is the first time such a concept has been introduced in South East Asia, and that it enhances the buying experience of Nikon lenses. It has demo tools that indicate the various functions
oya Lens has teamed up with the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) to enhance opticianry education in Singapore through a $315,000 sponsorship over the next five years. Hoya will provide funding, specialised ophthalmic equipment and industryrelevant training opportunities for both ITE students as well as lecturers.
The highlight of the sponsorship is the opening of EyeWear@ITE, a complete retail vision care outlet at ITE College East, at Simei. It will serve as a training platform for students who are undergoing the Nitec in Opticianry course. Here, they will be taught to eye-testing and how to handle related client care services leading to the dispensing of ophthalmic lenses. They will also learn about providing appropriate retail and customer service for walk-in customers. Launched in January 2011 by ITE College East’s School of Applied & Health Sciences, the Nitec in Opticianry is the only course of its kind available in Singapore. 80 students are currently enrolled in the course, which is being conducted by a team of eight ITE lecturers, with each having at least six years of experience in the industry. ................................................................................ Email us at sea@visionplusmag.com
Good Participation at SOC 2011 November, 2011 at Suntec City. Around 300 eye care practitioners comprising opticians, optometrists and ophthalmologists, participated in this seminar-cum-trade exhibition. International guests like Kevin Siew, President of The Malaysian Association of Practising Opticians as well as other members from this association were present.
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he Society of Opticianry Practitioners (SOP) in Singapore organized the Singapore Opticianry Congress (SOC) 2011 on 17th
The event was sponsored by 24 companies including Essilor, Hoya, Transitions, Zeiss, Bausch + Lomb, etc. The Guest of Honour was Dr Lim Wee Kiak, Member of Parliament for Nee Soon GRC and an advisor to SOP.
Some of the keynote speakers included Dr Lim Boon Ang, Senior Consultant in the Department of Ophthalmology at Tan Tock Seng Hospital; Professor James Wolffsohn, Deputy Dean of Life and Health Sciences at Aston University in the United Kingdom; Lectures topics included ‘Dispensing Prisms In Progressive Lenses’ and ‘A Global Perspective On Opticianry – What’s In Store For Singapore’ among many others. The event had 'Highlight From The Booth', where participants took part in live demos on the special features in booths from the trade fair. ______________________________
VISIONPLUS (SOUTH EAST ASIA) - Everything Between You & Eye
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Ever ything between you and eye
TRIVIA
Vision Illusion Study this logo for the Pittsburgh Zoo carefully. Do you see the animals hidden in this illusion?
What do you read, alive or dead?
Do you see a musician or a girl's face?
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VISIONPLUS (SOUTH EAST ASIA) - Everything Between You & Eye
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