DEAR MEMBERS Industry WATCH

VOL. XXVI NO. 04
APRIL 2011
DEAR MEMBERS
A f t e r Wa t s o n , I B M ’ s
super-computer Jeopardy
p l a y e r, d e f e a t e d t h e
game show’s two human
contestants in February,
the media was filled with
talk of Watson’s success
and what it signals for
the future.
Scientists gave their predictions and examples of
innovations of all kinds. One of those innovations
revolved around contact lenses – smart lenses that
may be able to monitor blood sugar levels and high
eye pressure. In fact, electronic circuits and lights
integrated in the lenses might even allow wearers
to see virtual displays. Imagine drivers seeing a
vehicle’s speed projected onto the windshield
or people surfing the Internet on a midair virtual
display screen that only they can see!
Those virtual displays still have a way to go,
but researchers are getting close to devising
glucose-sensing contacts and those that can
prevent vision loss from glaucoma by monitoring
high eye pressure.
That’s pretty amazing, isn’t it?
And there was more futuristic optical news I heard
about recently. A television report talked about
an artificial retina to help people with advanced
retinal disease. The retinal prosthesis system
captures images from a miniature video camera
mounted on a pair of sunglasses and converts
them into electronic impulses that are sent to a chip
attached to the retina. Users perceive patterns of
light, which they learn to interpret as vision. One
doctor equated the system with cochlear implants.
We know how effective those have been for people
who are deaf, and there’s hope that these retinal
systems will keep improving and offer similar help
for people who are blind due to retinal disease.
That’s pretty amazing, isn’t it?
Even NASA is excited about optical innovations. The agency announced that they fitted
astronauts on Discovery’s final spaceflight in
February with Superfocus glasses (formerly known
as TruFocals). It seems that the average age of
astronauts today is about 48, so many of them
are presbyopic. In addition, some astronauts also
experience vision changes due to the weightlessness of spaceflight, so the agency is hopeful that
these adjustable-focus glasses will provide instant
focus for a variety of situations. The glasses
are being used aboard the International Space
Station as well.
That’s pretty amazing, isn’t it?
135233_BlockBuying.indd 1
We know how technology keeps improving frames,
lenses, contact lenses, instruments and equipment
in the optical field, but sometimes we don’t realize
how far innovators have come. In recent months
it took a giant super-computer on Jeopardy to turn
reporters’ thoughts to high-tech wonders – and
look at the optical discoveries they uncovered.
Consumers are impressed with progress. When
you demonstrate advanced optical products
such as polycarbonate, photochromics, high
index lenses and AR, you can wow them with the
innovation of current technology. And you can
ask them,
“That’s pretty amazing, isn’t it?”
Sincerely,
Michael Block
Industry
WATCH
Innovations
Gears are turning, minds racing, and computers
zipping along as inventors brainstorm and
strategize, trying to turn ingenious ideas into
tangible products. Some of them never make
it past the doodling stage; others transform
our worlds.
Let’s take a look at some innovations:
WITHIN THE OPTICAL ARENA
Photochromic Contact Lenses
Why should the concept of automatic darkening be
relegated only to spectacle lenses? Researchers
in Singapore think contact lenses are a perfect
vehicle for photochromic reaction. Their contact
lens material contains a network of nano-sized
tunnels that can be filled with photosensitive dyes,
and they believe this technology has a faster
response time than photochromic spectacle
lenses.
Contact Lenses that Treat Glaucoma
Because eye drops are often not as effective in
treating glaucoma as they should be according
to some studies, researchers at the University
of Florida in Gainesville are looking for a better
alternative. Their answer is to fit glaucoma
patients with medicine-containing contact lenses.
And they’ve taken their research to another
level – adding vitamin E to the medicine. The
antioxidant vitamin makes the glaucoma medicine
last almost 100 times longer – and might help
prevent cataracts.
Refractive Testing via Cellphone
According to MIT researchers, simple cellphones
can be used to perform refractions and would
be a boon to people in remote locations that do
not have exam instruments such as phoropters
or aberrometers. Their method, the Near-Eye
Tool for Refractive Assessment (NETRA), uses
a small device clipped onto the front of a
cellphone’s screen. The patient looks into a
small lens and presses keys on the phone as
instructed. Software loaded onto the phone
provides the prescription data.
Headband Glasses
No pressure on your nose; nothing to weigh
down your ears. “Avant-garde Frames” as
Huang Mei, the inventor, calls them, consist of
a headband-like contraption with lenses hanging over the wearer’s eyes. According to Huang
Mei, they are especially comfortable for jogging
and for people with flatter bridges.
BEYOND THE OPTICAL ARENA
Self-tightening Power Laces Shoes
Inspired by the movie Back to the Future 2,
the shoes will use small motors that pull the
laces tight at the touch of a button on the side
of the shoe. The concept can be especially
helpful for the elderly or disabled who have
difficulty tying their shoes. An advanced version
being researched will be completely handsfree, with a special heel censor triggering the
tightening.
Smart Wristwatches
Who needs a watch? Many people just look
at their cellphones for the time. But that’s
not stopping watch makers from trying to
beat the system. There’s a new watch being
developed that works more like a computer
than a timepiece. The goal is for wearers to
use the Allerta watch as an extension of their
cellphone. With its screen of information – and
the plan to add apps to the watch – wearers
won’t have to fumble for a phone any more.
They’ll simply look at their wrist for information.
Every day brings something new…
THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
OF THE
BLOCK BUYING GROUP
P.O. Box 310720
Boca Raton, FL 33431-0720
(800) 524-1480 • Fax (561) 893-9231
www.blockbg.com customerservice@blockbg.com
3/22/11 8:56 AM
Frame Company
UPDATE
FROM BEST IMAGE: Best Image Optical
releases two new retro additions to its highly
successful Dolabany Collection. Romco (top)
is made of handmade Italian zyl and is available
in black crystal, brown crystal and purple crystal,
with size 51/18/140. Renegade (bottom) is also
made of handmade Italian zyl and is available
in blond beige, black forest, tortoise crystal, and
ebony demi with size 51/19/145. Please call 800688-7661 to order.
FROM SAFILO:
Giorgio Armani model GA
854/S is one of the new models from the Summer
2011 collection. This explicitly classic, feminine
shape is reinterpreted in a contemporary way
through a subtle play of contrasting materials.
The hand-brushed metal front, with its sinuous
shape, contrasts with the marbled acetate
temples creating an unusual balance, where the
color choices are seductive. Colors include gold/
brown with graduated brown lenses, palladium/
grey with graduated grey lenses, sand/light marble
with gold-mirrored brown lenses, and bronze/
brown with graduated brown lenses. Please call
800-631-1188 to order.
FROM SMILEN EYEWEAR: Smilen Eye-
FROM CHARMANT: The Spring / Summer 2011
wear introduces the Profile Collection, featuring
plastics and metals in retro shapes and colors,
complete with a case. Featured below is Profile
15. To order, and to find out about an introductory
special offer, please call 800-887-5675.
PUMA Eyewear collection of 15 ophthalmic styles
and 10 sunglasses for stylish, active individuals
offers a wide range of trend-setting, sophisticated
lifestyle and functional eyewear that start in
sportsand end in style. Triolog (top) is for
sport enthusiasts with a flair for individuality.
A polycarbonate lens offers optical quality
within a sleek ergonomic design featuring clever
color highlights of the temples. Galaxy
(bottom) - sophistication and comfort are
afforded by these lean-looking metallic frames.
Rubber tipped open temples with color contrasted
inners fuse this elegant everyday style with a
penchant for action. Please call 800-645-2121
to order.
Supplier
NEWS
BLOCK BUYING GROUP
MEMBERS PLEASE NOTE...
FROM MODO EYEWEAR: Creativity and
inspiration are the real essence of the four ophthalmic and five sunglass styles from 3.1 phillip
lim. Optical model Raquer (top) is a large square
acetate frame for men. This unique shape adds a
personal touch to every face. Colors range from
black, tort and chocolate to forest. Sun model
Elody (bottom) is an edgy retro shape in acetate.
Colors include black, tortoise, pink and brown.
Please call 800-223-7610 to order.
135233_BlockBuying.indd 2
You can now bill your CooperVision BULK
and BANK orders through Block Buying
Group. Please contact Block Buying Group
customer service for pricing.
Block Buying Group is the only buying group
providing its members with discounts and
rebates on the purchase of Oakley products.
If you are already an authorized Oakley dealer,
or would like information on becoming an
authorized dealer, please call Carolyn Walsh
at 800-524-1480 ext. 205 for more information.
MARCATI OPTICAL offers Cameleon
Photochromic lenses - brilliant color outdoors,
ultra clear indoors.
u Polycarbonate Photochromic with AR gray...
Sph: -6.00 to +4.00 | Cyl: -.25 to -2.00 | $25 per pair
u 1.56 Mid Index Photochromic gray / brown...
Sph: Plano to -4.00 | Cyl: -.25 to -2.00 | $18 per pair
Free shipping with purchase of $50 or more.
Please call 866-MARCATI for more information.
NANOFILM recently awarded a grant to fund a
continuing education course for professional
opticians. “Why Care About Lens Care” is a no-cost
online course approved for one hour of Continuing Education credit by the American Board
of Opticianry. The course is designed to help
eyecare professionals understand the material
science behind cleaning optical lenses and
coatings and learn effective ways to discuss the
topic with patients. The “Why Care About Lens
Care” curriculum was designed by Barry Santini,
a New York State licensed optician, who is certified
by the American Board of Opticianry and has been
awarded an ABO Master designation. The course
is hosted on the website of 20/20 Magazine. “Why
Care About Lens Care” emphasizes the impact an
optician who is educated about lens care can have
on customer satisfaction and reduced eyewear
remakes, which has a direct impact on an optical
company’s success. Guidelines for understanding
and choosing safe and effective lens care cleaners for various lenses and lens coatings are also
discussed. Special emphasis is included on the
science of cleansing Super Hydrophobic coatings,
the “easy clean” surfaces which are increasing in
popularity. The course also includes best practices
for educating parents about proper lens care
as part of a personalized dispensing process.
Nanofilm, founded in 1985, is a global optical
leader in lens care and coatings. Millions of people
around the world use Nanofilm products, including
Clarity Clean It™, Clarity Defog It™ and other
lens care products, as well as nanotechnologyenabled coatings. More information please visit
www.nanofilmproducts.com or call 800-883-6266.
MODO
CELEBRITY
SIGHTING
Jane Adams, lead
actress in the HBO
show “Hung” chose
Eco 107 in black
to wear in an
upcoming episode.
3/22/11 8:56 AM
Supplier NEWS
(cont.)
BLOCK BUYING GROUP
WELCOMES...
Absolute Black is about design, production and
distribution establishing a unique and eclectic
house of brand, designers and creative collaborations. Elizabeth and James is a modern
lifestyle brand for a new generation. CoDesigners Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen
seek to narrow the gap between designer
and contemporary fashions. Elizabeth and
James embodies an eclectic lifestyle by
blending uptown and downtown elements with
casual and traditional styles, the juxtaposition
between masculine and feminine. Block Buying
Group members receive a 10% discount on
opening orders (12 piece requirement), and 7%
onall reorders. Please visit www.absoluteblackdesign.com or call 888-823-9788 for
more information.
BLOCK BUYING GROUP
WELCOMES...
Kio Yamato Optics nurtures skilled artistry in
eyewear through craftsmanship in design and
function. The designer’s technical expertise
combined with the ergonomic function of
the design fabricates art and idea into reality.
Impeccable attention to detail creates a
finished product that emanates the concept
of “clean and pure.” Oftentimes, this concept
contradicts the actual complex construction.
Consumers familiar with the line and its other
brands (O&X New York and newly designed
LEGO), continually seek and follow the Kio
Yamato trends throughout the years. As a
luxury Japanese titanium brand in the market world-wide, Kio Yamato always desires
to create innovative designs to present to
their exclusive dealers and end consumers a
one of a kind product everywhere they go.
Block Buying Group members receive a
5% discount on Lego, and 2% on O&X New
York. No discount on Kio Yamato. Opening
orders apply. Please call 800-700-3079 or visit
www.kioyamato.com for more information.
NEW YORK EYE
ZYLOWARE offers Randy Jackson Eyewear
promotion. Check it out! Purchase any 8 Randy
Jackson frames and receive a free Randy Jackson universal bag. This universal, tech savvy
travel bag makes being a geek so chic. Sleek,
stylish and lightweight for those on the go. Work,
school, or travel, this bag fits all lifestyles and
features:
u Checkpoint friendly viewpoint system which
helps you fly through airport security.
u Adjustable shoulder straps with removable pad
and top grab handle for comfort.
u Multi-function organizer for business or personal
accessories.
u Fits Netbook, iPad™, Kindle or 13” laptop, plus
accessories.
For more information please call 800-765-3700
or visit www.zyloware.com. Offer good while
supplies last.
135233_BlockBuyingInsert.indd 1
(a HART SPECIALTIES
COMPANY) offers Woolrich® Eyewear. Woolrich® Eyewear features classic and traditional
men’s styling as well as adequate progressive
depths in a durable frame collection crafted from
100% pure nickel-free titanium and lightweight
stainless steel. Woolrich products easily endure
the rigors of an active outdoor lifestyle. The synergy of quality, value, time-honored design and
high tech performance materials has become
the hallmark of the Woolrich® brand for over 180
years. New York Eye offers over forty five styles
in this collection in sizes ranging from 49 to 57mm.
For more information please visit www.newyorkeye.net or call 800-221-6966.
BLOCK BUYING GROUP
WELCOMES...
This season, Kimiko Eyewear presents an extension of its very popular line KERF EYEWORKS,
along with new styles in its Brooklyn
Collection. KERF Eyeworks, aimed at today’s
customer, is a range of sleek, street-ready
styles in a variety of wearable colors, crafted
out of durable, high-quality materials and offered at recession-era prices. Every frame is
designed to be picked up, put on, and worn
anywhere. KERF embodies European design
with that edgy, urban sensibility. The founder
of Kimiko, Felix Bystritsky, spent his entire professional life in the eyecare business. He was
trained in Europe before moving to New York.
He founded his company in 1999, targeting the
high-end fashion eyewear market. After appearing at several international industry expos
and receiving numerous positive mentions in
the media, he followed up with several acclaimed new collections, including Aiko, Eyewear Religion, and the innovative eyewearembellishment system PHOTOFRAME™
which became an instant hit at Vision Expo
2009. According to recent surveys, over 50%
of Americans aged 18-30 wear glasses - not
counting wearers of contacts. After celebrating
Kimiko’s 10th anniversary, the objective was to
create a new line of eyewear for a new kind of
customer. The free spenders were gone; buyers were more interested in quality and value
than in ostentation and glitz. KERF proves you
can downsize price without sacrificing style or
quality. The new frames include an elegant,
subtle temple design featuring a tiny “triangle
and dot” design. The name KERF is concealed
inside the hinge, and a delicate barely visible
“K” water mark is etched at the temple tip.
These and other exquisite touches showcase
the consummate craftsmanship, obsession
with detail and the overall uniqueness of
KERF frames in comparison with the vintagestyle plastic frames of other brands. The
beautiful multi-colored acetate frames are
hand-crafted to the highest standard. They
seem minimalist at first glance, but then you
notice the layers of vibrant, tastefully selected
shades in each customized color combination. The range of shapes has been carefully
chosen to flatter all sorts of faces - male, female,
narrow, wide, oval, triangular - and suit
a variety of personal styles. Deceptively
simple, lightweight and stunningly adaptable to any kind of look, these glasses
will look right worn to the office, to the
party, to the bar, and then to brunch the
next day. Block Buying Group members
receive a 10% discount. Opening order
required. For more information call 866-5464561 or visit www.kimikoeyewear.com or
www.kerfeyeworks.com.
3/22/11 9:26 AM
Supplier NEWS
(cont.)
SAFILO announces that actress Bryce Dallas
Howard is the new face of the Kate Spade Spring/
Summer 2011 and Autumn/Winter 2011 advertising campaigns. The campaign, photographed by
acclaimed fashion photographer Norman Jean
Roy, is the first fashion campaign for Bryce as well
as the first time that kate spade new york has featured a celebrity in its ads. Bryce, someone who
has long been a fan and supporter of the brand,
was the natural choice for the upcoming collection
as she so perfectly represents the quintessential
kate spade new york girl. She is seen below wearing model Franca. For more information please call
800-631-1188 or visit www.safilo.com.
VIVA INT’L. GROUP was a featured sponsor at the GBK Oscars Gifting Lounge with a
selection of sunglasses from the new William
Rast Eyewear collection. Sunglasses from the
“new America” denim culture brand founded by
Justin Timberlake and Trace Ayala were among
the exclusive goods and services presented at
the lounge. The key styles from the William Rast
Eyewear collection highlight some of today’s top
trends, including aviators, cat-eye silhouettes and
oversized shapes in rich colors and materials.
Featured below is Constantine Maroulis wearing
model WRS 2028. For more information please
visit www.vivagroup.com or call 800-345-8482.
LUXOTTICA introduces the spring / summer
OGI EYEWEAR introduces sunwear for summer
2011...luxurious sunwear for a bright future. The
new collection of fashion-forward sunwear styles
add an exciting twist to their ever-expanding line
of fresh, contemporary sunwear. These intriguing
sun styles bring together inventive shapes with
unique materials. Infusing deep, rich color combinations gives each model a signature Ogi flair.
Ogi eyewear continues to re-invent themselves
by carefully selecting pieces abundant with
personality that reflect the youthful image of the
brand and its vision of the future. Straight out of a
1970’s Hollywood cafe, the 8049 (top) delivers an
elegant yet striking burst of feminine power. The
8049 revitalizes an iconic shape through the use
of beautifully layered acetate and soft, rounded
edges.Unexpected hard angles complete the frame
and add a hint of modernism. The spirit of the 1970’s
breathes new life in the brand new 8050 (middle).
With a vibrant color scheme and refined details,
this potent sun style gives the 2011 collection
a shot of youthful energy. Each color combination
features a tri-color layered acetate that reflects the
growing demand for sunwear packed with personality. The 8051 (bottom) takes the iconic aviator
shape to a new level by infusing Ogi’s hallmark
color pallet to create a refreshing version of the
sunwear staple. The soft curves and diligently
placed rivets add an element of distinction to the
repertoire of today’s most stylish men and women.
All Ogi Eyewear sunglasses come with an Ogi zipper
case and cleaning cloth. For more information
please call 888-560-1060 or visit www.ogiframes.com.
135233_BlockBuyingInsert.indd 2
2011 DKNY Eyewear collection. A longtime interpreter of New York’s essence and cosmopolitan
energy, DKNY embodies the metropolitan spirit
with its essential exclusive style, one in which
restraint and refinement affirm themselves as indispensable elements of daily life. For the spring /
summer season, DKNY offers five models of sunglasses and two for eyeglasses, all refined and impeccable icons of urban style. Sun model DY 4073
(top) has an acetate frame with a slightly square,
soft cut, which contrasts with the color of the thick
acetate of the arms. The D-shaped hinge lends a
sober originality to these glasses that is brightened
by the color contrast at the tip of the arm, where
the DKNY logo sits. The color variations go from
beige/brown with shaded, brown lenses to blue/
black with shaded, gray lenses, to tortoiseshell
with shaded, brown lenses, to opaque black with
shaded, black lenses, to gray with shaded, gray
lenses. Women’s eyeglass model DY 4606 (bottom) in two-color acetate has a classic cut and
essential softness. The color combination and
play on transparencies stand out, giving these
glasses a touch of elegance that is further enriched
by the Lafrance logo stamped on the broad arm. It
comes in a number of two-color variations between
front face and arms, such as light brown/beige with
dark brown tips, light gray/transparent gray with
transparent tips, white/transparent with transparent tips, brown/transparent brown with beige tips,
tortoise/brown with transparent brown tips. For
more information please call 800-422-2020 or visit
www.luxottica.com.
WILEY X® EYEWEAR introduces a shatterproof, Selenite™ polycarbonate vermillion
lens for its Saber Advanced™ eyewear system,
bringing a new dimension of protection and visual
clarity to this popular Changeable Series model.
This new vermillion lens is specially engineered
to improve visual contrast, sharpness and depth
perception, particularly in flat light and hazy conditions. This makes Wiley X’s Saber Advanced
with the new vermillion lens ideal for trap and
skeet shooting and sporting clays. The Wiley X
Saber Advanced is designed for shooting sports
and other tactical situations. For example, it is
specially designed for use with hearing protection. The sturdy temple arms remove quickly, and
can be replaced with a snap-in elastic strap to
both reduce pressure on the sides of the head
and ensure a secure fit during heavy action. This
lightweight design also features an Ultra Foam™
Brow Bar to keep sweat and debris off your face,
dual injected non-slip adjustable temples and a
tailored nosepiece that adjusts to various size
noses for a secure, comfortable fit. The Wiley
X Saber Advanced is available in a single lens
version or a three-lens package that includes the
vermillion lens together with a smoke grey and light
rust lens. Plus, it comes complete with a deluxe
zippered tactical case with belt loops. This affordable system ($65 with all three lenses) provides
the ability for shooters to quickly change lenses
for top performance in any environment. Whichever lens you use, the Wiley X Saber Advanced
provides a full field of view, wrap-around coverage
and Wiley X’s trademark High Velocity Protection
(HVP™) technology. This advanced eyewear
meets stringent MIL-PRF-31013 military ballistic
standards (U.S. Military Combat Eye Protection)
as well as ANSI Z87.1-2003 high impact certification (OSHA Occupational Eye Protection). Wiley
X’s lenses provide 100% UVA and UVB protection.
The new Saber Advanced boasts a 3.0 mm lens the thickest in the industry, and offers an optional
Rx plug-in ideal for shooters who require corrective
lenses. For more information please call 800-7767842 or visit www.wileyx.com.
KENMARK GROUP
announces an agreement to launch Penguin Eyewear, a wholly owned
subsidiary of Perry Ellis International to design,
manufacture and distribute eyewear under the
Original Penguin by Munsingwear brand. “We
are very excited about the opportunity to extend
the Original Penguin by Munsingwear brand to
eyewear, an area where we believe the Kenmark
Group can create new products which will further
attract a younger consumer and increase the
aspirational lifestyle of the brand,” commented
Oscar Feldenkreis, President and Chief Operating
Officer of Perry Ellis International. The agreement
encompasses ophthalmic frames as well as ophthalmic and non-ophthalmic sunglasses. Product
will launch Fall 2011 at Vision Expo West in Las
Vegas. Shortly thereafter, the Original Penguin by
Munsingwear product will be distributed through
optical retailers. “We look forward to expanding
our current product offering to include Original
Penguin by Munsingwear, a truly iconic American
brand,” commented Don Howard, President and
CEO of the Kenmark Group. “Original Penguin
will round out our men’s portfolio by addressing a
growing and influential segment; the contemporary
gentleman with a vintage sensibility.” For more
information please call 8800-627-2898 or visit
www.kenmarkoptical.com.
3/22/11 2:54 PM
Supplier NEWS
(cont.)
PRODESIGN releases Axiom models 650104. Axiom is a light collection where ProDesign has
optimized the simplicity of existing technologies.
The innovative functionality is right there for the
world to see. ProDesign always adds that little
extra twist, so you will notice that the temples
are much more voluminous than similar hingeless products on the market. “Axiom” means a
self-evident truth, and that is exactly what this
collection is - a no-nonsense collection with integrated technical solutions you can see. You can
look at the Axiom frames and instantly realize how
they work. Sometimes the look of a frame can
be inspired by the material itself, as is the case
with this amazing new collection. The fronts are
made of the strong NXT material, which is in fact
a sunglass lens material. The NXT is both strong
and flexible enough to allow the lens to click into
place. The coloration of these frames make them
very special. The fact that the NXT is actually a
lens material allows the light to pass through the
fronts to obtain the fashionable transparent colors.
From the deep velvety purple to the high class
crystal with the gold flash mirror effect, combined
with beautiful metallic temples really makes this
collection stand out. The temple material has
been developed very carefully to be strong and
flexible at the same time. Flexible temples require
coloration that will not peel. ProDesign used a new
technology called PVD, which makes it nearly impossible for the color of the temples to peel. Four
different shapes are available in four colors each.
For more information please call 800-654-6099 or
visit www.prodesigndenmark.com.
SOUNDOFF
what newer products
appeal to your patients
or customers?
BOB CHRISTIANSON, PERSONAL
EYES, RANDOLPH, MA: “Sometimes you
can be skeptical of new products. But some of
the new digital progressive lenses are incredible. And patients love them. They’re the best
product for replicating a doctor’s prescription.
Their visual acuity is great and the sweet spot
goes from nasal to temporal. We’ve heard
about them for several years, but it’s only the
last few months that we’ve used them and the
results are just tremendous. Match them with
new high end AR coatings and it’s the best
lens around.
“Of course, we go over the information with
customers so they understand. It’s the same
thing with the newest generation of photochromics. For some people, like bus drivers,
they’re really great. And polarized lenses, too.
They can make a great difference and people
love them. But you have to explain them first
in order for them to appreciate these concepts.”
135233_BlockBuying.indd 3
SCANDINAVIAN EYEWEAR
introduces
new modern spring classics from Efva Attling,
containing optical styles in acetate and metal, in
everything from classic Havana brown to feminine
light pink acetate. “Allowing men to be men and
women to be fabulously feminine, as in the 1950s
and 60s continues to be bang on trend for spring
and summer 2011. For people who want to reflect
this in their choice of eyewear, there are several
strong candidates in this collection,” says Efva.
Twisted is an optical successor to the sunglasses
with the same name from autumn’s collection. It’s
a really feminine Hollywood-inspired style with soft
round shapes and a captivating twisted frame.
“Beverly (below) is also inspired by the American
50s with a soft, feminine front. The pink frames
are my personal favorite,” says Efva. Rolf is designed to be a laid-back classic style with a strong
masculine feel. For those who like to swim against
the tide and be more unisex, Rickey is a good
choice, while those who love Efva’s eyewear for its
jewelry-like feel should take a look at Spikes with
its diamante pattern. “As an eyewear designer I
have gained a large number of customers who like
wearing my styles. The combination of fashion
and trend-rich details with more classic styling
are what my public really like. To get eyewear
that is on trend, but will remain stylish for a long
time is much-appreciated,” says Efva. For more
information please call 888-285-9981 or visit www.
scandinavianeyewear.com.
VILLA EYEWEAR introduces new John
Richmond styles. The new John Richmond Eyewear collection ranges from gritty rock themes to
elegant and glamorous accents vintage-inspired.
The most identifying frames are characterized by
strong details like leather inserts in different colors
(JR699 JR701), studs ornaments with JR monogram and “It’s only Rock ‘n’ Roll” metal plaques.
John Richmond offers also retro inspired-shapes
without betraying the rebellious nature of the
brand - from the cat-shaped JR195 inspired by
the ’50s to hexagonal craft made shapes typical
of the ’80s. Eyewear as a precious jewel is a
must for the brand which offers a luxury capsule
enriched by a metal logo plaque with a pyramid
of Swarovski crystals (JR 190). The same crystal
in a different baguette shape can be found on the
sunglasses while ophthalmic frames have instead
a three-dimensional play of color on the temples
given by the detail (JR 697). The colors used
range from man’s classics like tortoise, black and
brown to female glamorous tones such as bluette
and red tortoise. For more information please call
877-889-0399 or visit www.villaeyewear.com.
MARCHON introduces the Nike Spring 2011
TURA introduces Marc O’Polo Eyewear. Marc
O’Polo brand keywords are “Natural”, “Simplicity”, “Quality”, “Personality” and “Innovation”
which reflect the core values of the brand. The
Marc O’Polo eyewear collection was released in
August 2010, remaining true to the definition of
style of inner confidence - an ability to enjoy the
simple beauty of life in full. It’s this rare quality
that they like to call Nordic luxury. And it’s carried
through their entire European product line which
includes clothing, shoes, accessories, fragrances,
watches, and now a full range eyewear collection
with optical and sun. This fun-loving brand, with
a strong character and unconventional styling
knows that sunwear is a fashion must have. The
newly released Marc O’Polo sunwear collection
is fashionable and will provide you with polarized
options, styling that’s trendy yet clean, and natural
yet colorful. For more information please call 800242-8872 or visit www.tura.com.
Eyewear Collection. Looking back, there was a
time when it all seemed to come together - people,
sport, style - all converging and mixing in a way
that hadn’t really existed before. Nike, the leading
engineer of highly advanced eyewear, launches
a collection rich in heritage. Designs derive
from the 1970s, when Nike was first introduced
to men, women and athletes who demanded a
brand that could combine superior technology
with innovative styling. Focusing on authenticity, the collection is inspired by the 1970s sports
icons who displayed trends on winter terrains, the
auto racing legends who defined eye shapes, and
influential international film stars of the time. For
more information please visit www.marchon.com
or call 800-645-1300.
Go Paperless And
Receive A $5 Credit!!
Log onto the STATEMENT VIEW or
ONLINE PAYMENTS page of our website
www.blockbg.com, and look for the box
featured below. Just click onto the box,
and we’ll take care of the rest!
3/22/11 8:56 AM
Supplier NEWS
(cont.)
REM EYEWEAR introduces eighteen unique
Converse Eyewear styles for Spring 2011 frames that are destined to be the new favorites of
trendsetters and aficionados of Converse originality. Delivering quality optical with authentic style,
while channeling the dynamic Converse vision,
Converse Eyewear possesses creative color,
innovative design and killer details. Spring 2011
brings new eyewear styles in Converse Heritage
Sunglasses, Converse Heritage optical collection,
and the original Converse core optical collection,
all with that perfect mix of modern design with retro
elements. From the patios of local bars to streetcorner courts, Converse Heritage Sunglasses are
the choice for staying out of the sun and on the
edge of cool. Converse Heritage is the pride of
the optical collection, capturing the classic cool
and great quality that’s synonymous with the
Converse name. Converse Heritage optical is
rooted in old school style, with timeless shapes
and vintage inspired elements. Upon inspection
you’ll find smooth handmade acetate, the famous
Converse logo, and signature stars in the rivet
hinges. Converse core optical delivers independent style for everyone - it’s where inventive form
and cutting edge fashion meet, in a frame. With
a hint of rebellious spirit, these shapes sport bold
patterns and tricked-out construction, and even a
bit of laser etching. For more information please
visit www.remeyewear.com or call 800-423-3023.
DYNAMIC LABS April 2011 promotion...
u Compression Mount Pliers $24.95, reg. $34.95
u Ergo Compression Mount Pliers $27.95,
reg. $36.95
u Bushing Cutting Plyers $24.95, reg. $34.95
u Bushing Pulling Pliers $24.95, reg. $34.95
u Rimless Chamfering Tool $24.95 reg. $29.95
u Thin Bushing Cutting Pliers $24.95, reg. $34.95
For more specially priced items and information
please visit www.dynamiclabs.net and click onto
“This Month’s Promotion” at the top left of the
header, or call 888-339-6264.
CLASSIFIED
Ads
Equipment Needed
Harrisburg, PA area church seeking donation
of a lensometer, retinascope, and at least one
ophthalmoscope to take to Kenya for optical
clinics in Eldoret and Nairobi. What you may no
longer need would be such a help! Please contact Sondra at slspotts@juno.com. Thank you!
Cash payment for 78D, 90D lens for fundus
viewing through slit lamp microscopy. Used, new,
or in between welcome. Lens must be clear and
in clean functioning condition. Please e-mail
eyedrchow@gmail.com or call 703-478-3000.
Equipment for Sale
COSTA’s newest style, Little Harbor, can be
summarized in just three words: performance
meets fashion. The first of several new female
sunglass styles to debut this year, Little Harbor
features big-eye styling and even bigger performance features. Stainless steel spring hinges
allow for “forget-they’re-on” fit. Lightweight nylon
frames in tortoise, black and black/coral combination colors sit comfortably in place on your face,
or on top of your head as the perfect accessory.
Little Harbor is available in Costa’s 580G™ and
580P™ lens technology, which blocks yellow light
at the 580 nanometers on the light spectrum. The
result is unparalleded visual clarity, the highest
levels of polarization efficiency and razor sharp
color enhancement. All Costa sunglasses are
hand assembled in Florida and can be customized with the frame and lens color of choice. Little
Harbor ranges from $149 to $249 depending on
lens selection. For more information please visit
www.costadelmar.com or call 800-447-3700.
Lombart slit lamp; AO projector, Burton stand,
chair & lamp; Marco trial lens set; Reichert
phoropter; Tangent screen. Best offer, any
reasonable offer accepted. Call 718-238-3937
or 732-446-2944.
Santinelli 7070 patternless edger. In good shape,
motor replaced in 2009. Great for small shop
or backup machine. Along with A.I.T. Speede
Blocker, first $1,250 takes it all. Please call Mark
Feldscher at 215-351-9111 or e-mail mriballs@
aol.com.
Vigor polishing dust collector (DC-2025); BPI
8 tank tint unit w/automatic gradient arm; Heat
treatment unit; Novamatic rimless groover;
Smoothy finish wheel (Novamatic System 21);
Edgemaster 2000; Dimelp chem unit; Dimelp
2 hr. photo chem unit; Electronic track master
patternmaker (Novamatic system 21); Align-ALens II (blocker); TL-100 Tomey auto lensmeter;
Pattern blanks; CL autoclave; 1,808 coated,
uncoated & polarized semi-finished lenses; lens
storage cabinets; pattern storage cabinets. Best
offer, pickup required. E-mail pam-fec@frontier.
com or call 509-334-3300.
1 Kirk photochromic chem hardener $150; 1 Kirk
crown glass chem hardener $150; 1 Kirk air hardener $150. Shipping costs at buyers expense.
Call Jerry 740-392-7851 (Opticare Inc.).
Nidek Autorefractor model AR600, AO
phoropter model 590MC. $2,200 for both. E-mail
Jeff7085@aol.com.
Eye chart projector in close to perfect condition.
Please e-mail eyedrchow@gmail.com or call
703-478-3000.
135233_BlockBuying.indd 4
LIBERTY SPORT introduces two new Sport
Protective Street Series designs. Liberty Sport
has had overwhelming success with the F8
Street Series launched in spring 2010. To keep
the collection fresh and exciting, they are introducing two new designs - the “Electric Wave”
for boys and “Flower Power” for girls. These
contemporary “street” designs come with
coordinating collectors’ tin and cleaning
cloth pouch. For more information please call
800-444-5010 or visit www.libertysport.com.
Practice for Sale
71 year old high end optometry - opticianry
practice for sale in Syracuse, NY with large
active patient base. Excellent revenue with only
20 O.D. hours / week. Serious replies please.
Ask for Rob (personal call) 315-422-6089.
15 year old practice for sale (OD), upscale
young area, excellent location, six figure gross,
two exams, complete lab, fashion optical
displays, computerized, excellent inventory.
Call 954-432-5822.
Optical shop in Harvard Square, has doctor’s
lane, Dr. would stay if you need. Serving
Cambridge for 65 years with a large following.
Over 800 frames included and on display. Turn-key
operation with finishing lab. Grossing consistently over $200,000 for the past 8 years.
Is being run with only 2 employees. Great
for optician or optometrist. Looking for quick
sale. Have your own business for only $95,000.
Please call 617-669-4607.
Employment Opportunity
F/T - P/T licenced, board certified Optometrist
wanted for busy practice in Ramsey, NJ. Must
be personable with schedule flexibility to cover
upcoming maternity leave, with potential for longterm position. Experience with co-management
and surgical patients a must. Submit cover letter
& resume to Ocudocs@hotmail.com.
Help wanted - part time optician for S. Tampa
optometrist office. License not required. 1 to 2
days / week. No lab work. Call 813-221-6655 or
fax resume to 813-221-6656.
Opportunity for optometrist (with option for partnership). Boutique optical store in Westchester
County, NY, seeking full or part-time optometrist,
contact lenses exams, and comprehensive eye
exams. Great opportunity, high volume. Practice
has all up to date equipment. Practice has been
est. for the past 10 years. Terry 914-948-1700.
Optician one day a week, preferably Saturday
in professional practice. Must have good people
skills. Call 201-934-5678 and ask for Bruce Nantz
or fax resume to 201-934-1173.
Please submit your typed ad by the 10th of the month
for publication the following month. Ads appear for
one month unless otherwise requested. E-mail
ads to cwalsh@blockbg.com or fax to 561-893-9256.
You can also post your ad online in the BLOCKBOARD
CLASSIFIED ADS/PRODUCT EXCHANGE feature of our
website www.blockbg.com.
3/22/11 2:50 PM