Sponsors a One Hour ABO Seminar

March/April 2009 Newsletter
Editor: Lisa Harmon
Greetings Everyone!
COAT kicked off 2009 with a phenomenal January
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Sponsors a One Hour ABO Seminar
presented by
Read About the Speaker on Page 6
This presentation will unravel some of the mystery
behind digital processing in single vision and
progressives and the advantages when dispensing
with wrap eyewear. The evolution in progressive lens
design is demonstrated, from the advent of the first
generation progressive to the latest in digital technology.
One Hour ABO Continuing Education Credit
Drawing for FREE Maui Jim Rx's and More!
Dinner and Lots of ALOHA!
ALOHA Award to the Best Hawaiian Dresser
All Attendees will Receive a $50 Coupon for
a Pair of MauiPassport SV or Progressive lenses!
Meeting Details on Page 8
meeting, sponsored by Carl Zeiss Vision, at the Houston
Hilton Westchase. Such a huge response poured in that
we reached the legal room capacity well before the rsvp
deadline. Many thanks to Summer Bouchedid, Eric
Kenner, and Ken Thompson for their hard work and
excellence in providing our education seminar.
As COAT continues to flourish, there will be some
inevitable growing pains. Growing pains are both
wonderful and terrible all at the same time. On one
hand, it is wonderful to witness the rapid growth of our
organization, and at the same time, terrible because
growth changes the rules of the game. Change is a dirty
word to many of us, because it means adapting to a
different set of rules or circumstances. We must learn
to embrace change because it is going to happen
whether we want it to or not. Learn. Adapt. Adjust.
Though it is heart-breaking to turn someone away
from a meeting, we’ve recently had to do so because of
space limitations. COAT exists to provide educational
opportunities to certified and non-certified opticians, so
it is our goal to make sure there is a place for everyone.
This is a new and exciting chapter in COAT’s history,
so enjoy being part of this special time, and do your
part to keep the momentum going.
Thank you for your patience and support as we work
through these growing pains. The Board of Directors is
working on it and solicits your ideas and suggestions at
any time. In the meantime, you can help by doing the
following:
Circle all COAT meeting dates on the calendar
Register early for meetings-before the deadline
Use our new online meeting registration
Save www.coat.tv on your ‘favorite’ list
Check regularly for coming events
COAT is going Hawaiian on March 24, 2009! Maui
Jim, Inc. and Shamir are co-sponsors for a tropical
evening of food, fun, and education, so get your hula on!
Where else can you go wearing Hawaiian shirts or
flowery Muumuus?!
Sightfully Yours,
Lisa Harmon, ABOC, NCLEC
COAT President
COAT March/April 2009
Carl Zeiss Vision’s
Summer Bouchedid
and Eric Kenner receive
certificates of appreciation
for their technical ABO
presentation at the
January meeting.
Shown L to R: CZV’s
Summer Bouchedid,
COAT President Lisa
Harmon, CZV’s Eric
Kenner, & Ken Thompson.
Such a large group
turned out for our
January 20th meeting
at the Houston Hilton
Westchase, that we
filled the room to
capacity level!
Shown left: attendee
Charlotte Gillespie
offered to assist with
the hands-on portion
of the seminar.
Past COAT President and
annual member Jon Herring
volunteers so CZV’s Summer
Bouchedid can demonstrate
the proper method of
measuring vertex distance
and pantoscopic tilt with
regard to new progressive
lens technology.
Summer, thank you so much
for organizing such an
awesome education meeting!
You are a ROCK STAR!
Duffens Optical is a network of full service
optical laboratories, using state-of-the-art surfacing,
coating, and finishing equipment to provide the best
quality and service to Eyecare practitioners and
their patients.
We are family spirited, with close long term ties
to our customers and to our employees insuring a
trust and a constituency that is vital to any business.
We have dedicated our skill and knowledge to
providing our customers the very best in technology,
experience, product and service.
We are optical pioneers that know our business
and that are trustworthy with your business.
Eager opticians and annual COAT members, Janet
Medrano, Kate McCartney, and Judy Miller, look on as
CZV’s Eric Kenner explains measuring techniques for
new progressive technology.
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www.coat.tv
3625 Willowbend Blvd., #110
Houston, TX 77054
713-663-3000
800-392-9774
Fax: 713-663-3050
COAT March/April 2009
“We Won’t Send It To You Unless
We Would Wear It Ourselves”
4925 West Cardinal Drive
Beaumont, Texas 77705
(800) 324-5221
www.omnioptical.com
3
www.coat.tv
COAT March/April 2009
Hola Amigos!
As you all probably know, my Mexico
Medical Mission trip to Guerrero is right
around the corner. It's been moved up
this time to March 17 thru March 22.
Many generous donations have rolled in.
Here's what I have so far:
2 used tint units and a NCT Glaucoma screener
courtesy of Gary & Carol Carrera of Carrera Optical
in Universal City, TX.
200+ new frames and cases, courtesy of Dr.
Moffitt & Jody Haddick of Alvin Optical.
Bryan Huskey of Professional Optical, offered to
surface dozens of multifocal lenses, so we can
dispense one pair rather than two separate pairs.
Cases, old and new, donated by Roz LaBarbera
of Silhouette.
Underwear for the kiddos donated by Traci
Fontenot of Jungle Eyewear and Mindy Laird and
Debra Straney of Safilo Group.
1200+ finished lenses and lens cabinets donated
by James Winter, OD of Clear Lake and facilitated
by Merlin Harger, OD of Deer Park.
Dozens of new discontinued frames courtesy of
Dean Campbell of Kenmark.
Picking up another donation of undies on Monday
from Phyllis Frazier in Angleton.
Thanks so much for the donations Please call
281-352-9263 if you need a pick up. You guys
rock! Keep ‘em coming!
I will be collecting one last time at our March
24th meeting, so please bring anything you
would like to donate and that includes gift
cards! They are GREAT! I can use them to
purchase more undies for the kids.
Once again, THANKS to everyone who gave so
generously to help those less fortunate. I’ll
give a mission trip follow-up report in the next
newsletter edition.
Suzanne Murdock ABOC, NCLEC
COAT Vice President
Coastal Eye Associates
Operations Committee—Houston Livestock Show
and Rodeo
Houston Skyline Rotary Club
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www.coat.tv
COAT March/April 2009
In January, Treasurer Judy
Miller and I attended the OAA
(Opticians Assn. of America)
Leadership Conference in New
Orleans. We went with the
eager minds, ready to absorb
everything we could to bring
back for the benefit of COAT and its members.
General and small break-out sessions provided
a wealth of information, along with invaluable
networking opportunities with state leaders and
societies from all across America.
We came away with a renewed
sense of purpose and a host of
new ideas and goals. In the
coming months, we will be
implementing some new ideas.
Some you’ll notice and some
you won’t, but rest assured your
Board of Directors care deeply for you and the
future of this wonderful organization.
We appreciate your encouragement and support
and want you know that we are here for you.
Don’t be afraid to share your ideas and/or
suggestions. We want to hear your complaints
too, but bring a solution with as well! The only
way we’ll continue to flourish is by knowing the
needs of our members. We’re only a phone call
or email away.
Thanks Houston for Successfully
Selling Our Distinctive Brands of Eyewear
Patrick Presley
Mark Mixon
Prada, Ralph Lauren, Miu Miu
Ray-Ban, Ray-Ban Rx, Arnette
281-203-9112
713-398-0279
Damian Hollier
Jimmy Yarbrough
Bvlgari, Persol, Tiffany’s
Ralph Lauren, Purple Label
Vogue, Puma, D&G
Ferragamo, Chaps
713-725-4929
832-474-7792
Jana Morris
Jeanine Solomon
Lux, Steroflex
DKNY, Polo
Ralph, Vittadini
Versace, Versus
Revo, Anne Klein
Brooks Brothers
Dolce Gabbana
Donna Karan
Burberry
832-577-5803
713-907-9336
210-834-7318
Lisa Brooks
Option 1: $495 annual fee and includes:
One-fourth page ad in six consecutive bimonthly newsletters
Logo on website sponsor page linked to company website
Optional second page link from logo -pdf sponsor supplied
(COAT can create the second page for an additional charge)
Logo on sidebar of 5 web pages
Lisa Harmon, ABOC, NCLEC
COAT President
Option 2: $295 annual fee and includes:
Business card size ad in six consecutive bimonthly newsletters
Logo on website sponsor page linked to company website
Logo on sidebar of 5 web pages
For inquires, please call 713.890.2520
Diane Glover, Sales Consultant 832-326-0982
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www.coat.tv
COAT March/April 2009
ABOUT OUR SPEAKER
Dave Burch started in the wholesale lab
business with Sierra Optical, while completing
his education at San Diego University. He was
promoted to Surface Manager overseeing the
processing of all lens materials. Sierra optical
was one of the first labs to process new
polycarbonate material at the time.
In 1986 Dave moved-on to Signet-Armorlite
and worked in their R & D Lab, batch-testing
product as it came off the production line. He
traveled to accounts, as directed, to consult on
lens processing and procedures, and was
involved in the early wafer lamination systems.
After two years with Signet-Armorlite, Dave
moved on to American Optical as an Account
Executive detailing wholesale labs and retailers
specifically on progressive lens styles over an 11
State territory.
From 1991 to 2003 Dave returned to Sierra
Optical as Lab Manager processing upwards of
2000 jobs per day.
In 2003, Mr. Burch began his work with Maui
Jim, Inc., where he helped build the Maui Jim Rx
program. He is now a Corporate Rx Training
Manager, internationally, to help promote the Rx
program through continuing education seminars
and on-site training. He is an ABO certified
optician, and an ABO approved speaker.
The Lightest Glasses in the Universe
The MUST Collection
Roz LaBarbera, Account Executive
r.labarbe@us.silhouette.com
Andy Shoman, Account Executive
a.shoman@us.silhouette.com
www.silhouette.com
Education
BS Degree – Biology—1982-San Diego State University
Experience
1981-Sierra Optical (Wholesale Lab) Surfacing Manager
1986-Signet-Armorlite (Lens Manuf.) Technical Consultant
1988-American Optical (Lens Manuf.) Account Executive
1991-Sierra Optical (Wholesale Lab) Lab Manager
2003-Maui Jim, Inc (Wholesale Lab) Lab Manager
2006-Maui Jim, Inc. Corporate Rx Training Manager
Seminars
Pam Beard
Jon Carpenter
Yvonne Cavazos
Mindy Laird
Debra Straney
* Who’s On First - Presentation on Troubleshooting Progressive
Non-adapts.
* First Things First - Presentation on Dispensing procedures to
optimize the cosmetics and performance of Rx sunwear.
* The Best Fit – This course has been submitted to the American
Board of Opticianry for continuing education credit. It is a
presentation on digital progressive and SV designs.
* Maui Jim presentations to include – Lab Tour and update;
Progressive Image features and benefits.
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The Safilo Team at Your Service!
www.coat.tv
800 - 631 - 1188
COAT March/April 2009
OPTICIAN - Looking for experienced full time
optician for busy Galleria area office. We are looking for an optician, who has excellent customer
service skills with strong product knowledge. Must
be friendly, detail oriented, and a good team player.
Knowledge of vision insurance, optical sales, and
frame adjustments preferred. Spanish speaker a
plus. Fax resume to 713-954-2046.
LAB TECHNICIAN - Looking for an experienced
Lab Tech for a busy Galleria area office. Cutting
and inspecting lenses, full time position. Must be
friendly, have excellent customer service skills,
detail oriented, and strong product knowledge.
Fax resume to 713-954-2046.
Busy private practice in Pearland needs experienced OPTICIAN. Compensation dependent on
experience. Retirement, vacation, and health care
offered. Email resume to perryjr@sbcglobal.net
If you like working in the optical field and want to
work in a friendly fun environment, we are looking
for you! We are a young growing high-end optometric practice in Bellaire that would like to add another
team member. We need help with optical sales,
patient work-ups, scheduling patients etc. You
need to have experience in adjusting frames,
sales, insurance and working-up patients. OfficeMate experience is a plus. No weekend work and
we close early on Fridays. Serious applicants
apply only. Email resumes: sveyes@sbcglobal.net
OPTICIANS- Full Time - Berkeley Eye Center Katy and Tomball location - We are looking for an
optician who has excellent customer service skills
with strong product knowledge, heavy contact
lens and vision plans experience. Excellent salary
& benefits package. No nights or weekends, with
the exception of one Saturday a month at the
Tomball office. Office closes at 2:00 pm on Fridays.
Send resumes to careers@berkeleyeye.com
FRAME STYLIST needed for Richmond office.
Office hours 9-6:30 M, T, Th, F. Insurance experience a plus, friendly attitude a must. Relaxed atmosphere. Excellent pay. Email resume
exceptionaleyecare@att.net
EXPERIENCED OPTICIAN with frame styling,
insurance verification/filing, and EDGING EXPERIENCE needed for a Sugar Land optometric office
for a full-time/part-time position offering competitive
salary, commission, and benefits. Please call 281565-3937 or fax/email resume to 281-565-9440/
aju2020@yahoo.com
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OPTICIANS- Full Time- Berkeley Eye CenterKaty location- We are looking for an optician who
has excellent customer service skills with strong
product knowledge, heavy contact lens and vision plans experience. Excellent salary & benefits
package. No nights or weekends, office closes at
2;00 Pm on Friday’s. Send resumes to
careers@berkeleyeye.com
Vision Source! www.visionsource.com
North America’s Largest Network of Private Practice Optometrist was founded in 1991 and has
grown to more than 1,900 offices located in all 50
states and Canada. We are currently seeking a
Network Services Representative to help our
members get the most out of Vision Source.
Job Description: Implementation of new Vision
Source doctors and their offices. This will be handled by phone calls, online implementations and
conducting in office implementation meetings.
Serve as a liaison between Vision Source doctors
and vendors. Help resolve questions or problems
doctors or staff may have with a vendor.
Job Requirements: Retail Optical experience, excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Exceptional customer service skills are a must.
Management experience and ABO Certification
preferred. Travel required.
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Life Insurance, 401k
Email Resume to: RBurnside@visionsource.com
To place an ad in the newsletter and website, please contact us @
713.890.2520 or email coatmail@sbcglobal.net. The cost is $35 for ads
up to 50 words, payable by check or money order only. Ads will be
posted on the website for sixty days and run in one bimonthly newsletter.
March 24 - COAT Meeting sponsored by Maui Jim & Shamir
May 2-3-ROATx Education Seminar & Convention
May 3-ABO Prep Course — www.aboprep.com
May 17-ABO Exam
May 19 - COAT Meeting sponsored by Transitions
July 21 - COAT Meeting—sponsor pending
September 10-13-ABO/NCLE National Education Conference
September 15 - COAT Meeting—sponsor pending
September 30-October 3-Vision Expo West
November 17 - COAT Meeting—sponsor pending
COAT is always looking for education sponsors!
Please contact us @ 713-890-2520 or coatmail@sbclgobal.net
www.coat.tv
COAT March/April 2009
C.O.A.T.
14206 Laffite Drive
Cypress, TX 77429
713.890.2520
www.coat.tv
Mission Statement
Certified Optician’s Association of Texas
provides educational opportunities to certified
and non-certified eye care providers, promoting
opticianry as a Texas healthcare profession.
Please report any mail or email address
changes; otherwise, you won’t receive
current newsletters and/or email
notices. Returned newsletter
addresses are promptly removed from
the database. Visit www.coat.tv
or call 713.890.2520 and get current today!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Sponsors a One Hour ABO Seminar
Presented by
One Hour ABO Continuing Education Credit
Drawing for FREE Maui Jim Rx's and More!
Dinner and Lots of ALOHA!
ALOHA Award to the Best Hawaiian Dresser
Location: Houston Hilton Westchase
9999 Westheimer - Houston 77042 - 713-794-1000
Registration: 6-7pm
Seated Dinner: 7-8pm
ABO Seminar: 7:30-8:30pm
Cost: $15 individual or $60 annual
cash & checks only
REGISTRATION REQUIRED!
New Online Registration Available!
www.coat.tv
713-890-2520 or coatmail@sbcglobal.net
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All Attendees will Receive a $50 Coupon for
a Pair of MauiPassport SV or Progressive lenses!
2007-2009 BOARD of DIRECTORS
President: Lisa Harmon, ABOC, NCLEC
Vice President: Suzanne Murdock, ABOC, NCLEC
Treasurer: Judy Miller, ABOC
Secretary: Open Position
Website: Lisa Harmon, ABOC, NCLEC
www.coat.tv