FYSH_Blockbusters_Feb_2015-1

VOL. XXXII NO. 02 FEBRUARY 2015
Practice Management and Purchasing Services for Independent Eye Care Professionals
Blocknotes
Relationship Building
ne of the big advantages that indeO
pendent eyecare professionals have over
chain stores is the opportunity to build and
maintain relationships. And, one of the
reasons why many patients / customers like
to fulfill their eyecare and eyewear needs
at an independent neighborhood location
is because of the comfort and familiarity
Michael Block
factor that an independent practice or shop
offers.
BBG Bottom Line
Elite Vendor Program = $$$
The Elite Vendor Program is back for 2015. Many of you will be receiving your 2014 year end rebates this month. Due to the success
of the Program, some vendors have upgraded the Elite Vendor Program offerings for 2015. Contact Block Business Group Customer
BBG
Service for more information.
Patient Relationships
It is important that you and your staff make an effort to
get to know your patients and that they get to know you
and your staff as well. You should know their names,
their neighborhood, who their kids or who their parents
are, where they work, and what their outside interests
are. If you are gifted with a great memory for these
types of facts, great. If not, try to make some notes on
their record so that you can make them feel comfortable
and appreciated when they are in your office. There’s
no better way to make someone feel important by being
able to show that you have remembered some information about them and their family.
Neighborhood Relationships
Whether you are in a strip mall, office building or free
standing location, you should try to patronize the shops
and restaurants in your neighborhood and engage with
the business owners as well as others whenever you are
there. People like to do business with individuals whom
they know and with whom they have a comfort level.
Also you will find that people in the neighborhood will
recommend your business to their customers because
you have fostered a relationship with your neighborhood
friends.
Local Networking
It is very important to be part of local organizations
whether it’s at a house of worship or civic organization or
even Little League, the PTA or a bowling league. You or
your staff are probably the best and most cost effective
marketing tool for your practice. As I have said in previous columns, make sure that you and members of your
staff are incentivized and always prepared by carrying
business cards in case someone should ask.
The eyecare / eyewear business is really no different
than any other, fostering and building long term relationships is one of the keys to success in every field of
endeavor. So always continue to develop relationships
and work hard to maintain them. It will separate you
from the pack and clearly differentiate you from mass
retailers. BBG
areCredit helps upgrade patient purchases and increasC
es second pair sales. According to an independent optical
practice study, the average sale with a CareCredit healthcare credit card is 30% higher than purchases made with
cash or major credit cards. Patients are also 50% more
likely to purchase a second pair.
Block Business Group members save 25% on standard
provider processing fees. For more information please
call 866-853-8432 or visit www.carecredit.com. You can
also check out the flyer enclosed with this month's statement for more information.
For more information on any program mentioned here, visit www.blockbg.com or call your Block Business Group customer service representative at 800-524-1480.
2
Elite
Vendor News
Luxottica Launches the Michael Kors Spring
2015 Eyewear Collection
This collection captures the glamour and effortless sophistication
for which the designer is celebrated. Including both sun and optical
styles, the season's highlights range from sleek cat-eye shapes to
cool, classic aviators and bold, screen-siren geometrics. Front and
center is the new Miranda Eyewear collection, inspired by Michael
Kors' iconic Miranda handbag and combining luxury, craftsmanship
and high-voltage glamour. Featured are MK4001QM, MK2002QM
and MK2003B from the Miranda Collection, MK4020B, MK1003 and
MK2008 from Chain Link, MK5001 from Rose Gold, MK8001 and
MK6001B from Logo Charm, and MK8007 and MK6007 from Exotic
Print. Visit luxottica.com or call 800-422-2020.
Marcolin Presents the Ermenegildo Zegna
Eyewear Collection
The new sunglass and optical
pieces, produced and distributed for the first time by the
Marcolin Group, sees the inclusion of titanium, leather and
wood. Color schemes offered
are refined and nuanced, while
exquisite detailing and Zeiss
lenses complete a unique collection aimed at sophisticated
men with an unmistakeable
style. Featured are EZ0005,
EZ0009 and EZ5005. Call 800537-9265 or visit marcolin.com.
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ClearVision Adds PuriTi 100% Titanium and
DuraHinge Models For Women
uriTi for women offers the ultra lightweight hypoallergenic
P
and anti-corrosive benefits of titanium in classic to contemporary
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ProDesign Adds Essential Models 1403-1405
designs. Created and designed for women who need a little more
durability in their eyewear, DuraHinge offers superior strength and
comfort with a touch of feminine style. The collection is designed
with the proprietary DuraHinge five barrel hinge construction, adding the flexibility of a spring hinge, yet is not too heavy or bulky
on the face. Special programs are available through February 27,
2015. Call 800-645-3733 or visit cvoptical.com.
These models are technically ad-
vanced, detailed and difficult to make.
The wirecore is painted with the fresh
mono-colors of the inside, then gets
the complex colored pattern on the
outside. It is then mounted on the
thick raw titanium part, and overinjected with TR90. Finally polished
for perfect alignment and sanding for
a casual yet luxurious feeling. Combined with two-tone rubberized titanium fronts. Call 800-654-6099 or visit
prodesigndenmark.com.
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Morel Introduces the Aega Concept for
the Koali Collection
The iridescent blue shades of the South
American Morpho Aega butterfly inspired
this collection. The grace of the butterfly
is expressed in the overall style from
contemporary eye shapes to the delicately thought-out temple, and a concealed
flex-hinge system. Aluminum gives three
dimensions with a twist to reflect the triangular wings of the butterfly. Four stainless steel models and models with doublelayered handcrafted acetate fronts are
available. Featured are 7715K and 7722K.
Visit morel-france.com or call 800-526-8838.
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Tura Debuts TITANflex Luxury "Select"
Sub-Collection
The new men's ophthalmic styles
feature a soldered flat metal
bridge on wire frame fronts or soldered flat metal bridge on a sheet
metal frame front construction,
allowing for more contemporary
styling, increased stability and
robust construction, and continued super flexibility and stress
resistance. The latest designs use
premium aluminum and titanium
on the temples to reduce weight.
Featured are styles 820673,
820674, 820675, 821025 and
821026. Call 800-242-8872 or visit
tura.com.
For more information on any program mentioned here, visit www.blockbg.com or call your Block Business Group customer service representative at 800-524-1480.
3
Elite
Vendor News
Altair Introduces Tommy Bahama Eyewear Marchon Introduces Nike Vision for Spring
For Spring
A n array of new styles are introduced for Spring. The product line ex-
This collection of two styles for men and three for women redefines
relaxed sophistication in a collection bursting with tropical tonality, bold
prints and cool oceanic colors. The men's collection features sleek
shapes and elevated interiors printed with Tommy Bahama's vintage
Caribbean map. For women, timeless shapes are highlighted with
island inspired enamels, colored crystals and perfect palm tree prints.
Featured are TB6045, TB6047, TB7047, TB7048 and TB7049. Call
800-505-5557 or visit altaireyewear.com.
pands while maintaining the same attention to detail and ultimate focus
on the athlete to help him or her become lighter, faster and stronger.
Debuting is Nike SB eyewear. Featured are Men's Training 'Ignition,'
Nike SB 'Volition,' Women's Training 'Compel,' and Young Athletes 'Spirit.' Call 800-645-1300 or visit marchon.com.
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Charmant Releases New ELLE Models
ew ELLE EyeN
wear for Spring /
Summer 2015 conveys the femininity
and classic French
panache of the
brand while infusing each frame
with up-to-the-minute design inspirations. Sprightly silhouettes
are realized in a playful array of zesty spring-like colors and classic shades, in solid and translucent executions and combinations.
Elegant profiles are tastefully embellished by Parisian-inspired
decorative temples with textured 3-D effects. Featured are
EL13385, EL13387, EL13389 and EL13390. Visit charmant.com or
call 800-645-2121.
Rem Eyewear Introduces SPINE Eyewear
PINE Eyewear features
S
a patented segmented
hinge and cable system
that flexes the temples
in all directions, including inwards, securely
holding the frame in
place on your head.
Holding eyewear in place
is significant when involved in activities, and
vital for the proper fit of multifocal lenses. Featured are models
SP3003, SP3004, SP4002, SP2007, SP1001 and SP2006 along with
an image of the hinge and cable. Call 800-423-3023 or visit remeyewear.com or SPINEOptics.com.
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Safilo Adds Dior Composit
1.0 Sunglasses
Fatheadz is the original oversized
The DIOR COMPOSIT 1.0 sunglasses
Fatheadz Delivers Oversized Frames
cost effective solution to price sensitive buyers, featuring a full line of
metal and plastic oversized frames
with eye sizes up to 65mm. With
endless styling, this line is perfect for
your larger headed customers. Call
800-561- 6640 or visit fatheadzeyewear.com.
project L’Homme Dior at the avant-garde.
The flat lenses take precedence over the
ultra-thin metal frame and impose a strong
statement. The emblematic Dior Homme
cut appears in an open worked design at
the end of the temples, while the fine metal structure applied on the lens underlines
the architectural elegance of the style.
Call 800-631-1188 or visit safilo.com.
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Ogi Eyewear Introduces Spenser by Innotec
Eyewear
S
penser represents sleek design
and lightweight
feel. Featuring an
angular bridge, large
lens shape and a custom Innotec hinge, the Spenser displays durability,
innovation and technology for any occasion. This masculine frame comes
in four gradient fade colors. Call 888-560-1060 or visit ogiframes.com.
Aspex Eyewear Adds New Styles
spex Eyewear introduces Paradox styles P5001 and P5003.
A
Visit aspexeyewear.com or call 888-416-3937.
For more information on any program mentioned here, visit www.blockbg.com or call your Block Business Group customer service representative at 800-524-1480.
4
Elite
Vendor News
Eastern States Introduces Its 2015 Jaguar
Sunglass Collection
Spy Optic is Now Participating
in the Elite Vendor Program
he collection features a wide
T
range of premium lens options
The Elite Vendor Program for 2015: Purchase
including Polarized, Blue Blocker and Nano lenses with AR
coatings. This year sees the
addition of fashionable mirror
lenses in various shades including red, blue and silver. Almost
all new styles are constructed with easy to RX shapes with no
greater than a base six curve. Design inspiration is often derived
from that of the world class automobiles. All styles feature the
Jaguar "leaping cat" logo lightly engraved upon its lenses. Call
800-645-3710 or visit eseyewear.com.
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Silhouette Offers Endless Styling Options
With Titan Countour
T
$5,000 - $7,499 and receive a 3% rebate, or
$7,500+ for a 5% rebate. Return rate cannot exceed 20%. New Spy customers receive an additional 5% net invoice credit on the first order. Visit
www.spyoptic.com.
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Lafont and Clinique Collaborate on Chic Looks
T
hese two companies with
deep-rooted family histories
that share a passion for color
are pairing pretty makeup
with fashionable frames to
create eye-popping looks for
women who wear glasses.
Divided into four looks, each
proving that women who wear glasses need not sacrifice wearing makeup to accentuate their features. Visit lafont.com or call 800-832-8233.
his collection offers wearers
a completely customizable design experience, featuring a mixture of eight rimless eyewear
models in eight colors with
eight different lens shapes for
endless eyewear styling options. A distinctive SPX® design
element accentuates the flat
titanium temple. The fresh color concept is
neutral tone-on-tone variations complemented
by radiant nuances. Colors range from ruby red
to purple orchid, and blue denim to grey stone.
Visit silhouette.com or call 800-223-0180.
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Supplier Announcements
Zyloware Adds MaxStudio.com Models
Alain Mikli Increases Discount
for Alain Milki and Stark Eyes
Full rim zyl model 134Z is featured
Great News!! The discount for
Alain Mikli and Starck Eyes has increased to 3% effective December
8th. Call 800-829-8032 for more
information.
Fysh UK Adds New Style
F
ysh UK style F-3529 make a hightech fashion statement. This semi-rimless style features a fabric overlay on
the stainless steel frames and temples
for a holographic 3D effect. Available
in metallic teal, metallic black, metallic
purple and metallic red with size
51/18/140. WestGroupe customers call
855-455-0042. U.S. Western states
customers call Classique Eyewear
866-604-5700. Visit fyshuk.com.
in black and mink stripe in an ontrend square shape. Metal endpiece
showcases the MaxStudio.com globe
logo and transits from metal to zyl on
the beveled temples. Full rim metal
135M has a lightweight, thin construction using sheet metal and
wire material. In colors natural, black and midnight. Both frames
accommodate progressive lenses. Call 800-765-3700 or visit
zyloware.com.
BBG Welcomes
pticote is a fullO
service coating lab-
New
er…
Suppli
Costa's Rooster Gives Anglers an Edge
The large-fit sunglasses include built-in side shields to block incoming
glare, as well as vents to alleviate lens fogging. Temple tips provide
open slots for a retainer cord. Rooster is made of nearly indestructible
co-injected molded nylon with sturdy integral hinge technology, with
hypoallergenic rubberized interior lining and nose pads. All Costa sunglasses can be customized in its full array of patented color enhancing
polarized 580™ lenses. Visit costadelmar.com or call 800-447-3700.
oratory based out of
Franklin Park, Illinois, specializing in a variety of coatings, including
but not limited to high-fashion mirror, Fog-Free, Anti-reflective, and
UV protection. Providing function and fashion, mirror coatings by
Opticote are available in colors that not only look great, but provide the wearer multiple benefits for activities such as driving and
skiing. For a complete list of coatings visit www.opticote.com, call
Mike at 800-248-6784 x 103 or email rxsales@opticote.com.
For more information on any program mentioned here, visit www.blockbg.com or call your Block Business Group customer service representative at 800-524-1480.
5
Supplier Announcements
A&A Optical Introduces Crocs™ Eyewear
The twelve adult
styles interpret the
relaxed and distinctly
fun Crocs™ spirit,
incorporating the
unique style and
creative design of
colors, shapes, materials and
comfort of Crocs™ branded products. High quality materials such
as ultra-lightweight stainless steel, hypo-allergenic silicone rubber
and flexible polymer are used. Featured are CF323 (top), CF331 and
CF624 (bottom). Call 800-492-4465 or visit www.aaopticalco.com.
Smilen Introduces Red Carpet Collection
he name Red
T
Carpet has always been synonymous with high fashion
and celebrity status. With
innovative new designs and
provocative colors this collection
lives up to its name. The five models featured epitomize the sophisticated look of this series (RC66, RC67, RC68, RC69, RC71). Call 800-8875675 or visit smileneyewear.com.
Revolution Eyewear Adds Magnetic Clip-Ons
The four new styles in zyle are lightweight in
design and equipped with Revolution's patented bottom mounted magnetic clip-ons. All
Revolution Magnetic Clip-ons have polarized polycarbonate lenses and may be
special ordered for 3D viewing and specialty lenses for sports. Featured are
REV778, REV781, REV780 and REV779.
Visit revolutioneyewear.com or call 800986-0010.
Bushnell Launches Bollé Kids
Sport Protective Collection
Through March 31st buy
12 and get 3 free, receive
a 10% discount and a
display. Reorders receive
a 10% discount. Call 800222-6553 or visit bolle.com.
FGX International Introduces Corinne McCormack Sun Rx for 2015
he debut collection incorporates sevT
eral iconic elements from the brand's
ophthalmic collection including Corinne's
exclusive leopard pattern zyl and jewelryinspired 'X' seen in the Expressway collection. There are six progressive-friendly
styles that include rich zyl and metal and zyl combinations with CR39 lenses in fashionable shapes in classic colorations.
Visit fgxi.com or call 800-480-4846.
Clariti Introduces New Styles
K onishi acetate model KA5773
features soft angles and is lightweight in colors gorgeous purple,
brilliant black and brown with a tan
finish. Giovanni GV3331 is part of
a new line that showcases your
teen's creativity and savvy in
colors of purple, black with blue
and black with reen. Call 800-372-6372 or visit claritieyewear.com.
Villa Eyewear Unveils the Blackfin Spring /
Summer Collection
The all-Italian titanium eyewear
brand features clean, uncluttered
lines, exclusive design details
and colors with personality.
Men's model BF728 Key West
features a vintage look. Women's model BF727 Melville
features a slightly oval shape.
Call 877-889-0399 or visit www.villaeyewear.com.
OVVO Optics Adds
New Styles and Colors
ew styles 2857, 2858 and 2859
N
represent variations in square shape.
New brilliant colors highlight this
release with a rich Royal Blue, bold
and empirical with a purplish tinge
and Plum, the perfect balance of cool
blue, feisty red and a splash of gray to
create a dusty, romantic appeal. Visit
ovvooptics.com or call 855-393-6886.
Modern Optical Debuts
2015 Eyewear Collection
t's Modern Optical's biggest catalog
Iever
and filled with on-trend styles,
upscale design details, rich colorations
and diverse silhouettes, all value
priced. Receive a FREE gift with your
first 12-piece order from the new
catalog. Call 800-323-2409 or visit
modernoptical.com.
Modo Adds Five Semi-Rimless Paper-Thin
Titanium Models
he five retro-inspired shapes
T
contrast well with the high-tech
ultra-elastic polyamide TR90 inserts
with titanium on the upper eye rim
and beta-titanium on the lower frame
front. The frames retain their signature
lightness, flexibility and eye-catching
colors with super-thin grilamid polymer
rings. Featured are models 4060,
4059, 4061, 4062 and 4063. Call 800223-7610 or visit modo.com.
For more information on any program mentioned here, visit www.blockbg.com or call your Block Business Group customer service representative at 800-524-1480.
6
act
Cont
n
e
L s
er
Corn
Elite
Vendor
All eyes deserve clariti.
clariti 1 day—now available for practices everywhere.
The world’s first and only family of silicone hydrogel daily
disposable contact lenses designed for every patient
type—sphere, toric and multifocal.
High Oxygen
Transmissibility
High Water
Content
Low
Modulus
UV
Protection
Affordable
Upgrade
Now you can prescribe all of your patients with healthy,
comfortable, affordable silicone hydrogel 1 day lenses—
which will make all eyes very happy indeed.
To learn more, contact your CooperVision representative
today or visit CooperVision.com/practitioner.
Nassau Vision Group Italian Optika Offers Free Frame
Adds New Free Ship- in February
ping Options
Buy 12 Baffo frames
●All Nassau supported messengers are now included in their
free shipping specials - use your
local courier for faster deliver
time.
●Enjoy enhanced free shipping
online at www.Nassau247.com.
Consolidate your stock and contact lens orders and save.
●Free ground shipping on all
online orders over $50, and free
next day shipping on all online
orders over $125. Order must be
placed at Nassau247.com, select
from your local Nassau Messenger or UPS ground or next day.
and get 1 FREE!! For
information call 954266-9325 or visit
italianoptika.com.
BBG Lab Notes
BBG Welcomes Robertson Optical
Carl Zeiss Vision Offers 50% Discount F or over 56 years, Robertson Optical's vision has
been to provide ECPs and their patients innovative
For New Accounts
arl Zeiss Vision will provide a 50%
C
discount on discountable products for
each new account for the first three
months of purchasing. In addition, existing accounts that average less than $1,000 in sales per
month for the previous quarter are also eligible for this 50%
discount. Note - contact us now to save $1,000's off your
Block lab bill with the New ZEISS Welcome Program! The
everyday discount for Block members is 33% on discountable products and services regardless of monthly volume.
Visit zeiss.com or call 800-518-7716. In addition - are you interested in purchasing Meditec Equipment for your practice?
Are you worried about the monthly payment? Contact us
now to find out how the NEW ONEZEISS Program can help!
P.O.G Labs Offers 4You Gold Digitally
Designed Progressive Lens
4You Gold is customized
on an individual basis. Every lens is made up of a
unique topography based
on your personal Rx value,
providing optimal visual
acuity for each wearer. Set
up a new account with
Precision Optical Group Labs before February 27, 2015 and
receive 4 FREE 4You Gold (CR-39) lenses (some restrictions
may apply). Call 800-497-9239 or visit poglabs.com.
Earn Rebate Credits with Luzerne
Elite Vendor Program: Bill $7,000+ per month Elite
Vendor
with Luzerne, and BBG will
rebate your account 1%
monthly. Call 800-233-9637
or visit luzerneoptical.com.
Elite
Vendor
ophthalmic solutions with the utmost quality in
lenses, craftsmanship and ophthalmic services.
ROL is a technologically integrated, independent
ophthalmic lab network with internal state-of-the-art
Digital Freeform lens capabilities, premium AR coating centers, MEI specialty
finishing capabilities, and glass lens processing. ROL's exclusive premium Digital Freeform Cozé Collection includes Cozé ADL and Cozé Wrap, Cozé, and
Vista offering Shamir, Carl Zeiss customized lenses, Carl Zeiss / AO Sola lenses, Kodak and Seiko. Premium AR coatings include ROL's exclusive premium
Royal AR Collection with backside UV. ROL is an approved VSP, VCP and
VBA network. Three locations service the entire US: Loganville GA (800-9292765), Columbia SC (800-922-5525), and Greenville SC (800-223-0890). You
can also visit robertsonoptical.com.
Hoya Extends Discounts
oya has extended its tremendous discounts
H
to any new or reactivated account through
March 31, 2015. These accounts that bill $1,000 per month will receive significant savings for 90 days. Also, purchase $1,000-$3,999 per month to receive
special discounts on non-Hoya brands and even higher discounts on Hoyabrand progressives and coatings. Purchase $4,000+ per month, and discounts increase even more. The National Hoya Honors Program is available
to Block accounts with at least $1,000 per month in net purchases. Visit hoya.
com or call 972-221-4141.
i-see Optical Lab Extends Exciting Offer
i
-see Optical Lab and Block have teamed up
to offer you extraordinary savings on the best
in quality and value. i-see 5 Progressive
Lenses offer your patients a smooth, easy
design. Starting at just $21.95, BBG members receive 1 free pair with every
5 pairs that they buy (any 5 pair in any material). i-see Optical is also offering
BBG members $10 off per pair of Varilux Digital Lenses voted as the most prescribed Progressive Lens. Open an account with i-see Optical and bill through
BBG. After two months of ordering (no minimum required) you will receive a
$50 American Express Gift Card. Visit iseelabs.com or call 800-257-7724.
For more information on any program mentioned here, visit www.blockbg.com or call your Block Business Group customer service representative at 800-524-1480.