EaseVision.com – News and gossips of vision care and optical industry

The newly formed Sacramento Community Cancer Coalition has started to grant prostate screening for those underserved populations. In addition, most of the underserved people are black men, who are estimated to be twice more likely to die of prostate cancer than white men. As the most common cancer among American men, prostate cancer can also significantly benefit from early detection and treatment. 

This new organization is just a brainchild of Dr. Darry1 Hunter, which has partnership with VSP, a Rancho Cordova-based vision insurance provider. Through this cooperation, Hunter provides free eyeglasses to those underserved people in the means of two recreational vehicles as mini optometry offices run by VSP. The two portable clinics travel around the nation and give comprehensive eye exams as well as taking glass orders from patients. The VSP mobile clinic is airy and wood-paneled inside. There are also a wall of eyeglasses and fully equipped exam rooms. People without health insurance can receive vision exam and an additional prostate exam if they want. 

UC Davis medical school students also run another program weekly in the Oak Park neighborhood, which is known as Saturday’s clinic. In conjunction with the free Imani clinic, Saturday’s clinic also cooperates with 11 organizations including the African American Prostate Cancer Initiative and 100 Black Men of Sacramento Inc. 

Organizers of Saturday’s clinic also make use of the common sense that most people trust message from a neighbor, a friend or a congregant. They have been finding connection methods that a particular community can relate to. However, all nonprofit organizations are hurting now and the staff of Saturday’s clinic has to share resources with others. It is also ensured that the benefit to the community is actually increased. 

These private efforts are expected to bear much of the brunt of health care for uninsured individuals and please those people.

From: www.eyeoverheard.com

A variety of challenges can be caused by white cataracts during an eye surgery. People with cataracts always have dense lens nucleus and suffer more risks of surgery complications. The good news is that modern techniques and devices can help cataract patients lower surgery risks and improve outcomes. 

Examination of the retina and optic nerve is often impossible in cataract patients because these white cataracts cover the posterior pole of the eye. Fortunately, ultrasound imaging can provide a clear view of the posterior segment. In addition, flashlight testing can be used to detect gross pathology of the optic nerve or retina. 

White cataracts also bring opacity in the eye, which precludes biometry. An A-scan ultrasound is usually used to measure axial length in cataract patients. Cataract patients are unable to fixate to locate the visual axis, so that keratometry measurements should be centered over the pupil. Cataract patients are always accompanied by uveitis, narrow angles or vascular disease, which can be detected by careful slit lamp examination of the anterior segment. 

However, white cataracts can block red reflex from the surgical microscope so that visualization of the clear anterior capsule is quite difficult. A method to solve this problem is the use of trypan blue dye, which will be applied to the anterior capsule under air or viscoelastic. Visualization of the anterior capsule thus can be enhanced by the dye. One side effect of dye administration is that the lens’s elasticity may be deceased. 

Capsulorrhexis creation in cataract patients also involves more risks, because the white cataracts can sometimes by liquefied and lead to leakage of white, milky fluid. This leakage can even impair visualization at the time of the opening of the capsular bag. This fluid may also bring pressure gradient, which leads to severe radialization of the rhexis edge.

Free-form PALs from Pro Fit Optix cost nearly the same as standard progressive lenses. Compared with other leading free-form progressive lenses, Pro Fit’s PALs are 30% to 40% cheaper. The company claims that these lenses use the full range of digital free-form technologies. Customers are granted with the lowest prices and greatest value at each technological level. Pro Fit Optix has now maintained an experienced management team, some members of which are pulled by Pro Fit from other eyewear firms such as Essilor. 

Steve Brewer is the Executive VP of Sales and Business Development of Pro Fit. During his 34 years of experience in the optical industry, Steve has ever served Bausch & Lomb, Cooper Vision, Alcon, Essilor of America and United Healthcare. He was ever a board member of National Association of Vision Care Plans. As a notably senior level executive and industry consultant, Steve can always keep clearly in mind both the industry’s challenges and opportunities. In his opinion, vision customers are undergoing certain changes in expectation towards vision products and the developing Free-Form technology is exciting that it can offer more vision benefits. 

As Vice President Sales-Independent Markets of Pro Fit now, Bruce Winslow has also stayed in several optical companies such as Bausch & Lomb, Unilens as well as Essilor. During the past 30 years of experience in this industry, Bruce has mainly focused on the field of sales. He has gained valuable experience dealing with distributors, buying groups, MVC and the emerging network of IPAs. As a result, Bruce provides more suggestion in sales. According to Bruce, the current Pro Pit model is quite unique in the lens market. Regardless of geographical differences, Pro Fit is structured to support independent ECPs in the channel in which they purchase. In another way, the firm has consistently focused on building good relationship with independent ECPs. 

The management team of Pro Fit also includes Tom Lyon, who has 40 years of industry experience including customer service, lab and sales management. Most of Tom’s working experiences are associated with laboratories, so that he maintains a great understanding of new technologies including free-form and progressive lenses.

From: www.eyeoverheard.com

During the past several years, Transitions has aired a huge amount of commercials and spent tens of millions on them. Ads from Transitions claim that its lenses can be clear indoor and dark outdoor. This is the major feature advocated by the firm. Some people are willing to accept it. People who are in and out constantly can actually benefit from these special lenses. In addition, Transitions pledges a refund to patients who are not satisfied with Transitions lenses. 

However, another fact is that the market share occupied by Transitions has remained at about 20% for quite a few years, without any increase. Transitions has never gained 30% to 40% of market share. Some customers have realized something fishy from the Transitions’s claim of refund. 

For those who do not move from inside to outside or vise versa constantly during daily lives, Transitions lenses are helpless. For example, some people just drive to work, sit inside an office most of a day and drive home in the afternoon. Those individuals can not gain any benefit from Transitions lenses’ features. 

What’s more importantly, a pair of Transitions lenses costs additionally more than $90. For those who can not take use of the benefits, the additional fee is meaningless. They can simply save the $90 by buying Rx eyeglasses. 

Currently, representatives of Transitions get low salary because the firm has less money to spend after the years’ vast advertisements. In addition, many patients are not aware of the features advocated by Transitions lenses. The company must realize why it can not gain more market share.

From: www.eyeoverheard.com

The market regulator Consob’s website showed that the Della Valle family bought a 2.06 percent stake in Gucci and Dior, which is a sunglass maker. This action brought Safilo’s shares up 34 percent, reaching 0.670 Euros, because signs showed that Della Valle was also interested in Safilo. Nearly 40% of Safilo’s stock is held by the family of Chairman Vittorio Tabacchi.

 Until now, the Diego Della Valle is reported to have gained just over 2% of Safilo stock, which is considered by some analyzers as “throw money down a bottomless hole”. The stake of Safilo gained by Della Valle was much probably offered by Hal Investments, which also held just 2 percent of Safilo. But currently there are no official comments from the Della Valle family and Netherlands-based Hal Investments. 

In fact, Safilo is a rival to the Italian eyewear firm Marcolin, about 40% stake of which is held by Diego Della Valle and his brother. Diego Della Valle is also the chairman of Tod’s, an Italian luxury shoe and bag maker. 

The action from Della Valle was deemed unwise because of Safilo’s stretched debt burden. Safilo had net debt burden of 592.1 million Euros at the end of June. There are detailed figures that describe the difficulty of the merger. Milan broker Intermonte said that the merger of Safilo and Marcolin needs a fresh capital injection of around 100 to 150 million Euros. What’s worse, Safilo’s private equity funds had collapsed in July. Since then, the company has been shoring up its balance and extending its debt payment with banks. 

On the other hand, there are also positive expectations from certain reports. Before the merger, analysts said that Marcolin could benefit from an alliance with Safilo, which was thought to be a strategically meaningful transaction. The strong licenses and retail network of Marcolin and Safilo could be combined to offer more support.

There are very few studies that are associated with the research of the difference between the cost of LASIK and the cost of wearing prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses lifelong. Recently, Davis Vision Center of Salt Lake City, UT conducted an in-house study focusing on this field. 

Most people in their 20s who have received a LASIK procedure can pay for the surgery within three years. Based on approximately industry-standard prices of vision correction and the average lifespan of 77.7, the study pointed out that a LASIK procedure can save up to $48,000 over lifetime.

 A LASIK costs an average $3,000 of surgery fee and annually $105 of eye exam fee. When it comes to prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses or contact lenses, the yearly cost is estimated to reach $1,004. For teens, choosing LASIK and eliminating eyewear is more economical in the long run. Except for economical benefits, LASIK also offers more convenience because it corrects vision problems permanently. 

The study from Davis Vision Center is an answer to an increasing number of inquires at the center from people who are considering LASIK and still not be clear of detail information of its costs. The information and conclusion released by Davis Vision Center grant customers a clear and trustful comparison of the cost of eyewear and the expense of LASIK procedure. 

In order to make customers to realize the long-term economic savings from LASIK procedure, the center also publishes a graphic, which visualizes the above information and makes these numbers easy for understanding. The graphic uses a wheel and table to list the ages of potential LASIK candidates and lifelong costs and savings. In this way, it offers a visualized comparison between the costs of LASIK and eyewear. 

The study and its information from the Davis Vision Center are helpful for certain patients who are still have doubt about LASIK procedure.

From: www.eyeoverheard.com

There is recently an environmental action from the eyewear giant Essilor. At the time of going back to school after the summer holiday, many students in America need eye exams because good vision is essential through classroom activities. Essilor is grabbing this opportunity to propagate its new products, which promote environmental protection.

 In the beginning of the new school year, Essilor releases the first-ever eco-friendly eyewear called Airwear lenses. The production of Airwear lenses uses 100% recycled water and packaging and re-purposes unused materials for other industries. Manufacturing these green products, Essilor offers a great chance for students and their parents to start a new routine of environmental protection and establish daily green habits. In addition to environmental awareness, Essilor also takes action in charity. One fifth of the Essilor Junior lenses will be donated to the Essilor Vision Foundation, which is aimed at improving vision in children nationwide. 

According to the green living expert Beth Aldrich, the eco-friendly eyewear from Essilor may implant environmental mind into children. Beth also says that customers should choose products that work for environment. There are still more actions can be done. 

Carbon emission has been one of the most harmful contributors to climate change on the earth. Hybrid cars should be widely promoted because they can come to a complete stop when waiting in traffic and recharge the batteries once their brakes are hit. Combined with a small gasoline engine, battery powered electric motors can last more miles and reduce a significant amount of carbon dioxide from fossil fuels. 

Chemicals can be reduced if we buy plant-based household products. Local, fair trade and organic foods should also be favored because they eliminate long transportation. A great amount of garbage will be avoided if the reuse rate is significantly improved. For example, resources such as old school papers should be recycled.

There was bad news about multi-purpose contact lens solutions. In Singapore, the ReNu MoistureLoc solution was for ever withdrawn after the outbreak of eye infections in 2006. In fact, multipurpose solutions (MPS) can also result in fungal contamination of the solution. According to a senior consultant ophthalmologist at the Singapore National Eye Center, the underlying cause is the multiple additives in these solutions. 

Eye care solutions are originally created to kill germs and bacteria. However, the strong agents in solutions may also damage the natural barrier function of corneal epithelial cells. The term used to describe the danger caused by MPS is cytotoxicity, which indicates the quality of being toxic to cells. Although cytotoxicity is reversible within a few days after the solutions are stopped, cell vitality can be decreased in the process of MPS use. 

Although more studies are needed to evaluate the long-term impact of MPS cytotoxicity, some brands of lens solutions are showed to be more harmful to corneal epithelium, which is the natural barrier of the corneal. There is already a study that has compared some brands of MPS, pointing out that the Alcon and Bausch & Lomb solutions are more cytotoxic than others such as the Complete Easy Rub solutions. 

Officials from Alcon and Bausch & Lomb fought back that the study was actually an in-vitro test and involved no actual lens wear. They argued that clinical results can not be predicted by in-vitro tests. Bausch & Lomb spokesman also pointed out that their products were assured by stringent quality control systems and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. In addition, the study was funded by their competitors.

Despite those controversies, there is advisable ways to avoid potential risks of MPS. Some experts recommend saline solutions for lens rinsing after using MPS, which can remove preservatives found in MPS. Furthermore, contact lens solutions should be properly prescribed by lens practitioners.

From: www.eyeoverheard.com

In the coming October, Tesmo International owned by Coco Song corporation will release its new products named Coco Song 2010 collection. At that time, these new-style eyeglasses in stores are likely to attract the majority of customers. 

The Coco Song 2010 collection is reported to be richly fascinating and original, in an ethno-chic style. The specialty of these products is that they are the combination of eyewear and jewels. The jewels on Coco Song eyeglasses are also creative that they combine and overlap materials and colors in a variety of ways. 

In addition to common features such as modern and lightweight, the frames of the new collection also contain fine acetates. Jewels on them are precious and semiprecious, in either silver or gold. What’s more appealing, there are still silk and enamels as enhancement. In the mind of the designer of the Coco Song 2010 collection, color and harmonious shapes are both winners. 

The designer of this new style from Coco Song is a goldsmith named Paola Garofalo, who has created the jewel collection with both oriental and western flavor. In fact, the globetrotting designer takes her countless global journeys as the inspiration of her creations. Before the design of Coco Song collection, Paola Garofalo is quite notable for her collaboration with Italian and international firms such as the American giant Movado and Italy’s Arezzo. In addition, there are also personal collections of Paola Garofalo. 

The design of the Coco Song 2010 collection is really creative and innovative that it combines eyewear with original jewel collection. It promotes the strategy of Coco Song that features multiproduct and multichannel. The firm has become a unique brand and the exclusive protagonist of the strategy. It is a huge step because Coco Song was only loved and bewitched by the public for its eyewear with refined craftsmanship and colorful vitality during the past ten years.

From: www.eyeoverheard.com

According to the Orange County Business Journal, Scott Olivet has resigned from the CEO of Oakley, after four years of service in this position. Prior to Oakley, Olivet has served several companies. From 1998 to 2001, Olivet was the Senior Vice President of the Gap Inc.,  esponsible for the Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy brands. After that, Olivet stayed as the Vice President of Nike Inc. until October 2005. In Nike, he led, developed and executed the firm’s multi-brand strategy. 

During the service as CEO of Oakley since 2005, Olivet helped broker the sale of Oakley to the Italian company Luxottica, which involved totally $2.1 billion. Initial signs after the sale showed that Oakley got manufacturing facilities from Luxottica, in order to further produce and market the Oakley brand. However, there is now negative result that Oakley has lost parts of influence in making notable products. Olivet has been accused of excessively following the boss, Luxottica. 

After the resignation, Olivet is still positive about his future. During an interview with the Orange County Business Journal, Olivet said he would keep good relationship with Oakley and Colin, who was president of the firm and serves as the new CEO now. Olivet also claims that he will also play a personal role in the development of Oakley. 

In fact, Olivet has started an investment concern involving apparel and other consumer companies. His possible roles include investor, active board member and executive. In addition, Olivet also maintains close relationship with Jim Jannard, the founder of Oakley. Olivet plans to contribute to a digital movie camera maker named Red Digital Cinema Camera, which is Jim’s latest venture.