Employee Health Matters
Physical health and financial health often go hand in hand. Rising health care costs have caused companies to shift more of the benefit
burden to employees. This may be helpful and necessary for the company but ultimately leaves the employee with less income to take care of
their family. As a lab owner, it is up to you to motivate and inspire your people to perform well. Nothing kills this enthusiasm like a pay
cut.
You may not be able to control the country’s healthcare costs, but you can do something that will benefit your employees’ health. Start
a wellness program. Weight loss, exercise, smoking cessation, and other programs no doubt can and do improve people’s health. The benefits
to employees could include improved health, lower medical costs, and closer bonding with co-workers. They spend all day together; working
toward a common goal while providing mutual encouragement can foster better workplace camaraderie.
The lab owner can also benefit through reduced benefit costs, improved employee morale, better attendance rates, and increased employee
productivity. Most importantly, starting a wellness program can also show your employees that they matter to you. If they can see that you
care about them, they are more likely to care about you and your business. Who knows? You could lead by example and participate in the
workplace wellness program too and improve your own health while improving your business. Win-Win!
—Jason A. Meyer is senior vice president,
HPC Puckett & Company. Based in San Diego, Calif., HPC Puckett & Company specializes in mergers and acquisitions of wholesale optical laboratories. You can send comments or questions about this article or any other Dollars
& Sense articles to Jason Meyer at
[email protected].

Precision San Diego Promotes
'Alliance' with Practitioners
Precision San Diego recently celebrated the launch of its in-house Crizal processing center by partnering with Essilor to co-host a dinner for
practitioners at San Diego’s elegant Bohannan Estate. The event was a springboard for the formation of The Alliance, a group formed by Precision,
Essilor and Transitions Optical to offer practitioners new tools to enhance their practices. A select group of practitioners joined the Alliance
and are participating in a six-month series of breakfast forums at which they discuss practice growth, networking and methods of increasing patient
satisfaction with premium products such as digital lenses, AR lenses and photosensitive lenses.
The Alliance also provides the practitioners with
business resources such as a banking officer who provides financial planning assistance and a graphic/website designer who develops marketing
material exclusively for Alliance members. Each office meets individually with a marketing consultant to support its growth process.
“In today’s economic climate, many independent practitioners are becoming more strategic, looking for ways to differentiate themselves in a
difficult marketplace,” said Mark Becker, president and CEO of Precision San Diego. “As an independent lab, we feel it’s important to
bring to them all the resources we can.” He added, “We want the Alliance to create a synergy that will be applicable to many things,
not just specific products or services.”
Pictured at top are, left to right, Michael Stegen of Stegen Designs, Bev Becker, Bobbie Bohannan and Mark Becker of Precision San Diego greeted guests throughout the evening.
In the middle are Essilor's Shon Bjornberg, Colin St. Clair, Erin Allen, John McMahan and James Schrick.
At the bottom are Denis Iwamoto, OD, Lori Treadwell of Precision San Diego and Bob Howard, OD as they enjoy the evening at The Bohannan Estate.
Walman Tees Off With Callaway Golf
Walman Optical
has entered into a license agreement with the Callaway Golf Company to promote the Callaway Sunwear collection featuring the technologically advanced
Neox Transitions SolFX outdoor lenses. Under the terms of the agreement, Walman will develop and distribute Callaway branded sunwear and ophthalmic
fashion frame collections. In addition, Walman Optical has exclusive marketing, sales and distribution rights to the Neox Transitions SolFX lens.
Walman Optical plans to launch the Callaway sunwear line and the Neox Transitions SolFX lenses simultaneously in April. The Callaway branded men’s
ophthalmic frame collection is slated for a May 2010 introduction. Both lines will be distributed exclusively by Walman Optical’s Imagewear, Walman
Ophthalmic and Soderberg Ophthalmic divisions.
Pictured above are, left to right, Craig Giles, vice president of Soderberg’s ophthalmic division; John Anderson, vice president of Walman Optical’s
ophthalmic division and Doug Schlauderaff, vice president of Walman’s Imagewear division.
Essilor Honors Tri-Supreme’s
Michael Cooper
Michael Cooper, vice president of laboratory operations at Tri-Supreme Optical in Farmingdale, N.Y. has been named as one of Essilor’ Distinguished
Employees, one of only a handful of people to receive the honor this year. Cooper is also the first person to earn the award in the partner lab
division of Essilor of America.
To be considered for the award, candidates must demonstrate leadership ability and skills, hard work and dedication. When Essilor acquired
Tri-Supreme in 2004, Cooper played a central role in helping the lab transition from being a privately owned business to becoming a key part of the
Essilor organization.
Seen here are Michael Cooper being congratulated by Jay Graber (left) and David Steuerman of Tri-Supreme.
SoCal Practices Score
With Zeiss Individual and Transitions
Five practices enjoyed a private tailgate party and a San Diego Chargers game at Qualcomm Stadium as winners of the “Charge into the
Revolution” promotion from Carl Zeiss Vision, Transitions Optical and Perfect Optics, a San Diego-based wholesale lab. The winning practices
were: Barry Mozlin OD of Encinitas, Calif., Richard Skay, OD of San Marcos, Calif., Point Loma Optometry of San Diego, Calif. and Mira Mesa Optometry
of San Diego, Calif., Tony Pham, OD of San Diego, Calif., and Greider and Associates of Vista, Calif.
Katy Coleman, pictured above left, of Dr. Richard Skay’s office accepts four entrance tickets and winning prizes at the
private tailgate party from Adrienne Sikman of Carl Zeiss Vision.
Eileen-Ann Lewis @ Reliable Optics
Reliable Optics, located in Brooklyn, New York was established in the spring of 2007 after the merger of Elm Ophthalmic Laboratory and Vision Lens
Express warehouse. With over 20 combined years of serving eyecare professionals, Reliable Optics covers a 10,000 square foot state-of-the-art
facility, making it the largest independent full-service laboratory in New York City. Eileen-Ann Lewis joined the 50-person lab in 2009 as the
technical support manager.
On a typical day, Lewis starts early by opening the lab and getting it ready for the day ahead. She prepares the workstations and downloads the
customers’ orders, getting them ready for the lab work ahead. “The ability to provide a laboratory that supports and grows the independent
practitioner is our primary goal here at Reliable,” said Lewis.
Lewis assists ECPs by answering technical questions and troubleshooting problems. In addition, Lewis analyzes internal and external
credits and also assists in lab operations as needed. “Our company culture continues to grow in response to our clients’ needs.
We pride ourselves on a high energy, productive work atmosphere here, all due to our clients,” said Lewis.
Before taking her position at Reliable Optics, Lewis gained experience working at a variety of companies such as Triconic Labs, Supreme Optical,
Benedict Optical and Tri-Supreme Optical. She finds the work gratifying and the outcome fulfilling. “When you find a job like mine, it makes
life that much more enjoyable,” said Lewis.
LabTalk Spotlight March 2010
Economy Schmonomy—Consumers Want The Most For Their Money
By Brian Lynch, Winchester Optical
Winchester Optical Company has been in business for 108 years. My grandfather started working at Winchester during the 1920’s, and the Lynch
family took over full ownership in 1963. As with most companies, we have changed with the times—but one thing that has remained consistent is
our commitment to our customers and our promise to provide the highest-quality products and services.
Earning the 2009 U.S. Transitions Lab of the Year title has been a remarkable honor for both myself and the entire Winchester Optical team (pictured above).
We have been firm believers in the Transitions family of products since Transition lenses were first introduced in the early 1990s—and have
promoted Transitions lenses both as an ideal everyday lens option and as an opportunity for growth.
Despite the distressed economy, in 2009, we decided to raise our own bar and take our partnership with Transitions to a new
level—with a goal of stimulating growth and boosting customer satisfaction. We focused on three main areas for growth: Transitions lenses, Crizal
anti-reflective coatings and Varilux lenses. We were confident that even in the current economic climate, consumers would be willing to spend
more on a product that did more for them, so we encouraged our customers to promote Transitions lenses alongside of other premium enhancements.
To learn more about what Winchester Optical did to become the Transitions Lab of the Year for 2009, log onto
www.labtalkonline.com where you will find
Economy Schmonomy—Consumers Want The Most For Their Money, listed under the Features section.
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Dazzle With Value

He stood there, very nondescript, sandy colored hair, hands in pocket, average looks, average height, somewhat overweight, no one special—
and then he began to speak. Steve Stott, Founder of Tampa SEO Training Academy, delivered an amazing presentation to a Microsoft Partners meeting
that I attended recently. It wasn’t the slides—too wordy. It wasn’t the topic—search engine optimization, very technical. It wasn’t his
delivery style—though extremely energetic and engaging. It was the fact that he delivered so much more than we expected both in quantity and
quality of information. In a 90-minute presentation, we felt like we had received hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars worth of useful information,
delivered in an obviously thoughtful and entertaining way that was genuinely meant to help the audience.
Why is this impressive? We live in an age where many people on both the buy and sell sides are coming from a mental framework of scarcity:
Buyers—Get more for less. Sellers—Give as little as possible to get as much as possible. Steve’s presentation reflected a mindset of
abundance: Give as much value as possible and do it in a spirit of true desire to help listeners—whether they ultimately buy from
you or not.
I encourage you to do the same with your clients. Give more value than they expect and do it with enthusiasm and professionalism. It pays off.
Just look at this blog. Hundreds of people, who Steve could never reach on his own, will read this. He is now my number one referral for SEO
(Search Engine Optimization) work. And, if I ever need SEO help, he will be my first call. All that for just 90 minutes of work. And I was just one
person in that audience.
Time is limited: Make What You Say Pay.
Anne Miller
www.annemiller.com.
Spacia

Manufacturer: Augen Optics
Description: “High definition” progressive lens designed for active presbyopes
Features: Wide, spacious distance vision with ample near vision for the close-up tasks often required during physical activities
and sports. Extra-wide intermediate corridor with a 9mm width ensures quick, smooth transition from distance to near. Made with Augen High
Definition Lens aspheric/double aspheric technology, which provides “wide, clear, natural vision” for wearers with both low and high
cylinder prescriptions, according to Augen. Augen High Definition technology also features flatter base curves for all prescriptions, resulting in
better cosmetics.
Availability: Trivex material. 3.50D and 5.00D bases in +1.00 to +3.00 add powers. Spacia lenses in 2.00D and 6.00D bases will be
added to the product line later in the year. Scratch coated and compatible with all hydrophobic, AR and mirror coatings.
(866) 284-3611
www.augenoptics.com
MaxDetail Clip

Manufacturer: Eschenbach USA
Description: Clip-on telescope for near tasks
Features: Designed for patients who want the benefits of an “off the shelf” near telescopic system but who have a refractive
error. Has many of the same features as Eschenbach’s MaxDetail (2x magnification, hands-free design, large working distance, wide field of view,
etc.), but clip-on design allows patients to incorporate their correction so that they can view a clear, magnified image. Five vertical lens heights
offered to assure correct pupil alignment. Hinged clip mechanism allows lenses to be flipped up out of the way when not in use. Provides benefit of a
near Galilean telescopic system: a long working distance. Provides 16” working distance, about three times the distance of comparably powered
spectacle. Recommended for reading books, newspapers, print on computer screens or other extended near tasks.
(203) 438-7471
[email protected]
Summit iQ Progressives

Manufacturer: Hoya Vision Care, North America
Description: Hoya’s newest free-form progressives
Features: Hoya’s iQ Technology improve the visual acuity of Hoyalux Summit ecp/cd
designs by applying an aspheric or atoric (free-form) surface on the back side of the lens. Summit iQ enhances all the benefits of conventional
progressive lenses including visual acuity at all distances and smoother transitions between zones. Other benefits include reduced distortion wider
fields of vision and improved distance vision.
Availability: Hoyalux Summit ecp iQ—1.50 index: -10.00 to +6.00; 1.50 Transitions Gray:
-10.00 to +6.00; 1.53 Phoenix: -10.00 to
+6.00; 1.53 Phoenix Transitions Gray: -10.00 to +6.00. Hoyalux Summit cd iQ—1.50 index: -10.00 to +6.00; 1.50 Transitions Gray: -10.00 to +6.00; 1.53
Phoenix: -10.00 to +6.00; 1.53 Phoenix Transitions Gray: -10.00 to +6.00.
(866) 812-8893
www.hoyavision.com
Varilux Physio Enhanced

Manufacturer: Essilor of America
Description: Essilor’s new top-of-the-line progressive lens
Features: Designed with Essilor’s proprietary W.A.V.E. Technology 2, the next generation of Varilux Physio lens design. According to Essilor,
W.A.V.E Technology 2 maximizes visual acuity even in low light conditions by taking into account variations in pupil size due to age, patient
prescription, light conditions and viewing distance. The technology also manages distortions more efficiently than Varilux Physio, so patients see
improved sharpness in any light, less eye strain and reduced swim. Lens performance guaranteed through systematic production utilizing dual side
digital surfacing process. Although AR is not mandatory, Essilor strongly recommends it. Good for fitting heights of 14 to 25mm and up.
Availability: 1.50 Index Plastic: 1.50 +6.00 D to
-10.00D; 1.50 Transitions VI Gray/Brown: 1.50 +6.00 D to -10.00D; 1.50 Xperio Gray/Brown
1.50 +6.00 D to -10.00D; Airwear 1.59 +6.00D to
-10.00D; Airwear Transitions VI Gray/Brown 1.59 +6.00D to -10.00D; Airwear Transitions XTRActive
Gray 1.59 +6.00D to -10.00D; Airwear Xperio Gray/Brown 1.59 +6.00D to -10.00D; Thin&Lite 1.60 1.60 +8.00D to -12.00D; Thin&Lite 1.60 Transitions
VI Gray/Brown 1.60 +8.00D to
-12.00D; Thin&Lite 1.67 1.67 +9.00D to -12.00D; Thin&Lite 1.67 Transitions VI Gray/Brown 1.67 +9.00D to -12.00D;
Thin&Lite 1.74: 1.74 +13.00D to -18.00D.
(800) 843-3937
www.variluxusa.com
Micro-PAL Identifier

Manufacturer: OptiSource International
Description: Compact, reliable PAL identifier enables etchings of any PAL manufacturer to be viewed easily.
Features: : The battery operated, bright LED light makes it simple to read reference points, add-power, manufacturer, lens model
and material markings. Multiple uses include identifying patient’s current lens, maring lenses or finding test points, regardless of the age of the
lens, scratches, tint or coatings. Can also be used during final inspection to clearly see blemishes or imperfections. Uses 4 “AAA”
batteries. Automatic shut-off feature preserves battery life. Optional 7V, 0.5A power pack available separately.
Size: 7.25 inches deep by 3.5 inches wide by 6” high
(800) OPTISOURCE (678-4768)
www.1-800-optisource.com
2010 Catalog

Manufacturer: Western Optical Supply
Description: Redesigned to provide you with more “how to” information about the extensive Western Optical line of unique dispensing hand tools and accessories.
Features: Over 35 new tools included in the expanded lineup. Now most pliers are available with a foam grip or enhanced steel grip in
addition to the traditional vinyl.
Availability: Contact Western Optical Supply or Western distributor.
(800) 423.3294 USA
www.westernoptical.com

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