I n 2014 I had spoken with many independent eyecare

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1 VOL. XXXII NO. 01 JANUARY 2015 Practice Management and Purchasing Services for Independent ye Care Professionals Blocknotes Is Your Glass Half Full or Half mpty? I n 2014 I had spoken with many independent eyecare professionals. he prevailing theme seemed to be What am I going to do about this problem and what am I going to do about that problem. I think that 2015 should be the year of the solutions. So with that in mind let s focus on the solutions rather than the problems. BBG Bottom Line lite Vendor Program = $$$ he lite Vendor Program is back for Many of you will be receiving your 2014 year end rebates next month. Due to the success of the Program, some vendors have upgraded the lite Vendor Program offerings for Contact Block Business Group Customer Service for more information. BBG Solution Number 1. Michael Block Let s talk about increasing revenues from managed care patients. he best way to do this is to spend time talking to these patients about their lifestyle needs as it relates to their work and leisure activities. Make them aware of frame and lens designs that will help them improve their day to day living. If you succeed in convincing them that they should upgrade their eyewear from the basic plain vanilla managed care offering, you now have to convince them that they can afford it. very office that accepts managed care patients should be offering CareCredit to their patients. For those of you unfamiliar with CareCredit, please see the information in the box to the lower right of this column. In a nutshell CareCredit allows you to offer your patients an interest free loan for up to 24 months. I recommend that when presenting the amount of the upgrade or extra pair, instead of saying, for example, "$400", why not say "$33 per month interest free for one year." Research has shown that patients are 30% more likely to upgrade at the time of purchase and 50% more likely to buy a second pair if CareCredit is an option. A CareCredit flyer is included with this newsletter. Solution Number 2. You can compete with chain stores. Retail chains do approximately 65% of their business after 5 p.m. and on weekends making the hours very convenient for working people. While it is difficult for the average independent to compete with those hours, why not try staggering your hours one or two days a week by starting later and keeping later hours a couple of days a week and keeping your dispensary open on Saturdays. Fortunately, there are many patients out there who prefer the professionalism and quiet privacy of an independent office. It s your job to constantly remind your patients of the professional and personalized service they will receive at your office. Also, it s important that you and your staff take the time to educate your patients about all new lens and frame options that might be beneficial to them. Your patients will be grateful for the information and will look forward to returning to your office next time for their eyewear needs. And who knows, they may even recommend a friend as well. Solution Number 3. You don t need to lose patients to the internet. he internet cannot examine their eyes, nor can it accurately measure patients for progressives or other types of specialty lenses. If patients are requesting PD information explain to them that your practice charges $50 for single vision, $75 for bifocals and $100 for progressives. ell them that these fees are included when they purchase eyewear from you. Also remind them that you pretty much warranty their eyewear for its useful life in the form of adjustments or fittings, cleanings, and repairs. Let them know that there are many highly technical lens choices that require professional advice to help you see better, and today there are so many frame choices that a trained professional can help you look better as well. C arecredit helps upgrade patient purchases and increases 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 (press 1, then 6) or visit You can also check out the flyer enclosed with this month's statement for more information. Have a happy and profitable New Year. BBG

2 2 lite Vendor News Silhouette Introduces the Rimless Carbon 1 Collection he sporty design of the temple made of high-tech titanium and SPX+, and the extremely fine texture of the carbon fiber translate into a one-of-a-kind experience. he innovative resin-backed carbon fiber weave is an in-house development by Silhouette. According to how the light falls, it shimmers in either black-matte or grey-shiny, emphasizing the carbon element of the faceted temple. Visit silhouette.com or call Altair Introduces bebe yewear for Spring his optical and sun collection features an array of looks that will fit every bebe girl's mood. Featuring geek-chic and retro cat-eye shapes, these styles are perfectly fashioned with stunning baguette logo crystals, iridescent lace, Austrian crystals, pyramid studs and flirty custom animal prints. Call or visit altaireyewear.com Morel Introduces Lightec's Alpha Safilo Releases the BOSS Spring / Summer 2015 Collection hese men's sunglasses reflect a classic style, combining functionality with design thanks to their exclusive Optyl construction. his innovative, patented material allows for extremely light shapes, perfect for a comfortable fit and complemented by contemporary colors and subtle details. Features flex hinge, key-shaped bridge, and the new graphic detail on the temple-tips. Featured are models 0665/S and 0666/S. Call or visit safilo.com Ogi yewear Introduces Model 9209 B ursts of watercolor inspired streaks harmonize with coordinating colored metal temples. his feminine combination frame features lively blends of color in the translucent tinted acetate front and tips, a smooth swooping brow and carved stainless steel temples. Call or visit ogiframes.com. Marcolin Introduces wo New od's Sunglass Styles od's expands its collection to include new sun and optical styles in line with the brand's sophisticated, exclusive look. xuding the charm of past times, men's acetate sunglass model O0149 features a rounded shape, a thin metal bridge and the exclusive -lion logo on the temple ends. Classic aviator O0152 acetate sunglasses feature leather lined temples in a plaited design. Call or visit marcolin.com Aspex yewear Adds New Greg Norman Style G reg Norman men's metal style GN247 features plastic temples and 360 urboflex hinges. his model is available in satin gold / black & red, satin chocolate / dark & light brown, and satin black / black & blue with size 55/13/135. Visit aspexeyewear.com or call H andmade acetate is finely worked in three layers using color and processes for a shiny, intense exterior and brightly colored translucent, matte interior. his woman's frame is fitted with Morel's exclusive patented screwless and springless Alpha hinge system. Available in six contemporary shapes, three full-rimmed acetate models and three semi-rimless stainless steel models. Visit morel-france.com or call ProDesign Adds ssential Stainless Steel Models ach frame features only one strong color which is the theme for this collection. ProDesign mixed highly commercial shapes with more unique shapes, all featuring tops that have some volume while the bottom is kept quite thin. he combination between the rounded finish of the edges makes this product nice to hold and wear. Call or visit prodesigndenmark.com.

3 3 lite Vendor News ClearVision Introduces Its 2015 Sun Collection his collection consists of over 80 styles and includes must have, fashion forward styles featuring some of today's most sought after trends including black & white, nude and soft colorations, tortoise, translucent materials and flash mirror lenses, along with a large selection of styles for hard to fit patients including Petite Fit and XL Fit frames for men. Included in the collection are styles from BCBGMAXAZRIA, Cole Haan, llen racy, Marc cko Cut & Sew, IZOD, Jessica McClintock and Purii 100% itanium. Featured left are Cole Haan, and right, BCBGMAXAZRIA models. Call or visit cvoptical.com. emple line features a heart-like shape, and consists of two delicate xcellence itan strands that intertwine and form a horizontal heart that is also three-dimensional. xcellence itan is 100% nickel-free with special memory functions that help eyewear maintain the original shape. New nose pads with 'adaptive effect' gradually change shape to confirm to the wearer's nose. Featured are models XL2065, XL2064, XL2063 and XL2066. Visit charmant.com or call Kliik Denmark Adds Model K Fatheadz Delivers Oversized Frames F atheadz is the original oversized 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 or visit fatheadzeyewear.com Charmant Releases Dolce from LineArt his is a semi-rimless stainless steel model for women with a sharp look that is uniquely KliiK denmark. wotone rectangular shape adds drama to the frame, and the quilted pressed pattern on the temples adds surface interest. In brown turquoise, red melon, purple black and black white with size 51/18/140. WestGroupe customers call U.S. Western states customers call Classique yewear Visit kliik.com. ura Introduces New Brendel Models Marchon Introduces Lacoste Leather dition F our new edgy yet wearable optical models are being introduced. hese artistic frames include custom animal prints and two-toned pressed patterns that exquisitely blend with feminine shapes, luxurious accents, and rich colors at a good value. Featured left are styles and , and right, and Call or visit tura.com. he new Lacoste Leather dition consists of rich details, high-quality materials and distinguished style. Specifically designed for this collection is a new, round metal emblem marked with a tennis racket and 1933, the brand foundation date, is positioned on the inner temple tips. op is model L160SL, and L159SL bottom. Call or visit marchon.com Rem Launches Converse Custom Customizable yewear C ustomers can now come to your optical shop to build oneof-a-kind products with Converse Custom kiosks for independent eyewear retailers. Complete with an assortment of hip Converse frames and a built-in ipad, consumers build their eyewear at the kiosk by choosing their style and selecting from a variety of designs to be laser engraved into the eyewear before it is sent to the retail location for lenses to be inserted and the frame adjusted on face. For program enrollment information call or visit remeyewear.com Lafont and Clinique Collaborate to Create Chic Looks for Women 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

4 lite Vendor News astern States Adds ight xcess Styles hree new plastic styles feature a div erse range of color schemes incluing several animal print laminates or clever fades. wo stainless steel styles are petite with sizes 48 or 49, featuring architectural temple shaping and two-toned color schemes for a bright, youthful look. his collection premieres three "Montage" styles, featuring a thin stainless steel skeleton with an epoxy skin providing a soft texture and a subtle touch of added dimension, revealing faint striations in each color. Call or visit eseyewear.com. Supplier Announcements Block Business Group Introduces New Practice Builder Clompus Consulting Group Most consumers visit multiple websites before deciding which eye care professional to trust for their vision care. Wouldn't it be great if you could "speak" to potential patients about why they should choose your office? Now you can with a new service from he Clompus Consulting Group. With extensive experience in private practice and industry, Richard Clompus, OD will help you write, edit and record your own broadcast quality audio message for your website. he recording session is done from your home or office using a new USB Plantronics headset over the Internet. A high quality mp3 audio file is delivered that your web service can place on your website. It's so affordable and stressless that many offices choose to update their messages several times a year to highlight professional services, sunwear in the spring and back-toschool exams in the Fall. Visit to view a brief video explaining the process. Fill out a contact form, and Clompus Consulting will review your website and call you with recommendations. Block members receive a 10% discount. Paws N Claws yewear Release Limited dition Frames hese limited edition ADOP frames benefit the ASPCA as Paws N Claws makes a donation for each frame sold. Featured are PAWS-A.903 in m. purple / gun and m. black / gold, and PAWS-A.902 in purple / wine. Call or visit pawsnclawseyewear.com. C Costa Introduces Cortez Sunglasses ortez is designed for anglers, and offers a large fit with a bold wrap shape meant to block glare from entering from the sides. Linear venting system alleviates lens fogging, and temple tips feature open slots for a retainer cord. Cortez is built of co-injected molded nylon with sturdy integral hinge technology. With hypoallergenic rubberized interior lining and nose pads. Visit costadelmar.com or call Luxottica Unveils New iffany Styles iffany & Co. introduces new options in the iffany yewear collection. he latest offerings in the optical and sun categories interpret such iconic jewelry designs as iffany Atlas, iffany Keys and iffany wist. Featured left are iffany Atlas F2102, iffany Atlas F3047K, iffany Atlas F4097, iffany Keys F2106, iffany Keys F2105H, and right, iffany Keys F4101, iffany Keys F4099H, iffany wist F2104, iffany wist F4098 and iffany wist F4102. Visit luxottica.com or call L'Amy Launches Columbia liminator Performance Suns Models W ith features such as "H90" featherweight frame technology and liminator polarized lenses that block 99.99% of reflected glare, Vasco 100 & 200 exemplify Columbia's core values of outdoor, long-wear comfort and performance. Both are designed for work-to-play functionality and are classically styled with an aggressive sport bridge for a masculine edge. Frame fronts made of durable, anti-corrosive stainless steel. Call or visit lamyamerica.com. Fantom Optics Adds New yemusement Model N ew to yemusement is the Metro model shown here in black. Special offers are available for Block members. Call or visit eyemusement.com. Colors In Optics Adds Steve Madden Styles his season's collection features animal prints along with pop colors to show your 'artsy' side. Fun materials in bold expressive tones offer a boutique look at an aspirational price. Prints are based on Steve Madden's trendy footwear. Gift card promotions are currently available to new and existing customers. Featured are P126, P125 and P127. Visit colorsinoptics.com or call Modern Optical Adds Six Geneviéve Boutique Styles he Geneviéve Boutique collection presents beautiful eyewear tastefully designed with unique accents that range from flirtatious to elegant. his ultra feminine value priced collection combines interesting textures and details with on-trend silhouettes in a broad color palette. Featured left are Commit, Delicious, Harmony, and right, Passionate, Polite and Solstice. Call or visit modernoptical.com. 4

5 Supplier Announcements BBG Welcomes Audace Lunettes A udace Lunettes launches its new brand Sasura, the first interchangeable jewelry eyewear. Sasura, Canadian designed and Made in Italy, offers women the exclusive opportunity to design their own unique luxury eyewear. Able to universally accommodate the charm jewelry women already know and love, Sasura gives women the freedom to define themselves on their own terms. hese affordable luxury sunglasses are made of the highest quality master craftsmanship in eyewear and jewelry design. For more information please call or visit sasura.net. New Supplier Smilen Introduces Red Carpet Collection he name Red 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. he five models featured epitomize the sophisticated look of this series (RC66, RC67, RC68, RC69, RC71). Call or visit smileneyewear.com. Red 88 yewear Unveils MYMUS by OKO Paris Women's Models hese beautiful models feature acetate and combined acetate / metal jewels in current or retro-vintage shapes. Featured are Nathalie, Marie and Cameron. Visit red88eyewear.com or call Clariti Introduces Monalisa Style M8722 very angle of this frame has exquisite detail, starting at the lovely cat eye and continuing on to the streamlined temples which are highlighted with a golden trim on the hinge. In colors lustrous black and dark purple. Call or visit claritieyewear.com. OVVO Optics Adds New Gradient Colorations R epresentative of true Fall fashion color tones are four new colorations for OVVO Nylon. Maroon, is a rich brownish red tint and Raven, a deep blue with hints of black. Vibrant additions of Plum, featuring deep purple undertones, and a Dark Pink with reddish hues are perfect compliments to this season's offering. Visit ovvooptics.com or call Revolution yewear Adds d Hardy Model d Hardy helped to make tattoos into high end art, incorporating Irezumi into his tattoo art to make it more vibrant and colorful. he new collection is subtle, beautiful and more whimsical. Featured is Sakura flowers with encrusted crystals from the House of Daniel Swarovski. Call or visit revolutioneyewear.com. Alain Mikli Increases Discount for Alain Milki and Stark yes t age 23, Alain Miklitarian founded his own company with the mission to launch a new era of eyewear, a time when vision needs would no longer be in conflict with style and the notion of glasses as prosthesis would forever disappear and be replaced with true "jewelry for the eyes." It was the beginning of the Alain Mikli brand and of the '"eyewear designer" concept. Model after model, campaign after campaign, he confirmed his taste for innovation and provocation. he brand is known and respected worldwide for the highest in quality, fit and innovation. French Designer Philippe Stark enjoys global recognition for this thousands of projects - from product to architecture. Stark has a mission and a vision: creation, whatever shape it takes, must make life better for the largest number of people possible. His pursuit of minimalism and harmony between body and object led to an ongoing collaboration with Alain Mikli resulting in 17 years of Stark yes. Great news for Block members - the discount for Alain Mikli and Starck yes has increased to 3% effective December 8th. Call for more information. Wiley X Launches Youth Force Sports Protective yewear Line A his new collection provides a range of frame sizes, styles, and colors to meet the needs of young athletes, and consists of twelve colors in four models, each designed and built based on years of experience providing vision protection under the world's most challenging conditions. All glasses meet the ASM F803 Sports Protective yewear standard, delivering state-of-the-art protection while young athletes participate in a variety of sports. All glasses are deisgned to quickly change from spectacles to goggles, and are RX ready. Call or visit wileyx.com. Plan "B" yewear Adds JupiterSlims Orion his beautiful frame gets its brilliant color pallet from specialized acetate sourced from Japan. Orion utilizes a nickel-free alloy for the temples, screwless hinges and soft silicone nose pads. In purple, orange and pink. Call or visit planbeyewear.com. Italian Optika Increases Discount For January Any orders placed during January will receive an additional 5% discount, bringing the total discount to 15% on all Baffo frame purchases. Call or visit italianoptika. com. 5

6 6 Contact Lens Corner CooperVision Introduces Biofinity Multifocal Lenses lite Vendor CooperVision Biofinity multifocal lenses combine a high-performing 3rd generation material with a streamlined fitting process. Now even your most challenging presbyopic patients can enjoy the freedom of all-distance clarity and lasting comfort. Balanced Progressive echnology enhances vision near, far and intermediate. It also allows for an individualized fitting for each wearer and each eye. Biofinity Multifocal lenses are available up to D. Download your Biofinity multifocal 3-step fitting guide at coopervision.com/fitting-guide. Mondottica Announces Licensing Agreement With CB Sports he CB eyewear collection infuses bright palettes, reminiscent of the vintage CB jackets with updated eyewear shapes along with a universal bridge designed to fit a wider range of facial types. CB eyewear utilizes German engineered hinges combined with a subtle logo plaque detailing. Call or visit mondotticausa.com. Zyloware Adds Sophia Loren Model M255 his full rim metal frame features a unique and luxurious mother of pearl inlay set in scalloped edge metal on the temple. he black frame finishes with tortoise colored handmade zyl temples. Features snap-in nosepads, spring hinges, and accommodates progressives. Modified oval shape flatters the mature wearer. Call or visit zyloware.com. BBG Lab Notes Carl Zeiss Vision Offers 50% Discount For New Accounts C arl Zeiss Vision will provide a 50% 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. he everyday discount for Block members is 33% on all discountable products and services regardless of monthly volume. Visit zeiss.com or call Precision Optical Group Introduces Fog Free by Opticote F og Free by Opticote offers the best protection against foggy lenses. emperature disparities can produce a condensation build-up creating a blinding and dangerous 'white wall' effect on lenses. Fog Free lenses receive a dual process, double coating. Uncut, semi-finished lenses are dipped into a hard coat primer, and then thermally-cured. his produces a chemical bond between solution and lens; the entire process is then arn Rebate Credits with Luzerne $30/PR $27/PR UNIL january 30, 2015 why deal with FOGGING LNSS? completed a second time, with a permanent result. Call or visit poglabs.com. lite Vendor Program: Bill $7,000+ per month with Luzerne, and BBG will rebate your account 1% monthly. Call or visit luzerneoptical.com. lite Vendor BBG Welcomes Robertson Optical R Hoya xtends Discounts H oya has extended its tremendous discounts to any new or reactivated account through March 31, hese 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. he National Hoya Honors Program is available to Block accounts with at least $1,000 per month in net purchases. Visit hoya. com or call i-see Optical Lab xtends xciting Offer i New Supplier obertson Optical is committed as a lab services partner to provide you with profit driving solutions that allow you to deliver premium prescription eyewear to your patients. For over 56 years, ROL's vision has been to provide CPs and their patients innovative ophthalmic solutions with the utmost quality in lenses, craftsmanship and ophthalmic services. ROL is a technologically integrated, independent ophthalmic lab network with internal state-ofthe-art Digital Freeform lens capabilities, premium AR coating centers, MI 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. hree locations service the entire US: Loganville GA ( ), Columbia SC ( ), and Greenville SC ( ). You can also visit robertsonoptical.com. -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 xpress Gift Card. Visit iseelabs.com or call