Michael Block. continued in box to right...

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1 VOL. XXXII NO. 06 JUNE 2015 Practice anagement and Purchasing Services for Independent Eye Care Professionals Blocknotes Good News About Online Eyewear Sales R ecently, I have been reading about the progress of the financial media darling Warby Parker (WP). Just prior to this writing, I watched a popular financial news channel host interviewing one of the founders. After sorting out all of the information gleaned from this, I came away with a very positive feeling about the future for independent eye care professionals. ichael Block As you are likely aware, Warby Parker started out as an online seller of eyewear of single vision eyewear. he consumer selects up to five styles from the WP website which will be mailed to their home for try on. hey would then make a selection, and return the samples to WP. he eyewear would be fabricated at a central laboratory and mailed to the patient upon completion. Average time from start to finish: 5 days to receive the samples and 5 days to receive the finished eyewear, including weekends, in my mind that amounts to two weeks. Notwithstanding the fact that the patient has to photograph their RX, it in, measure their own pupillary distance and in the somewhat likely event that the eyewear does not fit properly, has to find a way to have them adjusted since that is something that cannot be done online. Apparently, Warby Parker as well realizes this. hey recently received a significant amount of capital from a private equity investor. It appears that these funds will be used by WP to continue to develop brick and mortar locations around the United States. hey must now understand that eyewear is a little too personalized and a little too technically complex to develop a large online customer base. o date it is extremely difficult dispense complex prescriptions and technically advanced lens designs without a discussion of the patient's lifestyle needs and careful professional measurements. So here is the good news. Online sales of prescription eyewear will continue to represent a very small percentage of all eyewear sales. And of those eyewear sales, they represent mostly single vision moderate to low power prescriptions. So the same guys who have popularized online eyewear sales are moving to open up retail locations in an effort to continue their growth. All of the above being said, there is another lesson to be learned here. Warby Parker has a catchy name, great marketing and their new retail locations are trendy, clean, well-organized and inviting. hey also have optometrists in their locations to do eye exams. But what they realize is that the money is in the eyewear. As I have stressed repeatedly in this column, a professional demeanor and thorough eye exams are crucial to a patient s eye health. But, an upbeat and positive fun retail experience is equally important to many patients. continued in box to right... continued from left Warby Parker knows that their primary customers are millennials in their mid-twenties to mid-thirties. So think about your primary patient / customer base and direct your marketing and set up your dispensary to make your clientele feel that they are at home in your office. Despite all of the negative hype, independent eye care is alive and well. And success is out there for those who are proactive in every aspect of their practice. BBG BBG Welcomes New Supplier igreen Eyewear is for men, women and children not afraid to experiment with color. Frames incorporate interchangeable temples with a wide selection of colors to create a personalized frame. igreen custom enables patients to customize any of the 4.0 styles by selecting from over 500 different colors and patterns for the frame front and temples. Frames handmade in Italy with environmentally safe production. Giorgio Valmassoi 1971 is targeted to men and women with a classic style preference. Philosopheyes represents old world craftsmanship mixed with modern styling for men and women. Both Giorgio Valmassoi and Philosopheyes are made from azzucchelli 1849's celluloid acetate, and feature high performance spring hinges and precision laser manufacturing techniques. Each creation is handed to the customer in a luxury gift bag. Frames handmade in Italy. Founded in 1993, hema is the maker and distributor of several brands including igreen Hi-ech Eyewear, Giorgio Valmassoi 1971, Philosopheyes, Ibiza Republic, and more. hema Optical is participating in the Block Business Group Program. Please contact Block customer service for program and discount information. Visit hema-optical.com, igreeneyewear.com, GiorgioValmassoi.com, Philosopheyes.com or call

2 2 News Luxottica Introduces Dolce & Gabbana Spain in Sicily Collection D olce & Gabbana Summer 2015 limited edition 'Spain in Sicily' frames have a Spanish spirit and take inspiration from the traditional combs that secure the veils of flamenco dancers, while marquetry embodies the craftsmanship and attention to detail synonymous with the Italian fashion industry. Classic animal print detailing lends a touch of eccentricity. Featured is model DG4256. Visit luxottica.com or call ura Adds IANflex Styles & IANflex offers customers quality, function and styling with a European flair, the very best memory metal and other premium materials in fashionable and wearable shapes and masculine colors. hese new styles are modern with unique constructions and performance accents, and are progressive friendly. Call or visit tura.com odo Adds New Block itanium Styles odo's Block itanium is a timeless category based on a minimalist design and lightweight, flexible construction. he new collection adds three women's and one men's shape. Unique double colorations add an edge to classic shapes and fits. Featured are models 4207, 4208, 4209 and Call or visit modo.com Silhouette Releases adidas kumacross 2.0 he new kumacross 2.0 introduces new expressive colors and mirrored lenses. Colors include shiny black, matte black, white and red, black and green, and black and blue. Frames adapt to various nose shapes with Double Snap Nose Pads while specialized temples grip onto the wearer. Lens tint options utilize adidas eyewear's proprietary Light Stabilizing echnology in active, bright contrast or polarized silver options. Frames are Rx-ready with direct in-frame glazing or clip-in lenses to accommodate all levels of vision. Visit adidas.com/eyewear, silhouette. com or call Aspex Eyewear Adds Greg Norman Styles en's metal sunglass models G2016S and G2017S feature spring hinges and are Rx'able. G2016S is available in matte brown & dark brown, matte silver & black, and satin black & red, with G2017S in matte brown & dark brown, matte steel & black, and satin black & grey. All Greg Norman styles are designed with premium Italian materials and are bifocal friendly. Visit aspexeyewear.com or call odels focus on Italian acetate. aterials are 3-dimensional with a mix between classic natural tones and vivid transparent colors. ProDesign is introducing a series of two-tone metal fronts. Call or visit prodesigndenmark.com Safilo Debuts Bobbi Brown Lifeguard Eyewear Altair Introduces bebe Summer 2015 Optical Collection his collection captures the spirit of adventure with exclusive animal camouflage prints and shimmery iridescent animal acetates. odels feature flowing silhouettes, metal logo cuff embellishments and 'b' rivet logos. Featured are BB5090 iss-understood, BB5091 amacita and BB5093 ajestic. Call or visit altaireyewear. com ProDesign Adds Essential odels I nspired by Bobbi Brown Cosmetics' new Sandy Nudes makeup collection, the Lifeguard Eyewear Collection brings the vibrant hues of the beach to her namesake sunglasses and optical frames. A beach-inspired palette includes rich shades of mocha sand, shell pink and ocean blue. Featured are he Jackson/S, he Joan/S, he Sofia/S, he Emma, and he Susan. Call or visit safilo.com.

3 3 News archon Launches Nike Vision Skylon Ace XV Junior he Skylon Ace XV Jr. for young athletes features Nike ax Optics Lens echnology to ensure precise visual information at all angles of view. Lightweight nylon frames improve comfort and durability. Ventilated nose bridge reduces fogging, while cam-action hinges snap firmly into place. Lenses are impact resistant polycarbonate that are lightweight and scratch resistant. Frame features an eight-base sport frame wrap design and 100% UVA/UVB protection. Call or visit marchon.com Lafont Adds Handcrafted PLAIRE for Spring " When I design each frame, my goal is to enhance a woman's natural beauty, taking careful consideration to complement rather than overpower," says chief designer homas Lafont. "he PLAIRE was designed specifically to mimic mascara - taking a bright-eyed look into play with half a dozen colorful options to choose from. wo-toned layers of acetate finish off the makeup look with a contrasting eye shadow effect." Visit lafont.com or call Charmant Introduces Jeweled Opera from LineArt CHARAN E ach frame features Swarovski crystals and an intricate temple inspired by the opulence and passion of the opera. Excellence itan material is 100% nickel-free with outstanding processability and special memory function that help eyewear maintain the original shape. With highly pliable, seven-lined temple filaments. odels XL2067 and XL2068 are shown. Visit charmant.com or call Ogi Eyewear Expands Ogi Kids Collection ClearVision Optical Adds BCBGAXAZRIA Styles for Spring P resenting a harmonious balance of form and function, the umi Weave Flex echnology features three new sophisticated styles crafted with partially injected R90 nylon temples intertwined with 0.6mm stainless steel wire core, maximizing flexibility, durability and enhanced comfort. Featured are 114, 318 and 319. Visit remeyewear. com or call N en optical and two sunglass styles are added. Heavier profiles, bold statement makers and on trend elements like color blocking and mixed materials are evident. Jewel tone colors like ink and plum provide contrast to classic colorations like tortoise vintage. Runway inspired designs, and the brand's iconic stud bar hardware and butterfly logo are featured. odels Ariana, Flavia and Simona are featured. Call or visit cvoptical.com. F atheadz is the original cost effective solution to price sensitive buyers, featuring a full line of metal and plastic over-sized frames with eye sizes up to 65mm. Call or visit fatheadzeyewear.com. Rem Eyewear Reveals New umi Weave Flex echnology Fatheadz Delivers Oversized Frames WestGroupe Adds Kliik Denmark odel K Spy Optic Introduces the ilo ilo features avant-garde lines and sleek temples. he handmade acetate front is complemented with stainless steel temples, spring hinges and a straight top bar. his frame is available in colors black/blue horn, matte black, and classic camo tort. Visit spyoptic.com or call I ew styles OK316 and OK317 are in the "ommy & e, Daddy & I" collection, a series of coordinating adult and childsized frames. he Ogi Kids Collection combines form and function to create a unique line of fashionable frames modeled after the best-selling adult styles. Call or visit ogiframes.com. nspired by the vintage trend, this round silhouette model is an intriguing unisex acetate frame with a P3 eye shape, keyhole bridge and end piece rivets that flatter men and women with petite faces. Features colorful strokes inside the acetate. Available in colors black, tortoise, aqua tortoise and magenta tortoise in size 47/20/140. WestGroupe customers call U.S. Western states customers call Classique Eyewear Visit kliik.com.

4 4 w News orel Introduces the Öga Copentole C opentole features orel's patented Copenhagen hinge combining a 21º flex-function and an anti-rocking device. A.8mm stainless steel sheet is stamped with a textured pattern on the upper part of the front and on the frame's slim temples. Four stainless steel models are available with three colors each, with matte finished fronts and temples in black, brown, anthracite grey, khaki green and Prussian blue. Featured are models 7663O and 7664O. Call or visit morel-france.com. Supplier Announcements Eastern States Adds Jaguar Eyewear Optical Styles Included are six styles from Jaguar's classic collection and four from the youthful Jaguar Spirit line. Luxurious design elements from Jaguar's world class automobiles is demonstrated. ultiple materials are offered. here are six metal styles that mix monel and stainless steel skeletons, including one that is graced with aluminum decor. wo more are constructed of pure titanium and two acetate models are enhanced with monel accenting. he Spirit collection features progressives shades including dark aubergine with rust, navy blue with black, green over gunmetal, and black with red shades. Call or visit eseyewear.com. New Supplier DESIGNED O PERFOR Oakley Offers Ophthalmic Only Dealer Program od B REGISER ODAY! INERNAIONAL VISION EXPO 2015 EDUCAION: WEDNESDAY, SEPEBER 16 SAURDAY, SEPEBER 19 EXHIBIION: HURSDAY, SEPEBER 17 SAURDAY, SEPEBER 19 SANDS EXPO & CONVENION CENER LAS VEGAS, NV VisionExpoWest.com #VisionExpo PROUD SUPPORER OF: Alternative & Plan "B" Acquire NanoVista Optical aby and children's eyewear frames from NanoVista Optical are made from Siliflex, and are 35% lighter than acetate frames. Features shape-memory making frames nearly indestructible. wist-proof hinges allow angles above 270º to be opened without causing damage. emples feature Curving Rubber technology with no metal parts. Each frame comes with adjustable temples and headband fixing system. Call or visit alternativeeyes. com. Blue light is the high-energy visible (HEV) wavelength in the 400nm-500nm spectrums, which gets emitted from digital devices such as televisions, computers, tablets, smartphones, and fluorescent lights. edical studies have shown that overexposure to HEV light causes oxidative damage to the retinal cells increasing the long-term prevalence of Age Related acular Degeneration (ARD). Kids and the aging population are more at risk due to the lack of retinal pigment density. BLEP, Inc. is the first and only company that offers CLEAR blue light protection in premier computer glasses in magnification +.5 to in.25 increments and non-rx glasses for adults and kids that are heavy digital users. BLEP Eyewear offers protection, increased contrast, and high quality frames for ALL your patients. Set up your account at blepeyewear.com or blepeyewear@gmail.com for more information. Zimco Optics Debuts Oxygen Ultra Lightweight Eyewear E xtremely flexible yet super strong, the entire collection is made of ULE material, giving it 100% memory allowing frames to bounce back to original shape. In a variety of shapes and styles such as the rounded rectangle and traditional square, beautiful colors, flexible temples, and a 'world fit bridge.' Call or visit zimcooptics.com. Oakley now offers an Ophthalmic frame ONLY authorized dealer program (buy-in requirements below). For more information call Oakley customer care at pieces 36 en's Ophthalmic Frames 60 Days Dating on opening order Fastest growing channel category Rep expertise & consultative appoach 54 pieces 36 en's Ophthalmic Frames 18 Women's Ophthalmic Frames or 18 Arnette Ophthalmic Frames 60 Days Dating on opening order Free Freight on opening order Fastest growing channel category Rep expertise & consultative approach 72 pieces 36 en's Ophthalmic Frames 18 Women's Ophthalmic Frames and 18 Arnette Ophthalmic Frames 60 Days Dating on opening order Free Freight on opening order Fastest growing channel category Rep expertise & consultative approach Best Image Adds Dolabany Avery his Italian zyl women's model is available in green swirl, purple swirl, sky/caramel, tiger olive, and black/ crystal with size 51/17/140. Call or visit bestimageoptical. com.

5 5 Supplier Announcements A&A Optical Releases New Crocs Styles CF332 and CF619 C rocs Eyewear incorporates the unique style and creative design of colors, shapes, materials and comfort of Crocs branded products. he collection uses an assortment of high quality materials such as ultra lightweight stainless steel, hypo-allergenic silicone rubber and flexible polymer. Call or visit aaopticalco.com. 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. atch Eyewear Adds Adrienne Vittadini Studio odels A drienne Vittadini Studio eyewear reinvents casual elegance for today's young women with a chic and adventurous sense of style. AV518S features daring colored patterns, and classic acetate front shape with multi-color mosaic pattern temples. Fullrim feminine AV520S features a classic two tone hooded front with metal open lace temples. Call ACH or visit matcheyewear.com. L'Amy Introduces Nicole iller Sun and Ophthalmic Styles hree ophthalmic and three sun styles are ready-to-wear for Summer he new styles represent Nicole's glamorous and feminine styling with color and incorporating details such as Celtic symbols and matte metal contrasted with shiny metal. Featured are Prince, Roebling, Chelsea and Bruckner. Call or visit lamyamerica.com. Costa and Kenny Chesney Continue Partnership Benefiting Coastal Conservation C ountry icon Kenny Chesney teams with Costa for another series of limited edition sunglasses to benefit the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA). he five styles Cut, Caballito, KC, La ar and Loreto are available in the full array of Costa's 580P lens technology. Each style comes with a free gift pack of a custom hat, cleaning cloth and case. A portion of the proceeds benefit the CCA in reef restoration and coastal rebuilding efforts. Call or visit costadelmar.com. Gold & Wood's Exclusive Offer For Block embers F rom ay 1, 2015 through Vision Expo West in September, Block members will receive the following special terms on their opening orders: Place a 20 piece opening order, receive a 10% discount, and 30/60/90 day terms. In addition, after the opening order is placed, orders of 20 or more pieces will also receive the above terms (regular discount through Block is 3%). For additional information please contact your Gold & Wood sales representative. Visit gold-andwood.com to view their exquisite collection of optical and sun styles. arcolin Adds Just Cavalli Styles J ust Cavalli Spring / Summer Sunglass and Optical collections have urban influence running through, with contemporary, eclectic features. Squared lines alternate with more rounded profiles, with pilot and cat-eye frames featured heavily. Features a variety of materials and engaging color combinations. Shown are JC672S, JC679S, JC0685 and JC0693. Call or visit marcolin.com. Revolution Eyewear Adds Robert Graham Audubon R obert Graham eyewear offers high quality craftsmanship and sophisticated silhouettes along with infusing iconic fabric and trim designs reflecting the brand's American eclectic spirit. Audubon is available in gold with tortoise inserts, matte black, shiny black, brown espresso and gun/tortoise. Equipped with adjustable temple tips. Visit revolutioneyewear.com or call Wiley X Introduces the Rx Peak A ctive Series model WX Peak comes in three Rx-ready versions, each with frame/lens colors paired to deliver stunning good looks, sharp distraction-free vision and Wiley X's battlefield-proven protection during outdoor activities. Frames are lightweight yet nearly indestructible with soft rubberized nose bridges and/or temple gloves. Features 100% protection from damaging sun rays, and OSHA-grade protection. Call or visit wileyx.com. Value Optical Supply Discount Now 25% V alue Optical Supply's popular, already low priced products include: Lock & ap Screws (100% stainless steel, anti-loosening coating, large Phillips screw head prevents slippage, popular replacement sizes) Symmetrical Silicone Nosepads (Non-slip & hypoallergenic, clear, lightweight & flexible, popular replacement sizes) icrofiber Cleaning Cloths (Large 6" x 7" cloth, free logo imprint min. 1,000, many color choices). Visit kdeyewear.com or call for a FREE 5-pc. sample kit.

6 6 Velvet Eyewear is luxury that is sexy, pure and sophisticated, yet relaxed and comfortable. Our style is influenced by iconic American fashion and culture Say... "Bye-Bye crow's feet"... "Hello Beauty" with the new styles from Velvet featuring our {BBLens} designed to fight crow's feet and fine lines 100% UV Protection inspiring designs that are truly timeless. or call odern Optical Adds Nine odz Kids Styles K ids love these frames for cool styles and vibrant colors. Parents love them for their durability, two-year warranty and affordability, making that back-up pair of glasses an option. With 37 unique styles, odz Kids offers colorful choices and youthful details in many shapes. Featured are Awesome, Doodle, Kite, Peer, Rainbow, Runner, eam, idbit and opple. Call or visit modernoptical.com. Call or visit bolle.com BBG Lab Notes Carl Zeiss Vision Offers New ONEZEISS Program I nterested in purchasing editec Equipment for your practice? Worried about the monthly payment? Speak with your Carl Zeiss sales rep to find out how the New ONEZEISS Program can help! In addition Carl Zeiss Vision's Welcome Program provides a 50% discount to Block members for each new ZEISS 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 eligible for this 50% discount. At the conculsion of the Welcome Program, the everyday discount for Block members is 33% on discountable products and services regardless of monthly volume. Call or visit zeiss.com. Precision Optical Group Offers 100% UV Blocking Sunwear for Children A s children spend a lot of time outdoors, they are susceptible to retinal damage from UV rays at a very early age. he lens inside a child's eye is clearer than adults, enabling UV rays to penetrate deeper into their eye, causing greater risk of eye issues such as macular degeneration and/or cataracts later in life. It is very important for all children, even babies, to wear UV blocking sunglasses. Call or visit poglabs.com. Envision Your Rewards With Shamir S hamir and Block have teamed up to provide BBG members with special, enhanced re-wards for lenses purchased under your Block account at an authorized BBG lab. Enroll to take advantage of this program. Call or visit shamirlens.com. Hoya Extends Discounts H oya has extended its tremendous discounts to any new or reactivated account through April 30, 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 Hoya-brand 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 Earn Rebate Credits with Luzerne E lite Program: Bill $7,000+ per month with Luzerne, and BBG will rebate your account 1% monthly. Call or visit luzerneoptical.com. BBG Welcomes Robertson Optical R OL is a technologically integrated, independent ophthalmic lab network with internal state-of-the-art Digital Free-form lens capabilities, premium AR coating centers, EI specialty finishing capabilities, and glass lens processing. ROL's exclusive premium Digital Free-form 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 Visit robertsonoptical.com. i-see Optical Lab Extends Offer i -see 5 Progressive Lenses offer your patients a smooth, easy design and you get the best pricing possible. Starting at just $21.95, BBG members receive 1 free pair with every 5 pairs bought, in any material. i-see Optical is also offering $10 off per pair of Varilux Digital Lenses voted as the most prescribed Progressive Lens. Open an account with i-see Optical through Block, and i-see will send you a $50 American Express gift card after two month of ordering with no minimums. You can also order from the i-see Optical Facebook page. Visit iseelabs.com or call