O ne of the big advantages that independent

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1 VOL. XXXII NO. 02 FEBRUARY 2015 Practice Management and Purchasing Services for Independent Eye Care Professionals Blocknotes Relationship Building O ne of the big advantages that independent 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 factor that an independent practice or shop offers. Michael Block BBG Bottom Line Elite Vendor Program = $$$ he Elite Vendor Program is back for 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 Contact Block Business Group Customer Service for more information. BBG 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. here 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 PA 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. he 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 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 or visit You can also check out the flyer enclosed with this month's statement for more information.

2 2 Elite Vendor News Luxottica Launches the Michael Kors Spring 2015 Eyewear Collection his 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 ProDesign Adds Essential Models hese models are technically advanced, detailed and difficult to make. he 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 R90. Finally polished for perfect alignment and sanding for a casual yet luxurious feeling. Combined with two-tone rubberized titanium fronts. Call or visit prodesigndenmark.com Morel Introduces the Aega Concept for the Koali Collection he iridescent blue shades of the South American Morpho Aega butterfly inspired this collection. he 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 Marcolin Presents the Ermenegildo Zegna Eyewear Collection he 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 or visit marcolin.com ClearVision Adds Purii 100% itanium and DuraHinge Models For Women P urii for women offers the ultra lightweight hypoallergenic and anti-corrosive benefits of titanium in classic to contemporary 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. he 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, Call or visit cvoptical.com ura Debuts IANflex Luxury "Select" Sub-Collection he 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. he latest designs use premium aluminum and titanium on the temples to reduce weight. Featured are styles , , , and Call or visit tura.com.

3 3 Elite Vendor News Altair Introduces ommy Bahama Eyewear For Spring his 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. he men's collection features sleek shapes and elevated interiors printed with ommy Bahama's vintage Caribbean map. For women, timeless shapes are highlighted with island inspired enamels, colored crystals and perfect palm tree prints. Featured are B6045, B6047, B7047, B7048 and B7049. Call or visit altaireyewear.com. Marchon Introduces Nike Vision for Spring A n array of new styles are introduced for Spring. he product line expands 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 raining 'Ignition,' Nike SB 'Volition,' Women's raining 'Compel,' and Young Athletes 'Spirit.' Call or visit marchon.com. Charmant Releases New ELLE Models N ew ELLE Eyewear 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 EL Visit charmant.com or call 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 Rem Eyewear Introduces SPINE Eyewear S PINE Eyewear features 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 or visit remeyewear.com or SPINEOptics.com Ogi Eyewear Introduces Spenser by Innotec Aspex Eyewear Adds New Styles 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. his masculine frame comes in four gradient fade colors. Call or visit ogiframes.com Safilo Adds Dior Composit 1.0 Sunglasses he DIOR COMPOSI 1.0 sunglasses project L Homme Dior at the avant-garde. he flat lenses take precedence over the ultra-thin metal frame and impose a strong statement. he 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 or visit safilo.com. A spex Eyewear introduces Paradox styles P5001 and P5003. Visit aspexeyewear.com or call

4 4 Elite Vendor News Eastern States Introduces Its 2015 Jaguar Sunglass Collection he collection features a wide range of premium lens options including Polarized, Blue Blocker and Nano lenses with AR coatings. his 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 or visit eseyewear.com Silhouette Offers Endless Styling Options With itan Countour 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. he 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 Supplier Announcements Zyloware Adds MaxStudio.com Models F ull rim zyl model 134Z is featured 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 or visit zyloware.com. BBG Welcomes O pticote is a fullservice coating laboratory 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 call Mike at x 103 or rxsales@opticote.com. New Supplier Spy Optic is Now Participating in the Elite Vendor Program he Elite Vendor Program for 2015: Purchase $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 Lafont and Clinique Collaborate on Chic Looks 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 Fysh UK Adds New Style F ysh UK style F-3529 make a hightech fashion statement. his 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 U.S. Western states customers call Classique Eyewear Visit fyshuk.com. Alain Mikli Increases Discount for Alain Milki and Stark Eyes Great News!! he discount for Alain Mikli and Starck Eyes has increased to 3% effective December 8th. Call for more information. Costa's Rooster Gives Anglers an Edge he large-fit sunglasses include built-in side shields to block incoming glare, as well as vents to alleviate lens fogging. emple 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

5 5 Supplier Announcements A&A Optical Introduces Crocs Eyewear he 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 or visit 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. Revolution Eyewear Adds Magnetic Clip-Ons he 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 Bushnell Launches Bollé Kids Sport Protective Collection hrough March 31st buy 12 and get 3 free, receive a 10% discount and a display. Reorders receive a 10% discount. Call or visit bolle.com. FGX International Introduces Corinne McCormack Sun Rx for 2015 he debut collection incorporates several iconic elements from the brand's ophthalmic collection including Corinne's exclusive leopard pattern zyl and jewelryinspired 'X' seen in the Expressway collection. here 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 Clariti Introduces New Styles Konishi 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 or visit claritieyewear.com. Villa Eyewear Unveils the Blackfin Spring / Summer Collection he 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 or visit OVVO Optics Adds New Styles and Colors N ew styles 2857, 2858 and 2859 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 Modern Optical Debuts 2015 Eyewear Collection I t's Modern Optical's biggest catalog ever 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 or visit modernoptical.com. Modo Adds Five Semi-Rimless Paper-hin itanium Models he five retro-inspired shapes contrast well with the high-tech ultra-elastic polyamide R90 inserts with titanium on the upper eye rim and beta-titanium on the lower frame front. he frames retain their signature lightness, flexibility and eye-catching colors with super-thin grilamid polymer rings. Featured are models 4060, 4059, 4061, 4062 and Call or visit modo.com.

6 6 Elite Vendor All eyes deserve clariti. High Oxygen ransmissibility High Water Content 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. o learn more, contact your CooperVision representative today or visit CooperVision.com/practitioner. clariti 1 day now available for practices everywhere. he world s first and only family of silicone hydrogel daily disposable contact lenses designed for every patient type sphere, toric and multifocal. Low Modulus UV Protection Contact Lens Corner Affordable Upgrade Nassau Vision Group Adds New Free Shipping Options 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 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. Italian Optika Offers Free Frame in February B uy 12 Baffo frames and get 1 FREE!! For information call or visit italianoptika.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. Note - contact us now to save $1,000's off your Block lab bill with the New ZEISS Welcome Program! he everyday discount for Block members is 33% on discountable products and services regardless of monthly volume. Visit zeiss.com or call 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 4 You 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 or visit poglabs.com. Earn Rebate Credits with Luzerne E lite Vendor Program: Bill $7,000+ per month with Luzerne, and BBG will rebate your account 1% monthly. Call or visit luzerneoptical.com. Elite Vendor BBG Welcomes Robertson Optical Elite For over 56 years, Robertson Optical's vision has Vendor been to provide ECPs 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-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. hree locations service the entire US: Loganville GA ( ), Columbia SC ( ), and Greenville SC ( ). You can also visit robertsonoptical.com. Hoya Extends 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 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