LEWISVILLE, Texas—Industry veteran Michael Ness passed away on Dec. 30, 2017 after a long battle with cancer. He was 61. Ness was a well-known and respected optical executive with colleagues around the globe. He began his career in pharmaceutical sales and marketing, and held senior management positions at several optical manufacturing companies. He worked for Essilor from 1990 through January of 2001. He initially served as the vice president of marketing of Varilux Corp., where he led the team that launched Varilux Comfort. He later served as vice president of strategic marketing for Essilor of America and Essilor International, where his role was to guide product strategy and product management.

In 2001 and 2002, Ness served as vice president of marketing and sales for Briggs Corp., a privately-owned company that provides documentation systems and medical supplies to the post-acute care industries.

From 2002 through February 2009, Ness served as vice president of sales and marketing for Vision Ease Lens. During his tenure Ness led the sales and marketing team that launched LifeRx photochromic lenses and Coppertone polarized sunglass lenses.

Ness joined Hoya in 2009 as the director of new product development. In 2010, he was named president of Hoya Lens of America, a division of Hoya Vision Care dedicated to serving the independent and commercial distribution channels. From 2015 through 2017 he served as vice president of strategic marketing. “His keen eye for new technical capabilities contributed to the culture of innovation at Hoya,” the company said in a statement.

Ness is survived by his wife, Dora, and daughter Hannah. A funeral is scheduled on Jan.10 at 10:00 am CST at St. Ann’s Catholic Parish, 180 Samuel Blvd, Coppell, Texas.