By Andrew Karp and Jeff Hopkins
Monday, October 25, 2021 1:00 AM
The term “work in progress” accurately defines most prescription optical laboratories. No matter how smoothly a lab may be running, there’s always something that needs updating or replacing, whether it’s adding a single piece of equipment, reengineering an entire production line or even building a whole facility. It’s an endless cycle of invention and reinvention, and labs must learn to adjust to it while continuing to service customers, a challenge which can be daunting for any business.
By Andrew Karp and Jeff Hopkins
Tuesday, October 19, 2021 12:58 AM
Synopsis: Zeiss recently completed a multi-year, $20 million reengineering project at their flagship lab in Hebron, Kentucky. Barry Lannon, head of lab operations and supply chain for Carl Zeiss Vision, managed the Industry 4.0 process. He explained what it took to plan and execute the multi-level project, and how Zeiss customers are benefitting from the upgrade.
By Andrew Karp and Jeff Hopkins
Tuesday, October 19, 2021 12:57 AM
Synopsis: LBC Optics services Wisconsin Vision’s 38 stores. The regional retailer was ranked 31st in Vision Monday’s 2020 Top Retailer ranking. LBC’s reengineering project was two-fold. The first was constructing a new conveyor line that could transfer job trays automatically using existing equipment that has the capability to function in this capacity. Second was installing a new control stacker and two new auto polishers to complete a line that produced 100 lenses/hour from blocker to final wash station.
By Andrew Karp and Jeff Hopkins
Tuesday, October 19, 2021 12:56 AM
Synopsis: Plastic Plus underwent major expansions in 2008 and 2017, and is currently adding new equipment. (Most of this report refers to the 2017 expansion.) Lab owner and president Paul Faibish offered an inside perspective on how the lab was transformed by new technologies.
By Andrew Karp and Jeff Hopkins
Tuesday, October 19, 2021 12:54 AM
Satisloh, a leading supplier of lens processing systems and equipment, has developed this checklist of important items for labs to consider when undertaking a reengineering project, and the key success factors for such a project.
By Staff
Tuesday, October 19, 2021 12:21 AM
PINELLAS PARK, Fla.—
Transitions Optical announced Monday that it is “looking forward” to welcoming attendees to an in-person event for the 25th Transitions Academy, which is scheduled for Jan. 16-19, 2022, at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes in Orlando, Fla.
By Staff
Thursday, October 7, 2021 12:27 AM
SAN RAMON, Calif.—
CooperVision said its
SightGlass Vision business has revealed two-year clinical study data for its Diffusion Optics Technology, which is specifically designed to slow the progression of myopia in children. After two years, children who wore their Diffusion Optics Technology-enabled spectacles full time, including not removing them for near vision activities, progressed on average one-half diopter less than those wearing the control spectacles—a reduction of 59 percent, according to an announcement.
By Staff
Thursday, September 23, 2021 12:27 AM
RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.—The
VSP Global Premier Program will now extend additional revenue opportunities for eligible lens partner products as part of what VSP describes as its larger commitment to support network doctors’ long-term success through expanded choice and flexibility.
By Staff
Friday, July 30, 2021 12:27 AM
TOKYO—Boosted by strong sales in both North America and Europe,
Hoya Group (7741:JP) on Thursday reported that sales for the first quarter (April 1 through June 30) of its current fiscal year totaled 158,000 million yen, an increase of 44.5 percent from the same period of the previous fiscal year. The quarterly profit before tax totaled 51,018 million yen, and quarterly profit amounted to 41,299 million yen, up 59.7 percent and 61.1 percent, respectively. The quarterly profit margin before tax was 32.3 percent, representing a year-on-year increase of 3.1 points.
By Staff
Tuesday, July 13, 2021 12:27 AM
CHARENTON-LE-PONT, France—
EssilorLuxottica said Monday that it has created a dedicated innovation center in France to reinforce its expertise and expand its capabilities in electrochromic and smart eyewear technologies.
By Staff
Monday, May 17, 2021 12:18 AM
VANCOUVER, British Columbia—
Kits Eyecare Ltd., a vertically integrated, digital eyecare platform, reported first-quarter results late last week that showed a record quarterly revenue of $20.4 million, representing organic growth of 42 percent from the year-ago period, and active customers exceeding 750,000 at quarter’s end.
By Staff
Tuesday, May 11, 2021 12:24 AM
SAN DIEGO—
Shamir and
Alpine Formula 1 have formed a new partnership which will see Shamir become the Alpine F1 Team's optical performance partner.
By Staff
Wednesday, April 28, 2021 12:27 AM
BANGKOK—The results of a new study showed that Hoya Vision Care’s MiyoSmart lens slowed myopia progression in children over a three-year period. Hoya Vision Care announced the results of the three-year follow-up clinical study on its MiyoSmart spectacle lens with patented Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments.
By Staff
Wednesday, March 24, 2021 2:31 PM
MUNICH, Germany—Funds advised by
Apax today announced an agreement to acquire
Rodenstock Group, a leading manufacturer of premium ophthalmic lenses, from
Compass Partners. Financial terms were not disclosed. However, a person familiar with the matter said that the deal values Rodenstock at about €1.5 billion ($1.77 billion), including debt, according to
Reuters, which reported last month that Compass was preparing a sale at this valuation. Founded in 1877, Rodenstock has been a global leader in prescription lenses for over 140 years, with a strong track record of innovative product development and market leading technologies.
By Staff
Thursday, February 11, 2021 12:24 AM
PINELLAS PARK, Fla.—
Transitions Optical gathered 10,000 industry professionals from 98 countries in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia online for a first of its kind, global virtual event—Transitions The Pulse. The event was broadcast three times over two days and was translated into 13 different languages for eyecare professionals around the world to join together and feel the love for eyecare. During the virtual summit attendees connected live on screen for the general sessions with Transitions Optical leadership and industry experts; listened to a keynote presentation on the latest retail strategies and future scenarios; heard from experts and educators during breakout sessions on the heartbeat of the industry; and learned from their peers and partners through the sharing of best practices.