OpticPlus :: Sep - Oct 2011

Demystifying Po-larisation A Clearer Picture of Polarisation Technology

Just One Question

Louis Vuitton The Language

Of Luxury

3D Eyewear The Next Big Thing

Need to know about fashionable eyewear?Check out the freeOpticPlus supplement - GALLERIA

Everything between you and eye

Vol.11 Issue 1 Sep/Oct 2011A FourPlus Publication

Everything between you and eye

Vol.11 Issue 1 Sep/Oct 2011A FourPlus Publication

OPBi-monthly Eyewear Fashion Magazine

Sep/Oct 2011 An

OpticPlus Suppleme

nt

OPTICPL

USTitan Eye Plus product

quality norms are higher than ISO standards

Ravi Kant - COO, Eyewear Division, Titan Industries

OP_Sep-Oct 11_Cover Gatefold Outside.indd 1 10/5/2011 6:34:17 PM

ADVT_OP_Sep - Oct 11_Eternity Lifestyles_Opium Gate Fold_page.indd 1 10/4/2011 7:33:02 PM

Ste

rling

GR

OU

P +9

1-22

-276

5406

7/68

ADVT_OP_May - Jun 11_Sterling_Sterling_Tommy Hilfiger Ad_ Page IFC.indd 1 6/2/2011 2:57:28 PM

Silh

ouet

te In

tern

atio

nal S

chm

ied

AG, a

dida

s G

loba

l Lic

ense

e, a

dida

s, th

e 3-

Bar

s lo

go, a

nd th

e 3-

Stri

pes

mar

k ar

e re

gist

ered

trad

emar

ks o

f the

adi

das

Gro

up S

ilhou

ette

Inte

rnat

iona

l Sch

mie

d AG

, adi

das

Glo

bal L

icen

see.

Le

nom

adi

das,

le lo

go 3

-Bar

res

et la

mar

que

aux

3 B

ande

s so

nt d

es m

arqu

es d

epos

es

par

le G

roup

e ad

idas

. Pho

to: J

o C

aird

Silh

ouet

te In

tern

atio

nal S

chm

ied

AG, a

dida

s G

loba

l Lic

ense

e, a

dida

s, th

e 3-

Bar

s lo

go, a

nd th

e 3-

Stri

pes

mar

k ar

e re

gist

ered

trad

emar

ks o

f the

adi

das

Gro

up S

ilhou

ette

Inte

rnat

iona

l Sch

mie

d AG

, adi

das

Glo

bal L

icen

see.

Le

nom

adi

das,

le lo

go 3

-Bar

res

et la

mar

que

aux

3 B

ande

s so

nt d

es m

arqu

es d

epos

es

par

le G

roup

e ad

idas

. Pho

to: J

o C

aird

Bevan Docherty, NZL

wrap around view

Supernova pro See everything, feel nothing.6JGYKFGUVGNFQHXKUKQPCPFCDUQNWVNKIJVYGKIJVIWCTCPVGGa run-ready design.

support your vision adidas.com/eyewear

ADVT_OP_Sep - Oct 11_Optivision_Adidas Ad_page - 05.indd 1 10/4/2011 7:12:35 PM

Sole Distributors :

B-104, Aditya Towers, Chandavarkar Road, Borivali (west), Mumbai - 400 092 (India)Phone : 022-2895 6262 / 2892 5858 / 022-3201 1473 Fax : 022-2892 3591E-mail : [email protected] Website : www.shailajaeyawear.com

Shailaja Optical Industries

ADVT_OP_Mar - Apr 11_Shailaja_Levis Ad_ Page XX.indd 1 3/31/2011 9:55:15 AM

Sole Distributors :

B-104, Aditya Towers, Chandavarkar Road, Borivali (west), Mumbai - 400 092 (India)Phone : 022-2895 6262 / 2892 5858 / 022-3201 1473 Fax : 022-2892 3591E-mail : [email protected] Website : www.shailajaeyewear.com


ADVT_OP_Sep - Oct 11_Shailaja Opticals_levis_page - 06.indd 1 10/5/2011 12:14:55 PM

Sole Distributors :

B-104, Aditya Towers, Chandavarkar Road, Borivali (west), Mumbai - 400 092 (India)Phone : 022-2895 6262 / 2892 5858 / 022-3201 1473 Fax : 022-2892 3591E-mail : [email protected] Website : www.shailajaeyewear.com


ADVT_OP_Sep - Oct 11_Shailaja Opticals_Stepper Ad_page - 07.indd 1 10/5/2011 10:26:34 AM

ADVT_OP_Jan - Feb 11_Transitions_Transitions Adaptive Lenses Ad_page XX.indd 1 2/1/2011 8:14:52 PM

esprit.co

m | M

an:etT17303-543 Wom

an:et17304-573 Wom

an:et9396-543 Wom

an:et9396-538

[email protected]

ADVT_OP_Jul-Aug 11_Pearl_Espirit Ad_page - 09.indd 1 8/4/2011 3:05:20 PM

PU

1534

1-N

V

[email protected]

ADVT_OP_Sep - Oct 11_Pearl Enterprise_Puma Ad_page - 10.indd 1 10/4/2011 7:24:57 PM

info

@p

earl

ente

rpris

e.co

m

ADVT_OP_Jan - Feb 11_Pearl Enterprises_S.T. Dupont Ad_page XX.indd 1 2/1/2011 8:03:41 PM

12

3D Eyewear: The Next Big Thing As 3D gains popularity, 3D eyewear is one of the more exciting things to have happened in the ophthalmic world.

Lens Talk 16 Designer 26Profile

In Focus 36

Louis Vuitton: The Language Of LuxuryHeres a brand thats all class and elegance.

Titan Eye Plus product quality norms are higher than ISO standards Ravi Kant, COO, Eyewear Division, Titan Industries

OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye12

Sep/Oct 2011 An OpticPlus Supplement

OPTICPL

US

Demystifying Po-larisation A Clearer Picture of

Polarisation Technology

Just One Question

Louis Vuitton The Language

Of Luxury

3D Eyewear The Next Big Thing

Need to know about

fashionable eyewear?

Check out the free

OpticPlus supplement

- GALLERIA

Everything between

you and eye

Vol.11 Issue 1 Sep/Oct 2011

A FourPlus Publication

Everything between

Everything between

Everything between

Everything between

Everything between

you and eyeyou and eyeyou and eyeyou and eye








OPBi-monthly Eyewear

Fashion Magazine

Sep/Oct 2011

An OpticPlu

s Supplement

OPTICPL

US

Titan Eye Plus product

quality norms are higher

than ISO standards

Ravi Kant - COO, Eyewear

Division, Titan Industries

All correspondence should be addressed toFourPlus Publications, 3rd Floor, Sahdev, Vishal Nagar, Marve Road,

Malad (West), Mumbai-400 064Tel.: (022) 2889 9662 Fax: (022) 2889 9665

E-mail: [email protected]

PRINTED & PUBLISHED by Siraj Bolar on behalf of FourPlus Publications,and printed by him at Mail Order Solutions India Pvt Ltd, Malad, Mumbai and published at

106/A, Shivdham, 62, Link Road, Malad West, Mumbai-400 064. Editor: Siraj Bolar

I N D I A | M I D D L E E A S T | S O U T H E A S T A S I A

CEverything between

you and eyeVol.11 Issue 1 Sep-Oct 2011


OP_Sep-Oct 11_Contents-Editorial_Page_12-13-15.indd 12 10/5/2011 6:42:53 PM

Where Have The Good People Gone?Finding qualified optometrists is a big challenge for optical businesses, in recent times.

Interaction And Information Just A Touch AwayInteractive touch-screen kiosks are the noveau way of engaging with and educating customers.

Market 56Talk

Retails 62Tales

Trends 48

Management 68Matters

Bling In The FestivitiesIts the time to bling it on, given the huge range of eyewear styles to choose from!

Managing Success Or Inspiring Failures Yatish Chandrashekhar explains the role of a Retail Area Manager and concept of a Model Store for running a successful retail chain.

PLUS

OPTICMAN 78HAPPENINGS 82EVENTS 95OFF THE SHELF 114SNAPSHOTS 130INTERNATIONAL SNAPSHOTS 134

TRIVIA 142SOUNDING BOARD 144BYWORD 145EYE MATTERS 154GALLERIA 158OPTICPLUS MATE 168STAR FORECAST 170

Ophtha 102Talk

Eye 108Study

Just One 90Question

Strabismus - A Warning Sign?

Strabismus, commonly known as squint, could hint at bigger and more

alarming ailments.

Corneal Staining - Understanding its True SignificanceDr Gary Andrasko chats with Dr John Lauren from the University of Alabama-Birmingham School of Optometry.

What will be the impact of FDI on the retail business?Members from the optical industry opine how FDI can affect their business.

OPTICPLUS : Everything between you and eye 13

OP_Sep-Oct 11_Contents-Editorial_Page_12-13-15.indd 13 10/5/2011 6:44:17 PM

this is ic!berlinhello loved people! hello hated people! hello berlin! hello tokyo! hello mama! hello papa! hello mr. president! hello young people! hello tall people! hello bikers! hallo tante sybille! hallo angela! hallo frau bundeskanzlerin! hallo hundee guten tag dogs! hallo oldenburg! hallo philipp! hallo tante greta! hallo maria! hallo helden! hallo ic! berlin blechbrillen!

RONAK ENTERPRISES129 Champaklal, Ind. Estate, 105, Sion (E), Mumbai-22, India. T +91.22.43402222 F +91.22.43402233 E [email protected]

CMYK

CMYK

this is ic!berlinhello loved people! hello hated people! hello berlin! hello tokyo! hello mama! hello papa! hello mr. president! hello young people! hello tall people! hello bikers! hallo tante sybille! hallo angela! hallo frau bundeskanzlerin! hallo hundee guten tag dogs! hallo oldenburg! hallo philipp! hallo tante greta! hallo maria! hallo helden! hallo ic! berlin blechbrillen!

RONAK ENTERPRISES129 Champaklal, Ind. Estate, 105, Sion (E), Mumbai-22, India. T +91.22.43402222 F +91.22.43402233 E [email protected]

CMYK

CMYKADVT_OP_Jul-Aug 11_Ronak Enterprises_IC Berlin Ad_page - 14.indd 1 8/4/2011 3:15:42 PM

Expanding one's retail business seems to be something most opticians are strategising about these days with plenty of single stores growing into multi-store businesses. When we spoke to some of these entreprenuers, they talked about how they wanted to have the right strategies in place and a manpower that can help them execute their plans.

In this issue, we have three articles which will help them realise precisely these ambitions. The Management Matters article talks about how they can adopt the Model Store concept and empower their Retail Area Manager to have well-performing outlets across the retail chain.

The OpticMan column is back, this time with pointers on things to bear in mind while opening more outlets. And then theres Retail Tales, which talks about how technologies like touchscreen kiosks can be used to educate customers and also keep them interested during their shopping experience.

And this time in Just One Question, people from the optical industry give their honest opinion on how they think the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) roll-out will affect them. It is heartening to note that most of them have adopted a positive stance towards it.

Needless to say, this is a power-packed issue and all the other regular articles like Designer Profile, Trends, Eye Study, Ophtha Talk, etc. are also part of this issue. And as always, you can check out whats hot and whats not in our Galleria supplement.

Your feedback will help us shape the content in OpticPlus, so that you get the information you can truly use. So do write to us [email protected]

Read on. Enjoy!

EditorialSiraj BolarE-I-C

Alim BolarE D

Vinita BhatiaG E

Prema ChandeDr Cyres MehtaDr Deepak GargSubash KatariaE A

Ishita BalS-E

DesignTabrez BolarC D

Purav MehtaA E

Amarjeet PrabhakarD A S

Mithun JagdaPaul Daniel NadarSonal MehtaG D/P

MarketingJasbir BolarM D

Farhan ShaikhB D M

FinanceR K TharoorF D

Manoj NahakNirmala PanchalA

AdministrationSamit MedidhiO A

Suhas DhumalHarish JavirO A____________________________________

Acknowledgement Model: Davor Zoljan, Ingrid Aureada, Suzan Nesrin Hakmi

Modelling Agency: Diva Dubai (www.divadubai.com)Photography: Alim BolarContributing Writers: Vandana Gupta, Deepanjolie Figg

--------------------------------------------Our Bankers: The Shamrao Vithal Co-operative Bank Ltd. Malad (West)

OPTICPLUS

Views and opinions expressed in this publications are not necessarily those of FourPlus Publications. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of informationpublished, neither FourPlus Publications nor any of its employees accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions.

E


OP_Sep-Oct 11_Contents-Editorial_Page_12-13-15.indd 15 10/7/2011 11:22:43 AM

Few had imagined that 3D eyewear would become quite abuzzword in the ophthalmic world. Until recently, the technology had little to offer and was available at a price affordable to few. Also, 3D-viewing was possible with bulky, uncomfortable, one-size-fits-all eyewear. This is set to change.

It is only in recent years that 3D is being considered a profitable business. Thus movie, gaming and television companies have been investing in 3D technology. Sony, LG, Samsung, Panasonic and Philips have already launched 3D LED televisions, while Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft have been producing 3D games for their gaming consoles for quite some time now.

HOW 3D GLASSES WORK3D glasses create the illusion of three dimensions by filtering out the light not intended for the eye, resulting in each eye receiving a different image. For instance, when you watch a movie wearing 3D glasses, you have the illusion that objects are flying off the screen and careening in your direction, and characters are reaching out to grab you. It makes you feel like you're a part of the action and not just sitting there watching a movie.

The 3D viewing experience is gearing up for a revolution of sorts. The days when the only eyewear available to consumers was a pair of flimsy paper glasses (with one red and one blue lens) are gone. Now, eyewear manufacturing companies have taken

notice of individual needs, and are now going to provide for people of all ages and vision correction needs, thereby becoming extremely helpful for those who were inconvenienced by having to wear 3D glasses over their regular spectacles.

3D eyewear can be categorised in two basic types the active shutter type and passive polarized type. Non-linear polarized 3D glasses have one lens using clockwise circular polarization and the other anti-clockwise, with the two images required for stereo vision polarized the same way. Circular polarization is used so the image separation is maintained even if the viewer tilts their head, which would not be possible with the more usual linear polarizers.

With the rising popularity of 3D animation movies, gaming consoles and televisions, the launch of 3D eyewear seems to be one of the most exciting things to have happened in the ophthalmic world.

BigTheNextew had imagined that 3D eyewear

Until recently, the technology had little to offer and was available at a price

HOW 3D GLASSES WORK3D glasses create the illusion of three dimensions by filtering out the light not intended for the eye, resulting in each eye receiving a different image. For instance, when you watch a movie wearing 3D glasses, you have the illusion that objects are flying off the screen and careening in your direction, and characters are reaching out to grab you. It makes you feel like you're

notice of individual needs, and are now going to provide for people of all ages and vision correction needs, thereby becoming extremely helpful for those who were inconvenienced by having to wear 3D glasses over their regular spectacles.

3D eyewear can be categorised in two basic types the active shutter type and passive polarized type. Non-linear

HOW 3D GLASSES WORK notice of individual needs, and are

BigBigThing


TheTheLENS TALK

OP_Sep-Oct 11_Lens Talk-3D_Page 16-17-20-22.indd 16 10/10/2011 10:39:58 AM

use in movie theatres, 3D gaming consoles and passive 3D televisions and computers.

David Johnson, President of Marchon3D, says, The grant of our first patent by the US Patent Office is key not only to our portfolio of intellectual property, but assures broad protection for both our existing and future innovations and products. The scope of protection afforded by this patent allows us to further establish ourselves as the industry leader in bringing passive 3D content to consumers.

David further states that the issuance of this patent prohibits the unauthorised manufacture of lenses falling within the broader scheme of things. It covers not only products

BigTheNextThing

SOPHISTICATED 3D EYEWEARThe boost in the 3D eyewear market can certainly be attributed to the dazzling success of the movie, Avatar. While red-blue lenses produce a dull black-and-white picture with red and blue fringes, polarized 3D glasses allow for colour 3D.

Since a demand for the latter became evident with the advancement in special effects used in movies, audiences needed refined 3D glasses for a better viewing experience. Further examples of slightly more sophisticated models of 3D eyewear are those that come in battery-powered and rechargeable varieties.

Brands like Marchon, Oakley, XpanD, Polaroid, Monster Vision Max, Gunnar

Optiks and RealD have already come out with their own 3D eyewear ranges. For instance, Marchon3D, a division of Marchon Eyewear, is an eyewear manufacturer that uses the patented M3D technology to bring out several lines of cutting-edge, optically contoured designs in 3D eyewear for

Brands like Marchon, Oakley, Polaroid, Gunnar Optiks and RealD

have launched their own 3D

eyewear range.

OPTICPLUS


OP_Sep-Oct 11_Lens Talk-3D_Page 16-17-20-22.indd 17 10/5/2011 2:26:28 PM

ADVT_OP_Jul - Aug 09_GKB Prime_Provizion_Page 012.indd 12 7/30/2009 6:25:34 PM

ADVT_OP_Jul-Aug 11_Visionrx_Shamir Autograph Plus Ad_page - 19.indd 1 8/4/2011 4:54:44 PM

manufactured or sold in the US, but also products manufactured abroad and imported into the country. Additionally, Marchon3D has other pending applications in the US and other countries worldwide relating to different aspects of the M3D lenses.The marketplace has quickly become crowded with 3D products. We have always believed that M3D provides the best-in-breed solution for consuming passive 3D content and now consumers can be rest assured that we not only have the leading innovations but also the protection of our patent behind us. They now know that when they put on a pair of 3D glasses with M3D technology, they are getting the best 3D experience out there, David adds.

Hannah Sarbin, Vice President - New Business Development, Marchon Eyewear points out that the range which will see a simultaneous global release shortly is expected to create most excitement in Western European and Scandinavian countries, alongside Russia.

SOME ISSUES THAT NEED TO BE IRONED OUTMost eyewear companies are committed to the curved lens and assembled frame sector as well. Not only are they trying to develop frames and lenses in a range of colours and shapes, but they are doing their best to ensure that the new eyewear ranges also boast UVA, UVB and UVC protection, rendering them multipurpose - i.e. as both, 3D glasses and sunglasses.

Due to its transmission profile (light and UV), glasses utilizing 3D polarization technology are not ideal for normal daily outdoor use and will not provide the same level of protection as sunglasses. 3D eyewear fitted with prescription lenses are also in the making. Oakley's 3D glasses, for example, are optimised for indoor cinema application and are not intended for outdoor use.

Another technical issue that is challenging the 3D business worldwide is the compatibility of 3D eyewear from one brand of television sets with the

models from other brands. But, the trade group Consumer Electronics Association is working towards getting brands to agree on a standard for 3D eyewear.

Oakley's CEO Colin Baden says, We began with a single goal: to set the standard for optical performance in 3D. No one has ever engineered optically correct 3D glasses. We collaborated with industry partners and utilised the DreamWorks facility for testing. For Oakley 3D Gascan, we achieved unparalleled visual clarity while extending the wearers peripheral

viewing angle and providing truer alignment of 3D images. This is a technological breakthrough that sets a new standard for 3D.

Oakley has, therefore, been promoting its HDO-3D technology for its 3D lenses which eliminate the 'ghosting' or 'crosstalk' between images that reach each eye from one moment to the next, a potential problem with inferior 3D glasses.

Interestingly, luxury fashion brand Gucci is also opting for the same route for its 3D glasses which will provide wearers an ability to look into a mirror, glasses on, without see a distorted image. This shows that fashion too has come calling to this business!

LENS CURVATURELens curvature is another issue with conventional 3D glasses. Greater curvature around the eyes provides a wider field of view, but without highly precise optics, even a mild curve can cause visual distortion. Take the example of the curvature in Oakley's 3D lenses, which minimises distractive glare. These durable lightweight frames also make contact only at the sides of the head and bridge of the nose, and

One technical issue currently

challenging this business

worldwide is the compatibility of 3D eyewear from one brand of television

sets with other brands.


OPTICPLUS

OP_Sep-Oct 11_Lens Talk-3D_Page 16-17-20-22.indd 20 10/5/2011 2:26:29 PM

ADVT_OP_Sep - Oct 11_Essilor_Varilux Ad_page - 21.indd 1 10/5/2011 10:15:11 AM

How it works in real life: 3D refers to how your eyes and brain create the impression of a third dimension. Human eyes are approximately two inches apart. Accordingly, each eye sees a slightly different part of the world.

This can be observed by a simple test: close your left eye, then your right one and then your left one again. You will notice that each time, the image changes slightly. The brain then puts these two different images together to form one 3D image that has depth to it. This happens because of the binocular vision system in your brain which uses the

All about the third dimension

do not hook the ears like conventional frames with curved ear stems, which is likely to increase their appeal amongst customers.

3D lenses were developed to deliver a prime entertainment experience in cinemas that utilise passive polarization, the technology found in most 3D theatres. It comes as no surprise that companies like Oakley are pursuing partnerships with manufacturers of home 3D systems that utilize passive polarization technology. This will allow consumers to use the same glasses for home and cinema 3D entertainment.

The Polaroid Premium 3D Glass Collection consists of a range of custom frames with precisely curved circular polarized lenses allowing moviegoers and TV viewers to fully experience 3D with an uncompromising field of vision. Prescription lens wearers also have the option of choosing from a range of premium 3D cover styles that fit comfortably over any optical frame.

THE FINAL WORDAlthough currently the 3D eyewear market will remain rather high-end,

prices are expected to fall. With mass production, some manufacturers have already managed to launch eyewear costing $99, which is a far cry from initial prices, which were almost triple that. The added possibility of exciting new developments means the day isnt far when the same pair of glasses will be suitable for use across various 3D platforms be it

difference to calculate distance and co-relate the images.

How it works in reel life: The way 3D works in movies is that two images shot from different perspectives and having different polarizations are superimposed over each other. These are then projected on the screen. The glasses one wears to view the movie allows only one of these images into each eye because they contain lenses with different polarization. And on receiving a slightly different image in each eye, your brain makes the calculations, hence offering the 3D effect.

cinema, laptops, gaming consoles or television sets. Looks like 3D eyewear is here to stay.__________________________________ Vandana Gupta

................................................................................

Email us at [email protected]


cinema, laptops, gaming consoles or

OPTICPLUS

OP_Sep-Oct 11_Lens Talk-3D_Page 16-17-20-22.indd 22 10/10/2011 10:44:52 AM

ADVT_OP_Mar - Apr 11_Ganko_Corporate Ad_ Page XX.indd 1 3/31/2011 11:09:44 AM

ADVT_OP_Jan - Feb 11_Rockym_Polarized Sunglasses Ad_page XX.indd 1 2/1/2011 8:08:26 PM

ADVT_OP_Sep - Oct 11_Ronak Optic_Police Ad_page - 25.indd 1 10/5/2011 10:38:58 AM


DESIGNERPROFILE

OP_Sep-Oct 11_Designer Profile_Page 26-27-30-32.indd 26 10/5/2011 5:30:34 PM

One of the unique luxury brands, it has a history of

not holding a single bargain sale of its products in 154

years: it is Louis Vuitton (LV). With Angelina Jolie

reportedly being paid $10 million this year to be the

face of this high-end fashion label and the Millward

Browns 2011 list of the Worlds Most Powerful

Brands ranking it as numero uno, Louis Vuitton seems

to have marked its fashion territory once again.

Rome wasnt built in a day and neither was this brands longstanding global stature. The strength of this luxury label was borne out of one headstrong French lads wish to escape from the pigeonholed life he was born into on Aug 4, 1821 in the rustic mountains of Anchay, Jura district in eastern France.Following his milliner mothers death, his father remarried and introduced Louis to a stepmother who was neither nurturing nor inspiring. So the 13-year old resolved to break away from the shackles of provincial life and move to the city of his dreams: Paris!

Thus, began a journey of over 400 kms, and he paid his way to Paris by doing odd jobs. He arrived there in 1837, aged 16, and took up an apprentice position with Monsieur Marechal, a renowned box-maker. Louis started off as a layetiers (packer) apprentice, picking up the basics of making travelling trunk bases and luggage cases from his master. His

passion for travel also inspired many of his designs including the quatrefoils and flowers featured on the Monogram canvas which took cues from the Victorian Eras common practice to use oriental influence.

Louis fortune changed with the accession of Napoleon III to the French throne in 1851 when he was appointed

apprentice position with Monsieur Marechal, a renowned box-maker. Louis started off as a layetiers (packer) apprentice, picking up the basics of making travelling trunk bases and luggage cases from his master. His

Rome wasnt built in a day and neither was this brands longstanding global stature. The strength of this luxury label was borne out of one headstrong

The Language Of LuxuryThe Language The Language The Language Of LuxuryOf LuxuryThe Language Of LuxuryThe Language The Language Of LuxuryThe Language

Louis Vuitton There was a time when celebrities flaunting a Louis Vuitton bag at a red carpet event meant that they have arrived on the social circuit. Thats the charm possessed by just two alphabets LV. Louis Vuitton is known the world over for its designer luggage pattern: beige-on-chestnut LV monogram a design that has been patented worldwide. This signature design makes its handbags and luggage a class apart and is a status symbol in the world of fashion.

OPTICPLUS


OP_Sep-Oct 11_Designer Profile_Page 26-27-30-32.indd 27 10/10/2011 10:49:39 AM

ADVT_OP_May - Jun 11_Prime Opthal_Daynite Photochromic lenses Ad_ Page 19.indd 1 5/24/2011 10:55:31 AM

ADVT_OP_Mar - Apr 11_Dollar Eyewear_Group Ad_ Page 27.indd 1 4/1/2011 3:44:14 PM

Imperial Layetier to Empress Eugenie who commissioned him to create quality products for packing the most beautiful clothes in an exquisite way! Imaginative in his use of scraps and baubles, he artfully designed travel cases to pack the Empress garments for a sea journey. These were highly appreciated by friends of the royal couple too, which secured more elite clientele for Vuitton. Inspired to deconstruct earlier established models of travel cases, the admiration also gave Louis the confidence to launch his own line.

Love bloomed in 1854 when Louis met the beautiful 17-year old Clemence-Emile Parriaux. Marriage followed and so did commercial success.

RISE TO FAME1854 was a turning point in Louis life. His new range of designer luggage goods, including hat boxes and handbags, with the now-famous monogrammed LV label on beige-on-chestnut shades hit the market. Appreciated for their high quality and stylish designs, the first LV store did brisk business and by 1860, Louis expanded and relocated his factory to Asnires.

International recognition and a bronze medal awarded at the 1867 World's Fair, followed by a gold medal at the 1889 World's Fair (a Paris event) further added to the LV brand value which didnt diminish even after its founder died in 1892.

After Louis death, his son George continued to grow the LV Empire and actively fought counterfeiting of the brand by patenting the iconic monogrammed canvas in 1914. Within four years, he took out worldwide patents on the now legendary Louis Vuitton canvas featuring his father's initials against background motifs of stars and flowers. He also introduced the 5-combination lock pattern to the LV range.

Georges son, Gaston-Louis Vuitton, took over the company in 1936 and built the international appeal of the brand further by adding smaller purses, wallets and womens bags to the label.

Business flourished further under Gaston as he began using leather for everything -- from the manufacture of luggage and hand bags to clothing and fashionable accessories. A lesser known fact, the Alma bags were personally designed by this prodigious grandson.

MARKET SPECIALISATIONSBy mid 1970s, the brand established itself in New York, London, Washington, Buenos Aires and moved on to capture big-spenders in the Asian market, opening new stores across Japan, China and South Korea. 1987 gave the world LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy) - a $4 billion merger

between Louis Vuitton and famed French spirits, champagne, and perfume group Mot et Chandon and Hennessy.

By 1997, with fashion designer Marc Jacobs firmly established in the LVMH house of fashion, the brand ventured into prt-a-porter lines - a business move that made the Louis Vuitton brand open up to similar creative collaborations with Stephen Sprouse and Takashi Murakami.

Over the years, Louis Vuittons pricing strategy - that of having no set sales because these lead to price discounts - has aroused as much interest in the companys ability to retain its unique brand value across four generations and six continents. From luggage to clothing to accessories, LV stands firm as a luxury powerhouse with its well-

Louis Vuittons passion for travel

inspired many of his designs, including the

quatrefoils and flowers on the

Monogram canvas.


OPTICPLUS


ADVT_OP_Sep - Oct 11_Ronak Optic_Guess Ad_page - 31.indd 1 10/5/2011 10:40:48 AM

planned mergers and brand expansion programmes.

The LV ad campaigns are interestingly well played out in that theyre inspired by Louis Vuittons voyaging and use journeys as a recurring theme. And considering they feature legends including actor Sean Connery, director Francis Ford Coppola and the first American woman in space Sally Ride, one gets a clear picture of what the LV patron would be like.

Both the LV man and the LV woman have accomplished remarkable feats in their profession and have a penchant for travel much like Louis Vuitton himself. The LV man is classy and full of purpose, while the LV woman is elegant, assertive, successful and grounded, all at once. Clearly, these people effortlessly stand out wherever they go.

FRAMED! BY LOUIS VUITTONWho wouldnt want to be framed by Louis Vuitton? After all, this is what real eye-candy is all about!

Be it their hand-polished acetate and metal frames for mens sunglasses, like the Damier PM range elegant lines met by distinctive hinges and temple tips, offset by Roadscape lenses for colour enhancement. Add to that 100% UV protection lenses

with special polarization and we have high fashion eye protection with visual comfort; or the Conspiration pilote range that reveals the LV Monogram on their lenses only in bright sunlight; their metal engraved frames with LV logos, hand-polished stems and trunk corner details lends an exclusive identity to the wearer in under a minute.

Theres something for the ladies too. The Conspiration Carre Canvas line takes the classic aviator shape and crosses it over to the ladies department: chic, square-framed sunglasses with a feminine-twist granted by the LV Damier Azur; complete UV protection, sleek metal frames, trunk details on hinges and logo over the right lenses are design constants.

Though an eye for design is what LV is admired for, the latest 4Motion Eyewear from the LV Summer collection sparks style shifts to active sports eyewear. Inspired by natural elements like air, water, fire and earth, this range comes equipped for easy adjustments to the frame-front angles, nose pads, temple arms length and curve flexibility to afford the wearer maximum stability.

Today, the LV product line innovations include signature collections of designer watches, shoes, pens, perfumes, travel books, distilled spirits

1854 Founded by Louis Vuitton in Paris1885 First international store opened in

Oxford Street, London1889 Won gold medal at the World Fair

in Paris1914 George Vuitton patents

monogram to combat counterfeiting

1915-77 Expansion of LV stores in the Paris, New York, London, Alexandria, Washington, Buenos Aires, Tokyo and Osaka

1983-86 Vuitton Cup Yacht Race introduced along with new stores in Taiwan, South Korea and Beijing

1987 LVMH created by merger with Moet and Hennessy

1996 Centennial of the Monogram Canvas

1997 Designer Mark Jacobs joins LV to raise its fashion quotient further

2000 Sharon Stone designed vanity case amfAR auctioned for AIDS research fund raising

2001-04 LV stores opened at Manhattan's Fifth Avenue, Moscow in Russia and New Delhi in India

1854 Founded by Louis Vuitton in Paris1885 First international store opened in

Louis Vuitton Timeline

and jewellery apart from sunglasses.It's no surprise then that Louis Vuitton also topped the Millward Brown's 2011 list of the Worlds Most Powerful Brands!

Over the years, LVs products have demonstrated the brands commitment to retaining class, creativity and exclusivity. And this focus on quality above popularity, consistency over mass appeal and authenticity over affordability simply continues to add to the charm of Louis Vuitton. ___________________________________________

- Deepanjolie Figg

................................................................................


planned mergers and brand expansion


OPTICPLUS


[email protected]

ADVT_OP_Jan - Feb 11_Pearl Enterprise_Giordano Ad_Page XX.indd 1 2/1/2011 7:54:29 PM

porsche design

porsche design

384-A, Kalbadevi Road, Dabholkar Wadi, Mumbai - 400 002Tel.: 2387 1339 Fax : 91-22-2387 1190E-mail : [email protected]

ADVT_OP_Sep - Oct 11_Unity Opticians_Prosche Design_page - 34.indd 1 10/4/2011 8:07:50 PM

NB

06048-C01 B

LAC

K

384-A, Kalbadevi Road, Dabholkar Wadi, Mumbai - 400 002Tel.: 2387 1339 Fax : 91-22-2387 1190E-mail : [email protected]

ADVT_OP_Sep - Oct 11_Unity Opticians_New Balance Ad_page - 35.indd 1 10/4/2011 7:49:32 PM

Vinita Bhatia (VB): Hello, Ravi Kant. Its nice to have you with us. When Titan made its entry into eyewear retailing, it did raise many eyebrows. What was it that made you enter this segment?Ravi Kant (RK): We want to bring in products that are essentially fashion and lifestyle accessories. This is why we started with Tanishq, our jewellery brand, and then moved to watches. It was natural for Titan to get into this lifestyle category. So in March 2007, Titan Eye Plus entered into the organised eyewear segment.

The other reason is that the eyewear market is still a largely unorganised one. We can use our extensive

experience here which includes retailing and design, to change the dynamics of this industry and at the same time bring in products that are truly world class with the best retail standards. We currently have over 175 stores in 52 towns. Our plan is to have at least 300 stores in the next two years. Thats the dream we are chasing.

VB: Do people in India still consider eyewear to be more of a para-medical product?RK: Yes, that is true. It is a prescriptive product and a highly technical one at that. Unlike watches and jewellery, people dont pick it off the shelf, and

175 stores in 52 towns. Our plan is to have at least 300 stores in the next two

VB: Do people in India still consider eyewear to be more of a para-medical

Yes, that is true. It is a prescriptive

at that. Unlike watches and jewellery, people dont pick it off the shelf, and

Vinita Bhatia (VB): Hello, Ravi Kant. Its nice to have you with us. When Titan made its entry into eyewear retailing, it did raise many eyebrows. What was it that made you enter this segment?

experience here which includes retailing and design, to change the dynamics of this industry and at the same time bring in products that are truly world class with the best retail

dynamics of this industry and at the same time bring in products that are

Titan Eye Plus' product



Titan Eye IN FOCUS

OP_Sep-Oct 11_In Focus_Page 36-37-40-42-43.indd 36 10/5/2011 3:20:43 PM

Titan Eye Plus' product


Titan Eye Plus aims to have 300 stores in its retail network within two years. And it takes pride in the fact that it offers a wide range of products that can fit the budget and preferences of all kinds of buyers. Ravi Kant, COO Eyewear Division of Titan Industries talks to Vinita Bhatia, about how the company is investing heavily on training its staff so that they are better equipped to convert potential buyers into loyal customers.

OPTICPLUS



mauijim.com

Welcome to colour.

Your world. See the brilliance.

Ph: 044 42968899 - e-mail: [email protected]

ADVT_OP_Sep - Oct 11_Maui Jim_DSPD_page - 38-39.indd 2 10/5/2011 10:28:45 AM

Welcome to colour.

Your world. See the brilliance.

Ph: 044 42968899 - e-mail: [email protected]

ADVT_OP_Sep - Oct 11_Maui Jim_DSPD_page - 38-39.indd 3 10/5/2011 10:28:53 AM

though a style accessory in markets overseas, it nonetheless stands on the basic principles of vision care with a medical aspect.

Therefore, Titan Eye Plus concentrates on each of these parameters. Apart from style, we put a lot of focus on its medical aspect. That is why we have invested in the latest equipments for our stores. For instance, we have state-of-the-art clinics in our stores for checkups and we guarantee zero-error eye testing.

VB: But then Titan is trying to add in the style quotient, right?RK: Until recently, the eyewear here focused on the medical aspect only. Customers considered spectacles to be a functional product solely to improve their vision. The style facet in that sense was missing. Till recently,

20 brands of frames and sunglasses, each. Additionally, we have house brands and international ones too.

In the frames section itself, we have three in-house brands Titan, Eye Plus, and Dash which is for children. And we have a whole lot of international brands. Similarly, in sunglasses we have house brands like Fastrack which is a youth brand. We recently launched the Cabana range, a fashionable collection of sunglasses.

If you look at price points, we are present from Rs 500 to Rs 30,000, clearly offering a better choice-range to the customer. We want to be world class in our products and services and to achieve this, we are investing a lot in training our optometrists and even the sales staff who we call eyewear consultants. They are trained to understand the needs of our customers and how they should recommend the lens or coating accordingly.

Quality is of critical importance in eyewear and people really have to trust to their eye care practitioner. And what works in our favour here is that Titan already has a very strong brand identity.

VB: Are your optometrists trained enough to deliver the standards that Titan promises?RK: Yes, absolutely. They are all highly qualified optometrists. In fact, we have set up a separate training institute near Bangalore under an exclusive arrangement with Sankara Netralaya. Any optometrist we hire undergoes a two-month training there. And every quarter to six months we conduct refresher training programs.

Along with a full-fledged training department we also invite experts from other countries to come in for training. We firmly believe that investment in such training programmes will go a long way, because eyewear is a product category wherein, if satisfied with your services, customers will maintain loyalty.

highly stylized eyewear werent available in India. So were trying to add this style-quotient without ignoring the medical aspect.

Usually when a customer finds out that he has to wear spectacles, his biggest concern is how it will affect his appearance, and this is especially true for young girls. But wearing spectacles doesnt make you look ugly and this is our message. On the contrary, wearing smart frames can even enhance your looks. This is the approach we are taking in the market.

VB: What is the USP that Titan Eye Plus is communicating to its customers to set itself apart from competitors?RK: Many things we do are different from what our competitors do but we cant be a 100% different. Our strategy is that we want to be a one-stop shop for all kinds of consumers. We want to offer the best services. When I say one-stop shop, I mean that we have

Our plan is to have at least 300 stores in the next

two years. Ravi Kant, COO, Eyewear

Division Titan Industries


20 brands of frames and sunglasses,

OPTICPLUS


ADVT_OP_Sep - Oct 11_Ganko_Nick Ad_page - 41.indd 1 10/5/2011 10:19:32 AM

VB: Is it difficult to find qualified optometrists?RK: Yes, this is our biggest challenge. Good optometrists are becoming scarce. With many companies expanding and new stores coming up, job opportunities in this industry are very good. But this also makes it difficult for us to get the right people and retain them.

The staff at our eyewear stores are our biggest asset unlike in other product categories like apparel and footwear. Even in Titan Industries for watches, people just walk into a store and pick up a product. They dont necessarily need help from the sales person. But in the eyewear category a lot of interaction is required making it imperative for us to find good optometrists who will work in converting potential buyers into loyal customers.

VB: Have there been any specific initiatives undertaken by you for better customer management?RK: Well, we have undertaken some new initiatives like customer mapping, merchandising and inventory management among others. We have also invested in SAP and their customer relationship management (CRM) systems to help us track customers nationally. So now, if a customer visits a Titan Eye Plus store in any part of the country, their data will show up in our systems and our eyewear consultants will be able address their needs appropriately.

In the next one year, we should be able to track the lifestyle preferences of our customers and get back to them about new products as well as solicit their feedback and recommendations.

VB: Isn't there a conflict of interest while selling your in-house products and those of the companies you promote?RK: We are a multi-brand store which means that we have a range of our house brands and we keep those of other brands, too. So in the case of lenses, we sell Titan, Essilor and Kodak lenses. Here, our idea of working with external suppliers is to give a complete choice to the customer.

optical stores. So I dont think we will specially focus only on big cities.

VB: Do you think that Indian customers prefer buying from an independent optical outlet over a retail chain?RK: I think the times are changing and so is the customer consciousness. As opposed to earlier, a lot of people are now moving to buying vegetables in malls and hypermarts. And this is because of the shopping experience they are offered.

Even in the eyewear category, people have realised that they can have a better buying experience right from eye testing to the selection of frames and finally, the vision itself. This decides the outlet they choose to shop from. And customers know that though a similar looking frame might be priced lower outside, our quality would be very different. For instance, the ISO standard for metal frames says that we have to do sweat test for 24 hours to ensure that the plating will last. This is

We try to select brands that will minimise this conflict of interest. And this where price laddering helps. To give you an example, our Eye Plus house brands range might be from Rs 500 to Rs 1,200. Then we have Titan, which starts from Rs 1,200 and goes up to Rs 5,000. The international fashion brands start above this range. So we select these brands and present them in a way that serves a wide range of customers in terms of their budget and preferences.

VB: Are your products customised to suit the Indian customers needs?RK: Our design team studies designs and models which sell well and work for the facial contours of the Indian people. So the frames are made as per our orders. Right from the sizes to the colour to design, we decide everything. Our product quality norms are higher than the existing ISO standards. Our suppliers have to meet these standards or else we do not take the consignment. Our

quality team goes to these regions before the consignment is shipped to inspect the products and only if they are satisfied is the consignment then authorised for dispatch.

VB: Do you plan on opening your outlets only in bigger cities or do you intend to move into more remote areas as well?RK: Since we are expanding, we are executing a strategy of populating ourselves in big cities as well as small towns. In some cities like Mumbai, we have over 20 stores. At the same time, the smaller towns in Maharashtra, too, need quality

Till recently, highly stylised eyewear wasnt available in India. So were

trying to add this style-quotient without ignoring the medical aspect.

Ravi Kant, COO, Eyewear Division Titan Industries



because, due to the high humidity in several parts of our country, the sweat eats into the plating. We do a 48-hour sweat test. All these quality standards add to the cost of the product. So when you buy a certain product from a brand, you are buying the value that that brand stands for. Customers know this and are willing to pay for it.

VB: With your experience in eyewear retailing, can you give us an insight into the expectations of an Indian customer?RK: For eyewear, it is price, comfort and style. Now comfort has two aspects - one is the comfort that wearing the frame offers; the second is getting the correct lens as per the prescription.

This aside, people are always concerned about how they will look in the eyewear they choose. That is why many people dont prefer buying spectacles and sunglasses on their own. They take their family or friends along to get a second opinion. And all our research shows that appearance is a huge concern in the minds of the customers.

VB: Initally there was apprehension in the industry with entry the of large retail chains. However, now the industry seems to have adjusted and some factions are even thrilled about it. Is there something that Titan Eye Plus would like to share with the optical industry at large?RK: I would like to say that there is an opportunity for people in the trade to come together as a community and improve the standards of this industry. There is benefit in regulating the industry and coming together to resolve the issues we face. And if Titan can do anything to make this happen, then we will gladly participate in it.

VB: I am sure that the optical fraternity will be glad to hear this. Thank you so much for talking to us, Ravi Kant.__________________________________________

Vinita Bhatia

................................................................................


because, due to the high humidity in

OPTICPLUS



ADVT_OP_Jul-Aug 11_Essilor_Crizal Ice-berg Ad_page - 44.indd 1 8/4/2011 3:43:28 PM

See Better. Look Perfect.

ADVT_OP_Jul-Aug 11_Suvin_Rodenstock Ad_page - 45.indd 1 8/4/2011 5:03:22 PM

ADVT_OP_Sep-Oct 10_Pramukh Swami - Faconnable_Page XX.indd 1 10/4/2010 12:51:28 PM

ADVT_OP_May - Jun 10_Pramukh Swami_Henry Jullien Ad_page 109.indd 109 6/5/2010 2:53:55 PM

Festive season comes with oodles of festive glamour and in a generation when its all about being in, the entire ensemble including the eyewear should reflect that kind of attitude. Its the time to go gaga with bejewelled dresses, heavy gold jewellery and sequined footwear. And why leave eyewear out of this festive equation? This is where festive eyewear comes in. Now is when one can satisfy the diva inside with larger-than-life eyewear that screams for attention. Yes, this seasons about large, diamond-rimmed frames and over-sized sunglasses. They come with intricate ornamental detailing on the sides and are so popular! They can single-handedly make up for any compromise made on the bling-factor in an outfit. Talk about multi-tasking!

This season seems to have something for everyone and every occasion. Be it the workplace or afterhours, be it school or college or a social function, this current seasons collection seems to make sure that everyone has something unique to flaunt.

WORK MEETS PLAYEven with festivities around the corner, work must go on. So for people who will be working their way through all the celebrations, fret not. Bring the bling into the boardroom, festive-style!

Yes, formal eyewear has gone in for a complete revamp (we thank!) with trendy half-rimmed frames and ornate sides. They come in dashing metallic finishes and are sure to add class to any formal or semi-formal outfit.

Whats more? Theres glossy and matte for choices and they come in more vivacious colours like red, green, orange, pink, purple than the usual black and brown. A pair of these in flamboyant colours will more than make up for monochromatic work outfits. So what if one still has to wear pinstripe shirt with a tie and trousers. Time to let the eyewear do the talking!

GEEK ALERTFor those who dont particularly have a thing for bling, theres good news! The studious look takes precedence this season as designers and fashionistas find inspiration down memory lane and emerge glorious with the back-to-school theme. The international fashion scene has stamped nerdy fashion as approved and we love!

Its festive time again! The time to put on the best attire and wear the bling (as blingy as it can get).

And theres a huge range of styles to choose from so go ahead

and take a pick because its the season to make a statement. And

we suggest, make it big!we suggest, make it big!

Festive season comes with oodles of festive glamour and in a generation when its all about being in, the entire ensemble including the eyewear

This season seems to have something for everyone and every occasion. Be it the workplace or afterhours, be it school or college or a social function,

Whats more? Theres glossy and matte for choices and they come in matte for choices and they come in more vivacious colours like red, green, more vivacious colours like red, green, orange, pink, purple than the usual orange, pink, purple than the usual

Whats more? Theres glossy and Whats more? Theres glossy and matte for choices and they come in matte for choices and they come in more vivacious colours like red, green,

Bling In The Festivities


TRENDS

OP_Sep-Oct 11_Trends_page 48-49-52.indd 48 10/5/2011 2:37:36 PM

Its festive time again! The time to put on the best attire and wear the bling (as blingy as it can get).

And theres a huge range of styles to choose from so go ahead

and take a pick because its the season to make a statement. And

we suggest, make it big!

with formal wear but also complement casual, outdoorsy wear. They can also help bring a certain consistency and cohesiveness to ones ensemble. As for those women who are wondering whether it will suit their Indian ethnic wear, we suggest looking up Kareena Kapoor in 3 Idiots. With her flaunting a pair of reading glasses on ethnic kurtas and churidars with such lan, one will only look more in tune with the current fashion drift.

MEOW!Firm upholders of everything classic - theres more in store! Retro eyewear has made a comeback like never before with cat-eye glasses reigning over almost every catwalk ramp out there. But this is retro gone bold. With models strutting down the runway in clothes with shocking colours and outrageous, catchy prints and flaunting over-sized, over-the-top cat eye glasses, its all about getting noticed for the right reasons. In bold, striking colours like orange and red

or just plain black and brown, cat eye glasses definitely provide a much-needed edge. These shades come in different printed patterns, and animal print, especially leopard, seems to be a big hit with them. Example: Dolce and Gabbanas sexy red leopard shades being flaunted by Naomi Campbell for their Animalier 2011 Ad Campaign.

Jimmy Choo paid tribute to the ever-in-vogue animal print in its recently launched line of animal print scarves. One of these wrapped around plus a cat eye shade in leopard print to go with it and you have the style

Bling In The Festivities

The latest eyewear trend spells geeky with dark, thick-rimmed glasses ruling the game. Yes, were talking those intellectual Woody Allen reading glasses that every A-list Hollywood and B-town actor is seen sporting on countless red carpet events. Even corporate business men and politicos are catching on now! From Johnny Depp to our homegrown Ranbir Kapoor and from Anne Hathaway to our very own Deepika Padukone, all seem to be making a style statement by parading in these brown/black Andy Warhol glasses.

These nerdy pairs come in different shapes like large square and rectangular frames and there are even the unconventional round ones. In fact, the most universal example of the

latter would be Harry Potter, who has sported the round pair throughout the entire Harry Potter series. So for those parents who have a hard time getting their kids to wear their prescription glasses, now they know the trick!

While some like it sleek and sophisticated (read modern) others prefer the old school over-sized ones. Earlier worn as prescribed glasses, these ber nerdy pairs are now worn solely for fashion purposes. Why? For one, their old world charm instantly adds class and dash to the wearers persona and not only do they go well

Festive seasons all about large, diamond-rimmed frames and over-sized

sunglasses. They are popular and can single-handedly make up for any compromise made on the

bling-factor in an outfit.

with formal wear but also complement

OPTICPLUS


OP_Sep-Oct 11_Trends_page 48-49-52.indd 49 10/10/2011 11:39:14 AM

ADVT_OP_Mar - Apr 11_Pramukh Swami_Nike Ad_ Page XX.indd 1 3/31/2011 10:01:29 AM

[email protected]

ADVT_OP_Sep - Oct 11_Ronak Optic_Idee Ad_page - 51.indd 1 10/5/2011 10:43:43 AM

quotient down to the T! And what is interesting is that they go with different outfits, from ultra modern to pure vintage. So those bored of run-of-the-mill stuff, want to experiment? Go ahead and try this heady mix of retro meets high street fashion because cat eye sunglasses are all the rage. And we assure, there wont be any disappointment!

CLASS MAGNIFIEDThere are some brands that empathise with the needs of men and women who live life extravagantly and want everything including their eyewear to reflect that. The British mens brand Alfred Dunhill is one that likes to indulge its high-end clienteles deep passion for all things luxurious and what better time to flaunt this kind of eyewear than the season of functions, parties, night outs and grand weddings! Dunhills latest collection in sunglasses includes the aviator style with precious metal frames and distinctly masculine colours. Effortlessly

stylish, these timeless designs combined with luxurious elements in clean shapes will immediately bring that sense of refined elegance to grand sherwanis and designer suits this season.

As for women going all out this festive season with lehengas, anarkalis, evening gowns and of course, the quintessential saree, they need eyewear that will live up to the panache of these apparels. And the baroque style sunglasses from the latest limited eyewear collection by Prada match this description to the nines. With its highly original, stylistic sides and gradients in navy blue, brown and black, one is likely to turn into the showstopper at the party theyre planning to attend! Theres also the range of over-sized

sunglasses by Christian Dior that come in different metallic shades of blue, green, pink to the classic pearly white. And with gold details around the temples, they will be the perfect finishing touch to the zari-work done on festive outfits!

STOCK IT UPOwners are going all out now to give their stores a complete makeover, putting up decorations and eye-catching lights in order to add that festive holiday appeal to their stores appearance.

A great way for them to keep customers coming back to their store is by sending them email updates on new arrivals, discount deals and other offers, and with the internet at their disposal, doing this is easier than ever. Why not spice up the facebook pages with images of the latest eyewear collections, exciting news about current styles (whats in, whats not) and use an attractive festive theme. A great way to keep your customers interested! Any takers for this idea?!

So there you have it. The latest in the world of eyewear fashion awaits. Will it be office wear gone chic with metal acetate frames or over-the-top, over-sized sunglasses with gold details on the sides? Will it be the experimental and edgy cat eye sunglasses or the geeky (aka hipster) reading glasses? The festive season is right around the corner and its time for people to celebrate their true fashion sense. And you know just the right choices to offer them.__________________________________________

- Ishita Bal

................................................................................


The studious look is in and the latest eyewear trend is going

geeky with dark, thick-rimmed glasses ruling

the game.


OPTICPLUS

OP_Sep-Oct 11_Trends_page 48-49-52.indd 52 10/5/2011 2:38:00 PM

ADVT_OP_Jul-Aug 11_Luxottica_Vogue Ad_page - 53.indd 1 8/4/2011 4:01:11 PM

ADVT_OP_Sep - Oct 11_Global Vision_Corporate Ad_page - 54.indd 1 10/4/2011 7:40:21 PM

ADVT_OP_Mar - Apr 11_Pramukh Swami_Guy Laroche Ad_ Page XX.indd 1 3/31/2011 9:59:58 AM

Where Have The Good People Gone?Finding qualified optometrists is one of the biggest challenges for most optical outlets in this country. The reason lies in the limited number of trained optometrists available here and the increasingly growing demand for their services.

up, so job opportunities in this industry are very good. Therefore, getting the right people and retaining is difficult, says Ravi Kant, COO Eyewear Division, Titan Industries.

And it is not just big retail chains that are facing this problem when it comes to hiring good optometrists. Even independent retail outlets are unable to identify and employ them. Abhay Vadhar of Lens n Specs recounts how it took him close to four months to hire one optometrist for his new outlet.

Even optometry institutions in the country agree to this. To provide excellent vision care to all the people in the country, India needs 1,15,000 optometrists. At the moment we are graduating around 1,200 students annually. This number, while significantly higher from 250 odd optometrists who were graduating till a decade ago, is still not enough to meet the demand for qualified eye care practitioners, said Prema Chande, Principal of Lotus College of Optometry.

IMPORTANT ROLE PLAYED BY OPTOMETRISTSThe Indian optical industry is estimated to be growing at the rate of 20-30% annually. And it has the potential to continue at this pace, provided a pool of well-trained optometrists join this growing industry.

Vision care is a growing business. A good indication of this is the entry of multinational companies like Grand Vision which tied up with Reliance Retail to launch Vision Express' chain of optical stores. Tatas Titan Industries too decided to join the bandwagon with its Titan Eye Plus network.

The entry of these corporate giants has had an unexpected spin-off, especially for optometrists. They have better job opportunities to look forward to. So much so that there is now a shortage of qualified optometrists in the country.Our biggest challenge is getting good optometrists because they are becoming scarce. Many optical companies are expanding and new stores are coming


Where Have Where Have

MARKET TALK

OP_Sep-Oct 11_Market Talk_page 56-57-58.indd 56 10/5/2011 2:22:15 PM

DEARTH OF OPTOMETRISTSIt is pretty clear that an optometrists role is very important in the eye care business. This is well evident in the fact that in countries like the US, Australia, Malaysia and Singapore, all optical outlets are expected to have at least one qualified optometrist by law. However, no such legislation is currently applicable in India. It goes without saying that all optical outlets should have a trained optometrist who can diagnose the patients. A lot of optical outlets in the country even offer computerised eye testing, but the test should be conducted by a qualified optometrist in order to get the right reading.

All pharmacies need to have at least one trained pharmocologist to run the outlet and there are hopes that this situation will be replicated in the optical industry as well in the near future. According to Prema, there are many new optometry schools that have come up and recently Association of Schools and College of Optometry (ASCO) has tabled a minimum competency standard for optometry. Measures like this will ensure that more well-qualified optometrists will join the business.

Aditi Moghe, Assistant Lecturer of the School of Optometry, Bharti Vidyapeeth Deemed University Medical College has observed that even the number of student admissions for the four-year optometry courses is going up, which is a good sign. This means that within the next few years more trained optometrists will be present in the market, she adds.

A COMMON MINIMUM STANDARDMost four year programs follow the Common Minimum Optometry curriculum set by the Association of Schools and College of Optometry (ASCO) in India. During the first year, the program covers subjects on basic sciences like general anatomy, physiology and optics. The second academic year covers primary eye care subjects on eye diseases, evaluation of the visual system and dispensing optics. During the third academic year, lectures are imparted on specialised subjects like contact lenses, low vision and binocular vision. The fourth year is set aside for internship.

Where Have The Good People Gone?

Dr. Aditya Goyal, Principal of the Sankara College of Optometry adds that realising this, optometry institutions are now promoting optometry courses to students who have completed their Higher Secondary Certification course. Most students do not even know what optometry constitutes, he says, but this is set to change as students are beginning to understand the lucrative job prospects that are present in this field.

Institutes like Lotus College of Optometry are firstly educating students about what an optometrist actually does when it comes to offering vision care. Most people confuse an optometrist as someone who only checks refractive error, but this is not true.

An optometrist is involved in offering vision care including examination, diagnosis and treatment of eyes, related to visual, optical symptoms, refractive errors and their correction, using lenses and other optical aids. Besides identifying refractive errors and prescribing corrective measures, fitting spectacles, contact lenses or low vision aids, they also conduct eye testing, vision training, guide patients with limited sight or genetic vision defects. They are also trained to prescribe vision therapy eye exercises to patients complaining of visual disorders.

At the moment around 1,200

optometry students graduate, annually. But it isn't enough

to meet the demand for qualified eye care

practitioners.

Prema Chande, Principal of Lotus College of Optometry.

DEARTH OF OPTOMETRISTS

OPTICPLUS



Talking about the need for this standardisation, Vivek Mendonca, President of ASCO, said, There were many optometry colleges offering 6-months, 2 year or 4-year courses. We created this standardisation so that there is a common curriculum and syllabus for 4-year and graduate courses. This will benefit students as well as the people who employ them.

The Common Minimum Optometry curriculum has been circulated to around 80 colleges in India which offer courses on this topic. These include the 15 institutions which are members of ASCO. The remaining institutions will debate the possibility of implementing this standardisation at their individual educational boards.And Vivek hopes this will happen soon because this standard was set by the consensus of 18 colleges which had met up in Chennai recently to debate it. It is just a matter of time before this positive change is effected in all colleges offering optometry courses, he adds.

MANAGING MANPOWERMost optical outlets are aware that having an optometrist is useful to their business. Pranav Doshi of Bright Eyes Optics points out that customers are more comfortable getting their eyes tested by a qualified optometrist and they take their suggestions about eye care and eye wear at face value.

Optometrists are able to position higher-end prescription lenses better as compared to an optician. They can also answer any technical queries that a customer might have about the quality of lenses, for e.g. why they should go for silicon hydrogel lenses over rigid permeable gas lenses, he points out. Optometrists can educate customers about the importance of coming for regular eye tests and also opting for disposable contact lenses as compared to conventional ones.

Another benefit of having an optometrist is that most people prefer to come back to independent optical outlets where they have a personal rapport with the person checking their

Name Of College / City Contact Person Contact No

Bharti Vidyapeeth Deemed University Medical College School Of Optometry, Pune

Amit Shinde 020-4373226

Dr. DY Patil, Pune Veshal Madan 020-27420069

Elite School Of Optometry, Chennai

Dr. Krishnakumar Ramani

044-23321835

Institute For Technology & Manag, Navi Mumbai

Prashant Bhatkar 022-27742806

Krishnalaya School Of Optometry, Kolkata

Ashima Das 033-23580201

Laxmi Eye Hospital, Panvel Mohan Hindupurkar 022-27454060

Lotus College Of Optometry, Mumbai

Prema Chande 022-26207655

Manipal College Of Allied Sciences, Manipal

Dr. B Rajasekhar 91-8202925312

Nagar School Of Optometry, Ahmedabad

Nitin V. Trivedi 079-55212872

Sankara Institute Of Optometry, Bangalore

Aditya Goyal 91-9381053158

Shri Ganapati Netralaya, Jalna Rajesh Gare 02482-240411

Sri Ramchandra University Of Chennai, Chennai

044-24769816

Seeking Qualified Optometrists?

eyes and making recommendations on what they should opt for. So, in a way, optometrists help bring in repeat business.

But besides hiring optometrists, there is another big challenge for independent opticians and optical chains. This is about retaining them. Like Ravi Kant pointed out, there is a lot of poaching that takes place in this industry, since the base of trained optometrists is so limited. This is why, he says, they have regular training sessions for their eye care practitioners, so they can keep updating their knowledge. It is also ensured that they enjoy the best environment to work in. In fact, the recent Titan EyePlus TV ads show emphasis on the well-trained optometrists in the retail chain. This is to send out the right message that customers who come to the retail chain can expect their eyes to be tested by the best of eye care practitioners out there.

Optometrists play such an important role in the optical business. It is, therefore, no wonder that the Indian optical industry is trying its best to increase awareness regarding the opportunities for those in this field. The best we can do is spread the word and encourage curiosity about optometry. And going by the increasing demands, theres a world of opportunities that awaits the new generation of optometrists._________________________________________________________________

Vinita Bhatia

...........................................................................................................................


colleges offering optometry courses, he adds.

We created a standardisation

so that there is a common curriculum

and syllabus for 4-year and graduate

courses.

Vivek Mendonca, President, Association of Schools and

College of Optometry


eyes and making recommendations on what they should opt

OPTICPLUS


ADVT_OP_Jul-Aug 11_Eternity Lifestyles_Corporate Ad_page - 84.indd 1 8/4/2011 2:40:57 PM

www.satisloh.com

Optical Manufacturing Solutions

Satisloh AGIndia Branch Offi ce

108, Madhava,Bandra Kurla Complex

Mumbai 400 051

Phone: +91-22-6696-2520Fax: +91-22-6704-2205

Mail: [email protected]

Perfect fi t.Finishing Expert.

Complete Finishing SolutionsDimension, 3B, 7E, ES-curve and ES-4

No matter what your fi nishing needs Satisloh has the solution.From the Dimension for high wrap tracing and the robust 3B blocker to the 7E dry cutting table top edger and the automatic 5-axis ES-curve for specialty shapes you have unlimited edging possibilities.

Increase your effi ciency even further with the ES-4, a high volume industrial edger and the Edge-Server solution software.

Look to Satisloh for your fi nishing solutions.

www.satisloh.com

Optical Manufacturing Solutions

Satisloh AGIndia Branch Offi ce

108, Madhava,Bandra Kurla Complex

Mumbai 400 051

Phone: +91-22-6696-2520Fax: +91-22-6704-2205

Mail: [email protected]

Perfect fi t.Finishing Expert.

Complete Finishing SolutionsDimension, 3B, 7E, ES-curve and ES-4

No matter what your fi nishing needs Satisloh has the solution.From the Dimension for high wrap tracing and the robust 3B blocker to the 7E dry cutting table top edger and the automatic 5-axis ES-curve for specialty shapes you have unlimited edging possibilities.

Increase your effi ciency even further with the ES-4, a high volume industrial edger and the Edge-Server solution software.

Look to Satisloh for your fi nishing solutions.

ADVT_OP_Sep - Oct 11_Satisloh_Finishing Expert India Ad_page - 60.indd 1 10/5/2011 10:17:39 AM

ADVT_OP_Sep - Oct 11_Aureoloe Inspeces_Animal Ad_page - 61.indd 1 10/4/2011 7:42:20 PM

Interactive touch-screen kiosks are the noveau way of engaging with and educating customers who walk into an optical retail outlet about the eyewear and lens models they can opt for. And opticians as well as their customers seem to be accepting this technology in the opticalindustry quite well.

How would you like an equipment that services your customer, updates him about the latest products, helps him try out a few options, answers a few queries and even makes a sale! Welcome to the new age technology of touchscreen kiosks. The technology is not new and has been around for ages. However, with the new age economy, more and more buyers are getting comfortable buying things without the involvement of a sales person. These gadgets, or kiosks, as they are called, are getting popular all

their friends and family members accompanying them can use this machine to learn more about optical solutions that are available, says Dagan Avishal, VP-Sales of Shamir Optical Industry.

Its a well-known fact that having a strong, well-rounded sales team is the building base for a retail chain. And most people in the retail business have a hard time hiring staff that have an impeccable knowledge of the products on their stands and are able to provide correct, up-to-date information to the customer. But all that could be a thing of the past with touch-screen kiosks entering the picture. These kiosks provide the customer with relevant info, all at a single command.

SMART TECHNOLOGYEarlier this year, Melbourne-based EyeClarity Melton won the prestigious Business Review Weekly AMP Retailer of the Year 2011 Award for best use of technology. And the technology

across the globe and has been seen in a lot of optical stores across the country too.

Companies such as Luxottica, Rodenstock and Shamir Optical Industry amongst others are using technology to stay a step ahead in their business. Shamir recently launched its touch-screen kiosk called Imagine, a very handy machine for eye care practitioners to position in their outlets at a strategic spot. Not just prospective patients, but even

Interactive touch-screen kiosks are the noveau way of engaging with and educating customers who walk into an optical retail outlet about the

their friends and family members accompanying them can use this machine to learn more about optical solutions that are available, says Dagan Avishal, VP-Sales of Shamir

Just A Touch Away

Just Just Just A Touch AwayInteraction And

Information


RETAIL TALES

OP_Sep-Oct 11_Retail Tales_Page 62-63.indd 62 10/10/2011 10:52:19 AM

that helped it bag this award is the Myeyes touch-screen kiosk which helps customers choose from eyewear that can better suit their lifestyle and budget, with minimal assistance from an eye care practitioner.

Many other optical retail chains, especially in Europe and the US, are adopting this medium of technological interactivity in their business practises. And it is not surprising why they are doing so. Deployed at retail outlets that have a high customer walk-in rate, these touch-screen units provide consumers a ready guide packed with information on the latest collections

that have been introduced by the outlet and also assist them in choosing the services that they would like to avail of.

For the optician, the touch-screen kiosk can be a handy tool when sales personnel are busy. Sometimes people have some personal preference about the eyewear model that will suit them, but they may not want to discuss this with the salesperson at the retail counter. They might prefer using the kiosk to help decide, for instance, whether over-the-top models suit them or not, adds Sachin Furia, the proprieter of Prince Optics.

THE INDUSTRY CATCHES ONHelping customers decide better is one of the reasons why companies like Shamir and Luxottica are investing in this technology.

According to Dagan, picking up eyewear especially in terms of finding frames that look right on each individuals face as well as choosing

lenses that are suitable for their eyes can be confusing for a customer. A kiosk can come in handy here. Recently, Luxottica launched touch-screen kiosks in limited Sunglass Hut locations globally as part of its efforts to provide Oakley consumers with the eyewear styles and models that they truly need. Geared up by the great response from customers, it now plans to launch touch-screen kiosks in 50 European wholesale outlets in 2011.

These kiosks can also be a good way for companies to educate their customers about the new lens material or optical designs that they have introduced as well as eyewear for specific conditions.

They help in offering customised solutions to customers. For eg, if a customer wants to buy prescription lenses with AR and hydrophobic coating alongwith sun protection features, he can experience how his vision will be with the inclusion of these attributes.

INTERACTIVITY, SIMPLYWith kiosks offering a very high level of interactivity, due to the technology available, the regular shopper can get things done that he would never get done by a normal sales person. Photographing themselves with the eyewear, comparing such images with different eyewear, even sharing them on social media sites and getting an instant response from friends and family - these are the different Wow factors that seem to help attract a lot of investment into this technology.

Will the influx of iPads and other tablets make this technology redundant? After all, the investment is much lesser and the mobility is way better. Technology is fickle and whats new today will be redundant tomorrow. But as of now, touch-screen kiosks seem to be the answer when it comes to impressing clients and increasing sales.__________________________________- Vinita Bhatia

................................................................................


Touch-screen kiosks provide

consumers information

about the latest collections in an outlet and the

services they can avail there.

Touch-screen kiosks provide

consumers information

about the latest collections in an outlet and the

Just A Touch Away

lenses that are suitable for their eyes

OPTICPLUS


OP_Sep-Oct 11_Retail Tales_Page 62-63.indd 63 10/5/2011 2:43:11 PM

liteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteFinished Ophthalmic Lenses

Finished Ophthalmic Lenses




Finished Ophthalmic LensesliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteFinished Ophthalmic Lenses

















Finished Ophthalmic LensesliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteFinished Ophthalmic Lenses



















































NEVO

SV EZ

-610

AS 7

0

NEVO

SV EZ

-610

AS 7

0

NEVO

SV EZ

-610

AS 7

0

NEVO

SV EZ

-610

AS 7

0

NEVO

SV EZ

-610

AS 7

0

NEVO

SV EZ

-610

AS 7

0

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

Elanza

ElanzaR E

F LE C

T IO N

FR E

E

R EF L

E CT I

O N F

R EE

R EF L

E CT I

O N F

R EE

R EF L

E CT I O

N FR E

E

R EF L

E CT I O

N FR E

E

R EF L

E CT I O

N FR E

E liteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteliteFinished Ophthalmic Lenses






NEVO

SV EZ

-610

AS 7

0

NEVO

SV EZ

-610

AS 7

0

NEVO

SV EZ

-610

AS 7

0

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 70

NEVO

SV EZ

-670A

S 7

OpticPlus :: Sep - Oct 2011

Documents

Transcript of OpticPlus :: Sep - Oct 2011