VOL. XXXII NO. 02 FEBRUARY 2015

Blocknotes

Relationship Building

Michael Block

BBG Bottom Line

BBG

BBG

Practice Management and Purchasing Services for Independent Eye Care Professionals

For more information on any program mentioned here, visit www.blockbg.com or call your Block Business Group customer service representative at 800-524-1480.

O ne of the big advantages that inde-pendent 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.

Patient RelationshipsIt 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. There’s no better way to make someone feel important by being able to show that you have remembered some informa-tion about them and their family.

Neighborhood RelationshipsWhether 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 NetworkingIt 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 PTA 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 previ-ous columns, make sure that you and members of your staff are incentivized and always prepared by carrying business cards in case someone should ask.

The eyecare / eyewear business is really no different than any other, fostering and building long term rela-tionships 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.

Elite Vendor Program = $$$

The Elite Vendor Program is back for 2015. Many of you will be re-ceiving your 2014 year end rebates this month. Due to the success of the Program, some vendors have upgraded the Elite Vendor Pro-gram offerings for 2015. Contact Block Business Group Customer Service for more information.

areCredit helps upgrade patient purchases and increas-es second pair sales. According to an independent optical practice study, the average sale with a CareCredit health-care 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 866-853-8432 or visit www.carecredit.com. You can also check out the flyer enclosed with this month's state-ment for more information.

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Elite Vendor News

For more information on any program mentioned here, visit www.blockbg.com or call your Block Business Group customer service representative at 800-524-1480.

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Marcolin Presents the Ermenegildo Zegna Eyewear Collection

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Morel Introduces the Aega Concept for the Koali Collection

he new sunglass and optical pieces, produced and distrib-uted for the first time by the Marcolin Group, sees the inclu-sion of titanium, leather and wood. Color schemes offered are refined and nuanced, while exquisite detailing and Zeiss lenses complete a unique col-lection aimed at sophisticated men with an unmistakeablestyle. Featured are EZ0005, EZ0009 and EZ5005. Call 800-537-9265 or visit marcolin.com.

he iridescent blue shades of the South

American Morpho Aega butterfly inspired

this collection. The grace of the butterfly

is expressed in the overall style from

contemporary eye shapes to the delicate-

ly thought-out temple, and a concealed

flex-hinge system. Aluminum gives three

dimensions with a twist to reflect the tri-

angular wings of the butterfly. Four stain-

less steel models and models with double-

layered handcrafted acetate fronts are

available. Featured are 7715K and 7722K.

Visit morel-france.com or call 800-526-8838.

ProDesign Adds Essential Models 1403-1405

hese models are technically ad-vanced, detailed and difficult to make. The 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 over-injected with TR90. Finally polished for perfect alignment and sanding for a casual yet luxurious feeling. Com-bined with two-tone rubberized titani-um fronts. Call 800-654-6099 or visit prodesigndenmark.com.

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ClearVision Adds PuriTi 100% Titanium and DuraHinge Models For Women uriTi 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. The collection is designed with the proprietary DuraHinge five barrel hinge construction, add-ing the flexibility of a spring hinge, yet is not too heavy or bulky on the face. Special programs are available through February 27, 2015. Call 800-645-3733 or visit cvoptical.com.

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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 800-422-2020.

Tura Debuts TITANflex Luxury "Select" Sub-Collection he new men's ophthalmic styles feature a soldered flat metal bridge on wire frame fronts or sol-dered flat metal bridge on a sheet metal frame front construction, allowing for more contemporary styling, increased stability and robust construction, and contin-ued super flexibility and stress resistance. The latest designs use premium aluminum and titanium on the temples to reduce weight. Featured are styles 820673, 820674, 820675, 821025 and 821026. Call 800-242-8872 or visit tura.com.

Elite Vendor News

For more information on any program mentioned here, visit www.blockbg.com or call your Block Business Group customer service representative at 800-524-1480.

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Fatheadz Delivers Oversized Frames atheadz is the original oversized cost effective solution to price sen-sitive 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 800-561- 6640 or visit fatheadzeye-wear.com.

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Marchon Introduces Nike Vision for Spring n array of new styles are introduced for Spring. The product line ex-pands 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 Training 'Ignition,' Nike SB 'Volition,' Women's Training 'Compel,' and Young Athletes 'Spir-it.' Call 800-645-1300 or visit marchon.com.

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ew ELLE Eye-wear for Spring / Summer 2015 con-veys the femininityand classic Frenchpanache of the brand while infus-ing each frame with up-to-the-minute design inspirations. Sprightly silhouettes are realized in a playful array of zesty spring-like colors and clas-sic 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 EL13390. Visit charmant.com or call 800-645-2121.

Charmant Releases New ELLE Models

Rem Eyewear Introduces SPINE Eyewear

S PINE Eyewear featuresa patented segmented hinge and cable systemthat flexes the temples in all directions, includ-ing inwards, securely holding the frame in place on your head. Holding eyewear in placeis significant when in-volved 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 800-423-3023 or visit remeye-wear.com or SPINEOptics.com.

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Kliik Denmark Adds Model K-527

Altair Introduces Tommy 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. The men's collection features sleek shapes and elevated interiors printed with Tommy Bahama's vintage Caribbean map. For women, timeless shapes are highlighted with island inspired enamels, colored crystals and perfect palm tree prints. Featured are TB6045, TB6047, TB7047, TB7048 and TB7049. Call 800-505-5557 or visit altaireyewear.com.

Safilo Adds Dior Composit 1.0 Sunglasses

T he DIOR COMPOSIT 1.0 sunglasses project L’Homme Dior at the avant-garde. The flat lenses take precedence over the ultra-thin metal frame and impose a strong statement. The emblematic Dior Homme cut appears in an open worked design at the end of the temples, while the fine met-al structure applied on the lens underlines the architectural elegance of the style. Call 800-631-1188 or visit safilo.com.

Ogi Eyewear Introduces Spenser by Innotec Eyewear penser repre-sents 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. This masculine frame comes in four gradient fade colors. Call 888-560-1060 or visit ogiframes.com.

AAspex Eyewear Adds New Styles spex Eyewear introduces Paradox styles P5001 and P5003. Visit aspexeyewear.com or call 888-416-3937.

Elite Vendor News

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Supplier Announcements

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For more information on any program mentioned here, visit www.blockbg.com or call your Block Business Group customer service representative at 800-524-1480.

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Spy Optic is Now Participatingin the Elite Vendor Program

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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 ex-ceed 20%. New Spy customers receive an addi-tional 5% net invoice credit on the first order. Visit www.spyoptic.com.

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Eastern States Introduces Its 2015 Jaguar Sunglass Collection he collection features a wide

range of premium lens options

including Polarized, Blue Block-

er and Nano lenses with AR

coatings. This year sees the

addition of fashionable mirror

lenses in various shades includ-

ing 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 800-645-3710 or visit eseyewear.com.

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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. Temple 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 sun-glasses can be customized in its full array of patented color enhancing polarized 580™ lenses. Visit costadelmar.com or call 800-447-3700.

T hese two companies with deep-rooted family historiesthat share a passion for colorare 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 make-up to accentuate their features. Visit lafont.com or call 800-832-8233.

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BBG Welcomes pticote is a full-service coating lab-oratory 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 pro-vide the wearer multiple benefits for activities such as driving and skiing. For a complete list of coatings visit www.opticote.com, call Mike at 800-248-6784 x 103 or email rxsales@opticote.com.

O New

Supplier…

his collection offers wearers a completely customizable des-ign experience, featuring a mix-ture of eight rimless eyewear models in eight colors with eight different lens shapes for endless eyewear styling op-tions. A distinctive SPX® designelement accentuates the flat titanium temple. The 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 800-223-0180.

Silhouette Offers Endless Styling Options With Titan Countour

ysh UK style F-3529 make a high-tech fashion statement. This semi-rim-less 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 855-455-0042. U.S. Western states customers call Classique Eyewear 866-604-5700. Visit fyshuk.com.

ull rim zyl model 134Z is featured in black and mink stripe in an on-trend 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 800-765-3700 or visit zyloware.com.

Zyloware Adds MaxStudio.com Models

Fysh UK Adds New Style

Alain Mikli Increases Discount for Alain Milki and Stark Eyes

Great News!! The discount for Alain Mikli and Starck Eyes has in-creased to 3% effective December 8th. Call 800-829-8032 for more information.

Supplier Announcements

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For more information on any program mentioned here, visit www.blockbg.com or call your Block Business Group customer service representative at 800-524-1480.

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Revolution Eyewear Adds Magnetic Clip-Ons he four new styles in zyle are lightweight in design and equipped with Revolution's paten-ted bottom mounted magnetic clip-ons. All Revolution Magnetic Clip-ons have polar-ized polycarbonate lenses and may be special ordered for 3D viewing and spec-ialty lenses for sports. Featured are REV778, REV781, REV780 and REV779. Visit revolutioneyewear.com or call 800-986-0010.

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Smilen Introduces Red Carpet Collection

he name RedCarpet has al-ways been synon-ymous with high fashion and celebrity status. With innovative new designs and provocative colors this collection lives up to its name. The five models featured epitomize the sophisti-cated look of this series (RC66, RC67, RC68, RC69, RC71). Call 800-887-5675 or visit smileneyewear.com.

he debut collection incorporates sev-eral iconic elements from the brand's ophthalmic collection including Corinne'sexclusive leopard pattern zyl and jewelry-inspired 'X' seen in the Expressway col-lection. There are six progressive-friendly styles that include rich zyl and metal and zyl com-binations with CR39 lenses in fashionable shapes in classic colorations. Visit fgxi.com or call 800-480-4846.

FGX International Introduces Corinne McCor-mack Sun Rx for 2015

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OVVO Optics Adds New Styles and Colors 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 855-393-6886.

Modern Optical Debuts 2015 Eyewear Collection 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 800-323-2409 or visit modernoptical.com.

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Modo Adds Five Semi-Rimless Paper-Thin Titanium Models

he five retro-inspired shapes contrast well with the high-tech ultra-elastic polyamide TR90 inserts with titanium on the upper eye rim and beta-titanium on the lower frame front. The frames retain their signature lightness, flexibility and eye-catching colors with super-thin grilamid polymer rings. Featured are models 4060, 4059, 4061, 4062 and 4063. Call 800-223-7610 or visit modo.com.

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TA&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 800-492-4465 or visit www.aaopticalco.com.

KClariti Introduces New Styles

onishi acetate model KA5773 features soft angles and is light-weight 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 800-372-6372 or visit claritieyewear.com.

Villa Eyewear Unveils the Blackfin Spring / Summer Collection he all-Italian titanium eyewearbrand features clean, uncluttered lines, exclusive design details and colors with personality. Men's model BF728 Key West features a vintage look. Wom-en's model BF727 Melville features a slightly oval shape. Call 877-889-0399 or visit www.villaeyewear.com.

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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 800-222-6553 or visit bolle.com.

All eyes deserve clariti.

High Oxygen Transmissibility

clariti 1 day—now available for practices everywhere. The world’s first and only family of silicone hydrogel daily disposable contact lenses designed for every patient type—sphere, toric and multifocal.

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.

To learn more, contact your CooperVision representative today or visit CooperVision.com/practitioner.

High Water Content

Low Modulus

UV Protection

Affordable Upgrade

BBG Lab NotesF

Elite VendorE

Hoya Extends Discounts oya has extended its tremendous discounts to any new or reactivated account through March 31, 2015. These accounts that bill $1,000 per month will receive signifi-cant savings for 90 days. Also, purchase $1,000-$3,999 per month to receive special discounts on non-Hoya brands and even higher discounts on Hoya-brand progressives and coatings. Purchase $4,000+ per month, and dis-counts increase even more. The National Hoya Honors Program is available to Block accounts with at least $1,000 per month in net purchases. Visit hoya.com or call 972-221-4141.

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i-see Optical Lab Extends Exciting Offeri

Contact

Lens

CornerElite Vendor

You Gold is customizedon an individual basis. Ev-ery 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 800-497-9239 or visit poglabs.com.

P.O.G Labs Offers 4You Gold Digitally Designed Progressive Lens

For more information on any program mentioned here, visit www.blockbg.com or call your Block Business Group customer service representative at 800-524-1480.

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Carl Zeiss Vision Offers 50% Discount For New Accounts arl Zeiss Vision will provide a 50% discount on discountable products for each new account for the first three months of purchasing. In addition, exis-ting accounts that average less than $1,000 in sales per

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BBG Welcomes Robertson Optical or over 56 years, Robertson Optical's vision has been to provide ECPs and their patients innovative ophthalmic solutions with the utmost quality inlenses, 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 Dig-ital Freeform Cozé Collection includes Cozé ADL and Cozé Wrap, Cozé, and Vista offering Shamir, Carl Zeiss customized lenses, Carl Zeiss / AO Sola lens-es, 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. Three locations service the entire US: Loganville GA (800-929-2765), Columbia SC (800-922-5525), and Greenville SC (800-223-0890). You can also visit robertsonoptical.com.

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! The everyday discount for Block members is 33% on discount-able products and services regardless of monthly volume. Visit zeiss.com or call 800-518-7716. In addition - are you in-terested 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!

-see Optical Lab and Block have teamed up to offer you extraordinary savings on the bestin 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 pre-scribed 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 800-257-7724.

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lite Vendor Program: Bill $7,000+ per month with Luzerne, and BBG will rebate your account 1% monthly. Call 800-233-9637

or visit luzerneoptical.com.

Elite Vendor

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Italian Optika Offers Free Frame in February uy 12 Baffo frames and get 1 FREE!! For information call 954-266-9325 or visit italianoptika.com.

●All Nassau supported messen-gers are now included in their free shipping specials - use your local courier for faster deliver time.●Enjoy enhanced free shipping online at www.Nassau247.com. Consolidate your stock and con-tact 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 Messen-ger or UPS ground or next day.

Nassau Vision Group Adds New Free Ship-ping Options

Earn Rebate Credits with Luzerne