(L to R) Damien Rousseau and Joe DeLapp
CHICAGO—As part of a global growth initiative, Essilor Instruments has reorganized its U.S. operation to strengthen its presence and operational efficiency. The new organization is introducing itself at International Vision Expo East.

"The reorganization will significantly enhance the ability of Essilor Instruments USA to sell and support the company's continuing stream of new technologies in the finishing equipment category, including our state‐of‐the-art edgers and beyond," said Christophe Condat, CEO, Essilor Instruments division worldwide. "We are starting an influx of new products to be brought to the U.S. and world markets this month at Vision Expo East."

As part of the reorganization, Damien Rousseau, formerly CFO of Essilor Instruments, has been appointed vice president, Americas, Essilor Instruments and will oversee the U.S. operation and the expansion of Essilor Instruments in North America and Latin America.

"The Essilor Instruments name has long been associated with world class technology and edging equipment of the highest quality and reliability," noted Rousseau. "With the company's emphasis on constant innovation, we will continue to expand our product line to meet a broad spectrum of customers' needs at different levels of in‐office technology and price points."

Joe DeLapp, a veteran of the U.S. optical industry, is general manager of Essilor Instruments USA, headquartered in Chicago. "Our mission is to build working relationships with our ECP and chain customers, to evaluate our customers' technology requirements and to provide guidance in selecting the in-office equipment that will help them improve their customer service and practice profitability," he said. "The reorganized Essilor Instruments USA Group has an experienced sales and technical support team dedicated to our Equipment and to meeting our customers' needs."

DeLapp entered the industry in 1990 when he joined CibaVision as vice president of marketing and sales. He later served as CEO of Briot for 10 years. For the past eight years, he has served as CEO of Visioneering Technologies.

Essilor Instruments USA is introducing the Essilor Neksia edger and finishing system at Vision Expo East, as reported in VMail Technology.