MULTIMEDIA Essilor Spotlights 'Ultimate Lens Package' and New Programs for ECPs at National Sales Meeting By Andrew Karp Tuesday, January 9, 2018 1:53 PM AUSTIN, Texas—At its annual national sales meeting, Essilor of America celebrated a banner sales year in 2017 and launched a national consumer media campaign that will continue to spotlight its successful Ultimate Lens Package in 2018.The four-day meeting kicked off here on Sunday night with a dinner honoring the Essilor Vision Foundation that featured a suprise guest speaker—David Brown, the former police chief of Dallas, Texas. Brown told the 805 attendees about his positive experiences despite growing up in a racially divided Dallas, and how pivotal moments in his life helped shape his humanistic world view. Essilor executives announced several new initiatives this year including "Essilor Experts," a program that will provide independent eyecare professionals with a range of practice resources, a new Transitions Optical creative campaign, and opportunities for ECPs to promote blue light protection. The meeting continues through Thursday with updates from Essilor's top management and breakout sessions for independent distributors, media partners and Essilor sales personnel. For a look at some scenes from the meeting, click on the slideshow below. 8/12 Essilor National Sales Meeting Former Dallas police chief David Brown gave an inspiring talk about his formative experiences growing up in racially divided Dallas. Essilor National Sales Meeting Howard Purcell, OD, senior VP of Essilor's customer development group, welcomes attendees. Essilor National Sales Meeting The meeting started on a high note with a version of "I'm Not Throwin' Away My Shot" from the hit musical, "Hamilton," performed by a group of professional actors and Essilor managers. Essilor National Sales Meeting Essilor of America marketing chief Sherianne James shared her insights about innovation and new product development. Essilor National Sales Meeting An enthusiastic Eric Leonard, president of Essilor of America, congratulates Essilor partners and employees for a banner sales year in 2017. Essilor National Sales Meeting Attendees visited various product showcases during breaks in the meeting. Essilor National Sales Meeting Ed DeRosa (l) and Prashant Santan of Signet Armorlite were on hand to discuss Kodak lenses and coatings. Essilor National Sales MeetingTony Masi of AccuRx (l) visits with Ian Gregg and Steele Young of Satisloh. Essilor National Sales Meeting Kristan Gross, head of the Vision Impact Institute, with her colleagues Andrea Kirsten-Coleman (c) and Katie Doran. Essilor National Sales Meeting Ex-Navy Seal Robert O'Neill galvanized the audience with his talk about never quitting in pursuit of a goal. Essilor National Sales Meeting Essilor IDD chief Bob Colucci accepting thanks and good wishes from the audience for his pending retirement. Essilor National Sales Meeting Former Essilor chief Mike Daley congratulates Bob Colucci on his retirement after a long and celebrated career.