VM REPORTS: Top Labs Vision Monday's TOP LABS - 2010 (in alphabetical order) By Andrew Karp Thursday, October 28, 2010 12:10 AM RELATED CONTENT Top Labs Hold Their Own Methodology The Top 25 Independent Labs in 2010 at a Glance Top 5 Labs That Made News in 2010 Balester Optical Founded: 1934 HQ./Main Lab Location: Wilkes-Barre, Pa. No. of Locations: 1 No. of Employees: 89 Key Executives: Heather Balester, Dale Parmenteri, Fred P. Balester Owners: Fred J. Balester, Dale Parmenteri, Patrick Balester, Susan Balester Dennis, James Balester, Valerie Balester, Dorothy Holdle, Jonathan Balester, Marc Balester, William Balester, Heather Balester, Fred P. Balester, Jacqueline Pekar Trade Names: Balester Optical Co. Key Markets: Eastern U.S. 2010 Est. Net Sales: $14 million Rx Sales: $13.4 million No. of Rx Jobs/Day: 875 Percentage of Uncut Jobs: 54% Comments: In-house AR brands: Crizal, Crizal Alize, Crizal Avance with Scotchgard, Zeiss Super ET Plus, Carat Advantage and Essilor's House Ez. In-house digital lens brands: Varilux Physio Enhanced, Comfort Enhanced, Definity and Defnity Short, Essilor Ideal, Accolade Freedom, Shamir Autograph II, Spectrum and Element, all Varilux 360 and Eyecode products. Lens brands: Varilux, Definity, Transitions, Kodak, Sunsensors, Hoya, Shamir, Zeiss, Seiko, Pentax, NuPolar, Xperio, Coppertone, iRx, EOS, Sun Rx, Phoenix, Trilogy, Instashades, Life Rx, AO Compact Ultra, Pixel Optics. Frame Brands: Stetson, Sophia Loren, Randy Jackson, Via Spiga, Bulova, BUM, Just-Match-It, Bratz, Nickelodeon, Austin Reed, Manish Arora, Mayhem. Other products include Smart Mirror, Smart Look, Smart Centration, Y-Stick and VisiOffice. Services and programs include Value, Kid's & Drilled Rimless Packages, 2nd Pair Program, Eyenovate Polarized Clip System, Balester Direct Rx Program, Balester Back to School Program, ABO/NYSSO Certified Education. On-line ordering-VisionWeb, Eyefinity,E-Dr.com, Remote Tracing, 24 hour On-line order status. VSP, VBA, IDOC, Vision Source, Essilor Edge, Practice Plus Program, Shamir and Zeiss Rewards. www.balester.com Brothers’ Optical Laboratory Founded: 1973 HQ./Main Lab Location: Orange, Calif. No. of Locations: 1 No. of Employees: 59 Key Executives: Carlo Ragazzo, Tony Esposito Owners: Joseph M. Ragazzo, John Ragazzo Trade Names: none Key Markets: Calif., Ariz., Las Vegas, Oregon, Hawaii 2010 Est. Net Sales: $10.5 million Rx Sales: $10.5 million No. of Rx Jobs/Day: 500 Percentage of Uncut Jobs: 25% Comments: Well-established, full-service lab. Offers eductional seminars; on-site ARcoating. www.brothersoptical.com CSC Laboratories Founded: 1967 HQ./Main Lab Location: Watsonville, Calif. No. of Locations: 2 No. of Employees: 170 Key Executives: Dong K. Kim, group president/CEO; Bu Kim, senior VP, manufacturing; Paul Yoon, VP, operations; Greg Kohmescher, CFO; Robert C. Kim, legal counsel; Mike Kim, GM, Microcoating Laboratory; Jim Serruys, GM, Ocular Laboratories Owners: Dong Kook Kim; Mark C. Kim, Esq.; Robert C. Kim, Esq., Bu W. Kim Trade Names: CSC Laboratories, (Watsonville, Calif.); Microcoating Laboratory (Watsonville, Calif.); Ocular Laboratories (San Jose, Calif.); Boutique Design Key Markets: U.S., Central and South America, Caribbean 2010 Est. Net Sales: $31 million Rx Sales: $29.1 million No. of Rx Jobs/Day: 1,800 Percentage of Uncut Jobs: 30% Comments: Exclusive U.S. manufacturer and distributor of Intellect free-form progressive lens design. Other free-form brands include Shamir Autograph, Physio 360 Enhanced and Definity. Authorized manufacturer of Crizal, Crizal Alizé and Avancé with Scotchgard, Magnum and Magnum Strada AR coatings. Teflon, PureCoat, Zeiss Carat Advantage. Operates largest AR coating facilities in Western U.S. Authorized manufacturer of Shamir Autograph, Varilux 360 and Definity. Offers complete range of stock lenses, including polycarbonate hard coated, AR coated, hard resin uncoated and hard coated, AR coated; high-index 1.67 and 1,74 hard coated, AR coated under trademarks Conti-Lite, Conti-Guard, Millenia AR; semi-finished progressive lenses under brand name TotalView. Frame product line consists of 250 styles under CSC’s own trade names, plus a complete line of safety frames. High-fashion designer line distributed under Boutique Design subsidiary. Other lines include Martini Design, Gattinoni Collection and Garrison Perspectives Collection, Renato Balestra and West. Service programs include Rx Express Unlimited frame/lens program. Authorized VSP contract lab. www.csclabs.com Carl Zeiss Vision Laboratories Founded: 2000 HQ./Main Lab Location: San Diego, Calif. No. of Locations: 18 No. of Employees: 1,090 Key Executives: Joe Donahoe, Dave Delle Donne, David Jochims Owner: Carl Zeiss Vision Trade Names: Carl Zeiss Vision—B&W, Carl Zeiss Vision—Cumberland, Carl Zeiss Vision—Florida, Carl Zeiss Vision—Great Lakes, Carl Zeiss Vision—Kansas City, Carl Zeiss Vision— Siouxland, Carl Zeiss Vision—Kentucky, Carl Zeiss Vision—Southwest, Carl Zeiss Vision—Northeast, Carl Zeiss Vision—North Central, Carl Zeiss Vision—Northwest, Carl Zeiss Vision—Southeastern, Carl Zeiss Vision—California, Carl Zeiss Vision—Texas, Carl Zeiss Vision—Virginia, Carl Zeiss Vision—Georgia, Carl Zeiss Vision—Iowa. Key Markets: Nationwide 2010 Est. Net Sales: $162 million Rx Sales: $155.5 million No. of Rx Jobs/Day: 10,870 Percentage of Uncut Jobs: 25% Comments: Network of full-service laboratories. Proprietary products include Teflon Clear Coat lenses, Zeiss, SOLA, AO. VSP contract lab. www.vision.zeiss.com Cherry Optical Founded: 1999 HQ./Main Lab Location: Green Bay, Wis. No. of Locations: 1 No. of Employees: 37 Key Executives: Adam Cherry, Lynn Cherry, Joe Cherry Owners: Adam Cherry, Lynn Cherry, Joe Cherry Trade Names: Safety Optix, Lenstock Direct Key Markets: Upper Midwest 2010 Est. Net Sales: $7.2 million Rx Sales: $7.1 million No. of Rx Jobs/Day: 275 Percentage of Uncut Jobs: 20% Comments: Specializes in free-form progressive and digital optics. Proprietary products include Varilux, Crizal, Hoya Phoenix, Hoya progressives, Hoya Super High Vision. Offers “What’s New University” and other educational programs; safety Rx programs. Classic Optical Founded: 1970 HQ./Main Lab Location: Youngstown, Ohio No. of Locations: 1 No. of Employees: 100 Key Executives: Monte Friedkin, president; Dawn Friedkin, GM; Bob Sherman, LDO, dir. of sales; Rodney Remsey, LDO, dir. of lab operations; Steve Mermer, director of information technology; Amy Needles, director HR/administration; Bob Elsas, director of marketing Owner: Friedkin family Trade Names: Classic Optical Lab Key Markets: National 2010 Est. Net Sales: $14 million Rx Sales: $13.9 million No. of Rx Jobs/Day: 2,000 Percentage of Uncut Jobs: 1% Comments: Independent lab producing more than 400,000 pairs of eyeglasses a year for more than 4,000 providers nationwide. State-of-the-art manufacturing facility offers complete in-house free-form digital surfacing, robotic lens edging (MEI) and precision drilled rimless capabilities. Authorized distributor of all major lens brands, featuring Shamir and Zeiss premium products. Offers full line of Essilor and Varilux products; many brands of AR. Offer numerous custom programs including Safety Rx, frame and lens packages, and customer incentives. Maintains staff of regional field consultants. Provides on-line ordering, rapid turnaround and competitive pricing. www.classicoptical.com Diversified Ophthalmics Laboratory Group Founded: 1977 HQ./Main Lab Location: Cincinnati, Ohio No. of Locations: 12 No. of Employees: 95 Key Executives: Ronald Cooke, president/CEO; Ronald Cooke, Jr., COO Owner: Closely held corporation Trade Names: DLAB, DO Southeast, DO Washington, OptiSource, PureSite, Salt Lake Optical, Summit Optical, TriOptics Key Markets: Ga. Idaho, Ind., Ky., La., Mich., Mont., N.C., Pa., Ohio, S.C., Tenn., Texas, Utah, Wash., Wis., W.Va. 2010 Est. Net sales: $28.2 million Rx Sales: $12.9 million No. of Rx Jobs/Day: 975 Percentage of Uncut Jobs: 22% Comments: Full service labs with ophthalmic lens and RGP manufacturing capabilities. 2005 Transitions “Lab of the Year.” Transitions Platinum Elite Laboratory. Authorized Varilux distributor. VSP contract lab. Signet Armorlite partner lab. Operates on-site AR coating facility. AR branded products includes PureSite Preference Plus. Specializes in premium lenses. Offers eyeglass and contact lens packages, Perfect View frame-and-lens value packages, certified continuing education seminars and staff training. Markets PureSite brand of stock lenses. On-line and electronic ordering. Remote frame tracing. Member of the OLA and AR Council. 2006, 2007 and 2008 LabTalk magazine Top Ten Web Site of the Year. 2009 LabTalk Top Web Site. www.divopt.com Essilor Founded: 1996 HQ./Main Lab Location: Dallas, Texas No. of Locations: 140 No. of Employees: 6,450 Key Executives: Real Goulet-president, Mike Nathe-senior VP ELOA, Rick Long- senior VP Partner Labs, Brad Staley-VP Operations and Technologies, Keith Norris-VP ECP Sales, Greg DiPasquale – VP Strategic Accounts. Owner: Essilor International Trade Names: 21st Century Optical, Abba Contact Lens, AccuRX Inc., ACO, Advance Optical, Apex, Aspen Optical, Avisia, Barnett & Ramel, Bartley Optical, Beitler-McKee Optical, Bell Optical Labs, Bristow Optical, Collard Rose Optical, Crown Optical, Custom Eyes, Custom Optical, Dash Lab, DBL Labs, Deschutes Optical, Dependable Optics, Duffens Optical, Dunlaw Optical, East Coast Ophthalmic, Elite Optical, ELOA New Jersey, Empire Optical, Eyecare Express, Focus Optical, Future Optical FL, Future Optical TN, GK Optical, Gold Optical, Heard Optical, Hi-Tech, Homer Optical, Jorgenson Optical, Interstate Optical, Kosh Ophthalmic, Meridian Optical, McLeod Optical, MGM Optical, Midland Optical, Milroy, New City Optical, Next Generation, Omega Optical, Omni Optical Lab, Optical One, Inc, Optical Suppliers Inc., Optical Supply, Opti-Craft, Optimatrix, Optogenics of Syracuse, Orion, Ozarks Optical, Pech Optical, Perferx Optical, Peninsula Optical, Personal Eyes Optical, Precision Optical Company, Precision Optics, Premier Optics, S&G Optical, Select Optical, Southern Optical, Southwest Lens, Spectrum Optical, Sunstar Optical, Sutherlin Optical, Top Network, Tri-Supreme, Truckee Meadows, Twin City Optical, Vision Craft Inc. Vision Pointe, WOS Optical Key Markets: Local and National 2010 Est. Net Sales: $990 million Rx Sales: $910.8 million No. of Rx Jobs/Day: 66,500 Percentage of Uncut Jobs: 41% Comments: Nationwide network of full-service labs. Proprietary products include LiteStyle/Ultra LiteStyle Lenses, Crizal Avance with Scotchgard. Services and programs include Education Series and Need Based Solutions. www.eloa.com Expert Optics Founded: 1979 HQ./Main Lab Location: Shorewood, Ill. No. of Locations: 2 No. of Employees: 94 Key Executives: Don Ruden, CEO; Greg Ruden; president; Bob Pommier, director of lab operations; Mike Bradley, director of sales; Bob Hughbanks, director of education Owner: The Ruden family Trade Names: Expert Best Key Markets: Midwest 2010 Est. Net Sales: $20 million Rx Sales: $18.2 million No. of Rx Jobs/Day: 935 Percentage of Uncut Jobs: 20% Comments: Manufactures free-form progressives including Shamir Autograph, AO Easy HD, Compact Ultra HD, SOLA HDV, SOLAOne HD, Zeiss Individual and other designs from leading lens companies. Distributes Kodak, Shamir, Varilux and Zeiss progressives. Signet Armorlite Partner lab, Carl Zeiss Vision Premier lab, Global Optics member. Produces Teflon Clear Coat and Kodak CleAR coatings in-house; also produces Zeiss Foundation XT, Carat and Carat Advantage lens treatments. Automated Speed Lab features a “No Touch” Rx processing line that provides a complete free-form Rx with premium AR with next-day service. Hosts annual Optical Preview Day. ABO-certified sales force offers in-office education seminars. Offers Jumpstart training program and Web-based lens inventory management system. Distributor sales department inventories over 50 frame lines with various frame and lens packages. Offers lens demonstrators and customizes lens displays through “Your Eyes” lifestyle dispensing program. Online ordering available through DVI, VisionWeb and Eyefinity. Authorized distributor of Carl Zeiss, Hoya, Shamir and Varilux lenses. VSP authorized. COLTS certified. www.expertoptics.net FEA Industries Founded: 1984 HQ./Main Lab Location: Morton, Pa. No. of Locations: 1 No. of Employees: 56 Key Executives: William H. Heffner, III; Chrystal Colflesh, general manager; William H. Heffner, IV Owner: Willliam H. Heffner, III Trade Names: none Key Markets: National 2010 Est. Net Sales: $12.7 million Rx Sales: $11.8 million No. of Rx Jobs/Day: 1,510 Percentage of Uncut Jobs: 84% Comments: Full-service lab offering in-house AR and dip coating. Offers stock lenses, stock frames and safety frames. Web site includes ordering, tracking reports, invoices. Offers Kodak CleAR. Carries all major brands except Varilux. Participates in third-party programs; VBA only. www.feaind.com Harbor Optical Founded: 1997 HQ./Main Lab Location: Traverse City, Mich. No. of Locations: 1 No. of Employees: 42 Key Executives: Bob Westlake, director of operations; Mike Earl, director of sales and marketing Owner: Geff Heidbrink Trade Names: Exceed family of AR coatings, ILO digital lenses Key Markets: Michigan 2010 Est. Net Sales: $7.1 million Rx Sales: $6.5 million No. of Rx Jobs/Day: 400 Percentage of Uncut Jobs: 12% Comments: Special programs include Partner Perks, Profit Boost, Jumpstart Training, Individual Eyes. Global Optics member. www.harboroptical.com Hirsch Optical Founded: 1978 HQ./Main Lab Location: Farmingdale, N.Y. No. of Locations: 1 No. of Employees: 50 Key Executives: Harold Rothstein, president/CEO; Kenneth Mittel, senior VP; Michael Rothstein, VP; Richard Salberg, director of sales; Vicki Masliah, director of professional education Owners: Hal Rothstein, Ken Mittel, Michael Rothstein Trade Names: CHAD and Super CHAD Key Markets: N.Y., N.J., Pa., Conn. 2010 Est. Net Sales: $13 million Rx Sales: $12.1 million No. of Rx Jobs/Day: 800 Percentage of Uncut Jobs: 35% Comments: Extensive offerings of lens and frame package programs and year-long premium lens and AR coating promotions. Offers proprietary AR coatings applied in-house: CHAD (Clear, Hard, Anti-Reflective, Durable) and premium coating Super CHAD. Same-day turnaround on most orders. EZ Rx, Eyefinity and VisionWeb on-line ordering and remote tracing. Accredited educational seminars. Award-winning Varilux distributor, Essilor Gold Advantage Plan lab, Transitions Platinum Elite Lab, Zeiss Partner Lab, Shamir ReCreating Perfect Vision Partnering Lab, Signet Armorlite Lab Partner, Hoya lens distributor. Authorized VSP and VBA contract lab. Vendor for Block Buying Group and Alfred J. Villavecchia Buying Group. Offers all Crizal, Hoya, Zeiss, glass and mirror coatings. Ophthalmic frame lines include Apple Bottoms By Nelly, Bill Blass, Cadillac Eyewear, Cubavera, Donald J. Trump, Elizabeth Arden, Elizabeth Arden Petites, Elizabeth Arden Sunwear, Essence Eyewear, Hershey’s Eyewear, Jill Stuart Eyewear, Levi’s, Liberty Rec Specs, Marco Polarized Sunwear, Mount Eyewear (monel, stainless steel, titanium, polarized sport), New Balance, New Balance Kids, Perry Ellis, Stylewise and Scooby-Doo! Distributes Fantom custom clip-ons, Podreaders and Titmus safety frames. Web site features special retail customer referral program. www.hirschoptical.com Hoya Vision Care Founded: 2000 HQ./Main Lab Location: Lewisville, Texas No. of Locations: 22 No. of Employees: 1,200 Key Executives: Barney Dougher, president; Yoshiyuki Ono, VP lens technology; Rich Montag, VP sales; Rick Tinson, VP of corporate governess; Kraig Black, VP information services; Jason White, senior executive controller; Greg Hicks, OD, director of professional affairs; Ray Knoll, western regional VP; Mike Dougher, eastern regional VP; Iggy Fernandez, central regional VP. Owner: Hoya Corporation Trade Names: Hoya Atlanta, Hoya Boise, Hoya Chicago, Hoya Cleveland, Hoya Dallas, Hoya Dayton, Hoya Denver, Hoya Eugene, Hoya Hartford, Hoya Knoxville, Hoya Largo, Hoya Las Vegas, Hoya Lewiston, Hoya Los Angeles, Hoya Modesto, Hoya New Orleans, Hoya Portland, Hoya Salina, Hoya San Antonio, Hoya San Diego, Hoya Seattle, Hoya St. Louis. Key Markets: National 2010 Est. Net Sales: $212 million Rx Sales: $180 million No. of Rx Jobs/Day: 11,200 Percentage of Uncut Jobs: 18% Comments: Nationwide network of full-service labs. Proprietary lens designs: Hoyalux iD MyStyle, Hoyalux iD InStyle, Hoyalux iD LifeStyle, Hoyalux iQ Summit ecp, Hoyalux iQ Summit cd, Hoyalux Summit ecp, Hoyalux Summit cd, Hoyalux GP Wide, Hoyalux GP, Hoyalux TACT, Nulux ep. Proprietary lens materials: 1.70, Eyry, 1.67 Eynoa, 1.60 Eyas, 1.53 Phoenix,1.50 Hilux and Nulux. Proprietary lens coatings: Super HiVision AR EX3, Super HiVision AR, HiVision AR, ViewProtect top coating, Suntech photochromics and Clarity Shield 2 scratch coating. Special Services/Programs include HHP (Hoya Honors Program) and The Hoya Free-Form Company. www.hoyavision.com Icare LABS Founded: 1968 HQ./Main Lab Location: St. Petersburg, Fla. No. of Locations: 1 No. of Employees: 95 Key Executives: Scott Payne, chairman; Skip Payne, president; James Payne, Danny Payne, Greg Gehrig Owners: The Payne family Trade Names: Icare Labs, ICL365, Sea Vision USA Key Markets: East Coast, Southwest 2010 Est. Net Sales: $23.0 million Rx Sales: $17.2 million No. of Rx Jobs/Day: 1,700 Percentage of Uncut Jobs: 65% Comments: Full-service, family owned and operated. Offers all major lens brands such as Varilux, Kodak, Zeiss and Hoya. Offers customized services and pricing on lenses and frames. Operates in-house Crizal AR coating center. Offers proprietary ICE AR brand. Manufactures specialized sport prescription lens products including SeaVision dive masks. www.icare.com Katz & Klein Founded: 1937 HQ./Main Lab Location: Sacramento, Calif. No. of Locations: 1 No. of Employees: 36 Key Executives: Mike Francesconi, Corrine Hood Owners: Mike Francesconi, Corrine Hood Trade Names: Your Eyes, Supreme Partnership In Eyecare (SPIE), Katz Prudent Plan Key Markets: Northern Calif., Nev. 2010 Est. Net Sales: $5.5 million Rx Sales: $5.0 million No. of Rx Jobs/Day: 350 Percentage of Uncut Jobs: 25% Comments: Produces in-house AR, including Kodak CleAR and Crizal. Proprietary programs include Jumpstart, Lenstock, SPIE, Katz Lens Packages, Katz Frame Packages. Global Optics member. www.katzandklein.com Luzerne Optical Laboratories Founded: 1973 HQ./Main Lab Location: Wilkes-Barre, Penn. No. of Locations: 1 No. of Employees: 200 Key Executives: Jack Dougherty, president; Lorraine Dougherty, VP; Neil Dougherty, GM; John Dougherty, VP purchasing Owner: Dougherty family Trade Names: Polar365, SightStar, PhotoFashion, DuraCurve, Crizal, Crizal Alizé, Crizal Alizé with Clear Guard, TD2, Teflon, Advantage, Carat and Foundation XT, Kodak CleAR Key Markets: National 2010 Est. Net Sales: $31.9 million Rx Sales: $30.9 million No. of Rx Jobs/Day: 1,900 Percentage of Uncut Jobs: 51% Comments: Family owned and operated lab; offers wide range of exclusive promotions, customer incentive and educational programs. Has field-consultant force offering practice development, business reviews and private consultations. Specializes in processing all major brands of Free Form Progressive lenses. Manufactures SightStar, Polar365, PhotoFashion, Varilux, Zeiss, Definity, Shamir, Kodak, Hoya, Polycore, Kaenon, Seiko, Vision-Ease, Marinelli, DriveWear premium lenses and difficult Rx’s. Offers frames, sunglasses, safety eyewear, soft contacts, low vision and pharmaceuticals. Operates in-house AR facilities producing EVC–enhanced visual clarity, Crizal, Alize, Avance with Scotchgard Protector, TD2, Teflon, Zeiss Super & Gold ET, Advantage, Carat, Foundation XT, Mirror coatings and KODAK CleAR. In-House Gas Perm contact lens facility produces custom DuraCurve aspheric GPs. Provides advanced remote ordering with RxWizard, Visionweb, Paradeyes and Eyefinity software via the Web. VSP and VBA approved lab. www.luzerneoptical.com MJ Optical Founded: 1988 HQ./Main Lab Location: Omaha, Neb. No. of Locations: 1 No. of Employees: 82 Key Executives: Martin Hagge, Morrie Hagge, Matt Hagge, Michael Hagge Owner: Mary Hagge Trade Names: None Key Markets: National 2010 Est. Net Sales: $14.4 million Rx Sales: $10.1 million No. of Rx Jobs/Day: 1,457 Percentage of Uncut Jobs: 55% Comments: Distributes wide range of premium lens and frame brands. Offers free-form digital surfacing. Proprietary products include Nyteyez premium AR. Distributes Crizal and Zeiss AR. Offers MJFP frame package; TFP frame and lens package, safety programs. Distributes contact lenses. Offers on-line ordering and job tracking. www.mjoptical.com Nassau Vision Group / Nova Optical Lab Founded: 1939 HQ./Main Lab Location: Northvale, N.J. No. of Locations: 8 No. of Employees: 209 Key Executives: Maureen Cavanagh, president, Irwin Kaufman, VP – CFO; Brian Ziegler, director of lab operations Owner: Essilor of America Trade Names: Nova Optical, Nassau Lens Florida, Nassau Lens Southwest, Nassau Lens Midwest, Nassau Lens Mid-Atlantic, Nassau Lens Southeast, Nassau Lens West Key Markets: National 2010 Est. Net Sales: $83 million Rx Sales: $29 million No. of Rx Jobs/Day: 3,000 Percentage of Uncut Jobs: 75% Comments: Leading stock lens distributor, operates full-service labs. Offers surfacing, finishing, drill mounting, coatings and lens tinting. Varilux-authorized. Offers in-house Crizal coatings, including Crizal Avancé with Scotchgard Protector. Proprietary products include Synergy Crystal and Triumph AR Coatings; Nalco, Vanity and Lighten Up lenses. Other lens brands include Shore, Essilor, Varilux, Carl Zeiss Vision (Zeiss, AO, SOLA), Seiko, KBco, Signet Armorlite, Optima, Vision-Ease, Shamir, Specialty Lens. www.Nassau247.com Optical Prescription Lab Founded: 1977 HQ./Main Lab Location: Pelham, Ala. No. of Locations: 1 No. of Employees: 23 Key Executives: Danny Pugh, president; Sherry Pugh, vice president Owners: Danny Pugh, Sherry Pugh Trade Names: none Key Markets: Ala., Tenn., Miss., Ga., Fla. 2010 Est. Net Sales: $5.4 million Rx Sales: $5.1 million No. of Rx Jobs/Day: 300 Percentage of Uncut Jobs: 28% Comments: Operates in-house Crizal processing center. Distributes Varilux, Hoya, Shamir, Transitions and RF Endura EZ lenses. www.opticalprescriptionlab.com Perfect Optics Founded: 2006 HQ./Main Lab Location: San Diego, Calif. No. of Locations: 1 No. of Employees: 63 Key Executives: Matt Schmidt-Wetekam, CEO; Thomas Brophy, VP, Sabine Rentschar, VP technology; Adam Winkelman, VP sales and marketing Owners: Warren Meyer, Matt Schmidt-Wetekam, Thomas Brophy, Sabine Rentschar, Adam Winkelman, director of sales and marketing; VSP, Carl Zeiss Vision Trade Names: Perfection FF Lens, Perfect Ion AR Coating Key Markets: National 2010 Est. Net Sales: $12 million Rx Sales: $12 million No. of Rx Jobs/Day: 520 Percentage of Uncut Jobs: 25% Comments: Specializes in free-form, digital surfacing. Proprietary products include Perfection free-form lens, Perfection Blue AR coating. Offers sports Rx manufacturing for most major sun and sports frame brands. Offers Perfect Academy series of education. www.perfectopticslab.com Precision Optical Group Founded: 1992 HQ./Main Lab Location: Creston, Iowa No. of Locations: 3 No. of Employees: 115 Key Executives: Shannon Waigand, Holly Ferber, Judy Hodge, Stephanie Brammer, Melanie Crago, Deb Larson, Lance Christensen, Mike Kellman, Warren Herron Owner: Mike Tamerius, Matt Somers Trade Names: P.O.G. Labs, JMR Wholesale, K-Optical, CRX Labs Key Markets: National, Canada 2010 Est. Net Sales: $17.5 million Rx Sales: $15.7 million No. of Rx Jobs/Day: 1,500 Percentage of Uncut Jobs: 55% Comments: Full service lab offering low pricing and same day service nationwide. Distributes semi-finish blanks and lab supplies to other wholesalers throughout the U.S., Canada and China. Offers low cost name brand progressives and five in-house AR coatings including Clear AR, Crizal, Teflon and Courage Coating. www.poglabs.com Rite-Style Optical Founded: 1948 HQ./Main Lab Location: Omaha, Neb. No. of Locations: 1 No. of Employees: 110 Key Executives: George Lee, CEO; Larry Lee, president Owner: Lee family Trade Names: RSO Advantage AR, Rite Protect Key Markets: Midwest, Southeast, Texas 2010 Est. Net Sales: $22.5 million Rx Sales: $21.4 million No. of Rx Jobs/Day: 1,100 Percentage of Uncut Jobs: 30% Comments: Leading producer of free-form lenses, featuring in-house production of Shamir Autograph II. Produces RSO Advantage AR, Zeiss and KodakCleAR coatings in-house. Other proprietary products include XZilon EZ Clean hydrophobic lens coating. Offers online ordering, lens tracing and job status tracking. Affiliations include Eyefinity/VSP, Vision Source, VisionWeb and Red Tray Optical. RSO Safety Rx Division covers corporate accounts nationally as well as safety programs for independent ECPs. RSO’s Jumpstart training CDs offer ABO-certified modules for in-office education and training. Global Optics member. www.ritestyle.com Robertson Optical Laboratories Founded: 1958 HQ./Main Lab Location: Loganville, Ga. No. of Locations: 3 No. of Employees: 105 Key Executives: Owners and Glenn Hollingsworth, director of lab operations Owners: Calvin W. Robertson, Jr., Richard L. Robertson, Gordon “Scotty” Q. Scott, Jr., Calvin “Chip” W. Robertson, III Trade Names: Robertson Optical Laboratories, Robertson Optical Laboratories of Columbia, Robertson Optical Laboratories of Greenville. Key Markets: Southeastern U.S. 2010 Est. Net Sales: $16.1 million Rx Sales: $15.3 million No. of Rx Jobs/Day: 1,400 Percentage of Uncut Jobs: 23% Comments: Full service labs servicing southeast for over 50 years with new lens products and new technologies. Two on-site AR coating facilities providing AR1, Duralux, Teflon and Zeiss. Distributes Carl Zeiss, Shamir, Seiko, Signet Armorlite, Vision-Ease, Younger, Hoya, Essilor and other major lens brands. On-site free-form technology and digital grinding offering service and quality on Carl Zeiss Customized lenses, Shamir Freeform lenses, Seiko free-form lenses and Coze free-form lenses. Approved VSP, VBA, VCP contract labs. Offers frame and lens packages, specializing in three-piece mounts and Chemistrie custom clips. Vera Bradley and Sydney Love frame distributors. Member Vision Council and OLA. Offers online ordering and job tracking. www.robertsonoptical.com Superior Optical Labs Founded: 1991 HQ./Main Lab Location: Ocean Springs, Miss. No. of Locations: 1 No. of Employees: 56 Key Executives: Hal Walker, Jon Jacobs Owner: Hal Walker, Jon Jacobs Trade Names: Exilar and Exilar Plus Key Markets: N.Y., N.J., Conn. 2010 Est. Net Sales: $6 million Rx Sales: $5.9 million No. of Rx Jobs/Day: 350 Percentage of Uncut Jobs: 7% Comments: Distributes Varilux lenses. Produces Crizal coatings in-house. VSP authorized. Offers seminars, training, promotions. www.superioroptical.com Three Rivers Optical Founded: 1969 HQ./Main Lab Location: Pittsburgh No. of Locations: 1 No. of Employees: 68 Key Executives: Mary Ann Zappas, Joe Seibert, Steve Seibert Owner: Seibert Family Trade Names: none Key Markets: Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Midwest, Northeast 2010 Est. Net Sales: $19.2 million Rx Sales: $18.4 million No. of Rx Jobs/Day: 1,600 Percentage of Uncut Jobs: 55% Comments: Operates in-house Crizal coating facility. Produces Essilor and Shamir free-form lenses as well as Varilux, Zeiss, Crizal, Kodak, Transitions, and proprietary TR O Seg bifocal polycarbonate in Transitions and TR O Blended Seg. Offers private label Discovery brand progressive lens. Primary frame brands include Zyloware and McGee Group. www.3riversoptical.com Toledo Optical Founded: 1947 HQ./Main Lab Location: Toledo, Ohio No. of Locations: 1 No. of Employees: 55 Key Executives: Irland Tashima, Jeffrey Szymanski, Robert Lommerse, Brian Green Owners: Kadowaki, Tashima and Green families Trade Names: Toledo Optical, Toledo Optical Lab Key Markets: Ohio, Mich. and Midwest 2010 Est. Net Sales: $9.5 million Rx Sales: $8.7 million No. of Rx Jobs/Day: 530 Percentage of Uncut Jobs: 8% Comments: Proprietary products include Acclaro Elite and Acclaro Anti Reflective Lens Processes, Armor XT Premium Scratch Coating, STRATA Multi-Media Training Series, and Jumpstart Education. Services and programs offered include dedicated sales force, extensive training and education programs, exclusive practice building initiatives such as Strata, exclusive in-house Acclaro AR lens process, One Step Rx, individualized customer performance reports. Distributes Varilux, Shamir and Zeiss lenses. Williams Group Certified Sales Consultants, Transitions Lab of the Year 2003 and 2006, Top Three Finalist for Transitions Lab of the Year 2002, 2004, 2005, 2009, VSP’s People First Lab Award Winner, Transitions Heritage Ambassador Club Member, and Global Optics Member. www.toledooptical.com US Optical Founded: 2008 HQ./Main Lab Location: East Syracuse, N.Y. No. of Locations: 1 No. of Employees: 52 Key Executives: Robert Cotran, president; Ronald Cotran, VP; Ralph Cotran, VP Owners: Robert Cotran, Ronald Cotran, Ralph Cotran Trade Names: none Key Markets: National 2010 Est. Net Sales: $14.4 million Rx Sales: $14.4 million No. of Rx Jobs/Day: 950 Percentage of Uncut Jobs: 60% Comments: 100 percent digital surfacing with three robotic digital free-form machines, six free-form polishers and three Zeiss AR coaters (also traditional production lines). Free-form products include Seiko, Shamir, Zeiss, Hoya (coming soon). Zeiss in-house ARs include Set/Get, Carat, Advantage, Allure and Pure Coat. 24-hour uncut business model on free-form uncuts with AR and Zeiss flash mirrors. MEI edger coming soon. www.usoptical.com VSP Optical Laboratories Founded: 1972 HQ./Main Lab Location: Sacramento, Calif. No. of Locations: 5 No. of Employees: 475 Key Executives: Don Oakley, president; Warren Meyer, VP; Joe Maris, director, Sacramento; Dennis Benedict, director, Legends 4.0; Swen Carlson, director, Columbus; Edward Morris, director, national sales and marketing; Steve Mullen, director, Capitol Optical; Danny Singer, director, Ultra Optics Owner: Vision Service Plan Trade Names: VSP Lab Sacramento, VSP Lab Columbus, Legends 4.0, Ultra Lens, Capitol Optical, Reveal and Espira progressive lenses, Unity Performance Coatings, Ethos AR Coating. Key Markets: National 2010 Est. Net Sales: $77 million Rx Sales: $72.4 million No. of Rx Jobs/Day: 4,800 Percentage of Uncut Jobs: 15% Comments: VSP Lab Rewards Program, Second Pair Program, VSP Global Loyalty Program, On-site AR including Crizal, Teflon, Zeiss, Ethos AR Coating and Unity Performance Coatings. In-network digital (customized/freeform) surfacing capabilities producing Espira, Reveal, Shamir, Sola, Varilux and Zeiss customized products. MEI and A&R automated finishing technology. Distributors of Hoya, Seiko-Pentax, Signet Armorlite, Transitions, Varilux, Vision Ease, Younger and Zeiss Products. www.vsplab.com Walman Optical Company Founded: 1915 HQ./Main Lab Location: Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn. No. of Locations: 34 No. of Employees: 868 Key Executives: Marty Bassett president/CEO; Charles Pillsbury, executive VP; Doug Schlauderaff, executive VP; Craig Giles executive VP; Bryan Schueler VP. Owner: Employee-owned Trade Names: Walman Optical, Soderberg Optical, SEOCO Optical, Walman Soderberg Instruments, X-Cel Contacts, ImageWear, Ultra Optics, ADO Buying Group, Preferred Select Buying Group Key Markets: National 2010 Est. Net Sales: $220 million Rx Sales: $98 million No. of Rx Jobs/Day: 6,700 Percentage of Uncut Jobs: 20% Comments: Complete digital surfacing capabilities supported by on-site A-R coating facilities providing Essilor Crizal, Teflon, Zeiss Carat and Ultra AR; offers Remo, Eyefinity and VisionWeb on-line ordering; Walman University educational seminars; industry’s largest independent sales force. Proprietary products include Stepper Eyewear, Sundance, Wiggles and Wildflower frames, Trusted Partners, ProLens premium lens packaging, Way Cool Frame Cool, Valuline, MyTee-Lite lenses, Soderberg MaximEyes, Passport to Earnings, Ultimate Rewards, Partners for Growth Seminars and Be Young Be U programs. 2007 and 2008 Transitions Lab of the Year. www.walman.com, www.soseyes.com Winchester Optical Founded: 1902 HQ./Main Lab Location: Elmira, N.Y. No. of Locations: 2 No. of Employees: 80 Key Executives: Brian Lynch, president; Ben Lynch, VP; Mike Lynch, chairman of the board Owner: Lynch family Trade Names: LUXAR Key Markets: N.Y., Pa., N.J. 2010 Est. Net Sales: $10.5 million Rx Sales: $9.4 million No. of Rx Jobs/Day: 700 Percentage of Uncut Jobs: 26% Comments: Diversified lab with field sales-force; in-house Crizal processing facility; manufactures RGP contact lenses, distributes soft contact lenses and frames. Proprietary products include GlareControl and GlareCutter lenses. Offers practice management and office design consultation; sponsors biannual educational seminar for customers. www.winoptical.com ■ ■