R. Michael (Mike) Daley.

SAFETY HARBOR, Fla.—Tributes, remembrances and solemn reflections were shared by optical industry leaders, colleagues and peers alike regarding the recent passing of longtime optical industry veteran R. Michael (Mike) Daley, who died on November 1 at the age of 73, as reported by VMAIL. For nearly 40 years, he worked in various roles and leadership positions within the optical industry at Essilor, The Vision Council, American Optometric Association’s Optometry Cares and Prevent Blindness America.

After beginning his optical career as an instructor with Ferris State University in 1975, Daley joined Essilor in 1976 as a sales consultant for MultiOptics Corporation, which later became Varilux Corporation. Over the following 13 years, his responsibilities increased to include marketing, technical services, laboratory operations, and sales and ultimately resulted in his promotion to president of Varilux Corporation in 1989.

In 1996, Daley was appointed president and COO of Essilor’s United States Lens Division, which became known as Essilor Lenses following the merger of the Varilux and Silor commercial distribution networks. After 32 years with Essilor, he retired in 2008.

Throughout his career, Daley was recognized by his peers and served on numerous industry posts including National Academy of Opticianry (NAO) Hall of Fame; Prevent Blindness America, board of directors; Ferris State University Honorary Doctorate (2006); OLA Hall of Fame and The OLA Directors Choice Award (2006). In 2014, he was named CEO of The Vision Council, where he served through 2016. His tenure at The Vision Council included the roles of chairman of the board of directors, liaison to the Lab Division and CEO.

Remembered professionally for his insight, knowledge and dedication to the optical industry, those that knew him also took time to reflect on his warm spirit and welcoming demeanor in addition to being an industry leader and mentor to many.

Paul Du Saillant, deputy CEO EssilorLuxottica, said, “We are saddened to learn that one of our own legends has passed. If brands are built on the talent and passion of their people, Mike was an architect. What he helped to build in his 32 years at Essilor, most remarkable his work to make Varilux the most distinguished brand with the optical community, will leave a mark for years to come. We’re proud to have his son Mike carry on his legacy in our EssilorLuxottica family today.”

Toni Masi, president of Ocean State Optical, recalls the impact of Daley on the optical industry. He told VMAIL, “I’ve known Mike a long time. Mike was a great guy,” he said, adding he has been friends with the family for many years. He remembers how Daley transformed the industry through his career at Essilor and beyond. In addition to Essilor, Daley served on countless optical philanthropic organizations and as chairman of The Vision Council. However, it was his work within the optical lab industry that often garnered him the most praise and recognition. “They called him Mr. Varilux. He put Essilor on the map in the U.S,” Masi said.

Fabrizio Uguzzoni, president of Professionals Solutions Americas, EssilorLuxottica, told VMAIL, “I met Mike when he was CEO of The Vision Council and got to see firsthand the incredible, widespread impact he had on our industry. He served the optical community in just about every capacity—giving his time and expertise—and that gave him a rare perspective that so many, including me, benefitted from. Within Essilor, he was a force of nature, helping to build Varilux into a loved and trusted brand, but far beyond this, I knew him to be a fierce advocate for all of us. He cared deeply about his work and carved a path for others to follow in his footsteps, including his son Mike, who has been a key leader in our family for years. So many of our team members had a personal relationship with Mike that continued well into his retirement. We’re all so grateful to have benefitted from all of his contributions.” 

James J. Spina, former editor-in-chief of 20/20 Magazine, told VMAIL, “Mike had the unique ability of talking to a room full of strangers and making everyone of them feel like they were his best friend and confidant. There was a sort of endearing selflessness backed by unassuming brilliance to his delivery and his friendship. He also had an artful skill in which he could draw out someone’s deep skills and talents and turn those assets into a highly personal and personable bonding. He would do that constantly even as the friendship ripened. I always looked forward to events where he would be, knowing he was a haven of good feelings and starkly honest vibes. He didn’t just create that vibe… he was that vibe. I’m an eyewear guy. Mike was a lens guy. We jokingly gave each other grief about that and then loved what we would learn from each other. I am missing him tremendously already and that won’t abate any time soon.”

Marty Bassett, president, Walman, told VMAIL, “It would be difficult to overstate the impact and influence Mike had on me personally and on the success of Walman Optical. He had a genuine passion for the people and products in our industry and he was an unwavering advocate for the positive contributions our industry made to society as a whole. I feel very fortunate that I had the opportunity to work with Mike as a business partner, during his tenure at Essilor, and later in his career as an advocate for the entire industry, while he served as the executive director of The Vision Council. Mike was a mentor, a friend and the embodiment of a servant leader. His legacy is unmatched in our industry.” 

Ashley Mills, CEO, The Vision Council, told VMAIL, “Those fortunate enough to have known Mike personally, and those who had the privilege to work with him professionally, will agree that the positive impact he had on the industry and The Vision Council is impossible to express. We are so deeply sad to hear of his passing. Our thoughts are with the incredible Daley family that he was so proud of.”

Ed Buffington, president and CEO of GPN Technologies, told VMAIL, “I’ve known Mike for over 30 years having lost touch with him since his retirement. Oddly enough, I actually called Mike on his cell phone just a few weeks ago to catch up. To my surprise, Mike answered his cell noting that he wasn’t feeling well and asked if he could return my call when he felt better. For many years, Mike and I shared a warm and wonderful friendship. There wasn’t an industry event where we didn’t share a glass of wine and exchange industry and personal stories. Mike was such a genuine man who gained the respect of an industry over his exceptional tenure at Essilor. Mike will be missed by all who knew him.”

Bob Colucci, former president, IDD, told VMAIL, “Mike and I have been together since 1988, when he interviewed me for the director of sales for Varilux. Six-and-a-half hours later, he offered me the job and we were inseparable ever since. Mike is an industry icon and a great leader. He surrounded himself with smart people, was very good with keeping track of relationships and industry trends, and knew the industry inside and out. You can’t make an impact on the industry the way he did without his relationships with lab owners, competitors and industry insiders—he had friends everywhere.” 

Jim McGrann, CEO at Advancing Eyecare, posted, “Our industry and the world lost one of the best, Mike Daley. He was a pleasure to work with and was so welcoming to me when I joined the industry back in 1999. He will be sorely missed. At times like this I always think of the saying that was on the remembrance card at my Dad's wake—“Grieve not, nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk of me as though I were beside you. I loved you so. 'Twas heaven here with you." Rest in peace, my friend. Deepest sympathy to Mike's family.”

Howard Purcell, OD, president, New England College of Optometry, told VMAIL, “Mike was an extraordinary individual who played a pivotal role in my career journey. His kindness, mentorship, and unwavering support left a lasting impact on my life and career. He will be profoundly missed, but his legacy of generosity and dedication lives on in all of us who were fortunate to know him.”  

Marge Axelrad, editorial director emeritus, Vision Monday and VMAIL, Jobson Optical, posted, “It is hard to define such an icon and special human being. I’m grateful to have known him across the years. He was consistently generous, down-to-earth and fun. He was a natural leader, inspiring, serving and impacting the vision care field. Condolences and continued strength to Cathy and the Daley family. His light will continue to shine brightly.”

Rick Gadd, former president, Essilor NA, Essilor Instruments NA and EssilorLuxottica Canada, told VMAIL, “Mike’s impact on Essilor was clear from the day I joined. I was fortunate to know Mike, largely due to the deep relationships he developed at Essilor that continued well beyond his retirement. What I reflect on is his inspirational leadership delivered through wisdom, humility and trust…with a healthy dose of humor when it is needed most! A model for all of us to aspire to.” 

Mike Hundert, board member, Vision Spring, posted, “Indeed, Mike lived a meaningful and inspiring life with thoughtful leadership and strong determination. He made things happen. When I joined The Vision Council board, Mike taught me that there was more to the optical business than just frames. Who knew? He was the first 'lens guy' I ever met. And boy was he a pleasure to be around. The actions he led will continue to make positive impacts throughout the industry. My heart goes out to Mike’s family. Mike was simply a wonderful person!”

Raanan Naftalovich, CEO, Shamir Insight Inc. and president of North America of Shamir Insight, posted, “What a loss, personally for me and for the optical industry. I spent a lot of time with Mike when I served as the chairman of the board of the VC (he was the CEO of the VC) and learned about his unique personality, perspective and knowledge about the industry. I was always impressed by how well he understood the complexity of the business. Mike was just the perfect gentleman, and even though he was a tough competitor, he was always thinking about the industry as a whole, and not just about his company. We all lost a good friend.”

Bart Foster, founder and CEO, BusinessOutside, posted, “With a heavy heart, I remember Mike Daley, a remarkable leader and mentor who we lost this week. The first time I met Mike, I was an anxious founder with a vision screening start-up, SoloHealth, and he was president and COO of Essilor Group. Despite industry politics that prevented official support, Mike took a personal interest in our work. After he retired from Essilor in 2008, he joined my board of advisors—and that decision was a game changer. Mike brought unmatched credibility and insights, and he took a chance on me when very few would. He was an innovator, unafraid to stick his neck out for what he believed in. He pushed me to challenge the status quo, stand firm in my beliefs and 'make it happen.' This week, we lost an icon far too soon. In his honor, let’s keep pushing for what’s right and live each day to the fullest, just as he did. Thank you, Mike, for everything.”

John Carrier, former president, Essilor of America, told VMAIL, “Mike was a great leader starting with a passion about Varilux that expanded to the entire vision industry. He inspired many by his energy and kindness.” 

Paul Dougher, retired at Hoya Vision, posted, “Mike is more than a friend of each of us who knew him and had the opportunity to have him be part of your life. My experiences dating back to 1975 with this kind, gracious, loving teacher and humble man made the life of so many better, and will be remembered for more than anyone's lifetime.”

Daley is survived by his wife Cathy, sons Michael and Timothy, daughters in law Katie and Lindsey, and grandchildren Elisabeth, Edward, Henry and Evan.

Services will be held on Saturday, November 23. A Mass in his honor will be at 1:00 p.m. at Espírito Santo Catholic Church located at 2405 Philippe Parkway, Safety Harbor, Fla. The Mass will be available on a livestream for those unable to attend in person. A celebration of his life will immediately follow at a local venue from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m.
 
The family requests that if you plan on attending the celebration of life to please respond to Cathy Daley at cathydaley52@gmail.com by November 16, 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Team Layla Jane of the St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital’s Children’s Heart Walk at https://shorturl.at/Jjtir.