Maui Jim, the manufacturer of premium sunglasses, confirmed that they have entered into a comprehensive partnership with Spanish tennis player Juan Carlos Ferrero. Under this agreement, Juan Carlos will be a brand ambassador for Maui Jim, promoting its products on a global level with various forms of marketing, advertising, PR, Communications and Promotions.

“In my tennis as well as in my businesses I always try to offer and achieve the very best. Maui Jim therefore was my obvious choice for sunglasses,” said Ferrero. “I look forward to further develop this relationship in my Equelite tennis academies across the world as well as at the Valencia Open 500 and the Hotel Ferrero.”

About Juan Carlos Ferrero

A Grand Slam champion, Juan Carlos Ferrero owns a 442-233 career singles record which has helped him claim 14 ATP titles in his 13 years as a professional. In 2010, Ferrero has won two titles en route to a 21-8 record, including compiling a 14-match winning streak. The Spaniard captured the men’s singles title at the 2003 French Open and was a finalist at the US Open that same year, helping him attain a world No. 1 ranking. He received Spain’s 2003 “National Sportsmen of the Year” award from King Juan Carlos, the highest sporting accolade given by the Spanish government.

In short, the history of this institution and the great deal of good players trained here, make Juan Carlos Ferrero’s Academy a special place to become the number one, or play as an elite tennis player, always following educational values and being combined with the studies.

We are now just a few weeks away from SILMO 2010, a “new generation” Mondial de l’Optique (World Optical Fair) to be held at Paris Nord Villepinte. The change has certainly raised a number of questions; it is, however, vital for the entire optics and eyewear sector to meet the challenges of future economic development, enhanced international presence and the need for change to order to inject new and invigorating energy in this climate of tension.

Because of the fragmented arrangement of exhibition areas, the Porte de Versailles no longer meets the requirements of a major professional trade fair in terms of space, comfort, ergonomics and rationalization. The Paris Nord Villepinte exhibition centre, which needless to say is just a stone’s throw from the capital, is a veritable hub, entirely dedicated to business, which every year hosts the most prestigious events in every business sector. It also facilitates service provision for both exhibitors and visitors: our role as organizers is both to provide optimal facilities for this major gathering of the international optics and eyewear sector and at the same time to look ahead to the future. The change of date and venue heralds a new dynamic which will benefit the entire profession.
Guy Charlot, SILMO President.

SILMO 2010: PRIORITISING user friendly facilities

With exhibition space of 80,000 m2 on a single level, the Mondial de l’Optique 2010 presents optimal opportunities for the 950 exhibitors attending who will welcome their clients and prospects in an attractive environment and contemporary decor. Throughout the four days of the fair, the entire optics and eyewear sector — optical and sunglasses frames, lenses, contact lenses, low vision, equipment, optical instruments, etc. — will enjoy the benefits of a single location offering a comfortable, rapid, compact visit, packed with events. Over four days, the Mondial de l’Optique 2010 will feature a new program of events and will be the ideal platform to launch new products, discover new brands and identify new trends.

SILMO 2010: Prioritizing Innovation

A whole host of original activities and events for this year’s SILMO:

SILMO Academy, the first scientific colloquium taking place alongside the fair on 23 and 24 September 2010.
Its goal is to enhance opticians’ knowledge, provide a better response to their customers' visual needs by means of three symposium sessions:

• "Opticians and refractive surgery", Thursday 23 September, 3pm – 5:30pm
• "Opticians and visual ergonomics", Friday 24 September, 10am – 12:30pm
• "Opticians and the eye-ageing process", Friday 24 September, 3pm – 5:30pm


In addition to this colloquium, a poster exhibition will take place throughout SILMO, welcoming written postings from anyone wishing to share their work on any aspect of vision or optics.

Via LINK by SILMO, which is already up and running, the Mondial de l’Optique offers all professionals the opportunity to share information and communicate by means of the very first optics and eyewear social network, an interactive, dynamic community, receptive to new ideas

SILMO TV, the trade fair TV channel which, throughout the four days of the show, will reveal what is going on in the profession via lively debates and exciting themes:

• The changing role of the optician: online sales, Cnam (National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts) convention, top-up health insurance, etc.
• Store management: improving margins, the keys to building a successful store, etc.
• How to come up with new product offerings and services, etc.
• Looking ahead to the future, etc.

Merchandising Forum returns, following its success at the last SILMO event; this year it features a new, improved configuration offering professionals a variety of tricks and tips to ensure successful merchandising.

Low Vision Forum, where the focus is providing information and raising awareness; it offers opticians and other professionals the chance to improve their knowledge of the subject along with ways to tackle one of today’s major health problems.

Speed Recruiting, a new approach to job recruitment that is more dynamic than small ads. In collaboration with Acuité and based on the speed dating principle, applicants can make use of this area to look for jobs (as an optician, sales assistant, optometrist, representative, etc.) meet optician chains, companies, and independent opticians seeking new staff. The only drawback: you have just 10 minutes to convince someone!

SILMO D’OR awards: this year’s much awaited and highly acclaimed SILMO D’OR awards will include fewer categories. Reduced from 18 to 8, they aim to reward the very best in design and innovation. In terms of organisation, after the selection of nominations by various specialist panels, a Grand Jury comprising a Chair, 16 members (experts from each category, major international buyers and journalists) and Silmo’s President will select eight companies plus one for awards in the different categories:

• Vision: lenses and contact lenses
• Opticians’ Workshop: equipment, eye test, instruments, etc …
• Store design and layout: software programmes, sales tools, store fixtures and display stands, etc.
• Optical Frame (best design and innovation) for men or women
• Sunglasses Frames for men or women
• Sport’s Eyewear: frames, lenses, etc.
• Children’s Eyewear: optical or sunglasses frames
• Low Vision & Optical Instrument
• A Silmo d’Or special ‘Sustainable Development’ award

For the past 16 years, the SILMO D’OR awards have been rewarding the creativity of 114 companies from countries including Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, United States, France, Great-Britain, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

SILMO 2010: Prioritizing Proximity

Available online 24/7 to prepare your visit, SILMO 2010 has put everything in place to enhance the welcome and facilitate the arrival of exhibitors and visitors to Paris Nord Villepinte. An effective logistics infrastructure, a reception desk at stations and airports, and a free shuttle service every day from 8am to 7pm (CDG Airport/Paris Nord Villepinte and Porte Maillot/Paris Nord Villepinte) will boost all the usual access mechanisms: RER B, car or train.
www.silmoparis.com

With eye-opening business deals, the global optical industry proves that Vision-X Dubai remains to be the trade event of the year 2010

Trade visitors from throughout the Middle East, the Levant, North Africa, Germany, France and Italy attended the three-day exhibition Vision-X Dubai held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), where more than 220 companies and brands from 20 countries participated. The much-awaited trade exhibition was inaugurated by H.E. Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid, Director General of Dubai Health Authority, with the global optical industry looking to the specialist industry exhibition as the gateway to the burgeoning Middle Eastern markets.

“The support of the Dubai Health Authority reflects the importance that Vision-X Dubai holds for the opthalmic industry, and we are delighted that H.E. Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid, the Director General of the Dubai Health Authority agreed to perform the honour of opening the exhibition,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), organizer of Vision-X Dubai. “From climatic, geographic and economic perspectives the Middle East region is a key market for both the medical and consumer retail sectors of the industry. Vision-X Dubai plays a pivotal role in facilitating business deals, knowledge sharing and showcasing the cutting edge technologies being developed globally.”

The exhibition that ran until 20 May 2010 comprised of two sub-divisions: (1) Vision-Lifestyle, which focused on the latest fashion and consumer products being launched, and (2) Vision-Opticare, which included the latest technological advances, breakthroughs and innovations in the medical field of opthalmology. Country specific representation from France, Italy and Germany will showcase the best in leading European expertise and design, while debut participation at this year’s show included Syria and Iran.

The event also hosted a joint workshop with Nikon and Maui Jim offering practical insights in successful premium retail strategies and a session on the development of lens technology over the past decade facilitated by Egma Lens Factory.

Also part of the exhibition was the annual Vision-X Dubai Conference, co-organized by DWTC and the Emirates Medical Association Ophthalmic Society (EMAOS). This was an internationally recognized conference that enabled delegates to earn accreditation with a Certificate of Continuing Medical Education, the focus this year was on corneal and refractive surgery and advancements in related technology.

At the end of Vision-X Dubai, the most important industry exhibition and conference for the optical and opthalmic industry in the Middle East, it reported a number of significant contracts and business deals completed during the three-day show, including a Dh3 million deal confirmed by EGMA Lens. “Vision-X Dubai is the main show in the region and is where trends in the industry are set. The show this year has been excellent, and has allowed us to represent our brands in the best light,” said Poya Eghterafi, Managing Director, EGMA Lens, a leading optical lens manufacturer. “We have exceeded our target set for the show, we’ve conducted some very exciting business, and we have just concluded a Dh3 million deal with Dar Optical Group, major players in the region. We are delighted,” Mr. Poya concluded.

Marching into the 23rd edition this year is the China International Optics Fair, CIOF 2010, which has, over the years, proved itself to be Asia’s most sizeable and authoritative exhibition in optical industry.

CIOF is the all-important rendezvous for viewing the world optical industry and China, the biggest manufacturing nation with vast consumption market, providing the timeliest trade platform where east meets west. This year, the premier event will get underway on 14th September 2010 and run through 16th September 2010 at China International Exhibition Centre, Beijing. CIOF will celebrate its 23rd anniversary with approximately 770 or more exhibitors in the exhibition area totaling over 44,000 square meters along with the projected 40,000 visitor entries! Global financial crisis notwithstanding, CIOF witnessed a remarkable success last year. With the exhibition area spanning over 44,000 square meters, CIOF 2009 drew 725 exhibitors, including principals and agents, from 21 countries and regions and visitor entries hit more than 40,000 from 59 countries and regions. We are confident that CIOF 2010 will reach the pinnacle of success!

Over the past two decades, CIOF has never ceased to amaze visitors with its diversification and creativity – the two quintessential elements that make the show stand out. This year, CIOF will continue to showcase a diverse array of the state-of-the-art exhibits, ranging from spectacle frames, sunglasses, lenses to contact lens, from visual test equipment, machinery and raw materials for making spectacle frames and lenses to instrument for optometry and ophthalmology. Shown below are, apart from the leading market players from China, overseas and internationally reputed brands who have confirmed to exhibit at CIOF 2010 for the time being and many more are on the way to come!

18K GOLD, ACOMON (RAV), ALEXBAYUSCO, ANY EYE, A.V.V, BOSTON CLUB, BRIOT, BUGATTI, BVLGARI, CALVIN KLEIN, CANON, CELINE, CELINE DION, CHAROPS, CHOPARD, CIBA VISION, CK, CLIWELL, COACH, COUR CARRE, DIA, D. F. WEBER, DOLCE & GABBANA, ELMA, EMILIO PUCCI, EMS, EQ : IQ, ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA, ESCADA, EVISU, EYEPORT, FENDI, FURLA, GALLUS, GERBER COBURN, GF FERRE, GIANFRANCO FERRE, GIVENCHY, GO, HKS, HOYA, HUVITZ, HYDRON, I-MAG, IGUANA, INAMI, INDO, JAPONISM, JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER, JHANE BARNES, JIN BAILU, JUST CAVALLI, KA HIN, KALLA, KANSAI, KEELER, LAMBORGHINI, LEGO, LEVI’S, LEYBOLD OPTICS, LOEWE, LOTOS, M&D OPTICAL, MARELLI, MECCANOTTICA MAZZA, MILA SCHÖN, MISS SIXTY, NEW GEN, NIDEK, OPTEMIC, OPTICIAN, OPTISAFE, OPTRON, PHANTOM, PICHINA, POLAROID, POLICE, PORSCHE DESIGN, PORTS, POTEC, PRADA, PUMA, RALPH LAUREN, ROBERTO CAVALLI, RODENSTOCK, ROTLEX, S.T. DUPONT, SAINT-GOBAIN, SATISLOH, SCIENCE II, SENJU, SHISEIDO, SISLEY, SUPORE, TAKAGI, TENSHODO, TONGFANG, TOPCON, TUTTI, TWINKLE, VASSEN, VENEZIA, VERA WANG, VERSACE, VISIONIX, VISSLO, WECO, YANAGI-GAWA-ICHIRO, YUKYU ODYSSEY, ZENKA, etc.

It’s well worth noting that BUGATTI, TENSHODO and ZENKA will make their debut showcase at CIOF this year. Besides that, to help visitors gain more insights into the industry trends, seminars will be concurrently held at the fair with esteemed speakers in the optical industry (seminar program will be updated soon). This all has well manifested the show’s prominent status as an international sourcing platform and information dissemination hub!

In the face of the uncertain-seeming worldwide economy, CIOF 2010 is to be running as a shinning beacon of hope for the optical industry at an impeccable timing. For buyers, this upcoming September is the most critical buying season to source for the markets of Europe, US and China before the value of RMB further appreciates against EURO and US dollar. Under one roof, CIOF 2010 offers them the most efficient and effective channel to source the most sought-after optical products and equipment. For Chinese and international suppliers alike, participating in CIOF by exhibiting their latest products and technology has become increasingly essential to gain publicity and exposure in the China market, especially amid a difficult time like this. The above-mentioned factors have made CIOF 2010 a cannot-be-missed fair where the most cutting edge optical products and equipment are to be showcased! For the latest news on CIOF 2010, please visit the show website www.ciof.cn.

The name The name “Huvitz” is combined by “Hu” and “vitz”. “Hu” represents the Human benefit and “vitz”, light technology in Korea. So, “Huvitz” represents the being purpose of the company which is innovating the light technology to improve Human benefit.

Company History
Huvitz was established in 1998 with its first company name “Mirae Optics” spin-off from LG group R&D center. The only item at that time was Autorefractometer, MR-2000. As time passed by, Huvitz developed Auto Lensmeter (CLM-3100), and upgraded Auto refkeratometer (MRK-3100P in 2001). In 2002, company name was changed to “Huvitz”. Year by year, Huvitz launched at least 1 new product in a year. Chart projector (CCP-3100), Digital Chart (CDC-4000), and unit table (CRT-4000). In 2005, Huvitz entered into patternless edger market with “Excelon” series. In addition to manufacturing plants in Korea, Huvitz established his own manufacturing facility in Shanghai in 2007, under name of “Huvitz Shanghai”. Now Huvitz is trading with more than 90 nations through more than 120 distributors.

Products
Currently Huvitz is supplying Auto Refkeractometer (HRK-7000/7000A), Auto Lensmeter (HLM-7000, CLM-3100P), Chart Projector (HCP-7000), Digital Refractor (HDR-7000), LCD Vision Tester (HDC-7000) and Unit Table (HRT-7000) as optical refraction test set. Huvitz also supplies Ophthalmic diagnostic units like Slitlamp Microscope (HS-7000/5000) and its imaging management systems (HIS-5000, full-automatic non-contact tonometer (HNT-7000).

Huvitz Sales
At the starting time, turnover of Huvitz was just 0.2 million dollars. But every year, by adding new products it grows dramatically. After 10 years, in 2010 its estimated sales result of 40 million dollars which is 200 times more comparing to the date of start. Market sharing of representative item, Auto-refractometer (HRK-7000/7000A) is now about 30% which is second position in Auto refractometer market.

Huvitz Power
Huvitz is one of very rare company which has its own Reseach and Development Center. Huvitz core technology is based on Optics, Mechanics, Electronics and Networks. Huvitz has managed R&D center for 10 years as its history started.

To achieve goals, it has been planned for developing products not only optical field but also ophthalmic field units such as Retinal Camera, OCT, and surgical microscope with developing optic technology.

Huvitz Future
Huvitz goal is to be one of top 3 players for total ophthalmic solution provider. Huvitz promises to be the world best optical equipment manufacturer. Now Huvitz is realizing with Superior Technology, Quality Management System, Global Networks and Cost Competitiveness.

Huvitz Technology
Huvitz Auto Ref-kertometer HRK-7000/7000A is the only Aurto ref-keratometer in the world which adopts wave-front technology. By using wave-front technology, accuracy of analyzing refraction system of the human eye could be enhanced. Compare with previous technology, hexagon-prism division technology, accuracy is raised up to 98% for the human eye which is the most highest in the same competitive field. Huvitz advanced technology and design capability achieved 20% of cost competitiveness in comparing to other competitors. To provide with competitive price, Huvitz also reduce cost of sales.

Huvitz Design
Huvitz is one of very rare company which owns its own design development center. Huvitz designer, Mrs. Hong is one of the best industrial designers in Korea. New H-series such as HRK-7000 (Auto refractometer), HRD-7000 (Digital Refractor), HLM-7000 (Auto Lensmeter) and HCP-7000 (Chart Projector) are using high-glossy black and white coating cover and LED lighting for indication. To make patients more comfortable while testing eye refraction, make its design simple and smart.

Huvits Global Networks
Now, Huvitz is marketing in more than 90 nations through 120 agents and still marketing range is getting larger and larger. Year by year, Huvitz takes more part in world famous international optic exhibitions like Vision-X in Dubai, Mido in Milano, Silmo and SFO in Paris, CIFO in China and Vision Expo, AAO in US. Huvitz booth is very famous for all visitors and buyers.

Huvitz in UAE
This year Huvitz is presented at Vision-X 2010 by CBC Medical, the exclusive distributor in the UAE.

ANFAO, the Italian Association of Optical Goods Manufacturers, promoted this first edition, organised by Confindustria, with the support of the Ministry for Economic Development and the Department for Community Policies of the Prime Minister’s Office, and the patronage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Appointments throughout Italy: Venice, Milan, Turin, Florence, Arezzo, and Rome, where the manifestation concluded with the speech of the President of Confindustria, Emma Marcegaglia

Eyewear is in the front line in fighting this phenomenon that strongly strikes it

Last year, during the first nine months alone, the Guardia di Finanza (the Italian Tax Police) confiscated more than 112 million fake products in Italy, recording a sharp increase in the fashion sector with more than 19.5 million pieces seized

Venice, 7 July 2010 – Industrial and commercial counterfeiting today represents 5 to 7% of worldwide trade. The turnover generated by this phenomenon is seriously threatening the national and international economy and its short- and long-term development. In addition to notable economic damage, counterfeit products also constitute a threat for consumer safety.

Italian eyewear, represented by ANFAO, the National Association of Optical Goods Manufacturers, has long been aware of this phenomenon and for years has been leading the fight against counterfeiting. «The First National Anti-counterfeiting Day represents a very important event for out sector», affirms Vittorio Tabacchi, President of ANFAO. «We are truly proud that Confindustria embraced our proposal to heed this call of alarm by instituting a day of reflection and demonstrations, involving national and local associations, institutions, and law enforcement agencies that are working every day to prevent the spread of this seemingly unstoppable plague.»

Therefore, the event sets the primary objective of increasing the awareness of both companies and citizens on the phenomenon of counterfeiting, intending to become a starting point for further and more effective initiatives to fight the marketing of fake goods, initiatives that have become necessary due to the latest data on this phenomenon.

According to WTO estimates, counterfeit goods account for 8% of worldwide trade, while in 2007 the OECD calculated the overall turnover of counterfeiting at 200 billion dollars. In Italy, the domestic fashion counterfeit market reached approximately 7 billion euro in 2008; more specifically, in just the first 9 months of 2009, the seizure of counterfeit materials amounted to more than 19.5 million pieces. According to Censis estimates, the quashing of counterfeiting would guarantee about 130 thousand new jobs, while direct and indirect damages amount to 18 billion euro.

These impressive figures demonstrate how counterfeiting has become a stand-alone economic sector that will require decisive interventions to be stopped.

«The fact is even more worrying if we think that the economic impact of counterfeiting is even greater on industrial systems like ours, basing the competitiveness on the quality of products», continued Tabacchi. «Our sector is strongly impacted by this threat also due to the dimensions of the product itself, which make it easier to transport, hide, and sell via impromptu channels like street stands, beach mats, and flea market stands.»

The damage takes on various forms and strike companies, the entire manufacturing system, and the end user: from unfair trade practices to unemployment, from losses in State tax revenues to the consequential general damage for society. Furthermore, proceeds from this market fuel organised crime and illegal labour. «In the case of eyewear, the negative effects on the economy and society are further exacerbated by risks for the health of consumers,» explained Tabacchi. «Counterfeit sunglasses (and prescription glasses) expose eyes and vision to risks due to non-compliant lenses, and they can also bring on devastating allergic reactions to the skin caused by the materials used to make the frames.»

For this reason, the National Anti-Counterfeiting Day has also the important objective of reaching the end user. «In Venice we decided to carry out an important protest demonstration,» explained Tabacchi. «On a floating platform in front of Palazzo Labia, in Campo San Geremia, more than 5000 pairs of counterfeit glasses were destroyed by a steamroller, together with Murano glass and shoes, all representing the qualitative excellence of goods produced in north-eastern Italy. A striking message to say “no to knock-offs”.» The event – which was obviously of impressive visual impact - was made possible thanks to the invaluable collaboration of Certottica, the Italian institute for the certification of optical products, leader in the issuing of EC conformity certifications of optical products, which collaborated in the management of the event, together with the Venice branch of Confindustria.

Counterfeiting indiscriminately strikes all players involved in the manufacturing system – companies, the government, institutions, and citizens. This first appointment will now become an annual event to send a strong message: Italy and its manufacturing system have decided to join forces in the battle against counterfeiting.

«It is important that this message reach as many people as possible,» concluded Tabacchi of ANFAO. «The most significant raising of awareness begins with everyday living. All of us can and must convey the message to our collaborators, our families, and everyone around us: buying knock-offs is detrimental to our wallets and even to our health.» Furthermore, it is an enormous and abject damage to entrepreneurship: many years of experience, hard work, and competition are necessary to create an idea; unfortunately, it takes just a few moments to steal it.