Optical Prism July 2016 | Page 46

Glimpses MARCOLIN AND DSQUARED2 CONSOLIDATE THEIR PARTNERSHIP Marcolin Group, a worldwide leading eyewear company, and Dsquared2 today announced the early renewal of an exclusive license agreement for the design, manufacture and worldwide distribution of Dsquared2 sun and optical eyewear. HOYA VISION CARE LAUNCHES PHOTOCHROMIC LENS BRAND SENSITY Ally of the Independent eye care professional, HOYA Vision Care announced today the U.S. launch of Sensity, a brand differentiating photochromic lens technology. “The only way for independent practices to overcome commoditization and price erosion is for HOYA to provide them with new technology that is not available anyplace else,” said Barney Dougher, President of HOYA Vision Care, North America. He continued, “Sensity is not a ‘me too’ product. It has distinctive technological advances in its processing and performance that will provide pointsof differentiation for independents that will make their patients happy.” Photochromic lens wearers are often disappointed with the inconsistency of lens activation and fade back performance at different times of the year. This is an issue particularly with people who live in distinctive four-season climates. Sensity has StablightTM Technology which ensures the lenses perform consistently in varying climates 44 Optical Prism | July 2016 and temperatures. Previously launched in the U.K. and Europe, Sensity has received an excellent reception from eye care professionals and patients. Of particular note is the pleasing aesthetics of the colors. In the European market brown is the predominant color of choice, 8 out of 10. In the U.S. market it is nearly the exact opposite. ECPs and patients will be very impressed with both the gray and brown colors, though the brown is particularly appealing. Focus group participants in the U.S. are excited and several said, “Brown will be the new gray!” In addition the color contrast for the wearer with brown is big improvement as well. A full line of free form progressive and single vision lens designs, materials and anti-reflective treatments are available. Sensity will be a premium product, though loyal HOYA accounts will be offered introductory pricing that will be on par with other photochromic brands. www.hoyavision.com The agreement extends the current partnership duration until 2021. The collaboration between the two companies, which began in 2008, illustrates the willingness to mutually engage in the further development and internationalization of the brand. Giovanni Zoppas, CEO Marcolin Group, affirmed: “Dsquared2 holds a specific position in our brands portfolio due to its uniqueness and high versatility. During these years of collaboration, as we took a path together, we believe in the core business development and will follow them in their strategy. Our partnership will be increasingly close and strong both in terms of product development and definition of the marketing strategies”. Dean and Dan Caten declared: “After almost 10 years of collaboration we are excited to announce the renewal of our partnership with the Marcolin Group. We are strongly convinced that this collaboration will bring great results to our common business thanks to the new projects we are working on together”.