Optical Prism March 2016 | Page 8

From the editor Those Crazy Optical Daze We are barely three months into 2016 and the eyewear industry has been buzzing with product launches and events. It has been so great to see so many industry members participating in the countless activities that help to provide customers with a better product experience. In February, I had the pleasure of once again attending Transitions Academy in Orlando. This was just the final stop of a very busy week that included welcoming my first niece via my sister and her husband. The week also included a Bruce Springsteen concert that kept me up all night, before heading directly to the airport following dropping off my Springsteenobsessed father more than an hour and a half away. Needless to say, it was wonderful to step off the plane into the warmth and sunshine of Orlando. DON’T FORGET TO SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS AND IDEAS WITH US. HAS YOUR COMPANY IMPLEMENTED A NEW IDEA OR PRODUCT LET US KNOW! SHARE ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA OR DROP US A LINE VIA EMAIL. Events like Transitions Academy are a great opportunity to catch up with industry partners and do some networking and share ideas. The next few months will see several similar events including Inside Optics where the Ontario Opticians Association will be celebrating their 70th anniversary. The event will feature education as well as a gala dinner celebrating this milestone achievement. I look forward to seeing my industry friends dressed in their 1940s best for the themed dinner. Vision Expo East will also bring us all together to share new products and information and exchange ideas. After attending these events year after year, some people may wonder where the value exists… but how often do you come back with an idea to implement or a new product to feature that changes how you do business. The eyewear industry can be very competitive but at the same time, there is one common goal - helping people see better. Taking a collaborative and collective approach to care can ensure patients get the products they need. Each brand has their own speciality and it is critical that industry partners share what works best with their patients so that other ECPs can provide equally successful care. This issue also looks at how you can ensure you have the right team for the job. Learn tips and tricks for making the right hire - a critical part of providing excellent care. I look forward to seeing all of you at the next industry event. Make sure you take the time to say ‘hello’ and connect. Sarah McGoldrick Managing Editor | Optical Prism [email protected] 06 Optical Prism | March 2016