Hoya Posts 14.4 Percent Drop in Ophthalmic Lens Sales for 2Q ’09
2009-11-02
TOKYO—Hoya Corp. (TSE: 7741) posted net sales of 106.8 billion yen for the second quarter ended Sept. 30, 2009, a 16.8 percent decrease from 128.3 billion yen in the same period last year. Operating income was 18.7 billion yen, a 9.2 percent decrease from 20.6 billion yen in the same period last year, mainly due to order decrease and the impact of exchange rates.
Compared to the first quarter FY 2010 ended April 30, 2009, however, sustained recovery in orders since April resulted in an increase of both net sales and operating income, according to Hoya. Net income for the second quarter was down 45.9 percent to 10.3 billion yen.
“Electro-optics business started to recover in the middle of this quarter. Especially our glass disks business for hard disk drives is now operating full capacity," said Hiroshi Suzuki, chief executive officer of Hoya. “We are planning to build a new plant next fiscal year to meet the demands.”
Hoya reported that its vision care section, which produces ophthalmic lenses, generated net sales of 26.0 billion yen, down 14.4 percent from year-ago. Hoya’s health care section, which produces contact lenses, posted second quarter net sales of 13.7 billion yen, up 6.0 percent from year ago.
For the first six months of FY 2010 ended Sept. 30, 2009, Hoya reported total net sales of 201.8 billion yen, down 21.9 percent compared to 258.5 billion yen in the same period the previous year. Operating income was 28.0 billion yen, down 34.1 percent compared to 42.4 billion yen in the same period the previous year. Net income was 14.2 billion yen, down 64.8 percent compared to 40.3 billion yen in the same period the previous year.
Hoya reported first half net sales of 51.6 billion yen for its vision care segment down 15.7 percent from year ago; the company’s health care segment had net sales of 26.6 billion yen, up 5.2 percent from year ago.
Vision Monday - November 2, 2009
Consumer Barometer
2009-08-24
Latest Consumer Barometer Shows Total Vision Care Revenues Dipped 2.6 Percent for 12ME June ’09
NEW YORK—The total vision care market’s revenues dipped 2.6 percent for the 12 months ending June 2009 to $32.7 billion compared to $33.6 billion in the prior year 12-month period, according to the just-released Q2 Consumer Barometer, a top-line view of vision care services and eyeglass purchasing trends among consumers across the U.S. by VisionWatch, a study conducted by Jobson Optical Research and The Vision Council.
According to the Barometer, dollar sales of frames at retail were relatively flat for the 12-month period, dipping 0.4 percent; frames comprise 25.7 percent of current vision care market sales at retail. Lenses dipped 1.9 percent for the 12 months ending June; lenses comprise 29.4 percent of the total dollars.
Eye exams gained overall by 5.5 percent during the period, their value accounting for 14.9 percent of $32.7 billion in total vision care revenues for the period. The number of eye exams for the six months ending June was 47 million, a slight uptick from the prior six-months ending March 2009. Contact lenses revenues also grew in dollar value by 3.9 percent, while sunglasses’s dollar sales declined 8.7 percent for the 12 month period.
Consumers’ future purchasing intent for prescription eyeglasses for the six months, Jan to June 2009, declined from purchasing indent index levels in the October 2008-March 2009 period.
The complete Q2 Consumer Barometer, which shows updated info on sales in frames, lenses, contact lenses, sunglasses, readers, eye exams and refractive surgery, is available for purchase at Jobson Optical Research.
Lenses
2009-07-23
2009-07-23
REVOLUTION’S TRUE RELIGION TAKES SUNWEAR TO NEW HEIGHTSThe collection features 13 styles (six women’s, two men’s, and five unisex) in zyl and metal that come in a variety of shapes including aviators and shields. All models are available in four colors except for Jeff, a classic aviator that is offered in five colors and two sizes. The True Religion Horseshoe logo appears on the upper corner of the left lens for a no-holds-barred look. Polarized lenses add to the sunglasses’ appeal. For more information, contact Revolution Eyewear at 800-986-0010 or revolutioneyewear.com.
ZEISS INDIVIDUAL SV OFFERS SINGLE VISION LIKE NEVER BEFOREWith breakthrough edge-to-edge clarity in this new single vision free-form lens, the patient’s monocular PD, vertex distance, pantoscopic angle, and frame wrap angle are incorporated into the design calculation to create optimum performance in that patient’s unique wearing position. Zeiss Individual™ SV creates and optimizes the design in “real-time” based on the patient’s exact combination of sphere, cylinder, axis, and prism, eliminating the visual compromises that standard spherical and aspheric single vision lenses create for most prescriptions due to the base curve effect. For more information, contact Carl Zeiss Vision Inc. at 800-358-8258 or zeiss.com/lenses.
ESSILOR’S CRIZAL SUN WITH SCOTCHGARD IS EASY TO CLEAN
With Crizal Sun™ lenses with Scotchgard™ Protector, Essilor has combined the superior performance of Crizal Sun with the protective power of Scotchgard Protector, making these sun lenses scratch-resistant, smudge-resistant, easy-to-clean sun lenses for the utmost clarity and comfort. Patients experience clearer and more comfortable vision in sunny conditions because over 99% of the reflections and glare from the back of the lens are virtually eliminated. These lenses can be added to tinted and polarized lenses with a choice of brown, gray, gray-green, and black tints as well as the available silver, blue, and gold mirrored lenses. For more information, contact Essilor of America, Inc. at 800-542-5668 or essilorusa.com.
Eyewear & Sunwear
2009-07-23
OGI EYEWEAR LAUNCHES FASHION-FLEX FRAMES FOR KIDS
Ogi’s KM Series combines form and function to create a unique new line of fashion-flex frames. The collection consists of five intriguing styles that blend innovative materials with the latest trends in children’s eyewear. All KM frames are constructed of mono-block monel and feature Ogi’s flexible memory metal temples. Each style is available in a variety of bright colors carefully picked to exemplify the playful nature of the collection. For more information, contact Ogi USA at 888-560-1060 or ogiframes.com.
A&A’S JALAPEÑOS CELEBRATES 10 YEARS WITH NEW RELEASES
The four new styles include B4N, Props, Let It Rock, and N4E1. B4N (Bye For Now), features a softened, rectangular metal front with acetate temples and spring hinges. Props presents unique detail in an all-metal design for girls and guys. Let It Rock is a clean, classic style for both girls and guys that has a rectangular metal front with metal temples and spring hinges. Shown here is N4E1 (Not For Everyone), a girl’s bold, triple-laminate acetate that highlights rhythmic patterns and a softened rectangular front. For more in-formation, contact A&A Optical at 800-492-4465 or aaopticalco.com.
KENMARKS’ LILLY PULITZER STYLES ARE CLEVERLY CHARMING
Taking inspirations from the colorful prints of this classically fun brand, each girl’s frame features playful shapes, charming embellishments, and limited-edition Lilly Pulitzer prints. The frames offer colorful designs and decorative temples for a fun, youthful look as well as spring hinges for comfort, and come in metal, zyl, and combinations for girls/teens looking for a signature look in their eyewear. Lolly has a preppy round eyeshape that combines a zyl front with decorative metal bamboo temples. It is available in pink, Tokyo tortoise, and tortoise/green. For more information, contact Kenmark Group at 800-627-2898 or kenmarkoptical.com.
SWITCH VISION DEBUTS LENS-SWITCHING TECHNOLOGY
Four sports performance sunglass styles—Avalanche, Cortina, Headwall, and Tenaya—mark the collection’s launch. Each model has comfort fit features and is available in two lens shapes and an average of five colors per style. Switch’s revolutionary new feature uses pairs of small, powerful magnets embedded in the sunglass lens and frame so wearers can swap lenses in and out quickly and easily as light conditions and activities change. Every style comes with three pairs of lenses to provide sharp and comfortable vision in a variety of common light conditions. For more information, contact Switch Vision LLC at 877-733-7948 or switch.com.
GIRLS SIT PRETTY WITH CLEARVISION’S JESSICA MCCLINTOCK COLLECTION
Jessica McClintock Eyewear for Girls brings the glamour and elegance of the brand to girls aged 7 to 14. Made exclusively for the girl who appreciates lots of pretty details in the frames she wears, this collection features jewelry-inspired designs and dainty designs. Style No. JMCG412, shown here, is a memory metal frame that boasts a raised-dot pattern along the endpiece and a flower-and-polka-dot pattern along the temple. The style is available in kiwi green, pink, and violet. For more information, contact ClearVision Optical Co. at 800-645-3733 or cvoptical.com.
SAFILO OFFERS NEW JUICY STYLES FOR TRENDY GIRLS
Juicy Girls’ five new styles for girls aged 7 to 13 consist of two plastic styles (Hanah M and Patti), two metal styles (Close-Up and Splendor), and one metal/ plastic combination frame (Drew M). All five models offer flex hinges and fun iconic details including the Juicy logo plaque, Juicy crown, and Juicy cherries— details also seen in the Juicy Couture eyewear line for women. Ovals and rectangles feature fun variations on pink, lavender, brown, and blue. For more information, contact Safilo USA at 800-631-1188 or safilo.com.
TWEENS FLOCK TO MARCOLIN’S TWO NEW COVER GIRL STYLES
Style Nos. CG374 and CG375 are sure to bring an element of style while maintaining a touch of innocence. Style No. CG374 is a rectangular metal that features a metal foil logo insert on the temple tips. It is available in dark wine, dark purple, and satin black. Style No.CG375, shown here, is an acetate cat eye with laser cutting on the temples that resemble tiger stripes, revealing the contrasting middle acetate color. It is available in plum/black, black/red/black, and brown/light brown/black. For more information, contact Marcolin USA at 800-537-9265 or marcolinusa.com.
KIDS COLLECTION FROM IC! BERLIN IS THE REAL THING
Inspired by real children aged 7 to 12, the seven ophthalmic and four sunglass models in this collection are lightweight, flexible, of high quality, and virtually indestructible. The acetate models are available in rust, lavender, and turquoise, while the metallic! models come in matte copper, gunmetal, and pearl. All four sunglasses models are chrome. Cool slogans like “kids rule” and “holidays forever” are engraved onto the temples. For more information, contact ic! berlin america at 866-634-8990 or icberlin.de.
MATCH’S FLOAT KIDS STYLES ARE ADULT TESTED, KID APPROVED
Designed and manufactured in Italy, the company creates stylish looks for girls and boys aged 0 to 10. The 15 styles are available in zyl, stainless steel, and flex material and most are made with spring hinges for added durability and strength. Always in fashion with the latest trends, the collection features embellished temples and daring color palettes that include jewel tones such as violet, purple, red, rose, pink, blue, and green as well as the classics such as gunmetal, black, and brown. For more information, contact Match Eyewear at 877-88-MATCH or matcheyewear.com.
JULBO’S HEROES LAUNCH SAVES THE DAY
For young heroes aged 0 to 5, Julbo offers BeeBop, Loola, and Tango with a “Flex Frame” design that is shock-absorbing with impact-resistant hinges that won’t break. Those aged 4 to 8 will love Lazy, which is designed with large lenses that cover the entire field of vision, strong and durable memory plastic, and adjustable temples. For the bigger heroes aged 8 to 12, Samba and Techno boast an allergy-free metal front for style and 3-D Flex temples. Techno also features interchangeable temples for everyday or sports wear; the bridge is adjustable for extra comfort. For more information, contact Julbo Eyewear at 800-651-0833 or julbousa.com.
FREE SPIRITS TAKE FLIGHT WITH VIVA’S CANDIES COLLECTION
Exclusively for girls aged 8 to 12, the new ophthalmic grouping consists of four styles, C Hannah, C Hazel, C Sade, and C Scarlett. Handcrafted in acetate, C Hannah and C Hazel feature a unique color-filled butterfly appliqué that highlights each endpiece and coordinates with the brand signature logo. The chic metal shapes of C Sade and C Scarlett have a petite version of the butterfly motif on each endpiece, accented by a tiny rhinestone; the brand logo is highlighted on the left temple tip. All four styles are available in a range of multicoloured tones and soft metallic colors. For more information, contact Viva International Group at 800-345-VIVA or vivagroup.com.
BOLLÉ KIDS SUN COLLECTION IS DURABLE AND ADVANCED
More than scaled-down versions of existing styles, each member of the Bollé KIDS series is carefully shaped to fit the contours of smaller faces. Molded polycarbonate lenses offer 100% UVA/UVB protection, superior optical clarity, and impact resistance while scratch resistance is supplied by proprietary Carbo-Glas™ coating and applied to both sides of the lenses. The grilamid TR-90 nylon frames are extremely durable, yet flexible and very lightweight. Most models have Bollé’s exclusive Thermogrip™ temple tips and nosepads, keeping the glasses firmly in place even during rugged outdoor play. For more information, contact Bollé at 800-222-6553 or bolle.com.
BBH EYEWEAR FEEDS TEENS’ DESIRE FOR INDIVIDUALITY
With four feminine and two unisex models, the Crush collection offers young people trendy and expressive eyewear. The distinctly feminine models dominate the collection with their stunning broad temples highlighted by a stylish milled finish or colored inlays that combine the TITANflex material with high-quality multilayer acetates. Unisex rimless models are striking with their slender temples and lugs, creating a look that is sporty and classic. They also feature TITANflex temple inserts and trendy plastic coverings ranging from blue through to purple. For more information, contact Eschenbach Optik of America, Inc. at 800-487-5389 or eschenbach-optik.com.
Transitions Unveils New Sunwear Brand, SOLFX, and Product Concepts
2009-03-20
PALM HARBOR, Fla.—Transitions Optical is significantly expanding its push in the sunwear market with the launch of a new sunlens product concept and a new sunwear brand, Transitions SOLFX.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday during the Transitions Championship, the official PGA Tour event held here at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club this week, Grady Lenski, director, Transitions sunwear, said the company sees a “huge opportunity in sunwear.”
“The market is over $4 billion in the U.S. alone,” Lenski observed. “We’re focusing on the premium sunwear segment. One out of every five lenses sold today are Transitions. We believe the need for sunwear is even greater.”
Although Transitions lenses and Transitions SOLFX (pronounced soul-ef-ex) lenses both use Transitions’s photochromic technology, Lenski explained that there is a key differences in the products. Unlike Transitions lenses, which are clear indoors and at night and darken outdoors in reaction to the sun, Transitions SOLFX lenses have an initial tint and then self-adjust outdoors with the sun. The lenses automatically change level of darkness and color to provide optimal vision in sun and shade, eliminating the need to put on and take off sunglasses as light conditions change. They will be available in prescription and non-prescription forms, he noted.
“Because traditional sunglasses are static and have only one level of darkness, consumers are often left with sunglasses that are too dark in low light conditions or not dark enough in bright light,” said Lenski. “SOLFX sunlenses shift seamlessly to offer the correct amount of darkness for outdoor activity to help improve consumers’ ability to see and to simplify their lives.”
Transitions Optical currently offers several types of sunlenses, previously marketed as Activated by Transitions. These include multiple sunwear options from leading brands including Oakley, and Drivewear Transitions SOLFX lenses by Younger Optics. These and all new Transitions sunwear products soon-to-be introduced will begin carrying the Transitions SOLFX brand.
Lenski said building a core brand on both the trade and consumer levels will be crucial to Transitions’s success.
“We think the brand will add additional relevance to the overall Transitions brand, and will attract new and younger users to Transitions franchise,” he remarked.
In addition to partnering with Oakley and Younger to develop SOLFX products, Transitions plans to work with other optical and sunwear suppliers, including Essilor and Specialty Lens, an Essilor subsidiary.
Lenski said Transitions intends to market SOLFX internationally. The company is ramping up its global manufacturing capabilities in order to meet anticipated demand, he noted.
According to Lenski, all new SOLFX products will be focused in three categories— sports, style and specialty. Sports vision and training specialist Lawrence D. Lampert, OD, FCOVD, shared details of one new product concept currently in testing by several PGA Tour players. The product has been designed to provide high contrast in low light conditions, then move to a darker, color-neutral shade to reduce glare and provide optimal vision in bright light conditions, while still providing a true, yet improved read of the green. Initial reviews are extremely positive, Lampert said.
Vision Monday - March 19, 2009
