Every time I see it angers me. And it astounds me to see the people that perpetuate it.

When you buy from a small “mom and pop” business, you are not helping a CEO buy a third vacation home. You are helping a little girl get dance lessons, a little boy get his team jersey, a mom or dad put food on the table, a family pay a mortgage, or a student pay for college. Our customers are our shareholders, and THEY are the ones we strive to make happy.
Thank you for supporting small businesses!

What’s wrong, you ask? What could possible be more American than supporting small business? Now, obviously, I support small business. We are a small business. ALL of our customers are small businesses. Small businesses represent everything that has made and continues to make America great. In fact, supporting and empowering small businesses in the face of competition from large corporations is central to what we stand for and what we do every day.

Unfortunately, the implication that by supporting big business you are supporting greed and by supporting small business you are supporting all that is good and pure is not only wrong, but dishonest and divisive. Do people really believe that more than half of Americans employed by large corporations don’t have families to support, children to feed, and mortgages to pay? Or that all small business owners are altruistic and self-sacrificing? I can assure you they are not. There is good and bad in businesses of all sizes. But, I like to think in most cases the good far outweighs the bad. The truth is, large corporations are just as important to dads trying to pay for dance lessons, moms trying to pay the mortgage, and couples hoping to retire one day, as are “Mom and Pops.”

Lines have been drawn in our own industry like so many others: the independents on one side, the mega-corps on the other. There is unquestionably a market out there for both. But, when the glaring difference is size and demonization of Big-[insert your favorite industry here] is so popular, it becomes tempting to fall into the trap of “big is bad.” In reality, it’s truly not the size that matters. Businesses large and small come with their own unique advantages and disadvantages. It boils down to what matters to you, what you need and want for yourself and your business, and who can best deliver.

We don’t ask you to support our small business because of our size. We prefer to stand on our own merit, toe-to-toe with the big guys, and ask you to support us because of who we are, what we stand for, the connections we share, and the unique value we can provide. There will always be a market for the small and unique, just as there will always be a market for the big and ubiquitous. In the meantime, I hope we (small business) can come up with a more positive message to spread through the internets.

President: Janet Benjamin email
General Manager: John Larson email
Customer Service: Dorene email
Customer Service: Ben email
Customer Service: Beth email
Customer Service: Lara email
Marketing: Keith Benjamin email
Billing and Accounting: Diane Larson email

Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) causes sunburn, skin cancers, melanoma as well as cataracts. High energy visible light (HEV) and UVR have been linked to age-related macular degeneration, pinguecala, and ptergium. While most modern lens materials block the passage of dangerous UVR, there remains a hidden danger.

With or without a traditional AR coating, a significant amount UV can be reflected from the backside of the lens and enter the eye. Particularly in activities such as golf, fishing, hiking, and cycling, the head is often pointed downward allowing more sunlight to hit back of the wearer’s lenses.

Most AR coatings prevent the reflection of visible light, but many contain UV reflectors that can bounce harmful UV directly back into the eye. A pair of sunglasses with conventional backside AR protects the eyes from visible light causing increased dilation and allowing even more reflected UVR into the eye.

As the ophthalmic industry continues to grow in its understanding and knowledge of the damaging effects caused by UVR and HEV, Laramy-K Optical has made available an AR coating solution to provide protection from the dangerous results associated with UVR and HEV, like those shown below.

TKO +UV provides all features of TKO Ultra (premium AR, super hydro, thermal hard coat, and non-slip powder coat) with the added protection of reducing the amount of reflected UVA and HEV rays by up to 95% when compared to non-UV AR coatings, at NO additional cost.

UVARity – Our newest anti-reflective coating that eliminates up to 95% of dangerous, reflected UV and HEV radiation. UVARity includes thermal-cured hard coat, super-hydrophobic top coat, and powder Edge-Protect coating.

ICE Clear AR – Our premium clear AR with thermal-cured hard coat, super-hydrophobic top coat, and powder Edge-Protect coating.

TKO Series AR – A complete line of coatings that ranges from basic AR to Premium AR that includes thermal-cured hard coat, super-hydrophobic top coat, and powder Edge-Protect coating. The TKO series is also available with flash mirror options.

AR Feature Comparison

I started to put together an article and then well, it got put on the back burner. Last Friday, I came across an ECP already implementing it! So, now I feel a little late to the game. Perhaps, you have already thought of the idea, but I like it so much, I want to share it. So, here it is:

Dog glasses

No, really.

You know how much people love their pets. Take a look: who can’t help but fall in love with these dogs in their glasses? Now think of how you could use photos of dogs in glasses, customer’s dogs in glasses, and even customers together with their dogs, both in their new glasses; in your store, on your website, and in your social media. If you are able to capture your own images, your customers will share them with their friends. If you are able to capture great or creative images, they could be shared far beyond. Think Pinterest.

Social Media Tip: If you’ve gone through the trouble to create original images or content, first post them to your website or blog, only then pin them or share them across your social media channels. Do not post them directly to your social media pages. The idea is to build upon your owned media assets, then use social media to spread the word and direct people back to your hub.

If you are so inclined, there is even a nice line of glasses designed specifically for dogs, by dog lovers called, Doggles.

I could see a campaign, a section of the store, or even an entire store centered on the concept. However far you want to take it, great images are key. You might even consider making a deal with a local photographer, host and event, or have a contest, be creative!

Here is the ECP I mentioned: Spec Optical Nashville. You can see what they’ve done with their store front on their Facebook page. They are even involving animal charities as part of their promotion; another great idea!

What do you think?

For those of you unfamiliar, high plus lenticulars have often been prescribed for patients with aphakia. Aphakia is a condition where a patient’s eye is missing the lens. Aphakia can occur as a from a congential defect, injury, or most often as a result of cataract surgery.

Used to obtain a steeper curve than would normally be possible while still fitting into a frame, the lenticular is formed by placing the higher curve known as the aperture within a flatter curve known as the carrier. The result is a “fried egg” appearance. The carrier permits a steeper-curve plus lens to be cut out and fit into the frame.

While it’s true that advances in surgery, implants, and contact lenses have virtually eliminated the need for high plus lenticulars, there is still a small percentage of patients, particularly among the very old and very young, not suitable for these options that can still benefit from lenticulars. Since there still is a need we’ve managed to locate an independent manufacturer.

Aspheric lenticulars are now available in single vision: CR-39, aspheric lenticular +14.00 to +20.00 base; and bifocal round seg 22s +14.00 and +16.00. Adds are available +2.50 to +3.50. More curves and add powers will be available within the coming weeks. Feel free to call with questions: 800.525.1274.

Below is a list of conditions that can be uncovered during an eye exam.

Common Eye Diseases:
• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Macular Degeneration
• Retinal Detachment
• Dry Eye
• Corneal Degeneration

Systemic Diseases That Can Be Detected During An Eye Exam:
• Diabetes
• Hypertension – High Blood Pressure
• Hypercholesterolemia – High Cholesterol
• HIV/AIDS
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Graves Disease
• Herpes Simplex/Herpes Zoster infections
• Carotid Stenosis – a narrowing of the carotid artery and a risk factor for strokes

The NIH has put together a list of educational resources aimed an increasing awareness of eye health and related conditions here: http://www.nei.nih.gov/hvm/education/