FAIRFAX, Va.—The Optical Laboratories Association announced that it’s board of directors has selected Daniel Torgersen as the recipient of the 2009 OLA Directors’ Choice Award.
“This is OLA’s most prestigious award, and it is given to one individual or organization each year to recognize outstanding contribution to the optical laboratory and ophthalmic industry,” said OLA president J. Larry Enright of Perferx Optical.
Torgersen, who has served as the OLA technical director for 15 years, is vice president, MIS and special projects, for Walman Optical in Minneapolis, Minn.
“Dan actually has a ‘multiple-personality’ with optical labs,” said OLA executive director Bob Dziuban. “He has served as the OLA technical director for more than 15 years, and has been an outstanding resource to both OLA members and the OLA Board. And, he has served as the chairman of the two committees that develop the ANSI Z80.1 and ANSI Z87.1 Standards.”
“Dan Torgersen’s vast knowledge and experience have touched virtually every product and service provided to OLA members,” said OLA president elect Kevin Bargman, Hawkins Optical. “Whenever a lab refers to the expertise and credibility of OLA, they are referring to the influence and efforts of Dan Torgersen.”
The OLA also announced the final nominees for its annual Awards of Excellence. A complete list of the final nominees appears below.
“OLA believes it is important to recognize the ophthalmic industry suppliers who have made an outstanding contribution to the laboratory community and allied professions,” said Enright.
“The nomination alone is high praise for each of these products,” said Kevin Bargman, OLA president elect, “and recipients tell us that winning the Award adds credibility to their products and increases their sales.”
The OLA will present both the Director’s Choice Award and the Award of Excellence on December 4, 2009, at ceremonies during the Opening Reception of The OLA 2009 Annual Meeting, at the Gaylord National Hotel, near Washington D.C.
Final Nominees for OLA Awards of Excellence:
DRESS FRAMES
Apple Bottoms AB706 - Eyewear Designs
Sides Eyewear #006 I - Concepts
Totally Rimless TR151- McGee Group
Phoebe Couture P203 - Nouveau Eyewear
Randy Jackson 1013- Zyloware
SPECIALTY FRAMES
Elizabeth Arden EA5096 - Eyewear Designs
The Edge Rx Swim - Goggle Hilco
Vera Bradley - Heidi McGee Group
Trendsetter TR309S - Uvex by Sperian
CHILDREN'S FRAMES
Hershey’s HER108 - Eyewear Designs
Vera Bradley Alexandra - McGee Group
Nickelodeon SpongeBob - Nouveau Eyewear
SquarePants Exploration
LENS MATERIALS & TREATMENT
Crizal Avancé with Essilor of America
Scotchgard Protector
UVMP Hard Coat - Quest Optical
Ioncote Carbon Satisloh
1.74 AR FSV - Seiko Optical Products
SOLFX - Transitions Optical
Coppertone Polarized Lenses - Vision-Ease Lens
NuPolar 1.67 High Index - Younger Optics
Semi-Finished
LENS DESIGN
Individual - Carl Zeiss Vision
Varilux Sport - Essilor of America
iD LifeStyle - Hoya Vision Care
Autograph II - Shamir Insight
MARKETING
Xperio Brand Polarized Lenses - Essilor of America
Transitions Academy - Transitions Optical
Coppertone Polarized Lenses - Vision-Ease Lens
Drivewear Glare Wheel - Younger Optics
Demonstrator
SOFTWARE TOOLS
Specialty Lens Designer DAC International
Job Bob Digital Vision
Electronic Packing List Opticom
Laboratory Management Optivision
System
SURFACING EQUIPMENT
MAAT Sub-Aperture Polisher Gerber Coburn
VFT Orbit Generator Satisloh
HSC Sprint Generator Schneider Optical Machines
SURFACING MATERIAL & TOOLS
Lumina Polish Pad DAC Vision
Red Revolution Fining Pad Practical Systems
(RED800 or EL2-RED800)
Perma Pad Polishing Tool Schneider Optical Machines
FINISHING EQUIPMENT
Rob Control for Blocking A&R Optical Machinery
WECO 950 Edger Gerber Coburn
Dimension Tracer National Optronics
Sprint Spin Coater Quest Optical
LT-1000 Tracer Santinelli Int'l/Nidek
ES-4 Edger Satisloh
FINISHING MATERIAL & TOOLS
Dual Lensmapper A&R Optical Machinery
Stellar Block DAC Vision
Micro-PAL Identifier Optisource
Edge Right Quest Optical
LENS TREATMENT EQUIPMENT
Turbo Gradient 4 BPI/Brain Power
Syrus 1350 Leybold Optics
EZ Coat System Quest Optical
Magna Spin Coater Satisloh
Ultra-Rx Coater Ultra Optics
ACCESSORY PRODUCTS
Chemistrie Custom Clips Eyenovate
Double Lens Lined Envelope E-Z Pack
Leader Lens Wipe Dispenser Hilco