LAS VEGAS—The Alcon-sponsored Corporate Optometry Reports (COR) Meeting held here during Vision Expo West presented a very encouraging picture for the eyecare and eyewear market. Moderated by Dwight Akerman, OD, FAAO, director, professional affairs and programs, Alcon, the presentation began as it traditionally has with an “Overview of the U.S. Optical Market” by Marge Axelrad, senior vice president/editorial director of Vision Monday. Reviewing mid-year VisionWatch statistics for the 12 months ending June, she said, “For the first time in a long time there were positive percentage gains in every category in the vision care marketplace.”

Keynote speaker, Megan Petrini, Zappos.com, Inc., explained to the audience how the company’s online shoe sales are boosted by its unique attitude toward customer service that empowers all employees to make the best decisions for each customer.

With an update on the American Optometric Association’s legislative agenda, Mitchell T. Munson, OD, FAAO, president elect of the AOA, explained that the organization’s number one goal in general is federal advocacy.

Other presenters included Barry Barresi, OD, PhD, AOA executive director who offered a description of the AOA’s recently formed for-profit subsidiary, AOAExcel, created to help members succeed. An “Evolving CL Market” was the subject of Sean Clark’s presentation, which indicated that two-week modality contact lens sales are on the decline, while monthly replacement and daily disposable contact lenses are on the increase for both new fits and total fits. Concluding the COR Meeting, Gary Gerber, OD, of The Power Practice, cited some trends he’s observed “walking through 600 offices” last year as a consultant.  ■



 		  
 Keynote speaker, Megan Petrini, Zappos.com, Inc.  The Alcon-sponsored Corporate Optometry Reports (COR) Meeting was moderated by Dwight Akerman, OD, FAAO, director, professional affairs and programs, Alcon.

(L to R) Michael Akahoshi, Luxottica Retail, Ron Krefman, OD, Wallace Lovejoy, Barry Barresi, OD, PhD, AOA, Mitchell Munson, OD, AOA, and Dwight Akerman, OD, Alcon are all smiles at the Corporate Optometry Reports (COR) luncheon. (L to R) Anh Nguyen, FirstSight Vision Services, Jennifer Sommer, Wal-Mart Stores, Chad Overman, OD, Wal-Mart Stores, Steve Reinhart, OD, Alcon and Vince Machi of Alcon enjoy their lunch break before the Corporate Optometry Reports (COR) session.
Mitchell T. Munson, OD, FAAO, president elect of the AOA updated attendees on the Association’s legislative agenda at the Corporate Optometry Reports (COR) meeting.
(L to R) Peter Clarkson, National Vision, Cameron Web, Alcon, Daniel Levy, OD, of Davis Vision and HVHC, and Gary Gerber, OD, The Power Practice, at the Corporate Optometry Reports (COR) meeting.


(L to R) Dirk Fuqua, Ray Pasko and Pam Wyman, all of Alcon, take in the atmosphere at lunch before the COR meeting.
Concluding the COR meeting, Gary Gerber, OD, of The Power Practice, cited some trends he’s observed “walking through offices” last year as a consultant.