Cal Ripkin Jr. and Robert Irvine @Transitions
Baseball legend Cal Ripkin, Jr. and Food Network celebrity chef Robert Irvine, Transitions Optical’s new OSS (Officials Sponsor of Sightseeing) Ambassadors, will share their experiences wearing Transitions lens products following short presentations at 10:30 am (Irvine) and 1:30 pm (Ripken) at Booth LP #7115. At each presentation, 10 attendees will be selected for a VIP meet and greet experience with the celebrity ambassadors.

SUNY-Optometry’s 2013 Gala
Tonight’s “Eyes on New York” Gala will honor John Carrier, president and CEO of Essilor of America, Inc., and Jim Murphy, VP/general manager U.S. Vision Care for Alcon Laboratories, Inc. The Gala, sponsored by the Optometric Center of New York, the foundation of the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry, will be held at Cipriani 42nd Street.
This year’s event will mark the 57th Anniversary of the foundation and the 42nd Anniversary of the College. The College includes the University Eye Center, one of the largest vision care facilities in the country and the Graduate Center for Vision Research.
Serving as co-chairs for the event, are Marc Ferrara, CEO, Information Services Division, Jobson Medical Information, and David Plogmann, senior VP, Optical Partnerships, Luxottica Retail.
The event will take place from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. and will feature a cocktail reception, dinner and entertainment. For ticket information and journal details, contact awarwick@sunyopt.edu, (212) 938-5600.

McGee Toast for B&M
Join the McGee Group at Booth #653 for a champagne toast with celebrity designers Mark Badgley and James Mischka of Badgley Mischka, McGee’s latest eyewear brand.

Safilo Fashion Shows
Carson Kressley, TV personality and renowned fashion stylist, will again serve as the celebrity guest emcee of Safilo USA’s fashion show at Safilo Booth #648. Kressley will announce today’s shows (and Saturday’s show) at 11:00 am, 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm, featuring runway looks from Safilo’s diverse portfolio of fashion brands including Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Marc by Marc Jacobs, BOSS, BOSS Orange, Tommy Hilfiger, Max Mara, kate spade new york and Banana Republic. The fashion shows will continue on Saturday and Sunday with the same show times.

Optical Women’s Association to Honor Three ‘Stars’ at Awards Event
The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) will pay tribute to three optical industry “stars” as it presents honorary awards at its 15th Anniversary Celebration and Award event tonight from 6 to 10 p.m. The networking reception, open to both OWA members and non-members, will take place at the Milk Gallery, located at 450 West 15th Street.
Jobson Optical Group’s Marge Axelrad will receive the OWA’s 2013 Pleiades award. The OWA’s Pyxis Award is being presented to Tiara Claxton, OWA member and sales consultant for Safilo, USA. The first OWA Lifetime Achievement Award will pay tribute to Grady Culbreth, of Grady & Associates, Inc.
Transportation to the Milk Gallery will be available from the Javits at 5:45, 6:00 and 6:15.

ODs on Facebook
ODs on Facebook will host a party sponsored by the Think About Your Eyes (TAYE) campaign at the Hard Rock Café Times Square at 1501 Broadway. Stop by for the unique chance to participate in this active OD social media group offline.

Fashion Optical Displays
Fashion Optical Displays is calling on dispensers. Each dispensary order of $15,000 or more qualifies for a voucher worth 10 percent or a minimum of $1,500 off any store design. Submit a floor plan for a new dispensary or remodeling to Booth #1237 for the chance to win free Dispensary Design Service overseen by one of Fashion Optical Display’s designers. The company is also offering 15 percent off all merchandising accessories and risers.

NBA Great Rick Barry At Legally Mine
Former NBA basketball player Rick Barry will be making an all-day appearance at the Legally Mine Booth#7376. Head over to the Lens & Technology Pavilion for an autograph and a photo with the former Golden State Warrior, known for shooting underhand free-throws.