CARLSBAD, Calif.—With the launch this month of six Kodak Lens Dr. Tavel locations in the Indianapolis, Ind. metro area, Signet Armorlite is implementing the next phase of its new U.S. retail initiative.

The Kodak Lens retail initiative provides independent eyecare professionals (iECPs) that are committed to dispensing Kodak lenses with the opportunity to leverage the strength, recognition and value of the Kodak brand in their local markets. Existing iECP owners like Dr. Tavel retain full ownership of their stores.

“Kodak is one of the most trusted and recognized brands and Signet Armorlite holds the exclusive license in the ophthalmic space through 2029,” said Edward DeRosa, executive vice president of Signet Armorlite.

“For many years, Dr. Tavel has aspired to increase the target population for his practices through media advertising. Partnering with Signet Armorlite and rebranding six of the key locations provides an immediate and significant positive impact on his practices’ awareness within the Indianapolis communities. Dr. Tavel’s loyalty and commitment to supporting the Kodak Brand over 20-plus years made his practices a natural choice for our retail initiative.”

Dr. Tavel Optical Group is family-owned and operated with 19 locations across Indiana. David Tavel, MD established the first Dr. Tavel location in 1940. His sons, Larry Tavel, MD, and Alan Tavel, OD, now operate the business.

“We’ve experienced the exceptional quality of the product and seen firsthand the patient loyalty and trust in the Kodak brand,” said Dr. Larry Tavel. “We feel that the significance and heritage of the Kodak name positions Kodak lens as the ideal partner for us to grow our business.

“We live in a world of increased competition and challenging reimbursements from managed care; with those two things in mind, we believe that finding a significant point of differentiation is important. Combining two trusted brands like Dr. Tavel and Kodak Lens is an opportunity for us to differentiate our business and draw patients who want premium products to our stores.”

A grand reopening event was held on March 9, 2016 at the Kodak Lens Dr. Tavel location in Zionsville, Ind.

Signet Armorlite launched its U.S. retail program in December, 2015 with the opening of Kodak Lens Heitmeier Eyecare in New Orleans. The Signet Armorlite retail initiative continues to expand with the rebranding of several other iECP practices already underway.