PINELLAS PARK, Fla.— Transitions Optical has announced the top three finalists for its fourth annual Vision Benefits Broker of the Year award, which recognizes brokers who have gone above and beyond to promote the value of the vision benefit. The winner will be announced at the awards reception to be held Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, at next week’s 18th annual Transitions Academy in Orlando, Fla. All three finalists received a trip for two to attend Transitions Academy, along with prizes and office items for themselves and their staff members.


Jay Fiorello.

The top three finalists are Jay Fiorello, senior consultant for Ovation Benefits in Farmington, Conn.; Sara Niemeyer, account executive with USI Insurance Services, LLC, in Valhalla, N.Y.; and Trevor Stephens, group service consultant of RE Sutton & Associates in Carmel, Ind.


Sara Niemeyer.​

“In 2013, after attending Transitions Academy for the first time, Jay began to approach clients with a newfound appreciation of the importance of vision care for not only employees' eyesight, but also overall health and productivity,” Transitions remarked in a statement about the nominees. “His approach led two of his largest municipality groups, as well as a number of other clients, to purchase a vision benefit.”


Trevor Stephens.
“With the launch of several vision products in 2013, she has successfully shown employers why offering a vision plan to employees is a priority,” Transitions stated about Niemeyer. “In fact, almost all of the employers she works with are offering a vision plan in 2014.”

“He believes that vision coverage is an important part of the overall employee benefits offering that RE Sutton provides to its clients and packages it with medical in nearly every scenario,” Transitions said about Stephens. “He approaches employers as an educator, not as a salesperson, and shares information on how an annual eye exam can not only provide early detection of vision problems, but can also uncover underlying medical conditions. His efforts have contributed to significant business growth in 2013.”