This year’s contest winners demonstrated their talent and style.
HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.—Santinelli International has announced the winners of its popular “Think Outside the Box Edge” Rimless Eyewear Contest, in which the users of the company ME-1000, ME-1200 and ME-900 drilling edgers demonstrated their creativity in designing and fabricating unique rimless eyewear.

The company received an array of eyewear styles ranging from Star Wars to steampunk. Entries were displayed on the Santinelli International Facebook page, and winning entries were unveiled at their International Vision Expo East booth. In addition to bragging rights, first, second and third prize winners received vouchers to be used toward the purchase of any Santinelli product.

The winning entries were selected by Mike Daley, chairman of The Vision Council. Daley awarded the top prize to Charlie Blankenship of The Spectacle Shoppe in St. Paul, Minn. Matt Johnson of Parrelli Optical in Cambridge, Mass. took second place, and Pearce Eckert of Arlington Optical of Columbus, Ohio was awarded third place.

“Once again, it was a really tough decision for me to choose the contest winners,” said Daley. “All of this year’s entries were incredible, from the recently trending steampunk style to Star Wars-inspired Darth Vader specs. But the winner’s use of a creative New York flavor, combined with great detail and intricacy, is what really locked in my decision.”

Matt Johnson of Parrelli Optical remarked, “It’s nice to see a company that is dedicated to creating not only the tools that are needed by the opticians of today, but tools that will be needed by the opticians of tomorrow as well.” “Thank you for your collective efforts, and for taking time to recognize the artistic end of our industry.”