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What, specifically, are the challenges and opportunities for Rx Sunwear business, given our current economic climate and what is predicted for the economy going forward?

Rx Sunwear is a solid opportunity to provide solutions which address needs in specific segments. According to Intercast/PPG market intelligence, sales of Plano sunglasses increased from 20 to 55 million pairs between 2000 and 2007. Sales of polarized planos increased from 2.5 to 10 million pairs in the same period. In 2007, the sales of Rx sunglasses accounted for 16% of total Rx lenses sold in the US. Of those, 65% are polarized lenses while 20% are high base curve wraparounds.


What should ECPs keep in mind about your company’s involvement in/dedication to Rx sunwear?

Intercast is the worldwide leader in Plano sun lenses, and has 30 years experience in light management and filtration engineering. NXT Performance Rx sunlenses represent the ONLY new innovation in the Optical Industry as regards the Rx sunwear category. The lenses combine the uniqueness of Trivex material (which offers crisp vision, lightness, and impact resistance), with Confined Tinting, and Light Management Technology. This is a highly welcome alternative to cheap polycarbonate or other materials which are not suitable for rimless or high base wrap styles. By concentrating on growing segments, Intercast plans to hold its position as the leading producer of Rx sunwear.

Which specific categories of Rx Sun lens products – polarized, high-base wraps, PALs, single-vision, mirror coatings – or others you’d like to mention – do you feel offer the biggest ‘upside’ business opportunity for optical retailers and ECPs this year? Why?

ECPs can choose from a variety of colors for specific end user needs. NXT is suitable for fashionable frames or for performance applications including activities like skiing, sailing, golf and driving. NXT maintains a natural color perception while enhancing color contrast and minimizing eye fatigue. NXT offers 100% protection from harmful UV rays.

Recently we have added two new products to the range of NXT Rx sun lenses: NXT SFSV Polar and NXT SFSV Polar Varia semi-processed single vision lenses in the polarizing and photochromic polarizing versions. The new polarizing lenses are an all-new innovation in the market and combine the exclusive Light Management Technology of Intercast with the characteristics of Trivex. NXT and Light Management Technology have been chosen by some of the best athletes and fashion designers worldwide.

In which of your company’s specific product lines are you putting the most sales and marketing support during 2009? Which products and programs are ongoing from 2008 and which will be new?

With NXT Performance Sunlenses, Intercast is building a platform for excellence in quality sun lenses. NXT is used by top sunglass brands and is distributed by a lab network that targets the best optometrists and ECPs. In 2009, NXT will be the subject of a nationwide trade campaign. The material will also be supported by trade and consumer press coverage via partners, retailers, and labs.

NXT completes the Trivex clear range and will benefit from PPG marketing, communication and growth in this material.

ECPs will find in NXT an opportunity to grow margins and increase customer loyalty. The whole communication program will be released at VEE along with the introduction of additional product releases. NXT is the most comprehensive offer in high performance Rx Sunwear.