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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?

It's going to be interesting. However, we believe we're on the right track since so much of our Rx business relies on supplying ANSI approved eye wear to the occupational safety market. Our hope is that this category of business will always be there with the thousands of employers providing safety approved, sport eyewear to their employee membership.

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

We're dedicated in that all of our frames, (even our Women's Street Series) are independently certified to exceed high velocity / high mass impact standard ANSI Z87.1-2003. So, now there's a fashionable, sporty option for customers needing an Rx frame for "on the job" or just because they live an active lifestyle.

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?

If you consider how much safety and high speed protection impacts our business, we believe there will be a continuous demand for Rx in our L.A. (transitional) Lenses. Whether you work or play indoors or out, why not buy one piece of "all purpose" eye protection that's safe and adjusts according to the amount of UV exposure.

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?

Our Climate Control Series. These revolutionary shades incorporate our patented, removable foam gaskets which drastically help seal out wind and debris. It's amazing the crossover and unlimited potential of these glasses from motorcyclists and high speed enthusiasts to military, police, fire and factory workers to name a few.

What can you review with ECPs/optical retailers about how you are managing your 2009 Wiley-X RX Sun programs?

We give you a choice to either stock your own empty Wiley X frames for Rx fulfillment or the opportunity to utilize our in-house Rx fulfillment program. It works out pretty good either way, and if you ever struggle to sell a frame or two that you stock, you can return them or swap them out no questions asked.