Chrystel Barranger, president EMEA wholesale, EssilorLuxottica and president Essilor photochromics and Transitions Optical, opened Thursday morning’s session by discussing the new reality of the optical industry.
ORLANDO, Fla.—The 25th Transitions Academy opened here Thursday morning with more than 850 industry experts from 45 countries around the world attending the event this week at the J.W. Marriott Grande Lakes. Attendees learned about Transitions’ latest strategic projects and participated in professional development and product technology seminars. They also heard from experts and educators on marketing and industry trends, and from their colleagues and partners at the three-day, invitation-only event, which is themed "Eye Care Love Forever.”

Chrystel Barranger, president EMEA wholesale, EssilorLuxottica and president Essilor photochromics and Transitions Optical, opened Thursday morning’s session by welcoming attendees from around the world to Transitions Academy discussed the new reality of the optical industry. “We're super, super happy to have you here and to celebrate with you,” Barranger said as she closed the opening session.

“I think you've also understood that we have a very bold ambition for this category, and for this brand. And we’re serious when we say that we want to become the standard. The brand is strong, with a renewed portfolio and superior performance. We're going to continue to invest and to innovate, and we definitely want to bring it to the next level. But we want to bring it to the next level with you. Together, we are unstoppable.”
 



Jose Alves, who retired earlier this spring as general manager, Americas, made a surprise appearance at the opening session to welcome attendees.
Also Thursday morning, Coralie Barrau, senior photobiology scientist, innovation manager for light management, R&D EssilorLuxottica, discussed light management science, and Brian O’Neill, vice president, global innovation, technology and operations, Transitions, shared how the 100 percent renewed Transitions portfolio offers tailored solutions to meet patient needs.

Charlotte Hamel, global marketing vice president, Transitions, continued the Thursday morning session with a focus on style and showcasing Transitions collections. To close the morning session, Hamel highlighted the consumer journey and how ECPs can build awareness, consideration and conversion around Transitions lenses.
 
Jose Alves, who retired earlier this spring as general manager, Americas, made a surprise appearance at the opening session to welcome attendees, and he received a warm welcome from attendees. Alves, who spent more than 30 years with the company, will be recognized at the session today, also. He first joined the company in 1991 as a production manager, and he subsequently held many roles across the organization and played an integral part in growing Transitions Optical in Latin America, advancing to general manager in 2004.
 
In 2015, Alves was appointed as general manager of Americas where he overlooked the North America region and global channel management while still retaining his responsibilities for Latin America.
 
The afternoon session included a keynote address from disruption strategist Shawn Kanungo. His keynote, "Bold Ones: How to Innovate and Disrupt Ourselves," explored how individuals can apply the innovations and disruptions occurring around them to become more dynamic and valuable.