Information For Consumers

Information For Eye Care Professionals

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The Vision Council  >  Members   >  Divisions   >  Eyewear and Accessories Division   >  Activities

Activities

Consumer Media Outreach

Throughout the year, The Vision Council conducts consumer media outreach to promote vision care and vision care products. Members of the Eyewear & Accessories Division participate in this effort through our Eyecessorize campaign.

Click here to see a listing of the latest media placements. For a selection of recent 2012 Eyecessorize media highlights, click here (PDF - 26 MB).

In addition to outreach through the Eyecessorize campaign, The Vision Council is working on behalf of E&A members to increase eye protection purchases by promoting the importance of ultraviolet (UV) protection to consumers. In 2011, The Vision Council launched a three-year UV Protection campaign to relay the importance of protecting eyes and the skin that surrounds the eyes. During the first quarter of 2012, social media activities will support a refreshed version of the existing campaign, which will include a tongue-in-cheek website, ski sponsorship and street team events. View the official report, "Hidden Dangers of UV: Keeping Your Eyes Safe," and click here to view recent media placements from the UV campaign.

Eyecessorize Fall 2011 Trend Kit

The Eyecessorize fall 2011 trend kit was completed in July and sent to over 400 reporters and editors. The kit includes an interactive thumb drive that provides eyewear trend information, downloadable hi-res images and a list of potential eyewear story ideas for media. All trend information and product images have also been uploaded to the Eyecessorize website's product database.

LIVE! with Regis and Kelly

Corinne McCormack, spokesperson for The Vision Council and Eyecessorize, appeared on LIVE! with Regis and Kelly on July 5. The segment featured product from members of The Vision Council as well as face fitting tips, the benefits of ultraviolet (UV) protection and an overview of the latest trends in sunglasses.

For more information about the sunwear tips and frames featured on LIVE! with Regis and Kelly, please visit Eyecessorize.com.

Country of Origin Task Force

United States customs laws require that all goods produced outside of the U.S. must be legibly marked with information concerning the country where the item was produced. In 2007, The Vision Council began an aggressive campaign to protect law-abiding companies, keep the U.S. government out of the industry and protect a valuable asset, the International Vision Expos. The effort ensures exhibitors at the International Vision Expos are compliant with the U.S. Customs Country Of Origin Marking Rules for Imported Frames and Lenses.

To ensure a level playing field, the Country of Origin Task Force works with The Vision Council’s legal counsel to ensure that all frame manufacturers comply with country of origin guidelines. Representatives from The Vision Council review all optical products exhibited in order to promote and enforce proper country of origin markings.

Click here to see the latest updates from the Country of Origin Taskforce.

Annual Trend Presentation

The Eyewear & Accessories division sponsors an annual trend presentation at International Vision Expo East to educate members on the upcoming fashion trends.

Click here to view handouts from the International Vision Expo East 2010 presentation.

Frame Buyer's Certificate Program

Designed to help eye care professionals maximize dispensary profit potential, the Eyewear & Accessories Division sponsors continuing education at International Vision Expo. Courses cover a variety of topics, including eyewear pricing strategies, inventory management and fashion trends. Conferees taking eight hours of from the program will receive a Frame Buyer's Certificate.

The program has been well attended, the list of participants is a resource and benefit of membership in The Vision Council.

Charitable Donations

Making optical products available to those in need is a goal shared by both The Vision Council and our members. In an effort to keep products and support flowing to charitable organizations, The Vision Council is happy to serve as the liaison between our members and charities in the optical industry.

We encourage members to contact us if they would like to donate surplus inventory or become more involved with charitable work. Donating excess inventory not only helps clean out your warehouse in preparation for the upcoming season, it also is a great way to receive a tax benefit. The Vision Council will work with both members and charities to make the transaction as easy and efficient as possible.

For more information, please contact The Vision Council's communications coordinator Jenna LaRoche at jlaroche@thevisioncouncil.org or at (703) 740-1099.