Eye Focus December 2017 | Page 14

The trade show exhibit also provided attendees with networking opportunities, fun events and giveaways. By offering opportunities to meet and greet, socialize and share information, attendees were able to both expand their professional contacts and develop lasting relationships with other companies. “It’s important for us to be here because we get to meet our members – they’re just not a voice on the telephone,” said Stephanie Martin of The Optical Group. “When they see us at these shows, it puts the group into perspective for them. And for new members taking part for the education portion, they get information from us if they’re going to open their individual store.” Meetings of the Opticians Council of Canada, National Association of Canadian Optician Regulators, Canadian Association of Optical Educators and the Opticians Association of Canada all took place in conjunction with Vision Canada. Vision Canada 2016 brought together optical professionals to network, educate and put faces to the names they deal with so regularly online or over the phone. Attendees from across Canada attended the annual convention & trade show, hosted by the Opticians Association of Canada. It included a two-day line-up of accredited educational presentations and workshops aimed at professional development of opticians, as well as exhibitor booths, Virtual Reality demonstrations and a ‘Students Meet Students’ Mixer. Presenters included optical consultant Jackie O’Keefe, who discussed crafting sales strategies around customer needs. O’Keefe said promoting multiple types of glasses for professionals to targeting age demographics would allow opticians to demonstrate the variety of lenses that are available. It would also provide business opportunities to educate patients and expand what they provide. “It’s all based on the answers they give about who they are and what they like to do,” O’Keefe said, adding much of this information is given freely just by speaking with patients about their needs, their lives and what they need from eyewear. “Find out what is their passion. Listen to what they are telling you, because it will matter.” The ‘Nautilus’ headset by Essilor was one of the virtual reality products showcased. It gives both optical retailers and others a chance to experience various lens styles and products, “without actually trying them on.” 14 EYE FOCUS | December Digital 2016 • Retail & EHR Software • Integrated Web Solutions Web Scheduler Online Dispensing • Hosted or local install and so much more... A C U I TA S Find your solution today visit Ocuco.ca call 1 800 708 1736 email [email protected]