Optical Prism February 2016 | Page 18

Facing Challenges Interview With Ontario Opticians Association Executive Director Lorne Kashin. THE OPTICAL INDUSTRY HAS FACED MANY CHALLENGES IN RECENT YEARS. ACQUISITIONS THAT HAVE MADE COMPETING IN THE INDUSTRY AS AN INDEPENDENT EVEN MORE DIFFICULT, AS WELL AS THE INFLUENCE OF ONLINEOPTICAL SALE. In this interview, Registered Optician and Executive Director of the Ontario Opticians Association Lorne Kashin reflects on the eyewear industry. Kashin has worked in the industry since 1975 and also works as a mentor and speaker. He also acts as an advisor to the Opticians Association of Canada. Kashin shares his thoughts on how the industry can overcome these challenges and what ECPs can do to remain strong, independent and competitive. 18 EYE FOCUS | February Digital 2016