Basketball's Best!

America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses And The Harlem Globetrotters

By: Dr. Brian M. Cohen

America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses teamed up with the Harlem Globetrotters to become the team's official eyewear retailer. Paul Gross, our Senior Vice President of Marketing stated it "best" in a recent news article, "Our relationship with the Harlem Globetrotters will help bring awareness of the need for affordable, quality eye care and eyewear."

The "Spinning the Globe" world tour was promoted in our stores by offering two free tickets to the Globetrotter's show with the purchase of Transitions™ brand lenses. Our company shares the common goal of improving patients' long-term eye health and wellness. The Transitions™ brand lenses adjust the level of tint to changing light conditions, minimizing the harmful effects of sunlight.

In Baltimore, the excitement started on February 27, 2009, with the arrival of Harlem Globetrotter Andre "Hot Shot" Branch. He made a personal visit to the Security Square location, signed autographs, and demonstrated his amazing basketball abilities.

The Globetrotters performed two shows in the Baltimore area on March 15, 2009. I experienced the excitement first hand. Our America's Best brand had a large presence in the arena. From the large signage under the basket to the custom made seat covers, our name was highly visible. During the first quarter, the announcer awarded three spectators an "America's Best seat upgrade." The game was stopped and the lucky attendees were escorted from the back row to priority seats on the court, right next to the players' bench. A large banner was carried during their walk through the crowd. At half time, our two pair special including free eye exam for $69.95 was prominently announced.

The main event may be over, but we still have a great opportunity to emphasize the benefits of Transitions™ brand lenses to future patients. From sales to patient awareness, this promotion was a "slam dunk."

National Vision Meeting 2007 – East Region

Dr. Brian M. Cohen, O.D.

  
The 2007 National Vision Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia began for Doctors and Managers on Saturday night December 15, 2007. We received a true “Southern Hospitality” warm welcome from corporate leaders and district managers who arrived the previous day. The welcoming reception was complete with refreshments and “celebrity shwag.” There was a contest to guess the mysterious meaning of the acronym “WGIGO.” Now we know, “We Got It Goin’ On!”

Sunday morning began with a fantastic breakfast and a general session for America’s Best and WalMart doctors. The session was followed by eight hours of COPE approved continuing education. The topics concentrated mostly on the pertinent topics of pharmacology and Glaucoma. The topics were definitely streamlined to the primary care environment.

Sunday evening was the incredible “Kickoff Gala.” This event was an over-the-top reception complete with a raffle and gifts for attendees. Music was provided by Optyx, a band composed of some of our own multi-talented National Vision employees. The highlight of the evening was the announcement of our NVI exclusive Randy Jackson Eyewear collection. There was a dynamic video showcasing his stylish new frames and an explanation of his plan to wear a new pair each week on his popular hit show “American Idol.” Much to our surprise, Randy Jackson himself made a celebrity guest appearance that evening at our party. The excitement in the room was electric and we were all thrilled to meet him and to support his efforts to promote eyewear for our company.

The final day of the annual meeting, Monday, provided the opportunity for six additional hours of COPE approved continuing education. These informative sessions were both helpful and interesting. Following the CE, there was a meeting of NVI corporate leaders and optometrists. The goal was to address doctor retention and satisfaction. This meeting emphasized National Vision’s commitment to providing a fulfilling life long career with the organization.

The closing session proved to be a truly grand finale. Participants of the conference were treated to the experience of “Drum Café.” This was an innovative team building event which inspired everyone to work together. This was an entertaining, inspiring, and uplifting experience. It was the ultimate send-off to a successful national meeting.
 

Dr. Sarah Manongdo-Joya Recognized By Both "Women In Optometry" & Television Media For Her eBay Wedding Book

National Vision's Dr. Sarah Joya recognized after her 2005 graduation from Illinois College of Optometry, that as her education was expensive, she needed to find a way to save on her wedding.  This led her to eBay, and a savings of more than $5,000 on her wedding.  She was able to snag a never-worn Winnie Couture wedding gown for $109.00 (at least a $1,000 savings right there), and just kept that process going throughout.  As you can see, she has good taste, but just knows how to find great wedding bargains on eBay.  This led her to write a quick guide to replicate her success, which led to a co-authored book which is available now, and receiving great press.  We are obviously proud of the success that Dr. Joya has had with her book.  If her name sounds familiar, you may have talked to her, as she helps National Vision in recruiting Optometrists as well. If you would like to view the Women In Optometry Article, or visit her website, please click below.

Building On Tradition - National Vision Prepares To Hold Annual Optometric & Retail Meetings

Dr. Brian M. Cohen, O.D.

I began my career with America’s Best Contacts and Eyeglasses in the spring of 1993. Two years later, a tradition was started to gather the Doctors and Store Managers for a national meeting. The main objective was to include the Doctors and Managers in the future plans of a growing company. In addition, approximately 14 hours of Continuing Education was provided. The convention was a huge success and was extremely helpful in building trust and relationships with Corporate Management. Since then, a meeting has been held annually to strengthen these bonds.

National Vision is building on this tradition. Meetings will be held again this year. Due to the growth of the company, there will be two meetings. Doctor’s from the West will be meeting in Los Angeles while Doctors from the East will be meeting in Atlanta. The company is generously offering 14 Continuing Education credit hours for all Optometrists attending.

Obtaining Continuing Education credits can be a challenge for busy Optometrists. It can be both expensive and difficult to fit into our daily schedules. These credits are truly a hidden benefit in the extensive benefit package offered by National Vision. They are all COPE approved and delivered by nationally recognized speakers.

I look forward to attending this meeting every year. In addition to earning necessary credits, I gain insight into the future plans of the Company. I enjoy meeting others and sharing new ideas for further success. The energy is positive and upbeat. I always return to my office rejuvenated and ready to move forward. This is a benefit to me personally, the staff, and most importantly the patients. (Back To Top)