The Vision Council of America (VCA) has formally announced a new name and logo—The Vision Council. Debuting at the group’s 2008 Executive Summit in Naples, FL, The Vision Council identity and brand was unveiled by The Vision Council chairman, Larry Clarke, who said “Our new name and logo are designed to present our organization as inclusive, committed and authoritative.”

He talked about the group’s recent strategic planning session last summer which resulted in a new vision for the future, “to be the leading voice for enhancing life through better vision, helping people to see and be seen.” 

Ed Greene, CEO of The Vision Council, said “We are very energized by our new direction. It’s our mission to provide a forum to advocate better vision by promoting quality vision care products and services in the global community.”  

The Vision Council will continue to enhance its meeting and events, such as the International Vision Expos, the Executive Summit and divisional meetings, as well as its training and education offerings. It will shift its focus to further promote the products its members make. A new, contemporary logo has been developed for The Vision Council. The logo and a series of new branding materials will officially debut in April at Vision Expo East in New York City.

At the Summit, as previously reported, The Vision Council announced its merger with the Sunglass Association of America (SAA), whose members will become part of a new Sunglass and Readers division of the organization, effective immediately.

In addition, the group officially inducted its 2008 officers and board of directors.

Larry Clarke of Satisloh North America, Inc. remain as chairman and will serve with R. Michael Daley of Essilor Lenses as vice-chair, Raanan Naftalovich of Shamir Insight, Inc. as secretary/treasurer and Andrea Gluck of Eyewear Designs Limited as immediate past chairman. Currently serving on The Vision Council’s board of directors are: James Anderson, Legal Counsel; Martin Bassett, Walman Optical; David Cole, Transitions; Pierre Fay, Luxottica Group; Ed Greene, The Vision Council; Donald Howard, Kenmark Group; Richard Russo, Safilo USA, and Gerard Santinelli, Santinelli International. Joining the board, will be the SAA’s David Beebe. Also new to the board, serving the first of two possible three-year terms are: Fred Howard, Carl Zeiss; Michael Hundert, REM Eyewear; Stephen Rappoport, L’Amy, and David Cole, Transitions.

The division chairs serve on the board and include: Eyewear and Accessories Division: James Shyer, Zyloware Corporation; Lens Division: Douglas Hepper, Vision-Ease Lens; Lens Processing Technology Division: David Beach, National Optronics, Inc.; Low Vision Division: Geoffrey Moss, Eschenbach Optik of America; Better Vision Institute: Elaine Hathaway, M.D., Brunswick Eye Associates .

Retiring from board of directors this year are Al Berg of Marchon Eyewear and Richard Bullwinkle of DAC Vision.