The Vision Council

Mike Daley

Mike Daley has joined The Vision Council as a full-time employee and will serve as the new Liaison to the Optical Lab Division. He will represent the viewpoint of the Lab Division, and interact with the individual members to understand their unique perspectives. Daley began his career in the industry more than 40 years ago. He was president and chief operating officer of Essilor of America's U.S. Lens Division, and retired in 2008. In his most recent role, he served as the president and executive director of the Foundation for Eye Health Awareness.

National Optometry Hall of Fame

Kevin Alexander

The National Optometry Hall of Fame, administered by Optometry Cares, the AOA Foundation, will welcome five new inductees into its group of optometrists during Optometry’s Meeting in Chicago on June 28. This year’s inductees include: Kevin L. Alexander, OD, Ph.D., from Fullerton, Calif.; James A. Boucher, OD, from Laramie, Wyo.; William E. Cochran, OD, DOS, from Cordova, Tenn.; Frank Fontana, OD, from St. Louis, Mo;, and Thomas L. Lewis, OD, Ph.D., from Dresher, Penn.

Abbott Medical Optics

Jim Mazzo

Jim Mazzo, president of Abbott Medical Optics (AMO) announced that he is retiring from the company at the end of 2012. He is also retiring from the position of senior vice president of Abbott Laboratories, AMO’s parent. Upon Mazzo’s departure, Murthy Simhambhatla, PhD, head of Abbott’s Ibis Biosciences business, will assume the role of president. The two executives will work together to ensure a smooth transition, AMO said. Mazzo has served as president of AMO since its February 2009 acquisition by Abbott.

Bausch + Lomb

John Barr

Bausch + Lomb have named John Barr as global president of the company’s surgical business. In this capacity, Barr will oversee the company’s full suite of ophthalmic surgical products, intraocular lenses and delivery systems, which include such brand names as enVista, Crystalens, Stellaris PC, Storz and VICTUS. Prior to joining Bausch + Lomb, Barr was president and CEO of AGA Medical, a pioneer of minimally invasive devices to treat structural heart defects and vascular abnormalities.

OOGP

Kenji Hamada

Kenji Hamada, OD, founder and president of OOGP, has retired after leading the company for 27 years. Jeff Duncan, a veteran executive with OOGP’s parent, Essilor of America, is taking over from Dr. Hamada in the role of general manager/vice president. Dr. Hamada remains an advisor to the president and CEO of Essilor of America, John Carrier. OOGP is one of the largest authorized ophthalmic distributors and buying groups in the U.S. The company was co-founded by Dr. Hamada and his wife, Lillian in 1985.

REM Eyewear

Julia Ritchie

Julia Ritchie has been named brand manager for Converse Eyewear. With her finger on the pulse of the edgy target Converse customer, coupled with results driven marketing experience, Ritchie is a valuable asset to the REM Eyewear team. She was formerly part of the marketing and event coordination team for Niche Media’s Aspen Peak and Philadelphia Style magazines, equipping her with crucial consumer outreach techniques, and brand immersion and promotion.

Bob Smith passes away

Bob Smith

Bob Smith, inventor of the fog-free ski goggle and founder of Smith Optics, died at his home in La Quinta, CA on April 18, at age 78. An orthodontist by trade, Dr. Smith developed the first sealed thermal (dual) lens and breathable vented foam ski goggle in 1965. He made the goggles at his kitchen table by hand using his dental tools. Dr. Smith originally sold his hand-made goggles to skiers on his visits to ski resorts, and after dealing with a few partners, Smith was developed, manufactured, and distributed as a stand-alone company. Smith Optics was acquired by Safilo in 1996.

Bud Bargman passes away

"Bud" Bargman

O.R. “Bud” Bargman, formerly of Hawkins Optical, passed away on May 15 in Topeka, Kansas at age 81. Bargman was associated with Hawkins Optical Laboratories in Topeka for 62 years, fabricating prescription eyewear for optometrists, ophthalmologists and opticians. He was the co-owner and worked in production and sales from 1949 to 1968 before becoming president in 1969. In 1992 he became chairman of the board, and retired in 2010. Among his many honors, he was past president of the Optical Laboratories Association and was a charter member of the OLA’s “Optical Pioneers.”