ALLIANCES

• The Opti-Port SPARK Conference, taking place at Vision Expo East, on March 15, will feature Joseph Michelli, New York Times’ best-selling author of “The Starbucks Experience: Five Principles for Turning Ordinary into Extraordinary.” He’ll lead the keynote presentation.

ASSOCIATIONS

• The Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association appointed Gary Esterow executive director of the multi-disciplined group of 1,100 professionals whose focus is on advancing the art and science of rehabilitation for neurologically challenged patient. https://noravisionrehab.com .
• The Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society named Lyndon Jones, Ph.D., FCOptom, F.A.A.O., F.B.C.L.A., to its board.

COMPANY NEWS

• 1-800 Contacts has acquired Liingo Eyewear, an online eyewear brand that offers an in-home try on program and free prescription lenses with every pair.
• CooperVision, Inc. created a Specialty Eye Care business unit to accelerate eye care professionals’ access to products. Dr. Juan Carlos Aragon has been named president of this division.
• Johnson & Johnson Vision has appointed Michael Mayers, O.D., F.A.A.O., as director, U.S. advocacy, vision care.
• Metall Zug Group has agreed to acquire 70% of Haag-Streit Holding AG. The remaining 30% will continue to be held by family shareholders, with Christopher Haag as representative. The transaction is expected to conclude in the first quarter of 2018.
• Opternative Inc. has partnered with Lens.com to offer Lens.com customers online prescription renewal technology.
• Topcon Medical Systems has appointed Joel Kozlowksi to the Topcon sales team as senior national account manager.
• The Vision Council’s specialty Eyecessorize has released it’s spring/summer 2018 trend kit. To acquire, contact Jessica Lutz, marketing and communications manager, at jlutz@thevision council.org , and visit eyeces sorize.com .
• VSP Global named Michael J. Guyette president and CEO, succeeding Rob Lynch.

NON PROFIT

Optometry Giving Sight and the Brien Holden Vision Institute have merged; OGS becomes the BHVI Foundation. The merge will begin on March 1. OM