Advancing Eyecare Insider
Employee Newsletter | Number 6 | August 2023
Q3 Global Town Hall is Tuesday, September 19th 1:30 PM ET
The Q3 Global Town Hall is next month – be sure to register to attend!
Over 250 employees across the US, Canada, and Mexico tuned in to our Q1 Global Town Hall to hear about our many accomplishments of 2022 and learn about our 2023 goals and corporate initiatives.
Be sure to join our Q3 Global Town Hall to hear about some exciting changes that will prepare us for success as we enter Q4, the biggest selling period of the year. You don’t want to miss it, as well as our regular segments like human resource updates, the always popular Employee Spotlight, and more.
Use the link below to register today. Please submit any questions you may want to have addressed during the Town Hall.
ESG at Advancing Eyecare - Our Focus On Sustainability
The ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) committee has been working hard to implement initiatives to enhance our employee community. These initiatives focus on diversity, safety, data security, and maintaining a sustainable environment. Here are a few new programs Advancing Eyecare has adopted to help lower our waste production and do our part to reduce our impact on local communities.
Elimination of Single-Use Cups
Single use cups will no longer be available in our kitchens and breakrooms.
- Employees are encouraged to bring their own coffee mug/tumbler at their work facility
- All employees received an AEC water bottle – these can be used instead of paper cups
Wastewater Conservation in Canada
The Edging team has made updates to machinery, so they can reduce plastics in wastewater and produce less water waste.
- New pump & tank that stores water used with edging equipment for up to 2 weeks before having to change it out, resulting in a reduction of water waste
- Filter to catch plastic debris created from the edging equipment so that debris does not go down the drain and into the water system
These efforts are a few ways we are making a positive contribution to our employees, our communities, and our society. For more information on ESG, please contact Lydia Le, Vice President, Strategy & Investor Relations, at lle@advancingeyecare.com.
Product Spotlight - Digital Refraction
Digital Refraction
Manual Refraction
“Which is better? One or Two?”
Anyone who has been to the eye doctor has likely been asked this question. A refraction test is one portion of a comprehensive eye exam, where the eye doctor establishes baselines for your vision, identifies changes, and evaluates if there is a need for corrective lenses. The instrument the patient looks through is called a refractor or phoropter, with manual and digital options. While a refractor is a staple in optometry practices, many doctors are adopting digital refraction to differentiate themselves and provide an overall better patient experience.
At Advancing Eyecare, we are huge advocates for the digital refractor (just ask our team members from Marco, who have been leading the way in digital refraction for years!).
Why Digital?
While many doctors are used to manual refractors, we are seeing a huge shift to automated technology. Here’s why:
Patient Benefits:
- Patients can see comparisons (“one or two?”) side-by-side, providing a more objective interpretation and greater confidence in choosing a prescription for their glasses or contacts.
- The “Wow” Factor – Patients experience modern technology and better explanations from their doctors. This builds the trust that they are getting the best quality exam.
- Digital refraction enables doctors to provide faster, more efficient exams, giving them more quality time with their patients, while still reducing the overall time in the exam room.
- The patients’ data automatically flows to a patient’s medical records (maintained in what’s called an EMR (Electronic Medical Records) system. While historically this was a manual, time-consuming task, staff members are now freed up to perform other tasks.
- Doctors can see more patients! These increased efficiencies empower doctors to do more without increasing overhead, with some practices seeing up to 5-7 more patients per day! They can help even more people while also increasing their revenue and building their practice. A win-win all around!
- Many doctors suffer from neck and shoulder pain from hunching over the manual refractor to rotate the lenses. Digital refraction allows them to automatically switch lenses from a seated position with a remote control panel.
- Digital refraction is the future – In our ever-evolving digital world, these devices are setting doctors up for success. ECPs can choose to offer remote refraction (conducting an eye exam from a remote location!), giving them greater flexibility.
Advancing Eyecare is in the business of helping people see better and that starts with the equipment and technology we provide our customers. We are major advocates of innovation and are proud to provide this remarkable technology to doctors across North America.
Advances in Optometry in Vietnam
In his travels to Vietnam since 2016, corporate accounts manager Jay Mapson and his family have witnessed the impressive strides made in eyecare. Meeting with Dr. Nguyen Xuan Hiep, Director of the Vietnam Institute of Ophthalmology in 2017, provided Jay firsthand insights into the successes and challenges faced by Vietnam and neighboring Southeast Asian countries. The number of surgeries and outpatient visits at the VNIO was incredible, but the challenge of extending care to remote areas remains a tremendous challenge.
In 2015, William Trinh, OD, OAM, played a pivotal role in advocating for professional optometry’s formal establishment in Vietnam. Through collaboration between the Brien Holden Vision Institute and Ho Chi Minh City Eye Hospital, Vietnam saw its first optometry school in 2015, marking a significant upward trajectory in the nation’s eyecare landscape. The transition from basic optical shops to advanced digital facilities and the increase in trained optometrists has contributed to this positive change.
Impressed by the dedication of eyecare professionals in Vietnam, Jay’s recent 2023 visit reaffirmed the progress made. A shift from reliance on ophthalmologists to a growing network of skilled eyecare experts delivering quality services was evident. Jay remains honored to have witnessed this evolution and eagerly anticipates further contributions to enhancing eyecare in his cherished second home and throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Advancing Your Wellness: Stress Management
It goes without saying that stress is a normal part of life. What isn’t normal is not having a healthy way to relieve that stress. Long term effects of consistent stress can have negative emotional and physical affects.
Every person has a coping mechanism to deal with life’s stressors, and some may have more than one. If you are not sure what yours is, think about what you do when you have had a particularly stressful day. Below are some healthy ways to relieve stress.
Remember: If you can commit to your goal for 90 days it will become part of your lifestyle!
- Exercise – some doctors refer to it as a “wonder drug”. Exercise can reduce stress hormones and stimulate endorphins, the “happy” body chemical.
- Relaxation techniques – this can be mindful meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, tai chi, or using a technique called progressive muscle relaxation. Look it up, it’s pretty cool.
- Utilize your PTO – even if it is just for a day, especially after a particularly stressful challenge.
- If you still find yourself having difficulty managing your stress levels, we have the Employee Assistance program. It offers up to 4 free sessions with a professional counselor. Please reach out to HR for details.
As a reminder, we have included these additional resources available to you through Cigna and other free resources.
For example, Cigna participants have access to many health products and programs such as:
- Nutritional Meal Delivery Service
- Fitness Memberships and Devices
- Vision Care, Lasik Surgery, Hearing Aids
- Alternative medicine
- Yoga Products and Virtual Workouts
To access Log into myCigna.com and navigate to Healthy Rewards Discount Program or call 800.870.3470.
For our non-Cigna participants, we have found some free apps to assist in Advancing your Wellness:
- Down Dog – Yoga for Beginners
- MyNetDiary – Weight loss and nutrition assistant
- Headspace – Meditation and mindfulness
- AllTrails – Houses a database of more than 100,000 trail maps to get you moving outside
Stay tuned for more Advancing Your Wellness communications in the upcoming months! For more information or if you would like to contribute your ideas, please reach out to Lynsey at lstrohl@advancingeyecare.com.
Tips For A Better Night's Sleep
Have you been waking up on the wrong side of the bed and feeling grumpy? You may not be getting enough quality sleep. Sleep allows your body and mind to recharge so you feel rested and ready to tackle the day. Check out the sleep well tips below to help you get a good night’s sleep.
Thank You For Your Nominations
We had over 100 nominations this year!
Employee Spotlight - Alan de la Vega Gallegos
Say hello to Alan de la Vega Gallegos, our awesome Operations Manager at S4Optik!
Alan oversees all warehouse operations from the Guadalajara, Mexico location. He and his team ensure that all equipment is complete and accurate before shipping to our customers. He recently celebrated his 5-year work anniversary. When he’s not working hard making our customers happy, he loves to spend time with his family and says he learns something new from his kids every day.
Alan is also a car enthusiast. He loves everything about cars, whether it’s watching car races, fixing or restoring cars, or just looking at cars!
Here are a few fun facts about Alan:
What do you like best about your job? No days are alike. There’s always new challenges to solve and it’s never boring!
What is your dream car? Dodge Challenger Hell Cat
What have you learned from your kids? Their generosity and good will to help
What is your dream vacation? An empty beach with my family and no technology!
Thank you, Alan, for everything you do for our customers and for the S4Optik team!
Give Your Co-Workers a High-Five
Don’t you love it when someone stops by your desk/workstation, flashes you a big smile and a “THANK YOU” for a job well done? The recognition, social interaction, and camaraderie give an emotional boost, which makes you feel happy and more positive about your work. It only takes a few minutes to thank someone and it can really brighten their day. Here are some resources to help make it fun.
- Grab a notecard from the breakroom, write a short note, drop it on a coworker’s desk – Jacksonville, Toronto, Norfolk
- In Paylocity you can send teammates a virtual thank you with the IMPRESSIONS button or @[employee name] in community – US employees
- Create a template in Outlook so you can quickly personalize and send a note – all employees
Pets of AEC
We love all sorts of furry friends here at Advancing Eyecare and would love to see and share your pets in the next AEC Insider.
Welcome to All of Our Recent New Hires!
Vicki Kelsey-Lowe
Margaret Dean Molique Coates Diego Mora Kristofer Freed Lennin ReyesWilhelm Chira Service, Toronto, Canada
Cherianne Cramer Accounting, Jacksonville, FL
Nivethaa Kulendran Service, Toronto, Canada
Paul Micenko Marco Area Manager, North FL TerritoryLogan Miller Core Territory Manager, Ohio Territory
Gates Muller Core Territory Manager, Chicago, IL Territory
Guillermo Quinonez Sales Representative, Mexico
Kevin Rodillas Accounting & Financing, Toronto, Canada
Henry Xiong Service, Toronto, Canada
Lisa Anderson Sales Support Specialist, Jacksonville, FL
Logan Crow Field Service Technician, Kansas City, MO
Aaron Garcia Warehouse/Inventory Control, Elk Grove, CA
Cedric James Temp Processing Return/Credit, Norfolk, VA
Jesus Nino Field Service Technician, Garland, TXKirby Richardson Field Service Technician, Greensboro, NC
Jennifer Gillispie Sales Specialist, Garland, TX
Tonza McLeod Temporary RMA processing, Jacksonville, FL
Alexis Ambeault Sales - Ophthalmic, Toronto, Canada
Gerrod Bookhard Warehouse Associate, Jacksonville, FL Tisha Lee A/P Clerk, Jacksonville, FL Abraham Sanchez Services, MexicoAlexis Ambeault Sales - Ophthalmic, Toronto, Canada
Gerrod Bookhard Warehouse Associate, Jacksonville, FL Tisha Lee A/P Clerk, Jacksonville, FL Abraham Sanchez Services, MexicoAlexis Ambeault Sales - Ophthalmic, Toronto, Canada
Gerrod Bookhard Warehouse Associate, Jacksonville, FL Tisha Lee A/P Clerk, Jacksonville, FL Abraham Sanchez Services, MexicoWelcome to All of Our Recent New Hires!
- David-Alexandre Bonin – Service Tech, Quebec
- Anthony Cribb – Parts Manager, Jacksonville
- Akhil George – Service Tech, Ontario
- Justin Lancaster – INNOVA Sales
- Lizeth Padron Perez – Service Engineer, Mexico
- Courtney Pesa – INNOVA Sales
- Dan Royer – INNOVA Sales
- Ashley Sardenson – Inside Sales, Jacksonville
- Dinah Strigglers – Customer Service, Jacksonville
- Samuel Terry – Service Tech, St. Louis
- Donishia Wallace – Order Entry, Jacksonville
- Talar Carter – Warehouse, Jacksonville
- Austin Ford – Service Tech, Arizonia
- Nesrine Kortbi – INNOVA Sales
- Jordan Lampley – Warehouse, Jacksonville
- Teresa Mackay – Front Desk Administrator, Jacksonville
- Simon Reid – INNOVA Sales
- Sheldon Crenshaw – Technical Support, Jacksonville
- Juan Carlos Cubillos – Global VP of Distributor Sales
- Tierra Brooks – Asset Services, Jacksonville
- Sheldon Crenshaw – Technical Support, Jacksonville
- Yvonne Fleming – Sales Support, Norfolk
- Brenda Lee – Customer Service, Jacksonville
- Natasha Morris – Sales Support, Norfolk
- Bryan Metzger – AEC Services
- Andre Camacho – AEC Services
- Stedman Allen – AEC Services
- Bankole Okuneye – AEC Services
- Bill Kundinger – Marco Sales
- Doug Reiter – Marco Sales
- Mariel Villalona – INNOVA Service
- Belen Trujillo Bazante – INNOVA Service
- Amrith Mathew – INNOVA Service
June and July Work Milestone Anniversaries
Thank you for your hard work & dedication over the years!
25+ years
- Mike Brown – Lombart Sales, 25 Years
- Vincent Costanzo – AEC Services, 27 Years
- Mary Anne Evans – Sales Operations, 25 Years
- Greg Gant – Technical Support, 25 Years
- Phil Herschel – Lombart Sales, 34 Years
- Joshua Hughes – AEC Services, 27 Years
- Jocelyn Hamilton – President, Marco Healthcare, 25 Years
- Robert Metelsky – Innova Sales, 28 Years
- Ruthann Schwab – Government Contract Sales, 29 Years
- Linda Spivey – Sales Support, 25 Years
- Don Quinn – Lombart Sales, 36 Years
20 years
- Rick Clemente – President, Advancing Eyecare Business Services
15 years
10 years
- Chris Sampayo – AEC Services
5 years
- Casey Brandt – Lombart Sales
- Christian McDonald – AEC Manufacturing
- Chrissie Pattison – Marketing
- Daniel Paz Garay – S4Optik Sales
1 year
- Jonah Blodgett – Warehouse Ops
- Donnie Boyd – Lombart Sales
- Jess Dinnebeck – Santinelli Sales
- Nathan Evans – Customer Service
- Julian Gardea Rivas – AEC Services
- Christopher Gilchrist – AEC Manufacturing
- Decker Herring – Inside Sales
- Brian Hill – AEC Services
- Luis Hung Chiang – Innova Service
- Scott Lewis – Accounting
- Faustino Loza Lara – S4Optik Service
- Pete Lothes – Executive Management
- Tonza McLeod – AEC Services
- Benjamin Palad, Jr. – Warehouse Ops
- Colby Parks – AEC Manufacturing
- Alexander Popovich – Warehouse Ops
- Blair Reid – AEC Manufacturing
- Greyson Smith – Inside Sales
- Lynsey Strohl – Human Resources
- Jeremy Talsma – AEC Manufacturing
- Kyle Wannamaker – AEC Manufacturing
- Jun Wen – Regulatory, Innova
- Sara Zahmatkesh – Regulatory, Innova
Congratulations to AEC Employees on Their Recent Promotions!
Mary Anne Evans – Sales Operations Manager, Norfolk
Aaron Logan – Service Manager, Norfolk
Belal Firwana – Team Lead Field Service, Toronto
Azita Shirmohammadi – Acting Team Lead Service Advisor/Administrator, Toronto
Welcome to All of Our Recent New Hires!
Vicki Kelsey-Lowe
Margaret Dean Molique Coates Diego Mora Kristofer Freed Lennin ReyesWilhelm Chira Service, Toronto, Canada
Cherianne Cramer Accounting, Jacksonville, FL
Nivethaa Kulendran Service, Toronto, Canada
Paul Micenko Marco Area Manager, North FL TerritoryLogan Miller Core Territory Manager, Ohio Territory
Gates Muller Core Territory Manager, Chicago, IL Territory
Guillermo Quinonez Sales Representative, Mexico
Kevin Rodillas Accounting & Financing, Toronto, Canada
Henry Xiong Service, Toronto, Canada
Lisa Anderson Sales Support Specialist, Jacksonville, FL
Logan Crow Field Service Technician, Kansas City, MO
Aaron Garcia Warehouse/Inventory Control, Elk Grove, CA
Cedric James Temp Processing Return/Credit, Norfolk, VA
Jesus Nino Field Service Technician, Garland, TXKirby Richardson Field Service Technician, Greensboro, NC
Jennifer Gillispie Sales Specialist, Garland, TX
Tonza McLeod Temporary RMA processing, Jacksonville, FL
Alexis Ambeault Sales - Ophthalmic, Toronto, Canada
Gerrod Bookhard Warehouse Associate, Jacksonville, FL Tisha Lee A/P Clerk, Jacksonville, FL Abraham Sanchez Services, MexicoAlexis Ambeault Sales - Ophthalmic, Toronto, Canada
Gerrod Bookhard Warehouse Associate, Jacksonville, FL Tisha Lee A/P Clerk, Jacksonville, FL Abraham Sanchez Services, MexicoAlexis Ambeault Sales - Ophthalmic, Toronto, Canada
Gerrod Bookhard Warehouse Associate, Jacksonville, FL Tisha Lee A/P Clerk, Jacksonville, FL Abraham Sanchez Services, MexicoNewsletter Archive
Advancing Eyecare is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
