Essilor, OptiMed and Essilor Instruments have announced a new strategic partnership for diagnostic, refraction and finishing solutions and services in Australia and New Zealand. The companies said OptiMed will combine its expertise and service platform with Essilor’s resources, with the aim being “to provide innovation to eye care professionals, help them improve the efficiency of their practice and enhance their patients’ experience”.
Based in Australia and New Zealand, OptiMed is a wholesaler of ophthalmic diagnostic and therapeutic instruments as well as pharmaceuticals. The business began in 1988 servicing the ophthalmic market with laser technology, expanding operations in 2000 to comprehensively service ophthalmologists, optometrists, orthoptists, ophthalmic nurses, optical dispensers and hospitals.
Partnering with Essilor Instruments will provide OptiMed opportunity and scope to enhance our product offering with emphasis solely on eye care solutions
OptiMed’s Managing Director, Robert Sparkes said he is delighted to partner with Essilor and Essilor Instruments.
“Partnering with Essilor Instruments will provide OptiMed opportunity and scope to enhance our product offering with emphasis solely on eye care solutions,” he said. “We will continue to provide innovation and support, enhancing the growth of OptiMed and our customers’ business.”
Christophe Condat, CEO Essilor Instruments Division stated, “This partnership is in line with our global strategy to launch a more comprehensive product portfolio and to improve our service offer to eye care professionals in the world and especially in ANZ. We remain equally mindful of the significant global need for better access to eye care instruments, in order to diagnose uncorrected vision, prevent vision loss and to improve the quality of life for millions of people.”
According to the statement, the founding owners of OptiMed and OptiMed NZ – Robert Sparkes, James Christensen, Doug DeLaMare and Robert Nyenkamp – will continue to hold ownership in the company albeit not as the major shareholder, and will remain fully operational in the joint venture, as Essilor encourages local entrepreneurial spirit, local responsibility in the management and agility in their strategy execution.
Vice President Asia-Pacific, Essilor Instruments Division, Jean-Christophe Paris stated, “This is a tremendous opportunity to combine our ANZ partner’s unique experience dedication to customer service and satisfaction with Essilor’s technologies, resources and network. Together, we will continue to innovate to address an increasing global demand for integrated eye care solutions for optical dispensers, optometrists and ophthalmologists, serving eye care patients in ANZ.”
Pierre Longerna, CEO Essilor Australia & New Zealand, added: “It is an exciting time in the optical industry with great opportunities ahead. We are happy to work with OptiMed to bring better solutions to eye care professionals and improve vision for Aussie and Kiwi consumers. Whereas our respective customers will continue to work separately with each company, we aim at bringing compatible solutions to drive innovation, connectivity, and a better patient and consumer experience.”
Mr Longerna recently told mivision that Essilor is committed to helping optometrists grow their business by innovating and introducing new technologies, as well as providing the systems, marketing and sales support services that practices need.
