Official today...

**Judy Canty** · 10-01-2012, 11:33 AM

Essilor has purchased Balester Optical in Wilkes-Barre, PA.

**Fezz** · 10-01-2012, 11:42 AM

Another one bites the dust!

I figured that this would happen. It has been rumored for some time.

Thanks for the confirmation!

**Judy Canty** · 10-01-2012, 11:50 AM

And of course, Zeiss is pulling it's products as well. The playing field continues to narrow and become quite uneven.

**EyeManFla** · 10-01-2012, 11:55 AM

WOW...Balestar did all my facet jobs back in the day.......

**Judy Canty** · 10-01-2012, 12:04 PM

Fortunately, Luzerne is still at the top of independent single location labs!!

**sparky** · 10-01-2012, 12:44 PM

Been waiting for that announcement. I work in the same town as both Luzerne & Balestar & have heard the birds chirping about it for months . That makes 2 essilor labs in a 40 mile radius.

**TLG** · 10-01-2012, 12:45 PM

Originally Posted by Judy Canty

Fortunately, Luzerne is still at the top of independent single location labs!!

We know...you told us last week, remember? ....and probably next week too.

**Judy Canty** · 10-01-2012, 02:13 PM

Originally Posted by TLG

We know...you told us last week, remember? ....and probably next week too.

Mea Culpa.

**Judy Canty** · 10-01-2012, 02:14 PM

Originally Posted by sparky

Been waiting for that announcement. I work in the same town as both Luzerne & Balestar & have heard the birds chirping about it for months . That makes 2 essilor labs in a 40 mile radius.

In my neck of the woods, we have 2 in the same building.

**Johns** · 10-01-2012, 06:31 PM

I-Care Labs in St. Petersburg, Fla. is still independent!

**HindSight2020** · 10-01-2012, 08:04 PM

Originally Posted by Johns

I-Care Labs in St. Petersburg, Fla. is still independent!

And yet the idiot monkeys will keep pushing the food bar for the pellet to drop. People seriously, if you don't think they are a threat to individuals and other companies that actually support the independents as a whole, you need to give your heads a shake.

They are all about obtaining maximum market share and nothing else - ruthless and will continue to buy and squash their way to the top to monopolize the industry with mediocre products.

There are much better companies to support with your dollars.

**edk68** · 10-02-2012, 05:07 PM

Originally Posted by HindSight2020

And yet the idiot monkeys will keep pushing the food bar for the pellet to drop. People seriously, if you don't think they are a threat to individuals and other companies that actually support the independents as a whole, you need to give your heads a shake.

They are all about obtaining maximum market share and nothing else - ruthless and will continue to buy and squash their way to the top to monopolize the industry with mediocre products.

There are much better companies to support with your dollars.

I couldn't agree more. You are spot on!! Little by little, they are squeezing everyone......wholesalers and retailers alike with all the backdoor ways they infiltrate your business. The worst part is that all the big E supporters, opticians and ECP's who are out there selling their lenses, their coatings, and otherwise "drinking their Kool-Aid" don't realize that they themselves are also on the foodchain. Its just a matter of time until an E retail store opens up next door and squashes your dispensary. So keep selling their stuff and feeding the beast. Ultimately you are a party to your own demise.
Go independents, Go house-brands.

**Tallboy** · 10-02-2012, 06:22 PM

Originally Posted by HindSight2020

There are much better companies to support with your dollars.

Lets put together a list!

**HindSight2020** · 10-02-2012, 06:55 PM

Originally Posted by edk68

I couldn't agree more. You are spot on!! Little by little, they are squeezing everyone......wholesalers and retailers alike with all the backdoor ways they infiltrate your business. The worst part is that all the big E supporters, opticians and ECP's who are out there selling their lenses, their coatings, and otherwise "drinking their Kool-Aid" don't realize that they themselves are also on the foodchain. Its just a matter of time until an E retail store opens up next door and squashes your dispensary. So keep selling their stuff and feeding the beast. Ultimately you are a party to your own demise.
Go independents, Go house-brands.

There's many PL house brands designed on major brands that are non E. I'm selling a ton of them and frequently talk my ECP clients out of supporting the evil empire. Surprisingly after my 30 second pitch, they are converted and never look back and are always surprised that this is even going on! And is based on factual evidence, so spread the word!