FIRST GRAND PRIZE WINNERS NAMED IN TRANSITIONS OPTICAL PRESENT & EARN EVERY DAY PROGRAM
UV Protection Message Fueling Success of Promotion
PINELLAS PARK, Fla., June 18, 2003 – Transitions Optical, Inc. has named the winners of the first grand prize drawing in the Transitions Optical Present & Earn Every Day Program. Tammy Willing, optician for the Issaquah Vision Source, Issaquah, Wash.; her Transitions Platinum Elite STAR Lab representative, Carol Miller, sales executive, Jorgenson Optical, Tacoma, Wash.; and the patient, Marilynn Winship; each won a $2,000 American Express “Your Choice” Cash Card through the program.
The new promotion rewards eyecare professionals for discussing the need for UV and glare protection for the eyes with patients and why Transitions® Lenses are the best choice in everyday lenses. Each time an eyecare professional presents Transitions Lenses to a patient, he or she – along with the patient and Transitions Platinum Elite STAR Lab representative – are eligible to win. All three are entered together into biweekly drawings for $25 and $50 cash cards and photochromic T-shirts. Grand prize drawings for up to a $2,000 cash card are held four times a year. Close to 3,500 prizes have been awarded through the program so far.

Program Benefits Labs, Eyecare Professionals and Patients

Miller, the lab representative grand prize winner, said that her lab has experienced a 20 percent growth in sales of Transitions Lenses since rolling out the Present & Earn Every Day Program.
“We attribute this growth largely to the program increasing the dialogue about Transitions Lenses between eyecare professionals and their patients,” added Miller, who has introduced more than 35 eyecare practices to the program so far.

“When introducing our customers to the Present & Earn Every Day Program, we train them on the promotion and also make plans for further training through the Transitions Optical Partners in Education program,” Miller added. “This opportunity for ongoing face-to-face interaction with practices is extremely helpful in building relationships.”

Willing, the eyecare professional grand prize winner, echoed the value of the program for patient interaction. “Even having patients fill out the entry form helps continue the conversation, giving me more time to discuss important areas like UV and glare protection and the benefits of lenses like Transitions,” she said. “This time investment means patients who purchase Transitions Lenses have even higher satisfaction because they understand the true value they are getting with their eyewear.”
Winship, the patient grand prize winner, said she enjoys her Transitions Lenses more than any other lenses she’s worn. “About a year ago, I was diagnosed with the early stages of a cataract,” she said. “Since then, I've been more and more interested in UV protection. When I learned from my optician about Transitions Lenses, I was sold. I love the convenience of having my everyday lenses provide UV protection and comfort in all light conditions. Now, I don't have to remember to wear sunglasses or clip-ons when I go outside to garden – the protection is there automatically!”

“Labs, eyecare professionals and patients can all benefit from this program as eyecare professionals continue their commitment to educating patients on the eye health benefits of their lenses,” said Samantha Platt, channel marketing manager, North America, Transitions. “We’re thrilled to support this effort by providing the opportunity for eyecare professionals to enjoy participating in a national promotion at the same time.”

For more information about the Transitions Present & Earn Every Day Program, contact your Transitions Solutions Team representative, Transitions Platinum Elite STAR Lab representative or Transitions Optical Customer Service at (800) 848-1506.