TRANSITIONS OPTICAL INTRODUCES NEW ABO-APPROVED COURSE SERIES ON CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
New Courses Feature Innovative Workshop-Style Interactive Format
PINELLAS PARK, Fla., June 18, 2003 – Transitions Optical, Inc. is continuing its ongoing commitment to eyecare professional education with the introduction of a new ABO-approved four-course series on customer satisfaction. Opticians can earn one hour of continuing education credit for each course completed, all of which feature an interactive-style workshop format to facilitate role-playing and help participants develop skills they can apply immediately.

“Customer satisfaction is essential to providing the best possible vision care to patients and is also smart business, enabling eyecare professionals to differentiate themselves from their competition,” said Denis Fisk, director of global education, Transitions. “Based on feedback from our Solutions Team, focus groups and the Transitions Optical Education Faculty, we know that eyecare professionals are seeking tools to help them succeed in this competitive business environment. We’re pleased to help meet this need by offering a unique approach to aid optical businesses in uncovering, understanding and best meeting the needs of their customers.”

The four-course series, “Delivering Absolute Customer Satisfaction,” covers a range of topics from understanding the needs of patients to effective presentation skills, including:

o combining knowledge of customer insight with technical aptitude to deliver optimal customer satisfaction,

o innovative tools to assist in the relationship-building process,

o tips for understanding body language, personality types and other subtleties to enhance customer communications, and

o insight into adapting presentations to the needs of the customer.

“Far from a lecture-style format, this series will encourage idea exchange and the opportunity to learn about excellence in customer service from industry professionals as well as instructors,” Fisk added.

Attendees will receive their own workbook to use during each course and to take for reference afterward.

“Through research we’ve learned that 65 percent of eyecare professionals tap continuing education courses and seminars as an information source, rated below only trade journals and scientific reports1,” said Fisk. “Our Solutions Team has conducted more than 2,000 in-office training sessions so far this year, so we know that many eyecare professionals have been taking advantage of the courses we offer. We’re pleased to expand our offerings to reach even more eyecare professionals and to provide a venue for them to earn continuing education credits as well.”


While only opticians are eligible to earn continuing education credits, course content is relevant for all office staff and attendance is open to all industry professionals.

For more information, contact your Transitions Optical Solutions Team representative, your Transitions Optical Platinum Elite STAR Laboratory representative, or Transitions Optical Customer Service.

Broad Educational Offerings

“Delivering Absolute Customer Satisfaction” is the latest educational offering introduced by Transitions Optical as part of its largest training and education initiative in the company’s history.
Other new courses available for continuing education credits this year include:

o “Light, Sight, and Photochromic Lenses” – This course is an expanded version of a module currently offered as part of the Transitions Optical Partners in Education program. It includes a clinical focus on the need to protect the eyes from UV radiation and bright, glaring light and the implications for everyday eyewear. Eyecare professionals taking the ABO-approved course will earn one hour of continuing education credit.

o “Light, Sight, and Photochromics Monograph” – Optometrists can now earn up to four hours of COPE-approved continuing education credits from the University of Alabama School of Optometry for taking a 40-question quiz based on the “Light, Sight and Photochromics” monograph sponsored by Transitions Optical, Inc. To earn credit, optometrists must mail the completed quiz to the university and score 70 percent or higher to receive a certificate of completion.

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1 Based on interviews of 130 optometrists and ophthalmologists conducted by Marketing Analysts, Inc., Nov. 2002.