[bc]STREAMLINE COMMUNICATIONS INTRODUCES NEW FINANCING PROGRAM
FOR OPTICAL RETAILER CUSTOMERS[/bc]
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, July 28, 2003—Streamline Communications and GE Retail Sales Finance have launched a national private label credit card program, “Lifestyle Choices”, offering instant credit to participating optical retailer customers.

Approved cardholders can receive a 25-day grace period, or 90 days/6 months/12 months no interest promotions, depending on the purchase amount.

The program is being launched in cooperation with the OLA (Optical Laboratories Association), whose participating member laboratories will enroll doctors and dispensers. The eye care practice submits a short application and, upon approval, receives support materials and credit card processing terminals from Streamline Communications and GE Retail Sales Finance.

“Our industry has the products and the services that patients want,” said Tim Fortner, partner in Streamline Communications. “We need to take advantage of the retail tools that allow consumers to make the purchases they want to make, without tying up another bank card or impacting their cash flow.”

Glenn Marino, President, GE Retail Sales Finance, said, “We’re pleased to be associated with Streamline and the Lifestyles Choices program. This program is a huge win for the eye care professional – and their patients. Independent eye care professionals will now be able to effectively compete by offering their patients the convenience and flexibility of a dedicated, private label card.”

Marino added that the advantages of private label programs like Lifestyle Choices are clear, noting that retailers typically see total sales increases driven by private label cardholders making larger purchases.

With the Lifestyle Choices program, the patient is approved for a line of credit on the spot. The doctor or dispenser receives payment within 48 hours, and GE Retail Sales Finance bills the patient monthly. The patient receives a Lifestyle Choices credit card, with the practice’s name embossed on it. “Private label is an excellent means to build patient loyalty,” said Peggy Hynes, partner in Streamline Communications. “Once a line of credit has been established, the repeat business for a patient, and his whole family, is practically guaranteed.”