[bc]ZEISS PROMOTES BLANCHARD TO LAB SUPPORT MANAGER[/bc]
CHESTER, Va., November 20, 2003 – Carl Zeiss Optical, Inc., today announces the promotion of Baird Blanchard to lab support manager. Blanchard most recently served as technology process specialist. In this new role, he will be responsible for providing technical lens support for all Zeiss partner labs. In addition, Blanchard will handle technical projects and product management duties as they arise in regards to spectacle lens products.

“With almost twenty years experience in the optical industry, Baird was a perfect fit for this newly created position,” said Christian Seifert, senior product manager, Carl Zeiss Optical, Inc. “His knowledge of lens surfacing and finishing is extensive.”

Baird has been a member of the Zeiss team for almost 10 years. Before joining Zeiss he held lab finishing supervisor positions with Titmus Optical Co., Cole Vision, Inc. and Sealey Optical Co. Baird currently resides just outside Richmond.