Zeiss, SOLA merge operations as Carl Zeiss Vision Inc.

San Diego-Carl Zeiss Vision International GmbH and SOLA International Inc. have completed the merger of the North American Zeiss and SOLA ophthalmic lens businesses into a single, integrated entity called Carl Zeiss Vision Inc.

"Bringing two leading ophthalmic businesses together is a major effort," said Barry Packham, president for the Americas division. "Our goal is to create a stronger partner for our customers and for the wearers who rely on our products for the best possible vision."

The most significant result of the integration process is that "Carl Zeiss Vision is now one of the most complete solution providers in the ophthalmic lens industry, at every level," he said. "From clinical devices for the exam room and dispensary, to equipment for laboratory processing, to lenses and coatings, we add value to every step in the process of delivering superior care to eyeglass wearers and business growth to our customers."

"First, our customers will receive a single invoice for all Carl Zeiss Vision lens products, simplifying monthly paperwork," Szabo said. "Second, our combined sales force has been trained in the full range of our progressive and AR coating product lines, giving us much greater customer contact. Third and most importantly, we will be the single point of contact for the full range of ophthalmic solutions."

Steve Mitrakos, senior director of marketing for North America, said, "From a product-line perspective, we will continue to market our products and services under the Zeiss, SOLA, American Optical, and Teflon Clear Coat Lens brands."

Mitrakos added that a number of other customer-driven benefits from the newly integrated company would include: