Press Release
C&E introduces its "In Practice On-Line Showroom"
San Clemente, CA., Jan, 2008 C&E Vision Services, the leader in web enhanced technology, has released its "Virtual Frameboard" service to its buying group members. "With this innovative service our member's practices are not limited to the frames they currently display on their frameboard. While most patients will buy a frame displayed within the practice, the "Virtual Frameboard" now provides independent eyecare professionals the ability to virtually expand their frame selection, by presenting a larger variety of brand name frames," states Steve Wagner, a principal of C&E Vision Services.
The "Virtual Frameboard" is available for in office display from any monitor which is connected to the internet. C&E's buying group members simply log into their MyC&E account at www.cevision.com and they can create their customized "Virtual Frameboard" displaying color frame images as well as relevant frame size and color availability from the vendors they purchase from.
"Inventory management has long been a challenge for independent practices; this ground breaking service now provides an opportunity to make sure patients will not leave the practice to look for an alternative frame selection. "Virtual Frameboard" complements our BeyeRight service which helps our members keep in stock the Top Selling frames," said David Carneal, Director of Buying Group Relations for C&E Vision Services.
Background:
C & E Vision, located in San Clemente, California, is one of the oldest and largest buying groups in the United States. C&E was established in 1982 - at a time when the proliferation of large retail optical chains began to change the competitive landscape -- as a resource for independent eye care practitioners to pool and enhance their purchasing power with major optical suppliers throughout the nation. C&E offers its members maximum discounts from over 170 of the eyecare industry's leading product and service vendors.
C&E Vision is the optical buying group of choice and is the only buying group to provide its members the choice of using three distinct billing methods. Professionals can choose between C&E's Classic billing program, which provides net discounts with no administration fee, C&E's RewardsPlus billing program, which provides full vendor discounts, prompt pay discounts, monthly volume rebates with low administration fees or C&E's FlatRate Plus billing program which offers a flat administration fee no matter how much business the member bills. No other buying group offers eye care professionals this selection of billing programs.
C&E is committed to providing a host of innovative services that can serve as the basis for the success of the Independent Eyecare Professional (IEP). C&E's members' internet section provides the most advanced web services available from any optical buying group. C&E is the only optical buying group that offers vendor on-line invoices (with images) to assist professionals in their research and record keeping, check their current balance, open deferred vendor billings or make a payment. Additionally, C&E's web account management is simplified by allowing the viewing of historical statements and payments.
C&E offers its member a unique IEP Benchmark Analysis. The Benchmark Analysis is an internet based financial simulation tool which enables independent Eyecare professionals to quickly and simply benchmark many of the sales and operating aspects of their practice.
C&E's web based "BeyeRight" service assists its members in making more timely and informed frame purchasing decisions. C&E's members simply log into their account at www.cevision.com to see the best selling fashion frames from their own vendors. C&E is the first company to provide this valuable information to the optical industry.
C&E provides eyecare industry societies and associations with affinity programs to financially support both the organization and their members' annual dues. C&E is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and education through its continuing education programs and sponsorships. Nearly 1,400 professionals attend C&E's Ocular Symposiums each year.