Q&A with Markus Schwade from Robert Marc

Markus Schwade, our representative from Robert Marc is in town for trunk shows at three of our Schaeffer Eye Center locations. He brought the amazing Fall 2010 collection which features tortoise shell, an eyewear must which is recharged with new primal colors.



We took the opportunity to ask him a few questions at our Mountain Brook office:

SEC: How long have you been working at Robert Marc?
Markus: I just celebrated my 10 year anniversary this week.

SEC: Where are you from?
Markus: Originally, I am from Germany, but I am based at our headquarters in New York now.

SEC: Where did the inspiration for the signature Robert Marc temple originate?
Markus: The inspiration for the temple is from historical designs. Specifically from the hinges of early eye wear when materials were assembled. It is an internationally registered trademark.

SEC: What is your favorite frame from the new collection?
Markus: I love the 168. It is absolutely beautiful and works very well on many faces.


SEC: What sets Robert Marc apart from other frame vendors?
Markus: There are consumers that are label-driven and consumers that are quality-driven. We concentrate on eye wear only; we don't make handbags or shoes. That's why we also like to work with Schaeffer Eye Center. You also cater to the discerning customer by providing a high quality product.

SEC: How long have you been personally working with Schaeffer Eye Center?
Markus: Ever since your last rep left the company; about 8 years now.

SEC: Just for fun. What is your favorite restaurant in Birmingham when you come to visit?
Markus: Definitely Satterfield's!

If you would like to meet Markus and see the Fall 2010 Collection from Robert Marc, he will be the Hoover and Colonnade locations today and tomorrow. Visit our Facebook Event Page for more details.

Oliver Peoples 2011 Collection to Arrive at Schaeffer Eye Center

"Focus on Fashion"

The Schaeffer Eye Center Team recently met with Oliver Peoples to preview the 2011 collection and we are excited about the fabulous new frames arriving in our offices in time for the holidays.

In addition to the gorgeous frames, Oliver Peoples provides some of our favorite marketing campaigns and we just love the 2010 Campaign Video featuring Elijah Wood and Shirley Manson. The 2011 Campaign is super sexy and stars real life couple, Devendra Banhart and Rebecca Schwartz. Expect the short film to debut after the first of the year. You can learn more about the inspiration behind the 2011 Campaign from Oliver Peoples.

We asked some of our optical staff to tell us their favorites for the new season:

Sophia Cosper from our Mountain Brook Office:
The WACKS has a great modern feel while still representing the Oliver Peoples tradition of old Hollywood. It definitely has a strong yet feminine brow line and frames the eyes nicely in this image. The larger lens size and the retro styling make it very relevant in the high end optical market. This is a frame for someone who is stylish and fashion forward but likes a little bit of a classic look.









Borden Burns from our Colonnade Office:
I like the LIPSOFIRE because it has the retro-glamour that calls to mind the aesthetic savvy of fashion Goddesses Edith Head and Carrie Donovan. I also like that its form lends nicely to the function of ample sun protection. The proportions are smaller than what have been dominant for the past five years or so (which makes for clean, refreshing lines), but still maintain a fashionable assertiveness that never goes out of style.









Bernadette Cherie from our Hoover Office:
The RACY provides ultimate glamour. This frame gives the wearer celebrity status and sex appeal. It is a great ode to vintage Hollywood.









Tell us which frame you like!

3 Fun Events, 3 Great Causes... In Just 5 Days

"Eyes on the Community"
By Joy Myers

One of the great things about being a part of Team Schaeffer is being involved with so many great organizations in the community. I'll be honest that the Schaeffer Eye Center Crawfish Boil is what originally drew me to this great company. During the last ten years in Birmingham I have discovered that this city thrives on festivals and events. We definitely know how to "party with a purpose!"

With that in mind, from time to time I'll blog about some of the organizations we support and the events, fundraisers and parties that keep us all entertained while we give back to the community. Enjoy and hope to see you there!

Thursday, October 28 - Bone Bash Supporting the Arthritis Foundation
Check out a fun evening at Park Lane, with hors d'oeuvres, music by The Undergrounders, dancing and silent auction! Dress in Costume or Cocktail attire with great prizes and games. Be sure to look for the Schaeffer Eye Center Fendi sunglasses in the Silent Auction. For more information, visit the Arthritis Foundation.






Saturday, October 30 - Birmingham VisionWalk
Join Schaeffer Eye Center at Homewood Park for the 2nd Annual Birmingham VisionWalk. The event is free but donations are encouraged to support the Foundation Fighting Blindness, which funds thousands of research grants for serious eye conditions. A goal of $65,000 has been set for this year's Birmingham event and the organization is well on the way. In addition to the walk, there will be children's activities and refreshments for all. Registration is a 9 a.m. and the walk begins at 10. For more information or to make a donation, visit Birmingham VisionWalk.


Monday, November 1 - Dancing with the Silver Stars
Dr. Jack Schaeffer will take to the dance floor along with community leaders Mayor William Bell, Bonnie Bailey, Dr. Mary Lynne Capiluto, Janie Selfe, James Span and Dr. Douglas Tilt. "Dancing with the Silver Stars Awards Dinner" is a fundraiser for the UAB Center for Aging and will take place at The Club at 6 p.m. Fabian and Jackie Sanchez are the professional dancers who will partner with each of the local dancers. Dr. Schaeffer is scheduled to dance the Tango... an event you don't want to miss! For more information, visit UAB Center for Aging.

Note: Please check back for video of Dr. Schaeffer's dance!

Scary Costumes That Can Hurt Your Eyes

By: Dr. Jack Schaeffer

Halloween is a favorite holiday for many consumers as it gives them an opportunity to step out of the normal routine and become someone else for a day. Colored or "crazy contact lenses have become a popular costume accessory in recent years and can enhance the appearance of any character, but consumers need to be aware of the risks associated with wearing them.

With the increase of Hollywood using specialty contact lenses in costuming and special effects, we are seeing an increase in demand for colored and specialty lenses at Schaeffer Eye Center. What people may not realize is that you need a prescription for these lenses even if you do not have any vision needs. That is because contact lenses are a medical device that are regulated by the FDA and should be treated like any prescription contact lens.

You don't ever want to risk the only set of eyes you have. Without proper fitting and guidance from a licensed optometrist, you could do sever damage to your eyes from bacterial eye infections or scratching of the cornea.

Learn more in this video about the risks of specialty contact lenses

You can learn more in this video about contact lenses and proper fittings.

Tips for Wearing Contact Lenses from the American Optometry Association:

• See an optometrist for your regularly scheduled contact lens and eye examination and for a proper fitting and prescription.
  
• Always wash your hands before handling contact lenses.


• Carefully and regularly clean contact lenses, as directed by your optometrist. Rub the contact lenses with fingers and rinse thoroughly before soaking lenses overnight in sufficient multi-purpose solution to completely cover the lens.


• Store lenses in the proper lens storage case and replace the case every three months or sooner. Clean the case after each use, and keep it open and dry between cleanings.


• Only fresh solution should be used to clean and store contact lenses. Never re-use old solution. Contact lens solutions must be changed according to the manufacturer's recommendations, even if the lenses are not used daily.


• Always recommend contact lens replacement schedule prescribed by your optometrist.


• Remove contact lenses before swimming or entering a hot tub.

Barton Perreira Featured in Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

This Friday marks the opening day of Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps in area theaters. Michael Douglas returns in the sequel as the notorious villain Gordon Gekko and finds himself on the outside of the financial world he once dominated.

Costume designer Elle Mirojnick also reprises her role to dress the characters, and outfits Gekko in a pair of Barton Perreira glasses available exclusively in Alabama at Schaeffer Eye Center locations.

Mirojnick is credited for costume designer for more than 50 movies, including several Michael Douglas films. In Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, Douglas’ character undergoes a fashion transformation as he emerges from jail and works to redefine himself in a new era.

Repost for a chance to win tickets to Friday’s show at Vestavia Rave Theaters!

Oliver Peoples + Schaeffer Eye Center

Schaeffer Eye Center has collaborated on a postcard to be distributed. Hope you get one and if you want one, leave a comment and we'll send one to you. The post card has a savings of $50 towards Oliver Peoples frames for eye and sunglasses.

Limited edition Oakley Frogskin

Oakley continues its collaboration with snowboard company Grenade as the two team-up on a new pair of the brand’s iconic Frogskins model. Taking on a much more playful approach than last year’s version, the shades feature a tone-two fade upper with black iridium lenses adding a bit of balance. Call any of the Schaeffer Eye Centers to have us special order these frames.