All posts by imreal

Flamingo Light Sheet Microscopes rely on Precision Motion Systems from PI


PI components support LSFM

PI components support LSFM

“We aim to democratize high-end light microscopy, bringing it to campuses and labs for free”, explains Professor Jan Huisken.

The ambitious Flamingo light sheet microscopy project of the research lab around Professor Jan Huisken at the Morgridge Institute for Research is supported by PI (Physik Instrumente) LP with micropositioning stages for linear and rotary motion. The precision mechanisms position and align samples in the microscopes. Dr. Thomas Bocher, Head of Segment Marketing Life Science & Microscopy at PI, is delighted that PI was invited to become one of the sponsors of this project: “The application of our precision motion systems in the Flamingo project is further proof of their high acceptance in the most demanding microscopy applications”. Key factors are the compact design, reliability, high precision, and speed of the motion modules.

“We aim to democratize high-end light microscopy, bringing it to campuses and labs for free,” explains Professor Jan Huisken, co-inventor of light sheet microscopy and Director of the Medical Engineering Department at the Morgridge Institute for Research in Madison, WI. The project, which is supported by several sponsors, turns the idea of central research facilities upside down and makes travelling with sensitive samples obsolete.

Up to now, two complete systems have been set up; for the coming months and years, Huisken and his team are planning to build several dozen Flamingo-type microscopes. The name derives from the shape of the basic version of the microscope, which reminds us of the bird standing on one leg.

Light sheet microscopy

In Light Sheet Fluorescence Microscopy (LSFM), illumination and detection are two separate optical systems that are oriented perpendicular to each other. A laser beam is focused to form a light sheet that illuminates a thin plane within the sample. The fluorescent light that is emitted in this plane is captured and detected by an objective lens. “LSFM is a very powerful and flexible platform for gentle in vivo imaging, offering low phototoxicity, and fast image acquisition,” Jan Huisken summarizes the advantages of the technology. Because of the gentle “treatment” of the sample, LSFM is predestined for the examination of living organisms.

For more details, visit our blog post»

About the Huisken Lab at the Morgridge Institute for Research

The Huisken Lab is creating tailor-made optical microscopes to non-invasively explore morphogenesis and function in living organisms. The Morgridge Institute for Research is an independent biomedical institute exploring uncharted scientific territory to discover tomorrow’s cures.

About PI

PI manufactures precision motion control equipment for OEM and research in industries including microscopy, photonics, semiconductor & laser technology, life science, aerospace, and astronomy.

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Meller Optics Introduces Sapphire Windows That are Ideally Suited as Front Surface Optics for Remote Piloted Aircraft


Available in sizes up to 10” dia., Meller Sapphire Windows feature Mohs 9 hardness which is second only to diamond and can withstand fast moving dirt, sand, salt water, and other particulates.

Available in sizes up to 10” dia., Meller Sapphire Windows can withstand fast moving dirt, sand, salt water, and other particulates.

Extremely durable and optically clear, sapphire windows transmit from the UV through 4.7 microns and are ideally suited for use as front surface optics on all types of RPAs, UAVs, and drones.

Meller Optics, Inc. has introduced custom fabricated sapphire windows that are unaffected by fast moving sand, salt water, and other particulates, making them ideal for protecting vision systems in military remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) and commercial drones.

Meller Sapphire Windows feature Mohs 9 hardness which is second only to diamond and can withstand fast moving dirt, sand, salt water, and other particulates. Extremely durable and optically clear, they transmit from the UV through 4.7 microns and are ideally suited for use as front surface optics on all types of RPAs, unmanned vehicles (UAVs), and drones.

Available in sizes up to 10” dia., with varying wall thicknesses, Meller Sapphire Windows can include stepped edges and elliptical edge shaping, holes, slots, and wedges for mounting. Providing flatness held to 1/10th wave in the visible and less than 2 arc sec. in/in. parallelism, surface finishes can be held from 60-40 to 40-20 scratch-dig, depending upon configuration.

Meller Sapphire Windows are priced according to configuration and quantity. Price quotations are available upon request.

For more information contact:

Meller Optics, Inc.

Steve Lydon, Marketing

120 Corliss St. / P.O. Box 6001

Providence, RI 02940

(800)     821-0180 FAX (401) 331-0519

e-mail: steve@melleroptics.com

http://www.melleroptics.com

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Digital Health Enterprises Announces Strategic Partnerships with Leading Health Care Technology Companies


Connected Care. Healthier Outcomes.

Digital Health Enterprises, LLC, a digital health care technology provider, announced today that it has partnered with leading health care technology companies Tellus, Visante and Pharmacy Stars to better connect payers, providers and patients with solutions that effectively extend care beyond the hospital or clinic. Digital Health Enterprises’ patent-pending digital health suite provides reliable, secure, and ongoing management of digital applications and connected devices, resulting in actionable intelligence that increases patient engagement, informs care management, improves patient outcomes and delivers a better overall health care experience.

Strong Support, Promising Market

With costs continually rising, the health care industry is in the midst of a paradigm shift impacting how patient care is delivered and managed. Health care organizations are increasingly seeking alternative ways to communicate with and monitor patients in more cost-effective ways, particularly outside of the hospital or clinic. With the emergence of a broad array of connected devices, they’re turning to Mobile Medical Applications (MMAs) to reduce costs, collect health information from patients, manage and monitor general health, ensure medication adherence and inform care plans.

This shift is fueling rapid growth in the digital health care market with apps and devices that allow better management of general health and wellbeing of patients as well as chronic illnesses. Using apps and devices, clinicians and patients can monitor activity levels, caloric intake, dietary concerns, weight and blood pressure among other key health information. These apps can also be used for more complex concerns like blood glucose levels, infertility, cardiac rhythm, menopausal systems and sleep apnea with CPAP machines.

“We see app and mobile technology being adopted at unprecedented rates. It’s not a matter of how big the market can be — it’s a question of the growth rate it achieves,” said Brad Levine, CEO at Tellus.

Digital Health Enterprise’s ConnectedHealthRx suite allows health care organizations to manage MMAs and devices just like a pharmacy: The suite includes the following modules:


  • Credentialer that powers the review and approval of health-related apps and devices based on safety, security, efficacy and cost.
  • Tech Store that serves as the central access point for approved apps and devices.
  • Formulary that allows the management of digital apps and devices using trusted principles of pharmaceutical management.
  • Prescribe that is available right in the Electronic Health Record for prescribing health-related apps and devices to patients.
  • Insight that collects and delivers health data from the apps and devices to the EMR for the clinician to manage care.

“Visante sees the value and the future in connected health. When clinicians and patients have better access to health data, they make more informed decisions that keep individuals healthier. It just makes sense that health care organizations would manage health care apps and devices just like they manage prescription medication formularies,” said James Jorgensen, CEO at Visante.

Digital Health Enterprises is positioned to be an industry leader in supporting the effective use of these rapidly expanding data resources. Its patent-pending digital formulary management system, ConnectedHealthRx, already in use in large health institutions, allows payers and providers to manage MMAs and connected devices using the well-trusted principles of drug formulary management.

“We are all about helping the health care industry improve the quality of care through digital solutions and analytics. Our ConnectedHealthRx solution allows payers, providers and patients to work together to achieve lower costs, increased engagement and healthier outcomes for all,” said Paul D. Snow, President of Digital Health Enterprises.

“This is an area with great potential, and we have proven practices and methodologies already in place for medication management. We can apply those same trusted principals to applications and devices,” said Keith Streckenbach, CEO at Pharmacy Stars.

Marketing Focus, Healthcare Expertise as Key Differentiators

Digital Health Enterprises’ intense focus on improving the quality of care while reducing the cost for payers, providers and patients distinguishes the company from others.

“We imagined a health care system having actionable data that informs MMAs and connected device selections based on utilization, efficacy, safety and cost.” Snow said “Our team envisions ConnectedHealthRx will become the industry-leading management platform for connected health for payers, providers and patients at a time when the health care industry needs it most.”

About Digital Health Enterprises:

Digital Health Enterprises is a health care technology company that provides comprehensive solutions that help health care providers and health plans manage risk and cost, while increasing patient engagement and encouraging self-management for healthier outcomes. This is accomplished through a proven, patent-pending method of vetting, prescribing and managing digital health apps and devices for reliable, secure ongoing management of health care.

Digital Health Enterprises takes a health and wellness approach that enables people to use digital health care technology in a way that fits their lifestyles, so they live their best, most healthy lives. That means turning clinical care into connected health. With the Digital Health Enterprises suite of solutions, clinicians and patients have easy access to apps and devices that monitor health anywhere, anytime.

Our technology offers safe solutions in a proven standard that work across the health care system. Learn more at https://www.digitalhealthenterprises.com.

To connect with Digital Health Enterprises on social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DigiHealthCo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalhealthenterprises/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digitalhealthenterprises/

For more information about our partners, visit their websites at:

Tellus: https://4tellus.com

Visante: https://www.visanteinc.com/

Pharmacy Stars: http://pharmacystars.com/

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Disrupting Insurance Industry with JoTo PR


JoTo PR’s team utilizes newly established patterns to create timely PR campaigns comprising both traditional and the latest proven media methods.

Sentry Claims Group signed with JoTo PR to spread their message of resilience and help communities rebuild.

“Sentry Claims Group seamlessly balances new claims technologies with an understanding of what truly makes a difference in challenging and often heartbreaking times.”

Hurricane Dorian devastated the Bahamas earlier this month, resulting in a death toll over 30 and billions of dollars in damages before heading up the coast to the Carolinas. The timing was eerie for residents in North and South Carolina as they prepared for Dorian. Only a year prior, Hurricane Florence wreaked havoc there when it made landfall last September. Now, many are predicting Humberto, a potential Category 3 hurricane, will reach Bermuda later this week[1]. With what seems to be an unending stream of hurricanes, is there ever a way to truly prepare? Or for that matter–recover? Sentry Claims Group, nationwide independent insurance adjusters, knows the importance of healing communities in the face of extreme loss.

Severe destruction is rampant in the Bahamas now—over $7 billion in damages were reported[2]. After a catastrophic event like this, excessive manpower is needed on the ground to help assess and rebuild. Steven Steckler, CEO of Sentry Claims Group, says technologies are being used to process claims with more speed, but there is no hi-tech replacement for empathy when dealing with damaged communities.

“Having a personal connection in the claims adjusting process is essential,” Steckler said.

With the addition of drones, AI and Virtual Reality to the insurance industry, Sentry Claims Group leads the way with an unwavering adherence to Agent compassion training. Sentry Claims Group Claims Adjusters work directly in the field after natural disasters to help assess damages for the top 10 insurance companies in the USA. Since they are on the frontlines, they note the importance of maintaining a personal touch when working with people who are often experiencing insurmountable loss. “As more technologies like drones and apps exist to aid efforts, Adjusters need to maintain sensitivity in order to truly make an impact on damaged communities,” says Steckler.

Karla Jo Helms, CEO of JoTo PR, recognized the integral, multifaceted role of Sentry Claims Group in society when they signed as a client in June.

“Sentry Claims Group seamlessly balances new claims technologies with an understanding of what truly makes a difference in challenging and often heartbreaking times. Their human-centric philosophy and adherence to their values, with the integration of new technologies, has made them an industry leader,” Helms said.

Sentry Claims Group is headquartered in Lafayette, La. They are the leader in providing independent property and casualty claims adjusting services for both catastrophic events and daily claims. Founded in 2014, Sentry is built on the core values of best-in-class service, immediate action and unwavering reassurance—they are committed to helping communities and businesses rebuild their lives in the wake of natural disasters. Sentry’s Claim Adjusters have been on the ground floor of some of the most major catastrophes that have hit our country in the past decades.

JoTo PR has a track record of innovative PR services that demonstrates their ability in gaining consistent news traction within the media for national and international organizations—helping provide front-line information to the press about industry disruptions and technological solutions aimed at making markets better for consumers. The firm is a trailblazer in the PR industry, blending traditional PR expertise with digital media algorithms to harness the advantages of the current PR landscape. JoTo PR specializes in the healthcare, finance and technology sectors, but has worked for a variety of industries and non-profits, using a proprietary process to consistently identify, communicate and distribute the newest news that’s most valuable to journalists’ readers, viewers and listenership.

About JoTo PR DisruptorsTM:

After doing marketing research on a cross-section majority of 5,000 CEOs of fast-growth trajectory companies and finding out exactly how they used PR, how they measure it and how they wanted the PR industry to be different, PR veteran and innovator Karla Jo Helms created JoTo PR and established its entire business model on those research findings. Astute in recognizing industry changes since its launch in 2009, JoTo PR’s team utilizes newly established patterns to create timely PR campaigns comprising both traditional and the latest proven media methods. This unique skill enables JoTo PR to continue to increase the market share and improve return on investment (ROI) for its clients, year after year—beating usual industry standards. Based in Tampa Bay, Florida, JoTo PR is an established international public relations agency. Today, all of JoTo PR’s processes are streamlined PR services that have become the hallmark of the JoTo PR name. For more information, visit JoTo PR online at http://www.jotopr.com.

About Karla Jo Helms:

Karla Jo Helms is the Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR Strategist for JoTo PR.

Karla Jo learned firsthand how unforgiving business can be when millions of dollars are on the line—and how the control of public opinion often determines whether one company is happily chosen or another is brutally rejected.

Being an alumna of crisis management, Karla Jo has worked with litigation attorneys, private investigators and the media to help restore companies of goodwill back into the good graces of public opinion—Karla Jo operates on the ethic of getting it right the first time, not relying on second chances, and doing what it takes to excel.

Karla Jo has patterned her agency on the perfect balance of crisis management, entrepreneurial insight and proven public relations experience. Helms speaks globally on public relations, how the PR industry itself has lost its way and how, in the right hands, corporations can harness the power of PR to drive markets and impact market perception.

1. Meteorologists, Weather.com. “Hurricane Humberto Bringing High Surf and Rip Current Danger to Southeast U.S. and Could Impact Bermuda Later This Week.” The Weather Channel, The Weather Channel, 16 Sept. 2019.

2. Leggate, James. “Hurricane Dorian Damage in Bahamas Estimated at $7B, Recovery Efforts Underway.” Fox Business, Fox Business, 6 Sept. 2019.

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SkyStem Shares How to Process the Month-End Close More Efficiently


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“Avoid a paper-based process. Establish a central repository online instead. Look for ways to implement electronic sign-offs and automated workflow so that the administrative side of the close can be minimized.”

SkyStem LLC, a leading provider of automated month-end close and account reconciliation software, is pleased to announce their feature on FMStv. In this episode, SkyStem’s Head of Sales, Nancy Wu, discusses how to close more efficiently to make time for special projects. As head of sales at an automated month-end close solution provider, Ms. Wu explains how the repetitive and time-consuming day-to-day tasks accountants have will never go away, especially when it comes to the month-end close. As a result, these monotonous tasks prevent accountants from spending their time in a more effective way.

“In order to streamline the close, we must first create an environment where information is readily available for anyone to do the work,” says Ms. Wu. “Avoid a paper-based process. Establish a central repository online instead. Look for ways to implement electronic sign-offs and automated workflow so that the administrative side of the close can be minimized. Certain types of reconciliations should be automated so that accountants don’t have to manually work on them each month.”

Ms. Wu continues to outline ways for accountants to reduce the time spent on the month-end close process, indicating the benefits by using these tools. The feature shows a fresh outlook on the process where there are opportunities to become more efficient, improve internal controls, infuse technology and win back time.

To view the FMStv feature, and for more information about SkyStem, please click here.

About FMStv

FMStv is a video-based educational network to stay up to date on hot topics and solutions featuring a cast of thought leaders and experts Financial Managers Society (FMS) members. Founded in 1948, FMS came to be when a group of Chicago controllers formed the Society of Savings and Loan Controllers, a 501(c) 6 not-for-profit association. The Society became an affiliate of the United States League of Savings Institutions a few years later and was officially renamed the Financial Managers Society in 1982. Today, with a strong emphasis on first-class education and building community, FMS thrives as a professional membership organization with nearly 1,600 professional members from banks, thrifts, credit unions, and affiliate partners, from across the country.

About SkyStem LLC

Headquartered in the heart of New York City, SkyStem delivers a powerful close and account reconciliation application for organizations seeking to streamline their financial processes. The company’s flagship solution, ART, is an enterprise technology that helps CFOs and Controllers shorten the month-end close and the time to issue financials by automating balance sheet reconciliations, managing month-end tasks, and providing insightful reporting. The web-based solution streamlines and eliminates up to 90% of manual activities while strengthening internal controls and corporate governance.

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These NJ Top Docs Are Ready To Help Heal Your Summertime Skin


Lisa Silbret, MD and Alan Schechter, MD

Lisa Silbret, MD and Alan Schechter, MD

NJ Top Docs has reviewed and approved Lisa Silbret, MD and Alan Schechter, MD for 2019. These board certified dermatologists practice in Manalapan, New Jersey which is located in Monmouth County. At Dr. Silbret and Dr. Schechter’s office, they practice intelligent, compassionate, and comprehensive care in a warm, supportive environment. They and their staff work together as a team to ensure they are responsive to your needs and health concerns.

As the summer wraps up, Dr. Silbret and Dr. Schechter are offering Chemical Peels, Laser Resurfacing, and Microneedling. These services can be used to improve and resurface much of the damage that the sun has done to a patient’s skin over the summer. Redness, sun spots and uneven skin tone can be considerably corrected through the use of these treatments. These NJ Top Docs are also offering PRP for facial rejuvenation and hair restoration.

To learn more about Dr. Lisa Silbret and Dr. Alan Schechter, please click here: https://njtopdocs.com/nj-doctors/silbretandschechter/

—-

About Us

NJ Top Docs is a comprehensive, trusted and exclusive healthcare resource featuring reviewed and approved Top Doctors and Dentists in New Jersey online in an easy to use format. NJ Top Docs only reviews and approves providers based on merit after they have been extensively vetted.

NJ Top Docs is a division of USA Top Docs which allows patients to meet providers online before making their appointment.

For more information, please click here to contact us or visit http://www.NJTopDocs.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter

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New InstallAware X10 First to Build Single-Click Installs, Allow Precision Windows Feature Management, and Multi-Part Downloads.


InstallAware X10 Windows Features and Server Roles

InstallAware X10 Windows Features and Server Roles

InstallAware X10 solves the perennial problem of PC users – having to click through endless “Next” buttons to install software.

InstallAware Software, the technology leader in software installation, repackaging, and virtualization solutions for application producers and enterprises, is launching InstallAware X10 on Friday this week. InstallAware is the most flexible platform for traditional and agile development teams creating Windows and Azure software installers, as well as MSIX, APPX, Microsoft App-V Virtualization, and agentless/royalty-free InstallAware Virtualization packages.

InstallAware X10 solves the perennial problem of PC users – having to click through endless “Next” buttons to install software. The new built-in Single-Click Installation template installs and uninstalls applications literally in a single click. It also remains fully customizable – both in its user interface (the default implementation of which is modeled after Microsoft’s MSIX Installer), and its runtime setup logic (which remains a proprietary benefit of InstallAware).

The InstallAware Team painstakingly dumped Windows features across all released Windows versions, including both 32-bit and 64-bit platforms, and Server variants. They then built a user interface virtually identical to the “Turn Windows features on or off” applet, empowering developers to visually configure their target platforms in thorough detail. The InstallAware Team, during this R&D effort, discovered that literally each version and platform of Windows 10 has a unique set of features. Setup builders such as InstallShield were unable to complete accurate configurations across all Windows 10 releases, instead requiring developers to manually research the know-how in house; an entirely unaffordable proposition.

Also in InstallAware X10 is new extensibility for the internal download engine. Setup Plug-Ins may now register themselves as download handlers and offer custom functionality not available by default in InstallAware, such as peer to peer networking support for downloading application and runtime bits at install time; slashing network bandwidth costs while enabling unlimited software distribution online.

InstallAware X10 also is a major IDE upgrade, with IntelliScan highlighting for improperly authored setup script statements (similar to the squiggly red lines underlining misspelled words found in word processing software), as well as a new Code Preview feature which provides a bird’s eye view of setup script topology.

About InstallAware Software

InstallAware Software, founded in 2003, is the leading Cloud Infrastructure Company with its laser sharp focus on bullet-proof enterprise software deployment. InstallAware has been recognized by multiple awards coming from Microsoft, SDTimes “Leader of the Software Development Industry”, Visual Studio Magazine Reader’s Choice, ComponentSource, WindowsITPro, among other recognition. InstallAware X10 is available in a free edition for all Visual Studio users and paid editions with prices starting at $329. For a fully functional 30-day trial and more information, visit http://www.installaware.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jason Strathmore

InstallAware Software

336 Guerrero

San Francisco, CA 94103

415 358 4094

jase@installaware.com

http://www.installaware.com/

All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

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ORBI Inc. Launches Waterproof Second Generation 360° Recording Eyewear on Kickstarter


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ORBI Marine allows everyone to record and share memories made on land or water, from adventurous sports to everyday family activities.

After revolutionizing 360° first-person video recording with the introduction of ORBI Prime three years ago, the ORBI team improved its product and launched ORBI Marine today on Kickstarter. Taking customer feedback, ORBI increased the functionality of the product and revamped the glasses, making them completely waterproof.

Understanding that water sport enthusiasts are often underserved by traditional adventure cameras because they lack the hands-free capabilities they require, ORBI Marine brings the same comfort and ease of use found in ORBI Prime, but waterproof, and can be controlled via smartwatch app. This functionality allows surfers, kiteboarders, skiers and snowboarders the ability to capture their adventures from a first-person perspective with ease.

“We know people want to share their most exciting activities and adventures with family and friends, and there’s no better perspective than eye-level,” said Iskander Rakhman, CEO of ORBI Inc. “ORBI Marine allows everyone to record and share memories made on land or water, from adventurous sports to everyday family activities.”

In addition to hands-free control and its waterproof design, ORBI Marine is lightweight and ergonomic, offering a full 360° range of recording in breathtaking 4K clarity. Proprietary three-level stabilization also ensures shake-free video, no matter the activity.

Another key improvement over previous generations is the smartwatch compatibility. This feature allows users to control recording on ORBI Marine with a quick touch in the smartwatch app. ORBI even functions without the touch on the smart watch. Launch “Surfing Mode” in the ORBI Apple Watch app and it will monitor for changes in speed, acceleration, elevation over sea level etc. When the data indicates a wave has been caught, the app directs the glasses to start recording. At the end of the ride, the glasses enter “sleep mode” until the next wave. That same data can also be used in editing videos together after the fact.

ORBI Marine’s new automated video editor powered by AI technology lets users focus on the adventure and not hours editing on a laptop. Turn ordinary trips into epic adventures and share them with ease. ORBI Marine’s built-in Wi-Fi also enables sharing video directly from the glasses to a nearby smartphone or laptop.

The camera lens on each ORBI Marine is 14,5mm in diameter with a 3,84mm image circle. A rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to 60 minutes of standard recording time. A battery-save mode allows wearers to select a duration of up to four hours. Firmware then toggles between sleep mode and recording sessions to capture content during long excursions or runs. ORBI Marine is available to pre-order starting at $249 by visiting pr.go2.fund/orbimarine.

About ORBI Inc.

Founded in March 2016 and based in Berkeley, CA, ORBI specializes in developing innovative hardware and software that unlocks extraordinary new ways to capture and share life’s most cherished moments. The world of video recording is changing and people demand more from their realities. Leveraging the power of 360˚ video, ORBI is embedding four 1080p HD cameras into eyewear – the world’s first, first-person 360˚ video recording glasses. For more information, visit https://orbiprime.com

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Prevent Blindness Names VSP Global and Michael Guyette as the 2020 Persons of Vision Award Recipients


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National non-profit group, Prevent Blindness, names VSP Global and its President and CEO Michael Guyette, as the 2020 Persons of Vision Award recipients.

As we enter the year 2020, it seems only fitting that we honor the work of all the employees at VSP Global, including Michael Guyette, for their work which has had such a tremendous, positive impact on improving vision and keeping eyes healthy every day- J. Todd, Pres. & CEO, Prevent Blindness.

Prevent Blindness, the nation’s oldest eye health and safety non-profit organization, announced today that the 2020 Persons of Vision Award will go to VSP Global and its President and CEO Michael Guyette. The event will take place on March 26, 2020, at 583 Park Avenue, New York, N.Y., in conjunction with Vision Expo East. All proceeds from the event will go to support the sight-saving programs of Prevent Blindness.

The Prevent Blindness Persons of Vision Award recognizes an individual, corporation and/or organization whose inspired outlook champions healthy vision and its importance for a healthy life. VSP Global was selected as the recipient of the Persons of Vision Award for their 65-year commitment to a mission of helping people see, as well as its long-term support and partnership with Prevent Blindness.

VSP Global began its partnership with Prevent Blindness in 1999, following the inception of the first VSP Eyes of Hope initiative, Sight for Students, two years prior. Since then, nearly 123,000 students in need have received no-cost eye care and eyewear valued at more than $22 million through the Sight for Students program alone. In total, VSP Global and Prevent Blindness have expanded access to vision care for more than a quarter of a million adults and children in need. In addition, VSP Global staff has volunteered in various capacities including committee work and services to the Prevent Blindness Board of Directors.

Guyette has long been an advocate for making health insurance better aligned with the needs of consumers. He leads VSP Global’s vision to provide access to affordable, high quality eye care and eyewear to its nearly 90 million members. Before joining VSP Global in 2018, Guyette served as President and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. Prior to that, he held senior leadership positions at Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida and Independence Blue Cross. A native of Rhode Island, Guyette holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of North Texas, and an MBA from Villanova University.

“As we enter the year 2020, it seems only fitting that we honor the work of all the employees at VSP Global, including Michael Guyette, for their work which has had such a tremendous, positive impact on improving vision and keeping eyes healthy every day,” said Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. “Prevent Blindness and our affiliates have been fortunate to be long-time partners in their generous works. We invite everyone to help us celebrate this milestone year and the great efforts of Mr. Guyette and all of those at VSP Global who help promote and protect healthy vision.”

“This recognition is a testament to the incredible impact our organization has made since it was founded in 1955,” said Guyette. “I’m honored to share it alongside VSP network doctors and our employees who have contributed so much to change the lives of so many by expanding access to eye care for as many people as possible.”

The chairpersons of the 2020 Prevent Blindness Persons of Vision Committee are long-time Prevent Blindness volunteer and past Persons of Vision Award Honoree, Marge Axelrad, senior vice president, editorial director at Vision Monday/Jobson Optical Group, and past Prevent Blindness Board Member and Marketing and Development Committee member; and Mark Ginsburg, Chief Giving Officer, VSP Global, Prevent Blindness Board of Directors member and Chair of the Marketing and Development Committee.

For more information including sponsorship opportunities, Persons of Vision Award committee membership, and reservations, please contact Sue Corbett at (312) 363-6014 or scorbett@preventblindness.org or visit http://www.preventblindness.org/personofvision.

About Prevent Blindness

Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness is the nation’s leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness touches the lives of millions of people each year through public and professional education, advocacy, certified vision screening and training, community and patient service programs and research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, Prevent Blindness is committed to eliminating preventable blindness in America. For more information, or to make a contribution to the sight-saving fund, call 1-800-331-2020. Or, visit us on the Web at preventblindness.org or facebook.com/preventblindness.

About VSP Global

VSP Global is a doctor-governed company that exists to create value for members and opportunities for VSP network doctors. Their industry-leading businesses include VSP® Vision Care, the only national not-for-profit vision benefits company, which provides access to eye care for nearly 90 million members through a network of over 40,000 doctors worldwide; Marchon® Eyewear Inc., one of the world’s largest designers, manufacturers and distributors of high-quality eyewear and sunwear; VSP Optics, industry leaders in ophthalmic technology and lab services, providing custom lens solutions for the vision and lifestyle needs of patients; Eyefinity®, the industry leader in practice management and electronic health record software; VSP Retail, which focuses on increasing access to eye care and eyewear through multiple channels; and VSP® Ventures, which offers care-focused, customized choices for doctors looking to transition their practice.

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NDB Advisory Announces Fixed-Fee PCI DSS QSA Assessor & Certification Services for Houston, TX Businesses


Houston is a massive economic city – in fact, the 10th largest economy in the world, according to a recent report. This means large regulatory compliance mandates are required for the thousands of businesses throughout the greater Houston metropolitan area

NDB, Texas’ leading provider of PCI DSS compliance and consulting services, now offers fixed-fee PCI DSS QSA assessor & certification services for Houston merchants and service providers. Houston is a massive economic city – in fact, the 10th largest economy in the world, according to a recent report. This means large regulatory compliance mandates are required for the thousands of businesses throughout the greater Houston metropolitan area, and especially when it comes to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS).

NDB offers the following comprehensive PCI DSS compliance and certification services for Houston businesses:


  • PCI DSS Scoping & Readiness Assessments
  • Policy and Procedures Writing
  • Technical/Security Remediation
  • Operational Remediation
  • Risk Assessments
  • Security Awareness Training
  • Level 1 QSA Onsite Assessments
  • Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) Consulting
  • Penetration Testing
  • Continuous Monitoring

Have a business in Houston, TX and need assistance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS), then contact NDB today at 1-800-277-5415, ext. 705 to learn more. NDB is Texas’ leading provider of high-quality, comprehensive PCI DSS services and solutions.

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