MONMOUTH, Ill.—Optical Synergies, the wholesale lab buying group, announced that industry veteran Chris Landers has succeeded Bruce Brady as head of the organization, effective July 16. The group is also relocating its administrative offices from Plymouth, Minn. to Monmouth, Ill.

Brady’s departure comes after a 50-year career in the optical industry. He was a longtime executive with Benson Optical, served as a field representative with Titmus and spent the last 10 years as president of Optical Synergies and The Buyers Edge, a retail group. In this most recent role, Brady expanded the Synergies Wholesale Lab buying group from a relatively small membership base to one of the largest membership groups in this sector of the industry.
Landers has 30 years experience in the optical industry, holding executive management positions in the retail, wholesale and lens manufacturing sectors. Most recently, he served as Eastern regional manager for Vision-Ease Lens.

“We are pleased to have someone of Chris’ caliber join the organization. He brings a wealth of industry experience and knowledge to the role,” said Frank Soppa, vice president of optical services at NovaMed, Optical Synergies parent company.