NEW YORK—Transitions Optical is linking up with VSP Vision Care and its Eyefinity division for new programs designed to benefit VSP members and participating eyecare professionals.

In one new program, VSP and Transitions are teaming in a “guaranteed satisfaction’ effort for Transitions VI lenses. Through the program, VSP doctors can offer patients who are VSP members up to six months to try their new lenses; if the consumers aren’t satisfied, VSP will replace their Transitions lenses with ordinary, clear lenses free.

“We view this guarantee as an exciting way for independent eyecare professionals to differentiate on superior quality and high satisfaction rates,” said Kate Renwick-Espinosa, VSP’s vice president of marketing.

The guarantee will be promoted nationally through a Transitions television commercial, customized for VSP, that encourages consumers to schedule an appointment with a VSP doctor, directing them to a Web site for more information about Transitions lenses and the satisfaction guarantee. VSP will also engage additional resources to educate its members about the importance of maintaining healthy sight, and will provide access to interactive online resources from Transitions to familiarize consumers with the best eyewear options to fit their lifestyles.

The companies plan additional joint marketing efforts targeting HR and consumer audiences to promote the guarantee, the value of enrolling in a vision plan and the importance of UV and glare protection.

“It can be difficult for today’s independent eyecare professionals to compete due to limited marketing dollars,” said Pat Huot, business manager, managed vision care, Transitions. “This collaboration with VSP will help by providing high visibility for the guarantee, encouraging dialogue between VSP members and providers, and elevating awareness of the role of quality vision care and vision wear in achieving healthy sight.”

In another program, Eyefinity and Transitions are partnering to provide ECPs resources “to help private practices spark dialogue about healthy sight with patients,” an announcement said. Eyefinity and Transitions will develop a series of programs and materials ECPs can use to educate consumers on the role of comprehensive eye exams and proper eyewear in healthy sight. Eyefinity will also provide education on Transitions VI lenses, along with access to a variety of tools to help eyecare professionals dispense Transitions lenses and other premium products to patients.

Through the partnership, Transitions will sponsor several Web-based resources for professional education and also for ECPs to share with their patients.

Noted Huot, “Eyefinity shares our commitment, and we look forward to working together to provide quick access to information and resources to help eyecare professionals enhance their businesses and bring even more healthy sight education to patients.”

Steve Baker, president of Eyefinity, commented, “We know that for private practices to be successful they must offer the best care for the most important aspect of their businesses—their patients—and that means delivering quality products, like Transitions lenses, and the most helpful information to encourage their patients to achieve healthy sight.”