NEW YORK--The buzz from the optical industry is getting louder for Eye Rock, the first annual benefit concert for the Give the Gift of Sight Foundation. The show, set for April 10 at New York’s famed China Club, will feature more than 20 of the industry’s best rock musicians and singers.

“Eye Rock anticipation is building and ticket sales are heating up,” said Susan Knobler, vice-president of Give the Gift of Sight. “We’re noticing that some companies are purchasing multiple tickets for key accounts, sales awards and/or tokens of appreciation. What a great way to host a colleague in the industry for a guaranteed good time while helping a wonderful cause.”

At presstime, Eye Rock’s sponsors included Luxottica Group, Jobson Medical Information, Seiko Optical Products of America, Vision Council of America, Vision-Ease, Allergan, Essilor, Global Impact Group, CIBA Vision, Cooper Vision, Ocuco, Younger Optics, Charmant, Eyewear by ROI, Gadge USA, Polycore and Optical Training Institute.

Several different bands will perform at Eye Rock, including OffAxis and special guests Bad Habits, the EyeDocs of Rock. All proceeds benefit Give the Gift of Sight, a family of charitable vision care programs offering free eye care and eyewear to underprivileged people in North America and in developing countries. Steve Santinelli, Eye Rock’s musical producer and the leader of OffAxis, said the optical rockers have been working hard in preparation for the show. “The house will be rockin’,” he promised. “The club can hold 300 to 400 people, and we hope to fill it to the rafters.”

Santinelli noted that the China Club, which gained fame as a hangout for rock stars, is being completely renovated. Eye Rock will be the first event to take place in the newly remodeled club.

Members of the OffAxis band rehearsing last year during International Vision Expo West. Pictured, left to right, are Robert Schanbaum, Bill Gerber, Steve Santinelli and Calvin Howell.

In addition to Santinelli, who sings and plays guitar in OffAxis, the band consists of Joe Santinelli, percussion; Steve Wheaton, drums (Santinelli International); Andy Karp, guitar and vocals (Jobson Medical Information); Robert Shanbaum, keyboard and vocals (Ocuco); Bill Gerber, drums/MC (Global Impact Group/GIG); Calvin Howell, bass guitar (Polycore Optical USA) and Jonathan Schwartz, congas (Hoya Vision Care, North America).

Among the other Eye Rock performers are Randy Adams, guitar; Miles McLennan, bass guitar and vocals (Allergan); Paul Shyer, guitar and vocals; Jason Shyer, guitar and vocals (Eastern States Eyewear); Maribel Lee, vocals (Luxottica Retail); Bob Stein, guitar; John Vaught, drums (National Vision); Gerry Ludwin, saxophone (Optical Training); John Alofs, drums (ROI Eyewear); Eric Lindquist, bass guitar (Specialty Lens); hane Lindsey, drums; Steph Hamilton, guitar (Topcon Medical Systems); Dr. Gary Gerber, keyboards (The Power Practice) and Mike Cooper, drums (TriSupreme Optical).

Bad Habits, The Eye Docs of Rock, consists of Jules (Mike) Raies, OD, bass guitar and vocals; Pat Dollenmayer, OD; guitar and vocals; Tony Fenton, OD, drums and vocals; Ken Kuhn, OD, guitar and vocals; Mark Schindler, Universal Music & Video Distribution, keyboard and vocals.

In addition to the music, an electric guitar signed by all four members of Pink Floyd will be auctioned off at the show. The guitar was donated by Don Pina of Gold Coast Ophthalmics.

Eye Rock will take place April 10 at the China Club, 268 W. 47th St., from 8:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M., with doors opening at 7:30 PM. Tickets are available on-line at www.givethegiftofsight.org. Tickets are $50 each when purchased on-line through April 8. Tickets at the door, if available, will be $75.

For more information about sponsoring Eye Rock, contact Susan Knobler, Give the Gift of Sight, (513) 765-6248, or [email protected]. ■