ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 26, 2011 – Transitions Optical, Inc. has named Patsy Akridge, president, Akridge Financial Services of Martinsville, Va. as the 2010 Transitions Vision Benefits Broker of the Year – recognizing her efforts to communicate the value of vision benefits to HR customers and employees. The first-ever winner of this award, Akridge was honored during a celebratory event – attended by an international audience of more than 1,000 optical industry professionals and 175 managed vision care industry professionals – at the 15th annual Transitions Academy at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando.
“This award adds another level of extraordinary performance to my client portfolio,” Akridge said. “With the information and support I have received from Transitions Optical, I will be able to promote a commitment to caring for my clients’ eye care needs. Transitions Optical has empowered me to make a significant change in how I do business with clients and prospects in 2011.”
Prior to being named the Transitions Vision Benefits Broker of the Year, Akridge participated in a panel discussion with the two finalists for the award, as part of the 4th annual education track for vision plan providers and benefits brokers at Transitions Academy. During the panel discussion, Akridge explained her strategy for educating clients about the preventative aspect of eye exams – such as for the early detection of eye problems and diabetes – as a means to reducing health care claim costs and boosting employee wellness. She also uses websites and educational brochures during enrollment meetings to show both clients and employees the importance of properly corrected vision for improved productivity and safety.
In addition, Akridge advocates eyewear that protects the eyes from sun damage. Specifically, Akridge promotes a comprehensive vision plan that includes full coverage of photochromic Transitions® lenses for children and a discount for adults. The lenses darken outdoors to block damaging ultraviolet light – which children are more susceptible to – and also reduce glare to minimize eyestrain.
To stay on top of the latest vision benefit offerings that may help her clients maintain a healthier and more productive workforce, Akridge participates in continuing education on the importance of eye health for overall health. She said she will leverage her role as Vision Benefits Broker of the Year to spread the word about vision benefits to more peers and clients.
Pat Huot, director of managed vision care for Transitions Optical, applauded Akridge’s commitment to healthy sight, “Patsy exemplifies what the Vision Benefits Broker of the Year program is all about,” said Huot, “By educating herself about the potential impact of eye health on overall health, and making sure that both preventive eye care and protective eyewear are part of her discussion with HR clients, Patsy has set a perfect example of how brokers can provide a value add to their customers through vision benefit promotion.”
Additional finalists included Rick Walker, vice president, J. Smith Lanier; Duluth, Ga., and Joe Part, managing and founding partner, Alltrust Insurance; Palm Harbor, Fla.
About the Award
Self-nominated or nominated by a vision plan provider, nominees for the 2010 Vision Benefits of the Year award were judged on their commitment to:
- Promotion of vision benefits — positioning vision benefits as an integral part of the overall health benefits offering.
- Promotion of vision wear — highlighting the vision wear elements of vision coverage to customers, and recommending vision plans that include photochromic lenses, which are clear indoors and darken outdoors to protect the eyes from damaging ultraviolet light and glare.
- Education — educating about the importance of quality eye care and eyewear.
All three finalists received a trip for two to attend Transitions Academy, along with prizes and office items for themselves and their staff members. In addition, Akridge will receive use of the official Transitions Vision Benefits Broker of the Year logo, a staff celebration and a trip for two to attend the Transitions Championship at the Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club in Florida, in March 2011.
More information about the 2011 Transitions Vision Benefits Broker of the Year Award can be found at HealthySightWorkingForYou.org, under the broker or HR professional portals.
About Transitions
As the leading provider of photochromics to optical manufacturers, Transitions Optical, headquartered in Pinellas Park, Fla., offers the most advanced photochromic technology in the widest selection of lens designs and materials. As part of its corporate mission to promote healthy sight, Transitions is committed to educating consumers and elevating the importance of eyewear, and to providing its partners the tools and programs their businesses need to thrive.
Transitions Optical’s core product line, Transitions® lenses, are the #1-recommended photochromic lenses worldwide. As higher-performing everyday clear lenses, Transitions lenses change from clear indoors and at night to sunglass dark outdoors in proportion to the intensity of UV light. Transitions® SOLFX™ sun lenses use the same advanced photochromic technology, but are designed specifically for visually demanding outdoor activities. They adjust
their level of darkness and color according to the intensity of sunlight to help wearers look great, see better and perform at their best.
For more information visit Transitions.com or TransitionsSOLFX.com, or contact Transitions Optical Customer Service at (800) 848-1506 (United States) or (877) 254-2590 (Canada).
Transitions Optical, Inc. named Patsy Akridge of Akridge Insurance Services the 2010 Transitions Vision Benefits Broker of the Year on Jan. 25, during the 4th annual managed vision care track at Transitions Academy.
NOTE: For a high-resolution version of these or additional images, please contact Christina Wetzel at 412-456-4301 or Christina.wetzel@eurorscg.com.
