Mathews Jacob representing Yateem Opticians joined in as the prestigious jury member to nominate the top products for the Vision-X VP Awards 2015. VisionPlus in conversation with Mathews Jacob
VisionPlus (VP) : What are your expectations from Vision-X VP Awards this year?
Mathews Jacob (MJ) : My expectation from the Vision-X VP Awards this year is that it will help to recognise the best product from each category. We expect that the ceremony should be covered by the media in a big way which can create an awareness for the optical industry.
VP : What is your opinion about the quality of products this year?
MJ : The selection was more competitive as there was a wide range to evaluate, thus it becomes more interesting to select the best from amongst the best brands and key players of the market. We are happy that the big players in the optical industry have taken a serious note of the Vision-X VP Awards in each category and have sent out their representation for the same. This has helped for a coverage from the entire brand portfolio. There was reservation from some luxury/fashion brands but we expect this to change in the future.
VP : Which is your favourite category?
MJ : All the categories were equally important for me as we have target customers in every segment. Having said that, I surely think that the entries enrolled in the luxury segment, especially for sunglasses were quite interesting.
VP : In your opinion, how does the industry benefit from the Vision-X VP Awards initiative?
MJ : A platform like Vision-X VP Awards surely helps to create an awareness among opticians to have quality products in the showroom.
VP : What is your opinion about the impact of online retailing on the optical trade community?
MJ : As an optician, it is not practical to dispense online prescription spectacle with the precise measurement. It is always advisable to personally visit the optician for the spectacle. Online trading, according to me is practical and quite benefitting for contact lenses or accessories.
