L'Amy America and Optical Services International have joined forces to launch the Columbia Sportswear Authorized Rx Program. This unique prescription sunglass program, which was designed and implemented for the independent ECP, now makes Columbia sunwear a possibility for every patient. The prescription lenses are available nationwide through members of Optical Services International, which are the only authorized Columbia Sportswear laboratories. Now patients can wear prescription Columbia Sportswear sunglasses and be assured they are receiving the same quality and benefits of our plano sunwear.

"This is an important and natural step for Columbia Sportswear sunglasses to offer a comprehensive Rx program, as performance is a key brand value. We want all our consumers who need prescription eyewear to be able to enjoy the benefits of our sunwear lens tints and coatings to perform in their outdoor pursuits," says Laurent Raynaud, Manager for Columbia Eyewear. L'Amy America and OSI have worked closely to provide lens tints offered in the Columbia sunwear line, including specific lens treatments such as flash mirrors or colored mirrors. The program is easy to manage for all eye care professionals, offering three different lens packages in either single vision or progressive lenses: Essential, Performance Polarized and Peak Performance Polarized. The tiered packages make prescription sunwear accessible to all patients.

The Columbia Sportswear Authorized Rx Program, is one of the most flexible Rx programs in the market, offering many polarized Rx options in virtually any Columbia sunglass. The program will allow every qualifying dispenser to easily customize the lens package for the patient's needs with a selection of Columbia approved lenses. "This customized program is showing our dedication to the 3 O's as a major channel for sunwear sales. We understand every consumer has different tastes and needs. It allows every wearer to choose from non polarized Rx Columbia Sunglasses or state of the art Rx polarized lenses with technical treatments at a very affordable price" says Stephen Rappoport, President of L'Amy America. The Columbia Sportswear Authorized Rx Program reflects the growing consumer demand for polarized lenses and is available nationwide in the United States. 

"All of our labs are dedicated to the highest level of quality and service. Through the Columbia Sportswear Authorized Rx Program we have partnered with Columbia eyewear to develop Rx lenses that reflects the features and benefits of the Columbia sunwear lenses. This makes the program strong and very simple. The only thing the ECP will need to do is send the patient prescription along with the Columbia frame and we will make the Rx job with Columbia approved lenses that match all benefits of the Columbia sunwear lenses", says Dana Weeks, President of Optical Services International.  

The L'Amy sales representatives and the OSI member laboratories sales representatives will present the program to the 3 O's starting July 1st. Qualifying opticians will commit to carry an assortment of the Columbia sunwear collection and will receive point of sales material to display the program. 

About Optical Services International
Optical Services International is an association of full service, independent optical laboratories located throughout the United States.

About Columbia Sportswear Company
Founded in 1938 in Portland, Oregon, Columbia Sportswear Company is a global leader in the design, sourcing, marketing and distribution of active outdoor apparel and footwear. As one of the largest outerwear brands in the world and the leading seller of skiwear in the United States, the Company has developed an international reputation for quality, performance, functionality and value. To learn more about the Company, please visit the website at www.columbia.com

Columbia eyewear is manufactured under license by the L'Amy Group for Columbia Sportswear North America Inc. ©Columbia Sportswear Company