SCENE + HEARD: Discover Distinct Viewpoints Characterize Each of the 2019 OPTImum Independent Retailers By Staff Friday, March 29, 2019 6:01 PM NEW YORK—Vision Expo once again celebrated independent boutique retailers, by allowing them to showcase their products, stores, visions and stories to the optical industry. Dozens of retailers submitted entries but the group was narrowed down to five finalists. Announced at last week's Vision Expo East, it was Edward Beiner, based in South Miami, Fla. who was selected as the 2019 OPTImum Retail Award winner. But even as Beiner accepted his honor and acknowledged in his remarks, each of the other finalists represent very distinct visions of curated collections, special store environments and unique messaging to consumers with a high dose of personal expertise and service that are hard to match. Read More.