Rockanje, Netherlands - Today, Optelec announced the appointment of Jaap Breider as Technology Officer to its Blindness products line. In this capacity Breider will serve in an advisory role to Optelecs Board of Directors and Executive Management team regarding all matters related to Product direction, Innovation, and intellectual property within the scope of Blindness product development.
Breider, a self-made entrepreneur who is also blind needs little introduction to this industry. Twenty years ago, Breider founded Alva B.V., the worlds leading supplier of refreshable Braille terminals. Breiders commitment to excellence and innovation makes him an ideal cornerstone on which Optelec will build development efforts throughout 2006.
Were extremely excited to have a professional of Jaaps caliber join our development team, stated Michiel Van Schaik, Chief Executive Officer, Optelec Holding. Jaap will provide an invaluable bridge between Optelecs Development Channel, Board of Directors, and a marketplace which he is passionate to serve to further cement Optelecs position as the industry leader in product innovation and global distribution of products designed to change the lives of persons who are vision impaired.
Both Optelec and Alva have historically been two leading providers of access technology from one small country, stated Breider. For the past three years I have been less visible in the industry, and have been able to objectively survey the landscape of this markets current unmet needs. I am excited to be working with such a committed team of professionals, and look forward to meeting many of you at various conferences and events in the not too distant future.
About Optelec
Based in Rockanje, The Netherlands, Optelec is a leading designer and manufacturer of life-changing technology for people who are visually impaired and blind. The company's flagship ClearView Plus line, magnifies text and photos to over 50 times, bringing life back into focus for those living with low vision by incorporating product intelligence with a sleek modular design. The Braille Voyager and Alva series of Braille terminals provide Braille users with complete control of their laptop or desktop computer from a selection of Braille displays which tout ingenuity, durability, and affordability. The user-friendly, wireless EasyLink Braille series guarantees portable cellular phone and PDA access for active participation within the mainstream, global information community.
Sales offices have been established in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, and The Netherlands and the company supports a strong distribution network throughout North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
For more Information, please visit our website at www.optelec.com.