18 THE CUBA REVIBLW 
CUBAN MARKET FOR OPTICAL GOODS 
The market in the Santiago de Cuba district for optical goods is now supplied 
almost exclusively by American manufacturers. There are no statistics available 
showing the annual imports of optical goods into this Province, In order of im: 
portance, the trade uses eyeglasses, cheap erades made up, better grades with lenses 
mounted according to examination of sight; unmounted lenses; gold and gold-filled 
and aluminum frames; and imitation shell rims for spectacles and nose glasses. 
There is a fair demand for automobile goggles, but the demand for opera and field 
glasses is limited. Lorgnettes have been in vogue in the larger cities, but their use 
has been and is relatively small. There is no demand for microscopes, excepting the 
cheaper grades of magnifying and sun glasses. 
The most popular styles of nose glasses and spectacles are the OO size rims with 
flat lenses, being considered as standard, and the 40 and 42 millimeter round rims. 
There is a good demand for rimless glasses. In the larger places meniscus or toric 
lenses are becoming more popular. Due to the prevailing bright sunlight, tinted 
lenses in neutral tints, as amber, amethyst and blue, are largely used. 
SUPPLY OF MARKET 
Today practically the only goods in the market are American-made, and the 
tendency of the trade is to consider them reliable, especially eyeglass frames, lenses 
and instruments used for examining the eyes. French opera glasses and German 
artificial eyes are still favored. American manufacturers with a little effort could 
command the trade in the latter articles. There are no obstacles in the way of 
American manufacturers in optical lines holding and extending their trade if they 
will give the demands of this market due attention, as the natives «nd most of the 
foreign dealers in these lines are favorable to American goods. I should be con- 
sidered, however, that the almost exclusive use of these goods is due in a large 
measure to restrictions of trade with Europe during the war, and that European con- 
cerns are already seeking to renew trade connections and will, as soon as oppor- 
tunities are afforded, bid strongly for Cuban business. 
The only demand for materials for domestic manufacture is fur lenses in the 
rough and uncuts, and the necessary emery, rouge, pitch, cement, etc., used in grind- 
ing and polishing. 
DISTRIBUTION OF OPTICAL GOODS 
Optical goods are distributed mainly through wholesalers located in the larger 
cities. Some goods are sold direct to the retailer by salesmen, representing the whole- 
saler or manufacturer, who carry samples only. Country districts are often supplied 
by traveling jewelers and opticians who carry stock with them. Retailers as a rule 
purchase through island wholesalers. Some retailers carry small stocks. There 
are no agencies in this district, but there are several in Havana, which distribute 
through salesmen. 
Wholesalers and manufacturers supplying this market furnish catalogues and 
other advertising matter, such as blotters, pamphlets, cuts for papers and magazines, 
and motion-picture slides, to the dealer. The printed matter is in Spanish, the lan- 
guage of the country. They are generally distributed free. This depends, however, 
on the cost of the medium used. If quite expensive, a slight charge is made. Some 
concerns send out free literature for distribution by the retailers. 
On small quantities the most practical method of shipment is by insured or 
registered parcels post (in packages not exceeding 41%, pounds each). Large orders 
should be forwarded by freight. Fault is often found in the packing of American 
goods, which in some instances is particularly careless for goods as fragil as optical 
lines, Complaints are heard also in reference to poor invoicing, which causes delays 
in the customs and is a source of annoyance and loss to the importer.—Vice Consul 
John L. Griffith, Santiago. 
