Vision - National Eyecare Group

Vision Now
A National Eyecare Group Publication
FEBRUARY 2015
CET
18-20 APRIL 2015
BIRMINGHAM NEC
T H E U K ’ S L E A D I N G E X H I B I T I O N A N D E D U C AT I O N A L C O N F E R E N C E D E D I C AT E D
TO THE NEEDS OF THE OPTICAL PROFESSION
SINCE 1978
R E G I S T R AT I O N N O W L I V E A N D
E D U C AT I O N O P E N F O R B O O K I N G
AT
O P T R A FA I R . C O . U K
Vision Now
Comment
Vision Now magazine is published by Peekay Publishing Ltd for The PK National
Eyecare Group Ltd, the UK’s largest purchasing group for independent opticians.
Welcome to the first issue of the year –
and what a busy year it looks set to be.
The optical trade fair calendar kicked
off with a vengeance last month at Opti
in Munich, where some 25,000 plus
visitors placed orders worth more than
178 million euros.
CONTENTS
News
2
5
7
9
11
12
NEG members win at Club awards
New solutions from Bausch + Lomb
Optrafair unveils CET programme
Edgy investment at Tant Labs
New sun collections from Dunelm
Developing thoughts
Get motivated to be the best
17
BCLA bulletin
Liverpool bound for #BCLA2015
18
Company profile:
Thomsen Eyewear
Contemporary Danish craftsmanship
21
Profile: Kevin Gutsell
Taking the long view
23
Falmouth sightings
History and heritage
24
A consultant’s eye view
Who suffers from glaucoma?
26
Style spotlight
Enticing eyewear accessories
28
Suppliers’ directory
EDITOR
Nicky Collinson BA (Hons)
[email protected]
EDITORIAL PA
Sharon Hicks
[email protected]
FASHION EDITOR
Joan Grady
[email protected]
BUSINESS EDITOR
Philip Mullins FBDO
[email protected]
DESIGNER
Rosslyn Argent
PUBLISHER
Michael C Wheeler
BA (Hons)
FCOptom DipCLP FSMC FAAO
The PK National Eyecare Group Limited
Managing Director: Michael Daunt
Clermont House, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 3DN
Tel: 01580 713698 Fax: 01580 713450
P&P Litho Ltd
Unit 4, Mount Road Ind. Estate,
Mount Road, Feltham, Middlesex, TW13 6AR
Tel: 020 8893 3900 E-mail: [email protected]
100% Optical in London this month looks to be carving a
niche for itself in partnership with the Association of
Optometrists, while the College of Optometrists prepares for
its Optometry Tomorrow event in March in Brighton where
for the first time, CET will be offered to dispensing opticians
and contact lens opticians. Not long after that it’s headlong
into Optrafair in Birmingham (18-20 April), where the new
chief executive of the Federation of Manufacturing Opticians,
Kevin Gutsell, will no doubt be hoping to consolidate the
event’s position (see our Profile feature on page 21 ).
May sees a move to Liverpool for the British Contact Lens
Association’s clinical conference and exhibition, now scaled
back to three days and taking place every two years (see
BCLA Bulletin on page 17 ), while London plays host to the
Vision UK conference in June bringing together stakeholders
across the sight loss sector. The Association of British
Dispensing Opticians is reverting to an autumn slot this
year, with its conference taking place in Manchester on 20
and 21 September, while the AIO Conference returns to
Oxford in October and the National Optical Conference to
Birmingham in November.
Of course, if you haven’t already done so, do mark 15 and
16 November in your diary as the dates for this year’s NEG
Building for Success conference. And if all that wasn’t enough,
there are local CET events up and down the country being
offered by all the optical organisations as well as industry
partners. So there’s absolutely no shortage of ways to learn,
up-skill, network and gain all the CET points you need before
the end of the current three-year cycle on 31 December.
We hope you enjoy all our (belated) New Year issue has to
offer and, as always, your feedback is most welcome.
Finally, don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on
Twitter to keep up with the latest news and offers from the
Group and its Preferred Suppliers.
Yours,
Nicky Collinson @eyestories
Editor
Vision Now
The Editor welcomes letters, articles and other contributions for
publication in the magazine and reserves the right to amend them.
Any such contribution, whether it bears the author’s name, initials or
pseudonym, is accepted on the understanding that its author is
responsible for the opinions expressed in it and that its publication
does not imply that such opinions are those of The PK National
Eyecare Group Ltd. Articles submitted for publication should be
original, unpublished work and are accepted on the basis that they
will not be published in any other journal. Acceptance of material
for publication is not a guarantee that it will be included in any
particular issue.
Copyright © 2015 for Peekay Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. No
part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form
or by any means, including photocopying and recording, without the
written permission of the publishers. Such written permission should
also be obtained before any part of this publication is stored in a
retrieval system of any nature.
2 NEWS
NEWS
1
Rodenstock
provides a comprehensive analysis of the health of the eye. Improved
network stability and user account management are important upgrades to
the system, believes the company. Windows 7 compatible, the upgrade
comes with a comprehensive tutorial, highlighting access to information on
the integrity of specific layers.
3
Orange Eyewear
Orange Eyewear has added to its Contessa collection, designed especially
for mature women and available exclusively to independent opticians.
Among the new additions is CON144 (pictured ), featuring a petal design
and available in rose and gold colourways. The petite frame, which has a
flattering ‘squoval’, full-rim eye shape, fuses matt and polished metal
finishes, with contrasting resin within the petal detailing for added effect.
Rodenstock Club 2014 winners
Congratulations to NEG member practices, the Barraclough & Stiles Group
and DJ Bull Optometrists, Burnham-on-Sea, for scooping the Marketing
Initiative and Wimbledon Sunglasses Frames awards respectively at the
2014 Rodenstock Club Awards held in London in December. Also to BBR
Optometry, named as the leading Centre of Excellence. The Hereford
practice, which came second last year, was presented with the award for
overall best-performing practice. It also scooped an award for its success
in dispensing Excellence lenses.
More than 250 Rodenstock Club members attended the lunch and awards
ceremony on 17 December at the Rosewood London Hotel, where practices
competed in a number of product specific categories. All the winners will
join Rodenstock in March on a trip to Rome. Speaking at the event,
Rodenstock managing director, Niels Jensen, praised club members for
sharing best practice: “As we have some of the best independent practices
in the UK in this room today, it seems like an excellent idea that you
exchange successful ideas and strategies to make yourselves even
stronger as an independent group,” he said.
2
Heidelberg Engineering
Faster image acquisition and more intuitive analysis are key features of the
new Heidelberg Engineering Spectralis 6.00 OCT software. The free
upgrade allows Spectralis users to interrogate and gain more information
from both new and previously taken scans, providing full segmentation of
the retinal layers and longitudinal section analysis for a top down view.
Christopher Mody, Heidelberg Engineering clinical programme manager,
explained: “For those with a retinal interest, the new software includes
transverse section analysis and multi-layer segmentation. This multi-layer
segmentation includes 10 different thickness maps – for all retinal layers.
We believe this is the only commercially available means of segmenting
GCL and IPL. This really demonstrates the benefit of investing in an
upgradeable OCT platform.”
Transverse section analysis provides the clinician with a bird’s eye view of
the retinal layers. Both new and previously taken scans of the retina are
segmented into individual retinal layers, which can then be viewed from top
to bottom. This allows for visualisation of the extent of pathology across the
retina, which when combined with OCT sections through the retina,
Contessa: fashionable yet classic
Hanna Nussbaum, managing director of Orange Eyewear, said: “The
Contessa range is perfect for mature ladies who want to dip their toe into
the fashion arena. The collection fuses together classic designs with a very
wearable modern twist, boasting a beautiful pallet of soft colourways to
complement wearers’ skin tones. All models are deep enough to
accommodate a varifocal lens. The range is great value for money, meaning
that it’s within the reach of most wearers. It also offers those with petite
faces an alternative to large – and often bulky – frames.”
4
Shamir
Shamir has taken its
Shamir Attitude lens
and developed two
new lenses, one for
sport and the other
for fashion. The new
Attitude III Sport &
Fashion lenses have
vision zones that are
especially suited to
any lifestyle or
activity. The Attitude
III SV provides “a
One lens, two attitudes
perfect solution for
those requiring single vision prescription sunwear”. Other benefits include
an extended range of base curve and face-form angles, Shamir’s Glacier
Sun coating package with achromatic AR coating for the front surface and
anti-UV reflection coating for the rear surface, impact resistant and high
index materials, as well as a wide range of tints and filters.
Attitude III Sport & Fashion lenses incorporate Shamir’s four most advanced
technologies: Eye-Point Technology III, improving the viewing experience
regardless of prescription or choice of frame; Natural Posture, minimising
discomfort and allowing for a natural near viewing posture; IntelliCorridor,
providing an optimal power profile specifically for sports and fashion; and
As-Worn Quadro, ensuring complete viewing comfort for any frame shape.
NEWS
5
Vision UK 2015
The seventh annual Vision UK conference will be held on 18 June at Central
Hall Westminster in London. Titled ‘Working together to deliver the UK Vision
Strategy’, Vision UK will feature a new format with delegates able to choose
from one of five workshop streams, focused on delivering aspects of the UK
Vision Strategy. Katherine Raven, UK Vision Strategy senior manager, said:
“This year’s event will provide everyone working within the eye health,
sight loss and related sectors with a tailored conference experience, with a
full day of relevant and engaging content.” Early bird rates are available
before 17 April. Visit www.visionuk.org.uk
* Following the launch of the UK Vision Strategy’s Commissioning for
Effectiveness and Efficiency (CEE) guidance in November 2014, eye health
stakeholders are being invited to offer their feedback via a short online
survey. The results will inform the evaluation of the CEE project outputs and
inform future work to support effective planning and provision of local
eyecare services in England. All survey respondents will have the
opportunity to enter a prize draw to win a free place at Vision UK 2015. Visit
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CEEGuidance
6
Norville
Drivewear options extended
NuPolar Gradient lenses are available in Dark Grey 85 per cent light
absorption – Bottom: Light Grey 70 per cent light absorption; and Dark Brown
80 per cent light absorption – Bottom: Light Grey 70 per cent light absorption.
* Transitions Trilogy DriveWear lenses are available now in plano or Rx in
single vision and some digital progressive lens designs, suitable for rimless
and supra mounts and 6 and 8 base frames.
8
Bausch + Lomb
Two new preservative-free options are now available from Bausch + Lomb.
Available in single use vials or as a pump action 10ml bottle, both Biotrue
Rewetting Drops and Vidisan single dose units are said to provide relief for
a variety of symptoms for busy people on the go. “Vidisan is designed to
provide gentle soothing relief for eyes of all ages that are irritated by wind,
dust, pollution, swimming and pollen,” said Valerie Steiner, Bausch + Lomb
OTC marketing manager.
Catch errors before they occur
Norville’s new Polarising Axis Verifier Gauge has been designed to facilitate
the correct glazing of polarising lenses. The company said: “The ISO BSI
Standard allows +5° as the glazing axis tolerance for polarising lenses, that
is, the axis of polarisation rather than the glazed cylinder axis which
sometimes can have a much wider allowance depending on its lens power.
However, a more serious error that can occur when glazing polarising
lenses is a complete 90° swing of the polarising axis, easier than you may
think with spherical polarising powers. Technicians can neglect to recall
there is an axis to a polarising spherical power. This little gadget will catch
such errors before they get onto a patient’s face.”
“The extract of Euphrasia gently calms irritation and, in hand with this, the
solution contains Povidone, a polymer which enables a protective film to
form on the eye’s surface.” Of Biotrue Rewetting Drops, Valerie said: “This
can provide instant relief and natural hydration for dry and tired eyes,
especially caused by prolonged computer use, air conditioning and flying.
Based on Hyaluronic acid, which is found naturally in the eye and tear film,
it provides comfort for long periods.”
* In conjunction with Younger Optics USA, Norville has published a 12-page
Polarising Lenses publication explaining the technical details behind
NuPolar and Drivewear Polarising lenses. Call 01452 510321 or email
[email protected] for a copy.
7
Younger Optics
Younger Optics has launched NuPolar Gradient lenses allowing practitioners
to offer the most fashionable gradient tints with 99 per cent polarisation
efficiency without, says the company, the need for the “unreliable lens
tinting process”. According to Julian Wiles, Younger Optics Europe’s UK
representative: “This revolutionary new lens has no equivalents in today’s
ophthalmic lens market.” NuPolar polarised gradient is made available in
polycarbonate semi-finished lens blanks for all Younger Optics lab clients.
New options for ocular relief
9
Johnson & Johnson Vision Care
A new view’ is a new, free educational event from Johnson & Johnson
Vision Care taking place in February and March in Manchester, Leeds and
London. Attendees will earn nine interactive CET points just by attending
and will spend the day learning about the new innovations which aim to
improve patients’ lives and build practitioners’ businesses. Presenters
include Dr Noel Brennan, Dr Trusit Dave and Damian Lake, and the day will
include a peer review session as well as a case study based discussion
lecture. Book at www.jnjvisioncare.co.uk
5
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2015
Wishing you a Happy New Year!
Alcon® would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your business in 2014
and we look forward to working with you in 2015.
Keep an eye out for exciting news !
Best wishes,
wishes,
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NEWS
10
Optrafair
classic individual parameters including pantoscopic angle, result in a
compensated prescription giving consistent performance across the lens
surface. Stage two Calculation of an optimised super-atoric inner surface
design improves performance further. Stage three offers three lifestyle
designs giving wearers the option to personalise the lens to their lifestyle
preferences. The result is a high-resolution visual experience. Seiko INDISV is a truly individualised lens.”
12
Optrafair CET programme takes shape
OCT in optometric practice, glaucoma care, paediatric optometry, contact
lens practice, dispensing, managing dry eye, the anterior eye, and improving
patient care and profitability are just some of the topics being offered at
Optrafair in April. The British Contact Lens Association, Association of
British Dispensing Opticians and College of Optometrists are all providing
keynote speakers, including Professor Phil Morgan, Professor James Wolffsohn,
Chris Hemmerdinger, Professor Kathryn Saunders, Professor Paolo Stanga
and Sarah Farrant.
Among the companies supporting the seminars are Topcon, Heidelberg
Engineering, Carl Zeiss, Hoya and Bausch + Lomb. A Question Time style
panel debate will see Dame Mary Perkins, founder of Specsavers, Jonathan
Lawson, chief executive officer of Vision Express, and Ben Fletcher,
managing director of Boots Opticians, talking about ‘The future of retail
optics’. Representatives from the regional chains and independent sector
will join them on stage, with the panel to be chaired by BBC Radio 4’s Peter
White. To view the full timetable visit www.optrafair.co.uk
11
Seiko Optical
Stepper
Stepper Eyewear and Zeiss have signed a license agreement that allows
Stepper the exclusive use of the Zeiss trademark for manufacturing and
worldwide distribution of optical frames, sunglasses and accessories. “Zeiss
enters into partnerships when they strengthen our market position – and
this is the case with Stepper,” said Sven Hermann, Carl Zeiss Vision board
member with international responsible for marketing. “All Zeiss models
share a modern, international design, extremely high-quality materials
such as titanium and feature outstanding comfort and fit,” commented
Hans Stepper of Stepper Eyewear.
With an established presence in the UK, led by managing director Richard
Crook, Stepper will distribute premium Zeiss optical frames, sunglasses
and accessories to more than 50 countries. The first Zeiss Collection of
Titanium and TX5 frames was presented at Opti 2015 in Munich last month,
and the UK launch is expected in June/July. Richard said: “This is an
exciting collaboration between two great brands, and represents an
exciting opportunity to enhance the premium eyewear range offering in the
UK. We look forward to an early summer introduction to our UK customers.”
13
Silhouette
Silhouette will exhibit at 100% Optical in London this month and at
Optrafair in April – the first time the company has exhibited in the UK for
six years. The Silhouette stand at both events will feature new collections
from Silhouette and Adidas eyewear. David Chalmers, UK managing
director, said: “It has been more than six years since Silhouette and Adidas
eyewear were represented at a UK trade fair – it has been a long time in
the planning. These high profile events are the perfect launch pad for our
exciting new collections of handmade SPX+ full rims and revolutionary
rimless eyewear.”
* Andy Long has joined Silhouette UK as
its UK sales manager. Andy brings to
Silhouette a wealth of experience in the
optical industry, most recently as a
regional manager for Alcon Visioncare.
Prior to this Andy was southern regional
manager at CIBA Vision. David Chalmers
said: “Silhouette is delighted to be
welcoming Andy to the team. His addition
takes the company one step closer to
delivering its goal of becoming the
benchmark brand and service offering for
premium eyewear.”
Andy Long
14
Individualised lens option in three stages
Seiko INDI-SV is designed to provide optimum visual performance, natural
comfort and unsurpassable aesthetics for all single vision wearers. The
company explained: “Design and production of every single lens can be
divided into three stages of development. Stage one Calculations, considering
Hoya
Back due to popular demand, the Hoya Paris prize draw is open to all
independent practices with a Hoya account. Patients who purchase a pair
of Hoyalux iD lenses before 31 March are eligible to receive a prize draw
entry ticket. Additional tickets and point-of-sale can be ordered on Hoyanet
or the VSE shop for free while stocks last. Tickets must be received by Hoya
by 24 April and the winner will be drawn and announced on 1 May.
7
0151 426 3907
continental-eyewear.co.uk
Continental Eyewear
MODEL WEARS JAEGER SUN 1409
NEWS
15
Association of Optometrists
The Association of Optometrists (AOP) has launched its national programme
of CET and CPD events, offering more than 200 CET points during the year.
The AOP’s series of peer review and legal roadshows will enable members
to discuss topical issues and share best practice. Launching in February,
the first peer review sessions will take place in Cardiff and Leeds, and the
first legal roadshow in Sutton Coldfield in March. The AOP is also offering
members of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) reduced
rates for courses and free access to peer review and legal roadshows.
Henrietta Alderman, AOP chief executive, said: “We have agreed a new
partnership approach to our CET courses from 2015, with ABDO members
able to attend AOP regional peer review and legal roadshows free of
charge, plus all other courses at the member rate and vice versa. This joint
approach will ensure that optometrists and dispensing opticians who work
together get access to the best training and education in the market.” For the
latest information on all AOP events and to book, visit www.aop.org.uk/events
16
Under the license, Contamac will begin to commercialise specialised contact
lenses designed to reduce the rate of myopia progression in children by
sub-licensing the Contamac designs to key strategic partners within its
existing customer base throughout the world, commencing in May. The
technology licensed by the BHVI includes numerous US and foreign patents.
Currently, a myopia control indication for use submission to the US FDA is
to be completed in early 2017 as part of Contamac’s commercialisation plan.
“This is an important step in making effective myopia control technologies
available to reduce the rate of progress of myopia and the risk of permanent
vision impairment associated with high levels of myopia later in life,”
commented Professor Brien Holden, BHVI CEO.
18
Tant Optical Laboratories
Charmant
The spring collection of frames from Esprit, available from Charmant,
brings fresh trend influences to the latest frame profiles. Metallic and
acetate forms feature graphic pattern inspirations with geometric prints
and engravings subtly recreated on temples. This spring/summer’s hottest
colour directions – from bold jades and electric blues to muted olives and
cool greys – are in evidence alongside glimmering gradients, transparent
tones and crisp contrasts. Model ET17465 for women (pictured ) provides
an edgy, slightly flared profile with fashion-forward frontal colour gradients
and an understated 3D motif on the temples. Made of Ultem material, the
frame is designed to feel ultra-light and highly comfortable.
Tant steps up its production capabilities
Tant Laboratories, part of the Lenstec Optical Group, has invested a further
£250k and installed a new MEI Bisphera-XDD with TBA Unit. The industrial
edger is said to be the most productive machine on the market, providing
a high level of precision every time. This combination with the TBA Unit
allows an incredibly smooth production process through the laboratory and
avoids blocking the lenses, explained the company.
Fresh spring trends
17
Contamac
Contamac and the Brien Holden Vision Institute (BHVI), Australia, have entered
into a multi-year license agreement enabling Contamac to commercialise
and distribute customised
silicone hydrogel and GP
contact lens products based
on utilising Background
Intellectual Property on myopia
control from the BHVI. Martin
Dalsing, Contamac’s director
of global strategy and
business development, said:
“Making available these
specialised custom lens
parameters and designs to
the eyecare professional
through our laboratory
network will be crucial for
today’s modern specialty
contact lens practice”.
Professor Brien Holden
TBA is a vision system able to orientate and load any kind of lenses in the
edging chamber, according to the optical parameters. With this technology,
Tant plans to further increase the accuracy of its jobs and speed up delivery
to customers. Edo Tortolato, sales and marketing manager of MEI, said: “It’s
fantastic to be working with the Tant Labs production team and seeing the
increased quality and output since the installation.” Neil McFarlane, Tant
Labs general manager, added: “We cannot believe the first-time accuracy
and fantastic results this asset gives us and how much difference it makes
to our production.”
19
College of Optometrists
The College of Optometrists’ annual conference, Optometry Tomorrow at
the Brighton Centre from 8-9 March, is promising up to 15 interactive CET
points for delegates with a two-day ticket and, for the first time, CET points
with dispensing optician and contact lens competencies. The DO
competencies covered include professional conduct, optical appliances and
low vision. These can be gained at sessions including Professor Dave
Elliott’s lecture on the prevention of falls, seminars on rehabilitation
strategies in visual impairment and off-axis performance of lenses, and a
skills workshop on low vision. Contact lens competencies include
communication, contact lenses and professional conduct. There is also a
seminar on inflammation and allergy, and a discussion workshop on
orthokeratology. Visit www.optometrytomorrow.org
9
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NEWS
20
General Optical Council
The General Optical Council
(GOC) has published its
findings from the Call for
Evidence as part of its
strategic standards review.
The consultation found that
all respondents believed
scopes of practice for
optometrists and dispensing
opticians would develop in
the future, with a greater
role in primary care
provision owing to the
expected ageing population
and growing strains upon
the NHS. Stakeholders
responding to the Call for
Evidence, which took place
Alistair Bridge (courtesy of the BCLA )
between July and October
2014, also believed that the GOC should be mindful that the rate of change
is likely to differ in each of the four nations of the UK.
brochure spans a wide range of new styles, old favourites and the latest
influences in sun spec design, with all styles glazed to prescription from
Dunelm’s in-house lens laboratory. Director Peter Beaumont said: “The
focus is on good craftsmanship and high quality materials, building on
popular styles that sell year after year but also experimenting with
contemporary features and colours to give the ranges an update. It’s set to
be another busy sun season, so we’re offering opticians a special
discounted rate if they place orders before March.”
New sunglasses from Paul Costelloe
GOC director of strategy, Alistair Bridge said: “The responses to our Call for
Evidence were very insightful and helped us to identify the areas that we
need to address in our standards review. We are delighted that such a wide
spectrum of stakeholders responded to the consultation, giving us an upto-date picture of how the delivery of optical care is likely to change across
the UK over the next 10 years”. The GOC will now consider the findings of
the Call for Evidence before it launches its next consultation on new
standards on ethics and performance. The GOC is due to launch the
consultation in March.
21
No7 Contact Lenses
SynergEyes has expanded its online resources with the release of eight
video tutorials for Duette Progressive, its lens for astigmatic presbyopes
available in the UK from No7 Contact Lenses. The videos, each only a few
minutes in length, are available through the Video Tutorials link on the
SynergEyes homepage at www.synergeyes.com. Providing information to
assist dispensing and optimise the fit of the Duette Progressive lens, the
step-by-step tutorials cover: lens design, lens calculator, fitting guide, lens
dispensing, optimising fit, optimising near vision, optimising distance vision
and optimising patient compliance. The videos address the vision
optimisation made possible by the recent expansion of lens parameters to
0.1mm increments, which the company says facilitates even more precise
alignment fitting, creating optimal centration and clear, stable vision at all
distances for even more patients.
22
AMD Alliance International
The AMD Alliance International led an event at the House of Commons last
month to address the current issues the NHS is facing with diagnosing,
treating and managing the growing number of people affected by agerelated macular degeneration (AMD). The event was hosted by Sir David
Amess, MP for Southend West, and sponsored by Oraya Therapeutics. The
group signed three key calls to action: work to increase government funding
to enable a greater number of eye clinics to meet the recommended
waiting times for initial treatment of wet AMD patients by January 2017;
enable early diagnosis of serious eye conditions by placing eye health
screening at the heart of the primary care agenda, from school age through
to later life; and work to establish a national eye health registry to record
all data from both primary and secondary care.
Safilens
Italian contact lens firm, Safilens, debuted its new daily lens for presbyopes
based on Fusion technology at Opti in Munich last month. The company is
heralding its Fusion 1day Presbyo contact lens as a ‘game-changer’ for the
contact lens industry. Fusion technology incorporates a co-polymer made
from Tamarind-Seed Polysaccharides (TSP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) into
the contact lens. The lens is available with an 8.60mm base curve, 14.10mm
diameter and powers ranging from +8.00D to -10.00D.
23
24
Dunelm Optical
Dunelm Optical has launched more than 50 new frames in its annual sun
brochure, featuring designers Paul Costelloe and Janet Reger, Celine Dion,
Julian Beaumont, Retro, Sunset, Sunset+ and Whiz Kids. The new 80-page
Working together for action on AMD
The AMD Alliance also unveiled its Global Atlas, which identifies the costs
and burden of macular degeneration across the world, as well as
highlighting actions that can be taken to bring about cost-effective relief
and treatments. Sir David Amess said: “This government is committed to
providing care and treatment for those with the condition and I shall be
raising some of the points made at today’s event with my colleagues as we
work to tackle preventable blindness.” www.amdalliance.org
11
12 PRACTICE MATTERS
Developing thoughts
●●●●
Get motivated to
BE THE BEST
Phil Mullins
BUY ONE,
GET ONE FREE?
DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU CAN BUY TWO PAIRS OF GLASSES FOR £69? OF COURSE YOU DID – AS DOES
EVERYONE ELSE IN THE UK, UNLESS THEY LIVE IN A CAVE
It’s a strange industry we work in; we spend thousands of pounds educating
and training our optometrists and dispensing opticians to the highest
standards in the world, we then spend even more money equipping modern
practices, yet we allow the public to think that it’s all about the lowest price
and that an ‘eye check’ is just to get a prescription for new glasses.
Now I’m not sitting here saying it’s all your fault and you should do
something about it; I’m just as much to blame as the next DO. In fact,
recently a 43-year-old friend of mine proudly showed me their recent
purchase – a £9.99 pair of ready readers. And what’s more, they were
+2.50 and she hadn’t been anywhere near an opticians practice. So once
I had stopped bouncing off the ceiling and telling her what a bad purchase
she’d made, I gave her the telephone number of the nearest NEG member
and suggested she book an appointment.
So as you can see, if our friends aren’t getting the right message, how do
we expect the general public to understand the importance of eye health,
particularly when they are bombarded with advertising every day that’s all
based around the lowest price. The internet is taking an ever larger slice of
the market and the supermarkets are increasing their optical offering, so
how do we in the independent sector hope to get a different message
across to the public?
The quick answer is: there is no one quick answer. There is a combination
of things that will change mindsets and will it take practices to work hard
to get the message out to their local area. The more who achieve this, the
larger the coverage and, with around 2,500 independents in the UK, there
are enough practices to cover the country. So how do we get the message
out there? Well if you asked 100 experts you would get 100 different
answers, but for what it’s worth, here are my top six pointers as to what
you might want to consider when devising your message for your town…
and this includes X, Y and Z…” This then puts in the patient’s mind that
there may be differences between opticians, particularly if their previous
practice only spent 10 minutes with them.
3. You’re not alone; create partnerships with your suppliers, get them to
help you to put your message together, be that point-of-sale material,
images, website and so on. Look at working with people like SPECS
Network, Practice Buddy or Eyeplan to see what they could offer your
practice. Just remember: you’re an independent not a lone wolf.
4. Your patients have free will; they may be very loyal at the moment but
that’s not to say they will always come back. They may move away,
become ill or just feel like a change, so you have to make sure you can
attract new patients. This means not putting potential patients off by
having a practice that looks like it should be in a 1970s sitcom or, even
worse, that needs a good clean. Keep on top of maintenance, make sure
you regularly change the POS, have a plan of practice changes, so one
year it’s new lights, the next it’s new frame bars followed by a new
carpet. This will enable your practice to remain looking up-to-date
without costing a fortune in one lump sum.
5. Step outside your practice. This can take many forms: it can be literal,
i.e. visiting schools, linking with local sports clubs, giving a presentation
at the WI; or it can be cloud based in that you have a great website,
your Facebook and Twitter feeds are up-to-date and you are the person
that the local newspaper approaches when they’re writing about vision
and eyes. The aim is to build a reputation for being the local expert on
eye health.
1. Dare to be different. Just because every other practice is offering twofor-one or half price doesn’t mean you have to. In fact, by being different
you can be more noticed than trying to fit in with the rest.
6. Never be ashamed of the price. So often we almost apologise for charging
what we do, which in turn makes the patient feel that they are being over
charged. By being confident in what you are charging, and able to justify
the charge, will make patients feel they are getting value for money
rather than just ‘cheap’. We don’t all shop in Aldi, many people shop in
M&S or Waitrose. Why? Because they like the experience and feel that
what they get is worth spending the extra. So why wouldn’t those people
want to come to your practice and experience a better service and
higher quality goods?
2. Your staff are on the front line so make sure they are trained to the
highest standard, and not just in spectacles. Make sure they know how
to speak with patients to maximisie the message; so if someone
telephones and asks for the price of a sight test, the answer isn’t just the
price, it’s: “Our price for a 30-minute complete eye examination is £X
These are just six short points that you might want to consider when
reviewing your business. But at the beginning of a new year, with the
economy improving and more people in work than ever before, make sure
your business is the best it can be – and if it’s not, do something about it
so you don’t become one of the failed independent practices.
Six-point action plan
IN THE
RIGHT SPACE
In less than 18 months, the team at
Eyespace have accomplished what
many said was impossible. Vision
Now Editor, Nicky Collinson, recently
sat down with joint Managing
Directors, Jayne and Julie Abel,
from “a blank piece of paper
IT’S BEEN QUITE THE START. DO YOU FEEL YOU’VE
BROUGHT YOUR DREAM BUSINESS TO LIFE?
Jayne: Absolutely. It was never a consideration that Eyespace would
‘grow organically’, and with enormous levels of energy and determination
across the company, I am proud to say we went to market and delivered
an extremely ambitious plan - the scale of which has never been seen in
the industry before: 420 frames across six collections; a 96-page glossy
catalogue; a fully-integrated website with e-commerce functionality; and
extremely effective marketing and sales strategies. Getting to this point has
been no small feat and the list of people we have to thank for getting us
here stretches far and wide across the optics industry. When we stop and
think about it, we are astounded by what has been achieved in such a short
time and by the positive feedback and results we continue to receive. We
really are most grateful to everyone who has supported us.
Images (from top): Julie Abel (L) and Jayne Abel (R) collect ‘Startups’ Award for
Product Business of the Year 2014; new release to children’s American
Rock Star %$##"%!$$"#"
Cocoa Mint ladies fashion
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"Jensen "
Julie: We were constantly reminded through the start-up process how
important feedback is – we spoke to suppliers, practice owners, opticians
and, most importantly, end consumers before creating the Eyespace ‘blueprint’. Their insight, coupled with looking carefully at gaps in the market,
studying the world’s most iconic brands, and then - as professionals in the
optics industry for the best part of 20 years each - deciding how, when and
why we wanted do things differently, can all be attributed in part to the
success we have experienced to date. To echo Jayne, it has been the most
fabulous start - better than we could have ever dreamt.
>>>
DO YOU THINK STRONG RESEARCH HAS
BEEN THE SECRET TO YOUR SUCCESS?
Jayne: We sit in an extremely crowded part of the market and
there is never going to be a moment where we can rest on our
laurels. In the past you could just rely upon good product,
but these days every aspect of your business offering has to
stand on its own merit. Our research told us that independent
opticians were crying out for ‘core product’ to have its next
evolution – amazing designs, unparalleled quality, fast service,
uncomplicated pricing, fabulous images, slick marketing, and
an engaging website were just the tip of the iceberg.
J ul e:iThere is of course much more we plan to
deliver and we openly acknowledge how important the role of
industry partnerships are, in meeting the needs and expectations
of today’s modern independent practices. National Eyecare
marketplace. We completely share their passion and approach
to innovating the independent sector of the industry.
needs so ensure it is a central consideration in all our activity.
We ultimately want to make buying ‘the perfect frame’ easy for
everyone, regardless of whether you’re the optician or the
end consumer.
From the commercial side, one of our greatest challenges came
launched. In some ways, it was great problem to be faced with,
and having that experience now means we are consistently 99%
in-stock of all frames.
JAYNE, AS ‘DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT AND
MARKETING’ WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?
J ul e: I love great eyewear and to see people looking their
absolute best. Like the right hairstyle, glasses have the ability to
completely change someone’s appearance for the better; so for
me, there is no greater motivation when designing than knowing
our glasses are helping people feel good about themselves.
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR GREATEST LEARNING
SO FAR?
Jayne: On a personal note, we are extremely conscious that
creating a culture doesn’t just happen - it has to come from
the top. We found the key to effectively developing the culture
we wanted, was to surround ourselves with inspirational
people. Staff are the lifeblood of any organisation, but starting
with a blank piece of paper, an abundance of ambition and
imagination, and sharing our ideas with the right people was
critical to shaping the future we want. We have attracted such
passionate, self-motivated, experienced and design-aware
people; their enthusiasm is infectious and has shaped Eyespace
in ways they will never know. In the early days, the excitement
we received from people throughout the industry encouraged
Jayne, myself and the other Company Directors to dig deeper
when the tasks ahead felt mountainous.
Design inspiration is with me 24/7 - there’s no ‘off’ switch. I
follow future-trends in fashion avidly and carry a sketch book
with me at all times so I can jot down ideas as they surface. ...It
even lives on my bedside table for when inspiration strikes in
the small hours! Anything and everything can spark a thought:
architecture, a beautiful clasp on a shoe, colour combinations,
shapes in art, and contemporary furniture - literally anything!
Industry shows are also fantastic for discovering the latest
technologies and materials, but we always prefer, without
exception to design from scratch.
‘People watching’ when out and about is a vital part of our
product design procedure too - noting what people wear, how they
wear it, the colours that suit them, and their chosen brand-names.
I am massively driven by shopping behaviours: for example, I
might think a handbag is incredibly well designed, but when I
see four people in a row pick it up and put it down again (and not
because of the price) I ask myself ‘why?’. We bring this analysis
ensure that when we present our latest collections to customers,
comfortable, fashionable and, most importantly, saleable.
Images (clockwise from top): recent men’s release BB6015
from Basebox, Eyespace’s high-fashion range for young
adults: and a few of the Eyespace team celebrate at a
recent awards ceremony; Cocoa Mint favourite CM9016.
2014 ENDED ON A HIGH!
WHAT’S IN STORE FOR 2015?
Jayne:&%$&#"! $&&!&&!"$!$& !"$ &&!" &&
J ul e:i&$&$"&$&$&!"&$&#"& $ &&""!"&&
‘Business Start-up and Entrepreneur of the Year’ and ‘Product Business
exhibition debut, at Optrafair this April. It’s an important moment for
of the Year’. Winning provided fresh injections of excitement into the
the entire team, because the stand is Eyespace brought to life. It is also
an opportunity for our Customer Service,
business, especially at such a critical stage
in our journey - they really are exceedingly
important to us.
We found ourselves against some very stiff
competition, from high-calibre organisations,
on both a regional and national level and
the judging feedback took our breath away:
to be so well regarded by both panels which included highly successful business
people and entrepreneurs from the worlds
and experienced people;
and has shaped Eyespace in
Marketing, Product Development and Sales
teams to take time out to meet with customers
and discover more about what is important
to them in our partnerships. We have been
fastidious in our stand’s development to
ensure it represents the progressive, visual
and amazingly fresh nature of our company;
&$$&! &
&# &!$&$$!$"!"&
Eyespace or you visit to place your monthly
order, we want you to leave inspired by who
of banking, national journalism, retail
we are and all we offer.
and technology - has been a dream come
true, and their acknowledgements told us that our initial research into
&&& &&$&$&"!"$&!"&&!&&$!$&$&&
today’s market needs was absolutely worth the effort. More importantly,
service’, so you can expect to see yet more ambition and evolution.
&$&$"!!"&&&"$$$"$&& "&#""! &
Exciting new products, fresh imagery, more engaging social media,
comprehensive and high quality launch collections (which have since
continued excellent service and the next phase of our website are already
"& !"!#"
&$$$"&$!"&$! &"
!$& !"&
on the agenda, as well as bespoke projects with a range of different
for optics and plans for expansion” has provided masses of motivation to
independent practices. The next steps on our journey are looking bright
exceed expectations again this coming year.
and very bold, and we can’t wait to see what the coming months bring.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
eyespace-eyewear.co.uk | 01562 701111
WIN 24 FRAMES OF YOUR CHOICE!
For your chance to win, complete your details below and bring with you when you visit our stand at Optrafair
Stand Q40, Optrafair, 18 - 20 April 2015
Practice Name:
Contact Name:
Telephone:
Email Address:
eyespace
#lovewhatwesee
#"! !! ! ! !
!""! ! "
Mod. LM1019 C1
@eyespace_1
/eyespace
eyespace-eyewear.co.uk
BCLA BULLETIN
LIVERPOOL BOUND FOR
#BCLA2015
WITH NO CONFERENCE NEXT YEAR, THE BCLA IS
URGING PRACTITIONERS NOT TO MISS ITS 2015 EVENT
IN LIVERPOOL THIS MAY
Liverpool to be host city of #BCLA2015
The 39th British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) clinical conference and
exhibition, to be held at the ACC Liverpool, from 29-31 May, is expected to
signify a new chapter for the Association and its members. With booking
channels now open via the Association’s newly refreshed website, BCLA
members are being invited to make the most of the Association’s Member
Loyalty Scheme to obtain the best discounts on delegate packages by the
early bird deadline of 31 March.
NEG members can also save via a special offer to claim a £50 discount on
the price of a delegate package by simply downloading the BCLA’s new
mobile app from the Google Play Store (for Android) or Apple Store (for IOS
devices) and creating a profile (just search on ‘BCLA’ to find the app). A
member of the BCLA team will then get in contact to provide a discount
code to use when making a booking. For the first time this year, there are
also group booking discounts with 20 per cent off the full delegate packages
available for groups of 10 or more delegates from the same company.
New three-day programme
Commenting on this year’s event, BCLA president, Susan Bowers, said:
“Kicking off with a dedicated myopia management day on Friday 29 May,
#BCLA2015 in the heart of cosmopolitan Liverpool will mark the start of our
new biennial clinical conference schedule. As such, we are working closely with
our industry partners and academic and business consultants to ensure that
our new three-day programme appeals to as wide an audience as possible.
“A fantastic, Beatles-inspired social programme – the highlight of which
will be the BCLA dinner and Industry Awards in the magnificent Liverpool
Anglican Cathedral – free CET workshops and a roll call of the most eminent
speakers from the global contact lens community, will ensure #BCLA2015
marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Association’s history. And don’t
forget – there will be no BCLA clinical conference and exhibition in 2016 so
don’t miss out on this world-renowned event dedicated to the world of contact
lenses and the anterior eye,” Susan added.
Confirmed speakers and presentations so far include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Convenient, accessible location in vibrant Liverpool city centre
Fantastic NEW venue for the BCLA at the ACC Liverpool
Dedicated Myopia Management Day on 29 May
Free CET workshops
Networking opportunities
Three-day, three-tracked streamlined event
Dedicated business session
World-renowned free industry exhibition
Beatles-themed dinner in Liverpool Anglican Cathedral
2015 BCLA Industry Awards
• Eminent keynote speakers: Professor James
Wolffsohn (UK) and Dr Loretta Szczotka-Flynn (USA)
• Award winners: Professor Fiona Stapleton (BCLA
Medallist, Australia), Dr Michael Read (Irving Fatt
Memorial Lecturer, UK), Dr Nicole Carnt (Dallos
Award, Australia)
Delegates will be able to build their own attendance
schedule prior to the three-day event using the brand
Keynote speaker,
new BCLA mobile app, which will also contain key
Dr Loretta Szczotkainformation about the exhibition and exhibitors, the
Flynn of the USA
venue and the social programme with links to social
media channels. A programme of workshops can be downloaded from the
BCLA website, www.bcla.org.uk, and a complete online programme was
due to be launched by the end of January.
Those who are not BCLA members are able to join the Association prior to booking
on 31 March to save almost 25 per cent on the delegate rate. Membership
rates, plus terms and conditions, can be found on the Association’s website.
Optical assistants course returns
Sarah Morgan to run OA courses
The BCLA is once again teaming up with
optometrist and staff development consultant,
Sarah Morgan, to launch a new series of oneday courses for optical assistants. Kicking off
on Thursday 19 March at the Ambassadors
Bloomsbury Hotel in London, ‘Contact lenses –
the ins and outs’, is designed for staff wanting
to increase their confidence with contact
lenses. Key approaches and tips for teaching
the new wearer, and promoting patient
retention will also be central to the day.
Sarah said: “This course is for you if you’re helping, or thinking about
helping, to teach new wearers how to wear and care for their contact
lenses, and feel like you need to know a bit more about things such as lens
types, solutions, compliance, lens application and removal, aftercare and
customer service. The aim is to get you supporting your optometrist or
contact lens optician with confidence and professionalism. It will be a
friendly and fun day – and I promise you’ll return to your practice
enthusiastic and invigorated about contact lenses and patient care.”
The course costs £160 for BCLA members, and £240 for non-members who
book on behalf of their staff, with lunch and refreshments included. A special
rate for hotel accommodation is also available. Places are limited to 24, so
book now by emailing [email protected] or by downloading the booking
form from the Events section of the BCLA website, www.bcla.org.uk
17
18 COMPANY PROFILE
THOMSEN
EYEWEAR
CONTEMPORARY
DANISH CRAFTSMANSHIP
Craftsmanship and detail elegantly expressed
by Thomsen Eyewear
VISION NOW FASHION EDITOR, JOAN GRADY, DISCOVERS MORE ABOUT THIS EXCITING DANISH DESIGN HOUSE
The seafaring nation of Denmark has a long and illustrious history. In the
area of design, the country is recognised internationally for its
functionalistic aesthetics and purity. Influenced by the German Bauhaus
School, uncluttered simplicity, beauty, comfort, lightness and strength are
all part of the Danish design characteristics.
It is with these principles in mind that Morten Thomsen, Danish designer
and founder of Thomsen Eyewear, set off on his quest to create classic,
comfortable and quality eyewear in beautiful colours. “When I design, I am
inspired by everyday life,” says Thomsen, “and I see frames everywhere –
I look all the time. I cannot help wanting to adjust or change a frame
whenever I see one.
“That said, many Danish designers, plus a few
German, French and Italian creators within our
industry inspire me, but I’m also inspired by
designers outside our industry, especially in
fashion and interiors. For example, I greatly admire
the trend of using different materials like wood and
textiles, plus colours. This I try to incorporate into
my collection.”
Thomsen says that he used to prefer designing
Morten Thomsen, founder
particularly in titanium. “Then I ‘discovered’ stainless
and designer of Thomsen
steel, and recently I gave in and had to admit that
Eyewear Denmark
acetate too can be quite fantastic,” he explains. “So
today, I like to think that I try to use different materials to their maximum
potential. Each material has a set of unique qualities which makes it different.”
Eyewear journey
Thomsen has worked in the optical world for more than 20 years, having
first founded an optical shop in Copenhagen and then the Danish
company, OptikCompaniet. However, he was especially interested in
design, and the possibility to create frames with roots in the Danish and
Scandinavian design tradition. He was inspired by shape, simplicity and
classic styles with contemporary interpretations, in colours to create a
unique expression.
Thomsen recalls: “I have always loved colours, even as a child, so it must
be in my nature. But in order to continuously attain a fresh look at things, I
draw heavily on my team around me. Without them to keep challenging me,
I am sure I would not have the same diversity in the collection. I think the
collective brain can do so much better than the individual brain.”
The colour combinations in the collection are truly stunning – chic and
original. Being located on the sea has obviously had a powerful effect on
Thomsen, in addition to his innate love of colour. Many of the frames are in
colours with sea reflections, dawn and dusk tones, plus the natural hues of
the sky, beaches and watery surroundings.
Teal blue harmonises with chocolate, two-tone green is fresh with a
springtime air, orange and black is dynamic, and russet and sand provides
an exotic touch. There are numerous combinations of gorgeous colours,
plus solid tones that are very classy. Thomsen’s childhood fascination with
colour is beautifully expressed in the collections – from earth tones to
bright and powerful splashes of colour.
Building and diversifying
Thomsen is emphatic that the company never compromises on quality. The
design, functionality, materials and colours must always meet the company’s
high standards. Opticians recognise this, and Thomsen Eyewear is now sold
and marketed globally. “As a Danish company, we started by establishing
ourselves on the Danish market,” Thomsen explains, “and then we moved
into the other Scandinavian countries. Now we are beginning to move into
the northern European countries, the UK, Canada and New Zealand. So
gradually we are increasing our presence in more and more markets.”
Another factor that has enabled Thomsen to move into international markets
is that the frames are recognised for their comfort and fit. The company
focuses on using strong materials in combination with the right shape, so
that the customer can be assured of lightness, comfort, plus durability.
“Our customers are certainly people who appreciate good style and
quality,” notes Thomsen, “and this is quality not only in the sense of good
materials and craftsmanship, but also in the sense of fine comfort and
style. But I am often puzzled by how little attention many people pay to their
frame fashion – even those holding high positions. Even if they wear
fashionable clothing styles, they neglect their frame style.
“Thus if I can design frames which are comfortable to wear, with high quality
and the right look, at reasonable prices, maybe I can get these people to try
a pair of my frames, and help them begin to appreciate good quality. The
problem is, if people have never experienced fine quality, how can they tell?”
Looking ahead to the future, Thomsen says: “My guess is that the overall
trend will still move towards the more refined light and slim look – and
away from the heavier designs. Also, the blending of colours will be
interesting to watch. Fashion wise, we will see a blend of the 1970s mixed
with the high-tech of today.”
This year marks Thomsen’s 10th anniversary designing frames that
embody the four core dimensions that every frame designed by Morten
must satisfy: high quality, comfort, a blend of lightness and strength, and
colour character.
COMPANY PROFILE
METICULOUS ATTENTION TO DETAIL IS APPLIED IN EVERY THOMSEN EYEWEAR DESIGN
Thomsen Eyewear is available in the UK exclusively through NEG. View the collection online at www.thomseneyewear.dk or
arrange a viewing by contacting Lee at Academy Eyewear on 01761 414808. Academy will send you a preview set of 24
frames, 12 styles in two colours. You may purchase at least 12 pieces, or return the frames free of charge within 14 days.
If you’re not sure which styles to put in your preview pack, please speak to Academy Eyewear to optimise your selection.
NB: There are no management fees for any Academy Eyewear purchases.
19
PROFILE
TAKING THE
LONG VIEW
FMO chief executive, Kevin Gutsell
A PASSION FOR OPTICS AND COMMITMENT TO QUALITY ARE
WHAT DRIVE THE NEW FMO CHIEF EXECUTIVE, KEVIN GUTSELL
Now celebrating his 31st year in UK optics, Kevin is no stranger to the
Federation of Manufacturing Opticians (FMO). In his role at Nikon Optical, he
was an FMO board member between 2006 and 2011, and chairman of the
Federation’s Lens Focus Group within that time. He understands the internal
workings of the Paddington offices and its highly valued network of optical
expertise. “The pinnacle of my career is certainly my new role at the FMO –
almost as if everything has been in preparation for this position,” says Kevin.
Building on his excellent network, encouraging further interaction amongst
all FMO members and prospective members is high on Kevin’s list of
priorities for the FMO’s five-year business plan. “Our membership
embraces large multinational companies and small privately-owned
businesses; each group looks to us for different reasons and we are keen
to fulfil our trusted role with as many benefits and as much advice as
possible,” explains Kevin. “For many, picking up the phone and gaining free
legal, tax and business advice is invaluable. For others, the familiar FMO
stamp of being a part of UK Optics plc on their letterhead is what they are
looking at currently.”
Regional FMO meetings around the country are an essential part of the
FMO ethos, when twice each year the lens, frame and equipment focus
groups visit a different area of the UK to discuss market conditions, threats,
opportunities, the best way forward and anything ‘optical based’.
“It is an opportunity to talk about staff training, up-skilling practice teams
and best practice with technology,” says Kevin. “Interaction and
communication is vital for members to gain more from their trade body in
terms of benefits and networking. We are keen to hear what our members
expect from us too – it is an organisation where feedback is the lifeblood.”
“As we approach the FMO centenary in 2017, it is timely to reflect on how
we have evolved to meet the needs of the market,” he continues. “I can see
a place for us to provide something above the standard CE marking on a
pair of spectacles. I believe the profession would welcome such a move
and the FMO is in a good position to provide just this.” Quality branding of
excellence in eyewear could also carry a message about the importance of
regular eye examinations – an opportunity which is not currently utilised
fully, believes Kevin.
His time at the Association of British Dispensing Opticians, as vice
president, and experience in many facets of the optical business were an
important consideration for the FMO board when appointing Kevin. The
depth of his understanding of what seems a bewilderingly complex and
political optical landscape for an outsider, in such a small industry, was key.
Kevin studied at City and East London College from 1984 to 1987, working
for Melson Wingate in its Surrey, Sussex and Kent practices – particularly
Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Haywards Heath and East Grinstead. He later
returned, part-time, to his alma mater to teach the next generation of
dispensing opticians.
“I seem to have covered so much of the sector, not just from practice and
through ABDO and City and Islington College tutoring – but also retail,
education, training, standards, sales and marketing, plus product
development,” Kevin expands. “I am keen to bring all of these elements
together and for all FMO members to gain the very best from each other.
The wonderful thing about the FMO is that it embraces literally everything
within the practice from the IT systems to the diagnostic and dispensing
technology, to frames, lenses and finance providers. What I like so much
about this job is there is nothing hypothetical about the FMO – it is all about
the here and now and bringing products and services to market.”
Education and branding
A key factor also on Kevin’s mind is the not insignificant number of calls
that the FMO receives from the general public about spectacle queries, as
he explains: “We know our website is often visited by the public and this is
an area that we need to consider as an opportunity to further educate them
about the importance of good vision correction and eyecare. Sadly, the
public only seem to call us when things go wrong.” This aspect of FMO
business has surprised Kevin and has led him to consider developing
further the significance of the FMO brand.
As Kevin’s five year plan takes shape he is reflecting on this broad view of
UK Optics plc and is keen to explore the pathways for all industry members
to access training. “As an example, at each Optrafair we see a terrific array
of new technology – most of it brought to market by our own members.
Sometimes those at the base of the optical pyramid need to be given a
greater chance for training. Our focus is now very much on Optrafair – we
are delighted to have the experienced hand of Malcolm Polley guiding the
show onwards and already we are looking at tremendous support from our
members for the Birmingham show in April,” he concludes.
21
DO YOU HAVE
CLOUDED VISION?
CAN HELP
by EYEMAGINATIONS
ECHO is a single, cloud-based platform that allows you to communicate and
engage with your patients, wherever they are thinking about their health: before
an appointment, in the waiting area, the consulting room or after the appointment,
setting your practice apart from the competition.
We call these areas patient touch points and with ECHO you can communicate
across all the touch points, by sending visual presentations from one platform, which
is flexible enough to work from any PC, tablet or smartphone. ECHO integrates with
emails, Twitter, Facebook and other leading media.
Before an appointment
Waiting area
Available in the UK from PK National Eyecare Group Ltd
Consulting room
Post visit
www.nationaleyecare.co.uk 01580 713698
FALMOUTH SIGHTINGS
HISTORY
and heritage
We know NEG’s incentive holiday apartments in Falmouth and
Tenerife are popular so our new series, Falmouth Sightings,
will explore some interesting people and places for members
planning to visit this fascinating coastal town
A beautiful base to explore from
Falmouth celebrated its 350th anniversary in 2011, and it’s clear that the
wonderful harbour has played a large part in its rich history. But to start at
the beginning: in 1540, in order to defend the Carrick Roads, Henry VIII built
Pendennis Castle which, together with St Mawes Castle to the east, meant that
the estuary entrance was well guarded. It wasn’t until 1646 that Pendennis
Castle became the last fortress to surrender during the English Civil War.
St Anthony’s Lighthouse
Sir John Killigrew (of Arwenack Manor) created the
town of Falmouth shortly after 1613, which
received a charter from Charles II in 1661. In 1688,
the Royal Mail Packet Station was introduced,
carrying diplomatic mail, bullion, precious cargo
and passengers. Falmouth was the first place on
the way back from America where large ships
could dock, and the mail was then taken by coach
to London, which was quicker than sailing. In
1805, the news of Britain’s victory (and Admiral
Nelson’s death) at Trafalgar was landed here at
the steps of Fish Strand Quay from the schooner
HMS Pickle and taken to London.
Thriving industries
Sadly the age of steam rendered the Packet Ship service no longer
economically viable, and it eventually ceased in 1851. Falmouth suffered
badly, but the development of Falmouth Docks in 1858 revived the town,
and the Docks soon became one the country’s leading ship repairers. The
arrival of the railway in 1863 brought tourism and prosperity to the town,
and three railway stations – Falmouth Docks, Falmouth Town and Penmere.
The Greenback Hotel was built, followed by the Falmouth Hotel, and many
others still in business now, with their unique vantage points overlooking
the water.
Falmouth was the launching point for Operation Chariot in WWII, the famous
Commando raid on the heavily defended docks of St Nazaire in France,
which led directly to the sinking of the Bismarck by depriving her of a repair
port. Today Falmouth is a thriving town, renowned for its ship repair
facilities not only in the Docks but also Pendennis Shipyard, famous
worldwide for building and restoring classic super yachts. Being the third
deepest natural harbour in the world ensures that Falmouth is a popular
port for visiting cruise ships.
During the 19 years I’ve lived here, I’ve witnessed Ellen MacArthur break
the record for the fastest nonstop solo round the world trip in 2007, and
Robin Knox-Johnston, Clare Francis and many others have also contributed
to Falmouth’s rich seafaring history. I’ve attended three Tall Ship festivals,
and interviewed MJ Long, the architect responsible for the National
Maritime Museum of Cornwall, which opened in 2003. Since then the
Museum has become a popular venue for many events, including the
Antiques Roadshow and Flog It (15 January 2015).
Festival atmosphere
Falmouth’s growth is also due in part to the students attending the famous
Falmouth College of Art, which has now become a university, with one
campus in Falmouth and the other in Penryn. I was introduced to Falmouth
nearly 20 years ago by my late husband, who lived aboard an oyster fishing
boat moored at nearby Restronguet, by the Pandora Inn – a pub that is well
worth a visit, whether by boat, by car or on foot.
The sailing calendar includes Classics in June and Falmouth Regatta Week
in August. The Tall Ships have visited five times and each time the turnout
is more spectacular; we
even had a sail on a Tall
Ship. For those keen on
water sports, there are
numerous venues providing
canoes, kayaks, surfing,
boat hire and fishing.
Falmouth is well known for
its beautiful beaches and
safe swimming. A wide
variety of festivals have
sprung up such as the
International Sea Shanty
Sailing off the coast of Falmouth
festival in summer, the
Oyster Festival in October, the Real Ale Festival in autumn, as well as many
arts, music and walking festivals all year round.
Falmouth’s award winning Art Gallery houses paintings by well known local
artist Henry Scott Tuke’s, amongst others, and there are two cinemas.
Princess Pavilions has a bigger stage and a wide range of music and plays
as well as a bandstand, beautiful gardens and a restaurant. For those wanting
to visit the Lizard, Truro, Land’s End or Penzance, Falmouth is a good base
from which to explore. The Fal River network provides interconnecting boats
and ferries to take you to Trelissick Gardens, the Roselan or Helford by boat.
There is also a good bus, coach and rail service, and Newquay airport is a 40minute drive. Add in an excellent golf course, prize-winning gardens, and one
of the warmest climates in Britain, and you’ll find that Falmouth will welcome,
surprise and delight you, whatever your interests.
Sue Kittow is a writer and resident of Falmouth. Visit her website at
www.suekittow.co.uk
As a thank you to members for their loyalty and business, NEG
offers a unique incentive – the use of one of its holiday apartments
in Tenerife and Falmouth based on individual members’ purchasing
level within the group. For terms and conditions, visit the members’
area of the NEG website, www.nationaleyecare.co.uk, and log in to
the supplier section.
23
24 A CONSULTANT’S EYE VIEW
WHO SUFFERS FROM
GLAUCOMA?
Graham Kyle discusses the politics of glaucoma diagnosis
and how OOs can best serve their patients
I must start by wishing all readers a Happy New Year, even though we are now
in February. As is customary at this time, I am reflecting on what has gone on
in the past year and what might happen in the one ahead. This time last year
the main anticipation (or anxiety) was about how the Scottish Referendum
would turn out, but that matter has now been resolved. I doubt 2015 holds
anything quite as exciting (apart from the general election of course), however,
those in the know may well be waiting for the publication of the Scottish
Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) advice on referral of patients
suspected of having glaucoma. As these guidelines have been so long in the
incubator, hopefully they will be helpful and decisive when they finally arrive.
It’s unclear if the result of the Referendum will affect the content of the
SIGN guidance, in that a democratic decision to remain part of the UK may
encourage less disparity in the diagnostic criteria for glaucoma north and
south of the border than is currently the case. The simple question in the
title was not made any easier by the differing advice across Hadrian’s Wall
as to how high the intraocular pressure (IOP) level should be to initiate
consideration of a diagnosis of glaucoma.
Guidelines across the borders
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) states that
glaucoma should be considered as a diagnosis with IOPs consistently greater
than 21mmHg as measured by Goldmann tonometry. However, it should be
stressed that this advice was given as part of a clinical picture for diagnosis per
se, and not as a level mandating referral to hospital, as it has been
misinterpreted. NICE guidelines do not apply to Scotland and the direction from
NHS Scotland, as advised by the Centre for Change and Innovation, was that in
the absence of any other indicators of glaucoma (i.e. ocular hypertension), a
pressure of 30mmHg or over should trigger a referral to the hospital eye service
(HES) for further investigation and management.
The apparent divergence of diagnostic criteria was complicated by the
political constructions surrounding them. Certain professional groups
advised optometrists practising in areas covered by NICE that patients with
pressures of 22mmHg or more must be referred to the HES. It may seem
strange that a group formed to protect the interests of optometrists should
issue advice which, in effect, reduces their professionalism by implying that
they are unable to use clinical judgement to interpret a raised IOP in its
clinical context, taking account of visual fields and optic disc appearances,
and make suitable follow-up arrangements.
It may have been the case that there was a genuine fear of litigation arising
in the situation where an optometrist had used his or her clinical judgement
and decided that although the pressure was 26mmHg, say, the fields were
full and the disc appeared perfectly healthy and, therefore, this was either
a falsely high reading with puff tonometry and/or very mild ocular
hypertension and, therefore, no treatment was indicated and no referral
was necessary. The fear would be that the patient would go on, many years
later, to develop glaucoma and try to claim that the outcome would have
been different if they had been referred to the HES at the outset.
Some cynics might argue that it was, perhaps, an attempt to obtain funds
from the government to allow either repeat measurements, or the purchase
of pachymeters, or whatever. Whatever the reason, this advice resulted in
a sudden and dramatic increase in the number of patients with ocular
hypertension being referred to the HES, overwhelming glaucoma
assessment clinics. The number of ‘false negative’ referrals also increased
dramatically, in percentage terms. The HES, not surprisingly, complained
about this sudden increase in workload, with one of the main bases for
complaint being that these referrals were not, in fact, following NICE
guidelines, in that patients rarely had had their IOPs measured using
applanation, and that pneumo-tonometry was well recognised as tending
to give falsely high readings.
Advice differs across Hadrian’s Wall on how high IOP levels should be to diagnose glaucoma
There would no doubt be some satisfaction in political circles in seeing the
two professions at loggerheads. It would fit in well with their divide and rule
policy, which has been in use for many years. It would offer the double
opportunity of criticising the HES for not seeing patients within the
prescribed time frame (with no cognisance being given to any increased
referral numbers) and also to witness an erosion of optometrists’ clinical
skills and independence, which will make them more malleable in the
future (or at least that is my assessment of how the political mind works).
Such a ‘divide and conquer’ policy may also be aided by the reaction to the
A CONSULTANT’S EYE VIEW
sudden increase in referrals to eye departments, with the development of
‘referral refinement’, where one optometrist has the job of assessing the quality
of referrals of several others. I have not yet seen an advertisement claiming that
one company has such a ‘specialised optometrist’ on site as a means of
diverting potential patients from its rival(s), but I’m sure it won’t be too long.
regard to the differing Scottish referral levels. The particular concern was
the prospect of facing a General Optical Council Fitness to Practise panel
hearing where, it might be alleged that a Scottish optometrist following
Scottish guidelines was guilty of professional misconduct by a panel sitting
in London, aware that the majority of optometrists in the UK were
‘following’ NICE guidelines.
Shunting patients about
As usual, of course, it is the patient who suffers in the long-term. Faced with
this sudden and dramatic increase in new referrals, and with politically
imposed targets to meet, hospital managers cancelled review appointments
in order to make way for new referrals. In other words, patients who were
known to have a progressive site-threatening disease, glaucoma, who were
under regular review at hospital clinics were effectively shunted out of the
system often for periods of a year or more, during which they quietly
continued to lose their vision, simply to make way for an influx of referrals
of patients who did not have anything wrong with them.
What is more, the person who initiated the referral, the optometrist, was probably
well aware that the patient almost certainly had nothing seriously wrong with
them. They may, at worst, have had ocular hypertension, but so what? On the
other hand, there is good evidence that some patients who had their reviews
repeatedly cancelled have suffered significant visual loss as a result.
I suspect they got a slight shock from that opinion in that, if considering an
action for negligence, the Scottish courts would expect an optometrist to
have used his or her clinical judgement, and to be judged by whether such
judgement was reasonable, rather than slavishly following guidelines as
such. In other words, there was scope for an optometrist to act as a
healthcare professional, rather than just an IOP measurer. How refreshing!
It is, of course vital that optometrists continue to use their clinical judgement,
as there are many circumstances when glaucomatous disc changes can be
picked up in the presence of ‘normal’ IOP. The sad thing is that despite
all this breast beating about IOP levels, the actual IOP level is neither
here nor there in terms of diagnosis or (more particularly management)
of glaucoma.
John Cairns, the eminent Cambridge ophthalmic surgeon and the inventor
of trabeculectomy, is reputed to have said that the best way to run a
glaucoma clinic was to: “Throw away your tonometer”. In other words,
slavish attention to the IOP level was likely to lead to both over-treatment
of those who didn’t need it and, more seriously, uncharted visual
deterioration in those who required a different therapeutic approach, but
whose carers are falsely reassured by a ‘normal’ IOP.
Of those who have glaucoma, about one fifth will have ‘normal’ IOPs, so
called normal tension glaucoma (NTG), and so finding that their pressures
remain ‘normal’ at each review clinic appointment on treatment is no great
surprise, so a tonometer will not help. What such patients emphasise,
however, is that there is a variation between eyes of the IOP level, which
will cause ischaemic damage to the optic disc, leading to cupping and
field loss.
Time for clarity on referral guidelines
Even this attempt to create enough ‘capacity’ to assess these extra referrals
was insufficient, with the result that many ‘so-called glaucoma’ referrals
were ‘squeezed’ into already bursting eye casualty clinics. This meant that
patients, many of whom had nothing wrong with them (or if, perchance
they did, there was absolutely no rush to deal with them), were diverting
time and attention from patients with acute sight-threatening conditions.
Perhaps the most irritating referral of someone who had a ‘high-pressure’
was the patient who had a thick cornea, and when appropriate compensation
for this was made, had a very normal IOP (I speak from a fairly recent
experience as acting as an eye casualty doctor in my semi-retirement). In
some hospitals where the pathway is king, even more resources were
wasted in that patients had a full assessment including automated visual
field, which is often ‘abnormal’ simply because it was the first assessment
that the patient had undertaken, and in some cases disc OCT to boot. If, at
the end of the day, all that was amiss was a thick cornea…
Quite apart from the adverse effect on clinical outcomes, and the costs to
the NHS (and every unnecessary referral takes money from some other
aspect of health care), anxiety about their suffering from a potentially
blinding disease will be considerable in many patients. All well and good if
they have the condition, but if there’s nothing wrong with their eyes then
patients are being unnecessarily harmed.
Other significant factors
Getting back to the Scottish question, the group that gave the advice about
referrals of patients with any elevation of IOP had sought a QC’s opinion with
The perfusion of the optic nerve head is likely to be the critical factor in the
development of glaucomatous disc damage, and the blood flow is likely to
be a significant contributor to this (not the only factor, however, as tissue
changes in the blood vessels and/or neurones themselves could make a
significant contribution). The intravascular blood pressure could be reasonably
assumed to affect such flow and perfusion.
This blood pressure is not static, and can be reduced by anti-hypertensive
treatment (which may help the rate of stroke and/or renal disease in the
population, but may not aid retention of field in any particular glaucoma
sufferer); or, in some cases by a nocturnal drop in blood pressure (BP) in
certain individuals. I have been preaching about these nocturnal drops in
BP in this and other contexts for years, but only fairly recently, when talking
to a cardiologist, learnt that such ‘nocturnal dippers’ were now the hot topic
in cardiology circles. They can be identified by 24-hour ambulatory BP
monitoring, so perhaps the phenomenon, and its importance, will become
more widely recognised.
So if you have a patient showing continuing deterioration of field and/or
disc changes, who does not have NTG, and consistently ‘normal’ pressures,
the question: “I wonder if she or he is a nocturnal dipper?”, would be a
good one.
Graham Kyle is a recently retired consultant ophthalmologist
medico-legal practitioner. His special interests are medical law,
ethics, humanities and semantics – and he is currently studying
for the Society of Apothecaries Diploma in the History of Medicine.
All comments on ‘A consultant’s eye view’ are welcome. Email
the editor – [email protected]
25
26 STYLE SPOTLIGHT
Enticing
eyewear
accessories
BY JOAN GRADY, FASHION EDITOR
Animal print cases by Dunelm
When the word ‘eyewear’ comes to mind, the first thought is usually optical or sunglass frames
Nowadays, with so many exciting and beautiful frames from which to select,
glasses offer limitless choice in design, colour and materials. Another
dimension of the frames market is gathering important significance –
cases, chains and cleaning cloths. All the fashion, fun and creativity are not
for frames alone. There is a growing demand for trendy items to help protect,
clean and keep frames safe.
Designers and independent
suppliers from Europe and
America are combining
creativity, cultural and artistic
dimensions to highlight
designs. In celebration of
British trends, Dunelm
Optical has a collection of
handmade cases that
reflect fashion directions,
including boudoir lace,
safari prints, and retro
designs. Classic concepts
are mixed with more
contemporary coverings,
Dunelm celebrates British cars
including campervans, retro
cars, gothic skulls, florals and animal illustrations for children.
The cases are exclusively produced in-house at Dunelm’s factory in Leeds,
and they provide a specialist service that allows opticians to personalise
items with their own style. Angela Beaumont, manager of Dunlem’s
accessories operation, says: “The cases are always selected with fashionconscious consumers in mind. The fact they reflect a taste of true Britannia
is really resonating well with our export markets too. All our handmade cases,
whether hard-bodied or soft slip-ins, are carefully crafted and made to last.
A quality case to accompany a new pair of frames really adds value.”
Chinese Vase with Flowers, Shells and Insects, by
Balthasar Van Der Ast in the Thyssen-Borzemisza
Museum in Madrid, is the inspiration for the carved
acetate magnifying glass by Flippan Look
“It was just an idea,”
continues Nogales, “but
we began to research
materials and started
designing. With luck we
found a factory in Madrid to
work with us and teach us
how to work with acetate.”
The company launched its
collection first in Spain,
which was an immediate
success, and now they
sell globally. Each item is
custom made, and the team
also works in conjunction
with the Thyssen-Borzemisza
Museum in Mardid. Art and
design unify in a beautiful
design extracted from the
painting Chinese Vase With
Flowers, Shells and Insects
by Balthasar Van Der Ast.
The butterfly was chosen as
the inspirational element for
the design of the medallion
lens, which Flippan Look
carved into the acetate.
History, art and eyewear
A conversation about monocles and antique Quevedos – the name given to
the pinze-nez worn by the Spanish nobleman and poet because of his
severe myopia – was the foundation for the creation of Flippan Look. Sonia
Nogales, the co-founder of the Madrid accessory company, recalls: “We
had this discussion about how gentlemen in high society and the most
elegant ladies always had beautiful magnifying glasses. So we asked
ourselves if this was practical, comfortable and chic for the 21st century?
Butterfly magnifying glass by Flippan Look
STYLE SPOTLIGHT
American style
Necessity is the mother of invention, and
this certainly proved to be the case for
American designer, Elizabeth Faraut. She
was looking for a way to keep glasses
handy, and it needed to combine both
function and fashion, and La Loop was
born. For more than 15 years, Faraut has
travelled to many distant and exotic lands
to find jewels, stones and pearls that can
be elegantly transformed into beautiful
chains for glasses. The latest collection
includes fresh water pearls, and designs
with enamel and leather cording.
For 35 years, l.a.eyeworks in California
has been creating original frames, cases
and accessories. As they question: “Who
said that cleaning your lenses has to be
such a mundane task?” The company
commissions innovators – artists,
illustrators, graphic designers – to
explore the lens cleaning cloth as a blank
canvas for art. Since 2009, the
programme has featured works by worldrenowned figures from the visual arts,
including Jim Isermann, Susan Stilton,
Kori Newkirk, Barbara Kruger, and Remy
Charlip amongst others.
Elegant fresh water pearls
by La Loop
Colour is always keynote at
l.a.eyeworks – Gai Gherardi
and Barbara McReynolds
were among the first to
introduce bold, bright tones
to eyewear. The same spirit is
captured in the colourful
cases that mix unexpected
tones. Glasses in colourful
l.a.eyeworks cases are always
easy to spot.
forever. They are great and never change colour which can happen to silver
sometimes.” Moore’s latest designs feature mauve frosted beads and
graceful pearls.
Mondelliani Eyewear is based
in Rome with a unique family
history. More than 40 years
ago, the company opened a
boutique in Rome, and has
now expanded into designing
frames and on a fun note –
creating cleaning cloths that
are collectors’ items. The
latest collections, designed for
Mondelliani by graphic artist
Felipe Colasanti, include
Superman, Batman and Zorro,
plus beautiful interpretations
of the Four Seasons.
Rome is also the location
for Pollipo, who handcraft
genuine Italian Tuscan leather
into superb eyeglass cases.
Pollipo likes to explore creative
concepts that include cases
with gemstone and pearl
accents. Paola Constantini
at Pollipo says: “We are
always experimenting with
new conversations between
eyewear and extraordinary
accessories of fine jewellery.
We also like to keep evolving
our craftsmanship for dressing
faces and…glasses!”
Zorro cleaning cloth by Felipe Colasanti for
Mondelliani Rome
Like many designers, Constantini
incorporates a diversity of
materials and jewels into the
Winter from the Four Seasons cleaning cloth by
collections. Pearls, Arizona
Felipe Colasanti for Mondelliani Rome
turquoise gemstones, and
rhodium-plated sterling silver are among the beautiful materials that are
used for the accessories. Chic little details include handmade knots in leather.
Colourful cases by l.a.eyeworks and fun cleaning cloth
by Jeffrey Valence
European influences
For independent opticians, stocking creative eyewear accessories offers
many advantages. Nowadays, the designs are innovative and unique; they
do not take up a lot of space and fashion savvy clients will continue to seek
unusual eyewear accessories.
Mona Moore is a jewellery
designer based in Vienna, and
she proudly notes that the city
is “the home of Jugendstil –
meaning Art Deco and Art
Nouveau – which I love.
However, I never consciously
copy any styles, but I love
elegant, ornamental and
geometrical patterns. So I
guess there is a subconscious
inspiration coming from the
turn of the last century.”
Shimmering frosted beads in a graceful chain
design by Mona Moore
Moore says: “I have a passion
for frosted beads, and some
of the silver beads I use in
my eyewear chain designs
are metal, and I’ve had them
Luxurious craftsmanship by Pollipo Rome
27
Vision Now
PREFERRED SUPPLIERS’ DIRECTORY
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details and terms offered to the membership, please call 01580 713698
Directory listings are available free of charge to all preferred suppliers, with a larger listing available to Vision Now Advertisers. To make
changes to the directory listings, please call Sharon Hicks on 01580 713698 or email [email protected]
ACCEPT CARDS
Tel: 01422 382408
[email protected]
www.acceptcards.co.uk
CALOTHERM
(part of the Three-Sixty Group)
Tel: 01686 627595
Fax: 01696 610015
[email protected]
www.calotherm.co.uk
CENTRO STYLE LTD
BRANDS
BRANDS
Tel: 01923 239267
Fax: 01923 253951
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DAILIES TOTA
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DAVID THOMAS
Tel: 01604 646216
Fax: 01604 790366
[email protected]
www.davidthomas.com
OCT isn’t
Everything
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Tel: 01923 249491
Fax: 01923 249490
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FreshLLook® Colors®
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DAILIES® FreshLook® IlluminateTM
DIBBLE OPTICAL SUPPLIES
Tel: 01634 880885
Fax: 01634 540530
[email protected]
www.dibbleoptical.co.uk
10561 © 2014 Novartis AG.
Systane® Ultra
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Systane® Gel Drops
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HARROW OPTICAL
Tel: 0870 9000 055
Fax: 0870 9000 056
[email protected]
www.coopervision.com
DE RIGO (UK) LTD
AIR OPTIX® COLORS
AIR OPTIX® AQUA
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DUNELM OPTICAL
Tel: 01388 420420
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www.dunelmoptical.co.uk
Call
Call Customer
Customer Services
Services 0871 376 0017
www.
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myAlcon.co.uk
yAlcon.co.uk
www
www.HeidelbergEngineering.co.uk
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ESSILOR
ASSOCIATED OPTICAL
Tel: 01628 605433
Fax: 01628 665077
[email protected]
www.associatedoptical.com
Charmant UK Co Ltd
tel 020 8992 9222
fax 020 896 0287
email: [email protected]
www.charmant.com
Tel: 01454 281281
Fax: 01454 281282
www.essilor.co.uk
HENRY BEAUMONT
Tel: 0116 251 8936
Fax: 0116 262 4205
[email protected]
www.henrybeaumont.com
BAUSCH + LOMB UK
HILCO EUROPE
Tel: 020 8781 2900
www.bausch.co.uk
Tel: 0800 591150
[email protected]
www.hilco.co.uk
BIB OPHTHALMIC INSTRUMENTS
HOYA LENS UK
Tel: 01438 740823
[email protected]
www.bibonline.co.uk
Tel: 0845 330 0984
Fax: 0845 330 0977
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.hoya.co.uk
BONDEYE OPTICAL
Tel: 0121 7723888
Fax: 0808 2801865
[email protected]
www.bondeyeoptical.co.uk
BRULIMAR
OPTICAL GROUP
Tel: 0161 655 7000
Fax: 0161 655 7002
www.brulimar.co.uk
INTERNATIONAL EYEWEAR LTD
Tel: 0121 585 6565
Fax: 0121 585 0954
www.internationaleyewear.co.uk
Teel: 0151-426 3907
Fax: 0151-426 9340
[email protected]
www.continental-eyewearr.com
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JOHNSON & JOHNSON
T 01562 701111
www.eyespace-eyewear.co.uk
Tel: 0870 6088990
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DIRECTORY
LENSTEC
NORVILLE OPTICAL GROUP
RAWDON OPTICAL LIMITED
SILHOUETTE UK LTD
Tel: 029 2088 3009
Fax: 029 2088 9798
[email protected]
www.lenstec.co.uk
Tel: 01452 528686
Fax: 01452 300551
[email protected]
www.norville.co.uk
Tel: 0113 288 3094
Fax: 0113 288 3095
[email protected]
www.rawdonoptical.co.uk
Tel: 020 8987 8899
Fax: 020 8987 2430
[email protected]
www.silhouette.com
LUXOTTICA (UK) LTD
No7 CONTACT LENSES
RIDGWAY OPTICAL
SPEC-CARE LIMITED
Tel: 0808 165 8555
www.luxottica.com
Tel: 01424 850620
Fax: 01424 850650
[email protected]
www.no7contactlenses.com
Tel: 01295 678800
Fax: 01295 678811
www.ridgwayoptical.co.uk
Tel: 01392 460806
[email protected]
www.speccareservices.co.uk
SPECTRUM THEA
PHARMACEUTICALS LTD
Tel: 0845 521 1290
Fax: 01782 717 944
www.spectrum-thea.co.uk
Open
your
eyes to
STEPPER UK
See Better Look Perfect
Tel: 01732 375975
[email protected]
STONE OPTICAL
Tel: 029 2073 5293
Fax: 029 2073 5915
[email protected]
www.louisstoneoptical.co.uk
TANT LABORATORIES
CUSTOMER SERVICE
0800 72 2020
[email protected]
Marchon UK Ltd | Unit 1 Weyvern Park,
Portsmouth Road, Peasmarsh | Guildford
|Surrey | GU3 1NA
0845 3130233
[email protected]
www.optinetuk.com
Tel: 01279 653785
www.tantlabs.com
01474 325555
www.rodenstock.co.uk
[email protected]
MARK’ENNOVY
Tel: 0800 3280610
Fax: 0800 3280649
[email protected]
www.markennovy.com
MENRAD OPTICS
Tel: 01635 32123
Fax: 01635 38442
[email protected]
www.menrad.com
TOP VISION UK
Tel: 0870 8402378
Fax: 0870 8402379
www.topvisiongroup.com
ORANGE EYEWEAR
SAUFLON
PHARMACEUTICALS
ULTRAVISION
Tel: 0161 773 5555
Fax: 0161 773 5544
[email protected]
www.orange-eyewear.co.uk
Tel: 020 8322 4222
Fax: 020 8891 2622
[email protected]
www.sauflon.co.uk
Tel: 01525 381112
Fax: 01525 370091
[email protected]
www.ultravision.co.uk
PERFORMANCE FINANCE
SEIKO OPTICAL UK
VIVA EYEWEAR UK
Tel: 01536 529696
Fax: 01536 310033
www.performancefinance.co.uk
Tel: 01452 610033
Fax: 01452 638250
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.seiko-optical.co.uk
Tel: 01423 874466
Fax: 01423 874499
www.vivagroup.com
MID-OPTIC
POSITIVE IMPACT
Tel: 01332 295001
Fax: 01332 295158
[email protected]
www.midoptic.com
Tel: 08446 696907
[email protected]
www.positiveimpactsales.co.uk
NATIONWIDE FRAME REPAIRS
PRACTICE BUILDING
Tel: 01706 369530
Fax: 01706 628733
[email protected]
www.nfr.co.uk
Tel: 0115 989 9772
[email protected]
www.practicebuilding.co.uk
PRO-OPTIC
Tel: 01392 826005
[email protected]
www.pro-optic.co.uk
SERIOUS READERS
Tel: 01296 395400
[email protected]
www.seriousreaders.com
SHAMIR UK
Tel: 01954 785100
Fax: 01954 785101
[email protected]
www.shamirlens.co.uk
WILEY X EUROPE
Available from Emporium Eyewear
Tel: 020 8902 6211
Fax: 020 8902 6277
www.emporiumeyewear.com
YOUNGER OPTICS EUROPE
UK Tel: 01242 578971
UK Mobile: 0790 133 7530
[email protected]
www.youngeroptics.com
FOR FULL DETAILS AND TERMS OFFERED TO THE MEMBERSHIP, PLEASE CALL
01580 713698
or email [email protected]
29