Dispensing Optics August 2021

NEWS, INFORMATION AND EDUCATION FOR OPTICIANS

DISPENSING OPTICS

AUGUST 2021

LOOK TWICE! WHY SHOULD YOU EXPECT ONE PAIR OF SPECTACLES TO COVER EVERY NEED?

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AUGUST 2021

contents features 16.

CET – C-78462 COVID-19 and optical practice: Where are we now?

By Alexandra Webster, Max Halford and Dean Dunning

22.

CET MCAs – C-77388 Brain tumours in your practice

By Lorcan Butler

7.

24.

Building business beyond Covid

By Antonia Chitty

26.

24.

In business

In education Taking low vision skills to the next level

regulars

8.

10.

5.

DO Dispatches

6.

From the Holmes front

6.

News

14.

Product spotlight

27.

Region update

28.

Jottings

29.

Business Bites | Eyecare FAQ | OA Corner

30.

Notices

stay in touch 14.

DO Online DO Twitter

FC – Image courtesy of Silmo

DO Instagram ABDO Facebook ABDO LinkedIn AUGUST 2021 DISPENSING OPTICS

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TX5/Stainless Steel Stepper (UK) Limited 11 Tannery Road Tonbridge Kent TN9 1RF 01732 375975

www.stepper.co.uk

Frame style shown: STS-30059

DISPENSING OPTICS The Professional Journal of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians Volume 36 No 8

DO Dispatches

EDITORIAL STAFF Publisher Editor Email Assistant Editor Email Design and Production Email Admin. Manager Email

Sir Anthony Garrett CBE HonFBDO Nicky Collinson BA (Hons) ncollinson@abdo.org.uk Jane Burnand jburnand@abdo.org.uk Rosslyn Argent BA (Hons) rargent@abdo.org.uk Deanne Gray HonFBDO dgray@abdo.org.uk

EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING Telephone Email Website

0781 2734717 ncollinson@abdo.org.uk www.abdo.org.uk

SUBSCRIPTIONS UK Overseas

£150 £175, including postage

Apply to:

Edward Fox FBDO Association of British Dispensing Opticians Godmersham Park, Godmersham, Kent, CT4 7DT

Telephone Email Website

01227 733911 efox@abdo.org.uk www.abdo.org.uk

ABDO CPD Head of CPD

Alexandra Webster MSc PGDipE FBDO CL FHEA FBCLA ABDO CPD, Unit 2, Court Lodge Offices, Godmersham Park, Godmersham, Canterbury, Kent CT4 7DT

Telephone Email

01206 734155 abdocpd@abdo.org.uk

CONTINUING EDUCATION REVIEW PANEL Josie Barlow FBDO CL Keith Cavaye FBDO (Hons) CL FBCLA Andrew Cripps FBDO PG Cert HE FHEA Kim Devlin FBDO (Hons) CL Stephen Freeman BSc (Hons) MCOptom FBDO (Hons) Cert Ed Claire McDonnell FAOI Angela McNamee BSc (Hons) MCOptom FBDO (Hons) CL FBCLA Cert Ed Alex Webster MSc PGDipE FBDO CL FHEA FBCLA Gaynor Whitehouse FBDO (Hons) LVA EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Nicky Collinson BA (Hons) Antonia Chitty MA MCOptom MCIPR Alex Webster MSc PGDipE FBDO CL FHEA FBCLA Max Halford FBDO CL Debbie McGill BA (Hons) Sir Anthony Garrett CBE HonFBDO Jo Holmes FBDO

HOPEFUL YET CAUTIOUS Hopeful yet cautious seems to sum up the period we have just entered into, as the remaining rules around face masks and social distancing are dropped along with limits on hospitality, and guidance on working from home.

Clearly, maintaining the highest levels of safety in practice is vital in order to protect both staff and patients, and to maintain a continuous eyecare service. This is going to be difficult for some, as there will undoubtedly be members of the public who won’t want to abide by advisory safety precautions, such as wearing a mask on entering the practice. Despite the undoubted challenges that continue to lay ahead of us, there are reasons to be hopeful as we see parts of normal life returning.

We at ABDO will commence face-to-face meetings from September, and we look forward to seeing members at CET/CPD events when they resume in 2022. The ABDO annual meeting, the annual meeting of the ABDO Benevolent Fund, and our consultation day with members will take place at our National Resource Centre in Birmingham on 21 November, and it would be wonderful to see as many members as possible there on the day – in person.

One of our first steps forward was to begin publishing Dispensing Optics in print format from last month, and I have been greatly encouraged by the number of people who have so warmly welcomed its reappearance.

Onwards and upwards...

Sir Anthony Garrett ABDO general secretary

DISPENSING OPTICS IS PUBLISHED BY ABDO, Unit 2, Court Lodge Offices, Godmersham Park, Godmersham, Canterbury, Kent CT4 7DT Dispensing Optics is printed by P&P Litho Ltd, Ashford, Middlesex TW15 1AB © ABDO: No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means whatever without the written prior permission of the publishers Dispensing Optics welcomes contributions for possible editorial publication. However, contributors warrant to the publishers that they own all rights to illustrations, artwork or photographs submitted and also to copy which is factually accurate and does not infringe any other party’s rights ISSN 0954 3201 AVERAGE CIRCULATION: 8,848 copies (January to June 2020) ABDO Board certification

AUGUST 2021 DISPENSING OPTICS

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OUR MONTHLY COLUMN FROM THE ABDO PRESIDENT JO HOLMES FBDO

From the Holmes front Benevolent Fund is here for you n these unprecedented and concerning times, we often rely on our support network of family, friends and work colleagues. Many of our social coping mechanisms that usually take us through stressful periods of our lives are still Support is just a phone call or out of our reach, and email away finding other sources of support can be difficult in helping us through this time.

ABDO is here to help you when those times arise. May I remind you about one of your membership benefits: the ABDO Benevolent Fund. I have been working with the trustees for the last nine years on this fund to support our members, and acting as temporary chair throughout the pandemic. We have been giving assistance to our members behind the scenes in a variety of ways.

Let me refresh your memory about the fund. It’s here for you – our members, past and present (or their dependants) who maybe struggling for reasons such as an unforeseen change of circumstances, redundancy, bereavement, illness or relationship breakdown.

I cannot go into specific details of individuals the fund has helped, but we have supported members by paying for hospital transport during stressful treatment, helping with funeral costs, disability aids and a whole raft of other issues.

Although we cannot help with debt, we can link up our members to an organisation called StepChange Debt Charity. It’s a charity which offers free and confidential debt management, support and advice. The website is www.stepchange.org and it guides you through a step-by-step process.

We also receive requests from students who are self-funding and having difficulty paying for course fees. Students can apply to the ABDO Education Trust, which exists for this scenario.

Students in other types of severe financial need can apply to the ABDO Benevolent Fund provided they are members of ABDO. All applications are treated in the strictest of confidence, each one of them considered with care and thought. The trustees and myself spend a great deal of time with each application, sometimes finding other alternatives to help solve problems that are presented to us.

If you need help, please contact Jane Burnand by emailing jburnand@abdo.org.uk or telephone 0207 298 5102.

Remember: the Benevolent Fund is here for you – and we are too.

I

Jo Holmes FBDO President of ABDO

6

DISPENSING OPTICS AUGUST 2021

ABDO NCC welcomes newest member Nancy Hunter has joined the ABDO National Clinical Committee (NCC).

A second generation dispensing optician (DO), following in her mother’s and step-father’s footsteps, Nancy qualified from City and East London Technical College in 1992. She has worked in both independent and multiple optical practice, mainly as a DO but also in management and training roles.

Nancy’s main interests and expertise lie in the areas of paediatric dispensing, along with frame styling and fitting.

“I also have a longstanding interest in low vision since completing the ABDO low vision honours course,” Nancy told Dispensing Optics.

Nancy has diversified in recent years and now works in academia as a lecturer in vision science at Portsmouth University, and as a diagnostic technician in a private eye hospital.

As she wrote in her Jottings article published in the February 2021 issue of Dispensing Optics, Nancy is passionate about

Nancy Hunter the patient journey. ”My aim is always to ensure positive outcomes and exceed expectations through education, communication and teamwork,” she said.

In joining the ABDO NCC, Nancy hopes to support members in expanding their scope of practice.

“Having spent the past three years diversifying, I believe I can bring this experience to the work of the NCC,” she added.

The ABDO NCC is a forum for debate and discussion with regard to matters that they believe will affect members and their interests. Recent discussions have included anti-slavery, sustainability and myopia management.

Seven on the ballot Ballot papers for the ABDO board elections have been despatched to members by email and post, and must be returned by noon on 31 August 2021.

Seven valid nominations have been received for the four ABDO board seats being contested. The candidates are: Gill Bickle, Peter Black, Tess Christie, Anthony Harvey, Julie Lees, Brenda Rennie and Joshua Smith.

A ballot will be conducted by CIVICA (formerly Electoral Reform) according to ABDO rules. The list of those elected will be published on the ABDO website on Friday 3 September 2021, the date on which the new and/or returning board members will take up their duties for a period of three years.

Any members who have not yet received a ballot form should contact Jane Burnand by emailing jburnand@abdo.org.uk or telephoning 0207 298 5102.

NEWS

AUGUST 2021

Amber guidance remains in place

Win a trip to Silmo Paris reunion

Despite the easing of lockdown restrictions on 16 July, ABDO and the College of Optometrists have advised the professions in all nations to continue following the College’s Amber guidance, its national eyecare standard operating procedures and the General Optical Council’s supporting statements for the Amber phase.

In a joint-statement, ABDO and the College said: “Maintaining high standards of infection controls, including handwashing and wearing face masks, is vital to protect practice teams and remain open to provide eyecare as people begin to move about more freely.

“We anticipate the Amber phase guidance will continue for some period and beyond 2021 as we do not know what the Winter will bring. We will continue to monitor the situation, as the transition from the Amber to Green phase guidance will be guided by each respective nation’s government decisions and subject Posters for practices to a variety of factors, including a sustained reduction in Covid-19 transmission risk and the removal of social distancing and IPC requirements.”

To support mask wearing amongst patients ABDO has provided posters and images for social media, which can be downloaded from the ABDO website.

Silmo Paris is back in business – and ABDO members are once again being offered the chance to win a trip for two to next month’s show by entering an exclusive prize draw.

The prize includes two return economy flights from a UK airport to Paris, and two nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation in a double room at a four-star hotel. Prize winners will also receive VIP passes to the show.

To enter the draw, email your name, ABDO membership number and mobile phone number to silmoprizedraw@abdo. org.uk by 23:59 on Friday 13 August, with ‘Silmo Competition’ in the subject line.

The winner will be notified by Friday 20 August, and full terms and conditions can be found on the ABDO website.

Silmo Paris will take place from 24 to 27 September at the Paris Nord Villepinte, following the French government’s decision that from 30 June there will be no

Classic yet on-trend trio

Model 1312 (pictured) is a classic style with angular shaping along chunky sides; it

The Jacques Lamont eyewear collection from Continental Eyewear has expanded with three new models, designed with bifocal and varifocal lens wearers in mind.

The new styles for both men and women feature classic shapes with hints of individuality – from distinctive angular sides to diamante detailing and embossed patterns. Each frame is available in three soft colourways.

Prize includes, flights, B&B and VIP access maximum capacity at such events so long as health measures remain in force.

Silmo president, Amélie Morel, said: “After two years without any major international assemblies, the reunion of optical and eyewear industry professionals will only be more intense I’m sure. The whole team of Silmo Paris is hard at work to prepare this recovery edition, and we are looking forward to seeing you.”

Read our Take 5 interview with Amélie Morel on DO Online, and discover all the latest show news at www.silmoparis.com

Biometric precision hub launched Rodenstock has launched a new BIG Precision Hub to share information about its spectacle lens production based on a complete biometric model of the eye.

All relevant biometric data for each eye is determined by a combination of the company’s DNEye scanner and patented DNEye Pro technology, including the length of several data points in the eye.

The data is then integrated directly into the lens; a process said to be unique in the market and “going far beyond the current standard within optics”.

New hub for BIG Vision concept

is available in three metallic colours: gold, lilac and rose.

JACQUES LAMONT MODEL 1312 IN ROSE

AUGUST 2021 DISPENSING OPTICS

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AUGUST 2021

NEWS GOC shares registrants’ views The General Optical Council (GOC) has published the findings from its 2021 registrant survey, which asked registrants about their views and perceptions of the GOC and their experiences of working in clinical practice.

The online survey was conducted by Enventure Research, an independent research company, which also conducted the 2016 registrant survey.

Almost 5,000 registrants responded, representing a one per cent increase in response rate compared to 2016. Fifty-six per cent of respondents were in optometrist roles, 25 per cent in dispensing optician (DO) roles, and 21 per cent were either a student optometrist or DO. More than half of respondents (65 and 62 per cent respectively) agreed that the GOC was meeting its strategic objectives “to build a culture of continuous improvement and deliver world-class regulatory practice”. Forty-nine per cent agreed that the GOC was meeting its objective to transform customer service.

The research also highlighted the challenges faced by registrants during the Covid-19 pandemic, with 40 per cent of respondents reporting that they worked beyond their hours; 28 per cent found it difficult to provide patients with the sufficient level of care they needed, and 52 per cent were furloughed by their employer or had their educational course suspended in the last 12 months.

A large proportion of respondents (58 per cent) were satisfied with their job or role over the past 12 months, and 43 per cent planned to gain additional qualifications or skills in the next 12 to 24 months.

Marcus Dye, GOC acting director of strategy, said: “We know this past year hasn’t been easy for many registrants, so we are thankful for their hard work and dedication to still deliver high quality eyecare despite the challenges. It’s been beneficial to gain insight into their experiences during the pandemic and we will use these findings, amongst others, to consider how we can continue to support registrants going forward and also protect the public.”

The full report and infographic are available on the Policy and Research page of the GOC website.

8

DISPENSING OPTICS AUGUST 2021

STEPPER’S SI-20113 IN BROWN

Anatomically moulded for a precision fit Crafted from titanium and Stepper’s own TX5 material, the SI-20113 weighs in at a mere 7.2g.

“Not only is it light,” explained Peter Reeve, Stepper managing director, “but the precise anatomical curves are ‘memorised’ during the injection moulding process so the frame keeps its shape – and the material has a flexibility, strength and durability that belies its perceived delicacy.”

Both the titanium and TX5 parts are hypoallergenic, so far more unlikely to result in a skin reaction.

“The styling of the SI-20113 is contemporary-classic,” added Peter. “This means almost anyone will suit the frame and it can be worn with any outfit.”

The SI-20113 is available in brown, midnight and green.

At-home app “no substitute” Essilor has stressed that its new My Vision Check app is not intended as a substitute for a full eye examination.

Using a smartphone and mirror, the app takes users through a series of questions about their vision, before a short test checks if the user can detect Landolt ring optotypes corresponding to 20/20 visual acuity at a far distance while wearing their usual optical correction if they have any.

The user is given a test score and summary on completion encouraging them to book an appointment via the app for a comprehensive eye examination at their local optician.

Tim Precious, managing director at Essilor, said: “We believe that by offering a simple and free resource for the public to assess their vision at home, it will not only help educate consumers on the importance of looking after their eyes but also help ECPs attract the public into practice to start, or resume, their eyecare journey.”

App takes user on 10-minute test Edward Mallen, professor of physiological optics at the University of Bradford, tested the app and commented: “This app is easy to use and will be a very useful additional tool to help the public seek essential eyecare. It provides a useful screening test and helps to deliver the important message to the public to have their eyes examined regularly. The app states repeatedly that it is not performing a full eye examination and advises the user to consult their eyecare practitioner.”

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NEWS

AUGUST 2021 IOA Silmo award finalists named

EYECARE REFORMS ON THEIR WAY

ABDO cautiously welcomes Health and Care Bill ABDO has welcomed last month’s introduction to parliament of the Health and Care Bill.

The bill builds on proposals for legislative change, set out in the NHS Long Term Plan. Its main reforms specific to eyecare are to: integrate the NHS in England, to include all health and social care providers; set the structure of integrated care boards (ICBs); remove elements of competition in procurement; and expand the powers of direction of the secretary of state.

However, the Association remains concerned on a number of elements contained within the bill – one of which concerns the “the lack of detail on governance and process, and the increased powers the bill gives to the secretary of state”.

ABDO head of policy and public affairs, Debbie McGill, said: “Our main concern here is what will be commissioned nationally and locally and what this means for general ophthalmic services.”

Additionally, the Association does not agree with the proposal in the bill that the government should have the power to abolish a regulator or deregulate a profession through an Order in Council.

“This would mean very limited parliamentary scrutiny of what are matters of significant public interest,” Debbie explained. “Parliament should be allowed to properly examine any such proposals as is currently the case.”

As DO went to press, the Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee was preparing to update the profession based on discussions with NHS England on services commissioning.

Visit DO Online for the latest updates.

10

DISPENSING OPTICS AUGUST 2021

The International Opticians Association (IOA) has announced the finalists for the 2021 IOA Silmo International Optician of the Year Award as: John Billings (New Zealand); Miguel Gianinni (Brazil); Clive Marchant (UK); Eric Milot (Canada); Jean-Franck Pineau (France); and Helen Whitaker (Canada).

IOA president, Fiona Anderson, said: “The standard of nominees has been incredibly high and has led to an exciting shortlist of six dedicated and inspiring professionals from around the globe.

We wish them all luck in the final stages of judging.”

The winner will be announced during Silmo Paris 2021. As well as the coveted title, they will receive a certificate,

Opticians in the running lifetime membership of the IOA, and flights and accommodation for two to Paris for Silmo 2022.

To find out more, visit www.ioassn.org/award

Sight loss charity scoops top award SeeAbility has won the Overall Award for Excellence at this year’s Charity Awards.

As well as winning the top prize in the healthcare and medical research category, SeeAbility was chosen as the Overall Winner for Excellence for its work to convince the NHS to roll out sight testing for children in all special schools across England.

The charity paid a special tribute to ABDO for its support with the project.

Donna O’Brien, SeeAbility policy, public affairs and research manager, said: “We owe ABDO colleagues a great deal of gratitude for all their advice and support with the special schools programme; and while the award is for everyone we have worked with and continue to work with these past eight years, we especially thank ABDO

Regulatory reforms “risky” says ABDO ABDO has published its response to the government’s consultation on proposals to reform how healthcare professionals are regulated.

The Association welcomed the government’s intention to make the legislation that regulators work within more consistent, and give them greater freedom to change their detailed procedural rules.

However, ABDO expressed concern that the government was proposing to change how regulators were overseen by

Dispensing optician Martyn Howlett, with Eli for being behind this project from the start.”

Read more on this story on DO Online.

replacing non-executive councils, which have an equal number of lay and registrant members, with unitary boards.

Such boards would be made up of executive and non-executive members, with no requirement for any of the members to be registrants.

ABDO highlighted the risk that without registrants on their governing councils, regulators would become more remote from the professions they regulate and as a result, would struggle to retain their confidence and that of the public.

Read ABDO’s response in full in the ABDO website Consultation section.

24 - 27 SEPT. 2021 Paris Nord

Villepinte

LET’S ENJOY REAL CONTACT AGAIN

OPTICS & EYEWEAR PARTNER SINCE 1967

NEWS

STUART NEILSON

New UK and Nordics head Specialist contact lens manufacturer Mark’ennovy has appointed Stuart Neilson as the head of the UK and Nordics regions.

Stuart has a wealth of senior commercial and leadership experience in both the optical and hearing industry sectors, with previous roles at the Sivantos Hearing Group and Bausch and Lomb.

CEO George Sarouff said: “I am excited to attract Stuart to join us at what is a pivotal time for Mark’ennovy as we progress with our commercial growth plans. His experience will play an important role in achieving our ambitions whilst ensuring more people can experience the freedom and comfort of wearing our individually crafted lenses.”

iDay special offer Proven Track Record’s Independents Day (iDay) business symposium has been rescheduled for Sunday 24 October – and is offering all delegates a discounted price on the More Profits More Often toolkit from the Independent Marketing Partnership.

The toolkit, featured in this month’s In business feature (pages 24-25), includes practical support such as a sales training video on how to dispense more profitable eyewear and telephone consultancy, as well as 25 professionally-written patient recall letters, texts and emails.

ABDO members can also obtain a free Profitability Report, plus a saving of £200 on the training programme, by visiting www.opticalmarketing.co.uk/profits and using the code ‘ABDO200’.

The one-day iDay symposium returns to the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham, and is supported by an iShow exhibition. It will focus on ‘Commercialising myopia management,’ with keynote speaker US optometrist and entrepreneur Dr Gary Gerber.

For details and early bird bookings by 31 August, visit www.independentsday.co.uk

12

DISPENSING OPTICS AUGUST 2021

OLIVER MUNDELL (RIGHT) RECEIVES AN EYE EXAM

MSP opens new eye clinic Dumfriesshire MSP Oliver Mundell officially opened a new Optical Express eye clinic in Dumfries town centre recently.

The new clinic will offer patient consultations for cataract treatment locally, with the goal of increasing capacity in the community and helping to reduce NHS waiting times in the area.

Oliver Mundell, pictured (right) with clinic manager, Shaun Armstrong, said: “Dumfries is a fantastic place to set up in, and Optical Express’s investment in the area just goes to show how businesses are backing the town.”

Optical Express CEO and Founder, David Moulsdale, said: “The new clinic is the latest in our continued plans for growth throughout 2021. We are determined that our response to the Covid-19 pandemic will be to continue to expand and invest in our excellent clinics.”

Like all Optical Express clinics, the new Dumfries clinic will also provide a specialist recycling station for plastic contact lenses and their packaging.

Luxury meets vintage Luxurious and vintage-inspired details characterise the new Lanvin sunglass design included in the spring/summer 2021 advertising campaign featuring Paris Hilton.

Part of the Yu Garden collection, the frame fuses modern finishes with a 1980s inspired aesthetic. Details on the thick sides highlight the emblem of the French Maison: the mother and child gold plaque representing the special bond between Jeanne Lanvin and her daughter, Marguerite.

A Lanvin eyewear chain attaches to the hollowed tips, adding a luxe feel to the bold, oversized silhouette available in black, tortoiseshell, green/havana green and striped red.

LANVIN HERO SUNGLASS STYLE

DISPENSING OPTICS I AUG2021

UK and Ireland launch

New multifocal option

YALEA BRAND AMBASSADORS

Celebrating women with Yalea De Rigo is introducing a fourth house brand this October called Yalea, with Cindy Crawford and Bianca Balti as ambassadors.

The female-only collection includes ophthalmic frames and sunglasses and features a simple inverted ‘Y’ logo.

Barbara De Rigo, De Rigo chief marketing officer, said: “Our company wholly recognises the value of women both in the workplace and in society. My mother personally contributed to the founding and development of De Rigo which, from the very onset, was also characterised by the large number of women at the company. This is why we wanted to enrich our portfolio with a new all-female brand. Yalea is a tribute to the success of women.”

Tear film tool launched Now available in the UK from Mainline Instruments is the newest product from Huvitz: the HDA-100 tear film alnalyser.

The instrument provides analysis of all layers of the tear film, as well as the upper and lower meibomian glands when identifying dry eye disease.

The device has 5Mp image resolution, single and multi-shot video capabilities as well as two cones (main and placid) for different tests, such as interferometry and tear meniscus.

Mainline Instruments managing director, Simon Hawkins, said: “The level of

Johnson & Johnson Vision’s new contact lens for patients with presbyopia: Acuvue Oasys Multifocal features the same design technology used in 1-Day Acuvue Moist Multifocal.

The lens fuses pupil optimised design, hybrid back curve, and a proprietary embedded wetting agent.

“Our Acuvue Oasys Multifocal contact lens brings a long-awaited solution to reusable contact lens patients with presbyopia who have been looking for continuous, clear and comfortable vision at all distances,” said Jakob Sveen, managing director Northern Europe and general manager GM UK and Ireland at Johnson & Johnson Vision.

detail and camera quality is unmatched and will be a massive help in the diagnosis of dry eye disease, which is becoming more prevalent as screen time and mask wearing increases.”

New daily multifocal

Flat Pack family complete

Huvitz’s HDA-100

Parameter extension CooperVision has expanded the parameters for its Biofinity XR toric contact lenses.

The addition of sphere powers from 10.50D to 20.00D increases the number of available prescription options specific to this lens to 32,796.

A fully cast-moulded made-to-order lens, Biofinity XR toric features CooperVision’s Optimised Toric Lens Geometry, which provides the same uniform horizontal ISO thickness and optimised ballast band design as Biofinity toric, and it can be prescribed with the company’s OptiExpert fitting app.

Menicon has launched a multifocal version of its Miru 1day Flat Pack contact lens, the first time it has released a lens for presbyopia for daily disposable use in the UK. Kevin Mitchell, managing director of Menicon UK, said: “We are delighted to add new products in our 70th anniversary year and the multifocal lens completes the Flat Pack family. It offers eyecare professionals a great solution to those patients diagnosed with presbyopia who want to wear a daily lens who perhaps previously were limited. Health and hygiene have been front of mind for us all over the past year and the SmartTouch technology makes the lens easier to handle for a cleaner, more comfortable wear.”

AUGUST 2021 DISPENSING OPTICS

13

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Simple, fast and effective functionality

E-transfer of GOS forms ensuring speed and simplicity

Midlands-based Orasis Software is now supporting full eGOS functionality to provide a simple way to submit vouchers and claims directly from within its practice management system (PMS).

Linus Mason, Orasis director, said: “As with everything in Orasis, we have designed an interface around simplicity, speed and functionality. We can help clients to submit their NHS forms in minutes.”

Key benefits include: the removal of duplication and errors as the data already exists in Orasis; creation of GOS1 forms in advance of clinics; submission of GOS 1-6 forms; bulk signing of vouchers; colour coding to see complete or incomplete vouchers; fully validated forms; support for mouse, signature pads and tablets; and ability to check claim status.

Linus described eGOS “as a real success” for Orasis, adding: “Practices are seeing great benefits by submitting GOS claims electronically, and tell me that Orasis has made the process of GOS forms, quicker and easier.”

Smooth operations Practice management software is ultimately geared towards helping practices run more efficiently and profitably; this month we cover some of the options available...

Further updates to flagship Flex

Flex Forms is one of Optinet’s latest updates

For the team at Optinet, the IT division of the National Eyecare Group, the last 12 months have been exceptionally busy as the focus on product development and customer service continues, culminating in another update to its flagship Flex software.

“The latest release sees new features that make day-to-day practice life easier and more productive,” said Chris Smith, Optinet operations manager. “We listen carefully to what our users want, engaging with them at every opportunity to ensure any new features and updates have a positive impact in practice.”

One of the latest features is Flex Forms, allowing the practice to remotely triage patients before they attend for their appointment; a webform is sent that the patient can complete at home with the results then received back into Flex for practice staff to review. The forms can be sent automatically as part of the appointment confirmation email or SMS, and are designed in Flex using the simple form builder.

Taking clinical records off the charts

Optisoft.Net offers a fully integrated solution 14

DISPENSING OPTICS AUGUST 2021

The recent addition of Clinical Records to Optisoft.Net replaces the legacy OptomNotes module for a fully integrated solution, which according to Des Mayhew, sales manager, “is quite possibly the most configurable and customisable paperless clinical record system on the market”.

Following the issues surrounding the GOS portal from Primary Care Support England, Optisoft has been working on a fully integrated solution to replace the current eGOS link and this will be included the subscription for Optisoft.Net at no extra cost when released.

To further improve services to its community, Optisoft has joined forces with two partners: Evo Payments and Bottomline.

“Evo Payments provides card payment terminals with very competitive rates, and so far has managed to reduce running costs for all Optisoft users moving to them,” said Des. “Bottomline is now working with Optisoft to provide a direct debit solution which requires no underwriting from the client’s bank.”

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Supporting practices’ business goals “At i-Clarity, we believe a practice needs a computer system that allows processes to be structured whilst reducing admin, so you can spend more time with patients,” said Charlotte Gibson of i-Clarity, a dispensing optician. “i-Clarity is centred around the patient journey, with each module integrated into the next, keeping the customer experience flowing smoothly,” explained Charlotte. “The ordering module integrates directly with the communications section so that spectacles marked as ready can be automatically notified.

“Once spectacles are collected, communications are updated so that time-consuming follow-ups are automatic, saving you time whilst keeping communication channels open with patients to increase loyalty and customer care.”

The company’s eGOS module pre-validates claims to reduce rejections, and any rejections are tracked through i-Clarity and can be resubmitted the same day.

“As a team, we are not there just to support people with their questions about the basic use of the software – but how i-Clarity can be used to meet their business goals,” added Charlotte.

Next month’s Product Spotlight is on autumn/winter eyewear styles.

i-Clarity is centred around the patient journey

Fifth time lucky for software conference Optix Software’s 2020 conference was one of the first events that had to be cancelled due to Covid-19, and the company is now on its fifth attempt to reschedule. All being well, the event will finally take place again on 14-17 November 2021.

“This will be our fifth visit to the Celtic Manor Resort,” said Optix managing director, Trevor Rowley, “which is a reflection on both the quality of the venue and the facilities.

“Once again we will be using the large exhibition hall for registration, lunches and of course our ever-growing number of exhibitors. We have more to share with users than ever before and so our conference and exhibition will both be running for three full days.”

The programme will balance Optix business management software content with inspirational speakers. Rescheduled to speak at the event are businesswoman Deborah Meaden of Dragon’s Den fame, Duncan Slater and Piers Morgan.

Duncan Slater is an RAF veteran who became the first double amputee to race to the South Pole with the Walking with the Wounded charity, and the first double amputee to compete in the Marathon Des Sables in 2017.

Eleven-times world champion and six-times Olympic champion cyclist, Sir Chris Hoy MBE, is scheduled to open the event, which will be hosted by author and broadcaster, Gyles Brandreth.

During the conference, Optix software users will explore the 100 per cent private business model, hear about the latest software updates, and how to achieve business goals with ‘professional goal setting researcher’, David Hyner.

As always, the conference will offer a full social and networking programme, including an informal dinner, gala dinner with wine tasting and after-dinner entertainment.

OPENING SPEAKER, SIR CHRIS HOY

Opening speaker, Sir Chris Hoy

CONFERENCE VENUE, THE CELTIC MANOR RESORT

AUGUST 2021 DISPENSING OPTICS

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CET COMPETENCIES COVERED DISPENSING OPTICIANS Communication, Standards of Practice, Contact Lenses CONTACT LENS OPTICIANS Standards of Practice, Methods of Ocular Examination, Contact lenses OPTOMETRISTS Communication, Standards of Practice, Contact Lenses

COVID-19 and optical practice: Where are we now?

By Alexandra Webster MSc, PGDipE, FBDO CL, FHEA, FBCLA, Max Halford FBDO CL and Dean Dunning MEd FBDO CL BA(Hons) Cert Ed FIACLE

t the time of writing, it is 14 months since the World Health Organisation made the official assessment that the CoronaVirus Disease (COVID-19) outbreak could be characterised as a pandemic1.

According to the UK government2, by 13 July 2021, the UK had experienced: • 5,155,243 people had tested positive for COVID-19 • 476,161 people had been admitted to hospital with COVID-19 • 152,725 people had died with COVID-19 stated on their death certificate • 45,923,721 first vaccine doses received and 34,872,131 second doses received Covid-19 has had an impact on everyone and everything we do, in some way or other. In August 2020, the article ‘Triage in the new normal’ in Dispensing Optics3 looked at the changes we had seen at that time in primary eyecare owing to the virus and considered in particular triaging patients. This article will look to inform of research and developments since then, as well as general considerations for patient

A This CET has been approved for one point by the GOC. It is open to all FBDO members, and associate member optometrists. The multiple-choice questions (MCQs) for this month’s CET are available online only from 2 August 2021, to comply with the GOC’s Good Practice Guidance for this type of CET. Insert your answers to the six MCQs online at www.abdo.org.uk. After member login, scroll down and you will find CET Online within your Personalised Dashboard. Questions will be presented in random order. Please ensure that your email address and GOC number are upto-date. The pass mark is 60 per cent.

The answers will appear in the December 2021 issue of Dispensing Optics. The closing date is 5 November 2021.

care following such a lengthy and ongoing impact on optical practice and society.

COVID-19 URGENT EYECARE SERVICE (CUES) The COVID-19 urgent eyecare services (CUES) was initially introduced in England in April 2020 as a response to the pandemic.

It was developed by the Local Optical Committee Support Unit (LOCSU), NHS England, sector bodies and the Clinical Council for Eye Health Commissioning4.

Important in its development was the endorsement it received from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.

At this time in the initial UK lockdown, all routine eyecare ceased and practices in England were being given advice regarding ‘urgent and essential eyecare’ from NHS England. The NHS provision for eyecare, general ophthalmic services (GOS), is not an urgent or emergency service and, therefore, this left a gap in primary care eyecare provision for patients who needed help under the NHS. Secondary care, i.e. hospital settings were not considered appropriate to signpost patients to as they were seen as high-risk venues and their limited capacity needed

PLAN YOUR CET TODAY

C-78462 Approved for one CET Point

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For all the latest CET available from ABDO visit the Events section of the ABDO website. Here you will able to see the latest online interactive CET sessions available for booking. Online sessions include discussion-based workshops, a great way to learn in a small group of your peers. Online discussion sessions are available for all professional roles and are approved for three CET points. New sessions will be added regularly. Additionally, we continue to host our monthly CET webinar series featuring a range of topics and speakers. Each CET webinar will be approved for one interactive CET point.

NHS HOSPITAL BACKLOG

Figure 1. Percentage of the population covered by an urgent eyecare service in primary care, in each of the seven NHS England regions (March 2021) protecting to free up space for potential Covid patients.

CUES was proposed as the solution to the gap in provision as, although minor eye condition services (MECS) were in place in many areas across England, there was concern that more urgent and emergency presentation would fall outside its service specifications. It was originally designed to be delivered from within primary care optical practices to enable patients to access a remote consultation, which could lead to: • Advice and guidance to self-manage their condition, with access to topical medications where appropriate • Management by an eyecare professional with advice and guidance and, if necessary, remote prescribing • Referral to the hospital eye service At the time of instigation, it was presumed that the majority of patient consultations would be carried out virtually, in line with the public health advice being circulated.

The CUES pathway aligned with changes to practice issued by the General Optical Council (GOC) in response to the pandemic5, with the GOC acknowledging that “registrants are encouraged to work up to the limits of their competence” in order to support patient care during periods of lockdown.

CUES allowed “optical professionals including CLOs [contact lens opticians] and those with higher qualifications” to offer a broader range of eyecare services “than is typically offered in optical

practices, initiating treatment and delivering care as necessary”4.

The service required a commissioningdecision by clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) across England and, as the service slowly rolled out, it became apparent that there were circumstances where patients and practitioners felt it appropriate for patients to be seen for face-to-face appointments, with practitioners following strict personal protection equipment (PPE) and infection control guidelines.

A CUES would typically see patients who had first undertaken a strict Covid questionnaire and completed a virtual triage, either via telephone or typically via a web-based link. Presenting symptoms might have included flashes and floaters, sudden changes in vision, suspect foreign body, or patients concerned that their eyes had become red or painful. These patients would, prior to a CUES or MECS being commissioned, have attended their local GP surgery or perhaps the accident and emergency (A&E) department at the local hospital. Therefore, the introduction of the service was designed to offer another pathway of care.

As of the end of March 2021, 78 per cent of CCGs had an urgent eyecare service in place within primary care – so, at that time, 75 per cent of the population of England had access to urgent eyecare from local practices6.

Figure 1 shows the percentage of the population covered by service in each of the seven NHS England regions as of March 20216.

It would be a near impossible task to accurately calculate the size of the backlog lists within the NHS. However, the British Medical Association has estimated that between April 2020 and March 2021 there were 21.4 million fewer out-patient attendances – and that the number of patients waiting more than 18 weeks for treatment had increased to 1.76 million7.

The pandemic created a ‘perfect storm’ on many levels, however, in healthcare perhaps the real concerns are yet to come. In ophthalmology, NHS England data shows that the number of patients waiting 52 weeks or longer for treatment increased to more than 23,000 in December 2020 alone; up by a seemingly impossible 57,580 per cent on the previous year8.

According to NHS England provisional data shared in the Health Services Journal, ophthalmology was the most affected in percentage terms out of all specialities, followed by ear, nose and throat at a 51,638 per cent increase8.

The pandemic had a particularly negative impact on ophthalmology owing to the high amount of elective work in this speciality that was cancelled.

Elective treatment or elective surgery means it is planned in advance, as it is does not involve a medical emergency.

Therefore, it is particularly susceptible to cancellations. However, during the pandemic cancelled elective-procedures could not be rebooked due to lockdown and capacity in secondary care being targeted towards Covid patient care.

As we now move slowly down a pathway to routine clinical practice, we have more patients attending for sight tests who have been shielding or been unable to access eye health for over 12 months, many of whom may need referring. This is the ‘perfect storm’: a backlog of patients referred before the pandemic who were already overdue and waiting for treatment, followed by a loss of clinical capacity for 12 months during lockdown and social restrictions, followed by an upturn in referral numbers as patients access their eyecare practice for the first time in a year or more.

The actual size of the challenge ahead is unknown. However, data from NHS Digital Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) and Specsavers practices, collected by AUGUST 2021 DISPENSING OPTICS

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CET

Figure 2. Specsavers referrals for glaucoma in England, 2019 and 2020 comparison.

Secondary care data is taken from the English Hospital Episode Statistics database produced by NHS Digital, the new trading name for the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) (copyright © 2020, the Health and Social Care Information Centre. Re-used with the permission of the HSCIC. All rights reserved) Wilmington Healthcare (Figure 2) shows the number referrals to secondary care for glaucoma alone fell by 70 per cent in 2020 compared to 20199.

HOW CAN EYECARE RECOVER? The National Eye Care Recovery and Transformation programme has been put in place by the NHS, supported by all sector and professional bodies, to focus on the recovery of services and deliver transformation of eyecare services10.

This will include primary, secondary and community care, with the goals of: reducing out-patient appointments; developing and delivering extended services within optical practices; and introducing digital communications such as electronic eyecare referral systems (EeRS), which will facilitate routine referral and the transfer of clinical images as part of commissioned pathways between primary and secondary care. These IT systems also allow for advice and guidance from ophthalmologists to dispensing and contact lens opticians and optometrists,

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as well as triage pathways to be developed.

The government White Paper, ‘Integration and innovation: working together to improve health and social care for all’11, has been introduced as the next step in building a strong and effective integrated care system across England, to bring healthcare and social care together to benefit patients.

If carried forward, it will put integrated care systems (ICS) on a formal statutory footing and allow them to “plan health and care services around their patients’ needs, and quickly implement innovative solutions to problems which would normally take years to fix, including moving services out of hospitals and into the community, focusing on preventative healthcare”11.

COVID-19 AND DRY EYE Though long-term the wearing of face masks may be mandatory in a reduced number of circumstances, the widespread use of face masks owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and the association with the misting of spectacle lenses12 has, for

many practices, led to an increase in demand for contact lens fits13. However, at the same time, there is the suggestion that the number of contact lens dropouts has also increased14. While there could be many potential reasons for this, it is perhaps worth considering the possibility of contact lens-related discomfort connected to the pandemic.

Once such potential cause of contact lens related discomfort is mask-associated dry eye (MADE). The Centre for Ocular Research and Education (CORE) at the University of Waterloo, Canada, has suggested that the upward flow of air from ill-fitting face masks worn by contact lens wearers may accelerate tear film evaporation, leading to discomfort14. This could have the knock-on effect of encouraging eye rubbing to provide relief from the discomfort, and the potential for COVID-19 transmission through the hands touching the face and eyes to be increased.

While the eye is not the preferred gateway for respiratory tract infection15 due to the inability of the virus to initiate infection of the ocular surface16, there remains the possibility of COVID-19 infection being transmitted through contact with the eye17 or from the flow of tears into the naso-lacrimal duct to the respiratory tract16. CORE has produced a downloadable infographic to support patient education about MADE (Figure3)14.

Moshirfar et al18 have also reported dry eye symptoms in previously symptom-free patients resulting from mask use, as well as a worsening of symptoms of those with pre-existing dry eye conditions. They too have at least partly attributed this to the upward flow of air through the top of the face mask.

CORE has stressed that the potential for dry eye-related conditions as a result of face mask wear should not be used to promote non-mask wearing, but rather that practitioners should advise patients of ways to manage the discomfort appropriately while reiterating the importance of mask wearing in enclosed public spaces.

One tip suggested by CORE to practitioners is to routinely ask patients how their eyes feel while wearing a mask, and to consider the role of the eye mask if previous symptoms (pre-pandemic) have become more severe.

Advice that CORE has suggested to give to patients is through the regular

Figure 3. Mask-associated dry eye (MADE) application of lubricating eye drops, as well as limiting the time in air-conditioned environments14. Patients should also ensure that the mask is well fitted, and to consider taping the top of the mask to prevent the upward flow of air; although Moshirfar et al have warned that the taping of the mask may potentially induce secondary ectropion and can also cause dry eye symptoms18, especially if not taped carefully.

The British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) with Euromcontact have echoed this advice, producing a factsheet for practitioners regarding mask use with both spectacles and contact lenses19.

COVID-19 AND CONTACT LENS WEAR The possibility of MADE is just one potential complication of contact lens wear during the pandemic. While there is a lack of long-term studies of the effects of COVID-19 on the eye, there has still been a great amount of work done to

observe the potential implications of COVID-19 on contact lens wearers.

Jones et al considered that while general hygiene advice to all contact lens wearers should be the same as under normal circumstances, there should be extra considerations in order to reduce the stress on stretched healthcare services20.

The additional advice offered included the recommendation to use daily disposable contact lenses wherever possible, as there is strong evidence that daily disposable lenses reduce the risk of inflammatory complications21. Jones et al also suggest reducing or abolishing overnight use of contact lenses (if the patient has suitable knowledge of daily wear and access to care products), avoiding touching the face or eyes with unwashed hands, and ceasing all contact lens wear if there are cold or flu-like symptoms present20.

The BCLA has also published advice regarding contact lenses and COVID-1922.

It emphasises that there is no evidence

that contact lens wear should be avoided in healthy individuals, or that there is any increased risk of coronavirus infection from contact lens wear compared to spectacle lens wear.

The Association also emphasises that there is no evidence to suggest that there is correlation between contact lens usage and the spread of coronavirus infection due to contact lens use. However, it does urge contact lens wearers to seek guidance from their eyecare professional if they have any doubts.

The College of Optometrists23, while amending its advice to include the nonessential fitting of contact lenses (whilst in the ‘amber’ phase of the pandemic), still recommends a full risk assessment, together with all infection control measures being implemented before undertaking non-essential contact lens fitting.

In addition to this, for the application and removal stage of a new fitting, it is recommended that this is done in a socially distanced way using video tuition AUGUST 2021 DISPENSING OPTICS

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CET in the practice, with the contact lens practitioner on hand in case of issues such as a stuck lens. It is also suggested that screens be used to separate the practitioner from the patient at this stage of the fitting.

In terms of contact lens aftercare, the GOC published guidance in March 2020, informing practitioners that they must exercise clinical judgement as to the level of aftercare required and how it is delivered24.

Following consultation, from 21 June 2021, the statement was updated to state this judgement should be based upon joint regulatory and public health advice as well as the patient vulnerability; relevant clinical advice; how long it has been since the patients last contact lens check; the nature of any clinical risks and how quickly the business could see the patient after the emergency period to minimise the risks, the patient’s ability to access remote care and the suitability of the technology for a remote consultation is sufficient to clearly see and hear the patient25.

INFECTION CONTROL AND PREVENTION ABDO has continued to provide information to members regarding infection prevention and control (IPC) measures in relation to COVID-19 throughout the pandemic.

The latest advice is available in the ABDO ‘Advice on COVID-19’ area of the ABDO website, which is updated regularly to reflect ongoing advice and legislation from the UK government.

Although there are constant changes through the introduction of new variants of COVID-19 into the UK, the percentages of the population being vaccinated and the easing – or restricting – of social movement, the overall advice in relation to IPC in optical practice, including the PPE guidance, remains the same and is likely to stay in place for some time.

In April 2021, the College of Optometrists and ABDO released a joint statement on maintaining high standards of infection control26. And, in May of this year, following its COVID-19 statement consultation, the GOC confirmed its statement on ‘Infection prevention and control during COVID-19 emergency’ will apply in all phases of the College of Optometrists’ red-amber-green system with some amendments, including to encourage GOC registrants to check the most up-to-date guidance links25.

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CHILDREN, LOCKDOWNS AND MYOPIA The area of myopia management has been growing exponentially in recent years in terms of available evidence, education and products to support the management of children. What we also see being published is ongoing data, gathered through long-term research programmes, showing the possible impact of lockdowns on the development of myopia in children (Figure 4).

Lack of time spent outdoors and increased time spent at close work27, such as digital device use, are elements of ongoing studies and debates to better understand the implications of the onset and progression of myopia28. In the UK alone, nearly 10 million children were not physically attending school during lockdown29.

For those children not able to access face-to-face education, the regular school day was replaced with remote lessons accessed which were, in the main, undertaken on digital devices.

Access to time outdoors will have varied greatly for each child depending on the availability of gardens, local green spaces and the circumstances of the parents/carers with regard to their ability to provide time outside considering their personal and working circumstances.

As China was the first country to be affected by COVID-19, its population has experienced a longer time span of entering and coming out of lockdown. This has enabled data to be gathered in China that we may not be able to yet see in the UK. Wang et al30 looked at data gathered from a long-term study in China, which

had five years of previous annual measurements to compare with the 2020 COVID-19 experience data. A total of 389,808 eyes were measured in 2020 and they found a substantial myopic shift (approximately -0.30D) compared with previous years. In particular, children in the aged six group showed a higher prevalence of myopia in 2020 compared to the data gathered between 2015 and 2019.

However, the study authors stated the findings should be taken with caution, particularly as the measurements are taken using photo-screenings in the school environment to measure spherical equivalent refraction, as opposed to cycloplegic refractions. Additionally, axial length is not measured as part of this study.

Another long-term myopia study in China, again looking at spherical equivalent refraction of school aged children, concluded that younger children were more susceptible to myopic progression during lockdown31. They also found that the accelerated myopic progression during the COVID-19 lockdown was partially reversed after lockdown, and theorised that accommodative spasm and structural changes contributed to the accelerated rate.

Again, a warning is made that the results found in this study may not directly transfer to children in other circumstances, specifically when considering the local and social environments.

Although these studies do not provide us with anything conclusive in the UK, when we consider the possible impact of lockdowns on children’s refraction, we need to add in the context

FIGURE 4. RESEARCH INTO THE IMPACT OF LOCKDOWN ON CHILDREN’S VISION IS ONGOING

of the cessation of routine eyecare and the ongoing backlog we now experience.

Not only may children have been put into situations that may have had the implication to accelerate the development of myopia, but they are also definitely less likely to have been seen by an optical professional, including school screening services32.

Where practices are looking as to how they can support their patients’ eye health in the continuing route to a ‘new normal’, children’s vision needs to be well thought within this.

LONG COVID Long Covid is a term that relates to the experiences of some people who have contracted COVID-19 and had symptoms for more than four weeks after the initial infection. It is not thought to be associated with how severe the initial infection was33. There are many symptoms associated with long Covid and patients may present with very different experiences. The NHS provide the following list of symptoms that can be associated with long Covid and anyone concerned is advised to contact their GP34: • Extreme tiredness (fatigue) • Shortness of breath • Chest pain or tightness • Problems with memory and concentration (brain fog) • Difficulty sleeping (insomnia) • Heart palpitations • Dizziness • Pins and needles • Joint pain • Depression and anxiety • Tinnitus, earaches • Feeling sick, diarrhoea, stomach aches, loss of appetite • A high temperature, cough, headaches, sore throat, changes to sense of smell or taste • Rashes Although long Covid is not directly associated with ocular issues there should be an awareness of patients potentially presenting in a different general state of health than they previously did. As primary care healthcare workers, GOC registrants are in a position to pick up on patient concerns regarding their ongoing health, and identify symptoms where referral to the GP may be a suitable option.

KINDNESS AND EMPATHY It is impossible to conceive that anyone in the UK hasn’t experienced some impact of the pandemic in their personal or work lives – or both. For many, this may have been inconveniences and disruptions related to legally-imposed social restrictions. However, for others COVID19 has caused significant unplanned life changes that can be overwhelming to consider, from the loss of a job or a business to the loss of loved ones.

As eyecare practitioners, there is a need to consider any optical implications and impacts of COVID-19 – and as people who work with people, there is a need to consider how COVID-19 may have affected our patients’ overall, as well as colleagues and oneself.

It should be routine in practice to confirm and update patient information – from basic contact details to a full eye examination history and symptoms.

However, there could be changes patients have experienced that may not be so easily highlighted or identified. For eyecare professionals and practice staff, there are various avenues to access wellbeing support from NHS practitioner services35 and all ABDO members have access to support via ABDO Membership Services36.

Understanding individual need and circumstances has always been key in providing a good service and enabling patient satisfaction. Now, more than ever, patient circumstances should not be assumed, and previous awareness of patient circumstances should not be solely relied on.

For some, the pandemic has enabled them to save money where they have not been able travel or socialise but, for others, savings have been wiped out owing to increased financial burdens and/or loss of income. Some people have experienced an up-turn in their enjoyment in life, maybe being able to spend more time with close family or taking part in activities close to home they previously didn’t have the time or opportunity to do. Others have been socially isolated or trapped in unsafe domestic situations, and some have lost parents, spouses, partners, brothers, sisters or children.

There are many reasons why individuals may find themselves in significantly different situations than

they anticipated before COVID-19 and this may have an impact not only on their ability to pay for their eyecare but also influence when they attend for an eye examination or other service.

Approaching all of our patient interactions with an open mind, and with kindness and empathy, is more essential than ever to enable positive patient outcomes.

References for this article are included with the online version in the ABDO members’ CET portal.

ALEXANDRA WEBSTER is qualified dispensing optician and contact lens optician and has worked in both independent and multiple practice. She is a practical examiner and theory paper marker for ophthalmic dispensing and a practical contact lens examiner for ABDO. Alex is head of CPD at ABDO and has worked in contact lens professional services and optical education for more than seven years, gaining a Master’s degree in Healthcare Professional Education. She has also worked parttime as a lecturer in ophthalmic dispensing and contact lenses at Bradford College.

MAX HALFORD is a qualified dispensing optician and contact lens optician who has worked in practice for more than 25 years. He is the clinical lead for ABDO and the clinical governance and performance lead for a large primary eyecare company, with responsibility for the delivery of training, accreditation and auditing of minor eye conditions, cataract and glaucoma services. He has written training and accreditation modules for enhanced services, and is an assessor for the Wales Optometry Postgraduate Education Centre.

DEAN DUNNING is a lecturer and contact lens optician. He is programme leader for contact lenses and FdSc ophthalmic dispensing at Bradford College, where he is also the British and Irish University and College Contact Lens Educators representative. Dean is a fellow of International Association of Contact Lens Educators and ABDO chief examiner in contact lenses. He is currently working on his PhD in education.

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MCAs

Multiple choice answers Brain tumours in your practice

By Lorcan Butler MCOptom, Prof. Cert. Paed. Eyecare C-77388 – published April 2021 Six of the following questions were presented online to entrants to comply with the General Optical Council’s best practice specifications for this type of CET. How many people in the UK will be diagnosed with a primary brain tumour this year? a. Nearly 10,000 b. Nearly 11,000 c. Nearly 12,000 d. Nearly 13,000 c is the correct answer. Data from Cancer Research UK, published in 2018, suggest that around 12,000 people per year are diagnosed with a primary brain tumour in the UK. This amounts to around 31 people each day. If we were to include secondary brain tumours, this rises to around 16,000 per year.

Which of the following statements is false? a. Secondary brain tumours arise from a cancer metastisising from elsewhere in the body b. Brain tumours are divided into classifications: primary, secondary, adult and geriatric c. Brain and central nervous system tumours are the highest cause of child mortality compared to any other type of cancer d. Brain tumours are rare b is the correct answer. Brain tumours are classified as: primary, secondary, adult and paediatric. All of the other options are true. A secondary tumour anywhere within the body arises from a primary cancer source elsewhere within the body. Fortunately, brain tumours are rare.

What is the peak age range for female brain tumour diagnosis? a. Sixty-five to 69 years of age b. Seventy to 74 years of age c. Seventy-five to 79 years of age d. Eighty to 84 years of age a is the correct answer. The table provided, taken from Kernick et al (2008), shows that the peak age of diagnosis for females is between 65 to 69. The table also shows us this is the same for males, but with males making up a larger number of cases in that age range. The risk of female diagnose rises steadily until 45 to 69 and then slows down over the following years.

Looking at the table showing average number of cases per year and age at diagnosis, which of the following statements are true? a. A female aged 10 is more at risk than a male aged 10 b. A male aged 85 is more at risk than a female aged 85 c. A male aged 65-69 has the highest risk of all d. A female aged 0-4 has the lowest risk of all c is the correct answer. The table provided by Kernick et al (2008) breaks down risk and age into sex and shows that the highest risk factor found was for a male aged between 65-69. The lowest risk factor was for females aged 10-14 and that generally the risk was higher for males than females. The risk seems to steadily increase with age for both sexes, reaching a peak at 65-69 and then dropping again as the age increases. Interestingly, age ranges from 15 to 59 show females to have the higher risk.

What percentage of those with a brain tumour report that their sight has been affected as a result of the tumour? a. 18 per cent b. 28 per cent c. 38 per cent d. 48 per cent b is the correct answer. According to the Brain Tumour charity, 28 per cent of sufferers report that their vision has been affected to some degree. Common visual impacts are reduction in peripheral vision and depth perception. This then can cause the patient to be more at risk of falls, injuries, reduction in mobility and sight loss to an extent that it impacts severely upon daily life.

Which of the following scenarios would result in the highest risk for a brain tumour? a. A male, non smoker aged 30 with no family history of brain tumour. b. A female aged 20 who does not drink and has a family history of leukaemia c. A 90 year old male who does not drink or smoke d. A 65 year old female who drinks and smokes and has had breast cancer

Participants are advised that the GOC’s Enhanced CET Principles and Requirements v4 document states that for text article CET questions: “A proportion of the questions should require the application of existing professional knowledge to determine the answer”. This can include personal research online, or following up the article references.

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d is the correct answer. Risk factors are considered to be: age, history of lung/breast or blood cancers, alcohol consumption, smoking, neurofibramotosis and a family history of brain tumours. Answer d has more of those risk factors than the other options.

Which of the following is not considered to be a risk factor for brain tumours? a. Higher age b. Smoking c. Poor mental health d. Previous cancers

d. Long standing diplopia is a serious concern and should be investigated d is the correct answer. Recent onset diplopia is concerning as it may indicate a tumour is pressing on cranial nerve (CN) VI. This should be investigated as an urgent referral. However, if the diplopia is long standing, this would not indicate a tumour but would require investigating as to cause if that cause was not already known. Seizures may not be due to a brain tumour, but in those that are diagnosed, many have been diagnosed following seeking help for a seizure.

c is the correct answer. There is no evidence that anyone with poor mental health is at an increased risk of a brain tumour than anyone else. The other answers have been shown to link to increased risk of developing a tumour.

Which of the following might be expected to present a ‘red flag’ to an eyecare practitioner (ECP)? a. Newly acquired nystagmus b. Anisocoria c. Newly acquired stabismus d. All of the above

Which of the following statements regarding possible symptoms of a brain tumour are false? a. Transient visual obscurations are a transient dimming of vision b. Seizures are often the symptom that leads to diagnosis c. New, different or more severe headaches in those over 50 should be investigated

d is the correct answer. All of these are warning signs that a competent ECP should recognise as a potential concern. Whilst it is not for any optician or optometrist to diagnose a condition, it is a requirement that we recognise potential dangers, the severity and urgency of those dangers to our patient and act appropriately. Any of these would warrant an urgent referral for further investigations.

IP AND CLO QUALIFICATION REQUISITES SET TO CHANGE

the IP categories. We will continue to work closely with our stakeholders to listen to concerns and understand the impact of our proposals.”

The IP consultation is hosted on the GOC Consultation Hub and closes on 4 October.

In a bid to address workforce pressures within independent prescribing (IP) for optometrists and delays to trainee progression, the General Optical Council (GOC) is consulting on new requirements for IP qualifications.

It comes ahead of GOC plans this autumn to consult on similarly extensive proposals to update the requirements underpinning the approval of qualifications for specialist entry to the GOC register as a contact lens optician (CLO).

Proposed changes contained within the IP consultation include requiring trainees to acquire a single GOC-approved qualification leading to specialist entry to the GOC register in either the additional supply, supplementary prescribing and IP categories, instead of the two sequential GOCapproved qualifications required at present.

In addition, trainee supervision would be undertaken by an appropriately trained and qualified registered healthcare professional with IP rights rather than an ophthalmologist.

A further proposed change would see IP registrants no longer required to renew their specialty separately, or supply details of prescribing decisions undertaken in the previous 12 months.

GOC director of education, Leonie Milliner, said: “We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to shaping these important proposals to update our requirements for qualifications we approve, leading to specialist entry to the GOC register in one or more of

SIGNATURE EXEMPTION EXTENDED The government has approved an extension to an existing temporary measure in England to help limit the transmission of Covid-19 by suspending the need for patients to sign prescription, dental and ophthalmic forms.

The suspension has been in place since 1 November 2020 and is now extended until 31 August 2021, and is to avoid cross-contamination and help minimise the handling of paperwork when collecting medicines or receiving dental and eyecare.

Patients will still be required to either pay the relevant charge or prove their eligibility for an exemption from charges. Where patients are exempt from charges, the contractor will mark the form on the patient’s behalf to confirm their entitlement to exemption and, where applicable, that their evidence of eligibility has not been seen.

Additionally, where patients would otherwise be required to sign the forms, contractors will annotate it with ‘Covid-19’ instead.

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IN BUSINESS – PROFITABILITY ANTONIA CHITTY

Building business beyond Covid any practices have been in survival mode over the last 18 months, but as we look ahead to autumn, this article addresses marketing your practice and focusing on profitability to ensure that your business thrives whatever is in store this winter.

As a dispensing optician (DO), you may be the first to admit the gaps in your marketing and business knowledge, but now is a key time to improve your skills in this area to ensure that there is a robust and profitable basis for your business in the coming months. If 2020 and 2021 have taught us anything it’s that nothing in life is certain; but a well thought out pricing structure, great knowledge of key performance indicators (KPIs) and a solid marketing plan could make all the difference as you look to 2022.

Graham Hutchison has more than 34 years’ experience of the optical market and manages the Independent Marketing Partnership (IMP). He is the driving force behind a new programme, More Profits More Often. If you are a DO practice

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Covid has shown people will pay more for products, says Graham Hutchison

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Remember: marketing covers product and pricing too manager or business owner, Graham advises: “Gain knowledge about how marketing operates in optics. Understand that marketing is effective customer or patient communication, and remember that marketing covers product and pricing as well as promotion.”

DOs are well placed to know about products. Graham continues: “Marketing means talking about the benefits of products not just the features. DOs can be very good at talking about the technical side but does the patient always understand the benefits of, say, a multifocal for their lifestyle? I once worked with a practice which only sold coatings with two per cent of dispenses.

When I questioned this, they responded, ‘Patients don’t ask for them’.

“That is an extreme example and things have improved since then, but the lesson is still there: don’t expect the recipient to understand the finer points of lenses; you and your team need to explain the benefits.” He adds: “As part of the support for More Profits More Often there is a video about more profitable dispensing by Martin Russ and Simon Burgess talking about the process you need to take patients through to end up with a profitable dispensing at the end of the day.”

IS THE PRICING RIGHT? Pricing is also a part of marketing, as Graham explains: “How you price your products can affect how your customers perceive the quality of what you’re offering. Don’t just offer the lowest price in the hope that you will attract more customers.”

There are a number of pitfalls that practices can fall into when looking at pricing and how it relates to profitability.

Graham says: “People tend to focus on the cost of goods and cost of overheads.

If you are a small group or independent practice, it is very difficult to reduce overheads. You might also be swayed by which supplier offers the biggest percentage discount off its list price. In fact, when we carried out a survey of leading labs, the one that gave the lowest percentage discount still had the best prices.

“Instead, focus on your pricing, which is more important for your gross profit margin. I would say most practices price what they sell on a mark-up of what they pay to their suppliers. That means you are allowing your suppliers to set the prices you charge your patients. Instead you should say, ‘What is this worth? What will the market bear?’

“What Covid has shown is that people will pay more for products. The average dispensing value has risen in the last six to nine months. Those who come in are more determined to buy eyewear, and will pay more provided they understand what they’re paying for. If you charge a higher price, the extra goes to the bottom line; it is all profit. Getting your pricing right is the single most important factor in improving practice profitability.”

HAVE A PLAN TO AIM FOR If you are keen to develop your practice profitability and create a robust basis for the coming year, Graham suggests: “Spend more time working on your business and less time working in it. Have a profitability plan and a budget which indicates what you are aiming for in the coming months. Consider what you want to achieve by the end of the next quarter, or the end of the next month.

“And relate actions to your plan. Your plan and budget in combination will force

you to think about the key issues of profitability. Use your practice management software to develop KPIs and check in on them monthly. In More Profits More Often we give a list of the essential eight KPIs to focus on.”

Summing up, Graham says: “Most practices provide professional eyecare and professional dispensing, yet they don’t run as a professional business.

Covid has come as a huge wake up call.

For the first time, many have thought, ‘Will my practice be viable in a year’s time?’ An optician’s first responsibility is to their patients and staff, and you have to have a profitable business to invest in good equipment and pay your staff.

“Even as we enter a phase after Covid, there will still be competition from other businesses – and you need to make sure your practice grows in profitability. The practices that survive will have good eyecare, good dispensing and good business acumen,” Graham concludes.

SPECIAL OFFER FOR MEMBERS IMP is a consultancy and support group for independent opticians. It specialises in patient communications and has provided help to more than 1,100 practices since 1996. Its new More Profits More Often programme shows independent opticians how to increase their practice profitability.

Case study: Unique family history Melissa Sims is a DO and owner of Sims Opticians in Teddington. She says: “Sims was established in 1902, and I’m the fourth generation to work in the business.” Melissa’s great grandfather started out as a watchmaker and jewellers. Working with spectacles was a natural addition to the business, and so her grandfather took over.

“He sadly died of a heart attack aged 49,” explains Melissa. “My uncle and father were 11 and six at the time and my grandmother tried to keep the business and home going.

My uncle became an optometrist, my dad a DO and they worked together for many years.

My uncle retired 25 years ago, by which time I had started helping out in the business. I worked alongside my father for some years until he passed away 11 years ago.”

With its family history, Sims stands out, and Melissa is keen to ensure that the business retains it uniqueness. She says: “We can’t compete with multiples and we don’t want to be like everyone else. We want to be able to offer a superb, top-end personal service. People who come to us want quality for their money and the service that goes with it. All of my staff have been with me for many years so we offer continuity to our patients.

“It has taken a long time to get to where we are now: well-established as a place where people know they will get honest advice and products that are right for them.

People who come to us trust us. I don’t like the term ‘a wardrobe of glasses’, but we do need glasses for different tasks these days.

Trust means that we can talk to our patients

Melissa Sims (right) with a patient properly and understand what they want and deliver it. We dispense glasses to people to meet their visual requirements and make sure they have the right tools for the job.”

While Covid has had many challenges, Sims has seen an increase in footfall.

Melissa says: “Over the past year, we have had a large volume of new patients. They would normally have commuted up to town but now they are shopping locally.”

The successful strategy behind the business means that Sims is competing on quality and service rather than price.

“Having decided that we weren’t going to pile it high, sell it cheap, we offer mostly Essilor lenses,” explains Melissa. “Our frame ranges include Luxottica, ProDesign and a lot of Wolf Eyewear, which I’m very keen on. I don’t want to lose business if someone wants a less expensive pair of glasses, but we focus on high-end as ultimately the quality is better.”

Melissa aims to ensure that people visiting the practice are offered the best lenses. She says: “In the past people may

ABDO members can obtain a free Profitability Report, plus a saving of £200 on the training programme, by visiting www.opticalmarketing.co.uk/profits and using the code ‘ABDO200’.

Read more from Graham on the subject of direct marketing, and how newsletters can work for your business, in the Expertise and Additional Support section of the ABDO Business Support Hub (Independent Marketing Partnership).

ANTONIA CHITTY BSC (HONS), MA, MCOPTOM, MCIPR is ABDO head of communications and IT and author of 20 books.

have had mid-range lenses but we now introduce them to the top range and they can see the difference; they are happy to pay for it.”

Melissa has reviewed IMP’s More Profits More Often programme and says: “I liked the fact that you could tackle one section at a time. There were several bits that stood out to me, such as the suggestion to increase prices by just £10 – simple things you could implement straight away. Looking at your pricing can seem daunting, but a lot of the ideas in the pack were simple.

“As practitioners, we need to spend the time to do these things and make the practice profitable. The pack is a very useful tool for anybody to have and see the benefits quite quickly,” adds Melissa.

Sims Opticians has a long, proud family history AUGUST 2021 DISPENSING OPTICS

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IN EDUCATION – LOW VISION BRADFORD COLLEGE

Taking low vision skills to the next level radford College recently announced that its inaugural Low Vision (Honours) programme had been successfully delivered – with Zainab Himdan, head of the School for Ophthalmic Dispensing, stating: “We are delighted to be able to widen our offering of programmes to optical professionals at Bradford College.”

Among the first student intake was Joshua Smith, who said: “The low vision course has allowed me to build upon skills learned throughout the FBDO qualification and take my knowledge base to the next level. This, in turn, has allowed me to deliver a greater range of support to the patients I see, while providing me with the knowledge that underpins the practice.”

For Joshua, the support he received was “second to none, with interactive training sessions and fantastic learning resources, allowing me to learn at a comfortable speed. The online assessments fitted in around both my work and social life, and having the teaching delivered online saved me time out of practice and money.

“The experience has provided me with new insights into low vision practice and enabled me to develop as a low vision optician,” Joshua continued. “I highly recommend the course to any dispensing optician thinking about taking their next steps: you won’t regret it.”

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BRADFORD COLLEGE’S SCHOOL FOR OPHTHALMIC DISPENSING

Robin Rohu is programme leader and lecturer for the Low Vision (Honours) programme, as well as a lecturer in Ophthalmic Dispensing and the Contact Lens Certificate at Bradford College. He said: “I am immensely proud of the students’ hard work throughout the programme, which is even more impressive given the challenges that the pandemic has created.

“Postgraduate study can be challenging for busy working professionals. The pandemic has highlighted that teaching, learning and assessment in higher education institutes can be delivered in new ways and still be highly effective. The course has been designed to allow eyecare professionals the opportunity to gain a postgraduate qualification in a highly rewarding specialism. Microsoft Teams is used to deliver the theoretical content remotely, currently on a Wednesday evening outside of normal working hours.”

VITAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Course leader and lecturer, Robin Rohu

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Robin continued: “Students on the course hit the ground running as the programme requires their first case record, which is based on a local directory of low vision services, to be completed shortly after commencing the course. Students gain a deep insight into who their local secondary and tertiary care professionals are and how they can help the visually impaired.

This knowledge is vital as low vision

rehabilitation requires a multidisciplinary approach to patient care,” said Robin.

Students also take two theoretical assessments during the programme, which are included in the course fees.

These are assessed remotely using a combination of Moodle, which is the college’s virtual learning environment, and Microsoft Teams.

“The practical element of the course is designed to prepare students to deliver low vision assessments in community practice, whether it is through a private service or through the enhanced service pathway,” Robin explained. Fundamental practical skills on low vision assessment procedures, optical appliances and low vision rehabilitation are taught during a short block at Bradford College.

“RNIB sight loss data for 2021 estimates 2,190,000 individuals are currently living with sight loss in the UK, and this figure is predicted to grow by almost 22 per cent by 2030,” highlighted Robin.

“The demand for eyecare professionals who specialise in low vision is therefore almost certain to grow in the future.

“Bradford College would like to extend its thanks to its partner, ABDO Examinations and Registration, who were incredibly supportive with our assessment strategy. We now look forward to continuing working with ABDO to support our students about to undertake their external low vision practical exams before next semester,” Robin concluded.

REGION UPDATE – MIDLANDS & EAST OF ENGLAND RICHARD RAWLINSON

Vital LOC work ahead t’s been a busy year so far for the ABDO local leads of the Midlands and East of England. The local optical committee (LOC) AGM season has almost finished, and we now have the following ABDO members supporting the voice of dispensing opticians (DOs) in their areas as local leads:

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• Simone Mason: Solihull LOC • Lesley Parkinson: Derbyshire LOC (CET and admin lead) • Gaynor Whitehouse: Birmingham LOC • Clive Marchant: Birmingham LOC and Staffordshire LOC • Sarah Edge: Staffordshire LOC • Kelly Nixon: Shropshire LOC • Les Thomas: Herefordshire LOC • Andrew Slater: Wolverhampton LOC • Saima Begum: Sandwell LOC • Tony Harvey: Nottingham LOC I am also pleased to report that we also have many ABDO members supporting LOCs including: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Ellen Windsor-Crew: Shropshire LOC (secretary) Rizwaan Makda -Shropshire LOC Nick Black: Herefordshire LOC (secretary) Sheila Purser: Essex LOC (chair) Tracey Kinns: Essex LOC (secretary support) Sara Porter: Essex LOC (low vision aid specialist) Ben Marchant: Walsall LOC Andy Griffin: Worcestershire LOC Katie Fenn: Suffolk LOC Julien Nelson: Suffolk LOC Keith Leggett: Cambridgeshire LOC Mark Tuffin: Dudley LOC (treasurer) Sonia Tyrell: Dudley LOC Paul Lewis: Northamptonshire LOC Steve Roberts: Hertfordshire LOC (IT support )

Simone Mason, Solihull LOC

The role of LOCs will be vital as regional NHS systems implement the government’s proposed new Health and Care Bill. Having DOs within LOCs will enable our voice to be heard and join up with the Association’s vital national work. We will have regional NHS

integrated care systems and local NHS primary care networks (PCNs).

ICSs are partnerships between the organisations that meet health and care needs across an area. Their aim is to coordinate services and plan in a way that improves population health and reduces inequalities between different groups. They are intended to bring about major changes in how health and care services are planned, paid for and delivered, and are a key part of the future direction for the NHS as set out in the Sarah Edge, Staffordshire LOC NHS Long Term Plan.

NETWORKING SERVICE DELIVERY To meet the future NHS healthcare needs of local populations, GP practices have come together to form 1,250 PCNs serving communities of 30,000 to 50,000 people. Within these networks, GPs will work collaboratively with other services from the community – such as mental health, social care, pharmacy, dentistry, voluntary groups and, importantly, the optical sector – to support the needs and health outcomes of their local populations.

PCNs will be focused on service delivery, rather than on the planning and funding of services, responsibility for which will remain with NHS commissioners, and are expected to be the building blocks around which ICSs are built.

PCNs in England will need support to build the trust and relationships needed for successful collaboration, and LOCs will certainly have a role to play in supporting this process. At local level, engagement with PCNs will provide an opportunity to highlight the wider role that ABDO members can play in the healthcare outcomes of patients attending primary care optical practices.

Read ABDO’s response to the proposed Health and Care Bill on DO Online.

RICHARD RAWLINSON FBDO is ABDO regional lead for the North of England, Midlands and East of England, director of Primary Eyecare Services, LOCSU optical lead, GOC case examiner, member of the UK Domiciliary Eyecare Committee and trustee of Vision Aid Oversees.

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JOTTINGS KIM WALKER

In the eye of the storm ince June 2020, many of us have been busier than ever. Along with the endless cleaning, screening and triaging, the sheer number of appointments has been overwhelming at times. Just as we were preparing for the usual December downturn, which never actually happened, we were contacted by Ian Walbeoff from our safety eyewear supplier, Bollé.

Ian asked if we could provide a dispensing optician to help deliver personal protective equipment (PPE) to staff from the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, encompassing Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield, Dewsbury and District Hospital, and staff from the community health services.

When my boss asked if I would like to get involved, I jumped at the opportunity to do my bit and help support all those wonderful keyworkers on the frontline. However, I was apprehensive about what lay ahead. I was advised that my clinics would be long and I would see up to 40 patients a day. I don’t think I was prepared for the challenges and physical demands of working both in practice and at the hospital.

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LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE I was extremely excited on my first day, working alongside Mike Hatch, Bollé regional manager in the north. A rollercoaster of emotions was about to hit me, and I wasn’t prepared. I will never forget my first patient.

She was a lovely lady who had finished a night shift in the ICU. Although she was exhausted, she was still friendly and thankful to be receiving prescription PPE from her trust. There was a weariness in her eyes, as well as signs of trauma and pain that she had been experiencing over the previous months.

I asked her how she was and she just simply said: “It’s been a tough, long year.” I measured her for her new goggles, and spent some time with her. She was so happy that she would now only have to wear one set of protective eyewear with no fogging and her full prescription. As a result, she and many frontline workers will be able to see much more clearly, changing their daily lives.

Snow hit Wakefield hard that same day, so I could not go home or move my car. I decided to stay late and see more patients and to walk a few miles to a local hotel.

The next morning, the snow was worse, but I set off early and got back to the hospital to see the next round of frontline workers. I was shocked at how desperate they all were to get their goggles. Some had struggled through the snow on their day off; some had even stayed in the hospital overnight.

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Kim dispensing Bollé protective eyewear Over the next few weeks, I spent a lot of time at the hospital, often working prolonged hours due to the poor weather and staying overnight. Bollé wanted the goggles delivered as quickly as possible, so Mike arranged for them to be flown to the nearest airport and we eagerly awaited them into the early hours. The joy of receiving our first shipment for the staff coming to see us the next day was overwhelming.

We are now five months in and regularly delivering goggles, listening to unique experiences and seeing those same weary eyes. There has been a lot of emotions along the way, not to mention the fear of contracting the virus or of passing it on. With the support of Bollé, Allegro Optical and the trust, I have delivered more than 650 goggles – and I will continue to do so until they are no longer needed.

My journey has allowed me to meet many wonderful people and I feel thankful that I have been able to make a difference. One nurse said to me recently that we should all be so proud of ourselves for the hard work, hours and support we have given. For myself and Mike, it has been a life-changing experience and a privilege to support these brave frontline workers. In the future, I hope my young daughter will read this and be proud of her Mum’s work in fighting Covid-19.

KIM WALKER FBDO is a dispensing optician and manager at performing arts specialist opticians, Allegro Optical in West Yorkshire. Kim also works with young musicians and those with mobility and visionrelated disabilities. In 2011, she received the Nikon Prize for personal achievement when graduating from Bradford College. She served on the Calderdale and Kirklees LOC as paediatric and low vision lead.

EYECARE FAQ

OA CORNER PART 8

SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS: KEEPING YOUR CONTENT TIMELY

SINGLE VISION LENSES

A NEW SCHOOL YEAR.

Back to school!

Parents rejoice, kids rue the day - just make sure their eyes are ok.

lanning your content around the time of year or awareness events is a great way to produce content that potential patients will resonate with. Summer is the perfect time to promote sunglasses in your practice, or you could use sporting events to promote sports eyewear.

Awareness events such as National Eye Health Week in September or World Glaucoma Day can be used to encourage followers to have regular eye examinations.

In August, EyecareFAQ covers astigmatism, cataract, laser eye surgery and ‘back to school’ to help practices promote paediatric eye exams.

Find questions and answers on more eyecare and eyewear topics on the ABDO website under Information for the public.

Don’t forget: you can find EyecareFAQ on the ABDO website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

Single vision (SV) lenses can be dispensed for distance, intermediate or near vision – and they can be tinted, photochromic or anti-reflection coated.

They can be made from different materials including glass and plastic, and they can be high index.

In Optical Assistant (OA) Corner Part 8, Sue Deal looks at the relative advantages and disadvantages of each type of SV lens – from weight and refractive index to impact resistance and different types of coatings.

Read OA Corner Part 8 in full on DO Online.

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AR LENS COATINGS ARE IDEAL FOR SCREEN USE

BUSINESS BITES CHARACTERISTICS IN SERVANT LEADERSHIP In his article, ‘Character and servant leadership: ten characteristics of effective, caring leaders’, reprinted in the Journal of Virtues & Leadership (2010;1:25-30), Larry Spears discusses the nature of character and its relationship to leaders. A summary of Spears’ 10 characteristics of servant leadership are: 1. Listening Although communication and decision-making skills are important skills for the servant-leader; the servantleader listens receptively to what is being said and unsaid.

2. Empathy The most successful servant-leaders are those who have become skilled, empathetic listeners. Understand how others see the world.

3. Healing One of the great strengths of servant leadership is the potential for healing yourself and your relationship to others. Acknowledge when relationships need work.

4. Awareness General awareness, and especially self-awareness, strengthens the servant-leader. Awareness helps in understanding issues involving ethics, power and values.

5. Persuasion The servant-leader seeks to convince others, rather

than coerce compliance, being effective at building consensus within groups. Convince, influence and inspire.

6. Conceptualisation Servant-leaders are called to seek a delicate balance between conceptual thinking and a day-to-day operational approach.

7. Foresight Foresight is a characteristic that enables the servantleader to understand the lessons from the past, the realities of the present, and the likely consequence of a decision for the future.

8. Stewardship Peter Block (1993) has defined stewardship as: “holding something in trust for another”. Servant leadership, like stewardship, assumes first and foremost a commitment to serving the needs of others.

9. Commitment to the growth of people The servant-leader recognises the tremendous responsibility to do everything in his or her power to nurture the personal and professional growth of employees and colleagues.

10. Building community The servant-leader will seek to identify some means for building community among those who work within a given institution.

Read the full Business Bites article, ‘What is servant leadership?’, in the features section of DO Online.

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NOTICES

SAVE THE DATE Sunday 11am 21 November 2021

Case studies needed Dispensing Optics magazine is looking for case studies for a number of upcoming articles.

ABDO will be holding its annual

Get in touch if you would like to share about:

meeting, the annual meeting of the

• How you provide low vision services in practice

ABDO Benevolent Fund, and its Consultation Day with members on

• How you make optical accessories a key part of your business

Sunday 21 November 2021, 11am at

• How you are embedding sustainability in your practice

the ABDO National Resource Centre.

Email achitty@abdo.org.uk with details of your initiatives and to find out more.

Further details to follow.

Email enquiries to jburnand@abdo.org.uk

Visit DO Online Jobs Vacancies to place your recruitment adverts – or search for new opportunities. Your advert will reach some 8,000 ABDO members via eNews direct, making DO Online one of the most cost-effective platforms for DO recruitment.

Vacancies are also promoted through ABDO’s active social media channels. FREE BRONZE ADVERTS FOR MEMBERS.

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un Clo til sin 8 g Au d gu ate st ex – te ap n pl de y d no w

abdo COLLEGE

What’s your next step in optics?

Become a dispensing optician

Become a contact lens optician

Want to become a dispensing optician? ABDO College offers you the chance to combine online learning with in-practice experience and block release.

The ABDO College Contact Lens Certificate course is an ideal opportunity for you to further your career by specialising in contact lenses.

THE COURSE • leads to a registerable FBDO qualification • has a proven track record of success with consistently high theory and practical exam results • gives you a platform to advance your career

THE COURSE • leads to the ABDO Level 6 Certificate in Contact Lens Practice qualification • enables you to join on the General Optical Council specialty register for contact lens dispensing

DEVELOP YOUR CAREER AND LEARN WHILE YOU EARN For more details and to apply: visit www.abdocollege.org.uk call 01227 738 829 (Option 1) or email info@abdocollege.org.uk Applications close: 1st August 2021