Leightons Talking Points (Spring 2022)

TALKING POINTS

SPRING/SUMMER 2022

Enjoy life at full volume. Page 4.

Our quality first approach. Page 8.

Living with hearing loss. Page 12.

Hearing aid aftercare.

Page 17.

Contact lens technology. Page 18.

leightons.co.uk

Welcome

02 | 03

WELCOME A MESSAGE FROM RYAN Welcome to the latest edition of Talking Points, sporting a fresh new look.

While many are facing huge challenges both here in the UK and abroad, spring is a time for rejuvenation and renewal, so I’m sure you share our hope that it also brings an uplift in global circumstance.

I’ve spoken previously about how we’ve learned and adapted in recent times, and now Leightons is using that experience to bring in new ideas and new technology. We’ve invested in Optomap imaging across our practices, overhauled our contact lens offering, broadened our frame collections, and made all that available at exclusive prices to our MyLeightons members – continuing to strive to deliver a service that is better than ever.

That drive for excellence is the focus of this edition; looking at the most thorough ways of testing your vision, exploring ground-breaking new hearing technology, and giving insight into the detail of the high quality products and services that we pride ourselves on.

So why not put the kettle on and have a read – we’d love to know what you think!

Ryan Leighton, CEO

To book an appointment or for help and advice please get in touch 0800 40 20 20 leightons.co.uk

Enjoy life at full volume

04 | 05

ENJOY LIFE AT

FULL VOLUME

HOW LEIGHTONS INVESTS IN THE LATEST HEARING TECHNOLOGY Hearing loss affects 12 million people in the UK, almost 20% of the population. What we often forget is how much we rely on our hearing: our ability to listen is often the gateway to social activities and contact with friends and family.

What can begin as an almost imperceptible loss of hearing can, over time, lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Those with hearing loss can find it increasingly difficult to participate in conversations, meaning they slowly withdraw from social occasions and lose contact with loved ones.

What’s more, hearing loss has been identified as a possible risk factor for dementia*. A study by charity Action On Hearing Loss has made a clear link between hearing loss and mental health (although we should note that while there is a relationship, it doesn’t mean to say that one definitely causes the other).

In other words, getting your hearing checked is an important part of your overall health.

They help you to identify – and find solutions for – any hearing loss and potential deterioration as soon as possible. These tests are simple to take and work in conjunction with your lifestyle needs.

Your full hearing assessment will include: • B ackground history • L ifestyle implications of any hearing loss •V ideo otoscopy, photographing the outer ear, eardrum and canal in full colour to investigate reasons for possible hearing impairment •P ure tone audiometry determining the level of hearing loss • S peech-in-noise testing (an indepth test that assesses your ability to make out speech in loud environments) •A personalised hearing health report Following your consultation, we are able to advise you on which hearing aid may be best suited to you, offering a wide variety of brands that are among some of the most trusted in the industry.

HEARING TEST TECHNOLOGY That’s why we employ professionally trained hearing aid audiologists in all of our practices, offering short hearing health checks as well as full hearing assessments.

“ A rtificial intelligence allows sounds to appear up to 60% clearer by the time they reach the brain” Ashish Shah, Audiologist

* w ww.alzheimers.org.uk/news/2018-05-02/study-confirms-linkbetween-hearing-loss-and-dementia-older-adults

To book an appointment or for help and advice please get in touch 0800 40 20 20 leightons.co.uk

OTICON: HEARING CARE TECHNOLOGY SPECIALISTS One such name is Oticon, a company which is truly leading the field through its recent release of the Oticon More™.

As the brand’s most advanced hearing aid, it’s the first of its kind to have a deep neural network (DNN). This artificial intelligence has been developed and trained for use with 12 million real-life scenes, allowing sounds to appear up to 60% clearer by the time they reach the brain, while requiring less effort on your part.

The result? You’ll be able to focus more on the conversation at hand and understand more of what’s being said.

Even more incredibly, the Oticon More™ is capable of learning through experience, allowing you to benefit from improved speech understanding over time.

GET THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOUR EARS Hearing loss is perfectly normal, and much more common than you might think – but we recognise the potential anxieties that come with investing in a hearing aid. The Oticon More™ is designed to be discreetly incorporated into your regular routine, connecting to Apple and Android devices by way of

Audio Streaming for Hearing Aid (ASHA) Bluetooth technology.

By using Oticon’s TV adapter, you can also tune into your favourite programs with the rest of the family, controlling the sound that’s personally delivered to you via mobile app.

You also won’t need to worry about your gadget running out on you. Simply charge it up for three hours to achieve a full day’s power, or else thirty minutes will provide up to six hours of improved sound clarity. Even on days when time is limited, the portable SmartCharger offers a wireless recharging solution, holding up to three full charges for providing an on-the-go boost.

Allowing you to hear more with less effort, the Oticon More™ is just one of a range of hearing aids we stock, ready to bring the world around you to life by organising and enhancing the meaningful sounds that matter most to you.

GET IN TOUCH For more information on the latest technology, or to book your FREE Hearing Assessment, call 0800 40 20 20 or visit leightons.co.uk/book

Enjoy life at full volume

06 | 07

To book an appointment or for help and advice please get in touch 0800 40 20 20 leightons.co.uk

Our quality-first approach 08 | 09

WHY QUALITY MEANS NOTHING WITHOUT EXPERTISE LEIGHTONS ISN’T JUST ABOUT QUALITY

We all want the best things in life – it’s natural to appreciate the best food, the best car, the best clothes.

And let’s be honest, you generally get what you pay for: spending a little extra for good quality products and services means they will last longer and deliver a better experience.

But quality isn’t just about ‘the most expensive’. You can buy the best frames and lenses, but unless they’ve been fitted to your precise needs, you won’t benefit from them.

Since we first started trading on 24th February 1928, Leightons has focused on providing our patients with the highestquality service combined with a carefully considered approach to personalisation.

We want to find the best match for you, not the easiest off-the-shelf option.

But how do we establish what’s best for you? There are three parts to this magic formula: FIRST, THE EYE EXAM The essential part of the process. We test, measure and assess the key metrics of your eyes and eyesight using our pioneering technology. As part of our Ultimate Eye Exam, we produce an accurate 2D and 3D picture of your eyes in an enhanced imaging package.

That’s why we continually invest in the latest testing technology, allowing us to detect issues such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy early on. We’re also capable of highlighting potential glaucoma* up to five years earlier than standard testing methods, allowing you to leave with peace of mind, as well as some stylish new glasses.

NEXT, THE SPECTACLE LENSES Our qualified dispensing opticians always recommend the most appropriate lenses for a tailored experience using the best material and design for your visual needs.

• TRIVEX LENSES These lenses are made from an advanced plastic with similar characteristics of polycarbonate lenses. They are lightweight, thin and impact-resistant and may result in better vision correction than polycarbonate lenses for some.

• H IGH-INDEX PLASTIC LENSES Designed for anyone who needs a higher prescription, these eyeglass lenses are lighter and thinner than standard.

• A SPHERIC LENSES Aspheric lenses are made up of differing degrees of curvature over its surface, which allows the lens to be thinner and flatter than other lenses. This also creates an eyeglass lens with a much larger usable portion than a standard lens.

• PHOTOCHROMIC LENSES Made from either glass or plastic, these lenses react to UV light, changing from clear to tinted according to how much protection you need.

• POLARISED SUNGLASSES Polarised lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces like glass or water.

They’re great for playing sports, driving and enhancing visual comfort around boats and water.

• INDIVIDUALISED LENSES Made specifically for you, these lenses will be bespoke to you and your lifestyle needs. * C linically Detectable Nerve Fiber Atrophy Precedes the Onset of Glaucomatous Field Loss Alfred Sommer, MD, MHSc; Joanne Katz, MS; Harry A. Quigley, MD; et al Neil R. Miller, MD; Alan L. Robin, MD; Ronald C. Richter, MD; Kathe A. Witt, COMT Arch Ophthalmol. 1991;109(1): 77-83. doi:10.1001/archopht.1991.01080010079037 To book an appointment or for help and advice please get in touch 0800 40 20 20 leightons.co.uk

FINALLY, THE FRAMES THEMSELVES Sourced from leading eyewear specialists across the world, we offer a wide range of quality frames from brands you may know, to those you are yet to discover, such as Tom Ford, Lindberg, Gucci, Etnia Barcelona, Y.T.T. and Ahlem.

“I choose eyewear that is going to suit my patients needs, whilst making sure it works with their lifestyle needs, prescription requirements, style and fit.”

Among them is Kevin Forbes, Practice Manager in Reading and a Dispensing Optician himself.

“I have been in optics for over 10 years and have had the pleasure of working nationwide.”

JACKIE O’S ENDURING STYLE Over the last decade, Kevin has seen eyewear trends come and go, while some live on to become simply timeless. “ C lassic styles such as Audrey Hepburn immediately comes to mind, while the extravagant Deirdre Barlow also have distinctive looks.”

Kevin Forbes, Leightons Reading

It’s therefore important that you find the right pair to suit your face shape and lifestyle.

Of course, when navigating a dizzying range of frames, you need a helping hand to find the perfect option. That’s where our fully-trained dispensing opticians come in.

With such a range on offer, he is able to “choose eyewear that is going to complement my patient’s personalities, all the while making sure it works within the prescription requirements, style and fit.”

After working with so many frames, brands and designers, Kevin has inevitably developed some favourites including Gucci, Mont Blanc and Tom Ford.

Alternatively, for something colourful and fun, try Etnia Barcelona’s vivacious designs.

Elsewhere, our own-brand Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow. delivers dependable quality at an accessible price point, and iconic classic designs.

“We treat every customer as an individual – there are no off-the-shelf one-size-fits-all shortcuts here at Leightons”.

Ashley Smith, Dispensing Optician

With employees like Kevin and Ashley leading the way, Leightons is – and will continue to be – prioritising both quality and your individual needs.

FIND THE RIGHT FRAMES FOR YOU To book a style consultation or eye examination call 0800 40 20 20 or visit leightons.co.uk/book

LIVE LIFE TO THE FULL

WITH MYLEIGHTONS C ARE PLAN •A n annual Ultimate Eye Examination • 20% off glasses and sunglasses

• Exclusive contact lens prices • 10% off hearing aids • Complimentary ear wax removal

Membership of MyLeightons means complete care for your vision and hearing, all for just £12 a month, or £20 a month for the MyLeightons Family membership.

For more information visit www.leightons.co.uk/myleightons

LIVING WITH

HEARING LOSS Hearing loss can be difficult to come to terms with. But it doesn’t mean you have to stop doing the things you love.

HEARING THROUGH THE NOISE When you’re out and about and chatting with friends, it’s not unusual to miss the occasional word. But hearing loss can be most noticeable in busy environments like the office or just a family gathering. It can feel isolating and frustrating when you can’t quite pick up on conversation.

Leightons offers some of the very best in hearing aid technology such as Oticon More™ which offers a 20% reduction in listening effort and 30% better speech understanding in complex environments. So, there’s nothing holding you back from those networking events and family parties.

COMMUNICATING CLEARLY Hearing loss is nothing to be ashamed of. Be honest and open about your hearing loss, so people can adjust the way they talk. They may move to a more brightly lit area so you can read their lips and see their gestures clearly, they may write what they want to say down on paper or on their phone.

As we come out of the pandemic, we all need to be extra patient with each other. “ Leightons were recommended by the specialist hearing consultant. I went to see them…I’m now 6 months into my hearing aid journey. I wished I had done it before.”

Andrew, Leightons Patient

STRESS AND HEARING Stress, anxiety and depression is responsible for at least 40% of sick leave taken in the UK, and while it’s well known that stress is detrimental to mental health, it also negatively impacts your ears. Chronic stress can lower blood flow and this decreased circulation can contribute to issues such as tinnitus and hearing loss. The good news is that stress-based hearing loss is often reversible if you can eliminate the cause. Try some stressbusting methods such as: • Exercise • Dedicated ‘me’ time • Taking up healthier habits To book your FREE Hearing Assessment please call 0800 40 20 20 or visit leightons.co.uk/book

Living with hearing loss 12 | 13

To book an appointment or for help and advice please get in touch 0800 40 20 20 leightons.co.uk

SEE MORE THAN EVER BEFORE At Leightons, we don’t stop at standard. We’re dedicated to bringing you the most thorough ways of testing your vision and the health of your eyes – we see the unseen with The Ultimate Eye Examination.

The Ultimate Eye Examination combines pioneering technology with clinical excellence to capture 2D and 3D pictures of your eyes, in an enhanced imaging package. It is highly recommended to our patients of all ages.

WHAT DOES THE ULTIMATE EYE EXAMINATION SHOW?

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE ULTIMATE EYE EXAMINATION?

The Ultimate Eye Exam includes imaging and checks far beyond what is available in a standard sight test:

✔ U ltra-wide

• Optomap allows us to take an incredibly detailed image of your retina (the back of the eye) and shows up to 80% of the surface in one ultra-wide panoramic view.

• OCT takes a scan of the layers beneath the central retina, giving a crosssection image that helps the optometrist build a complete picture of your eye health.

Rest assured, taking images in the Ultimate Eye Examination is quick and painless – it only takes a few moments and nothing touches your eyes.

field and 3D retinal layer imaging

✔ D iscussion

around your general and eye health to ensure your optometrist understands your needs

✔ A ssessment

of vision with and without spectacles and determination of your prescription

✔ Eye

muscle evaluation and advice

✔ Front-of-eye

health assessment and advice where a further specialised consultation is required (for example relating to dry eyes or contact lenses)

✔ B ack-of-eye

health assessment using the ultimate in retinal imaging technology

✔ Additional

tests as required such as visual field, in-eye pressure assessment and colour vision.

Additional test need is determined by your optometrist and results in a personalised, tailored examination

✔ C onsultation

with a dispensing optician to assess current spectacles and dispensing of new spectacles as required

See more than ever before

WHY DO WE RECOMMEND THE ULTIMATE EYE EXAMINATION?

Images from your Ultimate Eye Examination are saved in your medical record to compare the condition of your retinas to monitor any changes over time. This can help to spot early signs of: • Retinal holes, tears or detachment • Diabetes (by detecting diabetic retinopathy) • Hypertension • Macular conditions including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) • Glaucoma The sooner we detect changes in your vision or eye health, the sooner we can help you manage them.

14 | 15

ULTIMATE EYE EXAMINATION FOR CHILDREN

All aspects of the Ultimate Eye Examination are completely safe for children of all ages and, in fact, we recommend it just as we do for adults.

The NHS recommends children begin having regular eye tests from the age of three, unless symptoms such as frequent eye rubbing, squints or complaining of regular headaches are identified earlier.

Our Ultimate Eye Examination is the most comfortable test for little ones. With less time spent in close proximity with the optometrist, it’s an easier option that still delivers high quality care – perfect for those with short attention spans!

To book your ULTIMATE EYE EXAMINATION call 0800 40 20 20 or visit leightons.co.uk

To book an appointment or for help and advice please get in touch 0800 40 20 20 leightons.co.uk

HEAR THE WORLD CLEARER THAN EVER WITH HEAR NOW. PAY LATER. Pay just 30% today for your new hearing aids.

Repay over 10 months. Interest Free.

Ask in practice for more details or visit leightons.co.uk/paylater

Terms & Conditions apply.

Hearing aid aftercare

16 | 17

WHY HEARING AID AFTERCARE IS SO IMPORTANT Leightons offers unlimited free aftercare with every hearing aid. But why is that so important?

Hearing aids are magical devices, but they won’t necessarily transform your hearing overnight – they need time and professional adjustment to help you get the maximum benefit. That’s why aftercare is such an important part of hearing aid maintenance and the ongoing health of your ears.

UNLIMITED AFTERCARE Thankfully, all Leightons hearing aids come with our complete aftercare package for the entire life of the hearing aid, which gives you: • Free unlimited follow-up appointments • Free batteries for up to 5 years* • Free warranty for up to 5 years* • 6-month servicing • Complimentary ear wax removal • A 60-day money-back guarantee

Remember, it’s not just whether your hearing aids are working, but if they are working for you.

Our aftercare appointments are an opportunity to discuss your hearing aids so we can finetune your devices to maximise comfort and hearing performance. This is where we will get to test your hearing and see if it has changed since your hearing aid was initially fitted.

We also check the health of your ears and hearing.

To help you stay on top of ear wax build up, we also offer ear wax removal as part of the after care package. It’s an opportunity to top up on any domes and filters you may need. And if you can’t make it into our practices in person, we can visit you at home.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP At Leightons, we don’t see the purchase of a hearing aid as a one-off transaction. We believe it’s the start of a collaboration between you and our hearing care experts, making sure your hearing aid is performing at its best, many years after you bought it.

We are always here for you, offering rigorous care, clinical excellence, and unlimited hearing aid aftercare.

So, if you’re considering a new hearing aid, always think about the aftercare you will receive.

And if you’ve recently purchased a hearing aid – make sure you book in your next follow up appointment to help you get the maximum benefit.

“ Dad now has a tremendous new set of hearing aids which have restored his hearing and enhanced his life immeasurably”

To book your FREE Hearing Assessment or follow up appointment call 0800 40 20 20 or visit leightons.co.uk/book

Leightons customer, Farnham

Can be between 3 and 5 years, depending on the hearing aid model selected.

*

To book an appointment or for help and advice please get in touch 0800 40 20 20 leightons.co.uk

THE LATEST IN

CONTACT LENS TECHNOLOGY Contact lens technology is constantly evolving – Prima+ 1 Day lenses are a great example.

We’ve always been dedicated to bringing our patients the latest technology to help them live their lives to the fullest, so we are delighted to offer our new Prima+ 1 Day contact lenses.

Suitable for all ages, our Prima+ 1 Day contacts cover a wide range of optical prescriptions. Prima+ 1 Day lenses are available for those with astigmatism, long-sightedness and short-sightedness. There is also a multifocal option for those who use a prescription for reading.

MORE OXYGEN TO YOUR EYES Prima+ 1 Day helps you keep your eyes white and healthy, using a super-breathable silicone hydrogel to keep the lens smooth

and ultra-flexible. Their built-in UV filter helps protect against the damaging UV rays.

ENJOY MULTIFUNCTION WITH MULTIFOCALS Prima+ 1 Day and other brands offer multifocal lenses – yes, even contact lenses are available in multifocals! Multifocal contact lenses are a great option for most people over 50, and are designed so that you don’t have to look through just one part of the lens.

That means wherever your eyes look, fantastic vision follows!

to mix up your look for those special occasions, or whenever you feel like it.

“ C ontact lenses can be truly life changing. Freedom from spectacles when desired and confidence boosters for kids. Everyone should try contact lenses!”

Bryony Allen, Professional Services Manager (Optical)

BE A GOOD CONTACT SPORT Contact lenses are perfect for sports. They’re brilliant for golf, tennis and other activities where glasses can get in the way or even pose a safety risk.

They’re just as useful in daily life, too. They’re also a fantastic way

For more information on our contact lenses or to book an appointment, call 0800 40 20 20 or visit leightons.co.uk/book

STYLE: POKOWAI ARCH

Every pair tells a story.

Behind every pair of Maui Jim sunglasses there is a cherished personal story that ties to those that came before, growing into a beautiful, unique pattern that is the Maui Jim ‘ohana. Try on a pair and see for yourself that PolarizedPlus2® lenses protect eyes from harmful rays, eliminate glare, and make colours more vivid. The View's Better From Here.

"The clarity of the lens is incredible. I can see so clearly all the contours of the greens and the many undulations of the golf course. What is also so important to me is knowing the Maui Jim lens is giving me the best possible eye protection, as well as feeling comfortable wearing them for such long periods on the course."

-Miguel Angel Jimenez

P R OFESSIONAL GOLFER

SHARE YOUR STORY #MYMAUIJIMSTORY

©2021 Maui Jim, Inc.

TO SEE. TO HEAR. TO LIVE. PEACE OF MIND INCLUDED

BRANCHES

At Leightons, our care doesn’t stop the minute you walk out the door. We’re here 6 days a week, 52 weeks of the year, so if you need some advice, or want to talk something over, we’re always here to listen.

ADDLESTONE

For total peace of mind, we provide a 60 day 100% money back guarantee on all our hearing aids. All our next generation digital hearing aids come with a 3-5 year warranty and free batteries.

We understand that hearing aids can be a big investment. To help you spread the cost, ask about our Hear Now, Pay Later plan. Simply pay a 30% deposit and spread the rest over 10 months in easy-to-pay instalments, interest free.

GOOD HEARING STARTS WITH REGULAR HEARING HEALTH CHECKS. Book a FREE Full Hearing Assessment by calling 0800 40 20 20 or visit leightons.co.uk/book

Excellent

ALTON ANDOVER BASINGSTOKE BURNHAM-ON-SEA (David Bull Optometrists) CAMBERLEY CHANDLERS FORD CHRISTCHURCH (Raxworthy Visioncare) CIRENCESTER COBHAM EPSOM FAREHAM FARNHAM FLEET HASLEMERE HAYWARDS HEATH HEMPSTEAD VALLEY LEADENHALL STREET

LEWES (Spectrum Eyecare) MARLOW (Leightons Insight) POOLE PUTNEY READING SOUTHAMPTON ST. ALBANS SUTTON SWINDON TADLEY THATCHAM TOTTON TUNBRIDGE WELLS WINCHESTER WINDSOR (Leightons Eye Windsor) WOKINGHAM WOODLEY