Vision Now December 2021

December 2021

Vision Now December 2021 1

Ready to take on myopia Slowing myopia progression can help to significantly reduce the risk of myopia-related complications, such as retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy and vision loss later in life.1 MiSight® 1 day is a daily disposable soft contact lens specifically designed for myopic children.2§ MiSight® 1 day with ActivControl® Technology slow both axial length increase and myopia progression while correcting refractive error.2

Treatment zones creating myopic defocus Correction zones

Artist’s rendering

The MiSight® 1 day clinical study is the longest continuous soft contact lens study for myopia management with 6 years of data.2,3 Among MiSight® 1 day wearers (fitted between the ages of 8-12):

41% had no meaningful progression

of myopia at 3 years4*† 23% had no meaningful progression of myopia at 6 years.4*† Over a 3 year period, MiSight® 1 day reduced myopia progression by an average of 59% and axial elongation by 52%2* Over a 6 year period, children wearing MiSight® 1 day progressed less than -1.00D4, and less than 0.5mm on average in axial length4.

Introducing MiSight® 1 day at the earliest opportunity may result in the most significant impact in the reduction of myopic progression5.

Register for the MiSight® 1 day accreditation programme at coopervision.co.uk *Compared with a standard single-vision one-day lens over a three-year period. † 0.25D or less of change. ‡ Age 8 and 9. § >95% of children were successfully fit with MiSight® 1 day or Proclear® 1 day.

References: 1. Flitcroft DI. The complex interactions of retinal, optical and environmental factors in myopia aetiology. Prog Retin Eye Res. 2012;31(6):622660.

2. Chamberlain P, et al. A 3-year Randomized clinical trial of MiSight® lenses for myopia control. Optom Vis Sci. 2019;96:556–567. 3. CVI Data on File 2021.

4. Chamberlain P, Arumugam B, Jones D et al. Myopia Progression in Children wearing Dual-Focus Contact Lenses: 6-year findings. Optom Vis Sci 2020;97(E-abstract): 200038. 5. Arumugam B, Chamberlain P, Bradley A et al. The Effects of Age on Myopia Progression with Dual-Focus and Single Vision Daily Disposable Contact Lenses. Optom Vis Sci 2020;97(E-abstract):205340, AAO 2020 Poster © 2021 CooperVision. CooperVision®, ActivControl®, MiSight® and Proclear® are registered trademarks of The Cooper Companies, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

2 Vision Now December 2021

Inside

4 27

Vision Now magazine is published by Peekay Publishing Ltd for The PK National Eyecare Group Ltd, the UK’s largest purchasing group for independent opticians.

News

4 New myopia lens results 7 GOC announces incoming CEO and registrar 9 FAQs for e-referral system 11 Essilor education content expanded 13 AOP campaign to highlight illegal supply 15 OHI Update Vienna 2021

15 An independent view

Apprenticeships: here we go again

17 Developing thoughts Less admin, less stress

21 Product profile

EDOF: a new lens for presbyopia

22 Professional development

Taking the lead by Nick Walsh

26 Business matters

Let it go... by Dominic Watson

28 Style spotlight 30 Suppliers’ directory

28

Editor’s comment Building relationships with online platforms who may have the power to stop – and eventually prevent – the illegal sale of contact lenses is just one of the proposals in the General Optical Council’s (GOC) current consultation on a revised illegal practice strategy and protocol. As we report in this issue, practitioners have until 19 January to feed back into the proposals, which also include greater clarity on when the GOC will consider a prosecution.

All this comes as the Association of Optometrists (AOP) launches a twin-pronged assault on the problem. It has commenced a national awareness campaign highlighting the eye health risks of illegal supply, alongside fresh calls on the government to close the loophole that allows illegal suppliers to operate outside UK safety laws. This issue has been rumbling on for as long as I can remember, but with new CEOs at the helm of both organisations – perhaps the sector may finally be able to unite and get traction on this pernicious issue.

Staying with contact lenses, we are delighted to feature a brand new extended depth of focus lens this month from Mark’ennovy – as well as CooperVision’s new Binocular Progressive System to support mulitfocal prescribing. In business support, learn about Hoya’s new partnership programme, Visionary Alliance, the Association of British Dispensing Opticians’ management and leadership training courses, and hear some top tips about ‘letting go’ to achieve your goals.

Vision Now is signing out now until February – but you can keep up with supplier and partner news via NEG’s social media channels and its fantastic-looking new website. In the meantime, have a wonderful Christmas and we’ll see you in the New Year.

Nicky Collinson Editor

Editor Nicky Collinson BA (Hons) nicola.collinson@nationaleyecare.co.uk Fashion Editor Joan Grady jgparischats@wanadoo.fr Business Editor Phillip Mullins FBDO p.mullins@nationaleyecare.co.uk Design and Production

Stacey Jordan BA (Hons)

Publisher Michael C Wheeler

FCOptom DipCLP FSMC FAA0

The Editor welcomes letters, articles and other contributions for publication in the magazine and reserves the right to amend them. Any such contribution, whether it bears the author’s name, initials or pseudonym, is accepted on the understanding that its author is responsible for the opinions expressed in it and that its publication does not imply that such opinions are those of The PK National Eyecare Group Ltd. Articles submitted for publication should be original, unpublished work and are accepted on the basis that they will not be published in any other journal.

Acceptance of material for publication is not a guarantee that it will be included in any particular issue. Copyright © 2021 for Peekay Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying and recording, without the written permission of the publishers.

Such written permission should also be obtained before any part of this publication is stored in a retrieval system of any nature.

@PK_NEG

VISION NOW is published by Peekay Publishing Ltd for The PK National Eyecare Group Limited, Clermont House, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3DN VISION NOW is printed by CFH Docmail Ltd. St Peter’s Park, Wells Road, Radstock BA3 3UP

Vision Now December 2021 3

News No rebound effect found after seven years

1

CooperVision

CooperVision has announced new sevenyear findings from its MiSight 1 day contact lens clinical trial. It found that 12 months post treatment cessation, mean axial elongation data indicated no evidence of the so-called rebound effect, meaning the myopia control gains were retained.

CooperVision previously reported that MiSight 1 day showed sustained slowing of myopia progression across multiple years of treatment. This was observed in a cohort who wore the lenses for the study’s first six years, as well as the original control group who were switched into MiSight 1 day for three years.

2

Eyespace

The latest two releases in Eyespace’s Rock Star collection for children inject some colour and fun into frame wear. Named Blair and Drew, the gender neutral frames are designed to allow youngsters to express their individuality and personality.

Blair stands out in an on-trend pink and purple ombre (C1), plus a fun navy and aqua colour fade (C2). With signature Rock Star design elements and offered in a useful 48 eyesize, Blair also features Rock

New Rock Star model Blair in C2

Star tip branding and durable flex hinges.

Drew showcases familiar Rock Star design elements, including star tip branding, a lower bridge position for and slimline eye rims for added comfort. A stylish keyhole bridge complements the round eye shape, while two eye-catching colour fusions will help the wearer to stand out. C1 is a blue striation with organic earth tones, and C2 is a rosewood striation with striking blue colour accents. Drew is available in size 48-18-130.

“Our unparalleled research clearly illustrates the tremendous potential of MiSight 1 day for children of different ages and with different levels of myopia, regardless of when they start treatment,” said UK qualified optometrist Paul Chamberlain, the study’s principal investigator and CooperVision director of research programmes. “With these results, eyecare professionals should be even more confident in prescribing MiSight 1 day.”

The study is the world’s longest continuous running soft contact lens clinical trial for myopia control. Read more about the study results on the company’s website.

New CPD scheme sessions planned

3

General Optical Council

Registrants can now access the General Optical Council’s (GOC) new continuing professional development (CPD) guidance entitled, ‘CPD: A guide for registrants’. The guidance sets out the requirements for registrants under the new CPD scheme, which will replace the existing CET scheme from 1 January 2022. The regulator has successfully obtained the legislative change required to implement the new CPD scheme, and the details of this change can be found in its amended CET rules.

Visit www.optical.org

4 Vision Now December 2021

4

100% Optical

100% Optical 2022 (22-24 January) will offer accredited sessions for the General Optical Council’s (GOC) new continuing professional development (CPD) scheme delivered in the Association of Optometrists (AOP) led education space – the AOP lounge (L03).

Over the three-day event, delegates will have access to a wide range of education, hundreds of exhibitors and talks from leading industry speakers.

Dr Ian Beasley, AOP head of education, said: “The education programme is designed

by the AOP with the GOC’s CPD scheme in mind. With over 130 sessions to choose from, 100% Optical 2022 will be the perfect opportunity for registrants to find out more and get a head start on fulfilling their obligations under the new scheme.

The AOP’s in-house experts will be onhand throughout the weekend to answer any questions but also support members in person, offering one-to-one advice on a range of areas,” he added. Visit www.100percentoptical.com for all sessions and registration.

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© 2020 © 2020 Alcon Alcon Inc.Inc. UKIE-VC-2000004 UKIE-VC-2000004 © 2020 © 2020 Alcon Alcon Inc.Inc. UKIE-VC-2000004 UKIE-VC-2000004

Vision Now December 2021 5

The Lens with the Most Moisture *1

%

MORE moisture than any other lens*1 MORE moisture from morning to night*2

%

MORE stable tear film*4 MORE breathability#7,8,9 UVA / UVB protection**7

Bausch + Lomb Biotrue® ONEday contact lens with Surface Active TechnologyTM 3 contains maximum moisture1 compared to other daily disposable lenses in the market, and retains nearly 100% of its moisture for a full 16 hours2 – while providing the highest tear film stability of leading daily disposables.4 And with its high levels of breathability,7 this lens provides more oxygen than the open eye needs to remain healthy and white.5 And now with our Patient Satisfaction Guarantee for complete peace of mind.

The ONLY daily toric with a –2.75D cyl †10

www.bausch.co.uk/mostmoisture

Order your trial lenses today N 0845 602 2350

E cs.vc.uk@bausch.com

Please read the Instructions for Use (IFU) for important product use and safety information with Bausch + Lomb contact lenses. *Compared to other daily disposable lenses in the market. | **UV-absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for UV-absorbing sunglasses. You should continue to use UV absorbing sunglasses as directed. # Dk/t vs DAILIES®AquaComfort PLUS® and1-Day ACUVUE® Moist | † Excluding made-to-order lenses 1. ACLM, 2020. ACLM Year Book Online. https://www.aclm.org.uk/online-access/. Accessed 28.6.21. 2. Bausch + Lomb, 2012. A clinical evaluation of Biotrue® ONEday compared to 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST®, 1-DAY ACUVUE® TruEye® and DAILIES® AquaComfort PLUS®dehydration data preliminary results and claims support (ROC2-11-63). Rochester. 3. Bausch + Lomb, 2011. Hypergel Surface Characterisation Memo, Rochester. 4. Tomy, L., Chan, O., Reindel, B., Steffen, R., January 2020. Non-Invasive Tear Break-Up Time Evaluation of Six Unique Daily Disposable Lens Materials After 10 Hours of Wear. Global Specialty Lens Symposium. 5. Barr, J., Donnelly, C., Rah, M.J. Measuring Oxygen Transmissibility: How Much is Enough for Healthy Contact Lens Wear? 7. Bausch + Lomb, 2012. Bausch + Lomb nesofilcon A contact lens (#510(k) Summary). Rochester. 8. Alcon Manufacturer-provided information, November, 2019 9. Johnson & Johnson Visioncare Manufacturer-provided information., November 2019 10. Based on a comparison of manufacturer-provided parameter ranges on May 21st 2020.

6 Vision Now December 2021

Biotrue and Surface Active Technology are trademarks of Bausch + Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates | ©2021 Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates.

BOD.0015.IE.21

NEWS 5

Heidelberg Engineering

New variable A-scan rates for customised patient care

Heidelberg Engineering has announced new software and hardware upgrades that will deliver powerful enhancements to the image quality and workflow of the Spectralis imaging platform. Most significantly, software version 7.0 makes it possible to introduce SHIFT technology.

SHIFT enables clinicians to switch between OCT scan speeds (A-scan rates) to achieve improved outcomes in terms of speed,

image quality, sharpness, and detail in different applications. It is now possible to speed up to 125kHz, which accelerates image acquisition speed by 30 per cent, or slow down to 20kHz for high sensitivity when imaging traditionally challenging eyes, such as those with significant media opacities.

“SHIFT technology delivers the scan speeds needed for optimised performance, improved workflow and customised patient care,” explained Krysten Williams, head of global marketing and education at Heidelberg Engineering. “With full backward compatibility of existing patient data and functionality, SHIFT easily integrates into existing clinical infrastructures, with minimal training. This acceptance is also a significant milestone in our transition from the old Medical Device Directive to the new EU-MDR.” Visit the team at 100% Optical in London next month to discover all the new enhancements.

Leonie Milliner

6 General Optical Council Next month, General Optical Council (GOC) director education, Leonie Milliner, will succeed Lesley Longstone as the regulator’s chief executive and registrar.

Leonie said: “I am absolutely delighted to be appointed to succeed Lesley Longstone as the next CEO and registrar at a time of enormous challenge and change for the optical professions and businesses we regulate and the public we benefit.

“The GOC continues to play a vital role in upholding professional high standards, ensuring the UK has a sufficient, competent, qualified and well-regulated workforce to prevent sight loss and contribute to the reduction of health inequalities. I look forward to building on Lesley Longstone’s strong leadership to lead the GOC on the next chapter of its journey.”

8 General Optical Council

New LK Bennett model LKB069

7

Continental Eyewear

The LK Bennett collection from Continental Eyewear has been expanded with three new styles – LKB054, LKB058 and LKB069 – each available in a choice of colours.

Model LKB069 (pictured) is an oversized square frame made in a rich acetate available with a classic tortoiseshell, pink

or blue front. The chain detailing along the interior of the sides adds a touch of glamour. Model LKB054 features sleek metal hinges, deeply curved end-tips and a raised browline, while model LKB058 is a slightly oversized round shape with signature LK Bennett branding on the hinge.

The General Optical Council (GOC) has launched new guidance to help registrants in situations where they need to consider the professional requirement to speak up when patient or public safety may be at risk.

The new guidance covers concerns such as when something has been observed that appears seriously wrong, or is not in accordance with the accepted standards for optometrists and dispensing opticians, optical businesses and students, including what may be termed ‘whistleblowing’ and/ or ‘raising concerns’ – said the regulator. View the new guidance on the GOC website.

Vision Now December 2021 7

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

www.steppereyewear.com 8 Vision Now December 2021

Frame style shown: STS-30063

NEWS 9

Essilor

Essilor and Luxottica will exhibit together on one stand at 100% Optical 2022 as EssilorLuxottica, where they’ll reveal a number of joint projects including frames, instruments and lenses.

A much-anticipated launch for January 2022, the Stellest ophthalmic lens for myopia control will be showcased. Also new to view will be the Myopia Expert 700 with digital solution, Myopia Care, designed to detect, follow and monitor the progression of refraction and axial length for the most effective myopia management.

Tim Precious, managing director at Essilor, said: “The UK launch of Stellest will no doubt provide fresh hope for ECPs to help correct vision and fight myopia progression in children. And with myopia on the increase, practices are going to be seeing more and more myopic patients seeking long-term solutions. The Myopia Expert 700 will support the patient journey

Federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians

10

The national optical bodies have issued a set of FAQs on the electronic eyecare referral service programme (EeRS) and IT connectivity for the two-way transfer of patient and clinical data. The aim of the system is to link primary eyecare with the hospital ophthalmology and GP systems, allowing unnecessary referrals to hospitals to be avoided and better use to be made of the skills, equipment and facilities in optical practices.

Max Halford of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians and Dr Peter Hampson of the Association of Optometrists are co-chairs of the optical sector’s Information and IT Committee.

They said: “IT connectivity is the key enabler to better patient care, better use of the clinical skills and facilities in primary care to enable more patients to be seen and treated closer to home. EeRS is an important step on that journey, and we encourage everyone to participate in ‘proof of concept sites’ if they can.”

The FAQs are located on the LOCSU website and will be regularly updated.

Practitioners can email their experiences of using the system, good or bad, to damian.testa.fodo@com

Introducing the Myopia Expert 700

– from anamnesis to the eye exam, refraction to prescription and dispensing – to help ECPs grow their practice.” The

company will also discuss its new Essilor Experts programme for independent optical practices.

11 General Optical Council The General Optical Council (GOC) has launched a consultation on a revised illegal practice strategy and protocol, which it says will enable it to be more proactive in its approach and provide clarity on when it will take action and what action will be taken.

GOC director of casework and resolutions, Dionne Spence, said: “We really hope the revised strategy and protocol will provide clarity and raise awareness about our remit and about when we can bring prosecutions and when alternatives to prosecution will be the preferred route.” The consultation is hosted on the GOC consultation hub and will close on 19 January 2022.

12 Silhouette Silhouette has increased its offering of premium rimless eyewear with its latest Venture collection. The collection for men is available in four different colour combinations of gold and silver. With its angular shapes and bold aesthetic, the Venture collection is inspired by the engravings typically found on men’s

accessories. The range showcases Silhouette’s traditional craftsmanship with hand-polished and hand-brushed temple surfaces. The monochrome and two-tone temple styles utilise 23-carat gold, making them light and durable whilst still being skin-friendly. Each model can be custom fitted at Silhouette’s in-house lens lab with lenses from Silhouette Vision Sensation.

New Venture model 5558

Vision Now December 2021 9

MiYOSMART: the smart way to treat myopia in children.

60%*

slow down of myopia progression.

MiYOSMART is now available in the UK & Ireland. Access the accreditation course by scanning the QR code: *Lam CSY, Tang WC, TseDY, Lee RPK, Chun RKM, Hasegawa K, Qi H, Hatanaka T, To CH. Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (D.I.M.S.) spectacle lenses slow myopia progression: a two-year randomised clinical trial. British Journal of Ophthalmology. Published Online First: 29 May 2019. doi: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2018-313739

10 Vision Now December 2021

NEWS 13 Charmant To enhance its sustainable and modern business for both external and internal partners, Charmant UK will re-open at a new London location on 13 December.

The new address is Spaces, 6th Floor First Central 200, 2 Lakeside Drive, London NW10 7FQ. Phone, email and website details remain the same.

A central UK and European warehouse has also been established to create synergies across the regions and provide an improved logistics process as a UK and European company. Therefore, all warehousing and logistics operations are now consolidated and located in the French-German border region in Willstätt, 20 minutes from Strasbourg. To ensure a smooth transition and continued service, the new warehouse facility will be supported by 17 dedicated professionals.

Optical Suppliers Association

15

The Optical Suppliers Association (OSA) is reminding owners of optical practices that if they assemble spectacles or surface lenses in their practice, they must register with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The OSA has published a short guidance note explaining the requirements, which can be accessed at www.osa-uk.co.uk Andy Sanders, OSA director, commented: “Following Brexit and the UK departure from the EU, alongside changes to the MHRA website, some practices have become confused about what they are now required to do. But it is important that practices are aware that medical device regulations in the UK are unchanged.

This means that all manufacturers, own branders, and assemblers of spectacles must register with the MHRA.” The MHRA is currently consulting on proposals to amend and update the regulation of medical devices in the UK. This may result in changes in due course, the OSA highlighted. Andy added: “The current MHRA consultation has no doubt added to the confusion. However, the MHRA have said that they do not intend to bring in changes until July 2023 at the earliest. Until then, the existing rules will continue to apply.”

14 Essilor As the end of the current CET cycle looms, Essilor has released new educational content on its E-Academy platform. One module looks at how it is now possible to develop new refraction techniques, thanks to phoropters with continuous power changes. The site hosts 35 modules and has had more than 12,000 successfully completed CET modules logged.

Dr Andy Hepworth, professional relations manager at Essilor, said: “Over the course of the cycle, the site has been updated regularly with free educational content for all eyecare professionals including articles, videos and clinical case studies, and hosts many hours of CET content covering numerous competencies and topics. With CET requirements changing into CPD from January 2022, we’ll ensure the E-Academy will continue to supply ever enhanced content.”

Association of British Dispensing Opticians

16

The general secretary of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO), Tony Garrett, has announced that he will step down from his current role at the end of 2022 after more than 20 years with the organisation. Tony said: “Whilst I am still enjoying my role with ABDO, it is clear to me that the Association is about to enter a new and exciting chapter. It is appropriate therefore that a new chief executive be appointed to oversee our future activities over the long term. I will spend the next year doing my best to ensure that my successor has the best possible platform to work from.”

The ABDO board will discuss arrangements for finding a successor at its meeting in January 2022. ABDO president, Jo Holmes, commented: “It is with mixed emotions that we hear about Tony Garrett’s retirement plans. ABDO has been fortunate to have his expertise over the years, especially during these turbulent times. Many have succeeded under his

Tony Garrett announces retirement

guidance and encouragement, and he is a mentor and friend to all. We are pleased to have plenty of time to consider a suitable replacement.” Tony will continue to look after the affairs of ABDO College.

17 De Rigo The spring/summer 2022 Furla couture collection from De Rigo is designed to give the “Furla woman a natural way to complete her look”. More extrovert sunglasses and prescription styles – flaunting geometric and light shapes – are complemented by classic and elegant styles.

The colour palette and details are inspired by the brand’s accessories, spotlighting the strong connection between all the elements – from eyewear and handbags to small leather goods. The ‘Arch’ logo, an iconic and distinctive design element and expression of the brand, is present on

Panto shaped VFU 548: bold looks for bold women

the different styles, proposed in different variants: as a decorative detail on temples and front pieces or as a structural element of the glasses.

Vision Now December 2021 11

Comi ng Soon

The complete treatment plan for myopia control Menicon Bloom™ is a complete treatment plan featuring CE approved contact lenses, care products, the Menicon Bloom™ app and protocols.

Everything you need to offer myopia control safely and effectively.

Menicon Limited 1 Gatelodge Close, Round Spinney

12 Vision Now December 2021

Industrial Estate, Northampton NN3 8RJ

NEWS 19 Association of Optometrists

Highlighting risks and loopholes Deborah Jones and Paul Chamberlain accept the award from Michael D. Twa

18 CooperVision The American Academy of Optometry has awarded the 2021 Garland W. Clay Award to a team of researchers studying the effectiveness of CooperVision MiSight 1 day contact lenses in slowing the progression of myopia in children. The award is given annually to the author(s) of the most important paper published in Optometry and Vision Science (OVS) in the preceding five years. The authors of the winning paper, ‘A three-year randomised clinical trial of MiSight lenses for myopia control’, include Paul Chamberlain, Sofia C. Peixoto-De-Matos, Nicola S. Logan, Cheryl Ngo, Deborah Jones and Graeme Young. It is the most cited paper in OVS since 2016.

OVS editor-in-chief, Michael Twa, said: “Clinical trial results provide strong evidence that it is possible to slow ocular growth that causes worsening myopia.

Research into myopia control is rapidly evolving and effective treatments could do more than improve vision, they may also help lower lifelong risks for glaucoma, retinal detachments, and other degenerative eye conditions.” CooperVision director of research programmes, Paul Chamberlain, said: “It is very satisfying to know that our research in myopia control is helping age-appropriate children and their parents around the world.”

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is ramping up its action on illegal contact lens supply with a new Know Your Lenses national consumer campaign.

The campaign responds to AOP optometrist members reporting more patients buying prescription contact lenses online. In a survey of over 1,000 optometrists, 56 per cent of AOP members said they saw as many as nine patients in a month who’ve experienced problems as a result of lenses they’ve purchased online. Fifty-five per cent of members reported seeing evidence that the law was being broken by suppliers.

Adam Sampson, AOP chief executive, said: “Illegal supply is a longstanding issue for the sector, and we’ve often reported what we suspect are illegal suppliers to the General Optical Council to investigate.

20 General Optical Council The GOC has published its new and updated CET exceptions policy, replacing its ‘Exceptional circumstances in meeting CET requirements policy’. Leonie Milliner, GOC director of education and incoming CEO and registrar, said: “We are in the final stages of the current CET cycle and we encourage registrants to do everything that they can to meet their CET requirements by 31 December 2021.

“We have listened to feedback during

But it’s time that there is more in place to protect the public – particularly as the trend for consumers to buy online is only set to grow. The GOC is currently considering a draft protocol on illegal practice. As part of that process, we urge them to rightly clamp down on suppliers that provide products that are a real risk to UK consumers.”

The AOP is also calling on the government to close the loophole, which enables online suppliers to operate outside UK safety laws, and suggests that suppliers carry an approved kitemark to make it clear to consumers they are buying a trustworthy and safe product. A campaign pack is available at www.aop.org.uk/ knowyourlenses. The AOP/GOC information leaflet, ‘Do you know the law on selling contact lenses?’, can be downloaded at www.aop.org.uk/ZPL-leaflet the consultation and have updated our CET exceptions policy so that it continues to be fair to registrants while ensuring our overarching objective of protecting the public,” continued Leonie. “If any registrant is unable to meet their CET requirements by the end of the cycle due to exceptional circumstances, it is open to them to make an application under this policy to demonstrate to the registrar that remaining on the register would not risk public protection or undermine the public interest.” The revised policy is on the CET exceptions page of the GOC website.

Vision Now December 2021 13

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NEWS 21 OHI Update Vienna 2021

Austrian musician, Barbara Helfgott, performs at the Vienna fair

Opticians and visitors from Vienna and surrounding regions gathered in this elegant, designated UNESCO World Heritage Site recently for the Austrian Ophthalmic Optics and Hearing Aid Convention – OHI Update. The annual event included an exposition of frames, lenses and machinery from a variety of suppliers, in addition to engaging and informative lectures by accomplished members of the optical profession.

This year, OHI also hosted a French Corner with participants including: Struktur Eyewear of Normandy; Krom Eyewear from the Alsace region; Clipoptic, Sofra Optique from the Haute-Savoie; and Business France. In the general exhibition, participants included familiar names such as Silhouette, Look Made in Italia, Zeiss, Hoya and Essilor amongst other distinguished vendors.

Camaraderie was further complimented with an energised ambiance, and beautiful music provided by the highly acclaimed Viennese violinist and singer, Barbara Helfgott, well known and admired in international music circles.

Struktur president, Jean-François Lufeaux, observed: “OHI was a unique opportunity to discover the Austrian market. The excellent organisation allowed us to contact opticians curious to discover new products. The French Corner space was perfectly supervised by Team Business France, making it possible to highlight French knowhow.”

Harald Belyes, OHI communication director, noted: “With over 240 conference participants, OHI Update 2021 offered a clear sign of life for the Austrian optical industry after the break of the last one and a half years caused by Covid-19. In addition to six top-class lectures on ophthalmic optics and hearing acoustics, an accompanying industry trade fair with 42 exhibitors, and a dedicated French Corner, growth increased about 20 per cent compared to 2019.

AN INDEPENDENT VIEW Apprenticeships: here we go again Perhaps naively, the AIO council had rather assumed that apprenticeships for optometry had been kicked into the long grass for good. Not so it seems. Out of the blue, an email arrives from the ‘Group of Employers’ (for which read multiples) saying that they have submitted an application to the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE).

It appears that no notice of the intention to submit the application was given to any party outside of the Trailblazer Group – even the Association of Optometrists and the College of Optometrists were apparently blindsided by the application. Clearly, the Trailblazer Group is intent on ramming apprenticeships through regardless of overwhelming opposition within the optometric profession.

Indeed, opposition to apprenticeships was why the Ophthalmic Practitioners Group (OPG) was created in 2019.

On the basis that IfATE will approve the application (why wouldn’t they; they are incentivised to create new apprenticeships?) it will befall the General Optical Council (GOC) to provide end point assessment (EPA) as a statutory regulator. As the new chief executive of the GOC has been promoted from the position of director of education, and led the Education Strategic Review, it looks like a ‘slam dunk’ that optometry apprenticeships will go live late in 2022.

This will, of course, suit the multiples down to the ground, whilst disadvantaging independents. It is understood that learning institutions were mainly opposed to the apprenticeship movement when first consulted, but there will be universities that will bend over backwards to source new business working with the multiples.

If there is a compelling need for apprenticeships in optometry, it has certainly not been demonstrated by the Trailblazer Group. There are those who believe apprenticeships will lower standards and thereby present risks not only to patients but to practitioners as well.

Only time will tell how this plays out, but the underlying business models of multiple stores are yet again likely to be advantaged over the clinical service models of independent practices.

“Visitors also placed orders and arranged sales appointments with the industry. This makes the OHI Update in Vienna an important sales venue about which the industry positively expressed itself throughout,” added Harald.

The next OHI event takes place at SO/Sofitel, Vienna on 10 September 2022. Visit www.ohi.at/ohi-update-2021 Report by Joan Grady Vision Now December 2021 15

Optical frames & RX sun

eyewear-direct.net 16 Vision Now December 2021

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P R A C T I C E M AT T E R S

Developing thoughts NEG can help you optimise your business by taking the stress out of your administration, writes Phil Mullins

Less admin, less stress Although there was little to shout about in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, it certainly created additional time.

Individuals and businesses across the country found they had more time to look at how they operated, and then to decide on a way forwards. Many businesses were forced to take radical action and even then sadly didn’t survive. This has been devastating as many were solid businesses – just in the wrong place to survive the pandemic.

Although some practices did fold, the independent sector generally has remained robust because of its ability to adapt. Our own business has seen subtle changes as practices simplified their operations to spend more time with patients. Many members have increased the number of suppliers they put through their NEG account, taking full advantage of a single invoice for total spend. Many have also increased the number of non-preferred suppliers they use. This has been made even easier since we introduced our accounts portal, where statements, invoices and supplier spend can all be viewed.

Our IT division, Optinet, has seen more members take advantage of the 12-month free offer for its flagship FELX practice management system as they realise their old systems can’t keep up with new and different demands. FLEX communications tools, including email, SMS, letters and postcards, have become even more important enabling practices to engage with patients easily and frequently. With its clinical record, equipment integration and eGOS, FLEX is as near to a paperless practice as you can get – meaning fewer contact points. It also means it’s almost impossible to mislay records.

EXCLUSIVE SUPPORT TOOLS Other elements of support that have grown with members are the HR support from

More practices are choosing Optinet FLEX

Citation, previously know as Xact, and the Optical Payment Service (OPS) direct debit collection service. HR support during lockdown was invaluable for members, particularly around the set-up and running of the furlough scheme, with Citation supplying information, letter templates and a Q&A session for members. NEG members enjoy free access to the Citation Business Assist website, which contains bags of information about all things HR as well as health and safety information.

There is also the option to pay a low monthly fee to upgrade to the full service, which includes telephone support and document templates. For more information, visit the business support section of the NEG website.

Direct debit collections have been so important to practices during the past two years and, with a growing number looking to move to a private only model, direct debit collection is becoming an essential part of any practice. OPS is exclusive to NEG and offers an end-to-end service, which is either via a web portal or fully integrated into Optinet FLEX. Being paperless, it is easy to sign up patients,

view patient payments and change monthly amounts. You can even add one-off ad hoc collections. Add to this the new terms on offer from Windcave for your merchant card services, then it has never been easier to set up and take payments from patients.

Our aim is to help you, our members, optimise your business by taking the stress out of your administration whilst enabling you to maintain your independence. But we don’t want to stop there. As we look to where the future is with independent practice, we would encourage everyone to talk to the Practice Building team about the NEG Business Club. They can help develop not just your marketing, but your staff and your entire business model, all with the aim to grow your profits.

As a group, NEG has a number of programmes that we will introduce during 2022 – all with the aim of supporting your business and allowing you to spend your precious time with your patients. So watch this space for more information. In the meantime, have a great Christmas and a happy New Year.

Vision Now December 2021 17

1. CVI data on fi le, 2020. Prospective, double-masked, bilateral, one-week dispensing study UK with MyDay® daily disposable multifocal; n=104 habitual multifocal contact lens wearers. 2. CVI data on fi le, 2021. Prospective, subject-masked, randomised, bilateral, two-week dispensing study at five US sites with MyDay® daily disposable multifocal; n=58 habitual multifocal contact lens wearers.

18 Vision Now December 2021

The future of managing presbyopia starts here.

Introducing the CooperVision® Binocular Progressive System™ which uses different lens designs to optimise vision for all levels of presbyopia.1 Designed to help newly presbyopic patients adapt to multifocal contact lens wear and allow patients to enjoy clear vision as their presbyopia advances, making mediflex® max 1 day multifocal easy to fit, easy to establish and easy to optimise.1,2

LOW ADD.

MEDIUM ADD.

Aspheric centre-near design

HIGH ADD.

Aspheric centre-near design

Spherical centre-near design, with dual intermediate zones

Near power

Near power

Near power

Distance power

Distance power

Distance power

For illustrative purposes only.

Delivers unsurpassed vision at all distances versus other leading one-day multifocal contact lenses.1,2 Easy and successful fitting1,2 supported by the fitting guide/OptiExpert™ for 98% successful fit with two pairs of lenses or fewer.1,2 Patient loyalty builds practice success mediflex max 1 day multifocal is the House Brand version of MyDay® daily disposable multifocal, part of the mediflex® family exclusive to NEG member at no extra cost. ®

Contact your CooperVision Business Development Manager today.

Vision Now December 2021 19

NEW

NEW MONTHLY SOFT CONTACT LENSES FROM MARK’ENNOVY, POWERED BY TECHNOLOGY OF BRIEN HOLDEN VISION INSTITUTE mark’ennovy brings its unique manufacturing capabilities for producing individually crafted monthly disposable contact lenses targeted to the uniqueness of each eye while the Brien Holden Vision Institute contributes to the innovation with a state-of-the-art patented technology: its extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF) designs for Myopia and Presbyopia.

MATERIAL WATER CONTENT DK DK/T

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CONTACT YOUR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER FOR DETAILS Customer Care: T. 0800 328 0610 F. 0800 328 0649 International Customer Care: T. +34 916 496 123 mkservices@markennovy.com

20 Vision Now December 2021

ALSO AVAILABLE:

WITH EDOF TECHNOLOGY POWER PROFILE FOR 1.50 ADDITION

PRODUCT PROFILE

EDOF: a new lens for presbyopia Presbyopia has been a current topic for years among eyecare academics, practitioners and contact lens manufacturers alike. Why? Studies estimate that 1.8 billion people worldwide will be presbyopic by 20501.

But there are already about 340 million people over the age of 45 in need of some degree of correction for near vision in Europe alone1. However, as we all know and experience, instead of increasing sales, we tend to lose our patients when presbyopia comes.

For most eyecare professionals, the problems associated with multifocal contact lenses are obvious: reduced contrast sensitivity, undesirable ghosting and diminished low contrast visual acuity2.

Those issues are related to the centration, design and near add power of the contact lens – as well as to the patient’s spherical aberrations and pupil size2 (Figure 1).

Even identifying all of this, we cannot stop dissatisfied patients from dropping out of the category. The limited choice of options with ‘off the shelf lenses’ means that we have limited options to modify the lens after we have chosen to fit it.

At Mark’ennovy we have always believed that not every patient will be successful with mass produced lenses, even if they have a relatively straightforward correction. In our pursuit of excellence, we have teamed up with the Brien Holden Vision Institute (BHVI) to bring to market a new soft contact lens design specifically for presbyopia. This exciting technology is now available in the UK.

BESPOKE BENEFITS FOR PATIENTS EDOF is an individually crafted, monthly replacement, soft silicone hydrogel contact lens in Mark'ennovy's signature range of diameters and base curves. EDOF is powered by the BHVI’s patented extended depth of focus technology. Thanks to the optimisation of higher order aberrations, and having considered different pupil sizes and decentrations, EDOF provides clear vision at all distances, minimising unwelcome visual compromises like

Figure 1 Factors affecting multifocal contact lenses performance

Figure 2 Fictitious 2D and optical design for an EDOF contact lens for presbyopia

ghosting and haloes. This supports a comfortable adjustment to the lens, enhancing the overall wearing experience.

The significant benefits of EDOF include:  A fast and seamless transition between distances  E DOF lenses were designed using deliberate manipulation of higher order aberrations to provide good vision at all viewing distances  Removes soft focus  T his optical design in conjunction with the optics of wearer’s eye provides an image on the retina of the corrected eye that remains above an acceptable retinal image quality threshold  Minimises haloes and ghosting  It is different in the way it has been calculated and optimised to make the performance stable over pupil changes, insensitive to centration, and independent of inherent ocular aberrations

 Effective in all lighting conditions  The optical power is distributed across the optical zone in such a way that it offers an extended depth of focus effect (Figure 2). This results in better visual perception for the patient in general So, why settle for ‘functional’ vision when patients can enjoy EDOF?

REFERENCES 1. Holden et al. Global vision impairment due to uncorrected presbyopia. American Journal of Ophthalmology 2008;126(12):1731-1739.

2. Bakaraj, RC et al. 2018. Extended depth of focus contact lenses vs. two commercial multifocals: Part 2. Visual performance after one week of lens wear.

Journal of Optometry 2018;11(1):21-32.

NEG members interested in learning more about EDOF can contact their business development manager or our customer care team on 0800 328 0610. Alternatively, email mkservices@markennovy.com

Article supplied by Mark'ennovy UK. Vision Now December 2021 21

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Taking the lead All businesses should have a planned process of learning and personal growth, writes Nick Walsh When it comes to the day-to-day running of the business, do you as the business owner have time to carry out all the tasks you need to? It’s likely that the answer is no. This is just one reason to expand your practice leadership team to include a manager, and/ or to improve and extend the skills of the current manager. Whilst many management and leadership skills are acquired by 'doing the job', it is highly important that practice managers have a planned process of learning and personal growth.

Formal training and qualifications prepare the individual to perform their current role better and readies them for more responsibility in the future. Learning programmes, such as the Association of British Dispensing Opticians' (ABDO) Management and Leadership Training (MLT) courses, provide new tools and theories that can be applied on the job to improve performance levels across the board.

This enables changes in knowledge and in the learner’s behaviour in the workplace; they will want to try new ideas and do things differently if they can see opportunities for improvements.

BROADENING OUTLOOKS The aim of formal learning and self-development is to help broaden the outlook of the individual, make them more resilient, more able to develop others and see the differences they are making. As someone who has a line of sight on all areas of the business, a manager will be able to act to improve morale, knowledge, cross-team working and business productivity.

Essentially, the manager will guide the growth and success of the business through their new skills and behaviours – helping the business to achieve its objectives. By enabling your manager to develop and grow, they will feel more valued and, in turn, add more value to your business. Being an employer who facilitates formal development and qualifications will help you to attract and retain skilled individuals to your team.

ABDO offers Level 5 courses in Management and Leadership accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), which also asseses and awards the qualification. The courses turn informal learning into a recognised qualification through online study and assessment, with a highly-recognised CMI qualification.

Whilst studying, students benefit from CMI membership and access to support and materials including online portal, ManagementDirect. The training is 100 per cent online, removing the need for time away from the business to complete study.

Online learning is backed up with support from tutors who are available for queries and guidance, and qualifications can be completed at either a diploma or certificate level.

ONLINE STUDY OPTIONS The diploma offers learning carried out over 10 months (approximately 12-15 hours per week) and consists of seven

22 Vision Now December 2021

ABDO MLT training is 100 per cent online units that must be completed: 1) Developing, managing and leading individuals and teams to achieve success; 2) Managing performance; 3) Managing the customer experience; 4) Principles of developing a skilled and talented workforce; 5) Managing quality and continuous improvement; 6) Principles of delivering coaching and mentoring; and 7) Managing finance.

For the certificate, students may choose one of three options, each requiring the completion of three units. Learning is carried out over three months (again, approximately 12-15 hours per week). The courses and units are: 1) Management essentials (developing, managing and leading individuals and teams to achieve success; managing performance; managing the customer experience); 2) Continuing improvement (principles of developing a skilled and talented workforce; managing quality and continuous improvement; principles of delivering coaching and mentoring); and 3) Growing leader (managing conflict; managing finance; managing change).

In summary, businesses that are serious about sustainable growth should invest in management training, just as they would invest in any other vital role or part of their business. Whether your employees are existing managers or aspiring to a role in management, make sure that they have a specific skill set, a good range of knowledge, understand and demonstrate appropriate behaviours, and can inspire others to achieve their goals.

To find out more about ABDO's MLT courses and to apply, go to www.abdo.org.uk/mlt. There are discounted prices for ABDO members and payments can be made in instalments.

Nick Walsh FBDO is head of corporate development at ABDO.

PA R T N E R P R O F I L E

Discover Menicon Bloom The comprehensive treatment plan for myopia control Why we developed Menicon BloomTM The prevalence of myopia has increased in recent decades to affect approximately 30% of the world’s population and it is estimated to significantly increase to affect about 50% of the world’s population by 2050.1 Concerned with the growing incidence of myopia and its health consequences worldwide, Menicon Co., Ltd. has dedicated significant resources to develop Menicon Bloom™ Myopia Control Management System, a holistic approach for myopia control management.

What is Menicon BloomTM Menicon Bloom offers a range of approved products that help reduce the progression of myopia while correcting vision either during the day or during the night. To ensure that only the products meeting the highest standards of safety and efficacy are used in these young patients, Menicon has decided that only lens products specifically approved for Myopia Control beyond only myopia correction would be included in the Menicon Bloom portfolio.

Menicon Bloom includes new monitoring tools to help ensure patients are compliant with their treatment and to help you track the treatment progress. This is done through our new, unique Menicon Bloom App and Menicon Bloom Easyfit software that empower you to successfully offer Menicon Bloom in your practice.

The Menicon Bloom system includes recommended treatment plans and protocols to help guide you on how to care for your myopia control patients. These include recommended follow up schedules with lists of recommended tests to conduct, informed consent documents and e-learning modules to ensure a complete understanding of how to effectively use all the tools within the Menicon Bloom system.

1.

Holden BA, Fricke TR, Wilson DA, et al. Global prevalence of myopia and high myopia and temporal

Menicon BloomTM Night and Menicon BloomTM Day The Menicon Bloom treatment includes two types of contact lenses to offer to your patients: Menicon BloomTM Night and Menicon BloomTM Day Our Menicon Bloom NightTM is the first orthokeratology lens in the world granted CE approval specifically for a Myopia Control indication. This approval is essential: it allows you to offer a product that is proven safe and effective in controlling myopia progression.

Our soft contact lens Menicon BloomTM Day is another key option within the Menicon Bloom Myopia Control Management System. It is a daily disposable hydrogel lens that utilizes a unique extended depth of focus optical design to achieve its myopia controlling effects.

Contact Menicon If you are interested in offering our comprehensive treatment plan for myopia control in your practice please contact your Menicon sales representative to find out how to become a certified Menicon BloomTM specialist today.

Menicon Limited 1 Gatelodge Close, Round Spinney Industrial Estate, Northampton NN3 8RJ

trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology 2016;123(5):1036-42.

www.menicon.co.uk Vision Now December 2021 23

Introducing the Visionary Alliance.

Every day, independent Eye Care Professionals around the world work to give people the gift of sight and build successful businesses. HOYA sees the world through your eyes. As your business partner and ally, we are dedicated to your success and supporting your business growth.

We listen. Our latest research has highlighted a number of opportunities…

-

Opticians want a business relationship with suppliers, more than that of just lenses supplied on time, and both communication and trust are critical to building and maintaining this.

A relationship means they want to share their views, needs and expectations, not only their problems or to be contacted for new products alone. Opticians desire a close business partnership, to help inform product ranges and optimisations as well as offering business support for accelerated growth.

-

In summary of our research, the key is talking to our partners and understanding their specific requirements, making a plan tailored to their needs.

At HOYA we are dedicated to being the business partner of choice for independent ECPs. I am convinced that our Visionary Alliance program will provide an unparalleled level of support for independent ECPs to grow their business.

Martin Batho Managing Director, HOYA Lens UK 24 Vision Now December 2021

Our partnership program is built around the qualities that make you a visionary:

can rely on

training &

education

X Together.

Stronger.

World-class services you

Services & tools

can believe in

for business

for ols y & To licit cy p n sim ficie ef

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Bu s for ines ac s s u c gr eler ppo ow at r th ed t

support,

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-

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uc yo er on rtn pa rely

-

Visionaries care deeply about the people and world around them and use their expertise to make things better.

Visionaries are incredibly knowledgeable. They are trusted experts and their wisdom is invaluable.

Visionaries think about the future. They plan for the long-term and seek out new innovations and technologies.

A

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Innovative products Innovative you can trust products you can trust

growth

Rewards & incentives Loyalty offers, rewards & incentives

The Visionary Alliance is…

-

A ‘visionary community’ for HOYA customers around the world.

A place for independent Eye Care Professionals to feel connected, be part of a network of knowledge and access tools, advice and support.

A program to strengthen your independence and to support you to run your business your way.

A platform to access industry leading suppliers to help grow your business.

Here are a selection of suppliers that we have teamed up with to help your business grow...

For digital marketing

For audiology services

For patient communication systems

For practice growth

For locum resourcing

For exclusive equipment deals

The Visionary Alliance is constantly evolving and there are many more partners to help support you.

Your patients. Your brand. HOYA’s support.

Let’s grow together.

Visit our practice and ask a member of the team for

For more information scan the QR code or visit more information, or register your interest here. www.hoyavision.com/uk/visionary-alliance or contact your Business Development Manager.

Visionary Alliance is a registered trademark of HOYA Corporation. © 2021 HOYA Corporation. All rights reserved.

Scan QR code

Vision Now December 2021 25

B U S I N E S S M AT T E R S

Let it go...

Know when you’re done

Dominic Watson on why learning to let go is essential to achieving your goals It is a surreal experience seeing thousands of hours of inspiration and perspiration laid out in front of you for the first time. A tangible, physical representation of hopes, dreams and aspiration. The product of hundreds of taxing early mornings and blurryeyed late nights laid out chapter by chapter across the editor’s desk. It is a firm reminder that setting yourself a big aspirational goal, like writing your first book, or starting, buying or growing your own optical practice, carries a big personal cost – especially when it is something that you are truly passionate about.

Ultimately, for me, it proved to be a testing but highly rewarding and enriching experience. It also highlighted a little talked about but crucial aspect of goal setting and project management: the ability to let go. On face value, the concept that letting go is an essential part of successful project or goal accomplishment is somewhat counter intuitive. Most people assume that you just have to keep battering away at the task until it is done.

For certain simple goals, this may be the case, but for more complex multi-stage tasks, learning to let go is an essential skill to master as part of the changemanagement process.

KILLING YOUR DARLINGS There are two aspects to letting go. The first is knowing when to ditch an idea or theme, a process William Faulkner famously termed, 'killing your darlings'.

26 Vision Now December 2021

Enlist trusted help to see the wood for the trees

During the editing process of my book, it took real guts to admit which sections of the manuscript worked well and which were superfluous or distracting from the core message. It was tough coming to terms with the fact that by the end of the editing session, hundreds of hours of work had been completely cut out of the book.

For an optical practice owner, it may be letting go of an unprofitable product or service, or changing an ingrained habit or culture amongst your whole team that is no longer serving you well.

The second is knowing when you are done and when it is time to let go, when the project is complete. When people are particularly passionate about an undertaking, it can be difficult to finally know when to let it go. There can be a desire to continually research and refine.

The danger of letting yourself do this is two-fold: 1) you risk missing out on the optimal timing for your launch; and 2) in

a fast-changing world, your project can quickly become less relevant if you don’t launch and commit fast enough.

In some cases, this can mean that people ultimately fail to launch at all. There may never quite be the perfect moment to implement Eyeplan, launch a dry eye clinic, or acquire that extra branch via Myers La Roche, but getting the timing 80 per cent right surely has to be better than not doing it at all? The other major danger is over-working or over-engineering in a desire for perfection. Sometimes less is more. This is a trait that many artists know too well – from rock stars to painters to authors – whose desire to perfect their creation can ultimately spoil something that at one stage may have been a masterpiece.

In optics, this often manifests itself in a practice owner failing to change their mindset from being a one man band responsible

B U S I N E S S M AT T E R S for all aspects of their business, to learning to manage a team within a growing business and mastering the skill set of delegating, outsourcing and automating relevant functions. As the business grows, the skill set of the owner has to grow to become a leader and this involves learning to let go of certain functions and to empower others to do them.

So what can we learn from all of this?

Being truly objective with our own personal and business projects is difficult, especially when it involves undertakings that we are passionate about and where we have invested significant emotional energy. Whether you are writing a book, starting or growing an optical business, seeking to change a career or lifestyle, or looking to devise a practice exit strategy, having someone you can trust to help you see the wood for the trees, the good from the bad and to tell you when to stop and when to go or let go is a key component.

Dominic editing his book with help from his editor, Taryn Johnson

their role and their skill set, making their working lives more interesting and fulfilling with the positive side effect of improving staff retention. If you are ambitious, you will inevitably reach stages in your career where the business needs cannot be met either by yourself or by successfully delegating internally.

ART OF SUCCESSFUL DELEGATION When it comes to running your business, it can be hard to see the proverbial ‘wood for the trees’ and where learning to let go in the form of successful delegation really does come into its own to allow you to focus on your true skill set and regain a semblance of work/life balance. It is rare, even in £1m+ turnover independent practices, to find an owner who isn’t performing a range of functions, in addition to their ‘day job’, be it sorting the IT, resolving staff issues or managing payroll.

It takes courage to step back and break down all the elements of your current role and determine: a) why you do them; and b) why it is absolutely necessary that it is you who performs that particular task. There will always be tasks which are essential to your overall control which can’t be delegated but for most others, if you are honest with yourself and are prepared to let go of your ego, it will be entirely possible for you to allocate most tasks to a staff member or to outsource to a third party.

When trying to let go, honesty with yourself is needed as you determine: what do I do now?; why do I do it?; should I keep doing it and why?; who, either inside or outside my team, could do it instead?

Trust and empowerment are essential elements for delegation to be truly effective. You will need to identify staff or suppliers who have the skills or ability to learn the task. Open communication

Dominic’s book about retirement planning

is needed to make sure that there is absolute clarity between both parties on the requirements of the task, the range of possible acceptable outcomes and progress.

Daily team five-minute ‘huddles’ are ideal for identifying where a task is not going to plan, or for bigger projects to be either delegated internally or to a third party.

Pre-planned weekly or monthly catch-ups are preferable. Where tasks aren’t going to plan, then consider if your instructions have been clear or whether more training would be beneficial. Don’t revert to old ways unless you are totally sure that you have exhausted all routes to achieve the right result.

TAKING THE NEXT STEP It is all too easy to think that by doing everything yourself, you not only maintain control but save time by not having to specify work to a third party or train your team. Ultimately though, effective delegation will enable you to free yourself up to do other things, either inside or outside your business such as improving your home life or your golf handicap, or embarking on a different strand towards business growth.

Where you have successfully delegated tasks within your business, your team will benefit from the opportunity to expand

Growth through acquisition or strategically planning your exit from the business are two such events where you will need to draw on external support. But who can you trust and what should you look for in an adviser? Your choice of adviser can make or break your project and, ultimately, your business.

When you have spent significant time creating, designing or building something, it takes real tact from a third party to steer you in the right direction and to get yourself over the line with just your best material or ideas. Emotional intelligence, personal chemistry and empathy, and belief in your project are therefore equally as important as technical skills and experience.

When you are ready for that next step in your practice journey, be it practice growth, acquisition, exit planning or selling, the team at Myers La Roche will be delighted to help.

Dominic Watson is a director of Myers La Roche and a specialist in optical practice growth strategies, exit planning and practice sales. His book, Rock Star Retirement Programme: How to Retire Like A Rock Star, is available via Amazon. An audio version, read by the award-winning actor and narrator Michael Maloney, can be found at www.audible.co.uk Vision Now December 2021 27

S T Y L E S P OT L I G H T

New looks for the New Year ahead

By Joan Grady The long and continuing period of pandemic ambiguity has created enormous challenges for business executives, marketing planners and risk-management decision makers.

For the optical sector, designers and opticians have generally weathered the pandemic tsunami and its relentless uncertainty, and their outlook is decidedly optimistic.

In countries where practices were closed only for short periods, or able to remain open, customers sincerely appreciated the opportunity to shop and discover new frames and acquire new lenses.

From the shows that were able to take place this autumn, the variety of enticing eyewear to tempt optical clients was indeed promising. Expressive, creative and colourful eyewear characterises innovative thinking from international eyewear designers and companies.

Opticians and their clients welcome the prodigious variety of brilliant materials, exquisite colours, exceptional technical elements and the multitude of amazing options and opportunities available to them.

SLEEK, SLIM AND SMOOTH An ongoing theme in eyewear is simplicity in design, with streamlined geometric forms and elegantly uncluttered monochromatic tones. Minimalism with pure, graphic compositions is the crux of multiple collections. Götti Switzerland effectively portrays this message with a highly polished titanium and polyamide design in Ashley, beautifully crafted with finely engraved lines on the top of the frame. Traditional craftsmanship and inspirational 3D print technology enhance its character. Colour selections are sophisticated in nuanced tones of Moss Green/Gold, Slate/Gold, Ruby/Gold, Denim, and Stone/Silver.

Elegance, sustainability, functionality and beauty symbolise Danish design.

For Birgitte Falvin at Falvin Eyewear in Copenhagen, nature and architecture

28 Vision Now December 2021

Uranus by Falvin Eyewear

Ashley by Götti Switzerland

also play a staring role in her luxurious titanium creations. Uranus is superbly slim, lightweight and compelling with a voluminous aviator shape and smart double bridge – a keynote for spectacles for 2022. Featured in Rose Gold, Uranus is also available in Matt Turquoise/Matt White Gold, and Matt Onyx/Matt Black Gold.

Susanne Klemm’s designs for Suzy Glam express luxurious simplicity with discreet details in contemporary silhouettes, and she designs bold statement eyewear for spectacle wearers who value beautiful, contemporary frames. Turtle matt acetate is articulated in Travels Lighter with graceful 3D shaping for an eloquent frame.

Travels Lighter by Suzy Glam

Substance for children by Rolf Spectacles

ENVIRONMENTAL HARMONY Eyewear is always evolving, particularly at this time when there is great emphasis on looking after the planet and developing greater sustainability in all aspects of life.

Innovative material developments enable designers to create unique spectacles with high-tech components, lovely colours yet lightweight and sturdy.

Rolf Spectacles, with its designs crafted in the Tyrol region of Austria, has launched Substance children's frames using a species from the Euphorbiaceae family that has been so successful in its adult designs. “We want to inspire the younger generation with the simplicity

S T Y L E S P OT L I G H T

Finn in Capri by Kirk & Kirk

and sustainability of our products,” said a company spokesman, “and with ambition and diligence, we want to fulfil our mission to produce honest and better eyewear.”

Holy Mackerel from Hemp Eyewear

The Substance children's frames are characterised by flexible, colourful, adjustable and easy-to-handle designs.

The patented flexlock hinge provides impeccable comfort, support and safety to ensure the highest standards necessary for quality children’s glasses.

Superfoods are an integral part of health and the wellbeing movement. Now these products – including beetroot, chlorophyll, tumeric and spirulina – are used in eyewear creations by the sustainable and unconventional Scottish brand, Hemp Eyewear. The company worked with scientists to source a blue spirulina that was strong enough to withstand the machining process.

The result is the charismatic Holy Mackerel range from the Superfoods series that includes Mariner, Starboard and Shipshape.

Sunfish by LA Eyeworks

The ‘sailor aesthetic’ of the collection is uniquely documented as the inside of the frames is decorated with white stripes and adorned with a small anchor design.

Land Rover, distributed by Eyespace Eyewear, is committed to sustainability and the new collection features a sleek design for men – Baldwin – composed of recycled stainless steel which is 100 per cent recyclable, lightweight, strong and corrosion resistant. The frame front is constructed from G850 Renew and represents Eyespace's debut use of this innovative material made from castor seed oil and certified as biodegradable. The round eye shape is particularly flattering for square faces, and available in fresh blue crystal, or clear crystal with metallic green temples.

CREATIVE COLOURS

Tamy by Tamy x Sol Sol Ito

Eyewear colours include a range of subdued yet sophisticated tones as well as high-spirited, glistening expressions.

In Switzerland, avant-garde and awardwinning Sol Sol Ito has teamed with Tamy Glauser, a well-known Swiss model, for its latest launch. Tamy has walked in fashion shows for Vivienne Westwood and Givenchy, and was involved in the creation of the frame that carries her name. Bold and strong, the luminous amber acetate design features a sleek frame front.

The variety of materials now possible to create eyewear is constantly expanding.

Kirk & Kirk creates creative wonders in acrylic, which is shatter resistant, lightweight and with an amazing colour potential. The latest addition to Kirk & Kirk’s collection is the commanding Finn in lustrous new shade Capri.

La Eyeworks is acclaimed for its edgy, chic and perhaps slightly mischievous eyewear creations. All of these traits are achieved in Sunfish, a whimsical shape with graphic wings in an arched silhouette. Sunfish in zingy Tee Shirt Tortoise complements eyebrows and cheekbones with graceful ease.

The diversity of eyewear designs reaffirms the status of spectacle frames as an authentic, stylish accessory that improves and supports better vision. On the horizon of a New Year, it’s an ideal moment for independent opticians to explore the numerous possibilities for expanding their customer base with frame selections that are innovative, expressive and superbly smart and stylish.

Land Rover model Baldwin from Eyespace

Vision Now December 2021 29

Preferred Suppliers’ directory Preferred Suppliers are suppliers who, by prior arrangement, offer members of the PK National Eyecare Group preferential terms.

For full details and terms offered to the membership, please call 01580 713698 Directory listings are available free of charge to all preferred suppliers, with a larger listing available to Vision Now Advertisers.

To make changes to the directory listings, please call Sally Spicer on 01580 713698 or email s.spicer@nationaleyecare.co.uk

ASSOCIATED OPTICAL

Tel: 01628 605433 Fax: 01628 665077 sales@assopt.co.uk www.associatedoptical.com

ATLANTIC OPTICAL UK LTD Tel: 02920 362 136 Fax: 02920 362 137 info@atlanticoptical.co.uk www.atlanticoptical.co.uk

BARCLAYCARD

Tel: 0800 056 5569

BAUSCH + LOMB

Tel: 020 8781 2900 www.bausch.co.uk

BIB OPHTHALMIC INSTRUMENTS

Tel: 01438 740823 sales@bibonline.co.uk www.bibonline.co.uk

BONDEYE OPTICAL

Tel: 0121 7723888 Fax: 0808 2801865 sales@bondeyeoptical.co.uk www.bondeyeoptical.co.uk

CENTROSTYLE

OPTICAL CENTRE SUPPLIES LTD Tel: 01923 239267 Fax: 01923 253951 sales@centrostyle.com www.centrostyle.com

CFH DOCMAIL

Tel: 07834 173 288 chris.burridge@cfh.com www.docmail.co.uk

CHARMANT UK CO LTD Tel: 020 8992 9222 Fax: 020 8896 0287 sales@charmant.co.uk www.charmant.co.uk

CONTINENTAL EYEWEAR

Tel: 0151 426 3907 Fax: 0151 426 9340 sales@continental-eyewear.co.uk www.continental-eyewear.com

When you prescribe contact lenses, you prescribe freedom.

We’re stepping up to do more, supporting you to Prescribe Freedom for more people than ever.

coopervision.co.uk

30 Vision Now December 2021

COOPERVISION

Tel: 0870 9000 055 www.coopervision.co.uk

DE RIGO UK LTD

Tel: 01923 249491 info.uk@derigo.com www.derigo.com www.derigo.com/eng

DUNELM OPTICAL

Tel: 01388 420420 Fax: 01388 810101 dunelm@dunelmoptical.co.uk www.dunelmoptical.co.uk

ESSILOR

Tel: 01454 281281 Fax: 01454 281282 www.essilor.co.uk

EYESPACE

Tel: 01527 870550 Fax: 01527 837012 info@eyespace-eyewear.co.uk www.eyespace-eyewear.co.uk

EYEWEAR DIRECT (EUROPE) LTD

Tel: 020 7193 3334 eyewear-direct.net

GO EYEWEAR UK LTD

Tel: 0800 9178270 www.goeyeweargroup.com

HEIDELBERG ENGINEERING

Tel: 01442 502 330 Fax: 01442 242 386 www.HeidelbergEngineering.co.uk

HILCO EUROPE

Tel: 0800 591150 info@hilco.co.uk www.hilcovision.co.uk

HOYA LENS UK

Tel: 0845 330 0984 Fax: 0845 330 0977 enquiries@hoya.co.uk orders@hoya.co.uk www.hoyavision.com/uk

01580 713698

ALCON UK

Tel: 0371 376 0017 Fax: 0871 351 1005 www.uk.alcon.com

MENICON UK LTD

Tel: 0121 585 6565 Fax: 0121 585 0954 www.internationaleyewear.co.uk

LENSTEC EYEWEAR

(FORMERLY DAVID THOMAS) Tel: 01604 646216 Fax: 01604 790366 enquiries@menicon.co.uk www.menicon.co.uk

MPG GmbH

Tel: 02920 857122 Fax: 02920 920480 sales@lensteceyewear.co.uk www.lensteceyewear.co.uk

Tel: 07583 076 132 andrew.davis@mpg-eyewear.com www.mpg-eyewear.com

LENSTEC OPTICAL

MID-OPTIC

Tel: 02920 883009 Fax: 02920 889798 LenstecCC@lenstec.co.uk www.lenstecopticalgroup.co.uk

Tel: 01332 295001 Fax: 01332 295158 orders@midoptic.com www.midoptic.com

LOUIS STONE OPTICAL LTD

No7 CONTACT LENSES

Tel: 029 2073 5293 Fax: 029 2073 1446 info@louisstone.co.uk www.louisstone.co.uk

LUNEAU TECHNOLOGY UK/IRELAND – VISIONIX Tel: 07383 555659 infouk@luneautech.com www.luneautech.co.uk

Tel: 01424 850620 Fax: 01424 850650 info@no7contactlenses.com www.no7contactlenses.com

OPTINET LTD

Tel: 0845 313 0233 sales@optinetuk.com www.optinetuk.com

PERFORMANCE FINANCE

Tel: 0808 165 8555 www.luxottica.com

Tel: 01536 529696 Fax: 01536 310033 www.performancefinance.co.uk

MARCHON

POSITIVE IMPACT

LUXOTTICA (UK) LTD

Tel: 0800 72 2020 csuk@marchon.com

MARK’ENNOVY

Tel: 0800 3280610 Fax: 0800 3280649 mkservices@markennovy.com www.markennovy.com

Tel: 08446 696907 sales@positiveimpact.co.uk www.positiveimpact.co.uk

PRACTICE BUILDING

Tel: 0115 989 9772 andy@practicebuilding.co.uk www.practicebuilding.co.uk

PRO-OPTIC

Tel: 01884 266130

sales@pro-optic.com www.pro-optic.co.uk

RAWDON OPTICAL

Fax: 01279 658308 TantCC@tantlabs.com www.lenstecopticalgroup.co.uk

Tel: 01132 883094 Fax: 01132 883095 RawdonCC@rawdonoptical.co.uk www.lenstecopticalgroup.co.uk

THE NORVILLE GROUP LTD

RETAIL EXPERIENCE DESIGN (RED)

THEA PHARMACEUTICALS

RODENSTOCK

Tel: 01474 325555 sales@rodenstock.co.uk www.rodenstock.co.uk

Tel: 01525 381112 Fax: 01525 370091 info@ultravision.co.uk www.ultravision.co.uk

SEIKO OPTICAL UK

XACT

Tel: 01452 510321 sales@norville.co.uk www.norville.co.uk

Tel: 0845 521 1290 Fax: 01782 717 944 Tel: 024 7601 0103 dean@retailexperiencedesign.co.uk www.thea-pharmaceuticals.co.uk www.retailexperiencedesign.co.uk

Tel: 01452 610033 Fax: 01452 638250 orders@seiko-optical.co.uk info@seiko-optical.co.uk www.seiko-optical.co.uk

ULTRAVISION

Tel: 01698 574 655 IMcGleish@xact.uk.com www.xact.uk.com

SILHOUETTE UK LTD

Tel: 020 8987 8899 Fax: 020 8987 2430 office@uk.silhouette.com www.silhouette.com

SPEC-CARE LTD

Tel: 01392 460806 info@speccareservices.co.uk www.speccareservices.co.uk

STEPPER UK

Tel: 01732 375975 sales@stepper.co.uk www.steppereyewear.com

TANT LABORATORIES Tel: 01279 653785

www.nationaleyecare.co.uk

Suppliers’ directory

INTERNATIONAL EYEWEAR LTD

SUPPLIER – OPTICIAN – PATIENT

OUR PARTNERSHIP

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT SIMPLIFIED

T: 01132 883094 E: RawdonCC@rawdonoptical.co.uk

T: 02920 883 009 E: LenstecCC@lenstec.co.uk

T: 01279 653785 E: TantCC@tantlabs.com

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0845 313 0233 T: 02920 857 122 E: Eyewear@lenstec.co.uk

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Stepper (UK) Limited 11 Tannery Road Tonbridge Kent TN9 1RF 01732 375975

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Vision Now December 2021 31

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