Lenstec Rawdon site to close

Eyespace has launched 12 new ultrapremium Range Rover optical frames, aligning with a brand extension of the Range Rover sunwear collection. Developed in collaboration with Range Rover’s design team, the new ophthalmic styles pair Japanese beta titanium with the finest Mazzucchelli acetate. The styles feature subtle, laser-etched temple branding, while the Range Rover logo is tastefully inlaid within the outer tips.

Range Rover hero piece: RR30090 (C2)

Hero piece RR3009M (pictured) features an inline glazing system and a beta titanium construction offering natural flex for a lightweight and comfortable wearer experience. The 2022 Range Rover sunwear collection offers six designer pieces, also formed of luxurious and super-lightweight Japanese beta titanium. Premium Mazzucchelli acetate tips feature inlaid logo plaques while the temples benefit from subtle laser-etched Range Rover branding. All sunwear models are fitted with PC polarised lenses and are suitable for glazing.

Minu Amrin has joined Heidelberg Engineering as clinical application specialist for the south of the UK. Minu, who trained at Moorfields Eye Hospital and has two years’ experience as an ophthalmic science associate practitioner, will support the Heidelberg Academy team in providing training to eyecare professionals on the company’s product portfolio.

Minu, who has a degree in medicine from the University of Southampton, said: “Having worked in the healthcare sector for several years, I’ve enjoyed working with an array of multidisciplinary teams. I intend to bring the same level of hard work, team spirit, and ambitious ethos to this role.”

Minu replaces the role of Ken Binns, who will continue his career with Heidelberg Engineering Australia. Visit the Heidelberg Academy online at www.he-academy.com

Lenstec Optical Group, which forms part of the Essilor Group, is to close its site in Rawdon, Leeds. Nigel Castle, Lenstec managing director, cited increased online activity amongst consumers and a decline in the market share of independents in recent years as contributing to the decision. He said: “Many household names have disappeared from the High Street in recent periods as more and more consumer activity is conducted online. Similarly, we have seen independent opticians’ market share decline due to economic downturn, increased competition, consolidation and pressure from online retailers. Therefore, given the independent optician is a core focus and currently served from multiple sites, we have proposed to simplify our footprint to better meet their needs.”

Nigel continued: “This has left us with no alternative but to consider closing the Rawdon site in Leeds this year, which could see around 21 positions put at risk of redundancy. Full support will be given to staff throughout the consultation period, including the application process for other job opportunities within other Lenstec Group locations, as a result of these proposed changes, and our commitment to our independent High Street eyecare practitioners remains as strong as ever with continued investment at larger group sites. We are communicating our proposals to restructure with our independent customers base and will consult fully on any changes that may affect them.”

The Optical Suppliers Association (OSA) Sustainability Committee has published a new Sustainability Glossary resource for the sector at www.osa-uk.co.uk/ sustainable-choices. The glossary covers sustainability general terms, items that apply specifically to optics, and links to other resources, websites and current standards. Jayne Abel, chair of the OSA Sustainability Committee, said: “This new resource is the result of many months of research and editing, and to the best of our knowledge it’s the first of its kind in the optical industry. We hope all OSA members and our other stakeholders find it useful and enlightening, both in clinical practice and throughout the optical supply chain.”

Green glossary resource launched

Since it was created in 2021, the committee has been looking at ways to help members – and UK optics as a whole – to understand and reduce the environmental impacts in optical manufacturing. The glossary is the first resource from the committee, with more promised. Its next meeting will take place in the early spring and members are encouraged to engage with, and support the work of, the committee. Any comments or questions on any aspect of sustainability can be emailed to info@osa-uk.co.uk