New workforce survey

Expanding the myopia management category

EssilorLuxottica and the CooperCompanies have finalised their joint venture agreement for SightGlass Vision. The collaboration accelerates the commercialisation of novel spectacle lens technologies to expand the myopia management category. SightGlass Vision’s Diffusion Optics Technology (DOT) incorporates thousands of microdots into the lens that softly scatter light to reduce contrast on the retina, which is intended to reduce myopia progression in children. “As a global leader with a 30-year track record in myopia research, we have been developing the myopia management category for more than a decade,” said Norbert Gorny, co-chief operating officer at EssilorLuxottica. “As such, we are thrilled to see our joint venture with CooperCompanies come to life as SightGlass Vision begins to operate and the first products start to reach the market.”

Dan McBride, chief operating officer and general counsel at the CooperCompanies, commented: “We are excited to begin this joint venture with EssilorLuxottica to grow the overall myopia management category. Adding spectacle lenses with SightGlass Vision technology to our portfolio of myopia management products translates into better eyesight and brighter lives for countless children. SightGlass Vision’s commitment to clinically based performance fits well with CooperVision, which has conducted the world’s longest-running myopia management clinical study and is committed to establishing myopia management as a standard of care for affected children.”

The product is due to launch in the UK this summer.

French elegance with Elle

Several inspirations drive the look of the latest Elle sunglasses from Charmant. Firstly, the elegance of braids: romantic twists and turns are reflected in temples and fronts. Secondly, gracefully repeating folds of parallel French plissé or pleats are reproduced in metal details on frame fronts. The new Elle styles are infused with modern tones, from flavoursome hazelnut, raspberry and blackberry blue to icy pastels.

Our photograph shows model EL14927 –light and feminine butterfly-shaped sunglasses. The simple metallic profile is available in rose gold with strong red, as well as contemporary colour combinations: gold with dark brown or rose gold with grey. Elegant simplicity is offset by hand painted touches of colour and an eyecatching twisted metal detail on the frame front and temples.

Registrants have until 19 April to respond to the General Optical Council’s (GOC) Registrant Workforce and Perceptions Survey via its website. The survey is open to optometrists, dispensing opticians and students and this year, the GOC plans to collect more workforce data on the challenges and opportunities faced in daily clinical roles, including job satisfaction levels, potential pressures at work, and career development plans. There will also be an opportunity to give feedback on how well the GOC is performing as a regulator and its new CPD scheme.

Marcus Dye, GOC acting director of regulatory strategy, said: “Last year’s

Closing date is 19 April

survey findings were useful in helping us to better understand how registrants feel about their job and career. We found that dispensing opticians [60 per cent] were slightly more satisfied with their job compared to optometrists [57 per cent], and a larger proportion of optometrists [45 per cent] said that they planned to gain additional qualifications compared to dispensing opticians [33 per cent].

“This year’s survey will help us to assess whether job satisfaction levels and career aspirations have changed. It will also provide vital data for optical sector bodies for purposes such as future workforce planning... We want to ensure that the report is representative of optometrists and dispensing opticians across the whole of the UK and so I encourage all student and fully qualified registrants to take part so we can hear about your views and experiences,” Marcus added. Those who take part in the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 online gift card.

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