Tackling racism in optics

Association of Optometrists

100% Respect campaign launched

A new campaign from the Association of Optometrists (AOP) aims to tackle racism and discrimination in optics, as it’s revealed one in four optometrists have experienced or witnessed abuse in the last two years. The figure comes from the largest sector survey of its type focused on equality, diversity and inclusion, to which 1,105 AOP members responded. The organisation’s 100% Respect campaign encourages every member of the practice team to unite in support of a pledge to tackle discrimination and take action to create inclusive workplaces. Find more information and resources for getting involved at www.aop.org.uk/respect

NIHR

Eye experts across the UK are calling for input into a new survey designed to refresh the James Lind Alliance Sight Loss and Vision research priorities that were first published in 2013. Following a review of the existing eye research priorities by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Ophthalmology Specialty Group and the UK Clinical Eye Research Strategy earlier this year, a survey has been developed to help fine tune which of the 98 potential research questions should be taken forward as part of the refresh.

Professor Rupert Bourne, NIHR national specialty lead for ophthalmology, said: “It’s almost 10 years since the UK last published its eye research priorities and progress has been made in learning more about each of those 12 key areas that were set at the time. This survey is designed to help us assess whether these are still the right priorities for us to be focusing our attention on, and to delve deeper into some of those, or whether there are new areas of eye research that we now need to make a priority.”

The Eye Research Priority survey is open to all eye healthcare professionals and researchers as well as patients, carers and members of the public – and will be open until 9 August. The survey feedback will inform the final Top 10 updated priorities across different eye sub-specialties.

Professor Rupert Bourne

Optical Suppliers Association

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) for diagnostic technologies were an inspiration for optometrists at 100% Optical, said the Optical Suppliers Association (OSA). Andy Hepworth, chair of OSA, said the two-year gap in trade shows highlighted the significant advances that had been made and were truly inspiring. “Clinical technology has not stood still for Covid and 100% Optical was a superb opportunity to see the great enhancements to eye health,” Andy said.

“The diagnosis and care of patients with macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy was of key interest for many delegates. The future of AI in glaucoma diagnosis was also a talking point amongst

Book now for workshop sessions British Contact Lens Association

There’s still time to join the British Contact Lens Association’s (BCLA) hybrid conference taking place online and at the Vox in Birmingham on 11 and 12 June. The BCLA Focus event is open to both BCLA members and non-members alike, and will feature a live lecture stream and workshop sessions along with an exhibition. A highlight session will be presented by Professor James Wolffsohn and Professor Lyndon Jones, looking at what we have learned over the last 10 years that has changed clinical practice.

A session presented by Karen Walsh, David Webley and Krupa Patel, and sponsored by CooperVision, will explore what drives long-term satisfaction, what healthy lens wear entails, and how to maximise comfort and vision across a lifetime of wear. Other highlights include a scleral lens ‘super-session’, with Shreeti Lakhani, Sophie Taylor-West, Karen DeLoss and Patrick Caroline, discussing their unique experiences and viewpoints of incorporating scleral lenses into their practices. For more details and to book, visit www.bcla.org.uk

OSA chair, Dr Andy Hepworth OSA members at the show.” The OSA keynote speaker at 100% was Moorfields director, Peter Thomas, who spoke on, “Transforming healthcare with AI”. As Moorfields’ chief clinical information officer, he provided insights into how Moorfields is using technology – from in-practice to at home with smartphone apps.