Vision Now May 2022 by Vision Now

May 2022

Vision Now May 2022 1

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Inside

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.

Edito r: Nicky Collinson BA (Hons) nicola.collinson@nationaleyecare.co.uk Fashion Editor: Joan Grady jgparischats@wanadoo.fr Business Editor: Philip Mullins FBDO p.mullins@nationaleyecare.co.uk Art Editor: Stacey Potter BA (Hons) spottcreative.co.uk

Publisher: Michael C Wheeler FCOptom DipCLP FSMC FAA0

Schools eye health scheme

Editor’s comment

Colourful new cases

This month sees the launch of NEG’s new service: MyOptim8.

New eco eyewear

NEWS

esigned to “take the work out of paperwork”, MyOptim8 collates a range of existing member support packages into one streamlined service: from accounting, to purchasing, to HR and financial services. The hub of MyOptim8 is Optinet Flex, which processes all practice financial transactions into Xero accounting. Turn to page 15, where Phil Mullins outlines the service in greater detail and how it will benefit you in everyday practice.

11 Myopia lens study results 13 Instruments catalogue out

FEATURES 17 NEG exhibition preview It’s showtime... 26 Product profile Théa EyeBag: Comfort in the bag 28 Company profile De Rigo: Sharing the vision 30 Talking heads Positive Impact: Making an impact

REGULARS 13 An independent view 15 Developing thoughts 32 Style spotlight 34 Suppliers’ directory

After several false dawns, next month sees the return of the NEG Building for Success conference at the Staverton Park Hotel near Daventry (19-20 June). True to form, there will be a busy exhibition of NEG preferred suppliers – all very much looking forward to meeting with members – and non-members too – to share their latest product updates, launches, services and support tools. We have dedicated five pages this month so exhibitors can share a little taster of what they will be up to at the conference. In our first product profile this month, consultant ophthalmologist Professor Teifi James explains the background to his EyeBag invention – now available from Théa. This is followed by a delve into the brands and vision of De Rigo, a family-owned business with a rich and fascinating history. We also have a chat with Nick Atkins and Maxine Green of Positive Impact about the company’s evolution and how its approach to product distribution and sales makes it rather unique. Finally, one last call to book your place – and accommodation – for the NEG conference at www.negconference.co.uk

Nicky Collinson Editor

www.nationaleyecare.co.uk 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

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 © 2022 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 May 2022 3

News

Want to feature in VN?

Email the editor at: nicola.collinson@nationaleyecare.co.uk

@PK_NEG @national-eyecare-group www.nationaleyecare.co.uk

Making a Stepper statement

Stepper Stepper UK’s new STS-40212 frame (pictured second from right) was created via a range of technologies and innovations including injection moulding, intense metal pressing, multiple electroplating processes and skilled hand assembly.

“Sophisticated looks that echo the current trend for layered materials give added 3D perspective and texture interest – where shape and substance replace pattern for visual interest,” said Peter Reeve, Stepper UK managing director. The frame’s TX5 rims are constructed

using two separate moulds to create independent eye shapes, held in place around a stainless steel framework. The colour combinations available are matt rose/gold, matt blue/gunmetal, and matt lime/gunmetal. “A refined and truly special piece of fashion eyewear,” Peter added.

Hoya Lens UK Hoya has launched a new resource to help eyecare professionals engage with key stage two children about eye health. The ‘Eye care we care’ scheme will provide accredited eyecare practitioners with a short interactive presentation, guidance and tips on how to approach schools, and additional learning materials. As part of the scheme, Hoya has partnered with Jean Kelly, optometrist and owner of Eglinton Eyecare, Northern Ireland, to include her Your Eyes interactive workbook. The workbook is aimed at children aged seven to nine years, and

eye conditions – and the cover can be personalised to the practice.

New scheme for school children

follows the story of three bears. It covers the importance of eye exams, UV protection, what happens in an eye exam, and common

“Hoya has always been passionate about eyecare and by raising the importance of eye health in schools, we aim to support a lifetime of awareness for teachers, parents and guardians and ultimately the children of the future,” said Andy Sanders, Hoya Lens UK professional services director. Register at www.hoyavision.com/uk/eye-carewe-care or speak to your Hoya business development manager.

UltraVision UltraVision has welcomed Michelle Mehta as professional services consultant for its Seed 1dayPure range of daily disposable contact lenses, including the new Seed 1dayPure EDOF design. With more than 20 years of experience in the High Street sector and six in teaching and education, Michelle will support UltraVision’s High Street customers by offering technical assistance and education and training, including CPD-accredited content. Michelle said: “I am really excited to be joining the brilliant team at UltraVision, bringing my experience of High Street practice and passion for education and training. I feel I have an exciting opportunity, supporting practitioners to grow their contact lens patient base with the help of UltraVision’s fantastic Seed 1dayPure EDOF daily disposable lenses.”

4 Vision Now May 2022

Michelle Mehta

We’ve made our one-day contact lenses plastic neutral through our partnership with Plastic Bank®. Get involved. 1,2

We’ve partnered with Plastic Bank® to help stop ocean-bound plastic by offsetting our plastic consumption through their Certified Plastic Neutral programme. Here in the UK and Ireland, we purchase credits equal to the weight of plastic used in our one-day contact lenses, the blister and carton2 – and an equal amount of plastic is collected by Plastic Bank.®

Getting involved is easy. As all CooperVision one-day contact lenses sold in the UK and Ireland are plastic neutral, you will automatically be prescribing plastic neutral too.

Scan the QR code and get involved. 1. One-day contact lenses are defined as orders placed by customers for those products and includes product sold and distributed by CooperVision in UK & Ireland. 2. Plastic neutrality is established by purchasing credits from Plastic Bank. A credit represents the collection and conversion of one kilogram of plastic that may reach or be destined for waterways. CooperVision purchases credits equal to the weight of plastic in our one-day contact lens orders in a specified time period. One-day contact lens plastic is determined by the weight of plastic in the blister, the lens and the secondary package (outer carton), including laminates, adhesives, and auxiliary inputs (e.g. ink).

Vision Now May 2022 5

THE LENS TO START IN AND STAY IN AVAIL ABLE IN SPHERE AND TORIC

Satisfy even more customers by offering the benefits of PRECISION1™ contact lenses to all of your astigmatic customers seeking lasting performance.

95% SMARTSURFACE® TECHNOLOGY

PROVEN PRECISION BALANCE 8 |4™ LENS DESIGN

FIRST-LENS FIT SUCCESS RATE

A permanent, microthin, high-performance layer of moisture on the lens surface exceeds 80% water1 for longer-lasting lens surface moisture2-4* and comfort.1,5

provides the on-eye stability astigmats need for consistent vision.6

supports efficient fitting for you and your astigmatic customers.7**

Contact your Alcon® sales representative to find out more. *Compared to 1-DAY ACUVUE^ MOIST, clariti^ 1 day, 1-Day ACUVUE^ TrueEye^, ACUVUE^ OASYS 1-DAY, Biotrue^ ONEday, and MyDay^ contact lenses; Based on in vitro studies wherein wettability was measured using the iDDrop System (p<0.05) **Based on clinical studies of the PRECISION BALANCE 8|4™ Lens Design with AIR OPTIX® for Astigmatism contact lenses; n=163. ^Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. References: 1. PRECISION1 (DDT2) Lens with Smart Surface study; Alcon data on file, 2019. 2. Tucker B, Leveillee E, Bauman E, Subbaraman L. Characterization of the Surface Properties of a Novel Daily Disposable Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lens. Poster presented at the American Academy of Optometry Annual Conference, October 23-26; Orlando FL. 3. IDDrop Comparative Study DACP and BioTrue ONEday Report; Alcon data on file, 2019. 4. IDDrop Comparative Study Oasys 1 Day and TruEye; Alcon data on file, 2019. 5. Cummings S, Giedd B, Pearson C. Clinical performance of a new daily disposable spherical contact lens. Optom Vis Sci. 2019;96:E-abstract 195375. 6. Based on a confirmatory claims study on Fit and Rotation; Alcon data on file, 2020. 7. In a randomized, subject-masked, multi-site clinical study with over 150 patients; significance demonstrated at the 0.05 level; Alcon data on file, 2005.

See instructions for use for wear, care, precautions, warnings, contraindications and adverse effects. Find at ifu.alcon.com PRECISION1, SMARTSURFACE, PRECISION BALANCE 8|4, Alcon and Alcon logos are trademarks of Alcon Inc. 14933 © 2022 Alcon Inc. UKIE-PR1-2200005

6 Vision Now May 2022

News ABDO The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) has achieved carbon neutrality for its scope one, two and operational scope three emissions. To achieve this milestone, ABDO staff provided information on the Association’s activities for 2021, which were then analysed to calculate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This included water supply, waste generated, business travel, employees commuting, and working-from-home emissions, in accordance with PAS 2060. PAS 2060 is the internationally recognised specification for carbon neutrality and builds on the existing PAS 2050 environmental standard. It sets out requirements for quantification, reduction and off-setting of GHG emissions for organisations, products and events. ABDO’s emissions were offset via a Gold Standard wind project and a Verra Climate, Community and Biodiversity Alliance forestry project to mix biodiversity protection and restoration with fuel switching to renewable energy. The Association is now assessing upcoming activities and developing a strategy to reduce emissions yet further.

General Optical Council The General Optical Council (GOC) has launched a call for evidence on the need for change to the Opticians Act – and a consultation on associated GOC policies. Marcus Dye, GOC acting director of regulatory strategy, said: “This is a unique opportunity for our stakeholders to have their say on the future of legislation and

regulation. The information and evidence we collect will inform the development of any business case for future change to the Act, as well as inform whether we should consider making more immediate changes to our associated policies. “We will analyse the responses received and consider the need and strength of the case for change and whether further

Carbon neutrality achieved

research and analysis of impact is required. If, as a result of the call for evidence and the consultation, we consider changes to legislation or GOC policy are necessary and can be evidenced, we will carry out further public and targeted stakeholder consultation activities on any proposals,” added Marcus. Responses may be submitted via the GOC Consultation Hub before 18 July.

Essilor

Adorable Pup: new cases available

Louis Stone (Optical) Louis Stone (Optical) has released 10 new colourful models to add to its premium hard and soft case collection. The range includes everything from high design cases like Spectacular and Mosaic, which feature a flocked texture to assist those with sight difficulties in locating it in their handbag, through to younger, fun pieces such as Star Struck and Smile. A number of cute and playful children’s cases are also now available, including Adorable Pups (pictured). “We have had a number of compliments from opticians who are so grateful that they can finally get hold of beautiful, high quality cases that simply come at better prices than they have been used to recently,” said Clare Hayley Brent, head of marketing and communications.

Clinical trial results published in JAMA Ophthalmology have shown that Essilor Stellest lenses continue to demonstrate strong myopia control efficacy after two years. The children in the clinical trial were randomly assigned spectacle lenses with highly aspherical lenslets (HALs), on which Stellest lenses are based, spectacle lenses with slightly aspherical lenslets (SALs), or single vision spectacle lenses (SVLs). Higher lenslet asphericity led to higher myopia control efficacy, so HAL lenses were more effective at slowing down myopia progression than SAL lenses, the study showed. HAL lenses also showed high myopia control efficacy and slowed down myopia progression by 0.80D (55 per cent) and axial elongation by 0.35mm (51 per cent), on average, compared to SVL. Additionally, myopia control efficacy increased in children who wore HAL lenses full-time. Dr Jinhua Bao, principal investigator, said: “These impressive findings clearly suggest that the use of HAL lenses instead of conventional single vision lenses for myopia correction would be a strategic approach to slow down myopia progression in children. The study also confirms that the more you

Two-year study results published

wear the myopia control solution, the better it works.” Vision Now May 2022 7

IMPROVED VISION FOR PATIENTS WITH

MACULAR DEGENERATION Now also available for near vision with NEW E-Scoop Detail

E-Scoop Offers Improved visual acuity - E-Scoop® lenses enhance central vision, allowing your patient to recognise more detail. Faces can be recognized more often.

instantly and can wear E-Scoop® the whole day, both outdoors and indoors.

Relaxed vision - E-Scoop® lenses give a restful image and viewing will become more relaxed. The sensitivity to light decreases by wearing E-Scoop®.

E-Scoop® increases independence - With the use of E-Scoop® lenses, self-reliance increases and wearers are less dependent of others. Everyday hazards such as kerbs and obstructions can be recognized.

Easy all day wear - E-Scoop® lenses can be produced in a vast range of prescriptions and fitted in a regular, full rimmed frame. Your patient will get used to the lenses

Easy to fit - With the help of the trial kit, you can test every patient with AMD to see if they benefit from E-Scoop®.

The patented E-Scoop® lens is scientifically tested. Around 15,000 people already benefited from E-Scoop®. Only available from The Lenstec Optical Group. Contact us for more information or to order a trial set or a Detail upgrade for your existing set.

   Unit 8, Bedwas Business Centre Bedwas, Caerphilly, CF83 8DU

17 Twyford Business Centre, London Road Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 3YT

T: 02920 883 009 | F: 02920 889 798 E:8LenstecCC@lenstec.co.uk Vision Now May 2022

T: 01279 653785 | F: 01279 658308 E: TantCC@tantlabs.com

MANUFACTURED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MEDICAL DEVICES DIRECTIVE

BS EN ISO 13485:2016

News Heidelberg Engineering Spectralis with Shift technology is now available for sale in EU markets. It is the first commercially available optical coherence tomographer (OCT) that allows clinicians to switch between 20, 85 and 125 kHz A-scan rates to find the ideal balance of image quality and clinical workflow. “We are excited to offer this innovative approach to optimising the performance of SpectralisS for each individual patient,” said Krysten Williams, head of global marketing and education at Heidelberg Engineering. “Shift technology is a new addition to the core DNA that is built into every Spectralis. We want to empower clinicians to strike a balance between workflow efficiency and image quality at the point of care,” added Krysten. Shift technology, available for third generation Spectralis devices, is based on the latest Spectralis features including a more powerful OCT engine, updated graphics processing technology and a software redesign. With the latest software comes the electronic instructions for use (eIFU) as the new standard.

Variable A-scan rates for customised care

Millmead Optical Group This year marks the centenary of Winston Churchill’s purchase of Chartwell Manor, his country residence in Kent. Following its purchase in September 1922, Churchill lived there until his death in 1965 and reportedly enjoyed some of his happiest memories at the property. In commemoration of Churchill’s contribution to British culture and identity, Walter & Herbert has produced a limited-edition range called the Chartwell. The one-off creation is based on the exact same design, specification and colour scheme as Churchill’s original glasses, right down to the elongated temples and the different numbers of dots on their tips. This was said to have helped the then prime minister determine which pair were for reading and which pair were for speeches. One-hundred pieces have been produced, and more details can be found at walterandherbert.com

EssilorLuxottica

Franco Ferrante

Franco Ferrante has joined EssilorLuxottica as North Europe vice president for professional solutions (UK&I, Nordics and BeNeLux). With Luxottica for 17 years, most recently looking after North Europe, France and Israel as regional director, Franco said: “My key focus will be to champion the wholesale channel and support industry growth by reinventing added value within practice to enable our customers to grow... Stemming the tide of plastic

Eyespace Eyespace has introduced three new models made from recycled sea-bottle plastic. Basebox Slimology introduces a capsule collection of super-thin feather-light models composed of recycled ocean plastic, recycled stainless steel and bio-acetate. All frames feature lightweight rims with streamlined temples and tips, brought to life in a spring colour palette.

Our photograph shows women’s retro model BB6105 in C2: teal paired with clear crystal and high impact fuchsia tips. It is also available in C1 with an off-white eyefront, hot pink tip ends and gold tone hardware. For men, model BB6104 is a rectangular eyeshape with Slimology componentry available in C2 black with cobalt blue plating and crystal tips, and C2 earth-inspired olive with smoky crystal tips and amber tip ends.

“Independent ECPs are our strategic partners, and we will keep investing in them to create brand preference and leverage untapped categories such as with Stellest, our latest innovation for myopia control in children. We are fully confident that our stronger collaboration will deliver even more benefits and increase value creation for our ECP business partners. By powering sight and style, EssilorLuxottica’s ambition is to continue to shape the future of the industry,” he added. Vision Now May 2022 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 May 2022

News General Optical Council

Six-year study results coming soon

Hoya Vision Care At the time of going to press, Professor Carly Lam from the Centre for Myopia Research at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University was preparing to present the findings of a six-year follow-up clinical study conducted on the Miyosmart spectacle lens with Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments Technology to reduce myopia progression in children. The findings were due to be shared during the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology conference in Denver, Colorado, USA, from 1-4 May. The presentation will include highlights of the six-year clinical study looking at the

progression of myopia in children who wore the Miyosmart lens. This latest research backs up a three-year follow-up study of a two-year randomised control trial, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, which demonstrated strong evidence of the lens’s effectiveness in slowing down the progression of myopia in children aged eight to 13 years. Natalia Vlasak, ophthalmologist and global head of medical and scientific affairs at Hoya Vision Care, said: “Long-term clinical data is essential for evaluating the effectiveness and safety, as well as determining possible long-term risks of treatments that can’t be observed during the short period.”

The General Optical Council (GOC) has welcomed the publication of the Professional Standards Authority’s (PSA) annual performance review for 2020/21. The GOC met 17 of the 18 PSA Standards of Good Regulation, which describe the outcomes regulators are expected to achieve in key areas of their work. It did not satisfy Standard 15 (Fitness to Practise) due to the length of time it has taken to conclude cases, the PSA noted that the GOC has made significant progress in implementing its improvement plan, with it being the only healthcare regulator to have reduced its open caseload of older cases since the start of the pandemic. Leonie Milliner, GOC chief executive and registrar, said: “We recognise that we still need to improve the timeliness of our fitness to practise cases and we will continue to work to meet this standard. However, we have made tremendous progress in reducing the number of new fitness to practise cases being opened from almost 60 per cent to less than 25 per cent by filtering out more complaints that could not result in a decision of impairment.”

International Eyewear There are 54 new premium sunglass styles in International Eyewear’s Ocean Blue collection for 2022. Taking their style cue from the British coastline, the company’s in-house design team has invested in a colour palette of ocean hues with colourful acetate combinations of luxurious mottles and striations paired with rich crystal tones. The comprehensive collection includes 33 different shapes designed to cater to every practice personality. All Ocean Blue sunglasses are supplied with optical quality lenses with 100 per cent UVA and UVB protection as standard, and each model is prescription ready. Integrated hinge designs and robust six barrel rivet hinges feature, with silicone nose pads as standard. Complementary cases and cloths are now made from recycled plastics in an ocean appropriate blue, while point-of-sale materials echo the new marine brand direction with a plastic-free three and six-piece display stand plus showcards in two sizes.

Diving into the ocean

Charmant The spring/summer 2022 Elle collection of ophthalmic styles from Charmant plays with romance with softly braided and folded details woven into temples, rims and end-pieces on metal, plastic and mixed material frames. Oversized, square, rounded or cat-eye shapes are always feminine, while colours present a bouquet of spring pastels, mysterious blues and smoky greys and whites. Model EL 13514 (pictured) are gently rounded with a delicate rope detail that forms part of the rims. Stylish colour options include gradients of grey/purple and navy, brown or rose/crystal.

Elle model EL 13514 in rose/crystal

Vision Now May 2022 11

A COMPLETE

treatment pl an for ChiLDhOod mYopiA

Introducing Menicon Bloom™. This new treatment plan includes everything you need to offer your young patients safe, effective myopia control. Our innovative ortho-k and daily lenses are both reassuringly easy for parents to incorporate into their children’s routines.

cE-apProveD FIT TIN G , TR ACKIN G & CO NSU LTATION SO F T WARE

12 Vision Now May 2022 www.menicon.co.uk

ORTH O -K LENS E S

HYG IENIC DAILIE S

LENS C ARE SOLU TIONS

News Essilor

AN INDEPENDENT VIEW Chance for meaningful change As many will know, the AIO has been lobbying for a review of the provisions of the Opticians Act for quite some time, alongside a total overhaul of the GOS regime in England (in particular). Indeed, these two things should dovetail together. Myopia Expert 700

The 2022 edition of the Essilor Instruments catalogue is now out, highlighting the wide range of cutting-edge technology available. The portfolio includes the Vision station 700, Vision-R800, Myopia Expert 700 as well as market leading products in dry eye diagnostics and treatments from SBM Sistemi and ESW Vision, and the Essilor Visioffice measuring devices. The catalogue is available as a printed booklet or as a PDF.

International Opticians Association Entries for the 2022 Silmo International Opticians Association (IOA) International Optician of the Year Award are being invited by the closing date of 31 May. The award, first given in 2018, recognises the importance of the optician in the optical business and their role in the choice of optimum products for their clientele. Fiona Anderson, IOA president said: “We are looking forward to reading entries from outstanding opticians from around the world, and are thrilled to be returning to Silmo in September to announce the winner.” To find out more, visit www.ioassn.org/award

On 28 March, the General Optical Council (GOC) launched a call for evidence on the need for changes to the Opticians Act, alongside a consultation seeking views on associated GOC policies. It is entirely appropriate that a review of the Opticians Act takes place, and that appropriate reform is included in any revisions to its provisions. These should include mandatory registration of all optical practices with the GOC regardless of size or structure, to ensure that the GOC becomes properly empowered to enforce the business standards that they set. Further, it is time that embedding primary eye health care into community optometry becomes a statutory provision to remove the current mishmash of clinical service provision that exists across the UK, and particularly in England where it is a postcode lottery. This is where dovetailing with reform to the GOS regime comes in. There needs to be a single UK-wide strategy that embeds primary eye health care into community optometry laid out in statute. An appropriate itemised fee regime can then be established with the NHS in respect of the range of clinical services that are provided. All of the foregoing was spelt out in some detail in the AIO Post Covid 19 Manifesto released last year.

Last year’s winner, Helen Whitaker

Silhouette

Embracing such a radically different model will not only take pressure off GP surgeries and hospital A&E departments, but it will also ultimately save money. And, of course, it will improve eye health care across the UK, take away the postcode lottery, and reduce the burden on the taxpayer that unnecessary sight loss entails.

Silhouette has picked up three Red Dot Design Awards for three models from its current Best of the Best 2022 sunglasses collection: the limited Special Edition Futura Dot, the New York Sky collection and – as Best of the Best – the Fisher Island model. The Silhouette design team drew inspiration from the elegant lines of high-end lamps when creating the Fisher Island model, part of the Rimless Shades collection. The jury awarded it the Red Dot Best of the Best: the award for pioneering design and the highest honor in the competition. Vision Now May 2022 13

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

www.steppereyewear.com 14 Vision Now May 2022

Style shown not available in all markets.

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

Developing thoughts This month, Phil Mullins introduces NEG’s new MyOptim8 business support programme

MyOptim8: taking the ‘work’ out of paperwork

he administration burden of running an optical practice has been particularly hard in the last couple of years – with staff furlough, extra hygiene regulations, reduced patient numbers – and all the paperwork that goes with it. Well, NEG is here to help members take the ‘work’ out of paperwork. Our new MyOptim8 business support programme brings existing support packages together with new services to streamline and optimise your operations. As the name suggests, MyOptim8 has eight elements, all designed to support your business by saving you both time and money. These elements are split into ‘core’ and ‘optional’. Accounting, NEG Supplier Purchasing and Optinet Flex PMS are core, while Financial Services, NEG Business Club, HR, Health & Safety and E-Commerce are optional. All elements are charged monthly, making budgeting easy and improving cash flow. The elements are as follows. 1. ACCOUNTING Accounting administration is critical for any business but it can be costly and timeconsuming. However, with Optinet Flex PMS systems integration with Xero accounting software, all your transactional information is uploaded to Xero daily. Along with Xero integration with your bank and the electronic invoicing for your NEG purchases, MyOptim8 seamlessly gathers and loads your financial information into Xero. From Xero, which is included in your monthly fee, the accountants at MyFinanceTeam complete your bookkeeping requirements including payroll, quarterly management accounts, VAT and tax returns, along with end-of-year statutory accounts. Founded in 2001, MyFinanceTeam is regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and

Wales and manages NEG and Optinet’s internal accounting, financial reporting and compliance tasks. 2. NEG SUPPLIER PURCHASING By placing all your supplier purchases via your NEG account, the NEG statement portal will contain all of your spend. This will then link with your Xero account, enabling accurate monthly accounting and correct submissions of your electronic VAT submissions to HMRC. You can also use the portal to view individual invoices and review supplier spend. Please note that there are no NEG management fees paid by NEG members subscribing to the MyOptim8 service, so there are no additional charges for recording all practice purchases via your NEG account. 3.OPTINET FLEX PMS The Optinet Flex is a key element in MyOptim-8 service as it is the vehicle in which all practice financial transaction are processed into Xero accounting. This is further enhanced by integrations into the OPS direct debit service and the Windcave merchant card process, thus making your daily transaction reporting effortless and accurate. Remember if you don’t currently use Optinet Flex in your practice, as an NEG member you can take advantage of the free 12-month trial. 4. FINANCIAL SERVICES This element has two offerings: OPS direct debit collection service and the Windcave merchant care services. You can opt for either service or take on both. They offer great savings and with integration into the Optinet PMS, will streamline your patient payment processing. 5. NEG BUSINESS CLUB The NEG Business Club, powered by

the Practice Building team, offers a comprehensive support programme. It covers elements as diverse as staff training, marketing, enhancing customer experience and improving your net profit. The club comes with one-to-one and group support, which helps you benefit from the ‘hive mind’, further enhancing its benefits. 6. HUMAN RESOURCES By collaborating with our partners at Citation, all NEG members benefit from free access to the online support tools. This was widely used during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly for information regarding furlough. The service covers many aspects of current HR legislation and guides members through various required elements of HR work. In addition to this basic support, you can opt to upgrade the service, which will include contracts and staff handbook writing, access to HR legal advisers and a full 24/7 telephone helpline. 7. HEALTH & SAFETY As with HR, the online support from Citation is included in your NEG membership, but this can be upgraded to cover a comprehensive health and safety programme, which includes documentation and site visits. 8. E-COMMERCE By collaborating with our partners at EKM, you can benefit from being able to provide your patients an online presence as well as your bricks and mortar offering. This will maximise your business potential – particularly with new patients who demand multi-channel engagement with services. WHAT NEXT? We believe that the MyOptim8 programme is the most comprehensive support package for truly independent practices. Therefore, if you would like to start saving time and money via the MyOptim8 service, and would like a personal quote for the service, please contact Sandi Charlesworth our business development manager on 07794 096647 or email enquiries@nationaleyecare.co.uk quoting ‘MyOptim8’. ■ Vision Now May 2022 15

g n i n n i W

Seeing is Sports Prescription Eyewear

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16 Vision Now May 2022

NEG EXHIBITION

It’s showtime... Running alongside next month’s conference programme will be our long-awaited NEG preferred supplier exhibition – covering everything from lenses, frames and equipment to accessories, contact lenses and business support services.

any suppliers will be offering exclusive offers at the conference, so make sure you visit each and every one. Here are some messages from our exhibiting suppliers... ALCON Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eyecare with a heritage spanning over 75 years, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people’s lives. Our surgical and vision care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 24,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with eyecare professionals and programmes that advance access to quality eyecare. BONDEYE Bondeye is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and we will be offering the opportunity to win some amazing prizes as part of our celebrations. We continue

Breakthrough comfort and performance

to offer attractive special offers and our 20-year anniversary catalogue integrates both our eye health and health and hygiene catalogues with hundreds of new lines to choose from. Our recent eco drive and focus to introduce sustainable products has seen our SO and SeeSoo merchandising brands grow and we’ll be showcasing these with sample packs available. Award winning Roav eyewear, the world’s thinnest folding frame, concentrates on convenient, stylish, pocketable designs that you can carry anywhere. The collection and new models will be available to try on during the weekend.

BAUSCH + LOMB Over its long history, Bausch + Lomb has become a global hallmark for innovation and quality with the introduction of revolutionary new contact lens and lens care technologies and innovative materials. The most complete daily disposable contact lens is here: Bausch + Lomb Ultra One Day silicone hydrogel high performance daily disposable contact lenses optimise breakthrough comfort and moisture technologies with a complete lens design to provide a whole new lens wearing experience. Go beyond the expected by visiting our stand. › Vision Now May 2022 17

GO BEYOND WITH THE

MOST

COMPLETE LENS NEW

Discover the most complete1 lens that has it all. Only Bausch + Lomb ULTRA® ONE DAY unites high Dk/t,4 low modulus,4 UV blocking 6† and High Definition Optics4 with breakthrough moisture and comfort technologies to promote a healthy ocular surface environment.4 Advanced MoistureSeal® Technology helps deliver the highest moisture retention after 16 hours vs. leading SiHy daily disposable lenses. 5* ComfortFeel Technology releases comfort and eye health ingredients designed to help protect, enrich and stabilise the tear film.4,15 Take your patients and practice beyond with Bausch + Lomb ULTRA® ONE DAY.

Discover More. Go To:

www.ultraoneday.co.uk *vs. Dailies Total1 and Acuvue Oasys 1-Day contact lenses ®

† UV-absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for protective UV-absorbing eyewear such as UV-absorbing goggles or sunglasses, because they DO NOT completely cover the eye and surrounding area. You should continue to use UV-absorbing eyewear as directed. Please read the Instructions for Use (IFU) for important product use and safety information with Bausch & Lomb contact lenses. References: 1. Only Bausch + Lomb ULTRA® ONE DAY contact lenses offer a complete moisture + comfort system with Advanced MoistureSeal® and ComfortFeel Technologies plus a complete design of high Dk/t, low modulus, UV blocking and High Definition™ Optics. Bausch + Lomb ULTRA® ONE DAY contact lenses deliver health through its complete system working together to support a healthy ocular environment, the inclusion of eye health ingredients which are retained over 16 hours and the high allowance of oxygen permeability (Dk/t=134) [Applicable references 2,4,5,13]. For all references: www.ultraoneday.co.uk Bausch + Lomb ULTRA ONE DAY and MoistureSeal are trademarks of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates. All other product/brand names and/or logos are trademarks of their respective owners. ©2022 Bausch & Lomb Incorporated. Vision Now May 2022

UOD.0014.IE.22

NEG EXHIBITION COOPERVISION Imagine a contact lens portfolio that could help you retain more patients, improve your business revenue and complement your other loyalty building activities. NEG has the answer. Did you know that: 29 per cent more private label contact lens wearers stay with the same retailer for five plus years (CVI consumer insight study, July 2019); that seven out of 10 private label contact lens wearers buy their spectacles from the same retailer (Euromonitor 2020 Eyewear Sources UK July 2019); and that private label contact lens wearers spend more money on their contact lenses and on their spectacles too (CVI consumer insight study, July 2019).builds Patient loyalty

practice success.

Your mediflex® contact lens portfolio – designed to retain more patients and improve business revenue.

View the Revo FC on the BIB stand

BIB OPHTHALMIC INSTRUMENTS On display will be the very latest OCT products from Optopol, the Revo FC along with Optopol’s PTS Visual Field Screeners. New features on the OCT include AI DeNoise, Full View Anterior, Real Time Eye Tracking, Improved Colour Fundus Imaging, and Enhanced Structure and Function Analysis when linked between the Optopol OCT and PTS Visual Filed Screeners. All these additional features come as standard with no additional cost. Options include biometry, a must for myopia management, topography and angio. The PTS screeners provide the latest recognised glaucoma tests 30-2, 24-2 10-2 incorporating Zeta fast thresholding, and provide print-out results in HFA format. CENTROSTYLE We are once again pleased to be part of the NEG conference and exhibiting products from our extensive range. Neyeture is a stunning collection of sustainable frames with magnetic clip-ons. The frames are

made with Rilsan, a bio-based polyamide derived from over 45 per cent castor oil and supplied with eco-friendly cloths and cases. CentroStyle is involved in projects both within and external to the business to embrace and encourage sustainability. The conference will be a great opportunity to view the new Active ranges for children alongside quality tools. More than anything, we look forward to seeing NEG members face-to-face for the first time in more than two years.

Exclusive to NEG members Keep patients and business coming back with your mediflex® portfolio of contact lenses and lens care solutions – NEW and exclusive* to National Eyecare Group members.

Exclusive to NEG members the Mediflex contact lens portfolio of one-day and onemonth lenses and care solutions is Manager. Discuss this exclusive opportunity with lens your CooperVision Business Development designed to act like a private label, enabling you to take advantage of all the benefits and increase patient loyalty. Behind each CHARMANT Mediflex label is a trusted CooperVision The Charmant Group will show their latest product at the same price as the branded eyewear collections of Charmant Titanium equivalent. Perfection, Line Art Charmant, Charmant Z, Ad Lib, Esprit and Elle. The Charmant DOCMAIL sales team is more than happy to tell you Docmail is the UK’s leading hybrid mail all about the new styles, colour trends company, offering users the ability to send and the way we produce our Japanese secure printed communications online, titanium frames. If you haven’t seen the in just a few clicks. Docmail can be used new Minamoto collection yet, then it will be by any practice, with additional benefits a great chance to see and feel this beautiful for NEG members including a secure authentic titanium collection. integration via Optinet Flex, a range of payment methods including NEG invoicing and free envelope personalisation on your mailings. Docmail is designed to help NEG members increase audience engagement, while improving efficiencies and saving valuable time and money. Docmail is perfect for automated recalls, appointment reminders and promotional marketing materials and can be implemented instantly to your practice. To find out more, be sure Charmant Line Art: musicality in eyewear to visit the team at their stand. ›

Studies show that private label contact lens patients are more loyal to their practice;1,2 and they spend more on their contact lenses too.3 Private label also helps drive spectacle sales4 and increases spend on them.4 Build your business with the mediflex® portfolio – exclusive* to NEG members. Behind each mediflex® label is a trusted CooperVision product at the same price as the branded equivalent.

1. CVI consumer insight study, July 2019. GB adults who wear branded/private label contacts lenses: n=489; 2. CVI data on file 2020. Covid-19 contact lens users survey, Verve, April 2020. Base (all respondents): Total UK n=240. 3.Euromonitor 2020 Eyewear Sources UK July 2019. 4. CVI consumer insight study, July 2019. GB adults who wear branded/private label contacts lenses: n=497; 56% vs. 36%; p<0.05

OH200079-004-HB-mediflex-VN-FC+IFC-16-8-21-Ad-V3-FINAL.indd 2

Vision Now May 2022 19

27/07/2021 15:43

Exclusively available at Eyewear Direct

Delivering the highest quality eyewear. eyewear-direct.net enquiries@eyewear-direct.net 20 Vision Now May 2022

+44 (0) 207 193 3334

NEG EXHIBITION ESSILORLUXOTTICA EssilorLuxottica is looking forward to welcoming visitors to the NEG conference where the company will have a joint space. We are inviting customers to discuss our latest lens innovations including Stellest and the newly launched Transitions Xtractive Polarized. Come and join us to find out more about what benefits EssilorLuxottica can bring to your business.

Myopia control solutions from Hoya

Aspinal of London gets eco-friendly

EYESPACE Sitting at the forefront of the optical industry’s sustainability journey, Eyespace will present over 200 new releases, including ground-breaking enviro-friendly capsule offerings. Our designer brand Aspinal of London debuts responsible luxury with fashion’s favourite sustainable material Econyl, made from regenerated waste nylons. Land Rover Eyewear showcases G850 Rnew, a cutting-edge material derived from renewable castor seed oil, while signature house-brands Basebox and Rock Star introduce new designs manufactured from recycled ocean plastics. CEO and co-founder Jayne Abel, who also chairs the Optical Suppliers Association’s Sustainability Committee, leads a thought-provoking sustainability seminar, sharing her passion to protect our planet and outlining the priorities to drive sustainable development forward within the optical community.

EYEPLAN Eyeplan is the leading provider of eyecare schemes in the UK. We help independent practitioners to generate significant practice revenues from contracted monthly income and improved dispense rates and values. Thanks to our latest software development Opti, Eyeplan practices benefit from tailormade eyecare schemes. As unique as each patient, practices can now create a custom

plan to suit the individual based on specific eyecare needs. The delivery of Eyeplan is simple but sitting behind that simplicity is a range of Managed Fee Collection and Supported Fee Generation services. These services make sure the practice and its patients enjoy the benefits of Eyeplan membership, whilst Eyeplan takes on the support and administrative burden.

Relyks is just one of the ranges available

EYEWEAR DIRECT Ashton Riley, Hook LDN, Relyks, Invu, Bloc Rx, New Balance and Redele are all exclusively available from Eyewear Direct. All of our collections have been expanded over the last 12 months to offer a comprehensive selection, and all deliver amazing value for money. We ensure our collections are priced to give our customers the ability to dispense the best possible glasses at every price. Our excellent value just got even better. You can now order frame and lens packages directly from Eyewear Direct – saving you both time and money. HOYA Hoya Lens UK, Optician magazine’s Lens

Supplier of the Year, will be sharing its new partnership programme, Visionary Alliance, designed to empower independent eyecare professionals (ECPs) for business growth. The programme was built based on our recent research into what opticians want from their lens supplier, and aims to support independent ECPs via products, services and exclusive collaborative offerings, to help with future business growth. We will also showcase our award-winning Miyosmart spectacle lenses that help slow down myopia progression in children, along with our mission to curb myopia and the action that Hoya is taking to educate the public on how serious it can be to the eye health and lifestyle of a child. Visit the Hoya stand to find out more. IRIS VISIONCARE Just like your practice, our offering is unique to you. From designing, building, installing, training, marketing and managing your bespoke Patient Membership Programme with a Payment Collection service, Iris Visioncare is with you every step of the way and more. Increase your patient loyalty, increase your average dispense value, create a predictable, monthly income and be more competitive, all with the support of Iris Visioncare. Come and visit our friendly team to discuss how we can secure your business’s future with a bespoke, fully managed Patient Membership Programme with Payment Collection. › Vision Now May 2022 21

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT SIMPLIFIED @

eGos Stock

SMS/ Email

Diary

Order

Business Intelligence

Till

Clinical

Patient Manager

Take control with Optinet Flex, the innovative software with intuitive dashboards and intelligent reporting that keeps your optometry business at the cutting edge. Call us today to book your no obligation, demonstration.

0800 310 2400

sales@optinetuk.com • www.optinetuk.com 22 Vision Now May 2022

NEG EXHIBITION LENSTEC The Lenstec Optical Group incorporating Lenstec, Tant Laboratories and Lenstec Eyewear, is proud to continue to support the NEG conference with a varied range of products and services. Visit us to discuss your practice needs whether it’s for a digital lens design, stylish eyewear, the Univet safety eyewear range or more tailored products such as the E-Scoop lens designed to improve vision for your patients suffering from age-related macular degeneration. Our services will continue to include consignment provision on many Lenstec eyewear models, and all-in-one packages for Lenstec and other leading eyewear brands. Through 2022, we will continue to offer even more value with our amazing loyalty scheme. MARCHON EYEWEAR Marchon Eyewear’s mission is to help people around the world see better, look better and feel better. As one of the world’s largest designer, manufacturer and distributor of quality eyewear and sun wear, Marchon Eyewear specialises in premium fashion, lifestyle and performance brands. Marchon is proud of its diversified portfolio of brands, covering key demand segments in the premium end of the market.

Mylo: a myopia contact lens “like no other”

MARK’ENNOVY Mark’ennovy, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, is a different type of contact lens company. It is a company dedicated to a quality service and a positive experience between the eyecare professional and the patient. Mark’ennovy offers an unrivalled combination of lenses, geometries and materials to meet virtually any patient’s prescription. We have teamed up with the Brien Holden Vision Institute to create two new lenses, one of which is a silicone hydrogel myopia management lens called Mylo. We offer an extensive range of diameters and base curves for the most

Discuss the full Bloom collection

precise contact lens fit, which differentiates Mylo from any other on the market. Next is our lens called EDOF (extended depth of focus), specifically designed for presbyopia, providing exceptionally clear vision at all distances. MENICON Menicon will be showcasing three of its most innovative products. These will include the newly launched Menicon Bloom concept, which offers a holistic and effective treatment for slowing the progress of myopia in children. The range is made up of Menicon Bloom Night (ortho-k), Menicon Bloom Day (EDOF), lens care, and a patient app. Also on show will be the Menicon Miru Upside family, the daily disposable silicone hydrogel contact lenses with Smart Touch that makes for easy and hygienic application, and Menicon Indivisual, a new range of custom soft contact lenses. MILLMEAD OPTICAL GROUP We will be showcasing our newest frame brands, X-Eyes Lite, Puriti and Cameo Sustain, the latter being made of 100 per cent recycled PET and the flagship of our new sustainability strategy. We will be displaying our 100 per cent recycled fabric

New options in sustainable eyewear

cases, all manufactured in our Liverpool factory. Finally, we will be introducing our widest ever range of ophthalmic lenses, including our ever-popular photochromic lens Optishade and our Drivesense with Honeycomb technology, which helps reduce fatigue and improves visual acuity. We will have catalogues for all three elements of our offering and our experienced business development managers will be on hand to discuss any NEG member requirements. MYERS LA ROCHE Shaping your future starts with a clear vision today – and consistent execution tomorrow. Are your personal goals clearly defined? Is your practice optimised to deliver on them? Is it time to shred your GOS contract and go fully private, or to design your exit strategy? Myers La Roche will be on hand to explain how we can assist you to define and achieve your goals and to introduce our bran new Practice Pulse service; a low cost, high value monitoring and business mentoring service that works with Optinet Flex to help you design and deliver on your goals – month in, month out. NO 7 CONTACT LENSES Thanks to eyecare practitioners like you, EyeDream – now indicated for myopia management – has been changing the lives of patients young and old for more than 15 years. And while the patient benefits are clear, the business benefits for independent practices like yours have proved just as compelling. Would you like to join our UK network of over 350 EyeDream centres? Visit us on the stand to find out how. Ask about our online EyeDream accreditation service, myopia management patient awareness pack, and the new Medmont Meridia with industry-leading topography, dry eye and lens fitting functions. Vision Now May 2022 23

›

NEG MEMBERS PROMOTION

Presbyope First Fit Promotion NaturalVue Enhanced 1 Day Multifocal contact lenses with Neurofocus Optics® offer excellent vision at all distances, without relying on glasses.1

1 Fit like a single-vision distance lens

1 Universal EDOF design (for an effective ADD up to +3.00D)

Preferred 4:1 over other multifocal contact lenses1

92% repurchase rate1

Buy a 90-pack & Get a complimentary 90-pack Prebyopes represent the largest and most immediate opportunity to benefit from the unique NaturalVue EDOF design. Until the end of June we are offering you an excellent opportunity to double your product margin. When you order a new presbyopic patient their first 90-days supply, we will only charge you for one 90-pack not two. PLUS buy on your NEG account and your NEG member discount and management fee payment applies.

To order call or email customer services on:

Telephone: 01424 834665 | Email: naturalvue@positiveimpact.co.uk | Web: www.vtivision.uk Terms and conditions: Promotion available to: 1. Accredited NaturalVue fitters only; 2. New patient fits only; 3. Named patients only Normal credit terms apply. Promotion ends Thursday 30th June 2022. No other discounts apply. Positive Impact reserves the right to refuse to accept individual orders. References: 1. VTI Data on file, 2015. N=59. Data assessed after 1 week of wear. Subjective visual ratings based on a scale of 0-100, 0=Extremely poor/cannot perform, 100=Extremely good/No problems. All values statistically significant, p<0.05.

24 Vision Now May 2022

NEG EXHIBITION with hundreds of independent opticians throughout.

Latest Stepper style STS-40212

New myopia control lens MyNor

NORVILLE Now operating from our new state-ofthe art optical laboratory in Quedgeley, Gloucester, Norville brings the DNA of over 120 years of knowledge and experience into the modern optical industry to produce and glaze high quality lenses: fulfilling the everyday and complex needs of our customers; working at the core of the Inspecs Group; and delivering a beyond exceptional product and experience. We are now also the exclusive distributor for Leica Eyecare in the UK and Ireland. We look forward to discussing our new frame and lens packages and our new myopia management spectacle lens, MyNor. OPTINET The Optinet team is looking forward to demonstrating the features of the Optinet Flex advanced practice management software and discussing how it can integrate into your business and save you time and money. At Optinet, we are committed to software development and friendly customer service. Close discussions with our users help shape the software and our support team are on hand to help you make the most of the software. Whether you have a single practice or multiple branches, Flex is an affordable solution for businesses of all sizes. And

remember: as an NEG member you can take advantage of the 12 months free trial of Flex. PRACTICE BUILDING (NEG BUSINESS CLUB) The NEG Business Club will be featuring exciting new services. The Big M programme is one of practical, projectbased development for practice owners and managers who wish to learn how to make their practices more efficient and more profitable. I Can Help You With That is an online, on-demand sales training platform that will teach all of your staff to recommend more of your products and services without being at all pushy. Plus, we may also be sharing new initiatives to make your practice more sustainable, a new mindset coaching programme and maybe even a new way to recruit staff without using agencies. SEIKO OPTICAL Visit the Seiko stand for information about our Seiko Vision Specialist Partner Programme which includes: a unique second pair offer to support a ‘return to practice’ strategy; Accidental Damage Assistance with every Seiko lens, to add value to your lens offer; and Specs network, a collaborative online marketing platform

SPEC-CARE SERVICES Perfect Fitting Frames by Spec-Care is our solution to helping you provide the perfect dispense. From bridge adaptions to trimming sides, all your crafted frame care needs are here. Have you ever fitted a ptosis prop before? We have a unique service solution for this aid. Multiple designs and full customer support make this device easy to dispense. STEPPER With over 50 years’ experience creating frames that meet the optical needs and emotional wants of the wearer, Stepper eyewear has become synonymous with comfort and fit. Along with the established Stepper and StepperS collections, this year you will be able to see the new Essentials by Stepper (simple styling) and StepperK children’s collections. This year, we are also introducing our World Fit concept, identifying three fitting profiles to further enhance the brand’s suitability for wearers across the globe. European Fit, Asian Fit and African Fit frames are created with six key fitting differences to deliver unsurpassed comfort.

Supplements for better eye health

THÉA Théa is once again delighted to be at this year’s NEG conference. Come and visit us to find out more about how we can support your practice, our educational programmes and to discover our latest exciting product launches including Blepha EyeBag, a reusable warming eye mask, and Zaspray, a three-in-one preservative-free spray designed to soothe dry eye symptoms related to allergy. Francesca Marchetti is also delivering a lecture supported by Théa on Monday 20 June titled, ‘Where and when should I give nutritional advice: the pragmatic approach’. This will focus on how you can advise about nutritional supplements such as Nutrof Total to support your patients’ eye health.

Find out more about the conference, and book your place, at www.negconference.co.uk ■ Vision Now May 2022 25

PRODUCT PROFILE

Comfort in the bag By Professor Teifi James FRCP, FRCS, FRCOphth

Todmorden is a small town nestled among the hills on the border between Yorkshire and Lancashire. As a consultant ophthalmologist, I held a weekly ophthalmology clinic at the GP surgery in the town and that was where I met Mrs D: a formidable local lady from Todmorden.

he first came to see me because her eyes were uncomfortable, sore, irritated and scratchy. She described the classic symptoms of dry eye, complaining bitterly about the discomfort – but also the disturbance of her eyesight with blurring of vision, which happened "every now and then". When I examined Mrs D, she clearly had problems with blocked meibomian glands, which were all plugged with solid material. None of the glands secreted any oil when I squeezed them gently at the slit lamp the way they should have. Having diagnosed her problem as dry eye with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), I gave her one of the sheets of A4 paper that we kept handy in the eye clinic – along with standard instructions for making and applying a warm compress to the eyes and cleaning the eyelid edges with diluted baby shampoo and a cotton bud. Every eye doctor in every eye clinic had a similar sheet of 'advice for warm compresses’, and we used to give them out to patients several times at every clinic. A fortnight later, Mrs D turned up without an appointment and I called her through to my consulting room. She flung the piece of paper with the warm compress advice, across the desk and said quite reasonably: “Have you ever tried to do this yourself?” I admitted that I had never actually tried to follow the instructions, but promised that I would follow them myself when I got home to see what had infuriated her. When I tried to follow the instructions on the sheet that Mrs D had returned to me with more than a smidgeon of indignation, I realised what a farce the process was. I felt embarrassed to know that the advice we had been giving out to so many patients was

26 Vision Now May 2022

The Blepha EyeBag is an effective treatment for a variety of conditions

almost impossible to follow, and pretty much useless even if you did manage to follow it. This situation suited eyecare professionals very nicely. Because nobody was able to follow the advice properly, compliance was dreadful. No-one followed the hot wet flannels and baby shampoo treatment. So, whenever patients returned to the eye clinic and complained again that their symptoms were just as bad and hadn’t improved at all, we could always say without fear of contradiction: “You haven’t been doing the warm compresses properly, twice every day, have you?” Patients would sheepishly admit that they had failed to follow the instructions and we were able to blame the patient. It was their fault that their symptoms hadn’t improved. LIGHTBULB MOMENT This whole episode set me thinking about warm compresses. We were still telling people to buy a flannel or face cloth, dunk it in a basin of hot water and place it across their closed eyes. Then, to take a few drops of baby shampoo in an egg cup and fill it with cooled boiled water and use a clean cotton bud to wipe the eyelids and lashes with this solution. It really did seem a bit like following the recipe from a grimoire. I had spent the years from 1993 to 1996 doing laboratory research in the Molecular Medicine Unit at Leeds University and knew that everyone in the lab had used the microwave oven to heat re-agents, prepare

Professor Teifi James, EyeBag inventor

solutions for experiments, melt solids and generally as a laboratory tool. So, I decided to create a warm compress that could be heated quickly in a microwave, be re-heated time and time again, wouldn’t burn the patients’ skin or damage their eyes in any way, that wouldn’t drip water down the arms, elbows, face and hair and would be pleasant to use. I knew that regular use of an effective warm compress would relieve the dry eye symptoms and treat MGD. I also realised that compliance was the key. If I could come up with something quick and easy to warm, and pleasant to use, then people would be much more likely to carry out this treatment at home. And that’s how I came up with the idea for the EyeBag. After several prototypes, I settled on all the materials used in the EyeBag and these are the same as the Blepha EyeBag today. The black side of the EyeBag is made from a thick 100 per cent cotton material called moleskin. I chose moleskin because it has the physical property of insulation, so it

PRODUCT PROFILE would keep the heat in and slow cooling, thus maintaining the temperature of the heated EyeBag and prolonging cooling time. I chose silver silk for the other side because the thin top-quality silk allows rapid transfer of heat and has been worn next to the most sensitive skin for literally thousands of years. Both cotton and silk have an excellent track record of wearability with neither material being an irritant. I tried several fillings for the EyeBag and experimented with comfort, fit, heat profile and re-usability. I settled on flax seeds because they are small and quite dense. The small dense seeds move freely about within the silk and cotton so they conform to all the different facial morphologies that our patients have. STRAPLESS IS BEST The EyeBag is not a blindfold, but you shouldn’t walk about while it’s covering your eyes because it completely blocks your vision. This means you don’t need a strap to keep it in place; it should stay where it is under its own gentle weight. I was also keen to avoid any prolonged extra pressure on the eyeballs. Head size can vary a lot from person to person, which is why there are so many hat sizes. Because head circumference shows a ‘normal distribution’, about half the population have a head that is larger than the average. Warm compresses held in place by velcro on an elasticated strap will exert a greater force on the eyes when the head is larger. Furthermore, eyeball size is relevant here, because myopic eyes are larger and may protrude. Therefore, greater pressure will be applied to the eyes of a myopic patient with a large head. All these risks seem completely unnecessary, particularly when you remember that elasticated straps serve no purpose and have no role in the treatment of MGD. HYGIENE: CLOTHES ARE NOT ‘STERILE' Eye make-up is not sterile. Mascara is not sterile. Eye pencils are not sterile. Millions – actually billions – of people across the world apply non-sterile products to their eyelashes, eyelids and eyelid margins every day without any infections or problems with ‘hygiene’. As already mentioned, silk and cotton have both been used against the skin without adverse reaction for centuries. The department of optometry at Aston University carried out a microbiological study on the EyeBag, comparing it with hot wet flannels, and found the EyeBag to be safe. In fact, the EyeBag was found to be

much less likely to harbour Pseudomonas when compared to a flannel1. Detergents and washing powders are known to cause or exacerbate dermatitis, and so it is also best to avoid washing the EyeBag with any of these substances when their use really is unnecessary. I have heard people suggest that warm compresses should be wiped down with a ‘baby wipe’ – but these too can cause dermatitis2 because some contain methylisothiazolinone.

I am really pleased to hand over the future of the EyeBag to Laboratories Théa. It’s the perfect addition to their Blepha range as the first step in an effective eyelid routine and I hope that people continue to enjoy its benefits. To order the Blepha EyeBag, contact your local Théa representative or call 01782 381698. For further education on MGD, visit www.thea-pharmaceuticals.co.uk/academy

USING THE BLEPHA EYEBAG The Blepha EyeBag is a reusable warm compress that works by emitting a warmth that helps to soften the oily secretions in the eyelids, aiding the release of natural oils to maintain tear film and ocular comfort. It provides effective treatment for a range of eye conditions including MGD, blepharitis, stye, chalazion and dry eye disease, which is important when considering one study found that 86 per cent of dry eye patients also had MGD3. It has also been shown to relieve the symptoms of these conditions including grittiness, tiredness, redness, dryness and eye irritation after as little as 14 days of use4. The new Blepha Eyebag has a patient instruction leaflet in each pack, which explains how patients should use it. Simply use the warm compress for five to 10 minutes twice a day for the first fortnight then two or three times a week after that as needed. You can reheat a Blepha EyeBag up to 200 times, so it usually lasts for six months before it needs to be replaced. An appropriate daily eyecare routine is recommended by experts to keep the eyes and eye lids healthy, particularly for those patients with common eye conditions such as dry eye, blepharitis and MGD. Théa has devised a threestep method to help support patients: 1. Warm and massage: using the Blepha EyeBag to warm and melt the oily secretions of the meibomian glands, followed by massage which helps to release the oil. 2. Cleanse: using Blephaclean to help remove the crusts, debris and secretions. 3. Hydrate and lubricate: using Thealoz Duo preservative-free eye drops, which hydrate, lubricate and protect the ocular surface.

1. Bilkhu P et al. Microwave decontamination of eyelid warming devices for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction. Contact Lens & Anterior Eye 2016 39:293-297. 2. Boyapati A. et al. Allergic contact dermatitis to methylisothiazolinone: exposure from baby wipes causing hand dermatitis. Australas J. Dermatol. 2013 Nov;54(4):264-7. 3. Lemp MA et al. Distribution of aqueousdeficient and evaporative dry eye in a clinicbased patient cohort: a retrospective study. Cornea 2012; 31(5):472-8. 4. Bilku PS et al. Randomised masked clinical trial of the MGDRx EyeBag for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction-related evaporative dry eye. Br. J. Ophthalmol. 2014 Dec;98(12):1707-11.

REFERENCES

Note: Mrs D died some years since, but her voice and stories live on. You can hear her speaking about her early life and describing memories of a bygone era at www.incredible-edible-todmorden.co.uk/ history/people01 ■

Three-step method to help support patients

Vision Now May 2022 27

28 Vision Now May 2022

Vision Now May 2022 29

TA L K I N G H E A D S

Making an impact New products and services are the lifeblood of every independent business and since 2008, Positive Impact (PI) has introduced new products and services to independent practices on behalf of some of the biggest names in the optical industry.

ounded by two optical stalwarts, Nick Atkins and Maxine Green, PI subsequently started distributing its own products and is now a multi award-winning optical supplier. PI boasts a unique portfolio, including contact lenses and dry eye diagnostics and treatments, all focused on supporting independent practices with most of the range not available through other retailers or online. Vision Now editor Nicky Collinson talks to Maxine and Nick about the company's evolution, and the benefits PI can offer NEG members. NC: PI's focus is on independent practice: why is this so important for you? M&N: PI is an independently-owned supplier committed to its partnership with independent opticians: not surprising really when you consider the first thing Nick did after he left Bausch + Lomb was to set-up Proven Track Record, the company behind Independents Day since 2005. When setting up a business later in life,

Some of the Dry Eye Zone treatment range

30 Vision Now May 2022

Maxine and Nick (standing second and third right) with the Positive Impact team

you have a different perspective. It means you can do business the way you want to, consider the customers you want to serve and how you want to serve them. We have enjoyed working with customers in all sectors over the years, but find there is a greater sense of achievement when you can directly see the product/s you sell making an impact on both our customers' patients and their small business. Business is about relationships, and we believe being nice in business is a strength not a weakness. Having a 'commercial conscience' drives everything we do. NC: Originally, PI worked as a contract sales company providing consultants to support other suppliers’ products, but you have moved more towards distributing products. Can you explain this move and what you offer NEG members? M&N: This business redevelopment has been an organic process that started with Glasklar back in 2013. We’d been looking for innovative products that we could sell alongside our clients' products, and that meant finding something with no conflict of interest. The Glasklar customer loyalty concept, delivered via its refillable spectacle lens cleaning system, presented that opportunity. What we didn’t realise at the time was that it marked the beginning

of what has become a move away from contract work to becoming a fully-fledged distributor. It was a couple of years before the next significant step in the metamorphosis took place. In 2015, we took our first foray into the dry eye arena with Parasol, a patented punctal plug design. Within weeks we landed the exclusive UK distribution rights to InflammaDry, the only diagnostic test for ocular surface inflammation. Since then, we have continued to expand our dry eye range by carefully selecting innovative and differentiated products to curate what we believe is a best-in-class dry eye portfolio, which takes the patient from diagnosis (osmolarity, inflammatory biomarkers, meibomian gland imaging) to a holistic management of their symptoms (heat, hydration, cleansing, hygiene, diet/ supplements). We market this under the Dry Eye Zone. In 2017, when it was looking to sell directly in the UK, SynergEyes signed an agreement for us to provide sales, marketing and back office support for its unique range of hybrid contact lenses. SynergEyes marked the beginning of our journey into the contact lens market, an area where we have a proven track record of success. In 2019, we introduced NaturalVue 1-Day

TA L K I N G H E A D S Multifocal from Visioneering Technologies. This daily disposable contact lens for presbyopia and myopia management – two categories of significant growth opportunity – has brought us into the mainstream contact lens business. This year has also seen us partner with Scotlens to grow its Nocturnal ortho-k lens, further expanding our contact lens offering. NC: Many of your team have years of experience in the optical industry: was this a conscious decision? M&N: As an independent business, we believe in supporting the independent sector and our sales approach is built upon good relationships and mutual respect. Consequently, our USP is using optical professionals, or experienced sales professionals, with extensive knowledge of the ‘eye business’ to deliver training, technical support and sales calls. We’ve worked with companies that believe you need to employ a good salesperson from outside optics and then train them to understand the products they must sell. Over the years, we’ve seen this lead to what we call the ‘corporate sales clone’, a sales person with a sales presentation that must deliver the company message without deviation – at any cost. Whilst there are always exceptions to the rule, we’ve usually found a commercially astute eyecare practitioner to have the edge, especially for more technical and clinical product detailing. From the start, we adopted more of a ‘peer-to-peer’ sales model for our clients and it was a natural progression when it came to selling our own portfolio. Our sales visits are consultative; we want to find out what our products can do to help the practice. NC: With PI offering many different products from different sources, practitioners might see you as a wholesaler. What makes you different and how do you decide which products you will work with? M&N: We are definitely not a wholesaler. We’re a distributor and there is a significant difference. We have a focused portfolio of products that we support with full sales, marketing and professional services resources, just like any other mainstream supplier. The difference is we don’t make the products we sell, like most contact lens companies for example. We have the expertise to evaluate products ourselves, and with customers, before agreeing to supply them. We also listen to requests for products our

customers need to give the best experience to their patients. This partnership approach is particularly notable in our dry eye portfolio. We sell our dry eye products through the optical wholesalers and that brings us to an important point in this interview: our current focus on working with NEG. We know many members are buying elements of our dry eye range at full trade price through the wholesalers when they can get our NEG discount and the management fee paid, if they just switch to buying direct through their NEG account. NC: You were named Optical Supplier of the Year at this year's Optician Awards. Why is this so important and what difference do you think it makes? M&N: One of the balancing acts for a business working for different companies, and distributing different products, is the need to focus on someone else’s brand whilst trying to maintain your own brand identity. We actually won an Optician Award in 2019, but it was for a product we sell – SynergEyes Duette Multifocal – so it probably went under the radar for many. Our focus now is to better raise awareness of it as a supplier in its own right, so the award couldn’t have come at a better time. The publicity it has given us may have made some people aware of us for the first time – and that is invaluable. It’s also great recognition for what we did as a business during the pandemic to support our customers. We not only did the simple stuff, like extending credit terms, but some innovative stuff such as launching dryeyezone.co.uk from scratch in just four weeks. This website’s USP comes from allowing patients to buy online without cutting the practice out of the sale. Many companies have a direct-to-consumer website, but cut out the practitioner/ prescriber, whereas we give a rebate – actively cutting them in. NC: Finally can you sum up why NEG members should work with PI? M&N: In short, PI offers excellent products that it doesn’t sell to major retailers or online, that offer practice differentiation and great business development opportunities. But we recognise that whilst all these aspects of our business are fantastic, it isn’t always enough. It’s often the less visible things, like service and making it easy to do business, that can make the difference between using a product or not – no matter how good it is. By ordering through their NEG account,

Recently introduced new Enhanced NaturalVue

PI offers members many advantages including: NEG discount and management fee paid; smaller minimum order quantities; free delivery (Dry Eye Zone); and in the future bespoke NEG promotions. By buying direct, members get their agreed discount on the trade price and don’t pay a management fee. We actively encourage this because not only is the member getting lower prices, but PI also makes a better margin than through the wholesalers – the perfect example of a ‘win-win’. One of the benefits often cited for using a wholesaler is the ability to order smaller quantities of an item. Well PI has reduced its minimum order quantities to just six on its Dry Eye Zone range of treatments – with free delivery too. From the original business concept to bring the flexibility of contract sales to the ophthalmic industry, PI is now a fullyfledged ophthalmic distributor. When you meet its founders, their passion for the independent sector is undeniable. ■

“ Positive Impact has certainly raised the bar on the whole what-toexpect-from-a-supplier vibe. Their innovative approach in helping us to grow our business during the bleak times of lockdown, via a direct mail campaign to help our patients to buy lubricants on dryeyezone.co.uk, was very much appreciated,” Lucy Henning, Henning & Henning “What a great idea it was to set up the Dry Eye Zone website. I can now trust my patients to buy the correct drops from a trusted source. The patients seem very happy with the arrangement, and they are less confused by the choices, which they find on other websites. HydraMed is well liked by patients and the HydraMed Night Sensitive ointment is particularly well tolerated. The website has definitely boosted my practice and patient loyalty,” Elaine Lucas, Elalucas Lenses Vision Now May 2022 31

S P OT L I G H T

Fun, stylish eyewear for children By Joan Grady

Fresh, fun and stylish choices abound in children’s eyewear. There is an exciting buzz in kids’ frames with design innovations, including recycled materials and new safety features for high-energy childhood activities and exploits. All this transforms frames into a powerful style statement for youngsters to express their personality and individuality.

ashion awareness begins at a very young age, as references for youngsters are rooted in family, friends, schoolmates, social media, celebrities, TV and their naturally expanding curiosity. With so many sources at their disposal, kids then define their own sense of style. Youngsters’ desire for independence mirrors the desire to be 'grown up'. In the early years, parents have a strong role in their children’s eyewear choices, with practical considerations paramount. Parents tend to think in terms of durability, protection and safety. Fortunately, independent opticians can satisfy both the desires of children and parents with the exciting choices now available. From babies to teenagers, the varied shapes, colours and materials ensure a visit to the opticians is a fun and happy experience. SPECIALISED DEVELOPMENT Multiple considerations are taken into account with the creation of children’s frames. Alex Davis, head of brands and marketing at Stepper, observes: “Styling requires form to follow function. StepperK frames are constructed from TX5, an injection moulded plastic with fitting, durability, flexibility and hypoallergenic characteristics that are particularly suited for frames for the young.

32 Vision Now May 2022

Youthful spirit: StepperK 72000 Stepper

child. Colours follow children’s eyewear trends.” The StepperK collection contains brightly coloured designs and subtle pastels, with attention to shapes skilfully adapted to little faces. Children are fascinated with stories and Roald Dahl’s adventurous tales have enchanted children worldwide for decades. Among his most notable stories are the immensely popular Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Matilda. Fans of Dahl’s books can also enjoy charming

Sustainable symbol: Beluga from Rock Star by Eyespace Bookish charm: Matilda RD19 Roald Dahl from International Eyewear

“Very young children are unaware of trends, making selections based on colour rather than styling," continues Alex. "Elements they can recognise – flowers, cars and so on – add to the appeal for the

Streamlined and sleek: Matrix Kid by Continental Eyewear

Captivating shapes: Lazer Junior by Continental Eyewear

eyewear designs based on the characters, created by International Eyewear. Among the highlights is RD19 Matilda, a smart acetate frame for seven to 10-years-olds. Also included in the collection are fun designs that reference James and the Giant Peach, and Fantastic Mr Fox. Rock Star by Eyespace is right on trend with the sustainability movement with Beluga, artfully crafted from recycled sea bottle plastic. Eyespace product director, Emily Andrews, explains more: “Eyespace’s vision is for all eyewear to be more sustainable, and kids frames should not be an exception. Plastic pollution is a tangible environmental issue that young people can easily understand and relate to.” The streamlined shape of Beluga in effervescent blue and turquoise is a key note for fashion forward youngsters. The Rock Star frame collection features desirable shapes and refreshing colours that coordinate with the young set's fashion codes. PLAYFUL, PERKY COLOURS Colour is a recurring theme in children’s eyewear. Appealing interpretations range from dynamic, bold hues to soft tones and very sleek colour combinations. Luke Wharton from the design team at Continental Eyewear observes: “Colour and pattern are a big factor when it comes to kids' eyewear. We have found that acetate colours are best for creating a vibrancy that looks great and allows us to be creative. Experimenting with glitter and prints gives a premium feel – and helps the frames stand out from the competition. Acetate is also good for adjustability and having a flex hinge gives a quality, comfortable feel.” The latest designs from Matrix Kid, distributed by Continental Eyewear, include a streamlined two-tone acetate frame in black and turquoise. The contemporary silhouette suits a wide range of young face

Superb shape: Icy by Louis Stone

shapes. Also from Continental Eyewear is the Lazer Junior range of acetate and metal frames in eye-catching colours and captivating little shapes that kids will enjoy wearing. For babies from 12 months to youngsters aged 12 years, Blitz Kids from Norville offers a comprehensive collection of frames in fresh, snappy colours that will appeal to most children’s love of joyful tones. Solid colour frames and fun combinations are available in a diverse selection of silhouettes. The spirited range of children’s spectacles at Louis Stone is known as Hi. This season, striking colours mix harmoniously, and the Welsh company has discovered that many of the adult frames are very popular for teenagers as they desire more grown up styling. The exuberant colours appeal to fashion conscious teenagers, and Icy in Sweet and Sour is a popular choice. Clare Hayley Bent, head of marketing and communications at Louis Stone, also points out that for younger children, the flexible TR90 material and silicone safety bands with locks are ideal for a child’s comfort. In addition, the safety lock prevents children from losing their glasses, which is a particular parental concern. PARENT AND CHILD ACTIVITY Eyewear spectacles for youngsters need to appeal to both parents and children. Selecting frames with youngsters is an activity that can set the framework on how children perceive wearing glasses. Designers and companies take great care

Joyful colours: Blitz Kids BK031 from Norville

in achieving this goal with research and paediatric consultations. Kevin Gutsell at Optical Centre Supplies says: “In collaboration with paediatric ophthalmologists, Active Frames in the CentroStyle brand is dedicated to the visual well-being of children from birth to adolescence.” Active Frames includes six collections designed for the specific needs of children in different age groups. All Active Frames are light, flexible, impact resistant and certified and compliant with EU regulations. Kevin continues: “Light comfortable and soft, Active Spring is the collection dedicated to the pre-school age, designed to optimise the comfort of the fit thanks to the use of wraparound temples, with a spring design made in double injection and the anatomical bridge.” Nowadays, style savvy youngsters really enjoy wearing their frames. Cultivating a positive relationship with their eyewear – and the independent optician – is an ideal way for children to understand the importance of eye health, and the opportunity for practitioners to build lasting customer relationships for their business. ■

Colourful collection: Active Frames by CentroStyle

Vision Now May 2022 33

Preferred Suppliers’ directory tel: 01580 713698 | web: www.nationaleyecare.co.uk ALCON UK

tel: 0371 376 0017 | fax: 0871 351 1005 | web: www.uk.alcon.com

AOS LTD

tel: 01932 943 040 | email: info@aos-hub.com | web: www.aos-hub.com

SUPPLIER – OPTICIAN – PATIENT

OUR PARTNERSHIP

ASSOCIATED OPTICAL

tel: 01628 605433 | fax: 01628 665077 | email: sales@assopt.co.uk | web: www.associatedoptical.com

ATLANTIC OPTICAL UK LTD

tel: 02920 362 136 | fax: 02920 362 137 | email: info@atlanticoptical.co.uk | web: www.atlanticoptical.co.uk

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

BAUSCH + LOMB

tel: 020 8781 2900 | web: www.bausch.co.uk

BIB OPHTHALMIC INSTRUMENTS

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

tel: 01438 740823 | email: sales@bibonline.co.uk | web: www.bibonline.co.uk

BONDEYE OPTICAL

T: 01279 653785 E: TantCC@tantlabs.com

tel: 0121 7723888 | fax: 0808 2801865 | email: sales@bondeyeoptical.co.uk | web: www.bondeyeoptical.co.uk

CENTROSTYLE OPTICAL CENTRE SUPPLIES LTD

tel: 01923 239267 | fax: 01923 253951 | email: sales@centrostyle.com | web: www.centrostyle.com

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

CFH DOCMAIL

tel: 07834 173 288 | email: chris.burridge@cfh.com | web: www.docmail.co.uk

CHARMANT UK CO LTD

tel: 020 8992 9222 | fax: 020 8896 0287 | email: sales@charmant.co.uk | web: www.charmant.co.uk

CITATION

tel: 0161 464 6731 I email: iain.mcgleish@citation.co.uk | web: www.citation.co.uk

CONTINENTAL EYEWEAR

tel: 0151 426 3907 | fax: 0151 426 9340 | email: sales@continental-eyewear.co.uk | web: www.continental-eyewear.com

COOPERVISION

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT SIMPLIFIED

tel: 0870 9000 055 | web: www.coopervision.co.uk

DE RIGO UK LTD

tel: 01923 249491 | email: info.uk@derigo.com | web: www.derigo.com | web: www.derigo.com/eng

DUNELM OPTICAL

tel: 01388 420420 | fax: 01388 810101 | email: dunelm@dunelmoptical.co.uk | web: www.dunelmoptical.co.uk

ESSILOR

Optinet Flex, the innovative software that keeps your optometry business at the cutting edge.

tel: 01454 281281 | fax: 01454 281282 | web: www.essilor.co.uk

EYESPACE

tel: 01527 870550 | fax: 01527 837012 | email: info@eyespace-eyewear.co.uk | web: www.eyespace-eyewear.co.uk

EYEWEAR DIRECT (EUROPE) LTD

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

tel: 020 7193 3334 | web: eyewear-direct.net

GO EYEWEAR UK LTD

tel: 0800 9178270 | web: www.goeyeweargroup.com

HEIDELBERG ENGINEERING

OPTINET DIRECTORY AD - FEB 21_AW.indd 01/03/2021 109:47

tel: 01442 502 330 | fax: 01442 242 386 | web: www.HeidelbergEngineering.co.uk

HILCO EUROPE

tel: 0800 591150 | email: info@hilco.co.uk | web: www.hilcovision.co.uk

HOYA LENS UK

tel: 0845 330 0984 | fax: 0845 330 0977 | email: enquiries@hoya.co.uk | email: orders@hoya.co.uk web: www.hoyavision.com/uk

INTERNATIONAL EYEWEAR LTD

tel: 0121 585 6565 | fax:0121 585 0954 | web: www.internationaleyewear.co.uk

Lab3Sixty

tel: 0113 5211071 | email: Info@Lab3Sixty.co.uk | web: www.lab3sixty.co.uk

LENSTEC EYEWEAR

tel: 02920 857122 | fax: 02920 920480 | email: sales@lensteceyewear.co.uk | web: www.lensteceyewear.co.uk

LENSTEC OPTICAL

tel: 02920 883009 | fax: 02920 889798 | email: LenstecCC@lenstec.co.uk | web: www.lenstecopticalgroup.co.uk

34 Vision Now May 2022

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

www.stepper.co.uk

LOUIS STONE OPTICAL LTD tel: 029 2073 5293 | fax: 029 2073 1446 | email: info@louisstone.co.uk | web: www.louisstone.co.uk

LUNEAU TECHNOLOGY UK/IRELAND – VISIONIX

tel: 07383 555659 | email: infouk@luneautech.com | web: www.luneautech.co.uk

LUXOTTICA (UK) LTD

tel: 0808 165 8555 | web: www.luxottica.com

MARCHON

tel: 0800 72 2020 | email: csuk@marchon.com

MARK’ENNOVY

tel: 0800 3280610 | fax: 0800 3280649 | email: mkservices@markennovy.com | web: www.markennovy.com

MENICON UK LTD (FORMERLY DAVID THOMAS)

tel: 01604 646216 | fax: 01604 790366 | email: enquiries@menicon.co.uk | web: www.menicon.co.uk

MPG GmbH

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.

tel: 07583 076 132 | email: andrew.davies@mpg-eyewear.com | web: www.mpg-eyewear.com

MID-OPTIC

tel: 01332 295001 | fax: 01332 295158 | email: orders@midoptic.com | web: www.midoptic.com

NORVILLE

tel: 01452 510321 | email: sales@norville.co.uk | web: www.norville.co.uk

coopervision.co.uk

No7 CONTACT LENSES

tel: 01424 850620 | fax: 01424 850650 | email: info@no7contactlenses.com | web: www.no7contactlenses.com

OPTINET LTD

tel: 0845 313 0233 | email: sales@optinetuk.com | web: www.optinetuk.com

PERFORMANCE FINANCE

tel: 01536 529696 | fax: 01536 310033 | web: www.performancefinance.co.uk

POSITIVE IMPACT

tel: 08446 696907 | email: sales@positiveimpact.co.uk | web: www.positiveimpact.co.uk

PRACTICE BUILDING

tel: 0115 989 9772 | email: andy@practicebuilding.co.uk | web: www.practicebuilding.co.uk

PRO-OPTIC

tel: 01884 266130 | email: sales@pro-optic.com | web: www.pro-optic.co.uk

RAWDON OPTICAL

tel: 01132 883094 | fax: 01132 883095 | email: RawdonCC@rawdonoptical.co.uk web: www.lenstecopticalgroup.co.uk

RETAIL EXPERIENCE DESIGN (RED)

tel: 024 7601 0103 | email: dean@retailexperiencedesign.co.uk | web: www.retailexperiencedesign.co.uk

RODENSTOCK

tel: 01474 325555 | email: sales@rodenstock.co.uk | web: www.rodenstock.co.uk

SEIKO OPTICAL UK

tel: 01452 610033 | fax: 01452 638250 | email: orders@seiko-optical.co.uk | email: info@seiko-optical.co.uk web: www.seiko-optical.co.uk

SILHOUETTE UK LTD

tel: 020 8987 8899 | fax: 020 8987 2430 | email: office@uk.silhouette.com | web: www.silhouette.com

SPEC-CARE LTD

tel: 01392 460806 | email: info@speccareservices.co.uk | web: www.speccareservices.co.uk

STEPPER UK

tel: 01732 375975 | email: sales@stepper.co.uk | web: www.steppereyewear.com

TANT LABORATORIES

tel: 01279 653785 | fax: 01279 658308 | email: TantCC@tantlabs.com | web: www.lenstecopticalgroup.co.uk

THEA PHARMACEUTICALS

tel: 0845 521 1290 | fax: 01782 717 944 | web: www.thea-pharmaceuticals.co.uk

ULTRAVISION

tel: 01525 381112 | fax: 01525 370091 | email: info@ultravision.co.uk | web: www.ultravision.co.uk

WINDCAVE LTD

tel: 0800 088 6040 | email: sales@windcave.com | web: www.windcave.com Vision Now May 2022 35

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.

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Keep patients and business coming back with your mediflex® portfolio of contact lenses and lens care solutions – NEW and exclusive* to National Eyecare Group members. Studies show that private label contact lens patients are more loyal to their practice;1,2 and they spend more on their contact lenses too.3 Private label also helps drive spectacle sales4 and increases spend on them.4 Build your business with the mediflex® portfolio – exclusive* to NEG members. Behind each mediflex® label is a trusted CooperVision product at the same price as the branded equivalent.

Discuss this exclusive opportunity with your CooperVision Business Development Manager.

36 Vision Now May 2022

Vision Now May 2022

Articles inside

Style spotlight

New eco eyewear

Suppliers’ directory

Colourful new cases

Talking heads

Product profile

Schools eye health scheme

Myopia lens study results