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
