News

100% Optical

100% Optical made a welcome return to the ExCeL London in February, with a record-breaking 10,657 attendees – a 10 per cent year-on-year increase on its previous record attendance. Nathan Garnett, event director, commented after the show: “This year’s show was a phenomenal success, from a massive uplift in visitor numbers to the greatest range of top brands in attendance; we couldn’t be happier with the results. The testimonials and rebooks for 2024 give us the motivation to keep growing this show for the benefit of everyone in optics.”

Next year’s 10th anniversary 100% Optical dates have been confirmed for 24 to 26 February, while the Association of Optometrists and Media 10 have agreed to deliver the show until 2025. Next year, there will be a new dedicated 100% Ophthalmology section and education programme, working with key partners, suppliers, and the NHS to deliver more content for ophthalmologists.

Association of Optometrists

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) has launched a new #SightWontWait [sic] campaign “to end the crisis in eyecare” –and is calling on the government to commit to a national eye health strategy enabling patients to access eyecare more quickly and locally. The campaign is backed by a Freedom of Information (FoI) request from the organisation, which revealed more than 200 cases of people losing their vision due to treatment delays since 2019.

Currently, says the AOP, 628,502 people are awaiting ophthalmology appointments in

CooperVision

CooperVision had a great response to the launch of its Fresh Thinking campaign at 100% Optical. The campaign was created to spark conversation and gather insights around the current contact lens patient journey, and how it could be evolved to make the experience quicker and easier for practitioners and their patients. The company’s vibrant stand welcomed more than 700 delegates throughout the three-day event and won Most Engaging Stand.

Visitors completed an online questionnaire, and recorded short videos of their experiences and opinions. There were also other data capture activities, such as a

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England – the second largest NHS backlog – with 27,260 having been waiting a year or more. The FoI request also revealed that there has been 551 reports to the National Reporting and Incident system in relation to sight loss due to delayed appointments since 2019. Of those, 99 incidents involved ‘severe harm’ and 120 incidents caused ‘moderate harm’.

AOP chief executive, Adam Sampson, said: “There are good treatments available for common age-related eye conditions like macular degeneration but many hospital trusts simply do not have the capacity to deliver services. Optometry is ideally placed to take away some of that burden.” The AOP is encouraging the optometry profession, and members of the public, to contact their constituency MP to support its “demand for change”. Visit www.aop.org. uk/sightwontwait to find out more. the show on its stand and in other zones.

Sharing thoughts on the CooperVision stand magnetic voting wall, touchscreen surveys and discussions with team members, along with some fun activities. Visitors were also encouraged to take a selfie at the stand and use the social media hashtag #FreshPatientExperience, which will run throughout the campaign. In addition, the company created over 1,300 CPD points at

All data is now being analysed and turned into insights to inform a practitioner focus group to discuss the findings, which will be hosted by the Association of Optometrists later this spring. Doug Bairner, senior director, UK, Ireland and Nordics, CooperVision, commented: “It has been incredibly interesting to hear from eyecare professionals themselves what they think about the current contact lens patient journey, and we look forward to acting on the insights we have discovered to help create new and improved ways of working.” The third phase of the campaign will look at options to improve the products, tools and services that impact upon the contact lens patient journey.

Positive Impact

The TearRestore Thermal Mask, said to be the first and only open-eye warm compress, is now available from Positive Impact (PI). The mask utilises anatomical norms to target the meibomian glands while avoiding the eye globe; it allows the user to blink throughout treatment, resulting in natural oil gland expression. A recent clinical study on TearRestore, carried out at the University of Colorado over 28-60 days, showed a 90 per cent increase in tear break-up time, a 51 per cent reduction in dry eye symptoms using the Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye

Charmant

Esprit is a brand that celebrates an upbeat attitude through clothing and accessories that are always fashion forward and high quality. The latest Esprit frames channel joy in contemporary men’s, women’s and unisex frames with modern retro, thin geometric and bold frames made from smooth metal, ultralight materials and innovative material mixes. Highlights include ornate 3D volume details, hand-painted colours and fine design elements and fresh new tones including pastels, icy blue, teal, red and rosy pink. Our photograph shows geometricinspired, angular unisex mode ET33477, which comes in matt navy blue, shiny rose and gold.

Silhouette

Dryness questionnaire, and a 40 per cent increase in functional meibomian glands.

PI managing director, Nick Atkins, said:

“I’m delighted to be able to bring this great new product to our independent customers. The compliance with the regular use of a warm compress is notoriously poor. I believe that having to stop everything for 10 to 15 minutes every day is a significant contributory factor, and this is what piqued our interest in bringing TearRestore into the UK.”

Essilor

Silhouette has partnered with aspiring female astronaut, Alyssa Carson, on its Titan Minimal Art (TMA) collection. In an exclusive shoot with renowned female fashion photographer, Alex Seifert, 21-yearold Carson wears the latest TMA La Ligne frames. The collaboration is part of Silhouette’s campaign to support young and empowered women. The special edition range is adorned with neon-coloured frames inspired by graphic eyeliner, while the 3D interplay of its accent rings offers a fresh look and the appearance of bright eyes.

Made from high-tech titanium, TMA made lightness a core feature when it arrived in 1999. The design was adopted by a leading space agency and has been worn by 73 astronauts on missions totaling 86,833 hours. Impervious to fluctuations in momentum and G-forces, the frames retain their flexible fit even in zero-gravity conditions. Additionally, their hingeless and screwless design reduces the danger of parts becoming loose in space.

Essilor will launch its latest breakthrough progressive lens – Varilux XR series – on 7 June. Powered by behavioural artificial intelligence, the Varilux XR series is the first eye-responsive progressive lens for instant sharpness in motion. Through NEG’s partnership with Essilor lenses, it has secured 10 places for NEG members to attend the Varilux XR series prestigious launch event, which will be held in London on 24 May. Look in your inbox for an email which will contain more information – including details of how to apply.

Toric Contact Lenses

Practice Building

Practice Building has launched its Net Zero Optics programme, enabling optical businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and plastic waste and become a certified Net Zero business. The programme suggests small adjustments to the practice’s pricing plan so that profitability remains unaffected; an analysis is then carried out to cut the practice’s carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions. A carbon reduction plan is a requirement of the NHS Quality in Optometry Protocol, and any carbon that cannot be reduced further is then off-set through an internationally approved agency.

The not-for-profit Net Zero Eyecare company has been established to verify the certification achieved and provide carbon and plastic off-setting. Andrew Clarke, Practice Building’s net zero manager, said: “A lot of practitioners have expressed their anxiety over not taking action on the climate crisis – but now they can easily follow this framework and do their bit for the planet.” Turn to page 15 where Andrew explains more about the programme.

General Optical Council

General Optical Council (GOC) registrants are being invited to complete the regulator’s latest Registrant Workforce and Perceptions Survey. The GOC is keen to hear from optometrists, dispensing opticians and students about the challenges and opportunities they face in daily clinical roles, including job satisfaction levels, potential pressures at work, and career development plans. Last year’s findings revealed that 62 per cent were satisfied with their role, and 40 per cent planned to gain additional qualifications/skills. However, 31 per cent said they were finding it difficult to provide patients with the sufficient level of care they needed.

Steve Brooker, GOC director of regulatory strategy, said: “Each year, this survey allows us to better understand our registrants and how they feel about their job and career. Now in the second year of our new CPD cycle, which represented a significant change in our requirements, we’re keen to hear from registrants on their experiences to help us to refine the scheme and plan for the next CPD cycle.” The closing date is 25 April and there is a prize draw to win a £100 online gift card for taking part. Find the survey link via the GOC website.

4,392 SKUS

MyDay® toric has increased its parameter range to cover 95% of the astigmatic population 2

The only one-day toric lens that o ers around-the-clock axes across all cylinder powers and a core range from +8.00 to -10.00DS.†

Powered by Aquaform® Technology.

Optimised Toric Lens Geometry™

*MyDay® toric has the largest number of prescription options of any one day toric contact lens. † Around the clock axes in 10º steps from plano to -10.00DS, and from +1.25DS to +8.00DS in cylinder powers -0.75DC, -1.25DC, -1.75DC, and -2.25DC in cylinder powers. 1. CVI data on file 2021. Based on prescription option combinations (sph, cyl, axis) available across all daily disposable toric so lenses from CooperVision®, Johnson and Johnson Medical Ltd.® Bausch & Lomb Inc.® and Alcon Inc.® in UK, France, Germany and Italy Dec 2021. Cosmetic & Photochromatic Cls not included. Multiple base curve variants not included. 2. CVI data on file, 2021. Rx coverage database n=83,540 eyes; 14 to 70 years.

We’ve made our one-day contact lenses plastic neutral through our partnership with Plastic Bank®. One-day contact lenses are defined as orders placed by customers for those products

Celebrating the style bond between father and son, Lacoste has introduced its new mini-me sunglasses for spring/summer. Reflecting the aesthetics of the Active line for adults, the matching styles epitomise the brand’s signature sports heritage and urban design approach. They are crafted in lightweight plant-based resin and enhanced with bold Lacoste branding on the sides.

Mini-me model L3656S (pictured) are crafted in plant-based resin and boast a modified rectangular front completed by squared temples featuring bold Lacoste branding. Reflecting the brand’s sporty identity, the palette of colours includes matte crystal, matte black, grey and khaki.

British Contact Lens Association

Renowned ‘eyecare edutainer’ Brian Tompkins will give a glimpse into the future of everyday practice as part of a technology-focused British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) webinar on 19 April.

Brian will be joined by David Berkow for the session, titled ‘An overview of modern contact lens fitting’. The members-only webinar will cover the role of technology in 21st century practice while reviewing modern empirical fitting of contact lenses.

Brian said: “Special emphasis will be on tear analysis options and new advances in topography – as there are now instruments that are a ‘one stop’ option for complete analysis of all aspects of tears/lids and the ocular surface. We will discuss slit lamp imaging analysis and image grading, along with a run through of various new innovations in profilometry and how this now leads to empirical fitting for many speciality contact lenses.” Register at www.bcla.org.uk

STEPPER (UK) Limited

sales@stepper.co.uk steppereyewear.com

For UK frame availability, please consult website.

Fight for Sight

The organisers of the annual Golf Day in aid of Fight for Sight are seeking players and supporters for this year’s event, taking place on Wednesday 5 July at Stoneleigh Deer Park Golf Club near Coventry. The day will include a minimum of six team prizes, a ‘prize every time’ tombola, auction of promises, halfway house snacks and a chance to win a prize on each of the 18 holes. Tee times are from 10.30am until 1.30pm and the cost of a four-person team entry is £300.

“Last year, our Golf Day raised over £6,000 in aid of sight saving research,” said event organiser, Debbie White. “The reason this cause is so important is that, in the UK, only 1.5 per cent of the £1.4bn that UK Research and Innovation, government and other public bodies invests in medical research is for eye research. With the help of our colleagues and peers in the optical profession and industry, we can be part of that brighter future.” For more information on taking part or supporting the event, visit www.performancefinance.co.uk/ fight-for-sight-golf-day-2023 – or contact Debbie by emailing events4sight@gnail.com or telephoning 0786 6510959.

Spec-Care

Exeter Eyewear – a legacy project established by Spec-Care’s Rob Barrow to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the NHS – has established R&D offices at the Exeter Science Park, a beacon for innovation in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine). “This is an amazing opportunity to collaborate with other businesses and open resources as we focus on the development of young people’s eyewear,” said Rob, Spec-Care and Exeter Eyewear founder/director.

Last year Rob and Spec-Care were selected by the Parliamentary Trust to represent optical providers at the NHS’s 75th birthday celebrations in 2023. In just eight months, Exeter Eyewear has gone from concept to the design and manufacture of four

De Rigo

Police is inaugurating its 40th anniversary with an Anniversary Collection: a limited edition selection of exclusive products including eyewear, perfume, watches, jewellery and small leather goods. There will only be 1,983 pieces per style, in honour of the brand’s founding year. The sunglasses (SPLL60) are bold and iconic, embellished with refined finishes and materials. The front and sides are crafted from thick acetate and titanium. The squared silhouette of the titanium front features a double-bridge with adjustable titanium nose pads.

The decorative element, which extends from the front onto the sides, is an ode to the brand’s eagle wings. The lenses feature

Abdo

ranges of frames. TR-lite, TR-active and CLIC zero metal eyewear are exclusively distributed by Norville Inspecs, whilst iPlay is exclusively distributed by Bondeye. Rob will attend the launch of the ‘NHS at 75’ celebrations at the Palace of Westminster on 6 September.

The varied and skilled roles of dispensing opticians (DOs) and contact lens opticians (CLOs) are being highlighted to existing and potential employers in a new social media campaign by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO). The campaign is based on an ABDO research project with employers, undertaken last summer, which found that DOs were valued for their expertise and the wide-ranging role they could play within practices.

Limited edition anniversary sunglasses an elegant gold-look effect on a blue base, while the Police 40 logo and serial number – from one to 1,983 – are printed on the inside of the temples, also crafted from a blend of acetate and titanium. In addition to an exclusive case, the sunglasses come in an elegant leather pouch featuring the Police 40 logo, alongside golden metal elements on the sides.

Antonia Chitty, ABDO head of communications and IT, said, “We’re excited to launch this new campaign highlighting the role of the DO and CLO, encompassing all aspects of their professional and clinical skills – from paediatrics and low vision to practice management and leadership, as well as those roles such as treating acute eye conditions which can be done with further training.” Find out more about the campaign by following ABDO on LinkedIn.

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It has recently been announced that Specsavers plans to open 200 locally owned ‘stores’ in Canada by 2024; further expanding the global empire.

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References: 1. In a clinical study wherein patients (n=66) used AOSEPT® solution for nightly cleaning, disinfecting, and storing; Alcon data on fi le, 2021. 2. Perez-Gomez I, Giles T. European survey of contact lens wearers and eye care professionals on satisfaction with a new water gradient daily disposable contact lens. ClinOptom. 2014;6:17-23.