Vision Now April 2023

Editor: Nicky Collinson BA (Hons) nicola.collinson@nationaleyecare.co.uk

Features Contributor: Joan Grady jgparischats@wanadoo.fr

Business Editor: Philip Mullins FBDO p.mullins@nationaleyecare.co.uk

Art Editor: Stacey Potter BA (Hons) www.spottcreative.co.uk

Publisher: Michael C Wheeler

FCOptom DipCLP FSMC FAA0

Editor’s comment

Last month, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued its most sobering report yet, stating there was now very little chance of keeping the world from warming by more than 1.5˚C – something which governments had previously agreed to act to prevent.

If you ever felt that there was little you could do to help the globe achieve ‘net zero’ then maybe it’s time for a rethink –because there is plenty.

Whether you want to get on board with the new Net Zero Optics programme being run by Practice Building, which we learn more about in this month’s issue, utilise the sustainability self-assessment tool offered by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians, sign up to the Green Charter launched by the Optical Suppliers Association, or just go your own green way – the best place to begin is to appoint a sustainability champion within your practice.

Being a sustainable business doesn’t mean compromising on profitability, and if you’re looking for additional ways to boost your bottom line then turn to our preview of this year’s Independents Day. Making a profit from clinical services is the focus of the event, and discussions will include charging appropriate fees and ‘ditching the NHS’. Elsewhere, learn how BIB is supporting practitioners through education and training, and what support Citation can offer members in health and safety and HR compliance. This month’s style spotlight hones in on beautiful eyewear styles for women that transcend both age and time.

If you’ve already started your sustainability journey, we’d love to hear about your practice’s progress. Just get in touch by emailing ncollinson@nationaleyecare.co.uk

other journal. Acceptance of material for publication is not a guarantee that it will be included in any particular issue. Copyright © 2023 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.

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.

VIP visitor Prue Leith on the main stage

Sample campaign asset available

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.

Esprit model ET33477 in matt navy blue

Alyssa Carson wears TMA La Ligne

Open-eye compress: TearRestore Thermal Mask

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

and auxiliary inputs (e.g. ink).

Mini-me Lacoste sunglasses

‘Eyecare edutainer’ Brian Tompkins

Launching Net Zero Optics at 100% Optical

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.

Debbie (second from left) with players at a past event

Promoting DO/CLO skills and roles

Exeter Science Park

Give

News

Marchon

AN INDEPENDENT VIEW

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

your Alcon representative for more information about TOTAL® brand contact lenses.

Feels

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.

Calvin Klein model CK23503S

It is perhaps interesting to consider how the company’s current model will translate to the North American market, which is often looked on with some reverence by UK-based clinicians. For instance, setting appropriate pricing for clinical examinations, with a far greater emphasis on the eye health part of the consultation where dilations are performed as a matter of routine. Will the North American market see a similar shift towards less chair time and a growth in lossleading reduced clinical fees?

Dr Mani Herold has been announced as the Rodenstock Group’s new chief financial officer (CFO), succeeding Marcus Desimoni. Joining the company from the Pfleiderer Group, Dr Herold has more than 25 years of international work experience in the area of strategic and operational financial management, and holds a PhD and a MBA from the University of Munich.

Marcus Desimoni, CEO of Rodenstock, said: “We are pleased to welcome with Dr Herold a well-rounded finance leader to our Rodenstock management team. The breadth of his experience and his leadership skills will allow him to play a decisive role in the future transformational path of the Rodenstock Group.” Dr Herold added: “I am excited joining the Rodenstock Group. With its unique biometric positioning of Rodenstock paired with the ambitious environment of a PE company it is perfectly positioned for future growth.”

The North American and European markets tend to split the clinical and dispensing elements, which is a controversial topic in the midst of the review into the Opticians Act. Would splitting the examination and dispense see a change in mentality towards eye examinations, appropriate clinical fees and a lesser dependence upon spectacle sales? Might allowing dispensing opticians to refract open up clinic time for optometrists, enabling them to more widely utilise their clinical skills to help our over-stretched hospital eye service? Could the ability to refract help to bolster the role of the dispensing optician, which has gradually been eroded by the rise of the non-qualified optical assistant?

There are compelling arguments for both sides of this debate – and it remains perhaps the thorniest of issues surrounding the review of the Opticians Act. Is it a case of ‘better the devil you know’, or should we be aiming to give the profession its much needed shake-up in this rapidly changing world?

The Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA) has published its review of the General Optical Council’s (GOC) performance in 2021-2022. This year, for the first time in just under a decade, the GOC has met all 18 of the PSA’s Standards of Good Regulation. The GOC was deemed to have performed well in several areas

including: the improvements made to the time it takes to progress cases through its fitness to practise system; and in equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), including the comprehensive registrant EDI data the GOC holds and collects as part of its annual public perceptions survey.

Though much was positive, the GOC said it would reflect on comments relating to the stakeholder communications in the

implementation of its new Education and Training Requirements and the new CPD system. GOC chief executive and registrar, Leonie Milliner, said: “I am delighted with the outcome of the PSA’s annual review of our performance from October 2021 to December 2022. The GOC meeting all the PSA’s Standards for Good Regulation is a significant step in our ambition to become a world-class regulator and we will continue to build on this positive performance.”

(pictured) is a bold, glamorous acetate sun style from the new spring/summer collection, characterised by a butterfly-shaped front. The solid lenses are flushed into the milled front, providing a sleek, ultramodern look enhanced by iconic metal sticker embellishments on the front. The temples, with thinning down tips, host the same motif integrated with the metal logo, while the custom core wire is visible on the inner side. The sunglasses are available from Marchon in black/charcoal, rose, purple havana and olive.

Bold summer styling

Rodenstock

General Optical Council

GO BEYOND WITH THE MOST

LENS Discover more: www.ultraoneday.co.uk UOD.0002.IE.23

Net zero: the urgent call

By Andrew Clark

The climate crisis is upon us. There’s greater pressure than ever for businesses to adopt sustainability into their practice, but few know where or how to even start. A new initiative from Practice Building has the answer, and it’s squaring up to change the industry for good.

What does ‘sustainability’ mean to you? Is it some consumer trend?

A new fundamental of successful business? Is it making the world a better place for future generations? For us at Practice Building, it’s all that and more. We’ve long been helping practice owners create businesses that support the lives they want to live – and nothing about that has to change whilst we simultaneously help them operate sustainably so that our grandchildren can thrive.

Most people reading this article will be at least somewhat aware of the climate crisis, but let’s quickly recap what it really means…

FUTURE IN YOUR HANDS

The earth is steadily warming due to increasing concentrations of greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere. These emissions are caused largely by the combustion of fossil fuels; however, we only burn those fossil fuels to support the lives that we like to live, so that’s really the underlying cause.

This global heating of, at the time of writing, about 1.2 degrees above preindustrial levels1 is causing the melting of polar ice caps (and permafrost), the disruption of oceanic currents and global weather patterns, increased severe weather events, desertification, sea level rise and ocean acidification. These forces are destabilising the myriad of beautiful and complex self-regulatory systems that

keep earth habitable; leading to landscape change, mass extinction of biodiversity, ecological collapse, and increasingly severe food and water insecurity – fundamentally destabilising the foundations on which humanity depends.

In 2015, world leaders set targets to prevent the more severe climate change scenarios, aiming for no greater warming than 1.5 degrees facilitated by a global reduction in emissions to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Given that in 2023, global greenhouse gas emissions are still increasing, we’re sitting around 1.2 degrees warming and are on track to pass 1.5 degrees by 20301. Those pledges of action have demonstrably failed – leaving the future of humanity in the hands of anyone who’s willing and able to do their bit. Many businesses have mirrored government commitments to go ‘net zero’ by 2050, and others have more ambitiously pledged to be net zero by 2030 (or earlier).

But, given that we have until 20252 to pass peak global emissions to stand a chance of preventing climate change from getting catastrophically out of hand, there’s an urgent need for businesses to go net zero now. Hence, Practice Building has created the Net Zero Optics (NZO) programme; to help our industry do what needs to be done as quickly and easily as possible.

Public concern over the climate crisis has never been greater

just their job. I’m an MSc environmental scientist by education; I’ve done my time as a tropical conservationist and an environmental filmmaker, and I’m more than a little bit cross that the world is in such a dire state. Because every time new research is published, the situation gets a bit more bleak, and people just continue as normal – as if the world isn’t visibly falling apart around them.

My one consolation is that I’m not alone in this desperation or fury; more and more people are finding the strength and the pride to stand up, make a change, and support others in doing so. Here’s a case in point...

Earlier this year, new research3 was published demonstrating unequivocally that 1.5 degrees is much more than a political target – it’s a boundary that will push critical earth systems into irreversible collapse; notably the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets, the melting of which will trigger a 10m rise in global sea level. That’s nothing ›

Earth, home to the only known life for 13.8 billion light years in any direction – and our everyday actions threaten its future

less than terrifying.

We’ve been unable not to talk about this research with clients, and it’s such severe news that for most people it’s a moment when all this hypothetical climate projection stuff suddenly becomes real. Because for many people in the UK the effects of climate change have been some far future unknown; despite the eight hottest years on record being the last eight years4,5, it’s been too easy to remain contentedly unaffected by the science.

But when we recently shared this devastating headline with a client in Jamaica, their response was astonishing: “Yeah,” they said with a shrug (it was a video call). “We’re feeling this here already, all the best beaches are already gone. And we’re furious that nothing adequate is being done nationally.” As the call concluded, NZO expanded from the UK and became an international movement.

TAKE MEANINGFUL ACTION

NZO is designed for anyone in our industry to take meaningful action on climate change quickly, without it hurting their profit. There’s lots of science behind it but, in practice, calculating your business’s carbon footprint is remarkably simple. It’s also remarkably easy and affordable to offset your carbon footprint with internationally-accredited programmes that build truly sustainable societies.

Because we’ve spent over a decade helping practice owners tackle new challenges while increasing profits, we’re helping participants reach net zero without it costing them a penny. We’ve even helped set up a not-for-profit organisation, Net Zero Eyecare, to handle the off-setting finances while awarding official certifications for businesses to verify their actions.

Now, critics of off-setting say it’s a means to carry on polluting. Fair enough. But I’d far rather organisations carried on polluting and off-set it all, than just remain focused

on making a few small reductions to their otherwise rampant emissions.

That’s not to suggest that reducing emissions isn’t imperative. We desperately need to reduce emissions and start to restore earth’s vital systems. I wholeheartedly welcome the NHS’s upcoming requirement of a Carbon Reduction Plan for any organisation that provides NHS care. Yes, it’s inconvenient for practices but, as Al Gore has repeatedly sought to remind us, nothing about the climate crisis is particularly ‘convenient’.

If you have all the data to hand, we can get your practice certified net zero carbon in an afternoon. But for most people on the NZO programme, a leisurely 90 days is fine.

ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

‘Sustainability’ is, of course, about much more than climate action – but if the climate crisis goes unaddressed, we won’t have the luxury of being more sustainable in other areas. The real elephant in the room for the optical industry is plastic.

Plastic has a substantial carbon and environmental footprint, and plastic pollution is a global scourge; there’ll be more plastic than fish in the sea by 20506 without radical change. Plastic debris clogs waterways and literally chokes biodiversity, while microplastic particles are globally ubiquitous – from the deepest-reached ocean trenches to floating around inside living tissue (including yours, probably7) carrying with them a potential cocktail of harmful substances8

Calculating your plastic footprint is remarkably easy. For all the tonometer caps and little plastic sleeves cluttering up a small receptacle in the back of your practice, we’re not avoiding the fact that during an ideal working day every patient who enters your practice leaves with at least one extra bit of plastic than they came in with.

It’s easy (and important) to take a hard line on plastics in eyewear: if a plastic item leaves your practice destined for anywhere other than a recycling facility, you can’t guarantee it will be recycled so it counts as plastic pollution. You can easily and affordably ‘off-set’ that plastic pollution through verified projects that remove plastic from the environment elsewhere, work with our partners to provide complete spectacle recycling, and get a Net Zero Plastic certification too.

WILL YOU JOIN THE MOVEMENT?

That all may sound like a lot, and it’s a huge win for businesses to achieve net zero carbon and/or plastic – but that’s only the

beginning of the NZO programme as, after those certifications, we begin to take on the biggest sustainability challenges that will underpin societies of the future.

The future of life on earth is what’s at stake here, and not one of us can make an adequate difference alone – but together we can do something quite profoundly powerful.

That’s what love most about NZO – it’s not just a great business programme, it’s a movement. Nearly everyone I’ve spoken to about NZO has expressed one thing: deep relief that finally they can alleviate their pent-up guilt, take the actions they know are necessary, receive recognition, and be part of something much bigger than themselves. Every single participant on the programme, and receiving certification from Net Zero Eyecare, is inspiring further action throughout this industry. And if this industry can do what’s necessary and achieve net zero in the next few years, maybe they all can.

Visit www.netzerooptics.com to join the programme and start taking action today.

REFERENCES

1. IPCC Special Report: Global Warming of 1.5˚C. www.ipcc.ch/sr15/chapter/spm

2. IPCC Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of climate change. www.ipcc.ch/2022/04/04/ ipcc-ar6-wgiii-pressrelease

3. World Economic Forum. Leaders Urge Action as New Science Shows Earth Systems at Tipping Point. www.weforum. org/press/2023/01/leaders-urge-actionas-new-science-shows-earth-systems-attipping-point

4. BBC News. Past seven years hottest on record. EU satellite data. www.bbc.co.uk/ news/science-environment-59915690

5. Met Office. 2022 provisionally warmest year on record for UK. www.metoffice.gov. uk/about-us/press-office/news/weatherand-climate/2022/2022-provisionallywarmest-year-on-record-for-uk

6. World Economic Forum. The New Plastics Economy Rethinking the future of plastics. www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_The_New_ Plastics_Economy.pdf

7. The Guardian. Microplastics found deep in lungs of living people for first time. www. theguardian.com/environment/2022/apr/06/ microplastics-found-deep-in-lungs-of-livingpeople-for-first-time

8. World Economic Forum. Our homes are full of harmful microplastics. Here’s how to minimise the risk. www.weforum.org/ agenda/2021/05/microplastics-homehealth-climate-change-risk

combat the climate crisis by becoming a certified NET ZERO CARBON practice, AND reduce plastic polution by becoming a certified NET ZERO PLASTIC practice, AND achieve this quickly and easily without a ecting your profitability.

Andrew Clark BSc (Hons), MSc, AIEMA is net zero manager at Practice Building. ■

Microplastics are fragments of any type of plastic less than 5mm in diameter

Saving time, while remaining compliant

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• Order by patients working distance & full RX • Superior depth of view Vs single vision &

• Easy adaptation • A per fect second pair dispense to provide best visual solution

Citation understand that finding time to deal with all the compliance obligations can prove difficult, which can lead to things being missed. That’s why Citation work to free up your valuable time so you can focus on what matters most to you. They take away the headache and hassle of ticking off your must-have Health & Safety and HR compliance obligations and tracking the latest legislation changes, so you can get back to work. Oh, and they’ll help you achieve best-practice standards at the same time. Time to take your business where you want it to go.

Whether you’re starting a business or growing a business, at Citation you’ll find everything you need to help you get HR and Health & Safety right. They enjoy deciphering thousands of pages of regulations, and finding affordable, intelligent solutions to keep compliance simple for businesses like yours.

WHO ARE THEY?

✓ 160+ HR professionals, barristers, solicitors and Health & Safety experts here for you 24/7

✓ 25+ years supporting UK businesses

✓ 50,000+ brilliant clients

✓ Rated ‘Excellent’ by their clients on Trustpilot

Their business? Making sure your business is ready for anything You’re always busy, aren’t you? At Citation, they get that. That’s why they free up your valuable time so you can focus on

what matters most to you. They take away the headache and hassle of ticking off your must-have Health & Safety and HR compliance obligations and tracking the latest legislation changes, so you can get back to work.

Oh, and they’ll help you achieve bestpractice standards at the same time.

HOW?

■ 24/7 expert advice: Round-the-clock phone access to expert HR and Health & Safety professionals

■ Atlas, the smart compliance management hub: Manage essential HR and Health & Safety tasks, training and documentation in one place

■ Documentation, sorted: Policies, risk assessments, contracts – their experts have them covered for you, so you can focus on what you do best

■ Specialist on-site support – Don’t worry, they’ll come to you, with annual HR check-ins and site inspections

■ Advice so good, it’s guaranteed –

As long as you follow their advice, they’ll defend you against safety prosecutions or tribunal claims up to £1.5million a year

And, as an NEG member, you can get all of this for less with preferential rates.

Trust us, it works

Citation clients are:

■ 8x less likely to face a tribunal claim from their employees*

■ 30% less likely to have a reportable

NEG members can enjoy a wealth of resources accident at work*

■ 47x less likely to receive an enforcement notice

■ 7x less likely to suffer a major injury at work*

“Having Citation on hand to advise us on all manner of Employment Law, HR and Health & Safety is invaluable and well worth every penny,” Kinsey Premiere Services Ltd. As a group, NEG has used Citation for a number of years and have found not only do they make life so much easier, they are easy to work with and are ready to support you when and where you need them.

Over the coming months, we will be sharing some free resources with members that Citation will supply. Members can also sign up to the ‘How to Hub’, which is an online resource, covering aspects of HR and Health & Safety. You can take advantage of this great resource for just £18 per year. In addition, you can sign up to the full service, which offers a comprehensive service including telephone support from the experts.

KICK THINGS OFF WITH CITATION TODAY

Want to know more, then get in touch with Citation to organise a free audit of your business and start saving time, stress and money. Simply call our dedicated partnerships manager, Iain McGleish on 07703 705 228 or email iainmcgleish@ citation.co.uk

Remember to quote ‘National Eyecare Group when enquiring to access preferential rates. ■

Profitable Practice Post Pandemic

Now that the business bubble created by pent-up demand post pandemic seems to have finally burst, what's next for independent practices?

What is the best strategy to continue business growth and, more importantly, profitable growth?

This year’s Independents Day will focus on the strategies that help create the solid financial base a business needs to help make it more robust in challenging times. Key themes will include:

• Going private: Is it the answer?

• Professional fee strategies

• Making enhanced services profitable

• Exploiting market growth opportunities

For more details and to book visit www.independentsday.co.uk

Focusing on profitability from professional fees

By Nick Atkins, co-director, Proven Track Record

As a follow-up to last year’s successful Independents Day (iDay), this year we’ve decided to focus on making a profit – or at least not making a loss – from the professional services independent practices provide. With business slowing down post the pandemic pent-up demand, and the so-called ‘cost of living crisis’, there is no better time to focus on the additional revenue to be had from clinical services. Therefore, at iDay 2023 on Monday 3 July we will focus on strategies to create the solid financial base of ongoing revenue a business needs to make it more robust in more challenging economic times.

STELLAR SPEAKER LINE-UP

As always, iDay is all about the business of being in independent practice and we have the usual rosta of thought leaders and experienced A-list speakers. Our keynote speaker is Professor Nick Rumney. In 'Industrialising optometric practice', Nick will share his personal perspective having ‘walked the talk’ and ‘blazed the trail’ for upweighting optometric clinical services and charging appropriately for them, for most of his distinguished career.

Dr Trusit Dave is an optometrist, researcher and inventor. He is the owner of an independent practice in Coventry, specialising in dry eye and keratoconus. Core to his business model is charging appropriately for his clinical services. In 'Commercialising clinical services', Trusit will share how he does this, encourage delegates to do the same and predict what he sees as the future of optometric clinical service provision.

US optometrist Dr Samantha Hornberger graduated from Indiana University School of Optometry in 2005. She owns a private practice in Dearborn County, Indiana, that she opened cold in 2013 and recently expanded to be able to serve more of her hometown community. The title of Samantha’s talk – 'I grew my revenue by 23 per cent without any more patients' – does the heavy lifting as to its focus. However, she will also share her views on wellness and how striving for practice success needn’t mean losing the essential work-life balance.

THOUGHT ABOUT GOING PRIVATE?

know many independents regularly juggle with this conundrum, so we have some speakers who have taken the plunge. They will share their experiences, in order to help move you forward in your thinking.

Our lead speaker on this subject is Dr Martin Smith, an award-winning doctor of optometry and the founder of Martin Smith Optometrists. He is an IP optometrist and glaucoma specialist, certified in laser and minor procedures. He now practises outside of the NHS as a private patient only practice. Martin will share with iDay delegates how he has made this work, and why he believes he now has a more honest relationship with his patients.

Chaired by Optix managing director, Trevor Rowley, our panel Q&A session will bring in more independent practitioners who have ‘walked the talk’ including Anthony Josephson of Maskell & Josephson, and Keyur Patel of TK&S Optometrists. The day will conclude with a debate on this motion, 'Ditching the NHS is the future for optometry', sure to be informative and entertaining.

MAKE A WEEKEND OF IT

While iDay is unapologetically all about the business of optometry, we have joined forces with the Specialist Club which is running a Myopia CPD Day on Sunday 2 July at the same venue. There is a special price for both events – so please check the website for details.

Why not bring the team? With much of the programme being multidisciplinary, we’re sure it will inspire and motivate your team – and we have a special price for group bookings of three or more delegates. This year’s event will, once again, utilise the excellent facilities of the National Conference Centre (next to the National Motorcycle Museum) near the NEC in Birmingham. It is just off junction six of the M42 and only 10 minutes from Birmingham International railway station. As always, the iShow will be integral in bringing independent supporting suppliers together with their customer base. We will have a vast array of contact lenses, spectacle lenses and equipment, plus a whole lot more all under one roof.

I hope you can join us again this year to meet up with friends and colleagues and celebrate all that’s great about being independent. ■

Price per person (excl. VAT)

By 16 April

From 17 April

iDay delegate Fee £129.00 £159.00

iDay practice team (min. three people) £99.00 £129.00

iDay + Specialist Club £149.00 £188.00

iDay + Specialist Club practice team (min. three people) £119.00 £158.00

Early-bird pricing extended to 16 April

US optometrist, Dr Samantha Hornberger Keynote speaker, Professor Nick Rumney

Support through education and innovation

E-LEARNING AND PEER SUPPORT

The BIB Education Suite – which can be found at https://bib.education – is the company’s new e-learning site. “We set up this new e-learning platform to help address the need for ongoing education and support,” says Tim Baker, CEO of BIB Ophthalmic Instruments. “Here customers will find both user training and guides on interpreting results on products such as OCT [optical coherence tomography], perimetry and corneal topography to help our customers get the most from their investment.”

NEG members who are considering investing in any of BIB’s technologies – or who are existing users – can simply log in and register their details. “We will then gladly provide full access to the e-learning zone,” explains Tim.

“OCT interpretation of scans covers some of the most commonly found and recognised pathologies – with narration kindly provided by optometrist and dispensing optician, Jason Higginbotham. Jason is also about to complete interpretation of visual field results, which will be uploaded on to the site very shortly.”

BIB plans to expand its e-learning facilities to include CPD-accredited lectures and further general training and interpreational videos. Other educational activities planned for later this year include a series of CPDaccredited webinars hosted by Perceptive and run by Peter Charlesworth and his team. There will also be a series of roadshows offering CPD-accredited lectures and workshops at four major regional sites. Practitioners looking for advice and assistance from peers and fellow OCT users can register with OCTForum.com at https:// octforum.com/register. Explaining more about the forum, Tim says: “OCTForum allows members to post questions, whilst following GDPR regulations, which fellow

members can answer – providing peer advice and support. Users will also find educational and news posts, updated regularly, as well as upcoming CPD content.

“Our educational content, OCTForum and Altris AI [see later] can remove the worry around getting used to an OCT if you’ve not used one previously,” continues Tim. “OCT is a ‘game changer’ in daily optometric practice and our resources speed up the process of familiarising yourself with the software – and with the interpretation of many common lesions. This takes away the fear and allows the practitioner to enjoy the improvements that OCT can make to their daily practice.”

MANAGING MYOPIA WITH OCT BIOMETRY

At 100% Optical in February, myopia management was one of the hottest topics discussed and the subject of an open debate with key opinion leaders on the main stage.

“It is now widely accepted that being able to record and monitor axial length changes is not only a vital tool in myopia management, but it can be used as a visual education and sales tool for parents,” says Tim. “This facilitates a better understanding of the issue whilst demonstrating the

positive effects of dispensing myopia control lenses and contact lenses. There is now a shift in attitude towards myopia, which all optometrists and practice owners need to be aware of.”

Jason Higginbotham, who is CEO of FYEye, owner of OCTforum.com and managing editor of myopiafocus.org, says:

“The World Council of Optometry has clearly stated that myopia should no longer merely be considered a refractive error. It is, in fact, a potentially sight-threatening eye condition. We also know that, despite genetic causes being identified, the vast numbers of myopia sufferers cannot be explained by genes alone. Lifestyle plays a huge part in its development. Simply conducting eye examinations on children without screening for myopia or discussing the risks with parents is not acceptable.”

As Tim points out, the College of Optometrists’ recent guidance attests to Jason’s point. He says: “If you already own a Revo OCT, we can easily help you to measure the most important parameter in myopia management – axial length. Many key opinion leaders say that without axial length, there could be some patients who do not receive the fullest level of attention they deserve.

“Many of the specific devices on the market for myopia management are costly, and they take up a lot of room,”

continues Tim. “Adding the biometry module to your OCT will give much of the clinical performance you need for myopia management. You can then use online calculators from the Brien Holden Vision Institute to better predict future axial length without treatment, and then plan therapies to ‘flatten the curve’ and reduce future risk of sight impairment. You won’t need to make a large investment or take up valuable space in your practice either.”

It is widely held that one of the most effective treatments for myopia is orthokeratology (ortho-k). “As we know, these rigid gas permeable ‘night lenses’ reshape the cornea during sleep so that many patients are spectacle and contact lens free during the day,” says Tim. “Apart from this obvious benefit for confidence when playing sports and getting outdoor time, it is highly effective at producing myopic peripheral defocus, leading to the slowing down of myopia progression. If you intend to offer ortho-k, you won’t be able to use the prescription as a measure of progression and so axial length measurement is most important in these cases.”

Another advantage of the biometry on the Revo OCT, Tim explains, is that it provides all parameters, not just axial length, so corneal centre thickness, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness and vitreous chamber depth. “Local companies that offer cataract procedures on behalf of the NHS may be interested to know you have this functionality available,” Tim suggests.

“The topography module allows for a detailed understanding of the central corneal thickness, corneal epithelial thickness and, of course, central curvature analysis. This will allow those wishing to get involved in local keratoconus screening schemes to do so without having to invest in a separate topographer.”

OCT-A: ANGIOGRAPHY

Another increasingly popular module for the Revo OCT is OCT-A (angiography).

“This allows for a better understanding of the vascular health of the retina and choroid,” explains Tim. “One of the most frequently conducted test in macula clinics after referral for suspected choroidal neovascularisation [CNV] is fluorescein angiography and indo cyanine green angiography. Optometrists cannot undertake these very useful procedures, but OCT-A allows practitioners to view similar results in a non-dynamic way.

“This can profoundly alter the way you manage, monitor or refer many age-related macular degeneration [AMD], diabetic or other retinal pathology patients. For instance, there are examples where what appears to be later stage dry AMD has already transformed into a wet AMD and this may not be obvious on the colour fundus, OCT B-Scan or from the patient’s signs and symptoms. OCT-A can quickly identify CNV, for example, and this will change the referral pathway and urgency and could save the patient’s sight.”

Tim adds: “OCT is becoming so much more versatile and you can use it for so many other elements of daily practice without taking up more space in your clinic. You can save time and money by making the fullest use of the resources at your disposal on the Revo OCT. And, of course, NEG members can enjoy OCT biometry, topography and OCT-A at a specially reduced rate when purchasing any Revo OCT.”

AI DIAGNOSTICS IN THE CLOUD

BIB is working closely with Altris AI, which provides a subscription-based artificial intelligence (AI) diagnostic platform. Practitioners can upload OCT scans to Altris AI’s cloud-based AI solution and in around one minute, will receive a severity analysis on the segmentation of macula scan, plus classification of any pathologies to support the diagnosis.

The AI model has been developed over six years and is trained on more than five

million b-scans for highly accurate results. The benefits include: the provision of efficient OCT scan analysis backed up by AI diagnosis support; no minor, rare or early pathologies missed due to severity detection; accurate segmentation and classification mean no follow up visit is ignored; less time spent on reading nonpathological scans, leaving more time to focus on other clinical areas and ultimately remove any doubts by relying on proven algorithms.

“The Altris cloud-based AI platform can help less experienced optometrists to gain confidence in offering OCT within their practice,” says Tim.

The scan type needs to be in a ‘DICOM Tomogram series format’. The scans are then uploaded to the Altris AI platform. “Initially, the raw scans were of such a size that the upload/download time was far from acceptable,” reveals Tim.

“However, utilising the set-up parameters within Optopol’s software, we have now managed to compress the size of the raw scans from 450MB to only 15MB without losing vital detail. In turn, this has speeded up the upload time and the time to receive the final diagnosis to around only one minute, dependent of course on local available internet speed. In addition, a specific file location for uploading scans has been created within the Optopol software to further simplify and streamline the process.”

The system is fully GDPR compliant, with encrypted data that can’t be reached by any third party. All patients’ critical data is tokenised and protected from disclosure at all stages. “Data storage formats can be saved, and it can be easily integrated into any practice management system or work separately as a web application,” adds Tim. ■

Until further notice, BIB is offering NEG members a free subscription period with Altris AI when purchasing any Optopol OCT. And don't forget: NEG members also enjoy OCT biometry, topography and OCT-A at a specially reduced rate when purchasing any Revo OCT. For further information on all sales and educational matters, contact BIB on 01438 740823.

Embracing new technologies and deciding what devices are most suited for your practice is one thing – but another important factor to consider is what ongoing training and educational support is available after you have made your investment. We hear how BIB Ophthalmic Instruments is supporting its customers through both education and innovation...

Log in to BIB’s new Education Suite

Segmentation report example using Altris AI

Timeless and ageless eyewear

By Joan Grady

Through life’s journey – for independent opticians and consumers alike – ageing can dare you to feel and look better; to confidently accept the ‘team’ challenge. Fortunately, the stereotypes of maturing women conforming to how they think they should look and dress have effectively disappeared. Women now make their presence felt with confidence, success, motivation and recognition of ability.

Women of every age are enraptured with fashion – from clothing to shoes to accessories and, of course, eyewear. The interest in eyewear has particularly developed, as statement-making design innovations, colours and materials capture this momentum.

Contemporary women have the power and liberty to combine their personal fashion instincts and values, effectively expressing their individuality and personality. Creative eyewear designers, and companies bolstered and energised by extraordinary technological advances, offer beautiful frame options for all stages of life. And it begins with you –the experienced independent eyecare practitioner. The mature customer will appreciate your – or your team’s –suggestions for spectacle designs with fashion flair and style chic, as well as quality and comfort.

GO GRAPHIC

Timeless design – whether in eyewear, architecture, sculpture or other artistic expressions – is created with the intention that it will endure time and trends; that it will stand in a historical context and work functionally. In eyewear design, timelessness is transcended with the advance of technology, multiple choices in shapes, colour, materials, intricate details and fascinating textures.

De Rigo’s Yalea label was born with the concept of an all-female brand plus the goal to promote today’s savvy women with frame choices that support their freedom of choice. Model VYA093 is dedicated to Nina Marie Tandon, an American

biomedical engineer, and executive director and co-founder of Epibone, De Rigo’s positivity programme that supports women’s talent and rewards their uniqueness. The Yalea frame combines ease, comfort and delicate femininity with a graceful cat-eye sweep. An aesthetic, streamlined geometric flow of metal is enhanced with meticulous attention to enamel detailing.

Austrian label Silhouette is going graphic with their latest collection –La Ligne. The four-piece collection for women with generous shaping highlights a stunning colour palette that includes a charismatic azure turquoise, refreshing lime, captivating orchid pink and traditional black. Silhouette has been setting the benchmark for premium lightweight eyewear since 1964, and this new collection is a bold addition to the exquisite quality and on-trend designs that characterise the brand’s message. Effortless chic is the hallmark of Parisian women, embracing classic, trendy and vintage elements. The latest Elle eyeglasses – distributed by Charmant – highlight the designs with frames in

geometric and asymmetrical forms. The assertive yet subtle features of EL13538 unite elegant simplicity and a discerning contemporary form, in key colours of aquatic blue and green, cheery red and rosé tones, and deep forest green and brown. Mixed metals and acetate ensure a distinctive look and rich texture as well as customised design elements. The Elle eyewear philosophy is to empower women to be true to who they are, with personal fashion flourishes.

BIO-BASED AND ACETATE BEAUTIES

With sustainability at the forefront of fashion, spectacle designs in bio-based and recycled materials reflect the eyewear sector’s commitment to responsible luxury. Aspinal of London from Eyespace showcases a striking design in econcyl that is sustainably crafted from regenerated fishing nets, fabric off-cuts and discarded industrial plastic. The cultivated round silhouette is artfully presented in luminous willow green, with custom hinge hardware inspired by Aspinal’s signature shield motif and self-locking screw. The iconic bee motif,

delicately etched on the inner tips of each frame, is aligned with the Bee Aspinal campaign to promote environmental awareness.

Ana Hickmann is the embodiment of a successful female entrepreneur, evidenced by her career as a model and business women who has appeared on covers of fashion tomes, has a daytime TV show in her native Brazil, and designs clothing, jewellery and impressive eyewear. The latest Ana Hickmann frame designs, distributed by Go Eyewear, are true statement spectacles that include style AH6522 in a light gradient crystal pink. Strong, bold lines convey empowerment, beauty and style.

Fresh, colourful and made with traditional spectacle making skills, Radley Eyewear cat-eye model RDO 6020 features a beautiful floral design that seductively caresses this graceful piece designed by Inspecs. The Radley collection features frame designs with strong appeal to free-thinking, independent women who appreciate style, quality, comfort, fit and functionality.

COLOUR CREATIVITY

Among the many and varied advancements that enhance eyewear, colour is particularly exuberant. With constantly evolving technologies, creative colour palettes expand from pale to punchy hues. Metals, acetates, sustainable elements and mixed combinations are beautifully nuanced to provide an enchanting range of soft and skilful colours to vibrant, dynamic sequences.

The tri-colour Icy style from Louis Stone in Wales is an audacious silhouette with a commanding presence that inspires confidence, while effortlessly providing stylish momentum for daywear or sportswear. Luminous colour calibrations feature sweet and sour (shown) and pink pop – a frame with a dash of fun and definitely a youthful vibe.

Effective, subtle colour inserts accentuate the soft, feminine, streamlined contours in X-Eyes Lite XEL11 in acetate and metal. Available from Continental Eyewwear, part of the Millmead Optical Group, the XEL collection offers quality,

contemporary frames in a variety of shapes and colourations. They are extremely lightweight, easy to wear and with a comfortable fit. The variety in the collection provides the wearer choices that navigate through daytime activities, being outdoors and smart casual evening pursuits.

A perfect fit is among the qualities exhibited in Stepper Eyewear designs. The construction of the brand’s unique bridge ensures ease and comfort for the wearer. Stepper’s streamlined titanium

frame style 30198 fuses classic black and a tangy bolt of shocking pink. For more conservative spectacle wearers, the frame silhouette is timeless, and the splash of colour is energising. Nowadays, mature women radiate uniqueness, strength and openness, plus a sense of adventure. Independent opticians can tap into this potential by presenting to these clients eyewear designs that are sleek, stylish and celebrate the mature woman’s timeless femininity. ■

De Rigo Yalea model VYA093 Silhouette La Ligne model 5568

Elle model EL13528, distributed by Charmant

Aspinal of London eco style in willow green

Ana Hickmann model AH6522, distributed by Go Eyewear

Radley Eyewear model RDO6020 from Inspecs

Youthful vibe with Icy by Louis Stone

XEyes Lite model XEL11 from Continental Eyewear

Stepper style 30198

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

ASSOCIATED OPTICAL

tel: 01628 600410 | fax: 01628 666495 | 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

BAUSCH + LOMB

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

BIB OPHTHALMIC INSTRUMENTS

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

BONDEYE OPTICAL

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

CARDNET

tel: 0345 604 2491 Option 2

CENTROSTYLE OPTICAL CENTRE SUPPLIES LTD

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

CFH DOCMAIL

tel: 07834 173 288 | email: chris.burridge@cfh.com web: www.cfhdocmail.com

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: enquiries@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

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

DE RIGO UK LTD

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

DUNELM OPTICAL

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

ESSILOR

tel: 01454 281281 fax: 01454 28128 | email: orders@essilor.co.uk | web: www.essilor.co.uk

EYESPACE

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

GO EYEWEAR UK LTD

tel: 0800 9178270 web: www.goeyeweargroup.com

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 | email: sales@internationaleyewear.co.uk 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: eyewear@lenstec.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

LOUIS STONE OPTICAL LTD

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

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.

LUXOTTICA (UK) LTD

tel: 0808 1658 8555 | web: www.luxottica.com/en

MARCHON

tel: 0800 72 2020 | web: www.marchon.com | 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

MID-OPTIC

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

MPG GmbH

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

NORVILLE

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

No7 CONTACT LENSES

tel: 01424 850620 | email: customerservices.uk@coopervisionsec.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 | email: info@performancefinance.co.uk web: www.performancefinance.co.uk

POSITIVE IMPACT

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

PRACTICE BUILDING

tel: 0800 840 3988 | email: andy@practicebuilding.co.uk | web: www.practicebuilding.co.uk

RETAIL EXPERIENCE DESIGN (RED)

tel: 024 7710 3494 | email: design@retailexperiencedesign.co.uk | web: www.retailexperiencedesign.co.uk

RODENSTOCK

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

SAFILO UK LTD

tel: 0800 7234 5600 | email: customer.serviceuk@safilo.com web: www.youandsafilo.com

SEIKO OPTICAL UK

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

SILHOUETTE UK LTD

tel: 020 8987 8899 fax: 020 8987 2430 email: office@silhouette-uk.co.uk 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 LTD

tel: 01782 381698 | email: orders.uk@theapharma.com | 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

20 20 OPTICAL SERVICES LTD

tel: 01460 929 690 | email: info@2020opticalservices.co.uk web: www.2020opticalservices.co.uk

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