Vision Now June 2023

June 2023

From hyperopic to presbyopic and everyone between...

SEED 1dayPure EDOF daily disposable contact lenses can be used at all stages of your patient’s visual journey.

STEPPER (UK) Limited sales@stepper.co.uk

steppereyewear.com

For UK frame availability, please consult website.

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

Indeed, the latest report from the Sector Partnership for Optical Knowledge and Education (SPOKE), a crosssector collaboration led by the College of Optometrists, has revealed “a real need for the promotion of optical careers to the next generation, to attract, develop and retain future optical professionals”.

Using the outcomes of its third project, titled ‘Admissions and recruitment: state of the art and plans for the future’, SPOKE is hoping it can increase employer-facilitated outreach across the sector – and that materials can be produced at a national level to be deployed locally.

The Association of British Dispensing Opticians already runs an award-winning Careers in Eyecare campaign, born from a desire to do more to raise awareness of career opportunities in the sector, and ensure a future pipeline of new talent. The Association also recently launched a social media campaign to highlight to employers the varied and skilled roles of dispensing opticians and contact lens opticians.

However, the SPOKE report concludes that there is a clear and recognised need for a psychological shift towards all registrants taking responsibility for recruiting, training and educating the next generation – to attract, develop and retain future optical professionals. Will you be getting involved and helping the profession adapt for the future? Could you inspire the next generation of eyecare professionals in the independent sector?

Find out about all SPOKE projects at www.spokehub.org.uk

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 © 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.

As clinical roles continue to expand and demand for eyecare increases, the need for qualified eyecare professionals is becoming ever more acute.

Eyespace

The latest releases in the Eyespace Cocoa Mint ophthalmic collection offer bold eyeshapes and sculpted detailing inspired by high fashion – yet tempered by the brand’s ‘relaxed glamour’ ethos. Maintaining the company’s commitment to making style sustainable, the new models are offered in premium bio-acetate from ethically sourced wood pulp.

Our photo shows model CM9139 – a fashionably shallower shape epitomising Cocoa Mint’s feminine ethos. C1 is an enduring tortoiseshell enhanced with navy and honey highlights, while C2 (pictured) is a luxe nude tortoiseshell that will flatter a range of skin tones. All styles feature subtle Cocoa Mint signature branding on the temples and inner tip plates, along with an Italian-branded flex-hinge. This model also includes biodegradable lenses.

Rodenstock

New Lambda Lens Technology from Rodenstock has been designed to offer high-precision, contrast-enhancing sunglass lenses that specifically optimise contrasts with colours improving both depth perception and sharpness. Named lambda (λ) after the 11th letter of the Greek alphabet – the symbol for wavelength – the new contrast-enhancing spectacle lenses minimise the blue light transmission, thus providing sharper vision. In strong sunshine and bright light, the high-precision sunglass lenses reduce glare by attenuating reflected light, minimising eye strain. In addition, the lenses protect the eyes from harmful UV rays and improve depth perception as well

No7 Contact Lenses

EyeDream night lenses, driven by DreamLite technology, are enhanced this month with the launch of EyeDream MC – an ortho-k lens designed specifically for myopia management with an optic zone diameter of 5.50mm. No7 – part of CooperVision Specialty EyeCare – will present the new design at the British Contact Lens Association’s conference on 10 June in Manchester. EyeDream MC lenses are custom-made using detailed corneal topography. Available in spherical and an updated toric design, correcting prescriptions up to -5.50D and -2.50D astigmatism, the lenses are suitable for a wide range of patients.

as detail and visual acuity by optimising both contrast and colour.

The lenses are available in a range of colour options to suit different lifestyle needs: from Smoky Grey or Granite Grey for driving, to Pilot Green or Autumn Green for sports and outdoor activities, to Olive Brown or Chestnut Brown, which strongly dampen the amount of blue light whilst allowing more red light to pass through the lens – suitable as an ‘all-rounder’ for both driving and outdoor activities. Also available are Dynamic Red or Dynamic Orange colours for special sports activities. These colours are said to offer maximum contrast and strongly modify the wearer’s colour perception.

Katie Harrop, No7 professional services director, said: “Every dioptre helps to make a difference with myopia control. These lenses are indicated for slowing myopia progression in children and young people, and our technical expertise and manufacturing excellence over the last 18 years are well recognised by our loyal EyeDream eyecare partners – now numbering in excess of 300 UK and Ireland practices. The introduction of EyeDream MC is expected to be welcomed as part of the armoury to guard against the progression of myopia.”

On a new wavelength: Lambda Lens Technology

No7’s Katie Harrop

A light-hearted look at a contact lens customer experience, hosted on the CooperVision Learning Academy. Register, sit back and enjoy. Register now by scanning the QR code.

Calvin Klein Eyewear has introduced two new sunglass styles reaffirming the minimal aesthetic of the brand, available from Marchon. Models CK23508S and CK23509S are crafted in premium acetate, and stand out for their bold shapes, rich colour palette and distinctive details, such as the visible core wire running through the temples.

Our photograph shows acetate model CK23509S featuring solid lenses and a bold rectangular front. A visible, double-sized customised striped core wire runs through the temples, while metal sticker embellishments feature on the end-pieces and on the temples next to the Calvin Klein logo. This styles comes in Transparent Blue, Black, Brown Havana and Slate Grey.

SightGlassVision

SightGlass Vision has announced positive outcomes of multiple studies designed to evaluate the performance of its Diffusion Optics Technology (DOT) spectacle lenses, to slow the progression of myopia in children. All studies were presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting in New Orleans, the most prominent of which was the reporting of 42-month data from the company’s CYPRESS study extension.

Results reinforced the safety and efficacy of DOT spectacle lenses in children aged six to 10 years at the study’s start. The latest investigation re-enrolled 98 participants from the original three-year clinical trial to generate six additional months of data.

Outcomes demonstrated statistically significant improvements in axial length (AL) and cycloplegic spherical equivalent refraction (cSER) between the test and control groups.

“The extensive and rigorous science we are communicating at ARVO 2023 demonstrates the depth of our commitment to advancing myopia control, while also building additional confidence in the efficacy, safety, and overall performance of Diffusion Optics Technology spectacle lenses,” said Andrew Sedgwick, CEO of SightGlass Vision – a joint venture of the CooperCompanies and EssilorLuxottica. Find out more at SightGlassVision.com

Louis Stone has launched a new range of Volk lenses. The spectacle, case and optical instrument distributor has been a UK and Ireland distributor for Volk for many years, stocking products such as the Super Field, 90D, Wide Field and other lenses – including popular limited edition pink Volk lenses.

The new range includes iridotomy lenses, bio lenses, gonioscopy lenses, and retina laser lenses. The Volk Super Quad 160 lens (pictured) provides widefield, distortion-free visualisation of the retina from the nerve head and macula, up to the ora serrata. It is designed for the detection and treatment of retinal abnormalities such as peripheral retinal tears, peripheral retinal detachments, and giant retinal tears.

Stepper

The design team at Stepper has noted the trend for larger, squarer eyewear shapes in both ophthalmic and sunglass styles. Stepper Spirit model STS-40227 is both delicate and feminine, with slender rims and sides, while also showy and with a hint of the 1970s. It is crafted in stainless steel with propionate temple tips, weighs only 10.1g, and comes in one size (53-17-140) and three colourways – Rose Gold, Satin Ruby and Satin Black.

“For the STS-40227, the aesthetic appeal is instantly recognisable,” said Peter Reeve, managing director of Stepper UK. “Its glamorous looks do not hinder its ability to hold lenses perfectly before the eyes of the wearer, as primary design objectives are never traded off.”

New range of Volk lenses

Hip to be square: Stepper’s STS-40227

Latest studies reinforce DOT lens efficacy

Calvin Klein model CK23509S in Brown Havana

Give

Daily disposable lenses

Monthly replacement lenses

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.

Positive Impact

Positive Impact (PI) has launched a new eye drop applicator called Magic Touch, engineered to carry eye drops onto the eye without any mess. Designed by US ophthalmologist Dr Julius Shulman, the applicator is made from laboratory-tested medical grade silicone, and contains a patented silver ion anti-microbial agent that’s said to eliminate 99.99 per cent of microbes. The patient adds their drop to the device then brings it to the eye where a capillary action makes the drop ‘jump’ onto their eye at the slightest touch. Dr Shulman said: “I developed Magic Touch to eliminate the wasteful hit or miss manner of tilting the head back to instill eye drops – and to ensure that every costly drop of eye medicine gets into the eye where it can do its job.”

PI managing director, Nick Atkins, said: “Magic Touch is as simply brilliant as its brilliance is simple. It’s going to help thousands of people in the UK successfully get their eye drop medication in their eyes. It’s ingenious.” Magic Touch is included in PI’s new 24-page product catalogue,

Essilor

Essilor welcomed eyecare practitioners (ECPs) from some 250 practices to the Hilton Wembley London Hotel last month for the official launch of its Varilux XR series lens. Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI), the Varilux XR series delivers the first eye-responsive progressive lens for instant sharpness in motion. Hosted by the Chase TV quiz star and former GP, Paul Sinha, the event gave practitioners a greater insight into the technology behind the new lens.

Guests experienced 3D simulations of the lenses working in motion, heard about its AI technology and wearer benefits, and listened to a series of speakers including Sebastien Fricker from the Essilor R&D team. Alan Pitcher, commercial director for wholesale lenses at Essilor, said: “For the very first time, our scientists have managed to harness the power of AI and build this unique technology into creating the first eye-responsive varifocal lens by using a digital twin to capture the exact detail that a wearer needs a spectacle lens to deliver, on to them. This insight has allowed us to build a new feature into the lens with XR-motion technology to vastly improve the binocular vision that the lens provides.”

Could it be magic?

which features contact lenses, including its new myopia management portfolio, the company’s popular best-in-class Dry Eye Zone treatments and diagnostics, as well as the Glasklar refillable lens cleaner and its pioneering opto-cosmetics range.

The company is supporting the launch with its biggest ever marketing campaign for Varilux to date, with celebrity influencers sharing their experiences of presbyopia and wearing the lens, a TV advertising campaign and practice support on a local level to drive awareness and footfall. At the time of going to press, a major celebrity ‘early adopter’ was due to be officially announced. A training programme for the Varilux XR series can be viewed on Essilor’s Leonardo training platform at https://leonardo.essilorluxottica.com –and the lenses can be ordered from 7 June.

Silhouette

Silhouette’s Signature Infinity View range offers diverse styles, trending colours and transparent elements in a contemporary ultralight collection. Highlight colours, Lavender and Lime, are just two hues from a wide palette of blues, greens, neutral and natural finishes in four new full-rim frames. New shapes include a take on women’s wayfarers and feminine oversize styles. Men may prefer the geometric and square frames with the addition of a striking top bar, although all styles are considered genderless.

Silhouette’s design director, Roland Keplinger, says: “Bold but light – this theme forms the essence of the Infinity View collection. Large, self-confident, and striking shapes meet transparency and a nuanced color scheme. For people who love statements – but with lightness.” Each pair offers a modelled flex zone in the titanium temple. The screwless and hypoallergenic frames also benefit from a reinforced centre and standard glazing with V-bevel technology.

Diverse styles in trending colours

XR-motion technology enables precise lens positioning

In its 40th anniversary year, Police has launched a global lifestyle brand repositioning titled Audacity Wanted, embracing the concept of masculinity in a more liberal as less stereotypical way. The theme is a call to action for the contemporary man “to liberate himself, to get out of his comfort zone and show all his different sides, with the audacity that has always distinguished the Police man”. A concept that Lewis Hamilton and George Russell – Police brand ambassadors for 2023 – are also spokespersons for.

To launch the new positioning, the De Rigo house brand, together with Leagas Delaney, has created an integrated campaign dedicated to the SS23 collection for eyewear and accessories. The campaign was launched globally via various different channels (point-of-sale materials, billboards, digital and social media) and consists of a video-manifesto and lifestyle photographic shots portraying the protagonists of the campaign with products from the new collection.

CooperVision

The campaign was developed in collaboration with the Withstand production house and entrusted to talented photographer Francesco Bonasia, already author of campaigns for several prestigious fashion brands.

Practical dry eye disease tool

Alcon/World Council of Optometry

To foster continuous advancement in contact lens research and development, CooperVision is now accepting submissions for its 2023 Science and Technology Awards programme by the deadline of 23 June. The long-standing programme enables researchers around the world to explore new dimensions in vision care, with the goal of translating innovative ideas into practical solutions.

“Our relentless drive to discover new ways to meet the current and future needs of eyecare professionals and contact lens wearers is what keeps CooperVision at the forefront of product development,” said Francis Erard, CooperVision’s vice president of research and development. “The Science and Technology Awards programme extends the path to innovation outside of our own organisation, providing opportunities to some of the brightest minds in the field to pursue research and make progress toward solving the vision challenges for which they are most passionate.” Visit www.coopervision.com/about-us/science-andtechnology-awards

Alcon and the World Council of Optometry (WCO) have officially launched the WCO Alcon Dry Eye Wheel to help with the diagnosis and treatment of dry eye disease (DED) following an initial series of complimentary global DED online education initiatives. Videos of the latter are now available on demand at dryeye. worldcouncilofoptometry.info. Developed by educators Professors Jennifer Craig, Lyndon Jones and James Wolffsohn, the interactive tool references the three pillars of mitigation, measurement and management.

Professor Craig said: “The tables within the wheel represent different complexities within what we do. The bronze outer ring shows the simplest, most common things to do to mitigate dry eye disease that are easy, don’t require additional equipment and can help the majority of affected individuals. The silver ring represents slightly more complex versions of the disease that we may be managing and describes basic tools and skills we can use to help at this level, and the gold bullseye reflects the smaller, more complex group of patients that may be in need of more advanced techniques for dry eye disease management.”

colour selections finish each look, with vivid and tasteful, on-trend and classic shading on men’s and women’s frames.

Titanium Perfection model CH29735

Charmant geometric and curved rimless, semi-rimless and full-rimmed expressions. Temples are stylishly creative and intricately detailed with interior design, architectural and classic jewellery inspirations. Enticing

The new Titanium Perfection collection from Charmant embraces the clean style and technically advanced character of the brand. Thin lines are crafted into modern

Our photograph shows gents model CH29735, crafted from superior titanium, Inspired by modern interiors, elegant colour contrasts highlight the complex design-led temple and end-piece structure, which features an understated cut out. This popular rectangular model is designed to suit most men’s faces and is available in timeless black, grey and rich dark brown.

New take on ‘masculinity’

Association of Contact

Lens Manufacturers

The Association of Contact Lens Manufacturers (ACLM) has reported that the size of the UK contact lens market in 2022 was £366m – an 11 per cent increase on 2021. The UK market is said to be the largest in Europe, accounting for around 20 per cent of wearers. Market value of daily disposables was now 77.2 per cent, according to the report, with silicone hydrogel lenses accounting for 92.7 per cent by value of the weekly/bi-weekly and monthly market.

In total, there were more than 3.64 million contact lens wearers in the UK –representing some 8.5 per cent of the adult population. The contact lens care market grew 13 per cent to £19m. The data was summarised by courtesy of Euromcontact, which surveyed 32 countries around Europe and further afield. The contributing manufacturers were: Alcon, Avizor, Bausch + Lomb, CooperVision, Johnson & Johnson Vision, mark’ennovy and Menicon. This means that RGP lenses, some care products and High Street own brand products were not reported on.

Richard Smith has replaced Chris Stean as ACLM chairman. Richard is head of professional services EMEA/Canada at Bausch + Lomb and represents the company as a board member at Euromcontact. Chris Stean has resigned both as chairman and director of the ACLM. He had previously been ACLM chairman from 2001 to 2003.

Association of Optometrists

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is calling for national support for extended eyecare services in response to NHS England’s (NHSE) GP access recovery plan. Under plans unveiled by NHSE, more prescribing powers will be delegated to pharmacies, enabling more services to be delivered in a community pharmacy setting. NHSE has also announced a commitment to invest £645m to expand community

Marchon

For its SS23 advertising campaign, Zeiss has chosen model ZS23123LPMAG-SET from the Beyond collection – available from Marchon. With a timeless navigator frame front crafted in magnesium alloy, the style features beta-titanium temples for increased flexibility. The frame features a new magnetic clip-on construction and is provided with LightPro Technology, offering sun lenses that reduce polarised light for enhanced, sharp vision. The blue indigo lamination on the acetate temple tips, and the Zeiss logo lasered on both sides, are a subtle mark of the brand’s identity. It is available in Satin Dark Ruthenium, Matte Black, Satin Brown and Satin Blue.

CooperVision

Scientists, clinicians and executives from Platinum-level sponsor CooperVision are preparing for this month’s British Contact Lens Association conference in Manchester (9-11 June). The team will discuss the company’s sphere, toric, multifocal and toric multifocal lens designs, soft lens and orthokeratology myopia management products, as well as scleral lenses and other specialty care options designed for more complex eye conditions. There will also be a strong clinical research focus, with CooperVision’s experts and partners speaking about MiSight and advancing myopia control and management.

Stand visitors can also learn more about the company’s four-point approach to plastic circularity: Design – leveraging circularity

by design; Source – shifting to renewable inputs where possible; Recover – reclaiming and recycling products at end of life; and Offset – reversing the negative impacts of ocean-bound plastic. Detailed information on the company’s Certified Plastic Neutral off-setting programme will be available.

Debbie Olive, CooperVision president EMEA, said: “We invite attendees to fully immerse themselves in the incredible opportunities in Manchester, many of which we are proud to host and champion.”

pharmacy services, and £240m for GP practices in England to upgrade service technology. However, Adam Sampson, AOP chief executive, said the plan “fails to recognise the value of the whole primary care family, which is ultimately the answer to high-quality and specialist care that every patient deserves”.

Adam said: “Over a quarter of patients turn to their GP for help when they

have an eye complaint and our highly skilled workforce are expertly placed to improve the experience for patients. Like pharmacists, the network of communitybased optometrists working in High Streets up and down the country provides a huge potential resource to help alleviate pressure on GPs. Optometry provides an immediate solution that ensures easy and more convenient access to eyecare, quicker.”

Face of new Zeiss campaign

All set for the BCLA conference

Richard Smith

CooperCompanies

CooperCompanies has released its 2022 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, showing it manufactured a record number of products while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by more than seven per cent. A new combined heat and power (CHP) facility in Puerto Rico was highlighted as a big contributor to this. The company expects the CHP system to help significantly reduce its carbon footprint in the coming years.

Al White, president and CEO of CooperCompanies, said: “In 2022, we continued making great progress and we’re proud of the success we’ve had, and the direction in which we’re moving. Conducting business in a socially and environmentally responsible manner is important to our long-term business success, and to the future of our planet.” The 2022 ESG Report includes expanded and updated ESG performance data and provides stories across the company’s ESG pillars: People, Planet and Partnerships. Read the report at https://coopercos.com/esg

British Contact Lens Association

On 20 June, Dr Jeffrey J. Walline will lead a webinar on discussing myopia control options with parents, using evidence-based assessments of the options available. The evening event is hosted by the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) and is open to all but CPD points are available for BCLA members only.

Dr Walline, who is associate dean for research at the Ohio State University College of Optometry, said: “This lecture will discuss evidence-based effective means of myopia control so optometrists know what to implement and what to tell parents about soft multifocal contact lenses, orthokeratology, atropine, combinations, onset delay, and spectacles for myopia control.” Register at www.bcla.org.uk

Alcon

Jason Klomp is now vision care country franchise head for Alcon UK and Ireland. He joined Alcon (CIBA Vision) in 2008 and held roles in finance, pricing and sales in the US, before taking a European finance role based in Geneva in 2017. Since 2020, he has been the country franchise head of Benelux. He holds a BSc in International Finance from Brigham Young University in Utah, USA.

AN INDEPENDENT VIEW

Home visits and domiciliary care

The promotion of home visits by Specsavers has been a catalyst for some independents to consider whether it should form part of their patient care proposition.

Of course, there are independent practitioners who already offer home visits to patients, particularly those of long-standing who can no longer attend a practice. There are others who either outsource domiciliary care to specialist outsource providers, or refer patients on to these providers. But there are many independents that do not offer a service at all.

Of course, it is not just about deciding whether to make home visits or not. In order to be able to perform an eye examination remotely, the practitioner must have access to appropriate mobile equipment and be skilled in its use. There may also be logistical constraints involved, and practitioners may need to be skilled in treating patients suffering with infirmity or disability.

Additional training may be needed for working with vulnerable people, to safeguard the patient as well as the practitioner. And there are ethical considerations over consent for procedures such as dilation if the patient lives alone. Without necessary training, any perceived commercial pressures being applied are potentially fitness to practise cases waiting to happen. There is a lot to consider.

There are also issues of social responsibility as well as commercial considerations when looking at whether –and how – to offer remote care for patients. The further consideration now is whether the sector may seem to be operating less flexibly for its patients than Specsavers.

The AIO has decided that it has a role to play in offering help to those members who want it to navigate around this issue, and it will form part of the programme at the AIO Conference on 7 and 8 October at Chesford Grange. Arguably, as the profession of optometry becomes increasingly involved in primary eye health care, the provision of remote clinical services will become a more prominent issue.

Dr Jeffrey J. Walline

Jason Klomp

SynergEyes iD is ideal for your Astigmatic Patient who:

• Has corneal astigmatism and needs GP vision but with soft lens comfort

• Experiences decreased or fluctuating vision in toric lenses

• Is an astigmatic presbyope with a cyl greater than 1.00D

• Is wearing glasses because contact lenses did not deliver acceptable vision

For more information:

Tel: 0844 669 8099

Email: info@synergeyes.co.uk

Web: www.synergeyes.co.uk

SynergEyes iD Hybrid Design

Next generation hybrid contact lens for astigmatic patients, including presbyopes.

Developing thoughts

By Phil Mullins

Moving on from Covid

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the Covid-19 pandemic to no longer be a global health threat, effectively saying ‘it’s over’

Although there are now very few deaths from Covid, and the world has learnt to live with the virus, the effect of the pandemic does live on –not helped by the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The economic fall-out from the pandemic is still working its way through the system and will probably have an impact for years to come. In fact, we may never fully understand its impact on the world as there are so many factors currently influencing every country in the world.

Closer to home, what has been the impact on the UK optical industry and individual practices – particularly independent practices? Fortunately, our industry fared much better than many others. Thanks to the furlough scheme, government grants and NHS average payments, once we got over the first three months of lockdown, the industry did recover well. In fact, once practices were permitted to see patients, many saw increased income from patients spending more on their eyewear as they were spending less elsewhere.

However, not everyone survived, with some practices and suppliers forced to close their doors. The pandemic was a time for reflection for many people, who realised that work wasn’t everything and a work/life balance was important. This led to some practitioners either reducing their working hours or retiring early.

This has led on to a real shortage of professional staff, with many practices struggling to find optometric cover –whether it be employed or locum. It also increased the number of practices for sale, with many independents being swallowed up by the growing groups. This reduces the overall independent offering across the country, which is a real shame when there is so much support out there for independent practices.

On a positive note, we have seen a good

Staffing continues to be an issue

number of independent practitioners join us – who have either set up a new practice or have purchased their first practice. It would be great if, as a sector, we could encourage even more young professionals to move away from the big groups and become independent.

LIVING WITH THE LEGACIES

Following on from the staffing issues, what other legacies are we living with post pandemic? One thing that really does seemed to have stuck, is everything by appointment. Although very few practices still work with a locked door policy, many now see every patient by appointment only, including adjustments and minor repairs.

During the pandemic, it became very apparent that by running an appointmentonly system, patients felt more relaxed, staff were under less pressure, meaning patients spending more and everyone enjoying the experience far more. In many

cases, this led on to more practices taking on a private only model, which allowed them to charge more for their services, see fewer patients and yet make more profit. Obviously, going private isn’t for everyone, but while the NHS system is underfunded and undervalued more practices will turn their back on the contract, which will in turn reduce the options for patients.

Another area is contact lenses: a doubleedged sword for many during the pandemic. Although many practices were grateful for the cashflow of patients paying their monthly direct debit, particularly during the first lockdown, many patients were wearing lenses less often as they weren’t going to the office or out at the weekend. This led to a fall in sales for certain lens types.

Add to this the fact that practices preferred to sell spectacles which gave a higher initial cash injection, and you can see why first fit contact lenses reduced and many practices almost gave up on them. But you need to remember that contact lens wearers have a higher lifetime value compared to spectacle only patients; so you should be encouraging patients to become dual wearers, enabling you to maximise the potential of every patient.

The biggest issue post pandemic is inflation, which doesn’t show any real signs of slowing. This is not totally a result of Covid, as the war in Ukraine is certainly not helping. Many businesses have absorbed a lot of these increasing costs, but this isn’t sustainable. Therefore, it’s important that you keep a close eye on your rising costs, calculate your real inflation and reflect this in your own price increases.

Cost-counting is never a great thing to have to do, but it is a part of reality at the present time. I would suggest doing it sooner rather than later, as it's easier to increase your prices with high inflation, as the rate falls, than to increase prices later on to reflect previous higher levels. ■

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?

This year’s Independents Day will focus on the strategies that help create a solid financial base from clinical services, to make practices more robust in challenging times.

Our usual programme of expert speakers will cover:

• Industrialising optometric practice

• Going private: Is it the answer?

• Commercialising clinical services

• Growing revenue without increasing patients

For more details and to book visit

Nick Rumney

Martin Smith

Profitable Practice Post Pandemic The four Ps of iDay 23

Pick up good advice, know-how, new ideas and great products at this year’s Independents Day on Monday 3 July...

With just four weeks to go, the countdown has begun for Independents Day (iDay) 2023. The popular business symposium will focus on four Ps this year – Profitable Practice Post Pandemic – with the event covering professional fee strategies, making enhanced services profitable and whether going completely private is the answer.

This year’s conference and its companion iShow exhibition will, once again, take place at the National Conference Centre next to the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham on Monday 3 July. The ‘A-list’ speaker programme is led by Professor Nick Rumney, ably supported by Dr Martin Smith, Dr Trusit Dave and Dr Samantha Hornberger. Table 1 shows the highlights of the programme.

PRESENTATION SPEAKER

Industrialising optometric practice

Going private: is it the answer?

Going private: my experience (panel discussion)

Commercialising clinical services

I grew my practice revenue by 23 per cent without any more patients

Professor Nick Rumney

Dr Martin Smith

Dr Martin Smith

Anthony Josephson

Keyur Patel

Sophie Taylor-West

Keval Sejpar

Dr Trusit Dave

Dr Samantha Hornberger

Dr Martin Smith will discuss private-only practice

IS PRIVATE-ONLY PRACTICE THE FUTURE?

Dr Martin Smith, an award-winning Doctor of Optometry and the founder of Martin Smith Optometrists, now a fully private practice, will discuss why going private was the answer for him and his patients. He will also participate in a panel of fellow practitioners who have taken the plunge into private practice. The other participants in this panel, chaired by Trevor Rowley, are Sophie Taylor-West, Keyur Patel, Brian Tompkins, Anthony Josephson and Keval Sejpar.

The final act of the day’s programme will debate the controversial motion ‘Is ditching the NHS the future for optometry?’ It’s sure to be a lively affair with Nick Rumney and Trusit Dave teaming up to oppose

the motion, taking on Brian Tompkins and Anthony Josephson supporting the motion. Symposium organiser Nick Atkins, director of Proven Track Record, said: “The pandemic and the current economic situation will continue to have an impact on independents. This year, I wanted to focus on strategies that make businesses more robust in challenging times and, for me, that comes down to charging appropriately for the professional services we provide and the adoption of subscription-based payment models.”

WHAT’S HOT AT THE ISHOW

Just as important to the annual event as the symposium itself, the iShow exhibition enables delegates to meet up face-to-face to get business development ideas from independent supporting suppliers, as well as network with one another. Here’s a taster of what’s in store at the iShow...

TITLE SPONSORS Xeyex, Positive Impact

The fast-growth practice management software company, Xeyex, recently agreed a three-year sponsorship deal with iDay. The agreement makes Xeyex the title sponsor of the event from this year’s conference through until 2025.

“Also, with the events of recent years, many independent practice owners have likely mused over whether they’d be better off going private, so I’m delighted to have pulled together a number of practitioners who have made the move to share their experiences with this year’s delegates,” Nick added.

Xeyex CEO, Grant Cardwell, commented: “We’re excited to partner with Independents Day for the next three years. Since we started 11 years ago, time and again we have chosen to give support to local and regional optical events. In my opinion, Independents Day is the ideal vehicle to help promote the ongoing expansion of our unique cloud-based software for independents across the UK.”

Positive Impact (PI) will showcase its ‘independent only’ range of specialist contact lenses and best-in-class Dry Eye Zone dry eye diagnostics and treatments. In addition to NaturalVue Enhanced 1-day Multifocal and the SynergEyes hybrid ›

(Table 1) Highlights of this year’s programme

Debate panellist, Anthony Josephson

INDEPENDENTS DAY 2023

PREMIUM EXHIBITORS EXHIBITORS

Practice Building BIB Ophthalmic Instruments

The Hearing Care Partnership

SynergEyes

Visioneering Technologies

Seiko Optical

Performance Finance

Grafton Optical

Glasklar UltraVision

Mark’ennovy

Birmingham Optical

(Table 2) iShow premium exhibitors and exhibitors

portfolio, the company is launching two exciting new contact lens products: a unique new ortho-k design, and a patented, aspheric soft contact lens for myopia management. Both lenses will immediately be available in toric prescriptions. PI claims the addition of these two new contact lenses means it will have the UK’s widest contact lens portfolio for myopia management.

When it comes to dry eye, the world’s first and only open-eye warm compress, TearRestore is sure to generate interest as part of the company’s Dry Eye Zone Circle-of-Care. The new portable Scout Pro osmolarity device from Trukera (formerly TearLab) will also be on show.

HEADLINE SPONSORS

Bausch + Lomb, Optos, Lumenis Bausch + Lomb will be showcasing its 3-Zone Progressive Design available in Bausch + Lomb Ultra for Presbyopia, Bausch + Lomb Ultra Multifocal for

SPECIALIST CLUB MYOPIA CPD DAY

Astigmatism, and Biotrue ONEday for Presbyopia contact lenses. The parameter range for Bausch + Lomb Ultra Multifocal for Astigmatism has now been expanded from 416 to 3,280 SKUs, available in stock and ready to ship to help practitioners fulfil the vision needs of their presbyopic astigmatic patients sooner. All parameters will be available in a six-pack and single trial lens format: find out more at the iShow.

Representatives from Optos will discuss how delegates can differentiate their practice and increase revenues by investing in ultra-widefield technology.

Why not make a weekend of it and arrive a day early for the Specialist Club’s Myopia CPD Day? The CPD event will be held at the same venue on Sunday 2 July and will focus on myopia management. The speakers are Professor Nicola Logan, Nick Howard, Brian Tompkins, Andy Sanders and Jason Higginbotham – with the programme line-up shown in Table 3

Whilst this is a stand-alone event, delegates attending iDay can benefit from at a significantly discounted rate. The programme is worth nine CDP points, and more information can be found at www.specialistclub.uk

PRESENTATION SPEAKER

Myopia: why does it matter?

A review of the latest clinical data for myopia management

The role of ortho-k in myopia control

Myopia my way

Ophthalmic lens discussion workshop

Jason Higginbotham

Professor Nicola Logan

Nick Howard

Brian Tompkins

Andy Sanders

Presenter, Dr Trusit Dave

Optos provides a 200˚ single capture digital image of the retina – an Optomap image – potentially uncovering serious eye issues such as retinal tears or detachments, and other health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Claimed to be the first and only ultrawidefield retinal imaging device with integrated optical coherence tomography (OCT), the newly-launched Optos Monaco enables a rapid multi-modal capture featuring colour, autofluorescence and OCT scans for both eyes “in as little as 90 seconds”.

“The promise to provide the best standard of care is a great way to retain and attract new patients,” said a spokesperson. “Introducing new clinical services or eyecare plans can simultaneously improve patient management and increase staff productivity through providing a service patients will recommend to friends and family, and ultimately build additional revenue.”

FOUNDATION SPONSORS

NEG, Optinet, Hoya Vision Care NEG and its IT division Optinet look forward to sharing the support that they can offer truly independent businesses. This includes preferential terms from the country’s leading suppliers, simplified administration and supporting services such as HR, health and safety, direct debit collections and the NEG Business Club.

The Optinet team will be on hand to share the latest developments in the Optinet Flex practice management system, which is used by hundreds of practices across the country to run the day-to-day activities of their practice. Remember: all NEG members can take advantage of Optinet Flex free for 12 months. Phil Mullins and Chris Smith look forward to catching up with delegates at the show.

In addition to the sponsors, there is a full supporting cast of iShow exhibitors (Table 2).

For more information on iDay 23, visit www.independentsday.co.uk ■

(Table 3) Specialist Club Myopia CPD Day line-up

Specialist Club speaker, Professor Nicola Logan

Avanti: fast focus, fine tuned

PARAMETER RANGE

Knowing that no two eyes are the same, Avanti is a lathe cut monthly disposable with a wide parameter range and empirical fitting system, offering the convenience of a monthly with the flexibility of a custom made.

Avanti is available in the following parameters:

■ Base curve: 8.00, 8.30, 8.60, 8.90, 9.20

■ Diameter: 14.00, 14.50, 15.00

■ Spheres: +/- 20.00DS (0.25 steps)

■ Cylinders: -0.75 to -8.00DC (-0.25 steps)

Avanti monthly disposable contact lenses feature a unique design, which guarantees crisp clear vision at all times.

PUTTING AVANTI TO THE TEST

We recently compared Avanti to a number of lenses that utilise Prismatic stabilisation. All lenses were manufactured in the same parameters, inserted into the same patients’ eyes, then manually rotated 90˚ off axis with the recovery time noted.

The prismatic lenses were all slow to settle, with the prism catching on the eyelids every time the patient blinked. Avanti’s freeform stabilisation was far quicker to orientate. Avanti’s Peripheral Balancing Zones interact with the lids, rather than hindering the settling speed like the prismatic design; blinking actually helps the lens orientate quicker.

The prismatic designs took an average of 45 seconds to fully orientate to the 90˚ position – while Avanti took less than half the time, fully settling within 18 seconds. Fast focus, fine tuned!

FREEFORM STABILISATION

For anyone who may have struggled with glasses or ordinary contact lenses hindering their vision, Avanti will open doors to a whole range of activities. Whether your patient is at the gym, partial to crafts or living life in the fast lane, Avanti will guarantee crisp clear vision at all times.

Avanti’s thin design and silicone hydrogel material maximises comfort and wearing times, increasing oxygen transmission and maintaining a healthy cornea. This makes Avanti a great option for patients who have compromised corneas or who have been cross-linked.

■ Axis: 1-180˚ (1° steps)

■ Multifocal: centre distance and centre near

■ Add: +0.50 to +4.00DS

MULTIFOCAL OPTIONS

The wide choice of multifocal options allows Avanti to be a truly flexible multifocal system. Available in centre distance (CD) and centre near (CN) designs with an additional option to optimise power zones in the dominant eye, vision can be catered to suit each patient’s individual needs. Avanti’s CD multifocal options also makes it a great choice to trial for myopia management.

If you would like more information or would like to order a free trial lens, please contact us on 0800 585115 or via email on info@ultravsision.co.uk. Alternatively, you can visit our website at www.ultravision.co.uk/avanti ■

Avanti monthly disposable contact lenses from UltraVsion offer new stabilisation characteristics for rapid settling and crisp clear vision...

Convenience of a monthly contact lens with the flexibility of a custom made contact lens

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.

Banking on a greener future

Plastic Bank is an organisation that builds recycling eco-systems in under-developed communities to fight plastic pollution, whilst providing collection members with a path out of poverty. For each tonne of plastic introduced in the marketplace, Plastic Bank will collect an equivalent amount of ocean-bound plastic in vulnerable coastal communities.

In 2022, Plastic Bank removed more than 649,000kg of plastic waste from the environment to off-set the plastic used by Alcon for select surgical and vision care products. Alcon aims to support the plastic removal of more than 990,000kg in 2023 –said to be the equivalent of stopping more than 49 million plastic bottles from reaching the ocean this year.

Beyond environmental impact, Alcon’s partnership with Plastic Bank aims to help more than 330 collection communities globally in 2023. Collection members exchange the plastic they collect for life-improving benefits such as health insurance, grocery vouchers and school supplies.

“While single-use plastics are essential to the safety and convenience of medical products, we strive to minimise their impact on the environment by supporting important initiatives like this programme with Plastic Bank,” said Charles Herget, Alcon head of environmental, social and governance. “Our hope with this continued partnership is to further promote the off-set of waste with the products in our surgical and vision care portfolio to make an even greater impact on our sustainability efforts. We will also continue to minimise other product-related plastics, such as packaging and shipping materials.”

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

In 2022, Plastic Bank’s programme with both the surgical and vision care products helped remove the equivalent of more than 32 million plastic bottles, says Alcon. Specifically, Plastic Bank’s programme with Alcon surgical products helped extract 42,672kg of ocean-bound plastic, equivalent to more than two million plastic bottles. Through the 2023 collaboration, all plastic used in Ultrasert and AutonoMe pre-loaded intraocular lens delivery systems will continue to be off-set by collecting an equivalent amount of oceanbound plastic waste.

In addition to the plastic waste extraction programme via the Plastic Bank partnership, Alcon has developed the Green Innovations Surgical Team (GreenIST) programme that is also working with Alcon’s research and development team to eliminate up to 90 per cent of packaging and shipping waste across the company’s major global products.

For its vision care products, Alcon off-set its plastic footprint for Dailies Total1 and Precision1 in 2022, which

removed more than 600,000kg of plastic, preventing the equivalent of 30 million plastic bottles from contributing to coastal pollution.

Building on these efforts, for 2023, Alcon has extended its off-set programme to include Systane Eye Drops sold across more than 30 markets, including the UK, Australia, Egypt, France, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates. This represents 150,856kg of plastics, equivalent to more than 7.5 million plastic bottles, that will be prevented from reaching the ocean this year. In total, Alcon’s Dailies Total1, Total30, Precision1 and Systane programmes are set to achieve plastic neutrality across more than 90 countries globally.

Alcon’s partnership with Plastic Bank complements the global eyecare company’s larger efforts to reduce waste, emissions and chemicals of concern associated with it’s products and services.

To learn more about how Alcon is reducing the environmental impact of its’ products, visit www.alcon.com. For more information about Alcon’s collaboration with Plastic Bank, visit https://plasticbank.com/client/alcon ■

Alcon has expanded its partnership with Plastic Bank as part of its ongoing sustainability efforts...

Plastic Bank empowers 'ocean stewards' to stop ocean plastic (courtesy of Plastic Bank)

Off-setting the carbon footprint of contact lenses

A fitting ‘world view’

In Style Spotlight this month, Alex Davis explains the origins of Stepper Eyewear’s ‘world view’ on frame fit

Since 1970, Stepper Eyewear has been observing and recording facial dimensions from people across the globe. Every one of us has our own, distinct face – and finding the best-fit frame for your face is an essential part of delivering the best vision solution. This knowledge, combined with technical innovation and a fundamental desire to deliver frames that fit, has led to the development of Stepper Eyewear’s World Fit.

Fundamental to the design and manufacture philosophy of Stepper Eyewear is the understanding that a frame’s primary purpose is to hold prescribed lenses correctly before the eyes. When spectacles are worn, the lenses should be in the optimal position for vision correction. And, once in place, spectacles should stay in place. Because face characteristics vary with ethnicity and age, there cannot be a single frame design for everyone.

Stepper Eyewear’s ‘world view’ of frame design identifies four key characteristic fit types:

■ European Fit

■ Asian Fit

■ African Fit

■ Paediatric Fit

These characteristic types apply aggregated facial dimensions across ethnic groups – and have been created as a guide to finding the perfect frame.

MEASUREMENT DIFFERENTIALS

Advice from an eyecare professional for individual facial measurements and prescription lens requirements, embellished by an individual’s style, will result in a final pair of spectacles that is as unique as the wearer.

Stepper Eyewear uses six key measurements to create designs that fall into the three characteristic fits. The key measurements, which differentiate across the three fits, are most easily identified, and explained by the six icons shown in Figure 1

■ Face form angle/wrap angle: angle between the plane of the spectacle front and the right plane of the lens shape, or the left plane of the lens shape

■ Crest height: vertical distance from the

centre line of the frame to the midpoint of the lower edge of the bridge

■ Distance between rims: of a regular bridge, this is the horizontal distance between the nasal surfaces of the rims, measured at a stated level below the midpoint of the lower edge of the bridge. Of a pad bridge, this is measured along the centre line

■ Frame temple width: Distance between the inner surface of the sides measured at 25mm behind the backplane of the front

■ Frame head width: distance between the inner surface of the sides measured at the ear point

■ Angle of side: vertical angle between a normal to the backplane of the front and the line of the side when opened

Figure 1 A summary of Stepper's World Fit characteristics

No compromise in creating the desired fit and comfort

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

Motivated by an ambition to make eyewear that fits, Hans Stepper – the company’s founder and a German Master Optician – used his professional skills to develop innovative injection moulded frames. Using facial contour measurements, Hans began evolving his eyewear science in the late 1960s. Today, his frames, produced in plastic and metal – TX5, titanium and stainless steel – are worn by millions across the world.

Historically, frames have been designed to meet typical ‘European’ measurements. This has resulted in so many people across the globe wearing frames that are a compromise – or the ‘least-worst’ fit solution – of that which can be achieved with the tools available. More recently, the industry has seen the development of ‘Asian fit’ frames as a deviation from the European standard. This welcome development has gone hand in hand with the rapid growth in the Asian eyecare market.

Stepper Eywear takes a ‘helicopter’ view of face shapes, identifying three core ‘ethnic’ base measurement types and reflecting this in frame design. These three types are referred to as European Fit, Asian Fit, and African Fit as a guide to suitability. World Fit allows for localised frame offerings to create a balance of fit profiles to meet the needs of the customer base.

FRAMES FOR EVERYONE

Stepper Eyewear’s World Fit is a tool to help refine the selection of the best frame for the wearer. Ultimately, everyone has their individual face shape so this latest innovation from Stepper will assist in finding the perfect fit for everyone.

ASIAN FIT

As part of the ambition to create eyewear to fit the world, Stepper UK launched a collection of Asian Fit frames in 2022. Asian Fit models can be found within the Stepper Origin collection, using premium titanium and TX5 as the materials of choice. Versatile

titanium allows designs to be specific to the facial anatomy requirements for Asian features.

Designed as ‘stand-alone’ pieces, these frames are not adaptions from existing models; they are unique eyewear solutions for spectacle wearers with Asian facial anatomy. As a result, there is no compromise in fit and comfort for the wearer, just an optimal solution for their vision correction.

Eleven models, in male and female styles with both TX5 and titanium materials, enhance the fitting choice for the brand with design variety to meet the personal style of the wearer.

AFRICAN FIT

Following the successful introduction of Asian Fit frames, Stepper UK launched African Fit earlier this year. This release is another step forward in Stepper’s ambition to create eyewear with exceptional fitting characteristics for all. Using TX5 and stainless steel, these Stepper Spirit models allow for bridge shape and comfort that cannot be accommodated using alternative materials.

As with Asian Fit, each African Fit design starts with a blank sheet. Our measurement specifications cannot be met by adapting existing styles, so there is no compromise in creating the desired fit and comfort.

PAEDIATRIC FIT

Frames for the young are a new addition to the Stepper Eyewear frame portfolio, but with unique solutions to the eyecare needs of children. The response to this first move into the market has been very favourable. Too often, frames for the very young are simply ‘sized down’ variations of adult frames. As part of the commitment to provide best-fit eyewear solutions for everyone, Stepper has more recently begun to develop frames for young faces.

All the models are easy to adjust and can be transformed into unique glasses thanks to some great little extras. Whether

it’s a different colour, temple length, or nose pad, every detail can be selected and customised. The TX5 material is hypoallergenic and friendly to sensitive young skin. Designs include special features, such as all models are metalfree with every curve and corner being rounded to keep kids safe and sound. The changeable nose pads are made of silicone, which makes them so comfortable to wear.

The need for correctly fitting children’s eyewear has become increasingly relevant with the recent advances in lenses created specifically for the optical needs of young eyes. Stepper recognised the need to develop frames with a medical emphasis to meet this growing phenomenon.

Stepper Kids frames emphasise the requirement for the prescribed lenses to be held correctly before young eyes to deliver the benefit intended. Lenses are positioned with precision in a frame designed to be tailored to their unique and developing head and facial features.

As paediatric lenses advance, Stepper Kids frames will continue to develop alongside, providing the frame solutions they require. By applying professional skills, working with paediatric eyecare specialists, adopting ‘best for purpose’ materials, and using advanced manufacturing knowledge, Stepper Kids will continue to develop innovative, well-fitting frames to meet the specific requirements of this unique and important part of eyecare.

HELPING EYECARE PROFESSIONALS

Eyecare professionals are qualified in understanding which frames will work with an individual’s prescription and face. Recognising good frame fitting is critical in holding the prescribed lenses correctly before a patient’s eyes. Valuable time spent in frame consultation will result in selecting a frame that improves the performance of the lenses, enhancing the benefits of vision correction. This is Stepper Eyewear’s goal.

Alex Davis is head of brands and marketing at Stepper Eyewear. ■

Stepper’s World Fit helps determine the best frame for the wearer

Stepper Kids frames emphasise the need for lenses to be positioned correctly

Preferred Suppliers’ directory

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

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 | email: csuk@marchon.com | web: www.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

NORVILLE

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

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

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

coopervision.co.uk

11 Tannery Road, Tonbridge Kent - TN9 1RF 01732 375975 www.stepper.co.uk

STEPPER (UK) Limited