Vision Now April 2024

April 2024

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

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As the College of Optometrists and Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) launch their updated joint vision (see news page 13), the term ‘multi-disciplinary eyecare’ has never been more pertinent.

By championing the notion of multi-disciplinary eyecare professionals working collaboratively in primary care, community, hospital and independent practice settings, the colleges’ joint vision aims to ensure that patients are prioritised based on their clinical need and receive appropriate and accessible care. It highlights and reflects the current scale of work increasingly being undertaken in primary eyecare and emphasises the need for enhanced digital two-way communication and image sharing between all health professionals.

The colleges are also calling for more services to be commissioned within primary eyecare. As RCOphth president, Professor Ben Burton, points out: “Currently, just 17 per cent of NHS ophthalmology departments report that their services are very well integrated with optometry, and a lack of shared electronic patient record systems and interoperable imaging standards are preventing more joined up pathways.”

Circle Health Group is just one of many private hospital groups bridging the gap –working towards shorter waiting times, ease of access and improved outcomes for patients. Turn to page 20 to read more about its services, and the benefits of referring patients to its consultant specialist teams via the NEG referral pathway.

With spring officially upon us, April is the ideal time to present some new business growth inspiration from interiors specialists, Retail Experience Design. We also feature some stunning new eyewear and sunglasses collections to ensure your practice is spring/summer ready – along with a focus on the contact lens patient journey, and how to make the most of your instruments business investments. All designed to inspire new strategies for the months ahead.

NEG/Optinet

The team from Optinet and NEG had a fantastic response to the launch of new cloud-based practice management software – Optinet Nova – at 100% Optical in February. “The launch of the new Optinet Nova was a great success, with both current users and potentially new users all giving very positive feedback, with many practices wanting to install it in their business,” said NEG managing director, Phil Mullins. “It was great to speak to so many independent eyecare practitioners who have such a positive view and who are looking to work with us to support their business.

“We had great conversations with young professionals who are just starting out on their independent adventure. Overall, the show seemed busier than in previous years and had a great atmosphere of positivity, which is encouraging for everyone for the year ahead,” added Phil. William Giroud and Essilor

Launching in the UK this June, new Transitions Gen S will offer wearers a faster fade back time and a new ruby colour option. The lens is said to reach category three levels of darkness in 25 seconds – and fade back in less than two minutes. Wearer tests have shown that it provides 39 per cent faster vision recovery from intense bright lights versus clear lenses. During fade back, tests also showed a 39.5 per cent improvement in contrast sensitivity and 40 per cent faster vision recovery versus the previous generation. It is available in eight colours, including new Transitions Gen S Ruby, blocks 100 per cent UVA and UVB rays and filters up to 32 per cent of blue violet light in the clear state and up to 85 per cent when activated.

Antonio Capra, Transitions brand consultant at EssilorLuxottica, said: “Patients deserve the best vision care we can offer, and

OFNC

After rejecting the latest GOS pay offer from NHS England and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), the Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC) is seeking an urgent meeting with health minister, Andrea Leadsom. The committee stated that the offer “would be another real-terms cut and is lower than that for the NHS as a whole.

light management is key. To achieve its mission, Transitions Optical proposes a solution for comprehensive vision that goes beyond traditional correction. With Transitions Gen S, we combine science and technology in a revolutionary product that is intuitive and smart, reacting so fast to light that it adapts to your every move. On

Having made little headway with officials in the face of a reasonable bid, we have written to minister Andrea Leadsom asking for an urgent meeting.”

“Earlier this year, the minister paid tribute to the ‘essential role played by NHS sight testing in the prevention of avoidable sight loss’ and ‘how and expanded role for the primary care

top of that, Transitions offers an elevated experience of complete pairing through a large colour palette that enables wearers to personalise their looks with vibrant colours to match any frame. Today we have a real opportunity to improve patients’ vision care and Transitions Gen S is set to become a key recommendation for ECPs.”

workforce could help alleviate ophthalmology pressures’,” the OFNC continued. “We cannot in good faith agree to accept a proposal, which we believe would be detrimental to the sector and the government’s own plan to use primary eyecare to take pressure off GPs and hospitals and reduce avoidable blindness for patients, particularly those on long hospital waiting lists.”

Positive connections at 100% Optical

Smart, speedy and science-driven

Alfonso Rubio from NEG parent company CECOP also attended the show for the first time to meet with NEG members and colleagues. Our photograph shows (from

left): Alfonso Rubio (CECOP), Linden Delves (Optinet), Phil Mullins, Chris Smith (Optinet) William Giroud (CECOP), Sandi Charlesworth (NEG) and Sam Heath (Optinet).

UltraVision

UltraVision has unveiled a new brand identity reflecting its “ethos for improved quality of life through improving vision and eye health for all”. CEO Sarahjane Cross remarked: “When I took on the role of CEO in 2021, my aim was to understand who UltraVision was as a company. Going through the re-branding process has enabled us to see that in a world where vision is so valuable to every facet of life – to learning, working, living and enjoyment, Ultravision have a defined role and purpose: improving lives, making things clearer.

“Our mission is to not only provide exceptional custom soft contact lenses, but to strive for a world where everyone has access to information and education to keep their eyes healthy and to improve eyesight,” added Sarahjane. In tandem with the rebrand, Ultravision has redesigned its website, www.ultravision.co.uk, offering an enhanced user experience and support to customers across the globe.

Charmant

Ten new styles have been added to Charmant’s Minamato collection inspired by the beauty of opposites and derived from the Zen philosophy of a-um, meaning the beginning and ending of things. The meaning today is loosely interpreted as the best combination of two opposite things. Volume interplays and material mixes bring this essence to life in titanium and

acetate-titanium frames. Panto, geometric and rounded models are named after wise Zen words, enhancing their pure Japanese pedigree. Beta titanium and bio-acetate also appear, providing more flexibility and design versatility.

Another highlight is the sumi-nagashi pattern, featured on some of the acetate

BIB Ophthalmic Instruments

Jaroslaw Wolski, Optopol Technology’s vice president of global sales, has hailed his company’s “remarkable” progress –particularly in the production and sale of flagship product the Revo OCT – and pin-pointed the UK as its fastest-growing market in Europe. “Since 2006, when Optopol commercialised the first in the world spectral domain OCT, we have successfully manufactured and distributed many thousands of devices,” said Jaroslaw. “Notably, a significant 85 per cent of this output has been achieved since 2015.

“Looking ahead, I am optimistic about our prospects for the current year, despite the prevailing economic challenges in Europe. In light of these circumstances, we are adopting a conservative growth approach, aiming for a 10 per cent increase in global sales. Interestingly, it is worth highlighting that the UK market has emerged as the fastest growing market in Europe. I recently attended the 100% Optical show in London where over 50 Revo OCTs were sold, which is an incredible achievement and my thanks goes out to our UK distributor BIB Ophthalmic Instruments for such a positive result. Building on this success, I am eager to replicate and even surpass this achievement next year.”

styles. Sumi-nagashi is one of the traditional techniques used for making Washi paper, to add peaceful expressions such as flowing rivers. The nose pads of all collections are made of raw titanium, which never requires replacement, and the rose and gold frames feature gold plated nose pads. The new collection also benefits from an upgraded antique finishing in gold and grey.

New look to reflect company ethos

Material and structural contrasts inspired by Japanese Zen

Jaroslaw Wolski

Safilo

Forever Summer is the title of the new spring/summer eyewear campaign from Carolina Hererra. The Seasonal Collection presents new vintage-inspired Diva sunglasses featuring a sparkling flower studded with crystals on the front and one on the right temple, as well as the House of Herrera cat-eye ophthalmic frame in acetate decorated by richly coloured acetate inserts.

The Essential Collection introduces new easy-to-wear sunglasses in ultra-light hard acetate, crafted with a gluing technique highlighting different colour combinations. There is also a feminine ophthalmic frame within the latter collection, featuring signature stripes in enamel on multi-faceted metal temples. Carolina Herrera eyewear is available from Safilo.

Register for a free toolkit

National Eye Health Week

This year’s National Eye Health Week (NEHW) will take place from 23-29 September. “NEHW provides a unique platform to put eyecare at the heart of the NHS’s prevention programme, ensuring early detection of disease and encouraging individuals to make healthier lifestyle choices,” said David Cartwright, Eye Health UK chair. “If the entire sector

joined forces to raise the profile of optics, we could ensure important messages about eyecare get heard and help make a positive difference to the state of the nation’s eye health. In-fact, it could be a real game-changer for optics.” Register for free resources by emailing your name, business name and contact details to info@visionmatters.org.uk

General Optical Council

The General Optical Council (GOC) has published a new statement on the verification of contact lens specifications setting out its position that it does not intend to pursue sellers who do not comply with contact lens specification verification requirements in relation to copies, so long as specific conditions are met. The statement says that it does not “consider that there is sufficient evidence of risk of harm to the public, or a wider public interest, in prosecuting sellers who do not verify a copy of a contact lens specification provided that the copy of the specification is in-date (i.e. has not passed its expiry date), clear, does not contain any obvious errors, and has not obviously been tampered with”.

The new position statement provides further definition about what ‘in-date’ means, clarifies where verification is still required and what the position is in relation to zero powered contact lenses. As part of the consultation, the GOC also sought views on a definition of aftercare in the context of the sale of contact lenses under general direction. However, following consultation feedback, the statement will no longer include a definition of aftercare. The GOC will withdraw its 2006 statement on the sale and supply of optical appliances as it is no longer required. Find out more at www.optical.org

New Carolina Herrera Diva sunglasses

Rule change for contact lens specification verfication

Adapt to changing light conditions with 2-in-1 ColorMatic® lenses.

General Optical Council

General Optical Council (GOC) registrants are being invited to take part in the regulator’s latest Workforce and Perceptions Survey to share their views of job satisfaction, working conditions, future plans and of the GOC overall. Last year’s findings revealed that 62 per cent of respondents were satisfied with their role and that 40 per cent planned to gain additional qualifications/skills over the next 12-24 months.

However, new data highlighted that 41 per cent of respondents experienced harassment, bullying, or abuse from patients and service users in the last 12 months. In response, the GOC issued a joint sector statement committing to a zero-tolerance approach to these types of negative behaviours. It also issued more guidance for registrants to help them complete their CPD requirements and is consulting on strengthened standards of practice in this area.

Steve Brooker, GOC director of regulatory strategy, said: “Last year’s survey provided us with important insights about registrants’ experiences, particularly in relation to bullying, harassment, abuse and discrimination. We’re keen to learn if there has been a change in registrants’ views and experiences over the last year so we can better understand how they feel about their job and career.” The survey will take about 12 minutes to complete and there is a prize draw to win a £250 online gift card as a thank you for taking part. The closing date is 22 April. Visit the Workforce and Perceptions Survey.

Marchon

Safilo

The Safilo Group and Missoni have announced the renewal of their global licensing agreement for Missoni brand eyewear until the end of 2029. Since the start of the relationship in 2020, Missoni has represented a significant brand in Safilo’s women’s luxury fashion portfolio thanks to its collections characterised by the innovative use of the fashion house’s iconic textiles and colours, giving them a distinctive identity.

“We are very proud to renew our partnership with Missoni,” said Angelo Trocchia, CEO of the Safilo Group. “In only four years of collaboration, we have been able to strongly develop the eyewear category, in particular in the main European markets and in North America. This renewal offers us a new and stimulating opportunity to consolidate and broaden our distribution, continuing to work together with the brand.”

Livio Proli, CEO of Missoni Spa, added: “We are glad to announce the renewal of our partnership with Safilo until 2029. The construction of lasting and solid relationships with our partners is, for us, a fundamental priority, as it

For spring/summer 2024, Liu Jo presents Color Vibes, an evolution of the brand’s successful Joy Collection. Crafted in premium acetate, the new styles boast a distinctive layering of contrasting colours taking form in sharp designs with thin profiles and exclusive details. “The unique balance of fine materials, rich palette, trendy shapes, and superb fit of the Color Vibes optical and Rx-able sun styles channels the most authentic Liu Jo identity, emphasising its confident charm and glamorous sophistication,” stated the company.

Our photograph shows model LJ796S – a sharp cat-eye shape equipped with

gradient lenses and crafted in premium acetate. This bold, vibrant style features thin profiles and a distinctive layering in glamorous contrasting colours. The Liu Jo logo, discretely positioned on both sides,

completes the design of this prescriptionready model, available in a colour palette that includes tortoise/marble brown, nude/ lime, fuchsia/green, green/fuchsia and black variants. allows us to develop highquality projects that can lead to long-term success. During these past four years, the significant contribution of the eyewear category has been one of the driving factors of our growth that will further benefit from this agreement in the upcoming future.”

Missoni eyewear collaboration continues

New Lui Jo model LJ796S

General Optical Council

Dr Hema Radhakrishnan has been appointed as a registrant council member for the General Optical Council (GOC). Hema is a qualified optometrist with more than 20 years of experience in academia. She works as an academic and is a member of the board of governors and senate at the University of Manchester. In addition to teaching optometry students, Hema conducts research on various aspects of myopia, physiological optics and anterior eye. Hema has leadership expertise in equality, diversity and inclusion and works towards reducing health inequalities, nationally and globally.

AN INDEPENDENT VIEW

Is eyecare services reform finally happening in England?

For many years, the AIO has advocated major reform in the provision of eyecare services in the UK, and in England in particular.

Whilst reform has been ongoing in Scotland for some time, and more recently in Wales, England has been moving at a funereal pace and remains stuck in a postcode lottery when it comes to the provision of eyecare services.

She said: “I am delighted to be joining the GOC council at a significant time of change with the new GOC strategy being developed. I look forward to the opportunity of bringing my skills, perspective and expertise to the council and working with the GOC leadership to ensure optometrists and dispensing opticians receive high quality training and the patients get the best possible care.” Dr Anne Wright, chair of council, added: “As part of council, [Hema] will help to ensure the GOC achieves its vision of delivering world-class regulation and excellent customer service, while continuing its vital work of protecting the public by upholding high standards in the optical professions.”

College of Optometrists/ RCOphth

The College of Optometrists and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) have published an updated joint vision re-emphasising their guidance for the integration of eye health care services. The stated intention is to “help commissioners and clinicians design eyecare services that ensure patients are prioritised based on their clinical need and receive care that is appropriate and accessible”. It also champions multidisciplinary eyecare professionals providing that care, working collaboratively in primary care, community, hospital and independent sector provider settings.

Professor Leon Davies

However, there have been some reassuring noises from both the government and the Labour Party in recent weeks about the great opportunity that embedding primary eye health care in community optometry presents. Taking pressure off the NHS is a quick win, but the long-term benefits of reducing unnecessary sight loss is immeasurable – particularly for those affected. But what would this mean for optical practices, and optometrists in particular?

It is the case that many independent practices already offer in-depth eye health examinations for their patients? Private patients pay for this, while those treated under the NHS do not, and the GOS fee goes nowhere near covering the cost of a full eye examination. It is for this reason that many independents have either gone entirely private or significantly reduced the number of appointments for NHS patients.

Embedding primary eye health care in community optometry in England would be welcomed by the great majority of independents, but it would need to be appropriately paid for by the NHS. This would need a major shift in the current NHS mindset that has resulted in the increasingly derisory GOS fee. And while the AIO welcomes the fact that the Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee has dug its heels in and refused to accept the offer on the table from the NHS this year, there is little optimism for the sort of increase that would reverse the trend of decreasing the level of NHS eye examinations offered in independent practice.

Reform in England looks more likely than ever before, but is the government really prepared to pay to make it a reality?

The president of the College of Optometrists, Professor Leon Davies, said: “With better integration of services, the knowledge, skills and expertise of optometrists and ophthalmologists, and their colleagues, can be most effectively used to provide safe and sustainable patient

care. Not only should more services be commissioned within primary eyecare, we also need much better digital integration, image sharing and two-way communication between all eyecare providers.” The joint vision can be found on the College’s website.

Dr Hema Radhakrishnan

It’s a numbers game Developing thoughts

IBy Phil Mullins

t could be said that the optical world is a numbers game. Is it better with one or two? A +4.00D prescription; the eye size of a frame; the curve on a contact lens – and so on. But these numbers are all to do with the clinical side of our profession. What about the business side.

Now, anyone who knows me will tell you I am not an Excel guru. Far from it. The idea of spending hours drilling down to the finest granular detail of the numbers in a spreadsheet is enough to drive me to throw my computer through the nearest window. But as the windows in my office continue to remain in one piece, I try not to get too bogged down. It’s very easy for businesses to spend so much time reviewing the finest numbers that they lose sight of the bigger picture – or what is important to drive a business forwards. All too often, micromanaging the numbers leads to micromanaging your staff, which can restrict free thought and business momentum.

Obviously, the most important number is the one at the bottom of the balance sheet –the one that says ‘profit’. So, what number crunching should you do to drive that bottom profit line, without micromanaging the numbers to the extent that it detracts from your business? You are probably already monitoring the figures to a greater or lesser extent, but do you also have a set plan to take action to continually improve them and drive the bottom line? If not, is it time to review your numbers?

STRATEGISE FOR GROWTH

Firstly, create a set of numbers that you can continuously monitor month to month so that you are always comparing apples with apples. So if something has changed, you know it has actually changed and it’s not just that you have altered the way you calculate the number. A classic one in practice for altering is conversion rate. Is it internal or external? Is it number of patients dispensed, or number of pairs sold? Does

it include contact lens patients? Is it just those dispensed on the day of examination?

When choosing these numbers to monitor, make sure that they are something you can influence. There is little point in monitoring numbers that you can’t directly influence. Put them in your annual budget and move on to what you can improve.

Once you have you chosen your numbers, make sure they have very defined descriptions and criteria so everyone in your business understands what they are. So as you start to make plans on improving, everyone can feed in to how to make changes to create improvements.

After creating your list of numbers and their definitions, look at each area to decide how you can influence and improve them. For example, look at total number of patients examined. Firstly, are you at full capacity each day? If you are, then you can do little to improve that number. However, if you do have capacity, then start looking at sending recalls correctly. Would it be better to move from letter to emails? Are your website and social media channels up-to-date or could they be improved? Do you need to look at advertising? These could all have an effect on the total number of patients seen.

Create a set of numbers you can continuously monitor

For a lot of the areas, you will have a number of options that could have an effect on the improvement – but don’t be tempted to go for them all, as you won’t know which one/s had the desired effect. It would be better to prioritise your actions and do one at a time, monitoring the results for a period and then deciding how effective it was before moving on. That’s not to say you can’t take action on more than one area at a time. You may move to email reminders or offer online bookings, at the same time as introducing new frame brands. One will affect the total number of patients seen, while the other will affect the average dispensing value, and you can monitor the affect you are having on each area. If something doesn’t work, you can throw that out and move on to the next action. If it does work, make that a fixed point and set the number as the new base level and introduce the next action to drive the numbers upwards.

Above all, set aside some time for planning, action and review. You won’t go far wrong and you may be surprised what a positive impact this strategy can have on your practice and, importantly, that bottom black line. ■

Yalea x Frida Kahlo

Inspired by an icon

With its new capsule collection, De Rigo house brand Yalea pays tribute to Frida Kahlo – one of the most admired and celebrated artists in the world. A woman who succeeded in leaving her mark not only for her art, which made her famous worldwide, but also for her unique and iconic style. Since its launch in 2021, Yalea has wanted to "tell the story of women" by supporting their freedom of choice, encouraging their talent and promoting their beauty as individuals.

The new Yalea x Frida Kahlo collection comprises of four eyewear styles that echo Yalea's distinctive style and vibrant aesthetic. The choice of materials, sophisticated design and the close attention to detail distinguish this collection that speaks to women's hearts, making it unique. Like Frida Kahlo, it redefines the concepts of femininity and wants to inspire generations of women to pursue authenticity, personal strength and active participation in society.

REBELLIOUS STYLE

Frida Kahlo always suffered physically, but she loved life fiercely, remaining viscerally attached to it. She loved the world and nature, she loved Mexico and all it had to offer, bringing it to life in a naïve but certainly energetic way in her canvases: unapologetically delicious fruits, vibrant colours and above all fresh flowers, which become a stylistic motif with a flower

pattern that gleams on the temple. The temple tip, shaped like a paintbrush, the emblem of her life and work, also becomes a symbol that represents her art.

The refinement of the aesthetic details and the harmony of the shapes combine with the high quality of the materials and the precision of the manufacturing techniques used. One example is the bridge of some styles that reproduces Frida's iconic eyebrows, emphasising her personal choice of style, an act of rebellion against the cultural and social expectations linked to the role of women.

All acetate, the two sunglass and two prescription styles are named after the

artist's distinctive traits – Beautiful, Rebel, Unique and Strong. Traits that are written in the manifesto, visible inside the transparent sides. As in her works, the colour palette is intense and bold with black, dark grey and white combined with strong brushstrokes of yellow, red, purple, dark green, aubergine and pink, in a balance of colour-blocks and transparencies, chosen to enhance and frame women's faces without hiding them. Creating packaging dedicated to Frida Kahlo requires a careful consideration of her life, her work and the symbols that represent her art. Yalea has once again chosen flowers as the decorative motif for the two ribbons that frame the elegant black box, a tribute to her art, a symbol of strength and courage that continues to influence the contemporary world. ■

Unique: available in three versions

Strong has a distinctive square-shaped front

Artist, provocateur: Frida Kahlo

Crafting the designs in the studio

The word 'Rebel' is inscribed on the transparent sides

Beautiful featuring a ‘unibrow’ symbol on the front

ALCON WATER SURFACE LENSES SET A NEW PERFORMANCE STANDARD

PRECISION1™ contact lenses

>80% water at the surface2*

Long lasting comfort even at 16 hours3,4

Precise vision5,6

Ease of handling5-7

DAILIES TOTAL1® contact lenses

~100% water at the surface1,8*

A lens so comfortable that it feels like nothing9†

Helps reduce lensrelated dryness symptoms10**

High breathability‡ supports healthylooking eyes11

water at the

30 days of exceptional performance14,15

Nothing touches the eye but a gentle cushion of moisture12,13

Helps resist deposits and bacteria for a clean lens16-19*

* Based on in vitro measurements of unworn lenses. ** In symptomatic patients. † Applies to Spherical lenses only.

‡ Dk/t = 156 @ -3.00D. ~ Higher breathability means more oxygen can permeate the eyes and eyes need oxygen to stay healthy. TOTAL30® contact lenses are monthly replacement lenses for daily wear.

See instructions for use for wear, care, precautions, warnings, contraindications and adverse effects. Images are for illustrative purposes only. 15521 © 2024 Alcon Inc.

UKIE-DT1-2400017

All eyes on instruments

This year’s 100% Optical event served as the perfect platform for EssilorLuxottica to showcase one of its primary focuses for 2024: an enhanced portfolio of exciting new products and advice for eyecare practitioners (ECPs) on how to differentiate themselves from the competition, and futureproof their business.

Paul Cumber, instruments director for EssilorLuxottica, said: “Visitors to this year’s 100% Optical were not only able to get a first glimpse of our new instruments, they were also able to learn more about a scheme designed to make investment more feasible if cost is a barrier, while also affording customers greater choice and added value.”

Essilor's new ES 700 and ES 800 edgers provide "unparalleled edging and customisation at speed, making them an ideal investment for ECPs looking to upgrade and boost productivity in their own lab, or set up a new in-house glazing service" says Paul.

"The kit is compact in size – making it ideal for practices with limited space – and it will help provide an extra competitive edge against other local opticians because you’ll be able to promise and deliver a faster service for patients. It allows ECPs the ability

to take ownership of a job from start to finish and provides full control of the quality which appeals to many ECPs."

During 100% Optical, the company also showcased optical equipment from its new distribution partners with the launch of the Medmont Meridia topographer and the slit lamp range from Takagi.

TOOLS WITH THE EDGE

The new edger range includes the ES 700 edger, ES 800 edger and the TCB 800 Automatic Tracer-Centerer-Blocker (TCB) – designed to be compact and easy to use. Thanks to its state-of-the-art technology, optical tracing time is reduced by up to 75 per cent, blocking and centering time by up

DRY EYE SERVICE SUITE

The IDRA by SBM Sistemi allows ECPs to accurately capture tear film instability data, and provide clearly presented metrics that are simple for the patient to understand. It also has an accompanying smartphone app, which is an excellent way for patients to monitor their symptoms at home.

The TearStim IRPL device from ESW Vision emits energy in the form of painless light pulses and heat and is applied to the skin below the eye. The aim is to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system supplying the meibomian glands, increase the secretion from the glands and contribute to restoring their normal activity. In addition, the quality of the secretion is improved, and the lipid layer of the tear film is stabilised.

The Activa Home Eye Mask by SBM Sistemi uses heated automatic massage

to 20 per cent and edging time by up to 19 per cent, through the implementation of the fast-roughing cycle (FRC), says the company.

Furthermore, the TCB 800 automatically harmonises frame base trajectory and adjusts centering data based on 3D parameters, allowing for perfect tracing and ensuring the right fit. Lenses can also be customised using the M’Eye Custom web app giving a bespoke feel.

The Medmont Meridia topographer is available in a classic and professional model, with the classic offering a large colour field-of-view and ergonomic quick keys for navigating the software. The professional model extends these features with anterior,

The IDRA system for dry eye patients technology and patients can rent the device from the practice to use at home – or more frequently it is offered as an in-practice treatment. The fully automated procedure heats and massages the eye lids generating heat of approximately 42 degrees for 15 minutes while applying a micro-vibration-based massage to aid meibomian gland expression.

Instruments director, Paul Cumber

The compact new ES 800 edger

Simple and practical: the Takagi 4ZL slit lamp

fluorescein and meibomian gland imaging and videos. It also features a choice of proven dry eye grading scales and insightful reports.

The 700GL slit lamp is designed to achieve crystal clear observation from the anterior eye segment to the fundus, providing a sharp and clear slit illumination with minimal light and colour irregularities. "Combining the very best in optical design and ergonomics, the slit lamp is both easy to use and has a graceful appearance, with built-in cables to keep them out of sight," Paul explains.

The Takagi 2ZL and 4ZL slit lamps are designed to be simple and practical to use for routine examinations. "Designed with both comfort and practicality in mind, they provide high-level performance in a wide range of examinations from cornea to retina," Paul continues. "The five-step magnification 4ZL is positioned as the high-end model, with background illumination installed as standard, and the three-step magnification 2ZL provides outstanding cost performance."

DIFFERENTIATION IN FOCUS

"A key buzzword during 100% Optical was ‘differentiation’ and we had many conversations with ECPs about key treatment areas to invest in to help enhance and future proof independent optical practices," Paul says. "We’re now seeing more practices offering additional services around eye health – and we firmly believe this is the future of optics.

"Technology is moving towards an era whereby remote refraction could be a possibility, so we need to to consider how to keep patients walking through the doors.

"Myopia management and dry eye are two growing areas of opportunity and some ECPs are making the move to these services. Patients seeking dry eye services or myopia care will be more likely to get their prescription done while they’re in-practice and buy their lenses and frames at the same time, rather than going online," Paul adds.

Setting up a dry eye clinic allows ECPs to differentiate themselves and add competitive advantage on the High Street – as well as helping patients to manage their condition.

"Investing in a dry eye service will reward a more loyal client base," says Paul, "and provide an additional revenue stream by attracting footfall and new patients, effectively becoming a ‘one-stop’ destination.

"The return on investment with dry eye is very quick as it’s an additional service –and we know from our partners that many patients are happy to travel for treatment. Many big multiples don’t offer a dry eye service and we believe an independent

PROACTIVE MYOPIA MANAGEMENT

Essilor’s Expert Myopia Care is a comprehensive solution composed of the instrument, Myopia Expert 700 and its digital solution Essibox Myopia Care, offering ECPs “a highly accurate and turnkey resource that enables proactive myopia management”.

The Myopia Expert 700 is designed to help the ECP build a compelling myopia management journey – from early detection to monitoring – and position professionals as a reference in myopia care. It gives a fast, patient-friendly and precise axial length measurement accurate to 27µm, combined with corneal topography to enable the ECP to manage different myopia control solutions.

The Essibox Myopia Care is intuitive

practice is the perfect environment to offer these relaxing treatments."

Essilor provides support to practices to help them price their dry eye service, and provides guidance on how to refer patients –making it part of the everyday conversation the practice team has with patients. The company's Leonardo platform is also an invaluable training resource.

Promotions run throughout the year, especially when opting for bundle packages of dry eye equipment including the IDRA diagnostic device, the TearStim IRPL device and the Activa heat and massage mask. When used together in practice, the equipment offers a complete solution for diagnosing dry eye and managing the condition.

Crucial support is also available to raise awareness of the service in practice, from marketing materials, leaflets, posters and social media assets. "Successful practices tend to have dedicated a room in the practice and are active on social media," adds Paul.

ENHANCING MYOPIA CARE

"Many ECPs offer myopia management lenses to patients, and we believe it’s now time to build on this and look at investing in a biometer to measure axial

REBATE SCHEME

and offers a convenient workflow from myopia interview to recommendations and handover. It maximises engagement of the patient’s family in myopia management for better results.

length," Paul says. "We consider this to be the gold standard for monitoring the progression of myopia. Driven by the growing prevalence of myopia and innovative control solutions, families are increasingly seeking effective professional myopia care and that’s where our Expert Myopia Care equipment comes in.

"Measuring axial length has proven to help with patient education enormously and our ECP business partners report how it helps increase engagement and understanding around managing myopia with a lens such as Essilor Stellest Lenses, rather than a single vision lens which simply corrects vision."

Essilor’s Expert Myopia Care biometer plots the length of the eye versus age on a centile growth curve, which is visually very similar to what parents use for tracking their children’s height and weight with a health visitor, so parents are instantly able to understand them.

"Becoming a myopia care centre in your local area helps create trust and better serve patients and their families," believes Paul. "It will help set a practice apart with a best-in-class, comprehensive myopia care solution and retain patients from a young age as they begin their eyecare journey." ■

EssilorLuxottica offers a frame and lens rebate deal with a partial or full rebate of equipment cost based on the sales growth of frames or lenses or both.

“Sometimes, the cost implications cause ECPs to delay investment,” explains Paul. “This scheme removes this barrier – with the finance upfront and a monthly payment. If agreed targets are achieved, there’s a great opportunity to gain a partial or full refund of the equipment costs.”

Streamlining the journey

By Nicky Collinson

With a focus on the latest stage of its Fresh Thinking campaign, Fresh Start, CooperVison harnessed its presence at 100% Optical 2024 to continue an industry-wide conversation about the contact lens patient journey – and how it could evolve to help grow the category.

Visitors to the company’s brightly coloured, hard-to-miss stand were able to glean useful learnings from their peers working in day-to-day contact lens practice via interactive touch screens. These included hints and tips to inspire changes that could be made within their own practices, to help support and grow their contact lens business.

Visitors also had the opportunity to cast their vote on the ‘pinch points’ they found the most challenging at each stage of the contact lens patient fitting journey – pre, on-the-day, and post-fit. It was discovered that 42 per cent of respondents found the on-the-day stage to be the most challenging, compared to 29 per cent for both the pre- and post-fit stage.

WORKING AS A TEAM

It was at 100% Optical 2023 that CooperVision launched the first stage of its Fresh Thinking campaign. As part of an initial information-gathering phase, the company surveyed 580 ECPs and 500 patients.

The survey found that and found that: 84 per cent of patients didn’t feel confident on the day of their first contact lens appointment; only 14 per cent of ECPs used a lifestyle questionnaire to ensure appropriate contact lenses were available for the patient on the day of their contact lens trial; only half of optical practice staff stated that patients were booked in for application and removal tuition on the same day as the contact lens fitting; nearly one in four practice staff stated that on average, three or more appointments with an ECP were required to complete a soft contact lens fit; and nearly seven out of 10 potential contact lens wearers would buy them online, discontinue or go elsewhere if they had to return several times to the practice during their contact lens trial.

The aim of the Fresh Start initiative at this year’s show was to facilitate change

to help ECPs grow their contact lens business. These changes might include:

■ Using a lifestyle questionnaire to ensure that appropriate contact lens options are available on the day of the patient’s contact lens trial

■ Providing patients with contact lens insertion and removal tuition on the same day as their contact lens fitting

■ Pre-ordering contact lenses in advance of a patient’s contact lens trial appointment, based on professional judgement, prescription and lifestyle, so that patients can take their lenses away on the same day – thus minimising the risk of drop-out as a trailist

Speaking to Vision Now at the show, Christina Olner, head of professional affairs, UK&I, CooperVision, said: “One of our key aims is to help ECPs tackle the ‘silent drops outs’ and address the barriers to category growth. We want to work with ECPs, facilitating conversations, as the ideal patient journey is unique to each patient and practice.

“The more tips and experiences that are shared, the more likely other practitioners will find something that can make their

day-to-day practice management around contact lens fits more successful – and provide more patients with the benefits of contact lens wear,” Christina added.

Another key focus for the company this year is to make myopia mangement more accessible – providing resources that can be used by the entire practice team to ensure they are engaged and educated in the category. There will be a push on increasing the penetration of orthokeratology contact lenses – with EyeDream ortho-k lenses sitting alongside MiSight myopia control contact lenses – whilst ensuring that practices have the right equipment to prescribe these options.

“Contact lenses can provide a valuable income stream to practices,” says Keran Fordham, regional director, UK&I, CooperVision, “and by working together we can grow the category to bring more success to eyecare professionals, whilst providing patients with the freedom and confidence contact lenses bring.”

For more information about the Fresh Thinking campaign, visit https:// coopervision.co.uk/practitioner/patientexperience-campaign-2024 ■

Sharing peer-to-peer insights Providing CPD at 100% Optical

Expert secondary care for your patients

Referring your patient to see an ophthalmologist at a Circle Health Group Hospital has never been easier...

At Circle Health Group, we are the UK’s largest private hospital group. We can offer quick and easy access to a wide range of eyecare treatment and surgery options. When you direct your patients to go private with Circle Health Group, they can usually see an eyecare specialist within 48 hours.

Our consultant ophthalmologists will assess the problem quickly and build a bespoke treatment plan around each individual patient and their needs. Patients will see the same consultant throughout their treatment, giving them a more personalised level of care. They can also relax in the knowledge that our hospitals follow stringent infection prevention guidelines and, as our private services are personalised to the individual, we will always put the patient first.

WHY REFER YOUR PATIENTS TO US?

When you refer your patients into a private Circle Health Group hospital, the main benefit is speed of access. We don't have waiting lists and your patients won't have to wait a long time between appointments. Shorter waiting times mean less stress and prevents eye health deteriorating further. Also, almost all surgical procedures are day cases, meaning most patients can leave the hospital on the same day as their treatment.

You will also have the reassurance that patients will benefit from the experience and expertise of consultant-led care.

In recent years, we have seen many advances in ophthalmology and our consultant specialists can deliver the latest treatments, using cutting edge solutions. Typically, we see patients who

are experiencing a wide range of symptoms including:

■ Pain

■ Visual disturbances: e.g. flashing lights, light sensitivity, floaters, shadows, temporary loss of vision, and migraine aura

■ Reduction in vision: blurred, cloudy, unclear, and double vision

■ Red eye: due to infection, inflammation, trauma, or post-op

■ Lumps around the eye

Our consultants also regularly provide treatment for the following:

■ Cataract surgery

■ Corneal transplant (keratoplasty)

■ Entropion and ectropion repair

■ Eye angiogram

■ Eye surgery (IOL-Vip system)

■ Glaucoma (trabeculectomy) surgery

■ Laser eye surgery

■ Laser therapy for age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

■ LASIK eye surgery

■ Ophthalmology consultation

■ Orthoptic consultation

■ Photorefractive keratectomy

■ Ptosis surgery for droopy eyelids

■ Retinal detachment treatment

■ Squint surgery

■ Vitrectomy

Whatever the circumstances, we offer a highly personalised service where both a patient’s diagnosis and treatment will be carried out at a time, and in a way, that suits them best. Patients can even choose to spread the cost of their treatment should they wish with our flexible payment options.

REFERRAL PATHWAY

The following four Circle Health Group

Hospitals are currently part of the National Eyecare Group referral pathway:

■ Lancaster Hospital, Lancaster

■ Thornbury Hospital, Sheffield

■ The Duchy Hospital, Harrogate

■ The Clementine Churchill Hospital, Harrow

At these sites, our consultant ophthalmologists have agreed to send a discharge summary back to the referring optometrist (so long as patients provide information of the referrer and consent for this). The hospitals are part of the UK’s largest, award winning private hospital group, with over 50 hospitals across the country.

If you would like more information about our services, please visit www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/ specialities/ophthalmology. To refer your patients to their local Circle Health Group Hospital, call Circle Health Group’s dedicated NEG telephone number on 0808 304 9682. Please see the patient leaflet sent on 1 February via email for more information. ■

Future-proofing your practice

How retail design can increase your performance and profitability

Investing in the design of your optical practice might seem like a big ask, especially when things are ticking along just fine. Why shake things up if your practice is already functional, and meeting your patients’ needs?

On top of that, the thought of temporarily being unable to trade can feel daunting, picking the right design team and contractors a headache, and navigating the complexities of a re-design and fit-out nothing short of disruptive. But, above all, spending on an already decent place might have you wondering: “What’s the point?”

Dean Waugh, owner and creative director of Retail Experience Design (RED), believes that a practice re-design and fitout is a strategic investment. When done right, it has the potential to transform your practice in many ways, ultimately leading to increased performance and profitability.

Dean explains: “We’ve repeatedly shown our clients that by investing in their practice environment, we can create a space that’s not only visually engaging, but also strategically designed to increase sales and enhance the overall customerpatient experience.”

WHERE ART AND SCIENCE INTERSECT

Investing in your practice environment might seem like an outlay at first, and whilst the upfront costs for a design and build project can seem significant, it’s wise to view them as an investment rather than an expense. Over time, the benefits from a strategicallydesigned optical practice have the potential to far outweigh the initial expenditure.

A strategic, well-executed optical design has the power to transform your traditional, tired interior into a unique retail space that reflects your brand and elevates your frames and products. The ability to leverage your space to create a highly efficient working environment – one that balances delivering a positive patient experience with practice functionality, attracting new and retaining existing customers – offers all the components necessary to enhance performance and profitability.

Dean continues: “There’s both an art and science to what we do. This isn’t just about creating the right aesthetic for your practice – although that’s often the first thing people notice about our work. Behind every inspiring optical interior in our portfolio, there’s a wealth of strategic thinking aiming to improve the customer-patient experience and commercial performance.

“We understand design can sometimes

A boutique aesthetic at Park Vision

Chapmans rolled out its new look across all practices

New branding to match Chapmans’ new look

feel a bit intangible. It’s not always clear what you’re investing in. That’s why I think it’s important for opticians looking to futureproof their business to look at some of our previous projects and see how we’ve applied our strategic design thinking and problemsolving skills to make a practical difference for optical clients.”

And that’s not all – we have plenty of figures and feedback from our clients, demonstrating the difference investing in their practice with a re-design has made to their business.

A compelling example is when we reconfigured Park Vision’s Nottinghambased practice. Our brief was to elevate the interior to achieve a boutique look and feel, whilst making their existing space more functional and able to accommodate more patients. Park Vision saw some hugely impressive stats recorded over a two-year period following their practice re-design and fit-out. These included:

■ 58 per cent increase in total profit

■ 135 per cent increase in retail sales

■ 123 per cent increase in overall sales

■ 40 per cent more clinical exams per week

■ 844 new patients

■ Fully booked clinics two to three weeks ahead

HOW A DESIGNER CAN HELP IMPROVE SALES

Every optical practice is unique, but they all have the same commercial goal: to win customers, increase sales and gain customer loyalty. That’s why providing expert clinical eyecare to patients is just part of what keeps customers coming back to your practice.

Patients are consumers too. They want the same kind of tailored experience they’ve come to expect from, say, a fashion retailer. So, the ability to effectively sell products and services is increasingly important for opticians to be profitable.

By applying design expertise and creative imagination, a designer will:

■ Look intelligently at the way you interact with your customers-patients, both the clinically and from a retail perspective

■ Help to provide an unrivalled patientcustomer experience

■ Understand the way you work and carefully plan your space to help your team operate as efficiently as possible

■ Help you stand out from competitors by capturing and conveying your brand –considering the ambience you want to create (warm and welcoming, clinical and professional or high end, fashionfocused, etc)

Addressing both the functional and aesthetic aspects of your practice creates a personalised experience that can set you apart from your competitors, build loyalty and keep patients returning.

A great example of this is the transformation undertaken by the long-established family optical group, Chapmans. Collaborating with RED, Chapmans first embarked on a brand re-design. This involved evaluating the company values, vision and evolving identity to redefine how Chapmans wanted to be perceived by their client base.

Following the brand overhaul, a new concept for Chapmans' flagship store was developed. But the store concept wasn’t limited to a single location; it extended across other practices in its portfolio. The roll-out was tailored to six individual practices, all with differing spatial constraints, varying local context and desired patient flow.

By embarking on a strategic re-design of their brand and physical space, Chapmans achieved growth in demand for appointments as well as turnover: growth in demand for appointments by 15 per cent; and turnover in excess of 20 per cent.

DUAL RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Investing in the design of an optical practice isn't just a strategy for future growth; it offers immediate rewards as well.

Take Chapmans Opticians and Park Vision, for instance. Their investment has not only promised long-term profitability through enhanced customer attraction and retention but has also delivered swift increases in retail sales and appointment bookings, demonstrating rapid results.

These results aren’t unusual. Lynne Fernandes Opticians saw unprecedented sales within two weeks of unveiling its redesigned space, aimed at enhancing customer experience and staff morale: an impressive 33 per cent jump in retail sales within four months of reopening, compared to the previous year. Its continued collaboration with RED underscores the value of expert design services tailored to the optical sector.

Similarly, Ashdown & Collins experienced a 20 per cent increase in its weekly sales average just three months after a re-design, with customer feedback overwhelmingly positive about the new look. Meanwhile, Perspective Opticians achieved a record month following its practice re-design – beating its best performance by £10k.

As Dean Waugh says: “These examples vividly illustrate how investing in design can achieve both immediate boosts and sustained growth, making a compelling case for opticians to consider the aesthetic and functional overhaul of their practices."

In essence, a strategic re-design isn’t about improving the aesthetics – making things look better. It’s about positioning your practice for long-term success and laying the foundation for sustainable growth and profitability. Ultimately, the investment in re-designing your optical practice can be one that pays for itself time after time. ■

Ashdown & Collins’ weekly sales rose post re-design Solidifying future growth at revamped Perspective Opticians

Classy or chic, sophisticated or sporty, dramatic or demure, audacious or cool – sunglasses may mirror multiple personalities. Sun specs are fun to wear, a stylish way to project an image you desire, in addition to providing necessary protection from the sun’s strong rays.

This season is particularly exciting with dashing sunglasses available in a multitude of flattering styles, colours and innovative materials. Sunglasses tend to put wearers in an optimistic mood, with thoughts of holidays and sunny, warm weather; plus people can be adventurous, and create a new persona by selecting frames in a different shape, or discovering a new colour or material.

Large, oversized frames are the prevailing trend – with square, round and oval designs featured in the collections for 2024. Voluminous silhouettes are prominent in unisex, men and women’s collections. Emphasis is on sleek constructed forms, that are ingeniously detailed. A throwback to vintage is seen in sleek cat-eye designs and the colour selections are beautifully harmonised with vivid tones, subtle neutrals, tortoise and the forever favourite – classic black. Tinted lenses in blue, green, pink, grey and yellow are also keynote in sun collections.

For independent opticians, sunglasses present the ideal moment to recommend to patients the importance of eye protection throughout the year, and particularly in summer with climate change that is intensifying sun rays.

SUPERSIZED SUNNIES

Brazilian model, entrepreneur and eyewear stylist Ana Hickmann understands the need for protective sunspecs, and women’s desire to let their light shine. UV-tinted sun lens and dramatic voluminous silhouettes provide shield from intense sun rays,

Sunglass symphonies

By Joan Grady

while providing an elegant, seductive and glamorous look for the wearer.

Amongst the highlights in the Ana Hickmann 2024 sun collection, available through Go Eyewear, is model AH3283; the style delicately captures the beauty of the colour of the year – Peach Fuzz – a peachy sorbet tone with delicate softness that is ultra-flattering for a multitude of skin tones. The bold statement frame combines trendy fashion, fabulous fit and protective function.

The iconic brand Furla, created in Bologna, Italy, in 1927, has a storied history of luxury accessories. Available through De Rigo, the eyewear collection is a vivid expression of Italian craftsmanship, combining traditional spectacle making skills with the latest technology, trends, newest materials and appealing colours. Tinted sun

lenses in green bring extra vibrancy to style SFU785. The generous lens shape is accented with metal inserts for a powerful and impressive style impact.

Singer, dancer, wife and mother, entrepreneur – Victoria Beckham is a multi-talented woman who also brings her fashion instincts to glamorous eyewear. Her latest collection comprises outstanding sun styles that embrace sophistication and radiate chic.

A devoted fan of voluminous sun specs, her frames embody a strong statement that combine wearability, boldness and femininity. Distributed by Marchon, model VB673S endorses a modern take on shield sunglasses, with its impressive contours, rounded edges and a VB chain pouchinspired embellishment on the temples.

Timeless tortoiseshell: Aspinal of London Helene

Italian heritage: Furla SFU785

Sophisticated chic: Victoria Beckham VB673S

Seductive and glamorous: Ana Hickmann AH3283

TORTOISE TRENDS

Tortoiseshell, with its refreshing interpretations, enjoys a cherished timelessness in eyewear. Aspinal of London combines fine detail and superb craftsmanship with model Helene – a slim, sleek tortoiseshell frame available through Eyespace. The luxuriously oversized square shape has been carefully moulded to complement a multitude of face shapes. Beautiful temple detailing with woven chains is inspired by Aspinal of London’s Mayfair bag with its stunning, contemporary styling.

Elle eyewear embraces the relaxed, laid-back chic for which Parisians are noted. This sun-kissed sophistication is evident with Charmant’s stunning Elle sun style 14949. Unique Art Deco-inspired gold metal detailing highlights the frame front and temples. The gently rounded acetate silhouette in the photo is a rich Havana tortoiseshell pattern. The frame is also available in classic black and soft rose.

CREATIVE FLAIR

The Boss eyewear sun collection, distributed by Marchon, showcases talents from three countries: British singer and actress Suzi Waterhouse, Italian tennis player Matteo Berretinnai, and South Korean actor Lee Minho. The campaign theme champions a self-determined life, driven by confidence, style and a forwardlooking vision.

In the photo, looking cool and discreet, Lee Minho wears Boss style 1565/F/ SK with optimal UV lens protection. Gold accents on the temple and a gold nose bridge further distinguish the design. Bio-based and recycled materials are included in the lightweight collection, and signature metal embellishments feature the iconic Boss stripes.

Silhouette eyewear in Austria is acclaimed for its award-winning minimalist frames, and trendy tinted lenses that are worn by everyone from philharmonic performers to rock stars. The Silhouette sun collection radiates new chic with Mougins: strikingly imposing with circular form and an architectural flow that captures a distinctive mood.

The full round shape features a smart double bridge, and the bold contrast between the crystal frame and green tinted lens highlights the unisex design. With renewed interest in vintage fashion and accessories, crystal frames are having a powerful impact. Mougins is also available in forest green, burgundy and black. Semi-oval shaping, and a muted, marbled

colouration accentuate an impressive sun design by Elizabeth Arden. Model EA5271 provides ample protection from sunlight, with 100 per cent UV lenses, while displaying sophisticated style in grey, as pictured; the frame is also available in brown. The Elizabeth Arden eyewear collection, available from Atlantic Optical, includes contemporary design aesthetics with a flattering variety of silhouettes, materials and colours.

Sun season 2024 is an uplifting opportunity for independent opticians to showcase the latest sun spec styles with the rich variety that patients will covet. Creative window displays add to the appeal of sun specs while quality, cutting-edge designs and materials, that combine classic spectacle virtues as well as premium technology, provide credible flair.

A diverse colour palette also makes sunwear an ideal opportunity for patients to experiment and step out in daring new styles. This is the season to be bold and

brave with sunglass designs that celebrate confidence and style, that dazzle and delight, and have the potential to expand business horizons. ■

Art Deco inspiration: Elle 14949

Cool and discreet: Lee Minho wears Boss 1565/F/SK

Vintage mood: Silhouette Mougins

Impressive impact: Elizabeth Arden EA5271

Preferred

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

CALEDONIAN OPTICAL LTD

tel: 01224 596 006 | email: info@caledonianoptical.com | web: www.caledonianoptical.com

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

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

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

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