Vision Now February 2022

News

Want to feature in VN?

Email the editor at: nicola.collinson@nationaleyecare.co.uk

@PK_NEG @national-eyecare-group www.nationaleyecare.co.uk

Transitions Optical Transitions Optical’s new generation of Transitions XTRActive lenses are said to be the darkest photochromic lenses in hot temperatures and the only photochromic lens product to achieve category three levels of darkness at 35˚C. They are also hailed as the only photochromic lenses to reach category two levels of darkness in the car, offering maximum darkness at 23˚C with no driving restrictions.

These advancements are thanks to new nano-composite matrix technology, combined with extra powerful broad spectrum dyes that activate in both the UV and visible light spectrum. The lenses also offer the brand’s best blue light protection across more light situations, including indoors, block 100 per cent of UVA/UVB outdoors – and fade back up to 35 per cent faster.

“People are experiencing increased symptoms of eye strain and discomfort whether inside or outdoors, and Transitions XTRActive lenses were designed with this issue in mind,” said Brian O’Neil, global vice president, innovation, technology and operations at Transitions Optical. “Wearers of Transitions Optical technology want flexibility between indoors, outdoors and driving, to be better protected at all times. The new generation of Transitions XTRActive provides light protection regardless of the situation.”

The lenses are currently available in grey, brown and graphite green and in four Style Mirror options.

General Optical Council

Next generation Transitions XTRActive launched

100% Optical

The Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England & NHS Improvement have confirmed that General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) in England will remain a national demand-led service under a nationally agreed GOS contract and nationally negotiated fees and grants, with no local variation. As part of the Health and Care Bill currently before parliament, integrated care boards (ICBs) will replace clinical commissioning groups. Under the new structure, NHS England will devolve the management of GOS contracts to ICBs. However, this will simply be about contract management; GOS will be without local variation.

Find out more at www.optical.org New April show dates

Essilor

Seeing double with lens offer

Essilor has launched its 2022 Take Two promotion with a multi-pair offer of a complimentary or discounted second pair of lenses for every patient. The promotion includes all branded lenses

4 Vision Now February 2022

such as Stellest – newly-launched in the UK and Ireland (see page 8) – Eyezen Kids for children, Varilux and Transitions.

A national digital advertising is intended to drive the offer, directing consumers to their local independent practice for an eye examination.

All independent practices taking part in the promotion will appear on the Essilor optician finder with a dedicated page about the promotion to help boost their online visibility. Tim Precious, managing director at Essilor, said: “This year’s Take Two promotion will support our independent business partners and increase their online visibility, footfall and sales over the year. It will allow independents to challenge competition on the High Street from national chains with similar multi-pair offers.” Posters and digital assets are available.

100% Optical will now take place at ExCeL London from 23-25 April, having been moved back from its original January dates due to the rapid rise in Omicron Covid-19 cases over winter. Nathan Garnett, director of 100% Optical, said: “We really appreciate how patient exhibitors, sponsors and recordbreaking numbers of visitors have been over this tough period. This show has gained so much support over the last few months, we have a duty to deliver it as soon as it is safe to do so and as early as we can in 2022.”

Association of Optometrists (AOP) head of education, Dr Ian Beasley, added: “The AOP will now look forward to delivering our comprehensive programme of CPD in April, featuring an outstanding line-up of speakers for the new dates.” All visitor registrations have been transferred to the new dates. Stay tuned and register at www.100percentoptical.com