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
The Department of Health and Social Care’s decision to freeze NHS optical voucher values for 2025/26 – and only increase GOS fees in line with inflation – has been described by the Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee as “a further squeeze on primary eyecare – this time on patients”. They’re not wrong.
Indeed, yet another report from patient advocate organisation Healthwatch England has revealed that the costs of additional eyecare services are likely to deter some people from visiting opticians altogether (see news page 11); nearly one in seven patients whose feedback fed into the report said they had been avoiding eyecare appointments in the last two years due to the perceived cost.
The College of Optometrists has stated that this under-funding “undermines efforts to promote eye health and maintain equitable access to essential services” – adding that: “Regular eye examinations by qualified optometrists play a key role in detecting early signs of eye disease and preserving sight, and financial barriers should not stand in the way of patients getting this vital care. Without adequate funding, optical practices will struggle to maintain services – reducing access for those who need it most.” What this chronic under-funding might also do is push more independent practices into the private-only model – adding yet further pressures on the market.
As reported in this issue, there are a number of campaigns currently underway to promote the importance of children’s eye health. If your practice has a strong paediatric eyecare offering – including in myopia management – then it might be worth seeing how to get involved to elevate your independent services and positioning yet further. With NEG’s preferred suppliers offering a range of solutions for children’s vision correction – from well-fitting frames, to myopia control spectacle lenses and contact lenses, as well as orthokeratology contact lenses – there are plenty of reasons to be bringing in the whole family on a regular basis.
Nicky Collinson Editor
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Nearly one in 10 parents or carers (nine per cent) will only take their child for their first visit to the optician if, and when, an eye health or vision issue arises, reveals a new Children’s Eye Health Report by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO), the College of Optometrists and the Optical Suppliers Association (OSA). To prepare the report, the three organisations commissioned research with 1,008 parents on Mumsnet to explore parents’ awareness of the importance of children’s eye tests, eye health and the support they can expect.
The survey revealed that 53 per cent of surveyed parents would go to straight to their GP for an eye infection issue, and (34 per cent would go to their GP for an eye discomfort issue instead of seeking advice at their local opticians. One in 12 parents (eight per cent) would visit their GP or call NHS 111 if their child was experiencing a slight change in vision rather than making an appointment at their local opticians. Many parents also believed misinformation about eyecare: 28 per cent of survey respondents incorrectly believed that eye exercises could help slow the progression of myopia, and 20 per cent believed it was legal to buy children’s prescription glasses online.
Denise Voon, clinical adviser at the College of Optometrists, said: “It’s not surprising that many parents are confused about when and where to go for children’s eyecare. The children’s health record, known as ‘the red book’ and the parents’ handbook for children’s health and development, doesn’t currently include information or advice about children’s eye health and eye tests. We’re calling for the national health and care services across the UK to better signpost parents to their local opticians as their first port of call for eyecare, and to always include advice about how and why parents and carers should take their child for regular eye tests in the ‘red book’.” The Child Eye Health Report can be downloaded from each organisation’s website, and it includes ‘myth-busters’ that can be used to share with patients.
New report on children’s eye health
For spring/summer 2025, the Paul Smith eyewear collection from Marchon focuses on precise craftsmanship and timeless designs, embodying the British designer’s subtle elegance and style. The collection features bold yet classic shapes and sophisticated colour choices. The frames are crafted in Italy with meticulous attention to detail, and are complemented by the brand’s iconic stripe detailing and ‘handwriting’ logo: highlighting the British designer’s ethos with well-balanced modernity and versatile elegance.
Model PS25606 Meade (pictured) is a unisex rectangular optical style inspired by the world of tailoring, crafted from premium acetate. It is available in nude/ochre/light brown, grey/rose/sand, and grey/light grey/brown combinations, featuring striped acetate designs. Black multi-stripe and havana multi-stripe options feature custom multi-coloured acetate across the entire front profile.
Bookings are now open for the Association of Optometrists’ MAYopia Day on 11 May, staged in partnership with headline sponsor CooperVision. The programme includes sessions developed in collaboration with CooperVision, Essilor, Hoya, Bausch + Lomb, and the Vision team at Johnson & Johnson. Topics range from research-based management approaches to compliance and safeguarding in myopia care, with opportunities to explore areas such as orthokeratology and strategies for effective communication with parents. Delegates can choose to attend the full programme or select individual sessions relevant to their clinical interests, with each webinar offering one interactive CPD point. Book at www.aop.org.uk/ events
Independents Day (iDay) is offering delegates attending this year’s 20th anniversary conference on 29 and 30 June the opportunity to have their practice mystery shopped free-of-charge. To be eligible to participate, practitioners must book a one or two-day delegate package before 18 May. As part of his keynote presentation, Jonathan Winchester, CEO of Insight6, will present data from a mystery shopping survey carried out by his company a few weeks prior to the event. The research will randomly and anonymously sample independent practices to get a snapshot of the sector’s customer experience levels. However,
conference attendees will have the opportunity to request that their practice be part of the sample.
Continental Eyewear has added four fresh styles to it popular Zenith collection, known for its dynamic and youthful aesthetic. Zenith 114 is a softly squared frame with subtly rounded edges, designed to flatter a variety of face shapes; it comes in green, navy and purple. Zenith 115 is a bold, angular silhouette with a strong square shape. A subtle keyhole bridge adds a retro feel, while the modern colourways ensure a fresh, on-trend look. Zenith 116 is a classic round shape with keyhole bridge detailing, while Zenith 117 is a sleek aviator-inspired frame featuring a double bridge.
Last weekend, I had an enlightening conversation with my wife’s cousin. He’s a highly intelligent and driven 41-yearold with a statistics degree, who delivers training courses on complex software packages, often internationally. Critically, he suffers with hay fever.
We met at 11am, and his eyes had already been streaming for a couple of hours. He was considering taking the ‘super strong tablet’ (Fexofenadine) that his GP had offered him, but was desperately trying to hold off as he fancied having a beer with us over lunch and didn’t want to risk triggering any side-effects. He lamented not having any other options available to him (“All the other ‘normal’ antihistamines didn’t work for me, so my GP gave me these new ones…but I’m not sure they’re going to help my eyes anyway”).
Unable to bite my tongue, I queried whether he was using Otrivine, Opticrom,
Insight6 is a customer experience and mystery shopping consultancy that works with business owners facilitating the fundamental changes required to transform every customer experience. The data it collects will be anonymised to all but the company, with participants able to request a copy of their report. Conference organiser, Nick Atkins, said: “Jonathan has an impressive track record and proven reputation as an international speaker. Many past delegates may well remember him as Mr Mystery Shopping from his past appearances at iDay. This is a not-to-bemissed opportunity to get a complimentary report from a visit by a professional optical mystery shopper.” Turn to page 23 to read more about this year’s event.
or both – or whether, perhaps, he’d discovered the wonders of Olopatadine or even Zaspray. Not only was he unaware that any of the above solutions existed, he didn’t know that we, as optometrists, could help him with his problem. The inevitable conversation ensued, and he (a high myope) confessed that he had his eyes examined “every few years, usually when work pays for it” and had flitted between one High Street retailer and another, depending on appointment availability and convenience factors alone.
He vaguely recalled once being asked about whether he had any allergies, in what felt like a tick-box exercise, but said there wasn’t the time (or appetite) to talk about any of his symptoms, never mind for them to explain that they knew how to help. His sentiment, repeated several times over with no little frustration, was: “But why hasn’t anyone told me?”
What all of this tells me is that we – as a profession, but particularly as an independent sector – have a huge opportunity
to help solve a simple problem. The fact that an intelligent, middle-aged go-getter has spent 40 years suffering without even knowing his optometrist might be able to ease his rather debilitating symptoms – and the fact that his GP has neither proposed eye drops as a method of delivery or recommended a visit to his optometrist as a useful angle to explore –can only mean we need to do a better job of telling our patients how we can help them. If we don’t let them know, they’ll never know to ask us.
PS. For those who are curious, the Zaspray I offered him on the day was a great help, and he’s since become an Opatanol user.
Keval Sejpar BSc (Hons) MCOptom Chairman
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Nixon RM, Dunn AC, et al. Viscoelasticity and mesh-size at the surface of hydrogels characterized with microrheology. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2013;54:E-abstract 500. 9. Based on in vitro measurement of thickness profiles on unworn lenses; Alcon data on file, 2019. 10. Based on in vitro measurements of thickness profiles of unworn lenses; Alcon data on file, 2021.
Nuance Audio combines microphone and speaker technology to enhance audio experiences. It features a microphone beamformer, which uses an array of microphones to focus on sound sources from a specific direction. This technique creates a ‘virtual microphone’ that is highly sensitive to sounds coming from the desired direction while effectively rejecting noise from other directions. This significantly improves speech intelligibility, even in noisy surroundings.
The product includes two open-ear directional speakers that deliver sound in a way that feels natural and unobtrusive. These
everyone will be aware of or feel comfortable sharing their hearing struggles; most will need to be guided to try the glasses to see how empowering they can be. Begin by asking yourself if they could be a potential wearer. If they are aged 50 plus it’s worth mentioning: “Have you heard about Nuance Audio? It’s an empowering pair of glasses that can improve hearing and reduce listening fatigue”.
Establish if there are any ‘clues’ to signal a person may be struggling to hear the TV, or always asking to raise the volume, or asking others to repeat themselves in noisy environments.
Tactfully asking a few tailored questions after an eye examination will help identify if hearing glasses could be right for them and overcome any stigma or difficulties around talking about the problem:
■ How would you rate your hearing from one to 10?
■ Do you find it hard to follow conversations sometimes?
■ If so, does it happen mostly in noisy environments such as a busy restaurant?
■ Would you like to test the glasses, it only takes a few minutes?
EssilorLuxottica’s learning ecosystem, Leonardo, hosts a certification programme with step-by-step modules for the whole practice team. The Nuance Audio certificate programme is designed to give
speakers allow users to remain aware of their surroundings while enjoying enhanced clarity and focused audio, making it ideal for improved communication.
Nuance offers a range of key features to enhance the audio experience. It includes adjustable background noise reduction with low, medium and high settings to suit different ambient noise levels, as well as volume control that can be set on a scale from one to five or turned off when not in use. The product provides four preconfigured amplification presets, allowing users to easily select the option that best meets their needs.
a comprehensive understanding of Nuance Audio glasses, from the benefits of their innovative technology to presenting them effectively to customers.
In the first section, ECPs can explore the fundamentals of hearing and gain valuable insights from leading experts in the field of audiology. They’ll then go on to uncover Nuance Audio’s groundbreaking innovation and dive into the product’s features and details. The final section provides a guide on the best ways to present Nuance Audio Glasses to offer an exceptional customer experience.
At the end of each session, ECPs get the chance to review newly acquired knowledge in preparation for the final assessment. After completing the programme, they’ll also have the option to reinforce understanding with additional video examples the most effective way to introduce the product.
The programme takes approximately three hours to complete.
To set up a Leonardo account, send an
It also features two audio modes: Frontal, which enables ‘look where you want to hear’ functionality by focusing on sound from a specific direction, and All-Around, which captures sound from all directions in the environment.
Nuance Audio can be controlled either through an app available on iOS and Android devices or by using a remote, ensuring convenience and ease of use.
The Nuance Audio app is compatible with iOS devices running iOS 16 or later (release 0.3.7 onward) and Android devices running Android 12 or later with SDK 24 (release 0.4.1 onward).
email to ukinproductmarketing@essilor. com with your practice name and account number, and the first and last names of each requested user indicating if this person will be a main user or a sub-user. You’ll need to supply an individual email address for each requested user. It can take up to two weeks for a Leonardo account to be created.
Nuance Audio will be piloted at selected opticians across the UK from May, with a full launch planned for the autumn.
The range features two timeless models in a square and panthos style, available in two sizes in black and burgundy to complement any look. The frame can be fitted with prescription or plano lenses and are best paired Transitions lenses to deliver a superior multisensory experience, and empower your everyday life in any light.
Visit www.nuanceaudio.com ■
Article supplied by EssilorLuxottica.
The result is eyewear that feels as if it was made just for you, lightweight, strong, and incredibly comfortable.
Each Minamoto frame is the result of a long and thoughtful creative process, rooted in Japanese philosophy and craftsmanship. In a world of immediacy and overconsumption, Minamoto stands for a return to essential values: simplicity, authenticity, durability.
The collection draws its inspiration from historical Japanese eyewear, notably from the private collection of Charmant’s founder, Kaoru Horikawa, but also from Zen philosophy – where beauty lies not in excess, but in restraint. In this culture of refinement, every line, every surface, every material carries a meaning.
The aesthetic of Minamoto is a tribute to this minimalism: pure, balanced, timeless. Far from the noise of fashion, these frames are designed to become part of those who wear them. This is not about spectacle, it is about inner elegance.
Design at Minamoto also reflects an unwavering respect for technical excellence. The frames are built using a mono block structure, a choice guided by the desire to minimise components, to reduce visible joints, and to achieve a pure and fluid silhouette. It is a technical challenge, but above all a design statement, perfectly in line with Zen values of simplicity and harmony.
Over time, Minamoto frames become much more than an accessory. They become a trusted companion. A silent presence that accompanies everyday life and grows in emotional value, a concept the Japanese call ai-chaku: this deep attachment we feel for objects made with care and destined to last.
Every detail speaks to this philosophy. The Kanji symbol for ‘origin’ (Minamoto) is delicately engraved on each temple tip – like a signature, a seal of authenticity. Inspired by traditional family emblems or calligraphy stamps, this mark reminds us that what connects us to an object is often invisible, intimate, personal. More than just a design element, this symbol carries a story of craftsmanship and heritage: it was created by a calligraphy master who works for Charmant, giving life to this exclusive logo. His artistic gesture adds an additional layer of meaning - turning a simple detail into a mark of identity, rooted in tradition and timeless elegance.
Even the eyewear case is a tribute
to craftsmanship and tradition. Each Minamoto frame is presented in a handmade case crafted from washi paper – a rare, noble material made in Japan using ancestral techniques more than 1,500 years old. This case is not just packaging; it is part of the story, a symbol of respect for what lasts and what has meaning.
Minamoto is not just about wearing glasses; it is about embracing a philosophy of life; where beauty is quiet, detail is everything, and true elegance is built to endure.
Kyuzo: MN31002
Perfect lines, absolute comfort and ageless design: Kyuzo shows all expertise of the Minamoto know-how. The double-bridge is not like any other as the Minamoto Kanji meaning ‘the origin’ is stamped on the top bar. Additionally, the rim wire features beautiful, classic patterns.
Sanjuro: MN31012
Sanjuro shares its name with the hero and title of the classic Japanese feature film. The Minamoto Sanjuro frame, in antique grey, gold plating and white, has a masculine geometric shape and reveals a classic pattern on endpieces.
Akira: MN31003
This flagship model of the Minamoto collection for men embodies the very essence of authenticity. Akira takes us back to the past, a past where nose pads were not yet used for spectacles. A unique antislip epoxy at the W bridge keeps the frame on the face. The decoration on the end pieces is extremely meticulous and elegant.
Byoujou: MN31027
Live each day with a truthful heart, free from distraction. That’s the Zen essence of the Byoujou style. Featuring a subtle patterned acetate Windsor rim, the geometric profile radiates charm. End pieces are unique thanks to an intricate classic pattern. Get this look in gold plated, white or antique gold.
Ryusui: MN31030
Go with the flow – like a gentle tide. These serene Zen words inspire Ryusui, a contemporary panto frame with acetate eyeshape rings. This nylor-acetate style looks stunning in gold plated, white and antique gold. Sumi-nagashi patterns on the white and gold-plated looks add more exclusivity.
As part of the Charmant Group – now a member of NEG – the Minamoto collection is available to selected UK opticians who wish to offer their patients something truly different: eyewear made to last, made to be worn, and made to be cherished. Behind each frame lies a story of precision, authenticity and respect for tradition, values that resonate more than ever in today’s world.
If you would like to explore the Minamoto collection or arrange a visit, please contact your Charmant Group representative in the UK: Kay Richardson. Send an email to Kay at kay.richardson@nationaleyecare.co.uk or telephone 07899 235053. Visit www.minamoto-eyewear.com
Offer your customers more than just eyewear. Offer them a piece of heritage. Minamoto – the Original. For Originals ■
Article supplied by Charmant.
By Tom Bailey, national sales manager, Avizor
or more than four decades, Avizor has stood at the forefront of the eyecare industry, leading with a strong commitment to innovation, quality and safety. Headquartered in Madrid, Spain, the company has become a trusted global manufacturer of eyecare and contact lens solutions, with a presence in over 90 countries worldwide.
Avizor’s mission is clear: to develop advanced, effective and safe solutions that enhance ocular health and comfort, while embracing sustainability and staying ahead of global market demands. This focus on continuous innovation and flexibility has earned the company a solid reputation among both professionals and consumers.
At the core of Avizor’s success lies its unwavering commitment to technological development and innovation. In 2021, the company opened a new, state-of-the-art production facility that doubled the size of its operations. With this expansion, Avizor increased its production capacity to 77 million dosed units per year, with further plans to scale up to 100 million units in the near future.
All Avizor products are manufactured in Europe, under the strict standards of the Medical Device Regulation (MDR). This ensures not only compliance with the highest safety and performance
Leveraging innovative moisturising agents
requirements, but also gives professionals and patients alike the confidence that Avizor products are reliable, consistent and rigorously tested.
Avizor offers a complete and diverse portfolio of eyecare products, tailored to the full range of contact lenses: daily, monthly, rigid gas permeable, scleral lenses and more. Whether for cleaning, storing or hydrating, Avizor’s solutions are designed to maximise lens performance while maintaining the health of the ocular surface. What truly sets the brand apart, however, is its ongoing development of preservativefree technologies, aimed at providing maximum safety for even the most sensitive eyes. This approach has given rise to two of Avizor’s latest and most innovative product launches in the UK: Regard and Ozean.
REGARD: A UNIQUE PRESERVATIVEFREE ON THE EYE SOLUTION
Regard is a breakthrough in contact lens care and a standout in the global market. It is the only solution that is truly preservative-free on the eye, thanks to its advanced oxidative system that neutralises preservatives before the solution comes into contact with the ocular surface.
This is not just a benefit: it’s a major differentiator. With an increasing number of users reporting sensitivity to traditional solutions, Regard offers a safe, highly compatible alternative that doesn’t compromise on performance.
Regard’s key benefits include:
■ Deep cleaning action, effectively removing proteins, lipids and debris from lenses
■ Advanced hydration, providing longlasting comfort throughout the day
■ Broad compatibility, suitable for both soft and rigid contact lenses
■ Ideal for sensitive eyes, allergy sufferers and long-term contact lens wearers
Regard isn’t just another contact lens solution, it’s a next-generation product that reflects Avizor’s leadership in ophthalmic innovation and its dedication to improving patient outcomes.
OZEAN: POWERFUL RELIEF FOR DRY AND IRRITATED EYES
With increased screen time, air conditioning and environmental pollutants, dry eye
By Nick Atkins, director, Independents Day
When in 2004, in my early 40, I had the idea to put on a business focused symposium for independent practices, I never gave much thought to anything other making it happen and getting the proverbial ‘bums on seats’. With the support of fellow Proven Track Record directors, David Goad and the late Brian Collison, we decided on the Midlands as a location, booked the National Motorcycle Museum as the venue and set the date – Monday 4 July 2005 – perfect for the inaugural meeting I had named Independents Day.
A break-even budget was set for 100 delegates with a small exhibition, and in January 2005 we launched the concept to an unsuspecting audience. The theme of that inaugural meeting, ‘Presbyopia: from theory to practice’, wouldn’t look out of place today. We started as we meant to go on by booking the best speakers to cover the subject from both a clinical and commercial perspective. Professor Mo Jalie, Drs David Thomson, Fiona Fylan and Trusit Dave, the irrepressible Brian Tompkins and Sarah Morgan, all being testimony to that fact. It’s great to see Trusit and Sarah back for this year’s milestone event.
Using our industry contacts, we convinced Bausch + Lomb to take top sponsorship billing, with Birmingham Optical and Mid-Optic the tier below and, most notably, NEG – along with Hoya, Norville and OptiMed as foundation sponsors. It’s very pleasing to see that all but two of these companies will be present at our 20th anniversary iShow.
The selection of speakers at iDay has always given a nod to ‘do as I do’, with presenters having a proven track record (couldn’t be anything really could it?) in their respective field or in independent practice. This year is no different, as we let successes over the past 20 years frame the programme. Popular themes have been the psychology of communication, professional fee charging, customer service, growing sales, mystery shopping and, although we’re all about the business, a few CPD points always go down well too.
Making his third appearance, Jonathan Winchester will present data from a mystery shopping survey carried out by his company a few weeks prior to the event. Delegates can request their practice to be part of the sample, free-of-charge with a full report, by simply booking a one or twoday delegate package before 18 May.
A popular feature of iDay has always been its panel discussions. This year the focus moves from clinical subject matter to what drives the majority of practices’ income: eyewear. Representatives from both sides of the eyewear business will share their views and answer audience questions. Jason Kirk and Ed Bird will represent the suppliers’ side, while eyewear styling guru, Eva Dave, and dispensing optician, Rebecca Thompson, who runs a successful dispensing-only practice, make up an exceptional panel.
New products are the lifeblood of independent business. This is a phrase that I use every year because it’s so true. As we’re a business focused conference, it’s appropriate that we put together a quality exhibition where delegates can find new ‘stuff’ that their patients will love and that will help their business grow. This year is no exception, with the iShow integral in bringing independent supporting suppliers together with existing and new customers.
I’d like to thank all 20+ companies who have tied their flag firmly to the independent mast, with a special shout out to our sponsors. Whilst not wishing to promote any particular company above another, to my lifeblood point, I do want to bring attention to a couple of first-timers to the iShow.
Heart Eye really does fit the brief by bringing its innovative and novel perspective
on assessing cardiovascular risk. It is also nice to see independent companies, Hudson Eyewear and Daybreak Medical, joining the fray. Additionally, there will be an array of contact lenses, spectacle frames and lenses, plus equipment and a whole lot more all under one roof.
Whilst iDay on Monday 30 June can be booked separately, the return of Independents Night as part of the 20th anniversary celebrations on the Sunday evening provides a great opportunity to attend the whole event – just add a hotel and its job done.
Full details of all our speakers –business and CPD – are available on independentsday.co.uk and I look forward to welcoming you to celebrate with me, all that’s good about being independent. ■
“Summertime is always the best of what might be,” Charles Bowden, author
By Joan Grady
Summer sports and outdoor pursuits are pure pleasure; further enhanced by wearing sleek, smart and comfortable eyewear created for active lifestyles. Holiday time and longer daylight hours offer wonderful opportunities to engage in a favourite sport. Whether an activity is on land, water or in the sky, eye protection is vital for safety, vision clarity and comfort. Summer sun can be particularly harsh, subjecting the eyes to vulnerabilities with potentially extreme conditions.
Sports eyewear this season emphasises distinctive shapes, premium materials, alluring colours, and precise details that catapult summer sports frames into the spotlight. Lenses are crafted to ensure maximum eye protection from glare that arises from the sun when fishing or swimming; shadows that appear on the road when biking; and on grass when playing golf. Summer outdoor sports are even more congenial with the confidence that eye protection is secure. In addition, the diversity of sport styles is trendsetting, fashionable and smart.
Tinted lenses highlight collections that range from soft, muted colourations to bold and metallic. Active and athletic pursuits are stylishly catered for by Bird Eyewear with a striking collection of sporty styles that seamlessly blend nature’s strengths with performance design. The Bird Eyewear credo is the creation of planet friendly frame designs crafted from recycled materials including bio-acetate, recycled aluminium and cork.
Lightweight and durable, the Puffin frame hails from the Bird Eyewear VZN Series: anti-glare hydrophobic lenses for enhanced visual clarity with non-slip technology. Created for comfort and sun protection, with contemporary shaping and a curved nose bridge, Puffin is available in black recycled materials with orange mirror lenses, plus two other frame colours, and five additional lens colours.
Crystal frames are classy, cool and memorable with distinctive forms and tinted lenses. Silhouette in Austria has a striking design – Antibes – that sports
a distinguished, contemporary shape in clear crystal with green lenses providing style and safety for outdoor activities. Silhouette’s advanced lens technology ensures 100 per cent UV protection with polycarbonate material, anti-reflective coating, and polarised filtering. Lenses are obtainable in vibrant and subtle colourations, including rose, blue, café, yellow and violet amongst other tones.
For more than 60 years, O’Neill has dedicated experience and expertise in crafting eyewear that enables people to enjoy nature’s playgrounds safely and securely. Distributed by Inspecs, the sun collection for 2025 includes favourite eyewear shapes with on-trend colourways, clever detailing and high-performance technology.
Hydrofreak Lenses are fully polarised and offer exceptional high-quality optics including scratch-resistant properties, antireflective technology and 100 per cent UV
protection. The classic form in ONS-9057 features complementary colourpop signature O’Neill branding. Model ONS-9054 is an easy-to-wear shape with wave-inspired bespoke temples. Shown in glossy pink crystal, the frame is also available in matte purple crystal.
Stunning shades of blue reflect nautical pursuits plus the beauty of summer’s sky and sea. Blue is a superb colour choice for eyewear as the shade works well with breezy, lightweight clothing. Original Penguin’s the Lester, distributed by Continental Eyewear, is ideal for a variety of sports and celebrates the ocean in marbled blue acetate. The unisex silhouette flatters a variety of face shapes, and spring hinges provide a comfortable, non-slip fit. The Lester is available with polarised or nonpolarised lenses.
A strong spirited design from Nike provides both maximum coverage and style. Distributed by Marchon, Zeus Rise IF1120X is an iconic lightweight unisex wrap front design. Constructed with Nike Max+ lenses, and delivering 100 per cent UVA/UVB protection, ensures superior clarity and precise vision from all angles, enabling the wearer to stay focused. The frame is inspired by athletes and their unique requirements for active sports. Zeus Rise is also prescription-friendly, and the curved lens offers tight, yet cosy blockage from inclement weather conditions if they arise.
Arnette 4358 captures sartorial polish with a streamlined silhouette that is ideal for active sports. Distributed by EssilorLuxoittica, the men’s frame is a snug fitting comfortable wrap in bio-plastic with high quality polycarbonate lenses. In addition to Azure blue, the frame is available in glossy metallic silver.
PERFORMANCE AND PROTECTION
Optical efficiency and dashing design combine harmoniously in R-7 by Oliver Peoples + Roger Federer. High performance and excellence have always been the goal of tennis legend Roger Federer, on the court and in his personal style. Sleek and robust, R-7 is a lightweight, durable shield made in Italy with semi-matte green smoke bio-
nylon and Sienna flash flat mirror lenses. Distributed by EssilorLuxottica, the frame construction is adjustable to fit various face shapes, whilst combining superb eye protection with fashion savvy.
Fishing gains new fans as people of all ages discover the physical and mental benefits of spending time quietly on the water. Being on a boat with few distractions is peaceful, calming and fun. Secure and sleek sun protection from Big & Tall at Atlantic Optical highlights the beautifully defined aviator 505 Gun with a metal front and acetate sides. Polarised lenses (that can be glazed) tackle the sightaltering vision that frequently arrives with cloud covers, shimmering water, or bright sun unexpectedly appearing particularly when fishing and sailing.
One of summer’s greatest joys is swimming or snorkelling in a refreshing sea, lake or pool. Maximum eye protection is assured with the Swimvision 2 goggle
Available in two sizes, the unique square top lens is bevelled to avoid leakage and fit snugly. Made in 100 per cent phthalates-free thermoplastic elastomer, Swimvision 2 is available in sea blue, smoke and crystal.
Summer sports eyewear is a dynamic opportunity for independent opticians to reap beneficial rewards as participation in active sports continues to grow and expand. Adults and children are pursuing health and well-being activities, which enables independent practices to flourish in a sports sector that offers diverse and imaginative styling, colours and, most importantly, eye safety features that ensure protection. ■
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
AVIZOR
tel: 0800 085 6559 | email: uk.sales@avizor.com | web: avizor.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
BIRD EYEWEAR
tel: 0751 568 8907 | email: ryan@birdeyewear.co.uk | web: birdeyewear.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
tel: 07899 235 053 | email: uksupport@charmant.eu | web: charmant.com
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
DESIGN EYEWEAR GROUP
tel: 0203 630 1341 | email: info.uk@designeyeweargroup.com | web: designeyeweargroup.com
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
INSPECS
tel: 01225717000 | web: https://shop.inspecs.com/ | email: customerservice@inspecs.com
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
www.optinetuk.com
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