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Vision Now magazine

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Inside

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Vision Now magazine is published by Peekay Publishing Ltd for The PK National Eyecare Group Ltd, the UK’s largest purchasing group for independent opticians.

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News 4 7 9 11 13 15

CooperVision expands monthly toric line Presbyopia days planned by Alcon Ortho-k world-first from Menicon Noville releases new auto lensmeter VAO calls for urgent action in developing world Ground-breaking AMD study at Moorfields

15 An independent view Eye Promise to launch

17 Developing thoughts Life’s all about the experience

25 BCLA events Tale of two cities

27 Retail optics Getting smart with retail

28 Style Spotlight Mido magic: eyewear odyssey

30 Suppliers’ directory

@PK_NEG

Editor’s comment Communication goes a long way but it must always be two-way and targeted, as Phil Mullins explains in this month’s Developing Thoughts (page 17). Using the latest technology in both the consulting room and dispensing area should make your patients’ experiences worth sharing as far and as wide as possible in this social media age of ours. And if the experience is not so good, give them the means to tell you why directly, and not via the internet.

Talking of the internet (of things), if you’re heading to Optrafair this month there’ll be some exciting technology to ‘grab’ you in the new Independents’ Lounge, of which NEG is a proud sponsor along with SPECS network, VSP and Lloyds Bank. Turn to page 27 to read up about the eGRAB radio frequency identification system, which is being used by optical practices to count their inventory, provide in-store marketing and manage their supply chains. Then see the system in action in the Lounge.

Fresh from her latest European trade show, Joan Grady reports on Mido 2018 where our intrepid eye style hunter discovered an abundance of imaginative and individualistic eyewear designs. Also in this issue, read about the British Contact Lens Association’s 2018 BCLA UK event which, for the first time, will be held across two cities – with a special session for optical assistants enabling them to better support your contact lens practice.

Optrafair celebrates its 40th anniversary this month and I for one am looking forward to catching up with members and industry friends and colleagues. I’m sure there’ll be lots to see, hear and discuss – not least where the future of optics may take us in these uncertain times.

Nicky Collinson Editor

Editor

Nicky Collinson BA (Hons) ncollinson@nationaleyecare.co.uk

Editorial PA

Sharon Hicks s.hicks@nationaleyecare.co.uk

Fashion Editor

Joan Grady jgparischats@wanadoo.fr

Business Editor Phillip Mullins FBDO p.mullins@nationaleyecare.co.uk Design and Production

Rosslyn Argent BA (Hons)

Publisher

Michael C Wheeler FCOptom DipCLP FSMC FAAO

The Editor welcomes letters, articles and other contributions for publication in the magazine and reserves the right to amend them. Any such contribution, whether it bears the author’s name, initials or pseudonym, is accepted on the understanding that its author is responsible for the opinions expressed in it and that its publication does not imply that such opinions are those of The PK National Eyecare Group Ltd. Articles submitted for publication should be original, unpublished work and are accepted on the basis that they will not be published in any other journal. Acceptance of materialfor publication is not a guarantee that it will be included in any particular issue.

Copyright © 2018 for Peekay Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying and recording, without the written permission of the publishers. Such written permission should also be obtained before any part of this publication is stored in a retrieval system of any nature.

VISION NOW is published by Peekay Publishing Ltd for The PK National Eyecare Group Limited, Clermont House, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3DN VISION NOW is printed by P&P Litho Ltd, Ashford, Middlesex TW15 1AB

Vision Now APRIL 2018

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NEWS 1

Rodenstock

2

CooperVision

CooperVision has expanded its Avaira Vitality monthly product portfolio with the addition of a new toric lens. Featuring an advanced design, CooperVision’s unique Optimised Toric Lens Geometry used in Avaira Vitality toric is the same proven design as found in Biofinity and MyDay torics and helps to provide predictable, consistent visual acuity, said the company.

The naturally wettable silicone hydrogel material of Avaira Vitality toric, combined with a high water content, provides “longlasting comfort” whilst the Class 1 UV filter blocks more than 90 per cent of UVA and 99 per cent of UVB rays.

Mark Draper, head of marketing and professional services at CooperVision, commented: “We’ve received such positive

3

Best of both worlds with new material and coating

Newly-available from Rodenstock is the high-tech material PRO410 and the premium coating Solitaire Protect PRO 2.

PRO410 is said to protect against potentially harmful, high-energy blue light whilst providing 100 per cent UV protection. In combination with the premium coating Solitaire Protect PRO 2, the new material is, according to Rodenstock, the optimum solution for extensive light protection and supreme aesthetics.

“Above and beyond the functional properties of Solitaire Protect Plus 2, the new finish provides a 60 per cent improved anti-reflection coating compared to current premium coatings,” stated Rodenstock. “This results in a higher transmission value, which benefits spectacle wearers with little ambient light (e.g. at dusk or in the night).

In addition, with Solitaire Protect PRO 2, the eyes are visible through the lenses without any colour changes thanks to the natural bronze colour of the coating. The result is clear vision and exceptional aesthetics and a natural appearance.”

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Vision Now APRIL 2018

feedback from practitioners since we launched Avaira Vitality sphere. We’re excited to add a toric version to the family, allowing more patients to experience the lens’ comfort, health and vision benefits. Its performance speaks for itself, meeting the needs of today’s patients and practitioners by delivering a remarkable level of consistency – particularly important for astigmatic patients.”

Norville

Prescription sunglass wearers looking for a convenient way to make the most of the sunshine this spring and summer need look no further than new MagnaShades from Norville. With a choice of designs and colours, the lightweight magnetic polarised overshade snaps on to the front of the frame via concealed magnets offering an alternative to carrying additional spectacles.

The lightweight, TR90 polycarbonate frames are available in three colours and five designs, suitable for plus prescriptions up to +4.00 with no restrictions for minus

4

Advanced design for new toric

New MagnaShades

prescriptions. The MagnaShades kit includes a glazeable frame, polarising clip plus zip case to carry the frame and clip.

Heidelberg Engineering

Professor John Nolan

The significance of macular nutrition for good eye health will be brought into sharp focus at Optrafair with a CET lecture from Professor John Nolan who leads international research in this field. Sponsored by Heidelberg Engineering, the insight into current understanding of macular pigment significance takes place on Sunday 15 April. Following several years of research, Professor Nolan will share his findings of how the macular pigment influences ocular health and cognitive function. Guidance on how to interpret clinical trial data and the impact on visual and cognitive performance will be covered, as well as how assessing macular nutrition could motivate patients to consider positive lifestyle changes.

Christopher Mody, Heidelberg Engineering director of clinical affairs, said: “There is a lot of clinical noise about macular nutrition, but we are bringing to Optrafair a world class authority on the subject who will provide much needed clarity. Professor Nolan will summarise the novel protocol for using dual wavelength auto-fluorescence for assessing macular nutrition.

Using data from the European Research Council funded CREST clinical trials he will make recommendations on using this knowledge to take a more holistic approach to patient care.”

TX5/Titanium STEPPER (UK) Limited 11 Tannery Road Tonbridge Kent TN9 1RF 01732 375975

www.stepper.co.uk

Frame style shown: SI-30116

COMFORTABLE EYES

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Contact lenses that feel like nothing2 ALSO FOR PRESBYOPES

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1. Maissa C, et al. Evaluation of the Lubricity of DAILIES TOTAL1® contact lenses after wear. Opt Vis Sci Annual meeting 2014. 2. Pérez-Gómez I, Giles T. European survey of contact lens wearers and eye care professionals on satisfaction with a new water gradient daily disposable contact lens.

Clinical Optometry. 2014;6:17-23. Opt Vis Sci Annual meeting 2014.

12612 © 2018 Novartis. DAILIES TOTAL1, DAILIES TOTAL1 logo, Alcon and the Alcon logo are trademarks of Novartis AG. GB/VC/DAI/12/17/0152

NEWS 5

Alcon

6

Dunelm

7

Synergeyes

Alcon has announced new dates for its presbyopia education days at the Alcon Academy for Eyecare Excellence in Surrey and venues across the country. Designed principally for optometrists and contact lens opticians, completion of the course will earn attendees eight CET points, with dispensing opticians also open to attend and earn five CET points. Working with the UK and Irish Schools of Optometry to gain access to their facilities, the newly announced dates will take place at venues in Dublin, Plymouth, Manchester and Ulster with more to be revealed later in the year.

Jonathon Bench, Alcon head of professional affairs, said: “At Alcon, not only is it our mission to help people see better by providing innovative products, we also ensure that we support and educate eye care practitioners and their support teams across the country. That’s why we’ve announced new training days at the Alcon Academy and in key cities, providing opticians with more opportunities to attend and learn how to handle presbyopia in their patients.” To find out dates and to book a place, practitioners are advised to contact their Alcon business development manager.

Making the most of multifocals

8

Shamir UK

Thanks to support from staff, industry colleagues and others, Shamir UK has exceeded its target and raised thousands of pounds for Breast Cancer Care. Phil Bareham, general manager of Shamir UK, said: “We’re delighted to have raised £4,619.13 for such a great charity. We received immense support from the industry as well as the team here at

New hybrid lens design

Premium brand, Lyle & Scott

Dunelm’s 2018/19 glossy eyewear collection catalogue features more than 140 new UK designed optical and prescription sun frames.

Premium designer brands Lyle & Scott and Paul Costelloe have added a number of new frames to their range, whilst Dunelm’s house brands also hit the fashion spot with pops of colour, cool designs and edgy styles including understated elegance from its Julian Beaumont collection and vintage vibes from the popular Retro range.

Peter Beaumont, CEO, said: “Our 2018/19 eyewear collection is outstanding and we are incredibly proud of the quality, design and the extensive selection we have to offer our customers. This year’s collection sets a precedent for high quality products, attention to detail and continues to complement today’s fashion and culture whilst covering all price points. There really is something for everyone.” All frames from the new collection will be on show at Optrafair.

Following a successful pre-launch pilot in the US last year, SynergEyes UK has expanded its Duette Progressive hybrid line of contact lenses with a customisable centre distance lens for emerging to advanced presbyopia.

The lens features the company’s proprietary Centre Distance FlexOptics technology, with an adjustable centre distance zone size ranging from 1.8 to 4.0mm, driven by photopic pupil size, with add powers from +0.75 to +5.00D. The new hybrid design is said to eliminate rotation issues experienced with soft toric lenses, while providing stable centration for excellent visual acuity. The Tangible HydraPEG coating provides increased lubricity, with the majority of Duette wearers reporting increased comfort compared to their previous contact lenses. Additionally, the SoftCushion Comfort Technology enhances tear exchange and lens movement. SynergEyes’ president and chief executive, optometrist James K. Kirchner, said: “This exciting lens enables practitioners to have the complete presbyopic package for the entire range of presbyopic needs.”

Cambridge, holding our own sweepstake and bake sale. We hope that our money allows the charity to continually provide care, support and information to the 62,000 people diagnosed with the most common cancer in the UK every year.”

Pictured from left are Sue Chambers, Shamir UK customer services manager, Louise, manager of Peterborough’s Breast Cancer Care shop, and Jo Smith, Shamir UK sales and marketing coordinator.

Vision Now APRIL 2018

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NEWS 9

11 Positive Impact

Essilor/Transitions

Soothing dry, gritty eyes

Style Colours coming to varifocals

On 28 May, Essilor will launch Transitions Signature Style Colours collection in its Varilux E and X series. Transitions’ colourful collection is comprised of four style-driven lens colours – Amethyst, Sapphire, Emerald and Amber. Like all Transitions lenses, the collection seamlessly adapts from clear to dark when exposed to UV light. As well as offering a unique way for patients to express themselves, the product is designed to bring Transitions lenses to a younger consumer. Colours can be selected to either match or complement the chosen frame in line with each patient’s individual style.

10 International Eyewear International Eyewear is pleased to introduce seven “smarter, tougher and lighter” models to the TitanFlex collection.

Technology eyewear from German eyewear engineers, the new launches are said to incorporate high tech design with first-class comfort. Key designs, 820763 and 820764, form part of the ultra-thin Urban range composed of a delicate and lightweight construction to enhance the technical capabilities of the TitanFlex brand. Dynamic designs 820762, 820761 and 820759 utilise the bespoke TitanFlex hinge design, combined with modern, masculine colours for technical frames with a sporty aesthetic.

Finally, models 820774 and 820772, feature

Get high-tech with TitanFlex

embossed patterning on the temples and a hidden flexible bridge giving wearers Perfect Fusion Technology (PFT).

HydraMed eye drops, now available from Positive Impact, use a natural formulation to rapidly relieve the sensations of dry gritty eyes. Its advanced formulation utilises the interaction between its two functional ingredients, sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid), which restores and retains hydration and tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP), which helps repair the surface of the eyes.

Their dual action results in a new natural bipolymer unique to HydraMed, displaying increased water absorption compared to the single polymers. HydraMed increases ocular comfort for the patient by reducing osmolarity, remaining longer on the corneal surface and increasing tear break-up times.

The effectiveness of the new eye drops was supported by the results of a multi-centre, practice-based study of contact lens wearers in the UK, who used HydraMed on the inside of their contact lenses during application. The study was coordinated by Nick Atkins, Positive Impact’s director of marketing and professional services, who said: “I’ve been aware of the clinical performance of this exceptional dry eye drop for some time and have coordinated UK studies into its clinical performance with great results. HydraMed is already selling well in ophthalmology and so I’m very pleased that Positive Impact can now make it available to high street optometry.”

12 Menicon Menicon has launched the world’s first orthokeratology lens in a material with a hyper Dk of 189 and US Food and Drug Administration clearance for 30 days’ continuous wear. Menicon Z Night features fenestrations to assist with lens removal and prevent lens binding, promoting “complete control” over lens centration with tangent

curve lens geometry. It is fitted using the company’s Easyfit software, which optimises lens fit based on corneal topography whilst allowing for any interpolation of data and ensuring central corneal clearance.

“The lenses are worn overnight to effectively flatten and sphericise the cornea resulting in

excellent vision in the daytime without the need for glasses or contact lenses during the day,” stated the company. “Research has highlighted the success of using ortho-k lenses in myopia management with children and the unique selling points of Menicon Z Night make this lens the ideal first choice in orthokeratology treatment options.”

Vision Now APRIL 2018

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NEW

PA RA E ME XT TE END RR E AN D S GE PHE -1 RIC 0.0 A 0T L O +8 .O O

Avaira Vitality™ toric contact lenses

The high performing lens * at an affordable price.

55% WATER CONTENT + CLASS 1 UV FILTER New Avaira Vitality™ toric contact lenses offer everything your patients need at an affordable price*. Naturally wettable silicone hydrogel lenses for excellent performance, long-lasting comfort, great vision and our unique Optimised Toric Lens Geometry.™ Plus, Avaira Vitality™ toric is enhanced with higher water content and Class 1 UV protection.1

Visit www.coopervision.co.uk *Based on CooperVision's Recommended Retail Price. Retail price is solely at the discretion of the retailer at all times and we do not seek to influence the price of any retailer charges.

1. Warning: UV-absorbing contact lenses are not substitutes for protective UV-absorbing eyewear, such as UV-absorbing goggles or sunglasses, because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area. Patients should continue to use UV-absorbing eyewear as directed.

NEWS 13 Marchon

15

Association of British Dispensing Opticians

Iconic Carlina with a twist

Continuing the success of one of the brand’s most coveted styles, the iconic Chloé eyewear Carlina sunglass has been reinterpreted for 2018. The newly designed frame is encircled with an unconventional twist motif on intertwining metal filaments, creating a 3D effect around the ‘floating’ lenses. The slender temples feature a droplet-shaped cut-out – the brand’s new signature detail, which serves as an embellishment as well as a functional element to attach the jewellry-inspired chain accessory. The lightweight, metallic sunglass features coloured lenses including a rainbow option and a flash effect. Carlina comes in Gold with Peach lenses, Gold with Rainbow lenses, and Gold with Flash Brown lenses.

Chloé eyewear is produced under license by Marchon Eyewear.

14 Norville The new generation VX36 automatic lensmeter (pictured) from Norville has been designed to allow eyecare practitioners to perform lens measurements simply and easily due to its intuitive user interface. The VX36 features both a measuring and optical centre marketing functions, and displays the PD and PH measurements. It can measure both uncut single lenses and glazed spectacles, as well as contact lenses. Furthermore, it provides automatic detection of multifocal lenses. A wide tilting angle colour LCD display, a simple and intuitive GUI and a printer, complete the package.

Ed Fox

Dispensing optician Ed Fox has joined ABDO in the newly-created post of membership officer. Ed qualified through City and Islington College in 2015, and has been working in practice since 2007. Speaking about his new role, established to support ABDO’s head of membership services, Katie Docker, Ed said: “I’m excited to be working with ABDO to continue supporting the development of the profession.” Katie added: “It’s fabulous to have such wonderful support from a highlyqualified individual who has a great attention to detail and the ability to think on his feet.”

The Association has also appointed Antonia Chitty as its head of communications. Antonia has been working with the Association in a freelance capacity since 2009 and now is taking on responsibilities previously held by the late Michael Potter. ABDO CEO and general secretary, Tony Garrett, said: “I am delighted that Antonia has accepted the position as head of communications at ABDO. As both a qualified optometrist and an experienced journalist, she brings a unique skill set to the Association which will further improve our communication with members, the optical sector and the public.”

16 Alcon Research commissioned by Alcon has shown that only eight per cent of spectacle wearers in Europe use contact lenses – and that 35 per cent of under 24-year-olds would like to try lenses in the future. The company is subsequently investing in the 16 to 24-yearold new contact lens wearer category in 2018, describing the sector as a “massive growth opportunity” for opticians. The company has launched its initial ‘My first

lenses’ consumer campaign in Germany, focusing on Dailies AquaComfort Plus, with a campaign for the UK to follow.

The company is also continuing to invest in the multifocal contact lens category in 2018, with an additional £750,000 going to a variety of direct-to-consumer promotional activities.

An advertising campaign, which ran until the end of March, was designed to educate

40 to 55-year-old patients about presbyopia and multifocal contact lenses. Ray Pasko, Alcon Business Unit head of vision care, said: “Through our range of advertisements and promotional activity, carefully chosen following our market insight, opticians can be assured that Alcon is committed to driving the multifocal category forward in 2018, providing them with further opportunities to maximise their revenue streams in the process.”

Vision Now APRIL 2018

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NEWS 17 College of Optometrists

18 Vision Aid Overseas

Dr Andrew Bastawrous

The College of Optometrists welcomed more than 780 attendees to Birmingham last month for its annual conference and AGM. Held at the Hilton Metropole Hotel, Optometry Tomorrow 2018 saw delegates attend cutting-edge lectures, seminars, peer discussion and hands-on clinical and discussion workshops. The programme, in which delegates could obtain up to 16 interactive CET points, saw optometrists discussing hot topics such as the reality of living with severe AMD, dry eye and the TFOS DEWS II report, VMT macular holes and myopia control. It also gave delegates the opportunity to hear Dr Andrew Bastawrous speak about providing wider access to eyecare.

Dr Bastawrous, Peek Vision CEO, assistant professor of International Eye Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and TED fellow, said: “The optometry sector is critical in bringing better vision and health to everyone worldwide, and I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to speak at the UK’s leading clinical optometry event.” Following the lecture, delegate Kathryn Gabbatiss said: “This was a truly inspirational lecture from an amazing doctor. It’s the first time I’ve been so moved that I cried.”

20 Johnson & Johnson Vision Johnson & Johnson Vision ( JJV) has launched a new consumer campaign highlighting the everyday struggles of presbyopes, such as long-arming to read food menus or texts. A survey conducted in the UK on behalf of JJV in February 2018, with 2,000 respondents aged 45+, found that 76 per cent had difficulty reading small print and nearly half had problems seeing in low or dim light.

The campaign, which runs across digital,

VAO CEO, Nicola Chevis, (second from left) and Chipo Mweemba (far right) with guests

Vision Aid Overseas (VAO), a range of international development charities, MPs, the private sector, donors and high commissioners gathered at the House of Commons last month to call for an urgent increase in resources to improve access to affordable eyecare in developing countries. This includes eye exams and appropriate treatment such as spectacles and is particularly focused on poorer communities and children.

Speakers Professor Rupert Bourne of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness’ Vision Loss Expert Group, Nicola Chevis, VAO CEO, Chipo Mweemba, a VAO-trained Zambian optometrist, and Professor Kovin Naidoo from the Our Children’s Vision Campaign, called on everyone at the event to commit to: support universal eye health coverage (UEHC) by 2020; allocate resources to achieve UEHC; and form innovative partnerships to enable UEHC. Read about the event and the campaign at www.visionaidoverseas.org

19 Charmant Stripes or dots, edgy or soft? The new Esprit sunwear collection offers a range of styles for women, men and kids including different profiles from modern takes of round vintage shapes to contemporary angular shapes.

Patterns are another favourite of the season, with stripes and dots making a chic statement in several attractive styles. The combination of Retro Esprit shape for men materials comprises of acetate, very thin metal and lightweight engineering plastics. Model ET17950 for men (pictured) is a vintageinspired round acetate ideal for both casual and business occasions. It comes in black, green, Havana and a version with a light brown front, green temples and green polarised lenses. print and search platforms, represents a substantial marketing investment for JJV and builds on the success of last year’s partnership with TV and radio star, Sara Cox, who continues to act as a brand ambassador.

The aim is to motivate people to speak to their practitioner about trialing 1-Day Acuvue Moist Multifocal contact lenses. JJV UK marketing director, Ross Campbell, said: “Our new campaign centres on the observation that people experiencing presbyopia often resort to ‘long-arming’ in

an attempt to bring things into focus, such as restaurant menus, or their smartphones.

These new ads depict this in a humourous but sympathetic way and show that people no longer need to suffer ‘long-arm syndrome’.”

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Oceans of knowledge in every drop Biotrue® Multi-Purpose Solution is brought to you by Bausch + Lomb, one of the largest global providers of eye care products. · Innovative dual disinfection system for exceptional kill rate1 · Protein management system maintains natural tear protein function2 · Provides all-day comfort for your patients3 · Biotrue® Multi-Purpose Solution has a pH of 7.5, which matches the pH range of healthy tears4

9 out of 10 consumers agree that Biotrue® Multi-Purpose solution is gentle on the eyes and naturally cleans and disinfects3 1. Results of in vitro study following FDA/ISO standalone procedure for disinfecting products modified with organic soil added to create a more rigorous test condition. Primary criteria for effective disinfection are defined as a reduction in the number of bacteria by a minimum of 3 logs (99.9%) and a reduction of mould and yeast by a minimum of 1 log (90%) within the recommended disinfection time. Competitive Multi-Purpose Solutions tested included OPTI-FREE® ReplenISH®, OPTI-FREE®, Express®, COMPLETE® EASY RUB® and AOSept.

2. Wright EA, Payne KAP, Jowitt TA et al. Preservation of Human Tear Protein Structure and Function by a Novel Contact Lens Multipurpose Solution Containing Protein-Stabilizing Agents.

Eye Contact Lens 2012; 38(1): 36-42.

3. Millward Brown. Biotrue Product Test. 2010. A survey of 400 consumers and 20 Eye Care Professionals. Consumers were shown the Biotrue™ concept and asked to complete a short self-completion paper questionnaire. They were then given Biotrue™ to use for 7 days before completing an online survey to evaluate its performance. The product was dispensed in the intended market packaging. In addition, Eye Care Practitioners were also asked to complete a survey based on their impressions following the consumer’s exit appointment.

4. A study was conducted to determine the comparative pH of different soft contact lens care disinfecting products in comparison to the pH range reported for healthy human tears.

The pH range of tears from healthy human eyes is reported to be 7.3 to 7.7 and the mean pH of tears as measured via fluorophotometrics is 7.5 +/- 0.23. The pH of soft contact lens care products was determined to be in the range of 6.7 to 7.8, while Biotrue Multi-Purpose Solution falls within the pH range for healthy human tears at a pH of 7.5, which is reported to be the mean for tears. Three separate lots of Biotrue, CIBA Clear Care, AMO COMPLETE Easy Rub, Alcon OPTI-FREE Express and Alcon OPTI- FREE RepleniSH were compared using a Fisher Scientific accumet excel XL25 pH meter. Five pH measurements for each solution were taken, averaged and evaluated in comparison to the pH range of healthy tears, as determined

by Adler’s Physiology of the Eye, Clinical Application 7th edition.

NEWS 21 CooperVision CooperVision has expanded its MyDay toric parameters with plus sphere powers. MyDay toric now comes in a range from +6.00DS to -10.00DS, in 10 axes, across three cylinder powers, and six axes in the highest cylinder power. MyDay toric lenses feature the same Optimised Toric Lens Geometry found in Biofinity toric, providing uniform horizontal ISO thickness, an optimised ballast band design, large toric optic zone and a smooth, continuous surface to make it an easy-to-fit, stable toric lens.

Senior marketing manager at CooperVision, Lara Drury, commented: “Following a successful launch last year, we are delighted to be able to provide the only daily disposable toric contact lens that goes up to a +6.00DS, allowing more astigmatic patients to benefit from the high performance of MyDay toric. Offering outstanding comfort, health and vision without compromise, we are committed to providing eyecare professionals with the parameters they need to fit even more of their astigmatic patient base.”

22 Moorfields Eye Hospital The first patients to receive a new treatment derived from stem cells for people with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have regained reading vision. The results of this groundbreaking clinical study, published in Nature Biotech, Prof Lydon da Cruz (second from left) with study described the implantation of patient, Douglas Waters and his wife Freda, and a specially engineered patch Odysseas Georgiadis from Moorfields of retinal pigment epithelium cells derived from stem cells to treat people with sudden severe sight loss from wet AMD. It is hoped that it will also help treat dry AMD in the future.

It’s the first description of a complete engineered tissue that has been successfully used in this way. The study is a major milestone for the London Project to Cure Blindness, a partnership between Professor Pete Coffey from University College London and Professor Lyndon da Cruz, a retinal surgeon at Moorfields. The two patients, a woman in her early 60s and a man in his 80s with wet AMD and declining vision, went from not being able to read at all even with glasses, to reading 60-80 words per minute with normal reading glasses after 12 months.

AN INDEPENDENT VIEW Eye Promise to launch The issue of how to help the general public identify where to go for high quality, long-term eye health care has been prominent on the AIO’s agenda for some years now. The first attempt to address this issue through the introduction of the Independents’ Code (IC) was taking too long to gain adoption by practices.

Therefore, the AIO decided to take stock, review the IC and consider how best to move forward.

This review found that the code needed to be simplified, made less bureaucratic and more patient focused, with better branding. The result is the new Eye Promise quality mark, which will be launched at Optrafair.

Eye Promise entails signing up to five key ‘promises’ in respect of patient care and they are promises which good independent practices will routinely provide their patients with every day.

Practices that sign up will be supported with promotional and marketing materials and media packs to help launch Eye Promise in their local communities. The intention is that Eye Promise becomes the mark of quality for great eye health care across the UK. The ultimate objective is to try and help educate the public that not all optical practices are the same and that long-term eye health care is extremely important. To find out more, come and visit the AIO stand at Optrafair, which is located right beside the Independents’ Lounge.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Professor Coffey said: “This study represents real progress in regenerative medicine and opens the door to new treatment options for people with age-related macular degeneration. We hope this will lead to an affordable ‘off-the-shelf’ therapy that could be made available to NHS patients within the next five years.” Read the full story at www.moorfields.nhs.uk

23 General Optical Council Later this month, the General Optical Council (GOC) will launch a full public consultation on its draft Standards for Optical Businesses. The new standards have been developed as part of the GOC’s ongoing standards strategic review, which

saw the introduction of the Standards of Practice and Standards for Optical Students in April 2016. The new business standards will replace the existing Code of Conduct for business registrants and are intended to provide clarity on what the GOC expects

from optical businesses. They will complement and be consistent with the GOC’s other standards. The consultation will seek input from a wide range of stakeholders, including patients, employers and those working within optical businesses.

Vision Now APRIL 2018

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+4

+6

MyDay® toric daily disposable is now available in an even wider sphere power range, from -10.00 all the way up to +6.00DS across four cylinder powers in up to ten axes.

FOR COMFORT FOR VISION FOR HEALTH FOR CONVENIENCE

When your astigmatic patients demand high performance, recommend MyDay® toric – powered by Smart Silicone™ chemistry and Optimised Toric Lens Geometry™. * Based on manufacturer’s published values, ACLM Yearbook 2017.

MyDay® is a registered trademark of The Cooper Companies Inc. and its subsidiaries. © CooperVision 2018.

PRACTICE MATTERS

Developing thoughts Now that our lives revolve around social media, it’s all about rating the experience, writes Phil Mullins

Life’s all about the experience It’s quite customary nowadays for people to go on Facebook or TripAdvisor to share what they’ve been up to and whether it was good, bad or ugly. Undoubtedly, it’s particularly enticing for customers to spread the word about the bad and the ugly. For instance, I recently read a post from someone who had had a problem with a petrol pump, when the price came out higher than the actual fuel dispensed. The station server insisted that they pay the full amount and then take it up with the manager, who wasn’t there at the time. The station was named and shamed to hundreds of people as the story was shared and commented on, and shared and shared and commented on again.

The predicament with our predominantly internet-centric culture is that people are now very quick to write bad comments and share experiences of poor service. But it seems almost impossible for companies to receive a good review unless they ask for one, offer an incentive, or provide an experience so exceptional that it just has to be shared. To make it even more complicated, different sectors elicit different expectations.

For instance, if someone gets past the cheesy TV advert for the £6 internet specs, provided the glasses actually turn up and they can see through them, they’re happy.

Offer a comprehensive eye exam with a high quality dispense then every tiny aspect offers an opportunity for complaint.

So how do we go about ensuring that patients are happy, and that some of them are so happy that they recommend you to others, even to the extent of posting on social media?

TARGETED COMMS Firstly, communication. In all aspects of what you do, you need to communicate

with your patients: ask questions, explain what you are doing, give feedback and make sure that your recommendations fit with their needs. Patient questionnaires work well with this, as you can refer to them when making recommendations and dispensing products. Communication is not just restricted to the inside of the practice; anything you send your patients in recalls or marketing must follow the same principles, with everything complementing each other.

Secondly, use technology to enhance your patients’ experiences and I don’t just mean a fancy consulting room set-up, although that certainly helps. A key aspect is your management software. A good practice management system will enable you to send text messages which, if you include your phone number, makes contacting you a matter of just a single click. Use the search function to make sure your marketing messages are targeted and appear to be individual to the patient. Why do you think the emails you receive from Tesco or Amazon seem to be directed right at you? It’s merely a simple use of the right software.

TECHNO TOOLS But technology doesn’t have to end there; it can really enhance the dispensing process too and help patients make choices that will result in higher dispensing values.

For this reason, April sees the addition of two companies to the NEG fold that offer advanced technological answers to age-old problems. Fitting Box offers virtual try-on software that allows patients to try on frames of different styles and colours, even if you don’t actually have them in the practice. This software will open up endless options and choices, without you having to go through the cost and logistics involved with stocking thousands of frames. It even

allows your patients to virtually try on frames in the comfort of their own homes.

The second company is Digitact, which uses radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to not only make stock taking a lot easier, but also to enable you to link different frames together and inform your patients of the choices that are available (turn to page 27 to find out more). Both of these enterprises will increase and improve your interaction with patients and their overall experience in the practice, whilst also helping you to stand out from the competition – always a good thing when patients are talking with friends or sharing on social media.

Finally, do the simple things well: make it easy for patients to contact you, offer options when it comes to appointments, make sure your pricing is clear and easy to understand, ensure the practice looks its best, including keeping point-of-sale material up-to-date, with window displays refreshed regularly and everything clean and tidy. Above all, remember to always under-promise and over-deliver. If someone is happy with what you do, ask them to share on social media; you’ll be surprised how impressively this can help grow your business.

Vision Now APRIL 2018

17

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For further information and to book your no obligation, in practice demonstration, please call 0845 3130233 or email sales@optinetuk.com

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ADVERTORIAL

DAILIES TOTAL1

‘Over one in three

That’s the one I wear

who prescribe DAILIES

According to research, 78 per cent of patients agree that they can trust their optician to recommend the best contact lens for them1

them themselves1’

Beth Ralph, a contact lens optician (CLO) from Sheffield, says: “The priority for all my patients when it comes to lenses is comfort first, vision next and price last.”

Beth is a busy working mum, CLO, and partbusiness owner at her practice Elliott & Heath Optometrists, which she shares with her husband. Like most working mums, life for Beth is busy and her hours are long, so she needed a lens that could complement her busy lifestyle.

“The lenses I originally tried were so uncomfortable and after four hours of wear I had to remove them. It was at this point that my husband brought home DAILIES TOTAL1 – I have never looked back since. The comfort was a huge improvement as I didn’t feel the lenses in my eye. Now I recommend the same contact lenses for my patients – 16 hours of total comfort. ”Beth tells us what it’s like in the eyes of a DAILIES TOTAL1 wearer…

7AM: MY BUSY DAY BEGINS I put my contact lenses in and spend a manic morning rounding up my children, ready to ship them to breakfast club before school. I like to arrive early each day and look through the files of my patients to find out what they are currently wearing and what’s new that I can offer them.

9-11.30AM: CONSULTATIONS AND ADVICE One lady I have seen recently was going through a divorce and wanted to renew her image, as soon as I removed her glasses and swapped them for lenses she grew in confidence. In another case, I saw a patient who is a keen sportsman and enjoys tennis.

Wearing glasses compromises his peripheral vision and gets in the way. I immediately suggested DAILIES TOTAL1 knowing these lenses will provide him with excellent vision and long wear. I truly believe anyone that wears glasses should have the option to use contact lenses.

11.30AM – 2PM: FITTING WITH CONFIDENCE When I fit DAILIES TOTAL1, I no longer ask my patients ‘are your lenses comfortable?’ I now say, ‘can you feel your lenses?’ confident in the knowledge that they feel like nothing. Other times, I’ll put a high quality lens such as DAILIES TOTAL1 in one eye and an alternative lens in the other and ask which they prefer. Almost every time, they will choose DAILIES TOTAL1.

When I fit an existing contact lens wearer with DAILIES TOTAL1, the response I get is ‘why haven’t I been given these before?’. In the past, they have typically been used as a second option or ‘the problem solver’ if they don’t get on with their current lenses. This shouldn’t be happening as it’s our duty as eye care professionals to recommend the best product for our patients.

2PM – 5PM: A RANGE OF PATIENTS Yesterday an eight-year-old and her mother came to me for advice on contact lenses for wear after school. Many parents are unaware that contact lenses are an option for their children. My only criteria for offering contact lenses to children is that they can fit them

eyecare professionals TOTAL1, also wear

and remove them themselves. My 11-yearold and six-year-old daughters are both extremely active. They take part in lots of activities after school and I believe no child should miss out on any activity just because they wear glasses. Neither need a vision correction yet, but should either need anything in the future, I wouldn’t hesitate with fitting DAILIES TOTAL1.

6PM: REFLECTION After a busy day tending to between 12 and 14 patients, my drive home is spent reflecting on the patients I’ve seen and feeling extremely fortunate to have the job I have. My ultimate priority at the start of every working day is to improve the eye sight of each of my patients, and in turn, enhance their lives. I sometimes see a child wearing glasses with no confidence, looking at the floor, the second those lenses are in, they are a different person.

11PM: 16 HOURS OF AMAZING By the time I am preparing to go to bed, I realise I have lasted a full 16 hours without even thinking about my lenses or noticing them there. No need for solutions before bed as these get binned, just a new pair for the next day.

To hear from another optometrist who wears and recommends DAILIES TOTAL1, visit the News section at www.nationaleyecare.co.uk to watch the video.

REFERENCE 1. Independent third party usage and attitudes study conducted on 1,083 lens wearers. Alcon data on file, 2016.

All views, comments and opinions expressed in this advertorial belong to those making them, and are not scripted. Beth Ralph has been paid as a consultant to Alcon.

Vision Now APRIL 2018

19

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ADVERTORIAL

DAILIES TOTAL1 That’s the one I wear John Ferrier is a contact lens optician (CLO), businessman and a busy working dad. Customer care, satisfaction and trust is imperative for John and as a contact lens wearer himself, he will only prescribe lenses that will offer his patients exactly what they need and more. John prescribes a lens that not only does he trust, but one that he wears himself: DAILIES TOTAL1.

Over 1 in 3 eye care professionals who prescribe DAILIES TOTAL1 contact lenses also wear them themselves1

John opened his first part-owned practice, Ferrier & MacKinnon in 1992. Today, Ferrier & MacKinnon stretches across seven individual practices in Scotland, providing several communities with honest and personal advice and care.

This is John’s day, in the eyes of a DAILIES TOTAL1 wearer…

I started wearing lenses two years ago for aesthetic and practical reasons. It rains almost 60 per cent of the time in Scotland and I found glasses impractical for my

DAILIES TOTAL1 gets John through his busy working days

The perfect match… over three quarters of patients trust their optician to recommend the lens that best suits their individual lifestyle1

on the market. The ‘must-haves’ for me were: comfort, a lens I could wear all day and a lens that would offer crisp, clear vision. I tried DAILIES TOTAL1 and I’ve worn them ever since. I can honestly say, from the moment I put them in, they really do feel like nothing.

John Ferrier: CLO, businessman, dad

morning runs and long working days. As an optician, I have the luxury of being fully informed about the benefits of every lens

John shares why he recommends DAILIES TOTAL1: • Patient feedback: It’s not just what I say about DAILIES TOTAL1, it’s what my patients say. The more I receive positive feedback, the more I will continue to recommend them.

• Exceptional comfort: A lot of my new patients experience dry eye and discomfort, so as DAILIES TOTAL1 is the first and only water gradient contact lens on the market, this is an easy switch for them.

• No longer the problem solver: When I started fitting DAILIES TOTAL1, I prescribed them because they seemed to solve most people’s problems with comfort, dry eye, longer wearing time, etc.

Now I don’t think twice about recommending them the first time.

• Sixteen hours of wear: In a generation of ‘work hard, play hard’, people need a lens that gets them through the whole day – from morning to night.

My busy working day begins at one of my practices that I own with my friend and business partner, Charles MacKinnon.

Whether I am re-fitting my patient with a lens or introducing a patient to contact lenses for the first time, DAILIES TOTAL1 is always the pack I reach for.

Being able to help people every day is really fulfilling. Some patients have even told me that wearing lenses means that their vision is as clear as it was when they were a child.

By the time I get into bed at night, I realise that despite looking through slit lamps and at computer screens all day, I haven’t even been aware that my lenses are in. I would usually expect to feel some dryness or discomfort, but this has never been my experience whilst wearing DAILIES TOTAL1.

To hear from another practitioner who wears and recommends DAILIES TOTAL1, search National Eyecare Group on YouTube and watch the DAILIES TOTAL1 video.

1. Independent third Party U&A study conducted on 1,083 lens wearers. Alcon data on file, 2016.

All views, comments and opinions expressed in this advertorial belong to those making them, and are not scripted. John Ferrier has been paid as a consultant to Alcon.

Vision Now APRIL 2018

23

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Calls to 0800 numbers are free if made from a UK landline. Calls may be monitored and/or recorded. Barclaycard is a trading name of Barclays Bank PLC. Barclays Bank PLC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register Number: 122702). Registered in England No. 1026167. Registered Office: 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP.

BCLA EVENTS

Tale of two cities Registration has opened for BCLA UK with a new two-city format making it even more accessible

BCLA UK will be split over two cities for the first time this year, with the first event taking place on Monday 4 June at the Conference Aston, Birmingham, and the second on Sunday 10 June at the IET Savoy in London. The line-up includes a number of prestigious speakers, including Professor Phillip Morgan and Professor James Wolffsohn. CET lectures will feature audience participation within an interactive grading session, communication guidance for success with contact lenses for children and parents, and ‘Aftercare: what has changed?’ An update will also be delivered on choosing the right contact lens material for the right patient.

A track dedicated to Ocular Surface Health will be delivered for the first time to support the newly launched BCLA Dry Eye Certificate. Spaces are limited and early booking is advised. In addition to lectures and the dry eye track, a series of hands-on workshops will be staged at each event, including sessions on fitting irregular corneas to include keratoconus, success with presbyopia and how to include a focus on fitting children in your practice.

BCLA president, Keith Tempany, commented: “We’re thrilled to be bringing BCLA UK to more people than ever before this year. The two-site format will give eyecare practitioners from across the country the opportunity to access the very latest information and advice on the biggest issues affecting the profession, preparing you for the future and making a real difference to your patients. We are putting together a comprehensive programme of interactive, hands-on learning with a highquality team of world-renowned experts.

Demand is likely to be high so we recommend booking early to reserve your spot at what promises to be the mustattend event of the year.”

SPECIAL COURSE FOR OAS A course dedicated to Optical Assistants (OAs), focusing on the ‘ins and outs’ of applying lenses, will make a welcome return at this year’s BCLA UK. The all-day session, run by Sarah Morgan, will be held on both days and will need to be booked separately. OAs will benefit from expert advice and pick up invaluable tips on how to ensure success for new lens wearers, while learning more about different lens types, cleaning solutions, why aftercare is so necessary and applying and removing soft and rigid contact lenses.

Sarah said: “Are you concerned about using up yet more chair time with teaching new wearers how to apply, remove and care for their lenses? This role is ideally suited to conscientious front-of-house staff and also elevates their role in the practice with contact lens wearers. Experience with new wearers makes staff more able to engage in questions about contact lenses when the practitioner is holed up in the consulting room.”

The course is suitable for any member of staff, especially those wanting to further their knowledge and expertise in contact lenses and to develop their skills for

Dr Janis Orr speaking at last year’s BCLA Asia

Sarah Morgan returns with her OA course

instructing patients on how to wear and care for their lenses. Delegates will receive insight and guidance about how best to communicate with children and their parents during what can be a critical time in their introduction to contact lenses.

EAST MEETS WEST The BCLA has also released details of this year’s BCLA Asia conference to be held in partnership with the Singapore Optometric Association (SOA). The two-day event, sponsored by Alcon, CooperVision and Menicon, will take place on September 18 and 19 at the Singapore Polytechnic Convention Centre. BCLA officials will work with the SOA to deliver sessions blending the latest research and clinical guidance on relevant topics. In addition, there will be a range of hands-on workshops covering clinical skills, business and presentation/research skills.

The joint meeting replaces the SOA’s standalone event and organisers hope the new format will attract upwards of 700 delegates – meaning a far bigger audience and increased reach. Keith Tempany said: “The conference is an opportunity to continue the growth of the eye health industry in the region and we are thrilled to be heading to Singapore – a city known for its thriving business sector and a pioneering commitment to innovation. Growth in the contact lens market is particularly strong in Singapore and across Asia as a whole and the event will aim to continue to build the confidence of eyecare practitioners to prescribe contact lenses with a focus on prescribing to the presbyope, fitting children, speciality lenses and managing dry eye disease.”

Register for all BCLA events at www.bcla.org.uk Vision Now APRIL 2018

25

RETAIL OPTICS

Getting smart with retail In this feature, we look at how RFID and the Internet of Things is shaping the future of optics The Internet of Things (IoT) in its simplest form is centered on enabling ‘things’ or objects to be smarter. Smart objects are those that via the cloud are able to communicate with other objects and with us. One such technology enabling the IoT is radio frequency identification (RFID).

This technology is having huge impacts on how retailers are counting their inventory, providing in-store marketing to their customers and managing their supply chains.

SMART BARCODES AND INVENTORY COUNTING RFID is a form of ‘smart barcode’ technology where tiny microchips are embedded into price labels, enabling retailers to count huge volumes of inventory in just a few minutes using special RFID scanners.

Digitact, the developer of eGRAB – an RFID system designed for the optics sector – recently revealed that the average sized optical location performs a complete inventory count in around 10 minutes using its eGRAB mobile app connected to an RFID handheld scanner.

Opticians using the system are able to gain much greater visibility on the stock they have, how it is selling, how long they’ve had it, and from a labour resource perspective make the painful task of conducting a stock take both time efficient and minimally disruptive to trading. Most opticians using the technology have implemented weekly stock checks to ensure that their inventory is always up-todate, with the knock-on effect being a dramatic improvement to revenue/stock turns as well as reduced shrinkage.

RFID adoption rates have soared with most major retailers now making the switch from

barcode based systems to RFID/barcode combination systems that allow much greater flexibility. The optical sector has historically lagged behind other retail verticals in technology uptake, but the pendulum is swinging as technology providers like Digitact start to see the benefits of bringing RFID to the optical market. Many independent and enterprise optical retailers are now investing in the technology, particularly in the US, Nordics and Benelux countries.

However, innovation is underway in the UK with London-based Kite Eyewear investing in the technology across all their business functions with an eGRAB RFID installation.

Kassir Hussain, COO of Kite Eyewear, says: “We made the decision to invest into RFID technology using eGRAB because we saw huge benefits – not only in the speed at which we could manage our inventory, but also in the data we could capture to help us better manage our supply chain and deliver a better customer experience.”

RFID SMART DISPLAY As well as being a fast inventory tool, RFID is useful for embedding into retail displays as a mechanism for triggering response based digital marketing (via built-in screens) and generating inventory analytics.

Using RFID-enabled displays, retailers are able to trigger digital content related to their customers’ inventory selections (what they are trying on), and the activity data generated by the smart display can help retailers understand the journey a stocked item goes on before it is sold.

From a retailing sense, the goal of the IoT is to create a more intelligent world where companies can acquire data from physical retail inventory in the same way they can from inventory listed on their online stores;

such as how many times items are viewed before being purchased (conversion rate), how long to customers spend browsing items (consumer brand time) and even what colours are popular to try on but unpopular to purchase? This type of granular data taken from RFID-enabled environments promotes better inventory control, smarter merchandising and a significantly improved customer experience.

One of the primary influences behind increasing adoption rates of RFID in the optics sector has been a need to keep pace with changing consumer expectations of what represents a good in-store experience. Whether customers are buying footwear, clothing, luxury goods or eyewear, RFID has enabled retailers to ensure the right product mix and associated visual promotions are always available.

Kassir from Kite Eyewear adds: “As part of our commitment to being a technology leader in optics we’re integrating eGRAB into our ecommerce and our CRM platforms.

We’re also looking at activating some very exciting in-store customer experience programs using RFID-enabled displays”.

Digitact CEO, Ben Gibson, comments: “The optical market can’t really ignore change, and RFID is now reaching a pivotal point in its adoption rates globally. I recently got back from Vision Expo East in New York, and our optical distribution partner there has some really excellent clients already using our software. I believe that the UK optical market could do more to embrace technology in the way other regions are, and I am very excited to be part of that push.”

Visit the Independents’ Lounge at Optrafair to see the eGRAB system in action. Article supplied by Digitact.

Vision Now APRIL 2018

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STYLE SPOTLIGHT

Mido magic: eyewear odyssey

By Joan Grady Style legacy: 1970 Oliver Goldsmith Decades

Milan buzzes with positive energy and enthusiasm. The city’s cultural attractions, architecture and wonderful Italian cuisine also highlighted the atmosphere of Mido held in February during Milan Fashion Week, adding to a glamorous encounter.

The eyewear event attracted a recordbreaking attendance, as well as setting the stage for imaginative and individualistic eyewear.

Louise Brunton, general manager at Charmant, was attending her final Mido, as she is retiring after 20 years with the company. However, her enthusiasm continues: “Mido feels like a home-coming for the industry and continues to thrive.

Charmant is always very proud to exhibit at Mido and 2018 was no exception. Our stand was buzzing and we were especially happy to see the reaction to our new Line Art collection, Vivace. It was great to see so many visitors from the UK and Ireland and this was a good opportunity for us to welcome both new customers and catch up with our established customers.”

28

Contemporary composition: Paul Costelloe

optical calendar. We now supply to more than 60 countries worldwide, which is quite remarkable. Mido has been extremely successful for us.” Dunelm also showcased its new stand with a sleek, contemporary style and impressive graphics.

INNOVATIVE NUANCES

Dunelm Optical also experienced a busy Mido exhibition, as Peter Beaumont noted: “We continue to come to Mido every year, because it’s the number one show in the

The eyewear sector has acclimatised to technical advances with frames that are infused with the latest approaches and innovations. Designs with extremely thin, lightweight construction, and lenses with distinctive, unique shapes that include geometric planes, triangles, round and angular dimensions prevail in collections

by Götti Switzerland, Lindberg, Silhouette and the new Compositions series by Tim Van Steenbergen at Theo Eyewear. Retro influences are referenced in frames, characterised with contemporary applications and accents, particularly in tortoiseshell, black acetate or mixed with metals.

Intricate cut-outs: Palomar by l.a.Eyeworks

Textures, cutouts, layering, applications of pearls, Swarovski crystals and metal rivets create exceptional frames with an edgy attitude. L.a.Eyeworks champions cutouts with Palomar in Black Mint acetate, handmade in Italy. Paul Costelloe’s handsome frames include contrasting inner

Vision Now APRIL 2018

rim and temple details. Anna-Karin Karlsson indulges in abundant Swarovski crystals for her dramatic new interpretation of the Pantheress. Fleye Copenhagen, Vera Wang and Lafont Paris have superb frames that combine contemporary naturalness with individuality to underline the wearer’s personality. Olivier Goldsmith observes its 90th anniversary with a stunning range of 10 sunglasses that salute the trends of previous decades.

Stainless steel, acetate, titanium variations, aluminum, smooth matt finishes, cut-outs in two-tone unusual patterns, and the intertwining of materials is all possible –

Eyewear indulgence: Pantheress

by Anna-Karin Karlsson

STYLE SPOTLIGHT Desserts are the theme at Theo Eyewear in Belgium. Sweet indulgences should not be confined to the palate alone – so Theo has developed frames with an explosion of textures, tastes and aromas. Fancy a

driven by innovation and revisited craftsmanship skills.

FESTIVAL OF COLOURS Colour customisation enables eyewear designers the freedom of expression in creating their collections. Preferences include subtle pastels in soft pinks, cool blues and citron yellow. A passion for purple is seen throughout the collections – royally highlighted on its own, or complemented with contrasting colours. Forest green is richly interpreted in optical and sunglass styles; while forever favourites – sophisticated black and amazing variations of tortoiseshell – appeal to all generations.

Textures and individuality: Trifle from Desserts by Theo

Timeless and refined: LK Bennett eyewear

shapes in Mazzucchelli acetate and stainless steel, with Alyson’s signature wing tip on every design. The complex constructions are bold and vibrant and will delight eyewear connoisseurs.

Vibrant colourations courtesy of Kirk & Kirk

A 1950s style statement is re-examined with crystal clear acetate silhouettes at Götti, l.a.Eyeworks, Sol Sol Ito, Karmoie and Lafont Paris. Luminous, translucent designs in both pale and bold colourations provide a tantalising play of light in striking frame silhouettes. The Kaleidoscope Collection at Kirk & Kirk includes the new addition Orla in gossamer burnt orange. Matt finishes on acetate and metal are smooth and refined.

Impeccably chic, futuristic and stylish frames accentuate Alyson Magee’s designs.

The Aurora Collection emphasises architectural references with stunning

Award-winning British fashion brand LK Bennett, founded by Linda Bennett in 1990, launched its first eyewear collection in January, distributed by Continental Eyewear.

Flattering styles in tortoiseshell, as well as solid colours accented with pearlised temples, are contemporary as well as fashionable. The Duchess of Cambridge and Helen Mirren, plus international customers who appreciate style and confidence in their wardrobe, wear LK Bennett fashion designs.

INSPIRING IDEAS Designers in various realms are inspired by many sources, and the eyewear sector is fascinated by numerous concepts: architecture, cuisine, music, food, fashion of course, history and so much more. Cocktails, cuisine and music were among the intuitive realisations at Mido. Oliviero Zanon at Res/Rei served tempting Cocktails – a delicious blending of colours and materials in sleek shapes. A traditional round shape in slim two-tone rose pink Mazzucchelli acetate distinguishes the frame Cosmopolitan from the premium Italian brand, handcrafted in the Res/Rei atelier near Venice.

helping of Trifle? It’s deliciously transformed into eyewear in layered acetate in dramatic colours with light and illumination. This is a dessert that can be savoured without any calories. The Dessert models also include Parfait, Tiramisu and Mille-feuille.

Musical inspiration: Vivace by Line Art Charmant

Music is the charismatic influence for the harmonious, fluid designs from the Line Art Charmant Collection. The latest composition is Vivace – a contemporary expression of charm and elegant understatement, crafted in the finest titanium for streamlined elegance.

Giving his final thoughts on Mido, Peter Beaumont pointed out: “More UK independent opticians are visiting Milan to stay up-to-date with the latest fashion trends in eyewear, and this is recognition of the global standing of the show.”

Streamlined and linear: Dice by Götti Switzerland

Architectural references in the latest Alyson Magee styles

Cosmopolitan from the Cocktail Collection by Res/Rei

The 2018 edition of Mido was particularly outstanding with an in-depth representation of diversified designers and brands, underscored with innovative, imaginative and premium quality designs. Mido demonstrated what an exciting and all-encompassing universe is possible with eyewear. For independent opticians, the potential is limitless with dynamic designs to establish your practice with a leadership position.

Vision Now APRIL 2018

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V

VV

Preferred Suppliers’ Directory

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

Tel: 01422 382408

ACCEPT CARDS

BRULIMAR OPTICAL GROUP

Richard.west@acceptcards.co.uk wwwww.acceptcards.co.uk

Tel: 0161 655 7000 Fax: 0161 655 7002

ALCON UK

www.brulimar.co.uk

DUNELM OPTICAL

HOYA LENS UK

Tel: 01388 420420 Fax: 01388 810101

Tel: 0845 330 0984 Fax: 0845 330 0977

dunelm@dunelmoptical.co.uk www.dunelmoptical.co.uk

enquiries@hoya.co.uk orders@hoya.co.uk www.hoya.co.uk

CENTRO STYLE LTD

ESSILOR

www.uk.alcon.com

Tel: 01923 239267 Fax: 01923 253951

Tel: 01454 281281 Fax: 01454 281282

INTERNATIONAL EYEWEAR LTD

ARENA EYEWEAR

sales@centrostyle.com www.centrostyle.com

www.essilor.co.uk

Tel: 0121 585 6565 Fax: 0121 585 0954

www.arena-eyewear.co.uk

CHARMANT UK CO LTD Tel: 020 8992 9222 Fax: 020 8896 0287

LENSTEC

ASSOCIATED OPTICAL

Tel: 01527 870550 Fax: 01527 837012

Tel: 01628 605433 Fax: 01628 665077

sales@charmant.co.uk www.charmant.co.uk

info@eyespace-eyewear.co.uk www.eyespace-eyewear.co.uk

Tel: 029 2088 3009 Fax: 029 2088 9798

GO EYEWEAR UK LTD

office@lenstec.co.uk www.lenstec.co.uk

Tel: 0371 376 0017 Fax: 0871 351 1005

Tel: 01952 820408

EYESPACE

sales@assopt.co.uk www.associatedoptical.com

CONTINENTAL EYEWEAR

Tel: 0800 9178270

BAUSCH + LOMB

Tel: 0151 426 3907 Fax: 0151 426 9340

www.goeyeweargroup.com

Tel: 020 8781 2900 www.bausch.co.uk

sales@continental-eyewear.co.uk www.continental-eyewear.com

HEIDELBERG ENGINEERING

BIB OPHTHALMIC INSTRUMENTS

COOPERVISION

Tel: 01442 502 330 Fax: 01442 242 386

Tel: 0870 9000 055

www.HeidelbergEngineering.co.uk

Tel: 01438 740823

www.coopervision.co.uk

sales@bibonline.co.uk www.bibonline.co.uk

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LOUIS STONE OPTICAL LTD Tel: 029 2073 5293 Fax: 029 2073 1446 info@louisstone.co.uk www.louisstone.co.uk

LUXOTTICA (UK) LTD Tel: 0808 165 8555 www.luxottica.com

MARCHON Tel: 0800 72 2020 csuk@marchon.com

HILCO EUROPE

MARK’ENNOVY

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Tel: 0800 3280610 Fax: 0800 3280649

info@hilco.co.uk www.hilco.co.uk

mkservices@markennovy.com www.markennovy.com

barry@dibbleoptical.co.uk www.dibbleoptical.co.uk

that they can trust their optician to recommend the best contact lenses for them, regardless of cost.

Designed for quality minded patients, DAILIES TOTAL1 is so comfortable that 1 in 3 of eye care professionals who prescribe DAILIES TOTAL1 also choose to wear this lens.

For more information:

Tel: 03713 760 017 uk.brand@alcon.com

A refreshing perspective To help you enhance your contact lens practice, CooperVision offers an extensive product range designed to meet the needs of even more of your patients.

For more information 0870 9000 055* www.coopervision.co.uk

*Calls cost 2p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.

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Over 75% of patients agree

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Directory listings are available free of charge to all preferred suppliers, with a larger listing available to Vision Now Advertisers.

To make changes to the directory listings, please call Sharon Hicks on 01580 713698 or email s.hicks@nationaleyecare.co.uk

“Only one comment,

WOW!“ Alisdair Buchanan, Buchanan Optometrists

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Telephone: 01442 502 330

T 01527 870550 eyespace-eyewear.co.uk

www.HeidelbergEngineering.co.uk

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MID-OPTIC

PERFORMANCE FINANCE

SEIKO OPTICAL UK

THE NORVILLE GROUP LTD

Tel: 01332 295001 Fax: 01332 295158

Tel: 01536 529696 Fax: 01536 310033

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Tel: 01452 510321

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NATIONWIDE FRAME REPAIRS

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Info@nfr.co.uk www.nfr.co.uk

Tel: 0115 989 9772

No7 CONTACT LENSES

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SILHOUETTE UK LTD

PRO-OPTIC

Tel: 020 8987 8899 Fax: 020 8987 2430

Tel: 01424 850620 Fax: 01424 850650 info@no7contactlenses.com www.no7contactlenses.com

OPTINET LTD Tel: 0845 313 0233

office@uk.silhouette.com www.silhouette.com

Tel: 01884 266130 sales@pro-optic.com www.pro-optic.co.uk

SPEC-CARE LTD

sales@optinetuk.com www.optinetuk.com

RAWDON OPTICAL LTD

Tel: 01392 460806

Tel: 0113 288 3094 Fax: 0113 288 3095

info@speccareservices.co.uk www.speccareservices.co.uk

ORANGE EYEWEAR

enquiries@rawdonoptical.co.uk www.rawdonoptical.co.uk

Tel: 0161 773 5555 Fax: 0161 773 5544 info@orange-eyewear.co.uk www.orange-eyewear.co.uk

STEPPER UK Tel: 01732 375975

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TANT LABORATORIES Tel: 01279 653785 www.tantlabs.com

sales@norville.co.uk www.norville.co.uk

THEA PHARMACEUTICALS Tel: 0845 521 1290 Fax: 01782 717 944 www.thea-pharmaceuticals.co.uk

THREE SIXTY Tel: 01686 627595 Fax: 01696 610015 Kieran@calotherm.co.uk www.calotherm.co.uk

ULTRAVISION Tel: 01525 381112 Fax: 01525 370091 info@ultravision.co.uk www.ultravision.co.uk

XACT Tel: 01698 574 655 IMcGleish@xact.uk.com www.xact.uk.com

YOUNGER OPTICS EUROPE UK Tel: 01242 578971 UK Mobile: 0790 133 7530 julian.wiles@youngereurope.com www.youngeroptics.com

Open your eyes to

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VV The Norville Group Limited, Magdala Road, Gloucester GL1 4DG

Tel: 01452 510321 Email: sales@norville.co.uk www.norville.co.uk

Norville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2 Norville

26/05/2016 12:56 26/05/2016

0845 3130233 sales@optinetuk.com

www.optinetuk.com

Vision Now APRIL 2018

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