Vision Now April 2021

V

VV APRIL 2021

Vision Now magazine

Biofinity® toric multifocal Prescribe freedom for your astigmatic patients with presbyopia.

Reliable fit, exceptional vision.

Optimised Toric Lens Geometry™ for a stable and reliable fit. success rate on initial lens fitting.1

Balanced Progressive® Technology for exceptional vision at all distances. patients preferred their vision with Biofinity® toric multifocal over Proclear® multifocal toric contact lenses.1*

Powered by Aquaform® Technology for natural wettability, high breathability and proven comfort.1 Available in over 200,000 custom prescription options.2

1. CVI Data on file 2018. Non-dispensing, subject masked, randomized, bilateral, cross-over short-term clinical evaluation. 27 subjects at 2 sites (UK & US) fitted using CVI fit guide. *70% vs 15%; subjective vision assessed approximately 1 hour post-insertion. 2. CVI data on file 2019. Based on total number of prescription option combinations manufactured (for sphere, cylinder, axis, and add–including D & N combinations). Aquaform® Technology, Balanced Progressive® Technology, Biofinity®, Optimised Toric Lens Geometry™ and Proclear® are registered trademarks and trademarks of The Cooper Companies Inc. and its subsidiaries. © CooperVision 2020.

28

V

Inside

VV

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.

23

11

News 4 7 9 11 13 14

Stepper rolls out eco packaging Polarised photochromic launches Mini eyewear collection debuts New education director for College Joint pledge on myopia awareness Excellence award for OCT

14 An independent view Time to ‘press the flesh’ again?

19 Guest Developing Thoughts Committed to common goals

20 Product profile Supporting remote patient care

23 Company profile Marking 70 years of innovation

26 Product profile Digital device use and dry eye

28 Style spotlight Eyewear through the generations

30 Suppliers’ directory

Editor’s comment Balancing financial realities, patient experience and medical care in an increasingly litigious environment will be at the heart of a new series starting next month written by consultant ophthalmic surgeon, Stephen Lash. As a former optometrist with an MBA, Stephen will view ophthalmic practice from both sides of the clinical|business coin – with particular reference to the everyday pressures practitioners face in the current eye healthcare climate.

“My aim is to provide a light-hearted overview of common clinical scenarios – but packed with clinical pearls to help NEG members deliver excellent and safe care,” said Stephen ahead of next month’s series launch feature on flashes and floaters. “I imagine members might read these articles over a cup of coffee, and that they might bring a smile or even a chuckle. There won’t be endless references nor excessive detail – but simply clarity and objective guidance.”

With an MBA from the University of Southampton, Stephen is currently consultant vitreo-retinal (VR) surgeon at University Hospital Southampton and head of its VR Unit, whilst also working in private practice. He has previously held roles at Optegra and Specsavers/Newmedica, and has a special interest in the business side of ophthalmology. We very much look forward to sharing Stephen’s insights and expertise with you over the coming months.

In the meantime this issue, we have some fantastic product and profile features focusing on contact lenses and dry eye, including a look back at 70 years of innovation with Menicon. Our guest Developing Thoughts author is OSA chairman, Stuart Burn, while Style Spotlight features two eyewear dynasties that have been paving the way in eyewear for centuries.

Nicky Collinson

Editor

Nicky Collinson BA (Hons) nicola.collinson@nationaleyecare.co.uk

Editorial PA

Sally Spicer s.spicer@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

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

Copyright © 2021 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.

@PK_NEG 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 CFH Docmail Ltd. St Peter’s Park, Wells Road, Radstock BA3 3UP

Vision Now APRIL 2021

3

NEWS 1

Stepper

Clever eco delivery boxes

Stepper Eyewear is rolling out recyclable individual frame delivery boxes this year.

“Improving total responsibility through the supply chain is a conscious ambition of Stepper Eyewear,” said Peter Reeve, Stepper UK managing director. “We are committed to delivering the best eyewear in a way that balances the needs of good vison and wearer comfort, whilst being sensitive to our impact on the environment and aware of our social impact.”

The boxes are created from a single piece of card, reducing the amount of space required in transit and storage. They are also selffastening without the need for glue. The broad view of Stepper’s ongoing eco commitment can be found in its Responsibility document, available to download from its website.

4

2

De Rigo

De Rigo and Fila Luxembourg, the global parent company of the Fila brand, have renewed their licensing agreement for the design, production and distribution of Filabranded prescription frames and sunglasses in EMEA, the Americas, Australia and New Zealand. It’s a partnership that began in 1996 – and despite a complex 2020, Fila Eyewear recorded a nine per cent growth in global sales, driven by results in Europe and the Americas.

“We are particularly proud of this renewal that further confirms the long-standing and solid relationship between our companies, which began 25 years ago with the launch of the first ever Fila Eyewear collection,” said Michele Aracri, CEO of De Rigo Vision.

“Over the years that we have been working together, we have come a long way and we will continue to bring the iconic style of the brand to the world of eyewear.”

3

Fashion-forward, versatile eyewear

100% Optical

100% Optical Online from 23-24 May will offer virtual networking for the industry and profession along with essential CET points.

Sunday 23 May is dedicated to CET content and one-to-one meetings with suppliers, while Monday 24 May is exclusively designed for eyewear buyers and business owners to connect. The one-day CET programme will feature content in partnership with the Association of Optometrists, CET accredited sessions as well as brand spotlight videos and interviews. Topics will include: myopia

Free online CET and networking

management; optical coherence tomography; dry eye management; ophthalmic lens products; and practising in the new era. Registration is free and can be made on the 100% Optical website.

Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee

The Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC) has said it will continue to meet with NHS England to review the impact of the pandemic on activity levels and other data, and to monitor the need for future support for practices for the benefit of patients, the public and the sector. This is after NHS England rejected calls for financial support for those practices struggling with the impact of the third national lockdown.

NHS England rejected the OFNC’s proposals for further financial support at present because its monthly GOS claims data showed “relatively stable activity in January and February 2021”, and that the additional support offered in autumn 2020 to some fixed practices in areas of deprivation was taken up by fewer than 200 practices, “suggesting limited demand for further help”. The OFNC rejected both these arguments, saying it showed “a lack of regard for the small number of practices that still need help, having struggled to continue to meet eye care needs and provide frontline services throughout the pandemic”.

4

Vision Now APRIL 2021

No additional funding for practices in England

NEW FOR 2021

The most advanced Digital Single Vision yet giving unrivalled viewing experience and wearer comfort across the whole lens surface

The most comfortable anti-fatigue lens to date with more precise focus than ever before thanks to Digital Ray-Path® 2

Unit 8, Bedwas Business Centre, Bedwas, Caerphilly. CF83 8DU

17 Twyford Business Centre, London Road Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire. CM23 3YT

1 Clayton Wood Court, Leeds LS16 6QW

T: 02920 883 009 F: 02920 889 798 E: LenstecCC@lenstec.co.uk

T: 01279 653785 F: 01279 658308 E: TantCC@tantlabs.com

T: 01132 883094 F: 01132 883095 E: RawdonCC@rawdonoptical.co.uk

www.lenstecopticalgroup.co.uk

Delivering the highest quality eyewear.

Find out more about our brands at eyewear-direct.net E: enquiries@eyewear-direct.net

T: +44 (0) 207 193 3334

NEWS 5

7

Norville 20/20

Marchon

The first lens with a variable polarisation photochromic element – Transitions XTRActive Polarised – is now available from Norville 20/20. Designed to benefit all spectacle wearers, but especially people with higher light sensitivity and those who spend more time outdoors, the lens is clear when not activated, but becomes a dark grey polarised lens with 90 per cent polarisation efficiency when fully activated.

New polarised progressive lens

Transitions XTRActive Polarised are available in semi-finished spherical blanks in optical materials with 1.50, 1.60, 1.67 refractive indices, and 1.586 polycarbonate. They have a residual grey 90 per cent LTF tint when unactivated, and are said to achieve 92 per cent polarising efficiency in their darkest state at 38˚C.

Paris Hilton wears Lanvin

6

Continental Eyewear

Luxurious and vintage-inspired details characterise the new Lanvin sunglass design included in the spring/summer 2021 advertising campaign featuring Paris Hilton, shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot.

The frame fuses modern finishes with a 1980s aesthetic. Details on the thick temples highlight the emblem of the French Maison: the mother and child gold plaque. The emblem represents the bond between Jeanne Lanvin and her daughter, Marguerite, and is featured in Lanvin jewelry, accessories and ready-to-wear items.

Ayrton in C2 English Mulberry

Four new models have been added to the Walter & Herbert eyewear collection, available exclusively through Continental Eyewear. The two optical and two sun styles are inspired by their Made in England heritage and, as such, are named after English icons: engineer and racing driver Beatrice Shilling; novelist William Golding; mathematician Hertha Ayrton; and composer William Walton. Model Ayrton (pictured) is a deep square, thin acetate style with a metal core inside the acetate temple featuring the WH emblem pattern etched on.

8

Part of the Yu Garden collection, the frame explores the exchange between heritage and contemporary, using the past to invent the future. A Lanvin eyewear chain attaches to the hollowed tips, adding a luxe feel to the bold, oversized silhouette. It is available in Black, Tortoiseshell, Green/Havana Green and Striped Red.

Essilor

EMNUK, an Essilor Group company, is to restructure its site in Quedgeley, Gloucester, and withdraw the Kodak brand from its lens offer to independent practices in the UK and Ireland by the end of September.

Brian Deegan, managing director of EMNUK, said: “We are proposing a significant

change to our operations in what are challenging times.

“Our Group’s commitment to independent High Street ECPs remains as strong as ever with continued investment in brands which offer differentiation, in addition to

continuing investment at our larger sites.

We are communicating our proposals to restructure with the Independent Kodak Lens Vision Centres partners we supply in the UK, and likewise will support them through any changes that may affect them,” Brian concluded.

Vision Now APRIL 2021

7

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

www.stepper.co.uk

Frame style shown: STS-30046

NEWS 9

International Eyewear

10

Association of British Dispensing Opticians

New clinical resource

Iconic brand launches eyewear

The new Mini Eyewear collection of 10 contemporary styles has landed at International Eyewear. The spirit of this iconic lifestyle brand has been translated into an eyewear collection that combines strong shapes with high quality materials.

The new releases pay homage to the iconic 60 years young Mini brand, with classic detailing including driving shields and metal wings. The frames are available in a wide range of styles and colours.

11 Fight for Sight Researchers funded by Fight for Sight, in partnership with Glaucoma UK and Health and Care Research Wales, are hoping to use bone marrow stem cells to prevent sight

12

Association of Optometrists

The government’s reform plans for the NHS in England offer opportunities for optometry but also carry some risks, the Association of Optometrists (AOP) has stated. AOP clinical director, Dr Peter Hampson, explained: “A major upside is the shift in local commissioning from relatively small clinical commissioning groups to the larger footprint of integrated care systems [ICSs]; this should open the way for extended eyecare services, delivered in optometry practices, to be commissioned on a wider scale, as we have long called for.

Members of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) now have access to a Clinical Hub as part of their member benefits package. The hub bring together up-to-date research and current knowledge on a range of topics and launches with a focus on myopia management, along with a guide to eye diseases and a section on extended services.

Members can also access a guide to acronyms used in eyecare and eyewear, a glossary of terms, as well as links to ABDO’s clinical advice and guidelines, patient leaflets and information to share with patients.

The hub was developed by ABDO clinical lead, Max Halford, who said: “This hub is for members looking for support on topics from children’s eye issues to supporting older people with their visual needs. It offers headline information followed by a deeper insight into each subject, and is fully backed up by, and linked to, available research.” Other topics planned for 2021 include healthy living optical practices, contact lenses, low vision and dry eye. ABDO members who would like to contribute to a topic by conducting a review of current research and drawing together useful resources, should contact mhalford@abdo.org.uk

loss from glaucoma, without a transplant.

The project is taking place at Cardiff University where researchers have already demonstrated in the lab that by transplanting bone marrow stem cells into a glaucoma model, the death of retinal ganglion cells can be prevented and vision preserved.

Bone marrow stem cells produce something called ‘exosomes’, which carry proteins and genetic information between cells. The intent is to separate these exosome packages to replicate the same benefits of the stem cells, without the need for a transplant.

Read more on the charity’s website.

“The development of the new Coronavirus Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES) in England last year is the most recent example of how optometrists and dispensing opticians can take on wider clinical roles and relieve pressure on other parts of the NHS.

“One risk that the sector will need to continue to watch closely is that the commissioning of the GOS contract in England – the bedrock of NHS eyecare – could move to ICSs. This would create extra cost and complexity but do nothing to help patients.

Eyecare is at the forefront of NHS England’s current outpatient transformation programme, and this together with the new reforms should create exciting new clinical opportunities. Optometrists and dispensing opticians will need to get involved in the governance of ICSs, usually through their LOC, to make sure their patients’ needs are heard and understood.”

NHS England’s recommendations for legislative change, published alongside the White Paper, confirmed the NHS’s continued commitment to national contractual arrangements across the primary care contractor professions. The sector will need to ensure GOS remains national,” Dr Hampson added.

Vision Now APRIL 2021

9

INTRODUCING

A GREAT LENS to meet the needs of new and current wearers seeking precise vision,1 long-lasting comfort1 and ease of handling.1

PRECISE VISION1

LONG-LASTING COMFORT 1

EASE OF HANDLING1

A GREAT PROGRAMME designed to reduce contact lens drop out by providing patients with a virtual experience, supporting them on both their pre- and post-fit contact lens journey.

SCAN HERE TO EXPERIENCE THE PRECISION1TM PATIENT SUPPORT PROGRAMME FOR YOURSELF

Please contact your Alcon® representative to find out more.

Reference: 1. Cummings S, Giedd B, Pearson C. Clinical performance of a new daily disposable spherical contact lens.

Optom Vis Sci. 2019;96:E-abstract 195375. See instructions for use for complete wear, care and safety information.

PRECISION1, Alcon and the Alcon logos are trademarks of Alcon Inc. 14631 © 2021 Alcon Inc. 03/21 UKIE-PR1-2100027

NEWS 13 College of Optometrists

15 Silhouette

Professor Lizzy Ostler

The College of Optometrists has a new director of education. Professor Lizzy Ostler joins the college from the University of Brighton where she was Professor of Chemical Biology, undertaking world-leading research on the remediation and reversal of age-related degenerative processes. Ian Humphreys, chief executive of the college, said: “We are about to enter a period of change for optometric education, the biggest in at least a decade, and with the college hoping to take a leading role in the new route to qualification, we will be drawing on all of Lizzy’s experience to shape and deliver our role.”

14 Stepper

Virtual showroom goes live

Silhouette has launched a new virtual showroom experience for practitioners where they can browse eyewear collections, watch corporate videos, discover marketing resources and much more. The Silhouette Digital Showroom marks a milestone in the company’s digital transformation, allowing for one-to-one consultations with Silhouette business managers from the comfort of customers’ practices.

“It’s never been so easy for our business partners to digitally immerse in the Silhouette brand environment to explore our latest premium products,” said Silhouette CMO, Michael Schmied. “And with one-on-one consultations, it’s a tailored overall service.” The launch follows the introduction of Silhouette’s Virtual Try-On tool on its website in December 2020.

This will now link with the Silhouette Digital Showroom, transforming the user’s screen into a virtual mirror.

16 Positive Impact

Wearable StepperS STS-30046

The StepperS STS-30046 has been created for spectacle wearers who “love style, but don’t take it too seriously”. A fresh take on the classic panto shape, and weighing in at just 6.6g, its keyhole bridge gives a hint at the professional origins of StepperS – adding character to the design. Colour variations include crystal and opaque fronts with an ontrend ‘skeleton’ outline on select models.

“The StepperS collection offers a diverse range of contemporary, colourful and wearable frames – where ‘wearable’ means styling that suits and feels good all day,” stressed Peter Reeve, Stepper UK managing director. “The appeal of StepperS lies in its ‘lightweight’ approach to comfort, fashion and price.”

Positive Impact (PI) has agreed with Clinical Health Technologies to exclusively distribute Purifeyes spray in the independent optometry sector. Co-developed by consultant ophthalmologist, Dr Jonathan Roos, and consultant eye and plastic surgeon, Dr Rachna Murthy, Purifeyes is said to provide professional levels of eyelid and periocular hygiene, reducing microbial overgrowth, inflammation and long-term dry eye symptoms.

PI’s marketing and professional services director, Nick Atkins, said: “I have long been aware of the antimicrobial benefits of hypochlorous acid for ocular and periocular hygiene. The challenge was finding the right product with the specific attributes of safety and efficacy we wanted. With its low concentration and high purity formulation, Purifeyes is that product. It fills a gap in our Dry Eye Zone and dovetails perfectly with our range of lid cleaning products.”

New deal for anti-microbial solution Vision Now APRIL 2021

11

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT SIMPLIFIED @

eGos Stock

SMS/ Email

Diary

Order

Business Intelligence

Till

Clinical

Patient Manager

Take control with Optinet Flex, the innovative software with intuitive dashboards and intelligent reporting that keeps your optometry business at the cutting edge.

Call us today to book your no obligation, demonstration.

0800 310 2400

sales@optinetuk.com • www.optinetuk.com

NEWS 17 Glaucoma UK

20 Louis Stone Optical a UK helpline, information and resources on its website, a community forum called Health Unlocked, a glaucoma buddy scheme, and digital support groups. The booklet was launched as part of the charity’s new ‘Anytime, anywhere’ campaign to coincide with the recent World Glaucoma Week.

Support for glaucoma patients

Glaucoma UK’s new ‘How we can help’ booklet brings all the charity’s resources together in one handy guide for patients and healthcare professionals. These include

The charity also launched a podcast during the Week, hosting digital glaucoma support groups on topics chosen by people living with glaucoma. Glaucoma UK chief executive, Karen Osborn, commented: “In these difficult times, we want every person in the UK affected by glaucoma, including those caring for people with the disease, to know that we are here for them. We can provide information, support and advice, either on the phone or online.

Anytime, anywhere.”

18 Kirk & Kirk Kirk & Kirk has introduced two new colours in its Centena collection. Prince is a homage to the legendary musician and the colour is a very definite purple. Cadillac meanwhile epitomises the car synonymous with glamour and excitement, bringing a vibrant pink to the 10mm acrylic of Centena. The lightweight acrylic material is produced in Italy specially for Kirk & Kirk and so these hues are not available in any other ranges.

“They are a great way for independent opticians to set themselves apart from their competitors,” said Karen Kirk of the frames, which are handmade in one factory in France from start to finish.

Customer feedback space

Louis Stone Optical has launched a Customer Testimonials ‘Hall of Fame’ page on its website as well as a new Press section.

Clare Gaba, Louis Stone marketing and communications manager, said: “Since January we’ve been absolutely inundated by the number of pictures we’ve received on the @louisstoneoptic Instagram page. Not only is the testimonials page a great way to advertise our products, but it’s a way to really show appreciation for our customers.”

Visit www.louisstone.co.uk to view the new sections.

21 CooperVision

Stanley in the new Cadillac colourway

19 Mido Mido has cancelled its 2021 in-person show in Milan scheduled for June. The event will now take place digitally between 5-7 June. Its 2022 edition has been slated for 12-14 February 2022 in Milan. Mido president, Giovanni Vitaloni, said: “It’s now more than a year since the beginning of the pandemic in Italy and regrettably, the public health situation, not only in our country, is still critical. The infection rate is still high, and the variants and the problems related to vaccine production and distribution have caused additional difficulties. International travel is currently limited; last October we were optimistic about the coming months but the reality is proving to be very different. Trade shows, at present, are still banned.

“We have therefore decided not to wait any longer and to make another tough decision, dictated by our sense of responsibility towards exhibitors and visitors, because we believe that Mido must continue to be an event that stands out on the world stage as unique, aware of its role as the driving force of the economy in this sector. Our main objective is to safeguard the international character of the event and the show itself, to promote and enhance the eyewear industry and to create important business and meeting opportunities,” Giovanni concluded. Keep up-to-date with the programme at www.mido.com

CooperVision and the World Council of Optometry (WCO) have announced a global partnership to raise awareness of myopia progression and encourage optometrists to embrace a standard of care to manage the condition. The standard of care definition and promotion will be centered around evidenced-based approaches without bias toward any particular treatment methodologies. The partnership aims to establish a global resource to include multilingual myopia management resources, programming and more.

“The World Council of Optometry and CooperVision share a vision of a planet where myopia is effectively managed and controlled, not just corrected at a young age,” said Gary Orsborn, vice president of global professional, medical and clinical affairs for CooperVision.

“The WCO has a clear, resounding and respected voice within the global optometric community, and we are thrilled to partner with them on this important topic.”

Vision Now APRIL 2021

13

NEWS 22

BIB Ophthalmic Instruments

Optopol Technology recently received an Award of Excellence for its Revo FC optical coherence tomographer (OCT) in the Consulting Room equipment category at OMEGA Melbourne – Australia’s largest eyecare/eyewear event. Distributed in the UK by BIB Ophthalmic Instruments, the Revo FC OCT combines the complete Revo 80 functionality with a fundus camera, and features high resolution OCT and true colour fundus imaging for time and space Award-winning Revo FC OCT efficiency. It also benefits from a built-in 12.3 Mpix camera for excellent image reproduction. A Revo marketing suite is available for stockists to help explain the benefits to patients, including a reception area video and mailing templates.

23 Positive Impact Positive Impact has launched its first-ever catalogue to help independents differentiate and highlight its expanding range of products and services. The new catalogue has been distributed to 600 independents and is available as a flipbook on the company’s website. It includes all the latest launches including the NuLids electronic eyelid cleaning device and Purifeyes.

Inaugural product catalogue

PI marketing and professional services director, Nick Atkins, said: “Being an independent business, we are committed to bring a range of products and support services that help protect the sales of independent practices. Using the products in our new catalogue will not only differentiate independents but help protect their business too.”

24 National Eye Health Week National Eye Health Week 2021 (NEHW) will run from 20 to 26 September, with the aim of raising the profile of optics, and encouraging the public to be ‘eye aware’ and take up routine eye examinations. The week will also highlight the role healthy lifestyles play in preventing avoidable sight loss.

According to independent consumer research, 74 per cent of those who saw, heard or read advice about eye health during NEHW 2020 said it had prompted them to act when it came to looking after their vision and eye health.

Save the date David Cartwright, chair of the organiser Eye Health UK, said: “National Eye Health Week is an important occasion for optics and has huge potential for the sector to come together to create a premier health event. We’re urging everyone with an interest in vision and eye health to get involved. The week is a great platform for public health promotion that can benefit us all.” Register at www.visionmatters.org.uk

14

Vision Now APRIL 2021

AN INDEPENDENT VIEW Time to ‘press the flesh’ again?

In the world of optics, we are used to working with colleagues in the confines of our own practices and have relatively little interaction with other practitioners except at exhibitions and conferences. This is particularly true of independents. Since the constraints of Covid, this interaction has been limited in order to comply with social distancing. It is probably fair to say that a lot of us cannot wait for the day when we can go back to running our practices as before, and meet at a show or conference and catch up with fellow practitioners.

The roll-out of the vaccination programme has given cause for growing confidence that life may return to at least some sort of normality during the summer and into the autumn months. The AIO has decided to do the same as NEG: to bite the bullet and organise its annual conference as a physical event on 9 and 10 October at Chesford Grange in Warwickshire.

As independents, our appetite for learning and social interaction is arguably different from those working in a multiple. We are not only interested in the clinical aspects of our profession – and expanding them – but in what it takes to run a business in a competitive world. We also need some down time to see and experience new things and engage socially with other practitioners; in many cases old friends of long standing. An AIO conference sets out to meet all these different needs with a clinical programme, a business programme, some great off-site visits to wonderful locations, as well as a gala dinner for socialising.

Let us be clear: we are not trying to compete with our very good friends at NEG. But if you cannot make the NEG conference, or you have the appetite and stamina to do two events in consecutive months, we would love to see you at Chesford Grange in October.

GO BEYOND VISION and let your patients Live the ULTRA Life

Bausch + Lomb ULTRA®

The latest innovation in reusable contact lenses across a complete family* 53,55,56,57

Long hours, long days, lasting performance • Long-lasting moisture retention18,19 • Exceptional wettability18,20

HOURS OF COMFORT

• Superior surface smoothness and durability17,†

with MoistureSeal® Technology

• Precision optics for sharp vision1,16,23 • Comfort and visual performance day in, day out... month after month1,22,23

And our Patient Satisfaction Guarantee for complete peace of mind.

NEW

APPROVED FOR EXTENDED WEAR SPHERICAL

FOR ASTIGMATISM

FOR PRESBYOPIA

FOR PRESBYOPIC ASTIGMATS

samfilcon A

samfilcon A

samfilcon A

samfilcon A

MoistureSeal® Technology

MoistureSeal® Technology

MoistureSeal® Technology

MoistureSeal® Technology

46%

46%

46%

46%

70

70

70

70

163 Dk/t @ centre for -3.00D

114 Dk/t @ centre for -3.00D

163 Dk/t @ centre for -3.00D

104 Dk/t @-3.00D

Aspheric optics to reduce inherent and induced spherical aberration

OpticAlign™ Design with spherical aberration control

3-Zone Progressive Design™ with centre-near aspheric optics

3-Zone Progressive Design™ OpticAlign™ Design

BASE CURVE:

8.5 mm

8.6 mm

8.5 mm

8.6 mm

DIAMETER:

14.2 mm

14.5 mm

14.2 mm

14.5 mm

CENTRE THICKNESS:

0.07 mm @ -3.00D

0.10 mm @ -3.00D

0.07 mm @ -3.00D

0.11 mm @ -3.00D

SPHERICAL POWERS:

+6.00D to -12.00D (in 0.50D steps above -6.00D)

+6.00D to -9.00D (in 0.50D steps above -6.00D) Available in -2.75D Cylinder

+6.00D to -10.00D (in 0.25D steps including plano)

+3.00D to +1.00D -1.00D to -5.00D in 0.25D steps

Low: up to +1.50D spectacle Add High: from +1.75D spectacle Add

Low: up to +1.50D spectacle Add High: from +1.75D spectacle Add

MATERIAL: LENS MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY: WATER CONTENT: MODULUS: OXYGEN TRANSMISSION:

LENS DESIGN TECHNOLOGY:

ADD POWERS:

CYLINDERS: AXES: ORIENTATION MARK / AXIS INDICATOR: VISIBILITY TINT:

WEAR SCHEDULE:

REPLACEMENT SCHEDULE:

-0.75, -1.25, -1.75, -2.25, -2.75

-0.75, -1.25

10° to 180° (in 10° steps)

10°, 90°, 170°, 180°

Orientation mark at 6 o’clock Axis indicator varies with axis

Orientation mark at 6 o’clock Axis indicator varies with axis

Light Blue

Light Blue

Light Blue

Light Blue

Daily wear, up to 7 days extended wear

Daily wear, up to 7 days extended wear

Daily wear, up to 7 days extended wear

Daily wear, up to 7 days extended wear

Monthly

Monthly

Monthly

Monthly

* Latest technology in soft reusable lenses across a complete contact lens family. † Vs Acuvue® Oasys®, Biofinity® and Air Optix® Aqua.

1,2,3,4

NEW NOW AVAILABLE IN STOCK AND READY TO SHIP

B A U S C H + LO M B U LT R A®

M U LT I FO CA L FOR AST I G M AT I S M Combines the seamless vision presbyopic patients want with the lens stability for their astigmatic needs.2,6 Available in stock and ready to ship so you can reduce your patients’ waiting time and fulfil their vision needs sooner.

3-ZONE PROGRESSIVE DESIGN™

OPTICALIGN™ DESIGN

SEAMLESS vision

STABLE

near, far and in-between1

≤5°on 95% of patients

2

Axis indicator designates axis of cylinder power7 (30˚ example shown)

DISTANCE INTERMEDIATE NEAR

Orientation mark helps measure rotational stability and assists patients during insertion7

For illustrative purposes only.

Bausch + Lomb ULTRA® for Presbyopia5

On-eye clinical results2

-3.00D High Add

Rotation, centration and movement at dispensing

0.5 0.0

Near

Intermediate

Distance

Power (D)

-0.5

ROTATION

CENTRATION

MOVEMENT

-1.0 -1.5

0 to 5 Degrees

95%

Excellent

86%

Adequate

100%

6 to 10 Degrees

5%

Good

14%

Excessive

0

11 to 15 Degrees

0

Fair

0

Insufficient

0

> 16 Degrees

0

Poor

0

Adherence

0

-2.0 -2.5 -3.0 -3.5 -4.0 0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

Radial Displacement (mm)

3 distinct zones with consistent power in each zone Nimo power profile

SIMPLE EASY TO FIT*, IN STOCK, READY TO SHIP

3,4

A condensed and efficient power range addressing some of the most popular powers, providing additional business opportunities for your practice.

Parameters SPHERICAL POWERS:

+3.00D to +1.00D | -1.00D to -5.00D in 0.25D steps

ADD POWERS:

Low: up to +1.50D spectacle Add High: from +1.75D spectacle Add

CYLINDERS:

-0.75, -1.25

AXES:

10°, 90°, 170°, 180°

3-Zone Progressive Design™ OpticAlign™ Design

ORIENTATION MARK / AXIS INDICATOR:

Orientation mark at 6 o’clock Axis indicator varies with axis

BASE CURVE:

8.6 mm

VISIBILITY TINT:

Light Blue

DIAMETER:

14.5 mm

WEAR SCHEDULE:

Daily wear, up to 7 days extended wear

CENTRE THICKNESS:

0.10 mm @ -3.00D

REPLACEMENT SCHEDULE:

Monthly

MATERIAL:

samfilcon A

LENS MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY:

MoistureSeal® Technology

WATER CONTENT:

46%

MODULUS:

70

OXYGEN TRANSMISSION:

104 Dk/t @-3.00D

LENS DESIGN TECHNOLOGY:

Call now for your Fitting Guide and to order Trial Lenses N 0845 602 2350 E cs.vc.uk@bausch.com D www.bausch.co.uk/ultra-mfa * When the ECP followed the fitting guide 1. ULTRA® Comfort Experience™ for Presbyopia Data Analysis Phase 1 + 2. 2017. 2. Bausch + Lomb ULTRA® Multifocal for Astigmatism stabilisation study. 3. Bausch + Lomb, 2013.

Perceptions of Bausch + Lomb PureVision® 2 for Presbyopia (#815). Rochester. 4. Bausch + Lomb., 2016. A study to evaluate the product performance of two designs of soft toric lenses (#ROC2-16-016). Rochester. 5. Reindel, W., et al., 2015.Ergonomic Utility of Progressive Multifocal Contact Lenses: A Comparison of Power Profiles Across Near, Intermediate and Distance Zones. AAO Poster Presentation. 6. The 2020 Study of US. Multifocal contact lens market.

7. Hovinga,K.R., 2016. Summary of ULTRA® for Astigmatism Orientation and Axis Markings (#LDR168019). 16. Bausch + Lomb, 2013. A study to evaluate the product performance of a new silicone hydrogel contact lens (#817). Rochester.

17. Merchea, M., Wygladacz, K.A., et al., 2014. Comparative Surface Smoothness Durability of a Novel Silicone Hydrogel Material. Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology 2014 annual meeting. 18. Hoteling, A., Nichols, W., et al., 2014. PVP content of a silicone hydrogel material with dual phase polymerisation processing. American Optometric Association Annual Meeting; 2014, Philadelphia, PA. 19. Bausch + Lomb, 2013. 16 Hour bilateral dispensing evaluation of methacrylamide lenses as compared to Air Optix® Aqua, Acuvue® Oasys® and Biofinity® lenses (#ROC2-13-002). 20. Schafer, J., Reindel, W., et al. Use of a novel extended blink test to evaluate polyvinylpyrrolidone(PVP) contact lens containing polymer performance. 22. Reindel, W., Mosehauer, G., et al., 2018. Patient comfort, vision and cleanliness over 12-months of Samfilcon A Lens Wear. Poster presented at AAO. 23. Micromass Communications Inc., 2017. Statistical Analysis of Bausch + Lomb ULTRA® for Astigmatism Lenses Challenge Patient Survey. (n=426). 53. Pence, N.,2014. Contact Lens Design and Materials. Contact Lens Spectrum [e-journal]. https://www.clspectrum.com/ supplements/2014/october-2014/breaking-the-cycle-of-discomfort/contact-lens-design-amp-materials [Accessed 8/12/2020]. 55. Sulley, A., 2005. Practitioner and patient acceptance of a new silicone hydrogel contact lens. Optician 6017 (230), pp 15-17. 56. Barr, J., 2004. An avalanche of products, compliance and the FCLCA. Contact Lens Spectrum [e-journal]. https://www.clspectrum.com/issues/2010/december-2010/product-spectrum [Accessed 15/12/20].

57. Mack, C., 2008. Contact Lenses 2007. Contact Lens Spectrum [e-journal]. https://www.clspectrum.com/issues/2008/january-2008/contact-lenses-2007 [Accessed 8/12/20]

ULTRA, MoistureSeal, OpticAlign and 3-Zone Progressive Design are trademarks of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates.

All other product/brand names and/or logos are trademarks of their respective owners. ©2021 Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates.

UMT.0016.IE.21

PRACTICE MATTERS

Developing thoughts The Optical Suppliers Association is committed to common goals, writes its chairman Stuart Burn

Committed to common goals and collaboration As many of you will be aware, the Federation of Manufacturing Opticians (FMO) has changed its name to the Optical Suppliers Association (OSA). The reason is simple: to better communicate who we are and what we stand for. In fact, since becoming chairman of the then FMO in December 2019, this is one of a host of changes that has seen the OSA evolve into a far more proactive, engaging and supportive Association. As we speak, however, the job is by no means done; the OSA board has made incredible strides during what has been a brutal backdrop.

Prior to the pandemic, our Association was working to re-invigorate and re-energise Optrafair. Whilst we had made great progress, there was still a large call from exhibitors and delegates alike for a single large show in the UK rather than the a ‘dog fight’ between two capable providers. It therefore seemed sensible to work with 100% Optical owner, Media 10, to see what could be achieved.

This culminated in Optrafair being sold to Media 10 in the summer of 2020, and the OSA providing its full and exclusive support

New Association logo

to 100% Optical for at least the next five years. As the pandemic continues to impair normal life, we have yet to see the true benefit of this alliance. However, I am convinced the optical profession will enjoy a far healthier environment for this highly collaborative stance.

common goals. The primary aim is to achieve a more cohesive profession that has the power, knowledge and skills to ensure a greater recognition by the Department of Health of the value of the optical profession.

With like-minded partners, we are actively moving this agenda forward.

GETTING A HEAD START

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

UK and European regulation has also been at the forefront of our minds and, of course, Brexit – which adds to the burden of many optical suppliers. The OSA is a member of the Joint Optical Committee to Europe ( JOCEU) and the Joint National Associations of Optical Suppliers (EUROM1). We are also a contributor to the European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO), and have followed closely the UK government’s Medicines and Medical Devices Act 2021, which regulates medical devices.

There have been a lot of structural changes within the OSA in the last 12 months and as that phase draws to a close, we can look to the future and start making progress on new fronts. The collaboration with Media 10 is a journey we have already begun, and we are now seeking greater support and benefits for our members and their employees. We will soon be able to access the ABDO Member benefits programme for individuals, so our members’ employees can enjoy the same comprehensive discounts, memberships and rewards as ABDO members.

These are all important elements of how devices – from lens meters to OCTs – will be regulated and function in a practice. It is therefore vital that the OSA plays a leading role in understanding and influencing regulatory bodies – and communicating to our members the changes that are being planned. This gives our members a great head start with what is often an additional administrative burden.

This leads us on to greater collaboration with other optical stakeholders. For those of us who have been around the block in optics, I’m sure you will agree, there are a dizzying array of bodies and stakeholders for such a small industry. As has been shown with the merging of 100% Optical and Optrafair, the OSA is committed to greater collaboration and working on

We are also exploring ways to promote our members to independents, and how OSA membership provides additional comfort to you – the independent practitioner – who needs partners you can trust. There’s no doubt the road ahead is as capricious and unpredictable as ever; however, the OSA is continuing to provide stability and support to its members – not just through a worldwide pandemic but in the years ahead as well.

This, in turn, will help OSA members provide independents with a trustworthy, durable and stable supply of goods and services.

Those who appreciate these qualities will enjoy the value the OSA can bring, be they an optical supplier or an independent practice delivering a great quality of service to their patients.

Vision Now APRIL 2021

19

PRODUCT PROFILE

Supporting remote patient care Krupa Patel explains how CooperVision’s My Lens Life programme can reduce drop-out and offer step-by-step support for remote patient communication...

It’s no surprise that Covid-19 has fundamentally changed the way optical practices interact with their patients.

Reduced face-to-face contact, limited in-practice experience and remote consultations mean practices are having to rethink their patient communication strategy and offer additional support, particularly when it comes to the journey for new contact lens wearers.

CHANGED CONTACT LENS JOURNEY The pandemic has taught us a number of things: the rapid integration of digital into our lives, a realisation that the patient journey doesn’t just happen in-practice, and an understanding of the opportunity this presents for patient retention and loyalty.

Interestingly, remote triage and aftercare continue to increase – with 49 per cent of eyecare practitioners (ECPs) conducting phone consultations during lockdown, whilst 36 per cent conducted video consultations1. When looking to the future, 25 per cent of Europeans expect to shop less in physical stores after Covid-19 compared to pre-crisis2. Therefore, it’s vital we cater to the new normal and adapt the way we do business to provide even more support to patients, whether they are new to contact lenses or an established wearer.

My Lens Life has been developed to address this issue, providing a suite of communication tools and advice for every step of the journey, without compromising a patient’s health.

The takeaway? It’s all about timing. From booking their appointment and the first teach, to trial and aftercare, patients require optimum guidance and proactive support at the right time in their journey to support them on their path to success.

My Lens Life looks to overcome these challenges by breaking down patient communication into three stages, from pre-assessment to trial and aftercare. It offers a range of printed materials, emails and text messages tailored to each stage of the patient journey to help enhance the service offered by practices.

STAGE ONE: PRE-ASSESSMENT My Lens Life begins as soon as a patient is booked in for their contact lens appointment. Waiting for their first experience of contact lenses can be daunting, so educating them on what to expect can help them approach the start of their journey with excitement. An A5 pre-assessment booklet offers a handy guide ahead of their appointment, along with space to include their appointment details so they remember to attend.

Once your patient leaves the practice, an email is sent to them in order to create excitement about the benefits of contact lenses, dispel any myths that may be playing on their mind, and reiterate what to expect so they feel confident about their next appointment.

STAGE TWO: TRIAL STOPPING THE DROP-OUT

20

So why is it that more than half of patients who undergo a contact lens trial drop out? Getting patients to trial contact lenses can be easier than getting them to stick with it. In fact, research has found that in the first three months, 52 per cent of drop-outs claimed either application, removal or ‘feeling squeamish’ about touching their eyes was their reason for doing so3. Forty-five per cent of patients who dropped out beyond three months claimed either discomfort, dry/watering/red eyes, or infection was the reason3.

Once the assessment is complete, we enter a phase of drop-out risk – the trial period. By offering as much remote support as possible, we can minimise practice visits alongside minimising drop-outs. A starter pack is available to support the patient through this critical part of their journey. The handy, reusable pouch includes a leaflet with application and removal guidance, as well as helpful hints and tips on wearing their lenses. Plus, the kit includes a removal reminder sticker for their phone, and an application guidance sticker for their mirror.

With the remote care model, the risk of patients struggling with their contact lenses – and potentially dropping out – is greatly increased. Application and removal training is fundamental to a patient’s success with contact lenses. Often they blame themselves if they struggle with handling, with 27 per cent reluctant to seek help from their practice or ECP3.

After the patient has left the practice with their trial lenses, an email is available to send that offers the patient encouragement and reassurance on what they might be experiencing at this point in their journey. The email also offers help and advice on what to do if they are experiencing difficulties.

Vision Now APRIL 2021

The patient/practice My Lens Life and My Lens Coach support tools provide a suite of remote communication tools to mitigate against contact lens drop-out

STAGE THREE: AFTERCARE Once a patient converts to a fully-fledged contact lens wearer, we want to reaffirm that they have made the right choice. It’s important to also make the patient aware that ongoing support is available to them should they need it – as well as encourage their continuation of contact lens wear.

A welcome pack provides patients with additional support to take away with their first set of purchased lenses. The recyclable bag contains their lenses plus a leaflet that reaffirms their decision to become a contact lens wearer. It could also include any exclusive offers available at the practice to keep the patient connected and help practices grow via recommendation.

Once the patient has purchased lenses and left the practice with their welcome pack, a series of emails are available to keep communications open with them. The emails have details on what they can expect at this point in their contact lens journey, as well as the ability to flag to the practice when they are struggling. These are designed to be sent at three weeks, three months and six months.

The My Lens Life website, available at www.mylenslife.uk and optimised for mobiles, is also a useful hub of information for patients, and a robust reference point for becoming a contact lens wearer. The website is referenced on all materials and features application and removal videos, as well as guides for the patient at each key stage of their contact lens journey.

it has become an invaluable tool in converting patients into contact lens wear. These programmes will no doubt prove vital as we look to increase our contact lens business,” added Shaimil.

SUPPORT IN YOUR PATIENTS’ HANDS The programme offers an additional tool in the form of My Lens Coach. This automated new wearer email and textbased support tool sends patients weblinks to additional wearer information and asks them to rate their contact lens experience. Patient rating feedback is sent to a practice’s portal whilst the practice is alerted via email to any new updates. This helps a practice identify any potential highrisk drop-outs, and reach out to provide additional support.

Overall, we’ve looked to develop a useful tool for any practice looking to improve their patient communication and identify new ways of engaging them during this shift to remote care. My Lens Life is part of the CooperVision Advantage offering, a unique range of business support services that have been created to help practices build a loyal patient base through practice building, patient communications and ongoing education.

For more details of My Lens Life, visit www.coopervision.co.uk/mylenslife or speak to your CooperVision business development manager.

REFERENCES

Shaimil Shah, director and optometrist at Opticare Opticians, has been successfully using the My Lens Life materials to foster loyalty in his contact lens patients. When asked about his experience, Shaimil commented: “When the concept of My Lens Life and My Lens Coach was propositioned to us, it was a breath of fresh air. Finally, a lens manufacturer has found a concept to help create and retain long-standing contact lens customers.

1. CooperVision data on file 2020. Covid-19 contact lens practitioner survey, Flame Health, May 2020. Base (all respondents): Total n=177, UK, multi-answer.

2. McKinsey & Company. Consumer sentiment and behavior continue to reflect the uncertainty of the COVID-19 crisis.

2020. Available at: www.mckinsey.com/businessfunctions/marketing-and-sales/our-insights/a-globalview-of-how-consumer-behavior-is-changing-amidcovid-19 3. CooperVision data on file. Category retention research, 2016.

“So far, we’ve had excellent feedback from patients who feel we are on hand 24/7 with any contact lens queries, and

Krupa Patel BSc (Hons) Optom is head of professional services for CooperVision UK and Ireland.

PROMOTING A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE

My Lens Life

PRODUCT PROFILE

Vision Now APRIL 2021

21

COMPANY PROFILE

Menicon: marking 70 years of contact lens innovation May 2021 will be a very special month for Menicon as it will mark the 70th anniversary of the formation of Menicon in Japan...

To mark its special anniversary, the company will unveil a beautiful photobook celebrating its history, heritage and many achievements across the world. The images are still under wraps, but Vision Now has been given a sneak preview of this fascinating pictorial journey through the decades...

1960s: Menicon becomes a registered trademark. Kyoichi continues to strive for perfection as he researches and tests different materials to improve the wearer’s experience (Figure 3).

1970s: Menicon Soft, with its excellent comfort and oxygen permeability, launches.

Menicon is also granted the patent for the world’s first silicone hydrogel contact lens material.

1980s: The company launches an oxygen permeable rigid lens, Menicon O, creating a new field of contact lenses.

1990s: Menicon Z is launched – the world’s first hyper Dk material.

2000s: Rose K lenses, heralded as “a Figure 1. Founder Kyoichi Tanaka is introduced to contact lenses by a military wife

1950s: Menicon’s founder, Kyoichi Tanaka, was first introduced to contact lenses by the wife of an Allied Occupation Forces commander (Figure 1). He immediately set out to make his own and in February 1951, just three months later, the 21-year-old successfully produced his first corneal contact lenses (Figure 2). The lens was called the MT – after ophthalmologist Dr Yutaka Mizutani and Tanaka. Dr Mizutani provided great support to the chairman in developing the corneal contact lens.

quantum leap forward in the evolution of lens design”, join the Menicon family of contact lenses and become the world’s most frequently prescribed gas permeable lens for keratoconus. Marking 50 years of contact lens innovations, Menicon’s mission for the next 50 years is set out: “We are responsible for making the eyes of all people shine”.

2010s: Menicon UK Ltd is formed from the acquisition of David Thomas Ltd. Miru 1day Flat Pack is introduced to the market. This novel, flat pack daily disposable lens not only reduces the amount of material used in their production, it reduces waste helping to achieve Menicon’s Sustainable Development Goals. Menicon Bloom Night obtains CE mark approval.

Figure 3. The chairman undertakes a fitting check

Neil Retallic, European professional services director: “Since joining Menicon, I have been amazed at the incredibly diverse range of contact lenses and care products pioneered by the R&D teams. The way consumer feedback and insights are used to create high quality consumer-driven products, utilising innovations such as Smart Touch technology, is a great example of Menicon craftsmanship, offering far more than just a visual solution.

“To pick a favourite is difficult. My choice would be the Flat Pack products, as I love the triple combo of eco-friendly packaging, high lens comfort and the unique – and really clever – Smart Fit concept in our toric

2020s: The company celebrates 70 years of innovative contact lens technology that prioritises eye health and vision. Figure 4 shows chairman Tanaka today.

CONTACT LENS HEROES Figure 2. MT, the first corneal contact lens in Japan, launched commercially in 1953

Some of the Menicon team share their favourite contact lens products, materials and packaging...

Figure 4. Chairman Kyoichi Tanaka today Vision Now APRIL 2021

23

Daily disposable contact lenses with Smart TouchTM technology for easier, hygienic handling*

Contact lens 昀tting has never been simpler with our new online Toric Calculator: toric.meniconcalculator.com

The unique eco-friendly packaging ensures the wearer only touches the outer surface of the lens.

Now available in sphere and toric.

sphere

toric

If you require more information on Menicon contact lenses visit: www.menicon.com *Evaluation of Diminished Microbial Contamination in Handling of a Novel Daily Disposable Flat Pack Contact Lens, M Nomachi et al, Eye & Contact Lens, Vol 39, No 3, May 2013

COMPANY PROFILE can make a winning difference. Not to mention the fact that if they take a ball, a blow or a tumble, then lenses aren’t going to cause bruises and lacerations.

Figure 5. Menicon PremiO allows more oxygen to reach the cornea

design. Looking ahead, there will be more exciting new products coming to market which will see us complete our ‘families’ of disposable lenses, meaning we can match the eyesight needs of even more wearers.”

Andrew Ferguson, sales manager, Frequent Replacement Division: “Being of an age where presbyopia has finally caught up with me, I love the innovation that has been applied to the Miru 1month multifocal lenses. It has ultra-high oxygen transmissibility levels, a super smooth material that helps reduce bacteria deposits and great designs in the low and high adds.

“I have perfect distance vision so have struggled in the past with centre near lenses compromising my distance vision; but with the decentred high add design I can get crystal clear vision at all distances.

As the reading part of the lens is decentred, it needs to be in the correct place at all times to work. The dynamic stabilisation areas and the location marker on the lens also help the patient to apply the lens the right way every time.”

Josie Barlow, professional services manager, Speciality Lens Division: “Contact lenses can have a profound effect on patients’ lives – and in some instances are life-changing. As practitioners, we can all remember patients who benefited in this way – and the memories of these delighted responses stay with us. Within the Menicon portfolio, there is one family of lenses that consistently evokes this response – and that is our Rose K2 range. These lenses are used for patients who have an irregular cornea caused by keratoconus, trauma or as a result of a surgical procedure.

“Available in five GP designs, it is possible to fit any irregular cornea by selecting the most appropriate design from the range.

There is also a soft version for patients who cannot tolerate GP lenses. A clear and

consistent fitting guide, combined with fully customisable peripheral changes, means that the Rose K2 lenses can be optimised to fit even the most asymmetric cornea and deliver excellent vision for patients who simply cannot function without their contact lenses. Since the inception of Rose K2 in the early 1990s, it became – and still is – the most commonly prescribed lens design for the irregular cornea in the world. That makes me so proud.”

To ensure ease of fitting, Menicon can offer fitting sets in all of its designs so that the best lens option can be chosen in practice, reducing the need for unnecessary return visits. Our company’s in-house team can offer advice and support when fitting any of our contact lenses, and an optional warranty means practitioners can be assured that if an adjustment is needed to the lens, this will be done at no extra cost.

PLANNING AHEAD FOR OUTDOORSY PATIENTS After more than a year when activity has been restricted to daily walks and local bike rides, weekend warriors are eager to get back on the pitch. Your patients want to reclaim the slopes, conquer the peaks, face the opposition on the field of play or just challenge themselves on the golf course.

But while muscles that have been idle will take time to rebuild, there is one way for athletes at all levels to gain a competitive edge with very little effort, and that’s by swapping their glasses for contact lenses.

It’s an easy win for you and for them. When patients don’t have to deal with fogging, mud-splashes and rain smears then the only thing standing between them and their goal is ability and hard work. And then there’s the enhanced field-of-view vision that only contact lenses can deliver. It’s not quite eyes in the back of the head, but when a blind-side flanker is bearing down then a split-second of early-warning time

There’s good news too for high-altitude addicts because Menicon PremiO rigid gas permeable lenses (Figure 5) actually allow more oxygen to reach the cornea, so that’s one less thing to worry about for anyone clinging to a cliff by their fingertips or taking the leap into heli-skiing. And at the other end of the scale, contact lenses can allow children to discover a whole world of sports and activities without the restrictions that glasses can bring.

Even if your patient’s idea of sport involves a stroll in the sunshine, or relaxing ringside while the action unfolds, then with lenses in place they can rock up in their sunglasses without having to bother about a prescription. So if lenses are the solution for Cristiano Ronaldo and Novak Djokovich, then they must be the answer for almost everyone. They may not propel Sunday league players to the Premier division or catapult them from the local courts to Wimbledon, but they’ll give your patients a clearer shot at the action, a sense of freedom and remove the risk of injury. And surely that’s a win.

WHAT’S COMING UP? Making ordering and deliveries easier We know that time and convenience are important to you. That’s why we have been busy behind the scenes during lockdown to make it even easier to place orders online, and for your patients to receive their lenses directly through our new Menicon Eye Life System (MELS). The two new services, Online Orders and MELS, are practical and convenient and will soon be available for you to order disposable lenses and solutions by visiting www.menicon.co.uk

Menicon Bloom is on the way The Menicon Bloom Myopia Control Management System will be fully launched in the second half of 2021. It is suitable for children who have shown signs of myopia progression. There will be three components: night and day lens products specifically for myopia management; treatment plans/protocols to fully support ECPs throughout the fitting process and beyond; and a two-part monitoring system with software for ECPs and an app to enhance communication between ECPs and patients to improve compliance and safety through the myopia treatment programme.

Article provided by Menicon.

Vision Now APRIL 2021

25

PRODUCT PROFILE

Digital device use and dry eye It’s not just our computers that are streaming, writes Meena Puar, as she reviews the link between screen use and dry eye...

Figure 1. Common symptoms associated with CVS

The demands of modern society have resulted in us sitting in front of digital devices for hours and hours. At a touch of the button, we can do anything from ordering our weekly food shop, catching up with friends and family, or watching the latest ‘must-see’ boxsets and film releases.

The list is endless. The use of smartphones, tablets and laptops has led to many of us experiencing visual symptoms known as ‘computer vision syndrome’ (CVS), better known now as ‘digital eye strain’.

The common symptoms of CVS listed in Figure 1 may also be linked to environmental factors, such as poor ergonomics, air pollution, improper lighting, glare and decreased humidity in air-conditioned rooms.

SNAPSHOT OF STATISTICS In the UK, digital device use has increased substantially in recent years. A 2016 study revealed that adults typically spent four hours and 45 minutes per day using digital media1. A similar study also showed that all age groups had increased their use of digital devices2. A more recent (2020) crosssectional study by Golebiowsi et al3 revealed that the daily duration of smartphone use correlated with levels of dry eye, confirmed by a dry eye assessment and survey. The latter study involved 916 children with the signs and symptoms of dry eye, which improved after electronic device use was reduced.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, screen time has reached an all-time high, and the impact of this behaviour on ocular surface health has been clearly established4. For some, Zoom meetings have now become part of the norm. From work meetings,

26

Vision Now APRIL 2021

home schooling, exercise classes and even virtual birthday parties, the list goes on. In this review, we will take an in-depth look at the relationship between screen use and dry eye disease.

DRY EYE DISEASE DEFINED Dry eye disease is a multifactorial disease.

The Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) Dry Eye Workshop (DEWS) II Report5 defines dry eye as: “...a multifactorial disease of the tears and ocular surface that results in symptoms of discomfort, visual disturbance, and tear film instability with potential damage to the ocular surface. It is accompanied by increased osmolarity of the tear film and inflammation of the ocular surface.”

Approximately one in five adults suffer from dry eye disease, which translates to more than 13 million people in the UK6. Whilst seated in front of the screen for a long period of time, there are two factors that play a part in exaggerating dry eye disease and its symptoms. This includes a reduction in the blinking rate and incomplete blinks.

Firstly, it is important to understand what happens when we blink. During a complete

blink, the meibomian glands are activated.

These glands line along the edge of the eyelids (Figure 2), and they play a crucial role in producing the oily layer of the lipid component of the tear film. The meibum is released onto the lid margins for dispersion onto the tear film. This combined effort is of the orbicularis oculi and muscle of riolan.

During the complete blink pattern, the upper and lower tear film mix.

REDUCED AND INCOMPLETE BLINKS Several studies have documented the link with reduced blink rate and computer use.

A study conducted by Patel et al 7 reported a mean rate of 18.4 blinks per minute under relaxed conditions, reducing to 3.6 blinks per minute during computer usage. In another study8, blink rates were found to be reduced for all reading tasks, but significantly fewer blinks were noted when patients were reading with backlit LCD screens.

Reducing the blink rate can reduce visual quality, giving rise to tear film instability, and consequently lead to dry eye symptoms9.

If the blinks are incomplete, tears will not distribute over the ocular surface and this results in increased evaporation and an unstable tear film10. In addition to this,

Figure 2. Meibomian glands prevent tear film evaporation

PRODUCT PROFILE REFERENCES

Figure 3. Théa options for dry eye patients

corneal desiccation and contact lens surface dryness may develop. Therefore, in patients who have a reduced blink rate, and those who do not blink fully during digital device use, this gives rise to dry eye symptoms such as grittiness, dryness, burning, etc. One hour of smartphone use has been reported to increase the rate of incomplete blinking from six per minute to 15 per minute11.

CONTACT LENSES AND DEVICE USE In a survey looking at the use of digital devices and contact lens wearers12, up to 74 per cent of participants reported that they had to remove their lenses when they felt discomfort. This can be solved using lubricating eye drops, which can help the symptoms. Figure 3 shows which products might be suitable for patients suffering with dry eye from the Théa range. All of the products are suitable for use with contact lenses.

TOP TIPS FOR SCREEN USE 1. Whilst using a computer screen or any form of digital device, it is important to incorporate the 20-20-20 rule. This rule recommends spending 20 seconds looking at something 20 feet away for every 20 minutes of screen time.

2. The blink quality and frequency are adversely affected by the increased use of digital devices, so blink exercises are advised for these patients as they have shown to improve dry eye symptoms13.

Figure 4. The Théa lid care range

3. Discuss environmental factors with your patients too. Offices tend to have low humidity and air-conditioning, which can cause the ocular surface to dry. Therefore, offering advice on increasing humidity levels can help reduce dry eye symptoms and tear film evaporation.

WHY LID CARE IS ESSENTIAL More than 80 per cent of people who complain of dry eye also have inflamed eyelids that need care in addition to dry eye drops14. Therefore, lid care is an essential part of dry eye management. With the demands on digital devices increasing day by day, we will see more patients suffering with digital eye strain and the associated dry eye disease symptoms. It is important for eyecare professionals to keep up-to-date with the latest technology and innovations.

Helping patients suffering from dry eye disease associated with digital devices can start with advice about blinking exercises and even changes in their local environment. The dry eye and lid hygiene ranges from Théa Pharmaceuticals offer a complete solution for mild to severe dry eye and blepharitis – with options to suit different patient needs (unit dose, multidose, wipes, solutions and gels). All of the products in the Théa lid care range (Figure 4) are dermatologically tested.

Blephaclean preservative-free daily eyelid cleansing wipes are suitable for patients from the age of three months, and are clinically proven and recommended by experts.

Blephasol , Blephasol Duo and Blephagel are ideal for long-term use – and when used once daily will last for two months.

For more information about the complete range of products, please contact your Thea area sales manager or telephone 01782 381698.

1. eMarketer. Mobile takes majority share of UK time with digital media. 2016. www.emarketer.com/Article/MobileTakesMajority-Share-of-UK-Time-withDigital-Media/1014676 2. eMarketer. Digital set to take majority share in UK time spent with media in 2016. www.emarketer.com/Article/ Digital-Set-Take-Majority-Share-UKTime-Spent-with-Media-2016/1013039 3. Golebiowski B, Long J and Harrison K et al. Smartphone use and effects on tear film, blinking and binocular vision.

Curr. Eye. Res. 2020;45(4):428-434.

4. Bahkir FA and Grandee SS. Impact of the Covid-19 lockdown on digital devicerelated ocular health. Indian J.Ophthalmol.

2020;68(11):2378-2383.

5. Craig JP, Nichols KK, Akpek EK, Caffery B, Dua HS, Joo CK, Liu Z, Nelson JD, Nichols JJ, Tsubota K and Stapleton F. TFOS DEWS II Definition and Classification Report. Ocul.

Surf. 2017;15(3):276-283.

6. Connor AJ and Severn PS. Force requirements in topical medicine use – the squeezability factor. Eye 2011;25:466-469.

7. Patel S, Henderson R and Bradley L et al.

Effect of visual display unit use on blink rate and tear stability. Optometry and Vision Science 1991;68:888-92.

8. Benedetto S, Drai-Zerbib V and Pedrotti M et al. E-readers and visual fatigue. PLoS One 2013;8(12):e83676.

9. Hirota M, Uozato H, Kawamorita T, Shibata Y and Yamamoto S. Effect of incomplete blinking on tear film stability.

Optom. Vis. Sci. 2013;90:650-7.

10. McMonnies CW. Incomplete blinking: exposure keratopathy, lid wiper epitheliopathy, dry eye, refractive surgery, and dry contact lenses. Contact Lens & Anterior Eye 2007;30(1):37-51.

11. Moon JH, Kim KW and Moon NJ. Smartphone use is a risk factor for pediatric dry eye disease according to region and age: a case control study.

BMC Ophthalmol. 2016;16:188.

12. Guillon M, Maissa C and Pouliquen P et al.

Effect of povidone 2% preservative-free eyedrops on contact lens wearers with computer visual syndrome: pilot study.

Eye & Contact Lens 2004;30(1):34-39.

13. Kim AD, Muntz A, Lee J and Wang M. Therapeutic benefits of blinking exercises in dry eye disease. Contact Lens & Anterior Eye May 2020 May 12:S1367-0484(20)300 87-4. doi: 10.1016/j.clae.2020.04.014. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 32409236.04.014.

Epub ahead of print. PMID: 32409236.

14. Lemp MA et al. Distribution of aqueousdeficient and evaporative dry eye in a clinic-based patient cohort: a retrospective study. Cornea 2012;31(5):472-8. PMID: 22378109.

Meena Puar BSc (Hons) MCOptom, FBCLA is sales and education lead for Théa UK. Vision Now APRIL 2021

27

STYLE SPOTLIGHT

Eyewear through the generations This month, Joan Grady catches up with the principals of two family brands that have been leading the way in eyewear for centuries...

Retro Erkers styling in blond tortoise with a distinctive keyhole bridge

Erkers 1879 of St Louis, Missouri, and Lafont Paris have created and promoted their individual, family brands on two different continents – amassing a combined total of 240 years of eyewear expertise. These two legendary and distinctive family labels continue to develop and inspire innovative, evolutionary ideas and concepts in the eyewear industry.

The two companies have also earned the appreciation and esteem of their respective customers and peers, and continue to set the bar in their professions. Over time, these dynastic eyewear families have remained successfully independent – enduring world wars, pandemics, financial crises and a multitude of other challenges.

MEET ME IN ST LOUIS The Erkers family opened their first boutique in St Louis in 1879, when the horse and buggy and trolley cars were still being used for transportation. As the business grew, the company began designing eyewear. In 1927, they created the goggles worn by aviator Charles Lindbergh when he flew the first non-stop, solo transatlantic flight from New York to Paris.

The fifth generation of the Erkers family are now at the helm. Brothers Jack and Tony Erker are co-owners at Studio Optyx, the

within the ever-changing market in order to stay relevant.

JG: Has the pandemic altered any plans Erkers had in the pipeline?

The original Erkers boutique (left) opened in 1879 in St Louis

parent company of the Erkers brand. I spoke with Jack about growing up in the family business.

JG. When did you realise that you wanted to continue the traditions and legacy of the family business?

JE: I grew up doing odd jobs in the family business and learning from my father and grandfather. When I went to university, I explored many different majors trying to figure out what to do with my life. Subconsciously, I kept going back to my roots. In hindsight, I didn’t realise that I learned a lot as a young boy – and so it was easy for me to make the move into something that I cared about.

JE: The pandemic has changed the way we do business, but has not changed our outlook for our long-term goals. We feel people are creatures of habit, but will also adapt to new technology that makes things easier. Over the past year, we have opened a new store and are in the process of remodelling another. We continue to launch great products. We are integrating technology to make things easy for our customers when it comes to ordering eyewear.

JG: Have consumer preferences for shapes, colours and materials changed significantly in the past five years?

JE: Colour is always changing but the shift towards rounder, more P3 shapes and translucent colours are newer trends. I also think the customer is thinking more outside the box than ever before when it comes to design, but they will always enjoy the stories that are told throughout your company’s history.

JG: As the fifth generation in the family business, how do you perceive Erkers continuing to evolve and flourish in the coming years?

JG: What are the biggest challenges for eyewear companies today?

Charles Lindbergh wearing Erkers goggles for his solo transatlantic flight in 1927

28

Vision Now APRIL 2021

JE: There are many challenges in our industry today – from insurance companies, private equity to the internet. Every company needs to understand these challenges, and how to uniquely carve their own niche

Jack Erker III, Jack Erker Jr, and Tony Erker

STYLE SPOTLIGHT JE: We are very entrepreneurial and always have many ideas. We have survived many wars and pandemics and have seen hundreds of changes in our history. We often flip back through our Erkers History Book, and turn to different years to see what was happening at those times in the world, our industry and our specific market.

History tends to repeat itself many times over. It is a great reference to see how we can evolve with today’s technology and our creative ideas.

PURE PARISIAN PROVENANCE

Girl – a chic cat-eye design by Lafont

always supported us for what we wanted to do in our studies, but life made us join the company.

JG: What are the biggest challenges for eyewear companies today, compared to 20 years ago?

ML: Being and staying independent is very important for us. Staying true to our values, building partnerships that matter and last. Keeping these values in a global mass-market industry is a challenge, and will remain so.

Matthieu (left) and Thomas Lafont

The history of the House of Lafont begins in 1923 when the first boutique opened on rue Vignon, near Place Madeleine in Paris. Each subsequent boutique radiates an aura of French history: the location of La Rive Gauche captures Parisian edginess and its dynamic spirit; Le Marais boutique is housed in a 12th century building; and Lafont Passy is located in the chic, sleek 16th arrondissement.

JG: As trading between countries becomes more complex, especially with Brexit, how do you foresee this affecting Lafont’s global reach and goals?

a great local partner, the Eyewear Company, and working together makes things easier.

JG: At present, there are four beautiful Lafont boutiques in France. Do you envision opening other exclusive outlets in additional EU countries, or abroad?

ML: For the moment it’s not part of our priority. We are focusing our Boutique Lafont activity on the four Parisian shops. But in the future? You never know. Being part of a family business is something special, not only for Thomas and I but also for the entire Lafont team. We all share a common passion and goal.

ML: Somehow it’s becoming more complex in terms of regulations, but we are doing 70 per cent of our business outside of France and so working on the export market is natural for us. I would say that it’s manageable.

Regarding the UK specifically, we have

The possibility of creating a family business is an exciting and appealing prospect for some independent opticians. Your own passion and curiosity for optics and eyewear might well set the foundation for future generations, in providing caring and professional eyewear services to your customers – for decades to come.

The original Lafont Boutique opened in Paris in 1923

Sophisticated interiors at Lafont Boutique

Lafont was the first French eyewear company to achieve prestigious recognition with the Certification OFG (Guaranteed French Origin). This certifies that every Lafont frame is 100 per cent crafted in France. Nowadays, CEO Matthieu Lafont runs the company with his brother Thomas as creative director. Matthieu reveals insights into growing up in the family enterprise.

JG: When did you and Thomas realise that you wanted to continue the traditions and legacy of the family business?

ML: Since forever in a way. Thomas has been working for over 20 years in the company, and for me it is already more than 15 years. But when we were kids, we visited Silmo every year and then later we worked during summer vacation preparing orders. So it’s a trajectory that was naturally created. Our parents

Vision Now APRIL 2021

29

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

ALCON UK

BONDEYE OPTICAL

DE RIGO UK LTD

GO EYEWEAR UK LTD

Tel: 0371 376 0017 Fax: 0871 351 1005

Tel: 0121 7723888 Fax: 0808 2801865

Tel: 01923 249491

Tel: 0800 9178270

sales@bondeyeoptical.co.uk www.bondeyeoptical.co.uk

info.uk@derigo.com www.derigo.com www.my.derigo.com

www.goeyeweargroup.com

www.uk.alcon.com

CENTROSTYLE

DUNELM OPTICAL Tel: 01388 420420 Fax: 01388 810101

Tel: 01442 502 330 Fax: 01442 242 386

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

OPTICAL CENTRE SUPPLIES LTD Tel: 01923 239267 Fax: 01923 253951

ATLANTIC OPTICAL UK LTD

sales@centrostyle.com www.centrostyle.com

Tel: 02920 362 136 Fax: 02920 362 137

CHARMANT UK CO LTD

info@atlanticoptical.co.uk www.atlanticoptical.co.uk

Tel: 020 8992 9222 Fax: 020 8896 0287

www.essilor.co.uk

HOYA LENS UK

BARCLAYCARD

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

EYESPACE

Tel: 0845 330 0984 Fax: 0845 330 0977

CONTINENTAL EYEWEAR

Tel: 01527 870550 Fax: 01527 837012

Tel: 0151 426 3907 Fax: 0151 426 9340

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

ASSOCIATED OPTICAL Tel: 01628 605433 Fax: 01628 665077

Tel: 0800 056 5569

BAUSCH + LOMB Tel: 020 8781 2900 www.bausch.co.uk

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

BIB OPHTHALMIC INSTRUMENTS

COOPERVISION

Tel: 01438 740823

Tel: 0870 9000 055

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

www.coopervision.co.uk

SO CLOSE YOU CAN ALMOST SEE IT

30

Vision Now APRIL 2021

ESSILOR Tel: 01454 281281 Fax: 01454 281282

EYEWEAR DIRECT (EUROPE) LTD

www.HeidelbergEngineering.co.uk

HILCO EUROPE Tel: 0800 591150 info@hilco.co.uk www.hilco.co.uk

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

INTERNATIONAL EYEWEAR LTD

Tel: 020 7193 3334

Tel: 0121 585 6565 Fax: 0121 585 0954

eyewear-direct.net

www.internationaleyewear.co.uk

SUPPLIER – OPTICIAN – PATIENT

OUR PARTNERSHIP

When you prescribe contact lenses, you prescribe freedom.

We’re stepping up to do more, supporting you to Prescribe Freedom for more people than ever.

T: 01132 883094 E: RawdonCC@rawdonoptical.co.uk

T: 02920 883 009 E: LenstecCC@lenstec.co.uk

T: 01279 653785 E: TantCC@tantlabs.com

COMING SOON

©2020 Alcon Inc

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

HEIDELBERG ENGINEERING

coopervision.co.uk

T: 02920 857 122 E: Eyewear@lenstec.co.uk

01580 713698

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 Sally Spicer on 01580 713698 or email s.spicer@nationaleyecare.co.uk

sales@lensteceyewear.co.uk www.lensteceyewear.co.uk

LENSTEC OPTICAL Tel: 02920 883009 Fax: 02920 889798 LenstecCC@lenstec.co.uk www.lenstecopticalgroup.co.uk

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

LUNEAU TECHNOLOGY UK/IRELAND – VISIONIX

MICHAEL PACHLEITNER GROUP Tel: 07583 076 132 a.davies@michael-pachleitnergroup.com www.michaelpachleitnergroup.com

MID-OPTIC Tel: 01332 295001 Fax: 01332 295158 orders@midoptic.com www.midoptic.com

RAWDON OPTICAL

THE NORVILLE GROUP LTD

Tel: 01132 883094 Fax: 01132 883095

Tel: 01452 510321

RawdonCC@rawdonoptical.co.uk www.lenstecopticalgroup.co.uk

Tel: 0845 521 1290 Fax: 01782 717 944

Tel: 024 7601 0103

www.thea-pharmaceuticals.co.uk

dean@retailexperiencedesign.co.uk www.retailexperiencedesign.co.uk

RODENSTOCK Tel: 01474 325555

Tel: 01424 850620 Fax: 01424 850650

sales@rodenstock.co.uk www.rodenstock.co.uk

info@no7contactlenses.com www.no7contactlenses.com

SEIKO OPTICAL UK

OPTINET LTD

Tel: 01452 610033 Fax: 01452 638250

Tel: 0845 313 0233

infouk@luneautech.com www.luneautech.co.uk

sales@optinetuk.com www.optinetuk.com

orders@seiko-optical.co.uk info@seiko-optical.co.uk www.seiko-optical.co.uk

LUXOTTICA (UK) LTD

PERFORMANCE FINANCE

SILHOUETTE UK LTD

Tel: 0808 165 8555

Tel: 01536 529696 Fax: 01536 310033

Tel: 020 8987 8899 Fax: 020 8987 2430

www.performancefinance.co.uk

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

www.luxottica.com

MARCHON Tel: 0800 72 2020

POSITIVE IMPACT

csuk@marchon.com

Tel: 08446 696907

SPEC-CARE LTD Tel: 01392 460806

MARK’ENNOVY

sales@positiveimpact.co.uk www.positiveimpact.co.uk

Tel: 0800 3280610 Fax: 0800 3280649 mkservices@markennovy.com www.markennovy.com

PRACTICE BUILDING Tel: 0115 989 9772 andy@practicebuilding.co.uk www.practicebuilding.co.uk

MENICON UK LTD

(FORMERLY DAVID THOMAS) Tel: 01604 646216 Fax: 01604 790366 enquiries@menicon.co.uk www.menicon.co.uk

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

THEA PHARMACEUTICALS

RETAIL EXPERIENCE DESIGN (RED)

No7 CONTACT LENSES

Tel: 07383 555659

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

20 20 OPTICAL SERVICES LTD Tel: 01460 929460 mark@2020opticalservices.co.uk www.2020opticalservices.co.uk

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

XACT Tel: 01698 574 655

Suppliers’ directory

LENSTEC EYEWEAR Tel: 02920 857122 Fax: 02920 920480

IMcGleish@xact.uk.com www.xact.uk.com

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

STEPPER UK Tel: 01732 375975 sales@stepper.co.uk www.steppereyewear.com

TANT LABORATORIES Tel: 01279 653785 Fax: 01279 658308 TantCC@tantlabs.com www.lenstecopticalgroup.co.uk

www.nationaleyecare.co.uk

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT SIMPLIFIED

0845 313 0233 sales@optinetuk.com www.optinetuk.com

OPTINET DIRECTORY AD - FEB 21_AW.indd OPTINET 01/03/2021 109:47

V

Optinet Flex, the innovative software that keeps your optometry business at the cutting edge.

VV Stepper (UK) Limited 11 Tannery Road Tonbridge Kent TN9 1RF 01732 375975

www.stepper.co.uk

Vision Now APRIL 2021

31

Patient loyalty builds practice success.

Your mediflex® contact lens portfolio – designed to retain more patients and improve business revenue.

Keep patients and business coming back with your mediflex® portfolio of contact lenses and lens care solutions – NEW and exclusive* to National Eyecare Group members.

CooperVision is pleased to announce it’s partnership with National Eyecare Group to offer you, its members, an exclusive brand portfolio of contact lenses and lens care products – mediflex.® Behind each mediflex® label is a trusted CooperVision product. What’s more, mediflex® products are available at the same price as the CooperVision-branded equivalent.

Contact your CooperVision Business Development Manager.

*Exclusive within the UK&I market. mediflex® is only available to NEG members.