Vision Now June 2021

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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 14

Virtual event success New refraction station launched Dispensing app to add value Filtration systems trade deal Free webinar series takes off DVLA campaign continues

14 An independent view Focusing on the future generation

19 Independents Day 2021 iDay goes back to its roots

23 In the clinic If it ain’t broke...by Stephen Lash

25 NEG Business Club A true transformation

28 Style spotlight Spotlight on visionary charities

30 Suppliers’ directory

Editor’s comment If everything goes to plan, this month could see the end of all remaining legal limits on social contact. Whether the more transmissible B.1.617 strain of the coronavirus leads to a delay in this remains in the balance; nevertheless, live events for the optical profession and industry are once more in the offing.

Certainly, the organisers of what could turn out to be the UK’s first in-person optical meeting in more than a year are confident the event will be going ahead.

For a flavour of iDay21 on 4 July, which centres on how to build your practice business through the implementation of a successful myopia management programme, turn to our special preview feature on page 21. You can also find out what some of the companies who are exhibiting at the parallel iShow will be showcasing – including NEG and Optinet, which has a great show offer for its Flex practice management software.

Elsewhere this month, we welcome back consultant ophthalmic surgeon, Stephen Lash, for expert insights into the referral decision-making process when utilising optical coherence tomography. As he quite pertinently puts it: “We treat patients – not scans.” If you’re considering joining the NEG Business Club, then don’t miss our feature looking at how one practice owner was able to buy three more practices this year – thanks to support from Practice Building and the NEG Business Club.

In Style Spotlight this month, Joan Grady turns to the charitable sector with an update on Vision Aid Overseas and LGR’s association with AMREF Flying Doctors.

Finally, with just three months until the NEG Building for Success conference, do make sure you have registered for your complimentary place at http://negconference.co.uk/

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

Nicky Collinson 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 JUNE 2021

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NEWS 1

Stepper by the thinnest of metalwork. “Hi-tech betatitanium is perfect for purpose here,” notes Stepper UK managing director, Peter Reeve, “allowing wafer-thin design with a strength and durability that belies the ultra-fine look.”

CooperVision

More than 4,000 delegates worldwide, including 400-plus from the UK and Ireland, attended CooperVision’s Virtual Perspectives event in April. Part of the company’s international seminar series, which traditionally holds thought leadership events in locations across the EMEA region, the one-day CET event saw keynote speakers from around the world to share their perspectives across a range of topics under the theme of ‘Contact lenses – today, tomorrow and beyond’.

The accredited courses are now available on the company’s Learning Academy, an openaccess education and training site for practitioners and their teams. David Webley, senior manager of professional services EMEA at CooperVision, commented: “We were delighted with our first-class line-up of contributors, which made for a fascinating and insightful series of presentations throughout the day. The attendee numbers were outstanding, and we hope that delegates benefited from the sessions and took away lots of ideas that they can use in everyday practice.”

Access the CooperVision Learning Academy at https://academy.coopervision.co.uk/ uk/login – and “develop your knowledge, wherever you are”.

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Epitomising the luxury rimless segment: the SI-93683

Described as a beautiful example of luxury, minimalist rimless eyewear, the Stepper SI93683 is a feminine eye shape complemented

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De Rigo

The new Chopard Red Carpet 2021 limited edition style, designed by De Rigo Vision for Chopard, is inspired by a masterfully-made bracelet belonging to the high jewellery collection of the same name. The frame, featuring a broad square-shaped front piece, is rendered unique by 214 handset crystals, colour-coordinated to match the tint of the lenses. The 23K gold-plated style with 3D microcast profile is available in two variants: with frame and gold and palladium-coloured crystal adornment combined with gold flash mirrored lenses; and with frame and blue and purplecoloured crystal adornment combined with blue gradient lenses.

Limited edition Red Carpet style

* De Rigo has announced a licensing agreement for the design, production and distribution of Gap branded prescription frames and sunglasses in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Brazil. The first Gap eyewear collection is scheduled to be launched in 2022.

Association of British Dispensing Opticians Optical professionals and suppliers are being invited by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) to save 4 October 2021 for the inaugural SEE Summit on the Environment.

Save the date for optics’ inaugural green summit

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Weighing just 3.4g, the SI-93683 promises day-long comfort with the added benefit of hypoallergenic properties. “Undeniable aesthetics, great functionality and brilliant optical properties make this frame an informed and wise choice for those who want great looks and practicality,” adds Peter. The SI-93683 is available in Ruby, Ocean and Aubergine to complement a wide range of skin tones.

Vision Now JUNE 2021

ABDO formed a working group at the start of 2021 to address social, ethical and environmental (SEE) issues and to increase awareness and engagement across the sector. As part of the project, ABDO will host a launch event to promote environmental sustainability in the UK optical sector and contribute to the government’s goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

ABDO vice president, Daryl Newsome, said: “Many different organisations within optics are making great efforts to make our industries and professions environmentally sustainable. ABDO would like to play its part by bringing together individuals and organisations to support and recognise their efforts and achievements and to share best practices in an impartial and collaborative way.” The event is supported by the Optical Suppliers Association (OSA). Companies with environmental initiatives they’d like to showcase in the run up to or at the event, should email achitty@abdo.org.uk. To be involved in or support the event, email abridge@abdo.org.uk

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NEWS 5

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Essilor

British Contact Lens Association

Professor James Wolffsohn

All-new immersive Vision-S 700

Described as fast, accurate and easy to use, the new Vision-S 700 immersive refraction station ensures “gold standard accuracy and rapid three-minute refraction” with Essilor’s Digital Infinite Refraction method and exclusive Liquid Lens Optical Module. With its compact design and immersive patient experience, the Vision Station is designed to generate extra refraction capacity without the need for additional space.

A patented display screen and exclusive distance simulation technology allow for the testing of enhanced near capabilities through to infinity within the device itself. It also places the patient in lifelike images, simulating real-life conditions. Paul Cumber, director at Essilor Instruments UK and Ireland, said: “As well as obtaining the best refractive results, the Vision-S 700 gives the patient a unique refractive experience that generates traffic through word-of-mouth and differentiates the store. Designed to promote the sale of a complementary pair, the unique immersive module and SunRx converter show the prescription in action and drive incremental sales.” * In other Essilor news, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted ‘breakthrough device’ designation to the Essilor Stellest spectacle lens, developed to correct myopia and slow down the progression of myopia in children. The designation will lead to further US research and FDA review, and follows the publication of two-year results of an ongoing three-year clinical trial in China in myopic children.

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This year’s British Contact lens Association (BCLA) Medal Address will be presented by Professor James Wolffsohn, while Dr Orla Murphy will present the Irving Fatt Memorial Lecture. Professor James Wolffsohn is associate pro-vice chancellor of Aston University. His main research areas are the development and evaluation of ophthalmic instrumentation, contact lenses, intraocular lenses and the tear film.

Dr Orla Murphy is an optometrist whose research involves the area of dry eye and Demodex blepharitis, particularly the prevalence and effectiveness of modern treatment methods at killing and treating Demodex infestation. Luke Stevens-Burt, chief executive of the BCLA, said: “These two lectures will undoubtedly be among the highlights of our programme as we emerge from lockdown, and I am sure they will resonate with eyecare professionals around the world.” The BCLA virtual conference takes place on 13 and 14 June.

Register at www.bcla.org.uk

Atlantic Optical

Atlantic Optical has launched its Enhance collection of frames, offering a wide range of fitting and colour combinations. Comprising of more than 1,100 SKUs in 260+ styles, the collection includes eye sizes ranging from 42 to 60 for women, men, unisex and children.

All frames feature sprung joints; the metals are stainless steel while all plastic models are acetate with no cold-glaze styles.

Normal delivery is seven to 10 working days, and everything includes a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty and a two-year exchange. No minimum orders are necessary, and the same price per frame applies no matter how many are ordered. Contact the company for a catalogue of all its styles.

Ali wears EN 4182 in Satin Black; Holly Wears EN 4149 in Blue Tortoise Vision Now JUNE 2021

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NEWS 8

Association of British Dispensing Opticians

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Silhouette

New Vision Sensation app

Have your say on ophthalmic dispensing education

ABDO is calling for feedback from across the profession as it launches a review of the syllabus of its FBDO qualification, to ensure that student dispensing opticians (DOs) are prepared for the roles of the future. ABDO’s Level 6 diploma in ophthalmic dispensing enables students to register with the General Optical Council and practise using the protected title of ‘dispensing optician’. The syllabus sets out which areas students study, and the depth and breadth of what they study in each area.

In launching the review, ABDO highlighted the fact that DOs future roles were likely to be affected by a range of factors including: the growing number of older people in the UK; the increasing prevalence of childhood myopia; the increased delivery of eyecare in community practice rather than in hospital; the opportunity for DOs to carry out refraction; the increasing use of technology in community practice; and the growing focus on preventative healthcare.

ABDO is also seeking views on what should be no longer covered, or covered in less detail.

Read the consultation paper and respond via the ABDO website by 12 July.

Silhouette’s new Vision Sensation app takes the patient’s measurements using a specially-designed measuring frame and allows the patient to visualise the final look. Its large selection of lens shapes, frames, colours and lens functions allows the practitioner to configure the patient’s eyewear according to their style preferences and prescription requirements for both optical and sunglasses. The eyewear can then be ordered directly using the app.

“Years of development and commitment to the Vision Sensation app have paid off,” said Thomas Beier, director of lenses at Silhouette. “We have succeeded in designing a tool that has not yet been available in this form on the market. The app is a clear incentive for every optician to offer added value and improve the quality of vision and appearance for their patients.”

10 International Eyewear Embodying femininity and fashion, two new styles have been added to the everevolving Episode collection from International Eyewear. Episode 272 is for the petite segment, and pairs a premium acetate eye front in a matt finish with shiny crystal temples. Colour options are neutral Mink/Raspberry or ultramarine Petrol.

Episode 279 is for the plus segment, and combines a patterned base acetate with a

graduated exterior layer in either Chocolate or Purple.

Earth, Air, Water and Fire have been reinterpreted into fashion inspired illustrations with an environmental nod.

All new Episode styles come with 100 per cent biodegradable demonstration lenses and polybags, and a box, case and cloth made from recycled materials. The supporting marketing campaign celebrates the power of ‘Mother Nature’. Collaborating with artist Lena Ker, the four elements of

Episode 272 plus campaign image Vision Now JUNE 2021

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A breakthrough in Myopia management for children

2020 SILMO d’Or Award Winner MiYOSMART is a new non invasive myopia management lens which is both safe and convenient for the patient - just like ordinary spectacle lenses.

The lenses provide vision correction so the wearer will experience comfortable vision in daily wear. All this whilst working to reduce the progression of their shortsightedness. They are easy to adapt to and are suitable for full time daily wear for a wide range of activities.

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• Clinically proven to correct both myopia and provide effective control • Reduces myopia progression on average by 60%* * Myopia progression (SER) by 59% and axial elongation (AL) decreased by 60% compared with those wearing SV lenses.

Now available in the UK & Ireland, please register your interest here:

• Safe and durable, suitable for active wear • Provides comprehensive UV protection for the eyes

MiYOSMART Coating • Easy clean finish • Special anti-reflective durable coating

NEWS 11

BIB Ophthalmic Instruments

13 Continental Eyewear

The Air8 1200i Pro

Zenith 99 in silver

BIB Ophthalmic Instruments has signed an exclusive distribution contract to supply Air8 air filtration systems to the optical profession. “Air8 has been widely used in the dental and general medical markets for decades, promoting a safer air space, and now we look forward to providing this same technology with the benefits it brings to optical practices throughout the UK and Eire,” said BIB’s Tim Baker.

Three new models have been added to the Zenith collection from Continental Eyewear, designed for the young and young at heart. The styles feature slim metal shapes with unique angular fronts, and are available in three metallic hues: gold, rose gold and silver.

The three choices: are Zenith 97, a classic round-eye; Zenith 98, an angular octagon shape; and Zenith 99, an angular square shape. All three models feature contrasting tips.

Air8 technology is said to eliminate potentially harmful particles before they reach surfaces and products, being especially effective on nano particles such as the Covid-19 virus. “There are four units in the range – the Air8 280 Nano, the Air8 260i Nano, the Air8 720i Edge and the Air8 1200i Pro,” Tim explained. “Each air sanitiser has varying capacities suited to individual consulting rooms, front of shop and entire practices. We can also provide artwork and window and internal stickers to promote each practice as a ‘Safe Air Space’.”

12 Charmant The creative agency behind Charmant’s first-ever digital trade fair event, the Charmant Style Show, has won two gold industry awards. Mensch Kreativagentur, based in Munich, won Gold Awards at the national Healthcare Advertising Awards and the global Communicator Awards. Julia Berger, senior marketing manager at Charmant for Northern Europe, said: “Our digital event was well received by all participants – and as it turned out, it also caused a stir outside the optical world.” The next Charmant Style Show will take place from 5-7 June. Register at https://styleshowcharmant.com/registration

14 Go Eyewear

New Bulget BG 6416

Go Eyewear has unveiled its spring/summer 2021 Bulget Occhiali eyewear collection for “urban nomads”. Feminine model BG 6416 (pictured) features glimmering contemporary shades and elegant lines, available in a wide selection of colours including a marbled lilac and green, crystal and classic black. This fashionable, easy-to-wear cat-eye shape features new polished acetate temples, giving a light look but with plenty of urban attitude. With headquarters and logistics based between Portugal and Italy, Go Eyewear is now present with branches in the main European cities and present in more than 70 countries.

15 Essilor Essilor’s current Take Two multi-pair lens promotion, running until mid-July, encourages consumers to book an eye examination at their local independent optician via its online store locator. Take Two display adverts are being featured on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, alongside a See More, Do More video campaign for Varilux lenses. Tim Precious, Essilor MD, said: “We believe this will play a key role in driving footfall into independent opticians this summer, and help to boost business for our independent business partners.”

Point-of-sale packs are available to maximise the promotion in practice.

Vision Now JUNE 2021

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Menicon launches online ordering for its disposable lenses Innovative contact lens specialist Menicon has unveiled a new system that will allow Eye Care Practitioners to order disposable lenses online.

The new ordering system is hosted on Menicon’s website: www.menicon-service.com/login

Online ordering can now be used for both trial lenses or revenue packs from Menicon’s Disposable range of contact lenses, either as a stock order, or as a specific delivery for a patient.

Menicon has produced a video guide to online ordering and Kevin Mitchell, managing director of Menicon UK Ltd said: “This new system is the first phase of our refreshed fulfilment strategy to support our valued customers. The objective is to make it easier and faster for them to place orders online. They can also do this at a time that is most convenient for them. Our customer service team is fully trained on the new system and are here to help if anyone has any questions.”

If you require more information on Menicon lenses, call us on: 01604 646216 www.menicon.co.uk

NEWS 16 Marchon

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Association of Optometrists

Eco styles inspired by iconic handbag

Now available from Marchon is a new Longchamp Eyewear capsule collection, featuring two sunglasses and two optical styles made from 40 per cent plant-based resin. Plant-based resin is made from castor bean oil, a cleaner alternative to standard petroleum-based plastics. The models are inspired by the brand’s iconic Voyageuse handbag with vintage-style frame-fronts in contemporary shapes, while the new LGP temple design has a tone-on-tone effect to the iconic monogram of the brand. All styles are offered in Black, Brown, Blue and Wine.

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British Contact Lens Association

Contact lens campaign revitalised

The British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) is bringing back the national Love Your Lenses campaign previously run by the General Optical Council. Taking place from 14-20 June, the focus of the campaign will be on safety and compliance, urging practitioners to suggest to patients that it’s ‘time to try’ contact lenses. It will also reinforce the message that lenses are safe to wear, highlighting them to new wearers and bringing back former wearers, and how wearing contact lenses rather than spectacles can stop the problem of glasses steaming up in the age of face masks.

Luke Stevens-Burt, BCLA chief executive, said: “The BCLA is proud to bring back Love Your Lenses Week, and we are now inviting practices to sign up and support a campaign that raises awareness of safe contact lens wear and the benefits of wearing contact lenses.”

Registration is free and participants will receive a printed resource pack, including t-shirts, posters, pens and stickers. An online resource pack, containing digital animations, social media graphics, factsheets and a checklist, will also be shared to support local campaigns.

Visit www.loveyourlenses.com * CooperVision has given its backing for the BCLA’s Myopia Management Certificate, agreeing to sponsor the programme for an initial 12-month period. The structure of the certificate, for BCLA members only, is designed to provide eyecare professionals with expert knowledge in the three main areas of myopia management: spectacles, contact lenses and pharmacological interventions. Krupa Patel, head of professional services at CooperVision, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with the BCLA for this course. Provision of high-quality education round myopia management is essential, and this qualification ensures practitioners are best placed to deliver up-to-date knowledge and best practice in this ever-evolving area.”

Dr Ian Beasley

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) has launched a new webinar series, in partnership with Johnson & Johnson Vision, aimed at upskilling the practice team in key areas. The series of four webinars covers the most common issues and challenges faced by dispensing opticians, optical assistants and frontline workers across optical teams. The webinars are free to attend and will take place in June and July.

AOP head of education, Dr Ian Beasley, said: “These new additions to the AOP education programme are designed to enable the whole optical practice team to flourish and grow their skill set, which is why we’ve made them open to AOP members and non-members. Each webinar looks at a specific aspect of working in practice – from dilemmas sometimes faced as a frontline team member, dispensing, visual fields and OCT, to contact lens recruitment and retention.” For more information and to register visit www.aop.org.uk/events

19 20 20 Optical Services 20 20 Optical Services will launch the firstever Joe Browns eyewear collection later this year. “Our passion lies in creating unique spectacle frames in collaboration with some of the best of British,” said Mark Truss, managing director of 20 20 Optical Services. “Joe Browns are known for unique designs that you won’t find anywhere else on the High Street, and we’re thrilled to be able to adapt their exceptional character into eyewear.”

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NEWS 20 AIO The Association for Independent Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians (AIO) has written to its members stating it is satisfied from a legal perspective that there is no basis in law for the DVLA to reject an Esterman visual field test undertaken by a qualified and registered optometrist, that is paid for by the patient. Dr Christian French, AIO chair, said: “We have been rather surprised that the DVLA has almost seemed resistant to the AIO’s initiative to give patients the option to pay for their own field test rather than visit a Specsavers store. Surely this should be every patient’s democratic right, on top of which it is saving taxpayers money.

“Rather bizarrely, one point of resistance in correspondence with the DVLA stated: ‘We do not routinely accept field tests from customers’ own optometrists due to the identity check element’. That there should be an issue over identity in respect of a patient that has been with a practice for years, if not decades, is surprising – and the AIO has asked for clarification on this issue. Logic would suggest that there would be much greater concerns in respect of identity for a patient visiting a Specsavers store for the first time.” The AIO is continuing its challenge with the Ministry for Transport, and through the Competition and Markets Authority, in respect of the award of the DVLA contract in November 2019.

21 Positive Impact

AN INDEPENDENT VIEW Focusing on the future generation With the results of the General Optical Council’s Education Strategic Review (ESR) finally approved, the profession can look forward to an overhaul in the way that we train the next generation of clinicians. It has been a long time in the making, but at least the fog finally appears to be lifting on what the post-ESR landscape will be. We hope that it won’t be the apocalyptic wasteland that the furore around the degree apprenticeship made us contemplate.

The profession rarely sees such episodes of unity, which suggests strong feelings regarding the education process and the rigour of what it entails. With hospitals seeing unprecedented levels of waiting times, the calls on primary care to help can only grow in number and strength. This suggests that education and training needs to be more rigorous, robust and clinical than ever.

Might it be time to consider adopting a model similar to North America and Australia, with optometrists qualifying as fully independent prescribers when they graduate? A number of institutions are already eschewing the Optometry BSc in favour of an MOptom degree (in line with other professions such as pharmacy); might this expansion in clinical remit be the defining characteristic of such a change in qualification?

At the other end of the scale, preliminary work is taking place in the development of a T-Level specific to optometry.

The vocational equivalent of A-Levels, T-Levels are a hybrid between school-based study and an apprenticeship.

Communication skills have to develop over time, they can’t be ‘revised’; what better way to hone these skills than a ‘foundation’ course involving placement in an optical practice prior to attending the full university course in either optometry or dispensing optics?

Patent granted for Eye Doctor shield

A patent has been granted for Sterileyes, an antibacterial shield on the Eye Doctor hot and cold compresses used to treat dry eye, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and blepharitis. The Sterileyes solution, said to be clinically proven to reduce bacteria by 99.9 per cent, is bound to the fibres of the fabrics in the compress.

Body Doctor managing director, Sue Grant, pictured when receiving the Queens’ Award for Innovation in 2016 with sons Adam (left) and Sam, said: “Several years ago, at great expense, we undertook the challenge of providing the safest, cleanest, and most cost-effective treatment available for patients suffering with MGD, blepharitis and dry eye disease. We are delighted that this journey has concluded with the grant of our patent to do just that.” The Eye Doctor range is available to the optical sector via Positive Impact.

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Vision Now JUNE 2021

This would be an opportunity for clinicians to inject enthusiasm and passion for their vocation into the next generation, whilst teaching them valuable clinical skills.

Whatever your thoughts about the ESR, now is the time to implement changes to the way in which we teach the profession, whilst ensuring our independent voice is heard.

Banging the drum of high clinical standards is paramount.

Patient loyalty builds practice success.

A portfolio of contact lenses and lens care solutions from a world-leading manufacturer, designed to help your practice retain more patients and improve business revenue.

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Patient loyalty builds practice success.

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 (NEG) 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, giving you the reassurance of a world-leading manufacturer. What’s more, mediflex® products are available at the same price as the CooperVision-branded equivalent.

Our research shows that private label contact lens patients are more loyal to their optician. Private label contact lenses can help drive spectacle sales and can generate greater income for your practice.

Private label contact lens products are typically subject to minimum order quantities and therefore may be out-ofreach for many small-to-medium sized practices.

Through the collective buying power of NEG, the mediflex® brand is now available exclusively to NEG members: designed to act just like a private label.

Launching mediflex® in your practice couldn’t be easier - CooperVision have worked with NEG to create a comprehensive welcome pack that includes a How-To Guide, in-practice tools, in-store promotional material, website and social media assets and patient communications; all designed to help you engage with and retain more patients, building long-term practice success.

An exclusive house brand is a fantastic and unique opportunity for NEG members. I hope you seize the moment to protect your practice, build patient loyalty and strengthen your contact lens business so you can enjoy greater long-term profit.

Doug Bairner Country Manager, UK & Ireland, CooperVision

Join one of our 30 minute introductory webinars – check the NEG website for details or contact your CooperVision Business Development Manager today.

Your exclusive mediflex® portfolio is designed to help your practice retain more patients and improve business revenue.

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Contact your CooperVision Business Development Manager today. *Exclusive within the UK&I market. mediflex® is only available to NEG members.

INDEPENDENTS DAY 2021

iDay goes back to its roots After a two-and-a-half-year hiatus, Independents Day is back on 4 July – returning to the venue and date where it all began back in 2005...

For one day only, Independents Day (iDay) will travel back to its spiritual home at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham on Sunday 4 July for iDay21. As is tradition, iDay will be supported by an iShow exhibition – enabling independent practitioners to meet up with suppliers face-to-face for the first time in a long time.

Given the government’s stated roadmap to end all Covid-19 restrictions on 21 June, the successful roll-out of the vaccination programme, and the adoption of appropriate hygiene protocols, iDay organiser Proven Track Record (PTR) is confident the first faceto-face conference of 2021 will go ahead – and be as safe as possible to attend.

“After the nightmare that was 2020, we are looking forward to getting back to some semblance of normality,” says PTR co-director, David Goad. “With the devastation the pandemic has caused business, it seems appropriate that one of the first live events of 2021 will be focused on business success, more than clinical skills.”

With a focus on the commercialisation of myopia management, delegates will hear from a stellar line-up of expert speakers – not least keynote speaker US optometrist and entrepreneur, Dr Gary Gerber. PTR managing director, Nick Atkins, explains: “We are tapping into the zeitgeist to focus on one of the most significant changes in paediatric optometry since the inception of the NHS. This will be the first meeting held in the UK dedicated to myopia progression management, and is possibly the first meeting anywhere focused on commercialising this new approach to treating myopic children.”

PRINCIPAL CAST AND CREW Keynote speaker, Dr Gary Gerber, is ‘chief myopia eradication officer’ and founder of Treehouse Eyes, a network of centres dedicated exclusively to providing myopia management services to children in the USA. He is also the founder and ‘chief dream officer’ for the Power Practice, a practice-building and consulting company

Keynote speaker, Dr Gary Gerber

Keynote speaker, Matt Oerding

iDay’s second keynote speaker is Matt Oerding, who has been “passionate about making a difference to people’s lives” since joining the industry in 2001. Matt has launched new contact lens products globally and, in 2015, co-founded Treehouse Eyes. Matt is also past board chair for the Global Myopia Awareness Coalition, a coalition of 15 companies and associations focused on driving public awareness of childhood myopia and treatment options.

As an experienced marketer, Matt will highlight the ‘dos and don’ts’ of successfully marketing myopia management in, ’How not to market myopia control’.

The supporting cast of iDay21 presenters includes respected names in UK optometry, who will share their own experience and expertise in myopia management. They are: • Nick Dash (Matrix Clinic): ‘A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: myopia matters’ • Nick Black (BBR Optometry): ‘Charging for myopia control’ • Sarah Morgan (Eye Communicate): ‘Myopia: the conversation starts here’

TARGETED PRODUCT INTERVENTIONS In addition to iDay21’s sponsors (Table 1), a number of companies will be exhibiting at

TITLE SPONSORS Sarah Morgan will talk about communications

Birmingham Optical

Visioneering Technologies HEADLINE SPONSORS

whose mission is “to help doctors power their professional and personal dreams”.

Gary is a prolific writer and speaker who has authored hundreds of articles and given more than 500 “thought-provoking and enlightening presentations”. In his keynote presentation, ‘Commercialising myopia management’, Gary will share his – and his company’s – journey over the last five years. He will look at key learnings on ‘how to’ and, equally importantly, ‘how not to’ commercialise myopia management.

Bausch + Lomb Topcon SynergEyes FOUNDATION SPONSORS Essilor National Eyecare Group Positive Impact Table 1 Vision Now JUNE 2021

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NEG SA VE * USE CO DE NEG30

£30

4 JULY 2021

Commercialising Myopia Management Independents Day is back! iDay21 will be a 1-day event and will take place at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham on Sunday 4th July. The meeting will once again be supported by the iShow exhibition.

For more details and to book visit www.independentsday.co.uk TITLE SPONSORS

HEADLINE SPONSORS ®

F O U N D AT I O N S P O N S O R S : E S S I L O R

N AT I O N A L E Y E C A R E G R O U P

* NEG members can save £30 on the price of an individual ticket to iDay21

P O S I T I V E I M PA C T

INDEPENDENTS DAY 2021 PREMIUM EXHIBITORS

EXHIBITORS

Eyeplan

Abacus Professional Finance

Hoya

Avante Garde Optical

Luneau Technologies

Avizor

Menicon

BIB Ophthalmic Instruments

Norville (20/20)

Haag-Streit

Optos

Seiko Optical UK

Scope Eyecare

Théa Pharmaceuticals Glasklar

Table 2

the iShow (Table 2). “As always, the exhibition will be integral in bringing independent supporting suppliers together with their customer base,” says Nick. “There are a number of exciting new product launches and exhibition debuts amongst this year’s sponsors and exhibitors. Linking into the theme, there will be contact lenses, spectacle lenses and equipment to support myopia management – plus a whole lot more – all under one roof.”

Serena Dunwoody, senior professional affairs associate UK and Ireland for headline sponsor, Bausch + Lomb, will deliver a workshop reviewing the composition of the tear film, and discuss its integral role in the overall health of the ocular surface. A qualified contact lens optician, Sarah will look at the effect of soft contact lens interaction with the tear film and ocular surface, and will discuss various in-practice and quantifiable methods of assessment that can help towards retaining patients safely and comfortably in their contact lenses.

Foundation sponsor, Essilor, will preview Eyezen Kids and showcase the Vision-S 700 subjective refraction station. Launching in September, Eyezen Kids lenses are designed with DualOptim technology, positioning target points for distance and near vision.

Andy Hepworth, Essilor professional relations manager, explains: “Eyezen Kids is independently tested and will make the lives of children easier by relaxing their eyes and providing great vision and blue-violet light protection.” Meanwhile, the compact design of the Vision-S 700 will save space in the practice, whilst allowing refraction to be carried out accurately in just three minutes.

summer. Find out more by visiting the Glasklar stand and talking to business development manager, Nick Bandy.

Foundation sponsor NEG will explain how the group can support practices and ease the administration burden of practice life, as well as offer great terms from the UK’s leading suppliers – all with no joining or subscription fees. The team from NEG’s IT division, Optinet, will demonstrate the latest Flex software updates, including fully integrated eGOS. As a special iShow offer, orders placed for Optinet Flex before 1 September 2021 will receive six months free plus a free data conversion. This is extended to 12 months for NEG members and those who join the group at iDay21.

Positive Impact (PI) will major on its Dry Eye Zone product portfolio and demonstrate its latest launches, including the handheld electronic lid cleaning device, NuLids, and the periocular lid hygiene solution, Purifeyes. PI will also launch the Mei-Cam, a portable infrared camera for assessing meibomian glands. There will be exclusive iShow offers available across PI’s extensive dry eye portfolio.

Title sponsor, Visioneering Technologies (VTI), is to showcase NaturalVue 1-Day Multifocal (MF) contact lenses. CE approved for both myopia control and presbyopia, the lens uses patented centre-distance optics leading to an extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) design. The NaturalVue professional services team will share data on its efficacy in reducing myopia progression. At VTI’s presentation session, Nick Dash will demystify EDOF lens designs, and share his personal successes in fitting the lens to myopic children.

Summing up, Nick Atkins says: “We are absolutely delighted to be back. The current national situation, plus our own health and hygiene protocols, makes me very confident that we can safely run the first face-to-face conference of 2021. The exhibition will be integral in bringing independent-supporting suppliers together with their customer base.

I hope NEG members can join us to meet up with friends and colleagues once again in person – and celebrate being independent.”

To view PTR’s plans to ensure delegates feel safe and comfortable attending iDay21, visit the ‘Comfort and safety’ page at www.independentsday.co.uk, where delegate registrations can also be made.

SPECIAL NEG MEMBER OFFER: SAVE £30 As part of its foundation sponsorship, NEG has negotiated a generous £30 discount on the individual ticket price for members. Use the code ‘NEG30’ when registering and the discount will be applied at checkout. As much of the programme is multidisciplinary, PTR is encouraging members to bring their practice team too. “We’re sure iDay21 will inspire and motivate your team when they get back to practice,” says Nick, “so we have a special price for group bookings of three or more delegates.”

PRICE PER PERSON Use voucher code: NEG30

Glasklar – the customer loyalty concept utilising the simple mechanic of bright and colourful refillable lens cleaning bottles – has offered a teaser about a new product launch, simply saying it’s ‘going large’ this

Leading hybrid contact lens manufacturer and headline sponsor, SynergEyes, will present its new SynergEyes iD lens. iD stands for ‘individually designed’ and builds on the successful Duette lens by using a more custom-made approach for an optimum fit. SynergEyes iD is available in single vision and the new Brien Holden Vision Institute EDOF lens design.

SynergEyes head of professional services, Phil Thompson, will detail its key features and benefits during the company’s presentation slot.

Full delegate

NEG member

Delegate fee

£159.00

£129.00

Practice team (min. three people)

£129.00

£129.00

Vision Now JUNE 2021

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IN THE CLINIC

Use OCT to help – not decide – on a referral, writes Stephen Lash

I remember when I first got my Volk lens. Suddenly I could see so much more, especially in the periphery.

And having seen what lurks out there, I was forced to make referral decisions. I think OCT [optical coherence tomography] is a bit like that. Suddenly we are seeing so much more and we are forced to make decisions. In this article, I hope to go over the decision-making process for referral. So let’s start with ‘normal’.

TREAT PATIENTS, NOT SCANS Johnson’s 2005 paper1 is key for me. How many stages of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) are there? The answer is four, and OCT will pick up on the middle two stages and cause you confusion if you are not careful. In stage one, the gel is firmly attached; in stage four, it has detached and gone from view. Stage 2 is where the gel separates from the macula around the fovea but remains attached at the centre. This can look like vitreomacular traction (VMT) but it is really just vitreomacular attachment (VMA). So how to tell the difference?

The first important point is we treat patients not scans.

Does the patient have any symptoms of distortion and/or reduced vision? If they do, it is more likely VMT. Then look at the scan; if the retina looks fine, it is more likely VMA. If there are cysts or subretinal fluid then it’s more likely VMT. VMT can be focal or broad (1500um cut off) and focal VMT is commonly associated with cystoid macular oedema (CMO) and impending macular holes. Broad VMT is associated with epiretinal membrane (ERM), diffuse retinal thickening and less commonly CMO and macular holes.

VMT can get better, however, over five years about two thirds of patients lose two lines of vision, and spontaneous resolution is somewhere between 11 per cent at 15 months in one study, and 30-57 per cent at 23 months in another.

Helpful eh? Delayed surgery results in worse outcomes. So when will we operate? For me, it comes down to the present rather than the future (which I find hard to predict).

If your patient has symptoms, I would refer – and if not, I would ask them to report back to you if symptoms start.

RELY ON THE PRESENT At the other end, full thickness macular mole (FTMH) is a little easier to manage. Patients have poor vision, distortion (usually heads are squashed on shoulders) and we know that without surgery most will progress to the top line of

the chart. With surgery, the closure rate is more than 90 per cent and there is an average gain of four lines in vision.

Importantly, we now believe small holes enlarge more quickly – and so referring in early is important.

In a lamellar hole, there are preserved photoreceptors in the outer retina and vision is often good. The foveal pit can be very irregular with excavations and yet good vision. Müller’s cone acts like the central hub of a wheel with the spokes all lined up. If it is avulsed, the pit can become rather disorganised. You can sometimes see the Müller’s cone just above the fovea embedded in the posterior hyaloid.

Finally, when this separation happens around the macular, ERM can form. ERM can be asymptomatic and nonprogressive, or progress dramatically within a month when associated with a retinal tear elsewhere – a localised form of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Then there are all those in between and, again, I rely on the present rather than trying to predict the future.

For me, the number one issue is: does distortion bother the patient? Are they bothered by reduced vision? Some have poor vision and cannot see their distortion; others have such good vision that the distortion makes binocular vision very difficult. If they are bothered, I would refer – and although most ERMs are idiopathic, it is well worth looking for a tear, especially if the history is short.

My golden rule is: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The natural history of these conditions (except FTMH) does not really help with the individual. Symptoms are key and then the OCT provides the final push to refer. Use OCT to help, not to decide. In medicine, we say there is no such thing as normal, you have just not had enough tests done yet. We are rapidly developing more and more tests...

REFERENCE 1. Johnson MW. Perifoveal vitreous detachment and its macular complications. Trans. Am. Ophthalmol. Soc. 2005; 103:537-67. PMID: 17057817; PMCID: PMC1447588.

optical coherence tomography

If it ain’t broke...

Stephen Lash BM, BSc (Hons), MCOptom, FRCOphth, MBA works part-time within the NHS and part-time as a private ophthalmic surgeon. www.stephenlasheyesurgery.com Vision Now JUNE 2021

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NEG BUSINESS CLUB

A true transformation Elliot Bateman credits Practice Building and the NEG Business Club with transforming his business, writes Robina Moss

“The biggest benefit is actually the coaching,” Elliot emphasises. “Actually having someone who’s been through it to talk to about the challenges and the problems that come up in the practice dayto-day. The marketing team has been really helpful as well. There’s been some really interesting ideas, for example, the leaflet drops we tried previously never really worked but just talking it through with Andy showed us that they needed to be professionally designed and more frequent to get patients to see us as their first port of call for eyecare.”

NEG member Elliot Bateman moved his practice, Bateman Opticians, to larger premises just before the first lockdown last year – and this year bought three more practices. He credits Practice Building and the NEG Business Club with helping him to meet the exceptional challenges of such an unprecedented year, as well as taking over his first business in 2015.

Back then, taking over the practice itself was a huge challenge. Having grown up in optics, Elliot began work at the age of 16 in an optical laboratory and then took on a Saturday job in a practice. He dreamed of bringing the renowned Bateman name back into UK optics – and the opportunity presented itself unexpectedly when one of his supervisors from Cardiff University approached him and offered to sell him Peter Hong Opticians, which had operated in Blackwood in the South Wales Valleys for 30 years.

“It had been an ambition of mine for a few years to own my own practice, having an optical background in the family, as well as being exposed to that side of things from quite a young age,” Elliot explains. “When the opportunity at Blackwood arose, the fact was I couldn’t really resist it.” However, it wasn’t as easy as Elliot had hoped. “I would say the learning curve was very steep to start with,” he says. “It was a whole new kind of world that I hadn’t been used to when I was purely in the practice testing room.

“It was challenging being a sole practitioner and owner, as well as managing the work/life balance,” Elliot continues. “The practice is like your baby. You’ve got to try to look after it and even going on holiday to start with was difficult, not thinking about the business when you’re not there.

Another major challenge was the marketing side of it, which I hadn’t really done at all.

I’m not a very arty person so that side of things was very new to me.”

Elliott Bateman, practice owner and businessman

BESPOKE COACHING AND CAMARADERIE Fortunately, Elliot enlisted the help of Practice Building through the NEG Business Club at the beginning. He now uses a number of its services, including bespoke coaching from director Andy Clark, the Practice Building Studio for marketing and point-of-sale materials, the Big M training programme for himself and his managers, as well as the database marketing system, VIPx.

The marketing plan has been carefully created for Elliot’s practices. “The vast majority of our patients are over 40,” he explains. “We get a lot of families with young children but not so many 20 to 30year-olds. It was interesting even approaching the type of patients that we have in the area, creating bespoke marketing specifically aimed at them.”

Elliot appreciates the value of the community that has grown among the Practice Building clients. “There are other people in the same position and talking with them helps. It’s been really interesting to bounce ideas off them and we share knowledge as well. It’s been very useful, particularly during the last

The practice has changed dramatically since working with Practice Building Vision Now JUNE 2021

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NEG BUSINESS CLUB even at this point. If I look back at when I started in 2015, I don’t think I would have been able to cope with 20 staff back then.”

Practice Building has been helping Elliot with the queries that come up. He explains: “Andy’s really good to talk to about those kinds of things. He can help to deal with queries from a management point of view.

Rather than telling you what to do, he works you through the problem and helps you come up with the plan yourself, which I find really helpful. It’s a little voice in your head and you’re kind of bouncing back and forth.”

FOCUSING ON THE FUTURE

Elliott has taken on board new approaches to marketing

12 months. There’s been a real kind of camaraderie. Just sort of bouncing ideas off each other has been great.”

Bateman Opticians has changed dramatically since Elliot began working with Practice Building, and his business moved into larger premises in February last year. The Practice Building Studio team worked with Elliot to identify the ideal customer journey and created bespoke graphics for the practice windows and internal lightboxes.

“There’s no comparison now to what the practice was,” Elliot reflects. “It’s much more modern and we are more focused on giving excellent customer service than we were, even though it was decent when we started. The practice has become much better at telling people about our services.

Previously we would rely on word of mouth like a lot of practices but now we’re actively marketing to our patients. I would say that’s been the biggest change.”

one practice now I’ve got four, so it’s been a big change – as has the move from being a clinician to being a business owner, leader and manager. Naturally as an optometrist you train to be that, and you tend to think that you’ll be doing that throughout your career.

“I still enjoy optometry, but I enjoy the other parts of running a business too, being able to build the practice the way you want it to be, the kind of practice your family would be proud to come to. That’s been as enjoyable as the clinical side,” he emphasises.

The business now has 20 staff. “This is the most demanding aspect of running a business because you’ve got so many different characters, and all doing contrasting types of work as well. It’s something that I’m still learning about,

As well as the business developing, Elliot believes he has grown as a businessman thanks to the Big M Programme. “I feel like I’m much better at management than I was, particularly as I was thrown in at the deep end at the start,” he says. “I feel like I’m more ambitious than before I started too.”

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Vision Now JUNE 2021

“The irony is that the work/life balance is better because I’ve got more people who can actually cover the testing side for me when I’m on holiday for instance. I don’t have to be the person who is wearing so many hats: leader, manager, clinician.

Someone else can wear one.”

One aspect of Practice Building that the business is yet to fully capitalise on is VIPx database marketing. “I don’t feel like we’ve made the most out of it yet with all the lockdowns going on,” Elliot reflects. “It’s a way of encouraging patients to come back in more frequently than they would have done otherwise, upgrade their eyecare and purchase additional pairs of glasses.

“I thought VIPx was a brilliant idea when I heard about it but couldn’t have done it without Andy and the Practice Building team. Everything from the marketing, the guidance, the systems and the back-office platform were provided to us. All I need to bring is the motivation.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

With growing confidence and increasing ambition, at the start of this year Elliot acquired three RN Roberts Optometrists practices in Cardiff and Newport, with plans to grow the Bateman presence even further in South Wales. “I started with the

Elliot is now planning to focus on the four practices, eventually rebranding the three new additions with detailed guidance from the studio team. He is also thinking of maybe buying at least one more in the future. “I would like to concentrate more on the four practices, and I’d like to get at least one or more practices but I’m taking it quite slowly. From one to four is quite a big step,” he says.

Focusing on the future with support from Practice Building

“As a population we have the least number of spectacles in Europe, and it costs less to market to your existing database than it does to try to bring new patients in. I feel this is something that will pay a lot of dividends for us in the future, with the welcome support from Practice Building,” Elliot concludes.

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STYLE SPOTLIGHT

SPOTLIGHT ON

VISIONARY CHARITIES

Lasana Lahun and Ismail Kanneh, optometry technicians

By Joan Grady

“No man is an island,” wrote 17th century British poet, John Donne, and this perception has rarely been more apparent (and tested) than with the Covid-19 pandemic. The critical necessity for the world to interconnect and pull together joint resources to eradicate a deadly threat can bring out the best in all of us. For eyewear charities and spectacle brands, the pandemic altered many of their goals, but also provided the impetus for new ideas and objectives.

A crucial funding deficit was created with the cancellation of numerous fundraising events, such as marathons, cycling and golfing competitions, books and art sales. The need for medical services, testing and supplying spectacles to low income countries was more in demand than ever. The services provided by eyecare charities and brand support to charitable organisations enthusiastically moved forward.

Anne Buglass, VAO director of programmes, with Patricia Tarawally, optical technician, and Alfred Yambasu, Sierra Leone country director

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Vision Now JUNE 2021

VISIONS FOR VILLAGES IN SIERRA LEONE In the forefront is Vision Aid Overseas (VAO). Founded in the UK in 1985, VAO has established impressive, caring programmes in countries that acutely need eyecare health services. During the pandemic, Nicola Chevis, the charity’s chief executive officer, and her formidable team, embraced the compelling challenges and continued to work safely and effectively during the year.

“VAO has worked tirelessly throughout the last year supporting our country programmes in Africa,” reports Nicola, “and despite some periods where local lockdown halted programme activities, through the provision of PPE and other measures, vision centres in district hospitals and communities were able to continue working safely for much of the year.”

Nicola reports that at the moment, Sierra Leone needs the most support as the country is ranked 182 out of 189 on the UN’s Human Development Index (HDI), making it one of the poorest countries in the world.

Current, life expectancy is just 54 years – and more than 60 per cent of Sierra Leoneans live on less than 90 pence per day.

Among the most exciting programmes undertaken by VAO is Vision for a Village – the charity’s solution for the unmet need for eyecare in Sierra Leone’s remote rural areas. There are an insufficient number of trained professionals at primary level to conduct quick and simple eye screening to identify basic eye conditions. Those who are on the scene work with dedication and diligence. VAO also works with local governments to train more healthcare professionals at the community level in eye health, and provide school-based eyecare for teachers and students.

With glasses, Momoh can now read books

Trained optometry technicians, Lansana and Ismail, are keen to help the 80 per cent of people in their area, the Kailahun district of eastern Sierra Leone, who are unable to travel to them for necessary eyecare. Poor roads, poverty, expensive transport and long distances mean many rural communities cannot access the eyecare they need.

The Vision for a Village appeal will provide transport, fuel and portable eyecare equipment to help the professionals visit the communities that need them most.

Funds will also be used to raise awareness about the need for glasses, and the services

Alhaj and Waita with their new sunglasses

STYLE SPOTLIGHT

Patricia Tarawally, optical technician at the Kenema Government Hospital Vision Centre

available. VAO aims to screen 192,000 people in two years, across four districts in Sierra Leone.

GOOD EYESIGHT, EDUCATION AND WORK Lansana and Ismail continually witness the need for eyecare in their district and say: “We are worried that these are some of the poorest people in the world, but also the most in need of eye tests and glasses. With poor eyesight you can’t educate yourself or get a job, so you are destined to remain poor for the rest of your life.

“Unless we reach these people, they will not receive the glasses they so desperately need to give them the chance to escape their poverty, or they may lose their eyesight from eye diseases that go undetected. The poorest people can’t come to us, but we can go to them. We use motorbikes as transport, and portable optical equipment for eye testing. This way we reach thousands of people and make a difference.”

LGR partners with Africa’s AMREF Flying Doctors

Closer to home, here in the UK, people can support VAO’s Vision for a Village programme by taking part in the London Marathon. There is also the chance to take part in a virtual run on 3 October. More information on how to support VAO is available at www.visionaidoverseas.org

LGR FOR AMREF FLYING DOCTORS Eyewear and Africa are intertwined in all of Luca Gnecchi Ruscone’s (LGR) designs, his boutiques and charitable endeavours. Time spent in Africa in his grandfather’s optical shop instilled in Ruscone a passion for spectacles, along with an innate love for the African continent. As the country means so much to him, the company has partnered with AMREF Flying Doctors for several years, and has announced the latest edition of sunglasses to support charitable evacuations in East Africa Ruscone explains his involvement: “The origins of LGR are deeply rooted in Africa, which is why I wanted to produce the Special Edition ‘LGR for AMREF Flying Doctors’. A percentage of revenues from sales will therefore be donated to the Charitable Evacuations Programme run by AMREF Flying Doctors. My hope is that in this way, LGR can make its own contribution and this, along with other projects, is our way of giving back to the African continent, which has played such an important role as the source of inspiration behind the brand.”

Sukveer Orjela participating in the 2019 London Marathon

The pilots who risk their lives every day, transporting extremely ill people in flight missions across Africa, require eyewear with total comfort, and lenses that are equipped to cope with the strong, powerful African sun and glare in the country’s beautiful

skies. Ruscone creates the sunspecs based on the needs of the pilots, and incorporates ideas and suggestions received from the pilots to ensure that frames meet the requirements for safe flying.

AMREF Flying Doctors was established in 1957 and in 2011, it became an independent non-profit company providing professional air ambulance services across the continent.

Its quest is to support remote and disadvantaged communities offering aeromedical attention, which otherwise may not survive.

In 2020 with the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, AMREF Flying Doctors has maintained a frontline position helping with East Africa’s response, exercising the highest levels of professionalism while deploying the necessary safety measures at all times in the best interests of patients and the communities.

The precious gift of better eyesight is provided by independent opticians every day to their patients. The remarkable programmes administered by charities epitomise the solidarity of global interconnectivity, and culminates in what can be accomplished when we all work together.

The Dahlak by LGR for AMREF Flying Doctors Vision Now JUNE 2021

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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

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

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

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

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CENTROSTYLE

DUNELM OPTICAL Tel: 01388 420420 Fax: 01388 810101

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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

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BARCLAYCARD

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

EYESPACE

Tel: 0845 330 0984 Fax: 0845 330 0977

CONTINENTAL EYEWEAR

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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

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Tel: 01438 740823

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SO CLOSE YOU CAN ALMOST SEE IT

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Vision Now JUNE 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

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

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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 JUNE 2021

31

Introducing My Lens Life… …the contact lens patient retention programme from CooperVision, designed to help reduce drop out and support remote patient care.

Starter pack

Email template

Welcome pack

Email template

Step 2

Step 1

Step 3

Information booklet

Series of follow-up emails

mylenslife.uk If we can give step-by-step support to new contact lens wearers, we can help reduce contact lens drop out - allowing new wearers to enjoy the freedom provided by contact lenses and live their lens life to the full.

My Lens Life is a category programme that provides patient communication tools at every step of the contact lens journey, for all your contact lens patients, regardless of the lenses they are wearing.

To find out more please contact your CooperVision Business Development Manager.

coopervision.co.uk/mylenslife