Vision Now March 2020

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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

NEG conference dates set ABDO VP announced Eyespace launches eco eyewear Joint action on HES pressures AOP calls for apprenticeships halt

13 An independent view Apprenticeships concerns

15 Developing thoughts Putting profit first

21 Company profile 50 years of innovation

23 Optrafair 20/20 Vim and vigour at Optrafair 20/20

27 Management training Training for tomorrow

28 Style spotlight Signature style in sunglasses

30 Suppliers’ directory

Editor’s comment Last month, the General Optical Council released its long-awaited guidance on disclosing confidential information about patients, including where they may not be fit to drive. It comes partly on the back of GOC-commissioned Vision and Driving research, which showed that 72 per cent of registrants would not feel comfortable informing the DVLA (or DVA) if the patient could not, or would not, do it themselves.

The guidance stops short of making it mandatory for optometrists to immediately report patients to the DVLA if they are unfit to drive because, states the GOC, an automatic reporting system could deter people from having a sight test and harm patient/practitioner relationships. The guidance does, however, make clear that there are certain circumstances in which the practitioner will have a professional obligation to override confidentiality in the public interest.

Read the guidance in full at www.standards.optical.org It is incumbent upon the practice manager/owner to ensure that all practice staff are aware of, and adhere to, GOC standards of practice. But could your manager – and thereby your business – benefit from more formal management and leadership training (MLT)? Highlighted in this issue, ABDO’s new MLT course, running in partnership with the Chartered Management Institute, could help improve staff retention as well as develop your future business manager.

Elsewhere in this issue, read our final Optrafair preview as we head to the NEC for the last time, learn about the family heritage of Stepper Eyewear as it celebrates its 50th anniversary, and get inspired for summer in our stunning sunglasses spotlight. You never know, it may actually stop raining one day...

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 © 2020 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 P&P Litho Ltd, Ashford, Middlesex TW15 1AB

Vision Now MARCH 2020

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NEWS 1

NEG

Conference dates set

The 2020 NEG Building for Success conference will be held on Sunday 28 and Monday 29 June at the DeVere Staverton Estate, near Daventry in Northamptonshire. The theme is ’Attract, retain and grow’ with the concept of helping members attract new patients, retain their current patients and grow the value of each patient. The conference will be a mix of CET workshops, business lectures and the exhibition of the UK’s leading suppliers.

Already confirmed as Title Sponsor is Heidelberg Engineering, with Bausch & Lomb, Menicon and Stepper as Headline Sponsors.

Phil Mullins, NEG operations director, said: “All three companies have a great track record in supporting the independent sector and have been long-standing partners with NEG. It’s great to have such fantastic support from the country’s leading suppliers and we look forward to working with them – and Title Sponsor Heidelberg Engineering – to make a truly great event.”

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De Rigo

The new spring/summer 2020 Police x Lewis Hamilton collection plays with opposites by mixing slender metal models with thicker bio-acetate styles. There is an extensive choice of clip-ons and photochromic lenses, with styles featuring patterns, slender lines and the Lewis Hamilton Panther logo. There are four sunglass and three prescription models in total, each accompanied by a personalised gold velvet case.

Our photograph shows Hamilton modelling the best-selling Lewis 07 mask. There are four new colour variants for this style; the soft rubber frame and nose pads guarantee comfort as well as the perfect fit. The metal structure is spotlighted by the decorative elements on the sides and front bar, while the lenses are personalised with the Lewis Hamilton Panther and Police logos. The tips are made from hypoallergenic titanium.

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Man behind the mask

Mido has escalated in the past few days and the relative precautions adopted by the Italian government,” said Mido president, Giovanni Vitaloni, “we have worked non-stop…to be able to define the new dates, carefully chosen to meet the needs of the sector.

As Vision Now went to press, the new dates for Mido were announced as 5-7 July. “After the decision to postpone Mido, the wisdom of which we are ever more convinced of after seeing how the [Covid-19] emergency

“The new date will allow the brands to present the new collections in preview, as it always happens in February at Mido, and to meet with buyers that arrive from all around the globe, in order to understand the coming season’s trends,” added Giovanni. In the meantime a new B2B digital platform, www.Mido4U.com, will showcase the products of exhibitors until 3 July. Find the latest updates at www.mido.com

“You will hear from independent opticians Clive Marchant and John Stevenson about their experiences. Dominic Watson will run a session covering different routes to becoming an independent optician, and Susan Marshall will talk about routes to financing your business. In small groups, you will then have time visiting each participating organisation for an overview of how they can offer support,” added Nick.

Find out more and book at www.abdo.org.uk/events

Talk with the experts

New summer dates announced

ABDO

NEG is once again supporting the Association of British Dispensing Opticians’ (ABDO) Become an Independent Optician twilight session to be held at the ABDO National Resource Centre in Birmingham on 13 May (3-7.45pm). “At this informative event you will have chance to hear from, and speak with, independent opticians as well as organisations and businesses that support the independent optician sector,” said ABDO sector skills development officer, Nick Walsh.

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Vision Now MARCH 2020

A clear purpose, a shared vision – the future of optical care

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Dr Pearse Keane AI in the future of optics

Professor Sunil Shah Watch this procedure as it is live streamed directly into Optrafair, followed by a Q&A

OPTICAL QUESTION TIME Doug Perkins, Imran Hakim, Professor Nick Rumney, Dr Scott Mackie, Lynne Fernandes & Sarah Morgan A lively political debate on the NHS, education, the environment, the marketplace and the future

DRY EYE TECH LIVE Professor James Wolffsohn, Professor Nick Rumney & Dr Trusit Dave Demonstrations of cutting-edge dry eye kit

THE PRESIDENTS’ ADDRESS

AN AUDIENCE WITH JONES & MORGAN

RCO, College of Optometrists, ABDO, BCLA and LOCSU What are the main priorities for the profession in improving eyecare for the public?

Professor Lyndon Jones and Professor Philip Morgan Hear the latest updates in contact lens practice from these two specialists

Plus!

NHS

Audiology

Hear directly from the NHS on how to get the best from the recent changes

‘How to Guide’ from The Hearing Care Partnership

Environmental Sustainability in Optics The Conway Discussion

New!

Ophthalmology Theatre Hear from the those at the cutting edge

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Business Success Theatre Get ahead of the game in business New!

Profs’ Corner

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NEWS 5

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Stepper

ABDO

Saskia wears model STS-93008 F053

Sun lovers and Stepper fans can now enjoy the best of both worlds with sun variants of the funky StepperS collection complete with Zeiss lenses. “There are differing levels of sun protection depending on your patients’ needs, as the collection comes with a range of lens options to suit,” commented Saskia Stepper, the creative force behind this collection. “From fashion ‘cocktail’ tints to ‘strong sunshine’ suitability, patients can choose the look and lenses that work best for them.”

There are a wide variety of designs to select from – some fun and others with modern takes on classic sunglass shapes – all designed to be very wearable styles, suiting many face shapes and skin tones. “It’s the StepperS DNA,” explained Saskia. “Our heritage is easy to wear ophthalmic frames – it’s second nature.” The StepperS Sun collection is available in 16 variations of models, colours and lenses.

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BCLA

Daryl Newsome

Daryl Newsome will assume vice presidency of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) at the Association’s gala dinner on Sunday 5 April at the Hilton Metropole Birmingham. The dinner will also see Jo Holmes becomes president as Clive Marchant steps down after two years in the role. Daryl is a partner in Newsome Opticians in Devon, a practical and theory examiner for ABDO, and a practical tutor preparing undergraduate students for their professional examinations.

He said: “I am very pleased to be elected by our board of directors to become vice president as Jo Holmes becomes president.

It is both an honour and a privilege. I have worked with Jo on ABDO’s National Clinical Committee since its creation and I know we can work harmoniously and synergistically.

I look forward to supporting what looks to be a very exciting presidency.”

Resorts World to host conference

The British Contact Lens Association’s (BCLA) UK conference in June will be broadcast live online for those unable to attend in person via a dedicated microsite. Bring held at the Vox at Resorts World, Birmingham, on Sunday 14 June, BCLA UK will combine lectures and hands-on workshops, with a compere introducing the live-streaming and online viewers.

BCLA president, Jonathon Bench, said: “The key focus of the event will be on promoting best practice to maximise success with modern contact lenses, including confidence with specialty contact lens practice to include myopia management and management of dry eye disease.

We are excited to welcome a ‘virtual audience’ to BCLA UK and the live-streaming element will add a whole new dimension to the event.” For more information, visit www.bcla.org.uk

Jo Holmes added: “I’d like to congratulate Daryl Newsome on his appointment as vice president to the board. We have an exciting and varied time ahead over the next two years, and I’m sure we will all work successfully together as a board to address the challenges ahead.” * ABDO recently achieved the Youth Friendly Employer mark, showing an employer is invested in recruiting and supporting young people.

Vision Now MARCH 2020

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www.policelifestyle.com

NEWS 8

Silhouette

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Eye Health UK

The dates for this year’s National Eye Health Week (NEHW) are 21-27 September and, once again, the aim will be to focus on raising awareness of eye health care and sight loss prevention. David Cartwright, chair of Eye Health UK, the charity that runs the Week, said: “We hope to encourage everyone with an interest in vision and eye health to come together this September to promote engaging eye health messages and create a public health campaign that has a positive and tangible impact on the nation’s eye health.”

Highlights from NEHW 2019 included an online vision simulator giving people a glimpse of what it’s like to live with four common causes of sight loss, a media relations campaign that generated 218 million opportunities to see positive eye health messages, a social conversation with a reach in excessive of 66 million, and the Big Blink initiative to improve eye health in the workplace. Join the NEHW supporter mailing list by emailing info@visionmatters.org.uk

10 Eyespace

Accent Shades 8719 (him) and 8174 (her)

Silhouette has unveiled its Sun 20 collection, combining lightweight design with comfort and total protection in six styles and debut colourways. The new collection extends Silhouette’s popular Accent Shades range – coupling protective sun lenses with statement design for a distinctive and eye-catching look.

A modern take on Silhouette’s popular aviator sunglasses, the Titan Breeze has also been added to the Sun 20 range to refresh a traditional staple. Finally, the Titan Accent Shades has been introduced to revive 70s glamour with captivating outer rings in individual shapes and a number of brand new colourways.

Silhouette’s Sun 20 sunglasses collections are available under the brand’s Light Management programme, available on both prescription and non-prescription frames across brown, grey and green lenses.

New Eco Conscious frames

Eyespace has added a sustainable eyewear collection to its portfolio. The Eco Conscious collection comprises of 18 styles designed in bio-based acetate. A completely renewable and sustainable alternative to regular acetate, bio-based acetate is non-toxic and retains the premium colours and textures of standard acetates. Featuring bespoke pin detailing, laser etched core wires and a customised hinge, all Eco Conscious frames have a custom leaf-inspired logo, subtly placed within the tip plates.

As part of Eyespace’s ‘planet pledge’, the company has invested in plastic-free packaging, with product provided from manufacturer to patient in FSC certified protective cardboard pouches, which are fully recyclable and biodegradable. Practices will receive POS materials which are carbon-offset and exclusively made of FSC certified cardboard. Finally, Eyespace has partnered with the charity One Tree Planted, a non-profit organisation dedicated to helping reforestation, and for every frame purchased has committed to plant trees with an initial target of 10,000.

11 General Optical Council Recent action taken by the General Optical Council (GOC) saw the withdrawal of multifocal reading glasses from Lidl stores across the UK. The supermarket chain pulled the glasses from shelves following concerns raised by registrants and contact from the GOC. Kiran Gill, GOC head of legal, said: “We are pleased that Lidl UK has

stopped selling multifocal spectacles. After we contacted them, they promptly issued notices to all of their stores, and they have now removed these spectacles from sale.

“Tackling illegal optical practice is an important part of our work to protect the public, and we work collaboratively where

we can with other organisations. Our collaboration with Lidl has highlighted the importance of reaching out to larger organisations to clarify our role and remit.

We encourage anyone with concerns about the illegal selling of contact lenses or spectacles to contact us so that we can investigate and take appropriate action.”

Vision Now MARCH 2020

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NEWS 12 Charmant

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Association of Optometrists

The Association of Optometrists (AOP), College of Optometrists and Royal College of Ophthalmologists have issued a statement outlining steps to tackle increasing pressure on hospital eye departments in England. Calling on NHS England leaders, the optical bodies are urging that new models of eyecare with adequate funding are introduced in a bid to protect patients from failings that pose a risk to sight.

Esprit sun ET17988 577 in purple

The newly-released Esprit sunglass collection features metallic models with eye-catching temples and inventive bridge compositions combined with glassy acetate profiles and material mixes. Shapes run the gamut from soft oval and panto forms to more edgy angular expressions. Esprit’s heritage is on display in colour selection and execution with tones surging from deep olives and rich Havanas to light blues and blushing roses.

From glamorous lens gradients and crisp translucencies, there’s something for every sunny day. Model ET17988 (pictured) is a unisex aviator-inspired style that evokes a luxe feel through a creative material mix of ultra-thin metal and TR90, bestowing rich depth and an opulent Mediterranean character.

13 Dunelm Optical Dunelm Optical will be at Optrafair 2020 with its extensive range of frames, lenses and cases, including its new 2020 collection mixing contemporary and classic designs, creative colours and original styles across every range. The team will be on hand to share their professional knowledge and eyewear collections, together with a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Oliver Beaumont, CEO for Dunelm Optical, said: “Optrafair is a great opportunity to present new frame collections, feature lenses, impart our expertise and knowledge

15 100% Optical Media 10 heralded 100% Optical 2020 in January as the “most vibrant 100% Optical ever” with a total of 9,570 attendees across the three-day show in London. Nathan Garnett, event director, commented: “There was a continuous buzz of activity in every sector area across all three days and the show looked and felt like it had cemented its position in the international calendar. It’s rewarding to see the industry unite and have

Paul Costelloe model 5243

with new clients and welcome back loyal customers too. It is an exciting opportunity to showcase our products and assist customers with any information they require to help enhance their business.”

The call follows recent findings from the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) and the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Ophthalmology report, which highlighted serious inadequacies in eye healthcare and an urgent need for change.

Under existing services, as many as 22 patients a month across the UK suffer severe or permanent sight loss because their follow-up appointments and treatment in hospital do not take place quickly enough.

AOP clinical director, Dr Peter Hampson, said: “Under the current system, things are simply not working. We’re regularly hearing stories of patients that are suffering as they live with unnecessary sight loss. National recommendations were made on the referrals process for conditions like glaucoma over a decade ago and yet people continue to experience the same systemic failings. We believe it’s time to see a change. Making full use of the skills of other professionals, such as optometrists, could release time for ophthalmologists to manage cases where the patient has more complex needs.” Read the statement in full on the AOP website.

fun, whilst gaining the tools and knowledge to further their career and business.

“Visitor numbers have increased and suppliers have backed us again for 2021 with the biggest ever on site rebook. Next year’s dates of 23 to 25 January are already confirmed; we are listening to feedback and starting to plan again for next year.”

Ian Beasley, head of education and OT clinical editor, added: “The AOP-led education at 100% Optical this year was the

“Most vibrant ever”

most comprehensive in the show’s history with nearly 150 sessions on offer.”

Vision Now MARCH 2020

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NEWS 16 Association of Optometrists The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is calling for a halt on the current proposal for optometry degree apprenticeships until the profession’s “serious concerns are addressed”.

Skills for Health recently released a Q&A document saying the trailblazer group would continue work on the proposal. The AOP contacted the group, Skills for Health and the Institute for Strong concerns about Apprenticeships in late patient safety January – arguing that development should stop until strong concerns over patient safety and confidence in the profession, raised by many in the sector, are fully addressed.

AOP clinical director, Dr Peter Hampson, said: “We continue to be deeply concerned over the optometry apprenticeship proposal. We are even more concerned that those involved in its development seem to be ploughing on without properly addressing the issues that are being raised by many optometrists. There are a range of reasons to oppose the current proposal but above all the risk it poses to patient safety and confidence remains key – we’re very disappointed that these concerns have been met with silence.” The AOP is working with other stakeholders, including current education providers, to explore the key issues around student supervision and quality assurance.

17 Vision UK Seventeen organisations have so far joined Vision UK on its 2020: Year of Vision campaign. They include the Association of British Campaign support sought Dispensing Opticians, the British and Irish Orthoptic Society, the College of Optometrists, the European Coalition for Vision, Fight for Sight, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers.

Matt Broom, CEO of Vision UK, said: “I am delighted to welcome all organisations to the 2020: Year of Vision campaign. We will build on the spirit of collaboration that has already been achieved in the UK across the eye health and sight loss sectors to really highlight the importance of good eye health and an inclusive society.

AN INDEPENDENT VIEW Apprenticeships concerns The clear majority of AIO members oppose the introduction of apprenticeships in optometry and the Association is therefore working with a number of other organisations taking a similar stance. At the minimum, the work of the Trailblazer Group must be suspended until the concerns of the profession have been properly considered. Further, if the concerns cannot be addressed the scheme should be abandoned.

There are many reasons why what might appear on paper as a positive step to open up the profession to a new cadre of people, does not make sense for optometrists generally and independents in particular. Whilst there are those who suggest at a high level the introduction of apprenticeships would be ‘dumbing down’ the profession, the GOC would be legally required that it does not do so. But there are some rather more practical issues that cause real concern for independents.

First of all, optician practices are, perhaps with the exception of pharmacies, the only places where clinical and retail activity come together. There are real questions about how the development of clinicians can be consistently applied in such an environment, particularly where there is a strong commercial emphasis. Indeed, the pharmacist profession through its representative bodies the PDA and the GHP, is also resisting the introduction of apprenticeships for much the same reason.

There are other important practical issues. Optometrists generally have not been trained to supervise students and indeed train others in the clinical disciplines of optometry.

Supervising apprentices is a very different proposition to supervising pre-reg students. Further, in independent practice, the issue of effective supervision is compounded by the practical aspects of limited time, and often space, to do so. An additional concern is how to ensure that an apprentice is undertaking sufficient off-the-job clinical learning, and who is responsible for monitoring this.

There is, of course, a monetary motivation for larger organisations that pay into the apprenticeship levy to get something back for it. However, such motivation must not be allowed to take primacy over the clinical imperative, and certainly not such that it marginalises independent practice.

“We are asking Vision UK members and associates to use 2020: The Year of Vision as a working strapline in association with their campaigns and events. We would like organisations to recognise the importance of eye health and sight loss and sign up to create a cohesive and year-long, message to policy makers, professionals, service users and the public that eye health and sight loss are important issues to both consider and act upon in 2020 and beyond.” Read more about the campaign at www.visionuk.org.uk Vision Now MARCH 2020

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PRACTICE MATTERS

Developing thoughts It’s not the cream on the top, it’s the total pot that counts, writes Phil Mullins

Putting profit first I don’t know how it works in your business but certainly when I was in practice there was always a bit of a buzz when you carried out a really good dispense. You know the sort – a nice £2-3,000 dispense or when someone has ordered five pairs of specs.

When I was working as a manager with Seiko Optical, we even supplied one practice with 52 pairs of lenses for the same patient.

I’m sure there were celebrations that day.

We all have those individual occasions. You might even monitor average dispensing values or look to hold brands that demand a high price, but this really is only part of the story. However, there are two additional elements that you really ought to consider to get the full picture. I was always taught that ‘turnover is vanity, profit is sanity’. That is to say, it doesn’t really matter how much you put in the top of your account’s equation, all that matters is the number on the bottom line: the profit.

This doesn’t mean that you times every cost price by 10 and charge high prices for everything, because you won’t sell anything and that won’t do your business any good. What you do have to look at is what you make from any given line. You may have a brand that has a high-ticket price. It might even bring good profit per item. But if you only sell one every three months, it adds very little to the bottom line. A product that you’re selling five times a day may bring less per unit, but as a product line it brings you in far more.

Therefore, you need to balance between the profit per unit and the profit per line.

Do you know which frames you sell the most of? Which collections bring you the most money? How long frames take to sell through? These are all points that affect what you might be making at the end of the day. Have a real hard look at what you’re selling. It might surprise you – and if

it does show that you have some ranges selling better than others, give them more space to sell even more.

On a slightly different point, if you sell a frame why not replace it? If it sold once, the chances are it will sell again. Even better, work with your suppliers to decide on a stock range and then instead of selling from stock, always reorder for that patient.

Or even better, how about a glazed package? This will speed up delivery and reduce postage costs; it also means you will always have your top selling frames in stock. You just need to work with suppliers to make sure you’re never left with nonsellers or discontinued items.

consider what a patient might be worth in total. A patient buying one pair of spectacles every two years may bring you £200 or £300 in profit, but someone who has contact lenses has the aftercare fee, and a few pounds from the lenses.

ICING ON THE CAKE

Let’s face it, you can’t sell the lenses themselves for much more than cost, but add in dry eye drops, possibly a pair of sunglasses and a half decent pair of spectacles and you have a two-year profit higher than the single dispense. Plus, you could get them to pay by direct debit, which then levels out your cash flow and increases your profit. Many practices who use direct debits will have their basic costs covered before they even open their door. So selling spectacles becomes the icing on the cake.

The second point is around how much an individual patient is worth. Over the years, I have heard so many practices say they don’t really promote contact lenses as they don’t make much money; or there’s no point in selling supplements as the margins are small and patients can get them cheaper elsewhere. But this doesn’t

You may have noticed I haven’t said anything about professional fee levels, discounting products or giving things away.

Creating good profit is about selling what sells, selling often to your current patients and, where possible, making it easy to spend with you.

‘Turnover is vanity, profit is sanity’ Vision Now MARCH 2020

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Consistently clear and stable vision6,12 • Blink-inspired, prism-free, evolved peri-ballast design for consistently clear and stable vision 6,12 • Spherical aberration control in both axes for sharp vision and a reduction in halos and glare6,16 • Minimal rotation and easy to fit 6 o ECPs reported 97% patients had rotation of 10 or less at dispensing

Biotrue® ONEday For Presbyopia Contact Lens Precision Optics, Seamless Vision, Near, Far and In-between5,13,14 • 3-Zone Progressive Design™ Centre-near aspheric optics • Stable, seamless, precise, simple5,13,14 • Easy to fit first time13

References 1. Bausch + Lomb, 2012. A clinical evaluation of Biotrue® ONEday compared to 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST®, 1-DAY ACUVUE® TruEye® and DAILIES® AquaComfort PLUS® dehydration data preliminary results and claims support (ROC2-11-63). Rochester. 2. ACLM, 2018. The Association of Contact Lens Manufacturers Contact Lens Year Book. 3. Bausch + Lomb, 2012. A study to evaluate the product performance of a daily disposable soft contact lens (#700). Rochester. 4. Schafer, J., Steffen, R., Reindel, W., et al., 2015. Evaluation of surface water characteristics of novel daily disposable contact lens materials, using refractive index shifts after wear. Clinical Ophthalmology, 9, pp. 1973-1979. 5. Bausch + Lomb, 2013. A study to evaluate the product performance of an investigational multi-focal soft contact lens (#814). Rochester. 6. Bausch + Lomb, 2016. A study to evaluate product performance of two designs of soft toric lenses (#828:15-003). Rochester.

7. Montani, G., Giuffrida, S. and Carla, F., 2016. Effects of three different daily disposable contact lenses on pre lens tear film. Poster Presentation. [Tear Film & Ocular Surface (TFOS) Conference Program & Abstract Book]. 8. Bron, A.J., Tiffany, J.M., Gouveia, S.M., Yokoi, N., Voon, L.W., 2003. Functional Aspects of the Tear Film Lipid Layer. Experimental Eye Research, 78 (2004), pp.347360. 9. Barr, J.,Donnelly, C., Rah, M..J. Measuring Oxygen Transmissibility: How Much is Enough for Healthy Contact Lens Wear? 10. Bausch + Lomb, 2011. Hypergel Surface Characterisation Memo. Rochester. 11. Bausch + Lomb, 2012. Bausch + Lomb nesofilcon A contact lens (#510(k) Summary). Rochester. 12. Bausch and Lomb, 2016. Biotrue® ONEday for Astigmatism (nesofilcon A Toric) Design Description.(#LDR165005A). Rochester. 13. Bausch + Lomb, 2013. Perceptions of Bausch + Lomb PureVision® 2 for Presbyopia (#815). 14. Vogt, A.K.S., Hovinga, K.R. Consistency of Multifocal Contact Lens Design. Poster Presentation. 15. Lee, R.H., 2013. Verification of aspheric optics on Biotrue® ONEday SVS (nesofilcon A) lenses (#LDR137006). Rochester.

16. Duggan, P., 2016. Spherical Aberration Level Comparison of Competing Daily Disposable Toric Lenses Across the SKU Range. (# WRD-16-050R). 17. ACLM, 2019. The Association of Contact Lens Manufacturers Contact Lens Year Book. 18. Based on a comparison of manufacturer-provided parameter ranges September 16th 2019. + WARNING: UV-absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for protective UV-absorbing eyewear, such as UV-absorbing goggles or sunglasses, because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area.

The effectiveness of wearing UV-absorbing contact lenses in preventing or reducing the incidence of ocular disorders associated with exposure to UV light has not been established at this time. You should continue to use UVabsorbing eyewear as directed. NOTE: Long-term exposure to UV radiation is one of the risk factors associated with cataracts. Exposure is based on a number of factors such as environmental conditions (altitude, geography, cloud cover) and personal factors (extent and nature of outdoor activities). UV-blocking contact lenses help provide protection against harmful UV radiation. However, clinical studies have not been done to demonstrate that wearing UV-blocking contact lenses reduces the risk of developing cataracts or other eye disorders.

Note: The effectiveness of wearing UV-absorbing contact lenses in preventing or reducing the incidence of ocular disorders associated with exposure to UV-light has not been established at this time.

Biotrue, Surface Active Technology and 3 Zone Progressive Design and PureVision are trademarks of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates.

All other product/brand names and/or logos are trademarks of their respective owners. ©2020 Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates.

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would be to double its revenue in the next five years in spite of great competition.

for independent opticians Based in Graz, Austria, the Michael Pachleitner Group (MPG) has its sights set on the whole world. The well-established Austrian full-service provider in the optical industry already delivers its products to numerous countries.

Now, it directs its focus on Great Britain, to support independent opticians with their challenges in the market.

It all started in the year 1984, when a very young Michael Pachleitner took over his father’s company. The company, not yet profitable and newly established, was steered by its successor with passion and drive.

Mr. Pachleitner asserted himself with every step, bounded towards a flourishing future, fulfilling his success story 35 years later. Now MPG has turned into a mogul in the optical industry employing more than 1200 people. MPG’s newest challenge

Today Michael Pachleitner, CEO aims even higher: MPG’s motto is “a committed team to make our customers more successful.” This maxim also fuels the company’s entry into Great Britain. In the words of Mr. Pachleitner, “…besides our own success, we primarily want our customers to strive, too, for we have not forgotten who has brought us here. Now, we want to support independent British opticians to withstand the pressure of the big chains and survive in today’s market...”

MPG’s portfolio comprises of approximately a dozen brand of frames, which are exported to more than 70 countries from the central warehouse in the Czech Republic. Four of these brands will be sold through selected British opticians in the future; the elegant Daniel Hechter licensed brand that exudes Parisian chic, the colourful kiotonakamura aimed at cosmopolitan women, the classically elegant Ruud van Dyke titanium frames for the more astute customers and a wid-

er range of Vienna Design products.

These four brands will not only allow opticians to cover all target groups but to respond to mainstream demands.

“We not only want to supply independent British opticians with an appealing product portfolio, but become a strong partner for them all around,” Pachleitner comments on the new initiative. “Our foremost goal is to understand our customer’s requirements to a maximum degree – and respond to them faster and more flexibly than others.”

Michael Pachleitner knows how to realise the company’s goals with confidence and will certainly lend a new perspective to British opticians.

Andrew Davies F.B.D.O UK Country Manager, +44 (0) 7583 076 132 a.davies@michael-pachleitner-group.com Michael Pachleitner Group GmbH Liebenauer Tangente 4, 8041 Graz, Austria shop.michael-pachleitner-group.com

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COMPANY PROFILE

50 years of innovation Eyewear fashion that fits

STEPPER EYEWEAR celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Alex Davis looks at the man behind the brand and its future direction For a frame company to celebrate its 50th year of business, and have its founder still working at the helm, is something of an achievement. Hans Stepper began this most respected eyewear brand half a century ago and has been there innovating, developing, designing and inspiring the business every day of its existence.

frames from new materials and processes in injection moulding with the desire to create ‘eyewear fashion that fits’.

Reflecting on the early years of Stepper, and the innovation in manufacturing that enabled the brand to establish its enviable reputation, Hans comments: “Comfort and fit are certainly the most important part of our success, as there were only plastic frames at that time.”

best eyewear. Hans maintains an active role and influence in all aspects of the business.

The diversification into more fashion orientated eyewear product under StepperS has further expanded the appeal of the company’s frames. Produced under the creative eye of Saskia Stepper, Hans’s daughter, this exciting range retains the essential comfort and fit qualities of Stepper.

FOCUS ON TOMORROW

Master Optician, Hans Stepper

MASTERFUL CRAFTING SKILLS Hans Stepper was born in December 1935.

His father was an optician with a small shop in Stuttgart, Germany, as he explains: “My father was an optician and he learned as an apprentice in Stuttgart. When in 1936 he opened a little shop, he was quite successful, but only on his own. He wasn’t a great entrepreneur, but he had a nice shop.”

On becoming an apprentice as a dispensing optician, Hans showed a keen interest and passion for design and craftsmanship with optical frames – and in 1958 was invited to design and craft bespoke spectacles in Helsinki, Finland. In 1961, he returned to Germany and successfully completed his professional training with a final graduation as Master Optician.

Hans’s mission, instead of following his father’s recommendation, was to manufacture plastic frames by injection moulding and not using the traditional method of cutting from acetate sheets. Stepper Eyewear started in 1970 when Hans began creating high quality

The alternative approach of developing quality injection moulded plastic frames quickly became a critical differentiator for Stepper over acetate plastic frames. Hans continues: “When you mould a frame, you can mould it much better in three dimensions than if you cut it out of a piece of acetate. So that means that a moulded frame has much better fitting properties, especially on the nose; so that is what we developed – a nose fit system. The frames were also lighter than other frames.”

TRULY GLOBAL REACH From what began as an ambitious idea to revolutionise frame manufacture using sophisticated injection moulding techniques and advances in plastics materials, Stepper now has a truly global reach. Today, Hans and his team are still innovating, producing frames in TX5, titanium and stainless steel, which are worn by Stepper enthusiasts all over the world.

Stepper designs and manufactures its own frames to reach customers in more than 60 countries via a network of distributors.

More recently, in the UK, France, Germany, South Africa and China, the company also performs the local distribution function. This new vertical integration began in 2014, and to deliver the diverse and specialist skills to support a growing international brand, Stepper now has a team that covers the globe with a common goal: to make the

With decades of experience within optics, Hans has some advice for those looking to the future of the optical industry: “There is an ongoing demand in optics for individual service and this cannot be compensated for by online experiences, so there will remain a great need for individual handling of customers.”

Hans acknowledges the industry will always evolve. He believes a modern optician must have new media knowledge as well as great face-to-face customer skills. “That seems to be very important, whether an optician can increase their presence in the market through modern technology and communications,” Hans adds. “An optician only sitting in their ivory tower will have a problem but developing and trying to analyse the future and respond will mean there is always a future demand for them.”

Today Stepper holds a special position within the limited number of ophthalmic frame brands. A company created by an optician that remains true to its original concept, creating ‘eyewear fashion that fits’. Uninterrupted development of the high-tech injection plastic material TX5 and, since 2000, combining this with sophisticated titanium metals, Stepper Eyewear continues to create its own destiny as the company faces the future with positivity.

Alex Davis is head of brands and marketing for Stepper Eyewear.

Vision Now MARCH 2020

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OPTRAFAIR 20/20

Vim and vigour at

Catch up with the Optinet team

Optrafair 20/20

The reinvigorated Optrafair 20/20 exhibition and conference promises to be all inclusive, writes David Ellison

The comprehensive Optrafair 20/20 CET programme content offers world-class presentations from industry experts covering the issues facing the optical industry today for all branches of the optical sector. A vast array of topics will be covered including business matters, environmental sustainability, audiology, NHS reforms and more. A mix of lectures, panel discussions, interviews, and even live surgery will ensure lively delivery of key insight and knowledge in our quickly developing industry.

INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

BROADENING OPTRAFAIR’S APPEAL But rest assured – as well as new entrants all the major players will be at Optrafair 20/20, with Topcon Healthcare, Heidelberg Engineering and Optos not just exhibiting their instruments but also sponsoring the show. Lenses are represented by the likes of Caledonian Optical, Zeiss, Dunelm, the Norville Group and Conant Optics, with Essilor sponsoring as well as exhibiting. Regular frame exhibitors Continental Eyewear, 3Momi, Go Eyewear and the Optical Service will once again be at the show.

Finance is a thriving sector at Optrafair 20/20, with regulars Performance Finance, Braemar Finance, Abacus Professions Finance and Snowbird Finance exhibiting. Software companies Cosium, Ocuco, OCuSOFT, Optisoft, i-Clarity Opticabase, Optinet FLEX and Thomson Software will be joined by Locum Bell for the first time. Catch Professor David Thomson, managing director of Thomson Software, at his CET session: ‘Eye tracking.

Does it have a role in optometric practice?’

The show will be packed with opportunities to obtain highquality business advice, be immersed in the latest clinical thinking and to get hands-on training with new products and equipment to help you to stay ahead in this constantly evolving industry. Evidence of change within the optical industry is provided by a couple of companies at the cutting edge of innovation and technology that are not only exhibiting at Optrafair 20/20 for the first time but have recently joined a thriving FMO.

Audiology is represented by regulars Bloom Hearing Specialists, which will be joined by the Hearing Care Partnership and Amplify Hearing for the first time. Integrating audiology and optometry services is being recognised as a prime business opportunity, and offers huge benefits to patients and practices alike. Speakers from the Hearing Care Partnership will provide tips about how to make hearing care provision a success and how new, state-of-the-art hearing aid technology can drastically reduce the impact of hearing loss.

Cerium Visual Technologies will be demonstrating the Intuitive Colorimeter Curve, the innovative digital instrument which is revolutionising Colorimetry assessment. Claire Millar, director of technical services, said: “We look forward to having genuine sales conversations with real decision makers at Optrafair 20/20. We joined the FMO to allow us to attend the meetings they organise throughout the year, keep up-to-date with commercial and regulatory developments and generally support the optical industry.”

Catch Ryan Leighton of Leightons Opticians and Hearing Care explain, ‘The benefits of including hearing care in your optical business’ at 9.15 on 4 April – the very first CET session. Also try to catch ‘Hearing and vision: what is the connection?’ with Bryony Allen of Leightons Opticians and Hearing Care and Nick Black of BBR Optometry.

Occuity is set to change the field of ocular measurement, specialising in the research, design and production of noncontacting optical instruments. The first device in its range, a non-contacting pachymeter, will be on its stand. CEO Dan Daly said: “Optrafair 20/20 provides the ideal opportunity to exhibit our first device to the optical industry. Further devices based on the patented Occuity technology are currently in development, and will provide upgrades to the pachymeter and some very exciting devices designed to screen for diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.”

O P T R A FA I R

Optrafair regularly attracts companies that the Federation of Manufacturing Opticians (FMO) has traditionally represented – from optical manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of contact lenses, spectacle frames, ophthalmic equipment, business service providers and IT companies. But this year is different. Optrafair 20/20 will be much more inclusive, attracting optometrists, dispensing opticians, ophthalmologists and audiologists.

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OPTRAFAIR 20/20 Let’s not forget Microminder representing IT, David Green Eyewear representing the move towards environmental sustainability and EM Pharma and Visufarma representing pharmaceutical companies. Find the full, updated list of exhibitors at www.optrafair.co.uk, including a number of companies joining the show late.

COMPREHENSIVE CET PROGRAMME The programme of CET at Optrafair 20/20 is stronger than ever. Each session has been selected by an expert advisory board to ensure it is relevant, in-depth and hosted by a speaker offering insight and clarity. Key clinical programme highlights will be sessions on understanding how to manage patients with dementia, understanding Charles Bonnet Syndrome and managing dry eye and myopia. Profs’ Corner will present a unique opportunity to meet revered speakers in small groups, to share thoughts, ask questions and discuss practical cases and challenges in a private, informal setting.

Optrafair’s Business Success Theatre will provide sessions analysing threats and opportunities in eyewear retail, how to create and manage a positive online presence, tips on how to retain patients and insights into the impact of IR35 tax laws. Marc Bennett of AEL Markhams’ session, ‘IR35: who is paying the tax?’, will outline the recent legislation and cases with HMRC’s new powers from April 2020 – perfect timing for a session at Optrafair 20/20. The aims of the session will be to increase delegates’ understanding of IR35 and explain how this will affect locums and practice owners. Marc will also advise on how to calculate additional tax liabilities if applicable.

Watch out for a session on the ‘Development of apprenticeships for optometrists,’ led by Victoria Unsworth, professional learning and development manager at Vision Express. Hosted in the style of the BBC’s Question Time, the audience will have the opportunity to hear debate from an expert panel.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be well represented with a session from Alexander Silvester of SpaMedica on ‘AI in ophthalmology: what, how and when?’, and Jeppe Hoy Christensen from Eriksholm Research Centre on ‘AI in hearing healthcare.’ Moorfields’ pioneering ophthalmologist, Pearse Keane, will present the inaugural Kanski Lecture on AI and its likely impact on optometry and ophthalmology.

Pearse will explain how the latest advances will transform the diagnosis and treatment of people with sight-threatening eye conditions, as well as explain how AI is currently being implemented in community and hospital settings. Pearse’s colleague, Mariya Moosajee, from Moorfields Eye Hospital

Full and diverse CET programme

and the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology will present a session on, ‘Novel treatments for genetic eye disease’.

Professor Sunil Shah, consultant ophthalmic surgeon at Birmingham and Midland Eye, will demonstrate technology’s transformative effect by performing femtosecond laser cataract surgery. Professor Shah will demonstrate the technique by live video link, explaining the procedures and technical aspects along the way. He will also be available at the show after the surgery for a Q&A. And finally, a private area on the show floor has been reserved exclusively for practice owners to conduct meetings or just relax. David Samuel of Sightcare Premium will provide ‘Tips to retain your patients and grow your practice’ via a presentation and workshop. David will examine the psychology of loyalty and helping the practice owner to understand how they can build value in such a way as to minimise attrition, and hence maximise retention.

OQT AND PRESIDENTS’ ADDRESS Optical Question Time now has a full complement of big hitters and contrasting opinions to discuss the NHS, education, the environment, the marketplace and the future.

High-profile entrepreneurs and industry experts will offer frank and insightful debate about the issues that really matter to the industry. Optometrist comedienne Sarah Morgan will host proceedings, with panellists Doug Perkins (Specsavers), and Imran Hakim (Hakim Group) taking part, along with Lynne Fernandes (Lynne Fernandes Optometrists), Nicholas Rumney (BBR Optometry and Professor of Optometry), and Scott Mackie (Mackie Eyecare and Mackie Professional Services). It is certain to be a lively and entertaining debate.

O P T R A FA I R

Healthcare is another area being highlighted, with Medicom Healthcare, Primary Care Support England (supporting NHS England), and SpaMedica (providing NHS ophthalmology services) exhibiting and sponsoring. One of the key questions over the next five years is how the optical industry will work with the NHS. Optrafair 20/20 will provide the platform to hear directly from the NHS. Richard Whittington, CEO of LOCSU, will host four sessions about recent changes and future developments. Hear from a national ophthalmology lead about the wide-ranging national out-patient transformation project. Again, full details are available on the Optrafair website.

The Presidents’ Address offers a unique opportunity to hear from eminent optical leaders. Chaired by Clive Marchant (president, ABDO) the speakers include Colin Davidson (vice president, College of Optometrists), Richard Whittington (chief operating officer, LOCSU), Jonathon Bench (president, BCLA), Mike Burdon (president, Royal College of Ophthalmologists) and David Hewlett (president, European Coalition for Vision and FODO director). Having so many presidents providing a glimpse into the future of practice will provide practitioners with valuable thoughts on their future strategy.

Optrafair 20/20 offers something for everyone – and be prepared for a few surprises. The show will take place between 4 and 6 April at the NEC in Birmingham. For more information and to register, visit www.optrafair.co.uk David Ellison is operations director of the Federation of Manufacturing Opticians.

Vision Now MARCH 2020

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MANAGEMENT TRAINING

Training

for tomorrow Nick Walsh explains the importance of management and leadership training for your business There are many reasons why you should consider structured training and development for your management team, i.e. the future leaders of your business.

The most common reasons, beyond your genuine desire to see people progress and do well in their roles, could be improving retention of staff or succession planning.

SUCCESSION PLANNING Succession planning is a strategy for passing on leadership roles – often the ownership of a company – to an employee or group of employees. It ensures that businesses continue to run smoothly after a company’s most important people move on1. There are many advantages to starting succession planning early. Training, of your existing team or new recruits, is a big factor and will have benefits from early initiation.

Training should include the development of skills, company knowledge and certifications.

Longer-term succession planning can also provide a gradual transfer of ownership over a period of time. The employees you have decided to develop into the future leader role will also become empowered by their knowledge of possible future ownership.

RETENTION OF KEY PEOPLE Businesses that are serious about sustainable growth should invest in management training, the same as they would invest in any other vital role or part of their business. A recent survey of 500 respondents shows that 46 per cent of managers were considering leaving their current company in the next year2. When the top reasons3 for this are looked into, at number three we see: ‘Not enough training and development opportunities’.

Managers might have been promoted, they might have their plate full every day – but

Managers recognise the value of training

they still understand the value of training.

As a result, they want more. In fact, 76 per cent of survey respondents said they wanted more training and development opportunities – but the number of those who weren’t being heard was quite significant.

Aris Apostolopoulos, who writes on the retention of managers in the Training Journal3, advises: “A smart way to assure that your managers are going to make the right decisions is to provide them with training on management skills – which, according to our respondents, is among the top three factors that would increase their retention”. So whatever your decision for doing it, be it succession or retention, training and development for your people in management and leadership really is a key factor for success because: • Management training teaches leaders how to identify and minimise risk, use data effectively and identify the best possible solutions that benefit the business on the whole • Training teaches managers to review their styles of management and assess and understand the effectiveness of it within the business with the end result being a motivated and productive team with minimum conflict • Managers will become better able to set realistic goals, develop strategic work plans and make good decisions quickly • Giving feedback is a skill of successful leaders. Through management training, managers can learn effective ways to provide feedback to motivate and increase the skill level of your people

SO WHAT ARE YOUR NEXT STEPS? Launched in January, the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) now offers Level 5 courses in Management and Leadership for its members. These will be

accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), which will also assess and award the qualification. This provides a great way to turn any informal learning into a recognised qualification through a course of study and assessment as well as taking on new learning. The qualification is highly recognised and whilst studying, students receive CMI membership.

The qualification can be completed at either a diploma or certificate level, and e-learning is utilised to remove the need for time away from work. There will also be workshops offered to support areas of learning. To find out more and apply, visit the Business Support Hub of the ABDO website, www.abdo.org.uk. The course is currently only open to ABDO members, so i f the person planning on taking the course is not a member please contact the membership department before applying by emailing membership@abdo.org.uk.

Any other enquiries can be emailed to mlt@abdo.org.uk

REFERENCES 1. Kenton W. Succession planning.

Investopedia. 30 January 2020. Available here: www.investopedia.com/terms/s/ succession-planning.asp 2. Apostolopoulos A. Survey: 1 in 2 managers will leave their company in the next year.

What would make them stay? 1 November 2019. Available here: www.talentlms.com/ blog/manager-retention-survey/ 3. Apostolopoulos A. Lack of training can make managers leave their job 18 December 2019. Available here: www.trainingjournal.com/articles/ features/lack-training-can-makemanagers-leave-their-job Nick Walsh FBDO is sector skills development officer at ABDO. Vision Now MARCH 2020

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STYLE SPOTLIGHT

Signature style in

sunglasses

By Joan Grady In the fashion world, March is the time to shed the winter doldrums with cheerful thoughts turning to carefree and sunny days. Sunglasses play a starring role in this scenario, as the sun’s rays bring both warmth and pleasure, but also a potential threat to eyes and skin.

Artfully sculpted: Delicieuse by Caroline Abram

With the start of a new decade, sun styles capture a dynamic and commanding presence – and are enjoyed as a cherished accessory. Technology has permeated eyewear and the result is amazing variety in materials, colourations, shapes, polarised lenses and intricate details.

Summer selections for 2020 prove that imagination, enthusiastic creativity and transitioning beyond existing barriers all represent the inspiration which continues to make sunglasses a lively and dramatic sector for independent opticians.

With sunglasses, customers often feel they can be more experimental; while at the same time, designers and manufacturers don’t forget your clients who are loyal to traditional spectacle design. Sought after trends include flattop frames, creative interpretations on vintage, both small and oversized shapes,

Glamorous sunnies: Sol Sol Ito Originals style 043 DC (photo: Ellin Anderegg)

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Vision Now MARCH 2020

alluring acetates and metals – with neutrals and vibrant colours ensuring style, elegance, integrity and reliability.

BEGUILING AND BEWITCHING Glamorous, voluminous and luxurious sunnies highlight the latest designs by Sol Sol Ito Originals. The Swiss label excels in creating unique shapes in beautiful materials that are superbly crafted. The striking new frame by designers Sandra Fink and Monika Kaufmann heralds ‘big is best’, with a stunning silhouette featuring spring steel temples and a shiny black acetate front that glows with gold on the inside.

Parisian designer Caroline Abram has an affinity and fondness for cat-eye designs, and creatively interprets multiple concepts on this most feminine shape. The frame front on Delicieuse is artfully sculpted into an exaggerated form with charisma and charm – and slim sides. Caroline loves colour, and the interplay of dark and light tones on the frame adds luminosity to a distinct design.

match for Salt’s collaboration with Second Layer, also a California label that is notably recognised for its unlined, deconstructed design that can be worn either as a jacket or shirt. Chico fits so well with this easy fashion attitude; acetate sun specs with a modern portrayal and polarised lenses, and a perfectly proportioned silhouette.

CONTEMPORARY CHIC Irish designer Paul Costelloe has always been an advocate of classic design. However, his evaluation of ‘classic’ includes variations on a traditional theme, and perhaps an unexpected twist. He imbues this spirit into his fashion collections, as well as his eyewear designs, distributed by Dunelm Optical. The new sun selections include a smart panto shape carved in metal, that is easy to wear for a variety of face shapes. The timelessness of the design ensures the frame adjusts easily to city, country or seaside fashions.

California’s natural splendour of sun-baked beaches, the sea, mountains and forests are all intuitive aspirations for Salt Optics. Their casual, relaxed approach to design is an ideal

LK Bennett is a favourite High Street label for fashion and accessories worn by royalty, working professionals, and women who enjoy the variety of designs and materials.

Frames echo this philosophy, and the latest sun addition to the LK Bennett eyewear collection, distributed by Continental

Natural splendour: Chico by Salt Optics + Second Layer

Timeless inspiration: Paul Costelloe Sun 104

STYLE SPOTLIGHT strands on the temple and above the bridge, for a look that is light, cool and chic.

GRAPHIC ARTISTRY Highly technical applications for eyewear have empowered designers to experiment with invigorating concepts for frame design.

Graphics highlight silhouettes, and Jeremy Tarian was inspired by the fascinating construction of Sacré Coeur in Paris to create a sun design with gentle graphic motion in an elegant two-tone design.

Streamlined design: LK Bennett Sun15 C1

Eyewear, includes a streamlined design in black acetate, with tortoiseshell acetate sides for a distinctive accent.

Timeless Memories is the theme of Blackfin’s latest campaign, with a selection of expertly crafted titanium designs in which the wearer can create their own beautiful memories.

The thicker frame front – a notable trend for this season – flirts with a slight cat-eye shape in rich Burgundy.

Gerard Masci embraces the unflagging energy and exuberant spirit of a true New Yorker. The Brooklyn based designer extols the virtues of handcrafted frames, which he creates in-house on the premises – instilled with his individual, envisioned style.

Among his sophisticated selections is the Dakota, named after an iconic apartment building on New York City’s Upper West Side where John Lennon lived. The eclectic mix of architectural influences that dominate the building – Renaissance, Victorian and Gothic Revival – grace the sleek acetate sunglasses that are available in glorious colours.

Jewellery accent: Elle 14889

With the alluring and captivating magic of the new 2020 Sunglass season, summer has arrived. Designers and manufacturers have launched impressive, charismatic selections that are certain to have irresistible appeal for both independent opticians – and their happy and delighted customers.

Empowered by Paris: Sacré Coeur by Jeremy Tarian

Paris is the city that captures the spirit of the Elle woman. Elle eyewear, distributed

by Charmant, reflects on Paris as the Elle woman’s muse, which can be expressed in monotone ensembles, or a quirky surprise of colourful prints or a geometric statement.

The aviator shape is elegantly portrayed with the artistry of metal jewellery in Elle’s double-bridge style with sleek knotted

in the driver’s seat, where crystal clear visibility, stability and comfort are essential for speed and safety. The sunglasses include a variety of designs that incorporate Speed and bold fashion: Hamilton’s Police x Lewis Hamilton fashion Eyewear Collection instincts and his personal distinguished eyewear style.

Slender graphics: Lightweight metal

by Ana Hickmann

Ana Hickmann is a Brazilian model and businesswoman with a keen sixth-sense for fashion and eyewear. She has her own spectacle collection, distributed by Go Eyewear Group, and this season sunglasses radiate luxury and dazzle with voluminous, graphic shapes that are individualistic, extremely lightweight in slender metals and effortlessly elegant.

URBAN COOL

Titanium expression: Timeless Memories

by Blackfin

Impressive comfort, speed and bold fashion, are all infused in the Police x Lewis Hamilton eyewear collection, distributed by De Rigo. The British icon is a six-time Formula One World Champion, and recognised as one of the outstanding drivers in the history of the sport. Hamilton has shared his knowledge of what it is like to be

New York instincts: the Dakota in Sky Blue

by Gerard Masci at Lower Case Vision Now MARCH 2020

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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 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

ALCON UK

BONDEYE OPTICAL

DAVID THOMAS

GO EYEWEAR UK LTD

Tel: 0371 376 0017 Fax: 0871 351 1005

Tel: 0121 7723888 Fax: 0808 2801865

Tel: 01604 646216 Fax: 01604 790366

Tel: 0800 9178270

www.uk.alcon.com

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

orders@davidthomas.com www.davidthomas.com

CENTROSTYLE

DE RIGO UK LTD Tel: 01923 249491

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

BARCLAYCARD

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

Tel: 01628 605433 Fax: 01628 665077

Tel: 0800 056 5569

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

BIB OPHTHALMIC INSTRUMENTS Tel: 01438 740823 sales@bibonline.co.uk www.bibonline.co.uk

Over 75% of patients agree that they can trust their optician to recommend the best contact lenses for them, regardless of cost.

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

For more information:

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

CONTINENTAL EYEWEAR Tel: 0151 426 3907 Fax: 0151 426 9340

Vision Now MARCH 2020

Tel: 01442 502 330 Fax: 01442 242 386 www.HeidelbergEngineering.co.uk

HENRY BEAUMONT

DUNELM OPTICAL

Tel: 0116 251 8936 Fax: 0116 262 4205

Tel: 01388 420420 Fax: 01388 810101

info@henrybeaumont.com www.henrybeaumont.com

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

ESSILOR Tel: 01454 281281 Fax: 01454 281282

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

www.essilor.co.uk

HOYA LENS UK

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

EYESPACE

COOPERVISION

Tel: 01527 870550 Fax: 01527 837012

Tel: 0845 330 0984 Fax: 0845 330 0977

Tel: 0870 9000 055

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

www.coopervision.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

HEIDELBERG ENGINEERING

T 01527 870550 eyespace-eyewear.co.uk

01580 713698

ASSOCIATED OPTICAL

www.goeyeweargroup.com

Tel: 0121 585 6565 Fax: 0121 585 0954

MID-OPTIC

PRO-OPTIC

SUNWISE (TG SPORTS)

Tel: 01332 295001 Fax: 01332 295158

Tel: 01884 266130

Tel: 01865 714620

sales@pro-optic.com www.pro-optic.co.uk

info@tgsports.co.uk www.sunwise.co.uk

www.internationaleyewear.co.uk

orders@midoptic.com www.midoptic.com

LENSTEC OPTICAL

No7 CONTACT LENSES

Tel: 02920 883009 Fax: 02920 889798

Tel: 01424 850620 Fax: 01424 850650

RAWDON OPTICAL

TANT LABORATORIES

Tel: 01132 883094 Fax: 01132 883095

Tel: 01279 653785 Fax: 01279 658308

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

TantCC@tantlabs.com www.lenstecopticalgroup.co.uk

Tel: 01452 510321

LenstecCC@lenstec.co.uk www.lenstecopticalgroup.co.uk

info@no7contactlenses.com www.no7contactlenses.com

LLOYDS BANK

OPTINET LTD

RETAIL EXPERIENCE DESIGN (RED)

Tel: 0845 313 0233

Tel: 024 7601 0103

sales@optinetuk.com www.optinetuk.com

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

ORANGE EYEWEAR

RODENSTOCK

Tel: 0161 773 5555 Fax: 0161 773 5544

Tel: 01474 325555

Tel: 07780 338656 franchising@lloydsbanking.com www.lloydsbank.com/business

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 Tel: 07383 555659 infouk@luneautech.com www.luneautech.co.uk

LUXOTTICA (UK) LTD

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

PENNINE OPTICAL Tel: 02920 857122 Fax: 02920 920480 sales@pennineoptical.co.uk www.pennineoptical.co.uk

PERFORMANCE FINANCE

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

SEIKO OPTICAL UK

Tel: 01686 627595 Fax: 01696 610015

Tel: 01452 610033 Fax: 01452 638250 orders@seiko-optical.co.uk info@seiko-optical.co.uk www.seiko-optical.co.uk

THREE SIXTY Kieran@calotherm.co.uk www.calotherm.co.uk

ULTRAVISION

SILHOUETTE UK LTD

Tel: 01525 381112 Fax: 01525 370091

Tel: 020 8987 8899 Fax: 020 8987 2430

info@ultravision.co.uk www.ultravision.co.uk

Tel: 0808 165 8555 www.luxottica.com

www.performancefinance.co.uk

MARCHON

POSITIVE IMPACT

Tel: 0800 72 2020

Tel: 08446 696907

SPEC-CARE LTD

csuk@marchon.com

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

Tel: 01392 460806

PRACTICE BUILDING

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

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

Tel: 01536 529696 Fax: 01536 310033

MARK’ENNOVY

THE NORVILLE GROUP LTD

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

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

Tel: 0800 3280610 Fax: 0800 3280649

Tel: 0115 989 9772

STEPPER UK

mkservices@markennovy.com www.markennovy.com

andy@practicebuilding.co.uk www.practicebuilding.co.uk

Tel: 01732 375975

WEBPOST Tel: 0800 074 2425 annie.mackervoy@webpost.com www.webpost.com

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

sales@stepper.co.uk

www.nationaleyecare.co.uk

Suppliers’ directory

INTERNATIONAL EYEWEAR LTD

Open your eyes to

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Love Your OCT. Guaranteed.

www.HeidelbergEngineering.com

Andrew Davies F.B.D.O UK Country Manager +44 (0) 7583 076 132 a.davies@michael-pachleitner-group.com

0845 3130233 sales@optinetuk.com

www.optinetuk.com

Vision Now MARCH 2020

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TAKING ON MYOPIA MiSight® 1 day - the world’s first soft contact lens that is proven to significantly slow the progression of myopia in children.1*

2019 BCLA Industry Award Winner

www.coopervision.co.uk/practitioner/myopia-management 1. Chamberlain P, et al. A 3-year Randomized clinical trial of MiSight® lenses for myopia control. Optom Vis Sci. 2019;96:556–567. * Compared with a standard single-vision, one-day lens over a three-year period.