Vision Now march 18

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Vision Now magazine

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Inside

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

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News 4 7 9 11 13 15

GOC calls for greater collaboration ABDO pays tribute to late colleague Global report on digital device use Promotions at No7 Norville brings back Reactolite 100% Optical success

15 An independent view Annual campaign not enough

18 Developing thoughts Join the fun of the fair

20 Promotional feature Your journey starts with the DNA

22 Optrafair preview 40th birthday bash

27 Domiciliary care Complete solution for domiciliary care

28 Style Spotlight Colour psychology: perceptions and perspectives

30 Suppliers’ directory @PK_NEG

Editor’s comment As members will be aware, NEG is the title sponsor of the new Independents Lounge launching at Optrafair 2018, along with support sponsors Lloyds Bank, SPECS network and VSP Global.

To help the Group make this as beneficial as possible, the team are asking members to submit photos of their practices for an image wall that will showcase the diversity, class and flair of independent practices within the Group. Whether you want to showcase your fantastic interiors, show off your amazing high-tech consulting room equipment or feature your top-quality product displays, are photos are welcome. Plus, anyone who sends in a photo will be entered into a prize draw for a fantastic Amazon Echo.

NEG is also running several Ask the Expert sessions at Optrafair, and is inviting members to submit topic ideas that they would like to see covered. If you’d like to get behind the team with either or both of these initiatives, then please email your high-resolution photos and topic suggestions, with the subject line ‘Optrafair 2018’, to Phil Mullins at p.mullins@nationaleyecare.co.uk and the team will do the rest.

If you’re planning your trip to Birmingham, then we have plenty to whet your appetite in this month’s Optrafair preview (pages 22-26) where we share what NEG’s preferred suppliers are showcasing. Also this month, read about the options available if you are interested in developing a domiciliary eyecare service (page 27), and feast your eyes on a cacophony of colourful eyewear styles in this month’s Style spotlight (pages 28-29) with some interesting observations on colour psychology.

Nicky Collinson Editor

Editor

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

Editorial PA

Sharon Hicks s.hicks@nationaleyecare.co.uk

Fashion Editor

Joan Grady jgparischats@wanadoo.fr

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

Rosslyn Argent BA (Hons)

Publisher

Michael C Wheeler FCOptom DipCLP FSMC FAAO

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

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

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

Vision Now MARCH 2018

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NEWS 1

General Optical Council

Call for collaboration

Gareth Hadley, chair of the General Optical Council (GOC), has called for more collaboration and cooperation between the wider health system and the optical sector. It follows the publication of a summary of the GOC’s recent discussions about the potential future direction of eye health and vision services in the UK. Following a health system leaders’ roundtable meeting, held by the GOC in November as part of its Education Strategic Review, the new document summarises key themes from the meeting.

These include the importance of developing increased collaboration, cooperation and integration between eye health and vision services and wider health systems, and equipping future optical professionals with the skills and knowledge to practise safely and competently in new and different ways.

Gareth Hadley said: “We know that throughout the UK more optical services are being delivered in new and innovative ways, including in a variety of community settings.

Our role at the GOC is to ensure new practitioners are equipped to practise safely and competently in this evolving landscape.

That is why our Education Strategic Review is such a key priority for us over the next two years. But it is also vital that the optical and wider health sector pursue a joined up and collaborative approach to ensure the delivery of safe, accessible and cost effective eye health and vision services that patients have confidence in and can navigate easily.” Read the summary statement at www.optical.org

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Vision Now MARCH 2018

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Charmant

Chris Beal has assumed the role of vice president UK and Ireland at Charmant UK, as general manager, Louise Brunton, prepares to retire. Speaking about her departure, which will take place on 31 March, Louise said: “I have very much enjoyed working for Charmant and have met many wonderful people during my time with the group. I’m happy to be handing over the reins to a new management team who will be building on the great business base that we have here at Charmant whilst carrying on our traditions of service and quality excellence.”

Masao Miyachi, Charmant Group president and CEO, commented: “I am really sad that Louise has decided to retire. Louise is one of the founding members of the Charmant Group in Europe. I would like to take this opportunity to express our great appreciation to her for over 20 years of contribution and wish her all the best for the future.”

Well known within the industry, Chris brings more than 20 years’ senior management experience covering design, manufacturing, wholesale and retail and sales and marketing. He said: “I’m absolutely

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Chris Beal

delighted to be joining the Charmant Group at this exciting time for both the company and the optical industry as a whole. With our global operation, incredible heritage and commitment to future development we have an amazing platform from which to implement our new growth strategy.”

Federation of Manufacturing Opticians

Bryony Pawinska will retire as chief executive of the Federation of Manufacturing Opticians (FMO) at the end of May. FMO chair, Andy Yorke, said: “We will be very sorry to see Bryony go although we understand her desire to retire after a long and successful career. She has seen through a programme of modernisation of the FMO’s governance and management in the past two years, and played an active role in the development of Optrafair as a vibrant show run by the sector for the sector, as well as contributing to the work of the Optical Confederation, of which the FMO is a founder member. We wish her every happiness in the future.”

Bryony added: “It has been an interesting period of semi-retirement – I have worked with some wonderful people and learned a great deal about the ‘other side’ of a sector I have come to love over the years. I wish the FMO every success as it continues to develop as a modern trade body.”

Bryony Pawinska

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

www.stepper.co.uk

Frame style shown: SI-95219

NEWS 4

Silhouette

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Alcon

New line in iconic TMA range

Silhouette has added a new collection of frames for men and women to its iconic Titan Minimal Art (TMA) range. The Alpha Collection offers a range of design features and a stylish metallic finish. A striking new nose bridge has been added, with the choice of a polished or matte finish, combined with a delicate decorative element. New to the range, inspired by recent spring/summer 2018 trends, is a luxurious brass and rose gold metal surface.

The Alpha frame also includes a diverse selection of colour contrasts to suit both male and female tastes.

The ladies’ collection features pastel, natural and primary colours across five new frames with a matte finish – including a lemon shape, a classic oval design and a subtle cat-eye lens design. The men’s collection features seven frame designs with contrasted colour options and a unique bridge design with a silky matte finish. A distinctive double-bar style features on the Ruthenium/Space Blue frame option. Both frames and lenses are available under the Silhouette Vision Sensation programme, to provide frames and lenses from a single source.

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Association of Contact Lens Manufacturers

Gordon Jones has resigned as interim chairman and director of the Association of Contact Lens Manufacturers (ACLM). At the Association’s annual meeting, Gordon was thanked for acting as interim chairman from May 2017 and for setting in motion projects for the year. Chris Stean was elected as chairman, along with new directors Diane Angell and Katie Harrop.

Getting the conversation going

Alcon’s inaugural Alconversation event held at its HQ in Surrey featured a panel of key opinion leaders from across the UK and Ireland, with audience debate and discussion about the current industry and how the future of optics could be improved. The event was chaired

by Richard Edwards, clinical advisor to Optical Consumer Complaints Service, with panellists Alistair Bridge, director of policy at the General Optical Council, Gordon Illet, board member for the Association of Optometrists, and Andrew Price, a member of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians’ National Clinical Committee.

The afternoon was introduced by Ray Pasko, business unit head of vision care at Alcon UK and Ireland, who said: “Alconversation was a special event for us; an opportunity to bring together some of the brightest minds, thought-leaders and regulators in the optical space and deliver a programme of what’s important today and, more importantly, what will be important in the future. Events like today demonstrate that we will do things that are right for the industry and right for the participants in the industry, not only what is right for Alcon – and we’re looking forward to continuing to do these events in the future.”

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Association of British Dispensing Opticians

The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) has paid tribute to Michael Potter, its head of marketing and communications, who sadly passed away in January. ABDO general secretary, Anthony Garrett, said: “Michael joined ABDO as head of marketing in 2007 following a successful career in both retail and manufacturing optics. He brought a level of detailed professionalism, which was unmatched in the sector. His corporate design work for both ABDO and ABDO College set new high standards, which will endure for years to come. This forensic eye for detail was applied to everything ABDO and the College produced and we will always be indebted to him. Michael was passionate about optics, about the work of his colleagues and the success of ABDO. In addition, he loved

The late Michael Potter

real ale, live jazz and the company of friends. We have lost a great colleague and a loyal friend.”

Vision Now MARCH 2018

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FRA F RA R AME: M Ma ME Mai-Z -Zee -Z ee MZ MZ0 M Z036 6 c1 c / Rea eac actol a to olite te eB Brrown o

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NEWS 8

10 General Optical Council

CooperVision A new global research report from CooperVision, called Digital device usage and your eyes, is believed to be the largest initiative of its kind with data revealing multiple opportunities for practitioners to deepen patient relationships. The research showed that both contact lens wearers and non-wearers worry about how much they use digital devices. Globally, 19 per cent of people who used vision correction and 18 per cent of people who did not expressed concern about the amount of time they spent looking at screens. This edged to 26 per cent globally for contact lens wearers.

“It’s clear that people around the world are beginning to consider the effects of digital device use on their eyes, including discomfort symptoms associated with digital eye fatigue,” said Gary Orsborn, vice president, global professional and clinical affairs, CooperVision. “While there’s widespread interest by patients in discussing digital device use with their eyecare professional, that’s not happening in large part. Bridging this conversation gap is a substantial opportunity for ECPs, helping them provide better care while remaining even more relevant in the lives of their patients as device use skyrockets.”

Download the report at CooperVision.com/digital-report

Digital device use in the spotlight

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Dunelm

Trend-leading sun style

Colour made a splash on the spring/summer 2018 catwalks and Sun 005, new from Lyle & Scott’s prescription sun collection, is taking this fashion cue seriously. Available all-in glazed, in colour pops of aquatic green (L2, pictured), neutral beige (L3) and zesty orange (L1), Lyle & Scott Sun 005 is a strong and masculine frame shape. The use of sharp, modern colours is tempered with havanna mottle colouration, whilst the orange inner complements the bold stripes of colour running along the outer edge.

The classic shiny tortoiseshell tri-laminate frame features a diamond pin detail and the iconic 3D golden eagle embellishment on each side. Oliver Beaumont, Dunelm Optical regional sales and product development director, said: “Lyle & Scott encapsulates strong brand provenance with mainstream acceptance. Its prescription sun collection is trend led and worn by the fashion-conscious individual and its popularity continues.”

Contact lens campaign returns

Plans are well underway for the General Optical Council’s (GOC) second Love Your Lenses campaign week, which will run from 24-30 March. The GOC is calling for stakeholders from across the sector to support the patient safety campaign, and providing a campaign toolkit to help participants remind people to ‘love their lenses’ so that they can continue to enjoy the benefits of wearing them. The toolkit includes advice for contact lens users, graphics that can be shared on social media, ideas for activities in practices, posters and more.

This year’s campaign focused on the importance of thoroughly washing and drying hands before touching contact lenses, with the key message: ‘Wash hands and dry before touching your eye’. Alistair Bridge, GOC director of strategy, said: “Many people in the UK enjoy wearing contact lenses and do so safely. However, our research has shown that not all contact lens wearers know how to look after them properly and this can create a patient safety risk. Last year’s Love Your Lenses campaign reached millions of people. But to repeat and build on the success this year it’s vital that once again the whole industry gets behind the campaign.”

The campaign website is at www.loveyourlenses.com where practitioners and organisations can sign up to get involved in the week, and download the campaign toolkit. The campaign’s social media handles are loveyourlensesUK (Facebook) and @yourlenses (Twitter).

11 Fight for Sight Fight for Sight has partnered with Diabetes UK to call for applications for a new jointly funded award. This is the first time the two organisations have joined forces. Eye disease caused by diabetes is a leading cause of sight loss.

Alongside this, recently published research suggests that people with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cataract. Fight for Sight and Diabetes UK both currently fund research to help address diabetic eye disease.

Fight for Sight CEO, Michele Acton, said: “We are delighted to establish this partnership with Diabetes UK to extend the impact of research by funding novel and vital ophthalmic research into sight loss caused by diabetes.”

Vision Now MARCH 2018

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NEWS 12 No7 Contact Lenses

13 Lenstec

Invu polarised sunwear

Promotion for Katie Harrop (right) and Cathy Gallop Johns

No7 Contact Lenses has appointed two new directors. Katie Harrop has been promoted to professional services director, from her role as professional services manager. A Manchester trained optometrist and British Contact Lens Association Fellow, Katie has extensive specialist contact lens experience. She leads the company’s educational programme and training days, working closely with No7’s customers in the UK and globally. Cathy Gallop Johns has been promoted to operations director, from operations manager, following 20 years with the Sussex-based company.

With responsibility for the day-to-day running of the business, including customer services, finance, export and overseeing the laboratory, Cathy has seen huge changes. She said: “In the 20 years that I have worked for No7 the business has doubled in personnel and tripled in lens sales. Our plans for the next five years show an even greater commitment to supporting independent opticians and specialist contact lens fitters, and to expand our global business.

No7 is a wonderful place to work – the team is good fun, professional and focused.”

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At 100% Optical in London in January, Lenstec Optical Group showcased Invu ultra polarised lenses, which the company believes represent the next generation in polarised lens technology. Described as an “intelligent, multi-layer light management system”, Invu polarised lenses are made of nine-layers that selectively filter out reflected glare and offers clear, glare-free vision with high contrast and “exceptional” colour perception.

The ultra-polariser layer removes the glare, while the colour enhancement layer boosts contrasts and colour perception. The UV protection layer blocks all UV rays up to 400nm while allowing useful light to pass through to the eye. Lenstec’s 2018 Rx programme benefits from all of the normal polarised lens types driven by NuPolar technology across all indices including CR39, Trivex, polycarbonate and high index.

Polarised material options include a new polarised photochromic called Infinite Grey 35-9 percent LTF.

Association of British Dispensing Opticians perfect way to mix and catch up with our members, whether you’re a manufacturer, rep or professional,” said Elaine Grisdale, ABDO head of professional services and international development. “Mingle during pre-dinner drinks, get to know each other better during a delicious three-course dinner, then party into the night with live music from pop, rock and soul covers band Groove Encounters.”

Join in the ABDO party

If you’re at a loose end on the Sunday evening of Optrafair, why not join in the fun at the Association of British Dispensing Opticians’ (ABDO) Optrafair Dinner and After Party to be held at the Hilton Birmingham

Metropole. It’s not just an event for ABDO members: everyone involved in the profession and industry is invited for an evening of drinks, dinner and dancing. “The Optrafair Dinner and After Party is the

During the evening, there’ll also be a short ceremony as Fiona Anderson hands over ABDO presidency to Clive Marchant. There’ll be more celebrations as the president announces the recipients of ABDO Life Membership, the Hamblin Memorial Award and Medals of Excellence. Tickets cost £85 per person to include a welcome drink, three-course dinner with wine and live entertainment. Tables of 10 are available at reduced cost of £800. Book tickets at www.abdo.org.uk/events/abdosoptrafair-dinner-and-after-party Vision Now MARCH 2018

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The natural comfort your patients deserve.

Hy-Care™ multipurpose solution with hyaluronan delivers powerful disinfection whilst being gentle on your patients’ eyes.

Powerful disinfection Exceeds ISO primary criteria for disinfection efficacy against a broad range of micro-organisms.1

Natural lubrication Contains hyaluronan, a naturallyoccurring lubricant found in the eye,2,3 for prolonged comfortable lens wear.

Proven cleaning action Ensures effective protein and lipid removal from all lens types, including silicone hydrogels.4

Gentle on eyes Hy-Care™ is designed to mimic the pH of tears and pH is directly linked to patient comfort.5,6

Recommend Hy-Care™ today for the natural comfort your patients deserve. www.coopervision.co.uk

1. CooperVision data on file, 2015. 2. Necas, J., Bartosikova, L., Brauner. P., Kolar. J. Hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan): a review. Veterinarni Medicina, 53, 2008 (8): page 397.

3. Goa, K.L., Benfield, P. Drug evaluation, March 1994 Vol 47, Issue 3, 536-566, Online Oct 2012. 4. CooperVision data on file, 2017. 5. Abelson, M.D., Udell, I.J., Weston, J.H. Normal human tear pH by direct measurement. Arch. Opthalmol. 1981. Feb;99(2): page 301. 6. Dalton, K., Subbaraman, L.N., Rogers, R., Jones, L. Physical properties of soft contact lens solutions, Optom Vis Sci, 2008. Feb;85(2):122-8.

NEWS 15 CORE

16 Continental Eyewear

Luxury British brand launched

Outdoor time impact validated

A study published in the Royal College of Ophthalmologists journal, Eye, sheds light on the prevalence of myopia in Canadian children, validating findings and implications for healthcare policy makers, academic researchers and educators. Findings in Myopia prevalence in Canadian school children: a pilot study, indicated that while the rate of myopia was six per cent in children aged six to eight, it soared to 28.9 per cent in children aged 11 to 13. For one additional hour spent outdoors each week, the odds of being myopic were lowered by 14.3 per cent. Genetics also play a role: children with at least one myopic parent were 2.52 times more likely to be myopic as well.

The study, the first of its kind in Canada, was conducted by the Centre for Ocular Research and Education (CORE), the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry and Vision Science and the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. “Myopia is receiving significant attention from the eye health community worldwide, as incidence rates continue to climb among children at a startling pace,” said Mike Yang, lead investigator and a clinical associate at CORE. “Our research – the first non-clinical practice-based epidemiological survey of myopia prevalence in Canada – paints a troubling picture, yet also shows the beneficial impact of outdoor time. We believe it adds meaningful, objective, and actionable knowledge to the research and clinical communities, as more efforts are placed against overcoming this critical and evergrowing problem,” added Dr Yang. Access the study at www.nature.com/articles/ s41433-018-0015-5.epdf

Ladies who love the LK Bennett brand will be delighted to view the label’s new eyewear collection, now available from Continental Eyewear. Drawing inspiration from the clothing range, LK Bennett eyewear has been designed to embody style and confidence. With the brand’s signature Tudor Rose detailing adding a hint of luxury, the shapes are stylish and fashionably understated. The collection features 15 styles each available in three colourways.

Model LKB007 (pictured) is a flattering style in maroon and vibrant red tortoiseshell hues (C2). It is also available as a light tortoiseshell front paired with contrasting soft taupe and black sides (C3) and a feminine purple front with textured sides (C4).

17 Norville Now available exclusively from Norville, Reactolite photochromic lenses boast fast activation and fade back in comparison to other leading brands, says the company. With natural colours such as brown and grey, Reactolite can be applied to most resin lenses and materials to give the widest range of photochromic options for patients’ lens requirements. Designed and produced in the UK, the lifetime cycle tests have surpassed more than 3,000 activations, while a premium scratch resistant hard coating is included on the layer stack. The lenses are fully AR compatible and available in two types of activation densities, 15 or 40 per Reactolite is back cent LTF. Norville also has a performance enhanced AR coating to complement and improve Reactolite performance even further.

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British Contact Lens Association

Keith Tempany, BCLA president

A specialist ‘hub’ dedicated to all things contact lenses will be co-hosted by the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) at Optrafair next month – providing a one-stop shop for all queries about how to get the most out of lenses. BCLA experts will be on hand to answer questions about how contact lenses and dry eye management can revolutionise the practice and advise on how to make the most of these opportunities. A series of CET peer review sessions will also be held on key subjects such as ocular surface health and dry eye, and fitting children including myopia management.

BCLA president, Keith Tempany, said: “Optrafair gives us an opportunity to reach a huge audience and help people get more confident on the subject of contact lenses, getting them up-to-date with the very latest research and technology. It’s a fast-paced industry and technology is evolving at an unprecedented rate. It’s more vital now than ever before that eyecare professionals are aware of what’s available to them to ensure their patients are given the best possible treatment.” Feedback from last year’s Optrafair revealed a demand for more contact lens resources and the dedicated hub will provide that – with a three day programme of activities, talks and workshops. View the programme at www.bcla.org.uk Vision Now MARCH 2018

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Advanced Practice Management Software

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Optinet FLEX keeps your business at the cutting edge.

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

0845 3130233 sales@optinetuk.com www.optinetuk.com

NEWS 19 100% Optical

AN INDEPENDENT VIEW Annual campaign not enough

Junior frames hit the catwalk

Having grown in popularity for the fifth consecutive year, with 8,936 people attending, 100% Optical 2018 in January saw an 11 per cent increase in visitor numbers compared to last year. Visitors enjoyed more than 20 exclusive product launches, 16,500 frames to browse and 100 pieces of equipment to test out. Indeed, this was 100% Optical’s biggest equipment showing to date, with 20 manufacturers and a new audiology area. This year’s catwalk show included children on day one for the first time to showcase junior frames and, once again, former footballer and presenter Ian Wright dropped in for some photo opps, as well as West End Kinky Boots star, Matt Henry.

Event director, Nathan Garnett, said: “We had double digit growth on visitor figures, which was great news for our fifth anniversary and we noticed a significant number of first-time visitors who hadn’t been to an optical show before. The new audiology section proved a Visitors numbers rose once again success with a dozen new exhibitors and a programme of audiology seminars. This was a new initiative and momentum is starting to build as practitioners recognise an opportunity to align additional services to their clinical portfolio.

The AOP Awards on the Sunday evening saw many companies and practitioners take home accolades, and the Royal College of Art Eyewear Design Competition demonstrated young British talent. The education programme provided more than 140 hours of CET and Busy at the ABDO Dispensing Workshop CPD sessions for the whole practice team, whilst the Association of British Dispensing Opticians delivered a programme of interactive CET workshops and discussions to more than 800 delegates. Talking about plans for next year, Nathan said: “So far our exhibitor rebooking numbers are at a record high…and we’re already planning our long-term growth plans for 2019 and beyond.” 100% Optical will return on 12 to 14 January 2019.”

The AIO is very supportive of the General Optical Council’s (GOC) Love your Lenses campaign and is happy to promote it amongst members for the week commencing 24 March. One of the messages in the campaign relates to cosmetic lenses and the fact that it is illegal to sell them without the direct supervision of an eyecare expert. In the same paragraph, however, there is an admission that cosmetic lenses ‘…are widely available online and on the High Street from hairdressers, tattoo parlours and nail bars…’ In other words, there is a clear recognition by the GOC that many companies are flouting the law with seeming impunity.

Enforcing the law in respect of the illegal sale of cosmetic lenses is not as straightforward as some might think. The GOC is not the appointed enforcement mechanism – that role is the responsibility of Trading Standards. As has been well reported in recent years, Trading Standards departments, as part of local authorities, are woefully underfunded and simply do not have the resources to trawl the internet and local shops to try to identify instances of illegal activity. They will, therefore, generally only take action if an illegal supplier of contact lenses has been reported to them – indeed they are statute bound to follow up reports of illegal activity.

The AIO believes that the GOC should go beyond making reference to the illegal sale of cosmetic lenses in its once a year Love your Lenses campaign. If it is serious about protecting the public from the illegal supply of cosmetic lenses without proper professional supervision, it should dedicate resource on a regular basis to identifying where such practices are taking place and report the offenders to Trading Standards officers who would then be obliged to take action. Indeed, if the GOC were to take such action and set up a facility for opticians to report instances of illegal activity to them, they may find that much of the leg work in identifying offenders is done for them.

Vision Now MARCH 2018

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| EDUCATION CET Theatre

DAY ONE

SAT 14 th APRIL

10:00

Optrafair is proud to be at the forefront of optical thinking and practice. There are multiple opportunities to obtain interactive CET points by taking part in the 2018 programme of lectures, seminars and presentations.

Sessions will feature information and advice from leading educators, business minds and researchers and will also be packed with discussion and debate.

11:00

12:00

13:00

Smoothing out a bumpy ride in oculoplastics: lid lumps and bumps, when to treat and when to refer Raj Das-Bhaumik - Supported by College of Optometrists

What do we know about blue light?

Prof John Marshall

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14:00

15:00

16:00

Question Time – MECS or Specs? The future of optics Paul Morris, Binne Sandu, Janet Pooley & Richard Whittington

09:00

Business Theatre Eye care professionals with ownership and management responsibility expressed a real need for reliable quality business advice.

Optrafair will once again host a Business Theatre to deliver a series of hard-hitting business sessions and realworld case studies embracing management issues such as HR and marketing to benefit owners and managers and give them tangible advice to help support their business decisions.

10:00

From Consulting Room to Collection-how to reduce PAL non-tolerance Richard Edwards - Supported by FMO/OCCS

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The Experience Economy David Mack - Sponsored by STORM 11:00 Lessons from the USA market and how the UK can benefit Jeremy Chadwick - Sponsored by National Eyecare Group 12:00

13:00 How to deal with annoying people without annoying them and risking negative word of mouth, Gavin Rebello - Sponsored by STORM

14:00 GDPR and Cyber Security Basics for Businesses Christoan Smit - Sponsored by Venom IT 15:00 Optometric practice and low vision Rebecca John - Sponsored by Cardiff University/WOPEC 16:00 Business Standards Review Natalie Heppenstall - Sponsored by GOC 17:00

18:00

ABDO Theatre

11:00

An extremely popular feature, the ABDO Theatre will return in 2018 to deliver CET-approved lectures, discussion workshops and peer review sessions. CET points will be available during sessions approved for both dispensing opticians and optometrists.

Lectures will be free to attend and admission will be on a first come, first served basis – with lectures approved for one CET point each and discussion workshops offering three CET points each.

14 - 16 APRIL 2018 • BIRMINGHAM NEC

12:00

13:00

DISCUSSION WORKSHOP PPL problems – solved!

Haydn Dobby PEER DISCUSSION Consent in routine practice Richard Edwards DISCUSSION WORKSHOP PPL problems – solved!

Haydn Dobby

14:00

15:00

16:00

LECTURE I can see clearly now – treatment of temporary vision impairment, Louise Stainer DISCUSSION WORKSHOP Information governance management Speaker to be confirmed - Sponsored by FODO

#optrafair • www.optrafair.co.uk

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DAY TWO

DAY THREE

SUN 15 APRIL

MON 16 th APRIL

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Prescribing for the accommodative demands of screen addiction Dr Thomas Gosling OD - Sponsored by Hoya

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Are you fit to practise?

Sponsored by Eyecare

09:30

10:30 Advancements in the measurement of macular pigment Prof John Nolan - Sponsored by Heidelberg Engineering

OCTA: A practical guide in evaluating patients with retinal diseases Mr Nishal Patel - Sponsored by Topcon

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The lens and methods of improving sight post cataract surgery Prof Barbara Pierscionek - Sponsored by Fight for Sight

Automatic computer screening for diabetic retinopathy & glaucoma Dr Yalin Zheng - Sponsored by Fight for Sight

11:30

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12:30

13:30 1

What environmental changes to DNA are involved in AMD? Dr Louise Porter - Sponsored by Fight for Sight

To refer or not to refer. That is the question Simon Browning - Sponsored by Optos

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14:30

15:30

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16:30 3

GDPR – Getting your practice ready Grant Cardwell - Sponsored by XEYEX

Customer Delight - when being satisfied is no longer enough David Samuel - Sponsored by STORM

09:30

Writing an Effective Business Plan, Suki Dehal Supported by National Eyecare Group

Personal Service Personified Katie Memory - Sponsored by STORM

10:30

UK hearing care at a glance Harjit Sandhu - Sponsored by National Community Hearing Association

Generating New Customers from Google Kevin Holdridge - Sponsored by National Eyecare Group

11:30

What optometry will look like in 2030 Dr Imran Hakim - Sponsored by STORM

12:30

Certificate or Flying Carpet? Where will your qualification take you?

Panel discussion - Supported by the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers Title to be confirmed Doug Perkins - Sponsored by the Specsavers

Education Strategic Review Claire Herbert - Sponsored by GOC

13:30

Understanding your Team and getting the best out of them...the Ideal Team Player, David Mack - Sponsored by STORM

14:30

1

Creating opportunity through hearing healthcare Neil Pottinger - Sponsored by Starkey Hearing Technologies

15:30

Why entering awards is good for business John French - Sponsored by STORM

16:30

From consulting room to collection – how to reduce PAL non-tolerance Supported by FMO/OCCS

PEER DISCUSSION Consent in routine practice Richard Edwards LECTURE I can see clearly now – treatment of temporary vision impairment Louise Stainer LECTURE Keep it clean. A guide to infection control in practice Peter Black LECTURE OCT? – but I’m not an optometrist!

Alice McTrusty DISCUSSION WORKSHOP Title to be confirmed Clare Hayes

3 17:30

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1

1

1

3

DISCUSSION WORKSHOP Title to be confirmed Clare Hayes

3

DISCUSSION WORKSHOP Refunds and the law Mike Cody

10:30

11:30

12:30 3

DISCUSSION WORKSHOP Title to be confirmed Andy Sanders

13:30 1

LECTURE Keep it clean. A guide to infection control in practice Peter Black

14:30

15:30

3 CET Points

1 16:30

JOIN THE

PRACTICE MATTERS

Developing thoughts Although the optical industry is fairly small it has many facets – each with a different position and perspective, writes Phil Mullins

Join the fun of the fair We have multiples, regionals and independents. We have small suppliers with just a coupe of staff, right up to multinational corporations with hundreds of staff across the world. Add to this the multitude of organisations, education establishments and the General Optical Council overseers, you end up with a very diverse offering for the public. Some say this is a bad thing, others say diversity is good; the truth is probably somewhere in the middle. But as an industry we do seem to be unable to work with different elements of our own industry. This is never more apparent than when it comes to events.

If you wanted to, you could go to an event every week, gain thousands of CET points, grab tonnes of freebies and have a great time. But in the real world it comes to making choices about which events to attend. This is a choice that’s not always easy to make, with different things being said about each event, both positive and negative, along with people effectively falling into one camp or another. To try and help NEG members with their event selection we have, as a group, put our support behind two events. Obviously our own event with Independents Day at the end of the year, and Optrafair on 14 to 16 April at the NEC in Birmingham.

TRIED AND TRUSTED FORMULA So why have we chosen to support Optrafair? Firstly, it is organised by the Federation of Manufacturing Opticians (FMO), an industry-based organisation that although not without its faults, does we believe have the optical industry at the heart of everything it does. Secondly, despite having gone through some of what I would call wilderness years, over its 40 years, Optrafair has a proven track record of

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Vision Now MARCH 2018

offering a great event that benefits the whole industry and not just a particular sector. Certainly, in the last couple of years since the Mark Allen Group has been helping the FMO to organise Optrafair, there have been great improvements – with this year’s event looking to be the best show ever.

In addition to the wide variety of exhibitors and the extensive CET programme, there will be several new features this year that will add to your enjoyment and the benefits you gain from the show. These include an improved Contact Lens Hub, which has been organised with the British Contact Lens Association, and a new audiology section, which should offer a real opportunity for you to see how this may add to your practice. In response to popular demand, Optrafair will also have a fashion show – a great way to view frames in the flesh with some added glamour and excitement.

Obviously the most important aspect when we are considering an event, is the focus that it has on independent practices. So we were delighted to work with Optrafair on a number of areas to make sure that when you visit the show, you are made to feel welcome and appreciated and that there are real tangible benefits to you being there.

The main area where you will see our collaboration is the Independents Lounge, which NEG is co-sponsoring with Lloyds Bank, SPECS network and VSP Vision Care.

NETWORKING AND SHARED EXPERTISE The Independents Lounge will be where independents can not only network with other like-minded ECPs, sharing best practice and ideas, but grab a coffee and sit down with an expert in an area you need help with. This could be anything from staff recruitment and training, to business

An optical exhibition that benefits all the industry

finance and digital marketing. Across the three days there will be wide ranging subjects that will fall into three main areas: improving the bottom line, new technology and building a stronger independent.

Although at the time of writing, we are still working on the line-up of experts, with a total focus on what will best help all independents, whether they are NEG members or not. A full list of the Lounge’s content will be available ahead of the show, so you’ll have plenty of time to decide who you’d like to speak with and what you’d like to take away. Visitors to the Lounge will also receive an NEG Voucher Book, offering exclusive offers, promotions or gifts from many of the show’s exhibitors.

This is only available to those who have visited the Lounge, so make sure to come along and grab your voucher booklet.

Turn to page 22 for more information about Optrafair and what’s on offer, but for a full rundown and to register to attend, visit www.optrafair.co.uk. We look forward to greeting as many of you as possible both on the NEG/Optinet stand and in the allnew Independents Lounge.

My way.

versatile.

simple.

comprehensive.

smart.

prestigious.

small.

sophisticated.

speed.

distinctive.

sensible.

It’s up to you.

Try before you buy!

Heidelberg Engineering offer an 18 month, no obligation, rental scheme, offering peace of mind so you can get started right away.

Call 01442 502330 today to choose the SPECTRALIS that is right for you, your practice and your patients.

www.LoveYourOCT.com

313222-001 UK.BE18 Š Heidelberg Engineering GmbH

.

My

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Your journey starts with the

DNA

Choose to begin your OCT journey with the sophisticated simplicity of the SPECTRALIS SPIRIT or opt for the SPECTRALIS Imaging Platform and enjoy the full power and versatility of multi-modal diagnostic imaging. One thing you can be sure of is that no matter how you configure your SPECTRALIS, it contains the core DNA for high contrast, high resolution images that cut through the noise and give you the confidence to pinpoint pathology, identify real change and make more informed clinical decisions.

UPGRADEABLE PLATFORM Build your dream futureproof imaging platform. Add the modules you want as and when you need them.

CONFOCAL FUNDUS IMAGE Image in any lighting condition with no pupil dilation, even through cataracts and contact lenses.

TRUTRACK ACTIVE EYE TRACKING AND RETINAL RECOGNITION Unique TruTrack Active Eye Tracking mitigates for eye movements by effectively ‘freezing’ the retina, allowing you to capture the precise OCT image you want, even if the patient blinks or moves. At follow-up, TruTrack automatically repositions the OCT scan in the same location on the retina so that you can see changes as small as one to two microns.

MULTIMODALITY DIAGNOSTICS Use different, established and novel imaging modalities simultaneously to improve your understanding of different pathologies and make confident clinical decisions.

Infrared, colourised infrared and OCT of a normal eye

NOISE REDUCTION AND 10 LAYER VISUALISATION 100 B-scans are averaged live in front of your eyes, even in a volume scan.

This provides you with high resolution images from vitreous through to choroid and visualisation of 10 retinal layers, which enables you to confidently describe and pinpoint pathology.

If you are new to OCT, with the SPECTRALIS SPIRIT you can begin with just the essentials The SPECTRALIS SPIRIT user interface is designed to make OCT easy and fast for any retail environment, without sacrificing clinical accuracy and reproducibility.

• Simple: An incredibly accurate RNFL disc scan, designed to catch the earliest signs of glaucoma, and a comprehensive macula volume scan give you all the information you need to be able to interpret the simple, intuitive reports in no time.

• Smart: View patient images on a monitor or iPad anywhere in practice using a wireless web browser and never follow up on the wrong patient with retinal recognition technology.

• Small: Surprisingly small and flexible with a choice of tables to fit any size practice.

• Speed: Semi-automated, three-click image acquisition makes learning to capture stunning images in seconds easy for anyone.

• Sensible: The smaller upfront investment and upgradeable design means you can get started right away and grow as and when you are ready.

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Vision Now MARCH 2018

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE The true potential of multi-modal diagnostic imaging awaits you When you own the full functionality of the SPECTRALIS, you unleash the true potential and versatility of multimodal diagnostic imaging for enhanced clinical decision making.

• Versatile: Enjoy complete scanning flexibility to help you image the most challenging patents, pinpoint pathology and acquire more detailed information to refine your clinical decisions.

• Comprehensive: Dynamic visualisation, detailed measurement and analysis, as well as a full reporting package allow you to position your practice ahead of the competition with the clinical excellence and credibility that the SPECTRALIS provides.

• Prestigious: The retinal specialists OCT of choice and the same SPECTRALIS model used by NASA to monitor the eye health of astronauts aboard the International Space Station.

• Sophisticated: Adding unique imaging modalities, such as MultiColor, Autofluorescence and OCT Angiography advance your diagnostic skills, refine your clinical decision making further and improve patient care, elevating you to expert status.

• Distinctive: The stunning images SPECTRALIS captures are instantly recognisable; the adjustable 10-layer segmentation, the 3D animation, LIVE infrared movies and flicker feature WOW patients every time.

A complete education and practice marketing package Every SPECTRALIS comes with a comprehensive training and practice marketing package, which helps you to integrate your new OCT into practice quickly. Operator, clinical and front-of-house training is all included, so the whole team feels comfortable and confident about OCT. Enjoy access to hundreds of learning resources online via our Business Lounge or join us at our Academy training centre for care in the community and a host of other hands-on and interpretation courses.

We are so confident you will love your OCT: try before you buy Heidelberg Engineering is the only company to offer an 18-month rental scheme, with no obligations so you can try before you buy. You still get the same fantastic package that you would if you were purchasing, plus the system is covered on warranty for the full 18 months. At the end of the term, you can purchase, upgrade or return your SPECTRALIS, no strings attached. It is that easy. We are confident that you are going to love your SPECTRALIS OCT, no matter which model you choose, and that it will find a permanent place in your practice.

A range of practice marketing materials to help you promote your OCT

Become a SPECTRALIS owner today You can own a SPECTRALIS and take advantage of a range of flexible financing solutions to suit your individual needs. We partner with leading finance companies including Performance Finance, Snowbird, and Braemar and with lens companies offering a rebate scheme on lens purchases.

• Long term: Low monthly payments and low interest over seven years with the flexibility of a Masterlease to build your SPECTRALIS, upgrading it over the term.

• Low rate: Low interest across the whole five-year term to minimise your capital investment.

• Lens rebate: Choose any of our partners to subsidise or completely cover your monthly SPECTRALIS payments.

Call 01442 502 330 or email Info-UK@HeidelbergEngineering.com to start building your dream imaging platform.

Vision Now MARCH 2018

21

OPTRAFAIR 2018

40th birthday bash Optrafair celebrates its 40th anniversary next month, so there’ll be plenty of cheer at this year’s show – to be held from 14 to 16 April at the NEC Birmingham

O P T R A FA I R

FMO chairman, Andy Yorke, with outgoing CE, Bryony Pawkinska

Organised by the Federation of Manufacturing Opticians (FMO) in partnership with Optician, Optrafair has grown to become the UK’s major optical showcase, seen throughout the profession as the launch pad for all that is new in the field, championing innovation and celebrating advances in technology and manufacturing. For four decades, an entire community of practitioners, suppliers and educators have chosen Optrafair to help eyecare professionals expand their knowledge through CET, ground-breaking new products and services, and grow their businesses.

Optrafair 2018 promises to be a celebration of optics. One man who knows Optrafair better than most is Andy Yorke.

The FMO chairman has been going to the event for 38 years and he has seen it grow and evolve into the showcase it is today. He said: “Optrafair has united the British optical industry since 1978, continually building on its heritage to support every sector across the industry.

For leading brands, and for newer companies aiming to get a foothold on the market, Optrafair is without doubt the leading exhibition for the UK optical industry.

“Optrafair is trusted by everyone who works in the industry – eyecare professionals, manufacturers, laboratories, suppliers and distributors, professional bodies and educators. There’s always something new emerging out there and Optrafair is the best possible place to keep up-to-date with what’s trending in the world of frames, how lens technology is ever evolving and how science is allowing us to gain an even greater understanding of the human eye,” Andy added.

For 2018, Optrafair will be brimming with new exhibitors, features and content. In addition to a wide selection of exhibitors showcasing the latest equipment, frames and solutions, and CET-accredited education and business training, there’ll be dedicated features covering all aspects of practice life. Back by popular demand are the ABDO CET Theatre, Window Dressing, and after their successful inauguration last year, the Business Theatre and FMO Networking Bar. Meanwhile, there are three brand new features for 2018 – a dedicated Contact Lens Hub, co-hosted by the British Contact Lens Association, choreographed catwalk and the Independents Lounge – a networking space dedicated to independents offering one-to-one access to guest speakers (see later).

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Vision Now MARCH 2018

NEG SUPPLIER PREVIEW ALTACOR “Altacor continues to support optometry in 2018,” said Barrie Bell, Altacor national account manager, “so make sure you visit us at the show to pick up the latest marketing materials and make use of some fantastic show only offers. Further product training can also be arranged at your practice. The innovative range of Clinitas products has been developed to target the causes of dry eye and provide lasting relief from its symptoms. The range includes Clinitas Soothe, Clinitas Soothe Multi and Clinitas Hydrate. An impactful counter display unit is also available for your practice.

New puctum plug product

“New to the market, Comfortear Lacrisolve 180 plugs provide predictable occlusion therapy lasting up to 180 days, almost double the duration of most other absorbable plugs,” Barrie continued. “Made from an innovative polymer material called polydioxanone, the plugs are designed with precision and made for comfort. They are an ideal addition to an eyecare professionals tool kit for when patients need more than drops to treat dry eye.”

BIB OPHTHALMIC INSTRUMENTS “Optrafair 2018 will see BIB with a totally new stand design to showcase our entire range of instrumentation solutions,” explained Tim Baker, group CEO. “CET presentations will be held in a new on-stand education theatre, with four lectures taking place on Sunday and Monday courtesy of specialist optometrist, David Fleischmann.” The two lecture topics are ‘Glaucoma for the busy optometrist’ and ‘Dry eye 10’.

“New product launches will include a revolutionary low cost OCT Biometry facility within the Optopol Revo OCT,” Tim continued. “This enables precise measurement of all the main structures of the eye, including axial length, providing vital data for those involved in myopia control. In addition,

OPTRAFAIR 2018 Centro Style stand your first stop at Optrafair 2018,” said Kevin Gutsell of supplier, Optical Centre Supplies. “Our children’s frames range has further been extended with the continued priority on consistent fit, comfort and durability with the new Active frames Flex Collection. Our attention to the customers’ requirements, together with our strong orientation towards innovation, service and quality, have allowed Centro Style to become a leading European supplier of optical frame parts and retail accessories, supplying products worldwide,” added Kevin.

the new Wide Field Angio software module will be on display demonstrating the advantages to observing the microvascular structure of the retina, providing the earliest possible detection of retinal diseases. The benefits of using non-invasive Angio technology in-practice will also be covered in the glaucoma lecture.”

BONDEYE

CONTINENTAL EYEWEAR Continental Eyewear would like to invite all NEG members to visit its stand at Optrafair 2018 to view its extensive portfolio of frames. “A regular exhibitor at Optrafair for many years, we always try to focus the launch of new frames around this exhibition,” said David Strathie, Continental Eyewear sales and marketing manager. “This year proves no different with a plethora of new releases across the Jaeger, X-eyes Jacques Lamont, Lazer Junior and Cameo collections.”

Quality eyewear now from Bondeye

Visit the Bondeye stand to view Haseley & Co – a new fashionable collection of ophthalmic frames and sunwear.

“The brand has a core focus on modern styles, high quality materials and delivers on-trend designs with additional benefits such as low ordering volumes and contemporary merchandising options to complement the range,” explained Bondeye’s Dave Walker. “Our dedication to offering exceptional quality at affordable prices remains at the forefront of our business. Our award-winning service spans over 15 years and the move to supplying eyewear represents a significant step forward for Bondeye in securing its position in the market as a genuine one-stop-shop. Optrafair is a perfect time to view the Haseley range and test the quality.”

O P T R A FA I R

BIB’s new stand design

CENTRO STYLE “If you’re looking for children’s and adult frames, bespoke cloths, sprays and cases, accessories, ready readers and workshop equipment and consumables then make the

View the new LK Bennett collection

There will be extra benefits for NEG members during the show, so make sure you make the Continental Eyewear team aware of your membership. The show will give many members the chance to see for the first time the new LK Bennett collection, which was launched recently. There will also be space on the stand for the Walter & Herbert and Reykjavik Black Label collections, for those members looking for something a little more niche.

DIBBLE OPTICAL

Extensive selection at Centro Style

Among all the products on display at the Dibble Optical stand will be the newly-available Milo & Me eyewear collection for children. Talking about the collection, Barry Vision Now MARCH 2018

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OPTRAFAIR 2018 ESSILOR Essilor will feature on two stands at Optrafair. On its lens/instrument stand there will be some exciting new product launches taking place including the company’s new Crizal coating – Crizal Sapphire. Visitors can also check out Visioffice2, showcased in a new customisable unit for a seamless display in practice. Essilor’s instruments team will be on hand to demonstrate OrCam MyEye, the wearable device with a smart camera designed to assist the visually impaired. Plus there will be the launch of a brand new product in refraction technology with demonstrations.

O P T R A FA I R

Milo & Me eyewear

Dibble said: “The mischievous raccoon has partnered with German frame designer B&S to produce a frame range aimed at children who, like Milo, love an active life. The goal was to design and create eyewear that empowers kids to play the way they want without having to worry about damaging their glasses. Cool frames with attractive branding helps them to feel good about themselves, leaving them free to play and explore safely.”

Milo & Me frames are made by a special injection moulding process using TR90 and plasticiser-free TPE materials, resulting in resilient eyewear that is also flexible and light.

The frames are available in a range of colours with several size options to suit children from age six upwards.

Featuring easily adjustable temple ends, the frames are supplied with matching stay-puts and headband, plus a wide range of merchandising material.

In the frames department, Essilor will present the complete new summer collection for 2018 of its two brands, Bolon and Societe des Lunetiers. Visitors can enjoy a glass of bubbly whilst viewing the styles on display and discussing Essilor’s frame service, which offers a ‘one-stop shop’ for frames and lenses as the company stocks the frames and dispatches to order.

DUNELM OPTICAL

EYESPACE

Dunelm Optical’s bespoke stand at Optrafair this year will be brand new, bigger, better – and the perfect contemporary back-drop to showcase new products. As well as new UK-designed optical and prescription sunglasses, the stand will feature the largest selection of cases and accessories exclusively manufactured in the UK. The eyewear collection features 70 new New Lyle & Scott frames across every range. polarised sunwear Designer frames to be showcased include Lyle & Scott and Paul Costelloe, alongside own brands Julian Beaumont, Retro, OMG! Eyewear, Meridian, Whiz Kids and more.

Eyespace will showcase more than 650 British designed and developed products, including 32 new optical frames exclusively created for their designer brand collection, Land Rover Eyewear. “Centred around style, innovation and quality, Land Rover Eyewear offers maximum comfort and durability within both the sunglass and optical collections,” explained Nicky Clement, Eyespace marketing manager.

“On-trend Obex fashion-mirror models exclusively utilise the very latest advancements in saltwater-safe hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings for optimum performance.”

Enjoy a complimentary cocktail or mocktail, ‘shaken not stirred’, whilst listening to Dunelm’s house DJ. Optical experts will also be on hand to advise and answer any questions. Peter Beaumont, CEO, said: “Optrafair 2018 is going to be the most exciting trade fair to date. It enables us to present our high quality, latest frame releases on our new, impressive and innovative stand. We look forward to meeting new visitors and loyal customers alike”.

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View the OrCam MyEye on the Essilor Instruments stand

Vision Now MARCH 2018

Box fresh new Basebox models

OPTRAFAIR 2018

The latest additions to the Basebox collection, fusing future trends with iconic eyewear design, will be on display. “The new selections push style boundaries while remaining accessible and highly-wearable,” Nicky said. Renowned for their considered product designs, competitive pricing, designer-infused merchandising and fashion-forward luxury, Eyespace will also be releasing 100 new styles across its house brands Cocoa Mint, Jensen, Basebox, Louis Marcel, Rock Star and Zips.

HEIDELBERG ENGINEERING Heidelberg Engineering will be showing the bespoke confocal fundus and OCT imaging solution designed specifically for High Street optometric practices – the Spectralis Spirit. The Spectralis Spirit uses the core technology and hardware used in the retinal specialist’s (and NASA’s) OCT of choice, the original Spectralis Imaging Platform, but with a new streamlined user interface and scanning protocols specifically designed for the community care setting. It will be demonstrated how Heyex 2 can be used to link the optometrist’s third party pre-screening equipment, such as a fundus camera, to their Spcetralis to capture all patient information and images together and present them on the iPad or screen instantly.

Marketing manager, Olivia Young, said: “International Eyewear has a close working relationship with Optrafair and as a company we have exhibited at the show for as long as we can remember, so as you can imagine we share a lot of history. Optrafair has been uniting the optical profession for 40 years and Sharing in the celebrations provides International Eyewear with the perfect platform to showcase our brands and products. The show is a one-stop-shop for customers to get everything eye and optical-related under one roof. It is an important event in our calendar and Optrafair gives us the opportunity to meet and greet our customers from all around the UK and attract potential new custom.”

NATIONAL EYECARE GROUP Join the conversation at the NEG stand. In addition to the Group’s joint stand with Optinet, where it will be promoting NEG and the benefits to non-members, NEG along with Lloyds Bank, Specs Network and VSP are sponsoring the

O P T R A FA I R

See the Spectralis Spirit in action

Heidelberg Engineering will also be promoting its unique ‘try before you buy’ rental programme, giving eyecare professionals the opportunity to purchase, upgrade or to return the instrument at the end of the 18-month contract.

Rental customers are supported with the same comprehensive package of benefits that Spectralis owners receive, including high levels of training, technical support and practice marketing, with the added bonus of an 18month warranty.

INTERNATIONAL EYEWEAR There’s a double dose of celebrations for International Eyewear at Optrafair this year, with the event celebrating its fourth decade and the company celebrating its 30th anniversary. The company will be celebrating in style with a party, birthday cake and a series of special promotions for visitors. The highend frame company will be showcasing on its shop-style stand a new range of products in a visually engaging way.

Be part of the conversation with NEG Vision Now MARCH 2018

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OPTRAFAIR 2018 new Independents Lounge. “This area is exclusively for independent opticians and will offer an opportunity to meet experts, network and even grab a coffee,” explained Phil Mullins, NEG director of business development.

“Both at our stand and in the Lounge area, we will be bringing members up-to-date with the latest suppliers, terms and support, including the introduction of Lloyds Bank as our first ever preferred bank. We also want to have an open conversation with all independents about what support they want, what the big issues of the day are, and how NEG can develop and increase the support we offer. So, make sure you come along and be part of the big conversation.”

O P T R A FA I R

NORVILLE GROUP The Norville Group will present a full table of specialist prescription lens solutions including Vista Mesh which, says the company, is continuing to yield great results for patients suffering from visual fatigue whether at a PC, reading or night driving. View ESCOOP AMD corrective lenses, ReadEZ colour-specific visual stress solutions now including medium colours, and the new BluTech extensive blue absorbing prescription range. All this as well as the vacuum application of mirrors, reflection free coatings, new anti-fog and Reactolite resin photochromics.

The Optinet Flex dispensing dashboard

been busier than ever adding new features and integrations to save staff time and make the business more profitable,” Chris Smith, national sales manager, told us.

Some of the latest developments and integrations that Flex users can benefit from using are: Online Appointment Booking; Optical Payment Services, paperless direct debit collection service; NHS Scotland eOphthalmic Payment System (GOS1 – 4); and NHS England eGOS. “Optometrists will see how easy it is to set up and personalise the clinical assessment record, allowing them to work the way they want,” explained Chris. “Dispensing staff can easily create and track orders from dispense through to collection with the ability to schedule automated follow-ups by email or SMS. Administration staff have all the tools in Flex they need to ensure the smooth running of the practice including a multi-chair diary system, reconciliation of NHS payments, administration of patient loyalty schemes and an easy-to-use till system.

“Practice managers will see how to access the information they need to make important business decisions, from dashboards containing key performance data through to a library of built-in popular searches allowing targeted marketing campaigns to be created and sent via email, letter or SMS,” Chris added. “In addition, Flex opens the practice up to cost savings by sending recalls by email and SMS and time savings by automating time-consuming jobs such as reminding patients of their appointments, by SMS.”

PERFORMANCE FINANCE New eyewear selections from Norville

There will be demonstrations of Briot and Weco edging systems for laboratories and practice workshops, a range of tools and lab accessories to view, and the chance to see Spec-Care frame repairs with its 3D printer in action. Norville Eyewear will be showcasing new releases from its quality frame ranges including Barbour, Barbour International, Duck and Cover, plus in-house brands MaiZee, Blitz Kids, Superlite and Freeform Green. Check out the UK’s most extensive range of prescription sport eyewear and new additions to the afocal and prescription safety ranges. The Norville team looks forward to welcoming friends old and new.

OPTINET Optinet will be demonstrating the latest edition of the Flex practice management software. “Development is key when it comes to practice management software and we have

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Performance Finance will have some special offers available at this year’s show. A leading optical finance specialist in the UK, Performance Finance provides tailormade loans and finance to independent opticians. “We are highly competitive with a friendly and helpful approach and provide asset finance, business loans, personal loans and patient finance,” said Stuart Burn, managing director.

“We understand that our clients want a high level of personal service delivered efficiently from a finance provider that has detailed knowledge of their profession. Performance Finance is also fully authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, with our reputation for completing arrangements with speed, efficiency and flexibility backed by a friendly service unmatched in our market. That’s probably why we have a Trust Pilot rating of 9.7 out of 10,” Stuart concluded.

Register for Optrafair 2018 at www.optrafair.co.uk

DOMICILIARY CARE

Complete solution for domiciliary care Are you looking to provide domiciliary care to patients no longer able to access your High Street practice? Community Care Opticians looks at the options…

As we get older, our bodies naturally begin to slow down and deteriorate, and we have an increasing need for assistance.

Many people use domiciliary (home-based) help to assist them with the day-to-day difficulties that arise from being less mobile.

It is worth remembering that 95 per cent of over-65s require a spectacle correction and yet only 35 per cent of this age group have attended for their essential eye examination.

As a consequence, a staggering 95 per cent of over-65s are wearing the wrong prescription – and about 75 per cent of this population are suffering with sight loss, which is deemed significant enough to affect their quality of life.

Statistics show that nearly half of us will suffer from cataract, and more than 50 per cent of us will have some sight loss due to macular degeneration. This is a remarkable statistic in an era where medicine and optometry is achieving more than ever in terms of diagnosis and treatment to correct and enhance vision. Therefore, if you are looking to help your patients who are unable to visit your practice, you could choose either to set up a domiciliary arm, or use a bolt-on service offered through the practice but delivered by another company.

you are required to apply for an additional services contract, which can take between three to six months. You will need to provide the NHS with evidence to support your application in order to be awarded the contract.

• NHS notification requirements: firstly, you will need to establish with the patient their eligibility for an NHS domiciliary examination. If you are seeing three or more people, three weeks’ notice is required; for one or two patients, 48 hours notice is required in advance of your planned visit. This must be done by fax or by email using an nhs.net email address.

• Communication, protection and dignity of clients: all members of staff will need to adhere to the Equality Act 2010 and Mental Capacity Act 2005 when testing.

They will also need the necessary skills for effective communication with domiciliary patients, particularly those living with cognitive impairment.

• Safeguarding and lone working guidance: all staff must be aware of the lone working guidance and safeguarding guidance to protect all parties as well as understand what to do in cases of concern.

USEFUL INFORMATION SETTING UP ON YOUR OWN If you decide to establish your own domiciliary practice, you will need to take into consideration the following: • New equipment: much of the essential equipment used on the High Street has a portable equivalent. You would be looking at investing a significant amount on optical equipment and a further £2,500 in dispensing equipment and frames.

• Updated insurance: both for the business and a car.

• Additional NHS contracts: before you can start providing a domiciliary service,

1. General guidance on domiciliary sight tests is available in the leaflet Sight test at home. Visit www.opticalconfederation. org.uk/domiciliary 2. Guidance on preparing for a sight test is available on the SeeAbility website, which can be easily be adapted for domiciliary patients. Visit www.seeability.org 3. Further guidance on NHS notification and claims is available in the Optical Confederation documents on Making accurate claims. www.opticalconfederation.org.uk/ downloads/guidance/making-claims-inengland-web.pdf

COULD JUST PEACHY BE THE ANSWER? The logistics of offering a domiciliary service are often not financially or logistically viable for a High Street practice. Therefore, Community Care Opticians has established a solution that can be utilised by practices to help ensure that their patients remain happy and loyal to their brand. This bolt-on service through us is called Just Peachy.

The Just Peachy Optical Partnership was founded by Community Care Opticians to enable a High Street practice to offer a bolt-on domiciliary service. This offers opportunities to help your practice to grow and also ensures that you can complete your existing service and provide eyecare to all your patients. It will also bring you in line with some of the larger multiples that offer an exisiting domiciliary service.

For more information on this partnership, telephone Community Care Opticians on 0203 418 8488 or email hello@justpeachy.org.uk

Vision Now MARCH 2018

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STYLE SPOTLIGHT

Colour psychology:

perceptions and perspectives

By Joan Grady Scandinavian Lobster Smørrebrød – the influence for summer sunnies by Fleye Copenhagen

Colour plays an important role in human behaviour and moods – particularly in the marketing and branding of eyewear. Different cultures respond to colour in various ways – depending on age, gender and experiences. Colour, like luxury, is extremely personal and individualistic. We are surrounded by colour in copious ways. From star-studded skies, Nature’s magical beauty with rainbows and filtered light, to the sea and sun, trees and flowers, plus other colour spectrums. All offer brilliant colour possibilities. How people respond to these various colour stimuli varies greatly.

Research into colour psychology indicates that colour preferences are frequently related to where one lives. People in cold climates prefer warm tones like yellow (the happiest colour in the colour spectrum) and red, while residents in warmer parts of the hemisphere tend to gravitate towards cooler hues like green and blue. Certain studies show that colour can also affect one’s mood. Blue tones are frequently connected with feelings of peace and relaxation. Red is perceived as strong, powerful and courageous; yellow is linked to enthusiasm and happiness; green in trees and plants is associated with stability, safety and harmony; while sky blue expresses freedom, wisdom and joy.

INFLUENCES: SANDWICHES TO THE SEASIDE The colour effect in eyewear is one of the reasons that spectacle frames have reached the apex of fashion and style. The pioneering stages of eyewear colours have

now morphed into an amazing array of choices that have transformed the eyewear sector. Collections are plentiful with spectacular colours that range from bright and vivid, to cool and sophisticated.

Inspirations for these innovative collections derive from many sources, and are often unexpected.

The Scandinavian food culture influenced the tempting eyewear designs from Fleye Copenhagen – a recent recipient of a prestigious Silmo d’Or award in Paris. The delicious Smørrebrød sandwich, with its open-faced presentation, sparked the interest of designer, Annette Esto. Fleye created frames based on the concept of the powerful colours and textures that highlight this traditional Scandinavian food. Using the Smørrebrød as inspiration enables playful layering of mixed solid and transparent acetate, which then creates delicate colour combinations. The Lobster Smørrebrød reflects colourations that are fresh, modern and sophisticated.

The Signature Collection Lobster Smørrebrød by Fleye Copenhagen

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Bougainvillea inspiration for the Capri Collection by LGR

Bougainville from the Capri Collection

by Luca Gnecchi Ruscone for LGR

Sunglass sophistication

by Vera Wang in Mint Green

The atmosphere of Capri infuses luxuriously crafted sunglasses by Luca Gnecchi Ruscone, in colours that reflect the beauty and harmony of the island. The Capri Collection features tones reminiscent of the idyllic setting: Bougainvillea, Limoncello, Cappuccino, Faraglioni and Grotta Azzurra.

The sunglasses radiate an Italian kaleidoscope of sophistication and purity.

Meanwhile, the ambience of a herbal garden provided inspiration for Vera Wang’s elegant sunglass design, Farah, in Fresh Mint with Gradient Moss lenses.

STYLE SPOTLIGHT

Palomar by l.a.Eyeworks in Spicy Jack

Beauty in bloom: Tulipano from the Flowers Collection by Oliviero Zanon at Res/Rei

the direction of Saber Lakhdari, which caters to the major fashion houses, as well as political luminaries and clients who just adore flowers. During Fashion Week, Arôm creates magical, magnificent bouquets and backdrops for catwalk shows and displays – wondrous mixtures of floral colours and shapes.

BE BOLD! When Gai Gheradi and Barbara McReynolds launched their eyewear collection for l.a.Eyeworks in California three decades ago, their concept was to create unique, invigorating and imaginative shapes in bold, expressive colours. At the time, this was considered a brave move. However, their inventive ideas have proven to be as noteworthy today as when they launched their first collection. Colour in spectacle frames has revolutionised how people perceive eyewear, and frames are definitely linked to the fashion trends in clothing and accessories. Gai and Barbara don’t follow trends – but they often launch new concepts, particularly with unexpected colourations.

Kirk & Kirk is also committed to vibrant, edgy colours in its collections. The British brand uses a material that is distinctive to eyewear: acrylic. Designer, Karen Kirk, comments: “I love working with acrylic, the colour opportunities are endless and often surprising. As with glazing pottery, the shaping of the pot, or in our case the frame, has a significant effect on how the colour turns out.” Colour names such as Pacific, Autumn, Berry, Hazel and Summer, are clues to the source of inspiration.

ARTISTIC DIRECTIONS Painters in the Impressionist era changed the accepted versions on colour and light.

The beauty of these masterpieces and the appeal of Impressionism colourations have long been core concepts for stylish designs.

The latest collection from Face à Face Paris

Impressionist era colourations in Bocca Walk 2 by Face à Face Paris

draws on the luscious tones of Gauguin and Matisse paintings, with a selection of frames in joyful tones of green, blue and radiant reds.

FLOWER POWER Flowers are a directional inspiration for fashion, home decoration and eyewear.

Res/Rei designer, Oliviero Zanon, in Italy devoted a collection to the beauty and shape of flowers. Zanon noted that the most interesting part of creating frames based on flowers was the transition between the initial idea in the first drawings, which subsequently evolved into the prototype process. During that phase, the focus is on how the acetate colourations can combine with each other.

Then the designs are crafted with colours and soft curves, as in spring blooms.

ATTRACTING ATTENTION: COLOURFUL DECOR Imaginative, colourful window displays and interiors are a magnet for customers.

Research reveals that up to 80 per cent of the information that people absorb is related to colour, and can often result in spontaneous purchases. Window displays in welcoming tones – especially blue, burgundy, green, orange, pink and red – are particularly attractive. Black also attracts positive consumer attention, as it is linked to sophistication, glamour and chic designs.

The opportunities for colour are limitless.

Independent opticians can incorporate a variety of colour options when creating window and interior displays, plus marketing and promotion programmes. Working with the psychology of colours you love is effective, enlightening, fun – and rewarding.

After many years in eyewear, Mary Pace decided to try something new and became involved in floristry, a long-time personal passion. She observes: “I am amazed at the link between fashion, flowers and its infiltration into eyewear as well.” Mary is associated with Arôm Flowers in Paris, under

Joss in sea tones from Kirk & Kirk’s Spectrum Collection

Floral display for Paris Fashion Week

by Mary Pace, Arôm Paris Vision Now MARCH 2018

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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

Tel: 01422 382408

ACCEPT CARDS

BRULIMAR OPTICAL GROUP

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

Tel: 0161 655 7000 Fax: 0161 655 7002

ALCON UK

www.brulimar.co.uk

DUNELM OPTICAL

HOYA LENS UK

Tel: 01388 420420 Fax: 01388 810101

Tel: 0845 330 0984 Fax: 0845 330 0977

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

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

CENTRO STYLE LTD

ESSILOR

www.uk.alcon.com

Tel: 01923 239267 Fax: 01923 253951

Tel: 01454 281281 Fax: 01454 281282

INTERNATIONAL EYEWEAR LTD

sales@centrostyle.com www.centrostyle.com

www.essilor.co.uk

ARENA EYEWEAR

Tel: 0121 585 6565 Fax: 0121 585 0954

www.arena-eyewear.co.uk

CHARMANT UK CO LTD

LENSTEC

ASSOCIATED OPTICAL

Tel: 020 8992 9222 Fax: 020 8896 0287

Tel: 01527 870550 Fax: 01527 837012

Tel: 01628 605433 Fax: 01628 665077

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

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

Tel: 029 2088 3009 Fax: 029 2088 9798

GO EYEWEAR UK LTD

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

Tel: 0371 376 0017 Fax: 0871 351 1005

Tel: 01952 820408

EYESPACE

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

CONTINENTAL EYEWEAR

Tel: 0800 9178270 www.goeyeweargroup.com

BAUSCH + LOMB

Tel: 0151 426 3907 Fax: 0151 426 9340

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

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

HEIDELBERG ENGINEERING

BIB OPHTHALMIC INSTRUMENTS

COOPERVISION

Tel: 01442 502 330 Fax: 01442 242 386

Tel: 0870 9000 055

www.HeidelbergEngineering.co.uk

Tel: 01438 740823

www.coopervision.co.uk

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

DAVID THOMAS

BONDEYE OPTICAL

Tel: 01604 646216 Fax: 01604 790366

Tel: 0121 7723888 Fax: 0808 2801865

orders@davidthomas.com www.davidthomas.com

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

DIBBLE OPTICAL SUPPLIES Tel: 01634 880885 Fax: 01634 540530

www.internationaleyewear.co.uk

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

LUXOTTICA (UK) LTD Tel: 0808 165 8555

HENRY BEAUMONT Tel: 0116 251 8936 Fax: 0116 262 4205 info@henrybeaumont.com www.henrybeaumont.com

www.luxottica.com

MARCHON Tel: 0800 72 2020 csuk@marchon.com

HILCO EUROPE

MARK’ENNOVY

Tel: 0800 591150

Tel: 0800 3280610 Fax: 0800 3280649

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

mkservices@markennovy.com www.markennovy.com

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

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

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

For more information:

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

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

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

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

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www.nationaleyecare.co.uk

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

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

“Only one comment,

WOW!“ Alisdair Buchanan, Buchanan Optometrists

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Telephone: 01442 502 330

T 01527 870550 eyespace-eyewear.co.uk

www.HeidelbergEngineering.co.uk

313004-002 UK.BE16 © Heidelberg Engineering GmbH

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MID-OPTIC

PERFORMANCE FINANCE

SEIKO OPTICAL UK

THE NORVILLE GROUP LTD

Tel: 01332 295001 Fax: 01332 295158

Tel: 01536 529696 Fax: 01536 310033

Tel: 01452 610033 Fax: 01452 638250

Tel: 01452 510321

orders@midoptic.com www.midoptic.com

www.performancefinance.co.uk

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

NATIONWIDE FRAME REPAIRS

Tel: 08446 696907

Tel: 01706 369530 Fax: 01706 628733

POSITIVE IMPACT glasklar@positiveimpactsales.co.uk www.positiveimpactsales.co.uk

PRACTICE BUILDING

SHAMIR UK Tel: 01954 785100 Fax: 01954 785101 info@shamirlens.co.uk www.shamirlens.co.uk

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

Tel: 0115 989 9772

No7 CONTACT LENSES

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

SILHOUETTE UK LTD

PRO-OPTIC

Tel: 020 8987 8899 Fax: 020 8987 2430

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

OPTINET LTD Tel: 0845 313 0233

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

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

SPEC-CARE LTD

sales@optinetuk.com www.optinetuk.com

RAWDON OPTICAL LTD

Tel: 01392 460806

Tel: 0113 288 3094 Fax: 0113 288 3095

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

ORANGE EYEWEAR

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

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

STEPPER UK Tel: 01732 375975

RODENSTOCK

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

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

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

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

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

sales@stepper.co.uk

Tel: 01474 325555 sales@rodenstock.co.uk www.rodenstock.co.uk

TANT LABORATORIES Tel: 01279 653785 www.tantlabs.com

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

Open your eyes to

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

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

Norville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2 Norville

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

0845 3130233 sales@optinetuk.com

www.optinetuk.com

Vision Now MARCH 2018

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