Vision Now May 2021 by Vision Now

VV MAY 2021

Vision Now magazine

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Inside

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.

News 4 7 9 11 13 14

NEG conference bookings open New sustainable Mulberry styles Menicon extends toric powers New-look packaging for OTC range Essilor expands e-learning content Handy new tool from BIB

14 An independent view CPD: is a fairer deal on the way?

16 NEG conference preview Get with the programme

20 Talking heads With Stephen Lash

21 Call the specialist? Flashes, floaters and that sinking feeling

24 Product profile TearLab Osmolarity System

26 Company profile Eyewear Direct

28 Style spotlight Emmanuelle Khanh: Art de Vivre

30 Suppliers’ directory

Editor’s comment Grab a coffee and ‘take 20-20’ this month with the first in our new Call the specialist? series by consultant vitreo-retinal surgeon, Stephen Lash (page 21). This month, Stephen digs down into flashes and floaters, and what to look out for when presented with ‘textbook’ signs and symptoms. But first, find out what has driven Stephen’s incredibly varied career path so far – and his views on the impact of the pandemic, telemedicine and the future of optometry and ophthalmology, including the use of AI in diagnostics and decision-making. In the Company Profile hot seat this month (page 26-27) is Eyewear Direct, established by Brett Waugh with the aim of working in closer collaboration with independent practices to ensure a more bespoke approach to high-quality eyewear supply and demand. This month’s Product Profile features the TearLab Osmolarity System for the management of dry eye, available from Positive Impact (page 24-25), while in Optinews, Chris Smith updates us on what’s new and improved with Optinet FLEX. If you haven’t already secured your complimentary place for the 2021 NEG Building for Success conference in September then now’s your chance. We have a preview of the fantastic speaker programme this month, including CET lectures and business talks, with what is promising to be the event’s most varied programme ever. And last but never least, Joan Grady talks to Eva Gaumé, incumbent creative perpetuating the legendary aesthetic vision of the late, great French designer Emmanuelle Khanh. Nicky Collinson Editor

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

The Editor welcomes letters, articles and other contributions for publication in the magazine and reserves the right to amend them. Any such contribution, whether it bears the author’s name, initials or pseudonym, is accepted on the understanding that its author is responsible for the opinions expressed in it and that its publication does not imply that such opinions are those of The PK National Eyecare Group Ltd. Articles submitted for publication should be original, unpublished work and are accepted on the basis that they will not be published in any other journal. Acceptance of material for publication is not a guarantee that it will be included in any particular issue. Copyright © 2021 for Peekay Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying and recording, without the written permission of the publishers. Such written permission should also be obtained before any part of this publication is stored in a retrieval system of any nature.

@PK_NEG VISION NOW is published by Peekay Publishing Ltd for The PK National Eyecare Group Limited, Clermont House, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3DN VISION NOW is printed by CFH Docmail Ltd. St Peter’s Park, Wells Road, Radstock BA3 3UP

Vision Now MAY 2021

NEWS 1

National Eyecare Group

CooperVision

Combining the designs of Biofinity toric and Biofinity multifocal, new Biofinity toric multifocal contact lenses feature Aquaform Technology for “superb breathability and higher moisture content to keep eyes comfortable and healthy”. “Correcting for astigmatism and presbyopia in a single contact lens is complex, and through our partnerships with eyecare professionals, we have come to understand the challenges associated with fitting toric multifocal lenses,” said Krupa Patel, head of professional services for CooperVision UK and Ireland. “With Biofinity toric multifocal, all of that has changed; our advanced optical design and effective fitting guide have raised the bar.” The lenses are available in more than 200,000 unique prescription options, and

Raising the bar with Biofinity toric multifocal

feature CooperVision’s Optimised Toric Lens Geometry and Balanced Progressive technologies. The former provides uniform horizontal iso-thickness, an optimised ballast band design, a large toric optical zone, and a smooth continuous surface; while the latter offers multiple zones of vision correction optimised for each sphere and add power, with the option of fitting a centre distance or centre near lens.

Eyewear Direct

Booking for NEG conference now open

Booking has now opened for the NEG’s 2021 Building for Success Conference, taking place on Sunday 26 and Monday 27 September at the De Vere Staverton Park Estate, Daventry, Northamptonshire. Title sponsored by CooperVision and Practice Building, with support from headline sponsors Bausch + Lomb, Hoya, Menicon and Stepper, the conference is themed ‘Tools for success’ and will feature a mix of CET, top business tips, an exhibition and dinner on the Sunday evening. As always, the conference is free for NEG members and Optinet users; the only cost is for accommodation, which will include the Sunday dinner and breakfast. Turn to page 16 for a preview of the programme, and visit www.negconference.co.uk to book your place.

Parklife from the Hook LDN collection is now available in two new colours – ombre purple and tonal grey. The new acetate designs are available in both ophthalmic and sunglass styles in the collection inspired by London life. On-trend and exuding ‘cool casual’, the round and unisex frames offer a versatile look and are designed to suit “just about everyone – from fashionistas to influencers to creatives; anyone wanting to be on-trend in 2021”. Turn to page 26 to learn more about distributor, Eyewear Direct, and its brand portfolio.

General Optical Council

The General Optical Council’s (GOC) latest public perceptions research has revealed an 11 per cent increase in the number of respondents who would consult an ‘optician’ first if they woke up with an eye problem. The survey also revealed that more people than before considered opticians to be solely a healthcare service. More than 2,000 people responded to an online survey as part of the 2021 research;

Hook LDN Parklife in ombre purple

Vision Now MAY 2021

97 per cent said they were satisfied with the measures that were in place during their last optician visit to protect them from coronavirus. Marcus Dye, GOC acting director of strategy, said: “We’re extremely pleased to see that confidence in the professions remains high, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. We’d like to thank our registrants for their

hard work during these difficult times to ensure the public could still receive eyecare and feel safe doing so. It’s also positive to see that the perception of opticians as a healthcare service has increased to over a third, and more respondents than ever say they would speak to an optician first if they had an eye problem.” The full report is available to download from the GOC website.

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NEWS 5

De Rigo

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Back on the small screen Sustainable eyewear that respects the environment

The SS 2021 eyewear collection from Mulberry, available from De Rigo, includes three sustainable models – one ophthalmic and two sunglass. The frames are made from bioacetate – a biodegradable and recyclable cellulose acetate obtained from renewable resources, such as seed fibres derived from cotton and wood fibres derived from conifers and deciduous trees. The sunglasses also feature nylon bio-lenses derived from the castor plant, and all three models come with a case made from recycled materials. A signatory of the UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, Mulberry is part of a group of leading fashion industry names aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2025 – 25 years prior to the UN’s suggested target. As part of its mission, Mulberry has introduced the use of responsible leather, CupCycled packaging, sustainable cotton and ECONYL regenerated nylon.

Thealoz Duo is currently back on the small screen with a 20-second advert focusing on the symptoms of dry eye, and how the product’s unique combination of preservative-free ingredients can help to relieve them. The advert covers the most common symptoms of dry eye and the benefits of a preservative-free solution. It is currently airing nationwide on ITV3, and on the Sky Adsmart channel in London until 31 May. Point-of-sale for practices is available, and the ad can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBkgZ1FizUY

International Eyewear

Get your patients set for summer fun with this floral vintage sunglass style from the Lulu Guinness eyewear collection. Steeped in Great British design, the Lulu Guinness collection embodies the brand’s aesthetic of retro femininity with a tongue-in-cheek twist. Model L215 (pictured) is a floral-inspired hero style featuring a bespoke temple print and HD daisy design, overlaid on a gingham-patterned acetate. The collection is available from International Eyewear.

CooperVision

CooperVision has announced its acquisition of No7 Contact Lenses. The company will operate within the CooperVision Specialty EyeCare Group. “No7 Contact Lenses has been our partner for several years in the UK while expanding its business,” said Juan Carlos Aragón, president of CooperVision

Lulu Guinness L215: as fresh as a daisy

Specialty EyeCare. “The acquisition will enable us to directly offer more of our products through No7’s well-established channels, while expanding access to their designs. In tandem, the agreement should further accelerate the development of myopia management solutions in the UK.” Ashley Pepper, managing director of No7 Contact Lenses, said: “We have great respect

for CooperVision and have enjoyed a strong working relationship with its specialty eyecare team. [The acquisition] will help us have an even greater impact on the eyecare professionals who prescribe our contact lenses, and the adults and children whose vision and lives are made better because of them.” No7 customers should continue with their current representatives and follow established ordering and support processes. Vision Now MAY 2021

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NEWS 9

11 Essilor

Silhouette

Materials seamlessly transition into one another, inspiring the name of Silhouette’s new collection – Blend. Comprising of 12 shapes, six for men and six for women, the collection ranges from muted metallic tones such as Icy Blossom and Silver Graphite to dramatic shades of Pure Black and Dark Red. The frames further blend the company’s unique SPX material with titanium. For women, Blend introduces six rimless shapes ranging from oversized styles to classic understated designs. Highlights of the female offering include a striking

New collection blends materials and tones

octagonal lens shape and a trend-driven oversized cat-eye design available in the range’s key colour: pink-toned metallic Rose Dove. For men, classic rectangular designs are joined by bold circular and octagonal shapes in colourways ranging from a sleek Navy Blue to Leather Brown.

The Essilor Group in the UK is to complete the acquisition of the remainder of the Lenstec Optical Group shareholding from owners Nigel Castle and Gerard Donovan, after acquiring a minority shareholding through Shamir in 2016. Olivier Chupin, Essilor’s VP North Europe, commented: “We are pleased to reinforce our partnership with Lenstec, which will allow us to improve access to the Essilor Group’s wide range of product offering to British consumers. “The successful relationship that the Essilor Group enjoyed over the past years with the team at Lenstec has illustrated the relevancy of further combining Essilor’s technologies and know-how with the wealth of expertise and strong heritage of Lenstec. This addition presents us with a number of opportunities, across a broad range of market segments especially key accounts.”

10 Marchon

Lenstec’s managing director, Nigel Castle, commented: “We are excited to continue our journey within the group. The partnership with Essilor and Shamir allows us to both strengthen and extend our products and service offering to our valued customers, whilst retaining the same customer intimacy, service and solutions our customers have come to expect.”

Sunglasses inspired by the Roseau bag

Longchamp has introduced a sophisticated sunglass style inspired by the luxury brand’s signature Roseau bag for women seeking a Parisienne touch to their style. The on-trend soft cat-eye shape is enriched with an elegant metal detail on the top part of the acetate front. A bamboo-like element embellishes both temples, recalling the iconic detail of the Roseau bag. The new sun style is offered in Black, Vintage Havana, Red Havana and Burgundy, and is available from Marchon.

Lenstec operates from three sites across the UK and enjoyed a turnover of £22m in 2019. The deal is expected to close during 2021 pending approval from the UK Competition and Markets Authority.

12 Menicon Menicon’s Miru 1day Flat Pack toric contact lens is now available in plus powers of up to +2.00D in 0.25D steps. The lens comes in the same new packaging design recently unveiled across the Miru 1day Flat Pack range, with colours reflecting changing light from dawn to dusk to reinforce the all-daycomfort message. The lens also features a bi-aspheric thinner toric design matching the natural eyelid contours, providing high levels of comfort and axis stability.

New toric with smart touches

Menicon’s SmartTouch packaging is just 1mm thick, meaning the inner surface of the lens remains hygienic during application because

the patient only touches the outer surface of the lens. The packaging is recyclable, while the storage case is made from the moulds that produce the lenses inside the pack. “Until now, the choice for long-sighted patients with astigmatism has been limited, and we are excited to bring this product to the UK contact lens market,” said Kevin Mitchell, managing director of Menicon UK. Menicon has updated its online toric calculator to include the new plus powers. Vision Now MAY 2021

From

TECHNICAL Contemporary collection combines elegance and style in protection, changing the concept of safety glasses.

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NEWS 13 Continental Eyewear The Matrix Eyewear collection from Continental Eyewear has been expanded with three new styles, featuring embossed temples, pops of colour and flattering shapes. There are also six new optical models in the Matrix Kids range with matte finishes, floral patterns and mature shapes and colours. All frames are available in three colourways. Our photograph shows Matrix Kids model 004 in Blue: a simple rectangular frame with a sleek matte finish also available in Black and Grey.

Association of British Dispensing Opticians

Matrix Kids model 004

15 Théa Pharmaceuticals Théa Pharmaceuticals’ new-look packaging for its OTC lid hygiene and dry eye range features strong brand colours and clear consumer messages on the front to help with product recommendation and selection. The new design was tested with consumers, “who strongly preferred the new packs when compared to the existing artwork”, the company said.

ABDO general secretary, Tony Garrett

All members of the Optical Suppliers Association (OSA) and their employees are now eligible to join the Association of British Dispensing Opticians’ (ABDO) benefits programme. This provides individuals with an array of health and lifestyle benefits from discounts in High Street stores such as M&S and Waitrose, concessions on Apple products, lower insurance rates, reduced gym memberships and much more. OSA chairman, Stuart Burn, said: “This is a very exciting step for the OSA. There has never been a more important time to focus on wellbeing and by collaborating with ABDO, we have delivered our members’ employees with an exceptional array of benefits and discounts.” ABDO general secretary, Tony Garrett, commented: “There has always been a close link between dispensing opticians in practice and our partners in industry, who provide both equipment and products. I hope that this initiative will be the start of a new and even closer working relationship.”

Sixty-one per cent of respondents found the new design more appealing than the previous packaging, and 55 per cent said they now had a better understanding of product information and features. The range includes: Blephaclean, Blephademodex,

New look more appealing, say consumers

Blephagel, Blephasol and Blephasol Duo, Hyabak, Thealoz Duo (10ml and UD) and Thealoz Duo Gel.

BIB Ophthalmic Instruments

Optopol has released software version 10.0.0 for the Revo FC OCT – providing “ground-breaking clinical features and a first in the OCT tech race”, according to distributor BIB Ophthalmic Instruments. The new Posterior Full Range pushes the retinal scan capability from a 12mm line scan to a 15mm line scan, providing a 25 per cent increase in retinal visualisation in a single scan. The new software also means that the Revo OCT is now the world’s first posterior OCT to visualise the entire anterior chamber. “This new ground-breaking capability provides a complete cataract, cornea and glaucoma analysis with measurement and recording facility,” said BIB’s Tim Baker. Scans are achieved without the use of any adaptor or additional forehead bar [Revo FC only].” The new software also provides the

New and improved Revo FC OCT

Revo OCT with a new AI DeNoise Algorithm to filter out noise from the tomogram, and improved biometry for measuring axial length. Contact BIB for full details of other improvements and features. Vision Now MAY 2021

Delivering the highest quality eyewear. eyewear-direct.net enquiries@eyewear-direct.net +44 (0) 207 193 3334

NEWS 17 Essilor

19 Independents Day

Essilor has added new CET content to its E-Academy platform to provide extra opportunities to gain points ahead of the end of the current cycle on 31 December 2021. The site includes articles, videos and clinical case studies covering numerous competencies and topics. Dr Andy Hepworth, professional relations manager at Essilor, said: “The site launched in 2019 as part of Essilor’s ongoing commitment to ECPs and it’s been a pleasure to support registered practitioners with this wide range of approved content, for them to enjoy reading whilst gaining valuable CET points. “This last year has been disruptive for the industry and it’s understandable that some ECPs may be slightly behind schedule in terms of CET points. That’s where we hope the E-Academy can really help with its rich tapestry of easily accessible education and training,” Andy added. New modules include ‘Dementia and sight loss’ and ‘What is blue light?’ Visit https://cet.essilor.co.uk

18 100% Optical Speaker, Sarah Morgan

Early-bird booking has opened for Independents Day, taking place on Sunday 4 July at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham. The symposium will focus on ‘The business of myopia’, with keynote speakers US optometrist and entrepreneur Dr Gary Gerber, and Matt Oerding, his cofounder at the Treehouse Eyes myopia management clinic. Other expert speakers include Nick Dash, Sarah Morgan and Nick Black. The event will be supported by an iShow exhibition, enabling independents to meet up with suppliers face-to-face. Back to earlier January dates

Media 10 has reverted to its original show dates for 2022 of 22-24 January. The show had previously been announced for 29-31 January 2022 following the cancellation of this year’s event. But in a message to exhibitors last month, Nathan Garnett, 100% Optical show director, said: “As you may be aware, ExCeL London – like all big exhibition venues – have had lots of events pushed out of their original datelines due to the pandemic, and being used as a NHS Nightingale and vaccination centre. “Having negotiated with the venue over securing our original dateline, and as the vaccine roll-out appears to be on track, we can confirm we are back in the dates we have run for the past few years,” Nathan concluded. There will be a virtual 100% Optical on 23-24 May 2021, offering CET and networking opportunities. Find out more about all upcoming events at www.100percentoptical.com

Association of Optometrists

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) has launched a new and updated AOP Infection Control and Prevention Certificate, in association with Optometry Today (OT) and supported by Johnson & Johnson Vision. More than 4,000 AOP members passed the certificate last year, which is designed by the AOP clinical team. All UK practising and pre-registration AOP members are encouraged to take the certificate, even if they previously completed it in 2020.

Updates to the content include the importance of ventilation and air filtration, vaccinations and an update on additional cleaning measures and surface survival of Sars-Cov-2. Qualified optometrists and dispensing opticians can also earn one CET point for successful completion. After watching a pre-recorded lecture by AOP clinical director, Dr Peter Hampson, members will be directed to complete a series of related MCQs. Members can then download a paper certificate which can be personalised with a practice logo, to display on a practice wall or show to an employer.

Event organiser, Nick Atkins, said: “This is the first conference held in the UK dedicated to myopia progression management. In fact, it is possibly the first meeting anywhere in the world focused on changing our commercial approach from a transactional sales model that simply corrects paediatric myopia, to a therapeutic model of managing a child’s myopic progression.” Individual early-bird booking for the event is by 23 May. For more information, visit www.independentsday.co.uk

ICP Certificate updated Vision Now MAY 2021

NEWS 21 De Rigo

AN INDEPENDENT VIEW CPD: is a fairer deal on the way? For a number of years, the AIO has advocated replacing the current CET regime with a modern continuous professional development (CPD) approach that does not treat practitioners as students (perhaps even as children), but as responsible professionals capable of maintaining and developing their own competences in the disciplines that are appropriate to them. This approach has been taken for years by other professions, and has been proven to deliver successful outcomes for regulated individuals as well as their patients/clients. Police brand launches sixth lifestyle store

A sixth Police lifestyle store has opened its doors at the Westfield Stratford Shopping Centre in London, which attracts around 50 million shoppers annually. Launched in the 1980s as a De Rigo Group eyewear brand, Police now boasts a wide range of products, including fragrances, watches, jewellery and small leather goods, all characterised by premium-quality materials and a distinctly urban spirit. The new store is 14,000sqft and features all the Police lifestyle products, including the new capsule clothing collection and Police X Lewis Hamilton eyewear collection designed in partnership with the F1 racing driver.

22 BIB Ophthalmic Instruments

DO-designed Handyrefract

Developed by dispensing optician Chris Boyde, the new Handyrefract is now available from BIB Ophthalmic Instruments. A low cost, hand-held, lightweight and sturdy binocular trial lens holder, Handyrefract can be positioned for either the practitioner or patient to hold. The arm adjoins to two sprung, fully rotational and removeable (for cleaning) front cells with axis markings left and right providing quick and easy lens insertion. Ideal for demonstrating a spectacle prescription, reading Adds and over-refractions, as well as for introducing cyls over spherical contact lenses, Handyrefract can be used in the consulting room, dispensing area or within a domiciliary setting.

Vision Now MAY 2021

Finally, a new approach is on the way – with a new CPD scheme and three-year cycle commencing in January 2022. The new scheme will replace the existing CET competencies, give registrants more control over their professional development (appropriate to their scope of practice), and potentially introduce peer review for dispensing opticians (DOs) to align with optometrists and contact lens opticians, who are required to do one peer review per three-year cycle. Legislative intervention will be required to deliver these changes; this will come from the Department of Health and Social Care, which is likely to be under pressure in respect of other legislation relating to the (hopefully) post Covid world. It is not a done deal. In addition, the AIO’s consistent call for DOs to receive the same financial support for professional development as optometrists (but most definitely not at optometrists’ expense) does not appear to have been addressed; at least not yet. In the meanwhile, there is the practical matter of registrants meeting their existing CET requirements for the current cycle ending in December. Those who took advantage of the six-point ‘holiday’ granted last year have a lot of catching up to do. We also know that DOs are on average 20 per cent behind where they would normally be by now – and that optometrists are struggling with some competencies, particularly binocular vision. We have therefore surveyed our members to find out what CET sessions they would like to see at our conference in October at Chesford Grange – and we will be tailoring the programme accordingly.

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N 0845 602 2350 E cs.vc.uk@bausch.com * When the ECP followed the ﬁtting guide 1. ULTRA® Comfort Experience™ for Presbyopia Data Analysis Phase 1 + 2. 2017. 2. Bausch + Lomb ULTRA® Multifocal for Astigmatism stabilisation study. 3. Bausch + Lomb, 2013. Perceptions of Bausch + Lomb PureVision® 2 for Presbyopia (#815). Rochester. 4. Bausch + Lomb., 2016. A study to evaluate the product performance of two designs of soft toric lenses (#ROC2-16-016). Rochester. ®/™ are trademarks of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates. ©2021 Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates.

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NEG CONFERENCE PREVIEW

Get with the programme “MOST VARIED EVER LINE-UP” THIS YEAR’S NEG CONFERENCE, TITLED ‘TOOLS FOR SUCCESS’, WILL BE THE MOST VARIED PROGRAMME EVER PUT TOGETHER – WITH WORLD CLASS SPEAKERS AND CONTENT THAT WILL IMPACT EVERY NEG MEMBER ACROSS THE COUNTRY

“Having not been able to meet up with other NEG members since June 2019, the conference will offer a great opportunity to catch up with like-minded professionals to discuss the business and clinical elements of independent practice,” said Phil Mullins, NEG operations director. “Being held at the DeVere Staverton Estate Hotel, near Daventry on the 26 and 27 September, we look forward to welcoming you to a Covid-safe event in a great location, with the following great programme.”

SUNDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 1:30pm: Registration and coffee 2pm: ‘The post pandemic practice’ by Andy Clark Andy Clark from Practice Building and the NEG Business Club will lead this interactive workshop illustrating how to significantly boost the lifetime value of patients to the business. He will highlight the importance of bespoke planned eyecare and situational dispensing when coupled with actively inviting patients back more frequently, and at more opportunistic times. Andy will go on to reveal the power of encouraging the patient to return to the practice when they want to, not only when their eye examination is due, highlighting how this increases their willingness to purchase more. He will also demonstrate how to successfully recommend more products and make the most out of the opportunities presented by offering affordable eyewear. “The aim is to increase profitability by working smarter not harder, with the added benefit of boosting job satisfaction,” says Andy.

Vision Now MAY 2021

Andy Clark returned to university after qualifying as an optometrist to study business, before building two large practices of his own. He is an accomplished presenter and passionate about training and development that creates long-lasting changes. This passion helped him win a National Training Award for his Optometrist Development Programme, and he was cowinner of an Optician Award for the Dry Eye Project. Andy founded Practice Building in 2010. Since then, he and his team have been working very closely with hundreds of independent practice owners helping them to build secure and profitable practices.

4pm: Coffee break 4:20pm: ‘Myopia and its management: it’s all a bit of a blur!’ by Andy Sanders (CET) Myopia is a significant global public health and socioeconomic problem and has been steadily increasing in recent decades. It is estimated that by 2050, around 50 per cent of the world’s population will be myopic. In this talk, Andy will explore the latest insights related to the proposed mechanisms that drive myopia, the consequences of myopia, as well as management interventions and their reported efficacy. Andy Sanders is a qualified dispensing optician (DO) with more than 37 years’ experience in manufacturing and technical dispensing optics. He has worked for large chains, smaller regional groups and independent High Street practice. He is professional services director for Hoya Lens UK, responsible for in-house company training as well as creating and delivering seminars on lens products, prescription and

task analysis. Andy was a regular lecturer and tutor at Hoya’s European facility in Budapest, and is currently chair of the Optical Suppliers Association’s Standards Panel and Lens Focus Group.

MONDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 8am: Registration, tea and coffee in the exhibition hall 9am: ‘Menicon’s myopia control system in full Bloom’ by Josie Barlow In this lecture, Josie will look at the prevalence of myopia and discuss the current treatment options for myopia management and introduce Menicon Bloom – a complete and comprehensive system to treat myopia progression. Menicon Bloom uses on-label products, care systems, protocols and software allowing the practitioner to monitor and communicate with the patient – improving treatment outcomes and compliance. Josie will also explore how offering myopia managment treatments can enhance and build a practice, and create long-term patients while reducing the risk of drop-out. Josie is a qualified DO and contact lens optician (CLO), with more than 30 years’ experience in both independent and multiple practice. For more than 15 years, she has worked for contact lens manufacturers, and has developed and delivered CET and other lectures on a wide range of contact lens corrections. She specialises in complex lens fitting, advising peers in this area. Josie has conducted lectures to optometrists, CLOs and DOs, and facilitated CET-accredited workshops at industry meetings and manufacturer facilities.

Sponsored by

NEG CONFERENCE PREVIEW 10am: ‘The in-betweeners: closing the gap between primary and secondary care’ by Sarah Farrant

consistent income stream is the only way to survive now, in normal life and any future lockdowns.

Sarah will present a practical guide and discussion around ‘why I continue to bother carrying out additional services in practice’. She will look at some business models to dispel the myths that it doesn’t add profit to your business, but rather look at how you can engineer additional services to be a building block for your business. “It’s these elements of care that the HES wants to move out to the community and practices can build real patient loyalty,” says Sarah.

“The essential commodity we should be using is care,” continues Brian. “Proper fees, open and honest pricing and charging properly for our time so patients understand how practices run. Contact lenses demand constant and continued care and, as such, lead the way in explaining the fee structure model. Whether disposable, re-useable, specialist or therapeutic, all patients need our professional time on a continued basis.”

Optometrist Sarah Farrant is a leading expert in therapeutics and dry eye management, representing the UK as an ambassador for the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society. She sits on the executive board of the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA), and was on the council of the College of Optometrists for 12 years. She is chair of Somerset LOC and has been instrumental in improving access to a nationally recognised level of local eyecare. She is also a keen international lecturer and a consultant for a number of global companies.

11am: Coffee break 11:30: ‘Contact lenses. The ‘must-have’ in modern optometry practice’ by Brian Tompkins Brian’s talk will explain how his practice has integrated care plans for all eyecare, and moved contact lenses into a fee earning process to gain new patients and engender loyalty in existing patients. Brian explains: “Optometry has changed irrevocably in the last year due to Covid – but it needed to change. Practices were closed for months on end, and the standard income stream of PAYG fees, spectacle frames and spectacle lenses were not available to maintain income. Many practices have realised that a steady

Brian Tompkins is an award-winning independent practitioner and a past president of the BCLA. He is extremely proactive in fitting all types of contact lenses to any age and prescription, and is keen on imaging and video capture for enhanced patient education. He lectures internationally on business, imaging technology, dry eye and contact lens topics, all based on real-life experience in the consulting room. Evangelically, he has been trying to spread the concept of charging proper fees and business development following the implementation of a Care Plan System in his own practice many years ago.

12:30pm: Lunch 2pm: ‘Never going back: how Covid19 has changed work for good’ by Peter Thomson In his presentation, Peter Thomson will discuss how the way we work has evolved during the 21st century as a result of digital technology and social change. He says: “The pandemic has acted as a catalyst to accelerate this change with enforced home working and innovative uses of technology. This has had a fundamental impact on work organisation and how we live. We are never going back to the rigid, office-based work patterns but are moving to a more flexible, hybrid model. Leaders will have to adapt their management style to accommodate the expectations of the workforce of the future.”

Peter Thomson has written many articles and blogs about the evolution of new working practices and spoken at numerous conferences on the subject. His current interest is in agile, self-managing organisations. His interest in the future of work started when he was Northern Europe personnel director for Digital Equipment, a pioneering user of technology for teleworking. When he left Digital, Peter became a visiting fellow at Henley Business School where he studied the changing patterns of work and the leadership implications of these trends. At the same time he formed Wisework, a leading consultancy in the field of smart working. In 2011 Peter teamed up with Alison Maitland to write Future Work. His most recent book is the title of his presentation. He is director of the Future Work Forum think tank.

3pm: Coffee 3:30pm: ‘Where and when should I give nutritional advice: that pragmatic approach’ by Meena Puar (CET) “Optical professionals need to ensure that they can identify risk factors in a patient’s history and lifestyle that warrant further discussion with regards to selfcare, such as smoking, family history and so on,” says Meena. In her lecture, Meena will present a pragmatic approach to nutritional advice, using fictional patient case scenarios to demonstrate the key learning points. For each one, peer-reviewed evidence is presented to give a balanced pragmatic conclusion. Meena Puar is an optometrist and DO. She is sales and education lead for Thea UK and offers training and education around dry eye, blepharitis and Demodex. She has also written several clinical articles around topics like dry eye, glaucoma and presbyopia. She has previously worked for Johnson & Johnson Vision and CooperVision as a professional services consultant. She has a keen interest in contact lenses and in June 2017 became a fellow of the BCLA. She has also been involved in glaucoma and diabetic screening programmes, which has meant working closely with local hospital eye services.

Vision Now MAY 2021

TALKING HEADS

It’s time to stretch Ahead of his first article for Vision Now, we talk to Stephen Lash about his journey from optometrist to vitreo-retinal specialist via an MBA and a year Down Under...

VN: What has driven your career journey decisions so far? SL: Optometry was my first decision driven by a love of people and science – but I was always drawn more to the medical side. Would my job be even more interesting if I could diagnose and treat people? So I worked hard, won a prize, applied and got in to medical school. Qualifying in medicine was the easy bit. Next came more study, more delayed gratification and more progress. I needed to ‘fix’ things and so was drawn towards vitreo-retinal [VR] surgery. I was also interested in the future of medicine and how to perhaps influence healthcare in the wider arena. So I embarked on an MBA. I sat my last exam in January 2009, handed in my dissertation and then left for my VR Fellowship in Melbourne, Australia, two days later. Australia was an incredible year. I learned VR surgery, met lifelong friends and lived life ‘in colour’ with my growing family. When I returned to the UK to became a consultant, I thought I would finally feel settled – but I didn’t fit very well in a large bureaucratic organisation where I could see inefficiencies. I tried to make changes from within, then attempted to build a hospital. I got a long way down the road, raising £1.2m in investment, but ultimately the venture failed. It was a huge journey and I learned a lot along the way. I then worked briefly with New Medica/Specsavers but I was too much of an idealist. Next was a role with Optetgra as medical director – but the world would not quite fit my view of how medicine should roll out. At 50, I have finally realised that I want less – not more. I want to simplify and get back to what I really love doing, which is surgery and the reason I started my journey in the first place. I remain curious, however, and open to new challenges and opportunities. VN: As a retina specialist, what’s your biggest pressure at the moment?

Vision Now MAY 2021

SL: Covid has had an immense impact on healthcare, some of it for the better. It has forced us into new ways of working. In surgical retina, the world is in evolution – but in other areas there is revolution given some of the huge demands and exponential growth. I really feel for my medical retinal and glaucoma colleagues. The pressure remains to deliver excellent care and excellent training, whilst using limited resources efficiently but in a risk averse environment that’s increasingly consumerist and demanding. All this pulls us in different directions. Perhaps Covid has helped shift this risk aversion in a sensible direction. Who is the customer of the NHS? The individual or the population? Healthcare looks very different even when considering this basic understanding or assumption. VN: How has telemedicine affected your work? SL: Telemedicine has not, but virtual working, reviewing scans, speaking to patients on the telephone absolutely has. It is critical we get people in for surgery in a timely manner. The backlog has facilitated a perhaps more balanced view to risk, if we are to treat as many people as we can. It is not as ‘safe’ with current technology as we are face-toface in clinic and undertake direct examination, but I could see a time very soon when technology has improved, imaging is more complete and chat bots sort and stream patients. VN: Is artificial intelligence (AI) making an impact in your work – and will it affect how independent practices work down the line? SL: AI will make a huge impact in screening initially, but then it will inevitably grow in diagnostics and decision-making. I can see doctors working within a suite of technology, almost as the conductor of a team of technologists. Robotic surgery is here, but in ophthalmology I

think it will more likely enable surgeons to perform surgery they cannot do at present due to physiological limitations. Sub-retinal drug delivery in stem cell or gene therapy is a good example. I still think that by the time the robot is positioned and set up and prepped, I am already finishing my phaco vity peel and remember the demand argument from earlier. For long complex surgery in other areas, it is already having an impact. VN: How will independent practices engage with NHS primary and secondary healthcare services in the near future? SL: The opportunity is clear: we need ‘super trained’ optometrists in the community stepping into the demand gap. Optometrists have the training and access to kit, and I would encourage all to consider additional training in therapeutics and diagnostics, independent prescribing, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration [AMD], cataract assessment and post-operative follow-up. Refraction will become increasingly automated as technology improves. It’s time to stretch. VN: What is the most pressing eye health issue of the day, and how can independents help? SL: There is huge demand in glaucoma and AMD. With glaucoma, it is spotting the few patients who will rapidly lose sight amongst the many in whom it will never interfere with life. Early detection, monitoring and ensuring those who need surgery or laser get it in a timely fashion. In cataract, we will increasingly see optometrists reviewing, referring and then reviewing post-surgery. We will certainly need better IT links between secondary care and optometrists, and electronic records that work and ensure the age-old issue of ‘referral, treatment and absolutely no feedback’ ends. Noone can improve in the dark, and refine their skills without feedback.

IN THE CLINIC

Call the specialist? Flashes, floaters and that sinking feeling

Mid-60s is the highest age peak for a retinal detachment

IN THE FIRST OF A NEW SERIES looking at the types of conditions seen in optometric practice that might warrant a referral to a specialist, one-time optometrist now consultant vitreo-retinal surgeon, Stephen Lash, looks at flashes and floaters... We have all been there, myself included all those years ago as a locum optometrist working weekends to pay for medical school. It’s a busy clinic, the pressure to ‘convert’ (profit is the requisite of business not the purpose) and you’re running behind. The next patient (squeezed in as being flagged with a potential problem) presents with textbook (or perhaps Google searched) symptoms of flashes and floaters, and has them down so well you are sure they have rehearsed. I am not being disrespectful to patients; history has to be teased out and refined – that is our job as professionals – using Occams Razor but ensuring Procrustes does not get hold of it (indugle me). This is a perfect storm and it means a late/no lunch, frustrated/delayed patients until closing, and the danger that this patient could lose their sight and you your career. Litigation in this area is second to none. So, how can I help? Firstly, let’s get a handle on the likelihood of a problem – before we reach for our Volk lens.

LOOK, ASK, EXAMINE Look at them. Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) occurs in 25 per cent of 50-year-olds and 80-90 per cent of 80-90year olds. It is more common at an earlier age in myopes. You fear retinal detachment (RD) and although the background risk is around one in 10,000, there is a bimodal profile with the highest peak in the mid to late 60s: 6.00D of myopia = 6x the risk. Ask them. What are the flashes like? Thunderbolts or shimmers? It is a classic misdiagnosis. If it shimmers for around 20 minutes in both eyes, you can ‘relax’. If there are thunderbolts, you cannot. With

floaters, ask if there are lots of distinct ‘bits’. A patient once told me she had ‘black rain’, which is a perfect description of muscae volitantes – or ‘flying flies’ for the non-Latin speaker. Are the flashes and floaters related? If your patient presents with a very short history (24 hours) of flashes and a shower of floaters, they are much more likely to have a retinal tear. The risk of a tear is between five and 10 per cent. Tears in the acute situation have around a 50 per cent chance of progressing to a RD. Finally, ask if the floaters have coalesced into a fog such that the patient cannot see. A fundus obscuring vitreous haemorrhage (VH) has an extraordinarily high risk of a tear – up to 75 per cent – and they need to go to eye casualty. Of course, if they reveal that they are losing vision from an edge (I’ve never really understood the curtain thing – mine pull in from both sides) then get your receptionist to start looking up eye casualty’s number. Examine them. This is obvious but critical, especially if detachment follows. Is there a relative afferent pupillary defect? Check the pressure; low might be RD, high might mean Schwartz syndrome with photoreceptors clogging the trabecular meshwork (I have been caught out by that). Cells in the anterior chamber and flare in RD? I know you are itching to pick up that Volk, but leave it alone and look at the lens. Pseudophakic? One piece in the bag – uncomplicated surgery – but a higher risk of RD (1.7x). A three-piece lens in the sulcus suggests complicated cataract surgery, which has an even higher risk (44x). Leave that Volk alone, now look at the anterior gel and get the patient to look up and down

and stop. Look for pigment cells (apologies to Schaeffer and the tobacco industry this time). Pigment cells are a concern, lack of them is not reassuring. Is there blood? This is an even higher concern. Now pick up your Volk, look for Weiss ring and the retina. Be systematic, work round eight positions of gaze. Supero temporal is the most common quadrant for a horseshoe tear, and inferotemporal is most common for schisis and dialysis. After textbook history and examination, nothing. I am sure some of you have examined well, found nothing and both ended up in trouble. Document your negative findings and warn. If patients develop an increase in flashes or floaters or fading vision, they should telephone. Tears present from day one to day 30 with the average on day 11, so do not score an own goal at the last hurdle. Having tried to allay your fears over flashes and floaters, tears and detachments – all pressing and urgent issues – next time I will move on to a key question for all those who ‘look’: what do we do when we see something? I am not talking about the Volk lens and peripheral retina lesions, but central issues revealed by the rapid increase in access to OCT scans. Do you refer or not? We will go through some natural history and explore the variety of findings that cause heads to be scratched and referrals to be made or not. Stephen Lash BM, BSc (Hons), MCOptom, FRCOphth, MBA works part-time within the NHS and part-time as a private ophthalmic surgeon. www.stephenlasheyesurgery.com Vision Now MAY 2021

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT SIMPLIFIED @

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OPTINEWS

Optinet FLEX: an update CHRIS SMITH, Optinet operations and business development manager, rounds-up the latest news from Optinet FLEX

Optinet FLEX is an advanced practice management system (PMS) for independent optical businesses of all sizes, supplied by Optinet – the IT division of NEG. FLEX encompasses all aspects of the day-to-day running of an optical business – from maintaining patient records, handling eGOS submissions and scheduling appointments, to recording clinical assessment and examination results and creating patient dispense and till receipts. From a ‘back-office’ perspective, full reporting is available along with the ability to interrogate data and send communications to patients – whether it be recalls or automated email/SMS notifications. HOSTED FLEX FOR MULTI-SITES For businesses with more than one site, FLEX can be centralised and hosted in the cloud. The benefits of centralising your business include: 1. Frequently performed tasks can be handled centrally • Viewing group diaries • Sending group recall • Planning group marketing • Stock handling across the group • Business reporting 2. Software configuration remains consistent across the group • Lens catalogues and pricing • Staff records • Document templates • SMS templates • Email templates 3. An ‘always on’ system that can be accessed from anywhere. 4. Location restrictions are removed, e.g. access diaries from other branches.

DEVELOPMENT MATTERS At Optinet, we believe in development; PMS needs to evolve – more so now than

ever before. For example, one of our newest developments – FLEX Forms – was designed specifically to assist with remote triaging of patients. We always have an eye to the future, and close discussions with our Early Access Group let us check ideas in the ‘real world’ before starting any development work. Plus automatic updates ensure the software is always up-to-date. Here are some of the new releases arriving in practices right now.

FLEX FORMS FLEX Forms allow you to capture information from patients without them visiting the practice and are ideal for remote prescreening and triaging. Design and create web forms in FLEX using the simple Click2Build system; no programming knowledge is needed. Links can be sent via email or SMS and can be scheduled for automatic delivery with a diary confirmation or sent on an ad-hoc basis. The patient completes the form online and the results are securely stored before being downloaded back into FLEX for review.

FLEX MESSAGING Stay connected in practice with FLEX Messaging. Create chats that can be seen by all staff members or private chats between specific people or groups. Additional resources can be signposted by inserting web links, and patient records can be flagged by inserting patient links.

FLEX EGOS We continue to make changes to FLEX eGOS to make life simpler in practice. The latest release includes GOS5 submissions – meaning GOS1, GOS3, GOS4 and GOS5 claims can now be made directly from within FLEX. Choose from a signature pad or our dedicated Android and Apple apps (free to use) to capture the patient’s signature. Claims are quick and simple to create, with key information drawn from

FLEX Records. Claims can be created in FLEX even when the PCSE systems are offline. Useful tools are included to ensure that claims do not get missed and reporting is available within FLEX.

DOCMAIL INTEGRATION We have partnered with DocMail, a leader in true hybrid mail services, to provide a seamless end-to-end system for sending letters directly from FLEX. For less than the cost of a second-class stamp, letters are printed and posted with the added benefits of the practice logo printed on a plain non-window envelope. This helps distinguish it from other mail when it arrives with the patient.

SERVICE AND SUPPORT Whilst we are committed to ongoing software development, we are fiercely proud of the service and support we offer – starting with the initial software demonstration which takes place in the practice where possible or online if preferred. By visiting the practice, we get a feel for the business, meet the owner and staff, and start to plan delivery of the software and training. We also offer on-site training at the point of installation, helping users to get the most out of the software from the very outset. Post-installation, we offer remote telephone support, management away-days and training courses at our Worcestershire offices. Our online customer portal is available 24/7 to search FAQs and open new support tickets. For almost 35 years, Optinet has developed software for independent practices. We understand practice needs and have the valuable experience that makes Optinet a name you can trust. If you would like to find out more about the FLEX system or the exclusive NEG free 12-month software trial, email chris.smith@optinetuk.com Vision Now MAY 2021

PRODUCT PROFILE

Osmolarity System Established, empowering, essential Maximise care and management for your dry eye patients through tear testing with the TearLab Osmolarity System Figure 1. TearLab Osmolarity System

Regardless of patients’ visual goals, whether it be comfortable eyes, comfortable contact lens wear, successful refractive surgery, or premium cataract surgery, achieving optimal outcomes requires a healthy, optimised ocular surface. The corneal surface is the eye’s first line of refraction; 70 per cent of the total refractive power occurs at the tear film/ocular surface interface. Ocular surface health is crucial to obtain reliable data on which to base refractive measurements. The accuracy of these measurements underpins the success of refractive outcomes, and ultimately patients’ satisfaction with their vision. Patients have high expectations when it comes to the visual results achieved after refractive/cataract procedures. Therefore, eyecare providers must begin any assessment with an evaluation of the ocular surface.

For example, a positive questionnaire would identify fluctuating vision, eye fatigue or burning, thereby triaging the patient for evaluation with osmolarity and measurement of inflammatory markers. In addition, meibography is now frequently performed as part of a standard ocular surface disease (OSD) work-up.

First things first: with a validated symptom questionnaire, eyecare providers can capture subjective information about a patients’ ocular surface discomfort, visual symptoms, and the overall impact of these conditions on day-to-day activities. By first

Together with slit lamp examination, measures of osmolarity and inflammation and meibomian gland investigation provide a key with which to unlock treatment decisions. Objective data also makes it easier for eyecare providers to educate patients so they can visualise their conditions and understand the importance of adhering to treatment. Algorithmic approaches to OSD provide a streamlined method for approaching treatment, leveraging point-of-care tests and better information to track therapeutic efficacy.

Figure 2. TearLab Osmolarity Test Cards

Osmolarity testing has been fully validated in the diagnosis and management of OSD. The TearLab Osmolarity System (Figure 1) is an empowering tool designed to help determine patient disease state and management through quick and easy testing. TearLab is an objective and quantitative point-of-care diagnostic test that provides precise and predictive information. The system is intended to measure the osmolarity of human tears to aid in the diagnosis and management of suspected dry eye disease (DED), in conjunction with other methods of clinical evaluation.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

using a questionnaire as a screening tool for all patients, the practice also demonstrates the importance of ocular surface health and establishes a process by which patients can be identified to automatically receive appropriate point-of-care tests.

Vision Now MAY 2021

OSMOLARITY: WHAT THE NUMBERS REVEAL Tear osmolarity is informative when the results are abnormal or normal. Abnormal osmolarity is defined by: an elevated reading, >300mOsm/L, indicating loss of homeostasis; or when the inter-eye difference is >8mOsm/L, indicating instability of the tear film.

HOW IT WORKS The TearLab Osmolarity Test Card (Figure 2), in conjunction with the TearLab Osmolarity System, provides a quick and simple method for determining tear osmolarity using 50 nanolitre (nL) volume of tear fluid collected directly from both eyelid margins. The Test Card is held by the Osmolarity Test Pen, for safe collection. The TearLab Osmolarity Test utilises a temperaturecorrected impedance measurement to provide an indirect assessment of osmolarity. After applying a lot-specific calibration curve, osmolarity is calculated and displayed as a quantitative numerical value (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Osmolarity is calculated and displayed as a quantitative numerical value

PRODUCT PROFILE Mild

Normal

Moderate

Severe

TEARLAB

OSMOLARITY

300

320

mOsm/L

340

Figure 4. Sliding scale of osmolarity

Tear hyperosmolarity is the trigger to the cascade of signalling events within the surface epithelial cells. The TearLab Osmolarity System measures the osmolarity of tears with easy-to-interpret data, making the results informative, easy to communicate whether normal or abnormal. An inter-eye difference of 8mOsm/L or an elevated reading over 300mOsml/L is considered abnormal: however many clinicians recommend active management of the tear film if the osmolarity is 308mOsm/L or greater (Figure 4). The system provides precise and predictive results at the point of care. It is more precise than other universally accepted point-of-care tests, such as cholesterol and glucose.

UNDERSTANDING OCULAR SURFACE DISEASE OSD is a broad constellation of aetiologies that often overlap and interact with each other1. Although arriving at a diagnosis that pinpoints the nature of the underlying cause may seem daunting, taking a systematic approach can greatly facilitate narrowing down the potential culprit(s). Why is it important to differentiate the mechanisms causing epithelial damage in an individual patient? Treatments will be more effective if they address the root cause of disease. Recent reports, such as TFOS-DEWS II2, have greatly aided the current understanding of OSD and the key role of the tear film in maintaining a healthy corneal surface. When the tear film becomes compromised, patients experience the well-known symptoms of ocular discomfort, such as burning, red eyes, itching, foreign body sensation, blurry or fluctuating vision, light sensitivity and pain2. In 2019, the ASCRS Cornea Clinical Committee released a consensus-based algorithm for the preoperative diagnosis and treatment of OSD3, and the Cornea External Disease and Refractive Society (CEDARS) created a clinical guide developed from the latest evidence-based approaches1. CEDARS notes five disease sub-types: • Aqueous deficiency. Characterised by a reduction in lacrimal gland secretions, which form the bulk of the aqueous component of the tear film. These patients commonly will have increased tear film osmolarity and/or inflammation.

• Blepharitis/evaporative and nonevaporative meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). MGD can be asymptomatic or symptomatic. Insufficient meibum flow leads to an abnormal lipid component and excessive tear evaporation, but patients can also have inflammation without tear evaporation. • Goblet cell deficiency/mucin deficiency. These patients may have experienced a chemical burn, overwear of contact lenses, or have Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Sometimes, glaucoma drops are the cause. In these cases, patients’ tears evaporate too quickly. • Exposure. This occurs in patients who do not completely close their eyes or have an incomplete blink, and again, the tears evaporate too quickly. • Co-conspirators. Other conditions that affect the tear film and ocular surface may either exacerbate dry eye or masquerade as dry eye. As osmolarity is a biomarker of ocular surface health, the ASCRS algorithm considers it essential in the diagnostic process. Although it does not differentiate the root cause of OSD, it does identify dry eye, help determine severity, and monitor response to treatment. When it comes to treatment, current recommendations begin with the Step 2 or later of DEWS II3. The appropriate medical and procedural options are based on disease sub-type and severity. For example, with evidence of inflammation, anti-inflammatory agents and short-term use of pulsed topical steroids may be warranted. Relieving obstruction in the meibomian glands should be part of the therapy for MGD and blepharitis. These may be treated with hypochlorous acid solutions, lid scrubs that include tea tree oil if Demodex is present, and in-practice mechanical blepharoexfoliation of the lid margin. Identifying the mechanisms at work in OSD will boost efficacy and patients’ confidence – and algorithms can help streamline and simplify the process.

IN SUMMARY TearLab provides: • Early, accurate DED detection • Immediate, objective insight into ocular surface health

• Established: 20m+ Osmolarity Tests, 100+ Papers • Empowering: precise and predictive information empowering patient communication and understanding • Accuracy: 89 per cent predictive of Dry Eye Disease • Precision: 1.5 per cent co-efficient of variation • Confidence: objective therapeutic tracking • Essential: “Osmolarity testing is essential for identification and management of visually significant ocular surface disease” – ASCRS Preoperative OSD Algorithm 2019 • Sets the stage for additional dry eye services • Saves chair time • Efficient tracking of therapeutic response • Enables delivery of data-driven scientific conversations, easily understood by your patients about their dry eye condition The TearLab Osmolarity System helps increase revenue-per-patient by offering accurate and objective information about disease state that prompts patients to buy into treatment options. It is a quick and simple lab-on-a-chip technology to determine tear osmolarity using 50 nanolitres of tear fluid collected directly, in a non-invasive method from the eyelid margin. TearLab elevates care, ensures clinician and patient confidence, and builds revenue. To find out more, or arrange a demonstration, contact Positive Impact UK sales. Alternatively, find out more about how TearLab might help your patient base and your dry eye clinic at www.tearlab.com This article was provided by Positive Impact.

REFERENCES 1. Milner MS, Beckman KA, Luchs JI et al. Dysfunctional tear syndrome: dry eye disease and associated tear film disorders – new strategies for diagnosis and treatment. Curr. Opin. Ophthalmol. 2017;28 (Suppl 1):3-47. DOI: 10.1097/01.icu.0000512 373.81749.b7 2. Craig JP1, Nelson JD2, Azar DT3 et al. TFOS DEWS II Report Executive Summary. Ocul. Surf. 2017;15:4:802-812. 3. Starr CE, Gupta PK, Farid M et al. An algorithm for the preoperative diagnosis and treatment of ocular surface disorders. J. Cataract Refract. Surg. 2019;45:5:669-684. Vision Now MAY 2021

COMPANY PROFILE

Brett Waugh established Eyewear Direct to work in closer collaboration with customers. Here, Brett talks about the company ethos and its brands

Listening to customers’ needs The idea behind the launch of Eyewear Direct was to create a more open and engaging relationship with customers. With this in mind, I decided to build the business around three simple concepts: 1) total clarity; 2) value; and 3) collaboration. 1. Total clarity. This entails providing our customers with more information about the frames and sunglasses we offer. In turn, this enables our customers to make better decisions about what they do – and do not – buy. 2. Value. We work across a range of price points and always over-deliver on value for money. Our customers and their patients are consistently delighted with the quality of the frames for the price they pay. 3. Collaboration. The world is changing; the market is changing. So, building strong, collaborative relationships with both customers and suppliers ensures we can all be successful into the future. This includes one-for-one swaps, no minimum order quantity, volume promotions and shares in our brand, Ashton Riley. With 20 years’ experience designing, manufacturing and supplying optical frames and sunglasses to independent stores and large chains, we have a huge amount of knowledge that we bring to everything we do. From our central office in Surrey, we are working on new designs every day – ensuring that we continue to bring exciting new products to our customers. With orders being despatched the same day, we endeavour to deliver the highest standards of service. Listening is a major part of what we do. We want to produce optical frames and sunglasses that end-consumers want to buy. It means we must be innovative in design, but more importantly we must listen to the feedback from our customers. We introduced hundreds of new lines in 2020, a year that was decimated by Covid-19. Yet Eyewear Direct grew. This was because we listened to what our customers were asking for, and delivered on that. Every day we have discussions about new product ideas that are a collaboration of our design team and customer feedback. We want customers to tell us how we can be a better partner, and help opticians grow their business too. We now offer five brands in the UK: Ashton Riley, Hook LDN, INVU, Redele and Sunwise Rx.

ASHTON RILEY Ashton Riley delivers quality acetate, stainless steel and titanium frames – providing all-day style ensuring the wearer can move seamlessly from work to play. Though our unique share scheme, stockists of Ashton Riley build up shares in the brand meaning that the success of Ashton Riley is something everyone benefits from. Designed in and inspired by the UK, all the frames take their names from towns and cities around the country, like bestsellers Cardiff, Oxford and NewtownAbbey.

HOOK LDN Hook LDN is inspired by and designed in London, and specialises in creating high quality, style led designs that are influenced by our passions for music and fashion. Music and fashion have always gone hand in hand. Now more than ever, eyewear forms a major part of people’s style. This unique collection of optical frames and sunglasses capture the essence and fun side of fashion and music.

Vision Now MAY 2021

COMPANY PROFILE Created by a music company and worn by hundreds of musical artists and celebrities, Hook LDN includes premium acetate and stainless steel optical frames and sunglasses. The collection is a mix of classic and fashionforward frames complemented by unique colours. It has grown from four styles of optical frames and sunglasses to more than 30 styles – such as Parklife, Colston and Supernova.

INVU INVU is currently available in 90 countries and is a market-leading polarised sunglasses brand. The next generation polarised lens technology is an intelligent, multi-layer light management system. This unique multi-layer lens selectively filters out reflected glare and offers clear, glare-free vision with high contrast and exceptional colour perception. INVU distribution with Eyewear Direct began in December 2020, adding a high quality yet affordable prescription sunglass collection available with a discount when part of a frame and lens package. The Two in One optical frames and magnetic clips made from TR90 and Ultem bring together high quality production values; likewise the Ultra Polarised Self-Healing lens. INVU fits perfectly with our aim to deliver excellent value to our customers.

REDELE EYEWEAR Redele Eyewear was founded in 2012 by the young, free-spirited rule breaker Alessandro De Vecchi. After five successful years, the brand’s creative team relocated to Los Angeles. The new collection is a celebration of the brand’s newly-established Southern Californian roots. It draws influences from the Los Angeles icons of yesteryear, plus the new creative community of today. Uncompromising on quality and forward thinking on design, the patented TR2R material is ultra-lightweight and is combined with beta titanium temples to create exquisite frames. Unbelievably light and playful colours ensure there are options for those looking simply for comfort, or those looking to make a statement. 2020 saw the introduction of Mazzuchelli acetate frames to the collection. The luxury feel, combined with amazing designs, created instant best-selling styles. 2021 sees the launch of TitanBlock, the new beta titanium collection incorporating an innovative hinge system.

SUNWISE RX Sunwise Rx sunglasses provide performance prescription eyewear at a price everyone can afford. A selection of direct glaze and prescription insert sunglasses ensure there is a solution to every patient’s needs. Each sunglass comes inclusive of everything required to deliver the patient a comprehensive sports Rx sunglass. This includes prescription lens gaskets, inserts, inter-changeable lenses, and a cleaning cloth/pouch.

WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP Working with our partners at Deepcove Optical, Eyewear Direct also offers frame and lens packages – saving our customers both time and money. Practices can order finished frame and lenses in one, cutting down re-ordering time and ensuring that best-selling frames are always in stock. This offers an estimated cost saving of 20 per cent, with time saved and admin reduced. As a Preferred Supplier to NEG, Eyewear Direct is working in partnership with many members already. We are, however, keen to work with many more. We will continue to build our portfolio of products and services to ensure we become a valuable partner to NEG members. If you would like any more information, please speak to your area manager or contact me directly on 0207 19333334 or enquiries@eyewear-direct.net. Equally, please get in touch if there is something you’d like us to add to our offering. We would love to get your input. Brett Waugh is managing director of Eyewear Direct. Vision Now MAY 2021

STYLE SPOTLIGHT

Emmanuelle Khanh Art de Vivre BY JOAN GRADY

Fashion trends in the 1980s were all about big, bold style with exaggerated shoulder pads, oversized blazers, power suits and copious amounts of hair. Eyewear was voluminous too, with marketing focused on captivating, free-spirited spectacles. These quintessential frames were frequently created by an influential French designer of the era: Emmanuelle Khanh. If social media had existed then, Emmanuelle’s statement frames would probably have received an avalanche of ‘likes’. Decades later, Emmanuelle Khanh Eyewear continues to attract global attention, including with wholesale and retail businesses – particularly independent opticians who are drawn to the timeless authenticity and charismatic styles. Sadly, Emmanuelle passed away in 2017, but her legacy carries on with the innovative concepts of a young, elegant, chic and dynamic French woman who Emmanuelle Khanh on the cover captures the of French ELLE – circa 1980s vitality, depth and originality of the founder.

Silmo d’Or awards] and then joined the luxury jewellery house Piaget in Switzerland right after graduation. After a few months, I came back to Paris and was appointed at Emmanuelle Khanh, as the brand was willing to pursue new creative directions.”

PURSUITS AND PERSPECTIVE Eva and I reflected fondly on our meetings with the French designer, albeit years apart, and Madame Khanh left a lasting impression on us both. “I met Emmanuelle Khanh in 2016,” Eva recalled. “It was a great moment, and allowed me to have a deeper understanding of the brand, not especially on eyewear, but more on the Emmanuelle Khanh Art de Vivre, and the relationship the brand had built between women and their fashion for the last 50 years.

Parisian designer Emmanuelle Khanh

Eyewear quickly became the perfect inbetween field, allowing me to explore the body and fashion through the face, experimenting with materials and playing with identity and styles.

“We shared a strong desire to design for real women we love, our muses. Today, as the artistic director of the brand, my work is always inspired by the brand legacy, Madame Khanh’s avant-garde vision, but also my own journey and the aspirations of today’s women. I feel very emotionally connected with the brand.”

“As Emmanuelle Khanh Eyewear was being re-launched, I had the chance to be part of the new story,” continues Eva. “I started to design for EK as a freelancer while I was still a student. Winning two design prizes, I also collaborated with Jeremy Tarian [the French eyewear designer who has achieved several

Currently at the helm at Emmanuelle Khanh is Eva Gaumé, who embraces the essence and direction of the designer’s far-reaching attitude and perspective on life. As creative director of eyewear and image for the brand, her studies, expanding knowledge and experience are an inspiring catalyst on this exciting journey.

EMBRACING EYEWEAR Eva reflects on her introduction and energising opportunity with Emmanuelle Khanh: “I graduated from the prestigious school of art and design in Geneva, HEAD, specialising in jewellery and accessories.

Vision Now MAY 2021

Eva Gaumé, creative director eyewear and image for EK

EK statement – dash and daring

STYLE SPOTLIGHT

EK Pouchette in vegan leather

style and savoir-faire with a local, humanscale production based in France.

EK vibrant red sunglasses

Dramatic, captivating chic by EK

Designing for a legendary eyewear icon is an invigorating adventure for Eva. “I’m very excited and thankful to see Emmanuelle Khanh back as a contemporary yet independent brand – worn by different generations of women all around the world, and distributed in the most exclusive stores. Having a 360° vision towards the image and the collections empowers my creativity and gives me freedom, while its legacy always inspires and guides me. As a designer, I cherish this quite unique position.”

of the product stand amazing people: our team, manufacturers and ambassadors who are passionate. This is the real beating heart of the brand.”

Years after the launch of EK frames, Eva describes why she believes opticians and consumers continue to find EK frames desirable. “Whether it is opticals or sunglasses, the colours and shapes of EK shades are very recognisable, bold and authentic. Today, the brand is known for its beautiful creative coloured tortoise patterns that have become a new signature. “Oversized or ultra-slim, our frames have remained the gold standard, an icon for the emancipated, joyful working women who embody the Emmanuelle Khanh spirit. Moreover, beyond the style and the quality

“Tortoise patterns have become a new EK signature”

CHARISMATIC STYLE The latest EK eyewear designs validate vintage credentials that connect essential high-tech, contemporary elements that ensure comfort and durability. Emmanuelle Khanh also loved accessories. In addition to the striking frame silhouettes in bright, eyecatching colours and fashion’s favourite shade – black – eyewear accessories reflect the EK persuasion with chains and glass cases that are sleek, functional and superbly stylish. Eva’s designs include roomy, streamlined cases in eco-appropriate vegan leather – ideal to further protect frames. The pandemic has enforced mandatory changes in the eyewear industry. However, with that ‘can do’ spirit that was so much a part of Emmanuelle Khanh, Eva foresees positive possibilities. “This period has reinforced the values the brand and our team stand for,” she reflects. “Emmanuelle Khanh is a Maison that claims creativity,

“As an independent brand and beyond luxury, I have a real desire to create beautiful handmade products that last. We started to transition towards bio-sourced components as much as possible, such as acetates and lenses made in France and Italy. I believe more than ever people are willing to consume products that are meaningful, more sustainable and to live more unique experiences, physically in store but also digitally.” When Emmanuelle Khanh launched her frames, she mesmerised the eyewear world with her forward thinking and original designs. Nowadays, her contemporary outlook for stylish eyewear is encapsulated in the elegant, luxurious styles designed by Eva Gaumé, always keeping the dynamic spirit of EK in mind. Today’s customer is increasingly more aware of how products are made, where they come from, and how materials are sourced. For independent opticians, vintage brands provide an enduring podium for current and future clients to appreciate the heritage, authenticity and timeless style of exceptional designers.

Tortoiseshell frames with coordinating chain Vision Now MAY 2021

Preferred Suppliers’ Directory

Preferred Suppliers are suppliers who, by prior arrangement, offer members of the PK National Eyecare Group preferential terms. For full details and terms offered to the membership, please call 01580 713698

ALCON UK

BONDEYE OPTICAL

DE RIGO UK LTD

GO EYEWEAR UK LTD

Tel: 0371 376 0017 Fax: 0871 351 1005

Tel: 0121 7723888 Fax: 0808 2801865

Tel: 01923 249491

Tel: 0800 9178270

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

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

www.goeyeweargroup.com

www.uk.alcon.com

CENTROSTYLE

DUNELM OPTICAL Tel: 01388 420420 Fax: 01388 810101

Tel: 01442 502 330 Fax: 01442 242 386

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

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

ATLANTIC OPTICAL UK LTD

sales@centrostyle.com www.centrostyle.com

Tel: 02920 362 136 Fax: 02920 362 137

CHARMANT UK CO LTD

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

Tel: 020 8992 9222 Fax: 020 8896 0287

www.essilor.co.uk

HOYA LENS UK

BARCLAYCARD

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

EYESPACE

Tel: 0845 330 0984 Fax: 0845 330 0977

CONTINENTAL EYEWEAR

Tel: 01527 870550 Fax: 01527 837012

Tel: 0151 426 3907 Fax: 0151 426 9340

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

ASSOCIATED OPTICAL Tel: 01628 605433 Fax: 01628 665077

Tel: 0800 056 5569

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

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

BIB OPHTHALMIC INSTRUMENTS

COOPERVISION

Tel: 01438 740823

Tel: 0870 9000 055

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

www.coopervision.co.uk

SO CLOSE YOU CAN ALMOST SEE IT

Vision Now MAY 2021

ESSILOR Tel: 01454 281281 Fax: 01454 281282

EYEWEAR DIRECT (EUROPE) LTD

www.HeidelbergEngineering.co.uk

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

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

INTERNATIONAL EYEWEAR LTD

Tel: 020 7193 3334

Tel: 0121 585 6565 Fax: 0121 585 0954

eyewear-direct.net

www.internationaleyewear.co.uk

SUPPLIER – OPTICIAN – PATIENT

OUR PARTNERSHIP

When you prescribe contact lenses, you prescribe freedom. We’re stepping up to do more, supporting you to Prescribe Freedom for more people than ever.

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

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

T: 01279 653785 E: TantCC@tantlabs.com

COMING SOON

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

HEIDELBERG ENGINEERING

coopervision.co.uk

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

01580 713698

Directory listings are available free of charge to all preferred suppliers, with a larger listing available to Vision Now Advertisers. To make changes to the directory listings, please call Sally Spicer on 01580 713698 or email s.spicer@nationaleyecare.co.uk

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

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

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

LUNEAU TECHNOLOGY UK/IRELAND – VISIONIX

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

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

RAWDON OPTICAL

THE NORVILLE GROUP LTD

Tel: 01132 883094 Fax: 01132 883095

Tel: 01452 510321

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

Tel: 0845 521 1290 Fax: 01782 717 944

Tel: 024 7601 0103

www.thea-pharmaceuticals.co.uk

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

RODENSTOCK Tel: 01474 325555

Tel: 01424 850620 Fax: 01424 850650

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

info@no7contactlenses.com www.no7contactlenses.com

SEIKO OPTICAL UK

OPTINET LTD

Tel: 01452 610033 Fax: 01452 638250

Tel: 0845 313 0233

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

sales@optinetuk.com www.optinetuk.com

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

LUXOTTICA (UK) LTD

PERFORMANCE FINANCE

SILHOUETTE UK LTD

Tel: 0808 165 8555

Tel: 01536 529696 Fax: 01536 310033

Tel: 020 8987 8899 Fax: 020 8987 2430

www.performancefinance.co.uk

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

www.luxottica.com

MARCHON Tel: 0800 72 2020

POSITIVE IMPACT

csuk@marchon.com

Tel: 08446 696907

SPEC-CARE LTD Tel: 01392 460806

MARK’ENNOVY

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

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

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

MENICON UK LTD

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

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

THEA PHARMACEUTICALS

RETAIL EXPERIENCE DESIGN (RED)

No7 CONTACT LENSES

Tel: 07383 555659

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

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

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

XACT Tel: 01698 574 655

Suppliers’ directory

LENSTEC EYEWEAR Tel: 02920 857122 Fax: 02920 920480

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

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

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

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

www.nationaleyecare.co.uk

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT SIMPLIFIED

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

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

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

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

www.stepper.co.uk

Vision Now MAY 2021

Patient loyalty builds practice success. Your mediﬂex® contact lens portfolio – designed to retain more patients and improve business revenue.

Keep patients and business coming back with your mediflex® portfolio of contact lenses and lens care solutions – NEW and exclusive* to National Eyecare Group members. CooperVision is pleased to announce it’s partnership with National Eyecare Group to offer you, its members, an exclusive brand portfolio of contact lenses and lens care products – mediflex.® Behind each mediflex® label is a trusted CooperVision product. What’s more, mediflex® products are available at the same price as the CooperVision-branded equivalent. Contact your CooperVision Business Development Manager.

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

Vision Now May 2021

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