Vision Now - November 2017

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Vision Now magazine

INTRODUCING ALCO N MU LTI FO C AL FA M I LY ®

1 D ESI G N • 1 FIT TI N G G U I D E • 3 PRO D U CTS

PERFORMANCE DRIVEN BY SCIENCE ™

12363 © 2017 Novartis. DAILIES TOTAL1 Multifocal , DAILIES AquaComfort PLUS Multifocal, AIR OPTIX AQUA MULTIFOCAL, Alcon and the Alcon logo are trademarks of Novartis AG. GB/VC/VCG/10/17/0168

FRAME: Barbour International 023 c1 smoke

Ophthalmic and Sunwear frames

www.norville.co.uk

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Inside

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

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News 4 7 9 11 13 14

Time to vote in AOP Awards AIO launches insurance package Presbyopia lens training days Seasonal promotion on lens coating Safilo launches brain-sensing eyewear in USA FMO focus on data protection regs

14 An independent view Public awareness challenge

15 Developing thoughts Is the future here?

20 Talking heads Bringing ophthalmology to the High Street

24 Style Spotlight Silmo Paris: Fabulous at 50

26 Suppliers’ directory

@PK_NEG

Editor’s comment How disheartening it must be to have your professional skills and business practices repeatedly called into question – in a ‘guilty by association’ scenario. As members will be aware, last month’s Which? report, covered widely in mainstream and social media, once again shone an unwelcome light on the optical profession by highlighting the negative eye exam experiences of a panel of unnamed ‘experts’ who visited 30 practices, most of which were branches of the multiples.

The experts rated 13 out of 30 consultations as ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’. The only ‘excellent’ visit was to an independent practice, and it was an independent practitioner who was reported to have been the only one to pick up a case of drusen. Two other independent practices were found to have taken a “comprehensive” history and conducted a “thorough” eye exam.

Undoubtedly there will be practices out there whose provision falls below (sometimes well below) standard and so, as the AIO’s Mike Okenden suggests in his column this month (page 14), the challenge (or rather opportunity) remains for independents to (loudly and proudly) let their local community networks know that they are not one of them. There are several ways in which to do this – not least through the SPECS network (www.specsnetwork.co.uk), which NEG continues to advocate.

As we went to press with this issue, NEG and Proven Track Record were putting the finishing touches to the 2017 NEG Building for Success conference and Independents Day programmes. We will be reporting on both events in our December issue for the benefit of those unable to attend this increasingly popular get-together of progressive independents.

Nicky Collinson

Editor

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

Editor

Editorial PA

Sharon Hicks s.hicks@nationaleyecare.co.uk

Fashion Editor

Joan Grady jgparischats@wanadoo.fr

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 © 2017 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.

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 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 NOVEMBER 2017

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NEWS 1

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Association of Optometrists

International Eyewear

Votes invited for 2018 awards

The deadline for voting in this year’s Association of Optometrists (AOP) Awards is 12 December – and there are several NEG members and preferred suppliers in the running.

There are 14 categories this time, including two new accolades, Health and Wellbeing Practice of the Year and Frame of the Year. There has been a 75 per cent increase in entries for the 2018 awards, since their 2011 launch.

AOP chief executive, Henrietta Alderman, said: “With this year seeing more unique entries than ever before, our finalists have achieved so much by getting this far. I hope the profession will join me in showing their support and casting their vote.” Sponsored by CooperVision, the 2018 awards will take place at a black-tie ceremony on Sunday 28 January during 100% Optical. Vote at www.aop.org.uk/awardsvote

Taking the High Line

Eschenbach Optik has introduced 24 new styles to the TITANFLEX, Brendel and Humphrey’s collections, available from International Eyewear. Bringing street style to the remainder of 2017 are eight new models in the Humphrey’s collection. New York City and Humphrey’s eyewear have always shared similarities and now they’re combining to create a new brand highlight – High Line.

Models 581050, 581049, and 581048 have been inspired by NYC’s High Line, an abandoned overhead railway line that has been transformed into a place of interest as a walkway and park. The concept, ‘making hidden structures visible’, translates architecture into eyewear by utilising material mixes of transparent acetates and stainless steel frame components, screwed and riveted together. The urban city environment has also been reflected in the new Humphrey’s brand imagery.

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Eyespace

Model CM9049 sits within a new Cocoa Mint acetate capsule collection from Eyespace. The luxury, vintage-influenced model is defined by a soft, feminine eyeshape that will flatter all face shapes. The highly-polished acetate features striking laminate inserts to the browline, temples and tips. C1 is glossy black enhanced with fusions of teal and pink acetate, while the C2 choice (pictured) offers a flattering navy accent with panels of teal and azure toned marble. Available in size 51-15-135, CM9049 is finished with designerinfused Cocoa Mint tip plates.

Luxury model in mint condition

GLOBAL LAUNCH COMING SOON.

DISCOVER THE NEW SUNGLASS COLLECTION.

Introducing multi-layered OBEX™ mirrored lens technology, combined with a salt-water safe hydrophobic coating that repels water and protects the lens. Allowing wearers to fully enjoy the outdoors with visual precision, every MODEL FEATURES HIGH EFÞ CIENCY POLARISED LENSES THAT ELIMINATE GLARE OFFER optimal UV protection (UV400) and enhanced colour clarity.

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Works like the eye, to help make wearing contact lenses easier

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multi-purpose solution

Exceeds FDA/ISO standalone procedure for disinfecting products (3-log reductions for bacteria and 1-log reduction for fungi)4

No other solution includes these bio-inspired innovations.

Biotrue Multi-purpose solution moistens by using a natural lubricant found in the eye2

Wo rk os l ieth

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Wo cin wr nnth oh n i tey ,i Wo tp, tn ohti y wth orw,yt in oiho p iy in ostit e l orw,yt in

1. Study 640: Results from a 20-investigator multi-site study. 2. In vitro studies evaluated the rate of release of sodium hyaluronate (HA), a conditioning agent in the BPZ02 multi-purpose solution, from both conventional and silicone hydrogel contact lenses over a twenty-hour time period.HAwasadsorbedonalltraditionalandsiliconehydrogelcontactlensestesteduponsoakinginthesolutionovernight. HAisthenreleasedfromthelensesthroughoutatleastatwentyhourtimeperiodwhenrinsedwithHank’sbalancedsaltsolutionataratemimickingtearsecretions.

The in-vitro performance of BPZ02 multi-purpose solution suggests that it will provide lens conditioning throughout a twenty hour time period. 3. A study was conducted to determine the comparative pH of different soft contact lens care disinfecting products in comparison to the pH range reported for healthy human tears. The pH range of tears from healthy human eyes is reported to be 7.3 to 7.7 and the mean pH of tears as measured via fluorophotometrics is 7.5 +/- 0.23. The pH of soft contact lens care products was determined to be in the range of 6.7 to 7.8, while Biotrue multi-purpose solution falls within the pH range for healthy human tears at a pH of 7.5, which is reported to be the mean for tears. Three separate lots of Biotrue, CIBA Clear Care, AMO COMPLETE Easy Rub, Alcon OPTI-FREE Express and Alcon OPTI- FREE RepleniSH were compared using a Fisher Scientific accumet excel XL25 pH meter. Five pH measurements for each solution were taken, averaged and evaluated in comparison to the pH range of healthy tears, as determined by Adler’s Physiology of the Eye, Clinical Application 7th edition.

4. Results of in vitro study following FDA/ISO stand-alone procedure for disinfecting products modified with organic soil added to create a more rigorous test condition. Primary criteria for effective disinfection are defined as a reduction in the number of bacteria by a minimum of 3 logs (99.9%) and a reduction of mold and yeast by a minimum of 1 log (90%) within the recommended disinfection time. 5. An in vitro lysozyme activity assay was used to determine the ability of BPZ02 to prevent the denaturation of lysozyme, in comparison to multiple marketed multi- purpose solutions. This assay is based on the ability of lysozyme to digest the cell wall of micro-organisms in a suspension. The results indicate that BPZ02 has the ability to stabilize lysozyme in its native form under chemical denaturation conditions that typically denature lysozyme. Statistically significant greater stabilization of lysozyme was observed with BPZ02 compared to competitive multi-purpose solutions and a phosphate buffered saline control.

NEWS 4

Norville

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Louis Stone (Optical)

Tackling tough contact sports

The new Progear Tackle is now available from Norville. With a functional-oriented design, the frame is lightweight, tough and glazeable. One of the highlights of the sports style is an inner ‘hardcore’ moulded in polycarbonate for added retention of prescription lenses; TPR (rubber) precision is double injected in one piece onto this hardcore inner layer. The Tackle’s stainless steel barrel and screw system provides precision and secure lens glazing, while an adjustable head strap with Velcro attachment serves as a safety break-away.

Designed with contact sports in mind such as rugby, ice hockey and martial arts, the frame features ensure adequate ocular area protection in hazardous situations. The Tackle comes in matte black or blue.

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Louis Stone (Optical) has released its 2018 frames catalogue. “As well as some old favourites, customers will now have the chance to purchase hundreds of new frames inspired by upcoming trends seen in London, Milan, Paris, Las Vegas and New York,” said Clare Gaba, head of marketing and communications. “With classic, timeless acetates and plastics, the new year’s predicted fashion is for keyhole bridges and crystal frames, with plenty of metals to choose from – the comeback trend as quoted by Women’s Wear Daily. This year is all about crystal frames – pure and simple. Our social media research has found that customers are excited for their arrival as well as the metal comeback.”

Hoya

One of the new Ørgreen Yuniku models

Hoya has introduced Ørgreen into the Yuniku frame portfolio, along with four new frames and two new colours in the Yuniku collection. Ørgreen founder, Henrik Ørgreen, said:

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2018 catalogue out now

“Ørgreen was among the first to incorporate 3D printing, which we’ve been using for years in our prototyping design process. We keep a close eye on industry developments and saw Yuniku as truly ahead of its time.

With Yuniku, we’re starting at a high level but we haven’t even scratched the surface in terms of possibilities. In the future, this level of 3D printing will be the new norm.

We’re thrilled to be at the start.”

The Cabrio collection by Hoet, which was added to the Yuniku base collection in February 2017, has also been expanded with the DS9 model. The perforations just above the nose bridge and on the arms, and the sloping transition from the front to the temple, can only be achieved with 3D laserprinting technology. Read more about the Yuniku innovation in this month’s Developing Thoughts on page 19.

‘claims made’ basis, as long as the practice continues to operate, there is no need for retiring practitioners to carry run-off cover.

service,” said AIO’s Mike Okenden. “With AON having pulled out of the market, the launch of the AXA policy is well timed, and we encourage independents to get a quote from us. With two other products, one covering cyber and directors and officers risks, and the other providing income protection, the new AIO suite of insurance products is comprehensive.” Email lin@aiovision.org or call 0800 1300 486 and ask for Lin or Mike.

AIO

The Association for Independent Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians (AIO) has launched a new suite of insurance products specifically designed for the needs of independent practices. These include a new professional indemnity (PI) insurance offering, which covers the whole practice and all employees, meaning individual practitioners do not need to take out their own PI cover. Further, as the policy is on a

AIO has also introduced a general practice policy from AXA, providing coverage for all the usual practice risks. “Those practices that have already taken out the policy report having saved significantly on their premiums and have commented on the excellent

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

www.stepper.co.uk

Frame style shown: SI-30092

NEWS 8

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Bausch + Lomb

Vision Care for Homeless People

Biotrue range expanded

New Biotrue ONEday for Astigmatism from Bausch + Lomb features Surface Active Technology, which uses hydrophilic polyvinylpyrrilidone (PVP), a ‘water loving’ molecule, and Poloxamer 407, a surface active macromer, to form a dehydration barrier that helps the lens maintain 98 per cent of its moisture for up to 16 hours (Schafer et al, Clinical Ophthalmology 2015; 9: 1977). The lens also features: prism free peri-ballast, designed to support stability and fit and work with natural blink patterns; a thin tapered edge to limit lid interaction; orientation marks to help patients during insertion; and spherical aberration for low-light conditions.

Amy Rothwell, Bausch + Lomb business unit head UK and Ireland, Vision Care, said: “At Bausch + Lomb we are dedicated to helping patients achieve the best quality of vision. We have been at the forefront of visionary innovations and this launch demonstrates our continued commitment to perfecting sight. By harnessing new technologies, we have been able to widen our portfolio and offer today’s astigmatic patients with consistently clear vision and comfort through the day.”

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Hilco

10 Alcon Alcon is hosting two more Presbyopia Days this month at the Alcon Academy for Eyecare Excellence, in Camberley, Surrey. The facility is equipped with a purpose-built lecture theatre, a surgical skills lab and a multi-station optometry suite replicating real world testing environments. Each Presbyopia Day will feature two interactive morning lectures: ‘Presbyopia – what can we do?’ will explore the vision care options available to presbyobes and the latest developments; while ‘The ageing eye and the patient journey’, will explore the emotional journey that the newly emerging presbyope may embark on.

Keeping kids’ eyewear fun

Hilco Vision has introduced a fun way for children to protect their eyewear, Spec Pet Eyeglass Holders. The cute stuffed animals provide children with a friendly, protective guardian to watch over their glasses when not in use; the frames simply slide into the pet’s mouths. Children can choose from four different pets, Buster the Brown Dog, Shadow the Black Dog, Tiger the Grey Cat or Boo the Black Cat.

The lectures will be followed by a carousel of skills workshops in the afternoon, including ‘Getting inside cataract surgery’, which explores step-by step phacoemulsification through simulation, enabling attendees to consider their patient-centred communication on cataract discussion, referral and treatment options. To conclude the day, the ‘Mastering multifocals’ workshop will look at effective methods of communication, fitting skills and vision assessment. The dates are 21 and 23 November. Book by emailing alcon.professionalaffairs@alcon.com

Past supporter, Richard Trussler of Essilor London

The optical service of Crisis at Christmas is looking for volunteers to provide professional services at its December clinics.

Vision Care for Homeless People (VCHP), which has been running the service in conjunction with Crisis for 14 years, is also looking for donations of domiciliary kits that can be used at the various London centres.

Around six teams of volunteers each day will visit the various Crisis at Christmas centres across London to examine eyes and prescribe glasses. To find out more before signing up, email amanda.hall@crisis.org.uk * Prestigious Mayfair venue, the Lansdowne Club, once the home of Mr Selfridge, is to host a dinner for VCHP on 23 November. The fundraising dinner enables guests to enjoy entertainment in some of the most beautiful rooms of the London club. In a rare opportunity, guests will be free to enjoy the Robert Adam ballroom and long gallery. Tickets are £100 and can be obtained by emailing harry.todd@vchp.org.uk

12 Lenstec Lenstec Optical Group has been awarded certification for the EN ISO 13485:2016 Medical Devices Standard. “This standard involves a stringent and intensive 10-day audit of all our procedures, culture and supply chain across the business,” said Nigel Castle, Lenstec Optical Group MD. “EN ISO 13485:2016 is much harder to accomplish than ISO9001 so to achieve this highly-prized accreditation, there has been 18 months of dedicated hard work by Paul Kibble, group quality manager, Chris Kellard and the management teams across all sites.” The company has also just been audited for the Investors in People 6th Generation Standard.

Vision Now NOVEMBER 2017

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313209-001 UK.BE17 © Heidelberg Engineering GmbH

My

NEWS 13 WCSM

15 Essilor

Win a trip to Mauritius

Felicity Harding with John McGregor (left) and Huntly Taylor

The new Master and Wardens of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers (WCSM) took up office at the WCSM’s annual service last month. Felicity Harding, who was installed as Master, was a trustee and then chair of Vision Aid Overseas until 2010 and a non-executive member of National Victim Support until 2007. She is an ambassador for the Samaritans, which was founded by her father the Rvnd Dr Chad Varah in 1953. The Upper Warden, John McGregor, is a chemist by training who founded Contamac in 1987. The Renter Warden, Huntly Taylor, is a dispensing optician with more than 30 years’ experience in his own practice and a former chairman of the board of trustees of ABDO College.

At lunch following the installation service, past Master Professor John Marshall introduced the winners of the Company’s 2017 bronze medal competition awards for research. Geraint Williams, a consultant ophthalmologist at University of Birmingham, was awarded the Ruskell Medal for his paper on developing a predictor for scarring in ocular mucous membrane pemphigoid, a blinding form of conjunctivitis, whilst Deanna Taylor of City University won the Master’s Medal for her paper on the real-life impact of dry age-related macular degeneration.

14 Dunelm Optical

Essilor’s new Live the Good Light Transitions Promotion, running until the end of December, will provide practitioners with promotional stickers with every pair of Transitions Crizal lenses ordered. Those with a complete set of four stickers could be in with a chance of winning a top prize, such as a trip to Mauritius. Practices can also collect stickers to exchange for vouchers including Costa Coffee, The Restaurant choice and John Lewis. The deadline for claiming completed sets of stickers is 18 January.

Carly Rocyn-Jones, category consultant at Transitions, said: “I believe Transitions adaptive lenses offer patients comfortable vision indoors, outdoors, all year round and partnered with the right frame choice provide a stylish look especially with the new Style Colours collection. Essilor offers an extensive range of Transitions, which are all included in this promotion when paired with Crizal. If you wish to take part in this exciting new promotion and haven’t received your game board, please call the Essilor marketing team on 01454 423450 to request your board and start collecting.”

16 College of Optometrists

Janet Reger 4170 C3 in black

Dunelm Optical’s Janet Reger autumn collection has been released with all frames in the range available all-in glazed to prescription. Two of the new fames, the 4170 and 4169, emulate the iconic and stylish glamour of 1950s Hollywood, combined with a stylish twist. Janet Reger 4170 (pictured) is a metal and acetate frame with upswept browline and high joints, available in classic

brown mottle, deep purple and intense black.

The elegant frame has high-end appeal with a twisted metal temple embellishment.

Peter Beaumont, CEO for Dunelm Optical, said: “Janet Reger’s design talent for producing luxurious and distinctive designs is evident in this latest collection. This flattering range will appeal to women wanting a sophisticated yet decorative look.”

The College of Optometrists has published its three-year strategic plan for 2018-2021.

The strategy focuses on four key objectives: to support members in providing the best care they can for patients and help them meet the challenges of an evolving health care system in their daily practice; to help members develop their expertise and gain the knowledge and skills they need to develop their careers; to champion the value of optometrists in delivering eyecare in all four nations; and to provide leadership by being an impartial, authoritative voice for the profession. Members can download the plan from the College website.

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The natural comfort your patients deserve.

The lens care solution that matches the pH balance of tears.*

With the pH level of tears,* Hy-Care™ is the multipurpose solution that’s gentle on your patients’ eyes. And because it contains Hyaluronan – a naturally occurring lubricant found in the eye**– your patients will enjoy naturally comfortable vision.

www.coopervision.co.uk

* Abelson, M.D., Udell, I.J. and Weston, J.H. Normal human tear pH by direct measurement. Arch. Opthalmol. 1981. Feb;99(2):301. ** Goa, K.L. and Benfield, P. Hyaluronic acid. Drugs. 1994.

47(3)536-566.

NEWS 17 Safilo

19 Mid-Optic/SeeAbility

MAKING YOUR PRACTICE ACCESSIBLE For people with learning disabilities and autism

Eyewear to enhance the brain

Safilo is set to launch its brain-sensing eyewear, Smith Lowdown Focus powered by Muse in partnership with Interaxon, in the UK in January. Already available online at www.smithoptics.com in North America, Smith Lowdown Focus is built on the SafiloX eyewear platform, and integrates brain-sensing and cognitive training technology with the iconic lifestyle eyewear brand Smith. It is the first-ever application of brain-sensing technology onto eyewear and offers the user focused coaching to enhance cognitive performance.

“With Smith Lowdown Focus, we offer a unique experience: wear stylish shades, stop from time to time and take a few minutes to learn to concentrate and empty your mind with real time feedback, and move forward with enhanced focus and purpose,” said Luisa Delgado, CEO of the Safilo Group. “Performance, well-being and a positive mind are important aspirations in a world filled with exciting speed, demands and distractions.

Training for performance, anywhere and at any time, through easy-to-wear stylish eyewear, will provide more consumers the opportunity to address this need, and adds yet another usage dimension for eyewear, already at the cross section of vision correction, sports, fashion, design, beauty and lifestyle.”

18 Association of Optometrists The Association of Optometrists (AOP) has announced the following parliamentarians as new Honorary Associates: Sir Kevin Barron MP, Rt Hon. Alistair Burt MP, Sir Roger Gale MP, Lord Holmes of Richmond MBE, Earl Howe, Lord Low of Dalston CBE and Jim Shannon MP. The Honorary Associates, all of whom are already active campaigners on eye health and sight loss issues, will support the work of the AOP and represent its interests in parliament.

Lord Holmes of Richmond said: “I was delighted to become an Honorary Associate of the AOP. The importance of sight tests for the early detection of potentially sight threatening eye diseases, as well as the issue of eye health more broadly, must be placed firmly on the health agenda. It is an honour to support the AOP’s work in doing this.”

Practical guide to accessibility

A new partnership, launched on World Sight Day last month, will see national charity SeeAbility and Mid-Optic working together to make eyecare accessible for people with learning disabilities and autism. The organisations are hoping to increase awareness within the optical sector and provide the specialist information and support practitioners need to make their practices more accessible. The charity is calling on eyecare professionals across the UK to download its new practical guide and make the changes needed to support people with learning disabilities and autism through an eye exam.

Managing director of Mid-Optic, Tony Walker, said: “I was shocked when I first heard about the scale of the issue and I knew that we just had to offer our help as a company and all my all staff agreed. This situation has to be addressed nationally and with our links to thousands of eyecare professionals across the country we are in an ideal position to reach out to the people who can make a difference.” Download the guide at www.seeability.org

20 College of Optometrists Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology have been accredited as a provider of the Professional Certificate in Glaucoma by the College of Optometrists.

The course is designed to prepare

optometrists to participate in formal referral refinement and ocular hypertension/suspect chronic open-angle glaucoma monitoring schemes and provides the core knowledge and practical skills required in the detection of glaucoma within a primary setting. Jackie

Martin, director of education at the College, said: “It’s great to see a third glaucoma course becoming available at Moorfields, enabling more optometrists to develop skills in this area and complete the full range of glaucoma higher qualifications.”

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NEWS 21 Federation of Manufacturing Opticians

AN INDEPENDENT VIEW Public awareness challenge

FMO chair, Andy Yorke, with colleagues

New data protection laws, which come into effect in May 2018, were the focus of the Federation of Manufacturing Opticians’ (FMO) bi-annual members’ meeting held in Coventry last month. Also under discussion were plans to accredit training in the use of ophthalmic equipment, how to identify and meet the trade body needs of the fashion frames industry, and accredited training to help to reduce the incidence of varifocal lens non-tolerance – a major source of consumer complaints.

After lunch, FMO chief executive, Bryony Pawinska, gave a presentation on the aims and key features of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) – a raft of new regulatory changes that will affect members. Wasim Hamid, sales manager for Optrafair, attended the meeting and updated members on how the 2018 show was developing, with additional support for exhibitors from the exhibitions team, and new features for attendees.

22 Dunelm Optical Dunelm’s Biking Mad case is now available in duck egg blue, baby pink, and lemon and mink. The vintage inspired patterns have been designed to convey a subtle English country feel with a stylish edge. The company has also introduced a new moulded neoprene design Cars case, and a new Barbados case with a magnetic fastening in four colourways.

Peter Beaumont, CEO for Dunelm Optical, said: “We are extremely proud to be the only New colours for Biking Mad case case manufacturer in the UK and we continue to support and collaborate with UK manufacturers of brands and fabrics.”

The recent Which? investigation findings that two out of five ‘eye tests’ are not up to scratch must be a serious concern for the profession. At a time when the optical representative bodies are pushing for optometry in the community to take on ever greater primary eye health care, it does not help if there are perceived to be serious shortcomings in basic eye exam provision.

The positive finding from the Which? investigation is that the three independent practices that they visited came out with satisfactory, good and excellent ratings – the ‘excellent’ rating being the only one which was given to any of the 30 practices they visited.

The challenge for the independent sector is to make the public aware of these findings and to promote the eye health benefits of choosing an independent practice.

Last year, the AIO introduced the Independents Code (IC) which was designed to build public awareness that independent practice is the place to go for excellent long-term eye health care. Whilst there was good initial take-up for the Code from independent practices, the rollout was happening too slowly and the public did not identify with the IC brand. AIO is, therefore, streamlining the IC to make it more attractive for independents to adopt and is working to come up with a brand which the public will latch on to.

The AIO is determined to help independent practice educate the public about the importance of long-term eye health care and where to get it.

23 Hilco The Leader ProX prescription sports goggle from Hilco offers patients a new option in ASTM F803 standard protective sports eyewear. The ProX features a temple release button that quickly changes the temples to a strap-adapt with the push of a button – allowing the wearer three ways to play their sport.

The ProX can be worn with the temples and adjustable sport strap, the frame alone or with the strap-adapt option for the ultimate secure fit. ProX sports goggles also feature Leader’s V-Port technology allowing for an expanded viewing field and venting for reduced lens fogging, as well as fully adjustable temples and comfort bridge options for superior comfort.

The ProX is available in five sporty frame colours and three sizes.

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Vision Now NOVEMBER 2017

Three ways to play

PRACTICE MATTERS

Developing thoughts The next step change in the evolution of optics has arrived, believes Phil Mullins

Is the future here?

The basic concept of the optical industry hasn’t changed for centuries. Basically, calculate the power needed to correct the vision, make some sort of lens and mount it in front of the eye. But from time to time there is a change in technology that changes the way we actually do the process – from the introduction of the Snellen chart in the mid 1800s, the invention of the slit lamp around 1920, CR39 appearing in the late 1940s or the development of optical coherence tomography during the 1990s.

One area that has seen some of the biggest changes is in the production of lenses, many of which we now take for granted. These include the introduction by Essilor of the first progressives, the development of antireflection coatings and the launch of digitally designed and produced progressives by Seiko in the late 1990s. We have become very used to these products and each year we see small improvements: slightly better compensation designs; a better way to take fitting measurements; or better control of the unwanted astigmatism. But these are small improvements. Occasionally, there comes a time for the next step change and I believe that has started to happen.

TURNING THINGS UPSIDE DOWN I wouldn’t normally discuss a particular product or supplier, but when something is unique and stands out, I believe we should rightly address how it could potentially change the market. Yuniku, developed by Hoya in partnership with Materialise, is just such a product. It’s not a frame or a lens, but a visual system and is the world’s first ‘vision-centric 3D tailored eyewear’. The concept is simple – but the technology behind it certainly isn’t.

When dispensing, although we may have in mind a lens choice, the patient tends to

choose the frame. We then take measurements and compensate the lens design to fit the frame. Yuniku flips the process, designing the lenses to fit in front of the eyes to offer maximum visual performance, and then designs the frame around the lenses. To do this, the system takes a scan of the patient’s head, taking account of every individual feature, be that an offset nose, one eye higher or one ear further back than the other. Once designed, the frame is 3D printed, the lenses are digitally produced, and the patient ends up with a visual system that is more personalised than a Savile Row suit.

As with all new technologies, there is a price to pay, but as more suppliers bring this type of concept to the market, the cost will fall. However, in the early stages it offers independents a great way to differentiate from the multiples, who will be slow to introduce such technology, not only because of cost, but because they often wait for a market to grow for a product before adding it to their portfolios.

The other element is time; when designing and ordering any personalised item, you need to spend extra time with a patient to make sure everything is right and that the patient understands what they are ordering and the cost implications.

This is true not just for Yuniku, but any personalised item, be it a made-tomeasure frame, compensated design lens or bespoke contact lens. For this reason, personalisation is something every independent should offer – and not just in products but in eyecare services too such as dry eye clinics, sports vision, and diabetic screening. In fact, creating a complete eyecare package for each patient can help you stand out from the crowd and with

World’s first vision-centric 3D tailored eyewear

technologies continuing to develop, you can add items to the package.

Remember, the internet companies are trying to convince the public that spectacles and contact lenses are commodities, just like baked beans. We need to show that this isn’t the case and that caring for your eyes is an important part of the patient’s total healthcare requirements and so the more personal it is, the better.

The launch of Yuniku is the start of something, and I’m sure over the coming months we will see more products launched that fit within the personalised arena. So make sure you’re not left behind, and start looking now at how you can introduce such items into your business model before your competition does.

Vision Now NOVEMBER 2017

15

14 - 16 APRIL 2018 | BIRMINGHAM NEC

R E V JOIN THE REVOLUTION OPTRAFAIR.CO.UK @OPTRAFAIR #OPTRAFAIR

L U T I O N CONTACT: WASIM HAMID WASIM.HAMID@MARKALLENGROUP.COM +44 (0) 207 501 6750

ADVERTORIAL

DAILIES TOTAL1 That’s the one I recommend JOE LEE, optometrist at Ratoath Eyecare, Co. Meath, and Stepaside Eyecare, Dublin, talks about how he enhances his patients’ vision from morning to night by offering them 16 hours of total comfort thanks to DAILIES TOTAL1.

her lenses out before bed – and without any awkward questions from her pupils.

BUILDING CONFIDENCE Another patient I saw recently, who worked as cabin crew, had since her early 40s become increasingly reliant on her glasses.

Although her glasses offered her clear and comfortable vision, she hated that she had to wear them all the time and didn’t feel confident in herself.

As an optometrist working in two independent practices, Joe is responsible for all clinical aspects of the practice, from eye exams and contact lens fits, through to contact lens collections.

He believes that he should be involved in every step of the patient journey as it is him they come to see.

Joe explains more…

I asked her simply what it would mean to be able to work without glasses, she replied: “It would mean everything, it would make me feel young again”. I confidently told her that I could make her 80 per cent less reliant on her glasses and fitted her with DAILIES TOTAL1 multifocal lenses. She later informed me that I was wrong – she was in fact far less reliant on her glasses than anticipated; she didn’t suffer from dryness as expected with air-conditioning and could wear them through her long 14 to 16-hour flights.

I recommend DAILIES TOTAL1 first time…

Why? Because of my confidence in this lens. I am confident that my patients will experience an improvement in their lens comfort and their vision with this remarkable product. I know that this lens will fulfil what they are ultimately looking for with vision correction. So why wait?

LASTING RELATIONSHIPS I see a wide range of patients in terms of age and visual requirements. Some of the children I first saw as two-year-olds are now coming in to be fitted with contact lenses as teenagers. All our patients are looking for continuity in their eyecare and they like seeing the same eyecare professional every time they visit us, because they trust us.

More than three in four patients agree their optician will recommend the best contact lenses to suit their individual lifestyle and needs1.

To hear from other eyecare professionals who recommend DAILIES TOTAL1, follow the link to the NEG YouTube channel via www.nationaleyecare.co.uk

SIGHT FOR SORE EYES A primary school teacher visited me recently who kept being asked by her five and six-year-old pupils, why she was crying.

It wasn’t tears of happiness or sadness, however, but soreness from her contact lenses. This is when I introduced her to DAILIES TOTAL1. She now enjoys comfort all day – from the moment she wakes up and prepares for school, to the minute she takes

REFERENCE 1. Independent third party usage and attitudes study conducted on 1,083 lens wearers. Alcon data on file, 2016.

All views, comments and opinions expressed in this advertorial belong to those making them, and are not scripted. Joe Lee has been paid as a consultant to Alcon.

Vision Now NOVEMBER 2017

17

DRIVING DESIGNER EYEWEAR ABOVE AND BEYOND WHEN LEADING FRAME SUPPLIER, EYESPACE, ANNOUNCED THEY WERE ENTERING THE DESIGNER BRAND ARENA, HAVING FORGED A POWERHOUSE PARTNERSHIP WITH GLOBALLY-REVERED BRITISH ICON LAND ROVER, IT WAS A COLLABORATION SO PERFECTLY ATTUNED THAT PRACTICES AROUND THE NATION TOOK THE UNPRECEDENTED DECISION TO PLACE ORDERS BEFORE SAMPLES WERE EVEN AVAILABLE. VISION NOW EDITOR, NICKY COLLINSON, SAT DOWN WITH EYESPACE’S MANAGING DIRECTOR, JAYNE ABEL, AND MARKETING MANAGER, NICKY CLEMENT, FOR AN EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW OF THE MOTORING GIANT’S FIRST EVER EYEWEAR COLLECTION.

Discover

Lenses

After 2 years of secret meetings and intensive brand immersions, Eyespace have unveiled an exemplary and perfectly-structured launch collection of 20 fully-polarised men’s sunglass models. Seamlessly ticking every box for opticians, patients and Land Rover devotees, the new range precisely mirrors the multi-award winning design DNA which Land Rover is celebrated for: intelligent technical products, progressive styling that allows innovation and quality to take centre-stage, while setting new standards that will intuitively evolve the independent sector of the optical industry.

For a brand as pure as Land Rover â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and untouched within optics â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it was imperative to introduce new technology that would appeal to patients looking for fashionable sunglasses, as Jayne Abel explains: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Land Rover is one of the Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most recognised brands and is the 11th most valuable company in the UK. The notion of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Above and Beyondâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is legendary to their business and is a living-breathing mantra that our organisations share. Elevating products and services through constant R&D is where our designers found really exciting FRPPRQ JURXQG VR ZH GUHZ D JUHDW GHDO RI LQVSLUDWLRQ IURP ÂżQGLQJ DQG developing the latest technologies and ways to style products that would excite and energise both patients and practitioners about this new generation of designer eyewear.â&#x20AC;? %HÂżWWLQJ RI ZLQQHUV RI Âľ)UDPH RI WKH <HDUÂś Âľ6XSSOLHU RI WKH <HDUÂś DQG Âľ3URGXFW %XVLQHVV RI WKH <HDUÂś DZDUGV HDFK QHZ PRGHO Âą GHVLJQHG DQG GHYHORSHG LQ collaboration with Land Rover at Eyespaceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Worcestershire headquarters â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is laden with highly-considered details that will see the frames draw admiring glances from fashion-forward eyes while standing up to the most exhilarating outdoor activities. Modern, fresh and compelling, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clear to see that Eyespace

have focused on bringing together technical innovation with high-style aesthetics, to fully represent the leisure-focused positioning of the brand. Exclusively introduced for this launch is multi-layered OBEXâ&#x201E;˘ mirrored lens technology combined with a salt-water safe hydrophobic coating that repels water and protects the lens. Available up to a 60-eyesize, every model allows wearers to fully enjoy the outdoors with visual SUHFLVLRQ WKDQNV WR KLJK Há&#x201A;&#x2C6;FLHQF\ SRODULVHG OHQVHV WKDW HOLPLQDWH JODUH Rá&#x201A;&#x2021;HU RSWLPDO 89 SURWHFWLRQ 89 DQG enhanced colour clarity. To further improve comfort and durability for the wearer, OBE hinges are a featured addition, VHUYLQJ WR HOHYDWH WKH FROOHFWLRQÂśV SUHPLXP ÂżQLVK 6R IRFXVHG RQ Âľ*UHDW %ULWLVK 'HVLJQÂś DUH WKH WZR FRPSDQLHV that they have gone the extra mile, developing a special KLQJH IRU WKH VPDOOHVW PP IUDPH Longnor. Keeping its ÂżQJHU RQ WKH IDVKLRQ SXOVH WKLV VXSHU VW\OLVK URXQG H\H model has been developed in an exceptional quality new acetate that proudly enhances the British legacy, as Nicky Clement explains: â&#x20AC;&#x153;With their associations to James Bond, WKH $PHULFDV &XS VDLOLQJ WHDP SOXV WKH ÂżUVW FKRLFH RI WKH Royal Family and an array of celebrities from the Beckhams

through to Bear Grylls, Land Rover is as British a-brand as \RXÂśOO ÂżQG MXVW DQRWKHU RI WKH UHDVRQV ZK\ ZH DUH VR H[FLWHG to move into designer eyewear with themâ&#x20AC;?.

aviator-style top bar and temple. Raising the bar on mirrored lens trends are Merrick and Snowdon , with blue, gold and dark smoke-grey mirrored lenses that feature the OBEXâ&#x201E;˘ and salt-water safe hydrophobic technologies; a perfecting touch for water-sports enthusiasts. The full collection is wellSURSRUWLRQHG Rá&#x201A;&#x2021;HULQJ YHUVDWLOLW\ DQG FRQÂżGHQFH WKURXJK WKH choices of the very latest materials, trend-led colour palettes, authentic and fresh designer detailing, including sculpted DFFHQWV DQG VRIW WRXFK ÂżQLVKHV LQWHJUDWHG KLQJHV and discreet next-generation micro-branding.

But what about the Range Rover launch, due for 2018? Jayne Abel simply hints, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The beauty of these two brands is that they intuitively sit sideE\ VLGH R௺HULQJ RSWLFLDQV D ZLGH YDULHW\ RI FKRLFH Whilst Land Rover is more adventurous in its nature, Range Rover is a purely luxurious brand DQG WKDW VHQVRULDO HOHPHQW ZLOO PRVW GHÂżQLWHO\ EH UHĂ&#x20AC;HFWHG LQ WKH IUDPHV WR FRPH ([SHFW D collection that perfectly mirrors the cutting-edge quality and technical performance that gives Range Rover its aspirational global appealâ&#x20AC;?.

Jayne Abel advances, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are a proudly British company DQG KDYH UHOLVKHG RXU ÂżUVW OLFHQVLQJ SDUWQHUVKLS EHLQJ ZLWK DQ organisation that values and promotes the true capabilities DQG LQJHQXLW\ WKH 8. KDV WR R௺HU /DQG 5RYHU EULQJV D KLJKO\ unique lifestyle aspect to practice portfolios, appealing to WKH PDMRULW\ DQG ÂżOOLQJ WKH JDS IRU WKDW WULFN\ SDWLHQW ORRNLQJ for fashionable active-eyewear. We have invested a great deal of time with their team to ensure that the frames and PHUFKDQGLVLQJ WRROV R௺HU RSWLFLDQV WKH SHUIHFW EOHQG RI brand representation within the clinical environmentâ&#x20AC;?.

7R IXUWKHU DGG WR WKH LQKHUHQW Âľ%ULWLVKQHVVÂś RI WKH FROOHFWLRQ each frame has been named after an iconic adventuring location. Highlights of the range include sporty soft-touch skull-wrap model Scafell, in contemporary tones of new navy and grey, while Ogwen, an uber-cool retro inspired model, features clean-cut laser etched branding to the

Land Rover sunglasses are available to pre-order now, with optical models launching in January 2018.

For more information and to book an appointment to view the collection, call Eyespace on 01527 870550.

TALKING HEADS

Bringing ophthalmology to the High Street Vision Now talks to Peter-Price Taylor, founder and CEO of Evolutio Care Innovations, to find out how his company is bringing ophthalmology services to the High Street

Evolutio was founded in 2010 by former practice owner, Peter-Price Taylor, following an inspirational discussion at an NHS primary care trust stakeholder meeting. Since then, Evolutio has grown to become one of the leading community and telemedicine ophthalmology providers in England. Evolutio prides itself on continuously innovating in order to deliver the most affordable, trusted, integrated eyecare systems in the UK for the benefit of patients, clinicians and the healthcare economy.

VN:

Practices could make around £6,000 per week in extra revenue, Evolutio believes

Where did it all start?

PP-T: Whilst attending an NHS stakeholder meeting about the pressures being faced by hospital eye services, I asked: “Why can’t all referrals be sent to a single place for review before sending them into the hospital?” Waking up the next day, I realised the magnitude of the task facing me and quickly realised that we needed to develop a substantial technology infrastructure to support the management of the service.

From that day, we have been working to continually develop our service offering, including innovative solutions to not only manage the demand but also enable optometrists to become more involved in the delivery of ophthalmology care for patients in the community.

VN:

What does Evolutio offer?

PP-T: We currently provide Ophthalmology-led Referral Support and eCare Community Services, through the use of our own bespoke software, specifically developed to support and deliver community ophthalmology services. Our unique eVonnect IT platform allows optometrists to leave the fax machine behind and refer electronically, with access to a shared medical record and medical image hosting including cloud optical coherence tomography (OCT) reviewing.

Having grown significantly over the last couple of years, we now cover just short of 10 per cent of NHS England’s referrals, managing around 85,000 new patients a year, referred by over 2,800 clinicians in our network. We are now booking referrals through the NHS e-Referral service (ERS) into 150 eye departments, and have 104 community eye clinics working within our affiliate optometry network.

VN: Cloud OCT telemedicine opens significant opportunities

20

Vision Now NOVEMBER 2017

Tell us more about the technology…

PP-T: We have developed our technology to support community optometry in becoming more integrated with the NHS and providing a safe and

secure platform to manage patient care electronically, rather than the reliance on the fax machine. With the implementation of a patient centric shared medical record, patient information can be retained within a single record no matter where they travel within the health system. It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter how the patient is funded, whether NHS, or through private medical insurance, or even a credit card, we can successfully and safely manage patients who move between the NHS and private healthcare.

One of the biggest technology breakthroughs for Evolutio was OCT telemedicine. Developing and providing cloud OCT telemedicine we believe is the first of its kind, and opens a significant opportunity to provide greater ophthalmology care in the community by optometrists as part of a shared care system. The OCT telemedicine is completely agnostic to the brand of OCT that created the image, enabling OCTs to be done in the community and transferred across our network to our medical platform for consultant review.

VN:

How can Evolutio benefit practitioners?

PP-T: Working within our affiliate network, optometrists can now manage a greater number of patients as we provide the compliance, education and technology to support a governance framework for community optometrists to work within. Rather than deliver all NHS services through our own clinics, we look to work with local optomerists working in the community to provide patient care and support the NHS to deliver the care closer to home. Having now established ourselves as a provider of NHS services, we are supporting High Street optometry to provide affordable self-funded care to patients through our eCare Medical Eye Service and generate a sustainable income.

VN:

Tell us more about eCare and the opportunity for optometry?

PP-T: Our eCare Medical Eye Service has been designed to meet the healthcare needs of those patients for whom private consultations with consultant ophthalmologists in the mainstream private hospitals are financially out of reach, but want to have control over the monitoring and management of their eyecare. We provide accessible medical eyecare through a network of well-equipped and clinically focused optometry practices, looking to differentiate themselves from other High Street practices, by offering patients access to consultant ophthalmologist-led care, at a time and location which suits the patient.

Clinic manager, Karen, manages 300+ patients per month in a single eCare clinic

The service was developed to allow patient access to consultant-level eyecare, delivered using the very latest telemedicine technology, from suitably equipped optometry practices at an accessible price for patients. Through our eCare Medical Eye Service, optometry can now access a new and growing market, leveraging additional revenue from their current client base. The service allows patients who were previously unable to afford private eyecare, to take back control of their eye health, to be actively engaged in decision making around the monitoring, management and treatment of their eye conditions.

VN: What next for Evolutio and community optometry?

PP-T: We are continuously looking to develop new, innovative solutions and utilise this technology to provide an industry leading optometry-delivered, consultant-led medical eye service, with a brand recognisable as bringing ophthalmology services to the High Street.

Through expansion of our eCare Medical Eye Service, we will look to introduce more and more optometrists to a new, recurring and stable income from new and existing patients in a safe and controlled way without having to invest in a lot of training, technology and compliance. Based on our initial assessment of the market, those who have already invested in OCT could be making in the region of an additional ÂŁ6,000 per week in revenue through this model.

Evolutio Care Innovations

TALKING HEADS

For more information, email affiliate@myecare.co.uk or call 0203 780 7860.

Vision Now NOVEMBER 2017

21

ADVERTORIAL

DAILIES TOTAL1

‘Over one in three

That’s the one I wear

who prescribe DAILIES

According to research, 78 per cent of patients agree that they can trust their optician to recommend the best contact lens for them1

them themselves1’

Beth Ralph, a contact lens optician (CLO) from Sheffield, says: “The priority for all my patients when it comes to lenses is comfort first, vision next and price last.”

Beth is a busy working mum, CLO, and partbusiness owner at her practice Elliott & Heath Optometrists, which she shares with her husband. Like most working mums, life for Beth is busy and her hours are long, so she needed a lens that could complement her busy lifestyle.

“The lenses I originally tried were so uncomfortable and after four hours of wear I had to remove them. It was at this point that my husband brought home DAILIES TOTAL1 – I have never looked back since. The comfort was a huge improvement as I didn’t feel the lenses in my eye. Now I recommend the same contact lenses for my patients – 16 hours of total comfort. ”Beth tells us what it’s like in the eyes of a DAILIES TOTAL1 wearer…

7AM: MY BUSY DAY BEGINS I put my contact lenses in and spend a manic morning rounding up my children, ready to ship them to breakfast club before school. I like to arrive early each day and look through the files of my patients to find out what they are currently wearing and what’s new that I can offer them.

9-11.30AM: CONSULTATIONS AND ADVICE One lady I have seen recently was going through a divorce and wanted to renew her image, as soon as I removed her glasses and swapped them for lenses she grew in confidence. In another case, I saw a patient who is a keen sportsman and enjoys tennis.

Wearing glasses compromises his peripheral vision and gets in the way. I immediately suggested DAILIES TOTAL1 knowing these lenses will provide him with excellent vision and long wear. I truly believe anyone that wears glasses should have the option to use contact lenses.

11.30AM – 2PM: FITTING WITH CONFIDENCE When I fit DAILIES TOTAL1, I no longer ask my patients ‘are your lenses comfortable?’ I now say, ‘can you feel your lenses?’ confident in the knowledge that they feel like nothing. Other times, I’ll put a high quality lens such as DAILIES TOTAL1 in one eye and an alternative lens in the other and ask which they prefer. Almost every time, they will choose DAILIES TOTAL1.

When I fit an existing contact lens wearer with DAILIES TOTAL1, the response I get is ‘why haven’t I been given these before?’. In the past, they have typically been used as a second option or ‘the problem solver’ if they don’t get on with their current lenses. This shouldn’t be happening as it’s our duty as eye care professionals to recommend the best product for our patients.

2PM – 5PM: A RANGE OF PATIENTS Yesterday an eight-year-old and her mother came to me for advice on contact lenses for wear after school. Many parents are unaware that contact lenses are an option for their children. My only criteria for offering contact lenses to children is that they can fit them

eyecare professionals TOTAL1, also wear

and remove them themselves. My 11-yearold and six-year-old daughters are both extremely active. They take part in lots of activities after school and I believe no child should miss out on any activity just because they wear glasses. Neither need a vision correction yet, but should either need anything in the future, I wouldn’t hesitate with fitting DAILIES TOTAL1.

6PM: REFLECTION After a busy day tending to between 12 and 14 patients, my drive home is spent reflecting on the patients I’ve seen and feeling extremely fortunate to have the job I have. My ultimate priority at the start of every working day is to improve the eye sight of each of my patients, and in turn, enhance their lives. I sometimes see a child wearing glasses with no confidence, looking at the floor, the second those lenses are in, they are a different person.

11PM: 16 HOURS OF AMAZING By the time I am preparing to go to bed, I realise I have lasted a full 16 hours without even thinking about my lenses or noticing them there. No need for solutions before bed as these get binned, just a new pair for the next day.

To hear from another optometrist who wears and recommends DAILIES TOTAL1, visit the News section at www.nationaleyecare.co.uk to watch the video.

REFERENCE 1. Independent third party usage and attitudes study conducted on 1,083 lens wearers. Alcon data on file, 2016.

All views, comments and opinions expressed in this advertorial belong to those making them, and are not scripted. Beth Ralph has been paid as a consultant to Alcon.

Vision Now NOVEMBER 2017

23

STYLE SPOTLIGHT

Silmo Paris Fabulous at

50

By Joan Grady Graphic silhouette, Origami by Karmoie

In 1967, Charles de Gaulle ruled in France, Harold Wilson was the UK prime minister, Lyndon B. Johnson was America’s president, and Indira Gandhi was at the helm in India. In the same year, Rolling Stone magazine launched its first edition, the Beatles released Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Bonnie and Clyde and Casino Royal had people flocking to the cinema, and the world’s first heart transplant took place.

Yet another stimulating heartbeat came into existence in 1967 – the first eyewear trade fair was organised in Oyonnax, France, with 70 participating exhibitors. Eyewear was just beginning to be envisioned beyond a medical apparatus, and no-one could have anticipated the amazing growth and importance of this milestone.

Fast-forward 50 years and the perennial event now features hundreds of international exhibitors, presenting a comprehensive experience of amazing frames in equally fascinating materials and technological improvements. Each year, thousands of visitors converge at Parc des Expositions for the four-day show.

This year’s edition featured designs with originality, stunningly beautiful colours, diverse materials, and even more emphasis on fine, professional crafting and specific details. Consumers have a new awareness of quality and environmental concerns, and the throwaway culture is replaced with thoughts of conservation and preserving the planet. The optics sector is aware of the need to care for resources and

24

Vision Now NOVEMBER 2017

increasingly, frames are being crafted in sustainable materials.

INNOVATION FLOWS Increased attention to speciality features, and an emphasis on superior quality, combining different geometric shapes and mixing surprising materials and colours, brings new appeal and adventure to optical and sunglass designs. Salt Optics, the California brand, revels in gradient acetate patterns in dark and light shades that emphasise the transition of the seasons. Whether streamlined square shapes, classic aviators or round, the latest Salt collection is a welcoming trio of style, comfort and quality.

Beethoven, Liszt and Schumann, to Schoenberg, Prokofiev and Leonard Bernstein. Style XL2105 features graceful lines that create captivating colour nuances, accents and contrasts, for an easy flowing, harmonious design.

Kirsten and Lars Iversen design eco-friendly frames in Oslo, Norway, under the Karmoie label. The colour selection in exquisite acetate reflects their natural surroundings of mountains and the sea. Beautifully crafted Origami in stone acetate is cool and classical – with a delightful graphic hint in the contour shape.

Parisian chic: Place des Vosges by Tarian Timeless design in Kelly by Salt Optics

Line Art by Charmant is inspired by the Sonata – melodious compositions that influenced musicians from Mozart,

Strong colour accents on frame fronts and sides highlight neutral colours. The round shape continues to flourish in the collections, and Jérémy Tarian’s latest frames include

XL2105 featuring harmonious design: Sonata by Line Art Charmant

STYLE SPOTLIGHT

Silmo d’Or Innovation winner Deville in wood by Rolf

Place des Vosges – named after the historic Parisian square in Paris – and sunglasses in sand acetate with a bold splash of colour.

In the beauty of the Tirol in Austria, Rolf Spectacles creates unique frames in natural materials – including a variety of woods sourced from their own surroundings. This year they captured their third Silmo d’Or for their Flex Lock Multi-Directional Hinge, created with all natural materials, that is flexible, without screws, and metal-free.

CULTURAL INTUITIONS Italian artisans Eric Balzan and Mirko Forte love to explore the majestic Dolomite Mountains, and the discovery of vintage frames on a hiking expedition are rooted in all that Hapter creates. For the latest chapter in the brand’s development, Hapter has a striking new addition to the Icons Line. A wide and dominant bridge highlights the expressive power of the rubber material in the frame. The unique surface is characterised by a microscopic and irregular stone-like texture emphasised by pigmentation. This special process for the frames is treated with ancient forging craftsmanship developed in Hapter’s laboratory – Hapteria.

Amazingly slim and light, the structure has floating lenses that connect the bridge to the thinnest temples ever conceived by Hapter – a tribute to enhanced technology and artisanal imagination. Two gorgeous colours feature on the grid bridge – Lichen Green, reproduced from lichens found on the Dolomite Mountains, and Leaf Orange, inspired by autumn colours.

The Tivoli Gardens and the Little Mermaid are treasured in Danish heritage, as is the delicious culinary delight – the Smorrebrod.

The layered sandwich inspired Fleye Copenhagen’s collection – and their

Danish delight: Silmo d’Or winner, Fox by Fleye

enthusiastic efforts were rewarded with a coveted Silmo d’Or. Fox is designed with a layered construction – like the Smorrebrod. Three different types of visible layers combine solid and transparent acetate with lightweight beta-titanium.

Designer Annette Esto also specialises in eco-friendly frames – designs that are created with nickel-free materials. Annette’s frequent travels regularly spirit her designs, however, this season, a culinary treat at home sparked her award-winning frame.

A distinguished design by Von Arkel, Switzerland

designs for men, women and children are infused with superior technology, superb colours, and smart shapes. A retro/ contemporary mood is evident in Bear in marbled tortoiseshell.

Perennial favourite: a cat-eye shape Diva XI by Plein les Mirettes

RETRO MEETS CONTEMPORARY In a Normandy atelier, designer Christophe Morcamp at Plein les Mirettes designs stylish frames in glorious colours – solid tones and exemplary multi-colourations.

Morcamp has created a series of ‘Diva designs’ – shapes with vintage overtones in both optical and sunglass versions. Diva XI accentuates the cat-eye silhouette in a heavenly shade of blue.

Swiss precision and excellence are recognised and admired worldwide. Von Arkel has a distinguished collection of elegant designs, crafted from superior materials that include sustainably resourced buffalo horn, and frames with precious stones – truly luxurious.

Lafont Paris has strongly and successfully achieved over 90 years in eyewear, and each season rises to the occasion with stunning frames that are subtly chic, spirited and so wearable. Creative optical and sunglass

Mountain inspiration: artisanal power and technology by Hapter

Retro appeal: Bear by Lafont Paris

Monica Fink and Sandra Kaufmann at Sol Sol Ito in Switzerland have backgrounds outside the eyewear sector in sculptural art and Swiss watches. The two metiers unite in state-of-the-art frames with diversity and sophistication. The design duo has won the coveted Red Dot Award in Germany and the Swiss Design Award.

Ernest Hemingway wrote: “Paris is a moveable feast.” If he were around today, he may well include eyewear as part of the Parisian feast. Silmo celebrated eyewear’s progressive journey these past 50 years, with impeccable French style and stunning fashion flair.

Sculptural significance with Sol Sol Ito Switzerland Vision Now NOVEMBER 2017

25

V

VV

Preferred Suppliers’ Directory

Preferred Suppliers are suppliers who, by prior arrangement, offer members of the PK National Eyecare Group preferential terms.

For full details and terms offered to the membership, please call 01580 713698

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

ESSILOR

LOUIS STONE OPTICAL LTD

Tel: 01454 281281 Fax: 01454 281282

Tel: 029 2073 5293 Fax: 029 2073 1446

www.essilor.co.uk

info@louisstone.co.uk www.louisstone.co.uk

GO EYEWEAR UK LTD

CENTRO STYLE LTD

Tel: 0800 9178270

LUXOTTICA (UK) LTD

www.goeyeweargroup.com

Tel: 0808 165 8555

www.uk.alcon.com

Tel: 01923 239267 Fax: 01923 253951

ARENA EYEWEAR

sales@centrostyle.com www.centrostyle.com

Tel: 0371 376 0017 Fax: 0871 351 1005

Tel: 01952 820408 www.arena-eyewear.co.uk

CONTINENTAL EYEWEAR

www.luxottica.com

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

csuk@marchon.com

HILCO EUROPE

ASSOCIATED OPTICAL

Tel: 0151 426 3907 Fax: 0151 426 9340

Tel: 01628 605433 Fax: 01628 665077

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

Tel: 0800 591150

Tel: 0800 3280610 Fax: 0800 3280649

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

DAVID THOMAS

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

mkservices@markennovy.com www.markennovy.com

BAUSCH + LOMB

Tel: 01604 646216 Fax: 01604 790366

HOYA LENS UK

MID-OPTIC

www.bausch.co.uk

orders@davidthomas.com www.davidthomas.com

Tel: 0845 330 0984 Fax: 0845 330 0977

Tel: 01332 295001 Fax: 01332 295158

BIB OPHTHALMIC INSTRUMENTS

DIBBLE OPTICAL SUPPLIES

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

orders@midoptic.com www.midoptic.com

Tel: 01438 740823

Tel: 01634 880885 Fax: 01634 540530

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

BONDEYE OPTICAL Tel: 0121 7723888 Fax: 0808 2801865 sales@bondeyeoptical.co.uk www.bondeyeoptical.co.uk

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

DUNELM OPTICAL

INTERNATIONAL EYEWEAR LTD Tel: 0121 585 6565 Fax: 0121 585 0954 www.internationaleyewear.co.uk

NATIONWIDE FRAME REPAIRS Tel: 01706 369530 Fax: 01706 628733 Info@nfr.co.uk www.nfr.co.uk

Tel: 01388 420420 Fax: 01388 810101

LENSTEC

No7 CONTACT LENSES

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

Tel: 029 2088 3009 Fax: 029 2088 9798

Tel: 01424 850620 Fax: 01424 850650

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

info@no7contactlenses.com www.no7contactlenses.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.

Vision Now NOVEMBER 2017

MARK’ENNOVY

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Tel: 020 8781 2900

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MARCHON Tel: 0800 72 2020

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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.

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“Only one comment,

WOW!“ Alisdair Buchanan, Buchanan Optometrists

www.HeidelbergEngineering.co.uk

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ORANGE EYEWEAR

RAWDON OPTICAL LTD

SILHOUETTE UK LTD

TOP VISION UK

Tel: 0161 773 5555 Fax: 0161 773 5544

Tel: 0113 288 3094 Fax: 0113 288 3095

Tel: 020 8987 8899 Fax: 020 8987 2430

Tel: 0870 8402378 Fax: 0870 8402379

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

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

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

www.topvisiongroup.com

PERFORMANCE FINANCE

RODENSTOCK

SPEC-CARE LTD

Tel: 01536 529696 Fax: 01536 310033

Tel: 01474 325555

Tel: 01392 460806

Tel: 01525 381112 Fax: 01525 370091

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

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

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

www.performancefinance.co.uk

ULTRAVISION

POSITIVE IMPACT

SEIKO OPTICAL UK

STEPPER UK

XACT

Tel: 08446 696907

Tel: 01452 610033 Fax: 01452 638250

Tel: 01732 375975

Tel: 01698 574 655

sales@stepper.co.uk

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

glasklar@positiveimpactsales.co.uk www.positiveimpactsales.co.uk

PRACTICE BUILDING Tel: 0115 989 9772

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

SERIOUS READERS

TANT LABORATORIES Tel: 01279 653785

YOUNGER OPTICS EUROPE

www.tantlabs.com

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

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

Tel: 01296 395400

THEA PHARMACEUTICAL

PRO-OPTIC

sales@seriousbrands.co.uk www.seriousreaders.com

Tel: 0845 521 1290 Fax: 01782 717 944

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

PURE EYEWEAR LTD Tel: 01993 824239/822038

www.thea-pharmaceuticals.co.uk

SHAMIR UK

THREE SIXTY

Tel: 01954 785100 Fax: 01954 785101

Tel: 01686 627595 Fax: 01696 610015

info@shamirlens.co.uk www.shamirlens.co.uk

Kieran@calotherm.co.uk www.calotherm.co.uk

mark@pure-eyewear.co.uk support@pure-eyewear.co.uk www.pure-eyewear.co.uk

Suppliers’ directory

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Telephone: 01442 502 330

T 01527 870550 eyespace-eyewear.co.uk

313004-002 UK.BE16 © Heidelberg Engineering GmbH

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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 NOVEMBER 2017

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

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