Vision Now September 2020 by Vision Now

VV SEPTEMBER 2020

Vision Now magazine

VisionXtra™ – designed to make your life easier. VisionXtra is the patient registration scheme from CooperVision that is designed to make your life easier. It’s simple and free to register patients, can work alongside your own monthly payment plan service and offers beneﬁts such as direct to patient delivery and the ability to create and release ‘trigger patient orders’ giving you more ﬂexibility. Discover the difference VisionXtra can make to your practice.

A FREE, simple way to manage your patients

Help you keep contact lens revenue in your practice

Direct-to-patient home deliveries1 with contact lenses and solutions together in one convenient pack The ability to create and release ‘trigger patient orders’ giving you more ﬂexibility 100% credit on product returns2 Hassle-free returns process.

For more information, visit coopervision.co.uk/VisionXtra, call 0870 9000 0553 or speak to your CooperVision Business Development Manager. 1. Direct to patient orders will be subject to a standard freight charge. 2. To claim a credit you will need to do so within 90 days of the invoice date. We reserve the right to request for product to be sent back to us. If we do decide to ask for product back we will do so within 10 working days of receiving a credit request form. 3. Calls cost 2p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.

Help provide a convenient and costeffective way to ensure that your patients get the lenses they need

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.

4 25

News 4 7 9 11

NEG conference theme announced Nutrition webinar invitation Contact lens survey results Landmark report on economic impact of sight loss

Editor’s comment Sitting amongst the great and the good of optics at the official launch of the Foresight Project Report in London back in March 2016, who amongst us would have imagined that it wouldn’t be technology that posed the most pressing threat to the future of the profession – but a worldwide pandemic of a respiratory illness called Covid-19.

11 An independent view Ongoing concerns for the sector

12 Developing thoughts Are you ready to go private?

17 E-commerce Hydramed.shop: a win-win scenario

21 Nutrition and eye health Nutrition advice for patients now: Why? When? What?

24 Style spotlight Sartorial splendour: optimism in men’s eyewear

26 Suppliers’ directory

The Foresight Report concerned itself chiefly with the impact of the digital age on the UK optical sector to 2030 – and basically concluded that if practices didn’t move with the times, and embrace technology such as the automation of professional testing and measurement, then they would, in the words of JFK, “be certain to miss the future”. Well, here we all are in 2020 embracing a new world order where remote commerce and service provision looks set to stay. Proper remuneration for NHS eye exams continues to be a pipe dream, and many practices are now busy working out new business models where they see fewer patients through the door whilst not just maintaining the bottom line – but elevating it. As always, help is at hand – from suppliers, professional bodies and of course NEG – so make sure you grab everything on offer with both hands. Another perceived threat to the profession that the Foresight Project Report did not foresee was the General Optical Council's reimagining of education standards for optometrists and dispensing opticians. The regulator’s Education Strategic Review is out for consultation once more until 19 October – and all stakeholders are urged to consider its implications and make their views known. Make sure you have your say via the GOC Consultation Hub. Nicky Collinson

Editor

Nicky Collinson BA (Hons) nicola.collinson@nationaleyecare.co.uk

Editorial PA

Sally Spicer s.spicer@nationaleyecare.co.uk

Fashion Editor

Joan Grady jgparischats@wanadoo.fr

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

Rosslyn Argent BA (Hons)

Publisher

Michael C Wheeler FCOptom DipCLP FSMC FAAO

Editor The Editor welcomes letters, articles and other contributions for publication in the magazine and reserves the right to amend them. Any such contribution, whether it bears the author’s name, initials or pseudonym, is accepted on the understanding that its author is responsible for the opinions expressed in it and that its publication does not imply that such opinions are those of The PK National Eyecare Group Ltd. Articles submitted for publication should be original, unpublished work and are accepted on the basis that they will not be published in any other journal. Acceptance of material for publication is not a guarantee that it will be included in any particular issue. Copyright © 2020 for Peekay Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying and recording, without the written permission of the publishers. Such written permission should also be obtained before any part of this publication is stored in a retrieval system of any nature.

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

Vision Now SEPTEMBER 2020

NEWS 1

Menicon

NEG Flat-pack packaging for new toric lens

Menicon has launched a toric version of its Miru 1day Flat Pack contact lens. The lens features a bi-aspheric thinner toric design, which is said to provide high levels of comfort and axis stability, along with a smooth, low-edge profile. SmartTouch packaging, inspired by the qualities of a sticking plaster, is only 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 uses minimal raw materials and is recyclable, while the storage case is made from the molds that produce the lenses inside the pack.

Conference preparations underway

NEG has announced that the theme for its 2021 Building for Success Conference will be: ‘The tools for success’. The two-day event for members will take place on 23 and 24 May at the DeVere Hotel Staverton Park, Daventry, which enjoys excellent conferencing facilities and convenient accessibility for both road and rail. Phil Mullins, NEG operations director, said: “Over the course of two packed days of CET, networking and business-building, we aim to share with members the most valuable tools that they require in their toolbox to develop their business, succeed in an everchanging world, and help promote a strong independent sector in the UK. Stay tuned to your inbox, Vision Now and our social media channels for all the latest conference updates as we announce them.”

Kevin Mitchell, managing director of Menicon UK, said: “Unlike many toric lenses, which have to be applied in a specific way to ensure clear vision, our Miru 1 day Flat Pack Toric lens will rotate to the correct axis to give stable, clear vision all day long. This lens is also likely to appeal to the growing number of contact lens wearers who wish to reduce their use of plastic in their everyday life.” Menicon is updating its online toric calculator to include Miru 1day Flat Pack Toric, and plans to release an e-learning module to provide detailed knowledge of this latest contact lens product.

CooperVision

CooperVision has upgraded its free, multifunctional app – OptiExpert – to include a smart prescription calculator, and provide greater product recommendations and a more intuitive design. In addition to the upgraded smart prescription calculator OptiExpert will continue to offer the digital Efron Grading Scales and oxygen profiles. Krupa Patel, CooperVision head of professional services, said: “This latest generation of OptiExpert is now simpler to use than ever before and can be easily navigated by the whole practice team. The

Smart Rx calculator added

smart prescription calculator in particular will speed up the initial lens selection process saving valuable time, which is incredibly important in the current circumstances.”

Eyespace

The new Eco Conscious collection from Eyespace features 18 bio-based acetate styles for both men and women. Not only is the collection fashion-forward, it has ecocredentials that include biodegradable demonstration lenses and plastic-free packaging. The bio-acetate material used in the creation of the styles is formulated with natural, non-toxic plasticisers. Signature men’s model Hemlock is a retro round eye model in size 49-20-145. Composed of an exclusive bio-based acetate, C1 is iconic black while C2 is a masculine blonde tortoiseshell. As part of

Vision Now SEPTEMBER 2020

Eco Conscious style, Hemlock

its commitment to neutralising carbon emissions from production, Eyespace will plant a tree for every Eco Conscious frame

purchased, via reforestation charity One Tree Planted. Turn to page 18 to read more about the collection.

Tor i lau c lens Sep nching t 1st ember 202 0

Daily disposable sphere and toric contact lenses with Smart TouchTM technology for easier, hygienic handling*

Contact lens ć˜€tting has never been simpler with our new online Toric Calculator: toric.meniconcalculator.com The unique eco-friendly packaging ensures the wearer only touches the outer surface of the lens. Now available in sphere and toric.

sphere

toric

If you require more information on Menicon contact lenses visit: www.menicon.co.uk *Evaluation of Diminished Microbial Contamination in Handling of a Novel Daily Disposable Flat Pack Contact Lens, M Nomachi et al, Eye & Contact Lens, Vol 39, No 3, May 2013

SO CLOSE YOU CAN ALMOST SEE IT

The wait is nearly over. Presenting a new contact lens for astigmatism.

COMING SOON

NEWS 5

Lenstec

OUR AMAZING OUR

SCHEME New loyalty scheme

Lenstec Optical Group is looking to help practices in the post Covi-19 landscape with an offering that provides – “an excellent range of frames on consignment, competitive frames and lens glazed package pricing and even an amazing loyalty scheme that rewards regular business with free pairs”. Customers may: choose up to 60 frames from across the ranges (immediate delivery); order as complete frame and lens packages for best prices and to avoid postage charges to the lab. The company promises that all frames will always be in stock to ensure no delays or disappointment. In addition, practices can complete a loyalty card to receive their 10th order free of charge (lens choice conditions apply). “There are no restrictions on how many loyalty cards your practice uses so keep dispensing over and over again to help grow your practice,” said Lenstec managing director, Nigel Castle. The offer includes orders from Lenstec, Tant or Rawdon Labs.

Thea UK

‘Let’s talk...eye health and nutrition’ is the title of a Thea UK webinar to be held on 7 October from 7.30pm to 8.45pm. Practitioners will be able to put their questions, submitted ahead of time, to a panel of experts from across the independent optical sector, to discover more about the impact of nutrition and lifestyle on patients’ eye health.

Stepper UK

More than 50 rimless eyewear styles can be viewed in Stepper’s new digital brochure. For Stepper, rimless eyewear offers the perfect way to differentiate, build a reputation for excellence, and demonstrate professional skills. Peter Reeve, Stepper UK managing director, said: “Stepper rimless models all come with ‘love value’ qualities to ensure the wearer the highest levels of satisfaction at a comfortable price – as well as delivering return purchase loyalty and good sell-through for the business.” Best-selling model SI-96919 (pictured) is a titanium style for women available in gold, silver, blue and bronze, extending its suitability to a variety of skin tones and personal style. Complementing the classic,

Stepper rimless model SI-96919

minimalist front, the sides feature oval, linked rings elegantly shaped in titanium – adding visual interest whilst keeping the mount weight to less than 6g.

Louis Stone

Having stayed open throughout lockdown to provide a service to hospitals and optical practices, Louis Stone has reported a huge bounce-back in orders. “We have seen a surge in sales, especially in our frame and

One of many satisfied customers

The panellists, including Dr Scott Mackie, Teifi James, Jean Oldbury, Leanda Beynon, Douglas Orr and Shelly Bansal, will offer advice and opinions on topics including: how they start conversations about lifestyle; where nutritional advice fits into practice; and what they look for in a supplement to recommend. To get involved in the conversation and view other events, visit www.thea-pharmaceuticals.co.uk/ events-all. Turn to page 21 to read more about nutrition and eye health.

instrument divisions,” said Paul Gaba, the company’s managing director. “Many new enquiries have come from practices that have spent time during the lockdown assessing their existing frame and case suppliers, and then looking at the Louis Stone ranges. There has also been an increase in demand particularly for Volk digital wide fields and replacement Oculus parts,” Paul added [Louis Stone stocks over 50 different items for this purpose]. The release of the UVC Frame Sterilizer in July, which cleans up to six frames within three minutes, has been popular, says Paul, due to its “quality and sensible pricing”. The company has also seen increased demand for blue Nitrile non-powdered gloves since practices have re-opened. Louis Stone is still donating PPE products to various causes and taking requests from those who are still shielding.

Panellist, Teifi James Vision Now SEPTEMBER 2020

FRUSTRATED THAT PROCLEAR® TAILOR-MADE TORIC IS BEING DISCONTINUED?

IGEL Pro is the perfect replacement UltraVision’s new tailor made IGEL Pro is the fastest route to success for practitioners looking to replace Coopervision’s Proclear ® Tailor-Made toric. Manufactured from a material with a similar Dk/t and biocompatibility to Proclear ® Tailor-Made toric, the IGEL Pro also has the added bene昀t of a much wider parameter range.

Contact UltraVision to 昀nd out more...

www.ultravision.co.uk

0800 585 115

*Proclear ® is a registered trademark of The Cooper Companies, inc. and its subsidiaries

A MEMBER OF THE SEED GROUP

info@ultravision.co.uk

NEWS 9

Alcon

10 Silhouette

Momentum full-rim in green

The Silhouette Momentum collection, a range of full-rim shades in a choice of shapes, is now available in four new colours. Launched last year, the Momentum collection is inspired by delicate precision and the traditional aesthetics of a watch. The four new shades are: Cassis Sundown, Caramel Brick, Dark Denim and Champagne Jungle. The designs feature high-quality titanium sides, integrated nose pads and Silhouette’s Pin-cision hinge mechanism inspired by traditional clock-making, 100 per cent made in Austria.

Ongoing business opportunities

A MarketVision survey of contact lens wearers, undertaken in June on behalf of Alcon, has revealed that 70 per cent planned to return to their normal wearing schedule within the next two to three months, if not sooner. The survey, of 1,511 contact lens wearers from Australia, France, Germany, Italy and South Korea, also found that 90 per cent of respondents believed contact lenses enhanced their lifestyle; with 94 per cent remaining loyal to their current brand. Seventy-five per cent were open to talking about upgrading, and more than 70 per cent were willing to pay more for “an innovative lens”. Pollsters viewed their eyecare professional (ECP) as a trusted authority when it came to eyecare. They were open to ordering lenses through their ECP, as well as receiving helpful information and tips through a practice website, email, virtual newsletters, apps or text messages. Nearly 80 per cent of those surveyed had improved their contact lens hygiene habits during Covid-19, including being more diligent about washing their hands before inserting or removing their contacts, and changing out their lenses as directed. “Throughout Covid-19, we have stayed close to eyecare professionals and their teams,” said Antoine Delgrange, vice president, Vision Care International Marketing Group at Alcon. “And all of us at Alcon are committed to helping our customers quickly rebound from the pandemic. As ECPs reopen their practices, they can be confident that contact lenses provide an excellent opportunity to build loyalty and trust with existing patients, bring new patients to the clinic and create resiliency within their business.”

11 CooperVision Dr Rajeev Garg has joined CooperVision as global head of myopia management strategy. He has more than 20 years of experience in healthcare innovation, and joins the company from Bausch + Lomb. Dr Juan Carlos Aragon, president, CooperVision Specialty EyeCare. “Garg’s proven expertise will be invaluable as we pioneer new techniques, introduce new products, and establish new collaborations to address the global myopia epidemic.” CooperVision has also recently acquired C&E GP Specialists, a customised orthokeratology contact lens manufacturer and distributor. “This acquisition further improves our ability to meet ECPs’ needs, and ultimately the quality of vision and life for their patients,” added Dr Carlos.

12 ABDO College April 2021. The majority of the lectures and seminars will also carry CET points. The course gives practitioners the chance to go in-depth into all relevant aspects of low vision practice, and develop the confidence to start a new strand of activity within the practice.

Simon Butterfield

ABDO College has updated its Low Vision Honours course. Starting in September 2020, the course now incorporates two periods of block release – a four-day block release delivered virtually in November 2020, and the face-to-face teaching block in

Simon Butterfield, lecturer and course leader, said: “We have increased the Low Vision Block Release to a total of seven days this academic year. This gives students more opportunities to discuss their applied practice with the experienced opticians and optometrist here at Godmersham.” The course includes the theory and practical aspects of low vision consultation and fully prepares students for the ABDO Level 6 FBDO (Hons) LVA examinations. Current third-year FBDO students can apply for and start the theoretical elements of the course before the completion of their diploma. Payment plans are available to spread the course fee. Apply by 10 September at www.abdocollege.org.uk/courses Vision Now SEPTEMBER 2020

NEWS 13 BABO Irfaan Adamally has succeeded John Stevenson as chairman of the British Association of Behavioural Optometrists (BABO). He said: “I am honoured to take on the role of chairman of BABO from John who has done much to establish behavioural optometry as a recognised and respected optometric discipline.” John commented: “I have really enjoyed my time as chairman Irfaan Adamally of BABO and working with the dedicated and growing number of optometrists in the UK, and internationally, offering vision therapy treatment.” Irfaan added: “The need for behavioural optometrists is a growing one with some patients having to wait up to six months for care from an accredited optometrist. One of BABO’s goals during my tenure is to create programmes that allow us to meet that need. I want to build on the work John has done to continue increasing the awareness of what we can do in the UK, increase the number of accredited behavioural optometrists in the UK, and collaborate with researchers to translate clinical experience into publications that allows us to improve the way we work and help our patients.”

14 Fight for Sight

Need to research highlighted

Fight for Sight will publish a landmark report this month highlighting the social and economic impact of sight loss in the UK. The charity will also unveil a costing tool to demonstrate the current and future costs of sight loss, and the need for investment in eye research. An interactive webinar will launch the report – Time to Focus – on 16 September from 3.30pm to 5pm. Professor Sir Peng Tee Khaw and other leading scientists, partners and supporters will discuss the report findings.

AN INDEPENDENT VIEW Ongoing concerns for the sector One of the concerns that has been expressed by independents during the Covid-19 emergency is the potential for temporary measures introduced by the General Optical Council (GOC) to become permanent – to the detriment of both optometrists and dispensing opticians (DOs). This includes contact lens prescribing and aftercare arrangements, and registrants working in different settings. The AIO will liaise closely with the GOC to ensure that emergency measures do not become the new norm, and that the integrity of the clinical professions is protected. Perhaps a bigger concern, however, is the GOC’s Education Strategic Review (ESR), now out for yet more consultation. The GOC asked for feedback on its Scheme for Registrants and the AIO duly responded; we have also engaged with the College of Optometrists to ensure the voice of independents is heard. It is vital that the ESR is set against a backdrop of the optometry profession becoming the recognised providers of primary health care in the community. Current concerns include the heavy weighting the GOC appears to be putting on non-clinical elements practice. The AIO is also acutely aware of the major discomfort felt by DOs, clearly voiced by ABDO, and is equally determined that the role of DO is enhanced and not damaged in this process. Greater efforts must be made to ensure that the DO’s role is guarded to the same degree as other protected titles within the profession. As retail takes a stronger grip on optometry, the line between non-qualified, unregistered optical assistant and qualified, registered DO must not be allowed to blur further. There has been suspicion that there will be an attempt to introduce apprenticeships ‘through the back door’ but so far there is no evidence of this. However, whilst the Apprenticeship Trailblazer Group has not met since lockdown, to the best of the AIO’s knowledge it will reconvene in due course. With so much uncertainty and stress for optometry students at this time, the introduction of apprenticeships should be suspended at least until the Covid-19 situation has been fully resolved and the optometric landscape appears clearer. It is vital that independents have a distinct voice that is heard and respected by the GOC and the College – and the AIO is fulfilling that role.

Chief executive at Fight for Sight, Sherine Krause, said: “Our report will demonstrate the impact of sight loss and how potential investment in research now could transform people’s wellbeing and reduce the huge economic and social costs. These issues are more important than ever in a post Brexit and Covid-19 landscape.” To take part in the webinar, visit www.fightforsight.org.uk Vision Now SEPTEMBER 2020

PRACTICE MATTERS

Developing thoughts This month, Phil Mullins looks at the benefits and logistics of going fully private

Are you ready to go private? Since the moment that the universal NHS eye examination was removed, and Margaret Thatcher said that a private eye exam would cost around £10, the optical profession has been fighting for the NHS to pay a fair and reasonable fee for general ophthalmic services. Obviously, we have not been helped by elements of our profession giving their services away for free, but what is the alternative? During the Covid-19 pandemic, there have been a growing number of voices contemplating going totally private, particularly as the NHS has been painfully slow in responding to our profession or recognising the importance of frontline optometry and the part it plays in the nation’s overall health. This has forced many to look at those practices that only deal with private patients, and wonder whether this represents the future for independents in the UK.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK However, before plunging headlong into changing your entire business model, you need to consider certain issues – and whether you can overcome them. The first big question is: do you really want to see only private patients? Do you really want to cut off a complete section of your community? Of course, some over 60s are happy to pay for private care, but many can’t afford it. And what about children? This is before you look at families, many of whom may have lost their income during the pandemic. Are you going to leave these patients to the multiples? Secondly, do you have enough private patients currently to survive? Although you will attract new patients, you will rely heavily on your current patient base – at least initially. Your average annual patient spend will be higher, but you will be seeing

Vision Now SEPTEMBER 2020

fewer patients. This calculation has changed post lockdown, with many practices seeing far fewer patients; however, the conversion rate is very much higher and, in many cases, average dispensing values are up too. This may not continue as the world returns to normal, but it does show that fewer patients can still work as a business model. The next step is to get a real grip of your costs, so you can calculate what to charge. Bear in mind that you may have to extend your examination time and possibly invest in higher grade equipment if you are charging higher private fees. Once you have calculated how much to charge, and how many patients you will need to see, look at how you will collect the fees. Will it be pay as you go, or via payment plans? Will you spread payments over a period with a third party, such as Eyeplan or Iris Vision Care, or via your own direct debit system? Only having done the due diligence outlined above should you look to go totally private. If you do head in that direction, make sure you consider staff training, marketing, and how to communicate your plans with your existing patients. What will you do about the children of your private patients? Will you alter frame prices? And most importantly: do you have a plan B?

SOFTLY, SOFTLY APPROACH But why go totally private? Why not wean yourself off your NHS reliance, and move a larger proportion of patients to private elements of your business? Having a form of payment plan is essential as it enables you to increase income, add loyalty and differentiate from the NHS offering. It also enables you to build private services such as dry eye, glaucoma and diabetic monitoring, myopia control lenses for children, and ortho-k for vision correction.

If you’re thinking about locking out NHS patients: be prepared

All of the above are private services, which can be charged at a correct level without having to discount a single pair of spectacles. When you sign up patients to a fees plan covering their eye examinations, make sure that it offers value. Include fundus image or optical coherence tomography, annual examinations, and extended payment options for spectacles. And if you want to, lower prices on the spectacles themselves. You will also need to consider how to handle NHS upgrades. Do you simply take what you can claim off the total, or do you promote an upgrade price? It might end up being the same financially, but it’s how you promote it to patients that is important. As you can see, there are many things to consider regarding going private. I do believe that the future of the independent market is towards the private end of the market, but it will be alongside a mix of NHS patients, with either full or partial NHS funding, which will enable you to offer your clinical care to the wider elements of your community. In the meantime, let’s hope that the NHS will see sense and begin to recognise the importance of eyecare and increase the funding, which will help the whole profession and industry.

At the forefront of visionary innovations in eye care for over 167 years

Our mission is simple, yet powerful: Helping your patients see better, to live better with our comprehensive eye care portfolio. As optical experts, we value our crucial relationship with Independent Opticians and the support you provide to patients, which is why we work hard to understand patients’ needs to incorporate them into our ongoing development of technologically advanced contact lens and lens care products, as well as innovative materials.

Bausch + Lomb has become a global hallmark for innovation and quality High quality gas permeable lenses: Bausch + Lomb is also one of the world leaders in the research, development and supply of gas permeable contact lenses. So if you’re looking for high-quality, bespoke RGP lenses for your patients and professional clinical support, choose Bausch + Lomb. As well as aiming to dispatch orders in 48 hours, all our RGP lenses are guaranteed on a warranty exchange programme – ensuring your patients will receive the very best products, fast. FULL SCLERALS

IRREGULAR CORNEA

INNOVATIVE SCLERALS 18mm small scleral and 20/23mm full scleral lenses

MAXIM CV (small scleral design) Spherical, toric and multifocal ZENLENS™ (small scleral design) Prolate and oblate designs with smart curve technology QUANTUM K (corneal keratoconic bespoke design) For corneas exhibiting signs of nipple and oval keratoconus and some cases of pellucid marginal degeneration

REGULAR CORNEA

MAXIM (multi-curve design) Spherical, toric, multifocal, toric multifocal and bi-focal QUANTUM (unique spheric / aspheric design) Spherical and multifocal

Made to order lenses

Technical Support

Professional Affairs

Warranty Exchange Programme

Delivered in 48 hours

Bespoke and expert advice

Training and support

On all RGP lenses: 180 days on scleral lenses; 90 days on corneal lenses

Our technical support team are on hand to help with expert advice and orders. Get in touch today:

N 0870 850 7921 E rgpsupport@bausch.com

The lens with the Most Moisture 1

NEW

hours of moisture2†

water content

moisture retention2†

PARAMETERS

The ONLY daily toric with a –2.75D cyl MORE parameters than any other toric daily disposable lens4* 2538

PARAMETERS

uv blocking3**

† 98% for 16 hours. *Excluding made-to-order toric lenses. **UV-absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for UV-absorbing sunglasses. You should continue to use UV absorbing sunglasses as directed. 1. ACLM, 2020. ACLM Year Book Online. https://www.aclm.org.uk/onlineaccess/2. Bausch + Lomb, 2012. A clinical evaluation of Biotrue® ONEday compared to 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST®, 1-DAY ACUVUE® TruEye® and DAILIES® AquaComfort PLUS® dehydration data preliminary results and claims support (ROC2-11-63). Rochester. 3. FDA (2012) 510(k) summary, B+L nesofilcon A contact lens. 4. Based on a comparison of manufacturer provided parameter ranges of May 21st 2020. 5. William T.Reindel, A Study to Evaluate Product Performance of Two Designs of Soft Toric Lenses. 2015 6. Jill Saxon, Marjorie Rah, William T. Reindel, Satisfaction of astigmatic patients with toric nesofilcon A contact lenses. Rochester, NY. 2019. Biotrue is a trademark of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates. All other brand names are trademarks of their respective owners. ©2020 Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates.

Now available for more of your patients NOW IN CYLINDER -2.75

LOW MINUS POWER

HIGH MINUS POWER

0.00D to -6.00D (in 0.25D steps) Cylinders

-0.75

-1.25

-1.75

-2.25

PLUS POWER

-6.50D to -9.00D (in 0.50D steps)

-2.75**

-0.75

-1.25

-1.75

-2.25

+0.25D to +4.00D (in 0.25D steps)

-0.75

-1.25

-1.75

-2.25

AXES

10° 20° 30° 40° 50° 60° 70° 80° 90° 100° 110° 120° 130° 140° 150° 160° 170° 180°

Range October 2019

New in 2020

Was 1528 SKUs (Oct ‘19), now 2538 SKUs, +66%

**-2.75 cylinder in 0.50 steps

97% Your peers reported o rotation of 10 or less on 97% of patients at dispensing5

96% of patients indicated that their overall opinion of Biotrue® ONEday for Astigmatism was good to excellent6

98% Your peers were satisﬁed with the speed of ﬁtting on 98% of patients5

Order your trial lenses today: N 0845 602 2350 E cs.vc.uk@bausch.com

NEW NEWFitBetter app Makes ﬁtting toric and multifocal lenses even easier. Just put in a prescription and the app helps calculate the recommended toric and multifocal trial lens for your patients. Download from Apple Store or on Google Play.

COMING SOON IN 2020

Biotrue multipurpose solution: makes wearing contact lenses easier on your patients’ eyes ®

Delivers proven disinfection1

Delivers continuous patient comfort3

Supports business growth with enhanced customer loyalty

• A dual disinfection system contains an optimal combination of two disinfectants2

• An innovative protein management system to maintain natural tear protein function4

• Increases the likelihood of contact lens patient satisfaction5 as a clean lens means a comfortable lens

• Unsurpassed disinfection efficacy1

• Advanced formulation contains the wetting agent hyaluronan for continuous patient comfort3

Biotrue® multi-purpose solution: offers patient convenience when cleaning

• In a study, 9 out of 10 who considered stopping lens wear signiﬁcantly reduced their likelihood of dropping out of contact lens wear after using Biotrue® multi-purpose solution for just 2 weeks5

ORDER YOUR FREE STARTER KITS TODAY

As our modern lifestyles become increasingly busy, offer your patients the convenient way to clean their contact lenses with Biotrue® multipurpose solution with just a 4 hour soak time to achieve clean lenses.2

Supporting business growth with enhanced customer loyalty Order your free starter kits today: N 0845 602 2350 E cs.vc.uk@bausch.com 1. David, B., et al. Evaluation of multipurpose solutions for in vitro biocidal efficacy against a challenge of ocular clinical isolates including methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus epidermidis strains. Rochester. 2. Biotrue® multi-purpose solution package insert. 3. Millward Brown., 2010. Biotrue® Product Test (#640). 4. Wright, E. A., et al., 2012. Preservation of human tear protein structure and function by a novel contact lens multipurpose solution containing protein-stabilising agents. Eye & Contact Lens, 38(1), pp. 36-42. 5. Rah, M., et al., 2014. Reducing dropout of contact lens wear with Biotrue® multipurpose solution. Clinical Ophthalmology, 8, pp. 293-299 ®/™ are trademarks of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates. ©2019 Bausch & Lomb Incorporated

UK/BIO/19/009(1)a

E-COMMERCE

Hydramed.shop A win-win scenario

Keeping the practice in the sales loop

www.hydramed.shop is an innovative e-commerce site that supports independent practices by cutting them in to the sale, writes Ellie Jarman It has long been established that the majority of mild to moderate dry eye sufferers buy their drops from all sorts of outlets – and rarely via their optician. It is estimated that the optometric sector has about a five per cent share of the overthe-counter market, which is valued at around £80-100m at retail (excluding the similarly sized prescriptions market). On the one hand, this is a depressing fact but, as some practices who buck this trend can testify, there’s a great profit opportunity for High Street optometry to target. The perennial frustration to the optical sector is the fact that many products like contact lenses, eye drops and supplements, that are originally prescribed and/or recommended by eyecare practitioners, end up being purchased elsewhere. Increasingly, this is online. A significant and important development during lockdown was that people almost totally relied on the internet for buying things outside of their weekly shop. If the internet genie wasn’t completely out of the bottle for optics before lockdown, then I think it’s fair to say that it is now. Many patients, perhaps believing their practice to be closed, have searched online for fresh supplies of ancillary products and discovered that, in addition to the convenience of home delivery, many brands seem much cheaper than on the High Street. It still puzzles us as to why so many practices continue support manufacturers who flood the internet and, for that matter supermarkets and pharmacies, with their products. Perhaps more concerning is just how many eye drop companies actually have a direct-to-consumer sales website – effectively biting the practitioners’ hands that feed them.

E-COMMERCE WITH A DIFFERENCE It is against this background that Positive Impact (PI) has launched hydramed.shop – a new and innovative way to support independent practitioners and their patients

in receiving HydraMed eyedrops to their home. This new consumer website is an e-commerce platform with a difference, HydraMed: unique HA and is unique and TSP formula in supporting the business of our independent customers who recommend HydraMed. The website’s USP comes from allowing the patient to buy online without cutting out the practice from the sale. When ordering HydraMed via the website, the consumer enters a unique code provided to them by their practitioner. This code enables the patient to get access to special offers and free delivery. Additionally, the code is a unique identifier for the patient’s practice, thus guaranteeing the practice receives a share of the transaction value. As well as meaning the patient isn’t forced to either travel to the practice or, for convenience, resort to purchasing elsewhere, this model ensures that we don’t cut out the source of the original HydraMed recommendation. We feel this novel alternative approach is the classic win-win scenario. Consequently, this website turns the conventional stock-in-trade model on its head. It allows the patient to order their supplies immediately they need them, 24/7, whilst the practice generates revenue just as if they had sold the product themselves, without ever having to buy the stock. Of course, we would recommend that the practice continues to hold a small stock for patients to purchase their initial supply, as well as to repurchase when they’re in town. Ellie Jarman is digital marketing coordinator at Positive Impact.

A WEBSITE WITH A CONSCIENCE Hydramed.shop is a direct-to-consumer website with a commercial conscience. It provides your patients with the convenience of buying HydraMed online, with free home delivery, whilst the practice receives reimbursement on every sale. There are three order sizes: three, six or nine months (excluding any additional free promotional items).

How it works • Recommend HydraMed to your patient and sell (or sample) them their preferred format from stock • We give you a unique practice code and a pack of HydraMed.shop ‘business’ cards • Write the unique practice identifying code on one of the HydraMed.shop cards and give it to your patient • When patients buy on the site, they simply enter your unique practice code at checkout to get free delivery • The practice receives a monthly statement showing all the patients who ordered using the practice code • The practice receives the total rebate owed Practice benefits • The practice receives a cash rebate on every website sale • Reduces cash tied up in stock • Reduces the likelihood of your patient searching out other online retailers

Patient benefits • Home delivery of three, six or nine months’ supply • Order when they need to 24/7 • Free delivery with code from their ECP • Ideal when patients can’t get into the practice e.g., during the current pandemic, or when they live far away

Vision Now SEPTEMBER 2020

A CHANGING WORLD. 2020 marks a critical target-deadline for the EU in its aims to reduce environmental damage. Britain is on track to exceed its 2020 goals, but, as an industry, can we make these results even more impressive? Eyespaceâ€™s latest product innovation - a sustainable fashion collection of frames - certainly makes this task an easier one.

TO GE T HE R WE CAN MAK E A D IF F ER EN C E .

In 2019, we saw radical lifestyle shifts around the world towards improved sustainability, with the fashion industry making some of the greatest strides. Quoted recently in Vogue, Livia Firth, founder of the Green Carpet Challenge - a project that aims to raise the profile of sustainability and social welfare via celebrities - stated “There has been so much building up to this: many years of campaigning for a more sustainable and just fashion industry ...the plastic movement, the Greta Thunberg effect, these are all pieces of a giant puzzle, which is getting clearer and clearer”. And this year's dramatic effects of the global lockdowns have shown us that if we take action now, the Venician canals can remain crystal-clear, the New Delhi skylines can remain visible and bees can thrive again, with wildflowers blooming in record numbers and pollinating for longer. Recognising now is the time to take the climate crisis seriously, and with the optical industry sitting firmly inside today’s cutting-edge fashion arena, Eyespace founders, Jayne and Julie Abel felt it imperative to contribute to the growing global movements for positive change affecting both people and our planet: “Considering most of us upgrade our spectacles once every two years, the eyewear industry is an undeniable and persistent consumer of plastic. Whilst frames themselves are not single-use, frame bags, packaging and demo lenses are prime examples of disposable plastics that pose a serious problem for the environment. We feel an increasing responsibility to ensure today’s frame-wearers have sustainable, environmentallyconscious and compromise-free eyewear choices available to them - and by that we also mean a choice that remains easily accessible and affordable to the majority of patients." This step-up in efforts has resulted in the brand new ECO Conscious eyewear collection; offering opticians and their patients - especially those in search of social and ecological change - an effortless solution that adds to the growing ripples of environmental revolution. After meticulous research Eyespace collaborated with an industry leading manufacturer whose company ethos and practices aligned with their wishlist of envirocredentials and traceability and the award-winning company proudly unveiled ECO Conscious during 100% Optical, receiving an extraordinary reception from visitors discovering the products for the first time and who fully embraced the mood for change. The debut collection of 18 pieces is loaded with positive fashion and environmental endorsements, providing a win-win for the wearer. The innovative bio-acetate material is from a completely renewable source and, setting it apart from regular acetate, is formulated with natural, non-toxic plasticisers. In addition, demo lenses are optical-grade and fully biodegradable. With no difference to colours or textures - bio-based acetates maintain the same premium look and feel as standard acetates - Eyespace have not compromised on frame design and their signature, awardwinning attention to quality and intricate detail is ever-present. Eyeshapes are unapologetically fashionable and highly wearable, with the collection loaded with doses of fashion attitude and bold bursts of trend-led colour. Unique to the collection, features include laser etched core wires, custom-made pin detailing and bespoke hinges. To add to the environmental tick-list, throughout the fullyaudited manufacturing process, factory water is not wasted, instead being recycled and redistributed to benefit other local industries, such as agriculture. Practicing entirely what they preach, Eyespace have also eliminated all plastic elements from the ECO Conscious collection's packaging and merchandising materials, replacing them with FSC-accredited, biodegradable and recyclable card-based assets that are printed with vegetable inks. Where possible, the company now also carbon offsets production through World Land Trust™. Committed to

eliminating as many single-use plastics as they can across the entirety of their business, Eyespace have introduced a series of sustainability initiatives that will gradually move them into an even more socially-conscious position, including the sole use of biodegradable frame bags and packaging, upcycling and recycling waste, using only FSC certified papers and cards and working towards fully carbon-neutral output. These are all trademarks one would expect from leaders in their field, but there is still a lot more to be done, as Jayne expands, “Our youngest children and their generation recognise that we each have an individual responsibility to protect the planet; their awareness and passion has instilled in us a desire to embed sustainable thinking into Eyespace's DNA. Global temperatures continue to rise, causing a devastating chain reaction of environmental damage across the world, so we must react now to safeguard our future. Trees are vital to our ecosystem, lowering temperatures, releasing oxygen and removing air pollutants including carbon dioxide, dust and other toxins. Minimising the carbon footprint of our manufacturing is an area of primary focus with ECO Conscious so for every frame purchased we will make a donation to the reforestation charity ‘One Tree Planted’ meaning through this collection and its supporting initiatives we can truly make a difference together”. RECEIVE 20% OFF ECO CONSCIOUS EYEWEAR Exclusive to National Eyecare Group members, receive 20% off when you place your first order of ECO Conscious frames. Discover the full collection at www.eyespace-eyewear.co.uk or request an exclusive product preview with your Eyespace Regional Area Manager. Please call 01527 870550 or email info@eyespace-eyewear.co.uk to book your appointment.

Call: 0121 772 3888

optical

Web: www.bondeyeoptical.co.uk

FREE

SAM P L E S O N R E Q U E ST

MANAGEMENT FEES PAID

NO FOG WIPES

BUY 10 GET 2 FREE* F O R A L L L E N S ES INCLUDING COATED TRY TO DAY, IT WO RKS!

*O昀er for a limited time

A NT I -FOG P A ST E

SAVE £20

WITH OUR POS 24 BOX BEST FOR MASKS, VISO RS A ND SA FETY GOGGLES

Anti-fog is part of our large range of PPE & key supplies. Call for your catalogue or visit our website. SANITISING STATIONS

MASKS & APRONS

GLOVES

70% ALCOHOL HAND HYGIENE

EYE PROTECTION & ANTI FOG

UV STERILISERS

WIPES & SPRAYS

NUTRITION AND EYE HEALTH

Nutrition advice for patients now Why? When? What? Now is the ideal time to be proactive with nutrition advice, for both patients and your practice, write Steph Moore and Alex France

In the June issue of Vision Now, we looked into how having a proactive approach to nutrition, supplements and eye health can make a big difference to patient care, and to your business. We spoke to two eyecare professionals about their approach to addressing risk factors, and how they believe conversations about lifestyle and supplementation are central to a modern optometry practice.

Another change the pandemic has brought is to our food shopping habits. In a world where patients are now reducing their number of visits to the supermarket, it is particularly important to remind them about the importance of nutrients for eye health; in particular, the regular consumption of fresh fruit, vegetables and fish throughout the week.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD EYE SUPPLEMENT? This article continues the conversation about why now is the time to be engaging with patients on nutrition and their eye health care, and why you should make this central to your business in 2020 and beyond.

IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC The Covid-19 pandemic has led to patients being increasingly aware of their general health and wellbeing. In just one example, the Couch to 5k running app experienced a 92 per cent increase in downloads between March and June this year versus the same period last year. However, there are some impacts of the pandemic that could adversely affect patients’ eye health.

Previously, we have explored what is important to patients when it comes to choosing which nutritional supplement to recommend, and that simplicity is key. An all-in-one formulation, such as Nutrof Total (Figure 1), provides this – but with many ingredients within (Figure 2). Why are these ingredients chosen for eye health supplements? And how can we communicate their benefits to patients? Nutrients are key vitamins and minerals essential for health, and often only obtainable through what we eat. The following vitamins and minerals are known to support eye health...

Vitamin D

Ophthalmology is normally the busiest department in the NHS, with more than eight million out-patient appointments every year; this is the highest of any department, including trauma. Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgical procedure, with 414,000 operations being carried out in England in 2017/2018, and 20,000 in Wales.

UK government guidance is that daily supplementation with vitamin D is a good thing for us, and has re-emphasised this advice in recent months, where more time has been spent indoors. What your patients probably don’t know about is the role vitamin D deficiency plays in eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (Annweiller 2016).

As a result of the pandemic, and the resultant backlog from three to four months of no routine ophthalmology services, it is arguably essential that we start talking to patients about self-care – and do our part to be proactive in trying to keep patients out of ophthalmology departments.

Very few foods naturally contain vitamin D (some can be found in some oily fish and eggs) so many countries, including the UK, fortify foods such as cereals and milk. The protective effect that vitamin D has on the retina is centred around inhibiting oxidation and reducing inflammation and angiogenesis.

Figure 1: Nutrof Total provides key ingredients for eye health

Zinc An important nutrient to tell your patients about is zinc, a mineral found in high concentration in the retina itself and which occurs naturally in shellfish. Discussions currently are centred around its role in normal immune function, although increased zinc intake has been associated with decreased risk of both early and late stage AMD (Ho 2011). Zinc is known to be a co-factor of many metabolic processes in the eye, which are important in protecting the retina from oxidative damage.

Vitamin E Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the membranes of cells from free radicals; these are damaging molecules that are a metabolic by-product. Vitamin E can be found naturally in nuts and seeds, particularly in sunflower seeds and almonds. Research suggests that vitamin E may help reduce the worsening of AMD in patients who show early signs of the disease. However, vitamin E is easily stored by the body, it can accumulate and cause potentially unwanted side effects, so caution should be taken before ingesting very high quantities. A supplement such as Nutrof Total, containing 83 per cent of a patient’s nutrient reference value (NRV), means it is safe to recommend for all patients – alongside a healthy diet.

Selenium Selenium is a key antioxidant and supports the action of vitamin E and zinc. It is found naturally in nuts, meat, fish and some seeds, and plays a key role in regulating oxidative stress in the cornea and surrounding tissue. Combined with vitamins C and E, selenium may reduce the risk of advanced AMD. Vision Now SEPTEMBER 2020

NUTRITION AND EYE HEALTH Vitamin C Otherwise known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is something that we are used to hearing that as a population we need more of in our diets, but it’s a conversation worth recapping with patients. It’s often forgotten that we cannot store vitamin C, any daily excess is excreted, so a regular daily supply is important. Vitamin C is used to form and maintain connective tissue, including the collagen found in the cornea, and it helps promote health blood vessels, such as the tiny capillaries to the retina.

Omega 3 Omega 3 is a nutrient that patients are used to being told that they need more of and are often aware of its benefits for overall health, but may not know that several studies have also shown that omega 3 can be beneficial for eye health. Several studies also suggest that omega 3 fatty acids may help protect adult eyes from macular degeneration and dry eye disease, as well as prevent cataracts (Merle 2011).

Resveratrol Resveratrol benefits tend to be less well known. Although many people have heard that red wine and dark chocolate are good for you, patients won’t know why, nor be aware of the relevance to eyes. They both contain a substance called resveratrol, which has powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic properties. For example, a report on resveratrol-based supplementation observed a short-term effect similar to that found with anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) treatment, including anatomical restoration of the retinal structure, improved retinal pigment epithelium function, and suggested improved choroidal blood flow (Richer et al 2014)

HOW CAN NUTRITIONAL ADVICE BENEFIT YOUR PRACTICE? As eye health professionals, we routinely discuss the latest technologies to educate and protect our patients, and certainly encourage the wearing of sunglasses to protect against UV damage. An important distinction to make is that supplementation is also one way to ‘protect’ eye health from within, whereas limiting the exposure to sunlight and pollution are important ways to protect eyes from the outside.

Figure 2: Nutrof Total ingredients and their benefits

lifestyle (Margolis 2013). Instruments that indicate macular pigment levels directly, or indirectly, can be useful here. Even presbyopia onset, or a normal optical coherence tomography result, can be turned into a conversation about how to maintain healthy eyes and vision into old age, even when no symptoms or signs are present.

an eye health supplement, such as Nutrof Total, and the commitment from the patient to purchase monthly, yearly revenue becomes £260. If we can ensure you are happy with your clinical guidance, eye health products can form a stable and regular income, to support your practice through periods of uncertainty.

Presbyopia is often the point when patients experience the first physical signs of ageing. Patients may have noticed their sight deteriorating with increased screen use through lockdown, so reading glasses are an obvious recommendation. However, a conversation about supporting their sight long-term through nutrition is often something unexpected, but can leave patients feeling empowered about supporting their own vision.

Your recommendation to patients can be very powerful, with 43 per cent of patients saying they would take a supplement if it was recommended to them by a health care professional (20:20 Vision Report), so proactivity is key. 2020 has so far been a year focused on health and wellbeing, and patients are more aware than ever before about the role nutrition and supplementation have to play in this. The right advice now could bring positive changes for both patients and practice for years to come.

BUILDING A BETTER BUSINESS We have explored the benefits of recommending eye health supplements in terms of increased service offering, and encouraging patients to make positive changes to improve their eye health – but what effect can offering a supplement have on your business?

We are here to support you and your practice, either in person or remotely with training and tools to help make recommending nutritional advice and supplements a success in your practice. Please contact your Thea area sales manager for more information, or call 01782 381698.

The average dispense value sits at around £200, with patients returning every two-anda-half years – resulting in an average revenue of £80 per year. With the recommendation of

Steph Moore is area sales manager for the South West, and Alex France is area sales manager for the West Midlands at Thea Pharmaceuticals.

HEAR FROM THE EXPERTS Thea is hosting an evening with a selection of experts from across the optical sector – discussing why now is the time to talk about the importance of nutrition in eye health with your patients. Sign up at https://www.thea-

Research has shown that giving a patient a number that is a measure of their health status can greatly improve the likelihood that they make changes to their diet and

Vision Now SEPTEMBER 2020

pharmaceuticals.co.uk/events/letstalk-nutrition

Advanced Practice Management Software

Fashionâ€™s always evolving So is our software Intuitive dashboards, intelligent reports and individual staff permissions. Optinet FLEX keeps your business at the cutting edge.

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

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

STYLE SPOTLIGHT

Sartorial splendour Optimism in men’s eyewear By Joan Grady There is a refreshing and focused positivity now evolving in men’s eyewear, despite the ongoing global threat of the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition to radical discord with cultural, political and social demonstrations, thankfully there now appears to be growing possibilities of inspiration and self-expression, offering commanding, impressive and elegant designs for men.

London 02 from Nirvan Javan’s the London Collection

In the past, it was sometimes assumed that men, in particular, were reluctant to embrace more daring concepts in fashion, but this perception is now declining. Today, bold and confident is beautiful – and enthusiastically welcomed. Technology coupled with the digital era has transformed virtually every aspect of our lives – from cars to construction, fashion to farming, the performing arts to architecture.

Dashing and intrepid: Sol Sol Ito 027 (photo credit: Nina Marie Glahé)

Vision Now SEPTEMBER 2020

This phenomenon has also filtered into the eyewear world, with frames in materials once never imagined: featherweight metals; acetates uniquely fabricated; 3D printing; wood and stone; and in ecofriendly eyewear models created from plants and recycled ocean waste. Men’s eyewear is an invigorating adventure.

REFINED LUXURY Persian roots and Swiss excellence mingle elegantly with Nirvan Javan designs. The Persian born optician/designer demonstrates his cosmopolitan outlook and perspective highlighted in frames to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Swiss label – the London Collection, named after the dynamic and culturally active metropolis. Japanese handcrafted precision and beauty is emphasised in the acetate designs. London 02 is a purist optical frame, which is Nirvan’s signature for his contemporary collections. A limited edition sunglass design has also been created; Shades of London is a distinguished shape in dark acetate, with handmade golden hinges and Zeiss lenses. Sunspecs for men span the style spectrum from traditional configurations to audacious depictions. With their respective backgrounds in engineering and industrial art, Monika Kaufmann and Sandra Fink’s charismatic eyewear connects expertly crafted contemporary elements with detailing finesse. Their label Sol Sol Ito – a reference to a favourite travel destination in America – includes lustrous acetate and metal sunglasses for men that are uniquely intrepid and dashing. Luca Gnecchi Ruscone at LGR radiates iconic style that is particularly powerful in his elegant frame Raffello. Bold proportions accentuate the hand-polished acetate that gleams with beauty and refinement. The distinctive frame shape is available in both optical and sunglass versions. All LGR designs are handcrafted in Italy to the finest standards.

Bold beauty: Raffello by Luca Gnecchi Ruscone at LGR

STYLE HALLMARKS L.a.Eyeworks’ frame selections highlight distinctive shapes in unpredictable colourations, always sartorially wearable for men whose fashion direction tends towards unconventional paths. Crafted in Japan in premium acetate, Ivar celebrates a contemporary silhouette in Timothy Tortoise, energised with contrasting tortoise-mix colours. Forty years of creating unique frames is the continuing passion of Barbara McReynolds and Gai Gherardi, whose dynamic designs for l.a.Eyeworks are sold internationally, and worn by global luminaries. The rich heritage of Erkers 1879 is evident in its extensive collection of distinguished frames for men, available in both optical

Contemporary silhouette in Timothy Tortoise: Ivar by l.a.Eyeworks

STYLE SPOTLIGHT

Rich heritage Erkers 1879: Paige in Gold with polarised lenses

François van den Abeele founder of Sea2See eyewear made from recycled marine plastic

and sun versions. Founded more than 100 years ago, the St Louis, Missouri, familyowned firm excels in designs that suit men’s desire for eyewear with versatility, quality, comfort and durability.

Climate change, environmental action and preserving oceans are all topically current subjects that reverberate worldwide. The eyewear sector is heeding the call, with designers and companies creating frames that originate with earth-based materials, and recycled 100 per cent marine waste.

Streamlined design: Silhouette’s Momentum Collection

Since the award-winning Austrian brand Rolf Spectacles launched its first collection more than a decade ago, the family owned label has created frames from natural sources. Plant power from a species of the Euphorabiaceae family is the starting point for the new substance frames by Rolf creators. Company founder Roland Wolf explains: “The plants are grown in tropical climates without any kind of genetic engineering, and they don’t compete with food crops. This remarkable plant will shoot up six metres in just four months, and it comes back every year.”

NEW DIRECTIONS

Distinguishing details: Look Extra 3 crafted in Italy

Made in Italy, Look eyewear produces frames that express professional, sleek authority with distinguishing details that include a curved nose bridge, and a sliver of striking colour on top of the flat bridge.

SUSTAINABLE CHIC

The frames are innovative, crafted with graceful contours, sleek temples, subtle colourations and 23 diverse shapes. Rolf’s substance collection is the latest ingenious concept that is functional, fashionable and particularly impressive with its sustainability credentials. In Barcelona, François van den Abeele launched his ‘Seastainable’ eyewear – Sea2See – in 2016, created in recycled marine plastic. He says: “We are the only company in optics working with communities in Europe and Africa to clean the oceans...we have created a whole process which we believe is the model of the future.” Ophthalmic and sun styles

Substance designs from Rolf Spectacles crafted from tropical plants

Artisan aesthetics: Doga in titanium by Sven Götti at Götti Switzerland

include lightweight, yet robust constructions in contemporary and sporty silhouettes. The frame packaging conforms to sustainability as well: cases are made from sugar cane extract and printed with plant-based inks.

A global pandemic has refocused how and where much of the world now works. Office life increasingly takes place at home, with Zoom sessions and videos an essential part of the working day. How to look your best on a Zoom screen in your specs? Select designs that are slim, finely constructed with subtle, yet significant details. Götti Switzerland by Sven Götti has an ideal solution with Doga – a sleek, angular silhouette in slim titanium. Just a hint of colour highlights the refined double bridge that emanates artisan aesthetics. Silhouette’s Momentum collection embraces four new beautiful colours: Champagne Jungle, Cassis Sundown, Caramel Brick and Dark Denim. The streamlined design is available in a variety of slim contoured shapes. Titanium is frequently a preferred male choice in eyewear. Among the latest designs from Charmant’s Titanium Perfection is a smooth, slim two-tone frame with handsome, intricate detailing that expresses competence and expertise. For the independent optician, whether your male customers are sartorially up-to-theminute on the latest style trends, or prefer classical choices, the newest designs from global creators bring insight and sophistication to men’s eyewear.

Intricate detailing: Charmant Titanium Perfection Vision Now SEPTEMBER 2020

Preferred Suppliers’ Directory

Preferred Suppliers are suppliers who, by prior arrangement, offer members of the PK National Eyecare Group preferential terms. For full details and terms offered to the membership, please call 01580 713698 Directory listings are available free of charge to all preferred suppliers, with a larger listing available to Vision Now Advertisers. To make changes to the directory listings, please call Sally Spicer on 01580 713698 or email s.spicer@nationaleyecare.co.uk

BONDEYE OPTICAL

DE RIGO UK LTD

Tel: 0121 7723888 Fax: 0808 2801865

Tel: 01923 249491

www.uk.alcon.com

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

ASSOCIATED OPTICAL

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

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

CENTROSTYLE

DUNELM OPTICAL

HENRY BEAUMONT

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

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

Tel: 01388 420420 Fax: 01388 810101

Tel: 0116 251 8936 Fax: 0116 262 4205

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

info@henrybeaumont.com www.henrybeaumont.com

Tel: 01628 605433 Fax: 01628 665077

ATLANTIC OPTICAL UK LTD

sales@centrostyle.com www.centrostyle.com

Tel: 02920 362 136 Fax: 02920 362 137

CHARMANT UK CO LTD

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

Tel: 020 8992 9222 Fax: 020 8896 0287

BARCLAYCARD

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

EYESPACE

HOYA LENS UK

CONTINENTAL EYEWEAR

Tel: 01527 870550 Fax: 01527 837012

Tel: 0845 330 0984 Fax: 0845 330 0977

Tel: 0151 426 3907 Fax: 0151 426 9340

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

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

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

ESSILOR

HILCO EUROPE

Tel: 01454 281281 Fax: 01454 281282

Tel: 0800 591150

www.essilor.co.uk

GO EYEWEAR UK LTD Tel: 0800 9178270 www.goeyeweargroup.com

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

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

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

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

Vision Now SEPTEMBER 2020

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

T 01527 870550 eyespace-eyewear.co.uk

01580 713698

ALCON UK Tel: 0371 376 0017 Fax: 0871 351 1005

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

LENSTEC OPTICAL

MENICON UK LTD

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

Tel: 02920 883009 Fax: 02920 889798

MICHAEL PACHLEITNER GROUP

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

Tel: 07583 076 132

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

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

LUNEAU TECHNOLOGY UK/IRELAND – VISIONIX Tel: 07383 555659

PRACTICE BUILDING

STEPPER UK

Tel: 0115 989 9772

Tel: 01732 375975

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

sales@stepper.co.uk www.steppereyewear.com

PRO-OPTIC

SUNWISE (TG SPORTS)

Tel: 01884 266130

Tel: 01865 714620

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

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

a.davies@michael-pachleitnergroup.com www.michaelpachleitnergroup.com

RAWDON OPTICAL

TANT LABORATORIES

Tel: 01132 883094 Fax: 01132 883095

Tel: 01279 653785 Fax: 01279 658308

MID-OPTIC

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

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

RETAIL EXPERIENCE DESIGN (RED)

Tel: 01452 510321

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

Tel: 024 7601 0103

No7 CONTACT LENSES

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

Tel: 01424 850620 Fax: 01424 850650

RODENSTOCK

info@no7contactlenses.com www.no7contactlenses.com

OPTINET LTD

Tel: 01474 325555

SEIKO OPTICAL UK

Tel: 01686 627595 Fax: 01696 610015

LUXOTTICA (UK) LTD

sales@optinetuk.com www.optinetuk.com

Tel: 01452 610033 Fax: 01452 638250

www.luxottica.com

ORANGE EYEWEAR

MARCHON

Tel: 0161 773 5555 Fax: 0161 773 5544

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

csuk@marchon.com

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

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

PERFORMANCE FINANCE Tel: 01536 529696 Fax: 01536 310033 www.performancefinance.co.uk

POSITIVE IMPACT Tel: 08446 696907

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

Tel: 0845 313 0233

Tel: 0800 72 2020

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

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

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

Tel: 0808 165 8555

THE NORVILLE GROUP LTD

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

ULTRAVISION

SILHOUETTE UK LTD

Tel: 01525 381112 Fax: 01525 370091

Tel: 020 8987 8899 Fax: 020 8987 2430

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

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

SPEC-CARE LTD Tel: 01392 460806 info@speccareservices.co.uk www.speccareservices.co.uk

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

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

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

www.nationaleyecare.co.uk

Suppliers’ directory

LENSTEC EYEWEAR Tel: 02920 857122 Fax: 02920 920480

Open your eyes to

Love Your OCT. Guaranteed.

www.HeidelbergEngineering.com

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

0845 3130233 sales@optinetuk.com

www.optinetuk.com

Vision Now SEPTEMBER 2020

Magnetically attractive: the new frames by Vienna Design

UN767-03

Look out! The Austrian eyewear brand Vienna Design is ready to conquer the British market with their smart casual frames and really fresh ideas. The brand has a large core collection for every genre at an amazing price. Some models come with a handy/functional

UN769-02

magnetic sun clip that instantly turns regular optical glasses into sunglasses and fits into every pocket (also available with polarized lenses, blue lenses for the computer and yellow nightdrive lenses). So you donâ€™t need to carry an extra frame to enjoy endless summer days full of sunshine â€“ hip, clip, hooray!

UN763-03

A brand of the Michael Pachleitner Group

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

Michael Pachleitner Group GmbH Liebenauer Tangente 4, 8041 Graz, Austria shop.michael-pachleitner-group.com