Vision Now February 2019 by Vision Now

VV FEBRUARY 2019

Vision Now magazine

future-proof eye care solutions

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â€œIn an unprecedented and unique partnership, the Charmant Group is collaborating with French designer Caroline Abram to launch an exciting new collection. The birth of an alliance between precision and sensuality, quality and elegance, strength and comfort.â€? For more information e-mail sales@charmant.co.uk visit www.charmant.co.uk or call 0208 992 9222. Follow us on @charmantuk

Inside

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

News 4 7 9 11 13 15

CooperVision launches Live lens New coating solution from Rodenstock B+L campaign looks at ‘what women want’ Thea ‘wipes out’ Demodex Approval for new GOC business standards Love Your Lenses Week resources

15 An independent view

Editor’s comment Welcome to the start of a new publication year for Vision Now. 2019 is a significant year for NEG as it heralds the 40th anniversary of the launch of the group’s forerunner, Percy Kirk, by NEG directors Mike Wheeler and Michael Daunt. Having announced the conclusion of its successful partnership with Proven Track Record to host an annual joint conference, NEG will soon be sharing details of its planned 40th anniversary conference. It promises to be an event to remember.

Outlawing illegal practice

17 Developing thoughts In a downturn, turn up the volume

19 BCLA bulletin Always learning at the BCLA

22 Advertorial New horizons at Optrafair Exchange

25 100% Optical Preferred supplier showcase

28 Style Spotlight Sunglasses: classy and charismatic

30 Suppliers’ directory @PK_NEG Editor

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

Editorial PA

Sharon Hicks s.hicks@nationaleyecare.co.uk

Fashion Editor

Joan Grady jgparischats@wanadoo.fr

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

Rosslyn Argent BA (Hons)

Publisher

Michael C Wheeler FCOptom DipCLP FSMC FAAO

With the first optical trade show of the year, 100% Optical, now under our belts (pages 25-26), it’s time to start planning your attendance at Optrafair Exchange in March. The teams from both Optinet and NEG will be there on stand E90, and there’ll be huge amounts of new and existing products and services to discuss to help support your practice, both clinically and in a business sense. Our spread on pages 22-23 gives a flavour of what’s in store for the freshly-branded event that’s been showcasing the best of optics for 40 years too. With Brexit looming large, this month Phil Mullins explores how members might make the best of what could turn out to be a bad situation indeed for Britain’s High Streets (page 17). While there’s no crystal ball and no magic wands, there are plenty of strategies that can be considered to help ensure a positive future in both the short and long-term. There’s plenty of news from NEG’s preferred suppliers this month after our break, and we finish on a sunny note as Joan Grady presents some stunning spring/summer sunglass styles to cheer up both practice and patients. Nicky Collinson 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 materialfor publication is not a guarantee that it will be included in any particular issue. Copyright © 2019 for Peekay Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying and recording, without the written permission of the publishers. Such written permission should also be obtained before any part of this publication is stored in a retrieval system of any nature.

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

Vision Now FEBRUARY 2019

NEWS 1

Eyespace

Heidelberg Engineering

CooperVision

Lens for young adults

New Live daily disposable contact lenses from CooperVision are specifically aimed at 18-25 year-olds at the beginning of their contact lens journey. The new lens incorporates CooperVision’s AquaGen Technology, which is said to create a high water content, naturally wettable lens for excellent all-day comfort. The highly breathable silicone hydrogel material is also said to offer wearers greater oxygen transmissibility than hydrogel lenses, whilst the built-in UV blocker blocks 98 per cent of UVB and 78 per cent of UVA rays. Sarah Weston, senior marketing manager at CooperVision, said: “As a company we’re committed to providing practitioners with contact lenses that meet today’s lifestyle demands. As a result of our extensive research into the needs of young adults, we are bringing to the market a lens that delivers on the four key aspects that are important to these wearers: all-day comfort; health; convenience and affordability.” The lens is available in powers from +8.00D to -10.00D.

Range Rover Eyewear on the catwalk

A select number of sunglasses from the new Range Rover Eyewear collection from Eyespace were shown for the first time during London Fashion Week Mens’ last month on the catwalk of British designer, Christopher Raeburn. The ultra-luxe collection of 15 Range Rover sunglasses comprises 100 per cent Japanese pure titanium and the finest Italian acetates – and they were also displayed at 100% Optical (see page 25).

Heidelberg Engineering has appointed Matthew McCaffrey as its new sales manager for the northern region to keep up with increasing demand for multimodal imaging solutions. Matthew began his career as an ophthalmic technician at Wigan Hospital, where he worked for 13 years, before joining the medical devices industry as an account manager for a leading ophthalmic imaging company.

Eyespace head of marketing, Nicky Clement, said: “We are highly focused on elevating the independent optical market as an ambassador of great British fashionware, and with the world’s eyes turning to London for the newest trends and most interesting brands, the Fashion Week debut of Range Rover Eyewear on the Christopher Raeburn catwalk is incredibly significant.”

“I used Spectralis during my time in the NHS as an ophthalmic technician and I have always loved the platform,” explained Matthew. “Spectralis was a big part of my life during that time and I am excited to be back working with this incredible technology. I am really looking forward to getting to know all my Spectralis customers and feel passionate about exceeding their expectations.”

Go Eyewear

A Woman’s Charm is the theme of the spring/summer 2019 Ana Hickmann Eyewear collection, available from Go Eyewear. Honouring women, their essence and femininity, the collection offers a selection of reinvented classic shapes. The key design reference of the collection is the revival of the popular cat-eye from the 1930s, alongside the Duo-Fashion temples – presenting the latest innovation in a hexagonal shape. The Duo-Fashion system allows the temple to be rotated to reveal different designs and

Matthew McCaffrey

Vision Now FEBRUARY 2019

Cat-eye revival with Ana Hickmann

colours – giving two looks in one frame. Thick acetate model AH6378 (pictured) exemplifies the cat-eye trend with a diamond cut effect

which, along with a thin metal nose bridge and pads, gives it lightness and elegance. It is available in four colours.

Every frame tells a story

TX 5 / Titanium Stepper (UK) Limited 11 Tannery Road Tonbridge Kent TN9 1RF 01732 375975

www.stepper.co.uk

Frame style shown: SI-20090

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 ™

NEWS 5

Rodenstock

Finishing touch for dirt-free lenses

In a survey of 100 spectacle wearers in Germany, 100 per cent of respondents confirmed that lenses with the finish could be cleaned “perfectly and without streaks”. In addition, 93 per cent of respondents could remove fingerprints on the lenses without any streaks. Rodenstock X-tra Clean Finish lenses can now be ordered for Rodenstock Premium Finishes Solitaire Protect Plus 2 and Solitaire Protect Balance 2, and from April for Solitaire Protect Pro 2.

Shamir

Russell Bickle has joined Shamir as its new national sales manager. Russell has more than 20 years’ experience in optics having worked as a dispensing optician before moving to the supply side of the industry with Hoya and more recently Seiko. Russell said: “Shamir has long been a company I have admired from afar for their excellent product range and innovation. I look forward to working with our team here and independent opticians across the country to show the support and technology we can offer.”

The smooth surface of Rodenstock’s new X-tra Clean Finish means that dirt can hardly stick on the lens, says the company. However, adds the company, if it does happen the dirt can be removed without streaks and residue. Rodenstock X-tra Clean Finish consists of functional molecular chains, which are responsible for the water and oilrepellent properties. These molecular chains are not flexible with conventional finishes, however, X-tra Clean Finish consists of “extraordinary flexible molecular chains”, which make the lenses smooth.

Essilor

Mass market lens solution

Russell Bickle

Stepper

Classic and high tech style

Stepper’s new SI-20090 style for men takes a classic front design and manufactures it in an advanced, high-tech plastic material. The design is further enhanced with a minimalist beta-titanium side, adding a dash of modernity. “The result is eyewear that a male classic frame wearer will like the look of, whilst delivering substantial benefits, for example being lightweight and having hypoallergenic properties,” said Peter Reeve, Stepper UK managing director. “In addition,” continued Peter, “the sublime day-long comfort is combined with a build quality and flexibility, ensuring this is a frame which can take the knocks and blows inflicted on it by the wearer, delivering the long lasting reliability they will love.” The Stepper SI-20090 is available in Shell, Grey and Blue.

New Eyezen Start lenses from Essilor promise to “regenerate the static single vision category by reaching 74 per cent of customers aged up to 40 with eyes forced to work harder in the digital age”. The lenses optimise the whole lens surface for distance and near vision using two reference points, with Essilor’s Dualoptim technology, and postural data on average working distances and eye declination. Eyezen Start bring the right power through the lens based on location of objects and gaze direction, offering a 60 per cent cut in power error and astigmatism. The company said this new parameter – the distance of objects based on gaze direction – was created after studying digital behaviours. “Standard single vision lenses are out-dated, and consumers need relief from the new optical demands of their digital lives,” said Andy Hepworth, professional relations manager. “Our eyes must work harder to see objects clearly at far distance, in the periphery of the lens and at close distance. When we launched Eyezen Boost we were focusing on wearers who face high levels of fatigue. Now we have a mass-market solution for all single vision wearers, including children.” A new consumer digital marketing campaign will support sales through paid search, paid social and micro-influencers. An interactive training workshop has also been created for practice staff. Vision Now FEBRUARY 2019

POLARISING SUNGLASSES

Available exclusively A Av vai aila ab blle le e ex xcl clu us siv ively v y ffrom rom rom m

01452 510321 TTo o oorder rder ccall all 0 1452 5 10321 oorr eemail: mail: ssales@norville.co.uk ales@norville.co.uk View www.norville.co.uk V iew oonline nline aatt w ww.norville.co.uk

NEWS 9

Bausch + Lomb

Part of an infographic showing key insights

What Women Want is the title of a new initiative from Bausch + Lomb to help eyecare practitioners better understand the needs of women and their attitudes to contact lenses. From research and a focus group, the

company says it has uncovered “interesting insights around the drivers of contact lens wearing amongst women in the 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond – how the drivers and trade-offs they make to wear lenses change with their changing lives and priorities”.

11 Louis Stone Optical

On the basis of these insights, the company has launched a free, tailored workshop which can be delivered in individual practices to support the practice’s understanding of patients and their personal priorities when wearing contact lenses. “Practices will review a 10 point plan to create an excellent patient experience and promote patient loyalty, to drive a healthy and sustainable optometry business,” said a spokesperson. Practitioners can also access a ‘fly on the wall’ style film from the focus group along with other resources, at https://bausch.co.uk/whatwomenwant Model Hi 4 (Flex) in C1 Candy Floss

10 Performance Finance Following its recruitment at the end of last year of three professional account managers from the Practice Finance Company, Performance Finance recently announced that it has acquired Integra Asset Finance, a specialist in finance for the aesthetics market. The purchase sees Kettering-based Performance Finance expand its reach in the medical professions finance sector, complementing its current business in the optical, dental and veterinary markets. In other news, the company is now offering its own regulated loans directly to customers. The move comes as a response Stuart Burn to customer demand, allowing the company to provide increased finance options to sole traders, partnerships and individuals looking for personal loans. Stuart Burn, managing director of Performance Finance, said: “We’ve increased our FCA permissions and beefed up our systems to give us the capability to provide both business and personal loans that are regulated by the FCA. It demonstrates our commitment to the professions sector and our innovative approach to lending.”

Louis Stone’s new spectacle catalogue features its latest metals collection, Hygge, as well as showcasing other new plastics and acetates. New metal styles in the company’s popular Icy collection focus on trending shapes, colour contrasting, interesting bridges and, in some of the frames, intricate details on the temples. Louis Stone has also reported a surge in demand for its Hi range of frames, which it believes is down to how adaptable the frames are. “The range was originally created with children and teenagers in mind, yet adults have also begun to take a liking to the brand,” said head of marketing and communications, Clare Gaba. “The stylish collection also has the option to add a safety band so that the spectacles may be secured easily around a child’s head. They’re even suitable for children with visionrelated difficulties which makes them something a little bit special,” Clare added.

12 UltraVision

Naturally moisturising

Following the acquisition of UltraVision CLPL by Japanese contact lens manufacturer SEED last April, the company has now launched its daily disposable contact lens, SEED 1dayPure moisture, in the UK and Ireland. Available in packs of 32, the lens utilises alginic acid, a newly formulated natural moisturising agent extracted from seaweeds such as kelp or wakame. Alginic acid is said to attract moisture to the patient’s eyes and retains tears on the

surface of the lens, ensuring “superb all-day comfort”. SEED 1dayPure moisture is manufactured from SEED’s exclusive SEED Ionic Bond (SIB) material which ensures biocompatibility, containing both positive and negative ions resulting in electrical stability. This keeps dust and impurities away from the lens, resulting in better hygiene and greater comfort, according to the manufacturer. Vision Now FEBRUARY 2019

NE D A I LY D I S P O S A B L E C O N TA C T L E N S E S

Silicone hydrogel contact lenses that let your patients live life their way. Go to www.coopervision.co.uk * Warning: UV-absorbing contact lenses are not substitutes for protective UV-absorbing eyewear, such as UV-absorbing goggles or sunglasses, because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area. Patients should continue to use UV-absorbing eyewear as directed. ÂŠ CooperVision 2019.

NEWS 13 Marchon

15 CooperVision

Elizabeth Lumb Brand launches full-rim collection

Aura by Airlock is a new collection of “incredibly thin and unbelievably light” full-rim frames for men and women from Marchon. Appealing to a younger demographic, the collection is designed to ensure a universally comfortable fit by featuring an adjustable titanium and silicone nose pad construction with air-pad technology. These new styles have a vented lens construction using lightweight plastic injection and premium titanium accents to represent the brand’s first-ever offering of full-rim styles. The initial collection includes two styles for men and three styles for women in modern shapes and colour combinations.

14 Thea Pharmaceuticals New Blephademodex wipes from Thea have been specifically designed to provide relief for symptoms caused by Demodex Lid care Blepha range extended mites, including itching, burning, dryness and lid margin inflammation. The wipes are designed to clean away crusts, eyelash dandruffs, impurities, mites and debris on the eyelids and eyelashes that cause eyelid inflammation and, according to Thea, is clinically proven to improve symptoms linked to Demodex infestation. The wipes contain two active ingredients: terpinen-4-ol, a purified active extract from tea tree oil, which at a low concentration of 2.5 per cent is used for its antimicrobial and antiinflammatory properties; and sodium hyaluronate, a natural skin soothing and moisturising agent. The latter is said to ensure a natural hydration of sensitive skin around the eye and eyelid, and allow soothing regeneration of the skin around the eyelid area. Blephademodex is preservative free and available in boxes of 30 sterile ready-to-use wipes.

16 100% Optical 100% Optical took visitors on a colourful and eye-opening journey of discovery at London ExCeL from 12-14 January. Event director, Nathan Garnett, said: “It truly was a bigger, bolder and brighter show this year with catwalk flash mobs wowing the crowds, kids modelling junior frames and spectacled mirrored dancers. We welcomed 9,115 visitors through the doors over the three days and it was evident walking around the show that exhibitors had pulled out all the stops to provide a positive vibe and eye opening visitor experience with lively stands, entertainment and happy hours.”

Commenting on the CET programme, the Association of Optometrists’ head of education, Dr Ian Beasley, said: “Building on previous years, the programme successfully delivered education for all. A mix of thought-provoking CET sessions covering an array of topics from OCT, myopia and the future of the profession, were complemented by practice team CPD sessions around eyewear styles, dry eye and communication skills alongside hands on workshops.” Turn to page 25 for a roundup of what NEG’s preferred suppliers presented at the show.

CooperVision has acquired scleral lens company, Blanchard Contact Lenses. Blanchard, with its network of distributors, enjoys a particularly strong brand position in North America, Europe (including Scandinavia), Central America and South America. “The acquisition further expands our scleral lens portfolio, extending the way we help improve the way people see each day,” said Juan Carlos Aragón, president of CooperVision’s Specialty EyeCare Division. “Its innovative products, services, technologies and people will augment what we are building with Paragon, Procornea and Soflex.” In other news from the company’s Specialty Lens Division, Elizabeth Lumb has been appointed as head of professional services, MiSight 1 day EMEA and global brand manager for the lens. Additionally, Chi Shing Fan, who led the test market introduction of MiSight in Hong Kong, has been appointed as professional service and commercial lead, MiSight and specialty business, Asia Pacific. The appointments, said CooperVision, were in response to surging global interest in myopia management and its MiSight 1 day contact lens.

More than 9,000 visitors attended 100% Optical Vision Now FEBRUARY 2019

We are so confident you will love your SPECTRALIS that if for any reason you don’t, whether you rent or lease, we guarantee to take it back after 18 months with no further obligation*. *See www.heidelbergengineering.co.uk/tc for full terms and conditions.

313260-001 UK.BE18 ©Heidelberg Engineering GmbH

Love Your OCT. Guaranteed.

NEWS 17 Johnson & Johnson Vision

19 Kirk & Kirk

Independent opticians can sign up to a new contact lens recycling scheme launched by Johnson & Johnson Vision in partnership with Terracycle. The Acuvue Contact Lens Recycle Programme allows patients to recycle their contact lenses, including blister foil and packaging, free of charge. It is available to all soft contact lens wearers regardless of which contact lens brand they use. Research conducted by One Poll with 1,000 contact lens wearers in the UK in November 2018 revealed that 20 per cent of contact lens wearers currently disposed of their lenses by flushing them down the toilet or the sink. Sandra Rasche, area vice president, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Vision Care, Johnson & Johnson Medical, said: “As a business, we are committed to doing our part to combat climate change, protect our planet’s natural resources and reduce waste, and this new UK recycling programme represents the next

A promo poster for the scheme

Bert in Corn from the Centena collection

step in our company’s sustainability commitment.” Patients can have their contact lens material collected, or drop it in recycling bins at participating opticians. Sign up to the scheme at www.terracycle.co.uk

Kirk & Kirk’s new campaign for spring/ summer 2019, shot in London, “portrays a combination of the beauty of the frames and the emotion that they create, reflecting a gentle confidence and independence,” said designer, Karen Kirk. The 100th anniversary Centena collection, highlighted in the campaign, is the first collection to be handmade from 10mm acrylic. “The lightness of the material allows for a substantial frame that weighs next to nothing on the face and is incredibly comfortable to wear,” Karen explained.

18 General Optical Council The results of the General Optical Council’s (GOC) consultation into new draft Standards for Optical Businesses show high approval levels from respondents, with the majority agreeing that they will have a positive impact on optical businesses, professionals and the public. Seventy per cent of respondents agreed that the standards could be applied by, and to, different types of optical businesses and a further 81 per cent of respondents agreed that the GOC’s expectations of optical businesses were clear. However, some key stakeholders had concerns surrounding the wording of the standards and the potential impacts. Alistair Bridge, GOC director of strategy, said: “Our new business standards will make our expectations of registrants clear and are necessary to reflect changes in the optical and wider healthcare practice over the last few years, including incorporating recommendations from recent healthcare inquiries, emerging technologies and the increased prevalence of multidisciplinary working.” The consultation report can be viewed on the GOC’s website. The standards are expected to come into force this October.

The Italian materials allow Kirk & Kirk to source its own unique colour palette which, in turn, provides the independent optician with a collection that helps them stand out from their competitors. All Kirk & Kirk frames are handmade in France from start to finish. The campaign images are being circulated through a combination of social media and point-of-sale and are available in the form of customised window displays and cobranded in-practice posters.

20 Eyeplan Andrew Slater has joined Eyeplan as practice development manager. Andrew will help to support and develop Eyeplan Associate practices and assist with the delivery of Eyeplan’s new software suite and its range of free marketing services. Andrew started in optics in a local independent practice in West Bromwich, before becoming a trainee dispensing optician at Specsavers Wolverhampton, where he subsequently qualified. He later became a dispensing manager of the same branch. “We are delighted to welcome Andrew to Eyeplan,” said Chris Clemence, commercial director at Eyeplan. “Andrew’s industry knowledge and experience will be a great asset to our marketing team and we look forward to working with him and developing our Associate support services.”

Andrew Slater Vision Now FEBRUARY 2019

U LT I M AT E C O M F O R T CLEAR VISION F O R T H E I N T E N S E LY VISUAL LIFE

NEW

UK/ULT/18/016

NEWS 21 General Optical Council

AN INDEPENDENT VIEW Outlawing illegal practice

New resources for contact lens awareness week

The AIO council has decided that the Association will no longer tolerate illegal practices when it comes to the sale and distribution of contact lenses. It is not just the frustration of seeing ‘beauty’, ‘novelty’ or ‘fancy dress’ shops illegally selling lenses on the High Street, it is the particularly galling presence of advertisements on underground trains promoting the online sale of lenses.

The General Optical Council (GOC) is launching new tools as part of this year’s Love Your Lenses Week, which takes place from 23 to 30 March. The focus, said the regulator, is on helping eyecare practitioners (ECPs) communicate safety messages more effectively to contact lens wearers. The new tools are the result of a GOC pilot project called Land the Message, which explored how contact lens practitioners could use behavioural science to increase the effectiveness of aftercare advice.

Enough is enough. Whilst we recognise that the General Optical Council (GOC) is not responsible for enforcing the provisions of the Opticians Act (that sits with local trading standards offices), it does have a duty to protect the public. We believe that the GOC could, and should, be playing a more active role in addressing illegal practice when it comes to the illegal sale of contact lenses.

Now in its third year, Love Your Lenses Week 2019 is run by the GOC in collaboration with partners and patient groups. The week is used as an opportunity to promote safe enjoyment of contact lenses to the UK’s five million contact lens wearers. The GOC undertook the Land the Message project after research in 2015 uncovered a significant difference between how much aftercare advice ECPs were reported to be providing, and how many patients recalled receiving it (48 per cent).

However, and being fair, from its London office the GOC is not in a position to identify retailers selling contact lenses illegally on High Streets up and down the country – although it might be reasonable to expect that GOC officials would have seen the underground advertisements on their way to and from work.

Three tools were developed then tested in the field by four ECPs as part of their routine contact lens appointments. The GOC is now using Love Your Lenses Week 2019 as an opportunity to make the prototypes more widely available. The three tools, consisting of a poster, pre-appointment questionnaire, and lifestyle-based questions, as well as a training slide deck and the Love Your Lenses 2019 promotional toolkit, can be downloaded at www.loveyourlenses.com Alistair Bridge, director of strategy at the GOC, said: “This year we are using Love Your Lenses Week as an opportunity to help registrants help their patients to wear their contact lenses safely. We’re encouraging practitioners to use the awareness week to try out new ways of landing contact lens safety messages directly with the public during fittings and aftercare appointments. The new tools and training resources on the website are potentially a great way for our registrants to get the ball rolling.”

22 Silhouette

The AIO wishes to play a constructive role in working with the GOC to tackle illegal practice. We are proposing to the GOC that we work with them to report all and any incidents of illegal practice that our members identify, whether that be on the local High Street, online or advertised in any form of media. The proposed process is that the GOC will then tackle the responsible party directly to point out that they are in contravention of the provisions of the Opticians Act and seek their immediate cessation of lens sales. If this is not effective then the GOC should report the offending party to the relevant local trading standards office requesting that they take immediate enforcement measures. Trading standards are required by law to follow up any specific incidents of illegal practice that are reported to them. It is time for action.

Silhouette’s sunglasses will now benefit from the brand’s Vision Sensation (SVS) programme and be produced with its own prescription lenses. The introduction of Silhouette Light Management follows the success of SVS, which first launched in 2017. Silhouette Light Management offers blue light protection and features IQ-POL technology, providing glare-free, 100 per cent UV and polarised protection. Silhouette Light Management will be available across prescription sunglasses with grey, brown and green lenses and will be produced, alongside the frames, in Silhouette’s in-house lens lab in Linz. Vision Now FEBRUARY 2019

30 MARCH - 1 APRIL 2019 BIRMINGHAM NEC

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PRACTICE MATTERS

Developing thoughts Don’t let a possible downturn turn into a depression, writes Phil Mullins

In a downturn, turn up the volume

At the time of writing, Teresa May’s government is in last-ditch deal negotiations as the 29 March Brexit deadline looms; China’s economic growth has slowed down to six per cent, countless businesses have announced their withdrawal from the UK, and the American president is at war with the Democrats as he tries to build his wall following the country’s longest-ever government shutdown. Add to this the news that some of our High Street’s biggest names are offering profit warnings, it seems to me that we are all set for an economic downturn. And if you believe the experts, it could be as bad as in 2008. In reality, no-one knows what lies ahead – not only in the long-term but in the immediate term too. So how does this affect independent practices? Looking at the previous economic downturn, we found that patients took two basic actions. First, they extended the time between visits to the optician and then when they did have their eye examinations, they reduced the amount that they spent. This, in turn, led to an increase in re-glazes. To add more pressure, advertising from competitors, particularly the internet is again giving the message that cheap is good – in fact, that £6 is fine to pay for a pair of specs. This is a message that rings even louder when money is tight. In saying all of that, however, independent practices have a lot to be positive about. Firstly, over the 40-year lifespan of the NEG, there have been a number of recessions – but our members have survived with many stronger than before. Also, independent practices can adapt much more quickly than large competitors, particularly with product and price, and can more easily promote service over price. But it shouldn’t be a case

Make some noise about your practice and services

of battening down the hatches and waiting for the storm to blow over; it’s a time for action and smart thinking.

TIME FOR SMART THINKING Historically during recessions, companies cut their costs. Usually, the first budget to go is advertising and promotion. This can be easy to do, but the savings are shortterm and can have a much larger long-term effect on the business. In reality, when in a downturn, it’s time to turn up the volume: create more advertising, message and communicate with current patients ensuring they think of you first when it comes to eyecare and eyewear. I’m not suggesting that you suddenly take out centre spreads in the local newspaper, book slots on local radio and book the billboards across your town. But marketing comes in many forms. I have talked about patient touch-points before, so examine each point that a patient comes in contact with and make sure the message counts. Your website has become a crucial part of your practice. It needs to have impact, be up-to-date and search engine optimised to make sure that it’s seen by potential patients. Videos on your site cannot only increase visitors, but can quickly explain who you are and why they should choose you.

Your website is the technological window into your practice, but remember your real window can make or break a patient’s decision to enter your practice. Over the years, I have seen so many independents with front windows that are dirty, out-ofdate, cluttered and frankly a mess. So take a critical look at your window space, making sure it’s clean, tidy and giving a clear message. Allow people to view through the display and into the practice to see what you offer, inviting them into your practice. In all this, the one thing you need to remember is that it’s easier to keep patients than to attract new ones. So increase your contact with your patients, which will reduce the chance of them becoming someone else’s patients. I don’t suggest you email them every week offering them some promotion or another, but you can vary the message easily and make them feel you are supporting them rather than just selling product. For instance, you can text contact lens patients to remind them to change their case when they change lenses. Message dry eye patients to remind them to keep using their drops to prevent the problem returning, or email patients encouraging them to follow your social media and link them to interesting articles about eyes and eye health. The options are almost unlimited, but the basic idea is that regular messaging, mixing product, health and general information, can build a communication channel that brings real benefits for both patient and practice. Obviously, there is a limit to what we can cover here, but the main point is to not just sit and wait for what may come. Take positive action, reach out of the consulting room and engage with patients – both current and potential. Vision Now FEBRUARY 2019

2 019 R E V LO N S U N W E A R AVA I L A B L E N O W !

T: 02920 857122 F: 02920 920480 E: sales@pennineoptical.co.uk W: pennineoptical.co.uk

AMES FR

The REVLON Â® trademark is used under licence from Revlon

2YEAR ARA NTE

BCLA BULLETIN

Always learning at the

BCLA

Registration is now open for the BCLA’s flagship conference, with delegates urged to book before next month’s early bird deadline

management manufacturers and suppliers. Among the highlights of the programme will be keynote presentations by Professor Lyndon Jones from the University of Waterloo in Canada, who is the 2019 BCLA Medal recipient, and Dr Nicole Carnt, who will present the Irving Fatt Memorial Lecture. Eyecare professionals interested in attending the event can take advantage of a limited ‘early bird’ offer valid for all those booking before 31 March. Alcon and CooperVision are Partner Sponsors for the event while Johnson & Johnson Vision is a Platinum Sponsor. Menicon is Gold Sponsor, and Topcon Technology Sponsor. For more information and to register, visit www.bcla.org.uk BCLA will return to Manchester

Making its return to Manchester Central, the British Contact Lens Association’s (BCLA) clinical conference and exhibition features a new hashtag for 2019: #AlwaysLearning. The three-day event is also undergoing a change in format – beginning on Thursday 30 May before culminating in the grand finale of an awards dinner on the evening of Saturday 1 June. Commenting on plans for this year’s conference, BCLA chief executive, Cheryl Donnelly, said: “It promises to be a weekend to remember, featuring a host of passionate speakers who can inspire eyecare professionals to make a real difference to patients’ lives and ensure we are ‘always learning’. “This meeting will deliver the latest innovations and clinical insights,” Cheryl continued, “with world-class speakers on all areas of contact lenses and ocular surface health presenting lectures, holding live podium demonstrations and staging a number of practical hands-on workshops showcasing the very latest techniques.” The event will also include the only dedicated exhibition to feature innovation and up-tothe-minute technology from the world’s leading contact lens and ocular surface

PRESIDENT ELECT NOMINATED Alcon’s head of professional affairs, Jonathon Bench, has been nominated as the BCLA’s president elect. Having been a member of the BCLA for more than 12 years, Jonathon served on the Association’s committee for five years and was invited to join the BCLA executive council in 2017. After graduating as an optometrist at Cardiff University, Jonathon worked at a national chain of opticians and owned a franchise practice prior to joining Alcon more than five years ago. In his role as head of professional

Jonathon Bench, BCLA president elect

affairs, Jonathon is responsible for the Alcon Experience Academy and the in-field professional development teams delivering training, support and education to eyecare practitioners across the UK and Ireland. Upon being nominated, Jonathon commented: “I see contact lenses as an advantage to any optical practice. I also recognise that contact lens wearers need glasses, but plenty of glasses wearers don’t know that they could also benefit from contact lenses. It is the ‘everyday heroes’ within practices that transform lives – going above and beyond the needs of their patients, to correct their vision. I want to celebrate and encourage them to acknowledge what they do with contact lenses every day.” As BCLA president elect, Jonathon will work with the current president, Professor Sunil Shah. “It is an honour to have the opportunity to work within the same organisation as Professor Shah,” Jonathon said. “I have a lot of admiration for him on a personal level and for his invaluable work inside the BCLA and beyond. He is an incredible ambassador for the BCLA and I very much appreciate his mentorship and guidance over the past year.” In discussions around the future of the contact lens market, Jonathon described it as “bright and exciting”. He added: “We are blessed with wonderful materials and optical designs these days that address the varied challenges of the patients. I would encourage all eyecare professionals to become part of the BCLA, to learn how we, as a profession, can share best practice and encourage education and professional development throughout the industry. “Most of all,” continued Jonathon, “the BCLA is for everyone. If you are passionate about contact lenses and anterior eye health, or just a little curious and want to learn more, you will be welcomed with open arms into our like-minded community. However, for me, the BCLA brings expertise from the world of academia and research into the world of the eye health opticians in practice and, most importantly, for the benefit of their patients.” Vision Now FEBRUARY 2019

We would like to introduce Luneau Technology UK / Ireland - Visionix

THE NEXT GENERATION OF EYE CARE SYSTEMS

The UK and Ireland regions are next on the list of expansion for the original pioneer of optical wavefront technology. LUNEAU TECHNOLOGY UK / IRELAND is based in the North of England and have only been trading a short time as a direct Subsidiary – Prior to moving to a direct to customer operation, the brand was managed by Grafton Optical in the UK and Ireland. The Visionix® core product design is based on the proficiency and accuracy of “Wavefront” technology which allows the detailed analysis of all the optical systems within the eye which makes us the leading

Diagnostic and refraction specialist for Eye Care Professionals. Visionix® can also integrate its new technologies straight to your consulting room via your PMS to improve your patient flow.

MIKE RILEY, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR FOR UK AND IRELAND EXPLAINS: We are part of Luneau Technology Operations who are based in France and Israel who own the brands Visionix, Weco and Briot. We sell a full range of quality manufactured eye examination equipment covering refraction and pre test under the brand name Visionix. I have now been working within the Optical industry for 23 years and have worked within some fantastic organisations and met some great people who have become friends for life. This market is totally unique, it’s very “people” orientated and you generally end up having partnerships, not customers, and that is key to success. I am a great believer in the saying “people buy from people!”

Eye RefractTM In the refraction area, our unique Eye RefractTM system is a binocular dynamic eye examination system that will accurately refract patients in less than 3 minutes using unique wavefront driven technology, utilising 2 aberrometers and measuring results binocularly. The system includes a wavefront driven Lens Analyser (the VX40) and high-end polarised chart.

VX120+TM Family

In the pre test area, our unique VX120+ family of products are wavefront technology driven and fully automated systems measuring a suite of diagnostic tests for the eye – this includes full anterior chamber analysis, pachymetry, aberrometery, ARK, cataract analysis and pre and post Op scanning – There is a product for all needs and budgets within the family. We also have a full range of standard Refraction and pre test equipment – Inc digital phoropters, slit lamps, refraction units, polarised charts, topographers, tonometers, a great ARK and a fantastic quality, yet affordable Fundus Camera. There is a suite of products to suit all needs and budgets and we even supply a full range of accessories from trial lens and frame sets, to hand held charts. In the 1980s, the idea to use lasers to crash Russian satellites was on the White House to-do list and thus the Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI), also known as “Star Wars,” began. Abitbol’s PhD research, funded by the Reagan administration, helped tick the boxes of this task. Marc developed a way to control wavefronts and prevent energy loss despite variations in atmospheric conditions, he also lectured on his technology during his first visit to the United States. MARC ABITBOL’S PRESIDENT & CEO OF THE LUNEAU TECHNOLOGY GROUP

Always innovating, Abitbol asked, “what’s next?” : using wavefront technology in an optical setting. Though the instruments were much smaller, the impact was huge. Marc was the first to use wavefront technology to measure the lens and aberrations of the eye. Many of the first wavefront based instruments in the optical industry, from well-known manufacturers in Germany and Asia, utilised technology developed by Marc and the company he founded, Visionix.

Wavefront technology

Our goal has always been to provide eye care professional with the latest technologies to allow more efficient screening for visual disorders, and provide a better quality of life with technologically enhanced equipment and instruments. Our Mission is to help eye care

partners achieve easier diagnoses and ensure more patients are examined on our forward-thinking systems. With our early diagnostic detection, patients achieve better vision outcomes, which in turn improves their quality of life. Anyone who meets Marc Abitbol and talks with him knows the future holds unlimited potential. “Every morning I wake up with a drive to do something I didn’t have the chance to do yesterday. It’s a once in a lifetime chance to do something like this,” he says. Marc himself is making Luneau Technology a company to watch.

ADVERTORIAL

NEW HORIZONS AT

Optrafair Exchange The UK's flagship optical exhibition has a whole new look The country’s leading optical exhibition, since 1978, will open at the Birmingham NEC in March with a new theme and a new name: Optrafair Exchange. For Andy Yorke, chairman of the Federation of Manufacturing Opticians (FMO), the revamp illustrates that there is no better place to exchange knowledge, ideas and inspiration than a live event of the scale and depth offered by just such an event. “Optics is changing. Innovation and adaptability are now more important than ever for optical professionals to futureproof their practice,” he says. “Modern opticians need to diversify and invest, push boundaries and explore new opportunities. “Positioning your High Street practice as a primary care provider for sensory health will more than double your potential audience overnight and will improve patient care,” continues Andy. “At Optrafair you can discover how you can increase footfall, balance clinical services with retail fashion, break through barriers to distributed care, discover new revenue streams to grow your practice and network with allied professionals and ophthalmologists to forge new patient pathways.”

A FRESH APPROACH Taking place from Saturday 30 March to Monday 1 April, and with sponsors including Johnson & Johnson, Bondeye Optical and Heidelberg Engineering, this year’s event has been widened to include Fashion, Medicalisation and Optics. Fashion returned to great acclaim last year with the Spectrum Catwalk, while Optics is embedded in Optrafair’s DNA as the showcase of the FMO

Vision Now FEBRUARY 2019

ADVERTORIAL

and its members. Medicalisation focuses on the additional opportunities available to practices through audiology, ophthalmology, pharmaceuticals and more. Running throughout the show, all three will feature new exhibitors and dedicated CET streams. Also fresh this year is a restructured education programme, featuring Dispensing, Contact Lenses, Orthoptic, Refractive, Health & Lifestyle, Technician, Clinical Optometry and Business. Ed Wyre, Optrafair Exchange event director, says: “We’ve worked hard alongside the FMO and the profession to identify the needs of today’s optical professionals. The new approach will ensure there is plenty on offer for the whole practice team, yet increasing time on the show floor for browsing the latest technology and solutions from exhibitors.” Optrafair is owned by the FMO, whose mission is to provide a national platform for optical manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and business service providers to communicate, educate and innovate. It also supports the education of the public about the importance of looking after their sight and having regular eye examinations. Optrafair Exchange is co-organised by Optician magazine, the leading independent, weekly UK journal for eyecare professionals, and MA Exhibitions. MA Exhibitions is an award-winning exhibition business, which organises more than 200 events annually – from small, highly focused seminars to large scale events across sectors including electronics, manufacturing, engineering, communications, education, healthcare and print. To register for Optrafair and find out more about what is happening at this year’s event, go to https://optrafair-2019.reg.buzz

Vision Now FEBRUARY 2019

An offer that could save you money? Look no further As the preferred payment acceptance partner of the National Eyecare Group, we’re here to help you give your customers more ways to pay. And give you better rates when you do. Keeping them happy and helping you boost your business. • Quick & easy – our dedicated team will arrange a seamless set-up • Fast transactions – all our card machines are contactless and accept Apple Pay and Android Pay • Secure – proactive fraud monitoring and dedicated data security team

Now available – an exclusive membership deal Call 0800 056 5569

Calls to 0800 numbers are free if made from a UK landline. Calls may be monitored and/or recorded. Barclaycard is a trading name of Barclays Bank PLC. Barclays Bank PLC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register Number: 122702). Registered in England No. 1026167. Registered Office: 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP.

100% OPTICAL

Preferred supplier

showcase NEG’s preferred suppliers were out in force at 100% Optical in London last month. We round-up the activities of those who took part in the show… New styles were showcased on the catwalk

Flying the flag for the contact lens sector, Bausch + Lomb showcased its recently launched Ultra monthly contact lenses for astigmatism. The new lenses extend the company’s existing Ultra range, which includes Ultra spherical and Ultra for presbyopia. The company also discussed its new Biotrue ONEday for Astigmatism lens that features a prism-free evolved periballast design, and its Biotrue Multi-Purpose Solution featuring a dual disinfection system. In the Equipment Hub, BiB Ophthalmic Instruments unveiled the MP-eye by Azul Optics, following the announcement of its exclusive UK distribution and marketing agreement. The MP-eye is a macular pigment assessment device, described as “a simple and intuitive piece of equipment that provides fast and highly repeatable results”. Roav Eyewear was one of the stars of the Bondeye Optical stand. Described as “the world’s thinnest folding frame”, the collection is available exclusively to Bondeye in the UK. Born from a kickstarter company in late 2017, Roav is now distributed in 30 countries. It folds as thin as a smartphone, weighs just 15g and features screwless technology. Passionate creators and suppliers of “superbly crafted eyewear”, Charmant displayed its titanium frame collections incorporating the latest designs and its Japanese heritage. Meanwhile, Continental Eyewear exhibited the latest designs from its brands that

Catching up with Continental Eyewear

Anniversary celebrations with Dunelm

include Walter & Herbert, Reykjavik Eyes Black Label, Jaeger and LK Bennett. The show was a big event for Dunelm Optical, which had the largest stand this year. 50th anniversary celebrations helped launch the company’s first eyewear collection by Freya and showcase its large range of frames and state-of-the-art lens laboratory. Anniversary surprises and complimentary birthday treats were shared while designer, Paul Costelloe, made an appearance on the Saturday. The company’s new commercial manager for lens and laboratory, Tanya Storey, was busy too advising on lenses as well as business development opportunities, optical training, retail training and CET support. Essilor launched its new Eyezen Start range of single vision lenses designed to ease the strain of “demanding digital lifestyles” (see News). The lenses cater for 18 to 50-yearolds “whose digital habits force them to focus more intensively and repeatedly to adjust to close and variable distances with frequent switching between devices and increasingly smaller and pixelated typefaces”. There were also 35 new lines on display in

the Bolon Eyewear collection designed for independent opticians, and all the latest products from Essilor Instruments. Extending its partnership with Land Rover, Eyespace unveiled its collection of men’s sunglasses under the Range Rover license. With 15 models available, Range Rover Eyewear has been curated to combine directional British fashion with supreme Japanese craftsmanship, said the company. The all-polarised offering include superlight 100 per cent pure Japanese titanium, bespoke cast components, tailored hinges

Checking out the latest tools with Essilor Instruments Vision Now FEBRUARY 2019

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

100% OPTICAL The teams from Lenstec Optical Group had a busy show – with a separate stand for Pennine Optical, now part of the group. Visitors heard about the latest spectacle lens solutions, new and existing own label digital progressives, and the group’s expanded material range to meet every dispensing challenge. New styles in the Julbo, VerSport and Invu collections were displayed, while Pennine Optical showcased the latest styles in its frame collections as well as its case and cloth selections.

Heidelberg takes a Best Stand Award

and signature brand iconography, which “seamlessly integrate” with next-generation NXT polarised (UV400) lenses. Bringing to the show its unique spectacle cleaning product that doubles up as a marketing concept, Glasklar discussed with visitors how they could use it to engage with patients more frequently, using a natural, refillable practice branded lens cleaner.

STYLE AND SUBSTANCE One of NEG’s newest preferred suppliers, Go Eyewear showcased the latest spring/ summer 2019 styles from Ana Hickmann Eyewear, including the new Duo-Fashion temple concept. Also new from the company is Allure Edition: two glamourous styles available in three appealing colours. Heidelberg Engineering had a successful show with the award of Best Exhibition Stand in the Equipment Hub. “The exhibition stand was designed to show the versatility of the Spectralis imaging platform with themed rooms representing the device being used in the hospital, High Street and even outer space setting, which is a nod to the Spectralis that is located on the International Space Station,” said Emily Malbon, marketing manager. “The stand also showcased our Love Your OCT Guarantee, which is a scheme that allows optometrists to hand their Spectralis back to us after 18 months if they are not completely satisfied. The Love Your OCT Guarantee reflects how confident we are that our customers will love their OCT and gives them peace of mind about their purchase.” International Eyewear discussed its complete product portfolio with show visitors, offering frames for all ages, genres and budgets. The latest prescription sun models from Storm London, for example, feature on-trend, playful combinations of acetate and metal that are minimal in design yet with a creative construction, clever material mixes and innovative detailing – all elements derived from the watch collection.

Joining NEG as a preferred supplier at the end of last year, Luneau Technology UK exhibited at 100% Optical for the first time in the Equipment Hub. Based in the North of England, the UK subsidiary is part of Luneau Technology Operations based in France and Israel, and owner of the brands Visionix, Weco and Briot. The company sells a full range of eye examination equipment covering refraction and wavefront driven pre-testing devices. As well as presenting the latest styles from its huge range of eyewear brands, Marchon shared the news that it had entered into a new licensing agreement with Victoria Beckham. New sun and ophthalmic collections developed under the agreement will roll out globally from autumn 2019. The collections will be developed in Italy and take cues from the brand’s ready-to-wear and accessory offerings. Norwegian Eyewear launched the new Helly Hansen collection in the UK, covering ranges for men, women and children in acetate, stainless steel and titanium. The polarised sunglass collections cater for both lifestyle and sport and have the added benefit of hydrophobic and anti-reflective coatings. Also on show were styles from Norwegian’s fashion brand Röst, and Voice, offering allowing independent opticians to create their own bespoke product ranges.

NEW OPTIONS AND SOLUTIONS Barbour Eyewear was just one of the collections on display at the Norville stand. Offering a range of ladies and gents models in varying styles, shapes and colours to suit all ages, the company also has available the Barbour sunspecs range. For the company, the brand has proved “a massive success story for everything that is the best of British style and fashion”. Optinet, NEG’s IT division, had a busy three days discussing with visitors how to access its new eGOS system and the process to ‘make tax digital’. All the latest modules for the FLEX practice management system

were also shared. The team is now expecting a busy few months as they hit the road following up and installing new solutions in practices. Performance Finance shared details of its low cost finance options on equipment, practice buyouts and refurbishments, and other business loans. The team also discussed its new patient finance scheme launching this month, Finance 4 Eyecare, which provides “a simple and affordable way to spread the cost of vision correction treatment and new eyewear”. Shamir was back with its bright, eye-catching red branded stand and its Shamir F1 car giving visitors the chance to challenge themselves against each other for a place on the leader board. Unveiled at the show was its new progressive lens, Autograph Intelligence, said to closely consider the visual behaviour and preferences of presbyopes of all ages. The lens harnesses new homegrown technologies such as Eye-Point Technology AI to provide a quality lens solution based on a patient’s Visual Age, which closely correlates with their chronological age. In addition to the new, January 2019 optical ranges, Silhouette UK showcased its TMA Unity collection – a brand new concept for the new year combining high-tech materials with Silhouette Vision Sensation lenses. Visitors were able to preview new styles in all brands including Silhouette, Adidas Sport Eyewear and Neubau Eyewear. The stand also highlighted Silhouette’s Shop-in-Shop retail display units, an important programme for the brand which marks a significant investment in terms of supporting its key retail partners and optical professionals across the UK and Ireland. 100% Optical will be back slightly later next year from 25 to 27 January. “We now look forward to making 2020 the event that brings the whole optical industry together for a massive celebration of this wonderful sector,” said event director, Nathan Garnett. “We have a string of announcements coming in the next few months so watch this space…”

Shamir launched its latest PAL Vision Now FEBRUARY 2019

STYLE SPOTLIGHT

Sunglasses: classy and charismatic Sunglasses are a dynamic and impressive accessory whether contemporary, sporty, elegant or declaring a statement style, writes Joan Grady

are elegantly chic, generously proportioned and timelessly glamorous.

The allure and appeal of sunglasses – eyewear with no seasonal shelf life – symbolises virtues of personal style, chic and protection. Classic or contemporary silhouettes, voluminous or miniscule shapes, brilliant hues or traditional tones, acetate, metal or other exceptional materials – all of these style traits characterise the international collections for 2019. Sunglasses have the ability to revitalise an outfit. Through the decades, style icons including Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Steve McQueen, Michael Caine, Elton John, Iris Apfel and Anna Wintour have catapulted sun specs to unprecedented prominence. This season, there is such diversification in shapes, materials and colours, that for the customer, sunglass choices are a many-splendoured opportunity. Fashion designer, Paul Costelloe, adores classical styling in his clothing collections. And with his inherent Irish curiosity, both his fashion items and eyewear creations have an unexpected element, ensuring harmony that expresses today’s contemporary preferences. New styles distributed by Dunelm Optical include Mazzucchelli acetate frames for men that are ultra-slim, with Sun 84 featuring a

Retro and rock: Pope by Zack Tipton Vinylize Eyewear

Vision Now FEBRUARY 2019

Contemporary preferences: Paul Costelloe Sun 81 and Sun 84

Eyewear intuition and insight derives from many sources. Finest Seven creators, Jesse Stevens and Ainjali Fine, are from New Zealand and their artistic approach to eyewear is a contemporary take on traditionalist concepts. The independent luxury brand’s latest models are photographed in Barcelona’s trendy Bananas – a restaurant club that exudes the vibrancy of the Spanish city. A striking voluminous shape with a double-bridge (a definitive sunglass trend) is crafted in Italy in lightweight surgical stainless steel, paired with a glamorous long chain by British label Frame Chain.

Eyewear harmony: Sun specs by Finest Seven, chain by Frame Chain

keyhole bridge – and optical comfort. For women, Sun 81 with its upswept retro shaping enhances a glamorous, opulent marble patterned Mazzucchelli acetate design in beautiful colourations.

JF Rey is based in sunny Marseille, so sun specs are a natural in the collections. Silhouetted with originality and sophistication, Hype is made in the Jura region of France – renowned for quality eyewear production. Delicate metal decoration with open lace work detailing demonstrates a stylistic and artistic impact.

GLOBAL VIEW The internationalism of eyewear is one of the numerous reasons that frames have, indeed, become fashion essentials. Designers from countries across the world, with fascinating and intriguing backgrounds, are inspired by the many opportunities of creating frames. Zack Tipton’s roots are Scottish and Hungarian, and he spent his childhood years in Hungary, America and the South of France. With a background in crafts and a curiosity about old vinyl records, he started to create frames from that specific material. His experimentations led to the creations of Vinylize Eyewear, with designs crafted by artisans in a Budapest atelier. The sunglasses

Stylistic decoration: Hype by JF Rey

Avant-garde composition, glamour and ultra feminine designs are the hallmarks of Swedish designer, Anna-Karin Karlsson. Luxurious materials are also her trademark and include rose gold, 23-carat gold and titanium. Emeralds, pearls and crystals are among Anna-Karin’s favourite accents. The breathtaking design – Full Moon in titanium with white gold plating – is handmade in Japan, and each shimmering crystal is set by

STYLE SPOTLIGHT

Blue variations: Pravi from the Signature Collection by Fleye Copenhagen

is achieved with handcrafted frames in harddensity cellulose acetate, ensuring lightness and flexibility. Pravi from the True Blue Fleye Signature collection is contrasted with a top layer of creamy beige. Shimmering crystals: Full Moon by Anna-Karin Karlsson

hand. The Carl Zeiss lenses have been created exclusively for AKK; called the Archipelagan Sky, they are inspired by the glorious colour of the sky where Anna-Karin lives in the heart of the Stockholm archipelago.

NOSTALGIA PLUS NEW In clothing and in eyewear, there are strong allusions to styling from previous decades. Contemporary culture has shifted from the future to the past. Retro referenced frames are evident in cat-eyes, aviators and panto shapes. However, designs are hurled to modernity when transformed with new structures, contrasting materials and a rich palette of colours. Morel France takes a fresh look at frames in the 1880 Collection with artful metal frames contrasted with acetate accents. Sunglasses for men and women feature extraordinary precision in the frame construction, including intricate guilloche decorative craftmanship. Luca Gnecchi Ruscone combines heritage and contemporary elements in his elegant creations for LGR Italian. Flair is united with

African inspiration for an impressive collection of sunglasses in luxurious materials – glossy and subtle matt acetates, titanium and tantalising mixtures of both components. LGR designs are equally comfortable in city, country or tropical environments. Ruscone also plays seductively with beautiful variations of tortoiseshell colourations – a legacy in fine eyewear. Beautifully oversized round frames in metal are flattering, mirroring refinement in every detail.

CONTEMPORARY AND CLASSY Sunglasses charmingly, sometimes provocatively, enhance an outfit and the wearer’s attitude and perspective. In addition to style, shape and colour, frames must be comfortable. For designers and manufacturers, this subject is taken seriously, as demonstrated in Fleye Copenhagen’s style-conscious collection, True Blue. Moody blue tones are among the colour highlights in fashion, the home and eyewear. Blue has so many ingenious variations, and the colour provides a sophisticated aesthetic to clothes and accessories. The comfort factor

Brazilian model, TV host and accessories entrepreneur, Ana Hickmann, honours women and their essence in all aspects of their lives, with sun styles that are sleek and delicate. Ana Hickmann eyewear, distributed by Go Eyewear Group, includes an expressive, beautifully oversized design – style 3201 – with edgy construction and linear shaping that is extremely Sleek and linear: Ana Hickmann lightweight. Eyewear style 3201 The sunglass spirit from Esprit, distributed by Charmant, shows off its 2019 collection with graphic elements, gorgeous colours in solid, transparent and gradient tones. Model ET17957 is pretty and playful in milky pastel transparent tones with a hint of glitter on the temples. The contemporary silhouette is flattering to a variety of face shapes, and the soft pastel colour is becoming to skin tones. Sunglasses provide a motivating and emboldening aura for the independent optician – and the consumer. Variety truly is the spice of life with sun specs, and most customers are eager to explore options and find something a bit different – taking an elegant and sophisticated step out of their comfort zone.

Artful designs: Morel France 1880

Heritage and elegance: Amba by LGR

Pretty and playful: Esprit Style ET17957 Vision Now FEBRUARY 2019

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 Sharon Hicks on 01580 713698 or email s.hicks@nationaleyecare.co.uk

BONDEYE OPTICAL

COOPERVISION

Tel: 0121 7723888 Fax: 0808 2801865

Tel: 0870 9000 055

www.uk.alcon.com

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

ARENA EYEWEAR

HENRY BEAUMONT Tel: 0116 251 8936 Fax: 0116 262 4205

www.brulimar.co.uk

DUNELM OPTICAL

info@henrybeaumont.com www.henrybeaumont.com

CENTROSTYLE

Tel: 01388 420420 Fax: 01388 810101

ASSOCIATED OPTICAL

Tel: 0161 655 7000 Fax: 0161 655 7002

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

BARCLAYCARD Tel: 0800 056 5569

BAUSCH + LOMB

OPTICAL CENTRE SUPPLIES LTD Tel: 01923 239267 Fax: 01923 253951 sales@centrostyle.com www.centrostyle.com

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

ESSILOR Tel: 01454 281281 Fax: 01454 281282

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

HOYA LENS UK

Tel: 020 8781 2900

CHARMANT UK CO LTD

www.essilor.co.uk

Tel: 0845 330 0984 Fax: 0845 330 0977

www.bausch.co.uk

Tel: 020 8992 9222 Fax: 020 8896 0287

EYESPACE

BIB OPHTHALMIC INSTRUMENTS

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

Tel: 01527 870550 Fax: 01527 837012

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

CONTINENTAL EYEWEAR

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

INTERNATIONAL EYEWEAR LTD

Tel: 0151 426 3907 Fax: 0151 426 9340

GO EYEWEAR UK LTD

Tel: 0121 585 6565 Fax: 0121 585 0954

Tel: 0800 9178270

www.internationaleyewear.co.uk

Tel: 01438 740823 sales@bibonline.co.uk www.bibonline.co.uk

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

Over 75% of patients agree that they can trust their optician to recommend the best contact lenses for them, regardless of cost. Designed for quality minded patients, DAILIES TOTAL1 is so comfortable that 1 in 3 of eye care professionals who prescribe DAILIES TOTAL1 also choose to wear this lens. For more information:

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

www.goeyeweargroup.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.

www.HeidelbergEngineering.co.uk

orders@davidthomas.com www.davidthomas.com

BRULIMAR OPTICAL GROUP

Tel: 01628 605433 Fax: 01628 665077

DAVID THOMAS

Tel: 01442 502 330 Fax: 01442 242 386

Tel: 01604 646216 Fax: 01604 790366

www.arena-eyewear.co.uk

Tel: 01952 820408

www.coopervision.co.uk

HEIDELBERG ENGINEERING

Vision Now FEBRUARY 2019

T 01527 870550 eyespace-eyewear.co.uk

01580 713698

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

LENSTEC

MID-OPTIC

PRO-OPTIC

STEPPER UK

Tel: 029 2088 3009 Fax: 029 2088 9798

Tel: 01332 295001 Fax: 01332 295158

Tel: 01884 266130

Tel: 01732 375975

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

sales@stepper.co.uk

RAWDON OPTICAL LTD

Tel: 01279 653785

Tel: 0113 288 3094 Fax: 0113 288 3095

www.tantlabs.com

No7 CONTACT LENSES

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

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

OPTINET LTD

Tel: 024 7601 0103

THEA PHARMACEUTICALS

sales@optinetuk.com www.optinetuk.com

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

Tel: 0845 521 1290 Fax: 01782 717 944

ORANGE EYEWEAR

RODENSTOCK

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Tel: 01474 325555

THREE SIXTY

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SEIKO OPTICAL UK

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Tel: 01536 529696 Fax: 01536 310033

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www.performancefinance.co.uk

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

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Tel: 0845 313 0233

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LUXOTTICA (UK) LTD

THE NORVILLE GROUP LTD Tel: 01452 510321

RETAIL EXPERIENCE DESIGN (RED)

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

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

TANT LABORATORIES

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www.thea-pharmaceuticals.co.uk

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

Tel: 08446 696907

SILHOUETTE UK LTD

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

Tel: 020 8987 8899 Fax: 020 8987 2430

Tel: 0800 074 2425

PRACTICE BUILDING

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

annie.mackervoy@webpost.com www.webpost.com

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

WEBPOST

SPEC-CARE LTD

XACT

Tel: 01392 460806

Tel: 01698 574 655

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

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

www.nationaleyecare.co.uk

Suppliers’ directory

orders@midoptic.com www.midoptic.com

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

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