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Inside

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

News 4 7 9 11 13 15

OC supports NAO findings on Capita Call for more clinical experience for students LOCSU signs up with Newmedica Alcon invites applications for scholarship programme GOC consults on future of CET Glaucoma Imaging Atlas launch event

15 An independent view Open day for aspiring independents

17 Company profile First past the post

18 Promotional feature Driving growth through service

21 Nutrition and the eye Food for thought

22 Technology A new way of thinking

23 Product profile An eye to the future

24 Style Spotlight Tinted lenses: Tech, trends and tips

26 Suppliers’ directory @PK_NEG

Editor’s comment The optical landscape is changing – and changing fast. Patient and consumer needs and behaviours are mutating and clinical and retail service provision is evolving equally rapidly. To maintain growth, practitioners are being increasingly tasked to adapt the way they practice – in many ways positively. At the same time, legislators and stakeholders are working to ensure the future generation is equipped for the ‘new optical order’ through education, training and CPD. The chief executive and registrar of the General Optical Council (GOC), Vicky McDermott (currently on a leave of absence – see over), recently pledged to implement a new operating model for the GOC to ensure that it delivers improved operational performance, efficiency, a more flexible and targeted approach to regulation, and to create a sustainable organisation that provides value to both registrants and the public. A huge part of adapting to change going forwards is through education, and last month the GOC announced a new consultation on undergraduate education and CET to ensure that current registrants and those coming through are equipped for the roles of the future. The regulator is also calling for student optometrists and dispensing opticians to be given more clinical experience in practice from the start of their training, an area seemingly lacking at present. The GOC’s Education Strategic Review has been rumbling on for some time now, and it is hoped that some conclusions will be shared in the new year. All practitioners can do now is make sure their practice is fit for the future. This year’s one-day NEG Building for Success Conference, to be held in three locations in October (see News page 4), will be focused on helping independents do just that. We look forward to sharing more details about the conference, and partner event Independents Day, in the coming months. Nicky Collinson

Editor

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

Editor

Editorial PA

Sharon Hicks s.hicks@nationaleyecare.co.uk

Fashion Editor

Joan Grady jgparischats@wanadoo.fr

The Editor welcomes letters, articles and other contributions for publication in the magazine and reserves the right to amend them. Any such contribution, whether it bears the author’s name, initials or pseudonym, is accepted on the understanding that its author is responsible for the opinions expressed in it and that its publication does not imply that such opinions are those of The PK National Eyecare Group Ltd. Articles submitted for publication should be original, unpublished work and are accepted on the basis that they will not be published in any other journal. Acceptance of materialfor publication is not a guarantee that it will be included in any particular issue. Copyright © 2018 for Peekay Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying and recording, without the written permission of the publishers. Such written permission should also be obtained before any part of this publication is stored in a retrieval system of any nature.

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

Rosslyn Argent BA (Hons)

Publisher

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

Vision Now JUNE 2018

NEWS 1

NEG/Proven Track Record

To make the joint NEG Building for Success and Independents Day (iDay) events more accessible, this year the conferences will run over one day in three different locations: 22 October in Wembley, London; 29 October at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry; and 30 October in Bolton, Manchester. The events will be held in the afternoon and evening so that less time out of practice is required to attend. Commenting on the changes, PTR director Nick Atkins, said: “We are constantly looking to innovate and after 12 successful years using a traditional conference format, it is with great enthusiasm that we embark on this new format for this year’s combined events. I believe that by taking the conference on tour we can continue to attract our loyal delegates and hopefully attract other indies, local to the venue, who have previously struggled to take the time out to attend a two-day event.” Confirming that the overall remit of the events remains unchanged, NEG director of business development, Phil Mullins, added: “Both the PTR and NEG teams aim to offer great speakers giving delegates food for thought as well as tools and action points that will make a real and immediate impact on their business. At the same time, they can enjoy the company of like-minded independent professionals without taking so much time away from the coalface or having so far to travel.”

Optical Confederation

Last month, the National Audit Office (NAO) concluded that the service to primary care practitioners from Capita and NHS England “had fallen a long way below an acceptable standard”, a view fully supported by the Optical Confederation (OC). Following its inquiry into NHS England’s management of the primary care support service contract with Capita, the NAO report found that, “NHS England did not know enough about the services it inherited to set achievable service specifications and performance standards from the start of the contract”. There was also found to be a lack of appropriate performance measures; for example, simply measuring if payments were made on time but not if they were accurate. The NAO has called on NHS England to determine whether all current services within the PCSE contract are best delivered through that contract or whether some should be taken in-house by NHS England,

and to consider the operational readiness of each service before agreeing to the implementation of any further transformation change. OC chair, Fiona Anderson, said: “As the NAO points out, value for money is not just about cost reduction. Yet these poorly managed changes have been driven by the desire for savings, not the need to improve primary care services. The report highlights that the optical payments service is still unreliable. “It is only to be hoped that the Public Accounts Committee will pick this up to ensure that lessons are learned, that the sector will be listened to this time, and that we can now work jointly to deliver the much-needed modernisation of the GOS system, with properly agreed plans, timescales and support for the NHS frontline. NHS England, Capita and more importantly patients cannot afford another fiasco on this scale,” added Fiona.

General Optical Council

The General Optical Council (GOC) is seeking to recruit an interim chief executive as Vicky McDermott takes a period of absence for personal reasons. Gareth Hadley, GOC chair, said: “Vicky will be having some time away from the GOC over the next few months due to personal reasons. We will be giving her all the support she needs during this time and look forward to welcoming her back to work when she is ready. During that time, it is important that we continue with the vital work that we have prioritised for this year.”

Vicky McDermott

Alcon Alcon has added three new colours to its Air Optix Colors collection bringing the total colour offering to 12. The new Precious Gemstone collection features turquoise, amethyst and ‘true sapphire’ colours encapsulated within the silicone hydrogel material. Featuring proprietary three-in-one colour technology, the lenses brighten and transform patients’ eye colour whilst defining and emphasising the iris. Backed up by SmartShield technology, the lenses have a protective surface and are said to provide up to six times more oxygen than other leading colour contact lenses.

Precious Gemstone colour range launched

Vision Now JUNE 2018

Ray Pasko, Alcon business unit head of vision care, said: “The latest colour additions to the collection are a true testament to our ongoing commitment to drive the category forward and create positive patient outcomes. With 87 per cent of consumers already stating that Air Optix Colors contact lenses make them feel beautiful, the new Precious Gemstone collection will be no different, providing patients with more options to create their perfect, natural look.”

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NEWS 5

Silhouette

General Optical Council

Gareth Hadley, chair of the General Optical Council (GOC), is calling on educators, employers and professional bodies in the optical sector to work together to enhance clinical experience for student optometrists and dispensing opticians. His call follows a GOC report analysing responses to its concepts and principles consultation as part of its Education Strategic Review, in which 82 per cent of consultation responses agreed with the concept of embedding clinical experience from the start of training. Gareth said: “It is clear that the sector recognises the likely benefits of enhanced

7 Delicate accents with new TMA Icon collection

Showcasing an innovative new design, Silhouette’s new TMA Icon Accent Rings collection combines the classic rimless style, which Silhouette is renowned for, with the look of more conventional full rim eyewear. Delicately-crafted SPX rings adorn lens edges to offer an eye-catching contour, and there is a choice of six lens shapes, six ‘Accent Ring’ colours and six temple colours equaling more than 200 possible style variations. The frames take inspiration from this year’s most popular and celebrated colours and hues – as seen on January’s catwalks – such as brilliant violet, forest green and delicate ice cream shades – to cater to all tastes, for both men and women. Silhouette’s Accent Rings also offer the choice of either a glossy or matte surface finish.

clinical experience in education programmes, for patient care and the quality of clinical practice, and we acknowledge the various concerns raised by stakeholders regarding how this would be realised in practice. However, our role as the professional regulator is to put patients first. The optical sector has an obligation to find workable solutions to these practical challenges. It is in no-one’s interests – patients, optical businesses and other employers, students or educators – to limit the opportunity for more competent and confident practice.” The full report and statement is available on the GOC website.

Association of British Dispensing Opticians

Alexandra Webster will take over from Paula Stevens as head of CET for the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) this August. A dispensing and contact lens optician with extensive experience within the industry, Alex is a practical examiner for ophthalmic dispensing, a probationary contact lens examiner and an ABDO practice visit assessor. She has also been a member of ABDO’s National Clinical Committee and the GOC Education Strategic Review Expert Advisory Group. ABDO chief executive, Tony Garrett, said: “I am delighted to welcome Alexandra Webster to the ABDO team as our new head of CET. Alex brings a strong mix of skills and experience to the department, which will help her to shape and develop our CET

offering to all members in the years ahead.” Alexandra added: “I am excited to be taking on this new role with ABDO. The organisation has done Alexandra Webster such a significant amount to develop and produce fantastic CET. I want to build on these existing achievements and ensure that what we offer remains relevant for members in a changing landscape.”

Essilor

As part of a programme by Our Children’s Vision, Essilor and independent practitioners have been raising funds to help provide eyecare services to some 2,000 schoolchildren in Africa for the first time. During Essilor’s recent Innovation Conference, reported in last month’s issue, practitioners were invited to pledge support for the initiative via a raffle, silent auction and by donating, with all proceeds matched by the lens manufacturer. “We’re delighted to get behind such a worthy cause and to support these children,” said Essilor’s corporate social responsibility director, Nigel Corbett. “All of

the children will have a vision test and will be equipped with spectacles if required. Pupils needing specific treatment will be referred to a medical centre for further investigation. Actions such as this are a fundamental component of our Group mission of improving lives by improving sight.” A spokesperson from Vision Aid Overseas, which is coordinating the programme in the UK, said: “Our Children’s Vision has already reached 18 million children with eyecare services and through the support of programmes like this, we can reach out to many more.” Visit www.ourchildrensvision.org to support the initiative.

Helping schoolchildren to see Vision Now JUNE 2018

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70 YEARS’ OPTICAL LENS MANUFACTURE

NEWS 9

Association of Optometrists

New categories for 2019 AOP Awards

10 Contact Lens Precision Labs Contact Lens Precision Laboratories (CLPL), recently acquired by SEED, has been awarded the highest grade of ‘Outstanding’ by the KTP Grading Panel for its Knowledge Transfer Partnership with the University of Liverpool. The Partnership, which ran from March 2014 to December 2017, was set up to develop state-of-the-art contact lenses for people suffering from visual loss due to irregular corneas. The team consisted of: research associate, Dr Ahmed Abass; businessbased supervisor, Lynn White; knowledge-based supervisor, Dr Steve Jones; chair of the project local management committee, John Clamp; Gerry O’Hagen of Innovate UK; and knowledgebased leader, Professor Ahmed Elsheikh. During the project, a suite of software programs was developed to facilitate analysis of how a soft lens fits on the eye. The modelling takes into account the properties of eye and lens and demonstrates how soft lenses drape, stretch and settle onto a cornea. The eye profile software can be used to compare the fit of lenses directly between individual eyes and across different populations, thus improving the efficiency of the design process. The project has already contributed towards the design of new products such as the Avanti monthly disposable.

11 LOCSU

Newmedica MD, Darshak Shah

Community ophthalmology provider Newmedica has entered into a framework agreement with the Local Optical Committee Support Unit (LOCSU) which will see patients returning to their optometrist after cataract surgery for postoperative assessment for a set tariff. This is the first national framework agreement of its kind for LOCSU with a community ophthalmology provider. It will be open to all optometrists providing they have successfully completed the LOCSU/WOPEC cataract accreditation. The post-operative cataract pathway is evidence-based and uses best practice guidance to improve the patient journey and clinical and cost-effectiveness.

Richard Whittington, LOCSU COO, said: “At LOCSU we are pleased to be entering into the agreement with Newmedica as it will enable primary eyecare companies and practices to offer effective cataract post-operative care in a timely manner to patients in the community. It will also provide an opportunity to redesign local services with primary care being at the heart of delivery.” Darshak Shah, Newmedica managing director, said: “We are delighted to have entered into an agreement with LOCSU that will be open to all appropriately accredited optometrists. This is a significant step forward in the redesign of local eyecare services that will be of benefit to patients and to practitioners.”

The Association of Optometrists’ (AOP) 2019 award will feature two categories: one dedicated to locum optometrists and the other to optical practices incorporating audiology services. Henrietta Alderman, AOP chief executive, said: “Optics is changing, and our new accolades reflect the diversity and dedication of those at the forefront. We know that locum optometrists play a vital role in providing flexible, high-quality patient care and we want to recognise that. Equally, many practices are increasingly going above and beyond to provide primary care services in their community. Our Audiology Practice of the Year Award is about celebrating that commitment.” The AOP Awards will take place alongside 100% Optical on Sunday 13 January.

12 CooperVision

Competition launched

CooperVision is inviting contact lens practitioners to share their most inspiring contact lens fitting stories in a nationwide competition, Stories from the Chair. The 10 best anecdotes will feature in a series of short video case studies to be shared with the optical community at events, online and via social media. Practitioners can submit a short summary of their story, with patients able to remain completely anonymous, via the CooperVision website before 1 July. CooperVision’s senior marketing manager for the UK and Ireland, Lara Drury, said: “We know that there are some incredibly inspiring stories out there where contact lenses have allowed a patient to achieve great things. Whether it’s in sport, overcoming insecurity or just making life that little bit better; we want to unearth these and share them with the rest of the industry as a reminder of the amazing things our profession can achieve and the importance of taking that extra little bit of time with patients in the chair. It’s also a great opportunity for practitioners to boost their own industry profile, as well as that of their practice,” Laura added. Visit www.coopervision.co.uk/stories-chair Vision Now JUNE 2018

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Vision Now JUNE 2018

NEWS 13 Go Eyewear

15 Eyeplan

Timeless T-Charge sunglasses

Created in 2010, T-Charge Eyewear was originally designed with the man who values technology over design in mind. The T stood for Titanium and Technology as the brand goal was to be recognised for its high-end materials. But 2016 was the year of change. The brand reinvented itself and launched in Europe a new collection focused on design and targeted to a consumer with a great sense of style, “the trendsetter who dares to look different from the rest”. The collection now features three new style segments – Slim, Strong and Design – with light titanium frames, thick acetates or retro inspired designs with a touch of modernity. The range is available in the UK from NEG Preferred Supplier, Go Eyewear.

14 Dunelm The design now includes a night vision zone for greater visual quality and less fatigue when driving at night.

Optimised vision for driving

Digital Ray-Path technology combined with UV3G lenses and a new design for night myopia makes Dunelm Optical’s Spectre Drive the perfect driving lens for all conditions, says the company. Spectre Drive is a personalised progressive lens that incorporates a power distribution specifically adapted for driving.

Phil Lawson, surfacing manager for Dunelm Optical, explained: “Night myopia is a phenomenon that affects many wearers. It causes a loss of the ability to focus on distant objects at night and affects both ametropics and emmetropics. Standard progressive lenses can make it uncomfortable to drive, having an inadequate distance visual field or limited peripheral vision. Spectre Drive has been developed to maximise intermediate and distance vision, which are the areas most used for driving. It offers optimised vision of the road, dashboard and mirrors.”

Supporting the cause

Eyeplan is celebrating 20 years in business this year. To mark the occasion, the company joined the Big Blind Walk 2018, a sight loss fundraising and awareness initiative headed up by Julian Jackson, who walked from Land’s End to John O’Groats last month. The Eyeplan marketing team joined the walk on 10 May and trekked for over 10 hours, covering more than 20 miles to reach Castle Combe later that day. Eyeplan’s walking team consisted of commercial director, Chris Clemence, marketing executives Hayley Blanning and Dorothy Chandler, and social media assistant, Victoria Mills. All four gathered sponsors for the walk and have so far raised over £1,350 between them. All funds raised will go to the Big Blind Walk’s nominated organisations, the National Eye Research Centre and social enterprise VisionBridge. Chris Clemence said: “The Big Blind Walk seemed like a great opportunity to walk 20 miles for 20 years, all while raising money for a great cause.”

16 Alcon Optometrists who have been qualified for between two to five years are invited to apply for a place on Alcon’s scholarship programme during July and August. The programme is now also open to international applicants, with last year’s intake including representatives selected by Alcon’s sister professional affairs teams from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Netherlands and Finland. The two-year programme comprises of five courses, each

lasting two days, with courses one to four taking place at the Alcon Academy in Surrey and course five at one of Alcon’s state-ofthe-art European facilities. Jonathon Bench, Alcon head of professional affairs, said: “Educating future and existing optometrists is a key priority for Alcon. Last year alone we trained over 10,000 industry personnel in all aspects of contact lens use and patient care and this year is no

different. With over 87 training courses, round tables and conference seminars already scheduled to take place, as well as sessions operated at practice level to support practitioners and their teams, our broad suite of educational opportunities is guaranteed to help eyecare professionals develop.” Visit www.myalcon.co.uk/education-andacademy, email alcon.professionalaffairs@ alcon.com or speak to your Alcon business development manager. Vision Now JUNE 2018

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NEWS 17 Johnson & Johnson Vision

19 Stepper

Lens’s crosslink density a factor in ease of lens removal

Data presented at the recent Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Annual Meeting in the USA demonstrated that Norblo, the UV-blocker in all Acuvue contact lenses, also behaved as an antioxidant and provided a protective effect to tear film components that can be taken into the lens during wear. Charles Scales, principal scientist and leader of the Scientific Evidence Team within Global Medical Affairs at Johnson & Johnson Vision, said: “In these studies, Norbloc exhibited antioxidant properties greater than many known biologically significant antioxidants. This is important, new scientific information for eyecare professionals given the heightened consumer interest in health and antioxidants.” The second piece of research showed that the crosslink density of Acuvue Oasys 1-Day may affect ease of lens removal during lens wear compared to delefilcon A lenses. The data measured how the extent of crosslinking affects muco-adhesion in a laboratory study with corneal epithelial cells and silicone hydrogel materials. Crosslinking describes the bonds between polymer chains in silicone hydrogel contact lenses. This study was conducted in partnership with the Fuller Research Group in Chemical Engineering at Stanford University.

18 General Optical Council

The Stepper SI-20080

The Stepper SI-20080 is a great example of how comfort and style can be delivered in harmony, says the company. “With a design that is a mix of classic and modern with simple lines and large, ‘square’ eye shapes, this understated yet distinctly handsome frame works with both casual and formal clothing,” said Peter Reeve, Stepper UK managing director. The frame’s bridge is constructed from TX5 and where greater rigidity is required, titanium is employed. It is available in matt graphite, matt midnight and matt black amber.

20 Adidas Eyewear

A consultation on the future of optical education will run during June and July, with the General Optical Council (GOC) seeking views on new standards for education providers that promote enhanced clinical experience and provide greater freedom to innovate. The consultation will also cover new learning outcomes for students that reflect the full range of skills and knowledge required to be an optical professional; and how the GOC should move to a more outcomes-focused approach to accrediting and quality assuring education programmes. The GOC will also be seeking views on the timetable for moving to the new system, with the possibility of some early adopter institutions starting in September 2019, with others following a year later. The consultation will also consider changes to CET to promote continuing professional development by enabling practitioners to tailor their training to their particular scope of practice, while continuing to ensure they are safe to practise. The intention is to implement changes from January 2020, which means that at the end of the current CET cycle (2016-18) there would be a single CET transition year, rather than a full three-year cycle. Alistair Bridge, GOC director of dtrategy, said: “We know from our stakeholders how the optical sector and the roles of optometrists and dispensing opticians are changing. And we recognise how important it is for education and training to keep pace with these changes and for us to support students and practitioners in preparing for and developing their careers. There has been strong support among stakeholders for the direction we are taking. We are now ready to test some firm proposals with stakeholders and look forward to hearing people’s views on both the changes we are proposing and how to implement them effectively.”

From the Adidas Jaysor collection

Adidas Eyewear has introduced a new series of frames for both men and women to suit a number of sporting activities. The Jaysor collection (pictured) offers an iconic wraparound design, which refreshes the notion of traditional sports frames. The frames come complete with 8 Base Vision Advantage and classic Adidas features such as a quick-release hinge and sweat resistant double-snap nose pads. There are 10 different colourways to choose from. Vision Now JUNE 2018

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NEWS 21 Heidelberg Engineering On Thursday 7 June, Heidelberg Engineering will launch the Glaucoma Imaging Atlas at the Royal Society of Medicine in Wimpole Street, London, supported by world leading authorities who have contributed to the reference. Presenting case studies at the event will be Ali Tafreshi, director of clinical research at Heidelberg “Cornerstone of educational Engineering, Germany, programme” Christopher Mody, UK director of clinical affairs, and Dr Christian Mardin, senior consultant ophthalmologist at the University of ErlangenNuremberg, Germany. Describing the Atlas as the cornerstone of Heidelberg Engineering Academy’s educational programme, Ali said: “This comprehensive diagnostic imaging guide for glaucoma assessment and management features 27 contributors from five countries and 30 detailed patient case studies. Our longstanding commitment to high-quality diagnostic imaging provides a global standard in eyecare practices and academic institutions. This Atlas is the culmination of extensive interpretation of OCT images and data by some of the most respected clinicians in the field. It will be used as a teaching tool to further educate the medical community on the implementation of our OCT technology, as an aid to diagnosis and management, enabling effective, individualised patient care.”

Visual Training and Consultancy

A nationwide CET roadshow has been launched to raise awareness of the difficulties faced by patients who are diagnosed with irreversible sight loss. With the support of the Thomas Pocklington Trust and DOCET, Daniel Williams, founder of Visualise Training and Consultancy, has teamed up with dispensing opticians, Jayshree Vasani and Peter Black, to deliver ‘Seeing beyond the eyes’, a six-point CET event. The event is being run as a series of roadshows across the country and comprises of two discussion workshops: ‘An introduction to visual impairment’ and ‘Saving sight and supporting sight loss’.

AN INDEPENDENT VIEW Open day for aspiring independents The AIO Practice Support Network (PSN) held its first ‘Open Day’ for aspiring and recently established independents in mid-May. It turned out to be a learning experience for all involved. Set up by the AIO in partnership with NEG, Eyeplan, SPECS network/Seiko and Myers La Roche, the PSN brings together the combined expertise, products, services and support mechanisms of these five organisations to help the future lifeblood of the sector. Attendees on the day were fulsome in their praise for what we are doing and said that they found the day immensely valuable and would sign up to the network. For the partners in the PSN, the day was particularly useful as the attendees varied from being at the point of practice acquisition and new practice establishment, as well as having set up in practice within the last 12 months. The day kicked off with an introduction by the PSN partners explaining the purpose of the network and what each party brought to the table. Having previously established what the potential points of overlap may be in terms of what each party offers, and how those overlaps would be handled, it was particularly reassuring that there was a seamless flow to the end-to-end PSN proposition. The attendees were then able to speak one-to-one with the PSN partners and examine in some detail how each could help them in their own particular circumstances. This included identifying a practice to acquire, how to market a newly established practice, source equipment and product, use technology effectively, and optimise cash flow; in fact, the whole range of services offered by the partner organisations. There will now be a practical follow-up by each of the PSN partners working directly with the individual new and recently established practice owners. The Open Day served not only to underline the need for such a structured approach to help aspiring and new independents, but also how the network could help established practices in a constantly changing world. The PSN will now consider how best to move forward with promoting what it has to offer across the independent sector and wider optical community. Anyone interested in knowing more about the AIO PSN is invited to email mike@aiovision.org or call 0800 1300 486.

Daniel said: “I have heard from many sight loss professionals that they don’t get many referrals from optometrists and dispensing opticians, however, if these professionals are not aware of services sight loss organisations provide then it is inevitable that they won’t refer. I am on a mission to raise the profile of low vision amongst the optical community and ensure no patient leaves without a referral for support.” The roadshow runs until October and dates can be found by visiting www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/visualise-training-andconsultancy-and-orbita- black-7994577028 Vision Now JUNE 2018

Focus on Contact Lenses

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COMPANY PROFILE

First past the post NEG recently welcomed Webpost as a new Preferred Supplier. We hear more about its professional online mailing service… Webpost eliminates folding, inserting and posting from practices’ procedures, and collection, sorting and transportation from the Royal Mail’s

“The way we use mail and delivery services is changing,” says Steve Mackervoy, director of Webpost. “From physical letters to hybrid and certified encrypted services, we adapt to deliver the communication of the future and we do it well. Webpost can streamline your recall processes and save you money. When it comes to concerns about information governance and security, generally most practices will trust the post but not email,” Steve continues. “However, preparing recalls for posting can be a time-consuming and expensive process. Franking machines can deliver some savings in terms of postage, but lengthy contracts and expensive consumables make this option less appealing to our customers. Webpost also eliminates the need for that time-consuming trip to the Post Office or it will save you money by cancelling your mail collection service,” adds Steve. Webpost is a professional online mailing service designed to make business mail cheaper and more efficient. You can post directly from any practice management software or Microsoft application simply by selecting Webpost as your printer. The print file is securely sent to the company electronically. It then prints, folds, inserts and posts your mailing before ‘handing over’ to the Royal Mail for ‘final mile’ delivery. The patient still receives a physical letter but the practitioner doesn’t have the hassle of dealing with it. Users benefit from Webpost’s buying power by getting access to the best postal rates available from the Royal Mail, and NEG members receive a further discount on top.

HUGE SAVINGS POTENTIAL Webpost started in the UK in 2010 and handles mailings for many private and public sector organisations including much of the NHS. The company has scored 100 per cent in the NHS Information Governance Toolkit for the last three years, and has successfully introduced a fully electronic solution which could save practices even more money while helping them to effectively communicate with patients. “The patient needs to register to receive secure emails, which can then be accessed via a smartphone app or through their regular email client,” Steve explains. “If your patient no longer has access to that email address but has failed to inform you, Webpost will automatically convert the communication to a physical letter after the trigger period, set by you, has expired. The savings to be made by communicating securely and digitally with your patients has the potential to be huge.” Simon Rose of Rose Opticians, a family run business with branches across East London and Essex, says: “Webpost is hugely beneficial to my business. It is so easy to use that it means that we can keep on top of our recalls, whilst saving money as well. It also frees up the time of my staff to make sure they can concentrate on what is important, our patients.” Simon continues: “Webpost has been my chosen postal partner for many years; the service is so easy to use and their staff have been fantastic on the few occasions that we have needed to speak to them.”

REDUCING THE GDPR BURDEN Data protection and security are key topics at the moment and Webpost is using the

introduction of the new General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) as an opportunity to once again demonstrate its commitment to customers. “As the controller of your patients’ data, you can rest assured that choosing Webpost as your processor is the responsible choice as we are GDPR compliant,” says Steve. Webpost’s production facility holds ISO27001 for Data Security, meaning there is a framework of policies and procedures that includes all legal, physical and technical controls involved in an organisation’s information risk management processes.

“During our GDPR research, we found that the information provided can be overwhelming, and we understand you have patients who require your utmost attention,” Steve continues. “This is why we are aiming to reduce that burden. To this end, we have created a data sharing agreement that you, as the data controller, can submit to Webpost, the data processor, for signature. As an organisation, you are following compliance guidelines in your partnership with Webpost and you are protecting your patients’ rights. “Webpost offers a free, no obligation, online demonstration of the software at a time to suit you so that you can assess the impact that it will have on your business. The savings can be as much as 40 per cent of your current costs of processing mail, although Webpost will conduct a full analysis for you,” adds Steve. To find out more, contact Annie Mackervoy on 0800 074 2425, visit www.webpost.com or email annie.mackervoy@webpost.com Vision Now JUNE 2018

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Driving growth through service Since the inception of Lenstec Optical Laboratories in 1983, there have been huge changes within the industry… These changes have required significant innovation and investment to increase service-driven growth in support of the UK optical sector. This continued focus on training and equipment, cemented with a ‘can do’ ethos, brings us to a point today where Lenstec Optical Group offers the very latest production facilities at its three state-of-the-art UK-based manufacturing laboratories, and a new warehouse and distribution facility. Each laboratory brings an eclectic mix of skills to the Group’s overall spectacle and lens supply offer. Lenstec Optical Group prides itself on its ‘lean’ management and manufacturing solutions to provide the very best delivery times, driven by a ‘first time correct’ consistency across all three manufacturing locations. This is further supported by the Group’s Quality and Training Department, which is responsible for monitoring continuous improvement in all areas of the business.

LEANING IN TO SMARTER WORKING As one of the largest independent suppliers of surfaced spectacle lens glazing services throughout the UK, Lenstec Optical Group can boast state-of-the-art edging services with MEI and Nidek dry cut systems. Its Rawdon plant offers the very best in digital lens manufacturing using the Schneider lean manufacturing platform. The Group’s coordinated supply chain via its three regional lab locations delivers benefits to customers and patients alike with continuous improvements to delivery times driven by the Group’s ‘Made in the UK’ ethos.

Vision Now JUNE 2018

“We have expanded our digital surfacing capacity,” explains Lenstec Optical Group managing director, Nigel Castle, “with the introduction of a new Schneider Modulo line with auto-blocking as part of our continued investment in a full-service platform in 2018.” Paul Walden, Group technical and sales director, adds: “Digital lens production has revolutionised lens making, creating a new generation of progressive, occupational and sports ophthalmic lens designs under our Exceed branding that can truly be customised and fit the lifestyle requirements of the patient. How could one design ever fit all? We will also continue to work with the latest generation of lens monomer suppliers, allowing us to deliver unprecedented levels of vision protection, enhancement and refinement within the material – further enhancing the spectacle supply experience for patients.” “Digital lens manufacturing has opened a whole new world of dispensing opportunities that previously just didn’t exist,” continues Scott Pearson, Rawdon general manager, “whether that’s a 100mm progressive lens, a -35.00D blended lenticular or custom combination multifocal. Every day we are delivering new solutions to real life dispensing challenges.” Paul adds: “Our Exceed powered by Camber technology brings a new era in dual surface progressive design. It combines complex curves on both surfaces of the lens to provide excellent vision correction.”

PASSING ON THE BENEFITS Nigel continues: “Our aim is to pass on to our customers all the benefits that our three combined labs have established, and continue to develop. Our commitment is to continually invest in you – our customer –

with continued staff training and investment in the latest production equipment, together with new and exciting products and services in the digital arena.” With global waste being high in everyone’s minds at the moment, the Group is also committed to becoming as waste free and paperless as possible going forward. Practitioners can already order by EDI or telephone for seamless ordering and delivery, saving time as well as paper. But by following suggestions made by customers, the Group also offers invoices and statements by email. “As well as providing premium lens products, we strive to build on strong partnerships with optical practitioners and all leading optical manufacturers, thus ensuring a wide choice of products coupled

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE were impressed with the culture and work ethic evident throughout the business.”

with high levels of consistency and quality, every time, from one single source,” says Nigel. “All three of our labs have undertaken major investments in robotic glazing, state-of-the-art equipment and continuous staff training, ensuring our staff are focused on high quality, speed and accuracy at all times.”

awarded certification for the EN ISO 13485:2016 Medical Devices Standard. “This standard involves a stringent and intensive 10-day audit of all our procedures, culture and supply chain across the business,” says Nigel. “EN ISO 13485:2016 is much harder to accomplish than ISO9001, so to achieve this highly-prized accreditation there has been 18 months of dedicated hard work by Paul Kibble, our quality manager, Chris Kellard and the management teams across all sites. The auditors were very complimentary of every member of staff they spoke to and

Lenstec Optical Group is believed to be the only optical manufacturing lab in the UK to have attained this highly-acclaimed standard. The company has also just been audited for the Investors in People 6th Generation Standard. Supporting strong partnerships with Shamir, Essilor and Seiko, the Group has been accredited and approved by all of these companies under stringent controls. The Group is also a leading player in sports and safety eyewear, glazing premium 8 base sports eyewear in the UK and Europe. “Many of our customers entrust us with their leading 8 base sports brands including Julbo, Oakley, Calvin Klein, Nike, Police and Ray-Ban,” said Nigel.

EXCITING PRODUCT OPPORTUNITIES With the installation of Shape Finder 2 from MEI, the Lenstec Caerphilly Sports Lab can now take measuring sports wrap lenses to a completely new level of accuracy and finish on premium wrap and rimless frames, including all profiling and venting. This camera capture system can be further modified on the CAD software to take into account the finished prescription thickness to allow all round 3D modification to the original shape. Matthew Castle, Lenstec general manager, says: “The additional investment in Shape Finder 2 removes any ambiguity from our measuring system, improving accuracy and speed in building the eye shape to deliver exceptional quality every time.”

MAINTAINING HIGH STANDARDS Lenstec Optical Group is proud to have been

The Group’s New All-In-One Glazed Packages combine leading UK frame suppliers, Eyespace, Continental Eyewear, International Eyewear and Emporium Eyewear with some fantastic net complete package pricing. The Group brings trusted, repeatable frame styles with a first class service from stock. Whether it’s a budget or a premium design, this competitive prescription offer allows real flexibility in practice to order complete frame and lenses each time. Rawdon also supplies a complete range of industrial prescription protective eyewear manufactured to EN166-F in a number of single vision and multifocal lens options.

SAFETY CATALOGUE 2018

Julbo Sports and Lifestyle Eyewear offers styles across a number of sports including sailing, running, climbing and biking, where Julbo has had real success during 2017/18 particularly with endurance athletes. Julbo’s success is driven by its innovative use of lens materials such as Trivex sporting photochromic and photo/polarised technology all wrapped up in high quality lightweight frame mounts, which forms a large part of this extreme sports sunglass range. Using its expertise in sunglasses solutions and sports eyewear, Julbo can help practitioners through its prescription sunglasses programme, known as RX Trem. The VerSport range offers Rx solutions for children, teens and adults for football, hockey, basketball and other sports. VerSport prescription goggles comprise of impact resistant frames made from a highyield polymer based material with vented bridge and temple protection to offer the best impact protection for high energy sports. VerSport sports frames are all supplied with a simple twist, release and lock side arm/head band option and are available as a full prescription programme using Trivex and polycarbonate impact protective lenses. The INVU Ultra polarised sunglass range is an intelligent, multi-layer light management system. The 2018 prescription programme benefits from all of the normal polarised lens types driven by NuPolar technology across all indices including CR39, Trivex, polycarbonate and high index – all at a great complete frame plus lens price. All Lenstec Optical Group products are available to members via NEG at preferential rates. www.lenstecopticalgroup.co.uk Vision Now JUNE 2018

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.

NUTRITION & THE EYE

Food for thought

“We know that three key nutrients – lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin [carotenoids] – taken together have a direct impact on macular pigment density, and that enrichment of these carotenoids enhances visual function, but that we get very little of these nutrients in a regular diet. We know that individuals with high macular pigment also score highest in cognitive function tests – particularly with attention and memory. “Even healthy people who eat plenty of leafy greens and coloured vegetables only consume circa 1.5mg of carotenoids per day, which is not enough. We need at least 10mg per day to impact change at tissue level, so we are miles away from having enough of these important nutrients naturally. With

of life, says leading expert

something like £36,000 per eye, per patient, to treat advanced wet macular degeneration with anti-VEGF injections,” he added.

“This is not just about stopping vision loss and preventing the onset and progression of macular degeneration, but it is also about optimising the vision that we have. As a profession, optometrists know even patients with good, and best-corrected, visual acuity complain about glare at night and contrast sensitivity due to light scatter. Enriching macular pigment with the three carotenoids reduces light scatter and enhances contrast sensitivity.”

Professor Nolan uses Heidelberg Engineering’s upgradeable multi-modal imaging platform, Spectralis, to monitor his patients, as Krysten Williams, UK director of Heidelberg Engineering explained: “High repeatability and reliability are important factors when monitoring patients in studies investigating the influence of diet and supplements on macular pigment density.

Professor Nolan’s team at Waterford have been monitoring a group of more than 100 healthy volunteers in one study and another cohort with age-related macular degeneration for over a 10-year period as part of the European Research Council funded Central Retinal Enrichment Supplementation Trials (CREST).

“John Nolan is using a Spectralis HRA+OCT with MultiColor specially designed for research, not available for sale, using dualwavelength auto-fluorescence to measure macular pigment,” Krysten continued. “This has been clinically proven to be a highly accurate measure of macular pigment density levels in comparison to the existing gold standard, but with the added advantages of being an objective test that is faster, noninvasive and easier for the patient.”

Professor Nolan continued: “Undoubtedly, sustained supplementation gives us the best outcome. We have achieved a 100 per cent improvement in macular pigment response when the three macular carotenoids are used in the intervention, with positive results evident after 12 months. This is surely a better route to care than waiting for the disease to develop to end stages and having to spend

Visit www.LoveYourOCT.com to find out more about the Spectralis. To find out more about retinal health and nutritional supplementation you can visit www.profjohnnolan.com or attend the Brain and Ocular Nutrition Conference on 11-13 July at Downing College, Cambridge. Visit www.bonconference.org. Copy and images supplied by Heidelberg Engineering.

SUPPLEMENTS GIVE “BEST OUTCOME”

“Thanks to the wonderful technologies that we now have to assess patients, the retina can be used as a biomarker for brain health and how this relates to nutrition status,” said Professor Nolan, who has been exploring the link between nutrition and eye health for 15 years at the Nutrition Research Centre Ireland (NRCI), based in Waterford.

greater part in patient quality

age, our ability to neutralise unstable free radicals reduces and our ability to protect our cells of vision is sub-optimal.

Professor John Nolan

Optometry has a major role to play in the quality of longer life expectancy, believes Professor John Nolan from Ireland’s Nutrition Research Centre. Speaking at Optrafair in April, Professor Nolan said: “There are strong indications that the first signs of blindness – particularly caused by macular degeneration – have some correlation with the first signs of dementia. The state of the retina, and the nutrients present – dietary pigments known as carotenoids – give us a tremendous insight into the state of the brain and the nutrients in the brain.

Optometrists should play a

Leaves before and after macular supplements

Veiling luminance after macular supplements Vision Now JUNE 2018

TECHNOLOGY

A new way of thinking Step inside Rob Barrow’s workshop to see how 3D printing can help you see difficult dispensings in a new light… We have been hearing much about 3D printing recently. Will this change the industry and the world of manufacturing? Or will it encourage home users to experiment and market their own designs? We simply do not know at this stage, but indications are certainly strongly favouring the latter. Let’s face it, everyone is talking about 3D printing and it seems that there is a technology race going on to make professional grade printing available to the consumer. For me, I still engage with the expressions of my workshop visitors when they can see this plastic alchemy unfold before their own eyes. Shapes and colours have rarely been so interesting; we can now unlock creativity with a touch of a button. In this article, we will take a step in to my workshop and see how this technology is applied on a micro scale to help people in a way never before possible.

FROM DESIGN TO PRINT

After the shape has been modelled, we can revert-back at any time to make changes to dimension, curves and details. Any retrospective changes we make will affect the final model. This is very important when we consider multiple bridge sizes. We can simply design one model and make dimension changes as required. 2. Next, we thicken the shape to form a 3D object.

This process is called ‘extruding’. The model is thickened from a point we call the mid plane. By controlling the position of the mid plane, we can cut sections of excess material from the design or introduce more complex extruded geometry. 3. The file is saved in a format that is compatible with the printer software and uploaded. Material types, printing resolution and settings must be programmed.

Our new range of cups can be tweaked and printed from stock designs with the clips made to fit each frame perfectly, even if it’s a rimless!

Broken frame requiring a new central mount

To better explain the design-to-print process, we will work though a basic example. On inspection, we can see the bridge of the folding frame is fractured. This is a major stress baring component, so we must choose an appropriate material that will have superior mechanical strength and durability. The preferred material here is ABS, which is the same material as used in the manufacture of Lego. 1. The design process first requires us to model a precise two-dimensioned shape.

Let us now consider the application of the technology on general adaptions, such as eyecups. It is my observation that many frames requiring such adaptions are low value; this inevitably means that, as professionals, you might be spending more time on the lowest value supply of services. My aim was to design a new cupped shield, that would clip on to the rim of the frame: a product that could be fitted easily by the wearer when required and doesn’t cause damage to the frame. Patients can be confidently dispensed higher value frames, knowing the addition of 3D printed side shields will not cause irreversible cosmetic damage to the frame.

The printer software gives us full control to input our own preferred settings. We can set the print speed, build layer heights and material density to manipulate print times and generate support materials to prevent large over-hanging prints from falling over. 4. The finished part is fitted after visual inspection for flaws and testing for mechanical strength.

With all new projects, we must have a goal and this project is no different. At Spec-Care, we use technology and engineering to enhance technical services. I would like to think that the work we are now undertaking will help the profession to see difficult dispensing situations in a new way. As a business, we can now help people show off their differences, instead of hide them. We are at the start of a very exciting journey and we regularly share our advances on Facebook and Instagram, so join us today to see for yourself @speccareltd Rob Barrow FBDO SMC(Tech) is the company director of Spec-Care, a frame repairs workshop based in Exeter.

Vision Now JUNE 2018

PRODUCT PROFILE

An eye to the future Optinet FLEX is tailored to the ever-changing needs of independent High Street practices of all shapes and sizes

“FLEX encompasses all aspects of the dayto-day running of the practice business – from maintaining patient records, appointment scheduling, recording of the clinical assessment and examination results and creation of patient dispenses and till receipt,” says Chris Smith, Optinet business development manager. “From a back-office perspective, full reporting and business intelligence is available, as well as the ability to interrogate data and send communications to patients through recalls or automated SMS or email notifications.” For businesses with more than one site, FLEX can be centralised – as Chris explains: “The business data is easily accessed from any PC with an internet connection, and a group-wide picture of the business can be accessed allowing important business decisions to be made. Day-to-day functions can be centralised and group wide configuration changes can be applied to appointment bookings, recall, marketing, stock control and transfers, and reporting.” The Optinet team are continuously looking at how to develop the software to support the ever-evolving face of independent practice. “A practice management system is an investment in the business and, as such, it is so important that it moves with the times, building on the latest technologies available so that the practice can benefit from the cost and time saving product enhancements. At Optinet we always have an eye to the future; maintaining close relationships with our users and optical suppliers helps to shape the software whilst regular automatic updates distributed via the internet ensure the software is always up-to-date.”

the point-of-sale. “FLEX talks to the pin entry device and passes the payment to be debited – saving the staff the task of re-keying the amount,” Chris explains. “The transaction is authorised, and the payment status is received back into FLEX. The whole process takes just a few seconds from start to finish.” With regards to electronic GOS submissions, this is already running live in Scotland and is currently under development in England. ENHANCED FUNCTIONALITY Optinet recently worked with Docmail to bring two new enhancements to FLEX: letter printing and marketing postcards. FLEX is now able to send letters directly to Docmail to be securely printed and then posted on to patients. “Docmail Letters look professional and of the highest quality,” says Chris. “And the addition of personalised non-window envelopes, with the practice address and logo printed, will ensure that recall letters are easily identified when they arrive with other daily post.” Docmail Postcards is designed to help practices build new business, as Chris explains: “We have a selection of pre-built templates to choose from; simply add your own message and logo to the reverse and you’re done. Post-campaign analysis allows you to measure success based on number of appointment bookings or revenue generated.” Another feature of FLEX is the ability for patients to book their appointments online, allowing the practice to be open even when it’s closed. Chris says: “We all lead busy lives and online booking allows patients the flexibility to book an appointment at a time that suits them.” Optical Payment Services (OPS) is Optinet’s paperless direct debit system, integrated directly into the FLEX software meaning staff do not have to ‘break out’ of the PMS. Automatic messaging between FLEX and OPS also helps practice staff keep on top of admin.

“Our Scottish practices can submit their GOS 1, 3 and 4 claims using the integrated system without having to ‘break out’ and use the stand-alone web interface,” says Chris. “The inclusion of the sight test check also means patient eligibility can be checked instantly. We’re committed to integrating the GOS claims system into FLEX for England, and development is well underway.” Looking to the future, Chris says: “We will continue to search the industry, looking for partnerships that will benefit users of the FLEX system – after all the PMS sits at the heart of the business. Used fully, it can help staff work more efficiently and presents a modern professional view of the business to your patients.”

FLEX’s Integrated Card Payment Processing ensures costly mistakes can be avoided at

A version of this article first appeared in the June 2018 issue of Dispensing Optics. Vision Now JUNE 2018

STYLE SPOTLIGHT

Tinted lenses TECH, TRENDS AND TIPS By Joan Grady Colour and technology invigorate eyewear with inviting interpretations in frames and lenses. Tinted lenses further enhance the natural beauty of frames in acetate, titanium, stainless steel, wood, silver and gold. Since the mid-18th century, colour in eyewear and fashion has totally transformed the potential for designers, retailers and customers. The first experiments with tinted lenses began with James Ayscough in the 1850s, a London optician who also created scientific instruments. Additionally, English chemist William Henry Perkins, who invented the first aniline dye, ultimately transformed the history of colour in fashion.

The Capri Collection by LGR

Laurent Dosseville, business development and marketing director at Transitions Europe, observes: “We consider Transitions lenses sitting on both sides of the fence: clear and coloured lenses. The interest in coloured lenses is stimulated by style – in general more important than before in the prescription eyewear buying process. Style does not come only from the frame, but also can be driven by the choice of lens colour. Previously, prescription lens colour choice was mostly either functional or cultural; now it can be driven by spirited style, as with Transitions Signature Style Colours.”

DELICATE AND DYNAMIC COLOUR PORTFOLIO The vast range of frame colours has revolutionised spectacle designs, and with

What has transpired since these discoveries has had an amazing impact on how people view and respond to colour in eyewear and fashion. In the 1900s, tinted sunglasses began to be used for light sensitivity exasperated by medical conditions. As the century progressed, sunglasses morphed beyond the medical necessity into the direction of a fashion statement. Lens companies, acknowledged for their clear lenses, embraced this growing trend and started creating lenses with appealing colours and filtering tints. Viewing life through ‘rose-coloured glasses’ usually means an optimistic, cheerful and hopeful perception. Nowadays, there are multiple reasons to be cheerfully optimistic, as tinted lenses are offered in a wide variety of tones – and the fashion-conscious choice. What stimulates this interest?

Vision Now JUNE 2018

innovative technology, the same applies to lens colours that are elegant and may reinforce sight. Tinted lenses make a fashion statement – plus they are beneficial for overall visual performance. The colour range available in lenses is constantly developing, and offers numerous benefits to ensure more comfortable vision. Certain colours acclimate to specific situations, such as driving, golf and other vision-dependent sports. Yellow, amber and brown lens tints are generally the best colour for universal glare protection, and are ideal for golfers and tennis players. Green tints provide ideal colour perception for high glare, characterised in Götti Switzerland’s Perspective design – awarded Frame of the Year at the 2018 Optician Awards. If biking and jogging are your patient’s favourite outdoor pursuits, red tints are good for natural colour discernment and awareness of details. Sailors and water sport enthusiasts endorse dark green and grey lenses, while orange tones assist in balancing out changes between light and shade. Purple tints absorb colour well, and benefit people shooting trap or skeet. Blue tints are elegant in hue, while reducing glare especially in

Frame of the Year 2018 Perspective by Götti Switzerland

Essilor Sun Solutions in Fresco Blue

STYLE SPOTLIGHT

The Daffodil by Anna-Karin Karlsson McKean by Salt Optics with double mirror lenses

shape – Brooklyn – with green lenses that provide high glare protection, as well as fashion savvy.

sun, fog or snow conditions. Beautiful new blue tints have been created by Essilor Sun Solutions, with a Fresco Blue lens that is inspired by old traditional pigments used in Mediterranean decoration, and a throwback to a joyful golden age. For extreme conditions in sun and snow, mirror lenses decrease the quantity of light passing through the lens. Transitions has recently launched Fashion Chrome – or Transitions XTRActive Flash to Mirror lenses. Laurent Dosseville says: “Flash to Mirror lenses is a great idea coming from the field. A long time ago, a few passionate opticians had the idea to apply a flash mirror on Transitions lenses for a special effect. Nowadays we offer a proper range matching different mirror colours with three different Transitions XTRActive colours. We are constantly working on adjusting the Flash to Mirror range to colour trends.”

SUNSHINE QUALIFIED Eyewear designers welcome the trend for sun specs with tinted lenses, and sunglass collections offer stunning choices in amazing colour contrasts between frames and lenses. With a glorious multi-coloured palette in both frames and lenses, designers’ imaginations are free to explore exciting opportunities. The idyllic island of Capri with its delicate atmosphere, and the magnificent

Diva 8 by Plein les Mirettes

Christina by ic! berlin with Transitions Amber lenses

colourations of the island’s flora and fauna, inspire the Capri Collection by LGR, with tinted lenses in green, blue and grey. California’s pleasant and abundant sunny days create endless possibilities to enjoy sleek sun specs by Salt Optics, with McKean in titanium and beta-titanium and double mirror lenses for superb protection. Crafted in an atelier in Normandy, the French brand Plein les Mirettes harmonises acetate frames in subtle shades of Mazzucchelli acetate in copper, grey and black with Zeiss gradient grey lenses.

Transitions Flash to Mirror Red Sunrise lenses highlight a striking cat-eye shape in Woow frames, a division of Face à Face Paris. Sun specs with opulence dramatise luxurious frames by Anna-Karin Karlsson in the Daffodil, with pink lenses surrounded by Swarovski crystals. Also viewing life through a rosy perspective is Caroline Abraham with Widana, a spirited cat-eye design and CR39 gradient lenses.

Widana by Caroline Abram

ic! berlin creates a sun composition in Christina, with Transitions amber lenses that harmonise with the German label’s sungold frames. For the ultimate in retro chic, Lafont Paris teams a vintage-inspired round

Beautiful frames and lenses merit care and consideration. Keeping lenses smudge free has become much easier with Eyeshaker, the efficient, sanitary and simple method of keeping lenses spotless. The Eyeshaker kit is equipped with a tube shaker, cleaning liquid and a microfibre cloth. The method is easy and quickly eliminates dirt, make-up, smears and sand – a summer hazard.

Retro chic from Lafont Paris with Brooklyn

Tinted hues provide the independent optician with a unique, special opportunity to engage and educate patients about the exceptional advantages of coloured lenses. Also, the safety and eye-protective benefits of these lenses result in a refreshing, satisfying vision experience – with comfort and chic style.

Woow with Transitions Flash to Mirror Red Sunrise lenses

Eyeshaker for spotless lenses Vision Now JUNE 2018

Preferred Suppliers’ Directory

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

Tel: 01422 382408

ACCEPT CARDS

BRULIMAR OPTICAL GROUP

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

Tel: 0161 655 7000 Fax: 0161 655 7002

ALCON UK Tel: 0371 376 0017 Fax: 0871 351 1005 www.uk.alcon.com

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

ASSOCIATED OPTICAL Tel: 01628 605433 Fax: 01628 665077 sales@assopt.co.uk www.associatedoptical.com

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

www.brulimar.co.uk

DUNELM OPTICAL

HOYA LENS UK

Tel: 01388 420420 Fax: 01388 810101

Tel: 0845 330 0984 Fax: 0845 330 0977

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

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

CENTROSTYLE

ESSILOR

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

Tel: 01454 281281 Fax: 01454 281282

INTERNATIONAL EYEWEAR LTD

www.essilor.co.uk

Tel: 0121 585 6565 Fax: 0121 585 0954

sales@centrostyle.com www.centrostyle.com

EYESPACE

CHARMANT UK CO LTD

Tel: 01527 870550 Fax: 01527 837012

LENSTEC

Tel: 020 8992 9222 Fax: 020 8896 0287

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

Tel: 029 2088 3009 Fax: 029 2088 9798

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

GO EYEWEAR UK LTD

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

CONTINENTAL EYEWEAR Tel: 0151 426 3907 Fax: 0151 426 9340 sales@continental-eyewear.co.uk www.continental-eyewear.com

BIB OPHTHALMIC INSTRUMENTS

COOPERVISION

Tel: 01438 740823

Tel: 0870 9000 055

Tel: 0800 9178270 www.goeyeweargroup.com

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

www.coopervision.co.uk

HENRY BEAUMONT

DAVID THOMAS

Tel: 0116 251 8936 Fax: 0116 262 4205

BONDEYE OPTICAL

Tel: 01604 646216 Fax: 01604 790366

info@henrybeaumont.com www.henrybeaumont.com

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

orders@davidthomas.com www.davidthomas.com

DIBBLE OPTICAL SUPPLIES Tel: 01634 880885 Fax: 01634 540530

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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:

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Open your eyes to

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Norville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2 Norville

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

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Vision Now JUNE 2018

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