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9Vision Now magazine is published by Peekay Publishing Ltd for The PK NationalEyecare Group Ltd, the UK’s largestpurchasing group for independent opticians.

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

Editor’s commentThe optical landscape is changing – and changing fast. Patient andconsumer needs and behaviours are mutating and clinical and retailservice provision is evolving equally rapidly. To maintain growth,practitioners are being increasingly tasked to adapt the way theypractice – in many ways positively. At the same time, legislators andstakeholders 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), VickyMcDermott (currently on a leave of absence – see over), recently pledged toimplement a new operating model for the GOC to ensure that it deliversimproved operational performance, efficiency, a more flexible and targetedapproach to regulation, and to create a sustainable organisation that providesvalue to both registrants and the public.

A huge part of adapting to change going forwards is through education, and lastmonth the GOC announced a new consultation on undergraduate education andCET to ensure that current registrants and those coming through are equipped forthe roles of the future. The regulator is also calling for student optometrists anddispensing opticians to be given more clinical experience in practice from thestart 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. Allpractitioners can do now is make sure their practice is fit for the future. Thisyear’s one-day NEG Building for Success Conference, to be held in three locationsin October (see News page 4), will be focused on helping independents do justthat. We look forward to sharing more details about the conference, and partnerevent Independents Day, in the coming months.

Nicky Collinson Editor

The Editor welcomes letters, articles and other contributions for publication in the magazine and reserves theright to amend them. Any such contribution, whether it bears the author’s name, initials or pseudonym, is acceptedon the understanding that its author is responsible for the opinions expressed in it and that its publication doesnot imply that such opinions are those of The PK National Eyecare Group Ltd. Articles submitted for publicationshould be original, unpublished work and are accepted on the basis that they will not be published in any otherjournal. 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 ortransmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying and recording, without the written permissionof the publishers. Such written permission should also be obtained before any part of this publication is stored ina retrieval system of any nature.

News 4 OC supports NAO findings on Capita 7 Call for more clinical experience for students 9 LOCSU signs up with Newmedica 11 Alcon invites applications for scholarship programme 13 GOC consults on future of CET 15 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

Editor Nicky Collinson BA (Hons)[email protected]

Editorial PA Sharon [email protected]

Fashion Editor Joan [email protected]

Business Editor Phillip Mullins [email protected]

Design andProduction Rosslyn Argent BA (Hons)

Publisher Michael C Wheeler FCOptom DipCLP FSMC FAAO

@PK_NEG

Last month, the National Audit Office (NAO)concluded that the service to primary carepractitioners from Capita and NHS England“had fallen a long way below an acceptablestandard”, a view fully supported by theOptical Confederation (OC). Following itsinquiry into NHS England’s management ofthe primary care support service contractwith Capita, the NAO report found that,“NHS England did not know enough aboutthe services it inherited to set achievableservice specifications and performancestandards from the start of the contract”.There was also found to be a lack ofappropriate performance measures; forexample, simply measuring if payments weremade on time but not if they were accurate.

The NAO has called on NHS England todetermine whether all current serviceswithin the PCSE contract are best deliveredthrough that contract or whether someshould be taken in-house by NHS England,

and to consider the operational readiness ofeach service before agreeing to theimplementation of any further transformationchange. OC chair, Fiona Anderson, said: “Asthe NAO points out, value for money is notjust about cost reduction. Yet these poorlymanaged changes have been driven by the desire for savings, not the need toimprove primary care services. The reporthighlights that the optical payments serviceis still unreliable.

“It is only to be hoped that the PublicAccounts Committee will pick this up toensure that lessons are learned, that thesector will be listened to this time, and thatwe can now work jointly to deliver themuch-needed modernisation of the GOSsystem, with properly agreed plans,timescales and support for the NHSfrontline. NHS England, Capita and moreimportantly patients cannot afford anotherfiasco on this scale,” added Fiona.

4 Vision Now JUNE 2018

NEWS NEG/Proven Track Record1

Vicky McDermott

To make the joint NEG Building for Successand Independents Day (iDay) events moreaccessible, this year the conferences willrun over one day in three different locations:22 October in Wembley, London; 29 Octoberat the Ricoh Arena, Coventry; and 30 Octoberin Bolton, Manchester. The events will beheld in the afternoon and evening so thatless time out of practice is required to attend.Commenting on the changes, PTR directorNick Atkins, said: “We are constantly lookingto innovate and after 12 successful yearsusing a traditional conference format, it iswith great enthusiasm that we embark onthis new format for this year’s combinedevents. I believe that by taking the conferenceon tour we can continue to attract our loyaldelegates and hopefully attract other indies,local to the venue, who have previouslystruggled to take the time out to attend atwo-day event.”

Confirming that the overall remit of theevents remains unchanged, NEG director ofbusiness development, Phil Mullins, added:“Both the PTR and NEG teams aim to offergreat speakers giving delegates food forthought as well as tools and action pointsthat will make a real and immediate impacton their business. At the same time, theycan enjoy the company of like-mindedindependent professionals without takingso much time away from the coalface orhaving so far to travel.”

Optical Confederation2

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

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

Alcon4

The General Optical Council (GOC) is seekingto recruit an interim chief executive as VickyMcDermott takes a period of absence forpersonal reasons. Gareth Hadley, GOC chair,said: “Vicky will be having some time awayfrom the GOC over the next few monthsdue to personal reasons. We will be givingher all the support she needs during thistime and look forward to welcoming herback to work when she is ready. During thattime, it is important that we continue withthe vital work that we have prioritised forthis year.”

General Optical Council3

Precious Gemstone colour range launched

Vision Now JUNE 2018eyespace-eyewear.co.uk | 01527 870 550#GreatBritishDesign

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Nearly 9 out of 10 wearers agree DAILIES TOTAL1® contact lenses are so comfortable they feel like nothing1

* Professional fees may apply. 1. Perez-Gomez I, Giles T. European survey of contact lens wearers and eye care professionals on satisfaction with a new water gradient disposable contact lens. Clin Optom. 2014; 6:17-23.

12710 © 2018 Novartis. DAILIES TOTAL1, the DAILIES TOTAL1 logo, Alcon and the Alcon logo are trademarks of Novartis AG. GB/VC/DAI/05/18/0015

LET YOUR PATIENTS FEEL THE MOMENT,

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7Vision Now JUNE 2018

NEWS

Silhouette5

Essilor8

As part of a programme by Our Children’sVision, Essilor and independent practitionershave been raising funds to help provideeyecare services to some 2,000schoolchildren in Africa for the first time.During Essilor’s recent Innovation Conference,reported in last month’s issue, practitionerswere invited to pledge support for theinitiative via a raffle, silent auction and bydonating, with all proceeds matched by thelens manufacturer.

“We’re delighted to get behind such aworthy cause and to support thesechildren,” said Essilor’s corporate socialresponsibility director, Nigel Corbett. “All of

the children will have a vision test and willbe equipped with spectacles if required.Pupils needing specific treatment will bereferred to a medical centre for furtherinvestigation. Actions such as this are afundamental component of our Groupmission of improving lives by improvingsight.” A spokesperson from Vision AidOverseas, which is coordinating theprogramme in the UK, said: “Our Children’sVision has already reached 18 millionchildren with eyecare services and throughthe support of programmes like this, wecan reach out to many more.” Visitwww.ourchildrensvision.org to supportthe initiative. Helping schoolchildren to see

Alexandra Webster will take over from PaulaStevens as head of CET for the Associationof British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) thisAugust. A dispensing and contact lensoptician with extensive experience withinthe industry, Alex is a practical examiner forophthalmic dispensing, a probationarycontact lens examiner and an ABDO practicevisit assessor. She has also been a memberof ABDO’s National Clinical Committee andthe GOC Education Strategic Review ExpertAdvisory Group.

ABDO chief executive, Tony Garrett, said: “Iam delighted to welcome AlexandraWebster to the ABDO team as our new headof CET. Alex brings a strong mix of skills andexperience to the department, which willhelp her to shape and develop our CET

offering toall membersin the yearsahead.”Alexandraadded: “I amexcited tobe taking onthis newrole withABDO. Theorganisationhas donesuch a

significant amount to develop and producefantastic CET. I want to build on theseexisting achievements and ensure thatwhat we offer remains relevant formembers in a changing landscape.”

Alexandra Webster

Association of British Dispensing Opticians7

Delicate accents with new TMA Icon collection

Gareth Hadley, chair of the General OpticalCouncil (GOC), is calling on educators,employers and professional bodies in theoptical sector to work together to enhanceclinical experience for student optometristsand dispensing opticians. His call follows aGOC report analysing responses to itsconcepts and principles consultation as partof its Education Strategic Review, in which82 per cent of consultation responses agreedwith the concept of embedding clinicalexperience from the start of training.

Gareth said: “It is clear that the sectorrecognises the likely benefits of enhanced

clinical experience in education programmes,for patient care and the quality of clinicalpractice, and we acknowledge the variousconcerns raised by stakeholders regardinghow this would be realised in practice.However, our role as the professionalregulator is to put patients first. The opticalsector has an obligation to find workablesolutions to these practical challenges. It isin no-one’s interests – patients, opticalbusinesses and other employers, studentsor educators – to limit the opportunity formore competent and confident practice.”The full report and statement is availableon the GOC website.


Showcasing an innovative new design,Silhouette’s new TMA Icon Accent Ringscollection combines the classic rimless style,which Silhouette is renowned for, with thelook of more conventional full rim eyewear.Delicately-crafted SPX rings adorn lens edgesto offer an eye-catching contour, and thereis a choice of six lens shapes, six ‘AccentRing’ colours and six temple colours equalingmore than 200 possible style variations.

The frames take inspiration from this year’smost popular and celebrated colours andhues – as seen on January’s catwalks – suchas brilliant violet, forest green and delicateice cream shades – to cater to all tastes, forboth men and women. Silhouette’s AccentRings also offer the choice of either a glossyor matte surface finish.

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Community ophthalmology provider Newmedica hasentered into a framework agreement with the Local OpticalCommittee Support Unit (LOCSU) which will see patientsreturning to their optometrist after cataract surgery for post-operative assessment for a set tariff. This is the firstnational framework agreement of its kind for LOCSU with acommunity ophthalmology provider. It will be open to alloptometrists providing they have successfully completedthe LOCSU/WOPEC cataract accreditation. The post-operativecataract pathway is evidence-based and uses best practiceguidance to improve the patient journey and clinical andcost-effectiveness.

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


NEWS

The Association of Optometrists’ (AOP) 2019award will feature two categories: onededicated to locum optometrists and the otherto optical practices incorporating audiologyservices. Henrietta Alderman, AOP chiefexecutive, said: “Optics is changing, and ournew accolades reflect the diversity anddedication of those at the forefront. We knowthat locum optometrists play a vital role inproviding flexible, high-quality patient careand we want to recognise that. Equally, manypractices are increasingly going above andbeyond to provide primary care services intheir community. Our Audiology Practice ofthe Year Award is about celebrating thatcommitment.” The AOP Awards will take placealongside 100% Optical on Sunday 13 January.

CooperVision12

Newmedica MD, Darshak Shah

New categories for 2019 AOP Awards

CooperVision is inviting contact lenspractitioners to share their most inspiringcontact lens fitting stories in a nationwidecompetition, Stories from the Chair.

The 10 best anecdotes will feature in a seriesof short video case studies to be shared withthe optical community at events, online andvia social media. Practitioners can submit ashort summary of their story, with patientsable to remain completely anonymous, viathe CooperVision website before 1 July.

CooperVision’s senior marketing managerfor the UK and Ireland, Lara Drury, said: “We know that there are some incrediblyinspiring stories out there where contactlenses have allowed a patient to achievegreat things. Whether it’s in sport,overcoming insecurity or just making lifethat little bit better; we want to unearththese and share them with the rest of theindustry as a reminder of the amazingthings our profession can achieve and theimportance of taking that extra little bit oftime with patients in the chair.

It’s also a great opportunity for practitionersto boost their own industry profile, as wellas that of their practice,” Laura added. Visitwww.coopervision.co.uk/stories-chair

Competition launched

LOCSU11

Contact Lens Precision Laboratories (CLPL), recently acquired by SEED, has been awarded thehighest grade of ‘Outstanding’ by the KTP Grading Panel for its Knowledge Transfer Partnershipwith the University of Liverpool. The Partnership, which ran from March 2014 to December2017, was set up to develop state-of-the-art contact lenses for people suffering from visual lossdue to irregular corneas. The team consisted of: research associate, Dr Ahmed Abass; business-based supervisor, Lynn White; knowledge-based supervisor, Dr Steve Jones; chair of the projectlocal management committee, John Clamp; Gerry O’Hagen of Innovate UK; and knowledge-based leader, Professor Ahmed Elsheikh.

During the project, a suite of software programs was developed to facilitate analysis of how asoft lens fits on the eye. The modelling takes into account the properties of eye and lens anddemonstrates how soft lenses drape, stretch and settle onto a cornea. The eye profile softwarecan be used to compare the fit of lenses directly between individual eyes and across differentpopulations, thus improving the efficiency of the design process. The project has alreadycontributed towards the design of new products such as the Avanti monthly disposable.

Contact Lens Precision Labs10

Association of Optometrists9

Vision Now JUNE 2018

Saskia wears a unisex STS-40135


NEWS

Eyeplan is celebrating 20 years in businessthis year. To mark the occasion, the companyjoined the Big Blind Walk 2018, a sight lossfundraising and awareness initiative headedup by Julian Jackson, who walked fromLand’s End to John O’Groats last month. TheEyeplan marketing team joined the walk on10 May and trekked for over 10 hours,covering more than 20 miles to reach CastleCombe later that day.

Eyeplan’s walking team consisted ofcommercial director, Chris Clemence,marketing executives Hayley Blanning andDorothy Chandler, and social mediaassistant, Victoria Mills. All four gatheredsponsors for the walk and have so far raisedover £1,350 between them. All funds raisedwill go to the Big Blind Walk’s nominatedorganisations, the National Eye ResearchCentre and social enterprise VisionBridge.Chris Clemence said: “The Big Blind Walkseemed like a great opportunity to walk 20miles for 20 years, all while raising moneyfor a great cause.”

Eyeplan15

Supporting the cause

Created in 2010, T-Charge Eyewear was originally designed with the man who valuestechnology over design in mind. The T stood for Titanium and Technology as the brand goalwas to be recognised for its high-end materials. But 2016 was the year of change. The brandreinvented itself and launched in Europe a new collection focused on design and targetedto a consumer with a great sense of style, “the trendsetter who dares to look different fromthe 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.

Go Eyewear13

Optometrists who have been qualified forbetween two to five years are invited toapply for a place on Alcon’s scholarshipprogramme during July and August. Theprogramme is now also open tointernational applicants, with last year’sintake including representatives selected byAlcon’s sister professional affairs teamsfrom Sweden, Norway, Denmark,Netherlands and Finland. The two-yearprogramme comprises of five courses, each

lasting two days, with courses one to fourtaking place at the Alcon Academy in Surreyand course five at one of Alcon’s state-of-the-art European facilities.

Jonathon Bench, Alcon head of professionalaffairs, said: “Educating future and existingoptometrists is a key priority for Alcon. Lastyear alone we trained over 10,000 industrypersonnel in all aspects of contact lens useand patient care and this year is no

different. With over 87 training courses,round tables and conference seminarsalready scheduled to take place, as well assessions operated at practice level to supportpractitioners and their teams, our broad suiteof educational opportunities is guaranteedto help eyecare professionals develop.” Visit www.myalcon.co.uk/education-and-academy, email [email protected] or speak to your Alcon businessdevelopment manager.

Alcon16

Timeless T-Charge sunglasses

Digital Ray-Path technology combined withUV3G lenses and a new design for nightmyopia makes Dunelm Optical’s Spectre Drivethe perfect driving lens for all conditions, saysthe company. Spectre Drive is a personalisedprogressive lens that incorporates a powerdistribution specifically adapted for driving.

The design now includes a night vision zonefor greater visual quality and less fatiguewhen driving at night.

Phil Lawson, surfacing manager for DunelmOptical, explained: “Night myopia is aphenomenon that affects many wearers. Itcauses a loss of the ability to focus ondistant objects at night and affects bothametropics and emmetropics. Standardprogressive lenses can make ituncomfortable to drive, having aninadequate distance visual field or limitedperipheral vision. Spectre Drive has beendeveloped to maximise intermediate anddistance vision, which are the areas mostused for driving. It offers optimised visionof the road, dashboard and mirrors.”

Dunelm14

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NEWS

Stepper 19

Adidas Eyewear20

The Stepper SI-20080 is a great example ofhow comfort and style can be delivered inharmony, says the company. “With a designthat is a mix of classic and modern withsimple lines and large, ‘square’ eye shapes,this understated yet distinctly handsomeframe works with both casual and formalclothing,” said Peter Reeve, Stepper UKmanaging director. The frame’s bridge isconstructed from TX5 and where greaterrigidity is required, titanium is employed. Itis available in matt graphite, matt midnightand matt black amber.

Adidas Eyewear has introduced a newseries of frames for both men and womento suit a number of sporting activities. TheJaysor collection (pictured) offers an iconicwraparound design, which refreshes thenotion of traditional sports frames.

The frames come complete with 8 BaseVision Advantage and classic Adidas featuressuch as a quick-release hinge and sweatresistant double-snap nose pads. There are10 different colourways to choose from.

Johnson & Johnson Vision17

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 contactlenses, also behaved as an antioxidant and provided a protective effect to tear filmcomponents that can be taken into the lens during wear. Charles Scales, principal scientistand leader of the Scientific Evidence Team within Global Medical Affairs at Johnson &Johnson Vision, said: “In these studies, Norbloc exhibited antioxidant properties greaterthan many known biologically significant antioxidants. This is important, new scientificinformation for eyecare professionals given the heightened consumer interest in healthand antioxidants.”

The second piece of research showed that the crosslink density of Acuvue Oasys 1-Day mayaffect ease of lens removal during lens wear compared to delefilcon A lenses. The datameasured how the extent of crosslinking affects muco-adhesion in a laboratory study withcorneal epithelial cells and silicone hydrogel materials. Crosslinking describes the bondsbetween polymer chains in silicone hydrogel contact lenses. This study was conducted inpartnership with the Fuller Research Group in Chemical Engineering at Stanford University.

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


A consultation on the future of optical education will run during June and July, with the GeneralOptical Council (GOC) seeking views on new standards for education providers that promoteenhanced clinical experience and provide greater freedom to innovate. The consultationwill also cover new learning outcomes for students that reflect the full range of skills andknowledge required to be an optical professional; and how the GOC should move to a moreoutcomes-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, withthe possibility of some early adopter institutions starting in September 2019, with othersfollowing a year later. The consultation will also consider changes to CET to promotecontinuing professional development by enabling practitioners to tailor their training totheir particular scope of practice, while continuing to ensure they are safe to practise. Theintention is to implement changes from January 2020, which means that at the end of thecurrent CET cycle (2016-18) there would be a single CET transition year, rather than a fullthree-year cycle.

Alistair Bridge, GOC director of dtrategy, said: “We know from our stakeholders how the opticalsector and the roles of optometrists and dispensing opticians are changing. And we recognisehow important it is for education and training to keep pace with these changes and for us tosupport students and practitioners in preparing for and developing their careers. There hasbeen strong support among stakeholders for the direction we are taking. We are now ready totest some firm proposals with stakeholders and look forward to hearing people’s views onboth the changes we are proposing and how to implement them effectively.”

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NEWS

AN INDEPENDENT VIEW

Open day for aspiring independents

The AIO Practice Support Network (PSN) held its first‘Open Day’ for aspiring and recently establishedindependents in mid-May. It turned out to be a learningexperience for all involved.

Set up by the AIO in partnership with NEG, Eyeplan, SPECSnetwork/Seiko and Myers La Roche, the PSN bringstogether the combined expertise, products, services andsupport mechanisms of these five organisations to helpthe future lifeblood of the sector. Attendees on the daywere fulsome in their praise for what we are doing andsaid that they found the day immensely valuable andwould sign up to the network. For the partners in the PSN,the day was particularly useful as the attendees variedfrom being at the point of practice acquisition and newpractice establishment, as well as having set up in practicewithin the last 12 months.

The day kicked off with an introduction by the PSNpartners explaining the purpose of the network and whateach party brought to the table. Having previouslyestablished what the potential points of overlap may be interms of what each party offers, and how those overlapswould be handled, it was particularly reassuring that therewas a seamless flow to the end-to-end PSN proposition.

The attendees were then able to speak one-to-one withthe PSN partners and examine in some detail how eachcould help them in their own particular circumstances. Thisincluded identifying a practice to acquire, how to market anewly established practice, source equipment and product,use technology effectively, and optimise cash flow; in fact,the whole range of services offered by the partnerorganisations. There will now be a practical follow-up byeach of the PSN partners working directly with theindividual new and recently established practice owners.

The Open Day served not only to underline the need forsuch a structured approach to help aspiring and newindependents, but also how the network could helpestablished practices in a constantly changing world. ThePSN will now consider how best to move forward withpromoting what it has to offer across the independentsector and wider optical community. Anyone interested inknowing more about the AIO PSN is invited to [email protected] or call 0800 1300 486.

A nationwide CET roadshow has been launched to raiseawareness of the difficulties faced by patients who arediagnosed with irreversible sight loss. With the support ofthe Thomas Pocklington Trust and DOCET, Daniel Williams,founder of Visualise Training and Consultancy, has teamedup 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 thecountry and comprises of two discussion workshops: ‘Anintroduction to visual impairment’ and ‘Saving sight andsupporting sight loss’.

Daniel said: “I have heard from many sight loss professionalsthat they don’t get many referrals from optometrists anddispensing opticians, however, if these professionals arenot aware of services sight loss organisations provide thenit is inevitable that they won’t refer. I am on a mission toraise the profile of low vision amongst the optical communityand ensure no patient leaves without a referral for support.”The roadshow runs until October and dates can be found byvisiting www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/visualise-training-and-consultancy-and-orbita- black-7994577028

Visual Training and Consultancy22

On Thursday 7 June,Heidelberg Engineering willlaunch the GlaucomaImaging Atlas at the RoyalSociety of Medicine inWimpole Street, London,supported by world leadingauthorities who havecontributed to the reference.Presenting case studies atthe event will be AliTafreshi, director of clinicalresearch at HeidelbergEngineering, Germany,Christopher Mody, UK

director of clinical affairs, and Dr Christian Mardin, seniorconsultant ophthalmologist at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany.

Describing the Atlas as the cornerstone of HeidelbergEngineering Academy’s educational programme, Ali said:“This comprehensive diagnostic imaging guide forglaucoma assessment and management features 27contributors from five countries and 30 detailed patientcase studies. Our longstanding commitment to high-qualitydiagnostic imaging provides a global standard in eyecarepractices and academic institutions. This Atlas is theculmination of extensive interpretation of OCT images anddata by some of the most respected clinicians in the field. Itwill be used as a teaching tool to further educate themedical community on the implementation of our OCTtechnology, as an aid to diagnosis and management,enabling effective, individualised patient care.”

Heidelberg Engineering21

“Cornerstone of educationalprogramme”

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COMPANY PROFILE

“The way we use mail and deliveryservices is changing,” says SteveMackervoy, director of Webpost. “Fromphysical letters to hybrid and certifiedencrypted services, we adapt to deliverthe communication of the future and wedo it well. Webpost can streamline yourrecall processes and save you money.When it comes to concerns aboutinformation governance and security,generally most practices will trust thepost but not email,” Steve continues.

“However, preparing recalls for posting canbe a time-consuming and expensive process.Franking machines can deliver some savingsin terms of postage, but lengthy contractsand expensive consumables make thisoption less appealing to our customers.Webpost also eliminates the need for thattime-consuming trip to the Post Office or itwill save you money by cancelling your mailcollection service,” adds Steve.

Webpost is a professional online mailingservice designed to make business mailcheaper and more efficient. You can postdirectly from any practice managementsoftware or Microsoft application simply byselecting Webpost as your printer. The printfile is securely sent to the companyelectronically. It then prints, folds, inserts andposts your mailing before ‘handing over’ tothe Royal Mail for ‘final mile’ delivery. Thepatient still receives a physical letter but thepractitioner doesn’t have the hassle of dealingwith it. Users benefit from Webpost’s buyingpower by getting access to the best postalrates available from the Royal Mail, and NEGmembers receive a further discount on top.

HUGE SAVINGS POTENTIAL Webpost started in the UK in 2010 andhandles mailings for many private and publicsector organisations including much of theNHS. The company has scored 100 per centin the NHS Information Governance Toolkitfor the last three years, and has successfullyintroduced a fully electronic solution whichcould save practices even more money whilehelping them to effectively communicatewith patients. “The patient needs to registerto receive secure emails, which can then beaccessed via a smartphone app or throughtheir regular email client,” Steve explains. “Ifyour patient no longer has access to thatemail address but has failed to inform you,Webpost will automatically convert thecommunication to a physical letter after thetrigger period, set by you, has expired. Thesavings to be made by communicatingsecurely and digitally with your patients hasthe potential to be huge.”

Simon Rose of Rose Opticians, a family runbusiness with branches across East Londonand Essex, says: “Webpost is hugelybeneficial to my business. It is so easy touse that it means that we can keep on topof our recalls, whilst saving money as well.It also frees up the time of my staff tomake sure they can concentrate on what isimportant, our patients.” Simon continues:“Webpost has been my chosen postalpartner for many years; the service is soeasy to use and their staff have beenfantastic on the few occasions that we haveneeded to speak to them.”

REDUCING THE GDPR BURDENData protection and security are key topicsat the moment and Webpost is using the

introduction of the new General DataProtection Regulations (GDPR) as anopportunity to once again demonstrate itscommitment to customers. “As thecontroller of your patients’ data, you canrest assured that choosing Webpost as yourprocessor is the responsible choice as weare GDPR compliant,” says Steve. Webpost’sproduction facility holds ISO27001 for DataSecurity, meaning there is a framework ofpolicies and procedures that includes alllegal, physical and technical controlsinvolved in an organisation’s informationrisk management processes.

“During our GDPR research, we found thatthe information provided can beoverwhelming, and we understand youhave patients who require your utmostattention,” Steve continues. “This is why weare aiming to reduce that burden. To thisend, we have created a data sharingagreement that you, as the data controller,can submit to Webpost, the data processor,for signature. As an organisation, you arefollowing compliance guidelines in yourpartnership with Webpost and you areprotecting your patients’ rights.

“Webpost offers a free, no obligation,online demonstration of the software at atime to suit you so that you can assess theimpact that it will have on your business.The savings can be as much as 40 per centof your current costs of processing mail,although Webpost will conduct a fullanalysis for you,” adds Steve.

To find out more, contact Annie Mackervoyon 0800 074 2425, visit www.webpost.comor email [email protected]

NEG recently welcomed Webpost as a new Preferred Supplier. We hear more about its professional online mailing service…

First past the post

Webpost eliminates folding, inserting and postingfrom practices’ procedures, and collection, sorting

and transportation from the Royal Mail’s


PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

These changes have required significantinnovation and investment to increaseservice-driven growth in support of the UKoptical sector. This continued focus ontraining and equipment, cemented with a‘can do’ ethos, brings us to a point todaywhere Lenstec Optical Group offers thevery latest production facilities at its threestate-of-the-art UK-based manufacturinglaboratories, and a new warehouse anddistribution facility. Each laboratory bringsan eclectic mix of skills to the Group’soverall spectacle and lens supply offer.

Lenstec Optical Group prides itself on its ‘lean’management and manufacturing solutionsto provide the very best delivery times,driven by a ‘first time correct’ consistencyacross all three manufacturing locations.This is further supported by the Group’sQuality and Training Department, which isresponsible for monitoring continuousimprovement in all areas of the business.

LEANING IN TO SMARTER WORKING As one of the largest independent suppliersof surfaced spectacle lens glazing servicesthroughout the UK, Lenstec Optical Groupcan boast state-of-the-art edging services

with MEIand Nidekdry cutsystems. Its Rawdonplant offersthe very bestin digital

lens manufacturing using the Schneiderlean manufacturing platform. The Group’scoordinated supply chain via its threeregional lab locations delivers benefits tocustomers and patients alike with continuousimprovements to delivery times driven bythe Group’s ‘Made in the UK’ ethos.

“We have expanded our digital surfacingcapacity,” explains Lenstec Optical Groupmanaging director, Nigel Castle, “with theintroduction of a new Schneider Modulo linewith auto-blocking as part of our continuedinvestment in a full-service platform in 2018.”

Paul Walden, Group technical and salesdirector, adds: “Digital lens production hasrevolutionised lens making, creating a newgeneration of progressive, occupational andsports ophthalmic lens designs under ourExceed branding that can truly be customisedand fit the lifestyle requirements of thepatient. How could one design ever fit all?We will also continue to work with the latestgeneration of lens monomer suppliers,allowing us to deliver unprecedented levelsof vision protection, enhancement andrefinement within the material – furtherenhancing the spectacle supply experiencefor patients.”

“Digital lens manufacturing has opened awhole new world of dispensingopportunities that previously just didn’texist,” continues Scott Pearson, Rawdongeneral manager, “whether that’s a 100mmprogressive lens, a -35.00D blendedlenticular or custom combination multifocal.Every day we are delivering new solutionsto real life dispensing challenges.” Pauladds: “Our Exceed powered by Cambertechnology brings a new era in dual surfaceprogressive design. It combines complexcurves on both surfaces of the lens toprovide excellent vision correction.”

PASSING ON THE BENEFITSNigel continues: “Our aim is to pass on toour customers all the benefits that ourthree combined labs have established, andcontinue to develop. Our commitment is tocontinually invest in you – our customer –

with continued staff training andinvestment in the latest productionequipment, together with new and excitingproducts and services in the digital arena.”With global waste being high in everyone’sminds at the moment, the Group is alsocommitted to becoming as waste free andpaperless as possible going forward.Practitioners can already order by EDI ortelephone for seamless ordering anddelivery, saving time as well as paper. Butby following suggestions made bycustomers, the Group also offers invoicesand statements by email.

“As well as providing premium lensproducts, we strive to build on strongpartnerships with optical practitioners andall leading optical manufacturers, thusensuring a wide choice of products coupled

Driving growth throughservice

Since the inception of Lenstec Optical Laboratories in 1983, there have been hugechanges within the industry…

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

with high levels of consistency and quality,every time, from one single source,” saysNigel. “All three of our labs haveundertaken major investments in roboticglazing, state-of-the-art equipment andcontinuous staff training, ensuring our staffare focused on high quality, speed andaccuracy at all times.”

With the installation of Shape Finder 2 fromMEI, the Lenstec Caerphilly Sports Lab cannow take measuring sports wrap lenses toa completely new level of accuracy andfinish on premium wrap and rimlessframes, including all profiling and venting.This camera capture system can be furthermodified on the CAD software to take intoaccount the finished prescription thicknessto allow all round 3D modification to theoriginal shape. Matthew Castle, Lenstecgeneral manager, says: “The additionalinvestment in Shape Finder 2 removes anyambiguity from our measuring system,improving accuracy and speed in buildingthe eye shape to deliver exceptional qualityevery time.”

MAINTAINING HIGH STANDARDSLenstec Optical Group is proud to have been

awarded certification for the EN ISO13485:2016 Medical Devices Standard. “Thisstandard involves a stringent and intensive10-day audit of all our procedures, cultureand supply chain across the business,” saysNigel. “EN ISO 13485:2016 is much harder toaccomplish than ISO9001, so to achieve thishighly-prized accreditation there has been18 months of dedicated hard work by PaulKibble, our quality manager, Chris Kellardand the management teams across all sites.The auditors were very complimentary ofevery member of staff they spoke to and

were impressed with the culture and workethic evident throughout the business.”

Lenstec Optical Group is believed to be theonly optical manufacturing lab in the UK tohave attained this highly-acclaimed standard.The company has also just been audited forthe Investors in People 6th GenerationStandard. Supporting strong partnerships withShamir, Essilor and Seiko, the Group has beenaccredited and approved by all of thesecompanies under stringent controls. The Groupis also a leading player in sports and safetyeyewear, glazing premium 8 base sportseyewear in the UK and Europe. “Many of ourcustomers entrust us with their leading 8 basesports brands including Julbo, Oakley, CalvinKlein, Nike, Police and Ray-Ban,” said Nigel.

EXCITING PRODUCT OPPORTUNITIESThe Group’s New All-In-OneGlazed Packages combineleading UK frame suppliers,

Eyespace, Continental Eyewear, International Eyewearand Emporium Eyewear with some fantastic net completepackage pricing. The Group brings trusted, repeatableframe styles with a first class service from stock. Whetherit’s a budget or a premium design, this competitiveprescription offer allows real flexibility in practice toorder complete frame and lenses each time. Rawdonalso supplies a complete range of industrial prescriptionprotective eyewear manufactured to EN166-F in anumber of single vision and multifocal lens options.

Julbo Sports and Lifestyle Eyewear offers styles across anumber of sports including sailing, running, climbing andbiking, where Julbo has had real success during 2017/18particularly with endurance athletes. Julbo’s success is driven by its innovative use of lensmaterials such as Trivex sporting photochromic and photo/polarised technology allwrapped up in high quality lightweight frame mounts, which forms a large part of thisextreme sports sunglass range. Using its expertise in sunglasses solutions and sportseyewear, Julbo can help practitioners through its prescription sunglasses programme,known as RX Trem.

The VerSport range offers Rx solutions for children, teensand adults for football, hockey, basketball and other sports.VerSport prescription goggles comprise of impact resistant frames made from a high-yield polymer based material with vented bridge and temple protection to offer thebest impact protection for high energy sports. VerSport sports frames are all suppliedwith a simple twist, release and lock side arm/head band option and are available as afull prescription programme using Trivex and polycarbonate impact protective lenses.

The INVU Ultra polarised sunglass range is an intelligent,multi-layer light management system. The 2018prescription programme benefits from all of the normalpolarised 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 preferentialrates. www.lenstecopticalgroup.co.uk


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Optometry has a major role to play in thequality of longer life expectancy, believesProfessor John Nolan from Ireland’s NutritionResearch Centre. Speaking at Optrafair inApril, Professor Nolan said: “There arestrong indications that the first signs ofblindness – particularly caused by maculardegeneration – have some correlationwith the first signs of dementia. The stateof the retina, and the nutrients present –dietary pigments known as carotenoids –give us a tremendous insight into the stateof the brain and the nutrients in the brain.

“Thanks to the wonderful technologies thatwe now have to assess patients, the retinacan be used as a biomarker for brain healthand how this relates to nutrition status,” saidProfessor Nolan, who has been exploringthe link between nutrition and eye healthfor 15 years at the Nutrition Research CentreIreland (NRCI), based in Waterford.

“We know that three key nutrients – lutein,zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin[carotenoids] – taken together have a directimpact on macular pigment density, and thatenrichment of these carotenoids enhancesvisual function, but that we get very little ofthese nutrients in a regular diet. We knowthat individuals with high macular pigmentalso score highest in cognitive function tests –particularly with attention and memory.

“Even healthy people who eat plenty ofleafy greens and coloured vegetables onlyconsume circa 1.5mg of carotenoids per day,which is not enough. We need at least 10mgper day to impact change at tissue level, sowe are miles away from having enough ofthese important nutrients naturally. With

age, our ability to neutralise unstable freeradicals reduces and our ability to protectour cells of vision is sub-optimal.

“This is not just about stopping vision lossand preventing the onset and progressionof macular degeneration, but it is alsoabout optimising the vision that we have.As a profession, optometrists know evenpatients with good, and best-corrected,visual acuity complain about glare at nightand contrast sensitivity due to light scatter.Enriching macular pigment with the threecarotenoids reduces light scatter andenhances contrast sensitivity.”

SUPPLEMENTS GIVE “BEST OUTCOME”Professor Nolan’s team at Waterford havebeen monitoring a group of more than 100healthy volunteers in one study and anothercohort with age-related maculardegeneration for over a 10-year period aspart of the European Research Council fundedCentral Retinal Enrichment SupplementationTrials (CREST).

Professor Nolan continued: “Undoubtedly,sustained supplementation gives us the bestoutcome. We have achieved a 100 per centimprovement in macular pigment responsewhen the three macular carotenoids are usedin the intervention, with positive resultsevident after 12 months. This is surely a betterroute to care than waiting for the disease todevelop to end stages and having to spend

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

Professor Nolan uses Heidelberg Engineering’supgradeable multi-modal imaging platform,Spectralis, to monitor his patients, asKrysten Williams, UK director of HeidelbergEngineering explained: “High repeatabilityand reliability are important factors whenmonitoring patients in studies investigatingthe influence of diet and supplements onmacular pigment density.

“John Nolan is using a Spectralis HRA+OCTwith MultiColor specially designed forresearch, not available for sale, using dual-wavelength auto-fluorescence to measuremacular pigment,” Krysten continued. “Thishas been clinically proven to be a highlyaccurate measure of macular pigment densitylevels in comparison to the existing goldstandard, but with the added advantages ofbeing an objective test that is faster, non-invasive and easier for the patient.”

Visit www.LoveYourOCT.com to find outmore about the Spectralis. To find out moreabout retinal health and nutritionalsupplementation you can visitwww.profjohnnolan.com or attend theBrain and Ocular Nutrition Conference on 11-13 July at Downing College, Cambridge.Visit www.bonconference.org. Copy andimages supplied by Heidelberg Engineering.

Optometrists should play agreater part in patient qualityof life, says leading expert

NUTRITION & THE EYE

Food for thought

Professor John Nolan

Veiling luminance after macular supplements

Leaves before and after macular supplements


TECHNOLOGY

We have been hearing much about 3Dprinting recently. Will this change theindustry and the world of manufacturing? Orwill it encourage home users to experimentand market their own designs? We simplydo not know at this stage, but indicationsare certainly strongly favouring the latter.

Let’s face it, everyone is talking about 3Dprinting and it seems that there is atechnology race going on to makeprofessional grade printing available to theconsumer. For me, I still engage with theexpressions of my workshop visitors whenthey can see this plastic alchemy unfoldbefore their own eyes. Shapes and colourshave rarely been so interesting; we cannow unlock creativity with a touch of abutton. In this article, we will take a step into my workshop and see how thistechnology is applied on a micro scale tohelp people in a way never before possible.

FROM DESIGN TO PRINT

To better explain the design-to-printprocess, we will work though a basicexample. On inspection, we can see thebridge of the folding frame is fractured. Thisis a major stress baring component, so wemust choose an appropriate material thatwill have superior mechanical strength anddurability. The preferred material here isABS, which is the same material as used inthe manufacture of Lego.

1. The design process first requires us tomodel a precise two-dimensioned shape.

After the shape has been modelled, we canrevert-back at any time to make changes todimension, curves and details. Anyretrospective changes we make will affectthe final model. This is very importantwhen we consider multiple bridge sizes. Wecan simply design one model and makedimension changes as required.

2. Next, we thicken the shape to form a3D object.

This process is called ‘extruding’. The model isthickened from a point we call the mid plane.By controlling the position of the mid plane,we can cut sections of excess material fromthe design or introduce more complexextruded geometry.

3. The file is saved in a format that iscompatible with the printer softwareand uploaded. Material types, printingresolution and settings must beprogrammed.

The printer software gives us full control toinput our own preferred settings. We canset the print speed, build layer heights andmaterial density to manipulate print timesand generate support materials to preventlarge over-hanging prints from falling over.

4. The finished part is fitted after visualinspection for flaws and testing formechanical strength.

Let us now consider the application of thetechnology on general adaptions, such aseyecups. It is my observation that manyframes requiring such adaptions are lowvalue; this inevitably means that, asprofessionals, you might be spending moretime 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 thewearer when required and doesn’t causedamage to the frame. Patients can beconfidently dispensed higher value frames,knowing the addition of 3D printed sideshields will not cause irreversible cosmeticdamage to the frame.

With all new projects, we must have a goaland this project is no different. At Spec-Care,we use technology and engineering toenhance technical services. I would like tothink that the work we are now undertakingwill help the profession to see difficultdispensing situations in a new way. As abusiness, we can now help people show offtheir differences, instead of hide them. Weare at the start of a very exciting journeyand we regularly share our advances onFacebook and Instagram, so join us today tosee for yourself @speccareltd

Rob Barrow FBDO SMC(Tech) is thecompany director of Spec-Care, a framerepairs workshop based in Exeter.

A new way of thinkingStep inside Rob Barrow’s workshop to see how 3D printing can help you see difficultdispensings in a new light…

Broken frame requiring a new central mount

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

Vision Now JUNE 2018 23

PRODUCT PROFILE

Optinet FLEX is tailored to the ever-changing needs ofindependent High Street practices of all shapes and sizes

“FLEX encompasses all aspects of the day-to-day running of the practice business –from maintaining patient records,appointment scheduling, recording of theclinical assessment and examinationresults and creation of patient dispensesand till receipt,” says Chris Smith, Optinetbusiness development manager. “From aback-office perspective, full reporting andbusiness intelligence is available, as wellas the ability to interrogate data and sendcommunications to patients through recallsor 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 fromany PC with an internet connection, and agroup-wide picture of the business can beaccessed allowing important businessdecisions to be made. Day-to-day functionscan be centralised and group wideconfiguration changes can be applied toappointment bookings, recall, marketing,stock control and transfers, and reporting.”

The Optinet team are continuously lookingat how to develop the software to supportthe ever-evolving face of independentpractice. “A practice management system isan investment in the business and, as such,it is so important that it moves with thetimes, building on the latest technologiesavailable so that the practice can benefitfrom the cost and time saving productenhancements. At Optinet we always havean eye to the future; maintaining closerelationships with our users and opticalsuppliers helps to shape the softwarewhilst regular automatic updates distributedvia the internet ensure the software isalways up-to-date.”

ENHANCED FUNCTIONALITYOptinet recently worked with Docmail tobring two new enhancements to FLEX:letter printing and marketing postcards.FLEX is now able to send letters directly toDocmail to be securely printed and thenposted on to patients. “Docmail Letters lookprofessional and of the highest quality,”says Chris. “And the addition of personalisednon-window envelopes, with the practiceaddress and logo printed, will ensure thatrecall letters are easily identified when theyarrive with other daily post.”

Docmail Postcards is designed to helppractices build new business, as Chrisexplains: “We have a selection of pre-builttemplates to choose from; simply add yourown message and logo to the reverse andyou’re done. Post-campaign analysis allowsyou to measure success based on number ofappointment bookings or revenue generated.”

Another feature of FLEX is the ability forpatients to book their appointments online,allowing the practice to be open even whenit’s closed. Chris says: “We all lead busy livesand online booking allows patients theflexibility to book an appointment at a timethat suits them.” Optical Payment Services(OPS) is Optinet’s paperless direct debitsystem, integrated directly into the FLEXsoftware meaning staff do not have to‘break out’ of the PMS. Automatic messagingbetween FLEX and OPS also helps practicestaff keep on top of admin.

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

the point-of-sale. “FLEX talks to the pinentry device and passes the payment to be debited – saving the staff the task of re-keying the amount,” Chris explains. “Thetransaction is authorised, and the paymentstatus is received back into FLEX. The wholeprocess takes just a few seconds from startto finish.” With regards to electronic GOSsubmissions, this is already running live inScotland and is currently under developmentin England.

“Our Scottish practices can submit their GOS1, 3 and 4 claims using the integratedsystem without having to ‘break out’ anduse the stand-alone web interface,” saysChris. “The inclusion of the sight test checkalso means patient eligibility can bechecked instantly. We’re committed tointegrating the GOS claims system into FLEXfor England, and development is wellunderway.” Looking to the future, Chris says:“We will continue to search the industry,looking for partnerships that will benefitusers of the FLEX system – after all the PMSsits at the heart of the business. Used fully,it can help staff work more efficiently andpresents a modern professional view of thebusiness to your patients.”

A version of this article first appeared inthe June 2018 issue of Dispensing Optics.

An eye to the future


STYLE SPOTLIGHT

Colour and technology invigorate eyewearwith inviting interpretations in frames and lenses. Tinted lenses further enhancethe natural beauty of frames in acetate,titanium, stainless steel, wood, silver and gold.

Since the mid-18th century, colour ineyewear and fashion has totallytransformed the potential for designers,retailers and customers. The firstexperiments with tinted lenses began withJames Ayscough in the 1850s, a Londonoptician who also created scientificinstruments. Additionally, English chemistWilliam Henry Perkins, who invented thefirst aniline dye, ultimately transformed thehistory of colour in fashion.

What has transpired since these discoverieshas had an amazing impact on how peopleview and respond to colour in eyewear andfashion. In the 1900s, tinted sunglassesbegan to be used for light sensitivityexasperated by medical conditions. As thecentury progressed, sunglasses morphedbeyond the medical necessity into thedirection of a fashion statement.

Lens companies, acknowledged for theirclear lenses, embraced this growing trendand started creating lenses with appealingcolours and filtering tints. Viewing lifethrough ‘rose-coloured glasses’ usuallymeans an optimistic, cheerful and hopefulperception. Nowadays, there are multiplereasons to be cheerfully optimistic, astinted lenses are offered in a wide varietyof tones – and the fashion-conscious choice.What stimulates this interest?

Laurent Dosseville, business developmentand marketing director at Transitions Europe,observes: “We consider Transitions lensessitting on both sides of the fence: clear andcoloured lenses. The interest in colouredlenses is stimulated by style – in generalmore important than before in theprescription eyewear buying process. Styledoes not come only from the frame, but alsocan be driven by the choice of lens colour.Previously, prescription lens colour choicewas mostly either functional or cultural; nowit can be driven by spirited style, as withTransitions Signature Style Colours.”

DELICATE AND DYNAMIC COLOUR PORTFOLIOThe vast range of frame colours hasrevolutionised spectacle designs, and with

innovative technology, the same applies tolens colours that are elegant and mayreinforce sight. Tinted lenses make a fashionstatement – plus they are beneficial foroverall visual performance. The colour rangeavailable in lenses is constantly developing,and offers numerous benefits to ensure morecomfortable vision. Certain colours acclimateto specific situations, such as driving, golfand other vision-dependent sports.

Yellow, amber and brown lens tints aregenerally the best colour for universal glareprotection, and are ideal for golfers and tennisplayers. Green tints provide ideal colourperception for high glare, characterised inGötti Switzerland’s Perspective design –awarded Frame of the Year at the 2018Optician Awards. If biking and jogging areyour patient’s favourite outdoor pursuits,red tints are good for natural colourdiscernment and awareness of details.

Sailors and water sport enthusiasts endorsedark green and grey lenses, while orangetones assist in balancing out changesbetween light and shade. Purple tintsabsorb colour well, and benefit peopleshooting trap or skeet. Blue tints are elegantin hue, while reducing glare especially in

The Capri Collection by LGRBy Joan Grady

Frame of the Year 2018 Perspective by Götti Switzerland

TintedlensesTECH,TRENDSAND TIPS

Essilor Sun Solutions in Fresco Blue


sun, fog or snow conditions. Beautiful newblue tints have been created by Essilor SunSolutions, with a Fresco Blue lens that isinspired by old traditional pigments used inMediterranean decoration, and a throwbackto a joyful golden age.

For extreme conditions in sun and snow,mirror lenses decrease the quantity of lightpassing through the lens. Transitions hasrecently launched Fashion Chrome – orTransitions XTRActive Flash to Mirror lenses.Laurent Dosseville says: “Flash to Mirrorlenses is a great idea coming from the field.A long time ago, a few passionate opticianshad the idea to apply a flash mirror onTransitions lenses for a special effect.Nowadays we offer a proper range matchingdifferent mirror colours with three differentTransitions XTRActive colours. We areconstantly working on adjusting the Flashto Mirror range to colour trends.”

SUNSHINE QUALIFIEDEyewear designers welcome the trend forsun specs with tinted lenses, and sunglasscollections offer stunning choices in amazingcolour contrasts between frames and lenses.With a glorious multi-coloured palette inboth frames and lenses, designers’imaginations are free to explore excitingopportunities. The idyllic island of Capri withits delicate atmosphere, and the magnificent

colourations of the island’s flora and fauna,inspire the Capri Collection by LGR, withtinted lenses in green, blue and grey.

California’s pleasant and abundant sunnydays create endless possibilities to enjoysleek sun specs by Salt Optics, with McKeanin titanium and beta-titanium and doublemirror lenses for superb protection. Craftedin an atelier in Normandy, the French brandPlein les Mirettes harmonises acetateframes in subtle shades of Mazzucchelliacetate in copper, grey and black with Zeissgradient grey lenses.

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

shape – Brooklyn – with green lenses thatprovide high glare protection, as well asfashion savvy.

Transitions Flash to Mirror Red Sunriselenses highlight a striking cat-eye shape inWoow frames, a division of Face à FaceParis. Sun specs with opulence dramatiseluxurious frames by Anna-Karin Karlsson inthe Daffodil, with pink lenses surroundedby Swarovski crystals. Also viewing lifethrough a rosy perspective is CarolineAbraham with Widana, a spirited cat-eyedesign and CR39 gradient lenses.

Beautiful frames and lenses merit care andconsideration. Keeping lenses smudge freehas become much easier with Eyeshaker,the efficient, sanitary and simple method ofkeeping lenses spotless. The Eyeshaker kitis equipped with a tube shaker, cleaningliquid and a microfibre cloth. The method iseasy and quickly eliminates dirt, make-up,smears and sand – a summer hazard.

Tinted hues provide the independentoptician with a unique, special opportunityto engage and educate patients about theexceptional advantages of coloured lenses.Also, the safety and eye-protective benefitsof these lenses result in a refreshing,satisfying vision experience – with comfortand chic style.

McKean by Salt Optics with double mirror lenses

The Daffodil by Anna-Karin Karlsson

Widana by Caroline Abram

Christina by ic! berlin with Transitions Amber lenses

Diva 8 by Plein les Mirettes Eyeshaker for spotless lenses

STYLE SPOTLIGHT

Woow with Transitions Flash to Mirror Red Sunrise lenses

Retro chic from Lafont Paris with Brooklyn


Preferred Suppliers’ Directory

ACCEPT CARDS Tel: 01422 [email protected]

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

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

ASSOCIATED OPTICALTel: 01628 605433Fax: 01628 [email protected]

BAUSCH + LOMBTel: 020 8781 2900www.bausch.co.uk

BIB OPHTHALMICINSTRUMENTSTel: 01438 [email protected]

BONDEYE OPTICALTel: 0121 7723888Fax: 0808 [email protected]

BRULIMAROPTICAL GROUPTel: 0161 655 7000Fax: 0161 655 7002www.brulimar.co.uk

CENTROSTYLEOPTICAL CENTRE SUPPLIES LTDTel: 01923 239267Fax: 01923 [email protected]

CHARMANT UK CO LTDTel: 020 8992 9222Fax: 020 8896 [email protected]

CONTINENTAL EYEWEARTel: 0151 426 3907Fax: 0151 426 [email protected]

COOPERVISIONTel: 0870 9000 055www.coopervision.co.uk

DAVID THOMASTel: 01604 646216Fax: 01604 [email protected]

DIBBLE OPTICAL SUPPLIESTel: 01634 880885Fax: 01634 [email protected]

DUNELM OPTICALTel: 01388 420420Fax: 01388 [email protected]

ESSILORTel: 01454 281281Fax: 01454 281282 www.essilor.co.uk

EYESPACETel: 01527 870550Fax: 01527 [email protected]

GO EYEWEAR UK LTDTel: 0800 9178270www.goeyeweargroup.com

HEIDELBERGENGINEERINGTel: 01442 502 330Fax: 01442 242 386 www.HeidelbergEngineering.co.uk

HENRY BEAUMONTTel: 0116 251 8936Fax: 0116 262 [email protected]

HILCO EUROPETel: 0800 [email protected]

HOYA LENS UK Tel: 0845 330 0984Fax: 0845 330 [email protected]@hoya.co.ukwww.hoya.co.uk

INTERNATIONALEYEWEAR LTDTel: 0121 585 6565Fax: 0121 585 0954www.internationaleyewear.co.uk

LENSTECTel: 029 2088 3009Fax: 029 2088 [email protected]

LOUIS STONE OPTICAL LTDTel: 029 2073 5293Fax: 029 2073 [email protected]

LUXOTTICA (UK) LTDTel: 0808 165 8555www.luxottica.com

MARCHONTel: 0800 72 [email protected]

MARK’ENNOVYTel: 0800 3280610Fax: 0800 [email protected]

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 713698Directory 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 [email protected]

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A refreshing perspectiveTo 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.

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 [email protected]

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MID-OPTICTel: 01332 295001Fax: 01332 [email protected]

NATIONWIDEFRAME REPAIRSTel: 01706 369530Fax: 01706 [email protected]

No7 CONTACT LENSESTel: 01424 850620Fax: 01424 [email protected]

OPTINET LTDTel: 0845 313 [email protected]

ORANGE EYEWEARTel: 0161 773 5555Fax: 0161 773 [email protected]

PERFORMANCE FINANCETel: 01536 529696Fax: 01536 310033www.performancefinance.co.uk

POSITIVE IMPACTTel: 08446 696907glasklar@positiveimpactsales.co.ukwww.positiveimpactsales.co.uk

PRACTICE BUILDINGTel: 0115 989 [email protected]

PRO-OPTICTel: 01884 [email protected]

RAWDON OPTICAL LTDTel: 0113 288 3094Fax: 0113 288 [email protected]

RODENSTOCKTel: 01474 [email protected]

SEIKO OPTICAL UKTel: 01452 610033Fax: 01452 [email protected]@seiko-optical.co.ukwww.seiko-optical.co.uk

SHAMIR UKTel: 01954 785100Fax: 01954 785101 [email protected]

SILHOUETTE UK LTDTel: 020 8987 8899Fax: 020 8987 [email protected]

SPEC-CARE LTDTel: 01392 [email protected]

STEPPER UKTel: 01732 [email protected]

TANT LABORATORIESTel: 01279 653785www.tantlabs.com

THE NORVILLE GROUP LTDTel: 01452 [email protected]

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

THREE SIXTYTel: 01686 627595Fax: 01696 [email protected]

ULTRAVISIONTel: 01525 381112Fax: 01525 [email protected]

XACTTel: 01698 574 [email protected]

YOUNGER OPTICS EUROPEUK Tel: 01242 578971UK Mobile: 0790 133 [email protected]

0845 [email protected]

www.optinetuk.com

Openyour

eyes to

T 01527 870550eyespace-eyewear.co.uk

www.HeidelbergEngineering.co.uk

Telephone: 01442 502 330

Alisdair Buchanan, Buchanan Optometrists

Only one comment,

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The Norville Group Limited, Magdala Road, Gloucester GL1 4DG

Tel: 01452 510321Email: [email protected]

NNorville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2Norville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2Norville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2Norville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2Norville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2Norville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2Norville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2Norville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2Norville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2Norville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2Norville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2Norville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2Norville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2Norville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2Norville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2Norville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2Norville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2Norville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2Norville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2Norville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2Norville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2Norville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2Norville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2Norville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2Norville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2Norville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2Norville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2Norville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2Norville 38 x 71mm ad.indd 2 226/05/2016 12:5626/05/2016 12:5626/05/2016 12:5626/05/2016 12:5626/05/2016 12:5626/05/2016 12:5626/05/2016 12:5626/05/2016 12:5626/05/2016 12:5626/05/2016 12:5626/05/2016 12:5626/05/2016 12:5626/05/2016 12:5626/05/2016 12:5626/05/2016 12:5626/05/2016 12:5626/05/2016 12:56

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Try beforeyou buy!

Heidelberg Engineering offer an 18 month,

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Call 01442 502330 today to choose the SPECTRALIS that is right for you, your practice and your patients.

vvv - national eyecare group · nearly 9 out of 10 wearers agree dailies total1® contact lenses...

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