a4 - 9 column - abdo€¦ · the abdo board was unanimous in its support for this initiative and is...

DISPENSINGOPTICS

APRIL 2017

NEWS, INFORMATION andEDUC ATION for OPTICIANS

TX5/Titanium

Stepper (UK) Limited11 tannery RoadTonbridgeKentTN9 1RF01732 375975www.stepper.co.uk Frame style shown: SI-30087

3Dispensing Optics APRIL 2017

FRONT COVER

Model Connor from the Julbo Life Collection,available from Lenstec

28. ReportMido at the top of its game

30. Charity focusSustainable sight loss prevention

Regulars

5. DO Dispatches

6. The Anderson Files

8. Letters

8. News

16. FAQs

32. JottingsFutureproofing our profession by Saima Begum Naroo

34. Jobs & Notices

Features

17. Product SpotlightSpotlight on lenses

20. Continuing Education & Training Low add boost, occupational or degressive lenses: what are they all about? by Andy Sanders

24. Multiple Choice Answers A practice perspective on autism by Andrew Millington

25. CETUnlimited points with DIY CET

26. In practiceBenefits of digital lens dispensing by Antonia Chitty

Contents

Dispensing Optics APRIL 2017

29.

17. 14.

16.

27.

IINVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1INVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1INVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1INVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1INVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1INVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1INVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1INVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1INVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1INVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1INVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1INVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1INVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1INVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1INVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1INVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1INVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1INVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1INVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1INVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1INVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1INVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1INVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1INVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1INVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1INVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1INVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1INVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1INVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1INVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1INVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1INVU Norville A4 ad 2017.indd 1 113/02/2017 13:4613/02/2017 13:4613/02/2017 13:4613/02/2017 13:4613/02/2017 13:4613/02/2017 13:4613/02/2017 13:4613/02/2017 13:4613/02/2017 13:4613/02/2017 13:4613/02/2017 13:4613/02/2017 13:4613/02/2017 13:4613/02/2017 13:4613/02/2017 13:4613/02/2017 13:4613/02/2017 13:46


DISPENSING OPTICSThe Professional Journal of the Associationof British Dispensing Opticians

VOLUME 32 NO 4

EDITORIAL STAFFEditor Sir Anthony Garrett CBE HonFBDO

Assistant Editor Jane BurnandManaging Editor Nicky Collinson BA (Hons)

Email [email protected] and Production Rosslyn Argent BA (Hons)

Email [email protected]. Manager Deanne Gray HonFBDO

Email [email protected]

EDITORIAL/ADVERTISINGTelephone 0781 2734717Email [email protected] www.abdo.org.uk

SUBSCRIPTIONSUK £150Overseas £175, including postageApply to Tom VetiAssociation of British Dispensing OpticiansGodmersham Park, Godmersham, Kent CT4 7DT

Telephone 01227 733922Email [email protected] www.abdo.org.uk

ABDO CETHead of CET Paula Stevens MA ODE BSc(Hons)

MCOptom FBDO CL (Hons)AD SMC(Tech)

ABDO CET, 5 Kingsford Business Centre, Layer Road,Kingsford, Colchester CO2 0HT

Telephone 01206 734155Email [email protected]

CONTINUING EDUCATION REVIEW PANELJoanne Abbott BSc(Hons) FBDO SMC(Tech)

Keith Cavaye FBDO(Hons)CL FBCLA

Andrew Cripps FBDO(Hons) PG Cert HE FHEA

Kim Devlin FBDO(Hons)CL

Stephen Freeman BSc(Hons) MCOptom FBDO(Hons) FHEA Cert Ed

Abilene Macdonald Grute BSc(Hons) MCOptom BSc(Hons) FBDO(Hons)

SLD(Hons)LVA Dip Dist Ed Cert Ed

Richard Harsant FBDO(Hons)CL(Hons)LVA

Andrew Keirl BOptom(Hons) MCOptom FBDO

Angela McNamee BSc(Hons) MCOptom FBDO(Hons)CL FBCLA Cert Ed

Linda Rapley BSc(Hons) FCOptom PGDip PGCE

Andrew Stokes FBDO SMC(Tech)

JOURNAL ADVISORY COMMITTEERichard Crook FBDO

Kim Devlin FBDO(Hons)CL

Kevin Gutsell FBDO(Hons) SLD

Ros Kirk FBDO

Angela McNamee BSc(Hons) MCOptom FBDO(Hons)CL FBCLA Cert Ed

DISPENSING OPTICS IS PUBLISHED BYABDO, 199 Gloucester Terrace, London W2 6LDDISPENSING OPTICS IS PRINTED BYP&P Litho Ltd, Ashford, Middlesex TW15 1AB

© ABDO: No part of this publication may be reproduced, storedin a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meanswhatever without the written prior permission of the publishers

Dispensing Optics welcomes contributions for possibleeditorial publication. However, contributors warrant to thepublishers that they own all rights to illustrations, artwork orphotographs submitted and also to copy which is factuallyaccurate and does not infringe any other party’s rights

ISSN 0954 3201

AVERAGE CIRCULATION: 9,255 Jan-Dec 2016ABDO Board certification

ONCE-IN-A-GENERATIONOPPORTUNITY

ABDO has submitted a comprehensive and

forward-looking paper to the General

Optical Council (GOC) in response to the

consultation it is holding on the future of Optical Education

in the UK. This can be viewed in the News section of the

ABDO website.

The review is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to seek and

deliver change. ABDO sees this as an ideal time to promote

the skills of qualified dispensing opticians, to press for a wider

and more appropriate scope of practice and to bring greater

flexibility for our members.

Extending knowledge, providing new career opportunities and

better care for patients lies at the heart of our submission. It

is our view that there is every reason to believe that the

profession will continue to grow and expand its role in what

are certain to be times of change.

Your Association will be campaigning hard in support of our

submission and the enhanced role we seek for colleagues. We

are delighted that the Optical Confederation in its own

submission has been fully supportive of our aspirations.

The ABDO board was unanimous in its support for this

initiative and is extremely grateful to Alicia Thompson,

director of professional examinations for ABDO, for compiling

such an excellent document.

Sir Anthony GarrettABDO general secretary

DO Dispatches

6 Dispensing Optics APRIL 2017

FIONA ANDERSON BSC(HONS) FBDO R SMC(TECH) Our monthly column from the ABDO president

THEA FILES

Following the launch of theAssociation of Optometrists’Peer Support Line, I have beenthinking about just how vitalpeer support is – not only in

optics, but in all walks of life. Nowadays, everyone is busy. Being ABDO

president often feels like a full-time job (in agood way) and almost everyone I know andmeet are just as busy. Our fast-paced livesplace demands on us in untold ways andsometimes it can get too much, leading tostress and poor health. Support from thosearound us is vital – whether it’s a quickcoffee with a friend or a workplace catch-up with a colleague. Having a solid supportnetwork allows us to function and fulfil ournumerous roles – both at home and at work.

ABDO and ABDO College rely heavily on anetwork of people who work behind thescenes – not just employed staff who keep thewheels of the organisations in motion, but awhole host of others who are tutors,examiners, people who write articles forDispensing Optics, CET authors and presenters,representatives on various committees and sothe list goes on. I have always understood howmuch goes on behind the scenes, but I nowhave full sight of it and am deeply indebted toall those who contribute to the ongoing workof the Association.

Whilst pondering about the importanceof peer support, I decided to brush up onwhat support ABDO offers members. I had agood look at the Member Benefits sectionof the ABDO website and was pleasantlysurprised at the host of benefits ABDOoffers in addition to the widely-recognisedDiary and CET. The helplines we provide arewhat you would expect for a membershiporganisation, namely: Legal and Tax, Fitnessto Practise, Professional IndemnityInsurance and (the one which jumped outat me) Counselling. I wonder how manymembers are aware of this service?

I know from personal experience thateveryone deals with stress and pressuredifferently but if it all gets too much andthe usual support networks are not helping,I find it comforting to know that myprofessional organisation has help at handin the form of this helpline.

Additionally, I would like to signpostpeople to the ABDO Benevolent Fund for casesof financial hardship. This is a fund whichABDO holds to provide practical support forvarious issues. The Benevolent Fund can offerhelp and advice, and grant payments tocover situations as diverse as specialistmedical opinion or a roof repair due to astorm. The Fund is not limitless, however, and Ibelieve we should use it to help members inneed, rather than sitting on capital that couldbe bringing relief to members.

If you want to find out more about theABDO Benevolent Fund, please refer back toits chair, Jennifer Brower’s insightful article

for Dispensing Optics published in June2016, which can be accessed via theMembers Area of the ABDO website. If youor someone you know needs help from theBenevolent Fund, in the first instancecontact Jane Burnand on 0207 2985102 [email protected]

So, in closing this month’s AndersonFiles, I would encourage everyone to try tosupport each other. Colleagues are oftenour closest friends and allies, and we cangain strength from them. I have beensupported many times by my friends andcolleagues over the years, and I hope tosupport them as they have me.

LASER SURGERY QUESTLast month EyecareFAQ offered you a new laser eye surgery infographic, withFAQs on the topic and images to share. April brings information on well-fittingspectacles, freeform lenses, as well as postcard images about what to do whenthere is a problem with your new glasses. Findquestions and answers on more topics atwww.abdo.org.uk/information-for-the-public/eyecarefaq for use on your practice website andsocial media channels.

Eyecare FAQ is at:• www.facebook.com/eyecarefaq • www.twitter.com/eyecarefaq• plus.google.com/+eyecarefaq• www.pinterest.com/eyecarefaq• instagram.com/eyecarefaqTo tie in with the new regional structure, ABDO has

new Facebook accounts for each region where you willfind news of your local CET events. Please follow theaccount that ties in to your region; you may want to liketwo pages if you live and work in different regions.Please invite and tag colleagues too:

www.facebook.com/ABDOSouthEnglandwww.facebook.com/ABDOMidlandswww.facebook.com/ABDONorthEngland www.facebook.com/ABDOScotland www.facebook.com/ABDONorthernIreland www.facebook.com/ABDOWales www.facebook.com/ABDOLNDDon’t forget: ABDO and ABDO College are on Facebook,

Twitter and LinkedIn. Check out the social media channelsfor optical news and updates. Please share photos fromoptical events with us and invite your colleagues to like thesocial media accounts too.

The Anderson Files

Missed us at Optrafair?

Then visit our website for more information

regarding our latest promotion:

REFER A FRIEND TO OUR SPARK MiTM AND

RECEIVE £100!

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We kindly reserve the right to editcontributions prior to publication.Follow us on Twitter @ABDOCollege,@MembershipABDO and @ABDONews

Letters

Readers will most likely be aware of the national shortagesof lettuces following extreme weather conditions acrossone region of Spain where more than 60 per cent of UKsupplies are sourced.

One might imagine those supermarket buyers responsiblebeing hauled up in front of their buying director either to bechastised for having only a single supply source, orcongratulated on escalating lettuce margins for the nextfew years.

Much further south, Kenyan rose farmers have just owned upthey were unable to fulfil their February red rose contractsas unusually cold conditions had put the rose harvest twoweeks behind. On hearing the news, supermarkets rushedout their buyers to insist their contracts were honoured infull. This shortage then transferred to the auction marketfrom where most independents rely on suppliers encouragingpoorer quality and higher prices.

The moral of this story is not just how quickly this can impactsupply lines, but how similarly a blast of volcanic ash closingair transport routes, or mayhem following a local coup,could similarly affect ophthalmic lens supplies. Forgettingsingle vision, whose production left European shores longago, however, prescription surfaced lenses still represent 60per cent of the UK premium ophthalmic market. Spectacleframes are of little use with no lenses fitted into them.

I have to admit personally misjudging that Rx lens supplywould ever cross national boundaries and become producedin far distant lands. So great now are those volumes thatinsufficient spare production capacity exists in the UKshould they ever need to return at short notice.

Opticians of all styles should be aware of the actual productionlocation of lenses they order. Independent opticians would dowell to cultivate more than just one UK production source sothey might stand at the head of any capacity queue. Notputting all their lenses into one basket could be a wise call.

Frank Norville Gloucester

LETTUCES AND LENSES

HAVE YOUR SAYEmail [email protected] orwrite to Dispensing Optics, PO Box233, Crowborough TN27 3AB@

ABDO events and bookinginformation can be found atwww.abdo.org.uk/events

SPRING IN ITS STEPAs the evenings are getting lighter, so are the frames from Stepper.New from Stepper this spring is the SI-30087 in a TX5 and titaniumcombination. Lighter and brighter, this model comes in Rose with atranslucent, soft-pink front with contrasting matt silver sides, andShell with a tortoiseshell front with matt gold sides. Both colourwaysfeature double Swarovski stones for added appeal.

“All this weighing in at just 7.8g and offering hypoallergenicproperties will make the SI-30087 a popular choice this spring,” saidStepper UK MD, Peter Reeve.

LEARNING AT TOP OF GOC AGENDAThe General Optical Council (GOC) is putting the learning anddevelopment of optical professionals at the top of the agenda afteragreeing its Strategic Plan for the period April 2017 to March 2020.

The GOC’s other two main priorities for the coming three years are: atargeted approach to regulation, and organisational transformation. GOCdirector of strategy, Alistair Bridge, said: “As the optical sector faces aperiod of substantial change, our new Strategic Plan highlights ourcommitment to ensuring that optical professionals are equipped for theroles of the future, with the delivery of our Education Strategic Reviewbeing a top priority.”

The Council has also published guidance on its website to assistregistrants in meeting its standard relating to the professional duty ofcandour. This requires all those working in healthcare to be “open, honestand transparent with patients when things go wrong and a patient hassuffered physical or psychological harm or distress, or there might beimplications for their future care”.

ENHANCED DIGITAL HUBBausch + Lomb has launched an enhanced digital hub at

www.bausch.co.uk,delivering educationalmaterials, news, productinformation and expertinsight.

The website also enablescustomers to order productsonline as well as learnabout the company’s lensportfolio. Practitioners canalso create a personaliseduser account.

New SI-30087 from Stepper

NEWS

New B+L website

Please call customer services on 0844 880 1349 to request a brochure.

www.bbgr.co.uk

NEW NIGHT DRIVEBOOST TECHNOLOGY Everyday lenses that reduce the sensation of glare*

T E C H N O L O G Y

Nowavailable


NEWS

SUPPORTING LOCAL YOUNGSTERSTransitions Optical has become a sponsor of Camp Abilities Ireland, which offers aweek-long residential sport and physical activity camp for children with visionimpairments throughout Ireland.

Speaking at the launch of the partnership, the managing director of the CARA CentreNiamh Daffy, which runs the camps, said: “The importance of the partnership withTransitions Optical will allow Camp Abilities to expand and create more opportunitiesthroughout Ireland for children with vision impairments with future plans to hostresidential camps in Limerick and Dublin.”

Nigel Corbett, Transitions’ corporate social responsibility director for the UK andIreland, added: “As a local employer with over 500 people working in our business centresin Tuam, Ennis and Blessington, we are delighted to be involved in supporting thiswonderful initiative which focuses on ability and achievement whilst at the same timehelping to build the children’s self- confidence.”

Launching the new partnership

SILMO MOURNS DEATHOF PRESIDENT As Silmo prepares for its 2017 show inOctober, it has announced the death ofits president Philippe Lafont.

In a statement, the show organiserssaid: “Since 2012, Philippe Lafont hasdevoted himself to developing the exhibition,seeking to make Silmo a flagship forum forall industry stakeholders. Continuing thework begun by Guy Charlot, Philippe’scommitment has seen Silmo become avaluable tool for opticians and helped toraise the profile of the French optics sector.Under his leadership, Silmo has also pursuedits international development.

“His death is a huge loss for all who werefortunate enough to work with him. Silmo’sadministrators and teams extend theirdeepest sympathy to his family and friends.”

ECO-FRIENDLY FRAMESSilhouette has launched a range of eco-friendly frames in its Neubau collectioncalled Natural PX.

The material for the frames is madefrom organically sourced castor seeds. Ahighly renewable natural resource, thecastor plant does not compete with foodcrops and can be planted in marginal landinstead of food production land. Duringgrowth, there is no need for pesticides orfungicides treatment, relying purely onnatural rainfall. The manufacturing processuses significantly less energy and effectivelyreduces carbon dioxide emissions.

Natural PX Neubau frames are availablein three styles – Bob, Dani and Valerie –with three colour options in two sizes.

The late Philippe Lafont

LUXURY SALES ROLE Luxury eyewear group Brando has appointed Tim Webb as sales agent for Alyson Mageein the UK and Ireland.

Moving from his most recent role managing UK and Ireland sales for Moscot and BartonPerreira, Tim will now be responsible for the selective distribution of the Alyson Magee brand.

Julian Clarke, Brando global commercial director, said: “We’re really happy to welcome Timinto the Brando family. His experience in the luxury eyewear sector really sets him apart.”

Natural PX model Valerie

VISIONARY TECHNOLOGY

Introducing the new and improved Smartscope. With an updated optical

system now offering high-quality digital fundus imaging in any environment.

The Smartscope is ideal for Domiciliary or practices with space limitations.

Visit the website or call us for more information:www.main-line.co.uk | 0121 458 6800


HOMELESS CHARITY VIDEOA new video has been produced byBellyflop TV for Vision Care for HomelessPeople (VCHP) to promote the work ofthe charity, which practices are invitedto share on their websites.

“Our Crisis at Christmas service andour regular clinics in Brighton, Birmingham,Manchester and London frequently revealpathologies, and not just the need forreading specs and vision correction,” saidthe charity’s chair, Elaine Styles. “Webelieve that something like 20 per cent ofhomeless people have a medical eyecondition that needs treating, and with thegrowing number of homeless people theneed for our work is greater than ever.”

The video can be found on YouTubeunder ‘VCHP promo video 2016’.

A Crisis client with volunteer, Jane Partridge

It is with great sadness that we report the untimely death of Graeme Thomson FBDO,

who passed away in February at the age of 45, writes Graeme Stevenson.

Originally from Aberdeenshire, Graeme joined Boots Opticians in 1991 working inGlasgow. He enrolled as a student dispensing optician soon afterwards working inpractices in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Graeme’s ambition eventually took him toNottingham where he worked in various practices and eventually at support office in Beeston.

Graeme will be sadly missed by all his colleagues, and our thoughts go out to hispartner Rob and his family.

Obituary: Graeme Thomson

£1.1M FUNDING FORCHILD BLINDNESS Dr Mariya Moosajee, consultantophthalmologist at Moorfields EyeHospital NHS Foundation Trust andsenior clinical lecturer at the UCLInstitute of Ophthalmology, has beenawarded £1.1m from the Wellcome Trust for a Clinical Research CareerDevelopment Fellowship.

Stem cells derived from patient’s skin

will be used to grow a 3D model of a

human eye to investigate genes that cause

ocular maldevelopment, a condition which

can cause babies to be born without eyes or

underdeveloped eyes. Pioneering gene

editing technology will then correct the

defective gene to see if the cells can grow

into normal healthy eyes. It is hoped that

this could pave the way for targeted drug

and gene therapies that might one day be

used as a prenatal therapy.

Dr Moosajee said: “Nearly 20 per cent of

all children registered blind in the UK suffer

from birth eye defects but only a few

genetic causes have so far been identified.

Once we understand the genetic causes and

can identify chemical changes in human

DNA that influence genes being switched

on or off at crucial points during normal eye

development, a real focus on developing a

treatment can be made.”

SPRING/SUMMER STUNNERLuxurious and sophisticated, Maui Jim’s stunning new Monstera Leaf is handcraftedwith a vibrant acetate frame complemented by 24k gold temple décor.

The pattern replicates the tropical flowering plant that can be found sprinkled aroundthe Hawaiian islands.

Maui’s Monstera Leaf

NEWS

ACCOLADES FOROPTICAL GROUP The Hakim Group has been awarded thehighest three-star rating from BestCompanies, the employee engagementspecialists, and a place on the SundayTimes Top 100 Best Companies to WorkFor list.

The group, which celebrates its 10th

anniversary this year, operates a FISH

Philosophy, helping staff to Find Inner Self

Happiness (FISH) at both home and work.

Founder and CEO, Dr Imran Hakim,

said: “This fantastic award is an

achievement that belongs to every one of

our colleagues working across the group. It

celebrates the unique, vibrant and fun

loving culture that each of them has

helped to create.” Zubair Hakim, Imran Hakim and Suaib Issa

// INNOVATION MADE BY ZEISS

Probably the most exciting safety feature in your car.ZEISS DriveSafe Lenses

Z89

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7011

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A great opportunity to attract new patients, DriveSafe Lenses from ZEISS:

• Reduce glare at night whilst driving• Enhance vision in low-light conditions• Improve focus between road, dashboard and mirrors• Ideal for both everyday use and driving.

T: 0845 300 77 88 www.zeiss.co.uk/vision


ASSURING TOP QUALITYSteve Morgan has joined Contamac as its quality manager, with responsibility forQuality Assurance as well as supporting customers with their regulatory requirements.

Robert McGregor, Contamac MD, said: “Steve’s extensive background and knowledgein the medical device industry will ensure that Contamac and its customers are asprepared as we can be to meet the ever-increasing regulatory requirements placed uponour industry for the future.”

ESSILOR ENTERS UKEYEWEAR MARKETEssilor has launched its first premiumeyewear brand into the UK independentmarket aimed at young, fashion-focusedconsumers.

Bolon Eyewear comprises of 86sunwear and ophthalmic models designedin Italy and manufactured using thehighest quality materials including ItalianMazzucchelli acetate.

The launch is being backed by amarketing campaign staring brandambassadors, Hollywood actor AnneHathaway and American model HaileyBaldwin. A consumer Bolon brand website,www.boloneyewear.com, lists UKindependent stockists on its store locatorpage and has social media link-buildingsupport from brand advocates and product influencers.

Hailey Baldwin, who has 8.4m Facebookfollowers, made a guest appearance atMido in February to promote the collection(see Mido report on pages 28-29), whileAnne Hathaway appears in a range ofpractice point-of-sale material, windowvisuals, frame display units, brochures andout-of-home advertising packages designedfor independents.

Essilor head of marketing, JonathanCohen, said: “We are bringing a new,emerging brand to UK independents. It willhave instant recognition through both A-lister Anne Hathaway and now HaileyBaldwin who epitomises youth, fashion,style and confidence for millions of young people.”

Bolon is a leading brand in Asia, whereit enjoys a 30 per cent market share and85 per cent brand recognition levels. Itjoined the Essilor Group in 2013.

EYE WEEK ON MESSAGENational Eye Health Week (NEHW) 2017,from 18 to 24 September, will once againfocus on promoting mass participationfrom national and regional stakeholders.

David Cartwright, chair of Eye HealthUK, the charity responsible for running theWeek, said: “We hope to encourageeveryone with an interest in vision and eyehealth to come together this September topromote engaging eye health messages.

“Over recent years we have seen how

NEHW can connect with people andpromote positive action. Last year, 39 percent of UK adults said they recalledreading, seeing or hearing NEHW mediaand 87 per cent of these – over 16 millionpeople – said it had encouraged them totake better care of their eye health. Weplan to harness the momentum we havecreated to make an even bigger impact in 2017.”

To join the NEHW mailing list or forinformation about sponsorship opportunities,email [email protected]

NEWS

DED ARMOURYENHANCEDScope Ophthalmics has launched a newdry eye disease (DED) service called TearClinic, combining its objective diagnosistechnology, TearLab, with CET training,flexible management plans andmarketing support.

“Using Tear Clinic to expand ourservices means that we now have anadditional revenue stream and improvedlevels of customer retention,” said ClaireRanger, owner and prescribing optometristat Hammond & Dummer Opticians inMilton Keynes. “We have been able toprovide tailored and ongoing support fordry eye disease sufferers; improving theirquality of life and our confidence in

treating this growing problem.”The company has also launched two

new products for the treatment of DED inoptical practice – Hycosan Dualpreservative-free eye drops with precisedosing for lipid deficient dry eye, andOptase TTO (tea tree oil) lid wipes.

Anne Hathawaymodelling Bolon eyewearSteve Morgan

New Optase TTO wipes


RX-READY SPORT STYLESTwo new active lifestyle frames, theJaysor and Baboa, have been added tothe Adidas Sport Eyewear range.

Versatile features include Double-SnapNose Pads and Traction Grip on the insideof the temples. The shatterproof SPXframes are designed to providelong-lasting comfort withoutcompromising durability, whichis further enhanced by Quick-Release Hinge temples.

Mirrored eight-base Vision AdvantagePC lenses are available in a range of

colours while lens tint options includeLight Stabilising Technology to harmoniselight fluctuations, as well as polarised andbasic lens variations. The frames areprescription-ready, with direct in-frameglazing or clip-in inserts.

CHALMERS STEPS UPFollowing recent brand growth in the UK and Eire, Silhouette managing director DavidChalmers has been promoted to global sales director at Silhouette’s headquarters inLinz, Austria.

The announcement follows the launch of Silhouette’s first range of lenses – SilhouetteVision Sensation – transforming the brand into a single source supplier of eyewear.

David commented: “With the launch of Silhouette Vision Sensation, it is an excitingtime to relocate to Linz. I am delighted to be given this opportunity by Silhouette, andlook forward to the challenge of leading sales functions globally.”

FOCUS ON OPTICAL SHOWAs part of its new strategic plan, theFederation of Manufacturing Opticians(FMO) is aiming to make Optrafair theUK’s ‘go-to’ optical event.

Speaking at the Federation’s springmeeting, chair Andy Yorke said Optrafair2017 promised to be one of its best yet,with record numbers of pre-registrationsand new features.

“Since taking over as chair I have beenattending the regular bi-lateral meetingsbetween MAG [Mark Allen Group] andFMO representatives – it is at thesemeetings that major decisions are madejointly,” said Andy. “Our contract withMAG is a partnership, where the profitsfrom the show are equally divided, and theFMO brings expert knowledge of our sectorto the table to complement MAG’s eventmanagement expertise. During the pastyear, many important aspects of the showhave been reviewed so that Optrafair isnot just an annual event, but a year-round,value added programme.”

David Chalmers

DO ERASED FROM REGISTERPhilip Egan, a dispensing optician based inHertfordshire, has been erased from theGeneral Optical Council (GOC) registerafter a Fitness to Practise Committeefound his fitness to practise impaired byreason of misconduct related toconvictions for assault, stalking andperverting the course of justice.

In making the decision, the committee,chaired by Ian Crookall, said: “Mr Egan’sactions did not amount to a one-off

incident but represented a sustained andcontinuous course of conduct over aconsiderable amount of time. Mr Egan’sviolent behaviour and dishonesty fell wellshort of the standards expected from hisprofession and brought the reputation ofthe profession into disrepute.

“Mr Egan has admitted many of theparticulars and the committee noted adegree of remorse. It also noted that noquestion had been raised in relation to hisclinical competence. However, his insightinto his conduct was limited and thecommittee is not satisfied, therefore, that

he is fully engaged with the consequencesof his behaviour. Consequently, thecommittee concluded that there was a realrisk of repetition of the misconduct foundproved in this case.

“The sanction of erasure was the onlyproportionate outcome in this case, touphold proper standards of conduct and tomaintain confidence in the profession andin its regulation.”

Philip Egan had until 22 March toappeal his erasure, during which time hewas suspended from the register andunable to practise.

High hopes for Optrafair

The Adidas Sport Jaysor


A QUESTION ABOUT COLLECTIONS

A member recently enquired: can someone else collect spectacles for anadult, complex lens patient? He was going abroad and apparently wasnot able to attend the practice himself to collect them.

It sounds simple, doesn’t it? We all know that if this was a child, under16 years of age, the answer would be no – unless in very unusualcircumstances. The collection appointment is an intrinsic part of thedispensing process and, as such, must be carried out by a registereddispensing optician or optometrist, or under their supervision.

But this was an adult with the caveat of a complex prescription. So wasthis patient sight impaired or seriously sight impaired? That too makes adifference since the SI/SSI patients are also protected in law: onlyregistered practitioners may dispense such patients and therefore fit thefinal spectacles.

Sight impaired patients don’t always have complex prescriptions butsuch patients certainly need all the skill of a qualified practitioner. If thispatient had good acuity but still required a complex lens, he would need aknowledgeable practitioner to fit the spectacles in an accurate and correctmanner. Perhaps even more important is if the patient was a driver; we allunderstand the problems of fitting a +10.00D pair of spectacles to a facewith a narrow bridge with uneven ears. You can all do the maths; exactlyhow much diplopia a 5˚ slope on such spectacles would create.

The answer to our member was well, maybe. Truly, no law would bebroken by such a collection. When patients buy complete pairs ofspectacles online with no-one qualified or not to fit them, this seems veryinconsequential indeed. But is it professional?

I think, again, I would argue that there would have to be very goodreasons indeed for such action. Perhaps the laboratory took longer thanexpected and the intention was for the patient to collect in the normal wayif everything had gone to plan. Would the glasses not wait until the patientreturned from their trip? Or at least when they could return to have thefinal fitting completed after their collection. I know practices that postspectacles to patients to save a difficult or expensive journey – but is thatserving your patient well?

For me to be convinced that someone else could collect a complex pairof spectacles for a patient, I would have to be satisfied that everyreasonable step had been taken to avoid such an eventuality. The recordswould show that all frame and facial measurements were taken and thefinal spectacles set up exactly to those measurements. Perhaps go so far asto arrange for an optician in the new location to check the fitting andperformance of the new appliance, for a fee of course, payable by thepractice that was unable to complete the fitting themselves.

It’s not as simple as it at first appeared, is it? What might be legal canoften be unprofessional. The overriding consideration is, as always, thewellbeing of the patient.

Kim Devlin is chair of ABDO’s Advice and Guidelines Working Group

Past FAQs are available for reference on the ABDO website athttp://www.abdo.org.uk/frequently-asked-questions

Frequently askedquestionsanswered by Kim Devlin FBDO (Hons) CL

CHANGING LIVES IN ETHIOPIAA three-year Vision Aid Overseas (VAO) programme inEthiopia, funded by the Department for InternationalDevelopment (DFID), has exceeded expectations – bringinglife-changing eyecare to more than 184,000 people.

In 2013, VAO was awarded a major grant to helpimprove the livelihoods of people living in five districts ofsouthern Ethiopia by increasing access to primary eyecare,glasses and treatment for eye diseases. Working inpartnership with Ethiopian NGO, Grarbet TehadisoMahber, the charity has delivered eyecare services toremote and isolated communities.

A final-year survey showed that of the adults surveyedafter receiving treatment in the form of minor surgery orthe provision of glasses, 78 per cent reported animprovement in their quality of life and an increase inhousehold income. Out of the 2,569 children treatedunder the project, 73 per cent showed improvements intheir school performance.

Anne Buglass, VAO director of programmes, said: “Theoutcome of the three-year programme showed that wheneyecare is made accessible, adults are more likely toincrease their household income and children are morelikely to reach their potential in school, achieve bettereducation, and in the long term have greater economicprospects when they leave school. Ultimately, we want tosee fewer people living in poverty because of pooreyesight, and this project has shown that this is anattainable goal.”

NEWS

Making eyecare accessible

CLARITY OF E-PROCESSESTopcon has released Version 3.0.7 of its practicemanagement system, i-Clarity, which includes theability to process Scottish GOS 1 forms electronically.

Rob Ward, product director in charge of i-Claritydevelopment, said: “From now on, processing formselectronically in i-Clarity will be quicker and easier toadminister, at all stages of the process and in any sizepractice, than on paper.”

Other features include: an enhanced staff rota system,fully integrated into the patient appointment diary; theability to email patients their receipts without having toprint a paper copy; enhancements to the contact lensclinical records module; and enhancements to onlineappointments booking.


SHAMIR AUTOGRAPH |||®

A NEW VISUAL EXPERIENCE

Natural PostureTM IntelliCorridorTM As-Worn QuadroTMEye-Point Technology III®

VISUAL BOOST FOR NOCTURNAL DRIVERSThe latest addition to BBGR’s Neva Max UV coating family – Night DriveBoost technology – offers a performance enhancement over the company’sNeva Max UV coating by optimising the lens against glare commonlyassociated with night driving. And without affecting daytime performance.

BBGR’s coating is said to significantly reduce the visual discomfortcommonly caused by the glare from vehicle headlights when driving atnight. Specifically, wearers will notice a significant decrease in the effect of‘light halos’ commonly associated with modern Xenon and LED headlightsgiving wearers more comfortable, safer vision when driving at night, saysthe company.

BBGR’s new coating differs from other driving focused lenses in that itoffers a coating solution rather than a lens design and coating package. It isavailable on all premium BBGR lens designs.

FOUR TECHNOLOGIES FOR ULTIMATE VISUAL COMFORTAt the time of going to press, Shamir was waiting to hear if it had wonboth Supplier of the Year and Lens Product of the Year, for Autograph III, inthe Optician Awards 2017.

Based on next generation technologies, Shamir’s Autograph IIIprogressive lens is designed to overcome any prescription-related visualissues whilst offering ultimate visual comfort, in any frame.

The lens encapsulates four new technologies – Eye-Point Technology III,Natural Posture, IntelliCorridor and As-Worn Quadro. Eye-Point TechnologyIII, an upgraded version of the original Eye-Point Technology, employs abespoke reverse engineering design concept, ensuring the widest fields ofview possible and an improved real-world visual experience for all,regardless of prescription.

Natural Posture is an ergonomic design concept to improve posturalcomfort by dynamic placement of the near viewing zone per individualpatient prescription. The effect is to neutralise vertical prismatic effect andthe need to adjust viewing angles, therefore promoting a natural postureduring all near vision tasks.

The lens’s IntelliCorridor technology ensures “the right power in theright place for all intermediate and near tasks” and works with NaturalPosture to reduce neck, back and shoulder discomfort from unnaturalviewing positions.

Finally, As-Worn Quadro is described as offering four times’ greaterdesign stability to frame tilt variations, therefore guaranteeing “bestperformance possible of a progressive lens in any chosen frame”.

NEW FREEFORM LENS FOR MOBILE DEVICES Norville has added Screen to its range of freeform, high definitionprogressive lenses designed specifically for users of phones and pads.

The visual requirements of those on the move are different from staticdesk viewing. The Norville Screen progressive lens design reflects this needand its intermediate and near vision areas have been tweaked to reflectsmoother more natural visual movements, combined with enhanced lateralvison. The lens is also said to provide greater comfort for moving mobileusers by modifying the progression profile, allowing for quicker transitionto near vision yet still providing a clear distance viewing.

BBGR’s Night Drive Boost: minimising glare and haloes

Next generation technologies with Autograph III

Meeting mobile device users’ visual needs

Spotlight on lensesLENSES

In this month’s Product Spotlight, we focus on some of thelatest activity in the spectacle lens sector designed to

meet changing visual needs and help build the category


Norville Screen is available in 26 order points of lens material type andindex with further bespoke options on request. Norville Screen Rx progressivelenses are manufactured and coated by Norville in the UK. Contact thecompany for information about an early adopter promotional offer.

ALL WRAPPED UP WITH RX LENS PROGRAMME French brand Julbo, available in the UK exclusively from Lenstec Optical, hasdeveloped a complete RX Trem programme including online ordering, poweravailability and substance calculation for its wrap sports range.

Lenses are available in digital single vision and progressive options inboth NXT (Trivex) and polycarbonate, with a guarantee of the bestpanoramic vision. The RX Trem programme includes frames suitable for allbudgets with an extensive corrective range. Completed orders will arrivedirectly to the practice within a maximum of 14 days, says Lenstec.

Julbo’s expertise in frame design, as well as lens technology, is said toresult in the best combination of products to overcome the most ruggedterrain, weather and light conditions. Protection, angle of vision, hold,ventilation and ergonomic design are all built in to the Julbo product portfolio.

ROAD LENSES OPTIMISED FOR RAPID FOCUS CHANGESResearch shows that driving in rain or at dusk is already a challenge. Rapidlychanging focus and estimating distances in just seconds calls for the highestconcentration, especially if the glare of oncoming vehicles is added.

Rodenstock Road lenses are said to provide particularly wide visualzones, which have been optimised for rapid changes of focus. Optimallyoverlapping visual zones for the right and left eye support spatial vision andsimplify the estimation of distances. In addition, the multifunctionalcoating, Solitaire Protect Road 2, minimises reflections on the back sideand unpleasant headlight glare, and ensures high-contrast vision during theday as well.

Rodenstock Impression Road 2 is the first driving lens to receive anindependent rating by TÜV Rheinland. This makes Rodenstock the first lensmanufacturer worldwide to offer TÜV-certified driving lenses.

FAMILY OF LENSES IN THEIR PRIME Available in Prime X and Prime Xceed, Seiko Prime progressive lens designsincorporate a number of new lens technologies: Active Linear Progression;Advanced Aspheric and Panoramic Atoric lens design; and TwineyeModulation Technology.

“The new Active Linear Progressive Corridor offers dynamic vision at theincreasing range of intermediate distances that are now regularly used as aresult of viewing modern devices, before returning to a stable relaxed linearreading area,” explained Richard Hollings, Seiko Optical UK commercialmanager.

“Advanced Aspheric and Panoramic Atoric lens design involves complexcalculations to address the changes in effective astigmatism according tothe direction of gaze and eye rotation. Wearers enjoy improved, naturalvison across the lens surface as a result,” Richard continued.

“A significant number of progressive wearers have prescriptions thatdiffer by more than 0.50D between the right and the left eye. This oftencauses discomfort in binocular vision particularly with eye and headmovement as the two images may not be synchronised. TwineyeModulation Technology offers binocular optimisation for stable fields ofview regardless of the viewing distance, resulting in improved comfort andenhanced depth perception,” Richard concluded.

COLOUR PALETTE EXTENDED FOR ICONIC LENS BRAND The latest introduction to the UK market from Transitions Optical comes inthe form of the Style Colours collection. Developed exclusively for theEssilor Group, this is the first launch for the brand in a number of years.

A new collection of four lens colours – Amethyst, Sapphire, Emerald andAmber – joins the existing functional palette of Grey, Brown and Graphite

Rx programme for Julbo’s sports wrap frames

Rodenstock Road lenses making an impression

Seiko Prime: pushing progressive lens boundaries


Green. Like all Transitions lenses, the new collection seamlessly adapts fromclear to dark when exposed to UV light.

The launch aims to bring Transitions lenses to a younger consumer.Style Colours introduces a contemporary element to purchasingprescription eyewear; colours can be selected to either match orcomplement the chosen frame in line with each patient’s individual style.

Style Colours will be available in the UK from 1 May through Essilornetworks initially mainly in single vision.

MULTI-PAIR LENS CAMPAIGN KICKS OFF Essilor has launched a £5m multi-pair promotional campaign to support anddrive footfall into the independent sector and strengthen its key lens brands,including Varilux, Crizal and Transitions.

The ‘Be a modern hero’ offer enables opticians to buy a second pair ofCrizal lenses in the same prescription at a 50 per cent discount whichpractices can pass directly to patients, to boost multi-pair sales. Framesuppliers Marchon, Henry Beaumont and Eyespace are also offeringadditional discounts to existing and new patients signed up. The activityincludes Essilor’s first national TV advertising campaign for Varilux in 20years, TV programme sponsorship and digital media support – with thetagline, ‘Empower your vision’.

Practices can capitalise on the campaign locally with a customisedmarketing package, and the company is offering a CET training programmeon how to present multi-pair lens options to patients.

“Essilor is the only lens manufacturer investing in national media forindependents,” said Jonathon Cohen, head of marketing at Essilor. “Thisreinforces our position as the independent optician’s best business partner.Only 15 per cent of specs are sold as multi-pairs in the UK, far lower thanin other countries. There is room for growth by simply giving the consumerthe second pair that helps them when driving, on holiday, at work, in sportor refreshing their image.”

Next month’s Product Spotlight will be on contact lenses and

related products.

New Transitions Style Colours

A visual from Essilor’s ‘Be a modern hero’ campaign

LENSES


As technology and smartcommunication systemsevolve, our visual demandsbecome more intense andcomplex. Colleges encourage

the use of laptops and tablets fornotetaking and project work whilst theinternet is considered the go-to sourcefor research of any kind. In our offices,many of us now use laptops, multiplescreens and tablets as well as oursmartphones – with a staggering 70 percent of us using more than one digitaldevice at a time.

In our home lives, our televisions haveincreased in size and laptops and tabletshave replaced bulky computer systems,newspapers and, in many cases, books.

With this in mind, it is no surprise thata recent study found that 90 per cent ofpeople use digital devices for more thantwo hours a day, whilst 60 per cent ofpeople use these devices for more than fivehours a day1. The use of technology is by nomeans limited to the younger market –with 30 per cent of 60-year-olds and overusing digital devices for more than twohours a day for the last 15 years.

The net result of our technology-ledvisual requirements is visual stress, which maybe considered as digital eyestrain: a physical

eye discomfort felt by many individuals aftersitting for two hours or more in front ofdigital screens. This is often referred to ascomputer vision syndrome (CVS).

CVS is a temporary condition where thenormal blink rate drops from 16 to 20blinks a minute down to as low as six toeight blinks a minute accompanied by eyefatigue, eye strain, headache, neck/shoulderpain, irritation of the eyes, itching of theeyes, back pain, blurred vision and generalfatigue, these symptoms often beingaggravated by ergonomics and airconditioning. We should, of course, alwaysgive advice on sensible digital eyecare suchas the 20/20/20 rule (looking away fromthe screens every 20 minutes for 20seconds at something 20 feet away) andwithout question, the use of an appropriatespectacle lens correction.

When dispensing, all presenting issuesshould be considered, such as the patient’swants/needs, the enviroment where thespectacles are to be worn and theirlifestyle, including any task-specificrequirements as well as the patient’s ageand prescription.

ACCOMMODATIVE STRESSWhen we view objects closer than infinity,our eyes automatically accommodate. The

generally accepted mechanism ofaccommodation occurs in response to ablurred retinal image whereby the ciliarybody contracts and pulls forward, thusslackening the zonular fibres that hold thecrystalline lens capsule taut. This, in turn,causes the lens to become more ‘round’ andthicker, giving additional positive power tothe eye and enabling near objects to beseen in focus.

CETCOMPETENCIES COVEREDDispensing opticians: Standards of Practice, Optical Appliances, Refractive management Optometrists: Standards of Practice, Optical Appliances

C-55477

This article has been approved for 1 CET point by the GOC. It is open to all FBDO members, and associatemember optometrists. The multiple-choice questions (MCQs) for this month’s CET are available online only,to comply with the GOC’s Good Practice Guidance for this type of CET. Insert your answers to the six MCQsonline at www.abdo.org.uk. After log-in, go to ‘CET Online’. Questions will be presented in random order.Please ensure that your email address and GOC number are up-to-date. The pass mark is 60 per cent. Theanswers will appear in the August 2017 issue of Dispensing Optics. The closing date is 3 July 2017.

1514131211109876543210

12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68

Age (Years)

30 to 44 Year Olds

16 to 48 Year Olds

Age and Accommodation

Duane A. 1912

Critical age where reduction in comfortable accommodation becomes an issue

Figure 1: Duane’s amplitude ofaccommodation vs. age graph

Low add boost, occupationalor degressive lenses: whatare they all about? by Andrew Sanders FBDO


Studies have shown that as we age, theeye’s ability to accommodate decreases by0.25D to 0.40D per year2. This diminishes toonly 1.00D by the age of 60, as shown inFigure 1. This gradual reduction canbecome troublesome, usually around theage of 40, although this can vary withfactors such as ethnicity.

When reading becomes difficult,presbyopia is said to occur but this can be agrey area because there is no standarddistance for near work – especially sincethe advent of smartphones, personal digitalassistants or tablets where brightness andfont size can easily be increased. Thereluctance of some patients to accept theinevitable need for a near vision correctioncan itself also bring additional challenges asthe patient holds reading matter furtherand further away, upsetting the naturalaccommodation/convergence relationship.

When using smartphones and tablets,the viewing distance is usually consideredto be between 25-30 cm and the viewingposition closer to the torso, resulting in eyelowering of around 27 degrees. Conversely,when reading a book or newspaper, eyelowering of only around 15 degrees isrequired and these are generally positionedaround 40cm from the eye.

Given the closer proximity when usingsmartphones and tablets, one is required toexert greater accommodative effort thanwhen reading traditional media.

Approximately 50 per cent of totalamplitude of accommodation is usuallyclassed as the amount of comfortableaccommodation required for extendedperiods of near vision3. If we consider aviewing distance of around 28cm for mobiledevices, accommodative demand would be3.57D (the reciprocal of 0.28m), which inturn would mean a requirement of 7.14Damplitude or of accommodation.

Looking at Figure 1, it can be seen thatbecause of this short viewing distance thecritical age for accommodative supportpotentially drops to around 30 years of age,or less in some cases.

Young adults under 30 experience thehighest rates of digital eye strain symptoms(73 per cent compared to other groups)with some experiencing accommodative lagdue to long hours spent in front ofcomputer screens and tablets in addition tosocial media activity on smartphones.

LOW ADD BOOST LENSESLow add boost is the term given toaccommodative support lenses, which werefirst introduced in the noughties to helppre-presbyopes, young adults and students

who were experiencing difficulty with close work. The lenses usually have a slowsmooth progression as the eyes look down, with low additions ranging from0.37D as utilised by the ‘A’ version of theNorville Booster lens right up to 1.25D asused by the Zeiss Digital in its highestboost specification.

Whilst the add boost is specified,looking further down these lenses givesadditional power, as is the case with Hoya’sNulux Active ‘A’ design which, in its +0.53Dboost, actually provides addition up to0.75D 18mm below the eye position. Dueto the slow power progression andasymmetrical design characteristics,supporting binocular function, these lensesfeel to most users like standard single vision lenses.

The add support should ideally beassessed on an individual basis taking intoconsideration the patient’s age, media use,symptoms of accommodative lag and eyefatigue – although some manufacturerspublish recommended age groups for thedifferent add boosts available in theirportfolio, such as the Essilor Eyezen lens,which has add boosts of 0.40D (20 to 34years) 0.60D (35 to 44 years) and 0.85D(45 to 50 years).

Fitting should be carried out in thesame way as progressive lenses, tomonocular pupil centre distances andvertical heights. These lenses can be anexcellent solution to relieve visual fatigue.However, given the relationship betweenaccommodation and convergence, aknowledge of the results of the patient’sbinocular assessment is required, as acontrolled exophoria may becomedecompensated or be stressed by the lensescreating additional issues.

MODERN PROGRESSIVE LENSESThe correction choices for presbyopicpatients has become more complex overrecent years with the introduction of awhole plethora of advanced progressivelenses, enhanced reading or degressivelenses as well as full blown occupationallens designs.

If we firstly consider modernprogressives, the Nikon Digilife and ShamirAutograph In Touch have both beendeveloped and optimised to respect thepatient’s head-eye-hand position whilstusing digital devices such as tablets andsmartphones. Both designs are said to giveup to 25 per cent more addition power thanstandard progressives in the 40-70 cmvision range.

Premium progressives, such as HoyaMyStyle V+, Zeiss Individual 2 andRodenstock Impression Freesign 3, can allbe biased towards intermediate andreading. However, in all these designs bydefinition, distance will still be a keyrequirement and, as such, the width of clearvision in the intermediate and near zoneswill always be smaller than an occupationalor degressive lens will afford.

DEGRESSIVE LENSESDegressive lenses are sometimes calledenhanced reading lenses and can beconsidered as lenses that start off with thereading prescription in the lower part of thelens, which reduces in power by thedegression amount to give an increasedworking distance as the patient lookstowards the top of the lens.

Often it is assumed that these lenseshave around half the degression at the eyepoint, but this is rarely the case. Forexample, Hoya’s Add Power lenses have a

Figure 2: Power profile for the Autograph InTouch compared with a ‘standard’ PPL(courtesy of Shamir)

Dispensing Optics APRIL 2017 22

Continuing Education and Training

degression of approximately 33 per cent atthe eye point, whereas the Nikon OnlineWide has 65 per cent; Essilor’s Interviewand Varilux Computer 2V both have the fulldegression at the eye point.

In order to successfully dispensedegressive lenses, a full understanding ofthe manufacturers’ fitting guidelines, powerdistribution and power profiles (an exampleis shown in Figure 2) is key, along with therelevant centration charts for verification.Full consideration of the required workingdistance should be given along with postureconsiderations and the work stationenviroment.

Of notable importance is the relationshipbetween addition power and the distance atwhich clear vision is achievable and this caneasily be calculated by using the reciprocalof the dioptre power:

Distance in metres = 1/reading addition

power in dioptres

So, for a patient requiring a +2.50addition, a pair of reading spectacles willgive a maximum clear range of 40cm andpast this vision will become progressivelyblurred. If the same patient was given a lenswith a degression of -1.50D this would givea maximum range of 1m or 100cm

Reading addition +2.50 – 1.50 degression =

+1.00 reciprocal of 1 = 1m or 100cm

This particular lens would, therefore,have a range of up to 100cm for a 2.50addition. However, if this lens were only tohave a 50 per cent reduction of addition atthe eye point, extended periods ofcomfortable viewing would be reduced tobetween 40-57cm.

Reading addition +2.50 – (0.5 x 1.50) =+1.75D addition power at eye point 1/1.75 =0.57m or 57cm

This is an extremely importantconsideration in the dispensing of anydegressive or occupational lens design, so itis of vital importance to understand whatpower is being placed at the eye point orfitting cross.

Degressive lenses based primarily

around the near vision prescription can beparticularly useful for desk work (Figure 3),reading, knitting and more static occupations,as moving around with the lenses on will(as a rule) produce a feeling of drunkenness.However, this generalisation does not alwaysfollow as, when fitted with smaller frames,patients requiring little or no distancecorrection will pull the glasses down to lookover the frame for distance vision.

One perhaps underutilised application isfor older patients with higher additionswhere a large stable reading addition isrequired but a low degression value givesthe flexibility to enjoy improved functionalrange; a colleague suggested the designationof ‘super readers’ when dispensing.

Current health and safety guidelines4

suggest that in an office environment, thetop of a computer screen should be in linewith the user’s distance gaze (Figure 4)when their chin is slightly lowered. However,this cannot be taken for granted and rarelyoccurs in the case of laptop and tablet users.

OCCUPATIONAL LENSESAlthough in recent times the distinctionbetween degressives and occupational lenseshas become less defined, occupationals cangenerally be considered as being the cousinsof ‘softer’ design longer corridor progressives

that offer wider intermediate zones andnarrower, limited ‘distance’ range.

Modern designs are often available in anumber of corridor lengths and three designdirections defined for more dynamic officeuse, screen or PC bias where the ‘distance’ islimited to around 2m, and close or readingbias that give a visual range out to around 1m.

Hoya produces the Workstyle V+occupational (Figure 5) available in Space,Screen and Close definitions with sevendifferent corridor lengths to fit mostmodern frame types. Providing the minimumheight above the fitting cross is observed(the patient will need to dip their headdownwards to look through the top of thelens), the Space design will afford the patientclear distance vision. When the head is inthe normal position of gaze, approximately43 per cent of the addition is deliveredmaking the lens ideally suited for dynamicoffice use, board meetings and the like.

The Screen and Close designs place apercentage (20-40 per cent) of the readingaddition at the top of the lens rather thanan arbitrary, say +0.50D, and in this waythe patient benefits from the use of theirown comfortable accommodation, the netresult being deeper and wider fields of view.

The Screen gives approximately 56 percent of the addition at the fitting cross andis most suitable for immersed office use forcomputer and close work. The Closedefinition has around 66 per cent of theaddition at the fitting cross and is ideal forconcentrated reading and generally closerintermediate work.

In contrast to the Hoya design, theZeiss Officelens Superb has three designdefinitions: Room, Near and Book where,6mm above the fitting cross, an arbitraryadd is placed (Figure 6).

Room has +0.25D the near +0.50D andthe Book +1.00D, giving a maximum workingdistance out to 4m, 2m and 1m respectively,

Figure 3a: The limitation of reading spectacles

Figure 3b: The Enhanced Readersolution (courtesy of Hoya)

Eyes level with top of monitor

Chin down

Feet flat on floor

Back support for curve in spine

Shoulders down elbows close

to body

Arms parallel to floor resting on arm support

Figure 4: The correct sitting positionfor a desktop PC

Figure 5: The Hoyalux id Workstyle has avariable corridor/inset (courtesy of Hoya)


whilst the Rodenstock Impression Ergo 2and Multigressiv Ergo 2 designs place apercentage of the addition directly at thefitting cross, approximately 20 per centRoom, 33 per cent PC and 43 per cent Book.

Essilor’s recently launched Digitime lensalso has three design definitions: Room, Midand Near; the top of the lens (not the fittingcross) allows vision to 220cm, 100cm and80cm respectively. All three designs also havea so-called ‘ultra near vision function’ whereby the full prescribed addition is reached12mm below the fitting cross, but lookingfurther down the lens the add increases by+0.125 Room, +0.25D Mid and +0.50D forthe Near design. This concept was first seenin the Tokai Optical Pro/Hi reader, whichgives an additional +0.50D boost whenlooking past the reading sweet spot, which issaid to help with smartphone use.

When considering occupational lenssolutions, we should not ignore some of themore unusual lenses currently on themarket such as the Norville Pilotor RD 40,

incorporating a progressive in the lowerpart of the lens and an up-curve bifocal inthe top, or indeed the Pilotor Up and DownProgressive, both adds being independentlyspecified. And whilst no-line lenses aregenerally considered as first choice, thetrusty trifocal in a variety of guises still hasits place in modern dispensing.

SUMMARYProgressives, low add boost, occupationaland degressive lenses all have their place inthe modern day dispensing practice and weshould all keep abreast of these lens designs,their fitting, and their verification proceduresin order to give our patients the very bestand most comfortable eyewear suited totheir specific needs. An Excel table, showingcurrently available low add boost, degressiveand occupational lenses from a range ofcompanies in the UK, can be downloadedfrom this link: http://www.abdo.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Low-Add-Boost-degressive-and-Occupational-lenses-2017.xlsx

REFERENCES1. The Vision Council. Eyes overexposed: The digital device dilemma. Available at https://www.thevisioncouncil.org/sites/ default/files/2416_VC_2016EyeStrain_ Report_WEB.pdf (accessed 31 January 2017).

2. Hofstetter HW. A longitudinal study of amplitude changes in presbyopia. Am. J.

Optom. Arch. 1965; 42:3-8.

3. Rabbetts RB. Bennett & Rabbetts Clinical Visual Optics 4th ed. London: Elsevier; 2007.

4. Health and Safety Executive. Working with display screen equipment (DSE) 2013 [online]. Available at http://www.hse.gov.uk/ pubns/indg36.pdf (accessed 1 February 2017).

ANDREW SANDERS qualified as adispensing optician in 1988 and hasmore than 30 years’ experience in bothmanufacturing and technical dispensingoptics. He has previously worked forlarge optical chains, smaller regionalgroups and independent high streetpractice. Andrew’s current role as UKprofessional services manager for HoyaUK, involves him in a variety of support,management and training roles. He is aregular lecturer and tutor at Hoya'sEuropean facility in Budapest and iscurrently chair of the ABDO/Federationof Manufacturing Opticians (FMO)Education panel, chair of the FMOstandards panel and vice chair of theFMO lens focus group.

Figure 6: The power profiles of the Zeiss Officelens Superb designs (courtesy of Zeiss)

TAILOR-MADE STUDENTREVISION EVENTAfter listening to feedback from students,

ABDO has organised a Student Revision

Event to take place on 3 and 4 May at

Yarnfield Park Training and Conference

Centre, Stone, Staffordshire.

The one and two-day events will cover

all sections of the practical examinations,

and will be facilitated by ABDO practical

examiners.

Explaining how the revision event came

about, Alicia Thompson, ABDO director of

professional examinations, told Dispensing

Optics: “We went around many of the

teaching institutions asking students for

lots of feedback about their experiences

with ABDOand theirexams. Fromthis camethe idea fora studentrevisionevent, and

the students let us know precisely whatthey wanted – and what they didn’t want.

“What they wanted was an event runby ABDO so they could be assured theinformation would be correct, for the venueto be in the middle of the UK, and for thereto be no formal dinner – but live music, foodand free beer instead. They were also reallykeen to interact with fellow students fromother institutions, so we’re hoping to seesome friendly inter-institute competition.”

The main focus of the event will behands-on practical exam revision. “Studentswill be exposed to every section of thepractical and will get the chance to get afeel for the task in hand, using ABDO examforms and experiencing what equipment ison offer,” Alicia continued. “There will be amixture of hands-on, informal tutorials andpeer discussion workshops. It will be arelaxed atmosphere where students can getpractical help and identify areas they mayneed to work on before the summer.

“The portfolio case record sessions willbe interactive and we will also timetable drop-in sessions for those who have specific queriesor need additional support,” Alicia added.

Places can be booked online atwww.abdo.org.uk/events/abdo-student-revision-event

The Yarnfield training centre


Participants are advised that the GOC’s Enhanced CET Principles and Requirements v3.2 document states that for text articleCET questions: “A proportion of the questions should require the application of existing professional knowledge to determine the

answer”. This can include personal research online, or following up the references at the end of the article.

MCAs

Which statement regarding autism is true?a. Neurotypical characteristics include avoiding eye contactb. It is unlikely that field assessment will be a problemc. Less females than males are affected by autismd. This developmental disability appears to be genetic

c is the correct answer. Males are thought to be fourtimes more likely to be affected.

According to the National Autistic Society (seereferences), which diagnostic label has been used forautistic people?

a. Autism specular disorderb. Pervasive developmental disorderc. Pathological demand acceptanced. Attention surplus disorder

b is the correct answer. This category is used to refer tochildren who have significant problems with communicationand play, and some difficulty interacting with others, but aretoo social to be considered autistic. It’s sometimes referredto as a milder form of autism.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of MentalDisorders (DSM5) now includes which additionalbehavioural characteristic?a. Unusual repetitive behavioursb. Difficulties with social interactionc. Lack of communication skillsd. Restricted imagination

a is the correct answer. These have been widely studiedas they are readily observable and easier to quantify thanmore traditional characteristics.

According to the National Autistic Society (seereferences), which statement best describes the term‘autism’?a. A complex series of neurodivertistical conditions which

may be catalogued as negative disorders or impairments. b. A term to describe a subset of symptoms in sub-clinical

schizophrenia resulting in a distinct childhood psychiatric syndrome

c. A neurological spatial shift towards less positive and less assertive language skills, mainly experienced at an early age

d. A lifelong, developmental disability that affects how a

person communicates with and relates to other people, and the world around them.

d is the correct answer. The language used to describeand attempt to define the condition has been, and continuesto be, a source of research in its own right.

Which one of the following is not generallyrecommended when a person with autism presents foran eye examination or dispensing?a. Asking permission before proceeding to do anythingb. Explaining the purpose of a processc. Suggesting the patient waits to be seen by a practitionerd. Adapting routines to suit the individual

c is the correct answer. The concept of time may notmean very much and add to possible frustration.

Which of these is NOT one of the autistic traitsidentified in the NICE referral guidelines?a. A reduced awareness of personal spaceb. Stereotypical repetitive speechc. The inability to normally intergrate facial and body languaged. A preference for social crowding and integration

d is the correct answer. It is more likely that the personwill prefer their own company to others, or fail in an attemptto make friends.

The term echolalia refers to:a. repetition of noises and phrases b. a treatable word disorderc. repetitive forms of dyspraxiad. the inability to complete phrases or sentences orally

a is the correct answer. The term is used to denotedelayed analytic language processing.

Which statement is true for people diagnosed asautistic?a. They should always present for an eye examination with

a carer b. Other complex learning difficulties are usually presentc. The optician should avoid any contact with the patientd. They tend to be happier visualising situations

d is the correct answer. Any visual rather than vocalrepresentation of events is usually easier for ASD patients to interpret.

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Multiple choice answers:A practice perspective on autism by Andrew Millington BSc MRes MCOptomC-54040 – published in December 2016

Six of the following questions were presented online to entrants to comply with the General Optical Council’s best practice specifications for this type of CET.


Would you like to earnthree interactive CETpoints each month?Then why not considerholding a monthly case

discussion with your colleagues before,during or after work with resources andsupport provided by ABDO.

Some members have already beenthrough the process. Ashton Galloway, whoset up a group last year, told Dispensing

Optics: “Setting up a peer review is fairlystraightforward. I followed the guides andused the case records on the ABDO website.If you run into any issues, the ABDO CETDepartment is there to help. Paula Stevenshelped me with my first event and withinno time at all, everything was set up.”

Paula explains how to get started: “Ifyou go to My CET where you see andaccept your CET points, you will see on theleft menu: ‘Set up peer review group’. If youare a dispensing optician, you may haveignored this, as a peer review isn’t a CETrequirement for you. However, this can be amost helpful resource for you in terms ofgaining CET points – as many as you need.

“It’s not often that the General OpticalCouncil gives a gift, but this is a gift reallyworth exploring. It means that you can gainCET points almost completely at yourconvenience, and we at the ABDO CEToffice can advise and assist you. Ignore thefact that this is not a GOC requirement fordispensing opticians. The points gained willbe added to your My CET, provided DOs arenamed in the target group when youcomplete the approval application.”

PAULA’S TOP TIPS 1. Once you have the approval, decide on a date and venue (usually your practice).2. Decide what to discuss (minimum one hour): ABDO has provided a number of cases and scenarios, which can be used exclusively by members. After member log-in, go to www.abdo.org.uk/cet/peer- discussion-cases. These resources can be found in the CET menu on the left. Browse and select three or four to discuss.3. Complete the CET approval application via ‘Set up a peer review group’ on My CET. The learning objectives can be tricky, but the ABDO discussion cases provide

them for you. You can use cases/scenarios of your own, but you need to prepare them beforehand, and be very clear in your mind about what will be discussed. If you are stuck for the learning objectives then, contact the CET Department and we will help you write them if we can see the cases.4. Decide who’s coming. You need a minimum of four registrants, including you, to a maximum of 10. If you don’t have four in your practice, pop a postcard through the letterbox of other opticians in your area, or use Facebook or the ABDO website forum.

After the session, you upload the namesand GOC numbers of your group and thenyou all receive your three CET points andcompetencies.

Ashton adds: “I cannot express enoughhow fortunate we are to have such avaluable and helpful team. I had a mix ofregistrants at my event and everyone felt itwas a success. The conversation flowed andwe all left richer in knowledge. This type oflearning and experience is unique andshould be experienced by all members.”

Get on the CET case withadvice and guidance from theABDO CET team

Unique CET organised by you

Unlimited pointswith DIY CET

CET

WARM WELCOME FOR KATEThe Association has welcomed Kate FennFBDO CL as the new ABDO sub-regional

lead for theMidlandsand Angliaregion.

As oneof fourdirectors ofColemanOpticians inNorwich,Kate runstwo busy

independent practices but started hercareer as a Saturday girl “many moons ago”.Speaking to Dispensing Optics, Kate said:“Having been in the profession a little whilenow, watching ABDO from afar, I feltcompelled to step up and be counted.ABDO looks to me to be in a very goodplace for 2017 and beyond.

“I am not afraid to admit to havingbeen sceptical of ABDO’s ideas andstructure in the past. But I believe thatABDO has now organised itself in such away as to make a difference to not only thepeople that it should represent – but also toour patients. This is a professional body thatI want to be part of.

“I was pleased to offer my support to

Richard Rawlinson in my region and I lookforward to bringing all that I can to theposition. It’s my hope to help bring auniformed approach to eyecare that is inthe best interests of my patients. Mycurrent priority is to help facilitate a minoreye conditions service in Norfolk and doeverything that I can to include contactlens opticians in this role,” Kate concluded.

Commenting on Kate’s appointment,ABDO head of policy and development,Barry Duncan, said: “We are delighted towelcome Kate as one of our new sub-regional leads, and on behalf of the ABDOboard and executive convey ourappreciation for her support within the new regional structure.”Kate Fenn


Is digital lens dispensing the next bigthing or an unnecessary complicationcompared to the traditional PD andframe rules and facial gauge? In thisfeature, we look at the different

systems available, how they work, and thebenefits to your practice and patients.

Why might you want to move to digitalmeasurement? System manufacturers claimthat it can increase the accuracy andrepeatability of measurements, and achievea greater number of measurements in a shorttime. What’s more, the extensive range ofmeasurements can link into custom freeformlenses, glazed to the exact requirements ofthe patient’s prescription and frame.

There are a number of different systemsavailable now, from tablet based to mirroror podium systems. Many patients liketechnology, and these new systems can, whencommunicated correctly in the right setting,increase patient engagement. Consider asystem that can, for example, demonstratenot just how the patient will look wearingtheir new frames, but what the new lenseswill look like, where areas of distortion mightbe in varifocal lenses, the lens thickness forthat particular frame and more.

Digital dispensing can enhance yourability to discuss with patients why a frameis or isn’t suitable, while giving them a farbetter idea of what the finished pair ofspectacles will be like. It could prevent

people returning, dissatisfied with whatthey have ordered. And if you are the onlypractice in town to offer digital dispensing,it can give you a marketing edge.

Ben Maknia is an account manager forZeiss. Summing up the company’s experienceof implementing digital dispensing, he says:“We have found digital dispensing devicesto be more accurate, but staff need to betrained too. They have to be able tounderstand the measurements, and askthemselves if they seem realistic and accurate.

“Another plus side of digital dispensingis that there are different ways to do it.Zeiss offers a podium and a tablet-basedsystem. A hand-held digital dispensingsystem is good if space is an issue. A towersystem works well if you have the space forit and is less reliant on human factors, suchas the way you position the tablet. Whicheversystem you choose, used properly digitaldispensing is quicker and more efficientthan traditional manual methods.”

MIRROR, MIRROR…A mirror-based system can be the best ofboth worlds, small and portable, but able torest on a desk ensuring it is stable and level.Tanya Storey is head of sales and professionalservices at Shamir. She says: “Shamir launchedtheir SparkMi mirror in April 2015. It is quick,easy, accurate and efficient. It gives patientsa good experience as the high-tech dispensingfollows a high-tech eye test. Shamir hadstarted with a tablet based system: the

SparkMi mirror is the next step forward. It isportable, and works with a USB stick to linkto any computer. It is stable on a desktop,whereas a tablet must be held in 3D spaceso the user has to be steady. Our newsystem is now in a dozen practices. It iseasy to use because there is no need to fitany attachments to the frame. It works withinfrared light, which means that it can beused with sunglasses as well as clear lenses.”

Janice Purcell, co founder of PurcellOpticians in Castle Douglas, says of thesystem: “We were impressed by the new

INPRACTICEThis month Antonia Chitty looks at the

practice and patient benefits of some ofthe newest digital lens dispensing systems

The Zeiss i.Terminal mobile systemShamir’s SparkMi system

offers great flexibility

Digital dispensing can enhance patient relationships

Benefits of digital lensdispensing


technology, and impressed by the resultsfrom the SparkMi mirror.” When the practicewas considering switching to digitaldispensing, Janice adds: “Shamir was reallyhelpful. They demonstrated the SparkMi, wehad a think and decided to go ahead. Theyset it all up for us, then Andy the rep cameat least three times to train us.”

Justine Dickinson is the practicedispensing optician. She says SparkMi is“absolutely fantastic”. “It is easy to use,quick and accurate. When I first used it, Itook all the measurement manually tocompare it for the first few patients – itgave me the same measurements but moreaccurately as it could measure to a fractionof a millimetre or degree.”

IN-BUILT FLEXIBILITY The SparkMi system has the flexibility thatJustine needs: “I can use it to take a photoof the patient and stop there, then go on totake measurements later. You can use itsimply to take PDs and heights, you don’thave to just use it for varifocals andheights. I can use it to order any brand oflenses: the outcome of measurements canaffect the lens you choose.

“Patients are really impressed with thenew technology, with comments like, ‘I’venever had this done before, isn’t thisamazing’.” The mirror format of the SparkMiworks well for the practice’s youngestpatients, as Justine explains: “It is excellentfor children. They love looking in the mirror.It makes coming into the practice moreinteresting and exciting; they can seethemselves in the frame, and we can showthem the photo afterwards.”

For any patient, the success of the SparkMi

comes down to a combination of the latesttechnology with good communication fromthe dispensing optician. “The importantthing is to introduce the concept to them,telling them what’s going to happen, showingthe photos and explaining the measurementsafterwards,” says Justine. “Some people arereally interested and ask questions, othersare simply pleased to be shown.”

Purcell Opticians’ team includes opticalassistants and Justine says: “All the membersof the team are happy to use it; it is incrediblyaccurate and quick and easy to use and I’mconfident that all members of the team useit correctly, explain it correctly and themeasurements will be accurate.” The ongoingsupport ensures everyone stays up-to-dateand no-one becomes stuck on morecomplex issues.

“Shamir and Andy, our local rep, areexcellent. If you are stuck on anything youcan send a quick message or phone. Whenhe was here, we had a varifocal patient comeout of the testing room, and he demonstratedhow the system works on the patient thereand then,” Justine adds.

REALISTIC DISPENSING PROCESSPilgrim Optical in Tiverton, Devon, uses theHoya visuReal system, which includes tabletbased digital dispensing. Jo Holmes, dispensingoptician and manager, explains: “You take aphoto of the patient wearing the framefrom the front and the side, then thesystem generates measurements. You canthen show the photos and measurementsto the patient. The system gives youmeasurements like CD, pantoscopic angle,and vertex distance.

“What I like is how it then links up to

the tracer and online ordering system,” Jocontinues. “Working with Hoyalux iDLifeStyle V+ varifocal lenses, you can thendiscuss options with the patient, such as amore distance based lens, or one with abias towards the reading area. You can makeusing the tablet as long or as short aprocess as you want: it prompts all sorts oflifestyle questions, and can generatepictures of likely distortion, which you canshow to patients, to give them a better ideaof the different lenses and how they willwork for them. Patients feel that they aregetting the latest technology: it evenappeals to the engineers! It also matches upwith the technology that we have in thetesting room.

“My tip would be to assess the patient’sdegree of interest first,” Jo advises. “It canbe easy to lose them if they are lessinterested in technology, so keep what yousay at the right level. We have patientsreturning after a year or two telling us howmuch they like their specs, how much theyappreciate that this pair was createdespecially for them. They are then unlikelyto go elsewhere or look for specs online,”concludes Jo.

MAKING IT WORK FOR YOUConsidering all the positives, perhaps it issurprising that not all practices are using adigital system. The downsides, however,may be deterring some dispensing opticians.There is a requirement for space in thepractice if you opt for a podium-basedsystem, and if there are a number ofdispenses occurring at once and only onepodium, this can cause a bottleneck. Mobiledevices have maximum flexibility but dependmore on the user holding them correctly:indeed, all systems require training andongoing calibration so they ensure accuracy.And in researching this article, there appearto be no independent research paperscomparing the accuracy of digital dispensingwith more traditional methods.

Summing up, it is clear that digitaldispensing technology is only ever as accurateas its user. Digital measurement is simply oneof the tools available to dispensing opticians,and training is important. Compliance is alsoan issue: some practices own digital dispensingequipment but don’t use it.

Digital dispensing equipment does allowyou to choose more advanced lenses, anduse systems that require specificmeasurements. It can improve patients’perception of your practice as one that is atthe cutting edge, with a high-tech approachto both the clinical and dispensing aspectsof eyecare and eyewear.

Capturing measurements with Hoya visuReal


The 47th edition of the Milantrade fair Mido attracted astaggering 55,000 plus visitorsfrom across the globe, crowdingthe pavilions of a bigger and

better organised event that took placeduring Milan Fashion Week from 25-27February. Visitor numbers represented a5.5 per cent increase over the previousyear, for which attendance figures hadalready scored an all-time record.

The importance that Mido holds for thedomestic economy was underlined by theattendance of Italy’s undersecretary foreconomic development, Ivan Scalfarotto, whovisited the much-photographed The GlassesHype exhibition on the history of eyewearseen through communication and marketing.

Speaking after the show Mido president,Cirillo Marcolin, said: “Business, social events,trends, innovation, technology, testing andinvestigation were the buzzwords at Mido2017, making it a not-to-be-missedappointment for all the trade and aninvaluable moment to network and gainnew insights into the profession andindustry trends. The vitality of the industrycould also be perceived in the stands, wherethe comments were positive from amongthe more than 1,200 exhibitors present.”

The buzz about the exhibition on social

media was also excellent: during the three-day event some 20,000 posts werehashtagged #Mido2017 and #Livethewonder,and several international fashion and eyewearinfluencers have since shared their opinionsand comments about the show with theirmillions of followers.

Giovanni Vitaloni, Mido vice president,added: “In addition to the many visitorsfrom other countries this year, there were agood deal of visits by Italian trade peoplethroughout the weekend, which peaked onSunday. In the mid-afternoon especially, theaisles were particularly crowded, coincidingwith the arrival of the free trains from thefour cities serviced. We are already workingon the next exhibition, on new projects,topics to develop and what to focus on.”

SPACE FOR NEW FRONTIERSProviding visitors with the chance to viewcollections from forward-thinking eyeweardesigners, Mido 2017 welcomed 127 first-time exhibitors with an extra 1,500m2

worth of space to spread out into. Thespace dedicated to More!, the Lab Academy,the Fashion District and Design Lab wasdoubled, with a fully booked LensesPavilion, a bigger FAiR East Pavilion and

new events animating Pavilions 5-7. This year, the More! area hosted ‘The

Glasses Hype, Advertising & Eyewear: frommedical device to icon’ exhibition, chartingthe history of eyewear and lenses inadvertising from the early 1900s to thepresent with some 5,000 picturesillustrating how the eyewear industry hasevolved over time.

One of several companies flying theflag for the UK, Dunelm Optical had a verybusy exhibition, previewing more than 70new designs spanning designer brands suchas Paul Costelloe and Janet Reger to therecently launched Ascari and OMG!Eyewear brands.

Peter Beaumont, Dunelm managingdirector, said: “We opened several newaccounts giving us even more coverageworldwide, bringing our total to around 60

Some 50,000 professionalsvisited Mido 2017 in Milan, morethan ever before

Showcase of Italian wares

Mido president Cirillo Marcolin showsItalian MP, Ivan Scalfarotto, around

REPORT

Eyewear innovation in abundance

Mido at the topof its game

Viewing the Glasses Hype exhibition


countries. We love this show as it’s a greatopportunity to connect with our internationalpartners and distributors. It was also nice towelcome some of our UK customers to thestand. Many more UK independentopticians are now making the trip to Milanto stay up-to-date with the latest fashionsin eyewear. This is recognition of the globalstanding of the show.”

Ahead of its UK debut at Optrafair thismonth, Essilor launched Bolon Eyewearwith the help of Hailey Baldwin, US modeland brand ambassador. Modelling Bolonaviator frames with clear lenses at theshow, Baldwin said the brand fitted herstreet style: “Bolon is a great brand and theteam behind it is amazing.” A new brandmovie, revealed at the show, forms part of adigital content marketing strategy for thelaunch. It shows Baldwin modellingdifferent products, performing ballet andshowing different aspects of her personalityfrom ‘fashionista’ to ‘diva’. Essilor hasselected 86 sunwear and ophthalmicmodels for the UK market.

Italian giant Safilo made its presence feltat the show with its large portfolio of brands,including Carrera, Smith, Polaroid and Oxydo,and a dedicated ‘secret room’ on its stand

where the company unveiled to selectedclients its autumn 2017 eyewear releases.The company also co-hosted a Women inGlobal Optics forum, dedicated to the opticalindustry’s female leaders. The event was co-hosted by Safilo CEO, Luisa Delgado, andDanda Santini, director of Elle Italy.

Following a successful showing at theConsumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas inJanuary, Safilo also demonstrated its SafiloXwearable technology innovation. IntegratingInteraxon’s Muse brain-sensing technologyinto Smith Lowdown frames, SafiloX isdesigned to delivers cognitive trainingtechnology via seamlessly integrated eyewear.

CONSUMER HABITS EXPLOREDMido 2017 also saw the release of the fifthOMO-Optical Monitor six-monthly surveycommissioned jointly by Mido and Silmo toGFK exploring consumer habits in terms ofpossession, purchase and use of prescriptioneyewear and sunglasses in four newcountries – the United States, China, Russiaand Japan – which were then benchmarkedagainst Europe’s big five markets (France,Italy, Spain, Great Britain and Germany).

Europe continues to be the area withthe greatest market penetration both forsunglasses and prescription eyewear.Japan’s higher mean population age has,however, increased the percentage ofpeople experiencing sight problems. Chinawas found to be the country where contactlenses were most used.

The purchasing behaviour of consumersin the US, China, Russia and Japan was verymuch the same for sunglasses andprescription eyewear. The averagerepurchase for the five main Europeancountries was slightly longer than threeyears, similar to the US and Russia.However, in China it was two years and inJapan, more than four years. The percentageshare of online purchases was very similarto the five main European countries, low forprescription eyewear, except for the US, andabout 10 per cent for sunglasses.

The average purchase price forprescription eyewear in the top fiveEuropean countries was €273 – versus€207 in the US, €168 in Japan, €97 inChina and €50 in Russia. For sunglasses,Japan was in line with the European pricesat €97 versus €96, while for the othercountries the figure was much less: €79 forChina, €57 for the US, and just €27 forRussia. The prices undoubtedly reflected thedifferent income levels in each country andits eyewear distribution.

For sunglasses, the purchase channelswere very different: department stores ledthe way in the US, whereas chain storesranked first in Japan. A significant trend inRussia was buying eyewear at streetmarkets, with 12 per cent of consumersinterviewed stating they had boughtsunglasses via this avenue. Eyewearcompetition in the near future would beboth on and offline in China, Japan, Russiaand the US too, concluded the report.

Another survey presented at Mido wasFrancesco Morace’s ‘Future concept lab’ onglobal consumer trends and styles. For thereport, Morace analysed thousands ofphotos from a range of cities, includingBeijing and Shanghai and the US WestCoast. Heralding new consumptionparadigms, or ‘ConsumAuthors’ (individualswith ‘innovation in their blood and brain’),Morace asserts that consumers’ buyingpatterns are now based more on credibilitythan the mere logics of visibility. The newgeneration of buyers prioritise values suchas respect, gratefulness, reciprocity andrapport, Morace concluded.

Mido 2017 provided plenty of food forthought, products for the practice and ideasto stimulate the mind. With next year’sdates already in the diary, the organisers arepreparing for plenty more besides in 2018.The 48th Mido will take place from 24-26February. Visit www.mido.com

Reflections of this year’s marketing campaign

Hailey Baldwin speaking at the Bolon Eyewear launch

Viewing frames at the Dunelm stand Sumptuous styles on display

30

Visual impairment is a globalissue, and the way it is beingtackled has changed over the past 40 years. In thisarticle, you can hear about

that change from the leaders of some of the organisations that are forging theway ahead.

The International Association for thePrevention of Blindness (IAPB) SpectacleCoverage Report, published in February 2017,states that uncorrected refractive error in2012 was responsible for an estimated globalloss in productivity of 269bn internationaldollars. Luigi Bilotto, director of education,public health, at the Brien Holden VisionInstitute, says: “There are approximately 800million blind and visually impaired peopleglobally, and 80 per cent of this is due toavoidable causes. The number one cause isthe need for spectacles for refractive error,unavailable to 625 million people.”

And it looks like the problem willworsen: by 2050 half the global populationwill be myopic, more people will be visuallyimpaired due to lack of spectacles,alongside an increase in serious eyeproblems associated with high myopia.

Daksha Patel is an ophthalmologist withthe International Centre for Eye Health. Shesays: “Before the concept of prevention ofblindness was developed, everyone focusedon clinical programmes dealing withindividual needs. What was happening inthe population was neglected. ProfessorBarrie Jones was the first person to thinkabout how many others in a communityhave the same problem.

“Professor Jones established theInternational Centre for Eye Health in 1981.A small group of forward thinkers united toinvestigate what a survey of global blindnesswould tell us. This raised the issue, what dowe mean by visual impairment? Categorisingpeople in the population began to reveal apicture of how many people were blind,how many were visually impaired, howmany were not receiving any services, andwhere they were.

“As a result, Vision 2020 was formed. Atfirst its strategy looked at cataract,onchocerciasis and trachoma. Refractive errorwas not included because the methodologywas based on best corrected vision. Thencame a ground-breaking redefinition: basingfigures on presenting vision.”

COLLABORATIVE APPROACHEarlier attempts to combat the causes ofsight loss across the globe had limitedeffects. Luigi, an optometrist, explains:“Charities were delivering direct care oreducation into the countries, mobilising

professionals where they wanted to provide charitable health. Results wereshort-lived, and outcomes were minimal.You mobilise six to 12 volunteers for twoweeks, they see 2,000 people, but this has alimited impact.”

Daksha explains the fresh approach ofVision 2020: “The organisation asked whathuman resources were needed – as well aswhat equipment and funding. Vision 2020has been the main tool for advocacy withthe World Health Organisation (WHO) andgovernments to achieve a collaborativeapproach.”

The current IAPB Global Action Planaims to reduce visual impairment andblindness by 25 per cent (2010-2019), tobuild strong, equitable health systems,collecting local data to identify needs andpriorities. In addition, it requires that moreeye health workers are trained, andcomprehensive eyecare services, includingprevention, health promotion, treatmentand rehabilitation, are put in place.

The plan calls for evidence on prevalenceand causes to be measured as indicators ofsuccess, alongside details of the numbers ofworkers, their distribution, and the outputand quality of service delivery. This fitswithin the WHO Health Systems Approachof six key blocks: governance, leadership,planning, mapping and targets; healthpersonnel; health financing; medicines andtechnology and infrastructure; informationsystems; and excellent equitable andeconomically sound services.

LONG-LASTING STRATEGIESLuigi says: “At the Brien Holden VisionInstitute, refractive error is our main focus.If we attack that we will make an impact,

Antonia Chitty explores how theoptical charity sector has shifted itsfocus over the years

Luigi Bilotto of the Brien Holden Vision Institute

Dispensing Optics APRIL 2017

Sustainable sight loss prevention

The IAPB’s Spectacle Coverage Report

CHARITYFOCUS


and simultaneously address a broaderproblem – the provision of eye health. Wehave created structures in the localsystems, working with local ministries ofhealth and education and educationalinstitutes to generate human resources. It isa long-term process.

“An optometry school takes three to fiveyears to set up and up to 15 years to see asubstantial output,” Luigi continues. “In thepast charities came in, worked, then walkedaway. Now we consider transition from thebeginning, so when we leave everythingcontinues. Getting the government toembrace the projects is challenging yet keyto solving the issue. The work doesn’t stop atthe creation of human resources. We need toconsider how we make services sustainable.How do we get people to use them? Peoplemay not be aware that that they have aproblem nor that the services are there.”

Daksha expands on the barriers tocombatting sight loss: “The key barrier inmany countries is the lack of optometrists,opticians and low vision services. Acrosssub-Saharan African there are only 8,000optometrists. Eyecare needs to be part ofthe aim for Universal Health Coverage, withits key elements of availability, accessibility,quality and service delivery. We need to bringtogether the six blocks of the WHO healthsystem, especially for uncorrected refractiveerror. Task shifting and task sharing are theway forward: one of the strongest exampleswe have is from the Gambia, where nursestraining to be cataract surgeons was a gamechanger. We have to think outside the box.”

Considering the future, Daksha Patel says,“Cataract must continue to be addressed,particularly the quality of surgery. Whilstwe build this, we are also building an eyehealth system. Diabetic eye disease is amajor concern. Within the African contextglaucoma is a problem: what are thetreatment solutions we can put in place,what can we do to increase early detection?”

MEETING CHANGING NEEDSAndy Holliday is director of fundraising andcommunications for Vision Aid Overseas(VAO). He says: “Thirty years ago, the firstgroup of optometrists went to Tanzaniawith bags of used spectacles. They foundcommunities to offer eye tests and fit peoplewith assorted glasses which was valuablefor the people who benefitted but made asmall impact. People’s vision needs change;it is easy to lose or break spectacles – soflying in, delivering specs and leaving didn’thelp in the long term. Now, VAO is focusingon the long-term future.

“If you go on a VAO assignment, youmight spend a week on outreach, dispensing

new spectacles, but you would spend at leasthalf your time working with professionalsand vision centred organisations, providingtraining. We build capacity for sustainablefacilities that will stand alone, thrive andsupply the local need.

“Sustainability is a challenge fordevelopment programmes. Our enterprisemodel sees people get their eye tests free,children get free specs, and all but thepoorest adults pay a low, affordable fee fortheir specs. When we set up a vision centrewe aim that they will be able to sourcetheir own frames and lenses and sellenough to sustain the vision centre costs.That’s a real challenge.

“Sustainability is also about persuadinglocal, regional and national government tosustain services,” Andy continues. “Ourliaison with governments is critical. InZambia, the government recently agreed totake on the salaries of the people wetrained. Whenever we establish visioncentres, we must look at the full referralpathway. Many of our vision services are inhospitals so there is a facility for cataractsurgery. In some parts of the world, thosefacilities aren’t there. In Sierra Leone, forexample, we partner with NGOs who havethe capacity to provide those services.”

VAO currently operates in five countries,and has supplied eye tests and spectacles formore than a million people. Andy adds: “It’snot a quick solution, but it is a wonderfulthing to cost-effectively restore someone’ssight. Without sight the person can’tgenerate as much income. Research showsthat adults in Ethiopia given the spectaclesthey need improve their household’s incomeby 78 per cent. This gives a huge, measurableand lasting impact on poverty.”

HOW YOU CAN HELPIf you want to get involved in the fight tocombat global sight loss, there are severalthings you can do. First, find out about theissue. Daksha leads short online courses onissues such as global blindness and

trachoma from the London School ofHygiene and Tropical Medicine on theFutureLearn website,www.futurelearn.com/partners/london-school-hygiene-tropical-medicine

She says: “I’d like to see opticianssupporting volunteer organisations, andencouraging our professional bodies toshare guidelines, training and equipment.Influencing the global quality of trainingand standardisation is vital.”

Luigi adds: “It is always good if peoplewant to donate to organisations. A largeoptical retail chain in the US has becomevery involved in setting up an optometryschool in Haiti. They set up a fundraisingcompetition within their group and raised amillion dollars towards that school.”

If you want to get involved with VAO,Andy suggests: “We need moreprofessionals to go on assignments for aweek in a vision centre or at a university,and a week of outreach. We also needfinancial support – so become a friend andmake a regular gift to support project workoverseas.” VAO epitomises the move fromaid to development, as Andy says: “The waywe think about addressing issues aroundworld poverty has changed. The scale of theproblem we are addressing is colossal. Thereis an enormous challenge to address.”

Providing sight tests in Ethiopia Building capacity for sustainable facilitiesis part of VAO’s focus

VAO needs more professionals to go on assignment

Futureproofing our profession

JOTTINGSImproving eyecare services andsafeguarding the DO role means crossingboundaries, writes Saima Begum Naroo

After only a few months into my new role asABDO sub-regional lead for the Midlandsand East of England, I am already stuck intomaking it a priority to inform the healthcaresector on the myriad of skills that dispensing

opticians possess. Despite how common our profession is, there is a shocking

lack of awareness about what a dispensing optician’s roleentails. I have witnessed ABDO’s new structure provide a voiceto DOs, who I feel have been ignored by many when it comesto shaping the future of eyecare.

I agree with ABDO’s new strategy: there is absolutely nopoint in trying to maintain the status quo, so we need topush ahead and offer our skills to relieve pressure fromsecondary care. Let us not forget that we are living in themost dynamic and transformative time and we cannotafford to stand still if we want to see our profession bloom.Currently, there is some great activity taking place aroundthe country; opportunities are being sought out and madeavailable for all DOs to seize.

PIONEERING APPROACHES WITH EVSAmongst the events I have attended since my sub-regionallead role began include an England Vision Strategy (EVS)event on 21 January which gave me information waybeyond my expectations. EVS is a plan for change that wasdeveloped in June 2015 as a result of extensive feedbackfrom stakeholders. This plan will be delivered collectively bya number of leading eye health and sight loss organisationsin England. It consists of six key priorities as the foundationfor change until 2018. Most of the organisations cametogether to discuss important topics including intersectionof merging care.

EVS created a pioneering approach which unites vitalorganisations that took action by expressing ideas for amore sustainable method of providing the best care. It hasbecome very clear to me that improving eyecare servicesmeans crossing boundaries and forging new regionalplatforms where all healthcare organisations will be able toimprove patient care. The EVS event highlighteddevelopments in all of these six priorities. As you wouldexpect, the developing areas are faced with manychallenges. Effort is ongoing to overcome these and createa way forward to fulfil the EVS.

Claire Roberts, chair of NHS England West MidlandsLocal Eye Health Network (LEHN) spoke about the

importance of information sharing with other healthcareservices. She maintained that they would be as much aforce for change as they ever had been. Early intervention isvital and to be able to signpost the patient to the correctservice will only be possible with information sharing. Thisis a complex area to approach, with data protection at thecore of its planning.

There was some especially good news shared at thisevent: the West Midlands Quality Review Service (WMQRS),which monitors cancer, stroke diabetes and many moreareas, has put eyecare on its agenda – beginning with areview of what an excellent eyecare service looks like. Thiswill lead to more local care so patients are notinconvenienced and better outcomes are achieved. Theagenda also includes plans to develop peer support groups.This is an area of interest for WMQRS as these groups arehighly proven to help patients through any difficult periodsof their sight loss journey. The emotional support isimmeasurable, providing patients with new ways ofthinking and everyday living.

LEARNING TO UPSKILLThe most thought-provoking information I took away fromthis event was the numerous opportunities that are alreadyaccessible for DOs, to embrace and position themselves toplay a vital role in fulfilling the EVS. These are readily availableopportunities that cost absolutely nothing in monetary terms.

As previously mentioned, early intervention is one ofthe EVS priorities and the Local Optical Committee SupportUnit (LOCSU) and the Wales Optometry PostgraduateEducation Centre (WOPEC) have developed a distancelearning course, Learning disabilities, which is available toDOs too. DOs are ideally positioned to play a key role inthe delivery of this pathway. Find out how to enrol on thiscourse via your Local Optical Committee (LOC), details ofwhich can be found on the LOCSU website, www.locsu.co.uk

EVS also highlighted that under the preventionumbrella is, ‘ceasing smoking’. Smoking has a huge impacton health. It is crucial to make every patient contact countand discuss methods to improve their health and lifestyle.For those of us who are interested in this area, an onlinecourse, The national smoking course, provides the necessaryskills and tools to help people cease smoking.

At the 2016 National Optical Conference, we wereinformed about the success of the Healthy Living Opticianscheme piloted in Dudley, which included ceasing smoking.


Work is in progress to make this service go live nationwidein the near future, so we can prepare to take the lead bytaking advantage of the courses and workshops that areavailable now on this topic.

The reality is there are more than 1.5 million peopleliving with sight loss in England. Another harsh reality is thatvery rarely does this information get discussed during publichealth messages. The proposal is that in the near future, allpatients in all areas will be referred to their local professionals,including the area of rehabilitation. This is a complex journeythat has commenced in many areas across the country.

The health and social care sector is currently underimmense pressure to provide the best care and support forpeople suffering from sight loss. To combat these issues,DOs can empower themselves and be a vital organ of thecommunity framework. As well as the course offered atABDO College, the LOSCU website also offers a low visioncourse for DOs, enabling us to take the lead for deliveringthis pathway locally.

Activity on dementia and sight loss is happening withforce and early detection is key. National workshops fundedby Health Education England are also available to DOs inthis area; these will educate and empower individuals to beable to take the correct steps in signposting patients withdementia. There is also an online course available. With theageing population, the demand for skilled individuals willonly rise in this part of healthcare. Upskilling in areas likethis is essential for better patient care.

FRESH APPROACHESThe EVS meeting also included a powerful presentation byThuy Pham, an orthoptist at Birmingham Children’s Hospital,about Eye Heroes – the UK’s first child-led campaign tacklingissues on avoidable blindness. Volunteers go into local schoolsto deliver free workshops, targeting communities that are atgreater risk for various reasons, including language barriers. Byinteracting with children in a fun manner, the Eye Heroesscheme aims to encourage youngsters to relay eye health

information to grown-ups around them, raising awarenessand encouraging regular sight tests.

There are many studies that state the reality of whoand why people will not consider an eye exam. A 2016RNIB report, eye health care in Wales, highlights that Asianand Black ethnic groups are at greater risk of eye diseasesand that most are unaware of this.

Eye Heroes is a fresh approach to tackling a major issueand the technique is getting recognition around the country.Recently, I was offered the voluntary role of Eye Heroes lead forBirmingham, and I am delighted to be a part of this campaign.The 40-minute workshop is very straightforward to run, and is acombination of videos and fun interactive games to keep thechildren engaged. I hope to work with more volunteers whoshare the same passion for combating avoidable blindness, andso invite anyone interested to get in touch with me. Togetherwe can promote this campaign in hard-to-reach areas. Iwould encourage everyone to visit the Eye Heroes websiteat www.eyeheroes.org.uk for further details.

So, how can we further strengthen our position? Weneed to take action today, not think about it for tomorrow.We need to embed the policies we propose and turn theminto reality. We need to see our involvement in extraactivities as an investment in the future. Collaboration isthe key to facing and overcoming the challenges presented.

I strongly recommend you take an active role in yourLOC. These meetings are a gateway to getting our voiceheard in the decision-making process and bringing the DO’srole to the forefront of everyone’s minds. We mustn’t letourselves be an afterthought in the upcoming pathways.Together, we can futureproof our profession.

SAIMA BEGUM NAROO FBDO is ABDO sub-regional leadfor the Midlands and East of England. She works inpractice as a DO at Boots Opticians, and is Eye Heroeslead for Birmingham. Get in touch with Saima [email protected] and find the region’sFacebook page at www.facebook.com/ABDOMidlands


Tony Griffiths FBDO Hons SLD Dip. Dist. Ed. inspired many trainee dispensing opticians through his work as a distance

learning tutor for many years, writes Derek Baker.

He became a very competent dispensing optician, qualifying in 1964 after training with the (then) ADO correspondencecourse and used his knowledge and talents to tutor students from 1978 to 2001. He served on the Correspondence AdvisoryCommittee and chaired this committee from 1989 until his retirement. During this time, he was instrumental in both addingto and improving the courses.

He also served as a practical examiner from 1978, and this time included a number of overseas visits to examine studentsin their country of origin, including Malaysia, Singapore and South Africa.

During his career as a dispensing optician, Tony worked for Dollond & Aitchison, Boots and Scrivens. His legacy continueswith the textbooks he wrote: Practical Dispensing and Worked Problems in Visual Optics, designed to help students in theirstudies, and with the ABDO Tony Griffiths Prize for Excellence that is awarded each year.

One of his visions for ABDO and the training of students was the introduction of a college dedicated solely to trainingdispensing opticians, something that did not, at that time, exist. His plan was to continue with this mission and he wasdelighted when ABDO College opened in 2001. Now he could retire in the sure knowledge that training for ophthalmicdispensing was in safe hands.

Alongside his busy career, Tony was a devoted family man, father to Jason and Stuart and husband to Jean. He and Jeanwere foster parents to many children before Stuart and Jason arrived. Before illness affected his physical activity from the1980s, he enjoyed sailing, sub aqua diving, cycling and cricket.

Obituary: Tony Griffiths

Jobs & notices


To place

an advert,

telephone

0781 273 4717

or email

ncollinson@

abdo.uk.com

Booking deadline

for the May

issue is Thursday

6 April.

Special rate for

ABDO members

REMINDERChild and adultsafeguarding coursesABDO members are reminded thatthe ABDO CET department hasdeveloped an online childsafeguarding course, specifically fordispensing opticians.

ABDO’s safeguarding children Level 2 forDOs can be found at:

http://www.abdo.org.uk/cet/child-safeguarding/ – or go to ‘Child safeguarding’ on the CET dropdownmenu at www.abdo.org.uk. Member login isrequired before the course can be accessed.

ABDO provides child safeguarding for DOsas a membership benefit, but those wishingto complete adult safeguarding can studyNHS-approved open access courses at levelsone and two via this link: http://www.e-lfh.org.uk/programmes/safeguarding-adults/open-access-sessions/. This is a HealthEducation England Programme in partnershipwith the NHS and Professional Bodies.

Optometrist members can complete both childand adult safeguarding courses via DOCET.

Level 6 Diploma in

OphthalmicDispensingIn September 2015, ABDO rolled out anew dispensing syllabus for studentsstarting their dispensing studies.

Any trainees already under the currentsyllabus will be given the appropriatenumber of attempts at the existing YearOne assessments at the followingexamination sessions only:

Practical sessions Theory sessions

June 2017 June 2017

The maximum number of attempts at a unit ofthe syllabus taken as a whole, or in parts, is four.

For further information, please contactMark Chandler, ABDO head of examinationsand registration, on 01227 732 920.

CLASSIFIEDSABDOboard nominations

now openPlease find enclosed with thisissue an election form for twoplaces on the ABDO board of directors.

Please complete your nomination paper and return it to the General Secretary, ABDO, 199 Gloucester Terrace, London W2 6LD nolater than 10am on Thursday 1 June.

ABDOStudentRevision Event3 & 4 MayAn ABDO Student Revision Eventwill take place at the Yarnfield Park Training & Conference Centre inStaffordshire on 3 and 4 May for both FQE and PQE practical revision.

The one and two-day events will cover all sections of the practicalexaminations, facilitated by ABDOpractical examiners.

Please refer to the flyer contained in this issue for more details and book your place at www.abdo.org.uk/events/abdo-student-revision-event

YOUR STORIES WANTED• Does your practice have an interesting story to tell about how you reach out to children and parents? Please get in touch by 15 April.

• Does your practice have great policies in equal opportunities employment? Please get in touch by 15 May.

Email Antonia Chitty at [email protected]

abdoCOLLEGE

A two year Foundation Degree course followed by a third yearBSc Degree course in Ophthalmic Dispensing – leading to BSc(Hons) and the ABDO Level 6 FBDO qualifications.

Course features• Combines academic and work-based learning• 32 weekly distance learning units in each academic year• Four weeks block release at Godmersham in each academic year• Block release accommodation can be provided• Year 1 courses will commence in September 2017

Entry requirements• Grade C or above GCSE in English, mathematics, science and two other subjects, including evidence of recent learning• Applicants must be working in practice as a trainee dispensing optician for a minimum of 30 hours per week and have the support of their employer

Working in partnership, ABDO College and Canterbury ChristChurch University are proud to offer a comprehensive blendedlearning course for prospective dispensing opticians:

• The only blended learning degree course in ophthalmic dispensing available in the UK• Leads to a BSc (Hons) degree and the registerable FBDO qualification• A successful partnership committed to the furtherance of dispensing optics• Equips students with the ability to problem-solve within the practice, benefiting both students and their employers• A proven track record of success through consistently high theory and practical examination results• Establishes a platform to build further career advancement• In most cases, student finance is available

For further information and application forms, please contact the ABDO College Courses Team on 01227 738 828 (Option 1)or email [email protected]

ABDO College Operational Services Godmersham Park, GodmershamCanterbury, Kent CT4 7DT

www.abdocollege.org.ukwww.twitter.com/abdocollege

Foundation Degree/BSc (Hons) in

Ophthalmic Dispensing

Your ABDO membership provides a comprehensive range ofbenefits and services that can assist you in both your personal

and professional life. Indeed, your annual subscription fee can easilybe subsidised by the savings that are on offer and available to you.

ABDO MEMBER BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Professional indemnity Insurance

• Personal accident cover

• Helplines - FREE 24-hour service

• CET

• Dispensing Optics

• Advice and Guidelines

• Cashback on everyday purchases

• 25% saving off your current homeinsurance

• 10% saving off your current carinsurance

• Save 20% on Columbus Directtravel insurance policies

• NUS extra - Student Discounts Card

• Savings on all your travel needs

• 17% off worldwide attractiontickets

• Save up to 40% on cinemaadmissions

• Access to an exclusive network ofover 2,800 health clubs, gyms andleisure centres

• Get the latest Mobile phones onthe best rates available from EE

• Great savings on a wide range ofApple products

• Member benefit plans with HMCA

Association of British Dispensing Opticians

Make the most of yourABDO membership

Take full advantage of what’s on offer!

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