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DISPENSINGOPTICSNEWS, INFORMATION andEDUC ATION for OPTICIANS

APRIL 2015

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3Dispensing Optics APRIL 2015

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Contents

Dispensing Optics APRIL 2015

17.

38.

37.32.

12.

35. ABDO ConferencePushing the boundaries

36. Mido 2015The Italian job

38. ABDO overseasShanghai surprise by Elaine Grisdale

Regulars

5. DO Dispatches

6. Black Artsby ABDO president, Peter Black

8. News

40. JottingsAge is just a state of mind by Brad Parkes

42. Classifieds

Features

18. Area newsRound-up of the latest regional events

20. Sunwear in the spotlightSunglasses & UV protection

22. Continuing Education & TrainingOCD on OCT by Andrew Keirl

30. CET AnswersConsidering ocular motor balance in dispensing by Stephen Freeman

32. BusinessReal life stories to promote your practice by Antonia Chitty

Association of British Dispensing Opticians

ABDO at Optrafair18 - 20 April 2015 • Birmingham NEC

Optrafair 2015THE MUST-ATTEND EVENT FOR EVERY ABDO MEMBER

CET LECTURES & WORKSHOPS ● ABDO / FMO NETWORKING PARTY ● THE UK’s LARGEST OPTICAL EXHIBITION

For more information about Optrafair and to register online for the show visit optrafair.co.uk

Optrafair is the leading UK exhibition and educational conference dedicated to the needsof the optical profession since 1978. As an official event partner ABDO will have a strongpresence at the show and has organised a number of special and events and activities.The Association therefore urges its members to attend and thereby benefit from all thatthe show has to offer - we look forward to seeing you there!

ABDO CET LECTURESSaturday 18 and Sunday 19 April 2015• Featuring internationally acclaimed speakers• Including special guest Bernard Maitenaz, the inventor of Varilux lenses• Each lecture is approved for 1 interactive CET point and free to attend• Book your place for lectures online via the Optrafair website at optrafair.co.uk

ABDO PAEDIATRIC DISPENSING WORKSHOPSMonday 20 April 2015 at 9.30am, 11.00am, 12.30pm and 2.00pm• The workshops are free to attend and approved for 3 interactive CET points• Admission is strictly limited • No advanced booking, places will be available on the day on a first-come, first served basis

ABDO CET WILL BE HELD AT THE ABDO THEATRE (T60) AND IS APPROVED FORDISPENSING OPTICIANS AND OPTOMETRISTS

ABDO AND FMO NETWORKING PARTYSunday 19 April 2015• A unique opportunity for ABDO and FMO members to get together• Live music, drinks and canapés• The party is free for ABDO members to attend• Admission is strictly by ticket only• Book your party ticket online at www.abdo.org.uk/events

ABDO AT THE ASSOCIATION LOUNGE• ABDO board members and ABDO staff will be on hand in The Association Lounge at S50• An opportunity to discuss ABDO’s strategies and to let us know your views• Find out more about the 2015 ABDO INSIGHT programme with ITN Productions

ABDO COLLEGE• Visit the ABDO College team on stand H17• Find more about the extensive range of ABDO College courses • Come and discuss the College’s degree programmes run in conjunction with Canterbury

Christ Church University and how they apply to you• ABDO College Bookshop will be exhibiting a selection of its best-selling publications -

including the new 2015 edition of Ophthalmic Lenses Availability


BIGGER IN BIRMINGHAM

I am delighted to confirm that ABDO will

have an even bigger presence at Optrafair in

Birmingham later this month, than we have

done in previous years.

In addition to the normal Association and ABDO College stands,

we will be providing innovative and challenging CET for

members in a specially designed lecture theatre inside the main

exhibition hall.

This, coupled with a major networking reception on the Sunday

evening, run jointly with the Federation of Manufacturing

Opticians, will provide our members with a wide range of

opportunities to mix with colleagues whilst attending what is

likely to be a very successful show.

The ABDO president and I look forward to seeing as many

members as possible over the three days.

MAKE A DATE FOR MANCHESTER

While we are looking ahead, I would like to remind everyone to

put the dates for this year’s ABDO Conference – 20 and 21

September – in their diaries. Plans for this year are almost

finalised and the conference team are determined to deliver

the “best conference for years” with a mix of CET, social events

and the exhibition. Read more about what’s in store on the

programme on page 35 of this issue, in the first of a series of

previews we’ll be publishing in the run-up to the event.

We hope you enjoy this issue, featuring some of the latest

product innovations in sunwear, a review of Mido 2015, a look

at how to use case studies to build your practice business by

Antonia Chitty, and a report from ABDO’s Elaine Grisdale about

her recent trip to China to explore future collaborative

possibilities. Our excellent CET article this month is by Andrew

Keirl on the subject of OCT.

Sir Anthony GarrettABDO general secretary

DO Dispatches

DISPENSING OPTICSThe Professional Journal of the Associationof British Dispensing Opticians

VOLUME 30 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 GrayEmail [email protected]

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

SUBSCRIPTIONSUK £140Overseas £150, including postageApply to Tom VetiAssociation of British Dispensing OpticiansGodmersham Park, Godmersham, Kent CT4 7DT

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

ABDO CETCET Coordinator 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] email [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) Cert Ed

Abilene Macdonald Grute FBDO (Hons) SLD (Hons) LVA Dip Dist Ed Cert EdRichard 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 FCOptom

JOURNAL ADVISORY COMMITTEERichard Crook FBDOKim Devlin FBDO (Hons) CL

Kevin Gutsell FBDO (Hons) SLD

Ros Kirk FBDOAngela McNamee BSc(Hons) MCOptom FBDO (Hons) CL FBCLA Cert Ed

DISPENSING OPTICS IS PUBLISHED BYABDO, 199 Gloucester Terrace, London W2 6LDDISPENSING OPTICS IS PRINTED BYLavenham Press, Lavenham, Suffolk CO10 9RN

© 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: 9,025 Jan-Dec 2014ABDO Board certification

12:57 Page 1

6 Dispensing Optics APRIL 2015

My column last month, andespecially its section,‘Beware the auditors arecoming’, created a smallripple of outrage

amongst some members so I thought itwould be worth clarifying matters further.

All seem to agree that optometristsneed to make it very clear why they areissuing a GOS3 voucher if the practice is toavoid accusations of over-prescribing andimproper use of NHS funds. Despite whatcertain optometric advisers say, we all knowthat even an 0.25 change can make asignificant difference to the vision of somepatients. However, if that improvement invisual acuity from the old Rx to the new Rxis not documented then a voucher shouldnot be issued unless on grounds of fair wearand tear, which also must be documentedto avoid repayment of funds following apost payment verification visit.

POLICING OPTOMETRY: A DO’S JOB?What some members were less happy withis the notion that it is the responsibility of a dispensing optician contractor to police the record keeping of the optometristsin their employment. One wrote: “…I fail to see that it is my job to police what is or is not done in a GOS eye test. This is theresponsibility of the optometrist and why each optometrist has their ownprofessional indemnity”.

I’m afraid I disagree. A GOS contract iswith the contractor, not the performer andif any money is to be repaid to the NHSthen it will be the contractor who will haveto repay it. That said, optometrists guilty offraudulent prescribing, or poor recordkeeping that supports the reclaiming offees, can expect to be sued by thecontractor (which may be a DO, anotheroptometrist owner, or a company) toreclaim any fees.

Dispensing opticians who are thecontractors themselves (as business owners),or who work for a company contractor with

optometrist performers, are quite likely tofind themselves on the hook for fitness topractise proceedings if optometrists’records are found wanting and/or GOSvouchers have been issued unnecessarily.

What should a record include? Whatshould be done in a sight test is prescribedby law and includes: an external eyeexamination; an internal eye examination;any other tests deemed necessary.Afterwards, a statement is issued whichshould include an Rx if required.

I am aware of PPV visits seeking toreclaim sight test fees because there was noevidence of an external exam (pupilreactions, etc) having been done. Itcertainly makes one wonder what lengthsthe NHS might go to in order to reclaimmoney it believes it has overpaid on what isessentially a technicality. If a sight test feeis reclaimed then any voucher issued mustalso be repaid too it seems.

Contractors and practice managers can getfurther information on contract compliancefrom www.qualityinoptometry.co.uk and onlegal compliance from the GOC website bysearching ‘Opticians Act’ or ‘Rules of Council’as well as ABDO advice and guidelines.

A COMPARISON WITH PHARMACYIt is often said that the relationshipbetween the dispensing optician andoptometrist is similar to that of thepharmacist and doctor. Recently a friend ofmine was relieved that a vigilant pharmacistnoticed that a doctor had prescribed anadult dose of medicine for his then six-month old daughter that he was told couldwell have been fatal had she reached theend of the course.

Our work might not be life and death,but checking each other’s work, and recordkeeping in particular, helps us get thingsright first time, can save the practice moneyand, most importantly, save patients beingput to unnecessary inconvenience and risk.Yet these days many dispensing opticiansbarely get the information they need to do

their jobs properly let alone any means ofchecking up on their colleagues’ recordkeeping. Overzealous data protection meansDOs often do not have access to the clinicalrecords they need to make sense of a patient’svisual needs and expectations, let alone actas NHS contract police.

ILLEGAL SUPPLYLaw and professional conduct have been onmy mind a lot recently and I’ve beenrefreshing my memory of the Opticians Actas I was asked to attend the GOC’s steeringgroup on illegal supply, which seeks to addressillegal supply of contact lenses in part throughthe development of a voluntary code.

The online retailers are represented onthe group and it is clear that in return forthem cleaning up their act, they will expectthe High Street to clean up its own – inparticular how many practices are stillfailing to issue contact lens specificationswhen they should?

I must confess that I am ratherdisappointed that the GOC is only lookingat illegal supply of contact lenses whenthere is so much illegal supply of spectacles.Every day we come across illegal ‘dispensing’whether in person or online, including: • Failure of online retailers to verify their

customers are over 16 and not registeredsight impaired;

• Failure of online and community opticalretailers to check and record spectacle vertex distance for all Rx over +/-5.00D where necessary or record that no compensation is required

• Failure of sight testers to provide BVD in the first place on Rx over +-5.00D in the highest meridian including any reading addition where prescribed

• Failure of companies to ensure adequatesupervision of non-registered staff dispensing optical appliances to regulated groups

• Failure of supervisors to ensure adequateadvice to parents of patients at risk of permanent visual loss due to amblyopia

The auditors revisited

PETER BLACKOur monthly column from the ABDO president

BLACK

ARTS


• Sale of spectacle mounted low vision aidsby non-registered people or companies

• Sale of multifocal spectacles online• Sale of multifocal ready readers online,

via mail order and in practices• Sale of prescription spectacles that do

not conform to British Standards• Sale of ready readers that do not conform

to British Standards, etcI would hold that although much of

ophthalmic dispensing has been deregulatedit should still be of concern to the GOC ifcompanies and individuals regularly breakthe Rules of Council or the Opticians Act. Itis not sufficient, nor in the public interest,to divert complaints towards the OpticalConsumer Complaints Service or TradingStandards. I hope that the GOC will turn itsattention to these points very soon as partof its ongoing reviews of professionstandards, business registration, and ingetting an Opticians Act that is fit forpurpose in the future.

Another area where the Opticians Act istotally failing the industry is in prescribingprecisely what must be done in a sight test.Optometry is alone in suffering thisridiculous indignity, and also alone in beingunable to delegate any party of its corefunction too. Increasing scope of practicefor optometrists seems to be possiblethrough the College of Optometrists, or viaa local arrangement with ophthalmology,which is neither nationally recognised nortransferrable.

Compare this to other professions suchas medicine and nursing. I attended anophthalmic nursing conference in Bath inMarch and was surprised to learn whatnurse practitioners get up to in the eyedepartment with as little as six monthsspecialist training in order to meet theneeds of patients in a service underimmense pressure.

In a glaucoma clinic, for example, notonly can nurses do pretty much everythingan optometrist can do including fairlyadvanced techniques such as Goldmannapplanation tonometry, gonioscopy, anddilated fundus assessment, but they alsomake clinical decisions on the managementof glaucoma patients. Nurses are givingintra-vitreal injections for the treatment ofAMD, conducting corneal cross-linkingtherapy on keratoconics, and fitting

therapeutic bandage contact lenses onpatients with a wide variety of difficult eyeproblems. They weren’t doing this five yearsago, and there was no need for a change inthe law to allow them to do so. It ratherbrings the refraction debate into perspectivedoesn’t it?

So why can’t dispensing opticians andoptometrists get in on the act and deliversome of the services currently delivered inthe overstretched hospital eye service(HES)? The truth is they already do. Weheard in last month’s Jottings from CLO,Max Halford, who is Diabetic RetinalScreening lead for Devon LOC and I havemet many DOs and CLOs who work in theHES in specialist low vision and contactlens fitting roles and increasingly CLOs aregetting involved in MECS (minor eye

conditions services) and other locallycommissioned enhanced services.

For opticians to really make the most ofpotential career development opportunities,and for the public to get the eyecare servicethey deserve, there needs to be a radicalrethink of the training that is made available.A presentation by Moorfields Eye Hospitalat 100% Optical stated that more than 30per cent of all ophthalmic A&E cases are fordry eye, blepharitis and other simple eyeconditions that are neither accidents noremergencies. The time is ripe for there to bea nationally commissioned service forcommunity opticians to deal with suchroutine procedures, and free up the HES todo what it does best. And the time is rightfor opticians and optometrists to have theirskills recognised by the HES too.

@ Letters HAVE YOUR SAYEmail [email protected] or write toDispensing Optics, PO Box 233, Crowborough TN27 3AB

Follow us on Twitter@ABDOCollege and@MembershipABDO

WHAT’S NEW INEYECARE FAQ?New this month on Eyecare FAQ,you’ll find an infographic to shareon glaucoma, FAQs on the diseaseas well as an optical lingo bingocard full of glaucoma relatedwords. How many are you usingevery day, and do patients knowwhat you mean?

You can use any of the FAQanswers and images on your own blogor website. Follow, like and share theseuseful resources on your practice andpersonal social media channels, to helpthe public learn about eyecare andpromote the role of the registereddispensing optician.

Get involved with EyecareFAQ,ABDO’s campaign to help consumerslearn more about looking after theireyes, and the role of the registereddispensing optician.

You can find Eyecare FAQ at:www.facebook.com/eyecarefaqwww.twitter.com/eyecarefaqplus.google.com/+eyecarefaqor visit the website,www.abdo.org.uk/information-for-the-public/eyecarefaq/and promote the role of the registereddispensing optician.

UPDATED ONLINE CONTACT LENS RESOURCE Alcon’s updated Guide to Clinical Contact Lens Management has joined its portfolio ofonline resources available on myalcon.com/cclm The guide, edited by Dr Lyndon Jones, director of the Centre for Contact Lens

Research at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science, Canada,provides a compact summary of signs, symptoms and management options of a broadrange of anterior segment and contact lens-related conditions. There is also a sectionspecific to contact lens fitting complications.“We are pleased to partner with Dr Lyndon Jones and his team to provide a practical

guide that has application for both the novice and experienced eyecare professional,”said Carla Mack, director of US professional and clinical support for Alcon. Dr Jones added: “With contact lens knowledge evolving so rapidly, text books are

often out-of-date soon after they are published. This web-based resource is a dynamicsource of information, which will be frequently updated with new images, videos andtreatment suggestions.”* The Alcon Air Optix Colors team was at the Bullring Shopping Centre in Birmingham

recently for a ‘pop-up’ event to promote the range direct to consumers. Shoppers couldvirtually try on the lenses using digital augmented reality screens, or experience thelenses for real with the help of the eyecare professionals on hand.


RIMLESS COLLECTION ENHANCEDModel SI 93650 is thelatest addition to Stepper’srimless collection ofclassic, elegant frames.“Our latest rimless

frames are a vivid additionto the strong selling Stepperrimless collection,” saidmanaging director, RichardCrook. “They make a richand striking statement and will create visual interest to any frame display.”The superlight titanium frame weighs only 3.8g, and it can be adjusted to maximise

fit for the wearer. The six colour options include Electric Orange and Shocking Pink. “Thisframe is a great way for those who love colour to express themselves with a most beautifulpair of spectacles,” added Richard.

NEWS

Barry Duncan

NEW ROLE IN POLICYAND DEVELOPMENT Barry Duncan has been appointed to thenewly created role of ABDO head ofpolicy and development. A past president of ABDO, Barry has

served the Association as members’ supportmanager since October 2011. Since that time,Barry has played a leading role in assistingArea members in the regions and developingthe profession at a local level, engagingwith LOCSU and liaising with OptometryScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. ABDO general secretary, Tony Garrett,

commented: “This new appointmentreflects Barry’s enhanced role following onfrom the introduction of the new CETscheme. In particular, Barry will take thelead on policy and new projects affectingmembers in everyday practice. This is anexciting and challenging time within opticsand I am sure everyone will want wishBarry every success in the future.”

New Stepper model SI 93650

Contact lens campaign hits the shops

LOW INCREASE INVOUCHER VALUES GOS voucher values for 1 April 2015 to31 March 2016 are increasing by anoverall one per cent in England, Walesand Scotland.

An Optometric Fees NegotiatingCommittee spokesperson said: “We aredisappointed at the low voucher valueincrease this year. We made strongrepresentations to the government about theimportance of a realistic increase in vouchervalues because they affect the range andquality of spectacles optical practices canmake available to patients. But despite ourbest efforts, the government has so farfailed to address the bizarre anomalywhereby if they help patients by holdingdown dental and prescription charges, theyconversely penalise NHS spectacle wearers.“We will continue to press NHS England

and the Department of Health on this issue.’’The new voucher values can be downloadedat www.fodo.com

SOFTWARE DEMOS OFFEREDOrasis practice management software will launch the latest version of its software atOptrafair this month. Linus Mason, director of Orasis, will be conducting demos every day and will be

joined by developer, David Francis, and other members of the Orasis team.Linus said: “We understand how busy it is in practice and the improvements we have made

to the software will ensure Orasis increases the practice efficiency with fast user input.”

STEPPER titanium frames are half the weight of conventionalmetal frames, corrosion resistant and hypo-allergenic

EYEWEAR FASHION THAT FITSStepper UK Limited11 Tannery RoadTonbridgeKentTN9 1RF01732 375975

BIG BLUE BEHAVIOURA Sheffield Optometrist turned his

practices blue to raise awareness of

World Autism Day on 2 April.

The blue themes at Alex Gage Family

Optometrist included blue balloons

outside the Crosspool and Woodseats

practices, staff wearing blue wigs and

items of clothing and a competition to win

coloured prizes throughout the day.

Alex was inspired to take part in the

initiative after specialising in behavioural

optometry; a branch of optics that studies

how vision can affect human performance.

He said: “Autism can come with a range of

challenges in making sense of the world. In

behavioural optometry, we work to make

the information coming into the eyes good

information, as in they can see clearly, and

then we work to help process that

information and make sense of what they

are seeing.”

DIGITAL CONSULTATIONS PROVING POPULAR Cutting-edge technology is playing an increasingly important role in helpingopticians consult effectively with patients, says Rodenstock.

“Opticians are recognising that they need to really make themselves stand out in theoptical market against tough opposition from the High Street and internet,” saidRodenstock lens product manager, Debbie Bathgate. “It’s no longer enough to just supplythe same lenses the consumer has always had – they can do that themselves online.

“To stand out as a specialist you need to talk about the very best solutions availableto each customer, every time,” Debbie continued. “You can do that by making the most ofavailable consulting tools, either electronic and interactive with the RodenstockImpression Consulting for PC or Virtual Consulting app for iPad, or with more traditionaltactile products like the Rodenstock Competence Centre to effectively demonstrate thebenefits of superior products.”

ALL SET FOR OPTRAFAIR EDUCATIONSome 121 CET points will be offered atOptrafair 2015 in Birmingham thismonth through seminars, panel leddiscussions, hands-on equipmentworkshops and peer discussion.

Delegates can earn up to 36 CET points over the three days from sessions in the two large education theatres andfour workshop spaces at the heart of the show – and not forgetting ABDO’s CET programme on Saturday and Sunday 18 and 19 April, and paediatricdispensing workshops on Monday 20 April(see our preview in the March issue of Dispensing Optics).

Highlights of the show include the‘Show and tell’ workshops in which leadingmanufacturers present the latest inoptometric instrumentation, and peerdiscussions focusing on the theme ofsafeguarding children and vulnerableadults – a major new area for governancewhich will require optical professionals toupdate their skills. Delegates can alsoattend a variety of valuable seminars, andhear ‘expert opinions’ from renownedindustry figures, including special ABDOguest, Bernard Maitenaz, the inventor ofVarilux lenses.

Alongside the exhibition, the General Optical Council will be holdingconsultation workshops on the futurestandards of practice using feedback frompractitioners. These sessions also carrythree CET points. A ‘Question Time’ stylepanel debate on Saturday 18 April at4.30pm will discuss the future of retailoptics chaired by BBC Radio 4’s Peter White.

Read all the latest news and bookplaces at www.optrafair.co.uk

Alex Gage (centre) with staff

An app to help with that


NEWS

FUTURE OF OPTICS IN SIGHTA project designed to look at the impactof technology on the entire opticalsector has been commissioned by theOptical Confederation and the College ofOptometrists, with joint funding fromthe Central (LOC) Fund.

With an Oversight Group chaired byAlan Tinger, the Foresight Project hascommissioned the independent Think Tank,2020Health, to undertake the underpinningresearch. Julia Manning, chief executive andfounder of 2020Health, practiced as anoptometrist for 19 years.

The research project is in four stages.Phase 1 will look at future technologyworldwide, taking into account the changingdemographic make-up of the UK. Phase 2will look at the effect of Phase 1 on businessmodels in optics, and the final two phaseswill look at the impact on education acrossthe professions and on regulation.

Alan Tinger said: “This is a very timelyand important piece of work with onlineand mobile digital health technologiesdeveloping at an exponential rate. Allinnovation has the potential to be disruptive,so it is vital for us to understand the impactof developments on the sector, and inparticular what they could mean for all theprofessional groups, plan ahead and makethe findings available to the sector so thatpeople can be as well informed as they canbe about the possible future.

“The sector is indebted to the Central(LOC) Fund for its generosity in supportingthe proposal and providing funding to getit off the ground,” Alan added.

NEW HEAD OF SALES To support its investment in Europe, mark’ennovy Personalised Care has appointedGary Daniels as its new sales director for the UK and Ireland.

Gary, who has experience in the contact lens industry and with large global corporationssuch as Procter & Gamble and Mars, said: “I am thrilled at being a part of such a great businessthat places customer service, quality and innovation at the forefront of its core principles.”

Bryony Pawinska

Titan One from Silhouette SENIOR STAFF MAKE TRANSITIONFollowing its US$1.2bn acquisition ofSauflon, CooperVision has announcednew roles within its European businessfor three senior staff.

Former Sauflon director of professionalservices, Sue Cockayne, is now CooperVisionEurope professional services director.Former Sauflon international marketingmanager, Myles Hustler, has becomeCooperVision Europe head of marketing,and former Sauflon national sales manager,Paul Maxwell, is now CooperVision nationalsales manager (UK and Ireland).

Mark Harty, president of CooperVisionEurope, said: “These appointments are keyto our commitment to support ourcustomers and their patients. Sue, Mylesand Paul bring an incredible amount ofexperience to the wider CooperVision groupand they are already making significantcontributions to the business.”

David and Bradley Wells, former jointmanaging directors of Sauflon, have left the organisation.


NEWS

THEFTS LEAD TO GOC ACTIONThe General Optical Council (GOC) hassuspended Merseyside-based studentdispensing optician, Andrew Uttley, fromits registers for 12 months.

A GOC Fitness to Practise committeefound his fitness to undertake training impairedby virtue of misconduct in dishonestlytaking monies totalling £1,111 from hisemployer. Uttley is now unable to undertaketraining in the UK as a dispensing optician.

At a separate hearing, Manchester-based dispensing optician, Deborah Tripp,was erased from the GOC register after aFitness to Practise committee found herfitness to practise impaired by virtue ofconvictions for theft from her employer andfalse accounting.

In making its decision the committee,chaired by Sir Alistair Graham, noted that:“The committee had particular regard tothe fact that the offence was one ofdishonesty that took place at work and thatinvolved an abuse of trust. The committeehad regard to the fact that the offenceswere repeated and had taken place over aprolonged period of time.”

At the time of going to press, both stillhad time to appeal their suspension anderasure. Neither are ABDO members.

SOFTWARE COMPANYEXPANDSContinued growth in the optical markethas prompted optical software companyOcuco to expand its team of engineers.

Over the past year Ocuco has investedheavily in training programmes for itsengineers with around 170 now employed,and the Worshipful Company of SpectacleMakers has worked with the company tocreate a course that helps its engineers todesign and implement systems thatimprove efficiency and profitability.

A recent satisfaction survey amongstusers of the company’s new Focus 2upgrade showed that 82 per cent ofcustomers were satisfied with the product,and that 98 per cent of customers weresatisfied with the customer support.

I-DAY TO MARKA DECADEProven Track Record (PTR) will celebratethe 10th anniversary of its IndependentsDay (i-Day) and Night (i-Night) eventson Sunday 5 and Monday 6 July.

The annual business symposium,networking dinner and exhibition isdedicated to those who practise in theindependent sector, and will once again beheld at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.

The theme of this year’s i-Day is‘Niches for riches: supplementary servicesfor happy patients and healthy profits’.PTR director, Nick Atkins, said: “To celebrateour 10th anniversary meeting, i-Day 2015will be packed with more high-qualitybusiness content than ever before. Thisyear the focus will be on additionalproducts and services that independentscan look to offer their patients, andshowing how carving out these so-calledniches can increase patient satisfactionand grow practice profits.”

Visit www.independentsday.co.uk formore details.

COLLEGE CEO TO RETIRE Bryony Pawinska, chief executive of theCollege of Optometrists, has announcedher plan to retire in early 2016 afterserving for more than 12 years.

Dr Cindy Tromans, chair of theCollege’s Board of Trustees, said: “Bryonyhas achieved a great deal since she joinedthe College in 2003 with a clear mandatefor change. We now have modern andeffective governance, stable finances, wellmanaged operations, and a world class pre-registration scheme.”

Bryony added: “It is far too early to sayhow sorry I will be to leave the College, butI will be. I do not intend to stop working –but it is the right time for me to have amore balanced lifestyle, and for the Collegeto have a fresh pair of eyes at the top.”

NEW ONE-PIECERIMLESS SERIESSilhouette debuted its new one-piececonstruction frame – Titan One – at Midolast month (see our report on pages 36-37).

The latest innovation in the company’siconic Titan series, Titan One lenses areattached at only one point, with no screwsand no hinges, and both the temples andbridge are made from a single piece ofhigh-tech titanium around 50cm long.

“The precise manufacturing processcombined with the inherent materialproperties deliver a product that is minimaland functional whilst also flexible, sturdyand comfortable to wear,” said RolandKeplinger, Silhouette’s head designer.

Titan One will initially be available in aLimited Signature Collection of 4,000 pieces,weighing just 3.24g, in four models andfour colours.

Sue Cockayne

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The Norville Group, Magdala Road, Gloucester GL1 4DGTel: 01452 510321 • Fax: 01452 510331 • Email: [email protected]

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commissioning groups (CCGs), almost 60

per cent of all CCGs, are calling on the

General Medical Council, the Department

of Health and NHS England to remove

the current barriers preventing CCGs

from commissioning “safe and effective

eyecare services” using the drug Avastin

‘off-licence’ to treat wet age-related

macular degeneration (wAMD).

David Parkins, president of the College

of Optometrists, commented: “The College

of Optometrists welcomes the…call…for

Avastin to be used off licence to treat

wAMD in place of Lucentis, and for the

£102m in savings that could be made

every year to be re-invested in the

frontline delivery of eye health services in

the interest of the patients.

“The College acknowledges the need

for an open debate around a review of the

use of Avastin to effectively treat wAMD,

but our primary responsibility is to ensure

patients receive the best possible

treatments for their eye conditions, and

for doctors to be able to make the right

choice of treatment for their patients.”

NEWS

SUCCESS FOR ZAMBIA CONFERENCEVision Aid Overseas (VAO) hosted Zambia’s first-ever Optometrists Conference lastmonth, marking a milestone in the country’s evolving eyecare health system.

The event was set up to support graduates of the new three-year OptometryTechnology Diploma, which the charity helped to develop and fund, and drew 22delegates over three days.

Delegate, Jacqueline Mwachikoka, said: “I cannot wait to start educating mycommunity about the importance of regular eyecare and that having healthy eyes ismore than being able to see with glasses.”

SEASIDE CROWD AT CONFERENCE The College of Optometrists welcomed more than 700 delegates to the shores ofBrighton on 8 and 9 March for its annual conference and AGM.

The event offered delegates numerous opportunities to earn interactive CET points,network with colleagues and visit a largetrade exhibition. New this year was thechance to earn four additional interactiveCET points by discussing binocular visioncase studies, as well as CET for DOs and CLOs.

Catherine Bithell, director of memberservices and communications for theCollege, said: “The feedback from delegatesso far has been fantastic. We work hard todevelop and grow Optometry Tomorrowevery year to make sure we meet the needsof our members.”

SUPPORT TOOLS FORBEAUTY BRAND LENS Johnson & Johnson Vision Care has

produced new online training to support

the launch of its eye enhancement

contact lens, 1-Day Acuvue Define.

The resource includes how to

communicate the benefits of natural eye

enhancement and explains why fitting

staff with the lenses can help attract

interest from patients. A video includes top

tips for introducing the lenses to patients

without the need for additional chair time.

The training is available at

www.jnjvisioncare.co.uk/define

The company is also set to showcase

its new Eye Define Studio at roadshows

and professional events, allowing eyecare

professionals (ECPs) to experience the lens

technology firsthand, before taking the

studio out to the public. The studio booth

uses technology called EYE-D Creator,

which identifies and analyses the five

unique attributes of a women’s eye: size,

colour, shape, whiteness and shine. Based

on this analysis, with the help of their ECP,

consumers can discover how to accentuate

their own eye features with the range.

* The company recently announced

that it was discontinuing its line of Acuvue

Advance lenses with the recommendation

to upgrade to Acuvue Oasys.

Supporting optometrists overseas

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SMART MOVES FOR BIRMINGHAM SHOWWaterside Laboratories will launch its new Elysium lens concept at Optrafair thismonth, and profile its exclusive range of smart glass frame and lens technologies.

“Elysium progressives take individualised lens design to a whole new level thanks toDigital Ray-Path Technology,” explained managing director, Bob Forgan. “When dispensedin conjunction with our all-new innovative iPad app, which can be used by eitherconsumer or optical professional as part of the lens selection process, progressivewearers can have lenses designed to match their individual needs and lifestyle.”

Bob will also be delivering in the ABDO CET programme, ‘Smart glasses: the future ofeyewear’, providing an insight into the latest developments in smart glass technology,focusing on the opportunities this new category offers to opticians and addressing howto overcome the new optical challenges that smart glasses will present.

CHAMPAGNE INCENTIVEFOR NEW JOINERSThe Association for Independent

Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians

(AIO) will be making a major membership

recruitment drive at Optrafair in

Birmingham this month, with the added

lure of champagne.

“Over the last two years, AIO

membership numbers have increased

nearly threefold demonstrating the

independent sector’s desire to belong to a

strong body that will not only represent

them with other stakeholders, but also

proactively promote independents to the

public,” said AIO chairman, Peter Warren.

“We’ll be introducing our new Code of

Conduct in 2015, enabling the public to

understand what level of care that they

will receive from independents that sign

up, and further information about the

Code will be available at the show,”

added Peter.

Anyone who joins at Optrafair will

be entered into a draw for a magnum

of champagne.

All things smart at Waterside

LANDMARK MEETING OF STAKEHOLDERSPharmacy, optical and hearing

organisations attended a landmark

meeting in Ealing on 18 February with

the local council, the clinical

commissioning group (CCG) and Health

and Wellbeing board (HWB) to discuss

health and social care in the borough, the

NHS Five Year Forward View and how

local services might be reshaped to meet

the needs of an ageing population –

including supporting more people out-of-

hospital and in the community.

LOCSU MD, Katrina Venerus, said: “The

event provided an excellent opportunity to

raise awareness of the wider role

optometrists, opticians, pharmacists and

hearing care providers can play in

supporting the delivery of more services in

primary care. LOCSU and Ealing,

Hammersmith and Hounslow Local Optical

Committee look forward to working more

closely with partners across Ealing to help

deliver local outcomes for patients as part

of the Five Year Forward View.”

NEWS

INVESTMENT IN ACQUISITIONS Duncan & Todd, one of Scotland’s largest independent optical chains, has secured a

£3.5m follow-on investment from BGF (BusinessGrowth Fund) and additional senior debt facilitiesfrom RBS to continue its growth and facilitate future acquisitions.

The business recently purchased 20:20 Opticians, asix branch retail group, consisting of four sites inEdinburgh and two in Glasgow. The acquisition willincrease Duncan & Todd’s retail footprint to 30 branchesacross Scotland and is expected to provide the businesswith a strong platform and brand name to expandfurther into the central belt.

Frances Duncan, managing director, said: “We arevery excited about the future. Having a materialpresence in the central belt with the strong brand nameof 20:20 provides a great platform for the business tocontinue its expansion across Scotland.”Frances Duncan

TRAINEE CLO OFFER REMINDERTrainee contact lens opticians (CLOs) in their first or second year of study, who aremembers of the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA), are reminded that they areeligible to apply for one of 50 free places at this year’s BCLA conference, being heldat the ACC Liverpool from 29-31 May.

“BCLA CLO student membership costs just £30 so if you’re not already a member,join up quickly so you can grab one of those 50 free places,” said BCLA CEO, CherylDonnelly. “As a CLO myself, I would have welcomed the opportunity to attend a BCLAconference when I was training. Don't forget there’s always heaps of fun and freebies inthe BCLA exhibition for our delegates and visitors.”

To apply for a free place, contact the BCLA on 020 7580 6661 or email [email protected]


AWARD FOR FUNDRAISING MUM Emma Salisbury from Kent was crowned 2015 Tesco Mum of the Year recently for hercampaigning work to raise funds for Fight for Sight.

Emma’s son, Tommy, was diagnosed with choroideremia aged five. Since his diagnosisin 2005, Emma has raised some £400,000 to support research into the rare inheritedcondition via the sight loss charity. This helped to enable initial research led by ProfessorMiguel Seabra at Imperial College London to be carried out. This, in turn, helped ProfessorRobert MacLaren and his team at Oxford University to carry out the world’s first clinicaltrial for gene replacement therapy for choroideremia.

Emma is pictured receiving her award from DJs Fearne Cotton and Sara Cox.

NORTHERN EXPOSURE ON THE PITCHAlan Miller Opticians has teamed up with the Salford Red Devils Rugby League Clubas its official eye partner.

Part of the Hakim Group, Alan Miller operates two practices in Irlam and Salford. Theywill provide players and club staff with exclusive eyecare plans in a deal which, in turn,will see the Alan Miller brand gain exposure to an estimated 250,000 Sky TV viewers andup to 12,000 ticket holders on home match days with pitch side advertising. They will alsobe featured in match day literature, club newsletters and other marketing materials.

Dispensing optician, Dhiren Patel, said: “This is an exciting new venture for us. We are delighted to be sponsoring the Red Devils and believe the integrity and talent with which Salford play mirrors and reflects the values held in our own business and within the community.”

Colin Lee with his wife, Linda

CELEBRATIONSALL ROUND ABDO past president, Colin Lee, celebratedhis 70th birthday at Colin Lee Opticians’annual social event, which also marked185 years of service between 10 membersof staff.

Those rewarded for their long serviceincluded dispensing opticians, MargaretNorris (20 years), Beth Ryder (10 years),Sharon Harris (10 years) and Kim Marchant(20 years). Clive Marchant and Mike Cody,company directors and dispensingopticians, presented gifts to all staff andcongratulated them on their achievements.

Also during the evening, Colin LeeOpticians announced its Great Barr,Birmingham, practice as 2014 Practice ofthe Year. The practice will be enjoying aspecial day out as their prize as well as atrophy to display in practice for the year.

Colin said: “I had the most fantasticbirthday bash when Clive decided ourannual staff do would double as my 70thbirthday party. We were also delighted tocongratulate so many of our colleagueswho had completed such long periods ofservice with us, all of whom received a welldeserved gift.”

NEW MD STEPS UPBlack & Lizars has appointed GeraldineWood as its new managing director.

Geraldine was previously thecompany’s chief operating officer and hasbeen with the business for more than 12years. Her appointment follows thedeparture of Mark Ross, CEO, and AlisonScammell, supply chain director. ColinBlack remains as senior optometrist.

Sohail Hakim with Salford Red Devils prop, Adrian Morley

Emma receives her award


AREA 5 (MIDLANDS):RECORD NUMBERS IN DERBYReport by Ian HardwickOn the bright sunny springtime morningof 2 March, our Area chairman, CliveMarchant, welcomed a record 167delegates to our latest CET day at theRiverside Centre, Derby. Clive explainedthat the day would be slightly differentthis time, as the ABDO CET department,membership services and support officehad undertaken a lot of the organisingand booking. He went on to thank all ofour exhibitors and sponsors, who wereSpectrum Théa, Orasis, Mainline,Silhouette, Nikon, Orange Eyewear, Hoya,Bollé, Optical Service, UltraVision, WolfEyewear, Shamir, OWP and Zoobug.

The morning session consisted of a‘Playing it safe’ lecture by EmmanuelHannebicque of Bollé, worth one CET point,followed by ‘Always say yes’, a peerdiscussion by Josie Barlow of UltraVisionworth three CET points and then‘Vocational dispensing’, a discussionworkshop by Chris Hirst of Shamir worththree CET points. Alongside the discussionswe ran two sessions of a skills workshopupstairs with ABDO president, Peter Black,each worth three CET points for amaximum of 18 delegates, which werebooked on the day on a first come, firstserved basis.

Between the two discussions we had a30-minute break, which gave delegates timeto visit the exhibition. At about 1pm webroke for a nice buffet lunch andconsidering numbers were our highest ever,the catering staff of the Riverside Centre

did a great job making sure all were readyfor the afternoon session to commence.

During the lunch break, I caught up withAlex France, West Midlands sales managerof Spectrum Théa, who said: “The ABDOArea 5 CET event allowed us to informdelegates about our new products andeducate them about how they are used tomanage chronic eye conditions. Delegateswere very keen to learn more about our dryeye, lid hygiene and nutritional productranges and keen to sample products onpractice members and patients.” She wenton to say that it was a very informativeevent with a wide ‘spectrum’ of enthusiasticdelegates – leading her to re-stock samplesready for the afternoon.

We reconvened after lunch at 2pm with‘Everyday eye problems’, a discussionworkshop by Peter Black worth three CETpoints, and then ‘Lenses for modernlifestyles’, a lecture by John Heritage ofHoya worth one CET point and finally, ‘Thesynchronicity of the eye lens’ by ProfessorBarbara Pierscionek of Fight for Sight worthone CET point. Due to demand, Peter Blackfound himself running an extra skillsworkshop during the afternoon, and threesessions of Barry Duncan’s workshop,‘Paediatric spectacle fitting skills’, allowingdelegates to fit first hand.

Between the final two lectures we had ashort interval for tea and coffee and to givethe delegates a final chance to visit theexhibition. From registration and thenthroughout the day, we ran a poster quizworth two CET points; delegates wererequired to be in teams of three or four andand were able to go about answering the 12questions at any time to suit them duringthe day.

A warm welcome from Area 5 chairman, Clive Marchant

AREA

NEWS

Peter Black addresses Area 5


After the day came to a close fordelegates, Clive thanked everyone for comingand reminded them that our next CET daywould be taking place on Monday 2 Novemberat the Manor Hotel, Meridan, Solihull. As the day came to a close, I asked

regular attendee of our CET events, SarahThomas, what she thought of the day. Shereplied: “My DO colleagues Heather Lunn,Maureen Taylor and I have been attendingthe Area 5 CET events in both Solihull andDerby for some years now and find them anexcellent opportunity to not only gaininvaluable CET points but to learn from thelecturers and discuss topics with our peers.We particularly enjoyed Professor BarbaraPierscionek's lecture as it gave an insightinto the research carried out on intraocularimplants of the future. She was such anenthusiastic lecturer, introduced us to herwork and really made us think. It was alsovery interesting to learn that research isfunded by Fight for Sight, which issupported by our practice. “Peter Black’s ‘Everyday eye problems’

got us all talking in his discussion workshopand we thoroughly enjoyed John Heritage’sexcellent unbiased lecture on ‘Lenses formodern lifestyles’, which explained freeformdesigns and surfacing in such detail. What ashame that our colleague Jenny Martinmissed the event, but someone had to coverin the practice!” added Sarah.As the committee packed away, it was

felt that it had all gone very smoothly. Atthat point Barry Duncan came in to thankour committee for their hard work duringthe day helping to make it so successful. Wevery much appreciated his words. Over thenext 24 hours, I received emails of thanks –all highly appreciated.

AREA 11 (LONDON):SHARING SKILLS AND IDEASReport by Ian AndersonMore than 115 members attended thefirst London Area meeting of 2015, on 25February, which provided two workshopsand a VRT giving eight points in total forthe evening. On arrival, members wereable to network and browse around oursmall exhibition while having a snack. The first workshop was, ‘Prescription

analysis’ presented by Barry Duncan, givingdelegates the chance to discuss varioussolutions to a prescription. This issomething we do daily in practice, but it isuseful to get alternative ideas fromcolleagues. This was a last minute workshopas the advertised workshop by Charmanthad to be cancelled due to illness.After a short coffee break, more time for

completing the VRT and networking, therewas the second workshop, ‘Soft multifocalcontact lenses and troubleshooting’presented by Amanda Bogers from Alcon.There were various case scenarios thatmembers discussed in groups, which alsogave us alternative ways to deal withdifficult prescriptions and patients. It is withthe support of our sponsors that we were ableto put on such a great evening and also servefood for the members. So a big thank you toCharmant, Hoya, Wolf Eyewear and Alcon.The evening was enjoyed by all, except

for the 25 members who did not turn up.Unfortunately, without prior notificationtheir place could not be offered to others.The demand is high for CET points and asArea 11 has the biggest number of members.

However, there will be further CETopportunities throughout the year - thenext being on 12 May. For details of thisand future events please visit the eventssection of the ABDO website.

AREA 12 (SCOTLAND):CET WITH THE NESReport by Fiona AndersonYet another enjoyable day was had by allat Glasgow Caledonian University onSunday 1 March for a day filled with CETfunded by NES Optometry (NHSEducation for Scotland). A total of 12 points were on offer as the

day was filled by four rotating workshopson, ‘Prescription analysis’, ‘To refer or not torefer’, ‘New paediatric skills workshop’ and‘A day in the life of the orthoptist’. The all-new workshops were challenging andthought provoking, and were well receivedby the delegates on the day.Unfortunately the day was marred by

those who booked a place for the day and didnot turn up – meaning that some of the 50delegates on the waiting list could not attendthe day and were denied the opportunity togain their CET.My thanks go to all the facilitators who

did such a superb job and to GlasgowCaledonian University for hosting the day.

Email your Area news and reports [email protected]

UltraVision’s Josie Barlow discusses contact lens prescribing

BOOKING REMINDER

Booked onto an Area CET event butnow can’t attend? Please let usknow...

“In light of the demand for placesat ABDO CET events, it is essential thatmembers who book to attend an eventbut, due to circumstances cannot makeit, inform ABDO at the earliestopportunity. In the early part of theyear, the number of members failing toattend is alarmingly high. On occasion,this has prevented colleagues onwaiting lists from attending. Members’assistance on this matter would begreatly appreciated,” Barry Duncan,ABDO head of policy and development.

FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE ABDOEVENT DETAILS keep an eye out for theeNews landing in your in box, and theevents section of the website, visitwww.abdo.org.uk/events


DUAL SELLING OPPORTUNITY WITH POLARISED COLLECTIONThe INVU polarised sunglass collection, available through Norville, featuresbright colours and mirror coatings in an extensive selection of sizes andcolours for one-year-olds through to teens with full UV400 protection. Foractive and outdoor pursuits, the 2015 collection offers a choice of 15attractive wrap models.

Norville also offers the INVU range as a NuPolar prescription optionwith more than 80 per cent of the INVU Sunwear models being available toprescription. “We believe this gives a great dual selling opportunity forpractitioners, encompassing the very best in polarised lens technology,”said Frank Norville. The new NuPolar Glare Demonstrator helps show theglare reduction effect to patients in a compact counter-top demonstrationunit for NuPolar polarised lenses. The self-contained, battery powered unitsits neatly on a counter with glazed polarising lorgnette and an LED imageillumination switch on the top.

TOP STYLES FROM SUNRISE TO SUNSETDunelm Optical’s best-selling Sunset+ range has been expanded with 15new styles. The new designs offer the latest trends in sunwear includingthis unisex sports inspired wrap model (Sunset+ 386). Combining style andpracticality, this matte black frame is made from an extra strength flexiblematerial with UV prescription lenses to give 100 per cent protection – idealfor biking and skiing.

Dunelm recently launched more than 50 new frames in its annual sunbrochure, featuring designers Paul Costelloe and Janet Reger, Celine Dion,Julian Beaumont, Retro, Sunset, Sunset+ and Whiz Kids. The new 80-pagebrochure spans a wide range of new styles, old favourites and the latestinfluences in sun spec design, with all styles glazed to prescription fromDunelm’s in-house lens laboratory.

COVERING ALL SITUATIONS UNDER THE SUNEssilor offers a wide range of sunwear solutions – from polarised to mirrorlenses – providing wearers protection without compromising on fashionand style. “As with all Essilor products, the success of our range rests on thequality of the products and the excellent service that Essilor provides,” saidAndy Hepworth, Essilor professional relations manager.

“With tinted lenses, visual fatigue or headaches can occur. But Essilor’sXperio polarised lenses eliminate disabling glare, offering increased visualcomfort and performance. We know that UV rays are very harmful to theeyes and can cause short but more concerningly longer term ocular damage.Unfortunately, patients still make the common mistake of protecting theirskin without protecting their eyes. All Xperio polarised sun lenses provide thebest UV protection, E-SPF 50+ when combined with Crizal Sun UV orOptifog UV. The lenses are available in brown, grey and grey-green andadapt to every wearer’s sight, covering the widest combination of lensdesign and materials on the market in single vision and Varilux progressivelenses, including the Varilux S series.

“Xperio polarised lenses are particularly efficient for driving, and researchhas shown that driver reaction time is improved by one third of a second,allowing drivers to stop their vehicles seven metres sooner at 80km/h,”Andy added.

Benefits of Essilor Xperio lenses

Dunelm’s Sunset+ 386

INVU sunglassesfrom Norville

NuPolar Glare Demonstratorreveals the lens benefits

Sunglasses & UV protectionUV danger awareness is now greater than ever as consumers appreciate the need to protect their

eyes and vision all-year long. We look at some of the latest sunwear products for your practice


Eye-Sun Protection Factor

SeeCoat Plus UV SeeCoat Blue UV SeeCoat Blue UV

EYE-SUN PROTECTION FACTORRecommended for computer and digital device users and for those wantingoptimal UV protection, Nikon Optical’s premium clear lens coatings,SeeCoat Plus UV and SeeCoat Blue UV, can be combined with tints andmirrors and are available in all indices, including 1.74 and high base options.

Martin Thompson, Nikon Optical managing director, said: “Providingultimate contrast enhancement, SeeCoat Plus UV builds on the success ofSeeCoat to offer the best advantages in coating technologies. By improvingand re-designing the coating layers, it delivers promising enhancement inboth performance and appearance, offering the ideal level of optical clarityever imagined across all portions of the lens. Meanwhile, SeeCoat Blue UVcuts and reflects UV and blue light entering the eyes, thus improvingcontrast, reducing eye strain when using digital screens and protecting eyesfrom UV,” Martin added.

SUNNY SIDE UP WITH B&S Dibble Optical will launch four new collections of B&S (Breitfeld &Schliekert) children’s sunglasses at Optrafair later this month. Exclusive toDibble, the German B&S brand represents “exceptional quality at modestprices”, said managing director, Barry Dibble. The new models add a further40 frames to an already comprehensive range – including several withpolarised mirror-coated lenses. Colour options include grey, fuchsia, blue,light green and purple and a fresh-looking display case is available toshowcase the collection in practice.

IN CONTROL OF UV PROTECTIONFollowing the successful introduction of Hoya BlueControl in March 2013,Hoya now presents UV Control – a unique coating applied to the backsurface of the lenses blocking the reflection of harmful UV into the eyes.

Together with Hoya’s UV resistant lens material, UV Control is said tooffer 100 per cent protection against the harmful effects of UV and UVrelated eye diseases. The coating comes as standard in combination withHoya’s Hi-Vision LongLife anti-reflection coating – the showpiece of thecompany’s coating innovations department. Its long-lasting anti-reflective,scratch resistant, water, dirt and dust repellent properties have beendesigned to provide spectacle lens wearers with extra comfort and relaxed,clear vision.

FASHION FUSED WITH TECHNOLOGY Innotec, an Ogi Eyewear brand, has debuted its new three-piece collection ofsunglasses featuring Innotec’s proprietary fusion of materials and cutting edge technology.

The masculine Denton Sun features a double laminated TR90 front withInnotec’s signature hand painted demi pattern paired with stainless steeltemples “for lightweight comfort and unsurpassed style with an edge”. TheFenwick Sun is made with German Wagner 5mm thin stainless steel and aninlay of Innotec’s signature hand painted TR90 material. Finally, the Willow Sunpairs Innotec’s signature hand painted demi pattern with flash mirror lenses, theInnotec logo and silver rivets. All mirror lenses offer 100 per cent UV protection.

PROTECTION AND COMFORT FOR ACTIVE LIFESTYLESSunwise prides itself on offering practices a practical and affordable sportprescription solution for sports and outdoor leisure pursuits.

Its Montreal White Sunglasses have low, medium and strong lightinterchangeable lenses providing “superb visibility in strong glare conditions”.All lenses provide 100 per cent protection against UVA and UVB rays whilethe flat arms profile, rubber nose pads and sleeves provide extra comfortand a secure fit. The use of Air-Flow technology allows the lenses to beslotted at a lower level to create ventilation, ideal for high speed activitiesalongside the shatterproof polycarbonate lenses.

Next month’s product spotlight is on contact lenses and related products.

Presentation casefor the B&S range

Sunwear

Optimal UV protectionfrom Nikon

New three-piecesunwear collectionfrom Ogi

Montreal Whitesunglasses from Sunwise

Latest coatingoption from Hoya


Optical coherencetomography (OCT) is anon-invasive imagingtechnique producing high-resolution images, which

show the structure of parts of the eye inthree dimensions.

OCT can be used to image the macula,optic disc and the anterior segment (corneaand anterior chamber angle). With moreand more community practices using OCTin primary eyecare, dispensing opticians andsupport staff may be called upon to takescans of patients on the instruction of anoptometrist or ophthalmologist. While it isoutside of the scope of practice of thedispensing optician to interpret OCT scans,interpretation of an OCT image is often acase of pattern recognition as commonfeatures present with most diseases.

Most common data plots produced bythe OCT software use a colour codedindicator to show how far the appearanceof the image captured is from the norm,which can also aid in the initial screeningfor certain anomalies. It is thereforeinteresting and useful for the dispensingoptician taking OCT scans to be able todifferentiate the normal from the abnormaland, in most cases, it becomes relativelystraightforward to recognise the commonabnormal ocular conditions that can bevisualised using an OCT. It is, however,important to be familiar with the normalanatomical structure of the eye.

OCT was first demonstrated in 19911

and has been commercially available since

around 1996. It has rapidly evolved as theonly non-invasive diagnostic technique ableto provide increasingly detailed and accurateimages of the retinal microstructure in vivo.

OPTICAL PRINCIPLESAll OCT machines work on the principle ofinterferometry between incident andreflected light. A beam of near infraredlight, generated from a superluminescentdiode, is directed through the tissue beingexamined. The wavelength of the incidentlight dictates the penetration of the beaminto the eye. Shorter wavelength infraredwill give better resolution images of moreanterior structures while a longerwavelength will penetrate further and ismore suited for retinal viewing, as is thecase with most OCT instruments found inoptometric practice. Structures posterior tothe retina are not adequately imaged bythis technique.

The different layers and structureswithin the tissue will backscatter andreflect this light to various reproducibledegrees. The electronics and computersoftware will then capture and interpret thisreflected signal and reconstruct a two- orthree-dimensional image based on thesignal received. Any obstacle in the opticalpathway (such as corneal scarring, cataract,posterior capsular opacification, anaccumulation of inflammatory material dueto uveitis or asteroid hyalosis) has thepotential to block or reduce the strength ofthe generated image thus affecting thequality of the image captured2.

THE CLINICAL USE OF OCTOCT has several applications in clinicalpractice, the most common being theassessment of the retina around the maculaor assessment of the optic disc. A cross-sectional retinal image is produced as thelight source passing through the retinascans across the retina, stacking andaligning consecutive axial-scans (A-scans)side by side to produce a two-dimensionaltransverse-scan (B-scan)3.

An OCT scan covering the whole of the macular region and captured in a fewseconds typically consists of over 30,000 A-scans giving enough high resolution toview all the retinal layers. Consecutive B-scans can then be aligned to produce a3D cross-section of the retina. The imageproduced resembles that of a histologicalsection, with contrast produced by differencesin the refractive index and scatteringproperties of the different retinal layers.

Using an OCT is a bit like performing avertical biopsy of the retina using laser lightrather than a knife! The first OCTinstruments introduced in 1996 used a timedomain analysis system, whereby thereflected radiation was analysed in terms ofany time delay between the reflected lightfrom tissue structures and that from amoveable calibration mirror. A majoradvance came in 2003 with theintroduction of Spectral or Fourier Domainanalysis, a complicated analysis processwhich complements time delay withinterpretation of differences in theoscillations within the interference

CET

OCD on OCTby Andrew Keirl BOptom (Hons) MCOptom FBDO

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 2015 issue of Dispensing Optics. The closing date is 10 July 2015.

COMPETENCIES COVEREDDispensing opticians: Ocular Examination, Ocular Abnormalities, Low VisionContact lens opticians: Ocular Examination, Contact LensesOptometrists: Ocular Examination, Ocular Disease, Contact Lenses

C-39649


spectrum of the tissue and referencereflections. This latter method allowssignificantly faster analysis and offers muchgreater resolution in any image captured,even allowing the visualisation of individualphotoreceptors in some systems.

In community optometry, a macularOCT scan is invaluable in the differentiationbetween wet and dry age-related maculardegeneration (AMD), therefore avoidingunnecessary referrals and prioritising thosethat do. Other clinical benefits of a macularOCT scan include the identification ofpreviously undiagnosed conditions such asvitreomacular traction and epiretinalmembranes, which may explain a slightreduction in vision. In addition, OCT isuseful in the diagnosis of conditions such ascentral serous retinopathy (CSR); earlydetection of diabetic maculopathy andscreening for macular oedema followingcataract surgery.

RETINAL ANATOMYAs the images generated by an OCTrepresent live in vivo histology4 a soundworking knowledge of the structures beingimaged is important. However, before weconsider abnormal retinal pathology, it isnecessary to review the structure of thenormal retina, which can be confusing.However, this can be considerably simplifiedby considering the retinal as a two-layerstructure (the neuro-retina and the retinalpigment epithelium (RPE)).

The two layers join relatively late ingestation and represent a weakness instructure. Partition of the two is describedas a retinal detachment, which is not, asmany mistakenly think, the whole retinabreaking from the choroid. The neuro-retinaincludes the nerve fibre layer (NFL), ganglioncells, bipolar cells, and photoreceptors (rodsand cones). The photoreceptors convertlight into electrical impulses, which arethen transmitted to the brain and are themost energy dependent tissue in body. Across-section through the retina is shown inFigure 1.

The RPE, which is in contact with thechoroid, recycles material from thephotoreceptors (necessary to maintainefficient function), contains pigment (melanin)to stop internal reflections thereby preventing‘glare’ inside the eye and pumps water outof the neuro-retina and potential sub-retinalspace to keep it ‘dry’. The choroid suppliesoxygen and glucose to the photoreceptorsand the RPE, and has the highest blood flowper unit area of any tissue in the body. Recallwhat happens when you faint. The retina isalways working very hard.

The outer retina (supplied with oxygenby the choroid) consists of the RPE and thephotoreceptors whereas the inner retina(supplied by the central retinal artery)comprises the nerve fibre layer, ganglioncells and bipolar cells. It is important tonote that RPE and photoreceptors must notpart company. They act as a single unit andany disruption to this RPE-photoreceptorpartnership can result in significant andrapid visual loss.

A healthy macular greyscale OCT B-scan is shown in Figure 2, with the differentretinal layers identified. Differentiation ofthe retinal layers is possible due to theirvarying scattering properties anddifferences in refractive indices. A falsecolour image of the same eye is shown onFigure 3. With a false colour image,

reflections of a higher intensity aredepicted by warm colours (yellow to red),while less intense reflections are depictedby cooler colours (blue to green). Images ingreyscale use brighter shading to representstrong reflections from dense structures.Most OCTs allow the user to switch fromgreyscale to a false colour image, which canhelp in identifying certain features. As thevitreous is not very dense, it appears black.Similarly, if fluid is present within the retinathis will also appear black.

There are two well-known areas of highreflection (brighter in a greyscale image andred in a colour image). These are the nervefibre layer (NFL) and the retinal pigmentepithelium (RPE). The NFL is an organisedcollection of nerve fibres and cytoplasm,which runs laterally along the inner surface

Figure 1. The layers of the retina. Modified from Ocular AnatomyAnd Histology (with permission)

Figure 2. A healthy macular greyscale OCT B-scan


Continuing Education and Training

of the retina towards the disc and,combined with the internal limitingmembrane and posterior hyaloid, gives off ahigh reflection on OCT and most machinesuse this reflection as part of their means ofmeasuring NFL thickness.

The RPE is an organised monolayer ofcells at the outer retina and, together withtheir apical cellular pigmentation andBruch’s membrane at the basal surface,produce a high level of reflection, which isuseful in detecting the outer retinalboundary. With age, there is a build-up ofdeposits of the waste products ofphotoreception on top of Bruch’smembrane which, by the age of 60 years,are usually large enough to causedepigmentation of the overlying RPErevealing them as small, discrete whitelesions or drusen. The OCT is easily able tolocate these at the outer retina. Exudates,lipid leakage common in diabetic eyedisease, may appear similar usingophthalmoscopy but the OCT highlightstheir position towards the middle layers ofthe neuroretina, clearly anterior to drusen.

The retinal layers visible on OCT are notsimply reflective bands but are cellsconsisting of nuclei, cell bodies andprocesses. Cell nuclei generally have a lowlevel of reflectance and this is seen in theretina at the level of the ganglion cellnuclei, the inner nuclear layer and the cone-rich outer nuclear layer around the fovea.An interesting normal anatomical featurecan be observed in the foveal region, as theouter segments of photoreceptors appearto become oedematous (darker). This is anormal feature of the fovea and representsthe elongation of cone photoreceptors toenable closer packing and hence providehigh visual acuity and is indicated using thered arrow in Figure 2 and the white arrowin Figure 3.

The photoreceptor integrity line is thejunction between inner and outer segments

(IS and OS) of the photoreceptors. It isbarely visible in histological sections butdue to the difference in the refractiveindices of the inner and outer segments ofthe photoreceptors, it is highly prominentwith OCT and a well demarcated IS/OSjunction suggest good photoreceptorfunction.

Retinal thickness varies over themacular region with the thinnest area beingat the very bottom of the central foveolarpit (the umbo). There is a wide range ofretinal thicknesses in the normal populationand retinal thickness is reported to varyaccording to several factors including age,axial length, ethnicity and gender5,6,7. Theaverage thickness of a normal macular isaround 200 microns. A retinal thickness ofmore than 250 microns is often describedas a ‘thick’ retina and is usually due toleakage whereas a retinal thickness of lessthan 150 microns is usually due to atrophyand can be described as ‘thin’. However, itcan be difficult to assess retinal function onthickness alone. While OCT is good atshowing swelling due to leakage, a fundusfluorescein angiogram (FFA) is still neededfor showing blockage of blood vessels.

Retinal pathology (as seen using OCT)can be identified in and associated withspecific layers. For example, diabeticretinopathy and retinal vein occlusion areassociated with the inner retina (retinalcirculation), whereas AMD and centralserous retinopathy (CSR) are associatedwith the outer retina (choroidal circulation).Retinal surface pathology (mechanicalproblems) includes vitreomacular tractionand epiretinal membrane. However, retinalpathology can involve more than one layer.For example a full thickness macular holeinvolves all layers and a lamellar macularhole usually involves the surface and innerretina.

Most OCTs will permit a scan of theoptic disc and will provide a nerve fibre

analysis (compared to a normativedatabase) along with disc, cup andneuroretinal rim measurements, which areuseful in the detection and monitoring ofglaucoma. Pachymetry and anteriorchamber visualisation is also a feature ofmost instruments.

DISEASESIt is not the intention of this article toprovide a detailed clinical discussion anddescription of eye diseases but to provide abrief overview of common abnormal ocularconditions, which may be encountered inpractice where the use of the OCT is ofparticular value.

AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATIONAMD is a major cause of ocular morbidityand irreversible vision loss in high incomecountries, accounting for over half of blindand partial sight certifications in the UK8. Ifa patient presents with suspected AMD, afundal examination (using a binocularindirect ophthalmoscopy technique, forexample, a slit-lamp and fundus viewinglens) and OCT will provide a great deal ofinformation towards deducing the nature ofthe AMD as both the wet and dry types areeasily distinguished using macular OCT scans.

The most common type of AMD is thedry or atrophic type, which accounts for upto 90 percent of all cases of AMD9. Dry AMDis characterised in its early stages by drusenwithin the macular region (Figure 4). Whenexamined using an OCT macular scan,drusen appear as focal, hyper-reflectiveelevations of the RPE, disrupting the usuallystraight and smooth appearance of the RPEwith no obvious fluid (Figure 5). The diseaseusually develops slowly and patches ofretina thin and atrophy, possibly becomingflecked with pigment. The retinal thinning isclearly detectable by OCT. Figures 4 and 5are images of the same eye.

Figure 3. A false colour image of Figure 2

Figure 4. Drusen in the macular region asseen using digital retinal imaging. This ischaracteristic of dry AMD


Wet (exudative or neovascular) AMD(Figures 6 and 7) is associated with thedevelopment of choroidalneovascularisation (CNV) and is found inapproximately 10 per cent of all AMD cases.CNV is considered to be a key clinical signin wet AMD and describes new (weak andleaky) vessels growing into the sub-RPEspace caused by serous fluid leakingthrough Bruch’s membrane from thechoroid. RPE elevation is indicative of wetAMD and a cross-section of the retina usingOCT shows this ‘bulging’, often in theabsence of any significant change seen withtraditional ophthalmoscopy.

Moving the RPE away from the choroidresults in ischaemia (reduced blood supplyfrom the choroid), and this is the trigger fornew vessels to grow as a response. At thisstage, vision is distorted and is oftendescribed by the patient as ‘waviness’ or‘shimmering’. When the new vessels leakand burst, blood enters the sub-RPE spaceand causes a dramatic drop in vision. Dark

spaces within the scan represent fluidleaking from the choroid. The fluid appearsdark because it has a low reflectance. Whenfluid or blood is found above thephotoreceptors due to breaks in theneuroretina it is classified as intra-retinal.Figures 6 and 7 are images of the same eye.

VITREOMACULAR TRACTIONVitreomacular traction (Figure 8) has a verycharacteristic appearance with macular OCTscans and may be seen in asymptomaticpatients. However, it can cause a reductionin visual acuity and produce distortion onan Amsler grid. Vitreomacular traction resultsfrom changes in the consistency of thevitreous (causing it to shrink away from theretina except at points of vitreoretinalattachment) and is seen as a thin, moderatelyreflective band that pulls on the retina in anincomplete v-shaped posterior vitreousdetachment (PVD). Traction on the retinamay lead to the formation of cysts,distortion of the retina and macular holes.

If the patient is relatively asymptomaticand vitreomacular traction is an incidentalfinding, referral to secondary care is notrequired and patients should be advised toself-monitor with an Amsler grid. However,if vitreomacular traction has resulted inreduced vision and the patient hassymptoms of concern, referral should bemade for possible treatment by vitrectomyor Ocriplasmin injection. Hospitals mayrecommend immediate or urgent referral inthese cases.

EPIRETINAL MEMBRANEEpiretinal membranes (Figure 9) are oftenseen during examination of the fundus butOCT is particularly useful in confirmingdiagnosis and for purposes ofdocumentation. An epiretinal membraneoccurs when a fibrous layer forms along theinternal limiting membrane (ILM). Thismembrane often shrinks and the retinaunder the membrane begins to wrinkle or‘pucker’. It is sometimes described ascellophane maculopathy.

On macular OCT, an epiretinalmembrane appears as a hyper-reflective

Figure 6. Wet AMD as seen using digitalretinal imaging. Note the haemorrhagesand grey appearance of the macular area

Figure 5. Drusen as seen using a macular OCT scan. Note the lumpy-bumpy hyper-reflective appearance of the RPE

Figure 7. Wet AMD as seen using a macular OCT scan. Note the increase in macular thickness, disruption to theRPE/photoreceptors and pockets of fluid

Figure 8. Vitreomacular traction as seen using an OCT scan



layer at the very inner aspect of the retina(the bright white line on the innermostsurface of the retina in Figure 9). In theearly stages, they usually cause only a mildreduction in visual acuity. However, as thecondition progresses, membrane formationmay lead to metamorphopsia and moresevere visual impairment. Most epiretinalmembranes have an associated PVD. Aswith vitreomacular traction, if an epiretinalmembrane is an incidental OCT finding andthe patient asymptomatic referral is notrequired. Treatment, if required, mightinclude vitrectomy and a membrane peel.

CENTRAL SEROUS RETINOPATHYCentral serous retinopathy (CSR) typicallyaffects men in the 20 to 50 year old agegroup and has been tentatively linked tostress and individuals with a ‘Type A’personality10. Such individuals are oftenambitious, high achievers, rigidly organised,sensitive, impatient, take on more thanthey can handle, anxious and proactive.Presentation is usually unilateral and the

exact aetiology of CSR is unknown.In CSR, fluid accumulates between the

neural retina and the RPE (Figure 10). TheOCT is very good at detecting this type offluid due to its low level of reflectivity.Symptoms include blurred vision anddistortion and a hypermetropic shift isoften detected during a refraction, which iscaused by the change in shape of theretina. CSR may or may not be visible onfundus examination and often resolveswithout intervention. Generally, the visualprognosis is good and patients suffer nosignificant permanent visual loss.

The patient represented in Figure 10presented with a sudden loss of vision inthe left eye. The visual acuity on presentationwas 6/60. Figure 11 shows the same patientone month later. The scan is now normaland VA had returned to 6/6. The patient wasnot referred to the hospital eye service.DIABETIC RETINOPATHYDiabetic retinopathy, a major cause ofblindness among the working population inthe UK11, is characterised by damage to

blood vessels in the retina with stagesranging from mild non-proliferativeretinopathy through to severe non-proliferative and ultimately proliferativeretinopathy. A routine eye examination willoften reveal the early signs of diabeticretinopathy, which may include retinalpathology (haemorrhages, exudates andswelling) and changes in refractive errordue to lenticular shape change.

The OCT is useful in assisting diagnosisas a macular scan may reveal subtle oedemaleading to retinal thickening, which may havebeen difficult to detect by fundusexamination. A macular scan may also showhyper-reflective hard exudates located withinthe inner aspect of the retina, which appearas highly reflective intraretinal spots. Drusen,associated with dry AMD occur in the outerretina. A macular OCT scan of a diabeticpatient is shown in Figures 12a and 12b.Note the pockets of fluid (dark areas) andhard exudates in the inner retina.

MACULAR HOLETypically, macular holes are idiopathic andaffect elderly, late to middle-aged femalesand result from vitreous traction on themacular area. They are not usuallyassociated with retinal detachment but canform after blunt trauma. The mean age ofonset is 65 years but onset in patients asyoung as the third decade has beenreported. They cause a painless impairmentof central vision (a central scotoma) whichis often noticed when the fellow eye isclosed. Treatment is by vitrectomy, which isoften followed by strict postoperative face-down posturing for several weeks.

A full thickness macular hole is shownin Figure 13. Note the subretinal fluidsurrounding the hole and the loss ofRPE/photoreceptors. The patientrepresented in Figure 13 had gross

Figure 9. An epiretinal membrane as seen using an OCT scan. Notethe pockets of fluid that have formed beneath the retinal surface

Figure 10. Central serous retinopathy as seen on an OCT scan

Figure 11. The patient represented in Figure 10 one month later. The scan is now normal


anisometropia, was an early presbyope (age48) and a hydrogel contact lens wearer. Acompromise prescription had been given inthe right eye to assist near vision. Thepatient had a history of right retinaldetachment surgery and mixed lensopacities were noted in the right eye at thelast eye examination 11 months previously.The patient attended for a contact lenscheck complaining of blurred vision in theright eye. The patient’s visual acuity was6/30 (previously 6/7.6) and an over-refraction achieved a VA of 6/19. Thepatient was dilated and a full thicknessmacular hole was found using a macularOCT scan. Interestingly she did not fit the usual profile of a potential macular hole patient.

Figure 14 shows the same patient onemonth after treatment. Sometimes whatappears to be a full thickness macular holewith ophthalmoscopy, though perhaps withless impact on vision, is shown by OCT tobe less deep, or more like a depression. Thishelps distinguish lesions such as lamellarholes (Figure 15) or pseudoholes from thefull thickness hole. Management of theselesions may be different.

GLAUCOMAGlaucoma, a progressive optic neuropathy,is an area where OCT could be of greatbenefit within an optometric practice.Around two per cent of white Europeansolder than 40 years have chronic openangle glaucoma (COAG), rising to almost10 per cent in people older than 75 years.The prevalence may be higher in people ofblack African or black Caribbean descent, or those who have a family history ofglaucoma12. It is usually associated withincreased intraocular pressure (IOP) andsubsequent damage to the retinal nervefibres with a corresponding loss of visual field.

Traditionally the diagnosis of glaucomaincludes an optic nerve head examination,measurement of IOP, pachymetry(measurement of corneal thickness andcorrelated with IOP), gonioscopy(assessment of the structures that form theanterior chamber angle) and visual fieldassessment. As an adjunct to theseinvestigations, OCT can be used to detectand measure NFL thickness accuratelyaround the disc (Figure 16). The scan canalso measure the size of the disc and cup,

cup volume and thickness of theneuroretinal rim. The data collected iscompared with an age-matched normativedatabase.

The thickness is measured around a ringor annulus just outside the disc and shouldbe thickest inferiorly, then superiorly,nasally and thinnest temporally (the ISNTrule). If this ‘thickness ring’ is rolled out as aflat graph, it has a characteristic ‘twinpeaks’ appearance (as shown in Figure 16)and variations in this shape are significant.NFL analysis has high specificity, whichmeans it should be reliable in confirmingthat a patient is normal (negative).However, a high specificity can generate anumber of false negatives and this isimportant if other clinical parameters suchas raised IOP, normal central cornealthickness (CCT) or a repeatable visual fielddefect have indicated possible glaucoma.

It may be that the greatest value ofOCT in optometric practice will be as an aidto the early detection of glaucoma andscreening of family members with routineregular follow-up13. Many modern OCTs canmeasure the thickness of the ganglion celllayer, thinning of which is thought to be an

Figures 12a and 12b. A macular OCT scans of a diabetic patient (the same patient)

Figure 13. A full thickness macular holeFigure 14. The patient represented in Figure 13one month after treatment


early sign of glaucoma way ahead of theappearance of visual field loss.

THE ANTERIOR EYEMost OCTs have the ability to scan andassess the cornea, anterior chamber andangle. With a good quality scan, one candistinguish the five corneal layers.Measurement of the corneal thickness(pachymetry) is straightforward and theOCT will take numerous scans around thecentral corneal region and assess overallcorneal thickness. Again this can becompared to a normative database. Thenon-contact pachymetry possible with OCTcompares well with the established contactultrasound technique, and is likely to bepreferred by patients.

Pachymetry is useful if a patient’s IOPsare outside (higher than) the normal rangeas a thicker than normal cornea can resultin a higher IOP measurement. The normalCCT is around 550 microns. Figure 17shows OCT pachymetry resulting in athicker than normal cornea while Figure 18shows a keratoconic cornea with an area ofmarked inferior corneal thinning indicativeof keratoconus. The 46-year-old male patient

represented in Figure 17 had been referredto the hospital eye service (HES) on severaloccasions by different practitioners for raisedIOP. His IOPs were evidently always in themid-20s but there were never any otherindications of glaucoma. The patient wasdischarged from the HES on each occasion.His IOPs on this occasion were 24mmHg inboth eyes. The OCT scan (Figure 17)revealed thick corneas (CCT of 634 micronsin the right eye and 636 in the left), whichwere probably the cause of the raised IOPs.Once more, there were no other indicationsof glaucoma. The patient was not referredto the HES on this occasion.

Gonioscopy is the traditional method ofviewing the structures that form theanterior chamber angle. However, thetechnique is invasive and is not easy tomaster. An OCT scan of the anteriorchamber angle is a useful alternative if thevan Herrick technique* indicates a narrowanterior chamber angle. Figure 19 shows aneye with a shallow anterior chamber angle.Note the narrow gap between the backsurface of the cornea and the front surfaceof the iris (iridocorneal angle). The patientwas referred to the HES for prophylactic

YAG laser iridotomy. Sometimes a patientpresents with what is believed to be a verynarrow angle when assessed by van Herrick,but revealed by OCT to have a nice patentand open angle. Unnecessary referrals cantherefore be avoided.

SUMMARY OCT has provided eyecare practitionerswith a new awareness in the visualisationand understanding of retinal diseases,glaucoma detection and cornealassessment. It is a non-invasive method ofcapture of accurate and reproducibleinformation and should allow thepractitioner to provide eyecare with anincreased degree of confidence in his/herdiagnostic abilities. Thanks to OCT, it is nowpossible to see what lies beneath the retinalsurface. However, OCT is a tool of whichthere are many available and it must ofcourse be used in conjunction with theseother tools along with a thorough historyand symptoms.

This article is not intended to give anin-depth clinical description of eye diseasesbut the author hopes that it has been ofsome interest to the reader.

Figure 15. A lamellar hole Figure 16. A nerve fibre and optic head analysis using an OCT scan

Figure 17. Pachymetry using an OCT scan. The normalcentral corneal thickness (CCT) is around 550 microns

Figure 18. Pachymetry in keratoconus. Note thethin inferior corneal thickness (blue region)



* The Van Herrick technique performedusing a slit-lamp bio-microscope during aroutine eye examination, is used to gradethe depth or ‘openness’ of the anteriorchamber angle.

REFERENCES1. Huang D, Swanson E A, Lin C P, et al.

Optical coherence tomography. Science 1991 254: 1178-1181.

2. Drexler W and Fujimoto J G. State-of-the-art retinal optical coherence tomography. Prog. Retin. Eye Res. 2008 27: 45-88.

3. Costa R A, Skaf M, Melo L A et al. Retinalassessment using optical coherence tomography. Prog. Retin. Eye Res. 2006 25: 325-353.

4. Swanson E A, Izatt J A, Hee M R, et al. In vivo retinal imaging by optical coherence tomography. Opt. Lett. 1993 18: 1864-1866.

5. Song W K, Lee S C, Lee E S, et al. Macular thickness variations with sex,

age, and axial length in healthy subjects:a spectral domain-optical coherence tomography study. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2010 51: 3913-3918.

6. Lam DS, Leung KS, Mohamed S, et al. Regional variations in the relationship between macular thickness measurements and myopia. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2007 48: 376-382.

7. Kelty PJ, Payne JF, Trivedi R H, et al. Macular thickness assessment in healthy eyes based on ethnicity using Stratus OCT. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis.Sci.2008 49: 2668-2672.

8. Bunce C, Xing W, Wormald R. Causes of blind and partial sight certifications in England and Wales: April 2007–March 2008. Eye 2010 24: 1692–9.

9. Klein R, Klein B E, Linton KL. Prevalence of age-related maculopathy. The Beaver Dam Eye Study. Ophthalmology 1992; 99: 933-943.

10. Bennett G. Central serous retinopathy. Br. J. Ophthalmol. 1955 39: 605-18.

11. Broadbent D M, Scott J A, Vora J P et al.

Prevalence of diabetic eye disease in an

inner city population: the Liverpool

diabetic eye study. Eye 1999 13: 160-5

12. NICE Guidelines CG85 Glaucoma:

Diagnosis and management of chronic

open angle glaucoma and ocular

hypertension 2009

13. Mahon G and McCrudden J. Optical

coherence tomography (OCT) - is it

simply pattern recognition? Optometry

in Practice 2011 12: 63-75

RECOMMENDED READING

Bruce J, Chew c and Bron A. Lecture Notes:

Ophthalmology 10th ed. Blackwell 2007

Hiscox R. Discover what lies beneath.

Optometry Today April 2013.

Hiscox R. What you need to know about

OCT - Parts 1, 2 & 3. Optician November

2014, December 2014 and January 2015.

Pipe D and Rapley L. Ocular Anatomy and

Histology 3rd ed. ABDO 2008.

Jackson T. Moorfields Manual of

Ophthalmology. Elsevier 2008

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

David Pipe and Linda Rapley for Figure 1

and their permission to modify it for the

purpose of this article and also for their

comments on parts of the text. Bill Harvey

for his helpful comments on an earlier

version of this article.

ANDREW KEIRL is an optometrist and

dispensing optician in private practice,

associate lecturer in Optometry at

Plymouth University, ABDO principal

examiner for Professional Conduct in

Ophthalmic Dispensing and external

examiner for ABDO College.

Figure 19. A shallow anterior chamber angle as imaged using an OCT

GOC LAUNCHESCONSULTATION ON NEW STANDARDSThe General Optical Council (GOC) haslaunched a consultation on new standardsof practice for dispensing opticians andoptometrists, designed to promote higherstandards across the optical professionsby making it easier for registrants tounderstand the regulator’s expectations.

GOC CEO and registrar, Samantha Peters,said: “The new standards of practice bringtogether in one place, and in an easy-to-digest format, all the information registrants

need to understand what we expect of them.They will also make it much easier forpatients to understand the standards theyshould expect from their optician.

“Registrants will need to use theirprofessional judgement to decide how toapply the standards in any given situation,and may want to refer to guidance producedby professional bodies and other organisationsin doing so, but the GOC’s standards shouldalways be their first port of call. I encourageall registrants to get involved in thisconsultation and provide feedback to us.

“As well as the consultation we’ll berunning an online survey of registrants andfocus groups with registrants, students and

patients. I’d encourage everyone with aninterest in our standards to let us knowwhat they think,” concluded Samantha.

Once finalised, the new standards ofpractice will replace the GOC’s Code ofConduct for individuals. As well as developingnew standards for fully qualified optometristsand dispensing opticians, the GOC is alsoconsulting on new standards specifically forstudents to recognise that their skills andknowledge will develop during the course oftheir education and training and that theywork under supervision.

Reply to the consultation by 7 June athttps://www.optical.org/en/get-involved/consultations/index.cfm


MCAs

Question 1 was voided, as the printed version containedan error. The online version was corrected. The markingwas adjusted so that no disadvantage ensued.

2. Which statement best describes the term‘orthophoria’?

a. It is where only one eye deviates when occludedb. It is said to exist when all negative fusional reserves have

been used upc. The active and passive positions of the visual axes coincided. A term synonymous with decompensation in heterophoria

c is the correct answer. The coincidence of the right andleft visual axes for all distances and directions of gaze is thetrue orthophoric state. This may exist, rather likeemmetropia, depending on the accuracy of assessment.

3. Which statement is UNTRUE?a. For myopic presbyopes with anisometropia, base down

prism can successfully be removed from the more negative lens to avoid vertical diplopia

b. Where an eye deviates nasally it indicates esophoria may be present

c. It is possible for slightly different retinal images to be fused if they still fall within Panum’s fusional areas

d. If a patient experiences no problems with vertical differential prism of 2Δ their vertical fusional reserves may be below average

d is the correct answer. In this case, the verticalfusional reserves would be above average as about 1Δ isgenerally agreed as the tolerance.

4. Complete the sentence with the correct option. Theterm ‘positive fusional reserves’ in binocular singlevision refers to…a. the maximum amount the eyes can converge measured

with base out prismb. distance vision onlyc. hypermetropes who are able to converge to read without

difficulty

d. how much the eyes can diverge before the image doubles

a is the correct answer. These are listed in Table 3.

Negative fusional reserves relate to divergence and are

measured using base in prism.

5. A first-time bifocal wearer has the prescription:

R: +1.25/-1.00 x 180, L: +0.75/-2.75 x 180 Addition

+2.75DS. Visual acuities are 6/6 R and L and N5 just

managed. Which of the following would provide the best

dispensing option to control vertical anisometropia?

a. R R25 and L R40 segments

b. R and L R28 segments as acuities are the same

c. R R40 and L R25 segments

d. R S45 and L S28 segments

c is the correct answer. There is vertical anisometropia

giving rise to 2.25Δ of vertical differential prism. The formula

gives a difference in segment diameters of 16.4mm to

eliminate this and avoid diplopia. Round segments create

base down prism at the NVP, counter-acting the base up

prism due to the distance Rx. The larger segment goes in the

most hypermetropic eye (R) as this requires the most base

down prism. The optical centres of flat top segments are

either on or just below the segment line irrespective of the

segment diameter (unless prism has been specially worked).

6. Which statement is UNTRUE?

a. Digital surfacing techniques now enable relatively small

amounts of prism to be worked on a spectacle lens

b. IFusional reserves may be increased by orthoptic exercises

even where presbyopia exists

c. 8 prism dioptres of esophoria may be present for near but

unlikely to cause symptoms

d. Deviation of an eye from fixating when occluded may be

made worse by extrinsic muscle weakness

c is the correct answer. 8Δ of esophoria would be likely

to cause convergence difficulties.

Multiple choice answers:Considering ocular motor balance in dispensingby Stephen Freeman BSc (Hons), MCOptom, FBDO(Hons), Cert Ed

To dow

nload, print or save you

r CET result letter, go to

www.abd

o.org.uk. Log-in and go to 'View you

r CET record'.

Fundraisingbirthday cards –with four amusingoptical themes –have been createdby Specs ofKensington tosupport VisionCare for HomelessPeople (VCHP).

Practice owner, Daska Barnett, said: “It is always good to

have a few cards in the drawer and these are a great way to

support a charity which is close to our hearts. A £6 donation,

for the pack of four cards, will help pay for a homeless

person to have an eye examination and spectacles.”

Visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charities/

visioncareforhomelesspeople and after passing the Gift Aid

section, tick the box that gives VCHP permission to make

contact and send the cards.

CARDS TO PUT ‘FUN’INTO FUNDRAISING

abdoCOLLEGE

2015 SUMMER PRE-EXAMINATION REVISION COURSESABDO College is now taking applications for its popular dispensing and contact lens revision courses, to be held at the College in Godmersham. The following courses are available:

Tuesday 26 MayYear 3: FQE Practical Section B 9am to 12noon

Year 3: FQE Practical Section C/F 1pm to 4pm

Contact Lenses: CL Anatomy Theory 2pm to 5pm

Wednesday 27 MayYear 2: Advanced OL & Dispensing Theory 9am to 12noon

Year 2: Professional Conduct Theory 1pm to 4pm

Year 2: Communications Theory 4pm to 6pm

Year 3: FQE Practical Section A 9am to 12noon

Year 3: FQE Practical Section D/E 1pm to 4pm

Contact Lenses: CL Visual Optics Theory 9am to 12noon

Contact Lenses: Practice Theory 1pm to 4pm

On-site accommodation availableif required please contact Joan Griffin by telephone on 01277 733 911, or email [email protected] for further details

Lunchis provided with full day courses and when two half daycourses are taken on the same day

Application deadline:

Tuesday 19 May 2015

Thursday 28 MayYear 1: PQE OL Theory 9am to 12noon

Year 1: PQE Optics Theory 1pm to 4pm

Year 3: Refractive Management Theory 9am to 12noon

Year 3: Low Vision Theory 1pm to 4pm

Year 3: Contact Lens Dispensing Theory 4pm to 6pm

Friday 29 MayYear 1: PQE Practical 9am to 4pm

Monday 1 JuneContact Lenses: Practical 10am to 5pm

For course fees and an application packfor these and other courses, or to request a copy of the ABDO College Prospectus, please contact the Courses Team on 01227 733 921 or email [email protected]

ABDO College Operational Services, Godmersham ParkGodmersham, Canterbury, Kent CT4 7DT

www.abdocollege.org.uk

www.twitter.com/abdocollege

KEEPING EXCELLENCE IN YOUR SIGHTS

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Do you see other opticalpractitioners appearing inthe media and want to raiseyour practice profile too? Ordo you have some interesting

patients with fascinating stories thatyou’d like to share? Case studies can helppromote your practice and bring in newpatients as well as showcasing thespecialist skills of you and your staff. Inthis article you can learn more about howand when to use case studies.

POWERFUL CALLS TO ACTIONA case study is a story, and people love toread stories about other people’s real lifeexperiences. If you look at newspapers,magazines and websites, they are full oftrue life stories. The reader may feelempathy – ‘That’s just like what happenedto me’ – and that their own experience isvalidated by reading the story. Alternatively,they may feel shock and horror – ‘How

awful, I’m glad that didn’t happen to me’ –and although those sound like negativefeelings, they can in fact reinforce a senseof well-being and, ‘I’m all right’.

As a practitioner, people’s true storiesand experiences are a powerful way to getothers to take action. While it is easy to say‘an eye examination can save your sight’, itis far more powerful to read a headline in anewspaper about a specific event happeningto a real person, such as: ‘Eye exam savedJane’s sight’.

People reading any newspaper,magazine or website tend to have a degreeof trust in the publication. Readers usuallyregard journalists as independent, which isanother reason why this type of story canhave added weight. And again, there is an –‘It could happen to me’ – factor. A storyabout a young woman who has a braintumour detected during an eye examinationmakes compelling reading for other youngwomen, for example.

Beyond the media, real life stories canbe valuable additions to your practiceliterature and websites. Whether it is ashort quote as a testimonial, or a full-pagestory, true stories can help youcommunicate important messages. The factthat the person in the story is independentof your practice adds weight to their wordsin a way that it wouldn’t if you told the storyyourself as the practice owner or manager.

Using case studies isn’t alwaysstraightforward, however, which is probablywhy as practitioners we don’t take actioneven when someone has a life-changingexperience in the practice. Read on to findout some more of the issues and how toaddress them.

TIMING AND SENSITIVITYOne of the first issues about usingsomeone’s real experience is that you needto ask their permission. This can seemawkward at the time: if the optometrist hasdetected signs that might indicate a braintumour, the last thing the patient needs isfor you to appear with a consent form andask them if they would mind appearing inthe local paper. At this point, just note whathas happened.

Often patients return after a hospitalvisit and are keen to update practice staffon what has happened to them; they havereturned because in some way they want totell you their story. This is a better time todiscuss whether they might be interested inbeing a case study. Alternatively, after time,you could phone up to find out how theyare getting on. Some patients won’t beinterested in being a case study at all,which must be respected.

For many, though, talking about theirown experience can be a positive thing. Theymay be motivated by the thought of seeingtheir story in the newspaper, or perhaps theymay want to help other people who couldbe going through the same experience.

Real life stories to promote your practice

Use everyday case studies togenerate fresh footfall, suggestsAntonia Chitty

BUSINESS

Reading about others’ experiences can inspire patients to take action


Someone who has had their life or sightsaved by an eye exam may feel that tellingtheir story and helping others gives them areason for having gone through trauma.

Understanding more about whatmotivates people to tell their stories canhelp you to ask for their consent in asensitive way. It can help if you prepareconsent forms in advance. You need to havespace to write the person’s details, and howtheir story might be used. Would you use itonly on a practice publication, on thewebsite, in advertising, on social media? Awritten consent form with a list of possibleoutlets can help the person think aboutwhere they might be happy to see theirstory, and what might make them feeluncomfortable. Allow them time to read theform and discuss how they feel. You couldalso discuss and list on the form whetherthe person is happy to speak to a journalist,whether they would appear on TV or havetheir photo taken.

You need to keep the consent forms andany details of the person’s story,remembering your data protectionresponsibilities. A consent form doesn’t giveyou carte blanche to share the person’sdetails. If, for example, they have had astory in the local newspaper and then thelocal TV news show wants to cover it too,call them and check they are still happy tospeak. A consent form is also necessary ifyou want to use shorter quotes, perhapsalongside an image, as testimonials on yourwebsite or leaflet.

EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORYImages are a key element to any story. Apicture of the person is a great start. It canalso be good to have a picture that showshow their issue was detected, such as thepractitioner and patient at the slit lamp ortonometer. People always like to see actionshots, and it can be good to show theperson doing their favourite activity,

something they might have struggled withif the eye problem hadn’t been detectedand treated.

If you are using the story for yourpractice website or magazine, you may needto interview the person yourself. Here are afew tips.

1. Think about recording your discussion. Ask the person if they mind it being recorded so that you can check facts andquotes. Explain that you won’t share the recording with anyone else.

2. Set up a quiet room where the person feelscomfortable: ask if they would prefer to speak to you in practice or in their home.

3. Provide a drink and tissues: retelling a story can sometimes be traumatic.

4. Have a notebook and pen with you to jotdown key parts of the story.

5. Remember that people don’t always tell a story in a logical order so you may needto piece the story together afterwards.

6. When writing up the story, check back

using the notes and your recording to make sure it is accurate.

7. After that, it can be good to read the story back to the person to check that it sounds correct to them before you use it. If you are hoping to get some media

coverage for the story you will need adifferent type of write-up. Journalists willwant to see a few short facts about thestory: what happened, and why is itcompelling and unique? Real life magazinesare often looking for stories that focus on‘triumph over tragedy’ so emphasise thestrongest points of the story, the real highsand lows for the person.

Remember that it may help make acompelling case for the story if you tie yourcase study into an event like National EyeHealth Week, or a relevant disease focusedday/week. Draft an email to the journalist,and then check back and make sure thatyou have covered the ‘who, when, what,why and how’ of the story too. Rememberthat you always need the person’spermission before passing the story on. Ifthe journalist feels that the person’s story isa good fit for their programme orpublication, they are likely to want tointerview the person concerned as well asthe practitioner who made the discovery.They may want to take photos or film inpractice and/or in the person’s home.

Once you have generated somecoverage for your practice using a casestudy, remember to follow up. You maywant to thank the person, either in personor by sending a small gift. You should alsomake sure that patients and the widerpublic know about the coverage; you couldmention that you have been part of theperson’s story in the local media on yourpractice blog and in the newsletter, with alink to the article. Finally, always stay onthe lookout for compelling stories takingplace in the practice as they are a great wayto communicate about issues that might notget raised otherwise, and to reach new media.

RESOURCES• To find out more about the ethics of journalism you can read the IPSO Code of practice https://www.ipso.co.uk/IPSO/cop.html

• Charity Comms has created a great reportwhich discusses this in more detail: ‘Showand tell: a Best Practice Guide to portrayingbeneficiaries and service users’, which youcan find at http://www.bfunded.org.uk/uploads/files/charitycomms.pdf

ANTONIA CHITTY is starting a researchproject examining how people tell storiesbased on life experiences. Read more athowtotellyourstory.wordpress.com

A consent form doesn’t give you carte blanche to share the person’s details

Best Practice Guide 9

charity providing information and support to children and families suffering from childhood continence problems.

Problems such as bedwetting, daytime wetting, constipation and soiling affect one in 12 children and young people

website and online shop selling products designed to overcome or manage childhood continence problems.

As part of ERIC’s media work, case studies are essential to highlight the real life experiences of children suffering with continence problems, and that of their parents. ERIC’s core media – parenting press, women’s magazines and national press – often require case studies with photographs before a story is considered.

Within ERIC, the entire team is responsible for providing potential case study leads to the media manager. This might be a marathon runner who met our community fundraiser or a parent commenting on ERIC’s online message board. A feedback questionnaire goes to all customers of ERIC’s online shop which includes a tick box asking if the customer would like to provide a case study to help raise awareness of ERIC’s work. Contact details of the potential case study are passed to the media manager.

manager will explain why ERIC needs case studies, how past case studies have been used and how the process might work if a journalist wishes to speak directly to the case study. At this stage, we ask if the case study is willing to be photographed, and named or if they would prefer to remain anonymous. We explain in a tactful way that photos are needed for most magazines and that they would be helping raise awareness and reducing the stigma by speaking out about these issues. We also ask what type of media they are willing to work with – i.e. papers/magazines, radio and TV.

Due to the sensitive nature of childhood continence problems and the risk of

parents willing to provide

photos and many wish to remain anonymous. We never pressure people into providing images, or taking part in an interview they are not comfortable with.

ERIC’s role is to raise awareness of childhood continence problems and the help available, not put children and families at further risk. On past occasions, we have decided not to feature particular case studies due to a potential risk of misunderstanding or persecution towards families.

Case studies are used for a maximum of one year if the child has overcome the problem. After this time, it

to remain as passionate about the consequences

of childhood continence problems as they have passed this stage. If the problems are ongoing, we continue to use the case study as appropriate.

Case study

ERIC (Education and Resources for Improving Childhood Continence) Natasha Collins-Daniel, education and media manager, ERIC

A useful resource is availablefrom Charity Comms

Association of British Dispensing Opticians

The 2015 ABDO Conference and Exhibitionwill be held at Manchester Central - an

award winning venue located in the heart ofcity centre Manchester. The ABDO Conferenceand Exhibition is the premiere event fordispensing opticians and is also hailed as oneof the most convivial and rewarding networkingevents in the UK optical calendar.

EVERYTHING A CONFERENCE SHOULD BE

ABDO CONFERENCEAND EXHIBITIONSunday 20 and Monday 21September 2015Manchester Central

PRE-CONFERENCE GOLFTOURNAMENTSaturday 19 September 2015

PRE-CONFERENCEWELCOME PARTYSaturday 19 September 2015Wolfson Reading Room, Manchester Central Library

ABDO GALA DINNERSunday 20 September 2015The Midland Hotel, Manchester

• A unique event in the 2015optical calendar

• Opportunities to networkwith convivial company

• Meet friends old and new

• Make new contacts

• All optical professionalsand students are welcometo attend

• To reserve a place at thepre-conference golftournament [email protected]

N E T W O R K I N G • C O N F E R E N C E • E X H I B I T I O N

ONLINE BOOKING AVAILABLE SOON via www.abdo.org.uk/events

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There is something for everyonein Manchester and it’s one ofthe easiest cities to get to, withexcellent transport links andtop class hotels. What better

destination then for this year’s ABDOConference taking place on Sunday 20and Monday 21 September at theManchester Central Convention Centre.

“There are only six months to go beforeour conference and it’s as exciting aprospect as it could ever be,” said ElaineGrisdale, ABDO head of professionalservices and international development.“This year, we’ll be truly ‘pushing theboundaries’, offering all the CETcompetencies in a comprehensive andentertaining CET programme. Delegates willbe able to attain 27 points over the twodays through a mix of lectures andinteractive discussions and workshops.

“The combination of the venue and theprogramme reflects the fact that ABDO hasstepped up a gear and continues toinnovate and surprise. Even if you are oneof the lucky ones and already have yourquota of points, it’s an event not to bemissed because of the quality of the speakersand breadth of knowledge that is beingshared,” Elaine added.

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTSSo, what can delegates expect? This year,delegates can make an early start withbreakfast peer discussion. Keynote lectureswill feature two internationally acclaimed

speakers tackling subjects they are passionateabout. “We are delighted to welcome as oneof our keynote speakers Dr MargaretWoodhouse OBE, who’ll be talking aboutunderstanding patients with Down’ssyndrome,” said Elaine. “Maggie was awardedthe OBE for her work in this field, and recentlyappeared in a film shot in collaborationwith ABDO and ITN Productions as part ofthe EYE TV News programme.”

New technologies are in vogue thisyear, with Optician clinical editor BillHarvey encouraging DOs to get involvedwith the technical revolution, and BobForgan discussing the fast-moving world ofsmart glasses. Antonia Chitty will look atfuturistic ways of working social media intopractice, while Paul Surridge of the SightCare Group will run a four CET point sessionon ‘Understanding patient psychology’ onday one, followed up with ideas on how theindependent sector can be revitalised onday two.

There are a number of coaching topicson the programme including ‘Building yourpowers of persuasion’ and a coaching andmentoring skills workshop. “We aredelighted to welcome Jennie Jones, a lawyerand conflict management expert from theOCCS to talk help delegates manageconflict in practice,” Elaine explained.Workshops and ‘silent’ lectures will featurein the exhibition area, and Rob Barrow, aDO from Spec-Care Services, will run fourrepair workshops.

There will once again be a full lowvision two-day track with experts looking atthe holistic approach to low vision andintra-professional working. “We will hearfrom patients who have had life changingencounters with low vision practitioners,sharing their experiences of how we canimprove the experiences they have with us,”explained Elaine. The Guide Dogs for the BlindAssociation will be there, inviting delegatesto experience its special sensory tunnel.

Paediatrics remains high on the list ofpriorities for DOs and so the conference willprovide a number of paediatric relatedworkshops and lectures. The ABDO paediatricheads will enable delegates to refine their

dispensing skills. Delegates can also discussbinocular vision issues and the importanceof spectacles in orthoptic management.

Another initiative to push theboundaries is the new student andsupervisor track, as Elaine explained: “Thisparallel event will allow students to practicefor their final qualifying examinations underthe guiding hand of Alicia Thompson,ABDO’s director of professionalexaminations and her team. There will beopportunities for current and prospectivesupervisors to get to grips with their roleand to meet other professionals taking onthis important task.

“This is just a snapshot of what’s instore in Manchester this year for ourmembers, but I hope it’s whetted theappetite for the fantastic event ahead,”Elaine concluded.

Next month we’ll take a look at otherprogramme highlights. In the meantime,please look out for the definitiveprogramme being published online in thecoming weeks.

Spring is in the air so it’s time to startcounting down to this year’s ABDOConference in Manchester…

Preview

Pushing the boundaries

Dr Margaret Woodhouse OBE

All roads lead to Manchester this September


Held at the Feramilano Rho-Pero Pavilions in Milanfrom 28 February to 2March, the 45th Midooptical fair offered its

international visitors a newly ‘tailored’experience with a 10 per cent increase infloor space, a more structured layout and150 new exhibitors amongst the 1,000plus ‘regulars’.

“We designed and set up the newformat to make it easier to display and givevisibility to the products on show,” saidGiovanni Vitaloni, vice president of Midoand Anfao, the Italian optical tradeassociation. “We wanted to find new thingsthat would appeal and new ways to makethe three-day event, which is always a verybusy one, something more relaxing,practical, effective and efficient for businessdealings, which are always critical inincreasing production and trade, as well asfunctional to the pivotal role of ‘workingwell’, which is what we wish to all ourItalian and international exhibitors.”

It seems the changes were well accepted,with a record 49,000 visitors attending overthe three days – up 8.7 per cent over 2014 –56 per cent of whom came from outside thehost country. “Over the past few monthswe have perceived a growing interest in ourexhibition and in its fast evolution thatpicked up even more speed this year,”commented Cirillo Marcolin, Mido president.“The new communication campaign, thenew logo, the pavilions located closer to thesubway, the revamped and morestreamlined layout made for a considerablylarger exhibition space and more exhibitorswho had fully booked the exhibition spacein just a few months.

“The online pre-registration had us veryoptimistic on the eve of the opening day,because the outcome was veryencouraging,” added vice presidentGiovanni Vitaloni. “Attendees tookadvantage of the more visitor-friendlylayout to visit all the theme areas includingthe Fashion District, FAiR East Pavilion and

Design Lab and the new Lab Academy, whichwas particularly successful. The Otticlub infomeetings also attracted a keen, interestedaudience – another sign of the dynamicatmosphere pervading the industry.”

A new ‘Two trains for Mido’ servicehelped to increase the number of Italiantrade people visiting, with Mr Vitaloni adding:“However, a prevailing widespread desire forthe domestic market, which has been sluggishfor some time now, to get back on trackcertainly did its share. The final result isextraordinary in itself, especially consideringthe economic uncertainty that still affectssome countries.”

Summing up the event, Cirillo Marcolinsaid: “The record attendance figures confirmMido’s undisputed international leadership,are a reason to be proud and encourage us to do even better in order to continue

to be the must-attend exhibition for theeyewear industry.”

EYEWEAR DEBUTSSwiss designer Marc Stone showcased hispremium eyewear collection for the firsttime at Mido. The collection receivedoutstanding reviews when it was shown onthe runway at the 2015 Tranoi FashionShow in Paris and was officially unveiled bythe Swiss Eyewear Group. Highlights of the18-model collection include wood finisheson acetate frames and contemporarystainless steel frames with discrete, modernside shields as well as retro inspired heavierframes. Distinct elements from the MarcStone apparel designs have been included in the eyewear collection and all sunglasses are handcrafted using the highest quality materials.

With a significant makeover and recordvisitors, Mido 2015 meant business,reports Nicky Collinson

Mido

Milan debut for Marc Stone eyewear Pure Decadence by Anna Karin Karlsson

Bestand Award winners, Blackfin, with Mido president, Cirillo Marcolin

The Italian job


Fellow Swede and high fashion frame designer known for her uniqueand extravagant eyewear, Anna-Karin Karlsson, presented her newDecadence collection bringing to the wearer “stories of wanton, luxury andopulence”. The collection is characterised by “excess and indulgence inpleasure”, with frames bejewelled with handset crystals and 24-carat gold,each model considered as a piece of art.

Making its global debut hot off the heels of 100% Optical in London,the entire Aspire Eyewear collection is designed using 3D technology priorto prototype creation, significantly reducing sample development from 20weeks to 20 minutes. Created with SDN-4, a specially designed nylonmaterial proprietary to the brand, the designs offer shape memory, heatresistance and won’t fade in UV exposure. Using customised SDN-4 sheetmaterial, Aspire frames are not injected, but created with CNC machineryto produce unique shapes and endless colour possibilities. The collection isdistributed exclusively through US-based ClearVision Optical.

Entrepreneur and style icon will.i.am unveiled his new collection of ill.iOptics frames, an innovative series of unisex optical styles. Thoughdesigned in the US, the frames are hand finished in Italy and born out ofwill.i.am’s life-long passion for experimental style. The spring/summer 2015collection pays homage to the evolution of modern optical fashion, drawinginspiration from rare vintage shapes to create a line that is fresh, dynamicand timeless. This, the brand’s second collection, looks set to cement ill.iOptics as a player in the eyewear category.

Fashion’s current love affair with all things denim was capturedperfectly in a new men’s model in the X-IDE collection from Italian firm,Immagine 98. The metal Cocco frame features blue denim on the front andtemples in an out-of-the-ordinary combination of materials that is botheye-catching and tactile.

Another notable piece was the Type 8 Convertible model from Hally &Son, a brand with strong links with the 1960s and 70s distributed by Italianoptical giant, Allison. The Type 8 Convertible model, with its traditionalpanthos shape inspired by the early 60s, marries old concepts with a newcombination of materials. The frame can be folded in five easy steps withthe temples and front made in medical steel, and rims in acetate with akeyhole bridge.

Mountains, trees, greenery and nature provide the open-air ‘laboratory’inspiring WooDone’s latest invention showcased at Mido: frames coveredwith the underside of leaves of the Wych Elm (ulmus glabra). Ulmus is thename given to the special edition finish, which can be applied to any modelin the collection. It took the company 12 months to identify a tree withsuitable leaves, and to come up with a way to apply the leaf to the framewithout interrupting the pattern traced by the veins using a natural glueand lacquer finish to prevent the leaf from drying and changing colour.

The famous Italian fashion brand, Silvian Heach, confirmed itspartnership with the internationally renowned designer, Paolo Seminara,with its new spring/summer 2015 collection signed Silvian Heach Eyewear.The Made in Italy collection includes eight frames and two sunglasses inbright colours and fluorescent tones combined with acetate in bothtransparent and printed variants.

The striking, post-industrial black metal look of Blackfin’s stand, namedBlack Shard, proved a hit with visitors to the show, who ultimately crownedit winner of the 2015 Bestand Award for the most eye-catching andcommunicative stand. “We worked on this project for over a year and we’redelighted with the result – the perfect representation of Blackfin eyewearand its philosophy,” said Nicola Del Din, CEO of Blackfin’s Italianmanufacturer, Pramaor. “We’d like to thank all those people who voted forthe new stand, supporting our new communications campaign and the newBlackfin eyewear collections which have proved the winning formula at thisyear’s Mido, ending it on an extremely positive note for us.”

Mido 2016 will take place from 27-29 February at the FieramilanoRho-Pero Pavilions, Milan. www.mido.it

3D designedAspire Eyewear

Style icon will.i.am unveiledhis second collection

Denim delights with the newCocco frame from X-IDE

60s inspired Type 8 Convertiblemodel from Hally & Son

WooDone’s latest invention:leaf-adorned eyewear

Italian fashion heavyweight, Silvian Heach

Blackfin’sindustrial stand,the Black Shard

Last month I had the greatprivilege of being invited toaddress a captive audience ofeyecare practitioners at thefirst optometry congress in

Shanghai. This was a unique opportunityto fly the flag for UK opticians andpromote the skills that we have, and toexplain how ABDO could help supportand develop China’s fledgling dispensingprofession.

The wheels for my sojourn to Shanghaihad been set in motion eight monthspreviously when Frederic Lefranc, directorof sales for EMEA Pacific at PPG OpticalMaterials and Coatings, had contacted meto ask if I would consider helping theChinese to upgrade and standardise theirdispensing profession. They had come tohim looking for a world-class partner – andFrederic had immediately thought of ABDO.I subsequently had the chance to speak tocolleagues in China over the phone via aninterpreter and exchange a number of

emails, but we decided to wait until wecould meet face to face in Europe beforeembarking on any sort of cooperation.

And so it was that during a visit to theOpti show in Munich in January, ABDOgeneral secretary, Tony Garrett, and I metwith a Chinese delegation from theirprofessional association, the ChinaOptometric and Optical Association(COOA). Our meeting was very interestingand we enjoyed a fruitful discussion. Somuch so that Mr Cui, the chairman of theCOOA, invited me to speak at its firstGlobal Optometry Conference, which wasbeing held in conjunction with the bigoptical fair in Shanghai.

A COUNTRY ON THE MOVEThere are two huge fairs every year in China –one just after Chinese New Year in Shanghaiand the other in September in Beijing. TheShanghai International Optics Fair isamazing – with four huge halls and morethan 800 exhibitors including all the bignames, some of whom do not exhibit inEurope anymore. There were thousands ofpeople waiting to get into the hall on thefirst day, a bustling mixture of visitors andexhibitors, with some 60,000 visitorsexpected over the following three days.Luckily, being in the company of the event

Elaine Grisdale reports on a recentvisit to China to discuss ‘deliveringworld class eyecare’

ABDO

OverseAs

Shanghai surprise


With Michael Lu, Director of Sales, China, PPG Optical Materials

A city that’s going places


organisers and the president, Mr Cui, wesailed past and were let in first.

I had visited Shanghai twice before,once 15 years ago and again in 2011. I hadeven co-written a book with the late, greatProfessor Irvin M. Borish, which had beenwritten for the Chinese market andtranslated into Mandarin. I was stunned atthe progress that had been made in thepast four years since my last visit. Therehave, for one thing, been massive changesin the landscape. There are more buildingsites and skyscrapers going up than youcould ever imagine. Each site will havebetween four and 12 cranes and there are

many developments in progress all the wayfrom the airport into the city. This is acountry on the move; the quality of cars onthe road has vastly improved and there aremany new and expensive machines on theroad. More people speak English here thanfour years ago, although to get anywhereyou need to have your destination writtendown in Chinese for the taxi driver.

As part of my programme, I visited anumber of optical outlets, many of whichhave their own glazing facilities. Thereseems to be a lot of price sensitivity andthe lens types dispensed are not assophisticated as in the UK due to the lack

of in-depth training and differing skill levelson the market.

As a VIP guest, I was introduced to theMinister of Industry, Mr Qian Gujing, fromthe China National Light Industry Council,who was also the vice chairman at the AllChina Federation of Handicraft IndustrialCooperatives. Mr Gujing was the Guest ofHonour and opened the show in anelaborate ceremony, which included manyspeeches and a prize giving ceremonyhonouring top opticians, students andindustry partners.

Other VIPs in my party included thevice president of the American OptometricAssociation, Dr Steve Loomis, a delegationfrom Salus University (Pennsylvania Collegeof Optometry) led by Dr MichaelMittelman, the president of SalusUniversity, Professor Lu Fan, the vicepresident of Wenzhou Medical College, anesteemed ophthalmologist who trainsophthalmologists in optometry, ProfessorBrien Holden from the Brien Holden VisionInstitute (BHVI) in Australia, Professor KovinNaidoo, the global programmes director forthe BHVI, and Dr Tan Kah Ooi who is theCEO of the research arm of the BHVI inChina. And finally, Dr Brendan Jang, aprofessor at Gangdong University and MrPolo Qi, chairman of the COOA Committeeof Optometry (my hosts).

We all know what a small world opticsis, but I was very surprised to hear that MrQi had worked on the translation of my booknearly 20 years earlier to help the translatorI had been collaborating with in France.

I was the only optician speaking at this first congress in optometry and I wasvery proud to be flying the flag for UKopticians and promoting the skills that wehave. I had been asked to speak about‘Delivering world class eyecare’ using myexperiences in the UK and further afield to explain what the foundations should beto ensure professional excellence and thebest outcomes for the public. I spoke to more than 300 professionals and have been asked to write an article for their professional journal.

I had a number of interesting andconstructive discussions with professionalsand opinion leaders from the region duringthe rest of my stay. There are a number of initiatives that are under discussion and a number of professional relationships have been forged for the future. Watch this space…

Elaine Grisdale FBDO, FAAO, is ABDO headof professional services and internationaldevelopment.

Elaine with COOA chairman, Mr Cui

I was very

proud to be

flying the

flag for UK

opticians

and promoting

the skills that

we have

Policemen, and women, are getting youngeraren’t they? Doctors and dentists too. Teachershave started to look like they are only fresh outof school themselves. What other signs arethere that we are ‘getting old?

Well, as optical professionals, ‘short arm syndrome’ is anobvious addition to the list. Have you ever sat in arestaurant or theatre, or even on a park bench, and seensomeone reading a menu, a programme or newspaper witharms outstretched, or searching for that little bit of extralight to help them out? Have you ever felt like walking upto them to present a business card?

Readers who know me, will know me to be in excess ofsix foot in height with subsequent longer than averagearms. So much so, I have been able to resist nature’s calllonger than average too. With my computer monitor pushedto the edge of the far side of my desk, I relented and tookthe plunge to have my eyes examined, knowing what theoutcome would be. Twenty-seven years of advising patientsand customers about the pitfalls of progressive powerlenses meant I was not looking forward to this day.

I’ve known and dispensed first generation lenses thatwere identical in both eyes, just rotated a few degrees toallow for convergence, through to horizontal symmetrywith specific designs for right or left eye lenses, through totoday’s complex design tailor-made lenses. Whatever willbe next? What will our successors be dispensing in, what 50years’ time? Or even in 100 years’ time? It’s hard to say,imagine isn’t it?

For years I have told patients to be aware of adaptation,to be careful up and down stairs, to wear their new glassesfirst thing in the morning to help their eyes get used tothem, use them only seated initially and only progress towalking around once they felt competent, and certainly notto drive in them for some time. Follow your nose, pointyour nose where you want to look, nod your head to findthe sweet spot of prescription for the distance you arelooking at. Beware of the peripheral distortions, thewaviness it creates, and the swimming effect if you moveyour head too quickly; that might make you feel sick. Ohboy, I was not looking forward to today – not one bit. Butthe milestone had been reached, I could resist no more, Itook the plunge…

To my great and pleasant surprise, the transition hasbeen much smoother than I had ever imagined. The lensesarrived in practice, and were glazed and presented to me inmy office. They were popped onto my face with noadjustments made, no checks of the marking against my pupilcentres, the lens markings were even left on. Yes! I justwanted to try them out and get a little insight as to what wasin store for me for the next month or so as I adapted to them.

Three hours later, and I’m still wearing them with themarkings on, no adjustments made, and I have not worn thesingle vision pair I had made ‘just in case’ either. I wonder if

it is personal tolerance, modern technology, or have I justbeen overly wary of dispensing them for all this time? HaveI over-estimated just what the brain can tolerate. Whoknows? What I do know is that time passes us by, thingschange and improve, and our perceptions of many thingschange over time too.

PRESERVING OUR CRAFTQualifying in the early 1990s and having our graduationceremony held at Apothecaries’ Hall, the home of opticalmastery for nearly 400 years, surrounded by the grandeurof its ambience, its paintings and its artefacts, I remembersomething that struck me sitting in that hall. With all thehistory, the tradition, the ceremonial and political significance,the one thing that pricked up my ears that day was: “Oneday I’s going to drive my sheep over London Bridge!”

The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers has forfour centuries been setting and maintaining standards inour craft, seeking to combat visual impairment with itscharitable work and supporting the ancient and honourableCity of London.

I recall the days of taking up Freedom of the Company,Freedom of the City of London, and being ‘clothed as of theLivery’, the three levels of membership if you like, andfeeling a little intimidated by ye olde worlde English of theinstallations, which have remained unchanged. The feelingof awe at the traditions and customs steeped in history, anda sense of belonging to something quite special. Havingheard the organisation described as full of ‘the great andthe good’, made me feel nervous to say the least. Theluncheon that followed, however, dispelled all of thosenerves. The warmth and hospitality I received made merealise I was amongst friends, colleagues, fellow humanbeings who accepted me as one of them – someoneinterested in the preservation of our craft, the City andsupporting charity.

Now, as an Assistant to the Court, I am ever mindful ofhow intimidated and nervous I felt, and look to welcomenewly-clothed Liverymen with the same warmth andhospitality I received. I am honoured to be able to be one ofthe first to welcome them, and that gives a huge degree ofpride. I have been amazed at the number of Liverymen Ihave welcomed in my short time as an Assistant already,and I am also amazed at the number who are younger thanme too. At our recent Court, we again had the pleasure toinstall a number of new Liverymen, from manybackgrounds, and not all optical.

Attending the Company’s examination graduationceremony last autumn was inspiring too. To witness thefuture of optics beaming with the pride that rightly comeswith qualification, having examined some of them and theirsuccessors for a number of years, to see Freemen installed,gives a great sense of assurance of continuance for the nextfour centuries.

Age is just a state of mind

As time passes by our perceptionsof things change and improve,writes Brad Parkes

Jottings


It seems to me too, that Liverymen are getting youngertoo. There have been debates whether it is the ‘DowntonAbbey’ factor, of the popularity of the television series thathas been sparking an increase in interest of some of ourlong held customs and traditions. Our forthcoming annualLivery Dinner, which is a grand white tie affair, for instancesold out in a matter of days. There is even a Young Inter-Livery Group providing a programme of events aimedspecifically at younger Liverymen open to Liverymen andFreeman of any Livery and their guests.

IN GREAT COMPANYMy conclusion as one of life’s ‘belongers’ is the WorshipfulCompany of Spectacle Makers is far from an organisation ofthe past. On the contrary, it is very much an organisationfor the future, for the youth of the industry as well as ‘thegreat and the good’, with a proven track record of standingthe test of time. With the birth of clinical commissioninggroups, and new examination formats, and CET in theirinfancy, change is inevitable, yet the WCSM remains just asrelevant and important today as ever.

Old? Age is only a state of mind! My only wish I’d have‘got involved’ earlier, and would encourage others to followthe trend to join the WCSM sooner rather than later.

Whether you are presbyopic already too, on the cuspwith your computer monitor edging closer to the far edgeof your desk, or presbyopia is a long way off; whether youare newly qualified, or have been qualified a while; whetheryou work for a multiple, an independent, or for yourself;whether you work inside or outside sight care provision;whether it be in practice, hospital, manufacturing, orbusiness supply, the one thing you can be assured of is awarm and hospitable welcome. For more details visitwww.spectaclemakers.com

BRAD PARKES FBDO CL has operated Specsavers in

Solihull and nearby Shirley, West Midlands, since 1993.

He has lectured at Anglia Ruskin University, tutored for

ABDO and examined for the WCSM. He became

Assistant to the WCSM Court in 2013.


Frequently asked questionsanswered by Kim Devlin FBDO (Hons) CL

DUPLICATING A PAIR OF SPECTACLES

There has been some discussion as to when a dispensingoptician may duplicate a pair of spectacles; and indeed,should a DO duplicate spectacles?

There are certain things a registered, qualified DO maydo that an unregistered seller may not under the OpticiansAct; one of them is duplicating a pair of spectacles withouta prescription. So there is no doubt as to the legality of theaction: you may do so but the professional conductquestion is, should you? There has been no Case Law, noFitness to Practise hearing to guide us; we must simplydecide each case on its merits.

A scenario might be that a patient, not known to you,comes into the practice with a broken pair of specs. Theyare well beyond repair but you have a workshop on thepremises, you can neutralise the lenses, copy them and cutthem into a suitable frame. That surely is good patient care?Precisely so, except with a small proviso: you would naturallyrecord your actions with the prescription details that you hadfound (including the optical centres I would suggest), theframe style and measurements but also the advice given.

You would have asked the patient when they last hadan eye examination, was there any family history of oculardisease, indeed, did the patient themselves suffer any eyedisease, and record their replies. If you consider that theyought to be re-examined quickly, you would also note thatadvice and the reasoning behind it. It would be sensible toreplace broken glasses as quickly as possible on theunderstanding that an eye examination would be booked(with yourself or their own practitioner) at a reasonabletime. It should also have been pointed out that thereplacement specs might well then have to be upgraded atfurther cost. All good professional care, with the patient

making an informed choice.There are numerous similar situations we have all come

across when the actions of the qualified practitioner wouldbe equally professional, but are there any circumstanceswhere a DO should not duplicate spectacles?

Suppose a patient had an old but much loved and usedpair of specs and having broken them, asked you to replacethem, despite them being not the same prescription as thelatest eye examination. Would that be professional action?

It would be my opinion that if the patient was advisedclearly and unequivocally that the replacement spectacleswere not of the same power as the latest prescription and,as such, would not perform to the same standard – with allthe ramifications of that statement if the legal standard fordriving might be compromised – it may be doneprofessionally and legally.

We are not policemen; it is not for us to tell patientswhat they may or may not wear in the form of spectacles.Providing the patient has sufficient facts to make aninformed choice, you may supply duplicate spectacles andrecord very carefully on the patient’s record that they havebeen told the limits of such spectacles, even going to thelengths of getting them to sign to that effect.

Life will have taught you that such a patient, who feelthey know best, is rarely satisfied with whatever you do;despite your best efforts they will claim the duplicatespectacles are ‘not right’ or not as ‘good’ as the brokenones. You can only do your best, record your actions and bepolite in the face of provocation.

My opinion is based on the patient being an adult withsufficient mental powers to understand your advice. Thesituation is entirely different if the patient is a child andthey, or their parents, wish to have a ‘different’ prescriptiondispensed. That, as they say, is a different ball game altogether.

Kim Devlin

is chair of

ABDO’s

Advice and

Guidelines

Working

Group

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

Jobs & notices


• Total practice turnover increased by 12 per cent on last month to 166 Index points but this is two per cent lower than last January• Total eye examinations improve by 21 per cent on December 2014 now at 102 Index points, which is one per cent lower than last January• Average dispensing rate increases by two percentage points from last month to 65 per cent, which is the same as January last year• Re-glazes decrease by one percentage point to 13 per cent of spectacles dispensed from last month and this is two percentage points lower than January 2014• Anti-reflective coatings increased by three percentage points from last month to 45 per cent and this is two percentage points higher than January last year

Optician Index - January 2015 summary

The full January 2015 report was published in the 27 February issue of Optician

NEWLY QUALIFIED DOFAMILY INDEPENDENT PRACTICE LOOKING FORA NEWLY QUALIFIED DISPENSING OPTICIAN

Duties will include dispensing, glazing and generalreception work. Experience desired but not essential

Please send CVs to [email protected]

JOIN US!OUTSTANDING

DISPENSING OPTICIANChallenging and exciting full-time

opportunity in beautiful Henley-on-Thames

We are very excited about a great opportunity atFrost Borneo for a dispensing optician to join ourteam working five days a week including Saturdays

There is potential for career progressioninto a management role

Find out more atwww.frostborneo.com/joinus

and if you think this job is for you, then book a phonecall with Catalina or Neil on 01491 574091

Frost Borneo Optometrists

NEW ‘THROUGH THENEW ‘THROUGH THEPIN-HOLE’ SERIESPIN-HOLE’ SERIESPARTICIPANTS WANTED

DOES YOUR PRACTICE OFFER SPECIALIST SERVICES IN,

FOR EXAMPLE, DRY EYE, PAEDIATRICS, SPORTS VISION,

LOW VISION AND/OR OTHER NICHE AREAS?

We’re looking for member practices to feature

in a new ‘Through the pin-hole’ series

showcasing the fantastic work that ABDO

members are involved with above and beyond ‘the

everyday job’ of dispensing

Email [email protected] register your interest in taking part

To place an advert, telephone 0781 273 4717 or email [email protected] deadline for the May issue is Friday 10 April. Special rate for ABDO members

ABDOPresident’sConsultation Day

20 May 2015To be held at the offices of theAssociation of Optometrists2 Woodbridge StreetLondon EC1R 0DG

To book your place, email Jane Burnandat [email protected]

WE NEED YOUR STORIESDO YOU HAVE SOME GREAT TECHNICAL TOOL TIPS?A STORY OF HOW YOU FIXED SOMEONE’S SPECS OR

CREATED A CUSTOMISED FRAME?

Email [email protected] by 15 April

THE BCLA CLINICAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION IS COMING TO THE

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