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4 OPTICIAN 6 May 2022

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Mido encouraged by attendance

Reduced returns for Mido

Optics trade show Mido returned last weekend (April 30 to May 2) in an in-person format for the first time since 2019, attracting 22,000 visitors in the process.

Event organisers said more than 660 exhibitors from 45 countries made the trip to the Rho Fiera Milano for the 50th instalment of the show, with delegates visiting from more than 50 countries, with a particular emphasis on mainland Europe.

Exhibitors and delegates from Far East countries were noticeable by their absence, with countries such as China still enforcing strict Covid-19 lockdowns. The attendance figure of 22,000 represented well under half of its record-breaking number of 58,000 in 2018. Mido president Giovanni Vitaloni said: ‘We had high-quality visitors from all over the world, driven by a desire to do business and meet supply chain participants. Having celebrated the first 50 years, starting today, we are all writing a new chapter together.’

Next year’s event will take place on February 4-6.

It noted that protecting themselves, fellow students and colleagues from risk and harm, including those most at risk from Covid-19, was vital.

The bodies highlighted the ongoing importance of vaccination against transmissible diseases and the personal and professional responsibilities they have under the General Optical Council’s standards for optical students.

The letter stated: ‘The strong recommendation therefore from the regulatory, government and professional representative bodies is that anyone in patient-facing roles should be vaccinated in line with each nation’s public health advice.’

Leadership on agenda at retreat Independent optical practices in the Republic of Ireland attended the first retreat hosted by the Hakim Group on April 22-24 at Killary Lodge in Galway.

The event had a leadership theme with training on how to inspire colleagues. Speakers included psychotherapist Clodagh O’Connor, life and soul coach Claire Campbell, and Hakim’s head of learning and development Kath Truman.

Clodagh McGovern, optometrist and director of several Hakim Group practices across Ireland, attended the conference and said: ‘It’s important that we’re all growing and developing as leaders within the optical industry, and

Optical bodies encourage vaccination A letter encouraging student optometrists and dispensing opticians to get a Covid-19 vaccine has been signed by all of the professional optical bodies.

Hakim Group’s Irish retreat that we’re all stepping up to be better at what we do, increasing the standards we bring to optics. We can’t do that unless we’re leading our teams effectively.’

Pre-pandemic distancing returns in primary care Optical practices in England are no longer required to maintain social distancing measures after NHS recommendations changed for all healthcare settings.

The UK Health Security Agency has published updated infection prevention and control guidance, with Covid-19 screening continuing and wear of face masks for staff, patients and visitors.

However, a letter published by NHS England on April 14 recommended all healthcare settings could safely return to pre-pandemic physical distancing.

The College of Optometrists said optical practices should expect to move to the green phase in early May and said members would be alerted when the announcement was made.

May myopia message A myopia management awareness campaign has been launched by No7 Contact Lenses to promote practical, evidence-based information and advice to patients during May.

A range of tools for practitioners have been created by No7, which included patient leaflets, an infographic poster, window sticker, web pack and social media content.

Katie Harrop, No7’s professional services director, said: ‘For some people, myopia will only ever be an inconvenience. However, we know that a person with myopia is more likely to develop severe eye disease in later life and we know that the more myopic a person is, the more likely that is to happen.’

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