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EDITORIAL 020 7501 6745 Editor-in-chief Chris Bennett 020 7501 6660 chris.bennett@markallengroup.com Editor Simon Jones 020 7501 6667 simon.jones@markallengroup.com Deputy editor Mike Hale 020 7501 6670 mike.hale@markallengroup.com Clinical editor Bill Harvey 07766 508458 bill.harvey@markallengroup.com Content editor Andrew McClean 020 7501 6788 andrew.mcclean@markallengroup.com Online editor Lucy Patchett 020 7501 6663 lucy.patchett@markallengroup.com Production editor Gary O’Connell 020 7501 6706 gary.o’connell@markallengroup.com Art editor Sara Challinor 020 7501 6666 sara.challinor@markallengroup.com ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP Sales director Darren Ward 020 7501 6668 darren.ward@markallengroup.com Key account manager Joseph Lever 020 7501 6708 joseph.lever@markallengroup.com RECRUITMENT & CLASSIFIED Recruitment solutions manager Daniel Doherty 020 7501 6686 daniel.doherty@markallengroup.com Managing director Anthony Kerr 020 7501 6726 anthony.kerr@markallengroup.com Group production manager Kyri Apostolou 020 7501 6779 kyri.apostolou@markallengroup.com Production director Richard Hamshere Chief executive officer Ben Allen Chairman Mark Allen EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Will Ayliffe PhD FRCS FRCOphth DO; Sally Bates FBDO; Dr Frank Eperjesi PhD BSc MCOptom FAAO; Professor Bernard Gilmartin PhD FCOptom FAAO; Graham Hutchison MBA; Professor Mo Jalie SMSA FBDO FCGI MIMgt; Dr Lyndon Jones PhD FCOptom DCLP DOrth FAAO; Geoff Roberson BSc FCOptom; Dr Steve Taylor PhD MSc FCOptom; Graeme Young MPhil FCOptom DCLP FAAO SUBSCRIPTIONS 0800 137201 Subscribe or renew 01722 716997 subscriptions@markallengroup.com BACK ISSUES 01722 716997 REPRINTS 020 7501 6790 ISSN 0030.3968 Part of www.markallengroup.com Optician is published every Friday © 2022 MA Healthcare Ltd St Judes Church, Dulwich Road, London SE24 0PB. Telephone 020 7738 5454 Website: www.opticianonline.net ISSN 0030.3968 Printed in Britain by Pensord Press, Tram Road, Pontllanfraith, Gwent, NP12 2YA Please read our privacy policy at privacypolicy.markallengroup.com. This will explain how we process, use and safeguard your data 4 OPTICIAN 6 May 2022 facebook.com/opticianonline 7 DAYS To read the full stories and keep up to date on the latest news and views visit opticianonline.net 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.’ opticianonline.net
page 5
Follow us on Twitter @opticianonline NEWS IN BRIEF OCT-A used in long Covid research Dr Bettina Hohberger, from the Eye Clinic at the Friedrich Alexander University in Erlangen, Germany, has won the Heidelberg Engineering Xtreme Research Award for her diagnostic insights into long Covid. Hohberger’s research used optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) on the Spectralis platform in an experimental setting to assess therapeutic responses of patients impaired by chronic fatigue syndrome found long Covid may present certain characteristics in retinal capillary density. ‘It is an honour for me to accept this award from Heidelberg Engineering. With this technology, we were able to gain novel insights into the field of long Covid,’ said Hohberger. ‘Scientific research relies on highresolution images and precise measurements, and we are fortunate to have OCT-A devices with a high resolution to help us detect and image physiological changes, discern patterns, and formulate potential treatment options.’ With the Xtreme Research Award, Heidelberg Engineering recognised talented researchers for their outstanding projects that provided tangible benefits to ophthalmic science and eye care, and improved patient care. Krysten Williams, head of global marketing and education, said: ‘Dr Hohberger’s research is making substantial contributions to medical insights into long Covid and may help refine treatment options.’ Marcolin buoyed by Thélios sale Marcolin reported growth and a return to profit in its financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2021. Net sales increased in 2021 by 34% to €455.6m compared to 2020 and adjusted Ebitda exceeded €50m, which was almost double the rate in 2020. Proceeds from investment in Thélios partly contributed to net profit of €153m as well as reduction in its net debt because of divestment of the joint venture, with Marcolin’s sales of shares finalised by the end of 2021. Fabrizio Curci, Marcolin CEO and general manager, said: ‘Marcolin is a solid, high-performing company that has managed to react and achieve important results despite two difficult years due to the pandemic.’ Missed opportunity for CL discussion identified Contact Lens Institute research has found eye care professionals in the US are missing an opportunity to talk about contact lens options with two out of three patients. Stan Rogaski, executive director for the Contact Lens Institute, explained patients do not know as much about contact lenses as the eye care industry may assume. ‘We found both troubling misinformation and a startling lack of information; areas that can be directly and effectively addressed by prescribers and staff. Incorporating these into conversation during an exam, which requires only seconds of additional time, presents a massive opportunity to increase patient knowledge, trust and satisfaction, as well as grow their practice,’ Rogaski said. Body Doctor wins Queen’s Award for Enterprise The Body Doctor has won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the innovation category for its Sterileyes antibacterial compress for dry eye disease, meibomian gland dysfunction and blepharitis. Dr Hilary Jones and Body Doctor MD Sue Grant It is the second time the company has been recognised with this accolade, which is now its 56th year of recognising businesses for outstanding achievements. Sue Grant, the Body Doctor’s managing director, said: ‘We are incredibly proud at receiving this recognition again. It is reflective of the hard work and dedication from the whole Body Doctor team to offer the very best products to our customers.’ Inspecs starts year with revenue increase Revenues at Inspecs in the first three months of 2022 increased by €7.9m to €75.1m when compared to the same period opticianonline.net in 2021 (€62.2m). The British optical company said this performance was achieved through organic growth of existing entities, as well as strong starts to the year by acquisitions made in December, 2021. Revenues increased by 18.5% at constant exchange rates. Inspecs acquired BoDe Design and Ego Eyewear, and said the integration of these brands was progressing as planned. The group’s final results will be published on May 19. Behavioural bursary Applications for the British Association of Behavioural Optometrists’ (BABO) Paul Adler Bursary remain open to practitioners interested in promoting, researching or advancing the behavioural optometry specialism. Paul Adler, founding fellow of BABO, originally wrote and delivered the Introduction to Behavioural Optometry course more than 30 years ago. BABO said Adler had revised and updated the course for online delivery and to show appreciation for his hard work, it had created a bursary to fully fund one graduate optometrist a year to take the two course modules. Visit www.babo.co.uk/ovt1 to apply before May 15, 2022. BHVI launches myopia resources Resources for patients and practitioners have been created by the Brien Holden Vision Institute (BHVI) ahead of Myopia Awareness Week from May 23-28. Tools have been given a Make Your Eye Moves theme to encourage activities that promote eye health and reduce risk of myopia. Professor Padmaja Sankaridurg, head of myopia programme at BHVI, said: ‘Covid-19 has significantly raised the stakes and increased the burden of myopia. We must engage from the frontlines – through eye care practitioners – to ensure they are able to educate their communities about myopia and manage and protect our children’s futures.’ 6 May 2022 OPTICIAN 5

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EDITORIAL 020 7501 6745 Editor-in-chief Chris Bennett 020 7501 6660 chris.bennett@markallengroup.com Editor Simon Jones 020 7501 6667 simon.jones@markallengroup.com Deputy editor Mike Hale 020 7501 6670 mike.hale@markallengroup.com Clinical editor Bill Harvey 07766 508458 bill.harvey@markallengroup.com Content editor Andrew McClean 020 7501 6788 andrew.mcclean@markallengroup.com Online editor Lucy Patchett 020 7501 6663 lucy.patchett@markallengroup.com Production editor Gary O’Connell 020 7501 6706 gary.o’connell@markallengroup.com Art editor Sara Challinor 020 7501 6666 sara.challinor@markallengroup.com ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP Sales director Darren Ward 020 7501 6668 darren.ward@markallengroup.com Key account manager Joseph Lever 020 7501 6708 joseph.lever@markallengroup.com RECRUITMENT & CLASSIFIED Recruitment solutions manager Daniel Doherty 020 7501 6686 daniel.doherty@markallengroup.com Managing director Anthony Kerr 020 7501 6726 anthony.kerr@markallengroup.com Group production manager Kyri Apostolou 020 7501 6779 kyri.apostolou@markallengroup.com Production director Richard Hamshere Chief executive officer Ben Allen Chairman Mark Allen EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Will Ayliffe PhD FRCS FRCOphth DO; Sally Bates FBDO; Dr Frank Eperjesi PhD BSc MCOptom FAAO; Professor Bernard Gilmartin PhD FCOptom FAAO; Graham Hutchison MBA; Professor Mo Jalie SMSA FBDO FCGI MIMgt; Dr Lyndon Jones PhD FCOptom DCLP DOrth FAAO; Geoff Roberson BSc FCOptom; Dr Steve Taylor PhD MSc FCOptom; Graeme Young MPhil FCOptom DCLP FAAO SUBSCRIPTIONS 0800 137201 Subscribe or renew 01722 716997 subscriptions@markallengroup.com BACK ISSUES 01722 716997 REPRINTS 020 7501 6790 ISSN 0030.3968

Part of www.markallengroup.com

Optician is published every Friday © 2022 MA Healthcare Ltd St Judes Church, Dulwich Road, London SE24 0PB. Telephone 020 7738 5454 Website: www.opticianonline.net ISSN 0030.3968 Printed in Britain by Pensord Press, Tram Road, Pontllanfraith, Gwent, NP12 2YA Please read our privacy policy at privacypolicy.markallengroup.com. This will explain how we process, use and safeguard your data

4 OPTICIAN 6 May 2022

facebook.com/opticianonline

7 DAYS

To read the full stories and keep up to date on the latest news and views visit opticianonline.net

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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