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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 (Optometr y) Dr Manbir Nagra manbir.nagra@markallengroup.com Clinical editor (Dispensing) Tina Arbon Black tina.arbonblack@markallengroup.com Content editor Andrew McCarthy-McClean 020 7501 6788 andrew.mcclean@markallengroup.com Acting online editor Emma White 020 7501 6663 emma.white@markallengroup.com Production editor Gar y O’Connell 020 7501 6706 gar y.oconnell@markallengroup.com Ar t editor Sara Challinor 020 7501 6666 sara.challinor@markallengroup.com ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP Associate publisher 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 Par t of www.markallengroup.com Optician is published ever y Friday © 2024 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 9 Februar y 2024 facebook.com/opticianonline 7 DAYS To read the full stories and keep up to date on the latest news and views visit opticianonline.net GOC welcomes committee members Contact lens optician Lisa Cole and dispensing optician Ashley Francis joined the GOC Committee on January 15 to help ‘protect the public’ at the fitness to practise investigations stage. Cole and Francis would consider allegations that a registrant may not be fit to practise, where case examiners cannot agree, and review registrants’ health or performance. Mecs-accredited Cole currently supervised and assessed undergraduate optometry students at the University of the West of England and has over 33 years’ optical sector experience, including several in practice management. Francis worked across North Wales and Northwest England, beginning his career as an optical assistant, later training in an optical lab as a glazing technician and then becoming a trainer in the same practice. Leightons and Clapham Optical merge Leightons Opticians and Hearing Care and Clapham Optical have merged to offer eye and hearing care services to Totton and the surrounding areas. The Clapham and Leightons partnership encompassed Commercial Road’s newly named Clapham & Leightons: Optical Centre and Clapham & Leightons: Nick Clapham and Ryan Leighton Hearing Centre on Water Lane. Owners Nick Clapham and Ryan Leighton are the third-generation ‘caretakers’ of the companies built by their grandfathers, priding themselves on ‘high quality care and exquisite products’. ‘It is an honour to be joining together with another independently run family business, with whom we share not just similar values, but a similar history too,’ said Leighton. Marsha de Cordova timely specialist care that’s also closer to their home.’ MP champions optoms at AOP event MP for Battersea Marsha de Cordova discussed the importance of primary eye care services at a practice visit and roundtable event on January 26 organised by the Association of Optometrists (AOP). Optometrist Karen Lockyer hosted the event at her practice Karen Lockyer Optometrists in Battersea, which was attended by independent and multiple practices, Moorfields Eye Hospital and the Local Optical Committee. The roundtable discussion, facilitated by AOP clinical and professional director Dr Peter Hampson, explored how services vary depending on locality and how extended eye care could be provided in the community. Attendees also addressed the need for improved IT connectivity between optometry and hospital teams and reiterated the need for a national eye care strategy. De Cordova, also chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Eye Health and Visual Impairment, said: ‘With hospital eye services across the nation facing increasing strain, sadly it is the patients that suffer the consequences, waiting inexcusable amounts of time for diagnosis and treatment. ‘If commissioned equitably, extended eye care services would enable more patients to access Red light rebuttal Research suggesting repeated lowlevel red-light (RLRL) for treatment of myopia can cause photochemical and thermal damage (News 02.02.24) has been refuted by Eyerising International, which produces a RLRL device cited in the research. A company statement said its device was referred to in a ‘negative and inaccurate manner’ several times within the research, which was published in Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics Journal. Eyerising International said the device was not tested during the research, but was still compared to other RLRL devices, which were measured in the researchers’ laboratory. A company statement said: ‘The Eyerising device has undergone 10 clinical trials and four real world studies, covering 1,785 patients, with a cumulative clinical trial use of nine-and-a-quarter years with zero significant adverse events recorded. ‘The device has been used to treat more than 160,000 patients in the real world over the past eight years, and there are currently more than 80,000 daily users. To date, there have only been five cases of significant adverse side effects reported; with no permanent damage recorded.’ Eyerising International confirmed Ophthalmic & Physiological opticianonline.net
page 5
Follow us on X @opticianonline NEWS IN BRIEF New Cutler and Gross CEO Jack Dooley Mido showcases innovation in Milan Visitors from 130 countries attended the 52nd edition of Mido in Milan on Februar y 3-5 at Rho Fiera Milano. who gravitate around fashion. More than 1,200 suppliers showcased eyewear, lenses, optical instruments, contact lenses and manufacturing equipment across seven halls at the event, which also hosted discussions on industr y topics and trends. ‘We have been working for months to make this event unique, Mido is primarily about innovation and new features, and never before have we had such a rich programme with unparalleled content and ver y popular celebrities, not only from the eyewear industr y but also from the fields of culture, lifestyle, current events and fashion.’ Giovanni Vitaloni, president of Mido, said: ‘Mido is the industr y’s point of reference because of its visitors, exhibitors, buyers and businesses who place their trust in us. Thanks to their ideas, this show is the place to be for trade professionals, trend lovers and all those Among the winners at the Mido Awards across the Cer tified Sustainable Eyewear Award categories were Austrian company Rolf in the sunglasses Europe group, and Tommy Hilfiger by Safilo in the frames Europe categor y. Optics had granted a right to reply to the article. Communication gaps highlighted in research Research carried out by the Macular Society identified a gap in communication between eye care professionals (ECPs) and their patients when diagnosed or considered at risk of macular disease. The charity’s two surveys focused on how macular disease affects patients and found a difference in what ECPs think they say to patients and what patients actually remember. Cathy Yelf, chief executive at the Macular Society, said: ‘It’s vital people with macular disease are helped to understand their diagnosis, what their treatment will be, if there is any, and that they are effectively directed to support outside their Cathy Yelf clinical care.’ In a survey of ECPs, 68% said they always give patients information about macular disease at the point of diagnosis but only 21% said they consistently provided information to patients considered at-risk. The Macular Society highlighted that inconsistency in information could lead to late diagnosis because many patients were unaware of related symptoms. In a patient survey, 63% did not know their symptoms were due to macular disease and 25% thought these symptoms were not important. Cutler and Gross appoints CEO British eyewear brand Cutler and Gross announced the appointment of Jack Dooley as chief executive officer with immediate effect. The independent brand said Dooley was instrumental in significantly expanding the brand’s international presence since joining in 2016 and his commitment to innovation, creativity and authenticity ‘aligned perfectly’ with the company’s core values. ‘As the company moves into its 55th year, it is in a great position for the future and the time is right for Jack’s enthusiasm and energy, along with a strong, dedicated team, to move the company into a successful new chapter of its history, driving its next phase of growth,’ said Cutler and Gross owner, Fiona Mohammadi. GOC seeks new Council associates The GOC was seeking to appoint its third cohort of Council associates, including a dispensing optician, to join current associates Deepali Modha and Jamie Douglas. The two appointees would attend all Council meetings and be encouraged to get involved in debate and gain governance experience through the audit, risk and finance committee. They would also be supported throughout their term by development workshops, post-meeting check-ins with their dedicated mentor and ongoing assistance from the governance team. Launched in 2021, the associate role was created to bring new perspectives to Council meetings and to give board/panel experience, development and training to early career professionals. Outgoing associate Rukaiya Anwar said: ‘Since joining the GOC as a Council associate in 2021, I have been encouraged and supported to contribute to discussions within a safe and welcoming space. Equally, all input by colleagues is considered and thoughts are respected and valued, allowing for collective decision-making.’ World Optometr y Week theme announced ‘Advancing optometry’s commitment to global eye care’ has been announced as the theme of the World Council of Optometry’s (WCO) World Optometry Week from March 17-23 and World ➔ opticianonline.net 9 Februar y 2024 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 (Optometr y) Dr Manbir Nagra manbir.nagra@markallengroup.com Clinical editor (Dispensing) Tina Arbon Black tina.arbonblack@markallengroup.com Content editor Andrew McCarthy-McClean 020 7501 6788 andrew.mcclean@markallengroup.com Acting online editor Emma White 020 7501 6663 emma.white@markallengroup.com Production editor Gar y O’Connell 020 7501 6706 gar y.oconnell@markallengroup.com Ar t editor Sara Challinor 020 7501 6666 sara.challinor@markallengroup.com ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP Associate publisher 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

Par t of www.markallengroup.com

Optician is published ever y Friday © 2024 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 9 Februar y 2024

facebook.com/opticianonline

7 DAYS

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

GOC welcomes committee members

Contact lens optician Lisa Cole and dispensing optician Ashley Francis joined the GOC Committee on January 15 to help ‘protect the public’ at the fitness to practise investigations stage.

Cole and Francis would consider allegations that a registrant may not be fit to practise, where case examiners cannot agree, and review registrants’ health or performance. Mecs-accredited Cole currently supervised and assessed undergraduate optometry students at the University of the West of England and has over 33 years’ optical sector experience, including several in practice management.

Francis worked across North Wales and Northwest England, beginning his career as an optical assistant, later training in an optical lab as a glazing technician and then becoming a trainer in the same practice.

Leightons and Clapham Optical merge Leightons Opticians and Hearing Care and Clapham Optical have merged to offer eye and hearing care services to Totton and the surrounding areas.

The Clapham and Leightons partnership encompassed Commercial Road’s newly named Clapham & Leightons: Optical Centre and Clapham & Leightons:

Nick Clapham and Ryan Leighton

Hearing Centre on Water Lane.

Owners Nick Clapham and Ryan Leighton are the third-generation ‘caretakers’ of the companies built by their grandfathers, priding themselves on ‘high quality care and exquisite products’.

‘It is an honour to be joining together with another independently run family business, with whom we share not just similar values, but a similar history too,’ said Leighton.

Marsha de Cordova timely specialist care that’s also closer to their home.’

MP champions optoms at AOP event MP for Battersea Marsha de Cordova discussed the importance of primary eye care services at a practice visit and roundtable event on January 26 organised by the Association of Optometrists (AOP).

Optometrist Karen Lockyer hosted the event at her practice Karen Lockyer Optometrists in Battersea, which was attended by independent and multiple practices, Moorfields Eye Hospital and the Local Optical Committee.

The roundtable discussion, facilitated by AOP clinical and professional director Dr Peter Hampson, explored how services vary depending on locality and how extended eye care could be provided in the community.

Attendees also addressed the need for improved IT connectivity between optometry and hospital teams and reiterated the need for a national eye care strategy.

De Cordova, also chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Eye Health and Visual Impairment, said: ‘With hospital eye services across the nation facing increasing strain, sadly it is the patients that suffer the consequences, waiting inexcusable amounts of time for diagnosis and treatment.

‘If commissioned equitably, extended eye care services would enable more patients to access

Red light rebuttal Research suggesting repeated lowlevel red-light (RLRL) for treatment of myopia can cause photochemical and thermal damage (News 02.02.24) has been refuted by Eyerising International, which produces a RLRL device cited in the research.

A company statement said its device was referred to in a ‘negative and inaccurate manner’ several times within the research, which was published in Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics Journal.

Eyerising International said the device was not tested during the research, but was still compared to other RLRL devices, which were measured in the researchers’ laboratory.

A company statement said: ‘The Eyerising device has undergone 10 clinical trials and four real world studies, covering 1,785 patients, with a cumulative clinical trial use of nine-and-a-quarter years with zero significant adverse events recorded.

‘The device has been used to treat more than 160,000 patients in the real world over the past eight years, and there are currently more than 80,000 daily users. To date, there have only been five cases of significant adverse side effects reported; with no permanent damage recorded.’

Eyerising International confirmed Ophthalmic & Physiological opticianonline.net

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