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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 10 May 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 carbon emissions. ‘Our completion of the Evergreen Assessment is a testament to our commitment, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with the NHS on this crucial journey.’ Dr Gillian Ruddock College elects new president A new president of the College of Optometrists and seven new council members were introduced at its annual general meeting during the Optometry Tomorrow conference in Telford on April 29. Dr Gillian Ruddock, current council member for the north west, has become president, succeeding Professor Leon Davies who is now chair of the board. Dr Ruddock said: ‘It is an incredible privilege to be elected as president of the College of Optometrists and represent this amazing profession. I am immensely proud to call myself an optometrist and I have the highest respect for my colleagues.’ Grafton Optical’s sustainability milestone Grafton Optical has completed the NHS Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment and been awarded a Level 2 rating for its net zero targets and reporting for carbon emissions. The equipment company said the Evergreen Assessment served as a vital mechanism for aligning with NHS sustainability priorities and working towards net zero by 2050. Kate Nolan, marketing manager at Grafton Optical, said: ‘This accomplishment underscores our commitment to sustainability and strengthens our partnership with the NHS in achieving net zero Optometr y Tomorrow celebrates 20 years Optometry Tomorrow and the incorporated BCLA Focus event was attended by around 900 people on April 28-29 at the Telford International Centre. It was the 20th year of the College of Optometrists’ flagship event and the first time it was held in partnership with the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA). Ian Humphreys, CEO at the College, said: ‘I am delighted that our two organisations have come together for this collaborative event. The College of Optometrists and the BCLA share a common goal: to advance the field of eye care and enhance the quality of life for patients through innovation, education and collaboration. Through this joint event we are uniting our expertise, knowledge and resources to achieve this shared vision.’ Iolla launches JVP model Eyewear retailer Iolla announced the launch of a joint venture partnership model as part of its business growth strategy to scale the brand nationwide. It would offer aspiring business owners the opportunity to co-own Iolla founder Stefan Hunter an Iolla business, operate a showroom and access the brand’s business model, marketing and advertising strategies. Stefan Hunter, CEO and founder at Iolla, said: ‘Our vision is to create a seamless eyewear shopping experience that empowers customers all over the UK to look and feel their best, and we believe effective joint venture partnerships are key to achieving this goal, and the next stage in Iolla’s growth.’ Okko Health to test eye health app in space Bristol-based Okko Health and the University of Plymouth have partnered on a project to test eye health and track disease detection in extreme environments, including a cave and outer space. A smartphone app created by the eye health technology company measured vision across multiple dimensions and features a puzzle game to collect data and assess a person’s eye health. The Okko app was created to monitor eye health at home and by testing it in extreme environments, scientists could validate its effectiveness in unusual conditions. Researchers would use learnings from how vision responds to microgravity and the visual effects of altered intracranial pressure to better understand, detect and monitor neurological conditions back on earth. Papers highlight presbyopia pandemic Research papers published by the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) have highlighted a ‘hidden pandemic of presbyopia’ and a ‘monumental opportunity’ for the contact lens industry. The BCLA Clear (continued learning evidence-based academic opticianonline.net
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Follow us on X @opticianonline NEWS IN BRIEF In remembrance: Roger Pope Optician is sad to repor t that dispensing optician Roger Pope, holder of two Royal Warrants, passed away on April 21 in Kent. Pope’s practice on New Cavendish Street in London opened in 1987 to meet the complex dispensing needs of private ophthalmologists and evolved into a fully ser viced luxur y practice with a team of optometrists and dispensing opticians. Pope first received the Royal Warrant by Appointment to HM Queen Elizabeth II in 2006 and by Appointment to HRH Prince Charles in 2014 with his team of colleagues also taking par t in the Coronation Festival in 2013. Longstanding friend, Frank Nor ville, regarded Pope as the ‘doyen of dispensing opticians’ yet ‘devoid of any airs and graces’: ‘A meeting with Roger was something people always looked forward to. Roger was always happy to discuss and integrate latest ophthalmic technologies even while providing ver y traditional ser vices to his clientele. Roger made thousands of friends along his lifetime optical journey.’ Business par tner and practice director, Priti Kotecha, said Pope’s practice would continue in the same professional manner and uphold his principles. ‘His legacy of passion for providing the best eye care with kindness, integrity, professionalism and compassion will continue to inspire us for many years to come,’ Kotecha said. reports) provided guidance to eye care professionals (ECPs) on all aspects of presbyopia and its management. Luke Stevens-Burt, chief executive of the BCLA, said: ‘This research will allow us to form a global consensus on presbyopia where ECPs can see which information is evidence-based, researchers can identify gaps in current knowledge and industry can determine what still needs to be achieved.’ Research from the first four of seven papers was presented during BCLA Focus, which was held during Optometry Tomorrow in Telford on April 28-29. GOC appoints two council associates Optometrist Rupa Patel and student optometrist Desislava Pirkova have been appointed GOC council associates and will sit alongside existing associates, Deepali Modha and Jamie Douglas. The new recruits would gain boardroom experience through taking part in GOC council meetings and associated activity, plus by attending audit, risk and finance committee meetings. Patel, a specialist optometrist at Moorfields Eye Hospital and a locum optometrist, has worked in glaucoma, medical retina, optometrist-led external disease, consultant-led cataract, complex adult refraction and specialist contact lens fitting clinics. Pirkova is currently completing an optometry degree at Aston University and is a qualified dispensing optician. She manages a network of practices in Birmingham and owns a practice in Leicester. UWE retains Optoversity title Students from the University of the West of England’s school of optometry retained their crown as champions of the Optoversity Challenge. An online event organised by Out of the Box Optics saw 11 UWE won Optoversity 2024 universities compete with second place won by the University of Bradford and third to the University of Plymouth. The competition also raised close to £8,500 for Vision Care for Homeless People, which predominately came from student sponsorship. There were 51 students from all years who competed against others in their year group, with the top four scoring student in the third-year heats progressing to an OSCE-style play-off to decide the winner. SimplyHealth launches discounted ser vices Employee health plan provider opticianonline.net SimplyHealth has partnered with EyeMed UK to deliver eye tests and a 20% discount on frames and lenses across 1,200 locations nationwide. New technology would also enable customers to settle the cost of eye tests and prescription eyewear up to their benefit limit in store without having to pay upfront or make a claim later. Tina Kennedy, health plan product director at SimplyHealth said: ‘By joining forces with EyeMed, customers can find the best eye care providers, treat their conditions, fund treatments via claim-backs and discounts. Adding a direct settlement option is an exciting, significant milestone and a first for the UK health plan insurance industry.’ CHEC launces IP placement scheme Community Health and Eye Care (CHEC) has launched an independent prescribing clinical placement programme for optometrists who have been qualified for more than two years. Optometrists will develop their diagnostic skills and understanding of the links between the theory and practice of prescribing during the on-site placement. Imran Rahman, CEO and founder of CHEC, said: ‘This feels like a really important moment for CHEC. To be stepping up our provision of skill-building opportunities with the launch of our independent prescribing course placement demonstrates our commitment to ensuring optometrists across the country have access to the key skills and experiences they need to develop in their profession, and we’re pleased to be playing such a key role in that.’ CHEC’s independent IP programme 10 May 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 10 May 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 carbon emissions.

‘Our completion of the Evergreen Assessment is a testament to our commitment, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with the NHS on this crucial journey.’

Dr Gillian Ruddock

College elects new president

A new president of the College of Optometrists and seven new council members were introduced at its annual general meeting during the Optometry Tomorrow conference in Telford on April 29.

Dr Gillian Ruddock, current council member for the north west, has become president, succeeding Professor Leon Davies who is now chair of the board.

Dr Ruddock said: ‘It is an incredible privilege to be elected as president of the College of Optometrists and represent this amazing profession. I am immensely proud to call myself an optometrist and I have the highest respect for my colleagues.’

Grafton Optical’s sustainability milestone Grafton Optical has completed the NHS Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment and been awarded a Level 2 rating for its net zero targets and reporting for carbon emissions.

The equipment company said the Evergreen Assessment served as a vital mechanism for aligning with NHS sustainability priorities and working towards net zero by 2050.

Kate Nolan, marketing manager at Grafton Optical, said: ‘This accomplishment underscores our commitment to sustainability and strengthens our partnership with the NHS in achieving net zero

Optometr y Tomorrow celebrates 20 years Optometry Tomorrow and the incorporated BCLA Focus event was attended by around 900 people on April 28-29 at the Telford International Centre.

It was the 20th year of the College of Optometrists’ flagship event and the first time it was held in partnership with the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA).

Ian Humphreys, CEO at the College, said: ‘I am delighted that our two organisations have come together for this collaborative event. The College of Optometrists and the BCLA share a common goal: to advance the field of eye care and enhance the quality of life for patients through innovation, education and collaboration. Through this joint event we are uniting our expertise, knowledge and resources to achieve this shared vision.’

Iolla launches JVP model Eyewear retailer Iolla announced the launch of a joint venture partnership model as part of its business growth strategy to scale the brand nationwide.

It would offer aspiring business owners the opportunity to co-own

Iolla founder Stefan Hunter an Iolla business, operate a showroom and access the brand’s business model, marketing and advertising strategies.

Stefan Hunter, CEO and founder at Iolla, said: ‘Our vision is to create a seamless eyewear shopping experience that empowers customers all over the UK to look and feel their best, and we believe effective joint venture partnerships are key to achieving this goal, and the next stage in Iolla’s growth.’

Okko Health to test eye health app in space Bristol-based Okko Health and the University of Plymouth have partnered on a project to test eye health and track disease detection in extreme environments, including a cave and outer space.

A smartphone app created by the eye health technology company measured vision across multiple dimensions and features a puzzle game to collect data and assess a person’s eye health.

The Okko app was created to monitor eye health at home and by testing it in extreme environments, scientists could validate its effectiveness in unusual conditions.

Researchers would use learnings from how vision responds to microgravity and the visual effects of altered intracranial pressure to better understand, detect and monitor neurological conditions back on earth.

Papers highlight presbyopia pandemic Research papers published by the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) have highlighted a ‘hidden pandemic of presbyopia’ and a ‘monumental opportunity’ for the contact lens industry.

The BCLA Clear (continued learning evidence-based academic opticianonline.net

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