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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 26 July 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 erases Bristol optometrist Bristol-based optometrist Matthew Bickerstaffe has been erased from the GOC register after his fitness to practise was found to be impaired by reason of misconduct. Bickerstaffe was found to have sent multiple inappropriate and sexual online messages via ChatIW and Snapchat and was suspended for 18 months during the period of investigation. The committee concluded that the registrant’s conduct was fundamentally incompatible with registered practise and that he should be erased from the register with immediate effect to protect the public and public confidence in the profession. EssilorLuxottica acquires Heidelberg Engineering and Supreme EssilorLuxottica has expanded its presence in the medical technology market and the clothing and accessories market with two acquisitions. The Italian optical supplier has acquired an 80% stake in German diagnostic equipment and surgical technology company, Heidelberg Engineering. EssilorLuxottica has also acquired the Supreme streetwear brand from clothing, footwear and accessories company VF Corporation for $1.5bn. The acquisition of Heidelberg was expected to complete in the second half of the year and was subject to regulatory approvals, while Supreme’s acquisition would close by the end of 2024. EssilorLuxottica said acquiring Heidelberg represented a step forward in the group’s strategy and its med-tech journey, which was focused on fostering long-term growth. Private cataract ser vices are damaging the NHS NHS focused think tank, the Centre for Health and the Public Interest, has said NHS eye care services are being ‘hollowed out’ by the outsourcing of cataract procedures to the private sector. Its 36 page report: Out of Sight: The hidden impact of the outsourcing of NHS cataract care on eye care departments in NHS Trusts said the fall in the number of cataract operations being performed by the NHS has reduced training opportunities for the next generation of ophthalmologists. It also said that a majority of NHS ophthalmologists agree this was having a negative effect on the NHS and the loss of funding was impacting other areas of eye care. Myopia researcher secures £1.6m grant A £1.6m grant for research into the dynamics of myopia has been awarded by UK Research and Innovation to Dr Emily Patterson, senior vision scientist at Occuity. The project would explore the reciprocal relationships between ocular structures and visual function during childhood, and sought to uncover the mechanisms behind myopia onset and progression. Dr Patterson said: ‘I’m confident that the project will have outcomes that translate to earlier identification of those at risk, enhancing monitoring techniques, optimisa- Dr Emily Patterson tion of existing therapies, and even new therapeutic approaches.’ The research included a longterm school study with primary schools in Reading, a study of adults with X-linked red-green colour vision deficiency, use of genomic sequencing, an exploration into anisometropia, and a look at the role of optic flow in myopia. GOC research reveals inequalities Inequalities in access and experience of eye care have been highlighted in the GOC’s 2024 public perceptions research into the views of those using services. Satisfaction remained high overall with 92% of respondents satisfied with the optometrist who carried out the sight test or eye examination, and 88% were satisfied with their overall visit. However, patients from an ethnic minority background were less satisfied than white respondents (84% compared to 91%), as were patients living with a disability (82% vs 89%). The GOC identified that the most vulnerable patients experienced significantly worse outcomes. It highlighted that only 63% of patients with four or more markers of vulnerability had their sight tested in the last two years compared to 82% with none. Scope selects IP bursar y winners Scope held the final of its Independent Prescriber (IP) Bursary Awards on June 17 in recognition of exceptional talent and dedication within optometry. Now in its third year, the awards featured six finalists who presented case studies to a panel of judges that included Professor Nick Rumney, Sarah Farrant and Dr Keyur Patel. The winner of £3,000 towards IP opticianonline.net
page 5
Follow us on X @opticianonline NEWS IN BRIEF Shipley practice reopens under new ownership Oracle Opticians in Shipley has moved location and been given a rebrand after optometrist Jag Kainth took ownership in Januar y. Kainth previously worked at Specsavers as an optometrist for 19 years and as a practice director of two sites and an audiology business for six years. Personal and professional circumstances saw him leave the multiple and work as a locum before realising he was better suited to practice ownership. He told Optician that he heard through a friend that the owner of Oracle Opticians was looking to sell, so he got in touch and they soon had an arrangement for Kainth to takeover. ‘It was a really small practice, so I’ve reorganised it and taken into the 21st centur y. We’re in a new unit and have made a huge investment. It’s been hard work with a lot of stress and it required a lot of focus to maintain momentum. Now it’s about building a strategy for the Jag Kainth next few years.’ He said the new site has potential for growth with the capacity to increase the number of testing rooms as and when Orlágh Conway course fees was Orlágh Conway from OC Eyecare in Carrickmore, with Warwickshire-based locum Aaminah Khan and Sonam Hussain from Specsavers Leamington Spa taking the £1,500 runner up prizes. ‘I am delighted to be the recipient of the IP Bursary 2024. This investment by Scope will be invaluable to the rural community that I serve in the north of Ireland. Being able to prescribe is a game changer,’ Conway said. AIO previews October conference The Association for Independent Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians (AIO) promised a packed programme of lectures and panel discussions for its 2024 AIO Conference at Chesford Grange on October 5-6. Thirty CPD sessions were planned including an independent prescribers peer review plus lectures on low vision assessment in practice with professor Keziah Latham and latest developments in frame materials and manufacture with Rob Wilson. Professor Glen Jeffrey would discuss latest developments in the research into the effects of red light, while Dr Charles Shidlofsky from Texas would deliver a lecture on ‘Visual snow’. AIO Conference 2023 opticianonline.net A further panel session would explore how best to embed primary eye health care in community optometry, providing the independent sector perspective and remaining inclusive of all practitioners. Weight loss drug link to optic neuropathy A matched cohort study involving 16,827 patients found that semaglutide (in drugs such as Ozempic) was associated with an increased risk of optic neuropathy in patients with type two diabetes or those who were overweight or obese. The study, published in JAMA Ophthalmology on July 8, revealed a higher risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) in patients prescribed semaglutide compared with patients prescribed non–glucagonlike peptide receptor agonist medications. As the study was observational and retrospective using data from a centralised registry of patients, the authors concluded that more study was required to assess causality. SpaMedica makes senior appointment SpaMedica has expanded its leadership team with the appointment of Jamie Hanson as director of central operations, a previous operations director at Alliance Medical. Hanson would be responsible for its core functions: IT, facilities, fleet and transport, hospital services, patient relations, warehouse and delivery, and the executive support team – overseeing more than 400 employees. Hanson, who worked previously as operations director at Punch Pubs and McDonalds UK for 20 years, said: ‘SpaMedica’s many accomplishments to date – such as all hospitals inspected by the Care Quality Commission receiving ‘outstanding’ or ‘good’ ratings – inspired me to take the role, and I’m looking forward to leading the team to future success.’ 26 July 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 26 July 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 erases Bristol optometrist Bristol-based optometrist Matthew Bickerstaffe has been erased from the GOC register after his fitness to practise was found to be impaired by reason of misconduct.

Bickerstaffe was found to have sent multiple inappropriate and sexual online messages via ChatIW and Snapchat and was suspended for 18 months during the period of investigation.

The committee concluded that the registrant’s conduct was fundamentally incompatible with registered practise and that he should be erased from the register with immediate effect to protect the public and public confidence in the profession.

EssilorLuxottica acquires Heidelberg Engineering and Supreme

EssilorLuxottica has expanded its presence in the medical technology market and the clothing and accessories market with two acquisitions.

The Italian optical supplier has acquired an 80% stake in German diagnostic equipment and surgical technology company, Heidelberg Engineering.

EssilorLuxottica has also acquired the Supreme streetwear brand from clothing, footwear and accessories company VF Corporation for $1.5bn.

The acquisition of Heidelberg was expected to complete in the second half of the year and was subject to regulatory approvals, while Supreme’s acquisition would close by the end of 2024.

EssilorLuxottica said acquiring Heidelberg represented a step forward in the group’s strategy and its med-tech journey, which was focused on fostering long-term growth.

Private cataract ser vices are damaging the NHS NHS focused think tank, the Centre for Health and the Public Interest, has said NHS eye care services are being ‘hollowed out’ by the outsourcing of cataract procedures to the private sector.

Its 36 page report: Out of Sight: The hidden impact of the outsourcing of NHS cataract care on eye care departments in NHS Trusts said the fall in the number of cataract operations being performed by the NHS has reduced training opportunities for the next generation of ophthalmologists. It also said that a majority of NHS ophthalmologists agree this was having a negative effect on the NHS and the loss of funding was impacting other areas of eye care.

Myopia researcher secures £1.6m grant A £1.6m grant for research into the dynamics of myopia has been awarded by UK Research and Innovation to Dr Emily Patterson, senior vision scientist at Occuity.

The project would explore the reciprocal relationships between ocular structures and visual function during childhood, and sought to uncover the mechanisms behind myopia onset and progression.

Dr Patterson said: ‘I’m confident that the project will have outcomes that translate to earlier identification of those at risk, enhancing monitoring techniques, optimisa-

Dr Emily Patterson tion of existing therapies, and even new therapeutic approaches.’

The research included a longterm school study with primary schools in Reading, a study of adults with X-linked red-green colour vision deficiency, use of genomic sequencing, an exploration into anisometropia, and a look at the role of optic flow in myopia.

GOC research reveals inequalities Inequalities in access and experience of eye care have been highlighted in the GOC’s 2024 public perceptions research into the views of those using services.

Satisfaction remained high overall with 92% of respondents satisfied with the optometrist who carried out the sight test or eye examination, and 88% were satisfied with their overall visit.

However, patients from an ethnic minority background were less satisfied than white respondents (84% compared to 91%), as were patients living with a disability (82% vs 89%).

The GOC identified that the most vulnerable patients experienced significantly worse outcomes. It highlighted that only 63% of patients with four or more markers of vulnerability had their sight tested in the last two years compared to 82% with none.

Scope selects IP bursar y winners Scope held the final of its Independent Prescriber (IP) Bursary Awards on June 17 in recognition of exceptional talent and dedication within optometry.

Now in its third year, the awards featured six finalists who presented case studies to a panel of judges that included Professor Nick Rumney, Sarah Farrant and Dr Keyur Patel.

The winner of £3,000 towards IP

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