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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 August 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 Dispensing apprenticeship Recruitment for DO apprenticeship gets nod Approval has been granted by the GOC to start recruiting students for the first dispensing optician apprenticeship that will be delivered by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO). Samara Morgan, GOC head of education and CPD development, said: ‘An apprenticeship scheme will offer another pathway for potential dispensing opticians to earn their qualification, while still ensuring they are training through a qualification that has been approved and quality assured by us.’ Morgan added that the GOC would continue working with ABDO to ensure the apprenticeship meets all of its requirements for full approval. ABDO can now begin recruiting students to start training under the level 6 apprenticeship from September 2024 at its various centres. Once the first cohort of students reaches the final year of study, the GOC will decide whether to approve the apprenticeship qualification based on if it meets education and training requirements. Vision loss a dementia risk factor A Lancet Commission report on dementia prevention, intervention and care has included evidence that untreated vision loss was a risk factor for dementia. The evidence supported adding vision loss as a potentially modifiable risk factor for dementia alongside the existing 12, which included less education, excessive alcohol consumption and obesity. It recommended making screening and treatment for vision loss accessible for all to reduce dementia risk across the course of life. The report noted that treatment for vision loss was effective and cost-effective but often went untreated in low-middle income countries. AOP appoints strategy lead Dr Peter Hampson has been appointed by the Association of Optometrists (AOP) as clinical and policy director to lead on the organisation’s five-year strategy, which sought to change how health and social care was commissioned and delivered. The former AOP professional and clinical director would work with the AOP’s chief executive, board and council to help guide the sector as it adapts to new technologies plus regulatory and legislative reforms. Dr Hampson said: ‘It is an exciting time to be taking on this new role. The new government has committed to making better use of optometry to tackle secondary care backlogs and this represents an opportunity to move optometry forwards.’ Dr Peter Hampson Samara Morgan GCU first to offer Masters with IP Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) would be the first approved education establishment to deliver an integrated optometry and independent prescribing (IP) qualification under the GOC’s new education and training requirements. From September 2024, students would be able to earn a Master of Optometry with IP, after the university submitted detailed plans outlining how the adapted qualification would meet GOC requirements. Samara Morgan, GOC head of education and CPD development, said: ‘We are pleased to note GCU’s integrated qualification, which will offer optical students a seamless journey to gaining both an undergraduate and specialty qualification.’ Marcolin reports improved margins Increased marginality enabled Marcolin to consolidate its performance in the first six months of 2024, with adjusted EBITDA standing at €52.7m, up 2.9% year on year. Net sales stood at €297.6m, down 3.6% at current exchange rates compared to the same period last year, while net sales increased by 0.6% at current exchange rates on a like-for-like basis. Europe, Middle East, and Africa opticianonline.net
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Follow us on X @opticianonline NEWS IN BRIEF Eye health heroes save the world in new book A book written to ease children’s fears about having their eyes examined has been published by Nor thampton-based independent Tompkins Knight & Son (TK&S). Brian Tompkins, director at TK&S, said: ‘The book is a fun way of introducing children to the team they’ll meet when they come to see us while explaining all the tests we’ll be carr ying out and how we can help them to keep seeing better for longer.’ Sunny’s Trip to the Optometrists tells the stor y of a boy who meets a real-life team of eye health superheroes, including the Eye Wizard and the Dr y Eye Doc, and together they take on the world in their neverending fight for sight. TK&S commissioned optometrist Rebecca Ireland to illustrate the book, which will be made available to parents to read with children before booking an appointment. ‘Getting your eyes examined regularly is vital for longterm eye health but for some children it can seem daunting. We wanted to create something that gets them relaxed and actually looking forward to their visit,’ Tompkins added. and the Americas recorded revenues of €149.6m (+2.1% on a like-for-like basis) and €106.6m (-4.7% on a like-for-like basis), respectively, while the Asian market, posted double-digit growth. The adjusted net financial position amounted to €338m, an improvement of €6.4m compared to December 31, 2023 attributed to positive cash flow generated by operating activities. AOP showcases patient support A new patient video and online hub were launched by the Association of Optometrists (AOP) to showcase the support optometrists offer patients during their lifetime. The ‘Optometrists: here for you throughout your life’ public awareness campaign included a 60-second animation explaining the vital role of optometrists during five life stages plus a dedicated online hub for patients. Paul Alexander, AOP policy and governance manager, said: ‘It is not an uncommon perception for optometry practices to be viewed solely as commercial businesses rather than the clinically trained AOP campaign healthcare providers they are, and we are determined to change that view.’ Harley Medical and SKN Group acquired Primary care specialist group Lorena Investments, the owner of Optical Express, has acquired the Harley Medical Group and SKN Group companies after they stopped trading in July. Harley Medical Group and SKN Group locations would collaborate with Optical Express to deliver a range of services including clinical aesthetics services and care, eye surgery, refractive consultations and NHS eye examinations and advice. David Moulsdale, the founder, chair and CEO of Lorena Investments, said: ‘This is a huge opportunity for the entire group, given our mutual dedication to opticianonline.net delivering exceptional patient care. We know commercial success is impossible without clinical excellence and by making patients our number one priority, that is what we will achieve.’ Safilo sales hit by Jimmy Choo exit Safilo closed the first half of 2024 with net sales of €532m, down 2.4% at constant exchange rates and 3.3% at current exchange rates compared to €550.1m recorded in the same period in 2023. Gross profit amounted to €319.2m for the period, declining by 1.4% compared to 2023, while the gross margin reached 60% from the adjusted level of 58.8% in 2023. The adjusted EBITDA amounted to €57.6 million, up 0.5% compared to 2023, while the adjusted EBITDA margin improved to 10.8% of sales from 10.4% recorded in the first half of 2023. Sales were impacted by the exit of Jimmy Choo, but the business benefitted from double digit growth delivered by Carrera and David Beckham, as well as Carolina Herrera and Marc Jacobs. Cerium sets conference date Cerium Visual Technologies, the manufacturer of the Intuitive Colorimeter, was hosting a CPDaccredited conference with leading academics at Aston University on November 15. Entitled ‘Visual discomfort: origins, prevention and treatment using colorimetry’, the one day conference would share best practice and cover research, clinical practice and communication. Speakers would include professor Emeritus Arnold Wilkins, University of Essex; professor Bruce Evans, City University; Dr Ian Hosking, Cambridge University; and Dr Nadia Northway, clinical and educational director, NNTC. Kimberley Harrison, CEO at Cerium Visual Technologies, said: ‘We are thrilled to be able to facilitate this exciting event, our first conference since prior to the global pandemic. We believe that this offers a real opportunity for practitioners to network, share best practice and to learn from leading academics about the latest developments in research.’ 9 August 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 August 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

Dispensing apprenticeship

Recruitment for DO apprenticeship gets nod

Approval has been granted by the GOC to start recruiting students for the first dispensing optician apprenticeship that will be delivered by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO).

Samara Morgan, GOC head of education and CPD development, said: ‘An apprenticeship scheme will offer another pathway for potential dispensing opticians to earn their qualification, while still ensuring they are training through a qualification that has been approved and quality assured by us.’ Morgan added that the GOC would continue working with ABDO to ensure the apprenticeship meets all of its requirements for full approval.

ABDO can now begin recruiting students to start training under the level 6 apprenticeship from September 2024 at its various centres.

Once the first cohort of students reaches the final year of study, the GOC will decide whether to approve the apprenticeship qualification based on if it meets education and training requirements.

Vision loss a dementia risk factor A Lancet Commission report on dementia prevention, intervention and care has included evidence that untreated vision loss was a risk factor for dementia.

The evidence supported adding vision loss as a potentially modifiable risk factor for dementia alongside the existing 12, which included less education, excessive alcohol consumption and obesity.

It recommended making screening and treatment for vision loss accessible for all to reduce dementia risk across the course of life.

The report noted that treatment for vision loss was effective and cost-effective but often went untreated in low-middle income countries.

AOP appoints strategy lead Dr Peter Hampson has been appointed by the Association of Optometrists (AOP) as clinical and policy director to lead on the organisation’s five-year strategy, which sought to change how health and social care was commissioned and delivered.

The former AOP professional and clinical director would work with the AOP’s chief executive, board and council to help guide the sector as it adapts to new technologies plus regulatory and legislative reforms.

Dr Hampson said: ‘It is an exciting time to be taking on this new role. The new government has committed to making better use of optometry to tackle secondary care backlogs and this represents an opportunity to move optometry forwards.’

Dr Peter Hampson

Samara Morgan

GCU first to offer Masters with IP Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) would be the first approved education establishment to deliver an integrated optometry and independent prescribing (IP) qualification under the GOC’s new education and training requirements.

From September 2024, students would be able to earn a Master of Optometry with IP, after the university submitted detailed plans outlining how the adapted qualification would meet GOC requirements.

Samara Morgan, GOC head of education and CPD development, said: ‘We are pleased to note GCU’s integrated qualification, which will offer optical students a seamless journey to gaining both an undergraduate and specialty qualification.’

Marcolin reports improved margins Increased marginality enabled Marcolin to consolidate its performance in the first six months of 2024, with adjusted EBITDA standing at €52.7m, up 2.9% year on year.

Net sales stood at €297.6m, down 3.6% at current exchange rates compared to the same period last year, while net sales increased by 0.6% at current exchange rates on a like-for-like basis.

Europe, Middle East, and Africa opticianonline.net

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