NOVEMBER 2015

DISPENSING OPTICS

NEWS, INFORMATION and EDUCATION for OPTICIANS

Dispensing Optics NOVEMBER 2015 6ɉJPHS<27HY[ULY Media Partner

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TO REGISTER FOR YOUR FREE TICKET, VISIT: Event Partners www.100percentoptical.com A Media 10 event Dispensing Optics NOVEMBER 2015 Contents 35.

16. 27.

15. 17.

29. ABDO Conference Features On form in Manchester

17. News focus 32. Conference report Pilot study exposes sight loss link Taking control of myopia 18. Product spotlight 33. Conference report New season sensations Understanding patients with Down’s syndrome 20. Continuing Education & Training 34. Sunny outlook at Silmo Safe and sure care for vulnerable groups by Jane Cohen Regulars 24. Multiple choice answers An overview of paediatric dispensing. Part 1: Frames and faces 5. DO Dispatches by Andrew Cripps 6. Black Arts 25. Special optics by ABDO president, Peter Black Adapting to patients’ abilities 9. Letters & News 27. In practice I see what you say 23. FAQs by Kim Devlin 36. Through the Pinhole with Nicole Banbury FRONT COVER Image courtesy of Ben 38. Jobs & Notices Rector. www.benrector.com, and children’s charity Action Medical Research, www.action.org.uk

Dispensing Optics NOVEMBER 2015 3 It’s a feeling

Stepper UK Limited 11 Tannery Road Tonbridge Kent TN9 1RF 01732 375975

Frame style shown: Si 30059 DISPENSING OPTICS The Professional Journal of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians

VOLUME 30 NO 11

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor Sir Anthony Garrett CBE HonFBDO Assistant Editor Jane Burnand DO Dispatches Managing Editor Nicky Collinson BA (Hons) Email [email protected] Design and Production Rosslyn Argent BA (Hons) HEALTHY FORECAST Email [email protected] FOR THE FUTURE Admin. Manager Deanne Gray Email [email protected] Last month, the ABDO board met and

EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING agreed the budget for 2016. I am pleased Telephone 0781 2734717 to report that as a result of the underlying Email [email protected] Website www.abdo.org.uk strength of the Association, coupled with the increasing income from other sources, the members of the board were SUBSCRIPTIONS able to agree to a freeze in subscriptions for the year ahead. UK £140 Overseas £150, including postage In addition, it is pleasing to announce that once again we Apply to Tom Veti are able to maintain our professional indemnity insurance Association of British Dispensing Opticians Godmersham Park, Godmersham, Kent CT4 7DT fee at current levels. Telephone 01227 733922 I am sure that Email [email protected] Website www.abdo.org.uk ABDO members will welcome ABDO CET this news and Head of CET Paula Stevens MA ODE BSc(Hons) MCOptom FBDO CL (Hons)AD SMC(Tech) the promise that we, as an ABDO CET, 5 Kingsford Business Centre, Layer Road, Association Kingsford, Colchester CO2 0HT Members of the ABDO board team, will Telephone 01206 734155 Email [email protected] continue to provide the best possible service to members and or email [email protected] enhance benefits wherever possible. Both the board and the executive team are grateful to all members for their continued CONTINUING EDUCATION REVIEW PANEL Joanne Abbott BSc(Hons) FBDO SMC(Tech) support and look forward to working towards further enhancing Keith Cavaye FBDO (Hons) CL FBCLA the profession in the year – and years – ahead. Andrew Cripps FBDO (Hons) PG Cert HE FHEA Kim Devlin FBDO (Hons) CL With such a packed and varied two-day programme for this Stephen Freeman BSc(Hons) MCOptom FBDO (Hons) Cert Ed Abilene Macdonald Grute FBDO (Hons) SLD (Hons) LVA Dip Dist Ed Cert Ed year’s ABDO conference and exhibition, it would be impossible Richard Harsant FBDO (Hons) CL (Hons) LVA to report back on all of the fantastic sessions and presentations Andrew Keirl BOptom (Hons) MCOptom FBDO that took place – and we are sorry if you were not able to Angela McNamee BSc(Hons) MCOptom FBDO (Hons) CL FBCLA Cert Ed Linda Rapley BSc FCOptom attend. However, we hope that you can glean a taste of the success of the event, and the enjoyment of delegates, from JOURNAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Richard Crook FBDO our round up in this issue (pages 29-31). Kim Devlin FBDO (Hons) CL Kevin Gutsell FBDO (Hons) SLD We are especially grateful to our distinguished keynote Ros Kirk FBDO lecturers, Dr Nicola Logan and Dr Maggie Woodhouse (see Angela McNamee BSc(Hons) MCOptom FBDO (Hons) CL FBCLA Cert Ed reports on pages 32 and 33), to all of our speakers, presenters DISPENSING OPTICS IS PUBLISHED BY and facilitators, and to Elaine Grisdale who worked so hard to ABDO, 199 Gloucester Terrace, London W2 6LD make the event a memorable one. Finally, of course, we owe a DISPENSING OPTICS IS PRINTED BY P&P Litho Ltd, Hanworth, Middlesex TW13 6AR huge thank you to our sponsors and exhibitors for their continued loyalty to the Association and to our members. © ABDO: No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means Sir Anthony Garrett whatever without the written prior permission of the publishers ABDO general secretary

Dispensing Optics welcomes contributions for possible editorial publication. However, contributors warrant to the publishers that they own all rights to illustrations, artwork or photographs submitted and also to copy which is factually accurate and does not infringe any other party’s rights

ISSN 0954 3201

AVERAGE CIRCULATION: 9,025 Jan-Dec 2014 ABDO Board certification

Dispensing Optics NOVEMBER 2015 5 BLACK PETER BLACK ARTS Our monthly column from the ABDO president

Rules and regulations

few months ago I shared with extended whilst simultaneously demand for ensure correct acuity, and you some of my bedtime eye examinations inevitably falls. • advise the patient on how to use and reading. My current cure for To my knowledge, it has always been that maintain the spectacles.” insomnia is the 2014 ‘Guidance when registrants find themselves at a fitness A265 further states: for professional practice’ to practise hearing, the General Optical “If you are supervising someone Afrom the College of Optometrists, which Council (GOC) has always relied upon the undertaking the sale of spectacles to a over 154 pages makes more than 700 guidelines issued by the professional bodies patient you should ensure they have taken pieces of guidance for optometrists – a to help it decide whether or not a registrant the steps listed in paragraph A260.” great deal of which is echoed by ABDO’s is guilty of misconduct. Given that optical The guidance above may pose more own advice and guidelines. dispensing assistants have been dispensing questions than it answers. Presumably this My interest has stemmed from non-restricted groups unsupervised since means that a business registrant that allows conversations with members who have been 1989, this new guidance has understandably dispensing to take place when no individual involved in mixed registrant peer discussion worried a great many dispensing opticians, registrant is on the premises must have around the subject of professional conduct optometrists and optical businesses. procedures to ensure all the items in A260 and, in particular, supervision. Specifically I should (or should that be must?) point take place? How many practices formally there has been concern about the College out at this stage that the College is at pains check distance visual acuity on collection Guidance A259, which states: to define its terminology at the introduction for example? Does every dispensing “All spectacles or other optical appliances to its guidance and says: “We use: must: where assistant know when a vertex distance is should be sold and supplied by, or under the you have a legal or regulatory obligation to required, how to decide when an Rx needs supervision of, an optometrist or dispensing follow the guidance should: where we would compensating, and how to calculate the optician, even if an unregistered person normally expect you to follow that course of new prescription if it does? could legally complete the sale without action. If you apply your professional supervision. You should decide what is in the judgement and decide to take a different CONFUSED? YOU WILL BE! best interests of the patient.” action, you must be able to justify your action.” Any peer discussion on supervision will Members, including optometrists, have In addition, the College further states inevitably cover the supervision of not just brought this to my attention because in A260: unregistered colleagues, but also the whether they work in a large practice or a “When selling and supplying spectacles requirements for the supervision of registered small practice, multiple or independent, it is to a patient you should: students, including trainee dispensing virtually impossible to comply with this • explain clearly to the patient the opticians. I have been involved in many guidance unless the practice has a policy of purpose and function of the spectacles such CET sessions as both delegate and only dispensing opticians (or optometrists) • ensure the spectacles are suitable for facilitator, and what has always surprised doing all the dispensing, and when one isn’t the patient’s needs me is that despite us all having been present no dispensing at all can take place. • take and record facial, frame and other supervised students once upon a time – it Many small practices may have one or appropriate measurements before being 26 years since the Opticians Act and more non-test days per week when a suitably ordering the spectacles six years since both supervision and dispensing trained optical assistant could legally dispense • check that the spectacles are CE marked were finally formally defined through legal a non-restricted patient, and yet A259 appears and conform to the relevant standards precedent – it is abundantly clear that there to say that the patient should be asked to • check that the spectacles correspond is still much confusion around supervision. return on another day when an optometrist to the written prescription or sight Because it has been clear that so many or DO is available to conduct or supervise the test record registrants, including fellow ABDO sale. Lunch breaks also present a problem. • fit them to the patient to ensure the examiners and practice visitors, were Practices located in shopping centres correct plane, height and position unclear on the rules, I along with a number and retail parks may well find they are • check them on the patient for fit, of colleagues decided to ask the GOC for a contractually obliged by their landlords to comfort and function, making any definitive opinion and I include it below for the open for extended hours when optometric adjustments before the patient takes avoidance of doubt to confirm the GOC’s services may not be commercially viable for them away position on the supervision of dispensing every minute of every trading day, especially • check against a letter chart or optics students (which simultaneously outlines on the run up to Christmas when hours are equivalent, where appropriate, to the requirements for optical assistants).

6 Dispensing Optics NOVEMBER 2015 The GOC said: 9.4 Retain clinical responsibility for the “For any work to count towards a student's patient. When delegating you retain pre-registration clinical training this must be responsibility for the delegated task under the supervision of the student's primary and for ensuring that it has been supervisor (or the named alternative supervisor performed to the appropriate if the primary supervisor is not present). This is standard. to provide assurance about the quality of the 9.5 Take all reasonable steps to prevent supervised training and to ensure that a named harm to patients arising from the individual is responsible for signing off on a actions of those being supervised. student’s training as satisfactory.” 9.6 Comply with all legal requirements “In circumstances where a student's governing the activity. primary or alternative supervisor is not 9.7 Ensure that details of those being available, they can: supervised or performing delegated • work in the practice as an optical activities are recorded on the patient assistant/shop assistant as this type of record. work does not require GOC registration Standards for optical students or therefore supervision; and 8. Ensure that supervision is undertaken • undertake any of the activities reserved appropriately and complies with the in law, i.e. paediatric dispensing and law. The responsibility to ensure that dispensing to visually impaired patients supervision does not compromise (those things which must be supervised) patient care and safety is shared under the supervision of another between the supervisor and the trainee. qualified dispensing optician, When being supervised: optometrist or medical practitioner, 8.1 You must only be supervised by although any work which has not someone who is approved by your been supervised by their primary employer or training provider. supervisor or alternative supervisor 8.2 Ensure that your supervisor is on the WHAT’S NEW ON cannot count towards their pre- premises, in a position to oversee the registration clinical training [i.e. pre- work you undertake and is ready to EYECARE FAQ? Qualification Portfolio case records, intervene if necessary in order to How does your practice engage with prescribed tasks or logged hours]. protect patients. patients between visits? Social “The supervisor must be on the premises 8.3 Your supervisor retains clinical media is an effective way to reach and in a position to oversee the work of the responsibility for the patient. not just current patients but their student and intervene if necessary to protect 8.4 Comply with all legal requirements friends and family too. patients. This is detailed in our new standards governing the activity.” Stay in touch by sharing resources for optometrists and dispensing opticians The GOC recognises that the optical from Eyecare FAQ, ABDO’s campaign to and standards for optical students, which educational sector is changing and that help consumers learn more about state respectively: its accreditation processes need to keep looking after their eyes, and the role of Standards of practice for optometrists pace with these developments. It will be the registered dispensing optician. and dispensing opticians undertaking an education strategic review, New this month on Eyecare FAQ 9. Ensure that supervision is undertaken which will look at all the components of you’ll find an infographic and a jargon- appropriately and complies with the the educational model for optometry and busting lingo bingo card to share on law. This applies to supervision of pre- dispensing optics. Looking at the pre- congenital eye disease. There are registration trainees and unregistered registration clinical placements will form questions and answers on this and colleagues undertaking delegated a key element of this review. I have no many other topics in the public part of activities. The responsibility to ensure doubt that the GOC will, in due course, the ABDO website, www.abdo.org.uk/ that supervision does not compromise consult with stakeholders, including ABDO, information-for-the-public/eyecarefaq/ patient care and safety is shared as part of the review so that it can Eyecare FAQ is at: • www.facebook.com/eyecarefaq between the supervisor and those accurately reflect the realities of practice, • www.twitter.com/eyecarefaq being supervised. Adequate supervision while ensuring that the training is of the • plus.google.com/+eyecarefaq requires you to: requisite quality. • www.pinterest.com/eyecarefaq 9.1 Be sufficiently qualified and If any members need any advice on • instagram.com/eyecarefaq/ experienced to undertake the supervision then please contact ABDO's You can also stay in touch with functions you are supervising. Exams and Registration staff who will be colleagues and news from the world of 9.2 Only delegate to those who have more than happy to help you. optics via the ABDO official page on appropriate qualifications, knowledge Of course not everyone will share my Facebook. Find us at https://www. or skills to perform the delegated views on these matters, so I would really facebook.com/ABDOMembers. You can activity. like to encourage members to come along also find news for ABDO members on 9.3 Be on the premises, in a position to to the ABDO Consultation Day with the Twitter @MembershipAbdo, and more oversee the work undertaken and ready Areas in London on 18 November so we can general news from the world of eyes at to intervene if necessary in order to exchange ideas and opinions, and to write @ABDONews protect patients. in too.

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✓ 3 year Manufacturers Guarantee HAVE YOUR SAY Email [email protected] or IN-PRACTICE TRAINING PLATFORM write to Dispensing Optics, PO Box 233, Crowborough TN27 3AB Luxottica has introduced a new digital training platform called @ MyLuxAcademy with modules covering production processes, frame materials, polarisation, visual merchandising and the latest eyewear collections. “Our goal is to empower the practice staff to feel confident around Letters product design, features, benefits and brand stories, giving them a competitive edge and providing an enhanced patient experience when selecting frames,” said Simon Jacobs, Luxottica UK’s head of sales for the NOT A RETROGRADE STEP independents channel. Already using MyLuxAcademy is Wade Opticians in Durham. Group The meeting held at Independents Day 2015 and the letter manager, Sarah Alexander, said: “This is a great online training programme from the College of Optometrists printed in your October for all my practice staff to edition just reinforces my opinion of the College. develop their knowledge of brands they sell every day, Surely delegating the refraction to a dispensing optician along with frame who will advise a regular routine eye examination, and production and new stress that need in the case of untoward symptoms, would product releases. We are not be a retrograde step. Many optometrists would revel in now better informed when the concept of being viewed by the public as more of a talking to our patients.” medical professional than now, and would love to spend Our photograph shows more time looking for pathology without the constraints of Simon presenting a bottle the NHS sight test. of Moet to Keely Madgin, opticial assistant at Wade It seems to me that we should bear history in mind when Embracing digital learning Opticians, after the dealing with the College of Optometrists; it is their practice became the first guidelines and peer expectations which have been taken as to complete all the online training modules. Log on to my.luxottica.com and the basis for the level at which the NHS test should be click the LuxAcademy Training tab to access the modules. performed. These peer expectations continue to rise and have led us to the position we are in now, where almost POWER ON THE PLUS SIDE everything should be given away as part of the NHS test. Alcon has increased the sphere power range of its Dailies Total1 brand, The College should have said, and should say, that the NHS from -10.00D to +6.00D. test is fixed with no technological movement: identify signs Launched in 2013, and granted a patent by the European Patent of pathology and refer. What we can, and should, do in a Office for pioneering manufacturing methods and contact lens private situation is a different matter. technology in the same year, Dailies Total1 features more than 80 per cent water content at the lens surface. I can see that the delegation of the refraction function Jonathon Bench, head of professional affairs for Alcon Vision Care UK could hand the multiples a large helping of dessert, and they and Ireland, said: “With Dailies Total1, we have entered a new era in may choose to undervalue the dispensing opticians who contact lenses, delivering a new standard of comfort not seen before in undertake the refraction course, but Peter Black is correct in the contact lens market. With the launch of Dailies Total1 Plus Powers, we that this is the way the rest of the world works. are able to make this available to a wider range of patients, better meeting the needs of the optical community and their patients.” David Bridle FBDO West Sussex SPOTLIGHT ON CORNEAL RESEARCH 100% Optical has announced its first Letters for the December conference speaker for 2016 – Professor issue should be submitted Keith Meek, head of biophysics research by 10 November and school research mentor at Cardiff University and a member of the Fight for Sight Speaker Network. Professor Meek’s research programme is aimed at investigating the ultrastructure of Professor Keith Meek connective tissues and, in particular, the basis We kindly reserve the right to edit of the shape and transparency of the cornea. contributions prior to publication. Presenting from the Main Stage, Professor Meek will outline key research into Follow us on Twitter @ABDOCollege, @MembershipABDO and @ABDONews corneal disease management and consider the implications of current developments in this field for patients with severe corneal disorders. Dr Ian Beasley, head of education at the Association of Optometrists, said: “Delegates will be fascinated by Professor Meek’s ongoing research projects, which aim to understand the basis of novel therapeutic regimes ABDO events and booking for corneal pathology, and his involvement in collaborative efforts to information can be found at develop artificial biological corneal replacements.” www.abdo.org.uk/events Education sessions can be booked at www.100percentoptical.com

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Support for homeless charity Wes Gordon for Silhouette

HOUSE OF LORDS GATHERING CREATIVE Supporters and volunteers gathered at the House of Lords recently to hear more COLLABORATION FOR about Vision Care for Homeless People (VCHP). The group called on the NHS to LUXURY FRAMES ensure that the healthcare needs of homeless people are fully met. New York Fashion Week for spring/summer Addressing the 60 delegates, VCHP chair, Elaine Styles, said: “Homeless People have 2016 saw the debut of a collaboration significant eyecare needs which are often neglected. We commend the work of VCHP in between Silhouette and acclaimed New redressing this health inequality.” York womens’ wear designer, Wes Gordon. Over the past 12 years, volunteers working with the charity have carried out more The limited edition, 60s-inspired ‘Wes than 9,000 eye examinations and dispensed thousands of pairs of spectacles via its Gordon for Silhouette’ creations combine centres in London, Brighton, Manchester and Birmingham. high fashion with technology creating a The charity is now looking to expand its current model of care from one where pair of luxury, ultra-light round frames in homeless people attend its centres, to one where volunteers go to places where nude brown, classic grey, classic green and homeless people reside or attend, such as day centres or hostels. ocean blue. Gordon joined the Silhouette design “We would use our fixed centres as a base for a mobile service. We would then be team at its studio and factory in Austria to able to reach far more homeless people more effectively without opening further create the style combining retro glamour centres,” explained Elaine. “In order to do this, we would have to operate under the and expressive futurism. He said: “My second NHS Additional Services or Mobile Contract.” collection for Silhouette is designed for Find out more at www.visioncarecharity.org confident women who communicate their style with subtle grace and without pretense, ERASED FROM GOC REGISTERS who are both feminine and mysterious.” Roland Keplinger, Silhouette’s head of The General Optical Council (GOC) has erased Kirsty Brown, a student dispensing design, noted that both Silhouette and Wes optician from Rhyl, Denbighshire, from its registers. Gordon “possess a deep respect of A GOC Fitness to Practise Committee found her fitness to undertake training craftsmanship, a love of highest quality materials, and a driving passion to innovate impaired by virtue of convictions for fraud, and theft from her employer. and create superior product. This shared Thomas Evans, a student dispensing optician from Milton Keynes, has also been vision enabled us to bring together our erased from the GOC registers after a Fitness to Practise Committee found his fitness to different areas of expertise to create undertake training impaired by virtue of criminal convictions for making and distributing something truly beautiful and also highly indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children. functional.”

BROADCASTING ABOUT newspapers and Devon Life magazine. http://www.hiblio.tv/event/childrens-eyes/ During the week they also used Jonathan Drew, Devon LOC business CHILDREN’S VISION Hiblio.tv, an live internet public health manager said: broadcast organisation, for its second eye “Devon LOC is committed to Devon LOC chose to support awareness health broadcast concerning children’s promoting the eye health agenda and the of children’s vision as its focus for vision. Fiona Hiscox and Charles Bill, both importance of children receiving early National Eye Health Week in September. optometrists with a special interest in intervention for any eye anomaly is a key Its activities included liaising with the children’s eye health, were interviewed factor in supporting their learning and education department’s public health team during the 20-minute broadcast, which development. We were pleased that to include a message in school newsletters, was accessed by 303 people during the live Hiblio.tv gave us the opportunity to as well as press releases to regional broadcast. It is now available to view at promote this important issue”.

Dispensing Optics NOVEMBER 2015 11 C e c i l

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1 www.norville.co.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: 01452510321 0 5 / 1 0 / 2 0 1 5

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3 FRAME: CG029 c2 : 0 4 NEWS

Smoke gets in your eyes

SMOKING AND VISION LINK HIGHLIGHTED New research, commissioned by Optegra Eye Health Care to coincide with National Eye Health Week in September, Heidelberg training at the 2015 ABDO Conference revealed that 82 per cent of optometrists say there is a link between smoking and poor eye health, and 56 per OCT ON THE ROAD cent of UK general practitioners agree. Heidelberg Engineering is on the road with a series of educational events enabling This makes smoking the biggest cause both dispensing opticians and optometrists to learn more about OCT in practice with of eye health problems in medical hands-on operation, interpretation of images and comprehensive glaucoma professionals’ view, ahead of diet (49 per management. cent), genetics (38 per cent) and UV rays The events are designed to provide an opportunity to learn from professionals and to (30 per cent). Smoking was cited as a share knowledge with colleagues. Find out more at www.heidelbergengineering.co.uk/ higher cause of vision problems than a lack academy or by calling the Academy team on 01442 502330. of regular eye tests (23 per cent), yet seven in 10 (70 per cent) of UK adults did not know that smoking could lead to CYCLING STYLES including neon yellow, shiny white and blindness, said the company. graphite. Sundeep Kheterpal, ophthalmic CUT A DASH Both models, available from Norville, consultant surgeon from Optegra Eye Health New Progear sports shades – Dash and offer 100 per cent UVA and UVB Care, said: “Smoking can be a significant risk Racer – are suitable for cycling and other protection, and are presented in a Progear in causing diseases such as dry eye, outdoor sports. branded sports case with cleaning cloth. circulatory blockages, macular degeneration Dash is a sleek on-trend, semi-wrap and subsequent severe loss of vision – frame featuring flexible sides and a another reason to give up the habit.” rubber nose bridge. It is available with a prescription insert and in a choice of five lens colours including FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE ABDO black, white and midnight grey. Racer EVENT DETAILS keep an eye out for the is a wrap design, featuring ratchet eNews landing in your in box, and the sides and extra-grippy rubber adjustable events section of the website, visit tips. It is also available with a prescription www.abdo.org.uk/events adaptor and in a choice of six lens colours Racer in matt black

WARNING OVER GLOBAL two billion people in the world suffer from “Myopia is not curable or reversible, myopia. but there are promising interventions MYOPIA CHALLENGE “The Brien Holden Vision Institute is using optical and behavioural approaches Half the world’s population (nearly five calling on the world – from governments that can help slow the progression and and health agencies, to civil society, parents prevent people becoming highly myopic,” billion) will be myopic by 2050 warned and schools – to protect the eye health of added Professor Naidoo. the Brien Holden Vision Institute (BHVI) every child and adult and meet this major The BHVI is currently working with the on World Sight Day last month (8 October). public health challenge of our time,” said private sector to develop a myopia Up to one-fifth of myopes will be Professor Kovin Naidoo, acting BHVI CEO. management programme to ensure that in the high myopia category, and at a “Firstly, the public must be made aware there is a comprehensive management of significantly increased risk of blindness, if that this threat exists. Secondly, we need patients including health promotion and behavioural interventions and optical researchers and public health practitioners clinical interventions. treatments are not developed and to develop effective solutions. Thirdly, Turn to page 32 to read our report implemented, predicts the Institute. eyecare professionals need to be better of Dr Nicola Logan’s myopia control Currently, it’s estimated that more than equipped to manage patients at risk. presentation at the recent ABDO Conference.

Dispensing Optics NOVEMBER 2015 13

Cecil Gee A4 ad.indd 1 05/10/2015 13:04

NEWS

Domiciliary eyecare shift Italian designs offered

MODEL OF A CARING PRACTICE INDIE RETURN Domiciliary eyecare provider Visioncall is transforming its regional branches into a FOR VOGUE series of ‘Caring Practices’, owned and controlled by a local leadership team. Luxottica has announced that Vogue The aim is to provide owners with professional freedom and decision-making power Eyewear is now available to UK and whilst retaining the Visioncall brand identity, Visioncall systems and other support functions. Ireland independent practices following “We are now entering an exciting new era in healthcare as the landscape of care for vulnerable adults is changing rapidly,” commented Brian McGuire, Visioncall managing the expiration of a two-year exclusivity director. “We have recognised that by shifting ownership to local level, this will allow our agreement. teams to be more flexible to the needs of our patients. Ultimately, the Caring Practice Launched in 1973, Vogue Eyewear model will allow us to significantly enhance our patient care in line with care standards, introduces the new Texture Collection for which is our top priority”. this season, combining the latest fashion trends whilst exploring unique textures AHEAD IN THE CLOUDS partnership values and entrepreneurial and colours. spirit, and am pleased to be part of a Simon Jacobs, head of sales for Iris Visioncare has added a paper-free company which aims to support not only Luxottica UK and Ireland, said: “Vogue update to its cloud-based patient the survival of independent practices but Eyewear continues to offer exceptional membership programme (PMP) software. the growth of them.” The patient sign-up process is now Iris Visioncare’s PMP is designed to Luxottica quality and Italian design at a completely paper free, saving both time support independent practices in price point patients will welcome.” and print costs for existing practices. standardising income, increasing The company has also appointed competitiveness and control over their MARNI EYEWEAR DEAL Hannah Carter as business executive support. business. She said: “I join Iris with a strong belief in www.iris-visioncare.co.uk Marni and Marchon have signed a new global licensing agreement that will see the development, production and TASTE FOR BRITISH LUXURY distribution of the Marni Eyewear British luxury brand Dunhill, part of the Richemont Group, and De Rigo Vision have collections under the design and creative announced an exclusive license agreement for the design, production and worldwide direction of Consuelo Castiglioni. distribution of the Dunhill-branded optical and sun collection. The two companies will launch the new Michele Aracri, managing director of De Rigo Vision, said: “We are very pleased to men’s and women’s lines in spring/summer begin this new and exciting partnership with such a prestigious brand as Dunhill, which is 2016 with a full range of styles for both synonymous with elegance and luxury. We will use De Rigo’s expertise to develop an optical frames and sunglasses. The eyewear collection reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality and heritage with a collections will retail in Marni stores as contemporary sophistication of design”. well as in select optical retail locations and The collection will debut at the beginning of 2016. fashion multi-brand channels worldwide.

CET ON OCT Discussion and Workshop – each regeneration for the University of designed to offer practitioners with varied Manchester and director of the There will be CET available for dispensing levels of experience in-depth, practical Manchester Vision Regeneration (MVR) Lab opticians at Topcon’s first ever National assistance on optimising the use of their at NIHR/ Wellcome Trust Manchester CRF. OCT Conference on November 22 and 23 own OCT. Dr Scott Mackie will lead the peer at the Metropole Hotel, Birmingham. A keynote lecture on ‘The evolution of discussion stream, covering common and Delegates can choose to attend one OCT’ will be given by Professor Paulo unusual OCT pathologies. of five conference streams: Beginners, Stanga of Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Find out more at Intermediate/Advanced, Business, Peer professor of ophthalmology and retinal www.nationaloctconference.co.uk

Dispensing Optics NOVEMBER 2015 15 NEWS ENDURING peaks – Point Austria, difficult; the level of Pequeno Alpamayo, Hyauna endurance was quite NEW HEIGHTS Potosi and Illimani. challenging actually and I FOR SIGHT The intense 22-day felt I was ready to give up experience included on numerous occasions. Topcon area sales manager, acclimatisation and glacier “But after the last Luke Wyndham, has raised training. Luke said: one was done, I was ready more than £2,000 for “Even after months and to do the first one again Vision Aid Overseas and months of training and and enjoy it more as Optometry Giving Sight by preparation I did find the looking back it seemed Luke Wyndham of Topcon climbing Bolivia’s four whole experience quite really easy!”

DURABILITY IN VISION and DuraVision Silver coatings are dirt- green AR-coated Zeiss lenses. resistant and feature an oleophobic and Peter Robertson, Carl Zeiss Vision DuraVision Silver is the newest addition super-hydrophobic coat, which allows fluid marketing and communications director, to Car Zeiss Vison’s portfolio of coatings, and dirt to easily bead on and then roll off said: “With the refreshed Zeiss DuraVision with DuraVision Platinum remaining its the lens. The lenses also offer anti-reflective Premium Coatings portfolio, our customers most premium, hard and scratch properties, with their blue reflex colour are able to offer patients the best possible resistant coating. producing more than 20 per cent less products to suit their need of clearer vision, Zeiss lenses with DuraVision Platinum luminous reflectance than conventional durability, as well as improved appearance.”

Obituary Elvin Montlake FADO (Hons) CL, (Hons) LVA, FFDO Elvin is presented with By Rosemary Bailey and Jo Underwood the Hamblin Memorial Prize by James Russell in 2004

It is with much sadness that the death is distance-learning tutor in contact lenses for Association and to the dispensing profession, announced of Elvin Montlake on 22 the Association of Dispensing Opticians and in service to the Association’s Academic September 2015, after a bravely fought (ADO) in 1975. He lectured in dispensing Committee. An ABDO Low Vision Award for battle with cancer. practice and contact lens practice at City the highest combined mark in the low vision One of the gentlemen of dispensing College from the 1960s, and in 1991 his theory exams is given in his name and he optics, Elvin began his training in 1958 visiting lecturer role became full time, was delighted to present the inaugural prize whilst working for E.B. Meyrowitz in Old ending when the College moved to the in 2013. Bond Street. He studied at Northampton Dame Alice Owen building in Goswell Road Apart from his optics career, Elvin was College where the first two years of lectures in 2000. He continued to lecture in the UK an avid sports enthusiast with a special were held jointly for both Ophthalmic and and the Far East for a further 10 years. interest in cricket and his particular Dispensing Opticians. He qualified in 1962 Elvin began examining for the Faculty (a favourite, football, holding the role of and went on to complete his contact lens joint examining body formed by the British referee until well after retirement – and training at City College and gained his Optical Association and the Worshipful always supporting Tottenham Hotspur. He (Hons) CL in 1972. Company of Spectacle Makers) when it was loved jazz and in later years to travel, never Elvin combined practice, initially in formed in 1980 and when the ADO and the refusing the opportunity to do so Kilburn and later in Harley Street and Faculty amalgamated to form the throughout the world whether for business Princes Risborough, with a Hospital Eye Association of British Dispensing Opticians or pleasure, especially to the USA to meet Service (HES) clinic at Stoke Mandeville and in 1986, Elvin continued to examine for the with his sister Mavis. He was the expert on Charing Cross Hospitals. He moved to ABDO in Dispensing, Low Vision and Contact European city breaks, which he so enjoyed company management when his practice Lens Practice, the latter in both Certificate with Phillipa over the last 20 years and was became part of the Pearle Vision Group in and Advanced level. the person responsible for introducing many 1981, and transferred his clinical practice to His balanced view and wise counsel lead of us to the joys of afternoon tea. Wimpole Street until Pearle Vision became him to be involved in the training and He was a devoted family man, caring for part of the Dollond & Aitchison Group. auditing of examiners and the maintenance his mother until her death at the age of 101 Elvin maintained clinical practice of examining standards. He established, in in 2005, and was justly proud of his sons, throughout his career in contact lenses and collaboration with Albert Dowie, the ABDO encouraging them to develop careers in law low vision, including fitting complex lenses LV (Hons) qualification and was Coordinator and finance – and in recent years adored his within the HES at the Western Eye Hospital, of the Low Vision Honours Diploma young grandchildren. Paddington and Charing Cross Hospital until examinations until 2010. Elvin will be greatly missed for his he ceased working due to illness in 2012. Elvin was awarded the Hamblin humility, love of people and life by his Elvin always loved to share his Memorial Prize in 2004 for services to the friends, colleagues and ex-students. Sincere knowledge and enthusiasm of his subject to profession, and Life Membership of the condolences are extended to his family, the next generation of dispensing and Association in 2010 in appreciation of the especially his partner Phillipa and his sons contact lens opticians, and he became a major contribution he had made to the Andrew and Matthew and their families.

16 Dispensing Optics NOVEMBER 2015 NEWS New research through a pilot study is FOCUS exposing the poor state of eyecare for adults with learning disabilities

Pilot exposes sight loss link

ore than half the people with learning disabilities seen in specialist sight tests experience an eye health issue and almost Mtwo thirds require spectacles, reveal results from a recent pilot in London. The Tri-Borough pilot and its findings are the result of collaboration between national charity, SeeAbility, and the Local Optical Committee Support Unit (LOCSU). These undetected eye problems could lead to reduced independence and poorer quality of life for these individuals, and the organisations are calling on clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) to introduce more specialist eyecare pathways for this group across the UK. The standard sight test is not always accessible for people with learning disabilities GREATLY INCREASED RISKS Currently, five CCGs have commissioned and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham and optical world about the pathway and to the services, which offer longer, specially Westminster. The pathway involves local share the message across the country. We adapted sight tests for people with learning optometrists providing specially adapted want to talk to Local Eye Health Networks disabilities. Katrina Venerus, managing sight tests, accessible for people with (LEHNs) about the pilot; LEHNs are still director of LOCSU, said: “People with learning learning disabilities. People and their carers putting together eye health needs disabilities are 10 times more likely to have prepare by using SeeAbility’s ‘Telling the assessments and we want to see needs of serious sight problems than other people. optometrist about me’ form, including a people with learning disabilities included. The Tri-Borough pilot identified a high familiarisation visit to the practice where “The Tri-Borough Pilot will help people prevalence of treatable eye conditions such appropriate. More time is allowed for the consider the services in their area – are as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy sight test, for further familiarisation, they easy to identify, what sort of and keratoconus.” explaining procedures and equipment to experience do people have, is there a way The concern is that if left unidentified both the patient and supporting carers at that they can feed back so they can see and untreated, these eye conditions will the time of the sight test, and the pathway what is going well and what could be done worsen and lead to higher health and social also includes repeat visits to complete to improve access? The big call from the care costs. With so many people with procedures where needed. pilot is that there is clear evidence of eye learning disabilities not receiving regular In the study, 30 per cent of participants health issues in this group, a strong need eyecare, the risks of sight loss for this group were referred on to their GP or Hospital Eye for glasses, and a tried and tested pathway are greatly increased. Service for an eye health or other health already available. “SeeAbility is aware that the standard issue. Following their sight test, 63 per cent “We want CCGs around the country to sight test is not always accessible for of individuals are wearing prescribed work with LOCs and LEHNs to consider people who have learning disabilities. Many glasses. For 50 per cent of people the date implementing the pathway. We are working people need the optometrist to allow them of their previous sight test was more than with LOCSU to produce more resources to more time in order to establish their needs, two years ago or unknown. help implementation. Please do get in touch to explain testing procedures and to Stephen Kill, national manager for with SeeAbility to talk about how we can communicate results in a clear and eyecare and vision for SeeAbility, work together,” added Stephen. accessible manner,” explained David Scott- commented: “It was great to have the The Tri-Borough report is available at Ralphs, chief executive of SeeAbility. opportunity to test the pathway within the www.seeability.org/triborough and the The SeeAbility-led pilot of the LOCSU three London boroughs. We achieved 104 LOCSU Pathway can be found at eyecare pathway carried out 104 sight tests sight tests, which has created the evidence www.locsu.co.uk. The pilot was funded with in the London Tri-Borough areas of Kensington for the next steps. We want to tell the the support of the LOC Central Fund.

Dispensing Optics NOVEMBER 2015 17 New season sensations Freshen up your practice displays this autumn/winter with a selection of new season eyewear styles

CHIC STYLES FOR EVERYDAY WEAR A fashionable frame collection with quality ladies’ models at “exceptional prices”, Mai-Zee from Norville is designed as the perfect eyewear accessory for everyday wear. Eight new releases incorporate the latest fashions with decorative detailing and chic styling. Patients can choose from a selection of full rim, supra, rounded and angular eye shapes. MZ047 (pictured) is a metal etched, rounded eye shape with acetate temples featuring rhinestone embellishments. This model is available in wine and brown and comes in a 52 eye size. One of Noville’s new Mai-Zee frames FEMININE FOCUS FOR COSTELLOE COLLECTION Dunelm Optical has released four new styles for women in its latest optical collection with Paul Costelloe. Using colour and texture to flatter and celebrate feminine style, the four new models are a mix of two modern muted metals and two contemporary acetates. Model PC5147 (pictured) presents a retro, rounded front in traditional colours with a metal plaited side. Peter Beaumont, director at Dunelm, said: “The latest female styles echo plenty of signature Costelloe traits, including classic colours, Paul Costelloe adds sophisticated shapes and beautiful detailing. It’s subtle statement eyewear feminine appeal that we know will be popular with Paul’s dedicated customer base.”

FOCUS ON SEEING SPORT BETTER Nike Vision’s product line continues to expand with an array of new optical styles that maintain the same attention to detail and ultimate focus on the athlete, providing premium quality eyewear to help ‘See sport better’. Male model Nike 6060 blends athletic inspiration and innovation; this modified rectangle shape features a lightweight titanium top bar frame design for superior durability. The style features minimal snap-on nose pads for adjustability and comfort, as well as adjustable rubber temple sleeves that provide additional grip, ensuring the eyewear stays on. The enamel filled Nike swoosh logo is displayed on the outer temples giving a Athletic inspiration: Nike 6060 in branded finish. Satin Black/Gym Red The Nike 6060 is available in Satin Black/Gym Red (pictured), Satin Gunmetal/Black and Satin Walnut/Cargo Khaki.

FRENCH FASHION LABEL EXPANDS Orange Eyewear has bolstered its Guy Laroche range with a string of striking designs. Appealing to those seeking a more unique look, the French label eyewear is available exclusively to independent practices. Among the new designs is ladies acetate model GL76256, with a retro eye shape and contrasting pastel acetate sides. The mazucchelli acetate features a three-dimensional marble pattern in striking colour combinations with subtle branding on the temples. The frame is available in size 53 x 16 x 135 and in three other colours: crimson, rose mottle and black/cream. Hanna Nussbaum, managing director of Orange Eyewear, said: “It’s Retro eye shape from exciting to be working with such an iconic fashion brand as Guy Laroche Guy Laroche from which the eye-catching designs are proving very popular.”

18 Dispensing Optics NOVEMBER 2015 A/W FRAMES

The Covington in Green Pearl PEARLESCENT FRAME IS A JEWEL IN COLLECTION Ogi Eyewear has added the Covington to its Seraphin collection: a feminine, pearlescent frame in a universally flattering shape. Representing pure elegance, poised pearly hues grant a marbled appearance. Taking a classic rectangular shape to the next level with a distinguished swooping brow, the frame is available in four jewel- toned colours: Green, Black, Red and Purple Pearl. Seraphin banners, logo blocks and counter cards are available upon request in the UK from Carina Eyewear.

NEW DANISH DESIGN WITH A VINTAGE TWIST With a nod to the past, KLiiK Denmark has launched a series of round, stainless steel models in keeping with the retro trend that has seemingly taken over the fashion world. Style K-547 (pictured) is an acetate frame in rich, marbled tortoise hues. The square eye shape and end-piece rivets give this modern, feminine KLiiK Denmark style K-547 style an effortlessly on-trend look that hints at its retro inspiration. The colour pallet of smoke marble, camel marble, red marble and brown marble is bold but wearable with just a hint of its tortoise roots. Launched in 2003, KLiiK Denmark is designed for the petite consumer who understands the connection between style and statement. The collection is available in the UK from Ridgway Optical.

EXTRAVAGANT DESIGNS FOR AUTUMN The autumn/winter 2015 Joop! eyewear collection for men and women from Menrad provides fashion-forward inspiration with trendy colour schemes and a touch of extravagance. Model 83208 (pictured) is a stylish frame designed to accentuate the wearer’s features. The Joop! brand’s distinctive trademark – the cornflower – is used as a creative decor element on the temples – and the frame is available in three colour combinations: red brown/gold, light grey/dark grey New designs from leading and pink antique/rose. German brand Joop!

URBAN APPEAL WITH NEW SHAPES AND COLOURS New colours and shapes for 2016 in Silhouette’s award winning collection, Urban Lite, have been unveiled. Model 1562 (pictured) is a rounded feminine shape with lifted upper line, while model 2891 is a masculine quattro shape. Both styles feature ultra-thin rims, proven hinge technology, smooth sliding properties and maintenance-free durability plus the introduction of integrated nose pads for a selection of the models. They weigh just 4.1 grams, 40 per cent lighter than the average plastics, and the added benefit of Silhouette’s SPX means they keep their shape and colours stay vibrant. New colours include Cranberry Red, Oyster Grey and Navy Blue in men’s styles and Ruby Red, Soft Jade, Lilac Blue, Peachy Nude, Fuchsia and Marsala in the women’s frames. The Urban Lite Frame was awarded the renowned IF Design Award for excellent design and outstanding design achievements in 2015. The December issue will showcase a range of new products for the practice. New Urban Lite model 1562

Dispensing Optics NOVEMBER 2015 19 CET COMPETENCIES COVERED Dispensing opticians: Communication, Professional Conduct, Paediatric Dispensing Optometrists: Communication, Professional Conduct

Safe and sure care for vulnerable groups by Jane Cohen FBDO

his article is aimed at providing THE TYPICAL PATIENT carer/guardian need not return for any practical advice to any optician There is no such thing as a typical paediatric unnecessary re-checks; and that therefore who works with paediatric, patient; the one common factor is that the (c) the next visit need not take place unless vulnerable or special needs patients that are seen have need of a or until there is a change in prescription, or patients and, in particular, spectacle or contact lens correction. It might for the ordinary follow-up check. thoseT with irreversible and life-limiting also be the case that the patient will also disabilities. In providing practical advice, have a whole range of other disabilities – APPROACH TO DISPENSING the article also makes reference to current multiple in many cases. AND THE LAW law and practice. The disabilities may range from deafness, In this next section, this article concentrates autism, brain injury, cerebral palsy and on the patient who is a child patient: however, INTRODUCTION epilepsy; through to abuse of the foetus the comments included here apply equally A typical High Street practice will see such as foetal alcohol spectrum disorders to vulnerable adults of any age. A vulnerable adults and children who come in for an eye (caused by alcohol abuse); birth defects adult is someone aged 18 or over and who examination and sight test. High street (caused by drug abuse in pregnancy); and is broadly defined as being a person: “who is practices and, in particular, those fortunate unexplained deformities, such as microtia or may be in need of community care services enough to be able to schedule back-to back (the absence to some degree of part or all by reason of mental or other disability, age appointments for their patients, may only of the external, and sometimes the interior, or illness; and who is or maybe unable to rarely deal with a patient who has sight ear) – either unilateral or bilateral. take care of himself or herself, or unable to impairment and other disorders, learning In terms of age spectrum, the patient protect himself or herself against significant and/or physical disabilities, mental health might range from the 14-day-old baby who harm or exploitation”1. difficulties, acquired brain injury and life might be seen in a neo-natal ward, or limiting conditions. paediatric out-patients’ department, to the SAFEGUARDING GENERALLY Those who dispense to children and 18-year-old adult who visits with his For vulnerable adults, their safeguarding vulnerable groups need first and foremost guardian/carer in clinic. rights are codified in Safeguarding to have the following attributes: Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, the Care Act • Patience THE IMPERATIVE 2014, and other related laws and best • Dedication In this connection, the paediatric dispensing practice notes. Safeguarding children and • Experience optician must provide a tailor-made, the disabled young person is also codified • Time dedicated service to the patient, taking the into law2. Regretfully, this is because These qualities are the dispensing time required to ensure that the equality of human rights is not a natural optician’s measurement of value to the physiological and emotional needs of the and automatic entitlement of the human patient and of mutual reward. Unfortunately, patient are catered for. The optician must race. Safeguarding is required because: there is a conflict here with the commercial also ensure that: (a) the patient has a sense “every child can be hurt, put at risk of harm and budgetary constraints of the retail of wellbeing after the dispense has been or abused, regardless of their age, gender, sector world, and the NHS. made; (b) both the patient and his religion or ethnicity.”

This article has been approved for 1 CET point by the GOC. It is open to all FBDO members, and associate member optometrists. The multiple-choice questions (MCQs) for this month’s CET are available online only, to comply with the GOC’s Good Practice Guidance for this type of CET. Insert your answers to the six MCQs online at www.abdo.org.uk. After log-in, go to ‘CET Online’. Questions will be presented in random order. Please ensure that your email address and GOC number are up-to-date. The pass mark is 60 per cent. The C-42038 answers will appear in the January 2016 issue of Dispensing Optics. The closing date is 12 December 2015.

20 Dispensing Optics NOVEMBER 2015 Safeguarding legislation and government experienced or read about an incident of guidance says that safeguarding means: abuse or neglect, and want to make sure it • protecting children from maltreatment; does not happen again; and to show that • preventing impairment of children’s the practice is responsible and has pride in health or development; its work. • ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the PRACTICAL ASPECTS WHEN provision of safe and effective care; and SEEING A PATIENT • taking action to enable all children and young people to have the best INTERACTING WITH THE PATIENT outcomes”3; and The standard approach to be taken by a • “the action we take to promote the dispensing optician practising in a paediatric welfare of children and protect them clinic or a special needs school must be to from harm – is everyone’s responsibility. treat every patient with dignity, kindness, Everyone who comes into contact with due respect, as well as the same level of children and families has a role to play”4 courtesy as any other patient from any Every organisation is required to have other walk of life would demand. policies and procedures in place for When seeing a vulnerable adult or a child, Figure 1: Special needs child with narrow face and long LTB safeguarding and child protection. In this and in particular one with special needs, it connection, the Optical Confederation is vital to greet the patient using eye issued its updated Guidance in August contact. This will, in general, put the patient them absolutely clear vision. Manage the 20145. A summary of the guidance is set at ease, and will have the same calming patient and the carer/guardian’s expectations. out below. The guidance is very much a impact on the person who has brought the It is neither helpful nor fair to promise procedural note, although before looking at patient, such as a carer, parent, or guardian something that is not achievable. the guidelines there is one other area that (carer/guardian). Someone, perhaps in a wheelchair, who must not be overlooked. It is paramount to the appointment for is visually impaired, might be vulnerable. the patient and their carer/guardian, to feel However, he or she need not necessarily be THE DBS CHECK at ease. So greetings can be an important incapable of making their own decisions. One of the matters that is absent from the part of gaining the patient and his carer/ Equally there needs to be an awareness that guidelines is the legal requirement that all guardian’s trust. Making eye contact with a the person accompanying the patient might employers must require any person who is patient also enables the practitioner to not know all of the patient’s needs. Thus, working with a child, in particular in the visually assess any specific physical defects, when a carer/guardian says that: “He does context of a paediatric clinic, special needs and potential behavioural issues that she or not read, so does not need reading glasses”, school, or a community centre, is to take he will need to consider whilst selecting the carer/guardian may not have taken into and pass a Disclosure and Barring Service and measuring appropriate frames and account the patient’s need for spectacles to (DBS) check. A DBS check has replaced what lenses to be made up to the optometrist’s see the food on the plate that is in front of was formerly called a Criminal Records or ophthalmologist’s prescription. him or her. Likewise, the carer/guardian who Bureau (CRB) check. The purpose of a DBS Talking to the patient will give the says: “He does not watch TV” does not check, and of its forerunner, is to help dispensing optician a measure of the mean that the patient who sits for hours employers make safer recruitment decisions intelligence and understanding of the on end near a window looking out at the and prevent unsuitable people from working patient. It is always too easy to assume street or garden view should sit with with vulnerable groups, including children. that a patient sitting in a wheelchair with uncorrected vision. bad vision (say) is incapable of OPTICAL CONFEDERATION GUIDANCE understanding what is said, or that the DISPENSING A PAIR OF SPECTACLES The aim of the Optical Confederation patient is not equipped with the powers of By the very nature of their disabilities, Guidance is to set down in several parts: making a decision. vulnerable children and adults can often how to be vigilant, able to recognise and In terms of practicalities, it is critical have heads with measurements out of the report abuse if staff are worried, and to that there a good clear space for both a normal range. Examples will include (1) help keep patients safe; how to identify wheelchair and also some chair space for patients with narrow head width, and (2) vulnerable individuals at risk of the accompanying carer/guardian next to patients with overly wide heads. In the case radicalisation; the responsibilities of optical the dispensing desk, so that both are seated of (1), long LTB (length to bend) is required practices, practitioners and staff under the in front of you. (Figure 1). In the case of (2) this requires a law, ensuring that all staff are familiar with If possible, take the time to have a good short LTB (Figure 2). this guidance and know what to do if they look at any notes provided before greeting For this reason, it will often be that the suspect or observe signs or symptoms of them. Take into account the patient’s visual dispensing optician will need to cut or suspected abuse, neglect or radicalisation; acuities. It is no good assuming that the lengthen sides; or extra-long sides may and to ensure that they have completed patient, once issued with a new pair of need to be ordered in this situation. It also appropriate training for safeguarding glasses, will achieve 6/6 vision if the best needs to be ensured that sides are file-able, children and vulnerable adults. vision achievable is 6/24. Nor is it helpful to if necessary, to allow for pantoscopic tilt, The additional reasons for applying the the patient if the best that they can see is side angle and angle of letback of the guidance are: to ensure that your public the 6/18 line at present and then to frame, where the head measurements liability insurance remains valid; you have promise that their new spectacles will give require this to fit with the patient’s profile.

Dispensing Optics NOVEMBER 2015 21 Continuing Education and Training

It is a good opportunity, whilst dispensing, to teach carers/guardians how to put on and remove a disabled person’s frame. This is especially the case where there is a back strap attached to the frame. Placing and removing a disabled person’s frame is only one issue: it is important that the carer/guardian also learns to communicate to the patient that the frame is going to be removed. In certain cases, it be quite frightening to the patient to suddenly have their glasses removed without an explanation given to the patient that this is about to happen. When putting on a frame with a back strap, carers/guardians need to be asked if they know how to put on the Figure 2: Special needs child with Figure 3: Using side locks to frame, and be given an explanation at the wide face and short LTB stabilise a frame same time. The explanation might be accompanied by way of a demonstration to Care must be taken to measure both in order to make eyes look more evenly the carer/guardian on how to put the strap right and left LTB separately, as these may sized. on the back of the head first and then pull well be different from each other. Ears If there is a head and neck support on the frame down over the head (Figures 4a, could also be at different heights, so side the wheelchair, and if the wheelchair user 4b, 4c). joints must be adjustable. The same has jerky movements, caused by lack of Also, to preserve the longevity of the comments apply where the patient’s muscle control, for example, in a patient frame, an explanation could be given on cheeks/cheek bones are set high. with cerebral palsy, then a wide spectacle how to remove it. Frame removal should A note should be made if the patient’s frame might not be advisable. This is not be undertaken from the side, but rather eyes are exophthalmic, or if they are inset because when a patient turns his or her from the front of the head; to avoid putting more than the average. Perhaps, one eye is head to one side, the frame is likely to hit a strain on the joints and side. Strain will exophthalmic or the opposite and is deep- the support and vision will be distorted. inevitably lead to them going out of shape set, whilst the other is not so much. So, Often, the bridge will dig into the patient’s and breaking. On a totally different matter, vertex distance (VD) needs to be taken on nose. A further idea might be to consider a but one which is simple but practical, is to both sides. If the patient only has viable frame with a silicon or soft bridge, because recommend the selection of a frame that is vision in one eye and one eye is smaller a pad-bridge frame might cause discomfort. easily washable, depending on the needs than the other (for example, because Jerky movements mean that a frame and circumstances. muscles have withered around the non- can be snatched off, so strong joints are a DOs or optometrists need to ensure used or damaged eye), do not discount the must, making it more robust and less likely that not only is the prescription accurately idea of using a much higher plus to break. Consider a back strap, curl sides or made but that the frames sit comfortably, prescription, or a less minus prescription to a pair of frame locks for the sides, to help too. Often, vulnerable people cannot camouflage the size difference in the eyes, them stay in place (Figure 3). express themselves clearly. So if in doubt,

Figure 4c: Removal by holding the Figure 4a: Parent putting on a strap Figure 4b: The frame settled on the frame at the front and pulling up at back first and then over the head nose and ears the front first and latterly at the back

22 Dispensing Optics NOVEMBER 2015 ask the opinion of a colleague in your Dispensing opticians who work with safeguarding_matter.aspx (Accessed 12 practice. One needs to be mindful of how vulnerable patients can feel a sense of June 2015) difficult it can be arranging for a vulnerable achievement in doing everything in their 4. HM Government. Working together to person and or a person in a wheelchair to power to ensure that their patients are both safeguard children [online] 2013. get to an appointment, so multiple visits comfortable wearing their frames, and that Available at https://www.gov.uk/ to the optician might not be practical, their spectacle or contact lens correction government/uploads/system/uploads/ therefore the dispense, as always, must be provides them with the best possible vision. attachment_data/file/419595/Working_ as close to perfect as possible on the The objective must always be to enhance Together_to_Safeguard_Children.pdf first visit. their quality of life. (Accessed 12 June 2015) One idea would be to adjust the frame 5. Optical Confederation. Guidance on to fit the patient whilst she or he is in the REFERENCES Safeguarding and the Prevent Strategy: practice, so that the completed spectacles 1. Department of Health. No Secrets: Protecting Children and Vulnerable Adults. can be posted to, or collected by, the Guidance on developing and implementing [online] 2014 carer/guardian, or collected with a very multi-agency policies and procedures to http://www.opticalconfederation.org.uk/ short appointment. Be aware that protect vulnerable adults from abuse downloads/guidance/oc-safeguarding- paediatric dispensing must be supervised by [online] 2000, updated 2015. Available at guidance-and-the-prevent-strategy- a registrant at every stage, including the https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/ 2014.pdf (Accessed 12 June 2015) spectacle collection. system/uploads/attachment_data/file/ A special needs child or vulnerable 194272/No_secrets__guidance_on_ JANE COHEN FBDO has worked as a adult is unlikely to, and often cannot, developing_and_implementing_multi- dispensing optician for more than 30 complain. Indeed, what they might very agency_policies_and_procedures_to_ years and has dispensed both in a well do instead is refuse to wear the protect_vulnerable_adults_from_abuse.pdf thriving house practice and in retail glasses, try to pull them off or jerk away to Section 2.3 (Accessed 12 June 2015) practices. Jane also specialises in avoid wearing them. Sometimes it can be a 2. Children Act 1989, revised 2004 [online] providing paediatric dispensing services matter of guesswork to find out why the Available at http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ at the Western Eye and St Mary’s patient will not wear the spectacles. The ukpga/1989/41/contents (Accessed 12 Hospitals in London and acts in a fitting should be re-checked to ensure that June 2015) consultancy role as an optician for the frames fit correctly without causing 3. Safenetwork. [Homepage] Date unknown. SeeAbility, a registered charity that pain or soreness, or that the lenses are not Available at http://www.safenetwork.org. supports children who have a diverse creating distortion. uk/getting_started/pages/why_does_ range of multiple needs.

Frequently asked questions answered by Kim Devlin FBDO (Hons) CL

CAN I REPORT A PATIENT WHO WON’T So, what has changed? If it could be considered to be in WEAR DRIVING SPECS? the interest of public safety, say the patient was a regular driver of a minibus taking children to school, then the Some time ago I answered a query from a member about professional may notify the DVLA of their concern. reporting a patient for refusing to buy/wear driving This is not a step to be taken lightly. It is still a breach spectacles. The same query came up again recently and of confidentiality but may only be excused in such serious Kim Devlin reminded me that ABDO’s advice on this matter has circumstances. If such a situation were to occur, very recently changed, in line with the advice from the careful thought and discussion would be needed between is chair of Optical Confederation and the College of Optometrists. all members of the practice team. It might also be advisable ABDO’s It can be found under Advice and Guidelines 2.18.1 on to contact the professional body of the professional making Advice and the ABDO website, www.abdo.org.uk the report. Guidelines It was always the case that neither an optometrist nor a We are all aware that visual acuity is not a static state; Working dispensing optician could report a patient for driving it may be dependent on the lighting, the patient’s general without the correct spectacles. This was because it was health and the road conditions at the time. Group considered a breach of confidentiality, and what had been The right to drive is something that is held very dear discussed in the consulting room and recorded on a especially by those who have held a licence for many years. patient’s file could not be disclosed to anyone else without While all other road users have the right to drive, safe from the consent of the patient; much the same as with drivers with deficient sight, it is still something to only medical records. contemplate in very serious circumstances.

Past FAQs are available for reference on the ABDO website at http://www.abdo.org.uk/frequently-asked-questions

Dispensing Optics NOVEMBER 2015 23 Multiple choice answers: MCAs An overview of paediatric dispensing Part 1: Frames and faces by Andrew Cripps FBDO

1. Which statement is FALSE regarding the development 4. Complete the sentence correctly. The length of drop of facial features? on a child’s frame should be: a. Projection is likely to become more positive a. carefully adjusted to 35mm b. Crest height will tend to become more positive b. the same length as the equivalent curl side c. Frontal angle will decrease c. adapted to the individual d. Splay angle will increase d. the same measurement for right and left d is the correct answer. Splay angle will tend to c is the correct answer. As with the length to bend, it decrease as the nasal bone structure develops. may be that a different drop is required for the right and left sides depending on individual features. 2. The facial measurement ‘Bridge Projection’ is defined as: a. The minimum horizontal distance between the back plane 5. Complete the sentence correctly. Single component of the front and the centre of the back of the bridge bridges are sometimes preferred to pads on arms b. The horizontal distance between the assumed spectacle because: plane and the extremities of the lashes in their most a. they are made of a softer material protruding position b. single components are less likely to break c. The maximum horizontal distance between the front of c. they have a positive crest height the frame and the centre of the back of the bridge d. weight can be distributed more evenly d. The distance measured in the assumed spectacle plane d is the correct answer. Single components can be between the lower limbus and nasal crest made to fit in the same way as a regular bridge. b is the correct answer. Option (a) is the frame measurement, (c) is not a measurement relating to the face 6. An ideal spectacle frame for children would be: and (d) relates to the crest height. a. an adult’s style where the measurements have been reduced accordingly 3. Complete the sentence correctly. A frame crest height b. the child’s favourite frame style of +2mm indicates: c. one which is acceptable to the child, the parents and the a. the bridge is inset practitioner b. the optical centres should be lowered by 1mm d. the cheapest available as they are replaced frequently c. eye lashes will not touch the back of the spectacle lens c is the correct answer. If the frame does not fit, d. the mid-point of the lower edge of the bridge is above HCL is unsuitable for the prescription, or if it is not acceptable d is the correct answer. The other options do not relate by the child or the parents, it is unlikely the child will to crest height. persevere. To download, print or save your CET result letter, go to go letter, CET result your or save print download, To www.abdo.org.uk. Log-in and go to ‘View your CET record’. your ‘View to and go Log-in www.abdo.org.uk.

SMALL RISE IN SIGHT TESTS patients for a private sight test, excluding ‘no charge’, discounts and special offers, increased to £26 (from £25.18 CARRIED OUT in 2012-13); the average interval between sight tests The number of NHS sight tests carried out in the UK in increased to 25 months (from 24 months in 2012-13); the proportion of re-glazed spectacles decreased to 7.7 per 2013-14 rose (by 3.6 per cent) to 16.027 million (from cent (from 9.8 per cent in 2012-13); the annual contact 15.47 million in 2012-13) according to the 2013 and lens care fee remained the same £42.53; and the 2014 editions of Optics at a Glance published by the percentage of people on a contact lens regular payment Optical Confederation (OC). scheme decreased to 55 per cent (from 60.2 per cent in The report also showed that for the year ending 31 2012-13). March 2014, domiciliary sight tests in England rose by 5.2 According to the Association of Contact Lens per cent, and rose even further in Wales by 10.2 per cent. In Manufacturers, the percentage of contact lens wearers Northern Ireland, however, domiciliary sight tests decreased remained the same, at nine per cent of the adult by 8.3 per cent. population. Results from an OC members’ survey for the year Optics at a Glance can be downloaded from the ABDO ending 31 March 2014 showed that: the average charge to website, www.abdo.org.uk

24 Dispensing Optics NOVEMBER 2015 SPECIAL This month Antonia Chitty explores how to OPTICS best meet the dispensing needs of patients with learning disabilities

Adapting to patients’ abilities

ow do you feel when who was waiting, a mother to a child with someone with learning cerebral palsy, said loudly, ‘I’m going to read disabilities comes into your a book – would anyone like to join me?’ The practice? Read on to find boy became interested in what she was out how to make it a reading. After a moment she said, ‘How positiveH experience for everyone… about Jane puts your glasses on you now?’ Preparation makes all the difference to and he was fine. a good experience at the opticians. Imagine “Later I asked her, ‘What did I do that you are someone with learning wrong?’ She said, ‘You were patronising – disabilities walking into your practice for you talked to him as if he had special the first time. Perhaps you have to wait for needs.’ Now, I don’t panic if someone is in a 20 minutes in a space where there is wheelchair – I treat them like anyone else. nothing to do. Maybe you are whisked into Stephen Kill of SeeAbility Even if they don’t understand, I face them a room with a stranger, you don’t and talk to them. Everybody relaxes and the to help the person and their carer prepare. understand what they are saying, then they carer realises that you care.” An advance visit can help you start to switch off the lights and shine a torch in Dispensing optician, Katherine Goodyear, assess a person’s dispensing needs too. your face. says: “I used to do domiciliary work in care Consider whether they need specialised Stephen Kill is national manager for eye homes for the elderly and facilities for frames, and order in samples in advance of care and vision for SeeAbility. He says: younger people with special needs. I would their visit. “When the receptionist books an be concerned if a practitioner was Sometimes you may need to make appointment, ensure that they ask if there patronising – you need to talk to people adaptations so someone with special needs is anything that staff should know about normally. I would take the time to chat like can have a good examination. Stephen Kill the person. This gives the carer an you would to anyone else. Be relaxed and says: “Ask the person and their carer to fill opportunity to mention a learning calm. If you are someone new they may be in the SeeAbility form, ‘Telling the disability. The person may find it hard to uneasy so be friendly and smile. If someone optometrist about me’. This helps the wait and may need to book when they can is there with a carer always direct your person prepare, and flags up if they don’t be seen quickly. Someone who struggles questions to the person first. The carer will like bright lights or dark conditions, whether with crowds might want to visit at a quiet know when they need to assist.” they can read, match pictures and so on. time. Someone who has never been for an Dispensing optician and low vision This enables the optometrist to tailor the eye examination may need to get used to practitioner, Stephen Golding, practices at eye examination, give reassurance and the setting. You need to take the long-term the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. He says: allow extra time. This also helps develop view so the person can access eyecare “To catch a child’s attention I might do a good links between the person with throughout life.” learning disabilities and the eyecare SeeAbility has easy-to-read information professional, so the person can engage as fully as they are able.”

SHOWING THAT YOU CARE For some people it may not be possible to do the eye examination all in one session, and others may need a separate visit to choose spectacles. Jane Cohen works at St Mary’s and the Western Eye Hospital. She advises: “Initially I didn’t have the right approach to children with special needs. I was dealing with a Aim to put yourself in the shoes child with Down’s syndrome, but I couldn’t of your patient get him to do anything. Another woman Jane Cohen

Dispensing Optics NOVEMBER 2015 25 SUPPORTING A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE It can be a challenge to make spectacles a part of the person’s routine. They may need support. Jayshree Vasani works for Action for Blind People in a clinic for adults with learning disabilities. She says: “I work with people whose carers say that they can’t manage to wear their glasses and we have to discover why. A person may have a number of issues that affect their wear, or it may be the level of vision, the fit of the frames as with any other dispense. “We had a man who was -11DS yet not wearing glasses. I spoke to the carer. I could Try to create a relaxed, friendly environment see her lightbulb moment when she realised how little he could see. I built a relationship with the person and discovered that he was Donald Duck impression. I have two glove difficult amongst an array of hospital task motivated, so I asked him to keep a diary puppets that I bring out. If a child doesn’t appointments. I find Como and Miraflex are with the incentive a specs case in his favourite want to work with me, perhaps because they useful. Miraflex needs instructions for colour, purple. He returned two weeks later have autism, I’ll let them get on with what prescription houses to be glazed extra tight and got his case, because he was wearing his they are doing. It may take several visits as frames will flex and lenses can pop out.” glasses full time. I had to think outside the before they come round. Use the child’s Stephen adds: “With very small babies I box, give him lots of attention, and give him name, and get down to their level. Even if a opt for handmade frames. I have printed a time to make it work,” concludes Jayshree. child doesn’t appear to have communication scanned frame onto card to try it for size, Stephen advises to start with short skills, they may be aware of what is going on.” and then sent the measurements to Premier periods of wear during favourite activities Optical. I’d like a 3D printer so I can make so the person feels that the spectacles help. OPEN DIALOGUE, OPEN SPACES templates to size. Within the NHS there is a He says: “If the glasses are comfortable, When it comes to dispensing, Stephen says: limited budget but it is important to give clean, fit well and look good, the person will “It is important to ensure that the person parents choice.” have a positive experience. This can help understands why they are wearing specs. When taking measurements, Jane Think about the person’s favourite them throughout the rest of their life.” advises: “Take temple width and front-to- activities, find out which programmes they For Katherine, working with people with bend as well as monocular OCs. With regard like to watch, which sport they like to play special needs has left her better prepared to lenses, I look for a high Abbe value. I and relate the glasses to this. Be positive. for day-to-day practice: “I’ve become more avoid polycarbonate as the Abbe value is Help the person be involved in choosing. compassionate and understanding. I’m low – unless they have 6/6 they won’t get Have a conversation about frames and more patient with patients.” great vision. If you have someone with low lenses that involves the carer too. Jane says: “I’ve attended ABDO events vision, steer away from aspheric because it “Carers may have the person’s best where there is training on paediatric heads, might not give as good visual acuity. I interests at heart but not understand about which is a very good idea. There is a lot of occasionally recommend anti-scratch but the benefit of different lenses,” Stephen focus on fitting, but I think there needs to continues. “Have an open dialogue and give generally not anti-reflection coatings – all it be more thought about how you approach a range of options as you would with does is give the parent extra work.” people. Imagine that your world is much anyone so the person can make a genuine Katherine suggests: “Some people prone smaller, everything is scary and noisy, and informed choice.” to seizures need helmets, so we would need you have people grabbing at you. Put “A good clear space makes it much easier to find frames with flexible sides, suitable if yourself in the position of the person in to do this sort of dispense,” advises Jane. “It they had a bump.” front of you. Say what you are going to do, doesn’t have to be a dedicated space but wait for acknowledgement, do it slowly and you need enough room for everyone to feel you will find dispenses for people with comfortable. The first thing I do is a quick special needs succeed.” look at the prescription. I discuss expectations Stephen has these final words: “Get of how they will see. I always want the visual stuck in. The only way you will learn is to acuities with and without glasses, with old get involved.” prescription and new. I talk about the type Find out more from SeeAbility at of frame that might suit and how with a www.seeability.org/sharing-knowledge. If particular face shape, you may suit certain you are interested in more work with people frames not others. with learning disabilities, add your practice “As a DO you need to take a really good to https://www.seeability.org/our-services/ look at face and ears before bringing out find-optometrist/. frames. Encourage the practice you are in to January's CET article by Kim Devlin will have suitable frames in stock, as although focus on making your practice disability- Think about how you approach patients you can get people to come back, it can be friendly.

26 Dispensing Optics NOVEMBER 2015 IN It is vital to understand and meet the PRACTICE needs of patients with hearing loss, writes Gloria McGregor

I see what you say

alking with others is one of respond when I said that I could not hear the most fundamental of what was being said. No attempt was made human interactions and is used to look at me when speaking or to ensure in so many different ways. that I had heard the instructions correctly. The sense of isolation and often When I undertook the peripheral vision test, confusionT felt by those of us with hearing I knew that I had to press the button when I loss, as a result of not being able to saw dots of light; what I did not know was fully take part, affects every aspect of that I should press the button to record the our lives. number of dots of light that I saw. Most of us with a hearing loss rely on The next time I had this test, I was able what we can see to make sense of to lipread the instructions more clearly and communication interactions. Therefore, care did it correctly – but I have often wondered of our eyesight is very important and it is about the result of the first test and the vital that we understand what we are possible implications of my completing it required to do and that we fully understand incorrectly. the results of the examination. Sometimes Don’t begin speaking to a patient until this is difficult as, with our poor hearing, we VARYING COMMUNICATION NEEDS you are face to face with them may miss or mishear important Obviously the degree of hearing loss will information. vary from person to person and so will the check that the information has been Any kind of interview or going for an communication needs. People with no followed and understood. Lipreaders are appointment can be stressful because of hearing are known as Deaf and will probably very good at appearing to have understood the worry associated with not hearing require the services of a lip speaker or a when in fact they haven’t a clue what has correctly. This starts with hearing one’s sign interpreter, whilst those with varying been said. None of us likes to look silly. name called, when in the waiting room. I degrees of hearing loss will mainly need Sensitively, check and check again have a profound hearing loss and rely on conscious action on the speaker’s part. Both throughout the appointment. my hearing aids and on my lipreading skills. will benefit from the speaker speaking Published figures show that as many as Some years ago I had a very thorough clearly and using other strategies when one in six has a hearing loss in the UK. This eye examination; the optometrist did not speaking to them. Loop systems are very useful and can be portable, enabling them represents a high proportion of patients and to be taken where they are needed. it is predicted to rise. There will be many It is important to remember that the different needs within this group. Last year lipreader needs to see the mouth at all saw the publication of the final report of times. One of the most important aspects the International Longevity Centre – UK, of speaking to someone who is hard of Commission on Hearing loss. It was a very hearing is to make sure that they can see interesting report and recommended many your face in good light. Positioning is actions for both the detection and important. If the speaker has their back to treatment of hearing loss and for the way in the window then it is difficult to lipread which those with hearing loss will be because their face is in darkness and the supported in the future. lipreader has the light in their eyes. This year sees the introduction of When having an eye examination, it will ‘accessible information standards’ to NHS be difficult because some of the tests take services. It will be mandatory by July 2016. place in a darkened room so it is necessary It covers not only hearing loss, but any to ensure the instructions are given and sensory loss so that all will be supported no understood when the speaker’s face can be matter what kind of sensory loss they have. Ensure your are facing the patient when seen. It is also important to tell the It is the duty of the NHS service provider to you first greet them lipreader what you are talking about and to ask and provide the mode of

Dispensing Optics NOVEMBER 2015 27 communication the patient requires. This good practice would be very valuable in the private sector too. Other patients, such as those with learning difficulties or those for whom English is a second language, could also benefit from this heightened awareness. The care taken by optometrists, dispensing and contact lens opticians and other staff to ensure that they are deaf- aware could make such a difference to the hard of hearing person – by enabling them to better understand what is required in the tests, the implication of the test results for their vision and spectacle/lens provision, and most of all to the quality of their experience in your consulting room.

Remember that the lipreader needs to see the mouth at all times USEFUL READING • NHS Accessible Information Standard, http://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/ patients/accessibleinfo-2/ • Hearing Loss Commission on Hearing Loss: Final Report, http://www.ilcuk.org.uk/index.php/ publications/publication_details/ commission_on_hearing_loss_final_report • www.actiononhearingloss.org • www.lipreadingpractice.co.uk

With thanks to Jane Brimelow of Williams Opticians, Saffron Walden.

A former primary school headteacher, Gloria McGregor leads lipreading support groups on a voluntary basis and has written and presented material for her lipreading website, www.lipreadingpractice. co.uk. She is a member of the Essex Hard Provide instructions when your face can be seen of Hearing Planning Group and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Educators.

FIRST HEARINGS AT meetings and other events, which the regulator has previously had to hold off- NEW GOC OFFICES site. The new offices are also set to provide The General Optical Council (GOC) has a more modern working environment for held its first fitness to practise hearings GOC staff, along with improved in its new offices at 10 Old Bailey in accessibility. Farringdon, London. A private interim Josie Lloyd, GOC director of resources, order review took place on 9 October said: “Moving our hearings to our new and the first public hearing on 12 offices in Farringdon is an important October. landmark for the GOC. Having all of our The new offices will accommodate all activities taking place under one roof will future GOC hearings in-house, as well as be of enormous benefit in ensuring we work council meetings, training, stakeholder efficiently as an organisation.”

28 Dispensing Optics NOVEMBER 2015 ABDO Great CET events, lively networking, awards and a film 2015 première proved a winning formula for the 2015 ABDO Conference and Exhibition in Manchester

On form in Manchester

eld at the new venue of Manchester Central on 20 and 21 September, the 2015 ABDO Conference and Exhibition proved to be a Hlively and enjoyable event, with one delegate describing it as “one of the best events I have ever attended”. The extensive CET programme, which included streams hosted by the Association of Optometrists and the British Contact Lens Association, received highly favourable comments from delegates and included Area 12 (Scotland), an Honorary Fellowship Cycling4Sight shown by guests at the gala keynote lectures delivered by Dr Nicola was presented Dispensing Optics’ Deanne dinner and by those delegates brave enough Logan and Dr Margaret Woodhouse (see Gray, and Life Membership was awarded to to take a short stint on the exercise bike, reports on pages 32 and 33). Optical Confederation chairman, Chris Hunt, which raised an additional decent amount. A pre-conference golf tournament, who said: “I feel deeply honoured and very Delegate feedback about the CET programme sponsored by Oakley and held at the privileged to have received such a wonderful, was, as in previous years, good and we Whitefield Golf Club on Saturday 19 totally unexpected accolade from my enjoyed a decent open discussion around September, was a great success enriched by professional peers.” blue light.” autumn sunshine. “The course looked In support of Optometry Giving Sight absolutely fantastic and soon we had a (OGS) and Optics Cycling4Sight, for which INSIGHT INTO ABDO INSIGHT little buzz around our test centre as golfers funds were also being raised on the Essilor This year’s gala dinner also featured a experienced the advantages of Oakley stand during the exhibition, gala dinner trailer heralding the première of the 2015 Prizm Golf,” said John Carroll, technical guests were invited to enter a raffle to win ABDO Insight programme produced by the representative for Oakley Europe. an Apple Watch donated by Essilor. The Association in partnership with ITN Triumphant on the day were: Paul lucky winner was Ian Wolfenden of Wolf Productions. Launched two years ago, ABDO Houston, Best Golfer; Andy Lond, Nearest to Eyewear, and a total of £1,855 was raised Insight is a news style programme the Pin; Jason Robinson, Country Mile on the night; conference organiser, Event presented by Natasha Kaplinsky that Longest Drive; Team Prize, Essilor’s Randeep Exchange, generously topped up the total reports on the latest innovations and best Gill, Brian Halliday, Kevin Skingley and to £2,500. practice in eyecare and looks at the ever- Jonathan Cohen; Brain Halliday, Best Dressed; David Shannon, OGS UK development widening role of dispensing opticians in the and David Chalmers, Booby Prize. manager, said: “ABDO certainly knows how healthcare system. to organise a wonderful conference and The new ABDO Insight film is a 32- FUNDRAISING AND AWARDS they throw a great party. With the right mix minute feature covering eight important A pre-conference welcome reception in of education and entertainment, it is not topics including children’s eyecare and ABDO’s Manchester Central Library later that evening surprising that so many of my colleagues EyecareFAQ initiative, as well as the latest ensured that the conference commenced in hold this meeting in such high regard. We updates in technology and lenses. ABDO a relaxed and convivial spirit. The well- had a fantastic time and on behalf of president, Peter Black, and vice president, attended 2015 ABDO gala dinner, sponsored Optometry Giving Sight and Vision Aid Fiona Anderson, were both interviewed for by Essilor and held at the Midland Hotel on Overseas, and the millions of people with the film on the subject of children’s eyecare, Sunday 20 September, was lively and at vision impairment due to uncorrected as well as Kevin Gutsell speaking about times emotional during the special awards refractive error, we would like to say a huge quality in optics. The film also covered presentations. thank you.” Rodenstock’s advances in lenses to deal Past ABDO president James Russell Andy Hepworth, Essilor professional with the issue of glare while driving at received the Hamblin Memorial Prize, the relations manager, added: “I was blown night. Peter Black concluded the film by ABDO Area Prize went to Brenda Rennie of away by the generosity towards Optics addressing the involvement of opticians in

Dispensing Optics NOVEMBER 2015 29 cutting A&E waiting times through schemes that allow for initial assessment of eye problems in community practices. Michael Potter, ABDO head of marketing and communications, said: “The ABDO Insight partnership provides ABDO with access to a wider audience to communicate the importance that dispensing opticians and optometrists can play in safeguarding the public’s eye health. Plans are already being formulated for the 2016 programme.” Additional interviews took place during the conference and the final version of the film can be viewed via the ABDO website, while shorter extracts are on ABDO’s Facebook page.

STUDENTS IN THE ZONE As well as an exhibition of some 30 companies, which acted as a central hub for the event, this year’s conference included a student revision zone run by Alicia Thompson, ABDO director of professional examinations, and assistant director, Miranda Richardson, with the help of a team of examiners. Almost 50 students took part over the two days, practising for their practical PQEs and FQEs. ABDO advisor to the Contact Lens Committee, Rosemary Bailey, also attended with some of the contact lens examining team to provide revision for contact lens students. Dameer, who travelled up from London to take part, said: “We covered spectacle duplication, lens measuring and looked at hand-made frames. It was great because I have my exams coming up; I hope to take them next June, and I can also use everything I’ve done in practice.” The Manchester Central venue offered plenty of space for an array of workstations including focimetry and hand neutralisation as well as frame and facial measurements. There was a wide range of frame materials available to analyse and examine, and a pop quiz over lunch on abnormal ocular conditions. Students also had the chance to see special optical appliances and low vision aids. In the afternoon, students received advice as they listened to talks on topics including developing case studies for their portfolio. Another student, Aroosa from Dewsbury, said: “I learnt a lot; I didn’t know a few of the special optical appliances and it was great to hear from the examiners about what they are looking for.” Alicia Thompson commented: “Due to the positive feedback we received, we will definitely be running the revision sessions again at least once a year.”

A WORTHWHILE EXPEDITION Speaking to Dispensing Optics after the conference, ABDO vice president, Fiona Anderson, said: “I think it was a great success; everyone I spoke to had only good things to say about the conference. I think even though the numbers were low, most of the exhibitors found it worthwhile and the CET was well received.” ABDO head of professional services and international development, Elaine Grisdale, commented: “From the feedback I've received, I think we excelled – with the social events standing out the most. The CET programme was packed full of excellent and interesting topics and speakers, and thanks to the Events Exchange team led by Alan Smith, who did an amazing job with good humour and efficiency.” Delegate, Roger Brooks, had this to say: “It was with a little trepidation that I went to the conference with the aim of completing my CET for this cycle. All of the sessions I planned to go to were relevant to my work in practice – even the one on OCT scanning, of which I thought I knew nothing. So it was an enjoyable day and I even met an old colleague I had not seen for probably 20 years or so. The amount of work that went into organising the event must have been huge, even to 'scanning' people as they went to individual sessions. Thanks again to everyone for a great day.”

Make a date in your diary for the Consultation Day with the Areas, which will take place on 18 November at the offices of the AOP in London. To register, email [email protected]

30 Dispensing Optics NOVEMBER 2015 Dispensing Optics NOVEMBER 2015 31 REPORT Myopia prevalence in Europe is now 25-30 per cent, declared Dr Nicola Logan during her keynote address at the 2015 ABDO conference. Nicky Collinson reports Taking control of myopia

s the Brien Holden Vision control myopia, including pharmacology, retina while maintaining clear central vision. Institute announces that up spectacle and contact lens correction, as Dr Logan suggested that more work in this to one billion people could be well as modifying the environment of the area was needed. Several studies also at risk of blindness by 2050 if patient. Dr Logan explained that there were supported the use of orthokeratology contact an emerging ‘myopia epidemic’ many ongoing studies at present looking lenses as well as multifocal designs of contact Ais ignored (see News page 13), delegates at into the effects of Atropine, suggesting this lenses to slow down myopia progression, this year’s ABDO Conference in Manchester was a “potent” way to slow down myopia some with significant effects. heard what they could do in practice now progression. “But how do we take myopia control to help slow down myopia progression. Bifocal contact lenses, orthokeratology, from research to practice?” Dr Logan asked In her British Contact Lens Association- bifocal and progressive addition lenses next. It was important to monitor progression sponsored keynote lecture, entitled ‘Myopia (PALs) were also useful tools. However, and “do something”. She advised delegates control: where are we now?’, Dr Nicola under-correction could accelerate myopia to recommend their young patients spend Logan, senior lecturer in optometry at Aston progression, Dr Logan warned. The use of at least two hours per day outdoors, to University and convenor of the Myopia the adenosine receptor antagonist, monitor patients’ axial length, to consider Consortium UK, looked at the prevalence of 7-methylxanthine, in trials had been shown to prescribing executive bifocals or a different myopia, why practitioners should consider change the collagen structure of the sclera – lens design, as well as to consider multifocal myopia control, the factors associated with thereby decreasing the amount of myopia or orthokeratology contact lenses. There were its development, and how to move myopia by around 50 per cent and eliminating the currently two spectacle lenses on the market control forwards in practice. eye elongation induced by form deprivation specifically designed to control myopia – Looking first at prevalence, Dr Logan cited in guinea pigs. It has also been trialled in Essilor’s Myopilux and Zeiss’ MyoVision – research showing that the prevalence of children in Denmark. However, with any but they were not yet available in the UK. myopia varies worldwide with higher treatment a major consideration was the The key was to think about when to prevalence levels in parts of South East Asia, ‘rebound effect’ when it came to stopping intervene, Dr Logan continued, as well as rising to 90 per cent in some areas in Asia. treatment, warned Dr Logan. about how long to continue intervention In Europe, prevalence was now around the and, again, how the rebound effect could 25 to 30 per cent mark. The myopic eye had PUTTING RESEARCH INTO PRACTICE accelerate an increase in axial growth. an increased risk of pathology, so Dr Logan Turning to what practitioners could do in Finally, Dr Logan asked “Where are we asked whether practitioners could slow down practice, Dr Logan suggested using contact now?” She suggested that the global the rate of progression. Factors associated lenses or spectacle lenses at the very least. eyecare community was not yet at the stage with the development of myopia included She cited the work of the Correction of of preventing onset of myopia but that genetics as well as environmental factors. Myopia Evaluation Trial (COMET) Study Group practitioners could slow down progression Ethnicity also played a part, as well having in investigating the potential of PALs as a by utilising the promising interventions parents who were myopic and the level of treatment to slow the progression of myopia currently available. It was possible to obtain refractive error early on in childhood. in children. The COMET data showed a larger a better response with younger children, and “So, can we control it?” Dr Logan asked. treatment effect for PALs for children with that providing a ‘bespoke’ peripheral correction There were various tools available to help closer reading distances and for children who could be beneficial to the patient. have an esophoria at near, ie. a turning of Looking at adaptation to the myopic the eye inwards when binocular vision is peripheral prescription, Dr Logan asked suspended. There were also studies looking whether practitioners needed to adapt their at the effects of bifocal and prismatic bifocal thinking and review their strategies. However, lenses, in which bifocal lenses were shown to cost was an issue; who was going to pay for have moderately slowed myopic progression treatment – the NHS or the parents? How in children with high rates of progression. should progression be best monitored and Dr Logan told the audience that it was what would be the impact of outcomes? Do important to look at the peripheral part of practitioners have regulatory approval to the retina in myopia development. Studies use certain lenses ‘off label’? using novel spectacle lenses to reduce Dr Logan left the audience with much myopia progression were ongoing, with food for thought on a subject area of ABDO conference keynote varying results. These spectacle lenses induced increasing importance to practitioners speaker, Dr Nicola Logan relative myopic defocus to the peripheral everywhere.

32 Dispensing Optics NOVEMBER 2015 REPORT How to best understand the needs of patients with Down’s syndrome was explored at the 2015 ABDO conference, reports Nicky Collinson

Understanding patients with Down’s syndrome

n her keynote lecture, Dr Margaret morphology; for example, they generally Woodhouse OBE of Cardiff University, lack a nose bridge. one of the UK’s leading experts in The ABDO paediatric heads are a great the visual development in children way to learn frame fitting with children and with special needs, took delegates the DS paediatric head, modelled on a onI a journey of discovery from learning patient with DS called Maisie, is ideal for about the characteristics of Down’s dispensing opticians to learn a better syndrome (DS) through to how to approach to fitting this group of patients. measure accommodation using dynamic Maggie also advised delegates to consider retinoscopy and the implications for the fact that many patients with DS wear dispensing opticians. hearing aids, and to make sure they are Turning first to DS characteristics, Dr Explaining dynamic retinoscopy in wearing them during the fitting process to Woodhouse (Maggie) explained the patients with Down’s syndrome ensure the frame sides do not interfere importance of considering this group of with them. patients separately. This genetic condition Cross-sectional studies have shown no Maggie also looked at managing and is very common, she explained, with a difference in average accommodative deficit communicating with patients with DS. They prevalence of one in every 1,000 births. between corrected and under-corrected are all individuals, she reminded delegates, Visual problems are much more common hypermetropes. Similarly, longitudinal studies but they may not understand what’s in people with DS, but accessing eyecare have shown no difference in accommodative happening; they may also be fearful because is an issue so it is imperative that eyecare deficit in individual hypermetropic children they have a history of medical intervention. practitioners understand and support before and after spectacle provision. The key Practical advice included throwing a cover these patients. outcome is that children with DS don’t receive over the slit lamp, measuring PDs by hand People with DS are visual learners, any benefit from wearing spectacles where with a ruler rather than an instrument, to explained Maggie, and visual processing is it matters, e.g. at near. speak clearly using simple words, and to a strength. However, there is a high risk of However, there is an opportunity to put give the patient time to respond. “Use health issues with some 60 per cent having that right with bifocals, continued Maggie, gestures to reinforce words, allow for a a hearing deficit, predominantly ‘glue ear’. as they offer successful correction and could short attention span, and make it fun too,” Auditory processing and speech are correct that error. Trials with bifocal lenses Maggie suggested. weaknesses, so visual problems hinder have shown both optical improvements and Patients need to know what is happening children with DS much more than typical significant improvements in literacy and visual to them so it is important to talk through children. perceptual skills of children with DS, leading procedures and show them what is Looking at refraction, Maggie explained to better learning. happening, perhaps using a mirror, teddy or that there are fewer patients with DS with a doll first, Maggie suggested. She went on emmetropia; they were most often MAKING A DIFFERENCE to advise the audience to consider learning hypermetropic. Myopia is not that common Turning to the implications for the dispensing some basic Makaton symbols and signs. in children with DS but by primary school optician, Maggie explained that children with “This is very important as it was devised age, some 60 per cent of children with DS DS are likely to have a high prescription, to for children and adults with learning need spectacles. Patients with DS often need bifocal correction, and to have disabilities,” she explained, adding that it is experience difficulties focusing at near, which strabismus (28 per cent) and nystagmus important to use speech at the same time unfortunately is how children learn, Maggie (15 per cent). She suggested that as signing. explained. In research studies, around 70 dispensing opticians go about consulting The key take-home message, it seemed, per cent showed under-accommodation (in with, and dispensing for, patients with DS in was to remember that patients with Down’s children with cerebral palsy, the figure is 58 a different way to the general population. syndrome are individuals who need to be per cent) and the deficit remains when For a start, frames need to be different as approached appropriately to ensure the refractive error is fully corrected. patients with DS have a different facial best interaction and eyecare possible.

Dispensing Optics NOVEMBER 2015 33 SILMO Brilliant sunshine and a settled 2015 outlook reflected the mood of Silmo 2015 exhibitors and visitors

Sunny outlook at Silmo

he self-proclaimed “largest flagship store dedicated to optics and eyewear”, Silmo reported that its 2015 edition, held at the exhibition centre ParisT Norde Villepinte on 25-27 September, had won unanimous approval – “injecting a breath of new life and delivering a strong message imbued with elegance, glamour, informality and above all dynamism that all the industry professionals found energising”. The show’s organisers also reported a Innovation and inspiration in Paris five per cent rise in the number of visitors through the doors, to a total of 34,250 director at Dunelm Optical, observed: “The being attracted to our products as they visiting professionals. International visitors show was the busiest we’ve seen it in years walked past. It was also nice to see an continue to make up the bulk of visitors, and the mood was really optimistic.” The increase in visitors from the UK – many with 57 per cent of visitors in 2015 company missed the 2014 edition but, after visiting Silmo for the first time.” attending from outside France. However, launching a host of new frames, securing Bespoke British eyewear designer, Tom French opticians turned out in greater further accounts across Europe and bringing Davies, told Dispensing Optics he noticed numbers this year (43 per cent). There were in customers old and new, has vowed to be two big trends at Silmo this year: “One was a total of 892 exhibitors, including 75 per back in 2016. the amount of buffalo horn frames there; it cent from abroad, sprawled across a total It was also a very busy show for reminded me of how wooden frames exhibition area of 33,300m2 – a rise of 5.3 Continental Eyewear, which achieved a 20 exploded onto the scene three to four years per cent on 2014. per cent increase in turnover compared to ago. The other was the amount of 2014. Sales and marketing director, Neal customisation brands were offering. ENERGETIC VIBRANCY Grimason, told Dispensing Optics: “People kept asking me if I was worried With thousands of buyers at the show, the “Contributing to this was a complete about this competition in the market but, in mood was energetic, as Peter Beaumont, redesign of our stand, which attracted fact, the opposite is true. I’ve always said many favourable comments, and also our that eyewear should be a bespoke business. new location along the main aisle in the These new market players will bring more show. Whilst our established customers will education and a greater focus to what is seek us out it was nice to open new important in eyewear – the customer accounts, which occurred from visitors wearing a great looking frame that makes

A five per cent increase in attendance William Morris London launched its new collections and campaign was recorded

34 Dispensing Optics NOVEMBER 2015 them look and feel amazing whilst being well fitted and very comfortable,” Tom added. This year’s Silmo gave William Morris London the opportunity to launch its new collections and autumn/winter 2015 fashion campaign, as well as a dedicated sales team for the French market. “Formed in partnership with our friends Roussilhe, we returned to France with the same energy, passion and spirit that create our fantastic eyewear collections,” said Laura Smith, William The Blackfin team(left) celebrate with Morris London marketing manager. “We their award; the Shark-Lock design (above) believe that people come to Silmo to find something new, fresh and exciting and our • Frame Technological Innovation: bold and bright Great British eyewear distributors and buying chains, which will Blackfin with Shark-Lock collections offer exactly that.” aid our international optical development.” • Prix spécial du Jury: Factory 900 with Launching new models in their debut FA-087 Vivarium collection, as well as a brand new RECOGNISING CREATIVITY Winner of the best optical frame, acrylic collection called Kaleidoscope, Kirk As always, the Silmo d’Or Awards gave the Blackfin is a 100 per cent Italian brand of & Kirk also reported a very successful show. industry the chance to reward creativity titanium eyewear. Its winning Shark-Lock “ We sold to some of the best opticians in and innovation within the profession, with patent by Corrado Rosson holds the lenses the world and we are very excited about 10 winners taking the top honours. The firmly in the frame without the need for what the future holds for Kirk & Kirk,” said 22nd Silmo d’Or Awards ceremony was held screws. The special grooving in the rim Karen Kirk. Meanwhile Fabris Lane launched on the evening of Friday 25 September at enables the lenses to be locked into the new licenses at its combined FGXI and the Maison de la Radio in Paris, and this frame inside a thin sheet of metal, simply Fabris Lane stand including Levi’s, Ben year’s winners were presented with their with the aid of a screwdriver. Sherman and Hook LDN. Fabris Lane sales awards by designer and internationally “We feel highly honoured to have won director, Brett Waugh, said: “We were renowned teacher, Emmanuel Gallina, who this prize,” said Nicola Del Din, managing delighted to have a stand at Silmo this year. chaire the panel of judges. The winners in director of parent company, Pramaor. “It We formed relationships with a number of each category were: represents a valuable recognition of the • Vision (Lenses): Essilor with Eyezen commitment of our whole team and their • Vision (Contact Lenses): Johnson & enthusiasm for seeking constant Johnson Vision Care with 1-Day improvement. Blackfin is a brand that has Acuvue Moist Multifocal always invested in research and innovation, • Material/Equipment: Luneau our goal being to offer a product of Technology with Attitude by Briot absolute excellence. This is also a prize for • Low Vision: Visiole with Blaze-Ez Italy and for all those who, like us, believe • Children: Minima with Junior Hybrid in the authenticity of the Italian product.” • Optic Frame: Masunaga with GMS-106 • Sunglasses: W-Eye with Aifir Silmo 2016 will take place on 23-26 From the new Kirk & Kirk • Sport Equipment: Seiko Optical September. Silmo Istanbul is from Kaleidoscope collection Group with Seiko X Changer 10-13 December 2015. www.silmo.fr

Companies make their mark with Fashion and frames go hand in hand Austrian designers WooDone use dried inventive stand designs at the Paris show flowers in their new Nature collection

Dispensing Optics NOVEMBER 2015 35 PINHOLE Through the Pinhole with Nicole Banbury FBDO

Through the Pinhole

n this month’s Through the Pinhole, we take a look behind the scenes at Williams Optometrists in Benfleet, Essex, where Nicole Banbury has been practising as a dispensing optician for the past five years, specialising in paediatric eyecare. INicole says: “Our practice specialises in paediatrics including patients aged under two years, those with autism, ADHD and a range of medical conditions. This includes fitting for special facial characteristics such as Rett syndrome. We also have an extensive Down’s syndrome patient database. We receive Hospital Eye Service prescriptions from local hospitals in Orsett and Southend as Nicole with her practice colleagues well as from London specialist hospitals Great Ormond Sreet Hospital, St Bart’s and Moorfields Eye Hospital. STRIVING TOWARDS EXCELLENCE “Paediatric eyecare is both rewarding and vitally This aim towards excellence is evident from the moment important; you truly can make a difference to the visual you step into the practice. Nicole says: “With children I will development of these patients, potentially impacting on get down to the same level to talk to them, introduce their future. For me personally, it is genuinely the most myself by name and use their name. I’ll smile too. I think enjoyable and fulfilling aspect of my role and I feel very about the tone of my voice and body language so I come fortunate that I have the opportunity to dispense to such across as friendly, happy and calm. We have an area with a wonderful variety of patients and find the best solution colouring and toys to make it a relaxed experience.” for them.” When dealing with children with complex needs, Nicole Williams Optometrists was founded in 1968, and says: “Parents are often anxious and have had difficult practice owners Stuart Humfrey and Mike Parsons took the experiences with medical issues. You need to show from the practice over in 1997. Stuart Humfrey qualified as a start that you really care and want to do the best for their dispensing optician prior to becoming an optometrist in child. Taking a PD can be tricky. If it doesn’t work first time, 1995 and is chair of Essex Local Optical Committee. He has I’ll try again. If the patient is burnt out after dilation, say, I special interests in paediatric optometry, with emphasis on may get them back on another day. children with special needs. Mike Parsons qualified as “I’ll ask the parent to hold the child’s head only as a last SMc(Tech) before becoming a dispensing optician in 1996. resort. During the dispense, if you are chatting to mum and Nicole says: “We have a fantastic team here. There are dad, let the child go off and play. Do what you need to do three receptionist, plus one receptionist/optical assistant as quickly and accurately. You can get their attention again for well as Kathika our pre-registration optometrist. We have a a fit a few minutes later. With children who are shy, lab on site, run by Dan, which gives us several advantages – overwhelmed and who don’t want you or the parent to put namely we have control over the jobs that we do and we frames on them, I will give the parent frames to try in the can use a range of suppliers. We dictate base curves, centre comfort of their own home, then get them to come back. thicknesses and have good control over where the bevels “The child becomes more familiar with you and the sit, all so that we can glaze high prescriptions for the best practice surroundings, and the more they see you, the effect. We also offer a one-hour glazing service. For people better it is. When it comes to collection, we try to pre-book with complex needs who might have broken their specs appointments with the DO so no-one has to rush or wait. and/or are travelling from a distance we can usually offer For children I may make a couple of adjustments on an immediate solution.” dispense and then further adjustments on collection, again The practice has won a number of awards, as Nicole keeping the process to fit with the child’s attention span.” explains: “We were finalists in the Optician Awards If you want to develop more confidence in fitting Technology Practice of the Year 2015, were featured in the children with unusual facial characteristics, Nicole advises: Small Business 100 for Small Business Saturday 2014 and “A lot can be extrapolated from dispensing any young child. were 2012 Winners of the Mayor’s Award for achieving Look at the splay angle on the pads, check the length-to- business excellence in Castlepoint.” bend for example. I normally do a ‘shake’ test and see how

36 Dispensing Optics NOVEMBER 2015 the frame behaves when the child is on the move. Don’t be intimidated by patients with different facial characteristics – it is the same as any dispense. Check things fit correctly just as you would always do.” This type of dispense may be best done over more than one visit. Nicole explains: “If you don’t have a frame in stock, say that you want the very best for that patient, and ask them to come back in after you have had a chance to do some research. I’ve had a positive experience with all our suppliers – they will go over and above to help you out. GG, aged 14, brain haemorrhage at birth, R&L OH, aged five, Down’s syndrome, “Tomato Glasses can change the sides to +1.75, Waterside 1.56 Sunactive brown and RX R +10.50/-2.25 X 180 L +9.50/-2.25 X 180 H/C to Tomato Glasses TJBC3 Pink Tortoiseshell wearing Terryflex 44 X 16 by Dibble Optical mix and match. Miraflex is great, and both 48 X 17 with Essilor Linies 1.74 and Crizal Forte have an online catalogue so you can show patients colour options. Erin’s World is smaller, their head, length-to-bend, bridge, lash the staff baked for the occasion. It was good but I can email to request a frame. With all projection and so on – but remember that to generate interest in the local media and three I have found that we can get frames some patients with learning difficulties we are always keen to raise awareness that on approval and return them if we don’t use dislike their head being touched. Have two for people with Down’s syndrome things them. The more you use your skills in fitting to three suitable lens and frame options in might need to be big and bold.” patients, the more natural it becomes.” mind that would work and go from there.” Williams Optometrists stands out Nicole continues: “We have a patient who A large proportion of these patients are because of the way every individual uses a wheelchair with a head rest and we entitled to NHS help towards the cost of member of staff cares about what they do, dispensed her with Tomato Glasses. She has their spectacles. Nicole says: “Claiming and how they work together to create a almost no muscle control in her neck, so it supplements for special facial characteristics positive experience for patients that other is really important that the specs are can seem tricky. You can claim this with the practices might view as difficult. comfortable and don’t slip or slide. She still hospital voucher and it is not dictated by Nicole concludes: “We all want to do needs to be able to look through the centre of the size of the frame. With the GOS3, the best we can and the practice allows us the specs whichever way her head is looking. though, you can only claim a small frame to achieve that. We have the freedom to “For other children we use Miraflex Terry supplement, BCD under 55mm, and with access the frame and lens ranges we need Flex frames because they offer the option significant adjustment to the frame too. for the best dispense, but I think the key for a strap around the back; these hold on “However, even if a hospital issued element is about the overall experience, well whether for infants or children with frame breaks, you can’t claim the special from reception and handling and initial Down’s syndrome. In some people where facial characteristics supplement on the enquiry through to the eye exam, dispensing the lashes hit the lenses in Miraflex glasses, GOS4. I have had a lot of help from our and collection. Each point has to be at the we might use Erin’s World. We also have a practice co-owner Mike Parson. We also have highest level to ensure a really positive child who wears Erin’s World as she has a a new Making Accurate Claims document experience all round for every person.” flat bridge and short length to bend, and from the Optical Confederation, which has her mum prefers the look to the chunkier been helpful,” adds Nicole. If you have an interesting or inspiring plastic frames. In the past, Williams Optometrists has specialism and would like to appear in “In general I think Erin’s World are good held a Down’s syndrome awareness day Through the Pinhole, do get in touch. In for paediatric eyewear as they sit higher on with tea and cake. Nicole explains more: the first place, please email Nicky the face, avoiding the problem where “We invited all of our patients with Down’s Collinson, Dispensing Optics Managing children look over the top. Although originally syndrome along, wore charity t-shirts and Editor, [email protected] designed for people with Down’s syndrome by a parent, the frames work well for typical children, Asian patients and infants too.”

INDIVIDUAL APPROACH TO FITTING In general Nicole believes each patient should be considered on an individual basis: “I balance the vast variety of lens and frame options available and consider patient lifestyle, practitioner, patient and parent wants and needs. It can be hard to do this without confusing or overwhelming your patient. Look at the information you have both with the written prescription, vertex, visual acuities and visually assess the patient in front of you. You can do this whilst they play. “Measure their PD, size and shape of A Down’s syndrome awareness day the practice held

Dispensing Optics NOVEMBER 2015 37 Jobs & notices

TRAINEE/NEWLY QUALIFIED DO August 2015 summary EXPANDING INDEPENDENT PRACTICE IN WILTSHIRE LOOKING Optician Index - FOR FULL TIME TDO/DO WITH GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS, HIGHLY ORGANISED WITH ATTENTION TO DETAIL. • The dispensing rate is two percentage points lower than Duties will include quality dispensing, reception work, last month at 62 per cent which is three percentage points spectacle verification, adjustments & repairs. lower than August last year Please send CVs to: [email protected] • The sales volume of single vision and bi/trifocal lenses has increased from last month but slightly lower than August last year. Progressive lens sales are down marginally from DISPENSING OPTICIAN last month but two per cent higher than August last year at 214 Index points SWANSEA – FULL-TIME PREFERRED • The percentage of spectacles dispensed with photochromic Required for long-established, busy and varied lenses is the same as last month at 15 per cent, which is independent practice, close to the M4 corridor two percentage points higher than August last year and not far from the beautiful Gower coastline. • Anti-reflective coatings were two percentage point lower We have a completely varied patient base, on-site than last month at 46 per cent of total spectacles dispensed, glazing, and excellent support staff. which is two percentage points higher than August 2014 • Re-glazes during August were 16 per cent, one percentage Please contact Tony Stout on 07890687928 or point higher than last August and the same as last month email [email protected] • New Contact Lens fits were up by three per cent to 111 An emailed CV in advance of a chat would be helpful. Index points, which is six per cent lower than recorded in August 2014. Contact lens solution sales were the same as last month at 87 Index points, this is six per cent lower FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE than August last year ABDO EVENT DETAILS keep an eye out for the eNews The full August 2015 report was published in landing in your inbox, the 25 September issue of Optician and the events section of the website, visit www.abdo.org.uk/events

NEWNEW ‘THROUGH‘THROUGH THETHE PINHOLE’PINHOLE’ SERIESSERIES ABDO PARTICIPANTS WANTED Consultation Day with the Areas DOES YOUR PRACTICE OFFER SPECIALIST SERVICES IN, FOR EXAMPLE, DRY EYE, PAEDIATRICS, SPORTS VISION, LOW VISION AND/OR OTHER NICHE AREAS? 18 November 2015 To be held at the offices of the We’re looking for member practices to feature Association of Optometrists in a new ‘Through the pinhole’ series showcasing the fantastic work that ABDO 2 Woodbridge Street members are involved with above and beyond ‘the London EC1R 0DG everyday job’ of dispensing All ABDO members welcome to attend

Email [email protected] to register your interest in taking part To book your place, please email Jane Burnand at [email protected]

To place an advert, telephone 0781 273 4717 or email [email protected] Booking deadline for the December issue is Thursday 12 November. Special rate for ABDO members

3 8 Dispensing Optics NOVEMBER 2015 abdo COLLEGE

Develop your professional skills Low Vision Honours Course An opportunity to develop your professional skills and help others Due to changing demographics the demand for specialist low vision services is steadily increasing. By enhancing your low vision skills you can greatly help others, which is both valuable and extremely rewarding. The Low Vision Honours Course includes the theory and practical aspects of low vision consultation and fully prepares candidates for the ABDO Level 6 FBDO (Hons) LVA examinations. Distance learning assignments are complemented by a short block release at ABDO College to reinforce practical skills and routine. • Course commences: January 2016 • Method: Blended learning • Entry requirements: ABDO Level 6 Fellowship Diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing (FBDO) and GOC registration • Duration: 25 weeks • Block release accommodation can be provided Application deadline: December 2015

For further information and application forms for this and other courses, or to request a copy of the ABDO College Prospectus, please contact the ABDO College Courses Team on 01227 738 829 (Option 1) or email [email protected] ABDO College Operational Services, Godmersham Park, Godmersham, Canterbury, Kent CT4 7DT www.abdocollege.org.uk

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