Dispensing Optics

OCTOBER 2018

DISPENSING OPTICS

NEWS, INFORMATION and EDUCATION for OPTICIANS ABDO NRC, Birmingham The NEW National Resource Centre

NEW ABDO facilities in Birmingham VICTORIA ROA D B4132 A5127 • An education events and examinations • The new location for all dispensing and hub with 11,000 sq. ft. over two floors. contact lens practical examinations. Aston • Clinical facilities showcasing the latest • Available for meetings, conferences, PORTLAND A38 STREET technology. seminars, training, revision and CET courses. CATHERINE

STREET WHARF • 10 clinical bays equipped for refraction • Lecture areas for 60 to 160 people. STRE

E T and contact lenses and pre-screen area. • Flexible facilities offering one large area or ROCKY LANE • State-of-the-art video slit-lamp which can up to 5 separate rooms. ON ASTON CROSS be recorded and projected live on up to ASTON ROAD NORTH • Rooms can be set up in theatre, exam or B4144 5 screens around the building. cabaret style. AVE ROAD Aston Cross • Equipment for dispensing, screening, minor CHESTER STREETBusiness Village • Catering facilities available including water eye conditions services and glazing. dispensers, 'bean to cup' coffee and artisan • Within easy reach of major road, rail and flavoured teas. Acknowledgement air transport links. ABDO is grateful for profession-wide support from a great number of retail and optical THE ABDO NRC IS AVAILABLE FOR EXTERNAL businesses. Including frame, lens, BOOKINGS FROM 01 AUGUST 2018. contact lens, instrument and equipment manufacturers. To book, call Phil Hall on 07538 525 206 or email him at [email protected]

ABDO National Resource Centre 4th Floor, Aqueous II, Aston Cross Business Village, Chester Street, Birmingham Dispensing Optics OCTOBER 2018 Contents 18.

35. 10.

37. 26.

30. Charities Features Working with charities by Antonia Chitty 18. Product Spotlight 36. Opti 2019 A/W style all wrapped up Opti scores a six 20. Continuing Education & Training 38. Business tips The identification and management of red eye Top tips for blogging by Graeme Stevenson by John French 25. Multiple Choice Answers Infection prevention and control Part 2 by Peter Black Regulars 26. In practice Aiming for a bullseye 5. DO Dispatches by Martin Williams 6. A DO and proud of it 28. In profile 8. News Stepping on board 39. FAQs + Business Bites 42. Jobs & Notices

FRONT COVER Jasper Conran model JCM035 C3 from Continental Eyewear

Dispensing Optics OCTOBER 2018 3 The re-engineered DASH II has a large 69mm eye size, cleverly designed around a +6.00 base curve lens, giving a wider achievable Rx range. Ratchet side angle adjustment and detachable head strap. 4 core colours 4 trim colours 3 way Rx 3 lens colours DIRECT Glazing (replaces original plano sun lenses) ADAPTER Glazing (replaces original lenses) INSERT Glazing (fits behind afocal front plate lenses)

Re-engineered for Excellence

+8.00 base sports wrap design goggle for cycling and general outdoor use. With 6 colour ways ratchet side adjustment and adjustable 5 mirror lens colours rubber tips. 2 way Rx DIRECT Glazing (replaces original plano sun lenses) ADAPTER Glazing (replaces original lenses)

Lightweight and colourful +8.00 base sports wrap, Sprinter offers interchangable parts, Now available in 2 sizes the bridge side elements click fit onto the (one piece) polycarbonate face lens plate. Regular & Medium New brow stiffener maintains head width. 5 colour options 1 way Rx DIRECT Glazing The central afocal lens portion is replaced with a +8.00 base lens Rx element.

Request detailed product sheets for individual colour ways and available Rx ranges The Norville Group, Magdala Road, Gloucester GL1 4DG Tel: 01452 510321 • Fax: 01452 510331 • Email: [email protected] • www.norville.co.uk

Progear Ad Aug18.indd 1 11/09/2018 09:47 DISPENSING OPTICS The Professional Journal of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians

VOLUME 33 NO 10

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor Sir Anthony Garrett CBE HonFBDO DO Dispatches Assistant Editor Jane Burnand Managing Editor Nicky Collinson BA (Hons) Email [email protected] Design and Production Rosslyn Argent BA (Hons) NEW FACES AND Email [email protected] HUGE ACHIEVEMENTS Admin. Manager Deanne Gray HonFBDO Email [email protected] September has certainly been a month of change and progress for the Association. EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING Telephone 0781 2734717 First of all, I am delighted to welcome Email [email protected] Brenda Rennie and Julie Lees to the ABDO board where I Website www.abdo.org.uk am sure both will make a valuable contribution drawing on

SUBSCRIPTIONS their extensive professional and Association experience. I UK £150 am also pleased to welcome back Garry Kousoulou, who Overseas £175, including postage has re-joined the board, and Kevin Milsom, who has been Apply to Tom Veti Association of British Dispensing Opticians re-elected for a final term. Godmersham Park, Godmersham, Kent CT4 7DT This is, of course, an appropriate moment to thank our two Telephone 01227 733922 Email [email protected] retiring board members, Geraldine Dynan, who has served Website www.abdo.org.uk conscientiously for the past three years and, finally, Keith Cavaye, who has served a full 12-year term with great ABDO CET Head of CET Alexandra Webster MSc BMus PGDipE FBDO CL FHEA dedication and distinction. Keith’s contribution over the years has been considerable and the board will miss his ABDO CET, 5 Kingsford Business Centre, Layer Road, Kingsford, counsel and wisdom. Colchester CO2 0HT Telephone 01206 734155 We have also recently seen the first successful round of Email [email protected] candidates qualify through the MECS programme (News

CONTINUING EDUCATION REVIEW PANEL page 8). This is, without doubt, the biggest step forward for Joanne Abbott BSc(Hons) FBDO SMC(Tech) the profession in more than 25 years and Barry Duncan, and Josie Barlow FBDO CL all who have helped pioneer this move, deserve to be heartily Keith Cavaye FBDO(Hons)CL FBCLA Andrew Cripps FBDO PG Cert HE FHEA applauded. Congratulations are due to all 22 members who Kim Devlin FBDO(Hons)CL successfully completed the programme; this is a great Stephen Freeman BSc(Hons) MCOptom FBDO(Hons) Cert Ed Claire McDonnell FAOI achievement for each and every one of them. Angela McNamee BSc(Hons) MCOptom FBDO(Hons)CL FBCLA Cert Ed Paula Stevens MA ODE BSc(Hons) MCOptom FBDO CL(Hons)AD SMC(Tech) Finally, we had the official opening of our new National Gaynor Whitehouse FBDO (Hons) LVA Resource Centre (NRC) in Birmingham last month. The NRC has already successfully hosted the ABDO summer JOURNAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Richard Crook FBDO examinations and our first September resits. In addition, the Kim Devlin FBDO(Hons)CL OSCEs for the MECS candidates were held there. The centre Kevin Gutsell FBDO(Hons) SLD has also hosted its first external bookings and it is clear this Ros Kirk FBDO Angela McNamee BSc(Hons) MCOptom FBDO(Hons)CL FBCLA Cert Ed new facility will play a huge role in the life of the Association in the years ahead. DISPENSING OPTICS IS PUBLISHED BY ABDO, 199 Gloucester Terrace, London W2 6LD Sir Anthony Garrett DISPENSING OPTICS IS PRINTED BY ABDO general secretary P&P Litho Ltd, Ashford, Middlesex TW15 1AB

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: 9,437 (Jan-Dec 2017) ABDO Board certification

Dispensing Optics OCTOBER 2018 5 A DO CLIVE MARCHANT FBDO & PROUD Our monthly column from the ABDO president

A DO and proud of it

recently had the great pleasure of Council (GOC) education review is well welcoming Julie Lees, Brenda Rennie underway along with its CET consultation. and Garry Kousoulou to the ABDO Whilst I’m critical of how a CET review can board of directors following their take place before the education review is successful election this summer. We finalised and we know the new learning alsoI welcomed back Kevin Milsom as he outcomes, one hopes these will be visionary returned for a final three years on the board. and enable us to be fit for the future and have Last month, Julie, Brenda and Garry a mechanism enabling us to continue our attended an induction day at 199 Gloucester education beyond initial qualification. Terrace enabling them to understand the The GOC appears to be adamant that important office that you, the membership, the CET review must be finalised in 2019. have placed them in – along with their roles The sooner the better, so our CET and responsibilities. I look forward to Department has time to prepare for the working with our new board members and to next CET/CPD cycle to commence in 2020 our next board meeting on 11 October. In following the 2019 transitional year. the meantime, you can read more about Personally, I think another three-year their personal aspirations as board members CET cycle would have been a sensible Are you offering solutions on pages 32 and 33. approach, during which time consultation for myopia control? Commiserations to those who were could have taken place and the education unsuccessful in this year’s elections. I know review concluded. That being said, the primary reasons. First, this is a great chance many of you are already involved in ABDO outcome of both reviews will enable to tour the new NRC and view its first-class activity within our regions, and as distance advancement. We will not be constrained by facilities. Second, you will hear about the learning tutors and examiners and such like. our current CET system, which restricts current activity the Association is So, thank you for being ‘on board’ already, education to our core competencies. CPD undertaking to advance, support and so to speak. If you are not yet ‘on board’, will enable dispensing opticians and promote dispensing opticians. And last, but why not join our regional teams and get optometrists to advance into areas of by no means least, you can have your say involved at a local level? specialised interest, which must be to the on any matter which is important to you. On the subject of congratulations, we benefit of our patients. We always welcome feedback and this were delighted to learn that all of our is why we are currently running a series of contact lens optician (CLO) candidates SEE YOU AT THE NRC online short surveys to ensure we are passed their minor eye conditions services Last month Cllr Andy Street CBE, the Mayor providing what you, the membership, want. (MECS) exams this summer, as reported in of the West Midlands, officially opened our I look forward to some healthy debate. this month’s News section. You can also NRC in Birmingham. He congratulated read how one candidate, Daryl Newsome, ABDO for the foresight of a purpose-built MYOPIA CONTROL prepared for his exams in this month’s centre to provide training for the optical An area of current debate is myopia control. Jottings (pages 40-41). We will watch their sector and dispensing opticians in particular. While there are no internationally accepted involvement within MECS extended services The opening of the NRC is a massive guidelines on the management and control with great interest. advancement for ABDO and for us, the of myopia, we as dispensing opticians can The next round of extended services membership, as was the opening of ABDO offer advice and solutions which may help training days will be held on 20 and 21 College 17 years ago. Not only do we have the progression of myopia in children. This November at our National Resource Centre our own college, we now have our own can range from simple advice on lifestyle (NRC) in Birmingham, with ongoing events as examination centre and a centre of excellence balance between living in front of an CLOs get involved with the training pathway. for ongoing training and further education. electronic device and playing outdoors, to I look forward to welcoming you to the the prescribing of bifocals and varifocals. RAISING STANDARDS NRC on 24 October for this year’s Contact lens opticians should also consider The opportunity for professional advancement Consultation Day; it promises to be an discussing multifocal contact lens options is on our doorstep. The General Optical excellent event for members for three with patients, and orthokeratology too.

6 Dispensing Optics OCTOBER 2018 TX5/Titanium STEPPER (UK) Limited 11 Tannery Road Tonbridge Kent TN9 1RF 01732 375975 www.stepper.co.uk Frame style shown: SI-95219 HAVE YOUR SAY Email [email protected] NEWS or write to Dispensing Optics, PO Box 233, Crowborough HISTORIC MOMENT @ TN27 3AB FOR PROFESSION Describing it as an “historic moment”, ABDO has congratulated the first cohort of contact lens opticians (CLOs) to sit and pass their Letters objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) in minor eye conditions services (MECS) and Goldmann applanation tonometry. BRINGING BACK MEMORIES Held on 29 August at the ABDO National Resource Centre (NRC) in Birmingham, 22 CLOs took and passed the exams, run by ABDO in I am a retired dispensing optician and have been living collaboration with the Wales Optometry Postgraduate Education Centre back in India since 2011 after spending more than 50 (WOPEC). years in the UK. I still regularly receive my copy of Commenting on this achievement, ABDO deputy chief executive, Barry Dispensing Optics and try to keep myself up-to-date. Duncan, said: “Clearly this reflects well on the skill, dedication and After reading the article, ‘Dispensing with a difference’ professionalism of the contact lens opticians and provides all of them in the August issue, I was inspired to share a short memoire of my working life as a dispensing optician. with an opportunity to work closely with optometrist colleagues in delivering enhanced services. It is an historic moment for the profession I started dispensing spectacles in India in 1955/56 and further highlights the shift towards a multi-disciplinary team in a without prior training in optics. Luckily, I had an opportunity to go to London where I got a job at primary care setting, complementing each other’s skills and increasing Keeler Optical Products’ Chiswick Factory under the the services they can offer.” late Brian Keeler Russell. I went on to study at the Barry went on to say: “ABDO would like to thank the forward thinking Northampton College of Advanced Technology on a approach adopted by the Local Optical Committee Support Unit board, day release course and passed the SMC (Disp) colleagues at WOPEC for engaging extensively along with the General diploma course in 1965. Optical Council, ABDO members and various external professionals who I then worked as a manager at C. Davis Keeler’s have contributed to this project. Currently, there are approximately 120 Marylebone Lane branch before lastly working at CLOs working their way through the WOPEC modules with a view to Dollond & Aitchison at different branches. Regrettably, having a further OSCE in the early part of 2019.” I was made redundant after working for D&A for 29 Paying tribute to Barry’s involvement in the process of bringing MECS years and so I took early retirement. accreditation to the CLO membership, ABDO chief executive, Tony By the Grace of God, I had the opportunity to open a Garrett, said: “This is a real success story. Barry Duncan has led this Dispensing Optician Department at the Royal London project with great enthusiasm and skill. He deserves a great deal of credit Hospital in East London. I worked there full-time for bringing this advance for the profession to such a successful fruition.” until I was 65 years old and then fully retired from Turn to page 17 for details of how to apply for the next extended services the NHS. However, I continued to work there for a training days being held on 20 and 21 November at the NRC. Also, read about further 15 years as a part-time dispensing optician. one successful candidate’s continuing MECS journey in this month’s Jottings. I enjoyed very much working at the hospital. I was able to fit spectacles to children with special needs from as young as six-month old, as well as to elderly, CELEBRATIONS AT THE NRC handicapped patients up to the age of 90. I specialised The great and the good of optics gathered in Birmingham last month in fitting children’s eyewear and some ancillary to celebrate the official opening of the Association’s new flagship fittings such as ptosis props and side shields. training and education facility. Out of the blue one day, I received a surprising The opening ceremony celebrations for the ABDO National Resource telephone call from Mr Atkinson, a surgeon at the Centre were attended by the Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street CBE, Royal London Dental Hospital; he had operated on a as well as guests including representatives from NHS England, Optometry patient to remove his cancerous right eye to save Scotland, Optometry Wales, sight loss charities, industry sponsors, ABDO his left eye and the patient was subsequently very depressed. He asked me to make a pair of glasses to College and LOCSU. cover the hollow of the right eye. Read more about the event in next month’s issue. The problem, however, was that the patient lived a long way from London and it would not be possible to meet him. But I am a ‘yes’ man and so I asked Mr Atkinson if I could see a photo of the patient and then I would give it a try. Luckily, Mr Atkinson had the patient’s picture on his laptop and so I assured him that I would do my best to make the glasses and make the patient happy again. My knowledge of frame making from working at Keeler’s Chiswick factory then became useful indeed. I had only one request to Mr Atkinson: that the patient should visit me for final adjustments. The gentleman came to see me for a fitting and the delightful look on his face was as if he had won the World Cup. This was one of the greatest rewards in my life and one I’ll never forget. Dilip Kumar Basu FBDO (Disp) The Mayor with ABDO president, Clive Marchant, at the opening ceremony Kolkata, West Bengal, India

8 Dispensing Optics OCTOBER 2018 ENRICH LIFE Because one pair is never enough.

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Full details found at www.shamirlens.co.uk | [email protected] | 01954 785 100 NEWS ELECTED TO THE BOARD The ABDO membership has cast its votes and the newest members elected to join the Association’s board of directors are Garry Kousoulou, Julie Lees and Brenda Rennie. Kevin Milsom was also re-elected to serve a final three years as a board member. The closing date for voting was 3 September, and 10 candidates in total stood for the four positions. Turn to pages 28-29 to learn more about the newly elected members. POWER BOOST FOR DIGITAL DEVICE USERS Essilor has launched a new Eyezen range Tackling poor vision on the road of single vision lenses optimised for people who spend a lot of time on digital devices. Aimed at 18 to 50-year-olds, the lenses DRIVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION offer what Essilor describes as “an exclusive ABDO has described a recent campaign on drivers’ vision, that saw police forces in power distribution technology” called Thames Valley, Hampshire and West Midlands taking action to revoke the licenses of Eyezen Focus. This, says the company, provides an extra boost for each patient’s those who didn’t pass a 20m number plate check, as a “small but welcome step”. age and physiological needs to relax the Run in partnership with the road safety charity, Brake, the month-long campaign ran eyes from screens, cut visual fatigue and through September; anyone stopped by roads policing officers in these areas were make small type more readable. required to take the 20m number plate test. Anyone failing would have their licence “We introduced Eyezen lenses in immediately revoked. 2016,” said Essilor commercial director, In a press statement launching the campaign, Brake stated that data would be Randeep Gill. “But with this we are offering collected from each test “to gain an improved understanding of the extent of poor driver an enhanced everyday lens that relaxes the eyesight on the roads, which is thought to be vastly underreported in government eyes, relieves the digital demand, protects statistics”. The charity added it was working with Vision Express “to urge the government against harmful UV and Blue-Violet light to tighten up UK driver vision laws and make eyesight testing compulsory before the and gives a reading lift.” driving test and each time a driver renews their photocard licence”. A new consumer marketing campaign Commenting on the campaign, ABDO deputy chief executive, Barry Duncan, said: includes Sky Box Set film advertising aimed “ABDO is keen to see statutory periodic vision screening for all drivers during their at affluent TV marathon-viewers, Facebook, driving life. The campaign involving three police forces testing the eyesight of drivers Instagram and YouTube content promoting they stopped, is a small but welcome step closer to this.” Essilor’s store locator, and digital campaigns targeting trusted design and technology FREE PASS FOR SCOTTISH CLOS influencers and pay-per-click spend. ABDO Scotland is offering all Scotland- based contact lens opticians (CLOs) the chance to attend the Scottish Optical Conference (SOC) next month for free. Taking place on 25 November at the Glasgow Radisson Blu Hotel, the multidisciplinary event will feature a dedicated track for dispensing opticians, CLOs and practice staff offering 11 CET points including peer discussion. SOC 2018 offers 43 CET points covering most competencies. International Trying products at last year’s SOC speakers this year are Tear Film and Ocular Surface (TFOS) pioneers, Professors Lyndon Jones, Jennifer Craig and Craig Woods from Canada, New Zealand and Australia respectively. There will be a 52-strong exhibition, with many new product launches planned, and a drinks reception on the Saturday night, which is included in the cost. Find out more and book at www.soc.scot Marketing visual to support the range

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Stuart Burn

TAKING ON The Optimec VSF in action THE CHALLENGE The new vice chair of the Federation of CONFERENCE LAUNCH FOR VF SYSTEM Manufacturing Opticians (FMO), Stuart Burn, has pledged to help create an A new device to help clinicians perform dynamic retinoscopy, and measure organisation that is “efficient, forward- accommodation for children and adults with a learning disability, was launched at thinking and fit for the future”. the SightCare conference in Telford last month. Discussing his recent appointment, Stuart The Optimec Visual Fixation System (VFS) was developed by SightCare member, said: “The FMO is currently facing challenges Simon Berry, from Simon Berry Optometrists in Durham. He said: “I see a lot of children it has not seen in its 100-year history and I and adults with a learning disability. For these patients, it is sometimes a challenge to am sure it will draw on the strength of its keep them interested and attract their attention whilst trying to complete the various membership and its very capable board to clinical measurements needed. meet those challenges head on. “There are also techniques more relevant to this group of patients, such as dynamic “I am looking forward to helping create an retinoscopy for children with Down’s syndrome; that means it is essential for the FMO that is efficient, forward-thinking and fit clinician to know they have the attention of the patient.” for the next 100 years,” added Stuart, who is The initial prototype was made with help from Durham University and the managing director of Performance Finance. technology was licensed to Optimec. Stuart replaces Krysten Williams, who SightCare CEO, John French, said: “We are delighted to be able to support Simon with is moving to Germany to become head the launch of his exciting new product, which has the potential to help so many children of global marketing and education at with Down’s syndrome to see properly.” Heidelberg Engineering. SAD LOSS FOR INDUSTRY It was with great sadness that Dunelm Optical announced the recent passing of Peter Beaumont, chief executive officer. In a statement released shortly afterwards, the company said: “Peter passed suddenly but peacefully on Friday 17 August 2018. He was a very well-known and respected figure in the optical industry and will be sadly missed. Peter’s legacy will continue Made-to-order lens launched and Dunelm Optical will CONTACT LENS MAKER CLAIMS A ‘WORLD FIRST’ continue to mark’ennovy claims to have launched the world’s first made-to-order daily toric be run as contact lens with its new Versa One Day Toric. a family The lens provides the widest range of spheres, cylinders and axes on the market, according business by to the company. David Baker, “From our beginnings, we have catered to the uniqueness of each eye, and differentiated managing ourselves by providing eyecare professionals with quality contact lenses that meet each director and patients’ individual needs,” said George Sarrouf, mark’ennovy’s chairman and CEO. Oliver The late Peter Beaumont “Versa One Day stays true to mark’ennovy’s precision-based approach to contact lenses Beaumont, whilst establishing the brand’s presence in the fast-growing daily segment,” added George. product development director.”

12 Dispensing Optics OCTOBER 2018 12-14 JANUARY 2019 · EXCEL LONDON

THE UK’S LARGEST OPTICAL EVENT

EYEWEAR | EQUIPMENT | LENSES | BUSINESS SERVICES | AUDIOLOGY

Ofﬁcial UK Partner Media Partners NEWS

Sporty and stylish

Michelle Beach DASHING NEW SPORTS LINE SPEAKER LINE-UP Norville has added the next generation of ProGear Dash II Sportshades to its comprehensive range of sports eyewear. CONFIRMED Available in six afocal lens colours and to prescription, the new, improved ProGear The speaker line-up for this month’s joint Dash II Sportshades features: side ratchet swivels for angle adjustment; side tip holes to National Eyecare Group (NEG) and attach a head strap (included); improved nose pad for better comfort and grip; a wider Independents Day conference roadshow, bridge and modified lens shape and depth for improved comfort and fit. And, depending which takes in London (22 October), on prescription, three-way prescription glazing – direct, adaptors or inset – covering a Coventry (29 October) and Bolton (30 wide range of powers. October), has been announced. Model S-1282 (pictured) is a matt graphite frame with contrasting red sides, which Supporting keynote speaker Andy Clark comes with grey and red mirror coated photochromic lenses. will be independent practice owners Mark Holloway, optometrist and director of NEW NHS Thomas and Holloway Opticians, Michelle CHAIR WELCOMED Beach, owner of Park Vision, and Gerald Fernandes, director of Lynne Fernandes David Hewlett, CEO of the Federation of Optometrists. Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians Proven Track Record managing director, and the National Hearing Community Nick Atkins, said: “These are people who have Association, has welcomed the ‘walked the talk’ in their own businesses. appointment of Lord Prior of Brampton Each will share their own unique perspective as the new chair of NHS England. on successful independent practice and “As a previous minister for NHS how they manage balancing the eyecare productivity, Lord Prior may be more versus eyewear conundrum. I think we interested in the solutions we have to offer have a great mix of experts sharing the the NHS in terms of community eyecare, stage this year and I’m particularly looking hearing and ophthalmology than previous forward to the panel discussion that will incumbents,” said David. close the meeting.” “For the ageing population of this Also speaking will be Dean Waugh of country, the epidemic of myopia amongst Greg Barbour Retail Design Experience, and there will be the young, people on waiting lists with a programme of breakout workshops age-related hearing loss and people going featuring parallel interactive discussion blind for want of NHS hospital capacity, MANAGER MOVES sessions, and the popular iShow exhibition. this is something devoutly to be wished Find out more and book at and which FODO, the NCHA and our Greg Barbour has taken over as country www.independentsday.co.uk partners will actively pursue.” manager at Rodenstock UK, following the decision of Niels Jensen to return to Scandinavia. SEASONAL LENS PROMO Greg Barbour has extensive specialist Shamir is running a three-month multi-pair competition, ending on 10 December, to knowledge thanks to more than 25 years’ celebrate its Enrich Life lenses. experience in the pharmaceutical and Both practices and patients can be winners, with £500 Love2Shop vouchers and a optics industry in the UK, during which he £500 Thomas Cook mini break voucher up for grabs respectively. Full details can be found worked in different sales functions. He had at www.shamirlens.co.uk, where competition promotional items can also be ordered. been with Allegan UK since 2006, most This includes a competition box and entry cards for patients to complete as well as recently as director of the company’s posters, desk cards and social media images. Eyecare Business Unit.

14 Dispensing Optics OCTOBER 2018 the first nose fitting templates released by the brand for four years. “Over the last 18 months I have been spending a lot of time in my own retail stores bespoking a lot of customers and I realised that as styles had changed, my fittingly templates had not. “I needed some bigger, deeper shapes. I set about redesigning my entire collection and adding lots of new brilliant and comfortable nose fits at the same time,” said Tom. Tom Davies’ fitting template Also new from the designer is a Colour Headset, and relaunched Colour Kits A NOSE FOR uniquely tailored to patients’ facial featuring 20 new acetate colours and six BESPOKE FITTING measurements and preferences. new titanium colours. The lightweight The templates allow for measurements titanium headset holds Tom Davies acetate British eyewear designer Tom Davies has of the head, ear and the nose bridge. After and titanium colour loupes, allowing launched 48 new nose fitting templates years of continued research and 11 years patients to ‘try on’ any colours from enabling stockists to design frames using its fitting template system, these are the collection.

EYE HEALTH WARNING The day of testing revealed that: one in five had not had an eye exam in the last Celebrity guests and festivalgoers were decade; 90 per cent were overdue an eye warned of the dangers of not having exam; 14 per cent had not had an eye regular eye examinations when the exam since passing their driving test; and Vision Express Vision Van rode into this 84 per cent required a new prescription. year’s CarFest South event. With the support of partner Acuvue, Television presenter Angellica Bell and Vision Express invited visitors on board for Status Quo band members, Richie Malone free eye exams, contact lens trials and the and John Edwards, all took advantage of chance to take a virtual ride in a Formula One the chance for an eye examination. car, with the help of virtual reality headsets. Trying out the VR headsets

VISIT SCOTLAND AND ATTEND THE FASTEST GROWING INTERACTIVE CET EVENT IN THE UK Scottish Optical Conference www.soc.scot 312 17 52 Delegates CET Points Exhibitors DOs, CLOs, OOs & IPs Interactive & Peer Review Industry Experts £49 25th 3 Fee Nov. 2018 Tracks Best Value CET in UK Glasgow Radisson Blu CLs, Optometry, Business NEWS EDUCATORS TO BE GIVEN MORE FLEXIBILITY The General Optical Council (GOC) hopes to give education providers more flexibility in delivering their courses to ensure students are equipped for future roles, after its council approved a public consultation on new proposed standards for education providers and learning outcomes for optical students as part of its Education Strategic Review (ESR). Alistair Bridge, GOC director of strategy, said: “The draft standards are focused on outcomes to allow greater flexibility for education providers and encourage innovation. They will need to be accompanied by a robust approach to accreditation and quality assurance but we hope this new flexibility will make it much easier for providers to prepare students to meet the demands of patients in the future.” Kirk family memorabilia The draft standards are designed to cover the full route to registration for students, A CENTENARY IN OPTICS both in teaching and in clinical practice. Applying the standards will involve education providers working in partnership with other bodies, such as professional associations and Jason and Karen Kirk are preparing to employers, to provide improved clinical experience. celebrate 100 years of Kirks in optics in The proposed standards and learning outcomes reflect and build upon the feedback 2019 with the launch of a special obtained so far through both the GOC’s ESR and its CET Review. There are different draft Centena eyewear collection, unveiled at learning outcomes for optometrists, dispensing opticians and contact lens opticians. For the duo’s 25th Silmo in Paris last month. the new learning outcomes for independent prescribers, the GOC proposes to adopt the It was in 1919 that Sidney and Percy Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s Competency Framework for all Prescribers. Kirk converted a dilapidated sewing The GOC also proposes to have one set of learning outcomes for qualified machine into a lens cutter – and so began practitioners, which will allow registrants to choose CET that helps them maintain their a century of the Kirk family influencing core skills but also engage in continuing professional development. optics around the globe. The GOC is planning to consult on the draft standards and learning outcomes from “This is an amazing moment,” said October to December 2018, with final versions brought to council in February 2019 Jason. “Having seen everything that my for approval. grandfather achieved, and grown up in my parent’s practice, Karen and I are very proud to learn from the past to drive the future. This is about looking forward as, like the previous generations, we try to contribute to the next century of optics.” Read the story of the Kirk brothers and more about the family business at www.kirkandkirk.com CALL FOR PAPERS A call for papers has been issued by the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) ahead of its 2019 clinical conference and Game designed to improve visual habits exhibition in Manchester. Researchers and eyecare professionals are urged to submit their latest work by the pre- GAMING FOR VISION THERAPY screening service deadline of 23 November. Experts have designed a new computer game called Eyelander to help young people The final deadline for papers to be submitted with visual field loss caused by cerebral visual impairment (CVI) to use their vision via the BCLA website is 11 January 2019. more effectively. The three-day clinical conference and The behavioural therapy featured in the game trains players to move their eyes more exhibition, taking place from May 30 to efficiently by finding the correct colourful shape in a range of competing colours and June 1, is undergoing a change in format to shapes shown at different positions on the screen, all led by an animated avatar and culminate in the grand finale of as awards punctuated with encouraging words to motivate the player. dinner on the Saturday night. It has been developed by neuroscientists from the University of Lincoln, and the WESC BCLA chief executive, Cheryl Donnelly, Foundation, one of the UK’s leading specialist schools for visually impaired children, and said: “We are thrilled to be heading back to games company, Mutant Labs. Manchester Central for the 2019 clinical The WESC Foundation is now asking for visually impaired young people to play the conference and exhibition. It promises to game and take part in further research to gather data that will advance their understanding be an event to remember, featuring a host of the complex challenges faced by young people with visual field loss. of passionate speakers delivering the latest Professor Timothy Hodgson from the University of Lincoln said: “We are very hopeful research to inspire eyecare professionals to that this game will provide not only a real solution to help people live a fuller, more make a real difference to patients’ lives.” adaptive life, but also offer a bit more fun for the eye training tasks they have to do.” Submission details can be found at To take part in the trial, contact Jonathan Waddington from the WESC Foundation on www.bcla.org.uk [email protected]. To view and play the game, visit www.eyelander.co.uk

16 Dispensing Optics OCTOBER 2018 Be part of the MECS generation

IF YOU ARE A CLO, ABDO EXTENDED SERVICES DAYS I CATEGORICALLY he ABDO Extended Service Day is an excellent opportunity to enhance your Tknowledge in MECS and GRM and prepare you for the objective structured clinical RECOMMEND YOU examination (OSCE) day. To take part in this day you must have successfully completed DO THIS COURSE. all modules in both MECS and GRM. It is envisaged that the OSCE is likely to take place in the early part of 2019. Further details will be released in due course. In order to sit the OSCE it is a requirement that you Daryl Newsome attend the Extended Services Day. (Only one day’s attendance is required).

LOCATION: ABDO NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTRE, BIRMINGHAM DATES: TUESDAY 20 NOVEMBER and WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2018

AGENDA 9:00am to 9:15am – Introduction to Extended Services Day

9:15am to 10:15am LECTURE – Anterior Chamber Assessment

10:15am to 10:30am – Refreshments

10:30am to 1:00pm WORKSHOP – Anterior Chamber Examination including Van Herick Assessment WORKSHOP – Foreign Body Identification and Removal vs Referral Next Steps to MECS Accreditation

1:00pm to 1:45pm – Lunch

1:45pm to 4:15pm LECTURE – Intraocular Pressure Measurement WORKSHOP – Preparation for Contact Tonometry WORKSHOP – Contact Tonometry

4:15pm to 4:30pm – Next steps

www.abdo.org.uk Visit www.abdo.org.uk/events/abdo-extended-services-days/

Association of British Dispensing Opticians CHIC STYLING FOR MODERN, MATURE LADIES Norville Eyewear has added four new models to the Dana Buchman collection – Everyly, Monarch, Poppi and Delphia. The Dana Buchman brand is targeted at mature ladies who look for chic designs and contemporary styling. Each frame comes in three colour variations. Poppi is a full rim metal frame available in Black, Garnet and Tawny and in Dana Buchman Poppi in Black 52-16-135 and 54-16-140 eye sizes. The delicate embellishments on the sides add a final touch of glamour. Each frame comes with its own cream- coloured, crocodile pattern case. Autumn/winter style all wrapped up

With a focus on supporting independents, the autumn/winter season sees an abundance of new eyewear collections for men and women

NEW MEN’S COLLECTION FROM BRITISH DESIGNER This month’s cover star is model JCM035 C3 from the new Jasper Conran men’s collection available exclusively to UK independent practices from Jasper Conran model JCM039 C4 Continental Eyewear. An exciting addition to the British designer’s extensive portfolio, the collection consists of 15 styles each available in three colourways. Reflecting Jasper Conran’s timeless contemporary aesthetic, the collection features a palette of dark neutral hues alongside the warmer tones of horn frames and brushed pewter. The natural curve and bevelling of the acetate frames provides a tactile finish whilst metal styles boast a sleek modern profile. Subtle branding and refined hardware details add the finishing touch. On announcing the launch, the designer said: “As a glasses wearer myself, I enjoyed creating a collection of frames classic in essence but with enough personality to became part of your identity. I am a firm believer in creating a product which makes you feel good as well as look good.”

BUILDING THE BURGEONING BOLON BRAND IN STYLE The Bolon Eyewear collection from Essilor has been bolstered with 35 new lines and continued brand building and marketing campaigns starring ambassadors – actress Anne Hathaway and model Hailey Baldwin. Designed for the UK independent market with an exclusive range of 78 sunwear and optical models, the 2018 optical collection features more of the round shapes that have proven popular with four new round models added in multiple colours including a full titanium double bridge style, BJ1309. Commercial director, Randeep Gill, commented: “The 2018 collection reinforces the My Style, My Bolon concept of eyewear as a form of individual expression and an extension of one’s personal style, and inspires men and Anne Hathaway models one of the new Bolon frames women to express their own style in every moment in life with a wide variety of unique fashion designs, from classic, elegant and chic to modern-retro.”

FREYA LAUNCHED TO FILL “GAP IN THE MARKET” Combining a heritage of optical craftmanship and expertise in contemporary design, Dunelm Optical’s new Freya brand for women offers a blend of sophisticated style, eye-catching design and in-vogue colours. Scandinavian inspiration combined with innovative British design, Dunelm believes its ethos of using premium quality materials and depth for detail, will Freya model Zoe in Jet and Tropical Green ensure the Freya collection “fills the gap in the adult female optical market”.

18 Dispensing Optics OCTOBER 2018 A/W Using the finest materials and Italian Mazzucchelli acetate, there are 22 EYEWEAR lightweight frames to choose from – each in three colours. Dunelm product development director, Oliver Beaumont, said: “Our market research has shown there was a gap in the independent optical market for everyday, contemporary and flattering adult female eyewear. The Freya collection brings affordable designer eyewear that oozes femininity, style, luxury and finesse.”

ICONIC ITALIAN FASHION IN LUXURIOUS FRAMES Pennine Optical, now part of the Lenstec Optical Group, is pleased to be able to offer the new GF Ferré Eyewear collection. GF Ferré Eyewear model SK050 in Jet The iconic Italian fashion designer Gianfranco Ferré was known as the ‘architect of fashion’. Over his 25-year career, the style that he developed and that still today hallmarks the brand, can be described as a combination of discipline and luxury, severity and ornamentation. GF Ferré eyewear is designed to blend modern styling with a touch of class. “The collection exemplifies the perfect balance between innovation, design and functionality and offers a large assortment of frames,” said a spokesperson. “

VERY ESSENCE OF RIMLESS EXPERTISE The latest offering from the rimless eyewear experts at Silhouette is Essence – a new addition to the Titan Minimal Art portfolio. The collection introduces a new chassis design made of high-tech titanium and SPX+,and a selection of new lens shapes and colour options. Crafted from a seamless blend of Silhouette’s signature materials, top-quality high- tech titanium and SPX+, the Essence collection provides “unprecedented lightness while guaranteeing the utmost resilience”. There are six new styles for men and six for women. Two striking additions stand out from the rest: a distinctive cat-eye with a rose gradient for women; Silhouette Essence and a quirky-but-cool octagonal model with a grey colour gradient for men. model 5523 GQ 9045 The collection is available under the Silhouette Vision Sensation programme providing frames and lenses from a single source at the newly built Lens Lab in Linz.

TWO LOOKS IN ONE SUMPTUOUS STYLE The Ana Hickmann eyewear collection for autumn/winter 2018, available in the UK from Go Eyewear, is “dedicated to women and their natural elegance”. The collection is characterised by elegant shapes, perfect fitting and beautiful colour combinations in the Duo-Fashion collection. Duo-Fashion is a system developed specifically for the sides of the frames allowing a rotational movement to reveal different colour and/or material combinations. The aim of the system is to provide the wearer with two looks in a single frame. Ana Hickmann model AH6356 Model AH6356 (pictured) is a Duo-Fashion full rim metal bridge acetate frame. The Duo-Fashion sides offer a chic combination with the patterned and fashionable front colours. This round shape is available in four colours.

MELODIOUS CHIMES IN THREE NEW MODELS This season sees three new styles added to the Line Art Charmant collection known for being inspired by the beauty and lightness of music. The designers of the range have crafted unique and striking frames whose appearance and performance are a tribute to the airiness and symmetry of melody. The new Vivace design expresses light and liveliness in sides made of Excellence Titan and a pressure-mounted formation. Two Duo looks feature differing frame materials and signature lines with decorative accents. All new styles come with added performance features: responsive nose pads that adapt to the wearer’s face shape and enhanced end tips that are pre-adjusted.

Next month’s Product Spotlight is on lenses and lens technology. Line Art Charmant Vivace

Dispensing Optics OCTOBER 2018 19 CET COMPETENCIES COVERED Dispensing opticians: Standards of Practice, Contact Lenses, Ocular Abnormalities Contact Lens Opticians: Standards of Practice, Ocular Examination, Contact Lenses Optometrists: Contact Lenses

The identification and management of red eye by Graeme Stevenson FBDO(Hons)CL

he causes of red eye are many patients will fall outside those categories. and varied. Many of the cases A diffuse episcleritis can also look like seen in practice will be contact conjunctivitis and episleritis may be either lens wearers and may make localised or diffuse. It is very common for the assumption that the best the patient to comment on the appearance personT to deal with their problem is the of a nodule at the initial presentation. The contact lens optician. However, it is likely recommended course of management for a that the dispensing optician may be the contact lens optician would be to refer to an first point of contact and should be aware optometrist colleague to confirm diagnosis. of the appropriate course of action. The Differential diagnosis between episcleritis dispensing optician would not be and the more serious scleritsis can be made expected to investigate the red eye, using phenylephrine, which blanches the episcleral vessels. However, the use of though would be expected to ask Figure 1: Episcleritis7 phenylephrine is outside the scope of a pertinent questions and give appropriate contact lens optician. Normally, the absence advice to the patient. list of red eyes, however, it does cover some of pain is sufficient to differentiate between Invariably the timing is not ideal either of the more common ones we are likely to episcleritis and the painful condition of as many patients wait to see if the eye will encounter in practice. scleritis. Diffuse episleritis may look like get better over the course of the day and conjunctivitis and can be differentiated by come to see us at the end of the working EPISCLERITIS symptoms and examination. day. The timing should in no way influence In terms of a definition, episcleritis is the A differential diagnosis, which can be our decision making and we should always inflammation of the episclera, the tissue carried out by a contact lens optician, can take appropriate time with each patient that lies between Tenon’s capsule and the be achieved using a cotton bud: movement and act in their best interests. It is scleral stroma (Figure 1). Episcleritis is a of the conjunctiva but not the redness imperative that we familiarise ourselves condition that can masquerade as a contact indicating episcleritis rather than with the referral pathway in the area we lens-related problem. Usually the patient will conjunctivitis. Infectious conjunctivitis is work and always have contact details to report some redness that may be associated usually associated with a discharge and hand for the ophthalmology unit at the with minor discomfort. Examination usually allergic conjunctivitis with itching and local hospital and a local independent shows some localised sectorial redness with chemosis. prescribing (IP) qualified optometrist. no associated corneal staining. Once confirmed as episcleritis, there is This article covers some of the red eye In the author’s experience, it is more generally no requirement for treatment issues faced in practice and potential common in women between the ages of 35 although ocular lubricants or oral anti- solutions. This is by no means an exhaustive and 55 although, like so many conditions, inflammatories often provide relief for

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 member login, go into the secure membership portal and CET Online will be found on the L menu. 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 answers will appear in the February 2019 C-60652 issue of Dispensing Optics. The closing date is 11 December 2018.

20 Dispensing Optics OCTOBER 2018 be an inflammatory infiltrate, stromal oedema, stromal loss and also keratic precipitates. Often, although not always, the infiltrate and stromal loss will be closer to the centre of the cornea and the lesion tends to be of an irregular shape. At this stage, the precise diagnosis of the exact cause of the disease is very difficult and beyond the remit of the contact lens optician. It could be bacterial, viral, fungal or acanthamoebal and exact diagnosis can be vital in management and treatment success of the disease. In the case of acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) (Figures 2 and 3), the pain is often hugely disproportionate to the signs and this can Figure 2: Concentric ring infiltrate in a contact lens wearer with early Acanthamoeba indeed be an indication of the cause. keratitis (courtesy of EyeRounds) Careful questioning can help uncover the cause of the disease and any those experiencing discomfort. A cold MK can be severe and life-changing for information gleaned from the patient compress can also give relief from the the patient. should be passed on to the treating discomfort. An IP-qualified optometrist may In most cases, the patient will present ophthalmologist when referred. One reason consider prescribing fluorometholone (FML) with a very painful red eye. They will be for this is that as the pain worsens, the in more severe cases and, in particular, the extremely photophobic and their vision patient may have some difficulty in nodular type of episcleritis. may have dropped. The conjunctiva will be answering the questions posed to them – In the majority of cases, the patient will extremely red in appearance, rather like a even a few minutes or hours after being be more concerned with the appearance piece of fresh steak. Often the pain will be seen by the contact lens optician. Any suspect MK must be referred than with any discomfort which, if present almost unbearable for the patient and urgently to a hospital ophthalmology at all, is generally mild. In cases of recurrent examination on the slit lamp may prove department. It can also be very helpful to episcleritis, it may be appropriate to refer difficult due to the combination of pain and the treating ophthalmologist if the contact the patient to their GP to rule out any photophobia. The use of a topical anaesthetic lens and case can be taken along to the systemic involvement as the condition can may be used by a contact lens optician to appointment. Ideally, swabs and scrapings often be linked with rheumatoid arthritis, help facilitate examination of the eye. would be taken from both the cornea and systemic lupus erythematosus and Typically, they will be contact lens lens to help identify the causative agent inflammatory bowel disease. wearers and, in many cases, non-compliant. and to ensure the correct treatment from Injuries to the cornea can also cause MK the outset. MICROBIAL KERATITIS and particular care should be taken if the Sadly, there has been a significant Generally, the most serious contact lens- injury is of an agricultural nature, as these increase recently in the number of related corneal problem is that of microbial pose the highest risk of fungal infection, confirmed cases of AK1. It would appear keratitis (MK). Symptoms can vary quite which can have devastating ocular outcomes. that a significant number have been caused significantly depending on the stage of the There are several acute signs of MK by contact lens wearers wearing their lenses disease at presentation. If left untreated, within the cornea itself. There will usually whilst swimming. We must always reinforce the ‘No water’ message to contact lens wearers at every available opportunity. The General Optical Council (GOC) Love your lenses campaign2 this year focused on the ‘No water’ message and such public awareness campaigns can only be good in helping to get the hygiene message across to all of our patients. Such incidents can be hugely stressful for both patients and practitioners alike. Of course, prevention is better than cure and it is vital to talk about contact lens contamination to all contact lens wearers at all available opportunities. As we know, many insist their contact lens care is impeccable, however, neither party can afford to become blasé about the care of Figure 3: Corneal ring infiltrate in a patient with Acanthamoeba keratitis contact lenses and the message should be (courtesy of EyeRounds) reinforced where appropriate.

Dispensing Optics OCTOBER 2018 21 Continuing Education and Training

responsible for this phenomenon. There will They may also report increased movement not normally be any loss of visual acuity of the lenses and also some mucus-like although the excessive tearing can stringy discharge from the eyes. The vision sometimes blur vision a little. Slit lamp will be a little blurred and the lenses will examination usually shows a small generally be less comfortable than normal. whitish/grey anterior stromal infiltrate in Slit lamp examination will show slight the periphery or mid-periphery of the cornea. redness and the lenses may be a little Unlike a MK infiltrate, the infiltrate is deposited and will be displaced superiorly usually round, well, defined and small, on the cornea. Lens removal would not ranging in size from 0.1-0.2mm. A contact normally exhibit any corneal staining, lens peripheral ulcer is an inflammatory however, all is generally revealed when the event associated with colonisation on contact eyelids are everted. lens surfaces by Gram-positive bacteria, The upper tarsal conjunctiva is normally most notably the Staphylococcus species. injected and will display some papillae. In many cases, no treatment is required These papillae can vary significantly in size other than temporary discontinuation of depending on the degree of inflammation. lenses with perhaps the aid of ocular If associated with contact lens wear, the Figure 4: Contact lens peripheral ulcer lubricants to relieve the discomfort. A CLPU papillae tend only to be raised in the area (Courtesy David Stevens) resolves with cessation of lens wear and the that has come into contact with the lens condition improves rapidly. However, the during the act of blinking. However, it CONTACT LENS PERIPHERAL ULCER similarity between an active CLPU and an should be noted that in many patients Differentiating between infectious MK and early presentation of a MK requires than there is a small amount of low grade a non-infectious contact lens induced the practitioner takes a very conservative papillae, which for them is a normal finding. peripheral ulcer (CLPU) (Figure 4) can be approach and monitors the patient closely Such appearances emphasise the very difficult. However, it is essential for over the first 12 to 24 hours. importance of lid eversion prior to contact practitioners involved in contact lens care The bacterial bioburden from the eyelid lens wear as it enables the practitioner to to be able to do so. margins can be a cause of a CLPU and if any monitor any changes. Differentiating between infectious MK blepharitis is present, a regimen of lid In the case of a purely allergic and a non-infectious CLPU is essential for hygiene should be embarked upon. It is now conjunctivitis, there will be papillae over any practitioner involved in contact lens widely accepted that the specific blepharitis the whole area of the upper conjunctiva. In care. Both may present with very similar treatments are far superior to the now cases of contact lens-associated papillary appearance and symptoms in their early outdated baby shampoo treatment. conjunctivitis (CLAPC), the papillae can be stages. Careful questioning and, if Contact lens opticians should always be of irregular sizes whereas in allergic appropriate, monitoring is vital to ensure mindful of their limitations and seek further reactions they tend to be more regular. the correct differential diagnosis. Table 1 advice and consider referral to an IP CLAPC is more prevalent in wearers of shows a comparison of signs and symptoms. optometrist, or indeed an ophthalmologist, silicone hydrogel lenses and, in particular, In the case of a CLPU, the patient will if there is any thought at all that the those who are still wearing first generation typically report minor discomfort, mild condition may be microbial. silicone hydrogel lenses. This is generally photophobia and excessive tearing. The due to the mechanical action of the eyelid discomfort may have been present for a day CONTACT LENS-ASSOCIATED moving across the higher modulus material. or two but has not got any better or any PAPILLARY CONJUNCTIVITIS Management would generally involve worse during that time. Patients often In summer time in particular, contact lens refitting the patient with a lens of a lower report that they eye actually feels better wearers will attend reporting that they have modulus, replacing lenses more frequently, with the contact lens in situ. The bandage itchy and slightly irritated eyes which can optimising lens fit and/or returning to daily effect of the soft contact lens is likely often be worse on removal of the lenses. wear from extended wear. A contact lens optician can also consider INFECTIOUS INFILTRATES STERILE INFILTRATES (CLPU) referring to an IP optometrist who may (MICROBIAL KERATITIS) prescribe either a mast cell stabiliser or even Smaller Lesion Larger lesion a combined antihistamine and mast cell stabiliser, although generally contact lenses More peripheral More central cannot be worn during such treatments. After successful treatment, it is wise to refit Minimal epithelial damage Significant epithelial defect with an alternative lens as returning to the No mucous discharge Mucopurulent discharge same lens is likely to see a return of the condition at some point in the future. Less pain and photophobia Pain and photophobia There are some studies which show that fitting thin daily replacement hydrogel Little to no anterior chamber reaction Anterior chamber reaction lenses can relieve the symptoms of both No lid involvement Lid oedema CLAPC and allergic conjunctivitis. In the author’s experience, it is often wise to Table 1. Comparison of sterile and infectious infiltrates counsel the patient that they have an

22 Dispensing Optics OCTOBER 2018 keratoconjunctivitis, there may also be the lens itself tends to fluoresce. It is not some corneal involvement with sub- unheard of for the lens not to be easily epithelial corneal infiltrates which lead to found and indeed there are some reports of the reduced visual acuity. Viral infection as a result of the lens being in the keratoconjunctivitis is highly contagious eye for some weeks6. Some ophthalmologists and can be very stubborn and persistent. suggest double eversion though this would Again, the condition is self limiting and generally not be carried out in optometric usually no treatment is required. practice by a contact lens optician. In some Among the causes of viral conjunctivitis cases, it is also common for the patient to is the highly contagious adenovirus, the feel some discomfort from what they most common form of acute infective believe to be a displaced lens but in actual conjunctivitis. Such a condition usually fact the lens has been removed and the comes on very quickly and the patient will discomfort is caused by something Figure 5: Classic presentation of bacterial experience ocular redness, discomfort and completely different, such as a CLPU. conjunctivitis. Note the discharge which has collected between the lashes and in watery eyes. Often it starts off unilaterally Such a case as described above gives an the nasal corner then becomes bilateral. The eyelids will interesting dilemma for the dispensing often be stuck together on waking, optician in practice with no contact lens inflammatory condition and not an requiring them to be bathed to open. optician or optometrist in attendance. It is infection caused by their contact lenses. However, in the case of a confirmed essential that the correct advice is offered adenovirus, the patient is best advised to to the patient, which would normally be to BACTERIAL CONJUNCTIVITIS take time off work or school due to the coach them on how to remove the lens if, Many patients who wear contact lenses highly contagious nature of the condition. indeed, it is still in the eye. The difficulty assume that any discomfort or red eye they Hygiene is vital for both practitioner arises if the lens cannot be located and, in experience is as a result of wearing contact and patients in cases of conjunctivitis. such a case, the patient should be advised lenses. In the case of bacterial conjunctivitis Patients should be advised not to share to seek help from an alternative optical (Figure 5), the causes are many and varied towels and to take great care cleaning practice to remove the lens from the eye. although rarely is it caused by the wearing keyboards of laptops and other items. of contact lenses. In such cases, the patient Handwashing is vital before and after TRIAGE FORM will report red sticky eyes with some seeing the patient and all equipment must As dispensing opticians in practice, we are discharge. There is usually no drop in vision, be cleaned prior to seeing the next patient5. often the first port of call for our patients although there can be some blurring as a Of course, such hand hygiene applies to all and will be called upon to give advice. It result of the watering and also the patient episodes though particular care can be very helpful to use a triage form, mucopurulent discharge. must be taken in cases of suspected which not only keeps a permanent record Slit lamp examination shows a clear contagious infections. but also allows us to look at all the cornea, a swollen and red conjunctiva with symptoms together prior to deciding on the perhaps some lid oedema. Interestingly, the LOST OR TORN CONTACT LENS best advice for our patient. A template can current thinking is that no treatment One very common issue seen regularly is easily be adapted to suit each practice; should be given3. The condition is self- the contact lens wearer who cannot get one ABDO provides a DO/CLO referral form on limiting and will generally resolve within of their lenses out. The patient will the ABDO website as Appendix I to the five to seven days. Correct advice is vital as generally report that the lens has not been Advice & Guidelines. dispensing opticians are often the first port removed but they are sure it is still in the of call to issue advice to patients calling eye as there is some discomfort. CONCLUSION into the practice. Interestingly, colleagues often tell the Sadly, in our practices red eyes amongst It is estimated that 160,000 GP patient they will see them as an emergency, contact lens-wearing patients are a regular appointments are “wasted” annually in the as it only takes a few seconds to remove occurrence. As contact lens opticians, we UK by children attending with bacterial the lens. Sadly, this isn’t always the case. need to confident in dealing with such conjunctivitis3. Many schools will exclude Careful questioning is very important situations appropriately and quickly. It is children from attending if they have “pink including such questions as: what type of vitally important that we always work eye” unless they have a prescription for an lens do you wear?; and how long have you within our limitations and, if in any doubt, antibiotic eye drop4. Issuing the correct worn contact lenses? Frequently, we will seek the advice of a colleague. In many advice will reduce pressure on healthcare find they are new patients wearing thin instances, the patient may question our practitioners to prescribe antibiotics and daily lenses. During the initial advice to diagnosis and, in such cases, we should be will support the ongoing global effort to contact lens wearers, it could be pointed happy to seek the opinion of a colleague. In tackle antimicrobial resistance. out that if they are unable to get the lens most cases, this both reassures the patient A differential diagnosis should be made out late at night then it can usually be left and the optician that we are indeed taking between a bacterial conjunctivitis, viral in the eye overnight rather than either the correct course of action. conjunctivitis and keratoconjunctivitis. A tearing at the eye for some hours or Whilst we need to be careful to avoid viral keratoconjunctivitis is highly attending A&E. unnecessary referral, we must also ensure symptomatic causing discomfort, tearing, If the lens is not on the cornea, lid we act appropriately and in the best lid swelling, photophobia and in some cases eversion is essential and the insertion of interests of the patient at all times. It must decreased vision. In the case of a viral fluorescein makes finding the lens easier as also be remembered that only a very small

Dispensing Optics OCTOBER 2018 23 percentage of our contact lens wearers publications/love-your-lenses.cfm lenses. Contact Lens and Anterior Eye present with red eyes and an extremely low (accessed 9 August 2018). 2013;36(2):101-102. number have any sight-threatening condition. 3. Royal College of General Practitioners. 7. Mintz R, Feller ER, Bahr RL and Shah SA. The fitting and supply of contact lenses Management of Infective Conjunctivitis Ocular manifestations of inflammatory is a very valuable and rewarding part of our in primary care. 2014. [online] Available at: bowel diseases. Inflam. Bowel Dis. 2004;10 business and I would encourage all http://www.rcgp.org.uk/-/media/Files/CIRC/ (2):135-9. Available at: interested dispensing opticians to consider Eye-Health/RCGP-Infective-Conjunctivitis- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/ becoming contact lens opticians. With the Factsheet-December-2014.ashx?la=en 8537517_Ocular_Manifestations_of_ contact lens optician becoming involved in (accessed 9 August 2018). Inflammatory_Bowel_Disease (accessed minor eye conditions service schemes, our 4. Royal College of General Practitioners. 19 July 2018). role within the profession is ever-expanding. Thousands of GP appointments ‘lost’ due We are likely to be seeing more red-eye to children with conjunctivitis being GRAEME STEVENSON is a contact lens patients who are non-contact lens wearers turned away from nursery Available at: optician (CLO) at Boots Opticians. He has and, as contact lens opticians, our http://www.rcgp.org.uk/about-us/news/ 30 years’ experience as a CLO and works experience can be vital to aid the diagnosis 2016/november/thousands-of-gp- full-time in clinical practice. Graeme is an and treatment of such individuals. appointments-lost-due-to-children-with- educational visitor for the General Optical conjunctivitis-being-turned-away-from- Council, the ABDO representative on the REFERENCES nursery.aspx (accessed 9 August 2018). Optometry Scotland executive and is the 1. Henriquez FL. Acanthamoeba and its ocular 5. Black P. Infection prevention and control chair of the Dispensing Committee. He is impact. 2017. Optician;253 (5 May). in optical practice Part 2. Dispensing also a past chair of the Scottish Contact 2. General Optical Council. Love your lenses. Optics 2018;33(6):18-22. Lens Society. Graeme has presented many March 2018. Available at: 6. Tarafdar S, Ramamurti S and Ramesh K. lectures and workshops and written for https://www.optical.org/en/news_ Recurrent keratitis due to lost contact numerous optical journals.

RUNNING FOR leading eye research charity in the UK and we fund pioneering research to stop sight RESEARCH loss – Joanne’s fabulous efforts will help us ABDO CET coordinator, Joanne Abbott, will raise more vital funds that could help lead be running the Royal Parks Half Marathon to the next big breakthrough.” again this month in aid of Fight for Sight, Fight for Sight is the leading UK charity and is appealing for donations via her Just dedicated to funding pioneering research to Giving page at https://uk.virginmoney prevent sight loss and treat eye disease. Its giving.com/JoanneAbbott overall research commitments currently Michele Acton, Fight for Sight chief amount to £8m for over 160 research executive, said: “We’re delighted that projects at 49 different universities and Joanne is running the Royal Parks Half hospitals across the UK. Find out more at Joanne Abbott Marathon again for us this year. We’re the www.fightforsight.org.uk

End of CET cycle nigh: what to do now As the current CET cycle draws to a close, the ABDO CET Department would like to encourage members to review where they are with their requirements…

The current CET cycle ends on 31 end of the CET cycle, there are 11 ABDO distance learning article CET up until 11 December this year – so now is a good CET regional events organised that you can December. The last non-interactive distance time to review where you are with your attend – each offering a minimum of five learning CET article will be in the November CET requirements and plan ahead if you interactive CET points. All of the events will issue, before recommencing in January 2019. have a shortfall. offer the peer discussion requirement for If you feel that you may struggle to Requirements can easily be seen by contact lens opticians and optometrists. gain your necessary CET requirements, then logging in to your MyGOC platform via the Booking for each event can be made either please do get in touch with the ABDO CET General Optical Council website at via the Events section of the ABDO website team as soon as possible. It’s much easier www.optical.org. What you need to do or via your personal invitation email, and will to help you the sooner we can. next is action any pending points and then open four weeks prior to the individual event. ABDO CET can be contacted by email review any shortfall via the dashboard. Please also be reminded that at [email protected] or by telephone on From now ((1 October 2018) until the Dispensing Optics will offer non-interactive 01206 734155.

24 Dispensing Optics OCTOBER 2018 Multiple choice answers: MCAs Infection prevention and control in optical practice Part 2 By Peter Black MBA FBDO FEAOO. C-59586 – published in June 2018

Six of the following questions were presented online to entrants to comply with the General Optical Council’s best practice specifications for this type of CET.

For which situation is handwashing not essential? c is the correct answer. That is why contact lens wearers a. Before touching a patient should be encouraged to rub their lenses when cleaning. b. Before touching any frames on display c. Before a clinical procedure Which organism is a Gram negative bacterium that d. After a clinical procedure causes sight-threatening keratitis? b is the correct answer. Frame cleaning should be part a. Pseudomonas aeruginosa of a regular decontamination schedule, however. b. Staphylococcus aureus c. Fusarium solani d. Acanthamoeba castellani What term describes a disinfectant that can kill bacteria? a is the correct answer. The others are not Gram a. Bacteristatic negative bacteria. b. Bactericidal c. Pathogenic The greatest percentage of cases presenting at d. Antibiotic Moorfields A&E department were for which condition? b is the correct answer. a. Microbial keratitis b. Conjunctivitis What must be carried out on instruments before surgery c. Chalazion or other invasive procedure? d. Blepharitis and dry eye a. Cleaning d is the correct answer. Blepharitis and dry eye b. Disinfection accounted for 16 per cent of cases. c. Sterilisation d. Sanitisation What is methylisothiazolinone? c is the correct answer. Invasive procedures require that a. A synthetic preservative used in sanitising agents all microorganisms are killed or removed from instruments. b. A component of contact lens disinfecting solutions c. A fungus which causes sight-threatening infection Why is it vital to dry as well as wash hands? d. A bacteriostatic antibiotic a. Because most microorganisms need moisture to multiply a is the correct answer. This common preservative is found b. Because infection is never transmitted from dry surfaces in many liquid personal care products, but has been linked to c. To transfer any harmful organisms on to a drying cloth lung toxicity, allergic reactions and possible neurotoxicity. d. To eliminate possible irritation from soap a is the correct answer. What is the most important measure to control infection in practice? Which statement is true with regard to ‘rub and rinse’? a. Disinfection of work surfaces a. It is a sterilisation process b. Cleaning chinrests b. It is recommended for daily disposable contact lenses c. Handwashing c. It contributes to effective disinfection d. Correct disposal of waste d. It is done with tap water c is the correct answer. Multiple choice answers

Participants are advised that the GOC’s Enhanced CET Principles and Requirements v3.2 document states that for text article CET questions: “A proportion of the questions should require the application of existing professional knowledge to determine the answer”. This can include personal research online, or following up the references at the end of the article.

Dispensing Optics OCTOBER 2018 25 IN Martin Williams takes a long-shot PRACTICE for a keen archer with target fixation issues

Aiming for a bullseye

ow that I have entered the twilight of my career, I thought I had dispensed just about anything and everything to everyone. NBut no. One of my long-term patients came up with a challenge above and beyond the call of duty. As a keen amateur archer, and a very capable home engineer, my patient explained that age was also catching him up and he was having problems fixing his target due to limited neck movement. Torsioning a 70lb bow, even for a matter of a few seconds, requires considerable muscular effort in all departments – but if he couldn’t get his head turned far enough then he had even less time to concentrate on aiming accurately. Torsioning a 70lb bow requires considerable muscular effort The question he asked was: “Could you move the target object to where I can hold was thinking this might make him feel a bit Then, fortunately, he reminded me that my head in a comfortable natural position funny when he opens his other eye. And it he closed his right eye when aiming. Oh, ok, by using a prism?” My initial reaction was, did. So, how was he going to get binocular cross that off. In any case, a 10 prism in one ‘I don’t want to go there’, but as he was fixation if he intended to walk around in his eye and out on the other in a 50 eye frame prepared to experiment on a trial and error specs? Should we try a 10 prism, both in the would look hideous. But that image basis, I relented and thought: well, this same direction? Not conventional, I thought. prompted the question: could we achieve could be interesting… I’ve never done it before. Will it work? But the desired effect with mirrors, rather like a nothing ventured, nothing gained – so we recumbent spec? Again that, fortunately, CALL FOR LATERAL THINKING thought we’d give it a try. was soon discounted. A Fresnel was an So, there we were, posing as Robin Hood and Friar Tuck (I’m Friar Tuck) aiming at the Air Ambulance shop across the road, wearing a trial frame. Being left handed and left eye dominant, his head was uncomfortably twisted to the right. “Ok, which way do we want the image to move?” “To the left.” “So, is that prism in or out?” “Yep, it moves in the direction of the apex so base in.” Five dioptres started to move the image but we settled on a 10 prism. Oh that it was that simple. Now I’m no expert on phobias or phorias, or whatever you call them, but I ‘Prism’ lens mounted in the clip-on

26 Dispensing Optics OCTOBER 2018 his varifocal? Err, yes. And could we incorporate his actual prescription? Err… So, this was the ultimate solution: a metal frame with nose pads pushed to one side to get frame fitting as close to the bridge as possible so that he was not looking through a gap. We would use varifocal Transitions lenses decentred with a bias to the right. He would then embed a clear single vision astigmatic lens into the extreme nasal section of the carrier ‘Prism lens’ mounted in the carrier lens showing the thickness and angle of the prism varifocal, this time with 15 dioptres of prism (oh how the lab would love me). option but that compromised acuity. was again aiming at the Air Ambulance This would give full correction for Ultimately, we determined that he could across the road – this time using all my distance with the contrast between the get into a comfortable position with the strength to draw his 70lb willow bow. He Transitions carrier and prism acting rather required prism in one eye. But how was it did leave his arrows at home and I’d locked like a diaphragm to further assist sighting going to be dispensed? Time for some the front door (bear in mind an Olympic the target by partially occluding unwanted lateral thinking. bow only requires around 35lb). distractions. And so far, it’s worked. At least, After some more discussion, we selected Seemingly having achieved our he was back within a couple of hours with a a metal frame with a magnetic clip-on. The objective, my patient went away full of big grin proudly showing off his workmanship. base frame would have his full regular enthusiasm straight back into his workshop The prism is having the desired effect. prescription and he, as an engineer with a to fit his lens. Two hours later I received a The prescription (oblique 2.00 cyl) gives the mind for design and the resources, would phone call: “I’ve got an idea!” Isn’t that clarity but not quite as good as through the cut the polarising clip and fit the prism what Butch Cassidy said before he jumped varifocal because it’s not reflection-free himself. Now to get it made. off the cliff? I felt like I was Sundance about coated and it’s mounted at an awkward to follow him into the abyss. But his angle so it doesn’t follow best form as the WHERE THERE’S A WILL proposal sounded realistic and he was eye moves laterally. In the West Midlands, there is now one prepared to pay (again). The only issue I have to now resolve is short-tempered glazer with no fingernails. Back with his bow and still trying to that, as he rotates his head into position, We specified a lens with plano power, a shoot down the Air Ambulance, we his left eye is lower than his right. This diameter of 12mm with an edge substance concluded the vertex distance to the clip- means he now gets some vertical diplopia of 2mm, so it needed a lot of hand edging. on was too great and reduced his field of until he sights his target and closes his After several attempts, two weeks later I vision. Could we fit the prism onto, or into, right eye. I wonder if any readers have any thoughts and suggestions on how I can better this? If so, please contact me by emailing [email protected]

MARTIN WILLIAMS FBDO is a semi-retired dispensing optician, working two days per week in his Boots Opticians franchise in Northampton. He worked at Dollond & Aitchison for many years during the 1980s and 90s, and was development director for New Image Laser Eye Centres The end result from 1994 to 1996.

Obituary: Mike Stokes FBDO, GOC Cert. CL By David Kirk

It was with great sadness that we learnt of interest in local Area events was waning, Mike Mike loved his family and was pleased to the passing of our friend and colleague, called an EGM and galvanised members into have gone to his daughter’s wedding in New Mike Stokes. action to make the Area thriving once more. Zealand earlier this year. Golf was one of his Mike was a stalwart of our Association and Mike was really well known by patients passions and he was secretary of the ABDO he loved our profession. He worked tirelessly in the Bolton area and across the North of Golf Society for more than 25 years, right up for (and with) his local members, receiving England, where he fitted contact lenses for until his passing. His death was a shock to us the ABDO Medal of Excellence in 2007 for many years as a ‘grandfather’ contact all, especially as he was about to take over his considerable service to ABDO Area 3 lens optician. the captaincy of his own local golf club. (North West). In 2003, when attendance and Quiet by nature and full of integrity, Our thoughts are with Lynn and his family.

Dispensing Optics OCTOBER 2018 27 IN Nicky Collinson speaks to the newest members PROFILE of the ABDO board to hear about their hopes and goals for their term in office

Stepping on board

Garry has been a member of ABDO her ABDO Level 6 professional qualification from the beginning of his optical career, at Bradford College. Over the next 20 years, and was CET officer for the former ABDO she gained a wealth of experience in the London Area. His continued passion for industry, prior to joining Bradford College as raising the profile of the DO role motivated a full-time lecturer in ophthalmic dispensing him to become involved with ABDO at in 1997. In 2015, in recognition of her board level for a second time. extensive professional experience, she was “A more informed and educated public appointed head of faculty for Applied Sciences, can only help raise salaries and assist our specialising in ophthalmic dispensing and fight for CET funding,” believes Garry. ophthalmic dispensing management. “Online dispensing is a challenge with the Since gaining her FBDO, Julie has been ensuing insufficient adjustments and actively involved with both ABDO and the measurements, and we always end up fixing General Optical Council (GOC). In 2005, Garry Kousoulou problems in the end. The new ABDO she became a member of the ABDO campaign, #NotJustADO, is the first of Academic Committee; she is an ABDO many strategies to raise our profile. With theory and practical examiner for ABDO, HOLISTIC WORLD VIEW everybody’s support, we cannot fail. This both in the UK and overseas and, since This is not the first time that Garry Kousoulou success will be exactly the reason I applied 2014, an external examiner for the FBDO has sat on the ABDO board; the for a second time around.” ophthalmic dispensing courses at City and globetrotting DO was a board member from A creative person, Garry says he would Islington College and City University. 2008 to 2012 and has been dedicated to love to help simplify and solve issues with This year, Julie left her position at professional advancement from the beginning. communications. He explains: “One of our Bradford College to pursue new challenges. Garry’s optical career started in 1995 in biggest challenges is to improve She’s helping to write the ABDO Level 4 an independent practice called Visioncare in communication with the general public, Optical Assistants course, and will be part North London. Once qualified, Garry was students and members. I would also like to of the ABDO team lecturing to Chinese keen to experience the wider world of see refraction included as standard in delegates in November. She also recently optics so he travelled to work and observe qualifying exams. And as a practice owner, I travelled to Chennai, India, to deliver pre- in different practices around the globe – would like to build on the success of ABDO in exam teaching for students sitting their from Australia to Hawaii. helping members open their own practices.” PQEs and FQEs. “I have worked with some amazing Talking about his other goals for the Turning to her new role on the ABDO people along the way from pre-reg, to future, Garry adds: “Over the last 14 years, I board, Julie believes her many years of manager and now to owner,” says Garry, have had the privilege of pre-screening the experience in industry and education will “and I am proud to have successfully visual acuity of local school-age children. make her a valuable team member. “I am written and delivered the world’s first CET The avoidable loss of vision caused by lecture in social media. Another real amblyopia is so unnecessary. As a holistic highlight in my career was being a finalist professional, I care a lot about the in the Dispensing Optician of the Year education of both parents and carers to category at the Optician Awards in 2012, ensure they understand that it is vital that coming second to the great Ian Squire.” all children get an eye examination.” Garry’s independent London practice, Email Garry at Goodlooking Optics, has won more than 10 [email protected] awards, including the categories of Best Highest-Growing Business and Best Work FOCUS ON EDUCATION Experience. In 2016, the practice merged with With her extensive background in industry Gordon Thomas and became the first Hakim and academia, Julie Lees FBDO plans to bring Group London practice. Garry has spoken her expertise in optical education and delivered CET to opticians all over the and training to her new role as an ABDO Julie Lees world from Glasgow to Dubai, in events like board member. 100% Optical and Independents Day. Julie qualified in 1976, having studied for

28 Dispensing Optics OCTOBER 2018 enthusiastic about practical dispensing and Kevin’s first involvement with ABDO the role of the DO in practice, and firmly was as an Area representative on the old believe that they should be recognised for ABDO council. He went on to become the highly skilled qualities they bring to the ABDO president in 2006, and has now been workplace,” says Julie. re-elected to serve his final three years on “I’m looking forward to more actively the board. supporting all ABDO initiatives via the With all his experience, both within the National Clinical Committee and the Association and without, Kevin has seen many Association’s work with the Local Optical changes over the years. “The main change I Committee Support Unit – raising the have noted has been the increase on the profile of the DO and listening to and number of DOs now in the register,” says supporting all ABDO members.” Kevin, “proving there is a continued need Julie is particularly passionate about DO for the profession of dispensing optics. ABDO Brenda Rennie education, “not just the initial qualification has also changed greatly over the years, but CET too,” she says. “With the ageing becoming much more active in supporting population, DOs need to be continually up- and enhancing the roles of DOs and CLOs.” skilling to embrace new developments in It was through working with ABDO past Kevin hopes that as a board member, he eyecare. I feel that once qualified, many DOs president, Fiona Anderson, that Brenda began can continue to be part of the force to are left to find suitable CET without any to consider applying to become a board further enhance the DO role “with increased guidance. I would like to see them being member. She says: “Working with Fiona at scope of practice for those who wish to given recognition for attending CET events CET events, I saw how she always promoted pursue new avenues. The Association also during their training, to prepare them for their the benefits of being a board member. This has to make sure our members are prepared new responsibilities once qualified. encouragement and enthusiasm made me for the increase in the ageing population “I would also like to see more ‘family- look a bit further into it.” and, thus, those who will need our help friendly’ CET events so that members with Talking about how she sees her new solving low vision problems. The DO is dependents can easily access the professional role, Brenda says: “It’s important the board ideally placed in practice to provide low development they need,” Julie adds. keeps close to members’ views and opinions, vision care and support.” Get in touch with Julie by emailing and promotes to the general public what the Kevin would also like to see the new [email protected] role of the DO is and its importance within ABDO National Resource Centre (NRC) in primary care. We are witness to new and Birmingham supported by the membership ACTIVELY PROMOTING PROGRESS unprecedented changes within the profession, and profession as a whole. “The NRC is in a Soon after qualifying in 2001, it was with and I intend to keep actively working to central position and is fantastically encouragement from fellow Scot Barry promote these changes, in legislation and equipped for optics – but it can also cater Duncan (now ABDO deputy chief executive) the marketplace, enabling our members to for meetings outside optics.” that Brenda Rennie FBDO joined the Area expand their scope of practice. Finally, as CLOs progress into MECS and 12 committee. “Back then, CET wasn’t “I am passionate about dispensing DOs’ scope of practice increases, Kevin mandatory but we were keen to organise optics,” Brenda continues. “We have much would like to ensure MECS is introduced as many CET events as possible,” says to offer but our work can be undervalued. I through all the UK’s devolved nations. Brenda, who later became Area 12 secretary want to see us push forwards like other “MECS shouldn’t just be something that is and treasurer when her colleague John healthcare professionals and be included in being taken up in England,” he says. “As Mitchell retired. areas of primary care where we specialise waiting lists extend, anything we can do to Brenda’s first foray into optics was in and excel, such as paediatric dispensing, help should be accepted and we need to 1997 when she became a receptionist with contact lenses, low vision and MECS.” find ways to make this happen and not put Ferrier & MacKinnon Optometrists in the Brenda is also keen to encourage DOs barriers up to prevent it.” group’s Fife practices. “Charles MacKinnon, to recognise their own skills and use CET If you’d like to contact Kevin, email one of the directors, encouraged me to for their professional development and [email protected] apply for the ABDO dispensing course by integration with other eye health providers. distance learning. He said a career in “In Scotland, this integration has been dispensing optics would offer me a diverse strengthened with NES Optometry and working life with many different career ABDO Scotland working together to provide possibilities – and he wasn’t wrong.” quality CET events that our members and With Ferrier & MacKinnon’s support, other eye health professionals enjoy Brenda became FBDO qualified and is now attending,” Brenda concludes. manager of its Burntisland practice. Since Contact Brenda by emailing the restructure of ABDO, Brenda has [email protected] continued to be involved with NES Optometry, helping to provide CET for LONG-STANDING ASSOCIATION members through events like Eyecare 3000 A familiar face to many, Kevin Milsom FBDO and the Scottish Optical Conference. In R FEAOO qualified in 1983 before spending 2017, she became the first ABDO regional 28 years working for a multiple as a DO and lead in Scotland and is now training to contact lens optician (CLO). For the past 12 Kevin Milsom become an ABDO practical examiner. years, he has worked as a locum.

Dispensing Optics OCTOBER 2018 29 CHARITIES This month, Antonia Chitty talks to dispensing opticians working with charities to give patients hope and support

Working with charities

f you want an extra dimension to with low vision, to do an audit of the your work, you may have thought of patients who walk through their door. You becoming involved with a charity. will have low vision patients but you just Read on to find out about what it’s need to ask the right questions. like to work for a low vision charity, “For people with conditions such as andI other ways to support people with glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, it is low vision. worth talking about the support available Gaynor Tromans is clinic manager and early on. With macular disease becoming low vision dispensing optician at Focus more common, there will be more people Birmingham. Gaynor coordinates the day- with low vision in High Street practice. to-day running of the clinics, manages staff When people are first diagnosed, they need and sees patients to assess them and help and support, and a dispensing optician provide magnifiers and other equipment is well placed to talk about the Macular alongside advice and sign posting if needed. Society, to pass on RNIB’s number, and to Gaynor says: “Focus Birmingham runs put patients in touch with their local society.” clinics five days a week and supported over Gaynor concludes: “My job gives me a 3,000 service users last year. Along with the sense of satisfaction that all my training is helping someone. Sometimes people feel low vision centre, Focus has a communities that the DO is someone who sells a pair of Sight loss advisor, Nicola Ford, team that offers home visits to support and specs but it is so much more than that. Our with some low vision tools give advice on benefits and any concerns job is not just to give out gadgets and simple as a Liquid Level Indicator [a device service users may have. The charity runs advice, it also gives people hope.” that sits on the side of a cup and bleeps social groups across the city to help with when the hot water reaches the required social exclusion. We have a dedicated REACHING OUT IN THE COMMUNITY level] can be life changing and can help counsellor on site to support our service Dispensing optician, Nicola Ford, works for individuals maintain their independence. users. We have a lighting and technology Wakefield District Sight Aid People are so thankful for the time I spend room and a mock kitchen to show contrast (www.wdsa.org.uk), a charity formed in with them.” Read two of Nicola’s recent and lighting.” 1869 to support all adult visually impaired cases in Box 1. Gaynor uses this facility to take people, their families, carers and sight care Andy Cook is a dispensing optician and patients through practical tasks, try out professionals across the Wakefield District. started working for Sight for Surrey gadgets and give them advice. She explains: She says: “We feel it is vital that visually (www.sightforsurrey.org.uk) 22 years ago. “Telling someone something is fine, but impaired people in our community should He says: “We have a big resource centre, showing them is much more effective. have access to the same opportunities and which covers anything that a visually Having that room is wonderful.” quality of life as everyone else. Reducing impaired person might need. We have a She continues: “Many people don’t social isolation through community outreach wide range of equipment, talking phones, know that services like Focus Birmingham activities is a key part of our charity work.” watches, and many different magnification exist. I often hear, ‘Why didn’t the hospital As sight loss advisor, Nicola provides aids in stock. We also have CCTV electronic tell me about you?’ The hospitals are good practical and emotional support to all those screen readers for people to try. but have an enormous number of people living with sight loss, raising awareness “The majority of people we see have through the door and it is vital that the about good eye health and care. She macular degeneration but each person has work of low vision charities continues to continues: “My visits often involve different expectations. We might use give people the support they need.” discussing lighting and contrast, as well as specialist software on a computer, on Alongside her work with the charity, providing equipment such as low vision mobiles phones and we have a specialist in Gaynor is also a tutor for the low vision aids, tactile markers, symbol canes, Liquid that field. Generally, people come in for an course at ABDO College. She says: “I often Level Indicators and talking books. appointment for an hour to an hour and a tell people who are considering the course, “It is a very rewarding role and it has half. Some people have already been seen but are unsure if they see enough people amazed me how providing something as at home by a rehab officer and been

30 Dispensing Optics OCTOBER 2018 Box 1: Case studies Nicola Ford outlines case studies of two patients she recently worked with

BUILDING BACK CONFIDENCE PRACTICAL HELP INSIDE AND OUT Following a referral from the eye clinic This patient’s husband had passed away liaison officer at the local hospital, I seven weeks previously, and he had been visited the patient. She was a teacher, but her main carer. She is registered as had had to give up work due to age-related severely sight impaired. Her neighbour macular degeneration. The patient had a contacted us (with her consent) to ask if visual field test scheduled (her last one we could help. was in 2012) and was hoping the I fitted tactile markers to her washing ophthalmologist would register her and machine dials, microwave and key locks. She issue her with a Certificate of Vision didn’t need a Liquid Level Indicator as she Impairment. has a One Cup machine. The patient had On the visit, she talked about how she fallen outside and broken her talking watch. was struggling in the kitchen; problems She purchased a Cobolt W15. I did a referral were occurring with tasks such as chopping to Social Care Direct for an outside hand rail vegetables. I talked about colour contrast to be fitted, and she also needed one for and how this would help, for example, using her bath. Liquid Level Indicator (courtesy of RNIB) coloured chopping boards and coloured She had a Carelink band, but wasn’t plates when eating. She was burning herself Line, and advised her to give them a call. wearing it at my visit, so I discussed with her making hot drinks, so I demonstrated and The assessment made it clear that the benefits of wearing it constantly. I issued a Liquid Level Indicator and discussed knowing what time it was and writing demonstrated the Seeing AI app as she had safe pouring techniques. I fitted tactile shopping lists, etc, was a struggle. I issued a an iPhone. She couldn’t see what food was markers to her oven and microwave, as well starter pack with a Communiclock (talking in her cupboard or ‘sell by’ dates on food, so as to door locks to help with inserting keys clock), writing guide, signature guide and hopefully this app would assist with that. correctly. I also provided advice on lighting. pen to help her. Social Care Direct were also A radio and media player was The patient was missing being able to contacted for a request to fit a hand rail to demonstrated and issued, supplied by read so she was pleased when I demonstrated the staircase and outside the property. British Wireless for the Blind, enabling her a portable USB player and completed a The patient had lost confidence when to listen to the radio and to talking books talking book application. going out, so I demonstrated and issued a and newspapers. A referral was also made Since having to give up work, she was symbol cane. She was very grateful for our to the Sensory Impairment Team as the struggling financially. I gave her the details visit and that all the equipment was patient would benefit from a visit from a of the Disability and Information Advice provided free of charge. rehabilitation officer.

referred in. Everyone seems to want a big round Europe independently, he is amazing. strong magnifier, so you need to ease them I’m probably one of the few people I know down to what’s realistic. who wakes up and thinks, ‘great, I’m going “When I first moved from general to work’,” Andy concludes. practice, CCTVs and electronic aids were basic, but we thought they were great. They PASSING ON KNOWLEDGE are so much better now in terms of the Even if you don’t want to work in low vision range and quality of the image, and the full-time, there are other ways to support quality of speech is much more human,” people with sight loss. Dylan Russell is a adds Andy. dispensing optician and has worked within Andy finds his area of work enormously optics for five and a half years. He says: rewarding: “I get letters, texts, emails and “During this time I've learnt a lot about messages back from the clients, or cards both dispensing and the various eye thanking me for my time. Having worked conditions that commonly affect patients. for many years in hospitals, I realise how “One such condition I had a lot of anxious people can be. We try to make our dealings with was macular degeneration. appointments laid back and user friendly. This led me to thinking how could I better Sometimes people come in with a dour face my knowledge to help the patients and when they go out they have a smile. presenting with this condition. Some would “I see some clients once a year, and present with early signs and confusion at there are some I’ve been seeing since 1996. what was happening to their vision. Some Andy Cook mainly sees patients One of the children I saw works for us now; others who were further into the journey with macular degeneration he’s been to school, university, travelled had lost all hope, which was sad to see.

Dispensing Optics OCTOBER 2018 31 “The Macular Society is a great support system for these patients, offering locally run meetings, great literature, online content and a very helpful support line. I joined the Macular Society to keep myself up-to-date with everything available, allowing me to provide the best service to my patients. “After having run a few half marathons over the last couple of years and my dad having just finished his first full marathon, I decided I would sign myself up. Having the ties I did with the Jane Partridge with a VCHP client Society, it seemed a HELPING SOCIETY’S VULNERABLE unmanageable. VCHP provides a fully noble cause Another charity always keen to attract the comprehensive, high quality service totally to raise skills of dispensing opticians is Vision Care free of charge.” Dylan Russell training money for. I for Homeless People (VCHP) – a charity set Currently, VCHP runs eight fixed clinics for a charity run play rugby up to provide eyecare services to homeless around the UK – three in London and one in throughout the year so from a training and other vulnerable people in an accessible Brighton, Birmingham, Manchester, Exeter aspect keep myself relatively in shape and friendly environment in which they feel and Leeds. The charity has also recently between that and the gym. My training has safe, welcome and comfortable. started a mobile service in London’s Tower now changed though with more long “The majority of homeless and vulnerable Hamlets area to take its service directly to distance runs and and I did a half marathon people don’t receive financial benefits, so are people rather than waiting for them to in September as a training run.” not eligible for an NHS eye examination and come to it. Donations can be made to support Dylan’s a voucher towards their spectacles,” explains “Our aim is to preserve, protect and run and give to the Macular Society via VCHP chair, Elaine Styles. “For those who are, promote the ocular health of homeless and www.justgiving.com/fundraising/dylan- not many practices will make spectacles vulnerable people in the UK who are unwilling russell1 free of charge, and a small charge may be or unable to access mainstream services available through the NHS,” Elaine continues. “We include screening of ocular health and the provision of spectacles, that meets the immediate visual needs of our beneficiaries. “We are always looking for volunteers to work in the clinics, particularly dispensing opticians. Our dispensing is generally rather straightforward: we make either single vision for distance and/or reading glasses or bifocals. We also repair broken glasses. Corrected vision is essential for confidence, skill building, accessing benefits, finding accommodation, finding work or just surviving in a high-risk environment. It is very rewarding work and makes you realise the impact providing a pair of glasses can make.” Find out more about volunteering with VCHP at www.visioncarecharity.org

ANTONIA CHITTY BSC (HONS), MA, MCOPTOM, MCIPR is ABDO head of communications and author of 20 books Elaine Styles with volunteers Simon and Jane on business, health and special needs.

32 Dispensing Optics OCTOBER 2018 DOUBLE YOUR DONATION

THIS WORLD SIGHT DAY- 11/10/2018

Linda in Sierra Leone is blind. A few years ago a simple eye test could have saved her sight. Your donation this World Sight Day will help us to reach more people like Linda before it’s too late.

DONATE ONLINE TODAY Sponsored by www.visionaidoverseas.org/the-big-world-sight-day-lunch RSBC’S FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICE

Sight loss doesn’t just affect your child - as a parent, you need support too. Our Family Support Service provides practical and emotional support at every stage of your family’s experience with sight loss. Get in touch today: W: rsbc.org.uk E: [email protected] T: 020 3198 0225

Registered charity no: 307892 CHARITIES The RSBC Youth Forum brings about positive change for young people who are blind or partially sighted

Changing young lives

here are an estimated 22,000 blind and partially sighted children and young people in England and Wales – and every day four more children will be Tdiagnosed with sight loss. The Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC), one of ABDO’s chosen charities, believes in a better life for blind children and is on a mission to make sure every single blind child in England and Wales has the self- belief and skills to fulfil their potential. Twenty-two-year-old Charlotte from London joined RSBC in early 2016 having been diagnosed with Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON). She started her journey at RSBC by attending social and peer, and health and well-being groups before joining the RSBC Youth Forum, where she uses her experience of sight loss to support Charlotte (left) with Cory and Ruksana, also of the RSBC Youth Forum, at the RSBC others going through the same thing. Youth Manifesto launch (courtesy of Alex Brenner)

RISING ROLE MODEL particularly interested in promoting and and helped me with the things I wanted The RSBC Youth Forum is a group of vision securing accessible employment opportunities and needed help with. I don’t feel different impaired young people committed to as well as raising awareness about what it’s anymore and can live my life to the fullest, bringing about positive change for young really like to be blind or vision impaired. which I didn’t think I would be able to do.” people who are blind or partially sighted. “RSBC changed my life completely,” They want to ensure that the voices of vision says Charlotte. “Before joining, I was a A VOICE AND A FUTURE impaired young people are heard. They work quiet, unemployed and under-confident girl Since joining RSBC’s Youth Forum, Charlotte to represent their views and opinions, who didn’t know what to do with her life or has landed a full-time apprenticeship with highlight the issues that are important to how to deal with sudden sight loss. For me, the Home Office, run the London Marathon them, influence those who can affect change it was all about meeting other people at to raise funds for RSBC, and travelled to and bring about improvements in services. first. RSBC helped me meet young people Strasbourg to represent the RSBC Youth Charlotte is involved with all aspects of who were going through the same thing as Forum at the European Youth Event 2018. the Youth me, and could relate to my situation, and The event took place at the European Forum and suddenly I didn’t feel so alone anymore.” parliament, where Charlotte was joined by has worked Charlotte continues: “Then it was about 8,000 other young people from all over on many challenging myself to get out there and find Europe, members of the European campaigns a job. I knew I had to improve some of my parliament, and hundreds of youth with the skills before that would be able to happen. I organisations who all gathered together for RSBC. She’s had never travelled much independently but two days of workshops and activities. committed coming in for workshops and sessions gave “I would not be where I am today without to breaking me a reason to, and seeing others doing it the RSBC and the RSBC Youth Forum – in a down the gave me the motivation to persevere until I full-time apprenticeship with the Home barriers that succeeded. My confidence almost instantly Office, more confident than ever, with more blind and improved and once I did it a few times and friends, and most of all, a voice for myself visually met more and more people, I began to and other vision impaired people.” Charlotte with RSBC staff impaired believe in myself. For more information about the RSBC and member Fay at the European young people “I feel like RSBC – and especially the the services it offers, telephone 02031980225 Youth Event in Strasbourg face, and is RSBC Youth Forum – has given me a voice or email [email protected]

Dispensing Optics OCTOBER 2018 35 OPTI 2019 For the first time in January 2019, Opti will be held in all six C halls at the Fairground Munich

Opti scores a six The new six-hall layout for Opti 2019

ith final statistics from this industry, both domestically and additional opportunities with contact lenses, Opti 2018 now in and internationally. To ensure this, FKM makes up-selling and cross-selling, as well as verified, the expansion use of strict, consistent regulations for its search engine optimisation for opticians, of the knowledge verifications. For example, only visitors with optometrists and ophthalmologists. transfer area in the tickets are counted as trade show visitors. On the Sunday of the show, Andrea- Wcoming year, and the first Opti scholarship, Booth personnel, journalists, service personnel, Maria Schmied, a graduate of the the 2019 edition of this ever-growing and event organiser and venue operations optometry and audiology training centre, German trade fair looks set to provide a personnel are not included in the tally.” Optometrie & Hörakustik Initiative in fully comprehensive preview of the optical Vienna, will be the first Opti scholarship sector for the year ahead and beyond. ACCESS ALL AREAS recipient to participate in the Opti forum. Taking place from 25 to 27 January at So, what can visitors to Opti 2019 expect in She will present her master project thesis the Fairground Munich, the show will for terms of logistics? First a foremost, a new titled, ‘Low vision. Visual impairment and the first time cover six halls where opticians, Entrance North-East will provide an extra electronic and ergonomic aids’. optometrists, contact lens specialists, route into the exhibition halls in addition to Similar to the Future Shop at Opti buyers and other members of the optical the existing Entrance North and North-West. 2018, which gave visitors an insight into industry can attain everything they need This will give attendees a direct route into the technical side of the optical specialty for the coming business year. The additional halls C5 and C6 where the theme areas of shops of the future, 2019 will also feature space will open up new opportunities for lenses, contact lenses, diagnostics, refraction, something special. “We are planning a exhibitors to present their products as well raw materials suppliers, machinery, IT, and showroom in hall C4 on the topic of the as for Opti to expand its services. procurement syndicates will be located. customer journey,” revealed Opti project Having been officially checked and The frames area, located as usual in manager, Bettina Reiter. verified by the Society for Voluntary Control halls C1, C2 and C3, will be able to be Hall C4 will also be an important of Trade Fair and Exhibition Statistics, the reached via Entrance North-West – with car destination for optical businesses, and will final figures for Opti 2018 show that parking available near Entrance North-East provide inspiration in the areas of shop 28,444 visitors attended to seek as well as Entrance North-West. Visitors fittings and design, workshop outfitting and information about innovations from 667 traveling via the metro will be able to alight set-up, care, cleaning, and merchandising exhibitors from 40 different countries in an at the stations Messestadt West and, now, products, as well as cabinets and displays. area covering 45,500 square metres. Messestadt Ost to reach Entrance North- Distribution companies, industry suppliers, the “For years, GHM has had the data they West and Entrance North-East respectively. international pavilions, and the international gather checked and verified by independent In the middle, between hall C3 and hall universities will also be located in hall C4. third parties,” explained Dieter Dohr, CEO C4, Entrance North will welcome visitors Presale tickets for Opti 2019, avoiding of GHM (Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen), using the complementary airport shuttle the queues and offering a discount on ‘on- the organiser of the show. “Opti wants to bus. An additional shuttle bus will connect the-door’ tickets, are now available at offer exhibitors and visitors reliable data all three Opti entrances and both metro www.opti.de/en/tickets. Vouchers for in comparison to other trade shows in stations to one another. one-day tickets can also be obtained. Within the show itself, the knowledge transfer area will be further expanded in 2019, in part by the Opti forum in hall C4. On all three days, visitors will be able to attend discussion panels and presentations from international optical experts. The majority of the speakers and presentations will be presented with simultaneous translation into German or English. Visitors to the knowledge transfer area can expect to gain a host of useful knowledge on Expect to see more than 600 exhibitors topics such as the potential of digitalisation, Book now to avoid the queues

36 Dispensing Optics OCTOBER 2018 For the attention of candidates sitting or resitting Section 3 and Section 5 of the Contact Lens Certificate Practical examination Please do read these notes and please do revise those areas indicated in blue.

After all examinations and before the results are sent out, In Section 5, the main reason for lack of success is usually the CL Examination Board takes place to review and approve poor preparation for Section 5c, although Section 5b can the results. If there are sections which appear to be an issue contribute to low marks overall. The marks for the three then an investigation is carried out to see if there is a reason. elements are aggregated and provide the final percentage. In recent times, several such projects have taken place with regard to Section 3 and Section 5. • Section 5a the aftercare consultation, is not usually an issue as most candidates carry out the appropriate checks In Section 3, the reasons for lack of success are not linked etc, and finish within the time required. But the full to the higher percentage of soft lens patients in the High aftercare consultation, which will have been discussed Street. Invariably the reason for low marks in Section 3 is on any training course and is detailed in the revision poor preparation for the examination – despite the notes, should be practised. Notice information in the syllabus and the Revision Notes sent to • Section 5b the case records, can influence the final all candidates around the time of their examination date mark, if candidates are either not able to take letter. The common reasons for failure are: ownership of actions they report to have taken for a specific patient or the case records do not meet the • Poor product knowledge of the lenses used in their practice. stated requirements of patient/lens type or timing. Candidates are not expected to know the whole section Advice on case records content can be found on the in the ACLM Year Book. But they are expected to know ABDO website under Advice and Guidelines, Appendix B, detailed information about the lens design and material Contact Lens Records. The case records requirements range used in their practice and an alternative design/s are detailed in the syllabus and the contact lens diary and range of materials. issued to all students at the beginning of training courses. • Inability to produce an empirical order with appropriate • Section 5c – the viva which follows the discussion of the C3 or C4 full spherical back surface radii and diameters. case records. The syllabus and the Revision Notes give It is appreciated that in practice the order may involve a good indication of the subjects which are likely to be a chosen design and so only the BOZR, total diameter discussed so training course notes should be revised and power are written. However, as part of the in conjunction with the aforementioned documents. competency assessment, the examination requirement is to demonstrate the ability to produce the detail of the All sections of the Certificate in Contact Lens Practice are back-surface design of a spherical lens. The information detailed in the syllabus – which is available from downloading is available from contact lens manufacturers and is taught from the website – and Revision Notes covering all sections as part of any contact lens training course. are sent to candidates prior to their examination.

Good luck. Rosemary Bailey FBDO[Hons] CL ABDO chief examiner in Contact Lens Practice

Dispensing Optics OCTOBER 2018 37 BUSINESS Writing a blog is a great marketing tactic TIPS for an independent optical practice in a competitive sector, writes John French

Top tips for blogging

logging about your practice can be an there are good to keep excellent way to establish a strong online things fresh and interesting, identity and stand out from the crowd. A good always remember that blog strategy can ensure that you publish content which is genuinely engaging content on a regular basis, helping helpful will always attract toB raise awareness of your brand and generate new more people in the long run. patients, and eyecare and eyewear sales. Include ‘call to actions’. Be sure to include a link to your BLOG GOALS website, or contact details in A good blog strategy starts with a strong understanding of your blog and encourage what you would like to achieve. Consider what you want to readers to take that next step use your blog to achieve and then set realistic, measurable to becoming a customer. targets to aim for. This could involve drawing traffic to your practice website, generating new patients, letting your USING IMAGES existing patients know about your eyecare and eye health Don’t forget about images. Make sure that your blog looks services, telling them about a practice event or much more. interesting by including some colourful, engaging images. You can also use Photoshop or similar software to create WHO IS YOUR AUDIENCE? your own images. Just like written content, try to do a little Spend some time thinking about who will read your blog. research to see what kind of images work best with your Who are your ideal patients? What kind of content do you target audience, whether it be fun illustrations or sleek think would interest them? One of the best ways to get an business-like photos. Animated gifs and videos can also be idea of your audience is to consult any analytics you have good tools for grabbing a reader’s attention. from your website or social media. This will give you a general idea of the typical age, gender, industry and GETTING YOUR BLOG OUT THERE educational background of your ideal customer. Creating an engaging blog with interesting content is great, but you also need to have a think about how you are going to DO YOUR RESEARCH get your message out to your existing and potential patients. Check out the competition when thinking about the kind of Using the right keywords and format can help your blog content you’d like to write for your blog. Make sure to look posts rank on search engines, yet this is just one, particularly Blogging not only at the style and tone, but also the length and difficult, method of attracting readers. Put some thought into frequency of posts. This research can be useful to get an how you promote your blog posts on social media. Take some idea of how to begin, but you want to ensure that your intriguing quotes and lead your post with them. This works practice is clearly differentiated from your competition. Be even better if you can work the quote into a colourful image. on the lookout for gaps in the content of competitors that you can maybe capitalise on. KEEPING YOUR BLOG GOING Keep in mind that you want to use your content to build With your plans all in place, the final step of your strategy a relationship with your audience. Your main goal is to become is to figure out how the blog will be maintained going the ‘go-to’ blog for any concerns or questions that potential forward. This involves establishing who will write, edit and patients may have. Becoming a trusted source of information upload the content, as well as putting together a calendar in this way not only helps to create loyal patients, but can help of how frequently blogs will be published, on what days and you find new patients through referrals and recommendations. at what time of day. Don’t expect your blog to be an overnight success. It WRITING CONTENT takes time to build a reputation as a trusted source of When it comes to writing your content, try to bear in mind information, while establishing your keywords in search what appeals to you and what doesn’t whenever you’re engines can also require some patience. The trick is to reading blog posts. Keep your content short; this makes it steadily produce content and look out for small regular much easier for readers to digest the information. It also gains that you can continue to build on. makes practical sense when you consider that a significant proportion of potential patients will be reading your blog JOHN FRENCH is chief executive of SightCare, on a mobile device like a tablet or phone. which provides business and marketing support to Keep it relevant. Although a few fun posts here and independent opticians.

38 Dispensing Optics OCTOBER 2018 Frequently asked questions answered by Kim Devlin FBDO (Hons) CL

A QUESTION OF JUDGEMENT something like, ‘Px wishes for spectacles to use for singing in a choir, holding music at 50cm to be able to see over This query is one that appears at ABDO very regularly the music to view the conductor’. It would be ideal if a but the advice might be helpful again. A member asked if discussion could be had with the prescriber to consider the she was allowed to change a prescription, specifically a range obtained by the patient with the addition as given, reading addition, to change a working distance. To use a point which may well have been covered during Kim Devlin my favourite expression, ‘It depends’. the consultation. is chair of The reading addition given in a prescription is to To simply view a reading prescription and think, ‘That’s ABDO’s enable the patient to see at a particular focal distance, going to be too strong, I’ll just take it down half a dioptre’, Advice and for example, reading at a third of a metre. It is enormously would not be permitted. helpful if you know, either from being told or on reading There are, of course, other circumstances when the Guidelines the records, what that particular position actually is. If the numbers in a prescription might be changed. Swapping Working spectacles you are dispensing are for a particular purpose from a plus to a minus cylinder would not be changing a Group other than reading at a third of a metre, making an prescription per se, but simply writing it in another form. alteration to the addition may be necessary to serve your Another situation where a prescription might be altered is patient’s requirements. when making allowance for a change in vertex distance. To go back to the answer, ‘it depends’, your records The precise point on working distances is covered in must show why you made such a change. It might say ABDO’s Advice and Guidelines Section 2.7.2.

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

Business bites

GROWTH: HIDDEN LIABILITIES IN BUSINESS LEASES If you are signing a lease for new premises, or considering moving your practice, read on to find five liabilities to watch out for in your lease.

1. Be aware of service charges. Typically, charges include repairs and maintenance of the building and communal areas, heating and lighting and cleaning. Ensure that what is covered under this charge is fair while also looking at how the cost is calculated. 2. Check the cost of insurance for the building. Don’t assume Break clauses allow both the tenant and landlord to end the landlord has provided insurance, and if they have, the lease before the full term; they can protect the check it covers everything it is required to. business owner if the business gets into difficulty. 3. Repairs can be a considerable additional cost. Check who is responsible for the cost of repairs, especially if the FOUR QUICK WINS building is old and in obvious need of updating • Leases are required for tenancies of six months or more 4. When negotiating the rent terms, be alive to the • Agreements can be long and complex; good advice is a commencing rent (and rent-free periods if you can necessary expense negotiate them too) you may be paying at the outset. • Service charges hide a multitude of individual costs; it’s When rents are reviewed, there are quite complex important to delve deeply into them contractual provisions invoked, requiring experts to try • Before agreeing to a lease, ensure that an appropriate and assess market rents, usually based on assumptions break clause has been inserted into the agreement relating to the property. 5. Leaseholders should be careful not to commit View the full article here: www.abdo.org.uk/business- themselves to a long-term lease that has no break option. hub/growth/premises-maze/

Dispensing Optics OCTOBER 2018 39 JOTTINGS Daryl Newsome continues to recount his journey to becoming MECS accredited in the run-up to sitting (and passing) his OCSEs

Revision, reading and learning

s I wrote in my previous Jottings (Dispensing Optics July 2018), I was fortunate to be one of the first cohort of contact lens opticians (CLOs) to undertake the Wales Optometry Postgraduate Education Centre (WOPEC) minorA eye conditions services (MECS) course for CLOs. We also took the Glaucoma Repeat Measures Course before attending one of the ABDO extended services training days, held in May. It was then up to us to go off and gain some ‘real life’ experience in practice as preparation for our objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) to be held on 29 August. As well as being able to read around the subject material for the exams, I was able to discuss the various aspects of managing minor eye conditions in practice. I am lucky to work with a very supportive team, among whom there are four or five MECS qualified optometrists. During this period, they were always quick to let me observe cases Daryl and Liza Bacon receive some extra pre-exam practice with Max Holford they thought might help me in my learning and/or discuss conditions over a cup of tea during our mutual breaks. England, organised some extra practice at his place of work It was then that the work really began. To prepare for for myself and another trainee, Liza Bacon. my OSCE, I was quite regimented in making sure I studied We practised on each other and my epiphany was and read something every day. Feeling all the anxiety and realising that the set-up, as ever, was critical: get the worry of being a student again, I re-watched the videos patient in the right place, looking in the right direction and from the online WOPEC course and practised various you can do Goldmann in under 10 seconds. One head tilt techniques on my contact lens patients. the wrong way, fixation in the wrong direction, tonometer Taking an exam at any stage in your career can be head at the wrong height or at the wrong angle, and you’re nerve-wracking and I was certainly apprehensive as I going to have problems. It’s like everything really: time thought ahead to the day when my study, reading and spent preparing is time well invested. Lesson learned. understanding would be tested (as it should be) before I With my OSCE less than a week away, I still had much was (hopefully) confirmed as being at the required standard work to do – as well as carry on with ‘normal’ work and to deliver MECS in the community. everyday family life. Before I knew it, it would be time to hop on the train to travel up to the ABDO National Resource PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT Centre (NRC) in Birmingham to take my exam. Would I be Part of my professional support network are my colleagues, ready? I hoped so. Di Nash and Amy Seaman, both long-standing friends, who I have been qualified more than 30 years and I am so were undertaking the training at the same time as me. To pleased that my professional body is still providing me with keep in touch about our experiences in training and in the opportunity to develop and progress. I am glad too that practice, we formed a WhatsApp chat group and such progression is not mandatory, and that throughout the communicated all the time about what we were doing and process I was able to remain employed and rewarded. what we needed to do. As you can imagine, we had our rants when things didn’t seem to be going too well. D-DAY DAWNS For example, at the ABDO extended services training day The evening before our OSCE, Barry Duncan, ABDO deputy I found Goldmann applanation tonometry really easy – but chief executive, and head of the NRC Phil Hall and his in practice sometimes I got nowhere; I couldn’t even see the fantastic team, organised an evening of revision and group mires, let alone line them up. Fortunately, my friend and discussion at the NRC. We were all keen to get a glimpse of colleague Max Halford, ABDO regional lead for the South of what the next day had in store; we practised our new

40 Dispensing Optics OCTOBER 2018 techniques on each other, asked questions and generally where commissioned, rewarded for this by the NHS. A step helped and supported each other in any way we could. The change indeed – and a great nod to our National Clinical purpose-built NRC proved the perfect venue, as it’s Committee on making some change happen, all under the fantastically well designed and put together. guidance and direction of Barry Duncan. Thank you all. The night before the exam, I didn’t sleep very well (I I won’t deny that the process has been stressful at doubt anyone did to be honest). We had our allotted times. It has been hard work and it has taken me right out timetable set out for the next day, and our exam was to be of my comfort zone. Initially, post OSCE success, it will be held at 1pm. The morning of the exam, we checked out of like being in a pre-registration position again. I will be our accommodation and headed over to the NRC. The checking with my optometry colleagues that my tests are assessors were already there, as we were not the first group appropriate for the signs and symptoms presented and the of the day; for obvious reasons, we were not allowed to talk result of those tests and intended management is also to the candidates as they left. appropriate, just as they did in their pre-reg year. In time, as It was soon our turn; we had seven stations, and would my confidence and abilities grow, so too will their trust in spend five minutes at each one tackling a different challenge me grow along with my trust in myself. with a different assessor. Each assessor asked questions If you’re a CLO already, about technique, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and I categorically recommend ongoing management of the patient. There were no breaks that you do this course. You Daryl Newsome in between each challenge, just two minutes to read brief completed will be insured via ABDO to Contact Lens Opticians MECS Training And Assessment August 2018 notes and then five minutes of assessment. The assessors ASSESSMENT offer MECS appointments 08/2018 Contact Lens Opticians MECS Assessment

WORKSHOP 05/2018 were professional and friendly, and their demeanour was Contact Lens Opticians MECS Workshops And Presentation privately if your clinical both encouraging and calming. We all made our mistakes, commissioning group does and showed our nerves at times. not yet embrace MECS, The whole exam seemed to go on for ages, but yet it was but long-term it seems over in a flash. We were then out into a holding room and a inevitable and sensible that few of us, myself included, asked to go back to one station this becomes the norm Signed and clarify what we had said, done and meant. We were then and people will use their Dr Barbara Ryan & Dr Nick Sheen, Directors [WOPEC] dismissed – all done and dusted by 3.10pm. I was soon on SCAN TO AUTHENTICATE optician as their first port the train back to Devon wondering what had just happened. of call with any minor Daryl’s MECS eye problems. Just as it MASSIVE STEP FORWARD training certificate should be. Results can take two weeks to arrive because sometimes the lead assessor wants yet more clarification on your DARYL NEWSOME FBDO R CL SMC(TECH) is a member understanding of some finer points. It was a huge relief to of the ABDO National Clinical Committee, an ABDO get the email to say I had passed, as had all my fellow board member and an ABDO College trustee. He is a ABDO member examinees. This is a massive step for all of partner at Newsome Opticians in Devon, and has been us: now we have dispensing opticians with CLO involved with ABDO over many years, examining qualifications also judged by WOPEC to be of a suitable nationally and internationally and tutoring exam standard to handle minor eye conditions in practice and, preparation studies at home and abroad.

Donato Cordi I became involved in 1990 when the first cohort of Obituary: students were due to sit their practical exams. Our families By Richard Harsant have become good friends over the years. As well as work at his clinic and training centre on the outskirts of Nairobi, many ‘safari clinics’ were undertaken. Typically, we would It is with great sadness that I record the passing of my leave Nairobi to arrive at one of the rural missions on the great friend, Donato Cordi. I believe that Donato was evening of the first day. Alarm clocks were not required in without doubt the finest optician I have ever had the the morning because the noise of our first patients arriving pleasure of working alongside. woke us at about 6.30 am. Keratoconus is not an unusual Donato was born on 2 March 1946 in Trieste, Italy. He had eye condition in Kenya, and Donato’s clinic has become a seven brothers and sisters. His father was an optician, and centre of expertise in that field. Donato learned much of his craft working in the family practice. In recent years, Donato’s health had been declining. He In 1971, when he was in his early 20s, he decided to do had his Nairobi clinic adapted so that he could continue to volunteer work in Kenya, where he met his wife Mariuccia, examine his patients from his wheelchair. who was also a volunteer. In 1978, he joined the charity In 2015, Donato was awarded the Cavaliere della Stella Sight by Wings, where he worked for five years. In 1984, d’Italia by the Italian government. The inscription reads: jointly with the Diocese of Trieste, he started an aid project, ‘Donato Cordi with self-denial and a spirit of altruism funded by the Italian government called Rural Eye Screening. dedicated his life to the Kenyan people, contributing Donato had a dream of enabling local people to have greatly to the strengthening of friendships that bind Italy access to high quality eyecare in the rural areas of Kenya. to Kenya’. Ideally, this objective would be achieved by training local Donato is survived by his sister Lucilla, his caring wife people to deliver the service themselves rather than by Mariuccia, daughter Marta, son Paolo, son-in-law Bruno, European NGOs. Inevitably, he found his way to ABDO to and grandson Luca. provide the theoretical element of their training. Rest in peace, old friend.

Dispensing Optics OCTOBER 2018 41 Jobs & notices

Full-time DISPENSING OPTICIAN NEWSOM & DAVIES OPTICIANS REGISTERED DISPENSING OPTICIAN BRISTOL Required to join our friendly group of three practices in We are a busy, well-established Independent the Nottinghamshire area. looking for a qualified dispensing optician to join our friendly team • Salary £25,000pa 4/5 days per week including • Five weeks’ holiday plus Bank Holidays three out of four Saturdays • No Sunday, Bank Holiday or late evening opening Competitive salary • Professional fees and business mileage paid To find out more about this post please contact • Hours of work: 9am to 5.30pm, 9am to 12.30 Saturday Mrs Nina Newsom or Mrs Ruth Davies: T: 0117 9622612 We are looking for a colleague with a friendly disposition to give [email protected] / [email protected] a first-class service to our patients, and offer high quality frames and lenses as required. Please send your CV and covering letter to: Mr S. Clarke SMC (disp), Woolcott Opticians, 30 Carolgate, Retford, Notts DN22 6DY National Consultation Day 24 October WHAT’S NEW ON EYECARE FAQ Coming up this month on Eyecare FAQ we will be sharing an infographic National Resource Centre and answering topical questions about myopia management. We will Birmingham continue to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about eyes too. There will be a new series of images to share about red eyes The ABDO National Consultation Day and a jargon buster demystifying terms used to talk about myopia. will take place on Wednesday 24 October If you missed last month’s content, check back on the EyecareFAQ page from 11am to 3.30pm, at the ABDO for an infographic and Q&A about computers and your eyes as well as a new National Resource Centre, Birmingham. series of images to share about ortho-k and myopia management, and a jargon Open to all ABDO members, the day will buster demystifying terms used to talk about computers and your eyes. be a chance to meet with members of Why not use this information as the basis for a blog post, or share on the ABDO board, as well as regional and your practice website and social media channels? Find questions and answers sub-regional leads, to find out what’s on more eyecare and eyewear topics at www.abdo.org.uk/information- happening within the Association and in for-the-public/eyecarefaq the wider world of optics. Eyecare FAQ is at: • www.facebook.com/eyecarefaq • www.twitter.com/eyecarefaq To register your attendance, please contact • plus.google.com/+eyecarefaq Jane Burnand at [email protected] • www.pinterest.com/eyecarefaq • instagram.com/eyecarefaq/ Don’t forget: ABDO and ABDO ABDO National Clinical College are on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. ABDO College is now also on Committee (NCC) Instagram. Check out the social media The ABDO NCC is currently looking for a channels for optical news and updates. new committee member along with several PLUS, every ABDO region has an dedicated dispensing opticians who would account on Facebook and Twitter too for local updates and events. Please like to work on specific projects in the share photos from optical events with us and invite your colleagues to like coming months. the social media accounts too. Generally, the committee meets three to four times per year with both conference calls and video conference taking place in between. If you feel you can contribute to the extensive To place an advert, telephone 0781 273 4717 workings of the committee, and have an or email [email protected] appetite to input into the professional Booking deadline for the November issue is activities of the ABDO, please forward a letter of interest and CV to: Thursday 11 October Barry Duncan FBDO, ABDO deputy chief executive. Special rate for ABDO members Email: [email protected]

4 2 Dispensing Optics OCTOBER 2018 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 2019 • 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 2018

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

KEEPING EXCELLENCE IN YOUR SIGHTS MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR ABDO MEMBERSHIP

ARE YOU TAKING FULL ADVANTAGE OF WHAT’S ON OFFER?

our ABDO membership provides a comprehensive range of Ybenefits and services that can assist you in both your personal and professional life. Indeed, your annual subscription fee can easily NETWORKING PROFESSIONAL be subsidised by the savings that are on offer and available to you. AND EDUCATION SERVICES ABDO MEMBER BENEFITS INCLUDE: BENEFIT • Professional indemnity Insurance • 17% off worldwide attraction tickets SPOTLIGHT • Personal accident cover • NUS extra - Student Discounts Card Cinema Vouchers • Helplines - FREE 24-hour service • Save 20% on Columbus Direct travel insurance policies • CET Save up to 40% on cinema tickets* • Get the latest Mobile phones on the • Dispensing Optics Purchase vouchers that can be best rates available from EE used at participating cinemas • Cashback on everyday purchases • Great savings on a wide range of including major chains, at • 25% saving off your current home Apple products discounted rates. Better still, these insurance vouchers are valid for a minimum of • Membership of the International six months; so order today and you’ll • 10% saving off your current car Opticians Association have them for your next outing. insurance • Advice and Guidelines * Discounts vary between cinema venues. • Member benefit plans with HMCA Check when booking. Go to abdo.org.uk for details • Savings on all your travel needs • Access to an exclusive network of * Terms and conditions apply. See website for details. ABDO Membership Benefits is managed over 2,800 health clubs, gyms and and run on behalf of ABDO by Parliament Hill Ltd. leisure centres

Association of British Dispensing Opticians