dispensingoptics

Dispensing Optics PO Box 233, Crowborough TN6 9BD Telephone: 01892 667626 Fax: 01892 667626 Email: [email protected] November 2013 Website: www.abdo.org.uk

3 dispensingoptics CONTENTS

November 2013

Cover point 3 Cover point

4 Continuing Education and Training Charles Bonnet Syndrome by Richard Harsant

6 Frequently asked questions

8 Patient and practice management Business planning for beginners by Antonia Chitty

12 Profile From veterinary to optometry Getting the message across the Department of Health, Lord Howe, interview by Nicky Collinson It has been a very busy autumn of to discuss a range of current and political activity. The Optical pending issues. 14 Patient and practice Confederation was represented at all management Appraising staff three main Party Conferences by our The day after the minister’s meeting by Paul Surridge excellent Public Affairs team of Jenny the Public Affairs team had set up a Gowen and Ben Cook. Jenny and visit by the chair of the House of 16 Book review Ben organised a series of meetings Commons Health Select Committee, Practical Binocular Vision with ministers, shadow ministers and Rt Hon Stephen Dorrell MP, to a Assessment leading spokesmen as well as practice in his constituency in Anstey by Peter Black organising a series of fringe meetings. at Opticare Opticians where, practice 18 BCLA news We also worked in collaboration with owners Shaishav Shah and Paresh Celebrate the Best of British at the Patel, were able to brief him on the our colleagues from pharmacy and 10th BCLA Pioneers Conference audiology pressing home the current optical scene in Leicestershire message about the level and range (pictured above). Also present was 20 Optical bodies clarify position on of high quality services which we, as a the LOC Chair for Leicestershire and CE-marked fluorescein strips profession, can deliver on the high Rutland, Vinesh Patel. street. 24 Member musings So far, Jenny and Ben have arranged Gone in 60 minutes by Dave Wright The conference season was followed over 80 constituency visits for by a private meeting between Members of Parliament to local 26 Dispensing places representatives of ABDO, AOP, FODO practices and this initiative will Progression in store and LOCSU with our own minister at continue to grow. We are constantly interview by Nicky Collinson battling against a strong headwind of other competing health interest 29 Black arts groups and the wider political by Peter Black landscape but, the Government does 30 Newsbrief need Primary Care to work, and we are doing our very best to ensure that 42 CET answers they understand just how effective Instruments for ocular examination optics can be in delivering high part one: the ophthalmoscope quality care to patients. Tony Garrett n 44 Disjointed jottings from a DO’s desk . . . DO on the run ABDO works in Partnership with: by James Conway

44 Optician Index

47 Diary of Events ABDO is a member of: Front cover: Porsche ABDO also actively works in conjunction with: Design P’8478 available from Rodenstock 01474 325555

The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers 4 dispensingoptics November 2013

Charles Bonnet

Syndrome by Richard Harsant FBDO (Hons) CL (Hons) LVA Hon MIADO

CompetencIes covered: Dispensing opticians: Communication, Low Vision Optometrists: Communication, Ocular Disease

Charles Bonnet Syndrome is a persistent or repetitive visual syndrome, but patients attending phenomenon experienced by some hallucinations High Street practices may also people with low vision. It is • Full or partial retention of insight describe their symptoms. Eyecare understood by low vision practitioners into the unreal nature of the practitioners should understand the but less so by eyecare practitioners hallucinations condition to be able to reassure their working in many High Street • Absence of hallucinations in other patients. practices. The purpose of the article sensory modalities is to enable such practitioners to help • Absence of primary or secondary Prevalence and advise their patients who may delusions Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) is a experience such phenonomena now problem encountered by about 15% or in the future. In simple terms patients “see” things of patients with visual impairment2. It that are not really there. is therefore often encountered in Low Charles Bonnet was Swiss. He was a Vision (LV) clinics in patients who lawyer by profession, but he devoted Many patients are reticent, have retinal pathologies, particularly much of his life to studying embarrassed indeed frightened to those that affect the macula. philosophy and nature. In 1769 he discuss this phenomenon with Patients’ ethnicity does not appear reported that his 89 year old clinicians because they fear they are to affect the prevalence. Most grandfather (whose vision was losing their sanity. patients will have a macular deteriorating) had begun to pathology and Visual Acuity (VA) in experience visual hallucinations. The hallucinations may take the fairly the region of 6/60 to 3/60 Snellen. These might take the form of people, benign forms reported by Bonnet, buildings and other everyday objects1. but some patients report giant The role of the low vision spiders and other more alarming practitioner Diagnostic criteria for Charles Bonnet objects. Many patients will become alarmed Syndrome (CBS) are generally and distressed by the symptoms they accepted to be: Dispensing opticians working in low are experiencing. A common fear is • The presence of formed, complex, vision clinics may be familiar with this that they may be the precursor to

This article has been approved for 1 CET point by the GOC. It is open to all FBDO members, including associate member optometrists. The multiple-choice questions (MCQs) for this month's CET are available on page 6 and online. Insert your answers to the six MCQs on the inserted sheet or online at www.abdo.org.uk. After log-in, go to 'CET Online'. Please ensure that your email address and GOC number are up-to-date. The pass mark is 60 per cent. The answers will appear C-32565 in the January 2013 issue of Dispensing Optics. The closing date is 12 December 2013. Continuing Education and Training

dementia, and because of the handle this sort of situation, but one Please watch the following clips, and stigma that still exists about dementia way might be along these lines: answer the multiple choice questions: and other similar conditions the 1. London Conference 2012 Charles patient may be very reticent about “I don’t know if this has happened to Bonnet Syndrome. The Macular discussing them. you, but some people with your sort Society. www.youtube.com/ of eye condition find that they tend watch?v=QVOG5Ifbf4c Discussion however has been found to see things that they know are not 2. Visual Hallucinations - Charles to be helpful in many cases, and the really there, and I want you to be Bonnet Syndrome. The Macular hallucinations have been reported to aware of this so you don’t worry if it Society. www.youtube.com/ reduce in number and frequency happens to you. The area of the brain watch?v=bn_2KXw387s (note that following explanation by a that deals with vision is usually a very the link carries an underscore practitioner. This may be due to the active one when we have good before the ‘2’) patient knowing that they are not vision. It has lots to do, telling us 3. Charles Bonnet Syndrome - Living alone in experiencing them, and about all that is going on around us. If with macular disease. The Macular reassured that they are harmless. someone gets the sort of vision Society. www.youtube.com/ Many low vision practitioners have an problem that you have this area of watch?v=_NYuHdwgHRI (note that active policy on discussing CBS with the brain has much less information to the link carries an underscore patients in the “at risk” group. Doing process. In effect it becomes bored before the ‘N’) this may give comfort to patients who and makes things up that aren’t really 4. http://www.rnib.org.uk/livingwith are experiencing symptoms, but there.” At this point it is not unusual for sightloss/copingwithsightloss/ reticent about discussing them, and the patient to give a big sigh, and emotionalsupport/Pages/ also reduce the patient’s anxiety if say “thank goodness for that. I have emotional_support_counselling.aspx they experience hallucinations at had that happen to me, but I didn’t (note that the link carries an some future date. like to tell anyone in case they underscore between emotional, support, and counselling.) thought I was going mad!” 5. http://www.rnib.org.uk/eyehealth/e Increasing age is statistically linked to yeconditions/conditionsac/Pages/ both low vision and to living alone. Grieving charles_bonnet.aspx The effects of CBS on vulnerable CBS can cause fear and depression in patients who may be recently the patients who experience it. The If you cannot open the YouTube links, bereaved can be quite devastating. effect may be compounded by the go to www.YouTube.com and search unrelated natural process of grieving for Charles Bonnet Syndrome. Select The role of the low vision practitioner that many people have when they from the search results. in assisting with the visual experience visual loss. This loss brings rehabilitation of these patients is to an emotional adjustment that people Alternatively, quick links to the video enable patients to lead their lives with need to make. The partial loss of any clips and the article text are available as high a degree of independence of our senses can involve a period of on the ABDO website: http://www.abdo. as possible in each individual case. mourning similar to the adjustment we org.uk/cet/charles-bonnet-syndrome/ make of the death of a loved one. Go to 'CET Online' as usual to answer • Should we tell every patient about the MCQs. it? The manifestation of the emotional experience will vary greatly from References • Not everyone will experience CBS, person to person, but it will occur to 1. Damas-Mora J,Skelton-Robinson M, and is it justified to alarm some some extent to all people Jenner FA. The Charles Bonnet people who may never experience experiencing significant visual loss, not Syndrome in Perspective. Psychol the symptoms? just those with CBS. It tends to occur Med, 1982; 12:251-261. according to the following model: 2. Teunisse RJ, Cruysberg JR, et al. In practice we have to use our • Shock and denial Charles Bonnet Syndrome: A study of communication skills and tailor an • Anger and questioning prevalence of Charles Bonnet individual approach in each case. • Helplessness, fear and anxiety Syndrome and associated factors in • Sadness and grief 500 patients attending the University A patient who has suffered some loss • Depression Dept of Ophthalmology at Nijmegan.Br of central vision may initially appear J Psychiatry1995; 166:254-7. to be adapting well to their Opticians are not psychologists: we impairment and utilising Low Vision should deal in the sort of simple Richard Harsant FBDO (Hons) CL Aids (LVA) quite effectively, but then explanations mentioned in this article. (Hons) LVA Hon MIADO is an ABDO LV present at a follow up appointment Some patients will need more support Honours examiner. He is in private apparently much more withdrawn than others. Your local society for the practice in Kent and at the Kent and and possibly not using the LVAs at all visually impaired or the RNIB should Canterbury Hospital in Canterbury. He effectively. CBS is one possible be able to put your patient in touch has recently co-authored a book on explanation for this. It is up to with an expert counsellor in your low vision in partnership with a individual practitioners how they area. local ophthalmologist. n MCQs overleaf 6 dispensingoptics November 2013 Multiple choice questions (MCQs) Charles Bonnet Syndrome

1. Which of the following best describes the likely cause of 4. Visual hallucinations . . . Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS)? a. are the result of stroke activity in the visual pathway a. Conflicting electrical activity in the visual pathway b. are early signs of dementia b. Severe changes to the retinal receptor ratio in the c. can be explained as a disorder of the mind macula d. are a normal response to a loss of vision c. The early onset of dementia d. The brain using stored images to fill gaps caused by the 5. Which statement is false? lack of information from the retina a. Patients whose general health, memory and judgement are unimpaired are unlikely to suffer hallucinations 2. Which statement is true regarding CBS? b. About half of those reporting simple geometrical a. About 80-85% of patients with significant visual loss are patterns will go on to experience more complex images unlikely to experience hallucinations c. Hallucinations can appear suddenly and last several b. Afro-caribbean patients are statistically more likely to hours experience CBS d. Suffers of Parkinson’s disease experience similar c. Medical treatment is best started as soon as the hallucinations but without loss of vision condition is diagnosed d. Some patients report being able to hear as well as see 6. Which statement is true? hallucinations a. Macular disease becomes manifest when patients reach the age of about 65-70 3. Which of these actions is unlikely to stop or reduce b. Hallucinations may appear in vivid colours hallucinations in CBS? c. There is evidence to show that having the likely causes a. Reaching out to touch the image of CBS explained causes an increase in the frequency b. Pre-determined eye movements of hallucinations c. Increasing existing medication d. Patients presenting with hallucinations must be referred d. Changing ambient lighting conditions to a specialist clinic

The deadline for posted or faxed response is 12 December 2013 to the address on page 4. The module code is C-32565 Online completion - www.abdo.org.uk - after member log-in go to ‘CET online’ After the closing date, the answers can be viewed on the 'CET Online' page of www.abdo.org.uk. To download, print or save your results letter, go to 'View your CET record'. If you would prefer to receive a posted results letter, contact the CET Office 01206 734155 or email [email protected] Occasionally, printing errors are spotted after the journal has gone to print. Notifications can be viewed at www.abdo.org.uk on the CET Online page

Frequently asked questionsanswered by Kim Devlin FBDO (Hons) CL

Use of fluorescein agreed it would not be possible to conduct a full check without dye. It might well be possible to do a check-up without dye in A question I had this month was whether you could refuse to some circumstances; perhaps an infrequent wearer with no history conduct a contact lens check if the patient didn’t wish to have of problems and known to the practitioner, or an important fluorescein instilled. occasion for the patient immediately after the appointment might result in you agreeing not to instil fluorescein on that occasion but This is an interesting question for the journal I thought. As with so not because a patient demands such action when all clinical many of the queries we receive, there is always more to it than considerations would demand using dye. meets the eye (no pun intended). In this case, the patient had been to another optician, who had refused to conduct a check without It is my opinion that patients will often push their luck, demanding using fluorescein; he then visited our member and asked if the something they know to be unreasonable in the hope that the same answer would apply, in quite an aggressive manner with much practitioner will give in. It is for us to remain firm, polite but mention of Trading Standards. He was also an extended wear resolute; it does no-one any favours to agree to a course of action patient. that is detrimental to the wellbeing of the patient despite what they believe. Once the standard has been set, such a patient will My reply was: would you wish to use dye with any other patient in often be as meek as a lamb. these circumstances? Would you be happy to check the cornea of an extended wear patient without using fluorescein? Our member Kim Devlin is chair of ABDO's Advice and Guidelines Working Group n

8 dispensingoptics November 2013

A plan is essential to help you grow your business in the way you want, writes Antonia Chitty

Business planning for beginners

ave you asked yourself where business it is easier to develop a niche to achieve and how you are going to Hyou want to be in five years’ and find customers who need exactly go about it. It also contains details of time? If you and your practice are what you, and only you, are offering. your business’s growth potential and just drifting, it can be hard to If you’re not sure, ask patients, staff some financial information. If you envisage a goal – let alone reach it. and even passers-by for their views on need finance for your business, the In this article, you can learn more the practice. Why do they come in, bank or investor will ask you for a about business planning and how it what encourages them to book, and business plan. This will need sufficient can benefit any business owner or what makes them return year after detail so you can convince them that manager. year? your business is worth investing in. If you don’t need investment, you may Before you get stuck in to a plan, If you’re not sure why you should be be wondering why you need a create a vision of the future for your investing time in creating a business business plan. A plan is essential to practice. You’ll need current data on plan, remember that a business help you grow your business in the the number of people crossing the owner or manager who is also a way you want. Without a plan, it is threshold, the number of sight tests dispenser has to be an expert in harder to know if each activity you and the number of dispenses, but juggling. If you’re not clear where you do is moving you towards your goals. don’t forget the softer side of are heading, it can be hard to use creating a vision. How will the the time that you have effectively. Even if you do not want to write up a practice look, and what will patients Take time to make a detailed plan for formal plan, making notes as you say about it? Once this vision is in your business then break this down read this article can help you expose place, you can plan the steps to into small steps. You’ll find that you weaknesses in your business. It is easy make it a reality. can delegate some actions, and you to carry on without thinking about will be in a position to make the most where the business is going; taking Another key preliminary to creating of every moment you have available time to review can help you focus an outstanding and effective business to work on the next small step in your your efforts. Read on about the plan is to ask yourself what makes plan. different parts of the plan and you will your business different? It is hard to find out more about how a business turn your practice into a success if What is a business plan? plan can help you and your practice. you don’t have a firm grip on what A business plan is a short, written makes your enterprise special. If you document containing information When creating a plan, a short know what is unique about your about your business, what you want summary at the front makes it easy Patient and practice management

History and background Market Legal research aspects

Marketing Finances

Executive Emergency Premises summary planning

If you are Capital buying a expenditure business Management Other and information staff Description of your business offering

What to include in a business plan for you to know the vital elements of promotional material and to are starting it. Explain what is unique your plan, and for you to share it with showcase your business face to face. and why you are well placed to run others quickly and clearly. The very the business. Mention if you are a act of making a summary forces you Your summary should also include new business or a franchise. List to focus on what is important in your your business location, staff, target objectives so you can focus on what plan. In this lesson, learn more about sales for the next year, and finances you want the practice to achieve. Be what to include. needed, if applicable. If relevant, specific and make the examples state how much you need to borrow, measurable so you know whether you At the start of your plan list the names how much you are investing and achieve them. Have short-term, of the business owners. Date the plan where the money is coming from. A medium-term and long-term on the front page; review your plan summary of the business finances is objectives – up to 12 months, one to every year and come up with fresh important if your business is already three years and up to five years. If versions that reflect changes and up and running. Add comments if you you have clear objectives and an new directions in the business. For need to explain growth or diminished overall aim, it is easier to achieve your front page summary, write a sales. New businesses should include them rather than keep on working yet brief outline of your plans for the a forecast. You may find it easiest to never feeling truly successful. business, what you aim to do and return to this section when you have how you will do it. Mention your completed the remainder of the The market research section will be products and services; don’t assume plan. more or less relevant depending on that everyone understands what your whether your business is already business offers. Take time to explain When creating the ‘History and established, looking to expand or your business so anyone can background’ section of your business brand new. Depending on your understand it. The time invested in plan, write about your training, business situation, you may need to doing this will be repaid may times qualifications and experience research trade journals and business over as it will make it easier to create relevant to the business. Describe reports to help you understand the content on your website, on how your business started, or why you state of the market. In this section, Continued overleaf 10 dispensingoptics November 2013 explain the groups your practice will addresses capital expenditure. and your overheads. If you have a provide services or products for. If you Consider what equipment you have new business, you may want to do a are starting afresh, you may want to and what you will need to purchase range of projections based on survey your potential market about in the next five or even 10 years. Will it different sales levels. their buying habits to provide facts be new or second hand and how about what they are looking for. Use much will it cost? Lease or hire A business plan helps minimise risks, a service like www.surveymonkey.com purchase can help spread your but emergencies still happen. Writing to develop an online survey – but financial investment. Include vehicles your business plan can be a useful remember that some people are for business use, mileage, tax, opportunity to work out how you will more likely to fill in a paper survey insurance and servicing costs. Also protect yourself, your business and and offer both. consider when your practice will your family. Have you got insurance? need a refit, ongoing turnover of What is your financial safety net if Your survey could look at potential office furniture due to wear and tear, clients take a long time to pay up? customers’ spending habits, the need and so on. And what are your plans if you or key for eyecare, glasses and contact staff are ill for a prolonged time? You lenses, frequency of purchase, etc. Relatively straightforward may also want to plan for occasions You might also take the opportunity The management and staff section of when childcare falls through or to find out how to reach patients; ask your business plan is relatively you/your staff have a sick child. them what they read or watch, straightforward. You need to give where they go, and where they might details of management experience Review the insurance you have in look for information on eyecare, and include CVs of key staff. List the place. List the policies that you have frames and lenses. Note down any number of staff you use, whether they for professional indemnity insurance, competing businesses and explain are freelance or employed, their employers insurance, public liability how your business will contend with rates, hours worked, training, etc. insurance and buildings and contents them. Consider turnover of staff and the insurance. Are there other particular recruitment process; this will add to risks of running your business that you Now it is time to look at your staff costs. The ‘legals’ section of the need to insure against? In this section, marketing strategy. Think about how plan can also be straightforward. If it is good practice to show that you you price your products. If you are you know that your business is have reviewed the risks your business looking for finance, it is vital to operating as a sole trader, partnership could be faced with, ranging from demonstrate how you work out your or limited company, indicate this here competitor action to commercial prices, and even if you are writing the and include your partnership or issues with sales, prices, deliveries, IT, plan for your own purposes, a fresh company registration details. technology or production failure look at pricing strategies can help and/or issues with staff skills, you increase your profit margins (see In the finance section of your plan, availability and costs. Dispensing Optics September 2012 you’ll need to translate what you and October 2012 for more on pricing have written in your business plan into There isn’t scope to cover all the strategies). Tie this into results from numbers. These will back up a request aspects of buying a business in this surveying potential customers to show for capital, if relevant. You may need article, but check ‘Starting a new that your business offer matches their to demonstrate security for lenders practice’ in Dispensing Optics budget and expected spend. and your repayment plans. Whatever February 2013 to help you understand purpose your plan has, you need to the key issues if this applies to you. The next part of the marketing section be clear about sources of revenue of your plan needs to show how you and income. Make sure that forecast Plan then act. Completing your will reach your target audience. If you runs for three to five years, with more business plan is a big achievement, have a new business, you may be detail for the next 12 months. but you need to then turn that plan guessing at the characteristics of your Demonstrate projected sales, and if into a working document. Pull out potential customer. Do you know the you have an established business relevant sections such as ‘Marketing’ age distribution of your customers, show sales and costs in previous and ‘Finances’ and consider what their sex, location, eg. rural, suburban, years. you need to do each day to turn urban, and any other lifestyle factors, your plan into reality. eg. new parents, parents to teens, The cashflow forecast needs to show childless, single or married? List the that the practice has enough working marketing activities that you plan to capital to survive, considering key Former optometrist Antonia Chitty carry out in the next year or more, factors such as the timing of sales now writes on business topics. Her and work out the costs of marketing and salaries. Include your profit and latest book is Making Money Online. too. Create an outline promotion loss forecast – a statement of the She has written other books including plan, finalise costs and summarise trading position of the business. Blogging: The Essential Guide and your plans. Demonstrate the amount of profit you Marketing: The Essential Guide which expect to make/are making and the will help you if you need effective The next section of your business plan costs of providing goods and services ways to promote your practice. n

12 dispensingoptics November 2013

AOP chief executive, Henrietta Alderman From

NC: Please can you tell me a bit veterinary about your background and what led you to optometry’s door, as CE of the AOP?

HA: I have worked in membership to optometry organisations for more than 20 years, the last 12 with the British Veterinary Association, and prior to that with the British Bobsleigh Association. All three In March this year, the Association of Optometrists (AOP) are very different organisations but welcomed Henrietta Alderman as its new chief executive with the common theme of serving a membership; delivering strategies to (CE). Nicky Collinson talks to Henrietta about serving suit their needs and ensuring that the organisation can work from a strong members, today’s challenges and partnership working. infrastructure with strong governance Profile

as the basis. I was delighted to have delivering benefits to patients and current economic climate, of the the opportunity to take the CE role at good value to the NHS, the more government significantly increasing the AOP and I have the benefit of all likely it is to follow those good the GOS budget. We need to look at that I have learnt over the past 20 examples. There are various different ways that we can demonstrate and years to assist me with the task. models; the Scottish model is a good provide value to patients and to the one but so is the Welsh one. England Health Service. We also need to NC: What are the challenges for will need to look at all the options understand what pulls the levers of optometry and optics over the next and choose the one that will work power. Pressure for change comes few years? best for English patients. from the public; currently the government has no evidence that HA: One of the challenges is to NC: ABDO is proposing that children the public are unhappy with the ensure that eye health is embedded and visually impaired patients are current situation, so it is under no in the thinking of government and the only dispensed spectacles by a pressure to provide a solution. public, and that the skills of the registrant or a student registrant – and general ophthalmic practitioner are not by an optical assistant under NC: Do you feel it is fair that private recognised and valued. The business supervision as is the case now. How sales of spectacles and contact models that are constantly evolving do you think your members would lenses must subsidise NHS services? on the High Street are many, varied respond to that? and challenging. A healthy sector HA: No. I strongly believe that a needs the diversity of independents HA: I think many of our members professional fee should be paid for a and multiples but one of the main would feel it provided clarity in what, professional service. challenges is ensuring that the service they consider, is a confused and provided by professionals is not confusing situation. It would certainly NC: How can patients who don’t wear undervalued. build on the spirit of the Opticians Act prescription eyewear be encouraged in restricting who may dispense to to have regular eyecare without NC: Where does the future of these vulnerable groups and would, I bankrupting practices? optometry lie? Is secondary eyecare believe, help combat abuses by on the High Street likely to become a online spectacle and contact lens HA: The value of eyecare, as reality? suppliers. It does, however, go opposed to eyewear, needs to be counter to what a number of our properly recognised both by patients HA: Optometry has many futures. members feel about delegation in and by the NHS. This needs to be One of its strengths is that there are a general, which is that the ability of based on education of the potential number of different ways in which an practitioners to delegate tasks where long-term risk to the patient and the optometrist can practise. That they feel it is appropriate and where long-term cost to government if this is diversity is good for practitioners, they are able to provide adequate not undertaken. The message needs because it allows them to choose to supervision should be made easier. to be consistent and from many practise in the way that suits them sources. best. But it is also good for patients, NC: How do you think dispensing because it gives them choice about opticians conducting refraction in the NC: What do you see for the future of how and where they should access future might affect optometry? the Optical Confederation? optometric services. It is certainly right that practitioners who wish to expand HA: My concern is that we would find HA: The Optical Confederation has a their scope of practice in the High that patients who have the refraction good future. It is an excellent vehicle Street should be encouraged to do believe that they have had a sight for providing a strong and united so because it puts the patient’s needs test. The refraction and the health voice to government, and external at the centre of the delivery of care, checks of the sight test have been agencies where and when it is offering them the opportunity to linked together for a very specific appropriate to do so. It is still a receive their care in a place and at a reason. We know that often it is the relatively new concept and the AOP time that suits them. Furthermore, it is patient’s perception of poor vision will be instrumental in its ongoing a cost effective way for the NHS to that drives the sight test, which, in development. deliver eyecare. But the value it turn, detects sight-threatening provides to both patient and NHS conditions previously unsuspected. NC: Do you see the AOP and ABDO needs to be recognised – and it must working more closely in the future? be funded properly. NC: The current NHS fee is below the cost of delivering an NHS sight test for HA: Yes, I hope so. I would like to see NC: Do you feel there will ever be a almost all practices. Does the AOP the AOP and ABDO grow the good Scottish type model of optometric have any ideas on how this might be relationship that currently exists service in England? addressed? between the two organisations. The relationship is very synergistic with HA: I think that the more NHS England HA: There is, unfortunately, no many mutual interests and common sees other models of eyecare prospect in the short term, in the goals. n 14 dispensingoptics November 2013

Is appraising staff a waste of time or an investment in the future, asks Paul Surridge Appraising staff

Sight Care chief executive, Paul Surridge

re performance appraisals a vital asset in both recruitment and responsibility for staff, of course, but Awaste of time, or a management appraising roles. when they do they take on a tool that improves business results? In significant weight of responsibility. It’s my view, the answer is the latter – but The appraisal gives the manager an the manager’s job to motivate that comes loaded with caveats opportunity to set and communicate people to perform against pre- including: a manager’s understanding measurable goals for every member determined objectives and that of the process, their day-to-day of the team. The key is to review requires effective communication. So, relationship with their team, their progress on a regular basis to ensure for performance appraisals to work ability to conduct appraisals in a fair objectives are met along the way, effectively they shouldn’t be confined and equitable way, and whether the and not just rely on annual appraisals to an annual exchange. There needs goals and aspirations of the practice to do the trick. It’s important to note to be an ongoing dialogue. are communicated effectively to staff that what drives and motivates in the first place. In isolation, individuals to perform are not The year-end appraisal itself is a two- performance appraisals are a waste necessarily those that drive a way process giving the interviewer an of time, that’s why it’s important to manager. It’s the manager’s opportunity to review the individual’s place appraisals in a wider context, responsibility to tease out those past performance highlighting their so the real value can be drivers, making sure that the tasks strengths and positive contribution, appreciated and goals match the ability and but also identifying areas for motivations of their team. improvement against pre-agreed Start with vision aims and objectives. The interviewee The starting point to justify the Know your people should be given ample notice of the appraisal process is to understand the We’re all busy and being busy can date, time, agenda and format of goals and aspirations of the practice often lead to complacency, the process, and be provided with an owner. I’ve discovered from visiting believing what we do today will opportunity to table specific topics hundreds of independent practices probably work tomorrow, and the job they’d like to discuss. At all times they across the UK that too few owners people do within the practice on a should be able to respond to every have a vision for their business, and daily basis is just that – the job they aspect of the assessment as it unfolds, fewer still a business plan, and those do. But that’s dangerous thinking and highlighting their contribution to the that do rarely work their plan. Having can lead to under-performance. business, and any future training they a compelling vision for the business Discussing business objectives feel would enhance their knowledge that everyone in the practice can individually and within the team and value to the business. share focuses the attention on what dynamic encourages ideas that may needs to be done, when and by well raise revenues, reduce costs or The appraisal should, in my opinion, whom. By understanding the improve the patient journey. This be separated from any discussion individual talents and aspirations of synergistic way of working enables about salary reviews and/or terms staff, the manager is able to allocate performance appraisals, which are a and conditions of employment. The the right tasks to the right people, two-way process, to have real aim of performance appraisals is to and as a result everyone should feel meaning. create a positive, goal-oriented motivated to perform both environment that thrives on success individually and collectively. A Basis of the appraisal process and achievement where dispensing optician is pivotal to the The role of a manager can be wide communication is at the heart of the workings of practice life, and often a ranging. Not all managers have process. When annual appraisals are

Continued overleaf

16 dispensingoptics November 2013 dreaded by staff, and seen as a appraisal should take no longer • Avoid conflict of any kind. The pre- chore by managers, it’s safe to say than one hour. interview questionnaire should they don’t work, and more than that, • Explain how you plan to conduct tease out any issues the they risk undermining relationships the interview so individuals can interviewee wants to raise enabling and business prospects. prepare their own thoughts. At that the interviewer to prepare. time, distribute an appraisal • Always follow up the interview with Guide to appraisal interviews questionnaire for completion. This a hard copy summary of the If unprepared, interviews can be should be returned to you no later discussion laying out goals for the stressful for both interviewer and than 48 hours before the interview. upcoming period and ideally have interviewee. A successful manager • Ensure the interviews are the team member sign them. will take time to thoroughly plan the conducted in a private session ensuring it achieves pre- environment where you will not be For performance appraisals to be determined objectives. It’s worth disturbed. effective, they need to be seen by noting that if more than one person • Allow adequate time between managers in context and a part of does a similar job, they should be interviews to review pertinent the wider business planning process. evaluated in the same way to ensure employee information including In isolation, carrying out annual staff objectivity. The following are a few personnel records, performance appraisal serves little purpose but will tips: against previously set objectives waste a good deal of time. • Schedule a specific date, time and and any other relevant information duration for each interview giving that’s contained in the Paul Surridge is chief executive of staff at least one week’s notice questionnaire. Sight Care – a business and product that interviews will be taking place. • Try to run interviews on time. resource group for independent If you follow the earlier advice in • Make sure you know what you opticians. For a copy of an appraisal this article about regular want to accomplish in the questionnaire simply email communication, the year-end interview. Avoid ambiguity. [email protected] n

Book review Practical Binocular Vision Assessment by Frank Eperjesi and Michelle M. Rundstrom Reviewed by Peter Black, ABDO president

Practical Binocular Vision Assessment is also likely to be a good source of a concise book at only 94 pages and inspiration for CET providers involved in pre-supposes a good deal of prior dreaming up scenarios for peer knowledge with regard to refraction discussion for optometrists or techniques, anatomy, etc, though dispensing opticians. nothing that is beyond the scope of the standard ophthalmic dispensing The final chapter includes a summary syllabus. It is neatly arranged into of the 14 instructive video clips that chapters as follows: can be found on the accompanying • History and symptoms CD. Thirteen patient cases show the • Measurement of visual acuity common causes of • The cover test heterotropia/phoria including various • Assessment of refractive error cranial nerve palsies, compensatory • Tests of accommodative function head positions, etc. A clear video • Practical application of prisms demonstration of the cover-uncover • Tests to determine binocularity test and the alternating cover test is matter of this book are deemed core • Oculomotility testing also included. competencies by the General Optical • Routines Council. At first glance dispensing opticians Chapter 10 is entitled Quiz. In the may wonder whether this book is of Practical Binocular Vision Assessment absence of answers, this takes the any use to them. Certainly it should be will be of particular interest to those form of a series of discussion questions. required reading for optometrists and who are already involved in, or who It will be of particular use to orthoptists and would be a useful aspire to be, involved in refraction or undergraduate students of optometry addition to their bookshelves at both school vision screening of the type and trainee dispensing opticians as a graduate and undergraduate level. advocated by Michael Gilsenan in his clue to possible future For dispensing opticians, an excellent CET presentation that many examination/assessment questions. It is understanding of almost all the subject members will have seen. n

18 dispensingoptics November 2013 Celebrate the Best of British at the 10th BCLA Pioneers Conference Nigel Burnett Hodd, honorary BCLA Pioneers Conference organiser

Honorary BCLA Pioneers Conference organiser, Nigel Burnett Hodd, talks to Nicky Collinson about plans for this year’s 10th anniversary event, to be held on 20 November at the Royal Society of Medicine, London

NC: The BCLA Pioneers Conference have become standard kit in specialist membership, who are committed to celebrates its 10th anniversary this contact lens practice. Developments updating their skills and knowledge to year. What major developments within in contact lens materials and designs ensure they give the best patient care the contact lens industry have been have abounded too, taking old ideas and service possible. reflected in the programme over the and improving them, for example with past decade? scleral, perilimbal and piggyback NC: Tell me a bit about this year’s ‘Best designs. We have better one-day of British’ theme? NBH: In 1983, the British Contact Lens lenses today than ever before, which Association (BCLA) launched the are used by 60 per cent of my NBH: We are celebrating all things annual George Nissel Lecture to patients, with the latest giving better British this year. At least 25 per cent of remember pioneers in contact lens lubricity and wettability for all modes contact lens pioneers who we have manufacturing. Sadly, as the years of wear. celebrated over the past 10 years went by, there were more and more have been British, or based in the UK. pioneers to remember – so we But I believe there is a downside to all So we thought it would be nice for our decided to celebrate these pioneers these new developments, as fitting 10th anniversary to celebrate British with a special educational day. The becomes all-too easy and lenses all- expertise and invite solely British first BCLA Pioneers Conference was too forgiving. As a result, contact lens speakers. With the Olympics, the held in 2004, with Professor Neil fitting has been trivialised by some, Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the Charman as Pioneers Lecturer. Since who refuse to fit RGPs, for example, Royal wedding – and now the Royal then, we have paid tribute to taking instead what they believe to be baby – there’s a real appetite for all hundreds of contact lens pioneers the easy option. Corners are cut, things British – so you could also say we from the UK and overseas, and heard cheaply produced lenses are fitted, are keeping up with the times. Our from a staggering array of outstanding and proper eye examinations are 10th Pioneers Lecturer will be Professor speakers in contact lenses and the foregone. Patients are signed up to James Wolffsohn and our learned anterior eye. direct debit schemes and given panel will be made up of experts from minimal care. The upside, and there’s within the UK profession. There have been countless always an upside, is that specialist developments within the profession practices like mine are flourishing NC: What will be the focus of this during the past decade that we have because the public recognises a poor, year’s panel discussion? reflected in the Pioneers Conference price-led service when they see it. The programme. New technology in annual BCLA Pioneers Conference NBH: This year’s panel of experts are instrumentation and computerisation, attracts dedicated contact lens myself, Chris Kerr, Richard Pearson, Tim robotics, corneal mapping, OCT, etc, practitioners from within the Bowden, Andrew Gasson, Judith Morris BCLA news

10th BCLA Pioneers Lecturer, Professor James Pioneers exhibition will showcase the latest Guest speaker, Douglas Anderson OBE Wolffsohn products and David Newlove. We’ll be taking a on the High Street?’, while Sarah will personally inspired you the most in trip down memory lane, in ‘Do you share her pearls of wisdom in, everyday practice? remember when?’, looking back over ‘Teaching your staff to manage 60 years of contact lens history and contact lens patients’. I wouldn’t want NBH: The person who has inspired me the products that changed the way to miss their presentations. There will the most over my whole career – not we practise today, as well as those also be something for our technical just the past 10 years – is my father, that may need reinventing to help us members with Douglas Anderson OBE, Freddie Burnett Hodd OBE. Sadly, he move forwards. Having been a DCLP founder and vice president of Optos, passed away 13 years ago but I still specialist optometrist for more than 40 presenting, ‘Optos: a truly British use many of the techniques and years, taking over where my father machine’, Professor Brian Tighe designs that he taught me 40 years Freddie left off, I think I have fitted presenting ‘What is the material ago. The Hodd Tapered Lens and its every contact lens that’s ever been difference?’, and William Thomas variations with modern materials is a available in that time. talking about ‘Manufacturing in the classic but simple design. He always UK’. Dr Caroline Burnett Hodd will had his own laboratory in the practice When I started out in contact lens cover contact lens design innovations and I followed in his footsteps when I practice I only had PPMA lenses to fit, through the ages in, ‘What goes founded No7 Contact Lens then came along CAB. Shortly around, comes around’. Laboratory. afterwards I started fitting the first Bionite soft lens and I’ve fitted all NC: Why choose Professor James Of course there are many inspiring advances in soft lenses ever since. I Wolffsohn to deliver the 10th Pioneers contact lens researchers, practitioners began fitting three-monthly extended Lecturer? and innovators within the industry and wear lenses in 1974 and had fewer profession today – not yet pioneers to problems in those days than I do now NBH: James is one of the UK’s most be celebrated or commemorated – with the latest silicone hydrogels. All of prolific researchers and and I take my hat off to them all. Do this year’s panel members have had educationalists in the field, and his come along to the 10th Pioneers similar experiences over the past 10 contribution to contact lens practice Conference and Lecture on 20 years, and with the support of the has been – and continues to be – November and hear from some living BCLA and historians Andrew Gasson incredible. He is a tireless worker and legends. Finally, a special thank you to and Tim Bowden, we shall take a tour dedicated supporter of the ideology our sponsors: Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, of past great lenses, contact lens of the BCLA. He is a past BCLA CooperVision, DTCL, Johnson & solutions and fitting methods that president and an excellent presenter. Johnson Vision Care, Optos, Sauflon, could be utilised today. Expect a lively We are delighted that he accepted Topcon and UltraVision. discussion and maybe a few our invitation to be 10th Pioneers arguments! Lecturer. James’s talk is entitled, Download the 10th Pioneers ‘Evidence-basis for patient selection: Conference brochure and register at NC: Will there be a business focus this how to predict success’, and it has www.bcla.org.uk/events – where you’ll year? been approved for one CET point for also find information about all optometrists (contact lenses and forthcoming BCLA events. The BCLA NBH: Yes. This year’s business focus will ocular examination) and contact lens Pioneers Conference is free for BCLA come via Trusit Dave’s presentation on opticians (ocular examination). I know members only, who may bring one ‘More competition, better surgical I am not alone in being eager to hear non-member guest each to the options. How do we maintain and his unique and expert insights. evening Pioneers Lecture. To join the grow contact lens practice’, and the BCLA ahead of the conference, visit Morgans. Professor Phil Morgan will ask, NC: Of all the pioneers celebrated www.bcla.org.uk, or telephone the ‘Where are the contact lenses going over the past 10 years, who has BCLA office on 0207 580 6661. n 20 dispensingoptics November 2013

Both the Optical Confederation and General Optical Council (GOC) have issued statements clarifying their stance – and guidance to members and registrants – on the use of CE-marked flourescein strips by optometrists and contact lens opticians (CLOs) Optical bodies clarifiy position on CE-marked fluorescein strips

ast month, pending further “Notwithstanding this clinicians to provide a consensus view L advice from Europe, the Optical recommendation, several European on these issues at the end of July. The Confederation (OC) published national authorities continue to report is available on the Optical Clinical Consensus Panel Advice on consider the strips to be medical Confederation website.” the use of fluorescein strips. The devices. The European Commission is advice is that the use of paper aware of the difference of opinion The advice from the Clinical impregnated fluorescein strips, CE regarding the classification of Consensus Panel is that the use of marked as medical devices, poses fluorescein strips and the issue is being paper impregnated fluorescein strips, minimal risk and they may be used considered in further detail by the CE marked as medical devices, poses for clinical investigations in primary relevant European authorities this minimal risk and they may be used for care until further notice. autumn. In the meantime, the MHRA clinical investigations in primary care has permitted the supply of CE until further notice. Since the announcement in March marked medical device fluorescein that Bausch + Lomb had discontinued strips to the UK market.” Statement by Optical the production of Fluorets, the only Confederation fluorescein impregnated paper strip While the UK optical bodies worked to “On the basis of this clear, licensed as a medicine in the UK, the establish expert opinion on whether unambiguous and unanimous opinion OC, British Contact Lens Association, use of these strips could be justified the Optical College of Optometrists and GOC from a clinical perspective, the OC Confederation advises that CE have been considering how best to issued advice in May to use one per marked fluorescein impregnated strips advise optical practices, optometrists cent fluorescein minims while these can be used based on clinical and CLOs in this complex legislative problems were resolved. However, judgement in the case of each and regulatory area. supplies have now run out and patient in routine community optical production will not be resumed until practice. When ordering fluorescein Explaining the background to the later this autumn. strips, practices and situation, the OC stated: “Fluorescein practitioners should check that they strips have long been considered as “Clearly patient care, safety and are CE marked and permitted for sale borderline products and regulated as outcomes must be the top priority,” in the UK. medicines in the UK, whereas they are said the OC. “While these issues are regulated as medical devices in most resolved at European level, in order to “The Optical Confederation insurance of the rest of the EU. European non- obtain the best clinical advice on bodies – the ABDO, AOP and FODO – binding guidance from MEDDEV issued both the safety and efficacy of will continue to cover and defend in 2001 recommended their alternative fluorescein products, the members, who use CE-marked classification as medicines; however, OC convened a panel of leading fluorescein strips in the best interests of this depends on their precise use. independent academics and patients, in the normal way. Practices

Continued overleaf

22 dispensingoptics November 2013 and practitioners are advised to their guidance,” Mark added. strips within the scope of their clinical contact their Optical Confederation practice. This is a complex issue which membership body if they have any GOC sets out its position has required us obtaining specialist questions.” The GOC has also clarified the legal advice, working closely with a circumstances in which optometrists number of stakeholders and taking Speaking for the OC, Mark Nevin said: and contact lens opticians can use into account the expert view of a “Patient care, safety and outcomes CE-marked fluorescein ophthalmic clinical consensus panel.” must always be our first and overriding strips. All complaints to the GOC are concern in line with our Codes of considered by independent Should the GOC receive a complaint Conduct. The Optical Confederation committees so it cannot prejudge their about a registrant using fluorescein, exists to support and assist members in decisions in individual cases, but the the GOC will investigate in line with its delivering these goals for the public. statement makes clear the GOC’s usual processes. This means that the Given the shortage of fluorescein position that: complaint will be considered by the minims, we are now faced with having • Registrants are responsible for acting Investigation Committee and to advise optometrists and contact in their patients’ best interests, in line potentially the Fitness to Practise lens opticians about whether they with the GOC Code of Conduct; and Committee. These committees are should perform, for example, a slit • There will be occasions where this independent of the GOC, however, lamp examination without fluorescein, will require optometrists or contact lens the GOC will ensure that they have all rather than use a CE-marked product. opticians to use CE-marked fluorescein relevant information including the strips. views of the clinical consensus panel “Hence our advice to practices and and the Medicines and Healthcare clinicians to use CE marked strips to GOC chief executive and registrar, products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), ensure patients continue to receive Samantha Peters, said: “Our guiding and the GOC’s own statement. Visit the best care. We also urge the principle is that we act in the best www.optical.org n European Commission to move quickly interests of patients. I hope this in patients’ best interests to resolve statement gives registrants extra clarity these unintended consequences of about using CE-marked fluorescein

External moderator low vision

ABDO has a vacancy for an external moderator for the level 6 Diploma in the Assessment and Management of Low Vision qualification.

The successful candidate would be responsible for the moderation of two theory units and liaising with principal examiners in the production of examination papers which take place once a year: • Unit 1 Optics • Unit 2 Practice and physiology

The post holder should posses an appropriate level of academic or professional expertise and experience in relation to the above subject areas. This is likely to be reflected in their academic or professional qualifications and their current engagement in research, scholarly or professional activity.

It would be beneficial for the post holder to have a current experience of external examining in higher education or comparable experience, which demonstrates their competence to examine students in the above subject areas at the appropriate level.

The appointment is initially for two years and will be reviewed in the second year.

In the first instance please send your CV and a letter outlining your experience in the above units to: Mark Chandler, Head of Examinations and Registration, ABDO, The Old Dairy, Godmersham Park, Godmersham, Canterbury, Kent CT4 7DT

The closing date for applications is Monday 25 November 2013

24 dispensingoptics November 2013

Dave Wright ponders on the demise of the one-hour service

Gone in 60 minutes

hat do you think of when you accepted the job of lab manager in and within days of being able to Whear the words ‘one hour’ these a new state-of-the-art facility in a provide this service, I decided not to days? One 24th of a day, the large open plan ‘store’ opened by a offer it to everyone. I endeavoured to average lunch break, £5 in a parking national organisation. He was only in hold it in reserve and, instead, suss meter, two thirds of a football match? his early 20s and had absolutely no out the patients who had come Or perhaps, ‘one hour service’? I management experience, however, specifically because of this service realise this topic has been discussed he was starry-eyed with the salary and those who were perhaps not that at length before, but it’s a marketing and flashy company car and I’m sure bothered about getting their term in optics that seems to have he gave it his best shot. spectacles there and then – and faded into the background of late. simply dispensed them as normal. I’m sure it still exists and let’s face it, Not surprisingly, when I bumped into in a few isolated cases, it can be very him six months into the job, he looked However, I was continually useful. But not so long ago, there was haggard and was working up to 18 confronted with situations such as a a frenzy to offer this must-have hours a day trying to keep up. Unable prescription out-with our MAR coated service to all of our patients. to delegate or manage staff, within a lens stock and a patient determined year he was back working at another to get their specs within the hour. I confess that I was a part of this too, small lab in town having sold his flat Under normal circumstances, I would anxious as I was to keep up with our and once again living at home with present them with my favourite larger competitors. However, in my his parents, minus the sporty BMW. dispensing tool of all time – the Hoya experience, it can lead to all sorts of ‘hole in the lens’ demo lens blank. (If unpleasantness. For instance, all of a Devil on my shoulder ever a marketing product worked for sudden, lab technicians who were Working in practice, the one-hour me, this was it. It never failed and I still happily working and honing their skills service presented me with the use it, unmarked in its original wee in single cell workshops were scenario often seen in comics of the blue box.) immediately the commodity of the 1950s and 60s, usually associated with day and viscously ‘head hunted’ by Dennis the Menace or Beryl the Peril; But back to the above – decisions, agencies who offered salaries way that is, the character with the angel decisions. Angel: as the patient is a beyond the means of the average on one shoulder and the devil on the driver and the lenses will look much lab. other. In explanation, let’s look at the better, offer them the coating and principle of attracting patients with a hope they will wait the additional five One of our young technicians, a one-hour service: to provide this it is days. Devil: tell them that coatings really nice lad who’d been with us for essential to ‘persuade’ the patient to make little difference and can easily a few years and was very good at his have only what is available in the be scratched or rubbed off. I’ll let you job, but a long way off journeyman frame and lens stock – not to state ponder over what I decided to offer, status, was whisked off to London for the blinking obvious. bearing in mind my monthly business a job interview arranged by such an figures were almost on target and I’d agency. He returned having I was always uncomfortable with this an area manager breathing down Member musings

my neck and the company profit really is why the one-hour service tag “Thanks for visiting our practice. Now sharing scheme was on the cusp of is now less prominent in opticians here’s your prescription, take it to allowing me to buy that longed for adverts. It beggars belief, but I have someone who gives a damn.” Fender Telecaster, which had been recently heard rumours (and I set aside for me at the local music emphasise that they are only that) If that is the case then the wee devil shop. Angel: 0, Devil: 1, I’m ashamed that some practices are now refusing must be dancing a jig on someone’s to say. to dispense prescriptions that are too shoulder . . . complex because their super-duper Priests in confessionals the length and automated in-house labs don’t cater Dave Wright is the client relationship breadth of the land must have for them. Is that allowed? What on director for Duncan and Todd become experts in the craft of earth do they say to the patients? Corporate Eyecare in Aberdeen n dispensing optics during this period, hearing from angst ridden DOs about how Mr Jones needed a frame with a 22 bridge but they were out of stock and so he was given a 24 instead; or on checking Mrs McGlumphy’s spectacles a fairly noticeable scratch mysteriously passed the inspection. Or Miss Taylor’s new varifocals were 10 degrees off axis – but it was only a one cyl – and old Mr McTavish was given a brown mottled frame when he’d asked for a black one, but he’ll never notice as his cataracts are fairly well developed.

I wonder how many of these ‘falls from grace’ occurred, and if that 26 dispensingoptics November 2013

Progression in store

Luanne Watson Q. Can you tell me a bit about your My current role is as a ‘healthcare background and your route to coach’, which involves coaching and qualification? developing opticians and pharmacists and supporting them in A. I started my career in optics with their roles. I also provide support to Dollond & Aitchison, originally as an the wider team within Asda, ensuring optical advisor, which is where I that all stores run safe and legally. I discovered my passion for optics. am heavily involved in recruitment, Through ABDO’s distance learning ensuring that Asda recruits the best Dispensing opticians work in programme, I studied to be a professionals for our business. dispensing optician, which gave me a variety of settings, from the good grounding for my career. Q. How does it differ from a High Street practice, or other working High Street independent to Q. What made you decide to practise environments? the hospital or university as a DO for a supermarket, and can you explain a bit about your current A. The major – and only – difference is department to the big role? the environment. An average store has between 40 and 50,000 multiple. This month, we talk A. Although I thoroughly enjoyed my customers per week, with 300 plus to Luanne Watson to find time with D+A, an opportunity colleagues and senior management became available at Asda Opticians support. Consequently, we work in a out more about her role as in Bishop Auckland, and I was asked very busy environment, which differs to attend an interview. From that very from a High Street independent healthcare coach for Asda first meeting, I decided that Asda was opticians. Opticians in the North East for me, as I liked the environment and their plans for the future. I definitely Q. What ongoing training is on offer and North Yorkshire wanted to be a part of it. During my from your company? time working as a dispensing optician for Asda, I gained vast management A. Asda is committed to providing and retail experience, and this has ongoing training for all of our allowed me to progress within the professional colleagues. Every year, all company, taking advantage of the optometrists and dispensing opticians development and progression are invited to the Asda Healthcare opportunities it offers. Conference, with the opportunity of Dispensing places

gaining 12 CET points. Asda you could buy your shopping online, different, however, customers still want pharmacists also attend the never mind your spectacles. We live in great service, care and understanding. conference, so we all really feel part an age of technology, where the And that will never change. of the healthcare team. We also majority of people have smartphones have a professional development and can order their shopping from an Do you work in a unique and group, which is compromised of app. I believe that we all need to interesting environment? Email optometrists and dispensing opticians, move with the times, and adapt [email protected] to feature in who meet quarterly to discuss varying accordingly. As DOs, we are no ‘Dispensing places’. n topics, so training and development is part of this. This is then cascaded to all of our professional colleagues, so they become part of their own development.

Q. How does your company ensure that a regulated dispensing service (including contact lenses) is offered?

A. Within Asda Opticians, we have very clear standard operating procedures to which all colleagues have to adhere to, and regulated dispensing is part of that. All colleagues are trained to a high standard, with each colleague completing a validation process after each section of training. This is monitored bi-annually, through a safe and legal audit.

Q. What misconceptions do you Fiona Bruce with VAO founding chairman, Brian Ellis believe exist amongst the profession about supermarket/retail optics? BBC presenter helps mark A. I believe the major misconception is around professionalism, and World Sight Day whether this can be maintained in a busy retail environment. The simple BBC presenter, Fiona Bruce, was amongst more than 100 VIP guests marking World Sight answer to this is yes – always. Patient Day on 10 October at the House of Commons. The prestigious reception was organised by care is our main priority, and that international charity, Vision Aid Overseas (VAO). doesn’t change because of the retail environment. As professionals, we The charity, which fights poverty in developing countries by improving access to eyecare, have a major part to play in ensuring held the event to mark World Sight Day, which helps to raise public awareness of blindness that patient care and satisfaction is and vision impairment affecting around 285 million people worldwide. the focus regardless of the environment. Fiona Bruce, who is honorary vice president of VAO, made a speech outlining the charity’s work, calling the lack of eyecare and spectacles for millions in the developing world a “sad Q. Where do you see your own future reality”. She said: “As a spectacle wearer myself, I know only too well how important it is to within the profession? eliminate global visual impairment” and called on everyone to donate as generously as they can.” A. My passion is healthcare, and I would like to continue in the The charity’s chairman, David Scott Ralphs, also took the opportunity to announce at the healthcare industry. event that VAO has been awarded a Global Poverty Action Fund (GPAF) Impact Widow Grant from the Department for International Development. He commented: “We are Q. Where do you see the future of delighted to have received this funding from the government, and it will ensure that we are dispensing opticians in general within well-equipped to continue our campaign of providing eye care to the world’s poorest the ever-evolving optical people.” environment? Watch VAO’s new video outlining the charity’s work in Sierra Leone at A. Optics and retail is changing; who www.visionaidoverseas.org/zaria n would have thought that 25 years ago

Black arts

Rules is rules

Peter Black

As another month rolls by I reflect, as Forum did produce some interesting spectacles. The dependence of usual, how frustrating it is to have to feedback in terms of the make-up of optometry on ophthalmic dispensing write my column a month before the the board, Area representation, and means practices will never willingly publication date. This means that I so on. As it happens, this is already attract emmetropes or people who am writing it before my previous work in progress and will be taken wear ready readers for an eye exam column has been published, so I am further in due course. Additionally, I when there is no chance of a sale to unable to use it to respond to any will endeavour to give more detail of cover the cost of delivery of the comment that has been generated board meetings in future but eyecare service. previously, and any response to members wishing to judge their board previous editions seem rather old hat. from board minutes will be The event also fulfilled its networking disappointed I’m afraid. It will be up purpose, informing people about the That said, my August column did to individual board members to blow work of the Worshipful Company of provoke some debate on the optical their own trumpets if they wish Spectacle Makers and hopefully internet forums about the publication members to know their contributions rallying a few new recruits. I of the minutes of ABDO board and get re-elected. understand similar events are to be meetings. Some members want to be held in the future and would able to read exactly what was said The Chatham House Rule was encourage anyone in the industry to and by whom, however, like peer invoked at a Spectacle Makers event come along and find out more. discussion, board meetings are held chaired by Optical Confederation under the Chatham House Rule. This chairman, Don Grocott, at the Two weeks later I was fortunate to be states that, “When a meeting, or part Institute of Optometry on 19 invited to the Worshipful Company of thereof, is held under the Chatham September. Alongside Alan Tinger Spectacle Makers’ Service of House Rule, participants are free to (executive chair of LOCSU) and Peter Thanksgiving, Remembrance and use the information received, but Coe (former GOC registrar), I Rededication at St Bride’s, Fleet neither the identity, nor the affiliation completed a panel to discuss the Street, London, when dispensing of the speaker(s), nor that of any concept of professionalism and optician Chris Hunt became the new other participant, may be revealed.” whether the Opticians Act is fit for Master. Dr Christine Tomkins, the chief purpose. A lively debate ensued executive of the Medical Defence The Chatham House Rule originated between the members of the panel Union, became Upper Warden and with the aim of providing anonymity and the audience, which included Edward Middleton became Renter to speakers and to encourage not just optometrists and opticians but Warden. openness and the sharing of people from across the eyecare information. It allows ABDO directors sector including business people, A splendid lunch followed at (or optical practitioners at peer ophthalmologists and orthoptists. Apothecaries’ Hall where once again review) to speak as individuals, and to I met a host of interesting people, express views that may not be those An hour was too short for such a big one of whom was able to finally of their organisation’s, and therefore it topic, however, I was able to make enlighten me as to the difference encourages free discussion. People the point (a point I make whenever between an optometrist and a usually feel more relaxed if they don't the opportunity arises with anyone dispensing optician: “An optometrist is have to worry about their reputation who will listen) that whatever is wrong an optician who earns money for or the implications if they are publicly with the Opticians Act, the real himself. A dispensing optician is an quoted. problem in this industry is the pitiful optician who earns money for himself, state of NHS funding for the GOS sight the practice, the practice staff and So it can be seen that the requests to test. If, as a sector, we are to prevent all the suppliers of the business”. Roll know who said what at board blindness and reduce sight loss it must on NHS reform. Roll on realistic GOS meetings cannot be easily satisfied, be economic to examine the eyes of fees. Roll on common sense. however, the debate on the ABDO patients who do not wear prescription Peter Black n 30 dispensingoptics November 2013

Hearing aid specialist, Robert Evans Lord Mayor receives his spectacles

MKO is all Great optical tradition, ears updated South Yorkshire firm, Martyn Continuing a time-honoured updated tradition by his daughter Hayley, who Kemp Opticians (MKO), has tradition, Gordon Jones, the presenting the Lord Mayor are both optometrists. branched out into hearing then 181st Master of the with a year’s supply of care, initially at its Totley Worshipful Company of contact lenses. “It’s wonderful to be able practice. Local hearing aid Spectacle Makers (WCSM), to continue a great specialist, Robert Evans of presented spectacles to The ceremony took place tradition — and hopefully Good Hearing, will provide Alderman Roger Gifford, the at the Mansion House, the start a new one,” said the service. 685th Lord Mayor of London Lord Mayor’s official Gordon. “As always, we’ve and Clare Gifford the Lady residence and office in the had excellent support from MKO’s new service was Mayoress. City. The Lord Mayor and within the industry. We’re announced at a Hearing the Lady Mayoress had particularly grateful to Mike Awareness Open Day last Gordon, who was the first their eyes examined at Kirkley at Essilor for the month when anyone with WCSM Master to have Hawkes & Wainer, a spectacle lenses, Stuart concerns about their come from the contact practice in the City run by Lewis at Prodesign for the hearing had a free hearing lens side of optics, also Liveryman Ivan Wainer and frames, and George Sarrouf test by Robert who also at mark’ennovy for the used a special video contact lenses.” Our photo otoscope, with state-of-the- shows from right: Ivan art fibre optic imaging ABDO CET Telephone 01206 734155 Wainer, Roger Gifford, technology, to let visitors Fax 01206 734156 Gordon Jones, Clare Gifford ‘see inside their ears’. n and Hayley Wainer. n

New resource to scrutinise local eye health services

The Optical Confederation has joined Health and Wellbeing Boards under easy-to-use resource. I’d like to thank with the Centre for Public Scrutiny to current NHS reforms. It also reflects the College of Optometrists, the Royal produce a resource to help the government’s prioritisation of eye College of Ophthalmologists, and the councillors ask the right questions health through the Eye Health British and Irish Orthoptic Society – when scrutinising their local eye Indicator that came into force this and of course our partners at the health services. April. This indicator is a measure of Centre for Public Scrutiny – for their the rate of preventable sight loss support in creating this valuable The report, ‘10 questions to ask if you across the country for the most resource.” are scrutinising local eye health common eye conditions, namely services’, sets out 10 key areas any glaucoma, macular degeneration CfPS deputy executive director, Tim group needs to consider when and diabetic retinopathy. Gilling, said: “Good eye health is scrutinising the provision of eye health important to us all and access to the services in their area – broken down Don Grocott, chairman of the Optical right advice, treatment and support is into a series of further questions and Confederation, said: “It’s great to see crucial. The way eye health services subsections. such a complex process – the are planned and delivered can scrutiny of local eye health services appear quite complex and we hope The resource updates a 2009 study to across the country – condensed and this guide helps councillors to take account of the establishment of simplified into an accessible and influence local strategies and plans.” n Newsbrief

College delegates participating in a workshop Fighting against Success for new one-day congenital cataract conference Congenital cataract A total of 172 delegates Tomorrow 2013 – our largest positive comments we’ve accounts for about 10 per attended the College of and most successful received from delegates”. cent of childhood blindness, Optometrists’ first one-day conference to date – and says Fight for Sight. About conference, Optometry created a new one-day The next two-day 200 children are born with Tomorrow Bitesize, in Bristol conference programme conference, Optometry cataracts in the UK each last month. Featuring some that built on the success of Tomorrow, takes place in year and of these of the highlights from its this. The results were York on 16 and 17 March approximately 50 per cent annual conference in extremely successful and 2014. Visit www.optometry have a genetic cause. March, Optometry we’re delighted with all the tomorrow.org n Faults in more than 25 genes Tomorrow Bitesize received have been associated with great feedback from the condition. delegates, said the College. A blood test to identify all of these genes in parallel to The conference improve treatment for programme included five children born with lectures, three seminars, congenital cataracts has five clinical workshops and For a sense of security during a crisis been developed in the UK. 16 peer discussion groups. Professor Graeme Black The series of lectures Eastwoods is driven to support professionals in times of from the University of included advice on how to trouble. We recognise that providing legal services is about Manchester and his team incorporate dry eye more than just reciting law; it is about helping professionals have designed a test, management into a with real problems. We offer support, advice and which analyses every primary care setting, representation for professionals facing a number of different known mutation in the DNA symptoms, signs and obstacles, including: that can cause the treatment for anterior • Crime condition. Currently each uveitis and the battle • Professional Conduct Hearings mutation has to be tested against AMD. • Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury Claims for individually. • Disciplinary Hearings and Employment Disputes College president, Dr • Inquests Dr Dolores Conroy, director Kamlesh Chauhan, said: of research for Fight for “We listened to delegates’ With a wealth of legal expertise, coupled with a friendly, Sight, said: “We are feedback from Optometry professional approach, we provide the highest quality expert delighted to see such assistance and offer a helping hand when you need it most. progress being made by For more information about Professor Black who has Benevolent Fund how we can help, call 020 3137 4800 or email developed a similar test for If you know of a dispensing [email protected] today. inherited retinal conditions funded by Fight for Sight. optician, or a dependant of a We hope that this test will dispensing optician, who might speed up diagnosis and benefit from the ABDO help ophthalmologists to Benevolent Fund please get in decide on the best touch with Jane Burnand on treatment at an earlier 020 7298 5102 or write to her stage.” at ABDO, 199 Gloucester Terrace, London W2 6LD www.fightforsight.org.uk n 32 dispensingoptics November 2013

Paris show hits the mark

New faces Award for myopia control at Silmo researchers There were some 150 new exhibitors at Silmo 2013, held Research published on a novel spectacle lens design to last month in Paris, out of a total 950 participants control the progression of myopia has been rated by showcasing some 1,350 brands. optometry journal, Optometry and Vision Science, as its most significant paper over the last five years. A global gathering of manufacturers and suppliers of optical frames and sunglasses, lenses, contact lenses, The paper, ‘Spectacle lenses designed to reduce materials, store design and more, the show was spread progression of myopia: 12-month results’, reported on the over a 80,000 square metres, enhanced by a results from spectacle lens designs that were developed programme of information and events including the based on the peripheral retina defocus theory proposed by Silmo d’Or Awards, Mo by Silmo, Silmo Academy and Professor Earl Smith at the University of Houston and the new Fashion Style and La Manufacture sections. researchers from Vision CRC, Sydney, has won the American Academy of Optometry’s Garland W. Clay Award. For the 20th consecutive edition, the jury chaired by designer Mathieu Lehanneur, has assigned the Silmo The theory suggests that in a myopic eye, correction with a d’Or awards, celebrated creativity and innovation traditional device such as a spectacle lens causes the across eight categories, plus a Jury’s Special Award. All image to focus on the retina centrally but comes to a focus the winners and a full report can be seen at behind the retina at the periphery resulting in blur that could www.silmoparis.com. The dates for next year’s show are drive the eye to elongate and for myopia to increase. 26-29 September. n The lens designs reversed this by moving the peripheral image forward, onto or in front of the retina, while simultaneously positioning the central image on the retina, Membership Services resulting in clear vision. A 30 per cent reduction in myopic Contact the Membership Services Team on:- progression in 200 six to 12-year-olds with a history of 01227 733902 • 01227 733912 • 01227 733922 parental myopia was seen with one of the designs. Learn more at www.brienholdenvision.org n

Health map highlights sight loss hotspots

The initial findings of a new health’ report, are said to However, in areas like checked once every two report commissioned by be putting residents’ eye Leicester and Gateshead years, as recommended, National Eye Health Week health and vision in we are seeing a worrying and one in 10 have never in conjunction with Vision danger. number of people failing to had an eye examination. Express reveals pockets of take up their entitlement to In Newham, eligible the UK at greatest risk of Francesca Marchetti, chair free NHS sight tests and residents are 30 per cent avoidable sight loss. of National Eye Health higher than average levels more likely to miss out on Week, explained: of smoking and obesity – free NHS sight tests than Poor lifestyle habits and “Prevention and early two lifestyle factors linked the national average and ineffective health diagnosis of common eye to sight loss.” a third of residents smoke, behaviours of people in conditions are key to which is believed to have each of the at risk reducing the number of According to the Eyecare a strong link to developing ‘hotspots’ identified in the people who suffer sight Trust, 20 million people fail AMD. Read more at ‘Mapping the UK’s eye loss unnecessarily. to have their eyes www.visionmatters.org.uk n Newsbrief

BCLA president, Andy Yorke

ABDO to take part BCLA launches new in Optrafair London Industry Award ABDO has announced that Optrafair London provides The British Contact Lens The deadline for online it will actively participate at an ideal platform for the Association (BCLA) is to nominations is 29 November Optrafair London, which will Association to provide its reward individuals working and the inaugural award be held from 11-13 April members with an within industry for their will be presented at the 2014 at Olympia London. additional opportunity to outstanding contribution to Saturday night gala dinner As well as seizing the acquire CET and to network the contact lens profession held during the 2014 BCLA opportunity to meet with with their fellow with a new Industry Award. conference from 6-9 June members and others within professionals. We are at the ICC Birmingham. the optical profession, the currently liaising with “The BCLA Industry Award Registered 2013 and 2014 Association will deliver CET Perceptive [formerly aims to honour and BCLA exhibitors can as part of the show’s official Replay Learning], the recognise the nominate one individual, agenda. show’s other CET provider, entrepreneurial work being who they believe has: together with Optrafair carried out by individuals demonstrated and applied Commenting on the London co-sponsor, working in contact lens new products, concepts announcement, Elaine Optician, regarding the science, and research and and/or technology that Grisdale, ABDO’s head of special CET lecture that technology, within the have significantly professional services and ABDO will host on each industry in the UK or contributed to the growth international development, day of the show.” overseas,” explained BCLA of the contact lens industry; said: “Coming as it does president, Andy Yorke. developed existing just two weeks after our Michael Potter, ABDO’s (standard) technology in a own conference and head of marketing and “The BCLA has a long- new, creative manner; or exhibition in Kenilworth, communications, said: “In standing, mutual affiliation significantly impacted the addition to the ABDO CET with industry and this new health of the global provision, Optrafair London award gives us the chance contact lens wearing will be an important to recognise the community and contact Area news showcase for ABDO tremendous technological lens profession. College and the College achievements continuously Area 5 (Midlands): will have a stand in the taking place and, more Find out more and Bookings now open exhibition hall. importantly, to honour those nominate at ABDO Area 5 will be individuals behind them,” www.bcla.org.uk/aboutus/ holding its next CET day at “ABDO continues to work Andy added. whatwedo n the Riverside Centre, Derby, closely with the Optrafair on Monday 3 March 2014. organisers, the FMO, and As usual, the committee is earlier this year ABDO had Are your details current? hoping to provide a a very prominent and minimum of six CET points, successful presence at ABDO Membership Services department is reminding spread across at least six of Optrafair 2013 in members to make sure that their contact details are up to the required core Birmingham; this resulted in date, including email addresses. competencies. Due to a significant increase in the demand for places, number of dispensing “We send out a huge amount of information to our bookings are now taken on opticians attending the members by email so it is really important that none of this a first come, first served event. ABDO is therefore communication is missed by us not having members’ basis. For all enquiries and delighted to be actively current contact details on file,” said Katie Docker, head of details of how to book, involved with Optrafair membership services. please email Ian Hardwick London and working at ianh.abdoarea5@ cooperatively with its To check if your details are correct, visit www.abdo.org.uk, gmail.com n partners.” n and log into the members’ area. n 34 dispensingoptics November 2013

Fundraising voyager, Mike Brooke with Admiral Sir Sandy Woodward Inspirational story funds SEN guides for genetic research parents

An inspirational book, that of Mike’s voyage, with all purchase of a vital piece of Dispensing Optics will raise money for sight- proceeds going to Fight for gene-screening equipment contributor, Antonia saving research, could Sight and the Cetacean for researchers at UCL and Chitty, has two new books make an ideal Christmas gift Research & Rescue Unit. Moorfields, who have out – one about for a practice colleague or But the story is not just recently completed the assessment for special friend. about sailing and world’s first ever trial using needs and the other about fundraising. Mike’s eldest gene therapy to treat food and children with In 2008, Mike Brooke son, Simon, was tragically people with LCA. special needs. They are circumnavigated the British killed in a road accident in co-authored with special Isles in his 19 foot Cape August 2003. Simon’s best Professor Tony Moore, who educational needs Cutter, Theo’s Future, to friend George had a son, received the equipment teacher, Victoria raise money for Moorfields Theo, born in 2006 and and funds, said: “We have Dawson. Eye Hospital and the UCL Mike was asked to be been incredibly grateful to Institute of Ophthalmology. godfather. Mike. The equipment and Antonia said: “Addressing With a fundraising target of the funds for research he some of the major areas of £27,000 for a light scanner But at the age of six provided have helped us to stress for parents of system, Mike returned home months, Theo was identify the genetic children with special having spent 86 days at sea diagnosed with Leber’s changes causing LCA, a educational needs, these and sailed 1,783 nautical Congenital Amaurosis form of childhood blindness, two helpful guides are full miles, raising a total of (LCA). He is now blind, and in many children.” of clear explanations and £43,000. there is no treatment or cure practical advice for as yet. Finding a solution For more information on the tackling this often difficult ‘Fight for Sight on Theo’s inspired Mike to undertake book and to purchase a terrain.” The books are Future: A Voyage of Hope his sailing marathon, which copy, go to available from Hale Books, & Endeavour’ tells the story raised enough for the www.theosfuture.org n www.halebooks.com n

role of the complement system and Cracking AMD’s genetic code inflammation in general in the pathogenesis of AMD.

Scientists working on the genetics of The researchers sequenced DNA from Professor Moore said: “The results of age-related macular degeneration 10 regions of the genome that had this study highlight the importance of (AMD) have identified a new, rare been previously linked to AMD and international collaboration in gene variant that predisposes people identified two rare variants in the identifying the remaining genetic to the condition. complement factor 3 (C3) gene that variants that predispose people to are associated with an increased risk AMD. The identification of these Professor John Yates, Professor Tony of developing the condition. genes requires access to very large Moore and Dr Valentina Cipriani from numbers of patients with AMD, which the National Institute of Health In an earlier study in collaboration would not be available from a single Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research with Cambridge University, Professors centre. The results demonstrate the Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital and Yates and Moore were the first to importance of abnormal immune UCL Institute of Ophthalmology were identify the role of the C3 gene in the function in AMD and should part of an international group of predisposition to AMD. The findings of eventually lead to new treatments for researchers involved in the study of the current multicentre study confirm AMD which target the complement over 2,000 patients with the disorder. the key importance of C3 and the pathway.” n

36 dispensingoptics November 2013

Iconic model collection Eagle goggles Supermodel Goggle company eyes eyewear deal wholesaler

Rodenstock has mark in the world of fashion Swimming goggle company Aqua Sphere has appointed announced its first eyewear and beauty with her Butterflies Healthcare as its wholesaler dedicated to the collection with supermodel timeless style inspiring optical market. and fashion icon Claudia women of all ages. Claudia Schiffer. Schiffer’s experience and Butterflies has been given key responsibility for Aqua elegance are the perfect Sphere's award winning Eagle goggle, the first to be sold The collection, ‘Claudia match for Rodenstock.” alongside a choice of interchangeable curved prescription Schiffer by Rodenstock’, will lenses to enable customers to create their perfect goggle feature sunglasses and Claudia Schiffer added: “I from a neat and compact counter display. optical frames for women grew up with Rodenstock and will be shown for the being the pinnacle of With a background in optics of more than 20 years, first time at the Opti trade quality in sunglasses and Butterflies is a family-run business specialising in selling fair in January 2014. lenses. Therefore, they are accessory products for optical practices. Aqua Sphere’s the perfect partners and I Eagle goggle previously won the Best Designed Sport Kit Oliver Kastalio, CEO can’t wait for the world to category at the prestigious Sport Industry Awards. It is said Rodenstock Group, said: “It see why I chose them. to be the first curved lens goggle to enable simple ‘pop- is a great honour to Combining my design ideas out and swap’ technology to create a high quality collaborate with the iconic and their eyewear customised goggle. The curved lenses allow 180˚ vision supermodel Claudia expertise I am proud of the and the one-piece 100 per cent silicone frame includes Schiffer. Her impressive collection we have an easy-adjust buckle. Prescription options are available career has left an indelible created together.” n from -1.5.00D to -6.0.00D. n

Materials firm takes on London show focuses consultant on CET

Contamac has announced a consultancy agreement How to improve sales and keep one step ahead of the with Professor Patrick Caroline to secure his assistance competition will be explored through education at in the development and evaluation of its next- Optrafair London next April. generation contact lens products and materials. Optometrist David Brett-Williams will address, ‘Continuous Globally renowned educator, Professor Caroline is a marginal gains: growing sales and profitability in the researcher and lecturer at the Pacific University College challenging retail environment’. He said: “To continue to of Optometry in Forest Grove Oregon, and a Fellow be successful you must change and improve at a faster member and Diplomat of the Cornea and Contact Lens rate than your competition.” A Q&A session will give Section of the American Academy of Optometry. delegates an insight into the tactics of the most successful practices. Robert McGregor, director at Contamac said: “We are delighted to have Patrick Caroline help us expand our Dr Scott Mackie will also be part of the free CET leadership role in the global marketplace. Our programme, with ‘Too dry or not too dry?” – one of six CET commitment to research and development, investment lectures that will address the opportunities of dispensing, in the professional services support to our laboratory contact lenses, anterior eye, the retina, vision and network, as well as our support of contact lens technology. Each of these sections is comprised of three education to eyecare practitioners around the globe, CET lectures, totalling 18 CET lectures during the three-day will be greatly enhanced with Patrick’s assistance.” n event. n Newsbrief

Lee Walker

CL peer discussion Support team on offer bolstered Contact lens opticians professional conduct, will Presenting the workshop are Heidelberg Engineering has looking to gain peer take place from 6-8pm on Sheetal Patel and Dr enhanced its UK team with discussion CET points are 13 November at Wilson, Caroline Christie, who will technical support specialist, invited to take part in a Wilson & Hancock Opticians teach delegates punctual Lee Walker, who has six British Contact Lens in Hastings, and will be run occlusion techniques in years’ customer care Association (BCLA) contact by Keith Cavaye. contact lens practice for the expertise in the field. lens peer discussion management of dry eye workshop in East Sussex this Also, gain hands-on and other ocular surface Krysten Williams, Heidelberg month. experience at a CET conditions. UK general manager, said: workshop on punctal “Lee adds a valuable new The session, offering three occlusion, taking place on 4 All BCLA workshops are free dimension to our team with CET points for CLOs covering December (6-8pm) at the for BCLA members and £80 his strong background in IT the core competencies of practice of Dr Bruce Evans for non-members. Register and ability to provide contact lenses and in Brentwood, Essex. at www.bcla.org.uk n guidance and easy to follow steps to gaining the Pledge to promote most of Heidelberg technology. He will support Telephone 01206 734155 eye health ABDO CET Dicom for Heyex, Fax 01206 734156 networked installations, and Vision Matters, the organiser provide remote support to of National Eye Health Week, improve response times and and Vision Express are reduce down time for this working together to develop valuable practice building a practitioner’s guide to Zambia’s first optometry technology.” n promoting eye health. graduands Take a break with Omar Hassan, head of Autograph professional services at Graduates of the training and equipment to Vision Express, said: Chainama College of help facilitate and promote Practices that dispense “Research produced by the Health Sciences in Lusaka, better eyecare across the Shamir Autograph III lenses healthcare information Zambia, made history last Republic. from now until 31 specialist, Dr Foster, shows month following the December have the that 94 per cent of completion of the country’s It was a double celebration chance to claim a city optometrists believe eye first optometry qualifications. for the nine graduates, who break for two. health promotion is a vital not only passed with flying part of their role but many The successful delivery of colours – in a ceremony Those who order 50 pairs of practitioners are prevented the three-year Optometry held at the Mulungushi the lenses during the from fulfilling this role Technology diploma – International Conference promotional period will be because there’s a lack of launched in 2010 – owes Centre in Lusaka, the rewarded with a luxury UK any formal guidance. much of its success to the country’s capital – but who city break for two valued at support of Vision Aid will now be moving swiftly £500. Those who order 100 “We hope the new guide will Overseas (VAO), which from education to pairs will be able to claim a inspire and empower through the financial employment, landing European city break valued practitioners to discuss the backing of Specsavers has positions within Zambia’s at £1,000; and 150 pairs will importance of good eye provided an optometry various Ministry of Health lead to a international health and regular sight tests training centre, qualified institutions. Read more at break valued at £2,000. Visit with their communities.” n optometrist teaching staff, www.visionaidoverseas.org n www.shamirlens.co.uk n 38 dispensingoptics November 2013

Hans-Jürgen Penzek and Donna Power Charity secures major Last call for club supporter awards entries

During Silmo last month, communities,” said Martijn Independent opticians Rodenstock UK, said: “We Maui Jim announced that it van Eerde, Maui Jim across the UK still have time are looking forward once will formally collaborate international marketing to enter the 2013 again to rewarding our with Optometry Giving Sight manager. “We are very Rodenstock Club Awards, loyal customers and (OGS) through ongoing proud to be a part of this which rewards practices for thanking them for their initiatives from 2014. cause, and look forward to their loyalty and support. continued support. We are involving our customers in a always keen to attract new “Giving back is a key value range of exciting initiatives The winners of the eight customers and there are of Maui Jim, and we feel a from next year.” award categories, together many benefits available to strategic partnership with with the Centre of independent practices who Optometry Giving Sight is Our photograph shows Excellence winners, will work with us. They will have the most effective way that Hans-Jürgen Penzek, vice enjoy a trip to the home of access to the best products we can support the president Europe of Maui Mozart in March. Practices at highly competitive prices, development of sustainable Jim, with Donna Power, OGS will compete in a number of and enjoy a eye and vision care regional manager, product specific categories, comprehensive range of programmes in underserved Europe. n including Impression lenses, sales and marketing ColorMatic IQ lenses, support.” Wimbledon eyewear, luxury brand eyewear and The competition runs until Situations Vacant Rodenstock eyewear. 30 November. The winning If you have a job vacancy in your practice, please remember that the Excellence in marketing is practices will be Situations Vacant section in the Forums area of the also recognised. announced at a luncheon ABDO website provides you with a quick and easy and awards ceremony at facility to advertise completely free-of-charge. Dietmar Rathbauer, The Four Seasons Park Lane managing director of on 12 December. n Children missing out Support for Welsh on sight tests eyecare plan

Around one in five children parents. According to NHS The Optical Confederation has joined Optometry Wales in don’t have regular sight figures, almost 80 per cent welcoming the development of an Eye Care Plan for tests or have never had of children in the UK visited Wales. one, according to a new their dentist between June study released by Sight 2011 and June 2012; yet Welcoming the Welsh Government’s Eye Care Plan for Care. The study also shows our Sight Care survey shows Wales, David Hewlett on behalf of the Optical that only a fifth of children that only half of children in Confederation, said: ”We are pleased to support our have a simple eye test at the UK visit their optician colleagues in Optometry Wales in warmly welcoming the school. regularly.” production of an Eye Care Plan for Wales. The partnership between the Welsh government and Optometry Wales Paul Surridge, chief Sight Care is recommending and the Welsh Optometric Committee has been a model executive of Sight Care, parents seek out and for others as have the ground-breaking work done in said: “Eye tests for children support their local, Wales on WECI and PEARS. As Optometry Wales says, ‘The are often some way down independent optician via contractual infrastructure also needs modernising to the list of priorities for busy www.sightcarelocal.co.uk n deliver the plan’.” n

40 dispensingoptics November 2013

Dispensing for the homeless Christmas support sought Eye research priorities by homeless charity set out

Vision Care for Homeless dispensing opticians and A report outlining patients’ survey generating 4,461 People (VCHP), working in optometrists to give up priorities for eye research questions. After further conjunction with Crisis at some of their free time to was launched at a consultation concluding in Christmas, is stepping up volunteer for the service, reception at the House of workshops attended by its service this December which will run from 23-29 Lords on 9 October, the eve patients, relatives, carers with a mission to provide December. of World Sight Day. and eye health more eye examinations professionals’ top 10 lists for and glasses in the capital “This is very worthwhile Key organisations across 12 different eye this year. Volunteers are work, at a time when many the sight loss and vision disease/condition eagerly sought to support people need support. Just sector have been working categories have been the growing number of a few hours of volunteering together to find out what collated. dispossessed people in the can make a tremendous those closest to the capital. difference to other conditions most want. The information gathered people’s lives,” she said. Forming the Sight Loss and will help ensure that future VCHP provides the Vision Priority Setting research programmes optometry and dispensing Find out more about the Partnership the group funded by charities and services for up to 250 charity by visiting consulted patients, organisations across the UK people each year during www.visioncareforhomeles relatives, carers and eye can be targeted. The the festive period. speople.org or health professionals to get partnership was supported Shaneela Chana, service www.crisis.org.uk for an insight into what is most by Fight for Sight, the organiser, is urging more volunteering details. n important to address College of Optometrists, through research. NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, Award for Intuitiv In May-July 2012 the the Royal College of partnership ran a survey Ophthalmologists, RNIB, the asking people to identify UK Vision Strategy and BBGR has won an industry said Christophe Chebac, unanswered questions Vision 2020. It was overseen award for Intuitiv, its CEO of BBGR. “We would about the prevention, by the James Lind Alliance. progressive lens that like to extend our heartfelt diagnosis and treatment of adapts to the posture of thanks to our partners and sight loss and eye Michele Acton, chief right and left-handed customers for the conditions that patients, executive of Fight for Sight, wearers. confidence that they place carers and eye health said: “Medical research in in us every day and for the professionals wished to see the UK is largely reactive. Available since last July, wonderful welcome they answered. A total of 2,220 With limited resources Intuitiv won a Silmo d’Or in have given to Intuitiv.” n people responded to the available, it is crucial that the ‘Vision’ category at the those closest to eye Paris show last month. The conditions have their say in award was created in 1994 Instruments offer prioritising medical research to showcase and reward into the prevention, the core values of the Distributor and wholesaler, BiB Ophthalmic Instruments, diagnosis and treatment of profession: innovation, has extended a discount on all Rodenstock eye disease. For the first technology and creativity. Instruments until the end of November. time, the Sight Loss and The offer is open to all Rodenstock Club members, Vision Survey has allowed “We are very proud to who simply quote their Rodenstock account number patients, relatives, carers accept this prize, which when buying. Members can find out more about the and eye health represents true recognition products available by visiting www.bibonline.co.uk n professionals to do just by eyecare professionals,” that.” n Newsbrief

The new Master with Upper and Renter Wardens Chris Hunt bestows the Ruskell Medal to Mandeep Singh Intelligent lens New WCSM Master takes dispensing app office

Signet Armorlite has The Worshipful Company of The new Master’s first studying for a Doctorate developed a new app – Spectacle Makers (WCSM) official task was to present of Philosophy at the Kodak Lens ids (Intelligent held its annual service of the 12th Ruskell Medal, Nuffield laboratory of Dispensing Software) – Thanksgiving, during the WCSM’s annual Ophthalmology, University offering three dispensing Remembrance and luncheon held afterwards of Oxford. Maneep’s tools in one: frame viewer, Rededication at St Bride’s, in Apothecaries’ Hall. The research involves lens demo and measurement. Fleet Street, London, on 2 medal, which comes with investigating stem cell October. a small monetary award, is transplantation The frame app snaps the offered as an approaches for the patient wearing different At the service, Chris Hunt encouragement to those treatment of inherited frames so they can view, was installed as Master for embarking on a career in blindness. He is awarded compare and share. The the ensuing year, taking ophthalmology or the 2013 Ruskell Medal for lens app demonstrates the over from Gordon Jones. Dr optometry to make their his paper, ‘Reversal of visual benefits of the Kodak Christine Tomkins, who is first published contribution end-stage retinal lens range through lifestyle chief executive of the to the advancement of degeneration and simulation or by in-practice Medical Defence Union, will basic, clinical or technical restoration of visual augmented reality. serve as Upper Warden and ophthalmic science. function of photoreceptor Edward Middleton, a transplantation’, published Finally, the measurement retired chartered The 2013 recipient is in the Proceedings of the app is designed to accountant with City firm Mandeep Singh, a National Academy of accurately make dispensing Pannell Kerr Foster, as Vitreoretinal Fellow at the Sciences of America in easy: take a photo, align Renter Warden. Oxford Eye Hospital, who is January this year. n the markers and press the button for instant PD, heights, pantoscopic tilt, OC stands out at party conferences back vertex distance and face form angle. Does the key to your healthcare lie in the have been working hard with government, “Utilising the Apple iPad, community? This was the question that the MPs and parliament, as well as local dispensing can now follow Optical Confederation (OC), together with councils to get the message about eye the patient around the hearing and pharmacy colleagues, put to health across. We’re proud this time round practice, rather from a fixed ministers, shadows, MPs and councillors at to stand should-to-shoulder with our point, making the the three major party conferences this colleagues from pharmacy and hearing experience flexible and autumn. care. It’s clear that an integrated and interactive for the patient,” patient focused NHS will increasingly utilise said Mark Ireland, Signet The OC, National Community Hearing the expertise of community primary care Armorlite European Association, British Society of Hearing Aid providers to support the hard work of GPs marketing director. Audiologists and Pharmacy Voice hosted and the hospital sector.” well-attended fringe events at the Liberal * Signet Armorlite has Democrat, Labour and Conservative party David Hewlett added: “The potential of the renewed its 17-year conferences, raising awareness of the key non-medical primary care services has licensing agreement with role of non-medical primary care of scarcely been tapped so far and we call Eastman Kodak. Since 1993, maintaining the health and wellbeing of on the government, through its ‘Call to the company has licensed local communities. Action’ and development of a new the Kodak name in the strategic framework for primary care, to marketing of ophthalmic ABDO general secretary, Tony Garrett, maximise this potential for the benefit of lenses worldwide. n speaking on behalf of the OC said: “We the public and to safeguard the NHS.” n 42 dispensingoptics November 2013

CET answers: Instruments for ocular examination part one: the ophthalmoscope (C-32176)

1. In direct ophthalmoscopy the function of the condenser 4. When using a slit lamp and high-powered auxiliary lens lens is to . . . to view the fundus, which statement is true? a. ensure refracted light has zero vergence a. The clarity of the image will not be affected by media b. focus incident light on the aperture stop opacities c. direct light onto the concave mirror b. The field of view obtained is less than for most other d. enable a wider view of the fundus methods a is the correct answer. Divergent light from the source is c. Magnification is restricted by the field lens refracted parallel by the positive condenser d. The auxiliary lens should be placed at about 10cm from the subject’s eye 2. Indirect ophthalmoscopy produces a field of view. . . b is the correct answer. Only direct monocular a. where the image is virtual and erect ophthalmoscopy provides a smaller field of view b. expanded by reflection at a concave mirror 5. In direct ophthalmoscopy, the power of the chosen c. which is dependent on the position of the condenser lens viewing lens will depend on . . . d. about the diameter of 5 optic discs a. the distance from the sight hole to the patient’s eye a is the correct answer. Figure 3 shows how the image is b. the size of the pupil relative to the extent of the fundus to formed be viewed c. how much magnification is required 3. In ophthalmoscopy reflections from the anterior surface d. whether the fundus or transparent media is being of the cornea can be a nuisance because . . . observed a. they will be focused in the same plane as the inverted d is the correct answer. A more positive viewing lens will be image formed by the condenser lens required for observation of the media, especially the b. the beam cannot be stopped down when viewing the anterior surface of the crystalline lens macula c. the same optical system is used for illumination and 6. In optical instruments such as the ophthalmoscope . . . viewing a. images are always virtual and upright d. refractivity is less than at the other transparent b. as magnification decreases the field of view increases boundaries c. illumination must be provided internally c is the correct answer. Although convenient in many ways, d. the observer’s refractive error plays no part using the same source creates reflections where refractivity b is the correct answer. Less magnification means less is relatively high positive lens power.which results in a greater field

To download, print or save your CET result letter, go to www.abdo.org.uk. Log-in and go to 'View your CET record'.

The end of the first year of the GOC's Enhanced CET Scheme

With only a couple of months until the end of the first year of the GOC's Enhanced CET Scheme, members should note that they should be on track to have at least six points by the end of December. These points can be interactive or non-interactive. The GOC have indicated that they intend to write to all registrants who have not achieved these points.

New for this period is the opportunity for registrants to generate their own CET via case discussions with colleagues. There is a guide for members on the ABDO website: http://www.abdo.org.uk/wp- content/uploads/2012/04/Generate-your-own-CET.pdf

Members have reported some difficulties with logging in to the CET Online pages. Using the new website may require some minor changes to your web browser options so that cached pages are not displayed by default. Information can be found at http://www.abdo.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/ABDO-website-login- advice1.pdf

If you sent in a fax last month, rather than completing online, please try again online with this month's MCQs, as you will have your result more quickly than if you post or fax.

44 dispensingoptics November 2013

Eyewear should be a fashion item and not a functional piece, writes James Conway

DO on the run

James Conway

n April this year I was very lucky to clients know about my challenge I to experiment with. The vivid colours I get a charity place to run the was amazed by the enthusiasm and outrageous frame shapes are London Marathon. Having done a shown by them towards my cause. really embraced by those on the good number of half marathons over They all asked about it during Continent. the years it was one of my ‘must do’ consultations and many very kindly things before I die (I hate the sponsored me, helping towards my While on holiday in France recently, I expression bucket list). The phone total sponsorship of £3,500. It would see older men and women in call from the charity offering me a appeared that the clients were keen the local village markets wearing place came on 5 January at 9am, to see that we dispensing opticians some ‘out there’ eyewear but and by 5pm I had gone over on my do have an interest out of the clothing would be nondescript. Over ankle while piggy-backing my practice. here, the local villagers would be children up the stairs. Despite having wearing nondescript clothing and previously injured my ankle, this was I recently had my annual pilgrimage bland eyewear. We can often worse than before. Not a good start, to Paris for Silmo, to catch up with the appear to be too staid. Having said but six weeks of physio, non-running, latest trends and moods in the optical that, I do feel that some clients are and cross training to work on my business. As usual it was a real eye becoming more prepared to try out base fitness and I was ready to go. opener; the optical scene on the frames that are different to the norm. Continent still seems so far ahead of Eyewear should be a fashion item The event was incredible with the the UK scene. So many exhibitors and not a functional piece. If we crowds giving so much were displaying amazing trends in think back over the past 10 years and encouragement. I finished in a eyewear, which I always feel the how we have moved closer to the respectable time. Having let my British public are sometimes reluctant styles we were dreaming about, perhaps the next 10 years will see the styles that we are stocking and dispensing in the UK much more in Optician Index - August 2013 summary line with those on the Continent.

• Total practice turnover increased by 3 per cent from July to 170 Index Embracing new points and this is 4 per cent higher than August 2012 dynamics • Total eye examinations increased by 14 per cent from July to 103 Index We are now nine months into our points but this 1 per cent lower than August 2012 three-year CET cycle (doesn’t it come • Sample average total dispensing increases by 6 per cent on last month to round quickly) and I am sure that a 90 Index points but dispensing rate falls to 62 per cent lot of us are still working out the best • New contact lens fits up 2 per cent from July to 114 Index points and the place to acquire all these different value of solutions sold also increases from last month type of points. Obviously, the original system was fairly straightforward – The full August 2013 Optician Index report was published in the 27 September 2013 issue of Optician specialist or non-specialist. At the end of the day, we do all need to ensure we keep updated on progress in the Disjointed jottings from a DO’s desk . . .

industry especially with the speed who they are, but never get round to When you have a large retail space that some things change. It can also meeting up and giving ourselves the then, yes, you can shut a part of it off be too easy to spend our time time we should to talk and discuss. and refurb without causing too much keeping pace with the changes and We all discussed a variety of topics, disruption to the client. When your then forgetting about maintaining from eye examinations and space is more limited, you have so previous knowledge or branching out prescribing to extended wear many more considerations to take to something new, which would contact lens fitting. It all finished up into account. However much we enhance our knowledge and service with a very good feeling of how would like to do a major refit every to clients. useful the peer review group was. five years, we have to tackle any refurbishment projects in smaller With CET being important to ensure I attended an opticians meeting last stages. I think the trend is to create that our profession of dispensing week and we had a presentation the ‘feel’ of your products and opticians and contact lens opticians from an opticians shop fitting service, rather than as previously – just is of a high standard, perhaps we company. Apparently in retail, a rows and rows of glasses which, I need a more level playing field with major refit is carried out every five to think, can bamboozle clients. funding compared to optometrists. six years and as opticians, we do Surely with just a little funding there need to create a unique experience As we try to offer an alternative to would be an incentive to be more for our clients and make it like many online spectacle sites, we really have dynamic with our learning. of the forward-thinking big retailers. to give our clients the total As an independent, a major refit this experience at every opportunity. I have already undertaken my peer frequently seems quite a big ask in review group discussion. It has proved terms of budget, disruption to clients, James Conway is a director of the to be particularly beneficial to meet and time involved from the family-run Dipple and Conway up with local professionals; we know management. opticians based in East Anglia. n

External moderator ophthalmic dispensing

ABDO will soon have a vacancy for an external moderator for the level 6 Diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing qualification.

The successful candidate would be responsible for the moderation of the following three theory units and liaising with principal examiners in the production of examination papers which take place twice a year: • Unit 1 and 2 Theory of general optics and ophthalmic lenses • Unit 4 and 5 Theory of advanced ophthalmic lenses • Unit 8 The assessment and management of refractive errors

The post holder should posses an appropriate level of academic or professional expertise and experience in relation to the above subject areas. This is likely to be reflected in their academic or professional qualifications and their current engagement in research, scholarly or professional activity.

It would be beneficial for the post holder to have a current experience of external examining in higher education or comparable experience, which demonstrates their competence to examine students in the above subject areas at the appropriate level.

The appointment is initially for two years and will be reviewed in the second year.

In the first instance please send your CV and a letter outlining your experience in the above units to: Mark Chandler, Head of Examinations and Registration, ABDO, The Old Dairy, Godmersham Park, Godmersham, Canterbury, Kent CT4 7DT

The closing date for applications is Monday 25 November 2013

Diary of events

November 5LD. To book email dispensingoptics The Vision Care Institute - Clinical [email protected] roadshows “Are you fitting The Professional Journal of the Association comfortably”: Sunday 10th, Church 2 December of British Dispensing Opticians House Westminster, London; Monday ABDO - Peer discussion, 199 Volume 28 Number 11 of 12 11th, Renaissance Marriot Hotel, Gloucester Terrace, London W2 6LD. th EDITORIAL STAFF Manchester; Wednesday 13 , Marriot For details and to book visit Editor Sir Anthony Garrett CBE Royal Hotel, Bristol. To book visit www.abdo.org.uk Assistant Editor Jane Burnand thevisioncareinstitute.co.uk/tvci-courses Production Editor Sheila Hope Email [email protected] or phone Replay Learning 0845 310 5347 4 December Features and News Editor Nicky Collinson BCLA - Punctal occlusion workshop, Email [email protected] Administration Manager Deanne Gray 6 November Essex. For details email Email [email protected] Area 9 (South East) - evening meeting [email protected] ADVERTISEMENT SALES now fully booked. Area 9 will arrange Telephone 01892 667626 additional meetings in the weeks to 19 January Email [email protected] come BCLA - Pre-reg RGP Day, Aston SUBSCRIPTIONS University, Birmingham. For details UK £130 Overseas £140, including postage 13 November email [email protected] Apply to Tom Veti ABDO, Godmersham Park, Godmersham President’s Consultation Day - the Kent CT4 7DT Medical Society of London, Lettsom 27 January Telephone 01227 733922 House, 11 Chandos Street, London BCLA - Evening meeting, London. Email [email protected] W1G 9EB. All members are invited ‘Ocular surface disease and ABDO CET and welcome to attend. To confirm therapeutics’ by Andrena CET Coordinator Paula Stevens MA ODE BSc (Hons) MCOptom FBDO CL(Hons)AD SMC(Tech) your attendance email Jane Burnand McElvanney. For details visit ABDO CET, 5 Kingsford Business Centre, Layer at [email protected] or www.bcla.org.uk Road, Kingsford, Colchester CO2 0HT Telephone 01206 734155 phone her on 020 7298 5102 Email [email protected] 3 March Email [email protected] Area 5 (Midlands) - CET day, 6 CET 19 November CONTINUING EDUCATION REVIEW PANEL Area 4 (East Anglia) - Evening points anticipated, the Riverside Keith Cavaye FBDO (Hons) CL FBCLA meeting, ‘Dispensing for facial Centre, Derby. For details and to Andrew Cripps FBDO (Hons) PG Cert HE FHEA Kim Devlin FBDO (Hons) CL disfigurement’ and ‘Dispensing for book email Ian Hardwick Stephen Freeman BSc (Hons) MCOptom FBDO (Hons) Cert Ed facial disfigurement - small group [email protected] Abilene Macdonald Grute FBDO (Hons) SLD (Hons) LVA focussed discussion’ by Sally Bates, 3 Dip Dist Ed Cert Ed Richard Harsant FBDO (Hons) CL (Hons) LVA CET points, Holiday Inn, Brook Street, 26 March Andrew Keirl BOptom (Hons) MCOptom FBDO Brentwood, Essex. CM14 5NF. Email BCLA - Business workshop with Phil Paul McCarthy FBDO PG Cert HE FHEA Angela McNamee BSc (Hons) MCOptom [email protected] to book Mullins, London. For details visit FBDO (Hons) CL FBCLA Cert Ed your place www.bcla.org.uk Edwin Moffatt FBDO Linda Rapley BSc FCOptom

20 November 29 March JOURNAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Area 10 (Kent) - AGM and ‘Anterior ABDO - Golf tournament. For details Richard Crook FBDO email Barry Duncan Kim Devlin FBDO (Hons) CL eye disorders and management - Kevin Gutsell FBDO discussion workshop’ Peter Black, CET [email protected] Ros Kirk FBDO points anticipated, time and venue to Angela McNamee BSc (Hons) MCOptom FBDO (Hons) CL FBCLA Cert Ed be confirmed. For details email 30-31 March [email protected] ABDO - Conference and exhibition, Dispensing Optics is published by ABDO, 199 Gloucester Terrace, London W2 6LD Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth, 20 November Warwickshire CV8 2LD. Book online at Dispensing Optics is printed by Lavenham Press, Lavenham, Suffolk CO10 9RN BCLA - Pioneers Conference and www.abdoevents.org.uk © ABDO No part of this publication may be Lecture, ‘Best of British’. For details visit reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means whatever without the www.bcla.org.uk 11-13 April written prior permission of the publishers Optrafair London - Exhibition, Olympia Dispensing Optics welcomes contributions for 28 November National. For details visit possible editorial publication. However, Area 4 (East Anglia) - ‘OMG, it's been www.optrafair-london.co.uk contributors warrant to the publishers that they years since I . . . ‘ Barry Duncan and own all rights to illustrations, artwork or photographs submitted and also to copy which ‘It ain't what you do it's the way that 6-9 June is factually accurate and does not infringe any you do it!’ Elaine Grisdale, 2 CET BCLA - 38th BCLA Clinical Conference other party’s rights points, The Postgraduate Education & Exhibition, Birmingham. For details ISSN 0954 3201 Centre, Milton Keynes Hospital, MK6 visit www.bcla.org.uk n Average circulation 2012: 9160 per issue - ABDO Please check availability to events online at www.abdo.org.uk Board certification

ABDO members are welcome to attend Area meetings in any area they wish www.abdo.org.uk