11 November 2010 lp_1 21/10/2010 13:48 Page 1
dispensingoptics
Dispensing Optics PO Box 233, Crowborough TN6 9BD Telephone: 01892 667626 Fax: 01892 667626 Email: [email protected] November 2010 Website: www.abdo.org.uk 11 November 2010 lp_1 21/10/2010 13:48 Page 2 11 November 2010 lp_1 21/10/2010 13:48 Page 3
3 dispensingoptics CONTENTS
November 2010
3 Cover point by Tony Garrett
Cover point 4 Continuing Education and Training Have you ever tried a trifocal? by Anthony Blackman
8 Frequently asked questions suffered by our contact lens opticians by Kim Devlin of having to gain 50 per cent more points than any other registrant is 10 ABDO Conference and finally to be corrected. From the next Exhibition 2010 CET cycle they will only be required to Changes, challenges and gain 36 points like everybody else. achievements at ABDO 2010 by Nicky Collinson These are two fundamentally important changes which address the 16 Patient and practice real concerns of many ABDO management GOC offers changes members. We have campaigned hard Creating a marketing strategy It is no secret that we at ABDO have on these issues and we have been by Antonia Chitty been fiercely critical of the GOC in particularly well supported by past recent years over a number of issues. It president James Russell who, as a 18 Optician Index August 2010 summary is therefore very pleasing to be able to member of GOC, has spoken so report on two very significant passionately on behalf of registrants. proposals being put forward. 20 BCLA news Conference 2010 Be aware of risks, says BCLA First of all our concern over the effect This year’s conference, held against President of retention fees on part-time low the backdrop of these difficult by Nicky Collinson More to membership than meets wage earners has been addressed by economic times, could have been the eye the proposed introduction of a lower hard to fill. Instead we had a sell out by Vivien Freeman band for those affected whether they gala dinner of over 350 and over 550 be dispensing opticians or people registered for the exhibition optometrists. and or CET. It was a first class event 22 Newsbrief and I have had many messages from Secondly, the long running injustice members, guests and exhibitors, all of 32 Disjointed jottings from whom have spoken in glowing terms a DO’s desk . . . about the atmosphere and vitality of Customer evaporation is a very slow the event. Elaine Grisdale, Michael leak Potter and our partners at Event by Chris Hunt Exchange pulled out all the stops for a very memorable weekend. And, for 33 Book review the first time, the bookings for the Doing a Literature Review in conference, accommodation and Health and Social Care: A Practical dinner were managed in-house, by Guide Katie Docker and the Membership Department team. A remarkable 34 CET answers achievement at a busy time for them. The measurement of spectacle lens power - part two Tony Garrett n 35 Diary of Events
Front cover: ABDO actively works in Inside the AR Coating conjunction with: chamber at the Signet Armorlite Kodak CleAR
Lens laboratory The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers 11 November 2010 lp_1 21/10/2010 13:48 Page 4
4 dispensingoptics November 2010
Have you ever tried a trifocal? By Anthony Blackman
CompetencIes covered: Optical appliances Target group: Dispensing opticians, optometrists
During their training, all dispensing increasing age the range achieved advantages and disadvantages, opticians (DOs) learn about trifocals, with a single addition (on top of any which are, briefly, as follows. but how many DOs have actually distance prescription) reduces. When dispensed a pair, either to an existing a patient reaches their mid-fifties, a Single vision intermediate spectacles wearer, or, even rarer, to a first time mid-range gap forms between the will provide the greatest field of view, wearer? distance prescription’s range and the and can be calculated to offer near portion’s range. Therefore a accurate intermediate corrections The next few pages will: second, weaker add is needed to fill (the amplitude of accommodation • give a reminder of an old style of this mid-range gap and restore and working distance being required). lens, continuous clear vision. Most However the wearer will only be able • explain the principles behind conveniently this is as a trifocal or to use the spectacles for tasks at trifocals, progressive lens, but other options are intermediate distances, and they will • show what is still available to DOs, available. An examination of the give poor distance vision and difficulty • show why they should not be suppliers' catalogues shows that the with small print close to them. ignored as an option for vision availability of trifocals starts with a near correction. add of +1.50D, which is about right for There are two bifocal options which a typical patient in their mid-fifties. have the advantage of providing Hopefully the reader will gain some clear vision in the intermediate and useful information and be more aware The spectacle lens options available to either the distance or near range. This of their usefulness. fill this intermediate gap are: is certainly more convenient than • Single vision intermediate single vision intermediate spectacles; Age, amplitude of spectacles but will still leave older presbyopes accommodation and range • Bifocals (either distance/ unable to see clearly for some tasks. As DOs we know that when patients intermediate or intermediate/near) reach their forties they will become • Trifocals This brings us to the progressive presbyopic and will need a • Progressives options. Progressive lens designs have prescription for near work in the form • Enhanced readers improved immensely over the years, of a reading addition (add). The add • Occupational Progressive Addition with each new generation offering will restore the near range of clear Lenses (OPALS) wider fields of clear vision, particularly vision which they had in their youth. As for distance and near. The shown in Table 1 and Figure 1, with All of the above options have their intermediate area was rather limited in
This article has been approved for 1 CET point by the GOC. It is open to all FBDO members, including associate member optometrists. Insert your answers to the six multiple choice questions (MCQs) online at www.abdo.org.uk, or on the answer sheet inserted in this issue and return by 16 December 2010 to ABDO CET, Courtyard Suite 6, Braxted Park, Great Braxted, Witham CM8 3GA OR fax to 01621 890203. If you complete 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 in our January 2011 issue. C-13053 11 November 2010 lp_1 27/10/2010 10:26 Page 5
Continuing Education and Training
Age Add(D) WD(cm) Range★(cm) +0.50 40 200 to 29 45 +1.00 35 100 to 25 +1.25 30 80 to 24 +1.00 40 100 to 33 50 +1.50 35 67 to 29 +2.00 30 50 to 25 +1.50 40 67 to 33 55 +2.00 35 50 to 29 +2.25 30 44 to 27 +1.75 40 57 to36 60 +2.25 35 44 to 31 +2.75 30 36 to 27 +2.50 40 40 to 33 70 +3.00 35 33 to 29 +3.75 25 27 to 24
Table 1: Range of clear vision for some ages, adds and working distances Figure 1: Range of vision with a bifocal. An early presbyope (45years) has (WD)1 ★ The range of clear vision is the distance between the artificial far clear vision through the distance portion from infinity back to 33cm; and and near points while wearing the near vision correction their near portion provides a range from 25cm to 1m away. The second lens is a presbyope in their mid-fifties; due to their reduced accommodation they can only accommodate from infinity back to 67cms and the near portion has a reduced range of 29cm to 50cm – leaving a gap of unclear vision. width with some designs but this case with progressives. However remember that the higher the IP/RP appears to be less of a concern with having two segment dividing lines on ratio dispensed, the closer the patients nowadays. However there the lens can be distracting and gives intermediate working distance will be may still be problems with aberrations, poor cosmesis – particularly in an E- for the patient. Obviously the range for which can be off-putting for patients. type design! Another benefit of having near will be unaffected, as the These do offer better cosmesis the intermediate portion between the reading add remains unchanged. compared with other multifocal lenses distance and near portion is that it and, due to their gradual progression reduces the ‘jump’ experienced by It is also worth noting that dispensing to the near add, they offer a the wearer. Rather than a single opticians are legally allowed to adjust complete range of clear vision. ‘jump’ in bifocal lenses (with the the additions of a prescription to take exception of the E-line ‘no jump’), with account of the patient's working Enhanced readers (degressive lenses) trifocals there are two smaller ‘jumps’ distance. However, it is important to offer very good fields of vision for the instead. make a note that you have done so near and intermediate range (such as on the record card. the Zeiss Business lens), but lack a IP/RP ratio distance correction. OPALs also offer The IP/RP ratio for a trifocal is the ratio Lens availability good fields of vision for near and of the addition of the Intermediate The term trifocal is termed due to the intermediate, but they also provide Portion (IP) to the addition of the presence of three distinct portions of the wearer with a distance zone. (Near) Reading Portion (RP)2 (Table 2). differing focal power, which makes it However this portion of the lens is very one of the simplest forms of multifocals. restrictive with a poor field of vision This can be rearranged to find the They were patented in 1827 by John (such as the AO Technica). This renders intermediate add (Inter. Add = IP/RP Isaac Hawkins3 and although there them unsuitable for everyday, general ratio X Near Add, or the near add have been many different types over use, and DOs should advise wearers (Near Add = Inter. Add ÷ IP/RP ratio). the years, what follows is a review of never to use these lenses for driving. For example, if a trifocal lens had an currently available trifocal designs in IP/RP ratio of 50%, and the reading the UK (Figure 2 a-d). As can be seen, A trifocal lens allows for clear vision add was +2.50D, then the trifocals are still available in plastic from distance to near. Also, because intermediate add of the lens would be (standard and mid-index) and glass; they have a specific intermediate +1.25D. they are also available with additional portion, they can provide wider processes such as photochromic and intermediate fields of view than many When selecting the IP/RP ratio there is polarising4. Also the methods of progressive designs. This can make not as much choice as there used to construction are the same as for them an excellent option for be, with many only offering 50%, which bifocals, with the options of fused, solid progressive non-tolerances who is good for general use; however it is and cemented trifocals. require one pair of spectacles for clear still possible to locate other vision at distance, intermediate and percentages, such as 60%, which can The availability of these lenses can be near. Also, there is no distance be considered more of an of concern to some people, as most peripheral blur present as can be the occupational lens. It is important to of the larger lens companies do not offer trifocals. The exceptions are Norville, who carry many of the lenses Intermediate Portion Addition IP/RP ratio = (x 100 if expressed as a percentage) Reading Portion Addition discussed below, and Zeiss, who still offer a limited range. It is worth Table 2 Continued overleaf 11 November 2010 lp_1 21/10/2010 13:48 Page 6
6 dispensingoptics November 2010
a. E-type b. Double D c. Flat top (D-seg) d. Concentric
Figure 2: Available trifocal designs
contacting local independent labs to three segment sizes available; 728, 835 stop at +4.00D. All three sizes have an see what options they are able to and 1435. The 728 and 835 have a 50% IP/RP ratio of 50%. source. IP/RP ratio, with the much deeper 1435 being an occupational lens with a 60% Other rarer options include a Franklin Double ‘D’ IP/RP ratio. split version, which allows the DO to This CR39 lens has two D- type 28mm customise each portion of the lens, segments, one set below the eye as in The flat top is the only type of trifocal such as creating any IP/RP ratio, a D-seg bifocal, and the other, which is available in materials other specifying the intermediate portion inverted, set above the eye. The than CR39; with the 728 also available depth and being able to have a distance between the segments is in polycarbonate and crown glass different inset for the intermediate and 14mm. It is more of an occupational (1.523). The 835 is also available in near portions. However, this is a very lens with an IP/RP ratio of 60%, giving a polycarbonate with a slightly smaller expensive option as three pairs of closer range of vision. The 735 equivalent available in crown lenses are needed. intermediate is usually the top glass. The 728 is available in segment. However, depending which photochromic (brown and grey) as Something old, something new . . . way round the segment is glazed, the well as grey polarised. The larger 835 Sola SmartSeg (Figure 3a) intermediate could be positioned as can also be ordered with a Launched in 1989 by Sola Optical the bottom segment instead. It can photochromic option. (and ceased production in May 2005), also be ordered to give the same the Smartseg looked liked a D-seg (reading) prescription in both It is also worth mentioning that Zeiss bifocal with a 30x23 flat top segment, segments. offer a C828 glass trifocal (as well as a the top 12mm of which was a plastic 728) which fulfil the same criteria progressive zone which provided some E-type as the D-seg alternatives above. intermediate vision and a large This lens is similar to an E-type bifocal reading area5. but with a 7mm deep intermediate Concentric zone, which provides excellent width The concentric designs also have a So from something old, to a new lens, of vision for intermediate, but poor number code which describes the which at first glance appears to offer cosmesis, especially in plus shape, and there are three sizes to patients a similar product to the prescriptions. Its IP/RP ratio is 50% and it choose from, 22/36, 28/42 and 12/36. SmartSeg. is available in CR39. The first number is the diameter of the near portion and the second (larger) PixelOptics AtLast!6 (Figure 3b) Flat (straight) top or D-segment number is the diameter of the This lens has an embedded round The description of these lenses may intermediate portion. If the difference segment coupled with a progressive include a letter 'S' or 'D' followed by a between the diameters is halved, this power gradient, providing a reduction number. The letter 'S' is short for straight will give the intermediate depth, eg, in jump, and continuous vision for top and a 'D' refers to the shape of the for the 22/36 design, 36mm-22mm = intermediate and near over the lower segment (as with bifocal lenses). 'S' 14mm which, when halved, gives an half of the lens. The lens is available in and 'D' refer to the same segment intermediate depth of 7mm. two types; composite 59 and 67. shape. Some companies use 'S' for Composite 59 is a combination of a CR39 lenses and 'D' for glass. The Again this design is only available in Trivex front (1.53) and a polycarbonate number code gives the details of the CR39, but it has the advantage of back (1.59), while Composite 67 has segment size, for example 728 means being available with higher add the same Trivex front but the back that the intermediate portion is 7mm powers of up to +10.00D (28/42 and section is made from 1.67 plastic. Both deep and the segment diameter is 12/36) and +16.00D (22/36), while the of these are also available as 28mm, as for a bifocal. There are other trifocal designs above usually photochromic grey or brown. 11 November 2010 lp_1 27/10/2010 10:26 Page 7
Continuing Education and Training
a. Sola Smartseg b. Pixel Optics AtLast! c. A quadrifocal
Figure 3 Figure 4: A comparison of the segment top positions of a D-seg trifocal set for general use (left) and a D-seg bifocal (right) Quadifocal lenses (Figure 3c) in a certain position on the lens. overlooked or forgotten as a method These are not available in the UK but of correction. can be found in America and have Should the optician or patient be similar characteristics to trifocals. They unsure about the positioning of the References are essentially a D-seg trifocal with an segment dividing lines it can be helpful 1. Tunnacliffe AH. Essentials of additional inverted D-segment set at to mark the dummy lenses with both Dispensing. London: ABDO; 1995 the top of the lens. The main lens will the position of the segment top, and 2. Jalie M. Ophthalmic Lenses and normally be for distance with one the dividing line between the Dispensing 3rd ed. London: segment providing intermediate and intermediate and near portions. This Butterworth Heinemann; 2008 near, while the other segment may be allows for checking that not only the 3. The Midland Eye Institute. A Brief supplied as either near only or a positioning is correct, but that all three History of Sight [online] Available from second intermediate addition2. The portions are useable. http://www.midlandeye.com/other/sp separation between the segments is ectacles_history.php (Accessed usually 13-14mm for a quadrifocal, When ordering a bifocal lens, one of 1 August 2010) (similar to the double D-seg bifocal or the measurements stated is the inset. It 4. Norville Ophthalmic Lens Catalogue trifocal). should be no surprise, therefore, that August 2010 [online] Available from we can, and should, order an inset for http://www.norville.co.uk/downloads/ Measurement and fitting of trifocals. It is important to remember RX2009/RX09_150index2.pdf trifocals that the inset for the intermediate (Accessed 1 August 2010) The positioning of the segment is portion and near portion will be 5. Wilson D. Practical Optical always going to be a compromise, exactly the same, as it is not possible Dispensing 2nd ed. New South Wales, with the top of the intermediate for them to have different insets (unless Australia: Centre for Learning segment being set higher than in a the lens is a ‘split’ trifocal made from Innovation; 2006 bifocal, causing some intrusion into the three lenses). 6. Pixeloptics. Atlast: the World's First distance field of view. Also, the near Enhanced Multifocal [online] Available portion will end up being in a lower Conclusion from position than would be the case in a We have looked at the age at which http://www.pixeloptics.com/pages/atl bifocal, causing the wearer to adopt an intermediate addition is required, ast.html (Accessed 1 August 2010) a slightly different reading position the pros and cons of trifocal lenses, as (Figure 4). well as the range of trifocals currently Anthony Blackman BSc(Hons) available, along with their fitting. Whilst FBDO(Hons)SLD CertAcc(Open) MSB The ‘textbook’ fitting position for a their availability has decreased over MRSPH is a dispensing optician for trifocal lens is to the bottom edge of the years, they do provide the D&A/Boots Opticians in the South East the pupil, or 1mm below this, placing intermediate range missing from of England. He completed the ABDO the top of the segment between the bifocals, and can be a brilliant honours course in Spectacle Lens lower limbus and bottom of the pupil occupational lens. This is why it is Design in December 2009 and is (measured in normal lighting). The important to consider a patient’s currently undertaking training with City reason for the variation is that it is best lifestyle, occupation and hobbies, as & Islington College towards the ABDO to set the segment higher for more one pair of spectacles may not fulfil all Contact Lens Certificate. In 2010 he near use and lower for more their visual needs. became area secretary for ABDO distance/inter requirement. It is also Area 9 (South East) and a Freeman of important to check the positioning of With the success and popularity of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle any current or previous segmented progressive lenses, trifocals are always Makers. n multifocals the patient may have, in going to be a ‘specialist’ lens option; case they are used to the division line but one which should not be MCQs overleaf 11 November 2010 lp_1 21/10/2010 13:48 Page 8
8 dispensingoptics November 2010 Multiple choice questions (MCQs): Have you ever tried a trifocal?
1. When a patient reaches their mid-fifties what happens to 4. Which of the following is the most commonly available their range of clear vision with bifocals? IP/RP ratio in the UK? a. Due to reduced accommodation the distance range a. 50% from infinity reduces b. 60% b. The distance range remains unchanged but the near c. 66% range reduces d. 70% c. A gap develops between the distance range and the near range 5. A patient is wearing trifocals with an IP/RP ratio of 50%. d. Nothing happens, a bifocal will continue to provide Their new pair has an IP/RP ratio of 60%. What effect will this clear vision have on their working distance? (assume a near add of +2.50 in both pairs). 2. Which of the following is NOT an advantage of trifocal a. Their range for intermediate and reading will both be lenses? closer to them a. They can provide a full range of clear vision (distance, b. Their range for intermediate and reading will both be intermediate and near) in older presbyopes further away from them b. For D-seg trifocals there is reduced jump compared to a c. Their intermediate range will be closer, with the reading D-seg bifocal range unchanged c. They have a wide and clear intermediate zone d. Their intermediate range will be further from them, with d. As the segment lines are positioned differently to a the reading range unchanged bifocal they are not a distraction 6. A patient is having trifocals for the first time and will be 3. A trifocal lens has an IP/RP ratio of 50%. If the reading using them for general use. Where is it recommended to fit addition is +2.00D, what will be the intermediate addition? the segment top? a. +1.00D a. The same as for a bifocal lens b. +1.50D b. At the bottom of the pupil or 1mm below c. +2.00D c. In line with the lower limbus d. +2.50D d. 1mm above the bottom of the pupil
The deadline for posted or faxed response is 16 December 2010 to the address on page 4. The module code is C-13053 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 01621 890202 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
charge? This is up to you as there is no suggested fee but Frequently asked questions remember, if the spectacles subsequently made up to your measurement give problems, and if it can be shown that you made Answered by Kim Devlin FBDO (Hons) CL an error, you could be sued. So, the fee has to be worth that risk.
If the patient requesting their PD is an existing patient of your Q: I’ve been asked twice this week for a PD; I’ve refused but I’m feeling pressured. Was I right to refuse? practice, it is a slightly more difficult situation. You do of course have the information they want on file and they do have the right A: There has been lots of coverage recently in the media about a to a copy of their records (with certain legal hoops to jump patient’s ‘right’ to obtain their PD, to enable them to purchase through). How should you answer such a request? Always politely; their spectacles online and this has put a lot of pressure on DOs; you can use the form of words on the ABDO website (Advice & you are not alone. As always with questions of professional Guidelines 2.8.3.) to explain why you cannot give them what they conduct there are different ways of looking at the problem. The require. If a legal whiz kid pushes you to disclosure, always give in law is very simple; a PD is not part of a spectacle prescription. It is gracefully. Such patients are best left to sort their own problems not usually recorded on the clinical record and certainly not out; you cannot help them all. included on a spectacle prescription form, be it NHS or private. It is still a small proportion of patients who wish to buy online, so If a patient, new to your practice, requests their PD you can in all it is wise not to get the problem out of perspective. Treat patients honesty say you do not have that measurement on file. If you wish courteously, explain the problems that remote sales bring and to be helpful, and it is your choice, you may offer to measure their help if it is appropriate – but learn that not everyone understands PD and charge them a fee for such a service. What might you the worth of a good dispensing. n 11 November 2010 lp_1 21/10/2010 13:48 Page 9 11 November 2010 lp_1 21/10/2010 13:48 Page 10
10 dispensingoptics November 2010
ABDOs new President Jennifer Brower and Vice Bob Jardine receives his Medal of Excellence Jim Gordon Hamblin Memorial Prizewinner and President Peter Black from Barry Duncan James Russell Changes, challenges and achievements at ABDO 2010
With exhibition attendance ollowing feedback from last year’s happily did not mirror those endured up by 40 per cent and more Fconference and exhibition in by this year’s rain-lashed Ryder Cup Brighton, the ABDO conference competitors at Celtic Manor in Wales – than 150 delegates registered organising team worked hard during where the conference was initially the intervening 12 months to ensure going to be held. for CET, last month’s 2010 that the 2010 event better matched ABDO conference and the needs of delegates, exhibitors and After a well-fought tournament, the sponsors. The result was a slightly four-man team event winners were exhibition in Bristol proved pared down programme and a single Peter Savage and Christian Hill of day exhibition as oppose to a two-day Marchon and Martin Brock and Adrian once again the Association’s event. A change of planned venue Walsh of Ocuco, with 91 points. commitment to doing right also ensured that delegate costs were Outgoing ABDO President Barry kept to a minimum. The result? A 40 Duncan took home the Frank Clipson by its members. Nicky per cent increase in the number of Cup as the ABDO member winner, delegates attending the exhibition, with 40 points, while Rob Davis of Maui Collinson reports rising to just short of 550 visitors Jim UK won the best individual prize for compared to 2009, a total of 179 a non-ABDO member with 38 points. delegates registered for CET Kevin Gutsell claimed the prize for the presentations, and 356 guests longest drive, John Kernick took the attending for the annual gala dinner. nearest pin, with Alan Smith of Ellis & Killpatrick Opticians receiving the Teeing off proceedings booby prize for the lowest score. Teeing off this year’s conference, at the Marriott Bristol City Centre on 9 Golf day organiser, Jim Gordon, said: and 10 October, was the adidas “Many thanks to Ben Ashlin and his eyewear golf tournament on the team at adidas for making the golf Friday at nearby Kendleshire Golf day a great spectacle, no pun Club. Fuelled on a breakfast of bacon intended. The weather was very kind Barbara Doris PA to Tony Garrett receives her butties, 28 competitors set off at 10- to us and Julie and her team from the Honorary Fellowship from Jennifer minute intervals in conditions that Kendleshire looked after us very well. 11 November 2010 lp_1 27/10/2010 11:57 Page 11
ABDO Conference and Exhibition 2010
T Pavanakumar and Barry at the Association’s The AGM Tony Garrett, David Kirk and Jennifer Brower at AGM the Benevolent Fund AGM
After the golf we had a rather over revalidation and unregulated within three years; though a rise in excellent three-course meal, during suppliers – although he felt the membership fees could not be ruled which we viewed photos of the day recently announced changes out. Responding to a request for more were displayed on two large screens, regarding the CET scheme and openness with financial figures and which was a nice touch by adidas.” reduced fees for lower earners (see more information to be supplied to News) were positive. members, ABDO general secretary The adidas welcome area and Tony Garrett stressed that the interactive sessions with optometrist Continuing, Barry stressed that the Association’s accounts were prepared Nick Dash from Loughborough Association had faced financially in line with all applicable rules and University were very well received. Ben testing times recently, recording a loss regulations and further information Ashlin, brand manager of adidas of £321,000 during 2009/10, but that was available on request. Speaking eyewear, commented: “The golf day immediate action had been taken to from the floor, John Fried said he provided the perfect platform to address the problems. With regards to believed the Board had dealt with introduce our golf research that was the continuing debate about a name recent financial difficulties in a presented at the conference as a CET change for the Association and its professional manner. presentation. It is crucial from a service members, Barry announced that the perspective that dispensing staff are results of a membership survey had During the AGM of the ABDO comfortable with sports products, revealed a slight majority in favour of Benevolent Fund that followed, even if they do not personally partake a name change. The Board would be chairman Jennifer Brower reported in that sport – and that is what the discussing how to proceed later in the that the recession had caused an adidas eyewear training offers. month. He concluded by wishing all increase in the number of applications Overall, the conference was a huge the current and new directors all the for assistance. However, the Fund had success for adidas eyewear, as we best and paid tribute to Kevin Milsom also experienced a threefold increase were able to directly engage with and Garry Kousoulou who were in the number of people making many dispensing opticians and stepping down from the Board. Fiona donations. The Fund’s affinity card had optometrists about our product Anderson, Ashton Galloway and Ted made a very valuable contribution, solutions and brand activation in their Moffatt were welcomed as newly along with donated lecture fees and businesses,” added Ben. elected members of the ABDO Board, ABDO prize values. The Fund would with Jennifer Brower and Peter Black continue to raise awareness among Facing difficult challenges as incoming President and Vice members, past and present, that help At the Association’s AGM on the President. is available and consider all Saturday, outgoing ABDO President applications carefully. Barry Duncan told members that the In response to questions from the floor, past 12 months had seen increased the Board confirmed that cost cutting Exciting new plans activities by Association officers and during the current financial year would Before the close of the AGM Michael staff on behalf of members. “Our restore the Association’s finances Potter, ABDO head of marketing and dealings with other optical organisations have increased dramatically so we now have a stronger, louder and more powerful voice,” he said, adding that although ABDO fully supported the establishment of the Optical Confederation, the Association would retain its own identity. He said the Association would continue to remind the General Optical Council (GOC) of the increasing financial burden being Ewan McPherson, Jim Gordon, Kevin Gutsell, The Vision Aid Overseas and ABDO football teams Daniel and Barry Duncan after the golf match after their match on Saturday. VAO won 9-8 felt by members, and about concerns Continued overleaf 11 November 2010 lp_1 21/10/2010 13:48 Page 12
12 dispensingoptics November 2010
The Duncan family: Lisa, Lucy, Lauren, Barry, Peter Black, Jennifer Brower and Nick Boys on the Dispensing optician and Master of the SMC Daniel and Chloe Maui Jim stand Michael Barton, ABDO College Trustee Huntly Taylor and Peter Black communications, announced a new strengthen its resources and work to hold our main CET event and AGM approach to the Association’s annual more closely with other optical bodies in conjunction with Optrafair is a good conference and exhibition. To begin and partners in the optical profession. idea. I would like to congratulate the with, explained Michael, next year The 25th anniversary event will focus ABDO Board on responding to ABDO will hold a celebration luncheon on key figures who have played a vital feedback they received from their at Plaisterers’ Hall in London on 6 May part in the successful development of members in such a positive manner,” to mark the Association’s 25th ABDO since its inception in 1986. It will Jim added. anniversary. There will be no 2011 also provide unique sponsorship conference and exhibition or gala opportunities and promises to be a Tributes and toasts dinner; instead joint discussions with truly memorable and fitting Later on the Saturday evening, the the Federation of Manufacturing celebration of the Association’s ABDO gala dinner brought together Opticians (FMO) are underway considerable achievements during the just over 350 guests for an evening of regarding the possibility of holding CET past quarter of a century.” great food, great company and great events for ABDO members alongside entertainment sponsored for the third Optrafair in April. In 2012, ABDO will Commenting on the announcement, year running by Transitions Optical. It hold its AGM, conference and ABDO member Brenda Rennie of Area was the chance for outgoing exhibition and gala dinner in the 12 told Dispensing Optics: “I think President, Barry Duncan, to bid spring, with the date and venue to be running the conference and exhibition farewell after two challenging but confirmed. From then onwards, these every two years from 2012 is a good rewarding years in office and to events will be held every two years. In idea as there will be more new welcome Jennifer Brower and Peter 2013, with the co-operative support of resources, frame styles and other Black as the Association’s new the FMO, the ABDO AGM and CET products for members to investigate. President and Vice President. Before events will be held at Optrafair 2013 Holding the conference in the spring handing over the chain of office, Barry and possibly the ABDO gala dinner on may also help members spread out thanked everyone who had the Sunday evening. If successful, this the cost of attending.” Jim Gordon of supported him during his term and alignment initiative with Optrafair will Area 7 agreed, saying: “I think that it paid tribute to his wife Lisa. In then also be subsequently repeated makes perfect sense to have our response, Tony Garrett told the biennially. exhibition and conference on a non gathering that Barry had been a Optrafair year, especially in the current “fantastic President” who had “given “These exciting new plans are a result economic climate. Attending two his all during two very difficult years for of direct feedback from our members, venues in one year places a severe the Association”. He presented Lisa exhibitors and sponsors and we financial and time burden on our Duncan with a small gift for the family therefore believe they will be widely members. This would inevitably mean as a mark of appreciation. welcomed,” commented Tony they would have to choose which one Garrett. “The biennial alignment with to attend, resulting in reduced Jennifer Brower then took to the stage Optrafair will enable the Association to attendance at both events. I also think for her first address as ABDO President.
Jennifer, Peter and Katie Docker Head of ABDO One of the well attended lectures A makeover during ‘Rimless aesthetics’ from Membership Services Silhouette Continued overleaf 11 November 2010 lp_1 21/10/2010 13:48 Page 13 11 November 2010 lp_1 21/10/2010 13:48 Page 14
14 dispensingoptics November 2010
Frame adjustments workshop Andy Hepworth, Garry Kousoulou and Julie Low vision workshop Heaney enjoying their lunch
“Since my early days in the profession, duty to ensure the ABDO exams in to differentiate from your competitors, the Association has come a long Malaysia went ahead during the with standing room only in some way,” said Jennifer, who believed the volcanic ash cloud debacle. Medals lectures. Presentations on new establishment of the Optical of Excellence: to Past ADO President electronic lenses by Pixel Optics, on Confederation would help ABDO Robert Jardine, who has “loved every Trivex by PPG Industries, and on achieve great things for its members. minute” of his 50 years as an ABDO Drivewear by Younger Optics The President also pointed to the new member. Also, to Stephen Golding, attracted very high numbers of low vision pathways due to be who has been an Area committee delegates. The low vision and frame unveiled at the National Optometric member for more than 16 years. Life repair and material workshops were Conference this month as an Memberships: to a “gob-smacked” filled to capacity, and the conference “exceptional opportunity for members Duncan Counter, Elvin Montlake and organising team is considering a mix of to offer local services in the primary Kim Devlin. Area Prize: presented by interactivity and lectures again in healthcare setting”. Regarding the Colin Lee to Clive Marchant and Mike 2012. scaling back of revalidation, Jennifer Cody of Area 5. Dispensing Optics declared that “common sense had Readership Prize: to Richard Harsant Commenting on the trimmed down prevailed” although a serious concern for, ‘A visually impaired patient’s first LV exhibition space, Nick Browning of for members continued to be the rise assessment’. Non-CET Journal Prize: to BBGR said: “Although the venue felt of poor quality dispensings by Mike Hall for his Health & Safety series. a little congested at times, the unregistered sellers. “We intend to Honorary Fellowship: to Barbara Doris, smaller exhibition area created a introduce a plan to highlight these PA to Tony Garrett, who she described substantially better atmosphere than problems and produce action,” she as “the best boss ever”. Hamblin in 2009 and led to easier interaction said. “We also want to increase Memorial Prize: presented to Jim between delegates and exhibitors. support for our Areas, the communities Gordon by James Russell for his The Rupp+Hubrach/BBGR team they serve and our members. The contribution to the profession over a spoke to many potential new future is bright and I look forward to it long period of years. customers and the congress should with great anticipation,” concluded provide us with a healthy return on the President. Sunday buzzy Sunday investment.” For Nick Boys of Maui This year’s scaled down exhibition on Jim UK, the conference was “just Another year of achievements were the Sunday produced a buzzy amazing”. “The gala dinner was very marked during the gala dinner with atmosphere around the 40 plus stands well organised,” enthused Nick, “with some surprises in store. The annual showcasing the latest products and excellent food, superb service and awards were presented as follows: services from many of the UK’s leading some great rock and roll music. The Special Recognition Awards: to Sally optical suppliers. Delegates were also exhibition was very well attended on Bates, Alicia Thompson, Chris drawn to hear an array of interesting the Sunday and we had superb Bottomley, Duncan Counter and Kevin CET lectures, covering everything from results for both leads and orders. Milsom, who went beyond the call of frame production technology to how We’d like to thank everyone at ABDO
Transitions who sponsored the Gala Dinner New to the ABDO Board: Ashton Galloway and Jennifer visits the BBGR (Rupp + Hubrach) stand Fiona Anderson 11 November 2010 lp_1 21/10/2010 13:48 Page 15
ABDO Conference and Exhibition 2010
Low vision workshop Dancing the night away Cheers!
for organising what for us has turned participate,” added Peter. Essilor people who were lecturing and out to be the highlight of a brilliant remarked it was pleased it could listening in the exhibition lecture area. year.” ‘piggy back’ the conference with its We made improvements in the university and college symposium, afternoon with a change in the sound Neal Grimason and the team at allowing academics from optometry system but things were a bit difficult Continental Eyewear said they would and dispensing optics to interact and earlier on in the day. In hindsight we have preferred the opportunity to enjoy the social events and exhibition should have partitioned this area off. have the exhibition over a longer as well as its own bespoke period of time, say two days. However, programme. “The gala dinner was a fantastic the condensed format meant that the networking event and we are very team was busy most of the time with Quality over quantity grateful to Transitions Optical their lots of enthusiasm shown for the For Elaine Grisdale, ABDO head of sponsorship and support. Once again company’s products. “The limited professional services and a key driving we showed that ABDO know how to space meant that we were unable to force behind the annual event, this throw a party. A lot of people were display our full product range but all year’s conference succeeded in amazed at how the room was our new releases were on show and bringing back the buzz. Elaine told transformed overnight from a party many orders were taken and Dispensing Optics: “The consensus disco room to a professional, buzzing appointments arranged,” said Neal. seems to be it was a great event and conference and exhibition hall. All “Regarding ABDO’s plans for the that delegates were pleased with the credit to the Event Exchange team for future, having an exhibition in the quality and quantity of the exhibition staying up through the night with the alternating years with Optrafair makes and CET on offer. One group of hotel staff to achieve this. Credit must a lot of sense so I am fully supportive delegates who had not attended a also be given to the exhibitors who got of the move,” he added. conference in recent years said they up very early on Sunday to set up their had all enjoyed the weekend very particular stand spaces,” Elaine “The conference was a tremendous much and were impressed at the concluded. success for us,” said Stepper’s Peter improvements all round since they last Reeve, “from a commercial attended. Elaine and the rest of the organising perspective and a social aspect. It team are now collecting full feedback was good to meet up with friends old “On a personal note, I was pleasantly from delegates and industry partners in and new and to support ABDO. The surprised at the constant flow of order to start working towards the next conference and exhibition had the people through the exhibition hall. This ABDO conference in the spring of 2012. buzz of the conferences of old and it was due to the promotion of the free was a pleasure to be associated with exhibition – something we will definitely The photographs were taken by Steve it. The plans for the conference going be doing again. However, the volume Williams and many more can be forward look exciting and if 2010 is of people generated quite a lot of viewed on the ABDO website at anything to go by, we will be happy to noise and this meant difficulties for www.abdo.org.uk n
Liz Shepherd shows Peter Stepper frames while How many? Low vision workshop Nigel McMain looks on 11 November 2010 lp_1 21/10/2010 13:48 Page 16
16 dispensingoptics November 2010
This month Antonia Chitty outlines some practical approaches to help you market your business
Creating a marketing strategy
ow do you market your What are your business aims? Make some notes in your plan Hbusiness? Do you rely on ‘doing • To build the business profile? about what makes your practice what you’ve always done’ plus a • To find new contacts? stand out and why existing steady footfall past your door? Or • To make sales? customers come back to you. Ask do you have an active plan that yourself the questions from a you work on every week to reach Note down your business aims as patient’s point of view; “Why should new customers and grow your the first part of your marketing I buy from you?” and “How will your business? Read on for some easy strategy. business help me?” and affordable ideas for how to market your practice, to find out Do you understand about your Your marketing campaign why a marketing plan will set you practice’s USP (unique selling point) Now you have a little background head and shoulders ahead of the and UPB (unique perceived to your business firmly fixed in your competition and to learn how to benefits)? What makes your mind, it is time to think about why create your own strategy. business’s offering special and you are marketing the business and different? Unless you are clear what you want to achieve. It is It is easy to be complacent when about this you can’t market clear that without marketing it is marketing your business if effectively. If you know and hard to grow a business and attract everything is ticking over nicely, but understand the specific benefits new customers. It is much easier to an active marketing strategy will that your company offers, and how market effectively if you are certain help you prevent quiet periods. they differ to the competition’s about what you want the Spending two or three hours products or services, you are in a outcomes to be and you know who working out a plan will mean that much better position to share this your target audience is (refer back you have all your ideas for activities with your target audience. If you to September’s article on building a right in front of you when you sit are not clear, why not gather some niche for your practice for more down to do some marketing. Here material to help develop your USP? about defining your target are some straightforward exercises Chat to colleagues and ask them audience). to help you create your own plan. how they see your enterprise standing out from others. More Thinking about your target About your business importantly, ask your customers and audience, do you have a picture of What are your business aims? If you clients why they come to you. The your ideal customer? Perhaps look are sure and clear about your UPB for your business looks at how at the customers who are loyal overall business aims, it is much your customer feels they benefit repeat visitors, and those who easier to make an accurate and from your offer, rather than the USP, spend the most. Bear in mind that well thought out plan that will help which is traditionally created from you want to attract more of this you get closer, step-by-step. your company’s perspective. Continued overleaf 11 November 2010 lp_1 21/10/2010 13:49 Page 17 11 November 2010 lp_1 21/10/2010 13:49 Page 18
18 dispensingoptics November 2010
type of person. If you ask people your practice as a great place for place the marketing. When do you “Where did you hear of us?”, does eyecare. Or, you might want to get need to order flyers and posters? this show you trends for where to them to take action and sign up on How soon should you mail out, and find your most valuable customers? your website to receive your will you be booking advertising to On the converse side, do you have newsletter. Or, you might actually coincide with the sale? Add all this people who are timewasters? How want to get previous customers to into your plan. Note down new are they attracted into your the point of purchase of a new product and service launches that business? It is well worth finding out, product. you have planned for the next year. so you can focus your marketing Can you invite in the local press to on attracting great clients rather Working out your campaign try out a new service, or will you be than those who make your heart objectives mailing groups of existing patients sink. Once you know who you are who have bought designer frames targeting and what you want them in the past to let them know you What do you want to promote? to do, as well as the overall aims for have a new designer range in stock You may want to create a your marketing, it is time to break soon? campaign to raise your practice things down and work out some profile in general, or you might specific objectives. Note down your Then, look at other seasonal want a specific campaign to current statistics. How many promotions. What special activities launch a new product or service. customers, enquiries, sales and can you do for Easter, Father’s Day, Consider this carefully as you website visitors do you get each Back to School or Halloween? develop your plan. You could have week? Then create your targets for These are perfect for filling in a campaign that ties into an each of these. months where there is nothing else important season for your business. to promote. Come up with a What optical products might Activities relevant special offer or devise a people give as Christmas gifts? In Promoting your business is easy if competition. Will you write to the New Year, will you be clearing you break it down into small steps customers about this, send them an out last season’s frames in a and do a little each week. Make email, invite local schools to take practice sale, or highlighting ‘New some time to work out what you will part or promote it in the local Year, New Look’ promotions? If you do to promote your business this paper? For each event you want to are clear about what you want to year. A simple way to do it is to tie marketing into, think about promote it is much easier to work on a different activity each relevant activities and put them succeed. Note down in your plan week, every month. You could do into your plan. Then set a reminder exactly what you want to promote something like this: on your computer or in your diary – and be as specific as possible. • Week 1 PR each week to remind you what you • Week 2 Advertising should be working on. What action do you want others to • Week 3 Online marketing take? • Week 4 Offline marketing Evaluation Once you know what you want to Finally, devise a way to check if promote, you should look at the Write this into your plan, and start your marketing is working. The key action you need others to take. If noting down different themes and to making the best use of your you are trying to raise your business promotions for the next 12 months. resources for promoting your profile, one of the strands of your If you know that you have a sale in business is to understand what gets marketing campaign may simply January and July, work out how far results. The only way to know what be to make more people aware of in advance you need to set in works is to ask your customers, “Where did you hear of us?” Build this question into your order form and sight test booking system or simply put a notepad next to the till Optician Index - August 2010 summary and jot down people’s responses. Start doing this now, and you will be able to see which marketing •Eye examinations increase by 12 per cent from July methods are helping your business •Progressive lenses up 16 per cent from last month as you create and implement your •Single vision lenses improve by 6 per cent from July plan and try out different marketing •New contact lens fits 11 per cent higher than last month activities. •Total turnover climbs by 12 per cent against August 2009 •Total dispensing is now 13 per cent higher than last month at 89 Antonia Chitty is a former optometrist index points who writes on business and health. She is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and author The full August 2010 Optician Index report was published in the 27 August issue of Optician. of ‘A guide to Promoting Your Business’. n 11 November 2010 lp_1 21/10/2010 13:49 Page 19 11 November 2010 lp_1 21/10/2010 13:49 Page 20
20 dispensingoptics November 2010
In his recent Presidential Address, 2010-11 BCLA President and ABDO member, Shelly Bansal, considered the risks and challenges faced in everyday contact lens practice. Nicky Collinson reports Be aware of risks, says BCLA President
helly began his address – entitled “These are good pressures to have,” Conversely, an average practice with S‘Safety in numbers’ – by asking the said Shelly, “as they keep us on our around 400 contact lens patients (five 85-strong audience of BCLA members toes.” There were also financial risks per cent of the patient base) could and guests: “What is truly safe?” The that needed to be considered, yield a £60,000 yearly profit. “If you answer, of course, was nothing. Shelly especially in the current economic could double the number of contact then proceeded to consider safety downturn. “One way to keep ahead lens patients, that would be a from three different perspectives – of the game could be to develop a phenomenal result,” said Shelly, who those of the practitioner, the practice reputation as a specialist,” suggested believes that in five to 10 years times, and the patient. Shelly. 80 per cent of spectacles could be dispensed online. “The argument that Practitioner safety Practice safety spectacles are more profitable is just With regards to improving practitioner In terms of practice safety, the key not true. Do something different to safety, Shelly believed that the key to issues were hygiene, finances and protect your practice,” he urged. this was education – taking ownership record keeping. All practices needed of responsibilities and successfully to be on top of hygiene and patients Patient safety managing risk through developing needed to see and experience the Lastly, Shelly turned to patient safety in skills and experience. Communication practice’s hygiene regimes, such as which the primary concerns were was also important to ensure that hand washing and the use of sterile hygiene, compliance and infection. patient needs were being met, asking wipes. Shelly emphasised the He underlined the importance of ‘what if’ questions without being absolute importance of recording discussing personal hygiene with patronising and helping patients to everything and always backing up patients, particularly lens case avoid unnecessary risks. “We can the practice software systems. hygiene. Environmental hygiene was plan for the unexpected, but we also a risk. Shelly added that his can’t legislate against bad luck,” said Financial issues were a concern, but greatest hang-up was practices that Shelly. a way to combat this was to ‘lock got stuck in offering just one lens patients in’ with monthly direct debits. modality, encouraging the audience Stressing that practitioners had a duty Shelly talked about the stagnant to be flexible in the types of lenses to inform patients about the latest market and the patient drop-out rate, they offered. products available, Shelly cited a which was currently around 30 per recent case where a practitioner had cent. He estimated that losing just The biggest issue was the risk of severe been taken to court over such an one patient could equate to a profit infections. Shelly referenced research omission. The President also pointed loss of £4,300 over a patient’s lifetime by Stapleton et al published in 2008, to new research commissioned by in contact lens wear. “If you lose thirty showing that the rate of microbial Optician magazine, which found that per cent of your contact lens keratitis (MK) infection was 4.2 in 72 per cent of practitioners believed patients, that’s a lot of lost profit,” he 10,000 contact lens wearers. The they were vulnerable to litigation. warned. research also showed that daily 11 November 2010 lp_1 21/10/2010 13:49 Page 21
BCLA news
BCLA President, Shelly Bansal, with his wife Manjit and daughters Priya and Simran Tony Garrett, with past BCLA President and ABDO Board member, Nick Atkins
disposable daily wear gave the lowest guidance and promote the should look at each patient on an ratio of incidences of severe MK, and appropriate products,” stressed Shelly. individual basis and evaluate and indicated that more research was manage the risk for them.” needed with regards to silicone In conclusion, Shelly stated that the hydrogel lenses, which were three biggest risk factors were overnight Summing up, Shelly recalled a speaker occasionally worn on an extended wear, hand washing and case hygiene. who he had once heard describe wear basis, and had a higher rate of A patient who had poor hygiene, contact lens practitioners as ‘freedom infection. Practices could help their smoked and slept in lenses was at high fighters’ – as they opened up a free patients to avoid risk factors risk, whereas a patient who was new world for their patients. “We are associated with severe infections, such meticulous about hygiene and didn’t freedom fighters,” concurred Shelly, as smoking and poor lens storage. smoke would be at less risk if they used “but we are also guardian angels, as “Risks are avoidable and we need to their lenses overnight. “We should not we have a duty to look after our tell patients if they are at risk. We have use statistics to tar all patients with the patients after we give them that a duty of care to provide good same brush,” declared Shelly. “We freedom.” n
More to membership than meets the eye
Whatever your level of skill and knowledge in contact lens practice, there’s arguably no greater source of professional development than the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA), writes Vivien Freeman
The BCLA provides direct access to the very issues. It covers all the latest developments, are held throughout the year and allow latest clinical findings from the world’s leading thinking, clinical trials and innovations in the members to network and relax with experts, whilst helping members to develop contact lens field. Members also receive 50 colleagues whilst listening to an informative and enhance their practical skills with like- per cent off the US journal, Contact Lens talk on a relevant topic. minded colleagues. The launch of BCLA Spectrum. Online earlier this year, as part of a significant Free BCLA workshops: These very popular redevelopment of the Association’s website, Free ACLM Contact Lens Year Book: One of practical CET workshops are held in the BCLA means even more membership benefits are the most valuable resources for contact lens office as well as in member practices around now in place to help contact lens opticians opticians, the ACLM Year Book features the UK. They are delivered at both basic and achieve best practice. BCLA Online provides: technical details for all contact lenses, specialist level, and are held throughout the • Clinical photographic library solutions and materials produced by ACLM year for BCLA members only. • Clinical poster library member companies. It covers most products • Research document library available in the UK and is an essential product Discount and early bird rate for BCLA Clinical • Virtual lecture library guide and handy reference. Conference and Exhibition: Each year the • Helpful glossary and much, much more BCLA holds the largest contact lens Free place at BCLA Pioneers Conference: This conference and exhibition in the UK. With As well as access to BCLA Online, BCLA free annual CET conference and exhibition is four days of workshops, three tracks with membership offers more than £400 worth of open to BCLA members only and covers a advanced clinical sessions as well as more savings annually: range of relevant and interesting topics. It intermediate and basic level presentations, Six free copies Contact Lens & Anterior Eye brings members the latest news on the conference is the place to meet your (CLAE): CLAE is one of the most highly innovations and changes in the contact lens precise learning objectives. regarded clinical, educational and scientific industry and profession. resources for those wanting to acquire more To find out more about becoming a BCLA in-depth knowledge of contact lens-related Free BCLA evening lectures: Evening lectures member, visit www.bcla.org.uk/membership n 11 November 2010 lp_1 21/10/2010 13:49 Page 22
22 dispensingoptics November 2010
7th BCLA Pioneers Lecturer, Professor Lyndon Jones Book now for BCLA Pioneers Conference
The 7th British Contact Lens members only. New on the questions – on extended programme, with Association’s (BCLA) programme this year is the wear, red eye and ulcers, presentations from Pioneers Conference will chance for delegates to and unrealistic claims by academics and clinicians take place on 23 put their questions to the contact lens companies. that are directly applicable November at the Royal 7th Pioneers Lecturer, Professor Jones’ evening to modern contact lens Society of Medicine in Professor Lyndon Jones, lecture (open to BCLA practice. The rapid-fire London (12.30-7.30pm). during a 75-minute ‘Ask members and their guests) format lends itself to Professor Jones’ session. is entitled: ‘Comfortable providing lots of information The Pioneers Conference is The Q&A session will kick contact lenses: a realistic in a short period of time, a free CET event for BCLA off with three pre-prepared dream for 20/20?’ which I think makes it a ‘must attend’ event for all Professor Jones said: “I am members of the BCLA.” delighted to be ABDO Benevolent Fund if you know of a dispensing participating in the BCLA members can view optician, or a dependant of a dispensing optician, who might benefit forthcoming Pioneers the programme and Conference in London. register online at from the ABDO Benevolent Fund, please get in touch with Barbara Honorary Pioneers www.bcla.org.uk Doris on 020 7298 5102 or email [email protected] or write Conference organiser Nigel to her at ABDO, 199 Gloucester Terrace, London W2 6LD. n Burnett Hodd has put * The BCLA is offering a new together another excellent course for receptionists, run by optometrist and staff development consultant, Sarah Morgan. ‘Contact lenses: the ins and outs’ will be held at the British Lower earners to pay reduced GOC fee Association of Dermatologists in London The General Optical Council (GOC) is staged payment facility could therefore on 7 December (9.30am to developing proposals to introduce a end up disadvantaging those who it was 5pm). The cost is £195 for reduced retention fee for practitioners on intended to benefit, such as low earners. staff of BCLA members and a lower income. £250 for staff of non- Council members also noted that despite members. Find out more At the Council’s September meeting, recent fee increases, the GOC retention and book a place on the members agreed that a reduced fee fees remained among the lowest of all BCLA website. n would be more beneficial to those the UK healthcare regulators. The Council earning lower incomes than the ability to highlighted that no other regulator with pay the standard retention fee in fees below £400 per annum currently If you have a job vacancy in instalments, which would require offered a staged payment facility. The your practice, please changes to the Registration Rules. Council concluded that introducing a remember that the Situations Members also noted that the latter would discounted retention fee for registrants Vacant section in the Bulletin involve “significant costs” to set up, on a lower income could potentially be Board area of the ABDO which would either need to be borne by more beneficial. “A different fee for website provides you with a all registrants regardless of whether they practitioners on a low income would quick and easy facility to used the system, in the form of higher positively benefit women practitioners, advertise completely retention fees, or an additional older people and disabled registrants,” free-of-charge. n administration fee. It was decided that a stated the Council. n 11 November 2010 lp_1 21/10/2010 13:49 Page 23
Newsbrief
Ian Tebbutt (right) presents Chris Horrell with the Stercks Martin Silver Salver DOs support NES funded CET Horrell takes the training day Silver Salver
The first-ever government-funded CET training day for all Eight dispensing opticians continues to enjoy his golf optical professionals, including dispensing opticians, took and their guests enjoyed a and in his current capacity day of golf at the Robin as ABDO Golf Society place in Edinburgh recently. Robert Callander reports Hood Golf Club in Solihull, president, was delighted to Birmingham, recently in a present the trophy to this As the Edinburgh possibilities covering every bid to take home the year’s winner, Chris Horrell. Conference Centre at age and lens technology Stercks Martin Silver Salver. Also presented with prizes Heriot Watt-University is just was touched on in one were Mark Keaney of outside the city’s ring road, lecture or another. The other Norman Stercks Martin Continental Eyewear who those travelling to the theme of the day was presented the salver to won this year’s guest prize ADO in 1970 and in that and Andrew Dewhurst who training day happily colour; colour for use in inaugural year, it was won won the prize for the avoided the on-going therapies for dyslexia and by Ian Tebbutt. Ian longest drive. n congestion being caused visual stress, UV and high- by the construction of the energy blue light at one new tram system. Beautifully end of the spectrum. landscaped grounds Finishing the day off on a surround the conference Membership renewal notices will be posted out in Mid clinical note, we looked at centre, which is rival to December for the 2011 membership year. Please take this many a hotel in terms of red eye and other conditions opportunity to check that your address details and all other conferencing and event that present in practice. membership details are correct by either using the online update facilities. The location details facility on our website - www.abdo.org.uk - log into the proved an excellent choice This training day was a first members area and update your personal details or, call us on judging by the numbers in for dispensing opticians in 01227 733902, 01227 733912, 01227 733922 or, email attendance. Perhaps more Scotland for while there is a [email protected] n telling was the top-notch fund for optometric training quality of lectures, and development, there encouraging the vast has until now been no Up for an exciting majority of delegates to access to these resources remain for the duration. This for dispensing opticians. challenge in 2011? was quite a result Fully funded by NHS considering that registration Education for Scotland Fight for Sight is offering an Sahara desert and across was at 10:30am with the (NES), the training day was exciting programme of the stunning Himalayan final lecture beginning at the fruit of negotiations overseas challenges for mountains. Alternatively, 8pm. Even after more than between ABDO, Optometry 2011. Trek, climb or cycle walk along the ancient nine hours, most delegates Scotland (OS) and NES to your way around some of Inca Trail or the Great Wall were still hooked. bring government-funded the world’s most exotic of China, climb Africa’s CET to a wider audience. locations and help Fight for mighty Kilimanjaro or cycle The range of subjects Sight to fund vital research from the heart of London to My understanding is that covered was wonderfully into the prevention and the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Barry Duncan, in particular, broad, again emphasising treatment of blindness and the diversity of opportunities has been working on this for eye disease. To find out more go to within our profession. From quite some time both www.fightforsight.org.uk/fun paediatrics to geriatrics, through ABDO and OS. I These once-in-a-lifetime draising or contact the Fight from Tscherning Ellipse to would congratulate all challenges include trekking for Sight events team on the freeform revolution, the those involved in getting this through the jungle in 020 7929 7755 (email full gamut of dispensing conference off the ground. n Borneo, over the vast [email protected]). n 11 November 2010 lp_1 27/10/2010 10:26 Page 24
24 dispensingoptics November 2010
NEG members head for Blenheim Palace
Palatial setting for NEG Call for NHS to prioritise early conference diagnosis Blenheim Palace, Thomas Contact Lenses NEG managing director, Eighty-eight per cent of birthplace of Winston and Bausch+Lomb. Michael Daunt, people questioned in a Churchill and home of the commented: “We believe recent YouGov poll said 11th Duke and Duchess of Speakers include: Dr that Blenheim Palace they believed the NHS Marlborough, will be the Katharine Evans of Cardiff offers a perfect backdrop needed to make early spectacular setting for a University on contact lens to the day’s events. Our diagnosis of sight loss a new CET event for care; Paul Bullock of Hoya aim is to create a relaxed priority. Other NHS priority independents on 29 on digital lens technology; atmosphere where areas should be dementia November. UltraVision keratoconus delegates can make the (90 per cent) and hearing consultant Lynn White on most of the day and return (79 per cent), revealed Organised by the National fitting irregular corneas; to their business with ideas the poll. Eyecare Group (NEG), optometrist Craig Wilcox on and inspiration to make it ‘Building for success’ is a practitioner/patient more successful.” The results of the survey, complimentary one-day communication; which was commissioned conference and exhibition optometrist Andy Clark on Optinet PMS users may by the Alzheimer’s Society, sponsored by the CIBA how the independent also attend for free while RNID and Eye Health Vision Academy for practice can be positioned non-NEG members and Alliance (EHA), were Eyecare Excellence and is as a centre of excellence; their staff can book a debated during fringe accredited for five CET Hugh Greenway of Reed place at a cost of £125 + events at this year’s points. Offering a mix of Learning on learning from VAT per person (including political party clinical and business the internet; and consultant lunch and refreshments). conferences. The poll also lectures, networking and ophthalmologist Mike found that people buying opportunities, the Tappin on cataract and For a booking form, email recognised that an early conference is also refractive surgery pearls. Phil Mullins at diagnosis of dementia (69 supported by headline The day will round off with a p.mullins@nationaleyecare per cent), hearing loss (59 sponsors, Hoya Lens UK, prize draw to win an Apple .co.uk n per cent) and sight loss (64 CooperVision, David iPad. per cent) would enable people to manage their symptoms.
Heather Marshall, EHA head of public affairs, Minister responds to diabetic screening call said: “Sight loss in the UK costs the NHS and social care £2.2 billion a year. Speaking in a Westminster Hall Debate on 16 September, Labour MP George Howarth called Fifty per cent could have on the government to improve services for children and young people with diabetes. been prevented through Following briefings from the Eye Health Alliance, Mr Howarth raised the issue of ensuring all regular eye tests and early people with diabetes had access to diabetic retinopathy screening. In response, Minister of access to sight-saving State for Health, Paul Burstow MP, said the coalition government wanted to “make a significant treatments. Not only can move in respect of their commitment to introducing a much stronger payment system for substantial savings be children's diabetes services, which will help to bring them out of the shadow of other NHS made through reducing services”. the high level of avoidable sight loss, but saving a He added that there were plans to introduce in stages from April 2011 a new mandatory tariff person's sight can that would “recognise paediatric diabetes care as a clear and discrete specialism within the dramatically improve their NHS, and will provide a clear funding stream to support such services over the long term”. n quality of life.” n 11 November 2010 lp_1 21/10/2010 13:49 Page 25
Newsbrief
Professor John Marshall, Michael Barton and Gordon Jones Michael Barton and Mouhamed Al- Aqaba New SMC Master installed at annual service
The Worshipful Company of Master and Wardens took as Master was to present medal as being the first Spectacle Makers held its place. Dispensing optician the ninth Ruskell Medal to named author of a paper Annual Service of Michael Barton was Mouhamed Al-Aqaba at entitled ‘Architecture and Thanksgiving, installed as Master, the Court Lunch held at distribution of human Remembrance and Professor John Marshall Apothecaries’ Hall. corneal nerves’, which has Rededication at St Bride’s became Upper Warden been published in the Church, Fleet Street, and Gordon Jones Mouhamed, an Iraqi citizen British Journal of London, on Wednesday 6 became the Renter from Basrah, received the Ophthalmology. n October. Warden.
During the service the Later the same day, declaration for the new Michael’s first official task Specialist CET requirement to end in 2012 From 2013, contact lens introduction of a wider opticians (CLOs) will no scale of points, for longer be required to obtain example, interactive CET additional specialist CET such as peer review; points in addition to their clinical skills CET will carry general points requirement. greater points value than Instead they will be attendance at lectures or required to ensure that at text-based distance least six general points per learning activities, which year are in contact lens CET will be limited to a certain and to undertake one peer number of points. review activity per cycle. Every six years, optometrists The announcement comes and CLOs who are working after the General Optical in practice will be required Council (GOC) agreed to demonstrate that they revised principles and have been subject to a requirements for its CET clinical skills assessment in scheme post 2012 at its ocular abnormalities and September Council ocular examination. This meeting. The principles will would still carry CET points, form the basis of a which would count towards revalidation scheme for a registrant’s points total but optometrists and dispensing only one such activity opticians that will be would be required across introduced from January two cycles. The GOC plans 2013. The three-year CET to develop these proposals cycle and 36-point later this year and will issue requirement will remain, but new guidance to other changes include the registrants. n 11 November 2010 lp_1 21/10/2010 13:49 Page 26
26 dispensingoptics November 2010
Double-whammy for optical assistant, Alison Back-to-back prizewinner CET presentation is WCSM first offered
A slice of history was made the first time a candidate was having problems with Dispensing opticians and when the Worshipful has won the OPS prize at her spectacles. I saw that practice managers looking Company of Spectacle two different levels,” said she had just changed to a to achieve a more Makers (WCSM) held its WCSM Master Michael thin lens and, straightaway, competitive edge for their annual presentation of Barton, “and to do it back- I knew what the problem business are invited to take certificates at to-back is a real might be.” advantage of a series of Apothercaries’ Hall in achievement.” five CET-approved London on 18 October. The secret of Alison’s presentations provided by Alison, 43, who juggled her success? “I just tried to Younger Optics. Alison Anderson, an optical studies with bringing up two keep on top of the course assistant at Specsavers in young children at home, and work through it The CET presentations can Long Eaton, Derbyshire, said the OPS course gave gradually,” she explained. be delivered to individuals was presented with this her lots more confidence at “Also, my colleagues at or groups in the pnractice i year’s WCSM prize for work. “It's helped me in my Specsavers have been the evenings and include achieving the best mark for supervisory role, and it’s fantastic and really free bespoke marketing the Level 3 Certificate in helped me deal with supportive.” Our support. “Long-term Optical Practice Support customers. Just after I’d photograph shows Alison sustainable profitable (OPS) – 12 months after she studied high index lenses, collecting her 2009 prize growth is achievable won the same prize for the for example, a lady came from John Shilling, the then irrespective of the size of Level 2 Certificate. “This is into the practice saying she WCSM Master. n your business,” said Julian Wiles of Younger. “Implementing a planned strategy need not involve additional expense and is Golden award for BBGR progressive easier than you might think.” Email Stepper UK julian.wiles@youngereurope Eyewear Fashion That Fits BBGR’s Anateo Mio progressive lens took .com to find out more. n home a prestigious Silmo d’Or award at measuring device called EyeTab. This Jennifer wears frame style Si 7485 this year’s Paris-based trade show. The automatically measures the distance award was given in recognition of the between the reading surface and the lens, For more information call 01732 375975 product’s quality and originality. based on the wearer's natural posture, 2010 ABDO with pinpoint accuracy. To simplify lens Scheduled for launch in the UK in January, ordering, BBGR has also developed a Graduation Anateo Mio intregrates a patented new questionnaire for patients. parameter into its design – the natural The 2010 ABDO Graduation reading distance. This fourth parameter “Just as Anateo Mio is about to be and Prizegiving Ceremony builds upon the individualisation offered launched across Europe, we are delighted will take place on by the current Anateo family of lenses, that our customers and professional Wednesday 24 November which optimises the various lens zones colleagues share our belief that we have at Canterbury Cathedral. according to the shape of the eye, the succeeded in the difficult task of shape of the frame, the thickness of the improving upon the ground-breaking For information about the lens and the wearing conditions. Anateo and Anateo PdM designs,” said ceremony, visit the ABDO Jean-Felix Biosse DuPlan, BBGR marketing website at To allow simple, precise and professional and international sales director. Exclusive www.abdo.org.uk or email measuring of the natural reading distance, previews will be offered to existing UK Deanne Gray BBGR has developed a patented Anateo customers during December. n [email protected] n 11 November 2010 lp_1 21/10/2010 13:49 Page 27
Newsbrief
Stepper UK Eyewear Fashion That Fits
Jennifer wears frame style Si 7485
For more information call 01732 375975 11 November 2010 lp_1 21/10/2010 13:49 Page 28
28 dispensingoptics November 2010
Ray-Ban will be on show in the Fashion Quarter New app to aid the dispense Niche space attracts New iPad app for fashion names lens consulting
Optrafair 2011 will see the major launch of a new US frame Rodenstock has launched customers to participate in and sunglass collection into the European market. an iPad application for lens a promotion where an iPad, consulting, which shows the loaded with the new Adam Woods, marketing director of the Jonathan Cate benefits of its different software, can be provided Collection, will exhibit the largely Italian-made designs products. It also to the practice at no within the niche Fashion Quarter of the show, which takes demonstrates the effects charge. place at the Birmingham NEC from 9-11 April. “As a that individual parameters fashion boutique company with a very wearable price have on visual fields. * The Rodenstock Group is point, we think that Optrafair will be a good stepping on the search for a new stone into the European market and we will be looking for The Rodenstock Consulting CEO after Dr Olaf Göttgens sales agents to support us; we’re very excited about the apps program has been resigned from office. Peter opportunities.” designed to help dispense Körfer-Schün, chief high quality lenses in a user- executive of Grohe AG, has The Fashion Quarter, with 50 per cent of the space already friendly way. The app can been appointed as advisor booked, is one of the most in-demand sections of the be used in any corner of to the company on the show with niche companies recognising the value of the practice and in any continued implementation exhibiting together. Other exhibitors will include Orange consulting situation, thanks of its growth strategy. The Eyewear, Ray-Ban, William Morris Eyewear, Jai Kudo and to the wireless iPad. company stated that it had Ebony Optical. n Rodenstock will be inviting witnessed “a sustained reversal in market economics” and that current GOC names trading “had further improved Director changes at Essilor throughout 2010”. n interim registrar Marc Tersigni has moved into the newly created Fly-drive offer Satjit Singh has been position of managing director, Essilor Group, UK & to entice visitors named as interim chief Ireland. executive and registrar of the General Optical Marc has been with the Essilor Group since 1996 and Lynx IDG has launched a Council (GOC). Mr Singh’s with Essilor since 2008. Within his new role, he will ‘fly-drive’ offer to encourage appointment comes after continue to build solid foundations for the Essilor Group practitioners to visit its newly Dian Taylor resigned from subsidiaries whilst exploring new opportunities in the UK refitted optical interiors the position in September market. Mike Kirkley, who has been with the Essilor designer showroom on the after 20 years’ service. A Group for 25 years, most recently as executive MD for outskirts of Manchester. qualified chartered the Essilor partner labs, is now Essilor managing director. accountant, Mr Singh has The state-of-the-art more than 30 years’ * The five lucky winners of Essilor’s Crizal Forte showroom features Lynx’s experience working within scratchcard promotion, who jetted off with a guest to 2011 ranges of bespoke the public, private and Las Vegas for the top prize of a four-night break at the optical furniture and security voluntary sectors. He has famous Bellagio Hotel, were: Louise Gibbs from Cecil frame display devices. To previously worked for the Amey Opticians in Norfolk; Jenny Walker from Brosgill make a visit easier, Lynx will General Pharmaceutical Opticians in Leeds; Lynn Chang from Bayfield & Bartlam pay all reasonable travel Council, the Council for Opticians in Leeds; Rowena George from Radyr expenses and refreshments Healthcare Regulatory Eyecare in Cardiff; and Sharon Haynes from Pabari throughout the day. For Excellence, the NHS and Opticians in Birmingham. n more details telephone 0800 social services. n 387287. n 11 November 2010 lp_1 21/10/2010 13:49 Page 29
Newsbrief
All in a good cause Abdul Jahangir with Elaine Styles Seasonal theme for new collection Norville supports Technology boost for fundraising campaign homeless centre
Norville Opticians joined practices up and down the The latest technology in make this donation and it is country in the World Sight Day Challenge on 14 October. retinal cameras has been somewhere that we can For the month of October, the company’s practices across presented to the London clearly add a real benefit to Gloucestershire asked patients for a donation whenever centre of Vision Care for the charity.” First patient to they carried out an adjustment or a minor repair to Homeless People by be screened on the someone’s spectacles. Topcon. technology was 47-year-old ex-British Army soldier, Chris Norville Opticians managing director, Adrian Street, said: Abdul Jahangir, London Lathan, who served for “We have supported Optometry Giving Sight for many area sales manager for more than 12 years and is years and we are proud to support such a worthwhile Topcon who presented the now homeless. After a cause. It’s easy to take vision care for granted here in the Topcon NW100 to the clinic, successful fundus screening UK, so taking the World Sight Day Challenge is a great way said: “We are delighted to he was dispensed reading to raise funds to give sight to people who don’t have glasses which have access to the vision care our patients do.” Prizes galore in transformed his daily life. n Optometry Giving Sight has guaranteed that 85 per cent of lens promotion all funds raised will go directly to programmes that give Dynamic new sight to those most in need. Our photograph shows Norville dispensing optician and technician, Nicolas Upton, Kenyan safaris, sightseeing range of rimless undertaking a free repair to raise money for the Challenge. n trips to Rome and shopping sprees in New York are just some of the prizes to be Titan Dynamics is the new, won in Hoya’s premium lens 12 model rimless eyewear Positive performance sales incentive programme line from Silhouette. The – Vision Success Experience range is said to represent for relocated Silmo (VSE). Practices have until “refinement in design, the end of July 2011 to which is the working ttendance at Silmo in Paris rose by four per cent collect their VSE points. embodiment of the Acompared to 2009, attracting 33,065 visitors to its new company’s ethos of location on the outskirts of the city. “The concept is to support ’Seeing without our customers to dispense boundaries’“. The choice of the Paris- engineering works, did more premium products as Nord Villepinte exhibition slightly dampen this then brings very Titan Dynamics is available centre as the show’s new proceedings however. tangible benefits in terms of in a range of colours venue proved popular, revenue and patient embracing tones of the according to the show’s There was also a slight fall in satisfaction,” said Paul seasons and calendar, such organisers, providing more the number of French Jones, Hoya Lens UK as November Chestnut, effective organisation, opticians attending (down regional sales manager. April Leaves and July more comfortable facilities, six per cent) but this was Sparkling. Eighty per cent of excellent visibility of made up by an increase in The promotion is open to each model is hand- products and services and visitors from abroad, which new customers as well as crafted in Austria and the a new programme of rose by 14 per cent. long established Hoya design uses no screws. Titan events. independent partners. For Dynamics – just like all For a round-up of the show, details contact VSE Club Silhouette models – are Transport difficulties over and a list of Silmo d’Or Registration on 0845 among the highest quality the weekend of the show, award winners, visit 3300984 or email rimless eyewear in the including a strike and rail www.silmo.fr n [email protected] n world, said the company. n 11 November 2010 lp_1 21/10/2010 13:49 Page 30
30 dispensingoptics November 2010
The Area 11 September meeting Peter Reeve from Stepper Area news Area 11 (London): Eventful evening Inn
Area 11 had a good chocolates). Now we the pre-qualification for the day is only £25 for attendance for its certainly know how to spot portfolio and issues ABDO members, which September meeting at the a well-manufactured frame regarding supervision. A includes a hot lunch and Holiday Inn Bloomsbury, (and chocolate). light buffet was provided refreshments, and five CET where delegates were able giving members the points are available. To to pick up 2.5 CET points. After a short break Alicia chance to catch up with ensure your place, book The evening kicked off with Thomson, ABDO’s director friends and browse the online at www.abdo.org.uk Peter Reeve from Stepper of professional ABDO bookshop. or contact Hishu Monji by UK who gave a really examinations, gave a talk email at interesting presentation on entitled ‘The route to Further bookings were [email protected] or frame production and registration’. We found out taken for the Area 11 CET on 020 7837 3276. On material technology. Peter about changes to the day on Sunday 7 behalf of the London Area came well equipped with ABDO exams and November 2010, again at Committee I’d like to thank the materials and tools ophthalmic dispensing the Holiday Inn all who attended as well as used in frame production, syllabus. It was also a great Bloomsbury. There are our two wonderful which was particularly opportunity for students some great speakers lined speakers. beneficial to the students in and supervisors to ask up and we are combining the audience (who also Alicia questions regarding our CET day with the Report by Ian Anderson enjoyed the Stepper the exams, the filling out of London Area AGM. The fee chairman Area 11 n
Specialist optician volunteers needed to service organisers and she describes her first impressions of CC: “What an help homeless people this Christmas amazing set up it was. It had a fantastic positive energetic buzz. The range of services available for people was Specialist volunteers are urgently those completed at high street excellent and I found it inspirational. I needed to donate their services to help opticians. think that it expressed the true meaning homeless people in London over the of Christmas to me not the festive season as part of Crisis At This year we are aiming to build on the commercialisation that we have Christmas, running from Thursday 23 - success of Crisis At Christmas 2009 become so wrapped up in.” What Thursday 30 December 2010. when 189 homeless guests had an eye makes it memorable for Elaine are “the test and 222 pairs of glasses were amazing people I have met, both Up to nine temporary centres will be set dispensed and we need you to make among the guests and volunteers. up in London by Crisis, the national that happen. We are looking for Quite a few individual characters stick charity for single homeless people, as dispensing opticians, optometrists and out in my mind; people whose life I part of Crisis At Christmas. The centres optical receptionists and assistants to have made a difference to just by will provide vital companionship and help run our opticians service this year. being there, but equally they have had hot meals for homeless and vulnerably a huge impact on my life. I enjoyed the housed people as well as essential If you have relevant skills and community spirit of being among services like health checks, housing experience, please apply to join the friends for Christmas.” advice, training and further education team. And if you know anyone else opportunities. with these skills, please spread the To find out more about volunteering at word. Crisis At Christmas email The opticians service provides eye [email protected] or apply examinations to the same standard as Elaine Styles is one of the opticians online www.crisis.org.uk/volunteering. n 11 November 2010 lp_1 21/10/2010 13:49 Page 31 11 November 2010 lp_1 21/10/2010 13:49 Page 32
32 dispensingoptics November 2010
Disjointed jottings from a DO’s desk . . .
The good thing about growing seniority is that the young think you are not young enough to know everything, and the old think you still have much to learn, writes Chris Hunt Customer evaporation is a very slow leak
Chris Hunt
In my case, if I had known as a ensuring that those patients we did eye examinations, which was only 10 younger man what I know now, I have received top drawer treatment. minutes in duration, giving her no time would have made all the same Our task was to see that they left our to remove her coat. The FPC duly mistakes – but much sooner. However, premises so impressed with our service, wrote to the specialist concerned, what also comes with age, is the that they would willingly become the enclosing the patient’s letter of ability to see things emerging that you practice’s natural ambassadors complaint and informing him that they have seen before – often dressed up amongst their acquaintances. At that wished to send an observer to sit in in a different guise but nonetheless, time, under GOC rules, there were during one of his clinic days. The the same core issues. A case in point is strict regulations on advertising – so specialist’s reply was short and the recent lengthy debate regarding much so, that all practices were succinct, sending them an open whether or not prescribing optometrists almost solely dependent on word-of- invitation to observe that, “Five should be facilitating the purchase of mouth referral. It was in that minutes of the ten minutes is always spectacles via the internet by freely environment, working alongside my wasted in idle chit chat”. Of course, giving the customer’s PD measurement older and more experienced peers, they never came. as part of the refraction details. that I first learned the science of people skills and the significant intrinsic It was in this environment, that I My early years in practice included a value this has in the purchasing learned first-hand just how much the lengthy spell in a central London process. Our patients’ prescriptions patient’s experience in the consulting location, which had no sight testing contained all the information they room can impact not only on their facilities and was totally reliant on needed to have their spectacles later purchasing decisions but also the ‘walk-ins’; principally private patients dispensed where they chose; our task lasting impression they retain regarding from the ophthalmologists working in was to make sure that they never the overall service of the practice. At nearby Harley Street. All of the wanted to go anywhere else other least in the London situation, if the prescriptions issued at that time than our practice. oculist had upset the patient it might contained a diagram showing axis have made them seek another oculist notation, the refractive prescription, Focus on patient experience for the future, but it still gave our visual acuities, the patient’s PD and Later in life, I went on to manage an practice the chance to win their when necessary (because of high enormous practice where the eye spectacle purchasing loyalty. In the powers) the back vertex distance. Of examinations were executed on the practice where the eye examinations course, the patient had paid premises by a team of ophthalmic were executed on the premises (by handsomely for the services of the medical practitioners and non employees), the dangers of the oculist but was now free to choose ophthalmologists, many of them local whole process not being executed where to purchase their spectacles. hospital consultants. With two with the same degree of Competition for those patients was consulting rooms operating flat out ‘personalisation’ were all too obvious. fierce. From our practice window every day and 20-minute intervals for alone, we could see at least three the examination, it was a far cry from In fairness to the specialist concerned, other practices all working under the my London experiences. It was whilst I his eye examinations were no less same structure. was managing this practice that a thorough than many of his peers’ and patient wrote to the local family his record-keeping was meticulous. Because we did not have a captive practitioner committee (FPC), as they The numbers of non-tolerances to his source of patients, the service were known then, complaining that Mr prescribing were so infrequent that emphasis was totally focused on X had performed the most cursory of they would not warrant mention, but 11 November 2010 lp_1 21/10/2010 13:49 Page 33
Book review
his curt manner did not leave his patients with a good feeling – they tolerated him because they appreciated his skills. It was perhaps just coincidental that many of his patients were themselves frequently curt and intransigent – like attracting Doing a Literature Review like perhaps?
Realistic business view in Health and Social Care: I have related these experiences because, whilst I understand the fears A Practical Guide Second edition that the availability of spectacles on the internet might have for the High Street practice, the presence of the patient’s PD on a prescription does not By Helen Aveyard, published by Open University Press in itself pose the most major of threats. (2010), ISBN 9780335238859, £18 Many manufacturers already supply this information on the patient guarantee cards that accompany progressive lenses. The real contributing factor to patient This useful little book explains, step- (customer) losses is the experiences by-step, how to tackle a literature gained when they encounter your review. The first chapter includes an service and the quality of the overview of what literature reviews personalisation of that service. This is are, and why they are needed in something the internet supplier could health and social care (including never match; although that said, historical instances of when they some of the call centres are would have proved useful). Starting becoming extremely skilled in from the background reasons for personalising transactions. undertaking a literature review, the book moves through the Computer technology will soon development of a research question, circumvent the optician for the followed by explanations of valid methods of searching databases for measuring of a PD for internet suitable information. Following this is spectacle purchases so that need is a chapter outlining how to evaluate only a question of time. However, the the information uncovered. need to analyse and address why new customers do not see your One of the tricky parts of a literature practice as first choice, or why others review is appraising the wealth of slowly drift away is, of necessity, a information that can be found, and matter for circular and brutally truthful one chapter is devoted to clear self-appraisal. Of course, one can be guidance on structuring a sensible blasé about such losses and many approach to this. This leads on to a practitioners are, but they ultimately chapter, which suggests concisely end up too expensive for most how to structure and present the final quickly referred to when needed. The businesses to employ. So, if customer work. Each chapter finishes with ‘top suggestion in the title that it is a evaporation is a topic of conversation tips’ and ‘key points’ to consolidate ‘practical guide’ is absolutely in your business, one thing is for sure – the information given – always a accurate. It would be an invaluable to include the PD or not to include it useful revision tool particularly when reference for anyone undertaking a may be the topical question, but it is processing a great deal of literature review for the first time. neither the major threat nor the information. ultimate solution to bunging up those Reviewed by Rowena Shipley FBDO leaks. The book is easy to read and free of (Hons) CL, contact lens optician, jargon and, with comprehensive distance learning tutor and courses co-ordinator for ABDO College. n Chris Hunt MBA, FBDO, FinstSMM is a contents and index pages, can be strategic development consultant. He is also senior vice president of the Association of Optometrists and ABDO COLLEGE BOOKSHOP - This book, plus numerous other serves as a senior assistant on the titles, can be purchased from the ABDO College Bookshop at Court of the Worshipful Company of www.abdocollege.org.uk or by contacting Justin Hall on 01227 Spectacle Makers. Email 733904, email [email protected] [email protected] n 11 November 2010 lp_1 27/10/2010 10:26 Page 34
34 dispensingoptics November 2010
CET answers: The measurement of spectacle lens power - part two by Professor Mo Jalie
1. When measuring a spherical bifocal lens whose segment lies on the convex surface, the focimeter gave the following readings: concave surface in contact with focimeter support Distance -6.00 Near -4.25 convex surface in contact with focimeter support Distance -5.87 Near -4.37 What is the correct specification for the lens? a. -6.00 Add +1.75 b. -6.00 Add +1.50 c. -6.00 Add +1.62 d. -5.87 Add +1.62 b is the correct answer. The DP power is measured with the concave surface in contact with the focimeter support. In this case, where the segment is on the convex surface, the addition must be measured from the difference between the DP and NP readings when the convex surface is in contact with the focimeter support.
2. When measuring a bifocal lens whose segment lies on the convex surface, the following readings were obtained from the focimeter: concave surface in contact with support Distance +4.00 focal lines along 165 +2.25 focal lines along 75 convex surface in contact with support Distance +3.87 focal lines along 165 +2.12 focal lines along 75 Near +5.75 focal lines along 165 +4.12 focal lines along 75 What is the correct specification for the lens? a. +4.00/-1.75 x 75 Add +1.75 b. +3.87/-1.75 x 75 Add +1.75 c. +4.00/-1.75 x 75 Add +1.87 d. +4.00/-1.75 x 75 Add +2.00 (See Part one) d is the correct answer. See comment for Q1 and remember that the focal lines nearer to the vertical should be used for checking astigmatic powers as stated in Part One of this paper. 3. When dispensing the prescription -4.00 Add +2.00 in bifocal What effect does this have on the cylindrical power of the lens? form, the best optical performance will be obtained in the near a. there is no effect on the cylindrical power or its axis portion when the segment is: b. the cylinder axis changes by 90° a. situated on the concave surface of the lens c. the cylindrical power of the lens decreases b. situated on the convex surface of the lens d. the cylindrical power of the lens increases c. partially buried within the lens (as with a fused bifocal) c is the correct answer. The plus cylinder axis 180 which is d. it does not matter which surface incorporates the segment introduced will combine with the +0.25 cylinder x 90 of the a is the correct answer. The segment should be on the convex prescription to reduce the resultant cylinder power. surface for plus prescriptions and the concave surface for minus prescriptions. 9. The lens +5.00/+0.25 x 90 is tilted 10° about the 180 meridian. What effect does this have on the spherical power of the lens? 4. When a plus spherical lens is tilted about the 180 meridian the a. there is no effect on the spherical power effect obtained is: b. the spherical power of the lens decreases a. increase in sphere power and the introduction of plus cylinder c. the spherical power of the lens decreases by about +0.25D with axis at 90 d. the spherical power of the lens increases by about +0.25D b. decrease in sphere power and the introduction of plus cylinder d is the correct answer. See comment for Q8. If the tilt produces with axis at 180 +0.25 DC x 180 it will combine with +0.25 DC x 90 to produce +0.25 DS. c. increase in sphere power and the introduction of a plus cylinder with axis at 180 10. When compensating for pantoscopic tilt in the case of a pair of d. decrease in sphere power and the introduction of a plus single vision lenses intended for near vision use, the vertical position cylinder with axis at 90 of the optical centres should be: c is the correct answer. A plus lens tilted about the 180 meridian a. 3mm down and 3mm in from the distance optical centre 2 produces a small increase in sphere power (FSPH = F{1+sin θ/2n}), and position 2 a plus cylinder (FCYL = FSPH tan θ), whose axis is at 180. b. one millimetre below the pupil centre for each 2º of pantoscopic angle 5. When a minus spherical lens is tilted about the 90 meridian the c. two millimetres below the pupil centre for each 2º of effect obtained is: pantoscopic angle a. increase in sphere power and the introduction of a plus d. 8mm down and 2mm inwards from the distance optical centre cylinder with axis at 90 position b. decrease in sphere power and the introduction of a plus b is the correct answer. The centre of rotation condition is identical cylinder with axis at 180 for both DV and NV – “lower the OC by 1mm for each 2° of c. increase in sphere power and the introduction of a plus pantoscopic tilt”. cylinder with axis at 180 d. decrease in sphere power and the introduction of a plus 11. Which of the following benefits have become possible through cylinder with axis at 90 freeform technology? c is the correct answer. A minus lens tilted about the 180 meridian a. progressive lenses with zero surface astigmatism 2 produces a small increase in sphere power (FSPH = F{1+sin θ/2n}), and b. aspheric lenses with zero surface astigmatism 2 a minus cylinder (FCYL = FSPH tan θ), whose axis is at 180. c. single vision lenses optimised for vision at any given distance in front of the lens 6. The lens +5.00/-0.25 x 180 is tilted 10° about the 180 meridian. d. single vision lenses optimised for vision at all distances in front of What effect does this have on the cylindrical power of the lens? the lens a. there is no effect on the cylindrical power or its axis c is the correct answer. The form of the lens can be optimised for b. the cylinder axis changes by 90° the working distance. For spherical lenses, the best form for NV is c. the cylindrical power of the lens decreases about 2.00 D shallower than the best form for DV. d. the cylindrical power of the lens increases c is the correct answer. The plus cylinder axis 180 which is introduced 12. The chief advantage of freeform technology when used to will tend to neutralize the -0.25 cylinder x 180 of the prescription. make progressive lenses is that: a. aberrational astigmatism can be completely eliminated for 7. The lens +5.00/-0.25 x 180 is tilted 10° about the 180 meridian. all zones of the lens What effect does this have on the spherical power of the lens? b. the progressive surface can be worked on the concave a. there is no effect on the spherical power surface of the lens b. the spherical power increases very slightly c. coma can be completely eliminated for all zones of the lens c. the spherical power of the lens decreases d. an aberration pattern such as that depicted in Figure 9a can d. the spherical power of the lens increases dramatically be achieved for all prescriptions b is the correct answer. See comment for Q4. d is the correct answer. The progressive surface design can be optimised by an atoroidal prescription surface to produce virtually 8. The lens +5.00/+0.25 x 90 is tilted 10° about the 180 meridian. the same iso-cylinder plot for all prescriptions. 11 November 2010 lp_1 21/10/2010 13:49 Page 35
Diary of events
dispensingoptics November speaker at 19.00pm, The Europa Hotel, st BCLA - Basic workshops: 1 , Multifocal Balcombe Road, Maidenbower, The Professional Journal of the Association contact lens fitting workshop with Crawley, RH10 7ZR. All members of the of British Dispensing Opticians Susan Bowers; 2nd, Basic soft toric Association from Area 9 and Volume 25 Number 11 of 12 contact lens fitting workshop with Keith surrounding Areas are extremely Cavaye; 4th, Basic gas permeable welcome. Area 9 is quite central with EDITORIAL STAFF contact lens fitting workshop with Keith convenient transport links from West Editor Sir Anthony Garrett CBE Tempany, BCLA office, London, 4 CL Kent, South London and South/West Assistant Editors Jane Burnand and Barbara Doris BSc CET points. To book a place, email M25. To book your place email Production Editor Sheila Hope [email protected] or telephone 0207 [email protected] or Email [email protected] 580 6661. [email protected] as places Features and News Editor Nicky Collinson Email [email protected] are limited Administration Manager Deanne Gray November Email [email protected] Sight Care - ‘Market for results’, Bristol November 23 8th, London 9th, Manchester 10th, BCLA - 7th BCLA Pioneers Conference ADVERTISEMENT SALES th th Telephone 01892 667626 Newcastle 11 , Birmingham 12 , Belfast to be delivered by Lyndon Jones, free Email [email protected] 15th, Scotland 17th. ‘Confident frame for BCLA members,12.30-7.30pm, Royal styling, adjustments, dispensing and Society of Medicine, London. To book SUBSCRIPTIONS th UK £100 Overseas £110, including postage collection’, 7 CET points, Belfast 16 , a place, email [email protected] or Apply to Tom Veti Scotland 18th, Bristol 22nd, London 23rd, telephone 0207 580 6661. ABDO, Godmersham Park, Godmersham Manchester 24th, Newcastle 25th, Kent CT4 7DT Birmingham 26th. For further details visit November 24 Telephone 01227 733922 Email [email protected] www.sightcare.co.uk ABDO Graduation Ceremony Canterbury Cathedral, Canterbury, ABDO CET November 2 Kent CET Coordinator Paula Stevens MA ODE BSc (Hons) MCOptom FBDO CL(Hons)AD SMC(Tech) Area 12 (Scotland) - Lectures by ABDO CET, Courtyard Suite 6, Braxted Park, Jordan McLeod from Adidas Eyewear November 27/28 Great Braxted, Essex CM8 3GA and Kevin Gutsell from Nikon Optical, Identity Optical Training - ABDO Final Telephone 01621 890202 and Giles Kenyon will represent Ebony Year Practical Exam Revision Courses Fax 01621 890203 th Email [email protected] Eyewear, Two Bridges, South (old syllabus), London: 27 Section 2 Email [email protected] Queensferry. For further details email 10am-5pm, 28th Section 4 11am-5pm, Brenda Rennie [email protected] £75 per day, £40 per half day. For CONTINUING EDUCATION REVIEW PANEL Keith Cavaye FBDO (Hons) CL FBCLA further details phone Sally Bates on 020 Andrew Cripps FBDO (Hons) PG Cert HE FHEA November 7 8504 0967 or email Kim Devlin FBDO (Hons) CL Area 11 (London) - AGM and CET Day, [email protected] Stephen Freeman BSc (Hons) MCOptom FBDO (Hons) Cert Ed speakers include Andy Clark and Abilene Macdonald Grute FBDO (Hons) SLD (Hons) LVA Dip Dist Ed Cert Ed Julian Wiles, mini exhibition, and CET November 28 Richard Harsant FBDO (Hons) CL (Hons) LVA points, starts 9.10am, Holiday Inn Area 2 (North East) - Annual CET Day, Andrew Keirl BOptom (Hons) MCOptom FBDO Bloomsbury, Coram Street, London exhibition, AGM, Village Hotel Leeds Paul McCarthy FBDO PG Cert HE FHEA WCIN. Book online at North. For further details email Emma Angela McNamee BSc (Hons) MCOptom FBDO(Hons)CL FBCLA Cert Ed www.abdo.org.uk in the events Ward at [email protected] Edwin Moffatt FBDO section or contact Linda Rapley BSc FCOptom [email protected] December Susan Southgate FBDO PG Cert HE FHEA Identity Optical Training - ABDO Final JOURNAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE November 11 Year (FQE) Practical Exam Revision Nick Atkins FBDO (Hons) CL Optrafair Masterclass - Secrets of Courses (new syllabus), London: 3rd, Richard Crook FBDO Successful Exhibiting: the Optrafair Section C prescription analysis, Section Kevin Gutsell FBDO th Ros Kirk FBDO 2011 Masterclass for those planning F completion of the logbook; 4 , Angela McNamee BSc (Hons) MCOptom how to maximise their investment in Section B frame fitting and special FBDO (Hons)CL FBCLA Cert Ed next April’s NEC show, at the NEC, optical appliances, Section D Gillian Twyning FBDO Birmingham, £75 + vat for FMO abnormal ocular conditions; £70 per Dispensing Optics is published by members and £95 + vat for non-FMO day, £40 per half day. ABDO Final Year ABDO, 199 Gloucester Terrace, London W2 6LD members, both including buffet lunch. (FQE) Mock Practical Exams, London: th Dispensing Optics is printed by For further details contact the FMO on 12 , Sections B, C and F, £75 per Lavenham Press, Lavenham, Suffolk CO10 9RN 020 7298 5123 section. For further details phone Sally © ABDO No part of this publication may be Bates on 020 8504 0967 or email reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted November 23 [email protected] in any form or by any means whatever without the written prior permission of the publishers Area 9 (South East) - CET event, ‘The FBDO route to registration and skills to December 1 Dispensing Optics welcomes contributions for keep you registered’ by Alicia Area 3 (North West and Isle of Man) - possible editorial publication. However, contributors warrant to the publishers that they Thompson, ABDO’s Director of AGM and CET Evening, Thistle Hotel, own all rights to illustrations, artwork or Examinations and ‘Trivex: Making life Haydock, hosted by Rodenstock, photographs submitted and also to copy which simpler’ by Julian Wiles from Younger buffet, £5. If you have transport is factually accurate and does not infringe any Optics who are sponsoring the problems contact Richard Morris by other party’s rights meeting, buffet at 18.30pm, first email, [email protected]. n ISSN 0954 3201
Average circulation 2009: 8717 per issue - ABDO ABDO members are welcome to attend Area meetings in any area they wish Board certification www.abdo.org.uk 11 November 2010 lp_1 21/10/2010 13:49 Page 36