Latest news

Spot potential problems before they become an issue

Our eyes are a window into our well-being. They act as a barometer for our wider health and give professionals the chance to spot potential problems before they become an issue. By playing such a key role in gauging our overall health, it’s imperative that eye care professionals are aware of just how important the eye is in diagnosing diseases and enabling efficient treatment.
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Optical sector backs Optrafair

Optrafair, the UK’s longest running and largest optical exhibition, has received the resounding support of the optical sector to extend its partnership with the Mark Allen Group (MAG), organisers of the event since their acquisition of Optician magazine in 2016.
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Creating frames and sunglasses that are as unique as the individuals that wear them

One of the most exciting new developments at Waterside is their 2019 appointment as UK distributors of the 3DNA eyewear system developed by Hong Kong based Eye-DNA.
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How do you know what steps to take to be the best practice you can be?

How should a modern optometrist practice? It’s a question that will leave many of you awake at night, wondering which path to take in what can seem like a never-ending labyrinth of options.
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The biggest issues facing dispensing opticians

From understanding how lens design can influence fitting decisions to the risk factors around AMD, dispensing is high on the agenda at this year’s Optrafair Exchange.
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Grafton Optical launches the I-DROP® Viscoadaptive tears by I-MED Pharma

Grafton Optical is pleased to announce the launch of the I-DROP® Viscoadaptive tears by I-MED Pharma. Formulated with hyaluronic acid (HA), I-DROP® is specifically designed to provide the ultimate in comfort and relief for mild to severe Dry Eye sufferers.
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Latest Optos technology lands in Europe

Optos, the world’s leading manufacturer of ultra-widefield optomap® technology and part of the Nikon group, has revealed that independent practitioners, Pilbeam Opticians, is the first in Europe to invest in its Monaco device.
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Bondeye Optical is excited to return as a Silver Sponsor to Optrafair

Bondeye Optical is excited to return as a Silver Sponsor to Optrafair 2019, after a successful 2018 show. The opportunity to feature new eyewear on the catwalk was a great way to expose our new brands.
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Johnson & Johnson Vision is happy to join Optrafair Exchange as a Gold Sponsor

Johnson & Johnson Vision is happy to join Optrafair Exchange as a Gold Sponsor in 2019 to continue to help develop and support practitioners with the latest education.
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Essilor joins Optrafair Exchange as Platinum Sponsor

Essilor joins Optrafair Exchange as Platinum Sponsor in 2019, as part of its continued support for the show and its commitment to be the independent optician’s best business partner.
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Heidelberg Engineering will join Optrafair Exchange as Gold Sponsor

Heidelberg Engineering will join Optrafair Exchange as Gold Sponsor for the 2019 show. Heidelberg Engineering have been long time supporters of the UK’s leading Optical exhibition and will continue their commitment into next year.
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Topcon announce Platinum Sponsorship of Optrafair 2019

Topcon are delighted to announce that they are Platinum Sponsors of Optrafair 2019. The UK’s leading optical exhibition welcomed over 7,000 optical professionals and 150 exhibitors at its 40th anniversary event last April.
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Optos are proud to return as Platinum sponsor

Optos are proud to return as Platinum sponsor and head back to the 3-day exhibition with strong momentum having won ‘Optical Supplier of the Year’ at the awards ceremony during Optrafair 2018.
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Optrafair Exchange – the UK’s leading exhibition, but not as you know it!

The FMO is delighted to announce Optrafair, the UK’s flagship optical exhibition, is officially re-launched and open for registrations ahead of the show taking place 30 March-1 April 2019, Birmingham NEC.
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Stuart Burn becomes vice chair of FMO

Stuart Burn has been appointed vice chair of the Federation of Manufacturing Opticians (FMO).
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National Eye Health Week 2018

This year’s National Eye Health Week takes place between September 24 and 30.
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GOC appoints new interim chief executive

The GOC has announced that Lesley Longstone has become the interim chief executive and registrar.
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NHS could save millions following ruling against drug companies

A landmark ruling against two drug companies has meant that the NHS could save hundreds of millions a year.
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ABDO Extended Services Training Day

36 ABDO contact lens opticians attended the first Minor Eye Conditions Services (MECS) extended services training days in Birmingham at the end of last month. ABDO has more than 130 contact lens opticians working towards MECS and Glaucoma Repeat Measures (GRM) accreditation.
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Newly qualified dispensing opticians more satisfied with clinical training compared to optometrists

Responding to the General Optical Council (GOC) research findings that only 26 per cent of newly qualified dispensing opticians felt as though the clinical experience received during their studies was insufficient, compared to 60 per cent of newly qualified optometrists, Clive Marchant, President of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians says:
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ABDO College response to new GOC survey

Responding to the General Optical Council (GOC) research findings that only 26 per cent of newly qualified dispensing opticians felt as though the clinical experience received during their studies was insufficient, compared to 60 per cent of newly qualified optometrists, Jo Underwod, Principal of ABDO College, says:
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ABDO College announces new Courses Coordinator for Optical Support Programmes

Rian Love BSc (Hons) SMC(Tech) FBDO has been appointed to take over from Steve Roberts as Courses Coordinator for Optical Support Programmes from August 2018.
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