DO October 2023 WEB

NEWS, INFORMATION AND EDUCATION FOR OPTICIANS OCTOBER 2023

CHOICE OF DATES SUNDAY 29 OCTOBER 2023 or MONDAY 30 OCTOBER 2023 Take part in this new hands-on clinical conference focusing on all aspects of myopia management. • Spectacles • Contact lenses • Relevant instrumentation • The latest research • Technology and innovation Hear from international lecturers in the field of myopia management including: Professor James Wolffsohn (Aston University) Opening overview of the importance of myopia management. This lecture is sponsored by Hoya Lens UK and will discuss: • Evidence-based risks • Prevalence and aetiology of myopia • Communicating with patients and carers Dr Neema Ghorbani Mojarrad (Bradford University) This lecture is sponsored by CooperVision and will explore: • Genetics and myopia • Digital devices use • Time spent outdoors • Future innovations in myopia management Dr Alicia Thompson (ABDO) This lecture is sponsored by Millmead Optical Group and will cover: • The importance of spectacle fit in myopia management • What a good fit looks like based on recent paediatric facial research • How a child’s face develops and what we need from frame designs INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS • Spectacles • Contact lenses • Technology Each workshop will be supported by industry partners with discussions based in the real-world application of myopia management. Each session will explore how interventions work, how technology can assist the patient journey and the evidence underpinning care. Book your place via the Events page of the ABDO website now. PARTICIPANTS WILL ALSO GAIN ACCESS TO: Orthokeratology webinar 7pm Wednesday 1 November Josie Barlow (Menicon) Pharmacology recorded lecture Professor Mark Bullimore (University of Houston) CONFERENCE VENUE ABDO National Resource Centre Aston Cross Business Village Birmingham B6 5RQ • Up to 14 interactive CPD points available on the day with a further 2 CPD points available online • Limited to 100 places due to the practical nature of the event • Choice of dates Sunday 29 or Monday 30 October 2023 • ABDO members pay only £45.00 to include lunch and refreshments Myopia Management CONFERENCE • BIB Instruments • Centrostyle • CooperVision • Essilor • Hoya • Mark'ennovy • Menicon • Millmead • Ocumetra • Positive Impact • SightGlass Vision • Stepper • Tomato Glasses • Topcon • Zeiss SPONSORS TO DATE

features 16. CPD: C-106272 British Standards and eyecare practitioners by Amy Seaman 20. CPD MCAs: C-105474 Dementia Things: the impact of language used about people with dementia by Elaine Grisdale 22. In Practice DOs in academia by Kaye McIntosh 24. In My View Is labelling worth its salt? by Martin Goldman regulars 5. Comment 6. Newsome's Notes 6. News 12. OSA meet the member: Atlantic Optical 14. Product spotlight: Autumn arrivals 25. Business Bites Eyecare FAQ OA Corner stay in touch DO Online DO Twitter DO Instagram ABDO Twitter ABDO Facebook ABDO LinkedIn Front Cover With the arrival of autumn, eyewear designers are keen to showcase their latest designs for this season and beyond. See Product Spotlight on page 14. IMAGE: Frame by Kirk & Kirk. Contour style William in Glacier. contents OCTOBER 2023 DISPENSING OPTICS 3 OCTOBER 2023 8. 25. 22. 14. 12.

*Source: Euromonitor International, 2022 data; Retail value amongst spectacle lenses category, brands representing progressive lenses. **Eye-responsive defined as the consideration of two parameters in the design of the varifocal lens: prescription and visual behaviour. Ready for the future? Introducing the first eye-responsive varifocal lens.* Order today.

OCTOBER 2023 DISPENSING OPTICS 5 DISPENSING OPTICS The Professional Journal of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians Volume 38 No 10 EDITORIAL STAFF Editor Nicky Collinson BA (Hons) Telephone 0797 903 3542 Email [email protected] Assistant Editor Jane Burnand Telephone 0793 993 6827 Email [email protected] Design and Production Duncan Taylor-Jones Email [email protected] EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING Telephone 0797 903 3542 Email [email protected] Website www.abdo.org.uk SUBSCRIPTIONS UK £150 Overseas £175, including postage Apply to: Edward Fox FBDO Association of British Dispensing Opticians Godmersham Park, Godmersham, Kent, CT4 7DT Telephone 01227 733911 Email [email protected] Website www.abdo.org.uk ABDO CPD Head of CPD Alexandra Webster MSc PGDipE FBDO CL FHEA FBCLA ABDO CPD, Unit 2, Court Lodge Offices, Godmersham Park, Godmersham, Canterbury, Kent CT4 7DT Telephone 01206 734155 Email [email protected] CPD REVIEW PANEL Josie Barlow FBDO CL Andrew Cripps FBDO PG Cert HE FHEA Kim Devlin FBDO (Hons) CL Stephen Freeman BSc (Hons) MCOptom FBDO (Hons) Cert Ed Clare Hayes FBDO CL SFHEA Claire McDonnell FAOI Graeme Stevenson FBDO (Hons) CL Alex Webster MSc PGDipE FBDO CL FHEA FBCLA Gaynor Whitehouse FBDO (Hons) LVA EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Nicky Collinson BA (Hons) Antonia Chitty PhD MCOptom MCIPR MPRCA Alex Webster MSc PGDipE FBDO CL FHEA FBCLA Max Halford FBDO CL Daryl Newsome FBDO R CL SMC (Tech) Alistair Bridge Jane Burnand Duncan Taylor-Jones DISPENSING OPTICS IS PUBLISHED BY ABDO, Unit 2, Court Lodge Offices, Godmersham Park, Godmersham, Canterbury, Kent CT4 7DT Dispensing Optics is printed by P&P Litho Ltd, Ashford, Middlesex TW15 1AB © ABDO: No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means whatever without the written prior permission of the publishers Dispensing Optics welcomes contributions for possible editorial publication. However, contributors warrant to the publishers that they own all rights to illustrations, artwork or photographs submitted and also to copy which is factually accurate and does not infringe any other party’s rights ISSN 0954 3201 AVERAGE CIRCULATION: 8,967 copies (January to December 2022) NOT-TO-BE-MISSED EVENTS October sees two special dates in ABDO’s calendar. Against a backdrop of growing evidence and awareness of the impact of climate change, on Monday 9 October we will host the third annual SEE Summit. This online event will be a great opportunity to learn more about how you can operate more sustainably in your day-today practice. There will be a particular focus on how the NHS is making sustainability a key requirement when it comes to contracting with suppliers. This is another reason for us all to give this important issue our full attention. On 29 and 30 October, we will be making full use of the facilities at our National Resource Centre to deliver our first Myopia Management Conference. This will involve sharing and delving into the latest in myopia management research and interventions. Myopia management is a key area of practice for dispensing opticians and contact lens opticians and is notable for the fact that it provides the opportunity to potentially slow the progression of a condition that has such a big impact on patients’ lives and their future vision. We will be welcoming Professor James Wolffsohn, head of the School of Optometry at Aston University, as our keynote speaker and he will be examining the risks and prevalence of myopia. Dr Neema Ghorbani Mojarrad of the University of Bradford will discuss the impact on the progression of myopia of genetics, digital devices and outdoor time. And ABDO’s own Dr Alicia Thompson will focus on the importance of correctly fitting spectacles in myopia management. Fourteen interactive CPD points will be on offer, with three discussion workshops in addition to the presentations from our speakers. The nature of the education and training means that we can host a maximum of 100 members per day. However, we are very keen to deliver further such high-quality events for our members and welcome your ideas on the topics we should cover. Alistair Bridge Chief executive

6 DISPENSING OPTICS OCTOBER 2023 Newsome's Notes OUR MONTHLY COLUMN FROM THE ABDO PRESIDENT DARYL NEWSOME Building practice loyalty I t has long been my opinion that the only real power we have as consumers is choosing where to spend our money. This month, I have been looking more critically into my lens suppliers and drawing some comparisons to other markets. When I opened my first practice, I set up on a High Street with lots of other shops. Among them were five independent butchers. Then the local supermarket opened a butchery department selling nationally-sourced meat for two thirds of the price of the butcher. Within a few years, people had voted with their feet to demonstrate that they valued price over quality of service or product – and all the butchers closed down. The optical industry is being influenced more and more by the big players. However, there remains a few truly independent lens suppliers. These independent suppliers will carry multiple portfolios of lens ranges, some branded and familiar, some white labelled and unbranded and some in-house ranges, which will have had as much R&D put into them as the big brands. These products offer independent practices a chance to supply a wide array of top-of-the-range products, which excel in their performance as much as the 'big name' brands. I compare such products to house wine; no self-respecting restaurant would have a poor quality or poor value product as its house brand. I always drink the house recommendation. Using such products alongside better-known brands also has the benefit of building patient loyalty to the practice, rather than to the brand. If the patient can't get the same thing next door with the same name on it for a lower price, you can expect less price comparisons and shopping around – and greater loyalty to your business. Unlabelled goods build loyalty to you – not your supplier. So how do you find these suppliers – and how do you learn about their products? Go and meet them, visit their workshops and see the lenses being made. Meet the brand managers and let them educate you. As a professional, this is your duty and it is one of the best parts of the job. Daryl Newsome FBDO R CL SMC (Tech) President of ABDO Healthcare expert to address SEE Summit Former GP Dr Matt Sawyer will join the 2023 ABDO SEE Summit on Monday 9 October as a keynote speaker. Matt runs an environmental sustainability consultancy, SEE Sustainability, working to improve human and planetary health. With an MSc in Corporate Sustainability and Environmental Management, he tackles sustainability issues facing healthcare, helping to produce roadmaps and action plans to meet the NHS's net zero ambition. Matt said: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak at this year’s SEE Summit from ABDO. With increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves, wildfires and floods around the world demonstrating the impact from a changing climate, the pressing need to change our behaviours and reduce the damage to the natural living world is more vital than ever. "Many actions, ideas and initiatives are transferable from one pillar of primary care to another – and I am pleased to share what I can to make the best options for the planet, the easiest options for you." Matt will be talking on two topics: ‘Energy and estates – how to become more sustainable in practice’, using his knowledge of sustainability in GP practices, pharmacy and dentistry as well as eyecare; and ‘What optical practices can learn about sustainability from across primary care’. Antonia Chitty, sustainability lead for ABDO, commented: "It’s a real pleasure to have Matt on board for the third annual SEE Summit. He brings a depth of knowledge to the event and experience from across primary care. I look forward to this chance to hear him speak." Book your place at the SEE Summit at www.abdo.org.uk/events/see-summit Is your lens know-how up to scratch? Bookings go live for 100% Optical 2024 Visitor registration is now live for 100% Optical 2024, which returns to London’s ExCeL for its 10th edition on 24-26 February. Bringing together dispensing opticians, optometrists, ophthalmologists, distributors and wholesalers, the show is free to attend and each year features more than 200 eyewear brands, a full education programme, unique area for makers and crafters, a dispensing workshop, key industry speakers and the Studio space. The show also boasts the Love Eyewear Awards and daily live catwalk shows. The show is set to be the biggest yet, says the organiser. To register and for more information, visit www.100percentoptical.com – and follow the show build-up on social media @100optical #100optical. DR MATT SAWYER

Jai Kudo Lenses is bringing the virtual world to progressive lens dispensing with the launch this month of Kudos. Kudos uses virtual reality (VR) technology to create a progressive lens design based on the wearer's gaze. The Kudos VR headset intelligently captures the exact way a patient looks at objects and the world around them – analysing all points and directions of gaze – to produce a Kudos Map. This consists of three frequency-of-use heat maps – one for near, one for intermediate and one for distance. A 19 digit code is then sent to the Jai Kudo lens lab to create a bespoke lens design that offers wider natural vision with minimal oblique astigmatism. Conventional measurement methods to attain back vertex distance, panto and bow are used in conjunction with the technology. As well as using the Kudos Lens mode to create the maps, the dispensing optician can use the Kudos Coach simulation tool to demonstrate the visual effects of progressives, bifocals or single vision lenses in real life situations – and teach the patient how to use a progressive lens. A live stream of the wearer’s visual experience can be displayed on a NEWS OCTOBER 2023 New era in VR progressive lens dispensing OCTOBER 2023 DISPENSING OPTICS 7 Joining the DOTs on myopia lenses SightGlass Vision has reported positive four-year outcomes from its pivotal CYPRESS study extension, evaluating the myopia control performance of its Diffusion Optics Technology (DOT 0.2) spectacle lenses. The lenses use thousands of light scattering elements called dots, designed to mimic more natural contrast on the retina – a unique mechanism of action to slow myopia progression in children. Full four-year outcomes showed statistically significant slowing of axial length progression and cycloplegic spherical equivalent refraction (cSER), with the most recent data underscoring strong DOT 0.2 performance. During the 36 to 48-month timeframe, axial length mean change was 0.13 ±0.02mm for the test group (n=55) and 0.18 ±0.02mm for the control (n=41; p=0.038). cSER mean change was -0.25 ±0.04D for the test group and -0.38 ±0.05D for control (p=0.043). A separate presentation analysed the influence of contrast in children's refractive development, the interaction between contrast signals and peripheral defocus signals, and the clinical performance of DOT lenses based on contrast reduction. Comparing existing studies with clinical observations of 117 Chinese children wearing DOT 0.2 lenses for one year, investigators concluded that contrast management delayed myopia progression, and that the lenses were effective and safe. The DVLA is seeking “early stage input” to help research areas where policy or legislative changes may help improve road safety. Focusing on the health and fitness of drivers, including their vision, the call for evidence is open until 22 October and seeks the views of individuals and organisations that wish to share their expertise and experience. Roads minister, Richard Holden MP, launched the review stating that the government recognised “the volume and complexity of driving licence applications or renewals where the applicant has one or more medical condition increases”. Earlier this summer, the DVLA reduced its list of ocular conditions that drivers must declare. An extended list was published in 2022, which drew criticism from the optical sector due to a number of errors and the inclusion of some common eye conditions such a cataract. The new list is accessible at www.gov.uk/eyeconditions-and-driving ABDO clinical lead, Max Halford, said: “We welcomed the amendments to the notifiable ocular conditions list, as the previous list was confusing and would have created unnecessary worry and anxiety for a huge number of patients. Likewise, we are pleased that the roads minister and DVLA are taking this opportunity to gather feedback via this call for evidence. "We are all aware of tragic cases where the fitness to drive of individuals has fallen well below the required medical and visual standards, and ABDO welcomes the DVLA's approach to help formulate new proposals. As the call for evidence states, it is important that licensing decisions are based not only on the correct information – but 'striking the right balance between road safety risks and the needs of drivers to maintain mobility'. "We are asking for members to look at the consultation and share their feedback with us to help develop our response," Max added. Members are invited to email their feedback by 15 October to [email protected] with 'DVLA call for evidence' in the subject line. Comprehensive information on the call for evidence can be found at www.gov.uk DVLA calls for evidence on medical conditions Positive four-year results screen for others to see. Additionally, the practice logo can feature on the wall of the virtual practice. "Kudos technology represents a new era of personalised progressive lens dispensing," said James Conway, Millmead Optical Group CEO, highlighting research showing that 58 million presbyopes in Europe don't wear progressive lenses (Statista & National Library of Medicine 2019 Online Survey). "Kudos offers the chance for the patient to be fully involved in creating their progressive lenses with an unforgettable in-practice experience,” added James. Kudos lenses are available with a wide range of indices and coatings. Virtual reality dispensing tool

Members’ views sought on contact lens regulation ABDO is inviting members to share their views on a new General Optical Council (GOC) consultation on contact lens regulations. In a new draft position statement, the GOC has set out that it will not enforce the requirement to verify a copy of a contact lens specification where a sale of prescription contact lenses is made under the general direction of a GOC registrant (or registered medical practitioner). The statement also provides a definition of aftercare following the sale of prescription contact lenses under general direction. The consultation follows the GOC’s 2022 call for evidence on the Opticians Act, in which is sought views on the need to verify a copy of a contact lens specification. Its draft position now is that verification is no longer necessary “provided that the specification is clear, does not contain any obvious errors and has not obviously been tampered with”. The GOC is also seeking stakeholders’ views on an updated definition of aftercare, which “gives sufficient detail to ensure the public is protected”. The consultation closes on 24 October 2023 and ABDO is seeking members’ views and input into an ABDO response by the deadline of 5pm Friday 13 October. Members can share their feedback with ABDO at www.abdo.org.uk/regulation-and-policy/abdo-policy-2/consultations2/consultation-feedback Max Halford, ABDO clinical lead, said: “We welcome the GOC consultation following our submission to the original call for evidence, and this opportunity to feed back on the draft GOC position before changes are implemented. We are seeking feedback from ABDO members who will have valuable insight into how changes to both verification and the definition of aftercare affect patients. “Many of our members will have experience of concerns following online supply of contact lenses with no guidance for aftercare, alongside demands to verify contact lens prescriptions – and we are keen to work with the GOC to ensure the highest standards of protection for our patients and guidelines for dispensing opticians,” Max added. Read the draft position statement and take part in the GOC consultation via the GOC Consultation Hub. NEWS 8 DISPENSING OPTICS OCTOBER 2023 OCTOBER 2023 Time to switch to latest generation Essilor's newest generation of varifocal lens, Varilux XR series, has officially replaced the current Varilux X series. Launched in the UK in June, Varilux XR series harnesses the power of behavioural artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver the first eye-responsive progressive lens for instant sharpness even in motion. Alan Pitcher, commercial director for wholesale lenses said: “Varilux XR series is our most innovative product in the brand’s portfolio and the switching plan allows our ECP business partners to continue offering patients the very best solution to enhance visual acuity for patients.” Practitioners are encouraged to contact their Essilor business development manager for product training or support. Eyes on new elevations Sports eyewear brand Evil Eye has launched the elate.ng – a full-rim model available in six colours and two sizes. Designed and produced by Silhouette in Austria, the sunglasses are ideal for mountain sports and available with prescription lenses. They feature individual adjustment options, a sturdy frame and high-end LST filter technology. The three-stage adjustment for temple positions and a nose pad with two settings are designed to ensure the glasses sit firmly and comfortably. A new lens guard, made of soft and shock-absorbing silicone, protects the lenses and adds colour, while the LST filter technology enhances contrasts, balances out extreme light fluctuations and filters hazardous light waves up to 400nm (UV400). Varilux XR Series uses AI in its design Hike and fly professional Paul Guschlbauer wearing the elate.ng Blue light guidance stands A recently-published Cochrane Review has reinforced the view shared by ABDO that there is currently insufficient evidence to generally recommend blue light filters in prescription spectacle lenses. Max Halford, ABDO clinical lead, said: “We welcome the recent Cochrane Review of blue light filtering lenses, which supports the advice and guidance ABDO first issued to members in 2017. "This new review, led by researchers at the University of Melbourne in collaboration with colleagues at City University London and Monash University Melbourne Australia, looked at 17 randomised controlled trials of the 'best evidence' produced to date. It helps reinforce the guidance that ABDO gives to dispensing opticians – that they should avoid any claims relating to eye health or sleep cycles. "At the present time, there is no reliable evidence around the efficacy of blue light lenses and, therefore, patients should be made aware of this to help them make informed choices when purchasing spectacles,” added Max. Read the paper at www.cochrane.org and find the latest ABDO guidance on blue light in the Advice & Guidance section of the ABDO website.

NEWS 10 DISPENSING OPTICS OCTOBER 2023 OCTOBER 2023 Ten DOs/CLOs join Hearings Panel The General Optical Council (GOC) has appointed 10 dispensing opticians (DOs) and contact lens opticians (CLOs) to its Hearings Panel. The new members will sit on the GOC’s Fitness to Practise (FtP) and Registration Appeals Committees, working to determine allegations relating to the FtP of registered optometrists and DOs, the fitness of student registrants to undertake training as an optometrist or DO, and the fitness of business registrants to carry on business as optometrists, DOs or both. Claire Anstee has more than 35 years’ experience and currently works as a locum CLO in Northamptonshire. Philip Bird is a practising DO and joint venture partner in four Specsavers practices. Sarah Castree is a lecturer in Applied Optics at City and Islington College. She also practises as a locum and volunteers for Vision Care for Homeless People. Sue Deal has 40 years of experience as a practising DO, and is the author of Dispensing Optics' monthly OA Corner column. Millie Fellows has more than 25 years of experience as a practice leader, and currently practises as a DO in Oxfordshire. Suzana Gorda is a practising DO with a passion for luxury and bespoke eyewear. She has pursued this through her work in independent practices. Leigh Nelson ran her own practice for 22 years with Specsavers. She has 26 years of experience in optics and practises as a DO in Northern Ireland. Jill Perry has more than 35 years of experience working as a DO in large multiple, small group and independent practices. She now practises in Dorset. Lesley Reid has worked as a DO in both the independent and multiple sectors since qualifying in 1992. She currently works in South East London and Kent. Dr Nahid Sadr-kazemi Bennett's work in optics is supported by her extensive academic background. She is a lead CLO at Specsavers, practising in Buxton. Proven two-pod compress launched Positive Impact (PI) has launched the Bruder Moist Heat Eye Compress, which is optician-only and "the number one practitioner-recommended compress in the USA". The Bruder range of hot and cold compresses are indicated for dry eye, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and blepharitis. Bruder also offers a compress specifically for contact lens wearers, the Eyeleve Compress. It is said to be the only eye compress clinically proven to extend the comfortable wearing time of contact lenses by up to three hours. The patented, ergonomic two-pod adjustable design of the Bruder brand eye compresses fit a variety of facial types and provide targeted heat to the meibomian glands. The Bruder Moist Heat Eye Compress features patented MediBeads technology providing the moist, uniform, extended heat required to effectively liquify oil in the meibomian glands and release eyes’ natural hydration. The Eyeleve Compress for contact lens wearers has additional antibacterial properties to the MediBeads, featuring EyeOnic silverinfused fabric to reduce the risk of infection with repeated use. PI managing director, Nick Atkins, said: “Dry eye and MGD are medical conditions – and with evidence-based medicine very much a phrase of the moment, there are peer-reviewed publications to support Bruder’s efficacy, something of a rarity in this product sector. We also think the Bruder two-pod design reflects this medical positioning and the patented ergonomic design comfortably fits all facial types, targeting heat to the meibomian glands while avoiding the globe.” PI recently relaunched an updated and expanded version of its website www.dryeyezone.co.uk where patients can buy its Dry Eye Zone products while keeping independent practitioner customers in the retail loop. Bruder compresses are optician-only MILLIE FELLOWS Earier start for vaccine programmes The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is starting this year’s autumn flu and Covid-19 vaccine programmes earlier than planned in England as a precautionary measure following the identification of a new Covid-19 variant. The precautionary measure is being taken as scientists from the UKHSA examine the variant BA.2.86. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has advised that frontline healthcare workers should be offered a Covid19 booster vaccine in autumn 2023. As frontline healthcare workers, dispensing opticians, optometrists and practice staff are encouraged to keep up-to-date with all relevant vaccinations including influenza and the Covid-19 booster vaccinations.

1. Lam CSY, Tang WC, Tse DY, et al. Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) spectacle lenses slow myopia progression: a 2-year randomised clinical trial. Br J Ophthalmol. 2020;104(3):363-368. 2. Lakkis C, Weidemann K. Evaluation of the performance of photochromic spectacle lenses in children and adolescents aged 10 to 15 years. Clin Exp Optom. 2006;89(4):246-252. 3. Renzi-Hammond LM, Hammond BR Jr. The effects of photochromic lenses on visual performance. Clin Exp Optom. 2016;99(6):568-574. 4. Wu PC, Kuo HK. Effect of photochromic spectacles on visual symptoms and contrast sensitivity of myopic schoolchildren treated with low dose concentration atropine. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2016;57:2484. To learn more about MiYOSMART sun spectacle lenses, email [email protected] Myopia care for children. D.I.M.S. Technology for slowing down myopia progression1 Sun options now available in photochromic and polarised Protect how they see the world with MiYOSMART sun spectacle lenses. Effective and non-invasive myopia management spectacle lenses, with protection from intense sunlight.1-4 As seen on itvX and mumsnet

NEWS OCTOBER 2023 Menopause support recognised A Menopause in the Workplace accreditation has been awarded to Specsavers, in recognition of its support for colleagues through effective and comprehensive training. The Menopause Friendly Accreditation, established by Henpicked: Menopause in the workplace (www.menopausefriendly.co.uk), recognises high standard and proven practices that embrace menopause in the workplace. In 2022, Specsavers launched MenoTalk – a colleague-led menopause community network. The group regularly meets to share feedback to help build a menopause-friendly working environment. MenoTalk group co-chairs, Louise Furby and Carolin Millken, said: "We set up our MenoTalk colleague group to give everyone affected by menopause a safe, confidential space where members can share experiences and get practical advice. Being awarded the Menopause in the Workplace accreditation is testament to the supportive environment this has created. We look forward to continuing to expand on the advice, support and education throughout Specsavers." Deborah Garlick, founder and CEO of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace, added: "Specsavers has done exceptionally well to achieve the Menopause Friendly Accreditation and deserve credit for the success of its MenoTalk programme. We know that open discussions, supportive conversations and creating a psychologically safe environment are key to making lasting and meaningful change for colleagues." NOC keynote announced 12 DISPENSING OPTICS OCTOBER 2023 OPTICAL SUPPLIERS ASSOCIATION MEET THE MEMBER Big and Tall, the trade-marked name of Atlantic Optical’s plus size eyewear collection, provides the solution for many dispensing dilemmas, along with the female models in the Made for You range, produced by the Cardiff frame company. “As a six foot seven former rugby player, I used to break my glasses a lot, often with snapped hinges and temples," says Daniel Smerald, director of sales and marketing. "At that time there was no dedicated fitted range and so seven years ago we launched these collections, which have found a strong market. "We know from NHS data that patients are getting bigger,” continues Daniel. "The 62/24/155+ sizing, some with very adjustable bridges, have found their niche – not just in the UK but internationally." Beyond these two collections, Atlantic Optical provides an extensive choice of eyewear across a range of price points. Atlantic is keen to research and adjust collections to help opticians meet market needs. As with many UK frame companies, there is a strong emphasis on the environment, as Daniel explains: “We are working hard to reduce all wastage and energy use in our offices in Cardiff, and are looking to introduce 100 per cent recyclable frame sleeves, cases and packaging. Our most significant initiative is our partnership with the Ocean Conservation Trust to protect and develop seagrasses. This supports the fisheries industry, biodiversity, carbon capture and nitrogen removal in British waters.” The latest bio-acetate range from Atlantic – in bright and traditional colours – was formed in partnership with the Trust. With every Big and Tall bio-acetate frame sold, Atlantic Optical is making a donation to support sea grass grown in the National Aquarium, Plymouth. Once established, it is planted out in British waters. “Sea grass meadows can absorb and store huge amounts of carbon," explains Daniel. "They are 35 times more efficient at absorbing carbon than rainforests of the same area.” As an active member of the OSA, Atlantic Optical enjoys the camaraderie and technical advice available to the optical community. Daniel says: “The insights – particularly on policy changes under MHRA and CE marking – are invaluable. Beyond this, the OSA meetings and trade shows are a great way to connect with industry friends.” Sales and marketing director, Daniel Smerald Atlantic Optical: onto bigger things Professor James Kingsland OBE has been announced as the first keynote speaker for the National Optical Conference (NOC) 2023 taking place on 13 and 14 November at Wybston Lakes, Bedford. Professor Kingsland is a national clinical director, GP and former Primary Care Association president. He has twice served as a government advisor at the Department of Health and has held advisory positions with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, the Care Quality Commission and NHS Improvement. He has also served on the board of three different hospitals in the Northwest of England over a 12-year period. Early bird bookings are now open for the NOC, which will offer a number of different workstreams. For further information or to make a booking visit www.locsu.co.uk PROFESSOR JAMES KINGSLAND OBE

STEPPER (UK) Limited [email protected] steppereyewear.com For UK frame availability, please consult website.

14 DISPENSING OPTICS OCTOBER 2023 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT - EYEWEAR Hot off the Paris press Eco eyewear brand Neubau Eyewear has added fresh shapes to its sustainable eyewear collection made from plant-based acetate. Exclusively presented at Silmo Paris 2023, two new models – Celine and Gabriel – are handcrafted using sustainable materials. Also new are models Pia and Alex. Gabriel is a classic aviator with a contemporary twist available in dark tortoise and black, along with crystal clear and green. Celine is an updated butterfly shape and comes in colours such as rose and grey, as well as bold dark tortoise and black. The styles are made of 100 per cent plant-based acetate, composed of cotton and wood, with betatitanium sides and Neubau's screwless hinge. Designed and developed in Austria, each frame is handmade in Neubau's carbon-neutral production facility adhering to strict environmental standards. Sights and sizes of the 70s It was the decade that saw a rapid rise in environmental action and the first-ever Earth Day on 22 April 1970. At Sea2See, the 70s have inspired the eco brand's newest collection of super-sized frames and sunglasses, launched at Silmo Paris 2023. “The 1970s was an important decade in the evolution of eyewear fashion, and we are marking that era with some new oversized styles that are still really wearable," explains François van den Abeele, Sea2See founder and CEO. "Of course, the 1970s was a time that we also reflect on as a turning point for the protection of the planet. This was an era when environmental activities to protect the natural environment found widespread support – and this is of course very much at the heart of everything we do.” The new styles, created using ocean waste, are Claudia, Tulia, Levante and Malta. Innovations in design The designers at ØrGreen Optics continue to push boundaries and explore new directions, through an extensive range of high-end eyewear materials, including 3D printed polymer, advanced titanium and multi-coloured acetate. A highlight of the new styles includes model Wish from the Imaginary Lines collection, featuring a simple bridge and a softly squared panto shape. Discreet 3D-printed side shields set this style apart. Set up in 1997 by three friends from Copenhagen – Henrik Ørgreen, Gregers Fastrup and Sahra Lysell – Ørgreen Optics' aim has always been to design timeless-looking frames for qualityconscious people. The brand is now represented in more than 50 countries with headquarters in the heart of Copenhagen and a separate office in Berkley, California. 1 2 3 Autumn ARRIVALS With the arrival of autumn, eyewear designers are keen to showcase their latest designs for this season and beyond... 1. Neubau model Celine in rose and off-white 2. 70s inspired Sea2See model Claudia 3. Model Wish from OrGreen Optics 4. Stepper's SI-20126 in black

OCTOBER 2023 DISPENSING OPTICS 15 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT - EYEWEAR Keeping things simple At Stepper Eyewear, frame choice comes first and foremost followed by lens requirements and, finally, aesthetics. "Don’t think aesthetics are not important," argues Peter Reeve, Stepper UK managing director. "When wearing a frame, you need to want to wear it. But if the fit, and therefore lens performance, is compromised, the result will be spectacles that fail to deliver the benefit intended. Poor vision and discomfort being the outcome." Stepper's SI-20126 is an uncomplicated design suited to most face shapes. Classically, it combines Stepper's ultra-comfortable TX5 (plastic) front with titanium sides and weighs just 6.5g. "Add lightweight lenses, and the user experience will be a total wearer pleasure," adds Peter. The SI-20126 is available in Blue, Smoke and Black. Anyone for table tennis? For spring/summer 2024, Linda Farrow has launched the Linda Farrow Ping Pong Club collection representing a nostalgic journey for creative director Simon Jablon, who played for England in his youth. Inspired by the game, Linda Farrow explores the sport through a pastel lens. The frames feature layered side shields – detailing inspired by the table tennis table and net – and a colour palette that explores both the traditional white and green alongside softer pastels. There are six models – four sunglasses and two ophthalmics. Featured here is model Dinah – an elegant cat-eye crafted from pure Japanese titanium carrying the brand’s signature double colour plating. Vivid colours and contours New from Silhouette, the bold yet lightweight Vivid Sky collection features pronounced contours and wide sides combine with two-tone finishes. Blending unique techniques and high-tech materials, the collection comprises of four full-rim shapes in six vivid colours. The round, rectangular and square contour frames are ideal for work or pleasure and wearers can choose from a matte or gloss finish. 4 5 6 Kirk & Kirk Contour 8. style William in Glacier Multifaceted acetate by Götti Switzerland 7. Silhouette head of design, Roland Keplinger, says: “Contemporary shapes paired with vivid colours give a bold look with unparalleled Silhouette wearing comfort and lightness. Versatile colouring techniques and colour blocking bring a fresh appeal and widen the range of full-rim options in the Silhouette world.” With their snap-hinge technology, all Vivid Sky styles are easily adaptable and can be glazed to prescription. Spectacle of light and reflection This autumn Götti Switzerland is introducing a new series of acetate eyewear combining soft lines, highly polished surfaces and a sophisticated play of colours. Through the multi-layered plate material, new colour accents shimmer through on the sides and fronts ranging from a luminous fuchsia red, earthy caramel brown to a soft sea grass green. Hidden inside is a filigree gold metal inlay, an eye-catching feature with the finest of lines, connected to the acetate with square rivets. A new titanium collection also presents a lot of shine in metallic colours. Frames that flow Inspired by the geology of a river carving its path through the earth, the new Contour Collection from Kirk & Kirk offers five shapes named after members of the Kirk family: Emma, Zara, Layla, William and Van. “It’s about amplifying the very best in our unique materials,” says designer, Karen Kirk. “Throughout the design process, we take a sculptural approach; sizing and re-shaping our very own grade of Italian acrylic in the same way a sculptor shears a rock." The frame fronts are handcrafted from the company's unique bespoke Italian acrylic, which is then sand-blasted to create a matte finish. The sides are castin Alpaca Silver – a metal favoured by jewellery designers – and the spring joints ensures a lightweight, comfortable frame. Hand-made in Italy, each style is available in eight sand-blasted colours of Jet, Glacier, Smoke, Jungle, Admiral, Candy, Indigo and Carmine. 7 8 New Vivid Sky from Silhouette 6. LFV Ping Pong Club model Dinah 5.

LEARNING DOMAINS PROFESSIONAL GROUPS CPD CODE: C-106272 This CPD session is open to all FBDO members and associate member optometrists. Successful completion of this CPD session will provide you with a certificate of completion of one non-interactive CPD point. The multiple-choice questions (MCQs) are available online only from Sunday 1 October 2023. Visit www.abdo.org.uk After member login, scroll down and you will find CPD Online within your personalised dashboard. Six questions will be presented in a random order. Please ensure that your email address and GOC number are up-to-date. The pass mark is 60 per cent. CPD CODE: C-106272 MCQs AVAILABLE ONLINE: 1 October 2023 CLOSING DATE: 8 January 2024 ANSWERS PUBLISHED: February 2024 16 DISPENSING OPTICS OCTOBER 2023 CPD Many eyecare practitioners (ECPs) will remember learning about British Standards during their training. Some may even remember quoting specific standards in examinations; BS 2738 in particular will forever be etched in some memories. Adhering to British Standards ensures that all ECPs work with the same terminology and expectations across our sector. The British Standards Institution (BSI) is the national standards body of the United Kingdom1. It is also responsible for the UK publication, in English, of international and European Standards1. Although an ECP would only need to refer to specific British Standards that relate to the optical profession, it is worth noting that the BSI provides standards for all sectors – and that it is not just those in the optical profession who need to refer to, keep up-to-date with and quote them. The BSI list of standards contains more than 50,000 standards and publications with 30,000 titles and more being current2. BRITISH STANDARDS ACCESS FOR MEMBERS All British Standards are available online, at a cost. ABDO provides members with online, view-only access of up to 25 optical British Standards as a membership benefit. These British Standards can be accessed by following the steps illustrated in the screen grabs shown here: Log into the ABDO website via the top of the homepage Click on 'Join ABDO' at the top right of the homepage Click on 'Access your membership benefits' in the dropdown box on the left hand side Click on ‘British Standard Access for ABDO Members’ British Standards and eyecare practitioners By Amy Seaman PGDip, FBDO CL SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING CPD 1 2 3 4 1 to 5: ABDO member process to access the ABDO custom collection of British Standards online 1

OCTOBER 2023 DISPENSING OPTICS 17 FIGURE 2: BSI portal for ABDO members Once in the British Standards Access for ABDO Members page, you will find a list of the standards available to access for free as an ABDO member. Then go to the BSI website and follow the steps below: • 5 - above. Scroll down to find ‘To access the standards click here’ • On the BSI website and click BSI CC25 under ‘My subscription’ to access the ABDO custom collection (Figure 2 - below) • Click on the title of the desired standard and follow the instructions to view it online 2 3 4 5

CPD 18 DISPENSING OPTICS OCTOBER 2023 KEEPING UP-TO-STANDARD Several traditional optical standards have been superseded in recent years. To ensure that knowledge is current, up-todate and personal professional confidence in correct practice is high, reference should regularly be made to British Standards. The ABDO custom collection of British Standards is reviewed annually to enable standards to be replaced if they are withdrawn and new replacements become available. The famous BS 2738 covers several items that ECPs will look for every day at work3. What a written prescription must include, and how it must be written, is standardised by this British Standard and ensures that all are working to the same regulations. It goes further and specifies what information must be included in a spectacle prescription order; both for glazed lenses and uncut lenses. As professionals, knowledge of this provides assurance that expectations of colleagues are justified and correct. This helps individuals to know when there is a need to refer back to the prescriber for clarification or for additional information. What to expect in order to practice safely is known, and the prescriber understands that a request for this information is not unreasonable. When checking that spectacles received from the lab are correct and within tolerance before issuing them to the patient, the ECP is checking them against BS EN ISO 219874. This covers tolerances for the sphere (sph), cylinder (cyl), axis and prism of the checked spectacles. Even the temperature at which the tolerances apply is specified. Ideally, the spectacles would be perfect but, following the British Standard, they can actually pass if they are marginally imperfect. The amount of imperfection that is permitted is governed by this standard and is dependent on each element that has been ordered. If it is found that the spectacles are outside of the allowed tolerance, they must be returned to the lab for remaking so that this can be rectified before the spectacles are issued to the patient. EXAMPLE OF TOLERANCE CHECKING Table 1 provides an example of a spectacle prescription. Table 2 shows the prescription found on focimetry when checking the spectacles that have come back from the lab. Referring to BS EN ISO 21987, we can see the right eye sphere is within tolerance. The right cylinder is out of tolerance as it is more than -0.12D different from the ordered power (remember to check your principal powers in cross-cyl form to ensure if this is correct). The axis is out of tolerance also, as it is more than three degrees different from the ordered axis. The add is within tolerance. For the left eye, all is within tolerance. Despite the axis on both lenses being found to be incorrect by the same number of degrees, it is only out of tolerance for the right eye. This is due to axis tolerance being dependent on the cylindrical power; for the left eye cyl power, a tolerance of up to six degrees is permissible. The tolerance on the principal powers in this example is ±0.12D, which results in the right eye cyl to be declared incorrect but the left eye powers to be within tolerance. This tolerance margin also changes as the ordered powers increase or decrease. USING BRITISH STANDARDS IN PRACTICE Tolerance specifications also exist for contact lenses, though these are different to spectacle lens tolerances. Manufacturers have to check that their contact lenses adhere to the guidance specified in BS EN ISO 18369-2:20175. Vocabulary used when discussing contact lenses, the terms used in specifications and how different contact lenses are classified fall under another standard: BS EN ISO 18369-1:20176. This ensures that all ECPs use the same terms and that no confusion arises. Another well-quoted standard that will hopefully be remembered is one relating to safety eyewear: BS EN 1667. The reader may or may not be aware that this standard was withdrawn in 2022 and has been superseded by BS EN ISO 16321-1:20228. This highlights the need as professionals to maintain knowledge of current legislation as per GOC standard 5 for optometrists and dispensing opticians9. Sports eyewear has British Standards to conform to, which includes requirements and test methods. Eyewear intended to be used for surface swimming has its own standard; specifically, BS ISO 18527-3:202010. This covers non-prescription and prescription swimming eyewear. All parts of the eyewear are included, from the headband to the luminous transmittance of the lenses. Prescription tolerances, minimum field of view and mechanical strength requirements can all be found in this standard. BS EN ISO 15253:2021 specifies requirements and test methods for low vision devices11. The information that must be provided by the manufacturer about the device and the instructions for use are even included in this standard. Sunglasses for general use, including clip-on sunglasses, are subject to BS EN ISO 12312-1:202212. ECPs are likely to come across sunglasses from all over the world in their career, as patients are sure to bring in pairs that they have purchased on holiday or possibly on the internet. All sunglasses supplied by UK opticians must conform to British Standards. Confidence in the robustness and protection being provided can only be assured by using manufacturers that Sph Cyl Axis Prism Base Add Right -3.00 -1.75 175 +2.00 Left -3.25 -0.75 170 +2.00 Sph Cyl Axis Prism Base Add Right -3.00 -2.00 170 +2.00 Left -3.37 -0.75 175 +2.12 TABLE 2: Values found when checking spectacles returned from the lab TABLE 1: Ordered prescription

OCTOBER 2023 DISPENSING OPTICS 19 specify their testing to this regulation. The standard covers construction of the sunglasses and surface quality, not just the transmittance requirements and prescription tolerances. Educating patients on this can not only raise awareness but aid justification of sunglass recommendations in practice. It should be noted that this standard specifically covers general use sunglasses and that tinted glasses for other purposes such as sports and occupation hazards are covered elsewhere. The depth of tints that are permitted for driving is a popular topic. It must be ensured that sunglasses within regulations are provided and that the correct advice is given to drivers. BS EN ISO 12312-1:2022 is the one to refer to for this. Requirements for road use and driving are detailed for differing light conditions and for different types of filters, enabling reference to be made to this standard and confident advice to be issued. Members of the public are able to access a summary of the lens transmission requirements for driving in different lighting conditions on public websites such as the AA13. Light transmission through their lenses must be at least 80 per cent if a patient wishes to wear the same pair of glasses when driving in the day or at night. This self-directed learning article will require you to access the ABDO custom collection of British Standards, as described, to answer the multiplechoice questions. LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR THIS CPD ARTICLE DOMAIN: Clinical Practice 5.3: Be aware of the current British Standards relevant to the UK eyecare sector and how to use these to ensure your practice and care is up-to-date. 7.5: Provide effective care and treatment to your patients by ensuring you are abiding by the relevant British Standards. AMY SEAMAN qualified as a dispensing optician (DO) in 2007 and then as a contact lens optician (CLO) in 2016. She followed this with the minor eye conditions services for CLOs qualification in 2018. Amy has worked as a DO and a CLO in both independent and multiple practice. She has previously worked at Bradford College, lecturing in Ophthalmic Dispensing, has experience of supervising contact lens clinics at the University of Bradford and was a tutor for ABDO College. Amy currently locums in independent practices and is a member of Sheffield LOC and South Yorkshire Community Optometry Forum. She is a practical examiner and theory paper marker for ABDO and has presented at optical events in the UK and overseas. Amy regularly works with the ABDO CPD Department including facilitating both face-to-face and online CPD sessions. REFERENCES 1. British Standards Institute. How we share knowledge, foster innovation and instil best practice as the UK’s national standards body. Available at: https://fr.zonesecure.net/187019/.BSI/#page=1 [Accessed 14 August 2023]. 2. European Standards. BSI Group is the first world’s and national standards body and a leading global standards maker. Available at: www.enstandard.eu/bs-standards [Accessed 19 July 2023]. 3. British Standards Institute. BS BS 2738- 3: 2004+A1: 2008. Spectacle lenses. Specification for the presentation of prescriptions and prescription orders for ophthalmic lenses. London: BSI;2004, 2008. 4. British Standards Institute. BS EN ISO 21987: 2017. Ophthalmic Optics. Mounted spectacle lenses. London: BSI;2017. 5. British Standards Institute. BS EN ISO 18369 – 2: 2017. Ophthalmic optics. Contact lenses. Tolerances. London: BSI;2017. 6. British Standards Institute. BS EN ISO 18369 – 1: 2017. Ophthalmic optics. Contact lenses. Vocabulary, classification system and recommendations for labelling specifications. London: BSI;2017. 7. British Standards Institute. BS EN 166:2002. Personal Eye Protection. Specifications. London: BSI;2002. 8. British Standards Institute. BS EN 166:2002. Personal eye protection. Specifications. Available at: https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/produ cts/personal-eye-protectionspecifications/standard [Accessed 14 August 2023]. 9. General Optical Council. Standards for optometrists and dispensing opticians: 5. Keep your knowledge and skills up to date. Available at: https://infostore.saiglobal.com/engb/standards/bs-en-166-2002- 279325_saig_bsi_bsi_645238 [Accessed 11 July 2023]. 10. British Standards Institute. BS ISO 18527-3:2020. Eye and face protection for sports use – Part 3: Requirements and test methods for eyewear intended to be used for surface swimming. London: BSI;2020. 11. British Standards Institute. BS EN ISO 15253:2021. Ophthalmic optics and instruments. Optical and electrooptical devices for enhancing low vision. London: BSI;2021. 12. British Standards Institute. BS EN ISO 12312-1:2022. Eye and face protection. Sunglasses and related eyewear. Sunglasses for general use. London: BSI; 2022. 13. The AA. Which shades are best to wear behind the wheel? (Nd) [Online]. Available at: www.theaa.com/drivingadvice/safety/driving-in-sunglasses [Accessed 14 August 2023].

MCAs Which of the following statements is true? a. When supporting patients who have dementia, it is best not to discuss their condition b. Using terms such as ‘senile’ or ‘not with it’ when discussing patients with dementia is acceptable c It is more positive to consider a patient with dementia as a person ‘living with dementia’ rather than a person ‘suffering with dementia’ d. A person with dementia is unable to consent to treatment c is the correct answer. Negative language and thinking about dementia can lead to the person being alienated from society. Not discussing the person's condition where relevant can lead to issues regarding decision-making. It is the healthcare professional’s responsibility to individually assess a person’s capacity to consent which will be dependent on the circumstances. According to the Alzheimer Society, in 2016 which of the following statements regarding people with dementia is true? a. Fifty-two per cent of people believe they will be treated as though they are dying b. Seventy-five per cent believe that life as they know it is over c. Twenty-two per cent believe their family will abandon them d. Forty-nine per cent believe they will be considered ‘crazy’ d is the correct answer. 49 per cent of people felt they would be considered to be crazy. Sixty-two per cent felt that their life was over following diagnosis. A lot of these negative feelings are around the stigma of dementia and how it can be represented in film, television and the media. Which of the following is true about dementia diagnosis in the UK in 2012? a. Only 42 per cent of people with symptoms sought a formal diagnosis of dementia b. Eighty-two per cent of people with symptoms were reluctant to seek a professional opinion c. Alzheimer’s and dementia are the same thing d. The life expectancy following diagnosis was six months a is the correct answer. Despite symptoms, many people are reluctant to seek professional help due to the stigma around dementia. In the Department of Health and Social Care report of 2012, they state that only 42 per cent of people experiencing symptoms sought a formal diagnosis. This means that for those who did not, the dementia carries on without them receiving any support. Which of the following is not a benefit to early diagnosis of dementia? a. Treatment may be given that can reverse the effects of the condition b. The patient has time to put affairs in order c. The patient has the opportunity to make decisions about treatments for when the condition progresses d. The patient is still able to make key decisions about their future a is the correct answer. There is no cure for dementia at this time. However, there are treatments that may help to manage the symptoms, therefore an early diagnosis means options can be discussed and the patient can still make a fully informed decision about their future. If the condition is discovered early, the patient has a better chance to organise their life and make their wishes known to others who may be Multiple choice answers CPD CODE: C-105474 Published 1 June 2023 Six of the following questions were presented online to entrants to comply with the General Optical Council’s (GOC) best practice specifications for this type of CPD. 20 DISPENSING OPTICS OCTOBER 2023 By Elaine Grisdale BSc(Hons) FBDO FAAO FEAAO Dementia Things: the impact of language used about people with dementia

making decisions for them once they are no longer able to – and in this way, the patient is empowered. Which of the following least illustrates how people with dementia are portrayed in film, tv and in books? a. Zombie like b. A shell of the person they once were c. Institutionalised d. Having competency until much further into the condition d is the correct answer. According to research into how dementia is portrayed for entertainment purpose, a, b and c are just some of the examples of the negative portrayal of this condition. What the entertainment industry frequently fails to show is that the progression into dementia is often slow and comes with full mental capacity until much further into the condition. Healthcare professionals should: a. Direct their questions towards the carer of the patient with dementia b. Assume that the patient is incapable of making their own decisions c. Talk to the patient with dementia directly d. Make decisions regarding medication on the patient’s behalf c is the correct answer. Healthcare professionals, including ECPs, must remember that all patients are different and each will be in a different stage of their journey with dementia. All conversation should be directed towards the patient. Depending on where the patient is within the journey, it may be that a carer will answer or make decisions, but every effort must be made to include the patient. Time should be spent getting to know the patient so that the practitioner can speak with knowledge and care that is as individual as the patient Which of the following statements is false? a. When a patient with cancer dies it is often considered a shame, but when a patient with dementia dies it is often considered a blessing b. The language used to discuss cancer is often more negative than that used to discuss dementia c. Patients with cancer or dementia are often described as fighting a battle d. The word victim is used to describe both patients with cancer and with dementia b is the correct answer. Similar language is often used to talk about those patients with cancer and dementia although there is definitely a more positive slant when discussing cancer. Patients with cancer are more likely to be described as battling and survivors, and those who do survive are considered to have won the battle. Whereas the acknowledgement is that there is no battle to win for those with dementia, and so death is often talked about with resignation and that it may be for the best. Dementia is often, erroneously, associated with ageing. Which of the following is a negative of this association? a. This may lead to poor quality of care b. An older person with dementia may be excluded from society c. The person may suffer neglect d. All of the above d is the correct answer. The negative connotations associated with ageing are magnified when dementia is included, and this adds to the exclusion the patient may face and the lack of quality care. Dementia is often linked to ageing, and indeed it does affect the older population, but that does not mean that it is a disease solely affecting those of advanced age and this ageist language that goes with it is unhelpful and stigmatising. Which of the following statements is false? a. Feelings of desperation and loneliness will affect an older person’s wellbeing b. The word ‘victim’ should be avoided when describing a person with dementia c. The term ‘brave’ has mixed feelings for those with dementia d. Dementia is not a terminal illness d is the correct answer. There is no cure for dementia now so those currently experiencing dementia will die with it. That does not mean that treatments cannot help improve quality of life and it also does not mean the end is imminent. People with dementia can still have a fulfilling life. All of the other options are correct. Terminology used for those with dementia, as with those with cancer, has mixed reactions. Some people like the terms brave and fighting whilst others do not. Each person is an individual, regardless of where they are in the dementia journey and have the right to be treated that way. OCTOBER 2023 DISPENSING OPTICS 21 Dementia is often, erroneously, associated with ageing

Teaching the next generation of eyecare professionals can be a rewarding career. Dispensing opticians (DOs) who swapped the High Street for further education spell out the challenges and rewards. Working in a college or university is very different to traditional High Street practice. You get the chance to inspire young people and career changers. Keeping abreast of new ideas and ways of doing things is another draw. Madeline Middleton is a DO and eye clinic practice manager at the University of the West of England (UWE) in Bristol: “After more than 30 years in optics, I was looking for a different role. I’ve worked in multiples and independents and as a locum. I’ve always enjoyed learning and CPD. “When you are in practice you get very familiar with the work and you can do things without really thinking very deeply – unconsciously competent. In higher education, you are always challenged to reflect. Why are you doing that? Is that the right way? How could you do it differently? Could you do better?” The clinic, which Madeline set up from scratch, is where third-year optometry students train for work in the real world. There’s a team of nine, including two resident optometrists, two DOs, a contact lens optician (CLO), healthcare technician, optical assistant and a receptionist. They have 19 test rooms, a lab, a full dispensary, paediatric clinic and a low vision clinic. Madeline says: “We are assessing the students' skills: are they safe enough and competent enough to practise? Are they ready to be out in the world of work? On top of their degree, they need a certificate of clinical competence. Every patient who comes through the door gives us feedback so that we can continually help our students to improve their skills.” PROBING QUESTIONS It’s a more stretching role than training junior colleagues in High Street practice, Madeline adds. “These are degree students with two years of learning under their belt and they like to ask probing questions,” she says. That’s not the only challenge. Although the holidays are longer than in retail, Madeline works long hours, starting at 8.15am and often staying late to write up reports. But it is a Monday to Friday role. “It is strange, having worked Saturdays my whole career, that I finally have weekends off.” Madeline had to learn a whole new vocabulary too. “Academics generally speak a different language. There are lots of acronyms and processes to navigate. The first part of the job is trying to work out what they mean,” she explains. Financial systems are more complex too. You can’t just phone head office or a supplier to order new frames. When the clinic was set up, the finance department imagined Madeline could buy all the frames she needed at the start of the year; she had to explain it doesn’t work like that. If a child breaks their glasses, you have to order new frames. MORE THAN MEMORISING FACTS Dean Dunning combines his role as ABDO’s chief examiner in contact lens practice and deputy head of professional qualifications, with lecturing at Bradford College, where he’s also programme lead for the ophthalmic dispensing degree and contact lens certificate. “I went into academia because I remembered my own experiences as a student and some teachers very fondly," says Dean. "Being programme lead means I work closely with students and see them develop.” As ABDO’s chief examiner, he’s been involved in the move from a focus on core competencies to outcomes. “The brand new syllabus is now running for dispensing and I’m writing the plans for next year. I want to make sure we aren’t just training students to be walking encyclopaedias but valuable members of staff in the workplace; to make sure everything they are learning is relevant to the job they will be doing.” Teaching is hard work, admits Dean. "It’s not the sort of job where you can switch off at 5pm and head off. I take work home. You’ve got to reflect and plan. You can’t just wing it. You need a strong work ethic and you’ve got to really care about your students.” Of course the holidays are good “but a lot of that time is spent preparing for next year and making sure all your paperwork is complete. You do need attention to detail,” admits Dean. Flexibility is important. Academics often combine several roles, says Dr Lizzie Bartlam, a DO and a teaching fellow in the optometry department at IN PRACTICE – HIGHER EDUCATION KAYE MCINTOSH DOs in academia 22 DISPENSING OPTICS OCTOBER 2023 DO and eye clinic practice manager, Madeline Middleton Dean Dunning, ABDO chief examiner and Bradford College lecturer

Working across disciplines is another benefit. “There’s lots of sharing good practice within the medical school and the university,” she says. “You might get inspiration from the way a law lecturer teaches. We all learn from each other.” Being located around other health disciplines can make for some unusual experiences. The UWE campus where the eye clinic is based is also home to student nurses, midwives and paramedics. Last summer there was a major incident disaster simulation training day, with a mock crash site. There was an aircraft fuselage on the ground, with smoke machines and screaming actors playing casualties. Paramedic students triaged 'patients' with eye injuries and brought them to the eye clinic. EXPERT ADVICE Madeline says if you are interested in academia, you need broad experience to teach the next generation: “Learn your trade," she advises. "Make sure you have experienced multiples, independents, visited optical labs, attended various CPD and local optical events and meetings so that you’ve got a good understanding of how the industry works.” Dr Bartlam suggests if you have a passion for learning, this is a great option. “You need to have the desire to share knowledge with others. If you enjoy nurturing people and get excited about learning new things this is the role for you.” KAYE MCINTOSH is a freelance writer and the former editor of Health Which?, Pregnancy & Birth and WI Life magazines. Aston University. Dr Bartlam runs the low vision module, teaches in the low vision clinics, is the year three tutor, examinations officer and an admissions tutor, responsible for open days and interviews. “It isn’t just standing in front of students," says Lizzie, "it’s behind the scenes too. You need to have planned teaching sessions, clinic sessions, materials for learners in advance and to be very organised.” QUALIFIED SUCCESS So do you need teaching qualifications to move into an academic role? Not necessarily. Hannah Ward joined the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) as eye clinic coordinator, running the shop floor. Now she’s lecturing in ophthalmic dispensing as maternity cover. She was able to study for an associate fellowship of the Higher Education Authority while working. Some universities expect all staff to have postgraduate qualifications but UCLan is “more inclusive and recognises that not all practising DOs will have them,” she says. Hannah’s glad she made the move. “I get much higher job satisfaction than I did in practice, even though I loved that job and still do a bit of locum work.” Previously, she felt “stuck” after being in practice for 10 years. “Once you get to a manager’s role there’s nowhere else you can go unless you open your own business.” The university has broadened her outlook. Haleema Younas is on maternity leave from UCLan. A DO, she's a fellow of the Higher Education Authority and lectures on the optometry MSc and ophthalmic dispensing BSc courses. “We need more DOs in academia,” she says. “We are under-represented in optometry departments and generally within dispensing courses. Universities are looking for new faces and fresh minds. Because you've been working in practice you have different ways of thinking. “There are lots of new courses looking for staff and they will recognise that DOs in practice won’t have university teaching qualifications," continues Haleema. "If you enjoy dispensing, do have the confidence to apply.” An academic role allows you to develop new interests, whether you have a passion for myopia control, low vision or another area. While in High Street practice you are restricted to dispensing what’s in the catalogue, here you can explore. “You can pursue an interest, then bring back what you’ve learned to the students,” says Haleema. OCTOBER 2023 DISPENSING OPTICS 23 FINDING A JOB For full or part-time roles, you can find vacancies in the optical press, but Hannah says: “Universities don’t always advertise externally, so do look on their own websites.” Dean says go direct – contact the university or college and just show an interest. If you don’t want to make the leap just yet, you could start to connect “We need more DOs in academia,” says Haleema Younas Hannah Ward, ophthalmic dispensing lecturer at UCLan Dr Lizzie Bartlam, DO and optometry teaching fellow at Aston University with the world of learning. Dean says ABDO is looking for examiners, a role that usually takes 10 days a year. You could be working on the practical exams at the ABDO National Resource Centre in Birmingham, or marking. Contact Dean Dunning to find out more about becoming an ABDO examiner by emailing [email protected]

S ome time ago, I reported to my head of marketing that the labelling on our bottles of saline did not make it clear that saline was not for cleaning or disinfecting contact lenses. Shortly afterwards, new bottles arrived with the word 'warning' in bold type along with a statement that saline was not suitable for storing, disinfecting or cleaning – only rinsing. However, whilst we were selling a high volume of saline, we were not selling as much of our own-brand contact lens cleaning and soaking solution – in part due to the fact that our starter packs were in extremely short supply. Being encouraged to sell our own-brand product, made by a leading manufacturer and very compatible, but not able to start new contact lens patients with it (due to not having any starter packs) was also diverting our patients onto other providers, frequently at a different practice. As the saline was positioned on the same shelf as the contact lens solutions, this may have led some patients to believe it was the same thing. Patients still attend appointments referring to their contact lens solutions as 'saline'. To make things harder still, saline is cheaper. Patients on a budget may, therefore, think it’s a 'no brainer' to choose the cheapest bottle on the shelf. I wondered if this was endemic, so decided to research some other companies’ saline bottle labelling. Superdrug labels its saline as 'saline contact lens solution'. It has a very low concentration of hydrogen peroxide, disodium edetate and polyhexanide in it, but no mention of volume. Is this even allowed? It explains that it can be used for storing contact lenses – but there are no warnings. In fact, it states it can be used 'as a care regime for all types of lenses'. Confused? Patients certainly might be. Boots' saline gives good advice, which comes under 'warnings', while Specsavers' saline comes out on top in my short survey – stating that it is not for use for disinfection, albeit not under a warning banner. It too has hydrogen peroxide in it and gives the volume as 0.005 w/v. Homebargains also suggests its saline solution is suitable for storage, and it does have 0.025 per cent ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, but specifies on the instructions that it is a 'rinsing solution' for 'before or after disinfection'. There are, of course, many more suppliers of saline – and it would appear that there has been an effort to create some sort of efficacy with the product. Maybe it's because manufacturers realise that so many people are using it as a substitute for advised, even prescribed, cleaning solutions. Heat disinfection is still being referred to, yet as far as I am aware this method has not been in use for decades. It's hard enough as it is to get patients to follow directed instructions for keeping their contact lenses disinfected, so as to reduce the risk of infection and its consequences. So, isn’t it time that there was an industry standard for the labelling of this product? MARTIN GOLDMAN FBDO is a contact lens optician based in Dorset. Is labelling worth its salt? IN MY VIEW – SALINE SOLUTIONS MARTIN GOLDMAN 24 DISPENSING OPTICS OCTOBER 2023 We asked Simon Rodwell, secretary general of the Association of Contact Lens Manufacturers (ACLM), for his thoughts on the subject. He replied as follows: "The problem of labelling saline vs. contact lens solution is a very real issue. Saline only intended for rinsing must not be confused with a disinfecting product and it should be clearly labelled as such. The labelling requirements are specified in ISO 11978, but interpretation is still up to the manufacturer and it would be difficult to prescribe all the various permutations in a standard. "The growth of the internet has only exacerbated the problem, as contact lens wearers can unwittingly bypass the properly regulated UK safety net of the High Street optician and buy direct, perhaps even from overseas manufacturers with lower standards. These manufacturers are outside the ACLM and beyond UK regulations – so it is a case of caveat emptor. "In these days of increasing online scams, we are all regularly reminded to be on our guard, but the message needs regular repetition. The ACLM always stresses the need for wearers to have regular check-ups with their optician, during which safety and hygiene issues should be covered. The do’s and don’t’s of contact lens wear, and other useful advice, is most clearly laid out for consumers on the British Contact Lens Association website. "Sadly, there is no regulatory process which will be effective worldwide and adding another few words to existing labels is not as straightforward as it sounds. Contact lens labels are inevitably very small, and ongoing development in the UK and EU to put yet more tracking and safety information on them is a never-ending process of continual improvement." Do you have a view on this subject, or any other? Email the editor at [email protected] "A VERY REAL ISSUE" Should there be an industry standard?

BUSINESS BITES EYECARE FAQ OA CORNER PART 34 World Sight Day takes place Thursday 12 October and this year’s theme is all about the importance of eyecare in the workplace. Some suggested social media posts include: 'Working at a computer? You should take regular breaks. Prolonged use can lead to staring and potentially dry eyes as a result of insufficient blinking'; 'Use the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus your eyes on something at least 20 feet away'; 'If you have not had an eye test in the last couple of years and you work in an office, do book an appointment'. Use the hashtag #WorldSightDay. EyecareFAQ will also be covering red eye, nystagmus and myopia this month. Find Q&As on all these topics in the EyecareFAQ section of the ABDO website and graphics in the EyecareFAQ resources for members section. SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS: WORLD SIGHT DAY IN FOCUS An optical assistant (OA) is often asked to perform pre-screening checks on the eye, and visual field testing may be one of those checks required. In this month's OA Corner, dispensing optician Sue Deal explains why a visual field test might be required, how to prepare the patient for one, and what the test involves. As Sue mentions, it's important to clarify that as an OA, you may be trained to perform this pre-screening test – but the optometrist will interpret and explain the results Read OA Corner Part 34 in full on DO Online. VISUAL FIELD TESTING The magic of mentoring to engage and develop the potential of individuals is evident daily, and the statistics back this up. More than 70 per cent of Fortune 500 and private companies use mentoring to attract, develop and retain talent as well as boost productivity. An Account Temp survey of the Fortune 500 companies discovered that one of the top three factors affecting career growth amongst senior leaders was mentoring. Findings published in June 2019 by the Association of Accounting Technicians revealed that 37 per cent of members said they would like their organisation to run a formal mentoring programme, yet only one in 12 members reported that their organisation currently ran one. MUTUAL BENEFITS Peer-to-peer mentoring is an area that has become increasingly popular. The pandemic period has created lots of challenges that were completely new to all of us – and peer-to-peer mentoring has proven to be a real benefit in terms of enabling professionals who are facing specific challenges to work together on these issues and to provide mutual support. It is a refreshing and revealing way to exchange ideas and knowledge. THE MANY BENEFITS OF MENTORING FOR BOTH THE MENTOR AND THE MENTEE INCLUDE: • Increased confidence • Motivation • Innovation • Productivity • Collaboration • Recognition • Appreciation • Engagement • Fulfilment Mentoring also encourages goal setting, which is important in improving work performance, yet for many professionals, goalsetting discussions in the workplace just never happen. So, if you think you could benefit from either becoming a mentor or a mentee why not look at ABDO's mentoring programme at https://abdo.onpld.com The magic of mentoring Mentoring works both ways AN OCCLUDER MAY BE USED DURING THE TEST OCTOBER 2023 DISPENSING OPTICS 25

Visit DO Online Jobs Vacancies to place your recruitment adverts – or search for new opportunities. Your advert will reach some 8,000 ABDO members via eNews direct, making DO Online one of the most cost-effective platforms for DO recruitment. Vacancies are also promoted through ABDO’s active social media channels. FREE BRONZE ADVERTS FOR MEMBERS. For further details on submissions and contributor fees, please email the editor Nicky Collinson at [email protected] CALL FOR CONTRIBUTORS Dispensing Tips & Tricks series Do you have a valuable dispensing tip and/or trick that you use in practice? Would you like to share it with your fellow members? We're looking for members to contribute to our new Tips & Tricks series in Dispensing Optics, beginning in this month's issue. We're looking for around 600 words with good quality colour images showcasing your tip and/or trick. The ABDO Benevolent Fund is a registered charity that assists those members, past and present (or their dependents), who are suffering financial hardship. As an ABDO member, if you know a colleague who you feel might benefit, or if you find yourself facing a difficult financial situation, please contact Jane Burnand by emailing [email protected] or telephoning 0793 993 6827. All enquiries are handled in strictest confidence. Any ABDO member can make a charitable donation to the fund. ABDO BENEVOLENT FUND A LIFELINE FOR MEMBERS NOTICES 26 DISPENSING OPTICS OCTOBER 2023 TIME TO BOOST YOUR SKILLS ABDO MANAGEMENT and LEADERSHIP TRAINING FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY AT www.abdo.org.uk/mlt Conflict management workshop - 11 October 2023 Change management workshop - 26 October 2023 FOCUS ON CHANGE AND CONFLICT IN THESE ONE-DAY WORKSHOPS COST PER WORKSHOP: £145. BOOKINGS OPEN NOW VENUE: ABDO NRC, BIRMINGHAM 9 CPD POINTS FOR EACH EVENT • LEAD BY EXPERT TUTORS • FACE TO FACE • DISCUSS IN-PRACTICE ISSUES

KEEPING EXCELLENCE IN YOUR SIGHTS Make ABDO College your first choice for competitively priced: • Rules, gauges and charts • Dispensing, optometry, ophthalmology, contact lens books • Essential packs of books for student DOs • Useful study guides • Spread payments with PayPal Credit. eBooks now available for a range of key texts. Order online at abdocollege.org.uk/bookshop/ Items not listed on the website can be sourced for you. Email [email protected] or call 01227 733904 Books and Equipment from ABDO College abdo COLLEGE BOOKSHOP

NETWORKING AND EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ABDO MEMBER BENEFITS INCLUDE: • Professional indemnity insurance • Personal accident cover • Counselling helpline - FREE 24-hour service • CPD • Dispensing Optics • Access to selected British Standards • FREE legal helpline • Discounts on everyday purchases • Member benefit plans with HMCA • Access to over 3,000 + health clubs, gyms and leisure centres • Mobile phones on the best rates available from EE • Savings on all your travel needs • Totum Pro card powered by NUS Extra • Membership of the International Opticians Association (IOA) • Save on travel insurance policies • Savings on Apple products • Advice and Guidelines Your membership. Your benefits. * Terms and conditions apply to all benefits. Some ABDO Membership benefits are arranged and managed through Parliament Hill and some are arranged through ABDO, please see website for details. The ABDO membership benefits web page is managed and run on behalf of ABDO by Parliament Hill Ltd. Offers are subject to change without notice. All offers correct at time of going to print. Your ABDO membership provides a range of rewards and services that will benefit both your personal and professional life, saving you money every month. ABDO is campaigning to increase sustainability within the optical industry to ensure everyone is doing what they can. Visit ABDO’s SEE Hub to: • Find resources to help you with waste and carbon footprinting. • Use the sustainability policy template for use in your practice. • Watch videos about sustainability in eyecare. • Check how sustainable your practice is. BENEFIT SPOTLIGHT Sustainability PROFESSIONAL SERVICES