The world of Optics never stands still, with new technology, new products and of course gossip flooding our inboxes and trade magazines every week. So what’s new in the news right now, and how does it affect you, our precious clients?
Optos, a company who are pioneers in the science of retinal imaging, are getting ever closer to perfecting a test for early signs of Alzheimers disease. There has long been interest in the concept of eye examinations providing further general health screening, and there have been several studies into the relationship between retinal changes and Alzheimers. Optos retinal imaging shows up signs of retinal defect which could be linked to changes in the nervous system. Research is ongoing at present.
Dame Mary Perkins, founder of Specsavers has become Britain’s first female self-made billionaire, if the Sunday times rich list is correct in it’s data! Dame Mary set up the optical chain with her husband Doug, and now has over one and half thousand stores across ten countries. They have a 30% share of Optical business across the UK, but watch out – we’re on your tail!!
Online Opticians are working hard on our client’s behalf to change legislation and make it part of the eye examination results to give pupil distance measurements to patients. As online opticians continue to grow, more patients request this measurement, which Opticians are presently not legally bound to give you. We say come on opticians – no sour grapes – there’s room for all of us, and you would be making your patient’s lives easier! Andrew Lansley, secretary of state, has said that there are no plans at present to change the ruling, but watch this space!
The University of Aberdeen has been granted funding to study the results of free eye care services in Scotland. This change of policy began in 2006, to encourage the public to visit their Optician, and to cut down waiting lists for referrals to the Hospital Eye Service. The research will examine whether eye exam numbers have increased, and which sectors of the population this has affected.