News

RESEARCH RESULTS SHOW THAT WEARING A MASK LIMITED OUR ABILITY TO RECOGNISE FACES

A recent study published in the journal PLOS ONE has explored the impact of wearing masks on facial recognition.   The study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of York, involved over 500 participants who were asked to identify faces with and without masks.  The study found that participants had more difficulty recognizing faces […]

RESEARCH STUDY SHOWS IMPORTANT RESULTS FOR MYOPIA IN CHILDREN

A recent study published in the journal Ophthalmology has found that low-concentration atropine eye drops can reduce the incidence of myopia in children.   The study, which was conducted in Hong Kong, involved over 1,200 children between the ages of six and eight.  The children were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a control group […]

NEW LENS TECHNOLOGY LAUNCHED BY NIKON

Nikon has announced the release of its latest lens technology, known as the “Zeta lens.”  According to Optometry Today, the Zeta lens is designed to provide improved visual comfort and clarity for wearers.  The Zeta lens utilizes a proprietary design and manufacturing process that minimizes distortion and enhances contrast, resulting in sharper, clearer vision.   The […]

WHO CONSIDERING EYEHEALTH PROFESSIONAL TO REPRESENT WORLD EYE HEALTH

The World Health Organization (WHO) is considering the creation of a new role focused on global eye health.   The proposal comes in response to the growing concern over the increasing prevalence of eye diseases and vision impairment worldwide.  The new role would be responsible for coordinating global efforts to prevent and treat eye diseases and […]

NEW CAMPAIGNE LAUNCHED TO SHOW WHY THESE OPTICAL ROLES ARE IMPORTANT

The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) has launched a new campaign aimed at highlighting the importance of the roles of dispensing opticians and contact lens opticians in the eyecare industry.   The campaign aims to raise awareness of the specialized skills and expertise of these professionals and to promote the benefits of their services to […]

NEW GREEN INITIATIVE LAUNCHED AT SPECSAVERS

Specsavers, the UK’s leading optician and hearing care provider, is taking steps to reduce its environmental impact by installing recycling boxes across its stores. The initiative aims to make it easier for customers and staff to recycle their waste and promote sustainability.  The recycling boxes are being installed in over 600 Specsavers stores across the […]

YOU NEED TO NOW THIS ADVICE FOR SWOLLEN EYELIDS

In an article for Optometry Today, optometrist Sandra Davidson shared her experiences diagnosing and managing swollen eyelids in her patients.   What causes swollen eyelids?   In the article, Davidson discussed the various causes of swollen eyelids, including allergies, infections, and underlying medical conditions such as thyroid disorders.  How to treat swollen eyelid  Davidson emphasized […]

THE NHS IS COMING BACK STRONG WITH HEARING SERVICES BACK AT PRE-COVID VOLUMES

The NHS is coming back strong with hearing services back at pre-COVID volumes  After a challenging two years, the NHS has announced that it has successfully restored hearing instrument services to pre-COVID volumes.  Why are NHS waiting times so long?   The pandemic caused significant disruptions to audiology services, with many appointments and procedures postponed […]

THIS IS THE NHS STANCE ON PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION

The National Health Service (NHS) has recently released a statement regarding its position on accreditation schemes and NHS accreditation for hearing aid services.  Why accreditation is important?   Accreditation schemes are designed to ensure that audiology services meet certain standards of quality and safety. They provide patients with reassurance that they are receiving the best […]

GET MORE OUT OF YOUR MONEY: HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR FINANICAL WELLBEING

Managing your finances can be a challenge, especially in times of economic uncertainty. Whether you’re a business owner or an individual, taking steps to safeguard your financial wellbeing can help you feel more secure and confident in the future. Here are five tips to consider:  Create a Budget: Start by tracking your income and expenses […]

100% OPTICAL: YOU NEED TO KNOW THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN GLAUCOMA

The 100% Optical event in London recently featured a range of presentations and discussions focused on glaucoma care. The event brought together leading experts in the field to discuss the latest developments in glaucoma diagnosis and treatment. Among the topics covered at the event were advances in glaucoma imaging and monitoring, new drug treatments for […]

STEPPER EYEWEAR: WHY THE REBRAND FOCUSES ON THE FIT

Stepper Eyewear, a leading manufacturer of high-quality eyewear, has recently undergone a rebranding effort aimed at emphasizing the importance of proper fitting. The new brand identity highlights the company’s commitment to providing eyewear glasses that not only looks great but also fits comfortably and securely. The rebranding effort includes a new logo, new packaging, and […]

SPECIAL FRAMES BEING MADE TO HELP OTHERS IN THE WORLD

Several boutique eyewear brands have joined forces to create a charity initiative called “Bling My Frame.” The initiative involves creating custom, embellished frames which will be auctioned off, with all proceeds going to the charity Vision Action. The participating brands include Kirsty Hume Eyewear, Rock Optika, Banton Frameworks, and many others. Each brand has created […]

YOU NEED TO SEE THESE NEW ECO-FRIENDLY GLASSES

Serengeti, a well-known brand of eyewear, has announced the launch of a new eco-friendly collection of sunglasses. The collection, named Eco-Friendly, features glasses made from sustainable materials such as recycled plastics and bio-based acetate. The Eco-Friendly collection also includes lenses made from mineral glass, which is highly scratch-resistant and provides excellent clarity of vision. The […]

SPECSAVERS OFER NEW TRAINING FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Specsavers, one of the largest optician chains in the UK, has announced further investment in upskilling its staff to better serve its customers. The company plans to invest £1m in training and development for its workforce, with a focus on digital skills and customer service. The investment follows a successful pilot program in which 500 […]

NEW GUIDELINES FOR PAPILLOEDEMA DIAGNOSIS

New guidelines have been released for the diagnosis of papilloedema, a condition where there is swelling of the optic nerve at the back of the eye. The guidelines were developed by a team of experts in neuro-ophthalmology and were published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology. Papilloedema can be a sign of serious conditions such […]

CCEHC WE NEED TO CHANGE THE WAITING TIMES NOW

The CCEHC (Clinical Council for Eye Health Commissioning) has raised concerns regarding the delays in NHS projects. The organization has stated that the delays could negatively impact patients’ eye health, particularly those with conditions that require urgent treatment such as the waiting times for cataract surgery. The CCEHC has called for NHS England and the […]

PEOPLE LIVING IN THE CAPITAL HAVE MORE OPPORTUNITIES THAN THOSE IN OTHER REGIONS

According to a recent report, the UK is becoming increasingly divided, with many regions falling behind London in terms of economic growth and job opportunities. The report shows that while London continues to attract talent and investment, other regions are struggling to keep up. One of the key factors contributing to this divide is the […]

EMPLOYMENT IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR IS SHOWING A NEW DECLINE

According to a recent report, employment in the UK’s private sector has fallen for the first time in two years, reflecting the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy. The report found that private sector employment fell by 0.2% in the final quarter of 2021, following several quarters of steady growth. The decline […]

NEW RESEARCH SHOWS THAT THOSE FROM A LOWER SOCIAL STATUS MIGHT STRUGGLE IN THEIR JOB SEARCH

New research has revealed that job applicants from lower social status backgrounds are less likely to be successful in their job search, despite having the same qualifications and experience as candidates from higher social status backgrounds. The study found that job applicants who identified as being from lower social status backgrounds were significantly less likely […]

RESULTS SHOW THE CHALLENGE AND GROWTH OF EMPLOYMENT

The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that unemployment in the UK has decreased slightly, with the unemployment rate falling to 4.6%. However, wages have also fallen, with average weekly earnings dropping by 0.3% compared to the previous year. The decrease in unemployment is a positive sign for the UK economy, […]

INTERESTING CHANGES TO THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND STAFF

The relationship between employers and their staff is set to undergo significant changes in the coming years, with a growing focus on employee wellbeing, flexibility, and empowerment. These changes have been driven by a number of factors, including the Covid-19 pandemic, changing workforce demographics, and evolving attitudes towards work. One of the key changes is […]

THE FOUR PILLARS THAT YOUR PROFESSIONAL WELLBEING SHOULD BE COVERING

Wellbeing in the workplace is more important than ever, and in order to be truly effective, it needs to cover all aspects of an employee’s life. According to a new report, wellbeing should now be viewed as having four pillars: physical, mental, financial, and social. What wellbeing means? We’ll refer to wellbeing through this article. […]

GOVERNMENT CRACK DOWN ON FIRE AND REHIRE PRACTICES

The UK government has announced plans to crack down on “fire and rehire” practices. What is fire and rehire? Fire and rehire is a tactic that is used by some employers to restructure their workforce by terminating employees’ contracts and then offering them new contracts with worse terms and conditions. This controversial practice has been […]

NEW RESEARCH SHOWS LINKS WITH THE BRAIN AND GLAUCOMA

New glaucoma research suggests that increased pressure within the brain may be linked to an increased risk of developing glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness worldwide. This is new glaucoma information that could change the way it’s currently being researched.   The study, which was conducted by researchers at Duke University in the US, involved analysing […]

RNIB: WHY VISUALLY IMPAIRED CHILDREN ARE FALLING BEHIND

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has issued a warning that visually impaired children are falling behind their sighted peers due to a lack of support and resources.  What causes students to fall behind academically?   According to the RNIB, only 23% of visually impaired children in England are achieving the expected level […]

JOHNSON & JOHNSON VISION LAUCHES ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1

Johnson & Johnson Vision has announced the launch of Acuvue Oasys Max 1, a new contact lens designed to provide wearers with enhanced comfort and visual performance.  Acuvue Oasys Max 1 is the latest addition to Johnson & Johnson’s Acuvue line of contact lenses, which includes popular products such as Acuvue Oasys, Acuvue Vita, and […]

LEIGHTONS CELEBRATES A MASSIVE 95 YEARS IN BUSINESS

Leightons Opticians and Hearing Care, a family-owned optometry and audiology practice, has celebrated its 95th anniversary. The company was founded in 1928 by H. O. Leighton and has since expanded to 35 locations across Southern England.  To commemorate the occasion, the company hosted a series of events and initiatives, including a charity raffle, a social […]

NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND MATERIALS BEING DEVELOPED FOR CONTACT LENSES

As the demand for contact lenses continues to rise with a high percentage of people choosing to wear contact lenses, manufacturers and researchers are developing new materials and technologies to meet the needs of wearers.  For example, some contact lenses manufacturing companies are developing contact lenses with increased oxygen permeability, which allows for better eye health […]

GOC RELEASED NEW TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR PRACTITIONERS

The General Optical Council (GOC) has recently introduced new training requirements for practitioners in the field. These new requirements aim to improve the standards of optometry and dispensing optics, and to ensure that practitioners have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide safe and effective care to patients.  What does the general optical council do? […]

OVERCOMING A CHALLENGE: A SURGEONS LIFE DURING WAR

Dr. Volodymyr Melnyk, head of the Society of Ukrainian Ophthalmic Surgeons and founder and chief doctor of clinic “Visiobud”, has worked in some of the most challenging environments, including war zones. In a recent interview, he shared his insights on practicing surgery in such conditions. Dr. Melnyk emphasized the importance of being mentally and physically […]

NEW RESEARCH SHOWS THE LINKS BETWEEN DEMENTIA AND HEARING LOSS

Hearing loss and dementia linked in study Dementia and hearing loss are two conditions that often go hand in hand. This has been highlighted in recent research carried out by the CADR (Centre for Age-Related Diseases). The study found that people with dementia have an increased chance of having a hearing impairment compared to those […]

NEW KEYBOARD COULD STREAMLINE THE HEARING TEST PROCESS

Interacoustics, a leading manufacturer of audiological equipment, has recently released a new audiometer keyboard designed to streamline the hearing testing process. The keyboard features a range of customizable hotkeys that allow users to quickly and easily perform common tasks such as changing frequencies or presenting stimuli. This new hearing equipment will help to streamline the […]

WHAT’S BEST: LAB TESTED TECHNOLOGY HELPS CONSUMERS DECIDE

Choosing the right hearing aid can be a daunting task, with so many different options available on the market you’ll soon find yourself googling ‘which hearing aid is best’. To help consumers make informed decisions, independent lab tests have been conducted to evaluate and rate hearing aids based on various criteria. Why conduct independent hearing […]

OVERCOME YOUR IMPLICIT BIASES TO BECOME YOUR BEST

Implicit bias is an issue that affects many areas of healthcare, including audiology. In this article we’re going to go through what an implicit bias is, why it matters and how we can combat them. What is implicit bias? Implicit biases are attitudes or stereotypes that we hold unconsciously and can lead to discriminatory behaviour […]

IDA: CHARITY LOOSES FUNDING NEEDED FOR THEIR SURVIVAL

The IDA Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting person-centered care in audiology, has announced that it will be scaling down its operations as funding from the Oticon Foundation comes to an end. The IDA Institute has been instrumental in driving innovation and progress in the field of audiology by developing tools and resources that […]

OPTOMETRISTS LAUNCH NEW INITIATIVE TO PLANT TREES AND PROMOTE SUSTAINABILITY

Optometrists launch New Initiative to Plant Trees and promote sustainability A tree-planting initiative is expanding, with plans to plant more than 2,500 trees across the UK in the coming year. The program, launched by a group of optometrists, aims to offset carbon emissions and promote sustainability. The initiative began in 2020 when a group of […]

OUTSIDECLINIC: HOW A MOBILE SERVICE MAKES AN ENVIROMENTAL IMPACT

OutsideClinic, a UK-based mobile optician and hearing care provider, is making a significant investment in electric and hybrid vehicles as part of its commitment to reducing its environmental impact. The move aims to promote sustainability and improve air quality. This initiative shows why sustainability is important in business. The company has already added a number […]

A NEW STUDY MAKES BREAKTHROUGH IN UNDERSTANDING KERATOCONUS

Keratoconus latest news A recent study has made significant progress in understanding the causes and potential treatments of keratoconus, a progressive eye condition that can result in severe visual impairment. Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, gradually thins and bulges into a cone shape. This distortion […]

CATARACTS: NEW RESEARCH REVEALING UNEXPECTED RESULTS

A new Cataract research study suggests that sugar consumption may not be the primary cause of cataracts in individuals with diabetes, challenging a commonly held belief in the medical community. The Cataract study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of Manchester in the UK, involved analysing data from over 10,000 individuals with diabetes. […]

A HIGH STREET CHAIN IS THE NEW SPONSER FOR POPULAR LUNCH TIME GAME SHOW

Specsavers, the well-known British optician chain, recently announced their sponsorship of the long-running Channel 4 game show “Countdown.” This sponsorship deal is significant for both Specsavers and “Countdown,” as it represents a high-profile collaboration between two established brands. “Countdown” has been a staple of British television since it first aired in 1982. The show, which […]

THIS IS WHY VALUABLE PEOPLE ARE LEAVING THEIR JOB

Millions of workers left their job over the last year. Edenred commissioned a poll of over 2,000 adults to discover why. What is the great resignation? There has been a recent trend in masses of workers resigning following the pandemic. The great resignation and quiet quitting trends that have been seen recently are forcing employers […]

KNOWING YOUR WORTH IS THE MOST USEFUL THING YOU CAN KNOW

As an employee, it is essential to know your worth. Your worth as an employee is not only reflected in your job title and your paycheck, but also in your skills, experience, and the value you bring to your employer. We encourage that you know you’re worth, even if they don’t so that you know […]

HOW TO MAKE YOUR JOB EXCITING AGAIN

For many people, their job is a significant part of their lives. It’s where they spend a significant portion of their day, and where they earn a living. However, it’s not uncommon for people to find themselves thinking ‘why do I hate my job?’. Hating your job can make you sick or create feelings of […]

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NATIONAL EYE HEALTH WEEK

National Eye Health Week is an annual awareness campaign in the UK that is dedicated to promoting good eye health and preventing sight loss. The event, which takes place in September each year, is a collaboration between a range of organisations, including eye health charities, healthcare professionals, and government bodies who help to spread eye […]

SEVEN WAYS TO BE A COURAGEOUS AND PROFESSIONAL LEADER

Courage is an essential characteristic of a leader. A courageous leader is someone who is willing to take risks and make difficult decisions, even when they know the consequences could be severe. They are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in, even when it is unpopular, and they inspire others to do […]

WORKPLACE HAPPINESS: YOU NEED TO KNOW WHY IT’S IMPORTANT

The Indeed Happiness Report has been published for 2022 and it’s showing some interesting information about what employees are seeking from their workplace. A key finding was that stress, lack of satisfaction and happiness are the leading reasons why people are looking for new opportunities with 40% of respondents saying their expectation around happiness at […]

THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY FOR YOUR BOSS TO REACT WHEN YOU HAND IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL NOTICE

We’re currently going through a great resignation where millions of people are leaving their jobs. Anthony Klotz professor of Management at the May Business School at Texas A&M University, thinks that employers are overlooking the employee ‘offboarding process’. Employees handing in their notice is never a good thing and means that businesses have to spend […]