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PHN’s Opchat Independent News Site
Your free regular News Update
Choose the news that impacts you
September 13th September

PHN Opchat News Update

SILMO 1 week, NHS review, Elton John, IOP Implant, GOC Suspension, 100% Deal, Ocuco Webinar, Farewell to Rodwell, new IOL and more

General News
‘Timely’ review of NHS highlighting patient choice
The independent sector has a positive role in supporting the NHS

Elton John left with ‘limited vision’ in one eye
Elton John 77-year-old music legend said he was healing from the infection

New study reveals two-thirds of over 65s have experienced loneliness
Two in three older adults have experienced loneliness

Widnes optician retires after 36 years’ service
Angela Perls, is passing the reins over to retail director and her own daughter, Charlotte Stokes.

Exclusive European getaway up for grabs with Essilorluxottica
Fancy a trip to Italy ECPs and practices in a brand new initiative from EssilorLuxottica.?

The European Commission has approved AKANTIOR®
A new treatment for acanthamoeba keratitis
Injectsense announces first human implant of ultraminiature IOP sensor
The first human implant with wireless IOP measurements

USA aka Optical Assistants to be offered certification
The US equivalent of OAs in the UK are to be offered AOA associate membership

Professional Matters 
(Optometry/Dispensing)

GOC research reveals ongoing workplace challenges impacting patient care
Overall job satisfaction dipped from 62% in 2023 to 58% this year, and dissatisfaction levels increased from 20% in 2023 to 25%.
GOC suspends Helensburgh based optometrist from register 
GOC, has decided to suspend an optometrist based in Helensburgh, Scotland from its register for 12 months.
3 days ago “The Times” informed the public on BP tests at “Opticians” 
Blood pressure checks at dentist and optometry appointments to find people at hidden risk
The General Optical Council announces Kathryn Foreman as lay Council member
Kathryn Foreman is a new lay Council member, beginning on 1 October.
Farewell to LOCSU Longest-Serving Board Member
Common IT and data collection system, PECs and PES, ‘off the shelf’ pathways, and more are LOCSUs achievements

New Products and Services

ALL EYES on TRANSITIONS GEN S 
Transitions® GEN S™, which is available in eight vibrant colours including a brand-new on-trend ruby tone,

Tree Spectacles at SILMO 2024 
THE ETHEREAL COLLECTION: an expressive fusion of form and colour

ØRGREEN OPTICS unveils three new acetate models: a timeless craft
Ørgreen Optics introduces its latest trio of acetate eyewear:
Eye-friendly makeup without a shadow of doubt
A recently a launched palette of six eyeshadows in the world’s first optocosmetics range

ULTRA LIMITED unveils six optical styles and limited edition sunglasses
ULTRA LIMITED introduce six brand-new optical styles

Ophthalmology

Anthony Nolan to open stem cell collection centre
New opening of the Anthony Nolan Cell Collection Centre in Nottingham, UK.
OPTEGRA Launches new private hospital 
Optegra Eye Health Care acquires a premium private eye clinic

Rayner Launches First AI-Designed Spiral IOL, the RayOne Galaxy
The world’s first IOL designed with the aid of artificial intelligence.
Exhibitions, Congresses and Meetings
MOVITRA’S AUTUMN/WINTER 2024/25 CAMPAIGN: FEARLESS INNOVATORS 
MOTUS is the innovative heart of MOVITRA eyewear, and representative of the pioneering, forwardthinking spirit of the luxury Italian brand!

Companies nominated at the 31st Silmo d’Or
Companies nominated at the 31st Silmo d’Or,

OSA signs further 10 year deal with 100% OPTICAL
A further ten-year agreement to work together in providing the largest spectacle show in the UK

Blackfin unveils “The Black Shadow” at Silmo 2024
Blackfin introduces its new stand, The Black Shadow at SILMO
IMMAGINE98 PLAYS THE COLOUR CARD TO WIN BIG AT SILMO 
SILMO 2024 are you booked on the shuttle yet ?

Charities and Support Groups
THEA PHARMA splashes out for VCHP
The Thea Pharma team has raised nearly £5,000 over the last 3 years

OPTEGRA announced as 2024/25 NATIONAL LEAGUE SPONSOR for WHEELCHAIR FOOTBALL  ASSOCIATION
Optegra’s involvement with The WFA’s National League aligns with its broader goal of improving lives

Donation to VCHP marks start of new partnership
The donation marks the start of a long-term partnership between The Body Doctor Ltd and VCHP,

National Eye Health Week (23-29 September 2024)
Mark the diary and get the team to come up with ideas

Contact Lenses
Call for papers for the BCLA Clinical Conference 2025 open
The BCLA is now accepting paper, poster and workshop submissions

ACLM announces retirement of Secretary General Simon Rodwell
Simon Rodwell retiring after over 25 years of service

Education
New Moorfields Education courses coming up!
Two brand new courses, to professionals in ophthalmology, optometry and related specialties.

Docet funding withdrawn due to Scottish government funding cuts
Due to Scottish government funding cuts the funding for DOCET has been withdrawn
New CPD Accredited Clinical Lecture from Ocuco 
Clinical webinar on record keeping on Wednesday, September 25th, at 6:30pm

BCLA Webinar : DATE: Wednesday 16 October 2024
Managing Corneal and Ocular Surface Disease with Scleral Lenses

Many similar stories and more on www.mylocaloptician.co.uk the public website 
New improved search directory for all Optical and Hearing Practices

Many more search functions for the public to choose their best local optical and hearing practice

Have you checked your free practice entry and added your mainstream services for free? 

Click Here to check your practice details Information can be found under practitioner information. 
Only registered practices are allowed in this Directory and each entry is verified by PHN.

And on your independent news site Opchat News :

Visit the new events pages where your organisations, company or optical grouping can let the optical world know about meetings, webinars, peer reviews and events, when, where and who should attend…all for free and you can enter the details yourself.