On January 4th 2021 at 20.00 hours A joint statement from the UK Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) recommending that the UK COVID-19 alert level move from level 4 to level 5. This prompted the Prime Minister to broadcast to the nation.

Haag-Streit UK has announced the launch of the new iVue80 OCT in the UK. The iVue80 SD-OCT system offers 80,000 A-scans per second—three times faster than the original iVue model—and offers improved efficiency and enhanced image quality.

The General Optical Council (GOC) has launched a consultation on new draft Speaking Up guidance for registrants, which aims to support registrants to speak up about concerns they have, in particular those that affect patient and public safety.

Vision Care for Homeless People, was chosen from more than 400 UK charities as one of ten winners of a £30,000 GSK IMPACT Award and is featured in a new film about its work.

Martin (59), an optometrist at Specsavers in Wellington, Somerset will attempt a gruelling 3,000 mile rowing race as part of a team of four, named the Wrekin Rowers. As well as testing eyes, 2021 will be a year of hard training and fundraising to raise £100,000 for two charities:

The FMO was saddened to hear of the recent passing of Alick Taylor, a much-loved and respected member of the FMO and optical community.  

Twenty years of research, development and sales vitality have positioned the Italian company among the top players in the contact lens arena in Italy and ensure it an ever-increasing share of the international market.

Snowbird Finance is delighted to announce that Tim Baker has joined the team as National Sales Manager to grow and increase Snowbird Finance’s patient finance offering under the brand of “Treatment Finance”.

Blind Veterans UK, Glaucoma UK, Guide Dogs, Macular Society, Retina UK, RNIB, Thomas Pocklington Trust and Visionary have announced they will form a new VI Charity Sector Partnership.

Clinical Briefings This section will bring you a range of clinical briefings to stimulate your interest. If you would like to contribute, get in touch. Current Clinical Briefings Further Links on coping with Vision Loss come from the www.wondermoms.org Working with Visual Impairment Sleep Tips for People Who are Visually…