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February 7th 2025
PHN Opchat News Update
OCCS changes, GOC move, New frames, GOC Business regs, Mumsnet research, ABDO apprenticeships, BCLA Webinar
and expanding 100% Preview pages
General News
Changes at the OCCS
Paul Chapman-Hatchett will succeed Richard Edwards at the OCCS following a transition period in March
Applications for new AAOF and Meta Reality labs research $1.5 M open-science myopia grant
The 2025 Myopia Research Grant will provide three awards of $500,000 USD each.
Optical regulator announces move to new office space in Canary Wharf
The new GOC office is a smaller, more cost-effective space, and will support the GOC’s agile, hybrid working style.
New UK Eye Care Data Hub predicts higher prevalence of eye disease
There is projected to be a decrease in dispensing opticians (-11.7%) and nurses specialising in eye care (-33.3%).
Fresh calls for urgent reform of the NHS by top Medical Director welcomed by the AOP
Nearly half the population could end up in A&E annually by 2034,
New Products and Services
Introducing mEYE Suite
mEYE Suite, an all-in-one myopia management software designed to eliminate barriers to effective treatment and enhance patient outcomes.
LOOK SPORT SPRING-SUMMER 2025 COLLECTION:
LOOK introduces its new SPORT eyewear collection for the Spring-Summer 2025
TREE Spectacles announce Spring Collection
Ethereal 2 is more than just a collection, it’s a statement of intent,
Professional Matters
(Optometry/Dispensing)
OFNC met with MPs at the Future of Primary Care event
The ‘Future of Primary Care’ drop-in event in Parliament recently organised by the Pharmacy APPG
As the GOC consultation on Optical Business Regs has ended Bodies add comments
Comments from Optical Bodies on GOC Business Consultation
GOC approves SPOKE Specialist Qualifications Project 3 output
GOC approves the third specialist qualifications output of SPOKE, entitled Enhancing the scope of practice in optical professionals.
Exhibitions, Congresses and Meetings
Mumsnet engaged by some optical bodies to promote children’s vision
The Mumsnet project is seen to be the next step in building on this work with further consumer-facing engagement.
Charities and Support Groups
VCHP clinics visited by Canadian colleague
The VCHP team in Yorkshire has just welcomed a guest from the University of Montreal
Contact Lenses
Webinar will ‘jumpstart’ your speciality contact lens skills
Key takeaways for delegates will include tips on using corneal topography
Education
ABDO College to host apprenticeship webinars
Dispensing Apprenticeships don’t just shape careers—they transform lives.
Industry
The Hive Studio is proud to welcome its new client KADOR,
The Hive Studio will manage eyewear media relations, acting as the trade press office for Europe and worldwide media,
