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As Sauflon celebrates its 25th anniversary, Rory Brogan speaks to Alan Wells about taking over the company in 1985, its development and recent milestones Alan Wells, who is marking 25 [...]

The work/lifestyle benefits of being a locum are obvious, but with daily rates remaining static and work becoming harder to find, the lure of a salaried position, albeit working for [...]

As Oakley reports record seizures of counterfeit product, Rory Brogan finds out the scale of the problem in the UK That counterfeiting of eyewear represents serious money for some and [...]

Branding in the eyewear market is more important than ever. Michael Jardine of Mondottica explains to Rory Brogan his involvement in branded eyewear Although eyewear company Mondottica has recently launched [...]

David Clulow has a new stand-alone sunglass store concept, offering dispensing only and a new store design. Rory Brogan dons his City suit and visits London's Jubilee Place A visit [...]

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have used the Optomap retinal examination while developing software for use in detection of diabetes-related eye problems. The team from the school of computer [...]

Visitors to Optrafair 2003 were able to view a wide range of high-tech instruments, as well as see the vast array of frames and styles on show Despite the glitzy [...]

Designer eyewear group David Clulow has spread its wings to Heathrow's Terminal 3 with a dispensing-only practice. Rory Brogan checked in to see the store in action ou've just broken [...]

The personal touch is paramount at Ciba Vision Practice of the Year 2002 winner McGovern Optician in Cookstown, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, as Rory Brogan discovered when he visited the [...]

Ireland has witnessed a recent flurry of investment in optical production, with a number of overseas firms choosing to set up major facilities. They join a number of big-name companies [...]

Rory Brogan reports on the new makeup of William Morris as it takes on the Face Stockholm frame brand William Morris Eyewear has been given a makeover with the UK [...]

Rory Brogan meets up with Hoya Lens UKmanaging director Steve Ellis and finds out his plans to introduce higher-performing products in 2003 When Hoya Lens UK decided to sponsor rugby [...]

AMA Optic has released a new frame and sunglass collection under its 'Cool Young Fashion' label, designed primarily to appeal to people aged under 30. The company states that the [...]

Just a quick scan of the latest Boots group results, announced this week, reveals the importance of laser surgery in the company's health offering. Boots Opticians and eye care sales [...]

Essilor is forging ever closer links with education establishments as it works to boost brand awareness of its latest products. Rory Brogan reports from the company's University and Colleges Symposium [...]

Scarcely a week seems to go by in optics without another case of serious professional misconduct taking place and last week's episode makes for particularly sorry reading. An optometrist who [...]

What do miners, cleaners and road sweepers have in common? Answer, they all came above opticians in the BBC Radio 4's Today Professions Vote 2002. Opticians were rated 40th, just [...]

Any independent practitioner hearing FODO chairman Brian Carroll's outgoing speech (see the full transcript next week) may feel that they are living on borrowed time, or perhaps that FODO has [...]

It is ironic that in the week the biggest European optical trade show, Mido, opens its doors, the final curtain is brought down on another established European show, Optica. Optica [...]

Our report last week on a Guide Dogs for the Blind survey, revealing ignorance among the public over eye care, will have surprised few in the profession. The research stated [...]

Inspecs is preparing to launch three high profile branded eyewear ranges this year. Rory Brogan reports on an ambitious company with a global outlook F rame firm Inspecs may just [...]

What do you do when you want to stock hundreds of frames but keep those on display to a minimum? Rory Brogan visited a new practice in Primrose Hill to [...]

The European Union's highest court has this week given Tesco the blues by siding with Levi's in the jeans maker's battle to stop the goods being imported and sold at [...]

Last month's Silmo offered more exhibition space than ever. Rory Brogan and Rob Moss report from Paris on a show that was big in more ways than one After years [...]

The article presents information on frames designs exhibited at the Slimo show, the International Optics and Eyewear Exhibition, which was held recently in Paris, France. The majority of the 21 new models at the show were Mazzucchelli acetates. In the show, many exhibitors gave modern twists to old classics. The frames of KunoQvist by Opo Design Sweden, a line first introduced at Silmo in 2004, is one of the example of colourful acetates displayed at the show.

The article presents information on the International Vision Expo East that was held at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City in February 2009. Organisers at the show opening said they were proud to bring together frame designers, family businesses and international brands. On day one, actress Paris Hilton appeared at the Gripping Eyewear stand to announce her range of sunglasses and accessories.

The article offers information on the 2007 Silmo show, an optic and eyewear exhibition held in Paris, France. Retro designs dominated the show. Not all vintage frames, however, were direct copies of models past. Updated techniques were used and technical flourishes were also prominent, with cutouts, inserts and 3D textural changes. A number of manufacturers are now placing the branding on the inner temples in metal motifs, with the wearer aware of luxury details that are not immediately apparent.

The article provides information on the results of a mystery shopper exercise conducted by "Optician" on the operation of the new contact lens supply routes in Great Britain as of April 2006. Four out of eight British contact lens suppliers allowed to send Acuvue Advance lenses based on read out prescription. All contacted companies do not advise to wear daily disposals for more than a day. Most of those contacted companies cautioned against the use of lenses for longer than two weeks.

This article focuses on the design of several optical outlets in Great Britain. The outlets use a variety of display systems, clean, sharp lines, dark woods, white walls and coloured lighting features. Mark Fantom, managing director of Lynx Design, explains that the combination of dark wood units and white walls has been popular for some time now. In terms of the actual frame display units, now it's mostly minimalist aluminum and stainless steel bars with in-built security.

Focuses on the 2005 Optrafair show held in Great Britain. Description of sunglasses showcased by J Lindeberg during the show; Eyewear companies that participated in the event; Style of sunglasses launched by DKNY at the show. INSET: Scandinavian designs on UK ametropes.

The article focuses on eyewear frames of various optician companies displayed during an optical exhibition in Munich, Germany including Oko Eyewear, Blackfin Eyewear and Carl Zeiss AG. Author states that glasses of various material including titanium, aluminum and surgical steel are in fashion. Views of Jens William Sorensen, BADA USA Inc. on their product line nine eyewear is presented.

The article discusses the Mido Exhibition on optometry held in 2013. It informs that the company, la Eyeworks line introduces new color of optics array in its models including Lusty Red, Chlorine Blue Matt, and Rose Milk. It informs that the Alyson Magee eyewear collection was presented through Jacques Durand. It also informs that Oliver Goldsmith Sunglasses Ltd. launched seven new styles from the archives.

The article focuses on the 20 million pound contact lens manufacturing facility invested by contact lens company Sauflon Pharmaceuticals Ltd. in Hungary. The facility, Sauflon Contact Lens Hungary, is cited to focus on the production of the company's new silicone hydrogel (SiH) lenses and the new Clariti 1 Day SiH to be launched in 2010. The facility's potential to increase the production capacity by adding modular clean room production lines is discussed.

The article reviews the International Vision Expo East, held in New York from March 26 - March 29, 2009 .

The article looks at the eyeglass frame manufacturing approach adopted by Silhouette in Linz, Austria. A total of 80 people are involved in the manufacture of frames at the family-owned company. Arnold and Anneliese Schmied established Silhouette in 1964. The firm focuses on its licences for Adidas and Daniel Swarovski.

This article describes the rebranding strategy of Marcolin after losing Dolce & Gabbana in 2005. Since then, the Italian manufacturer has attracted major backing and new brands and is moving forward determined not to rely on one line again. According to CEO Maurizio Marcolin, the loss of the brands made him question the future of the company. Continued investment will be made in quality, including Asia, where some of the diffusion product is made. As a global company, Marcolin says it must understand different needs across its markets to increase sales.

The article offers information on Luxottica's Elite Clients brand of eyeglasses. The Elite Clients concept was launched in September 2007 at a five-star hotel on Lake Como. Andrea Dorigo explained that only 100 practices out of 3,000 independent customers would be considered Elite Clients. To further improve its sales and service for the brand, the company developed a programme on feedback from customers. Luxottica would also give brand training to practice staff so that they know the story behind brands.

The article provides information on the 40th anniversary celebrations of Slimo in Paris, France. Silmo chairman Guy Charlot explained that organizers aimed to reflect the creativity of brands and companies from the optical sector and the mini-frame show that followed turned out to be totally in keeping with Silmo's strapline of sight and fashion.

Focuses on developments in the coatings of ophthalmic lenses featured at the 2003 Optrafair in Great Britain. Information on the smooth-surface coatings of ophthalmic lenses from Nikon Optical; Details on the enhanced coating used by Essilor for its lenses; Advantages of the Rodenstock Impression XS lens. INSET: Teflon Easycare technology.

The article focuses on research findings on the dangers posed by ultraviolet radiation (UVR) for the eye, and comments of Essilor of America Inc.'s Andy Hepworth, on the firm's work on improving ocular UV protection. The findings of a study by Transitions, and another titled 'Anti-reflective coatings reflect ultraviolet radiation,', are discussed. Hepworth, professional relations manager at Essilor, explains the highlights of the company's Crizal Forte UV.

The article offers information on Tant Laboratories in Hertfordshire, England which was acquired by Lenstec Inc. in the beginning of 2011. The company has grown from 28 staff to 41, one of a number of changes brought by the new ownership since its aquisition. The managing director Gerard Donovan is now financial director (FD) of the combined group. Tant has also achieved ISO 9000 status, under the guidance of Lenstec's training department.

The article focuses on Essilor UK Ltd. The company has come up with the contact lenses called Optifog which according to the company's managing director (MD) Mike Kirkley is a product which was talked about 20 years ago. It mentions that the company is in talks for launching production service for its customers which will be available in 2012. Kurt Schranz, product that production director at Essilor highlights that the company focuses on quality of its contact lenses rather than quantity.

The article reports that C.W. Dixey & Son of London, an optical firm, is relaunching into the optical market with a collection of frames inspired by British politician Winston Churchill. Company director Simon Palmer says that Churchill was a customer for 50 years and it seemed a logical place to start. The idea behind the collection is the design elements of Churchill's original frames. This work involved analysing and measuring in detail seven original Churchill frames.

The article focuses on the new trend in sunglasses and other eye wears in Great Britain. It is said that style influence of the television series like "Mad Men," was evident during the recent product launch, held by Luxottica. Round eyeglass frames are also in fashion along with honey lenses and foldable frames.

In this article, optometrist Kamlesh Chauhan, head of Johnson & Johnson's Vision Care Institute at Wokingham in Berkshire, England, discusses issues related to education and training of optometrists as well as on conducting research on vision and driving. He tells that the main motto of training is to achieve patient satisfaction along with improving communication skills with contact lens patients.

The article focuses on the sunglass firm Blue Gem Sunglasses Inc.'s effort to enhance the optical frame market amidst the economic downturn. It notes that the company secured major funding and welcomed a new designer to its team in an attempt to supply frames to the independent optical market. It adds that the firm has produced its own eyewear designs for Patrick Cox and Storm Couture and brought designer Norm Edwards. Moreover, it details the firm's frame designs.

The article announces that Specsavers Optical Group Ltd. in Nottingham, England and Boots Opticians Ltd. in Plymouth, England have received the Multiple Practice of the Year awards from the journal "Optician."

The article presents information on the companies participating in the International Vision Expo East that was held in New York City in February 2009. The eyeglass frame manufacturing companies making their presence at the show include, Bevel, IC Berlin, Oliver Goldsmith and Salt. For Richard Mehwa, founder of Bevel recent months had been positive with the company putting more emphasis on the British market. Visitors to the IC Berlin stand at the show could see screwless sheetmetal frames.

The article reviews the architectural design of Johnson & Johnson's Vision Care Institute.