In Other News

Optical rescue. Lorena Investments, owner of eye care provider Optical Express, has stepped in to acquire the Harley Medical Group and SKN Group companies after they stopped trading in July. The group’s liquidation led to the immediate closure of over 70 branches across the UK and more than 450 staff losing their jobs. As well as taking over the branches, Lorena Investments “is looking to recruit as many former group employees as possible.” Link

Sunglasses protection. Leading tech care company Asurion Europe has teamed up with EssilorLuxottica to offer a new insurance service through the SunLove Protection Plan. The policy provides worldwide protection for sunglasses against accidental damage, chipped or broken frames, scratched or cracked lenses, and normal wear and tear. Link

First dispensing optics apprenticeship. The General Optical Council (GOC) has approved recruitment for the first dispensing optics apprenticeship, to be delivered by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO). ABDO can begin recruiting students for the apprenticeship from September 2024. As an “awarding organization,” ABDO will be responsible for the design and delivery of its Level 6 Dispensing Optician Apprenticeship through its centers, including ABDO College, Bradford College, and City and Islington College. Link

CPD countdown checklist. The College of Optometrists is offering a “handy checklist to make sure you’re on track to complete your CPD requirements before the end of the current cycle.” Link

Collaborative Eye Care Award. The New Optometrist is seeking entries for this year’s Collaborative Eye Care Award (CECA). CECA recognizes and rewards projects that are closing the gap between optometry and ophthalmology to drive real change in the eye care space. Are you or your colleagues involved in a project that is similarly looking to find new ways of sharing data and information? Perhaps you are aiming to improve patient outcomes in primary care, establish a new reimbursement model, or help change the professional mindset and bring optometrists and ophthalmologists closer together. For more information and to nominate a project, click here. Deadline for entries is September 30, 2024.