Spectacular sights, speeches and support at Blenheim Palace

Piccadilly Opticians Birmingham  !!

Courtesy of National Eye care Group store directors of Piccadilly Opticians Birmingham Mr. Asa Slatford and Miss. Jenny Price and optometrist Miss. Poonam Bector spent a day in the beautiful city of Oxford at the astounding location of Blenheim Palace to learn about key new developments within the optical industry.

The National Eye care Group

The National Eye care Group (NEG) remains loyal, in showing its constant support to independent opticians across the UK for over 30 years, despite dramatic changes that have affected the eye care industry in that time frame.

Blenheim Palace

Home to the 11^th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of former British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is set in 2100 acres of stunning, landscaped parkland.

Conference

A combination of lectures and product presentations throughout the day focusing on the latest technologies in contact lenses and care products ensured that members of the NEG receive the best in professional terms and services, which can later be relayed to customers at Piccadilly Opticians Birmingham.

Below is a selection of the presentations and speakers:

·         “Thinking inside the box” by Dr. Katherine Evans PhD, Bsc (Hons), MCOptom

Lecturer at the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences at Cardiff University

o   An insight into how the features of new generation of contact lens solutions may be the key to successful to contact lens wear

·          “Digital switchover: not just for your TV” by Mr. Paul Bullock BSc (Hons), MSc, FBDO

Head of Professional Services at Hoya Lens UK

o   Explanations of new spectacle lens designs that are now available and how these designs benefit eye care practitioners and, more crucially, patients’ requirements.   

·         “Fitting irregular corneas with soft contact lenses” by Ms. Lynn White FCOptom,

 Irregular Cornea and Keratoconus Consultant for UltraVision.

o   How to fit and assess irregular corneas, using disposable, lathe cut and specialist recommended soft contact lenses. 

·         Keynote speaker : “The expert’s edge” by Mr. Andy Clark BSc (Hons), MCOptom, FloD Experienced optometrist and businessman, Visiting lecturer at two business schools and

Winner of 2008 National Training Award for his Optometrist Development Programme

o   Discussion of areas in which professional expertise is most prized and appreciated in the independent sector.

·         “Cataract and Refractive Surgery” Pearls by Mr. Mike Tappin MBBS, BSc (Hons), FRCOphth Consultant Ophthalmologist Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals NHS Trust

o   Information on the great number of intraocular lens choices for patients available for cataract and refractive surgery. 

Sponsors

The title sponsor of the event was the CIBA Vision Academy for Eye care Excellence and headline sponsors included Bausch +Lomb, Coopervision, David Thomas and Hoya. A number of exhibiting sponsors were present and it was a fantastic opportunity to speak to them regarding the possible use of certain products in Piccadilly Opticians Birmingham in the future as well as meeting fellow like minded independent opticians.

Store directors Mr. Asa Slatford and Miss. Jenny Price and optometrist Miss. Poonam Bector thoroughly enjoyed the event and came away from the conference motivated and fresh with the latest information within the eye care industry, all of which will be of benefit to the patients at Piccadilly Opticians Birmingham. They look forward to the next event organised by the NEG.