Abroad range of professionals from across the optical sector attended the first Optrafair jointly organised by the FMO and Mark Allen Group held over the weekend of April 1-3.
Visitors told Optician that the show, as ever, provided a valuable opportunity to network with colleagues, meet with customers, view the latest frame launches, lenses, contact lenses, instruments, equipment, software, charities and services.
There was a consensus among visitors to the show that among its strongest elements were the workshops and CET lectures that promoted discussion on technological developments, including simulation-supported dispensing and demonstrations of the latest OCT machines.
The question that captured the imagination of attendees this year was: how will new technology affect the profession? And, of course, education, frame design and the UK exhibition scene were also hot talking points among this selection of attendees.
‘Every single competency in one place’: Cheryl Swindells, Bradford University lecturer in optometry and DO-director of Skeye Opticians in Chester
[CaptionComponent="2531"]Every single competency is covered across three days in one place at Optrafair, unlike many other events that are sponsored by brands and are more fashion orientated.
For qualified practitioners Optrafair is a good show to come to because there is such varied content. There are the frame brands, the lens manufacturers, as well as contact lenses, apps and practice management software.
I remember as a student that Optrafair was always a really good show to attend with loads of free stuff, but the student turnout has been very low this year – more should attend. I teach 400 students and I’ve only seen two from Bradford optometry school so far.
In the current CET climate Optrafair has become more interactive. For example, Silhouette has a small rimless glazing workshop that is running continuously on its stand.
‘The latest OCT research’: Kirit Patel, optometrist at Radlett Opticians, Hertfordshire
[CaptionComponent="2532"]I gave a CET talk on Sunday about the very new OCT Optivue machine. It came out a year ago in angiography, which is very new to optometry and ophthalmology.
I’ve been using it now for a year and the distributor Haag-Streit wants me to share the data we collected with the profession at Optrafair.
The CET lectures are a brilliant opportunity for professionals to congregate and attend presentations on the latest research in optics.
[CaptionComponent="2533"]‘Fashion frames are a little different here’: Stephen Morgan, DO and independent owner at Spex Maniax in Halesowen, West Midlands
It’s great to have a fair in Birmingham because it’s in the centre of the country and more accessible than London for the most people. I know there has been 100% Optical in London, but why should everything be based exclusively in the south?
Unfortunately like many independent practice owners, I cannot afford to attend shows like Silmo and Mido every year. I also haven’t got time to research frame companies. I don’t like to invite reps into my practice and feel pressured that I’ve got to order 10 to 20 pieces off them.
Optrafair is a chance for owners like myself to discover new frame companies that offer something a little bit different. There are lots of companies here showcasing the new and interesting spectacle brands to bring into your practice as a fashion accessory.
[CaptionComponent="2534"]‘Optrafair is by the sector for the sector’: FMO chief executive, Bryony Pawinska
I only joined the FMO in January. For me, this Optrafair is a brilliant opportunity to meet the exhibitors.
This event is unique in the sector because it’s run by the sector for the sector. The Federation is a not-for-profit organisation. All of the surpluses from this trade exhibition are ploughed back into the sector for the benefit of optics as a whole.
[CaptionComponent="2535"]‘Optician Awards provides a night of glamour’: Robert William Morris, founder of William Morris London
William Morris was up for an Optician award this year, which is fantastic. The awards are a great event for the industry because opticians and suppliers look forward to it.
The reaction has been very positive at our stall. We’ve added a vintage collection which we also brought to the show.
There is always a big pressure when you launch a new collection because you’re never quite sure of a reaction from the customers.
The reason we served drinks out of a double decker bus was to landmark our display. The capital is a fantastic brand and I think maybe in the UK we take that brand for granted.
[CaptionComponent="2536"]‘Dispensing in augmented reality’: Andrew Sanders, professional services manager, Hoya
We have brought prototype EyeGenius and Vision Simulator devices to show at Optrafair, equipment that we’re planning to launch next month.
The product has been in development for the past seven years so it has been very rewarding this weekend to be taking visitors to Optrafair through the whole dispensing experience supported by the Hoya Vision Simulator device.
The simulator supports dispensing by demonstrating progressive lenses and different tints to patients through an augmented reality, controlled by the practitioner on an iPad. This includes the measuring of the frame, right through to different lens choices.
In future, the simulator will bring another dimension to dispensing because it immerses customers in the dispense experience. Visitors at Optrafair 2016 have been enthusiastic about trialling the simulators ahead of their release date.
[CaptionComponent="2537"]‘We’ve been able to showcase our latest equipment’: Claire Martin, business development manager glaucoma and retina, Zeiss Group, based in Cambridge
We showcased quite a few new instruments at Optrafair, including a Primus 200 OCT which is particularly for optometrists new to working with optical coherence tomography.
We also brought along a new device called the AngioPlex. We think this is a really exciting piece of kit because it provides 3D microvascular visualisations without the use of an invasive contrast agent.
We set out to ensure that people attending the show have been able to come and sit with one of the new instruments and undergo a scan. They’ve been able to judge for themselves how easy all of our equipment is to use.
[CaptionComponent="2538"]‘We’re helping practices go paper-free’: Andy Yorke, Topcon UK managing director
People visiting Optrafair this year are seeing some of the most advanced technology in the profession today.
We are trying to help practices go paper-free with Topcon software technologies. Practitioners can purchase software that enables transfer data and information around clinical practice without using paper. This is making performance, resourcing and workflow processes very effective in standard practices.
[CaptionComponent="2539"]‘We’ve cued up some great new collections’: Howard Librae, manager and director, Brulimar Optical Group
Spring is the best time to launch new products, so we feel that Optrafair is the firm favourite among UK optometrists.
Dennis Taylor came along this year to help market the first public launch of the Dennis Taylor eyewear line. We’re also displaying our new collections Marilyn Monroe, James Dean and the flexible titanium collection, Flex.