If today’s trade show exhibitor thinks that two events taking place within a few months of each other is too much, then spare a thought for those of 1965, who had two in successive weekends.
In early May, the northern and southern optical congresses, in Harrogate and Bristol respectively, drew crowds from around the country.
The April 30 edition of Optician from that year includes a preview to the Harrogate event. In his pre-speech address, congress president Mr R Goode issued a rallying cry to younger professionals to attend the conference so that all facets of the industry could be pooled to provide better care for the public.
A busy series of lectures covered a wide range of topics, from the effects of spectacle lenses to the development of the laser ophthalmoscope and its clinical uses.
Product innovations at the time were varied and Carl Zeiss even flew its new projection focimeter over from Germany for the events. The AO Campbell slit lamp was also debuted by J&R Fleming.
Rodenstock UK and Continental Import Company showcased ‘ultra-new’ frame styles, with a particular focus on the round eye look that was becoming popular with patients at the time.
In the news section of the journal, Jersey Police appealed to opticians after a pair of distinctive glasses was found in a property after a housebreaking offence and larceny. The heavy dark mottled frame had almost straight temples with distinctive grooved ends and was branded as Diplomat.