Matthew Byrne, co-founder of Focus Optical
MH: What were the specific challenges to providing practices and patients with lenses in 2022?
MB: I would say there are two points. The first is that we have noticed quite a demand in speedy turnaround, especially where customers are supplying their own lenses and just send them over for glazing. We certainly do our best to accommodate where necessary and ensure that the service is especially quick with no compromise on quality. These are almost always completed within one working day. The second point is that I have noticed an increase in demand for in-line supra styles, especially Lindberg, Silhouette and Mykita models. They can be particularly demanding if there are no releasing screws and lenses are held in purely by tension. It can be a challenge to insert lenses to these frame types without chipping them and ensuring that lenses are secure and do not wobble.
MH: Can you identify any trends relating to lens materials or designs in 2022?
MB: We are noticing that lens designs are becoming available in a greater range of materials and filter combinations. The Xtractive Polarised option is becoming a firm favourite and is also available in most indices too. Also, our UV420 blue light blocker lens, available in single vision, varifocal options and most indices, is also proving very popular with the growing demand in blue light protection for tablet and mobile phone use.
MH: Any lens-related predictions for 2023? What do you have planned?
MB: For the new year, we plan to release a new varifocal, Pinnacle, at the very top of our range to compete with some of the best branded options available. This can be fine-tuned to suit the wearer’s lifestyle. We are bringing out a myopia control lens for children, available in most indices with a range of coatings. We plan to raise our profile and increase awareness of all of our products, many of which are of comparable quality to the major brands, but with a cost-saving for the customer. We will also be looking to provide some tempting promotions and to keep doing what we are doing.
Mark Marland, sales director at Optimum Coatings
MH: What were the specific challenges to providing practices and patients with lenses in 2022?
MM: As an independent lens manufacturer, we pride ourselves on delivering tailor-made lenses to meet the most challenging of lens prescriptions for practices across the UK and further afield. This area of the market is always the smallest part of a practice’s dispenses, but the one that causes the biggest headache. We aim to deliver a solution to meet patients’ needs no matter what their prescription. We don’t see this as a challenge but a clear solution for practices when looking for complex ophthalmic lens solutions.
MH: Can you identify any trends relating to lens materials or designs in 2022?
MM: We have a vast range of lens materials and designs along with coatings. 2022 has seen significant growth for us in several sectors, including driving, sports, occupational and lifestyle, to name but a few. The stand-out lens for us, in terms of highest demand, has been our Optiform Dual 3. This lens has been developed by applying the latest innovation in lens design methodology. The design provides wearers with the very best peripheral vision and superior image stability, even in dynamic conditions. Wearers can also enjoy maximised visual fields for all distances.
MH: Any lens-related predictions for 2023? What do you have planned?
MM: I think we will see a further increase in driving lenses, especially when combined with Transitions Drivewear. I wear Transitions Drivewear not just for the car but also as my everyday sunglasses. Optimum will be officially launching Optimyope, our myopia management lens solution, and our latest coating, Optipure+, providing 99% transparency and increased scratch resistance.