Bill Harvey: Hocus pocus by focus

I had just finished unburdening my sadness on hearing of the Norville Group going into administration when, literally moments later, the news came through that they had been bought up by Inspecs. Better still, the initial signs are that jobs will be saved and the brand will live on.

I will not be alone in having a long association with the Norville name. How many of us prepared for our PQEs or final assessments by familiarising ourselves with the hallowed Norville catalogue? The name has been synonymous with ophthalmic lenses since the first outlet was established back in 1898. In recent decades this has a lot to do with the enthusiasm with which Frank Norville has supported the profession. Ever on hand at student prize-giving, running local CET, always keen on innovations (Vista Mesh, early support for E-scoop among many), and an established member of an exclusive list of authorities (along with Colin Fowler, the great Bob Fletcher and Bernard Gilmartin) offering both support and ‘constructive feedback’ to Optician during my time here.