Changing times

Cohesive working among the industry bodies in recent times is helping the optical sector meet its challenges head on, AOP president Don Grocott told delegates at last week's AGM of the Association.

'Over time there have been successes as well as stumbles - indeed, sometimes war has broken out, but I observe today, tangibly and clearly, the picture is quite different,' he said.

'We now enjoy a range of alliances across optics, the sight loss sector, Parliament, pressure groups and government advisers, many of which would have been unthinkable only a few years ago.

'This is an opportunity to change forever the rules of the game,' he added.