The Federation of Manufacturing Opticians (FMO) is planning a new range of benefits with the aim of improving value for money for its members.Chairman Ruth Gans Cole Ð whose company W T Rees has been a long-standing member of the organisation Ð told optician this week that the FMO aimed to offer more to the members, aside from its involvement in trade shows.ÔOne of my goals is to enhance the benefits of membership. We have perhaps not done enough in the past for our members, that is not being dismissive of the past chairmen, but we need to do more,Õ she said.ÔIn the past, we have put Optrafair at the forefront of things,Õ she admitted. ÔBut now itÕs well-established and itÕs time for us to concentrate on the other issues.ÕOptrafashion, the FMOÕs London-based frame and equipment exhibition, was cancelled for this year, though the Federation is preparing for the next Optrafair in April 2003. Before then the membersÕ benefits package will be rolled out over the next few months she confirmed.The FMO plans to revamp its training video library, promote the legal advice service, and launch a new fully-operational website next month. Ms Gans Cole said the council was also considering the benefits of training, insurance, vehicle leasing, hotel and travel arrangements. The FMOÕs offices will move later this year to the shared premises it has purchased with ABDO and FODO, which Ms Gans Cole commented would be beneficial to all the members.ÔIt makes sense. We will be sharing basic things such as the phone system and meeting rooms, and saving both space and staff. We are spending membersÕ money and for that we have to be answerable,Õ added Ms Gans Cole.