Foresight Project to investigate technological impact on optics industry

With joint funding from the Central (LOC) Fund, the Optical Confederation and the College of Optometrists have commissioned a project designed to look at the impact of technology across the optical sector.

The Foresight Project has commissioned think tank 2020Health to undertake the initial research. 2020 Health’s chief executive and founder, Julia Manning practiced as an optometrist for 19 years.

Chair of the Oversight Group, Alan Tinger said:  ‘We are looking at four stages of research. Phase 1 is looking at future technology worldwide and judging how certain it is to come to market, whether it will be adopted, how disruptive it will be and how behaviours of the public, professionals and manufacturers could change as a result. We will also be taking into account the changing demographic make-up of the UK which is a challenge for the whole of the health sector.