News in brief

Researchers at the Medical College of Georgia are pursuing a link between iron overload and the wet form of macular degeneration, suspecting that haemochromatosis hastens the ageing of the eyes.

They believe that avoiding the most serious consequences of the disease may be as simple as donating blood several times a year to reduce iron levels and are trying to define the impact of haemochromatosis on the eye.

Chartres-based Luneau Technology Group has merged with Briot International, the parent company of Buchmann Deutschland, which incorporates Buchmann UK and the Weco and Rodenstock instrument brands. It will now offer equipment from the Luneau and Visionix ranges in the UK along with Weco and Briot edging systems, Rodenstock consulting room equipment and optical instruments, the Metrovision MONCV3 Multifunction vision analyser and 'I need you' ready-reader range. UK sales offices remain in Rochester. Details: 01634 662302.