Sheffield Heeley MP Meg Munn has been awarded Brake and Direct Line's Road Safety Parliamentarian of the Month Award for her campaign to introduce regular eye tests for drivers. Munn has campaigned for driver eye tests to be carried out by qualified practitioners using a scientifically recognised method and for drivers to be re-tested at least every 10 years. The MP began to campaign after she was contacted by a constituent whose daughter was killed by a driver with defective eyesight.
Essilor has signed five new partnership agreements in North Africa and Latin America. In Morocco, it has acquired 65 per cent stakes in distributor, Optiben and Rx lab, VST Lab. Majority stakes in Brazil's CM Equipamentos Ópticos de Precisão and the Dominican Republic's Opti Express have also been acquired and a new sales subsidiary, Essilor Colombia, has been formed. It has also acquired majority stakes in CSC Laboratories and Professional Ophthalmic Laboratories in the US.
Former Transitions Optical president Brett Craig has been appointed president and chief executive officer of PixelOptics to spearhead its electronic focusing eyewear. Pixel's Dr Ronald Blum will become chief visionary officer, leading the design and development of future generation products. Craig has almost 14 years' experience in the optical industry. Pixel board member Gary Kurtzman said: 'Ron's vision and leadership were critical elements to bring emPower! from concept to market. Moving forward, Brett's expertise will be invaluable for the success of the company.'
A Blue Plaque will be unveiled on February 18 at midday, to commemorate the birthplace of Sir Harold Ridley at 70 Leicester Road, Kibworth Harcourt, Leicestershire. Nicholas Ridley will talk about his father and Margaret Stowe, a probationer nurse in his surgical team in the 1950s, will reminisce about working behind a locked door to stop fellow surgeons from disrupting the procedures. Details: Stephen.butt@hotmail.co.uk