Optician news in brief

Practitioners have until May 3 to become a volunteer member of new College of Optometrists' reference groups. The groups would provide a voice for pre-registration trainee optometrists, newly qualified OOs, independent prescribing OOs and hospital OOs. College chief executive Bryony Pawinska said: 'We want to increase the ways in which all optometrists engage with the College, so we are looking for volunteers to join our new reference groups.'

Independent Marketing Partnership's latest In-focus practice newsletter covers four key areas for practice development, including a feature on the benefits of wearing optical quality sunglasses. Graham Hutchison, managing director, said that in the current market independents needed to make sure patients understood the benefits of using their practices. They also needed to explain their expert eye care, quality products and personal service.