Optician news in brief

Essilor has announced a number of global acquisitions as it bids to add local supply partners. In Colombia, the company has agreed to buy a 51 per cent stake in Servi Optica, described as one of South America's largest prescription laboratories. Purchases of majority stakes in Turkish lens distributor Isbir Optik and Chinese distributor Tianhong, and the acquisitions of North African distributors Sivo and Movisia were also confirmed.

A television channel has been set up to document this year's Optrafair event. Optrafair TV will showcase products through a live broadcast during the three-day event that will also be posted online. Optrafair sales manager Jenny Wright said: 'We have good experience of using TV at previous shows and our exhibitors like the fact that they can promote their message via the multiple screens around the halls and online.' Organiser the FMO also confirmed it had negotiated free Wifi during the show, which takes place from April 13-15 at the NEC.