A revamped website has been launched by the General Optical Council. Research had found the largest proportion of visitors used a tool to search the GOC registers, which was given a prominent place on the homepage. The website has also been designed to be viewed on tablets and mobile devices.
Lucentis has been recommended as a treatment for some patients with visual impairment due to diabetic macular oedema in draft guidance by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). Manufacturer Novartis remained concerned it was limited to those with a retinal thickness of 400 micrometres or more. A final appraisal document was expected by the end of this year or early 2013.
Contact lens manufacturer CooperVision is planning to set up a new regional operating unit for its operations in India, Pakistan, the Middle East, Turkey, Russia and Africa. Michael Wilkinson, current vice president of marketing for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, has been named general manager for the unit, which will be in place from November 1.
A flagship store opening by Vision Express has unveiled what the company said was the largest collection of Oakley eyewear in Europe. It includes more than 200 different styles of sunglasses, prescription frames and goggles. The flagship was launched this week on Oxford Street at an event attended by brand ambassador Heston Blumenthal and medal-winning Paralympians Harriet Lee and Richard Whitehead.
Talks over the strategy of charity Vision Aid Overseas have continued during a meeting of members. It was held on September 11 following an online petition against the charity's decision to turn its back on re-used spectacles and short-term eye camps (News 31.08.12). The issue will be discussed further at an AGM on October 20.