Nominations have been welcomed by the World Council of Optometry (WCO) for its two international awards for optometrists including entries for the Distinguished Service and International Optometrist awards. Tone Garaas-Maurdalen, WCO president, said: 'There are many optometrists who make an outstanding contribution to the profession, and I urge our members to recognise their commitment by nominating them for these awards.' Nominations must be made by October 1 at www.worldoptometry.org/awards with the winner announced in April next year.
Optician's jobs website has passed a milestone in optical recruitment by having over 2,000 vacancies on offer. This Monday www.opticianonline.net featured 2,174 jobs with the majority being for optometrists (1,432). The total was added to by 374 DO posts, 223 optical assistant jobs, 96 jobs in optical management plus posts in sales and marketing, for contact lens opticians, optical technicians and pre-regs.
There is still time to vote for the overall winner of the Keeler/Optician New Innovations Competition. After much deliberation, the judges have whittled down the entries to just five finalists - it is up to you to choose the overall winner. For a review of the five finalists and the chance to register your vote go to the opticianonline home page and follow the links to 'Keeler Comp' in the Editor's Choice' box. Voting ends on August 31.
A newsletter produced for independent practices explains the recent drivers' vision regulation changes (11.05.12) to patients. Details of the new 6/12 visual acuity standard are explained in the autumn issue of In-focus. Graham Hutchison, MD of Independent Marketing Partnership, said: 'The vast majority of adult patients are also drivers, so giving them this information via In-focus is very relevant. It should encourage more appointments and create more demand for driving eyewear.'