Comment: Well versed in improving skills

Robbie Burns would have been proud of Michael Wilkinson for his contention that contact lens sales and technical support folk should live up to certain standards (see news) and be formally trained.

CooperVision's new boss epitomises the kind of skills and thinking optics needs to implement change and update its image and practices. People with a fresh eye on optics who have succeeded in other businesses. Folk who have that 'giftie to see oursels as other see us', as Burns wrote.

It is not that those within the optical field can't see what needs to be done. At a recent Optician-hosted meeting, three of the most respected, and I don't think they would mind me saying, longest serving, optical stalwarts made their thoughts felt. They were passionate that the optical market needed to modernise and educate if it was to thrive and survive. Education of non-professional and technical staff and education of the public were vital ingredients for change they argued. The hard bit of course is getting their voices heard and providing the fillip for that change.