Having read Chris Kerr’s letter ‘MK risk with extended wear’ (Optician, 03.07.08), I believe a brief response from the contact lens industry is warranted. Chris correctly states that the risk of MK is increased with overnight wear, and research has shown the risk of MK with silicone hydrogel extended wear has not improved since the advent of hydrogel extended wear. The decision on wearing schedule of course lies with the practitioner, but the lifestyle benefits offered by extended wear are greatly valued by many patients around the world. In the same issue of Optician is an excellent article by Nathon Efron ‘Why fit contact lenses’, which outlines risk factors for MK and should help practitioners make an informed decision in assessing the best option for each patient and reducing risk as appropriate. Simon Rodwell The proposed confederation will represent its members on those matters on which the constituent bodies have common interests. Mr Sidhu acknowledges that ‘presenting a united front to the Department of Health is certainly a good idea’. Of course it is; look where disunity has got us… Furthermore, we agree with him that ‘cooperation is only indicated in certain situations and not as a blanket approach’. The main purpose of the AOP is to defend and represent individual optometrists. It always has been and always will be. The purpose of the confederation is to take maximum advantage of those ‘certain situations’ where our interests coincide and to support our colleagues in every area where there is no conflict of interests. There are a huge number of such areas and much is to be gained by exploiting them. David Craig I am retiring today after 56 years in the optical industry and I want to say thank you to all the friends and contacts I have made over this period. I started in 1953 with Allied Instrument Manufacturers (AIM), a company run by H Binstead, which later amalgamated with Clement Clarke (now Haag Streit). In 1958 I moved to Curry and Paxton, involving myself with the design of its slit lamp and synoptiscope, but eventually taking over the spectacle prescription house for 10 years, which served their 30-plus branches, eventually moving the whole unit to Corby, Northants. In 1986 I was appointed managing director of Beaconsfield Optical Company (Keeler’s prescription house) moving on to Keeler at Windsor, as general manager for a further 11 years. In 1986 I became managing director of Rayner Optical company in Hove. When this division was closed I set up my own company, Sussex Vision International in 1991. Over the last 18 years we have developed our own range of unique products selling to a worldwide market. I have now sold Sussex Vision, which continues under the same name and with the same dedicated staff. However, at 73 I have decided to retire to get on with other things. I can honestly say that the friendship I have found in this worldwide industry has been second to none. My thanks to you all. Jim Collins
However, the overall risk of MK is still very low, the severity of infection is less and the recovery rate is faster in silicone hydrogel wearers. In a study of 4,999 extended wear patients by Schein et al (Ophthalmology, 2005; 112;12; 2172-2179) the incidence of MK was found to be only 18 per 10,000, the large majority of which were non severe keratitis which resolved without long-term complications. A finding of reduced severity of MK in silicone hydrogel extended wear compared to hydrogel has been published by Morgan P et al in the British Journal of Ophthalmology 2005; 89; 430-436. Furthermore, all lenses have to go through stringent regulatory approval for continuous wear, where patient safety is the ultimate benchmark.
Secretary General ACLM
Re Paul Sidhu’s letter (10.07.09) concerning the confederation between the optical bodies (ABDO, ACLM, AOP, FMO and FODO)
Head of Communication, Association of Optometrists
Rustington, West Sussex
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