Having taken over as chair of FMO from Andy Yorke in December I’m looking forward to leading our members into a new decade. Of course the year ‘2020’ is synonymous with optics and Optrafair 20/20 gives us the opportunity to bring the whole optical industry together in an all inclusive exhibition and conference.
Reasons to attend Optrafair 20/20 as an exhibitor or visitor? We have numerous new features. Optrafair’s keynote lecture from 2020 onwards will be called the Kanski Lecture. Jack Kanski passed away earlier this year and was one of the world’s foremost optical educationalists. His contribution to optics was immense and I’m thrilled to announce that his wife, Valerie, has kindly given approval to use his name for our keynote lecture. I firmly believe this endorsement gives Optrafair 20/20 tremendous credibility within the industry.
It’s fitting that Pearse Keane has already been announced as the keynote speaker for the inaugural Kanski Lecture. As a world-class ophthalmic researcher Pearse will be explaining the impact artificial intelligence will have on optometry and ophthalmology.
Professor Sunil Shah will be performing laser surgery at Optrafair 20/20, live streamed from the Midlands Eye Institute. Prof Shah is recognised globally as a leading exponent of cataract laser surgery. We can also offer ‘An audience with Professors Lyndon Jones and Philip Morgan’. The professors are leading optometrists with global reputations who will be leading a clinical based discussion and taking questions on contact lenses.
Optical Question Time, the President’s Address, an Independent Labs Zone, the Most Stylish Optician Award, the Future of the NHS and Dry Eye Technical Live are features you will hear more about very shortly.
Stuart Burn, FMO chair