Suppliers adapt to maintain support during outbreak

The Federation of Manufacturing Opticians (FMO) has compiled a list of its members providing surfacing, glazing and frames that are remaining open during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

While many optical practices have closed in line with Government guidance to reduce social contact, a number are continuing to provide urgent or essential treatment.

A number of suppliers have therefore elected to remain open to provide products for genuine emergency cases.

Lens and frame supplier, Rodenstock UK, was included in the list as it has adapted its processes to continue providing support to practices.

In a statement the company said: “We must all support the efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect our friends and family.”

“Rodenstock UK is stepping up its efforts to protect our team and reduce the risks of ongoing Coronavirus transfer,” the statement continued.

The company explained that it has closed its Northfleet offices to all non-essential work but will continue through remote working and a reduced staffing policy, while customer service will be provided remotely by email from 9am–5pm.

The office will remain open for two days a week with a skeleton staff to process and deliver emergency orders as well as providing customer and technical service support over the phone.

Lens supplier, Hoya, is also maintaining operations to support optometrists providing emergency eye care to key workers, though the company is reducing the number of staff on site.

We are confident that we will collectively prevail through these difficult times together

In a statement to OT, Hoya said: “Many of our customers have unfortunately had to close their practice doors for the time being, however for those who have decided to remain open under Government guidelines to provide emergency eye care or glasses to the NHS and key workers, Hoya UK has a reduced team supporting their efforts by continuing to provide the much-needed spectacle lenses.”

“We are fully committed to our customers and we are confident that we will collectively prevail through these difficult times together,” the statement added.

Norville has confirmed it will provide emergency spectacles, aiming to continue to “support High Street opticians, and hospital eye clinics around the UK.”

The Norville labs in Gloucester, Seaham, Bolton and Edinburgh are able to produce and dispatch spectacles on the same day to a patient’s home address via Royal Mail.

The company also highlighted that, following verification by a current ABDO member, Norville will make emergency spectacles for both adults and children from its safety eyewear collections for PPE requirements and the Allyn range of frames.

“This modified procedure, now confirmed by the College of Optometrists and the General Optical Council as acceptable even for children’s spectacles, will meet the needs of those who have damaged or broken their specs and need instant help,” explained Norville chairman, Frank Norville.

While single vision stock range can be produced and dispatched on the same day and surfacing may be a similar timeline, Mr Norville added that tints or MAR to surfaced range would extend the timing.

“The Government has instructed optical practices to continue to provide urgent eye care throughout the crisis to enable people in need, and key workers, to access essential eye care which cannot be postponed,” continued Mr Norville, adding: “We hope this service will cover any emergency prescription supply requests. Of course, if it is a replacement for a previous order processed by us, we will have the exact details in our prescription database. Having the date of the supply will help to speed up the process.”

The emergency spectacle supply will carry no extra service charge and the cost will be charged to the practice’s account with a £4.50 postal charge.

David Ellison, operations director for the FMO, told OT the idea for the list came from member Julian Wiles, the founder and owner of Performance Lenses, as well as country manager UK and Ireland for Younger Optics.

Mr Ellison explained: “The idea was to produce a list of the operating labs, just to let everyone within the industry know which labs are still open.”

In light of the rapidly changing environment surrounding COVID-19, the suppliers reserve the right to close in accordance with the situation.

OT endeavours to keep the most up-to-date news on our website and this information was correct when published. However, the situation regarding COVID-19 is rapidly evolving. Please check OT’s rolling optics-specific coverage for the latest news and guidance on COVID-19.