Optical Express launches free education initiative for clinicians

Optical Express has held the first of more than 20 free training events for clinicians working in the optical industry.

The multiple’s CET project aims to provide a greater understanding of the technology used in advanced eye surgery procedures and began at its flagship clinic in Glasgow (7 March).

It was the first of 22 events being held across the UK and Ireland as part of the multiple’s 25^th anniversary celebrations.

The Glasgow event included a lecture on modern cataract surgery and peer reviewed discussions covering two new treatments recently introduced by Optical Express – LipiFlow and corneal cross linking.

LipiFlow is designed to treat the root cause of dry eyes by encouraging the body to resume natural production of lipids required for a healthy tear film. The treatment involves the application of an eyepiece that warms and compresses the eyelid. It is suitable for patients with evaporative dry eye.

Corneal cross linking is a surgical treatment for patients with keratoconus, a condition that causes the cornea to thin and bulge out into a cone shape. As the corneal shape becomes more irregular, sufferers experience blurred vision and light sensitivity. The procedure strengthens and stabilises the cornea by mimicking the stiffening of the cornea caused by ageing.

Attendees at the Glasgow event heard from chief executive and chairman of Optical Express, David Moulsdale, clinical services director, Stephen Hannan, and UK medical director David Teenan (pictured).

Among those attending the event was optometrist Blair Galloway, who works in the company’s Kirkintilloch clinic. “I see a number of older patients so it was good to learn about the latest cataract surgery,” he said. “I now feel much more confident about giving patients information on the technology we are using compared with the way the procedure is performed in the NHS. I also think that LipiFlow will be beneficial for some of my patients.”

The CET programme was developed by Geraldine Meade, the multiple’s professional development director, who joined the company in January. Ms Meade was previously managing director at optical chain Black & Lizars.

“Our CET programme has been designed to provide an insight to the wider industry into the latest technology and procedures we use at Optical Express,” she said.

“As they are new to our industry, many optometry professionals have not had the opportunity to learn fully about the intricacies of these procedures and other advanced corrective treatments offered by Optical Express,” she added.

More than 200 clinicians from a range of optical service providers, including other High Street chains, have registered to the CET programme. Each attendee receives a complimentary surgery voucher for themselves, a friend or family member.

Among the other procedures offered by Optical Express are laser eye surgery, intraocular lens surgery and presbyopia treatment.

For more information, visit the company’s website.