Research in the spotlight

Barriers to physical exercise among visually impaired patients, progressive lenses and wavelengths of light were among topics under discussion at the Essilor University and College Symposium.

The event, which has been running since the early 1990s, gave academic delegates from across the UK the opportunity to discuss the latest research with peers.

Dr Colin Fowler delivered a presentation discussing progressive lens surface performance, while Dr Kez Latham talked to delegates about visual impairment and active lifestyles.

Mark Hickton discussed audio visual considerations for optical professionals and Professor John Marshall delivered a presentation titled What do we know about light?

Andy Hepworth, Professor Mo Jalie, Guilhem Escalier and Sue Clark also spoke at the two-day event.

Association of British Dispensing Opticians delegate, Paula Stevens, told OT  that she valued Essilor’s investment in education.

“I think that the students that come through are really the lifeblood of companies like Essilor,” she shared.

City and Islington College delegate, Peter Dobson, highlighted to OT  that the event was an opportunity to find out what was happening at other colleges and universities.

“I’ve been coming for quite a few years and I really enjoy it,” he said.

“You get to network and bounce ideas off each other,” Mr Dobson added. 

Image credit: Essilor