PHN Opchat News Update

GPs Online, Menopause, Transitions GenS, Hoya Myosmart, Aussie Jobs? Hearing and Nuance Audio, A walk around SILMO. GOC Erasures,

General News 

NHS Online will ease waiting lists, but must be rolled out carefully, says RSM UK
Will NHS Online ease waiting lists gor GP appointments

Menopause awareness campaign launching across Hakim Group independent practices
ZEST launched with Hakim Group this year during the company’s Immersion Day on May 18 (pictured)

New Transitions® campaign inspires wearers to ‘move freely in any light’
The campaign illustrates the beauty of an effortless life with Transitions® lenses

Tax court rules no VAT chargeable on locum doctors   
HMRC is likely to change the law prospectively and appeal this decision on the historic position,
Community optometry helping to cut Northern Ireland eyecare waiting lists
Over 51,000 patients are currently on ophthalmology outpatient waiting lists

TV’s Brenda Edwards calls on Britain’s aunties to protect loved ones from avoidable sight loss
Help spread the message, visit: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/eye-health/glaucoma

HOYA Lens UK launches ‘Open Their World’ campaign
HOYA Lens UK launches ‘Open Their World’ campaign to raise awareness of myopia management and MiYOSMART

Expand community eye and hearing services say Health Leaders
‘The 10-year health plan gives local leaders the power to innovate.
South Australia launches UK roadshow to attract skilled health professionals
Employer sponsorship is the main visa pathway to S Australia

Professional Matters Optometry & Dispensing

The College of Optometrists responds to the GOC’s 2025 Workforce Perceptions and Survey Findings 
Too many practitioners are working in environments where professional standards are difficult to uphold
GOC research reveals impacts of commercial pressures on optical professionals and launches thematic review
This year’s research highlights the continuing challenges that registrants face in daily clinical practice
Standing by to deliver the 10 Year Health Plan
Develop national commissioning frameworks for all enhanced eye care services
How community optometry reduces pressures on NHS
It is possible to cut hospital eye visits by around 50%, potentially freeing up 300,000 hospital eye appointments
News from the General Optical Council
Read the full September 2025 General Optical Council papers.
GOC erases Carnforth based optometrist from register 
The GOC, has decided to erase an optometrist based in Carnforth, from its register.
New Report Calls for National Funding to Expand Life-Changing Eye Care Technology
The report has been submitted to the Scottish Government for consideration.

New Products and Services
Silent Struggles: Hearing Loss in an Ageing World
Conclusion: Hearing Loss Is Everyone’s Business

Fittingbox unveils optical fit pro for immersive instore lens choice
Customers can also experience visual comfort and style in real time

The next revolution in AI glasses
Ray-Ban Meta glasses & sunglasses combine iconic style with the latest in wearable tech,

INVU Reinvents the Aviator for Today’s Self-Confident Man
INVU sunglass design blends a bold, masculine shape with subtle details

Exhibitions and Meetings

SILMO Futurology The SMART Way
EssilorLuxottica and Nuance Audio: Leading the Way

We are pleased to announced the Winners of SILMO D’OR 2025
The ​WINNERS AT THE 32nd SILMO D’OR are

Aller-retour en Paris
Brexit, no doubt, hasn’t helped the flow of products in either direction

HETT New sessions just announced
Less than TWO WEEKS left to secure your place at #HETT25!

Breaking News : Stormont event to showcase high street optometrists-Tomorrow
How high street optometrists can help with the NI sight backlog
Experts lead success of major conference
Over the day, the multi-track PAC provided interactive learning with peer reviews,

Companies nominated at the 32th Silmo d’Or
The SILMO D’Or will be awarded on this coming Saturday

Audiology
Essilorluxottica Hosts Exclusive VIP Event for Nuance Audio
Nuance Audio blends cutting-edge audio software engineering, world-class smart eyewear design,

Silent Struggles: Hearing Loss in an Ageing World
Conclusion: Hearing Loss Is Everyone’s Business

Audiologists must lead change amid calls for earwax removal regulation and AI reshaping the sector
NICE recommends wax removal in primary or community care to reduce hospital use and unsafe services

Charities and Support Groups
Wiseman Fund Recipient expands Low Vision Knowledge
The Wiseman Fund Travel Awards enable students, qualified optometrists or dispensing opticians to enhance their knowledge

Newmedica raising awareness of eye health in NEHW
Ophthalmology provider Newmedica is supporting the aims of this year’s National Eye Health Week
Warning UK faces dramatic rise in number suffering sight-threatening eye disease
The charity has created an eye health calculator which can be found on the vision matters website
Optometrist changes 1,700 lives in three days at Kenya eye camp
Kejal Shah an optometrist has helped change the lives of 1,700 people

Contact Lenses
New BCLA certificate aims to boost clinical confidence in presbyopia
Improving BCLA members clinical expertise will in turn enhance the patient experience

BCLA webinar to explore journey of a presbyopic patient
Evidence-based guidance on the possible obstacles patients may face during their initial trial period

Call for Papers issued ahead of NCC and BCLA symposium
BCLA Call for Papers and Posters now open,

Education
The College of Optometrists announces new research scholarships, grants and bursaries are open for applications 
The College believes that today’s research leads to excellence in tomorrow’s practice,

Industry
New Transitions® campaign inspires wearers to ‘move freely in any light’
The campaign illustrates the beauty of an effortless life with Transitions® lenses

Ophthalmology and OMPs
Optegra launches ground-breaking drop-free cataract treatment for all NHS patients
Optegra has increased its cataract care vastly in recent years.