While at the Ski Conference in Italy, there was a lot of discussion about the Essilor Luxottica merger, and its impact on the eye care professions.
The breaking news that reached me in on the first day of the Ski Conference in Italy, was the Essilor Luxottica merger, creating the biggest optical company in the universe (as far as we know). There was, of course, some discussion on this subject over a hot chocolate and on the ski lifts. Most of the feedback came from independents who did not seem to be enamoured by the news. Of course, the majority of people react to such news with pure emotion, without considering all the facts.
We saw this sort of gut reaction when Essilor purchased the Canadian online contact lens retailer, Coastal Contacts. Many predicted the end of the world, but time has proven it has not made much difference. In some ways, it may have benefitted independent practitioners as Essilor promptly closed down a number of bricks and mortar Coastal Contacts stores that had just opened, no doubt with considerable losses.
As usual with such things, only time will tell as to what this merger will lead to. In my view, smart independents should not be affected significantly. It may mean some will change their spectacle frame and lens suppliers: All that would do is reduce EssilorLuxottica’s business.
We saw this sort of gut reaction when Essilor purchased the Canadian online contact lens retailer, Coastal Contacts
This merger might also spur some to develop their sub-specialities. If ever there was a time to get on board with myopia control, it is now. Check out our coverage of this massive merger elsewhere in minews on page 9.
Super Ski and CPD
In 2005, Brisbane optometrist John Coghlan started what has now become one of my favourite conferences (see skiconference.com.au). Although I am a relative newbie, with only three notches on my belt over the past seven years, a few ‘platinum veterans’ wouldn’t miss one. Attended in the main by Australian optometrists and ophthalmologists, eye care professionals from other lands also attend, along with other professionals such as GPs, accountants and the like. Presentations are not limited to eyes – one can also hear talks on tax, superannuation and so on. I’ve met some really nice people at these conferences.
Déjà Vu
This year was a bit of déjà vu as the first of these conferences I attended, seven years ago, was also at Val Gardena, in the Italian dolomites in the South Tyrol region. It is one of the most beautiful and diverse ski areas in the world with the Val Gardena area offering 78 lifts, 120 runs and around 175km of skiing. Purchase of a Dolomiti Superski pass opens up access to dozens of other lifts and extends the possible ski area to 500km locally. With some extra connections via short bus or taxi connections, there’s a total of 1200km of runs!
Skiing the Sellaronda (a clockwise or anticlockwise loop around the majestic Sella massif) is one of the highlights. Another of my all-time favourites is ski trekking via the hidden valley to Passo Falzarego – which I first visited in 1984 – and taking a cable car up to Laguzoi, with a 12km run down from there. This is followed by a unique ski tow by majestic draught horses to get back to the regular lifts. I also love the La Longia run down to Ortisei, which is an 11km super run via frozen waterfalls with a welcoming schnapps or Bombardino at the end. I rented the best skis I have ever used – a pair of titanium and carbon-fibre composite Insignia Essence Ti skis, with a bamboo core. They are expert race skis and cost over AU$4500. They significantly improved my skiing with three of my six days showing speeds over 100kmh and sustained speeds over 70kmh. I was only beaten on top speed by conference hosts John and Margie Coghlan’s son Chris, who is about half my age, although there were a few in our group around the 100kmh top speed range. Chris Coghlan is one of the best skiers I’ve ever skied behind, (behind being the operative word!) If he put his mind to it, I reckon Chris could be an Australian champion. My daughter and I also enjoyed the best wood-fired pizzas high up on the slopes.
Tremendous fun.
Education
Of course, the primary reason for this Ski Conference is education and one of the highlights for me was a very interesting talk on stem cells and the ocular surface by Sydney ophthalmologist Professor Stephanie Watson. Limbal stem cells are critical to the normal function of the cornea and replace corneal cells that undergo normal apoptosis as well as epithelial cells lost by normal sloughing or damage. Once stem cells are damaged then normal tissues are no longer formed and are instead replaced by conjunctivalisation, which creates opaque tissue and neovascularisation. Primary causes are chemical injuries, which are still too common despite improved safety standards. Stephanie also mentioned other causes of limbal stem cell damage including contact lenses. Tight lenses and physiological compromise (hypoxia) seem to be the main cause. She said scleral lenses should be used with caution and stressed reduced wear times and regular aftercare. She discussed amniotic membrane therapies and pioneering work in culturing stem cells on lotrafilcon A (Alcon Air Optix Night & Day) contact lenses, thus transferring them to eyes with limbal stem cell deficiency.
We were treated to interesting talks and cases from other Australian ophthalmologists’ viz. Dr. Andrew Field on cataracts, Dr. Peter Montgomery on oculoplastic procedures and Dr. Erwin Groenewald on stroke, vitreomacular traction and schisis. Belgium-based ophthalmologist Dr. Christina Hubert also presented on the finer aspects of disc assessment in glaucoma while dancing up a storm in après ski activities. Australian optometrists also gave some enlightening talks. Annette Hosking presented on eye safety, protective eyewear and standards while Dr. Ann Webber presented interesting cases in ‘Scary kids that keep me awake at night’ and spectacle prescribing for children with amblyopia. Accountant Harry Standish gave very useful advice on how to claim conference trips, how to record expenditure using the Australian Taxation Office app and explained how the superannuation changes, coming midway through 2017, should be managed. I presented two talks, one on general aspects of contact lenses and practice management, social media, imaging and apps.
There was much networking and further learning opportunities outside of the official lecture program, as one of the great aspects of this meeting is that most of us ate together (superb Italian cuisine at breakfast and dinner.)
A great opportunity for fun and education. Give it some thought for 2018.
