Visual stress clinics. West of Scotland optometry group Wilkie’s Eyecare is now offering dedicated clinics in visual stress, sometimes known as Meares-Irlen syndrome. The National Eye Institute reports that between 20 and 50 percent of all adults in the UK suffer from some level of visual stress, with 5 percent of the population being severely affected. Nicola McDermid of Wilkie’s Eyecare Dumbarton Branch will be overseeing the clinics. Link

Optegra expands to the Netherlands. Optegra has announced the acquisition of its first ophthalmic clinic in the Netherlands. Building on its presence in Central Europe (Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland) and the UK, the group has entered a joint venture with Quadrum Capital to share ownership of the Iris Eye Clinic in Boxtel, near Eindhoven. Link
 
AI in eye care survey. A new College of Optometrists survey offers a “unique opportunity for you to influence the agenda for this year’s AI and Eye Healthcare Summit, where sector leaders will come together to create a shared vision for the safe, ethical, and equitable use of AI in eye care.” Link

ABDO regional leads. ABDO members: do you know what your regional leads actually do and when you should contact them? The Association offers an update here

£20 well spent. A Cheshire woman had to undergo brain surgery after her optometrist spotted a life-threatening condition. Alison Wright visited Specsavers Cheshire Oaks after suffering from headaches, dizziness, and tinnitus.There, locum optometrist Maya Akram noticed some abnormalities, and after further tests, including an OCT scan, Akram identified swelling at the back of the patient’s eyes and referred her to hospital. The patient was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, requiring immediate brain surgery. Mrs. Wright later commented, “For the sake of the extra £20, the OCT scan was completely worth it.”