OT SPORTS SUPPLEMENT

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November 16 2007

Guide To Performance Eyewear

produced in association with

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SPORTVISION COMMENT

London 2012 Be prepared

By Geraint Griffiths

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Sport is now the British public’s favourite pastime with some 20 million people taking part in activities every week. The England rugby team, Manchester United and Tiger Woods all use vision specialists. Geraint Griffiths, managing director of Sportvision gives us a progress update. here professionals lead, amateurs follow and high street opticians can benefit from a huge business opportunity in recreational sports and second tier professionals.

Sport vision presents a wonderful opportunity for dispensers and optometrists to work hand in hand with the industry to supply modern sport vision appliances and contact lens materials and solutions.

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SPORTFAIR 08 Sportvision will celebrate the 2008 Beijing Olympics on April 27-28 at Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground. There will be a Gala dinner, guided tour and a celebrity guest to open the conference. An international line up of speakers will present new sport vision research, and the latest frames, lenses and equipment will be on show. The conference will feature a virtual sport vision practice which will show clinical advances in the understanding of visual performance.

Register at www.sportvision.co.uk SPORTVISION UK At its last AGM, Sportvision UK announced that it was to become a not for profit company and was to form a board of directors chaired by Gavin Rebello. At the meeting in May, Mr Rebello welcomed the board support from r+h, Adidas, Nat West

Bank and Johnson and Johnson Vision Care. Membership of Sportvision UK, the public face of The Association of Sportvision Practitioners, will exceed 60 by the end of 2007. To qualify, members have to complete a Sportvision CET course and then take an exam for the Diploma in Sportvision practice. Perhaps the most important part of the exam day is the presentation of individual research, which has already produced some interesting new findings. Over 140 delegates nationally and from abroad have now attended the threeday course.

SPORTVISION UK GOES INTERNATIONAL Following a long period of development we are delighted that the Sportvision Diploma is now available by correspondence to overseas delegates. The correspondence course recognises the difficulty for these delegates, and requires only a single day of attendance.

Ajay Bhootra recently completed the Diploma in Sportvision practice by correspondence. Mr Bhootra is on the Board of Himalaya Vision Care, currently the biggest optical chain in Western India. After a year of close collaboration with Himalaya, Sportvision will be introducing the Diploma to India and the rest of Asia.

THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF SPORTVISION The next development of Sportvision in the UK and abroad will see the launch of the official journal of the Association of Sportvision Practioners. A wealth of new data has already been produced by Sportvision Diploma delegates as part of their course work and this will be premiered in the journal.

MARK SELBY Sportvision was amazed by the success of Mark Selby (main picture) at the snooker world championships. Starting as an outsider, Mark was runner-up in a closely fought final at the Crucible this year. Wearing the Sportvision logo proudly on his lapel, Mark upset the odds with a brilliant display. Following the Championship, he hosted a Sportvision screening at his Leicester club where members of the Association of Sportvision practitioners carried out visual assessments on local players. An initial finding was that the sport can favour players with some level of visual deficiency or even cross dominance. It appears the ability to deal with deficiency, and lots of practice, are the key elements that enable players to make the most impossible shots look effortless.

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PERFORMANCE EYEWEAR supplement ISSN 0268-5485 Editor: David Challinor T: 020 7202 8164 E: davidchallinor@optometry.co.uk Editorial Office: Optometry Today, 61 Southwark Street, London SE1 0HL Head of Sponsorship: Sunil Singh T: 020 7878 2327 F: 020 7379 7118 E: sunil.singh@tenalpspublishing.com Supplement Edited by: Ryan Bradshaw Production: Ten Alps Publishing plc T: 020 7878 2361 E: louise.greenall@tenalpspublishing.com Design: Ten Alps Publishing plc T: 020 7878 2333 Advertising and Production Office: Ten Alps Publishing plc, 9 Savoy Street, London WC2E 7HR E: info@optometry.co.uk W: www.optometry.co.uk Š

OPTOMETRY TODAY

Ten Alps Publishing Subscriber Services The Coach House Turners Drive, Thatcham Berks, RG19 4QB T: 01635 879381, Fax: 01635 879397 E: tenalps@circdata.com

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A vision to succeed T

AchieveVision sports vision programme in Prague, where British heptathlete, Kelly Sotherton began a series of training exercises to improve eye concentration and reaction speed.

Elsewhere in this supplement, Hilco carefully examines the properties of the eye and its difficult relationship with the sun.

Gatorz eyewear shows that it is all fired up and ready for the UK extreme sports market, and, Rudy Project reveals its pulling power, with the news that over 10,000 athletes are now wearing its frames.

I hope readers will find this performance eyewear supplement both an interesting read, and helpful in boosting both the knowledge and business potential of this growing sector.

here is a growing demand for performance eyewear in sport. Studies by Aston University, Johnson & Johnson, Oakley and Adidas have revealed that in varying sporting conditions, sports eyewear is beneficial.

From the obvious requirement to guard eyes with 100% UV protection sunglasses out on the cricket field, to the need to educate contact lens wearers about such organisms as Acanthamoeba keratitis in the swimming pool, dispensers and optometrists should be able to use this valuable research to supply the best performance eyewear for customers who enjoy all sports.

Geraint Griffiths, managing director of Sportvision, has extolled the values of sport vision training, which has helped the performances of sportspeople such as snooker player Mark Selby.

Last month, J&J showcased its

Ryan Bradshaw Assistant Editor OT

inside your performance eyewear supplement...

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Sportvision Maintaining the vision to 2012

4-5 News

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Kelly’s Olympic bid begins

www.optometry.co.uk Clinical article archives, latest news information and latest classifieds advertisements can all be found on www.optometry.co.uk

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Hilco The Human Eye

8-9 Gatorz Full throttle frames

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Johnson & Johnson The importance of the eye examination

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Rudy Project 20 years of success in sports

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... be part of something special To be a part of the next OT performance eyeweare, telephone Sunil Singh on 020 7878 2327 or email Sunil.Singh@tenalpspublishing.com ABC CERTIFICATE OF CIRCULATION July 1, 2006 - June 30, 2007 Average Net: 18.186 UK: 17,324 Other countries: 780

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NEWS

Sunglass wearers put eye health at risk A

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study by sunglasses company, Oakley has revealed that the nation’s eyesight is suffering as a result of consumer confusion over sunglass protection.

The Eye-Q study, backed by England cricket star, Kevin Pietersen (pictured), found that one in five people suffer from eye strain, dizziness or blurred vision as a result of wearing poor quality sunglasses, and more than a third don’t know which UV light their sunglasses should be blocking out.

One in three 18-24 year olds report eye ailments after prolonged sunglass usage.

Whilst the dangers of sitting out in the sun without sunscreen are well publicised the same clearly cannot be said of our eyes. Oakley is reminding sunglass wearers that not all lenses are the same, and those that loosely claim

to “block UV” cannot be relied on.

Over a third of people questioned in the survey did not know if their sunglasses provided any UV protection and nearly half the population believed that the darker the lens the better the protection. In reality, colour brand and price are no guarantee of sufficient UV protection. One-in-ten men said they never wear them in bright sunshine.

Around 88% of the British population own at least one pair of sunglasses and 18 million of them buy new ones every year, yet two thirds don’t ask for advice when purchasing them.

England Cricketer Kevin Pietersen said: “I appreciate the importance of protecting my eyes, having played in bright and sunny conditions all over the world. My sunglasses are much

more than a fashion accessory as they protect me from UV rays and sharpen my vision. Oakley’s Eye-Q campaign is an important reminder for people to protect their eyes as well as their skin, whether the sun shines or not”.

Release the Animal in your sports range

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Keeping your eye on the ball

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hampions League winning football star, Kaka, underwent eye surgery this year to treat long-term myopia and astigmatism.

The 25-year-old Brazilian, who plays for Italian club, AC Milan, had the laser eye treatment in Modena, Italy by specialist Angelo Appiotti in June.

The World Cup winning star, who used to wear contact lenses on the football pitch, said that he was ‘surprised and motivated’ after he opened his eyes and realised his vision had improved.

Former Blackburn Rovers and Celtic striker, Chris Sutton, 34, was forced to retire from the game this season after persistent blurred vision.

nspecs will be launching its Animal range of extreme sports eyewear in January 2008.

For the first time, Animal’s complete collection of ophthalmic, sun and snow frames will be produced solely by Inspecs.

This partnership has come just in time to celebrate Animal’s 20th anniversary, with Inspecs celebrating their own 20th next year.

Animal’s grass roots are in ‘Free Ride’ sports such as surfing, snowboarding, windsurfing and mountain biking, which are becoming popular pastimes with young people across the globe. The company has an established name within the ‘Free Ride’ sports industry and its products and heritage are well respected.

To keep in tradition with the true Animal spirit, the optical category promises to be a mixture of strong coloured metal and funky acetate frames with graffiti style branding. Each piece incorporates a strong brand identity, with moulded badges, oversized laser engraves and pop coloured logo details. The range is unisex aiming for the 16+ market.

With all elements of the collection bordering on fashion and sport, the sunglasses category highlights features such as strong temple branding and oversized wraparound frames with polarised lenses, all of which are classified category 3 with 100% UVA and UVB protection.

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NEWS

Kelly’s Olympic vision boosted in Prague B

trainer (pictured), Ms Sotherton could improve reaction speeds. She could also benefit from a series of computer-based exercises.

Mr Shah said: “Kelly mentioned during the initial examination that she has problems with maintaining focus in events like the javelin and shot. If we improve her ability to see exactly where an object is in space she should be able to clear it more accurately in events like the high jump.”

Ms Sotherton was pleased with the outcome of the assessment, and said that she believes the programme will have a positive effect on her performances.

She said: “I have always thought that I was weak at concentrating on one point, so it is good to know that I

Silmo success for Adidas

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didas eyewear has been awarded the Silmo d’Or 2007 for its multi-sport model, agilis (pictured below).

The prestigious Silmo d’Or awards, held annually in Paris, at the world leading Silmo trade fair, is now in its 14th year. Hundreds of leading brands take part hoping to gain recognition for their product merits within the various categories.

The jury, made up of prominent optical trade personalities, assessed each entry against stringent criteria for creative design, innovative features and product benefits. The award for the Sports Eyewear category went to Adidas eyewear’s new multi-sport agilis.

Launched onto the market this autumn, the agilis is the latest model in the multi-sport eyewear category from Adidas eyewear. It includes the Adidas benchmark functional eyewear features such as

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ritish Olympic heptathlete, Kelly Sotherton travelled to J&J’s Vision Care Institute in Prague last month to undergo an extensive vision assessment in preparation for next year’s Beijing games.

The 31-year-old Commonwealth Gold medallist underwent a thorough ocular examination with Bristol optometrist, Amar Shah, before she carried out a series of sport vision tests and exercises as a part of her AchieveVision programme.

Mr Shah said: “Research shows that around 50% of Olympic athletes haven’t had an eye test, and with such an emphasis on sports medicine and nutrition, checking the health of the eye is such a simple thing to do.”

Mr Shah found that the athlete had very good vision. After assessing her eyes with a cover test and a Brock string test he discovered that she had a small weakness focussing on a ‘point of fixation’, and that she was right-eye dominant.

Mr Shah said of the assessment: “Kelly’s focussing is really good, but what isn’t working quite as well is the way in which her eyes work together. If we can improve this we may be able to improve her ability to focus on a particular point in space and maintain that.”

As a result of this diagnosis, Mr Shah focussed on each of Ms Sotherton’s seven events, and explained that she could use the AchieveVision programme to improve her visual concentration.

By using sport vision technology such as the hand eye coordination

will now be able to train my eyes to concentrate for longer.

“I am hoping that the vision training can give me the edge over my competitors. I think in events such as the hurdles it will enable me to sight the hurdle earlier and improve my time by 1/100 of a second, which could give me 40 extra points and perhaps a medal.”

TRI.FIT and double-snap nose bridge for individual frame adjustments, quick release hinge and quick change lens system. It also features the latest highlight from Adidas eyewear research lab, the LST Blue light filter technology, which protects the eyes against harmful blue light radiation.

“This is now our third Silmo 'sport eyewear' award over the years and we are again very pleased with the result,” said Franz Koll, managing director. “Winning the Silmo d’Or Award confirms our belief in the product and makes all the hard work worth it.”

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE ON HILCO

The Human Eye The eye is our most essential sensory organ says Hilco. Around 90% of our sensory perception is via the eye – a mere 25mm in size and only 7g in weight.

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general use and filters for direct observation of the sun. This standard specifies physical properties for sunglasses and sunglare filters of nominal plano power which are not prescription lenses, intended for protection against solar radiation for general use, for social and domestic purposes including road use and driving.

SUNLIGHT It forms a range of electromagnetic rays which start with the ultraviolet (UV), and ends with infrared rays (IR).

Visible light (VIS) lies between these two. The wavelengths of the rays are measured in nanometres (nm), ie, onemillionth of a metre. Since every person sees the visible range from a different wavelength, there are no clearly defined limits between visible and invisible light: 200-400nm: UV rays 400-780nm: visible light above 780nm: infrared rays LIGHT INTENSITY In enclosed spaces light intensity is around 1,000 times less than in open spaces. The light is at its most intense between 10am and 3pm.

Water and light reflect incident light, thereby significantly intensifying their effect. Dazzling sunlight can be up to 100 times stronger in the mountains than in the valley.

EFFECTS All rays affect the tissue of the eye.

Sunglasses with lenses that do not let certain rays through, or only partially let them through, which weaken the visible light, protect the eye from

damage and overstrain. Visible light, depending on the colour of the lenses, is reduced (non-glare).

UV RAYS The shorter the wavelength of UV rays, the more dangerous the effect on the eye (inflammation of the cornea, extensive damage to the eye, cataracts). However, UV-A rays from the reflecting sea and in the mountains above 2,000 meters are also very dangerous. UV filters in the lenses offer protection: 315-400nm: longer UV-A rays 200-315nm: shorter UV-B and C rays IR RAYS The omnipresent thermal IR rays start at above 800nm. Their intensity increases the higher the altitude.

Silvering lenses and IR filters offer protection from infrared rays.

GOOD SUNGLASSES They have, above all, an even lens thickness and density and a high surface quality, no smears, bubbles or inclusions. Lenses thinner than 1mm have distorted edges, and bend in the heat. Poor lenses are therefore frequently the real cause of fatigue, headaches and stinging in the eyes.

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yesight is extremely important for sports, especially when it comes to skiing and snowboarding. In the dazzling light of the high mountains, where the sun’s rays are multiplied by reflections and fresh snow, in thick snowdrifts and incident fog, visual perception is seriously limited. The complex movements are continuously coordinated, controlled and corrected by means of ‘visual inspection’.

Compared to the rest of the body, the high energy consumption of the eye frequently results in faster fatigue.

Moreover, the eye has to adapt not only to the very strong light of the wave spectrum visible to humans – rather, light stimuli on both sides of the spectrum visible to humans flow onto the eye – especially short-wave components in the range between 400 and 780 nanometres (nm).

The short-wave, high-energy ‘fraction’ extends to about 300nm. This UV light is responsible for tanning the skin and, consequently, also for sunburn, with “C” being the shortestwave component. Infrared radiation (thermal radiation) is in the range between 780 and 1,800nm.

At higher altitudes, the filter function is reduced. Protection is also diminished since the ozone layer is thinner the higher you go. Ultraviolet light (UV) damages the cornea with those sensory receptors, which belong to the central nervous system. Infrared light is particularly harmful to the cornea and the back of the eye.

It is not without reason that sunglasses are required to conform to EN 1836:1997, personal eye protection – sunglasses, sunglare filters for

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE ON GATORZ

ALL FIRED UP The frames of choice for Formula 1, NASCAR and hot rod racers worldwide atorz Precision Built Eyewear is inspired by a passion and drive to pursue radical ideas, creative customised designs, and premium materials. The concept was born in the USA from the same genre and workshop mentality that set off the revival of American custom motorbikes, hot rods and racing. This freedom to innovate and focus on eyewear is one reason why Gatorz Eyewear has become the first choice for a number of extreme sports fanatics across the world.

Gatorz eyewear is machined from the strongest, yet lightest aluminium in the world, 7075, T6 hardened aircraft billet aluminium. This material is extremely strong whether its application is used on F-18 fighter jets, custom-built choppers or Gatorz Precision Built Eyewear.

Frame models include the Magnum, with its oversize two step temple design and square shaped lens protection. The Wraptor design is a favourite with US NASCAR drivers and European pro-cyclists with its triangular-shaped frame. The Edge model is designed to be light and fashionable, and is

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ideal for women and smaller faces. The aluminium frames in these series can also be customised with individual designed artwork.

Gatorz Precision Built Eyewear features TruRay Optics, the most comprehensive assortment of impact proof, 100% blocking UVA, UVB, and UVC (and in some cases into the blue light spectrum) lens filters and coatings offered by any single sunglass company.

In addition to safeguarding your eyes this optical system offers the wearer the ability to fully customise their Gatorz sunglasses for optimal performance, visual comfort and safety. All TruRay Optics are decentred with the precise amount of induced prism resulting in pristine optics, free of spherical and astigmatic error, in addition to prismatic and peripheral aberrations. With such a high quality surface and perfect binocular balance, TruRay Optics are categorised as Class 1 Optical Quality, recognised internationally as the highest grade available.

Included in the TruRay optics series are five optical

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ONLY GATORZ EYEWEAR FEATURES

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systems. The polarised includes proprietary filter technology to allow only the uninterrupted light spectrum reach your eyes. Ideal for differentiating bolder colours in snow, water or land, the series is available in dark brown and dark smoke.

The photochromic series adjusts with the sun, in or out, in either indoor or outdoor conditions and includes Variable-lite Photochromics to relieve fatigue on the eyes.

The Defender series cuts at least 90% of harmful blue light while absorbing red and infrared rays. Designed to improve hand to eye coordination and reaction time, it is available in three lens types. The Action series represents a family of lens filters that allows the wearer to choose the optimum lens colour and density for specific sport and sunlight conditions.

Gatorz original Image lens frames continue to be popular with a choice of colours, dielectric mirror and gradient flash coatings.

NASCAR racing stars Kurt Busch (pictured) and Chris Bingham both wear the Gatorz frames, as does former Formula 1 racer Michael Andretti and his Indycar racing son,

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Marco Andretti (pictured).

The current World Champion skydiving team, Team Elan, wear Gatorz. As does Finnish superbike champion, Tatu Lauslehto who recently wore the Starlite model when he was competing at the Supersport 600 World Championship.

British extreme sports stars are also becoming Gatorz fans, with Martin Jessop, British Super Bike competitor, Josh Brown, World Power Boat Champion, and Steve Deeks, ex-racing driver and Sky One presenter, all wearing the frames.

Looks Direct is the sole distributor of Gatorz eyewear for the UK and launched Gatorz at the Autosport International show in January 2007. Gatorz received an overwhelming response at the show, and since then there has been a high demand for the range. Gatorz will be marketed mainly through sponsorship of individuals and sporting events.

With over 12 models, 11 frame colours and 32 lens options, Gatorz’s frames are completely customisable as there are over 4,000 different combinations. From Sky presenters to Sky divers Gatorz precision-built eyewear is revolutionising the world of sunglass eyewear.

For more information call 0845 2573535 or go to www.gatorzsunglasses.co.uk.

Z Made in the USA Z T6 7075 Billet, aircraft grade aluminium Z Precision built using CNC, CAD, Cam technologies Z Dual sided 5 Barrel hinges Z Compression fit laser cut lenses Z TruRay Optics Z Incredibly strong and light weight

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RESEARCH NEWS

In at the deep end: swimming hazards W

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hen an American girl, Jackie Stillmaker, 17, went swimming three years ago wearing her contact lenses, she never thought her eyes could be permanently damaged. Like many others, she didn’t know she was at risk of a blinding eye infection, Acanthamoeba keratitis, a condition where a microscopic, water-borne parasite became trapped beneath her contact lens. The parasite infected her cornea for two years. Jackie endured three corneal transplants to eradicate this parasite from her eye.

Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare but very painful and potentially blinding infection of the cornea. The infection occurs almost exclusively in contact lens wearers. The primary risk factors for this condition are: swimming in pools, lakes or sea water while wearing contact lenses, storing contact lenses in

home made solutions, and poor contact lens hygiene.

The use of contact lenses while in contact with water sources that may be contaminated – such as swimming in fresh, salt or chlorinated water, water sports, showering and use of hot tubs – is also a risk factor for Acanthamoeba

Keep AMD at bay

Contact lens benefits in sport

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ew research has proven that accumulative exposure to blue spectrum light, which sits directly under UV on the electromagnetic spectrum, can result in permanent photochemical damage to the retina. Damage that occurs as a result of it is irreversible.

More specifically, accumulative exposure to blue spectrum light has been proven to be a direct contributing factor to Age Related Macular Degeneration.

Every week 300 people in the UK lose their sight because of AMD, and altogether an estimated 500,000 people in the UK have the condition, with approximately 8 in 100 people over 75 having some degree of blindness as a result. Age, smoking, poor diet and UV light are also contributing factors, although blue spectrum light has now been established as the central cause.

Adidas eyewear’s LST bluefilter lens, provides protection as it absorbs 95.5% of harmful blue light. It combines the best of the proven LST characteristics (being harmonisation of light fluctuation and contrast enhancement as well as full colour perception) with the added benefit of blue light protection – it still lets through a specific but non-harmful amount of blue light in order to avoid distortion of colour perception.

keratitis. The infecting organisms can reach the eye directly from the water source, or indirectly by introduction of Acanthamoeba into the storage case when a lens contaminated by the water source is not cleaned properly. A study of 138 people who had positive Acanthamoeba corneal cultures, 38% reported swimming whilst wearing contact lenses.

A simple solution to reduce the risk of Acanthamoeba keratitis would be the removal of contact lenses before undertaking watersports. Given that the use of spectacles would also be unappropriate, then prescription swimming goggles or diving masks are an inexpensive option to the patient.

Modern goggles retail at approximately £30.00, and include sphere prescriptions from +8.00 to –8.00, and include options for children.

study by Aston University has revealed that 96% of contact lens wearers wear lenses during sports.

A questionnaire was distributed to 225 first year undergraduate optometry students with results showing that 59% wear a vision correction, and 35% wear contact lenses.

The study found that it is generally not recommended to wear rigid gas permeable lenses for contact sports, and it is better to wear lenses with high oxygen transmissibility, such as silicone hydrogels for altitudinal sports such as skiing.

Thirty one per cent of wearers use daily disposable lenses, while 77% wear monthly soft replacement contact lenses in sporting activities.

Common problems encountered by contact lens wearers during sports include dry eye, with 39% people reporting symptoms. However, 35% of all subjects said they had no adverse symptoms at all.

With the risks associated with wearing lenses while swimming, such as bacterial and amoebic keratitis, 23% of subjects said they still swim while wearing contact lenses.

Although football is the most common sport reported to cause ocular injury, it is the most popular sport played by respondents, with a third enjoying the game.

The full peer reviewed article appeared in OT on October 5 2007.

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RESEARCH NEWS

Sport helping pupils to achieve vision the same effect on the ability to read, (the primary visual skill in reading is likely to be aiming and centre around the importance of eye dominance).

The results so far have been promising, showing correlations between visual deficiency at the near point and reading speed, between reading speed and key stage 2 results, between visual deficiency and light sensitivity. A direct relationship between a sporting skill, like ball catching, and educational ability was also shown. Overall 60% of the children had signs to dyslexia predicted by the laws of Sportvision.

A group of 14 at risk children were followed up with a full eye examination and prescription of spectacles. During the initial period of spectacle wear an improvement of 30% in school performance was

Assessing the impact of contact lens wear on sport

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ohnson & Johnson Vision Care has conducted research to investigate the relationship between sport and contact lenses. Results showed a significant awareness of the importance of contact lenses while playing sport.

The study examined 200 participants aged 16-34 years who wear contact lenses while playing sport.

Results revealed that the majority of the people interviewed practice sport with medium frequency (36% 1-2 days per week and 52% 3-4 days per week) and around 75% of the sample has been practising sport from when they were less than 14 years old.

Visiting the gym, swimming and football were the most practised.

The results also showed an overwhelming awareness of the importance of contact lenses while playing sport with 67% of participants feeling that contact lenses are more comfortable and 62% stating that they provide more freedom than glasses.

In addition, 72% of participants noted that wearing contact lenses made them feel more comfortable in their own sporting ability.

With the added benefit of being able to keep a fresh new pair of lenses in your gym bag, almost half of participants (43%) stated that they would choose a daily disposable lens to play sport.

It is important not to forget the damaging effects UV rays can have on the eyes in outdoor sport. Experts say the effects of UV radiation are cumulative and can do irreversible harm.

Conditions such as age-related cataract, may not manifest for years and it is too late to reverse the effects of the sun. Class 1 UV-blockers must absorb a minimum of 90 percent UVA and at least 99 percent UVB radiation.

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measured based on the teachers’ assessment of the students’ progress in terms of behaviour, attention, progress and social inter-action. Six children had one line or more improvement in visual acuity over a three-month period and, on average, reading speed more than doubled.

PERFORMANCE EYEWEAR

esearch by Sportvision has shown that there are two primary visual skills, aiming and anticipation (based of depth perception) and six diagnostic elements of visual performance: refractive error, vision, eye dominance, muscle balance, fixation disparity and colour preference.

This finding has resulted in the formulation of the laws of Sportvision, which among other things, suggests that the visual demands in the occupation of sport apply to all other occupations as well.

To test this hypothesis in the occupation of reading, a study was carried out with 95 year seven pupils at Moreton School in Wolverhampton to see if the visual problems, which cause athletic deficiency, could have

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE ON JOHNSON&JOHNSON

Vision and Sport The importance of the eye examination

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SPORT POPULARITY INCREASES The popularity of sport and the range of activities available have grown considerably over the last few years. Whether this is due to the excitement surrounding the Olympic Games, the FIFA World Cup, or the government’s campaign to get more people exercising, the message has been clearly received.

Sport is both fun and beneficial.

Furthermore, research has shown that health is the number one concern for adults1 with more people than ever joining a gym and a record 35 million people recorded as being active2.

examination, only 12% go for a regular examination. Furthermore, 20% of all 15-34 year olds have never had an eye examination3.

It begs the question: how many sporting enthusiasts realise that sports eye care and eyewear exist, or that informed advice – plus appropriate vision correction – could add to their comfort, sporting performance, or even their eye health and safety? Sports enthusiasts and eye care professionals alike could benefit from a better understanding of the visual aspects of sport – a growing and fascinating subject that has the

players, how results should be interpreted and how training programmes should be prescribed.

Module one introduces the concept of vision and performance in sport, and details evidence that visual performance can be enhanced in sport, leading to improvements in the sport itself.

Furthermore, this introductory module answers initial questions such as: what is the need and the

“An athlete with good visual memory always seems to be in the right place at the right time and of course nothing happens in sport until the eye tells the body what to do. Vision coaching is just as important as every other aspect of coaching to achieve elite performance.”

Sir Clive Woodward TRAINING AND FINE-TUNING IS KEY Whether you are a weekend amateur or an Olympic athlete, you will know that training is key, and fine-tuning your body and muscles will increase your overall performance. In this respect, the eyes are no different. There is increasing evidence showing that visual skills have a significant impact on physical performance - each eye has seven working muscles that can be trained, tuned and strengthened to enable them to perform efficiently and effectively together.

Millions of sporting enthusiasts are among the 17.5 million people in the UK who seek an eye examination every year. However, research shows that although 55% of adults in the UK need an eye

potential to generate real excitement and potential revenue in optical practices.

PERFORMANCE, VISION & SPORT FOR EYE CARE PROFESSIONALS Eye care professionals can learn more about performance, vision and sport by applying for Johnson & Johnson Vision Care’s distance learning package* (a tri-module series) which introduces the concept of enhancing visual performance in sport and gives eye care professionals the opportunity to further understand how vision training in sports can be incorporated into everyday clinical practice.

The module also offers guidance on the questions to ask sports

current level of participation in sport in the UK? Why should eye care professionals get involved?

What sources of information are available, and is additional equipment needed in order to get involved? Modules two and three contain more in-depth discussion relating to diagnosis, vision correction and performance vision training techniques. In addition, the series includes a set of case histories illustrating how visual performance deficits have led to actual performance weakness and how the enhanced vision training programme improves sporting performance.

No system of visual training should be undertaken before the participant has had a detailed and comprehensive ocular assessment.

A great deal of work has been undertaken to support visual optimisation, not only by eye care professionals but also by kinesiologists and assorted doctorial research. It is clear that a well-trained and conditioned visual system can help a well-tuned motor system perform at its peak.

RAISING THE AWARENESS OF EYE EXAMINATIONS FOR SPORTS It is for this reason that Johnson & Johnson Vision Care is working in partnership with the College of Optometrists to support the importance of regular eye examinations and to encourage everyone to ‘Be The Best They Can Be’. This mission comes as Johnson & Johnson became the Official Vision Care Product Partner of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and whose aim is to help athletes achieve their best.

Working with Sir Clive Woodward OBE, Director of Elite Performance for the British Olympic Association, Johnson & Johnson will aim to ensure that

British athletes benefit from Johnson & Johnson’s Elite Athlete Vision Care Programme.

PREPARING OUR OLYMPIC HOPEFULS In its commitment to providing more in the interest of performance in sport, Johnson & Johnson has already helped two Olympic hopefuls prepare for the upcoming Olympic Games in Beijing.

Badminton mixed doubles partners Gail Emms and Nathan Robertson recently completed the Elite Athlete Vision Care programme at the prestigious Vision Care Institute in Prague where they undertook an assessment with internationally renowned optometrist Michel Guillon, prior to embarking on their year long AchieveVision programme. The visual assessment supplements a traditional eye exam and evaluates not only visual acuity, but also identifies any opportunity to improve visual

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quality and efficiency by testing the eye muscles responsible for movement and focus. The customised tests that are used measure key aspects of performance-related visual skills including: depth perception, peripheral vision, visual tracking, contrast sensitivity, muscle balance, alignment skills and reaction time.

Identifying a weakness or problem with vision and correcting it can only be done through an exam from an eye care professional.

Even if the patient is not an elite athlete, it is important for them to have their eyes and vision assessed regularly to ensure they are healthy and strong, so that they can perform at their best. Encouraging people to identify necessary visual correction can also play a key part in overall performance. In a recent study, more than 7 in 10 people wearing contact lenses for sport agreed that contact lenses enabled participation in more physical contact sports and almost three quarters agreed that the absence of contact lenses would restrict their

Vice President of The Vision Care Institute in Europe, Middle East and Africa. “It is our aim to offer the best services to contact lens wearers by facilitating specialist training in this unique learning environment”, continued Mr Davies. “The upcoming Beijing Olympic Games provide an excellent opportunity to raise awareness for the importance of vision care and eye health in China and around the world, not only for elite athletes but also for all of us who value our vision and are looking to do our best.” The Vision Care Institute in Beijing is a welcome addition to the many other institutes across the globe and comes shortly after the launch of The Vision Care Institute in Milan earlier this year. Hot on the heels of these two launches and continuously following suit, a Vision Care Institute is planned for launch in the UK next year, opening up a whole host of educational benefits to UK-based eye care professionals and our neighbouring countries.

Badminton mixed doubles partners Gail Emms and Nathan Robertson

sporting activity. Also, over 40% of those wearing contact lenses for sport agreed that the product had improved their performance, with agreement rising to over 50% for Acuvue wearers.

The Vision Care InstituteTM is a trademark of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care. © JJVC 2007. A division of Johnson & Johnson Medical Ltd. * The distance learning packages are

EDUCATION IS ESSENTIAL To further demonstrate Johnson & Johnson Vision Care’s commitment to continued education and eye health it is celebrating the recent launch of its latest state-of-the-art visual skills and training centre, The Vision Care Institute in the Chinese National Sports Training Centre in Beijing. “The opening of the Vision Care Institute in Beijing further demonstrates Johnson & Johnson’s global commitment to eye care professionals - and to the Olympic Games,” said Ian Davies,

currently being sent out to Eye Care Professionals that attended the ‘Be The Best You Can Be’ road shows throughout March and May 2007. Eye Care Professionals that did not attend the road shows can fill in a CET Distance Learning order form to receive the modules. For further information about these modules and to receive an order form, please contact your ACUVUE® Account Manager.

1. Mintel 2007 2. HMSO 2004 3. Reed/College of Optometrists 2007

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE ON RUDY PROJECT

In rude health Over twenty years of research, innovation and advanced science

360° FULLY ADJUSTABLE TEMPLE TIPS The temple tips can be adjusted in any direction by applying gentle pressure.

Rudy Project employs no-slip parts that do not fail in the heat of the moment.

ERGONOSE (I & II) An advanced technology in nose piece, the Ergonose (I & II) contains a number of enhancements including aerated Megol nose pads that ensure maximum comfort.

OPTICAL RX INSERT & SPECIFICS For our more technical sunglasses that cannot support a direct in frame RX, we have created “clip-on” RX optical inserts that can be snapped in behind the polycarbonate lenses. Rudy Project also offers a wide range of sports glasses specifically designed to have high index prescriptions. Exception, Kabrio and Perception are advanced solutions for those who seek versatile Rx platforms with solar protection.

RUDY IMPACTX LENS TECHNOLOGY Since the development of CR-39 and Polycarbonate over 40 years ago, there have been few advances and innovations in high impact-resistant optical polymer development. NXT is a family of patented polyurethane optical polymers, transparent and unbreakable, originally developed for

...AND FOR GOLF FANS Engineered by professional golfers, this revolutionary lens has been tailored to offer all the assets of our prestigious Golf 100 optics, but perfected with ImpactX technology and photochromic properties. They provide unique climatic management technology for dark conditions, when light transmission can drop from 78% to 20% in a few seconds.

WHY RUDY? 1. NXT is stronger than any other lens material, guaranteed not to crack.

2. It has lower refractive index, internal stress and chromatic dispersion than polycarbonate, resulting in sharper images.

3. NXT lenses feature a superior Quartz scratch-resistant antistatic coatings.

4. It is 20% lighter than CR-39 and 10% lighter than Polycarbonate.

5. Tailor-made NXT formula for superior safety and unparalleled protection.

6. Enhanced visual acuity for any climatic conditions.

15 PERFORMANCE EYEWEAR

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the US military to provide superior protection and performance. This material is also used in the windows in post-September 11 cockpit doors being installed on airplanes and Apache helicopter windshields panels; it is today available for Rudy Project Technically Cool Eyewear under a unique and unparalleled lens program: ‘ImpactX’.

ImpactX represents today the most advanced technological solution in the field of vision protection. Thanks to its transparency and superior optical quality, lenses made in NXT ensure sharp vision and unbeatable comfort: they are made by casting, a process which ensures lower internal stress, higher optical homogeneity and mechanical stability compared to traditional polycarbonate lenses.

ImpactX lens technology offers breakthrough NXT semi-rigid molecular properties formulated exclusively for Rudy Project. After years of laboratory research and field tests with professional athletes, ImpactX has been perfected with cutting edge light management technology by combining photochromic particles and advanced polarized technology in the mass, incorporating superior impact resistance with enhanced visual acuity, for virtually any climatic condition.

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udy Project was founded in Treviso, Italy in 1985, immediately gaining a prominent position and establishing itself as one of the leading companies in Europe in the sporting and optical sector The basis for this success lies in its distribution network, its investment in communication strategies, and its mission to concentrate on excellent product quality. It is on a constant search for new materials and technologies to apply to lenses and frames.

Conceived initially for athletes, Rudy Project glasses rapidly became widespread amongst a wider clientele, thanks to the combination of aesthetic features and the exceptional visual comfort and protection that they offer.

Globally, more than 10,000 athletes in a variety of disciplines are backed

by Rudy Project; these include cyclists, as well as golfers, sailers, skaters, snowboarders, triathletes and cross-country skiers. German 24-yearold Linus Gerdemann, won the first Alpine stage at this year’s Tour de France wearing Rudy Project’s ultralight wraparound Rydon II glasses. In addition, Australian rower Amber Halliday (pictured) won her third light double scull world championship this year wearing Rudy Project frames.

Founded by Rudy Barbazza and today, managed by his sons Cristiano who is the managing director, and Simone, who is in charge of marketing and communications, the company is one of the last eyewear brands to remain totally independent, faithful to its original mission: that of creating technical glasses with attention to the smallest of details and subjected to the most meticulous quality control, which succeed in fulfilling the requirements of the most demanding users.

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