CHEC’s unique stand offered the chance to conduct cataract surgery in a dry lab.
CHEC, one of the largest providers of community-based ophthalmology services in the UK, has been announced as the winner of the ‘most engaging stand’ at 100% Optical, the fastest growing optical event in Europe and largest in the UK. The event was hosted between the 23rd and 25th April at London’s ExCeL Centre.
CHEC’s highly innovative stand provided event attendees with the opportunity to conduct cataract surgery on a demonstration model in a dry lab, provided by Théa Pharmaceuticals. CHEC’s CEO and consultant ophthalmologist, Mr Imran Rahman, awarded an iPad to the best surgeon each day.
A competition winner said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of conducting cataract surgery at CHEC’s dry lab and would love to do it again. It was the best part about 100% Optical by a long shot, and I hope CHEC can exhibit again at next year’s event.”
Partnered with the Association of Optometrists, 100% Optical showcased the latest industry tech and facilitated networking for industry peers and organisations. It was attended by over 4,000 optometrists, 1,000 practice owners and 2,000 dispensing opticians. The event featured expert driven workshops on consulting, diagnostics, dispensing and industry trends.
Mr Rahman hosted a CPD seminar entitled “Managing the Covid-19 backlog in ophthalmology” to explore the role of community-based approaches to healthcare in reducing NHS waiting lists, which have dramatically increased during the pandemic.
CHEC was joined on stand by strategic partner the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), a charity offering support and advice to two million people in the UK experiencing sight loss. CHEC partnered with RNIB in April 2022 to ensure Eye Care Liaison Officers are on hand to provide tailored practical and emotional support to patients.
This was CHEC’s first time attending 100% Optical, so its success at the event, and its partnership with RNIB, come alongside its recent growth and the expansion of its treatment centres and services, with sites opening in key hubs across the UK, including Nottingham, Leicester and Northampton – with its Newcastle site also set to open in June.
Jon Dore, CHEC’s COO, said: “We are very excited to be the winners of the ‘most engaging stand’ award at such a respected and prestigious event for the ophthalmology industry, and the accolade is truly reflective of the level of innovation and ambition across CHEC. Our CEO was thrilled to host such a well-received CPD seminar on reducing NHS waiting lists in ophthalmology, something that lies at the very core of what we aim to do at CHEC through our community-based approaches to healthcare. We are already looking forward to exhibiting again at 100% Optical 2023!”
