Just back from the International Opticians' Association meeting in Cape Town, South Africa. It was all I expected and up to the usual high standard of the association. Congratulation to the past president of the IOA, Kevin Phillips, and his team. South Africa is a fascinating country and well worth a visit. We took a couple of extra weeks and travelled around a bit.

We discussd many issues of interest to opticians (many over a quiet beer in the Table Bay Hotel's excellent bar). The IOA's executive will also be working on a number of projects between now and its next meeting. The new president is Pat Tolar of the United States and our next conference is planned for Las Vegas in 2005 (to coincide with Vision Expo West). I hope to see many of you there.
Regards
David