Supporting UK Optics

Through The Next 100 Years

Better Together

FMO is the Federation of Manufacturing Opticians, providing innovation, insight and excellence for the whole of the UK optical industry. We provide a thriving network for companies engaged in all aspects of manufacturing, distribution and supply of spectacle and contact lenses, lenses, ophthalmic instruments and equipment, as well as providers of business services to optical practices.

We’re working closely with ABDO, FODO, BCLA, the College of Optometrists and other professional associations and trade bodies, partners and stakeholders to tackle the challenges and opportunities presented by a rapidly changing industry.

FMO represents optical manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of spectacle and contact lenses, spectacle frames, ophthalmic equipment, business service providers and IT companies.

Key Membership Benefits

Optrafair Discount

20% discount on the rate card (subject to qualifying period) for exhibiting at OPTRAFAIR, the UK’s longest running and most respected optical showcase that is the launch pad for all that is new in the field of optics.

Monthly Bad Payers List

Our members know that bad payers are bad for their business. FMO plays a unique role not just in highlighting bad payers, but in mediating between the member and the debtor which often results in payment of the debt by the debtor rather than being put on this powerful list.

Invaluable Updates

At our regular members’ General Meetings there are presentations by leading industry figures and an opportunity for members to learn from each other.

FMO issues an electronic newsletter from time to time, but also sends single item emails to all members, or specifically to members of a Focus Group, on an ongoing basis.

Meeting room in London

All FMO members can use our Board Room at 199 Gloucester Terrace (within easy walking distance of Paddington mainline and underground stations) completely free of charge subject to availability.

BSI/ISO Standards

FMO’s Standards Panel co ordinates all UK input into optical standards, ensuring that through its own representatives on BSI and ISO committees and working groups, and that of representatives of other UK optical bodies, these standards reflect the reality of UK manufacturing, supply and distribution, and that the language used in the standards can be easily interpreted for implementation.

All FMO members are entitled to a 15% discount on the purchase price of BSI Standards.

Annual Christmas Luncheon and AGM

Every December our members, together with leading figures in optics, come together to celebrate FMO’s achievements at our AGM, followed by a Christmas Luncheon and presentations of donations to the optical charities FMO supports.

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What our members say…

Julie Abel

As a young and fresh organisation, the FMO has been incredibly supportive in helping our team to progressively navigate our way within the UK market, then into territories world-wide as Eyespace has grown and expanded.

J. Abel
Managing Director – Eyespace Eyewear

Martin Batho

Personally, the element that I most appreciate is the environment and opportunity the FMO creates to facilitate discussions with like-minded people throughout the industry and to gain feedback on the market.

M. Batho
Managing Director – Hoya Lens UK Ltd

Adam Dibble

There is no doubt that our membership of FMO provides tangible benefits for our business. FMO enables us to access the know-how and expert knowledge that provides essential support for optical businesses – particularly in the early days – to help us to grow quickly and increase sales.

A. Dibble
Sales Director – Dibble Optical

Stuart Burn

We became a member over 10 years ago and a the time the Optrafair discount was the main driving force behind the decision. Since then though we have come to realise that the networking and information benefits are far more important and have far greater value than a monetary benefit.

S. Burn
Managing Director – Performance Finance

David Baker

The FMO Bad Payers List gives us additional customer knowledge to manage our Credit Control function more effectively and minimise potential trading risks.

D. Baker
Managing Director – Dunelm Optical Limited

Amanda Danson

With 60 years of experience, Birmingham Optical is positioned as a key equipment supplier in the optical industry – and we are proud to have been active members of FMO for the past 25 of those years.

A. Danson
CCO – Birmingham Optical

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Industry News

SURFACING AND GLAZING LABS STILL OPEN (MAY 2020 UPDATE)

Jun 4, 2020

Please see below a list of Rx labs that are currently open and able to surface and glaze lenses. Each lab reserves the right to close in accordance with the situation at any time. Updated 28th May...

FRAME COMPANIES STILL OPEN

Apr 27, 2020

Below is a list of frame companies that are currently open despite the ongoing Covid19 situation and able to provide customers with frames and frame supplies. Each company reserves the right to close in accordance with the situation at any time. [ddownload id="2229"...

Grant available for lab technicians in manufacturing optics

Apr 17, 2020

Lab technicians working in manufacturing optics may be eligible for a grant from the Optical Workers’ Benevolent Fund. The Chair of the Charity, Janice English, explained that now is the time to support people who are facing difficult times. ‘UK optics is, to many of...

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