News

For the 11th year in a row, Specsavers has been named the most trusted brand of opticians in the UK in the 2012 Reader's Digest Most Trusted Brands survey. The multiple received 37 per cent of the vote more than that of Boots, Vision Express, Optical Express, Tesco, Asda and Leightons combined. Doug Perkins, chairman of Specsavers Optical group, said: 'Being trusted as a brand is what Specsavers values above all else. We feel that, even in times of austerity, it's trust that keeps customers coming back to the partnership.'

The number of NHS sight tests undertaken in England increased by 3.1 per cent in 2011/12, new figures from General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) have revealed. Overall, 12.3 million patients had NHS eye tests in 2011/12 - an increase of 367,000. The GOS Activity Statistics also revealed that 4.5 million NHS optical vouchers had been issued over the past year and that 429,000 NHS vouchers were issued for repair and replacement.

A record attendance for Independents Day has been announced by organisers Proven Track Record (PTR). A figure of 195 independent practitioners was above the estimated figure of 180 given to Optician last week (News 13.7.12). The theme for the event was 'Close Encounters of the Patient Kind', which tried to get to the heart of what patients think about practitioners. The 'sequel' will take place on July 8 2013 at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham, PTR added.

New patient information to aid contact lens compliance has been produced by the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA). The BCLA said the Your Checklist for Healthy Contact Lens Wear handout featured a checklist of 12 key steps for best CL wear. Guidance includes steps such as not using water on lenses or cases and changing cases every month. The sheet also includes a box for the patient's lens replacement frequency, recommended solutions and a practice stamp.