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Almost 6 per cent more eye examinations were carried out in February compared to January. This is a typical increase, however, and does not affect the annual growth.
The proportion of NHS eye examinations was 69.2 per cent this month, above average, and a slight increase on last month. The total volume of dispensing increased by 27 per cent last month, and remained at this level, with negligible change from January. Figures are 7 per cent behind the results for last year. On average for the year, change in the volume of dispensing remains consistently around zero.
There was little change in the proportion of single vision, bifocal or progressive lenses dispensed. Single-vision lenses volume increased by 1 per cent from January, while progressive lenses were the only type of lenses that showed overall growth, which was 2 per cent over the year. Progressive lenses accounted for almost 19 per cent of all dispensing.
The dispensing rate was lower this month at 64.8 per cent, as expected with a rise in eye examinations. Dispensing rate is calculated from total number of eye examinations and total dispensing, and hence does not take into account multiple dispensing. The figure for last February was 68 per cent.
There was no change in the volume of reflection-free coatings this month. They jumped 51 per cent from December to January. Results showed a more modest increase of 3 per cent on last February.
Overall, the volume of spectacles dispensed with an anti-reflective coating is showing annual growth of almost 11 per cent. Almost half of all spectacles are dispensed with an anti-reflective coating.
New contact lens fits have risen by more than 1 per cent from January but fell 15 per cent from last February. Growth rate over the year is estimated at a negative 5 per cent - a disappointment given figures had looked promising and were approaching positive growth.
Solution sales were up from January by 8 per cent. Overall, however, they have declined by 2 per cent over the last 12 months. This figure includes over-the-counter sales, but not solutions included as part of a regular monthly standing order.
Total practice turnover results were up by 12 per cent from January. Figures were also up by 2 per cent from February 2006. Overall, results have shown an increase of 6 per cent on average over the last year. Spend per eye examination was up again this month. The figure for February was £133.40, compared to £128.12 last month, and £128.35 last February. The mean value for the last 12 months was £134.93, so results this month are fairly average. Annual growth is around 2.5 per cent.
When comparing your practice with the results it is important to note that all our figures are equated to a 25-day month, so year on year, month on month we can compare equal time periods. February had 24 working days, excluding Sundays and UK Bank holidays.
New contributors to the Index are always welcomed. Benefits of participation include customised graphs and comparisons, and contributors are able to make ad hoc enquiries, receiving feedback and results entirely free of charge. There is also the opportunity to benchmark other aspects of practice management or sales against the whole sample. The service is completely confidential.
If a practice would like to contribute to the Index please contact Louise Jarvis on 01622 851726, to discuss the benefits, no obligation, or by email to l.jarvis@businessbenchmarks.co.uk ?