In focus: GOC to probe Specsavers video

A General Optical Council investigation has been launched after a video was published on social media featuring a member of Specsavers staff explaining how the practice had been operating in the latter-stages of lockdown, potentially breaching rules on essential eye care implemented by NHS England during the outbreak of Covid-19.

In the video, the staff member, who Optician understands to be a joint venture partner, detailed how the practice had a significant increase in the number of walk-in patients, had seen increases in the number of eye test forward bookings and claimed that patients had brought their custom to the practice while other opticians in the areas were closed. The staff member also highlighted that patient flow was managed by employees outside of the practice and showed the social distancing measures put in place.