Look Local: Ludlow’s lonely independent

Sandwiched between multiples

Peter Meredith, independent owner and optometrist at his eponymous practice, which was established in this part of Shropshire 11 years ago, says: ‘Before I opened my practice there were two independents and one multiple serving the town. I am now the only independent alongside two large multiples, [Vision Express and Specsavers opticians and hearing care.]’

Meredith says the past decade has seen positive changes in CCG pathways and success in new Primary Eyecare Acute Referral Schemes (Pears). However, the independent market has been no picnic during the period of transition. ‘We have a good relationship with the two nearest eye hospitals and enhanced services are working well,’ he says.