A lesson in Euro-scepticism

Optician news reports continue to be both informative and entertaining. In the May 14 issue, Jerry Lewis explains the erratic behaviour at Vision Express, following the GrandVision take-over, as a Gallic habit of saying one thing but meaning another. As one can only apply a female gender to La belle France, in that context this statement certainly rings true. Apparently this understanding was nurtured at Bausch & Lomb; rather a shame it has since seen fit to dispose of much of it to Luxottica. My own, albeit limited, experience of the Continentals is that Germany can supply anything, but at a price. Italy promises everything but can default and the French, on principle, ignore any request not submitted in their own language. However, cross-Channel activity continues apace. Specsavers has sailed a steady course into Holland, despite some desertions from the lower deck and a couple from the bridge (including Mr Lewis). D&A, a rudderless vessel for many years, has acquired a new Italian captain and Specialeyes, finally consigned to the depths, still disgorges rumblings of debt to the surface. Boots continues to ply the quality route, proving there are too many in the market place and that few will get rich (or even satisfied customers) from cheap dispensing. Mike Cooper London N9