Association of Independent Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians delighted with level of response to its consultation

Independent opticians have provided a steady stream of responses to the consultation document on a new Consumer Code of Practice issued by the Association of Independent Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians in the run up to Optrafair.

The AIO said it handed out nearly 200 copies of the code of practice during Optrafair while members, and non-members alike, have gone on to the website to download the document.

Peter warren Chairman of the AIO said he was delighted at the high level of interest shown in the consultation. ‘The independent sector has long been calling for a quality mark that will help people understand the choice that they have in deciding where to go for their eyecare.’ He said the AIO code will deliver that and the Association would help independent opticians get that message across in their local area. AIO secretary Pat Cameron Davies said opening up the consultation to the whole sector had been a deliberate act to get the widest possible range of views. ‘The Code will become the gold standard for identifying the best quality practices on the high street and we want the sector as a whole to feel ownership of the code.’