CIBA boss goes on a charm offensive

CIBA Vision UK is to establish a monitoring and mystery shopping programme to ensure the regulations relating to contact lens aftercare are being implemented. It will also aim to observe that the standards of patient care are maintained post-Section 60 order.

In a wide ranging letter to independents, managing director Howard Barnes hit back at 'misinformation' he said had circulated about the company's pricing policy and sought to offer advice and reassurance following the Section 60 changes.

In a package of measures designed to underpin its relationship with opticians, Barnes said it would seek to monitor the marketplace.
The August 18 letter stated that, as a result of the concern voiced in the profession, CIBA would be looking at: 'ways to monitor the marketplace through things like mystery shopping programs [sic], to ensure the regulations relating to the accurate fulfilment of contact lens prescriptions, and aftercare, are being adhered to.'

Barnes' letter added that speculation on discounts offered to certain retailers by CIBA was inaccurate and went on to suggest a number of ways in which practitioners could protect themselves from changing market conditions. These included support packages, freight charge-free internet ordering and encouragement to join buying groups.

Barnes reiterated his commitment to the independent sector and encouraged practitioners to contact him with their concerns.

Response to the letter on the College of Optometrists' website was mixed. Some practitioners hit out at CIBA for supplying the supermarkets which then went on to sell product at low prices, others urged the profession to respond by increasing professional fees.

Another group expressed support for Ciba and Focus dailies and criticised the GOC for allowing the new rules to come into force.