Ciba Vision aims for close contact with independents

The company says the programme provides practical assistance, training and promotional support, devised specifically to help the independent practice. As Jo Thorne, Ciba Vision marketing executive, explains, the programme's promotional message is supported by the 'Independent Optician - time to care' slogan. 'Since the independent practice has the flexibility to spend more time with patients, and the ability to build a relationship with individual customers over time, we have created this slogan to emphasise one of the advantages the independent can claim over the multiples,' she says. Each In-Contact member will periodically receive an In-Contact pack containing information and guidance on business development. The pack also includes advertising templates, public-relations copy and ideas, in-store and window display, educational point-of-sale literature, In-Contact magazine and training information. - For further details practitioners should contact their business development manager.