Credit crunch warning for the profession

Speaking to Optician at Sightcare's annual flagship conference, he warned: 'If recession comes, practices will be hit hard.'

In the day's opening speeches, both Surridge and Sightcare chairman Richard Petrie considered the impact of the global credit crunch on the optical profession. 'The next three years will be the toughest the industry has ever faced,' Petrie warned.

The event's theme, 'Survival of the fittest', was created by Sightcare to address what it believes to be the most important issue facing its members. Lectures throughout the one-day conference in Birmingham were designed to help practitioners deal with the current financial climate as well as other market threats such as competition from multiples and online eyewear sellers.