D&A partners online supplier

Dollond & Aitchison has responded to the report of its new online contact lenses partnership with Sainsbury's, which featured in last week's Optician (News, March 31).

The licensing agreement between the supermarket and the multiple means that Sainsbury's customers can buy lenses via the internet with professional aftercare service from D&A.

Andrew Bailey, commercial director at D&A, said: 'D&A and Sainsbury's have worked closely together to develop a service that will appeal to customers who want the accessibility and convenience that an online service can provide without compromising their eye care.

'Our decision to enter into this new partnership was significantly influenced by Sainsbury's shared commitment to quality and service.

It also presented an opportunity for two of the UK's most trusted retailers to widen the choices available to the three million contact lens wearers across the country.'

The new service offers customers the opportunity to order online from a range of lenses for direct delivery, with new prescriptions obtained either from the customer's existing optician or from any of D&A's 380 branches.

Customers will then have access to aftercare at any D&A branch at a preferential rate.

D&A and Sainsbury's are both Nectar partners and points will be available to online customers.