Daysoft's Hamilton in spat with high street

Dr Ron Hamilton, executive chairman of Daysoft contact lenses, has accused high street opticians of restricting eye examinations to his online customers and of making derogatory comments about Daysoft contact lenses.

In an email to Daysoft customers requesting their experiences of restrictions to eye care or comments about Daysoft lenses, Dr Hamilton wrote: 'The regulations are clear; it is illegal for opticians to make an eye test conditional on you buying any contact lenses or glasses from them. From 2005 the regulations also insist that you be given a written contact lens specification to help you "shop around," including buying online.'

The email also included a response on the issue from Boots Opticians outlining its policies on the matter. The multiple said it would give eye examinations and contact lens checks to any patients, regardless of whether they purchased products from its practices. It also confirmed it would pass on contact lens specifications.