OCCS chases new contract

Optical consumer complaints could be handled by a new body when the General Optical Council (GOC) puts the contract for a complaints service out to contract in 2012.

Speaking at a seminar of the Optical Consumer Complaints Service (OCCS) in London last week, its administrator and company secretary, Richard Wilshin, said the OCCS operated under contract to the GOC which set it up in 1992. That contract came to an end in March and the GOC had indicated that it would be renewed for the following two years but after that it would offer the contract out to tender.

In the year to March 31, the OCCS reduced its cost to the GOC following a move to Hampshire from London and also unilaterally requested that its usual inflation rate rise is frozen, stating that any increases in costs will be met from its reserves.