OCCS contract retained by Nockolds Solicitors

The Optical Consumer Complaints Service (OCCS) has announced that Nockolds Solicitors has retained the contract to provide mediation services following a competitive tender process.

A three-year contract with an optional one-year extension has been awarded to the Hertfordshire-based firm, which resolved 88% of consumer complaints for the OCCS last year.

The body is funded by the General Optical Council, which said that Nockold’s method of mediation has contributed to increased patient satisfaction, lower costs per complaint and a reduction in cases being referred to fitness to practise proceedings.

Dionne Spence, director of casework and resolutions at the GOC, said: ‘Nockolds have been instrumental in the success of the OCCS over the past five years and their understanding of the optical sector is second to none. They bring unique expertise and passion to the service and we have seen first-hand how mediation has been highly beneficial for our sector.