Optical Confederation considers think tank

Setting up a new think tank for the profession has been discussed during an Optical Confederation leaders' group meeting.

Developments in the wider health sphere and new technology were also on the agenda at the first such meeting under new Confederation chairman Don Grocott.

He said of the think tank proposal: 'This would bring together key thinkers to inform the Confederation and others in the sector on how to respond to developments that affect optics.

'It would also be a good vehicle for looking at the position of independents in today's market. We are seeing a reduced number of independents compared to multiples - this is true of optics as much as any other "retail" sector. We will start to do some work on how this would operate and consider how it might be funded. A think tank could help to put the sector on the front foot.'