Optician news in brief

Essilor has purchased a majority stake in the China-based global online retailer Eyebuydirect.com. Roy Hessel, founder of Eyebuydirect.com, will continue as CEO of the firm, which ships value priced spectacles to global markets including Asia. Essilor purchased Framesdirect.com in 2010, which sells higher end frames and branded eyewear in the US. It also invested in Myonlineoptical.com in the same year as an online platform for the optical profession. In terms of Myonlineoptical.com, an Essilor spokesperson said: 'We believe the internet is a complementary channel to support eye care professionals.'

Revised GOS model contracts approved this month (News 10.05.13) have been posted online by the Association of Optometrists (www.aop.org.uk). It follows the transfer of responsibility for GOS contracts from PCTs to NHS England from last month. Changes include the removal of a requirement to write notification letters to GPs with the results of a NHS test of a patient with diabetes or glaucoma. The letters had been considered unnecessary by optical leaders.