Despite what the multiple said was a challenging retail market (News 05.10.12), Optical Express has opened four new eye clinics in Bath, Chelmsford, Northampton and Lakeside Essex. The openings follow recent launches in Bradford, Brighton, Carlisle, Exeter, High Wycombe and Uxbridge and take the total to 10 in 2013. Optical Express said the new clinics would primarily focus on laser surgery, but would also stock a wide range of frames with the facility to offer eye examinations. It added that 30 locations across the UK had been identified for further expansion.
Swedish multiple Direkt Optik has been acquired by the Hans Anders retail group. Founded in 1992 by British optical group Crown Eyeglass, the multiple has 35 practices in Sweden and one in Alicante, Spain. Direkt Optik will remain active under its own brand and the price of the acquisition was not disclosed. CEO Patrick Herman said: 'Our strategy has proven itself in the Netherlands and Belgium and for several years Hans Anders is expanding successfully in France.'
Optometry Giving Sight has received a donation of £1,600 following the closure of The British Orthokeratology Society (BOKS). The closure follows the formation of The International Orthokeratology Society and its European section, EurOK. Optometry Giving Sight regional manager for Europe Donna Power said: 'We are honoured to accept this donation from BOKS, and are delighted that the society shares the importance of the eye care projects that we help to fund.'
Fight for Sight has awarded funding worth nearly £700,000 for seven new PhD studentships. The projects will focus on a range of conditions including diabetic retinopathy, corneal dystrophies, retinitis pigmentosa, AMD and mitochondrial optic neuropathy. Dr Dolores Conroy, director of research at Fight for Sight, said: 'We hope to inspire a new generation of scientists to build a future in eye research to prevent blindness and treat eye disease.'