Practices take the flak on TV's Rip-off Britain

BBC's Rip-off Britain earlier this week questioned whether the UK's opticians were duping consumers who had to 'pay through the nose' for eyewear.

On the programme, hosted by Gloria Hunniford, Angela Rippon and Jennie Bond, Vision Express founder Dean Butler said that, 20 years on, he thought people were paying too much for eyewear when a good middle of the road product with good quality frames should cost in the range of £50-100, with a good mark-up for the dispenser. He explained that when VE started it discounted by 40 per cent to major competition, which was still a very profitable price for them and a saving for consumers. 'Glasses are a necessity for many people. Nearly two thirds of people wear them and they don't know what they cost,' said Butler.