The average age of patients for all treatments is similar to last year, at 37 years
Half of all patients are referred to clinics by personal recommendation
The proportion of clinics whose surgeons are all consultant ophthalmologists has dropped to one in four
Prices vary considerably but in general are similar to last year's
More than half are now private clinics rather than hospital or optical/practice based
Lasik remains the most dominant procedure, with a trend away from PRK towards Lasek
Nearly half of all clinics now have wavefront technology and almost half expect to invest in it in the future.
Commenting on the report, David Cartwright, Boots Opticians director of professional services, said: 'It is a concern that the increase in clinic openings could lead to some providers struggling to maintain numbers, in turn reducing their price and ultimately their standards.
'In this environment the optometrist should be aware that there are differing standards within the market and be able to direct their patient towards a provider that has invested in a high standard of equipment and treatment.'
Refractive surgery special Ð pages 20-40.
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