The announcement was made at FODO's annual general meeting on Wednesday by its chairman Brian Carroll. 'Over the past two years our membership has continued to grow, but today is more significant. I am pleased to welcome Specsavers, the largest brand in the UK, as FODO members.' The group was accepted at a FODO council meeting prior to the agm. Specsavers Group chairman Doug Perkins said: 'Putting our corporate strength behind FODO and working with them is one of the most effective ways we can support the profession and help it face its challenges. 'The traditional full-service optician is under threat from supermarkets and internet sales. We must work together to protect our long-held values.' FODO general secretary Bob Hughes said: 'Our new ability to speak for all four major brands and most of the regional and family companies will improve our capacity to represent the interests of our members, and to negotiate on behalf of opticians generally.' He commented that Specsavers would add to the experts from member companies on its committees and working parties, and strengthen FODO's ability to think about the future.