Specslab aims to grow in Europe

Specslab.co.uk, the online retailer which uses qualified opticians as franchisees, plans to expand into Europe.

UK director David Cregor explained that the company had more than doubled its projected figure of three franchisees for the last six months, with its eighth member joining before Christmas.

It offers optometrists and dispensing opticians the opportunity to own and operate a 'virtual eye care' practice in a postcode-designated area for a start up from £5,000. Cregor added that the concept had genuinely captured the imagination of the profession.

Surrey-based optometrist Gurpreet Singh said it gave him the opportunity to start his own business with few overheads. He added that there had been a huge response from companies in his area.