Supermarket to double investment in opticians

Tesco Opticians will almost double in size by the end of the year, as Britain's biggest retailer aims to include optical outlets in all its key Tesco Extra hypermarkets.

Tesco, which this week became the first British retailer to report a £2bn profit, will begin its optical expansion on Monday when it opens a new practice at its Bursledon Towers store, near Southampton. A total of 15 Tesco Opticians will open this year, employing an extra 120 members of staff.

Next week's opening will use a new layout (pictured) which has been successfully piloted at its Blackpool store. By the end of the year there will be 35 Tesco Opticians, employing 280 people including around 60 professional staff. Each outlet ordinarily employs one optometrist and one or two dispensing opticians.

A spokeswoman for Tesco refused to divulge any profit or turnover figures relating to the optical side of the business due to commercial sensitivity, but said the aggressive store expansion plan 'speaks for itself'.

Naturally, the retailer's offer is highly competitive, with complete spectacles starting at £25, with designer spectacles from £80. The practices are open until 9pm most days.