Surridge warns the worst is yet to come

Tougher times lie ahead for the UK optical industry, according to Paul Surridge, chief executive of the Sight Care Group.

Speaking to Optician this week about the outlook for the UK market, Surridge said: 'I think we're yet to feel the pinch.

'We're certainly not coming out of recession yet. I think we've got some pretty tough times to come. Consumer borrowing is the highest it's ever been, we've got the highest rate of personal debt in Europe and if you add the fact that banks have been relatively reluctant to lend, suddenly there is a fear in consumers' minds about spending.'