Ultralase under administration

Laser eye surgery group Ultralase has been placed under administration a year after being bought by rival Optimax.

A statement by the Ultralase Optimax Group blamed the challenging economic climate but promised ‘continuation of care’ for Ultralase patients.

The Association of Optometrists issued prompt advice for its affected members, but administrators ReSolve Partners did not provide any details on rumoured closures and redundancies.

Optimax’s completed acquisition of Ultralase was referred to the Competition Commission in July, with a final report due in January.

A message by Optimax founder Russell Ambrose following last year’s acquisition (News 07.12.12) said Ultralase had not made any money in the last five years but 14 clinics remained open.