Vision Express CEO Jonathan Lawson speaks to independents at Optix conference

There are too many optical retailers in the UK, a lack of differentiation in the eyes of consumers and with little prospect of an upturn in business volumes some will have to close, Vision Express’ chief executive Jonathan Lawson told an Optix user group meeting last week.

In a keynote address: Multiples vs Independents? Room for both, but not all of us will make it, Lawson told 300 assembled independents: ‘In a lot of small towns I walk into there are an unsustainable number of multiples and Independents offering eye care. Will there be the same number in the future? I would be gobsmacked if there are.’