Vision Express closes Batemans' Surrey lab

Vision Express has confirmed the closure of the Batemans' Laboratory in Godalming, Surrey by March 20 with all work being transferred to its Central Laboratory in Nottingham.

Seventy-five Batemans practices were acquired by Vision Express last May for an undisclosed sum after the 100-year-old family-run optical chain filed for bankruptcy.

Optician understands the 80-year-old laboratory employs around 60 people. Vision Express told Optician this week that it was in legal discussions with staff at the lab and was therefore unable to discuss numbers affected.

The decision to close the facility came after a detailed study was commissioned to examine the options for supplying lenses to practices, according to the company.