Chris Bennett: Possible pointer to structural change

High fashion licensing isn't an area most opticians would study for indications of future trends but the move by the owner of the Gucci brand (news) should not be ignored by optics.

The changing nature of retail optics has become something of an obsession at business seminars and conferences. Much of the chatter concentrates on the known knowns. The multiple sector is growing and the independent sector is shrinking. The multiples offer budget products on deals  and the independents high value products. Increasingly less true.

The concensus tells us that the independent sector must carve out a new niche for itself along the medical model (24.07.14) and can only grow and thrive by becoming an integral player in primary care. There are, of course, known  unknowns. Does the independent optical sector have the appetite to fulfill this primary care role? The pioneering practitioners we see talking from the podium seem convinced but is that enthusiasm echoed by the profession at large? If it has that appetite can it secure funding from the an NHS which is used to paying peanuts, or nothing, for optical professional services?