Comment: Providing an insight in sight

Having a fresh pair of eyes look at what you do and how you do it is always an interesting exercise. It might not always yield an Emperor's new clothes moment but it certainly provides useful insights. Each year Mintel takes a look at the optical business and provides a snapshot of the business as well as a barometer of who's up and who's down.

While Optical Goods & Eyecare (Page 5) gives the usual statistical round-up it also provides some useful verbatim comments on the use of the eye examination and indications of consumer attitudes.

What stands out are the statistics about those having, or more importantly not having, an eye exam. It is taken for granted that the eye exam is the gateway to selling spectacles and contact lenses and that consumers understand the health benefits of the eye test.