Enthusiasm is infectious so let's all be a bit more positive about the independent sector

Independent practice, its future, its health and how it can compete with the big chains has dominated discussions in the retail optical business for years.

When the chains first started gaining strength there was denial, then, as they grew in strength, fear moving to panic (sometimes) and resignation. More recently that sentiment has become fightback, differentiation and clarity of offer. At different times independents have been encouraged to take on the chains, at other times to ignore them.

Over the years the intensity of this discussion has increased but the sentiment around the independent sector has improved.  The sector has shrunk, sometimes with alarming speed, other times slowing. What is for sure is that the attitude of indies has changed and their resolve has hardened.