The decline of the independent optical sector seems to have been a permanent fixture of business reporting in recent times.
I recently wrote about the buzz at Independents' Day 2015. It was outlined how independent practices had identified niches up which to build their business model. Several recent conversations have backed this sentiment too.
Some other, more concrete, indicators appear to lend further weight. These days the Index just charts the fortunes of independents and regional chains and while it shows the proportion of NHS test is rising that is within the context of rising figures for the number of those taking an eye exam.
The Index shows a welcome, if modest, increase in practice turnover and an increase in the number of eye examinations by three per cent. The number of progressive lenses and coatings also rose which completes the higher value picture. Photochromic lenses are also on an upward trend.
This week's issue also reveals the latest numbers on NHS-funded testing and vouchers. Counter to the above this shows the very first fall in the numbers of state-funded eye examinations counted since this measure began ( 2002) but within it is some heartening news. Despite the ageing population and the larger number of older, and eligible patients it is the younger age groups that are coming forward in greater numbers.
Not entirely a bright picture but good all the same to see some messages about eye care for the young coming through. What it also may suggest is that more people are opting to pay that bit extra to have a slightly more specialised experience.
If our correspondents and talk at iDay is anything to go by there are plenty of independents who welcome the prospect of leaving the low cost end of the market to the multiples and letting the independents take those looking to spend a little bit more.