Independent plan

- In response to the letters from Jim Osborne and Max Davison (December 8) and your own editorial, I have just one comment to add is it not time that as independents we put our own houses in order?

I agree absolutely with Mr Davison and Mr Osborne that the 2.5 per cent increase is pitiful, I agree that this will force even greater cross subsidy from the sale of spectacles and I agree that this will only serve to build the perception that spectacles from independent opticians are over-priced and force patients towards the internet and other low cost retailers.

But I believe independent opticians can take their own action to ensure they are rewarded for the services they offer. We have been operating Eyeplan now for nine years and, with tens of thousands of members across the country, we know that patients are more than willing to engage in a value exchange with their opticians quality care and value for money spectacles in exchange for reasonable monthly fees. Take a look at the Eyeplan Business Model and there will be no need to wait for the GOS review to be completed.