Letters : September 1

Get fee-wise

Andy Chance-Hill identifies the threat to traditional optical practice from the arrival of supermarkets and internet suppliers of optical products ('Time to get web-wise' Optician, August 25 2006). The same issue of Optician highlights the continuing loss of market share by the independent sector.

While wholly supporting Andy's argument that we need to embrace the benefits of technology to help counter this threat, there is another argument that needs to be aired.

It is absolutely clear that expensive clinical time in practices cannot continue to be subsidised by dispensing sales. Surveys conducted by Foresight Eyecare indicate that each dispensing provides an average subsidy of £54 to make up for inadequate examination fees. This cost burden does not exist for purely retail or internet sellers.