Streets of shame

- I read with some bemusement the comments of David Hewlett in your article on examination fee rises (Optician December 8).

In the same week that the optical press was full of the sterling efforts made by the Optometric Fees Review Committee to squeeze even a mediocre increase out of a reluctant Department of Health, my local store of a large multiple had a sandwich board outside its practice offering 'Free sight tests today'.

Come on, Mr Hewlett, as chief executive don't you think it is time to photograph these idiots and have the pictures blown up to poster size to adorn the walls of your Committee Rooms? If only to remind your members that there is a moment in time when they actually have to practise what they preach. We will never convince a government that the eye examination is worth more for as long as there are those who openly prostitute it in the high street.