Visus writes: Pondering Specsavers’ OCT move

I guess there are a few in the optical industry who were surprised at the press release announcing that Specsavers was investing in optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology in a multi-million pound programme. However, I would not have thought this needed Mystic Meg to predict.

Perhaps it is pertinent to ask; is this further evidence of the group positioning itself to catch up with the independent sector ? Is this what is meant by ‘simply the right thing to do in terms of offering our patients a choice of the best possible technology in their eye examination’.

What is likely to be happening is that Specsavers may be expecting their franchisees to invest in a globally negotiated, take it or leave it deal, with one or two chosen suppliers. Industry speculation suggests there are already more than 500 OCTs in primary care optometry since it was first introduced in 2007. The lion’s share is already where most innovation takes place; the independent sector.