Boots Opticians is one of the largest eye care providers in the UK with over 600 practices as of August last year, of which 167 operate on a franchise basis. It was the first multiple in the UK to include digital retinal photography as a standard part of its eye exams. De Rigo, a world leader in the design, production and distribution of high-end eyewear and sunwear, owns a 42% minority interest in Boots Opticians which it obtained in 2009 after Boots Opticians merged with Dollond & Aitchison.