In Focus: Outsourced eye care arrives on the UK high street

Recent years have seen teleoptometry and remote optometry consultations turn from concept to reality thanks to advances in technology and better compliance with specific country laws, but for Brillen UK, the coronavirus pandemic has been the catalyst for introducing a new business and patient care model.

The company has introduced a two-stage buying process, where the patient has an initial refraction performed remotely by an overseas practitioner to ascertain a spectacle prescription, with a follow up in person and a ‘health check’ by a UK-registered optometrist when a pair of spectacles are ordered and collected.

A company spokesperson told Optician: ‘We adopted this business model as part of the changes influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic last year and the general move towards teleoptometry within the industry.