In focus: Surrey Downs issues stark reminder of MECs value

Specsavers’ commitment to enhanced optical services is now well-established but independent providers of such schemes will be keen to hold their ground at a local level.

Last week it was confirmed the multiple had secured the contract to provide a MECs scheme for Surrey Downs CCG.

The idea of a private company winning community services caused a stir on optical forums, it being a departure from the well-trodden LOC pathway.

Indeed, four years on from the decision to award Specsavers with the DVLA testing contract, practitioners would be forgiven for speculating enhanced services might go the same way.

But they would not, a Specsavers spokesperson told Optician following the developments in Surrey.