Look local: Business as usual in Dundee

Dundee’s industrial history is one of great variety and wealth. Although known primarily for its production of jute fibre, for years jars of Kieller’s marmalade have been brewing in the city while the latest Beano comics rolled off its printing press and into the hands of eager children. It is no wonder then, that Dundee has earned itself the epithet of the city of three ‘Js’: jute, journalism and jam. As Scotland’s fourth largest city, its optical practices are kept busy serving a large population, all benefitting from free NHS eye tests.

Yet Ferrier and MacKinnon Optometrists practice manager Fernando Pons (pictured below) says the introduction of free eye tests has had little effect on the business. ‘There’s been no change in the number of people booking sight tests since the change, our practice hasn’t felt any different at all.’ The free eye tests have, however, improved the amount of patients going directly to an optometrist rather than their GP.