View from the AIO: Independents need to stay one step ahead

At Optrafair in April, Doug Perkins of Specsavers articulated how radically technology would impact their business, particularly in dispensing, over the next five years. The fact is the power of technology and what it can deliver by way of advancements in artificial intelligence is accelerating. The world of optics is likely to be as profoundly affected by this as any other profession.

It is apparent that Specsavers’ strategy is to turn increasingly to ‘enhanced optical services’ by expanding clinical services. The majority of independent practices already offer their patients in depth eye health examinations which would routinely include the clinical assessments embodied in the minor eye conditions service (Mecs) pathway. It was perhaps therefore no surprise many independents should receive a letter last week inviting them to join the ‘Specsavers family’.