Posts Tagged ‘Optical market’

Best of Both Worlds

Friday, June 3rd, 2011

As we all get more internet savvy and take full advantage of the simplicity and economy of online shopping, specs retailers like us are happily increasing our share of the Optical market in the UK. While you’ll always need your flesh and blood optician for certain services, we believe that our professional expertise can work alongside traditional opticians to give you more choice and more eyewear options. But you still need to make regular trips into the practice for your eye examinations – and in case you’re wondering why, here’s our top ten eye test truths…..

1.Eyes don’t hurt if they’re not working properly, so you need an eye exam to spot potential problems.

2.At the moment you can’t have a new pair of eyes if yours go wrong! So look after the ones you’ve got.

3.Early detection of disease is easier to deal with than advanced symptoms, so don’t put off your test.

4.The eye test can also pick up signs of general health issues, such as high blood pressure.

5.Poor sight can be dangerous, especially for drivers. A full exam will ensure you are safe on the roads.

6.The best sight we can give you will make your life easier and more enjoyable – you may be able to take up a hobby or sport again if your sight was improved.

7.Your Optician can suggest solutions to problems in the home, workplace, or on the sports field. For instance you may need a combination of specs and contact lenses to fulfil all your needs.

8.In the young poor sight may hinder their learning and social development, but what they see is normal to them so parents often don’t know there’s a problem. Get it checked!

9.In the elderly poor sight can lead to falls, poor quality of life, and even danger – what if they can’t read their medication instructions properly?

10.Even a small change in glasses prescription can prevent headaches, eye strain and visual discomfort.

So don’t ignore those reminder letters! See your optician for help, advice and peace of mind. Then send us your prescription and we’ll do the rest!

Varifocal Glasses

In Recovery

Monday, June 14th, 2010

With our new Government finding their feet and stores such as Boots recording record profits, it would seem that we’re making tentative steps towards believing in a recovery. Are we seeing signs of this in the Optical market, and is it affecting what we sell?

Several big names have sounded optimistic about their prospects through 2010, all backed up by their sales records for the first quarter of the year. One of the world’s biggest luxury frame manufacturers reported a return to normal sales figures for 2010, with signs of growth for the upcoming months. Ultralase, who perform Laser surgery for vision correction were 25% up on consultation bookings at the beginning of the year, and obviously these are two key areas where luxuries, not necessities are showing marked signs of improvement.

Last year manufacturers were being cautious about new product, scaling down new collections and showing a more austere approach to design. Ostentatious bling was replaced by more subtle styles, and there was a retro feel to many new styles which hinted at a return to classics that would stand the test of time. Disposable, faddy fashion was gone, in favor of styles that would stick around.

Designer fashion held back a little too, with showy logos replaced by discreet styling and detail. To be taken seriously in the workplace clients wanted smart specs with a grown up attitude. Some even ordered frames with no power lenses to add to their studious image! Some contact lens patients switched back to specs in an effort to lower costs.

So as 2010 progresses, we see some of these changes going into reverse as we go into recovery. The High Street shopper is gradually losing their caution and sales of sunnies, contact lenses, and luxury brands are on the increase. Despite news of Government cuts and the cloud of the deficit hanging over us, we’re gradually returning to our shopping habits within the Optical sector.