Beliefs & Ethos

We believe that

• eye health has a central role in health, well-being, independence and achievement

• eye care should be available to all including those who do not currently access it

• the public deserves the very best in eye care and we act in the public interest to achieve that goal

• our world class 'clinical and retail mix' model offers the best means of achieving this

• there are essential links between the eye examination, eye care and the provision of eyewear

• our members aim to provide these services to the highest standards

• the public is best served and public health protected where eye care is delivered by highly skilled, qualified and properly regulated professionals and businesses

• the patient's right to choose their optical practice drives quality, access and choice

• this applies equally to NHS patients and those who fund their own care

• practitioners and businesses should be free to enter the market to compete on the basis of quality, access and choice