In 2015 Optical Express launched its free laser eye surgery offer for industry professionals as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations.
First announced in 2013, the offer of free laser eye surgery was open to qualified dispensing opticians, optometrists and ophthalmologists or students working towards an optical qualification.
The relaunch coincided with Optical Express’ 25th anniversary celebrations and was part of a wider celebration of Optical Express’ silver anniversary.
With industry professionals increasingly receiving enquiries from patients on laser eye surgery, Optical Express were keen to ensure that all optical professionals were made fully aware of the benefits of the treatment and could then better inform patients on their surgery options.
Education was the main focus of the project, as Optical Express’ Clinical Services Director, Stephen Hannan explains: “We believe that the best way for eye care professionals to understand the benefits of laser eye surgery is to experience it for themselves.
“The feedback from those who received free treatment demonstrates the value of the project with 66% saying they didn’t think their university studies covered laser eye surgery sufficiently.”
Over 1000 optical professionals and students received the laser eye surgery as part of the initiative.
Optical Express Chairman and CEO David Moulsdale said:
“When we last ran this offer we were overwhelmed both by the interest and in the results. Virtually everyone who had treatment with Optical Express had their opinion transformed about laser eye surgery and, as a result were much more willing to discuss their experience positively with their own patients.
“I hope that the public can take confidence that so many people working in eye care have had such a positive experience with laser eye surgery. Being free from glasses and contact lenses allows people to do so much more with their lives. We have treated over two million patients and the results they achieve are nothing short of extraordinary. “Everyone who works in eye care always wants the best outcome for their patients. This offer was all about making sure that as many eye care professionals as possible were fully aware of the new technology and new techniques that have transformed laser eye surgery in recent years.”
