29 May 2025
Specsavers has reported it is investing more than £85,000 a day in its network of UK and Ireland optometry practices in order to “deliver accessible patient care and support the High Street.”
The High Street multiple, which has over 1000 practices in the UK and Ireland, said that the improvements range from upgrading practice interiors, and investing in illuminated product displays and digital screens, to enhancements focused on the customer experience.
Specsavers confirmed that more than 650 practices will be refreshed over a two-year period, with 500 practices already upgraded. It said the investment would amount to more than £64m over the 24-months.
Commenting on the investment, UK managing director at Specsavers, Carina Hummel, said: “We’re committed to continually investing in our practices to improve the environment for patients and our colleagues.”
Hummel described High Streets as “the hubs of local communities across the nation.”
“They serve as a lifeline for many, whether that’s as a place to socialise and connect with others, or somewhere that people can conveniently access vital goods and services,” she added.
Hummel said investing in practices had multiple benefits: “Colleagues will feel motivated and proud to be at work, helping them provide the best service to patients. And with an engaging and inviting environment, as well as a personalised and high-quality service, patients will come back time and time again.”
Comments (3)
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hilaryandmichael11 June 2025
Having worked for a well known family multiple organization many years ago-I developed disabling back and hip pains aggravated by the provided consulting room chair that belonged more in a junk yard rather than a consulting room with all adjustment levers broken and a death trap to sit on. After begging the area manager to get more suitable consulting room seating, lo and behold what appeared was no more than a form of gas operated bar stool with no back support, was more suited to a cabaret singer on a stage. I was told that was the best they could do and put up with it. In my 40 years as a practitioner I rarely felt that the Optometrists seating arrangements were taken into account one iota and the problems of musculo-skeletal injury and discomfort was completely ignored by some managers and their company. One would have thought litigation for damages against some optician employers would be appropriate had our political masters taken the problem on board.
Interesting than now S.S. is now in the spotlight does not surprise me in the slightest. I understand that a well known chemist trading as an optician has removed all seating in their pharmacies, staff having to stand all day.
Only a matter of time before the same happens in the corporate Optical industry. Better get a good solicitor and start suing them is my feeling
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Anonymous29 May 2025
S/S need to stop ignoring test room ergonomics and leaving it to individual optometrists to sort themselves out with the DWP or simply nullify musculoskeletal pain with painkillers (which can have secondary effects on kidney function etc) and long term Physiotherapy.
Happy, cared for staff will ultimately be more efficient and productive, rather seen as a burden.
Mary and Doug, please take note.
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Anonymous29 May 2025
More borrowing for store directors, which needs to be repaid by increased volume and sales conversions.
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