The times are changing and very rapidly. Last year all Dutch stores of Specsavers were equipped to be able to offer their clients digital retina photography as a service, just like the company does in England. Apparently independent opticians are loosing their would-be advance in eyecare. Eyewish offers Zeiss lenses with discount like everyone can see at their website and in their folders. And where discount chains like Hans Anders used to sell their home collections and sometimes some old stock of branded eyewear, they now choose to sell “fashion” to attract their clients. This time no old stuff but the latest collections like those of DKNY by Luxottica which the Dutch discount chain presented last Friday in the Metro Fashion edition with a circulation of 470.000 pieces and a huge reach. So, this barrier has been taken as well. “Eyecare” and “eyefashion” are available everywhere and for much less at chains compared to the prices at independent opticians. Important for the last ones to create “new” distinctive character and added value and most of all start to communicate it in the right way. In the years ahead this is the challenge for independent opticians but the good news is, there are still more opportunities as threats!
