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'{{Infobox company | name = <big>DCM (Optical Holdings) Ltd</big> (parent to the Optical Express group) | logo = [[File:OE-logo-200px.jpg]] | type = Private | genre = | foundation = 1991 | founder = David Moulsdale ([[Chief executive officer|CEO]]) | location_city = | location_country = | location = [[Glasgow]], Scotland | locations = | area_served = United Kingdom Ireland Germany Netherlands France Croatia USA | key_people = David Moulsdale ([[Chief executive officer|CEO]]) | industry = Healthcare | products = Spectacles, contact lenses, refractive surgery, dentistry, surgical & non-surgical cosmetic treatments, healthcare services | services = | revenue = {{increase}} £204.67m (2011) <ref name="AA">DCM (Optical Holdings) Limited and subsidiaries, ''Financial statements for the year ended 1 January 2011'', approved 6/5/11.</ref> | operating_income = {{increase}} £8.67m (2011) <ref name="AA" /> | net_income = {{increase}} £3.87m (2011) <ref name="AA" /> | assets = | equity = | owner = David Moulsdale (100%) | num_employees = 2,043 <ref name="AA" /> | parent = | divisions = | subsid = Optical Express Ltd Optical Express (Holdings) Ltd Cruach Capital Ltd The Frame Zone Ltd Bridgewater Hospital (Manchester) Ltd & others <ref name="AA" /> | slogan = | homepage = http://www.opticalexpress.com | footnotes = | intl = yes }} '''Optical Express''' is a [[retail]] [[optician|optical services]] company in the United Kingdom. The Optical Express group of companies, subsidiaries of ''DCM (Optical Holdings) Ltd'', operate in a wide range of healthcare services including the optical, dental and cosmetic industries. Optical Express is the fourth largest [[high street]] retail optician in the UK, which, combined, account for 55% of the optical goods market, of which Optical Express has a 6% share.<ref>Page 11 MINTEL Market Intelligence, February 2010.</ref> The company provides eye tests, spectacles, contact lenses and [[laser eye surgery]]. It claims to be the UK's number one provider of laser eye surgery, with more than 1,000,000 laser eye surgery procedures performed.<ref>{{cite web|title=How we became the UK's No. 1 Laser Eye Surgery Provider|url=http://www.opticalexpress.co.uk/laser-eye-surgery/how-we-became-uks-no1-provider.html}}</ref> == Overview and history == ===Foundations=== [[File:Optical Express store.jpg|thumb|upright|An Optical Express store on Princes Street, Edinburgh]] Optical Express is part of the Optical Express Group, which aside from opticians, also operates in the optical, dental and cosmetic industries under the brand names The Cosmetic Clinic, The Dental Clinic and the Bridgewater Hospital. The group was founded in 1991 by David Moulsdale<ref>{{cite news |url= http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/specials/rich_list/rich_list_2009/article6160430.ece |title=David Moulsdale |first= |last={{err|}} |work=[[TimesOnline]] |date= |publisher=[[News Intl]] |location=[[London, England|London]] |issn=0140-0460 |accessdate=6 October 2011}}</ref> with one Optical Express branch based in [[Leith]], [[Edinburgh]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Conroy |first=Harry |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/inside-business-clear-vision-from-optical-express-1.450158 |title=INSIDE BUSINESS Clear vision from Optical Express - Herald Scotland | Sport | SPL | Aberdeen |publisher=Herald Scotland |date=17 June 1996 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> The company grew steadily following its establishment. It acquired Remocker Shapiro in 1995, and took over the latter's 11 stores.<ref>{{cite web|author=Harry Conroy |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/angel-who-put-pop-group-among-the-stars-1.453533 |title=Angel who put pop group among the stars - Herald Scotland | Sport | SPL | Aberdeen |publisher=Herald Scotland |date=27 May 1996 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> In January 1997, the group acquired Specialeyes Plc, including a UK-wide chain of 65 optical retail outlets, thus expanding into England for the first time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://case-law.vlex.co.uk/vid/-55330016 |title=Optical Express (Southern) Ltd v Birmingham City Council, Court of Appeal - Lands Tribunal, April 11, 2005, [2005] EWLands ACQ_109_2002 - ACQ/109/2002 - England and Wales |publisher=Case-law.vlex.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> In 1998, the ''Sunday Herald'' reported that Optical Express had 32 court judgements against it for failure to settle debts owed to a wide number of companies. A senior financial analyst{{Who|date=August 2011}} at the time commented that it appeared to be a policy of Optical Express to pay debts late, however "since the company has been trading without interruption, most of these amounts must by now have been paid." An Optical Express spokesperson implied that the company's problems stemmed from the January 1997 takeover of Specialeyes, in which the accountants [[PwC|PriceWaterhouseCoopers]] were claimed to have underestimated the true level of debt at Specialeyes that Optical Express had adopted. A PriceWaterhouseCoopers spokeperson denied this was the case.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4156/is_19990425/ai_n13936816/ |title=Creditors don't see eye to eye with high-flying Optical Express boss | Sunday Herald, The Newspaper | Find Articles at BNET |publisher=Findarticles.com |date=25 April 1999 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> ===Expansion=== Optical Express has been growing its presence on the high street. Its spectacle ranges cover the mid-market. It has also expanded into other healthcare sectors including cosmetic treatments and dentistry.<ref>Page 58 MINTEL Market Intelligence, February 2010.</ref> Laser eye surgery in the UK is dominated by three main players—Optical Express, [[Ultralase]] and [[Optimax]]—which, in total, account for approximately 56% of clinics in the UK<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.opticianonline.net/Articles/2010/11/26/26744/Ten+years+of+trends+in+UK+refractive+surgery.htm |title=Eye Health Problems and Eye Health Care Features from Optician Online - Ten years of trends in UK refractive surgery |publisher=Optician Online |date=26 November 2010 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> In 2001, Optical Express acquired the Co-op Eyecare chain of 34 shops,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lasik-eyes.co.uk/News/NewsDetails.aspx?NewsId=14 |title=Optical Express owner turns Blind Eye to slump in Profits |publisher=Lasik-eyes.co.uk |date=29 March 2003 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> followed by the purchase of Specdeals in 2002 with a further 14 Scottish stores.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://business.scotsman.com/6983/BUSINESS-IN-BRIEF.2349150.jp |title=BUSINESS IN BRIEF - Scotsman.com Business |publisher=Business.scotsman.com |date= |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> In 2004 and early 2005, Optical Express acquired the dentistry and laser eye surgery services of [[Alliance Boots]]. The dental services business trades under the name The Dental Clinic. {{As of|2012|1}}, there are 13 locations advertised on the company website.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thedentalclinic.com/find-your-nearest-clinic.html |title=Find A Dentist |publisher=The Dental Clinic |date= |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> Optical Express moved into the international market with the acquisition of Free Vision Euro Eyes laser vision correction clinics in Amsterdam and The Hague.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4156/is_20040725/ai_n12589736/ |title=Optical Express goes Dutch in bid to conquer Europe | Sunday Herald, The Newspaper | Find Articles at BNET |publisher=Findarticles.com |date= |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> The deal marked the first large-scale UK optical chain to extend its laser vision correction business in Holland.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lasik-eyes.co.uk/News/NewsDetails.aspx?NewsId=46 |title=Optical Express - Europe Expansion | Laser Vision Correction Clinics |publisher=Lasik-eyes.co.uk |date=16 August 2009 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> ===Since 2007=== Optical Express experienced a 48% growth in UK retail distribution of optical goods and eyecare in the period 2007 to 2009, the largest increase of all the four large UK opticians.<ref>Page 57 MINTEL Market Intelligence, February 2010.</ref> In 2007, Optical Express formed a partnership with Glasgow-based charity organisation, The Caring City.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Gift+of+sight+for+world's+needy%3B+Specs+bring+kids+a+vision+of+the...-a0234530289 |title=Gift of sight for world's needy; Specs bring kids a vision of the future. - Free Online Library |publisher=Thefreelibrary.com |date= |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> Donated spectacles are categorised, tested and distributed free of charge via local clinics returning sight to the most at risk communities within Burundi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.glasgowthecaringcity.com/projects/optical_express.htm |title=Special Projects - Matthew's Farms |publisher=Glasgow The Caring City |date= |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> Since 2007 Optical Express has been engaged in a dispute with Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) about VAT. A figure of £10.9 million pounds was quoted as the disputed amount. An appeal to the original case dismissal is scheduled for September 2011.<ref>http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/vat-appeal-update.pdf</ref><ref>http://www.heraldscotland.com/dcm-embroiled-in-pound-10-9m-tax-dispute-1.856119</ref><ref>http://business.scotsman.com/retail/Optical-Express-has-sights-set.5127379.jp</ref> In 2007, the Optical Express store at Cross Street in Manchester was given the largest ever fine for city centre [[fly tipping]] by Manchester City council after a large amount of rubbish was dumped behind the store. The company did not turn up to the court case, and was assessed a £25,000 fine. An Optical Express spokesperson said 'This is a ludicrous case. We were never served a summons so it's hardly surprising we weren't in court. Our lawyers are lodging an immediate appeal.'.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.opticianonline.net/Articles/2007/09/21/19448/Magistrates+fine+multiple+%C2%A325k.html |title=Optometry and Eye Health Care News from Optician Online - Magistrates fine multiple £25k |publisher=Optician Online |date=21 September 2007 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> A legal appeal overturned the decision and the fine was subsequently dropped.{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}} In 2008, Optical Express announced a €10 million investment to increase its number of Irish operations to six creating up to 60 new jobs.<ref>{{cite web|author=Advertiser.ie |url=http://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/3505 |title=Optical Express open eyes with news of three new Irish start-ups |publisher=Advertiser.ie |date=23 October 2008 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> In August 2009, Optical Express revealed its working practices to its refractive surgery competitors in a supplement published in the July edition of the Journal of Refractive Surgery<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.opticianonline.net/Articles/2009/08/26/23974/OE+shares+clinical+data+with+laser+eye+sector.htm |title=Optometry and Eye Health Care News from Optician Online - OE shares clinical data with laser eye sector |publisher=Optician Online |date=26 August 2009 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref><ref>http://www.opticalexpress.co.uk/docs/journal_of_refractive_surgery.pdf</ref> the first of its kind by a corporate provider.<ref>{{cite web|author=April 13, 2010 |url=http://healthandfitnesstimes.com/optical-express-provides-strong-presence-at-ascrs-annual-meeting/205/ |title=Optical Express Provides Strong Presence at ASCRS Annual Meeting — Health and Fitness Times |publisher=Healthandfitnesstimes.com |date=13 April 2010 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> In 2009, Optical Express, along with fellow laser eye surgery providers Optimax and Ultralase, were criticized by Which?, a consumer organisation, who investigated the consultations customers received prior to potential laser eye surgery. The main focus of concern was that laser councillors consistently downplayed the risks of surgery<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.which.co.uk/documents/pdf/laser-eye-surgery-195167.pdf |title=Microsoft PowerPoint - Laser eye surgery |format=PDF |date= |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> In 2010, Optical Express invested US$12 million (£8.1 million) installing iFS [[Femtosecond laser]] technology in all its laser clinics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.optometry.co.uk/news-and-features/news/?article=1037 |title=Huge sum is invested in Optical Express clinics |publisher=Optometry.co.uk |date=4 June 2010 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clickpress.com/releases/Detailed/231622005cp.shtml |title=Optical Express invests $12 million to enhance patient care |publisher=ClickPress |date= |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.glassesdisplay.co.uk/archives/116 |title=Next generation laser eye surgery |publisher=Glasses display |date=5 June 2010 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mynewsdesk.com/uk/view/pressrelease/5-deerdykes-road-optical-express-invests-12-million-to-enhance-patient-care-421562 |title=UK Technology - Optical Express: Optical Express invests $12 million to enhance... |publisher=Mynewsdesk |date=8 June 2010 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> In October 2010 Optical Express offered shared venture partnerships (SVP) for many of their retail outlets.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.opticalexpress.co.uk/shared-venture-partnership.html |title=Shared Venture Partnership - Optical Express UK |first= |last= |work=opticalexpress.co.uk |year=2011 [last update] |accessdate=11 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.optometry.co.uk/business/?article=1231 |title=With Optical Express, excellence is everything |first= |last= |work=optometry.co.uk |year=2011 [last update] |accessdate=11 September 2011}}</ref> In January 2011 Optical Express opened its flagship Sports Vision clinic in Renfield Street, Glasgow City Centre.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-14366376/Optical-Express-Sports-Vision-Clinic.html |title=Optical Express Sports Vision Clinic Opens on the High Street. | Goliath Business News |publisher=Goliath.ecnext.com |date= |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> In May 2011, the BBC ''[[Watchdog (TV series)|Watchdog]]'' programme ran a feature on Optical Express including hidden camera footage of laser eye surgery consultations in ten different Optical Express clinic locations.<ref name="Wg">{{cite web|author=Elham Rizi |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/watchdog/2011/05/optical_pricing.html |title=Watchdog: We've been keeping an eye on Optical Express |publisher=BBC |date=3 May 2011 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> Although it is standard procedure adopted by laser eye clinics worldwide that the surgeon is seen on day of surgery, the programme was critical of Optical Express and particularly emphasised that in seven out of ten consultations, the prospective patient was not offered the opportunity to see the surgeon before the day of surgery, contrary to Royal College of Ophthalmologists guidelines, which its member surgeons can choose whether to adopt on an individual basis. The expert witness that appeared on Watchdog, as well as being a consultant at the NHS Moorfields Eye Hospital, and the hospital's director of refractive surgery, is also employed by the hospital's private clinic and therefore a direct competitor to Optical Express.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moorfields-private.co.uk/Consultants/davidsgartry |title=Moorfields Eye Hospital - David S Gartry |publisher=Moorfields-private.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> Optical Express responded to the allegations made in this programme on the programme website.<ref name="Wg"/> In 2012 Optical Express complained to the web registration agency nominat that a 'gripe site' was infringing on their web presence, the claim was denied<ref>http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/08/16/optical_express_gripe_site_still_up/ </ref> In 2011 the consumer magazine [[Which?]] rated Optical Express as the worst performing optical chain after an undercover investigation into the quality of general high street eye examinations. An Optical Express spokesperson said they were unable to comment on the allegations without more information.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.opticianonline.net/Articles/2011/08/26/28111/Multiples+respond+to+Which+mystery+shop.htm |title=Optometry and Eye Health Care News from Optician Online - Multiples respond to Which? mystery shop |first= |last= |work=opticianonline.net |year=2011 [last update] |accessdate=13 September 2011}}</ref> In 2012 Royal Bank of Scotland appointed former head of PWC, Frank Blin to the Optical Express board. <ref>http://www.heraldscotland.com/mobile/business/company-news/blin-brought-on-board-optical-express-chain.16972919?_=0e4116f4368f5da0cb5bc614e03a647e12c59f51</ref> [[Jack McConnell, Baron McConnell|Jack Wilson McConnell]] is a non-executive director on the board of DCM Optical Holdings,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.parliament.uk/biographies/jack-mcconnell/32600 |title=Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale |first= |last= |work=parliament.uk |year=2011 [last update] |quote=Non-executive Director |accessdate=4 October 2011}}</ref> ==Advertisments== In 2007, the Advertising Standards Authority rejected a complaint that the claim "from only £395 per eye" featured in an Optical Express TV and leaflet campaign was misleading.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://asa.org.uk/ASA-action/Adjudications/2007/12/The-Optical-Express-Group/TF_ADJ_43706.aspx |title=ASA Adjudication on The Optical Express Group - Advertising Standards Authority |publisher=Asa.org.uk |date=19 December 2007 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> In 2011, the Advertising Standards Authority upheld 23 out of 25 complaints made by [[Ultralase]] about an Optical Express brochure and television advert featuring [[Pádraig Harrington]]. This is the fourth judgement against Optical Express by the ASA since 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asa.org.uk/ASA-action/Adjudications/2010/9/Optical-Express-Ltd/TF_ADJ_49002.aspx |title=ASA Adjudication on Optical Express Ltd - Advertising Standards Authority |publisher=Asa.org.uk |date=8 September 2010 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asa.org.uk/ASA-action/Adjudications/2009/6/Optical-Express-Ltd/TF_ADJ_46417.aspx |title=ASA Adjudication on Optical Express Ltd - Advertising Standards Authority |publisher=Asa.org.uk |date=17 June 2009 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asa.org.uk/ASA-action/Adjudications/2007/12/The-Optical-Express-Group/TF_ADJ_43706.aspx |title=ASA Adjudication on The Optical Express Group - Advertising Standards Authority |publisher=Asa.org.uk |date=19 December 2007 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> In response to the ruling, Pádraig Harrington was reported to address the controversy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lasik-eyes.co.uk/News/NewsDetails.aspx?Newsid=110 |title=Optical Express TV advert "Clarified" |publisher=Lasik-eyes.co.uk |date=15 May 2010 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> The ASA dismissed Optical Express' appeal on this adjudication on 17 August 2011.<ref>{{cite web|author=Mark Sweney |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/aug/17/padraig-harrington-tv-ad-banned |title=Padraig Harrington TV advert banned | Media |publisher=guardian.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> Optical Express created and ran a new advertisement featuring the voice of British actor [[Michael Gambon]], it replaced the Padraig Harrington advertisement.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.retailgazette.co.uk/articles/01304-optical-express-launches-new-ad-campaign |title=Optical Express launches new ad campaign - Retail Gazette |first= |last={{err|}} |work=retailgazette.co.uk |year=2011 [last update] |accessdate=7 September 2011}}</ref> ==Charity== In January 2011 Optical Express donated an Oculus Pentacam (worth £45,000) to optometry and dispensing optician students in Glasgow Caledonian University, which was the first of its kind in Scotland and allows students to use the technology as part of their optometry degree.<ref>http://www.science20.com/newswire/glasgow_eye_students_make_it_first-75438</ref> In September 2011 Optical Express donated the use of their customer contact centre to support the STV Appeal to collect public donations in support of children in Scotland affected by poverty.<ref>http://campaigns.stv.tv/stv-appeal-2011/fundraising-heroes/business-supporters/269555-optical-express-helps-stv-to-support-children-in-poverty/</ref> == References == {{Reflist|30em}} ==External links== * {{Official website|http://group.opticalexpress.com/}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2011}} [[Category:Optics manufacturing companies]] [[Category:Companies based in Glasgow]] [[Category:Companies established in 1991]] [[Category:Eyewear retailers of the United Kingdom]]'

New page wikitext, after the edit (new_wikitext)

'{{Infobox company | name = <big>DCM (Optical Holdings) Ltd</big> (parent to the Optical Express group) | logo = [[File:OE-logo-200px.jpg]] | type = Private | genre = | foundation = 1991 | founder = David Moulsdale ([[Chief executive officer|CEO]]) | location_city = | location_country = | location = [[Glasgow]], Scotland | locations = | area_served = United Kingdom Ireland Germany Netherlands France Croatia USA | key_people = David Moulsdale ([[Chief executive officer|CEO]]) | industry = Healthcare | products = Spectacles, contact lenses, refractive surgery, dentistry, surgical & non-surgical cosmetic treatments, healthcare services | services = | revenue = {{increase}} £204.67m (2011) <ref name="AA">DCM (Optical Holdings) Limited and subsidiaries, ''Financial statements for the year ended 1 January 2011'', approved 6/5/11.</ref> | operating_income = {{increase}} £8.67m (2011) <ref name="AA" /> | net_income = {{increase}} £3.87m (2011) <ref name="AA" /> | assets = | equity = | owner = David Moulsdale (100%) | num_employees = 2,043 <ref name="AA" /> | parent = | divisions = | subsid = Optical Express Ltd Optical Express (Holdings) Ltd Cruach Capital Ltd The Frame Zone Ltd Bridgewater Hospital (Manchester) Ltd & others <ref name="AA" /> | slogan = | homepage = http://www.opticalexpress.com | footnotes = | intl = yes }} '''Optical Express''' is a [[retail]] [[optician|optical services]] company in the United Kingdom. The Optical Express group of companies, subsidiaries of ''DCM (Optical Holdings) Ltd'', operate in a wide range of healthcare services including the optical, dental and cosmetic industries. Optical Express is the fourth largest [[high street]] retail optician in the UK, which, combined, account for 55% of the optical goods market, of which Optical Express has a 6% share.<ref>Page 11 MINTEL Market Intelligence, February 2010.</ref> The company provides eye tests, spectacles, contact lenses and [[laser eye surgery]]. It claims to be the UK's number one provider of laser eye surgery, with more than 1,000,000 laser eye surgery procedures performed.<ref>{{cite web|title=How we became the UK's No. 1 Laser Eye Surgery Provider|url=http://www.opticalexpress.co.uk/laser-eye-surgery/how-we-became-uks-no1-provider.html}}</ref> == Overview and history == ===Foundations=== [[File:Optical Express store.jpg|thumb|upright|An Optical Express store on Princes Street, Edinburgh]] Optical Express is part of the Optical Express Group, which aside from opticians, also operates in the optical, dental and cosmetic industries under the brand names The Cosmetic Clinic, The Dental Clinic and the Bridgewater Hospital. The group was founded in 1991 by David Moulsdale<ref>{{cite news |url= http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/specials/rich_list/rich_list_2009/article6160430.ece |title=David Moulsdale |first= |last={{err|}} |work=[[TimesOnline]] |date= |publisher=[[News Intl]] |location=[[London, England|London]] |issn=0140-0460 |accessdate=6 October 2011}}</ref> with one Optical Express branch based in [[Leith]], [[Edinburgh]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Conroy |first=Harry |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/inside-business-clear-vision-from-optical-express-1.450158 |title=INSIDE BUSINESS Clear vision from Optical Express - Herald Scotland | Sport | SPL | Aberdeen |publisher=Herald Scotland |date=17 June 1996 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> The company grew steadily following its establishment. It acquired Remocker Shapiro in 1995, and took over the latter's 11 stores.<ref>{{cite web|author=Harry Conroy |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/angel-who-put-pop-group-among-the-stars-1.453533 |title=Angel who put pop group among the stars - Herald Scotland | Sport | SPL | Aberdeen |publisher=Herald Scotland |date=27 May 1996 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> In January 1997, the group acquired Specialeyes Plc, including a UK-wide chain of 65 optical retail outlets, thus expanding into England for the first time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://case-law.vlex.co.uk/vid/-55330016 |title=Optical Express (Southern) Ltd v Birmingham City Council, Court of Appeal - Lands Tribunal, April 11, 2005, [2005] EWLands ACQ_109_2002 - ACQ/109/2002 - England and Wales |publisher=Case-law.vlex.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> In 1998, the ''Sunday Herald'' reported that Optical Express had 32 court judgements against it for failure to settle debts owed to a wide number of companies. A senior financial analyst{{Who|date=August 2011}} at the time commented that it appeared to be a policy of Optical Express to pay debts late, however "since the company has been trading without interruption, most of these amounts must by now have been paid." An Optical Express spokesperson implied that the company's problems stemmed from the January 1997 takeover of Specialeyes, in which the accountants [[PwC|PriceWaterhouseCoopers]] were claimed to have underestimated the true level of debt at Specialeyes that Optical Express had adopted. A PriceWaterhouseCoopers spokeperson denied this was the case.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4156/is_19990425/ai_n13936816/ |title=Creditors don't see eye to eye with high-flying Optical Express boss | Sunday Herald, The Newspaper | Find Articles at BNET |publisher=Findarticles.com |date=25 April 1999 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> ===Expansion=== Optical Express has been growing its presence on the high street. Its spectacle ranges cover the mid-market. It has also expanded into other healthcare sectors including cosmetic treatments and dentistry.<ref>Page 58 MINTEL Market Intelligence, February 2010.</ref> Laser eye surgery in the UK is dominated by three main players—Optical Express, [[Ultralase]] and [[Optimax]]—which, in total, account for approximately 56% of clinics in the UK<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.opticianonline.net/Articles/2010/11/26/26744/Ten+years+of+trends+in+UK+refractive+surgery.htm |title=Eye Health Problems and Eye Health Care Features from Optician Online - Ten years of trends in UK refractive surgery |publisher=Optician Online |date=26 November 2010 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> In 2001, Optical Express acquired the Co-op Eyecare chain of 34 shops,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lasik-eyes.co.uk/News/NewsDetails.aspx?NewsId=14 |title=Optical Express owner turns Blind Eye to slump in Profits |publisher=Lasik-eyes.co.uk |date=29 March 2003 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> followed by the purchase of Specdeals in 2002 with a further 14 Scottish stores.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://business.scotsman.com/6983/BUSINESS-IN-BRIEF.2349150.jp |title=BUSINESS IN BRIEF - Scotsman.com Business |publisher=Business.scotsman.com |date= |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> In 2004 and early 2005, Optical Express acquired the dentistry and laser eye surgery services of [[Alliance Boots]]. The dental services business trades under the name The Dental Clinic. {{As of|2012|1}}, there are 13 locations advertised on the company website. As of September 2012 there are now 7 locations listed on the company website however there are numerous discrepancies within the text of the page including offering dental services in Wales and Manchester where dental clinics no longer exist.--[[Special:Contributions/85.195.87.250|85.195.87.250]] ([[User talk:85.195.87.250|talk]]) 20:18, 11 September 2012 (UTC)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thedentalclinic.com/find-your-nearest-clinic.html |title=Find A Dentist |publisher=The Dental Clinic |date= |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> Optical Express moved into the international market with the acquisition of Free Vision Euro Eyes laser vision correction clinics in Amsterdam and The Hague.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4156/is_20040725/ai_n12589736/ |title=Optical Express goes Dutch in bid to conquer Europe | Sunday Herald, The Newspaper | Find Articles at BNET |publisher=Findarticles.com |date= |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> The deal marked the first large-scale UK optical chain to extend its laser vision correction business in Holland.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lasik-eyes.co.uk/News/NewsDetails.aspx?NewsId=46 |title=Optical Express - Europe Expansion | Laser Vision Correction Clinics |publisher=Lasik-eyes.co.uk |date=16 August 2009 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> ===Since 2007=== Optical Express experienced a 48% growth in UK retail distribution of optical goods and eyecare in the period 2007 to 2009, the largest increase of all the four large UK opticians.<ref>Page 57 MINTEL Market Intelligence, February 2010.</ref> In 2007, Optical Express formed a partnership with Glasgow-based charity organisation, The Caring City.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Gift+of+sight+for+world's+needy%3B+Specs+bring+kids+a+vision+of+the...-a0234530289 |title=Gift of sight for world's needy; Specs bring kids a vision of the future. - Free Online Library |publisher=Thefreelibrary.com |date= |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> Donated spectacles are categorised, tested and distributed free of charge via local clinics returning sight to the most at risk communities within Burundi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.glasgowthecaringcity.com/projects/optical_express.htm |title=Special Projects - Matthew's Farms |publisher=Glasgow The Caring City |date= |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> Since 2007 Optical Express has been engaged in a dispute with Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) about VAT. A figure of £10.9 million pounds was quoted as the disputed amount. An appeal to the original case dismissal is scheduled for September 2011.<ref>http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/vat-appeal-update.pdf</ref><ref>http://www.heraldscotland.com/dcm-embroiled-in-pound-10-9m-tax-dispute-1.856119</ref><ref>http://business.scotsman.com/retail/Optical-Express-has-sights-set.5127379.jp</ref> In 2007, the Optical Express store at Cross Street in Manchester was given the largest ever fine for city centre [[fly tipping]] by Manchester City council after a large amount of rubbish was dumped behind the store. The company did not turn up to the court case, and was assessed a £25,000 fine. An Optical Express spokesperson said 'This is a ludicrous case. We were never served a summons so it's hardly surprising we weren't in court. Our lawyers are lodging an immediate appeal.'.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.opticianonline.net/Articles/2007/09/21/19448/Magistrates+fine+multiple+%C2%A325k.html |title=Optometry and Eye Health Care News from Optician Online - Magistrates fine multiple £25k |publisher=Optician Online |date=21 September 2007 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> A legal appeal overturned the decision and the fine was subsequently dropped.{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}} In 2008, Optical Express announced a €10 million investment to increase its number of Irish operations to six creating up to 60 new jobs.<ref>{{cite web|author=Advertiser.ie |url=http://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/3505 |title=Optical Express open eyes with news of three new Irish start-ups |publisher=Advertiser.ie |date=23 October 2008 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> In August 2009, Optical Express revealed its working practices to its refractive surgery competitors in a supplement published in the July edition of the Journal of Refractive Surgery<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.opticianonline.net/Articles/2009/08/26/23974/OE+shares+clinical+data+with+laser+eye+sector.htm |title=Optometry and Eye Health Care News from Optician Online - OE shares clinical data with laser eye sector |publisher=Optician Online |date=26 August 2009 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref><ref>http://www.opticalexpress.co.uk/docs/journal_of_refractive_surgery.pdf</ref> the first of its kind by a corporate provider.<ref>{{cite web|author=April 13, 2010 |url=http://healthandfitnesstimes.com/optical-express-provides-strong-presence-at-ascrs-annual-meeting/205/ |title=Optical Express Provides Strong Presence at ASCRS Annual Meeting — Health and Fitness Times |publisher=Healthandfitnesstimes.com |date=13 April 2010 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> In 2009, Optical Express, along with fellow laser eye surgery providers Optimax and Ultralase, were criticized by Which?, a consumer organisation, who investigated the consultations customers received prior to potential laser eye surgery. The main focus of concern was that laser councillors consistently downplayed the risks of surgery<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.which.co.uk/documents/pdf/laser-eye-surgery-195167.pdf |title=Microsoft PowerPoint - Laser eye surgery |format=PDF |date= |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> In 2010, Optical Express invested US$12 million (£8.1 million) installing iFS [[Femtosecond laser]] technology in all its laser clinics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.optometry.co.uk/news-and-features/news/?article=1037 |title=Huge sum is invested in Optical Express clinics |publisher=Optometry.co.uk |date=4 June 2010 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clickpress.com/releases/Detailed/231622005cp.shtml |title=Optical Express invests $12 million to enhance patient care |publisher=ClickPress |date= |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.glassesdisplay.co.uk/archives/116 |title=Next generation laser eye surgery |publisher=Glasses display |date=5 June 2010 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mynewsdesk.com/uk/view/pressrelease/5-deerdykes-road-optical-express-invests-12-million-to-enhance-patient-care-421562 |title=UK Technology - Optical Express: Optical Express invests $12 million to enhance... |publisher=Mynewsdesk |date=8 June 2010 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> In October 2010 Optical Express offered shared venture partnerships (SVP) for many of their retail outlets.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.opticalexpress.co.uk/shared-venture-partnership.html |title=Shared Venture Partnership - Optical Express UK |first= |last= |work=opticalexpress.co.uk |year=2011 [last update] |accessdate=11 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.optometry.co.uk/business/?article=1231 |title=With Optical Express, excellence is everything |first= |last= |work=optometry.co.uk |year=2011 [last update] |accessdate=11 September 2011}}</ref> In January 2011 Optical Express opened its flagship Sports Vision clinic in Renfield Street, Glasgow City Centre.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-14366376/Optical-Express-Sports-Vision-Clinic.html |title=Optical Express Sports Vision Clinic Opens on the High Street. | Goliath Business News |publisher=Goliath.ecnext.com |date= |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> In May 2011, the BBC ''[[Watchdog (TV series)|Watchdog]]'' programme ran a feature on Optical Express including hidden camera footage of laser eye surgery consultations in ten different Optical Express clinic locations.<ref name="Wg">{{cite web|author=Elham Rizi |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/watchdog/2011/05/optical_pricing.html |title=Watchdog: We've been keeping an eye on Optical Express |publisher=BBC |date=3 May 2011 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> Although it is standard procedure adopted by laser eye clinics worldwide that the surgeon is seen on day of surgery, the programme was critical of Optical Express and particularly emphasised that in seven out of ten consultations, the prospective patient was not offered the opportunity to see the surgeon before the day of surgery, contrary to Royal College of Ophthalmologists guidelines, which its member surgeons can choose whether to adopt on an individual basis. The expert witness that appeared on Watchdog, as well as being a consultant at the NHS Moorfields Eye Hospital, and the hospital's director of refractive surgery, is also employed by the hospital's private clinic and therefore a direct competitor to Optical Express.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moorfields-private.co.uk/Consultants/davidsgartry |title=Moorfields Eye Hospital - David S Gartry |publisher=Moorfields-private.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> Optical Express responded to the allegations made in this programme on the programme website.<ref name="Wg"/> In 2012 Optical Express complained to the web registration agency nominat that a 'gripe site' was infringing on their web presence, the claim was denied<ref>http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/08/16/optical_express_gripe_site_still_up/ </ref> In 2011 the consumer magazine [[Which?]] rated Optical Express as the worst performing optical chain after an undercover investigation into the quality of general high street eye examinations. An Optical Express spokesperson said they were unable to comment on the allegations without more information.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.opticianonline.net/Articles/2011/08/26/28111/Multiples+respond+to+Which+mystery+shop.htm |title=Optometry and Eye Health Care News from Optician Online - Multiples respond to Which? mystery shop |first= |last= |work=opticianonline.net |year=2011 [last update] |accessdate=13 September 2011}}</ref> In 2012 Royal Bank of Scotland appointed former head of PWC, Frank Blin to the Optical Express board. <ref>http://www.heraldscotland.com/mobile/business/company-news/blin-brought-on-board-optical-express-chain.16972919?_=0e4116f4368f5da0cb5bc614e03a647e12c59f51</ref> [[Jack McConnell, Baron McConnell|Jack Wilson McConnell]] is a non-executive director on the board of DCM Optical Holdings,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.parliament.uk/biographies/jack-mcconnell/32600 |title=Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale |first= |last= |work=parliament.uk |year=2011 [last update] |quote=Non-executive Director |accessdate=4 October 2011}}</ref> ==Advertisments== In 2007, the Advertising Standards Authority rejected a complaint that the claim "from only £395 per eye" featured in an Optical Express TV and leaflet campaign was misleading.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://asa.org.uk/ASA-action/Adjudications/2007/12/The-Optical-Express-Group/TF_ADJ_43706.aspx |title=ASA Adjudication on The Optical Express Group - Advertising Standards Authority |publisher=Asa.org.uk |date=19 December 2007 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> In 2011, the Advertising Standards Authority upheld 23 out of 25 complaints made by [[Ultralase]] about an Optical Express brochure and television advert featuring [[Pádraig Harrington]]. This is the fourth judgement against Optical Express by the ASA since 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asa.org.uk/ASA-action/Adjudications/2010/9/Optical-Express-Ltd/TF_ADJ_49002.aspx |title=ASA Adjudication on Optical Express Ltd - Advertising Standards Authority |publisher=Asa.org.uk |date=8 September 2010 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asa.org.uk/ASA-action/Adjudications/2009/6/Optical-Express-Ltd/TF_ADJ_46417.aspx |title=ASA Adjudication on Optical Express Ltd - Advertising Standards Authority |publisher=Asa.org.uk |date=17 June 2009 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asa.org.uk/ASA-action/Adjudications/2007/12/The-Optical-Express-Group/TF_ADJ_43706.aspx |title=ASA Adjudication on The Optical Express Group - Advertising Standards Authority |publisher=Asa.org.uk |date=19 December 2007 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> In response to the ruling, Pádraig Harrington was reported to address the controversy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lasik-eyes.co.uk/News/NewsDetails.aspx?Newsid=110 |title=Optical Express TV advert "Clarified" |publisher=Lasik-eyes.co.uk |date=15 May 2010 |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> The ASA dismissed Optical Express' appeal on this adjudication on 17 August 2011.<ref>{{cite web|author=Mark Sweney |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/aug/17/padraig-harrington-tv-ad-banned |title=Padraig Harrington TV advert banned | Media |publisher=guardian.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref> Optical Express created and ran a new advertisement featuring the voice of British actor [[Michael Gambon]], it replaced the Padraig Harrington advertisement.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.retailgazette.co.uk/articles/01304-optical-express-launches-new-ad-campaign |title=Optical Express launches new ad campaign - Retail Gazette |first= |last={{err|}} |work=retailgazette.co.uk |year=2011 [last update] |accessdate=7 September 2011}}</ref> ==Charity== In January 2011 Optical Express donated an Oculus Pentacam (worth £45,000) to optometry and dispensing optician students in Glasgow Caledonian University, which was the first of its kind in Scotland and allows students to use the technology as part of their optometry degree.<ref>http://www.science20.com/newswire/glasgow_eye_students_make_it_first-75438</ref> In September 2011 Optical Express donated the use of their customer contact centre to support the STV Appeal to collect public donations in support of children in Scotland affected by poverty.<ref>http://campaigns.stv.tv/stv-appeal-2011/fundraising-heroes/business-supporters/269555-optical-express-helps-stv-to-support-children-in-poverty/</ref> == References == {{Reflist|30em}} ==External links== * {{Official website|http://group.opticalexpress.com/}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2011}} [[Category:Optics manufacturing companies]] [[Category:Companies based in Glasgow]] [[Category:Companies established in 1991]] [[Category:Eyewear retailers of the United Kingdom]]'