29/01/2008 -

INNOVATION IN EYE CARE
SECURES TOP AWARD FOR
THE OUTSIDE CLINIC

The Largest National Provider of Professional Eye Care at Home

As part of our Corporate Policy to recognise outstanding achievements made within the business community, BUSINESS TODAY has selected a number of forward-thinking companies that displayed a continual commitment to recognise best practice, innovative business processes and overall high quality customer-focused service. From these nominees a short list of finalists was then formed, who were assessed and scored on their individual merit. In line with this philosophy, it gives us great pleasure to announce that, THE OUTSIDE CLINIC has been successful in winning the prestigious BA AWARD FOR INNOVATION IN EYE CARE 2007/08. As a completely independent Award Programme, recognising business excellence across a wide range of disciplines, the Business Achievement Award is recognised both locally and nationally.

Outlining the philosophy behind the Award Programme, Business Today's Director Andrew Simpson went on to say: "The Award Scheme was created in order to recognise those businesses and individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to their particular field. We are always keen to bring attention to those who are providing a product or service that stands out from the crowd and deserves to be appreciated not only by our readers, but also by a wider audience."

"Not every company can walk away with one of these accolades, that have become the hallmark of success, but those that do all emerge from the process a more successful business; with many having gone on to become acknowledged leaders in the marketplace," he concluded.

When asked for his comments on receiving this accolade David Morris, Professional and Business Development Manger said:
"At a time when the condition of the elderly population's eyesight is very much at the forefront of the minds of both Government and Stakeholders alike, we are very proud of this recognition of the hard work and dedication of all Outside Clinic staff, in reinforcing our commitment to provide a quality, patient centred optical service for all those patients who are no longer able to access high street services. We are confident that our long term strategy will eventually lead to a considerable improvement in the quality of life for many people who have, up to now, accepted that failing vision is yet just another unavoidable frustration of growing older".

Originally founded in 1987, by a small team of opticians who worked locally, the privately owned THE OUTSIDE CLINIC this year celebrated its' 20 anniversary. Having grown and gathered momentum over the years, the company now boasts a dedicated team of 140 professional and support personnel, half of which are situated at the company's Head Office in Swindon, with the remainder based throughout England, Scotland and Wales. Under the capable helm of Managing Director Damian Kenning, the company is now recognised as the largest National provider of professional 'at home' Eye Testing Services for those who can no longer visit a High Street Optician without help or assistance."

All its' Optometrists are qualified and registered with the General Optical Council, as well as having undertaken Enhanced CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure and being POVA (Protection of Vulnerable Adults) checked. THE OUTSIDE CLINIC was one of the founder members of the Federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians (FODO) Domiciliary Eyecare Committee, which was instrumental in putting in place the Code of Practice for Domiciliary Eye Care, adopted by all organisations representing the UK Optical Sector and contributed to by the Department of Health.

Following the comprehensive sight test, THE OUTSIDE CLINIC offer a full dispensing service, with a choice of frames ranging from completely free spectacles for those that qualify through benefits, through Memory metal, non allergenic Stainless Steel and Titanium, Rimless, up to Designer labels for those seeking something more unique and special.

A full range of lenses are also available, including modern high index and aspheric lenses, helping to make the spectacles light and comfortable to wear. Together with a range of Single Vision, Bifocal and Varifocal Lenses from leading brands such as Zeiss, Essilor (Varilux), Nikon, Rodenstock and many others, ensuring the patient has a wide choice from which to select. All spectacles are individually delivered and fitted and are accompanied by a "no quibble" 12 month guarantee of product and service.

With the latest figures indicating that approximately 89,500 people suffer falls each year, as a direct result of visual impairment, requiring hospital treatment, the company is happy to participate in the National Falls Awareness Events staged by Help The Aged and other charitable bodies to raise awareness of this problem.

Achieving the BA AWARD FOR INNOVATION IN EYE CARE 2007/08 serves as a benchmark as to the high level of service clients can expect from THE OUTSIDE CLINIC.