Putting Patients Before Commercial Pressure: Why Lesley Cree Opticians Stands Apart

The General Optical Council (GOC) has released the findings from its 2025 Workforce and Perceptions Survey — and the results paint a concerning picture for the optical profession.

Many optometrists across the UK report that commercial and time pressures are affecting their ability to deliver the standard of care they want to provide.

According to the GOC’s latest research:

• 48% of optometrists said the standard time allocated for a sight test was insufficient to provide safe patient care.
• 38% felt under pressure to see a high number of patients each day, impacting their ability to provide safe care.
• 33% said they had felt under pressure to sell higher-value glasses or contact lenses.
• 30% said commercial targets sometimes took precedence over patient needs.
• 22% had felt pressure to sell a product or service they believed was unnecessary.

These findings highlight growing concern that commercial expectations in some optical settings can undermine clinical standards — and leave both practitioners and patients feeling dissatisfied.

A Different Approach to Eye Care

At Lesley Cree Opticians, we’re proud to say that this isn’t the case.

We’ve built our reputation on a simple promise: patient care always comes first. Every appointment is designed to give you the time, attention, and reassurance you deserve — without the pressure of sales targets or rushed consultations.

We allow 45 minutes for each adult eye examination, enabling your optometrist to get a complete understanding of your eye health and visual needs. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be treated as an individual, not an appointment slot.

What our Eye Examination includes;

• Comprehensive consultation: Your appointment is entirely dedicated to you. The whole appointment is carried out by the Optometrist rather than certain tests being conducted by support staff (like you’re on a conveyor belt). We take the time to discuss your lifestyle, vision requirements, and any concerns before carrying out a full examination.
• Vision testing: Using standardised tests, your optometrist will assess your visual acuity and check for changes in your prescription.
• Advanced retinal imaging: We use digital photography and OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) to create detailed 3D scans of the retina, helping to detect even the earliest signs of eye disease.
• Wide-field retinal scan: In our Radcliffe practice, we also use Optomap technology for an ultra-wide view of the retina, offering greater insight into your overall eye health.
• Eye health assessment: Each examination includes checks for conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
• Clear discussion and advice: We’ll take time to explain your results, answer your questions, and offer honest, tailored advice — with no pressure to buy.

Taking Time to Care

While the GOC’s findings show that many optometrists are struggling to maintain high standards in the face of commercial pressures, Lesley Cree Opticians remains committed to a more personal and ethical approach to eye care.

By allowing our optometrists the time to carry out thorough, unrushed examinations, we ensure that every patient receives the safe, attentive, and professional service they deserve.

Because when it comes to your eyesight — there should never be any compromise.