Eyecare Plus has been awarded Canstar Blue’s 2019 most satisfied customers award for the second consecutive year.
The annual optical store review included Eyecare Plus, Optical Superstore, Specsavers, Bailey Nelson, Laubman & Pank, OPSM, Big W Optical and Budget Eyewear in its survey, comparing them on value for money, customer service, quality of advice, after sales service, range of products available and overall satisfaction.
Eyecare Plus came out as the preferred group, scoring five stars in all categories except value for money, for which it scored four stars.
“This is such a strong vindication of our member’s commitment to clinical optometry and local personalised service,” said general manager of Eyecare Plus, Simon Lewis.
“Our members don’t have big marketing budgets but they do have a big commitment to excellence, and it’s great to see that being acknowledged by the public,” he said.
Mr Lewis said the win for Eyecare Plus is a big win for independent optometry, as every other provider surveyed is part of a large corporation.
“Winning Canstar last year gave our marketing the added credibility of an independent third party endorsement, and being able to double down on that approach for the next 12 months is very exciting. We’ve learnt a lot from the win in 2018, and we’re much better equipped to promote the win in the year ahead,’ said Mr Lewis.
Optical Superstore, Specsavers and Bailey Nelson received four stars overall, while Laubman & Pank, OPSM, Big W Optical and Budget Eyewear received three stars.
Canstar Blue’s survey of more than 3,000 consumers who have visited one of Australia’s many chains in the last two years found that 64% of Australian consumers are concerned about their eyesight.
Of adults surveyed, 14% admitted they get their eyes tested less frequently than every two years. The majority said they get their eyes checked every one to two years (59%), while 22% do so every six to 12 months, and 4% visit their optical store every six months, or more frequently.
Additionally, the survey found 67% of Australians said they always visit the same optometrist, with good customer service and support the most common reason for doing so, well ahead of convenience and price.