Optometry Today feature an article about Uplift in their July edition

Uplift, the network of optical surgeons and optometrists, is aiming to have 250 independent practices involved in its business by 2013.

The Birmingham-based company, which offers optometrists involvement in referrals for cosmetic eyelid surgery and other types of optical procedures, is preparing for a ‘significant marketing campaign’ later this year in the first stage of an ambition to make its name a household brand for optical surgical treatment, including laser eye surgery.

Omar Durrani, himself a specialist in cosmetic eye surgery, who helped found the company, told OT that Uplift has expansive plans to involve optometrists from independent practices in the network.

“We hope to have 100 optical outlets involved by the year-end”, he said, “and by 2013 we’re aiming to have 250 in the network.

“We’re really going to push this [brand]. One of our main business plans is to make Uplift a household name, associated with quality eye care.”

Mr Durrani said the company grew from discussions with fellow optical professionals dissatisfied with the current model of facial and eye surgery in the UK.

“The major clinics are only in the major cities, and there is a lack of continuity of care,” he claimed.

“We hope to bring a truly local service to patients, and also find the best surgeon for their needs.”

Uplift is involving independent opticians in the referral process for those who require eyelid surgery as well as cataract and laser eye treatment.

“The optometrist puts the patient in touch with a surgeon following a diagnosis guide,” said Mr Durrani, “and one of the key things is that there is no selling surgery at that point, simply a discussion about seeing a surgeon for potential treatment.”

He said he expects most of Uplift’s patients to be generated by its website which states that ‘only leading, national or internationally recognised, reputable NHS accredited consultants are invited to join the company’.

The website will also feature the optical practices involved, and will benefit the practitioners, in part via Uplift’s growing reputation, said Mr Durrani.

Source: Optometry Today June 2011 http://www.optometry.co.uk/news-and-features/news/?article=2469

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