Hard times ahead for German opticians

According to the opticians' cooperative for the Reno-Ruhr region, the reform of the German health system, which will be cutting back on refunds for the purchase of glasses starting January 1, 2004, will have negative effects on the 1,500 to 2,000 opticians' stores.

After the reform comes into effect, many of the consumers who currently purchase glasses at a price they consider reasonable, thanks to the subsequent refund, will either stop buying or settle for models that cost less.

For 2004, opticians are therefore forecasting a drop in the general quality of products and greater competition in the bottom-of-the-range segment. In addition, the rate at which optical equipment is changed will pass from the current 3 years to 5-6 years.

(Source: Acuité)