Malaysia, First Optical Protection Scheme
England Optical Group Sdn Bhd (EOG) has introduced the first and only optical insurance protection plan in Malaysia for eyewear purchasers, according to its regional sales manager John Chen.
'Between May 1 and July 31, any customer who buys a frame or a pair of sunglasses from us, our EOG Optical Insurance Protection Plan will replace any loss or damaged eyewear incurred anywhere in the world, subject to conditions.
'The free coverage for all customers is valid for six months from the date of purchase, ' he said, adding that the insurance covered claims for damage, breakage or loss.
The policy covers brands exclusive to EOG including Escada, Kenzo, Nina Ricci, Charriol, Speed, F-1, Airlines, NYC and Guy Laroche for frames and sunglasses, but excluded prescription lenses.
On the reasons for the introduction of this policy, Chen said first time eyewear users or those who switched from one type of spectacles to another (for example, from full rim to rimless) were generally more prone to accidents. 'This is due to the fact that they are adapting to something new and may not be familiar with the care and protection of their eyewear.
'Another group of purchasers who will benefit are first time parents. Very often, we come across customers who need to replace their spectacles because their baby or toddler pulled the eyewear off and damaged it in the process.Sometimes, our customers leave their spectacles on the seat or sofa and sit on them accidentally,' Chen said.
'If a customer makes a claim, he needs to pay RM50 to cover administration costs. 'The customer can claim the amount on his receipt or top up the difference in price if he prefers to replace it with another piece which costs more,' he said, adding that the policy applied to purchases costing above RM100.
Each customer was limited to two claims even if he had bought more than two pairs of eyewear during the three months, Chen said, adding, however, that a customer could only make one claim on each purchase. For claims due to loss or theft, the customer had to furnish a police report also, he added.
'Besides the free coverage for eyewear, EOG is also providing a RM10,000 personal accident coverage worldwide during the six months, free of charge, to our customers. We want our customers to have peace of mind when they buy from us,' Chen added.
Sales last month since the launch of the insurance policy had been encouraging, Chen said, adding that the improved sales figures helped to 'regenerate' turnover at some of EOG's outlets in the shopping complexes.
'We are looking at opening another 200 new outlets in the next three to five years. We are represented in every state except Perlis. Thirty-three of our outlets are opened under a franchise programme which we started three years ago,' vice-president Chai Yuet Chon said.
Currently, EOG has 121 outlets including 13 in China and one in Cambodia.
