Ultralase to open surgery in Liverpool
ULTRALASE is set to open a specialist surgery in Liverpool – its first outside London.
The Leeds-based laser eye surgery company is to launch an intraocular lens (IOL) surgery centre in Liverpool and Tony Veverka said if successful up to six sites would be rolled out across the UK.
IOL procedures effectively treat cataracts and presbyopia, a vision condition.
Mr Veverka said Ultralase would also add to its 31 clinics in the UK and Ireland by opening new sites in Brighton, Norwich and Plymouth.
He said the new consultation clinics would complement the group’s national sales and marketing strategy and bring Ultralase closer to some customers. The IOL surgery in Liverpool will follow Ultralase’s centre in Harley Street in London.
Mr Veverka said: “The experience of London so far has been very encouraging. However, there’s not really been a recession in London. The North West will be a very interesting test for us. If that goes as encouragingly as London we will hope to roll them out later this year and next.”
Commenting on current trading, Mr Veverka said he was encouraged by activity but said the number of recent public holidays had seen customer numbers fall.
Earlier this week, TheBusinessDesk.com reported that operating profit at Ultralse hit £1m in 2010. Mr Veverka said the effects of a competitor recently being investigated on BBC’s Watchdog consumer series had yet to be felt in the market.
