The UK’s largest opticians Specsavers pre-tax profits rose 3% to £26.5m in the year to February 2008.

Turnover jumped 10% to £341.5m.

Since the period end however the retailer, which has 1,400 stores in the UK and Europe, has had to compete against stiffer competition, as a result of the merger between Alliance Boots chain, Boots Opticians, with Dolland & Aitchison, making it the second-biggest chain of opticians in the UK.

Accounts filed at Companies House showed that the retailer’s highest paid director – likely to be chairman and joint managing director Doug Perkins – received £191,300, up on the £176,000 received last year.

Perkins co-founded the chain with wife Dame Mary Perkins 25 years ago.