Tesco has sold its opticians business to Vision Express as the grocer continues a drive to “simplify its business.”

The supermarket giant currently operates 206 Tesco Opticians outlets inside its larger supermarkets across the UK, three stores in the Republic of Ireland and online.

Tesco employs 1,500 staff across the opticians business, all of whom will be transferred to Vision Express following a consultation process.

The disposal, which is subject to approval by the Competition and Markets Authority, comes as Tesco continues to focus on its core supermarket business in the UK.

Streamlined portfolio

It has already sold off its Korean Homeplus business and its Kipa fascia in Turkey as part of boss Dave Lewis’ plans to streamline its non-core portfolio.

Tesco has also offloaded the Giraffe restaurant business, Dobbies Garden Centres, the Euphorium Bakery and the Harris + Hoole coffee shop chain.

Similar moves have been made by Tesco’s big four rivals Asda and Sainsbury’s, who have sold off their photo processing arm and mobile phone divisions respectively.

Tesco UK and Ireland boss Matt Davies said: “This allows us to further simplify and strengthen our UK business and ensures our customers are still able to enjoy high-quality eye care services from Vision Express in our larger stores.

“Our priority now is to work with our colleagues and support them through this change.”