The grocery giant has 69 opticians at present, but wants 140 by spring 2009. Specialists such as Specsavers and Vision Express, as well as health and beauty groups like Boots, could feel the squeeze if the grocer takes an increased market share.
A Tesco spokeswoman said: “We are in the process of rolling out the service to about another 70 stores.”
Tesco launched its first in-store opticians in Peterborough in 1998. They offer a range of services, including a£10 sight test, a£10 contact lens assessment and designer prescription glasses from£84.
Tesco also revealed it is testing a new service, Optomap, which costs£10, in existing opticians. The Tesco spokeswoman said: “The equipment scans the back of the eye to enhance our ability to detect many health concerns such as heart disease, hypertension, cancer and diabetes. Initial feedback from customers has been encouraging. However, it’s too early to say whether this will be rolled out to further practices.”
She added that laser eye surgery was not on Tesco’s radar.
This week, Tesco set a target to source£1 billion of locally produced food by 2011.
Speaking at the National Farmers Union conference in London, Tesco corporate and legal affairs director Lucy Neville-Rolfe said: “By 2011, we plan to sell£1 billion worth. That target is perfectly achievable.”
As part of its growth plans, Tesco aims to sell£400 million of local products this year. The push follows increasing demand for fresh products, which contribute to local economies.
Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy had been due to address the conference, but was injured in a skiing accident last week.
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