Optical Express Reveals Ambassador Programme Yielding Impressive Returns

 

 

Released on: July 24, 2010, 3:46 am
Author: Optical Express
Industry: Healthcare

Optical Express has revealed that six months after the initial launch of the Ambassador Referral Programme, the programme directors are reporting consistently high figures across the UK and Ireland.

"Since January, we've paid out over £300,000 in rewards, which is phenomenal for a brand new initiative," Joanna Patterson, head of the programme, said. "In addition, our patients have chosen to give their friends and relatives over £1 million in discounts. These are substantial numbers."

The programme is open to all laser eye surgery and intraocular lens patients of Optical Express. It rewards patients for their referrals, but differs from traditional referral schemes in that patients are given the option of how they would like to distribute their rewards, valued at hundreds of pounds. They can opt to keep the full reward themselves, give it to their friends or family members, or split the reward in half.

The booking figures have been very encouraging so far, according to Patterson: "Thousands of patients have booked surgery as a result of the programme, and we have seen significant numbers of referrers choosing each of the three options," she said. "This indicates that our patients are embracing the full range of choices that we’re offering them."

The programme has also expanded beyond its original scope geographically. Optical Express successfully launched the initiative in Holland this past March and Germany in early June.

The Ambassador Referral programme does not appear to be losing steam as patients look beyond their close friends and immediate family members for individuals to share their excitement - and vouchers - with.

"The numbers are staying consistently strong, and even patients who have referred 10 or 12 individuals are calling to enquire about when the next set of vouchers will be sent out," Patterson said. "We have found that patients aren't just referring their siblings and spouses - they're speaking with colleagues, in-laws, and even casual acquaintances. It seems that when patients really take the time to tap into their networks, they find a surprising number of people that they can reach out to."

Optical Express offers free laser eye surgery consultations, with over 100 locations across the UK and Europe offering pre and post-operative care. Treatment starts from just £395 per eye.

About Optical Express:
Optical Express is the world's leading refractive surgery provider with its surgeons having carried out more than 700,000 laser eye surgery procedures and performing more than 6 out of every 10 refractive procedures in the UK. The company employs over 3000 people, utilising over 50 ophthalmologists and 250 optometrists across more than 220 locations throughout the United Kingdom, Ireland, Croatia, France, Optical Express Germany, the Netherlands and the United States.

PR Contact:
Lindsay Taylor
Optical Express
Marketing & Communications
5 Deerdykes Road
Westfield Industrial Estate
Cumbernauld
Glasgow
G68 9HF
+44 (0)1236 795 186
www.opticalexpress.com

 

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