National Eyecare Group

What National Eyecare Group does

National Eyecare Group (legal entity PK National Eyecare Group Ltd) is the UK's largest purchasing group dedicated to independent opticians, founded in 1979 (originally as Percy Kirk Ltd) and now operating under the global CECOP umbrella following a July 2023 merger. The group aggregates over 1,000 UK independent optical practices to negotiate preferential purchasing terms with leading equipment, lens, contact lens, frame and accessory suppliers; it monetizes primarily through a 5% management fee on approximately half of supplier purchases, with no joining fees, no subscription fees, and no minimum spend on membership. Value-added member services include a single monthly billing system, the Vision Now monthly magazine (circulation ~1,500), an annual Building for Success Conference (CPD-accredited), and exclusive product brands such as mediflex (CooperVision private-label contact lenses), the Charmant frame range, and mark ennovy's Eyefit custom lenses.

The group's wholly-owned IT subsidiary, Optinet (established 1983), provides practice management software to independent opticians in two delivery models: Optinet FLEX (on-premises) and Optinet Nova (cloud-based, launched at 100% Optical in February 2024). Both versions cover patient records, diary, clinical records, stock, dispensing, till, and recall, with integrations to eGOS (GOS1/GOS3), Xero accounting, and an online support portal; Optinet was the first PMS vendor to offer fully integrated Scottish eGOS payments (2018). Beyond software and purchasing, NEG distributes add-on services for members including Cardnet merchant card processing (Lloyds Banking Group), Optical Payment Services direct debit collection, Performance Finance for equipment/leasing, Citation HR/health & safety support, and a tiered Practice Building Business Club (freemium entry plus a £225/month paid tier with done-for-you marketing).

NEG serves a single customer segment — UK independent opticians — through a channel-partner GTM that leans on referrals, the annual conference, CPD lab tours, and direct outreach; it operates from headquarters in Cranbrook, Kent with the Optinet division in Malvern, Worcestershire and lists 1–10 employees in firmographic records, suggesting a lean operating model that leverages supplier partners for much of the marketing and event load. Following the CECOP merger, NEG functions as the UK arm of an 8-country, 8,500+-practice international community, providing a structural channel for cross-border product sourcing (e.g., mark ennovy Eyefit exclusivity) and shared supplier negotiations.

Name

National Eyecare Group

Legal name

PK National Eyecare Group Ltd

Website

https://nationaleyecare.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

National Eyecare Group is the UK's largest purchasing group for independent opticians, aggregating 1,000+ UK practices (now part of CECOP's 8-country, 8,500-practice network) to negotiate preferential supplier terms and provide Optinet practice management software, exclusive lens/frame brands, and business support services on a transaction-fee and subscription model.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Optical Purchasing Group Services

NAICS

Ophthalmic Goods Merchant Wholesalers (423460), Offices of Optometrists (62132), Offices of Optometrists (621320)

SIC

Ophthalmic Goods (3851)

akta.pro primary industry

Optometry Clinics (Primary Eye Care) (HLAKAKAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Optical Dispensing & Eyewear Retail (Glasses/Frames/Lenses) (HLAKAKAL), Ocular Imaging & Diagnostic Testing Centers (HLAKAKAN)

Keywords

• Optical purchasing group
• Practice management software
• Independent optician services
• Optical procurement services
• Eyecare business support

Headquarters

HQ city

Cranbrook

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Management Fees on Purchases: NEG charges a 5% management fee on some purchases made through the Group. These fees are only payable on approximately half of their suppliers; with the rest there is no charge. The collective buying power provides discounts that more than cover any additional fees.
2. Optinet Software Subscriptions: Optinet practice management software offered to members at discounted monthly rental fees after a free 12-month trial period.
3. Vision Now Magazine: Exclusive monthly magazine sent to members with compliments - providing industry news, business articles, and supplier updates.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

National Eyecare Group (NEG) operates as the UK's largest purchasing group dedicated to supporting independent opticians, providing preferential purchasing terms with leading suppliers through collective buying power of over 1,000 UK members. The group also operates Optinet, its IT division, which develops practice management software (Optinet FLEX on-premises and Optinet Nova cloud-based) for independent optical practices, plus business support services and the Vision Now member magazine.

Product overview

National Eyecare Group is the UK's largest purchasing group for independent opticians, established in 1979 with over 1,000 UK members. The company operates as a unified offering combining membership services with technology products. The core product portfolio includes two practice management software systems: Optinet Nova (cloud-based) and Optinet FLEX (practice-based), both providing patient records, clinical records, dispensing, diary, stock management, and eGOS integration. Members receive access to exclusive contact lens brands (mediflex, Eyefit), Vision Now monthly magazine, and business support services including Cardnet payment processing, Optical Payment Services, Performance Finance, Practice Building marketing programs, and Citation HR support. The company merged with CECOP (global optical community with 8,000+ members across 8 countries) in 2023, expanding its international reach.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Vision Now: Monthly magazine for NEG members published 10 times a year (February to November), covering eyewear fashion, CET conference previews, and industry technology developments.
• Optinet

Products and services

• NEG Membership Purchasing group membership providing UK independent opticians preferential purchasing terms with leading suppliers through collective buying power of 1000+ members. Includes single monthly billing system covering all suppliers, 5% management fee on some purchases, and access to all associated business support services. No joining fees, no subscription fees, and no minimum spend required.
• Optinet Nova Cloud-based practice management software for independent opticians offering patient-centric interface with vertically scrolling patient records, quick-access buttons, multiple addresses per patient, unlimited recalls, clinical records with pre-built templates, eGOS integration, dispensing, stock management, till, diary functionality, and built-in staff messaging. Enables multi-location access from any device with internet connection.
• Optinet FLEX On-premises practice management software for independent opticians offering patient records, recall, till, diary, stock, dispensing, and clinical record features. Integrates with Xero accounting software and eGOS systems; was the first PMS to offer fully integrated Scottish eGOS payments option.
• Vision Now Magazine Monthly magazine exclusive to NEG members published 10 times a year (February to November) with circulation of approximately 1,500, covering eyewear fashion, business articles, supplier updates, CET conference previews, and industry technology developments.
• NEG Business Club (Practice Building) Business support and marketing program for NEG members provided in partnership with Practice Building. Free entry-level includes weekly tutorials, Q&A sessions, and a hotline number. Full paid level at £225 per month (added to monthly NEG bill) includes complete Practice Building toolkit, access to marketing studio with done-for-you campaigns, and personalized marketing support.
• Optical Marketer Marketing platform exclusive to NEG members providing bespoke marketing plans developed by optical marketing professionals for a monthly fee, offered through the partnership with Practice Building.
• Optical Payment Services (OPS) Exclusive Direct Debit collection service for NEG members offering cost-effective monthly payment collection from patients. Provides paperless service, cashflow management, and helps increase patient loyalty.

Quantifiable outcome

• Members save 10-20% on merchant card arrangements through Cardnet partnership
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Association for Independent Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians (AIO)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2026NEG partners with AIO for the 2026 Building for Success Conference. The conference will be held October 18-19 at St George's Park in Burton-on-Trent. This is the first time the conference is open to non-members. AIO chairman Keval Sejpar commented on the partnership between two organizations that work purely for the benefit of the independent sector.
• CharmantcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 October 2024Exclusive partnership agreement effective October 1, 2024. Charmant frames and sunglasses will be supplied exclusively to NEG members in the UK and Northern Ireland. Collections include Line Art, Elle, Aristar, Minamoto, Ad Lib, and Esprit. Chris Beal COO of Charmant Europe expressed excitement about rejoining the UK independent optical market through this partnership.
• CECOPcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2023NEG announced merger with CECOP (Central de Compras Ópticas), the world's largest support group for independent opticians. CECOP was founded in 1996 by Jorge Rubio and specializes in providing strategic solutions for independent opticians. CECOP has over 8,000 members across 8 European and Latin American countries plus USA. The merger marks a new phase in NEG's 40-year history, enabling global knowledge sharing and enhanced support for members.
• RodenstockmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPreferred supplier of optical lenses. Rodenstock's B.I.G. EXACT Sensitive lenses won the Lens Award at Optician Awards 2025 and have received multiple international distinctions including German Innovation Award, Silmo d'Or, and Gold Medal of Grupa MTP.
• UltravisionmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPreferred supplier of contact lenses including specialist lenses for keratoconus. NEG members invited to Ultravision lab tour and CPD events offering 7 CPD points.
• ScotlensminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSister company to Ultravision, mentioned in connection with lab tour events for NEG members.
• EssilorLuxotticamajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTitle Sponsor for the 2026 Building for Success Conference. Major supplier of optical lenses including Varilux, Stellest, Eyezen, and Crizal brands.
• Bausch + LombmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHeadline Sponsor for the 2026 Building for Success Conference. Supplier of contact lenses and ophthalmic products.
• CooperVisionmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHeadline Sponsor for the 2026 Building for Success Conference. Partner for exclusive mediflex contact lens portfolio. Also developing The Vision Centre in Southampton.
• Stepper EyewearmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHeadline Sponsor for the 2026 Building for Success Conference. Supplier committed to sustainability and ethical manufacturing practices.
• CooperVision (mediflex)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive private label contact lens portfolio brand available only to NEG members. Includes daily disposables, monthlies, and lens care solutions designed to improve patient retention and practice revenue.
• CardnetminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCard payment services through Lloyds Banking Group. NEG members achieve preferential rates, saving 10-20% on merchant card arrangements.
• Optical Payment Services (OPS)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive service for NEG members offering cost-effective Direct Debit collection for patient payments. Helps manage cashflow and increase patient loyalty.
• Performance FinanceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFinancial services provider for opticians including leasing, hire purchase, loans for IT, refits, equipment. Also offers insurance, protection, pensions, investments, wills, and trusts.
• Practice BuildingmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBusiness support partner providing personalized marketing and business development for independent practices. NEG Business Club offered at two levels: free entry-level with weekly tutorials and hotline, and paid level at £225/month with complete toolkit and marketing campaigns.
• CitationminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHR and Health & Safety compliance partner for NEG members for over 10 years. Provides employment law and health and safety support services.
• mark ennovymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive supplier of Eyefit custom-made lenses (spherical, toric, multifocal, EDOF, myopia control) exclusively available to NEG members in the UK through CECOP group access.
• HEADminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSports brand partnered with Charmant Group for exclusive eyewear range. Available exclusively to NEG members in optical and sunglasses formats.
• Caledonian OpticalmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBritish spectacle lens manufacturer established over 40 years ago in Aberdeen, Scotland. £1.5 million investment in new 10,000 sq ft purpose-built facility in 2023. Offers exclusive Shaw lens with training webinars and full UK exclusivity.
• AOSminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRevolutionary anterior imaging and grading software company transforming eyecare sector since 2015. Features include objective grading, image enhancement, patient/clinician mobile imaging apps, live video calling, and patient reports.
• BIB (Better Eyecare)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHeadline Sponsor for Building for Success Conference. CPD event provider offering educational lectures and workshops on myopia management and optical topics.
• De RigomajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKey preferred supplier through house brand Yalea - an all-female eyewear brand with Cindy Crawford and Bianca Balti as ambassadors.
• Eyespace EyewearmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMulti-award winning British eyewear supplier (Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025). B Corp certified. Known for cutting-edge design and sustainable innovation including Rock Star collection made from recycled ocean plastic.
• BIB (Optopol)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSupplier of REVO series OCT devices and Optopol technology including OCT-B (OCT Biometry) and T-OCT (OCT Topography).
• OptinetcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerIT division of NEG developing practice management software (Optinet FLEX and Optinet Nova) for independent opticians. Established 1983 with over 30 years of experience. Nova is cloud-based, FLEX is on-premises.
• MeniconmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSupplier of contact lenses including Miru 1day family and Menicon Bloom myopia control treatment plan with Night (ortho-K) and Day (EDOF soft daily disposable) lenses.
• Théa UKminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSupplier of dry eye products including Zaspray preservative-free spray with 0.2% Hyaluronic Acid and Per-Lip Complex.
• AlconmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSupplier of DAILIES TOTAL1 contact lenses including new toric version for astigmatism with Water Gradient material technology.
• 20 20 Optical ServicesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSpectacle frame design and distribution for British brands. Partnership with Joe Browns for eyewear line bringing their unique lifestyle brand designs to optical market.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Hakim Group: Hakim Group is the UK's largest community of independent opticians, supporting practice owners with buying power, business services, and clinical support. It operates in the same UK independent optical segment as NEG with an overlapping value proposition.
• Ocuco: Ocuco is a leading provider of optical practice management software and lab management solutions serving independent and chain opticians globally. It competes directly with Optinet's practice management software business.
• i-Clarity: i-Clarity is a UK-based optical practice management software vendor serving independent opticians. It competes with Optinet FLEX and Nova for the same UK independent practice customer base.
• Sight Care: Sight Care is a UK membership and purchasing organization for independent opticians, providing supplier discounts, business support, and networking events. It is the closest direct competitor to NEG's purchasing group model in the UK.

Regional players

• LOCs (Le Collectif des Opticiens de Confiance): LOCS is a French purchasing and services group for independent opticians, comparable in business model to NEG. It serves as a useful regional benchmark for the European independent optical group model that CECOP and NEG represent.

Broad incumbents

• Specsavers: Specsavers is the dominant UK optical retailer operating a large chain of franchised stores. While a different business model, it shapes the competitive context for NEG's independent optician members and indirectly affects their supplier terms and patient demand.

Emerging players

• RevolutionEHR: RevolutionEHR is a cloud-based electronic health record and practice management platform for optometry. It is an emerging technology-led competitor to Optinet Nova in the optical practice management software category.

Others

• CECOP: CECOP is NEG's parent organization and the world's largest purchasing and support group for independent opticians across 8 countries. While not a direct competitor, it is the most strategically relevant network partner and benchmark for global optical group models.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat7 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/PK_NEG
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/about
• Facebookfacebook.com/100063618156401

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about National Eyecare Group