eyesmart.com.au

Specsavers claims to have grown its market share this year to more than 30 per cent in New Zealand, faster than in any other country. The company said in a media release that it had taken the country's number one spot in the optical market in February this year after just 26 months. Since then its market share has climbed from 26.2 per cent to more than 30 per cent. Specsavers has grown by 345 per cent overall since its began operations in New Zealand in 2008, the company claims, despite the impact of the global financial crisis and ''home-grown issues'' Kiwis faced in the year.

Graeme Edmond, Specsavers New Zealand's managing director, said the group was seeing ever-increasing numbers because it offered value and affordability in eye care without compromising on quality. "Our success here mirrors the business's global trend. Worldwide, Specsavers has grown every year since the first store was opened in the UK 26 years ago," he said.

Specsavers has 53 stores in New Zealand with stores co-owned and operated by professional local optometrists and dispensing opticians. The company expects to open between 55 and 60 stores before reaching market saturation.