Sims Opticians in Teddington, Middlesex, has installed computers into their consulting rooms for the first time as part of an extension of its Optisoft computer system.

The independent, fourth generation, family practice has added new programmes to the system that they started using 18 years ago, expanding the original reception-only system.

Graham Sims FBDO, FSMC(Disp), said: "This gives my optometrist colleagues a chance to write their own referral letters, and make follow-up appointments with the computerised diary. This will free up more of the receptionists' time."

Sims Opticians is one of Optisoft's longest running users. They have also invested in the ability to order spectacle lenses and contact lenses online. "If we do decide to move to a paperless practice we are set up ready to do so,” he added.

"We have always found Optisoft very helpful. Their system works well and there is always someone available if we need support," he added.

Optisoft Ltd, 30/05/2007