Ethics

Ethical trading policy

To trade ethically we have to look beyond strictly economic objectives, considering the wider implications of our business decisions when trading internationally. When selecting a range of eyewear or where to source any of our products we choose only those companies that pay their employees a decent living wage, have excellent working conditions, equal rights and conduct their business ethically. We feel it is important to look beyond our own direct business relationships so we can ensure staff welfare not only in our own business but also the welfare of staff further back in our supply chain.

We could source our products at much cheaper rates but at what cost to, or infringement of basic human rights? When products are ridiculously cheap it is highly likely that people in the supply chain aren’t being paid a living wage; maybe child labour is being used, working conditions aren’t safe, working hours are long and unreasonable or unions are prohibited? We are all responsible for our consumer choices; it is not just at the supermarkets where we have to consider the origin of the products we buy.

Worldwide giving

Good eye health care and access to glasses can easily be taken for granted. At Clamp Optometrists we are working with the charity Vision Aid Overseas to provide free glasses to be used in developing countries. This means that doctors, Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians are working in these countries are able to correct at least some of the vision problems that they encounter.  
Some statistics to consider:

  • 10% of the world’s population are unnecessarily visually impaired because they do not have glasses.
  • Close to 13 million children are visually impaired because they do not have glasses. Without access to vision correction they often miss out on opportunities to get an education. 
  • Parents have to stop working because they cannot see well enough to read, write or perform skilled tasks. 
  • Many elderly people are needlessly blind without glasses.

To find out more on how Vision Aid Overseas helps develop sustainable eyecare services please visit their website.
By donating your old spectacles you can make a difference to someones life. We would like to thank all our generous patients who regularly donate their old spectacles.
If you would like to donate your old frames please drop them in at the shop.

Local and community giving

Clamp’s have also donated to/sponsored a local primary school for the purchase of much needed new books and we have sponsored a local children’s football team. We also donate regularly to Optometry Giving Sight.