This month, Optical Express launched its new Ambassador Referral Programme. Open to both laser eye surgery and intraocular lens treatment patients, the flexible programme enables the referrer to choose how the reward - valued at hundreds of pounds per referral - is distributed.

David Carson, the head of the programme, spoke with enthusiasm about the new initiative.

"The [Ambassador Referral] programme is a huge departure from any scheme we’ve done before, with larger rewards and more flexibility," he said. "We really believe that our patients are our best ambassadors, and we designed this so that we can provide them with a reward that is really substantial, and that can really make a difference in their lives. The amount that they can earn is endless - we are really talking about thousands of pounds."

With the new programme, the person referring is given three options - they can receive the full reward, their friend or relative can receive the full amount off the cost of treatment, or the reward can be split evenly between the two.

If the referrer has opted to receive all or part of the reward, they are issued a cheque within 14 days of their friend or relative undergoing surgery. Thus, the referrer has the potential to not only earn an unlimited amount of money, but also to receive their rewards almost immediately.

Carson acknowledged that the programme may seem too good to be true, but stressed that there are no hidden catches.

"It may seem overly generous to issue cheques for thousands of pounds to our past patients for simply making referrals, but there really is no catch," he said. "Virtually all of our patients indicate that they would recommend Optical Express to their friends and relatives, and we are providing them with an extra incentive for doing so."

Carson cited a recent survey, where over 98% of patients said that they would recommend Optical Express to others.

The programme also reinforces the high standards of customer service and clinical outcomes that Optical Express is dedicated to.

"Beyond rewarding our referrers, this programme further prompts all of our staff members and clinics to ensure that they are providing the absolute highest standard of care," Carson said. "If people walk away with not just great results, but also positive experiences, then they will be all the more likely to refer their friends, family members and colleagues."

Optical Express is the leading provider of laser eye surgery in the UK and Europe, with over 100 consultation clinics offering pre and post-operative care.