Specsavers Accelerates Advanced Dry Eye Care Across ANZ
In a bold move to improve access to advanced dry eye therapies, Specsavers has launched low-level light therapy (LLLT) alongside intense pulsed light (IPL) as part of a major rollout across Australia and New Zealand. The aim is to bring state-of-the-art dry eye treatments to up to 100 stores in a matter of months, expanding care for patients facing meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and related conditions.
The Dual-Therapy Strategy: IPL and LLLT Working in Harmony
The rollout follows a successful IPL pilot that demonstrated the benefits of light-based therapy for clogging and inflammation in the meibomian glands. By pairing IPL with LLLT, Specsavers seeks to address a broader spectrum of dry eye causes. IPL helps modify meibum consistency and reduce gland blockages, while LLLT stimulates cellular activity and tissue repair without relying on heat. This complementary approach is designed to offer real, lasting relief to patients who may not respond to a single modality.
Why LLLT Matters for Diverse Patients
LLLT provides a gentler option for patients who are not ideal candidates for IPL, including those with darker skin tones or aqueous-deficient dry eye. Dr. Ben Ashby, Specsavers ANZ clinical services director, notes that LLLT’s non-thermal, regenerative mechanism allows clinicians to tailor treatments to individual needs, expanding access to effective care.
How the Eye-light System Enables Personalised Care
Specsavers has adopted the Eye-light device by Espansione, which delivers both IPL and LLLT on a single machine. This consolidation enables optometrists to design customised dry eye management plans, selecting one or both therapies based on a patient’s unique presentation. In practice, many patients benefit from a combination approach that targets multiple pathways contributing to symptoms.
Clinical Pathways and Patient Outcomes
Each treatment course comprises four applications and is designed to be safe, effective, and accessible. To date, more than 4,200 IPL and LLLT treatments have been delivered to nearly 1,400 Specsavers patients in Australia. The SANDE (Symptom Assessment in Dry Eye) questionnaire supports objective tracking of outcomes, capturing both symptom frequency and severity to quantify improvements over time.
Measuring Real Impact
After four advanced dry eye treatments, about 90% of patients report symptom improvement, according to SANDE assessments. These improvements translate into tangible daily benefits—patients who can read, drive, and work with less irritation and reduced reliance on eye drops. The measured relief reinforces the value of integrating IPL and LLLT into standard care pathways.
Operational Rollout and Healthcare Experience
The deployment pace reflects strong clinical demand paired with operational readiness. Specsavers emphasizes rigorous training—covering both practical and theoretical aspects—for optometrists and teams. The goal is a seamless patient journey, with transparent pricing and clear treatment pathways embedded within the broader clinical model.
Looking Ahead: A New Benchmark in Dry Eye Care
Dr. Ashby describes the rollout as a milestone in improving access to advanced dry eye therapies within store environments. The company expects continued expansion, with many store partners eager to be next in line for offering IPL and LLLT to patients. For affected individuals, the program promises renewed comfort, clearer vision, and a better daily quality of life—outcomes that Specsavers believes will redefine standard care for dry eye disease across ANZ.
