He claims shoddy practices have crept into the optics sector and reports suggest that “a small contingency of recruitment consultants” have been coldcalling people at work, sending out CVs without the consent of their owners, and not checking personal or professional references.

“This will continue to happen unless the industry demands higher standards and sets regulations that must be adhered to,” warned Liversidge.

The market has been experiencing a boom and now there is a demand for managerial and support staff as well as optometrists themselves, said Liversidge.

He stressed the onus was now on optics recruiters to raise their standards. Liversidge said it was crucial to give optimum service to clients in the sector, some of whom were still “naïve” about what to expect from consultancies.