Pictured above: (l-r) Sarah Edge, dispensing optician and optometrist, Jan Goodwin, who have taken over Mincher-Lockett Opticians in Gnosall, from retiring owners, Jennifer and Peter Mincher-Lockett

Two Stafford opticians are looking forward to expanding their business with the opening of a second practice, in Gnosall.

Optometrist Jan Goodwin and Sarah Edge, dispensing optician, have now bought the former Gnosall Optometrists in Station Road following the retirement of Peter Mincher-Lockett.

Mrs Edge and Mrs Goodwin bought Mr Mincher-Lockett's Stafford practice in 2006, and have made significant improvements there, including extending into neighbouring premises, and a total refurbishment, as well as investing in some of the latest technology in the optometry industry.

Both practices will now be known as Mincher-Lockett Opticians.

"We are thrilled to be opening a second practice," said Mrs Edge. "When we started out, we made it part of our commitment to continually improve the quality of eye care we provide, and we are already looking at investing in new equipment for the Gnosall practice."

New services will include macular pigment screening and NHS diabetic screening, and the new owners are also planning to introduce a wider range of frames and contact lenses, along with new equipment.

"Using more modern equipment improves the efficiency, quality and the range of the testing we can do," explained Mrs Goodwin.

"It will be business as usual for existing customers in Gnosall, as the current staff are staying with us and will continue to provide the friendly, personal service patients have come to expect.

"But we are also keen to hear from them, and anyone living in the village to see what changes would benefit them, to ensure we are offering a service which really suits their needs," she added.