Pictured: Chris Masters, manager of Colin Lee Opticians in
Aldridge, outside the new practice in Anchor Parade
A Walsall opticians is planning a grand opening week after
spending almost £100,000 on moving and fitting out a new
practice.
Colin Lee Opticians in Anchor Parade, Aldridge, has moved its
head office practice just a few yards to units across from its
former premises, but the relocation has trebled the available
space.
There are now two fully-equipped consulting rooms, meaning there
are more appointments available to patients, and a third will
provide a tailor-made space to run contact lens clinics and
regular hearing clinics too.
The larger reception area means greater comfort for patients, as
well as having 720 frames on display - more than double the range
compared to the old practice.
There is a room designed for staff training, which takes place
on a regular basis, which will also be used for board and
management meetings.
The lab has also transferred, and is now housed in a much
bigger, brighter, purpose-designed room.
Investment in new equipment includes the Visioffice, which takes
measurements of patients' faces, and maps how exactly frames fit to
ensure the lenses are precision made to suit each individual, and
an iPad, for use in some eye tests.
Patients are being invited to go along and see the changes
themselves during the grand opening week celebrations, which begin
on Monday, October 10, when they can look around the new practice
and see the new equipment for themselves.
Director Clive Marchant said the business had been operating
from its former base for more than 30 years, and had grown
considerably in that time. The company runs seven opticians
practices around the West Midlands and Staffordshire.*
"It has been a considerable investment, but we simply outgrew
the old premises, and we've been looking for the right place to
relocate for some time now.
"As our head office, we want the Aldridge practice to reflect
the modern, forward-thinking company that we are, and our new
premises are certainly more in keeping with this.
"Our new practice has been refitted to suit our exact needs, and
those of our patients, who will really benefit from the extra
facilities, new equipment and added space.
"We've spent upwards of six weeks making the move, doing it
gradually during times when the practice has been closed, wherever
possible, to limit the disruption to patients.
"Now, we're delighted to be in and welcoming patients, and
everyone is looking forward to showing off the new premises during
our grand opening week, and letting patients know that we have even
more to offer now."
The opening week celebrations will include 20 per cent discounts
on all spectacles bought that week. There will also be refreshments
and free spectacle care kits available throughout the week, as well
as the chance to speak to staff about any eye health issues.
*Practices in Great Barr, Aldridge, Ward End, Burntwood,
Rugeley, Lichfield and Tamworth.