Spaldings' Independent Optician celebrates 15th Anniversary. - August 2012

Fifteen years ago local Optician Andy Molsom opened his first independent community practice in Spalding. From the outset it was his aim to offer exceptional eye care and eye wear at value for money prices to local people. Since establishment the business has gone from strength to strength. Commenting he said "We have always been focused - if you'll excuse the pun - on providing local people with exceptional eye care and eye wear at value for money prices from an independent practice. When so much money is spent every year by the optical chains promoting a two for one or 50% discount offer we believe the health aspects of optometry are often missed. Most people believe their eye sight is their most important sense and we take pride in putting eye health first every time".

The business has always invested in latest consulting room technology to ensure that every patient receives the very best in eye care. "People often think that the NHS pays for the equipment we use in practice but that's not the case. We don't just invest in the minimum technology required to carry out eye exams we seek out the latest equipment to ensure we stay ahead in offering the best eye care available, and that can be very expensive" said Mr Molsom.

With a second practice in the village of Donington, run by his sister Cheryl Clark, and the recent move into larger premises to accommodate an increasing number of patients the business has recently appointed a very experienced local optician, Rob Young. "Rob has a wealth of experience under his belt, both in hospital optometry and general practice, and will bring valuable skills to the practice. He is especially interested in children's developmental vision along with general pathology, contact lens practice and rare eye diseases" commented Mr Molsom.

Over recent years independent community businesses have had a tough time maintaining their relevance to local people but we are seeing a resurgence of interest following the Mary Portas review set up by the government. Andy Molsom says "Research has shown that people want a thriving community but sadly they have not supported their local businesses and that includes opticians, pharmacists and dentists but all that's changing. Rather than automatically being attracted by the big budget media campaigns from the optical chains we'd encourage local people to support businesses like ours that not only operate in the community but also contribute to the community in so many ways. If people want a personal service where they are made to feel special, have great eye care where the latest technology is used and want to be seen to support their local community we'd encourage them to come and see us in this our fifteenth anniversary year".

Successful businesses of all kinds rely on employing great people committed to the aims and objectives of the business and this is seen as fundamental to Andy Molsom. "We're a family business, with an amazing team of long serving, loyal and highly qualified staff and thousands of loyal, local customers. Not only does my sister Cheryl run the Donington practice, and my niece Annica work at the Spalding practice, but my young daughter is waiting enthusiastically in the wings to take over in the future".

To celebrate the success of the last 15 years, Molsom & Associates Optometrists have a few activities planned - including an open day on 22nd September showcasing the new range of William Morris spectacles. Local people wishing to find out more should contact the practice on 01775 713366.