A smart move for local independent optician.

Lincolnshire optometrist Andy Molsom has firm beliefs about the importance of keeping his business local. And, as his practise Molsom & Associates celebrates its fifth anniversary at its current location in the market town of Spalding, his policy appears to have paid off; Business is better than ever.

Molsom & Associates moved from 27 Hall Place to number 5 Hall Place in 2010. Andy says the growing number of clients and burgeoning demand for the practise's services meant they needed somewhere with more room:

"We had been at number 27 since we opened in 1997. By 2010 we were working at maximum capacity. Our client base had grown and we needed extra space. Specifically we needed another consulting room."

With more space available, the practise now offers more facilities: There is a dedicated equipment room fitted out with the latest OCT technology. Over the last five years, the practise has taken on five more people - including another Optometrist - taking the total number of staff to 14. Andy says the move means the practise could introduce new services too:

"We have been able to take on another NHS contract to "triage and treat" local referrals from opticians to hospital departments. It means the patients are able to see an accredited optometrist on their own high street. That means they do not have to go to hospital for minor eye conditions such as suspected glaucoma, high eye pressure, dry eye and watery eyes."

When the original decision to move was made five years ago, leaving Spalding was not an option. Instead Molsom & Associates moved several doors down the road. Today Andy says that after 18 years he feels the business has become part of the fabric of the town.

Paul Surridge is the chief executive of Sight Care, the support network for independent opticians;

"When you commit to a town or village - like Andy Molsom has done - apart from offering a local  independent optician service to the community, you are also helping to draw people into the town centre, which is good for other local businesses too. It's absolutely key in creating a healthy local economy, boosting employment and keeping important health and other services conveniently close for local people."

To book your appointment at Molsom & Associates please call 01775 713366.

To find out more about Sight Care network campaign, visit www.sightcarelocal.co.uk, where you can also locate your nearest independent optician.