Wiltshire practice and its director celebrate 40th anniversary

Wiltshire practice and its director celebrate 40^th anniversary

A Swindon optometry practice has celebrated its 40^th anniversary with its founding director also recognised.

David Grieves has been at the helm of the Specsavers practice on Regent Street in Swindon since opening the doors to the practice in 1985. Alongside David, the leadership team of practice directors, Simon Webdale, Paul Ewah and Kane Akers have more than 118 years of combined optical and audiology experience.

The four directors were joined by Specsavers CEO John Perkins who praised the team’s commitment to the local community during a visit to celebrate the special anniversary in December.

‘Such a significant milestone deserves to be recognised, and David, along with the entire team should rightly be very proud,’ says Mr Perkins. ‘Starting with a team of just six, and two testing rooms, there has been remarkable growth in 40 years, taking the team to now 70-strong and 15 test rooms.

‘It’s clear that Specsavers Swindon has gone from strength to strength and it’s fantastic to see the business celebrating and marking such a notable achievement.’

The practice also underwent a £500,000 refit, which included a £100,000 investment in brand new testing equipment, last year. As well as additional test rooms, including three dedicated for hearing checks and one for earwax removal, all eye examinations are now carried out on the first floor, which can be accessed via a lift, and it’s also the home of the contact lens area.

‘A lot has changed in 40 years, but we remain dedicated to looking after the eyes, and ears, of the local community,’ says David. ‘We don’t often get to take stock and look back, but this anniversary celebration has meant I’ve been able to do just that.

‘We’ve worked extremely hard to make sure we haven’t stayed still and have been able to change and adapt. The recent practice revamp is an example of this, helping to elevate the experience for everyone who comes through the door.’

He adds the commitment to patients to receive the best possible care and investing in the team remains as strong as ever. ‘We’re hugely grateful for the success we’ve had and are looking forward to the future with positivity and enthusiasm.

‘I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone for their continued support, both our loyal patients and our fantastic team. Without you, we wouldn’t be where we are today and for that, myself and my co-directors, are extremely grateful.’