THE city’s two independent opticians are to join forces.
Millicans Eye Centre and Mansfield Opticians will come together to form the city’s only independent opticians and will trade by the name of Millicans and Mansfield Opticians.
The proposed opening of the new practice is August 24.
The new practice will be located on the site of the existing Mansfield Opticians at 65 High Street, with the former Scribbles shop next door also being converted to create a new, larger practice.
Until that is ready, staff from both opticians will be sharing the existing Millicans site further down High Street. Those premises will close once the new practice opens.
“It’s an exciting opportunity for eyecare in Wells,” said David Millican.
“We’re looking forward to working in a bigger, better practice with more choice for patients, offering the latest technology.”
This is his 50th year since he qualified as an optometrist. His practice was based in Chamberlain Street when he first came to Wells, and he moved to the current building in 1990.Richard Mansfield qualified as an optometrist in 1984, and opened his practice in Wells in 1995.
“I’ve known Richard for a long time and we’ve got a good relationship,” said David.
“We have successfully traded alongside each other for many years serving the people of Wells, collaborating and not competing with each other.
“Now we are joining together Wells’ two established independent practices to build a practice for the future.”
Richard will be retiring later in the year, while David will continue to work in the practice alongside his daughter Sam who has recently completed her optometric studies.
“We will be retaining the family ethos and service of both practices,” said David, who is also joined by his Dispensing Optometrist son-in-law Lee.
Familiar, friendly faces from both existing practice teams will be waiting to greet everyone to the new premises.
“There will be an even wider choice of ranges and brands to suit all needs and budgets, and more people will be able to take advantage of our latest technology such as the Optos retinal scanner, as well as the innovative Eyeplan eye care scheme,” said David.
Existing patients of both practices will automatically become patients of the new practice; there is no need to re-register. They will all be contacted to explain the merger in more detail.