Urquhart Opticians
Urquhart Opticians has been bringing the best of eyecare to the people of Ayrshire and beyond for over 100 years. Initially founded in Dreghorn by Robert Urquhart back in 1916, it’s a business which now has 13 independent practices and an ever-growing team of specialists committed to maintaining the founder’s initial vision of excellence as they expand into new horizons. With services including visual stress clinics, children’s eyecare, myopia management clinics, style consultations and hearing care amongst others, and an expansive collection of independent and premium eyewear, patients have long benefited from access to a superior personalised service based on a holistic approach to eyecare.
The recent merger with Leslie Dobbie Optometrists, another independent eyecare specialist which has been operating in Ayrshire for over 50 years, has seen Urquhart’s in Ayr expand further in what is an exciting move for both businesses. As the two teams join forces in Urquhart’s premises on Miller Road, staff are keen to extend a warm welcome to patients old and new with Managing Director of Urquhart Opticians, Peter Telfer, stating:
“All of the team are really excited for this merger, it’s a fantastic opportunity to combine two practices who really value offering a personalised eyecare service. We’re looking forward to welcoming the dedicated and loyal patients of Lesley Dobbie Optometrists and, as they will be seeing some familiar faces, we can guarantee their welcome will be a warm one.”
Lesley Dobbie, owner of Lesley Dobbie Optometrists for the past decade, added:
“Merging with Urquhart Opticians will ensure that our patients will continue to receive an excellent level of eyecare at a practice that is just a short distance away, with the added benefits of some fantastic facilities. As I’ve known Peter and Alistair at Urquhart Opticians for a number of years, I know we share the same high values and ethics and I trust that together, we’ll continue to provide patients with the highest standard of care that they’ve come to expect from us. The team at Urquhart Opticians provides a much needed and ever important service to our local community and I’m excited to see what the future holds for independent eyecare in Ayr.”
Following the merger, patients from Lesley Dobbie Optometrists will be able to take advantage of an extensive frame selection, the latest state-of-the-art equipment and hearing care services, including hearing tests and wax removal.
In addition, previous practice owner and Optometrist, Lesley Dobbie, Optometrist, Gail Meehan and Optical Assistants, Linda Anderson and Cathy Thomas, will be joining the Urquhart Opticians team, ensuring a smooth transition for patients from both practices.
The merger is an exciting development for independent eyecare in Ayr with both businesses bringing an established ethos of excellence in patient service and first-class reputations to the table. It’s a union which staff will be celebrating with the community through a family-friendly open day on Saturday 28th September from 10am – 4pm. Afternoon tea, face painting and a sweets station are just some of the attractions which will be on offer as guests have the opportunity to meet the team and browse the vibrant and unique William Morris frame collection which will be on display; a design highlight amongst an already enviable frame collection. It’s not the first time that Urquhart Opticians has welcomed the community to in-store events; frequent brand events are organised throughout the year and across stores to showcase designer ranges which can be browsed with drink in hand. Connecting with the community and encouraging an open-door approach which changes how patients see eyecare is very much at the heart of this independent business.
