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Zabir has been featured in the June 24 issue of Dorset Living magazine, in a piece about “Men in Business”. Below is this article from the magazine.

Zabir Ali is an experienced Optometrist, business owner and
entrepreneur with a passion for combining high-end retail
experience with optics and specialist eye-care services accessible
within community settings. His company, Wessex Optical, is the
largest franchisee for Boots Opticians in the UK and has won a
range of awards for patient experience and business performance.
Zabir is highly regarded in his field and was recently recognised as
‘One to Watch’ in the The Times Top 50 Most Ambitious Business
Leaders 2023.
After graduating from Aston University with an Optometry
degree in 2007, Zabir worked his way up through the ranks from
optician to practice manager with Boots Opticians before opening
his first franchise in June 2012. “My first store was in New Milton,
Hampshire. Once I’d got to grips with how to operate the franchise,
I experienced a good degree of success, and decided to expand to
become a multi-unit franchisee. Now I have seven franchises – which
include three flagship stores in Romsey, Lymington and Wimborne.”
Familiar with the physical and mental benefits a gym community
can give, Zabir has moved into the fitness industry. “I started going
to the gym at a young age and it had a positive effect on my health,
so I decided to look into fitness franchising. That was when I found
Snap Fitness, and I loved everything the brand stood for.” Snap
Fitness Fareham opened in May 2024 and is their biggest flagship
club in Europe. With a licence signed to open three more clubs, Zabir
is excited to continue his wellness creating journey

Wessex Optical’s Chris Seaby will be travelling to Malawi this June, he writes about this opportunity below;

This June I will be embarking on a healthcare journey to Malawi for three and a half weeks.

Partnering with Cardiff University, I will be supervising and working alongside a committed group of university students and other qualified Optometrists. Our goal is to provide essential eye care and health screening across orphanages, rural towns, and schools across the country.

The journey will start in Blantyre and we will be doing some work alongside a local eye hospital for a few days as we hit the ground running. We then spend a week doing outreach work with the lakeside villages of Karonga alongside a team of cataract surgeons also traveling out to the area from the UK. This will be followed by more outreach in Mzuzu. We continue to Lilongwe where we will be working with a local university and aiding local university students with contact lenses and their functions and use. To finish the trip, we will be visiting orphanages and schools in Lilongwe to offer Eyecare and support where possible. In preparation for this trip, we have been collecting pre-loved glasses with low and equal prescription to bring with us. We have also been collecting non-prescription sunglasses and basic medical equipment for day to day use while we are there.

During my university years, I was fortunate enough to be selected as one of the students travelling out to Malawi but sadly the covid pandemic put an end to the journey before it could even begin.

Years on, now qualified and experienced I didn’t give up the drive and kept in contact with Cardiff University, I feel so fortunate to now have the opportunity to support and supervise the expedition and offer my skills and time to make sure there is Eyecare available to those less fortunate in Malawi. I hope this trip will not only provide me with valuable experience but also context to the Eyecare we are lucky to have here in the UK. 

Zabir Ali, owner of Wessex Optical, was given the EMEA recognition award at the event in Orlando

UK optometrist and practice owner, Zabir Ali, was presented with the Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA) recognition award at Transitions Innovation Awards 2024 in February.

The awards ceremony, held on 13 February during Transitions Academy in Orlando, saw practitioners from the US, Canada and Europe recognised for their commitment to innovation within their businesses.

“It was really great to be recognised,” Ali said, adding that he had been to Transitions Academy the previous year and had left feeling inspired about the products he could offer to his patients.

Zabir Ali is the owner of Wessex Optical, a franchise of seven Boots Opticians practices on the south coast of England and in Staffordshire.

He has been an optometrist for 15 years, and opened his first Boots practice in June 2012.

“I was really honoured to win the award,” he said. “It was an EMEA award, so it wasn’t just a UK award – it was global recognition. I couldn’t believe that they wanted to recognise us for our performance on such a global stage.”

The Transitions Innovation Awards asked nominating optometry practices and individuals to outline their goals for 2023 and for the innovative approaches they used to achieve them.

Speaking about the EMEA recognition category, Ali added: “This year they had delegates from Denmark and Serbia, and other places. To be recognised out of Europe and out of those countries is a big achievement.”

Transitions Academy 2024 took place from 11–14 February. More than 1300 delegates attended the event, where the Transitions Gen S lens was unveiled.

To learn more about Transitions lenses and how light management can help you, pop into one of our practices!

Zabir Ali Wins the 2023 Escape Yachting Award for Entrepreneur of the Year, at the New Forest business Awards in November

Another award for Entrepreneurship finds its way onto Zabir Ali’s mantle, after scooping up the Escape Yachting Award for Entrepreneur of the Year at this years’ New Forest business awards. The award recognises Zabir for his tireless work and dedication in setting up a thriving franchise of opticians practices, and soon to be a new gym venture also.

After establishing its first optical Boots franchise in New Milton, Wessex Optical went on to open in Wimborne, Bournemouth, Weymouth, Romsey, Lymington and Uttoxeter. Zabir aims to have more practices, creating not only Optician Practices but Centres of Excellence for Eyecare, offering levels of care/treatment traditionally only available in hospitals, reducing demand on NHS service.

In all his practices, Zabir has built up remarkable teams, who are immensely skilled, highly qualified and dedicated to delivering exceptional customer care. Each branch is led by a Practice Manager, and includes fully-qualified Optometrists, Dispensing Opticians and Optical Consultants.

Leading by example, Zabir is often seen working alongside his team as an optometrist and ensures all employees are motivated and inspired to provide the highest level of service and care.

Congratulations Zabir on your newest award!

Zabir Ali Triumphs at The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards!

On the 21st of November 2023. Zabir Ali, founder of Wessex Optical was awarded South West Retail Entrepreneur of the year at The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards.
Recognised annually as one of the most prestigious accolades in the entrepreneurial world, The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards which received over 5,000 applications this year alone.
A Triumph in a Highly Competitive Field, and following on from a nomination in 2022 Zabir clinched this award in which making the shortlist is an achievement in its own right, given the calibre of competition. This success underlines the significance of Zabir and Wessex Optical’s win.
Previous winner James Watt, founder of BrewDog, said that winning was “better than winning the World Cup.” with ‘Diary of a CEO’s Steven Bartlett going as far as to dub the awards as “The Grammys of Entrepreneurship,” highlighting the glamour and prestige associated with the event.

Francesca James, founder of The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards, said:
“I am thrilled to witness the extraordinary achievements of this year’s winners. Their
success stories are a testament to the dynamic and innovative spirit that thrives within
UK entrepreneurship. These inspiring entrepreneurs embody the creativity, determination,
and passion that are at the heart of our nation’s business success. Their
accomplishments not only celebrate their own journeys but also light the way for future
generations of innovators and business leaders”.
Richard Davies, CEO of Allica Bank, commented:
“It has been a real honour to sponsor this year’s GBEA awards. Hearing the inspiring stories
from this year’s winners really brings to life the important contribution British entrepreneurs
make to our economy. At Allica, we couldn’t be more excited to see such a talented group of
individuals making their mark in the business world and we’ll be keeping a close eye on what
they do next.”

About Wessex Optical
Wessex Optical is a franchise of Boots Opticians, with 7 practices in Dorset, Southampton and Staffordshire. Established in 2012 by first generation entrepreneur Zabir Ali, the group has been exceptionally successful, with multiple award nominations and wins, all the while providing excellent clinical results and patient care.
About The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards
The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards celebrate and champion
entrepreneurs across the UK, building communities to support their endeavours
at various stages of their journey.
With stiff competition and a history of recognising businesses that become
household names, the awards are a beacon of excellence in the entrepreneurial
landscape.

Zabir Ali, Managing Director of Wessex Optical has been named One to Watch in The LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders 2023.

Created by trusted investment partner LDC – part of Lloyds Banking Group, and supported by The Times, The LDC Top 50 champions the business leaders who are pushing for growth and building successful medium-sized businesses. 

This year’s nominations were of an exceptionally high calibre and the competition was fierce, showcasing the drive and determination that unites business leaders across the UK.

The leaders featured in The LDC Top 50 are growing their businesses at home and overseas, making a positive contribution to society and driving progress against their sustainability goals. They hail from every corner of the UK and span every sector of the economy. Together, they employ more than 6,700 people and turn over more than £1.2bn. 

The Ones to Watch are leaders making great strides and growing their businesses. They are excelling in their industries and making a positive impact on customers and employees, yet still show so much potential for future growth.

Wessex Optical is a leading optical company and franchise owner of seven Boots Opticians practices in Bournemouth, Lymington, New Milton, Romsey, Uttoxeter, Weymouth and Wimborne. The company was established in 2012 by Zabir Ali, a qualified Optometrist with the aim to create not only Optician Practices but Centres of Excellence for Eyecare, offering levels of care/treatment traditionally only available in hospitals, reducing demand on NHS service.

Zabir Ali, Managing Director of Wessex Optical said: My ambition is to combine premium, service-led retail with everyday and specialist healthcare services, meeting the needs of the communities and accessible on the high street.

John Garner, Managing Partner at LDC, said: 

“We started The LDC Top 50 six years ago to champion the remarkable success stories of medium-sized businesses, the unsung heroes of the British economy. Since then, we’ve received more than 3,000 nominations and celebrated more than 500 business leaders through the programme, surpassing all our expectations. The stories behind this year’s Ones to Watch really captured our attention and I’d like to congratulate them on their achievements so far. We’ve no doubt that this is only the beginning for each and every one of them!”

Congratulations Zabir for this incredible achievement!

You can find out more information on this year’s LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders programme here: https://bit.ly/3Fl3KWN

Unlocking the Potential of OCT Scans: A Life-Saving Story from a Romsey Beautician
Discover the life-changing benefits of OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scans through the inspiring journey of Katie Dunn, a 30-year-old beautician from Romsey. Her remarkable experience sheds light on the incredible capabilities of OCT scans in early detection, ultimately saving her life.
Katie’s journey began with a simple routine eye test at Boots Opticians in Romsey, a Practice in the Wessex Optical Franchise, an eye exam that proved to be nothing short of miraculous. During the test, an anomaly was noticed in both of her eyes, prompting immediate action. She was referred for an MRI scan at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, a decision that would change her life forever.
The results of the scan revealed a substantial tumour in her brain. It was a moment that marked the onset of a brave battle against this formidable adversary. Over the course of the past year, Katie underwent not one but two surgeries to address the issue. In December of the previous year, she opted for fertility preservation as she prepared for radiotherapy.
Katie’s gratitude for the OCT scan is palpable as she reflects on her journey:

“I genuinely believe that the eye test saved my life and preserved my eyesight. If left undiscovered for longer, I could have faced complete vision loss due to the pressure on my optic nerve.”

The type of tumour Katie was diagnosed with is known for its slow growth, suggesting that it might have been silently developing for years. Left undetected, it could have given rise to numerous life-altering and life-threatening issues. For Katie, her eyesight isn’t just a matter of personal comfort—it’s integral to her profession and her independence, given her reliance on it for driving.

Today, Katie continues to be monitored with regular scans, and the value of early detection through OCT technology becomes increasingly evident. She acknowledges the challenges she has faced during her journey, such as hair loss from radiotherapy and the ongoing recovery of her nose and throat following surgery, but she remains resolute and thankful.

Katie’s story stands as a powerful testament to the incredible potential of OCT scans in preserving not only eye health but overall well-being. Her journey underscores the significance of routine OCT scans in unearthing potential health threats before they escalate. In essence, it showcases that sometimes, the most extraordinary stories of resilience emerge from the most ordinary moments in life, such as a routine eye test empowered by advanced OCT technology.

Well done to our team in Romsey, and best of luck to Katie through her journey.

Talk to one of our team about the OCT scan, and book for an eye test:

Weymouth: 16 St Mary’s Street, DT4 8PB | 01305 750936

New Milton: 20A Station Road, BH25 6JX | 01425 629827

Romsey: 3-5 The Hundred, SO51 8DG | 017945 13258

Wimborne: 1 The Square, BH21 1JA | 01202 887081

Lymington, 52D High St, SO41 9AG | 01590 671655

Wallisdown, 288A Wallisdown Rd, BH11 8PN | 01202 515024

Uttoxeter, 8 High St, ST14 7HT | 01889 567374

Driving safely in the dark becomes more difficult for a lot of people in winter. In the dark, our eyes need to quickly adjust from the road to our side view mirrors or dashboard. And not forgetting the extra glare from car headlights. If you have poor vision and wear glasses, simply being a careful driver may not be enough to keep you feeling comfortable behind the wheel this winter.

A solution to driving in the dark with poor vision

Drivers have a lot of needs when it comes to driving safely in the dark, and with the sun setting earlier, a larger number of commuters are having to travel in almost pitch black. Normal lenses are not providing enough support, but with the ZEISS DriveSafe Individual Lenses, drivers can be assured with more confidence that their glasses will do what they need.

The lenses have been created with technology that makes them perfect for anyone driving in the evenings with poor lighting, but particularly for those who have a difficulty adjusting their eyes to low-lighting areas and glare from car headlights.

These lenses make use of the ZEISS DuraVision DriveSafe UV coating that allows drivers to have better visibility on the roads. Not only do they feature this anti-glare coating, but they use the Luminance Design Technology by ZEISS to help drivers have higher visibility when driving in poor lighting or bad weather conditions.

The benefits to drivers

The ZEISS lenses have been designed with a technology that considers the size of the pupil, and therefore provides better sight when in difficult vision situations. The ZEISS DriveSafe Individual Lenses also consider multifocal drivers who may face issues with their eyes swiftly adjusting from the road to side mirrors and the dashboard. To manage this, the lenses have optimised distance and intermediate viewing zones, which reduces the need for horizontal head movement.

Drive safely while keeping your style…

Driving safely in the dark does not mean that you must compromise your style and choice of glasses. With the ZEISS DriveSafe Individual lenses, you have a choice of any design of glasses frames and shapes to suit you and your fashion sense. And, with Boots Opticians’ wide range of glasses and styles to suit all face shapes, there is a pair for everyone to love, whilst driving safely in the dark.

If you want to explore driving safer with ZEISS DriveSafe Individual Lenses, contact your local Boots Opticians store or visit https://www.boots.com/zeiss/zeiss-drivesafe-lenses …

Weymouth: 16 St Mary’s Street, DT4 8PB | 01305 750936

New Milton: 20A Station Road, BH25 6JX | 01425 629827

Romsey: 3-5 The Hundred, SO51 8DG | 017945 13258

Wimborne: 1 The Square, BH21 1JA | 01202 887081

Lymington, 52D High St, SO41 9AG | 01590 671655

Diabetic eye diseases are one of the leading causes of blindness across the world and often have no early warning signs. Regular eye tests can spot these issues as soon as they present themselves. Early detection, timely treatment, and appropriate follow-up care are the only ways to prevent vision loss.

Keeping on top of your eye tests

Getting your eyes regularly tested is a great way to keep on top of your eye health and be one step ahead of any issues that may arise. These frequent checks allow our optometrists to spot changes to the makeup of your eye so we can take action as soon as possible.

At our practices, we offer a range of different eye tests and checks to suit you, depending on what you’re after. You can book; a regular eye test, a contact lens check, a combination of both, or an eye test with a free contact lens trial and assessment*.

Diabetes and the eyes

For those who are unfamiliar, diabetes (T1) is a lifelong condition that causes an individual’s blood glucose to become too high, often resulting in higher blood pressure levels. Having high blood sugar and pressure levels in turn can cause serious damage to the blood vessels, narrowing them, rupturing them, or even causing them to leak.

Unknown to most, diabetic people’s eyes and eyesight are often heavily impacted. This is because blood vessels are a very important part of the eye, responsible for supplying blood to the light-sensitive retina. So when these blood vessels are damaged, the retina cannot get the full blood supply it relies on, and as a result, cannot work in the way that it should, leading to diabetic retinopathy and blindness if left undiagnosed and untreated.

So how can we spot it?

Diabetic retinopathy can cause a lot of changes to occur in your eyes, so through our testing and photographing, we are able to capture these changes and take any actions we need to further prevent any damage.

Eye drops are first used to help dilate your pupils and give us a clearer vision of the eye. From there, by taking a digital photo of the back of your eye with a retinal camera, we can get a high-quality image of your eye, vessels and all, which is then sent off for examination. Specialists can then compare your eyes and point out any abnormalities, areas for concern, or noticeable issues.

If some issues are picked up while carefully reviewing the images of your eyes, you will then be referred to an eye specialist doctor for further support. In most cases, the majority of these changes are treatable, and potentially reversible if picked up early.

Next steps…

Keeping your eyes healthy and having regular eye tests are important in not only preventing these issues in the first place but in helping keep them from getting worse if they’ve already surfaced – especially if there is a family history of diabetes or eye-related illnesses.

The NHS recommends that adults get their eyes checked once every 2 years, and once a year for those with diabetes. If you’re looking to get your eyes checked, then book an eye test today by getting in touch with your local store…

Weymouth: 16 St Mary’s Street, DT4 8PB | 01305 750936

New Milton: 20A Station Road, BH25 6JX | 01425 629827

Romsey: 3-5 The Hundred, SO51 8DG | 017945 13258

Wimborne: 1 The Square, BH21 1JA | 01202 887081

Lymington, 52D High St, SO41 9AG | 01590 671655

*We do NOT offer Diabetic retinopathy in our stores, this blog is intended as an educational source. If you are looking to have a Diabetic retinopathy service, please get in touch with your GP for the next steps.

Wessex Optical, a franchise partner of Boots Opticians with locations in Dorset and Hampshire, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its sixth branch. Situated in Lymington, this new practice is the largest in Wessex Optical’s history, boasting an expansive 4,000 square feet of space, complete with five rooms and a dedicated hearing care area.
The Lymington practice is all set to provide a wide range of testing and diagnostic services through multiple specialized clinics. This includes comprehensive eye examinations, expertly fitted contact lenses, post-care appointments, assessments, and treatments for dry eye conditions, as well as audiology services.
What sets this practice apart is its commitment to accessibility, offering services seven days a week, while also contributing to the local job market by creating 11 employment opportunities within the town.
The impressive expansion of the Lymington practice was made possible through a generous funding infusion of £500,000 from Lloyds Bank. This strategic investment is anticipated to substantially boost the business’s annual turnover from £4.5 million to an impressive £7 million.

Zabir Ali, the founder and owner of Wessex Optical, expressed his enthusiasm for this significant milestone, stating;

“We are thrilled to extend our presence into Lymington, marking our second new branch this year.”

He went on to emphasize the practice’s commitment to becoming an integral part of the local community, fostering the prosperity of the High Street, and, most importantly, enhancing the eye health of Lymington’s residents and those in the surrounding areas.
Zabir Ali also shed light on the practice’s focus on investing in cutting-edge optical testing, diagnostic, and treatment technologies. He explained, “With NHS services still in recovery mode post-pandemic, offering alternative specialist services on our High Streets is not only providing a vital service to communities but also alleviating pressure on the health service.”

As Wessex Optical expands to its largest site to date, Ali reflected on the journey, saying;

“Opening our biggest site yet hasn’t been without its challenges, but we are delighted with the results, which will make it easy for people in Lymington to take good care of their eye health, and, with a fantastic range of frames to choose from, look and feel great too.

Visit our Lymington Practice:

Lymington, 52D High St, SO41 9AG | 01590 671655