New opticians celebrates successful start to life in Romsey town centre

The MP for Romsey and Southampton North cut the ribbon at the celebratory event at the practice on Thursday, February 24, meeting with James Arrow, Managing Director for Boots Opticians, and Director of Wessex Optical Zabir Ali, the franchise owner.

Zabir Ali of Wessex Optical said:

“We are so excited to expand into Romsey and have been delighted by the warm welcome received from the community. It hasn’t been an easy time for town centres, but we hope new services such as ours will have a part to play in bringing people back to the high street.

“The event this week has been an opportunity to celebrate our arrival, our fantastic patients, and all that we have to look forward to. To have our local MP Caroline Nokes share this moment with us is an honour and a pleasure.”

The new opticians, the fifth branch for Hampshire-based Wessex Optical, opened at 3-5 The Hundred in November, and has already taken on the eye care needs for thousands of local residents.

With a multi-disciplinary team of 20, including 6 Optometrists, the new practice offers eye tests, contact lens fitting and aftercare appointments, as well as ophthalmology treatments. The state-of-the-art centre also offers one of the only opticians in the South of England to partner Optometrists and Ophthalmologists under the same roof to the benefit of all its patients.

Sapphire Eye Care Ltd, who now partner with Boots Opticians in Romsey, offer world class diagnostic and private consultation services with some of the best surgeons in the south of England. Jonathan Husband, MD of Sapphire Eye Care Ltd says:

“We’re delighted to be working alongside Boots Opticians in the South. Providing private Cataract services in a world class facility will only benefit the community of Romsey and beyond. There will be Consultant surgeons available most days to see patients with any serious eye concerns they may have.”

The spacious 3,500 sq ft branch has ample room to run such specialist treatment clinics using the latest advanced facilities and equipment. From its town centre shop, Boots Romsey can offer a wide range of eyewear choices including designer and high fashion frames displayed in the retail area.

Zabir Ali adds: 

“We are passionate about meeting the needs of this community, bringing not only futuristic vision tests and eye health assessments, but bringing hospital-led services into the community as well as private eye care.”

“With hospital eye care services more stretched than ever, being able to offer patients more of what they need on the high street is a big win for them, and for the NHS too.

“We want to make it easy for people to take care of their eye health, and with a fantastic range of frames to choose from, they can look and feel great too.”Wessex Optical, which has its headquarters in Wimborne, has practices in Bournemouth, New Milton, Weymouth, and Wimborne. It purchased the Romsey location last year, opening the new branch in January.