In 1934, at age of 22, Norman Alexander started Arbuthnot Opticians in the heart of Barry on Broad Street. Little did he know that 75 years later his business is still thriving...
A VISION TO BE PROUD OF
Norman lived above the premises in Broad Street for many years before moving to Redbrink Crescent on Barry Island. Arbuthnot’s has grown steadily over the years and many new faces have joined the business. We spoke to new partner, Optometrist James Davies.
Congratulations on your appointment.
Thank you. I’m very proud of my new role - it’s a great business to be in.
Why do you think people like coming to to Arbuthnot’s?
We’ve been here a long time - we’ve built relationships with customers. Arbuthnot’s has an excellent reputation for offering a quality service. But, having said that, we don’t stand still. We’re always moving forward.
What do you think Norman would say if he was here today?
I think he’d be surprised at the advances that have come about since 1934. I’m sure Norman would hardly recognise the current practice. His original living quarters are now state of the art consulting optometry rooms and a hearing consulting room. Things have developed so much over recent years.
You’re getting a reputation for being very ‘clued in’ when it comes to stylish frames. How do you keep up with trends?
Well, perhaps I shouldn’t say this but we do have a secret weapon. Our senior partner Sharron Hopkins keeps on top of the fashions. Sharron visits Milan at least once a year to source the latest frames and also to meet industry experts so she is right on top of the trends.
What brands do you stock?
We’ve got some really beautiful eyewear in at the moment. Lindberg is considered the ultimate designer brand. Beautiful Scandinavian minimalist designs - classics in the making, All Lindberg eyewear form part of an individualised system – basically it’s ‘tailor-made eyewear’ – great for faces of all ages and shapes.
Then there’s Cazal, super chic and stylish by designer Carl Zalloni - very striking. If you want to make a statement, these definitely have the WOW factor.
We also stock Fleye, a Danish brand that’s taking Europe by storm. Fleye is short for Fine Looking Eye. They’re exactly what you’d expect from the Scandinavian’s - lightness combined with functionality and a superb range of colours. They use allergy-friendly, solid materials in their construction.
So does that mean that Arbuthnot’s is expensive?
No not at all, we have an excellent range of budget and mid-range brands. We pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive range to suit all tastes and all budgets. Because of this, we attract a wide range of customers and they make our work interesting. There’s never a dull day.
Do you offer ranges for children?
Absolutely, we’re selling a lot of the Zoobug’s at the moment. They’re really fun sunglasses for children - they’re designed to be super comfortable. Kids love them. It’s amazing how things change. Years ago, we didn’t realise how important it was to protect young eyes from bright sunshine. That’s where technology and research has moved the industry on. It’s quite a sophisticated industry.
As Arbuthnot Opticians celebrates its 75th year in Barry, what do you think has carried it this far?
It’s an easy answer actually. Team work. We have a great team of really talented, dedicated and extremely well qualified professionals. Ted’s a great driving force in the business. Sharron is always pushing to find great designs and develop the business. Our other partner and Optometrist, Mandy Barnes is specially qualified in handling low vision patients, not forgetting our Practice Manager, Suzanne, Rod, Janet, Lesley and Helen… that’s why this business is successful.
So you believe you have a bright future ahead…
Most definitely. And if it gets too bright (laughs), we’ll have to wear shades.
....................................................................................................................
Arbuthnot’s Life through the lens
Ted Arbuthnot took over the practice in 1975 when it was still a one-man-band and it’s grown steadily since then into one of the largest and most reputable independent practices in Wales.
The practice now has four partners; Ted, Sharron Hopkins who has been with the practice for 27 years and is the frame and lens expert, Mandy Barnes who is the specialist in low vision provision, and James Davies from Penarth who is the newest partner and is in charge of introducing new technology.
Ted puts Arbuthnot’s success down to his predecessor; he says, “Arbuthnot’s achievement has been accomplished because we’ve stuck to Norman’s principles of delivering the best quality service with the most advanced equipment and technology and giving the largest choice of frames and lenses available to patients.”
Indeed, Arbuthnot’s cutting-edge technology is helping the practice to set itself apart from the competition. The practice houses digital fundus photography for imaging the inside of the eye and computerised visual field analysis. It also plans to install digital retinal scanning tomography, a tool useful for assessing Macular Degeneration for treatment regimes and detecting glaucoma.
Ted believes that 75 years of continual innovation have produced a practice right at the cutting-edge of optometry, providing superlative skills, services and products, including the most comfortable contact lenses ever, the lightest titanium frames and the thinnest, lightest spectacle lenses ever made.
Norman Alexander retired to Falmouth, to enjoy his passion of sailing, even sailing solo at the age of 89. Sadly, Norman passed away recently, but not before he celebrated the anniversary of his opening of the practice earlier in the year.
