New owner for Keith Holland & Associates

Children’s eye care specialty practice, Keith Holland & Associates, has been purchased by optometrist Dermot Keogh (pictured right), an AOP member.

The practice has been a feature of Cheltenham town centre since it was opened by husband and wife, Keith and Clare Holland, in 1989.

At the time of Mr Holland’s death in 2014, over 20,000 children had been treated there, having been referred from around the UK and from over 50 coutries.

Ms Holland decided to sell the business following her husband’s death. She will continue working two days a week as an optometrist to ensure a smooth transition for staff and patients.

The clinic currently has 14 members of staff and Mr Keogh is keen to continue growing the business. He has no immediate plans to change its name.

Mr Keogh is making the move to own his first independent clinic after 15 years as a franchisee of a Vision Express clinic in Gloucester.

Being a glaucoma optometrist for Gloucestershire NHS Hospital Trust, as well as having a keen interest in contact lenses and dry eye management, Mr Keogh hopes this will complement the current offering of the practice.

Commenting on the purchase, Mr Keogh said: “I am excited about the potential of this fantastic business. Our leading opticians will strive to continue providing excellent clinical eye care and glasses to our loyal customers and patients in Cheltenham.”

The business was awarded Optician magazine’s Family Practice of the Year Award in 2016 and has previously won numerous accolades, including its Premium Lens Practice of the Year prize.

The practice was bought with the assistance of a six-figure funding package from Clydesdale Bank.

Head of Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks in Gloucester, Rob Spearman, said: “We are delighted to have assisted Dermot with the purchase of Keith Holland & Associates, which has been providing high-quality optical care for the local community for more than 25 years. We look forward to supporting Dermot as the business grows under his ownership.”

Mr Keogh is pictured with Oliver Newbold, left, of Randall & Payne Accountants, who assisted on the purchase and John Cary, centre, relationship manager at Clydesdale Bank, Gloucester.