Changes at the top at Waterside Laboratories

Optical veteran Bob Forgan has relinquished his position as joint managing director at Waterside Laboratories to allow more time for personal projects in both the UK and the US.

Mr Forgan recently became vice president of Stella Nova Inc, a Los Angeles-based eyewear company that owns a frames factory in Danyang, China.

Paul Salmon takes over as joint managing director at the independent lens manufacturer, Waterside Laboratories. Mr Salmon has extensive knowledge of both the optical supply and retail sides of optics, having entered the industry initially with Rayners in 1985.

Mr Salmon will jointly run the Southampton-based business with Chris Smith, the son of Waterside's founder Ray Smith, who is retiring in December after more than 50 years in the industry.

Chris Smith said: “We must now be the largest laboratory in the UK that has managed to stay independently owned and only supplying the independent sector.”

He added: “I have known Paul for many years now and look forward to working with him to continually improve the product ranges and service we offer.”

“Our mission at Waterside is a simple one – to have patients leaving practices with the very best vision possible, by providing our customers with quality lens products and options that allow them to differentiate themselves from their major competitors,” he concluded.