Entering independence

Optometrists Marcus and Sophie Slater have acquired their first independent practice in Penzance, Cornwall.

The husband and wife duo officially took over Reynolds Opticians in January.

“The practice is thriving,” Mr Slater told OT when speaking about the venture.

Reynolds Opticians was opened in Penzance in 1980 by Juanita and Tre Reynolds, before being taken over by Alison and David Williams, who today remain in the business on a part-time basis.

The independent practice has a strong heritage in the south west community that it serves as Mr Slater highlighted that it was both the first practice in Cornwall to introduce optical coherence tomography in 2009, and the first to offer soft contact lenses.

Business bound

Having qualified as a dispensing optician before later training as an optometrist, Mr Slater shared that opening his own practice has always been the plan.

“I’ve always wanted to be my own boss, and having the freedom to offer independent eye care to my patients has always been what I wanted to do. It means that I can give the patient the best of what they need,” he said.

Having taken around a year to complete the acquisition of the practice, Mr and Ms Slater officially took over on 18 January.

Reflecting on the day, Mr Slater said: “There were many different emotions, from extremely scared, nervous and anxious to overjoyed – I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my working career. We are only two months in, but the rewards are brilliant.”