20 20 Opticians grows in Ayrshire

Duncan and Todd Group, behind the 20 20 Opticians chain, has expanded further into Ayrshire with the acquisition of two practices: Catriona Pearson Opticians and Opticare.

The two Saltcoats practices have now been merged, operating from what was previously the Person’s branch under the new brand of 20 20 Opticians and Hearing Care.

The latest acquisitions take Duncan and Todd Group’s total branches to more than 40 across Scotland.

Catriona Pearson will remain in practice as an optometrist alongside the existing team, while Lorna Wilson from Opticare has also transferred to Duncan and Todd Group.

Frances Rus, group managing director for Duncan and Todd Group (pictured), said: “We are pleased to have added Saltcoats to our Scotland-wide family of opticians and hearing care providers.”

Rus also welcomed the new teams to the wider Duncan and Todd Group.

With existing branches in Ayr and Troon, the latest acquisitions have extended the group’s reach across Ayrshire, Rus said, “while allowing us to add our hearing care services for the people of Saltcoats and the surrounding area.”

The group was already offering hearing care services across many of its practices in Scotland, and has invested significantly in the offering to provide a dedicated space for audiology appointments, as well as an in-house staff training programme.

Services include a free screening test, hearing assessment and unlimited service appointments.

Rus explained: “We’ve found that by rolling out the offering at many of our practices in Scotland, more and more people are talking about their hearing difficulties, and any stigma around it is falling. We’re sure that new and returning patients in Ayrshire will benefit from the service.”

Duncan and Todd Group trades as 20 20 Opticians south of Perthshire and as Duncan and Todd in the north, as well as retaining well-known local names, such as JM MacDonald in the Highlands.