Practice recognised as ‘Best Independent Retailer’

Oakham independent practice, Simmons Optometrists, has been named Best Independent Retailer in its local Rutland & Stamford Mercury Business Awards.

On winning the award, optometrist and director, Manjula Alexander, said: “All of us feel so proud and grateful to be recognised and shortlisted for this award. We really do put our all into every day, trying to do and be the best we can for all of our lovely patients.”

“We think long and hard about the innovative technology and products we offer, and winning this award has certainly acknowledged that,” she added.

Manjula shared that the award recognition was a “bittersweet moment” for the practice team after its practice manager, Mark Price, recently passed away.

She said: “Winning this accolade this year in particular means so much to us, having been through a very sad and difficult time, recently losing our good friend and manager of 37 years.”

“This achievement is wholeheartedly dedicated to Mark,” she added.

Simmons Optometrists described Mark as “an incredibly well-respected member of the team who was often regarded as the ‘face of the practice’.”

The achievement also comes as Simmons Optometrists marks 50 years since its establishment. Opened in Oakham in 1974 by Richard Simmons, the practice was taken over by optometrists James and Manjula Alexander in 2006.

The winners were announced at an awards ceremony on 27 September, with members of the Simmons Optometrists team in attendance.

Pictured is Simmons Optometrists’ James Alexander, Katie Gray,Manjula Alexander, Jo Roberts, Clare Dorman, Jane Mason, Sally Simon,DebbieGrange.