Bank Opticians to open third practice

An independent optical business in Birmingham is preparing to open its third practice this spring.

Bank Opticians, run by a brother and sister management team, will open its doors in Knowle in the first week of April.

Paul Banks and Sarah Morgan have invested nearly £200,000 in transforming a former art gallery on the High Street into a showroom.

Refurbishments have included installation of a new air conditioning and heating system, creation of a consulting room, a waiting area, and a dispensing zone.

A bar serving teas, coffees, and other refreshments has also been installed to create a relaxing and enjoyable customer experience.

Morgan explained: “We have always admired the vibrancy of Knowle High Street, so when the opportunity came up to take over the art gallery, we jumped at the chance.”

Banks Opticians stocks designer frames along with hand-picked independent brands.

“The idea is to deliver luxury eyewear in a boutique-style opticians that prides itself on providing personalised service and the very best clinical care. That’s the approach we have employed at our Acocks Green and Sparkhill branches and one we believe will really appeal to local people,” Morgan shared.

The family-run business was started by David Banks more than 50 years ago.

Paul Banks shared: “What we’re trying to create in Knowle is a place which ‘wows’ when a client enters, from the level of care you receive, the welcome atmosphere at the bar and the latest equipment, including our OCT machine that is leading the way in how eye conditions are diagnosed and managed.”

He continued: “The excitement for the opening is building and we’ve already recruited three professionals to the newly-formed team. There’s a real desire to be a fixture on the High Street for years to come, and we’ll be looking at how we can get involved in supporting local events and boosting footfall in town.”

Bank Opticians was named by Optical Success Academy as the UK’s practice of the year in 2022, and optical retailer of the year 2024.

To mark the opening of the new practice, Banks Opticians is running a competition to win a pair of designer glasses every year until 2030. Details on how to participate are advertised on a window wrap in the Knowle branch.