Banks Opticians completes Bannister Eyecare merger

Banks Opticians in Knowle, Solihull, has completed a merger of the local Bannister Eyecare practice.

All clients will be transferred over and, as part of the transition, some members of the Bannister team will be joining Banks Opticians.

Banks Opticians is run by brother-and-sister team, Paul Banks and Sarah Morgan. The business was founded in 1973 by their father, David.

The owners of Banks Opticians were approached by Bannister Eyecare shortly after opening their new Knowle practice this spring.

Banks explained: "The opportunity felt like a natural fit. Both practices believe in taking time with patients, embracing new technology, and offering a fantastic range of eyewear you won’t find everywhere else.”

Bannister Eyecare is one of Knowle’s longest-standing independent practices, Banks acknowledged, sharing that the practice has been a “familiar and trusted presence in the village.”

He added: “We’re honoured to continue this legacy at our newly opened practice just a short walk away.”

Banks Opticians invested more than £200,000 into its new practice, which opened in April 2025 and is on the site of the former Indigo Art Gallery.

The practice provides a curated selection of designer and independent frames, and an introductory offer is in place for clients joining from Bannister Eyecare.

Morgan commented: “It feels like a real full-circle moment as I previously worked with founder Austin Bannister earlier on in my career. Now, we’ll be looking after 5000 of his former clients.”