Ballymena practice celebrates 40 years

An optometry practice in Ballymena has recognised its 40^th anniversary, with the founder returning to lead the celebrations.

Fitzsimons Opticians held a celebration event on 16 August with a raffle, refreshments, and a discount offer on frames.

Jim Fitzsimons established his own practice in 1985, after deciding that he wanted to work for himself.

Having handed his notice in on a Monday, by the following week he had signed for his own premises in Thomas Street.

“I was foolhardy, and it was the naivety of youth – thinking I wanted to work for myself when I was 26 – I had no dependents, I wasn’t married, and I was living at home – it was the ideal time,” he reflected.

The opening day of the practice saw seven or eight people come through the doors.

Fitzsimons recalled a challenging period for the practice when free sight tests were abolished for most people in 1989. He said: “In the months leading up to the change, we were so busy, working 9am to 9pm, making hay while the sun shines. The following nine months were very quiet. It was difficult, but we got through it.”

The practice owner invested in his own lab and began fitting lenses for frames and, after 15 years, Fitzsimons moved the practice to its current site in William Street.

Reflecting on how he would try to help patients who struggled financially, he shared: “There was a stigma in those days about glasses and the ‘milk bottle’ lenses. With families who didn’t have much, I’d try and sell them glasses as close to cost price as possible, which is something you can help with if you have your own business.”

“I’m from Ballymena, so I just loved seeing the patients. I’m proud of the practice. It was a great life – a great job with brilliant people. I miss walking around the town and talking to my patients,” he added.

One key change Fitzsimon noticed through his time in the profession was how people approach a work-life balance, suggesting: “Younger people now have a much better balance – all I knew when I was younger was work.”

“I took a few weeks off for my honeymoon but after that I rarely took any holiday. I regret not taking more time off in the later years and getting a locum optician in,” he said.

Fitzsimon retired from the practice two years ago, moving out of the area to be closer to his grandchildren. He sold the practice to John Broderick, the current owner and optometrist director.

Broderick, who has worked in the town for 17 years, said: “This is a lovely practice to work in because of its history and reputation. To take over an independent practice is very rewarding and it’s great as a small business being part of the community.”