AN INDEPENDENT family-owned Dunbartonshire optometry firm has taken the opportunity to rebrand a long-established practice by Bearsden Cross.
William Wilkie, director of the firm which already trades from two eyecare practices, one in Alexandria, the other in Dumbarton, formerly as Wilkie & Rider, said:
“With our acquisition, arising from the retirement of its current owner, we are delighted to add in McVey Opticians of 25 Roman Road, Bearsden, to our family business.
“We have been looking to expand and saw ourselves as a good match for Mr McVey’s practice as he was keen to sell to another independent firm who will look after his patients and customers with the same high levels of service.”
Mr Wilkie continued: “We live in challenging times, but we believe there is still a need for our personalised, local service.
“We are confident that people will continue to shop local and support independents such as us.
“This is, of course, an important step for us, and we thought it should be marked by a change of name to Wilkie’s Eyecare which more clearly indicates the professional work we plan to undertake on behalf of a whole new range of prospective patients in the communities of Bearsden, Milngavie, Blanefield and beyond.”
Mr Wilkie has been with the firm for 45 years and has overseen the family-owned practice since the death of his father, its founder.
His daughter, Sian, and son, Willis, are directors in the business, where Willis also serves as a qualified optometrist.
McVey Opticians was established by Eddie McVey in 1981 and was the first independent community eyecare practice in Bearsden.
It moved to its present location in 1997 and remains today the longest established practice in East Dunbartonshire. Two staff transferred over to the new company from 31 October 2022.
Mr McVey said: “After 43 years of providing patient centered eyecare in the community, I have decided to retire.
“I am pleased to announce that Willis Wilkie as Practice Optometrist will succeed me from 31 October 2022.
“Both of my loyal and experienced staff will continue to work with the new Practice owners.
“Willis is an independent community optometrist and is the third generation in his family providing primary eyecare, so I am delighted to know that the Practice will continue in safe hands.
“I would like to wish Willis and Sian, the staff and patients the very best for the future.”
