Look local: Island city of Portsmouth

Portsmouth is a port city in Hampshire located on Portsea Island. It became a city in 1926 and was described by the local council as the first naval port of the kingdom. One aspect that is still revered to this day is the city’s optical services.

Anne Gill, practice owner and dispensing optician, opened her eponymous practice five years ago in the city. She says: ‘I was born and bred in Portsmouth, so I like working here. It’s not a particularly wealthy city, but it has a very diverse population.’

Gill has worked in optics for 40 years and decided to open her own practice in 2013. ‘I’ve developed great relationships with patients and know several generations of families who have found me and always come back. Our patients appreciate the effort we put into every 45-minute appointment.’