The Cumbrian town of Kendal is arguably best known as the gateway to the Lakes and for its famous mint cake, invented in the 1800s. Since then, the town has grown, particularly in terms of its optical services.
Independent optical practice Anne Irving Optometrist has been based in Kendal since 1984. A native of Cumbria herself, Irving has been the working optometrist ever since opening, and has one testing room that serves NHS and private customers alike of all ages. She offers OCT and field tests, as well as a free contact lens trial, lens fittings and after care service.
As for what frames the practice has available, it ‘caters to all, from budget, to mid-range and designer.’ It stocks ‘brands such as Calvin Klein, Ted Baker, Pepe Jeans, which do well as our mid-range’ and also offers more expensive brands like Silhouette.
Irving comes highly recommended by doctors and consultants in the area and has a good reputation as an independent practice. ‘It’s important to build up a good, strong rapport with patients and to offer the highest level of service we can to ensure the patients will come back to us.’
The members of staff at the practice are very much of the opinion that nothing is too complex for patients that they cannot solve. ‘There is a remedy for anyone and everyone. For us, it isn’t about the number of people who come through the door, it’s about finding the solutions the patients need.’
Another of the town’s practices born in the 1980s was Specsavers, first opening its doors in August 1983.
Melanie Scowcroft (pictured), the practice director, says it’s a pleasure to work in Kendal. ‘The surrounding scenery is what attracts visitors and the locals being Cumbrian are friendly and loyal. The town has got a nice mix of quality national brands like Specsavers and quirky local crafts and outdoor equipment shops in the pedestrian friendly streets, yards and ginnels.’
The practice has five optical test rooms for sight tests, and contact lens checks and fits. Available enhanced optical services are glaucoma management, pre- and post-op cataract care, diabetic screenings, OCT and colour fundus camera technology.
Scowcroft speaks highly of Specsavers’ recently installed Frame Styler. ‘Customers love how the Frame Styler technology helps them choose a frame to suit their face shape, and encourage them to step out of their comfort zone and try frames that delight them.’
The most popular brands at the practice are Kylie Eyewear for women and Tommy Hilfiger for men. Scowcroft explains these brands are both in the two for one offer that Specsavers runs.
Who’s in town
Total: 6
Independents: 3
Multiples: 3
Average costs
The average price of an eye exam in Kendal ranges from £24 to £39, at an average cost of £31.50.
Population
Population: 103,274
Community eye care
According to the Locsu Atlas Map of Optical Variation, South Cumbria and North Lancashire Local Optical Committee has a contract with Cumbria CCG in OHT Monitoring, Glaucoma Repeat Readings, Cataract Post-op, Minor Eye Conditions Service and Children’s Vision.
Health and affluence
- The average house price in Kendal is £257,517 (Zoopla), compared with a UK average of £223,257 (Land Registry, 2017).
- Kendal has an average salary of £20,560, compared with a UK average of £27,271 (Payscale, 2018).
- In Kendal, it is estimated that 6,050 people live with early stage age-related macular degeneration (RNIB Sight Loss Data Tool).
- By 2030, it is predicted that 25,340 people in Cumbria will be living with sight loss – an increase of 33.6%.
Fact file
Kendal is famous for its tobacco snuff production, which started in 1972. It is still manufactured in the town by Samuel Gawith & Co using the traditional methods.
The town’s most well-known sweet treat Kendal Mint Cake was first produced here by accident in 1869 by Joseph Wiper. It was first marketed as an energy snack and was consumed by Sir Edmund Hillary and his team on their ascension of Mount Everest.
John Cunliffe, the author of the Postman Pat books, lived in Kendal and based the stories on a former post office in Greenside. It also featured the nearby towns of Kentmere and Longsleddale.
Would you like to work in Kendal? Go to Optician Jobs to see all the opportunities available