Look local: Matlock reaches for the top

The former spa town of Matlock in Derbyshire is located at the south-eastern edge of the Peak District and at a sharp bend in the River Derwent. The sleepy town – sometimes referred to as ‘Little Switzerland’ – attracts hordes of tourists every year to enjoy its scenic surroundings – including the Heights of Abraham that are reached by cable car and provide views over the Derwent Valley.

Dale Opticians, one of two independent practices in Matlock, opened 15 years ago and is located next to the town's bridge. Practice owner John Southgate describes Matlock as a ‘nice, friendly market town’. ‘Patients here are really friendly with a largely older population. A lot of people in their twenties and thirties buy their spectacles in the surrounding larger towns along with their other purchases,’ he says, adding: ‘Our patients do seem to be the more discernible spenders, understanding the need for excellent products along with an individual personal customer service that we, as an independent opticians can provide. We are also the only opticians in Matlock that provides an in-house domiciliary service.’