Look local: Pots of eyewear gold in Stoke

Cities are shaped and moulded by their industries, but arguably none more so than Stoke-on-Trent which is referred to locally as ‘the Potteries’. The ceramic industry has existed in Stoke-on-Trent since the 17th century and over time the city has become known as a ‘world capital for fine ceramics’. Following the general decline in British manufacturing towards the end of the 20th century, the city has changed and is currently undergoing a process of reinvention, with many of its old mining, steel and pottery works becoming heritage sites.

There is an impressive number of eye care services set up in the area, which helps keep the Specsavers store in Longton extremely busy. Optometrist director Judy Lea says: ‘Staffordshire is one of the biggest providers for eye care and there’s plenty of NHS referral contracts set up. It’s such a busy practice and is always booked up at least two days in advance. We do have a clinical diary to fit all the referrals in but will always have time to see people who come through the door.’