Optician Awards: Standing out from the crowd

Having formerly won the award for Independent Practice of the Year in both 2010 and 2012, Robinson Optometrists is a shining example of what independent practices can achieve through a dual focus on clinical excellence and individuality.

‘From the onset we wanted to aim for a niche market supplying quality eye care and eyewear,’ says Nigel Robinson, co-owner of the practice alongside his wife, Judith. ‘We realised that this would mean significant outlay on equipment which did seem a bit daunting with a young family.’

Nigel and Judith were married in 1986 and bought their first practice, situated above a pharmacy, in 1991, the year after their first child was born. ‘It seemed a strange time to buy a practice, but we could see the potential it held,’ says Robinson. After establishing themselves the practice moved locations to an old bank across the road, before moving again to their current building in 2007.