This article is best viewed in a PDF format.
The company started in the early 1950s as an optical frame importer and continued as such under various ownerships until 1982 when its present managing director, Brian Bowles, purchased it from its then owners. Employing just 16 people, the company posted a £3.5m turnover in its last financial statement with its main trading base being its recently acquired premises in Watford, North London. The facilities are impressive, encompassing an administration area, showroom, storage and loading area.
Grafton Optical acts as the UK agent for numerous manufacturers including Reichert, Shin Nippon, Frastema, Medmont, Optovue OCT, Synemed (EyeScape), Paradigm (Dicon) and DGH (Pachmate). It is also the parent company of Eyco which offers a budget ophthalmic instrument range sold solely online with products sourced from the Far East. Since taking over more than two decades ago, Bowles has witnessed first-hand just how new technology has changed the way optometrists work.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Optician Online. Register now to access up to 10 news and opinion articles a month.
Register
Already have an account? Sign in here