Tamworth opticians hosts display of first NHS glasses

Jenks Opticians in Tamworth, Staffordshire, has revealed a display of the first NHS spectacles available to patients.

This has been part of the practice’s 70th anniversary celebrations this month. Staff have also discovered various optical equipment for the display, including early contact lenses, diagnostic tools, testing kits and the beginnings of marketing material that was previously banned.

Jan Stoumann, co-owner of the practice, said: ‘One of the earliest tasks of Jenks Opticians was providing free eyes tests and spectacles, both for children and grown-ups thanks to the newly-introduced NHS. In 1948, the NHS offered a range of just ten free frames and these were available in either nickel, gold-filled or cellulose acetate. It wasn’t until 1983 that a new design, known as the 924 ladies frame was introduced.’