Clacton-on-Sea is a seaside town that is popular with tourists in the summer. Even though the Butlins resort closed in 1983, it still sees its fair share of entertainment, centring on the famous pleasure pier. Another attraction the town boasts is its strong optical services.
Stuart Moir, retail director of the Specsavers practice in Clacton-on-Sea, loves working in the town. ‘I've always wanted to be close to the coast and the beach is a short walk from the store. It's a nice to work here because of the close-knit community, friendly customers, the charming seagulls and first class fish and chips.’
Moir says that the majority of the population in Clacton tend to use the services the practice provides, ranging from minor eye conditions appointments, glaucoma referral refinement and audiology services. ‘We feel lucky to have a close and trusting relationship with our patients.
‘We also have a close working relationship with our local eye department at Essex County Hospital for emergency referrals and community ophthalmology provider Newmedica that provides cataract surgery.’
Moir explains that Specsavers’ new Frame Styler technology has been popular so far in the practice. ‘We love the new technology as it has given many customers an idea of which frames suit their face shape and often helped them try something they wouldn't have thought of before.’
The optical assistants offer customers the face scan as part of the pre-tests. ‘The face mapping is a clever feature and when they see the glasses imposed on their face, it always brings a smile.’ Moir (pictured) adds.
High end and designer brands are popular at Eyes Open Opticians in Clacton-on-Sea as well. ‘Stark Eyewear goes down well with men and Tiffany & Co is favoured by women,’ says Emma Brown, dispensing optician and marketing manager at the practice.
‘I used to be a manager of a practice in Colchester but wanted to come back to the town. It’s lovely living here, although it can get very busy sometimes. Lots of people come here for the personal touches that we offer, like spending more time with each patient and making them teas and coffees. ’
Eyes Open Opticians offers patients retinal photography and has a corneal topographer. Brown says: ‘We use Varilux for varifocal lenses. The X4D helps to tailor-make the lenses for each patient and Road Pilot is suitable for drivers on the road at night, as it helps to stop light glare.’
Who’s in town
Total: 5
Independents: 2
Multiples: 3
Average costs
The average price of an eye exam in Clacton-on-Sea ranges from £20 to £39, at an average cost of £27.80.
Population - see pie chart
Population: 142,598
Community eye care
According to the Locsu Atlas Map of Optical Variation, Essex Local Optical Committee has a contract with North East Essex CCG in Glaucoma Referral Refinement, Minor Eye Conditions Service and Children’s Vision.
Health and affluence
- The average house price in Clacton-on-Sea is £218,023 (Zoopla), compared with a UK average of £223,257 (Land Registry, 2017).
- Clacton-on-Sea has an average salary of £17,568, compared with a UK average of £27,271 (Payscale, 2018).
- In Clacton-on-Sea, it is estimated that 8,720 people live with early stage age-related macular degeneration (RNIB Sight Loss Data Tool).
- By 2030, it is predicted that 71,080 people in Clacton-on-Sea will be living with sight loss – an increase of 42.4%. (RNIB)
Fact file
Clacton was a site of Paleolithic flint tool manufacture and a spear made from yew wood was found there in 1911. It is the oldest spear to have been found in Britain, dated at 450,000 years old.
Easter 1964 saw Mods and the Rockers tear up the town as rival youth gangs fought each other along the seafront.
The music video for Always on My Mind by the Pet Shop Boys, pictured, was filmed in Clacton, along with their 1987 film It Couldn’t Happen Here.
Clacton Pier was officially opened on July 27, 1871, was lengthened since to 390 yards in 1893 and over the years various amusements, including a helter-skelter, have been added to it.
Would you like to work in Clacton? Go to Optician Jobs to see all the latest opportunities available.