Throughout history, Dover has been a site of invasion and conquest. Located in the very south-eastern tip of England, the Kent town looks across to France; a country from which many foreign invaders have arrived.
First to land were the Romans in 55BC, who left their mark in the shape of a 2,000-year-old lighthouse which still exists today. Next came the Normans who constructed a colossal keep that was later expanded by the ruthless King Henry II. More recently, the town played a crucial part in World War II, with Dover Castle acting as both a military command centre and an underground hospital.
Having survived two World Wars, Bailey Opticians celebrates its 104th anniversary this year and has stayed true to its original values according to Nick Bailey, third generation owner of the practice. The independent continues to offer free eye exams to patients; something which it has done since 1913. ‘I’ve looked back in the records from when my grandfather used to advertise in the 1920s and 1930s and he did say there were free consultations,’ says Bailey.
The business maintains a strong family presence with two of Bailey’s children involved in the practice. ‘My oldest one, who’s a DO, has been here for 10 years and my youngest daughter has started doing a DO course,’ says the owner.
In addition to providing a ‘wide range of sunglasses and children’s specs’, Bailey Opticians specialises in contact lens fitting, with Bailey actively involved in this area. ‘I’ve always had a passion for contact lens fitting. We do more extended wear which I find works for a lot of people,’ says Bailey.
Above all, the practice owner believes his staff put the needs of the patient above profit. ‘Nowa-days, every business that you go to seems to be focused on making money. That’s not what we put forward first, we’d rather look after people,’ says Bailey.
In comparison to Bailey Opticians, Specsavers Dover is the new kid on the block, having opened 25 years ago. Matt Trusty (pictured), practice director, has worked in Dover for 17 years and says his staff treat patients from all walks of life.
‘In Dover, we see a real mix of patients from different backgrounds. Children’s eye tests start from age three, so there’s plenty of schoolchildren who visit. Also, because of our domiciliary tests in people’s homes, our staff see people up to age 103,’ says Trusty.
As well as serving the local community, the director explains the practice receives patients from France, who cross the English Channel to take advantage of the state-of-the-art eye care and hearing services available at Specsavers. ‘It’s very reasonable to come across on a day trip. In France, patients can sometimes wait up to a year for an eye test!’ he says.
Who’s in town
Total: 6
Independents: 2
Multiples: 4
Average costs
The price of an eye exam in Dover ranged from £0 to £35, producing an average cost of £17.50.
Population
Dover 41,709 (ONS 2011)
Community eye care
According to the LOCSU Atlas Map of Optical Variation, Kent & Medway Optical Committee has secured a contract for South Kent Coast CCG in Cataract Post-op, Cataract Referral and Glaucoma Repeat Readings.
Health and affluence
- The average house price in Dover is £233,075 (Zoopla) compared with a UK average of £223,257 (Land Registry, 2017)
- Dover has an average salary of £21,197 (PayScale, 2017)
- In 2015, the estimated indirect cost of sight loss per person in Dover District was £107 (RNIB Sight Loss Data Tool 2015)
- It is estimated that, by 2025, there will be 2,350 people living with diabetic retinopathy in Dover District (RNIB)
Fact file
In 1929, an aerial ropeway was constructed across the cliffs to carry coal from Tilmanstone mine to Dover Harbour. The system was 10km long and delivered 500 tons of coal per hour.
Dover castle attracts more than 300,000 visitors a year and was used as a secret command centre during World War II.
Matthew Webb, pictured, was the first person to swim the English Channel in 1875, taking him just short of 22 hours to reach Calais. Following his triumph, Webb became and national icon and released his own book entitled The Art of Swimming.
There are hidden tunnels in the cliffs carved by prisoners held in Dover Castle during the Napoleonic Wars.
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