Looking at labs: Waterside stays ahead of the game

One of the best known independent prescription houses in the UK, Waterside Labs was founded in 1972 by Ray Smith. Since then the lab has kept pace with the many changes within the world of optics and is currently under the stewardship of Chris Smith (Ray’s son) and optics industry stalwart Bob Forgan, who serve as joint managing directors.

Ray Smith started the business by supplying a few local customers after working as an optical technician. As the enterprise grew and surfacing was added to the initial edging service, it shifted premises around the Southampton area and peaked in terms of size while supplying a major multiple during the 1980s.