Ayrshire Optometry Group Expands with Six Figure Town Centre Investment

Independent optometry group Urquhart Opticians has continued its expansion with the acquisition of a fifth practice.

The six-figure investment will see Kilwinning's former Optical Express comprehensively refurbished, rebranded and restocked to offer Urquhart's innovative eyecare services and stylish eyewear collections.

The practice will be led by Neil Gray B.Sc. (Hons) MCOptom DipTp IP who has been with Urquhart Opticians since 2018. He will be joined by Optical Assistant Liberty McArdle, with a further number of new posts expected to be created soon.

The new practice is the latest in a series of investments by Urquhart Opticians which, in recent years, has invested over half a million pounds in patient care and premises. Last year, the business acquired a practice in Ayr, and this followed expansion to new larger premises in Troon, the comprehensive refurbishment of Urquhart's flagship Kilmarnock and Prestwick practices, and the introduction of new technology and equipment to deliver an enhanced patient service.

The creation of a new Kilwinning Urquhart Opticians also marks the company's return to North Ayrshire ninety years after founder Robert Urquhart moved from nearby Dreghorn to Kilmarnock, where the business has remained head-quartered ever since.

Over the last five years, Urquharts has been led by Clinical Director Alistair Duff and Business Director Peter Telfer, childhood friends whose shared vision has seen Urquhart Opticians become an award-winning business and one of Scotland's most highly qualified independent groups.

Peter Telfer, Director of Urquhart Opticians, commented: "Urquhart Opticians is delighted to be expanding, and we very much look forward to delivering our independent, patient-centred services to the people of Kilwinning and surrounding areas. As a business, we are 100% focused on Ayrshire are thrilled to be able to return the Urquhart Opticians name to North Ayrshire.

"As with all of our practices, Kilwinning's Urquhart Opticians is in the heart of the town centre. Despite the many challenges faced by our town centres, not least during recent months, we firmly believe in their future as centres of independent retail, service and community."

Neil Gray, Director of Urquhart Opticians in Kilwinning added: "Over the coming months, patients will see the practice transformed. Besides a complete rebranding and refurbishment, we will be introducing the latest in eyecare technology and introducing stylish eyewear from many of the world's most exciting designers. I am also delighted to welcome Optical Assistant Liberty McArdle as our first new recruit, and look forward to expanding our team over the coming weeks."

Urquhart Opticians is at 168 Main Street, Kilwinning and can be contacted on 01294 440475.

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