Urquharts Blog

We are delighted to introduce Daniel, who works in our Eaglesham and Lanark practices.

Meet Anthea, one of our valued team members at our practice in Troon. Anthea has been part of our team for a couple of years and when she isn't working, you'll meet her at Centre Parcs!

Join us on Tuesday 26th September for our Recruitment Open Evening. There is no need to register and please just visit our practice at 14 Portland Road between 5.30pm and 7pm.

Meet our Practice Manager in Kilmarnock, Angela Simpson...

We're delighted to introduce Kimberley Kerr, one of our Optical Assistants. Kimberley is currently studying her Level 5 in Optical Care and loves to go on holiday to the Canary Islands.

In this Meet the Team, we're delighted to introduce Karen Malone. Karen joined us at the start of the year and is a qualified Dispensing Optician who works at our practice in Strathaven.

Join us on Thursday 7th September for our Ray Ban Eyewear Event @ 16 Miller Road, Ayr. View this complete Iconic Collection with the styling advice of our team and Ray Ban Brand Ambassadors.

In this meet the team, we're delighted to introduce Kasmin Sarwar, one of our Dispensing Opticians who works in our Kilmarnock & Clarkston practices. Kasmin is about to go back to studying and will be returning to University to qualify as an Optometrist, all while supporting her family of two children. Go Kasmin!

We're delighted to introduce to you, Chris Williams, one of our team members at our practice in Prestwick.

In this short blog, our Optometrist Amy Strang tells us about our Speciality Contact Lens Clinic that we run in Ayr. We love learning about Contact Lenses, but what use would it be if we didn't share it with anyone...Find out more about why almost anyone is suitable for Contact Lenses of some type.

We're delighted to introduce to you, Ashley Paterson, one of our team members in Lanark.

Our Care & Community Fund was delighted to support Lochryan Football Club.

Urquhart Opticians has taken over the former Burnside McPhee practice in Clarkston – bringing its total number of practices to 12.

Join us on Wednesday 14th June at our practice in Lanark between 10am and 3pm for our Eyewear Event in partnership with Wolf Eyewear.

In this Blog, Blair tells us all about his Work Experience with Urquhart Opticians...

Meet Sarah, one of our optical assistants from Troon. Sarah joined our team in August 2021.

Meet Amy, one of our optometrists at Ayr. Amy joined our team in 2021 and loves hiking and her dog.

Read our new article about our recent expansion in Strathaven & Eaglesham.

We recently had Niamh join us for work experience, read her blog on her week with Urquharts.

We're recruiting an Optical Assistant to join our passionate, patient focused team. Applications are open until end of day Friday 2nd September.

Meet Joanna from our Stranraer team, she loves hiking with her family and spends time fundraising for charity.

Our team took part in a sponsored cycle, raising funds for our charity partner the Ayrshire Hospice.

Learn more Sharon from our team in West Kilbride. Sharon has almost 10 years experience in Optics and loves spending time with her family.

Read more about our recent developments...

We're recruiting an experienced Optical Assistant to join our Kilmarnock practice. Read more and get in touch...

We're delighted to have won at the Optician Awards for the second year.

Read our new article about our recent expansion in West Kilbride, Saltcoats & Stranraer.

Meet Seonaid who works in our Kilmarnock practice. Her favourite place is Orkney and she loves interacting with patients day to day.

Join our newest practice at Miller Road, we're looking for the perfect person to be part of our expert team.

Say hello to Emma who is part of our team in Kilmarnock. She taught English in Japan and has over 4 years experience in optics.

More on how the renovation at our new practice has gone, and when we're opening our doors at Miller Road!

We're looking for an experienced Optical Assistant or Dispensing Optician to join our motivated & passionate team in Kilmarnock...

Read our new article about the appointment of Mark Ross.

Learn more about our new arrivals this month. What shapes are in, and what colours we're loving!

Meet Barbara from our team in Troon, she loves supporting patients in practice and outside of work enjoys concerts & theatre.

We hear from Holly about finishing university and becoming a Pre Reg Optometrist at Urquharts.

We’re delighted to be partnering with the Barbour Morrison Beach Volleyball team as their new sponsor. Read more about the team...

Shamir Ltd will provide Formula 1 Alpine team with vision assessments and lenses.

Peter Telfer our Managing Director writes more about our journey to Miller Road and what's next in the plans.

Read more about Ocular Coherence Tomography, which is included in our Premium Eye Examination.

Learn more about Optometrist Andrew from our team in Kilmarnock. From running 10ks to the best advice he's ever been given!

Learn more about how our Premium Eye Exam can help manage Macular Degeneration

Say Hello to Margaret from our team in Ayr. Margaret has worked in Optics for nearly 20 years and also manages our lab in Ayr glazing spectacles.

We're sharing our journey as our Ayr practice moves to new premises on Miller Road. Find out why we're on the move!

Learn more about our OCT and what it can mean for you.

We have a glazing lab in our Kilmarnock & Ayr practices, read more about why we glaze spectacles ourselves.

Are you the perfect addition to our team? We're looking for a new Optical Assistant or Dispensing Optician.

Introducing shared care Glaucoma treatment in partnership with Ayrshire Eye Clinic.

Find our more about Visual Stress and our new Clinic.

Learn more about Scott from our Kilwinning team. He loves live music, and we're sure his sense of humour shines through here!

We've launched our new Visual Stress Clinic at Troon

All our practices remain open under new COVID-19 restrictions, please read our latest update.

We're looking for a new Optometrist to join our team in Kilmarnock

Working from home means more screen time than ever...read what you can do to avoid Eye Strain.

We're recruiting an Optical Assistant to join our team in Kilwinning.

A reminder of our new processes in line with COVID-19 guidelines.

Read our new article on opening our practice in Kilwinning.

We're delighted to resume routine appointments from Monday 3rd August

We are delighted to now have 5 IP qualified Optometrists across our practices.

Read all about our exclusive Shamir Anti-fog Lenses, the perfect solution to wearing a face mask with glasses .

Watch our reopening video now

It's time to choose your perfect frame.

So, you’re ready to decide what lenses are right for your prescription. If you wish to use our Online Shop then this blog will help you with your choice.

Learn more about your prescription and how it relates to your lenses and frame choice.

As we prepare to reopen, read about the changes we've made.

Alistair shares how best to care for your glasses.

Here's a reminder of how best to clean your contact lenses.

Watch Alistair's new video update

Hear from our team member Holly , who's in her third year at Glasgow Caledonian University.

Our latest update for our Contact Lens wearers...

Just a reminder that we're still here for you during this time.

We won't leave you without glasses during this time...

Our latest COVID-19 update

Our Clinical Director Alistair's update about eyecare in Scotland

An update on your Contact Lenses - COVID 19

A message from our Clinical Director...

Urquhart Opticians win South West Scotland’s most prestigious business award.

Exclusive to Urquharts in Ayrshire, we're proud to have to have this luxury Italian brand.

Learn more about Lauren from our Kilmarnock team. She loves helping people find the perfect frame for them and her favourite place is Rome.

We’ve made it our mission at Urquharts to bring Independent Eyewear...

What makes Urquharts different?

Find out what Community means to us!

Learn how Diabetes can affect the eyes and how our Premium Eye Exam helps with early detection.

Learn all about Shamir Blue Zero lenses...

Find out more about our exclusive handmade collection, Andy Wolf...

Find out more about AMD - what is it, what types there are, and what can be done.

Complimentary imaging using Optomap for 2 days only...

All Eyes on Community Opticians as Health Secretary Visits Kilmarnock.

We are delighted to have Gucci eyewear at our Prestwick branch, learn more about the iconic collection...

Optometrist Linda tell us all about her trip to the Silhouette Eyewear factory in Linz, Austria.

Our Optometrist Neil joined us at the beginning of the year and is a keen golfer and hill walker.

Introducing Oga eyewear for men.

Meet Lynn who works in our Prestwick practice, she loves her Oakley sunnies and walking her little dog Tino!

Urquharts is an Opticians and Hearing Care Specialist. Our mission is to make a difference to people’s life by improving their vision and hearing.

Why choose Urquharts? Our eyecare is tailored to you...

Choose the perfect pair and spread the cost!

Our newest member of Urquharts, Optometrist Carol leads our team in Ayr and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family.

A new contact lens recycling service is being launched in Ayrshire to mark World Environment Day (5 June 2019).

Once you’ve had your eyes tested, we know that it can feel quite overwhelming at times when choosing new spectacles. At Urquharts, we’re here to help. There are a lot of decisions that need to be made and so we’ve broken the steps down into 4 points that need to be considered.

We are delighted to announce the opening of our new practice, with Optometrist Carol Semple heading the team in Ayr.

We are delighted to sponsor the annual Ayrshire Hospice Ladies Lunch for a second year.

"Andy Wolf. Handmade The finest collection of handmade frames from Austria, Europe. Stocked Exclusively by Urquharts, this independent eyewear is a stunning and unique collection of over 500 pieces."

Here at Urquharts we are passionate about our local communities across Ayrshire, so we are featuring other local independent businesses who deliver an expert service with the best products.

The only Eye Care Clinic dedicated to Kilmarnock Football Fans. Make an appointment for any Saturday match day and get your eyes tested while discussing all things Kilmarnock Football Club with our Optician Alistair Duff.

Say Hello to Natalie who works in our Troon practice. Natalie has just completed her Level 5 in Optical Care and loves spending time with her dog Harleigh.

Find out more about our Silhouette collection.

Our client Jim Douglas of our Prestwick branch recently completed the Mont Blanc Trek for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity. The Trek itself covers 67 miles in 4 days, passing through France, Switzerland and Italy. It includes Mont Blanc’s highest pass, the Grand Col Ferret at 2,490 meters – what an outstanding achievement!

National Eye Health Week is running from 24th - 30th September, 2018. To promote the importance of regular sight tests, we decided to speak to people about why their vision matters.

At Urquharts, one of our values is 'Care & Community'. We are really passionate about our community and the towns in which we work, this includes the other local businesses. As a bit of fun, we decided to team up with Tracy and Shirley at the Cove Boutique on Bank Street, Kilmarnock and let them choose 10 pieces from the William Morris Collection which we will display in our practice. Lets see what happened...

"At Urquhart Opticians, our vision is to be Scotland’s leading independent Eyecare Specialists. It’s a bold vision but one that our whole team is committed to and we strive every day to achieve it."

Across Facebook and Google, we have 100+ 5* Reviews - something we are very proud of. The very best patient experience is at the heart of everything that we do and we love when people share their experience. Read what some of our clients have said...

Did you know that we have a lab at our practice in Kilmarnock? Our Lab Manager Ian Donnelly has been with us for 30 years and we recently installed a new glazing machine. We've named it Lenzi!

Over the past 12 months, all our colleagues have done a 'Meet the Team' - available on the blog section of our website. For the owners Alistair and Peter, we decided to do something slightly different. Check out their video...

The Scotsman recently reported that a Scottish Tourist went blind after swimming in the sea while wearing Contact Lenses. In this short video Alistair gives us a few tips on the importance of Hygiene when wearing Contact Lenses.

Are you the one? We're looking for an Optical Assistant to join our team.

One of the most common conditions that we diagnose at Urquharts is Cataracts. Find out everything you need to know about this condition.

Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes complication that affects eyes. This article highlights how NHS Ayrshire & Arran work with community Optometrists to provide Diabetic Retinopathy Screening.

Let Us Inspire you...

In this video, Heather provides 3 helpful tips for getting perfect fitting spectacles.

Short sightedness can be it your genetic make up, so what actions can be taken to reduce it at a young age. There are some new contact lenses, MiSight which have been released to control the onset of Short Sightedness.

We're delighted to introduce Janis, one of our most experienced team members. Janis joined us from Optical Express in Kilmarnock where she was branch manager for almost 20 years. Janis works in our Kilmarnock practice and she loves walking - doing the West Highland Way in 5 days!

An Ayrshire optometry group is celebrating after being shortlisted for the Scottish Independent Retail Awards.

So what is short sightedness? One of our Optometrists Alistair tells us.

Ashley is the newest member of our team and works in Prestwick and Kilmarnock. She is going to be studying for her Level 5 in Optical Care next year, in between watching all of her favourite TV programmes on Serial Killers...

Mary Ann is one of our longest serving team members. From the Western Isles, Mary Ann has a nursing degree, volunteers at the local hospice and likes to avoid the heat!

Join our award winning team as a part-time Optometrist. Help us to deliver on our mission of making a difference to people's lives by improving their vision.

Urquhart Opticians have signed an exclusive agreement with one of the world’s leading tech innovators, bringing their devices to Ayrshire.

An Ayrshire-based optometry group will be urging patients to ‘keep their distance’ during National Eye Health Week (18-24 September 2017).

Meet Joan Reid, one of our Dispensers in our Kilmarnock Practice. Joan has been with us for 18 months and her favourite brand of eyewear is Michael Kors.

We are delighted to introduce Sandra, one of our longest serving team members at our practice in Kilmarnock. Sandra is a Level 7 Qualified Optical Assistant and outside of work she loves nothing more than some time to read.

At Urquhart Opticians, we are delighted that one of our Optometrists Lisa Haldane has qualified as an Independent Prescriber. Find out more about what this means for you!

At Urquhart Opticians, our mission is to make a difference to people’s life by improving their vision. We want to create meaningful relationships with our clients, to remain proudly independent and to show responsibility towards our team, clients and community.

Patients at Kilmarnock’s Urquhart Opticians can now opt for a significantly enhanced eye examination thanks to a major investment in new ground-breaking technology.

Meet Pamela, a member of our team in Kilmarnock. She is currently studying for her Level 5 in Optical Care and loves the outdoors.

Imagine a future where you could design your own spectacles - the colour, the shape, the size! It might not be as far away as you think....

Lisa has been with Urquhart Opticians for over two years and recently qualified as an IP Optometrist. She plays basketball and used to play the bassoon.

Ayrshire Opticians Highlight Eye Protection for Sun Awareness Week

Holly is the youngest member of our team and has recently been given an unconditional offer to study Optometry at Glasgow Caledonian University, starting in September. She loves playing the Violin and is a big fan of Harry Potter.

Please meet Yvette who joined us last summer. Yvette, recognised as our Fashion Queen, loves unique and stylish eyewear, has a diploma in medical administration and enjoys a bit of reality TV to relax.

Urquhart Opticians (Known as Devine & Niven Opticians for the past 20 Years) are visiting the Western Isles in May 2017 to carry out eye tests for residents.

At Urquhart Opticians, the health of your eyes is the single most important aspect of our service. Sight is the sense that people fear losing the most and so we want to share with you the reasons why we would not recommend wearing ‘ready readers’.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases which result in damage to the optic nerve and vision loss. Risk factors for glaucoma include increased pressure in the eye, a family history of the condition, migraines, high blood pressure, and obesity.

Urquhart Opticians are now stocking 'EyeBags' - offering effective eyelid warming for the treatment of Dry Eye, Blepharitis and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.

Ian is our Lab Technician and has been with us for 33 years. He has cut more than 250,000 lenses during this time and if you hear a cheer or a groan from our lab on a Saturday afternoon you will know that it is for Kilmarnock FC.

Urquhart Opticians has this week confirmed its commitment to Troon town centre by opening new larger premises as part of a £100,000+ investment.

Eyecare Ayrshire’ is aimed at promoting Optometry services as the first port of call for eye problems within Ayrshire and Arran.

Time to meet one of our Optometrists, Linda McColgan. Linda joined us last summer and works in both Kilmarnock and Prestwick. She is an outdoors person and loves to go on holiday in Scotland.

Urquhart Opticians is set to double its size in Troon with a move to new premises.

Meet Lynn, one of our team members in Troon. Lynn has always wanted to work in an Opticians and she leads all of our frame buying. If you want to see us stock a certain frame, Lynn is the person to speak to.

Urquhart Opticians Back National Road Safety Week’s #brakepledge

Urquhart Opticians was named 'Outstanding Performing Business (less than 50 employees)' at the Ayrshire Business Awards and to support our continued growth, we are recruiting two Optical Assistants. If you want to work for an aspirational organisation where customers are at the very heart of everything we do....then we want to hear from you.

This week we are delighted to introduce one of the newest members to our team, Lindsay Kerr. Lindsay works predominantly in our practice in Glasgow and joined us having worked with Boots and Visioncare.

As fun as fireworks are, they also present dangers such as serious eye injuries from watching or handling fireworks. Risks include corneal abrasions, ruptures of the globe of the eye, retinal detachment, and chemical and thermal burns.

Over the next few months, we are going to be introducing you all to our fantastic team here at Urquhart Opticians. Personal service is our mantra and all of our team take great pride in delivering the highest standards. But here is a bit more about one of them...

Urquhart Opticians has been recognised as one of Ayrshire’s best performing businesses after winning a prestigious Ayrshire Business Award.

We're hiring an Optical Assistant to support the continued expansion of our Glasgow practice. We're looking for someone with optics experience, who takes pride in delivering the highest levels of patient care and who wants to be part of an aspirational business.

Ayrshire’s Urquhart Opticians are highlighting the links between healthy eating and good vision for National Eye Health Week (19-25 September 2016).

Urquhart Opticians (Known as Devine & Niven Opticians for the past 20 Years) are visiting the Western Isles in November 2016 to carry out eye tests for residents.

We are delighted to have been shortlisted in two categories at the Ayrshire Business Awards - Independent Retailer of the Year and Outstanding Performing Business.

Over the past few weeks, we have been delighted to look after all of the players and management of Kilmarnock Football Club.

We're celebrating our 100 year anniversary and we're in a generous mood as we're giving one lucky winner two tickets to see Rod Stewart at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock on Friday 17th June.

Urquhart Opticians are celebrating their 100 year anniversary with an Open Afternoon on Saturday 6th August between 12pm - 4pm.

Independent Optometrists Urquhart Opticians are celebrating their centenary this summer.

Established in 1916, Urquhart Opticians is in its centenary year and due to the continued growth in its patient base, is looking to add an Optometrist to its team.

Urquhart Opticians (Previously known as Devine & Niven for the past 20 Years) are visiting the Western Isles in June 2016 to carry out eye tests for residents.

Devine and Niven Opticians (Owned by Urquhart Opticians for the past 20 Years) are visiting the Highlands and Islands in March to carry out eye tests for the residents of Skye and the Western Isles.

Please note our Kilmarnock, Prestwick, Troon and Glasgow opening times during the Festive Period

At Urquhart Opticians, we look after spectacular people every day - and we love it! So as a thank you, we wanted to give you the opportunity to tell a friend or family member why you think they are spectacular and be in with a chance of winning 2 tickets to see the Proclaimers at the Grand Hall in Kilmarnock on 17th December.

Join our winning team! At Urquhart Opticians, we take great pride in our personal and expert approach. We build meaningful relationships with our patients and empower our staff to provide the very highest levels of care. We are looking to add a team member that will help to take this service to the next level. Check out our role profile if you think it could be you....

At Urquhart Opticians, we often get asked by patients as to whether they can wear Contact Lenses while swimming. Our advice would be to avoid this whenever possible.

Urquhart Opticians are delighted to welcome three new team members - Lisa Haldane, Laura King and Lynn Docherty.

On Saturday 20th June we held an Open Afternoon in Prestwick to celebrate the refurbishment of our practice and the launch of a new range of Frozen frames.

Devine and Niven Opticians (Owned by Urquhart Opticians for the past 20 Years) are visiting the Highlands and Islands in mid September to carry out eye tests for the residents of Skye and the Western Isles.

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the cells at the back of the eye (known as the retina). If it isn't treated, it can cause blindness.

Urquhart Opticians are throwing open the doors to their newly refurbished practice in Prestwick on the afternoon of Saturday 20th June.

Urquhart Opticians (Also known as Devine & Niven Opticians) will be testing in the Highlands and Islands between 4th - 12th June, 2015.

Due to the continued growth of Urquhart Opticians, we are looking for a new Team Member. Closing Date 19th April.

Urquhart Opticians are proud to introduce William Morris, a collection of vibrant and unique frames that are easy on the eye.

Read our top tips on viewing the solar eclipse safely without damaging your eyes

We are proud to announce the launch of the new Urquhart Opticians brand refresh and mobile friendly website for all of our patients