Specsavers in Union Street marked a major milestone as it celebrated its 35th anniversary.
Since opening as a concession within British Home Stores in 1989, the store has evolved into a cornerstone of eye and hearing care in the local community, having provided more than 750,000 eye tests and employed over 850 people during the past three decades.
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Each Specsavers store is part-owned and managed by its own directors. In 2023, a £300,000 refurbishment project saw the store transformed to meet growing local demand, adding advanced diagnostic tools like upgraded Optical Coherence Topography (OCT) and expanding services such as audiology and emergency eye care.
Reflecting on Specsavers Aberdeen’s journey so far, retail director Adam Fairley, says: “For 35 years, the store has served the community and remained committed to enhancing our services and providing the highest possible standard of care. Our significant investment in the store last year, and our continued outreach initiatives reflect our commitment to Aberdeen and Union Street for many years to come.”
In 2018 the Union Street store pioneered an eye care clinic for the homeless that inspired a UK wide Specsavers national partnership with Crisis. As a result, clinics have since expanded across the UK to Newcastle, Edinburgh, and London and beyond. All a result of the initial work by David Quigley, a long serving former director at the store.
The store was an early adopter of the Independent Prescribing facility that allows optometrists to clinically assess a patient, diagnose them, decide on treatment, and write an NHS prescription where necessary – all without the patient having to visit a doctor.
One of these qualified IP optometrists, David Mactaggart, is the bassist in the band, Get Real, the entertainment at the black-tie anniversary celebration held at Norwood House Hotel, set up by the stores directors. The evening was host to their staff awards night, with a special recognition for staff who have served more than 20 years with the store and have underscored the team’s dedication to the mission to deliver affordable, accessible care.
“Our team know that the store is more than just a high-street retailer; it’s a vital part of the health services network, offering essential eye and hearing care,” Adam continues. “Our partnership with the NHS is key to expanding local care access for optometry and audiology services.”
With 35 years of innovation, investment, and unwavering community commitment, Specsavers Aberdeen looks forward to many more decades of serving the people of Aberdeen.
Specsavers Aberdeen continues to be open seven days a week, with comprehensive services for the community. Appointments can be booked at www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/aberdeen or by calling 01224 641234.
