Our History

Our History

Our practice was built from the ground up as a personal, family business and it makes us extremely proud to say that it has grown almost exclusively by recommendation. It all began when our senior optometrist, Susan Bowers, graduated from Aston University in 1974 with a BSC in Optometry. Ten years later, our practice opened for business on Tile Hill Lane in Coventry.

Susan began her working life at Salmons and Marsons Optometrists between 1974 and 1980. In 1981 she decided to experience life in a ‘multiple’ environment, choosing to practice at Dolland & Aitchison for a year before the birth of her son, Scott in November that year. In order to care for Scott in his early years Susan made the decision to take a break from Optometry full-time and worked instead as a Locum for Rayners, First Sight and the Co-op between 1982 and 1984. Then in 1984, having enlisted Scott in Davenport Lodge School during the day, Susan decided she would return to full-time practice and began trading under her own name at No. 267 Tile Hill Lane, Coventry.

A rapid growth in patient numbers meant that in 1994, it was time to look for new premises. Conveniently, a larger property could be found just 200 metres down the road at No. 349 Tile Hill Lane. It took eight months to fully convert it into a fully-functional, custom-built optometry practice that could serve a greater number of patients. Despite only being down the street, the move resulted in a further increase to the patient database from 7,000 to 12,000. With the transport link of the A45 running close to Tile Hill, the practice was even more accessible for patients even further afield. A further expansion resulted in full disabled facilities over the ground floor, which was made double the previous size, incorporating a consulting room for Carolann Flanagan as well as a toilet with wheelchair access.

Now the practice has grown to an optimum size, we focus on consistently providing both a personal and professional service. Our experience means that we can continue to give people the sight that they deserve, made possible by today’s technology. Our success can be attributed to close links we have made with the community, resulting in a steady influx of new patients as well as returning families who have been with us since the beginning.