AN OPTICIANS is set to celebrate a major milestone this month as the business marks 18 years of serving the community with a refurbishment, in-store party and a visit from the Deputy Mayor.
Specsavers West Wickham, which is locally owned and run, will be celebrating with its customers on the day with decorations and cake to thank the community for its continued support since the store first opened its doors on 11 June 2007.
The refurbishment includes a refreshed pre-test area, new lighting, flooring and frame shelves.
Over the years, the store has gone from a small team of six and two test rooms to a thriving clinic, now staffed by an experienced team with a combined 60 years’ expertise and equipped with three dedicated testing rooms – two for optical services and one for audiology – and an on-site lab, allowing for faster turnaround of prescription glasses.
As part of its continued commitment, the store has invested in state-of-the-art equipment, including optical coherence tomography (OCT) which allows for early detection of serious eye conditions, MiYOSMART lenses which help to manage myopia (short-sightedness) progression in children, and multifocal contact lenses.
A key part of the store’s success lies in its team, including one staff member who has been with the store since it opened, and several others, like Retail Director Lindsay Mfubisha, who have worked there for more than 11 years.
The store has supported the development of its staff by training two pre-registration optometrists, with more now progressing through professional qualifications.
In addition to its clinical services, the store has played a key role in the community, from adapting during the COVID-19 pandemic, sponsoring a local football team and donating over £2,000 towards Read Write Inc books for a school in the area.
Bamini Rajasekeran, original Store Director Optometrist at Specsavers West Wickham, says: “It’s been a fantastic journey growing alongside the community over the past 18 years and seeing the store evolve as we continually enhance the care we provide.
“The refurbishment reflects our ongoing commitment to offering the very best services, and we’re really looking forward to celebrating this milestone with our amazing customers and dedicated team this Saturday.”
Ahead of the deputy mayor’s visit, Specsavers West Wickham officially re-opened to customers on 15 March 2025.
The store now offers 20 clinics a week, providing both NHS and private eye tests, contact lens services, emergency eye care appointments and full audiology care, including hearing checks and wax removal.
Specsavers West Wickham is located at 15 High Street, West Wickham, Greater London, BR4 0LP. To book an appointment or learn more about the services available, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/westwickham or call 020 8916 8280