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November 2025

I value my independence. To me it means taking responsibility for everything that goes on in my business, both good and bad. It means that I have no one to ask permission to leave early, but it also means having to pay all of my bills on time and not being able to go on holiday as much as I'd like.

The thought of working for someone (who am I kidding - who would employ me?) fills me with dread. I've only had one boss in my life, and that was very early in my career at For Eyes in Covent Garden in 1983 until I opened my first shop in 1987. Since then, I've been on my own and I'd have it no other way.

This way, being independent, I make my own decisions, I have the freedom to stock which frames I like, the ability to supply lenses from any supplier, not just those that give favourable rates or dictated to by Head Office.

There's no Head Office and, thank fuck, no HR. Oh, and I can swear as much as I like.

My business reflects my values - we're smart, polite and - hopefully - we'll make you laugh before you leave. We don't wear uniform nor do we greet you with a sycophantic "Hello Sir or Madam".

I play great music in the shop - as long as you like Steely Dan, Bob Dylan and Neil Young. Not that my musical taste is stuck in the 70s as we play Bowie and Talking Heads from the early 80s too.


Putting some soul in the optical world

Being part of a chain means being told how to behave, what bland, generic frame brands to stock, promote upselling, telling people they need glasses when they don't, and working for The Man, a faceless corporation driven by profits.

Me, on the other hand - I run a living, breathing shop with soul, with product curated by someone who actually cares what sits on their shelves. One-off pieces, niche finds, and things chosen because they’re good, not because they were bundled in a corporate supply contract.


Independent opticians are becoming a rarity

True independents like myself are quite rare now. Combined, Specsavers, Vision Express and Boots account for roughly 70% of all spending in the UK optical market. Independents account for less than 20%.

Another threat are the groups of so-called independent practices, the largest and most successful being The Hakim Group who, as of 2025, have majority shares in over 500 optician practices. They operate a business model that shares back-office functions such as HR, accountancy and computer systems and, of course, they have increased buying power for certain 'preferred' frame ranges.

Hakim-owned opticians still operate under the name of the previous owners, masquerading as still being independent, but of course they're not. They're beholden to Head Office and face restrictions and guidance that contradicts the true meaning of the word 'independent'.