Leicester-based opticians expands to four premises with Santander funding

8th Feb 2018
Healthcare

Family independent opticians Opticare Midlands Ltd (“Opticare”) has purchased the freehold premises of an existing practice in the Leicester area, expanding its footprint to four outlets, after receiving funding from Santander Business Banking.

opticians

Opticare was established in 1991 by Shaish Shah and Paresh Patel after they both graduated from Cardiff University. The business began with one opticians practice in Newark, followed by additional two in Anstey and Birstall.

Shaish’s son, Shaimil, has since joined the business after graduating in 2017, which has provided extra capacity to support additional customers as well as a clear succession plan. Opticare provide sight testing and contact lens care to people of all ages with a keen emphasis on high quality personal service and aftercare.

The funding from Santander Business Banking has allowed Opticare to purchase its fourth practice, which is the only opticians in Sileby. The owners were retiring and planning to shut down the practice so the purchase means residents will continue to have a local optician for their eyecare needs.

The business has grown in part due to their unique ‘Optiplan’ payment plan which allows customers unlimited priority access to a range of eyecare services, and discounts on glasses and contact lenses.

Shaish Shah, Owner, Opticare Midlands Ltd, said:

It’s amazing to think that we’ve been able to grow our first practice in Newark into a cluster of family-run independent opticians. We’re extremely proud of the services we offer and are excited to be able to expand our proposition into the community in Sileby. We’ve worked with Santander since 2005 and the bank’s support throughout the purchase of the new premises has been fantastic.

Jill Yates, Relationship Director for Santander Business Banking, said:

Thanks to the dedication, experienced and customer service ethos of the management team, Opticare has been able to grow its business during a time with tough competition from big brand retailers. Having worked with the team for a number of years we continue to be impressed by their business acumen and are confident that the new premises, and the input from new family members joining the business, will provide them with the opportunity to continue this success into the future.