TWO opticians’ practices in Downend and Staple Hill have merged.
Norville & Dobinson in Downend has joined with Dury & Tippett, of Staple Hill, following the retirement of dispensing optician Steve Dury and optometrist Helen Tippett in February.
Last month’s Voice reported that Steve, who co-founded the business in 1983, and Helen, who joined in 1992, were handing over to a new team after selling the practice to the Hakim Group of independent opticians in November.
The new owners merged the businesses on March 2, and the Dury & Tippett premises in Fountain Square have now closed.
Its remaining staff moved to Norville & Dobinson in the Willow Centre, Downend Road, with the exception of one employee who retired.
Optometrist Adrian Dobinson now leads a team of optometrists and dispensing opticians at the merged practice, which will continue to be known as Norville & Dobinson.
Hakim Group said the merger has taken place “to safeguard the future of independent eye care in the local community,” adding: “The merger will allow Dury & Tippett patients to continue to receive high standards of eye care just a short distance away, with only half a mile separating the two practices.
“All patient records have been safely and confidentially transferred to the new premises at Norville & Dobinson Opticians.”
Norville & Dobinson has had a presence in Downend for 35 years. Hakim group rescued Norville from administration in 2020 and the local branch joined forces the same year with another long-established independent Downend optician, Adrian Dobinson, who became the director.
Adrian, who has been based in Downend for more than 20 years, said: “All of the team have been really excited for this merger – it’s a fantastic opportunity to combine two practices who value offering a personalised service.
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming the dedicated and loyal patients of Dury & Tippett Opticians and can guarantee that their welcome will be a warm one.”
Helen and Steve said: “Merging with Norville & Dobinson Opticians will ensure that our patients continue to receive an excellent level of eye care at a practice that is close by, and with some fantastic facilities.”
Patients of the merged practice will benefit from its combined 3D OCT scanning and Optomap Ultrawide Field imaging, Zeiss dispensing measurement system, hearing care and expanded range of lenses, frames and contact lenses.
The former Dury & Tippett premises in Staple Hill were rented by the business and have been returned to the landlord.