Meet the Team - Angela Simpson...

Why did you get into Optics?

I had been a dental nurse for 18 yrs, here in the UK and in Spain. After returning from Spain in 2017, I decided to try a new career after seeing an advert for an optical assistant. I live by the motto ‘life is too short’, particularly when it comes to trying new adventures. I have a general interest in medical care, it felt like a natural transition, eyes to teeth!

I love to learn new things, and in the optical world, every day is a school day and progression is important to me. I have been very fortunate to progress in to my role as Urquharts very first practice manager.

What is your favourite brand of eyewear?

This is a very difficult question to answer.

I have a few.

At the moment, it would have to be Coral eyewear.

The story behind the product is exciting and very interesting. Producing quality sustainable eyewear from fishing nets..... wow!

Luxury design, sustainably made. It really is.

Approx 640,000 tonnes of abandoned fishing nets in our oceans, so why not use it to make frames, along with recyclable packaging too.

We at Urquhart opticians have the pleasure of stocking Coral eyewear, and to me it’s a huge plus as an independent opticians, particularly as the brand feels and looks exclusive.

Most memorable patient experience?

I have many.

A recent one would be a lovely patient was recommended to us by her husband.

From the moment she came in for a sight test, a bond was made, from a simple question....

How are you today Mrs *****

From there, the conversation flowed and we discussed day to day life.

We took our time choosing the best eyewear and lenses that suited her lifestyle.

Mrs***** called in to collect her eyewear and in that short time, she had unfortunately lost her soulmate.

We sat and chatted and she reminisced about how special he was and enjoyed his visits to us. I don’t think she realised how much I appreciated her feeling comfortable enough to share such heart warming memories.

Weeks passed and Mrs****** called in again to tell us that the voucher she received from us for being recommended to Urquharts, she used to purchase cakes for her and her children to enjoy an afternoon tea, she thought the voucher was a wonderful gesture and in her words “ it was a rainbow in a dark cloudy moment”.

For me this was a very proud ‘giving back to the community’ moment.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Spending time with my family and my husband.

Having some fantastic laughs with my daughter. Never a dull moment when she is around.

We enjoy impromptu nights/weekends away.

Scotland has the best scenery, the best walks and unbelievable views.

My favourite has to be visiting my parents in Spain, they are very precious to me.

Where is your favourite holiday destination?

I have visited some unforgettable places, however for me it has to be Bali.

It is a Magical place to visit.

The food, culture, people and scenery truly is amazing.

So much so we have booked our trip for next year. The count down is on.

What is your favourite movie or book?

These questions are difficult when you have such a varied choice of movies and books that have been so good.

Ranging from a good biography to Chinese dynasty, to cultures to self help books.

I will choose my very first ‘big book’. Born free. I read it when I was 10 yrs old and I will always remember how it made me feel to get lost in a book and pretend to be part of it.

I have read lord of the rings 3 times(!!!), (prior to the movies) again the escapism had me hooked. Much better than the movies.