Now in Ayr...

Expansion in the Ayr

Opticians Group Set Sights on Fourth Practice and Welcomes Award-Winning Optometrist

Urquhart Opticians has expanded to Ayr with the opening of their fourth practice and the appointment of an award-winning optometrist.

The independent group, which was established over 100 years ago in Kilmarnock, has acquired Optical Outlet in the town centre’s Arran Mall and is now rebranding and refreshing the practice to offer Urquhart’s innovative eyecare services, stylish eyewear collections and hearing care.

The six-figure investment will see Urquhart Opticians become a four-practice business and represents a significant step in widening their presence throughout Ayrshire. The Ayr practice now joins Urquhart Opticians branches in Kilmarnock, Prestwick and Troon.

The move also marks the retirement of Optical Outlet’s Cath Taysum and the arrival of award-winning optometrist Carol Semple. With more than 5 years of practice experience in the town, most recently with one of the country’s biggest optical groups, Carol’s accomplishments included winning the Black and Lizars Optometrist of the Year Award and being shortlisted for a prestigious Scottish National Health Award. Carol will now lead the existing team or Optical Assistants at Urquhart Opticians Ayr, including Margaret Smith and Caroline Andrew who between them have more than 20 years of service at the Arran Mall practice.

Peter Telfer, Business Partner at Urquhart Opticians, commented: “I am delighted to welcome Carol, Margaret and Caroline to the Urquhart Opticians family, and look forward to delivering our independent, patient-centred services to the people of Ayr.

“Urquhart Opticians has a long history, dating back over a century, and we are thrilled to have grasped this opportunity to widen our presence across Ayrshire. I would like to congratulate Cath on her retirement and we very much look forward to providing a high level and continuity of care to her many patients. The acquisition of Optical Outlet represents a significant investment for Urquhart Opticians, and reflects our continued confidence in providing high quality, cutting-edge eyecare from traditional town centre locations. This is very much echoed by our appointment of Carol Semple. Carol is one of south-west Scotland’s most respected and renowned optometrists and we are thrilled to welcome her to Urquhart Opticians.

Carol Semple added: “In recent years, Urquhart Opticians has emerged as one of the most exciting and ambitious optical groups in Ayrshire. Their commitment to patient care and innovation is second to none, as is their genuinely independent, local approach. I am therefore delighted to be joining the company, particularly at this very exciting time in their growth and development, and I look forward to welcoming patients old and new as we develop our practice in Ayr.”

Award-winning Urquhart Opticians has been serving the people of Ayrshire for over 100 years and is based in Portland Road, Kilmarnock with further practices in Troon and Prestwick.To contact your nearest practice and learn more about the services on offer please visit www.urquhart-opticians.co.uk