Long-standing opticians nominated for awards

With over over 4,000 independent optical practices in the UK, and over 500 entries for the awards this year, it is fantastic that the practice has been nominated together with five others as ‘Best Independent Practice in the UK’ and ‘Best Fashion Practice in the UK’. The awards are being held on April 18 at The Hilton Metropole in Birmingham.

Gregory and Seeley is over 105 years old - one of the oldest opticians in the UK - and has an established heritage and place at the heart of the community in Cranleigh. This is the first time in its history that the practice has been nominated for national awards, and a groundbreaking achievement for any practice in the Surrey/Sussex area.

Among key features of the practice which gave it a competitive edge through the judging process were the high level of clinical expertise and investment in the latest technology; strong heritage and long-standing staff members (22 year average length of employment, a total of 122 years’ service between seven employees); community spirit, regularly sponsoring local events and organisations and engaging with the local community; the fantastic refurbishment undertaken in December 2012.

The owner, optometrist Nik Pancholi, says he has plans to continue growing the practice.