Here’s the story of how it came about…
Twenty years ago, Alex Gage Family Optometrist opened the doors to its Woodseats practice on Chesterfield Road for the first time and to mark the anniversary, the owner has recreated a picture taken at the opening event.
Alex Gage made contact with the girl, Catherine Wort, who appears in the photo wearing glasses aged just one at the time, to take a similar photograph to celebrate the optometrist’s longevity in providing family eye care to the community of Woodseats.
Alex Gage bought his first practice in Woodseats in 1996 then opened another branch in Broomhill before relocating the latter practice to bigger premises in Crosspool.
Establishing his own optometry practice had been one of Alex’s aims since graduating from the University of Manchester with a BSc degree in optometry in 1990 “Providing high levels of quality vision care to customers was what my wife, Sarah and I set out to achieve when we established the business.
“With the help and support of our great teams at both practices, we have been able to expand the range of services, invest in the latest technical equipment and offer an extensive range of optical brands.”
Currently, the image of one-year old Catherine hangs near the reception desk at Woodseats, and Alex plans to position the new one next to it.
He also intends to use the images on the website and for social media.
“We have always loved the picture and, as we are trying to find patients who have been with us for 20 years, we thought that it would be a nice idea to recreate the iconic picture of Catherine. We hope our customers like it as much as we do.”
Now a business student at Bath Spa University, Catherine was visiting the city with family on the day of the opening in Woodseats when she was asked to appear in the photo.
“I was delighted to help Alex to publicise his landmark 20th anniversary because it’s clear that he has an incredible work ethic and he is dedicated to his profession.”
The 21-year-old wears the glasses she needs for everyday use in the anniversary image.
Alex works with wife, Sarah and a team of seven at the Woodseats branch where they are offering a special 20th anniversary discount. Anyone who buys complete spectacles at the branch will receive £20 off frames until January 2017.
“From the team, our optical assistant Rachel Ireson will also be marking 20 years of working here while our manager Cara Smith has been with us for 17 years, so it’s a special time for everyone.
“Achieving 20 years of practice at Woodseats is quite something and we’d like to concentrate on serving the vision needs of the respective communities of Woodseats and Crosspool for another 20 years.
“We’re also looking forward to welcoming our eldest daughter Emma into the business when she qualifies as an optometrist in 2020.”