Family-owned Dunbartonshire optometry firm Wilkie’s Eyecare has acquired McVey Opticians, a long-established practice by Bearsden Cross.
William Wilkie, director of the firm which already trades from two practices - one in Alexandria, the other in Dumbarton - formerly as Wilkie & Rider, said: “With our acquisition, arising from the retirement of its current owner, we are delighted to add in McVey Opticians of 25 Roman Road, Bearsden, to our family business.
“We have been looking to expand and saw ourselves as a good match for Mr McVey’s practice, as he was keen to sell to another independent firm who will look after his patients and customers with the same high levels of service.
“This is, of course, an important step for us, and we thought it should be marked by a change of name to Wilkie’s Eyecare which more clearly indicates the professional work we plan to undertake on behalf of a whole new range of prospective patients in the communities of Bearsden, Milngavie, Blanefield and beyond.”
Wilkie has been with the firm for 45 years and has overseen the practice since the death of his father, its founder. His daughter, Sian, and son, Willis, are directors in the business, where Willis also serves as a qualified optometrist.
McVey Opticians was established by Eddie McVey in 1981 and was the first independent community eye care practice in Bearsden. It moved to its present location in 1997 and remains today the longest-established practice in East Dunbartonshire. Two staff transferred over to the new company from 31 October.
McVey said: “After 43 years of providing patient centred eye care in the community, I have decided to retire.
“I am pleased to announce that Willis Wilkie as practice optometrist will succeed me, while both of my loyal and experienced staff will continue to work with the new practice owners.”
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