Newtownabbey optometrist celebrates 25 years of visionary service

Stuart Douglas receiving his long service certificate from Nikki Gardiner, Specsavers regional relationship manager in Northern Ireland.

The former Ballyclare High School pupil graduated in optometry from Aston University, Birmingham in 1990.

He went on to work for opticians in Lancashire, Cheshire and Cumbria including Specsavers, before returning home to Northern Ireland in 1995.

That year he opened the Specsavers store in Bloomfield Shopping Centre in Bangor alongside David Maguire, who is also marking 25 years with the optical group.

Together, whilst operating the Bangor store, they won a prestigious UK-wide National Training Award in 1996 receiving the accolade at London’s Downing Street.

The duo also went on to win an Optician’s Eye Care Award in 1997 and were the first multiple to win that trophy.

Stuart said: ‘“It’s been a wonderful 25 years which has gone by in a flash. Back in 1995 we had approximately six staff and now we employ 38 people.

“So many young optometrists started their career with us in Bangor before going on to open their own Specsavers stores both in Northern Ireland and Australia.

“It’s a privilege to focus on providing both personal and professional care to our customers and I’d like to thank the teams here in Bangor and Newtownards for their support and help over the years and for all their hard work in making sure our patients experience the highest standards of service.”

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