7 5 T H
A N N I V E R S A R Y
TOP TIPS SINCE 1936 Choosing the right frame for you! page3
SIGNS OF THEIR TIME frame fashions down the years page 6
I S S U E
1 9 3 6 - 2 0 1 1
CLASSIC PHOTO WINNERS thanks for the memories page 8
DEDICATED TEAM The secret of our success page 2
GLASSES AT 1936 PRICES see page8
REID MACKELLAR OPTICIANS 86-90 WEST BLACKHALL STREET, GREENOCK PA15 1XG
TELEPHONE 01475 721744 • www.reidmackellar.co.uk
REID MACKELLAR NEWS ISSUE 17 2011
DIAMOND SERVICE e like to think we run a happy ship here at Reid Mackellar Opticians and that’s why we consider our staff as an extended family who share the same values. We also believe that is why our staff have stayed with us and grown with us over the decades, providing a consistent high quality service that has helped preserve the reputation we enjoy for employing a knowledgeable, experienced team. We would like to take this opportunity
W
JANE BOAG
CLARE MORAN
FBDO Dispensing Optician
Ophthalmic Dispensing Assistant Practice Manager
…recently celebrated 25 years at Reid Mackellar. Everyone knows Jane who is a bubbly person and full of fun. Jane has helped thousands of patients over the years as she describes on page 3. Jane is always on the ball with frame fashions and spends time chatting to our customers about what they want, as well as with suppliers to ensure we stock the best frames available. Jane also helps with staff training to keep up the high standards set by Mr Mac.
…...20 years with Reid Mackellar and now the practice manager. Clare first started in 1982 and returned in 1994 after a spell at IBM. Alongside Jane, they are the Trinny and Suzzanna of Reid Mackellar with their advice on choosing the best frame styles for each individual. As well as having a great rapport with all patients and staff Clare gained her diploma in Ophthalmic dispensing in 2005.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT… A QUALIFIED TEAM! It is true to say that we have a well trained bunch at Reid Mackellar. Staff training programmes see us continually invest in our people and their skills to ensure customers enjoy the very best of care. We are very proud of our latest
optical assistants to attain diplomas. Rachael Thomson (below left) and Elaine Reid (beow right) have gained their Ophthalmic Clinical Assistant qualifications, so a big congratulations to them both for achieving such excellent results.
TEAM PLAYERS Aside from our longest serving staff, we have a long list of dedicated team players who have joined Reid Mackellar within the last ten years. These include: Janice Boak Janice Boak Ophthalmic Dispensing and Clinical Assistant (9 years) Joanna Macintosh Ophthalmic Dispensing and Administration (7 years) Lesley Allan Optometrist (4 years) Rachael Thomson Reception and Ophthalmic Clinical Assistant (4 years) Elaine Reid Reception and Ophthalmic Clinical Assistant (3 years) Martin Stevenson Dispensing Optician (2 years) Sandie McGregor and Suzanne Laidlaw who are fully qualified, experienced optometrists both joined Reid Mackellar within the last year. In July 2011 due to increasing demand for appointments we have Linda Shields, another experienced Optometrist joining our team. See website for up to date photos of all our staff.
ELIZABETH SKELTON
CAROLINE WEBSTER
JOHN O’NEILL
Book-keeping & Administration
Ophthalmic Dispensing Assistant
Optical Technician
SALLY JARVIS
…over 20 years experience in optics, Caroline has worked for Reid Mackellar for 12 years now and is a very popular member of the team. Caroline got her Diploma in Ophthalmic dispensing in 2006.
…..now 10 Years at Reid Mackellar, John works in our own laboratory. He has more than 20 years’ experience in optics and is a skilled technician helping us keep quality to the highest standard. 'John is currently studying towards a diploma for advanced optical technicians.
FBDO Dispensing Optician
…Clare’s sister who left school and started in 1985 and, all in with a break for her family, has worked for 20 Years at Reid Mackellar. Elizabeth works in our back office and her attention to detail and bookkeeping skills are second to none. 2
to recognise not only their commitment to our business, but also their professional support for our patients’ every eye care need. Employing highly qualified, dedicated staff is all part of our practice, along with the sensitivity you would expect from a family business that provides a valuable service for all your family. So, here is a Who’s Who of Reid Mackellar Opticians with a rundown of how many years each person has been with the practice
…10 years at Reid Mackellar Opticians since moving to Scotland from England, Sally works part time now and has over 30 years experience as a dispensing optician
REID MACKELLAR NEWS ISSUE 17 2011
75 YEARS OF SERVICE
1936-2011
SPECTACULAR! Jane helps choose the right frames for you!
P
icking the right frame is never as easy as it may look. There is a real skill in selecting the right frame to suit each individual, in terms of facial features as well as lifestyles and fashion preferences. With such a large range of styles and designs to choose from these days, we thought it was time to give you some pointers on selecting the most suitable frame for you. I have helped literally thousands of people choose their glasses over the years and still get a buzz from providing advice to ensure they make the best selection for themselves. I have also passed on my tips to the rest of our team, so rest assured we are all ready, willing and able to help you pick your frames here at Reid Mackellar Opticians. Selecting new frames should be an exciting experience. The main thing is to enjoy yourself while trying on as many frames as you like. When you visit the practice, we can recommend the best frame and, just as importantly, the most appropriate lenses for you. Here are our top ten tips - points we will discuss with you to help you make your selection.
PRESCRIPTION… …is the first thing we look at coupled with what you need your glasses for. We advise what shapes of frame will make your prescription lenses look the best. We will also discuss what lenses will look the best for your prescription.
STYLE… …will be discussed to determine what you have in mind. We may suggest some styles that you may not have considered but we feel would suit you.
COMFORT… …is vital, especially as you may be wearing them every day. Generally I would always say go for a frame that feels comfortable from the minute you put it on, although we can adjust them to fit.
SIZE… …is a personal choice but please do check with one of our team, as we can order most styles in different sizes. We take pride in getting the best frame to fit you.
SHAPE… …is another part of the process. The best way to find the shape for you is simple – just try on different shapes!
JANE BOAG FBDO Dispensing Optician
COLOUR… …skin tone, hair colour and, of course, eye colour, will all have a bearing on making a selection that will complement your natural tones.
STRENGTH… …is an important consideration. A more robust frame is necessary for some people whose glasses are constantly on and off, or for those whose work may take its toll on the frames. Just let us know your personal requirements, as some frames we stock are not just durable but almost Clydebuilt!
LIFESTYLE… …let us know the sports and hobbies you like, as well as job requirements, as they all play a part in what frames are most suitable for you. We also need to know if you have been allergic to any metals or frames in the past, as we have titanium and nickel-free frames that are hypoallergenic.
COST… …our frames are very competitively priced and include standard single vision lenses, so you can be sure you are always getting value for money here at Reid Mackellar Opticians. We also have a FREE SECOND PAIR offer on too for our 75th anniversary celebrations, as it is always handy to have a spare pair!
LOOK… …it’s interesting how some people go for a radical new look each time they change their glasses, while others are happy to choose a similar style to what they are wearing. All we suggest is keep an open mind when trying different styles and, above all, have fun!
DESIGNER RANGE… …Chanel, Dior, Prada, Gucci, Armani Ray Ban, Ted Baker and Bvlgari, are all part of the comprehensive range of frames that we stock from designers all over the world, giving our customers a great choice of original, distinctive shapes that complement both style and function. Many are exclusive to this area - we are one of only 17 stockists for Chanel in Scotland. No matter what the big designer label, we offer value for money prices. Why not come in and see for yourself?
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r the yea In 1936 e was ir f it ic sp n o ic e th es wn. Jam hed first flo b esta lis ’ c a M ‘Mr r ackella Reid M ns. Opticia
A DIAMOND
thanks to three generations o
here’s hardly been a minute to look back since James Reid Mackellar embarked upon his new business venture in 1930s Greenock. Decade after decade, there has been exciting growth and development but with one key constant throughout – our family values. These principles have permeated throughout the whole team over the years and been embraced by generations of families who have enjoyed a level of care and service that is, in our view, simply second to none. It is also a business ethos that has helped Reid Mackellar Opticians become one of the largest independent practices in the West of Scotland. And we are all very proud to be a part of its success. We would like to grab just a minute or two of your time to look back, as we give you this glimpse of our journey then and now and celebrate 75 glorious years.
T
Our Mr Mac!
ars, er the ye t staff ov a re g mmy Ji y n h ith ma ce, wit w ti c g ra n p lo a e th Mr Mac, improve Campbell hairi and relessly to ti M d d e n a rk s o 0 w 197 ’s im in the e 1990s. the 1960 joining h am in th ticians in te e th kellar Op to ac n M o d d ei e Above R welcom
James Reid Mackellar, practice founder, father of Jimmy and grandfather of Mhairi and Campbell, was born in 1907. Although he gave his middle and last name to the practice, he was to become more fondly known to staff simply as Mr Mac. Before launching into his optical career, his first job as a teenager was as an assistant projectionist to his dad in a Paisley picture house. He helped out by changing the film for his dad, who also played the piano for the silent movies. While studying part time at Napier College in Edinburgh, James took on his first optical job with Campbell
Horseborough in Causeyside Street, Paisley. When he was a qualified Ophthalmic Optician, he worked in Liverpool before returning to Scotland. Aged just 29, he seized the opportunity to embark on an exciting new venture. The young optician bought an established practice at 86 West Blackhall Street, in the heart of Greenock town centre, and opened the doors of Reid Mackellar Opticians. The year was 1936 and although the original shop was just a third of the size it is today, it marked the start of decades of development and growth. From the late 40s, he became so busy that he employed another optician to work alongside him and, in 1952, moved his business next door to take on a shop double the size. Thanks to a growing reputation, he continued to build up the business year on year. Mr Mac, along with many great staff over the years, worked tirelessly to improve the practice, with Jimmy joining him in the 1970s and Mhairi and Campbell welcomed onto the team in the 1990s. The only break he had from the practice was when he was requisitioned by the Navy during the war years. He cared for Navy personnel, tending to their eyesight and supplying glasses. It was never an easy task, especially given the difficulties obtaining the frames and lenses that were in such very short supply at that time. While he has now sadly passed away, Mr Mac dedicated more than 50 years to the business and continued to work into his 80s – without a doubt an enormous achievement! The whole team are
A ‘personal thanks’ from Campbell
80s, d, by the 19 e practice an th ild l. bu ia to ued essent Jimmy contin pansion was busy that ex so e y back the m bu co to be it had y in 1988 it un rt ked po op the es were knoc Seizing upon , the premis op sh size. ng al ri in hbou the orig original neig three times ce ti ac pr a eate through to cr 4
Reid Mackellar Opticians is a family business, and in many ways you, our patient, are also part of our customer family. You are one of many generations of families that we have had the pleasure to serve over the years. You’ll continue to be treated as ‘one of the family’
when you visit, so please enjoy the very warm welcome that will be extended to you by our friendly staff. They will be delighted to guide you to the service that best suit your needs. From myself, my sister Mhairi, Dad Jimmy, and in the memory of my Papa, Mr Mac, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your loyalty throughout the years. I hope we have the opportunity to continue to care for your own eyes, and that of your family’s, well into the next 75 years.
REID MACKELLAR NEWS ISSUE 17 2011
D OCCASION
s of family values since 1936
r
r
hugely proud to be continuing his great vision in this our diamond year, and to be part of a practice that has become synonymous with the highest quality ophthalmic services.
In the footsteps of… It is easy to see that Jimmy Mackellar was a chip off the old block with his passion for optics and customer care, plus a pioneering spirit that emulated that of his dad. Jimmy, who qualified as an Ophthalmic Optician from Glasgow College of Technology in 1972 and gained his Diploma in Contact Lens Practice in 1973, worked in the practice during his studies before joining his dad full time in 1973. Coupled with his qualifications, he brought with him the experience of working in the Glasgow Eye Infirmary and various city-based opticians. He recognised great opportunities for Reid Mackellar Opticians and the people it served throughout Inverclyde and beyond. With the introduction of contact lenses in the UK at that time to help correct eyesight, Jimmy was quite the pioneer. He introduced this revolutionary new service, fitting hard contact lenses in the days before textbooks had appeared on the subject. Jimmy continued to build the optometry practice further and, by the 1980s, it had become so busy that expansion was essential. Seizing upon the opportunity in 1988 to buy back the original neighbouring shop at 86 West Blackhall Street, the premises were knocked through to create one big practice that
was three times the size of the first. Jimmy was now working with two other opticians and a team of assistants.
The third generation Continuing in the footsteps of their dad Jimmy and papa, Mr Mac, Mhairi and Campbell joined the team in the 1990s. Mhairi qualified with a Degree in Management before going on to become a Dispensing Optician in 1993. She joined the practice in 1995 and after spells in Australia, London and Dublin, returned to the business in 2003. Campbell graduated with a Degree in Optometry in 1998 and qualified in 1999 as an Optometrist – the new name for an Ophthalmic Optician. Just like his dad, he gained experience first working with opticians in Glasgow before joining Reid Mackellar full time in 2002. He took over the day to day running of the practice in 2006, helping to oversee a major renovation two years later, which transformed the three shops into the modern facility that it is today.
The Future Again, just like his dad before him, Jimmy continues to work part time, as does Mhairi who now has two young children. Perhaps along with Campbell’s two children, they will continue in those well established, familiar footsteps and become the next generation of Mackellar optometrists well into the 21st century?
£40K Investment in Technology While our people are the heart of the practice, investment in new technology is crucial to ensure we stay at the cutting edge of optical care. Things have certainly progressed over the years. Huge leaps in technology and continuing advancements in medical science and, in particular, optometry, have given us the knowledge, expertise and highly advanced gadgetry to ensure a service that one could scarcely imagine back in 1936. In the last two years alone, we have invested more than £40,000 in innovative equipment, helping us examine eyes in far more detail than ever before. We have added two extra fundus cameras for retinal screening,
one test room combination unit and a new visual field machine, helping to ensure our examinations are as accurate and efficient as possible, with early detection and diagnosis of any possible signs of disease. However, as we have learned from Mr Mac himself, “all this fancy equipment isn’t worth a thing if you don’t have a dedicated team who take pride in their work and provide a thorough examination and a quality service that puts our patients’ interests first”! It is this philosophy that has remained central to what we do at here Reid Mackellar Opticians, from the 1930s until now.
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STYLE SCRAPBOOK
1936-2011
REID MACKELLAR NEWS ISSUE 17 2011
STYLE SIGNS OF THE TIME Frame fashions through the decades J
ust like clothing, glasses have been the subject of decades of change. In the past few centuries alone, monocles and chic pendant magnifiers transformed into rimless or semirimless spectacles before growing into heavy, chunky frames, and emerging as sleeker, lighter styles in a multitude of colours. Today, glasses are no longer a necessity. They have become the ultimate fashion accessory and, thanks to the huge variety now on offer, people can tailor them to their own personality, appearance and style.
CLARE MORAN Ophthalmic Dispensing Assistant and Practice Manager
Hasn’t fashion changed so much over the years?
30s
Ultimate Accessory Although not around for centuries, our practice has spanned nine decades and we have seen many fashion changes over the years. Glasses have been rimless, horn rimmed, cat’s eyes, browline, big, small, round, retro, vintage and designer, and let’s not forget the contact lenses that we brought to you in the early 1970s! Here is a little trip down memory lane for our readers with some fashion trends - and fashion faux pas – over the last 75 years.
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40s
30s 50s
REID MACKELLAR NEWS ISSUE 17 2011
STYLE SCRAPBOOK
1936-2011
70s
60s
80s
90s
2011
2000s
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75 YEARS OF SERVICE
1936-2011
REID MACKELLAR NEWS ISSUE 17 2011
PICTURE PERFECT 1
2
GETTHECHANCETO
BUY A PAIR OF PRESCRIPTION
DESIGNER
GLASSES
AT 1930s PRICES
3 4
5
6
7 8
9
In this issue of Reid Mackellar News you’ll have the opportunity to win the chance to buy a pair of designer prescription glasses at 1936 prices. To enter, simply answer our multiple choice question below by ticking the appropriate box, complete your entry details and send the coupon to: Reid Mackellar Opticians, 86-90 West Blackhall Street, Greenock PA15 1XG or hand it in to us on your next visit. Closing date for entries is 15th September 2011.
CUSTOMER COMPETITION ENTRY In what year was James Reid Mackellar, founder of our practice born? a) 1897
A FEW OF OUR CLASSIC PHOTO WINNERS! In our last edition we gave three readers the chance to win £100 worth of vouchers for Reid Mackellar glasses, as part of our 75th anniversary celebrations. All you had to do was send us a classic photograph of yourself, family or friends wearing Reid Mackellar glasses over the last 75 years. We didn’t mind if the photograph was old or the frames fun and funky – in fact the wackier the better – and you didn’t disappoint! We have had great fun selecting our top three lucky winners of the £100 vouchers and here they are in all their glory: 1 Effie Dyer for all the pictures she sent in, including the one featured above of her in her School days. 8
2 Frank Ward for his 1965 picture of himself looking very dapper in his Reid Mackellar glasses. 3 Ann Brogan for the picture of herself also from 1965. The runners up who all will receive £30 in Reid Mackellar Vouchers are: 4 George Paterson for his 1960’s picture of himself in Arran 5 Linda Muirhead 6 Nicola Boyle pictured aged 2 in 1986 7 William McCallum who was born in 1991 8 Jamie McFarlane pictured here in 1989 9 Mrs Scott who handed in this Photograph of her wearing Reid Mackellar glasses when recieving a prize from Jimmy and Kirsteen who used to work at Reid Mackellar in the early 1990's
b) 1907
c) 1917
Clue: The answer is printed somewhere in the magazine. Name................................................................................................. Address.............................................................................................. .......................................................................................................... ..................................................Postcode ......................................... Daytime Tel no: ................................................................................. email address.....................................................................................