Wilkie’s Eyecare acquires new practice

Family-owned Dunbartonshire-based independent opticians, Wilkie’s Eyecare, has expanded its portfolio with the purchase of McVey Opticians in Bearsden.

McVey Opticians will be rebranded as Wilkie’s Eyecare following the purchase. Two staff transferred over to the new company on 31 October. Prior to the purchase, Wilkie’s Eyecare had two practices, in Alexandria and Dumbarton.

Optometrist and director of Wilkie’s Eyecare, William Wilkie, shared: “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.”

Discussing the purchase, which occurred following the retirement of McVey Opticians’ owner Eddie McVey, Wilkie added: “We live in challenging times, but we believe there is still a need for our personalised, local service. We are confident that people will continue to shop local and support independents such as us.”

Wilkie has been director of Wilkie’s Eyecare, which was founded by his father, for 45 years.

McVey Opticians was established by Eddie McVey in 1981 and was the first independent community eyecare practice in Bearsden. It moved to its present location in 1997 and remains today the longest established practice in East Dunbartonshire.

Speaking about the practice sale, McVey said: “I am delighted to know that the practice will continue in safe hands. I would like to wish Willis and Sian, the staff and patients the very best for the future.”