A LOCALLY owned opticians in the Artizan Shopping Centre is celebrating its time in the town by giving back to the community.

Specsavers in Dumbarton opened in 2003 and hasn’t looked back as it completed thousands of eye examinations and hundreds of hearing appointments over the past three decades.

The team wants to thank the town for its support over the years by partnering with the local library in Strathleven Place.

An initial donation of £500 will go towards buying magnifying aids and large print books, whilst the store is also donating a range of spectacles for people to use when they have forgotten their own.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Jackie Baillie with Robin Mitchell and Stephanie Coughtrie, Ophthalmic Director and Retail Director respectively.Jackie Baillie with Robin Mitchell and Stephanie Coughtrie, Ophthalmic Director and Retail Director respectively. (Image: Supplied)

MSP Jackie Baillie – a long-standing advocate for the local provision of optical and audiological services – visited the store on their anniversary and previously commended the store for their work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Robin Mitchell, ophthalmic director at Specsavers in Dumbarton, says: ‘Lots has changed around here since 2003.

"We opened the store with five staff members in 2003 and now boast an extensive team of 22.

"Clinically, we’ve seen huge improvements in our tech, such as OCT examinations, which can help to detect the earliest signs of eye conditions, such as glaucoma, more easily.

‘We wanted to do something to show how much the community’s support over the last 20 years has meant to us.

"The local library is one of the last great public spaces in the town that needs the support of individuals and businesses alike, so we are proud to get involved.

"Looking to the future, we hope to continue to develop our relationships with local people, businesses and community groups as well as continue to support the training and development of our own team.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Ms Baillie getting herself an eye testMs Baillie getting herself an eye test (Image: Supplied)

"The recent announcement of the investment plans for the Artizan Centre has us excited for the 20 years to come."

Councillor Daniel Lennie, Convener of Corporate Services says: "We're always very grateful for donations to the library and want to extend our thanks to Robin, Stephanie and the rest of the local Specsavers team for their generous donation.

"The donation will be put to good use to help those library users with sight impairment and order large print titles and audiobooks."

For more information about the Dumbarton store, visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/dumbarton or call on 01389 726140.