Former mayor says opticians saved her sight as new branch opens

Post on 13th October 2025

A former Mayor of Bromyard has cut the ribbon on a newly refurbished opticians – the same branch that saved her eyesight three years ago.

Dr Dee Dunne-Thomas was invited to officially reopen Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care on Broad Street following a major upgrade to the premises.

The gesture recognises not only her years of loyalty as a customer, but also her remarkable story of how a routine eye test in 2022 led to the diagnosis of a rare pituitary tumour.

Thanks to the expertise of the optometrist who spotted the warning signs during her appointment, Dee received prompt treatment. She has since become a passionate advocate for regular eye examinations.

“I owe my eyesight to the team at Scrivens,” said Dee. “They are so knowledgeable and always make me feel very welcome. It came as a total surprise to be chosen as the VIP and cheered me up – I was over the moon to be part of the celebrations. It has been fantastic.”

The refurbished Bromyard branch now features an additional testing room, bringing the total to two, which will allow the store to offer more specialist clinics. Customers will also find an expanded range of designer frames.

Branch manager, Hannah New, said: “We have invested in the store and wanted to mark its relaunch in style. Dee has entrusted her eye care to us for many years, and her loyalty means a lot to the team.

“As a former Mayor of Bromyard, she has given so much to the town and we wanted to say thank you by inviting her to officially declare our new look branch open.”

Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care is a family-run business established in 1938, with 166 stores across England and Wales.