Teenager stars at Heanor opticians launch
Post on 17th August 2015
A teenager who was born with a sight condition officially launched the new branch of a Heanor opticians where she is a loyal customer.
Fifteen-year-old Judith York performed the honours at Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care on Market Street and was presented with gift vouchers and sweet treats as a thank you. She has been attending the branch since the age of one and her mother Sarah and sister Sophia, aged 18, are also customers.
Judith, a pupil at Heanor Gate Science College, said: “I was shocked when I was asked to open it but I feel quite honoured and proud. I’m really happy to do it.”
Branch manager Sharn Lalli-Sohal said: “Judith is a lovely girl who has entrusted her eye care to us for a long time. We thought it would be fitting if she launched our new branch.”
Born 12 weeks prematurely, Judith contracted E. coli meningitis at two weeks old. She was born with nystagmus in her left eye which is a continuous uncontrolled to and fro movement of the eyes. Most people with nystagmus have reduced vision.
Her mother Sarah said: “We do not know if her early birth caused it or if it was just one of those things. Judith has learned to deal with it.
“We are regulars at the opticians and have been going to the same branch since Judith was one. They have been amazing with her and nothing is too much trouble. They are always welcoming; it feels like visiting friends.”
The branch, formerly Lancaster & Thorpe, was acquired by Scrivens last year and kept its long-serving team. It has moved to bigger premises on Market Street and now boasts new sight test rooms with the latest digital eye examination equipment. A full range of hearing care services, including free NHS hearing aids for the over 55s, is also provided.
Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care was established 76 years ago and has 178 stores in England and Wales, with 1,000 employees.