After 44 years, this Starbeck optometrists is marking an exciting new chapter

by Fiona Callow

| 30 May, 2024

This story is sponsored by Christopher Nixon Optometrists.

A well-established Starbeck Optometrists is marking passing the four decade milestone by announcing an exciting new chapter for the business.

Christopher Nixon Optometrists first opened its doors in 1981 and has been a firm fixture on Starbeck’s high street ever since, expanding into an experienced team of 14, with a combined 200 years’ experience between them.

2024 continues to be a seminal year for the business, as it announces a move to Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). An EOT means that all 14 members of staff are financial beneficiaries of the company and can contribute positively to how the business is run.

Founder and managing director Chris Nixon will be transitioning into part-time work but will still play an active role in the practice, and in the community at large.

Explaining the decision, Chris commented:

After careful consideration, I’ve decided to transfer a majority of my shareholding to an Employee Owners Trust (EOT).

My colleagues at the practice have always been important to me, like my ‘work family’ and have contributed significantly to the reputation and success of the practice . I felt strongly that to ensure the legacy and longevity of the business, as well as giving security of employment that this was the right way forward for the practice.

This move solidifies the practice’s future – we’re not being sold or bought out – we’re staying independent and keeping the family together.

44 years serving the local community

Chris Nixon first established the Starbeck practice after finishing his professional qualifications at Leed General Infirmary's optometry department.

In the beginning the business was just made up of Chris and two receptionists Gladys Beldon and Jean Holliday. His father John, who worked at ICI, would help on the reception desk on a Saturday morning – but was soon inspired by his son’s passion for his job, and qualified as an optometrist in 1985 at the age of 50.

Specialised services

Chris Nixon Optometrists offers a wide range of services, including eye examinations, spectacles and contact lens appointments, coloured overlay assessments and much more. It also provides more niche treatments; in fact, it’s well-known for myopia – or short-sightedness – control in children and young adults, in the local area and beyond.

From early on in his career Chris was fortunate to work alongside Bruce Noble, a leading corneal consultant ophthalmologist. Bruce encouraged Chris to develop his skills in the art of fitting complex contact lenses including many cases where corneal disease, injury or transplant required him to provide a personalised solution for patients.

Chris has continued to develop his skills fitting contact lenses for complicated cases. In 2015 Chris presented several complex cases along with other notable initiatives, which resulted in him becoming a Fellow of the British Contact Lens Association, a position of high esteem in the field of UK contact lens fitting.

He has passed on his wealth of knowledge to his team, and due to this, the practice considers itself a specialist in this field.

The future of the practice

The move to an EOT model is a way to ensure, ‘security and continuity’ for team members and customers alike, according to Chris. It may sound like a change, but for everybody at Chris Nixon Optometrists, it’s business as usual.

Chris added:

The importance of community is engrained in what we do. It’s not just work – it’s enjoyment and family.

I’m proud about the implementation of the Christopher Nixon EOT but even more proud of the team of people that make up Christopher Nixon Optometrists today and have every confidence in handing over the leadership knowing that the practice is in safe hands for the next 40 years and more.

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your vision care journey. Here’s to many more years of health, happiness, and clear sight ahead.

Find out more:

Christopher Nixon Optometrists is located at 35 High Street, Starbeck, HG2 7LQ.

To find out more about the services offered, visit the website, call 01423 885764 or fill out the enquiry form on the website.

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