Dominic Tunnell Opticians celebrates 50 years of business

Prosecco was poured when patients old and new congratulated Dominic Tunnell Opticians for reaching 50 years of business in Worcester.

The shop in Mealcheapen Street was first opened in 1969 by Diane Tunnell.

PROUD: Diane and Giles Tunnell. (Image: Dominic Tunnell Opticians) Diane was soon joined by her husband Giles and having taken ownership they have been fine-tuning the services they offer ever since - making it the successful business it is today. 

"We are totally focussed on customer service and the whole patient journey and have been fine-tuning it for all of the past 50 years," said Mrs Tunnell

Inside the store when it opened. (Image: Dominic Tunnell Opticians) "We feel honoured to celebrate and to have had a family business for 50 years whilst our customers still trust us to look after their eyesight.

"We will always be here."

The business started with just one receptionist and has grown to have 15 members of staff.

FAMILY AFFAIR: Giles, Karen, Dominic and Diane. (Image: Dominic Tunnell Opticians) In 1993, the couple's son Dominic joined the practice, and later bought the business along with his wife Karen in 2005. 

Dominic Tunnell said: "The High Street has always been on the thick end for any dramatic changes in the economy, the only way to survive is to adapt to the changing economy.

The store has received many refurbishments throughout the years. (Image: Dominic Tunnell Opticians) "We offer what others cannot. We sell frames and lenses that are not readily available everywhere else.

"My advice is to look after the existing customers and build relationships with people, this enhances their experience.

The store with 70s styled wallpaper. (Image: Dominic Tunnell Opticians) "If we keep giving our customers the best service and patient journey, hopefully, we will also be here in another 50 years - looking after people's sight - one of the most important of the five senses."

Looking to the future, Mr Tunnell said that the business would continue to look after the country's growing ageing population and says that they will continue to focus on diagnosing eye conditions much earlier. 

He added: "We will be using AI (artificial intelligence), machine learning, and virtual and augmented reality to check the vision and eye structures to ensure our customers have good eyesight for as long as possible."