Q1 2021

101 | Q1 2021 Aug20413 Clear Vision of Success Established in 2007, Eye 2 Eye Opticians is a leading provider of professional eye care across Greater London. Following the firm’s well-deserved success in the UK Enterprise Awards 2020, we got in touch with Dipesh Patel to find out more. Run by a husband-and-wife team, Eye 2 Eye Opticians pride themselves on delivering the highest standards of eye care while offering its patients excellent value for money. To begin, Dipesh gives us a brief overview of the firm and offers more insight into its clientele. “Over the years we have grown and become specialists in optics using the latest advanced technologies and highly trained and qualified practitioners. Naturally, our core values are to provide comprehensive eye care to families and support the local community. The customers journey is a very personal one with one-to-one consultations available at our practices. Giving our customers the best options available in the latest eye fashion is our aim so wearing glasses can be enjoyable for all. The tagline “see the difference” means we will always deliver above and beyond what is expected.” Despite facing intense competition since its establishment, the firm has been able to distance itself from the crowd thanks to its commitment to technology, as Dipesh explains further. “Over the years we have heavily invested in the latest innovations and equipment to be able to provide detailed eye examinations, accurately fitted glasses and tailor-made contact lenses. In addition, we are constantly involved in new developments and training to learn the latest techniques.” The internal culture at Eye 2 Eye Opticians evolves around teamwork, and as Dipesh is keen to highlight, its close-knit team ensures the firm is able to deliver on the standards expected. “Although we have a varied age group within the team, everyone is young at heart and comes together to assist each other whenever required. The majority of our staff are qualified Opticians and Optometrists, but the training undertaken by the others shows their dedication and willingness to learn.” Moreover, when it comes to recruitment anyone joining the team must be eager to improve and progress as Dipesh points out. “New staff must show a willingness to learn in order to meet our high standards, but more importantly we want them to grow and become core members of the team over time. To support this growth, we will provide the utmost level of support and training.” Although the firm have reached several milestones during its time, recently it has faced more competition with the opening of another store in an area which already had an opticians. Additionally, the outbreak of COVID-19 has been another challenge the firm has had to overcome as Dipesh elaborates further. “Gaining the trust of the local community when we opened our new store was difficult with so many customers remaining loyal to the other business. However, slowly but surely customers began to see how we can offer personalised eye care at such affordable prices.” Despite the outbreak of COVID-19, the firm has still managed to prosper during these difficult and uncertain times, as Dipesh goes on to explain. “During lockdown we remained open and available for customers, offering free home deliveries, collections and repairs whilst also running online consultations to support our customers throughout the pandemic. Customers were able to directly contact us seven days a week via WhatsApp, we were always there if needed.” Finally, Dipesh discusses the main benefits of the firm’s location before outlining some of its plans moving forward. “Here in the UK we have amazing multicultural communities, and our industry remains focused on providing high-quality eye care to everyone. Moreover, the optical industry in the UK is highly regulated and this ensures there is a higher degree of professionalism and ethical governance for public safety. “Moving forward, we are looking to launch an online portal to enable our clients to view our stock collections if it’s not possible to come in store. Beyond this, we are looking to open up more stores soon within Greater London and Hertfordshire so we can provide the same level of eye care to other areas.” Company: Eye 2 Eye Opticians Contact: Dipesh Patel Website: www.eye2eyebushey.co.uk