Dominic Tunnell Opticians celebrates 50 years of business

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

The store in Mealcheapen Street was first opened in 1969 by Diane Tunnell, who wanted to open the practice under Coop Eyecare.

PROUD: Diane and Giles Tunnell. (Image: Dominic Tunnell Opticians) Since Diane and her husband Giles - who had joined the business shortly after her takeover - have been fine-tuning the services they offer to make it the business residents see today. 

"We are totally focussed on customer service and the whole patient journey and have been fine-tuning it for all over 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 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 hiring 15 staff members.

FAMILY AFFAIR: Giles, Karen, Dominic and Diane. (Image: Dominic Tunnell Opticians) In 1993, the two's son Dominic joined the business in 1993, which led him to buy the business 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) "Offer what others cannot.

"We sell frames and lenses that are not readily available everywhere else.

"Look after the existing customers and build relationships with people, which 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 one of the most important of the five senses."

Looking to the future, Mr Tunnell added the business will look towards the UK's ageing population and will try and adapt to deal with this.

One of these tasks will be trying to diagnose eye conditions 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 we have good eyesight for as long as possible."