Optician eyes 100 more years after century mark

A South Tyneside optician has marked its 100th anniversary, celebrating a century of serving the local community while continuing to expand its range of healthcare services.

S. Walton Eyecare welcomed healthcare professionals, local businesses, customers and civic leaders to its South Shields practice to commemorate the milestone.

Originally founded as Sidney Walton Opticians in 1926, the practice was later acquired by local optometrist Herbert Marsden before being relaunched as S. Walton Eyecare by optometrist Kaye Winship following its closure in 2006.

Since reopening, the business has broadened its offering beyond traditional eye care to include advanced optical services such as OCT scanning, myopia management and dry eye clinics, alongside hearing care, ear wax removal and podiatry.

The practice has also expanded its retail range, stocking designer eyewear brands including Gucci, Tom Ford, Oakley and Ray-Ban, while recently introducing Ray-Ban Meta AI smart glasses.

Kaye said: “I think what has really set us apart from other opticians in the area and has been key to our success is the fact that we really take the time to spend more time and to listen to our customers. 

“Our eye tests typically take twice as long as our competitors, as we really take the time to go into detail with our customers and help solve their problems.

“We have also tried to build on the legacies of Sidney and Herbert by continuing to give back to the local community, assisting local charities in their work, and sponsoring local rugby teams and MMA champions. 

“We also provide NHS eye tests to the homeless through our work with EMMAUS.

“We are incredibly proud to be a South Shields business with deep roots in the town.

“There’s nowhere else we’d rather be.”

Alongside its healthcare services, S. Walton Eyecare is a signatory to the South Tyneside Pledge, supporting initiatives to strengthen the local economy, reduce health inequalities and promote sustainability across the borough.

Kaye added: “None of this would be possible had it not been for the support we’ve received from organisations such as South Tyneside Council and TEDCO over the years and getting involved in initiatives such as the South Tyneside Pledge.

“Over the last few years, we have secured a grant for a new website, received business coaching and have attended events to help grow the business, all of which have been key to helping us continue moving forward. 

“It’s lonely being a business owner at times, but the fantastic business support ecosystem we have here really brings us together and has hopefully helped ensure we can continue trading for another 100 years.”

The anniversary celebrations were attended by councillor Stan Wildhirt, the mayor of South Tyneside, alongside representatives from Oakley, local businesses and long-standing customers.

Kaye added: “It was fantastic having the mayor of the council and so many of our customers, partners and local businesses join us to celebrate the store’s 100th anniversary.

“We have certainly had our challenges over the years, like every high street retailer, however the support from the people and businesses of Shields has never waned, so it was fitting that we were able to share this historic moment with them. 

“Without the support of our amazing customers and local business community over the years, this would never have been possible.”

Councillor Wildhirt added: “It was great to join Kaye and the team to mark the 100th anniversary of S. Walton Eyecare yesterday.

“At a time when high street businesses are really feeling the pinch, it is fantastic to see historic independent businesses like S Walton continuing to invest in their towns and providing such a crucial service for local people.

“The company is a true South Tyneside success story.”

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