AN INDEPENDENT opticians’ practice, which is marking 30 years in business this month, is going from strength to strength.

LM Baverstock Opticians was started in Milnthorpe back in the early 1970s by Eric Suddell, and was acquired by Linda Baverstock in November 1978.

As the practice became busier, she moved to larger premises across The Square and later expanded again, adding a new two-storey building in place of the Snack Bar in 1990.

With retirement beckoning for Linda, the practice has been taken over by two optometrists, Simon and Louise Budd, of Hincaster, who both have a family background in the profession.

They said the eye examination remained the focal point of the business, with the latest computer technology including digital retinal photography.

“We see a huge variety of patients here of all age groups with widely differing occupations and pastimes.

“This being a popular retirement area, helping people to maintain good eye health and a good standard of vision into later life has been a priority.”

Linda, who has seen a number of optometry students work at the practice during their holidays, is continuing to work three days a week for the time being.