New directors eye exciting future at Stafford opticians

Jan Goodwin has been a familiar face at Mincher-Lockett Opticians in Stafford Street for almost 20 years but is saying farewell at the end of March – with her fellow directors Joyce and Nigel Terry continuing to run the practice. 

The practice first opened its doors to the public in 1969 under the ownership of Jennifer and Peter Mincher-Lockett and the family-run business quickly gained a local reputation for quality eyecare that extended far beyond a simple eye test.

The practice continued to be an important part of the community before the original owners stepped back and Jan took over with business partner Sarah Edge, growing the business to include new services and facilities for patients while still retaining the practice's rich history in customer care.

Mrs Edge said: “Jan was certainly a very supportive business partner. We expanded to having three profitable practices in less than 10 years, using the latest technology in both testing equipment and lenses while also increasing our patient satisfaction scores. There are many patients who will be very grateful to Jan for their good vision.”

Jan added: “Looking after people's eye health is important to me and I enjoy explaining my findings and helping people understand how their eyes work and what they can do to improve and prolong their eye health.

“My favourite times in practice have been when I have been involved in improving someone's life by improving their vision or obtaining treatment for an eye condition which was affecting them. 

“Joyce and Nigel have a great team and the same ethos of providing high-quality eyecare and eyewear. Now that I have taken the decision to retire and have time to enjoy more travel and perhaps some new hobbies, I am confident that my patients old and new will be well looked after.”

Committed to discovering new and exciting technologies that push the boundaries of eyecare, the practice has remained at the forefront of optical care advancements. The new directors have underlined their commitment to ensuring those values remain for generations to come.

Joyce and Nigel, who worked with Jan for just over four years at both Mincher-Lockett Opticians and Malcolm Gray & Associates Opticians in Eccleshall, said: “Jan has been at the very top of her game and is an exceptional optometrist. She is full of energy, warmth, and kindness—someone who puts her patients at ease and is deeply respected by all. We will miss her enormously and strive to ensure her legacy lives on for many years to come.”

In addition to NHS and private eye examinations, the practice also participates in shared care schemes with the NHS for glaucoma referral refinement, cataract surgery post-operative checks and minor eye conditions assessments. The practice also offers colorimetry assessments and myopia management services to support patients with visual stress and progressive myopia.

Jan’s last day will be on Friday, 28 March when the practice will also be staging a launch day for their new Gucci collection, with discounts available to anyone purchasing Gucci or YSL frames, goodie bags for the first 50 customers, a raffle and refreshments throughout the day.

For more details visit mincher-lockett.co.uk.