Swansea opticians practice holds 40th anniversary celebration

Charles Richards, director at Bater & Stout in Woodfield Street, Morriston, was joined by the original founders of the practice, Lindsay and Louise Bater, at a special event on Tuesday, 3 March, to mark the important milestone. 

Originally located in Clase Road, the couple took over from Philip Rees in 1986 and re-opened the practice as Bater Opticians following a complete refurbishment. 

Later, a first-floor extension was added to accommodate a glazing laboratory, allowing the practice to offer same-day service for glasses. The couple went on to own three further practices, occasionally in partnership, at Singleton Hospital, Gorseinon and Pontarddulais, and in 1996, moved from the Clase Road premises to the current location in Woodfield Street.

In 2013, Tony Stout bought the business from the Baters and rebranded the branch as Bater & Stout Opticians, with the other practices also changing hands.

Lindsay and Louise Bater retired in 2019 and in 2020, the now-director Charles Richards joined Bater & Stout Opticians as a Dispensing Optician, working alongside Tony. 

Charles, who had worked in Boots Opticians for 15 years, said:

“When Tony interviewed me for the job, he asked me if I’d ever considered owning my own business. I had managed practices before but owning one seemed like a different kettle of fish.”

Charles was given first refusal when Tony decided to sell the business in 2023 shortly before retiring, with Charles taking on the business with his wife Sian, an optometrist. 

“Having your own business really gives you a reason to get up in the morning, knowing you are helping people. Sian and I work well together, although we don’t see much of each other through the day as I’m on the shop floor and she’s in the consulting rooms conducting eye examinations.

“These days we are seeing a number of independent practices closing their doors when people retire because finding someone to take it on as a going concern can be difficult, so we were keen to make sure Bater & Stout continued.” 

After 40 years, Bater & Stout continues to look after patients across Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot and beyond, with loyal patients travelling from as far afield as Canada, London and Pembrokeshire.

Charles added: “We are a real community here – we are known for offering affordable care to the local community and we have seen generations of patients come through the door. We have a good solid core of patients who have continued to support the practice through its past iterations because of the level of care provided.

“We have patients living away at university who return for sight tests, glasses and contact lenses with regularity. We’ve even had patients return from overseas for their check-ups.

“It’s also great to still see the original founders, Lindsay and Louise, as they are now our patients.”

As to the future, Charles said: “We have just opened a third consulting room as the business is growing quite rapidly through word of mouth. We are looking forward to welcoming new generations of patients and carrying on the legacy of Bater & Stout.”

Bater & Stout’s celebration event included Prosecco, cake and raffle, along with exclusive offers on a range of luxury brands.

For more details visit https://www.baterandstoutopticians.co.uk

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Is there any good/cheap way to just get the lenses replaced? 🤔 I could ask the local optician where I brought them, but I wonder if, in our modern internet age, there's some “post you glasses here, and we'll fit new frames” service? 🤔

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I have #glasses. 👓 🤓 My current pair are nice frames, but the lenses themselves are battered & scratched to hell (I'm very clumsy 🤦‍♀️ ).

Is there any good/cheap way to just get the lenses replaced? 🤔 I could ask the local optician where I brought them, but I wonder if, in our modern internet age, there's some “post you glasses here, and we'll fit new frames” service? 🤔

#optician 

Swansea opticians says Saturday jobs are giving young people a vital start

A spokesperson for Specsavers Swansea said the locally owned store is continuing to employ young people in weekend roles, offering hands‑on experience at a time when official figures show almost one in eight people aged 16–24 are not in education, employment or training.

The store highlighted the experience of 22‑year‑old Khadija Ali, who has worked weekends as an optical assistant for the past 18 months while studying Optometry at Cardiff University. According to the company, the role gives young people practical experience in customer service, retail and the technology used in eye examinations.

Khadija Ali, weekend optical assistant at Specsavers Swansea, said working at the store had helped her develop skills that support her university studies.

“Working at Specsavers Swansea has accelerated my learning and helped me gain skills and understanding that support me throughout university,” she said.

“The team is extremely supportive of my career and education, for example by offering flexible time off so I can focus during exams.”

She said the store had also given her additional opportunities, including a CLiP placement, adding:

“The skills I’ve learnt are essential and transferable into university and will help me to develop my future career.”

Store says weekend roles build confidence and long‑term skills

Specsavers Swansea said weekend roles typically involve greeting customers, supporting appointments and learning how eye‑care technology works. The company said these roles often give young people their first experience of the workplace, helping them build confidence and transferable skills.

Mel Williams, store director at Specsavers Swansea, said the team is committed to encouraging more young people to explore optics as a career.

“A Saturday role offers a great introduction to the industry, allowing young people to gain practical, hands‑on experience in a welcoming and supportive setting,” she said.

“These roles are about far more than earning some extra income. They help young people develop teamwork, communication and customer service skills that will benefit them throughout their working lives.”

Ms Williams said many long‑term staff began in weekend roles before progressing into full‑time careers.

Specsavers said it offers a range of career paths across retail, customer service and clinical roles, with ongoing training and development available.

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Swansea man helps shape research to prevent sight loss from diabetes

“Nobody should be losing their sight to diabetes if it’s preventable.” That’s the powerful message from a Swansea man living with type 1 diabetes, who is helping shape research that could transform eye care across Wales and beyond.

Paul’s lived experience drives research

Paul Coker, 53, has lived with diabetes since the age of five. Thanks to laser treatment, his vision has been preserved — but he knows many others are not so fortunate.

“It saddens me deeply that there are people out there whose eyesight is at risk because they’re on a waiting list to see a specialist,” he said. “If this study works, more people could get the care they need, when they need it.”

Tackling a growing health challenge

Diabetic retinopathy remains one of the leading causes of sight loss among working‑age adults in the UK. While modern treatments have reduced the risk, delays in accessing care still put thousands at risk.

Until recently, diabetes was the number one cause of sight loss in working‑age people. With cases of diabetes rising, the pressure on NHS eye services is only increasing.

The AVENUE‑PDR study

Paul is now a public involvement member and co‑applicant in the AVENUE‑PDR study, led by Professor Steve Bain, Assistant Medical Director for Research & Development at Swansea Bay University Health Board and Specialty Lead for Diabetes at Health and Care Research Wales.

The study, funded by Health and Care Research Wales, is exploring whether trained eye care practitioners — not just consultants — can safely provide laser treatment for people with diabetes at risk of sight loss.

Professor Bain explained:

“There is a shortage of eye specialist consultants, not only in Wales and the UK, but throughout the world. This, in conjunction with increasing numbers of people living with diabetes, means that many people with sight‑threatening eye conditions cannot access timely laser therapy.”

If successful, the study could relieve bottlenecks in care, reduce waiting times, and prevent avoidable blindness.

A “win‑win‑win” for patients and the NHS

Paul believes the benefits are clear:

• Patients get timely treatment.
• The NHS eases pressure on overstretched services.
• Specialist doctors can focus on the most complex cases.

“I see only potential upsides,” he said. “Nobody should be losing their sight to diabetes if it’s preventable. It’s devastating not just for the individual, but for their families too.”

Looking ahead

Paul will begin a PhD at Swansea University in October, focusing on how the complications of diabetes are communicated in ways that are both empathetic and empowering.

For him, the message is simple: regular eye checks and timely access to treatment save sight.

National Eye Health Week

This story comes as part of National Eye Health Week, which runs from 23–29 September, raising awareness of the importance of eye health and the need for regular sight tests.

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‘Put your devices down’ – Swansea opticians issue call to young patients during National Eye Health Week

Charles Richards of Bater & Stout Opticians in Woodfield Street, Morriston, has joined colleagues across the UK in backing National Eye Health Week, which runs from 22–28 September.

The campaign highlights the importance of regular eye exams and simple lifestyle changes that can help prevent avoidable sight loss. Research shows that half of all sight loss is preventable.

Mr Richards said too much time on digital devices is already having an impact on young patients:

“As part of this year’s National Eye Health Week we’re advocating a screen amnesty at 8:20pm (20:20) – a perfect opportunity for parents to get their children to put their screens down and give their eyes a rest before bedtime.

Research has shown that spending too long on digital devices can have an adverse impact on eye health. We want to keep our young patients seeing better for longer, so reducing screen time can really help with that.”

On average, people in the UK spend around 35 hours a week staring at a computer screen, with 90 per cent reporting symptoms of screen fatigue such as tired or irritated eyes, blurred vision, headaches and poor colour perception.

Opticians recommend the 20‑20‑20 rule to reduce eye strain: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Organisers of National Eye Health Week are also encouraging people to eat a balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables and nuts, quit smoking, exercise regularly and have an eye exam at least once every two years.

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