Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Optician delighted to win after having eye on prize
Jacqueline has spent more than 30 years caring for patients
A Coatbridge opticians sees a bright future ahead as its clear vision to support its customers was honoured with a top prize at a prestigious industry ceremony.
The dedicated team at Jacqueline Meade’s thriving optical practice are celebrating after being crowned Best Practice of the Year at the Eyecare Scotland Awards.
The beloved business, which has been open in the town’s Bank Street for more than 30 years, has remained an integral part of the Coatbridge community and competed against a host of its peers from across Lanarkshire – and beyond – to win the coveted title.
It was recognised for its “clinical excellence and development”.
And as well as supporting her patients, owner Jacqueline Meade has also formed the charity Friends of Blair Grove, alongside her fellow local businesses and entrepreneurs, to help the area’s disadvantaged children.
On receiving the Best Practice of the Year award, Jacqueline told the Advertiser: “We are delighted to have won.
“We have invested a lot in the practice and it’s a nice reward for the staff for all their hard work.
“We demonstrate great customer care to our lovely patients. It’s a great place to work.”
Originally from Coatbridge, the former St Patrick’s High School pupil has devoted her working life to caring for the needs of her patients, as well as raising funds through her charitable endeavours.
Jacqueline explained: “We set up a charity called the Friends of Blair Grove and we have held some events over Christmas and at Easter.
“We all put money together and I think we raised about £1000 so that the events could be free.”
To mark the opticians’ recent win, Jacqueline held a special celebratory event at the practice to thank her customers and team for their support over the years.
She said: “Lots of lovely patients turned up and we had cards, cake and Prosecco. It was nice to give something back.
“It’s the patients that make the practice.”
Jacqueline added: “I opened my practice in Bank Street in July 1991 with simple aims; to be the best optician I could be and provide a quality alternative to the faceless multiples that were popping up everywhere.
“It’s been over 30 years since I started and everything has changed except the name above the door, the desire to provide the best possible eyecare for my patients and my love of doing the job.
“I take nothing for granted. My team and I work hard every day to improve the service we provide.
“We have an incredibly loyal patient base and I am proud of the number of new patients we get every week because of referrals from existing patients.”
Visit https://www. jacqueline meade opticians. com/ to find out more about the opticians.
We have invested a lot in the practice and it’s a nice reward for the staff for all their hard work. We demonstrate great customer care to our lovely patients. It’s a great place to work
Jacqueline Meade, optician