Lowton family-run opticians practice that has been thriving in the heart of the community for generations is sharing their story for the first time.
The journey of the family business is practically a universal tale of perseverance and endurance, and if you are familiar with it then this article will surely resonate with you. From humble roots in Tyldesley, the family franchise began with father of Helen Caldicott, John Lowe. Whilst he used to work at a pharmacist, he soon switched to optometry due to the fact that at the time they weren’t yet considered separate trades. A man fondly remembered by some older customers, he loved coming into work and chatting with his patients.
In his later years, his son in law John Caldicott qualified and began working in the Tyldesley shop.
After his retirement, the shop was fully taken over by John, though even in retirement he would still come into work one day a week due to a genuine warmth towards his patients. At this time, lenses were swapping from glass to plastic, and in the 1970’s, John also did a contact lens course in Bradford, learning about soft and gas permeable lenses.
John and Helen opened a second practice in Bolton in the 1980s in Daubhill. Next, in 1989 came their third venture which was opening a practice from scratch in Lowton. John continued to work at the three practices, sharing his time between them.
By 2002, John and Helen’s daughter Anna had qualified as an optometrist, and by 2007 had fully integrated into the family firm. This led to phase 4; Kays opticians in St Helens. The final member of the family to join the business soon after this was Alex Caldicott who started as an optometrist in 2014. With the next generation of the family now taking over, Helen has some sentimental words to impart regarding the business’ beginning, its future, and the man who started it all:
“I’m sure if dad could see what had happened in the world of optics, as everywhere, he would be stunned but also amazed and excited by the challenges and the potential to help and improve quality of care for patients. A challenge we, his grandchildren and family are thrilled to accept and continue.”
Anna and Alex really enjoy working in the family business and getting to meet the community first hand.
“We have a great work environment and a feel-good relationship with all the people working with us. “
But where to go from here? Anna, Alex and Helen want to continue to look for new ways to improve on care and are constantly striving to stay in touch with the latest new technologies and innovations. Recently, the shop in Lowton has undergone a major rebranding, pictured at the top, and had a re-opening party complete with biscuits and balloons featuring the new logo.
If you want to find out more, visit their website at https://www.ckopticians.com
