Isle of Wight opticians forced to close for good

Michael Tye says he will be forced to step away from the successful Newport High Street practice in March, to become a full-time carer for his wife.

“In the last year, my wife has taken a turn for the worse, so reluctantly we are having to close Eyeland Optical,” said Michael.

“This is regretful, but unavoidable, and I’m sorry to be giving up optometry.

“I have been trying to retire for the last four years, but no one will take this very successful practice on.

“Apparently, the Isle of Wight is at the very end of the world!

“Over the years, we have had some wonderful patients who we would like to think of as friends.

“I am really sorry to be letting them down, but life has a habit of throwing you a few curveballs.

“I wish all our patients well, and thank them all for their friendship and loyalty.

“I would also like to thank my staff – practice manager Nicola and glazing technician Ben – for their massive help and loyalty over the years.”

Eyeland Optical was opened in November, 1985, by Michael and his business partner David Swain.

The pair had worked for an independent optician in Southampton, and David – an Islander – was keen to open a practice on the Isle of Wight.

“The business very soon took off,” said Michael.

“Inhouse glazing of spectacles was quite a new thing at the time, meaning people could have certain types of glasses made up in twenty minutes.

“We remained very busy right up to December of last year when I was forced to devote my time to my wife's care.

“David retired three years ago, and his son, Ben – who has more than twenty years of glazing experience – is now in charge of the glazing lab.

“We had several aborted tries at selling the business, but the main problem was getting an optometrist to move to the Island.

“Opticians on the Island rely on locums to a great extent and they are having difficulties getting ophthalmic cover, hence the long waiting lists."