Optician celebrates five-year milestone as she looks ahead

Anne Gill cutting the birthday cake surrounded by staff, clients and well-wishers.

Over 100 guests attended the celebrations for the fifth birthday of Portsmouths leading independent opticians, Anne Gill Eyecare — Anne Gill cutting the birthday cake surrounded by staff, clients and well-wishers. Over 100 guests attended the celebrations for the fifth birthday of Portsmouths leading independent opticians, Anne Gill Eyecare

MORE than 100 people have celebrated the fifth anniversary of an optician's business.

Anne Gill Eyecare, in North End, Portsmouth, launched in January 2013 with a receptionist and optometrist Julie Wadey.

Now she has doubled her staff with a second optometrist, Richard Candlin, and apprentice Paris Carrington-Windo.

Anne said: ‘The growth of the business has been down to the incredible encouragement and support we have received from the local community and various partners which was clear to see at our party.

‘When I look back on the past five years, we have achieved more than I ever imagined.’

Guests enjoyed food, cake and celebratory drinks to toast the venture.

Anne was made redundant in July 2011 after 35 years in the business.

The optician she had worked for in North End since 1975 was taken over by a large corporation.

She picked herself up and started working for various opticians.