An independent opticians in Woodford has entered a new chapter under new ownership following the original owner’s retirement.Established in 1979 by Chris Packford, Packford Opticians quickly became the go-to opticians in the area, building strong relationships with patients in and around the Woodford community.
Original owner and dispensing optician, Chris, first qualified in 1966 before working in a multitude of optical settings for over 35 years, including several hospitals such as Whipps Cross Hospital and providing a specialist dispensing clinic at the Great Ormond Street Hospital within the cranial abnormalities facial clinic.
Through these wide-ranging roles and years of commitment to the wider community, Chris developed a passion for paediatric dispensing, which he expanded further upon opening his first practice in Woodford in 1979.Chris commented: “The practice has become the first port of call for accurate paediatrics dispensing for families in Redbridge and Waltham Forest as well as serving children with Down Syndrome.
“I’m very proud of what we have achieved at Packford Opticians over the years and throughout my time in the optical industry.”Having provided thousands of pairs of spectacles over his 58-year career, Chris has decided to retire at the age of 81, passing the reins to a new team led by dispensing optician Shabnam Fazl.
Chris added: “Shabnam brings a wealth of experience, and I trust her wholeheartedly to carry on my legacy through high quality care and dispensing at Packford Opticians for many more years to come.”
Shabnam Fazl commented: “I’m incredibly proud and honoured to be entrusted with continuing Chris’ work, and I’m excited to maintain the world-class level of service he has provided at Packford Opticians for decades.
“I’m certain that the service he has offered to the local community has had a lasting impact, and if there’s anything I can do to uphold that, I absolutely will.
“We would like to wish Chris the very best in his well-deserved retirement.”To find out more about Packford Opticians or to book an appointment, please call 020 8504 2296.