New lease of life for Plymstock Broadway shop

An independent opticians is to take over one of the refurbished units in Plymstock Broadway. The unit had been vacant since Woodside Animal Welfare Trust Charity shop moved out in April 2019. 

The family-ran business, Iconic Opticians, which has been running a practice in Plymouth city centre successfully for nearly 5 years, is taking its first step to expand and is hoping to contribute to the ongoing redevelopment of the shopping centre.

Managing Director and Dispensing Optician, Thirupuvanarajah Dinesh, said: “The Broadway has unfortunately had a tough couple  of years with lots of closures, and it is exciting to see it coming back to life. 

“I’m really looking forward to helping contribute to a dynamic future for Plymstock Broadway.

“The neighbourhood needs vibrant, independent shops which can offer a more personalised experience than delivered by multiple chains.”

The small independent opticians, which has seen 3000 patients since they first opened their doors in Plymouth city centre in 2015, has thrived with the support of its patients and is no stranger to the high street chains.

“Competing against the big high street names is a challenge, but I think the key is to provide an affordable, individualised service,” said Dinesh.

“Looking out for the community is important to us and I’m hoping to contribute to improving the eye health of people in Plymstock like we do in Plymouth city centre.”

The business were the first opticians to introduce the Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) technology, which allows a very detailed view of the eye through 3D scanning, to Plymouth city centre in 2018. The cutting-edge machine will now also be available at their Plymstock practice. 

“We pride ourselves in being a one-stop practice. We’ve applied for all the necessary contracts so that, as well as thorough 45 minutes eye examinations, patients will also be able to have post-cataract checkups, glaucoma and minor eye care from us, etc making those services easily accessible to the people of Plymstock without them having to go to Derriford and Peninsula.”

The practice will be opening its doors tomorrow, Saturday, 29th February.