We often describe ourselves as independent optometrists. We are of course talking about our business. But does that make sense, what does it mean to people other than ourselves?

I thought about this as I collected my student son from his shift at a local fast food franchise. After two weeks working in this part time job, in his opinion, the opening hours of the business don't make sense, at least not for this Warkworth location. Our hours at McDonald Adams are set to serve our clients here in Warkworth, Wellsford, Snells and the surrounding areas. We open late on Tuesday evening, to be available for commuters, or people who work rurally. Weekday closing at 5.30pm gives more time in the day for people to collect glasses, and fit in the after school and after work eye appointments. Saturday mornings 9.00am to 12.30 is popular and convenient. We are closed for long weekends though, we all need a break and our clients understand this.

This is one example of what it is to be an independent optometrist. We are not dictated to by a set of franchise rules. I think this allows us to provide a service in Warkworth tailored to our unique location and our local community.

by Claire McDonald, Warkworth Independent Optometrist