AN independent optician in Warrington Market will celebrate a whole year of success with a big in-store party and invites all shoppers to come along and enjoy the bash.

EDGE Eyewear first opened its doors last June, thanks to ambitious and passionate ophthalmologist, Graham Weir.

Having worked as an eye specialist for decades across several other opticians, Graham had a vision of starting his own business, with a keen interest in wanting to help stunt the growing issue young children are having with short sightedness.

A year on, the part time university lecturer is now hosting a celebration for the businesses first birthday and will be decorating the shop with balloons and offering free drinks and nibbles this Saturday to all who come to celebrate with him.

EDGE Eyewear celebrates one year since opening its doors (Image: Newsquest)

Not only will there be a ‘mini party’, but Graham will also be offering £50 off all glasses and will have a bigger selection of frames on sale to be able to purchase on the day.

A competition is also live on the EDGE Eyewear Facebook page, with the chance for a lucky individual to win a free pair of frames costing anything up to £1,000. To enter you must follow the company’s Facebook and Instagram page @edgeeyewearuk.

Graham first began working in the field of optics back in the 90s and he said how there has been a ‘massive change’ in the industry since, but he is trying to take a different approach with his own service.

“It is a very different experience given compared to the big opticians. We take time to see people and carry out a thorough examination of the eyes.”

“We try to slow prescriptions down; we look to control children’s prescriptions and not increase them like normal opticians do.”

Speaking on the complications of short sightedness in children he added: “Short sightedness can lead to blindness, the higher the prescription, the higher the risk of complications in childhood.”

Graham also explained the importance of having regular check ups at the opticians, with specialists like himself being able to spot signs of more serious health implications just through an eye examination.

“People think it is an eye test, but it is an examination. We can see blood vessels and can see potential signs of strokes and other health complications.”

While the task of being a small business owner, a father of two children and a part time lecturer has been a challenge for Graham, he said his passion to provide a high-quality optical service to people is worth the perseverance.

“If I want things to be done the way they should be, then I need to persevere with this,” he added.

EDGE Eyewear one-year anniversary celebrations will take place this Saturday, June 3, from 9am to 5pm.