ONE of Bolton’s oldest opticians has re-opened following a £250,000 refurbishment.

Stokes Opticians, in Knowsley Street, has undergone a refurbishment mirroring that of the revamped Market Place.

Customers will have access to the latest testing techniques as well as being able to choose from more than 1,000 frames in the new frame studio with specialists on hand to advise on which eye wear is suitable.

Following a seven week closure for the refit the company has appointed two additional optometrists.

Dhiren Patel, practice manager at Stokes, said: “The refurbishment of the Market Place presented an ideal opportunity to upgrade our service offering and bring a more modern feel to both the interior and the exterior of the building.

“From the outside, Stokes Opticians certainly looks different.

“We have rebranded the practice, in terms of the logo, and whilst the look and feel may have changed, the expertise still remains.”

Stokes Opticians was bought by the family-owned optical business, Owl Optical, in 1970.

In keeping with the newly revamped Market Place, Stokes’ former green and cream branding has been replaced with black and gold and a striking blue iris replaces its previous logo.

“New members of staff always bring new ideas and methods of working which is a huge benefit and one we will be able to capitalise on.

“Optometry is constantly changing and we need to provide our customers with a first rate service that now matches our premises.”

Stokes Opticians provide a range of optical services including eye-examinations and advice on contact lenses.

Each customer will also benefit from the installation of a digital fundus camera, which can detect many eye conditions during the early stages and is provided as part of the examination at no extra charge.