106 When did you start up and why? We started in 1989, which makes us 34 years old this year – a great achievement. My fatherin-law Roger Marchbank started the business in his mid ‘60s! Roger was very entrepreneurial – he knew that the regulations had changed and you no longer had to be an optician to sell reading glasses. So in his words he found some potential suppliers and bought totally the wrong thing! What prompted you to launch the business? Roger’s initial experience made him realise that whilst his reading glasses collection needed some development there was a demand for well-priced but good quality reading glasses off the peg. From the age of about 40 we develop presbyopia, which is an eye condition where you slowly lose the ability to focus quickly on objects that are close. It affects everyone during the aging process. Reading glasses help with this and simply magnify what you look at. Although we do have to say it is important to get your eyes checked by an optician too if you notice any visual changes. What challenges have you overcome since the company’s launch? Many! In 34 years we’ve had a quite a journey! Any business of longevity has boom times and then other times when you feel at a crossroads and have to decide which path to take. About 15 years ago we decided our frames needed to be more fashion and design led but remain great quality. We focused on a ‘fashion & function ethos’ and considerably extended our range whilst promoting our brand name Remaldi . This is actually Roger’s initials and his mother’s shortened name! Most people of a certain age have reading glasses dotted about the house but they also want to look stylish so our extended range has been very successful. In addition to this like every other business we have coped with Brexit, COVID and the resulting supply chain crisis and increasing costs. But we are not alone and have just had to get on with it and have faith that our product is good. It’s important to keep looking at the next thing, whether it be product trends, the materials that we use, technology or our processes, so that we can try and improve. A SIGHT FOR SORE EYES Having launched 34 years ago, Opticaid has had its fair share of trials and tribulations. Now stronger than ever, it’s ‘fashion & function’ ethos and stylish glasses range is one to note
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