Forde Opticians

Forde Opticians, a family-run opticians with three practices in Glasgow

Forde Opticians is an independent, family-run opticians with a presence in three Glasgow neighbourhoods: Govan, Knightswood and Partick. The company describes itself as a family business with almost 40 years of history and two generations of opticians. Its principal optometrist is Fergus Forde, and the team is completed by several optometrists, practice managers and optical assistants across the three stores.

Eyecare services

The company's activity focuses on eye health and vision correction. Its range of services includes eye examinations, prescription glasses, contact lenses, children's eyecare, prescription sunglasses and emergency eyecare. The firm stresses that it does not rush appointments and that its optometrists use advanced imaging techniques alongside clinical experience to assess eye health and provide the most suitable correction.

Eye examinations and NHS cover in Scotland

According to the information published, everyone in Scotland is entitled to a free regular NHS eye examination. The usual frequency is every two years, although it can be annual for those under 16, over 60 or with diabetes. The company cares for all generations, from a first eye test through to visual needs during working life and beyond.

Emergencies and eye problems

The opticians note that, in Scotland, the optometrist should be the first point of contact for any urgent eye problem, allowing patients to be seen by a specialist with the necessary equipment and, if needed, referred to hospital without waiting in A&E. Among the reasons for consultation it mentions are changes in vision, headaches, red or painful eyes, flashing lights and floaters. The company states that it can diagnose and treat most of these conditions and, when this is not possible, directs patients to the most appropriate healthcare resource.

Prescription sunglasses and lenses

Forde Opticians offers a wide range of prescription sunglasses with designer frames at prices the company describes as competitive. All sunglasses include a UV400 coating to protect the eyes from ultraviolet rays. The firm invites customers to see the selection available in its three stores.

Professional team and company structure

The Knightswood team comprises Fergus Forde, Fiona Thomson, Lois Hodge and Zulekha Nawas as optometrists, together with Yvonne Carrigan as practice manager and Aleisha Kennedy, Brooke Prior and Natalie Kennedy as optical assistants. In Govan, Deirdre Galvin, Douglas Miller and Rosie O'Reilly are listed as optometrists, with Claire Williamson as practice manager. In Partick, Felicitas Francis works as optometrist and Hannah Bookless as optical assistant. The company structure includes Forde Opticians LTD, with its registered office at 734 Anniesland Rd, Knightswood S.C, G14 0YU, and Forde Eyecare LTD, with its registered office at 795 Govan Rd, Govan S.C, G51 3JW.

Locations and premises

Govan store: Govan Cross Shopping Centre, 795 Govan Rd, Govan, Glasgow G51 3JW

Knightswood store: 734 Anniesland Rd, Knightswood, Glasgow G14 0YU

Partick store: 407 Dumbarton Rd, Partick, Glasgow G11 6DD · Phone: 0141 339 1444