Scots founder returns for grand opening

Jack Brown with current director, Scott Brown

Hakim Group independent, Jack Brown Eyecare, recently held a grand opening for its dispensing room, named ‘Jack’s Room’ after its founder.

Jack Brown Eyecare, situated in Edinburgh, was founded in 1977 by Jack Brown, who retired from clinical practice in December 2006.

Barry Duncan, director of Jack Brown Eyecare, said: “Jack opened his first practice in 1977, laying very strong foundations to ensure longevity and success. His objectives were clear and most of the things he introduced then are still in operation today, notably the professional aspect of the business.

“Jack was a pioneer in the optical industry. In addition to the practices, he launched Scotlens which continues to thrive today under the stewardship of his son Scott, who is also a director of Jack Brown Eyecare.”

In 1976, frustrated that he could not obtain contact lenses of the quality he wanted, Jack established his own contact lens laboratory, Scotlens, which was the first rigid contact lens laboratory in Europe to obtain the CE mark for quality.

The newly named Jack’s Room will be a dispensing room that holds the practice’s most popular frames.

Barry added: “It was fitting that so many patients from over the years, along with current and past members of staff, attended to celebrate with Jack. We hope that for years to come, Jack’s Room will be regarded as a key feature in the practice where patients will recognise the quality, innovation and expertise in spectacle frame manufacture.”