08/08/2026
For those of you that don't know, our lovely Lesley retired last week after 24 years of fantastic service.
We know she'll be looking forward to spending time with her husband Brian in their motor home, time with her grandchildren, and running!
She's always gone the extra mile and is looking forward to getting more steps in during her retirement after saying a fond farewell to the team.
Lesley applied for the receptionist position 24 years ago after wanting a change from evening shifts as her children got older.
She recalls: “I remember on my first day feeling like there was a lot to take in. I’d never worked in optics before, so it was a challenge at first but everyone was so friendly and nice, including the patients.”
Lesley said the biggest change she has seen during her time with us has been the introduction of digital records, which put an end to the hours she would have to spend on paperwork.
While the practice has changed hands over the years, Lesley said the one constant has been the patients, and she has been a friendly face for generations of families.
She said: “I’ve loved meeting so many different people and being part of patients’ lives. I’ve seen some of them grow up, go to university, and come back to us.
“I was sad to leave because I have spent so much of my life there and you get into a routine. I’ll miss the patients and all of the team, who are lovely. But it’s time now to step back and enjoy my retirement.”
Lesley runs three times a week, completed the London half marathon a few years ago. As retirement beckons, she is also looking forward to travelling more.
Practice Manager Amanda Skinner said: “After 24 years with us, it is difficult to put into words just how much Lesley will be missed. She has been the friendly face welcoming patients through our doors, the reassuring voice on the telephone, and a valued colleague whose loyalty, dedication and kindness have helped shape our practice for more than two decades. Throughout her time with us, she has built lasting relationships with patients and colleagues alike, always going above and beyond to ensure everyone felt welcome and cared for. We are incredibly grateful for her years of service and commitment and wish her a long, happy and well-deserved retirement.”
