Lumley Optical
Manufacturing lenses in the UK – including the latest freeform designs – is an important part of Lumley Optical’s message to its customers, who also appreciate the tremendous experience of the team at the Newcastle lab.
“Anything that is really odd, or out of the normal range: the most complex prescription work, is our bag. We pride ourselves on the amount of guidance we give when someone calls with a tricky prescription,” says Harry Lumley, Managing Director of the specialist glazing and surfacing lab and a longstanding OSA member.
Founded 46 years ago, by Harry, the family-owned business has a strong reputation, not just in the local area, but throughout the UK and especially with hospital ophthalmology departments.
“I had trained as a lab technician and since setting up on my own the business has grown steadily thanks to many family members employed in the business and the loyal workers – many of whom have worked with me for 30 years or more. As well as routine glazing work we love the challenge of the most complex jobs. Out of range slab-offs, all hand-made, custom aperture lentics, de-centred segs, high prescriptions of up to -33 dioptres, and others with +15 adds… it is all in a day’s work for us!”
Harry and his team of 15 have noticed that in recent years they are seeing a growing number of more complex prescriptions –
“Our team has hundreds of years of experience and there is nothing they haven’t been confronted with before and we often offer a range of options. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work,” he added.
The well-equipped lab reflects the investment that Lumley Optical makes in producing a premium product, with Gerber, Nidek and Coburn technology kept in full production.
“Anything that is ordered is produced in Newcastle – we take the greenest approach to production that is humanly possible. Our aim is to keep our customers satisfied with free collection and deliveries provided by our four drivers from our lab,” added Harry.
One of the longest standing OSA members, Harry praised the trade body’s support for the industry – “We get a lot of guidance from OSA, which we wouldn’t know about without OSA. It is a great resource for us and saves us a lot of time,” he added.
The business is well respected in the local area, and Harry was delighted to show local MP Catherine McKinnell around the lab recently when she visited the premises to learn more about producing spectacles.