We’re proud to be part of a business that has a history dating back more than a century! Here’s how our practice became what it is today!
1906
C Yates & Co Manufacturing Opticians was founded by Charles Yates & his sons Claude and Stanley
1947
C Yates & Co bought by Ralph Priest Dispensing Optician, with two partners.
1970
Ralph’s son, Michael Priest, and his wife, Gail, both optometrists, take on associated branches around inner-city Birmingham.
1980
Michael and Gail move the practice to Cannock, changing premises in 1984 and adding the Hednesford branch in 1983.
1985
C Yates laboratory moved to Cannock premises, to become the first optical practice in the Midlands able to provide on-site lens surfacing as well as glazing while- you- wait for spectacles.
2000
Michael and Gail form a partnership with Chase Eyecare, with Beverley Rickets, a dispensing optician. They were then joined by a very respected Consultant Optometrist Mr Shakeel Puri in 2004.
2005
Michael and Gail retired, soon to be joined by Beverley, whose ill-health prevented her from continuing at the practice. Shakeel then took over the reins, continuing the century-long tradition of providing excellent eye care!
Thanks to Michael Priest who provided this potted history!