Our History

Where it all began

At Chase Eyecare, we’re proud to be part of a business with a rich history that dates back more than a century! Our practice has grown and evolved over the years, and we owe much of our story to Michael Priest, who has meticulously documented our journey.

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!

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