Specsavers

We’ve always challenged ourselves to do things differently

That’s how we started – stirring up the British market in 1984 by being the first optical retailer to provide affordable glasses to everyone – and that will always be our way. That purpose is now firmly established as part of our DNA as we care for over 31 million customers globally, together with more than 30,000 partners and employees.

Where it all began

It’s 1984, on the small Channel Island of Guernsey, when the optometrist couple Doug and Mary Perkins lay the foundation of their new optical company. They revolutionized the market by offering affordable glasses to everyone. And that wasn’t all they did: they also started what we now know as the joint venture partnership model, meaning that every store is part-owned by one, or more, store ‘partners’. Even though we have grown over the years, the Perkins family is still very much involved. While Doug and Mary expanded the business to Australia and New Zealand, their son John took care of the day-to-day business as joint CEO. Daughter Katherine is responsible for internal audits, while youngest daughter Julie made sure the Dutch got to know Specsavers in the nineties. The couple won’t even think about retiring – they will continue until everyone has access to the best eye care.