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Owen
Aves was one of the "grand old men" of optics in the early
part of the 20th century. He was instrumental in the development of
optical education, and was a co-founder of The London Refraction
Hospital (now The Institute of Optometry).
He
set up practice in East London, and in time took his two sons and two
nephews into partnership. Sadly Owen died at a relatively early age
in 1929 but his sons and nephews kept his name above the practice
door out of respect for his ideals of professional care.
Thanks
to Owen Aves's nephew, Mr Kelsey White, the partnership expanded
eastwards to Colchester in 1957, when the Crouch Street premises were
opened, initially upstairs above a butchers shop, and in 1960 taking
over the downstairs premises.
In
1964 Mr Nigel Austin joined the partnership, having previously been
working at the Eye Department at Essex County Hospital, and in his
own "House Practice" in Great Bromley. Mr Kelsey White
developed the contact lens side of the business, whilst Mr Austin was
mainly concerned with the routine eye examinations and children's
work. Since then Mr Austin has taken up horse riding and ice dancing,
and until recently was an active member of the Rotary Club of
Colchester Forum. He has now retired from the partnership but still
works on a consultancy basis.
In
1972 Mr Michael Mays joined the partnership, having trained in
Birmingham and finished his studies at a practice in Ipswich whilst
also finding time to work as a ship's photographer! Mr Mays continued
Mr Kelsey White's work with contact lenses, and developing the
management structure of the practice. Outside the practice Mr Mays is
interested in skiing (he is a qualified Ski Guide for the Ski Club
UK) and flying (he is a qualified flying instructor, and holds the
International Transport Pilot's Licence). He also plays golf.
In
1976 Mr Richard Allen joined the practice for his post-graduate
training year, and on qualifying in 1977 was invited to become a partner.
He has developed the contact lens work, gaining his Diploma in
Contact Lens Practice (DCLP) in 1982. In addition to his practice
work, he taught in the out-patient clinics at The City University
London, reaching the position of Consultant Clinician. He finished
this work in 1996. Mr Allen has been a Senior Examiner for the
College of Optometrists and is a Liveryman of The Worshipful Company
of Spectacle Makers. Richard is also an ordained Anglican Priest, and
is currently the non-stipendiary Assistant Curate at the Parish
Church of St Leonard’s Lexden. He has also been a school governor,
chairman of a Scout group executive and is still trying to find time
for fly fishing and baroque organ music.
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