A HAMPSHIRE opticians and partner of the Boots franchise is expanding after buying a new 3,500 square foot site on The Hundred in Romsey.

Wessex Optical’s new premises, supported by Lloyds Bank, will offer eye tests, contact lens fitting and aftercare appointments, ophthalmology treatments, and specialist dry eye clinics run by hospital doctors.

The business currently has 55 staff operating from its existing practices in Bournemouth, New Milton, Weymouth and Wimborne and the latest site will create up to 20 new job opportunities in the town.

Wessex Optical is also looking to introduce more designer frames to the Romsey area.

Zabir Ali, company director said: “There’s a lot of work still to do before we open, but our new space in Romsey gives us the potential to offer all the latest products and run more specialist treatment clinics using state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

“Lloyds Bank has been with us for every stage of our journey so far, supporting us with the flexible funding and advice we’ve needed to thrive even during the challenging climate of the past 18 months.”

Sharon Hillier, healthcare relationship manager at Lloyds Bank said: “The impact of Covid has resulted in changes to high streets up and down the country, but businesses like Wessex Optical continue to provide a vital service to the local communities they support. We’re excited to keep backing the business’s growth ambitions and look forward to seeing what its future holds.”