One of Birmingham’s leading independent opticians has announced it is opening a third store in Knowle.

Banks Opticians, which is run by Paul Banks and Sarah Morgan, is investing nearly £200,000 into transforming the old Indigo Art Gallery on the high street into a welcoming, state-of-the-art optical showroom.

The brother and sister management team has transformed the old building, installing a new air conditioning and heating system and creating a consulting room, spacious waiting area and dispensing zone.

They have also added in a bar that will serve teas, a range of coffees and something a little more exotic - all geared towards making the customer experience as relaxed and enjoyable as possible.

“We have always admired the vibrancy of Knowle High Street, so when the opportunity came up to take over the art gallery, we jumped at the chance,” explained Sarah, whose father David Banks started the business over 50 years ago."

“The idea is to deliver luxury eyewear in a boutique-style opticians that prides itself on providing personalised service and the very best clinical care. That’s the approach we have employed at our Acocks Green and Sparkhill branches and one we believe will really appeal to local people."

“Refurbishment work is going really well, and the external branding should be completed shortly – this means we’ll be opening the first week in April.”

Banks Opticians, which was named as the UK’s practice of the year in 2022 by Optical Success Academy and optical retailer of the year 2024, stocks designer frames along with independent, niche brands that have been hand-picked from around the world and can’t be found in other high street stores.

Being a family run business since 1973, the company thrives in delivering a personalised service, getting to know people and treating everyone as an individual and not just a number.

Qualified opticians will guide individuals through the journey of eye examination and choosing glasses, with the emphasis on making it a relaxing and fun experience.

Paul, who took over the reins with Sarah in 2005, went on to add:

“We believe every face is unique, and that eyewear can make people feel amazing and enhance their confidence to suit their personality."

“What we’re trying to create in Knowle is a place which ‘wows’ when a client enters, from the level of care you receive, the welcome atmosphere at the bar and the latest equipment, including our OCT machine that is leading the way in how eye conditions are diagnosed and managed."

“The excitement for the opening is building and we’ve already recruited three professionals to our newly formed team. There’s a real desire to be a fixture on the high street for years to come and we’ll be looking at how we can get involved in supporting local events and boosting footfall in the town.”

To mark the opening of the new branch, Banks Opticians is running a competition to win a pair of designer glasses every year until 2030. There are no restrictions to what you choose, and details on how to get involved are currently advertised on the window wrap in Knowle. The lucky winner will be drawn on 9th April.

Above Photo: Knowle Launch (L): (l-r) Paul Banks and Sarah Morgan