Maria and Ritesh
Aristone will soon begin an exciting new chapter in its long history of providing the very best eye care
‘When we knocked down an interior wall, we found a ledger dating from 1946 in which all the sales of glasses were recorded in beautiful handwriting,’ recalls Ritesh, the owner of Aristone Optical near Fulham Broadway. ‘The opticians was called Hammonds. If anyone can remember it, I would love to know more.’
Ritesh has owned the business for 15 years and that discovery came about during renovations to the Victorian premises. ‘The building layout was limiting what we could do and the fixtures and fittings needed replacing,’ he explains. ‘The “new” Aristone will be modern, open-plan and allow us to upgrade our technology: for example, we’ll have state-of-the-art equipment with which to diagnose eye issues 10-15 years in advance.’
During the works Ritesh’s team has moved temporarily across the road to Walham Grove. If all goes to plan, they will back in their home in early January. ‘People have seen me out and about and stopped to ask what was happening. They were actually quite shocked to think that the shop had closed. I really appreciate being such a part of the local community, and that so many clients have become friends.’
Aristone has always been unusual among independent opticians in having an on-site workshop and that facility will remain, moving to the basement. ‘It means that we can provide fast and efficient service, with most glasses made within a week and a same-day service for lens cutting and urgent repairs and alterations,’ says Ritesh.
‘Of course, one thing that won’t change is our excellent customer service. We don’t use a conveyor belt approach: rather, we take the time to answer questions, provide options and make informed recommendations. With our extensive choice of frames, including designer ranges and a huge variety of prescription lenses, we’ll always have a style of frame to suit every taste and budget.’
Aristone Optical
61 Walham Grove
Fulham SW6 1QR
(until January)
020 7385 9772
aristone.opticians@gmail.com
https://www.aristoneopticians.com
https://www.instagram.com/aristoneopticiansuk