Ritesh
Now back “home” in smart, newly refurbished premises, the award-winning Aristone team is stocking its first branded collection of stylish frames
These are exciting times for one of Fulham’s most long-standing independent businesses. For over seven decades Aristone Optical has been a constant in local life, operating from the same premises on North End Road and caring for the eyes of generations of the same families.
Over Winter Aristone’s “home” was boarded up while major renovation work was underway (the team moved to a temporary base across the road). ‘People kept asking what was happening,’ recalls the owner, Ritesh. ‘They were shocked to think that we might have closed for good. The issue was the layout of the Victorian building: it was limiting what we could do and the fixtures and fittings needed to be updated.
‘We’ve now settled back in, and the hassle was definitely worthwhile. The “new” Aristone is modern, open-plan and we have gained space in which to install upgraded equipment: for example, we have invested in a state-of-the-art machine which scans multiple layers of the eye, enabling us to diagnose potential issues 10 to 15 years in advance.’
Frames in Aristone’s first branded collection
Ritesh first came to Aristone as a locum and he recently celebrated 16 years running the business. ‘I’d been here 18 months when I made the previous owner a “cheeky” offer,’ he smiles.
‘I knew he was a little fed up, but I was still surprised when he accepted. I didn’t even know what business rates were – I learned pretty quickly!’
Since then, Ritesh has built on Aristone’s family-friendly heritage, offering the latest lens technology with an extensive choice of frames, including designer ranges (Tom Ford, Ray-Ban, Ralph Lauren and Lindberg) and a huge variety of prescription lenses. That dedication was recognised when Aristone won the Best Retail Business category in the 2024 Discover Fulham Business Awards.
While overseeing the re-build, Ritesh was also putting the finishing touches to a personal project. He has designed Aristone’s first ever signature brand of bespoke frames. ‘I spend every day looking at and working with frames, so I thought why not! I really enjoyed the process and I’m proud of the results.
Ritesh holding a vintage NHS display board which was found behind a wall during recent renovation works on the building
‘Our collection comprises 38 fashionable frames which come in two or three colours and are made from high quality acetate. Also, every frame has a name with a Fulham connection; for example, the North End Road, the Shorrolds Road and the Dawes Road.’
Aristone has always been unusual among independent opticians in having an on-site workshop. ‘It means that we can provide a fast, efficient service, with most glasses made within a week and a same-day turnaround for lens cutting and urgent repairs,’ explains Ritesh.
‘That also reflects our emphasis on excellent service. We never use a conveyor belt approach: whether it’s an eye test or fitting contact lenses, we always take the time to answer questions, discuss the best options and make informed decisions. Also, for us, it’s much more enjoyable to get to know who we are serving.
‘My business philosophy is simple: if someone has a positive experience with us, they will come back and recommend us to others. We look forward to welcoming customers old and new – we will have a style and shape of frame for every taste and budget.’
Aristone Optical
356 North End Road
Fulham SW6 1LY
020 7385 9772
aristone.opticians@gmail.com
https://www.aristoneopticians.com
https://www.instagram.com/aristoneopticiansuk
Photographs: #annabelmoellerphotography