This Half Term, Seesaw Optician is opening its doors and inviting the neighbourhood to their Spectacular Street event. The family business has been a part of the community for years and a favourite optician of many, just off the High Street on Poplar Road.
Seesaw Optician is operated by Adam, and we caught up with him to talk about the business, their upcoming open day and what tips he can share for anyone looking for the perfect frames.
For those who may not know you, what is the story of Seesaw?
From a young age, optics is all I have ever known. My dad came from Cyprus to the UK as a musician in search of a holiday, he was meant to be in the UK for 2 weeks, but he was introduced to someone who would become my Mum. 3 months later they were married! His uncle owned a series of independent opticians throughout Birmingham, so he started to train with them. Some three years later my dad brought the optical practice from his uncle, at the time it had already been an optician’s for over 70 years in the heart of Aston.
And this is where it all began, from a young age happily leaving two older sisters at home, I would go with my dad to the opticians on school holidays, weekends and after school. At first, it was just fun being with dad, but I started to realise how I might one day want to own my optician when I grew up.
As the years went by I was always involved with my dad’s opticians which was the oldest in the country for over 100 years and 40 of those years were dads. Sadly my dad became ill and passed away in 2009 which left us devastated. At the time of my dad’s passing I was 25 but I was determined not to let the optician fade away after all my dad’s commitment to the community. As he was such an important figure to everyone. So I put myself forward to try and continue my dad’s legacy.
I kept the practice in Aston for 9 years, and I loved the community. The experience had many highs and lows, but the greatest was meeting my wife. At the time I had no idea she was born in Aston and all her family were my dad’s patients. When I met her she already lived in Kings Heath, so it was like a blessing and a sign this is where we’re meant to be.
Kings Heath being the vibrant and diverse community that it is, went hand in hand for our vision and we wanted so much to be a part of this community. So myself and my wife took the plunge and after many many difficult months the optician was born. After brainstorming non stop my wife came up with the name Seesaw which made me dance in excitement. I was like, “That is it! You’re a genius!”
We wanted it to be an optician like no other and grow with this amazing community. Being a household of children with additional needs gave us the inspiration to offer a place of ease and a relaxed environment for everyone. One of the greatest joys for me is seeing my own children and stepchildren coming to the optician as I once did as a child.
How would you describe the Seesaw Optician experience, what makes Seesaw unique?
Seesaw Opticians ethos is simply the care of the patient, seeing everyone as an individual, and trying to meet the needs of everyone. We care about your eye care needs. The Seesaw experience is a combination of identifying each person’s quirks, personality and style. We want everyone to love eyewear and we are here to help every step of the way. It’s a personal experience.
Seesaw is a family friendly optician, what’s the difference between finding frames for children and adults?
Believe it or not whether an adult or a child, it’s very much the same, as the same care and attention is needed for both. It’s about forming a relationship with the patient and giving confidence and support when choosing the right spectacles. Making the patient know they are in trusted hands. Dealing with the very young, requires the utmost sensitive approach to both child and parents as it can be very emotional for all.
What advice do you have for anyone searching for the perfect frames?
Come to us at Seesaw Opticians and we will do all we can to help you find the right glasses for you, no matter your budget or style!
As the famous quote in Seesaw is: “I would have never chosen these glasses, Wow! Love them!”
Finally, your Spectacular Open Day will be happening on October 22nd, why did you decide to hold the event and what can we expect?
We want to encourage community building, especially with everything that has happened the last two years and say thank you for all the support and love shown. We are truly humbled. Expect exclusive eyewear brands, great savings on all spectacles, eye health advice and a great family fun day!
Seesaw Opticians Spectacular Street Event will be taking place on October 22nd. It is a free event with no booking required, taking place right outside the business on 56B Poplar Rd, from 10am to 6pm. We can’t wait to see everyone there.
For updates on the event, follow Seesaw on Facebook and Instagram. If you would like to share any upcoming events with us, send an email to kingsheathnews@gmail.com, or message us directly on Facebook and Instagram.