Ref. 29750-55WHEN Gillian Monk first qualified as an ophthalmic optician over 30 years ago, she was a rare creature.

These days she is equally unusual not merely because she is a woman, but because she is the only remaining independent ophthalmic optician in the centre of Swindon. And Thursday marks a special anniversary for her because she celebrates the 15th anniversary of her own business.

Self-employed for much of her career as a locum working in many different, but always independent, practices, she started her own business in Regent Street, but moved to Havelock Street six years ago, taking over what was a run down practice and revamping it with new equipment.

"I feel very happy in this place," she said. "Everybody says that it has a lovely atmosphere." In fact she feels so strongly about it that last year, when Morley Street and part of Havelock Street were under threat of redevelopment, she joined the fight to keep it intact, even though her own business was not going to be affected.

"Havelock Street is very special and I feel very much that we want to keep it with independent, individual trades. People appreciate small businesses."

The cosy atmosphere of her practice is also appreciated. All her staff are aged over 50 and two women employees are into pension territory. "The majority of my clients are over 60 anyway and it is nice for them to deal with people of their own age," explained Mrs Monk.

Many clients also find it more comfortable dealing with a female optician. "I have found it very useful," she said.

"It is a bit like the female vicar thing. Women are very good at listening, they are more interested in people and they are more comforting.

"From my professional point of view, if you are a woman and you feel a bit vulnerable, you feel better dealing with a woman. We have to darken the room, we have to get close to you, we have to touch you and that can make you feel very vulnerable."

When she first qualified female ophthalmic opticians were hardly seen, but only once did anyone question her ability to do the job.

"I was taking a very posh client upstairs and I mispronounced her name. She asked me if I was sure I wasn't the receptionist."

She has also found that people like dealing with an independent. "It is for people who don't want to be on a conveyor belt."

Mrs Monk, who has a locum working with her, offers patients individual eye care programmes and starts examinations with a history of their previous eye treatment, hobbies, work and medical history.

Tina Clarke