Long-standing Practice of the Year winners Richard Petrie Optometrists
Richard Petrie Optometrists were announced as the Long-standing Practice of the Year winners (sponsored by Tokai UK) at the 2026 SightCare Awards.
With over 45 years of service to the Littleover community, Richard Petrie Optometrists represents a remarkable legacy of consistent excellence, deep local roots, and multi-generational patient relationships. The practice has maintained high clinical standards while proactively adopting new technology such as OCT and fundus imaging, alongside the transition to a care-led private model and the early introduction of membership schemes. The development of specialist services including dry eye, audiology, and personalised dispensing demonstrates continued evolution while preserving core values. A stable team culture, long-term staff retention, and strong mentorship underpin continuity of care and professional satisfaction. Beyond the practice, Richard Petrie has made a significant contribution to the wider sector through active engagement in professional networks, leadership, mentoring, and knowledge-sharing, demonstrating a lasting influence on both the local community and the profession as a whole.
What does winning Long-standing Practice of the Year mean to you and your team?
Winning this award means the world to us. We’ve dedicated so many years to building something we’re truly proud of and to have that recognised at a national level by SightCare is incredibly humbling amongst well deserving peers. It’s not just an award for me it belongs to every member of our team who turns up every day committed to delivering exceptional eye care and also a dedication to Richard who’s legacy I uphold and who started the practice 48 years ago. It validates much of what we stand for as an independent practice.
When you think about what makes your practice truly special, what stands out most?
It’s the relationships, care and dedication as well as being ahead of the curve. We have patients who have been coming to us for decades and now we’re seeing their children and grandchildren. That personal, unhurried approach to eye care is something a chain simply can’t replicate.
Beyond the accolades, what keeps you passionate about what you do every single day?
The patients and the business ambition. Eye care touches people’s lives in a very direct way, whether that’s a child getting their first pair of glasses or catching something in a routine eye examination that turns out to be a significant health finding or just making a difference to someone’s day because I listened. Those moments remind you why this profession matters. The RP4 eyecare plan has also been a really rewarding way to keep patients engaged with their long-term eye health, and seeing that working well keeps us motivated.
Take us back to the moment your name was announced — what was going through your mind?
Ahhh, my heart was genuinely racing and usually I am quite calm and collected, it was really warm in there and in my mind I kept hearing our name being called but had doubts and was anticipating disappointment…when our name was announced I just jumped up and was SO pleased and excited! For all of us!
How have you celebrated this win, and what has the reaction been from patients, staff and your local community?
The reaction has been wonderful. Our patients have been so warm and congratulatory, I sent out a celebratory email notifying them and shared on social media. We have a real sense of pride. The team has been fantastic and we plan to celebrate!
What’s next for the practice — are there any plans or ambitions you can share with us?
We never stand still! We’re always looking at how we can enhance the patient experience, whether that’s through the latest technology, continuing education for the team, or expanding the ways we support long-term eye health through initiatives like our RP4 eyecare plan, we have some growth to do. The awards, including the Muddy Stilettos recognition have given us a real boost of energy, and we’re excited about what the next chapter looks like for Richard Petrie Optometrists.
