Smith & Butterfield Optometrists have merged with Kirkbride Eyecare and will now operate from Southey Street.

The collaboration, which took place on January 24, represents the only independent optician in Keswick.

Paul Smith, director and dispensing optician at Smith & Butterfield Optometrists, said: "We have an experienced team of four optometrists, including Stephen Butterfield, one of the previous directors.

"This is a great opportunity to combine the two practices and continue offering a friendly and personalised eyecare service five days a week.

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming the former Kirkbride Eyecare patients and, as they will be seeing a familiar face in Alison, we hope that they will feel reassured that their eyecare needs will be in safe hands with a like-minded independent practice.

“Merging the two practices will ensure that all patients will continue to receive an excellent level of eyecare at a practice that is still within Keswick town centre with the added benefits of state-of-the-art equipment and, as the two practices have previously had a close working relationship, we are confident that we can continue to provide the high standard of care that our patients expect.”

All Kirkbride Eyecare's patient records, including contact lens details, have been transferred to Smith & Butterfield.

Kirkbride's patients will also receive an extensive frame selection at their new location, along with access to the latest hi-tech equipment and enhanced services.

In 2017, Mr Smith, alongside Stephen Butterfield and Katharine Butterfield, who are also directors, updated and expanded their practice to better serve the local community's eyecare requirements.

For appointments or further information, visit www.smithandbutterfield.co.uk.