Winter – Spring
Sister Sledge famously said they were “Lost in Music”, it’s a common feeling for a musician to get lost in their music. However once they begin to experience problems reading their music, the enjoyment severely reduces. At Allegro Optical Opticians we specialise in helping musicians to see their music. And we’ve had a very busy year doing just that. We were going to do an end of year synopsis of all our musicians case studies. But, when we tried it stretched over 26 pages. Even we thought that was a bit much! So we’ve broken it down a bit and decided to look back over the seasons
January
We started the year with a bang and saw a steady stream of musicians throughout the month. We tested and dispensed three Tuba players, two Clarinetist, a Guitarist, a Horn Player, a Cornet Player, a Conductor, a Saxophonist, a Pianist and a Choral singer helped us to kick off the new year. In fact the very first client to consult us in Greenfield was a guitarist.
Our first case study of the year was Brian Law of Longridge Brass Band. Brian helped us to open what has turned out to be a sensational year. As the UK’s only BAPAM registered Optical practice it’s all about helping our clients to #SeeTheMusic.
When asked about his new glasses Brian said; “After recently changing instrument from Baritone to Bass, I found that it was almost impossible to see the full page of music with the varifocal glasses that I had. Mainly due to the restrictions imposed by the instrument. My new glasses give me a perfect view of the full page of music without having to move the instrument or music stand, whilst still being able to look up and see the Musical Director. All in all, I am extremely happy with my new glasses. My thanks go to Allegro optical for their patience and professionalism“.
February
In February it was another good month with many more Tuba players, two Cornet players, two Pianists, three Cellists and a Baritone Horn player.
Tuba player Adrian Davis, from Burbage Band visited the musicians optician and said “I really struggle to focus on the music and the conductor.”. It’s a common complaint and one we frequently hear at Allegro Optical. The story was a familiar one, but thankfully one we have had plenty of experience with. In fact, the end of 2018 and the beginning of 2019 saw a bit of a run on Tuba players.
We designed a new lens combination to correct Adrian’s vision. This solution allows Adrian to see clearly at all the distances his music requires. Allowing him to see the music, the conductor and his fellow players.
Adrian contacted us a few weeks after he collected his new glasses and said; “I did my first band gig with the new glasses on Saturday, the glasses worked perfectly, most of the time it was like I wasn’t wearing any, fantastic! Many thanks for your efforts, 10/10.”
Marching into March
March was a very busy month with visits from Two Trombonists, a Cor Anglaise Player, a Tenor Horn Player, two Conductors, a Trumpeter, A Cornet Player and two dancers.
During March we had a visit from the very talented Laura Hirst, of the world famous Brighouse & Rastrick brass band. Laura is only in her early 30’s, but because of her many and complex working distances she needed a little help due to ocular fatigue.
Laura’s lenses take into account her playing position, the distance of the music stand distance and the many working distances when using different electronic devices. This unique optical solution gives her the perfect visual correction, allowing her to see her conductor, her music stand and all her electronic devices.
Laura said; ”To have a pair of glasses tailor-made for specifically reading music, as well as a separate pair for everyday use, is definitely a unique service to offer. Not only that though, the attention to detail, service and quality was also above and beyond anything I’ve previously received elsewhere. I now own two pairs of lovely glasses, and can keep my music readers in my instrument case at all times to make sure I don’t forget them!”.
Why do musicians come to Allegro Optical?
An independent family run business we are gaining an international reputation for professional excellence and an inventive approach to meeting customer needs.
Now known internationally as the ‘Musicians Opticians’ we are attracting many clients from across Europe and further a field. Our groundbreaking work with performers, players and conductors has resulted in Allegro Optical becoming the first and only opticians to gain registration with the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM).
We treat each client as an individual and it is true that no two musicians are the same. So why should their vision correction be? We enjoy creating unique lenses to meet a musician’s particular needs. As musicians ourselves we can ask the right questions and interpret the answers accordingly.
Award-winning eye-care
So successful has Allegro Optical been in helping performers that this year alone we have scooped no less than five national and regional awards. These awards include the National ‘Best New Arts & Entertainment Business of the Year‘ at a gala event in London. Managing Director Sheryl Doe was awarded the 2019 ‘Dispensing Optician of the Year‘. During March Allegro Optical was awarded the ‘Scale-Up Business of the Year‘ at the regional finals of the Federation of Small Business awards in York and went on to receive the FSB Chairman’s award at the national finals in May. Finally winning the FBU Yorkshire family business of the year.
The company has been featured in many national publications including The Times 4BarsRest, The British Bandsman and Music Teacher Magazine.
Are you are a musician who is struggling with their vision? Is making music is no longer the enjoyable experience it once was? If so call us at either Greenfield on 01457 353100 or Meltham on 01484 907090.
