MONMOUTH’S Independent opticians is to reopen its Cinderhill Street practice on March 30 after months operating from temporary premise following severe flooding from Storm Claudia.

Storm Claudia swept through Monmouth town on November 15, flooding many homes and businesses across the town.

Monnow Eyecare was badly affected when Storm Claudia swept through the town wiping out many businesses across the town. It caused significant damage to the building and forced the practice to close for six weeks.

The original location on Cinderhill Street has undergone a full refurbishment with new flooring, upgraded consulting rooms, and modernised facilities throughout the building.

Monnow Eyecare was operating from a temporary building in Singleton Court Business Park on Wonastow Road. Even though they were operating in a smaller premises the team still continued to provide a full range of eye care services for the community, including: emergency eye care, independent prescribing services, glaucoma triage referrals, and low vision support.

Although moving to another premises, the business received unwavering amounts of support from their customers, many still attending appointments from their temporary location.

Practice Director and Clinical Lead Helen Tilley said the experience has been one of the most challenging periods in the practice's history, but also one that has demonstrated the strength of both the team and the community.

“We have been incredibly lucky. Our patients and the local community have supported us every step of the way.

“People could easily have waited until we reopened, but instead they have continued to come and see us and work with us while we’ve been operating from a much smaller, temporary space. That support has meant the world to us.”

Helen also paid tribute to the dedication of the rest of the team and her business partner Adib Missaghi who helped lead the team through this devastating time.

“Our team has been absolutely incredible. For weeks they were cleaning, packing, organising, and helping rebuild the practice, jobs that were completely outside their usual roles, and not once did anyone complain.

“They just got on with it and supported each other. I’m also hugely grateful to my business partner Adib Missaghi, whose leadership and commitment during this time has been exceptional.

“Together, the team has shown such resilience and loyalty, and I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside them.”

“We’ve realised just how much the practice means to all of us. When we talk about moving back, the team don’t say ‘when we’re back in practice, they say ‘when we’re home’. ‘It does really feel like that.’

Monnow Eyecare is continuing to work from their premises on Singleton Court until the move back into their premises on Cinderhill street on March 31.

“Monmouth has been through a really difficult time with so many businesses affected by the flooding, so being able to return to our practice feels incredibly special. We’re excited to welcome patients back home and to continue caring for the community that has supported us throughout,” added Helen.