About us
At Shaw Eyecare, we have a unique history. We've been providing expert eyecare for over 50 years. You are guaranteed to be in safe hands when you trust us to look after your eyes and your ears.
Over 50 Years of Expert Eyecare...
Shaw Eyecare started as James R Shaw and it was established in 1970.
James Shaw qualified in January of 1953 and initially he worked for the Co-Op Optical department at Springburn in Glasgow. In 1964 he moved to Newcastle to be the manager of the Opticians in the Co-Op.
In 1970 he moved to Cumnock and bought over a house practice in the Barrhill Road where the front room was split in two to make a testing room and a dispensing / waiting area.
In 1977 he moved to the current premises in Townhead Street when it was built.
He employed a contact lens fitter to come from Glasgow on a regular basis as he never fitted contact lenses. This was to be just the beginning for Shaw Eyecare...
From 1984...
In 1984 Russell and Stewart Shaw qualified, having both completed their pre-reg years in Kilmarnock at Urquharts and Lindsays respectively.
They joined the family business which then became James R Shaw & Sons, and decided to branch out and opened in Sanquhar in 1985 taking over from a part-time Pharmacist/Optician called Archie Milligan.
In 1986 a further expansion was made by starting a new practice in Thornhill.
Mauchline was to be added much later, opening in early 2000's.
Over the many years, Russell and Stewart have been committed to the lifelong learning that the profession entails and they completed their Independent Prescribing Qualification in 2016 and 2013 respectively.
The name was updated to Shaw Eyecare around the year 2000 and a new logo gave a more up to date image of the business
Shaw Eyecare Today...
Today, Shaw Eyecare operates two practices - Cumnock and Mauchline.
In early 2024, as Stewart and Russell moved into semi-retirement, it was decided that operating in Sanquhar and Thornhill was unfortunately no longer possible, and with recent investments in equipment, the business was best placed to look after all of the its patients from the practices in Cumnock and Mauchline.
The team today is led by Clinical Director, Linda Dempsey, and Practice Manager, Sarah Walker. The team includes loyal and long-serving members, Alan Beck, Rebecca Hamilton and Jack Reilly, as well as, Carol Malone, Lindsey White, Karen Ballantyne, Karen Thomson and Joyce Gavin.
The team is proud of their local roots and will continue to serve the Eye Care needs of the local community for many years to come.
At Shaw Eyecare, we are delighted to play an active role in supporting our local community. Supporting the community, and giving back, is part of the culture of our business and we know that by working together, we can help many more people.
Care & Community...
Your Trusted Vision Care Professionals
Our optometrists are dedicated to providing exceptional eye care tailored to your needs. With years of experience and advanced training, they ensure your vision health is in expert hands.
A Service You Can Trust
At Shaw Eyecare, we love to receive feedback on our service. So don't just trust what we say, please take some time to read the feedback we've received from our loyal and valued patients.
"I had a scare recently when I splashed neat bleach in my eye. I immediately flushed it with water for a few minutes but it continued to sting. I called Shaw opticians for advice and was invited to come straight in to have my eye checked. Exam was thorough and reassuring. I was given ointments and advice on continued treatment. I was and remain impressed by the care I received and the caring nature of staff."
Dawn France
"Very thorough Eye Exam with Russel as I hadn't been in some time. Decided on new glasses, Lindsay was very helpful in finding what I was looking for and had them ready for me to take home on the day. Very friendly and professional service all round."
Laura Clark
"Great experience at Shaw optitions Cumnock. Stuart took his time examining my eyes for my first pair of glasses, explained everything to me as we went and answered any questions I had. Choosing glasses was simple and the girl that assisted me was lovely. Took her time and never made me feel rushed at all. First Class experience!"
Louise Strathearn
"Had a checkup at Cumnock for myself and my husband, Russell did a very thorough test and we decided to have new glasses. Lindsey was very helpful as we tried on numerous pairs from a large selection. New glasses and lenses ready within a week so collected and minor fitting adjustments made, we are both very happy with our new glasses and the service we received and would highly recommend Shaw Eyewear."
Laura Young
Contact Us
We’re here to assist you with all your eye care needs. Please just get in touch with us.
Shaw Eyecare Cumnock
Phone
Address
41 Townhead St, Cumnock, KA18 1LF
Opening Hours
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri: 9.00am -5.30pm
Tue: 9.30am-5.30pm
Sat: 9.00am – 1.00pm
Shaw Eyecare Mauchline
Phone
Address
3 Earl Grey St, Mauchline, KA5 5AB
Opening Hours
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri: 9.00am – 5.30pm
Tue: 9.30am – 5.30pm
Sat and Sun: Closed
We are closed for lunch between 1.15pm and 1.45pm
Your Vision, Our Priority
Make an appointment today to be cared for by one of Ayrshire's leading Optometry Practices
