Local, independent optician's practice, R. Woodfall Opticians is celebrating 50 years in Sydenham this year.
Owner, John Fried, started working for R. Woodfall in Peckham as a trainee Dispensing Optician when he was 23. His boss knew George Purdom, who owned the practice in Sydenham Road and bought the business from him in 1970.
John became partner of the firm in 1975 and after gaining a huge amount of experience, bought the practice in 1986. Since then he and his wife, Ann, have grown the business, expanding it to it's current size with 6 practices over South London and Kent. It's still very much a family affair with one of their three sons working alongside them. John & Ann are big supporters of the local arts scene, sponsoring many musical and dramatic productions in Sydenham including several plays at the Sydenham Centre.
They have seen many changes in the high street over the 50 years with Kirkdale Book Shop and R. Woodfall being two of the only independent businesses standing the test of time.
John says 'I think people miss the personal touch and customer service of small independent businesses. Our patients really appreciate the extra time we are able to offer them and the fact that we will go that extra mile. In return, we really appreciate the loyalty our patients have shown us over the years. We have patients who were with us 50 years ago and now their children and grandchildren come to us'.
![Image](https://sydenham.info/extras/woodfalls_50.jpg)