Our history

The early days

The practice was started in 1922 by James Glen Barr, from a back room in his fancy goods shop in Dickson House, Moffat. James preferred to be known as Glen, which is how the practice got the name it has retained to this day.

The practice was started in 1922 by James Glen Barr, from a back room in his fancy goods shop in Dickson House, Moffat. James preferred to be known as Glen, which is how the practice got the name it has retained to this day.

In 1943 he moved his practice to English Street in Dumfries, and subsequently bought number 9 Irving Street in 1947. Building supplies were in short supply after the war, but he managed to convert the three-story Georgian town house into a new optical practice. We are still in the same location today, over sixty years later.

In 1943 he moved his practice to English Street in Dumfries, and subsequently bought number 9 Irving Street in 1947. Building supplies were in short supply after the war, but he managed to convert the three-story Georgian town house into a new optical practice. We are still in the same location today, over sixty years later.

Pioneering changes

James Glen Barr retired in 1962, and the practice was taken over by his son, Alastair Glen Barr. He was one of the first opticians in Scotland to use the original “Varilux” varifocal lens in the late 1960's, and installed an optical workshop (to make up glasses) and a video tape system (black and white!) in the early 1970's.

James Glen Barr retired in 1962, and the practice was taken over by his son, Alastair Glen Barr. He was one of the first opticians in Scotland to use the original “Varilux” varifocal lens in the late 1960's, and installed an optical workshop (to make up glasses) and a video tape system (black and white!) in the early 1970's.

Though common now, these were pioneering changes at the time

"Though common now, these were pioneering changes at the time"

Colin Glen Barr, the third generation, qualified in Manchester and took over the business in 1990, with Mrs. Vicki Barr. They have continued to build up the practice, renovating the basement frame dispensing area and installing new equipment for visual field testing, retinal photography and 3D-OCT retinal scanning.

Colin Glen Barr, the third generation, qualified in Manchester and took over the business in 1990, with Mrs. Vicki Barr. They have continued to build up the practice, renovating the basement frame dispensing area and installing new equipment for visual field testing, retinal photography and 3D-OCT retinal scanning.

Our practice today

Glen Barr now have two Optometrists (one part time, and one full time) a Dispensing Optician and three office staff, all of whom are dedicated to providing the best possible optical service.

Glen Barr now have two Optometrists, a Dispensing Optician, an Orthoptist and three office staff, all of whom are dedicated to providing the best possible optical service.

Address:

9 Irving Street,
Dumfries,
DG1 1EL

Opening Hours:

9:00 – 17:00
Monday to Friday