Our History

1750:
Peter Dollond opens a smalll optical business in Vine Street, near Hatton Garden in London, 21st April 1750.
1768:
John Dollond 1706-1761
John Dollond, now a partner in the business, is appointed optician to George III and the Duke of York.
1781:
Peter Dollond makes bifocal spectacles.
1851:
Collapsible, brass and mahogany Army telescope
At the Great Exhibition, Dollonds are awarded a medal for the excellence of their optical instruments.
1889:
James Aitchison 1860-1911
James Aitchison opens his first business in Fleet Street.
1927:
Aitchison and Co. and Dollond and Co. join forces to form D&A.
1969:
Head Office and Prescription works move to Birmingham.
1970-1982:
A series of acquisitions in the UK, Italy and Spain.
1984:
Management buy-out of UK, Italian and Spanish companies.
1996:
Introduction of D&A Styleyes and Computereyes service.
1997:
Launch of the D&A website: www.danda.co.uk.
1998:
Contact Lenses by Post
Launch of D&A's Contact Lenses by Post scheme (CLBP)
1999:
De Rigo,the Italian frame manufacturer purchases D&A.
2000:
D&A celebrates its 250th birthday
2000:
New Hagley Road store opens
2001:
D&A sells its manufacturing arm to BBGR
2001:
D&A restructures to better support its customers, consisting of the holding company plus 3 wholly own subsiduaries.
2002:
New Basingstoke store opens
2003:
D&A Store
New Bullring store opens
Customer Comments:

Charming, helpful staff. My spectacles were ready very quickly, overall a very professional approach.
A. Jackson, Oxford

Find out why over 95% of our customers recommend us.

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