DO pedals away after 48 years

A dispensing optician who is retiring after almost half a century in eye care has said she will miss her patients but can’t wait to get on her new electric bike.

Ruth Kettel, aged 68, has been a familiar face at BBR Optometry, a Hakim Group independent practice in Hereford, for 39 years. She previously worked at Barraclough Opticians in Sussex, also part of the Hakim Group, for nine years.

Her colleagues clubbed together to buy her the electric bike as a retirement gift.

Ruth, who also volunteers for Samaritans, said: “People say I’m part of the furniture here but actually I’ve been here longer than every single bit of furniture in the building. The only thing that pre-dates me is an old manual pupilometer which is at least 50 years old and I still use it to this day.

“I first came here as a locum on an initial month placement. I was invited back for a second month but nothing more was ever said. I just kept coming back and they kept paying me. Almost 40 years later I’m still here.

“I have absolutely loved my job and I’ve been very lucky to have so many wonderful patients over the years, who have been very loyal and always wanted to come back and see me. Since I announced I would be retiring I have had countless cards and presents from patients who over the years have become very good friends.”

Director of BBR Optometry Nicholas Rumney said: “Ruth has been part of the Hereford community for many decades and is a much-loved figure in the high street.

“Like many of us Ruth comes to optics from a family connection as her father was an optometrist in Hereford. She is 100 per cent fully engaged in her patients and has served them diligently. She brought to BBR a genuine love of people, as witnessed by her commitment to Samaritans over many years. She will be sorely missed.”