Marc Drake, Director and optometrist at Osmond Drake Opticians, is hanging up his ophthalmoscope as of the end of September, following a long-standing career at the practice serving patients of all ages.
Osmond Drake Opticians, situated on Glebe Street in Penarth, was originally established by Marc’s grandfather, Osmond Drake, in 1958. Now as a third-generation family business, the team has built a widely recognised reputation for providing outstanding standards of eye care both within the Penarth community and the wider optical industry.
Since taking the lead in practice in 1994, Marc has garnered significant recognition himself, guiding the practice with dedication, care, expertise, and a deep-rooted connection to the local community.
Over the years, Marc has continuously developed his knowledge and expertise, bringing additional qualifications in glaucoma, medical retina, independent prescribing, and specialist contact lens services to the practice and to his patients.
He also enjoyed providing care in Cardiff Eye Unit at University Hospital of Wales from 2021-2024 and taking his expertise abroad to less-equipped areas, such as the Tororo district in Uganda which Marc visited in 2014 and 2016.
Marc’s wife, Alison has also been his business partner since 1996. As Marc takes a step back from the practice, Alison will remain joint Director at Osmond Drake Opticians, and will be taking the reins and ensuring patients continue to receive high standards of eye care.
Marc said: “I have loved working with the entire team over the years, and it will be a bittersweet goodbye as I enter this new chapter.
“I know that I’ll be leaving the practice in good hands with Alison and my experienced and dedicated team, and I have the utmost confidence that they will continue to look after our patients and go above and beyond to make sure that their eye care needs are met.”
As a result of Marc’s hard work through the years, he has won a multitude of awards, including ‘UK Contact Lens Practitioner of the Year’ at the Optician Awards in 2023 and the Optometry Wales ‘Mentor of the Year’ award in 2025, reflecting his dedication to supporting the next generation of optical professionals as well as trainee Independent Prescribing Optometrists.
Marc’s expertise has become ingrained in the foundations of the practice and will continue to have an impact on the local community following his departure.
Alison added: “Marc has brought so much to the practice over the years with his dedication and expertise, which in turn has reflected back in the loyalty and support we receive from patients in Penarth and beyond.
“As I’m sure many of Marc’s patients will miss his presence in the practice as much as we will, I’d like to reassure them that the team will continue to provide clinical excellence and care for their eyes, and Marc will continue to be a friendly face within the Penarth community!”
To find out more about Osmond Drake Opticians, or to book an appointment please visit www.osmonddrake.co.uk.
