A dispensing assistant at an opticians’ practice who was interviewed for her job on the back doorstep of a television shop is celebrating half a century at the practice.
Back in 1976, Eva Gray was working in a television shop in Old Swan but was facing redundancy – until she was approached by John Millican, the then-owner of neighbouring Millicans Opticians.
She recalls: “I was working next door to Millicans and Mr Millican was looking for staff, so he came to see if I wanted a job – my interview was on the backdoor step of the shop where I was working. I remember joking that in my new job, I’d be able to repair all the damage I’d done with the television screens!”
Eva started as a receptionist and recalls her first day being very busy, with lots of learning on the job. Over the years, she picked up tips and advice from her dispensing colleagues and is now a dispensing assistant at the practice.
During the 50 years she has been with Millicans, the practice has moved three times, all on Prescot Road, but Eva, 74, said the biggest change has been the advancement of technology and equipment, with learning to use a computer proving to be a personal challenge for her.
In 1985, John handed down the business to his son Brian who ran the practice until his retirement in 2017. Eva is still in touch with Brian, along with two women she worked with in her early days at Millicans.
It has been the Millicans team and patients who have kept Eva at the practice for half a century, and she has seen generations of families come through the doors.
She said: “You just build up a rapport with people as the years go by. I also live near Old Swan so I know most of the people in the area. What has kept me here is that it’s a friendly place to work and no two days are the same.”
Eva has become a mother and a grandmother three times over during her time at Millicans.
She said: “The time has just flown by – it’s gone too quickly. I’ll carry on working as long as I can.”
Jenny Makin, director of Millicans, has worked with Eva for 30 years. She said: “Eva’s pride and commitment and dedication to Millicans has been an inspiration to me and other team members. She has earned trust and respect from patients through her time with the practice. Eva is not only a colleague – she is also a true friend to us all.”
Team members at the independent practice held an after-hours celebration to mark Eva’s 50th anniversary on Sunday, August 2.
For more details about Millicans Opticians visit https://www.millicansopticians.com.
