Bermuda Optical Company is marking its 50th year in business with a brand new look and the introduction of state-of-the-art technology.

The Church Street-based business, which is now the oldest existing optical company on the Island, now boasts a staff of six including two optometrists ? Yvette Swan and Douglas Gilfether.

It began in 1955 on the vision of Scottish optometrist William Coltman. After working for the Astwood Dickinson Company for many years, he opened his own offices on Burnaby Hill in 1955. From the start his goal was to carry out all stages of spectacle making from sight-testing to the finished product. He also dealt in binoculars, aneroid barometers and similar articles.

Much has changed since that time, including the location. The current Church Street office has also seen a complete renovation in recent months with a modern light wood backdrop for the optical display as well as an introduction of state of the art examination equipment for the optometrists.

Current president Mr. Gilfether, who joined the company in 1969, said service was the secret to the company's longevity: "We give good service, we give fast service, we have very efficient staff over the years, we have nice people working here," he said.

Looking forward to the future however, he said his company like all other optical companies on the Island, remains challenged by the fact that everything must be imported to the Island.

"The key challenges on this Island is duty. That is the only challenge we've got. Optometry is as good in Bermuda as anywhere else in the world. There is no doubt about that at all. I'm not talking about us, I'm talking about all the optometrists. You get exactly the same service and consideration as you would anywhere else. As far as Bermuda, is concerned we are more expensive because of import duties and everything else, but certainly the quality of the goods, the quality of the spectacle now is exactly the same."