Independent optician in Market Harborough named as best in East Midlands
An independent optician in the centre of Market Harborough is celebrating after being named the best in the East Midlands this year.
Clarke & Roskrow Styling Opticians, in Church Street, won the title as part of 2026’s My Local Awards.
Anthony Clarke, owner and principal optometrist, said: “We’re thrilled and humbled to have won this award, especially as the other entrants were really strong and would have been worthy of the accolade.
“What makes it particularly special is that we were nominated by people in the local community who felt we deserved to be recognised in this way for the work that we do.”
The awards are free to enter and are based on public voting across the region.
Anthony and his wife, Karen, have been running the store for 12 years, having taken over from another practice that had been on the site since 1974.
Anthony said: “Karen and I took over an established optical practice in 2014 and have transformed it into a successful boutique optical practice that people get excited about and actually want to visit.
“There have been so many milestones along the way – from our major refurbishment in 2017/18 and navigating the COVID pandemic, to changing our business model, growing the team, introducing new services and picking up a few awards along the way.”
The optician specialises in distinctive eyewear and making sure clients feel their best with one-to-one styling guidance.
He said: “Our clients tell us the reason they choose C&R is because we give them confidence – confidence that their eye health and vision are in good hands, and confidence when it comes to choosing their eyewear.
“That’s a very special thing for us to be able to do for our clients.”
Anthony emphasised that the win is for the whole team.
He added: “This win really is a team effort. Karen and I may be the owners, but it’s the wider team who deliver the magic day in, day out. This award really is for them.
“And to our wonderful clients, thank you for nominating us, voting for us and continuing to place your trust in the C&R team.”
Another winner at 2026’s My Local Awards was Market Harborough’s Age UK bookshop.