Pitlochry is on the cusp of a significant boost to its local healthcare infrastructure with the eagerly anticipated arrival of a new optician’s practice. After a three-year void, residents of this vibrant Perthshire town will soon have access to comprehensive eye care once again. The new establishment, Atholl Eyecare, spearheaded by the highly experienced optometrist Kathleen Abernethy, promises to restore an essential service that has been sorely missed by the community.
The absence of a dedicated optician in Pitlochry since the last practice closed its doors has presented considerable challenges for many. Families and individuals needing routine check-ups, emergency eye care, or specialized vision services have often faced inconvenient and lengthy journeys. For many older residents, particularly those requiring regular monitoring for conditions or who need eye drops during appointments that impair driving, the necessity of travelling to larger centres such as Perth or Aberfeldy, often navigating the busy A9, has been a genuine concern, highlighting a critical gap in local provision.
Kathleen Abernethy, an optometrist with over 12 years of professional experience, is no stranger to serving the Perth and Kinross community, having successfully managed Aberfeldy Opticians for the past six years. Her expansion into Pitlochry is a direct response to the evident local demand and a testament to her commitment to accessible eye health. This strategic move has been facilitated by the recent addition of Fiona Low, a trusted university colleague, to the team. With two skilled optometrists now on board, Atholl Eyecare can effectively split its expertise between the two thriving Perthshire locations, ensuring consistent and high-quality service.
The new Atholl Eyecare clinic, strategically situated on Atholl Road, boasts a prime location that offers not only excellent visibility but also the practical convenience of ample street parking and additional spaces nearby. Inside, the practice is poised to deliver a full suite of eye care services, catering to both NHS and private patients. Offerings will encompass thorough eye examinations, dedicated children’s vision services, precise contact lens fittings, and an extensive selection of stylish and practical eyewear designed to meet diverse needs and preferences within the local population.
Looking ahead, Atholl Eyecare is committed to integrating cutting-edge technology into its practice. Early in 2026, the clinic plans to install an advanced Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan machine. This sophisticated diagnostic tool is invaluable for the early detection of potentially sight-threatening conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. By providing detailed, cross-sectional images of the retina, the OCT scan enables the team to identify subtle changes much earlier, facilitating timely interventions and referrals that can be truly “sight-saving” and significantly improve long-term visual outcomes for Perth and Kinross residents.
Beyond general eye care, the Pitlochry location is set to become a specialised “myopia management hub.” This innovative service addresses the growing concern of short-sightedness, particularly among younger individuals. Through the application of state-of-the-art contact lenses and specialised glasses, the optometrists will work proactively to slow down the progression of myopia in children as they develop. This forward-thinking approach aims to mitigate the potential for more severe vision problems in adulthood, underscoring Atholl Eyecare’s dedication to preventative care and long-term ocular health for the region’s youth.
The announcement of Atholl Eyecare’s impending opening has been met with widespread enthusiasm and a palpable sense of relief from the local community. Residents have warmly welcomed the return of this vital service, with a significant and successful waiting list already established. This strong initial demand indicates the deep need that existed within Pitlochry and the surrounding Perthshire area. To meet this anticipated busy schedule, Kathleen and her team are prepared to conduct eye tests five days a week, ensuring that the community receives efficient and accessible professional eye care, firmly re-establishing a crucial health service in the heart of Pitlochry.
The absence of a dedicated optician in Pitlochry since the last practice closed its doors has presented considerable challenges for many. Families and individuals needing routine check-ups, emergency eye care, or specialized vision services have often faced inconvenient and lengthy journeys. For many older residents, particularly those requiring regular monitoring for conditions or who need eye drops during appointments that impair driving, the necessity of travelling to larger centres such as Perth or Aberfeldy, often navigating the busy A9, has been a genuine concern, highlighting a critical gap in local provision.
Kathleen Abernethy, an optometrist with over 12 years of professional experience, is no stranger to serving the Perth and Kinross community, having successfully managed Aberfeldy Opticians for the past six years. Her expansion into Pitlochry is a direct response to the evident local demand and a testament to her commitment to accessible eye health. This strategic move has been facilitated by the recent addition of Fiona Low, a trusted university colleague, to the team. With two skilled optometrists now on board, Atholl Eyecare can effectively split its expertise between the two thriving Perthshire locations, ensuring consistent and high-quality service.
The new Atholl Eyecare clinic, strategically situated on Atholl Road, boasts a prime location that offers not only excellent visibility but also the practical convenience of ample street parking and additional spaces nearby. Inside, the practice is poised to deliver a full suite of eye care services, catering to both NHS and private patients. Offerings will encompass thorough eye examinations, dedicated children’s vision services, precise contact lens fittings, and an extensive selection of stylish and practical eyewear designed to meet diverse needs and preferences within the local population.
Looking ahead, Atholl Eyecare is committed to integrating cutting-edge technology into its practice. Early in 2026, the clinic plans to install an advanced Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan machine. This sophisticated diagnostic tool is invaluable for the early detection of potentially sight-threatening conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. By providing detailed, cross-sectional images of the retina, the OCT scan enables the team to identify subtle changes much earlier, facilitating timely interventions and referrals that can be truly “sight-saving” and significantly improve long-term visual outcomes for Perth and Kinross residents.
Beyond general eye care, the Pitlochry location is set to become a specialised “myopia management hub.” This innovative service addresses the growing concern of short-sightedness, particularly among younger individuals. Through the application of state-of-the-art contact lenses and specialised glasses, the optometrists will work proactively to slow down the progression of myopia in children as they develop. This forward-thinking approach aims to mitigate the potential for more severe vision problems in adulthood, underscoring Atholl Eyecare’s dedication to preventative care and long-term ocular health for the region’s youth.
The announcement of Atholl Eyecare’s impending opening has been met with widespread enthusiasm and a palpable sense of relief from the local community. Residents have warmly welcomed the return of this vital service, with a significant and successful waiting list already established. This strong initial demand indicates the deep need that existed within Pitlochry and the surrounding Perthshire area. To meet this anticipated busy schedule, Kathleen and her team are prepared to conduct eye tests five days a week, ensuring that the community receives efficient and accessible professional eye care, firmly re-establishing a crucial health service in the heart of Pitlochry.