Celebrating 40 years: Founder Jim Fitzsimons returns and reflects on decades of service in Ballymena
- Love Ballymena
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read

Jim Fitzsimons (centre) with new owners John and Louise Broderick
Ballymena’s beloved Fitzsimons Opticians marked a significant milestone this summer, celebrating 40 years of providing exceptional, personalised eye care to the local community.
The independent practice, a cornerstone of the town since its founding in 1985, held a special anniversary event on August 16, with founder Jim Fitzsimons returning as the guest of honour to reflect on four decades of service.
Jim Fitzsimons, who established the practice at the age of 26, shared his remarkable journey of entrepreneurship and dedication.
After resigning from his job at another Ballymena opticians, Jim took a bold leap, securing premises on Thomas Street within a week.
“I was foolhardy, and it was the naivety of youth – thinking I wanted to work for myself when I was 26 – I had no dependents, I wasn’t married, and I was living at home – it was the ideal time,” he recalled.
With an interest-free loan and industry contacts, Jim equipped his practice and opened its doors. Despite the restrictions on advertising at the time, which limited promotion to a modest newspaper notice and a town poster, the practice saw an impressive start.
“On the first day we had about seven or eight people through the door, which was quite unusual,” Jim said.
The practice faced challenges, notably in 1989 when free sight tests were abolished for most people. Jim remembers the intense period before the change:
“In the months leading up to the change, we were so busy, working 9am to 9pm, making hay while the sun shines. The following nine months were very quiet. It was difficult but we got through it.”
Jim’s commitment to the community was evident in his efforts to make eye care accessible.
“There was a stigma in those days about glasses and the ‘milk bottle’ lenses. With families who didn’t have much, I’d try and sell them glasses as close to cost price as possible, which is something you can help with if you have your own business,” he said.
His passion for his patients was clear: “I’m from Ballymena, so I just loved seeing the patients. I’m proud of the practice. It was a great life – a great job with brilliant people. I miss walking round the town and talking to my patients.”
Reflecting on his career, Jim noted the evolution of work-life balance:
“Younger people now have a much better balance – all I knew when I was younger was work. I took a few weeks off for my honeymoon but after that I rarely took any holiday. I regret not taking more time off in the later years and getting a locum optician in.”

40th anniversary celebrations at Fitzsimons Opticians
In 2023, Jim sold the practice to John Broderick, a long-time Ballymena optometrist, after promising first refusal to John’s wife, Louise, who works at the practice.
“I thought I’d rather die before I’d retire but when Louise asked for first refusal, it sowed a seed,” Jim said.
John, who has worked in Ballymena for 17 years, expressed his pride in continuing the practice’s legacy:
“This is a lovely practice to work in because of its history and reputation. To take over an independent practice is very rewarding and it’s great as a small business being part of the community.”
Located at 8 William Street, Fitzsimons Opticians continues to offer comprehensive eye care services, including thorough eye examinations, contact lens fittings, emergency eye care through the NI PEARS scheme, and specialised services such as myopia management, glaucoma screening, and diabetic eye screening.
The practice uses hospital-grade diagnostic technology to ensure early detection and effective treatment, while maintaining a highly personalised approach to meet each patient’s unique needs.
The 40th anniversary celebration featured a raffle, refreshments, and a discount offer on frames, drawing the community together to honour the practice’s legacy. With a commitment to quality eyewear and expert care, Fitzsimons Opticians remains a trusted name in Ballymena.
For more information about Fitzsimons Opticians and its services, visit www.fitzsimonsopticians.com.