Monnow Eyecare Returning to Cinderhill Street After Flood Recovery
After several challenging months following severe flooding in the town, Monnow Eyecare will return to its home on Cinderhill Street on Monday 30th March, marking an important milestone for the staff and the community it serves.
The practice was badly affected when flooding struck Monmouth towards the end of last year, causing significant damage to the building and forcing the team to close for six weeks while repairs and approvals were arranged. Like many local businesses, the practice was impacted by widespread disruption across the town centre.
Continuing Care from Temporary Premises
Following the initial closure, the Monnow Eyecare team worked quickly to restore services from temporary premises at Singleton Court Business Park on Wonastow Road, around a mile from the town centre.
Operating from a much smaller space with just two consulting rooms and limited facilities has required creativity and flexibility from the team. Despite these challenges, the practice has continued providing a full range of essential eye care services for local patients, including:
- Emergency eye care
- Independent prescribing services
- Glaucoma triage referrals for hospital services
- Low vision support
The temporary set-up has involved adapting equipment and making the most of the available space to ensure that patients could still access the clinical care they rely on.
Community Support Makes a Difference
Throughout the disruption, the practice has been supported by remarkable loyalty from its patients. Many people have continued attending appointments at the temporary premises, ensuring the team could maintain vital eye care services for the local community.
Practice Director and Clinical Lead Helen Tilley said the experience has been one of the most challenging periods in the practice’s history, but also one that has highlighted the strength of the local community.
“We have been incredibly lucky. Our patients and the local community have supported us every step of the way. People could easily have waited until we reopened, but instead they have continued to come and see us and work with us while we’ve been operating from a much smaller, temporary space. That support has meant the world to us.”
A Team Effort Behind the Scenes
Helen also praised the dedication of the Monnow Eyecare team and her business partner Adib Missaghi, who helped guide the practice through the crisis.
“Our team has been absolutely incredible. For weeks they were cleaning, packing, organising and helping us rebuild the practice – jobs that were completely outside their usual roles – and not once did anyone complain. They just got on with it and supported each other.
I’m also hugely grateful to my business partner Adib Missaghi, whose leadership and commitment during this time has been exceptional. Together, the team has shown such resilience and loyalty, and I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside them.”
A Refurbished Practice Ready to Welcome Patients Back
The Cinderhill Street practice has now undergone a full refurbishment following the flood damage. The improvements include:
- New flooring throughout
- Upgraded consulting rooms
- Modernised facilities across the practice
For the team, returning to the building represents far more than simply reopening the doors.
“We’ve realised just how much the practice means to all of us. When we talk about moving back, the team don’t say ‘when we’re back in the practice’ – they say ‘when we’re home’. It really does feel like that.”
Looking Forward to Returning to Cinderhill Street
Monnow Eyecare will continue operating from its temporary premises at Singleton Court Business Park until the move back to Cinderhill Street on 30th March, when patients will once again be welcomed into the town centre practice.
“Monmouth has been through a really difficult time with so many businesses affected by the flooding, so being able to return to Cinderhill Street feels incredibly special,” Helen said. “We’re excited to welcome patients back home and to continue caring for the community that has supported us throughout.”