The early days and family legacy
Glen Barr was founded in the 1920s by James Glen Barr, who worked from a room in his fancy goods shop in Moffat. Known as Glen, he inspired the practice name still used today. In 1943, the practice moved to Dumfries and later settled at 9 Irving Street in 1947, where it remains today. After retiring in 1962, his son Alastair introduced pioneering innovations, including Varilux lenses, an optical workshop and video technology.
Our practice today
In 1990, third-generation optician Colin Glen Barr and Mrs Vicki Barr took over the business, modernising it with retinal photography, visual field testing and 3D-OCT retinal scanning. Today, Glen Barr includes two Optometrists, a Dispensing Optician, an Orthoptist and dedicated office staff committed to excellent eye care. We also provide an orthoptic clinic, offering specialist support for concerns including squints, double vision, lazy eyes and reading difficulties.
Meet our team
Colin Glen Barr, MBCO
(Optometrist)
Qualified in Manchester (UMIST) in 1985, joined the practice in 1987, and is married to Vicki. Works full time and lives in Moffat.
Louise Steel, MBCO
(Optometrist)
Louise qualified in Glasgow in 1988 and joined the practice in 2009. Louise currently works part-time and lives in Dumfries.
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Kenneth Wilson, ABDO
(Dispensing optician)
Qualified in Glasgow in 1982, Kenneth joined the practice that same year and lives in Dumfries. He is registered with the Association of British Dispensing Opticians.
Valerie Wilson DBO
Valerie Wilson qualified in Glasgow in 1987 and has over 30 years of experience working within the NHS. She joined the practice in 2023 as our registered Orthoptist.
Debbie Thompson
Debbie joined the practice in 2026 having previously worked in the NHS orthoptic clinic.
Yvonne Wallace
(Receptionist)
Yvonne joined the practice in 2025 and works with us part-time.
