Member Article

Entrepreneur returns to Teesside to launch eye-catching new venture

Julie Breen, of Redcar, has returned to her native North East roots to launch a new eye care venture, creating four new jobs for the region in the process.

The Teesside-based business woman has launched IntelliSight, an opticians focused on state of the art technology, with the aim of providing the best possible eye and general health care in the region.

The optometrist of 30 years turned entrepreneur, has employed Redcar locals, Karen Wilson as senior optical assistant and Katie-Lee Armstrong, Janet Walker and Rachel Giles as optical assistants, to help push the business forward.

Julie, who is chair of the Local Optical Committee, said: “I can’t believe IntelliSight is finally open, it’s really daunting and exciting, all at the same time.

“Having worked for all of the national opticians and previously owning Specsavers’ Redcar branch, I have taken all of the good business aspects, left out the bad, and created IntelliSight.”

To celebrate the official launch of IntelliSight, Julie and her team are hosting a party on Saturday 19th September, which also coincides with the start of National Eye Health week.

The event, which starts at 10am, is open to the public and people can expect the Lady Mayor, cupcakes, a bubble machine, a balloon modeller for children and the opportunity to win designer sunglasses.

Speaking about the event, Julie said: “This is when it will all feel real and my dream since I was little will come true!

“Optometry is highly technical and within the new team we have fantastic skills, but more than anything I believe business is about building rapport with patients and genuinely caring for the community – that’s why I’m really looking forward to the launch.”