About Us
Trusted eye care for over 100 years
Since 1920, Whitehouse & Son Optical has been caring for the eyes of the local community.
Established by William Whitehouse, our practice has built a reputation for personalised, high-quality eye care over more than a century. While our heritage remains an important part of who we are, we continue to evolve with modern technology, contemporary eyewear and advances in clinical eye care.
Today, we combine the personal service of an independent opticians with advanced equipment, including hospital-grade OCT retinal scanning, comprehensive eye examinations and specialist services for children, contact lens wearers and patients requiring myopia management.
Our aim is simple: to provide excellent eye care that puts the individual patient first.
A century of independent eye care
Being an independent opticians means we can take the time to understand our patients and provide care based on their individual needs.
We do not believe eye care should be about rushing through appointments or simply updating a prescription. Your vision and eye health deserve a more considered approach.
Our extended eye examinations allow us to understand how you use your eyes, discuss any concerns and carry out a thorough assessment. We then explain our findings clearly and recommend the most appropriate next steps.
We also value continuity. Wherever possible, you will see the same clinician at each visit, allowing us to build a long-term understanding of your vision and eye health.
Meet our optometrist
Our optometrist Ali has more than a decade of experience in optometry.
He qualified as an Optometrist in 2013 and has worked in a variety of locations, gaining experience with a wide range of patients, prescriptions and eye health requirements.
This broad experience has helped develop a practical and comprehensive approach to patient care, from routine eye examinations and children’s eye care to complex contact lens fittings and myopia management.
Ali believes in taking the time to listen, explain findings clearly and make sure patients understand their options.
Family-owned and proudly serving the community
Our practice was taken over by husband-and-wife team Ali and Fatema just over a year ago. Ali provides expert eye care as our Optometrist, while Fatema oversees the day-to-day business operations to ensure a welcoming patient experience.”
Our approach to eye care
Our philosophy is built around a few principles that have remained important throughout our history.
Thoroughness
We take the time to understand each patient’s needs and provide comprehensive examinations rather than treating every appointment as a routine prescription check.
Transparency and clinical integrity
We believe patients should understand their eye health and the recommendations being made. We provide clear explanations, honest advice and never use unnecessary pressure.
Consistency
Seeing the same clinician where possible allows us to build a relationship with you and monitor your eye health consistently over time.
Long-term care
Good eye care is about more than keeping your prescription up to date. We focus on maintaining healthy vision and identifying changes that may require monitoring or further investigation.
Style with purpose
Glasses are both a visual aid and part of your personal style. We carefully select stylish eyewear from independent brands known for quality, craftsmanship and distinctive design.
Ongoing care
Your examination is not just about today. We consider your longer-term eye health and advise you when your next examination or any additional monitoring may be appropriate.
Advanced technology and specialist eye care
Our heritage may stretch back over a century, but our approach to eye care continues to develop.
We invest in modern technology and specialist services that can provide more detailed information about your vision and eye health.
OCT retinal scanning
Our OCT scanning provides high-resolution images of the retinal layers and optic nerve, allowing us to see structural detail beneath the surface of the retina.
This can help identify and monitor changes associated with conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease.
OCT complements a comprehensive eye examination and can provide valuable information for establishing a baseline and monitoring changes over time.
Myopia management
We provide myopia management for children and teenagers, using specialist options such as MiSight contact lenses and Stellest spectacle lenses alongside lifestyle advice and regular monitoring.
Our aim is to help slow the progression of short-sightedness while supporting clear, comfortable vision throughout childhood.
Children's eye care
We provide friendly, thorough eye care for children, including free NHS eye tests for eligible children, binocular vision assessments, children’s glasses and age-appropriate contact lens fittings.
We also offer myopia management where appropriate.
Our child-friendly approach is designed to make eye examinations calm, positive and reassuring.
Advanced contact lens fitting
We fit a wide range of contact lenses, including toric, multifocal, daily, two-weekly and monthly lenses, as well as specialist options for children and patients with more complex prescriptions.
We also provide fittings for patients with astigmatism, presbyopia and dry-eye-related comfort issues.
Independent eyewear
We believe choosing glasses should be an enjoyable experience as well as a clinical one.
Our collection includes a curated selection of independent eyewear brands, offering distinctive designs, quality materials and craftsmanship that can be difficult to find at larger optical chains.
We take the time to help you find frames that suit your prescription, face, lifestyle and personal style.
Personal care in an independent practice
One of the advantages of choosing an independent opticians is the opportunity to build a genuine relationship with your eye care professional.
We want you to feel comfortable asking questions and confident that you understand your eye examination and recommendations.
From your first appointment onwards, we aim to provide:
- Longer, more personal appointments
- Clear explanations without unnecessary jargon
- Consistent care from the same clinician where possible
- Advanced diagnostic technology
- Personalised treatment and management plans
- A carefully selected range of independent eyewear
- Ongoing support for your eye health
Our goal is not simply to provide a prescription. It is to understand your vision, look after your eye health and provide care that remains appropriate as your needs change.
Looking after generations of patients
More than 100 years after William Whitehouse established the practice, we remain committed to providing personal eye care to the local community.
Our history gives us a strong foundation, but we believe the best way to honour that heritage is to keep improving.
That means combining the personal service and continuity of an independent practice with modern diagnostic technology, specialist services and contemporary eyewear.
Whether you need a routine eye examination, children’s eye care, myopia management, contact lenses or more detailed assessment of your eye health, our team is here to provide knowledgeable, personal care.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Whitehouse & Son Optical established?
Whitehouse & Son Optical was established in 1920 by William Whitehouse. We have been serving the local community for more than 100 years.
What makes Whitehouse & Son different from a high street chain?
As an independent opticians, we focus on personalised care and continuity. We take the time to understand each patient rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. Where possible, patients see the same clinician at each visit.
Who is the optometrist at Whitehouse & Son?
Our optometrist, Ali, qualified in 2013 and has more than a decade of experience in optometry. He has worked in a variety of locations and has experience caring for patients with a wide range of visual and eye health needs.
Do you offer OCT eye scans?
Yes. We use advanced OCT retinal scanning as part of our diagnostic services. OCT provides detailed images of the retinal layers and optic nerve and can help us identify and monitor structural changes.
Do you offer children's eye tests?
Yes. We provide free NHS eye tests for eligible children, together with children’s glasses, binocular vision assessments, contact lens fittings and myopia management.
Do you offer myopia management?
Yes. We provide personalised myopia management for children and teenagers, including specialist options such as MiSight contact lenses and Stellest spectacle lenses, alongside lifestyle advice and regular monitoring.
Can you fit contact lenses for complex prescriptions?
Yes. We fit toric and multifocal lenses and have experience with high astigmatism, presbyopia, dry-eye-related comfort issues and children’s contact lenses.
Do you stock independent eyewear brands?
Yes. We offer a curated selection of stylish frames from independent eyewear brands, chosen for their quality, craftsmanship and distinctive designs.
Will I see the same optician at every appointment?
We value continuity of care and aim for patients to see the same clinician wherever possible. This allows us to develop a better understanding of your visual needs and monitor your eye health over time.
Experience the Whitehouse & Son approach
For more than a century, Whitehouse & Son Optical has been part of the local community.
Today, we continue that tradition by combining personalised independent eye care with advanced technology, specialist services and carefully selected eyewear.
Whether you are due a routine eye examination or looking for specialist advice about your child’s vision, contact lenses, myopia or eye health, we are here to help.
Contact Whitehouse & Son Optical and experience eye care with a personal approach.