W.H. Ashworth & Son
Family run
optometrists / opticians
Cheadle: 0161 428 3717
Heald Green: 0161 437 3400
Optometrist vs. Optician
- Previously known as ophthalmic opticians, optometrists
are trained professionals who examine eyes, test sight, give advice on
visual problems, and prescribe and dispense spectacles or contact
lenses. They also recommend other treatments or visual aids where
appropriate. Optometrists are trained to recognise eye diseases, referring such cases as necessary, and can also use or supply various eye drugs.
Optometrists study at university for at least three years and participate in a full year of training and supervision, called the pre-registration year, before qualifying. Once qualified, they have the opportunity to develop their interests in specialist aspects of practice such as contact lenses, eye treatment, low vision, children’s vision and sports vision.
All optometrists practising in the UK must be registered with the General Optical Council, the profession’s regulatory body, and are listed in the Opticians Register. When choosing an optometrist, look out for the letters FCOptom or MCOptom after his or her name. It means that optometrist is a fellow or member of the College and adheres to high standards of clinical practice. - Dispensing opticians
advise on, fit and supply spectacle frames and lenses after taking
account of each patient's lifestyle and vocational needs. Dispensing opticians
are also able to fit contact lenses after undergoing further specialist
training. They are registered with and regulated by the General Optical
Council and their representative body is the Association of British
Dispensing Opticians.
guide dogs for the blind
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Ian and his wife, Lesley, are currently puppy walking their third guide dog, India, before passing her on to the Guide Dogs association for full training. 
The Two Ronnies Optician
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- Click on the image to see the Two Ronnies optician sketch on YouTube. We promise this won't happen to you at either of our practices.
Welcome
 |
Welcome to W.H. Ashworth & Son, optometrists and opticians, with
locations in Cheadle and Heald Green. Established over 80 years ago,
these family run independent practices have always devoted time, personal
attention and excellence to patients, while still offering extremely good
value. Great grandson of W. H. Ashworth, practice owner Ian (BSc MCOptom), qualified in 1986. |
Services available:
- NHS and private examinations by appointment
- Extensive range of glasses frames
- Contact lenses including automatic reordering of daily lenses
- Plain and prescription sunglasses
- Diabetic screening
- Pre and post cataract screening
- Glaucoma screening
- Children welcome
Go to our information page for details about these services
Practices
We have two practices, one in Cheadle and the other in Heald Green. Both have the latest equipment for eye tests and retinal photography and have recently undergone a complete refurbishment.Opening hours
Both our practices are open daily from 9.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.30pm except Wed & Sat from 9.00am to 1.00pm.
5 top tips for looking after your eyes
According to the College of Optometrists:
- Visit
an optometrist regularly. Optometrists are professionally trained not
only to test sight and prescribe glasses and contact lenses; they can
also spot eye problems and treat infections
- Be "eye aware" - make sure to check each of your eyes one at a time, and if you notice any changes, consult your optometrist
- Parents,
keep an eye on your children - don't forget, they don't know what
"normal" vision is, so watch out for signs that there may be problems.
These include instances where children's eyes appear not to work
together, if they rub their eyes often or if they seem to shut one eye
to see more clearly.
- Contact
lens wearers - never wear anyone else's lenses, wash them in tap water
or sleep in them (unless your optometrist says you can)
- Buy good quality, dark sunglasses - Sunlight can damage the retina and the lens of the eye, and we risk causing long-term damage to our eyesight. Good sunglasses don't need to be expensive: you can purchase perfectly adequate protective sunglasses from high street stores. Look out for glasses carrying the "CE" Mark and British Standard BS EN 1836:1997, which ensures that the sunglasses offer a safe level of UV protection.
W. H. Ashworth & Son Tel: 0161 428 3717 | W. H. Ashworth & Son Tel: 0161 437 3400 |