Who Are Oakwood Eyecare?

Liz went to Aston University and qualified as an Optometrist in 1991. Having worked in hospitals, independent and multiple environments for a few years before opening Oakwood Eyecare Centre with her husband, Tom in 1994. She loves her gadgets so was in her element when we got the OCT eye scanner in 2013. Liz is known for her caring nature, she excels with young and old alike, but this is why having the “time” to spend with her patients is vital.

Tom went to Aston University and qualified as an Optometrist in 1990. He worked as a locum in an independent and multiple environment before opening Oakwood Eyecare. Tom is known for his thorough and patient nature and does the majority of the home visits for all practices. He is also responsible for marketing at Oakwood. As health and safety lead and a varifocal wearer he has a good understanding of the needs of VDU users, whether at home or at work.

Laura worked during holidays while studying Optometry at Bradford University and she did her pre-reg with Oakwood. She successfully graduated in 2007 and moved to join the Oakwood Team. Laura helped set up the Ortho K contact lens system and also covers all aspects of testing – including home visits. She is part of the Derbyshire Childrens Screening Programme and laughter is a common sound emanating from her test room.

Lesley joined us in 2010 having worked for independent and multiple chains. She qualified as a Dispensing Optician in 1997. She has a keen interest in the latest products, especially spec lenses, researching how they address previous limitations to make sure we have a complete repertoire for all situations. Lesley has been in Optics for over twenty years and enjoys finding the best products for individual patients to help achieve a happy customer.

Started with us in May 2016, he qualified as a dispensing optician having studied at both the Bradford and London colleges back in 1989. He has worked in multiple and independent environments with over 18 years experience. Much preferring the independents to spend time with each patient as an individual. He is also a seasoned varifocal wearer and so can lend an empathetic ear to getting the best use out of your glasses. In the past Andy has done school visits and presentations for the community.

Meghan started at our Oakwood practice in 2007 as a “Saturday girl” and went on to become a Dispensing Optician. She now proudly manages our Kimberley branch. Meghan’s favourite part of her job is getting to work with a variety of very different people and advising patients on the best products available to them. To her no one day is ever the same as the previous one and she thrives on its diversity. In her spare time she enjoys family, friends, cinema and walking with her dog.

Carla has worked in opticians practices since leaving school in 2004 and with us from 2013. She has an administrator role and also helps patients choose glasses so “no two days are the same”. She enjoys socialising with family and friends as well as reading, swimming and going on occasional Spa days. In her spare time Carla spends evenings in with her partner and 2 step children.

Nic started working with us in 2016 and enjoys learning new things every day. She had no previous optical experience before joining the team as she worked in a bank for 10 years before going on maternity leave. Her daughter Amelia was born in 2015 and now takes up most of her time. She also enjoys taking Amelia to the farm and swimming. Nic enjoys catching up with friends over a takeaway and a glass of fizz.

Sam has worked in Optics since she left college in 2007. After working at both little independents and multiples practices she now has an NVQ in Optics. She had a year out to have her baby boy, Cole in 2016 who is now her world. Since then she has worked here at Oakwood one day a week as an Optical Assistant / Pre-Screener.

Hannah joined us in February 2018 and has worked in optic's for over just over a year, having worked in both independent and multiples previously. She enjoys spending time at home with her family and going on walks with her three huskies.

Angela has been with us since 2005 as an Optical Receptionist. She keeps the appointment book in order- not a mean feat when co-ordinating the twenty+ types of appointments you can make with us! Known for her calm and organised approach, reception is a well-oiled machine. She enjoys the variety of work and is always willing to take on new challenges. In her free time she likes to read, socialize with friends and family and going to the gym.

Myrilla started here as an Optical Receptionist in 1996 and has seen us through many changes as we have grown from a seeing very few after building the premises to a database of over twenty thousand patients. According to Myrilla the best part of her days at work is seeing people come back to the practice for our professional services year after year. She is renown for her attention to detail at work and in her spare time started producing artwork in 2012.

Emily started working with us in 2006 as Receptionist, she has since worked at our Alvaston practice for a couple of years and then moved back to Oakwood full time to take over the Admin for our group (Oakwood, Alvaston and Kimberley Opticians) in 2012. When not at work Emily spends time working with her local Brownie & Guides units and enjoys time with her daughter Ellie!