optometrists providing quality eyecare in newport gwent
about us
Imagine this...
An opticians practice that will offer you an appointment within 24 hours.
Somewhere you will see the same friendly faces each time you visit, and optometrists who will remember you and probably know where you went on holiday last year!
A place where you will receive the most thorough eye examination using the latest technology, without feeling rushed or feeling like you are on a conveyor belt.
Dispensing staff who will take the time to give you expert advice on frame and lens choice without adding on unnecessary extras.
Glasses that look great and won't break the bank that can, in many cases, be taken home with you within the hour.
Highly qualified optometrists who will test your eyes in your own home if it's too difficult for you to get out.
Sounds too good to be true doesn't it?
R W Cole Opticians was established in 1955 by Robert Cole. Over the last 60+ years we have prided ourselves on always putting the patient first. We are a familiar sight in the heart of Pillgwelly in Newport town centre and have stood the test of time due to our excellent service to our loyal patients.
We set aside 30 minutes for each appointment so you don't feel rushed and we have the time to get to know you and your eye history.
All our optometrists are fully qualified and registered with the General Optical Council and are accredited to provide all enhanced eyecare services available in Wales.
To us, you are a person, not just a pair of eyes. We give honest, professional advice, and will not recommend spectacles unless you really need them.
As an independent opticians, our motivation is to provide the very best in patient care, rather than being sales driven.
meet the team
RICHARD YOUNG
BSc (HONS) MCOPTOM
Optometrist and Director
I qualified as an optometrist in 1989, and started working at this practice in 1992, alongside Mr. Cole and Mr. Ferguson. The way that Mr. Cole worked suited me, with an emphasis on patient care rather than the sales focus of the typical high street optician.
I took a break from the practice between 2000 and 2007 to set up an eye clinic in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. I believe my experiences there have helped to widen my skills as an optometrist, and I still visit the clinic there whenever I can, to help provide eye care in that desperately needy land.
Outside of work, I spend my free time working on the leadership team of my church, and cheering on Newport County football club.
VIKKI BAKER BSc(Hons)ProfCert Glau DipTp(IP)ProfCert MedRet
Optometrist
When I joined R W Cole in 2002, having just finished a short period of time working for a a well known multiple, I knew that I wanted to work for a company whose ethos is first and foremost to look after the patient. I balance my work in Cole Opticians with sessions at Cardiff University and Brecon Memorial Hospital AMD clinic. I have further qualifications in low vision, emergency eye care, Glaucoma and medical retina and am one of the few optometrists with prescribing rights in South Wales. I have done several charity eye testing projects to Malawi and Moldova to provide eye tests and glasses to those who do not have access to it
KATE BIRCH
BSc (HONS) MCOPTOM
Optometrist
I came to R W Cole after qualifying from Cardiff Uni in 2004. As a pre-reg student I won the British Optical Foundation Prize in Binocular Vision and have since gone on to achieve further qualifications in emergency eyecare and low vision. I have traveled to Zambia with the charity Vision Aid Overseas to provide sight tests and glasses to those who need it the most. I found this to be extremely rewarding and plan to do more charity work in the future.
Outside work, I'm a busy mum of two, born and and bred in Newport. I'm a keen photographer and love to cook. I'm especially interested in nutrition and it's role in eye health.
SORAYA DEAN
Dispenser
I have been the Optical dispenser at R W Cole for nearly 20 years. I pride myself in providing excellent service and care to customers, helping them source the appropriate frame for their comfort, appearance and prescription requirements. I am able to carry out repairs and adjustments to a range of frames.If I’m not at work I love to travel, experiencing different countries and cultures. The team and I look forward to welcoming you to the R W Cole family, and dont forget the biggest compliment you can give us is your recommendation!
DAVID SULLER
Lens Technician
I started here in July 1979 fresh from school. Mr Cole took me under his wing and gave me the chance to become the technician I am today. I do believe Mr Cole's outlook towards patients' welfare from the very start of my career to be the driving force behind my work.
On a day to day basis I glaze frames to order while patients wait, and also tailor-make bespoke frames for individual preferences and needs. I hand glaze rimless frames to the highest quality. I haven't met a person I can't make a frame to fit yet!
Outside of work I love to spend time with my family, and riding my motorbike.
STEPHANIE YOUNG
Lens Technician
I have had a varied career life, starting off as an Intensive Care nurse where I worked in Cardiff and Newport for 11 years. My husband Richard and I then spent 7 years working in Mongolia where alongside taking care of our 2 children, I was involved in healthcare education. After returning to the UK I studied and achieved a first class BEducation while working as a teaching assistant and taught in a primary school in Caerleon. I have recently joined the team at R W Cole Opticians and have been learning new skills as an optical technician.
I enjoy cycling, swimming and walking to keep fit and any kind of cooking.
JACKIE STOCK, MICHELLE HUGHES AND ANGELA MORGAN
Reception team
All three of our reception ladies are more than qualified to give the best patient service in Newport! They have over 30 years of experience in the optical world between them.
You will always be greeted with a friendly face and a smile as they strive to give the most efficient service.
If you have any questions or worries regarding any of our services, they are on hand at the other end of the phone and are more than happy to help.