Iain and his team are passionate about helping you find frames that firstly suit you but ones that you're comfortable wearing. For eyewear as individual as you are, we offer some of the finest independent and designer eyewear available. North is an independent practice owned and run by ophthalmic optician Iain Thompson and his wife, Helen.
Outstanding eye care and great hospitality lie at the heart of this Chichester-based practice, underpinning every customer experience. Iain and Helen are passionate about all things eye care: from advice on the best ways to look after your eyes over the course of a long life, to helping you choose a stunning new pair of spectacles, frames or lenses for razor-sharp vision.
Outstanding eye care and great hospitality lie at the heart of this Chichester-based practice, underpinning every customer experience. Iain and Helen are passionate about all things eye care: from advice on the best ways to look after your eyes over the course of a long life, to helping you choose a stunning new pair of spectacles, frames or lenses for razor-sharp vision.
Services
A standard private eye test at North takes 40 minutes, whilst the advanced eye test runs for 1 hour. This represents almost double the time of an average high street appointment and guarantees you the best eye care service available. During your appointment, Iain will spend time developing a greater understanding of your optical history.
For information on free NHS eye tests and optical vouchers, visit the NHS website which you can find here. Unlike most other opticians, your free NHS eye test will be a comprehensive 40-minute appointment. This time allows Iain to understand your optical history and offer his best advice on your prescription and eye care.
Whether your child qualifies for a free NHS eye test or you require a private appointment, North welcomes you. We understand that not all kids are keen on visiting the optician, especially if it's for the first time. Here at North, we pride ourselves on our ability to make your child feel relaxed and comfortable when you visit us.
During your consultation, Iain will consider the suitability of different contact lenses and ensure that you choose the right lens for your eyes. When the contact lenses have been chosen, you will be given training on how to safely apply and remove them, this will ensure maximum comfort and avoid any damage to your eyes.
OCT, or Optical Coherence Tomography, is a non-invasive imaging test that uses light waves to take cross-section images of your retina. Think of it as an MRI scan for your eyes! This test allows Iain to see each of your retina's distinctive layers and enables him to gain a true understanding of the health of your eyes.
Reviews (9)
Christine Murphy
Oct 25, 2021
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Gillian Kennett
Jun 05, 2021
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Richard Corby
Dec 31, 2020
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We were recommended to Norths by a local friend, after we had become disillusioned by the service from the big multiples.
Wow what a difference, the proper testing, advice and produce range was spot on. Iain is the perfect professional, and everything he talked about and offered was exactly the right advice and the result is 100% satisfaction for both myself and my wife.
NO way will we be going back to the Corporate Opticians again...….
Wow what a difference, the proper testing, advice and produce range was spot on. Iain is the perfect professional, and everything he talked about and offered was exactly the right advice and the result is 100% satisfaction for both myself and my wife.
NO way will we be going back to the Corporate Opticians again...….
Rhu Rhu
Dec 08, 2020
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2nd appointment now so I feel I can give a real review.
Very good opticians. I moved from Vision Express after receiving a test that was performed so quickly it was like a production line, and the confidence of the optician didn't strike me with much confidence.
The appointments here are performed to a really high quality. I like being talked through it whilst it's been done. It's informative, but also generally interesting. Extremely thorough appointments. And like my 1st prescription, my eyes felt very comfortable during the test and the outcome after.
They are a very friendly team, the store
Very good opticians. I moved from Vision Express after receiving a test that was performed so quickly it was like a production line, and the confidence of the optician didn't strike me with much confidence.
The appointments here are performed to a really high quality. I like being talked through it whilst it's been done. It's informative, but also generally interesting. Extremely thorough appointments. And like my 1st prescription, my eyes felt very comfortable during the test and the outcome after.
They are a very friendly team, the store
Anne Macdonald
Oct 14, 2020
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I found North Opticians by chance and from the first time I went in, to the moment I received my new glasses, I have been impressed with the very professional, knowledgeable and pleasant care I have received from all the staff.
Covid-19 interrupted the process but Iain even delivered my glasses to my home - observing strict social distancing - no mean feat!!!
Thank you North Opticians.
Covid-19 interrupted the process but Iain even delivered my glasses to my home - observing strict social distancing - no mean feat!!!
Thank you North Opticians.
Craig Boddington
Jun 30, 2020
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Steff Woodman
Sep 04, 2019
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We recently came in for eye tests and couldn’t fault the service we received. As soon as we walked in we were greeted by the very welcoming staff and offered a hot drink and biscuit. The eye test itself was informative and thorough and selection of glasses they have is fashion forward so we had a hard choice choosing as they were all so nice. Our glasses arrived within days and we are both so happy with them. We highly recommend North Opticians and a big thank you to the team. Steff and Shona.
Matthew Owen
Aug 12, 2019
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Steve Batchelor
Jul 18, 2017
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Absolutely tops! Popped in a couple of weeks back and Ian gave a very informative and a thorough eye test. Picked up new specs today and very impressed with the quality and style. Above all, a very friendly service and welcoming team. Not bad coffee either! A breath of fresh air and highly recommended.
