Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Opticians in Sowerby Bridge & Elland
Established in 1932, Whitakers Opticians has remained an independently owned, family-run business dedicated to providing exceptional eyecare and optical solutions. Our team, led by optometrists David Armitage and Tracey Armitage alongside dispensing optician Richard Barker, brings decades of combined experience to every patient interaction. We prioritise patient comfort and clinical excellence, offering comprehensive eye examinations, advanced diagnostic technology like 3D-OCT scanning, and a wide selection of prescription spectacles. With two convenient locations in Elland and Sowerby Bridge, we serve our local community with personalised service and professional expertise. Our independence allows us to source frames from diverse suppliers, ensuring access to both designer brands and budget-friendly options.We maintain strong relationships with leading manufacturers to deliver high-quality lenses tailored to individual visual needs. Our experienced dispensing team provides expert advice on frame selection, lens technology, and fitting requirements. We offer special discounts for students and lifetime refitting services to ensure ongoing satisfaction with our products. Our commitment to maintaining the reputation built over 80 years drives our continuous investment in staff training and cutting-edge equipment. Through generations of ownership changes, we have consistently upheld our founding principles of quality care and community service.
Services
Eye examinations
Contact lens fitting
3D-OCT scanning
Prescription spectacles
Children's eyecare
Designer frames
Lens replacement
Student discounts
Emergency appointments
Visioncare scheme
Details
- Year established: 1932
Highlights and features
- Family-run business with 90+ years of local eyecare expertise
- Experienced optometrists trained by previous generations of Whitakers Opticians
- Access to 3D-OCT scanning technology for advanced eye health diagnostics
- Largest frame selection in Calderdale across two convenient locations
- Lifetime refitting service for all purchased spectacles
Services
Eye examinations
Our comprehensive eye examinations last approximately 30 minutes and utilise tailored testing methods to assess visual requirements. Conducted in private, air-conditioned consulting rooms, these tests include advanced diagnostic options like 3D-OCT scanning. Our experienced optometrists provide thorough assessments for patients of all ages, with special provisions for children's examinations.
3D-OCT scanning
This advanced diagnostic technology creates detailed 3D images of the retina to detect conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration. Available at both branches, the non-invasive scan integrates with routine eye examinations for enhanced eye health monitoring. The supplementary fee covers this hospital-grade diagnostic capability during standard appointments.
Prescription spectacles
We offer a comprehensive range of prescription spectacles with professional fitting services. Our independent status allows access to diverse suppliers, providing options from budget essentials to designer brands. The service includes lifetime refitting and expert advice on frame selection, lens technology, and material suitability for individual prescriptions.
Contact lenses
Our contact lens services include fitting for disposable, extended wear, and specialist lenses. We provide guidance on silicone hydrogel and gas permeable options, with ongoing aftercare support. The Whitakers Opticians Visioncare Scheme offers competitive pricing and annual check-ups for contact lens wearers.
Children's eyecare
Specialised children's eye examinations conducted with age-appropriate techniques. We stock frames designed for young faces from brands like Peppa Pig and Ray-Ban Junior. Our experienced team ensures comfortable examinations and provides guidance for parents on children's visual development needs.
People
David Armitage
Optometrist & Co-Owner
Qualified optometrist with over 30 years' experience at Whitakers Opticians. Trained under Trevor Whitaker, he maintains clinical excellence while leading the business transition to new ownership. Specialises in complex visual requirements and lens technology.
Tracey Armitage
Co-Owner
Joined the business in 2011 after working in Todmorden since 1994. Brings extensive experience in patient care and optical retail management. Focuses on customer service and spectacle frame selection.
Richard Barker
Dispensing Optician
Qualified dispensing optician since 1988, specialising in frame fitting and lens technology. Provides expert advice on spectacle selection and ensures precise fitting for optimal visual performance and comfort.
Questions
What eye examination services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive adult and children's eye exams, emergency PEARS appointments, and advanced 3D-OCT scanning for detailed retinal analysis.
What frame options are available?
We stock designer brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley alongside budget options, with special ranges for children and sports eyewear.
Are there discounts for students?
We offer 30% off adult designer frames for students under 19 years old.
Do you provide emergency eye care?
Yes, we offer PEARS emergency appointments for urgent eye conditions like sudden vision changes or eye pain.
