Business Details
Your Trusted Opticians in Ashford for Over 100 Years
Brownbills Optometrists, an independent family-run practice in Ashford, has been delivering exceptional eye care for over a century. Established in a historic Victorian house, we combine advanced technology like Optical Coherence Tomography and Optomap imaging with a personal approach to patient care. Our team of experienced optometrists and dispensing opticians prioritises clinical excellence, offering comprehensive services including eye examinations, contact lens fittings, and specialist clinics for conditions like glaucoma and dry eye.Recognised as Practice Team of the Year, we maintain strong community ties and invest in ongoing professional development to ensure the highest standards of care. Our commitment to accessibility and patient comfort is reflected in our GOLD award from the Ashford Access Group, while our partnerships with leading optical brands allow us to provide both cutting-edge solutions and stylish eyewear options tailored to individual lifestyles.
Services
Eye Examinations
Contact Lenses
Hearing Care
Optical Products
Dry Eye Clinic
Children's Eye Care
Low Vision Services
Glaucoma Monitoring
Myopia Management
Spectacle Dispensing
Highlights and features
- Over 100 years of continuous service to the Ashford community
- Team includes specialists in paediatric optometry and myopia management
- Investment in cutting-edge diagnostic technology like OCT and Optomap
- Personalised approach with family-run practice values
- Recognised with Practice Team of the Year award
Associations and certifications
- Ashford Access Group
What people say
Excellent friendly service
Faultless
Highly recommend
Professional service
Knowledgeable staff
Services
Eye Examinations
Our comprehensive eye examinations use advanced technology like DNEye Scanners and Optomap imaging to assess visual health. The process includes pre-screening scans, detailed medical history review, and intraocular pressure testing. Patients receive immediate digital results and personalised recommendations for corrective lenses or specialist referrals. The 40-60 minute appointments ensure thorough analysis of both vision correction needs and ocular health indicators.
Contact Lenses
We provide tailored contact lens solutions with expert fitting services for soft, rigid gas-permeable, and specialist lenses. The process includes suitability assessments, application training, and ongoing care guidance. Our optometrists offer regular check-ups to ensure eye health while wearing lenses, with access to the latest daily disposables and extended wear options. We also participate in the ACUVUE recycling programme for environmental responsibility.
Hearing Care
Partnering with The Hearing Care Partnership, we offer full hearing assessments and wax removal services. Our audiologists use video otoscopy and pure tone audiometry to diagnose hearing issues. The service includes custom hearing protection solutions and hearing aid reviews. Patients benefit from free initial consultations and access to the latest hearing technology through our specialist partner network.
Dry Eye Clinic
Specialist clinic addressing chronic dry eye conditions through advanced diagnostics like tear film analysis. Treatment plans combine artificial tears, lid hygiene routines, and environmental adaptations. The clinic offers meibomian gland expression and recommends appropriate lubricants. Patients receive personalised management strategies to improve ocular comfort and reduce symptoms affecting daily activities.
Myopia Management
Evidence-based programmes to slow childhood myopia progression using orthokeratology lenses and multifocal contact lenses. The service includes regular monitoring of axial length changes and environmental risk factor assessments. Our optometrists provide detailed guidance on outdoor activity recommendations and digital device usage patterns to complement optical interventions for young patients.
People
Dr Huw Pinney
Director & Lead Optometrist
Qualified in 1984 with a PhD in Visual Science, Dr Pinney has led Brownbills Optometrists since 1994. He specialises in post-operative cataract care and community eye pathways, maintaining active roles in local optical committees while balancing family life with sporting activities.
Mrs Helen Pinney
Director & Practice Manager
A 1987 optometry graduate, Helen manages practice operations while maintaining professional engagement through SightCare Business Group. She combines mental health first aid training with interests in gardening and music, having co-owned the practice since 1994.
Gillian Stepek
Optometrist
Qualified in 2021 with first-class honours, Gillian specialises in paediatric optometry and low vision. She mentors pre-registration students and holds accreditations in myopia management, bringing recent academic excellence to patient care while maintaining equestrian hobbies.
Akemi Collier-Hutchins
Dispensing Optician
Qualified in 2018, Akemi focuses on myopia control and accessible care. A Macular Society member, he combines clinical excellence with citizen science projects and family time, bringing diverse experience from NHS ophthalmology services.
Hannah Pinney-Thomson
Business Development Associate
With a science history background, Hannah manages digital marketing while performing professionally in choirs. She bridges traditional optometry heritage with modern business practices, maintaining family connections through her marriage to practice owner Helen.
Questions
What makes Brownbills Optometrists different from high street opticians?
As independent practitioners since 1923, we offer personalised care with advanced technology and specialist clinics. Our team's extensive experience and community focus provide tailored solutions beyond standard optical services.
Do you offer children's eye examinations?
Yes, we provide comprehensive children's eye exams with specialists experienced in paediatric optometry. Our child-friendly environment and thorough assessments ensure early detection of vision issues affecting learning and development.
Can I get emergency eye care?
While we don't offer 24/7 emergency services, we prioritise urgent cases during operating hours. For after-hours emergencies, we recommend contacting NHS 111 or local hospital eye departments.
Do you stock designer eyewear?
We offer a curated selection of premium optical brands alongside practical frames. Our independent status allows us to source both luxury and value options, with expert guidance to match frames to individual prescriptions and lifestyles.
How do you handle complex eye conditions?
Our practice runs specialist clinics for glaucoma, low vision, and myopia management. We collaborate with ophthalmologists for referrals and maintain advanced diagnostic equipment to monitor and manage chronic conditions effectively.
Can I book online appointments?
While we recommend calling for initial consultations, we offer online booking for follow-up appointments and hearing assessments through our website. Our team ensures appropriate time allocation for comprehensive care.
