Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Opticians in Darlington Since 1902
Established in 1902, Cooper & Leatherbarrow is a family-run opticians with three practices across County Durham and North Yorkshire. Our legacy of over a century combines clinical expertise with a commitment to patient-centred care, offering comprehensive eye examinations, advanced diagnostic technology, and tailored eyewear solutions. We prioritise accessibility, providing both NHS and private services, including OCT scanning, contact lens fittings, and hearing assessments. Our team of experienced optometrists and audiologists ensures every client receives personalised attention, from toddlers to great-grandparents. With in-house workshop facilities and a focus on innovation, we bridge the gap between high street optometry and hospital-level care.Our values of trust, expertise, and community engagement have sustained generations of loyal patients. We invest in cutting-edge equipment to detect early signs of eye disease, ensuring long-term vision health. As independent practitioners, we offer unbiased advice on eyewear, lenses, and hearing aids, partnering with leading brands to meet diverse needs. Our dedication to transparency and ethical service remains unwavering, reflected in our repeat clientele and referrals. Whether addressing urgent eye conditions or providing routine care, we maintain a compassionate, professional approach. This heritage of excellence positions us as a trusted leader in regional eyecare and audiology.
Services
Eye Examinations
Contact Lenses
OCT Scanning
Children's Eyecare
Hearing Tests
Dry Eye Clinic
Spectacle Fitting
Prescribing Service
Ear Wax Removal
Myopia Management
Details
- Year established: 1902
Highlights and features
- We have over 120 years of experience in independent optometry.
- Our team includes prescribers qualified to treat minor eye conditions.
- We use cutting-edge OCT and Optomap technology for early disease detection.
- Our family-friendly service caters to all ages, from toddlers to seniors.
- We offer exclusive membership plans with unlimited eyecare and discounts.
Services
Eye Examinations
Our comprehensive eye exams use advanced technology to assess vision and detect early signs of conditions like glaucoma. Patients receive detailed explanations of results and tailored recommendations. Regular check-ups help maintain long-term eye health for all ages.
OCT Scanning
Optical Coherence Tomography provides non-invasive, high-resolution images of the retina to identify potential issues before symptoms appear. This technology enables early intervention for conditions such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, preserving vision.
Contact Lenses
We offer specialist fitting for all contact lens types, including trial periods and ongoing support. Our optometrists ensure comfort and suitability, providing guidance on hygiene and replacement schedules tailored to individual lifestyles and visual needs.
Hearing Tests
Free comprehensive hearing assessments identify causes of hearing loss, with solutions including discreet Bluetooth-enabled aids. Our audiologist provides ear wax removal using micro-suction and lifetime aftercare, ensuring optimal hearing health in a supportive environment.
Dry Eye Clinic
Specialist treatment for dry eye includes BlephEx therapy and punctal plugs, with membership plans covering regular appointments. We address underlying causes and provide tailored management strategies, improving comfort and reducing long-term complications through advanced care.
People
Ellis Leatherbarrow
Principal Optometrist
Third-generation optometrist with over 40 years' experience, leading the practice since 1995. Committed to maintaining family values while integrating modern diagnostic techniques, ensuring high standards of patient care and professional development across all branches.
Chloe Browne
Audiologist
Qualified hearing aid dispenser with NHS and private sector experience, specialising in personalised audiology solutions. Focuses on patient education and premium service delivery, offering home visits and advanced hearing technology consultations to enhance accessibility and care quality.
Questions
What eye exams do you offer?
We provide NHS and private eye exams, OCT scans, and emergency appointments for sudden vision changes or eye pain.
Do you have children's eyecare services?
Yes, we offer child-friendly eye exams and specialist support for vision development and learning-related visual problems.
How do your membership plans work?
Care+ and Dry Eye+ memberships provide monthly access to unlimited eyecare, technology upgrades, and exclusive discounts on products and services.
Do you offer hearing assessments?
Yes, we provide free hearing tests, ear wax removal, and hearing aid solutions in partnership with Amplify Hearing.
Are your optometrists qualified to treat eye conditions?
Our prescribers can diagnose and treat minor eye conditions like infections, offering medication and specialist referrals when needed.