About us
The BIG Optician provides first-class eyecare and excellent value for money. We are a family-owned and run business providing fully comprehensive eye examinations, private and free NHS eye tests. We are a family-friendly optical practice and welcome people from across the generations.
We use state-of-the-art eye testing equipment and include digital retinal photography at no extra charge as part of our comprehensive eye examinations. We only employ fully qualified, experienced optometrists who will give you the highest level of clinical care. We have an extensive range of glasses and contact lenses with spectacles inclusive of lenses starting at £49. We stock frames from top designers such as Chanel, Lindberg, Oakley, Ray-Ban, Tom Ford, Prada and Tag Heuer. Designer glasses start from £99. We strongly believe that good quality spectacles should be affordable for everyone.We are proud to say that we are never knowingly undersold on our designer glasses and designer sunglasses.
The BIG Optician Staff Profiles
Keith Little : BSc Hons, McOptom - Director of Optometry
Keith is the owner optometrist of The BIG Optician. He has almost 30 years optometric experience and was originally Clinical Director of the Newcastle Eye Clinic. Keith set up The BIG Optician over 7 years ago to provide the same standards of award-winning eyecare. It is testimony to Keith's professionalism and high clinical standards that many of his patients have been coming to Keith for their eyecare for almost 30 years and Keith has become optician to their children and even their grandchildren. 'I am delighted that most of our business comes from our existing clients recommending The BIG Optician to their friends and family. This is because we continue to provide exceptional value for money and excellent eye care'
Gillian Urwin : BSc Hons, McOptom
Gillian has over 12 years experience as an optometrist and has worked at The Big Optician for over 5 of these years. Gillian is a graduate of Cardiff University here she obtained her Optometry degree with Honours. Prior to joining us at The Big Optician Gillian worked with Keith as an optometrist at Newcastle Eye Clinic.
Ed O'Gara : BSc Hons, McOptomEd has been with The Big Optician for over three years. As well as working as a general optometrist undertaking eye examinations and contact lens assessments, Ed has a specialised interest in laser-vision correction and undertakes laser-vision assessment clinics. Ed graduated from the University of Ulster in 2005 and qualified as an optometrist in 2006.
Dan Brindle : FBDO
Dan is a qualified Dispensing Optician with over 25 years experience. He joined Keith's team at The BIG Optician in January 2009 and provides expertise on optical lenses and frames. Prior to that Dan worked at Boots Optician in Newcastle.
George Hopper
George has almost 50 years experience in the optical industry as a spectacle lens specialist and technician. George has been with The Big Optician since it opened 7 years ago. As well as offering a warm and friendly welcome, George provides his expert advice, gleaned over nearly half a century, on latest technology spectacle lenses and frames. Prior to joining The Big Optician, George was Technical Manager for many years at Newcastle Eye Clinic.
Karen Little : MSc, RGN
Karen is practice manager of this family owned business. She has over 30 years experience of working within the NHS, mainly within nursing, quality assurance and general management roles. Karen is responsible for client services and ensuring the smooth running of the business. A key role is to ensure that the range of frames on offer is comprehensive, fresh and exciting. Karen regularly travels to Milan and Paris in order to keep abreast of eyewear fashion and styles to ensure that The BIG Optician is the leading edge supplier of eyewear in Newcastle.
