CROFT & GRAVES OPTOMETRISTS is an independent optomotrists practice located in Corbridge, Northumberland.

NICK CROFT Nick did his pre-registration training in the Eye Department at Newcastle General Hospital, before qualifying as an optometrist in 1990. He then worked for a number of years at a practice in Gateshead while continuing to work in the Eye Department at Newcastle General Hospital. Nick then moved to the Caribbean and practiced in Trinidad for two years. Since returning to the United Kingdom he has worked in a number of independent practices in the North East of England. Nick has a particular clinical interest in contact lenses, low visual aids and eyecare in children. Nick, who lives in Sandhoe, enjoys walking and photography.

IAN HAMPTON GRAVES Ian Graves qualified as an optometrist in the 1960’s. He originally worked as an employed contact lens fitter, before purchasing a practice in Gateshead. Shortly afterwards he set up Ian Hampton Graves Optometrists in Corbridge. In 1980 Ian passed the further qualification of a diploma in contact lens practice and he continues this interest in contact lenses today. Ian, who lives in Corbridge, is a past chairman of the North East branch of the Association of Optometrists. He is involved with the Tynedale Rotary and in the work of the charity, Vision Aid Overseas.

KATH RICHMOND Kath graduated from Bradford University with a first class honours degree in 1981. She did her pre-registration training at Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital, before qualifying as an optometrist in 1982. Since qualifying she has worked in independent practice in Manchester and the North East of England. Kath works at Croft and Graves for one day each month. Her clinical interests are eyecare in children, contact lenses and dry/allergic eye problems. Kath lives in Corbridge, her interests include pilates, reading and eating out.

DEBORAH WILLIAMS Deborah qualified as a dispensing optician in 1997. Deborah, who lives in Hexham, now works part time within the practice after the birth of her two children.

LIZ STRINGER Liz originally trained as an orthoptist, before qualifying as a dispensing optician. She is an examiner for the British College of Dispensing Opticians and worked in a number of practices in the North East , before coming to work for Croft and Graves. Liz lives in the village of Wark.

VAL SOULSBY Val is one of our optical assistants. She has worked in optometrists’ practices in Hexham and Corbridge since 1977. Val has lived in Corbridge all her life and is married with three grown up children.

JAN SEELEY Jan has worked as an optical receptionist for six years. Jan lives in Riding Mill and is married with two grown up children, one of whom is an optometrist.

VANESSA SAUNDERS Vanessa, who lives in Ovingham, first worked as an optical assistant 14 years ago. Following a career break to have her 2 children, she returned to work in optical assistant in 2009.