Welcome to our News page...

Our news section is designed to keep you informed of practice news, new frames, new technology, new contact lenses, new faces and much more. Keep checking for updates.

The most recent news will always be at the top, then scroll down the page for previous entries.

SUBJECT: Technology changes in Knutsford and Wilmslow

DATE: January 2012

At the beginning of 2011 we committed to improving all systems within both practices and we managed to do this before the years end. I am happy to annouce that both of our practices now have a 'paper-less' system installed and the teams are in process of storing all previous medical notes onto our new system.

What does this mean for our patients and why did we do this?

Paper seems safe and its feels safe because things are written down in front of you - its there, you can touch and feel it. However, paper can also go missing or can be damaged. Ink can degrade and water can damage it. We felt that we would be offering a safer and better all round way of storing data if it was imput directly into a computer and stored on a secure server.

Our new system means all letters and correspondences are scanned in, all important medical details are flagged and we now have a quicker and easier to admin system to use for patients when they enter the practice.

By saving time on the admin, we can further enhance our (already enviable) personal service to patients by freeing up more staff time for one 2 one time with you - which is why you come to us over faceless national companies.

Bare with us at first, there are and will be more teething problems - but we have the back up of a global award winning team through our new system supplier and have technical support 24/7 - this means if there is a problem we fix it straight away.

Thanks for your patience - patients! See you in practice soon

Richard 

SUBJECT: ICEY WEATHER

DATE: 16th December 2011

Just a quick note to let all patients know the hill outside the Knutsford practice is very icey, snowy and slippy.

Please take extra care when heading into town and if you are worried about the weather conditions please feel free to re-book your appointment, we would prefer you are safe at home than risking injury in icey conditions.

Take care out there - The Clare & Illingworth teams

SUBJECT: Congratulations

DATE:  20TH July 2011

Congratulations are in order for our two new Optical Assistants, Heather Hawkins and Sandy Quirk. Both have worked really hard to achieve their Optical Assistants certificate, a recognised qualification within the optical industry highlighting their knowledge of the eye, health conditions and eyewear.

We are really pleased that both passed with flying colours and look forward to Heather and Sandy becoming more hands on working with patients through field tests, contact lens tuitions and assisting the busy dispensing team to make our patients experience here even smoother.

SUBJECT: Welcome to the practice, 'MAGGIE'

DATE: 12th April 2011

We are awaiting arrival of a new product at both practices, the Maggie electronic magnifer. This is a great, portable and discreet electronic magnifer which you hold over the pages (newspapers, books, instructions.....anything,) and it shows a clear and sharp image on the screen. You can even change the magnificiation to increase the test size further AND freeze the image!

The "Maggie" magnifer will be available in both Knutsford and Wilmslow, Cheshire and we will have a demonstration model in both practices shortly.

Product description from manufacturer:

" The Maggie is a sleek, credit card sized electronic magnifier. Depending on your wallet or purse, you can slot it in right near your credit cards or folded bills. How about slipping one in your pocket? There is no other electronic magnifier like this anywhere. With 3.5 hours of battery time, you could find yourself checking and reading things for days without needing a re-charge. When it is time to re-charge, use any wall socket or even a computer, notebook, netbook or anything else with a USB port. The included overnight charger, slowly and fully charges your battery for extended life or you can be on your way with a partial charge in just minutes. "

Ask in practice for details. 

SUBJECT: Christian Dior Limited Edition

DATE: 10th December 2010

For a limited time only, we have the special edition Christian Dior 'Havane' which is adored by celebrities such as Kate Moss, Rhianna and Lady Gaga.

See it in a special edition frame display featured in the Wilmslow practice window over the Christmas period. 

SUBJECT: A friendly gathering

DATE: 5th September 2010

Last night the Clare & Illingworth team were joined by family and friends at Cottons Hotel in Knutsford to celebrate 20 years trading in Knutsford and Wilmslow.

Thank you to everyone involved in the evening and thank you to the guests for making it a memorable evening.

SUBJECT: Save Shannons Sight

DATE: 25th August

You may have heard of the campaign, "Save Shannons Sight" in the press recently. Here is a little information taken from the facebook suppport group:

"Shannon is 2yrs old. She has a rare condition called Peters Plus Syndrome. She has had operations on her eyes, which involved putting grafts on her corneas to try to save her sight. Unfortunately Shannon lost her right eye after it became infected following the surgery. Her right eye has now been replaced with a false eye.

The vision in Shannon's left eye is failing and the retina in it must be kept active if Shannon is to be able to retain the partial vision she has.

Shannon's only hope of being able to read and write one day and do some of the things the rest of us take for granted is surgery.

This surgery is available in America and is artificial cornea replacement, known as Keratoprothesis. The cost of this is £27,000. A number of fundraising events have taken place but the amount has not been raised yet. Shannon's sight is running out of time."

I have just spoken to Shannons father and they have been overwelmed by the generosity people have shown. There is still more fundraising needed to get the surgery and if anyone would like to find out more, pleaase follow the links below. One is to the facebook page and one is an information link to learn more about Peters plus sydrome. 

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=lf#!/pages/save-shannons-sight/116285171717510?v=wall&ref=ts

http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/peters-plus-syndrome

SUBJECT: Take care with contact lens care

DATE: 23rd August 2010

I have just read a bit of a horror story on the 'Daily Mail' on line. Its worth a read as it highlights the dangers involved when contact lenses are not cared for or worn correctly. Follow our routines and keep up to date with your Optician and all shoukld be well.

 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1305521/A-parasite-contact-lens-gnawing-eyeball-The-gruesome-truth-scarily-common-bug.html

SUBJECT: Welcome to Rachael

DATE: 31st July 2010

We are very excited to let you know the vacancy for reception / optical assistant has been filled by our new starter, Rachael.

She starts this monday (2nd August 2010) and the team are really excited to be welcoming her to both practices.

Rachael has previous experience in an independent Optometrists and is ready for a new challenge. Previously, she has been involved in all reception duties at her last practice, some frame buying and contact lens tuitions.

We look forward to welcoming Rachael and seeing her progress in both practices. 

SUBJECT: Applications for reception/optical assistant.

DATE: 20th July

Thank you for all the applications for the role - we have spent hours looking through them and interviewing shortly.

Thank you for all of the interest in this exciting role. 

SUBJECT: We are looking for new team members!

DATE: 12th July 2010

The search is on for a new receptionist / optical adviser and a new Dispensing Optician, both to work between our two practices. The closing date for the reception / optical adviser role is Monday 19th July and the Dispensing Optician is ASAP.

For more details please see out 'work with us section'

SUBJECT: Its a big birthday for us!

DATE: April 2010 

2010 is a big year for all staff at Clare & Illingworth as this is our 20 year birthday!

Spending 20 years in both Knutsford and Wilmslow has allowed us to build solid links with a range of local patients, often seeing families change, children grow up and hear about the exciting news they have to tell us.

Thank you for making Clare & Illingworth your first choice for health care and eye wear and here is to the next 20 years! 

SUBJECT: Clare & Illingworth in the media

DATE: 4thMarch 2010

See the following link to read Richards recent article from Live Cheshire magazine, also on the magazines website

SUBJECT: Tweeting and poking!

DATE: 17th January 2010

Clare & Illingworth now have a Facebook group and a Twitter page!

If you use either or both of the social networking sites you can look us up to keep an eye on new stock and bits of info and news from both practices.

Facebook group - search for Clare & Illingworth

Twitter page - go to http://twitter.com/theoptometrist

SUBJECT: A new face at Clare & Illingworth

DATE: 12th December 2009

Welcome to our new receptionist / optical assistant, Heather Hawkins who joined the team last week. Heather will be spending her first few months training in Knutsford and will then work between the two practices.

SUBJECT: Job vacancy in Knutsford

DATE: 2nd October 2009

Our Optical Assistant is off to a new job nearer her home (with over an hours commute either way, who can blame her!) The Knutsford practice has benefited from kirstins development from reception onto a range of dispensing tasks, something which we would like to further expand on with any new members of staff. So, if you are interested in working in our Knutsford practice, please get in contact with Richard Clare on richard@theoptometrist.com or call 01565 632066 for further details.

SUBJECT: Tailored frames to arrive at Clare & Illingworth

Date: 07th April 2009

In conjunction with celebrity frame designer, Tom Davies, Clare & Illingworth will soon be able to offer a Tailored frame range allowing patients and customers the chance to choose a frame shape, choose the colour from an extensive range and even fit the frame around the wearer by taking individual facial measurements into account.

The frame is designed to the wearers exact requirements and as a discreet finishing touch, the frame will have the wearers name engraved on the inside.

Just as you are able to have a suit tailored to your needs, eyewear can now benefit from the same bespoke service at your Opticians in Knutsford.

For more information contact Richard on 01565 632066 or email at richard@theoptometrist.com 

SUBJECT: The 15% promotion continues

Date: 23rd March 2009

During March, April and May, the two Clare & Illingworth practices are offering 15% off our new seasons designer sunglasses.

"Sunglasses are a great way to protect your eyes from UV damage. We often think of protecting our skin but sometmes forget our eyes. A good quality lens will help block harmful UV rays and also give you a new style to enjoy." Alyson Illingworth.

SUBJECT: Congratulations to Katy

Date: 23rd March 2009

Everyone at Clare & Illingworth would like to say a big congratulations and welcome home to Katy Proudman (nee Trangmar.) Katy, a member of our dispensing team at our Opticians in Wilmslow, married Matthew on the 7th March 2009 and has just returned from a relaxing honeymoon in the sun.

SUBJECT: The Toni & Guy Hospital ward

Date: 24th February 2009

The Toni & Guy charitable foundation raises money to fund the renovation of the 'Variety Club Childrens Hospital' which provides treatment for children with a range of illnesses, including liver disease, cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease. 40,000 children are treated at the hospital every year!

Our local Toni & Guy in Knutsford will be creating a fantastic hamper with the help of local businesses and also by having a fancy dress day on the 7th March 2009.

To help encourage raffle ticket sales for the hamper, Clare & Illingworth have donated a £200 voucher to be used on one of our popular sunglasses ranges, Gucci, Fendi, Emilio Pucci, Rayban or Nike.

Good luck to all at Toni & Guy in Knutsford and enjoy your fancy dress day!  

SUBJECT: Charity of the year announced.

Date: 12th January 2009

The Clare & Illingworth charity of the year has been announced today. Our chosen charity for 2009 is 'Vision Aid Overseas.'

VAO have spent 23 years trying to help people in the developing world by providing eye examinations and glasses. Since they were established they have provided over 600,000 eye examinations and over 300,000 pairs of glasses to the most needy people in the world.

VAO works by sending teams of volunteer optometrists and dispensing opticians to set up clinics testing eyes and dispensing appropriate eyewear. With this fantastic service, people are given the chance to see clearly, gain a better education and develop skills which help them, their families and their local community.

One way in which patients and customers of Clare & Illingworth can get involved is to bring in old, no-longer used glasses for us to send off to VAO. These glasses can then be used to give the gift of sight, and best of all, it costs nothing to donate.

Clare & Illingworth patients have been kindly sending glasses to VAO through our practices for many years and by choosing VAO as our charity of the year, we plan to support the organisation by promoting their good work throughout our local communities.

“Vision Aid Overseas brings hope to those who would otherwise have a lifetime without being able to see. Thank you for your help.”

Fiona Bruce

“To give someone their sight back is a truly wonderful gift. Your support to Vision Aid Overseas is crucial to our work.”

Sir Trevor MacDonald OBE

For any more information on VAO, you can visit their website at www.vao.org.uk or email richard@theoptometrist.com

Please look out for updates in the coming months.

SUBJECT: Winning windows in Knutsford

Date: 2nd December 2008

Worldwide eyewear company 'Silhouette Eyewear' staged a UK wide hunt to track down the best designed window featuring their new collection, the 'Must' collection. The frames offer lightweight wear, seemless design and a discreet style, which was reflected in Clare & Illingworths Knutsford practice through the use of clouds, butterflies and a sky theme, circling Silhouette frames suspended in mid air.

"We are all really pleased to be recognised as an innovative and forward thinking practice, especially beating practices throughout the whole of the UK," comments Richard Clare of the Knutsford practice.

SUBJECT: Fendi eyewear limited editions.

Date: 1st December 2008

Clare & Illingworth has a postive and long standing relationship with the exclusive Fendi brand which has now been enhanced by our Fendi 'Clinte di prestigio' status.

Clare & Illingworth Optometrists are now one of just 50 key accounts in the UK which not only benefit from being the first to receive the new ranges but also have access to limited edition eyewear. 

Each season there will only be 750 limited edition frames produced globally, of which only 50 will enter the UK. Clare & Illingworth Knutsford and Wilmslow have exclusive access to these frames in our areas.

"Both practices are really excited about this enhanced service we can now offer our patients who are interested in the Fendi brand." Richard Clare, Knutsford practice.

SUBJECT: Jimmy Choo to arrive in Wilmslow

DATE: 21st November 2008

Worldwide fame for luxurious and fashionable shoes obviously isn't enough for Jimmy Choo as 2008 sees the company expand into the eyewear industry with the launch of their first range of glasses!

Clare & Illingworth has been selected as one of the limited stockists in the UK and this exciting new range is due to arrive in our Wilmslow practice mid-december.

SUBJECT: Increased Contact Lens Tuition Time

DATE: 2nd November 2008

Kirstin, our certified Optical Assistant at the Knutsford practice has now completed her in-house training for Contact Lens Tuitions. For the practice, this means increased time available for teaching patients how to use contact lenses.

SUBJECT: The Website is launched

DATE:  1st October 2008

The new Clare & Illingworth website has arrived!

Our new and improved website now offers an insight into the workings of both practices, the eyewear options and current news on team members. The site will be updated regularily and we have also included a fashion blog by Richard Clare to keep fashionistas informed of the new styles and current trends as they arrive.