Designed to give you more information on the people behind Clare & Illingworth

Both the Knutsford and Wilmslow practices are supported by a professional reception team, benefiting from years of experience in customer service.

Drawing from a range of ages and experiences, our reception teams appreciate the importance of a good service and hence strive to offer that to people visiting Clare & Illingworth.

After booking an eye examination through reception or visiting to choose eyewear, you will see one of the following members of our ophthalmic and dispensing teams: 

Mr Derek Clare

The 'Clare' in Clare & Illingworth. Derek works between the two practices and is an Optometrist, carrying out eye examinations, fitting contact lenses and is also an accredited Diabetic Screener. Derek has a long list of patients who he has seen year after year and has built a solid medical experience as well as running two busy practices alongside his business partner Alyson Illingworth. 

Mrs Alyson Illingworth

The 'Illingworth' of Clare & Illingworth. Aly is a Dispensing Optician who works between the two practices, helping patients to choose suitable eyewear or advising on contact lens options. Patients who have seen Aly for years literally trust her to pick out the frame for them, safe in the knowledge that her keen eye for a style that suits and her experience in relevant lens choice will lead to a high quality finish every time.

NOTE: If you would like to see the practice owners, Mr Clare and Mrs Illingworth, for your eye examination and frame selection mention this when you call your chosen practice and our reception team will find the nearest appointment 

Mrs Louise Marshall

Louise has been with Clare & Illingworth for around 8 years. She is an Optometrist and Contact lens practitioner working between the two practices.

Dr James Ma

James has been at Clare & Illingworth for around 6 years now. He is an Optometrist, Contact lens practitioner and accredited Diabetic Screener who is based at the Knutsford Practice. Before re-training as an Optometrist James has worked in various clinical research posts.

Mr Paul Manton

Paul has been with Clare & Illingworth for around 3 years now and works between the two practices as an Optometrist and Contact Lens Practitioner. Paul has gained experience in prestige practices over the last 15 years and has also worked in Los Angeles, giving an insight into a range of practice procedures and medical experience both home and abroad.

Mr Richard Clare

Richard is a Dispensing Optician, has been with the business for around 6 years and is Dereks son. Richard handles the advertising/marketing of the Clare & Illingworth practices and has a passion for sourcing new and innovative frame ranges. He also writes articles on frame choice, colour and fashion in eye wear for newspapers, magazines and on-line publications. See our websites fashion blog for more from Richard.  

Mrs Alison Bradley

Alison has been at Clare & Illingworth for around 3 years and has 15 years experience in the optical industry. Alison is a Dispensing Optician, helping guide our Wilmslow patients through their eyewear options. She has previously managed a busy city centre practice and has years of experience in helping ensure the patient journey is smooth and with good advice along the way.

Mrs Anna Fawkes

Anna has worked at our Wilmslow practice for the past 4 years and brings a wealth of optical knowledge with her after a varied career in dispensing optics. Previously based in London, Anna was part of a busy Kensington practice where, like at Clare & Illingworth, the focus was on quality eyewear options and a customer focussed dispensing style. Anna has also managed a hospital paediatric dispensing team, ensuring she has gained experience in both high street and hospital surroundings

Mrs Katy Proudman

Katy is training to be a Dispensing Optician and works between our two practices. She is in her third year of professional examinations and has around 8 years experience in optics.   

Mrs Lesley Kelly

We are very pleased to say that Lesley has been with Clare & Illingworth since 1990, making her a familiar face to our Wilmslow patients, Lesley runs our Visual Fields clinic at the practice and liases closely with the Optometrists regarding this important aspect of our diagnostic work. 

The Knutsford and Wilmslow Reception teams

Our dedicated reception teams organisation skills aid the smooth running of two very busy practices. They are the first point of contact for patients wishing to book examinations, order contact lenses or for general queries. Thank you to Sue Hunt, Sara Galley, Heather Hawkins, Katherine Leeuw and Sandy Quirk.