Established in 1908, Peter Frampton (owner and Lead Optometrist of Aarons) is proud to have built a strong reputation for providing the highest standard of optical care and services. Aarons has challenged the conventional optometry business model for over 25 years. Our Credo: ‘to extend the role of community based ocular health care’ and in doing so ‘improve or enhance a patients quality of life’. The need to change the way optometry works has been evident for many years and has been the driving force behind every change made.
The traditional role of an optician as a simple technician prescribing and fitting optical correction does not reflect the clinical needs of a struggling health service. The need to evolve this profession is paramount to the success and financial security of the current healthcare system.
Independent Prescribing; Medical Optometrists became a legal reality in 2009. Peter Frampton was one of the first 30 Optometrists in the UK to gain Independent Prescribing qualifications. Most Medical Optometrists work in the hospital setting. There are still very few practicing in the community where they are, argubly, needed most. It remains a very exclusive group but every Optometrist working in Aarons is either a medical Optometrist or completing the qualification.
January brought a new year and a new Optometrists in the form of Sarah Gray.
Andrew completed his Professional Certificate in Medical Retina course.
2024 marked the 30th year of working with CR Bespoke, the excellent team behind our many practice refits, on our latest refresh of both floors.
We excitedly launched the new Woodys Eyewear collection. Made in Barcelona, perfect for those looking to be different from the rest.
We also started to work with a wider range of glazing labs including Hoya, Zeiss and Essilor - expanding our lens catalogues to provide more options to our patients.
In 2022, we introduced our two-tier eye examination system. Allowing everyone the choice to upgrade their test to an enhanced examination.
Aarons became of the first accredited practices to offer MiYOSMART lenses from Hoya, designed to reduce the risk of further myopia in children.
Andrea Carroll and Jamie Robinson completed their Level 4 Diploma for Optical Technicians.
Aarons partnered with The Hearing Care Partnership to provide full hearing assessments.
To coincide with our green ethos, when it came to deciding on a new car for the business, it obviously had to be electric.
Peter became a visiting lecturer for the University of Hertfordshire.
Andrew passed his ‘Independent Prescribing’ course from Glasgow Caledonian University.
The contact lens and spectacle recycling schemes begin.
To reflect the advanced qualifications and commitment to care, we rebranded to ‘Medical Optometrists’.
The first floor of the practice also went through a refit to create a more welcoming space.
We introduced MiSight contact lenses as a form of myopia control.
Peter Frampton became a Doctor in Optometry.
Debbie Liu Tam began her training as a Medical Retinal Specialist.
Andrew Watson began his training for ‘Independent Prescribing’ qualification and will become our next Medical IP Optometrist in 2018.
Debbie Liu Tam became an ‘Independent Prescribing’ Optometrist.
Emma & Ann joined our team in November 2014 as Optical Assistants after previously working at another Optical group
Acceptance of the offer from Manchester University to be an affiliate Clinical Practice to help train their Master of Optometry students. This is a great honour and we work in conjunction with Royal Manchester Hospital.
Peter Frampton has also been made an Honorary Lecturer at Manchester University.
Peter Frampton co-authored the ‘Red Eye’ course for Johnson and Johnson Vision Care Institute and regularly travels to their headquarters to co-present this 2-day educational programme.
Published:
Andrew Watson qualifies with First Class Degree in Optometry.
Debbie Key started as a member of our clinical assistant team.
Peter Frampton was awarded a ‘Fellowship of the College of Optometry’ in recognition of his commitment to clinical excellence. A Fellowship is the highest honour awarded by the college, and the award citation reads to be acknowledged by your peers is a great honour. We certainly do strive to give a clinically excellent service under extremely difficult financial constraints.
Commenced Ophthalmic Doctorate: Aston University
‘Tonometry: A Study in Biomechanical Modelling. Appraisal and Utility of Measurable Biomechanical Markers’.
Claire joined the team with previous experience of working in optics.
Jamie became a member of the in-house lab as an apprentice.
Published: ‘Arguing the Case for Independent Prescribing’. Optometry Today 2010
Peter Frampton was one of the first 30 optometrists to be awarded Independent Prescriber status; meaning some optometrists can now treat eye disease and prescribe ocular drugs independently of a GP or hospital.
Published: ‘Are Shared Care Schemes Financially Viable?’ Optician 2009
Published: ‘Arguing the Case for Independent Prescribing’. Optometry Today 2010
Peter receives his Diplomas in Additional Supply and Supplementary Prescribing.
Debbie Liu Tam joins the team as a Pre-Registration Optometrist. After qualifying, she stayed with us to further her educational qualifications and clinical experience.
Karen Henderson also joins us and immediately begins her Optical Assistant course which she passes in 2008.
Published: ‘Ministry of Transport’ Optician, February 2007.
Northumberland Care Trust Award. Joint winner of the ‘Innovation in Practice’ award for recognition for those who have demonstrated excellence in the manner they work and the services they provide.
With previous experience working in the optical industry, Kelly became a member of the team in September.
Peter and Aaron Optometrists wins an Optician Awards for ‘Outstanding Optometrist of the Year’ – the very first individual and practice to be awarded this honour.
Optician Awards ‘Technology Practice of the Year’ – reflecting our commitment to ensuring the highest quality of clinical care.
Peter graduated Bradford University – Masters Degree with Distinction in Ocular Therapeutics.
Dissertation: ‘Sleep Induced Spikes in Intraocular Pressure and Possible implications with the use of Prostaglandin Analogue Drugs for the Treatment of Chronic Open Angle Glaucoma’
Andrea joins the team as Strategic Manager – initially only for one year.
We expanded the practice to cover two floors in 2004, meaning more technology, which included:
Andrew passes his Contact Lens qualification first time.
Northumberland Care Trust Award – ‘Innovation in Practice – Pushing the Boundaries’ – for our Patient Transport service for less mobile patients.
Introduced our first ‘Patient Transport’ vehicle to allow less mobile patients to access a fully equipped optometry practice
Gayle began working with Aarons as a Glazing Technician. She has since completed her Dispensing Optician degree.
Andrew Watson joins Aarons as a trainee Dispensing Optician.
Aaron Optometrists moved from Unit 5 to Unit 1 Bellway House.
Purchased the Corneal Topographer, which aids the detection of Keratoconus and fitting of complex contact lenses. It remains the only one in Northumberland.
Our first camera, the Digital Fundus Camera – with Polaroid Film! 20 years before it became mainstream.
Peter Frampton takes ownership of S Aaron (Opticians) and immediately changed the name to Aaron Optometrists to reflect modern intentions.
Sidney Aaron sold to a small Optometry Chain. The hayday of controlled optometry was over and Aarons looked dated.
Advertisements by Aarons in the Ashington and District Advertiser.
Sometime in the 1940’s, Saul’s son Sidney takes over S. Aaron Opticians.
Circa 1908, Saul Aaron opens ‘S. Aaron Ophthalmic Opticians’ on Station Road, Ashington.
Learn about our commitment to providing cutting-edge eye care, and personalised attention to our patients services at Aaron Optometrists.
