Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Whitakers Opticians: Expert Eye Care & Designer Eyewear in Calderdale
Established in 1932, Whitakers Opticians has remained an independently owned, family-run business dedicated to providing exceptional eyecare and optical services. Under the current ownership of David Armitage, Tracey Armitage, and Richard Barker, we continue a legacy of expertise built over nine decades. Our team combines deep local knowledge with advanced clinical training, offering comprehensive eye examinations, cutting-edge diagnostic technology like 3D-OCT scanning, and tailored eyewear solutions. We prioritise patient comfort through private consulting rooms, child-friendly examinations, and a commitment to accessible, high-quality care. Our independence allows us to curate an extensive selection of frames from leading brands and unbranded options, ensuring value and choice for all customers. With branches in Elland and Sowerby Bridge, we serve Calderdale and Kirklees communities, maintaining the trust earned through generations of service.Our dispensing team provides expert advice on frame and lens selection, including specialist options like varifocals and occupational lenses, backed by a lifetime fitting guarantee. We invest in the latest lens technologies, including silicone hydrogel contact lenses and UV-protective coatings, to meet diverse visual needs. Our Visioncare Scheme offers cost-effective contact lens plans with added benefits, reflecting our focus on long-term customer relationships. Through consistent investment in staff development and equipment, we ensure our services remain at the forefront of optical care while preserving the personal touch that defines our practice.
Services
Eye examinations
3D-OCT scanning
Contact lenses
Designer frames
Varifocal lenses
Children's eyecare
Occupational lenses
Lens tints
Visioncare scheme
Emergency appointments
Details
- Year established: 1932
Highlights and features
- Family-run optical expertise since 1932 with three generations of local experience
- Advanced 3D-OCT scanning for early detection of eye conditions
- Largest frame selection in Calderdale across two convenient locations
- Child-friendly examinations with specialist paediatric eyewear options
- Lifetime professional fitting guarantee on all purchased spectacles
Services
Eye examinations
Our comprehensive eye exams use advanced techniques to assess vision and eye health. Conducted in private, air-conditioned rooms, these 30-minute appointments include retinal imaging and tailored assessments. Our optometrists detect conditions like glaucoma while providing personalised eyewear recommendations.
3D-OCT scanning
This diagnostic technology creates 3D images of your retina to detect eye diseases early. Available at both branches, the non-invasive scan takes minutes and can be added to NHS or private eye tests. It helps identify macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy before symptoms appear.
Designer frames
We stock over 1,000 frames from global brands and independent designers. Our dispensing experts help select styles suited to facial shape and prescription needs. Options range from Ray-Ban classics to contemporary unbranded designs, with price-matching available for equivalent online offers.
Contact lenses
Our optometrists specialise in fitting all lens types including daily disposables and astigmatism-correcting toric lenses. We offer trial periods and teach proper handling techniques. The Visioncare Scheme provides cost-effective monthly contact lens plans with included aftercare appointments.
Children's eyecare
We conduct child-friendly eye tests for patients of all ages. Our experienced team uses engaging techniques to assess vision development. We supply durable frames specifically designed for young faces, including licensed characters and sports styles to suit active lifestyles.
People
David Armitage
Optometrist & Co-owner
Qualified in 1991, David trained under Trevor Whitaker and has worked at the practice since before qualification. He specialises in clinical eye care and maintains the business's heritage of excellence in optical services.
Richard Barker
Dispensing Optician & Co-owner
With over 30 years' experience since joining in 1988, Richard provides expert frame and lens advice. His technical knowledge ensures optimal eyewear solutions for complex prescriptions while maintaining the practice's traditional values.
Tracey Armitage
Co-owner
Joining in 2011, Tracey brings extensive experience from Todmorden practice. She oversees customer service operations and ensures the business maintains its reputation for friendly, professional eyecare across both branches.
Questions
Do you offer NHS eye examinations?
Yes, we provide NHS eye tests for eligible patients at no cost.
Can you help with emergency eye appointments?
We offer PEARS emergency examinations for urgent eye conditions like sudden vision changes.
What frame brands do you stock?
We carry designer brands including Ray-Ban, Oakley, Ted Baker, and Barbour alongside budget options.
Do you provide children's eyewear?
Yes, we have specialist frames for children from brands like Peppa Pig and Minions.
Can I try varifocal lenses risk-free?
We allow lens type changes within adaptation period if varifocals prove unsuitable.
Reviews (5)
BrawnyFanta
Mar 23, 2022
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Very nice opticians. Staff all polite and welcoming. Eye exam went smoothly and each step of the process explained so I knew what was going on. No pressure in sales tactics either. Decent experience, which is why I've been using them since I was at school.
Kevin Mcdonald
Dec 18, 2021
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The optician was exceptionally rude when I asked for my prescription. Basically told me not to come back. And I won't.
Mica Mila
Nov 12, 2021
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Just bought my second pair of specs from the Elland branch. The opticians are very thorough with eyesight checks and eye health; the frames are well made with a good choice of modern designs; the staff are helpful, nothing is too much trouble. My new pair are colourful, handmade, Johann Von Goisern
Ben Pearce
Feb 25, 2020
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Had a check up there this morning, what a wonderful service. David, the optometrist is super thorough and explains everything to you in great detail. He is committed to providing a great customer experience and demonstrated a great understanding of my individual needs.
Neti Neti
Jul 28, 2019
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I've not felt so well cared for by an optician in many years. From the friendly and efficient receptionist though to the optometrist and dispensing optician the service is impeccable with current technology used to the patients advantage. Due to complications I've been waiting 2 years before I've been able to choose a pair of spectacles which I like. This is a much waited for event and although I'd an idea of the kind of frame I'd like I was unsure that I'd be totally happy with the final result due to my prescription.
Not only was a simple and workable solution to my eyesight challenges found by the optometrist but this was held in mind by the dispensing optician during the process of choosing frames. I'm delighted and relieved with the service at Whitakers and will happily and confidentiality recommend to friends and family.
Not only was a simple and workable solution to my eyesight challenges found by the optometrist but this was held in mind by the dispensing optician during the process of choosing frames. I'm delighted and relieved with the service at Whitakers and will happily and confidentiality recommend to friends and family.
