About Us

PJO Group

Our Story

We are a rapidly growing National award -winning practice which opened in Carnforth in 2002.

Our optical team are College of Optometry Qualified, Association of Dispensing Opticians Qualified and registered within the General Optical Council and we are actively engaged within the North Lancashire local optical committee and Lancashire Optical Society improving our ophthalmic expertise and therefore in pole position to offer the latest optical services in the region.

We aspire to provide within our community a nucleus of ophthalmic excellence offering a destination for those of you who cherish their eyesight and also want to wear something beautiful on their faces.

We believe when it comes to eyesight you simply cannot afford to compromise

So come and see for yourself and discover a different experience at Philip Jones Opticians.

“We believe when it comes to eyesight you simply cannot afford to compromise”

Meet Our Friendly Team

Julie

Julie

Optical Assistant

Hi, I’m Julie, I joined the fantastic team here at Philip Jones Opticians in 2022.  My background is in Administration and customer services.  I am here to make your time with us run smoothly so please feel free to ask any questions

Abbie Bassinder

Abbie Bassinder

Optical Assistant

Hello, I’m Abbie, one of the reception and optical assistant team members  at Philip Jones Opticians. I started my career here in June 2019 after being a patient of Mr. Jones’s for many years.

Working at Philip Jones Opticians has opened many doors for me, and I have had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful people. I know many of our patients feel comfortable and relaxed whilst they are in the practice, so much so, they often pop in as they walk by to say hello and have a chat.

I really enjoy my role and could not wish for better colleagues to work with. You, as patients are at the heart of what we do. Nothing is ever too much to ask and I enjoy finding little ways to make your experience that little bit better.

I look forward to seeing you soon and will welcome you with a big smile and a cup of tea.

Helen Edwards

Helen Edwards

Dispensing Optician

Hello I’m Helen and I am a Dispensing Optician here at a PJO.

I have worked in optics for 23 years, qualifying as Dispensing Optician in 2011 alongside Jen and in April 2022 I was delighted to take up the opportunity to once again work alongside her and join the team at PJO.

I am very much a people person and enjoy talking to others , which enables me to help choose the right spectacle frame for your personality and lifestyle.
The freedom of working for a well respected, independent opticians allows me to source lenses that are both high in quality and that use the latest technology all to fit that perfect spectacle frame.

Away from work I enjoy walking with my family and listening to podcasts and socialising with friends.

I look forward to seeing you soon.

Emily Paterson

Emily Paterson

Optometrist

Hi. I’m Emily Paterson. I have been qualified as an Optometrist since 2005 years and have been working part-time at Philip Jones Opticians since 2016.

I pride myself in providing a very comprehensive eye test but in a friendly manner. I aim to put you at ease and thoroughly check the health of your eyes, your prescription and then to clearly explain the results and answer any questions you may have. I am passionate about providing high quality eye care. I enjoy my job and the variety it provides. I love meeting different people every day with the challenges they may present with.

Away from the practice I enjoy family life with my husband and 2 children. I love to spend time with family and friends and keep busy and active, especially outdoors. I am also happy with a cup of tea and a book in my hand.

Joan Dugan

Joan Dugan

Optical Assistant

Hi, my name’s Joan and I’m one of the Optical Assistants here at Philip Jones Opticians in Carnforth.

Married with two children, I’ve been in optics for over 30 years now,  and since 2017 here with Phil and his amazing team. As a people person I enjoy meeting and greeting our customers when you come in to practice and taking your calls on reception. From conducting your pre-examination before your sight test, to helping you with your frame styling, lens options, adjusting your glasses or repairing them, I want you to  have a wonderful experience with us, offering you a personable friendly service.

If glasses aren’t your thing, ask me about contact lenses. Whether it be for full time use, sports or social occasions, they are now more wearable than ever.

So, the next time you are passing, call in and say hello.

I look forward to seeing you soon.

Brittany Newton

Brittany Newton

Optometrist

Hi, my name is Brittany and I qualified as an Optometrist in 2021 after beginning my journey with Philip Jones Opticians as a pre-registered optometrist in 2019 after graduating with a 1st from the University of Manchester.

During my pre-registration year I was lucky to be supervised by Phil Jones himself, learning from someone so passionate and knowledgeable to be able to provide all our patients with the best possible eye care you deserve.  I also enjoy getting the opportunity, supported by expert dispensing opticians, to help you select the perfect frame from the wide range we have available.

I am looking forward to my future with Philip Jones Opticians and to building strong relationships with our patients.  I hope to continue learning so I can uphold the high standards which have been set by Philip Jones Opticians for so many years. I can’t wait to meet you all!

Leslie Shawyer

Leslie Shawyer

Optical Assistant

Hello,

My name is Lesley and I work part time for Philip Jones Opticians, normally behind the scenes.

When not at work I look after my grandchildren and ever-expanding flock of animals.

So when your horse stands on your glasses, the dog chews them, you lose them feeding the lambs at midnight or your children/grandchildren snap the side off your frame, rest assured I, will understand and chances are that over the years it  has happened to me!

Sallie

Sallie

Optical Assistant

Hello, I am Sallie  I joined the team here in 2022 as Lab Manager.  You won’t see a lot of me as I’m the one beavering away behind the scenes in the lab organizing all the fabulous glasses.

Jennifer Woolfall

Jennifer Woolfall

Optical Assistant

Hi, I’m Jen

After being in optics for 18 years I jumped at the opportunity to join Philip and the team in October 2018 when returning to work after having my 2nd child, and I haven’t looked back.

I’m known for my warm and friendly personality and am always happy to help. If it comes to frame selection and you don’t know where to start, I’m here to advise, and am passionate about finding the perfect frame for you.

Qualifying as a Dispensing Optician in 2011 has given me the knowledge and skills to offer the best lens options to fulfil your visual needs.

So if you want your glasses to give you clarity and confidence, drop by and say hi.

Paige

Paige

Optical Assistant

Hi, I’m Paige,  I started here as a trainee in 2021 and now I work mainly behind the scenes as a Lab Technician.  However you will see me on Reception when I cover holidays and lunchtimes.  I look forward to meeting you then.

Melissa Holden

Melissa Holden

Dispensing Optician / Company Secretary

Hello I’m Melissa

In 2002 I set up the practice with Philip – he’s the clinical expert and my background is in business. However, I soon realised that I wanted to be able to give you the best advice on lenses and frames, so I spent three years qualifying as a Dispensing Optician.

I love that as independent opticians we can offer you exciting frames from designers who make exclusively for independents, along with technologically innovative lenses meaning you leave looking and feeling fantastic. BUT if for any reason you don’t, then I’m the person you need to speak to, and I will do everything I can to make sure that your experience with PJO is one you will rave about to your friends.

Philip Jones

Philip Jones

Practice Owner

Hi, I’m Phil Jones, one of the practice owners. I’ve been an optometrist for over 30 years. I’m always learning and improving my skills; in 2018 I was the first optometrist in Morecambe Bay to qualify as an Independent Prescriber. This means that you can be prescribed medicines to treat a range of eye diseases that would normally have to be done by your GP or eye doctor.

More recently I was awarded the Professional Certificate in Medical Retina, giving me more insight into conditions such as macula degeneration and diabetes in the eye.

Outside of work I have an interest in photography and film-making, particularly time-lapse photography. I’m also a member of the Cloud Appreciation Society so most of my films have clouds within them to some degree!