Seven people standing outside a brick building, smiling and talking to each other.

About

Our story began in 1977, when our doors first opened under the name Mackenzie Shaw Opticians. What started as a small local practice quickly grew a reputation for personal service, professional care, and genuine connection with our community.

More than four decades later, our values remain unchanged, though our space and name have evolved. in 2018, we relocated downstairs and became Frances Liddle Independent Opticians: a modern, boutique opticians with the same heart and commitment that our patients have trusted for generations.

As a family-run independent practice, we’re proud to offer something a little different from the high-street chains. Here, every patient matters. Every appointment is unhurried. Every pair of glasses is chosen with intention.

We’ve built our reputation on providing exceptional eyecare paired with beautiful, handmade eyewear — the kind that looks as good as it feels, and that lasts.

Gallery wall featuring a framed illustration of a panda wearing glasses and a colorful floral hat, a large framed quote about losing glasses, and a drawing of a building called 'Frances Lodge'.

Inside an optical store with a reception desk, where four women are engaged in various activities. One woman is bending over the desk writing, two women stand talking near the door, and another woman is working behind the counter. The store has shelv

Inside an optical store viewing eyeglasses display through a glass divider, with glasses on shelves, a potted plant, a wooden counter, and a brick wall in the background.

A young man with glasses and a beige sweater smiling and talking to an older woman with glasses and curly gray hair at a counter in a modern cafe or shop.

An optician's office reception area with a woman smiling and working at a computer desk, a woman in pink blouse walking past the service counter, shelves with glasses and eye care products, brick wall, and warm lighting.

Exterior view of Frances Liddle, an independent optician shop with a large display window. Inside the window, there's a flower arrangement and shelves with items. A sale poster advertising sunglasses with a mountain landscape background and a pair of

Display of colorful children's sunglasses on top of white boxes, with a potted plant behind them in a cozy store setting.

A display of various eyeglasses on glass shelves in a store.

Interior of an eyewear shop with display shelves, a large front window with eye illustrations, wooden furniture, and decorative plants.

Store window with the name 'Frances Liddele' and the phrase 'independent opticians' written on it, with a decorative reed diffuser on the left side.

Interior of an optician's shop with two women and a man inside, the woman at the counter, the man leaning on it, and the other woman standing nearby; eyeglasses displayed on shelves along the walls.

A group of people inside an optometry office, engaging in conversation and smiling. The setting features a front desk with a computer, a potted plant, and sunglasses on shelves, with warm lighting and artwork on the walls.

Interior of an eyewear store with four people interacting: a woman behind the counter, a woman in a hoodie and jeans, a woman with glasses sitting at the counter, and a man in the background. The store has shelves with glasses and a sign that reads '

A woman with gray, curly hair wearing glasses and a gray hoodie smiling and sitting at a desk in a waiting area. The desk has a computer monitor, a small mirror, and some pamphlets. Behind her, a man in glasses and a brown cardigan is standing near a

Display of various eyeglasses on glass shelves in a store.

Brick storefront of Frances Liddle Independent Opticians with a large green sign, gold wall-mounted lamps, a window display with plants, and a poster advertising sunglasses with the word SALT and glasses icon.

Our Team

Our small, close-knit team combines warmth with years of professional expertise. Our optometrists, Fran and Rowena, provide detailed, unrushed eye examinations with care and reassurance, ensuring every patient feels confident in their vision. Elliot, our Dispensing Optician Manager, helps you find eyewear that fits beautifully, reflects your style, and performs perfectly, while overseeing our dispensing service. Clare and Hermione, our friendly Optical Assistants, guide patients through appointments and our curated eyewear collections with enthusiasm and care. Behind the scenes, Charlotte keeps the practice running smoothly and creates our beautiful, eye-catching window displays. And yes, you may have spotted a few sisters in our team. Together, we share a passion for independent eyecare and a commitment to looking after every patient who walks through our door.

Fran

Elliot

Clare

Hermione

Charlotte

Rowena

What our patients say

“I have been going to Frances Liddle eye care since 2019. Every visit I am welcomed with a smile. Frances never rushes and is very thorough. It’s very peaceful and relaxing shopping in the gorgeous shop. The staff are very calm and give you fantastic advice. On my last visit I wanted something different, but was scared to have the confidence to wear them. Hermione and Elliot advised me to go for it. I love my new glasses and just needed that little bit of help. The shop is beautifully decorated and has lots of different glasses to choose from. I highly recommend you give them a visit, you won’t be disappointed.”

Sarah